The public is invited to this free concert. The program will include:

– LaPorte High School Wind Ensemble, Mickey Stisher, conductor: “Sun Dance” by Frank Ticheli, “The Seal Lullaby” by Eric Whitacre, “American Civil War Fantasy” by Jerry Bilik

– LaPorte High School Symphonic Band, Charles Steck, conductor: “Four Episodes for Band” by John Morrissey, “Be Thou My Vision” by Larry Clark

– LaPorte High School Concert Band, Charles Steck and Mickey Stisher, conductors: “All Glory Told” by James Swearingen, “Rhythm Machine” by Timothy Broege, “On the Edge of the Sword” by David Shaffer

Gold medal solo winners: 8th graders Emily Albano, Abigail Hooton, Annabelle Andrisko, Madison Michael, and 7th grader Alex Reynolds.

Other gold medal soloists were 8th graders Allison Pinter, Aylin Cornejo, Sonia Robinson, Jaden Vervynckt, Emily Rowe, and Emily McCoole; 7th graders Caitlyn Demlein, Kelsey Moore, Emily Glassman, Emma Hunt, and Hailey Orosz; and 6th graders Emma Goldenstern, Kelsey Burnett, Autumn Smith, Allysa DeGroote, and Destiny Schimmel.

Silver medal solo winners: 7th graders Olivia Williams, Zoe Auskalnis, Zeena Rodgers, Chelsea VanLue, and Ashley Holbrook; and 6th graders Emily Jenks and Abigail Doorn.

Bronze medal solo winners: 6th graders Clara Hooton and Shelby Garwick.

Gold medal ensemble winners: Moore ensemble (Emily Glassman, Caitlyn Demlein, Alexandria Reynolds and Kelsey Moore); Reynolds ensemble (Emma Hunt, Caitlyn Demlein, Alexandria Reynolds and Tess Trent); Chlebowski ensemble (Emily Glassman, Caitlyn Demlein, Olivia Williams, Sarah Chlebowski, Zinaida Cleveland, and Chloe Greenboam); Hunt ensemble (Tess Trent, Emma Hunt, Ashley Ward, Zinaida Cleveland, Chloe Greenboam, Emily Wieczorek, Kelsey Moore, Jaclyn Kosinski, Jade Stickler, Zoe Auskalnis, Jill Nalepinski, and Kelsey Martinez); Saylor ensemble (Madison Michael, Rachel Saylor, Abigail Hooton, Megan Flora, Mariah Fain, Jaden Vervynckt, Dalena Haddock, Emily Albano, Ashley Elm, Taylor Pritchard); Burnette ensemble (Jackie Schascheck, Abigail Doorn, Destiny Schimmel, Garrett Eggers, Jade Pollard, Kelsey Burnette, Alan Krieg, and Tyler Pritchard).

Silver medal ensemble winners: Padgett ensemble (Autumn Smith, Emily Jenks, Clara Hooton and Sadie Padgett); Gozzola ensemble (Hailey Orosz, Ashley Holbrook, Melissa Gozzola and Zeena Rodgers); Elm ensemble (Sydnee Lekarczyk, Allison Pinter, Ashley Elm and Taylor Pritchard); Greenboam ensemble (Zoe Auskalnis, Chloe Greenboam, Zinaida Cleveland, Chelsea VanLue, James Cochran, and Caleb Hutchens); Turczynski ensemble (Kayla Brown, Annabelle Andrisko, Morgan Wagner, Kodi Kelley, Mariah Fain, Danielle Turczynski, Caitlyn Witkamp, and Karina Reith; Amaya ensemble (Aylin Cornejo, Emily Rowe, Morgan Wagner, Jaden Vervynckt, Danielle Turczynski, Caitlyn Witkamp, Taylor Gumulauski, Dalena Haddock, Marlon Amaya, Benjamin Pallo, Chace Good, Desmond Sparkman, and Zach Kronewitter-Nelson.

Hours – The main library in LaPorte is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.nm. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Coolspring Branch is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Call the main branch at 362-6156 for hours at the branch libraries in Fish Lake, Hanna, Kingsford Heights, Rolling Prairie and Union Mills.

Board of trustees – The LaPorte County Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at the main library.

Indiana Room – Take a look at the main library’s collection of LaPorte city and county church records; marriage, birth, death, and cemetery record indexes; local histories; and more.

