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 Northlake community news editor Jeanette Lach or Southlake community coordinator Marlene A. Zloza at least 10 days in advance.
E-mail: jeanette.lach@nwi.com or mzloza@nwitimes.com.
Fax: (219) 933-3249 or (219) 662-5295.
Address: 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN 46321 or 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307.
Questions? Call (219) 933-3267 or (219) 662-5340.
TODAY
ART DISCUSSION | Munster
Art enthusiasts are invited to attend South Shore Arts' Art in Focus group for video and discussion on Johann Sebastian Bach from 10 a.m. to noon today at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road. There will also be a discussion with maestro Kirk Muspratt of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.
FYI: Call (219) 836-1839.
NECK AND BACK PROBLEMS | Munster
Prevention and Treatment of Neck and Low Back Disc Problems is a free program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today at Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave. A Community Hospital physical therapist will discuss anatomy of the neck and low back, the role of physical therapy to reduce pain, increase function and the importance of proper exercises and posture.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or (866) 836-3477 to register.
TUESDAY
GREAT DECISIONS | Merrillville
The Great Decisions Discussion follows the program set by the Foreign Policy Association, a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan, nongovernmental, educational organization to educate Americans about the significant international issues. This month's topic, "U.S.-China Security Relations," will be discussed at 6:30 p.m. May 11 and 25 at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. Guests are welcome.
FYI: Call (219) 769-3541, ext. 339 if not previously registered.
HISTORY VIDEO | Cedar Lake
Viewers will learn about the building of the Panama Canal, a massive feat of engineering and ingenuity that cost millions of dollars and thousands of lives. in a History Video Series program at 2 p.m. May 11 at the Lake County Public Library's Cedar Lake branch, 10010 W. 133rd Ave. Refreshments will be served. Register online at www.lcplin.org or by phone.
FYI: Call (219) 374-7121.
GARDENERS TO MEET | Hobart
Lake County Park Department's Gardening Club meets at 10 a.m. May 11 at the Lake County Parks greenhouse, east of the Park and Visitor Services facility at 8305 Randolph St., one-four mile south of U.S. 30. Members learn about all types of flowers, plants, vegetables and trees and how to solve gardening problems, get a monthly newsletter and help the staff plant and maintain gardens at the county parks. Refreshments are available. There are no dues.
FYI: Call (219) 947-1958 or visit GardeningClub03@aol.com to check meeting location.
METABOLIC RATES | Munster
Learn about your resting metabolism and its relationship to managing your weight by attending a free class, "What's the Big Deal About Metabolic Rate?" from 6 to 7 p.m. May 11 or 10 to 11 a.m. May 19 at Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave. Admission is free, but registration is required.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or (866) 836-3477.
SPRING BAND CONCERT | Gary
A spring band concert takes place at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts Academy auditorium, 210 N. Grand Ave. The concert features the sixth grade band, middle school band, concert band, jazz band II and Jazz Tornadoes. Admission is $5, food will be sold before the concert and during intermission. FYI: Call (219) 938-1161.
HOMEOWNER NIGHT | Gary
Habitat for Humanity of NWI will host a Homeowner Information Night at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at the Habitat ReStore, 6114 W. Ridge Road. The Family Selection Committee will explain how the program works, what the qualifications are and how to apply. Questions are welcome. Call if interested but unable to attend the meeting.
FYI: Call Angela at (219) 923-7265.
WEDNESDAY
FIBROMYALGIA DINNER | Cedar Lake
Fibromites Unite, a local Fibromyalgia support group, will host a celebratory awareness dinner at 5 p.m. May 12 at Great Oaks Banquets, 13109 U.S. 41, as part of National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Tickets are $15. Fibromites Unite meets at 10 a.m. the fourth Saturday of every month at St. Margaret Mercy Hospital in Dyer. Free membership includes monthly support group meetings, guest speakers, social activities, and understanding, acceptance and reassurance.
FYI: Contact Jodi Phelan at (708) 539-9896 or fibromitesunite@yahoo.com.
AGING SAFELY | Hobart
Alzheimer's Association of Greater Indiana Northwest Indiana provides "Aging Safely at Home," a program for those who are caring for a loved one with dementia in their home, at 2 p.m. May 12 at the Lake County Public Library's Hobart branch, 100 N. Main St. This program will teach how to effectively evaluate the environment, avoid injury and wandering, put common objects and substances out of reach and ensure total safety at home. Register online at www.lcplin.org or by phone.
