Weekly planner - Post-Tribune

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ADULT EDUCATION

Hunter safety course, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 25, Red Mill County Park, Smith Hall, 0185 S. Holmesville Road, LaPorte, Conservation officers and volunteers conduct classes, all classes must be completed to graduate, 325-8315; 874-5611, Ext. 2223

First-aid class, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Munster Town Hall, ages 16 and older learn how to respond to emergencies and how to administer first aid for sudden illness, bleeding and injuries, $30 per person, 836-7275

AN EVENING OUT

Battle of the Bands, 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Valparaiso University Athletics Recreation Center, 1009 Union St., admission is $5 per person at the door, proceeds to raise funds and awareness of increasing teen drug and alcohol abuse, 464-3583, Ext. 106

Croatian Night Dinner & Dance fundraiser, 5 p.m. Saturday, Highland Elks 981, 3120 -- 45th St., Highland, with music by Star Serenaders, $15 per person, with proceeds to scholarship, veterans programs and more, 922-8253

Annual Heritage Gala, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd., Gary, $35 for adults, $20 for children under age 12, 938-0130, 887-2262

Moonlight Bowling fundraiser, 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Plaza Lanes, 8101 Kennedy Ave., Highland, $25 per ticket includes two games, shoes, pizza, cash bar, prizes, raffles, proceeds to benefit the Highland centennial celebration, 923-3866

Paris Noir, American Jazz in Paris, 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City, Greta Pope performs songs of legendary African-American musicians, including Josephine Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and more, $20 per person, $15 for LCA members,

Free line-dancing lessons, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, The Ranch Dance Hall, 769 Madison St., Crown Point, 776-7053

ARTS & CRAFTS

Basket-weaving class, 9:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Michigan City Public Library, 100 E. 4th St., with Margie Warner, 873-3049

Gold-leaf gilding demonstration, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Hobart Arts League, 3850 Howard St., Hobart, with master sign artist John Sowles, $15 adults, $5 students, bring a sack lunch, 942-3834

All-day scrapbooking, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso, 3401 N. Valparaiso St., $35 per person, sponsored by P.E.O. Chapter ED, R.S.V.P. by Friday Feb. 19, 926-7768

Scrapbook Crop fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 6, First United Methodist Church, 352 S. Main St., Crown Point, $30 per person includes lunch, dinner, gift bags, door prizes and more, proceeds the Avon 2010 Breast Cancer Walk Team, for information, e-mail bethfroedge@sbcglobal.net

Crafters needed, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 13, for the craft and vendor fair at Pathway Christian Schools, 495 s. Indiana Ave., Crown Point, boths are $25 and includes the use a six-foot table, 662-7575

Crafters needed, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 24, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 25, for the 2010 Arts and Craft Show and Vendor Fair, Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, 838-0114

CRITTERS

Low-cost vaccine day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Humane Society of Northwest Indiana, 6100 Melton Road, Gary, $25 includes yearly booster, rabies vaccine with tag, heartworm test for an additional $10, 938-3339

Independent Cat Society Lucky 50/50 Raffle, purchase tickets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays or 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays at the shelter at U.S. 6 and County Line Road, Westville, drawing is Saturday, April 3, tickets are $2 each or three for $5, winners need not be present, proceeds benefit the ICS, 785-4936

Dogwood Run tags available, Lemon Lake Park, 6322 W. 133rd Ave., Crown Point, annual pass is $60 for Lake County residents, $80 for nonresidents, $50 for senior citizen Lake County residents, $65 for senior citizen nonresidents, includes a season parking pass for Lake County parks, the run is open from 7 a.m. to one-half hour before sunset daily, 769-7275

EXHIBITS

"Dreaming Cows," by Betty LaDuke, through Sunday, Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive, part of Heifer International's "Not a Cup But a Cow" project in Cambodia, Ecuador, Peru, Poland, Rwanda, Uganda and Vietnam, 464-5114

"Simple Escapes: The Here and Now" by Liz Mares, through Thursday, Feb. 25, Active Art Salon and Gallery, 9339 Calumet Ave., Munster, 836-2775 or visit www.lizmares.com

