Summer 2020 - Greetings!
We encourage all of our residents to continue to follow the advice from our health experts.
As a reminder, the social distancing guidelines include:
- Washing or sanitizing your hands as often as possible
- Staying indoors whenever possible
- Wearing masks when outdoors
- Disinfecting commonly used surfaces regularly
- Staying six feet apart from others
To combat isolation, we encourage you to set up video chats or calls with friends and family. Remember that just because states are opening up, does not mean it is necessarily safe to return to normal.
These are serious times with unprecedented challenges for our region and nation. Let's continue to work together to bring our region together and address the COVID-19 health crisis, the economic slowdown, and the injustices in our communities.
As our children return to school, let us all do our part to stay safe and healthy during this challenging time. Together, we are working through this. We are stronger together.
PLEASE SHARE!
To get reminders, text "FoodBankNWI" to 50155. Additional Mini Mobile Markets will be posted via Facebook 2-3 days in advance. Mobile Market is available to individuals and families in Lake & Porter Counties.
ANNUAL VICTORY FOR VETERANS RIDE CANCELED
North Township’s 2020 Victory for Veterans Memorial Ride, scheduled for September 27th, has been canceled. A tradition for the last 20 years, Trustee Frank Mrvan said COVID-19 and the ongoing threat it poses left him no other choice.
“Welcoming more than 2,000 veterans along with their families and loved ones to Wicker Park for the ride is an honor and my privilege,” Mrvan said. “It was profound concern over the health of these individuals I consider part of my extended family that made the decision for me. These are heroes who
have sacrificed their time, blood, sweat and tears for our freedoms.”
The township and the American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association Chapter 1 – which partner on the ride – are exploring virtual fundraising options that will be detailed later this fall.
AVMRA Cmdr. Paul Day said everyone is disappointed that circumstances beyond anyone’s control led to the event being canceled. “We have been barraged with messages on Facebook and I know Frank has been, too,” Day said. “We will be planning something even if it’s just a get together on a smaller scale. We’ll get past this.” The event, which raises about $30,000 a year, funds homeless veterans programs along with enhancements to the Wicker Park Veterans Memorial. “I understand this is a difficult decision, but COVID-19 is a serious issue and we must do what is best for the health of our fellow veterans and neighbors,” said Chester Colvin, commander of American Legion Post 232 in Hammond. “I always enjoy this event and am looking forward to when we can all ride together in the future.”As importantly as the fun of the ride, Victory for Veterans brings together current and former soldiers in remembrance of their service and fellowship with other veterans.“Our veterans understand the toll war exacts and are often reluctant to share those feelings with those who have not served,” Mrvan said. “The ride has been an opportunity for them to gather together as brothers and sisters who can relate, relax and enjoy that day together."
“Once this virus is behind us, Victory for Veterans will ride again.”
The South Shore Line is providing free westbound rides on all trains through Aug. 31, in which passengers can board trains without purchasing tickets. Up to three children who are 13 years old or younger can ride free with a fare-paying adult.
Throughout July and August, doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, firefighters, medical personnel, law enforcement, TSA agents and security personnel can continue riding for free, according to a news release from South Shore Line.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety or addiction during this national crisis, please call our hotline number to speak to a professional. You are not alone. There is support available for you during this stressful time.
KEY warmline, a non-crisis talk line now available
The Division of Mental Health and Addiction recognizes that during this stressful time, people may be experiencing more feelings of anxiety and depression, and may need additional support. In partnership with KEY Consumer Organization which has a peer-run warmline for individuals who need to talk, the DMHA wishes to share with you the following information.
Who is KEY Consumer Organization an what is a warmline?
KEY Consumer Organization is a mental health consumer-run organization that seeks to empower and encourage others in their recovery journey. We advocate on the state and local levels for consumers like us. One of the ways we serve consumers is through our peer-run warmline.
What is a warmline?
A warmline is a non-crisis talk line where individuals can call to talk with a certified recovery specialist who is in recovery with mental health challenges themselves, and is trained to support and empower others in their recovery journeys.
If you need to talk with someone who can provide support, encouragement and empowerment, call the warm line at 800-933-5397, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information on KEY Consumer Organization or the warmline, go to www.keyconsumer.org.
FSSA Division of Mental Health and Addiction
402 W. Washington St. W353,
P.O. Box 7083
Indianapolis, IN 46207-7
On Saturday, September 5th, motorcycle riders from all over the Region will ride 80 miles throughout the streets of Northwest Indiana to raise awareness and funds for individuals facing hunger. The Ride will begin at the Food Bank at 10am and end at Calumet Harley-Davidson, Inc. with a closing rally celebration, food, and drinks.
The cost is $25 per rider (includes tshirt, wristband, and entry into end rally celebration). Register today online: www.foodbanknwi.org/ride. Or to avoid the online fees, download the registration form here: www.foodbanknwi.org/rideregistrationform. Then drop off or mail.
On Saturday, September 19th, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana is hosting The Hunger Hike, a walk, bike, run to support our hunger relief efforts in the Region.
In addition to raising awareness and funds to provide food assistance, the event allows our partner agencies and pantries an opportunity to raise funds to stock their shelves. We are inviting corporate and community organizations to join us by forming a team.
Participating in the event allows you to support a great cause that addresses a basic need, and also creates an opportunity for team building. We have several registration levels to suit your needs, including a corporate team package. Sign up today: www.foodbanknwi.org/hike.
North Township Trustee Frank J. Mrvan is partnering with the East Chicago Police Department to kick start a free Emergency Identification Autism Bracelet program for the City of East Chicago.
The bracelet, which is numbered and brightly colored, allows officers to better identify and relate to children with autism in order to keep them safe. Once registered, police can look up the individual’s name and emergency contact information associated with the Emergency Identification Autism Bracelet.
Please fill out one of the forms below and submit it electronically on the North Township's website. The forms are available in English and Spanish. The completed form can also be mailed to: Tavell Grant, 5947 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN 46320.
