Master Gardener Program seeks new crop of volunteers
A Purdue Extension Master Gardener Basic Training Course will be offered for residents of Lake County and surrounding areas from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays Aug. 15 through Dec. 5 at the Lake County Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The Course is a volunteer training program designed to increase participants’ knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects. In turn, participants represent Purdue University as volunteers sharing their knowledge and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. Materials and expenses for the series of classes cost $190 per participant including a spiral-bound manual; $215 for a spiral-bound and digital manual. The fee will not be collected until after the application is accepted. Contact Rena Wielgus, rmwielgu@purdue.edu or 219-755-3240 to learn more about the course and to apply. The application deadline is July 1. Those in need of accommodations, an interpreter or a translator to participate in the program, are asked to contact Dolly Foster at dolly@purdue.edu two weeks prior to the meeting date.
South Shore to offer increased trains for Chicago Pride Parade
To accommodate an expected increase in ridership for the Chicago Pride Parade, the South Shore Line (SSL) will offer extra passenger trains on Sunday. In the morning, two westbound passenger extras will operate ahead of existing trains. These extra trains will not serve South Bend, Hudson Lake, Beverly Shores, Gary Metro Center, or Gary/Chicago Airport. Extra westbound trains will depart at Carroll Avenue at 7:24 and 8:27 a.m. In the afternoon, two eastbound passenger extra trains will provide additional service for riders leaving Chicago. The eastbound extras will serve Millennium and Van Buren St., run non-stop to Hegewisch and make all local stops terminating at Carroll Ave. These extra trains will not serve Museum Campus, 57th Street, Hudson Lake or South Bend. Extra eastbound trains will depart from Millennium Station at 3:20 p.m. and 4:57 p.m. As a reminder, the South Shore Line reserves the right to remove disorderly passengers. Alcohol is prohibited on all trains on Sunday. Please remember glass bottles are prohibited at all times. More information can be found at https://mysouthshoreline.com/chicago-pride-parade-june-29-2025/.
Conservation Commodity Field Day
Purdue Extension, Soil and Water Conservation District, Indiana Farm Bureau, Shirley Heinze Land Trust and Diverse Corn Belt Project are partnering to host a Farmer-to-Farmer Conservation Commodity Field Day from 8 a.m. to Noon July 15. Participants will tour farms in Lake and Porter Counties. Bus transportation will be provided. Pickup will be at the Lake County Purdue Extension and Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. Box lunches will be provided. Topics to be covered are commodity conservation practices, adding a rotation (winter wheat), diversifying and building market channels for diversified crops. Register by July 1 at https://tinyurl.com/CommodityFieldDay. For more information, special dietary needs, an interpreter or translator, contact Rebecca Koetz at 219-755-3240 or email busser@purdue.edu two weeks prior to the meeting.
Franciscan Health Crown Point to host doula workshop
Franciscan Health Crown Point is hosting a doula certification workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. July 19-20 and July 26-27 at Franciscan Health Crown Point, 12750 St. Francis Drive. Participants must be 18 years old or older and attend all four days of classes to receive a certificate of completion. Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to their clients before, during and shortly after childbirth. A doula may help communicate a woman’s birth plan, create a comfortable environment during delivery or simply provide the general support a family may seek during this pivotal time. A doula does not perform clinical tasks. The Franciscan Health Crown Point Family Birth Center offers free doula services to families through a volunteer doula program. The workshop fulfills two requirements toward certification as a DONA International Certified Birth Doula: Introduction to Childbirth and Doula Birth Training. The cost is $600, payable within four days of registration. Registration is available online and must be completed by July 8. For more information, call 219-746-9134.
Country music star Kip Moore to headline at Bulldog Park
Multi-platinum country star Kip Moore is set to bring his electrifying live performance to Bulldog Park, 183 S. West St., Crown Point on Sept. 4. Gates open at 5 p.m., with supporting acts to be announced soon. The show, presented by Hometown Jams, marks one of the most anticipated outdoor concerts of the year for Northwest Indiana fans. Known for his soulful voice, high-energy shows, and heartfelt songwriting, Kip Moore has earned a reputation as one of country music’s most captivating live performers. VIP Tables are available for those looking to elevate their experience, offering premium seating and exclusive perks. In addition to the music, concertgoers can enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, interactive activities and merchandise booths. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit HometownJams.com.