Preschool Open House

Want your child to experience a nurturing and fun learning environment? Join Sandpiper Preschool for its Open house for the Fall 2010 – Spring 2011 school from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and March 6 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Ogden Dunes Community Church (116 Hillcrest Rd). Spaces available for the 2 day class (3 years by August 1) and 3 day class (4 years by August 1). Call Jennifer Donohue (219)763-0542 for more information.

Concert Band

Come blow away the cobwebs of winter and enjoy the lovely, lively music of this wonderful concert band. A group of talented professional musicians who have toured our nation and made three tours in China but who are based here in Northwest Indiana will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Portage High School East Auditorium. This is the third concert of the Portage Live Entertainment season. Season ticket holders from Portage and the reciprocity associations will be welcomed. Admission for non members is $15 for adults, $5 for students at the door. This is a large, full concert band! For more information call Pat at (219) 762-3714 or email marthawillis@verizon.net

New Creation Resale Shop’s “super-sized garage sale” -9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat, Mar. 6, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 653 Axe Avenue, Valparaiso. Call (219) 548-3548 for details or pick-up.

Garage Sale

New Creation Resale Shop will hold a “super-sized garage sale” from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat, Mar. 6, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 653 Axe Avenue, Valparaiso. Over 4,000 square feet of quality used furniture, appliances, electronics, exercise equipment and household items will be available at reasonable prices. These sales hours are in addition to the Shop’s regular weekly hours, Mon. – Fri., 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Sat, 8 a.m. – noon. Profits support New Creation Men’s Center, a faith-based, not-for-profit outreach to homeless men in Porter County. Donations are welcome. Call (219) 548-3548 if pick-up is needed.

Bonner Senior Center Fundraiser Bingo, Open to public, early bird at noon, regular bingo 1 p.m. 5800 Lexington Ave. Portage. Call for details (219) 762-1522. Must be 18 years old.

Soup and Salad

The O Clubs Annual Soup and Salad Luncheon all you can eat buffet will begin at noon (after Divine Liturgy. Adults $8 or 2 for $15. Teens (13-19) $3 and children under 12 free. The Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Brand Blvd. Merrillville, All proceed benefit church and/or chuch mortgage fund. Call (219) 947-4748 for more information.

Chili Cook-off

The Merrillville High School Key Club and the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter are hosting a Chili Cook-off Contest & Tasting event at Merrillville High School from 3 to 6 p.m. The event will be held at the school, located at 276 E. 68th Place, in the cafeteria. All proceeds will benefit the Lupus Foundation of America, Indiana Chapter. Admission is $5. Each attendee will be entitled to a sample of every chili in the contest. Chili recipes range from mild to hot and signs will be posted at each station indicating the “hotness” range on a scale from 1 to 5. Call (800) 948-8806 for more information.

Free Concert

The internationally recognized Morehouse (Ga.) College Glee Club will perform a free concert 8 at Purdue University Calumet. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall of the campus’ Student Union & Library. The glee club is performing at Purdue Calumet as part of its spring tour. The event is sponsored by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Student Activities, the Multi-Cultural Campus Council and the Cultural Awareness Advisory Committee. For more information call (219) 989-2779.

Low Vision Support Group

Valparaiso Low Vision Support Group, Inc. will hold its monthly meeting from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 103 N. Franklin, Valparaiso. Topic – March 2010 Disability Awareness Month. Open discussion about eye diseases. The group welcomes all persons at meetings, whether or not they have low vision. Within Valpo, call (219) 465-1661 for a free ride to a meeting

Community Conversations

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, will host Community Conversations, a free Alzheimer’s education series featuring information on a variety of topics that are of interest to all community members with a focus towards caregivers. The programs will be held on consecutive Tuesdays, through March 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., in Valparaiso. Know the 10 Signs – this program will provide attendees with an understanding of the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s and what to do if they or someone they know has signs of the disease.

Healthy Legs

The Hobart Branch Library, 100 N. Main St., is offering the following program for adults at 2 p.m. “Healthy Legs” will be held in conjunction with Deep Vein Thrombosis Awareness month. Dr. Luis Barajas of Decatur Vein Clinic in Hobart will discuss the more common and less serious conditions of venous insufficiency as well, including spider veins and varicose veins. He will perform a sample scan of a staff member’s leg to demonstrate the simple diagnostic in-office mapping procedure that is normally conducted by medical providers. Refreshments will be provided. Register by calling (219) 942-2243.