Primitive Rug Hooking Exhibit, through Feb. 27, Chesterton Art Center, 115 S. 4th St., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, 926-4711

Black History exhibit, through Feb. 28, Templeton Gallery, East Chicago Public Library, 2401 E. Columbus Drive, with artifacts, books and images prominent in the African-American culture, 397-2453, Ext. 17

Artwork of Irene Evans, through Feb. 28, DeMotte Public Library, 901 Birch St. SW., featuring scenery and portraits in watercolor, acrylic and colored pencil, 987-2221

Hazel Hannell exhibit, through Feb. 28, Chesterton Art Center, 115 S. 4th St., Chesterton, watercolor and oil paintings reflecting the dunes as well as pottery and woodcut prints, 926-4711 or visit www.chestertonart.com

"Photographs by Regional Artists," through May 15 in the Technology Building at Purdue University North Central, 1401 S. U.S. 421, with some pieces available for purchase. Building hours are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. For information, call 785-5268.

"Thomas H. Kapsalis: Artist's House Paintings and Sculpture, 1947-2008," through March 21, Brauer Museum of Art, 1709 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 5 pm. Saturday and Sunday, 465-7926

"The New Moderns: In Search of Form," through April 18, Lubeznik Center, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 5 includes the works of Michael Scott Barratt, Tom Brand, William Conger, Eleanor Himmelfarb, Susan Hodgin, Richard Lange and Delbert Michel, 874-4900

FAMILY FUN

2010 Snow-lympics, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, on lawn with snow, in large meeting room without snow, dress accordingly, no registration or charge, 362-7128

Sams Indiana Travelers Chapter 96, noon Saturday, Flying "J" Cookery Restaurant, 3231 E. 181st Ave., Lowell, 844-8727

Maple tree tapping workshop, 1 p.m. Saturday, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Highway, Hobart, advance registration is required, $5 per family, the workshop takes place inside and outside, 947-1958

Valparaiso Oldtime Dance, 7 p.m. Saturday, YMCA, 1201 Cumberland Drive, Valparaiso, all ages are welcome, $5 per person, $15 per family, free with college student ID, carry in nonmarking, clean-soled shoes, 464-0846

Super Sunday Flea-4-All, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Whiting Community Center, 1938 Clark St., with arts and crafts, city merchants, garage sales and games for kids, bowling for a small fee, 659-0292

Daddy-Daughter Dance, 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, Christian Assembly Church, 7498 Grand Blvd., Hobart, $10 adults; $5 children age 12 and under, dinner will be provided, 947-3668

FOOD

Spaghetti dinner, 4 to 7 p.m. today, Griffith Senior Center, 349 N. Indiana St., $7 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and children, proceeds to support activities at the center, 838-2661

Fish '* More dinner, 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Lent, Descent of the Holy Spirit Orthodox Church, 545 E. 77th Ave., Schererville, fish, shrimp, tilapia, catfish, chicken strips, ethnic dinners, 864-1529

Lenten fish fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, $9 adults; $4 children, 838-4770

K of C Lenten fish fries, 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through March 26, St. Bridget Parish Center, 107 Main St., Hobart, sponsored by the Knights of Columbus St. Thomas Council 1347, 942-2320

Awesome Fish Fry, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Church of the Four Seasons United Methodist, 9100 E. 109th Ave., Winfield, $8.50 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 12, under age 5 eat for free, 663-7803

Lenten Fish Fry fundraiser, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Highland Elks 981, 3120 -- 45th St., all-you-can-eat, $10 per person, 922-8253

NAACP and HOPE pancake breakfast fundraiser, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, HOPE, 222 McClelland Ave., Michigan City, $5 in advance, $6 at the door, under age 5 eat for free, 877-4407

Soup fundraiser, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, 954 State St., Hobart, homemade stuffed cabbage, soups, pumpkin rolls and deserts, 942-5981

Spaghetti dinner, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, American Legion Auxillary Post 279, 6601 Hobart Road, Gary, $6 for adults, $3 for children, proceeds to benefit veterans, community and children's programs, 938-9856