Doorstep delivery – The library’s Extension Department delivers library materials to homebound people. Call 362-6156, ext. 20, for more information.

Book sale donations – Donations of books, CDs, DVDs and videos for the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale may be put inside the Maple Avenue entrance doors at the main library.

Internet address – Library information is at www.laportelibrary.org.

New books this week

Children’s fiction

“Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring” by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan. Martha Graham, a trailblazing choreographer, together with composer Aaron Copeland and artist Isamu Noguchi (who attended school in LaPorte), created a American masterpiece called Appalachian Spring. Follow the story behind the scenes of this classic ballet from the first spark of inspiration through the music’s first performance on Oct. 30, 1944 at the Library of Congress.

“Power Chess for Kids: Learn How to Think Ahead and Become One of the Best Players in Your School” by Charles Hertan. Learn Power Moves, winning tactics that require thinking ahead. Experienced chess trainer Charles Hertan will show you how and help you to become a very dangerous player!

“Shakespeare for Kids: His Life and Times (21 Activities)” by Colleen Aagesen and Margie Blumberg. A perfect introduction to appreciating and understanding William Shakespeare’s lasting legacy.

Kids’ winter reading program

There’s a new reason to love your library this February! Children from birth to fifth grade are invited to have some reading fun with Chill Out and Read, LaPorte County Public Library’s first system-wide winter reading program.

Kids in grades K-5 are welcome to stop by any of the library’s eight locations each week to pick up a bookmark filled with easy activities. They then complete seven of the activities and return the bookmark to the library to select a special treat. There’s new bookmark each week, and anyone finishing all four bookmarks will receive a book to keep AND a book for their classroom.

For little ones who are not yet in school, there is a calendar of activities. Parents or caregivers simply complete 14 of the activities throughout the month and their child will receive a board book of their choice.

Chill Out and Read is made possible through a grant from the LaPorte Literacy Council and the Unity Foundation, as well as funding from Friends of the Library.

Public workshop meetings

The library will host five public workshop meetings to gather input from the community about the library’s budget issues.

Meeting schedule:

– Tuesday, Feb. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., South Central School

– Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Rolling Prairie Elementary School

– Friday, Feb. 17, 8 to 9:30 a.m., LaPorte library

– Tuesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 to 8 p.m., LaPorte library

– Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Coolspring library branch

Input will be sought to discuss issues relating to the library’s structure, organization and financing, and to receive and consider proposals from the public to address these issues. All the meetings will be conducted by an outside facilitator.

An online survey will be created as an opportunity for people who cannot attend a meeting, to offer their thoughts on issues relating to the library’s structure, organization and financing. It will contain both the summary report from Umbaugh and Associates and the same questions as the meetings.

Geeks of the Week

Have you visited the library’s website lately? If so, perhaps you have recognized some of the local people who are featured as the Geek of the Week.

In addition to seeing a variety of people from the community, you can read about what they geek (are interested in.) Visit www.laportelibrary.org every week to see who appears!

Library and YMCA team up

LaPorte County Public Library and the YMCA are teaming up on Wednesday afternoons at the Y’s Youth Activity Center. The center is open Monday through Friday between 3 and 7 p.m. for students ages 11 to 18. It’s free!

Each Wednesday, library staff will host after-school activities. Participants play games, do crafts, make movies and more. So if you’re looking for something to do after school, come to the Y!

Free tech help

You can get free help from the IT professionals at the LaPorte library:

– Social Networking & Employment — Tuesday, Feb. 7, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Learn how to use online sites such as LinkedIn, Monster Jobs and Indeed.com to find employment opportunities.

– Borrowing eBooks from Your Library — Tuesday, March 6, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Learn how to download free eBooks from the library onto your Kindle, Nook, smart phone, laptops and other devices. Bring your device with you or just come and soak up the information.

To register for either class, please call the computer lab at 219-325-7128.

Great Backyard Bird Count

On Saturday, Feb. 11, at the LaPorte library from 10 a.m. to noon, our friends from the Potawatomi Audubon Society will be back to educate and inform us about local birds. Make a pine cone bird feeder and drink apple cider!

LISA NIELSEN is marketing coordinator for LaPorte County Public Library.

ThreeStyle

Three superb entertainers will blend their talents into one delightful show when the LaPorte Community Concert Association presents ThreeStyle on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. at the LaPorte Civic Auditorium.

