Many years ago, members of the Delta Theta Tau philanthropic sorority committed themselves to special needs children and adults — first for children not allowed in the school system because of their mental handicap, and then to Opportunity Enterprises, a workplace for special needs adults.
That commitment continues as the 23rd Annual Gala is planned for March 14. This special evening has become an important fundraiser for the agency, helping to continue fulfilling the lives of adults with special needs, giving them the opportunity to work, socialize and live a full life. This year’s Gala will be held at Avalon Manor, 3550 U.S. 30, Merrillville. The event is black-tie-optional with those in attendance looking their loveliest and handsomest while being treated to their choice of a gourmet dinner, entertainment and dancing to Chicago’s Rhythm City, and the fun of bidding on live and silent auction items.
Tickets are $125 per person, and may be purchased until Friday, Feb. 27, online at http://www.oppent.org or by calling (219) 464-9621. Then enjoy an amazing, lavish night for amazing people.
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This past Saturday, several state legislators met with citizens to explain their positions on a state level, and especially answer questions on the educational concerns many of us have. Although it was a time to learn, and although there were answers not well received, the most important point that I learned is that your state — Indiana — ranks the lowest in the nation for people who vote.
It is so devastating and sad that it appears so few people care about how and who is running our state government. It is also frightening to think that the men and women elected really have no one to answer to, because it seems nobody cares. We are 50th in the nation for voter turnout. Please remember that in the next election and vote so our voices are heard.
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Everyone at South Haven Elementary School in Portage recently participated in a project that should be copied by every school. The project, called “Kindness Letter,” included letters from all students and staff to others in their class, office or both — and everyone received letters.
With the help of Career and Technical Center teacher Barb Iddings, her Education and Early Childhood students collected and sorted 1,100 letters. Iddings said it was a big undertaking but well worth the effort so every child and adult in the school knew a little kindness from others.
In this society in which we live, where there is often too much emphasis on negatives, this project shouts out pleasing positives. Let’s all take a lesson from these students and write a kindness letter to someone in our family, a friend, a veteran or a co-worker who might need a boost. Make someone happy, and then I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. Thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
Lorrie Woycik is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.