Chili cookoff, 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Lake Dalecarlia Property Owners Association building, 4665 Main St., Lowell, $5 per person or $20 per family, children age 6 and under eat for free

Sarma and chicken dinner, 11 a.m. Sunday, St. Joseph the Worker Church hall, 330 E. 45th Ave., Gary, 942-0095

Soup and salad luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church, 557 W. 57th Ave., Merrillville, $7 for adults, $3 for ages 3 to 12, ages 2 and under eat for free, proceeds to benefit the St. Nicholas Apostolate Fund for the needy, 980-9576

Doll tea at Spring Mill, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 27, Spring Mill Health Campus, 101 W. 87th Ave., Merrillville, with a luncheon, tea and a chance to win the 2010 American Girl Doll of the Year, $20 per person in advance, no tickets at the door, proceeds to benefit Alzheimer's and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 756-0744

GAMES & PRIZES

Texas hold 'em, 5 p.m. registration, 6 p.m. games Saturday, Cedar Lake Eagles, 13140 W. Lake Shore Drive, sponsored by Cedar Lake Volunteer Fire Department, $60 buy-in, 306-3072, 808-2319

Card and bunco fundraiser, 1 p.m. Sunday, American Legion Post 260, 5675 Mulberry Ave., Portage, a buffet luncheon will be served, includes silent auction, $5 donation, 762-5499

Mom's Day Out bunco fundraiser, 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Fraternal Order of Eagles, 13340 Lake Shore Drive, Cedar Lake, $10 per person in advance, $12 at the door, 374-3733

GET MOVING

Belly dancing class, 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. Thursdays through March 18, Wilbur Wright Middle School, 8650 Columbia Ave., Munster, sponsored by Munster Parks and Recreation, $65 for Munster residents, $75 for nonresidents, 836-7275

21st annual Bowl-athon, noon Sunday, Feb. 28, Camelot Bowl, Portage, entry fee is $60 per team, prizes will be awarded for top pledges collected, proceeds go to the Portage Township YMCA Youth Scholarship Fund, call 762-9622

JUST FOR KIDS

Dance, art and theatre classes, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays, Rhythm N' Motion, 4845 Broadway, Gary, for ages 2 and up, 512-0906

Library Arcade, 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, middle-school students play Xbox 360 and Wii games, no cost or registration required, 362-7128

Kids read to dogs, 10:30 a.m. Saturdays, March 13, April 10 and May 8, Winfield Branch of the Crown Point Community Library, 10645 Randolph St.; 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 27, March 20, April 24 and May 22, Crown Point Community Library, 214 S. Court St., children improve literacy skills by reading to certified dogs from the Power Paws Group, no registration, 663-0270

MAKE A DONATION

Love is Sharing food drive, through Friday, Feb. 28, Hobart Family YMCA, 601 W. 40th Place, nonperishable items will be delivered to the Hobart Food Pantry by Friday, March 5, 942-2183

New or gently-used semi-formal and party dresses, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through March 16, Center for Possibilities, 22 Tyler Ave., Hobart, sizes 2 to 26 are needed for adult students to wear to the 50th center's 50th anniversary celebration, sponsored by Cerebral Palsy of NWI, Inc., 962-5751

Shop-with-a-Cop, through Friday, April 30, Porter County FOP Lodge 165 is accepting donations to help buy school supplies and clothing for low-income Porter County families, 477-3045, Ext. 4001

ON STAGE

"The Boys Next Door," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 20, 26, 27; 2 p.m. Feb. 21, 28, LaPorte Little Theatre Club, 218 "A" Street, LaPorte, $10 per person, 362-5113

"Andrews Brothers," 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 20; 2 p.m. Feb. 21, Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Ave., Valparaiso, $20 adults; $17 senior citizens and students, 548-9137

"Ascension Day," 7 p.m. Feb. 26, 27; March 4, 5, 6; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28; March 7, Chicago Street Theatre, 154 W. Chicago St., Valparaiso, $15 adults, $12 senior citizens, students and veterans, 464-1636

