Legacy Foundation sets events
The Legacy Foundation has scheduled two events in the coming weeks to engage residents and build growth, according to a release.
As a part of the 2025 Community Leadership Series, “Team Building” will be presented by Purdue Extension educators of Lake and Porter counties from 9 a.m. til noon Aug. 7 at the Legacy Foundation office, 370 E. 84th Drive, Suite 100, in Merrillville.
Registration is $10 per person. The workshop is designed for Lake County residents and nonprofit staff looking to strengthen their team-building and leadership skills.
From 9-10 a.m. Aug. 13, the Executive Director Coffee and Conversation is planned at Indiana Youth Group, 6400 W. Lincoln Highway, Schererville. Nonprofit executive directors are invited for a morning of conversation, peer support and networking. For information on both events, visit https://legacyfdn.org/community-programs/upcoming-events/
New veterinarian joins Hebron practice
Dr. Cory Dehnart has joined the Animal Medical Center of Hebron, according to a release.
Dehnart earned both his undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University and has pursued advanced training in several areas, including restorative dentistry, laparoscopy and abdominal ultrasonography.
He joins Dr. Carrie LaMere at the practice. Animal Medical Center of Hebron offers comprehensive care for dogs and cats of all life stages, from wellness visits and dental care to surgery, diagnostics and specialty services such as laser therapy, the release stated.
For information, call 219-996-8387.
Nursing student wins Franciscan scholarship
A 2020 LaPorte High School graduate has won the annual Maria Petti Scholarship from Franciscan Health, a release said.
Tristen Poe was recently awarded the Franciscan Health Michigan City 2025 Maria Petti Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship fund was established in 2009 as a living memorial to Petti, who served at Franciscan Health Michigan City for 35 years as a nurse and peri-operative director.
The annual scholarship aims to encourage educational excellence in LaPorte and Porter county undergraduate students and offer financial assistance of up to $5,000 to those seeking surgical careers. Poe has worked at Franciscan Health Michigan City as he has pursued his nursing degree, including as a patient companion, student talent acquisition intern and patient care novice.
Summer interns join CLH
Two aspiring accounting professionals are gaining real-world experience through summer internships with CLH, CPAs & Consultants, a release said.
Charlotte M. Dombrowski of Valparaiso and Kristina I. Sherpitis of Beverly Shores joined the firm’s Michigan City office to further their education and solidify their career plans.
Dombrowski, entering her senior year at the University of Minnesota Crookston, is pursuing a double major in finance and accounting. Sherpitis, a junior at Indiana University, who is also double majoring in finance and accounting, is completing her first internship with CLH.
CLH’s internship program is part of the firm’s long-term strategy to develop top talent in the accounting profession, the release said.
Dunes Learning Center exec honored
The Association of Nature Center Administrators has announced that Heather Hahn Sullivan, Executive Director of Dunes Learning Center, is the winner of the 2025 ANCA Nature Center Leadership Award, according to a release.
Sullivan, who attended the center as a high school student, has led a distinguished career in the nature center profession. In 2018, Sullivan became the Development and Marketing Director of Dunes Learning Center and assumed the role of Executive Director in 2022, the release stated.
ANCA will recognize Sullivan with this award as part of the Leadership Award Ceremony on Aug. 27 at the 2025 ANCA Annual Summit.
Jarka named 2025 Duneland Distinguished Woman
Christy Jarka, director of the Duneland School Corp. Trojan Learning Center, has been named the 2025 Duneland Distinguished Woman by the Duneland Chamber of Commerce, a release said.
The award recognizes a woman in the Duneland community who shows humanitarian spirit, provides valuable services in her field, and helps other women achieve their leadership potential. Nominations for the award come from the community and are reviewed by past recipients.
Over nearly 30 years, Jarka has been a teacher, principal and director and leads the Duneland School Corp.’s Trojan Learning Center, which houses Duneland’s Early Learning HUB, Developmental Preschool, the Northwest Indiana Online School, and RISE Academy.
Parks director certified
Matt Slack, facilities and maintenance director for Valpo Parks, recently earned Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification, making him the second CPSI-certified professional on the Valpo Parks team, a release said.
The certification program is offered by the National Recreation and Park Association and provides comprehensive and up-to-date training on all critical aspects of playground safety.
Slack joins Chris Michalak, who also holds the credential.
PNW sets school supplies giveaway Aug. 7
Purdue University Northwest will host the “Roaring Back to School” school supplies giveaway events from 4-6 p.m. Aug. 7, on both the Hammond and Westville campuses. The events offer area K-12 students an opportunity to gather the supplies they need for a successful academic year, a release said.
The events are free and open to families with children in kindergarten through 12th grade who are from local school districts in the surrounding communities. Attendees will be able to visit various supply stations to pick up essential items, including notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, glue sticks, scissors and more. Students must be present to receive supplies and are encouraged to bring a backpack or bag to collect their items, the release said.
The events will be held on the Westville campus in the James B. Dworkin Student Services and Activities Complex, 1401 S. U.S. 421, Westville, and on the Hammond campus at the 169th Street Parking Garage, 2200 169 St., Hammond
For additional information, visit pnw.edu/bts-giveaway.
