2014 is coming to a close, and before we move on to a new year, let's take a moment to look back on all of the highlights that made this year special. So much took place that it was hard to choose, but here are the Top 10 Community Articles that PortageLife is proud to display. We got to be part of all of these great moments with you, and we can't wait to be part of more in the years to come.
Take a look below to see the best that 2014 had to offer!
1. City in the Spotlight: Portage
Portage may be known for their boats (at the Harbor), Bass (Pro Shops) and big screen (at the Portage IMAX), but in just a day's time, visitors (and residents, too) will be able to find much more than the three B's. The city is packed with hidden gems and phenomenal people.
2. Portage School Corporation Names New Superintendent: Dr. Richard Weigel
After a search that lasted for months and spanned across three states, the Portage Township School Corporation finally announced their new superintendent at the school board meeting Wednesday evening.
3. 'Working Together Works' for Portage and Gary
The City of Portage viewed the winter weather that recently hit Northwest Indiana as an opportunity to lend a helping hand to a neighboring community. Portage city officials chose to aid the City of Gary with snow plows during its recent snow crisis.
4. Building a City's Identity: Portage Begins Construction on Long Awaited Splash Pad and Discovery Play Zone
Founders Square Park in Portage is well on its way to providing area families a warm weather escape in its new Splash Pad and Discovery Play Zone. Construction on the Splash Pad area began almost two weeks ago, with Gariup Construction of Gary breaking ground at what will eventually be a summertime gathering place, complete with colorful fountains and refreshing water streams.
5. Mayor James Snyder Stresses Efficiency, Excellence in 2014 State of the City Address
The Portage Chamber of Commerce's February luncheon played host to Portage Mayor James Snyder as he shared his administration's recent accomplishments in the city with his 2014 State of the City Address.
6. Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Best of Portage at Woodland Park
On Saturday evening, the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Dinner and Recognition Ceremony at Portage's beautiful Woodland Park. The event gives thanks to all of the contributors to the Portage community and hands out various awards to those deserving businesses and persons.
7. Brendan Clancy Gives 2014 State of the Township Address for Portage Township
On February 13th at the Bonner Senior Center in Portage, Portage Township Trustee Brendan Clancy held the annual State of the Township address to cover all the terrific accomplishments that have taken place in the township over the past year. At the end of the meeting, Clancy also officially announced his candidacy for re-election to the position.
8. Portage Community Members Help Neighbors with 2014 Rebuilding Together – Portage
For most teenagers, the part they love most about weekends is relaxing. However, for some teens, adults and numerous groups, this weekend went a little different.
9. Portage Township YMCA Takes ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
The world's latest craze made its way to the Portage Township YMCA on Tuesday. By being the latest participant in the ALS Cold Water Challenge, RN Health and Wellness Coordinator Danny Gonzalez decided to have ice water thrown onto him amongst his YMCA family, and gave the dumping honors to seven kids at the Y.
10. The Portage YMCA is More Than a Gym, It's a Cause
The theme for the Portage Township YMCA Fundraising Campaign is "The Y. So Much More". And bright and early on Wednesday morning Chris Aungst, CEO for the Portage Township YMCA, had a verbalized the theme for us, "We're more than a gym, we're a cause. We have a lot of things that we can do that other gyms can't do."