Community news – Chicago Tribune

Purdue University Northwest will hold College Goal on Sunday

Financial aid experts will be on hand at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Hammond and Westville campuses during College Goal Sunday programs from 2 to 4 pm CT on Sunday. The event is free. College Goal Sunday provides students with assistance in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required to consider students for federal and state grants, scholarships, and federal loans at most colleges, universities, and career/technical schools nationwide. The FAFSA must be completed and submitted by April 15, 2024, the Indiana state priority date, to guarantee government aid to those who qualify. The Hammond campus event will be held in Room 200 of the Student Union and Library Building, 2233 173rd St., Hammond. The Westville campus event will be held in Room 219 of the Technology Building, 1401 SUS 421, Westville. Financial aid specialists will be on hand at both locations to answer questions and help students fill out and complete the form. Spanish interpreters will be available at the Hammond location. For PNW College Goal Sunday event information, visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday.

IU Northwest offers free dental exams to kids

The annual “Smile for Kids” event, hosted by the Indiana University Northwest Dental Hygiene Program in partnership with the American Dental Association, will provide free dental exams, teeth cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments and oral hygiene instructions to uninsured children at IU on Friday, 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northwest is at the Dunes Medical/Professional Building, Room 1030, 3400 Broadway, Gary. Space is limited. Call to make an appointment. 219-980-6772. Say “Smile to the Kids” when calling. Walks are not allowed.

Valparaiso Family YMCA hosts YBash annual fundraiser

The Valparaiso Family YMCA invites the community to attend YBash, its annual fundraiser, held Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. The event will have a Kentucky Derby theme, including live music, dancing, food, a special derby-themed cocktail, live painting, moonshine tasting, and a live and silent auction. All proceeds from the event will support the YMCA Annual Campaign, which provides financial assistance to individuals and families in need of YMCA programs and services. Tickets are $80 per person or $1,000 for a table of eight. Guests are encouraged to wear their best Derby gear and hats for a chance to win prizes for best dressed. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.valpoymca/ybash or contact Tracey McElree at 219-462-4185, Ext. 351 or at tmcelree@valpoymca.org. Donations to the YMCA Annual Campaign can be made online or by mail.

HealthLinc provides free dental exams to uninsured children

HealthLinc will host “Give Kids a Smile Day” an event offering free oral exams, sealants, dental cleanings and fluoride treatments to uninsured and underinsured children under 18. The event will be held at the following times and locations: Wednesday from 1 to 5 p.m. CST, HealthLinc Valparaiso, 1001 N. Sturdy Road, 888-580-1060, Ext. 2407; Monday from 2 to 6 p.m. at HealthLinc East Chicago, 1313 W. Chicago Ave., 888-580-1060, Ext. 5718; and April 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. at HealthLinc Michigan City, 200 Alfred St., 888-580-1060, Ext. 3714. An appointment is required.

‘Garage’ is on stage this week

“The Garage,” presented by Edgewater Health, is at 900 Gerry St. in Gary. It will be performed twice at the West Side Theater Guild, on February 22 and 23. The play is written by Michael A. Woods and directed by Mark Spencer. Tickets are $25 and are available online at https://donate.edgewaterhealth.org/ge/thegarage.

Purdue Extension hosts ‘Eating with Diabetes’

Purdue Extension – Lake County will offer Diabetes Meal sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting March 6 at the Purdue Extension – Lake County office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. The program is a series of five sessions, including a three-month reunion session. The Meals with Diabetes program is open to people with diabetes, their family members and caregivers. The five-session series costs $40 per person or $65 per couple. Pre-registration and payment are required. Participants are encouraged to attend all lecture sessions. The program will help adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar and learn how to prepare easy-to-prepare, delicious meals. Recipes will be demonstrated and participants will have the opportunity to taste each one. Participants will also learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise, and how to understand common medical tests related to diabetes. Each participant will be given a recipe and study notes. Register online at https://cvent.me/9XWvDy by February 28. For more information, contact Linda Curley at 219-755-3240 or email lcurley@purdue.edu. Those who require reasonable accommodations or special dietary needs to participate in this program are asked to contact Curley by February 28.

Ivy Tech Community College will host financial aid workshops

A free workshop to help Indiana students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be offered Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive. The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships, and federal student loans at most colleges, universities, and professional/technical schools nationwide. Students must attend College Goal Sunday with a parent or guardian, and parents must bring completed 2022 IRS 1040 tax returns, Forms W-2, and other 2022 income and benefits information. Working students must also bring their income information. Students who are 24 or older may attend alone and bring a completed 2022 IRS 1040 tax return, Form W-2, or other 2022 income and benefits information. Students and parent(s) are encouraged to apply for U.S. Department of Education FSA IDs at studentaid.gov prior to arriving at the event. For more information, contact Erika Mihalek at 219-476-4721 or emihalek@ivytech.edu.