Ardagh solar facility to launch in March

Ardagh Glass Packaging – North America is planning to bring a new renewable energy solar facility online in March.

The 13-megawatt solar facility is located in Madera, California, and will supply electricity to the Ardagh glass manufacturing facility in the city. VALTA Energy is building the facility and will handle its operation as well.

“Ardagh’s solar field in Madera exemplifies our commitment to adding renewable electricity in the regions where we operate,” said Alex Winters, chief sustainability officer at Ardagh Glass Packaging. “I want to extend my gratitude to our project partners and especially to our dedicated Madera and Engineering teams for their commitment to completing this project safely.”

Ardagh operates glass manufacturing facilities in Dunkirk and Winchester.

BSU appoints

Ball State University has named Nancy Abashian as its dean of university libraries.

Abashian currently serves as a senior director for public services at Binghamton University Libraries in New York. She will take over her new role on April 15.

“Dr. Abashian impressed us throughout the national search process with her commitment to fostering innovation, inclusion, and collaboration,” said BSU provost and executive vice president for academic affairs Anand R. Marri in a press release. “Her extensive experience in strategic planning, program development, and public services positions her to make a significant impact on our campus. I am also deeply grateful to Dr. Amy Petts for her outstanding service as interim dean of University Libraries, ensuring a seamless transition.”

Site expanding

The expansion project at IU Health Saxony Hospital in Fishers is expected to be substantially complete this year.

The construction will double the existing size of the hospital and help expand services including cardiovascular, orthopedics, surgery and primary care. Planning on the $300 million project began in 2018 with groundbreaking delayed until following the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’ll add a pediatric emergency department, staffed 24/7 with Riley Children’s emergency medicine physicians and nurses,” chief operating officer Soula Banich told Towne Post Network. “We’ll have peds specialists, so there will be the Riley IU Health name added on there. We’ll be doubling our imaging capabilities, and offsite we’ve recently opened our McCordsville clinic and Noblesville clinic. We’ll continue to stay on the market in Fishers to see where we need to grow.”

Grants awarded

CVS Health Foundation last week announced $4 million in grants as part of its Healthy Aging Initiative.

The grants include support for the Center for Better Aging in Chicago, Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement, EngageWell Independent Provider Association in New York City and Palm Health Foundation in Boynton Beach, Florida.

“People over the age of 65 are enjoying longer, more active lives and make up the largest generation of older adults in U.S. history,” said Sheryl Burke, CVS senior vice president of corporate social responsibility and chief sustainability officer, in a press release. “We’re excited to work with each of these organizations that are making a significant impact by preparing and providing the health care and resources our communities need for the generational shift of aging Americans.” 

Celebrating 50

LifeStream Services is celebrating 50 years of service this year.

The organization is planning various events and celebrations to commemorate the milestone, including during National Nutrition Month in March and Volunteer Appreciation Month in April. It will hold its Healthy Aging Expo in May in Richmond.

LifeStream’s annual Aging Well Conference and official 50th anniversary celebration are scheduled for June 3 in Muncie.

It is also creating a keepsake cookbook of recipes from community members. To make a submission, go to lifestreaminc.org/50threcipecollection.

For additional details about the plans for the year, visit lifestreaminc.org/50th-anniversary-landing-card.

Drop off food

Menards stores are serving as drop-off sites for food banks from now until the end of March.

Participating stores include those in Muncie, Anderson and Richmond in Indiana as well as Celina, Ohio.

Courses offered

Indiana Chamber of Commerce is offering various safety training courses throughout the year.

The chamber is offering 10-hour and 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses next week at the Indiana Chamber Conference Center in Indianapolis.

Forklift safety trainer training will be offered Feb. 4, with the 2025 Indiana Safety and Health Conference Expo to follow from Feb. 24 through 27 at Indiana Convention Center.

For more information about the training courses and details about other offerings, visit indianachamber.com.

Training offered

ServSafe training will be available at John Jay Center for Learning in Portland.

The next session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Additional sessions are scheduled for March 25 and April 29.

The certification course is open to all food service employees and emphasizes safe food- and beverage-handling practices to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses.

For more information, or to register, call (260) 729-5525.