Off The Water - April 18-24, 2014

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Volume 6, Number 16

Birthday for the Bard Group kicks off two-year celebration of Shakespeare

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Page 2 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

A birthday party for Bill Group kicks of two-year celebration of Shakespeare

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

OUTH BEND — Perhaps one of the most recognized writers in the English language — and certainly one of the most influential — William Shakespeare would have turned 450 years old on April 23 of this year.

In celebration of that anniversary, a variety of individuals and organizations from around the State of Indiana have come together to form Shakespeare Across Indiana. This two-year celebration of Shakespeare’s work will include special exhibits, readings, workshops, and live performances.

One of the first events will feature a workshop and an impromptu reading of “Twelfth Night,” hosted by the South Bend Civic Theater (SBCT) in its Firehouse Theater on April 26.

Calling it “A Birthday Party for Bill,” organizers at SBCT have teamed up with Scott Jackson, executive director of Shakespeare at Notre Dame, to present the free reading experience at 3 p.m.

Prior to the reading, from 1 to 2:45 p.m., participants may also attend an optional $15 workshop. In it, Grant Mudge, Ryan producing artistic director of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival, will teach participants dif-

Photo by Peter Rigenberg

COVER: The Professional Company of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival performs a scene from “Richard III” during the 2013 season. This year, they will present “Henry IV.” TOP: Students from the Robinson Shakespeare Company participate in last year’s performances of “ShakeScenes.” BELOW: This year will mark the 15th Anniversary Season for the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. Here, actors perform a scene from last summer’s performance of “Richard III.”

ferent ways to access and connect with Shakespeare’s language.

While some would-be participants may feel intimidated by the thought of reading Shakespeare’s sometimes-confusing 17th Century English, Jackson calls the reading situation “informal” and “low-intimidation.” Rather, he sees this as an opportunity to bring Shakespeare to the people.

“We thought this might

be a really good way to develop Shakespeare on a grassroots level,” Jackson said. “We’d like to start a series of readings that are based in the curious nature of our community.”

While reading one of Shakespeare’s plays privately can be tedious for a modern reader, Jackson believes that hearing Shakespeare will prove much more interesting, making the playwright’s work more accessible.

“Shakespeare lived in the air, not on the page,” Jackson explained. “It’s a way to directly engage the language of his plays. It’s just an impromptu reading, and from my experience, it works really well.”

Organizers welcome guests who would like to read parts as well as those who would simply like to listen to the reading.

“We’re encouraging everyone to show up, whether they want to read or

not,” Jackson said. “I will change the casting from scene to scene, or from act to act, based on who shows up.”

While the event is free, participants need to reserve their spots by calling the SBCT Box Office at (574) 234-1112 or online sbct.org.

All ages are welcome to attend, and snacks will be provided.

“We’re trying to put as much fun into it as possible,” Jackson said.

“Shakespeare is for all of us.

He lives in all of us, and as such, we all bring something individual to his works. That’s our goal.”

For those who can’t get enough of Shakespeare, the organizers of Shakespeare at Notre Dame have a number of other exciting ways that they plan to bring Shakespeare to the people this coming summer and fall. They are currently gearing up for the 15th season of the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival.

In July, they will present ShakeScenes at Washington Hall on the campus of Notre Dame. Coordinated by Christy Burgess, the program will include 20 scenes from various plays, enacted by 20 different groups culled from around the region.

Then, the Young Company will present “The Merry Wives of Windsor" at a number of parks and festivals. Performances are scheduled to take place in Three Oaks, Stevensville and several towns in northern Indiana.

In August, the Professional Company will be staging parts I and II of the history play, “Henry IV,” conflating them into one 2 1/2 hour show, and September will bring a production of “Much Ado About Nothing” from the Actors from the London Stage.

More information about all of these performances can be found at www.shakespeare.nd.edu.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 18-24, 2014 • Page 3

CUISINE SCENE

Eat local, think global High school student hosting dinner fundraiser

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

G

RAND BEACH — Last summer, Jaylun “Jay” Cook, a junior at New Buffalo High School, got bitten by the international travel bug. As a participant in the People to People Student Ambassador Program, he had the opportunity to travel to Australia with 30 other student delegates.

The program, founded by Dwight Eisenhower in 1956, provides students with the opportunity to learn about other countries by travelling to them. In many cases, the students stay with local host families, enabling them to learn even more about the day-to-day lives and cultures of the people in the countries they are visiting.

This year, the itinerary for the 2 1/2-week tour includes

Jaylun Cook

visits to Italy, France, Switzerland and Austria.

And, with the cost of participating in the trip being $7,200, students are encouraged to raise the necessary funds while participating in community outreach efforts.

To that end, Jay has arranged to host a farm-totable dinner with Brad Hindsley, owner and executive chef of Spire Farm-toFork Cuisine, located in the Legacy Hills Golf Club in La Porte, Ind..

“Spire Farm-to-Fork Cuisine got involved after I approached Brad,” Jay said.

“He was very willing to help, and he’s donating his services to the event.”

Jay chose to focus his fundraising efforts on providing a farm-to-table dinner because of the growing interest in such events.

“I chose to do a farm-totable event because, in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana, there have been a lot of farm-to-table dinners that have been very popular,” Jay explained. “I’m trying to give back a little bit through providing a good dinner and an evening of live entertainment.”

Jay is hoping that the response to this event will be more productive than were his efforts to raise money for the trip he took to Australia last year.

“Last year, I didn’t get a great response in my fund-

raising efforts. I mainly went door to door,” Jay recalled.

“I received the most help last year from family members and some local businesses.”

While raising $7,200 could be a daunting task for anyone, let alone a junior in high school, Jay’s experiences in Australia help to keep him motivated.

“I’ve gained so many new friends through the program,” Jay said. “In Australia, I stayed with a local family, the McAulays. They were the nicest family. Very welcoming and fun. They are the nicest, greatest people.”

As an outgoing person who makes friends easily, Jay hopes that he will meet more such people on his travels through Europe. He credits his experience of moving a lot as a child with his ability to make friends and his desire to see more of the world.

“I learned that you can’t

Flowers in renaissance D

id you ever think that working in your garden could enhance your art collection?

Recognizing flower forms may help you to cash in on fine art.

Flowers have been important subjects in fine art for centuries.

Renaissance artists painted flowers as both the main subject and the backdrop for some of the most important works of art in tempera on panel, oil on canvas, and fresco.

Allesandro Botticelli’s famous painting Primavera (Spring) from the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence featured a flower garden of accurately painted buds native to Renaissance Italy. Botticelli’s main subject was the mythical Goddess of Spring or Primavera but the painting also offered onlookers a nearly encyclopedic view of more than 140 different types of flowers all of which could have been cultivated in a garden in Florence, circa 1475.

Renaissance artists who mainly produced triptychs, frescoes, and altarpieces for the church and private works of art for wealthy patrons offered certain flowers within their compositions as symbols used to instruct the faithful.

For instance, the ever-popular carnation was one such flower which was often included in Renaissance paintings. It referred to the life of the Virgin Mary. Carnations, a symbol of pure love and fidelity, were said to have sprung up at Mary’s feet from the tears that she shed when Christ carried the Cross to the site of his crucifixion.

Carnations are found in numerous 14th and 15th Century altarpieces throughout Europe featuring the Madonna.

