Find events going on in your community, and plan your week's activities with The Times.

To get listed in the calendar, contact Illinois community coordinator Jennifer Pallay.

• E-mail: jpallay@nwitimes.com.

• Fax: (708) 474-2897.

• Address: 601 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321.

• Questions? Call (219) 937-5741.

Youth plates | Illinois

Crete Park District is joining the fight against childhood obesity along with other Illinois park districts, forest preserves, conservation, recreation and special recreation agencies. They are offering the Park District Youth License Plate Program, which will show support for healthy lifestyles. Each sale will provide $25 toward park district youth programming focusing on health, fitness and nutrition.

FYI: Call (877) 783-KIDS or visit www.4KIDSplate.com.

Farmers' market | Thornton

A farmers market and arts and crafts fair is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct. 15 at Hubbard Park, Hubbard and Margaret streets. There will be fresh fruits and vegetables, hand-crafted breads, pork chop sandwiches, vendors for products such as Avon, Tastefully Simple and Watkins. Vendors are welcome to register throughout the season.

FYI: For an application or additional information, call (708) 877-4454.

Best house | Calumet City

Neighborhoods Inc. is organizing the annual Best House on the Block Contest in Calumet City. Homeowners, landlords, owner-occupied multiple unit and single family home renters can enter this free contest, which requires submitting written plans for improvement. The deadline for entries is Aug. 15 and judging begins Sept. 15. First prize is $600, second place is $400, third place is $300 and fourth place is $200, for each ward.

FYI: Get an entry form from Neighborhoods Inc. or call (708) 862-3232.

eBay secrets | Lansing

The secrets of selling on eBay will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Community Room at Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave. The free lecture covers the ins and outs of selling on the Web site. Register.

FYI: Call (708) 474-2447.

Open house | South Holland

South Suburban College is hosting a human services open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Heritage Room of the main campus, 15800 S. State St. Students who are interested in social work, counseling and addictions studies will find out about curriculum designed to give them an overview of the helping field, and an opportunity for experience through field practicum and internship. Graduates of the program receive an associate degree in human services.

FYI: Call (708) 596-2000, ext. 2275.

Jazz violinist | Chicago Ridge

Hot Club Illiana will perform from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Glendora House, 102nd and Harlem. The Illiana Club of Traditional Jazz presents the event and tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door.

FYI: Call (708) 672-3561 or (219) 923-6775.

Blood drive | Chicago Heights

A blood drive is from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Chicago Heights Park District: 1400 Chicago Road. Blood donors who donate at a Heartland blood drive or center location on Mondays in August will be automatically entered in a raffle for $50 gas cards from BP Amoco. There will be three winners chosen every Monday. In addition to the gas card raffle, donors will receive a coupon for a free quart of Oberweis Ice Cream.

FYI: Call (800) 7-TO GIVE or visit www.heartlandbc.org.

Citizen safety | Calumet City

Brian Milich of the Diversion and Crime Prevention Division of the Cook County Sheriff's Office will offer a program on citizen safety for all ages at 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at Calumet City Public Library, 660 Manistee Ave.

FYI: Call (708) 862-6220.

Celebration | Munster

First Reformed Church of South Holland will have an anniversary celebration starting at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at The Center for Visual & Performing Arts on Ridge Road. Tickets cost $35 and include dinner. Keynote speaker is the Rev. David Bast, president and broadcast minister of Words of Hope, Grand Rapids, Mich., and former senior pastor of First Church (1981 - 1989). Guest speaker is the Rev. Tim Brown, president of Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Mich., and former co-pastor of First Church (1981 - 1983).

A celebration worship service is at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 28 at the church, 15924 S. Park Ave. in South Holland.

FYI: Reservation deadline is Sept. 1. Call the church office at (708) 333-0622.

Steak fry | South Holland

New Hope Center is holding its annual steak fry Sept. 7 at Holy Ghost Gymnasium, 700 E. 170th St. Food will be served between noon and 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each, and will be on sale at New Hope Center's Main Campus, 1624 E. 154th St. in Dolton.

FYI: Call (708) 841-1071, ext. 227.

18TH CENTURY RE-ENACTMENT | Highland

The 10th annual 18th century re-enactment will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 16 and 17 at Main Square Park, Ridge Road and Fifth Street. It's offered by the Highland Special Events Committee.

FYI: Call (219) 923-9351.

AMUSEMENT PARK | Gary

African American Achievers Youth Corps will travel Aug. 16 to Indiana beach Amusement Park. The trip costs $5 for youths who are part of the mentoring, tutorial, entrepreneurial and counseling program. The bus will leave at 10 a.m. from Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway. Family members and friends will pay $15, which includes admission to the park and transportation. The group meets at 1 p.m. Saturdays in Hawthorn Hall Room 219 at IUN, followed by basketball from 2 to 3 p.m. To enroll youths, call Vernon Smith.

FYI: Call (219) 887-2046.

CRAFT FAIR | Munster

Munster Parks and Recreation Department offers its summer arts and crafts fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. aug. 16 and 17 at Community Park, 8601 Calumet Ave. There are many new artists and crafters, as well as returning favorites. In addition to arts and crafts, buyers can find summer yard and garden accessories, clothing, candles, jewelry, stained glass, stamps, florals, pottery, ceramics, photography and other items. Admission is free, and concessions will be available.

FYI: Call (219) 836-PARK.

VENDORS WANTED | Gary

Fest in the First District festival sponsored by the First District Precinct Organization is set for noon to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 on Lake Street in the city's Miller section. Free toys, balloons and face painting for kids will be available, as well as clowns, food booths and arts and crafts. Performances kick off with the Emerson Jazz Ensemble and continues with the Jesse White Tumblers, Ronald McDonald magic show, Wirt championship ROTC drill team and drum line, Motown band, gospel music and classic auto shot behind JJ's. Vendors are needed.

FYI: Call (219) 938-2277.