Each year, ValpoNext hosts a Civic Pitch Night event that allows members of the community to submit an idea that they believe they can implement to make Valparaiso even better than it already is! Positive change is always encouraged to progress our city, and we want to bring the best ideas to the forefront of our community’s mind.
This event presents ideas previously submitted by individuals/ groups/ nonprofits to an audience who then votes on their favorite idea. This year, Susie Young Baxter of PanoramaNOW Entertainment News will be one of the contestants, submitting an idea for ALL AGES Variety Open Mics in Valparaiso, to foster community culture and family entertainment option at the same time. The All Ages Open Mics are also a networking opportunity for students and parents alike to foster relationships with like-minded talent and parents of talented children. In addition, these Open Mics are open older adults as well, especially retired individuals, who have the time and wherewithal to perform and practice their skills.
Civic Pitch Night not only engages the presenters to be civically engaged, but also the audience, and connects the two together to reach the idea’s fullest potential! On top of that, there is a monetary prize of $500 for the second place winner, and $1,000 for the first place winner! These Open Mics are a partnership with Georgia Fox Hatfield, who held Open Mics in Lake Station for six years before covid closed the gallery down.
Susie Young Baxter with support from Georgia Fox Hatfield, was selected as one of four contestants this year that will be competing. The winner is chosen by Audience votes!
ValpoNEXT is a 501C(3) organization, established with support from the City of Valparaiso, and dedicated to helping the Valparaiso community realize its bold long-term vision as put forth in the ValpoNEXT Vision Plan, developed by hundreds of citizens and formally adopted by the City Council in 2014.
Valparaiso aspires to be the most civically engaged city of its size. The Valparaiso community will be a place where people take care of one another and are highly involved in local community organizations and efforts. Active and progressive, with a strong sense of place and environmental ethic, it will honor authenticity and uniqueness in culture and business initiatives and seek the well-being of its people.
The event is free, but signing up on Eventbrite is encouraged, so that arrangements can be made to accommodate the audience. For more information, please visit their facebook page or their website.
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
