Off The Water - December 13-19, 2013

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Heddon History

Fired up!

Students learn glass blowing......... p.5

Week of December 13-19, 2013

Museum showcases fishing artifacts.... p.6

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 5, Number 50

What's cooking?

Martin's offers classes for all ages... p. 2

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Prepare for the holidays with Martin's School of Cooking

By Jill McCaughan offthewater@leaderpub.com

W

hether it’s mom’s secretrecipe stuffing, grandma’s traditional pecan pie or dad’s Christmas meatballs, cooking and eating special foods together are holiday highlights for many families. Yet, no matter how full the holiday table is, there’s always room for a new dish to spice things up.

“People are always looking for new ideas for cooking or baking at the holidays, and for new ideas for spending time with their kids and making memories at the holidays, and depending on the class they choose, they can do both,” said Elise Kunkel, marketing specialist for Martin’s School of Cooking.

Martin’s Supermarkets offers a variety of both hands-on and demonstration-style cooking classes for adults and children, serving an estimated 4,000 customers throughout each year.

Classes are offered at their Granger, Ind., Warsaw, Ind. and Stevensville, Mich. stores.

Each one has a fullyequipped kitchen facility where cooking school students can learn new recipes from one of Martin’s carefully-selected professional chefs.

And, whether one is a novice cook or a wellseasoned chef, the classes at Martin’s have something to offer everyone.

“I myself have learned a lot of tips and tricks over the years from our

chefs,” Kunkel said.

Martin’s also makes it convenient to obtain the ingredients so that students can duplicate the recipes when they return home.

“For everything that they make, we want peo-

ple to be able to purchase the ingredients here at Martin’s,” Kunkel said, “and they get to try everything the chefs make.”

A complete listing of Martin’s upcoming cooking classes can be found at http://www.martins-

Clean and simple soup If you’re anything like me, you’re definitely feeling the effects of the holiday season gluttony.

This week, I’ve vowed to lay off the oils, grains and booze.

I stopped by my local food coop so I can cook clean meals at home instead of eating out. I made a couple large salads and a pot of soup in advance, so later in the week when I’m in a big hurry, I can just grab one of my portioned out lunches or dinners on the go rather than stopping

Submitted photos

Cooking classes at Martin's School of Cooking

by my favorite veggie fast casual. I also put some nuts in 4-8 ounce containers which I then threw in my backpack and car. This way I have a healthy snack to eat while I’m running around all day.

These simple planning techniques really help me to stay thin and feeling light all year around, but especially during hectic times of year like the holidays. There are lots of tricks like this to help keep you on track when life seems to want to derail you

and I plan to share them throughout the month.

One way to clean up your diet and help you lighten up a bit before the true holiday madness hits, is to cut back on oil use. I got really into low or no oil recipes last winter for the same reason: avoiding winter and holiday weight gain.

Let’s face it, this time of year, the last thing we need is more fat in our foods!

I’m not saying you have to cut oil out alto-

supermarkets.com/cookingschool. One of the highlights of the holiday season at the Granger store will be “Seasonal Unique Treats” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 16. In this class, Chef Stevie DeBlase will be demon-

strating how to make “perfect” pie crusts and some very special brownies.

An upcoming holidaythemed class at the Stevensville store will be “Hungarian Kiflis for the Holidays” from 2 to 4:30

p.m. on Dec. 14. There, Chef Suzanne Wilson will be teaching students how to make buttery, rolled Hungarian cookies that are filled with nuts or fruit.

Martin’s also provides fun opportunities for children to make traditional favorites.

“Our Junior Chef class is coming up, and it’s a big deal. Kids love to come to it. It’s a hands-on class for kindergarteners through fifth-graders, and they make a lot of different things. They get to eat them there, and they make a lot, so they get to take some home, too,” Kunkel said. “It’s a great way for parents to finish their holiday shopping and send their kids to cook with us in our kitchen.”

Chef Darcy Bloss will be teaching the Junior Chef class, “North Pole Nibbles,” at the Granger store from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 19, and at the Stevensville store from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 21. Treats to be made include Candy Cane Fudge, Sugar Plum Fairy Wands, Reindeer Treat Snacks, Christmas Tree Pizzas, Snowmen Stackers, Santa Grahams and Polka Dot Elf Pops.

As an added bonus at the holidays, Martin’s is offering an extended “Hot Cyber Monday Deal” through Dec. 15. Students can receive a $10 discount when they purchase two or more tickets for any December class.

“Whether you like to cook, or just eat, or if you enjoy eating and watching cooking shows, this is definitely a great place to be,” Kunkel said.

Spicy Kale and Squash Soup Serves: 8

About 8 cups vegetable stock 1 yellow onion, diced 1 cup green bell pepper, diced 1 ½ cups diced butternut squash 2 cups broccoli florets 4-6 cups kale torn into 1 inch pieces 1 ½ cup kidney beans 1 haberaro pepper (optional) ¼ cup nutritional yeast 1. Place vegetable stock through squash in a large stockpot and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat to a simmer, and add the millet and hot peppers. Let simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes.

3. Add the broccoli, and let cook another 10 minutes.

4. Stir in the beans, greens, and nutritional yeast. Turn off heat.

Allow to cool about 5-10 minutes before serving.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of December 13-19, 2013 • Page 3

SPOTLIGHT

Twin City Players: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

By Jill McCaughan

F

offthewater@leaderpub.com

or parents, finding a theatrical production to attend with their children can be tough, even at Christmastime. On the one hand, parents may want their kids to experience the magic that live theater has to offer. On the other hand, it can be hard to find a show that will capture the kids’ attention and keep them entertained.

This year, The Twin Cities Players has taken care of that problem, offering “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” as their second mainstage production of the 2013-2014 season at 600 W. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, Mich.

“This is a great family production,” said Christine Aranyos, marketing manager for the Twin City Players. “It was very popular when it first came out.”

The comedy was adapted from the best-selling book by Barbara Robinson, and it was the only story to ever run twice in “McCall’s Magazine.”

That popularity appears to have carried over to this latest production of the play, with the company playing to capacity crowds last weekend.

It seems as though there are few things more fascinating to kids than watching other kids behave badly, and if that is true, then most kids in the audience will be enthralled while watching this play.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” tells the story of a hapless couple that must deal with casting the Herdman kids — perhaps the most awful kids ever — in their church Christmas pageant.

The directors, John Taylor and Dave Goodyear, did not have to work hard to find children to play the members of the horrendous Herdman gang.

