Regional Health ribbon-cutting opens new unit in Merrillville
Regional Health Systems, a Regional Care Group member, celebrated the new Crisis C.A.R.E. Unit at its Merrillville Care Center location
recently with a ribbon-cutting, according to a release.
Community leaders and local law enforcement gathered for the ceremony and tour of the new Crisis Receiving and Mental Health Stabilization
Services Program at the 8555 Taft St. location.
The new unit highlights the opportunity to provide comprehensive crisis support to both youth and adults in alignment with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Best Practices, the release said.
Funding for the Crisis Receiving and Mental Health Stabilization Services Program was made possible by a grant from the Indiana Family
and Social Services Administration’s Division of Mental Health and Addiction, the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the National
Opioid Settlement, the release said.
NWI Paddling Association receives $6,000 grant
The Northwest Indiana Paddling Association (NWIPA) has been awarded a $6,000 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF), which was used to purchase new kayaks, according to a release.
Founded in 2009, NWIPA hosts public paddle events, beginner and advanced paddling safety classes and free paddling events for various
organizations. Programs are designed to educate participants about paddle sports safety, environmental stewardship and the joys of
paddling while also promoting outdoor recreation in Northwest Indiana, the release said.
The $6,000 grant from the Porter County Community Foundation enabled NWIPA to update its fleet of 26 kayaks and canoes, which are provided free of charge for the group’s activities, the release said. Learn more at www.nwipa.org.
Finalists Announced for annual Influential Women Awards
The Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA) recently announced the 226 finalists for the 13th annual Influential Women
Awards, according to a release.
During the Sept. 26 awards banquet at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, two winners will be selected in 12 different industry categories: one
Up and Coming Winner and one Influential Woman winner. Additionally, special awards will be given in other categories like Community Leader of the Year and Supporter of the Year, the release said.
The 2024 finalists were chosen from a pool of more than 430 nominees. Nominations were evaluated by Influential Women alumni from their
respective fields. A complete list of finalists can be found at NWIIWA.org.
Charity plans November gala, seeks sponsors
Making a Kid Smile (MAKS) is seeking sponsorships for its Nov. 1 “Paint the Town Red” fundraiser gala at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom in
Valparaiso, according to a release.
The 501c3 nonprofit group’s focus is on providing personal care items to children after removal from their homes to ensure they have all
they need as they transition to a new placement, the release said.
MAKS provides everything from clothing to beds, furniture, car seats and personal care items. MAKS serves children in Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, Pulaski and Lake counties from their facility in Chesterton, the release said
The Nov. 1 event includes a live and silent auction with the proceeds providing essentials to maintain their facility and fulfill emergency
requests, the release said. Sept. 30 is the deadline for sponsorship opportunities. Contact MAKS at 219-706-3341 or email makscorp00@gmail.com for more information.
Hard Rock donates $25K to NWI Symphony
Hard Rock Casino of Northern Indiana is donating $25,000 to the Northwest Indiana Symphony in support of their 2024 South Shore Summer
Music Festival, which presents free outdoor classical music concerts in parks across Northwest Indiana, according to a release.
The concert series continues through Aug. 3. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.
This annual celebration features free outdoor Symphony concerts in Gary, Crown Point, Munster, Valparaiso, Hammond and Griffith.
Remaining concerts include: Munster, 7:30 p.m. July 29; Centennial Park, Calumet Avenue at Centennial Drive; Rain location: Munster High
School; Valparaiso, 7:30 p.m. July 31; Central Park Plaza, 63 Lafayette St.; Rain location: Valparaiso High School; Hammond, 7:30 p.m., Wolf Lake Pavilion, Calumet and Sheffield avenues; Rain location: Calumet College of St. Joseph — Athletic Center; Griffith, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3; Central Park, 600 N. Broad St.; no rain location.
Surgeon named Franciscan Physician of the Year
Dr. Jovenel Cherenfant has been named 2023 Physician of the Year by the Franciscan Health Munster medical staff, according to a release.
Cherenfant is a 2005 graduate of Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. He did his residency at Penn State University in
Hershey, Pennsylvania, and his fellowship at the University of Chicago in Chicago. He joined the Franciscan medical staff in November 2011.
He serves as Medical Director for the General Surgery Department, Breast Program leader, Chair of the Medical Education Committee,
Cancer Committee member, Liver and Hepatobiliary Program member and Robotic Committee member. He is also the former Surgery Department chairman, a release said.
The award is presented annually by the medical staff to a physician who embodies the Franciscan Alliance values of respect for life,
fidelity to the Franciscan Alliance mission, compassionate concern, joyful service and Christian stewardship.
