Off The Water - April 25 - May 1, 2014

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Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

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Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 17

A Grand Tradition

Blossomtime Festival marches into 108th year

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team will be participating in the Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade for the 51st year.

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Page 2 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

B

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

Renowned zookeeper Jack Hanna to visit LMC's Mendel Center Submitted photo Rick Prebeg

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

ENTON HARBOR—“You have to touch the heart to teach the mind.”

That’s the driving philosophy behind the live animal show, “Into the Wild Live,” that world-famous zookeeper Jack Hanna will be bringing to Lake Michigan College's Mendel Center on May 9.

“You can’t have conservation without education,” Hanna explained. “Unless you love something, you won’t want to save it.”

For that reason, Hannah now spends 220 days on the road each year, presenting live shows like this one, as well as travelling the globe to film his television program, also titled “Into the Wild,” and making guest appearances on a variety of popular television shows including “Late Night with David Letterman” and “Good Morning America.”

“Education is number one,” Hanna said.

“I’ve seen it in my travels all over the world.

No matter what the problem, education is the key across the board. You have to educate people in a fun way.”

The show promises plenty of fun for audience members, as Hanna plans to bring a variety of animals with him.

“It might include a cheetah — the fastest land animal on earth — a snow leopard, birds, sloths, penguins,” Hanna said. “The show is 1 1/2 hours long, and I’ll show my favorite clips from around the world. I’ll bring out three or four animals, show a clip

or tell a story, bring out three or four more animals, show another clip. That’s how the show goes.”

Hanna sees the show as a way to bring the experience of the Columbus Zoo to people who would otherwise not be able to visit it. He said that the event is appropriate for audience members ages 3 to 103.

“Not everybody can go to the Columbus Zoo. That’s why we do the show,” Hanna said.

As the director of the Columbus Zoo, it was Hanna’s boundless energy and infectious enthusiasm that helped him build that attraction into one of the world’s largest and most popular zoos.

More than 2.4 million people visited it last year.

In charge of dayto-day operations from 1978 until 1992, Hanna took what he called “an old and dirty zoo” and turned it into a model for zoos across the nation. The first step was simply to clean it up.

“I thought, it might be old, but at least it can be old and clean, not old and dirty.”

After that, Hanna set out to create more natural habitats for the animals, to improve the quality of their lives and to create a fun and educational experience for zoo visitors.

“We worked real hard to get the gorillas

outside,” Hanna recalled. “We passed our first levy in 1985, and we got the funding to make some improvements. It’s all from people believing in you and seeing results and then being willing to invest in more projects.”

Over the years, in addition to acquiring many more land animals and creating habitats for them, the Columbus Zoo has added an aquarium with all sorts of aquatic life, including manatees. Next month, the zoo will be opening up a new exhibit, Heart of Africa, which will provide 43 acres for 150 animals to call home.

They have also added one of the world’s most popular water parks, Zoombezi Bay, as well as completely revamping an amusement park on the grounds and building a golf course.

“The zoo had a $238 million economic impact on Columbus last year,” Hanna said.

“We went from 37 employees when I got there to the 2,400 employees we have now.”

While Hanna is now the director emeritus, leaving the day-to-day decision-making to a new zoo director, he sits on the board and makes major decisions regarding large projects. In fact, he currently lives in a home on the grounds of the zoo, but he also owns a home in Africa.

Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, will be bringing a variety of wild animals to the Mendel Center on May 9.

“I remember watching Marlon Perkins and ‘Wild Kingdom’ as a little boy, and I never dreamed that I would be able to travel to Africa. Now, we have a house there!”

Hanna said.

Hanna credits his success in his chosen field to his having taken the advice of his father to heart.

“My dad said there were three words to success: hard work and enthusiasm. Three words. That means, ‘Work hard, and love what you do,’” Hanna recalled.

It was that hard work and his love for animals — first as an assistant to veterinarians, then as a pet shop owner, and finally as a zookeeper — that brought Hanna to where he is now: Sharing that love for animals with audiences around the country.

“People know that it will be fun,” Hanna said of the show.

Tickets for the May 9 show, which begins at 7:30 p.m., can be purchased through the Mendel Center Box Office by calling (269) 927-1221 or by visiting www. lmcmainstage.org. They range in price from $28 to $38.