“A lot of kids wanted those roles,” Taylor said.

“They loved being the bad kids on the block.”

“What we found was that, really, those roles were the opposite of the actors’ true characters.

They are a great bunch of kids to work with,” Taylor said. “Initially, it was hard to get them to be bad enough. Then, about a week before the first show, we had to try to pull them back. Some of the parents were worried that they were going too far!”

The Herdman children only make up a handful of the children who have been cast in “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” In fact, the cast includes 23 children and six adults, a very large group to coordinate, especially at the holidays.

“One of the hardest things was just getting information across to everybody, communicating and coordinating everything so that we made sure everybody was where they needed to be,” Taylor said. “I have to give the parents a lot of credit for getting the students to rehearsals. …We also have a Photo submitted by David Yardley lot of parents helping out backstage.”

The Twin Cities Players’ “Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”

Considering how popular the play has been so far, theater-goers may want to reserve their tickets early for the remaining performances. Tickets can be purchased via phone at (269) 429-0400 or through the online portal at www.twincityplayers. org.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates are also available. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays (Dec. 13 and Dec. 20) and Saturdays (Dec. 14 and Dec. 21) and at 4 p.m. on Sundays (Dec. 15 and Dec. 22).

“It is a wonderful, classic Christmas story. It makes for great family fun” Aranyos said.

Expires: 12/27/13

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Produced and printed by Leader Publications 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 Off the Water is available throughout southwest Michigan and the greater South Bend, Indiana area.

Michael Caldwell Publisher (269) 687-7700 michael.caldwell@leaderpub.com

gether, but try to cut back or eliminate oil from certain recipes. When sauteing veggies, use water or citrus juice to deglaze the pan instead of oil. It works really well and helps keep your plate clean and your waistline svelt.

One of the easiest types of recipes to make without oil are soups. If you make a delicious vegetable stock and stir in a little nutritional yeast, you won’t even notice a lack of richness associated with oil free recipes. Further, turning up the heat a notch add

tons of flavor, boosts your immune system and your metabolism. We need all of these things in December!

Here is one of my favorite recipes right now. It’s totally vegan, oil free, grain free, spicy and delicious.

Kat Barry, a Saint Joseph, Michigan native, is owner of Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan catering, and co author of The New Chicago Diner Cookbook, Meat Free Recipes from America’s Veggie Diner.

She also develops recipes for eHow.com

where you can find over 30 of her vegan instructional cooking videos. She is also a certified yoga instructor.

Kat currently resides in Chicago, and in her free time she enjoys practicing yoga, sampling local spirits, listening to live music, and getting outdoors. Follow @ katshotcakes on twitter. Kat can be reached via email at: kat@katshotcakes.com.

COLUMNIST

Ambrosia Neldon Layout Editor (269) 687-7713

donna.knight@leaderpub.com

ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com

lindsey.cloutier@leaderpub.com

Jill McCaughan Feature Writer (269) 687-7704 jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com

Anne Johnson Creative Services (269) 687-7701 anne.johnson@leaderpub.com

Rhonda Rauen Accounting Manager (269) 687-7711

Kat Barry Kat's Hot Talk

Sales Donna Knight Classifieds (269) 687-7717

rhonda.rauen@leaderpub.com

Lindsey Cloutier (269) 687-7723 Mary Cooper (269) 687-7724 mary.cooper@leaderpub.com

Sherina Gonzalez (269) 687-7728 sherina.gonzalez@leaderpub.com

Phil Langer (269) 687-7725 phil.langer@leaderpub.com

Jenny Yarbrough (269) 687-7726 jenny.yarbrough@leaderpub.com

Cindy Klingerman Distribution Manager (269) 687-7727 cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com

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Page 4 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Ice skating: Fun for all ages

By Jill McCaughan

W

offthewater@leaderpub.com

inters in Michiana can seem to last forever, but that’s no reason to stay cooped up inside — with or without the kids. Ice skating provides one way to get outside, burn off some energy, learn new skills, and just have some fun in the wintertime.

“It’s good aerobic exercise, and it doesn’t take a whole lot of equipment, like skiing or some other sports do. You can just show up in jeans, a sweatshirt and a coat, and you can rent the skates from us. Or, you can bring your own,” said Molly Mahoney, programming and instruction intern at Notre Dame’s Compton Family Ice Arena.

Compton provides various times throughout the week when the public can come to skate. They also offer skating lessons for would-be skaters of all ages.

For the youngest level, they offer a “My Tot & Me” program on Wednesday mornings, catering specifically to

two- and three-year-olds and their parents.

For older children and adults, Compton has Wednesday evening classes

can still help novices get started on the ice.

“The Howard Ice Rink is owned by the residents of the city,” said Susan Solon,

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Brian Dwan, manager of the Howard Ice Rink in St. Joseph. that last for eight weeks per session. Four or five sessions are offered throughout each year, and a new session will begin on Jan. 15. More information on their different programs can be obtained at www.und.com/sports/ comptonarena or by calling (574) 631-8760. Compton also offers hockey leagues and figure skating classes.

For some residents of Michiana, the drive to South Bend can be a long one in the winter, and there are not many options for formal skating lessons nearby, but there are alternatives that

director of marketing and communications for the City of St. Joseph, Mich. “It offers a professional hockey-sized rink that is open for public skating seven days a week during the winter months.”

“We don’t offer skating lessons,” said Brian Dwan, manager of the Howard Ice Arena, “but we do have skate trainers, and that helps out.”

A “skate trainer,” also known as a “chair,” is a piece of equipment that resembles a chair, and it helps to provide support for

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beginners who lack balance on the ice. By using a skate trainer, Liam Jones, age 10, of Berrien Springs, Mich., learned to skate at Howard.

“I came here with my aunt, my uncle, my cousin, and my mom, and I basically learned to ice skate that day, and now, I’ve been skating for about six years,” he said.

Jared Browne’s daughter, Harmonee, learned the same way.

“We’re Canadians,” said Browne, who is currently attending graduate school at Andrews University.

“Harmonee learned when she was two or three, with a chair, and we went all the time. That’s the time to start them—when they are young like that. Then, their ankles get used to skating.”

Public skating hours at the Howard Ice Rink are Mondays and Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. The rink can be reached at (269) 983-9795.

Another option for younger children is offered by the Berrien Area Hockey Association (BAHA) at the Howard Ice Rink. Their “Learn to Play Hockey” class teaches four- to eightyear-olds how to skate, along with the basics of hockey. A new session begins in midJanuary, and information on that program can be found at www.bahablades.com.

