JEWELRY AUCTION FOR MS | Schererville

Join in the excitement of a live jewelry auction beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday at Albert's Diamond Jewelers, 711 Main St., with proceeds benefiting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Indiana State Chapter. Many of Albert's vendors donate fabulous jewelry and watches. Also offered will be silent auction items including sports memorabilia, golf packages, restaurants, art, spa packages and much, much more. It's just in time for the holidays, and you can get some great deals.

FYI: (219) 322-2700

CHECK THE SKY | Lowell

Calumet Astronomical Society hosts free public stargazing outing from 8 to 11 p.m. tonight and Saturday at the Conway Observatory, 19000 Chase St., southeast of Buckley Homestead County Park. Volunteers will guide visitors in the use of telescopes and astronomical binoculars to observe the majesty of the skies. Programs are dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions. Turn south from Ind. 2 on Hendricks St. to Belshaw Road, then turn left (east) to the first right turn, Chase St., and go one mile south. Dress for outdoor weather. Standard flashlights are prohibited.

FYI: (219) 769-PARK or casonline.org

FAMILY OCTOBERFEST | Schererville

Tri Town Safety Village and Northwoods Restaurant will hold the first Family Octoberfest from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the restaurant, 8101 U.S. 41. Fun activities are planned for the kids while live music will entertain the adults. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door for adults, and $3 in advance and $5 at the door for children 12 and younger; children 2 and younger attend free. Proceeds will benefit Tri Town Safety Village.

FYI: (219) 865-9600 or safetyvillage.us

MEET CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS | Valparaiso

A free one-man play with Christopher Columbus will be performed at 7 p.m. Monday at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St. This is brought to the community by the Friends of the Porter County Public Library System.

FYI: (219) 462-0524

FOURTH ANNUAL BLUES, BREWS & BBQS | Crown Point

The Crown Point Rotary Club is hosting its 4th annual Blues, Brews, & BBQs event from 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St. The fundraiser will benefit the mission of the Crown Point Rotary Club "Service Above Self" including international and local community projects such as Shoes & Coats for Kids, Christmas in September, Polio Plus, various disaster relief efforts, student scholarships, and more. Performances will be by: Jo, Jo, & The Blues Train, Funky Mojo Daddy, Deb Seitz Band (f.k.a. Blues Fever), and Steepwater. In addition there will be a beer and cigar garden, barbeque, a bean bag tournament and more… If you are intersted in entering in the tournament please register online. Cost is $5 adults.

FYI: crownpointrotary.org

PERCH DINNER | Griffith

First United Methodist Church of Griffith will hold a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. today in the church fellowship hall, 400 44th Place and Cline Avenue. This all-you-can-eat meal includes ocean perch, French fries, bread/butter, three-bean salad, cole slaw and a dessert. Hot dogs will be available for children. Tickets may be purchased at the door at $9 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger.

FYI: (219) 838-6900

FLORIAN FEST | Chicago

Florian Fest is from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday in the St. Florian Gymnasium at 131st Street and Houston Avenue in the Hegewisch neighborhood. There will be music by A Touch of Class and a DJ, along with ethnic foods, $5,000 raffle, kids' games, bean bag tourney, Guitar Hero contest, Power Shower, Zingo and more. Parking is free.

FYI: (773) 646-4877

INDIAN CAMP | Lowell

The Potawatomi, a tribe of the Woodland Indians from Wisconsin, prospered and expanded into Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana before being removed to Kansas and Oklahoma in the 1830s. Visitors can see how the Potawatomi lived, the wigwam home, clothing with decorations, wild and cultivated foods, at a Woodland Indiana Camp set up at Buckley Homestead County Park, 3606 Belshaw Road. Hear the stories, smell the cooking fire, and feel the bark of the willow saplings in the wigwam frame as reenactors live the lifestyle of those who lived here in 1750. The camp of the Callumic Band of Great Lakes Woodland Alliance is in the back 80 acres of the park, just southeast of the pioneer farm. Follow the pathway behind the cabin. Visit the site and talk with the reenactors during the weekends of Saturday and Sunday (Fall Festival) and Oct. 25 and 26.