An additional opportunity is a “Wild Adventure” family-style dinner where Jack will make an appearance, and guests are encouraged to wear their favorite safari outfits. Reservations must be made one week prior to that event. Non-refundable tickets for the dinner are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3-12.

More information about Jack Hanna, as well as fun and educational materials can be found at www.jackhanna.com.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014 • Page 3

GET OUT!

Riverfront Park is Buchanan's hidden gem

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

uchanan — A s Robert Frost wrote, “Nature’s first green is gold,” and although it seems to have been a long time coming this year, that golden hue is now faintly visible along the trails of Red Bud Riverfront Park in Buchanan.

While the park may be a bit tricky to find, naturelovers will agree that it is a treasure worth hunting for.

Stretching between Red Bud Trail North and the banks of the St. Joseph River, Riverfront Park is bounded on its south end

by Richards Street. In fact, the park is broken into two oddly-shaped portions, separated by privatelyowned plots of land.

In the section accessible

by Richards St., visitors will find restroom facilities and walking access to trails that wind down a wooded slope to the river’s edge.

In the section that is accessible by car via River Front Drive, which turns off of Red Bud Trail North, visitors will find a large parking area, a small pavilion, a boat ramp and a dock. This portion of the park is located at the bottom of the slope, so the park’s 1,700 feet of river frontage are just a few feet from the parking area.

Although Riverfront Park is one of Buchanan’s lesser-known and lesserused parks, Debra Patzer, administrative assistant with the city would like to see more residents and visitors taking advantage of the park’s facilities.

“It’s a nice park, but it’s sort of tucked away, so many people may not know about it,” Patzer said.

“We’d like to encourage

people to use it more.”

The weathered condition of the sign marking the entrance to the park on River Front Drive may be one reason that people are unaware of the park’s existence. A better landmark is a large blue sign that directs drivers to the location of Library and Educational Services, which is situated on land next to the park.

Riverfront Park has not seen much in the way of capital improvements since 1981, when grants were used to build the facilities that are now present in the park.

However, noting the underutilization of the park, the city’s 2011 community recreation plan, which covers a five year period, does make specific mention of the need for improvements to its facilities, so it may be that some freshening up will take place there at some point in the future.

And, while the general public may not be very familiar with the park’s existence, fishermen in the area certainly know that it is there.

“There were a lot of people fishing down here this past weekend,” said Mike Kitchell, a resident of Buchanan who likes the spot for fly fishing.

Kitchell said that Riverfront Park can be a great spot to catch a variety of species, especially steelhead, depending upon the season.

“The steelhead like the gravel beds just downstream,” Kitchell said, pointing to a spot in the

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

ABOVE: Buchanan resident Mike Kitchell loves to fly fish for steelhead at Red Bud Riverfront Park in Buchanan. BELOW: Spring is just beginning to color the banks of the St. Joseph River in the park. river near the dock that he was casting from. “And, you’ll be able to catch bluegill off the dock here soon.”

While Riverfront Park does offer a nice, secluded spot for fishing, the trails that wind along the wooded riverbanks also provide an opportunity to observe the flora and fauna that make the banks their home.

Although the buds on the trees are still very tiny, some wildflowers are already blooming, and of course, green beds of

skunk cabbage are sprouting up in the marshy areas.

With a sandy creek running through the woods to the river, the park provides an enjoyable spot to hike.

The city of Buchanan has many other parks that boast lush lawns, flower beds and playgrounds for children to enjoy.

Red Bud Riverfront Park, on the other hand, provides a place where folks can get back to nature, listen to the singing of the birds, and maybe even catch a few fish.

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.

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Page 4 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

'Taste of Michiana' offers culinary experience

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

OUTH BEND—“If folks are wondering what Weiss Gasthaus tastes like, or what Javier’s Bistro tastes like, or if they’re thinking, ‘I’d like to try that wine,’ that’s what Taste of Michiana is all about,” said Chef Bela Szalay, organizer of the upcoming event and head chef at Life Treatment Centers.

On April 30, the regional culinary event, co-sponsored by Collins & Company, will be returning to the Great Hall of South Bend’s Century Center, located at 120 S. St. Joseph St., for its 24th year. Taking place from 5 to 8 p.m., the event is perfectly timed over the dinner hour.

