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Nelson Algren Museum of Miller Beach
The author of Mellencamp: American Troubadour speaks First Friday July 1 at 7:00 pm at the Nelson Algren 616 Sound Stage. David Masciotra, long time friend of the Nelson Algren Museum of Miller Beach and Indiana University Northwest professor, discusses his biography of John Mellencamp and will autograph the new paperback version of his book (available for purchase for $20, a $27.90 retail value). Mellencamp music by Righteous Hillbillies' singer Brent James follows this event; $10.00 at the door.
First Friday, August 5 hear What You Don’t Know About Nelson Algren by Algren scholar Bill Savage. Savage is the co-editor of the 50th anniversary critical edition of Algren’s The Man with the Golden Arm and provided annotations for the 60th anniversary edition of Chicago: City on the Make. Savage teaches Chicago literature, history, and culture at Northwestern University and the Newberry Library of Chicago. He has led many tours for his students on the CTA, on bicycles, or in various vehicles and for the Chicago History Museum, on topics as varied as the 1893 World’s Fair, historic bars, and the history and design of Chicago’s hot dog stands. He is at work on a book about Chicago’s street grid and is the sort of person who has favorite bridges, viaducts, and alleys. He is a lifelong resident of Rogers Park, though he spends much of his free time on the South Side. $10.00 at the door.
The Nelson Algren 616 Sound Stage is an outdoor venue located at 616 South Lake Street. Drinks available for purchase next door at Thumbs Up.
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Miller Community Fund
The highly popular Miller Community Fund All-Star Fundraising Event is back after two long and lonely years of Covid-19 isolation. Friday, July 22 join us in saluting two of the biggest All-Time All-Stars of the Miller community: Judy Ayers and George Rogge, who happen to share a significant birthday two days later. These two uber-volunteers will be honored for their service at 7:00 pm at the Nelson Algren 616 Sound Stage, located at 616 South Lake Street. $20 entrance covers food and champagne toast. Come, raise your glass in a toast and thank these incredible volunteers in person.
Join the Miller Community Fund subscriber list by emailing suerutsen@gmail.com.
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Miller Beach Business Association
Friday, July 1 5:00 to 10:00 pm First Friday Gallery Opening at the brand new Richard Pociask Gallery and Studios at 5725b Miller Avenue.
Friday, July 15 from noon to 6:00 pm and Saturday, July 16 from noon to 8:00 pm enjoy Vibrational Energy Festival at Vibrations, 430 South Lake Street. Open to all; entrance is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Learn more at Eventbrite. Saturday House Music - Day Party 2:00 to 6:00 pm in the Lavender Lounge.
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Aquatorium Society
Saturday, August 27 from 5:30 to10:30 pm the Chanute Aquatorium (the old Gary Bath House) will celebrate its 100 year anniversary. Can you believe how much has changed in 100 years! One clear example is we now strive to celebrate our diversity as a strength. More things that changed: in 1922, a house cost you about $3,200, an average car $1,000, a decent steak was 39 cents a pound, a loaf of bread was 7 cents and a gallon of gas was 25 cents. We can’t guarantee a return to those prices but assure you a great time at this party! Leading off the event is a documentary film about the grandfather of aviation, Octave Chanute. A live auction follows featuring exotic getaways, fantastic prizes and fun outing tickets. Meet up with neighbors and friends! Let’s dance to a great DJ, eat good food, and have a great time! Entrance is $50, $75 or $100, your choice. Join us! More information at Aquatorium.org.
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Miller Garden Club
Our ever popular Miller Garden Club Garden Walk is coming up!! Featuring five fabulous gardens, showcasing local talent, including vendors, box lunches available for purchase, hi-tech tour information and much more, don’t miss the 21st Annual Secret Gardens tour.