FYI: (219) 769-PARK

PWP DANCE | Michigan City

PWP--A Single Parent Support Group (Parents Without Partners) Chapter 193, hosts a dance the first Saturday of each month at the St Joseph Men's Club, 2001 Franklin St., at 7:30 p.m. Donation is $7. Next dance will be a Country and Western Dance is Saturday with music by DJ & DA'Bear, open to everyone. Prize for best dress western outfit.

FYI: (219) 879-3351, ext. 210

HUNGER BANQUET | East Chicago

The 16th annual Mothers Against Hunger banquet, sponsored by the four Circles of Serbian Sisters of Northwest Indiana, will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 4021 Elm St. The other three participating churches are St. George of Schererville, St. Sava of Merrillville and St. Elijah of Crown Point.

FYI: (219) 397-0240

HAYRIDE AND MORE | Crown Point

The Mayor's Office of Special Events hosts its Fourth Annual Hayride Around the Square, a family-friendly free event from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday in front of Old Sheriff's House and Jail, 226 South Main St. The event is free. Centier Banks's Downtown Branch, 117 E. Joliet, will be sponsoring munchkin pumpkins for all the little ones while supplies last. Cross Point Church, 105 N. Court St., will be providing cookies, candy and face painting for children of all ages. In addition to the Hayride, the Old Sheriff's House and Jail will be offering tours of the historic landmark that recently underwent filming. Tour prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children up to 12-years-old. The tours are also a great outlet to warm up from the chilly weather and learn the history of the Old Sheriff's House and Jail.

FYI: (219) 662-3290

BEACH WEAVERS | Gary

Beach Weavers, "Weaving Friends and Fibers" at Lake Street Gallery will be opening an exhibit of weavings by eight women collectively known as the Beach Weavers with a reception at 7 p.m. Saturday. The Beach Weaver's show will have weavings of non-traditional materials such as jewelry woven in gold tone wire and a wall hanging partly made of plastic wire. Lake Street Gallery is located in the Miller section of Gary at 613 S. Lake St.

FYI: (219) 938 4566

WHAT IS IT WORTH? | Westville

An Antique Appraisal Fair and Luncheon sponsored by the Purdue North Central Women's Association will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Purdue University North Central, Ind. 421 (at the Indiana Toll Road), featuring Martin Papke, a certified appraiser and owner of Kathy's Antiques in Chesterton. Each item will be discussed by the owner and the appraiser and a value given. Tickets are $28 and include luncheon and one appraisal item. Reservations are due by Sept. 29.

FYI: (219) 548-3674

SCAVENGER HUNT | Crown Point

Indiana Ghost Trackers hosts an event open to the public. Haunted Scavenger Hunt is a fun event for those 21 or older. This will take the community to many areas throughout Lake and Porter counties to capture spirits, solve puzzles and have fun. The event begins at 7 p.m. Saturday at Antiques and Unique Treasures, 208 S. Main St. Everyone will be given a list of things to do, places to go and things to collect. Bring a camera. Cost is $10 per person.

FYI: (219) 798-6731

HARVEST MOON DINNER | Chesterton

Harvest Moon Dinner and Silent Auction will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Hall and Banquet Center, 640 N. Calumet Road. This annual fundraiser for Saint Paul Catholic School in Valparaiso features wine and beer raffle, cash bar, musical entertainment, and a live and silent auction. Tickets are $45 per person, advance purchase required.

FYI: (219) 548-1917 or (219) 462-3374

APPLE DAYS | Lowell

Three Creeks Historical Association presents Apple Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Halsted House Museum, Halsted and West Main streets. Tour the museum, and enjoy home bakes apple pie and slices, apple dumplings and warm apple fritters. Children can learn about weaving, hooking rugs, quilting and basket making. Bring the cook for fresh fruits and vegetables, and the gardener to buy fall mums. Free entertainment includes High Country Band at 10:30 a.m. and The Buckley Singers at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the museum.

