Auf Wiedersehen, Stewy

I was a young teen when I first met Paul Steinweg Sr., or “Stewy,” the man who would become my father-in-law. It took a long time for me to get used to the thick German accent he had that carried through in every sentence, even though he’d been in this country for decades.

A day next to Dorothy

Baseball season is under way and I’m excited to be able to spend a few days each season at Wrigley Field, which is truly my very favorite place. The second I step through the gates, the rest of the world melts away and for three hours I feel so relaxed and free. I guess that’s because it tak…

Good parks contribute to good communities

More than 20 years ago as my husband and I were planning our wedding, we started looking at houses in the south suburbs and Northwest Indiana. We decided we wanted to move to Lansing. One thing that factored into that decision was the parks, which made it an inviting place to live. My brothe…

Lansing Historical Society hosts author

This year the Lansing Historical Society has had a World War II theme and as vice president I’ve had the responsibility of arranging for speakers related to the topic, which has really been a fun task.

Shaving heads for cancer research

On Saturday, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer charity that aims to eliminate childhood cancer through research, is hosting a local event to raise money for the cause.

Benefit Police Cadet program in Lansing

The Lansing Police Cadets will be holding a fundraising event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Lansing Municipal Airport, Glenwood-Lansing Road and Burnham Avenue. The event has been held each spring for several years now and it’s something that my kids have really enjoyed. If you have…

Remember Speck's victims, not him

Recently in a casual conversation about the history of Lansing with a longtime resident, he made several references to a sister who died long ago and it seemed like he assumed I knew her story, even though I’d only just met him. Finally, I asked about the sister he had mentioned and how she …

Lansing organization to grant scholarships

The Lansing Old Timers organization will be awarding six, one-time grants of $1,000 or $500 to three male and three female high school seniors who have participated in a Lansing Old Timers sponsored program.

Club to sponsor complimentary dinner for veterans

Little kids look up to superheroes. Some worship celebrities. To me, it’s those in our military who deserve the most respect and who I most admire.

There's a flurry of activity in Lansing

It’s been a busy couple of weeks and I’ve been to several events around town. Normally this time of winter is a slow time, I’ve noticed, but this year I’ve been proven wrong. There’s been a flurry of activities to keep people entertained and occupied.

Celebrate Lansing’s history with us today

I’ve been looking forward to this afternoon’s festivities for a few weeks now. Monday is the date the vote took place to incorporate Lansing and the nearby communities of Bernice and Oak Glen into the village of Lansing in 1893. Can you imagine what life must have been like back then?

An opportunity for suburban kids to learn about agriculture

As a kid growing up in the suburbs, I didn’t give a lot of thought to agriculture. There were no farms in my community. My parents had a pond in our backyard and enjoyed their flower gardens, but with the exception of a backyard apple tree and some wild rhubarb, we didn’t grow food.

Lansing Historical Society, T.F. South History Club team up for Tuskegee Airmen program

This year I have really enjoyed planning programs for the Lansing Historical Society as vice president. Last summer I asked the board if they’d mind going with a World War II theme this year and the suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement.

The village of Lansing to celebrate 120 years

It was back in 1996 when I first joined the Lansing Historical Society and I’ve learned so many fascinating things about this place in that time.

It’s not too late to resolve to volunteer in your community

Well, it’s now Feb. 3. How are you doing on your new year’s resolutions? By now, many people have given up on those commitments. If yours was to start volunteering or become more involved in your community, it’s never too late to do so. Here are a few groups where you can lend your time and …

Mark your calendar for upcoming fundraisers

This time of year things have slowed down from the hustle and bustle of the holidays. The weather is pretty gloomy. People tend to stay in and hibernate. However, several events are coming up that offer some fun on these dreary days and also help several good causes.

