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Updated: February 2, 2012 11:06AM

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana Young Professionals group is kicking off its 2012 community service projects Feb. 10 and 11 by participating in a massive cleanup of the former Tolleston Middle School.

They are assisting the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana, which will convert the school into a community center and Boys and Girls Club. For more information on how you can help, email urbanleagueofnwiyp@gmail.com.

The Gary Chamber of Commerce welcomes the president of AT&T Indiana, George Fleetwood, as the speaker for the monthly general membership luncheon at noon Monday, Feb. 13, at the Steel City Bar and Grill, 411 E. 5th Ave.

Fleetwood will outline the advances in technology AT&T Indiana has made and opportunities AT&T has available to advance businesses in the region. The luncheon is $17 for reserved seating and $20 at the door. Call the Chamber office at 885-7407 to reserve your seat.

I have a story coming in the Feb. 3 Weekend section about the William L. Johnson Film Festival Feb. 17-19 at the Glen Theatre, 201 W. Ridge Road, but if you want a jumpstart in buying tickets then read on.

At 6 p.m. Feb. 17, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana is hosting a celebrity reception and screening of Gary native William Johnson’s films, “Tears of the Clown” and “Dating While Black.”

Guests include director Van Elder and actor Walter Jones. To purchase tickets for this night — $25 each or $50 for sponsorship — call the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, 887-9621.

Tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s events — $15 in advance and $20 at the door — can be purchased at Beautiful Things, 3570 Village Court, or call 985-8256.

The Gary Section of the National Council of Negro Women is hosting its annual Heritage Gala at 4 p.m. Feb. 18 at the Genesis Convention Center.

This year’s theme is “Harnessing the Power of Women,” and they are recognizing five local women of the media. I am honored to join Renetta DuBose of Lakeshore Public Television, Carmen Woodson-Wray of the Gary Crusader, Jackie Harris of 411 and Natalie Ammons of WLTH-AM 1370 in receiving this recognition for our diverse backgrounds in media.

They will also honor the founder of the National Council for Negro Women, Mary McLeod Bethune, with the annual essay contest for area students.

Tickets for the Heritage Gala are $35 each or $350 for a table of 10. For more information, call 938-0130 or email ncnw@sbcglobal.net.