If there’s one thing that held true throughout all of 2020, it’s that our Portage community stayed strong and stayed together. We distributed meals to thousands of families and frontline workers, made our voices heard by voting, reprioritized what is important, and above all, supported those around us. It can be seen in the countless community articles that we published this year, but we could not have continued to share good with you if it wasn’t for our community.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles from Portage.Life in 2020:
Faith communities stay spiritually connected, grow, and learn during pandemic
One could say that the pandemic has brought about the best of humanity in hundreds of ways, if not more. The spiritual and faithful communities have, out of necessity, put traditional worship aside and embraced newer ways to gather in faith. For many, the movement has been having positive effects in ways they had not expected.
Seniors living at Rittenhouse Village at Portage thrive despite pandemic
From bingo to book carts, Rittenhouse Village at Portage has kept its seniors engaged and upbeat throughout the pandemic. Senior living in this day and age has certainly looked different from the past due to the influence of COVID-19, but seniors living at Rittenhouse Village have still been able to thrive and enjoy life.
Porter-Starke Services’ Beyond Boundaries Division fosters teamwork
Porter-Starke Services is committed to tackling behavioral healthcare in a variety of ways. While they are dedicated to serving individuals, they also help to empower different groups of people, from teammates to coworkers to classmates. Kyle Otten heads up the Beyond Boundaries Division of Porter-Starke Services as its director.
Allegius Credit Union partners with Independent Cat Society to find Region felines forever homes
Cats have a reputation for being hardy, smart animals that generally do pretty well when left on their own outside. While that is sometimes true, life as a stray should never be the first option for any cat. The Independent Cat Society (ICS) is a no-kill cat shelter in Westville, and their mission is to provide homeless felines care, protection, and a new family.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana gets creative with kid-designed mini golf courses
In lieu of its traditional, well-attended golf outing to raise funds and awareness for the programs and services it offers, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana took a different approach in 2020, offering supporters a unique way to safely enjoy golf and Club members a fun way to get involved.
Portage EDC adjusts to help local businesses during COVID-19
“If there’s anything this pandemic has taught me, it is that times like these bring out the best in humanity,” said Amy Parker, Business Development Manager for Portage Economic Development Corporation (Portage EDC).
Fegely Middle School sends off 8th grade class with fanfare
The effects of COVID-19 have caused schools across the country to cancel in-person classes, spring sports, and, perhaps most unfortunate, graduation ceremonies and festivities to honor 2020 graduates of all levels. Despite this disappointing blow, many institutions have taken it upon themselves to create new ways of honoring their graduates, not letting their exemplary accomplishments pass by unnoticed. The 8th grade class at Fegely Middle School in Portage experienced a new kind of celebration Wednesday evening, as the school hosted a drive by event for graduates and their families.
United Way of Porter County’s Retired & Senior Volunteers step up during COVID-19
Among United Way of Porter County’s numerous teams of remarkable volunteers are the members of their Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP for short. The program offers people age 55 or older the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of challenges and topics throughout their communities.
First responders honor Porter Regional Hospital staff
Solidarity, love, and respect filled the air in a spectacular lighted display as dozens of first responders circled Porter Regional Hospital with their rigs and vehicles Saturday night to thank the hospital staff for their courage and dedication during the pandemic.
More than numbers – Portage residents: your response counts in 2020 Census
The 2020 Census is underway, the country’s decennial attempt at counting every resident within its borders. Everyone is familiar with the goal, but for communities like Portage, the census represents a lot more than simply seeing their population number go up on Wikipedia.