Goodbye to two more of the greatest generation

If you’ve been reading my articles and columns for a while, you know that one topic I cover often is our veterans and you may have picked up on my affection for one group in particular, our country’s World War II veterans. They’ve been labeled “The Greatest Generation.” And while I appreciat…

Two worthy fundraisers next month in south suburbs

The Lansing Junior Woman’s Club, of which I am a member, will be hosting their second annual Ladies’ Afternoon Delight fundraiser from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Lansing Knights of Columbus, 17800 Lorenz Ave. The event is a chance for ladies to shop, snack and be pampered.

Road trips for the holiday break

The past week was hopefully full of presents and food and time with family as the Christmas holiday was celebrated.

Golden K Kiwanis is a delightful group

Each week, in a classroom at the Eisenhower Center in Lansing, a group of seniors gets together. They plan fundraisers and carry out business and “then sit and have coffee and talk about solving the problems of the world,” according to Mel DeVries, president of the Lansing Golden K Kiwanis Club.

Peteyville celebrates 25 years

It was 25 years ago when Pete Basala, of Hammond, first started spreading Christmas cheer in his neighborhood with a few strings of lights and some holiday decorations. And each year, he’s added and added and added. He makes Clark Griswold look like a lightweight.

Munster man recalls time in World War II

Friday marked 71 years since the attack on Pearl Harbor that led us into World War II, killing more than 2,400 servicemen and civilians and wounding close to 1,200 more. It’s a day that needs to be remembered just as much now as it was back then.

Bring joy to a sick child this Christmas

With Christmas approaching, people are in the giving spirit and there seem to be so many good causes out there that could use your help. One came to my attention recently that really tugs at your heartstrings, so I wanted to share this and hope that if you’re able to donate something to help…

Festival of Lights returns

On Monday, the annual Festival of Lights exhibit will return to the Lansing Historical Museum, housed in the lower level of the Lansing Public Library, 2750 Indiana Ave. The regular monthly meeting will take place at 6 p.m. with a performance of holiday tunes by the T.F. South High School Ch…

Total of 48 volunteers recognized at Lansing's Evening of Thanks

Last weekend I attended the Evening of Thanks dinner held at Serbian Social Center in Lansing. The event is organized by the Lansing Volunteer Recognition Committee to celebrate the many dedicated volunteers who give their time for various causes and organizations within the village.

Veterans Day ceremony today at airport

Today is Veterans Day, when we recognize the service of all U.S. military veterans. Show your appreciation by attending the Southland Community Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m. today at the Lansing Veterans Memorial, located at the Lansing Municipal Airport at Burnham Avenue and Glenwood-Lans…

Make a difference by helping local causes

I stopped by the fundraiser last Friday evening for Lansing resident Terry Engelbrecht at the Knights of Columbus in Lansing.

Lansing's Autumn Fest is a success

You never know what the weather is going to be like in October in the Chicago area.

Benefit for Lansing man needing new lung

This Friday, a benefit is being held for Lansing resident Terry Englebrecht who was diagnosed this past summer with a chronic illness, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has caused a need for a lung transplant. The public is invited to the event from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus…

Free frights on Lansing's Oakwood Avenue

If you’re ready to get into the Halloween spirit, there’s some spooky fun to be found on the 18000 block of Oakwood Avenue in Lansing.

Speaker to talk about Mexican efforts during World War II

The theme of World War II continues on Monday for the next program of the Lansing Historical Society with Antonio Delgado’s presentation, "Amigos of the Allies: Mexicans in World War II." He’ll explore the contributions of Mexicans during the war through welcoming Jewish refugees, deployment…

Lansing Autumn Fest aims to bring back that small hometown feel

We’re now less than two weeks away from the Lansing Autumn Fest. Each time I check in to see how it’s progressing, I hear more and more that is being added. The fest, which will take place for the first time from Oct. 12 to 14, is intended to be an annual festival that will pull together tho…

Historical Society to honor World War II vets

The Lansing Historical Society will have its first meeting of the year at 6 p.m. Monday in the community room of the Lansing Public Library. After a brief business meeting, the night will be full of memories of World War II, including literature, artifacts and stories shared from local residents.