This year’s theme, GREEN THUMBS UP!, promises to deliver a big punch of floral delights, greenery gusto and all around excellence for all to enjoy. Tickets are $15 and are available at Lake Street Gallery, Ayers Realty and Miller Schoolhouse Shops & Spaces in advance or at the door on the days of the event, Saturday July 9 and Sunday July 10. Gardens will open at 10:00 am and close at 2:00 pm. The Aquatorium is the start of the tour. Maps and driving directions come with the ticket, including Google maps. Call Corya Channing 219-938-8532 with questions.
Go to our website: www.millergardenclub.org for more information and an up-to-date calendar of all our events.
The Miller Garden Club’s mission is to provide gardening education on all levels; to protect native trees, plants and wildlife; and to beautify the Miller Beach community in Gary, Indiana. Join the Club! Dues are only $20 a year, or $30 for a family. Go to our website for more information at MillerGardenClub.
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Miller Beach Arts & Creative District
Putting Art in the Heart of Lake Street
Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts!
We have Smokin' Art! Next time you visit the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, check out our vintage cigarette vending machine filled with handmade art created by several community artists. Tokens are $5 and $10; we promise you won’t be disappointed!
Join us on First Friday, July 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm to experience Ish Muhammad’s exhibit 5 + 3 = ∞ with special musical appearance by smooth Jazz Saxophonist Carmello. Ish will be on hand to answer any questions and if First Friday isn’t good for you, Ish will be put on a special Artist Talk on Saturday, July 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. There will also be an opportunity to purchase a custom Miller Beach T-shirt designed by the artist on both dates. But only while supplies last!!
5 + 3 = ∞ features the internationally known artist Ish Muhammad. “When I see the number 8, I see the infinity sign: A completion of a cycle and the start of a new cycle.” Muhammad’s work is post-graffiti abstract expressionism. These works have been exhibited nationally and internationally in galleries, museums, and site-specific installations. His work has been shown at venues such as Indiana State Museum (Indianapolis, IN), Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (Indianapolis, IN), Chicago Cultural Center (Chicago, IL), Zhou B Art Center (Chicago, IL), Swope Art Museum (Terre Haute) and Maison de Metallos (Paris, France).
Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 6:00 to 8:00 pm; and Sunday 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The exhibit will run through Friday, July 22.
New Gallery Announcement! Richard Pociask Gallery Studios will be hosting an Open House on Friday, July 1 from 5:00 to 10:00 pm. As you stroll Lake Street, be sure to stop by and check it out. 5755b Miller Avenue! Richard is a nationally known artist and Chicago / Miller resident who has been creating art for several decades. He works in a wide range of media including - drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital imagery.
Live on Lake Street Summer Music Series! Join us Thursday, July 21 for the J’s 3. The best of classic rock, R&B and party rock. Doors open at 6:30 pm and music starts at 7:00 pm. Admission only $10 with cash bar serving beer and wine. And the Smart Smoothie Mobile Café will be on hand selling their clean eats. Sponsored in part by Joe and Susi Benjamin.
And you won’t want to miss Local Visions - photography by Raymar Brunson & Terra Cooks, show goes up Friday, July 29 and Opening Reception is scheduled for Friday, August 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Both photographers are Gary residents and love to include the Steel City as a backdrop of their work. Brunson is a free-lance photographer and videographer with many years of experience developing and producing multimedia productions. Well-versed in all aspects of media and web content production from pre-to post-production, including camera and video operation, photo editing and storytelling. When referencing his photography, “The beauty is in the everyday. I find the moments and subjects that may seem insignificant but are truly important and interesting. I then frame the image to capture the significance of the moment." Cooks moved to Gary from Chicago and is very proud to now call Gary her home. She’s a photographer, poet (aka Poetry ‘N’ Motion), author, songwriter, recording artist, stage performer, and radio show personality on WGVE 88.7 FM. Cooks is also a community activist, creating affiliations with several nonprofit organizations including the National Block Club University and Gary Historical and Cultural Society. She advocates for special needs childrenfounding PoeTic Innovations as a resource hub for people with disabilities and their families. Gallery hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:00 am to 2:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 6:00 to 8:00 pm and
Sunday 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The show will run through Friday, September 2.