Submitted photo

"The Tulip"

Like carnations, lilies were also a reference to the Virgin Mary and her purity. Lilies were also a nod to the Holy Family. The typical flower with three buds on a single stem reference the three members of the Holy Family and are commonly gifted on Easter to highlight the celebration of the Resurrection. Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, is often depicted in Renaissance art in a gated garden surrounded by lilies suggesting her protected purity and the pure color of the flower. These flowers are also exchanged between mothers and children on Mother’s Day. During the Dutch Baroque period (circa 1580-1700), artists painted floral still lifes that conveyed beauty which referenced the brevity of life or the idea that we should nurture and enjoy every day as we do our short

lived floral bouquets. Floral still life paintings, widely collected by Holland’s middle class in the 1600s, were produced in great numbers by artists like Rausch, Heda, and de Heem, and today command high prices in the art market.

The Dutch people’s love for tulips and their mildly fragrant bloom announces — ­­ via its trumpet form — the annual coming of spring. The tulip is the quintessential symbol of luxury, wealth, and prosperity in the history of art. Dutch botanist Carolus Clusius brought the first tulip buds from Constantinople (present day Istanbul) to Leiden in 1593. Originally used in medical research experiments, the tulip sparked great economic interest as sales of the high-priced onion-like bulbs spread throughout Europe in the 1600s.

Tulipomania resulted as well-to-do Dutchmen traded tulips as a luxury item. Some socialites regarded tulip bulbs as even too precious to plant.

Many saved the bulbs and displayed them on dining tables as part of a highstyle centerpiece. By the 1630s, tulips had increased in popularity and in price with significant property exchanges taking place all in the pursuit of tulips.

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be shy,” Jay said. “It’s probably one reason why I’m pretty outgoing and I make friends quick.”

Although he longs to travel far from home, Jay counts his family members among his biggest supporters. In fact, his mother, Jennifer Cook, and stepfather, Jason Greenbaum, are the ones who introduced Jay to the People to People program “They’re the ones that have encouraged me the most, and I can’t thank them enough for getting me interested in this program,” Jay said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been interested in doing it at all.”

The event is scheduled to take place on May 15, with appetizers and cocktails at 6 p.m. (central time). Dinner

will then begin at 7 p.m., and it will be followed by live entertainment and an additional cocktail hour. Tickets for the event are $95 per person, and reservations can be made by calling Spire Farm-to-Fork Cuisine at (219) 575-7272. The restaurant’s website is http://www. spirefarmtofork.com.

Jay’s plans for this year’s fundraiser also include a silent auction, and he is hoping that local businesses will be willing to donate items in exchange for some advertising. He is also accepting donations from individuals who would like to help, but who cannot attend the dinner. Additional information can be found at www.youcaring.com/tuition-fundraiser/help-jay-make-the-payeuropean-exploration/93482.

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Page 4 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

Holidays can still be healthy W

ith a holiday weekend approaching, the strong connection between food and tradition really shines through.

In the religious realm, both passover and lent have dietary restrictions for the duration of the season. In American secular tradition, much of the focus is on food and treats. Easter Bunny delivers baskets of sweets and goodies.

Easter egg hunts yield colorful eggs and chocolate prizes.

In addition to the chocolate laden baskets and pastel boiled eggs, there is often a feast following the religious services. Family and holiday gatherings such as Easter can be alienating if you’re trying to eat a more plant based diet, so it’s important to be an active participant in the recipe planning.

Offer to contribute bringing a yummy bread or interesting meat-

Kat Barry, a St. Joseph, free time she enjoys practicing less main dish to ensure you won’t go hungry or feel awkward about Michigan native, is owner of yoga, sampling local spirits, lisCOLUMNIST adhering to your dietary prefer- Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan catering, tening to live music, and getting and co author of "The New outdoors. Follow @katshotcakes ences.

I find most people struggle with Chicago Diner Cookbook: Meat on twitter. Kat can be reached ideas for healthful breakfast sweets Free Recipes from America’s via email at: kat@katshotcakes. as well as vegan main dishes.

Veggie Diner." com.

Tofu can easily be scrambled in She also develops place of eggs, vegetable dishes recipes for eHow. and salads easily veganized. com, where you can Pastry loving health foodies find over 30 of her shouldn’t feel left out. For that vegan instructional reason, I’ve decided to include a cooking videos. She breakfast bread and smoky seitan is also a certified dish here. yoga instructor. Kat For many, many more Easter currently resides in menu ideas please visit www. Chicago, and in her Kat Barry katshotcakes.com Kat's Hot Talk and search, “Easter” under the “From our Pan-fried BBQ Seitan Kitchen to Yours” Yield: 4 servings tab. There are multiple sample menus available in 1 pound seitan; drained and cut into 2 inch cubes Dash sea salt pdf download. ¼ cup Cornflake breadcrumbs Fresh ground black pepper to taste ½ cup whole wheat flour 2/3 cup vegan BBQ sauce ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1- 1 ½ tablespoons canola or grapeseed oil ½ tablespoon Frontier All Purpose Seasoning or other seasoning mix

1. Mix together a breading for the seitan by combining the crumbs, flour, cayenne, seasoning, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Lightly toss each piece of seitan in the breading until it’s fully coated.

2. Preheat a non-stick skillet. Once it feels warm, add the oil. Allow the oil to warm for a minute or two, until it starts to bubble, then add the seitan.

3. Lightly fry on medium high heat, turning often until the seitan becomes golden brown. Reduce heat to just below medium, drain off any excess oil, and add the BBQ sauce. Toss until fully coated. Cook another three or four minutes on medium low.

4. Serve with quinoa pilaf (in article archive) and Brussels sprouts or asparagus.

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 18-24, 2014 • Page 5

GET OUT!

History in our backyard Parks offer look back into beginning of Niles

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

N

ILES — Being so close to Lake Michigan, many folks naturally think first of heading towards the beach when it comes to getting out and enjoying nature.

However, one reason that our region is so beautiful is that a river runs through it.

From origins east of Hillsdale, Mich., the St. Joseph River winds more than 200 miles, dipping into northern Indiana before turning north and emptying into Lake Michigan at St. Joseph.

It is, in fact, one of the only rivers in North America that flows north.

Along the way, forts — and later towns — were built on its banks. Now, nearly every one of those towns offers at least one riverside park for residents and visitors to enjoy. And, because of the important role that the river played during the settling of the region, many of those parks offer both an opportunity to enjoy nature as well as a chance to experience a bit of the river’s history at no cost.

For example, Niles is sit-

uated on land that was significant long before Europeans came to this region. The river, which Native Americans called the “O-sang-e-wong-se-be,” narrows and becomes shallower there. Therefore, they considered it to be a perfect fording site, referring to the location as “Pa-wa-ting,” or “The Great Crossing.”

W h e n French missionaries and fur traders arrived, they also recognized the location as naturally strategic. After some time, French forces arrived and established Fort St. Joseph beside the river in 1691.

Centuries later, the French Paper Co. constructed the St. Joseph River Park Project, which includes the land on which the original fort was built. Just north of there, a hydroelectric dam was constructed, supplying power to the paper company.

The park area begins at Fort St. and runs between the east bank of the river and Bond St., connecting to

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Riverfront Park via the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail.

Amenities of the park include a canoe landing, a

picnic area, and a large lawn area from which the dam can be viewed. Visitors can feed ducks, geese and seagulls, and there are a variety of shady fishing spots along the river’s banks.