FYI: Call (219) 942-2243.
BOOK SIGNING | Crown Point
Local author Scarlett Dean will discuss her work and sign copies of her latest release, "Shield of Duty" and her other books at 7 p.m. May 12 at the Crown Point Community Library, 214 S. Court St. Dean has been a mystery and horror fan since childhood, and enjoys creating her own dark worlds and characters since penning her first short story at 8.
FYI: Call Barb Houk at (219) 663-0270.
PHOTO CLUB | Hobart
Sponsored by the Lake County Parks and Recreation Department, the Lake County Photography Club will meet at 7 p.m. May 12 in the Deep River County Park Visitor Center Meeting room, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy. Wayne Wodrich, of Valparaiso, will present a program on his recent trip to Arizona and offer tips from workshops sponsored by "Arizona Highways" magazine. Learn more about taking photos, storing them, manipulating them on the computer, printing them and sharing them online or in person. Whether an amateur, an intermediate or professional photographer, there is something to share and learn. There are no dues and members receive a monthly newsletter, participate in shoots in the area, hang their photos in area exhibits, and photos of a specific topic each month. The show and tell topic is "Why I Like Spring."
FYI: Call (219) 947-1958.
COOKING DEMO | Hobart
Chef Ryan C. Smith will demonstrate delectable recipes at a fun and interactive cooking demonstration from 2 to 2:30 p.m. May 12 at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Drive. Call to register for this free program.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or toll-free (866) 836-3477.
SPORTS INJURIES | Hobart
Anthony Levenda, M.D., orthopedic surgeon, will discuss knee and shoulder sports injuries and the latest treatment options at Sports & Joint Pain: An Athlete's Guide, a program from 6 to 7 p.m. May 12 at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Ave.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or toll-free (866) 836-3477.
CANCER AND NUTRITION | Gary
The Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, 2269 W. 25th Ave., hosts a seminar from noon to 1:30 p.m. May 12. The event will focus on how nutrition and exercise can help prevent cancer. Speakers will discuss osteoperosis and the positive effect nutrition and exercise can play in preventing it. Registration is required, space is limited.
FYI: Call (888) 909-3627.
THURSDAY
SPRING COMMENCEMENT | Gary
Indiana University Northwest will host its 44th Annual Commencement at 4 p.m. May 13 at the Genesis Center, 5th Avenue and Broadway. All degree candidates who wish to participate in commencement must apply to graduate. Caps and gowns are required for all students who participate. Grads should arrive at the Genesis Center at least 90 minutes before the ceremony.
Tickets are not required for family members and friends to attend. Handicapped seating and parking are available.
FYI: Visit www.iun.edu/~alumninw/commencement.shtml.
MUTT, MERLOT & MORE | Merrillville
Humane Society of Northwest Indiana will present Mutts, Merlot and More, a fundraiser for the shelter, from 5 to 8 p.m. May 13 at Service Doctor, 5150 E. U.S. 30. In addition to hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef John Rooney from the Culinary Institute of America, shelter animals will visit, and there will be a basket and 50/50 cash raffle, wine, beer and soft drinks, and live entertainment by keyboardist Keenan Baxter, of Valparaiso. Tickets are $40 and available in advance and at the door. The humane society is also accepting donations online at www.firstgiving.com/millercritters
FYI: Call (219) 938-3339.
CIRCLE OF READERS | Merrillville
Readers are invited to a discussion of "Cross Creek" by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings at 6:15 p.m. May 13 at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. In 1928, the author, a writer, naturalist, and gourmet cook, moved from the Northeast to an isolated area of rural Florida. This memoir is a classic chronicle of American regional history, perfectly capturing that time and place. Register online at www.lcplin.org or by phone.
FYI: Call (219) 769-3541, ext. 340.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS | Hobart
The third annual Northwest Indiana mental health awareness luncheon takes place at 11:30 a.m. May 13 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. U.S. 30. Featured speaker is Brenda Combs, a former homeless crack addict who has become a teacher, performer, motivational speaker and advocate for domestic violence awareness. State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, is the honoree for this year's Mental Health Advocate of the Year and Harris Bank will be awarded the Champion of Mental Health award. Tickets are $35 or $250 for a table of eight.
FYI: Contact Renae Vania-Tomczak at (219) 885-4264, ext. 2604 or e-mail rtomczak@edgewatersystems.org.
