GARY CRUSADER 11-26-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 11/22/16 11:01 PM Page 1
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Indictments spotlight Lake County corruption The federal indictment of Lake County Sheriff John Buncich has put the spotlight on Lake County and Lake County politics. Buncich, who is also chair of the county Democratic Party, Lake County Chief of Police Timothy Downs and William Szarmach of Chase Street Auto, are all facing wire fraud charges. Buncich and Szarmach are also charged with bribery. During a press conference on Nov. 18, U.S.
Attorney David Capp announced an indictment in the U.S. Attorney’s office in Hammond. The three men were involved in a towing scheme which allegedly allowed Buncich and his political organization, Buncich Boosters, to receive thousands of dollars in bribes. The indictment alleges that from April. 2014 to about September, 2016, Buncich received over $30,000 in either cash or checks from Szarmach, and during that same timeframe, Szamach gave Bunchich over $9,000 in either cash or checks. As sheriff, Buncich was in charge of deciding which towing companies were used. The businesses given contracts were those companies which contributed cash or checks to Buncich and his campaign organization. The indictment states that Bunchich had a list of more than a dozen towing companies used to handle tows in different parts of Lake
County. From February, 2014 to October, Buncich steered towing business to firms based on their cash payments and contributions. The indictment also alleges that certain towing companies on the list saw an increase or a drop in business based on their payments and campaign contributions. Whether these towing companies remained on the list was based on the number of campaign fundraising tickets they bought. In addition to Buncich, Downs and Szarmarch, the indictment refers to “Individual A.” The indictment states “Individual A” was on the list of towing companies awarded contracts by Buncich, and along with Szarmach, received a large share of the towing in Gary. Capp said that “Individual A” was instrumental in cooperating with the investigation. Buncich, Downs and Szarmach were arrest-
ed Friday and taken into custody. Buncich and Downs were each released on $ 20,000 unsecured bonds. Szarmach remains in custody at the request of the U.S. Attorney. The indictments came a week after federal agents raided the Sheriff’s Department and served Buncich with warrants to search his home. Following the raid, the Sheriff’s Office issued a statement indicating that services would continue uninterrupted and that there had been no disruption in the operations. Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson reacting to the news of the indictments said from a personal and political standpoint, it was a very sad day. She said she is hopeful the county Democrats can move as a party and as elected officials. A federal judge tentatively set January for Buncich’s trial.
Sheriff John Buncich
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Gary’s newest destination is the ArtHouse (See story on page 11)
AS FAMILY, FRIENDS and supporters looked on, Eddie Melton took the oath of office. Melton will represent Indiana’s Third District in the Indiana State Senate. Among the issues Melton will make a priority during his tenure in the senate, is the growth and development of Northwest Indiana and support for the Gary Community School Corporation. Prior to taking office, Melton has been involved in efforts to address the Gary School crisis. As a member of the Indiana State Board of Education his contributions have proved invaluable in the work to find solutions to the problem of education at home and around the state. His commitment to youth in underserved communities helped to propel Melton to his current position.
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Obamacare in the coming age of Trump Contributed By:The 411 News Community HealthNet’s open enrollment teams will cover Lake County Enrollment in the Affordable Care Act reached 100,000 the day after the Presidential Election. “That’s the highest single day enrollment in its history,” said Dr. Janet Seabrook, commenting on campaign statements that promise to repeal the health insurance and health care law, popularly known as Obamacare. Dr. Seabrook is the founder and executive director at Community HealthNet Gary, among the hundreds of community health centers across the nation given a major lifeline when President Obama signed legislation implementing the Patient Protection COMMUNITY HEALTHNET’S AFFORDABLE Care Act Naviand Affordable Care Act in 2010. A gator Felisha Brown, left, and Executive Director Dr. Janet Seabrook. key pledge of president-elect Donald Trump during his campaign was “… Merrillville, Griffith, and Hammond. the person to tell them their treatment Campaign rhetoric is not reality says has to stop. People should know that on my first day in office I will repeal Dr. Seabrook. “The fact is ACA is the when they enroll, it’s not a contract Obamacare.” Community health centers mainly law and laws can’t be changed easily; with the federal government. It’s a conserve low-income urban and rural ar- even attempts to keep parts of it.” After tract with an insurance company and eas. The promise of the ACA, to pro- the election, Trump indicated he fa- it is good for 1 year.” Felisha Brown, a certified ACA Navvide affordable health insurance to vored keeping some of the healthcare those who have been without is evi- law – pre-existing conditions and chil- igator at Community HealthNet said denced by the 20 million more Ameri- dren staying on their parents’ insur- campaign promises have not been a ance policies until age 26. factor yet. “I’ve completed multiple cans who are now covered. Seabrook said the law can’t be peeled ACA enrollments. No one has menAnother part of the ACA created funding to help establish more health apart like an onion. “Who is going to tioned or asked me, how the election’s centers. Since 2010, 4 more health be the person to turn off… pull the outcome may impact their coverage. centers now carry the CHN name- plug on a patient undergoing chemo- Also, I haven’t had any questions from plate, one in Gary and one each in therapy for cancer? Who is going to be enrollees in the state’s Healthy Indiana
Plan.” Brown’s job was created by the law to help enrollees complete eligibility and insurance application forms. Notices of changes in insurance coverage and costs precede the start of each yearly ACA enrollment period, November 1 through January 31. The Indiana Dept. of Insurance announced in October that half of Indiana’s 8 insurers selling plans in the 2016 ACA marketplace wouldn’t offer plans in 2017. “We can’t look at Indiana providers getting out as a bad thing,” Dr. Seabrook said. “Insurance is a business that’s looking at its bottom line – profits for the company and its shareholders. Some of those providers will pull up stakes in one state and move to another.” For Indiana residents, she said, there will be fewer choices, but “we are not like some states that have only one provider.” The four insurers leaving in 2017 are IU Health Plans, Physicians Health Plan of Northern Indiana (PHP), All Savers (United Healthcare), and Southeastern Indiana Health Organization (SIHO). All cited high costs of insuring enrollees and their claims. Although IU Health will stop selling individual coverage, it will continue to offer group plans. The four carriers remaining are Anthem, CareSource, Celtic (MHS) and MDwise Marketplace. One reason insurers might pull up
stakes, Brown said, is because consumers aren’t choosing their plans. “Consumers make their decisions on affordability and their current health needs. They look at deductibles, outof-pocket costs, and prescription plans; they want to know which networks include their doctors.” Brown and other navigators at CHN work with those seeking healthcare and those with existing coverage. Before the enrollment period started, Indiana sent letters to enrollees about changes, if any, in plans and costs. For those whose plans were discontinued, the navigators can help them explore others. Brown said she has worked with more people whose premiums decreased than those with premium increases. The three-month enrollment period is especially busy for CHN navigators because they are out in the community hosting enrollment sessions. They will be at City Hall in Gary and libraries throughout Lake County offering assistance. Brown has some advice for those with existing coverage who are considering letting their plans automatically renew, even when they see premium increases. “Don’t,” Brown said. “Examine the other plans available or talk to a navigator because there could be a plan offering the same benefits at a cheaper cost.”