“The little kids are all dressed up in hockey gear, and they go out on the rink and learn to skate and play hockey for an hour on Saturday mornings. It’s kind of neat to watch because they’re all bundled up, and they’ll fall down, but they pop right back up, and they don’t even feel it,” Dwan said, of the youngest hockey players.

And, while skating can simply provide a fun afternoon in the winter for some residents of Michiana, for others, ice skating can add a whole new dimension to their lives.

“My son just loves to be on the ice. It’s his passion.

There’s just great camaraderie with the kids out there,” said Jim Reits, a board member and the registrar for BAHA. “He gets to play hockey with kids from all over that he wouldn’t meet otherwise.”

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of December 13-19, 2013 • Page 5

ON DISPLAY

Water Street Glassworks’ gets Fired Up!

By Jill McCaughan offthewater@leaderpub.com

N

o matter how cold it is in Benton Harbor, Mich., on Dec. 13, the galleries in the Arts District plan to provide warmth and cheer for the Holly Hop, happening from 6 to 9 p.m. that evening.

Among the hottest spots that night will be Water Street Glassworks.

“This is a great place to hang out in winter,” said Kathy Catania, who cofounded Water Street Glassworks 10 years ago with her husband, Jerry.

From the studio’s catwalk, event goers can watch the creation of art in action in the glass-blowing area below. And, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 14, Fired Up! students will be demonstrating the techniques they’ve learned in the glass-blowing studio, or “hot shop,” at the Fired Up! Winter Exhibition.

“Visitors are welcome to come here and observe the process going on in the hot shop from a safe distance, “ Catania said, noting that the temperature of the glassmelting furnace is 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fired Up! is Water Street Glassworks’ after-school teen glass program. For the past semester, 28 students from seven area schools, as well as some home-schooled students, have been attending the program one or two days per week. Ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old, the students must make a two-year commitment to the program in order to participate.

“For the students in the first year of the program, this will be their first exhibition. It’s like a final exam for the semester,” Catania said. “It’s also an opportunity to show a new body of work for those students who have been in the program

for a year. They title their work, and they write artists’ statements. So, it’s everything you would get in a college experience.”

Their pieces are on display in Water Street GelatoWorks, which is the job-skills training arm of Fired Up! When visitors purchase the pieces that Fired Up! students have created, they are supporting the students as well as the program. The students receive 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale of their artwork, and the other 50 percent helps to pay for costs associated with the Fired Up! program.

The benefits of participating in the non-profit program, which is tuition-free for students, go far beyond simply learning the techniques for creating beautiful

their careers in art. For example, one student, Oalliyah Hornes, has just been accepted to Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Art created by professionals and students in other Water Street classes are also available for purchase at the Annual Holiday Sale, which will continue through Dec. 21. The Dorris Akers Gallery is filled with examples of fused (or kiln-fired) glass, spun-cast work, blown glass pieces, stained glass pieces, enamel jewelry and pieces created using open-faced ladle casting.

“Blown glass ornaments are done as a promotion item each year, and 100 percent of their cost goes back to funding the school,” Catania said. “They change a little bit each year, so

Students in the Fired Up! program at Water Street Glassworks. art using glass.

“The program helps kids raise their grades, work on their focus and develop teamwork skills,” Catania said.

“We try to empower the teens to discover their own potential through glass.”

The artistic techniques learned at Fired Up! can also help students to further

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More information about Water Street Glassworks’ events and programs can be obtained by calling (269) 925-5555 or by visiting www.waterstreetglassworks.org. They offer a wide variety of classes for people of varying skill lev-

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

els, and there are still some classes available in December at their studios, located at 140 Water St., Benton Harbor, Mich.

“If you have some time over the holidays, check out our schedule. There might be something that works within your parameters,” Catania said.

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Page 6 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Heddon Museum showcases history

By Jill McCaughan

offthewater@leaderpub.com

L

ong before the stocking of steelhead and salmon began, southwestern Michigan was a fishing mecca. Local fishermen still speak of the time when the top five tackle manufacturers in the U.S. were all located in Michiana. While that vibrant era of Midwestern lure manufacturing has long since passed, a glimpse of it can still be seen at the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac, Mich.

“You think ‘fishing tackle,’ and you think ‘ho hum,’ but fishing tackle is attractive,” said Joan Lyons, who owns the museum with her husband, Don, who is also the mayor of Dowagiac. “As we say, you have to catch the fisherman before you catch the fish, so it’s an interesting thing to see. It’s visually eye-catching. Women or kids who really don’t know anything about fishing can still find something interesting here.”

Since 1991, when they

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Joan Lyons with the Heddon delivery Truck. first bought the rambling Heddon factory, the Lyons have filled over 3,000 square feet of the building

with memorabilia. The collection includes 170 reels, 265 rods and more than 1800 Heddon lures,

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including some that are highly collectable, like an original James Heddon frog lure.

Visitors can also see a model of the 1920s Heddon “flying fish” airplane, and a number of vintage cars, including a replica of the 1925 Dodge Heddon delivery truck that Don restored himself. They even have a small Heddon boat from the 1950s.

A visit to the museum, located at 414 West St. in Dowagiac, is like stepping into a time machine. With Joan as a tour guide, the

history of the Heddon family’s company comes alive.

Her enthusiasm for the subject is infectious — despite the unintentional way that she and Don became a part of Heddon history.

“They started in 1902 as the ‘James Heddon and Son Fishing Tackle Company,’” Lyons explained. “They were always innovative. James’ claim to fame was the ‘topwater’ lure. At that time, most things were either live or they sunk. His first lure floated on the water and splashed. It had a collar.

That made a noise and

attracted the bass to grab it.”

At its height, Heddon was the largest manufacturer of fishing tackle in the world. As such, it played an important role in the rich manufacturing history of Dowagiac. And, because it employed so many area residents over the course of the years, people all over southwestern Michigan still can claim ties to it.

“My grandfather worked at the Heddon factory,” said Brian Klimczak, an angler who grew up in Dowagiac, and who now runs High’s Marine in Decatur, Mich. “It’s amazing, really, what they’ve manufactured in Dowagiac.”

While the company was very successful under the direction of the original owner and his sons, the twists and turns of life and business finally led to the sale of the company to outside parties in 1951.

