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 Valparaiso community coordinator Annette Arnold.

E-mail: aarnold@nwitimes.com.

Fax: (219) 465-7298.

Address: 1111 Glendale Blvd., Valparaiso IN 46383

Questions? Call (219) 548-4359.

VENDORS NEEDED | Valparaiso

Porter is inviting interested organizations to take part in the health system's StayHealthy Fair 2008, which will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Porter County Expo Center. The StayHealthy Fair has grown to be one of the largest events of its kind in Porter County. About 1,500 residents of the region look forward to the fair each year, which showcases what's new in health care in Porter County. An entrance form and booth rental fees must be submitted by Aug. 22. Registration fees are $75 for a single booth and $150 for a double booth.

FYI : Call (219) 263.7203.

EDUCATORS INVITED | Valparaiso

Teachers of youngsters from Elementary school age through High School are invited to attend Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Third Annual Educators' Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 5 at the arboretum, 450 W. County Road 100 North. Registration is free and includes a complimentary lunch provided by the Kiwanis Club of Valparaiso. Certification Renewal Units (CRU's) are available for teachers working on renewing their state teacher licenses. Register by Aug. 1.

FYI: Call (219) 462-0025.

OPEN HOUSES | Northwest Ind.

Join Ivy Tech Community College-Northwest at the East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City and Valparaiso campuses for their summer open houses from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. July 31. Students interested in learning more about Ivy Tech are invited to meet with instructors, talk with financial aid personnel and meet current students. Campuses are as follows: East Chicago De La Garza Campus, 410 E. Columbus Drive, (219) 392-3600; Gary Campus, 1440 E. 35th Ave., (219) 981-1111; Michigan City Campus, 3714 Franklin, (219) 879-9137; Valparaiso Campus, 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, (219) 464-8514.

FYI: Call (219) 981-1111.

APPLICATION DEADLINE | Valparaiso

It's not too late to participate in the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival parade.The festival is celebrating its 30th year and is looking for businesses, organizations and groups to enter a float in the "Nation's First Popcorn Parade." Application deadline is Aug. 1.

FYI: Call (219) 464-8332.

SHELTER HOURS | Valparaiso

The Porter County Animal Shelter, 2056 Heavilin Road, has expanded its hours and now will be open until 8 p.m. Wednesdays. Shelter hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The shelter is closed on Sundays.

FYI: Call (219) 465-3550 or visit www.portercoanimalshelter.petfinder.org.

CUT-A-THON | Portage

Soto's Salon & Day Spa, Inc., 2710 Willowcreek Road, will sponsor a cut-a-thon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30. Haircuts will cost $10. Proceeds will support Susan G. Komen For the Cure in honor of Mary Garza, who splits her time living with a daughter and a sister in Merrillville and Valparaiso. She is battling breast cancer and received a grant from Susan G. Komen For the Cure to pay toward her treatment.

FYI: Call (219) 762-1320.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT | Valparaiso

Perpetual Motion will be holding a Parents' Night Out from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 8. Kids ages 3 and older will watch movies, eat dinner and desert, play games and participate in other age-appropriate activities. Cost for the evening is $20 per child. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 242-9466.

MOVIES ON THE SQUARE | Valparaiso

The Valparaiso Community Festivals & Events office will be hosting free outdoor movies on Aug. 12 beginning at dusk. The screen will be set up on Washington Street in front of Fifth Third Bank. The July movie will be "A Night at the Museum". The Porter County Museum on Indiana Street will be open for tours prior to the movie.

FYI: Call (219) 464-8332 or visit their website at www.popcornfest.org.

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM | Valparaiso

"Hilltop Neighborhood House is now accepting applications for the 4-5 year old full time preschool program. This full-time program integrates preschool activities throughout the day focusing on kindergarten readiness skills. Children are served a breakfast and two snacks daily and they bring a lunch. Hilltop Neighborhood House has an outdoor playground area and children have outdoor play time twice a day, weather permitting. Hilltop Neighborhood House is a registered childcare ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

FYI: Call (219) 477-4222, ext. 250.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR AUDITIONS | Porter County

Southlake Children's Choir is holding auditions for membership by appointment through August. Southlake Children's Choir is open to students, ages 7 to 15 years, who live in Lake and Porter counties. Auditions are approximately 15 minutes in length, and no experience or preparation is necessary. Southlake Children's Choir is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving young musicians from Northwest Indiana. The choir performs throughout Northwest Indiana and is the only group of its kind in the area. To schedule an audition, visit www.southlakechildrenschoir.net.

FYI: Call Ann Riegle at (866) 662-1151.

SIT 'N KNIT | Valparaiso

Sit 'n Knit meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday each month at Starbuck's, Wiseway Plaza, U.S. 30. Bring knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point projects.

FYI: Call (219) 462-9709.

PARENTS WITHOUT PARTNERS | Portage

Parents Without Partners discussion group meets at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St.

FYI: Call (219) 942-8606.

DANCE CAMP | Valparaiso

Mirror Image Dance Academy is taking registration for dance camps. Space is limited. Camps are offered for ages 3-6 and 6-11 at 3207 Cascade Drive, suite G. Themes include princess party, bitty baby, high school musical pom camp, spa week and Webkinz world.

FYI: Call (219) 462-3160.

HEALING HEARTS | Valparaiso

"Staying Connected" is the topic for the May meeting of the Healing Hearts Grief Support Group. Mental Health America of Porter County offers support to adults experiencing grief due to loss of a loved one. The group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. on the second and fourth Monday at Mental Health America of Porter County, 402 E. Indiana Ave. The meeting is free, but donations are accepted. The group's topics guide members through grief work while peer camaraderie normalizes the grief experience.

FYI: Call (219) 462-6267 or e-mail mentalhealthpc@verizon.net.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS | Valparaiso

May is national mental health awareness month. Become an ambassador for mental health by joining Mental Health America of Porter County, 402 E. Indiana Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 462-6267 or e-mail mentalhealthpc@verizon.net.

FOOT SCREENINGS | Valparaiso

All registered walkers of the Komen Cancer Walk or other upcoming charity walks may enjoy a free foot screening and running shoe evaluation at noon every Thursday by Sportsmedicine Podiatrist Dr. Paul Sommer of Family Foot & Ankle Clinic. Proof of charity walk registration is required. Limited appointment spaces available each week.

FYI: Call (219) 477-FOOT.