Hud reports homelessness in Indiana declines in 2016 Nationwide estimate shows continued reduction in number of persons in shelter and on streets Homelessness continues to decline in the U.S., specifically among families with children, Veterans, and individuals with longterm disabling conditions according to the latest national estimate by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Meanwhile, HUD’s 2016 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress found the overall number of persons experiencing homelessness in Indiana on a single night in 2016 fell by 10 percent since 2010, the year the Obama Administration launched Opening Doors, the nation’s first comprehensive strategy to prevent and end homelessness. Since 2010, HUD estimates that Indiana experienced a 31 percent reduction among homeless families, a 13.6 percent drop in Veteran homelessness, and a 31 percent decline in individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. This national estimate is based upon data reported by approximately 3,000 cities and counties across the nation. Every year on a single night in January, planning agencies 2
called ‘Continuums of Care” and tens of thousands of volunteers seek to identify the number of individuals and families living in emergency shelters, transitional housing programs and in unsheltered settings. In making the announcement, HUD Secretary Julián Castro noted that though the nation is mak-
(Continued on page 6)
EAST CHICAGO CITY Judge Sonya Morris administers the oath of office to Lake Superior Judge Calvin D. Hawkins on his recent retention for a new term on the bench in Northwest Indiana.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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THANKSGIVING OPPORTUNITIES IN AMERICA The American populace, and other interested persons around the world, are still reeling from the effects of the recent presidential election. There has been a political shift that is seemingly manifested in other parts of the world. Brexit is just one example. A lot of people are talking about fleeing circumstances; it has been said that Americans were planning to move in droves to Canada. Others are looking around the world for other suitable places. Certainly, A Trump presidency brings to mind the situation that European Jews faced during the Hitler regime in World War II. But the world is different today; we are hopefully wiser and history won’t repeat itself, which brings us to the next point. In spite of all of the changes that are taking place around us, there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel. That bright light, for which we can be really thankful, is the power of mind, and its connection to faith (heart). This is not so much whistling in the wind; there is an escape hatch to the challenges that we face. No matter how low we go, we can always find a way up and out, if we connect our desires with the power of our minds. This is a wonderful gift that is available to humanity, and which is why it is possible to fight oppression. African Americans have suffered greatly in America, but if the truth be told, have suffered around the world. Black people represent the greatest and least of existence; even though they have experienced the great slavery of poverty, Black people have also gained prominence and mastery of many disciplines. So, what is the difference between those who achieve a modicum of success and those who don’t? It could very well be connected to the fact that because of their experience and their heart/mind connection, they have been able to put themselves on the road to success in spite of challenges. As Americans, this is something that we should remember as we traverse uncertain times. America is still a democracy, which is a good thing. We can determine our collective destiny. This is also true of the Black community – our situation in this country and elsewhere can be influenced by our collective action. We can WILL our circumstances; the trick however, is that we have to come to believe that this option is true. There are precedents for this notion, and master teachings throughout the ages have delivered this message. The following is just one that is taken from The Gospel According to Mark: “For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea’; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”This passage is just one of many that have been handed down to humanity as guideposts for living. When we look around us, it is easy to see why things are somewhat chaotic. We tend to forget that attitudes are more important than circumstances, and that we reap what we sow. We have also often forgotten the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” That rule alone would instantly change our collective circumstances. Imagine what our communities would be like if we followed these simple rules. Black on Black murder would cease and we would spend money with each other because we would understand that our destinies are connected. We must remember these ideas as we embark upon the Thanksgiving Holiday during strange times. We can be thankful that there are still possibilities for positive change if we make the decision to take advantage of opportunities like voting, for example. During this last election, a lot of African Americans did not bother to go to the polls. That was a missed opportunity to control our destiny. The good thing, however, is that in a democracy, we will always get another chance to get it right. With this said, the Crusader wishes for you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. 4
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Buncich’s arrest, indictment is a shocker Dear Editor: I am sure many, if not most of us in the city were shocked last week by the news that Sheriff John Buncich had been arrested and indicted. The Feds came after some Lake County officials, including the sheriff and the mayor of Portage. The Buncich arrest was such a surprise I guess because he has been serving so long with no problems, and he was always a friend to Gary. Like many others he did not forget that his roots are here. Through the good and bad times Buncich was proud of his Gary beginnings. City officials knew they could count on Buncich when no other state or county public officials would step up to help. He was always willing to come to events here and participate like he was an everyday citizen, not the county sheriff. As government goes, he is one of the good guys. His peers and the Lake County community apparently felt that way too because he has accumulated dozens of awards and commendations over the years, not to mention being re-elected several times. No doubt because of partisan
politics there are some out there hoping the judge or jury, whichever he gets, will give him maximum jail time. Those are the people who simply are ignoring the adage of innocent until proven guilty. We all have to remember that Buncich at this point is simply charged with bribery and other crimes. I understand that the Feds usually build a very solid case before coming for their target. So, things look grim for the sheriff. Since Buncich hasn’t uttered a word to the media since the arrest, we only have one version of the story, the Feds’. I know stranger things have happened, but it is very, very hard for me to get my mind around the idea that a man with Buncich’s experience, his political position, a family, and at his age would do what he’s being accused of. Those of us who know, or have worked with John I suspect will wait until all of the details are out before passing judgment. I know others will figure since he is a public official, and we have had so many instances of elected people being charged and found guilty Buncich falls in that category too, even before going to trial. If the outcome of a trial is a conviction, I sincerely hope that we will judge John by a career and not an incident. Carrie Bell
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
It’s time for Elsie Franklin to step down Dear Editor: In 1968 Dr. Martin Luther King, (Continued on page 5)
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EDITOR’S NOTE: The following column is a gossip column. We ask that items contained herein be judged by individuals that read it as such and not as documented facts gathered by the news-gathering personnel of this publication. IT DOES GIVE YA SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT The recent indictments handed down by U.S. Attorney David Capp
U.S. Attorney David Capp
Sheriff John Buncich
-Nosey-
came, as somewhat of a surprise, not because of who was indicted, after the raid conducted on the Sheriff’s offices and his home, ya knew charges would be coming. Rather it was how fast they came that surprised a lot of folks. In the past indictments were issued months after the office of the target was raided. But not in this case, looks like the feds had been keeping an eye on Buncich and his cohorts for quite some time. In the meantime Capp during Friday’s news conference in announcing the indictments
MAKING AMERICA RACIST AGAIN It should come as no surprise that the election of Donald Trump has given the racist element in the country a license to spew their venom without fear of reprisal. Social media seems to be where most of these hate mongers have chosen to dump their
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (Continued from page 4) Jr. said “longevity has its place,” and he was referring to living a long time. Right now though, his words seem applicable to Lake County Commissioner Elsie Franklin. Franklin has been on the county board too long and continues to prove she is ineffective and out of touch. Every candidate, if elected, is supposed to represent the constituents in his or her district. Ms. Franklin blatantly admitted the other day that she voted against the idea of legalizing medical marijuana because she promised a family member she would oppose it. The district is made up of a lot more than her family member. Her reasoning was extremely weak citing the possibility of people lying about their illnesses and getting medical cannabis for recreational purposes. That represented pure laziness on Franklin’s part. There is an overwhelming volume of research that clearly points out that the two types of marijuana are different and medical marijuana doesn’t produce the same impact or high as recreational pot. All Franklin needed to do was to look to neighboring Illinois, which has some of the strictest medical marijuana laws in the country, to see how they prevent the use of medical marijuana being used for anything but its intended purpose. More importantly, at least in my opinion, we have seen that some states have made tremendous financial gains by allowing medical marijuana and later legalizing recreational marijuana. The City of Gary, which comprises Franklin’s district is www.garycrusader.com
MOVING ON UP
said that people were tired of these things taking place. Well that may be true for a few folks, however, for other living, boring and unfulfilled lives, situations like these give them something to talk about. Word reached Nosey that the indictments were all some folks could talk about all day Friday. So if Capp thinks situations like these send a warning to other elected officials, better think again. Nosey’s advice is to keep the F.B.I. gassed up cause it won’t be long before it’ll be caused into action again.
