Post-Tribune

Job help for heroes

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:07:37 -0500

Robert Stowers didn’t expect to walk into a job fair at American Legion Post 260 and walk out with a job. But he did. Stowers, 25, served more than six years in the Army, much of it in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Valparaiso resident completed his service March 15 and went to a May 2 job fair at the post that was targeted for veterans. He took a job as a truck driver for Universal, through the firm’s Troops 2 Truckers program. “I was a truck driver in the military, so it transfers over pretty easy,” he said, adding he’d …

Gary’s classy ladies in red hats

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:08:01 -0500

For Gary women in the city’s first Red Hat Society chapter, Arbelia Caruthers is “Queen Mother.” The organization offers camaraderie and support to women over 50. Beyond that there are no guidelines, and some good-naturedly claim this “organization” of women dressed in bright reds and purples should be referred to as “disorganization.” “The goal is to have clean fun and network with other chapters,” Caruthers said. Gary Red Hat members gathered April 25 at City Hall to celebrate the society’s growth and accpomplishments. The Red Hat Society supports women who have been balancing jobs, careers, car pools and family obligations. …

Parkinsons group holding benefit

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:06:01 -0500

When Elizabeth Woodbury, of Highland, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease her first reaction was, “What’s that?” The second thought for the then 51-year-old was, “I’m too young.” She discovered, in fact, she wasn’t too young to get the disease, which is a disorder of the brain that leads to tremors and difficulty with movement and coordination. While it’s considered a disease of the elderly, it most commonly afflicts people over age 50. A third reaction was to do something to help further research and awareness of Parkinson’s and help others afflicted with the disease. Nine years ago she founded NWI …

Guardsman gives battalion flag to city

Sun, 19 May 2013 02:10:14 -0500

After a trip to Iraq in 2005 and six years being missing, a flag representing 1st Sgt. John Tracey’s service in the city’s National Guard contingent is now part of City Hall. Tracey presented the city with the flag for National Guard Company B 113th Engineer Battalion on April 8. The flag’s white castle on a red field matches a pennant that the battalion gave to the city earlier. “I wanted to give it to the city because they supported the National Guard and the local citizens who participated,” including those in Valparaiso’s employ, Tracey said recently. “They’ve always made …

RELIGION BRIEFS

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:06:53 -0500

CROWN POINT Northwest Seventh-Day Adventist Church: 10570 Randolph St. — Healthy eating seminar, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 19, food samples, cooking demonstrations and discussions about how to eat healthier, call Patricia Appleton at (773) 881-4957 for more information. St. Matthias: 101 W. Burrell Dr. — Spring garage, antique and bake sale, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 23 and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, May 24, donations accepted between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. through Monday, May 20. Call 663-2201 for large item pick up information. EAST CHICAGO Tabernacle Missionary baptist Church: 3715 Butternut St. …

A sporting chance

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:24:00 -0500

Dr. Bernard C. Watson Academy for Boys made it to the big leagues when retired White Sox coach Wallace Johnson stepped to the stage during the recent “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” program. The event also served as a celebration for recent IRead improvement. Fifth-grader Job Smith introduced the acclaimed hometown pinch-hitter. Wallace was born in Gary on Dec. 25, 1956. After graduating from Indiana State University, he was drafted by the Montreal Expos and played part of the 1983 season with the San Francisco Giants. “When you believe in yourself you can do anything,” Wallace said. “As …

Ways to ease the pain

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:24:00 -0500

Who hasn’t complained of a sore back? It’s not surprising because, according to estimates, 80 percent of the adult population experiences back pain at some point in their lives. The good news is that, in most cases, back pain is not something that has to be tolerated. With some proactive care, our backs can continue to serve us well, even into our senior years. This was the message of Posture and Body Mechanics, a class offered by Dyer Parks and Recreation on May 9. As a physical therapist, facilitator Jeremy Rauch sees many clients suffering from back pain. Pointing to …

IUN is a good fit for adult learners

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:07:44 -0500

Indiana University Northwest is an ideal choice for adult learners who wish to return to college while still immersed in the duties of their busy lives. Those with working and domestic commitments can still find time to pursue their degree thanks to flexible options for courses and degree completion, most notably a growing number of online offerings and both day and evening courses. There are also plentiful scholarship opportunities. Prospective students are invited to learn more at the campus’s inaugural Adult Learner Preview Night at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, in the Savannah Center. Call (219) 981-4348 or pre-register at …