Save the Dates! Miller Community Theatre has a full cast and is actively rehearsing for their premiere production of a Mad Women’s Late Nite Cabaret. Performances will take place over two weekends beginning Friday, August 12, Saturday, August 13, Sunday, August 14 (matinee), Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20. Tickets will be on sale soon via Eventbrite. For more info email millercommunitytheatre@gmail.com.
Yoga and Pilates! MBACD is proud to offer our community mindful movement classes. Expand your mindful practice and participate in one or more of our Miller Movement Classes:
Candlelight Yoga with Dani Hart, Monday evenings 6:00 – 7:00 pm. $10
Pilates with Angie Reens, Tuesday evenings 6:00 – 7:00 pm. $10
Family Yoga with Dani Hart, Saturday, August 6, 10:00 to 11:00 am. $15 per family (maximum 5 people) The class is best suited for families with children ages 6+. Family yoga is now offered the first Saturday of each month.
NO CLASS Saturday, July 2, Monday, July 4, Tuesday, July 5 and Tuesday, July 19.
Please visit our Facebook page to check on schedule adjustments or special presentations.
Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts / 540 S. Lake Street, Gary IN 46403
MillerBeachArts / mbacdarts@gmail.com / 219-885-9114.
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Shoreline Committee and Friends of Marquette Park
Shoreline Committee
Repair/Replacement of Pavilion Walkway Bridge and Lagoon Bridges - The Park Board approved a contract with Structure Point to assess the condition of the three bridges and recommend needed repairs. We are hoping the assessment will be done soon and a plan for repairs approved. We need to have safe bridges in Marquette Park.
Speed Tables on Marquette Park Streets - We are waiting to hear the cost of this project and a plan for installation. Similar speed tables exist in the Lake Street business district.
Aquatics Program - The Park Department is using the old lifeguard stands that have been repaired. Due to supply chain issues, new lifeguard stands will have to wait until next year. The Aquatics Program is struggling to find enough lifeguards to protect swimmers, since most summer jobs pay much more than $8.00 per hour. This week, lifeguards will be receiving special open water rescue training from Dave Benjamin of Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Consortium.
Keep ATV’s and Pick-Up Trucks Off the Beach - We suggest you read the beach signs. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the beach without special permission. To date, seven ATVs and four pick-up trucks have been towed off the beach. Only authorized vehicles are allowed on the beach. If you see something, say something. This rule is being enforced when vehicles are reported or seen on the beach.
Friends of Market Park
Public Sculpture - On June 1 Here, often referred to as the red dancing lady, and Tall Ship were installed in Marquette Park. June 6 To Bee or Not To Bee was installed on Lake Street. Make sure you take a ride around the park and Lake Street to see these magnificent pieces of art. Here was created by Ruth Migdal and Tall Ship was sculpted by Bruce Niemi. Friends of Marquette Park is happy to be a partner with Miller Garden Club and Miller Beach Arts & Creative District to bring these sculptures to our community. MBACD and MGC received support from Miller Community Fund.
Disc Golf Demo Day and Possible Tournament - Wednesday, August 3 - This is a second opportunity to try out disc golf in Marquette Park. On June 12, 90 people came to the first disc golf demo and enjoyed the temporary course. FMP is working on plans to install a permanent course in the near future. Fun for the whole family!
Boulders in the Park - June 27 thirteen new boulders arrive to beautify our park and prevent destruction. We thank many of you who have donated to our boulder project, especially for the boulders near the accessible lagoon garden, walkway and kayak launch.
FMP Website is live! - Go to friendsofmarquettepark.org and check out all of our projects, photos and history. Many thanks to Jessie Renslow for getting us up and running! You can become a member or donate to one of our projects through our website.
FMP Membership - We are in the second month of our FMP Membership Drive! Mail your membership/donation to FMP, PO Box 2645, Gary, IN 46403 or go online and search for Friends of Marquette Park in Miller to donate. Our member donations are the reason we can do special projects in the park. Please join us to make our park the best. Questions? Email us at FriendsofMarquettePark@gmail.com.
