Community news: Good Neighbors, Christmas light show and more

Valparaiso residents named 2025 Good Neighbors

The city of Valparaiso has named Carlos Rivero and Elena Jambrina as Good Neighbor recipients for 2025, recognizing their exemplary commitment to the community. Chef Rivero founded Don Quijote Restaurant in 1985 as Indiana’s first authentic Spanish restaurant. Business partner Jambrina has greatly contributed to the restaurant’s success through her pastry and culinary artistry, in addition to her leadership, creativity and commitment to the community. Through the Don Quijote Education Fund, the team has provided educational support while also raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations including Hilltop Neighborhood House, the Valparaiso Community School’s Backpack and Snacks program, the Boys and Girls Club and many others. In addition to hosting events such as the Fun Shoot and Fishing Derby, Don Quijote’s generosity extends even further, donating truckloads of food each year to support those in need. The city of Valparaiso introduced the Good Neighbor recognition program in 2020 to promote neighborhood involvement and community service. For more information, to view the nominees or to learn how to nominate someone, visit the Community Engagement page at valpo.us.

Franciscan Health Munster offers suicide prevention course

Franciscan Health Munster will host a free suicide prevention course from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday in the St. Clare Conference Room of the hospital, 701 Superior St., Munster. The entry-level Question, Persuade and Refer, or QPR Suicide Prevention Course, is based on a curriculum developed by the QPR Institute. The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The course is free, but registration is required by Wednesday. To register and for more information, contact Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanalliance.org.

Portage Youth Commission Food Drive

The Portage Youth Commission is holding a Food Drive through Friday. Drop off nonperishable items from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Portage City Hall, 6070 Central Ave., Portage. All items will be donated to Portage Township Food Pantry. For more information, contact Norma Laboy at nlaboy@portage-in.com.

Bozak Family Christmas Light Show hosts Santa Night

The Bozak Family Christmas Light Show will host its annual Santa Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at 259 Lake Park Road, Burns Harbor. This year’s Santa Night will feature a special appearance by Santa Claus and the Grinch, offering children and adults the opportunity to sit with Santa, chat, and take memorable photos with both iconic Christmas characters. Guests will enjoy free hot cocoa and candy canes, provided as a seasonal treat for all who attend. Known for its large-scale synchronized display, the Bozak Family Christmas Light Show runs nightly throughout the season: from 4:30 to 10:30 Sunday through Thursday; and from 4:30 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Visitors can tune their radios to 92.5 FM to experience the full synchronized musical show from their vehicles. In keeping with the family’s long-standing commitment to community giving, a secure on-site donation box will be available. All donations collected will benefit The Caring Place, a local organization that provides vital services to women and children in need. This event is free and open to the public; no tickets are required.

For more information, contact Andy Bozak at andybozak1@gmail.com. Follow event updates on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bozakfamilylights.

Rep. Smith holds annual Christmas event

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, will host the 37th annual Spirit of Christmas food and gift giveaway from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center, 1900 W. 41st Ave., Gary. Co-hosted by 6th District Councilman of the city of Gary, Dwight A. Williams, the Spirit of Christmas is held in honor of Reverend Julia E. Smith, who served as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, and Patricia Tillotson, a former educator in the Gary School Corporation. All are welcome to attend this free event; gifts are for all ages. Those in need are encouraged to attend to ease the financial burden of holiday gift-giving. For more information about the event or to volunteer, call Smith at 219-887-2046.