Northwest Indiana Area Labor Federation recently donated $1,000 to United Way Northwest Indiana, a release said.

The donation will support United Way Northwest Indiana’s ongoing mission to help individuals and families in Lake, Porter, Newton, Jasper, and Starke counties overcome barriers and build pathways to a better life, the release said.

For more information about United Way Northwest Indiana and how to get involved, visit unitedwaynwi.org.

PNW raises nearly $2M on Day of Giving

The recent Purdue University Northwest Day of Giving drew a record number of gifts while raising nearly $2 million, according to a release.

More than 3,100 gifts adding up to nearly $2 million were donated on the 12th annual PNW Day of Giving, held April 30. PNW Day of Giving is the university’s largest one-day fundraising event to enhance opportunities for students, the release said.

PNW ranked third among 73 participating units in the Purdue system for total gifts received, which awarded bonus funds to the institution. Participation in PNW Day of Giving increased by 50% from 2024, and PNW ranked fifth system-wide for largest increases in participation, the release said.

PNW Athletics raised the most gifts, with Pride women’s soccer and women’s volleyball leading the way.

Franciscan Health Munster recertified for stroke care

Franciscan Health Munster has achieved Primary Stroke Certification through Accreditation Commission for Health Care for stroke care, a release said.

Certification by ACHC reflects an organization’s dedication and commitment to meeting standards that facilitate a higher level of performance and patient care.

For more information, call 219-922-4200.

Duneland job fair continues May 17

The Duneland School Corp. will host a second job fair event featuring classified (non-teaching) support staff positions in Transportation and Child Nutrition from 8-11 a.m. May 17 at the Duneland School Transportation Center, 1012 N Old State Road 49 across from the Coffee Creek Preserve, a release said.

The Transportation Department will offer an opportunity to drive a bus around the parking lot with one of Duneland School’s bus trainers and speak with staff members. Personnel will be available to answer questions and provide information on hours, benefits, and other opportunities in the Duneland School Corp.

In addition, staff members will also be available from Duneland’s Child Nutrition Department for those attendees who may be interested in a job opportunity in the school kitchens.

Urban League of NWI retools annual event

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is ramping up its work to keep Diversity, Equity and Inclusion activities at the forefront, according to a release.

The organization announced its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion In Action Luncheon set for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

Although the luncheon has been in existence for several years, organizers are announcing the event months in advance to emphasize its relevance and the need to keep DEI-related programs and activities in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties. The title was changed this year to set straight the growing disconnect that has resulted from increased negativity and misconceptions being spread on various platforms, the release said.

For more information, call 219- 887-9621 or visit www.urbanleagueofnwi.org.

Duneland teachers honored

The Duneland School Corp. recently announced the winners of the 2025 “Teacher of the Year” and “Employee of the Year” Recognition Program, according to a release.

The winners are Elementary Teacher of the Year — Russ Hardsock, Yost Elementary School; Secondary Teacher of the Year — George Fox, Chesterton High School; and Employee of the Year — Shauna Jesse, Chesterton High School Resource Officer

Each of the winners received a $500 monetary stipend from Lane One Foundation, Elementary Teacher of the Year; 1st Source Bank, Secondary Teacher of the Year; and Ellis Electric Inc., Employee of the Year.

The 2025 winners were recognized at the May 5 School Board meeting. In addition, Teacher of the Year winners will be eligible for statewide recognition as part of the Indiana Department of Education competition.

Program pairs survivors with patients for support, comfort

Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point is hosting a free peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors aimed at connecting patients and survivors through a new program, according to a release.

Pink Ribbon Connection, in partnership with the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point, is offering training for breast cancer survivors interested in becoming peer counselors to assist newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Peer counselors offer emotional support and a source of comfort for anyone undergoing breast cancer treatment, the release said.

The training will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 19 at the Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point, which is located on the third floor of the Burrell Professional Center at the Franciscan Health Main Street Outpatient Center, 1205 S. Main St. in Crown Point.

To register for this free training and for more information, call 219-757-5741.

Valparaiso offers grants to fight opioids

The City of Valparaiso is working to fight the nationwide opioid epidemic by offering grants to nonprofit organizations working to combat substance use disorder, a release said.

The available funds are part of the National Opioid Settlement. Valparaiso anticipates it will receive approximately $1.4 million over an 18-year period through the state of Indiana’s share of the settlement, the release said.

To qualify for funding through Valparaiso’s Opioid Epidemic Settlement Program, organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) organization working to combat substance use disorder, providing services such as prevention programs, treatment for opioid use disorder or support for local agencies dealing with substance use disorders.

Further information, including the grant application, is available on the City of Valparaiso’s website at tinyurl.com/OpioidHelp and questions may be addressed to City Council Member Peter Anderson at PAnderson@Valpo.us. Applications are due by June 20

Cardiothoracic surgeon joins Northwest Health

Dr. Sinan Simsir, cardiothoracic surgeon, is now a part of Northwest Medical Group, according to a release.

Simsir, who has more than 20 years of experience in treating heart and lung conditions, is located at Northwest Medical Group – Cardiothoracic Surgery office, 85 E. U.S. 6, Suite 310, in Valparaiso.

Simsir has held leadership roles in lung and heart transplant and advanced heart failure programs across the country, including Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois, the release said. Simsir pursued his medical education at Marmara University in Istanbul, Turkey, before completing residencies in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Massachusetts Hospital and General Surgery at the University of Minnesota, the release said. For information, call 219-983-6380.

Stroke & Diabetes Fair in Munster

Powers Health will hold a Stroke & Diabetes Fair from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Munster’s Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where medical professionals will discuss signs, symptoms and causes of stroke. Exhibitors will provide helpful information and free screenings, including a free A1C and lipid panel.

To register, visit https://shorturl.at/1Fq1P.

— Post-Tribune staff