History, heritage and honor on Memorial Day in Portage

Memorial Day has always been an important day to me. It gives me a chance to reflect on all the sacrifices men and women have made for the people in our country all through the years. Some wars I agreed with, some I did not but I was always taught that no matter your opinion, soldiers, sailo…

Bike rally planned for kids

When I was young, we just hopped on our bikes and tore out into the street; off on another adventure. But now there are so many other factors to consider when you send your kid out on a bicycle. More cars on the road, drivers being distracted by phones, eating etc. Now, I’m not saying that t…

Prayer, Seniors, Gems and Frisbee in Portage

Growing up in the land of the free always reminds me of some freedoms that revolutionaries fought for over 200 years ago. Freedom of religion is one of them. Thursday is the National Day of Prayer which was designated by the United States Congress as a day when all Americans regardless of th…

Much going on in Portage Township

If you haven’t noticed in the last couple of years, Portage Township is on the move. Portage Township is the city of Portage, the town of Ogden Dunes and the unincorporated portion known as South Haven.

It takes a village in Portage

Over the years, I’ve often quoted Hillary Clinton’s famous book title that made me realize that a child is made of many pieces, just like a puzzle, and without even one piece, that child might go terribly wrong. One organization, one teacher, one principal, one counselor, one bus driver coul…

More history and Rock and Roll in Portage

Since I was a young girl in school, my first taste of history wet my appetite for even more as I grew older. Many of my papers for writing and public speaking were sprinkled with American history moments.

A young Portage Township girl’s view

When I was a young girl of 8 years, my thoughts this week were of spring break, sleeping in every day, playing Barbie dolls with my friends, and the Easter Bunny. While times have changed and girls that age don’t necessarily play with Barbie dolls anymore; I know one thing, the furthest thin…

Plenty to do this weekend in Portage

They say “when it rains, it pours” and that is exactly how I feel about this weekend’s activities. Not a night that I, and I hope many others can say, “there isn’t anything to do.”

South Haven Firefighter’s Ball planned

I take great pride in being a firefighter’s wife. For most of our 28 years together, Randy has either been a volunteer or a career firefighter. Countless men and women dedicate there lives to the protection and preservation of life and property, things that truly mean a lot to us all.

Mayor’s State of Our City and Charity Ball

Let’s face it Portage, it’s been a real easy winter thus far in reference to cold and snow.

Repairing homes and improving lives in Portage Township

I’ve often said that this great city of Portage has always had a wealth of citizens who are always willing to help out their neighbors. All you have to do is pick up a newspaper and you can see the generosity of Portage Township residents for all kinds of projects and fundraisers. Portage Re…

Love and history in the air

Love is truly in the air this week as Thursday is Valentine’s Day.

Love and comfort from Portage

Maya Angelou is a woman that makes me think with her words of wisdom. She says, “I’m grateful for being here, for being able to think, for being able to see, for being able to taste, for appreciating love – for knowing that it exists in a world so rife with vulgarity, with brutality and with…

Portage’s answer to our favorite pastime

It may be cold and blustery outside but registration for America’s favorite pastime for Portage children is well under way.

Enjoy a memorable date with daddy at Portage park

Grease is the word bellowed by Frankie Valli. That movie was very revealing to me about love and being hopelessly devoted to anyone. It brings up questions about who you think they are, who they really are and who they become for love?

Hope for a new life in Portage

Happy New Year Portage. Although some would say; what’s so happy about it?

Angels in Portage

Here we are; the day after Christmas and the last days of 2012 are upon us. Today starts with many people looking back over the last year. I tend to look at things with rose-colored glasses when it comes to my neck of the woods. I look to find the good rather than looking for fault at every …

To All a Good Night

Only six more days until Santa makes his journey all over the world. For many families this means an empty seat at the table for Christmas dinner because their loved ones are serving in our armed forces. Please remember these honorable people who fight for the freedoms we enjoy to celebrate …

Christmas gifts, comfort and joy in Portage

I remember when I was a child, Christmas time would send me into some kind of euphoria that I can hardly describe to someone else. I still feel an inner-glow of all the fond memories of the Christmases past and the anticipation of the ones we will be making this year.

The most wonderful time of the year in Portage

Well here we are, 20 days before Christmas and Santa arrived in great fashion Saturday to usher in the Christmas season here in our city. He heard many a wish from all the kids that showed up for his entrance.

Christmas and the Jolly Old Elf come to Portage

Only 27 shopping days until Christmas. Time flies when you’re having fun. It seems like we were just finishing Halloween activities and, boom, we have Thanksgiving.

Portage SWAT: There when you need them

Our lives changed forever on September 11, 2001 and reminded us how fragile life can be no matter how much courage and training has been mustered.

Remember our vets today and always

The election is over and it is time to begin to ponder on the respect and honor for those that serve our country in another capacity but are lead by the man that the majority of Americans have put into the office of the President of the United States just yesterday.

