community CONTACT THE COORDINATOR: Marlene Zloza, (219) 662-5340, 2080 N. Main St., Crown Point IN 46307, marlene.zloza@nwi.com classifieds inside CROWN POINT | CEDAR LAKE | DYER | LAKES OF THE FOUR SEASONS | LOWELL | MERRILLVILLE | SCHERERVILLE | WINFIELD | ST. JOHN HOBART HAPPENINGS SL | Wednesday, August 6, 2014 | SECTION C GETTING TO KNOW Crown Point woman receives grants as she reinvents herself with nursing school LINDA KOLARIK Learn how to paddle from the experts A free paddling event is open to the public, including families with children, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday at Robinson Lake, 5250 Liverpool Road, Hobart. The Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (www.nwipa.org) will provide kayaks, canoes, paddles, life jackets and instruction. Boats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn the basics of canoeing and kayaking from experienced paddlers, including how to successfully get in and out of the watercraft, how to launch, paddling techniques and water safety. Feel free to bring your own boat and gear. All paddlers must wear life jackets. The event will take place rain or shine, except in event of a thunderstorm. A small donation (up to $5 per family) to defray NWIPA expenses would be appreciated. For more information about paddling, contact the Friends of Robinson Lake at (219) 743-0679 or Dan Plath at (219) 871-9559 or dplath@ nwipa.org. HOBART VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ‘WHEELS’ Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana invites anyone interested to a Volunteer Orientation and Training Session this month at 8446 Virginia St., Merrillville. One-hour sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 21. Volunteers will be offered a tour of the facility and the opportunity to ask questions about Meals on Wheels and the services it provides. Experienced drivers will share information about their experiences. Each day, volunteers deliver more than 1,500 meals. “Volunteers are needed for all routes throughout Lake County, however, at the moment, we are particularly in need in the Hobart community, ” said Joan Vith, volunteer manager. To register or for information on individual or corporate volunteer opportunities, contact Vith at (219) 756-3663 or joan@mownwi.org. LAKEFRONT FEST NEXT WEEK The 23rd annual Hobart Lakefront Festival kicks off Aug. 14 and runs through Aug. 17 at Festival Park, 111 Old Ridge Road. Plan to enjoy the Hobart Lions Club Steak Fry on Friday, Elks Lodge 1152 Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, and the Hobart Chamber of Commerce Pig Roast on Sunday. For a full calendar of events, visit www.cityofhobart.org. COOK OFF BENEFITS REBUILDING TOGETHER A Blacktop BBQ Cook Off will take place Aug. 23 at Service Doctor, 5150 E. U.S. 30, Merrillville, with all proceeds to benefit Rebuilding Together Hobart/Lake Station. Grill masters, sponsors and vendors are invited to contact Ron at ron.servicedoctor@gmail.com or (219) 942-0883 for complete details. PRESCHOOL CLASSES AVAILABLE If you have any doubt that autumn is on the way, Hobart Family YMCA, 601 W. 40th Place, is taking registrations for its Fall Developmental Preschool program. Call (219) 942-2183, ext. 14 and ask for Sharon Tarry. Both morning and afternoon classes are available. See HOBART, Page C5 KIMBERLY CHEEK-STANLEY Times Correspondent At 49, Crown Point resident Nancy Smith continues to reinvent herself and is the recipient of two scholarships as a student at the University of St. Francis. Smith is working toward a May, 2015 graduation with an associate degree in nursing from the Crown Point school. “In 2010, I lost my job of 20 years in the mental health field due to financial cutbacks and corporate restructuring,” Smith said. “After finding myself unemployed in a workforce where the unemployment rate was high and competition fierce, I knew that I needed to further my education in order to make myself more marketable.” Smith recently received the Ruth B. Sayre Memorial Scholarship, a $500 scholarship awarded for the purpose of fostering educational development in women. In addition, she was granted the Ann Hancook Scholarship from the Indiana Extension Homemakers. Nominees are chosen for their character, work experience and educational goals. “I was very appreciative to be selected as the recipient of the scholarships. Unfortunately, there are not many scholarships intended for adults who want to advance their education. Most are for those directly out of high school,” Smith said. Smith is a graduate of Wabash High School, and graduated from Ball State University in 1989 with a music education degree. Previously employed at Southlake Center for Mental Health and Christian Haven Inc., she looks forward to the advantages of a nursing career. “I’m looking forward to financial stability and mobility. I also really enjoy the opportunity to assist others at times when they are at their