“It went through a series of four owners until the last owner, which was called PRADCO, bought it in 1983, and closed the doors in 1984, moving everything to Fort Smith, Ark.,” Lyons said.

“You can still buy Heddon lures in the big tackle shops. Then, in 1986, PRADCO, unable to find a buyer, gave the building to the city of Dowagiac, and then it sat.”

That’s where Don and Joan Lyons stepped into the story.

“My husband, Don, is a hometown boy, born and raised here, and every day that he went to work, he had to pass the building,” Lyons said. “Don was afraid they’d tear it down as a health hazard, so we personally bought the building in 1991 for two reasons. One, we needed

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TOURIST FOR A DAY more warehousing room for our manufacturing at Lyons Industries. And two, Don’s hobby with his dad had always been restoring old cars since he was 14.

And, he knew that when dad passed away, we would need a place to store the cars. So, we bought the building, and we restored it.”

“Then, in 1994 a family friend came to us, named Stan Hamper, who had just retired from starting the Southwestern Michigan College museum. He said, ‘There’s an older gentleman in town, by the name of Trig Lund, who is 83.

He used to work for Heddon, and he has a lot of Heddon items, and he wants to sell them. Once he sells them, they’ll be gone.

If you’ll buy the collection and set aside the space, I will donate my time to show you how to set up a museum and save this history for Dowagiac,’” Lyons explained. “Don and I said, ‘Oh, Why not? ‘How hard can it be?’”

“We started at 750 square feet, figuring that

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local people would come through. And they did, but the collectors came through, too. Their philosophy was, ‘You have a museum. You must know all the answers. Here are my questions,’” Lyons recalled. “We knew nothing, absolutely nothing. We both grew up fishing, but that was it. So, after a year,

Week of December 13-19, 2013 • Page 7

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

we basically educated ourselves. Only about four percent of what you see here is what we actually bought from Trig. …We try to buy anything that will tell a story, and basically save the history for Dowagiac.”

“We get roughly 500 visitors per year,” Lyons said. “We have a website at

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Memorabilia at the Heddon Museum w w w. h e d d o n m u s e u m . org,” Lyons said. “The museum is open Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on the last Sunday of each month from 1:30 to 4 p.m.”

However, Lyons is willing to open up the museum on other days as well.

Would-be visitors need only call (269) 782-5698 to set up an appointment.

“Just call us. If we’re here, we’ll come open it up for you. Just give us a little bit of notice,” Lyons said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a weekday or a weekend.”

Visitors can also take home a piece of Heddon history from the gift shop.

It offers duplicates of original Heddon items that the museum already has on

display. Pins, boxes, signs, T-shirts, art prints, catalogues, patches, tote bags and books are also available.

“We do not charge anything for anyone to come in. We never wanted anybody to not be able to come in. So, we call it a community service for saving the history,” Lyons said.

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Page 8 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Niles restaurant slices up unique, tasty pizzas

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater@leaderpub.com

Mention “pizza,” and most people will probably think of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, topped with pepperoni or sausage, and baked on a crust. Mention pizza to the regulars at Pizza Transit, however, and the response may include descriptions of loaded baked potatoes, jalapeno poppers or turkey and stuffing.

“It’s a nice way to keep things fun for us. I make so many pizzas. Making pepperoni isn’t always that exciting, but if we can have a pulled pork pizza, then I can have something fun to mess with,” said Sarah Brittin, owner of the pizzeria at 215 E. Main St. in Niles, Mich. “I just try to come up with new things.”

Brittin grew up around pizza, working with her father at the restaurant he started 26 years ago. She took over nine years ago when he decided to retire, and since then, she has defi-

nitely been making the restaurant her own.

About two years ago, she started cooking up her unusual pizzas of the month. Then, a year and a half ago, she moved the restaurant from 11th St. to its current location, which enabled her to open a dining room in addition to providing carry-out and delivery services.

Still, true to her roots, Brittin keeps a photo of her father hanging in the restaurant’s dining room.

“I lost my dad to cancer, so I feel like it’s our duty to use our pizza to help other people in that situation. So, we’ve got his picture up on the wall, and he hangs out with us in the dining room to make sure we’re doing the right thing,” Brittin said.

Brittin accomplishes that goal in several different ways. One way is by holding a fundraiser during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, linking it to her pizza of the

month offerings.

“October is National Pizza Month. That’s always big for us because it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness month. So, we always do our big breast cancer fundraiser, ‘A Slice of Hope,’ for that,” Brittin said. “I always make

sure to do a really big, exciting pizza for that, too. … Everyone loves them so much.”

Another way Brittin does the right thing is by hosting “Rock for the Cure” concerts that support community members who are battling cancer.

“We have another concert coming up on February 1st,” Brittin said. “One-hundred percent of that will go to helping a young man, Andy, who is suffering from lym-

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phoma right now. It’s something really fun we do. It’ll be our third one. We did one last month for Lindsay [Cloutier].

Every single time, it’s been a completely packed house.”

“We have four bands, and you just pay at the door. We do wristbands, and for $10, you get all the pizza you can eat, all the pop you can drink, and four bands, and it’s really fun.

We’ve raised about $1500 each time we’ve done it,” Brittin said.

“It’s a cool thing to be able to do, and it’s fun to get a bunch of bands in here, and everyone has such a good time, too. … You get to try tons of different pizzas.”

That wide variety of pizzas is the product of Brittin’s creativity, and she relies on those around her for ideas and taste-testing as well.

“We all just really love eating pizza a lot, so I end up just kind of tinkering around in the back and feeding it to all of the employees and kind of letting them tell me what’s good. I got this month’s jalapeno popper pizza idea from a friend,” Brittin said.

Brittin also looks at the calendar and develops her ideas around upcoming holidays. That was how the very popular Thanksgiving Pizza came about.

“We’ll probably just do that every November from now on. It was such a big hit,” Brittin said. “I had peo-

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Sarah Brittin, owner of Pizza Transit. ple the day before Thanksgiving coming in and getting them, and telling me they were going to refrigerate it, and heat it up, and serve it as an appetizer before their Thanksgiving dinner. It’s kind of an honor to have people serve your pizza at their family meals. I thought it was pretty cool.”

Pizza Transit is open seven days a week, and their regular hours can be found on their website at www.pizzatransit.com or by calling

(269) 684-6600. They will be open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, too.

“We’re open until 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and you can still get a pizza before the ball drops. It’s a good way to ring in the New Year. Or, leave some out for Santa,” Brittin suggested. “I always say, ‘He gets sick of cookies,’ and I encourage people to leave Santa a slice of pizza.

