News Summary
The Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation hosted a distinguished luncheon at Marquette Park Pavilion, recognizing individuals across Sports, Business, Legal, Medical, Education, Government, Civic, and Entertainment sectors. Honorees received awards like the Louis Caldwell – JD Legal Award and Edward E. Barnette Business Award. The event included healthcare updates, career developments, hospital leadership restructuring, and community initiatives. Local police promotion and award recognitions highlighted community service efforts. Attendees learned about upcoming documentaries, health programs, and new leadership roles, fostering community growth and collaboration.
Gary will host a significant event on September 28, as the Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation holds a luncheon to honor notable individuals who have made substantial contributions to the community. The event is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. at the Marquette Park Pavilion, located at 1 N. Grand Blvd., Gary. This prestigious luncheon occurs every decade and celebrates the achievements of honorees across various categories including Sports, Business, Legal, Medical, Education, Government, Civic, and Entertainment.
The honorees for this year’s luncheon include a diverse group of individuals recognized for their impactful work. The recipients of the Louis Caldwell – JD Legal Award are Ronald S. Sullivan Jr., Lawrence Oliver II, and Darren Collier. In the Business category, the Edward E. Barnette Business Award will be awarded to a group of accomplished professionals including 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.
Individuals wishing to attend the luncheon or seek sponsorship opportunities can reach out to the Henry E. Bennett Achievement Foundation via email at [email protected]. Additional information about the foundation and the event can be found on their official website, www.hebafoundation.org.
Local Healthcare Updates
In health news, Dr. Avani Patel, an obstetrician/gynecologist, has announced that she is accepting new patients in Munster. Dr. Patel earned her medical degree from Tulane University and completed her residency at the University of Illinois Hospital. Patients can book in-person as well as virtual appointments at the Franciscan Physician Network Family Wellness Center in Munster.
Dr. Katherine Stalbaum, a pediatrician, is also accepting new patients, with her practice located in St. John. Dr. Stalbaum completed her medical education at Indiana University School of Medicine and her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is available for both in-person and virtual visits at the Franciscan Physician Network St. John Health Center.
Career Developments
In employment news, brothers Matthew Flanigan and Colin Flanigan have joined CLH, CPAs & Consultants as staff accountants following the completion of an 8-month internship with the firm, which took place from January to August 2024. Both Flanigans graduated from Purdue University with dual degrees in accounting and finance.
Franciscan Alliance Changes
Franciscan Alliance is restructuring its hospital leadership roles across Northwest Indiana and the South Suburbs of Chicago. Raymond Grady has been appointed as the new president and CEO of Franciscan Alliance’s Lake County hospitals and clinics, taking over from Barbara Anderson, who has retired. Additionally, Frank McHugh will serve as interim president and CEO of Franciscan Health Olympia Fields. Grady will handle responsibilities previously managed by Dean Mazzoni, who maintains his role as president of Franciscan Health Michigan City.
Community Health Initiatives
On October 16, Families Anchored In Total Harmony Inc. and Progressive Faith Productions will present the documentary Nourishing Lives: The Power of Food is Medicine at Indiana University Northwest. The film will highlight collaborations among Faith CDC, medical providers, and community partners aimed at tackling chronic disease and health inequities. Following the screening, a panel discussion will take place. Admission is free, but seating is limited.
Award Recognitions
LaTonya Spearman has been named the Northwest District Assessor of the Year at the Indiana County Assessor’s Association Summer Conference, highlighting her outstanding contributions to the field.
Police Promotion
In law enforcement updates, Indiana State Police Trooper Alexander V. Fuertes has been promoted to sergeant and will take on the role of squad leader at the Lowell District. Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, Fuertes holds a bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and previously worked as a patrol officer and tactical team member with the Chicago Police Department before joining the Indiana State Police. He currently resides in Lake County with his wife and three children.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chamlian Armenian School Reacts to Blue Ribbon Program Cancellation
Virginia Beach Fosters Veteran Engagement Through Arts and Creative Events
Virginia Beach Honors Timbaland with New Street Dedication
Virginia Beach Opens Owl Creek Landing with Longest Steel Slide and Forested Playground
East Jackson High School Evacuated Amid Bomb Threat
Northern Virginia Sees Major Business Relocations and Economic Growth
Starlux Mini Golf Ranks 6th Nationwide in Readers’ Choice Awards
Nnamdi Moeteke’s Journey from Nigeria to Public Health Leadership
Elise Carter Awarded for Advocacy in Education
Texas Law Firm Supports Educators with Classroom Giveaway
Additional Resources
- Chicago Tribune: Business News on Gary Trailblazers
- Wikipedia: Gary, Indiana
- Polaris: Gary Gray Honored
- Google Search: Gary Gray
- Explore Beaufort SC: Gary Sinise Honored
- Google Scholar: Gary Sinise
- TV Technology: Giants of Broadcasting Awards
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadcasting
- San Marcos Record: Article
- Google News: San Marcos Record
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
