Hub City hosts storytelling and tour of lights

City of Crown Point iscombining two holiday events this year. The Tour of Lights and Polar Express storytelling will take place at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16.

Participants are invited to listen to storyteller Cindy Horgash tell the story of "The Polar Express." After the story, everyone is invited to board awaiting transportation and take a Tour of Lights through the city.

Reservations for the storytelling and tour are required, and thosewho register will be told where to meet. Contact Laura Peterson at lpeterson@crownpoint.in.gov or (219) 662-3290.

The Mayor's Office of Special Events is also accepting entries from Crown Point residents who would like to submit their homes for the 2011 Tour of Lights. Submit your home by Friday to Peterson.

Solar celebration

Taltree Arboretum and Gardens, 71 N. 500 West, Valparaiso, hosts a sun-powered light display now through Dec. 31. Visitors can drive through and see the holiday lights from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

On Saturday and again Dec. 18, children can visit with Santa, listen to stories and complete a craft project from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Railway Garden Depot. Cost is $5 per person; children 12 and younger attend free. Receive a discount coupon for the Taltree Store with each paid admission.

Baubles, bags & bubbly

Register for the Baubles, Bags & Bubbly fundraiser for Opportunity Enterprises, set for 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday at the Valparaiso Country Club, 2401 Country Club Road, Valparaiso.

Tickets for this "ladies night out" are $35 and include one glass of champagne, hors d' oeuvres, music, a 50/50 raffle, a TV raffle, door prizes, and a silent auction featuring jewelry and handbags.

In addition, Albert's Diamond Jewelers from Schererville will display a selection of jewelry for guests to touch and admire.

Reservations are requested and space is limited. Guests are asked to register online at www.oppent.org. For more information, contact Chris Schneidt at (219) 464-9621, ext. 233.

Casinos support United Way

Lake County's three lakefront casinos have found a creative, fun way to challenge each other and boost donations to Lake Area United Way's 2011-12 Campaign. At stake in the competition is dinner, a car wash and Casino of the Year honors.

The participating casinos are Ameristar Casino, East Chicago; Horseshoe Casino, Hammond; and Majestic Star Casino at Buffington Harbor in Gary. The team that wins United Way's Casino of the Year traveling trophy will have the largest combined number based on two factors - percentage increase of dollars raised over the previous year and special event contributions and the percentage increase in participation of employees.

To up the ante, the winning team will have dinner served by the other casino teams and the winning general manager will get their car washed by the non-winners.

Sue Reed is executive director of Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce. Reach her at (219) 769-8180 or geninq@crossroadschamber.org. Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.