Geminus invites families to free holiday events
Community Partners, a family social services program at Geminus Corp., will host two Evening with Santa events: from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Living Hope Church, 9000 Taft St., Merrillville; and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Jasper County Fairgrounds, 2671 W. Clark St., Rensselaer. Geminus. In partnership with the Indiana Department of Child Services, the events will provide families with meals and/or refreshments. Children will take free pictures with Santa and make holiday crafts to take home. No registration is required, but attendees must have a valid ID and live in the county of the event they attend. A gift will be available for children 14 and younger while supplies last; children must be present to receive a gift. More information is at 219-757-1822.
Master Gardener Program seeks new crop of volunteers
Purdue Extension is looking for volunteers from Lake County and surrounding areas to participate in a statewide virtual Master Gardener (EMG) basic training course to be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. CT Feb. 7 though May 9. Live webinars will be offered via Zoom. The Purdue Master Gardener Basic Training is a volunteer program that provides a learning framework for participants to increase their knowledge on a wide variety of horticultural subjects.? In turn, participants volunteer, representing Purdue University.? As volunteers, participants share their knowledge while providing leadership and service in educational gardening activities within their communities. Materials and fee expenses for the series is $180 per participant, which includes a print version of the Purdue EMG manual. The cost for a print version and a digital manual is $205. The fee will not be collected until after application is accepted. The application deadline is Jan. 16. Contact Rena Wielgus at rmwielgu@purdue.edu or call 219-755-3240 to learn more about the training and how to apply. More information can be found at https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/master-gardener/events/statewide-virtual-purdue-emg-basic-training-2023/.
‘Home for the Holidays’ to benefit animals in need
Humane Indiana offers regional residents a way to help animals in need this holiday season with their Home for the Holidays gift catalog. The catalog provides a variety of options to benefit animals including “care for a mom and her babies,” “crisis transportation,” or “lead test kits for wildlife,” as well as gift certificates for Humane Indiana camps and Wildlife in the Classroom experiences. The catalog is available at https://humaneindiana.org/givehope. Holiday gifts help with programs such as Humane Indiana’s pet food pantry, reduced-cost clinic and adoption, spay and neuter programs and pet foster programs for families fleeing violence. Northwest Indiana residents interested in providing an experience this holiday can also purchase tickets to the Humane Indiana 2023 Gala, “The Heart of Rock n Roll.” The Gala will be held at Hard Rock Northern Indiana March 11. General admission tickets are $125 and VIP tickets are $175, with packages and tables available for a discount. More information can be found at https://humaneindiana.org/gala2023.
Miller Beach Arts to host exhibit, fundraising event
Miller Beach Arts and Creative District (MBACD) has a variety of exhibits and upcoming holiday events scheduled at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary. A book signing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 18 with author Meg Demakas. She will read from “Maggie’s Not So Big Move,” her new children’s book about a family’s relocation to a community celebrating Hanukkah. The book includes do-it-yourself projects and information about Hanukkah and Christmas customs. Books will be for sale, signed by the author, for $10. A screening of the movie “Elf” will presented at 7 p.m. Dec. 22. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Ticket price includes soft drinks and popcorn. There will also be a cash bar. Proceed will benefit the MBACD. More information is at https://millerbeacharts.org.
