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

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

• E-mail: jpallay@nwitimes.com.

• Fax: (219) 933-3249.

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

• Questions? Call (219) 937-5741.

New Year's | Homewood

The Village of Homewood Community Relations Commission will host its annual New Year's Eve Day Celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 in the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District Auditorium at 2010 Chestnut Road.

"The world may tune in to Times Square at midnight but the Village of Homewood holds its own countdown and balloon drop - at the stroke of noon - on Dec. 31," said Rachael Jones, Community Information Coordinator for the Village of Homewood. "The event is planned so that the entire family can bid farewell to the departing year, and usher in the new together - with horns, hats, and balloons."

Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. Entertainment starts promptly at 11 a.m. with live entertainment by Andy Head's show of juggling, comedy and audience participation. At the stroke of noon an enormous cluster of balloons will descend from the ceiling to officially start the celebration of the New Year. Advocate South Suburban Family Hospital will distribute healthy snacks to Homewood families in an effort to promote healthy lifestyles for the New Year. The event is free to everyone and is sponsored by the Community Relations Commission.

Kickboxing | Calumet City

Kickboxing for ages 16 and older will be offered by the Calumet Memorial Park District from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, Jan. 5 to Feb. 12. The fee is $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents. Registration is required, and is now being taken at the Sandridge Fitness Center, 600 Oglesby Ave.

FYI: Call (708) 862-0880 or visit calumetmemorialparkdistrict.com.

NEW YEAR'S EVE l East Chicago

Club Ki-Yowga Inc. at 5220 Indianapolis Blvd. continues its 75th anniversary celebration by hosting a New Year's Eve party. The party will take place from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31. Entertainment will be provided by "Los Cordobas." Tickets are $40 per person and include dinner, party favors, champagne and at least two hours of open bar.

FYI: Call (219) 398-1108 or e-mail clubki-yowga@att.net.

Fireworks | Highland

Highland Parks and Recreation will have a fireworks display at midnight New Year's Eve at Main Square Park, 3001 Ridge Road.A limited number of noisemakers will be available. Hot cocoa will be served.

FYI: Call (219) 838-0114.

Chess tournament | Gary

The final Gary Public Library Centennial Chess Tournament will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 30 at the main library, 220 W. 5th Ave. The tournament will include 15-minute games for ages 18 and older. Register.

FYI: Call (219) 886-2484, ext. 335.

Needle Artisans | Munster

Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 6 at Munster Community Park, 8751 Lions Club Drive. Guests are welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 663-6391.

Beginner Spanish | Munster

An introductory course will give attendees a sampling of Spanish language expressions, including colors, numbers, greetings, and an introduction to Hispanic cultures. All ages of adult language learners are welcome. No previous experience with Spanish language is necessary. Class will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 21 to Feb. 18 at Community Park Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Drive. It's $55 residents/$65 nonresidents. Register.

FYI: Call (219) 836-PARK.

Swim lessons | Hammond

The Hammond Area YMCA is holding open registration for the new segment of swim lessons for ages 3 through 13. Lessons will be Jan. 12 through Feb. 21. Lessons will run $42 for members and $90 for nonmembers. There will be a $10 late fee for those registering after Jan. 7. The Hammond Area YMCA is at 7322 Southeastern Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 845-1507 or visit www.HammondAreaYMCA.org.