There have been a wide variety of businesses, organizations, and communities that have been giving back to others and making the Region the best place it can be.
Northwest Indiana continues to grow and prosper due to the determination and relentless impact community members are making throughout the year. Those sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and we love shining a spotlight on those that go the extra mile to make the community a more positive place.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles on Valpo.Life to recap the good news in 2023!
Lakeshore Paws Holiday Party celebrates a successful year of finding fur-ever homes for dogs in need
It was all paws on deck on Thursday, January 5 as volunteers, board members, employees, and of course, a couple of four-legged friends, gathered together to celebrate their hard work over the year at Lakeshore PAWS.
Lakeshore PAWS was established in April 2011. The organization began as a foster home system but quickly became a much larger entity. The shelter has operated out of its warehouse on Evans Avenue for six years, and its facilities are filled to the brim with equipment, toys, and pups year-round.
Porter County Highway Department plows through obstacles to serve citizens in winter weather
It’s a Sunday night and light snow covers the Region. It’s forecasted to snow well into the morning and continue through the remainder of the day. Most people have hunkered down for the night drinking hot chocolate under warm blankets. Most are ready for a cozy night.
The day is just beginning, however, for the Porter County Highway Department. When snow threatens the safety of its citizens, the department is ready for battle against the weather.
Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club's 72nd annual Pancake Day shows what community is all about
Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club held its first Kiwanis Pancake Day in 1952. Now over 70 years later, what started as a small, fun fundraiser has become something remarkable.
On Saturday, March 11 Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club held its 72nd annual Pancake Day. The day was not only the perfect way for friends and family to munch on some delicious pancakes but a reminder of how much good can come from working together.
McAfee Animal Hospital celebrates 80 years
Horses, cows, and pigs are some of the animals you would find in McAfee Animal Hospital’s two-room clinic in 1943. Valparaiso used to be a farming community, and Dr. John McAfee recognized the need for a large animal doctor. Shortly after, he founded McAfee Animal Hospital. Today, the animal hospital is still standing strong as it celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2023.
Community honors John Seibert for 34 years of service as Valpo Parks Director
When asked about the impact of John Seibert during his 34 years of service at Valpo Parks, several will point to his consistent support, gentle leadership, and passion for parks as significant contributors to his legacy. Seibert, however, would hate to use the term legacy to describe his decades of work within the City of Valparaiso.
Valparaiso Police Department shows gratitude for community during National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 1, the City of Valparaiso held its annual National Night Out. The Valparaiso Police Department (VPD) traveled to neighborhoods all around Valparaiso to bond with community members, raise awareness, and, most importantly, thank everyone for their continued support in putting a stop to crime in our community.
Journeyman Distillery's Valparaiso location continues legacy of family-owned, multi-generational business in city
Journeyman Distillery’s new Valparaiso location is the continuation of a legacy – a legacy of family, manufacturing, and, hopefully, multi-generational employment. While Journeyman Founder Bill Welter may have established the first distillery in Three Oaks, Michigan, he’s been hoping to bring the distillery to Valparaiso for a long time.
Urban League of Northwest Indiana empowers community to seek change during annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon
The Region is full of passionate individuals who are dedicated to making the community a more diverse, inclusive place. On Wednesday, October 25, Urban League of Northwest Indiana celebrated these individuals during its annual Diversity and Inclusion Awards Luncheon. The day was the perfect opportunity to shed light on all the wonderful people who have pushed the needle and encouraged people to go out and continue working toward change.
Valpo Parks Foundation hosts grand opening ceremony for Flounder & Friends Skatepark
After years of anticipation, the Valparaiso community can rejoice. The Valpo Parks Foundation held its grand opening ceremony for Flounder & Friends Skatepark at Fairgrounds Park on Thursday, November 9.
Kevin Nuppnau, director of the Valpo Parks Foundation, was excited to see a great turnout of residents in the community upon the opening.
The growing popularity of Spelling Bowl Clubs in Northwest Indiana high schools
In Northwest Indiana high schools, there's a growing and intellectually enriching extracurricular activity that's capturing the attention of students: spelling bowl clubs. Traditionally, when you think of spelling bees, we conjure images of elementary school competitions. However, high school students in the Region are increasingly embracing spelling bowl clubs as a powerful means to enhance their vocabulary, communication skills, and critical thinking abilities. In this article, we'll delve into the burgeoning world of spelling bowl clubs in Northwest Indiana high schools, exploring their profound impact on students' personal and academic growth.