It’s gotten me on the good list every year.”

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KARE SERVICES

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PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS and CNAs

HOUSES FOR RENT TO OWN

2 bed, 402 Walnut, Dowagiac, $400. 3 bed, 912 Lake, Niles $600. Taking applications at Walnut address on Mon. Dec. 16, 9am-noon. (269)926-7729

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1 bedroom house with huge finished garage, large rural yard with stream in nice neighborhood, Edwardsburg Schools, modern appliances included. $685/month.

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Elderly Care 307 CERTIFIED HOME HEALTH AIDE Office Space for looking for full or part time home care for your family Rent member, excellent references. Call (269)684-0758

68943 Gateway Dr Edwardsburg, MI M-F 8am-3pm

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Instruction & 309 Training Niles Community Schools...

Building a Foundation the Future.

Please call 269-683-0732 for enrollment information.

P.D.K.

Firearm Instruction NRA Instructed Concealed Pistol License Classes offered monthly! Contact Paul: 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 269-783-6570

427

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT

1st office space has dual entrances off 4th & Sycamore in Niles and has 1 large office or can be divided into 2 smaller offices. Lease includes heat, gas, water, sewer, $800/month for both offices or $450/month for one. 2nd office space has 1 entrance off 4th St. in Niles and has a reception area plus 2 offices, $350/month. Call or email mike.caldwell@leaderpub. com.

(269)687-7700

For Rent 418 DOWAGIAC/ BUCHANAN

Rentals available (2) 3 bedroom homes $750 mo. + security dep (1) 1 bedroom apartment $450 + security dep (1) 2 bedroom apartment $625 + security dep.

BUCHANAN (269)208-0328

No more yard to mow, or leaves to rake - when you purchase this charming 3 BR, 2 BA condo located close to IN/MI line. The location is close to dining, shopping and entertainment.

The open concept features; kitchen w/snack bar, all kitchen appliances; refrigerator, range, microwave, and dishwasher.

Cathedral ceilings with skylights to let in additional natural light, 3 season porch, loft with closet, 2-car attached garage, full finishable basement w/ egress window. **Seller will provide a carpet allowance with and acceptable offer.** $119,900 Integrity Real Estate Professionals 1441 Oak St. Niles Call 259-362-2599 for an appointment

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house plus apartment in Sumnerville. 3 bed, 2 bath house. 1 bed, 1 bath apt., apartment is above large detached garage, big yard, all appliances included, apt. has excellent renter, (269)684-0899

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Custom Built Home 4 Bedrooms, Daylight Basement Overlooking Pond Start 2014 in this wonderful home $275,000 Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484

Antiques AIDEN'S

600

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

unique Spanish bungalow.

Shows beautifully with hardwood floors, curved doorways, formal dining and fireplace. Many recent updates including flooring, plumbing, cabinets and appliances. Attached garage and full basement.

Private back yard and a pond for your enjoyment.

Priced to sell at $69,900.

221 North 13th St, Niles MLS # 13065487 Call Sandy Bunch 269-470-7650 Integrity Real Estate Professionals

We buy storage units & estates and sell the treasures back to you.

Mon., Weds. & Thurs.

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Auctions

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YOU NEVER KNOW AUCTION HOUSE AH:21000020

53847 N. Park Ave. Elkhart, IN. Every Fri. at 5:30p.m. Now taking clean big & small consignment.

Drop off merchandise SatThurs Daily 10-5. Pick-up available. Someone here at all times. For more details call David (574)522-1020 or Trish (574) 206-6296 #AU01042788

Manufactured 502 Homes Consignment 625 Turn your Closet into HOMES FOR SALE CASH IN DECATUR Kids' clothing: newborn to teen, Baby gear & furniture, Maternitywear

Houses for Sale 500 FOR SALE

Apartments 412 2 BR & 1 BR APTS.

near downtown Dowagiac. $600 2br/$560 1br. Nice Care for the elderly in their apts in triplex. Responsible homes.

Experience pre- tenants only. Apply at: ferred.

(269)428-9100 www.dowagiacrentals.com all utilities included in rent. www.rahswmi.com 269-806-5875 for quesDRIVER TRAINEES! tions.

GET FEE-PAID CDL PAWATING VILLAGE TRAINING NOW! 1 Fort Street- Niles Learn to drive for 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom US Xpress Apartment available New Drivers can earn Now! $800/wk & Benefits!

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NILES TWP. CONDO FOR SALE

18699 Williams St. Cassopolis, MI of natural beauty in Michigan! 7 minutes from Elkhart. Open split bedroom floor plan offers over 2500 sq.ft. with 6 bedrooms/4.5 bath including guest quarters. Barn, pool, creek, pond, and horse/dirt bike trails. Edwardsburg schools This house is a must see! $410,000 Visit www.SoGoodToBeHome.com for photo tour or call Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten (574)340-4271 (269)663-8800

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $621.00 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-4237024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures

INVENTORY BLOW OUT!!

2 Bd/2 Bth home, $456*/MO! Vaulted ceilings, skylights, Spacious kitchen Call today!

269-695-3119

Accepting only winter outwear Nov. - Jan. Call for appointment.

Who kNew Consignment 269-782-9800

Things to Do 637 CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY http://cass.lib.mi.us (269)445-3400 Check out our online services: Freegal, Learn4Life, and more! Call for more info.

Home Furnish641 ings MICHIANA'S LARGEST selection of artwork, lamps & more Whims & Wishes 51625 SR 933, South Bend (574) 277-2131

Household Mer642 Land For Sale 510 chandise VACANT LAND BILL'S USED Not sold back on the market.

APPLIANCES Excellent Deer and Turkey.

16 acres. Shed, travel trailer and electricity. 17280 Calvin Hill St. Cassopolis, $59,000 269-783-1001

Washers & Dryers, Stoves, Refrigerators and More. Inventory Always Changing.

2559 S. 11th St. Niles (269) 591-7922

FOR SALE

Used & reconditioned washers, ranges, dryers, refrigerators & freezers.

Geiger Refrigeration Service 841 Carberry Rd. Niles (269)687-8639

Page 10 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

i

Submit calendar events to Jill McCaughan, feature writer, by email at jill. mccaughan@leaderpub.com or offthewater@leaderpub. com or visit the Leader Pub-lications office at 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles.