struggling financially, as is the school district. If Franklin was looking out for the district instead of coddling her mysterious family member, she would at least try to see how legalizing medical cannabis could help right the district’s and the city’s financial ships. She is clearly shirking her responsibilities as a commissioner. I would not suggest she step down if this was an isolated issue. But over the last couple of years she has been more of a detriment to Gary than an asset. She accepted her full commission pay for a year without attending a single meeting. Personally, that bordered on criminal. She also is known to miss critical votes for no stated reason - she just doesn’t show up for the meeting. We should consider ourselves fortunate that another commissioner, Jamal Washington, is forward thinking and dutifully offers resolutions, such as the medical cannabis one, as well as others that can benefit an entire district. I am sure Washington could craft resolutions that take the sides of family and friends and leave constituents out of the picture, however he takes the responsible position of looking out for the entire district, as do most of the others, most, if not all of the time. Elsie Franklin continues to prove her most effective days of commissioner are behind her. It is time for her to step aside and let someone who can truly represent Gary on the county council serve.
Donald Trump
During the presidential campaign season there were rumors floating around town that if Hillary Clinton was elected Mayor Karen FreemanWilson was out of here. As you well know Clinton didn’t win so any talk of the mayor moving to D.C. has been put on hold, at least for a while.
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama vile and disgusting comments. Not surprising many of the comments have been directed at the Obamas, which is really dumb given that these knuckleheads have finally got what they wanted. In a few months the Obamas will be gone and Orange Crush will be president. But they got to get that last dig in before they leave. It probably was what caused a Clay County, West Virginia official to e-mail her friend commenting how happy she was to finally have a first lady with class because she was tired of that ape in high heels. An Alabama police officer chimed in saying Melania Trump had class because she spoke several languages, while Michelle Obama is fluent in ghetto. These and other incidents are clear indications that Trump’s Make America Great Again rhetoric is steeped in old fashioned racism. -Nosey-
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson However, Freeman-Wilson did manage to up her national profile in that she was recently elected to the position of Second Vice President of the National League of Cities. In the position, she, along with mayors from across the nation, will be able to lobby for initiatives and programs that will benefit cities like Gary. At a time when there appears to be a move by the next president to undo many of the programs that have helped cites and their constituents, someone like Freeman-Wilson will be an asset in her new post. Hats off to the mayor and good luck.
Esther Goode Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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Community organizations celebrate Fifth Third Bank’s $30 billion Community Development Plan The Indiana Association for Community Economic Development (IACED) recently commended the $30 billion Community Development Plan announced by Fifth Third Bank. The Plan was developed in an agreement between Fifth Third Bank and members and allies of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), including IACED. Indiana is expected to benefit substantially from the loans and investments included in this agreement. Fifth Third’s Community Development Plan, starting in 2016 and taking place over five years, includes mortgage and small business lending, including micro-lending, community development lending and
investing, philanthropy, and financial services for low- and moderateincome communities. Andy Fraizer, IACED Executive Director, said, “I appreciate Fifth Third Bank’s willingness to meaningfully engage and understand the assets and needs of Indiana’s low and moderate income communities. IACED looks forward to ongoing engagement with the Bank, as IACED, its member organizations, and partners like the Indiana Assets and Opportunity Network help the Bank meet the committed goals.” “This substantive and detailed community development plan was the result of a collaborative process with community members and bank
Third who, after putting out a significant community commitment earlier in the year, were willing and eager to deeply engage NCRC and its member organizations in significant discussions to ensure the commitments made were in areas of the greatest community need and put in place rigorous accountability for their bank and the communities they serve.”
