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 Southlake community coordinator Marlene A. Zloza at least 10 days in advance.

• E-mail: mzloza@nwitimes.com.

• Fax: (219) 662-5296.

• Address: 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307.

• Questions? Call (219) 662-5340.

MINIATURE WORLD | Lowell

Based on the popular exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago, The Miniature World of Mrs. James Ward Thorne, a visual presentation, will be given by Thorne history buff Joan Costello at 7 p.m. today at the Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave. Co-sponsored by Three Creeks Historical Association and the library, the program will be incorporated into this month's association meeting. Utilizing pictures and diagrams shown on a large screen, Costello will share her knowledge and love of the 68 miniature interiors of the Thorne exhibit. Painstakingly created in the 1930's and 40's on a scale of one inch to one foot, these fascinating models were conceived by Indiana native and Chicago socialite Narcissa Niblick Thorne to represent European, (13th century to the 1930's) American (17th century to the 1930's) and modern Chinese and Japanese homes. Also of interest to participants are the little know historical facts about Mrs. Thorne and the rooms gleaned from Mrs. Thorne's lecture

notes from the 1940's. Director of the Evanston Historical Society for many years, Costello began working for the Westchester Township Historical Museum where her present responsibilities include the paperwork, registering and storage of all artifacts that are accepted by the curator.

FYI: Call (219) 696-7704.

DATE CHANGED | Crown Point

Due to weather forecasts for rain today, the Annual Walk To School Day at Timothy Ball Elementary School, 720 W. Summit St. , has been postponed until Oct. 10. This international celebration challenges families to walk to school, even if they usually drive. Car and bus riders may walk with parents/chaperones from the Little League field. All participants will meet in the gym, including parents, prior to the start of school.

FYI: Call (219) 663-0047.

BUSINESS AWARD | Merrillville

Town of Merrillville and Merrillville Chamber of Commerce will present the first ever Merrillville Business Longevity Award at the Nov. 8 Town Ball held at The Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza. To be nominated, a business must be located within the boundaries of the Town of Merrillville, whether started before or after the incorporation of the town (December 31, 1971) and still be owned by founding family members. Chamber membership is not required. Nomination letters may be forwarded to the chamber office at 255 W. 80th Place, Merrillville, IN 46410 Oct. 10. Letter must include the business name, owner's name, address, phone number, date the business opened and a contact name if different than owner's name. Letter may also contain any other pertinent information deemed necessary for the award committee to review, and photos of the past, present or future would be appreciated.

FYI: Call Nancy Camp at (219) 650-6015 or the chamber at (219) 769-8180.

TEACHER AWARD | Lake County

Lake County Solid Waste Management District is presenting the first annual Bella Webb Award for Environmental Education. Teachers can nominate a green teacher by explaining in 500 words or less how the teacher is a model of excellence in environmental education. The winning teacher will be notified by Oct. 17 and honored at the annual Teacher Appreciation Earth Day Dinner on April 22, 2009. The honoree must be willing to be filmed in a few brief segments at school between Oct. 20 and April 1, 2009. All nominations must be submitted by Oct. 10.

FYI: E-mail Angela at agoodson@lcswmd.com

HALLOWEEN PARTY | Dyer

Dyer United Methodist Church is holding its annual children's Halloween Party from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 10 at 2016 Church St. Children from 3 years through fifth grade are invited to wear a costume and participate in games, snacks, crafts and spooky stories, and visit the Fear Factor room. Bring a decorated pumpkin for the pumpkin contest. Prizes will be awarded.

FYI: Call (219) 865-8947 or visit www.dyerumc.org

CHILI DINNER | Hobart

Hobart High School Band and Theatre Departments will host a chili dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Hobart Middle School cafeteria, 705 E. Fourth St., after the homecoming parade and prior to the varsity football game. Cost is $6 for chili, hot dog, pop, bread, chips and dessert. Items also may be purchased a la carte. DIne in or carry out.

FYI: Call (219) 942-8521, ext. 333.

CRAFTY KIDS | Cedar Lake

Children can make a variety of Halloween crafts Oct. 11 at the Cedar Lake Parks and Recreation Department office, 7408 Constitution Ave. Ages 4 and 5 will meet from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. and ages 6 to 10 will meet from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Snacks will be served. Cost is $3.

FYI: Call (219) 374-4444.

SHOP VENDORS | Dyer

Lake Central High School boys' bowling team will host a Vendor Open House fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 11 at Stardust Bowl, 1330 Sheffield Ave. Consultants from Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay Cosmetics and JuJuBee Purses and Jewelry will display new fall lines.