Two historical sites at the south end of the parkland may be of interest to visitors, but access to them is best achieved by car because there are no trails or sidewalks on Bond St., which is a gravel road there. Parking is also a challenge.

The best plan may be to park in a recessed area along the east side of Bond St., about one-tenth of a mile north of the intersection with Fort St. There, in an area known as Allouez Park, at the top of a steep flight of stone stairs, a cross stands in monument to Father Claude Jean Allouez S.J Born in France in 1622, Allouez served an important role as a Jesuit missionary throughout a wide area, ranging from Quebec and the shores of Lake Superior to southern Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, Allouez was appointed as Pere Marquette’s successor in 1675, and he eventually settled among the Miami Indians in southern Michigan. . A plaque at the base of the cross indicates that Allouez died near that spot in 1689.

After visiting the cross, visitors may want to walk carefully south on Bond St. to view an enormous boulder that was placed there as a monument to Fort St. Joseph in 1913.

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No visible traces remain of Fort St. Joseph, which once stood on the banks of the St. Joe in Niles. However, a historical marker and a boulder have been placed on Bond St. to mark the fort’s general location.

Set on an embankment at the top of a small set of worn stairs, a plaza with stone benches serves as the base for the boulder. At each corner of the plaza, a small square marker bears the name of one of the four powers that have claimed the area as territory: France, Britain, Spain and the United States.

A nearby plaque designates the spot as a Michigan Historic Site, briefly discussing the history of how the fort changed hands from the French to the British. For those interested, the Fort St. Joseph Museum, located at 508 E. Main St. in Niles, can provide many more historical details about the fort. The museum also has a collection of artifacts recovered from the fort.

While the boulder marks the general location of the historic fort, archeologists have determined that the fort stood much closer to the river. In fact, much of that

land is now covered by water, which must be pumped out during archeological digs.

Currently, a wild tangle of vines, brush, trees and swampland makes it dangerous to venture down to the riverbank there. Rather, the parkland just north of the historical monuments is a far more hospitable place to appreciate the rushing river as it heads towards the dam.

Due to the nature of the terrain near the dam, parents would be wise to stay close to children there. However, other pleasant, grassy spots can be found below the dam as well.

Although St. Joseph River Park and Allouez Park are more difficult to access and offer fewer recreation options than does Riverfront Park, visiting them can enrich one’s appreciation of the river’s history while providing an opportunity to get out and enjoy the coming of spring.

Page 6 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Author! Author!

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

H

ARBERT — While many of the events scheduled for Art Attack weekend in Harbor Country will highlight the visual arts, the art of writing will be the focus at the Center of The World Woodshop, 13400 Red Arrow Hwy., from 4 to 6 p.m. on April 26.

For the fourth year in a row, Lorraine and Terry Hanover, owners of the shop and authors themselves, will host their annual “Author! Author!” reading and book signing event.

“The first event was my book launch party,” explained Lorraine.

“It really went over well, so the following year, we did a second launch party, and we included several authors.

We’ve just decided to make it an annual event.”

This year, the Hanovers are showcasing the work of Tom Montgomery Fate,

Betty Knight Taylor and Barbara M. Schuck. They will also be unveiling a collaborative project of their own.

“We try to bring in different authors every year,” Lorraine said. “We’re really thrilled to get Tom Fate.

I’ve read two of his books, and I’m really impressed with his work.”

As fate would have it, the Glen Ellyn, Ill. author — who owns a self-built cabin in southwestern Michigan — dropped by the Hanovers’ shop a few months ago.

“He just happened to walk into our shop and asked if we would like to carry his books,” Lorraine said.

An English professor at the College of DuPage, Fate regularly contributes to The Chicago Tribune and has written five books of nonfiction, including “Beyond the White Noise,” a collection of essays, “Steady and Trembling,” a spiritual memoir and “Cabin Fever,”

Writing event part of Harbert's Art Attack

Tom Montgomery Fate will be reading from his work and signing copies of his books at the Center of the World Woodshop’s “Author!

Author!” event on April 26.

ABOVE: Author Betty Knight Taylor will also be featured.

Submitted photos

ART ATTACK See page 12 for more on the event coming to Harbor Country a nature memoir.

“We’re very excited to have him on board,” Lorraine said.

Playwright and novelist Betty Knight Taylor will also be attending the event.

“Betty has produced four or five different plays,” Lorraine said. “She writes, directs and produces them.

In fact, she has a play coming up in Benton Harbor in August.”

A third author, memoirist Barbara M. Schuck will also be a guest at the event.

Her work, “Jared’s Path,” relates the positive, uplifting true story of her medically challenged son.

“This is Barb’s first book,” Lorraine said. “She has a son with special needs, and this is a sort of a mem-

oir of her experiences with that. I recruited her through the Harbor Authors’ Group.”

Book-loving children will also be entertained at “Author! Author!” as JoAnn Loeffen Thompson will be present.

“She writes children’s books, and she’ll be there with her books to read them to the children,” Lorraine said. “She’s a delightful person.”

Finally, Lorraine and Terry also have their own new publication coming out — a guide to area hiking trails and brew pubs, entitled “Get Out: Trails and Ales in Southwest Michigan.”

“Terry and I have been backpackers for many years, and we also like our

beer,” Lorraine explained.

“So, we’re doing this guide to the best hiking trails and places to get a good sandwich and a beer afterwards.”

The first issue of the biennial guide will include spring and summer trails, and the second issue will include fall and winter trails. Each issue will be about 20 pages long.

The event is free and open to the public, and visitors will be invited to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizer while mingling with the authors. Tom Fate’s reading and presentation will begin at 5 p.m.

More information can be obtained by calling the Center of the World Woodshop at (269) 4695687 or by visiting www. centeroftheworld.net.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 18-24, 2014 • Page 7

Wine festivals a great way to expand palate

T

he only way to appreciate wine is to taste wine, different wines, and push yourself to try new things.

There’s no better way to taste more wines than the exploding popularity of wine festivals. There are many events in Indiana and surrounding states, many in Indianapolis, but two large ones which dominate the calendar. Story hosts the Indiana Wine Fair April 26.

Then Indianapolis hosts Vintage Indiana on June 7.

The Indiana Wine Fair has grown to be wildly successful approaching its 12th year in quirky little Story, Indiana. The town is best known for its old inn – “One inconvenient location since 1851” and a world-class restaurant.

The wine fair runs 12:30-7 p.m. April 26.

Admission is $30 with a Story Inn wine glass keepsake for the first 4,000 at the gate. Designated drivers are admitted for $10.

The fair offers shuttle buses from picturesque Nashville and Bloomington.

The wine fair offers plenty of food options and entertainment. Story is

COLUMNIST

Howard Hewitt Grape Sense Submitted photo

Tasters crowd the many tasting tables at area wine festivals.

approximately half way between Columbus and Bloomington about 10 miles south of Highway 46.

Vintage Indiana is the oldest of these mega-wine gatherings in its 14th year.

Vintage is sponsored by the Indiana Wine and Grape Council. The noon-6 p.m. event is held in Indianapolis’ Military Park downtown.

Admission is $25 in advance and $35 at the gate. The first 10,000 people receive a souvenir glass.

A VIP program costs $50 in advance and gets you an hour of less-hectic tasting

at 11 a.m.