“We have over 30 restaurants and wineries that will be there. Lemon Creek Winery, Journeyman

Distillery, and Baroda Founders Wine Cellar will be representing Michigan’s wines and spirits. Local restaurants include Linden Grill, Villa Macri, and Baker’s,” Chef Bela said.

“If you want to taste what these places are like, this is the place to be.”

Other eateries and pubs that will be represented include Tony Sacco’s of Granger, C.J.’s Pub, Swan Lake Resort, Bruno’s Pizza, O’Rourke’s Public House, Between the Buns and Curve Café, just to name a few.

“There will be over 100 different kinds of foods,” Chef Bela said. “The people at Smith’s Downtown Tap and Grill are bringing all kinds of things, including five different kinds of sandwiches, as well as a lot of other things people will love.”

Szalay encourages families to come to the event for dinner as there will be spe-

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cial offerings that will appeal specifically to the children in attendance.

“It’s a family-friendly event,” Chef Bela said.

“We’ll have soft pretzels from Ben’s, and the South Bend Chocolate Company is bringing a four-foot chocolate fountain with fruit and marshmallows and all sorts of other things to dip in the chocolate.”

Chef Bela also views the Taste of Michiana as a perfect occasion for trying a variety of locally-produced wines, beer, and spirits.

“It’s a really nice event for southwest Michigan to show off their wines,” Chef Bela said.

While Chef Bela has been involved in the Taste of Michiana for many years, this will be his third year organizing it.

“I’ve always helped out, but then, three years ago, the people who were organizing it pulled out, and I wanted to see it happen,” Szalay said.

“So I put it together in just 5 weeks. It usually takes about 3 months to set everything up.”

One reason that Chef Bela stepped up to the plate is that the event benefits a cause that is very dear to his heart: Life Treatment Centers.

“All of the proceeds go to benefit Life Treatment Centers. That agency is the benefactor of the event,” Chef Bela explained. “The proceeds will specifically go to Jane’s House and Kernan’s Heroes. They are

Submitted photo

Chef Bela Szalay, head chef at Life Treatment Centers, is organizing the Taste of Michiana for the third year running. both a part of Life Treatment Centers.”

Named after St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jane Woodward Miller, Jane’s House is a residential treatment center dedicated to assisting women with substance abuse problems.

Kernan’s Heroes, on the other hand, is a program designed to assist veterans navigate various challenges, and it is named after former Indiana lieutenant governor Joe Kernan.

Tickets for the event can be purchased at the door,

and they include all food, wine, beer and soft drinks.

They cost $25 for adults, $10 for children ages 6 to 16, and admission for children age 5 and under is free. More information can be found on the Taste of Michiana Facebook page.

Kennedy’s Kitchen brings Irish music to Box Factory stage in St. Joseph

S

T. JOSEPH — The ever popular Kennedy’s Kitchen will make its annual spring appearance at the Box Factory for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. April 26.

John Kennedy and his Kitchen band have been making Irish music together since 1998 and this is their ninth appearance on the Box Factory stage.

Tickets are available online with PayPal at www. boxfactoryforthearts.org/ calendar/#kennedy or at the door for $10 general

admission; $8 students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free.

Irish ale and wine will be available for purchase at this concert.

From their home in South Bend, the band averages about 80 shows per year playing everything from backyard parties and weddings to pubs, concert halls, and national festivals. They have traveled as far as New York City and Naples, Fla., recording five CDs along the way.

The band of family and friends gather every Thursday evening for dinner, laughter, and music rooted in traditional Irish music, jigs, reels, hornpipes, aires, recitations, stories and more. It’s a mix of all things Irish from traditional to pub songs, from toe-tapping to deeply moving ... and it’s always fun.

Led by John Kennedy, band members include John's nephews, Liam and Nolan Ladewski; Chris O’Brien, Rob Weber and

Jacob Turner. Instruments include fiddle, flutes, whistles, mandolin, bouzouki, guitar, tenor banjo, harmonica, bohdran and bass.

And they sing — they love to sing.

For more on this and other Box Factory events, visit the Box online at www.boxfactoryforthearts. org or be a Friend on Facebook. For more on Kennedy’s Kitchen, visit them online at www.kennedyskitchen.com or on their Facebook page.