Driving for dollars

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:08:23 -0500

Portage High School’s National Honor Society teamed up with Paul Heuring Ford of Hobart to raise money through Ford’s Drive 4 UR School fundraiser. The car dealership brought 10 cars to the school for the April 27 event. For each test drive taken by a driver over 18 years of age, the school received $20. NHS president Tiffany Woloszyn said, “Our principal, Mrs. (Caren) Swickard, asked us to be in charge of the fundraiser. We want to help out however we can.” The monies raised by the Drive 4 UR School are earmarked for a very specific purpose at the …

Wild about gardens

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 -0500

With the onset of mild weather, those with green thumbs turn to their garden blueprints. Recently, many of them could be found browsing flowers, plants, shrubs and trees at the 13th annual Native Plant Sale at Gibson Woods. Sponsored by the Wild Ones organization, the annual sale focuses on utilizing greenery indigenous to this area. “I come here every year to add to my garden,” said Hammond resident Harriet Murphy as she looked among the various prairie grasses. “I’ve found so many benefits to using native plants that my entire garden and yard have items I’ve bought at this sale.” …

Learning by working

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:00:00 -0500

The Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education program and Gary Community School Corp. held their 55th annual Employers Recognition Luncheon April 25 for local employers who hired students from the Business Professionals of America clubs. BPA clubs are active at Lew Wallace STEM and West Side Leadership academies. Business Professionals of America began in the Gary Community School Corp. in 1957. This year’s employer partners were Little Caesars Pizza, Bakers Square Restaurant, McDonald’s, Kmart, Indiana University Northwest library, Sears, Walgreens, Village Park Child Care, Golden Living Center and the Gary Community School Corp. IUN library assistant director of circulation services Betty Hiemstra had …

Northwest Indiana Weekly Planner

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:58:00 -0500

AN EVENING OUT “Jazzing in Black and Red”: 5 p.m. Sunday, May 19, Genesis Convention Center, 5th Avenue and Broadway; concert, dinner/dance, and musical entertainment by Diane “Lil’ Sax” Ellis and the Jazzy Ladies; cost $40 per person, $75 per couple, presented by The Greater Gary American Jazz Association, tickets available at Mae’s Barber Shop, 3101 W. 25th Ave., Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays or from any GGAJA member, call 944-8875 or 985-1510. FAMILY EVENTS Miller Beach Arts and Creative District features Wirt-Emerson Arts: Friday, May 17, 540 Lake St., performances are set to begin at 7 p.m. by the junior …

Filling empty bowls

Thu, 16 May 2013 02:07:46 -0500

Every spring for the past six years, Portage Township schools, local churches, businesses, organizations and individuals have joined together to help raise money for the Portage Food Pantry. On April 27, months of work came to fruition at the annual Empty Bowls Project. Student artists at every level had been working hard to create bowls and other pieces to be sold at the event. Customers could buy a disposable bowl for $5 to sample the soups and chilis, but a second $5 entitled them to their choice of a hand-made ceramic bowl. “We’ve tried some new things this year,” art …

School News

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:30:01 -0500

High Ability Program: The Gary Community School Corporation High Ability Program is accepting applications from students interested in participating in the program during the upcoming school year. Applications are available at the High Ability Programs Office, Wirt-Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High Ability Academy, 210 N. Grand Blvd. Room 117; West Side Leadership Academy, 900 Gerry St., Room C141; and Banneker Achievement Center, 301 Parke St. Testing by appointment is under way at West Side. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Teri Ransom at 939-3274 or 977-2169. HOPE Scholarship: Northwest Indiana McDonald’s Operators and the Food Bank …

Education briefs

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:07:47 -0500

National Merit scholarships: Several Northwest Indiana high school seniors have been awarded scholarships. Emma Hong and Peter Kraft of Munster High School, Elizabeth Benson of Chesterton High School, Kelsey Hopkins of Crown Point High School all have been awarded $2,500 National Merit scholarships and William Greenlaw of Munster High School has been awarded a $2,500 National Achievement Scholarship. Relay For Life essay contest: The Relay For Life of Hobart is holding an essay and poetry contest for their June 14 event at Mundell Field. Essay winners will read their essay or poem at the event, be featured in promotional materials …

Get up and go!

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:07:15 -0500

SCHERERVILLE Shopping affair: Event planner Anne-Marie presents a shopping affair vendor and craft show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 19, at the Patrician Banquet Center, 410 E. U.S. Hwy. 30. Admission is $1. Part of the proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Calumet Area. For more information, call 741-0435 or email AMP1369@aol.com or visit www.anne.marieprince.com. GARY Block club ceremony: A neighborhood block club ceremony takes place at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, at 666 W. 43rd Place. The event is open to the community. For more information, call Ethel Collins at 887-662. CHESTERTON Library film series: “The …