Organization's Generous Donation for Families

Empowering Families with Financial Aid

Organization Raises $15k for Families

A remarkable feat has been achieved as the Organization has successfully raised an astounding $15k for families in need. This generous contribution is set to bring a significant boost to the lives of 100 families battling food insecurity during this holiday season. Through the combined efforts of local business leaders, the funds were amassed to provide 100 $150 Strack & Van Til gift cards. These gift cards will be distributed to individuals served by the Franciscan Health Fresh Start Market and Prenatal Assistance Program located at 1121 S. Indiana Ave., Crown Point. The Friends of St. Clare, a group of five anonymous organizers, have been working tirelessly to support the Franciscan Health Foundation's Food Insecurity Program. Their journey began in 2009 with a single individual donating six frozen turkeys. Now, as a team of five, they continue to solicit local business leaders to contribute, year after year, increasing their donations by the thousands. This shows their unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.

Porter County Announces Open Board Slots

Porter County Council presents a plethora of opportunities for county residents to actively participate. Various county commission openings are available, including the Porter County Redevelopment Commission with a 1-year term, the Alcoholic Beverage Commission also with a 1-year term, the Board of Zoning Appeals having a 4-year term, the Porter County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (PTABOA) with a 1-year term, the Chesterton EDC with a 1-year term, the Portage EDC with a 4-year term, the Porter EDC with a 1-year term, and the Town of Hebron EDC with a 1-year term. Those interested in serving on a board should visit the Porter County Council office at 155 Indiana Ave., Suite 207, Valparaiso, to obtain an application or access the website at www.porterco.org under the County Council tab. The application deadline is December 31, and the final decisions will be made in January.

Physician Joins Franciscan in Dyer

Dr. Jasmine Vayalil has recently become a part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is now accepting new patients in Dyer. She attended medical school at Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois, and completed her residency in family medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine at IU Health Arnett in Lafayette. Patients can avail both virtual and in-person visits at Franciscan Physician Network in Dyer, located at 919 Main St. To schedule an appointment, one can call 219-934-2492.

Franciscan Pediatrician Relocating to Crown Point

Dr. Radhika Chillarige, a highly skilled pediatrician, has now started seeing patients in Crown Point. She relocated on December 2 to the Franciscan Physician Network Crown Point Pediatric Health Center at 1141 S. Indiana Ave. from her previous office in St. John. Existing appointments have been seamlessly transferred to the new location to ensure a continuous and smooth care experience for her patients. Dr. Chillarige received her training at Kaktiya Medical College in Warangal, India. She completed her residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, and furthered her training in neonatology at the University of Connecticut in Farmington, Connecticut. Patients can reach out to her at 219-662-0700.

Concession Stand Opportunities at Indiana Dunes

The application period for two snack bar services at Indiana Dunes National Park has been officially announced. The concession stands are strategically placed at two of the park's most popular locations, West Beach and Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. The Park is inviting applications from interested parties to compete for food, beverage, and retail sales CUAs at either one or both these locations. Separate applications need to be submitted for each place. There is a nonrefundable fee of $350 to process the application(s), and an additional fee of $400, payable by check made payable to the National Park Service and included in the narrative portion of the application package. Applications will be accepted until January 9. The first part of the Competitive CUA Application Package must be completed online in the CUA Portal at http://cua.nps.gov. The narrative portion of the application and the $400 check should be sent to: National Park Service, Interior Regions 3,4, 5 Office, Attn: Kelly Kager, Commercial Services Management Specialist, 601 Riverfront Drive, Omaha, N.E. 68102. Any queries can be sent by December 27 to kelly_kager@nps.gov.