Niles Chamber & Community News April

April 9, 2013 321 E. Main Street, P.O. Box 10, Niles, MI 49120 Phone: (269)683-3720 FAX: (269)683-3722 Email: Chamber@nilesmi.com

Mission Statement: "To provide a positive leadership role in our Community using Chamber resources to promote our Member Businesses while developing new Business growth."

www.nilesmi.com Chamber & Community Calendar Wednesday, April 10

Nature Saplings: Tastes in Nature at Fernwood

Thursday, April 11

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for Skylight Leadership

Thursday, April 11

Smoke-Free Life Seminar at Lakeland-Niles 6pm-7pm

Saturday, April 13

Gallery Artists Demos, Wings & Wildflowers, Birds of Fernwood & Tatting for Beginners at Fernwood

Saturday, April 13

Cooking with Herbs at Fernwood

Sunday, April 14

Spring Wildflower Walk at Fernwood

Tuesday, April 16

Give Em’ A Pickle by Business Success Unlimited

Tuesday, April 16

Events Supporting Healthcare Decisions Day at Lakeland-Niles 5:30pm-7:30pm

Wednesday, April 17

Xocai Healthy Chocolate meeting at Riverfront CafĂŠ at 6:30pm

Thursday, April 18

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for CornerStone Realty

Thursday, April 18

Parenting with Love and Logic- 6:30-8:30 LMC-Bertrand

Thursday, April 18

April 18, May 2, 16, June 6, 20- Online Mastermind Teleseminar

Saturday, April 20

Go Organic! Fernwood 10am-noon

Tuesday, April 23

How to Start a Successful Cottage Food Business in MI

Wednesday, April 24

Early Heart Attach Care, Because Every Heart Matters: Lakeland-Niles 12:30pm-1:30pm

Wednesday, April 24

Business After Hours: Hosted by Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union RSVP

Tuesday, April 30

Heart Lessons – Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 6-7pm

May 2, 9 & 16

Entering the Caregiver Zone – Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 6-7pm

Thursday, May 2

Hearing Loss Seminars – Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 6-7pm

Friday, May 3

The LAUNCH at Michiana Christian Service Camp

Sunday, May 5

Niles Service League Charity Golf Outing Call Becky at (269) 591-1246

Monday, May 6 & June 3

Eating Right for a Healthy Heart– Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 6-7pm

Tuesday, May 7

Niles Garden Club meets at 7pm Call Doreen at (269) 683.1088

Thursday, May 9

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for AAA Cindy McCall Insurance Agency, LLC

Tuesday, May 14

Living Well with Congestive Heart Failure– Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 1:30-2:30pm

May 17, 29 & June 25

Learn More About Stroke– Lakeland HealthCare – Niles 11am

Saturday, May 18

Lory’s Place 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Rock- Registration Has Begun!

Wednesday, May 22

Business After Hours: Hosted by Tyler Automotive

Wednesday, June 5

Lose Weight…Find Health – Lakeland HealthCare –Niles 6:30-8pm

Thursday, June 6

EXPOsing Greatness! Business EXPO Register Today

Wednesday, June 12 & 26

Stop Stressing Your Heart

Tuesday, June 18

Heart Lessons – Lakeland-Niles 6-7pm

Saturday, June 22

Shake It Up Baby Now by SMSO

Saturday, June 22

Arts in Motion Downtown Niles

Wednesday, June 26

Business After Hours: Open for Host

Wednesday, July 3

July 4th Fireworks Celebration- Niles

July 13-14

Niles Burn Run

Monday, July 15

SAVE THE DATE! Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Outing

Saturday, July 20

Buddy Holiday Dance Party by SMSO

August 1-4

Niles Riverfest

August 10-11

Fort St. Joseph Archaeological Project Open House & US12 Heritage Route Garage Sale

Saturday, August 17

Shrek the Musical Presented by SMSO

Wednesday, August 28

Business After Hours Hosted by Chemical Bank

September 26-29

Four Flags Area Apple Festival

Friday, November 22

CFSSWM 7th Annual Festival of Lights

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Holiday Business After Hours Hosted by Fifth Third Bank

GET A SNEEK PEEK ONLINE The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce

Ambassador of the Month, March 2013 Kate Gassman, Trillium Staffing

Thanks to all the Ambassadors for their service and community outreach!

Chamber Ambassadors will be volunteering over- time this month to hand deliver your Member Directory and Decal. All deliveries will either be mailed or hand delivered by the end of the month.