"Greater Tuna," 7:30 p.m. Feb. 26, 27, March 4, 5, 6; 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at Center Stage Theatre, 227 Center St., Hobart, $10 adults; $9 senior citizens and students, 947-4922

"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," 8 p.m. Feb. 26, 27, March 5, 6, 11, 12, 13; 2 p.m. Feb. 28, March 7, March 14, Towle Theater, 5205 Hohman Ave., Hammond, $15 per person, 937-8780

"Follies," 8 p.m. Feb. 27, March 5, 6, 12, 13; 3 p.m. Feb. 28; March 7, 14, First United Methodist Church, 6635 Hohman Ave., Hammond, $12 adults; $10 senior citizens and students, (877) 724-7715

Hoosier Star 2010 Vocal Competition auditions, by appointment, March 13 and 14, LaPorte Little Theatre, 218 "A" St., $20 audition fee, registration deadline is March 6, 362-9020 or visit www.LCSO.net

"Dracula," 8 p.m. March 19, 25, 26; 7 p.m. March 20, 21, 27, 28; 11 p.m. March 20, March 27, Portage Yacht Club, 1370 Indiana 249, $15 adults; $12 senior citizens and students, 759-1408

"The Dixie Swim Club," 8 p.m. April 9, 10, 16, 17; 3 p.m. April 18, Beatniks on Conkey, 418 Conkey St., Hammond, $12 per person, (888) 210-7528

OUR VETERANS

Pearl Harbor Survivers Association and Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors, noon Saturday, Michael's Restaurant, 2040 45th St., Highland, no reservations needed, visit www.sdphs.org

TAKE A TRIP

Arie Crown Theatre, Chicago, Thursday, March 4, for a performance of "Madea's Big Happy Family," departing and returning at New Friendship Baptist Church, 1545 Waite St., Gary, $82 per person includes show ticket and transportation, 949-4279

Polonia bus trip to Chicago, Wednesday, March 10, departs 8:45 a.m., returns 5:30 p.m., Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage; 9:15 a.m. pick-up, 5 p.m. return, All Saints Catholic Church, 570 Sibley St., Hammond, $50 per person, reservation deadline is Saturday, Feb. 27, 947-7037, 921-0688

Flower show at Navy Pier, Saturday, March 13, departure and return at Whiting Community Center, $25 per person, registration deadline Monday March 1, 659-0860 or visit www.whitingindiana.com

VOLUNTEER

Help make historical costumes, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays through Feb. 26, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Highway, Hobart, help sew, press, gather and cut, bring a sack lunch and a friend, 947-1958

CLUBS

A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI), Northwest Indiana Chapter, 11 a.m., fourth Saturday each month, McBride Union Hall, 1301 Texas St., Gary, 884-9469

American Association of Retired Persons, noon, second Thursday each month, DuBois Library, 1900 Broadway, Gary, 882-2489

American Legion Auxiliary Hobart Unit 54, 7 p.m. first Tuesday each month, Hobart American Legion Post Home, 208 S. Linda St., 947-2054

American Legion Riders, 7 p.m. third Thursday each month, American Legion Post 17, 3926 Wright St., Gary, 931-6286

Breakfast Kiwanis Club, 7:15 a.m. each Wednesday, Paragon Restaurant, 1701 E. 37th Ave., Hobart, visitors welcome, 791-0216

Business Networking International (BNI), 7 to 8:30 a.m. each Tuesday, Round-the-Clock Restaurant, 1607 S. Calumet Road, Chesterton, reservations recommended, 926-2505

Calumet Astronomical Society, 7:30 p.m. the second Monday each month (except December), Lake Central High School large group instruction room, 8400 Wicker Ave., St. John, 924-7974

Calumet Corner Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, 7 p.m. each Thursday, Christian Fellowship Church, 605 165th St., Hammond, 365-0160

Calumet Region Photo Club, 7 to 9 p.m. second Tuesday each month, Munster Social Center, Community Park, 8751 Lions Club Drive, bring your camera and manual, contact Michael Kobe, 924-7890

