dittmann
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Celebrate St. Pat’s Day with a head shaving
St. Patrick’s Day is upon us, and locally there are some fun and family friendly ways to celebrate: eat a corned beef dinner and watch a parade, hunt leprechauns and get your head shaved. Yes, getting your head shaved has become a good way to …Read More
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Adventure awaits armchair travelers
Some great family destinations are as close as your computer. Two of my favorite websites will soon be at their annual best. One takes visitors along on a wild ride across some of the world’s most harsh terrain and weather conditions, but from the warm …Read More
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Life of Benjamin Harrison is focus of program
Monday is President’s Day. At the Indianapolis home of Benjamin Harrison, the only president from Indiana, visitors can have a unique experience to learn about the man, his life and his times at “President’s Day: LIVE! From Delaware Street.” Harrison was our 23rd president, serving …Read More
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Washington Park Zoo throwing itself a party
A big birthday is reason to celebrate. Even more so when improving over the years, like the Washington Park Zoo, which celebrates its 85th birthday on Saturday. The event will have a birthday-party theme complete with presents — for the animals, that is. There will …
Taltree Arboretum plans events for gardens day
From daffodils to dogwoods, and dandelions too, it seems that right now plants are in bloom nearly everywhere you look. How fitting that tomorrow, Friday, May 10, is National Public Gardens Day. And how nice that Better Homes and Gardens teams up with other garden …
Civil War history on display at welcome center
‘When the Civil War started many men volunteered thinking it was a lark and they’d be home in about six weeks or so,” according to Steve Batey, a Civil War re-enactor from Hammond. Batey portrays John Myer, who he said was one of the original …
Uncover history at family archaeology program
If a student in your family has an interest in archaeology, then they’ll really dig Sunday’s Junior Archaeologists Family Program at the Oriental Institute, a University of Chicago museum and research organization dedicated to the study of ancient Egypt and the Near East. Families will …
Carve out block of time for Ice Fest
A winter weekend will heat up into something fun and magical this Friday through Sunday as St. Joseph, Mich. hosts Magical Ice Fest. Eighteen ice carvers will work their magic, and a magician will perform his kind of magic. To heat things up, hula dancers …
Avoid crowds at after-hours programs
If you’re looking for a great family museum experience but without the crowds, go after hours. No, you don’t have to hide behind an exhibit case at closing time or look for a window inadvertently left open. Museums are offering an increasing number of after-hours …
Indoor, outdoor fun at winter fest
There are some people out there who are hoping for cold, snowy weather. One of them, Michael Boos, has good reason. As executive director of the Association for the Wolf Lake Initiative, he hopes the conditions will be right for visitors to try ice skating, …
Eagle watching for birders of all levels
Early birds, night owls and all in between won’t be disappointed at two interesting upcoming eagle-watching events in Indiana: the Eagles in Flight Weekend at Turkey Run State Park, and the Eagle Watch Weekend at Lake Monroe. Both events will be held Feb. 1 through …
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve fun
Ring in the New Year with music, magic and more, celebrate on ice, or get a little wild with these family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations. † New Year’s Fest in Kalamazoo, Mich., is an event that offers 6½ hours of entertainment and activities at 15 …
Dazzling displays light up the nights
The shortest days of the year are here but that just leaves more nighttime to enjoy the dazzling light displays throughout the area. † Skating penguins, a roller coaster, dancing daisies and a fire truck with a firefighter climbing a ladder as it rises are …
Unique holiday events worth a drive
Christmas and astrophysics are two topics that don’t often go together, yet these are combined in one of the interesting and unique upcoming Christmas programs in South Bend. † “What and When was the Christmas Star? An astrophysics perspective presented by Professor Grant Mathews” is …
Winter outdoor fun at many venues
Snow or no, here are some hot destinations for cool winter fun, regardless of the weather. Downhill skiing in Michigan: Though not much snow has fallen, it’s been cold enough for ski areas across Michigan to make snow. And, two programs offer skiers nice discounts: …
Relive Christmas circa 1916
This weekend you can walk back in time and experience a tale of Christmas past, and of Christmas “presents,” that would warm even a Scrooge’s spirits, at Christmas Long Ago at Buckley Homestead in Lowell. “This is an interactive performance that gives people more of …
Tribute brings ‘Christmas Story’ alive
On one of the most memorable flights I’ve ever taken, the passenger next to me started to cry. He wasn’t alone. Fortunately, it was laughter that brought them to tears while watching an on-board movie. The film was “A Christmas Story.” On Saturday, Nov. 17, …
Unwind at Dunes winter open house
This can be a hectic time of year. For a nice change of pace, spend some time outdoors in nature at the Dunes Learning Center winter open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. You can leave your credit card and the …
Halloween events: A treat for all ages
Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy. From haunted houses, hikes and hayrides, to spooky tales and train rides, there are many fun events for all ages and tastes. Here are some events that I think are special treats. † The annual Pullman Dia de …
Family history research made easier
There are a lot of colorful trees this time of year, and colorful could certainly describe many family trees. How very fitting it is that October is Family History Month. Numerous upcoming programs will offer assistance to those who want to start researching or documenting …
