Franciscan WorkingWell Donates $3K to Food Program
In a commendable act of community support, Franciscan WorkingWell has donated $3,050 to the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana’s Food Insecurity Program. This generous contribution comes from the sponsorship proceeds of a recent employer solutions symposium held at Avalon Manor, which attracted over 130 attendees from 75 different companies.
The symposium, designed to address various employer solutions, was made possible through the support of several sponsors, including Apex Benefits, BD+A Health Informatics, and Brown & Brown Insurance. Breakfast and lunch were generously provided by Generate Sales and Marketing and NIPSCO, ensuring that attendees were well-fed while engaging in meaningful discussions about workplace solutions.
The Food Insecurity Program, which began in 2021, aims to combat hunger in Lake County. This initiative is a collaboration between the Franciscan Health Foundation of Northern Indiana and the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. The program’s goal is to provide essential food resources to those in need, addressing a critical issue that affects many families in the region. For more information about the program, interested individuals can contact the Foundation at 219-661-3401.
Annual Worker Awards Presented
In a celebration of excellence in the hospitality industry, the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority recently held its annual R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) and R.I.S.E. (Recognition of Industry Success & Excellence) Awards ceremony at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. This event honored the hard work and dedication of front-line employees and managerial staff in Northwest Indiana’s hospitality sector.
Each award recipient received a beautifully crafted glass-encased rose along with a prize package valued at over $1,200. The R.O.S.E. Award winners included outstanding individuals such as Sarah Arndt-Kranc, a receptionist at Lake County Parks, and Matthew Cervantes, head chef at Tiny’s Coffee Bar in Gary. The R.I.S.E. Awards recognized managerial excellence, with winners like Kym Braine, manager of Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, and Scott Brown, table games manager at Horseshoe Casino.
Franciscan Michigan City Hosting Suicide Intervention Training
In a proactive effort to address mental health issues, Franciscan Health Michigan City is partnering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to host a free, two-day workshop focused on suicide prevention skills. The LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshop is scheduled for October 28 and 29 at Franciscan Health Michigan City.
This comprehensive training is designed for caregivers from all backgrounds and aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to intervene in crisis situations. Registration is required by October 21, and interested individuals can reach out to Nila Williams at Nila.Williams@FranciscanAlliance.org or call 219-283-9649 for more information.
YWCA of NWI to Host Circle of Friends Gala
The YWCA of Northwest Indiana is gearing up for its annual Circle of Friends Gala, set to take place on October 24 at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. This year’s event will be hosted by Samantha Chatman from ABC 7 Chicago and will honor several individuals who have made significant contributions to the YWCA.
Among the award recipients are Chareice White, CEO of the ECIER Foundation, and Era Twyman, former Executive Director of the Gary Literacy Coalition. Additionally, the inaugural Earline Rogers Trailblazer Award will be presented to Cynthia Powers, former YWCA board president, in memory of the late former state senator and YWCA board member emerita.
Lakeshore Public Media Hosts Child Development Event
Lakeshore Public Media recently organized the Building Block Breakfast: Fueling the Future at the Dean & Barbara White Community Center in Merrillville. This event brought together over 250 community leaders, educators, and advocates to discuss early childhood development and the launch of Lakeshore’s “Building Blocks” initiative.
The initiative aims to provide resources for families navigating the challenges of raising young children. The event also celebrated a $100,000 matching fund grant from the Legacy Foundation and honored three individuals for their contributions to early education in Indiana, including State Sen. Ed Charbonneau and educator Barbara Eason-Watkins.
Chesterton Center Hosts Artists
The Chesterton Art Center is celebrating the final Chesterton Third Friday of the season with a Spooky Pop-Up event featuring the works of local artists. This event, taking place on October 18, will showcase a dozen artists and include a cash bar and light bites, creating a vibrant atmosphere for art enthusiasts.
The Chesterton Third Fridays initiative promotes local retail, dining, and arts businesses, providing visitors with a full evening of entertainment, including restaurant promotions, walking tours, and live music.
Trooper Promoted to ISP Sergeant
In a recent announcement, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter revealed the promotion of Justin Heflin to the rank of sergeant. Heflin, a Michigan City native and a graduate of Michigan City High School, has had a distinguished career with the Indiana State Police since joining the 73rd Recruit Academy in 2013.
In his new role as a squad leader at the Lowell District, Heflin will continue to serve the community, building on his experience in investigations and his involvement with the ISP Bomb Squad.
PNW Named Among 2025 Best Midwest Universities
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) has been recognized as a top public regional university in the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 annual Best Colleges rankings. PNW ranked No. 36 among Midwest public regional universities and received accolades for its commitment to student social mobility.
The university’s School of Engineering also earned recognition, ranking No. 62 nationally among engineering schools. Other programs, including Business, Computer Science, Nursing, and Psychology, were highlighted for their quality and excellence.
Pediatrician Joins Franciscan Physician Network in Munster
Dr. Alicia Boykin has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Munster. With a strong educational background, including a medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and a fellowship in adolescent medicine, Dr. Boykin is well-equipped to provide quality care to her patients.
She is currently accepting new patients at the Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center, located at 9800 Valparaiso Drive in Munster. For appointments, individuals can call 219-934-9837.
These community-focused initiatives and recognitions highlight the ongoing commitment of local organizations and individuals to support and uplift their communities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and care in Northwest Indiana.