LOWELL | Members of the Calumet Astronomy Society are hosting "An Evening with the Stars" to raise funds to match a grant from the Legacy Foundation.

"Each dollar we raise, up to $10,000, will be matched by a Legacy Foundation grant, but we need to meet a June 1 deadline," said Robert Cornwell, MD one of the event's coordinators.

"An Evening with the Stars," beginning at 7 p.m. May 17, at the Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead County Park, will be filled with all kinds of stars.

The guest speaker is Lakeshore Public Television meteorologist Chuck Heaver, who will share the dynamics of Northwest Indiana's weather and talk about the effects of wind conditions we so often experience.

Singer, guitarist, songwriter, and one of 10 contestants selected from 20,000 people nationwide to compete on USA Network's "Nashville Star," Nicole Jamrose will perform under the stars.

Volunteer members of the Calumet Astronomy Society will have their telescopes pointed to the heavenly bodies and invite attendees to take a closer look at the universe. Hors d' oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Tickets, at $50 per person, are available at 20/20 Telescopes and Binoculars, 1058 Joliet Street, Dyer. Credit purchases may be made by calling (219) 322-8701.

CAS members have been working in partnership with the Lake County Parks, the Lake Heritage Parks Foundation, Purdue University Calumet, and the Institute for Career Development through the steelworkers union in the development of an astronomy center. In 2005 the Thomas Conway Observatory was dedicated at its Buckley site as the first of three phases of the astronomy complex. Future phases include a robotic telescope operated by Purdue University Calumet used for distance learning, and an indoor heated classroom with auditorium-style seating for 60 to 100 people with a computer laboratory.

"This is just the beginning of an amazing astronomical adventure," said Cornwell. The sky - and beyond - is the limit."

The observatory is located 4.5 miles west of Interstate 65 just south of Ind. 2. Exit I-65 west at Ind. 2 toward Lowell to Hendricks Road, then south to the "T" at Belshaw. Turn east (left) on Belshaw to the first right (Chase Street) and travel south for one mile.

Those unable to attend the fundraiser, but who would like to support the matching grant program, may make a tax-deductible contribution by sending a check to the Calumet Astronomical Society, P.O. Box 851, Griffith, IN, 46319-0851. Write "matching grant" on the memo line.

- The Times