One of the museum's vintage Valentines now on display.

(Click on photos to enlarge)

The LaPorte County Historical Society will host its first-ever Valentine’s Day Tea on Saturday, Feb. 11, in the meeting room of the museum. The tea will begin at 1 p.m. and is open to anyone wishing to experience a little elegance along with a little fun. This event is open to family members of all ages and is especially perfect to share with your child or grandchild, or for your child and her best pals, which may include dolls.

This event is appropriate for ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Get out your nicest hat and your prettiest gloves and come and learn the history of Valentine’s Day, presented by County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz, while you share some cookies, finger sandwiches, lemonade and, of course, tea. A craft project will also be on the agenda.

Please reserve your spot at the table by calling 219-324-6767. The Valentine’s Day Tea is free, however regular museum admissions apply.

Please give advance notice of any food allergies.

While at the museum, don’t forget to visit the vintage Valentines on display in the period rooms. They will be on exhibit till the end of February.

The museum is located at 2405 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte. Its three floors include a recreated log cabin and 13 period rooms, the W.A. Jones Antique Firearms Collection, and the Kesling Automobile Collection of over 35 antique and classic cars. For more information, call (219) 324-6767 or visit www.laportecountyhistory.org.

Another vintage Valentine at the museum.

Topics include:

– The importance of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle during pregnancy

– How to achieve a healthy pregnancy weight gain

– The danger of food-borne illness and tips to protect yourself during pregnancy

– The best methods for feeding the baby

– The consequences of smoking, drinking and drugs during pregnancy

The Have a Healthy Baby program is a research-based curriculum taught by trained, caring educators across Indiana. In LaPorte County, Purdue Extension Educator Allison Goshorn and Program Assistant Jody Kutch will deliver nutrition education to bring about lifestyle changes promoting a healthy pregnancy.

The program will take place on the following dates and at the following locations:

– The Bridge, Michigan City, on Tuesdays, Feb. 28 and March 6, from 3 to 5 p.m.

– State Street Community Church, LaPorte, on Tuesdays, March 13 and 27, from 4 to 6 p.m.

Registration is required. For more information, visit http://www.purdue.edu/momstogether, e-mail agoshorn@purdue.edu or call 219-324-9407.

READ LaPorte County Inc. is celebrating its 25th anniversary throughout 2012 with special events, the first of which is a program — “What is Dyslexia?” — on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Formed in May 1987, READ was originally named LaPorte Literacy Coalition, but in 2003 changed its name. Since its beginnings, READ’s mission has been to increase reading, math and English skills in the community. Tutors receive training to teach these skills to children as well as adults. It is a nonprofit organization and offers free services.

This year READ’s 39 tutors are assisting 113 students. With the cooperation of LaPorte Community Schools, in 2012 a new program has been developed: Students from LaPorte High School are tutoring Hailmann and Lincoln elementary school students.

Feb. 4 — “What is Dyslexia?”

On Saturday, Feb. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the LaPorte County Public Library’s large meeting room, the Dyslexia Institute of Indiana will present this program.

Most people think dyslexia has something to do with seeing letters upside down and reading backwards. But that is not what it is. And 15-20 percent of our population has dyslexia.

Find out what dyslexia really is at this program. An expert from the Dyslexia Institute, located in Indianapolis, will lead an informative time for parents, teachers and anyone interested in finding out how this inherited learning difference affects not only reading, but the whole lives of the people who have it, as well as their loved ones. Information on diagnosing dyslexia and helping those diagnosed will be included.

There is no charge. Registration by e-mailing mhedge8@comcast.net is requested.

This event is sponsored by READ LaPorte County Inc. through a grant from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County.

March 31 — tutor training session

On Saturday, March 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the library, a READ LaPorte County tutor training session will be held.

April 25 — Business After Hours

On Wednesday, April 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., READ will join Business After Hours with the LaPorte Chamber of Commerce.

April 28 — tutor training session

On Saturday, April 28, another tutor training will be held at the library.

Other events

This winter, a literacy activity will be held at Boston Middle School. In the fall a Scrabble tournament will be held.

The public is encouraged to get involved in these activities. To be a tutor or to seek tutoring, contact director Mary Hedge of the LaPorte County Public Library at mhedge8@comcast.net.

READ LaPorte County events are funded by grants from the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County and Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte Foundation Inc.

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.

Here are upcoming American Red Cross blood drives in LaPorte County.

– Friday, Feb. 17, 1 to 6 p.m., South Central School south gymnasium, 9808 S. 600 West, Union Mills. Come to donate and receive a T-shirt. This Pint Size Heroes blood drive is sponsored by the National Honor Society.

– Friday, Feb. 24, 8 a.m. to noon, St. Anthony Health’s St. Francis Hall, 301 W. Homer St., Michigan City.

– Monday, Feb. 27, noon to 5 p.m., IU Health LaPorte Hospital. Come to donate and receive a $3 lunch coupon. Please call 326-1234, ext. 1518, to schedule your blood donation appointment.

The registration fee is $45 for the first child and $35 for each additional child in the same household. All new participants must bring a copy of their birth certificates.

Beginning March 12, there will be a $20 late fee added for each child.

For more information, contact the LaPorte Park and Recreation Department at 326-9600.

College Goal Sunday is a 23-year-old statewide program that provides free financial aid information and assistance to all Indiana students seeking admission to any Indiana college, university or technical institution. At 40 College Goal Sunday sites in 33 cities and towns throughout Indiana, students and their parents will get the help they need in understanding and completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

College Goal Sunday presents an ideal opportunity for students and parents to meet with financial aid professionals. PNC financial aid staff will be on hand to help those who want to complete the FAFSA. College-bound students and parents are asked to bring copies of their completed 2011 federal tax forms, W-2s and other income and benefits information. Students and parents should apply for their U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) at www.pin.ed.gov before coming to the event.

FAFSA forms, required by educational institutions nationwide, must be received by the federal processor by March 10, 2012, for Indiana residents to be eligible for state aid.

The FAFSA is also required for consideration for federally sponsored financial aid, including student loans and grants and is a prerequisite for many scholarships.

During February, students and their families can call the Learn More Resource Center helpline at 800-992-2076 to have their questions answered by financial aid professionals. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education supports the Helpline.

Twenty-first Century Scholars are encouraged to attend College Goal Sunday to receive help in completing the FAFSA and other paperwork necessary to receive their Twenty-first Century scholarships.

For more information, contact the PNC Financial Aid Office at 219-785-5200, ext. 5493, or finaid@pnc.edu.

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.

The giant sign as seen from ExactTarget offices.

Photos by Lindsey Cooper

(Click on photos to enlarge)

Indianapolis is alive with activity this week as tens of thousands gather for festivities surrounding Super Bowl XLVI. Native LaPortean Lindsey (Boardman) Cooper, who has a bird’s-eye view of some of the hoopla from her downtown Indy workplace, ExactTarget, snapped a few shots of the fun.

The Roman numerals with the backdrop of Monument Circle.

Super signage.

Super Bowl Village, offering all kinds of fun activities, has been packed.