INSIGHT: Nazareth Home gears up for another great gala

Gala time is kicking into high gear as summer (and golf outing season) come to an end. In Northwest Indiana, fall doesn't just mean falling leaves and pumpkins - it also means formals.

The gala committee for the seventh annual benefit for Nazareth Home is working to guarantee a great time for all who support this unique home.

Luckily this gala doesn't call for black tie -- but an elastic waistband won't hurt because the food promises to be fantastic.

From 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 15, the atrium of the Hammond Federal Courthouse, 5400 Federal Plaza, will be the setting for a chef-tasting party and live and silent auction.

Eight of the area's finest gourmet chefs will prepare a variety of food for guests to enjoy, including Ashley Archer from Ameristar Casino; the husband-and-wife team of Nicole Bissonnette and Gary Sanders from Bistro 157, Bartlett's and Miller Bakery Cafe; Glen Brooks from Hilton Garden Inn; Carl Lindskog from Paparazzi; Jack Mix from Comforts Catering; Cheryl Molenda from the Inn at Aberdeen; and Terry Zych from Ivy Tech Community College.

A wide array of silent auction items is promised and the guest auctioneer for the live auction is Tom O'Donnell.

The home, established in 1993 as a licensed foster home for medically at-risk children, is sponsored by Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and administered by Ancilla Systems. It has provided a loving home for hundreds of children until they were able to be reunited with their families or adopted.

Tickets are $60 and can be reserved at www.nazarethhome.com, or call (219) 947-8559.

Batter up

The Gary RailCats baseball season may be over at The Steelyard, but the memory of the honor of throwing out the first ball at the Third American Steelworkers National Day will stay in Fred Halpern's memory forever.

The day, a brainchild of Chester Lobodzinski of the Youngstown Sheet & Tube Old-Timers, honors people who have been committed to the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana.

Halpern was a steel worker before he went away to college and ultimately bought Albert's Jewelers.

He was joined that day by his lovely wife Donna, and son Josh with his friend Ashley Bulduk.

Halpern was also congratulated by U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky and presented with a U.S. flag that Visclosky had flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Break a leg

Porchlight Music Theatre opened its 15th anniversary season with the romantic comedy classic "The Fantasticks" at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont.

The production opened last Sunday and a reception followed with hors d'oeuvres donated by Coopers Restaurant.

The cast includes Sean Effinger-Dean (from Porchlight's "Candide") as Matt, Dan Ferretti as Hucklebee, Ryan Lanning ("Candide") as Bellomy, Tanya McBride as The Mute, Jeff Parker (Jeff Nominated for his performance in "Nine") as El Gallo, William Raffeld as Henry-the old actor, Rus Rainear (Porchlight's "Gypsy") as Mortimer, and Emma Rosenthal as Luisa. Understudies are Madeline Duffy-Feins and Matt Bugay.

The artistic team is led by Director Sean Kelly, with musical direction by Eugene Dizon, choreography by Andrew Waters, costume design by Izumi Inaba, and scenic design by Ian Zywica.

Raffeld has led the University of Illinois at Chicago's Department of Theatre for the past 45 years and has been a mentor to Kelly and Porchlight's Artistic Director Walter Stearns.

This "fantastic' production runs through Nov. 15. Tickets are $37, with discounts available for students and seniors, through the box office at (773) 327-5252.

Note: My blog has a new home. For more of the Insight Scoop with more photos and upcoming events visit http://my.nwi.com/insight

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. She can be reached at margaret.kullerstrand@nwi.com or (219) 933-3244.