Abul Basher, MD, FACC, recently became a member of La Porte Regional Physician Network. His office is in New Carlisle. He provides prevention, treatment and management of heart and vascular disease, and specializes in echocardiograms, stress tests and cardiac catheterization procedures.

Magdalena Lybolt, broker and owner of Prime Real Estate, has joined the Schererville Chamber Ambassador Program. As an ambassador, Lybolt helps coordinate local events, assists with Chamber activities, mentors new members and helps promote the growth of the Chamber.

Peter Palanca, of Homewood, has been elected vice chairman of the National Association of Children of Alcoholics, a national membership organization whose mission is to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and drug dependencies. He currently serves as vice president of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities.

John Gogolak has joined ACMS Group Inc. of Crown Point as Vice President of the Commercial Division. Gogolak brings more than 35 years of construction experience to the company, including knowledge of the industrial, commercial and residential markets

Ryan Peschke, a 1998 Chesterton High School graduate, was among 25 teachers honored recently with the Golden Apple Award. The program honors outstanding central Indiana educators who creatively use math, science or technology in the classroom to inspire, motivate and improve student achievement.

Thomas J. Burns, President of Burns-Kish Funeral Homes Inc. in Hammond and Munster, was recognized for 55 years of membership by the Indiana Funeral Director's Association at the Association's 129th annual convention held recently in Indianapolis.

Tom Cath will serve as director of Valparaiso University's Career Center following 25 years of experience as director of career services at DePauw University. Cath will provide leadership for comprehensive services that aid students in reaching their career development goals and for building relationships with potential employers.

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