FYI: Call (219) 365-1108.

BOOK DISCUSSIONS | Jasper County

Jasper County libraries will host book discussions this month on "Shadow Divers" by Robert Kurson, the Book to Bridge the Region adult selection. Discussions will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 11 at the Rensselaer Library, 208 W. Susan St., 7 p.m. Oct. 14 at the Wheatfield Library, 350 S. Bierma St., and at 2 and 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the DeMotte Library, 901 Birch St. SW. Refreshments will be served. Stop by to check out a copy.

FYI: Call Rensselaer at (219) 866-5881, Wheatfield at (219) 956-3774 or DeMotte at (219) 987-2221.

LITERACY BRUNCH | Merrillville

Lake County Public Library Foundation will be celebrating the community and literacy through an Appreciation Brunch, Literacy without Limits, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at Innsbrook Country Club, 6701 Taft St. A distinguished community volunteer as well as a local organization will be honored. Tickets are $25 and the public is welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 769-3541, ext. 315.

FIRE PREVENTION | Lowell

Lowell Volunteer Fire Department's Annual Fire Prevention Week Open House will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Lowell Fire Station, 1331 E. Commercial Ave. A children's safety trailer and fire extinguisher, vehicle extrication and rescue basket demonstrations will be featured. Hot dogs, soft drinks, chips and popcorn will be served.

FYI: Call (219) 696-6144.

PUBERTY CLASS | Crown Point

A Mother and Daughter Puberty Class Level 1 designed for young ladies ages 9-12 and their mothers or a trusted female adult will meet from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 11 at the Marian Education Center, 1201 S. Main St. This class will address the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. There is a $25 fee for each mother and daughter, payable at the class. Register early as class size is limited to 20.

FYI: Call (219) 757-6368.

CONCERT DATES | Lowell

Lowell High School Choirs will be presenting four concerts this school year. The first will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 14 in the school auditorium, 2051 E. Commercial Ave. Admission is free. A Holiday Concert will follow at 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at 3 p.m. and seating will be reserved. During the spring semester the first concert will be at 7 p.m. March 12 and admission will be free. The final concert of the year will be the choir's annual Showcase Concert at 7 p.m. May 17 with reserved seating.

FYI: Call (219) 696-7733, ext. 3178.

TEACHER LUNCH | Crown Point

Bob Manwaring is hosting a luncheon for former Gary Lew Wallace High School teachers at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 14 at Bronko's Restaurant and Lounge, 1244 N. Main St.

FYI: Call (219) 662-9833.

GHOSTS AMONG US | Crown Point

Gather for an evening of paranormal experiences at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Marian Education Center, St. Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St. Sponsored by the Crown Point Community Library, Cher Wright, of Paranormal Sciences, will cover basic theories, experiences, equipment used and information about the paranormal field. Wright is the Northwest Indiana Representative of American Ghost Society, founded in 1996 by Troy Taylor, author of over 55 books on the paranormal and history. It is a nation-wide organization networking professional ghost hunters from all over the country. Wright founded her own group, Paranormal Sciences, and teaches classes on the subject matter in Valparaiso, Portage and Merrillville. Admission is free.

FYI: Call Barb Houk at (219) 663-0270.

BENEFIT NIGHTS | Lowell

Burger King of Lowell will host Benefit Nights for the Lowell High School and Middle School band programs from 5 to 8 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays every month in 2008. Purchase any of the 18 items from the Benefit Night menu, mention "Band Benefit" before placing the order and a portion of the sale goes to the Tri-Creek Band Boosters. Dine in, take out, or use the drive-up window at 1620 E. Commercial Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 746-5297.

HALL OF FAME | Merrillville

Thirteenth annual Calumet High School Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony will be held Oct. 11 at Romanian Orthodox Hall, 750 W. 61st Ave. Cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 and induction at 7, followed by raffles, door prizes and socializing. Inductees are 1963-64 basketball team, McKinley Young '59, Willie Watkins '67, Fred Sanchez 69', John Lark 84', LaWanda Mitchell '00 and DeMarreo Campbell '02. Tickets are $25 and available at school main and athletic offices.

FYI: Call Georgette at (219) 989-7832 or (219) 980-1754 or Vicki at (219) 989-7847.

SUPPORT GROUP | Munster

Support group meetings for flood victims will continue to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Church, 8601 Harrison Ave. Enter through Door K on the south side of the building. Meetings will be facilitated by licensed social workers. FYI: Call (219) 836-6270.