HOUSING AUTHORITY CELEBRATES GENESIS TOWERS
The Gary Housing Authority presents “100 Years of Genesis Towers (Hotel Gary) 1926–2026,” a centennial celebration honoring one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The event is set for 2 p.m. Saturday at 600 Broadway, directly across from Genesis Towers, and will bring together residents, partners and the broader community for an afternoon of music, history and unity, with live blues music from Grammy‑winning legend Bobby Rush. For more information or to get involved, contact GHA Supportive Services at [email protected] or call 219‑881‑6419.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OFFERING STORM RELIEF ASSISTANCE
Following the severe storms that caused widespread damage and extended power outages throughout Northwest Indiana, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Gary continues to provide direct financial assistance to residents of Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties who are facing storm-related expenses. Residents must go through the application and intake process, which starts with emailing [email protected]. Residents should include their name, phone number, community of residence and a brief description of the storm-related assistance they seek. A member of the Catholic Charities team will respond with information about the application and intake process and any documentation needed to verify the request. Residents may also call 219-886-3549, Option 2, for additional information.
NATIONAL PARK’S OUTDOOR FEST STARTS FRIDAY
Celebrate the outdoors at the 2026 Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival Friday through Sept. 20. More than 75 events will take place at parks and preserves throughout Northwest Indiana. Events for visitors of all ages and activity levels will be offered, including hiking, biking, photography, yoga, birding and geocaching. For a list of programs, times and locations, visit www.dunesoutdoorfestival.com/uploads/2/6/1/6/26168414/oaf_planning_spreadsheet_2026__1_.pdf. The festival is free and no pre-registration is required for most events. Indiana Dunes National Park has an entrance fee of $25 per car for a 1- to 7-day pass. A $45 annual pass for the national park also is available. Purchase passes or pay the entrance fee at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N. Ind. 49, Porter; at the West Beach Entrance Station, 376 N. County Line Road, Gary; or at www.recreation.gov/sitepass/indu. Veterans/Military/Gold Star Family, Access, and Fourth-Grade passes are available free of charge. For more information on national park passes, go to www.nps.gov/indu.
GARY LIBRARY OFFERS SEPTEMBER PROGRAMS
Oral History for Beginners will meet Tuesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 4:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at the Woodson Branch of the Gary Public Library, 501 S. Lake St. This program, for adults, is a four-week workshop presented by Sam Love, writer, producer and artist. For more information, contact 219-938-3941.
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Local fiber artist Jane Whedbee will craft and connect with other fiber art enthusiasts from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, also at the Woodson Branch. Bring lunch and a portable, non-messy handwork project — knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, quilting, felting, and more — for an informal gathering of makers. All skill levels are welcome.
The monthly Saturday Chess Tournament takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19. at the Main Library, 220 W. 5th Ave. All ages are welcome; the tournament is not USCF-sanctioned; games are 30 minutes; and walk-ins are welcome.
All programs are free to attend. Other Gary Public Library programs are available at www.garypubliclibrary.org.
FREE COOKING CLASS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS
Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster will offer a free Mediterranean cuisine cooking class for cancer survivors and their caregivers from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 16 in the St. Clare Conference Room of the Franciscan Health Medical Arts Center, 701 Superior Ave., Munster. Attendees are invited to learn about Mediterranean cuisine with Franciscan Health Dietitian Elizabeth Remmers. As Remmers prepares a meal, cancer survivors and their caregivers will learn more about the multiple benefits of the heart-healthy Mediterranean lifestyle, which includes eating nutrient-dense whole foods. Class members will taste samples of the recipes being prepared and will receive Mediterranean cuisine recipes to take home as part of the event. The class is free, but space is limited and registration is required by Sept. 7. To register and for more information, contact Kyla Krzeminski at [email protected] or 219-228-1263.
DUNELAND YMCA HOSTING ‘DANCING LIKE THE STARS’
The Duneland Family YMCA will host its annual “Dancing Like The Stars” benefit gala Nov. 14 at the Four Winds Casino, 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo. A cocktail reception will begin at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. This community event will honor the Duneland YMCA’s 60th anniversary with the theme “Diamonds Are Forever.” The signature fundraising event for its annual campaign, this event plays a vital role in supporting the Duneland Family YMCA’s mission. Proceeds directly subsidize essential programs and provide scholarships for local families, ensuring that everyone in the community has access to the resources they need to live healthier, more connected lives. To donate, become a sponsor, or vote for your favorite dancer, visit https://DLTS26.givesmart.com.
PARK WELCOMES ALUMNI TO RESTORED GOOD FELLOW LODGE
Indiana Dunes National Park on Sunday celebrated the completion of the Good Fellow Lodge rehabilitation project, part of a $25.4 million effort to rehabilitate historic structures across the park. Partners from The National Park Foundation, Save the Dunes, Friends of Indiana Dunes and Dunes Learning Center joined the National Park Service for the lodge’s ceremonial reopening, welcoming visitors inside for the first time since 1976. The Good Fellow Lodge’s reopening, made possible by the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, marks a significant milestone in maintaining safe, reliable access to park structures. Originally built by the U.S. Steel Company for its employees’ children, the summer camp’s unique architectural features and history are a reminder of the rich industrial heritage of Northwest Indiana.