Hammond Reads lauds winners of essay contest
Hammond Reads, Inc., recently recognized the winners of its 15th annual essay contest at a ceremony in Hammond. Winners included Laura Gawron, Malachi Harper, Te’Ron Bryant, Kasiyah Murphy and Evelyn Alamo, all of Lafayette School, and Hailey Wojtaszek and Abigail Wojtaszek, both of St. Casimir School. Educator award went to Christy Markovich of Lincoln School and the adult award went to Mary Hogan of Hammond. Hammond Reads also presented the Face of Literacy Award to Nancy Machnikowski of Hammond, who retired last year from School City of Hammond.
‘X-treme’ 12K run set for Monday
The Memorial Day Trail Run X-Treme 12K is set for Monday at Portage’s Imagination Glen Park’s Outback Trail. A Kids Mile Race begins at 8:15 a.m. and the 12K starts at 9 a.m. on a course that includes hills, log jumps, thigh-high creek crossings, mud and switchbacks over mountain bike trails. Runners will get wet and muddy. Cost is $35 for the 12K and $20 for the kids run. The runs will be followed by a Memorial Day cookout. Proceeds from the event benefit Gabriel’s Horn shelter and the Portage Outback Trail Commission.
Family fishing event set in Hobart
Friends of Robinson Lake and the city of Hobart are hosting the 7th Family Fishing Event from 9 a.m. to noon June 4 at Robinson Lake City Park, 5250 S. Liverpool Road, Hobart. This free event is for children up to age 11 accompanied by parent or guardian. Some fishing rods will be available to borrow, but participants should bring their own if possible. Adults may fish without a fishing license the whole weekend in Indiana.
Sojourner Truth House sets annual fundraiser
The Sojourner Truth House 2016 Walk for STH fundraising walk will take place June 11. More than 500 walkers are expected to participate with the goal of raising $120,000 for the facility. More information and registration are at www.walkforsth.org.
Taltree Arboretum offers Camp Quercus
The 33-acre property of Taltree Arboretum and Gardens is transformed into an outdoor classroom and playground for the organization’s Camp Quercus, taking place June 13 to July 29 at the arboretum, 450 West 1100 North, Valparaiso. Children ages 6 to 14 can participate in each of seven themed one-week camps. Cost is $149 or members and $189 for nonmembers, with discounts available for multi-week and multi-child registrations. Information is at www.taltree.org/programs/summer-camp.
Footloose 5K scheduled in Burns Harbor
The Burns Harbor Park Department presents the 3rd annual Footloose 5K the afternoon of June 25 at Lakeland Park in Burns Harbor. The fundraising event starts at 3:30 p.m. with sign-up, packet pickup and family-friendly activities. At 5 p.m. food and refreshments from area vendors and the Burns Harbor Fire Department will be available. A 1K kids fun run is at 5:15 p.m. and the Footloose walk/run is at 6 p.m. The event also includes live music performances, family party tent and a fireworks show. Admission is free. Fee for the 5K is $25 or $30 with a shirt. Kids fun run is free or $10 with a shirt. Information is at facebook.com/footloose5k or 219-787-8126.
—Staff report