Calumet Stamp Club, 7 p.m. each Wednesday, Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Ave., southwest corner, lower level entrance, doors open at 6:30, 662-1296

Card Sharks Bridge Club, 1 to 4 p.m. each Thursday, Tolleston Pavilion, 1709 Ellsworth Place, Gary, visitors welcome

Chess Club for Adults, 6:30 to 11 p.m. each Tuesday, Meijer Cafe, 10138 Indianapolis Blvd., Highland, sets provided, bring chess clocks, 845-1376

Chesterton Writers' Group, 3 to 5 p.m. each Saturday, Books Alive, 205 W. Indiana Ave., Chesterton, 926-4711

Chorus of the Dunes, Barbershop Harmony Society, 7 p.m. each Tuesday, Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Place, Merrillville, 838-6332

County Line Leads Club, 12:15 p.m. each Wednesday, Impressions Cafe, 10859 Randolph St., Winfield, referral-based marketing club, R.S.V.P. to attend, 405-4519

Dive Quest Scuba Club, 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., Valparaiso, visit www.divequestscuba.org

Disabled American Veterans, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Moose Lodge 260, 1200 N. Indiana, Crown Point, 365-8629

Duneland Business and Professionals Network, 7:30 a.m., second Wednesday each month, Miller's Assisted Living, 5911 Lute Road, Portage, educational and networking meetings for business professionals, 764-0628 or visit www.dunelandbpn.com

Duneland chapter of the International Plastic Modelers Society, 7 p.m., first and third Saturdays each month, Porter United Methodist Church, 100 Beam St., Porter, 926-9132 or 928-6868

Duneland Chess Club, 6 to 9 p.m. each Friday, Bertha Wood meeting room, Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., a working knowledge of chess is necessary, for those who have finished middle school through adults, free, 926-7696

Duneland Woodcarvers, 9 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday, Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage, www.dunelandwoodcarvers.com

Duneland Youth Chess Club, 4 to 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Bertha Wood meeting room, Thomas Library, 200 W. Indiana Ave., a working knowledge of chess is necessary, for age 5 through middle school, free, 926-7696

ESO Tri-County Woman's Reading Club, 2 to 4 p.m. first Thursday each month, Regional Federal Credit Union meeting room, 2801 Boilermaker Court, Valparaiso, 476-4148; 462-6023

Fountainview Craft Club, 10 a.m. second and fourth Tuesdays each month, Fountainview Place, 3175 Lancer St., Portage, free, crocheting, knitting and sewing for others, bring four-ply acrylic yarn, 764-9244

Gardening Club, 10 a.m., second Tuesday each month, Lake County Parks greenhouse located east of the Park and Visitor Services facility at 8305 Randolph St., Hobart, 947-1958

Gary Chapter of the NAACP, 6:30 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Ivy Tech State College, Room C200, 1440 E. 35th Ave., Gary, 886-2227

Gary Kiwanis Club, noon, each Tuesday, call Ed Chalko, 938-5577 for location

Gary Post Office Workers Retirees (G'POWR) , 10:30 a.m., third Monday of each month, Gary Public Library, 220 W. 5th Ave., Gary, new members welcome

Great Lake Sound Women's Chorus of Sweet Adelines, International, rehearsals, 7 p.m., each Tuesday, Valparaiso Faith Memorial Lutheran Church, 753 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, for women of all ages, 464-9245, 762-3984

Griffith Swinging Seniors, 1 p.m., first and third Tuesday each month, Griffith Senior Center, 349 N. Indiana St., a social club for persons age 50 and up, 923-5559

Highland Extension Homemakers, 10:30 a.m., second Thursday each month, Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 8727 Delaware St., guests welcome, call Linda Cook, 838-8435

Hispanic Voices of Northwest Indiana, 6 p.m., second Thursday each month, Chela's Authentic Mexican Kitchen, 3325 45th St., Highland, 801-4994

Hobart Coin Club, 2 p.m., third Sunday each month, Spring Lake Izaak Walton, 4700 W. 49th Ave., Hobart, all ages welcome, 781-9533

Hobart Jaycees, 8 p.m., second and fourth Thursday each month, Hobart Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St., Hobart, community organization for young adults ages 21 to 40, visit www.hobartjc.com

