BLOOD DRIVE | Schererville

Campagna Academy Charter High School hosts a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 8 in the Community Room at the school. Donors will be scheduled in 15-minute increments, but walk-ins are welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 322-8614, Ext. 409.

BLIND OUTREACH | Munster

The Munster Christian Outreach Center to the Blind holds free monthly luncheons from noon to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of each month to share and gather information with other sight-impaired people. The next meeting is May 10 in the multipurppose room of the Early Childhood Center (entrance F) at St. Paul's, 8601 Harrison Ave. Jim Armsrong from Opportunity Enterprises will speak. All are welcome; RSVP.

FYI: Call (219) 836-6270 or visit www.stplmunster.com for more information.

MARS & THE MOON | Lowell

Calumet Astronomical Society begins its latest series of public observing events with "Mars and the Moon" from 8 to 11 p.m. May 9 and 10 at the Thomas Conway Observatory near Buckley Homestead County Park. From Interstate 65, travel west 4.5 miles on Ind. 2 to Hendricks Road, head south past the park Visitor Center to the 'T' at Belshaw Road, go east on Belshaw to the first right turn at Chase Street and head south for one mile to the observatory. This program is free to the public and everyone is invited. Members of the society will share their knowledge of the night sky with guests. Visitors will enjoy views of Saturn, Mars, the moon, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies seen through the telescopes and binoculars.

FYI: Call (219) 384-6634 or e-mail larrym@casonline.org

MIGRATION HIKE | Hammond

Birds like warblers, vireos, tanagers and orioles are among the neo-tropical migrants that can be seen in this area in early to mid May. Natural areas like Gibson Woods are critically important for these migrants to find the right kinds of foods that help sustain them during their long journey north to their breeding grounds.

Join a Lake County Parks naturalist, as well as other bird enthusiasts, to seek out and learn about these colorful migrants in a Spring Migration Hike at 8 a.m. May 9 at Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, 6201 Parrish Ave. Dress for the weather. Bring binoculars, sturdy shoes and a field guide. Bird field guides are available at the gift shop. Registration is required.

FYI: Call (219) 844-3188.

LEARN TO GEOCACHE | Lake County

Learn to Geocache from 1 to 3 p.m. May 10 at Stoney Run County Park, 142nd and Union Streets, off Ind. 231. Geocaching is an international game of hiding containers, called caches, using global longitude and latitude coordinates with the help of a GPS receiver. Participants will spend one hour in the classroom learning the basics of the game, how to use the website, and how to handle a handheld GPSr. Participants will then head outdoors, in teams, to seek a variety of caches placed nearby. No computer or GPSr experience is required. GPSr units are provided for use. Cost is $10 for ages 16 or older. Pre-registration and payment required by 4 p.m. today.

FYI: Call (219) 769-7275.

STEAK FRY | Schererville

A Mother's Day steak fry is set for 4:30 to 8 p.m. May 10 at American Legion Post 485, 7485 Burr St. Tickets, which cost $13, include salad bar, rolls, dessert and coffee. The public is invited.

FYI: Call (219) 322-5485.

GOLF WITH MOM | Cedar Lake

Celebrate Mother's Day on May 11 at the Lake County Park and Recreation Department's Cedar Creek Family Golf Center, 10483 W. 109th Ave., when mini golf is free for moms all day. After the golf outing, treat her to a bite to eat in the snack bar, open all day.

FYI: Call (219) 365-2902.

HOMEBUYER WORKSHOP | Gary

Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northwest Indiana hosts a first-time homebuyers workshop from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, May 6, 13 and 20, at 3637 Grant St. Topics include budgeting/saving, credit, shopping for a home and obtaining a mortgage, closing on a home and home maintenance. Those who attend all three sessions receive a certificate that could help secure down payment assistance from local, state and/or federal agencies. Reserve a seat. The workshop is open to anyone, regardless of income level.

FYI: Call (219) 980-4801.

RUMMAGE SALE | Lake Station

The Annual Rummage Sale in the Park will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 10 at Riverview Park, 2701 Ripley St.

FYI: Call (219) 962-7508.

MOVIE IN THE PARK | Crown Point

Join the Crown Point Parks and Recreation Department for a free family movie night May 9 at Sauerman Woods, 1000 E. South St. Sponsored by Citizens Financial Bank and Midnight Towing, "The Bee Movie" will be shown. Bring blankets or chairs for seating and the movie will start at dusk (about 8:15 p.m.). Refreshments will be available for purchase.

FYI: Call (219) 661-2271.

CASINO TRIP | Lowell

Sign up by May 9 for a luxury coach bus trip to Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City on May 25 with the Lowell Parks and Recreation Department. Cost is $30 for those 21 and older and includes a $10 food voucher. Bus leaves at 10 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m.

FYI: Call (219) 696-1570.

MUSICALS & MOMS | Merrillville

Join the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and Music Director/Conductor Kirk Muspratt for a "Mother's Day Pops: Musicals & Moms" at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at Star Plaza Theatre featuring star of stage and screen Shirley Jones and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, directed by Nancy Menk. Tickets range from $20 to $60, and student tickets are $10. Group sales are also available at a discount.

FYI: Call (219) 836-0525 or visit www.NISOrchestra.org to order tickets.

BOWLING TOURNEY | Hobart

Hobart Jaycees Annual Bowling Tournament will be held May 10 at Cressmoor Lanes, 620 N. Wisconsin St. It is a 9-Pin No Tap Tournament and participants should register to reserve a time slot. Bowl at 3:30 p.m. for $20 per person or $100 per team or at 7 for $25 per person and $125 per team. Bowlers must arrive 30 minutes prior to bowl times. Cash prize to the first-place team, as well as other prizes, music and munchies for those who participate. Proceeds benefit: Jacob's Ladder, local boys & girls clubs and other local children's organizations.

FYI: Call (219) 512-4648 to register.

DINNER & DANCE | Lowell

Lowell Mainstreet Association will hold its second Mainstreet in May Dinner-Dance from 6 to 11 p.m. May 17 at VFW Post 6841, 17401 Morse St. Dinner includes salad, chicken, beef, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls, dessert and coffee. Rhythm & Views DJ service will provide the music. A cash bar will be available. There will also be door prizes, cash tip boards and a silent auction. Tables seat 12 and groups to 10 or more are welcome. Tickets are $20 per person and $35 per couple and available at Tish's Antiques, 201 E. Commercial Ave., and Sickinger's Jewelry, 314 E. Commercial Ave., or by phone. Tickets must be purchased by May 10.

FYI: Call (219) 696-2389.

MUSIC NIGHT | Lowell

Listen and dance to bluegrass, gospel and country music from 6 to 10:00 p.m. May 10 at VFW Post 6841, 17401 Morse St. A variety of musicians will jam. Donation is asked at the door and food is available for purchase. Hall is handicapped accessible.

FYI: Call (219) 696-8121 or 696-4361.

SPAGHETTI DINNER | Merrillville

A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Ross Township Food Pantry will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. May 15 at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 8000 Madison St. Dinner will include spaghetti and a choice of three toppings, meat sauce, marinara sauce or a Greek butter sauce, as well as a salad, bread sticks and dessert. Door prizes will be awarded. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Tickets may be purchased at the church's main office or at the door. Carry-outs will be available. All proceeds from the dinner, sponsored by the St. Helen Philoptochos Ladies Society of the SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, will provide food to needy families. A Greek pastries bake sale will also be held and there will be a raffle to support the youth programs of Merrillville F.O.P. Lodge 168. Raffle tickets are three for $5. First prize is $300, second prize is $200 and third prize is $100.

FYI: Call (219) 769-2481.