Find out all the events going on in your community, and plan your week's activities with The Times.

To get listed in the calendar, contact Eastlake community coordinator Marlene A. Zloza at least 10 days in advance.

• E-mail: mzloza@nwitimes.com.

• Fax: (219) 662-5296.

• Address: 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point, IN 46307.

• Questions? Call (219) 662-5340.

BE MY VALENTINE | Wheatfield

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade will create a Valentine's Day craft, hear a story and enjoy snacks at an After School Program from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Wheatfield Library, 350 S. Bierma St. Registration is required.

FYI: Call (219) 956-3774.

LEGION BASEBALL | Crown Point

American Legion Post 20 will hold preregistration for its Junior Division (ages 16 and 17) and "A" Team (ages 17 to 19} baseball squads from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 12 and 13 at the post home, 1401 N. Main St. Paperwork will be completed.

FYI: Call (219) 663-9788.

STORY HOUR | Merrillville

Preschoolers, 3 to 5 year are invited to participate in a six-week Story Hour with a new theme each week at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. Sessions are at 10 a.m., 1 or 7 p.m. Mondays, Feb. 11 to March 17, or 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 12 to March 18. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 769-3541, ext. 360.

PRESCHOOL TIME | Cedar Lake

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will participate in a six-week session of stories, songs, and simple crafts at 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 12 to March 18, at the Lake County Public Library's Cedar Lake branch, 10010 E. 133rd Ave. Registration is required.

FYI: Call (219) 374-7121.

DODGEBALL TOURNEY | Lake Village

A Dodgeball Tournament will be held for first- through sixth graders from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13 in the Lake Village Elementary School gym, 3281 W. 950 North Village Baptist Church teen group, VBC Olympians, is sponsoring this dodgeball tournament. No teams are required, just come to play.

FYI: Call (219) 992-3775.

STORY TIME | Wheatfield

Help children 3 to 5 get acquainted with the love of reading by bringing them to Story Time from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 13 to March 19, or from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 14 to March 20, at the Wheatfield Library, 350 S. Bierma St. Stories, crafts and other activities will be included. Registration is required in person, online or by phone.

FYI: Call (219) 956-3774.

TODDLER TIME | Wheatfield

A special Valentine Toddler Time for 2-year-olds, with a caregiver, will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Wheatfield Library, 350 S. Bierma St. Children may wear their pajamas for this evening session. Program is for registered participants only, other arrangements should be made for siblings. Registration is required in person, online or by phone.

FYI: Call (219) 956-3774.

CHESS TOURNAMENT | Portage

Montessori Academy in the Oaks of Hobart will host its annual Spring Scholastic Chess Tournament March 1 at Portage Yacht Club, 1370 Ind. 249. The tournament will begin at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $10 for the open-rated division and $8 for unrated divisions for entries made by Feb. 16. The event is open to children 5 to 18 years old. Food will be available. Trophies will be given to winners. Proceeds will fund Montessori Academy in the Oaks' trip to the national tournament.

FYI: Call (219) 942-9410 or visit scichess.org.

TIP TOP TWOS | Lake Station

Children 18 to 35 months of age, accompanied by a caregiver, are invited to attend a lap-sit story time at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Lake County Public Library's Lake Station-New Chicago branch, 2007 Central Ave. Children and adults will participate in stories, songs, finger plays, and a craft. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 962-2409.

BE A SAFE SITTER | Crown Point

A Safe Sitter class recommended for ages 11 and older will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Marian Education Center at St. Anthony Medical Center, 1201 S. Main St. Participants receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door and when and how to call for help. They receive information on child development and age-appropriate activities as well as the business aspects of baby-sitting. To successfully complete the program, youngsters have to pass practical and written tests to show that they have mastered the key concepts and have the skills necessary to handle an emergency. Cost is $55. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 757-6368.

TRAINS IN THE CITY | Crown Point

Crown Point Parks and Recreation Department and the Lionel Modular Train Club will set up a huge train layout, the fourth annual Trains in the City exhibit, for all ages to enjoy from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Civic Center, 101 S. East St. See different scenes and layouts. Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy will run at the top of every half hour. Admission is free.

FYI: Call (219) 661-2271.

CRAFT DAY | Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake Parks and Recreation Department will host President's Day Crafts and Games for children Feb. 18 at the Cedar Lake Community Center, 7408 Constitution Ave. Ages 3 to 5 attend from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., ages 6 to 10 attend from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and ages 11 and older attend from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Cost is $3. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 374-4444.

POETRY TRIBUTE | Gary

A poetry tribute to Black History Month, featuring poetry written by Gary high school students, will be on exhibit through Feb. 16 at the Gary Public Library's art gallery, 220 W. Fifth Ave. The exhibit is sponsored by SportScope. A closing reception, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 16, is open to the public. Poems by Gary native Dick Barnett also will be on display.