Vintage includes entertainment, craft and food vendors along with a Wine & Food pavilion featuring presentations from chefs and foodies.

Both wine festivals present a wide range of wines from many of Indiana’s 80-some wineries. You can easily taste more than 100 wines at either event. Though a little advice for big wine events is learn to spit. Some people are uncomfortable sloshing wine around in their mouth then expelling

it into a dump container at each winery’s booth. The trick is to learn to move the wine around from the front of your mouth (or palate) to the back. If you’re a little uncomfortable remember this is a world-wide practice commonly seen in Europe and even Napa Valley tasting rooms. You can practice it at home.

There are other wine festivals. Vevay, along the Ohio river, hosts the Swiss Wine Festival August 21-24. Vevay claims to be the location of Indiana’s first winery. At this time

they have 12 wineries committed to pouring for the event.

Then there are other festivals and art shows which may feature a winery or two.

But the two big ones come up early in the year.

Each features a lot of wineries. It’s not unusual to find 20 to 35 wineries at either event. Parking can be an issue at Story, a large abandoned field is used across from the Story Inn. Parking in Indianapolis is where it can be found but plentiful on the city’s near

west side.

Both festivals are great fun. But a word of warning, Story’s Indiana Wine Fair is crowded into a small space. There are Hoosier winemakers who will whisper, off the record, the festival has grown beyond the space.

Vintage draws an even bigger crowd but the venue is much more spacious.

Both venues feature long lines and crowds.

Obviously, people are consuming alcohol at these events. There are always a few who have bellied up to the tasting table a few times too many. The wineries are very careful with the one-ounce pour but there is no policing how many pours anyone consumes.

With that word of advice, the wine fairs are a great way to explore Indiana’s improving wine industry.

Howard W. Hewitt, Crawfordsville, Ind., writes for more than 20 Midwestern newspapers on value wine every other week. Read his wine blog at: www.howardhewitt.net.

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Large selection of Amish Outdoor Furniture too!

Mon-Sat 10:00am-5:30pm 2212 S. 11th Street • Niles, MI

269-684-2777

www.LawnFurniturePlus.com

Page 8 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Unique antiques

Something for everyone at 'The Barn of Curiosity'

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ERRIEN SPRINGS — If you’ve driven M-139 between St. Joseph and Berrien Springs, it’s highly likely that you’ve noticed the little red barn on the west side of the road.

Located in the stretch of road that was once a part of the community called “Buckhorn,” the address is now 6656 S. M-139, Berrien Springs.

“I remember places like this when I was on vacation with my parents in Florida, just on the side of the road,” owner Jim Baney said. “I want to be the old man on the side of the road that fixes flat tires.”

Chances are, you’ll remember seeing Baney’s place, too. Although it’s just a little barn, it’s hard to miss it with the way that Baney has it decorated.

Among a host of vintage bicycles set out in the front yard, a yellow 1970s chopper-style bicycle outfitted with a rotary lawnmower blade stands out.

“That’s the redneck lawnmower,” Baney explained.

“This is like my third one.

Most of the guys who buy them get them for their friends who have a lawn service. They buy them for them as a gag. They’re yard art.”

Besides all of the bicycles, you might see a bikiniclad mannequin climbing a ladder to the barn’s roof today. Tomorrow, who knows what will be out there?

For the past three years or so, Jim’s Vintage Bicycles has captivated passing motorists with the yard art

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Owner of the vintage bike shop and curiosity store located on M-139, Jim Baney loves to restore older bicycles like this one. He is also happy to repair flat tires.

and vintage bicycles that he has set out front. However, recognizing that the store offers so much more than vintage bikes, Jim is in the process of re-naming the shop “The Barn of Curiosity.”

Among the many items that will fascinate visitors are the 1970s skateboards Baney has collected.

“I collect skateboards, specifically the Z Boys— Jay, Tony, and Stacey,” Baney explained, referring

to a group of skateboarders who were very influential in popularizing the sport.

Visitors might also notice the collection of old cigarette packages and the replicas of old gas station pumps that Baney fashions out of antique metal kitchen cabinets. He even has a collection of old cane poles and a dressmaker’s mannequin from 1909. Another oddity is the “Jim Dandy,” a 1960s peddle cart with a surrey top.

Colors for Kids

5K Fun Run

April 26, 2014 at Brandywine High School $25 per person, team of 4 OR $30 per person, individual if you register before April 1st All proceeds benefit children in our community.

Registration starts at 7:00 am Zumba at 8:00 am • Race starts at 9:00 am

Niles Service League

NilesServiceLeague.yolasite.com/5k.php For more info call 269.591.1246 or email beckyk@sbfcu.org

The main thing, though, is the collection of vintage bicycles that Jim has amassed over the years, including antique tricycles that date back more than 100 years. He also has four tandem bikes that he is in the process of restoring.

“Everybody’s got to have a hobby,” Baney explained.

“I used to do mini bikes and stuff like that, but there’s no money in it. I knew a friend who collected bikes, and once I went to a show, I was bitten.”

Before that, Jim worked in a variety of settings.

“I’ve worked at a veterinary clinic. I’ve driven delivery trucks. Manual labor took its toll on me, being a small person,” Baney said. “I’m just looking to survive, not get wealthy or get rich.”

The opportunity to buy the shop came as part of an early inheritance from his mother and stepfather. His mechanical bent was passed down to him by his stepfather as well.

“My stepfather, Harry Peznick, has been a great person in my life since the early 1970s. He used to be an engineer at Whirlpool,” Baney said. “He’s a perfec-

tionist, and I just kind of learned some tricks from him. I like to be a hands-on person.”

While Baney doesn’t buy new bikes, he’s certainly willing to take modern styles in trade for the vintage bikes he sells.

“I don’t buy new bikes, but I will work on them,” Baney said. “People can also trade them in and trade up for any of the bikes I have here.”

Brands include Schwinn, Columbia and Western Flyer, as well as many others.

Baney is also always in the market for a variety of other types of items to add to his collections in case folks have unusual items they are ready to part with. He can be reached at (269) 408-0430 by those who have questions.

“I’m generally interested in ‘man cave’ stuff—things from the past, from the 1970s on back. Things that aren’t here anymore, but they were cool,” Baney explained. “Stuff that brings back memories.”

Visiting Baney’s shop will certainly bring back some memories for anyone who lived through the 1970s and earlier decades, and

Baney is happy to answer questions about his merchandise for those who didn’t live through those eras.

“You can’t just walk in and spend five minutes,” Baney said. “You could spend five minutes in just one spot, just looking around, there’s so much stuff.”

Although his emphasis continues to be on the past, Baney has big plans for the future of The Barn of Curiosity.

“Once I change the name of the business, I’ll have a donation jar here, and I’ll eventually turn it into an amusement park kind of thing,” Baney said.

Although the shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday throughout the spring and summer, one event that will surely draw a crowd is Baney’s Father’s Day weekend swap meet.

“Father’s Day weekend is our annual swap meet.

There’ll be free camping out here. We have a caboose food cart here that sets up for food, a bon fire, live music.

We’ll set up a stage,” Baney said. “It’s a good time here on Father’s Day weekend!”

Off The Water, Michiana

GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? LIST IT HERE FOR ONLY $10. CALL (888) 725-0108

Adoption ADOPT:

096

General Notices 106 VENDORS WANTED!