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Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
Temporary Closure of Douglas Center - The national park’s Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is temporarily closed due to unsafe conditions on the pedestrian bridge that links the center to its parking lot on Lake Street. Work on the bridge deconstruction will begin on July 5 and should take about two weeks. We are hoping to have a crosswalk put in at the finish of the project. At that time we hope to open the Douglas Center to the public once again.
The Miller Woods Hiking Trail remains open and a four-car parking lot on the west side of Lake Street can be used by the public. Sunset Paddle at Marquette Lagoons in Marquette Park continue Thursday, July 7 and again on Thursday, July 21 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Call 219-395-1882 to reserve a spot or bring your own kayak, paddle and life vest.
For more information, please contact the park’s information line at 219-395-1882.
The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education is located at 100 North Lake Street. Follow them on Facebook or online at DouglasCenter.
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Miller Beach Farmers Market
The Miller Beach Farmers Market will be closed on Sunday, July 3 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The Market will resume on Sunday, July 10 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Vendor News:
- House of Rufus will be taking the July 10 market off and will return on the July 17.
- Check out our Michigan farmer, Parra Farms, and Bob's Backyard, Edaphon Farms, BabyGreens Micro Greens and Ancient Mystics.
- Just Be Coffee has excellent cold brew and locally roasted coffee.
- The Pie Lady has a list of wonderful pies, nut rolls and cakes.
- Stop and say hi to Patricia with Macaroons, Angel with nut mixes and Settler's Pond with eggs and butters.
- And don't forget Alejandra at Stamper Cheese! Our favorite monger.
- Last, but not least, Tonia Rush soap.
Sign up for our newsletter at the Market Tent or email us at market@millerbeacharts.org.
Stop by and check out our insulated Market Bag, Eco produce bags and Beeswax wraps donated by Sparkle House! Proceeds from sales support the operating costs of the Market. And check out our website here. Or call 219-238-6758 – text is good!
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Humane Society of Northwest Indiana
Saturday, July 16 and Saturday, August 20 Adopt-A-Thons at Pet Supplies Plus,1676 E Summit Street, Crown Point from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Come visit and fall in love with one of our critters available through the store.
Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 27 and Saturday, September 24 Albanese Candy Adopt-A-Thons from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Come for the sweet treats—both edible and four legged and take home a new four-legged friend.
Please be sure to select Humane Society Northwest Indiana as your charity while shopping www.smile.amazon.com. Please check our Facebook page for our wish list of needed supplies.
Come by our location at 6100 Melton Road (Route 20) and check out our residents. We get new pets every day, including kittens galore.
For more information visit
humanesocietynorthwestindiana.org.
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Miller School Shops & Spaces
Life's A Picnic! First Friday Celebration Friday, July 1 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Join us for July's First Friday! We'll be showing off our new, bigger community room, raffling off a picnic basket full of goodies, and giving away picnic snacks while supplies last. Come see what's new!
Outdoor Market Sundays through September 25 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Miller School Shops is hosting an Outdoor Market in our parking lot every Sunday from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm! Come browse the wares of our vendors and do some shopping at Miller Beach Farmers Market while you're here!
Become a vendor or a teacher! The Miller School Shops is currently accepting applications for new vendors and those who would like to teach a class or workshop. Please stop by and see us at 665 S. Lake Street during business hours Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm to inquire.
Follow us on Facebook. Miller School Shops & Spaces is located at 665 S. Lake Street.
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Marquette Park Playground Committee
Storyhour at the Marquette Park Playground shelter continues every Wednesday at 10:00 am. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Guest readers for July are:
Wednesday, July 6 - Patricia Hofstra Pelkey
Wednesday, July 13 - Jenifer Okamura
Wednesday, July 20 - Jennifer Taylor
Wednesday, July 27 - Mary Ann Best
Storyhour is brought to you by the Marquette Park Playground Committee, Inc.
