NEEDLE ARTISANS | Munster

Needle Artisans of Northwest Indiana meets at 7 p.m. May 6 at Community Park Social Center, 8751 Lions Club Drive. The project is a mini topiary sampler. Guests are welcome. Those who participate in a class must be a member of the guild and register in advance. Members come from throughout Chicago's south suburbs and Northwest Indiana.

FYI: Call (219) 663-6391 or e-mail ECHein@yahoo.com.

LATIN GROUPS SOUGHT | E.C.

Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural Organization of Northwest Indiana seeks Latin musical groups and dance groups interested in performing at the organization's festival July 19-20 at Tod Park. Submit group information with a CD or video to P.O. Box 3029, East Chicago, IN 46312.

FYI: Call (219) 397-1217.

HOMEMAKERS MEETING | Highland

Highland Homemakers meets at 10:30 a.m. May 8 at First Presbyterian Church, 8727 Delaware St. The program for My Wild Flower Gardening will be presented by Diane Fruth, a Master Gardener. Dues for the coming year are due. A potluck luncheon will be served at noon. New members are welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 838-9077.

TULIP FESTIVAL | NW. Ind.

YS&T Old-Timers offer a trip May 9 to the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Mich. The cost of $125 per person will cover two meals, a personal guided tour of three hours, concert reserved seating and transportation by motorcoach.

FYI: Call 9219) 663-4115.

NEW FRIENDS | Highland

New Friends meets to play cards from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Porte de L'eau Clubhouse, 2033 Porte Porte de L'eau, off of 45th Avenue. The group welcomes single, divorced and widowed men and women who are older than 50. Activities include meeting for dinners, shows, picnics, golf, bowling, potlucks and other events.

FYI: Call (219) 924-3480.

FRIENDSHIP CLUB | Munster

Sponsored by Jewish Community Services of the Jewish Federation of NWI, the Adult Friendship Club meets at noon Mondays and Wednesdays for a home-cooked lunch and socializing. Join the group at Congregation Beth Israel, 535 Progress Ave. Music, speakers and other activities are enjoyed, along with holiday meals and monthly outings. Transportation is available.

FYI: Call (219) 923-9387.

FLAG RETIREMENT | St. John

Anyone who has U.S. flags that need to be replaced may drop them off at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 717 for proper disposal. A box has been placed to collect them outside the entrance to the post, 10400 W. 93rd. Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 365-8550.

SOCCER CLUB | NW Indiana

Indiana Tigers Soccer Club is seeking players for its Under 12 Traveling Team. Players must have been born between August, 1995 and July, 1997. Coached by former professional soccer player Novi Marojevic, the nonprofit soccer club is committed to the total development of the youth soccer player and developing each child's fitness through training. The goal is for players to have as much fun as possible in the process of reaching their fullest potential.

FYI: Call (219) 308-7956 or e-mail indianatigerssoccer@gmail.com

Purple Heart | Hammond

The local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart meets the second Thursday of the month at the Larson VFW, 5820 Hohman Ave. Chapter 721 invites all service men and women who have been awarded the Purple Heart for combat wounds to join its ranks.

FYI: Call (708) 895 2443 or (219) 933 0905.