If for any reason you did not receive yours, or would like to request additional copies, Please contact the chamber at (269) 683-3720

Please make sure your information is correct. If not please let us know so we can get it right.

Thursday, April 11, 2013 @ 11:00am

New Member welcome and introduction will take place at the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, 321 E. Main Street, Niles

Who Are We? Skylight Leadership was founded by Rhonda Gipson-Willis and Jessica Johnson. Both are MSW’s and Licensed Clinical Social Workers who have held positions in the child welfare arena. They are also Certified Speakers, Coaches and Trainers with the John Maxwell Team

Contact us to see how Skylight Leadership can add value to you and your organization

What is Skylight Leadership?

Contact Info

Skylight is a leadership development and coaching firm. We offer services to assist leaders and maximize leadership potential.

Services: Lunch and Learns, Mastermind Groups, Professional Coaching (Group & Individual), Presentations, Corporate Trainings - John Maxwell Learning Systems Becoming a Person of Influence How to Be a R.E.A.L Success Leadership Gold Everyone Communicates, Few Connect Put Your Dream to the Test

Skylight Leadership can help you increase the overall organizational health of companies and their empoyees. Companies can have the best technology, benefits and perks, but without the employees performing at optimal levels, business suffers. Employees affect so many aspects of the bottom line. As a Skylight partner, you will see your organization grow leaders, who in turn grow more leaders., that not only get you to your bottom line, but increase morale, teamwork and efficiency.

Rhonda Gipson-Willis, MSW, LCSW Co-Founder/CEO Rhonda@skylightleadership.com

(574) 400-5151 Jessica Johnson, MSW, LCSW Co-Founder/COO Jessica@skylightleadership.com

(269) 262-5001

www.skylightleadership.com

Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting for CornerStone Realty

Thursday, April 18, 2013 @ 11:00am CornerStone Realty is located at 215 Broadway, Niles, MI 49120

info@cornerstoneres.com Featured Listing

www.cornerstoneres.com Communities Served Benton Harbor – Sodus Bangor - Hartford – Lawrence Berrien Center Eau Claire Berrien Springs - Baroda Cassoplois - Vandalia Coloma – Watervliet Dowagiac – Decatur Edwardsburg - Union New Buffalo - Union Pier – Lakeside Niles - Buchanan Sawyer - Bridgman - Harbert - New Troy South Haven - Covert St Joseph – Stevensville Three Oaks – Galien White Pigeon - Constantine

1849 M 51 North Niles, MI 49120 $119,900 Beds: 3 Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 1120 Listing #: 13017333

Business After Hours Networking

Wednesday, August 24th 5:30-7:30pm

Hosted by

507 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 Networking * Appetizers * Cash Bar * Door Prizes * 50/50 Drawing * Fun * Fun * Fun * Remember Your Business Cards Cost: $5/Chamber Members or $10/Non-Members Please RSVP to: chamber@nilesmi.com or Call 269-683-3720

About GNCFCU The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union was started in the early 1940’s as Kawneer Credit Union.

Original membership was for employees of Kawneer in Niles. In 1984 we became The Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union and at this time the charter was expanded to a community charter.

Our current field of membership is anyone that lives, works, worships, goes to school or is part of an organization in the City of Niles, Niles Township or all of Cass County. Immediate family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, and spouses) are also eligible regardless of employment or residence. Once a person becomes a member they can remain a member regardless of residence or employment.

Our total assets are just over Fifty million dollars, with membership at 4500. Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union is a financial cooperative owned by its members. Each member has an opportunity to select our Board of Directors.

We are a nonprofit organization, and derive our income from interest on loans, and interest earned from investments. This income is returned to members in the form of higher interest earned on deposits, and lower rates on loans.

We consider our members our employers and owners.

Our number one goal is to offer personal service that is superior to that offered by our competition.

Visit our new website at www.gncfcu.com Consider donating a door prize. It’s a great way to get new feet through your business doors!

Lory’s Place 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Rock Runners, walkers, and other supporters are invited to register for the 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Rock for Lory’s Place, the grief healing and education center of Hospice at Home, a Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate. The event will take place in the Edgewater area of St. Joseph on “Last year’s event was our biggest ever, drawing nearly 1,200 participants,” said Lisa Bartoszek, Hospice at Home, Director of Bereavement and Lory’s Place. “Lory's Place is fully funded by the generous donations and gifts from our community, and all proceeds from Run, Walk, and Rock help provide free services for grieving children and their families throughout southwest Michigan and northern Indiana.”

