March 2020
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
  • COVID-19 Updates
  • Business Community Call March 23
  • VCS Offers Free Meals for Kids
  • 2020 Census
  • Neighborhood Grant Webinar
  • Library Learning Plaza
  • Calendar and Helpful Links
COVID-19 Update from Mayor Murphy
View the most recent message (3/18) from Mayor Murphy regarding COVID-19 and our community. The City of Valparaiso continues to coordinate with state and county officials to keep the community safe and informed. City services of public safety, utilities, trash and recycling pickup, etc. will continue and utility shut offs are suspended. The City is currently working with downtown restaurants in creating newly designated carry-out/pick-up parking spaces, suspending downtown parking enforcement and remains open to suggestions on how we can best work together during this time. View a listing of closures/changes in services of city departments, including Valpo Parks , and always call in advance of visiting a business or organization during this time.

For more information on COVID-19 and how to reduce risk, visit the Centers for Disease Control and the Indiana State Department of Health websites.

5 Things You Can Do To Help Our Community Right Now:
  1. Stay home if you are sick
  2. Shop local safely (for local restaurant info visit valpotogo.com)
  3. Check on your neighbors
  4. Donate blood (Red Cross)
  5. Take care of your mental health
Valpo Chamber and Mayor Murphy Host Business Community Call
The Valpo Chamber and Mayor Murphy are teaming up to offer a Business Community Call . This is an opportunity for local businesses to hear updates and have questions answered regarding COVID-19. Join us Monday, March 23 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. The call will be recorded.
Valparaiso Community Schools Offer Free Meals for Kids
VCS School Nutrition will be providing families with an opportunity to obtain two free grab-and-go meals per child daily for children ages 18 and under. These meals will be available at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, Monday through Friday, from 11:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. through May 1, 2020. Learn more about the meal pick up procedure before you visit.
2020 Census - Everyone Counts!
The 2020 Census is here and it's important for everyone to count. Taken every ten years, the Census is an official headcount of all residents. At the March 9 City Council meeting, Mayor Murphy signed a proclamation encouraging all residents to participate in the Census by mail, phone or online. Valparaiso households should receive their Census letter by the end of the month and should be completed as soon as possible. Learn more.

**The U.S. Census Bureau now encourages college students to be counted at home instead of on campus, given that students have been relocated off campus due to COVID-19. You should count the students where they will be residing on April 1.
2020 Neighborhood Improvement Grant - Webinar Available
On March 12, the Redevelopment Commission approved guidelines for the 2020 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program . The Commission has budgeted $100,000 towards the program which is administered by the Community Engagement Department. Neighborhood groups can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to go towards resident-driven improvement projects.

Given the COVID-19 situation, the application deadline is to be determined and an informational webinar is available in place of an in-person information session. View the 18-minute webinar and presentation slides now. All other materials are available online . Stay tuned for more updates from the Community Engagement Department.
Grant for Library Outdoor Learning Plaza Awarded
The City of Valparaiso, in partnership with the Porter County Public Library System (PCPLS), received a $500,000 blight clearance grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The grant, along with local matching investments from the Redevelopment Commission, will allow the City and PCPLS to transform the blighted area at 106 Jefferson St into an outdoor library plaza for the community to enjoy. Learn more about your local library by viewing its annual report . Valparaiso was one of five communities to receive a blight clearance grant in 2019. Pictured is Mayor Murphy accepting the award from Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and OCRA Executive Director, Jodi Golden. Learn more.
Calendar: The City of Valparaiso is following the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control concerning public gatherings. Governor Holcomb in Executive Order 20-04 authorized the conducting of public meetings telephonically with only one member of the governing body physically present at City Hall. Other members may participate telephonically. At the date and time of the scheduled public meeting, any member of the public may call 717-275-8940 and use Access Code: 3179197 to participate. Please note that although public attendance is strongly discouraged until the threat of the Coronavirus subsides, the public is still welcome to attend the meeting at City Hall. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please contact Holly Taylor, Valparaiso Clerk Treasurer at 462-1161 or htaylor@valpo.us .

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