Jody Briskey and Drew Jansen (the “Miss” and one of the “Hits” from “3 Hits and a Miss” fame) join pianist/entertainer Jimmy Martin to create this cabaret show. All three are consummate showmen.

ThreeStyle — based in Minneapolis — is a dynamite trio of performers with great credentials: Jody Briskey portrayed Judy Garland in a long-running show at the History Theater, and was Tony Sandler’s singing partner. Drew Jansen is composer of the music for the popular Church Basement Ladies show. Jimmy Martin is the piano player/singer from “Just Friends” as well as accompanist for such luminaries as Carmel Quinn, Bea Arthur and Tony Sandler. Jimmy has also performed at the Guthrie Theater and at Carnegie Hall.

The evening will feature will-known favorites from the likes of Judy Garland, Rosemary Clooney and Patti Page, and classics such as “Moon River” and “Malaguena.” Thrown in for good measure are some ragtime riffs and unique doings at the piano as well as some hoots from the hilarious Church Basement Ladies musicals.

This concert is part of the 2011-2012 Community Concert Series. Tickets will be available at the door: adults $15 and students through high school $5. For further information, contact Bill Burger at 362-5292 or Beth LeRoy at 362-8262.

Gold Division (Vocal Solo)

Brooke Baima, Emily Barsic, LeeAnna Ciastko, Angel Hodge, Ashley Hodge, Vanessa Johnson, Jeremy Kreitz, Abigail Meinhard, Miranda Steele, Keziah Tucker

Silver Division (Vocal Solo)

Victoria Hooley, Jenna Kalsow

Gold Division (Vocal Ensemble)

Brooke Baima, Katelyn Baker, Emily Barsic, Savannah Bazemore (2), Jonelle Beasley, Sealea Bennett, Rachael Boo, Taryn Breitzka, MaKayla Brown, Zachary Cains (2), Amanda Chambers, LeeAnna Ciastko, Emily Cizewski, Melissa Coffeen (2), Brenna Combs, Jacob Davis, Destin Davis, Donovan Diedrich, Jenna Diehl, Jessie Dove, Elle Dragos, Kaitlin Edquist, Cheyenne Eiler, Damion Enochs, Melissa Fasel, Bethany Figolah, Alejandro Flores, Alyssa Gerick (2), Breanna Gielda, Jennifer Gonzalez, Miriam Gurrola, Tera Hataburda, Craig Hawkins, Angel Hodge, Ashley Hodge, Cherith Hoffman (2), Coburn Hoffman, Grace Hooley, Victoria Hooley, Benjamin Huff, Robert Hutchens, Megan Jerndt, Vanessa Johnson (2), Jordyn Kaercher, Jenna Kalsow, Kamilah Khan, Jessica Kirkham, Alex Kissinger, Rosina Klaucke, Lisa Kobos, Jeremy Kreitz, Stephanie Lawrence, Savannah Leja, Jaclyn Lewis, Amber Luster, Carmen Luster, Brittany Mace, Amber Maruszczak, Heaven McAllister, Cortney McIntosh, Abigail Meinhard (2), Anastasia Merkel, Bryan Michaels, Sarah Moore, Julia Morris, Jordan Murray, Whitney Neess (2), Jessica Oswald, Sarah Payne (2), Ashlie Porter, India Potter, Brittany Read, Brandon Rhodes, Rachel Ruskowsky, Kaylee Sanders, Michaela Sensing, Lynnon Shouse, Jessica Smith, Rebecca Spevak, Miranda Steele, Zach Stevenson, Cynthia Tapia, Rosa Tapia, Ariana Thompson, Keziah Tucker, Nikolas Vance, Lexie Veach, Jordan Warnock, Marie Werner, Terry Wicks, Andrew Wilde, Saige Wiles, Jennifer Wuthrich (2)

Silver Division (Vocal Ensemble)

Adam Bloom, Seth Brinsfield, Tommy Cornett, Sam Doig, Damion Enochs, Victoria Hooley, Vanessa Johnson (2), Tyler Jones, Jordan Loeffler, Abigail Meinhard, Anastasia Merkel, Bryan Michaels, Keziah Tucker, Jordan Warnock (2), Adam Wiatrowski, Andrew Wilde, Dillon Woodrick

Gold Division (Piano Solo)

Kaitlin Edquist, Alyssa Gerick

Complete class results were:

Lincoln-Way North 61.7

Chesterton 60

Lake Park 59.7

LaPorte 59

Minooka 53.1

Knox 52.9

Lincoln-Way East 52.9

The chips fly as Bud Lies works on a peacock sculpture on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012.