Hoosier African Violet Society, 7:30 p.m., third Friday each month, Crown Point Civic Center, 101 East St., 766-3882 or visit www.hoosieravs.com

Illiana Train Club Swap Meets, 6:30 to 8 p.m., second Tuesday each month through April, Arc Bridges, 9600 Kennedy Ave., Highland, table rental $4, admission $3, families welcome, 924-5534

Jam Sessions, 7:30 to 9 p.m., third Friday each month, Unity Church of Christ, 740 River Drive, Hammond, includes prayer, meditation, yoga, art and more in a relaxing environment, for all ages, free-will offerings accepted, 931-5284

James Kimbrough Bar Association, 5:30 p.m., second Monday each month, Office of Attorneys Karen Freeman-Wilson and Inga Lewis-Shannon, 700 Jackson St., Gary, 949-1222

Just for Fun Ukulele Strummers, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., each Wednesday, Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln St., Highland, group of senior guys and gals, 696-8301

Kankakee Valley Garden Club, 7 p.m., first Monday each month (except on a holiday), DeMotte Public Library, 901 Birch St., SW, 956-2387

Kiwanis Club of Gary, noon, each Tuesday, Stadium Cafe, 411 E. 5th Ave., Gary, 794-1259

Knit and Crochet group, 1:30 p.m., Thursdays, First United Methodist Church, 6635 Hohman Ave., Hammond, membership not required, no charge, 932-5915

Knitwits, 7 p.m. third Wednesday each month, Starbucks, 6295 Ameriplex Drive, Portage, bring your own supplies, for ages 16 and up, registration requested, free, contact portageknitwits@gmail.com

Lake County Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Women's Music Fraternity, 7 p.m. fourth Monday each month, September through April, Trinity Memorial Lutheran Church, 7950 Marshall St., Merrillville, 781-9533

Lake County Chapter, Barbershop Harmony Society, 6:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Pierce Middle School, 199 E. 70th Place, Merrillville, 838-6332

Led by Thread, 7 p.m. fourth Tuesday each month, Ridge United Methodist Church, Room 106, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, for anyone who knits, crochets, does needlepoint or cross-stitch, bring your project to the meeting, 838-4770

Life Empowerment Council, 10 a.m. each Wednesday, Reiner Community Center, 510 Union St., Valparaiso, for adults of all ages, 464-9997

Male Empowerment Network Inc. (M.E.N.), 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Gary Public Library second floor, 200 W. 5th Ave., for all fathers, 730-4971

Maple City Word Crafters amateur writers, 6 to 8 p.m. first and third Monday each month, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, free, 362-6156

Marine Corps League, Calumet Detachment, 7:30 p.m., fourth Wednesday of each month, American Legion Post 66, 132 N. Wiggs St., Griffith, 789-2722

Marine Corps League, Howlin Mad Detachment, 7:30 p.m., third Monday of each month, American Legion Post 54, 208 S. Linda St., Hobart, 947-1306

M.A.V. Firesword, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., second and fourth Sunday of each month, Round-the-Clock Restaurant, 217 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, Star Trek club and community service organization, 464-7109, 759-2272 or visit www.mavfiresword.com

Merrillville Breakfast Kiwanis Club, 7 a.m., each Thursday, Sheffield's Restaurant, 1515 E. 82nd Ave., Merrillville, everyone is welcome, Darrell Elser, 791-0216

Merrillville Civitan Club, 12:15 p.m., first and third Thursday each month, Radisson Hotel, 800 E. 81st Ave., Merrillville, 769-2564

MOMS Club of Highland-Griffith-Munster, 10:15 a.m., first Friday each month, Highland Branch Library, 2841 Jewett St., support and fun activities for moms and their children, 923-8218

Mothers and More, Porter County chapter, 7:30 p.m., first and third Tuesdays each month, for mothers who altered their career paths to care for their children, for meeting locations, call 508-2886

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., first and third Tuesdays each month, Bethel Church, 10202 Broadway, Crown Point, for all mothers with children from birth through age 5, children's program provided, 663-9200