leaders,” said NCRC President & CEO John Taylor. “We applaud President & CEO Greg Carmichael and the senior leadership of Fifth
The Community Development Plan was developed through meetings with NCRC and 135 other community-based organizations across Fifth Third’s footprint. The Community Development Plan will: • Fund $11 billion in mortgage
Life Sciences Firm acquires New York company, moves operations to Indiana Cryogenic Solutions, a medical equipment repair service provider, announced plans recently to expand in Indianapolis to accommodate the operations of its recent acquisition New York-based Inventory Solutions. "Here in Indiana, we are home to low-taxes, minimal regulations and a quality Hoosier workforce that creates medical devices used around the world," said Governor Mike Pence. "The life sciences industry contributes $62 billion to the state’s economy, and we are committed to establishing a business climate that allows these firms to thrive. With its recent acquisition on the East Coast, Cryogenic Solutions could have relocated its operations to New York, but is instead choosing to grow and create jobs in Indiana because of the benefits of doing business in a state that works.” The company will invest $1 million to double its footprint at 1936 S. Lynhurst Drive, leasing an additional 15,000 square feet. Cryogenic Solutions acquired Inventory Solutions, a national supplier of refurbished respiratory products, earlier this year and plans to move the new operations to its expanded 30,000square-foot building in Indianapolis. The addition, which is expected to be operational early next year, will include new service lines for the cylinder refurbish business as well as office space for additional sales team members. As part of its growth, Cryogenic Solutions plans to create up to 31 new Indiana jobs, with plans to relocate some of the 15 full-time employees who are located in New 6
York. The company, which currently has 16 full-time employees in Indiana, will begin hiring equipment technicians, purchasers and sales representatives in early 2017. Interested applicants should contact the company’s main office at 317.839.8100. "Indiana is an ideal location for Cryogenic Solutions’ growth given its favorable business climate and access to a quality workforce," said Travis Caulk, vice president of operations at Cryogenic Solutions. Founded in 2008 and based in Indianapolis, Cryogenic Solutions provides medical repair services, which include liquid systems, concentrators, CPAPs and BiPAPs, cylinder testing, refinishing and smart monitors. The acquisition will expand the company's services beyond repairs as Inventory Solutions provides home medical equipment dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers an outlet to sell their excess inventory. In addition to its Indiana operations, the company ships from 14 vendor repair facilities around the United States. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Cryogenic Solutions Inc. up to $215,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performancebased, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Indianapolis supports the project in partnership with Develop Indy, a business unit of the Indy Chamber. “As Indiana’s medical device industry continues to grow, the need for
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
repair services expands as well,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “The important work of Cryogenic Solutions supports home health care providers across our community. We congratulate them on their recent acquisition and the doubling of their footprint on the west side of Indianapolis." The Hoosier state’s business climate ranks best in the Midwest and
fifth in the nation. Companies like Cryogenic Solutions continue to find the workforce, infrastructure and favorable business climate in Indiana that is necessary to grow their businesses. The life science industry employs more than 56,000 Hoosiers at more than 1,700 companies across the state, with the medical device supply chain subsector employing about 20,000 of these Hoosiers.
lending to LMI individuals and communities. • Fund $10 billion in small business lending in all markets and communities to businesses with gross annual revenue below $1 million. • Fund $9 billion in Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) community development loans and investments. This includes support for affordable housing, revolving loan funds, Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, community pre-development resources, housing rehab loan pools, and community land trusts and land banks. • Fund $93 million in philanthropy. • Work to ensure adequate access to bank branches in LMI communities and communities of color, including opening at least 10 new branches. The Indiana organizations signed on to the Plan include: • Aurora • CAPE • ECHO Housing Corporation • HomesteadCS • HOPE of Evansville • Indiana Association for Community Economic Development • Memorial Community Development Corp. • Northwest Indiana Reinvestment Alliance
Hud reports homelessness in Indiana... ing significant progress in reducing homelessness, the number of ‘doubled up’ or rent-burdened families remains a vexing problem. “Every person deserves a safe, stable place to call home,” said Secretary Castro. “The Obama Administration has made unprecedented progress toward ending homelessness and today marks the seventh straight year of measureable progress. While we know that our work is far from finished, it’s clear we’re on the right track to prevent and end homelessness for good.” During one night in late January of 2016, tens of thousands of volunteers across the nation sought to identify individuals and families living on their streets as well as in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. These one-night‘snapshot’ counts, as well as full-year counts and data from other sources (U.S. Housing Survey, Department of Education), are
(Continued from page 2) crucial in understanding the scope of homelessness and measuring progress toward reducing it. On a single night in January 2016, state and local planning agencies in Indiana reported: • 5,798 people experienced homelessness, representing a 10.1 percent reduction from January 2010. Most homeless persons (5,107) were located in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs while 691 persons were unsheltered. • The number of families with children experiencing homelessness declined by 31.1 percent (or 890) since 2010. • Veteran homelessness dropped by 13.6% percent (or 104 persons) since January 2010. On a single night in January 2016, 663 veterans were experiencing homelessness. • Chronic or long-term homelessness among individuals declined by 31.1 percent (or 451 persons) since
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
2010. • The number of unaccompanied homeless youth and children appeared to decline in 2016 to 365 though HUD will launch a more robust effort to more accurately account for this important population in January of 2017. The Obama Administration's strategic plan to end homelessness is called Opening Doors – a roadmap for joint action by the 19 federal member agencies of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness along with local and state partners in the public and private sectors. The Plan offers strategies to connect mainstream housing, health, education, and human service programs as part of a coordinate plan to prevent and end homelessness. While homelessness nationally continues to decline, some communities are reporting less progress. Read more information on state/ local-level homelessness. www.garycrusader.com
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Here are some things to be thankful for BIG time CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION By Vernon A. Williams While we should count our blessings every day, people take advantage of this time of the year for the most heartfelt thankful reflection. Of course, all who can have these things should express deepest gratitude for the blessings of health, friends, family, careers, grace, mercy and peace of mind. No reasonable person would disagree. As I pondered more deeply the national landscape during this season of Thanksgiving, I surveyed the larger society and came up with seven things that should merit a special word of appreciation. In no particular order, here you go:
• Clarence Thomas better be so thankful that he stumbled into a good-paying job in which he not only doesn’t have to be accountable, compassionate or competent but can actually go two decades as the only one of nine U.S. Supreme Court jurists not to even open his mouth to question or comment, during or after trials. Now that’s gangsta! • The producers of “Hamilton” better be glad that all the news about how poorly the economy is performing under the current administration hasn’t reached those tens of thousands of theater patrons dropping several hundred dollars a ticket to be part of their performance sold out through August of 2017. • The 54 percent of white women who voted for a candidate whose message and behavior glamourized and normalized misogyny and sexual assault should be appreciative that
Vernon A. Williams
David J. Johns keynotes Lakeshore Classic Luncheon
DAVID J. JOHNS (center) is joined by others on the program and guests at the Lakeshore Classic Corporate Luncheon.