Farmers, Cottage, & Craft 2nd Saturday EACH Month Small Business Saturdays 4th Saturday EACH Month Register @ www.theorchardsmall.com or call 269-927-4467

MASTER ELECTRICAN/ ELECTRICAL JOURNEYMAN PAPER MANUFACTURING White Pigeon Paper Company a paperboard manufacturer located in White Pigeon, Michigan has an opening for a Licensed Master Electrician or an Electrical Journeyman. The ideal candidate will need to have extensive knowledge and experience with 480V 3 phase, motor starters and controls, and instrumentation. Supervisory experience with proven leadership skills is a plus. Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel and have experience with a CMMS system, Micrologix, Reliance drives, VFD’s and PLC programming and troubleshooting.

The position is responsible for performing routine maintenance, emergency repair, troubleshooting, installation, and more in a safe and efficient manner consistent with state codes. In addition, the person will be required to assist with some capital improvement projects and assist with mechanical maintenance work.

The individual will be required to work weekends and be on call as needed.

Our company is an equal opportunity employer that offers an excellent compensation package, which includes a 401K plan with company match, profit sharing and incentive opportunities. In addition, a very good medical and dental insurance plan. This position will offer someone a great opportunity in advancing and enhancing their career at a private company that offers a challenging but rewarding environment.

White Pigeon Paper Company encourages all candidates to email a resume to nschiffli@whitepigeonpaper.com

CNC Machinsts

n CNC Boring Mill Operator’s for first and second shifts. ” CNC Lathe Operator for second shift. Programming and Setup required. Top wage and benefit package. d t Call, apply within, or email: g Contact: Ed Walerko h WaLErkO TOOL & ENgiNEEriNg 1935 W Lusher Ave • eLkhArt, IN 46517 s 574-295-2233 • wte@walerko.com , e Helena Chemical Company, a f

e a l n f

s , y d l s -

s . t e r . y e

Week of April 18-24, 2014 • Page 9

Marketplace

NYC firefighter and teacher are longing to share their heart and home with a child.

Expenses paid.

Please call Tara and Pete 1-877-246-1978 or www.TaraAndPeteAdopt.com

r o e

9 MARKETPLACE

national agricultrual-chemical company, has immediate seasonal openings for a general laborer and for a CDL truck driver (Hazmat endorsement preferred).

Laborer position will perform miscellaneous jobs around the facility. Driver will deliver fertilizer and chemicals to local growers. Positions are temporary working out of New Carlisle, IN facility.

For consideration, please call or email: 574-654-0180 or jacobsb@helenachemical.com Pre-employment drug screen required. EOE M/F/V/H

HIRING CNA’s!

Local Niles facility is accepting applications for full-time & part-time CNA’s. Offering a new wage scale and sign on bonus for CNA positions. Must be certified by the State of MI. Please send resumes to: hr@silverbookmanor.com

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Help Wanted CNA's

300

Silverbrook Manor in Niles is hiring. See our larger ad in today's paper.

Helena Chemical Company is hiring. See our larger ad in today's paper.

HIRING

Walerko is hiring for CNC Machinists. See our larger ad in today's paper.

Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted

DRIVERS NEEDED:

Class A CDL and Dump trailer exp. preferred. Tristate area, Home nights and weekends, Fuel Savings Sharing Program, Safety Bonus, Health Benefits.

Apply in person 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in Niles, MI or call 269-684-5960 to request application www.kennethsmithinc.com

NOW HIRING REALTORS

Call today 269-683-4507 Coldwell Banker R. E. Specialists 1400 Chicago Rd Niles, MI 49120

CLASSIFIED/ CIRCULATION ASSISTANT

Assist classified & circulation managers with the operations of 2 daily and 5 weekly publications.

Must have computer experience, excellent typing skills and a strong work ethic. Sales experience a plus.

Hourly compensation plus commission. Monday - Friday 40 hrs/week.

Please send resume to: donna.knight@leaderpub.com or 217 N. 4th St. Niles

SENIOR PGA TOURNAMENT

May 14th to May 31st Grounds Crew Be Part of an Extraordinary Local Event!

30-40 hours $8.00/hr.

Day and Night Shifts

(269) 408-1980

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Student Transportation Niles, Michigan First Student, Inc. is a financially secure, rapidly growing, and dynamic organization dedicated to providing the safest and most efficient student transportation services in the U.S. We are now recruiting for an experienced Operations Manager for our Niles, Michigan terminal.

As the Operations Manager, you will manage all functions of the school bus business including: compliance with state and federal transportation regulations and company safety policies; recruiting, hiring, evaluating, and training of drivers, mechanics, and staff; financial performance of the business; development of a positive customer relationship; and maintenance of the fleet and facilities.

To receive serious consideration, you need prior management/supervisory experience in a related transportation business, preferably student transportation; strong financial management and P & L background; excellent time management and communication skills; solid computer skills, and a successful operations management record. A college degree or equivalent training and experience is a plus.

You will be rewarded with an excellent benefits program and competitive salary.

To apply, please e-mail your resume, in confidence, to: leslie.ohara@firstgroup.com First Student An Equal Opportunity Employer

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES

NEEDED NOW AT US XPRESS Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally!

1-800-882-7364

Elderly Care 307 KARE SERVICES

Compassionate Home Care Services (269)684-1984 (574)292-2900 email:KKaidanRay@aol.com www.KAREService.com

Instruction & Training

309

P.D.K. Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Next class April 19th, 8a-5p Spring Special $75. Contact Paul: 269-4622584 or Kelly: 269-7836570 pdkfirearms.com

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

412

Apartments Available $565/month (269)684-4500 tanglewood-niles.com Cassopolis

STONE LAKE MANOR

Senior Apartments.

2 months free on select units.

Spacious, two bedroom located on beautiful Stone Lake, Intercom entry building, elevator, emergency pull cords. Seniors 62 years or older. Rent starts at $631.00 (based on income).

Please call Toni at 269-4453333 or stop by today at 145 Stone Lake St. for more information. EHO. TDD 1800-649-3777 American Preferred 1-800-968-1792 Edwardsburg

FOR RENT

2 bed with washer/dryer hookup, no pets, $150/week. 2 bed with out washer/dryer hookup $140/week. Tenant pays electric, all electric including heat. Water, trash, sewage included in rent. $200 deposit.

3 bed with washer/dryer hookup $160/week. (269)414-2713 Mon.-Sun. 10am-6pm

RIVER OAK APTS

1729 Oak St., Niles (269)687-8340 1-2 Bedrooms Heat, Water, Hot Water & Trash All Paid www.coreleases.com

For Rent Niles

418

2 BEDROOM

Sister Lakes

2 BED HOUSE

No Smoking No Pets. $700/month plus security Mature Adult(708)925-8973

Office Space for Rent

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

Houses for Sale 500 HOT PICKS! 1723 N. PHILIP, NILES Awesome Farm House 1405 SIOUX TRAIL, NILES Spacious 4 Bedrooms FREEDOM REALTY (269)687-8484 Niles- N. 5th St.

