Fuel Media, GPTC to roll out IUN-branded bus
Representatives from Fuel Media, Gary Public Transportation Corp. and IU Northwest recently marked the rollout of the latest electric bus, which is wrapped in signature IU Northwest messaging, logos and QR codes, according to a release.
Newly appointed IUN Chancellor Arrick Jackson was on hand to check out the bus and had a “symbolic sit-down” in the driver’s seat, the release said. GPTC Interim General Manager Denise Dillard indicated that IUN remains committed to sharing their message with the community through bus advertising. Cheryl Anderson is a Gary native and co-owner of FUEL Media.
FUEL Media also offers advertising on bus stops and column signage at the Adam Benjamin Transportation Center in downtown Gary. For more information, visit www.gptcbus.com.
Denise Dillard, GPTC Board member Bruce McKenzie, Chancellor Arick Jackson, Cheryl Anderson, Dorothy Frink, IUN vice chancellor. (Photo Provided by CWHITT)
Suicide prevention course Dec. 11
Franciscan Health Munster is presenting a free suicide prevention course from 12:30-2 p.m. Dec. 11 the St. Clare Conference Room of the hospital at 701 Superior Ave.
The course aims to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, the release said.
The course is free, but registration is required by Dec. 10. To register and for more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanalliance.org.
Legacy group’s $25K donations touted
Legacy Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy group presented $25,000 grants to six local organizations in 2025.
The group unites passionate donors who believe in the power of collective giving and band together to help others strengthen programs and create change across Lake County, according to a release.
Members combined their support to award $25,000 to: Girls on the Run of NWI, Curriculum updates; Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & NWI – ASL and inclusion tools; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana,
CliftonStrengths training; Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, Literacy and STEAM activities; Golden Hope Ministries, children’s grief bags; Pink Ribbon Society, mammogram & patient assistance.
For more information about Women in Philanthropy or to join, visit https://legacyfdn.org/donors/women-in-philanthropy.
Valparaiso University honored with award
Valparaiso University was recently named winner of the 2025 Indiana Collegiate Action Network’s Illuminary Campus of the Year Award, a release said.
This award goes to a campus doing exemplary work in the areas of prevention and mental wellness, the release said. According to ICAN, the Prevention and Wellness Education Office was selected for its adaptability to changing structures and needs, as well as financial management of money while still offering evidence-based programs.
The Prevention and Wellness Education office, led by Natalie Muskin-Press, currently serves all of the Valparaiso University community through a wide variety of services both on an individual and community level.
Braun adds to state boards, commissions
Gov. Mike Braun announced new appointments to various state boards and commissions recently.
Among those named are:
Ports of Indiana Commission: Michael Simms (IUOE Local 150), Porter County; term expires March 31, 2028;
Board of Firefighting Personnel Standard and Education: Eric Camel, Chesterton Fire Department; term expires Oct. 31, 2028.
Indiana Arts Commission: Judith Sawyier, from Porter County; term expires Oct. 31, 2029.
Franciscan offers cancer support groups
Franciscan Health is offering free cancer support groups for patients and their caregivers across Northwest Indiana throughout 2026, according to a release.
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.
The Crown Point support group will meet from 12:30-1:30 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. in Crown Point. Call 219-757-6202 or email robyn.caban@franciscanalliance.org.
The Munster Support Group will meet from 11 a.m.-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.
Call 219-922-4056 or email robyn.caban@franciscanalliance.org.
The Michigan City Support Group meets from 5-6 p.m. on the first Monday of every even month beginning Feb. 2 in the Community Room at the Franciscan Health Woodland Cancer Care Center, 8955 W. County Road 400N in Michigan City. Call 219-861-5820.
