Monday
Veterans Day program
The second annual Overcoming Adversity Together-A Community Conversation will be from 8 to 10 a.m. Nov. 7 in the Grand Ballroom at Valparaiso University’s Harre Union, 1509 Chapel Drive. The free community-wide program seeks to develop strategies and a network of resources to aid veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Edward Tick, Ph.D, will be the keynote speaker. Reservations at www.porterstarke.org/veterans or 219-465-9966.
Christmas around the world exhibit
The East Chicago Public Library is gearing up for its annual holiday display of cultures that compose the city, and members of the community are invited to help. Individuals and organizations are welcome to supply and decorate a Christmas tree. Past exhibits have included small trees featuring ornaments traditionally found in Mexico, Poland, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, Hungary and Africa. Call 219-397-2453, ext. 33, by Nov. 7 to participate.
Hospital offers community programs
The hospitals of Community Healthcare System have announced its schedule of upcoming free educational and support programs. Taking Care of Baby from 6-8:45 p.m. Monday at the Community Hospital Outpatient Centre, 9660 Wicker Ave., St. John, will cover basic baby care. Register at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. TLC: The Lactation Clinic: A breastfeeding support group and drop-in clinic from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster. New moms are invited for a lactation consultation or a baby weight check. Information is at 219-836-4574. Beat the Holiday Blues: An informative session on coping with stress and depression during the holidays from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 9 at St. Mary Medical Center, 1500 S. Lake Park Road, Hobart. Register at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Healthy Legs Live Longer from 6-7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster. Cardiologist Dr. David Stewart will discuss Peripheral Arterial Disease. register at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. Information is at www.combs.org.
Tuesday
Family life workshop
The Family and Youth Services Bureau presents a Family Life Series workshop, What’s Up in a Teen’s World: What Parents Need to Know, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8 at the FYSB office, 253 W. Lincolnway, Valparaiso. The workshop is designed to provide information for parents, educators and social service professionals about the issues confronted by, and affecting teens. The workshop will be led by Dan Rau and Jessica White, both licensed social workers and counselors on the clinical team at the FYSB. RSVP at 219-464-9585 or kunderwood@fysb.org. More information at www.fysb.org.
Ham radio license class
W9LJ-Lake County Amateur Radio Club is sponsoring a free Ham Radio License class for five consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. beginning Nov. 8 at Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. 81 Ave., Merrillville. More information is with Tim McGillen at 219-769-0673 or tim2020@sbcglobl.net.
Holiday food gift programs
The Porter County Extension Service will present a Fabulous Food Gifts class at three different locations and times: 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Hebron Library, 201 W. Sigler St.; 12:30 p.m. Thursday at Hageman Library, 100 Francis St., Chesterton; and 10 a.m. Nov. 15 at Portage Library, 2665 Irving St.. Annetta Jones, Health and Human Sciences educator with Porter County Extension Service, will impart tips and recipes for making simple and low-cost food gifts. The programs are free. Registration and information is at 219-465-3555.
Neuroscience support groups
The Neuroscience Institute at Methodist Hospitals has announced its schedule of support groups and classes. Free Parkinson’s Dance Class from 10 to 11:30 a.m. every Tuesday at Southlake Campus, Pavilion D, 303 E. 89th Ave., Merrillville. Information is at 219-237-2342. Parkinson’s Support Group from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Southlake Campus, Pavilion B, Conference Room. Information is with Andrea at 219-663-5953. Free Parkinson’s Yoga Class from 9 to 10 a.m. every Thursday at Southlake Campus, Pavilion D. Information is at 219-237-2342. Stroke Support Group from 6 to 8 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month at Southlake Campus, Pavilion B, Conference Room. Register at 219-757-7440. MS Support Group for friends and family of people with multiple sclerosis meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the third Friday of every month at Southlake Campus, Pavilion B, Conference Room, 200 E. 89th Ave., Merrillville. Register at 219-738-4926.
Wednesday
Health insurance information sessions
The hospitals of Community Healthcare System will host Navigating the Marketplace, free information sessions to help community members explore options and choose a health insurance plan to fit their needs and budget. The sessions will be from 5-6 p.m. on the following dates: Nov. 9, Lake Station Public Library, 2007 Central Ave., Lake Station; and Nov. 16, Portage Public Library, 2670 Lois St., Portage. Licensed certified Indiana Navigators will be on hand to answer questions and schedule appointments to assist with the application process. Open enrollment is from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31, 2017. More information is at 219-836-3477, 866-836-3477 or www.comhs.org/health-insurance-marketplace.asp.
