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) 662-5295.
* Address: 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307.
* Questions? Call (219) 662-5340.
TODAY
WRITERS CLUB | Hobart
Writers Expressions, a literary club, welcomes new or experienced writers 18 and older, and meets at 6:30 p.m. April 22 and every other Thursday at Borders Booksellers in Westfield Southlake Mall on U.S. 30. Writers are encouraged to bring poems, short stories, novels, and other creations to share with others. Critiques are offered. FYI: Call Walt at (219) 662-8330.
GAME DAY | Schneider
Youngsters can play board and video games with friends at 3:45 p.m. today at the Lowell Public Library's Schneider branch, 24004 Parrish Ave.
FYI: Call (219) 552-1000.
"GREASE" OPENS | Munster
The Performing Arts Department of Munster High School will present the 1950's rock n’ roll musical "Grease" at 7 p.m. today and April 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. April 25 in the Munster High School auditorium, 8808 Columbia Ave. Tickets are $7 at the door (senior and student tickets $5). Tickets are available at the Auditorium Box Office on performance nights and in advance by phone or e-mail.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3200, ext. 3245 or e-mail apkinser@munaud.org.
BLADDER ISSUES | Munster
Dr. Gregory Bales, a specialist in female urology, will lead a discussion on Managing Female Bladder Issues from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd. Call to register for this free program.
FYI: Call (219) 836-3477 or toll-free (866) 836-3477.
FRIDAY
SENIOR HAPPENINGS | Lowell
Lowell Parks and Recreation Department and Lowell Public Library cosponsor free monthly events for senior citizens at the library 1505 E. Commercial Ave. Two events are planned in April. Enjoy the smooth sound of the Lowell High School Jazz Band at 11:30 a.m. April 23, and listen to the sweet sounds of the Lowell Middle School choir at 11:30 a.m. April 29. RSVP for all programs.
FYI: Call (219) 696-1570.
FISH FRY | Crown Point
Fred Schmidt American Legion Auxiliary Unit 20 will host a monthly fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. April 23 at the post home, 1401 N. Main St. Menu includes fish, French fries or baked potato, cole slaw and roll and butter with coffee or tea. Cost is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and veterans, while children's portions are $3. A bake sale will also be available. Proceeds will be used for scholarships, veteran and community projects.
FYI: Call (219) 663-9788.
PREVIEW NIGHT | Crown Point
Team Scheub invites the public to the Illiana Garden & Pond Society's Waterscape Weekend Preview Night from 6 to 9 p.m. April 23 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. Team Scheub is hosting the event as its Relay for Life fundraiser. Tickets are $20.
FYI: Contact Claudia Carlson at (219) 661-3071, by mail at 8134 Peterson Blvd., Cedar Lake, IN 46303 or by e-mail at lcfgso@yahoo.com.
GRAND OPENING | Crown Point
Crown Point Christian School will host a grand opening April 23 and 24 at its Second Life Resale Shoppe, 1510 N. Main St. Formal festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. April 23 with opening remarks from dignitaries and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The store will open at 9. Opening remarks, a ribbon cutting and music by the Crown Point Christian School concert band will be held at 8:45 a.m. April 24. Face painting and balloons will be available for children.
FYI: Call (219) 663-5266 or visit www.secondliferesale.com.
SCHOOL MUSICAL | Hammond
Morton High School presents the musical "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" at 7 p.m. April 23 and 24 and 2 p.m. April 25 at the school, 6915 Grand Ave. The show is a comic tale of overachievers' angst, chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for an important spelling championship. At each show, four audience volunteers are asked to join the other spellers onstage; no spelling experience is necessary. Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults at the door.
FYI: Call (219) 989-7316.
"GODSPELL" ON STAGE | Chicago Heights
The stage is set in Monsignor Croarkin Auditorium for the spring musical production of "Godspell" at Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Ave. Lively, colorful, and lyrical, the cast offers the 1970’s-era hit with some new millennium updates. Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 23 and 24, and 2 p.m. April 25. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and can be reserved by phone or purchased at the door.
FYI: Call (708) 756-9418.
SATURDAY
LITERARY TEA | Merrillville
Lake County Public Library Foundation will host its 10th Annual Literary Tea at 1 p.m. April 24 at the Central Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. "Tea in Wonderland" includes a full afternoon of tea with appetizers, finger sandwiches, desserts and a full compliment of teas for $18 per person. In addition there will be a raffle filled with an assortment of unique and lovely prizes. This year’s entertainment will be presented by The Times columnist Phil Potempa and his rare collection of "Alice in Wonderland" items.
