### Club Makes Holiday Donation to Lydia’s House

The NWI Bid Whist Club recently held a heartwarming event where they made a special donation to representatives from Lydia’s House, a reputable emergency women’s shelter situated in Gary. This initiative aimed at supporting women in need comes during the holiday season, illustrating the spirit of giving and community support.

During a festive gathering at the Gleason Golf Course Clubhouse, club members were delighted to present gifts and essential supplies to help homeless women during this challenging time. The donations included a variety of items that would not only provide immediate relief but also cater to the emotional well-being of the recipients.

Lydia’s House operates under the umbrella of Rebuilding the Breach Ministries Inc. and is dedicated to offering emergency housing, coupled with spiritual guidance, to women in crisis for a maximum of 90 days. This invaluable service is complemented by partnerships with organizations such as Sojourner Truth House, which assists clients in their transitions out of homelessness by providing additional support services and programs.

The NWI Bid Whist Club was established to create a safe, welcoming environment for bid whist players, allowing them to enjoy both the game and the fellowship of fellow enthusiasts. Club meetings take place on the third Saturday of every month at the Gleason Clubhouse, and they are actively seeking new members who are interested in joining their community. For those who are curious about the club or want to participate, they can reach out to Shanise Kemp at 219-789-3654 for more information.

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### Franciscan ExpressCare Sites Expand Hours

Franciscan ExpressCare locations in Hobart and Portage are thrilled to announce their expanded service hours, which will significantly enhance accessibility for patients seeking urgent care for non-life-threatening illnesses and conditions. According to a recent release, both locations are now ready to serve walk-in patients from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, virtual visits have also been made available by appointment, providing further options for patients. These virtual appointments can be scheduled on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., ensuring that care is accessible even during off-hours.

For those looking to visit, the Portage Franciscan ExpressCare is conveniently located at 3283 Willowcreek Road and can be reached by phone at 219-764-8439. The Hobart Franciscan ExpressCare is situated at 101 W. 61st Ave., and inquiries can be made by calling 219-945-9530. Patients can also book virtual visit appointments easily online at www.FranciscanExpressCare.org, which enhances the overall patient experience.

### Hobart Chamber Networking Event Jan. 14

Mark your calendars! The Hobart Chamber of Commerce is excited to kick off the New Year with its first breakfast networking event of 2025. Scheduled to take place from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on January 14 at the Hobart Chamber Office located at 1001 Lillian St., this event promises an opportunity for local business professionals to connect and collaborate.

Susan Thompson, the Chamber’s new executive director, will be in attendance, along with the newly elected 2025 board of directors. Attendees can look forward to a light breakfast featuring coffee and juice while they network with fellow members and local business leaders.

Furthermore, the Chamber is actively seeking sponsors for the event. Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity for businesses to gain exposure by giving a brief presentation to attendees, showcasing what they have to offer. For those interested in sponsorship or wanting further information about the event, please reach out via email at [email protected].

### NIPSCO Names $100K ‘Bridging’ Grant Recipients

In an exciting announcement, Northern Indiana Public Service Company LLC (NIPSCO), in collaboration with its parent company’s NiSource Charitable Foundation, has revealed the recipients of its inaugural Bridging Our Energy Grant. According to details provided on their official website, both Purdue University Northwest and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor have been awarded grants totaling $100,000 each.

These grants are part of a strategic initiative focused on enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and economic inclusion programs within the northern Indiana area. The grant initiative attracted 46 applications from various organizations, reflecting a strong commitment to impactful community outreach. To be eligible, organizations needed to be certified 501(c)(3) entities meeting the DEI and/or economic inclusion program focus, as well as directly serving NIPSCO’s service territory.

Purdue University Northwest plans to use its funding to launch a diversity outreach and engagement program within its Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Meanwhile, the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor intends to expand its emotional well-being service program to better serve children across White, Pulaski, Fulton, and Cass counties. For more insights into NIPSCO’s Corporate Citizenship efforts, visit nipsco.com/givingback.

### West Side Leadership Academy Sportsmanship Recognized

West Side Leadership Academy has recently been awarded the distinguished title of “First Team All Sportsmanship” team by the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA). This recognition was warmly announced by the Gary Community School Corporation and showcases the academy’s unwavering commitment to fostering a positive environment for all involved in athletics, including student-athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators.

By adhering to the IHSAA’s “Principles of Sportsmanship,” the school has clearly demonstrated its ability to lead by example, highlighting values of inclusivity, respect, and community spirit. This accolade reflects the broader commitment of the Gary Community School Corporation to cultivate character development through athletic engagement.

For those interested in learning more about the Gary Community School Corporation and its various programs, further information can be found at www.garyschools.org.