Summer reading program, concert series at Gary Library
The annual Summer Reading Program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” is underway through July 20 for students in pre-school through 12th grade at the Gary Public Library. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library branches or online at www.garypubliclibrary.org. In recognition of the Juneteenth holiday, all branches will be closed Wednesday. Library service will resume on Thursday. The free Sunday Classical Concert series returns from 3 to 5 p.m. June 30 at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., second floor Arts Theater. This series is held on the fifth Sunday monthly and is co-sponsored by the Gary Civic Symphony Orchestra and the Gary Historical and Cultural Society, Inc. Park for free in the north parking lot; enter on the north side the building only. The library will be closed. One of several free databases available for children and students, the library provides ABCmouse for use at home. To get started with ABCmouse Home Access for Libraries, click on the “Kids and Teens” tab on the library’s website. A Gary Public Library library card and PIN number are required. PIN numbers are provided in person. For more programs and activities, visit the library’s website at www.garypubliclibrary.org/events.
Northwest Health offers HealthyU Seminar on hernias
Northwest Medical Group General Surgeon Taylor Coleman, MD will present “Hernia: The Common, Treatable Condition No One Talks About” at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room at Northwest Health – Porter, 85 E. U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso. Coleman will explain the anatomy behind hernia protrusions, their potential risk factors, and the latest advancements in surgery for hernia repair. A Q&A session will follow his talk. HealthyU is a free wellness series presented by Northwest Health to provide relevant health and wellness topics. Registration is encouraged at nwhinfo.com/hernia_talk. For questions, call 219-262-6446.
Concert to benefit Cancer Resource Centre
The Beatles tribute band American English will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $40 and available at TheatreAtTheCenter.com or by calling 219-836-3255. All proceeds will go to Cancer Resource Centre, a program of Community Cancer Research Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of cancer care in Northwest Indiana and surrounding communities. All Cancer Resource Centre services are offered free of charge to those affected by cancer, as well as their loved ones. For more information about Cancer Resource Centre and its services, visit myccrf.com.
5K run/walk to support Save the Dunes
The annual Dunes Dash 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday at West Beach, 376 N. County Line Road, Gary. All proceeds will be used to support Save the Dunes’ mission to enhance and protect the biodiversity of the Indiana Dunes through their work in advocacy, conservation and community engagement. Register by Friday at runsignup.com/Race/IN/Gary/DunesDash5k. The fee is $30 for the 5K Run/Walk; $15 for the Kids Fun Run. An Indiana Dunes National Park pass will be required to enter the parking lot. Passes can be purchased at the gate, or in advance on the registration page or in-person at the Save the Dunes office, 444 Barker Road, Michigan City. In addition, Save the Dunes will host an Open House to celebrate their 72nd anniversary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Barker House. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. to celebrate recently completed renovations at the Barker House. Guided tours of the house and property will be available throughout the day along with light refreshments, and a brief presentation on the historic legacy of Save the Dunes. More details can be found at https://savedunes.org/events/.
Franciscan Health to host ‘Coping with Chemo Brain’ webinar
Franciscan Health will host “Coping with Chemo Brain” at 5:30 p.m. June 26. The free, live webinar will provide information about the mental side effects of chemotherapy treatment for cancer patients and strategies for managing them. Franciscan Health speech language pathologist Darcy Hughes and occupational therapist Bridget Kress will share signs and symptoms to watch for while teaching techniques for coping with changes to memory, concentration and focus during and after chemotherapy. Cancer patients currently receiving chemotherapy, those who have had treatment in the past, caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals who treat chemotherapy patients are encouraged to attend. The one-hour webinar is free and open to the public, but registration is required at https://franciscanhealth.org/community/classes-supportgroups-events/coping-with-chemo-brain-20240626t183000. Those who register but are unable attend the live webinar will be emailed a link at a later date to view a recording at their convenience.
Men’s healthcare focus of interactive event
Community Healthcare System will host an interactive and informative event called “Men: Take Charge of Your Health” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 26 at Community Hospital Fitness Pointe, 9950 Calumet Ave., Munster. A panel of healthcare providers, including Cardiologist Amit Kakkar, Urologist Bruce Yalowitz, Chiropractor Robert Watson and Registered Nurse Julie Mantis, will tackle important men’s health topics, including heart health, urology and diabetes. Participants also can learn about the biomechanics of golf and glean tips to improve their swing from Watson, who is certified by the Titleist Performance Institute. The event is free. Register by calling 219-836-3477. To learn more about Community Healthcare System and its services and providers, visit COMHS.org.