Wandering and Dementia

Alzheimer’s Association presents “Wandering and Dementia” at the Portage Public Library on at 2:30 p.m. Over 60 percent of people with dementia will wander. Find out how you can help. The library is located at 2665 Irving Street in Portage This program is free and open to the public. Reservations are encouraged as refreshments will be served. For additional information call (800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/indiana.

Making Life Decisions

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, will host Community Conversations, a free Alzheimer’s education series featuring information on a variety of topics that are of interest to all community members with a focus towards caregivers. The programs will be held on consecutive Tuesdays, through March 30 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., in Valparaiso. Making Life Decisions – this program expands on information on Alzheimer’s disease and making decisions. This program, presented by Elder Law Attorney Bill Green, will educate attendees about possible care options, legal and financial issues. Topics include various care options, tools to assist in health care decision planning and finances.

Immunization Clinic

The Porter County Health Department will hold an immunization clinic at Hebron Public Library, 201 West Sigler Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shots will be administered by appointment only. Call the health department at (219) 465-3525 to schedule a time.

Shamrock Shuffle Sampler

The Valparaiso Parks Department continues to take registrations for the 2-hour Shamrock Shuffle sampler preschool class held at the Discovery Cottage. Children aged 3-5 years can sign up for the one-time offering to be held Thursday, March 18, 2010, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sampler classes feature a themed craft, snack and activity inside the Discovery Cottage located at 1158 Harrison Blvd. Sign up now; the fee is just $25 for non-residents and $15 for a residents. To register or for more information contact the Valparaiso Park Department at 219-462-5144 or visit them online at www.valparaisoparks.org

Health Screenings

Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Screening at the South Haven Library from10-12 pm. Leah Saltanovitz, RN, from Porter’s Community Wellness, will be conducting free blood pressure/sugar screenings. No appointment is necessary. The library is located at 403 West 700 North, (So. Haven) Valparaiso. For more information call (219)-759-4474.

A Family Tradition

Shipshewana On The Road – A Family Tradition Since 1992 will be held today from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Porter County Expo Center in Valparaiso. Adult admission is just $3.00. For more information call 269-979-8888.

Expert Caregiving

The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana, will host Community Conversations, a free Alzheimer’s education series featuring information on a variety of topics that are of interest to all community members with a focus towards caregivers. The program will be held from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., in Valparaiso. Becoming an Expert Caregiver – this workshop will empower caregivers with simple techniques on handling things like challenging behaviors, preventing wandering and activities of daily life such as bathing, dressing, toileting and eating.

Craft Making

Spring Gift Package Craft Class Create a unique Easter/Spring themed Gift Package that includes a luminary, treat box and 2 cards with instructor June Reister, a Stampin’ Up Demonstrator. The Class will be at the South Haven Library from 1-4:00 PM. Pre-cut materials and supplies will be provided; and participants may bring their own scissors and adhesives if they wish. Register at the library, registration deadline is March 24, fee of $10 is payable upon registration. Samples will be on display at the library. The library is located at 403 West 700 North, (So. Haven) Valparaiso. For more information call (219)-759-4474.

Ongoing/Upcoming

Adult Flag Football League

Outdoor spring season featuring 8 games plus playoffs. Format is 8 vs. 8, 100-yard field, kickoffs, punts, field goals and USFTL rules. Upper and lower divisions. Season begins March 28 with games taking place between 9am – 4pm. Teams must pay in full (check or cash. Checks can be mailed along with team roster) by March 19. Cost is $475 – includes 1 year USFTL membership, or $450 if your team is already USFTL sanctioned. Call (219) 762-1675 for more information, or visit www.ci.portage.in.us/parks for a roster.

Youth Outdoor Soccer

Registration is now taking place for Portage Township YMCA’s Outdoor Youth Soccer League. The league is for ages 3-7. Practices will take place during the week with games on Saturday’s. The league runs from April 5 thru May 15. Shin guards are recommended. Cost is $25 for Primary Plus Members, $33 for Primary Members and $66 for others. For more information call Ryan Penrod, sports director at (219) 762-YMCA(9622) or at Ryan@ymcaofportage.org.

