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Do you enjoy cooking and trying new recipes? Do you watch the Food Network and wish you could try your hand at some of those cooking techniques? Are you stressing out about hosting that holiday dinner? If this sounds like you, then I've got the perfect answer!

Its "U Cook" in Merrillvlle, Indiana - more than just a dinner! U Cook offers an entertaining culinary experience with hands on classes and demonstrations. At the classes you will learn cooking techniques and styles of cooking by doing it yourself with Chef John Rooney teaching.

For the holiday season, "U Cook" can also host your holiday party and you can enjoy a fabulous dinner and learn recipes with the "hands-on" demonstrations. Click on this link for more information on learning to cook like a pro! "U Cook" is located at 150 E US Hwy 30 in Merrillville, Indiana.

LAF it UP! What does that mean? LAF stands for "Ladies at Faith" and it is part of our Women's Ministry at Faith Evangelical Bible Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.

LAF meets every 3rd Thursday of each month which means our next meeting is coming up on November 19 from 7 - 9 pm. LAF is a great time for women of all ages to minister to one another. Each month there is a focus on a different service project.

For more information go their website at www.faithbible.ws or give Faith Bible Church in Valparaiso, Indiana a call: 219-464-8418.

Four years ago we moved to Valparaiso, Indiana and had to wait 3 days for the truck with our furniture and all our belongings to arrive. Since we lived in a hotel during that period, that meant going out to eat for meals. One of the places we tried was The Dish Restaurant in Valparaiso, Indiana and it's been one of our favorites ever since.

The entrees at The Dish Restaurantare excellent. Among the choices are: Smoked Chili-Citrus Marinated Duck Breast, Grilled Lamb Loin Chops, Grilled Kobe Flat Iron Steaak, and so much more. There are also a variety of salads and desserts. Everything I have tried there has been mouth-watering good!

One of the best deals offered at The Dish is their box lunches which are available either to go or to eat in. The box lunches include an entree, soup, salad, and dessert! A complete meal for only $8.50.

The Dish Restaurant is located at 3907 Calumet Ave in Valparaiso, Indiana. They are closed on Sundays but that leaves you 6 days out of the week to give them a try. For a better look at the amazing menu, just go to their website at www.dishrestaurant.net.

Meals on Wheels in Porter County supplies meals to elderly, ill, and disabled people throughout Porter County. For many, this is one way of helping maintain independent living. The program succeeds partly due to the people who volunteer to deliver the meals. The volunteers provide not only a meal but also a smile and a touch to some who are lonely and appreciate the connection with another person.

Meals are delivered between 11 and 1 pm and people can volunteer by helping deliver meals once a week or once a month. Is this something that interests you? If you or your church group or business would like more information on volunteering, contact Meals on Wheels in Porter County, Indiana at 219-462-5195. You can also get more information by clicking this link.

How well do you know Mayor Jon Costas of Valparaiso, Indiana and how is he connected to Evelyn Bay Coffee Company? Well I'll tell you!

Jon Costas was elected mayor of Valparaiso, Indiana in 2003. Introduced to politics by his father, former state senator William P. Costas, Jon Costas first graduated from Valparaiso High School and eventually went on to law school and succeeded in establishing a law practice.

What you may not know is that Jon Costas is also known for singing and playing guitar. You have a chance to listen to his music on Wednesday, November 19, from 7-9pm at Evelyn Bay Coffee Company. So stop by for dessert, coffee, and music after dinner. Evelyn Bay Coffee Company is located at 3800 Calumet Ave in Valparaiso, Indiana.