3 BED

1.5 bath, single family, 1995 sq. ft., detached garage, lease or cash, call for details. (877)553-5348

RANCH BRICK

in Brandywine School area, 2,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bedroom, 1/2 acre lot, fenced back yard, 2 car attached garage with extra side access, completely remodeled, tiled kitchen, bathroom & utility room, carpeted bedrooms with walk-in closets, large dining room, wood flooring in dining room, family room and hall, cathedral ceilings in family room, wood burning fireplace, all new stainless steel appliances, large Florida room, additional 3 car garage great for workshop. $139,900 (269)845-1830

side by side duplex, wood fireplace, washer/dryer hook up, patio, no pets or smoking, $600/month, $600 deposit, 1 yr. lease, WHETHER BUYING (269)470-4448 or OR SELLING (269)470-9836 Integrity Real Estate ROUND LAKE CHALETS Professionals SISTER LAKES, MI would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our “Summer Rental Specials” agents for professional service you expect and deMay 31st –June 7th serve. $495+tax 269-684-5030 Aug.29th –Sept.1 Integrity Real Estate (Labor Day)$295+tax Professionals Weekend (Sept.) $239+tax

stjosephmi.expresspros.com

Weekly rate (Reg.$1125)+tax

White Pigeon Paper Company is hiring. See our larger ad in today's paper.

“Fishing, boating, swimming, or just relaxing.” * Only a 20-minute drive from Niles!

Ask for Brad Light (269) 687-9227 Or cell (574) 850-6940

Page 10 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

THIS CHARMING

Consignment

10 HALF CLASS

625

Turn your Closet into

CASH

3 bedroom home has 1 on the main floor and 2 upstairs, 2 full baths, some original woodwork and hardwood floors. Open living room and formal dining room area. Detached garage is brand new with easy access from the alley. Back yard is fenced with a covered patio. Located at 1009 N. 13th St. Niles Visit www.SoGoodToBeHome.com for more photos and info $63,000 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten (574)340-4271 (269)663-8800

Manufactured 502 Homes A GREAT HOME FOR LESS

2 bd/1 bth, Newer appliances, New flooring throughout, Qualifies for $199 base lot rent For 24 months!

Riverside Estates Call 269-695-3119

HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $587 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-423-7024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures

Mobile Homes 506 SPRING SAVINGS ON AFFORDABLE HOMES •Preowned 2&3 bed homes •New 3 bed, 2 bath homes for $34,500 •Many standard features •Modular homes available Colonial Acres (269)663-2424

General Merchandise

595

NOW OPEN NILES FLEA MARKET Wed.-Sat. 10a-5p Sun. 12p-5p 111 E. Main St A few Vendor spots still available. For more info call 574-323-4187

Kids' clothing: newborn to teen, Baby gear & furniture, Maternitywear Accepting Spring & Summer wear Feb. 1st Call for appointment.

Who kNew Consignment 269-782-9800 We are open Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm, so you can replace the winter clothes your kids are outgrowing

Things to Do 637 CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY

ALWAYS BUYING

Plumbing Service

Off The Water, Michiana

706

★★★★★★★★

•Junk Cars• •Free Pick Up• Cash Paid On The Spot Up to $1,500 (574)850-1222

BRADY CONCRETE

Specializing in Flat work of all type, seawalls, stamped concrete & Bobcat Service. Free estimates. Insured. Fast, dependable service. (269)4453349 or (269)591-0100

CASPER MASONRY

Sewer Rodding• Drain Cleaning• Internal InspectionLocating• Sewer Replacement-Repair Licensed, Bonded, Insured.

(269)228-0496

Lawn Service 721 GARDENING WITH INTEGRITY, LLC

Brick/ Block/Stone. Custom & Insurance work. Insured & Bonded. (574)298-3520

COMPLETE CONCRETE

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work.

Insured (269)663-8091

CONCRETE OUTFITTERS

RICKS POWER WASHING RVs, homes, decks, farm equip. & boat docks. Small commercial jobs. Serving Cass., Dow. & Niles. Free Estimates, Senior Discounts. Will beat any competitors estimates.

Call 269-470-9507 or 269470-9498

Insurance 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

Concrete countertops, •Lawn maintenance, Motorcycles & vases, and more.

915 •Full Landscaping Service ATV’’s Please visit our website • Spring Clean Ups for more information. clean beds, preen, mulch, McDaniel's http://cass.lib.mi.us www.concreteoutfitters.com trim shrubs, edging, create BUYING (269)445-3400 Harley-Davidson (269) 228-8131 repairable scrap and un- new beds & much more Check out our Stop in to check out the Call Ellen (269)759-1012 wanted vehicles, top dollar online services: CONCRETE SERVICES Dyna Low Rider & Sportster paid.

Call or text for a free Freegal, Learn4Life, and SuperLow 1200T. Landscaping 724 Driveways, Patios, Sidequote today. Free towing. more! Call for more info. walks, and Room Additions.

1910 Lincolnway East, PEMBERTON Kevin (817)437-0450 15 years experience. Call Jay South Bend LANDSCAPING 269-635-4393.

(574) 289-6650 or shop Household Mer642 WE WILL BUY Spring Clean up, Mowing, www.mchadanielsharleyGLEN'S HAULING chandise your junk car. We haul for Fertilization, Shrub Trimdavidson.com (269)683-8389. free. Paying up to $1500 ming, all Yard Maint.

FOR SALE Cell (269)340-4233 needed, Residential and Used & reconditioned cash. Please call anytime Topsoil•Stone•Etc. Commercial. Licensed and washers, ranges, dryers, re- 269-687-8098 Insured.

KLIMEK frigerators & freezers.

MOTORCYCLE Call 574-876-1127 Geiger Refrigeration Service Home Improve02 Harley Davidson Super ENTERPRISES 700 841 Carberry Rd. Niles Tree Service 725 Electrical Contracting, No Job Glide, 11,500 miles, Black, ment (269)687-8639 Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. Screaming Eagle Engine.

C & S MARSH Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Asking $8,000. Call 269#1 GUTTERS Insured. (269)684-6290 or 684-2654 TREE SERVICE TAX SEASON IS HERE We do seamless gutters. or 269-405(269)470-4097.

BILL'S USED APPLIANCES Free estimates, call Trees, brush, stump removal, 0033. high lift work, insured.

Washers, Dryers, Stoves, (269)782-0401 MICHIANA MASONRY (269)362-4331 or 683-1065 Fridges for all budgets, start Trucks, Vans, leave msg. & CONSTRUCTION 942 at $100. Inventory always FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS THE CUTTING EDGE All your Masonry needs! 4-Wh Drives changing. 2559 S. 11th St. GUTTERS & SIDING Chimney Cleaning. Insured & PRO TREE CARE Niles (269) 591-7922 02 GMC YUKON XL FRYMAN’S ROOFING Bonded. Senior discounts .

Complete Tree Service black, leather tan int., 2-4-all Your home exterior experts.

(269)362-1566 SAME DAY ESTIMATES Quality guaranteed! Locally wh. dr., 5.3 liter, trailer Merchandise for MIDWEST ROOFING 643 Owned for 50 years. (269)782- Insured, Competitive Rates. Family equip., $6,400 (269)782owned since 1984.

269-687-4972 Sale 5008 (David & Terri Fryman) 7734 Lifetime Warranty Shingles YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS Pool Service 727 Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers. Under $100 980 HOME REPAIRS & Vaporizers & e-hookah Call (269)684-7199 SWIMMING POOL Wood Framed Bunk Bed Over 50 liquid flavors.

