Foundation to recognize Gary trailblazers
The Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation will honor Gary movers and shakers from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 28 at Marquette Park Pavilion, 1 N. Grand Blvd.,Gary, according to a release.
The luncheon is held every 10 years with honorees being selected for their contributions and community impact. Categories include Sports, Business, Legal, Medical, Education, Government, Civic and Entertainment.
Honorees include:
Louis Caldwell, JD Legal Award: Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Lawrence Oliver II and Darren Collier.
Edward E. Barnette Business Award: Paula Barnes Burris, Reggie Colby, Mamon Powers Jr., Claude Powers, Larry Hughes, Warren Mickens, Pervis Bearden, Larry Davis, Gary Ganaway, Burl Thornton, Eric Newman, Michelle Wilmington-Dickerson, Michael Broaders and Alton Shields.
For sponsorship and ticket information, contact the Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation at hebafoundationa@gmail.com. For general information, visit www.hebafoundation.org.
Doctors join Franciscan Network in Lake County
A pediatrician and an obstetrician/gynecologist are now part of the Franciscan Physician Network and are accepting new patients, a release said.
Dr. Avani Patel, an obstetrician/gynecologist, is accepting new patients in Munster, while Dr. Katherine Stalbaum, a pediatrician, is accepting new patients in St. John.
Patel earned her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. She completed her residency at the University of Illinois Hospital in Chicago. She is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual appointments at the Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center, 9800 Valparaiso Drive in Munster. Call 219-934-9818.
Stalbaum earned her medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. She completed her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She is accepting new patients for in-person and virtual visits at the Franciscan Physician Network St. John Health Center, 10860 Maple Lane in St. John. Call 219-365-7000.
CLH adds former interns to accounting team
Brothers Matthew Flanigan and Colin Flanigan have joined CLH, CPAs & Consultants as staff accountants in Michigan City, following the successful completion of internships with the firm, a release said.
The Flanigans, who are twins, graduated from Purdue University, where they earned dual degrees in accounting and finance. The brothers completed an 8-month internship with CLH from January through August 2024, the release said.
Franciscan announces leadership shifts
Franciscan Alliance is shifting some of the geographic responsibilities for its hospital leadership in Northwest Indiana and Chicago’s South Suburbs, according to a release.
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields President and CEO Raymond Grady has been named president and CEO of Franciscan Alliance’s Lake County hospitals and clinics, including Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Dyer and Franciscan Health Munster. Grady has served in his current capacity since 2022.
Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Chief Financial Officer Frank McHugh will assume the role of interim president and CEO at that location. Grady is replacing Interim Crown Point President and CEO Barbara Anderson, who entered the role from retirement from Franciscan Alliance.
Grady also takes on the roles in Dyer and Munster previously held by Dean Mazzoni. Mazzoni maintains his position as president and CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City and Franciscan Health Michigan City at LaPorte as well as LaPorte County supporting clinics while also taking on the president and CEO role at Franciscan’s new facility under construction in Porter County as well as other Porter County facilities.
Faith CDC premieres documentary
Families Anchored In Total Harmony Inc. in partnership with Progressive Faith Productions, will show its first feature-length documentary, “Nourishing Lives: The Power of Food is Medicine” at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 at Indiana University Northwest’s Savannah Hall, 3400 Broadway, Gary, according to a release.
Directed by state Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary, the film explores how Faith CDC is partnering with medical providers and community partners to confront chronic disease, food insecurity and health inequities in Northwest Indiana, the release said. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Following the screening, a panel discussion featuring documentary participants, local policymakers and community partners is planned. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to RSVP using the QR code on the event flyer to secure their spot, the release said.
Photo courtesy of the Lake County Assessor’s Office
Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman (Photo courtesy of the Lake County Assessor’s Office)
Lake Assessor honored by state association
Lake County Assessor LaTonya Spearman was named Northwest District Assessor of the Year recently at the Indiana County Assessor’s Association Summer Conference, according to a release.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from colleagues who understand the challenges and responsibilities of this work,” Spearman said. “It reflects not only my commitment to fairness, accuracy and service to taxpayers, but also the dedication of my entire team who support our mission every day.”
Lowell Trooper promoted to sergeant
Indiana State Police Trooper Alexander V. Fuertes was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant, according to a release.
In his new role, Fuertes will serve as a squad leader at the Lowell District. A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Fuertes attended Old Dominion University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and minored in Latin American Studies, the release said.
Fuertes served as a patrol officer and a tactical team member in the Chicago Police Department from 2015 to 2021. Upon graduation from the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy, he was assigned to the Lowell Post, where he worked as a road patrol trooper in Lake County. Fuertes resides in Lake County with his wife and three children.
