Companies raise $84K for area nonprofits
The Hard Hat Charity Golf Outing, hosted in September by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable, raised $84,000 for five area nonprofits, according to a release.
Hundreds of golfers from more than 70 companies participated in the event at White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point. Contributions at this year’s event were more than double that of just two years ago, with companies and matching programs, the release said.
Those receiving donations from this year’s event are: Goodwill Industries of Michiana, Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Association, Opportunity Enterprises, Pirates Inc. and Tradewinds
Services.
The two-day outing was held through the collaborative efforts of the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council and the Construction Advancement Foundation.
Habitat for Humanity announces new leadership
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana recently announced that Executive Director Dawn Michaels, who has served in the role for the past eight years, will step down effective Dec. 31, a release said.
During Michaels’ tenure, which was more than a decade, Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana expanded the development of essential workforce housing across Lake County — with notable progress in Lake Station and continued to grow the ReStore. Under her direction, partnerships deepened, programs strengthened, and the organization’s ability to serve families in need of safe, affordable housing continued to rise, the release said.
The Board of Directors has initiated a leadership transition plan to ensure continuity and sustained success. Information regarding the Executive Director position can be found on the organization’s website: https://www.nwihabitat.org/who-we-are/careers.html. Michaels will work closely with the Board and leadership team during the transition to support a seamless handover of responsibilities.
Franciscan adds cardiologist in Michigan City
Dr. Vinod Sehgal is now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and is accepting new patients in Michigan City, a release said.
Sehgal, a cardiologist, earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and completed his fellowship in general cardiology at the University of Illinois Hospital/University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.
He is accepting new patients at the Franciscan Medical Pavilion, 3500 Franciscan Way, Suite B in Michigan City. Call 219-878-8200.
Parks foundation welcomes new board members, officers
The Valpo Parks Foundation recently added three new members to the Board of Directors for 2026: Drew Sarkisian, Josh Schoon and John Scott, according to a release.
Sarkisian is the owner of Modern Edge LLC, bringing her talents in event planning and business management to the Foundation. Schoon works for Berglund Construction as the Director of the Indiana Region. Scott is the founder and Brand Strategist of Scott Creative Company.
Foundation officers for 2026 are: Tim VerSchure, president; Brandi Anstine, vice president; Maggie Clifton, vice president; Melanie Steider, treasurer; and Kerry Walker, secretary.
For information, contact Tracy Betustak at 219-462-5144.
South Shore holiday discount begins
The South Shore Line will offer free rides for up to three children 13 and younger when accompanied by a parent or guardian through Jan. 2, according to a release.
The discount is in place for all trains: weekend, holiday, off-peak or rush hour. The Quiet Car remains in effect on the last open car of rush hour trains, the release said.
The South Shore will follow its weekend/holiday schedule on Dec. 24, 25 and 31 and Jan. 1. The regular weekday schedule will be followed Dec. 26.
Medical staff awards announced at Northwest Health
Northwest Health recognized six members of its medical staff for their clinical expertise and exceptional dedication during special events recently.
Northwest Health – Porter recognized Dr. Tareq Braik, an oncologist and hematologist, as the Northwest Health – Porter 2025 Physician of the Year. He was selected by the leaders of the hospital’s medical staff.
The hospital also recognized Dr. Joseph Venditti Jr. for serving as the president of the medical staff during 2025, as well as internal medicine physician Dr. Rashad Hammour with the Most Influential Instructor Award for his excellent mentorship and guidance of both the family medicine and internal residents.
Northwest Health – La Porte recognized three physicians for their outstanding service, leadership and commitment to delivering quality patient care. They are:
R.B. Jones Award: Dr. Julius Ellis; G.O. Larson Award: Dr. Irfan Ahmad; and William G. Moore Lifetime Contribution Award: Dr. Smari Thordarson.
To learn more about Northwest Health and its medical staff, visit NWHealthIN.com.
Attorney, law firm donates $30K to help families
Attorney Kenneth J. Allen and Allen Law Group has donated $30,000 in gift cards to Northwest Indiana families to help them purchase gifts for their children, according to a release. Each family will
receive a $100 Meijer gift card.
Parents and guardians were expected to use the gift cards to shop for their children in Lake and Porter counties on Dec. 15. Allen worked with local school officials to identify local families most in need, the release said.
Over the years, Allen and Allen Law Group have donated funds to needy families in Indiana and Illinois, sponsoring programs to promote child literacy, provide safe after-school care and supplying bicycle helmets, meals and winter coats, the release said.
State group honors Porter, Lake officials
A Porter County victims advocate and the Lake County Prosecutor were recently among those honored by the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, a release said.
Ona Marie Torres, Porter County victims advocate for almost 25 years, received the Victims Advocate Award after being nominated by Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann.
Longtime Lake County Prosecutor Bernie Carter received the Powell-Feller Award from the group.