Under the direction of event chairperson Christine Borah, the Lory’s Place 9th Annual Run, Walk, and Rock will begin at 8:30 a.m. The timed 5K run/walk course will take runners and walkers through the old and new areas of the Edgewater Development – past the sailboats in the marina, along the river, past Lake Michigan and its sandy beaches, down the historical brick streets of Ridgeway, and into parts of beautiful Tiscornia Park. Chip timing will be used for fast and easy race results. All events begin and end at Lory’s Place in St. Joseph.

For those who prefer to watch, comfortable rocking chairs will be available for a sponsorship fee throughout the morning at the edge of the course.

Registration for Run, Walk, and Rock is open now. Day of the event registration begins at 7:00 a.m. To register online go to www.lorysplace.org or contact Lory’s Place at (269) 983-2707 for more information.

Registration: $20 if postmarked by May 13; go to www.lorysplace.org for printable form and mail to: Lory’s Place, 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph, MI 49085 $20 in person at Lory’s Place before noon on May 15 $20 for online registration; closes on May 16 at 7:00 a.m. $25 May 16 to 18; registration on race day starts at 7:00 a.m.

Group/Family Registration: $15 per person for eight (8) or more members of the same household, club, organization or business. Rate valid until 5:00 p.m. on May 10.

Packet Pick Up: Those who are preregistered for the event may pick up race packets and Tshirts on Friday, May 17, from noon to 6:00 p.m., at Lory’s Place, located at 445 Upton Drive, St. Joseph.

Photos Credit Ken Zimmerman

Member Updates and Corrections Niles District Library phone number in the printed directory is incorrect.

The phone number should read (269) 683-8545 Visit www.nileslibrary.com Niles Tire Service has moved!

Visit them at their new location at 2530 N. 5th Street. Or Call (269) 591-4190 Do You Have a Job Opening in Your Company or Small Business? We now have a link for employment where members can help expand their search for talent. Send to chamber@nilesmi.com Cottage to Commercial Ingredients for a Successful Food Business Whether you have dabbled with a home-baked cookie under the Cottage Food Law, or dreamed about bottling grandma’s spaghetti sauce, food products are serious business. This session will deal with basic food processing, regulatory requirements, business development resources, and related topics.

You’re Invited!

TASTING CELEBRATION WEDNESDAY, April 17th @ 6:30 PM. RIVERFRONT CAFÉ, Niles, MI

Cottage to Commercial will be offered 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Tuesday, April 23 at the Niles Entrepreneur & Culinary Incubator, 219 North 4th Street/2nd Floor, Niles, MI 49120. Michigan State University Extension Educators, Jean Nichols, Joanne Davidhizar, and Mark Thomas will teach the session. Niles Main Street and Lake Michigan College are co-sponsoring the program.

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.

Persons with disabilities may request accommodations by calling 269-944-4126 There is a $25.00 fee to attend a workshop that will help you have a successful small food business. Make checks payable to Niles Main Street, and mail to Niles Main Street, 333 N 2nd Street, Suite 303, Niles, MI 49120

Come one! Come ALL and have a ball tasting All the 8 “ XOCAI HEALTHY CHOCOLATE“ products!

Learn how to improve your health & your wealth through eating the true dark healthy all natural chocolate WITH Traci Lee Smith & Dennis Holsapple

Business Success Unlimited Helping Business Succeed: connect, motivate and collaborate

269-651-3555 www.success4biz.biz

Sunday News Brought to you by

April 16 – Give ‘Em a Pickle Location: National College, 1030 Jefferson Street, South Bend, IN While we all know that we give our customers GREAT customer service, there is a difference between a satisfied customer and a RAVING Fan! Come learn how to create that fan by "giving 'em a pickle!“ $35 a person or 3 for the price of 2.

April 18, May 2, 16, June 6, 20- Online Mastermind Teleseminar You've been working hard and have your dream business started. Where do you go from here? How do you let people know that you're available? Wouldn't it be great to get a loan to help you buy new products or support the business? Want to be part of a group with other people who are also looking for ways to grow their business? Why not spend some time ON your business, learning, improving, adding or just sharing with others things that are guaranteed to help you go from where you are to where you want to be. Topics: Creating a financial foundation, our money to-do list and how do we create profitability; What is Your Niche and Why You Should Have One as well as Pricing, Promotion and Sales; Bootstrapping; and Marketing and Creating Loyal Customers This is an online program where we talk via phone and Internet. COST: $45 for 6 2 hour sessions. RSVP in advance and you'll get the dial in info right in your inbox.