CORRECTION: In the story entitled "Eat Local, Think Global" in the April 18-24, 2014 issue of "Off the Water," we incorrectly listed the web address for Jay Cook's fundraising website. The correct web address is: www.Farm2Table4Education. com. We regret the error and are happy to correct it.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014 • Page 5

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The Grand Tradition Blossomtime Festival marches into 108th year

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

T. JOSEPH—The pageantry started last fall, and the excitement built over the winter months as each of 22 southwestern Michigan communities crowned its own queen and court members.

Now, with the buds forming in the orchards of southwestern Michigan, the time has come for all of those communities to join together oto celebrate the long-awaited coming of spring.

“The Blossomtime Festival is the largest multicommunity festival in Michigan, and it is the second-oldest festival in Michigan,” said Sabrina LaSota, who has served as the executive director of the festival since 2008.

This year will mark the festival’s 108th celebration, and organizers will be honoring its many traditions over the course of the coming week, beginning with the Blessing of the Blossoms on April 27 and culminating with the Grand Floral Parade on May 3.

“The annual Blessing of the Blossoms will take place at the Michigan State University Research and Extension Center,” LaSota said. “It’s a non-denominational service for the 22 participating communities. All of the queens will bring sprigs from different trees— peach, cherry, and so forth, and those are blessed, and then the queens will then exchange them with each other.”

That event is scheduled for 2 p.m., and the address of the MSU extension is 1737 Hillandale Rd., Benton Harbor. It is an event that dates back to 1906 when Rev. W. J. Cady first conducted a ceremony recogniz-

ing the importance of agriculture to this region. Once again, the free event will be sponsored by H. Paul Florin.

In fact, as a long-time supporter of the festival, Florin will be honored this year as one of the 2013 Volunteers of the Year and as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the parade. He will be joined in those capacities by Gertie Johnson, another tireless supporter of the festival.

Heroic firefighter Doug Bell and well-loved, local physician Dr. Robert Tichnor will also be honored at the Grand Floral Parade, as will Grand Marshal Larry Michal.

Directly after the Blessing, spectators are invited to attend an old-time baseball game at Eastman Field in Benton Harbor. The House of David “Echoes” will play the Blossomtime “Royals,” a team made up of this year’s pageant winners.

On Monday, April 28, organizers will stage the annual “Shoebox Float Parade.” Children will be displaying shoeboxes that they have decorated in accordance with this year’s theme, “Blossomtime Gets Animated.” The parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the corner of Broad and Main Streets in St. Joseph, and award-winners will be announced at a reception at the Whitcomb immediately following the parade.

That evening, the Dinner with the Queens will be held at D.A.N.K. in Benton Harbor. Tickets to the event are $15 per person, which includes a dinner of spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage. Dancing, karaoke and a “Big Hair Contest” will round out the evening’s entertainment, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday evening will witness the annual Mayors Banquet, where the accom-

plishments of the community kings and queens will be celebrated, and they will each receive the keys to their respective cities from their mayors.

The public festivities will resume on Thursday at 5 p.m. with the annual Youth Parade, which will be held at the St. Joseph High School stadium. Only children will participate in this parade, which will include floats, bands, scout troops, 4H units, cheerleading teams, pets, costumed individuals, costumed groups, and decorated wagons and bikes.

Finally, on Saturday May 3, the Grand Floral Parade will take place at 1 p.m., but not before the Run/Walk for the Buds, which is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m.

“We have a 5K run and walk on the morning of the parade,” LaSota explained.

“It starts at the post office in St. Joseph, goes over the bridge into Benton Harbor, and comes back to St. Joseph. It’s a 35-year-old tradition.”

Participants in the 5K enjoy the event because many parade-goers will have already staked claim to their spots along the route.

“It’s nice because the runners have the encouragement of the parade-goers,” LaSota said. “It’s a nice event.”

A portion of the $25 participation fee will be used to provide T-shirts to participants. The balance will go into the Blossomtime scholarship fund, as well as helping with the festival’s operating expenses.

“We’re a not-for-profit, so the events help to support us,” LaSota explained.

