Inflatable colon to pop up at Franciscan Munster
A 12-foot, walk-through inflatable colon is scheduled to be on display at Franciscan Health Munster later this month in an effort to help increase colon cancer awareness and highlight the benefits of colonoscopies, according to a release.
The free Strollin’ Through the Colon will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24-26 inside the main entrance at Franciscan Health Munster, 701 Superior Ave. Franciscan Health staff will be on hand with educational materials and giveaways, the release said.
The giant inflatable colon helps illustrate health issues that can impact the critical organ, including colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, colitis, internal hemorrhoids and polyps and how colonoscopy screenings can help detect them. For information, visit Franciscan Alliance website.
Conference seeks speaker nominations
Organizers of the 2025 Professional Women’s Conference are currently offering opportunities for speakers for the next conference scheduled for Nov. 12, according to a release.
The event, which is presented by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association (NWIIWA), is seeking speakers to deliver insights about career development, workforce, professional empowerment topics, and more.
Prospective speakers can submit a nomination form to be considered to deliver one of several keynote addresses or lead an informative breakout session during the event. Submissions will be reviewed and considered for topics that align with the objectives of the conference, the release said
Nomination forms and more information about requirements for presenters are available at www.professionalwomensconference.com under the “Get Involved” tab. Deadline to submit a nomination form is April 15.
Casino donates $25K to foundation
In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana’s President and CEO Matt Schuffert recently presented a check for $25,000 to Jess Kern, Founder and President of the Raindrops Rising Foundation, a release said.
The mission of the Raindrops Rising Foundation is to inspire and reinforce a message of hope, advocating and raising awareness for sexual assault and human trafficking survivors every step of their journey, the release said.
Raindrops Rising Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization based in Valparaiso. For more information, visit https://www.raindropsrisingfoundation.com/ .
Lake County Forever reports growth
Legacy Foundation officials Monday announced the Lake County Forever campaign has moved beyond the 82% point of its $1.9 million goal, according to a release.
The campaign is driven by a promise from the Lilly Endowment Inc., which will donate $2 for every $1 raised by Lake County Forever, the release said.
By the end of June, the campaign, with the 2-to-1 match, expects to raise nearly $6 million for Region nonprofits, the release said. The funds will go towards unrestricted funds, which go directly to nonprofits that address community needs throughout Lake County, the release said.
For more information on the Lake County Forever campaign, go to legacyfdn.org.
PNW to host College Goal Sunday event
Financial aid professionals will be on site at Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Hammond and Westville campuses from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 23 during the statewide College Goal Sunday programs, according to a release.
College Goal Sunday programs provide assistance to students in filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA form is required for students to be considered for federal and state grants, scholarships and federal loans at most colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools nationwide.
The FAFSA form must be completed, filed and received by the federal processor on or before April 15, the release said.
For more information on College Goal Sunday, visit the College Goal Sunday website
Officer earns Dist. 10 honor
Indiana Conservation Officer Bryce Klimek, who serves Pulaski County, has been selected as 2024 District 10 Officer of the Year, according to a release.
Klimek has served as a conservation officer for 22 years. He served in Porter County before transferring to Pulaski County, the release said. In addition to his normal duties, Klimek serves as a field training officer, sonar operator, background investigator, and passenger for hire inspector, all for the Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement.
District 10 includes LaPorte, Porter, Lake, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski counties.