FYI: Call (219) 886-2484.

MAKE IT CHOCOLATE | Merrillville

Children from kindergarten through third grade will enjoy chocolaty stories, crafts and activities at a Chocolate!" program at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 769-3541, ext. 360.

TODDLER TIME | Cedar Lake

Toddlers 2 and 3, accompanied by a parent or caregiver, will hear stories, and participate in music and movement activities at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14 and 28 at the Lake County Public Library's Cedar Lake branch, 10010 E. 133rd Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 374-7121.

VALENTINE'S DAY | Cedar Lake

Children in kindergarten and older will enjoy stories, games, and crafts in a celebration of Valentine's Day at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Lake County Public Library's Cedar Lake branch, 10010 E. 133rd Ave.

FYI: Call (219) 374-7121.

SPRING STORIES | Hobart

Preschoolers 3 to 5 will hear spring stories and participate in finger plays, songs, and spring crafts during Spring Story Time at the Lake County Public Library's Hobart branch, 100 N. Main St. Sessions are at 1 or 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 12 to March 18, or 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 13 to March 19. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2243.

ALL ABOUT CHOCOLATE | Hobart

Everything tastes better covered in chocolate! Children in fourth grade and older are invited to enjoy chocolate-covered-everything at a Valentine's Day program at 4 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Lake County Public Library's Hobart branch, 100 N. Main St. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2243.

BE MY VALENTINE | Hobart

Children in kindergarten through fourth grade will hear Valentine's Day stories and create their own Valentine paper bags and Valentine cards at 4 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Lake County Public Library's Hobart branch, 100 N. Main St. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2243.

STORY SESSIONS | Lake Station

Preschoolers 3 to 5 are invited to a six-week Story Hour program that includes stories, songs, finger plays, and a craft. Meet at 1 or 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Feb. 13 to March 19, at the Lake County Public Library's Lake Station-New Chicago branch, 2007 Central Ave. Call to register.

FYI: Call (219) 962-2409.

YOUNG CHAMPIONS | Hobart

Hobart Parks and Recreation Department and Young Champions, a national youth sports program, will hold cheerleading classes on Wednesdays starting Feb. 6 at the Hobart Community Center, 111 E. Old Ridge Road. Class time is 6 to 6:45 p.m. for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 7:45 p.m. for ages 7 to 10 and 8 to 8:45 p.m. for ages 11 to 15. There is a $7 nonrefundable registration fee and a $7 fee per class, with registration on the first night of classes. Young Champions has operated in Michigan for 15 years and is expanding into Indiana, teaching beginners through advanced students. Classes promote coordination, confidence, poise, fitness, artistic expression, teamwork and a competitive spirit. Student learn the fundamentals of dance and cheer, dance and parade routines, cheers, chants and jumps and how to try out and perform in front of an audience.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2987.

BUMPER BOWLING | Lowell

Preschoolers age 2 to 5, with parental participation, will enjoy bumper bowling in a six-week program sponsored by the Lowell Parks Department from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursdays, Feb. 14 to March 20, at Lowell Country Lanes on Lucas Parkway. Program ends with a pizza party April 3. Cost is $35 for residents and $38 for nonresidents and includes one game a week, shoe rental, trophy and party. Register by Feb. 8.

FYI: Call (219) 696-1570.

PLAY BALL | Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake Little League will hold registration from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at American Legion Post 261, 13050 Washington St., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Cedar Lake Branch Library, 10010 W. 133rd Ave. Signups and tryouts will be held Feb. 23 and March 8 at Hanover Central High School's gym, with 9- and 10-year-olds reporting at 10 a.m. and 11- and 12-year-olds slated for noon.

FYI: Call Larry Spurr at (219) 365-3415 or Karen Balich at 374-6334.

CABIN FEVER EVENT | Hobart

Join the Hobart Parks and Recreation Department for a Cabin Fever Breakout family event from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Hobart Community Center, 111 E. Old Ridge Road. Games, crafts and other winter fun, with refreshments including s'mores and hot chocolate. Dress for outdoor fun, including snowman building and snow painting. Cost is $3 per person and the registration deadline is Feb. 8.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2987.

SOFTBALL TIME | Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake Girls Softball League will hold registration from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Feb. 9 and March 8, and from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 25 at the softball field, adjacent to Hanover Park. Fees are $80 for the first child in a family and $30 for each additional child, plus a $35 refundable concession fee.

FYI: Call Becky Villa at (219) 374-5844 or Shirley Mudy at 374-5326.

