South Shore Arts | Munster

Art enthusiasts are invited to attend South Shore Arts "Art in Focus" group for video and discussion on the Hudson River Painters. It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 8 in the Bachman Gallery at the Center for Visual & Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road.

FYI: Call (219) 836-1839.

Ball | Gary

Classy Ladies United Chapter 6053 of the Red Hat Society will host the Red and Purple Ball Dec. 13 at Majestic Star Hotel ballroom, 21 Buffington Harbor. All Red Hatters and the general public are invited for cocktails, dining and entertainment. The attire is black tie and attendees must be 21 and older. Cash bar is available. Tickets are $40.

FYI: Call (219) 944-3412 or (219) 949-9683.

Christmas lunch | Whiting

The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association Branch 81of Whiting will hold its annual Christmas luncheon at noon Dec. 10 at St. John the Baptist School Mural Room. This is for members only.

FYI: Call (219) 659-0913.

Open house | Chicago

The Lake Shore Model RR members run HO scale trains in analog and digital format with a DIGITRAX operating system. The group has more than 50 members and is accepting applications for new members. Meetings are in the Calumet Park fieldhouse basement, 9801 S. Avenue G. They will have an open house from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. Events include a fundraising raffle, free admission and model railroading action. The group is a not-for-profit organization and donations are appreciated.

FYI: Call (219) 838-2425.

Fish fry | St. John

St. John Veterans of Foreign Wars 717 and Ladies Auxiliary will have a fish fry from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the post home, 10400 W. 93rd Ave. Everyone is welcome. Carry-outs are available.

FYI: Call (219) 365-8224.

Model railroad swap | Hobart

Ron Jackson's 19th Model Railroad Swap and Sell Meet from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 at St. Bridget Parish Center, 101 Center St. Admission is $3 and free for children 12 and younger. All proceeds go to Hobart FOP 121. There will be a cash raffle and food for sale.

FYI: Call (219) 942-3567.

LUCIA FESTIVAL | Highland

Nordikids Musiklubb will host the 2008 Lucia Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Wicker Park Social Center, Ridge Road and U.S. 41. The Nordikids will be performing a blend of traditional and contemporary holiday songs including a solo by the 2008 Lucia Queen Jennifer Pearson, of Hammond. The festival includes dinner, holiday Scandinavian ring dancing, raffles, door prizes, a Nordik bake sale and crafts. Reservations are required. Nordikids, sponsored by Vasa Order of America, is a Scandinavian children's group that promotes the culture and traditions of Scandinavia through language studies, song and dance, crafts and fellowship. Children between the ages of 4 and 14 are welcome to attend meetings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.each Monday during the school year at Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster.

FYI: Call (219) 923-8777 for reservations.