FYI: Call the library at (219) 769-3541, ext. 315, for tickets.
CROP FOR THE CURE | Crown Point
Crop for the Cure, a scrapbook crop event, will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 24 at Hillside Community Church, 5201 W. 109th Ave. A fundraiser to sponsor Team Trendsetter in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, he cost is $30 and includes lunch, dinner and snacks. Space is limited.
FYI: Call Katrina Sites at (219) 663-2055.
REBUILDING TOGETHER FAIR | Cedar Lake
In honor of National Rebuilding Together Day, Rebuilding Together of South Lake County is sponsoring an Information and Application Fair from 10 a.m. to noon April 24 at the Cedar Lake Town Hall, 7408 Constitution Ave. The Town of Cedar Lake has been chosen as the host community for this year’s Build Day for Rebuilding Together of South Lake County, and on Sept. 18, hundreds of volunteers will spend the day rehabbing the homes of senior citizens, people with disabilities, military veterans and low-income families. Homeowners in Cedar Lake are invited to attend the fair to learn more about this year’s Build Day. Applications for the homeowners will be available. Also, information for interested volunteers and donors will be available. Several local businesses and agencies will be at the fair to share information on making homes more energy efficient, including NIPSCO Home Energy Efficiency program, Energy Assistance and Education Program, and the Weatherization Program.
FYI: Call Margot Sabato at (219) 663-0627.
LIVING WITH LUPUS | Hobart
A Living with Lupus symposium will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 24 at Avalon Manor, 3550 E. U.S. 30. The program is designed for people with lupus, their friends and families and area health care providers. Sara Gorman, author of "Despite Lupus: How to Live Well with a Chronic Illness," is a featured presenter. Dr. Heather Gillespie, rheumatologist will present an update on research and treatment, and Dr. Tim Taber will present "Kidney Disease and Transplantation." Dr. Janice Zunich, director of Genetics Center at the Indiana University School of Medicine Northwest will present "Pregnancy and Lupus" and Karen Fontaine will discuss the value of alternative methods in dealing with chronic disease. Tanaz Bamboat will present "Laughter Yoga: A Unique Way to Manage Stress." Fee for LFA members is $15, and $20 for nonmembers, and includes a continental breakfast; Lunch with the Experts, with attendees seated at a table with a physician, nurse practitioner or other expert; and a tote bag filled with symposium handouts. The cost is $5 to bring a family member or friend. Nursing and social work students may register for $10. Scholarships are available for lupus patients unable to pay. The registration form is available at www.lupusindiana.org or by phone.
FYI: Call (800) 948-8806.
SPRING SPA DAY | Merrillville
Spring Spa Day, an event made possible through the efforts of the Methodist Hospitals Oncology Department and a grant through the Pink Ribbon Society, provides breast cancer patients and survivors an opportunity to be educated and pampered. This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to noon April 24 at Methodist Hospitals Center for Advanced Clinical Studies, 200 E. 89th Ave. This year’s event will feature skin care consultations, bone density screenings, chair massages and a seminar by Dr. Jeffery Flagg, DDS, MD, a board certified plastic surgeon.
CACS will also host the Lilly Oncology on Canvas, an art exhibition honoring the journeys traveled by millions of people affected by cancer worldwide, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 24, with approximately 30 pieces of art on display. The art exhibit is open to the general public. Breast cancer survivors can call to register.
FYI: Call (888) 909-3627.
VENDORS NEEDED | Hobart
First Church, 939 S. Wisconsin St. is looking for vendors and crafters for a craft, bazaar and collectible show, set for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 24.
FYI: Call (219) 942-3651 or info@hobartfirst.com.
CARIBBEAN DINNER | Munster
The Salvation Army World Services Mission Fund will host its annual Caribbean Dinner from 6 to 8 p.m. April 24 at The Salvation Army, 8225 Columbia Ave. Menu includes jerk chicken, rice & beans, green beans, plantains, dessert and a beverage at a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children 10 and younger. Reservations accepted.
FYI: Call (219) 838-0380.