REMODELING LINERS & REPAIRS NIEBOER CONCRETE Twin on top, Full on Bottom, US 31 Tobacco Over 25 years of experience, No mattresses. Free, You 50552 US 31 N, South Bend tile work, kitchens, bath- Any size, great prices, all Sidewalks, floors & driveways. equipment, 35 years exper- Free Estimates. Licensed & In- pick up. Call 269-262-2427.

(574) 271-0333 rooms, additions, decks & ience. Robertson’s Sales & sured. (269)684-6673 porches, windows & doors, Service, Niles. Call (269)684window wrapping, siding, 2669 POND LINERS Garage-Yard 669 fascia & soffit. Insured! Call EPDM Rubber, Any size Sales 739 Lowest Prices, FREE DeRandy (269)782-3139 Paving Service (269)208-9838 livery, Huge Inventory, TRM C & C CONCRETE DOWAGIAC Enterprises, South Bend.

Flat work of all kinds, ESTATE/TAG SALE (574)246-1922 HOME SERVICES & stamping, sidewalks, April 24, 25 & 26, 1-6pm REPAIRS LLC concrete patching, patios, (574) 329-9294 32876 Middle Crossing Rd., All kinds of Project & ReDowagiac. See us at driveways and pole barns. WEAVER CONCRETE pairs. 30+ years exp. estatesales.net.

Signup No job too small. Free And masonry, driveways, sheet noon. (269)782-5517 Plumbing, Elect., Drywall etc. Estimates. patios, tear Insured porches, 269-782-7919 out/replace, all repairs, (269)228-1163 269-357-4853 HUGE INDOOR block, stone, fireHOPPER EXCAVATING brick, places. Will fix wet baseYARD SALE "Have Gravel Will Travel" JDS HOME April 17-19, 9-6 Driveway, stone, slag, re- ments big or small, inside IMPROVEMENT Martin's Auction House cycled concrete, asphalt, top and out. All concrete flatRepairs, Replacement, New soil, sand & fill. (269)782- work $2.25 sq. ft. Land6525 M139, scaping. Fast dependable Small Jobs welcome. 1744/(269)783-1744 Berrien Springs, MI. service. Quality work. Aaron Washer & dryer, furniture, Licensed/Insured. Call John (269)445-7005 (269)655-4158 Recycling Service 743 motorcycle, tools, clothes, candy molds, dishes, & misc.

Niles - 2027 East Main St.

ESTATE SALE

24 hours, 7 days a week

MK CONSTRUCTION

Weds., Thurs., Fri. & Sat., April 16-19, 9-5 Furniture, clothes, kitchenware, tools, garden tools, many, many collectibles & more. (803)3673625

Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, Framing and more. Over 25 years experience. Licensed.

Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

Wanted to Buy 672 WANTED TO BUY

MR. MAINTENANCE

Cash paid for small & medium size refrigerators working or not,

washers, gas & electric ranges. Call (269)687-8639

FREE ESTIMATES

CA$H 4 JUNKERS Painting Service

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 POLE BARNS & Clean-Ups, No Inside or Outside job too big or small.

GARAGES Low affordable rates.

BY NIEBOER (269)591-1403 Quality Built (269)684-6673

754

J.M. HUNT ENTERPRISES, LLC Painting & Drywall. Insured.

Free Estimates.

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

Cleaning Service 757 CLEANING LADY

Business/Residential. Call for free estimate. Senior discounts. Kathy (269)3324897

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

April 17

i

Stick Master Patrick Dougherty will present a lecture and viewing of his newest stick work installation at 6 p.m. at Fernwood Botanical Garden.

Call (269) 695-6491.

April 18

The BPOE Elks Lodge #1322 will hold a Lenten fish and chicken fry from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Included will be all you eat fish, chicken, cole slaw, baked potato, dessert, beverages.

Cost $8 per adult. Children under seven free.

April 19

Easter Eggstravaganza, Downtown St. Joseph.

Face painting, egg hunt, etc. For info, call (269) 985-1111 or visit www. stjoetoday.com. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Niles Elks Lodge is hosting an Easter Egg hunt for children of the the community. The event includes lunch for the children followed by three age division egg hunts. Children under 12 only please.

Buchanan will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Meet at the common downtown. Candy donations can be dropped off in advance at Redbud Insurance or the Chamber office.

Fairland Christian Church in Niles, Mich., will be holding its annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 19 for young people ages 12 and under. Everyone is invited to share in this special event. Fairland Christian Church is located at 1811 River Bluff,

i

Niles, Mich. 49120. For more information, contact Tom Gamble, Associate Minister, at (269) 6838211.

April 21

The Greater Niles Senior Center will host a Dyngus Day Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the senior center, located at 1109 Bell Rd. in Niles. The traditional menu will include sausage, sauerkraut, noodles, mashed potatoes, hardboiled eggs, dessert and a beverage. Tickets are $6 per person. Call (269) 683-9380 for details.

WHAT'S HAPPENING? to register, wear work clothes and bring gloves.

April 25

Students from Lake Michigan College’s hospitality program are hosting a “Perish in Paris” murder mystery and gourmet dinner event at the Mendel Center. The event will feature a murder mystery, dinner, music and silent auction. Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple or $350 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets, call (269) 927-8868.

The National Active amd Retired Federal Employees Association southwest Michigan chapter will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at the Super Buffet in Benton Harbor (next to Big Lots). All retired and current federal employees, spouses and families are welcome. For information, call Jean Rowe, (269) 782-2769 or e mail jeanrowe70@comcast.net April 23

Bring a sack lunch and explore Michigan with Sarett Nature Center on April 23.

The van departs at 9:15 a.m. for Spirit Springs Sanctuary. The fee is $25.

Please call (269) 9274832 to register.

April 23 - May 24

The Art of George Vagis exhibit opens on Wednesday, April 23 and runs through Saturday, May 24th, 2014 at the Buchanan Art Center, located at 117 W. Front St. in Buchanan. This reception will also feature the artwork from the High School Creative Exhibit, which runs from Wednesday April 23rd through Thursday, May 15, 2014.

April 24

Become a Third Thursday Restoration Ranger at Sarett Nature Center. At 1 p.m. on April 24, the crew will work to remove invasive species threatening Sarett’s habitats. Please call (269) 927-4832

St., Benton Harbor, at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www. liverybrew.com.

Kids On Stage will present “Disney’s Jungle Book Kids” at 7 p.m.

April 25 at the Kids On Stage theatre at The Orchards Mall. Additional performances will be performed at 7 p.m. Friday, April 25, at 4 and 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 26 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

Tickets are $8 per person in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at www.dougskidsonstage.com or by calling (269) 313-2796.

April 26

Celebrate Shakespeare’s 450th birthday with the offering of Firehouse Shakespeare. Join Shakespeare at 3 p.m. and Notre Dame Executive Director Scott Jackson for a community reading of “Twelfth Night.” Snacks will be provided. This event is free but participants need to reserve their spot by calling the Box Office at 574-2341112 or online sbct.org.

The 18th Annual Old Fashioned Pancake Breakfast will feature antique tractors and plowing, antique cars, tractor pulls, quilting demonstrations and more. Pedal pull sign-up begins at 9:30 a.m. and the pull begins at 11 a.m. at the Buchanan School Farm, located at 3588 Andrews Rd. in Buchanan.