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J&M Excursions
J&M Excursions, LLC is a kayak rentals and canoe environmental guided tours business and we are taking reservations for one and two person(s) on top and sit-in kayaks...safe fun on Marquette Lagoon in beautiful Miller Beach! Kayak Rentals https://www.facebook.com/ecotourismnwi/ or call Jeff at 219-888-9520. Special rates for all day rentals and also group rates.
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Gary Shakespeare Company
Shakespeare hits Lake Street! Saturday, August 13 at 7:00 pm see the Gary Shakespeare Company present Julius Caesar at the Nelson Algren 616 Sound Stage! Based on true events, Julius Caesar tells the story of the conspiracy against Caesar, his assassination, the defeat of his conspirators and how Rome became embroiled in civil war. It's a story about betrayal by close friends and family, concerns of over-ambitious leadership, the terrifying power of large groups and their propensity toward a violent resolution, just to name a few.
This is a free event. Visit www.garyshakesco.org for more information.
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Ken Parr Build A Bike
The 7th Season of Ken Parr Build a Bike has kicked off! Workshops on simple bike mechanics and cycling safety for community kids take place from 10:00 am to noon on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Lake Street (across from 301 S. Lake Street ) on the dates below. Workshops are free; donations are welcome. Volunteers donate 4 hours of service to get a bike. All ages and abilities welcome. Children 5 and under must be accompanied by a guardian.
Saturday, July 9
Saturday, July 23
Saturday, August 13
Saturday, August 27
Go to takebikethestreets.org for more information.
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Calumet Region Little League
Calumet Region Little League has four teams competing in the All-Star Tournament! Next up: the 8-10 Baseball team is playing East Chicago LL Saturday, July 2 through Sunday, July 10 and the Senior Softball team is playing Roosevelt Park at 21st Avenue & Harrison Street Tuesday, July 5 through Sunday, July 10. Come on out and support the players during their games.
GoFundMe Fundraiser to support the Tournament teams by Trent A. McCain: Calumet Region Little League: Road to All-Stars! Please give what you can in support of these players and our League.
Our Major Rangers team is just returning from Milwaukee where they participated in the Little League Urban Initiative Jamboree. We appreciate the opportunity for these 10-12 year olds to have this experience.
There’s more to Calumet Region Little League than the playing season. We are involved in planning and other youth baseball-related activities year-round. Any volunteers who want to help out in any way should contact Tracy Brough at 219-226-5595.
Please “like” and follow our Facebook page Calumet Region Little League for updates.
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Temple Israel
Fun events are coming up this summer at Temple Israel and the whole community is invited!
Saturday, August 27 at 6:30 pm Sisterhood's Annual Community Barbecue. Join Temple Israel Sisterhood for our annual Community Barbecue! Enjoy grilled steak, chicken, or fish with a buffet of sides and desserts. Price is $30 for adults, $10 for children, and free for kids 6 and under. Please RSVP to templeisraelmiller@gmail.com with your choice of entree by Monday, August 22. To-go option is also available. All are welcome!
Sunday, September 18 - Rummage Sale. Temple Israel and the Gan Shalom Community Garden will once again be having our annual Rummage Sale! If you have any items you'd like to donate, please contact templeisraelmiller@gmail.com to arrange a time for drop-off.
Temple Israel
601 North Montgomery Street
Gary, Indiana 46403-1299
Phone: (219) 938-5232
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Meals on Wheels
Our next Volunteer Meal Delivery/Mobile Meals App training will be Thursday, July 7 at 2:00 pm at our Merrillville facility located at 8446 Virginia Street in Merrillville. Attendance is limited. We are seeking Volunteer Meal Delivery Drivers for routes in Miller as well as Hammond, Highland, Griffith, Whiting, Hobart, Merrillville, Miller, Cedar Lake, Lakes of the Four Seasons and Portage. Other routes are also available.
Deliver nutrition and a wellness check to individuals in your community. Flexible scheduling, about 1.5 hours of your time, and a meaningful volunteer experience. Other Volunteer opportunities available include Van Route Drivers, Cold Bag Packing and Bag Stamping.
Contact Charlie Misovye, Volunteer Manager at 219-756-3663 or charlie@mownwi.org.
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