The last month of summer is upon us, and it is filled with things to do, so get out your calendar and mark the dates that interest you.
United we stand, and that’s exactly what the United Way Day of Caring is. On Aug. 12, hundreds and hundreds of volunteers in Porter and Lake counties will be helping many nonprofit agencies and schools fulfill much needed projects. Whether it’s landscaping, painting, cleaning, building, shoveling dirt, hosting a picnic or cookout with shut-ins or collecting needed items such as toys, pet food, or personal care items at your workplace, this is a project everyone can help with in some small (or big) way.
Grab your group, friends, coworkers, family or club and make an impact on your community. You’ll even get a free T-shirt to wear proudly so others will want to be like you next year. There also will be a kickoff breakfast at 8 a.m. Aug. 12 at the Urschel Pavilion, 68 Lafayette St. in Valparaiso. In Lake County, the 8 a.m. breakfast will be served at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, and that’s when you will receive your shirt. Please go to www.nwivolunteer.org to sign up, and enjoy your day!
For those of you who love riding bikes, Sunday is the last day to take advantage of the $30 early bird registration for Lorie’s Lakeside Century, a bike ride for avid riders which is dedicated to the memory of Lorie Kirkley, an avid rider and nurse who was violently killed in 1999. The proceeds from the Sept. 17 ride support VNA Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and VNA Phoenix Center and grief support for children all in her honor. Riders can choose to ride 26, 39 ,62 , 75, 100 miles on the lovely coast and countryside around Lake Michigan. There is no registration fee, plus a free T-shirt for anyone who collects pledges of $100 or more. Children 12 and under ride free with an adult rider. The start and finish of the ride begins and ends at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton.
Registration is from 7 a.m. to noon, depending on the mileage chosen by the riders. Cycling shirts are available for $65, long-sleeved wicking t-shirts are from $18-$25, and youth short-sleeved t-shirts are available for $12, all of which must be ordered when registering. Helmets are required for all riders. There is great food from start to finish of the rides, beginning with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast which includes sausage, juice, milk, and coffee for only $6. To register, please go to www.lorieslakesidecentury.org, llcvnaportercounty.org, or call 219-531-8049.
If motorcycle riding is more your pleasure, Texas Roadhouse, 6130 U.S. 6, Portage, is the place to be Aug. 7, when the Headlock for Hunger 3 Charity Ride will zoom off, thanks to Douglas Giltrap, who last year was named Portage’s Humanitarian of the Year for his caring efforts. This year he is hoping to fill the Portage Food Pantry shelves to overflowing. Registration is at 9 a.m. with the ride beginning at 10 a.m. Cost is $20 for a single rider, and $25 for doubles.
And that’s not all. At 4 p.m., live wrestling will be presented with a cost of $5 per spectator, plus there will be several prizes for riders. There will also be fun and games for kids, and of course food and drink available. Doug, you are my pet person of the week for filling the pantries of those in need.
There’s a start for your August calendar, and don’t forget to come and eat all the sweet corn you want from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 5 at the plaza in Valpo. And I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.