Perhaps the most anticipated event of the festival is the Grand Floral Parade.

“This year, we have 127 units in the parade, and many of the big favorites will be coming back,” LaSota said.

“This will be the 51st year that the Indianapolis Motorcycle Drill Team will be participating. We’ll also have some black-and-white Clydesdale horses from Tennessee. There will be a 14-foot-tall tricycle and a stilt-walker who has walked across Michigan.”

With only four paid employees, volunteers perform the vast majority of the work that goes into making all of Blossomtime’s annual events successful.

“My favorite part of the festival is the volunteers and the communities coming together,” LaSota said. “We love to have new volunteers, so you can call the Blossomtime office if you want to volunteer. You can call, or email, or just stop by.”

More information about all of the events can be obtained by calling the office at (269) 982-8016 or by visiting www.blossomtimefestival.org.

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Page 6 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

COLUMNIST

Green & Tasty: Try this envigorating smoothie

A

bout two years ago, I started drinking green smoothies. I was trying to eat cleaner and holistically heal a sports injury, when a friend of mine sent me a detox smoothie recipe from a book entitled, “The Beauty Detox Solution.”

The book, which largely addresses when you should eat what foods for proper digestion, also gives some great detoxifying recipes.

I started making the basic green smoothie, and while the texture was a bit tough to take at first, the more I drank them the more and more I liked them and the more I started to experiment with different flavor combinations.

I instantly noticed a difference in my energy levels, needing much less coffee to feel awake and vibrant in the mornings. I also needed less grains in the morning to stay full, eventually cutting out hot cereals completely. My skin, which has never been bad, looked even better and brighter. People started commenting on the glow I had, saying I looked fantastic. A

small amount of cellulite I had on the back of my legs completely vanished.

I credit this 100 percent to the detoxifying nutrient packed breakfast I’d started filling up on.

Another reason I got hooked on the green smoothies was because of how refreshing and hydrating they are. While I’ve had fruit smoothies for breakfast for years, there was something

instantly invigorating about the green variety. I found this especially to be true if I’d had a couple glasses of wine or a martini the night before.

It’s like a hangover curing hydration charge in a glass.

I’ve been tweeting about and talking up these smoothies to anyone who will listen for the past two years. Over the past couple years I’ve

Best Green Smoothie Ever

turned several of my friends on to these drinks. In fact, the other night a friend said to me, “gosh I haven’t had a green smoothie all weekend and I can feel it.” We had about a ten minute discussion about what a noticeable difference these power concoctions make in your energy level.

She told me, just as I felt last winter, that as time went on she needed to make them less and less sweet, that

Yield: Three 16-ounce smoothies

1 banana 1 d’anjou pear ½ an orange ½ a large avocado, or 1 small 2 cups collard greens, torn into 1 inch pieces ½ cup fresh flat leaf parsley Juice of ½ a lemon Water 1. Place all ingredients in a blender.

2. Fill halfway with water and blend until smooth and creamy. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

General Green Smoothie tips: adding banana or avocado will give the drink a nice, smooth consistency. All fruit should be cut into about 1 inch pieces for blending ease. Greens should be torn, not cut. Be sure to place extras in a airtight container like a Mason jar or Nalgeen bottle for later consumption. Try to balance sweet, yet low-glycemic fruits with greens so your drink is still tasty and nutrient packed.

instead of forcing herself to drink them like she had the first couple times, now she craved her morning green drink.

We both commented on the instant hydration we felt upon sipping them, and the fun we are having experimenting with different power greens and fruit combos and the disappearing cellulite on our mid-30s bodies.

While I’ve been making these drinks for so long that I never really follow a recipe, every once in awhile one of these concoctions is so good I have to write down the fruit/veggie combo I put together. This one I made Saturday morning is possibly the best I’ve come up with yet, so I had to share.

Plus, with summer right around the corner, we can all use to look as fierce as possible!

Once you get past the color I know you will grow to love the green deliciousness. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get in veggies you might not like to cook like kale, chard and spinach.

Kat Barry Kat's Hot Talk

Kat Barry, a St. 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.