FYI: (219) 696-0641

SUNDAY IN THE PARK | Valparaiso

The Valparaiso Parks Foundation hosts its annual fall fundraiser Sunday In The Park from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Butterfield Pavilion at the Old Fairgrounds Park in Valparaiso. "Evening of Champions" will boast interactive entertainment, hors d'oeuvres, dessert and a cash bar. The adult public is invited to join the Friends of the Park for this casual event. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at the Valparaiso Parks Office. All proceeds earned at this event will benefit the Valparaiso Parks Foundation in its mission to continue a legacy of exceptional parks that contributes to the unique quality of life in Valparaiso.

FYI: (219) 462-5144

RUMMAGE SALE | Merrillville

St. Helen's Philoptochos Ladies Society will hold its annual Fall Rummage and Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Hellenic Center, 8000 Madison St. The bake sale will have Greek pastries and many other delicious goodies. Proceeds benefit philanthropic endeavors and needy families in this area.

FYI: (219) 696-4851 after 5 p.m.

TEXAS HOLD 'EM TOURNAMENT | Hammond

St. Catherine of Siena School, 6525 Kentucky Ave., will be holding a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament and dinner on Oct. 17. The buy in price will be $75 per person. The dinner will be from 6 to 7 p.m. with the tournament following immediately.

FYI: (219) 845-1217

WOMEN'S GUILD LUNCHEON | Schererville

The Women's Guild of Calumet College of St. Joseph will host its 27th Annual Fall Brunch on Oct. 19 at Briar Ridge Country Club. The luncheon will include share the pot, raffles and table prizes. Social hour will be at noon and brunch at 1 p.m. Donation is $35 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, please call Gabrielle Manson. The Women's Guild provides financial support for the College's programs and scholarships.

FYI: (219) 473-4325

TEXAS HOLD 'EM | Hammond

Texas Hold 'Em Tournament at the Maywood Civic Club, 921 169th St., at 6 p.m. Oct. 11. Doors open and table assignments begin at 6 p.m. First deal ia at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30. Refreshments are included. The public is welcome.

FYI: (219) 853-0190

APPRECIATION BRUNCH | Merrillville

Lake County Public Library Foundation will be celebrating the community and literacy through an Appreciation Brunch "Literacy without Limits" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12. The brunch will be at the Innsbrook Country Club, 6701 Taft St. and will be honoring a distinguished community volunteer as well as a local organization. Tickets are $25 a piece and everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.

FYI: (219) 769-3541, ext. 315

GALA PLANNED | Hammond

The sixth annual gala to support Nazareth Home will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16 at Hammond Federal Courthouse, 5400 Federal Plaza. There will be live and silent auctions, raffle tickets and celebrity chefs. Tickets are $60 per person.

FYI: (219) 947-8559 or nazarethhome.com

GHOSTS AMONG US | Crown Point

The curious are invited to join us for an evening of paranormal experiences at 7 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Marian Education Center at St. Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St. Cher Wright, of Paranormal Sciences, will cover basic theories, experiences, equipment used and information about the paranormal field. Wright is the Northwest Indiana Representative of American Ghost Society. This agency was founded in 1996 by Troy Taylor, the author of over 55 books on the paranormal and history. It is a nation-wide organization networking professional ghost hunters from all over the country. She has served on the board of directors and held officer positions in the Indiana Ghost Trackers as PR officer, and served as Investigation Coordinator along with being a team leader on investigations as well (though her group is not affiliated with Indiana Ghost Trackers). She founded her own group, Paranormal Sciences, and teaches classes on the subject matter in Valparaiso, Portage and Merrillville.

Free Admission for the living.

