Barnes and Noble, Valparaiso, is holding an "Educator's Day" from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Union Township educators and others will receive 25% off on gifts, classroom and personal books on this designated day. Plus, 10% off on DVD's. If you do not already have an educator's discount card, bring a school ID or pay stub to apply. On regular days, teachers receive 20% off on books to be used in the classroom. Barnes and Noble is located at 150 Silhavy Road. For more information call Erin at (219) 531-6551.

Holiday fun day camp

Need a day to shop? If so, bring your child to the holiday fun camp from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Wheeler High field house. The camp is open to kindergarten through sixth grade students. The cost is $20 per camper, and scheduled activities include crafts, games reading corner, a holiday movie snacks, and even a visit from Santa. Pre-registration required. Call (219) 759-2561.

Board meeting

The monthly Union Township School Corporation board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the middle school commons area.

At Simatovich Elementary

The holiday shop will be open Dec. 10 and 11. To volunteer, or for more information, call (219) 759-2508.

At Union Township Middle School

Madrigal ticket sales will be extended to Dec. 8. Questions, contact Pamela Hardesty at (219) 759-2562.

During lunch and before school, student council will be selling candy canes for 50 cents. Buy one or more for your friends and they will be delivered on December 19th. Funds raised benefit the holiday collection. Sales end Dec. 16.

At Wheeler High

Students taking the SAT test Saturday at Merrillville High School must bring a photo ID, admission ticket, calculator and #2 pencils. Park in the back of the school, enter through entrance G then sign-in, and be there by 7:30 a.m. Questions call (219) 650-5307, ext 7052 or 7046

For more details about the following scholarships, see Patty Tharp, guidance secretary: IAHPERD Scholarship - deadline is Jan.15, 2009.

KFC COLONEL'S SCHOLARS PROGRAM - must apply online @ www.kfcscholars.org - deadline is Feb. 10, 2009.

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE - deadline Jan. 25, 2009.

LILLY ENDOWMENT COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP - deadline is Jan. 21, 2009.

Child development program

High school students enrolled in a child development class will be completing their study of

pre-school children and will run a pre-school program from the high school. The program will run from 9:10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The program will begin December 8 and will run until Feb. 20. To enroll your child, call Rhonda Lavelle at Wheeler High

at (219) 759-2561 ext. 2280 for an application and for more information.

Taltree events

A garden discussion and coffee group will take place 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Join other club members as they discuss horticulture, wildlife, nature and garden topics. Topics will be announced in advance, or if you wish to facilitate a discussion, set a date and topic by contacting Taltree at info@taltree.org or call (219) 462-0025.

Mary Stefanski is a Porter County resident. If you have news to share, call (219) 548-4359. Her column solely represents her opinion.