A short time ago, we asked our PortageLife Twitter followers a relatively simple question:
“What is the next big thing you’d like to see built in Portage?”
The question BLEW UP, sparking answers ranging from the humorous (Eifel Tower) to doable, serious, and popular (Sonic). And even though all the answers weren’t entirely realistic (Disney World), the reaction showed just how much the community of Portage cared about the future of their city.
As is the case a lot on Twitter, that tweet could have easily blown past people’s timelines, or just have been shrugged off as a good question but not really worth the time to craft a response to. But it wasn’t. The responses came pouring in all night, overflowing into the early morning, each backed with thought – be it funny or serious.
The responses were great, yes, but the point is people took the time to respond. And, to me, that is the sincerest reflection of a community that cares.
Did the response show people wanted more options in Portage? Sure. But the fact of the matter is that it showed people only want the town to keep growing because they’re going to be there as it does.
Did some people have a little fun with the recommendations? Of course, it’s Twitter. But it also revealed an unconditional love for the city itself; it’s their Portage, their home, they’re in on the fun.
But no matter what was tweeted, responding and reacting to something always comes down to a simple truth: they would not have responded if they didn’t care.
There is no heart in indifference, and no growth from being content.
Portage residents are not indifferent to their passion for the town; we see it every day in reporting all the good news they are so eager to share with us. There’s a desire to grow, to build, and to live in Portage, it’s palpable whenever you bring up the future of the town with someone who lives there.
There is pride and passion in Portage, and we have a ton of random, silly, loving tweets to prove it.
From this:
@PortageLife more volunteer service centers for youths
— Andy (@aiyafaith) January 15, 2016
To this
@aiyafaith @PortageLife OR LIKE MINI GOLF!!!!!!
— Queen Kanye (@OhFranta) January 15, 2016