Veterans Day Ceremony, Free Trees, Lead Test Kits and More Coming to Northwest Indiana

Several communities in Northwest Indiana have big events and free resources planned for residents this week. People can honor veterans, learn about farming tools, pick up free trees, and even grab a kit to test their home for lead. Whether you live in Valparaiso, Crown Point, or another town in Lake County, there is something happening near you.

On Friday morning, the Valpo Parks Foundation will hold a Veterans Day ceremony starting at 9 a.m. at Foundation Meadows in Valparaiso. The event will honor men and women who served in the military. U.S. Air Force Veteran Nicolette Huber will share a special message, and the South Shore Brass Band will perform. The Valpo Police and Fire Honor Guards will also take part, and there will be a ceremonial laying of the wreaths to remember those who served.

Also on Friday, Purdue Extension is hosting a Small Farm Equipment Field Day from noon to 4 p.m. at the Pinney Purdue Agricultural Center in Wanatah. Attendees will get hands-on time with small farm tools at different stations. The stations will cover topics like weeding, planting, seeding, and getting garden beds ready. People will also learn how to take care of small engines and prepare them for winter. You must register by Tuesday at the link provided, and light refreshments will be served.

Crown Point residents who lost trees in recent storms have some good news coming Saturday. State Farm, the Arbor Day Foundation, and Future Forestry Corp. are teaming up to give away 200 free trees. Each household can register for up to two trees, available for pickup between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA. Staff will be near the southeast corner of the parking lot, close to Main Street and Burrell Drive. To sign up, residents can visit FutureForestry.org.

Purdue University Northwest is looking for nominations for its 2027 Alumni Hall of Fame, which celebrates graduates who became leaders in their careers and strong members of their communities. Alumni from both the Hammond and Westville campuses can be nominated. The deadline to submit a nomination is Nov. 13, and winners will be announced in January 2027. The awards ceremony will be held on April 8. To nominate someone, visit pnw.edu/hall-of-fame.

Lake County residents can pick up a free lead screening kit at many local libraries to check for lead in their homes. Lead is a harmful metal sometimes found in soil, dust, and water in older homes. The kit lets you collect samples and send them to researchers at IU Indianapolis for free analysis. Results will come back with tips on how to reduce lead risks in your home. Remember, the kit tests the environment — not a child's blood — so talk to a doctor if you have health concerns. Kits are available at branches across Lake County and at the Purdue Extension office in Crown Point.