On Thursday, July 30, 2009, Harry Porterfield finished his last report for ABC7 Chicago.

Nicole Mitchell believes she is one with her instrument. And when you listen to her perform, you have to agree.

In the past two years, Nancy Dolatowski has crocheted hundreds of blankets for hospitalized veterans.

Each day, Victor Lopez finds himself living another chapter of his rebirth. Convicted in a street gang homicide at 16 years old, he spent 23 years in prison where he developed his artistic ability.

The stride of a horse can be a soothing feeling for riders of all ages, and for those with disabilities, riding a horse can be very therapeutic as well.

A program in Chicago's University Village community is working to keep young girls off the streets by getting them involved in projects and activities that can help later in life.

There is a big band in Chicago that's making history along with its years of making music.

You're never too old to find a new hobby or develop a new skill.

Michael Jackson had millions of fans- but only one kindergarten teacher.

West Town Bikes in Chicago's Humboldt Park community is putting some neighborhood teenagers to work.

A young woman from northwest Indiana just might be the next great supermodel.

Lillian Friedberg has struck a beat with young people. Friedberg has combined her passion for teaching with her love of playing African drums.

A south suburban doctor has a career away from her career-- and she's passionate about both!

Toothpicks can hardly be called building blocks, but in the hands of Wayne Kusy --that's exactly what they become.

American servicemen and women in far off places will soon welcome items suburban volunteers are packing up today.

The South Shore Opera Company is on a mission. This group of musicians wants to get people who normally would not think about the opera to attend their performances.

After spending half a century at St. Agatha's School, Alma Sims was honored for her commitment to teaching.

Matt Lamb is spreading his message of peace through art and umbrellas.

Aaliyah Brown succeeds in both sports and academics.

Dr. Karen Murphy is a family physician in Orland Park.

Mona Purdy has put her heart and soul into an organization that provides shoes to third world countries.

Wade Watson is an inspiration both on and off the tennis court. At the age of 91, he shows up at the same park almost everyday to find someone to challenge him to a game of tennis.

Some volunteers in Aurora are donating their time and help children in need.

Deborah Wanderley dos Santos founded a festival to raise money to help spread the joys of music to young students.

A group called Allegro keeps beat on their instruments- and with their feet.

From carpentry to computers, Gordie's Foundation is helping ex-offenders in Chicago build positive futures for themselves.

A steel statue called Our Lady of the New Millennium has become a source of inspiration for many.

A shelter in west suburban Wheaton is having a big impact on the lives of some homeless veterans.

Some high school students in northwest Indiana are doing their part to promote earth-friendly living.

Rae Lewis Thornton's battle with AIDS has become an inspiration to others.

Ryan Shadow is working to become a master of illusion.

Ryan Matijevich is a real artist. Instead of a paintbrush or a chisel he picks up a chain saw to create his wooden masterpieces and the result; one of a kind sculptures.

Regina Taylor's work on and off stage has earned her numerous awards.

Wendy Patchett has turned her love of candles into a thriving business.

Kalind Haynes is using the power of his voice to spread spiritual messages.

According to recent statistics, the blind population of India numbers 15 million people. Many are children whose futures are bleak.

Six o'clock in the morning might be a little early for some, but not for the cleanup ladies.

Once a crack house, this Rogers Park building is now a place for those recovering from the addiction.

Charles Schroeder,98, still has something to share with younger generations.

When Marty Hernandez began his job at Borg Warner, he had no idea he'd stay with the company for 50 years.

A southwest suburban teacher is at the head of the class among educators.

A radio station in far north suburban Round Lake Heights is like many of their competitors-- except the staff and management are all volunteers.

Kevin Sorensen is an Oak Park High School janitor by day, but a movie stuntman by night.

Vintage airplanes from World War II are re-created in Frank Modica's kitchen.

Alan Robinson has beaten all odds. Doctors told him he would never walk again following a car crash 17 years ago. But since then, he's run the Chicago marathon 11 times and has his sites set on accomplishing an even greater goal.

On stage at Gary's West Side High School, a magical tree has become the doorway to lessons in African American history.

Julian Cook is an aspiring singer who is an inspiration to others.

A temporary business has flourished thanks to the election of President Barack Obama.

A South Side museum is dedicated to celebrating African-American culture and educating young people.

What started as a special sauce in some barbeque restaurants back in the 1950's in Chicago has become a staple for many backyard grillers.

Three young musicians are making a name for themselves with their performances.

Isaac Barrantine used to live on the streets. But then he turned his life around.