Now - Jan. 31, 2014

Michigan Apple Committee’s amateur apple recipe contest. More info at www.MichiganApples.com Dec. 6-24

Gingerbread House Competition, Downtown South Bend, IN. Deadline for entry is Dec. 2. Registration is free.

Forms available at The DTSB office at 217 South Michigan St. or visit www. downtownfortheholidays. com/gingerbread-village. htm. Gingerbread village will be on display in lobby of the former College Football Hall of Fame.

Also, Santa’s Workshop, free cookie decorating, Santa, activities and crafts for children.

Off The Water, Michiana

10 Half Class

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Players. Check must be accompanied by a copy of the “Give Back Night” event voucher. Call 269-429-0400 Free Gingerbread House or visit twincityplayers.org.

Contest and Exhibit at Dec. 13 Fernwood. Categories for children, adult amateurs, and professionals. Call or visit website for guidelines Berrien County Dancers and bring completed house Winter Dance, Lakeshore to Fernwood by Saturday, Community Auditorium, Dec. 7. Houses on exhibit 5771 Cleveland Ave., through Dec. 22. (269) Stevensville, MI. Tickets 695-6491; www.fernwood- are $5 in advance; $7 at the botanical.org. 13988 Range door. Elementary-aged students and under are free Line Road, Niles, MI. with parent admission.

Order tickets at (269) 4281402, Ext. 2099 or online Santa will be at his house at at www.BerrienCounty the corner of State and Dancers.com. 7:00 p.m.

Pleasant Streets, St. Joseph, MI. Thursdays and Fridays 4-6 p.m., Saturdays 12-5 p.m., Sundays 12-3 p.m. “The Best Christmas Pageant For more info, call (269) Ever.” The Twin City 985-1111 or visit www. Players. 600 West Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Tickets stjoetoday.com. are $15, $12 for seniors, $7 Dec. 12 for children (12 and under).

Group rates available. For tickets or more info, call Chili’s Give-Back Night, 269-429-0400 or visit twinbenefiting The Twin City cityplayers.org. 8 p.m.

Players. 1275 Hilltop Rd, St Joseph, MI. Chili’s will donate 10% dining checks Holly Hop. Benton Harbor between 11:00 a.m. and Arts District, including 11:00 p.m. to The Twin City Water Street Glassworks, Dec. 7-22

ARS Gallery, Cycle-ReCycle, The Oak Room at the Citadel, Wall Street Antiques, and others. Visit http://newterritoryarts.org for more info. 6-9 p.m.

Ave., Stevensville, MI. Tickets are $5 in advance; $7 at the door. Elementary-aged students and under are free with parent admission. Order tickets at (269) 428-1402, Ext. 2099 or online at www.

BerrienCountyDancers.

Concert by Anne Hills and com. 7:00 p.m. piano accompanist David Lahm with other guests.

The Box Factory, St. Joseph, Auditions for the musical MI. Special VIP tickets for “Once on This Island.” cabaret style seating: $20.. Hanson Theater, Mendel Concert seating tickets are Center, Lake Michigan $15, $10 seniors and stu- College Theatre Dept. dents. Available at www. Performances will be on boxfactoryforthearts.org/ Mar. 28, 29, and 30, and calendar/#christmas or 269- April 4, 5, and 6, 2014. For 983-3688. Light refresh- more info, call Dr. Calvin ments, beer and wine avail- McClinton at (269) 927able. 7:30 p.m.

8627. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“Date Night in the Clay Studio.” South Bend Museum of Art, 120 St. Joseph Street, South Bend, IN. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Call (574) 235-9102 for more info and to register.

Dec. 14

Berrien County Dancers Winter Dance in the Lakeshore Community Auditorium, 5771 Cleveland

Holidays.” Cooking class with Chef Suzanne Wilson.

Martin’s Stevensville store.

For more info and to register, call (269) 429-1711 or visit http://www.martinssupermarkets.com/cookingschool. 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Fired Up! Winter Exhibition.

Water Street Glassworks.

140 Water St., Benton Harbor, MI. Call (269) 925555 for info. 6-8 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” by Southold Dance Theater.

Morris Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $15.00, $22.00, $32.00, $38.00, $45.00, and $50.00 at Morris Box Office: “The Best Christmas 1-800-537-6415 or www.

Pageant Ever.” The Twin MorrisCenter.org. 2 p.m.

City Players. 600 West and 7 p.m.

Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates Sign-ups for Bridgman available. For tickets or Floor Hockey. Immanuel more info, call (269) 429- Lutheran Church, 9650 0400 or visit twincityplay- Church St., Bridgman, MI. ers.org. 8 p.m.

For more info, call Andrew 269-876-6677 or visit

www.bridgmanhockey.

“Hungarian Kiflis for the com. 12-2 p.m.

CLASSIFIEDs Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

US 31 Tobacco 50552 US 31 N, South Bend (574) 271-0333

Miscellaneous FOR SALE

666

WE WILL BUY

your junk car. We haul for free. Paying up to $1500 cash. Please call anytime 269-687-8098

Home Improve700 ment FRYMAN’S ROOFING FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING

Your

home

exterior

experts.

Horizons CSE 3.6 Elliptical Quality guaranteed! Locally $475. Pull behind golf cart Owned for 50 years. (269)782with clubs $75 or best offer 5008 (David & Terri Fryman) (269)695-6101

GREAT DEAL

on Floor Trusses 26' 1" Center Bearing Floor Trusses Call Judd Lumber for pricing and details Call for pricing (269)782-5134

Bargain Buys 668 USED BOOKS FOR SALE

Jak's Books, 210 Water, Benton Harbor. (269)3694876

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Over 25 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Insured! Call Randy (269)782-3139 (269)208-9838

MK CONSTRUCTION

Pole barn & other garages Roofing Siding, Wanted to Buy 672 specialist.

Framing and more. Over 25 BUYING years experience. Licensed. repairable scrap and un- Contact Michael N. Knepple wanted vehicles, top dollar (269)476-9777 paid. Call or text for a free quote today.

Kevin (817)437-0450 MR. MAINTENANCE

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for small & medium size refrigerators working or not, washers, gas & electric ranges. Call (269)687-8639

FREE ESTIMATES

Tree Service 725 THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates.

269-687-4972

Optical Services 726 AK MONTGOMERY OFFERS eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses & more akmontgomery.com to schedule online, or Call (269)782-3476

Tech Services 735 HURLEY'S iFIXIT

COMPLETE CONCRETE

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work.

