Corned beef, cabbage | Valparaiso

VFW Post 988 will hold a corned beef and cabbage dinner from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and beginning at 11 a.m. March 17 at the hall, 705 Roosevelt Road. The dinner is $7 and the sandwich is $5.

FYI: Call (219) 464-3668.

CHESTERTON

Knitting together

Area knitters are invited to gather in the Brown Mansion parlor for a cozy afternoon of knitting, conversation and refreshments, as well as a last look at the temporary exhibit "A Day in the Life of Westchester Township" from 1 to 5 p.m. today at the Westchester Township History Museum, 700 W. Porter Ave. The program is free of charge and open to the public.

Information on the history of knitting will also be available, as well as copies of Museum Researcher Eva Hopkins' original pattern for a unique but simple earmuff scarf.

FYI: Call 983-9715.

DIABETES ALERT | LaPorte

LaPorte Regional Health System will offer free glucose screenings from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 25 at LaPorte Hospital HealthQuarters, 1007 Lincolnway. The screenings are in support of the American Diabetes Association's Diabetes Alert Day. Use the main entrance. A diabetes educator will be on hand to provide finger-stick tests and to answer questions. The American Diabetes Alert Day is an annual, one-day call to action for people to find out if they are at risk for diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy needed for daily life.

FYI: Call (219) 326-2478.

SENIOR CIRCLE | Valparaiso

Porter dietitian Vanessa Provins will prepare heart-healthy fish, will steam nutrient-rich vegetables and will discuss ways to add fiber and whole grains to a daily diet during the Senior Circle program from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 25 at Porter's Valparaiso Outpatient Campus, 2000 Roosevelt Road. The public is invited to this free program. Registration is requested.

FYI: 263-4629

OPEN HOUSE | Portage

Portage Christian School, 3040 Arlene St., will host an open house from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 18. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the open house. Teachers and staff members will be available in each classroom to answer questions.

FYI: Call (219) 762-9531.

AARP DRIVER'S SAFETY | Portage

Dave Chnupa will teach a two-day AARP Driver Safety Program from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 18 and 19 at Miller's Senior Living Community - Assisted Living Apartments, 5911 Lute Road. The registration fee is $10; make checks or money orders payable to AARP. This nationally recognized refresher course is geared to the safety needs of the older driver. Graduates of the program may be eligible to receive insurance premium discounts. Participants may bring a lunch or purchase lunch in the dining room at Miller's Senior Living Community. The public is invited. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are required, as seating is limited.

FYI: Call Louise Thompson at (219) 764-0628.

BEGINNING SPANISH | Valparaiso

The Valparaiso Department of Parks and Recreation offers new Beginning Spanish classes for youth and adults. The youth class is for children in grades 3-6 and will meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 8 through May 8 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the Banta Center. Children will be introduced to vocabulary and dialog in an exciting and interactive atmosphere. The youth fee is $80 for residents and $90 for non-residents. The adult class if for those 16 years old and older and will meet once per week on Thursdays, April 10 through May 8 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Banta Center. Participants will learn practical Spanish in a relaxed, small-class environment. The adult fee is $50 for residents and $60 for non-residents. The Banta Center is located at 605 Beech St/

FYI: Call (219) 462-5144.

Give peas a chance | Valparaiso

Porter's next Senior Circle program is about healthful eating recommendations. Porter dietitian Vanessa Provins will prepare heart-healthy fish, vegetables, fiber and grains from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 25 at Porter's Valparaiso Outpatient Campus, 2000 Roosevelt Road. Attendees to not have to be a Senior Circle member to attend this free program. Register in advance.

FYI: Call (219) 263-4629.

CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE | Porter Twp.

Salem United Methodist Church, of Porter Township, will sponsor an all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. March 17 in the fellowship hall at 756 W. County Road 350 South, across from the church, which is located south of Lakes of the Four Seasons. Dinner includes new potatoes, baby carrots, assorted breads, beverage and dessert. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for ages 5 to 12 and free for children 4 and younger. An optional choice for children only is a hot dog and chips for $2. There will also be home baked goods for sale. Proceeds will go toward missions of the church.

FYI: Call (219) 988-4700.

LACROSSE KINDERGARTEN

LaCrosse School will hold kindergarten registration on March 17 between 5 and 7 p.m. on the elementary floor. The nurse will need immunization records and an official copy of the birth certificate.

FYI: Call (219) 754-2461.