Math professor Vali Siadat is a source of understanding for all his students at Daley Community College.

Woodrow Petersen, a volunteer who visits patients, is known by the admiring staff as "Woody."

Julie Welborn and Denise Nicholes wanted a place for residents in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood to gather and enjoy fresh-baked goods and sandwiches.

When Yoko Nodge came to Chicago 25 years ago, she was unable to speak English or play the piano. Now, she's a well respected Blues singer and musician.

Many residents of Chicago's Roseland community don't visit a big name drug store when they need medicine or other items. They go to see Fred Trimuel.

Christian Bjorn Jacobsen gives his customers more than a terrific shoe shine.

Over the years Peter Poulos has become an invaluable member of the staff at Hines Veterans Hospital in Maywood.

For three decades, Lolly Extract has created, built and performed with her puppets.

A retired master tailor, Vincenzo Lettieri's intricate and impressive nativity scene is the focus of his holiday decorations.

Nursing has been described as both a science and an art focused on maintaining life at its highest quality. No one knows that better than Catherine Washington.

What may be the largest private collection of antique jugs can be found in Evanston at the American Toby Jug Museum.

Ida Byther-Smith is using her own experience with AIDS to help others struggling with the disease live a normal life.

The Proviso East High School marching band will be part of the New Year's tradition in New Orleans.

James Kesteloot came to the Chicago Lighthouse as a child. Now, he's in charge of the agency, which has grown into one of the largest rehabilitation and education for the blind and the visually disabled.

Universoul Circus spectators know Robert Dunn best as Onionhead. When he's not performing with the circus, he's visiting hospitalized children.

Ava Schieber wants to make sure her memories will help others learn about the horrors of the Holocaust.

Eddy Clearwater knows something about singing the blues.

Pastor Estelle Keeter has turned a personal health issue into an invention to help others.

Israel Hernandez had a dream to enrich his Chicago neighborhood.

At 100, George Bullat still do-si-dos. How does he keep in step with his square dancing?

Tim White has spent 50 years at the head of his class- and only missed one day.

Susan Shields is helping some friends stay in the swing of things at a senior center in west suburban Lombard.

Through hard work and donations, volunteers have been able to identify and add gravestones to the resting places of many police officers who died in the line of duty.

A school on Chicago's South Side is one of two in the city receiving a high honor this week from President Bush.

Ronna Ellwing left the corporate board room to become a nurse in the far north suburbs-- and her hard work helping others has not gone unnoticed.

Like many kids, these youngsters are doing their afterschool homework. But, they don't have a home.

Whether the weather is frightful or delightful, Jack Moretti has stayed the course as a StreetWise vendor.

The nation's economy may be slumping, but folks who depend on FCHN for free meals will tell you it hit rock bottom a long time ago for them.

Digital animation influenced a talented 20-year-old Columbia college student to study the art.

Richard Weiner is dedicated to helping feathered friends.

In the early 1950s, Julian Priester learned to play the trombone at Chicago's DuSable High School. Now a famous jazz musician, Priester will perform before his home crowd this weekend at the annual jazz festival in Grant Park.

Whether you jump rope for fun or fitness, Double Dutch has to be the ultimate challenge the sport has to offer.

Back to school time can be a taxing time for parents on a tight budget. Sharon and Ben Tyler are aware of that fact, and for the past seven years, they've given away countless school supplies, and the demand keeps growing.

Some of us donate a few hours of our time to help others when we can. But, Kathryn Hatchett has donated one day a week for the last 30 years.

For two decades, Bette and Rudy Krueger have helped people clear the clutter from their garages and closets and help those less fortunate at the same time.

For one suburban family, getting an education is a family affair.

More than one million people are expected to attend the annual Bud Billiken Parade this weekend.

A program is helping Iraq war veterans build livelihoods for themselves.

Chicago teenagers train for the Chicago Marathon with the help of mentor volunteers.

Georgia Griffin, a line dancing teacher, inspires hundreds to get up and dance.

Willie Finch has been caring for children all of her life.

Clara Rock knows a thing or two about taking care of ailing patients.

Walking into J and R Variety store is like taking a trip back in time.

Brendon Cournane answers to coach, but for many he's much more than just an athlete. He's an inspiration.

Brendon Cournane answers to coach, but for many he's much more than just an athlete. He's an inspiration.

For Father's Day this Sunday at Arlington Park, a veteran jockey will be getting a little extra competition on the race track.

Doctor Odies Williams has made of a name for himself on the Chicago jazz circuit.

It's a happy ending for the animals that end up at the Animal House Shelter in west suburban Huntley.