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BY MARGE KULLERSTRAND
margek@nwitimes.com
219.933.3244 | Friday, December 05, 2008 | (No comments posted.)
OPEN HOUSE | Munster
The Munster Historical Society is sponsoring its annual Holiday Candlelight Open House from 3 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6. The old-fashioned, family-oriented event features a visit from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. by Santa, his elves, and Mrs Klaus to the historic 1910 Kaske House located in the Munster History Museum, 1154 Ridge Road. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served. This year the open house is held in cooperation with the Munster Junior Historical Society and Munster Parks and Recreation. Parking is available at the Munster School Administration Building south of Ridge Road on the west side of Columbia Avenue.
FYI: (219) 836-6932
TREE LIGHTING | Merrillville
Town of Merrillville will hold its annual tree lighting and holiday bazaar from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 5 at the town hall, 7820 Broadway. Families can enjoy music, craft booths, refreshments and a visit from Santa Claus.
FYI: (219) 980-5911
SPAGHETTI DINNER | Lynwood
A spaghetti dinner fundraiser is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at Lynwood Church of God, 20721 Torrence Ave. It's $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and children 12 and younger. Tickets include all-you-can-eat spaghetti, salad, bread, drink and dessert. A gospel sing-a-long is from 7 to 9 p.m.
FYI: (708) 755-6159
CHILI LUNCHEON | Portage
The Kiwanis Club of Portage will hold its annual chili luncheon fundraiser during the Toys for Tots celebration at Woodland Park Dec. 6. Luncheon will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat Schoop's chili, beverage and dessert for $5 for adults and $3 for ages 12 and younger. Hot dogs are $1. Proceeds from this fundraising event support several of the club’s programs or community organizations including the third grade Dictionary Project, Jacob’s Ladder Developmental Testing Kits, Gabriel’s Horn, Riley Children’s Hospital and Toys for Tots.
FYI: (219) 241-4098
SANTA ON HIS WAY | Lowell
Santa Claus will make an early stop in Lowell for the annual Christmas Breakfast with Santa & Craft Boutique presented by the Zeta Chi chapter of Tri Kappa sorority. All the Santa fun takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (doors will close at 11:30) Dec. 6 in the Lowell Middle School cafeteria, 200 W. Oakley Ave., Lowell. Tickets, available from members and at the door, are $3 per person (infants attend free) and include one doughnut and choice of juice, milk, or coffee; a personal visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa and in his sleigh, shown above with a group of children at last year's breakfast, and a handmade holiday ornament for each child. Cookie decorating, craft activity, face painting, cake walk, bake sale, and a variety of craft booths will also be included.
FYI: (219) 696-9048
MADRIGAL DINNERS | Chesterton
Chesterton High School Music Dept. will present its 36th annual Madrigal Dinners on Dec. 5, 6 and 7 in the school cafeteria. All seats are reserved and tickets are on sale for $30 per person at the CHS Music Office (Entrance 31.) Tickets will be sold from 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. through Dec. 4. No phone orders will be taken. Performance times are 8 p.m. Dec. 5; 4 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6; and 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 7. the cafeteria will be transformed into a Great Hall complete with Elizabethan settings and costumes. Included in the Madrigal along with the music and drama is a complete breast of chicken dinner. The dinner includes a relish tray, chicken breast, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, wassail, and dessert.
FYI: (219) 983-3730
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Calumet City
The Ehinger Brothers VFW 8141 Ladies Auxiliary is hosting a Breakfast With Santa from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 7 at the Post Home, 664 Hirsch Ave. Pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and milk will be served. Adults eat for $6, children younger than 8 eat for $3. Santa and his elves will be there to greet the children and for pictures. Profit will be used for Support Our Troops and other charitable programs of the auxiliary. The public is invited to attend. No reservations are required.
