LAKE WEEK AHEAD

WEDNESDAY

Mental health luncheon slated

HOBART | The fifth annual Northwest Indiana Mental Health Awareness luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Avalon Manor, 3550 U.S. 30, Hobart. The theme is Bouncing back, and covers overcoming alcohol and drug addiction. Cost is $35.

THURSDAY

Jaycees host Women’s Expo

HOBART | The Hobart Jaycees host a Women’s Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hobart Elk’s Lodge 1152, 3580 W 61st Ave. Proceeds help the Hobart Jaycees and the Hobart Food Pantry.

IUN staging commencement

GARY | Indiana University Northwest conducts its 46th annual commencement beginning at 4 p.m. at the Genesis Center, 5th Avenue and Broadway, Gary. Graduates should arrive at the Genesis Convention Center by 2:30 p.m. and plan to assemble by 3. Tickets are not required for family and friends to attend.

Time capsule opened at IUN

GARY | A time capsule celebrating more than 50 years of Indiana University Northwest history will be opened in an event from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the IUN Moraine Student Center, 3400 Broadway. It’s in remembrance of Tamarack Hall.

FRIDAY

Violence prevention discussed

GARY | The Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Church in Chicago, keynotes the fifth annual Northwest Indiana Youth Violence Prevention Conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Indiana University Northwest. It is sponsored by the Community Organizations for Families and Youth. The cost is $75 for adults, $25 for youth.

Friends of Hospice host benefit

HOBART | The Friends of Hospice, fundraising auxiliary for Hospice of the Calumet Area, hosts its Seed of Hope dinner from 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Avalon Manor, 3550 U.S. 30, Hobart. The event is a luau theme and dress is casual. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner at 7. Cost is $75.

Foundation taking cruise

MUNSTER | The Munster Education Foundation takes a Culinary Cruise from 7 to 10 p.m. at Cloister in the Woods, 1101 Park Drive, Munster. It features food stations, live and second auctions and a cash bar. to buy tickets at $45 each,  call the foundation at (219) 513-5107.

SATURDAY

Poker run salutes fallen soldier

DYER | A poker run in memory of Army Staff Sgt. David Nowaczyk and to benefit his family starts at noon from the Dyer VFW, 2125 Gettler St. Cost is $15 per rider, $20 per couple. Food and drink will be served at the VFW.

Griffith has community picnic

GRIFFITH | Griffith Lutheran Church, Griffith First Christian Church, Griffith Church of God, Calvary Tabernacle Church and St. Mary’s Catholic Church host a Community Picnic and Music in the Park from noon to 4 p.m. in Griffith’s Central Park at Broad and Pine streets. The picnic will begin at noon with music at 2 p.m. Complimentary hot dogs and homemade desserts will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks.

Dinner/show benefits Towle

HAMMOND | The Munster Junior Women’s Club hosts A Night at the Towle to benefit the Towle Theater from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., 5202 Hohman Ave. Cocktails are followed by a Ciao Bella dinner buffet and “The 39 Steps.” Dinner is $50 per person and will be served with an open bar. The cost is $50 per person.

Gardeners conduct plant sale

SCHERERVILLE | The Lake County Master Gardeners host their fourth annual native plant sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tri-Town Safety Village, 1350 Eagle Rige Drive, Schererville. there are also three speakers at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Poker run assists Burn Camp

CROWN POINT | The Crown Point Volunteer Fire Department is sponsoring its third annual motorcycle and classic car poker run to benefit the Hoosier Burn Camp. It begins with registration at 10 a.m. in the show Pavilion at the Lake County Fairgrounds. The first riders leave at 11 a.m., the last at noon. Registration is $15 per driver and $5 per passenger if participating in the run. Food and drinks will be available. for more information contact Erik Schmitt at

Crown Point flies kites

CROWN POINT | Crown Point Mayor David Uran hosts its annual Kids ‘N’ Kites/Arbor Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Collins Park, 95th and Merrillville Road. Families are invited to decorate and fly a kite. Trees will be planted. Admission is free.

Anti-violence rally, march set

GARY | The Concerned Citizens Against Violence in Gary hold a Mother’s Day march and rally beginning at 11 a.m. from Christ Temple Church, 42nd and Broadway. The group will be escorted by young black men pushing a casket to the South Gleason Golf course, 34th and Harrison.

LAKE WEEK AHEAD