Cops and Kids shopping event to benefit needy children
The Highland Fraternal Order of Police/Donald R. Sheppard Lodge No. 122 is seeking donations to assist with its annual Christmas Cops and Kids shopping event in December. Last year, during a shopping trip to the Highland Meijer, members of the FOP spent more than $5,600 on 48 children, which included a large donation from Meijer. Families also were supplied with a donated turkey for their holiday dinner. Those wishing to make a donation may do so by sending a check, made out to Highland FOP No. 122, to P.O. Box 1743, Highland, IN 46322, or drop-off donations at the Highland Police Department, 3333 Ridge Road. More information is with Randy Stewart at 219-838-3184.
Valparaiso kicks off season with Christmas concerts
Valparaiso University will continue a tradition with its annual Christmas Concert: A Carol Festival at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 5 p.m. Saturday at the Chapel of the Resurrection, 1600 Chapel Drive. The celebration will feature the Chorale, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Chamber Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for senior citizens and non-Valparaiso students and free to Valparaiso students, faculty and staff at valpo.edu/center-for-the-arts/tickets or 219-464-5162.
World AIDS Day Gospel Explosion in East Chicago
The fifth annual World AIDS Day Gospel Explosion for patients, caregivers and advocates will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at St. Mark AME Zion Church, 4200 Adler St., East Chicago. The event is free and open to the public, and is hosted by the Gary Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, St. Mark AME Zion Church, The Aliveness Project and NWI Advocates. More information is at garyalumnaedst@gmail.com.
Breakfast with Santa at Valparaiso YMCA
Valparaiso Family YMCA will host Breakfast from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Saturday at 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive. Co-hosting with the Y will be the Northwest Indiana Parrothead Club. Children will receive a gift from Santa and have the option to have a photo taken with him. Reservation deadline is 10 p.m. Thursday at the YMCA Courtesy Desk or at www.valpoymca.org.
Orak Shrine Circus returns to Hammond
Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. and the 54th edition of the Carden International Circus will present the 2017 Orak Shrine Circus from Thursday through Sunday at the Hammond Civic Center, 5825 S. Sohl Ave. Show times are 6:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for the Thursday show. All other shows are $18 for adults and $14 for children 12 and younger. Reserved tickets are $22. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, and will be open every day for all performances. Parking is free. Tickets and more information are at SuperShrineCircus.com or 219-853-6378.
— Staff report
