April 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • Thank You, Blood Donors!
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • VPD CARE Program
  • Resources for Neighborhood Groups
  • Business Community Calls
  • Community Crossings Grant
  • Valpo Parks Rental Supplies
  • Valpo Parks Rental Supplies
  • 2020 Census
  • Neighborhood Watch
  • Calendar and Helpful Links
Thank You, Blood Donors!
The City of Valparaiso wants to thank the 43 donors who participated in our City Hall Blood Drive on April 6! 43 pints of blood were donated which can help save about 130 lives. The American Red Cross encourages interested donors to visit redcrossblood.org to find a local drive. City Hall will be hosting a second blood drive later this month, and we look forward to another successful event with the Red Cross team.
COVID-19 Updates and Resources
This is a sample of COVID-19 recent news and highlights. Follow the City's COVID-19 page for all updates and resources.


Thank you to everyone and every organization making a difference during this time!
Valparaiso Police Department CARE Program
Watch this 2-minute video to hear Mayor Murphy and Chief Balon discuss the Valparaiso Police Department's CARE Program, which has been activated to support community members in need during COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to register themselves or someone they know, who may need assistance by contacting VPD at 219-462-2135. Once registered, "check ups" will be made regularly by VPD Officers to assist, answer any questions, make referrals and perform services when available to address needs.
COVID-19 Resources for Neighborhood Groups
Our Community Engagement Department put together a 7-minute webinar, COVID-19 Resources for Neighborhood Groups . The goal of the webinar is to provide ideas and suggestions to help keep neighborhood groups connected during this time of social distancing. Contact us for comments, questions or additional ideas at mclifton@valpo.us . View the webinar and presentation slides .
Valpo Chamber and Mayor Murphy Continue Business Community Calls
The Valpo Chamber and Mayor Murphy have been offering weekly Business Community Calls. This is an opportunity for local businesses to hear updates and have questions answered regarding COVID-19. Join us on Monday mornings at 8:30 a.m. by dialing 717-275-8940 with access code 3179197. Submit questions in advance to Marci Palmer with "Business Community Call Question" in the subject line. Listen to the most recent call hosted April 13.
Valparaiso Awarded $1 Million Community Crossings Grant
The City of Valparaiso has been awarded a $1 million Community Crossings Grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation. This 50/50 matching grant will fund the resurfacing of eight streets, totaling just over six miles within the city. The roadways targeted in the Community Crossings Grant include:
  • Campbell Street (Northview Drive to 100’ south of Cottage View Terrace)
  • Burlington Beach Road (Campbell Street to Bloomingdale Drive)
  • Lincolnway (230’ west of Madison Street to Campbell Drive)
  • Eastport Center Drive (Redbow Drive to Mariposa Drive)
  • Valparaiso Street (Wall Street to Bullseye Lake Road)
  • Hemlock Drive (Evergreen Drive to Burlington Beach Road)
  • Oak Grove Drive (Bullseye Lake Road to Burlington Beach Road)
  • Oak Grove Circle (Oak Grove Circle to 235’ south of Oak Grove Circle)

Read the full press release to learn more about Valparaiso's commitment to our roadways and how the locations were determined for this grant.
Valparaiso Fire Department Offers Video Programs
In an effort to engage families in a positive way during COVID-19, the Valparaiso Fire Department (VFD) will be offering video programs to include story times with fire fighters, home safety tips and more. Watch as Chief Dutz introduces the program from Task Force Tips . Look for more videos to premier next week on VFD's Facebook Page. Additionally, you can look for Lt. Schulte to do a storytime with the Porter County Public Library System on Tuesday 4/21 at 10am.
Valpo Parks Backyard Sports Bag Program
Valpo Parks has launched a new Backyard Sports Bag Program . During the month of April, families can rent sports equipment to use at home like a soccer ball, volleyball and more for a $5 fee per item. They are also offering video training/tips that can be paired with the equipment. The goal is to provide equipment to those families and community members that may not have their own and to encourage people to remain at-home but stay active by playing in their driveway, garage or backyard as much as possible. Learn more about the program.

P.S. Check out these Neighborhood Walking Routes from Valpo Parks!
Complete the U.S. Census - Valpo at 58% Response Rate
Now is the time to participate in the U.S. Census. It's important to have full participation, as these numbers translate to dollars and representation. Preliminary numbers show that just over 58% of Valparaiso residents have responded, which is better than state and national averages, however, we want to see even more households participate. Please respond to your census questionnaire by mail, online or by phone. It only takes a few minutes and provides lasting benefits to the community. Learn more.
Neighborhood Watch
The Bicentennial Square Neighborhood had a pinwheel surprise on Easter! Volunteers placed colorful pinwheels in neighbors' yards as a way to spread joy and kindness.
Families around the city continue to decorate their homes with positive messages and art. Here are examples from Central Neighborhood and Audubon Estates.