Community news: Lake County 4-H kickoff on Oct.5 and Save the Dunes photo contest

Save the Dunes to host a Four Seasons Photo Contest

Save the Dunes invites area photographers to enter their photos highlighting the beauty of the Indiana Dunes throughout all four seasons. Photos submitted to the Four Seasons Photo Contest will be used on Save the Dunes social media, in email communications, and other promotional materials that support Save the Dunes. Submissions close on Oct. 15; the winner will be announced in November. First-place prize will include a one-year Save the Dunes membership, a swag bag, and a highlight in the monthly eNewsletter. Contestants are welcome to enter up to five photographs. When submitting, include the location, the season/date taken, and the photographer’s name. Send submissions to em@savedunes.org. By entering, contestants are agreeing to the use of their photographs by Save the Dunes. Photo credit will be given.

Lake County 4-H to host Kickoff Event

Families are invited to the Lake County 4-H Kickoff Event from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Purdue Extension-Lake County Office, 2291 N. Main St., Crown Point. This free event is open to youth in grades K-12. It’s a chance for kids and families to see what 4-H is all about — exploring hands-on projects, meeting 4-H members and volunteers, and discovering opportunities that spark curiosity and building lifelong skills. Purdue University prohibits discrimination against any member of the University community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran. Those in need of accommodations to attend, have dietary restrictions or need an interpreter or translator are asked to contact the Extension office at 219-755-3240 at least two weeks prior to the event.

Master Gardeners offer October education program

Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for “Shape Up Your Garden — Easy Pruning Techniques” with Bryan McKay at 6 p.m. Oct. 7 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The program is free. Attendees will learn how and when to prune trees, shrubs, and garden plants to keep them healthy and looking their best, with practical tips and demonstrations. Leading the discussion will be Bryan McKay, a horticulturist and landscape designer with more than 30 years of experience in the landscape industry, including service as the horticulturist for Lake County Parks. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to reserve a space.

Portage High School to host College & Career Fair

Portage High School (PHS) will host their annual College and Career Fair from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in the PHS Field House, 6450 U.S. 6, Portage. Enter through Door E at the front of the school. Representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, the military and various apprenticeship programs will be in attendance to talk to students about their programs and the enrollment or enlistment process. Additionally, students are invited to attend Financial Aid presentations at 5:30 and 7 p.m. that day in the LGI Room. Professionals will discuss the financial aid process and present an overview of how to fill out the FAFSA form. Parents are encouraged to attend with their students. Students from local high schools are welcome to attend. Students can pre-register for the event through StriveFair.com. This process will allow college reps to scan students’ individual barcodes, eliminating the need to fill out registration cards at each individual table.

‘Understanding Autism’ workshop for first responders

Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy will present “Understanding Autism A Guide for First Responders” from 8 a.m. to Noon Oct. 16 at Portage High School, 6450 U.S. 6, Portage. Enter through Door E, Room L3 Lab. The workshop is open to all NWI first responders and others wanting to know more about autism. The featured speaker will be retired Capt. Jerry Turning from Blue Bridge Autism Training, a 25-year law enforcement veteran and father of a 21-year-old son on the spectrum. The workshop is free to participants through a grant from the Porter County Community Foundation. Registration is required at https://secure.rec1.com/IN/portage-township-in/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTM4NTk3OTI=. Seating is limited.