election ballots are secret so victims of rape, sexual assault abuse, and harassment can’t access their contact information. • Those in the campaign who regularly spouted blatant lies, careless half-truths and reckless misrepresentation of facts to persuade a gullible American electorate should be grateful for folks too dumb, nonchalant or lazy to fact check even if it’s as simple as clicking “Google.” • Former presidential candidate Ben Carson who turned down a cabinet post, according to his top aide, “because he is a neophyte and that’s not his strength, he has no government experience, he has never run a federal agency, and because the last thing he wants to do is cripple the presidency,” better thank God he lost. • The incoming POTUS should bow his head and tearfully thank God that unlike an entry level mailroom clerk or short order cook, the position of Leader of the Free World has no job description, experience needed, education requirements, qualifications listed, interview, examination or reference requirements. • We all should be thankful for the cancellation of “Duck Dynasty” – whose star Phil Robertson said in an interview that Blacks working in the cotton fields of Louisiana where he grew up were “singing and happy” before civil rights, welfare and entitlement. “Duck Dynasty” ratings
plummeted from 13.2 million viewers in 2013 to 1.3 million this season. Well as we enjoy those we care about most, we should always be reminded that the blessed of us must be willing to help the rest of us. That in a civil society, we ignore cynicism and bitterness and look at one another as brothers and sisters – that we strive to lift as we rise. And whenever the horrible political or crime news wears down your spirits, be thankful that there is a Savior who sits high and looks low and promises never to leave or forsake us. Shed the anxiety of worry to let go and let God. Have you noticed that 95 percent of the things that you fear never come to fruition? Be at peace. And one last expression of gratitude. Thank you for reading this weekly column on a regular basis and often taking the time to share kind thoughts with me. Be blessed! CIRCLE CITY CONNECTION by Vernon A. Williams is a series of essays on myriad topics that include social issues, human interest, entertainment and profiles of differencemakers who are forging change in a constantly evolving society. Williams is a 40-year veteran journalist based in Indianapolis, IN – commonly referred to as The Circle City. Send comments or questions to: vernonawilliams@yahoo.com.
For the past 8 years various speakers have been the keynote for the Lakeshore Classic Corporate Luncheon. Each speaker is tasked with delivering a message that will inspire the continued support of programs that bridge a connection between sports participation and academic achievement. At the 2016 Lakeshore Classic Corporate Luncheon David J. Johns, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans did just that. Johns delivered a keynote that was not only insightful; it was also impactful. During his closing remarks, he asked many of the students present to stand up and tell the 150 or more guests about themselves to bring home his point. The program host was Indiana State Senator of the 3rd District Eddie Melton, who was introduced by Chuck Hughes, Executive Director, Gary Chamber of Commerce. Also on the program was Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, who delivered the Invocation and U.S. Representative Peter J. Visclosky (D) of Indiana’s 1st Congressional District. Pete Visclosky. This year’s program was held in the Diamond Center on November 21, 2016 and it kicks off the Lakeshore Classic Basketball Challenge scheduled November 25-26, 2016 at the West Side High School in Gary, Indiana.
SOME OF THE students that spoke at the luncheon are photographed with David J. Johns (rear, center). www.garycrusader.com
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IU Northwest launches Arts on Broadway Initiative NiSource Charitable Foundation Agrees to Match All Gifts for State-of-the-Art Cultural Center Indiana University Northwest announces the launch of Arts on Broadway, a fundraising initiative to equip its new Arts and Science Building, opening in mid-2017. To assist the university in fitting the facility with the latest tools and technologies to help students succeed, the NiSource Charitable Foundation, presented by NIPSCO, has
spired audiences through stage performances, art exhibits and dance recitals. With our new facilities, we can now look ahead to strengthening and deepening our campus commitment to arts, culture and community.”
will include classrooms and informal study spaces to be shared by both campuses. The building’s construction also serves as a cornerstone for the rede-
velopment goals of the City of Gary through its University Park Plan, which aims to focus on investment along Broadway and on 35th Avenue.
All gifts made to the Arts in Broadway Initiative are 100% tax deductible. To learn more and make a gift, visit iun.edu/giving/arts-onbroadway.
From Broadway to Broadway Located at the corner of Broadway and 35th Street, the three-story Arts and Sciences Building will house IU Northwest’s fine and performing arts programs, as well as academic and ad-
THE ARTS AND SCIENCES building is expected to open in 2017. agreed to match all gifts to the initia- ministration space for the College of tive at 100 percent, up to $25,000. Arts and Sciences. Plans call for a “NIPSCO is proud to partner new 500-seat auditorium as well as a with IU Northwest as they continue 100-seat black-box (experimental) to raise the bar and provide new ed- studio theater. ucational opportunities in North“The new building will have the west Indiana,” said Violet Sistovaris, same cutting-edge technology used NIPSCO, President. in theatres in performing arts hubs With two-thirds of the $45 mil- like Chicago and New York,” said lion, 126,300-square-foot building Theatre student Joshua Kime. complete, IU Northwest now turns “When I finally make it to Broadits attention to bringing its halls to way, I’ll be fully prepared to pursue life with innovative, modern spaces my professional career goals.” for teaching and learning, a place for In an innovative, cost-saving students to collaborate and pursue move, 30 percent of the building will their passions, and a cultural center be shared with Ivy Tech Community for all of Northwest Indiana to en- College, including a “one-stop shop” joy. for enrollment and admission serAccording to IU Northwest Chan- vices. In addition to opening up the cellor William J. Lowe, the Arts on building to more students from the Broadway Initiative ushers in a new Region, the colocation will also conera of artistic and cultural excellence tribute to strengthening the pathway on campus. “For more than 50 years, of Ivy Tech students to completing the rich talent that exists at IU their four-year degrees at IU NorthNorthwest has entertained and in- west. The remainder of the building
Purdue Northwest Kids & Alumni Day Set for Dec. 3 in Hammond Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will host its annual Kids Day and Alumni Day on Saturday, Dec. 3, at the PNW Hammond Campus Fitness and Recreation Center. PNW invites the community and all PNW students, staff and alumni for a day of fun as the Pride men’s and women’s basketball teams host Trinity International (Ill.) in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference doubleheader. www.garycrusader.com
The 13th-ranked women’s team will take on the Trojans beginning at 1 p.m. CT, followed by the men’s game at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Buffalo Wild Wings and the Purdue Northwest Alumni Organization, PNW will offer free admission to all kids ages 17 and under as well as to all PNW alumni. Doors open at noon, and bouncy houses, face painting, coloring areas and more will be set up for the kids, (Continued on page 11) Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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A Moment to Super Size Your Thinking A Day of Giving Thanks. Give Thanks with a Grateful heart. Obviously, it’s possible to give thanks without heartfelt gratitude. I immediately thought of the fast approaching Thanksgiving Holiday as I listened to lyrics of this song “Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One, Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.” Praise is a simple thank you— for those who may have difficulty, continue to read and maybe a few verses from various songs may trigger your memory and inspire you to be grateful for your life. There are so many reasons to give God praise. One of my favorite gospel classics reminds us to ‘be grateful— there’s someone worse off than you—be grateful—there’s someone who would love to be in your shoes.’ As the saying goes—one man’s trash
is another person’s treasure. If we would stop and reflect on the beauty of life, it is inevitable not to see treasures hidden right in your face. James Oppenheim stated, “The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.” My message continues—stop and smell the roses while you can. I’ve learned to appreciate the simple things in life and not take anything for granted. My vow is to wake up giving God immediate thanks. Each time my eyes awaken to the dawning of another day, most times even before my feet hit the floor—I freely offer praise as the fruit of my lips. Too many alarms clocks sound never to be heard because someone’s soul has gone cold—I have to say thank you. I’m convinced that you should embrace God’s amazing grace, family, friends, health, favor, goodness, hope,
CHURCH CALENDAR The Voices For Christ Choir Fall Musical On November 27, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. Christ United Methodist Church will present their annual fall musical featuring The Voices for Christ Choir. Christ United Methodist is located at 201 W. Ridge Road in Gary. Special Guests include the New Bible Baptist Church Choir, praise
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dancer Evelyn Minnis, vocal soloists Lori Tolliver and Sharla Johnson. Rev. G. Thomas Jones, Pastor. For more information contact Louise Lee at (219) 8833907.
