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

To get listed in the calendar, submit items at least 10 days in advance to community editor Melinda Moore.

• E-mail: mmoore@nwitimes.com.

• Fax: (219) 933-3249.

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

• Questions? Call (219) 933.3396.

INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION | E.C.

The East Chicago Public Library will host an international celebration from 5 to 7:30 p.m. May 13 at the library, 2401 E. Columbus Drive. The free program will recognize East Chicago's diverse ethnic heritage. It will feature the storytelling duo Kucha Brownlee and Baba Tony Brown, and other performers representing a variety of groups and cultures that have called East Chicago home: African-Americans, Europeans, Mexican-Americans and Puerto Ricans. Tasty treats from around the world will be served after the program. The program is in partnership with the Foundations of East Chicago.

FYI: Call (219) 397-2453, Ext. 17.

HOSPICE GALA | Hobart

The Friends of Hospice, the fundraising auxiliary for Hospice of the Calumet Area, will host its Seeds of Hope gala May 21 at Avalon Manor on U.S. 30. The annual event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction featuring a wide variety of items donated by local individuals and merchants, followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. The 2008 honoree is Ruthellyn Bobak of Munster, a 19-year member of Hospice of the Calumet Area's Board of Directors. Tickets cost $75 per person and may be bought by calling Chris Dow at (219) 922-2732. Proceeds benefit Hospice of the Calumet Area, a 27 year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life through compassionate care for individuals and families facing an end-of-life illness.

FYI: Call (219) 922-2732.

RUMMAGE SALE | Highland

First Christian Reformed Church of Highland will have a rummage and bake sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 15 at 8910 Grace St. Children and adult clothes, housewares, furniture and miscellaneous items will be sold. An aluminum can/scrap metal drive also is planned that day. Proceeds will help send a team to do needed work in Guatemala at a Kids Alive International facility for needy children as well as provide Bible school for them during the week they will be there.

FYI: Call (219) 838-6231.

PAMPERED LADIES | Griffith

Pampered Ladies Night, a fundraiser for St. Mary School, will be held 4 to 7 p.m. May 15 at St. Mary Hildebrandt Hall, 525 N. Lafayette St. A selection of well-known vendors will be featured such as Arbonne, Silpada Designs, Tastefully Simple, Lia Sophia, Shaklee, and Tupperware. Most vendors will have cash and carry items and will accept cash, credit or checks. Raffles and prizes from all vendors will be available.

FYI: Call (219) 218-2710.

CANCER SUPPORT | Munster

The Cancer Resource Centre offers free education programs and support groups for those with a cancer diagnosis and their families. It's at 900 Ridge Road, Suite J. Yoga meets from 10 to 11 a.m. May 12 and 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. May 14. After Care breast cancer support group meets from 7 to 8:30 p.m. May 12. It's for women who have completed their breast cancer treatment. Wellness Support Group meets 10 to 11:30 a.m. May 13. It's led by a professional. Reiki is offered 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. May 14. It aids the body in releasing stress and tension by creating deep relaxation and inner balance. Chi Gong meets 10 to 11 a.m., and Tai Chi meets from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

FYI: Call (219) 836-3349.

SUNDAY CONCERT | Calumet Twp.

Second Sunday at Ross welcomes Sarah Van Drunen and her chamber orchestra in concert at 5:30 p.m. May 11 at Ross Reformed Church, 41st Street and Whitcomb, two blocks south of Ridge Road. Dinner will be served at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. An offering will be taken.

FYI: Call (219) 980-0200.

EXPLORE MINNESOTA | Highland

Armchair Travelers explores Minnesota at 2 and 6:30 p.m. May 12 at the Lake County Public Library's Highland branch, 2841 Jewett St. Via video, they can tavel the Land of 10,000 Lakes from Duluth to Minneapolis. Visit the International Wolf Center, Itasca State Park, the Mall of America and several unique businesses in the state. Refreshments will be served. Register.

FYI: Call (219) 838-2394.

BOWLING BENEFIT | Dyer

A bowling fundraiser for the Avon Walk for breast Cancer is set for 10 p.m. to midnight May 16 at Stardust Bowl III, 1330 Sheffield Ave. The donation is $30 per person and may be paid at the door. The fee includes candlelight bowling, a ticket for a drink, shoes and music. A silent auction and 50-50 raffle also are planned.

FYI: Call (219) 365-5796.

FOOD SAFETY | Gary

Ivy Tech Community College Northwest is registering students for the state mandated ServSafe certification/re-certification food safety training class at the Gary Campus, 1440 E. 35th Ave. The certification class will be offered from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, May 12 and 19. The cost is $145, which includes textbook, test booklet, and answer sheet. ServSafe is recognized by more federal, state and local health jurisdictions than any other food safety training program in the United States. The contact is Josephine Blockson, continuing education coordinator.

FYI: Call (219) 981-4402 or e-mail jblockso@ivytech.edu.

CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH | Hobart

A Mother's Day Champagne Brunch will be held May 11 at Hobart Elks Lodge 1152, 3580 W. 61st Ave. Seating will be every half hour from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Menu includes carved roast beef and ham, Swedish meatballs, fried chicken, seafood Alfredo, vegetables, biscuits and gravy, sausage, scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, salad bar, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, cheeses, strudel, bread pudding apple crisp and more. Cost id $20.95 for adults and $7.95 for ages 5 to 11; younger children eat free. Paid-up members can bring one guest free. Advance purchase recommended.

FYI: Call (219) 942-1152.

ATHLETIC BOOSTERS | St. John

The monthly meeting of the Lake Central High School Athletic Booster is 7 p.m. May 12 in the Freshmen Center LGI Room.

FYI: Call (219) 865-1729.

CASINO TRIP | Schererville

The Schererville Parks and Recreation Department will host a bus trip May 29 at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich. Participants receive a $10 voucher for food or retail and $5 for slot play. Cost is $24 per person. Department at 8 a.m. from Rohrman Park and return at 4 p.m. Register at the clerk-treasurer's office at 10 E. Joliet St. or call.

FYI: Call (219) 865-5530.

PREVENTING FALLS | St. John

Community Hospital physical therapists will discuss fall prevention in older adults from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 13 at Community Hospital's Outpatient Centre, 9660 Wicker Ave. They will discuss the risk factors involved with falls in older adults, home modifications, individual prevention measures, community mobility awareness and exercise. The therapists will perform several balance screens to demonstrate what they look for in balance. Register for this free program.

FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or (866) 836-3477.

Firefighter cook-off | Merrionette Park, Ill.

Big Event 2008 is from 5 to 9 p.m. May 17 at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359 W. 115th St. Firefighters will compete in an annual cook-off in one or more categories including ribs, chicken, ethnic and chili. Along with celebrity judges, the event attendees will have a say in the winner. The event features chefs from throughout Chicago and Indiana. Other activities will include live band performance, face painting for children and a raffle and auction. Proceeds will benefit Sertoma Centre, which is based in Alsip and helps individuals with disabilities. A $10 entry fee includes 10 food sample tickets.

FYI: Call (708) 371-9700.

SWIM SESSIONS | Dyer

Registration for the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program has begun for children 16 months to 16 years old at Patti's All-American in Dyer. Classes start June 7. Private lessons are available. Schedules and fees are available online at www.pattisallamerican.com.

FYI: Call (219) 865-2274.