SPRING FLING | Hammond
Purdue University Calumet hosts its annual Spring Fling 5K Ramp Run/Walk at 9 a.m. April 24.
The distinctive 5K route on campus and through the campus neighborhood includes a trek up and back down PUC’s four-level parking garage. Participants may register in advance online at www.pucraces.com or at 7:30 a.m. race day at the Student Union & Library, one-third mile north of Interstate 80/94 to 173rd Street, three blocks east of U.S. 41 to the traffic light and north. Fee is $22 with a running shirt and $17 without a shirt. Race proceeds support the Jennie Hamilton Scholarship Fund for fitness management and nursing students.
FYI: Call (219) 989-2175 or (800) HI-PURDUE, ext. 2175.
RE STORE SALE | Gary
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana will hold its Fifth Anniversary ReStore Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 24 at 6114 W. Ridge Road. Customers will receive 25 percent off sinks, counter tops and doors, in addition to already low prices. Hot dog, chips and pop will cost $1. Door prizes will be awarded every half hour. The Hobart Humane Society will have puppies and dogs to adopt, and visitors can spin the wheel and win prizes from Abuelos Mexican Restaurant. Bidding for silent auction items continues at the ReStore until 4 p.m. April 24. Auction items include White Sox tickets, autographed Mike Fontenot photo, Deep River Waterpark tickets, Wise Cracker Comedy Club tickets, a ladies’ watch, Starbucks gift basket, Vera Bradley purse and gift certificates donated by local retailers.
FYI: Call (219) 923-7265.
YOUNG EAGLE FLIGHTS | Valparaiso
Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagle Flights, introducing youth to aviation, will be offered free to youth 8 to 17 from 8 a.m. to noon April 24 (rain date April 25) at the Porter County Municipal Airport, 4207 Murvihill Road. Sponsored By Northwest Indiana EAA Chapter 104, youths must register from 8 to 10 a.m. in the EAA Chapter 104 Room and a parent or guardian must sign the consent form. Visit www.eaa104.org.
FYI: Call (219) 669-0253 or (219) 462-1095.
PARENTING PANEL | Gary
Indiana Parenting Institute will host a lively and informative discussion, "Advancing the Well-being of Hoosier Families," from 12:15 to 2:45 p.m. April 24 in Conference Room 103 at Ivy Tech Community College Northwest, 1440 E. 35th Ave. A panel of experts in the field of family and relationships, including Dr. Lorraine C. Blackman, associate professor, researcher, and family-life education author with the Indiana University School of Social Work in Indianapolis; Dr. Vernon G. Smith, educator, Indiana State Representative, and chairman of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males; Judge Deidre Monroe, city of Gary civil and criminal court judge; and Michael Green, founder and president of MENS, Inc.; will answer questions and address concerns. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Visit www.indianaparentinginstitute.org.
FYI: Call (219) 886-1111 or e-mail indianaparentinginstitute@comcast.net.
ONGOING
TEACH TO SAVE | Lake, Porter counties
American Bankers Association has designated April 27 as National Teach Children to Save Day, a national campaign that raises awareness and teaches lessons in financial literacy. Representatives from Centier Bank will visit numerous fourth- through sixth-grade classrooms throughout April and May to provide students with lessons towards a positive financial future. In an effort to reach as many students as possible, Centier will offer presentations in areas where the bank has a presence throughout April and May. Centier representatives will teach children about checking, savings and interest, and give students an opportunity to apply concepts and practices through hands-on activities. Centier partners with teachers to ensure all presentations enhance the classroom curriculum and benefit students.
FYI: Contact Victoria Bukowski at (219) 755-6120, ext. 1815 or vbukowsk@centier.com to schedule a presentation.
PHOTO CONTEST | Lowell
Deadline for the seventh annual Amateur Photography Contest sponsored by the Lowell Parks and Recreation Department is April 30. Age divisions are grade school, middle school, high school and adult, and categories, both black-and-white and color, are nature scene, wildlife, pets, people, still life, sports, architecture and historical, open and artistically enhanced, a new category. Photos must have been taken April, 2008 through April, 2010, except for the historical category. One entry per category per photographer, and no matting or frames are permitted. An open house for public viewing of the entries and presentation of first- through fourth-place ribbons and participation certificates will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. May 7 at the Lowell Town Hall, 501 E. Main St. Rules for submission are available from the park office.
FYI: Call (219) 696-1570.