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Effie Rolfe joy, love, mercy, peace, prosperity, purpose, redemption, salvation and wealth. Unfortunately, too often, we
fail to recognize and enjoy the benefits of God’s blessings each day. Just as God is eternal—so are his blessings. They are inexhaustible with more to be revealed each day waiting for you to experience. However, it begins with praise in your heart and lips— which is a catalyst opening up the fountain of God’s very best. I may not be what I ought to be but thank God I’m not what I used to be is more than mere words. I think about how His patience and love has led me safely through the storms of life. When I shed selfish tears because of my own wrongful conviction and stinking thinking—I have to thank God for a changed mind. Through the tears, I say thank you Lord when he beckons me to let go and let God work it out in His own time and way—since He sees our beginning, end and all in between. Our heavenly Father has been so kind to my family as he brought us a mighty long ways from the fields and gravel roads of Arkansas into a much better life of peace and manifested blessings. On my compass, all songs lead to praise—the one thing that doesn’t cost anything is to open your mouth, wave your hand, tap your toe, wiggle you finger, smile…do something to
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
indicate thankfulness to God and His many blessings. It’s been said the universe loves a grateful heart. Just as you appreciate when people acknowledge your kindness, so does God. I remember the mothers of the church saying you can’t beat God giving…no matter how hard you try. ‘Thank you Lord for all you’ve done for me’ is another favorite song recorded by the late Bishop Walter Hawkins. The lyrics make me think either people often forget or simply have a difficult time expressing themselves of the many blessings that God generously bestows each day. As for me, all I can say is, Thank you Lord for all you have done for me. Remember, Thanksgiving is not the only day to give thanks, we should practice giving thanks daily. Have you given thanks today? © Effie Rolfe is an Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. Youc an contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe. Listen to her show daily on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)
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Gary’s newest destination is the ArtHouse The Gary and Northwest Indiana community came out to celebrate the grand opening of the ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen on Nov. 19. In a space many hope will lead the way in the continued revitalization of downtown Gary, guests had the opportunity to experience the energetic blend of an art, food and
cess to a commercial training kitchen. The ArtHouse is focused on creating a space that positively reflects the city of Gary and provides a platform for economic and artistic activity in the downtown area. The first art installation is a solar powered exterior lighting sculpture designed by the
James L. Knight Foundation, Place Lab, Harris School of Public Policy Daley Fellowship, and Mama Pearl’s
BBQ. Guests enjoyed complimentary confections from local culinary
artists, a free hot apple cider station, musical entertainment from G-B’z and Anointed Voices Choir.
ARTISTS WILL BE able to display their works in the ArtHouse. THE ANOINTED VOICES CHOIR provided music during the opening program for the ArtHouse. innovation of the project. The genesis behind this cultural and business idea is Gary’s Economic Development Corporation and Department of Commerce, along with ArtHouse Artistic Director, Theaster Gates. Located at 411 E. 5th Avenue, which is the same building as Mama Pearl’s BBQ, the ArtHouse Culinary Business Incubator (CBI) will be a training and workshop facility for up and coming food businesses that provides ac-
artist Ripple + Wilson. Also revealed is a 2,200 square foot commercial grade kitchen with a food demonstration station. Among those giving remarks were Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and Theaster Gates. They both expressed excitement about the ArtHouse, its future and the future of Gary. The support and partnerships that made it possible included Bloomberg Philanthropies Public, the John S. and THE EXTERIOR OF the building is a work of art that utilizes solar power to illuminate the building.
MAYOR KAREN FREEMAN-WILSON (left) listens as the Theaster Gates gives his remarks at the grand opening event for the ArtHouse.
Purdue Northwest Kids & Alumni Day Set for Dec. 3 in Hammond (Continued from page 9) plus free t-shirts and mini-basketballs to the first 100! A post-game autograph poster signing will also take place for all to attend. Buffalo Wild Wings will also be in attendance with its mascot, Blazin’ Bill, with giveaways of its own, and PNW fans are invited to attend a special post-game reception at the Buffalo Wild Wings Hammond location (2942 Carlson Drive, Hammond, IN) to meet both Pride hoops teams. Those interested in attending the post-game event should www.garycrusader.com
RSVP by contacting Brandon Swanson at bmswanson@pnw.edu. General adult admission for nonPNW alumni (ages 18 and up) is $6. The Fitness and Recreation Center is located at 2300 173rd Street, Hammond, IN 46323. Parking is free and located next to the FRC. For more information on the event, call PNW athletics at (219) 9892540 or email bmswanson@pnw.edu. For complete schedules, news, information on season passes, and more on all Pride Athletics, check out PNWathletics.com! Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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Methodist Hospitals’ patient honored with Lifestyle Change Award American Heart & Stroke Association Recognizes Cardiac Rehab Patient This year’s recipient of the Lifestyle Change Award is Bennie Muhammad, a Methodist Hospitals cardiac rehab patient. In Oct. 2008, Bennie began experiencing shortness of breath so he went to his doctor's office. He was told that his heart was in atrial fibrillation (beating at 300/ minute). The doctor told Bennie that he was on the verge of having a stroke so he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. As a result Bennie had a procedure called Cardiac Ablation. This procedure successfully took care of Bennie's irregular heart problems. At this point, Bennie realized he had to change his lifestyle and follow a strict diet. He started following a low sodium, low fat and low cholesterol diet and began exercising on a regular basis as well as taking his medications strictly as prescribed. Not only did Bennie learn the importance of following his diet, but learned to read food labels and nutritional values of all the foods he ate. Bennie began advocating to at risk youth in his community of Gary and volunteered to speak with young adults to invite them to a better way of life - a heart healthy life. In 2015, Bennie began experiencing shortness of breath. After a visit to his cardiologist Bennie was immediately implanted with a dual chamber pacemaker/defibrillator. With regular exercise 3-4 times a week he is now doing very well. Bennie is enjoying life to its fullest. The American Heart Association recognizes individuals who have made positive
changes to improve their quality of life and health with the Lifestyle Change Award. No change is too small, and every accomplishment is significant. Ideal candidates are people who have taken control of their health in areas of diet, exercise or tobacco cessation and have seen positive results in weight, BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar. Whether they lost weight, made smarter eating decisions, or improved their cholesterol levels through exercise and diet, the Lifestyle Change Award recipient is chosen because he or she serves as inspiration to others to improve their health. Nominations for the Lifestyle Change Award can be submitted by friends, coworkers or relatives, and individuals can nominate themselves. Awardees are chosen based on criteria evaluating the significance of the change that was achieved; any obstacles that were surpassed in achieving the goal; and the power that positive lifestyle change had not only on the individual achieving it but also those around him/her (i.e. family, friends, co-workers, community). Winners are chosen by a volunteer committee and presented during the ceremonies prior to the Heart Walk. “Heart disease is our number one killer in U.S., so we all need to continue to work hard in our commitment to proper diet and exercise, in order to decrease our personal risk factors. The Lifestyle Change Award is a great way to draw attention to the importance of a healthy lifestyle,” said Erin Crawford, Heart Walk Director for the American Heart Association.
