BNI student wins Congressional Art Competition
U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, recently announced that Sophia Eko of Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond is the winner of the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
The competition is an officially sanctioned bipartisan event designed to encourage the artistic talents of high school students nationwide, a release said. Sponsored annually by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Congressional Institute, the program offers students the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for approximately 11 months.
“Congratulations to Sophia from Bishop Noll Institute on creating such a moving piece of artwork to represent our region in the U.S. Capitol Building,” Mrvan said.
According to Eko, she used pencil and watercolors to create her winning artwork, “Not Really Enough,” which depicts a girl painting flowers on herself in an attempt to reflect femininity.
‘Hometown Hero’ award established
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana has chosen FBI Staff Operations Specialist Susan Graff as its “Hometown Hero.” She was nominated by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Padula and selected by U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred, according to a release.
Graff, an FBI employee for more than 30 years currently assigned to the Merrillville office, provides invaluable support during investigations by monitoring communications to give real time information to the task force officers and special agents, Mildred said in the release.
New Beginnings marks Legacy Foundation grant
New Beginnings Clubhouse, a Regional Health Systems program, recently celebrated the grand opening of its Education and Workforce Empowerment Center in Merrillville.
Updates to the space were made possible through the Legacy Foundation’s Transform Lake County grant, according to a release. The clubhouse, at 107 W 79th Ave., is a community of adults living with mental illness.
The ribbon cutting event welcomed Clubhouse members and community leaders to recognize the new center. The grant funds have equipped the center with technology, furniture and educational resources, enabling structured job readiness coaching, resume and interview preparation, digital literacy training, GED support and lifelong learning opportunities, the release said. For more information about New Beginnings Clubhouse, visit nbclubhouse.org.
United Way NWI partners with MAAC Foundation
United Way Northwest Indiana is partnering with the MAAC Foundation to support the upcoming Emergency Medical Responder Course running
Mondays and Thursdays from June 15-Aug. 1.
Through the partnership, United Way Northwest Indiana will cover a portion of the program cost, helping make the training more accessible
to community members interested in emergency response and public safety careers, a release said.
The Emergency Medical Responder Course equips participants with foundational emergency medical knowledge and critical basic life-saving skills needed to respond at emergency scenes until advanced medical personnel arrive, the release said. Participants as young as 14 years old are eligible to enroll. For registration details and program information, visit www.maacfoundation.org.
Franciscan, Strack & Van Til host consumer program
Franciscan Health is partnering with Strack & Van Til Food Market to help consumers learn how to make the healthiest, most budget-friendly decisions at the grocery store.
The free Mindful Market Grocery Store Tour will take place from noon-2 p.m. June 10 at Strack & Van Til, 12 Ridge Road in Munster. The tours,
led by a Franciscan Health educator and Strack & Van Til staff, will offer tips on preparing for grocery shopping trips, navigating the store, choosing foods that support wellness, budgeting, using store sales, coupons and loyalty programs and using the Strack & Van Til app, a release said.
The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. For questions or more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Marissa Lyshon at [email protected].
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Barbershop sessions focus on men’s health
Franciscan Health is introducing Shop Talk, a series of free events focused on men’s health hosted at local barbershops.
The free events will feature open discussions with guest speakers, health screenings, vendors, food and giveaways, a release said. Topics covered include prostate cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.
The first event in the series is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. June 22 at Platinum Designs, 1801 Franklin St. in Michigan City.
For more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at [email protected] or call 219-283-9649.
Recycling district offers grant opportunities
The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County has funding available for Porter County non-profit organizations, schools,
libraries, civic organizations, clubs and businesses.
According to a release, proposals may include, but are not limited to: New or expanding recycling programs, environmental education programs, waste-related public outreach initiatives or recycled-content purchasing initiatives.
The District’s Citizens Advisory Board CAC will accept grants through July 1. Grants will be awarded in January. Find out more at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLq54MwXVKcPplm6BVC72qJ5qf_ob2XsJQPUPQqBNbi4InLg/viewform
For more information, email [email protected] or call 219-465-3694.