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 …

Author wants to inspire adoptions

A year ago I received a call from retired Chicago police officer and Gary resident Lepolia “Lee” West, who informed me he was working on a book on his life and a decision he made in his early years on the force. “Officer … Why …

‘Being in the know’ yields memories

One of the things I love about being a journalist is having the opportunity to interview those who have made strides, unbelievable strides in black and American history. Even in childhood I was in the presence of individuals who made a difference. And some of …

‘New Day’ means letting go of past

Congratulations to Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson on making history as Gary’s first female mayor. Reception of the change in leadership has been tremendous, to say the least. Of course, some still mumble the words, “wait and see,” and then there’s the fact that a woman is …

Gary mayoral inauguration continues

The inaugural week of Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson continues at 2 p.m. Friday with a “New Day Symposium” at the Genesis Convention Center, One Genesis Plaza, with a press conference introducing some new “Partners with the City” and re-introducing the “New Day” task force. A …

Celebration welcomes Marines home

There wasn’t a parade but U.S. Marine Sgt. Dennis Rollins and Staff Sgt. Antwon Jones of Gary received a small and intimate welcome home celebration Dec. 23 courtesy of Rollins’ Aunt Chanel Woods, who created a last-minute gathering sponsored by Smith, Bizzell and Warner Funeral …

Christmas dinner needs ‘mobile miracle’

In Wednesday’s paper, many of you read that free transportation will not be provided for the annual “Spirit of Christmas” dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Ivy Tech Community College, 1440 E. 35th Ave. Previously, transportation to the free dinner has been provided …

Free events offer food for the soul, stomach

With Christmas coming in 10 days I figured I’d give you a heads-up on a couple of free events that will offer food for the soul and stomach. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Christmas Eve — or until they run out of food — …

New Hustle & Joe’s doesn’t disappoint

After six years as another empty building, 1700 Grant St., the place formerly known as Satches, then Chez Criton, is born again as a sports bar. But it is not just a sports bar, it’s one established by local businessman Jamal “Hustle Man” Rodgers and …

Triumphant Transitions seeks donations

Triumphant Transitions, a not-for-profit group founded by Gary native and professional makeup artist LaTrice Edwards, has reached out to Northwest Indiana communities for nearly seven years. In that time, hundreds of men, women and youth working to turn their lives around received makeovers — not …

West Side Theatre Guild’s annual ‘Lyrics’ show has gospel theme

The West Side Theatre Guild will present its annual “Lyrics” holiday show at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, and Saturday, Dec. 3, at West Side Leadership Academy, 900 Gerry St., Gary. This year’s theme is “Lyrics: A Gospel Experience,” and it promises to bring the …

Gary rapper Tension big winner

Gary’s own Troy Charles, also known as Tension, with background dance group Kruciial Kreatiionz, won the Oct. 19 edition of “Wild Out Wednesdays” on BET’s “106 and Park” with a solid 41 percent of the votes. Tension’s performance of his hip-hop single, “Mammay Doe,” had …

Brothers’ Keeper to host radiothon

Brothers’ Keeper is hosting a “radiothon” from 6 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Nov. 1, on WLTH-AM 1370 to raise money that will keep the men’s shelter operating. Brothers’ Keeper, 2120 Broadway, is operated by executive director Mary Edwards and is in its 25th year assisting …

Lisa DeNeal: ‘Tension’ building for TV debut

Gary will be spotlighted at 5 p.m. Wednesday when rapper Tension makes his national television debut on BET’s video and hip-hop show, “106 and Park.” Tension will perform his single “Mammay Doe” during the show’s “Wild Out Wednesday” segment. He will be joined on stage …

Mann graduate helping veterans transition

Edward J. Crenshaw of Gary said he saw a lot while serving as a Navy hospital corpsman from 1983-87. But what he overheard while working with military veterans in 2006, as CEO and founder of DESTIN Enterprises, struck a nerve. “There was a veteran going …

Never too early to help

The season of giving is not here officially, but that should not stop us from helping groups that help others to stay open. For example, Sojourner Truth House at 410 W. 13th Avenue — across from the Froebel Alumni Park — takes care of an …

Toys 4 Tots ride is Saturday

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Indiana is hosting its fifth annual Toys 4 Tots motorcycle ride Saturday at the 529 Club, 529 E. 5th Ave. If you have new, unwrapped toys you want to drop off and want to participate in the ride, registration …