Grants awarded to MAAC Foundation, Purdue Extension

Foundation receives READI funds

The MAAC Foundation, a first responder training campus in Valparaiso, recently announced that it has been awarded $500,000 in Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative 2.0 funds from the Northwest Indiana Forum.

The funds will contribute to a $9 million expansion of MAAC Foundation’s Public Safety Innovation Campus in the form of a new two-story building designated the MAAC HQ and Kathryn Hall, a release said.

In less than 10 years, the MAAC has grown from a single building into a 30-acre training campus with more than 40 buildings, structures and specialized training areas.  Since it was established in 2017, the MAAC has hosted more than 550,000 direct training contact hours, the release said.

Extension awarded digital skills training grant

Purdue Extension Community Development in Porter County has been awarded a grant from Comcast NBCUniversal to support the launch of a mobile computer lab that will expand access to free digital skills education for adults ages 60 and older.

Comcast’s grant is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion nationwide initiative to connect people to the internet, according to a release.

The mobile computer lab will be used to deliver Senior Planet, a digital education program offered by AARP.

Senior Planet workshops supported by the Mobile Computer Lab will be offered regularly at community locations, including the Porter County Public Library System and Porter County Aging and Community Services. Information about upcoming Senior Planet classes can be found on Purdue Extension Porter County’s event page: https://extension.purdue.edu/county/porter, or call 219-465-3555.

Speakers wanted for women’s conference

Organizers of the 2026 Professional Women’s Conference are now accepting speaker applications for the annual event, scheduled for Oct. 28 at Blue Chip Casino Hotel and Spa in Michigan City.

Presented by the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association, the annual conference is expected to draw more than 500 professionals from across the region and feature speakers sharing insights on leadership, career development and connection throughout a wide range of industries, according to a release.

Prospective speakers are invited to apply to deliver a keynote address or lead an informative breakout session. For information, including presenter requirements and application materials, visit www.professionalwomensconference.com. The deadline to submit a speaker application is April 15.

Franciscan Health hosting free joint pain seminar

Franciscan Health is hosting a free joint pain seminar aimed at sharing information on local pain management and treatment options.

Dr. Neel Jain, an orthopedic surgeon with Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute, will present information about joint pain and treatment options, including robotic surgery, a release said. The event is scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. March 4 at the Franciscan Health Fitness Center Chesterton, located 810 Michael Drive. Light refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required, the release said. For more information and to register, call 877-888-1777 or register online at https://franciscanhealthcare.formstack.com/forms/joint_pain_seminar_chesterton.

District seeks compost site attendant in Porter County

The Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is seeking a Compost Site Attendant to join its team in Porter County.

The part-time position aids in the district in fulfilling its responsibility to the community as related to the composting, bulb recovery, battery recycling, drop off recycling and/or electronics recycling programs, a release stated.

Interested candidates are invited to fill out an application in the District office. 155 Indiana Ave, Suite 314, Valparaiso.

Speaker applications open for 2027 safety conference

Safety experts will have the opportunity to share their insights and help elevate safety excellence in the workplace during the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable 2027 Beyond Safety Conference.

Applications are now open for presenters for the annual full-day event, which includes keynotes, breakout sessions, a panel discussion and a safety exhibitors’ area, according to a release. To apply as a presenter or nominate a speaker for the conference, complete the official application form available at https://www.beyondsafetyconf.org/.

The deadline to submit a speaker application is June 15. The 2027 Beyond Safety Conference will be held 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Avalon Manor, Merrillville.

VU joins nursing executive group

Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions has recently joined the American College of Healthcare Executives, a national organization that connects thousands of students and working leaders in the healthcare industry, release said.

As part of the University’s membership, ACHE will help let potential new students discover the university’s master in healthcare administration and bachelor in healthcare leadership programs.

The mission of ACHE is to advance leaders and the field of healthcare leadership excellence through research and education, and shared resources. In more than 90 years on the healthcare scene, ACHE has become the professional home to more than 51,000 healthcare executives.