FYI: (708) 862-7913
HOLIDAY FAIR | Valparaiso
Alpha Sigma Lambda, VU’s Alpha Tau chapter, invites you to convenient, one-stop shopping at their Holiday Fair at Valparaiso University, Union Great Hall, 1400 Chapel Dr., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. Free admission. Proceeds provide scholarships for select VU non-traditional students. Vendors and crafters welcome.
FYI: (219)464-5341 or suzanna.tudor@valpo.edu
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Munster
The Munster Chamber of Commerce hosts Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec. 6 at Wilbur Wright Middle School, 8650 Columbia Ave. Children will have breakfast with Santa, Mrs. Claus and other costumed characters. Tickets for the event are $5 for children and adults. Seating times are 9 to 10 a.m., 10 to 11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon. Tickets can be purchased at the chamber of commerce office, 1040 Ridge Road; Citizens Financial Bank, 707 Ridge Road, and Chase Bank, 45th and White Oak Avenue.
FYI: (219) 836-5549
MODULAR TRAIN SHOW | Calumet City
Calumet City Historical Society will host its sixth annual Lionel modular train show and visit with Santa from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 at the museum, 760 Wentworth Ave. Rochelle Pennington, author of "Christmas Tree Ship" will give a presentation at 1 p.m. Dec. 7. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
FYI: (708) 832-9390
HOLIDAY LIGHTS | Merrillville
Ross Township's annual Holiday Lights at the Lake will be open from 5 to 9 p.m. Fridays, Saturday and Sunday starting Dec. 5 through 15, then nightly through Dec. 27 at Hidden Lake Park, 6355 Broadway. Almost 100 lighted displays feature 10 drive-thru arches, more than 20 animated displays and the 120-foot long Tunnel of America, featuring the largest U.S. flag in Northwest Indiana. Santa Claus will greet children at the gate nightly through Dec. 23 and Christmas music can be tuned in at FM 88.9 on the car radio.A fireworks display will be featured at 8 p.m. every Saturday. Cost is $5 per car or mini-van, $10 for a large van and $25 for a bus or RV. Advance tickets at $4 per car are available at the Ross Township trustee's office, 24 W. 73rd Ave.
FYI: (219) 769-2111
CHRISTMAS PARTY | Chesterton
The Westchester Township History Museum will celebrate the holiday with the annual “A Victorian Christmas Party.” The public is invited to join the festivities which will take place between 1 and 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the museum in the Brown Mansion at 700 W. Porter Ave. Admission is free and no reservations are necessary. Stop in to see the house decked out for the holidays. Dot Pakan will play Christmas carols on the antique Hillstrom parlor organ, made in Chesterton in the early 1890’s, from 2 to 3 p.m. Between 3 and 5 p.m., children of all ages are invited upstairs to make simple Victorian ornaments and decorations. House tours will be given from 1 to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served. Meet Christmas ornament collector Randy Doler and see his beautiful Christmas feather trees decorated with vintage ornaments dating from the Civil War through the 1930’s. Also view the Dickens Village display.
FYI: (219) 983-9715
HOLIDAY PARADE | Hammond
The 2008 Hammond Holiday Parade begins at 10 a.m. Dec. 6. The parade starts at Gavit High School, 1670 175th St. It heads east to Indianapolis Boulevard, turns north on Indianapolis and ends at 169th Street.
FYI: (219) 853-6378 or gohammond.com
MRS. CLAUS AT THE LIBRARY | Porter
Mrs. Claus is coming to Hageman Library, Westchester Public Library’s Porter branch. Since Santa is busy with last minute details, he will send his wife to visit the patrons of Hageman, 100 Francis St., at 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Mrs. Claus will read stories to those who attend. She will also be ready to answer questions children might have about life at the North Pole, Santa, and even Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Mrs. Claus is looking forward to visiting with the children and having her picture taken with them.
FYI: (219) 926-9080
HOLIDAY TEA | Valparaiso
The Valparaiso Branch of American Association of University Women will hold its annual Holiday Tea at the Women's Club, 102 Washington, from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. This is a money raising event for the AAUW Foundation and proceeds will go for at least one scholarship for an adult woman going back to school. The cost is $25 per ticket. All members are invited to attend this festive event, and guests are welcome.