Dinner planned to recognize volunteers

For the past five years, a dinner has taken place in the fall to recognize the special people who volunteer their time each year to making Lansing a better place. There are so many people in the community who give their talents and time in our schools and churches as well as civic organizati…

Lansing girl to sing national anthem at Sox game

Molly Roe, 13, of Lansing, will sing the national anthem before the last Chicago White Sox home game of the season on Sept. 30. Molly performed the anthem during the opening week of the season, but because there were some technical difficulties with the sound system, she was invited back.

Tri-Motor flight a thrilling experience

Last week, the Lansing Municipal Airport welcomed a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor for a three-day stay. It was part of the 2012 Tri-Motor Tour that is organized through the Experimental Aircraft Association. The EAA Chapter 260 arranged for the tour stop, which was one of about 10 cities visited.

Close knit club helps one of its own

For more than a dozen years I’ve been a member of a wonderful organization called the Lansing Junior Woman’s Club. Being in the club is all about helping out — helping those in our community, helping those in need, helping those who are ill, helping our veterans and sometimes it means helpin…

Ford Tri-Motor flights available this week

Did the Chicago Air and Water Show this weekend pique your interest in aviation? If so, you can experience a ride on a great piece of aviation history close to home this week. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, flights will be available on a 1929 Ford Tri-Motor at the Lansing Municipal Airport.

Hop over the border to enjoy the arts

Last week my dad, my youngest son and I went to a free concert as part of the 2012 South Shore Music Festival by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra. It was the 13th annual Concert on the Lawn at the Franciscan Communities in Crown Point.

Take advantage of fresh local produce at farmers market

A few years ago when the Lan-Oak Park District started their farmers market, I was ecstatic.

Lansing Redbirds are heading to Texas for World Series

The Lansing Redbirds, made of up 16- to 18-year-olds in the Lansing Old Timer’s Babe Ruth baseball league, are making their way to Texas this week to the Senior Babe Ruth World Series after finishing up their league season with a record of 22-1.

Congratulations to Lansing Redbirds for state championship

The Lansing Redbirds, which is the Senior Babe Ruth team of the Lansing Old Timers consisting of 16- to 18-year-olds, won the Illinois state title last weekend. The team is now in Dodgeville, Wis., for the Ohio Valley Regional Tournament. Hopefully, by the time this column prints, they’ll ha…

Summer food drive in South Holland

South Holland firefighters are holding their fifth annual Christmas in July food drive. For the month of July, nonperishable food items can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. under the Christmas tree in front of Fire Station No. 1, 16230 Wausau Ave. Cash donations are also accepted. Fo…

Help a cause with your donations

When it gets close to Thanksgiving and Christmas, donations seem to pour in to charities as people are in the giving mood. Food pantries report that donations are sparse and shelves get empty by mid-year. In the summer, people are busy and seeking out ways to give to others may not be at the…

Help welcome home Lansing marine

On Thursday, USMC Sgt. Ryan Venem, 23, will be returning to Lansing following his second deployment to Afghanistan. He is expected to return to Lansing around noon, where he’ll be met by the Lansing Police Department to be escorted through town, heading south on Torrence Avenue from Intersta…

Lansing library renovations complete

Earlier this month, the completion of the library’s makeover was revealed at their biggest event of the year, the annual summer block party.

Dreesen performs in Frankfort tonight

I love when I have a chance to interview someone well known and get a feel for what they are really like. Even when you’re not doing the interview face to face, you can tell a little bit about someone by having a phone conversation.

EAA hosts pancake breakfast

Fly on over to the Lansing Municipal Airport next Sunday for the annual EAA pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Essay winners get ride to remember

As a member of the Lansing Junior Woman’s Club, there are a lot of fun activities in the community that I get to be part of.

Lansing woman remembered for her giving nature

I’m getting into the final stages of putting together my next book on Lansing, a collection of brief biographies of individuals who have made an impact on the community titled “Legendary Locals,” which is a new series from Arcadia Publishing.