Photos by Dennis Proud

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Part of LaPorte Winterfest’s contribution each year is grand — but short-lived — artwork. Supplied with ice blocks from City Ice, artists create beautiful sculptures with unlikely tools such as chainsaws and blowtorches. Enjoy them while you can near the gazebo at Soldiers Memorial Park, just off Pine Lake Avenue.

Alfredo Arroyo works his magic on the peacock sculpture.

The two artists collaborate on the sculpture.

The completed artwork.

An eagle/flag sculpture at the gazebo site.

LaPorte Service League members Marsha Barr (left) and Kym Ogden gather foliage for a fanciful set addition for the 78th annual play to benefit area schoolchildren. (Click on photo to enlarge)

Hundreds of area schoolchildren will delight to an original local play when the LaPorte Service League presents its 78th annual production.

“Why Do I Have To Do My Homework?”, written by Service League member Kathy Sommer, will premiere Monday, Jan. 30. Morning and afternoon performances will be presented through Friday, Feb. 3, in the LaPorte High School auditorium, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Educational packets following state standards are put together by Service League members and are sent home with teachers and students the day they attend the performance.

The dress rehearsal at 1 p.m. on Sunday, January 29, is open to the public, as well as an extra performance at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4. Cost is $1 for those performances. The charge for the schoolchildren who attend through the week is still just 50 cents. A grant from Unity Foundation of LaPorte County helped support costs for the play this year, helping to keep the prices at a very affordable level.

Openings are available for schools that have not yet locked in their attendance dates, by contacting Elizabeth Dekker at 219-325-8179.

Director for the play is Lucy Vergo, who has acted in community theater productions as well as numerous Service League plays.

Author Kathy Sommer has assisted with the plays for many years as well, including with set construction and lighting. Her play focuses on an adventurous brother and sister who travel in a time machine with their professor neighbor and family dog. As they tackle various challenges, Johnny realizes why it’s important to do his homework and get a good education.

Sommer explains: “I wanted something that would show the kids the value of their education, as well as be entertaining.”

The script should tickle the children’s fancy as they see and imagine worlds populated by huge rabbits, hungry tigers, fiery dragons and Scottish knights.

“The theme shows that it’s really important to have a good education because you don’t know what kind of trouble or adventures you will run into,” Vergo said. “It’s important to know math, reading and history so you are better prepared for what comes your way.”

Actresses will include: Deb Ault as Johnny, Andrea Leslie as Jane, Elizabeth Dekker as Spot the beagle, Ramona Komasinski as Rabbit, Annette Williams as Mrs. There, Sheryl Edwards as both Professor All and The Knight, Beth Mann as The Doctor, Joanne Gorecki as The Nurse, and Gina Ake as Voice of the Mother who is heard, but not seen.

The LaPorte Service League play has been presented for the cultural enrichment of area students since the organization was founded by Hallie Fox in 1932. The annual production is a year-long project, and each of the active members is required to spend at least 10 hours working on the event.

This is just one of several ongoing volunteer services that the nonprofit organization contributes to the community. Other projects include the Arts in the Park series, eye screenings and tutoring for area students, bell ringing for Salvation Army and deliveries for Meals on Wheels.

If you know of a child in second through fifth grades who loves to sing, encourage him or her to join the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra Children’s Chorus. The chorus is in its third year with Matt Nelson as chorusmaster. His enthusiastic methods encourage children to sing with exuberance while they learn about pitch, rhythm and memorization. They are taught group performance fundamentals, and some students have opportunities to sing solos or in small ensembles.

The chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings beginning at 6 p.m. at Agape Christian Church, 1601 I St., LaPorte. Rehearsals began Jan. 10, but new students are being accepted.

The LCSO Children’s Chorus will be rehearsing for a program called Bloomin’ Melodies. This Broadway-inspired public recital will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City on March 18 at 3 p.m. Contact info@LCSO.net or 362-9020 for more information.

To view a full schedule of events, including other LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra collaborations throughout the community, visit www.LCSO.net.