Insured (269)663-8091

KLIMEK ENTERPRISES

Softail® Standard $10,900. 9,218 miles, Electrical Contracting, No Job Vivid Black.

Too Big or Small. Free Quotes.

Extras included Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6290 or McDaniel's Harley Davidson, 1910 Lincoln Way East, SB (269)470-4097.

(574) 289-6650 Quality Clock Repair Front Street Framery Auto. Service801 E. Front St. Buchanan 927 House Calls, Free Estimates Repair (269)409-1031

Painting Service

754

I can replace your broken screen on iPhones, iPods, iPads, most Andriod phones and tablets. Fast, reliable, J.M. HUNT and honest local service.

ENTERPRISES, LLC Call 574-226-8673 or Painting & Drywall. Insured. w w w . faceb ook. com/ h ur- Free Estimates.

Family leysifixitforu for pricing. Owned & Operated for Over 50 years. 269-683-4442.

Recycling Service

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS Insurance Ser-

Turn that Junker in your yard to cash in your hand 801 Carberry Rd, Niles 269-687-5865

Roofing, Siding & Windows, Misc. Services 747 Light Hauling & Spring MICHIANA MASONRY & Clean-Ups, No Inside or CONSTRUCTION Outside job too big or small. All your Masonry needs! Insured Low affordable rates. & Bonded. Senior discounts .

(269)591-1403 269-362-1566

Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s 2007 HD® FXST

758 LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES!

Home - Auto - Health - Life We do the shopping for you!

TCU Insurance Agency Call Deb Asmus today (269) 683-6700 x5901

Wallace Auto Repair & 24hr Towing llc Best rates in town 67218 Cassopoils Rd Cassopolis, MI Call 269-699-5374

Trucks, Vans, 4-Wh Drives

942

JEEP WRANGLER

2000 Sahara edition, 4 wheel drive-5 on floor, tan w/ black soft top, 119,600 miles, great condition, blue book at over $8,500, best offer, see during daylight at 27271 Pinelake St., Edwardsburg, MI. (574)3402579

Autos for Sale 945 2001 GRAND PRIX

SE 4 door, runs good, new tires, reliable, for sale or partial trade etc. $2,250 (574)350-5120 or (269)357-5173

2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 Door Sedan Very nice 46K Miles No credit checks 0% Interest Call Scarlett's 269-461-4197

PRICED REDUCED

2008 Edge LTD, 70,000K, extended bumper to 2000 MITSUBISHI 30K bumper warranty, 20+ mpg, excellent condition, FWD, loaded with all popular options including 6 CD changer 9 speakers, SiriusXM paid to April 2014. Great deal at $16,499. Call to see 269Montero Endeavor SUV. V6, 697-0120 3.5L. 180K mi. Leather interior, 4WD w/hitch. Heated seats. Seats 5-7. Few minor mechanical issues.

5 Yokohama Geolandar A/T Tires, powder-coated black wheels. $2,950ALL reasonable offers considered! Text/Call Josh 269591-2872 or Erin 269-5912913

Off The Water, Michiana

Family Fun. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. Children can wear favorite pajamas and attend fun activities. Free for the public. Cookies and punch. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts.org. 1 to 4 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa.

Fernwood Botanical Garden. $12 Adults, $8 Children ages 6-12, Children under 5are free.

Register by the Friday prior to the breakfast while seats are available. (269) 6956491 www.fernwoodbotanical.org. 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI. 9:30–11:00 am.

i

“Michigan Beer Film.” The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, MI. 8 p.m. For info, call (269) 756-3879 or visit w w w. a c o r n t h e a t e r. com. Tickets: $13.00 in advance; $15 at door for film only. (Beer Party begins at 4:30 p.m., with food, craft beers and $9 allyou-can eat pizza). Q & A with film producer and some local brewery owners.

Dance video party follows.

Seating is limited. 7 p.m.

Dec. 15

Auditions for the musical “Once on This Island.”

Hanson Theater, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College Theatre Dept.

Performances will be on Mar. 28, 29 and 30, and April 4, 5 and 6, 2014. For more info, call Dr. Calvin McClinton at (269) 9278627. 1-4 p.m.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The Twin City Players. 600 West Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates available. For tickets or more info, call (269) 4290400 or visit twincityplayers.org. 4 p.m.

“The Nutcracker” by Southold Dance Theater.

Morris Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $15.00, $22.00, $32.00, $38.00, $45.00, and $50.00 at Morris Box Office: 1-800-537-6415 or www.

MorrisCenter.org. 2 p.m.

i

Week of December 13-19, 2013 • Page 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Compton Family Ice Arena. markets.com/cookingschool. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. school. Visit www.jaierLessons for children and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. soccer.org for more info. adults.

Call (574) 631-8760 Dec. 26-30; Jan 2-4 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Open house: Sarett Nature

Center, celebrating Chuck to sign up. Wednesdays,

Nelson’s retirement. Email 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sign ups for Bridgman happy memories or humorFloor Hockey are Saturday Journey of the Raindrop. ous stories to dianneb@ Dec. 14th and the 21st at Curious Kids Museum. 415 Sledding on Pear Hill. Sarett sarrett.com. 2300 Benton Special Holiday Concert at Immanuel Lutheran Lake Blvd. St. Joseph, MI. Nature Center (weather perCenter Rd., Benton Harbor, South Bend Civic Theatre’s Church, 9650 Church St. 12-4 p.m. Visit www.curi- mitting) 2300 Benton MI. Call (269) 927-4832 if Wilson Theater. 403 N. Main Bridgman, MI. For more ouskidsmuseum.org for Center Rd., Benton Harbor, you plan to attend. 2-5 p.m. St., South Bend, IN. Tickets info, call Andrew 269-876- more info.

MI. Children age 7 and up are $10 at SBCT Box Office: 6677 or visit www.bridg- should bring their sleds.

Dec. 16 (574) 234-1112 or at www. manhockey.com. 12-2 p.m.

Cost $1.00. Call (269) 927sbct.org. 7:30 PM. Michigan Wildlife. Curious 4832 for snow conditions Kids Museum Discover and to register. 1-3 p.m.

Dec. 19 “Seasonal Unique Treats.”

Breakfast with Santa. Zone. 333 Broad St., St. Dec. 29 Cooking class with Chef Fernwood Botanical Joseph, MI. 12-4 p.m. Visit Stevie DeBlase. Martin’s Garden. $12 Adults, $8 www.curiouskidsmuseum.