TALENT SHOWCASE | Hobart

Ross Music theatre and M & M Productions will hold auditions for ages 8 to 16 for the annual Youth Talent Showcase at 1 p.m. Feb. 9 and 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at Center Stage Studio Theatre, 227 Center St. Performers should bring a prepared piece to sing, a dramatic or comic monologue or a short dance number. The act can be solo or with a group. There will be 6 to 10 rehearsals held with staff to help polish each act before the performance March 30. There is no cost to participate in this show. More information, and a small video of past shows can be found at www.m-mproductions.com by following the workshop link. Youths can also register an act on line or by phone.

FYI: Call (219) 947-4922.

SOFTBALL CLINICS | Crown Point

Crown Point Girls Softball is sponsoring free softball clinics on Sundays, Feb. 10, 17, 24, and March 2 in the Taft Middle School gym, 1000 S. Main St. Time is 1 to 1:50 p.m. for ages 6 and under and 8 and under groups, 2 to 2:50 p.m. for ages 10 and under and 3 to 3:50 p.m. for ages 12 to 14. The clinics will cover basic skills including throwing, fielding, hitting and some pitching. Bring a glove and wear tennis shoes (no bats needed). Sign up to play softball for the 2008 season at these free clinics, or go online.

FYI: Visit www.cpgsl.org to register to play.

PLAY BALL | Merrillville

Merrillville Little League will hold registration from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Merrillville High School fieldhouse, 276 E. 68th Ave. Cost is $105 for first player in a family and $55 for each additional player. Participation in fundraiser or buy-out is required. A late fee of $25 is assessed after March 10.

FYI: Call Dennis Zaremba at (219) 923-3852.

YOUTH BASKETBALL | Hobart

A "second chance" youth basketball league for boys and girls 3 to 11 will be offered by the Hobart Family YMCA, 601 W. 40h Place. Age divisions are 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-11. One-hour weekly practices begin the week of Feb. 11 and games will be held on Saturdays, Feb. 23 through April 5. Cost is $30 for members and $60 for nonmembers.

FYI: Call (219) 942-2183, ext. 16.

LEARN CHESS | Cedar Lake

Children in third grade and older will learn the basics of chess, practice their new skills, and learn effective strategies at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 25 at the Lake County Public Library's Cedar Lake branch, 11010 W. 133rd Ave. Beginners and experienced players are welcome.

FYI: Call (219) 374-7121.

JOIN LITTLE LEAGUE | Lowell

Registration for Lowell Little League players is available online with credit card payment until Feb. 15. Cost is $120, including $50 in raffle tickets for all players except Senior League. Senior League fee is $90 with raffle tickets. New players must provide a birth certificate and prove residency.

FYI: Call (219) 696-8670 or visit www.lowelllittleleague.com.

DANCE REVUE | Hammond

Indiana Ballet Theatre, a ballet and modern dance company in Northwest Indiana, will present its 15th modern and contemporary revue at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at Towle Community Theatre, 5246 Hohman Ave. Kaleidoscope 3 is being directed by Amanda Tuohy and choreographed by modern instructors Amanda Tuohy and Christie Kamanaroff. The show will include cutting edge choreography and performances by IBT company dancers. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling (219) 663-7950 or e-mailing, ibtnw@hotmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the theatre box office (937-8780).

FYI: Call (219) 663-7950.

TAP AND BALLET | Merrillville

Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department sponsors Ballet and Tap Dance classes for ages 3 to 6 from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Saturdays starting Feb. 23 at the Pruzin Community Center, 5750 Tyler Place. Cost for six weeks is $40 for residents and $45 for nonresidents. Register by Feb. 16. A minimum of 5 students is required.

FYI: Call (219) 980-5911.

JUDGES WANTED | Hobart, Lake Station

Ever wished you could be a judge on American Idol? Do you have what it takes to be an objective and open minded judge? Here's your chance to judge the Teen Idol Contest coming up March 24 at the Lake County Public Library's Hobart branch, 100 N. Main St. or March 27 at the Lake Station-New Chicago branch, 2007 Central Ave. Teens 12 to 17 should submit an essay detailing qualifications in 100 words or less. Include name, age and phone number. Essays may be dropped off at the Hobart or Lake Station branch or submitted via our blog at www.hobartlibrary.blogspot.com before Feb. 29. Registration for the contest itself begins March 1. Rules and FAQs can be found on the library blog at www.hobartlibrary.blogspot.com.

FYI: Call Carol at (219) 942-2243 for more information on the Hobart contest, or 962-2409 about the Lake Station contest.

ICE SKATING | Hobart

Ice skating will be available at the 14,500-square-foot Deep River Ice Plaza, from 2 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, 2 to 10 p.m. Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Feb. 24, weather permitting.at Deep River Waterpark, 9001 E. U.S. 30. Food stands, heated bathrooms, the U.S. 30 Surf Shop and group and season pass sales offices will be open. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for ages 14 and younger and 62 and older, and free for spectators. Skate rentals are $5. No hockey games or sticks, and no food, beverages or coolers can be brought into park.

FYI: Call (219) 947-7850, ext. 604.