Find out all the events going on in your community, and plan your week's activities with The Times.
To get listed in the calendar, contact Eastlake community coordinator Marlene A. Zloza at least 10 days in advance.
E-mail: mzloza@nwitimes.com.
Fax: (219) 662-5296.
Address: 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307.
Questions? Call (219) 662-5340.
RAISING CHILDREN | Crown Point
Is there a child in your life that you care about? Do you want to learn the key to navigating adolescence? What does power control mean for parenting? Did you know that goal-setting provides life-long benefits for your child or grandchild? A three-hour hour workshop will be presented by Tiger McCluen, president of Youth Leadership, St. Paul, Minn., at 9 a.m. Jan. 12 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church and School, 250 S. Indiana Ave. There is no cost. Register by phone or by e-mailing wendt@trinitycp.org.
FYI: Call (219) 663-1578.
GYMNASTICS CLASSES | Merrillville
The Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department sponsors Tumblebear Gymnastics classes for children, with a new session on Wednesdays beginning Jan. 16 at Pruzin Community Center, 5750 Tyler Place. The Parent/Tot program for children who can walk through age 3, with a caregiver, is from 10:30 to 11:05 a.m. and introduces equipment and gymnastics skills. The Preschool class is for ages 3 to 5 from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., working on coordination, body awareness and self-confidence. The School Age class for ages 5 to 12 is from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. and concentrates on gymnastics skills, hand-eye coordination, rhythms, cooperative activities and stunts. Cost is $35 per session for residents and $40 for nonresidents. Advance registration is required.
FYI: Call (219) 980-5911.
CLASS CANCELLED | Merrillville
Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department's Ballet and Tap Dance class for ages 7 and older scheduled to start Jan. 17 has been cancelled.
FYI: Call (219) 980-5911.
BRING A FRIEND | Crown Point
MOMS Club of Crown Point/ Hebron will host a Bring-A-Friend Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 14. MOMS Club is a support group for stay-at-home, work from home, or part-time working mothers, in which mothers and children enjoy friendship in different group activities, outings, and playgroups. The open house will feature snacks, games, and a free craft from the Crown Point Parks and Recreation Department's Mommy and Me program.
FYI: Call Natalie Van Amstel at (219) 671-6808 for the location.
KING REMEMBERED | Gary
Ivy Tech Community College Northwest will host a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Gary Campus, 1440 E. 35th Ave. Open to all, the celebration will feature music, poetry and speakers and the theme is "STRONG. PROUD. We Remember." The featured speaker is Quentin Smith, former Tuskegee Airman, and the musical guests are Arison Walton and P.O.R.
FYI: Call Jennifer Riggs at (219) 981-1111 ext. 2397 or e-mail jriggs@ivytech.edu.
BREAKFAST SERVED | Merrillville
American Legion Post 430 will hold its monthly all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Jan. 13 at 7430 Broadway. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children 11 and younger. Menu includes pancakes, French toast, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage and gravy, biscuits and gravy, juice, milk and coffee.
FYI: Call (219) 769-3071 after 11 a.m.
BOOK TALK | DeMotte
Book Discussion Group meets at 2 or 7 p.m. Jan. 15 at the DeMotte Library, 901 Birch St. SW, to discuss "The Good Journey" by Micaela Gilchrist. It is the fictional story of two American pioneers who endured the struggles of the untamed West, inspired by actual letters. Refreshments will be served.
FYI: Call (219) 987-2221.
PLAY BALL | Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake Little League will hold registration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 16 at the Cedar Lake Branch Library, 10010 W. 133rd Ave., and from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at American Legion Post 261, 13050 Washington St. Signups and tryouts will be held Feb. 23 and March 8 at Hanover Central High School's gym, with 9- and 10-year-olds reporting at 10 a.m. and 11- and 12-year-olds slated for noon.
FYI: Call Larry Spurr at (219) 365-3415 or Karen Balich at 374-6334.
PRESIDENT VISITS | Indiana
Virginia Carman, national president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will make her official visit to Indiana Jan. 11 to 13 in Indianapolis. Carman, of Renton, Wash., was elected president Aug. 23 and is eligible through her father, Donald Bracken, who served in the Army in Korea. She is the first Junior Girl to become national president. Carman will be greeted at 4 p.m. at the Indianapolis Airport by Department President Barbara Lawson and Department Historian Judith Wagner, of St. John. A dinner and dance are planned at Speedway Post 2839 at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 and costs $10. Members should make their own reservations at Adams Mark Hotel to stay overnight by calling (317) 248-2481. Districts and auxiliaries are asked to bring their flags for the Isle of Honor, which is at 9 a.m. Jan. 12 at Post 7119, Fort Harrison. A council administration meeting is at 11 a.m. Jan. 12 at the state headquarters, and a dinner takes place at 7 p.m. Jan. 12 at VFW Post 6978 Whiteland.