Bring two others with you and YOU get this program FREE.

Volunteer Nominations Now Being Accepted: It's time to say "thank you" to the wonderful volunteers in our community who are making an impact at local non-profit organizations, schools, and churches! Your help is needed to bring their accomplishments to light.

United Way of Southwest Michigan seeks to honor these dedicated volunteers at the annual Volunteer Celebration and Recognition Event with volunteer awards in three categories - The Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award, LIVE UNITED Youth Award, and the Powerful Giving Awards in EDUCATION, INCOME, HEALTH, and BASIC NEEDS. Nominations are due by April 30, 2013. Full descriptions and nomination forms can be found online at www.uwsm.org/volunteerevent and hard copies are available by request by calling 269-982-1700.

Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award This prestigious award honors a Berrien County resident with a lifetime record of volunteer service. Nominations should demonstrate a candidate's lifetime of exemplary service to the community through a range of diverse projects or services. The winner will receive $3,000 to direct to the non-profit organization of their choice.

LIVE UNITED Youth Award Scholarships Each year United Way honors outstanding youth volunteers, one from Cass County and one from Berrien County. Along with the recognition at the event the winners receive a $500 scholarship. Applicants should show a commitment to volunteerism through innovation, time and dedication, andadvocacy for community improvement.

Powerful Giving Awards United Way is proud to announce the Powerful Giving Awards to honor Berrien or Cass County volunteers who are making a difference within United Way's goals in the areas of Education, Income, Health or Basic Needs. The winner in each category will have the opportunity to direct $200 to the non-profit organization of their choice.

Pagel announces Natural Resources Trust Fund grants for Berrien County

Health Care Seminar You’re invited

Tuesday, April 23rd at Noon Lunch will be provided.

Keynote Speaker: Tripp W. Vander Wal, Attorney with Miller & Johnson Pay or Play aspect of HealthCare Reform Offer Employer Based Coverage or Pay the Fee? Full Time Employees-How to Calculate Affordable Coverage? 9.6% Minimum Value 60%, Out of Pocket Changes to Benefit Plan New Fees-Pt. Centered Outcomes, Research, etc.

Difference Between Public/Private Exchange What might Michigan's Exchange Look Like if you or your company are a BCMC (Berrien County Manufacturers Council) Member or a SMEGA ( Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance) Member the Seminar Fee is $20.00 Non-member Seminar Fee $25.00 Please register below.

Register Now! I can't make it

Lawmaker says money will funds trail development, park improvements State Rep. Dave Pagel announces two projects in Berrien County will benefit from Natural Resources Trust Fund grants. Pagel, R-Oronoko Township, said Niles Township will receive $286,000 for the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail development. Another $300,000 will go toward improvements at Silver Beach County Park.

"It is very encouraging to see state resources come back to Berrien County in the form of recreation improvements," Pagel said.

"The residents of our communities spend a great deal of time on the trails and at county parks, and the improvements mean that more people can take advantage of the amazing natural resources that make Southwestern Michigan such a great place to live and play."

Improvements to the trails include development of a four-mile, 10-foot-wide non-motorized trail from the Indiana state line to the Brandywine Creek Natural Preserve.

Developments at Silver Beach include construction of a beach shelter and pier trail, playground updates, electrical upgrades, construction of a pier restroom and site furnishings. The improvements will most benefit anglers who fish off the pier.

Designed as a sustainable funding source for public outdoor recreation projects throughout Michigan, the trust fund awarded more than $23 million in grants to communities during 2013. The trust fund began in 1976 to balance conservation management and oil and gas drilling on state-managed land. Since 1976, the trust fund has awarded more than $965 million in grants, including $14.2 million in Berrien County.

2013 Charity Golf Outing Registration Form Name: _____________________________________ Name: ________________________________________ Name: _____________________________________ Name: ________________________________________ Contact Phone Number: ___________________________________ $65.00 per person / $260.00 per team Amount Enclosed: $_______________________ Payment and Registration form due by Tuesday, April 23rd.