VA Improved Pension Benefit

Porter County Aging & Community Services will host a presentation on “What You Don’t Know about the VA ‘Improved Pension’ Can Be Hazardous to Your Health!” by Jeff McBride, Professional Member of the American Association for Wartime Veterans, on Monday, March 1 at 12:00 p.m. at the Campbell Street Cafe (4245 Meridian Woods Drive, Valparaiso). Jeff McBride will explain the VA Improved Pension Benefit available to seniors who served in the military during the war and to their spouses. This is a FREE 60 minute presentation that is open to the public. A lunch catered by Pines Village Retirement Communities will be provided to all who RSVP to attend. This program is possible through funding from NWICA (Northwest Indiana Community Action). If interested, RSVP to Melissa Benefiel at Porter County Aging & Community Services at (219) 263-8300.

Craft Mania

The Hobart Family YMCA at 601 West 40th Place is sponsoring a weekly craft mania. What exactly is craft mania? It’s a time to complete unfinished craft projects or a time to start a craft project that you have wanted to accomplish. Come to the Y between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday mornings and bring that unfinished craft project or new project and join in the fun and fellowship with others working on their craft projects. Would you like to learn to crochet or knit? Join craft mania to learn. For more information call (219) 942-2183.

GED Study Group

Teenagers age 16 to 18 who wish to study for the GED test may enroll at Portage Adult Education right now. Evening classes meet from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the Portage Adult Education Center, 5391 Central Ave., Portage. Day classes are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Classes are free and geared to this age group. For more information, call Debby Gearhart or Lori Bowgren at (219) 762-6113 or 1(800)348-7798.

Antique and Collectible Show

Mental Health America of Porter County is now accepting applications from antique and collectibles dealers interested in securing booth space at the annual Antique and Collectible show. The show will be held Saturday, March 13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 14, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. A ticketed pre-show event Porter County’s Own…Appraisal Fair —with pre-show shopping, silent auction and hot appetizers & one free appraisal with ticket — Friday, March 12, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. The show is held at the Porter County Expo Center at State Road 49 and Division Road in Valparaiso, Indiana. Proceeds from the show will benefit the many programs and services of Mental Health America of Porter County a nonprofit organization promoting mental wellness in our community through advocacy, education, resource and support services. For tickets or information call (219) 462-6267 or e-mail mmhodson@verizon.net

Saturday Yoga

The Portage Park Department will be offering Saturday Morning Yoga from 10-11 a.m. at the Portage Yacht Club. If interested in the class, call Cynthia Smith at (219) 762-1675 ext. 305.

A Place to Party

re you looking for a place to host your next meeting? Do you need an indoor gym facility? How about a fun place to host your child’s birthday party? The South Haven Boys & Girls Club, located at 723 Long Run Road, is available for rental use during non-operating hours. The Club has two gyms, a games room, kitchen and a lounge just waiting to host your next event at reasonable rates per hour. Call the South Haven Boys & Girls Club at (219) 759-2565 for more information.

Cal Ripken Baseball League

The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation is registering for Cal Ripken baseball, open to youth ages 9 through 12 as of April 30, 2010. The season will begin on or about May 10 and games will be played weekday evenings and Saturdays at Westside and Kirchhoff Park. The Cal Ripken Minors (ages 9-10) and the Cal Ripken Majors (ages 11-12) programs allow participants to develop the skills necessary to become the best ball players they can be while keeping baseball fun. The standard fee is $60 per child; the resident discount fee is $50 per child. Parents may register in person at the Parks Administration Office, 3210 N. Campbell St., or by phone, 462-5144, using Visa, Discover or MasterCard. For more information visit www. valparaisoparks.org

Food Drive

February is the month to show you care and to share your love so the Hobart Family YMCA at 601 W. 40th Place, is sponsoring its annual food drive for the Hobart Food Pantry. YMCA members, YMCA class participants and community friends are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items throughout the month of February and place them in one of the collection boxes marked “Love is Sharing”. All food items collected will be delivered to the Hobart Food Pantry by March 5. For more information call the YMCA at 219-942-2183 and ask for Sharon.

Kiwanis Scholarship Program

The Hobart Kiwanis Club will award three $1500 scholarships to students residing within the municipal boundaries of the city of Hobart and Lake Station. First consideration will be given to applicants from Hobart High School, River Forest High School and Edison High School who are seeking further education through an accredited college or technical school. The awarding of these scholarships will be based on citizenship, attitude, leadership, academics and future goals. The applicants must meet entrance requirements for the chosen school. All Hobart, River Forest or Lake Station Edison students who are furthering their education are encouraged to apply through the guidance counselor’s office. Other applications may be obtained by coming into the Hobart Family YMCA or writing the Hobart Kiwanis Club, c/o Sharon Tarry, 601 West 40th Place, Hobart, Indiana, 46342. All completed applications must be received by April 12, 2010.