Bowl for the Cure marks 25 years
Nearly 200 bowlers wearing pink recently gathered at Olympia Lanes in Michigan City to celebrate 25 years of support for Franciscan Health Michigan City breast cancer patients.
The Michigan City United States Bowling Congress Bowling Association, which sponsors the event, has raised more than $130,000 in the last 18 years alone, the release said.
Cheryl Hale, chairwoman of Bowl for the Cure, said she hoped this year’s event would add another $20,000.
Information on how to donate to the Franciscan Health Foundation’s Michigan City Mammography Department/Breast Cancer Fund is available online at fran.care/giving-northern or by calling 219-661-3404.
Police applicants wanted in Valparaiso
The Valparaiso Police Department is accepting applications for police officers.
Applicants must complete the application found at Police-App.com or at www.valparaisopolice.org, according to a release.
Minimum requirements to be considered include: applicant must be 21-40 years of age, hold a high school diploma or GED, be a United States citizen, possess a valid driver’s license and have no prior felony convictions, the release said.
All applications must be returned no later than 4 p.m. April 3 to be considered for agility/written tests. Testing will take place beginning at 8 a.m. April 18 at Valparaiso High School, 2727 Campbell St.
Franciscan sets free suicide prevention course
Franciscan Health Munster is presenting a free suicide prevention course from 10 a.m. to noon, March 27 at the St. Clare Conference Room at the hospital, 701 Superior Ave.
The QPR Suicide Prevention Course aims to reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training, a release said.
The course is free, but registration is required by March 25. To register and for more information, contact Franciscan Health Community Health Improvement Coordinator Stacy Zembala at Stacy.Zembala@franciscanalliance.org.
University plans 2026 PNW Big Sell
Purdue University Northwest invites entrepreneurs and innovators to submit business concepts for the 2026 PNW Big Sell pitch competition, where participants will compete for up to $10,000 in seed funding.
Interested presenters can submit a two-minute video pitch through noon March 22 by visiting pnw.edu/big-sell, according to a release. Up to 10 finalists will be selected to join the 2026 PNW Big Sell on May 2, where innovators will present their ideas live at PNW’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center.
Hosted by the PNW College of Business, the PNW Big Sell provides aspiring entrepreneurs an opportunity to gain experience presenting their ideas, receive feedback from business professionals and connect with the regional startup community, the release said.
Learn more and apply at pnw.edu/big-sell.
Franciscan partners hosting free Safe Kids Day
Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Lake County Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 21 at the Dean & Barbara White Southlake YMCA, 100 W. Burrell Drive in Crown Point.
The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy from local first responders to nonprofit organizations, according to a release.
Free bike helmets will be available for kids while supplies last and snacks and water will be provided for all attendees, the release said. Safe Kids Day is a project of Safe Kids Northwest Indiana in partnership with sponsors Franciscan Health Trauma Services, Franciscan Health Crown Point, the Dean & Barbara White YMCA, Cleveland-Cliffs, Safe Kids Worldwide, the Crown Point Community Foundation, Up Your Alley, Portillo’s Hot Dogs, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and CareSource.
The event is free, but registration is encouraged. Registration is available by calling 219-488-1380.