Make checks payable to NSL and mail form and payment to:

NSL, c/o Golf Outing, PO Box 704, Niles, MI 49120

Lake Michigan College-Bertrand - Community Education Cooking with Herbs:

Chef Tim Carrigan will lead us from the magnificent herb garden he has right outside his kitchen window into his creative kitchen, where he will show us how to use herbs to infuse every day dishes with flavor and aromas to brighten up our culinary repertoire. The choices, the possibilities, and the flavors are endless.

Day: Saturday, April 13, 10 am – Noon, Cost: $20 (no discounts), CRN: 60431 Location: Fernwood Botanical Garden, Rangeline Road, Buchanan

Parenting with Love and Logic

“How do I get them out of bed in time to catch the bus?” “Is there a way to discipline my child in public without creating a scene?” “How can I get my teenage daughter to come home at the agreed-upon time?” In this seven-part parent training program, participants receive practical advice that can be put into immediate effect, while gathering a way to feel more confident and relaxed as a parent.

Day: Thursdays, April 18 - May 30, Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm, Cost: $30 (includes textbook-no discounts), CRN: 60552, Location: Lake Michigan College – Bertrand

Go Organic!:

Have you been gardening using inorganic fertilizers and pesticides but have wondered what all the organic hype is about? Are you new to gardening and want to start growing organically? See what the gardener’s role in organic growing is and what the soil and plants do where we can’t see them at work.

Day: Saturday, April 20, Time: 10 am – Noon, Cost: $20 (no discounts) , CRN: 60698 , Location: Fernwood Botanical Garden, Rangeline Road, Buchanan

Lakeland HealthCare – Community Education

April 11-June 26

Ready to Quit Smoking?

Your healthcare provider recommends that you stop smoking as soon as possible. Lakeland HealthCare offers free quarterly seminars and one-on-one support sessions to help and encourage you to quit smoking. Schedule a consultation with a tobacco treatment specialist and receive the tools you need to kick the habit for good. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call (269) 927-5403 or email mclayborn@lakelandregional.org Smoke-Free Life Seminar, Thursday, April 11, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

Events Supporting National: Healthcare Decisions Day

Because Every Heart Matters –Early Heart Attack Care Did you know that heart attacks have beginnings? Early Heart Attack Care involves knowing the subtle danger signs of a heart attack and acting upon them immediately – before heart damage occurs. This free class provides information about the early symptoms of heart attack for yourself and others, the importance of early treatment and calling 9-1-1, and ways to decrease the risk of heart disease. To register, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Wednesday, April 24, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Salvation Army of Niles, 424 N. 15th Street, Niles Thursday, June 27, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

What’s important to you? “Quality of life” means something different to each of us, based on our own beliefs and values. In a series of Community Forums, Hospice at Home, a Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate, is providing information and tools for the public to talk about their healthcare wishes with family, friends, and healthcare providers, and execute written advance directives (healthcare power of attorney and living will) in accordance with Michigan state laws. Light refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.; presentations and open discussion will be from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are preferred by calling (269) 429-7100 or (800) 717-3811. Tuesday, April 16, Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles, 42 N. St. Joseph Avenue

Lakeland HealthCare – Community Education (cont…)

Heart Lessons This free one-hour class will help you understand heart disease, identify your risk factors, and learn how to decrease your chances of heart attack or stroke. A 24-hour advance registration is requested. A minimum of six participants is needed for class to be held. To register, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544. All classes held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30 Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles Tuesday, June 18 Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

Entering the Caregiver Zone The role of a family caregiver is often unplanned and unavoidable. It can be both rewarding and stressful. This class will give participants new tools to make caregiving more meaningful and efficient. This workshop is free and funded in part by Area Agency on Aging.

Preregistration is required; call (269) 429-7100 or (800) 717-3811.

Thursdays, May 2, 9, and 16, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Niles Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road, Niles

Hearing Loss Seminars Lakeland Ear, Nose and Throat specialist Deborah Habenicht, MD, and audiologist Craig Rigler, MACCC-A, will lead a discussion on hearing loss over one’s lifetime, treatments, and examples of today’s hearing aids. Time will be reserved for questions and answers. For more information or to register, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Thursday, May 2, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles, Conference Room 42 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

Lose Weight … Find Health Michael Schuhknecht, DO, Medical Director of Bariatric Services at Lakeland HealthCare, will discuss options for losing weight and local resources, including bariatric surgery. To learn more, call (269) 687-4673 or (877) 467-3858. All seminars are 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, June 5, Lakeland Medical Suites, Niles, Community Room, 42 N. St. Joseph Ave

