TODAY

GIVING THANKS | Munster

Give thanks at a Sunday night supper at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 15 in South Hall at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 8955 Columbia Ave. Enter through south doors. Fun, food, friends and entertainment. Call by Nov. 13 for a free ticket - seating is limited to 100.

FYI: Call (219) 838-3131.

HOMEMAKERS | Munster

The Munster Extension Homemakers meet at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the Munster Public Library, 8701 Calumet Ave. Participants are asked to bring a dish for the potluck luncheon. Christmas party plans will be discussed. Members will decorate socks to be delivered with Meals on Wheels near Christmas.

FYI: (219) 836-9775.

VENDORS WANTED | HAMMOND

Artists, crafters and direct sales vendors are needed for the second annual A Christmas Story event to be held from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nov. 21, hosted by the Downtown Hammond Council, in partnership with the city of Hammond. The indoor/outdoor holiday festival features showings of the movie, Ralphie and his brother Randy look-a-like contest, Santa and his elves, horse drawn carriage rides, children's games and arts activities, and much more. Interested vendors should send an e-mail to eltacoreal.karen@sbcglobal.net.

FYI: (219) 512-4298.

SPAGHETTI DINNER | Munster

St. Paul Episcopal Church hosts a spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at 1101 Park Drive.  Proceeds from this event will benefit Thanksgiving baskets for selected families in the community. Tickets for adults are $7.50; children 12 and under are $5.00. 

FYI: (219) 838-3803.

SPAGHETTI & SALAD | Griffith

An all-you-can-eat spaghetti and salad bar dinner will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 13 at American Legion Post 66, 132 N. Wright St. Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children. Desserts will be available for purchase from the auxiliary. Carryouts available. Proceeds are used for veterans and community projects.

FYI: Call (219) 924-1415.

PROJECT COMPLETED | Highland

Calvary Baptist Church, 9516 Kennedy Ave., will no longer be accepting donations of used or new greeting cards, including Christmas cards. The yearlong project for the troops is now over. Those who made contributions and the volunteers are appreciated.

FYI: Call Laura Jercha at (219) 838-1315.

SATURDAY

COAT GIVEAWAY | Gary

Coats and other winter accessories will be given away to those in need from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 at Trinity United Church of Christ, 1276 W. 20th Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 944-0500.

PIANO CONCERT | Griffith

A relaxing evening of piano music composed and performed by David Zych, organist at the First United Methodist Church of Griffith, will be performed at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the church sanctuary, 400 44th Place and Cline Avenue. There will be a free will offering.

FYI: Call (219) 838-6900.

USO5 BENEFIT | Hammond

USO5, an evening of entertainment, food and fun, will be held beginning at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at First United Methodist Church, 6635 Hohman Ave. Entertainment will be provided by Lake Hills Baptist Church of Schererville, Donna Brum Dance School in Schererville, Remember When? men's vocal quartet and the Sweet Adelines Calumet Corner. Refreshments will include doughnuts, finger food, coffee and soft drinks. Tickets are $10 in advance and at the door. Proceeds will be used to rehabilitate hospitalized service men and women, including materials to teach them a trade to provide them with an income.

FYI: Call (219) 932-5915.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR | St. John

A holiday bazaar and craft show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov.14 at Kolling Elementary School. 8801 U.S. 41. Admission is $1, but children 12 and younger attend free. Bring Christmas gift lists to shop with 100 participating crafters and businesses. Sponsored by the Kolling PTO, a bake sale and concessions will be available. Santa’s workshop items and a spray tattoo artist will entertain children.     

FYI: Contact Sue Zerante at (219) 365-7224 or szerante@sbcglobal.net.

USMC BIRTHDAY BASH | Dyer

A Marine Corps birthday bash will be hosted by Dyer VFW Post 6448 at 8 p.m. Nov. 14 at the post home, 2125 Gettler St. Celebrate the Marine Corps' 234th birthday with fellow Marines, family and friends. Door prizes, raffles, music and a cake-cutting ceremony honoring the youngest and oldest Marines in attendance.

FYI: Call the post at (219) 865-9730, Dan Miller at (219) 629-2330 or Jerry Patrick at (219) 308-6978.

SUNDAY

COMMUNITY BENEFIT | Gary

The Miller Business Association is holding its annual benefit for the community fund at the Miller Bakery Cafe from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 15.  There will be food and wine, a silent auction and a vacation raffle for a one- week stay at a condo in Cancun with air fare. Tickets are $35 with reservation or $40 at the door. Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $25 and may be purchased at the benefit or in advance at Lake Street Gallery or Miller Curves.  Auction items are welcome and may be dropped off at the Gallery, Curves or B&D Beach Mart.

FYI: (219) 938-4566.

AFTERNOON BINGO | Griffith

American Legion Post 66 Auxiliary hosts bingo Nov. 15 at 132 N. Wiggs St. Early birds at 1:30 p.m. and regular bingo at 2. Bring chips and daubers. Free coffee, with other refreshments available for purchase.

FYI: Call (219) 924-1415.

TUESDAY

GANG AWARENESS | Lake Station

Parents and the community are invited to a gang awareness meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Edison Jr.-Sr. High School's auditorium, 3304 Parkside Ave.

MOMS CLUB | Munster

The MOMS Club of Munster hosts an open house from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 17 at the Munster Public Library, 8701 Calumet Ave. The MOMS Club is a support and social group for full-time and part-time stay-at-home moms from the area. The open house will provide prospective members with information about the chapter. Children are welcome to attend.