FRIENDS MEET | Wheatfield
Friends of the Wheatfield Library meet at 1 p.m. Jan. 22 in the library's large meeting room, 350 S. Bierma St. All members and those interested in joining are welcome. Dues are $3 per year. Those interested in sharing lunch before the meeting will gather at noon at USA Family Restaurant.
FYI: Call (219) 956-3774.
SHARE YOUR FAMILY | Merrillville
Northwest Indiana Genealogical Society will hold its annual sharing meeting at 10 a.m. Jan. 19 at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. Everyone in attendance can discuss something about their family, whether it is bringing a family memento or photograph to show, discussing success in research or talking about problems finding ancestors. There will be someone there who can offer assistance with research problems and questions. Visitors are always welcome.
FYI: Call (219) 922-6688.
BRIDAL FAIR | Crown Point
Vendors are being accepted for a Bridal Fair that will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 19 at First Financial Bank, 11890 Broadway. More than two dozen vendors already committed include florists, reception sites, photographers, limousine companies, beauty consultants and accessory shops. Held for the second straight year, admission will be free and refreshments and prizes will be included. The first 50 brides to arrive will receive a free "The Knot" magazine and a tote bag.
FYI: Call Judith Mariola at (219) 226-2066 or e-mail Judith.mariola@bankatfirst.com.
SCHOLAR AWARD | Wheatfield
Matthew Kochevar of Wheatfield, a Merrillville High School student, has been named an All-American Scholar by the U.S. Achievement Academy. Nominated by Michelle Wilson, he is the son of Kim Whalin and Terry Moser of Wheatfield.
JOYS OF DINOSAURS | Kouts
The Kankakee Valley Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Kouts Library, 101 East Daumer Road, for a brief business meeting followed by a program featuring Dr. Richard Hengst, professor of Biology at Purdue University North Central, on "The Joys of Dinosaurs." Hengst has been studying the physical factors that affected activity in dinosaurs. His early research investigated the intersection of breathing, exercise, and metabolism in dinosaurs, while his more recent work asks the question "Did a 50 foot-long dinosaur like T. rex sag by the end of the day?" On expeditions, Dr. Hengst has found three sauropod dinosaurs (the long-necked variety), and shared in the uncovering of seven more. The meeting is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments will be served.
FYI: Call (219) 766-2302 or visit www.kankakakeevalleyhistoricalsociety.org.
SPACE RACE | Hammond
Calumet Astronomical Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Lake County Convention and Visitors Center, 7770 Corinne Drive. The speaker is former CAS president Chris Brownwell and his topis is "Back to the MoonThe New Space Race." The public is invited to attend and the program is free. Visit the CAS at www.casonline.org.
FYI: Call Larry Maka at (219) 384-6634 or e-mail larrym@casonline.org.
GETTING IT STRAIGHT | Gary
Harvest-in-Time Christian University will host part one of a five-part in-service workshop titled "Getting It Straight in 2008" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 12 at Harvest-in-Time Ministries, 1501 Martin Luther King Drive. The agenda includes how to deal with people and their issues, how to get off prescription drugs (ADD child and parent) and procrastination, emotions, motives and culture. Continuing education credits are available. Call to RSVP.
FYI: Call (219) 886-9020 or 887-0026.
VENDOR NIGHT | Schererville
Dinner's Done! hosts an afternoon of vendors and demonstrations from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at 758 E. U.S. 30 at Cline Avenue. A free hand massage by Tranquil Nail Salon & Spa and a free five-minute chair massage by Vicky MacRoberts will be available, as well as a chance to talk with a nutritionist about exercise and nutrition. Businesses represented include Performance and Achievement Center, The Body Shop, the Computer Doctor, Generate, Tomboy Tools, Premier Dance Studio, the Purse Lady, Lia Sophia, Zen Studios, Taste of Home, Monarch, Tupperware and Rosemary's Heritage Flowers in Crown Point.
FYI: Call (219) 322-3900.
AUTISM GROUP | Schererville
A new parent-sponsored Northwest Indiana group for children with autism, Asperger syndrome and other special needs will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of every month at Tyler's Tender, 350 E. U.S. 30. The purpose is for parents to share information and for children to play in a relaxed, supportive, nonjudgmental atmosphere. The first meeting will be Jan. 11. Tyler's Tender (www.tylerstender.com) is a train-themed restaurant that has a party room that can hold 32 people. Additional members are welcome in the dining area. There is no cost to join the group, but members wishing to dine are asked to pay the cost of food for themselves and family members. Call to make a reservation.