BENNIE MUHAMMAD, LIFESTYLE Change Award recipient with Ediflor Spaeth, RN, Cardiopulmonary Rehab Therapist, Methodist Hospitals. Bennie Muhammad was awarded with the Lifestyle Change Award by the American Heart and Stroke Association at the Lake County Heart Walk held on September 12, 2016 at the Lake County Fair Grounds in Crown Point. He was nominated by his therapist Ediflor Spaeth.
Make Medicare Open Enrollment a Healthy Habit Routines help keep us focused, organized and healthy. However, if your health care routine doesn’t include preparing for Medicare’s Open Enrollment, now’s the time to kick-start a new healthy habit. If you have a Medicare health or prescription drug plan, Open Enrollment runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, you can make changes to your plan which will take effect Jan. 1, 2017. Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find something that’s a better fit for your budget or health needs. If you miss the Open Enrollment deadline, you’ll most likely have to wait a full year before you can make changes to your plan. Here are five important things every Medicare beneficiary can do to get into the Medicare Open Enrollment routine each year: 1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year, especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Look at your plan’s information to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in network. 2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Do you need a new primary care doctor? Does your network include the specialist you want for an upcoming surgery? Is your new medication covered by your current plan? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine if you need to make a change. 3. Find out if you qualify for help paying for your Medicare. Learn about programs in your 12
ing Medicare Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare. 5. Check your plan’s Star Rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder is up-to-date with the Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. A VERY GOOD habit to add to the holiday tradition at this Plans are given an overall time of year is taking care of your open enrollment require- quality rating on a one to ments before the deadline. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images) five star scale, with one star state to help with the costs of Medicare premi- representing poor performance and five stars ums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) representing excellent performance. Star Ratand Medicare Part B (medical insurance) de- ings can be used to compare the quality of ductibles, coinsurance and copayments, and health and drug plans being offered. For more information, call 1-800-MEDIMedicare prescription drug coverage costs. You can do this by visiting Medicare.gov or making CARE (1-800-633-4227) and say “Agent.” an appointment with a local State Health Insur- TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day, including weekends. If ance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor. 4. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit you need help in a language other than English your budget. Starting each October, you can or Spanish, let the customer service representause Medicare’s plan finder tool at Medicare- tive know the language. You can also visit a local .gov/find-a-plan to see what plans are offered in SHIP counselor, who can provide free, one-onone, non-biased Medicare assistance. Find one your area. A new plan may: at medicare.gov/contacts/. Additional informa• Cost less tion about Medicare is available on the Medi• Cover your drugs • Let you go to the providers you want, like care Facebook page and by following @MedicareGov on Twitter. your doctor or pharmacy Medicare 101: The Basics If you find your current coverage still meets If you are new to Medicare, here are some proyour needs, then you’re done. Remember, dur-
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gram basics: Medicare is a health insurance program for: • people age 65 or older • people under age 65 with certain disabilities • people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant) What are the different parts of Medicare? Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): • Inpatient care in hospitals • Skilled nursing facility care • Hospice care • Home health care Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Services from doctors and other health care providers • Outpatient care • Home health care • Durable medical equipment • Many preventive services Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): • Includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B •Usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan • Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare • May include extra benefits and services for an extra cost Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage): • Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs • Run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare • May help lower your prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future www.garycrusader.com
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‘Almost Christmas’ reminds viewers of the many family holiday moods By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, M.S.J. “Almost Christmas” is a cute movie about the week leading up to Christmas, packed with much drama and led by an ensemble cast that director David Talbert has assembled for this film, which is produced by Will Packer Productions and Perfect World Pictures. I can imagine some of the scenarios in this movie actually being in a David Talbert stage play, with leads from veteran actor Danny Glover playing the patriarch Walter Meyer and Oscar winner Monique playing Aunt May. There is tension as the siblings and their respective family members come together, after the mother has passed away. The film shows a great life that Glover and the
He has one daughter who is studying to be an attorney, some kind of way; another daughter who is a successful dentist and a son who is a politician. Jessie Usher plays Evan, another son, who is a college football player with a fresh injury and who is slowly becoming addicted to pain killers. Monique is a formidable figure in the family, as she plays the aunt who seems to be able to keep everyone in check with her brash mouth and multitude of wigs. Gabrielle Union plays Rachel, the stuck up sister who is managing a teen daughter along with a job and college studies. Kimberly Elise plays Cheryl, who has it together as a dentist, but she and Union can’t seem to get along. Romany Malco plays the other son Christian, who is married to Nicole
THE CAST MEMBERS of ‘Almost Christmas’ are all decked out in their holiday sweaters, while each is probably trying to figure out how they will survive the mandatory holiday dinner.
