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 Eastlake 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.

GET A TASTE | Lowell

Lowell Mainstreet Association is hosting the Taste of Lowell and a Sidewalk Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 along the sidewalks downtown on East Commercial Avenue. Local restaurants will offer shish-ke-bob, hot dogs, pizza, grilled lamb, fruit pies and more. Vendors will offer produce, antiques, gourmet food, floral arrangements, collectibles, soy candles, chair massages and more. The Halsted House Museum will be open on Main Street and entertainment will include a magician, ukulele band, bluegrass trio and a karaoke deejay.

FYI: Call (219) 696-2389.

FREE CAR WASH | Hobart

Jubilee Worship Center, 415 N. Hobart Road, will hold a free car wash from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 26. Participants can enjoy a free lunch while they wait for their cars to be cleaned. Call for directions.

FYI: Call (219) 973-6760.

KOOL-AID STAND | Merrillville

Seven-year-old Hailey Perryman will operate a Kool-Aid Stand to benefit Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 29, 30 and 31 in front of 7914 Wilson St. in the Young America subdivision. The Salk Elementary School second-grader contacted the hospital to offer her help and has tattoos and stickers to distribute to donors. Her goal is to rase $1,000.

FYI: Call (219) 808-1195 for (219) 736-2282.

BLACKTOP BBQ | Merrillville

Blacktop BBQ Cookoff 2008 will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 2 at 5150 Plaza, 5150 E. U.S. 30. Judging for local business grilling teams starts at 1 p.m. Cost is $10 for all-you-can-eat barbecue, with family packages at $35 for up to 5 and children 5 and younger eat free; or just stop by for free beverages and giveaways. Chicken, ribs, brisket, pork, potato salad, baked beans, cornbread, cookies and brownies, vendor giveaways, raffles and prizes and children's games will be featured. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

FYI: Call (888) 588-5655.

HOME BUYERS SEMINAR | Crown Point

A seminar for first-time home buyers will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. July 29 in the Conference Center at the Resource Center at 1450 E. Joliet St. Information on applying for home mortgages, available programs for down payment assistance, maintaining good credit, decorating on a budget, and other tips will be highlighted. This conference is sponsored by Northwest Indiana ACORN, South Lake County Community Services, and Northwest Indiana Community Action.

FYI: Call (219) 663-0627 to register.

GOLF OUTING | Crown Point

The Steve Szoke Memorial Golf Outing will be held for the benefit of Steve Szoke's wife and child on Aug. 9 at Pheasant Valley Country Club , 3838 W. 141st Ave. Szoke, founding pastor of Impact Christian Church in Merrillville, was diagnosed with cancer at 32 and passed away in May after a 10-month battle. Cost is $75 for golf, use of a cart, dinner, door prizes, and a hole in one contest. Check-in time is noon with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Send fee to: Matt Cornett, 1100 W 84th Drive, Merrillville, IN 46410. Sponsorships from $100 to $500 are welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 808-5941.

DAY WITH THE DOGS | Hobart

Hobart Humane Society's "A Day with the Dogs" will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 2 at Johnson's Farm Market, U.S. 6. Meet and greet the animals. Homemade dog biscuits will be available for purchase. Donate dry dog or cat food or cat litter and receive a 15 percent off entire purchase coupon from Johnson's Farm Market. Monetary donations always welcome. All donations will be given directly to the Hobart Humane Society.

FYI: Call (219) 942-0103.

PASSPORT TO FUN | Lake County

Lake County, Cedar Lake, Crown Point, Dyer, Highland, Lowell, Munster, and Schererville parks and recreation departments, the Hammond Area YMCA, and Wittenberg Village in Crown Point are hosting recreation events through Sept. 7 for adults 50 and older in the "Tour ‘da Fun." The remaining schedule includes Track & Field and Tennis on Aug. 1 in Munster (register at 836-7275), Pool Races & Games Aug. 7 at Omni Health in Schererville (call 865-6969), Swimming on Aug. 17 at the Hammond YMCA (register by Aug. 8 at 845-1507), Archery, Air Rifle, Plug Casting and Obstacle Course on Aug. 29 at Lowell (register by Aug. 22 at 696-1570), Volleyball skills, bean bag and bunco on Sept. 3 at Schererville (register by Au. 2 at 865-5530) and a closing party Sep. 7 at Lemon Lake County Park (register by Sept. 3 at 769-7275). Registration is free, join at any time, play as many games as you wish and free passports with event dates and details may be picked up at any participating park

office.

FYI: Call (219) 838-0114 or visit www.lakecountyparks.com

BENEFIT CRUISE | Lynwood

Teamster Horsemen Motorcycle Association Indiana Chapter 25 sponsors its second poker run and car show Aug. 2 to benefit Christian Haven Home for children in Wheatfield. Sign in is at 9:30 a.m. at Pickups Bar & Grill, 21000 Torrence Ave., with last bike out at noon, stops at Marty's in Hebron, Mi Ranchito in Lowell, Traxx Bar in Grant Park and Throwbacks in Crete, and return to Pickups for show and meal. Cost is $20 single rider and $25 with passenger; best poker hand wins $200. Deejay, raffles, door prizes, 50-50 and People's Choice trophies.

FYI: Call (219) 781-9542 or (708) 822-6078.