FYI: (219) 462-7682
CHRISTMAS PARTY | Hebron
Hebron United Methodist Church will hold a VBS Christmas party from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 6. There will be a free dinner, visit from Santa, cookie decorating, crafts, play and Christmas songs. bring mission coins to help purchase gifts for the Angel Tree. Make reservations by Dec. 3. This is for ages 3 to grade 4.
FYI: (219) 996-7161
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Valparaiso
The Valparaiso Family YMCA hosts breakfast with Santa from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Dec. 6. Enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs, and orange juice or milk. Each child receives a gift from Santa and the option to have his or other picture taken with the jolly fellow. Pictures are $2 each. Pre-register at the courtesy desk. Registration deadline is Dec. 4. The cost is $6 per adult; $3 per child.
FYI: (219) 462-4185
COOKIE WALK | Chesterton
The Chesterton United Methodist Women will hold its 16th annual Holiday Cookie Walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 6. There will be more than 400 dozen homemade cookies and candy for $6 a pound. Proceeds go to organizations both locally and throughout the world which the UMW supports.
FYI: (219) 926-4123
MADRIGAL CHRISTMAS FEASTE | Homewood
6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 6 and 1 p.m. Dec. 7 at St. Andrew United Methodist United Methodist Church, 18850 Riegel Road. The event has an all new story line and music. Guests will be greeted with a warm wassail beverage and then be ushered into the hall decorated like a castle interior. The madrigal singers will be wearing elaborate Renaissance costumes. There will be a catered dinner, drama and handbells. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and younger.
FYI: (708) 481-9060
ST. NICHOLAS DAY | Merrillville
Take a break from the rush of the holiday season and learn the real story of St. Nicholas at the Annual St. Nicholas Day, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 8600 Grand Blvd. It begins with Liturgy at 9 a.m. Breakfast with St. Nicholas will follow at 10:30 a.m. After breakfast, St. Nicholas will talk with the children about his life in the 4th century and how he helped the poor and needy, with a special concern for children. Then the children will enjoy photo opportunities with St. Nicholas and join in singing Christmas carols, making crafts, group activities and games. There is no charge for admission, but attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
FYI: (219) 947-4748 or ptvm.com
COOKIE WALK | Portage
First Presbyterian Church, 6225 Lute Road will hold their annual Cookie Walk from 9 a.m. until noon Dec. 13. You may choose from a large assortment of home made cookies and candy for $6 per pound. Also available will be nut rolls and pumpkin rolls. Come early as we sell out fast.
FYI: (219) 762-4914
BEATNIK FUNDRAISER | Hammond
The "Beatnik Babes" present Ladies Night!! Christmas Show One Night Only at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Beatniks on Conkey 418 Conkey St. (plan on being prompt for dinner.) This is a variety show put together by the girls as a fundraiser toward the purchase of equipement, much needed by Beatniks. We will have a light Italian Dinner with beverage and dessert, served by Elves. Show and dinner is $20 person. Also if you bring in 3 or more cans of food for Haven House (Battered Women's Shelter) you will get $1off the ticket price. (reservations are recommended.)
FYI: (219) 852-0848 or Beatniksonconkey.com
TOYZ 4 KIDS PARTY | Crown Point
Lake County ABATE is hosting their annual Toyz 4 Kidz party from 6 yto 11 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 4H Building, 889 S. Court St. Cost is $15 per person and includes food, fun, prizes, a cash bar, and live music with The Wiseguys. No minors.
FYI: (219) 313-8806
COOKIE WALK, BAZAAR | Porter Township
Salem United Methodist Church will hold a cookie walk and bazaar from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at 756 W. County Road 350 South. Cookies are $5 per pound. Containers and plastic gloves will be provided.
