Here we are Portage, just two days away from the first of a brand new year! I always like to reflect at this time of year on how my life has been affected by what has been given to me and mine throughout the year. Gifts that cannot be wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a bow. I also like to look back and take notice of all that has been accomplished and given back to our community.

Volunteerism, a gift that keeps on giving and is priceless in my book.

Since my first column appeared almost seven years ago, I've really come to appreciate and know quite a few more people in our community. In the 19 years Randy and I have lived in Portage, I've always felt that our city pulled together for a common good but writing this column has taken me to a new level of appreciation for it's people. Sometimes I feel like I eat, sleep and breathe Portage! Throughout these last few years I've touched on so many organizations and projects in Portage that have literally changed people's lives. Some organizations like the Portage Fire Department, Portage Police Department and Reserves and Portage SWAT Team hit a little closer to home of course, because my husband has been directly or indirectly involved, but none-the-less, they do great things for our community outside the realm of their civic duties.

These groups often have regular fundraisers to help the needy, to provide scholarships for high school seniors, teach safety classes and much more.

Then we have the groups who help the less fortunate. God knows that without the good works of many these organizations that many families would go hungry and not have a roof over their head. The YMCA, the Exchange Club, the Portage Food Pantry, Northshore Health Facilities, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Relay for Life, Rebuilding Together, Jacob's Ladder, Portage Resale Shop and Gabriel's Horn are just a few of the exemplary groups that give back to our citizens in need.

We also have groups that give back to the community by providing entertainment and enjoyment to all. These include the Pride in Portage, the Portage Live Entertainment Association, the Portage Park Department, Portage Park Foundation and the Portage Perch Fest, who pride themselves on quality family entertainment to all of us.

The Portage Historical Society has preserved our heritage here in Portage for all people to take note and study. The rebuilding of the Traeger barn and the renovating of their homestead have brought a piece of our history to life.

Also our own vintage baseball team, the Iron Diamonds, complete with their own language and uniforms have definitely brought the original game's formalities to all of us who watch them.

I want to especially thank the Portage community itself, so many of your emails and words of encouragement and thanks have deeply touched my heart and keeps me going from day to day in this chaotic world we live in.

Finally thanks to all the individuals that do amazing things in our community.

Your efforts are truly appreciated. Happy New Year, Portage!

The opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. She can be reached at (219) 764-2187 or robinwilkening@remax.net.