What’s recently happened?
In recent times, the vibrant city of Gary has been dedicated to ensuring its residents remain engaged and entertained throughout the entirety of the summer season. Among the remarkable array of activities, one standout event that has captured the community's attention is the National Night Out, held at the RailCats stadium. This event has successfully drawn a diverse crowd, offering a multifaceted experience that caters to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Upon entering the venue, attendees were immediately greeted by the tantalizing scent of freshly popped popcorn and sizzling hotdogs, creating an inviting atmosphere that set the stage for an evening of communal bonding and friendship. The event played host to an array of notable personalities and performers, including an astonishingly talented Michael Jackson impersonator, the esteemed mayor of Gary, and the spirited cheerleaders from the Gary West Side Leadership Academy.
The event itself can be described as a vibrant tapestry of engagement and information. The venue was adorned with numerous booths, each meticulously designed to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness on various subjects. From the informative Gary schools' booth to the passionate P.O.P table advocating against youth violence, the event was rooted in a mission to empower the community through education and heightened awareness. A prominently featured fire safety table underscored the commitment to public safety, providing attendees with invaluable insights into emergency preparedness protocols
Of particular fascination was a captivating fire simulation display, inviting participants to step into a carefully crafted simulated house fire scenario. This immersive experience provided a unique perspective on how individuals should respond in the face of such dire circumstances. Following this riveting encounter, attendees were granted the opportunity to engage with seasoned fire professionals, who generously shared indispensable wisdom on a variety of fire safety measures.
An event that had unfolded earlier in the summer and has become an annual highlight was the illustrious Gary 4th of July Parade. This cherished parade has graced the city's streets for decades, eliciting a profound sense of wonder and enchantment among the local populace. The parade's timeless allure was exemplified by the diverse assortment of floats, ranging from the resplendent "Miss Gary" float to the exhilarating slingshot and spyder bike formations.
The parade, beyond its visual splendor, served as a poignant testament to the closely-knit community that Gary has cultivated over the years. Enthusiastic participants from all walks of life converged to celebrate this event, showcasing the unity that lies at the heart of the city's identity. Families, friends, and curious onlookers lined the streets, collectively immersing themselves in the jubilation and merriment that the parade exuded.
What’s coming up?
As the joyful festivities unfolded, an underlying awareness began to dawn on the community – the imminent conclusion of summer. For students, this signaled a transition from leisurely days to the resumption of academic pursuits. The Gary schools, in anticipation of the upcoming school year, were diligently preparing for their reopening on August 15. As the calendar date approached, students readied themselves to step back into the hallowed halls of learning, reigniting the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
In tandem with the eager anticipation of students, the dedicated teachers had already assumed their roles, embarking on the arduous yet rewarding journey of crafting yet another year of inspiring education. As the warm embrace of summer gradually gave way to the crisp embrace of autumn, the promise of a new academic chapter beckoned, with the Gary schools steadfastly committed to upholding their legacy of nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of excellence.
Community member spotlight:
Joy Lindsay is a Gary alum who has come back to give to her community. Lindsay created a company called "Butterfly Dreamz" after her sister, Kimberly Lindsay, tragically passed away in 2013 due to gun violence.
"I had two main goals in founding the organization, one to preserve Kim's legacy and two to support young women like my sisters and me in achieving our dreams and growing as leaders,” Lindsay said.
Butterfly Dreamz has drastically grown over the past decade since its founding. It is now based in both Gary, Indiana and Newark, New Jersey. Both locations have hundreds of members in their "Cocoon Clubs'' from across the world and have even begun to offer young girls paid internships.
With this program, Lindsay wanted to be able to create leaders in the world where they could have a support system.
"The purpose of Butterfly Dreamz is to equip girls to be confident leaders and support them in achieving their dreams through mentorship, holistic leadership development and intergenerational community action,” she said.
Lindsay has even gone as far as to create leadership journals for other young girls to be able to use as motivation and guidance through life. As previously mentioned, she offers internships and with the work the girls do throughout the course of their internship, that work ends up becoming the journal that has been named "The Leadership Journal.”