Join a Sarett Nature Center naturalist for an evening Woodcock Walk on April 26 at 8:30 p.m. to witness the aerial courtship display. Admission is $3 for adults. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

April 27

Join the Southshore Concert Band for their annual free Spring Concert and experience musical selections from the broadway stage to Hollywood’s movie screen. Conductor Dale Reuss and the band will bring to life the music from “Jersey Boys,” “Far and Away,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Mary Poppins” and “Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” to name just a few. The free concert begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 27 at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Mich.

April 28

Kennedy’s Kitchen makes its annual Spring appearance at the Box Factory for the Arts at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online with PayPal at www. boxfactoryforthearts.org/ calendar/#kennedy or at the door are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free. Irish ale and wine will be available for purchase at this concert.

Gurf Morlix will perform at the Livery, 190 Fifth

will be held on Saturday, May 10 at 10 am at the Lake Michigan College Band Room, Benton Harbor.

May 1

April 25-27

April 22

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Week of April 18-24, 2014 • Page 11

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TeenStock productions is preparing for its summer performance of “Les Miserables.” Individuals entering grade seven (fall 2014) through age 20 can participate. Auditions will be held at four southwest Michigan locations: Monday, April 28 at Coloma High School; Tuesday, April 29 at Brandywine High School; Monday, May 5 at Berrien Springs High School; Wednesday, May 7 at Lakeshore High School. All auditions begin at 5:30 pm.

Callbacks (as needed)

i

The ARS Gallery in Benton Harbor will host an international tapas and wine pairing Evening with Chef Mindy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $28 per person or $50 per couple.

LEGEND

Alcohol

Art

Business

Movies

Community

Theatre

Crafts

From 3 to 6 p.m. on May 23, the Women’s Service League of St. Joseph will present the NASCHAIR Challenge 2014, the Midwest’s premier officechair racing competition.

Proceeds from this fun event will benefit The Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Register your four-person team by May 1 to receive free t-shirts.

Races will take place on Lake Blvd., St. Joseph.

More info and registration forms are available at www.womensserviceleague.org/projects/springevent.

Music

Food

Religious

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Information

Tourist

Nature

Holiday

Parting Shots

Family

$

May 3 $

Off The Water, Michiana

Applications are being considered for the 3rd Annual Art & Music at the Vineyard taking place at The Round Barn Winery estate on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3 from noon until 6pm Eastern Time. Deadline for applications is May 3, 2014.

Terms, fees and conditions are outlined on application.

May 7

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The ARS Gallery in Benton Harbor is hosting photography classes. Classes will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 on Wednesdays for three weeks from May 7 to May 21. Cost is $90 per person.

i The ARS Gallery in Benton Harbor is hosting wine education classes for three weeks from May 7 to May 21. Classes will be from 5:15 to 6:30 on Wednesdays. Cost is $45 for all three weeks or $17 per class.

Shopping

Sports

May 9

Jack Hanna’s “Into the Wild Live” at LMC Mendel Center. Tickets are $28, $32, $34 & $38. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www.lmcmainstage.org. 7:30 p.m.

i

The Occupational Therapy Assistant (AAS) students at Brown Mackie College are celebrating OT Month by hosting an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to showcase the Occupational Therapy profession; one that is expected to grow rapidly over the next several years.To learn more about this program, please visit http://www.brownmackie.edu/south-bend.aspx.

May 9-11

Barn Swallow Theater hosts “Old Time Radio Show” directed by Randi Pickley.

Page 12 • Week of April 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Art Attack takes over Harbor Country

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

H

A R B O R COUNTRY — Once again, businesses throughout Harbor Country will be opening their doors to welcome both artists and art lovers during the annual Art Attack weekend.

“We’ve always found that it is a great event for us,” said Laura Cochran, who owns Local Color Gallery with her sister, Rita. “It brings a lot of people into the area, and it serves as a great kick-off for the art season in Harbor Country.”

While Jennifer noted that Art Attack was originally the idea of artist Liz Thomas and the people behind the now-defunct Red Arrow Ride, the Cochran sisters have been organizing Art Attack for approximately 15 years.

“It seems like we’ve been doing it forever,” Laura said. “The main thing is trying to get as many people to have some kind of art in their business.”

Judging by this year’s brochure, which is available to download at www. harborcountry.org/artattack, the sisters have been very successful at meeting that goal. Events are scheduled to take place from April 25 through 27 at businesses located in New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Harbert, Sawyer and Lakeside.

Unlike many other such community-based art festivals, a wide variety of businesses — not only those typically associated with art — will be involved in Art Attack.

“Indian Summer Boutique is going to have a trunk show, and Catherine Doll is also doing something,” Jennifer said.

“There will also be free dog sketches at Beach Tails in the Shops at Michigan Thyme.”

One of the big highlights of the weekend will be the annual Ad Fest and Feast, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks.

That event will feature a screening of the 2013 award winners from the New York Festival of International Commercials, made possible by rights-holder Jim Smith.

“They are commercials from all over the world,”

ABOVE: Kristy Putnam, owner of the new Peacock Place Gallery and Gifts, works on a shower pan she is creating using Michigan beach pebbles. Right: “Flamboyant Luck,” a ceramic tile mosaic mural, custom built by Kristy Putnam. LEFT: Artists Cathy Tapia and Kristy Putnam work on ceramic pieces at the Buchanan Art Center.

Submitted photos

Jennifer said. “They’ll show all the winners from a wide variety of different categories.”

Along with the screening, samples of some favorite dishes will be served by Harbor Country restaurants, including Capozio’s, Dave’s Delicatessen, Fitzgerald’s, the Journeyman Distillery, St. Julian, Timothy’s, and Milda’s Corner Market.

“Something that’s new, and that we’re very excited about, is that Green Sprit Farms will be participating,” Jennifer said. “I’m sure they bring something very fresh and exciting.”

During the course of the evening, organizers will also be presenting a scholarship to a New Buffalo senior who plans to continue in the study of any of the arts. Proceeds for the evening’s $40 ticket sales will go towards funding that scholarship as well as defraying the cost of organizing next year’s Art Attack. Reservations can be made by calling the Acorn Theater at (269) 756-3879.

Another highly anticipated event will be the opening of a new art gallery and gift shop, Peacock Place, located at 13436 Red

Arrow Hwy. in Harbert. Art Attack hours for the new gallery will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

However, a grand opening artists’ reception will be held there on Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres with featured artists William Anderson and Cathy Tapia as well as with gallery owner and artist, Kristy Putnam.

“We feature all local artists by preference,” Putnam said. Quoting William Anderson, she added, “We’re not famous, but

we’re fun!”

While Anderson is known for creating works in a variety of media, including the large kaleidoscope in Three Oaks, Peacock Place will be featuring his fused glass pieces. Pottery, impressed with grape vines from Lemon Creek Winery by ceramic artist Cathy Tapia will also be on display.

A variety of Putnam’s creations will also be available for purchase, including her all-recycled necktie fashions, custom ceramic tile murals and the pebble mosaics that she creates for both walls and floors.

“I love going to the beach and getting rocks.

I’m currently making a shower pan out of pebbles,” Putnam explained. “I also like to use recycled tiles from the Harbor Habitat ReStore. They give me the ingredients to create balanced, asymmetrical patterns.”

With so much going on in Harbor Country on the last weekend of April, it seems certain that even the most insatiable art-lover will be satisfied by the offerings that the Cochran sisters have organized with help from all of the communities involved.