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Northwest editioN reachiNg seNiors iN illiaNa: cook, lake & Porter couNties
December 2025
Vol. 29, No. 9
www.seniorlifenewspapers.com
REAL OR FAKE — Gina Avila, commuity development coordinator with Purdue University Extension offers advice on recognizing fake news at the Portage branch of the Porter County Library system. The workshop is among several free programs offered to seniors and others.
FREE HEALTH CHECK — Willow Cataldo, community engagement coordinator for the Porter County Public Library System, has her hearing checked by Terra Cagle, outreach assistant and medical assistant with the Porter County Health Department, during an autumn workshop at the Portage branch library.
Porter County Public Library System —
‘That cozy feeling going’ for seniors during holidays Text and Photos By STEVE EUVINO Feature Writer
There’s more to the holiday season than holly and mistletoe. The Porter County Public Library System is offering seniors and others an opportunity to enjoy the season while connecting with their community. Willow Cataldo, community engagement coordinator for PCPLS, reports a number of programs at the system’s branches in Valparaiso, Portage, South Haven, Hebron and Kouts. “A lot of the themes are connected to winter and the holidays,” Cataldo said. “We want to get that cozy feeling going.” To do that, the library has
formed partnerships with Purdue University Extension Service, Porter County Health Department and Valparaiso Family YMCA to bring programs to the community at no charge. The health department does regular screenings at several branches, while Purdue Extension staff present programs on gardening tips and becoming tech-savvy. The partnership has also secured grant funds for Silver Sneakers classes at south county branches in Hebron and Kouts. For craft enthusiasts, the library system offers the following during December: felt Christmas sweater ornament Dec. 3 at South Heven; wooden ornaments Dec. 5 at Portage; diamond art orna-
ment Dec. 6 at Hebron; craft quilling Dec. 9 at Valparaiso; watercolor art Dec. 10 at Valparaiso; K-pop lightstick ornament Dec. 16 at Portage; and fabric ornaments Dec. 19 at South Haven. These and other holiday programs, Cataldo said, are a “great opportunity to get out and build community, for all ages.” Also coming up is the Winter Wonderfest, Dec. 12 at the Portage branch. Running from 4-6 p.m. this event features crafts, games, food and more winter fun for all ages. With Porter County libraries since 2006, Cataldo said many seniors still come to the library for traditional reasons, such as books. “Another portion is looking to enjoy crafts with other community mem-
GARDENING TIPS — Nikky Witkowski, an educator in agriculture and natural resources for Purdue University Extension offers gardening tips during a November workshop at th Portage branch of the Porter County Library System. The library partners with community organizations to provide educational and self-help programs at no cost. bers,” she added. Many seniors, Cataldo continued, are connecting with the library’s digital resources, including Hoopla, Libby and Roku, a digital device that can be connected to one’s television
to stream additional programming. Through these programs and partnerships, Cataldo said, “we’re expanding what the community has to offer. People Continued on page 2
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Porter County Office:506 Evans Avenue Lake County Office:
County 1st Office: Lake Plum County Office: 409Porter E. Lincolnway, Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 57 Street, Suite 203 409Franklin E. Lincolnway, 1st Floor Creek Center Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222Plum Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 222 Indianapolis Blvd., Suite 207 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Phone: (219) 548-0980 Schererville, Indiana 46375 Schererville, Indiana 46375 , LLC Phone: (219) 548-0980Fax: (219) 548-0993 Fax: (219) 548-0993 Phone/Fax: 227-4884 Fax: (219) 548-0993 Phone/Fax: (219)(219) 227-4884 *Certified as an Elder Law Attorney the National Elder Law Foundation *Certified as an Elder Lawby Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation
Connie Bauswell, CELA* Connie L.L.Bauswell, CELA* www.conniebauswell.com www.conniebauswell.com