Hit the slopes: Nearby ski resorts offer programs for all ages

Within a two-hour drive of Northwest Indiana are several ski parks that offer programs and slopes for all ages, and help you maintain your fitness level during the winter.

Motivating youths

Nationally recognized author and speaker Basheer Jones recites one of his many poems Thursday during The Legacy Foundation-sponsored youth empowerment event at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster.

Motivating youths

Diamond Whaley, a recent graduate of East Chicago Central High School, recites her poem "Knowing People" during a poetry, spoken word and youth empowerment event Thursday at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster. The event was sponsored by The Legacy Foundation.

Motivating youths

Basheer Jones speaks Thursday at an event featuring his poetry and motivational message at Munster's Center for Visual and Performing Arts. The Legacy Foundation hosted his appearance.

Hatching young readers

Portage Mayor James Snyder reads "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss to first-graders Thursday at Jones Elementary School in Portage.

Hatching young readers

Portage Mayor James Snyder provides an expressive reading of "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss on Thursday to first-graders at Jones Elementary in Portage.

Hatching young readers

Portage Mayor James Snyder gestures while reading "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss to Jones Elementary first-graders.

Hatching young readers

Portage Mayor James Snyder offers Jones Elementary first-graders a peek at the illustrations in "Horton Hatches the Egg" by Dr. Seuss.

Hatching young readers

Portage Mayor James Snyder talks to first-grader Kyra Daniels about his favorite things to learn in first-grade after reading a Dr. Seuss book.

Jones school rocks to success

Billy Craig sing in costume Tuesday during his "I Love this School Tour" show at Jones Elementary School in Portage. Jones Elementary was celebrating their Four Star Status.

Jones school rocks to success

Jones Elementary School Principal Mitch Miller talks to students about their Four Star Status obtained last year during a special celebration Tuesday in the school gymnasium.

Jones school rocks to success

Billy Craig runs through a crowd of Jones Elementary School students Tuesday during his program "I Love this School Tour" in the school gym.

Jones school rocks to success

Jones Elementary School second-graders Angelina Tomovich, right, and Carissa Truman answer a math problem Tuesday during the "I Love this School Tour" program in the school gymnasium. Jones Elementary was celebrating their Four Star Status during the special program.

Jones school rocks to success

Jones Elementary School third-graders Nathan Lewis, left, and Cole Martin, far right, scream in joy Tuesday during the school's Four Star Status celebration in the school gym.

Mentors matter

Dana Cudjoe, left, and Lynn Watkins laugh after one of speaker Basheer Jones' remarks Friday during the third annual Mentor Summit at Indiana University Northwest in Gary. Jones spoke on the importance of our investing in children.

Mentors matter

Basheer Jones, a poet, motivational speaker and radio host, speaks Friday at Indiana University Northwest in Gary.

Mentors matter

Jose Meza, a student at Indiana University Northwest in Gary, reads through the brochure for the third annual Mentor Summit.

Mentors matter

Basheer Jones, a motivational speaker and radio host, speaks Friday during the third annual Mentor Summit at Indiana University Northwest in Gary.

Steve Rowzee, Charles Hardy

Rich East's Steve Rowzee can't escape getting pinned by Rich Central's Charles Hardy in the 285 lb division during quarter finals of the 49th Annual Rocket Wrestling Invitational at Rich East High School.

Michael Nickson, Travelle Smith

Merrilville's Michael Nickson wraps up Crete-Monee's Travelle Smith on the way to a win during quarter finals of the 49th Annual Rocket Wrestling Invitational.