Eating Right for a Healthy Heart Learn how better food habits can help reduce your risk of heartdisease and stroke. A registered dietitian will provide tips on following the American Heart Association’s eating plan. A 24-hour advance registration is requested. A minimum of six participants is needed for class to be held. (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544. All classes held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, May 6 & Monday, June 3, Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

Living Well with Congestive Heart Failure This free class will explain the causes and symptoms of heart failure and why your heart isn’t pumping as well as it should. You’ll learn new daily routines for managing this chronic disease and how to take control of your health. Registration required, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 2607544. Tuesday, May 14, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue

Learn More About Stroke According to the National Stroke Association, stroke can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex, or age. To help our community learn more about the risk factors, warning signs, prevention, and treatments, Lakeland is offering 15 free Stroke Awareness Classes between April and June. To learn more or to register for a class, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Friday, May 17, 11:00 a.m., Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson Street, Buchanan, Wednesday, May 29, 12:30 p.m.

Salvation Army of Niles, 424 N. 15th Street, Niles, Tuesday, June 25, 6:00 p.m., Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library, 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue

Stop Stressing Your Heart This free, interactive class will explain the signs and symptoms of stress as well as provide stress management techniques. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Learn more,call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544. Wednesday, June 12, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, Buchanan Area Health Resource Library31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles. Wednesday, June 26, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Salvation Army of Niles, 424 N. 15th Street, Niles

(269) 695-6491 Nature Saplings: Tastes in Nature–Maple Trees Wednesday, April 10, 1:30 to 2:30 pm Children ages 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 with an adult learn about maple trees and how we make maple syrup. Please dress for walking the trails. $5 per child/adult pair (Members $4 per child/adult pair)

Birds of Fernwood: Saturday, April 13, 8:00 to 11:30 am Walk with Fernwood naturalist Wendy Jones through the gardens and arboretum in search of bluebirds, brown thrashers, rufous-sided towhees, tree swallows, and other recent arrivals. Dress for walking the trails. Meet in the parking lot. $12 (Members $10) Register by April 12.

Spring Yoga Session: Saturdays through April 27, 12:15 to 1:30 pm Get ready for spring and get that spring in your step at Fernwood! Instructor Deirdre Guthrie of YOGAglow Studio in Three Oaks, Michigan, teaches the fundamentals of yoga in this six-class session as we seek to bring balance into our lives and bodies. Walk-ins are welcome at $10 per class. Deirdre's loyal followers say she's the best, so don't miss this opportunity to see for yourself at one of her classes!

Tatting for Beginners: Saturday, April 13, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm Tatting is the process of making delicate lace by looping and knotting with a single cotton thread and a small shuttle. Learn the basic tatting stitches and create stationery, note cards, gift tags, stickers, and more. All materials are included. Register by April 10. $25 (Members $20)

Demonstration by Gallery Artists: Saturday, April 13, noon to 3:00 pm Members of the Great Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Scientific Illustrators demonstrate their skills in drawing botanical subjects and the use of watercolor and ink. Enjoy the current exhibit by the Guild in the Gallery through Sunday, April 14. Free with paid admission.

Wings & Wildflowers: Saturday, April 13, 3:30 to 5:30 pm Jack Pizzo, founding partner of leading ecological restoration firm Pizzo & Associates, explains what ecological restoration is and what value it can add to a property. See images and learn about rain gardens, bio-swales, beautiful native plants, wetlands, and how to cost-effectively incorporate them into your property.

Also learn about the species of birds and butterflies attracted to restored, native environments. A wine & cheese gathering to follow. $20 (Members $18) Register

by April 11.

Spring Wildflower Walk: Sunday, April 14, 2:00 to 3:30 pm What's blooming in the forest? Take a guided walk of Fernwood's rich woodlands in search of early spring wildflowers. $10 (Members $8) Register in advance.

Wine and Weed Wednesdays This popular activity returns as we invite volunteers to join the horticulture staff in the gardens for an hour or so of light gardening, followed by time to enjoy good company and an excellent, local vintage. Hope you can join us!

www.smso.org (269) 982-4030 June 22- “Shake It up Baby Now” with this summer’s kickoff event Using authentic instruments, clothing, and hairstyles, The BackBeats transport their audiences on a Magical Mystery Tour of yesteryear, when the whole world first heard the four names of John, Paul, George, and Ringo. The #1 Beatles Tribute show in Michigan! This fundraiser begins at 6:30pm at Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.