VETERAN ACTOR DANNY GLOVER greets Monique, when she arrives at his home to spend a few days before the much anticipated Christmas dinner. mother had made, but now he’s all Ari Parker, but can’t seem to pull alone in Birmingham, Alabama, and away from his political aspirations is anticipating seeing his children long enough to enjoy the holiday. Comedian J.B. Smoove plays Uncome from miles away to visit for Christmas. He is fixated on making cle Lonnie and adds to the already the mother’s famous sweet potato overflowing Christmas basket of pie, but he’s having such a hard time. comic relief. Rounding out the stelHe has made his living as a mechan- lar cast is Omar Epps, a neighbor ic, and now owns a few car repair who once had dated Union in high school, but stood her up for shops.
prom—a disappointment that Union has been holding onto for nearly 20 years. A nice, sweet cameo by singer Gladys Knight adds more spice to the excitement. This movie is spot on because most families, Black or white, can relate to the situations that Talbert presents. It reminds me a bit of the movie “Soul Food,” because you know right from the beginning that not all is going to go well, with so many moods and attitudes trying to come together for the annual holiday feast. Each day brings more tension and acrimony between some of the family members, especially be-
tween Union and Elise. The other usual themes of infidelity, sibling rivalry and “fronting,” among others, are all covered in “Almost Christmas.” And as much as Monique may be the sassy aunt with the filthy language, she also is the great equalizer that can quell any impending arguments. In the end, the sweet potato pie is baked to perfection, Glover is at peace and, as well, the Meyer family comes together as a tribute to the strength and love that families all over seek to exhibit during the holidays. “Almost Christmas” is playing in theaters everywhere.
Stargazing at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Join volunteers from the Chicago Astronomical Society, Michiana Astronomical Society, and Calumet Astronomical Society with their telescopes as they introduce the night sky to visitors on Saturday, December 3, at 4:20 p.m. at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Kemil Beach parking lot. The experts will train their massive telescopes on interesting features and discuss the incredible night sky. For December, we will look at the crescent moon with its craters until twilight ends. After dark, the winter Milky Way will stretch from east to west across the sky with star clusters, colored double stars, and galaxies visible through the telescopes. We are happy to announce that monthly stargazing at the Kemil Beach parking lot will continue in 2017. Note that the dates will change www.garycrusader.com
to the third Saturday of each month starting in January 2017. The Kemil Beach parking lot is located one mile north of U.S. Highway 12 on East State Park Road (300E). For more information on this or other programs at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, call 219-3951882 or check the park’s website at www.nps.gov/indu. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is one of 413 units of the National Park System ranging from Yellowstone to the Statue of Liberty. Located in Northwest Indiana, the park includes 15 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and 15,000 acres of beaches, woods, prairies, and marshes. Up to 2 million visitors come to the Indiana Dunes each year. Check their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/IndianaDunesNL. Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
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LEGAL NOTICES
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them! Is Not Harry Potter. She is a tyrant to the children she has claimed as her wards. The Light – The Fantastic Beasts who are not only beautiful but loyal, fearless, mischievous, and amazing. My favorites are the shiny object stealing Niffler; the horny Erumpent; and the regal Thunderbird. I enjoyed the film but found the beginning confusing and difficult to understand Newt's heavy accent. Once my ear caught up to the dialogue the
story was clearer and I was caught up in the magic. This is not Harry Potter and may be too mature for younger children. The sequels are in the works so I'm getting ready for many more years of Wizards, Beasts, and Magic. SPEND THE MONEY andsee FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM in the theater. Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky
HELP WANTED By Bonnie DeShong I didn’t realize how much I had missed J.K. Rowling’s stories of wizards, witches, creatures, and mystical beings until I heard the strands of Hedwig’s Theme during the opening credits of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. I settled in my seat and waited in anticipation as I prepared to be absorbed into a world fantasy, magic, and the idea of perhaps.
beasts. He takes a ship to New York for a brief stop over before heading to Arizona to return the Thunderbird to its home. He carries his studies, beasts, and portal to another dimension in a plain brown leather satchel. The Dark - Gellert Grindelwald, a dark, powerful, and dangerous wizard whose goal is to bring magic out of secrecy and rule over anyone who is not magic. The Light - Jacob Kowalski
E-MOTOR USA, INC. – Director of Graphic Design
Direct the creation of graphic designs and website layouts concerning company specialty auto products, confer with management team, identify and create programmatic design applications, perform graphic redesign of artwork and reformat graphic images and copy into appropriate software platforms, coordinate the creation and maintenance of animated and interactive components of electronic sales media, plan and direct graphic design for print media catalogs and related animation applications, and Supervise two subordinate graphic designers. Bachelor in Media Arts & Science; Graphic Design; or Similar Related Field required, as is 2 years of experience as a Graphic Designer or Webmaster. Education or experience must include the following required software, programming, platforms, processes, methodologies, and graphic design systems: Adobe After Effect, Adobe Illustrator, Flash Action Script, Final Cut Pro, Motion3, and Soundtrack Pro. Place of Employment at Company Headquarters in Griffith, Indiana. Please send resume to: Sean Chen, General Manager, E-Motor USA, Inc., 202 West Ridge Road, Griffith, Indiana, 46319. Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship. EOE.
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While wizards, witches, and magical things may be accepted in Europe, the United States just isn’t ready for that sort of awareness. The world of magic is strictly hidden and controlled by the MCUSA, (Magical Congress of the United States of America.) There are a lot of fantastic, interesting, and funny beasts, however, as to be expected in Rowling's writing; where there is light, beauty, happiness; there is darkness, evil, and sadness. The film is set in 1926, some thirty years before Harry Potter and his friends come on the scene. The Light - Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a quirky writer is traveling the world on a quest to gather information and study fantastic magical 14
(Dan Fogler), a lovable, trusting No-Maj (Muggle) factory worker who wants to obtain a loan to open a bakery. This puts him in the path of Newt and his adventure begins into the world of magic. Porpentina (Tina) Esther Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), who had a high position as an auror with the MCUSA, but was busted down to issuing wand permits after being caught using magic to defend a NoMaj; and her Marilyn Monroe look alike younger sister, Queenie (Alison Sudol) who has a big heart, can read minds, and has a big crush on Jacob. The Dark - The Second Salemers led by Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) whose goal is to wipe out magic and persecute all magical beings.
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Excellent Dedicated position for drivers in the Chicago, IL area. Weekly Home Time, Great Pay & Premium Benefits. Extra Stop Pay and Automatic Detention Pay. Top Pay Certified Carrier. Must have CDL-A and 6 months recent driving experience. Call or Apply online today! 866-370-6269 www.drive4marten.com
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GARY CRUSADER 11-26-2016.qxp_Sheriff 9/8/07 2007 11/22/16 11:02 PM Page 15
Community encouraged to support next Ms. Basketball
DANA EVANS THE star player of the Gary West Lady Cougars continues to dazzle hoop fans with her exploits of the court. Recently she continued her quest to claim the coveted title of Miss Basketball as the Lady Cougars defeated the Lighthouse Charter Girls team in 67-60 overtime victory. Evans once again exhibiting her prowess by scoring 36 points during the game which took place in the gym at the Westside Leadership Academy. Ranked 7th best player in the nation, Evans has been a star performer her entire high school basketball career. She was named to the USA Today All American Indiana first team. www.garycrusader.com
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2016
Blacks Must control their own coMMunity
www.garycrusader.com