Community Events and Announcements in Northwest Indiana

PNW Innovators Host SPARK Summit

The Society of Innovators at Purdue University Northwest recently held the SPARK Summit, welcoming about 150 high school students from six Northwest Indiana schools. The event took place at PNW’s Westville campus. The summit aimed to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship among students. Key activities included keynote speeches, interactive workshops, and discussions focused on problem-solving, confidence, and collaboration skills.

Students had the opportunity to listen to nationally recognized speakers such as INDYCAR driver Charlie Kimball and branding expert Olivia West. Sessions covered topics like overcoming challenges, building a personal brand, and developing an innovative mindset.

For further information, visit pnw.edu/soi.

NWIBRT Announces 2026 Leadership

The Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) has announced its Executive Committee officers for 2026. This leadership team represents diverse industries that aim to enhance safety, workforce development, and operational excellence in the region’s construction and industrial sectors.

Executive Committee officers include Robert Joseph as Chair, Jacob Lenson as Vice Chair, Adam Fauth as Treasurer, Dewey Pearman as Secretary, and Andrea Pearman as Executive Director. The board comprises members from various organizations committed to advancing industry standards.

HealthLinc Opens Newton County Office

HealthLinc is set to open a new office in Newton County, with a community celebration scheduled for June 5 in Morocco. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 102 E. State St. The public is invited to enjoy free health screenings, meet local providers, and participate in family-friendly activities.

As a federally qualified health center, HealthLinc Newton offers affordable health care services regardless of a patient’s financial situation. For more information, contact Jodie Wexelberg at [email protected].

Suicide Prevention Courses Offered by Franciscan Health

Franciscan Health is partnering with Sounds of Sarah and the Lake County Health Department to offer free suicide prevention courses. The QPR Suicide Prevention Course aims to decrease suicidal behaviors through practical training.

Sessions will be held on June 17 and August 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Sounds of Sarah, located at 2057 W. Glen Park Ave., Griffith. Registration is required and can be completed online.

PNW Big Sell Competition Winners Announced

Purdue University Northwest has announced the winners of the 2026 PNW Big Sell, an annual pitch competition supporting entrepreneurs. The competition involved a series of video submissions, with finalists presenting live pitches. Winners received startup seed funding to help advance their ventures.

The competition awarded $10,000 to first-place winner GlucoCare, presented by Simrah Khan. Second place and $3,000 went to Low Angle, presented by Kenneth Webster. The ANT Tool, presented by Aaron Farrer, secured third place and $1,000.

Learn more about the PNW Big Sell at pnw.edu/entrepreneurship.

Free Community Baby Shower Planned

Franciscan Health, in collaboration with community partners, is hosting a free community baby shower. The event, called Tea and Tiny Kicks Community Baby Shower, offers expectant mothers and guests information about the Count the Kicks app and additional educational resources.

The event will take place on June 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center. It features educational sessions, gifts, and community resources. Registration is necessary and available online at this link.