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 Porter County 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.

HORSEMANSHIP CLINIC | Valparaiso

Jake's Feed and Garden will host a free Jerry Munns horsemanship clinic at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4 at Jake's Feed, 326 S. Ind. 49. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m. Jerry Munns has been holding clinics since 1997. Attendees will receive Purina Feed coupons, product samples and opportunities to win door prizes. Call to reserve a spot.

FYI: Call (219) 477-4174.

PUMPKIN CONTEST | Portage

The toothiest pumpkin contest began Sept. 22 at Dr. Laura Hannon's office. Send a crazy picture of yourself with your toothiest pumpkin by Oct. 27 to 6080 Lute Road or e-mail to info@smilebrightly.com or bring it into the office. All participants can pick up a free toothbrush at the office. Grand prize will be a gift card of your choice.

FYI: Call (219) 763-6646.

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS | Valparaiso

A free one-man play with Christopher Columbus will be performed at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St. This is brought to the community by the Friends of the Porter County Public Library System.

FYI: Call (219)

RAINBOWS | Valparaiso

Rainbows is a support group for ages 5-14 and spectrum is for ages 15-18 who have experienced a significant loss in the lives due to death, divorce, separation, abandonment, incarceration or any other painful transition in the family. The free nondenominational programs are offered fro 6 to 7 p.m. Oct. 7 at Our Lady of Sorrows, 356 W. Seven Mile Road.

FYI: Call (219) 759-2400.

LIFE CHAIN | Porter County

Life chain is coming Oct. 5 in defense of unborn children. The life chain will be at the corner of Lincolnway and Roosevelt in Valparaiso or the corner of Hamstrom and Central Avenue in Portage, shortly before 2 p.m. After the

silent witness for life, all are invited to food and fun at a celebration of life from 3 to 5 p.m. at Kirchhoff Park, 504 N. Roosevelt, Valparaiso.

FYI: Call (219) 464-0094.

Fall fitness classes | Valparaiso

Perpetual Motion Fitness and Sports is registering for its fall term of classes. Classes are offered in gymnastics, cheerleading, sports, acro and tumbling for ages 2 and older. Competitive teams are also forming. The fall term runs through Dec. 13. Private lessons are available for cheerleaders or teams looking to improve tumbling.

FYI: Call (219) 476-7209.

MRSA PRESENTATION | Indiana

The Visiting Nurse Association of Porter County will present "What is MRSA?" at locations in Lake and Porter Counties in October:

* 10:30 a.m. Oct. 9 at Merrillville Senior Center at Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place.

* 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at Linden House, 360 W. 61st St., Hobart.

* 12:15 p.m. Oct. 16 at Village Park Enrichment Center at Banta, 605 Beech St., Valparaiso.

* 2 p.m. Oct. 24 at Jamestown Apartments Community Center, Virginia Park Drive, Valparaiso.

This informational program will discuss the risk factors, signs and prevention of MRSA. Participants will receive a free gift and a healthy snack. This is part of "Senior Moments," a monthly lecture series designed for seniors who take an active role in their own health care.

FYI: Call (219) 531-8009.

RELIGIOUS AWARD RETREAT | South Haven

A Boy Scout and Venturer retreat is set for Oct. 18 to 19 at Our Lady of Sorrows. The Gary Diocese Catholic Committee on Scouting will host the retreat beginning at noon Oct. 18 at the church. Make reservations no later than Oct. 8. All Catholic Scouts are invited. All Scouts must preregister and make own transportation arrangements.

FYI: Call 9219) 804-1269.

FIELD HOUSE HOURS | Portage

Portage High School has announced fall Field House hours. It has expanded fall hours for public use of the field house and fitness room. Hours are 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

FYI: Call (219) 763-1999.

FISH FRY | Winfield

The JourneyMen of Church of the Four Seasons Methodist will host another Awesome Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at 9100 E. 109th Ave. The menu includes fried Alaskan pollock, pork tenderloin, tater tots, seasoned green beans, cole slaw, apple sauce, dessert, coffee and lemonade. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12; younger children eat free.

FYI: Call (219) 663-7803.

PERCH DINNER | Griffith

First United Methodist Church of Griffith will hold a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the church fellowship hall, 400 44th Place and Cline Avenue. This all-you-can-eat meal includes ocean perch, French fries, bread/butter, three-bean salad, cole slaw and a dessert. Hot dogs will be available for children.

Tickets may be purchased at the door at $9 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger.

FYI: Call (219) 838-6900.

RUMMAGE SALE | Merrillville

St. Helen's Philoptochos Ladies Society will hold its annual Fall Rummage & Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Hellenic Center, 8000 Madison St. The bake sale will have Greek pastries and many other delicious goodies. Proceeds benefit philanthropic endeavors and needy families in this area.

FYI: Call Frances at (219) 696-4851 after 5 p.m.

FALL FESTIVAL | Winfield

The annual Fall Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at Church of the Four Seasons Methodist, 9100 E. 109th Ave. The church's famous turkey sandwiches will be featured, along with children's games and pumpkin decorating, crafts, flea market, bake sale, Grandpa's Garage, pumpkin decorating and more.

FYI: Call (219) 663-7803.

POLONIA BUS TRIP | Portage

Polish Pilgrimage Society of Nativity Parish will sponsor a Polonia bus trip to Chicago on Nov. 5, with tours of St. Mary of Czestochowa and Five Holy Martyrs churches, as well as shopping at Bobak's Deli. A Polish-style meal will be served at Szalas Restaurant. A luxury coach bus will leave at 9 a.m. from Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, and return about 5:30 p.m. Cost is $50, including lunch. Reservations are limited and are due by Oct. 22. Checks can be mailed to Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, IN 46368.

FYI: Call (219) 762-4858.

GOSPEL CONCERT | Hobart

The Hoppers will perform a gospel concert at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 at Hobart High School. Sponsored by Hobart Church of the Nazarene, tickets are available now.

FYI: Call (219) 734-6944 or 322-5394.

FAMILIES TO BE HONORED | Crown Point

A special service honoring families of those actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces will be held Nov. 16 at First United Methodist Church, 352 S. Main St. In an effort to be inclusive, the church is actively searching for families to invite.

FYI: Call (219) 663-1515.

VENDORS SOUGHT | Dyer

Fourth Annual Holiday Bazaar will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 at Zion United Church of Christ, 14804 W 113th Ave. Organizers are seeking vendors, but numbers are limited. F

FYI: Contact Deana Sutton at (219) 746-3619 or deanasutton@xvi.net