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), 6 to 8 p.m., first and third Mondays each month, Unity Church of Christ, 740 River Drive, Hammond, for all mothers with children from birth through kindergarten, child care is provided, 931-5284

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS), 9:15 to 11:30 a.m., second and fourth Tuesdays each month, Lake Hills Baptist Church, 9209 W. 85th Ave., Schererville, for all mothers with children from birth through age 5, 365-4747

Mothers of Twins Club, 7 p.m., second Tuesday of each month, Christ Lutheran Church, 2610 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso

Munster Aglow Lighthouse, 7 p.m., third Tuesday of each month, Community Park Social Center, 8751 Lion Club Drive, Munster, 791-9089

New Friends, 7 to 8:45 p.m., each Thursday, Porte DeL'eau Clubhouse, 2033 Porte DeL'eau, Highland, for divorced, separated and widowed men and women over 40, 836-1206 after 5 p.m.

New Horizon Singles, 8 p.m., meetings second and fourth Tuesday each month, dances each Tuesday, Hobart Elks, 3580 W. 61st Ave., Hobart, 844-1824

Nordikids Musiklubb, 6:30 to 8 p.m. each Monday during the school year, Ridge United Methodist Church, 8607 Columbia Ave., Munster, Scandinavian children's culture and music group for ages four and up, 923-8777

Northwest Indiana Professional Network (NIPN), 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. each Monday, Harre Student Union Alumni Room, Valparaiso University campus, professionals share information and resources that allow them to meet their career objectives, no fee, 464-4861

Northwest Indiana Retirees Club, Inc., 1 p.m., second Thursday each month, VFW Post #9323, 2750 Central Ave., Lake Station, new members welcome, 947-1100

Northwest Indiana Wine Club, 6:30 p.m., third Friday each month, Hobart Elks Club 1152, 3580 W. 61st Ave., Hobart, for anyone interested in wine, 895-0569

Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association, 7 to 10 p.m., fourth Thursday each month except November and December, Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville, 947-5916 or visit www.niwoodworkers.org

Parents Leading Active Youngsters (P.L.A.Y.) , 11 a.m., first Friday each month, fun activities for moms and their children including a monthly Mom's Night Out, call for location of meetings and activities, Sarah Fields, 947-9646

Parents Without Partners Chapter 193, 6:15 p.m., first Thursday each month, LaPorte County Public Library, 904 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, 778-2605

Parents Without Partners Chapter 342, 7 p.m., second and fourth Tuesdays each month, Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., Portage, 942-8606

Portage Junior Garden Club, 4 to 5 p.m., fourth Thursday each month, Boys and Girls Club of Portage, 5895 Evergreen, grades 1 to 6, 762-2025, 763-2273

Portage Lions Club, 6:30 p.m., second Thursday each month, Maria Elena's, 6121 U.S. 20, Portage; noon, fourth Thursday each month, Tate's Place, 3051 Willowcreek Road, Portage, men and women welcome, 763-3376, Ext. 4

Porter County VOICE, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Thursday, Valparaiso YMCA, 55 Chicago St., initiative led by teens against tobacco industry, 462-4185, Ext. 241

Quilting Club, 6 to 8 p.m. each Monday, St. Luke AME Zion Church, 1300 Jackson St., Gary, 949-0176 or 944-1211

Schererville Garden Club, 7 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., 736-0331

Sci-Fi Guys, 7 to 9 p.m., second and fourth Thursdays each month, The Daybreak Center, 2307 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, 465-5528

Senior Pinochle Club, 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, Hammond Civic Center, 5825 S. Sohl Ave., Hammond, membership is required; a Pinochle Tournament is held from 1 to 3 p.m. first Thursday each month at the Hammond Civic Center, membership is not required, 853-6378

Sit '* Knit, 7 p.m. Mondays, Blackbird Cafe, 114 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, bring your knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point projects, 462-9709

Sit '* Knit Too, 7 p.m. Fridays, Evelyn Bay Coffee Company, 3800 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, bring your knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, needle point projects, 462-9709

