The Lake Superior Court welcomed four new members to its Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program on October 15, 2023. This initiative, a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to assist elderly and incapacitated individuals who cannot represent themselves. Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou officiated the ceremony, where advocates Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon from Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas from St. John were sworn in.
The VASIA program is funded through various grants, including support from the Indiana Supreme Court and the Legacy Foundation Inc., along with contributions from local, state, and national donors. Volunteers undergo training and supervision to serve as court-appointed agents for those in need. Interested individuals can find more information about becoming a volunteer at www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.
In a separate announcement, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest revealed the recipients of the 2025 Innovators Awards. The honorees will be inducted during the Society’s annual luncheon on October 29, 2023, at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. Individual tickets are priced at $50, while corporate table sponsorships are available for $600. Additional details and registration can be found at pnw.edu/soi or by contacting Jason Williams via email.
The Class of 2025 honorees includes notable individuals such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension, Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares, and Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch from Michigan City, among others. This recognition highlights the innovative contributions made by individuals and organizations throughout the region.
In healthcare news, Dr. Ailia Ali, a rheumatologist, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Dyer. Dr. Ali earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Health Medical Center. She is available for appointments at 919 Main St., Suite 201, Dyer, and can be reached at 219-922-3002.
Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, a family medicine physician, has begun her practice within the Franciscan network in Valparaiso. Dr. Aljobeh received her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital. She is now accepting patients at the Glendale Health Center, located at 1101 Glendale Blvd., Suite 101 in Valparaiso, and appointments can be scheduled by calling 219-307-4750.
On the community front, the Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to aid organizations in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting that were affected by severe storms and flooding in August. The newly established bp Foundation Community Fund Grant will provide up to $5,000 per qualifying organization to support recovery efforts and enhance preparedness for future emergencies. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, churches, local governments, and first-response agencies. The application deadline is set for 3 p.m. on November 21, 2023, and recipients will be notified by December 19, 2023. Applications can be submitted through the Legacy Foundation’s online portal.
In political news, U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan announced that applications are now being accepted for students interested in attending U.S. military service academies. The program is open to high school seniors and college students within Indiana’s First Congressional District. The deadline for submitting completed applications is 5 p.m. on November 3, 2023. Interested applicants can contact Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844 for more details.
Finally, Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9, 2023, offering financial aid assistance to students and their families. The event will take place from 14:00 to 16:00 at both the Hammond and Westville campuses. This initiative aims to help students file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a crucial step in applying for federal and state financial aid. The Hammond event will be held in Room 200 of the Student Union and Library Building, while the Westville event will take place in Room 241 of the Library Student Faculty Building. For further information, individuals can visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday or contact the financial aid offices directly.