FYI: Call (219) 384-8884 or send an e-mail to mdwriter28@yahoo.com.
JAPANESE DESIGN | Munster
Art enthusiasts are invited to South Shore Arts' Art in Focus group for video and discussion on Japanese Architectural Design: East Meets West. It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 14 in Bachman Gallery at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road.
FYI: Call (219) 836-1839.
SPAGHETTI DINNER | Griffith
American Legion Post 66 has an all-you-can-eat spaghetti and salad bar dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 11 at the post, 132 N. Wiggs St. Adults eat for $8, seniors eat for $7 and children eat for $6. Carry-outs are available. Desserts will be sold.
FYI: Call (219) 924-1415.
AUTISM SUPPORT | Hammond
Northwest Indiana Families for Effective Autism Treatment meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 14 at Jean Shepherd Community Center, 3031 Mahoney Drive. IN FEAT is a nonprofit support group for families and professionals interested in effective teaching and treatment of individuals with autism or related developmental disorders. This month's meeting will be a general support group meeting.
FYI: Call (219) 742-2803.
CATHOLIC WOMEN | Highland
The Gary Diocesan Council of Catholic Women has its first quarterly meeting for 2008 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 at St. James the Less Parish, 9640 Kennedy Ave. A donation for lunch will be accepted. All the women of Gary Diocese are invited to find out more about the council and the National Council of Catholic Women, where the voices of Catholic women count.
FYI: Call (219) 663-1097.
TRAVELING SAMS | Lowell
Sams Indiana Travelers Chapter 96 of the Indiana Good Sam RV Club meets at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at Flying J's Cookery Restaurant, just east of Interstate 65 and Ind. 2. Attendees don't need to be a member to attend. The group will discuss a discount offered to new members by the national organization through Feb. 29. Sams Indiana Travelers Chapter 96 offers a credit to each chapter member who brings a new visitor who then joins the chapter. Information about the coming season's weekend camp outs in Northwest Indiana will be handed out. RSVP.
FYI: Call (219) 844-8727 or email nmillsgsc@hotmail.com.
YOUNG FARMERS | Indianapolis
The 2008 Indiana Farm Bureau's Young Farmer Leadership Conference, "Celebrating the Past, Growing the Future," will be held Jan. 25 to 27 at the Indianapolis Marriott East Hotel. Keynote speaker is Bruce Vincent, president of Communities For a Great Northwest and co-owner of Environomics, and there will be a sports night, family movie night, breakout sessions and a panel discussion on "Competing Successfully in Farm Bureau YF Awards." Registration, $100 per adult, is due by Jan. 18, and includes one night lodging.
FYI: Call Chris Fenner at (317) 692-7844 or register at www.infarmbureau.org.
BALLET AUDITIONS | Hobart
Indiana Ballet Theatre will hold auditions for its spring ballet, "Cinderella," on Jan. 12, at the Academy of Indiana Ballet Theatre, located in Alex's Place, 7305 Grand Blvd. (Ind. 51). Closed audition for IBT company 1 & 2 members will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., open auditions for ages 12 and older will be held from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and open auditions for ages 5 and older will begin at 4:30 p.m. A mandatory parent meeting will follow immediately after auditions. Bring six, self-addressed, stamped legal size envelopes. Participants should wear appropriate dance apparel. Boys not attending regular dance classes may wear sweats and socks. If a call back is needed, it will be held Jan. 13. If not, parts will be mailed to participants.
FYI: Call Gloria Tuohy at (219) 663-7950 or e-mail ibtnw@hotmail.com.
TALK TO A LAWYER | DeMotte
Talk to a Lawyer Day will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 in the West Meeting Room at the DeMotte Public Library, 901 Birch St. SW. Presented free to the public by the Pro Bono Committee of the Indiana Bar Association, people with legal issues can meet with a lawyer for approximately 20 minutes each on a first come, first served basis. No advance registration is required.
FYI: Call (219) 987-2221.
TRAIN CLUB | Highland
Illiana Train Club hosts open swap meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at Arc BRIDGES, 9600 Kennedy Ave. Admission is $3 and tables cost $4. Families are welcome.
FYI: Call (219) 924-5534.
UNIVERSITY WOMEN | Schererville
The American Association of University Women, Calumet branch, meets at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 12 at St. John Township Community Center, 1515 Lincoln Highway. The program will be presented by Tina Rongers, project director for the Region Women's Initiative. She will discuss the organization and its efforts to improve the status of women in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties. Prospective members are welcome to attend this or any activities of the Calumet branch. The association plans its programs based on the interests of members and the needs of local communities. Areas of interest include community, cultural affairs, education and international relations.
FYI: Call (219) 365-5925.