South Suburban Cage Bird Association, 2 p.m., second Sunday each month, Calvin Reform Church, 2895 Glenwood-Lansing Road, Lansing, Ill., 864-0420; 924-5596 or visit www.sscba.org

String-A-Long Quilt Guild, 7 p.m., second Wednesday each month, Chesterton Library Service Center, 100 Indiana Ave., doors open at 6, visitors are welcome, 462-8550

Toastmasters Club, 6:30 p.m., first and third Wednesday each month, The Conservative Cafe, 201 N. Main St., Crown Point, 775-7788

Toastmasters of Southlake, 7 p.m., second and fourth Monday each month, University of Phoenix, 8401 Ohio St., Merrillville, 218-3877

Town and Country Homemakers, 6:30 p.m., fourth Monday each month, St. John Branch Library, 9450 Wicker Ave., St. John, new members welcome, 322-4352

Tri-Creek Band Boosters, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, Lowell High School, 2051 E. Commercial Ave., 308-8219

Valparaiso chapter, Masters of Harmony, The Barbershop Harmony Society, 7 to 10 p.m. each Monday, Vale Park Enrichment Center at Banta, 605 Beech St., Valparaiso, new members welcome, 477-5576, 662-2388, 926-3711

Valparaiso Jaycees general membership meeting, 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday each month, South Bend Chocolate Company, 57 Franklin St., a civic organization for people between the ages of 18 and 40, 476-1855

Valparaiso Leads Club, 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. every Wednesday, Fifth Third's Community Room Kitchen, 56 Washington St., Valparaiso, open to business owners, professionals, sales people and managers seeking to begin or expand a business, visit www.valpoleads.com ; e-mail info@valpoleads.com ; or call 462-2090

Valparaiso Lions Club, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. first Tuesday each month, Phil B's Restaurant, 908 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso and noon to 1 p.m. third Tuesday each month, Viking Chili Bowl Restaurant, 105 Morthland Drive, Valparaiso, men and women are invited to join, 531-0245 or visit www.valparaisoin.lionwap.org

Valparaiso Toastmasters Club 255, 7 p.m. each Wednesday; first, third and fifth Wednesdays each month at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 150 Silhavy Road, Suite 120; second and fourth Wednesdays at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 E. Jefferson St., 324-3426 or 531-5962

Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, Northern Indiana Chapter XXX, 10 a.m. fourth Saturday each month, Elks Lodge, 416 East U.S. 20, Michigan City, 874-9873

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 717, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John, 365-8224

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 717, Ladies Auxiliary, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 10400 W. 93rd Ave., St. John, 365-8224

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, 7 p.m., third Tuesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Men's Auxiliary, 6 p.m., third Wednesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Ladies Auxiliary, 6 p.m., first Wednesday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1563, Motorcycle Riders Association, 7 p.m., first Thursday each month, 6880 Hendricks St., Merrillville, 769-1563

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2151, Women's Auxiliary, 7 p.m., first Thursday each month, 1650 Maryland St., Gary, 886-1380, 882-6426

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2151, Men's Auxiliary, 6 p.m., fourth Wednesday each month, 1650 Maryland St., Gary, 886-1380, 882-6426

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6841, Women's Auxiliary, 7 p.m., last Tuesday each month, 17401 Morse St., Lowell, 696-8121

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Lake County chapter, 7 p.m., fourth Thursday each month, St. John Township Community Center, 1515 Lincoln Highway, Schererville, 374-7719

Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc., Porter County chapter, 7 p.m., third Thursday each month, American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750N, South Haven, Jim Lynch, 763-9935

Westville Prairie Quilters, from 1 to 3 p.m., first Wednesday each month, Westville Public Library, 155 Main St., visitors and new members welcome, 464-1880, 785-7397

Woodchucks Woodworking Club, 7 p.m. second Monday each month, Portage Public Library, 2665 Irving St., for anyone interested in woodworking, 762-8416

Write-On Hoosiers, Inc., 6:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday each month, Borders Books, Westfield Southlake mall, Hobart, for anyone with a sincere interest in writing and publishing, 663-7307

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