Dogwood Fine Arts Festival May 9-18, 2014

Friday, May 9

Author Elizabeth Strout

X

Saturday, May 10 Dancing Wheels

X

Wednesday, May 14 Storyteller Kim Weitkamp

X Friday & Saturday May 16 & 17 Culinary demonstration and tasting

X Saturday, May 17 Mitch Ryder Concert

Supporting Those Recovering from Cancer, Those Still Fighting, and Those at Risk The Lakeland Health Foundation of Niles-Buchanan and the Niles-Buchanan YMCA invite you to the inaugural Hope Grows fundraising luncheon. Proceeds from Hope Grows will support free cancer screening services and LIVESTRONG® at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA, a post-treatment health and wellness program. Please join us in building a community support system against cancer for the men and women of south Berrien County.

Thursday, May 1 12pm-1pm Niles-Buchanan YMCA 905 North Front Street • Niles, MI Sponsored by

866-490-2847

www.dogwoodfinearts.org

Niles

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014 • Page 7

Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival welcomes storyteller Kim Weitkamp

A

tradition featuring one of the oldest art forms in the world continues on the Dogwood stage Wed-nesday, May 14. Kim Weitkamp performs as the Festivals 21st annual featured storyteller.

As a child, Kim roamed free in the heart of Amish r nCountry; her imagination fripened by a life lived outrdoors. She wrote and eacted out plays and pageants for her family, did impersonations and comedy bits for visiting guests, dand frazzled her teachers with grandiose stories of -her daily adventures which included talking animals -and impossible inventions. , Kim survived numerous attempts by adults to cut and curb her rambunc-tious behavior and prolific imagination. dLuckily, the public gets to enjoy all of the @creativity projected through a mature and tseasoned artist. : As a humorist, storyteller, singer and

songwriter, Weitkamp has earned numerous awards and is very proud of her work on the “Peace by Piece Project,” a collaboration with the Taubman Museum of Fine Arts. Kim can be heard

on NPR affiliate stations and Sirius Radio.

Visitors too, can explore their creative and rambunctious side with a workshop on story and character creation, acting,

and presentation on Tuesday, May 13, as Kim conducts a master class workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Front Street Crossing Education Center, located at 227 Front Street. Registration is $10.

Class size is limited.

Weitkamp will take center stage for a family performance at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, May 14, at the Dale A. Lyons Building Theatre, on the Dowagiac campus of Southwestern Michigan College.

Thanks to the generosity of Securit Metal Products, tickets for this family performance are only $6.

Securit Metal Products of Dowagiac, continues its commitment to the arts in Southwest Michigan as sponsor of this family event for the 17th consecutive year. Storyteller programs for area preschoolers are sponsored by the Dowagiac Rotary Foundation.

The Festival is reinforced by the generous support of the St. Denys Foundation and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Events.

For workshop registration, tickets and information about this and other Dogwood Festival events call (269) 7821115, (866) 490-2847 or visit www.dogwoodfinearts.org.

Crystal Springs Garden Center Open House

b Saturday, April 26, 2014 • 8am-5pm Come Join in the Fun!

Refreshments will be served. We will have gifts for all our guests from the garden center. Register to win prizes!

Our annual plants, perennials, garden gifts and decor will be ready for you to see in the garden center.

We will be looking forward to seeing you!

Bring in this ad for a 10% discount on your purchase . *G

ood only for Ga rden Center Items Saturday April 26th Gra nd Opening Day

Playsets • Limited Lifetime Warranty • Free Install • 65 Models to Visit our choose from showroom today!

Sheds

• 10 Year Warranty • 12 Styles to choose from • #1 in Quality and price

Large selection of Amish Outdoor Furniture too!

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

1475 Pipestone Road • Benton Harbor, MI 269-925-1167 • crystalspringsflorist.com

269-684-2777

www.LawnFurniturePlus.com

Page 8 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Orchards Mall will be 'Rocking' Event to showcase gems, minerals, fossils

B

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

ENTON HARBOR — Sometimes, the most artistic and beautiful creations are those we find in nature, and this weekend the Blossomland Gem and Mineral Society will be displaying some of those natural beauties at the Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor.

“Minerals have a specific chemical formula, whereas rocks are combinations of different mineral crystals,” explained Dr. Joyce Moore, a member of the society. “Gems, on the other hand, tend to be purer minerals with fewer defects.”

