In times of struggle, we can always turn to our community to be reminded of all the good happening around us. Throughout 2021, that community was stronger than ever. Whether it was grabbing a friend to run a 5K with you, appreciating front-line workers, fundraising for countless amazing organizations, or celebrating the small stories of success that make our communities the special places that they are, there was a lot of good to go around this year.
In no particular order, here are the top 10 community articles from Portage.Life in 2021:
City of Portage promotes downtown park developments and fall festivities
The City of Portage is in the midst of maintaining current parks, beginning new construction in Founders Square, and hosting multiple community events to support the town and community. Residents have many new developments and gatherings to look forward to in the coming months.
Portage Township Food Pantry serves the community with a newer, improved space
While the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt on many plans, including the Portage Township Food Pantry ribbon cutting, it didn’t stop the pantry from serving its community.
After losing its home at the Portage alternative school when the building was sold, the pantry spent some time at Presbyterian church in Portage before finding its permanent home with the Portage Township Trustee's Office.
Former Portage Teacher and Coach Thomas Edward Levandoski remembered for his friendliness, caring attitude, and positive impact on community
On Thursday, August 26, former Portage teacher and coach Thomas Edward “Coach Lev” Levandoski passed away peacefully at home after a four-year battle with cancer.
Coach Lev graduated from La Porte High School in 1968, and then from Purdue University with an English degree and minor in physical education in 1971. He began teaching the two subjects at Portage High School that same year, and continued teaching there until 2007. In addition to teaching, Levandoski coached varsity baseball, served as assistant wrestling coach, and helped the cross country team with their summer camps.
Porter County Sheriff’s Office hosts memorial to honor the men and women who serve and protect
Porter County Sheriff’s Office participated in Police Week 2021 with the annual memorial service to show gratitude and respect to the men and women of the law enforcement community. Joined by supporters, advocates, and political and religious leaders, law enforcement officers of Porter County were embraced with positivity and gratitude for the dedication and commitment they show in their everyday work.
Indiana American Water bolsters its communities through volunteer work and relationships with local fire departments
As a company that provides a utility that is vital to supporting the well-being of its communities, Indiana American Water (IAW) serves its communities with an attitude of responsibility and generosity. Wanting employees to engage with and volunteer in its communities, American Water created the American Water Charitable Foundation to encourage IAW and other American Water companies to get involved in bettering its communities.
Upcoming trail developments in Crown Point, Portage, and Valparaiso set to connect the Region thanks to Next Level Trails grants
At the beginning of March, Governor Eric Holcomb and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Dan Bortner shared the exciting word that 18 Indiana communities would receive a combined total of nearly $30 million to fund the trail grants they applied for. Among these communities whose projects were approved through the second round of Next Level Trails were three deserving Region cities: Crown Point, Portage and Valparaiso.
Rittenhouse Village at Portage’s celebrations department emphasizes spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing
While the COVID-19 pandemic has put a pause on Rittenhouse Village at Portage’s outings with residents, the senior living community has made a push to provide activities that are not only fun and engaging for residents, but also ones that promote an overall healthy state of mind during this difficult time.
Local businesses partner with Portage EDC to hand out safety packs for Portage students
The Portage Economic Development Corporation (EDC), with the help of several businesses in the area, handed out safety kits containing face-masks, hand sanitizer, and a lanyard to keep everything neatly connected. The kits were assembled by a crew consisting of Amy Parker, the Business Development Manager at Portage EDC, Melissa Deavers-Lowie, the Communications Director at Portage Township Schools, and a group of bus drivers.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana makes wishes come true with “Christmas to Remember”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana believes every kid who walks through its doors deserves a special Christmas, so when President of Luxor Homes, Inc. Randy Hall approached the organization looking for a way to make sure kids had a happy holiday, the annual “Christmas to Remember” was born. "Christmas to Remember" is a special event where kids fill out Christmas wish lists and receive gifts from generous donors.
Northwest Indiana students get hands-on experience, mentorship at Center of Workforce Innovations’ fifth Annual Construction & Skilled Trades Day
1,100 students from 29 schools and career/tech centers across Northwest Indiana gathered at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Tuesday morning for the fifth Annual Construction & Skilled Trades Day. Hosted by Center of Workforce Innovations, Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, Construction Advancement Foundation, We Build NWI, and Indiana Plan, the event allowed students to engage in hands-on demonstrations with tradespeople and apprentices representing 16 different trades.
