THE TM 911 Franklin Street Weekly Newspaper Michigan City, IN 46360 Volume 36, Number 5 Thursday, February 6, 2020 Honoring a Local Legend by Kim Nowatzke “When you say the name of Charlie Westcott, that brings a smile to my face.” That’s how Larry Gipson, and so many others, feel about the man who was a friend, mentor, coach and so much more to Michigan City youth. Gipson was one of “Charlie’s Kids,” a nickname bestowed upon those under the late Charles Ricardo Westcott’s tu- telage as he served as director of Elite Youth Center, located fi rst on East Fourth Street, then at 318 E. Michigan Blvd., for 37 years. Born on Feb. 15, 1920, in Overton, Va., Westcott would have celebrated his 100th birthday this month. The commu- nity may have lost its local legend when the 84-year-old died on Aug. 27, 2004, but those who knew and loved him still plan to celebrate his day of birth with a Charles R. Westcott Birthday Celebra- tion from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. It will be held at the Charles R. Westcott location at 321 Detroit St., the site of the Boys & Girls Club of Michigan City. During the event, entertainment and refreshments are planned, while attend- ees can share plenty of special “Charlie” memories. “Its purpose is a community-wide recognition and celebration of Charles Westcott,” Allen Williams, another Continued on Page 2 Charles R. Westcott stands in front of Elite Youth Center. THE Page 2 February 6, 2020 THE 911 Franklin Street • Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-0088 Beacher Company Directory e-mail: News/Articles -
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