FYI: Kim Karras (219) 836-2589 or e-mail momsclubmunster@gmail.com.

 

WEDNESDAY

HOME BUYER SEMINAR | Gary

Fifth Third Bank is offering a home buyer seminar at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at its Junedale location, 5100 Broadway.

Homebuyers can ask mortgage professionals questions regarding financing, credit and qualifying guidelines.

They will also be able to inquire about other bank products. The seminar lasts about an hour. To register for the seminar phone (219) 660-4696.

THURSDAY

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS | Hammond

State Sen. Frank Mrvan is scheduled to speak at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the meeting of the League of Women Voters of the Calumet Area. The topic is how to apply for stimulus funds. The meeting takes place at Woodmar United Methodist Church, 7320 Northcote Ave.

NOV. 20

FUNDRAISER | Griffith

The Griffith Public Schools Educational Foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary with a silent auction and wine tasting fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Nov. 20 at St. Mary Hildebrandt Hal, 525 N. Lafayette St. Tickets are $20 and are available at the administration center, 201 N. Griffith Blvd., or the various school offices.

FYI: (219) 924-4250.

TURKEY BOWL | Crown Point

Join Crossroads Club for a little light-hearted, holiday stress-busting fun and take a gander at bowling a strike with a frozen bird. Enjoy light refreshments and enter a Thanksgiving drawing for grocery gift certificates. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 20 at First Financial Bank's Summit Crossings office, 936 N. Main St.

SPAGHETTI DINNER | East Chicago

The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary of Allied Post 369 is having an all-you-can-eat spaghetti fest from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Post home, 1401 W. Chicago Ave., which is next to Bishop Noll Institute. There will also be a silent auction and bake sale. The cost is $6 per person. Donations accepted.

FYI: (219) 398-1802.

SHOPPING TRIP | Crown Point

Silver Bell Club Lodge 2365 PNA will sponsor its first Christkindlmarket shopping trip to Chicago by bus on Dec. 9. Leave at 8 a.m. from the Gary Sportsman's Club, 10101 Madison St., and return at 5 p.m. Cost is $20 and reservations are due by Nov. 20. Mail checks to: Silver Bell Club, P.O. Box 162, Hobart, IN 46342 or call.

FYI: Call Phyllis at (219) 762-9188 or Laurie at (219) 947-1411.

NOV. 21

BENEFIT EVENT | Lake Station

A benefit honoring Zeda Pingel will be held from 5 to 11 p.m. Nov. 21 at American Legion Post 100, 1899 Central Ave. There will be dinner, music, a silent auction and plenty of children's activities. A Web site has been created to allow family and friends to be kept current with Zeda's progress and send well wishes; carepages.com/zedapingel. A year ago Zeda Pingel was a very healthy young lady and a straight-A student. On Nov. 5, 2008, her entire life was altered when she had a serious negative reaction to Gardasil, a new vaccine for young women used for the prevention of HPV virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

FYI: E-mail zedapingelbenefit@yahoo.com.

HOLIDAY BAZAAR | Highland

Fair Haven Center for Women hosts a Hope for the Holiday bazaar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21 at Wicker Park, Ridge Road and Indianapolis Boulevard. The event features more than 30 vendors, choirs and numerous raffles, including gift baskets. A bake sale, walking tacos, coffee and drinks will be available. A lunch from Round the Clock Restaurant is included with a pre-purchased ticket of $10. Price also includes entrance and three raffle tickets. One raffle ticket for each old cell phone donated.

FYI: (219) 961-4357.

DIABETIC EDUCATION | Gary

The second annual Too Sweet for Your Own Good diabetes patient education conference begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 21 at the Genesis Convention Center, 1 Genesis Center Plaza. The conference will feature a panel of region physicians, workshops in both English and Spanish led by clinicians and educators, and vendors and community organizations with information on treatment and care. Admission and lunch are free. Registration is required.

FYI: (888) 836-3477.

   

OPEN HOUSE | Highland

Indiana Harbor Masonic Lodge No. 686 sponsors a free open house from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 21 at 2234 Martha St. All interested parties wanting information about Free Masonry are welcomed. Refreshments will be served.

HOLIDAY PARADE | East Chicago

The city offers its fifth annual holiday parade at noon Nov. 21. The parade route is from Grand Boulevard to Broadway to Main Street to Columbus Drive to Parrish Avenue to Washington Park. The parade is followed by the lighting of the trees at the park and the event concludes with the celebration of lights at the Greenhouse, 1615 E. 142nd St.

FYI: (219) 391-8476 or www.eastchicago.com.

HOLIDAY SALE | Hammond

A holiday bake sale and boutiques will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 7021 Hohman Ave.  Baked goods will include baklava, nut rolls, strudels, loukoumades, spanakopita and more. Chili and hot dogs will also be available. 

FYI: Call (219)  932-7347.

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE | Hobart

First Unitarian Church of Hobart, 497 N. Main St., will hold it's annual holiday boutique from 9 to 4 p.m. Nov. 21. Entrance and parking in rear. Bring a friend and browse the large variety of creative holiday gift items offered by crafters and vendors. Homemade baked items and hot coffee, tea, and cider. Hourly raffle (need not be present to win).

FYI: Call (219) 942-1611.