Franciscan Health is partnering with the Cedar Lake Parks Department to provide a new walking club this fall. The weekly Monday morning Wellness Walking Club sessions will include health education, a light walk and fun movement activities to help participants stay active and energized, a release said.
The walks are scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Mondays, Oct. 12 through Nov. 16 at the Cedar Lake Town Grounds at 7408 Constitution Ave. There will be no session on Nov. 9. For more information, contact Cedar Lake Parks & Recreation Superintendent Greg Wiesemann at 219-374-7000, Ext. 1802.
Munster official honored by state group
Dan Reyes, Assistant Town Manager for the Town of Munster, has been awarded the Strength & Resilience Award by the Indiana Municipal Management Association, a state affiliate of the International City/County Management Association, a release said.
The award recognizes his commitment to the municipal management profession and his dedication to serving the Munster community. Reyes joined the town in February and became Acting Town Manager a few months later, the release said.
Before joining the Town of Munster, Reyes served as County Manager for Teton County, Idaho, from May 2022 through February. He holds a degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from Oregon State University and became a Certified Public Manager through the National Certified Public Manager Consortium in June 2025.
$15K donated to Gary Boys & Girls Club
Kenneth J. Allen and Allen Law Group recently donated $15,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana to help provide club access for youth in the Gary community.
Allen Law Group’s donation will be earmarked for transportation to and from the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club for an entire year, according to a release.
The club currently provides daily transportation to and from approximately 17 Gary area public and charter schools, helping ensure Club kids can travel directly from school to the John Will Anderson Boys & Girls Club.
New CEO to lead Franciscan Alliance
Franciscan Alliance has named Michael Englehart as president and chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1, according to a release.
Englehart brings extensive senior executive experience, a strong background in Catholic and faith-based healthcare and a distinguished record of leading large health systems, physician organizations and specialty care networks, the release said. He succeeds Kevin Leahy, who earlier this year announced his decision to step down after 30 years in the role. Leahy will continue with Franciscan through Dec. 31.
Englehart will lead more than 17,000 healthcare employees across Indiana, spanning 11 Franciscan Health hospitals and Franciscan Physician Network. Since June 2025, he has served as the senior vice president for Franciscan Physician Network and Franciscan Post-Acute Services.
Circle of Friends Gala honorees to be feted
The YWCA of Northwest Indiana will honor its 2026 Circle of Friends at 6 p.m. Oct. 8 at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary. The gala, hosted by ABC7 Chicago journalist Samantha Chatman, will shine a spotlight on individuals whose work uplifts families, advances equity and strengthens the social fabric of the region, a release said.
Honorees include: Circle of Vision Award — Boni Fine; Women Who Lead Award — Dr. Vanessa Allen-McCloud; Safe Futures Award — Dr. Brenda
Thompson; Community Longevity Award — Dr. Steve Simpson; Rising Torch Award — Kimberly Renee Ferrell; Circle of Friends Longevity Member
Award — Daisy Purnell; and the Earline Smith Rogers Trailblazer Award — Caren Jones.
First Financial donations aid in disaster relief
First Financial Bank has provided a series of donations to help Indiana residents in the aftermath of recent severe weather and flooding in Indiana, according to a release.
Immediately after the Aug. 11 storm in Northwest and north central Indiana, the First Financial Foundation provided a $50,000 contribution to the American Red Cross Indiana Region, the release said. In early September, First Financial followed with a series of additional donations, the release said, including $10,000 to the United Way of Northwest Indiana, $7,500 to the Franklin County Community Foundation relief fund, $7,500 to the Fayette County Community Foundation relief fund and $5,000 to Our Neighbor’s Pantry, which serves Gary, Whiting and other NWI communities.