July 3 - Independence Day Celebration A night of patriotic music set to the most spectacular views of the fireworks anywhere!

Stretch out on a blanket, relax in a chair or gather around a picnic table and enjoy the show!

This concert begins at 8:30pm with fireworks at dusk and is at Lions Pavilion Park in New Buffalo. Admission is free!

July 4 - Independence Day Celebration A night of patriotic music set to the most spectacular views of the fireworks anywhere!

Stretch out on a blanket, relax in a chair or gather around a picnic table and enjoy the show! This concert begins at 9:00pm with fireworks at dusk and is at the Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.

July 20th Buddy Holly Dance Party!

John Mueller joins the SMSO for a stunning portrayal and authentic approach to Buddy Holly’s music. This unbridled, high voltage performance will feature songs that instantly became a part of the American songbook, including That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, and Oh, Boy!

August 10 - The Reel Score Part 2 The summer of 2012 took us on a musical journey through the music behind the movies. The concert ended up a box office smash hit with SMSO concert-goers. This summer we will revisit movie music in our “sequel” featuring more of Hollywood’s favorite film scores.

This concert begins at 7:30pm at Jean Klock Park in Benton Harbor. Tickets go on sale May 1st.

August 17 Shrek The Musical The hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre comes to life! Featuring the SMSO and a talented array of regional performers, you will soon discover Shrek the Musical is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and fun for the entire family!

This concert begins at 7:30pm at Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph. Tickets go on sale May 1st.

For additional information and tickets contact us at 269.982.4030 or visit us at www.smso.org

Thursday, June 6th NEW LOCATION: Niles High School, 1441 Eagle Street, Niles, MI

FREE Admission Discover Local Business at the Fourth Annual EXPOsing Greatness business expo.

The EXPO showcases Michiana’s best and brightest businesses. Come network and find info on local products and services. Enjoy free mini-seminars. Sample delicious food provided by local restaurants and top local chefs. Meet local business professionals, make new connections and reunite with old friends.

Come one, come all.

FINAL Exhibitor REGISTRATION DATE: May 16, 2013 Member Registration: $135 Download PDF Registration Forms Here Keynote Speaker Brett Eastburn Presented By : Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce Lake Michigan College at Bertrand Crossing Southwestern MI Economic Growth Alliance Leader Publications Michigan Works!

Your Business Needs Fans

Title Sponsor

Sponsorship Now Available United Federal Credit Union

www.nilesmi.com Need Help with Your Taxes? Chamber Investment is 100% Tax Deductible View Our Member Accountants & Tax Preparers HERE Maintain Your Vehicle This Winter or Buy a New One View Our Member Automotive Dealers, Mechanics and Services HERE Home Maintenance and Improvement: Heating, Electrical, Septic and More View Our Construction, Repair & Improvement Members HERE Good Eats, Eat Local View Our Member Restaurants, Eateries and Pubs Banks, Credit Unions and Investments View Member Financial Institutions, Insurance & Investment Companies Get Fit, Stay Fit, Be Healthy View Member Fitness and Centers Have Fun, Get Out, Go Play View Entertainment, Parks and Recreation Get Involved in the Community View Member Organizations, Churches & Supporters Get Smart, Learn Local View Educational Opportunities Our Community is rich in service View Member Services Here Want to Market your business locally?

View Member Marketing and Ad Services

Build Your Brand With Us

Discounts & Coupons!

We are now accepting special offers from Members who would like to offer other Members special discounts or coupons on products and/or services!

See Discounts Here!

Submit Coupons in jpeg or doc and Email: chamber@nilesmi.com

www.nilesmi.com Member Calendars of Events City of Niles Michiana Christian Service Camp Niles DDA Main Street Four Flags Area Council on Tourism Fernwood Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve Lake Michigan College Bertrand Community Ed Southwestern Michigan College The Daily Star South Bend Tribune Don’t See Your Events Calendar? Send it in!!

Events Include: Open Houses, Fundraisers, Community Events, Networking Events, Seminars, Workshops, Anniversaries & More!

Email Us at chamber@nilesmi.com Please include Date, Time, Location, Contact, Description and Cost (if any). Thank You!

Website Banners Start at only $125/yr

Chamber Calendar