PANCAKE BREAKFAST | Whiting

Humane Society Calumet Area will have a pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. John the Baptist Catholic School, 1844 Lincoln. Tickets will be sold at the shelter in Munster, Full Circle of Art, Geffert's Hardware and Rex Music. They are $5 if bought in advance or $6 at the door.

FYI: (219) 922-3811.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST | Portage

United Way pancake breakfast is set for 7:30 to 9 a.m. Nov. 20 at Miller's Senior Living Community, 5911 Lute Road. The fundraiser breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee, all for $5 per person. this is open to the public but reservations are recommended.

FYI: (219) 764-0628

HOLIDAY READING | Munster

South Shore Arts' 15th Annual Holiday Reading with John Cain will be held Nov. 18 at South Shore Arts, 1040 Ridge Road. Cain will read "A Christmas Story" by Jean Shepard. Doors open at 11 a.m., lunch is at noon and the reading will follow. Tickets are $40 per person, and $35 for members. Last year's event sold out.

FYI: (219) 836-1839, ext. 100

TURKEY TROT | Valparaiso

The operation Smile Group at Valparaiso University is hosting the first Turkey Trot 5k run and walk beginning at 1 p.m. Nov. 16. This event will raise money to pay for surgeries for children around the world born with facial deformities. the cost is $18 and the run starts at the Valparaiso University union, 1400 Chapel Drive. Registration forms are available at the Valparaiso YMCA and Cardinal Fitness.

FYI: operationsmilevu.webs.com

TOYS FOR TOTS | Gary

Northwest Indiana's annual Toy for Tots for Bikers is at 9 a.m. Nov. 15 staging at the Bennigan's Park Lot, 500 E. 5th Ave. Refreshments will be served.

FYI: (219) 808-1888

STEAK FRY | Whiting

The Whiting Elks Lodge 1273 is hosting a steak fry from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at 1521 119th St. Donation is $13 and includes salad, ribeye steak, vegetable, potato, dessert and coffee

FYI: (219) 659-4013

SOUP AND SALAD DINNER | Highland

Highland Christian School will be hosting a soup, salad and dessert dinner from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in the school's gym, 3040 Ridge Road. Donations will be taken at the door.

FYI: (219) 838-0356

DECORATIONS NEEDED | Munster

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Munster Mints Service Unit are sponsoring a Munster flood victims holiday decoration collection/ drop off event from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 15 at St. Thomas More Cornerstone Center, 8635 Calumet Ave. Any new or clean, gently used holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa) decorations will be accepted including trees, lights, ornaments, inside/outside decoration, wreaths and more. The distribution to Munster Flood Victims will be by invitation only.

FYI: (219) 322-3393

PANCAKE BREAKFAST | Chicago

The General Pulaski Council of the Knights Of Columbus of Hegewischwill host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 16 at the St. Columba Social Center, 13323 S. Green Bay Ave. Adults eat for $7, kids 10 and younger eat for $3, and ages 3 and younger are free. All proceeds from this breakfast will go to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

FYI: (773) 646-3889

DUTCH HERITAGE | Hammond

Celebrating Dutch Heritage through music, dance, traditional food and cultural exhibits is the focus of a program Purdue University Calumet is hosting Nov. 15. The three-hour celebration begins at 2 p.m. in Alumni Hall of the university's Student Union & Library. The group, Dutch History Live, from Holland, Mich., will perform songs, skits, a wooden shoe dance and a craft demonstration.Additionally, the Purdue Calumet Theatre Company will perform a short drama based on readings from "The Diary of Anne Frank." The Theatre Company also will perform "The Diary of Callie" about Dutch-Americans sheltering escaped slaves in pre-Emancipation America. Authentic Dutch cuisine will be catered by Van Til's Delicatessen and Almira's Bakery. Several local Dutch-American businesses will have displays. Admission is free.

FYI: (219) 989-2217

THANKSGIVING DINNER | Whiting

The Whiting Masonic Lodge is hosting its annual Thanksgiving dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 15 at 512 Temple Court. The cost is $8 for adults and children younger than 12 eat for $4. Preschool kids eat free. The menu includes turkey, dressing, vegetables, mashed potatoes and dessert. Pop will be sold.

FYI: (219) 588-1445

SCANDIANA LODGE | Chesterton

Scandiana Lodge, Sons of Norway will meet at 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Westchester Library Center, 100 W. Indiana St. for a carry-in dinner and auction. Proceeds fromt he auction will be donated to "Ski for Light" which is a nonprofit organization where volunteers guide blind skiers.

The theme for the evening is Scandinavian culture and food. Members are asked to bring traditional food dishes accompanied by printed recipes to share. Demonstrations and samples of Christmas treats will be shared.

