Here’s What Is Happening

May 9, 2024

An Update From the PZSC

Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding as we navigated through the recent severe weather in the City of Portage. Fortunately, the Portage Zhang Senior Center only suffered minor cosmetic damage and all staff members are safe and accounted for.

The PZSC staff is currently working on identifying how we can best help our neighbors in need. If you or an older adult that you know requires immediate assistance, please contact the Area Agency on Aging directly at (269) 373-5173.

The PZSC will be open and all regular activities will resume on Friday, May 10th. If you have any questions about a particular activity, please contact the Reception Desk at (269) 329-4555.

We will keep you updated with any additional information as it becomes available.

Tornado Recovery Resources

The City of Portage has created a new web page to provide resources as the community begins to recover from the May 7, 2024 tornado. Here you will find important announcements, local community resources and frequently asked questions. This new page is new and evolving and will be updated with additional information as we move #ForwardTogether.

Visit the Tornado Recovery Webpage at by clicking HERE.

Storm Tips From the Better Business Bureau

Our friends at the Better Business Bureau reached out with these tips for those affected by the recent severe weather:

Talk to your insurance company first: Make sure you know what your coverages are, and how you are supposed to go about getting repairs done. Skipping this step may leave you with a big bill that isn't covered by your insurance.
Research any offer or company: Go to BBB.org, do a Google search and learn what you can before spending any money or signing any agreement. Make sure roofers and construction companies are licensed. Tree companies do not require a license, so do your research to make sure they have a good reputation.
To the extent possible, get multiple bids: The first offer may or may not be the best for you. Don't just decide based on price, if a company's bid is significantly lower than everyone else there is probably a reason.
When possible pay by credit card: This will allow you to dispute the charges if the transaction goes bad. Paying by Cash or Payment App is riskier, since once the money is gone it is very difficult to get back.

Consumers can feel free to contact the BBB at (616) 774-8236 or by email at info@bbbwmi.org

Newsletter Corrections:

The date for the June offering of Ceramics: Sgraffito Tiles will be Tuesday, June 4 from 4 – 6 PM
The date for the Beginner Jewelry Making - Caged Bead Pendants will be Tuesday, June 11 from 4 – 6 PM

REMINDER: Cancellation/ Refund Policy for Classes & Programs

Please make sure to register early for all programs and classes offered by PZSC to ensure you get a spot and to avoid the cancellation of classes due to low enrollment.

Effective immediately, the PZSC Cancellation Policy requires a 72-business hour (3 days) notice for all cancellations of classes and programs. If you need to cancel your reservation in a class, please do so at least 72-business hours in advance of the scheduled start time. Failure to provide the required notice will result in no refund or credit. Refunds will not be given after a program has begun unless there is a valid medical concern or emergency.

However, if the cancellation is due to the discretion of PZSC, including weather advisories or instructor illness, a partial credit will be placed into the member’s account. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter.

Please note that the cancellation/refund policy for travel-related reservations are handled differently.