New Advocates Sworn In and Innovators Honored in Indiana

On October 15, 2023, four new Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults were sworn in during a ceremony at Lake Superior Court in Indiana. This initiative, a collaboration between Franciscan Health and the Lake County Courts, aims to support elderly individuals and those unable to represent themselves in legal matters.

Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou officiated the ceremony, welcoming the new advocates: Blanca Aranda from Crown Point, Francine Gildon of Merrillville, Christopher Mignogna from Cedar Lake, and Lauree Pondinas of St. John. The program is partially funded by grants from the Indiana Supreme Court, Legacy Foundation Inc., and various local, state, and national contributors, along with individual donations to the Franciscan Health Foundation. Those interested in volunteering can find more information at www.franciscanhealth.org/VASIA.

Innovators Recognized at Purdue Northwest

In a separate event, the Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest announced the winners of the 2025 Innovators Awards. The prestigious awards will be presented during a luncheon at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville on October 29, 2023. Registration is currently open, with individual tickets priced at $50 and corporate table sponsorships available for $600.

This year’s honorees include notable figures such as Jose G. (Lupe) Valtierra from Purdue Extension in Lake County, representatives from Earthwise in Valparaiso, and Sean Liu, founder and CEO of PingCares. Other awardees come from diverse backgrounds, including educators from local high schools and influential community members. For more details and to register, visit pnw.edu/soi or contact Jason Williams at [email protected].

Medical Additions and Community Support Initiatives

In the medical sector, Dr. Ailia Ali, a newly appointed rheumatologist, is now accepting patients at the Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer. With her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and a fellowship in rheumatology from the University of Chicago, Dr. Ali is poised to enhance patient care in the region. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can reach the office at 219-922-3002.

Additionally, Dr. Leena Aljobeh, a family medicine physician, has joined the Franciscan Physician Network in Valparaiso, further expanding healthcare access in the area. Dr. Aljobeh completed her residency at Indiana University Health Arnett Hospital and is available to see new patients at the Glendale Health Center. To make an appointment, call 219-307-4750.

On the community front, the Legacy Foundation has partnered with the bp Foundation to provide relief for organizations affected by the August storms in Hammond, East Chicago, and Whiting. The new grant initiative will offer up to $5,000 per organization to support recovery efforts and enhance preparedness for future weather-related emergencies. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, schools, and local governments, with a submission deadline of 3 p.m. on November 21, 2023.

In political news, U.S. Representative Frank J. Mrvan is currently accepting applications for students interested in attending U.S. military service academies. High school seniors and college students are encouraged to apply, with a deadline set for 5 p.m. on November 3, 2023. Interested individuals can contact Tom Kubon at 219-795-1844 for more information.

Lastly, Purdue University Northwest will host College Goal Sunday on November 9, 2023, offering free assistance to college-bound students and their families in applying for financial aid. This event is critical for students filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), essential for accessing federal and state grants and scholarships. The sessions will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at both the Hammond and Westville campuses. For further details, interested parties can visit pnw.edu/college-goal-sunday or contact the financial aid office at 219-989-2301 for Hammond and 219-785-5460 for Westville.