Foundations of East Chicago has awarded a $27,625 grant to the Dunes Learning Center to bring STEM-based experiences and learning opportunities to students from the community. The programs being offered vary from curriculum that enhance classroom learning to five-day summer camps for students ages 9-17. Parents, teachers, coaches, counselors and social workers can nominate East Chicago students for a 2017 summer campership by completing a short form at du neslearningcenter.org/east chicago before Friday. East Chicago residents are invited to attend one of two Dunes Camp information open house events, 5 p.m. April 12 at Lincoln School, 2001 E. 135th St., and 5 p.m. April 13 at Carrie Gosch School, 4001 Indianapolis Blvd. More information is at dunescam p.org or DunesLearningCen ter.org.

Kenneth J. Schoon, professor emeritus of science education at Indiana University Northwest and author of the book “Dreams of Duneland,” will present “Duneland Dynamics” at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Porter County Museum, 153 S. Franklin St., Valparaiso. The program will integrate dozens of scenes of today's Indiana Dunes, along with a description of their ecological importance and stories from the past. The event is free and open to the public. More information is at www.poco muse.org.

Valparaiso University will host “Bring it to the Table,” a documentary film screening and discussion with Emmy-nominated director Julie Winokur, at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Helge Center, 1600 Chapel Drive. Focusing on the topic Bridging the Divide over Women's Reproductive Rights, this year's event marks the second annual Dialogue and Discernment event, and will be followed by a table talk with Winokur, featuring an interactive discussion with members of the audience. The event is free and open to the public. More information is at www.valpo.edu/news.

The Hammond Marina will host the 19th annual Fishing Derby from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hammond Marina, 701 Casino Center Drive. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking and refreshments will be served. Prizes and trophies will be awarded for largest salmon, trout and bass. A fishing license and stamp is required, as the derby is subject to all IDNR fishing and game laws. More information is at 219-659-7678.

The fourth annual Easter EGGS-Travaganza Easter egg hunt for children ages 1-12 will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Boys & Girls Club, 5895 Evergreen Ave., Portage. The first 100 children will receive a free basket. More information is at bgcpoco.org.

The annual Mommy, Dolly and Me spring event will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Avalon Manor, 3550 U.S. 30, Merrillville. Photos and shopping in the marketplace will be followed by a luncheon at 12:15. There will be music, dancing, a doll parade and raffles for adults and children. Cost is $45 for adults and $20 for children 12 and younger. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude House to help families victimized by domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Reservations are required at 219-662-7066, ext. 14.

— Staff report