New Calumet Avenue/Borman Expressway interchange closures
The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane and ramp closures at the U.S. 41/Calumet Ave and I-80/94 interchange beginning on or after Wednesday, Nov. 3. The right lane of northbound U.S. 41/Calumet Ave and the ramp from eastbound I-80/94 to northbound U.S. 41/Calumet Ave will be closed for approximately five days. These closures are for bridge deck overlay work.
All schedules are weather dependent and subject to change. INDOT urges drivers to stay alert near crews and follow traffic directions carefully. Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time when driving through this area and should slow down and drive distraction-free through all work zones.
Head Start Preschool enrollment event
Families living in Ross Township, which includes Merrillville and parts of Crown Point and Hobart, are invited to attend open enrollment for the Merrillville Community School Corporation’s Head Start Preschool from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Merrillville High School, 276 E. 68th Place, Entrance P. Parents should bring the following documents: photo identification with current address, child’s official birth certificate, insurance card, child’s immunization records, income records for the last 12 months, child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/Individualized Education Program (IEP), and proof of Merrillville schools’ residency (utility bill or lease/mortgage). Children must be ages 3 or 4. For more information, visit www.mvsc.k12.in.us or call 219-756-5940.
Community invited to celebration of late gymnast’s life
The family of the late champion gymnast and Gary native Dianne Durham will host a “Celebration of Life” at 3 p.m. on Saturday in the West Side Leadership Academy Auditorium, 900 Gerry St., Gary. Durham died in February after a short illness. The event is free and open to the public. Former WBBM Radio personality and Gary native Felicia Middlebrooks will serve as the emcee of the program. The line-up includes remarks and presentations from the City of Gary and the Gary Community School Corporation and video messages from renown gymnasts including Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas and Betty Okino. Gymnasts scheduled to appear in person include Mary Lou Retton and the members of the United States 1984 Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team, Bart Conner, Nadia Comaneci, Wendy Hilliard, Mike Jacki and Paul Ziert. Attendees are asked to RSVP to the Facebook invite at https://fb.me/e/2YobRPjdx or via email to tomdi94@cs.com.
Applications open for Crown Point Winter Market
The city of Crown Point invites vendors to set up shop at this year’s Winter Market. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 26, at the Sparta Dome, 1355 E. North St., Crown Point. A variety of items, such as hand-crafted artisan goods, clothing, jewelry and holiday gifts will be available at the market. There is still time for vendors to participate in the event, which draws hundreds every year. A 10-foot-by-10-foot booth space is $75. Vendors must supply their tables, chairs and carts. Event set-up will take place between 7-10 a.m. More information can be found at www.crownpoint.in.gov/372/Winter-Market or at 219-662-3290.
WSTG to host 25th anniversary celebration
The West Side Theatre Guild (WSTG) will be celebrating 25 years of service in the Gary Community Schools at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13 at 900 Gerry St., Gary. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Performances will include West Side Theatre Guild students, a performance by gospel artist Yolanda Adams, and the premiere of a new West Side Theatre Guild film, “For the Love of the Game,” starring Gary Native and MLB Hall of Fame Nominee, LaTroy Hawkins, Windy City Live’s Val Warner, GMS student Jamey Jones and West Side Leadership Academy student Kayla Carpure. The event will be hosted by Carl Rayford, of WGVE Radio 98.7 FM. Tickets are free to the public and are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the YWCA, 150 W. 15th Ave. Gary; from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Urban League of NWI, 3101 Broadway, Gary; and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the City of Gary, 401 Broadway, Gary. Maximum of four tickets per person while supplies last.
South Shore Arts offers seasonal ceramic workshops
Artisans aged 16 and up are invited to participate in a two-part seasonal ceramic workshop guided by South Shore Arts instructors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 10 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Participants will learn how to create small vessel and slab-rolled seasonal ornaments. During this two-session workshop, students will practice wedging, pinching, coiling, scoring, slipping, waxing, and glazing. All materials are included. Artworks will be glaze-fired and ready for pick-up after Dec. 19. The fee is $80. In addition, young artists ages 9 to 15 can make their own personalized ceramic mugs during a two-part ceramic workshop that will be held from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13; and from 2 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 10. The fee is $65. Workshops will be conducted in-person and will strictly adhere to current CDC precautions. Proof of valid COVID-19 vaccination required for participants 12 years old and older. More information is with Natalie Heath at natalie@SouthShoreArtsOnline.org or at 219-836-1839, Ext. 101, or visit www.SouthShoreArtsOnline.org.
