NIPSCO hosts annual holiday giving campaign
This holiday season, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO) celebrated its 13th annual Hope for the Holidays campaign. Through generous grant support from the NiSource Charitable Foundation, NIPSCO donated $239,425 to 23 local organizations. Additionally, employees contributed more than 800 new toys to seven local Toys for Tots chapters. Donations from the campaign were distributed to a range of organizations committed to providing food security, sustaining families and housing services. Through these contributions, organizations were able to operate warming centers and to provide essential support such as coats and winter garments, holiday dinners and toiletries for those in need. Among the local organizations benefiting from the Hope for the Holidays campaign are: Salvation Army Michigan City; Salvation Army La Porte County; Family Promise of Porter County; Hobart Food Pantry; North Township Trustee’s Office; city of Gary; and Greater Hammond Community Services. More information can be found at NIPSCO.com/GivingBack.
Franciscan Health offers cancer support groups
Franciscan Health is offering free cancer support groups for patients and their caregivers across Northwest Indiana throughout 2026. Franciscan facilitators will help guide the discussion. Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may attend as many sessions as they’d like and need not be Franciscan Health patients to attend. In the interest of the health and safety of attendees and patients, attendees may be asked to wear masks. The Crown Point support group will meet from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month beginning Jan. 14 in the Burrell Cancer Center Conference Room at the Franciscan Health Main Street Outpatient Center, 1201 S. Main St., Crown Point. Attendees should use the Burrell Cancer Center entrance on Court Street. To register and for more information, call 219-757-6202 or email robyn.caban@franciscanalliance.org. The Munster Support Group will meet from 11 a.m. to noon on the third Monday of each month beginning Jan. 19 at the Franciscan Health Cancer Center Munster, 701 Superior Ave. in the St. Clare Conference Room. Attendees should enter Door T in the Cancer Center. To register and for more information, call 219-922-4056 or email robyn.caban@franciscanalliance.org. The Michigan City Support Group meets from 5 to 6 p.m. on the first Monday in February, April, June, August, October and December in the Community Room at the Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center, 8955 W 400 N, Michigan City. For more information and to register, call 219-861-5820. Franciscan Health Michigan City also offers informative classes for cancer patients, survivors and their families on a variety of topics from self-care to healthy eating to spiritual care. Classes take place from 2 to 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November beginning March 4 in the Community Room at the Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center, 8955 W 400 N, Michigan City. For more information or to register, call 219-861-5820.
Master Gardeners offer Zoom program, ‘Orchids 101’
Join the Lake County Master Gardeners at 6 p.m. Jan. 15 for the Zoom program “Orchids 101” with Dr. Scott Stewart. Learn practical tips and clear guidance to grow thriving, long-lasting plants. Program topics include: how to choose healthy orchids; the proper balance of light, water and humidity; the best beginner-friendly orchid varieties; repotting, fertilizing and long-term care essentials; and how to diagnose and fix common problems. There will also be a live Q&A. Stewart has served as a core member of the North American Native Orchid Conservation Center, is a long-time member of the American Orchid Society and has taught orchid propagation and conservation workshops around the world. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@gmail.com to reserve a space or register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs7_AU1k0dmHAAd6nzg8Uci-uau7iyKYpqM_-ejWagIfuGQA/viewform?usp=header.
Miller Beach arts district hosts annual community show
Miller Beach Arts and Creative District (MBACD) is hosting the exhibition VOICES: The MBACD Annual Community Show through Jan. 16 at the Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts, 540 S. Lake St., Gary. A free Artist Talk will be held at 1 p.m. Jan. 11. In response to the query, “How can artists use their creative voices in uncertain times?”, ten artists offer their perspectives on hope, caution, and responsibility toward self, community and world issues in the exhibition. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday. More information can be found at millerbeacharts.org.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/29/community-news-cancer-support-groups-orchids-art-and-more/