FYI: (219) 988-4700
CHRISTMAS FOOD & BAKE SALE | Merrillville
St. Helen's Philoptochos Ladies Society of SS. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., will be hosting its sixth annual food and bake sale from 9 a.m. till noon Dec. 13 and after Liturgy from 11 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. Dec. 14. There will be many delicious greek and other pastries.
FYI: (219) 696-4851 after 5 p.m.
WINTER DANCE WORKSHOPS | Portage
Winter dance workshops are offered at Woodland Park. The chacha and tango will be featured Dec. 15 beginning at 7 p.m. The foxtrot and swing will be featured Jan. 5 beginning at 7 p.m. More workshops will be held at 7:15 p.m. at Long Beach Community Center in Michigan City. They will be Dec. 9, waltz; Dec. 10, Argentine tango; Dec. 16, rumba; Dec. 17, Chacha; Jan. 6, swing; Jan. 7, West Coast swing. Workshops at Toni's Dance Academy in Portage will begin at 9:45 and 11 a.m. Dec. 13, 20 and Jan. 10 featuring swing, waltz, rumba, salsa, samba and tango. Workshops are $15 per person per workshop and all workshops are one hour. No partner necessary. Beginner to advanced levels welcome. Call to register.
FYI: (219) 680-9261
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Portage
Families will have an opportunity to have professional photos taken with Santa Claus at a Pancake Breakfast with Santa set for Dec. 13 at Portage high School. Hosted by the Portage Porpoise Swim Club (PPSC), the event will also feature a raffle drawing for boys and girls bicycles as well as other prizes. Tickets are $5 per person which includes freshly made pancakes, and butter and syrup; plus sausages, coffee, milk, juice and tea. Proceeds will be used to further the mission of PPSC, which has served the Portage community since 1973. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Portage Food Pantry. The event will be held in the west cafeteria of Portage High School, which may be entered through Door F. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from 6 to 7 p.m. during swim practice, which is held Monday through Friday on the north side of Portage High School, just inside Door O.
FYI: (219) 763-8100
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA | Chicago
The General Pulaski Council 3323 Knights of Columbus will host a pancake breakfast with Santa Claus Dec. 14 at St. Columba Social Center, 13323 S. Greenbay Ave., in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. All kids will receive a free gift and photo with Santa Claus.
The breakfast is an all-you-can-eat with pancakes, eggs cooked to order, French toast, sausage, milk, coffee and orange juice. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults eat for $7, children 10 and younger pay $3.
FYI: Call John Rydzewski at (708) 841-1904
FREE BREAKFAST | Chesterton
Breakfast with Santa will take place at the Third Coast Spice Cafe from 9 to 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at 761 Indian Boundary Road, suite 6. Event is free of charge.
FYI: (219) 926-5858
TOYS FOR TOTS | Hammond
Napleton River Oaks Cadillac, 6131 Hohman Ave., has teamed up with Toys for Tots. The site will accept new and unwrapped toys for boys and girls through Dec. 15. Those who donate, will receive a $10 coupon redeemable in the service department. Toy drop-off hours are 9 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
FYI: (219) 933-0600
MITTENS & TOYS | Merrillville
Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. 81st Ave., will sponsor both a Mitten Tree in cooperation with the Visiting Nurses Foundation and “Toys for Tots” in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps League. All donations go to children in need during the winter season. Patrons are encouraged to bring in hats, gloves, scarves or new and unwrapped toys through Dec. 18.
FYI: (219) 769-3541
COOKIE WALK | Valparaiso
St. Iakovos Church will have their annual Cookie Walk on Saturday, December 13th from 9 a.m. to 1p.m. Dec. 13 at its temporary home at the Old St. Paul's School on the corner of Campbell and Chicago streets. Cookies from all ethnic backgrounds especially Greek, plus nut rolls and baklava.
FYI: (219) 462-4052
RED AND PURPLE BALL | Gary
Classy Ladies United Chapter 6053 of the Red Hat Society will host the Red and Purple Ball Dec. 13 at Majestic Star Hotel ballroom, 21 Buffington Harbor. All Red Hatters and the general public are invited for cocktails, dining and entertainment. The attire is black tie and attendees must be 21 and older. Cash bar is available. Tickets are $40.