FYI: (219) 663-0270

CORN MAZE | Lowell

Make your way through a life-size puzzle of corn when more than 10 acres of cornfield become a maze featuring an "Astronomy" theme from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through Oct. 26 at Buckley Homestead County Park, north of the picnic shelters on Hendricks Street. Join the challenge by finding all the clues and answering the multiple-choice questions posted throughout the maze. Divide into teams and see which team can answer the most Buckley Challenge Questions. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children 5 to 12. Younger children enter free, but all children 11 and younger must be accompanied by someone older than 18. Smoking, alcohol, glass or dogs are not permitted in the corn maze. Call for weekday group reservations.

FYI: (219) 769-PARK or lakecountyparks.com

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER | Chicago

Enjoy a night of family fun with intrigue, suspense, laughter and murder at 6 p.m. Saturday as the Trinity Council Knights of Columbus 3755 present this fund-raiser dinner/play at 11207 S. Ewing Ave. The $40 ticket buys a dinner and a show. Call for reservations.

FYI: (773) 330-4459 or (773) 213-0637

STUFFED CABBAGE (SARMA) OR CHICKEN DINNER | Gary

Noon Oct. 19 at the St. Joseph the Worker Croatian Church, 330 E. 45 Ave. Sponsored by the Rosary Sodality. Cost is $9 for adults and $4 for children under 12 and will be sold at the door. Coffee and dessert are included.

FYI: (219) 887-2255

TEXAS HOLD 'EM | Valparaiso

Texas Hold 'em tournament to benefit Saint Paul Catholic School will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at St. Paul Catholic School, 1755 W. Harrison Blvd. Full details and application can be downloaded from stpaulvalpo.org under "fundraising." There is a $100 per person entry fee, and players must be 21 or older.

FYI: (219) 477-2515

PARK HAY RIDES | Lake County

Reservations for tractor-drawn hay rides are offered at the following Lake County park sites in September and October: Lemon Lake, Stoney Run, Oak Ridge Prairie, Deep River, and Buckley Homestead County Parks. Maximum number per ride is 25 adults (more children). Cost on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays is $75 per ride, and from Monday through Thursday it is $50 per ride.Horse-drawn hay rides at Buckley Homestead County Park, 3603 Belshaw Road in Lowell, are $100 per ride (only during daylight hours). Special Needs hay rides are available at Oak Ridge Prairie, 301 S. Colfax St., Griffith, during daylight hours. The hay wagon is able to carry people in wheelchairs. Regular prices apply. Time and day reservations are dependent upon availability of driver.

FYI: (219) 769-PARK.

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

NEW HORIZONS | Schererville

New Horizons singles dance is 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the Halls of St. George, 905 E. Joliet St. Cost is $5.

FYI: (219) 465-5111 or (219) 844-1824

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

BREAD BOOTH | Lowell

Wednesday is still Bread Day in downtown Lowell. The Lowell Downtown Merchants Association is again hosting the Labriola Bread Booth from 2 to 6 p.m. (or until sold out) Wednesdays. The artisan bread is baked fresh daily and sold on East Commercial Avenue in front of Sickinger's Jewelry store. Cheese from Fair Oaks Farm have been added to the cart this year. During inclement weather, the booth will be moved inside the store. Also downtown on Wednesdays, Tish's Antiques will add a produce booth outside her shop and Bon Super Marche will sell fresh flowers. Other merchants are welcome to add outdoor sales.

FYI: (219) 696-6056 or www.shoplowellindiana.com

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: www.nativitybingo.homestead.comNIGHT HIKE | Griffith

NIGHT HIKE | GriffithBecome a nocturnal animal on a free Night Hike at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park, 301 S. Colfax St. Nature at night can be full of surprises, and sensory experiences in the dark are very different than in the daytime. Discover what it takes to be an owl, bat, or even a raccoon. Call to register. FYI: (219) 844-3188

Become a nocturnal animal on a free Night Hike at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park, 301 S. Colfax St. Nature at night can be full of surprises, and sensory experiences in the dark are very different than in the daytime. Discover what it takes to be an owl, bat, or even a raccoon. Call to register.

FYI: (219) 844-3188