Guests are always welcome.

FYI: (219) 926-7443 or (219) 324-2327

FISH FRY DINNER | Highland

Highland Elks Lodge 981 is sponsoring a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at the lodge hall, 3120 45th St. It will include fish, cole slaw, cottage cheese, beet three-beans salad and potato chips. Chicken tenders are also available.

FYI: (219) 922-8253.

FISH FRY BY POOR ELI | Burnham

A fish fry by Poor Eli is from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at Paul Price Amvets Post 43, 14032 Torrence Ave. Dinner includes cole slaw, cottage cheese, homemade potato salad, fries, bread and coffee. Choices are walleye, lake perch, shrimp, frog legs, bluegill, Cajun catfish, chicken or a combo dinner. Prices start at $8.50. Carry-outs are available. The public is welcome to attend.

FYI: (708) 862-9540

BENEFIT DINNER | Valparaiso

A benefit dinner will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Nov. 22 for Jim Branham, a long-time Porter County firefighter who is now battling stage IV esophageal cancer, at the Elks Lodge, 157 Jefferson St. The evening will feature a dinner catered by Ruge's Meats, which will be served from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., a cash bar, door prizes, raffle and silent auction. Tickets are $20 per person. Children 12 and under will be admitted free.

FYI: (219) 926-1226

SPAGHETTI DINNER | Griffith

American Legion Post 66 is having a spaghetti and salad bar dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at 132 N. Wiggs. Adults eat for $8. It costs $7 for children and seniors. Carry-outs are available. Desserts will be sold.

FYI: (219) 924-1415

UNIVERSITY WOMEN | Schererville

The American Association of University Women will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at St. John Community Center, 1515 U.S. 30 The program, Legacy Foundation, will be presented by Nancy Johnson, executive director of the foundation. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Membership includes men and women.

FYI: (219) 865-2413

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

SUPER BINGO | Chicago

St. Florian will host Super Bingo beginning at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at St. Florian School Gym, 131st and Houston avenues in Chicago's Hegewisch neighborhood. Price is $25 and includes lunch buffet, beverage, dessert and set up raffle and door prizes. There's a $500 coverall.

FYI: (773) 646-2868

HOLIDAY COOKING | South Haven

Healthful holiday cooking will be offered at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at the South Haven Public Library. Linda Curley from Purdue University Cooperative Extension and The Family Nutrition Program will present Healthful Holiday Cooking at 403 W. County Road 700 North. Lowering sugar, salt and fat are all issues we face when preparing foods for the holidays. Linda will transform traditional holiday recipes by reducing or substituting ingredients to increase the nutritional value of the recipe without sacrificing taste. Participants will learn recipes and cooking techniques to help make menus healthier. Programming through Purdue Cooperative Extension is designed to teach the small steps towards a healthier lifestyle. Linda provides recipes, cooking and meal planning tips, and quick and easy ideas for stretching your food dollars.

FYI: (219) 759-4474

TURKEY TROT | Portage

Portage Township YMCA's 8th annual Turkey Trot begins at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 27 at the Y. There will be a 1k youth run, 2k family fun walk and a 5K run. Register by Nov. 17 to be guaranteed to receive a T-shirt. On race day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:15 a.m.

FYI: (219) 762-9622.

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

SUNDAY BREAKFAST | South Haven

American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750 North, will host a Sunday breakfast from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 23. This is an all-you-can-eat breakfast with biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, French toast sticks, drinks and more. Cost is $6.

FYI: (219) 759-2121.

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

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

American Legion Post 502, 429 W. County Road 750 north, will host a fish fry from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 21. prices vary per menu item.

FYI: (219) 759-2121

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.comTEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT AND BRAVO JOHNNY SHOW | Hammond

TEXAS HOLD'EM TOURNAMENT AND BRAVO JOHNNY SHOW | HammondThere will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament that starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Hammond FOP, 7527 Kennedy Ave. Registration starts at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of 100 players. Buy in is $100 with $75 of it going into the winnable pot, and the rest paying for your beer, food, and cover for the Bravo Johnny show which starts at 10:30 p.m. You can reserve a seat for the tournament by paying $25 to the Hammond FOP. Reservations need to be made or they can't guarantee a seat. FYI: hammondfop.com

There will be a Texas Hold'em Tournament that starts at 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Hammond FOP, 7527 Kennedy Ave. Registration starts at 4 p.m. There will be a limit of 100 players. Buy in is $100 with $75 of it going into the winnable pot, and the rest paying for your beer, food, and cover for the Bravo Johnny show which starts at 10:30 p.m. You can reserve a seat for the tournament by paying $25 to the Hammond FOP. Reservations need to be made or they can't guarantee a seat.

FYI: hammondfop.com