DEMENTIA SESSION | Merrillville

Towne Centre Retirement Community will host a free Dementia Seminar and Luncheon on from noon to 1:30 p.m. July 28 at 7250 Arthur Blvd. The guest speaker will be Darren Leavitt, who will discuss how dementia is a disease that goes beyond the lives of those suffering from it. Reservations are required.

FYI: Call (219) 736-2900, ext. 15.

WOMEN'S LUNCHEON | Rensselaer

Jasper Foundation, Inc. and Newton County Community Foundation will host the annual "Celebration of Women" luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Curtis Creek Country Club. This year's featured speaker is Lori J. Miller of Francesville, a Christian speaker and author of "Why Not Me?" about her journey of determination and struggles to survive years of battling cancer. Call for reservations.

FYI: Call (219) 866-5899.

LOIS CLUB | Highland

Lois Club of Northwest Indiana, affiliated with Lois Clubs of North America, will meet at 11:30 a.m. July 26 for lunch and conversation at Old Country Buffet, 10445 Indianapolis Blvd. Attendees should pay the cashier. Anyone with the first name of Lois is welcome, along with a guest.

FYI: Call 9219) 853-0143.

WOMEN'S CONNECTION | Schererville

Schererville Women's Connection offers "Pleasing Our Palates - Food Fabulous Food" from noon to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Briar Ridge Country Club, 123 Briar Ridge Drive. Diane Gasing of Crest Hills, Ill. will speak on "A Tale Without The Fairy." Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch costs $15. Make a reservation by today.

FYI: Call (219) 937-4240 or 374-7769.

BIKE RUN | Calumet Area

The annual Sandra K. Lawler Memorial Bike Run is 4 to 9 p.m. July 26, followed by a fundraiser from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. The 100-mile motorcycle ride and car caravan travels through Indiana and Illinois. The event begins and ends at Bridges Scoreboard Restaurant and Sports Bar in Griffith, Lawler's hometown. Other stops include Cronies in Kouts, Town Pub in Lowell, Sollitt Tap in Grant Park, Ill., and St. John Pub in St. John. Proceeds benefit Rush University's Registry for Hereditary & Familial Colon Cancer. Lawler was 69 when she died of the disease. Entertainment by classic-rock band Radio London and catering by Pepino's Restaurant in St. Johnm, with a 50/50 raffle and live auction. Tickets cost $20 per rider or $30 per couple for the ride, food and benefit or $10 per person for the benefit only. Registration is 2 to 3 p.m., with first bike out at 4 p.m., first bike in at 8 p.m., last bike in a 9 p.m.

FYI: Call (219) 513-8534 or e-mail lianemadduci@comcast.net

SIDEWALK DAYS | Lansing

Lansing Sidewalk Days will be today and July 26 featuring bargain prices on everything from furniture, hardware and pet supplies to shoes and women's clothing. Hours will vary by merchant. See the new Clock Tower being installed in Lansing's Park Plaza.

FYI: Visit chamberoflansing.com.

VICTOR FEST | Calumet City

St. Victor Parish will host VictorFest 2008, a two-day festival, from noon to 11 p.m. July 26 and noon to 10 p.m. July 27. Entrance is free. The church is at 553 Hirsch Ave. The Good Timez Band performs from 7 to 10 p.m. July 26 and Soundz of Santana starts at 6 p.m. July 27. Heavenly Rods Car Show is from noon to 4 p.m. July 26. To register for the car show, contact Jim Nanista at (708) 730-1121. Food concessions, beer garden and a other activities for the family.

FYI: Call (708) 891-8920.

POLKA PICNIC | Glenwood

A polka picnic begins at noon July 27 at PACF Farm and Grove, 18600 Glenwood-Thornton Road. Music will be from 2 to 6 p.m. and other activities include free paddle boat rides, bingo, a fishing derby and door prizes. Bring lawn chairs. Food and beverages will be available and no coolers or BYOB are allowed. Tickets cost $10 at the gate or $7 in advance. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

FYI: For tickets call (219) 397-2486 or (708) 709-0365.

GARAGE SALE | Hammond

A huge garage sale will be held by Christipher, Vikki, and Jerry Mize from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26 at 6702 Ohio Ave., with all proceeds going to this year's Alzheimer's Memory Walk that will take place Sept. 20 at Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville.

FYI: Call (219) 937-1483.

CRUISE FOR A CAUSE | Valparaiso

Clare Bridge and Sterling House of Valparaiso will host a Car Cruise to benefit the Alzheimer Association from 4 to 8 p.m. July 26 in the parking lot of the Sterling House, 2601 Valparaiso St. A $5 donation per car will benefit the Alzheimer's Association. Hot dogs, beverages and root beer floats will be available to purchase.

FYI: Call (219) 548-2770.

SCHOLARSHIPS | Northwest Indiana

The United Negro College Fund Northwest Indiana Advisory Council will award one-year scholarships for the 2008-09 academic year to Northwest Indiana residents. Applications are available at the school administration buildings in Gary, East Chicago, and Hammond and at the school administration building and the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. Applications must be postmarked by Aug. 4.

FYI: Call (219) 977-7932, (219) 313-1021, (219) 885-1987 or (219) 938-7936.