Nature Tots at National Lakeshore
Parents and their toddlers are invited to participate in the Nature Tots program from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 9 at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Douglas Center for Environmental Education, 100 N. Lake St., Gary. Led by a park ranger, the program is for children ages 2-4. There will be crafts, nature stories, a ranger-led hike and time in the adjacent nature play zone. Register at 219-395-1821.
Thursday
Dinner served at Ivy Tech
Students in the hospitality program at Ivy Tech Community College are cooking meals for the public, students, staff and families Nov. 10 and 17, and Dec. 1 and 8 in the restaurant on campus, 410 E. Columbus Drive, East Chicago. Settings are available at 4:30, 4:45, 5, 6 and 6:15 p.m. Each dinner is $15 per person and reservations are required at 219-392-3600, ext. 3280.
Thanksgiving Basket giveaway
The city of Gary and Gary Common Council will partner with the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana for Gary’s annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Food Giveaway. Gary residents can apply for Thanksgiving Baskets through Nov. 10. Applications are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Citizen Service Desk in City Hall, 401 Broadway, or apply online at www.gary.in.us. Applicants must complete the application and return it with two copies of proof of residency and income to the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at City Hall on or before the Nov. 14 deadline. The giveaway will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Diamond Center at the U.S. Steel Yard/Gary RailCats Stadium. Volunteers, sponsors and food donations are needed. To help, call 219-881-4815.
Friday
Veterans get free rides on South Shore
To show appreciation for their service to our country, the South Shore Line is welcoming veterans to ride the train for free from Nov. 11 to 13. Active military members and veterans are can gain free passage without showing identification on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Train schedules are at mysouthshoreline.com.
Saturday
Night at the Ice
Valparaiso Parks Foundation’s VIP Night at the Ice will be from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 12 at Central Park Plaza ice skating rink under the William E. Urschel Pavilion, 70 Lafayette St., Valparaiso. Fire and Ice is the theme for this year’s Party in the Park, which will feature ice sculptor demonstrations, a cappella musical entertainment, a fire sticks drummer and an exhibition Fire and Ice hockey match between Valparaiso’s Fire and Police departments, each playing to benefit charity. In addition to ice skating, there will be food, a cash bar, and a free chance for a Zamboni ride. Cost is $80 per person at www.ValpoParksFoundation.org or 219-462-5144.
Spay-ghetti dinner fundraiser
The Feline Community Network will host its fifth annual Spay-ghetti Dinner from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 12 at Woodland Park in the Grand Oakwood Ballroom, 2100 Willowcreek Road, Portage. In addition to a spaghetti dinner, there will be wine tasting, a cash bar, gourmet bake sale and a silent auction. All proceeds to benefit Feline Community Network. Advance tickets are $20 per person at www.eventbrite.com/e/5th-annual-spay-ghetti-no-balls-dinner-tickets-26980200506.com. More information is at 219-947-4400.
Sunday
PNW faculty member featured in ‘Finding Home’
Lucretia Guerrero, Purdue University Northwest limited term lecturer of English, is among a group of writers whose work is featured in “Finding Home: Indiana at 200” celebrating the Indiana Bicentennial, which runs through Nov. 13 at the Indiana Repertory Theater, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. Guerrero’s novel, “Tree of Sighs,” was the 2011 winner of the Premio Aztlan Literary Award and won a Christopher Isherwood Fellowship. At PNW, Guerrero has taught creative writing and Hispanic-American literature. More information on “Finding Home” is at www.irtlive.com.
PNW to host financial aid program
College Goal Sunday, a free financial aid application assistance program, will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 13 at both Purdue Northwest campuses, 2200 173rd St., Hammond, and 1401 S. U.S. 41, Westville. University financial aid experts and service organizational specialists will help students and their parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students 23 or younger are asked to attend with a parent or guardian and bring their family’s completed 2015 IRS 1040 tax return or a draft. Students who worked during 2015 also should bring income information. More information is at www.collegegoalsunday.org or 800-992-2076.
— Staff report