Granger store. For more “North Pole Nibbles.” Children ages 6–12, org for more info. info and to register, call Kids’ Cooking class with Children under 5 are free.

Jambon in Concert. The (574) 807-8220 or visit Chef Darcy Bloss. Martin’s Register by the Friday prior Dec. 26 Acorn Theater, 107 http://www.martins-super- Granger store. For more to the breakfast while seats Generations Dr, Three m a r k e t s . c o m / c o o k i n g - info and to register, call are available. (269) 695Oaks, MI. For info, call school. 6 to 8 p.m.

(574) 807-8220 or visit 6491, www.fernwoodbo- Winter sports season at St. (269) 756-3879 or visit

http://www.martins-super- tanical.org. 13988 Range Joseph County Parks w w w . a c o r n t h e a t e r . m a r k e t s . c o m / c o o k i n g - Line Road, Niles, MI. begins (weather and snow com. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m.

9:30–11 am.

Singing with David Lahm. school. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. conditions permitting).

Dec. 30 Bring your own music or Activities include innertubchoose from his. The Acorn ing and cross-country ski

Theater, 107 Generations Members of the Cass Christmas at the Acorn: A rental at St. Patrick’s Dr., Three Oaks, MI. For County Pioneer Log Cabin Christmas Extravaganza. County Park in South info, call (269) 756-3879 Museum meet at 6 p.m. at Featuring Foiled Again. Bend, IN and innertubing New Year’s Celebration or visit www.acorntheater. the Cass County Library on The Acorn Theater, 107 and snowshoe rental at Decorations. Ages 5-10. com. 6-8 p.m. is rehearsal M-62 in Cassopolis, MI. Creek Winter Break Shorts. Krasl Generations Dr., Three Ferrettie/Baugo time. No Charge. Open Oaks, MI. For info, call County Park in Osceola, Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., Bar. 8 p.m. showtime.

Dec 20 (269) 756-3879 or visit IN. For more info on pro- St. Joseph, MI. For info, w w w . a c o r n t h e a t e r . grams and fees, call (574) call (269) 983-0271 or visit Dec. 16-17 10:00 a.m.com. Tickets: $20. 277-4828 or visit www. www.krasl.org.

Alcohol Art sjcparks.org.

12:00 p.m.

“The Best Christmas Dec. 22 Pageant Ever.” The Twin Dec. 27 South Bend Civic Theatre City Players. 600 West Dec. 31

auditions for their Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, Kids4Kids production of MI. Tickets are $15, $12 “The Best Christmas Business Christmas Disney’s “Beauty and the for seniors, $7 for children Pageant Ever.” The Twin Winter Ice Sculptures…

Beast Jr.” Callbacks are on (12 and under). Group rates City Players. 600 West Ages 5-10. Winter Break The Acorn’s NYN Eve Dec. 18 at Scottish Rite available. For tickets or Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, Shorts. Krasl Art Center, Party with hosts Super E W building, 427 N Main St., more info, call 269-429- MI. Tickets are $15, $12 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, Happy Funtime South Bend, IN. Kids will 0400 or visit twincityplay- for seniors, $7 for children MI. For info, call (269) 983- Burlesque. Video SDance Community Compass sign up for an hour-and-a- ers.org. 8 p.m.

(12 and under). Group rates 0271 or visit www.krasl. Party follows show. The half slot beginning at 5:00 available. For tickets or org. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Acorn Theater, 107 on the 16th or 17th. Call more info, call 269-429- Generations Dr., Three the SBCT Box Office at Anniversary of Studebaker 0400 or visit twincityplayOaks, MI. For info, call 574-234-1112 or visit Closing.

Studebaker ers.org. 4 p.m.

3rd Annual Jaier Joust. (269) 756-3879 Family or visit Crafts www.sbct.org, or Carys National Museum. 201 S. Entry deadline Dec. 1. 4 v. www.acorntheater.com.

Kresny at (574) 968-7496. Chapin Street, South Bend, 4 soccer tournament. Boys Tickets: $25 in advance, IN. Free admission. Light Mannheim Steamroller & girls, ages U09-high $30 at door. 9 p.m.

Dec. 17 refreshments. For more Christmas at LMC Mendel

info, call (574) 235-9714 or Center at 4 p.m. Tickets are visit www.studebakermu- $52, $60, $72. Mendel L E G E N D O F EFood V E N T SFocus Local Relay for Life team seum.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Center Box Office, (269) is hosting a “You Can Paint 927-1221 or www.lmcToo” fundraiser. Dowagiac Dec. 21 mainstage.org Elks Club. All are welcome to attend. Cost: $35. Sign Music Information Alcohol Art up at: www.u-canpaint2. net/prod-493.htm. 6:30 to “The Best Christmas 9th Annual Harbor Country Pageant Ever.” The Twin Christmas show. Harbor 9:30 p.m.

City Players. 600 West Country Opera at the Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, Performing Arts Center in Business Christmas Nature MI. Tickets are $15, $12 the high school. Tickets at New Year’s Muddy Guise Blues Band for seniors, $7 for children harborcountryopera.org: N will host a blues-themed (12 and under). Group rates $25. Students under 17 are open mic. The Acorn available. For tickets or free. For info, call 269E W Theater, 107 Generations more info, call 269-429- 231-0027. 4 p.m.

S Dr., Three Oaks, MI. For 0400 or visit twincityplayCommunity Compass Parting Shots Religious info, call (269) 756-3879 ers.org. 8 p.m.

Dec. 23 or visit www.acorntheater.

com. No cover. Full Bar. 7 p.m. sign-up; 8 p.m. show.

“North Pole Nibbles.” Kids’ Last Minute Holiday Gifts Crafts Family cooking class with Chef for Friends & Family. Ages Dec. 18 Theatre Tourist Darcy Bloss. Martin’s 5-10. Winter Break Shorts.

Stevensville store. For more Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake info and to register, call Blvd., St. Joseph, MI. For Learn to ice skate at the (269) 429-1711 or visit info, call (269) 983-0271 University of Notre Dame’s http://www.martins-super- or visit www.krasl.org.

Food Focus Winter

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Page 12 • Week of December 13-19, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

PARTING SHOTS

Photos by SCOTT NOVAK

The Edwardsburg community held a lighting ceremony to kick of the holiday season. Santa rode in on an antique fire truck and children helped light the Christmas tree.

Submit Your Shots!

Send your photos to offthewater@leaderpub.com and they may be published in a future issue.