most vulnerable,” she said. “I currently work as a certified nursing assistant and when people are sick, having surgery or procedures, or at end-of-life, I believe SMITH it helps having someone caring for them that can provide comfort, allay their fears, and assist family members.” “I look forward to continuing this service as a nurse,” she added. Smith is studying for her National Council Licensure Examination and NCLEX-RN exam. She is a volunteer at the Independent Cat Society in Westville. To nominate someone for this feature, contact kimberly.a.cheek@gmail.com. YOUR SOUTH LAKE COUNTY CALENDAR MANAGING YOUR WEB | St. John 8 to 9 a.m. Aug. 7, Standard Bank and Trust Co., 9321 U.S. 41. Enjoy the chance to network with local business owners and professionals while obtaining information presented by Al Konieczka, Founder Alkon Consulting Group, on how to update your company website, promote via social media and utilize technology to streamline your business. A continental breakfast will be served. FYI: Contact Maria Cantu-Dougala at (219) 365-4344, ext. 63124 or email maria.dougala@standardbanks.com. Visit http://www.standardbanks.com. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GEISEN FUNERAL HOMES Katie Hunter and Eric Bradburn, both of Crown Point, display the new Trek bicycles they won at the recent Bike Safety Fair hosted by Geisen Funeral Homes and Trek Bicycle of Schererville. Safe riding can be fun Businesses team up to host Bike Safety Day TIMES STAFF MERRILLVILLE | Youngsters were eager to display their skills at the Bike Safety Fair hosted this summer by Geisen Funeral Homes and Trek Bicycle of Schererville. Held at Geisen’s Merrillville location, staffers for Trek Bicycle led children through numerous stations where the riders soaked up information ranging from helmet fit to bicycle road safety. “Bike safety is so important – we wanted to do something for local kids that was both educational and fun,” said Geisen Funeral Homes Community Relations Director Jean Lahm. Complimentary refreshm e n ts we re se rve d , a n d numerous prizes were raffled off. “The weather was perfect – what a great day for families to come out and become more knowledgeable about bike safety,” said Paul Jellema, event coordinator for Trek Bicycle. Five-year-old Eric Bradburn and 6-year-old Katie Hunter, both of Crown Point, were the of Trek bicycles. All of the children who participated earned a Bike Safety Certification for successfully completing all of the bike safety checkpoints. ONE-ON-ONE COMPUTERS | Merrillville 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 7, Lake County Public Library, 1919 W. U.S. 30. Adults can sign up for a one-hour session on how to use the Internet, set up free email accounts, or write a resume. Register by phone or online. FYI: Contact Reference Desk by phone at (219) 769-3541, ext. 334 or email reference@lcplin.org. Visit http:// WWW.LCPLIN.ORG/BRANCHES/CNL.HTM. CABERNET & CANVAS | Crown Point 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8, South Shore Arts Crown Point Arts Center, 123 N. Main St. Registration deadline is Aug. 8 for those 21 and older to enroll in a Cabernet & Canvas painting workshop held from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15. Students will have fun creating their own 16-by20-inch seascape. Bring a favorite wine (or other beverage) and a snack that to share (optional). Class is limited to 20. Cost is $45.. FYI: Contact Kim McKinley by phone at 219/836-1839 x103 or email kim@ southshoreartsonline.org. Visit http:// www.southshoreartsonline.org. RUMMAGE SALE | St. John 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 8, VFW Post 717, 10400 W. 93rd Ave. The GFWC Women’s Club of St. John will have a rummage sale Aug. 8 and 9 at the VFW Post 717, 10400 W. 93rd Avenue in St. John. Proceeds fund community programs including the annual Independence Day Kids’ Bike parade, college scholarships for local students, and helping hands for families in need or crisis. Visit our website at: www.stjohnwomensclub. weebly.com. For more information call (219) 365-0979 or email gfwcwomensclubofstjohn@yahoo.com. FYI: Contact GFWC Women’s Club of St. John by phone at (219) 365-0979 or email gfwcwomensclubofstjohn@yahoo. com. Visit http://www.stjohnwomensclub.weebly.com. Senior Ambassador Zach Merritt, left, of Trek Bicycle checks off safety skills learned by Camryn Hadt at the Bike Safety Fair held in Merrillville. STORY TIME | St. John 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 8, St. John branch of Lake County Public Library, 9450 Wicker Ave. Children will participate in an hour filled with stories, crafts and other activities. Sign up for either the Tuesday or Friday sessions by phone or online. FYI: Contact Children’s Services by phone at (219) 365-5379 or email stjohn@lcplin.org. Visit http://WWW. LCPLIN.ORG/BRANCHES/SJ.HTM. See CALENDAR, Page C5
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