Happy Halloween and much more

Happy All Hollow’s Eve everyone. Some suspicious spirits have informed me that our Portage and Portage Township Trick or Treat hours are from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight. Make sure you have a light source with you and wear something reflective. Please cross at intersections and use sidewalks whenev…

Much to do in Portage

This great city and township has a wealth of volunteer talent. They are never afraid to lend a helping hand to our neighbors. When you pick up this newspaper, you will always see articles regarding the generous works that go on throughout the year. Rebuilding Together is no exception to the rule.

Get ready for rummage sale, auction and Elvis

It’s definitely autumn Portage. Feel the chill in the air and see the leaves changing colors and falling to the ground.

Harvest is upon Portage

Here we are Portage, the first week of October. A time when all the farmers in the Midwest are out in their fields way into the wee hours of the night harvesting that which was sowed in the spring. Although we have had a very hot, dry summer, I’m praying the farmers of our land will be alrig…

Autumn in Portage equals Treasures and Football

It is officially fall in Portage. You can love the hot weather all you want but you’ve got to admit there is only so much you can take off to stay cool but you can always layer clothing on, the colder it gets when you’re outside.

Celebrating 50 years of service in Portage Township

I take great pride in being a firefighter’s wife. For most of our 28 years together, Randy has either been a volunteer or a career firefighter. Countless men and women dedicate their lives to the protection and preservation of life and property, things that truly mean a lot to us all.

Renew patriotic spirit on 9/11

Sept. 11, 2001, the date that will go down in history as the most catastrophic event in history on American soil. Where were you when the planes hit those glistening towers in the sunny New York sky, when the plane hit the Pentagon or when the fourth plane crashed into a Pennsylvania field?

Labor of love

Labor Day has always been considered the official last day of summer and ushers in autumn.

School beginnings and memories

Shhhhhhh, do you hear that? That my Portage Township friends is all the parents in the school district breathing a sign a relief as the kids get on that bus, slam that car door or shut that front door as they start their first full day of school. I can hear it just ever so faintly from my fr…

It’s taking a village in Portage

Some say it takes a village to raise a child and I believe in this statement. Most of our organizations and charities do help our young people in some way.

Music of all kinds in Portage

If you read this column often, you probably know I am a disco diva, but mostly a music junkie. I love all kinds of music and I do much better on a project when I’m listening to some kind .of music. In fact, as I write this, I’m listening to an Ultimate Manilow CD I just received at one of my…

Much still to do in Portage this summer

Wow, has it been hot this summer or what? The temperature is still hitting the 90’s and we still have the “Dog Days of Summer” yet to come.

It's that time of year again

Here we are just three weeks after the 4th of July and thoughts are already turning to “Back to School” for many parents and students alike in Portage Township.

Portage police reserves staffed with volunteers

Thinking back to this last very hot 4th of July, I often wonder how many people realize the officers in blue directing traffic and closing down streets actually are volunteers.

Summer’s not over yet Portage

Here we are one week after one of the most exhausting and hottest days of the year thus far, the 4th of July. I was truly amazed and pleased at how many people were still out there early along the parade route claiming their space for the day’s events.

Portage JROTC revolutionary in independence

As I sat here thinking about our impending Independence Day holiday, I connected our early military and our allies of the time for that independence in this country that we all enjoy.

Countryside Historical Festival is Saturday

"Hot time, summer in the city, back of my neck getting’ dirty and gritty."

DeLivering music and laughs in Portage

About 15 years ago, still stinging from my father-in-law’s death, due to complications of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, I received a call from my dad that my sister was in the hospital having yet another miscarriage in her fifth month of pregnancy.

Summer in the city and township

I know it’s only May and it’s not always warm yet but we have our share of “summer weather here in Portage and I want to address some of the calls that city hall and I have been getting already.

Lots going on in Portage

Everyone who knows Randy and me knows that public safety is very important to us. With him being a firefighter-paramedic for most of our married life, seat belts and a myriad of other safety devices are a way of life for our family.

Portage Rebuilding Together thanks volunteers

Portage Rebuilding Together fills a much-needed gap, providing many low-income, elderly and disabled Portage Township residents with hope in these trying times.

Prayer in Portage

Here we are one day away from one of the most controversial days of the year.

Girls just want to have fun in Portage

I know I sing of all things disco in this column from time to time, but there was a song that made me sing at the top of my lungs when Randy and I were first dating.

Cleaning up the countryside in Portage Township

When our family first moved to Portage, I was a stay-at-home mom.

It takes a village in Portage

Over the years, I've often quoted Hillary Clinton's famous book title that made me realize that a child is made of many pieces, just like a puzzle, and without even one piece, that child might go terribly wrong.

Angels with the 'Smart Choice' in Portage

You read it all the time. You hear it every day. Unemployment, foreclosures and bankruptcies.

Xtreme running for a reason in Portage

As you all know, I am x-tremely fond of this wonderful city my family calls home. Look no farther then out your back door for one of the best municipal parks and trails systems in the state of Indiana.