FYI: (219) 944-3412 or (219) 949-9683
BARKER MANSION CHRISTMAS | Michigan City
The winter holiday season is considered by many to be the most wonderful time of the year. Barker Mansion celebrates the season with “Barker Mansion Presents: Christmas at the Movies.” Hollywood has produced many movies to mark this season and ten are presented in the rooms of the Mansion, 631 Washington St. Enjoy the old fashioned warmth of “Miracle on 34th Street” as a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle. A ragged Christmas tree and Snoopy’s dog house in “A Charlie Brown Christmas” are featured in the Butler’s Pantry. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye starred in the glamorous movie “White Christmas” and a winter wonderland is created in the Dining Room. The value of family is underscored in “Home Alone II” and “It’s A Wonderful Life”. Also featured is LaPorte County’s own “Prancer” about an 8-year-old girl who rescues an injured deer, believing he is one of Santa’s team. Self-guided tours are noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 through 2 on Saturdays and Sundays and noon to 3 p.m.
Monday to Friday. Guided Christmas tours resume noon and 2 p.m. Dec. 22 through Jan. 15 on Saturdays and Sundays and10, 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for youth under 18. Children 3 and under are free. The Mansion is closed Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1.
FYI: (219) 873-1520
PARK PROGRAMS | Hobart
Hobart Parks and Recreation Department has a full schedule of classes and programs starting now and detailed in a brochure available at the park office, 111 E. Old Ridge Road, as well as other locations in he community. Included are fitness classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the community center, porcelain painting classes on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings at the park annex building, a duplicate bridge learning program and scrapbooking classes for adults, as well as an activity program for preschoolers and a cheerleading program for youths.
FYI: (219) 942-2987
OPEN-SKATE | Flossmoor
H-F Ice Arena has open-skate sessions for practice or recreation from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 8 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $6 per person. Families can attend open skate from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sundays. A family of four can skate for $20. Skate rental is available. The H-F Ice Arena, 777 Kedzie Ave., also offers youth hockey leagues, adult hockey leagues and clinics, a women's-only and girls-only hockey team (the H-F Novas), birthday parties and private rentals.
FYI: (708) 957-0100 or hfparks.com
STEPPIN' CLASS | Merrillville
Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department sponsors a Chicago-style Steppin' Dance class at the Pruzin Community Center, 5750 Tyler Place. Chicago-style steppin' is an urban-style ballroom dancing with intricate spins and turns to an eight-beat count. Wear leather-soled shoes to class. Cost is $45 for residents and $50 for nonresidents.
FYI: (219) 980-5911
DANCE LESSONS | Valparaiso
Just Us & Friends Dance Club is holding Beginners Line Dance Lessons from 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays at the Valparaiso American Legion, 4 Monroe St. Cost is $3 per class per student. Classes will be ongoing and geared to the student who has little or no experience in this type of dancing. Jack and Roxanne Anderson will teach basic steps and beginner choreographed dances.
FYI: (219) 462-3874 or linson5678@verizon.net
FISH FRY | Westville
Westville United Methodist Church hosts Chef Charley and Crew's all-you-can-eat fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. every Friday. The menu is Alaskan pollock (baked or fried), French fries or baked potato, coleslaw, roll with butter, a drink (coffee, punch or water.) Shrimp, chicken strips and hot dogs also available. The United Methodist Youth will sell soda for 50 cents to fund mission projects. The United Methodist Women will have a variety of desserts for $1 each. The cost is $7.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4.50 for children ages 3-10, and free for children younger than 3.
FYI: (219) 785-2314
NATIVITY BINGO | Portage
Nativity of Our Savior offers bingo Monday evenings at the church hall, 2929 Willowcreek Road. Early-bird games start at 6 p.m., followed by regular bingo at 6:45 p.m.
FYI: nativitybingo.homestead.com
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