Area Happenings, September 21, 2011

Bags will fly in third annual Rebuilding Together Tournament

The third annual Bean Bag Tournament to benefit Rebuilding Together Duneland is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Village Tavern, 128 Lincoln Street in Porter. Signup is from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bags fly at 1 pm. The registration fee may be submitted in advance at the Village to reserve a spot. There will be a limited number of teams, so sign up early. The cost is $15 per person or $30 per team. All of the proceeds benefit Rebuilding Together Duneland. Come help raise money for the annual work day so that the house captains and volunteers can utilize their skills to help revitalize homes of Duneland area families in need. Our next work day is Saturday, April 28.

Rebuilding Together is about bringing communities together. Volunteers, with the help of national and local sponsors; as well as product and material donors, work together to ensure that local homeowners, particularly the elderly, disabled and families with children live in warmth, safety and independence. More information is available online at www.rtduneland.org or phone 219-926-3233. There will be cash prizes and raffles. For more information about the tournament contact Tom Potter at 219-508-7001 or Dianna Gill at 219-728-7541.

Tri Kappa Show promises a night of trends

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 20, when Beta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa will be hosting their “30th Annual Evening of Elegance, Charmed,” at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville.

The evening opens at 5 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m., followed by a style show presented by Susan Glick and Merchandise Mart Fashion Productions.

The Evening of Elegance continues to be one of the largest and most successful fundraisers in the state. Benefits from the Style Show support local charitable organizations and provide yearly educational scholarships.

Tri Kappa is a statewide organization comprised of more than 12,000 Hoosier women dedicated to promoting charity, culture and education within local communities.

The Beta Rho Chapter has contributed more than $170,000 to local organizations such as the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana, Sojourner Truth House, South Shore Arts, Calumet Area Hospice, Bridges and the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. Beta Rho also awards yearly educational scholarships to deserving local students.

This year’s event is chaired by Amy Gayda and Chris Klus. Tickets are $55 and include access to the boutiques, dinner and the style show. Event sponsorships are available to local businesses and individuals. For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets call 219-545-1866.

Women’s bible study offered

Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, invites women to attend a Tuesday morning bible study, “Women in the Word.” It will meet from 9-10:35 a.m. The study begins with Frappe with Philippians and is followed by Cappuccino with Colossians. Combined cost for workbooks is $22. A separate discussion group for new Christians will be offered using the workbook, Growing in Christ, which costs $9. Scholarships are available. All study groups will listen to the same speaker. Free childcare for attending mothers is provided. Children, two through kindergarten, will enjoy Bible lessons and crafts. An adult-staffed study hall is available for home-schooled children. For information, call Susie Gastenveld at 219-764-4838 or visit at www.lbchurch.org.

Elite Gymnastics fall registrations

Indiana Elite Gymnastics in Wheeler, formerly Lisa’s Gymnastics, is accepting registrations for fall classes of gymnastics and cheer. The facility teaches cheer and gymnastics to boys and girls of all ages. Recreational programs are offered, as well as competitive cheer and gymnastics (Levels 3 – 10). Indiana Elite Gymnastics and All Star Angels Cheer is located at 679 W. Indiana 130 in Wheeler, serving Valparaiso, Portage and Hobart. For more information or to register, call 219-764-1019 or e-mail ieg_asa@aol.com. The fall schedule is posted on the website: www.indianaelitegymnastics.com.

Lake County blood drive canceled

The American Red Cross blood drive scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 24 at Culver’s has been cancelled. However, there will be a blood drive Saturday, Sept. 24, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Bethel Church in the Children’s Wing, located at 10202 Broadway in Crown Point. Please call 219-663-9200 or go to redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code “bethelc” to schedule your blood donation appointment. Come to donate and receive a Culver’s Frozen Custard coupon good for one pint of frozen custard courtesy of Merrillville Culver’s.

Conservation Boy Scout merit badge offered at Gibson Woods

Gibson Woods, in cooperation with the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, will present a merit badge program about conserving resources for future generations.

It is for registered Boy Scouts, ages 12 and older on Sunday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.

Learn about the types of soils found in our region, watersheds and contour map reading. Soil and water pollution and what can be done to reduce its effects will be discussed. For more information , contact Sandy. Basala, superintendent of visitor services, Lake County Parks, 219-947-PARK or Sandyb@lakecountyparks.com or visit www.lakecountyparks.com.

Yoga, Wellness Classes offered in Portage

Chronicle columnist and certified yoga instructor Cynthia Smith-Faught is leading yoga classes through the Portage Parks Department.

They are offered Mondays, Wednesdays (women only) and Thursdays from 6-7 p.m., Saturdays 9:30-10:30 a.m. For more information, call 219-762-1675. She also offers Wellness Retreats once each month through Porter County Parks at Brinka Cross Gardens. For more information, call 219-548-0219.

Woodworkers have show and tell

The Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22 in Hidden Lake County Park in Merrillville. All ages, genders and skill levels are welcome. Dick Partin will present a program on wood planes. The group has a monthly “show and tell” of members’ projects as they strive to become more skilled at woodworking. Meetings are free at the social center at the east end of the park, 6355 Broadway, Merrillville. For more information, call Norm Johnson at 769-6519.

Cat Society tag days

The Independent Cat Society will hold tag days at the following places on Saturday, September 24th at the following locations: Kroger store, 55 Pine Lake Ave., LaPorte, In 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Coulter’s Pumpkin Patch, 5422 S. U.S. 421, Westville, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.; Zao Island, 1050 Horse Prairie Ave., Valparaiso, 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, call call the shelter, 219-785-4936.

Autumn Harvest Celebration

Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center at Three Rivers County Park sponsors its Autumn Harvest Celebration, Oct.1-31 during regular days and hours. For more information about times and hours of operation, call 219-963-2070 or see www.MyBellaboos.com.