While most people associate Mardi Gras with New Orleans, you can throw your own Fat Tuesday fest wherever you live. Let the good times roll with authentic New Orleans-style food to make your party as genuine as the Big Easy celebration. Mardi Gras is actually part of a larger celebration, Carnival, that begins 12 days after Christmas (Jan. 6) and ends Fat Tuesday, 46 days before Easter, so the celebration can extend beyond just one day.

No matter where you live, celebrate Mardi Gras with authentic New Orleans-style flavor and your guests will come dancing in.

Dozens of members and supporters of the groundbreaking for the new Northside Institutional Church gathered at the same spot where the fire destroyed the church Jan. 25, 2009. This time they came together to celebrate the $2 million-plus project that will include a family life empowerment center, a venue that will assist the needs of the California-Kirkbride community and North Side.

PASTOR LOLA THORPE

“I feel excitement and renewal for this right now,” said Chris Thorpe, church administrator. “This transition has not been easy but the church has worked together with the community and politicians to make everything come together. One thing that we’ve also been able to do is develop partnerships around the community to make sure our plans unfold the way that we want them to.”

Markea Petty felt blessed that the 7.0 earthquake that hit the nation of Haiti last month missed the United States.

But the 16-year-old Clairton resident wasn’t happy to see the horrific pictures of starving and stranded children that constantly flashed on the television screen.

VOLUNTEERS WORKING THE ASSEMBLY LINE

So when church member Anita Hammons asked her to help with an effort she was putting together to help Haiti, Petty was eager to give her assistance.

Financial peace

FEB. 6—Rodman Outreach Corporation will host their Financial Peace University Orientation at 10 a.m. at Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church, 6111 Rodman St., East Liberty. You will learn how to make a budget; how to get out of debt; how to communicate with one’s spouse about the finances; how to invest with confidence; and how to change one’s financial future. The cost is $130; there is assistance available for certain income guidelines and there is a deposit required. The actual class starts Feb. 20. Call Paul Jacobs at 412-480-2480 or Richard Witherspoon at 412-281-0823. Visit www.rodmanstreetchurch.org or e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .