The Coca-Cola company sponored a special clean up project with youth from the James R. Jordan Club and Family Center Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, 2102 W. Monroe St., on Friday. The clean up was held in recognition of America Recycles Day, which was Saturday.

Dear Gwendolyn: Last night I had a most disturbing call from my sister. She called to inform me of her anger that I am only having Thanksgiving dinner for myself and my children. Growing up, my parents would have a huge Thanksgiving and Christmas celebration. I tried to explain to my sister that this year I only want to celebrate with my children.

NEWYORK–Michelle Obama's todo list before Jan. 20 surely is long, and somewhere on it must be choosing her inaugural wardrobe. Whatever Michelle Obama wears first to the ceremony and then the ball celebrating her husband Barack as the 44th president, she and her outfits will instantly become two of the longest-lasting images of modern history.

ROCKFORD, Ill.–The nation’s economic troubles play out one family at a time at the New Horizons Learning Center in this struggling city two hours northwest of Chicago. Some parents have been laid off and must pull their children out of the day care center until they can find a job. Others’ employment hours have been cut, so they reduce their kids’ attendance to a few days a week.

Parenting teens is a tough, stressful job these days, but the payoff can be huge with a reserve of patience and the drive to ask for help when needed.

Dear Gwendolyn: Five years ago I became a medical doctor and opened my clinic in a small mid-western town. I was able to secure a loan and hired the best staff I could find. Gwendolyn, out of eight children I was the only one to make a success with my life.

Check out the celebration at Grant Park during the finale of the presidential election.

The Chicago Defender's 2008 class of Newsmakers is a stellar group. Success is not a prerequisite for inclusion, but these Newsmakers have not only tasted success, but, in many cases, have made entire meals.