Gems, minerals, rocks and fossils will be all featured at the show, which runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 26, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 27. Admission to the show is free.

“We’ve all come to the rock business because we thought they were pretty,” said Nancy Wolff, president of the society. “My son, who now has a degree in geology, got me into the rock business years ago. As a parent, I thought it was important to be involved in my children’s interests.”

While many rocks ands minerals often look like “nothing special” when they are first unearthed, through skilled craftsmanship, their natural beauty can be revealed.

“Our group is a group that likes to Submitted photo make things. Some of us like polishing things. We also have silversmiths, as well ABOVE LEFT: Beautiful rocks, gems and minerals — like the amethyst geode — will be on display at the as people who enjoy carving the softer Blossomland Gem and Mineral Show this weekend. The complex artistry of nature is evident in the bandstones,” Wolff said. ed agate (bottom left), Lake Superior agate (top right), and halite (bottom right) specimens shown here.

At the show, members of the society will be demonstrating various techniques for enhancing the natural beauty of rocks in the past.” lect rocks,” Wolff said. “We’re very kid-oriented. We will and minerals, including rock tumbling, carving and silverHowever, southwest Michigan offers many opportuni- have egg cartons with samples of rocks for the kids to smithing. Wolff is hoping to have a faceter there as well. ties for casual rock and fossil hunting because of the take home.”

“I make miniature dioramas, and I also make gem trees,” glaciers that moved through here at the end of the Ice Should attendees find that they are captivated by the Wolff said. “I will probably be making some at the show.” Age, leaving deposits in the Great Lakes. natural wonders on display at the Blossomland Gem and Four gem and mineral dealers will also be at the show “The beaches here offer a wide array of rocks of dif- Mineral Show this weekend, they are welcome to attend for those visitors who would like to take home a piece of ferent origins—volcanic, basaltic, sedimentary, meta- the society’s monthly meetings as well. the earth’s treasure. For many people, that may be the morphic—and the fun part for me is figuring out what the The society meets at the Krasl Art Center in St. best way to collect rare rocks and minerals since rock source of these rocks might be and how they formed,” Joseph on the fourth Sunday of most months from 1 to 3 hunting expeditions are more difficult to arrange than said Dr. Moore. p.m. Meetings usually include a presentation on some they were in the past.

The Blossomland Gem and Mineral Show will also aspect of rocks and minerals. Children are also welcome “Getting the opportunity to go and collect rocks is a have a special area dedicated to children, who can be to attend. More information can be obtained on the socichallenge because of insurance and liability issues,” some of the most enthusiastic “rock hounds.” ety’s Facebook page, or by calling Nancy Wolff at (269) Wolff explained. “We can’t get into mines like we could “I wish there were more opportunities for kids to col- 983-4900.

Colors for Kids

5K Fun Run

Spring is in the air

Apartments start at $435/mo.

SPECIAL: Move in by May 20th, 2014, pay your first month’s rent and security deposit, and receive your next month’s rent free!

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

1,2 Bedroom apartments and 2,3 bedroom townhouses

• SWIMMING POOL

• AIR CONDITIONING • 24 HR. MAINTENANCE

• COMMUNITY ROOM • SECURITY ACCESS INTERCOM SYSTEM • PLAYGROUND

Call for your own private tour of this great community

A little piece of Heaven, right here on Earth!

Arbor Trails

1615 N. 5TH St.• Niles, Mi 49120

(269) 683-1850

9 MARKETPLACE

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014 • Page 9

Marketplace

GOT SOMETHING TO Kenneth Smith, Inc. Adoption 096 Truck Drivers Pulling ADOPT: Dump Trailers Wanted NYC firefighter and teacher DRIVERS NEEDED: are longing to share their Class A CDL and Dump heart and home with a child. trailer exp. preferred. TriExpenses paid. state area, Home nights Please call Tara and Pete and weekends, Fuel Sav1-877-246-1978 or ings Sharing Program, www.TaraAndPeteAdopt.com Safety Bonus, Health Be-

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

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Help Wanted 300 DRIVER WANTED HT HACKNEY a convenience item distributor is seeking driver that will deliver customer orders with two wheeler/ramp on a multi-stop basis. Other responsibilities include providing quality customer service, unloading trucks and handling money and invoices. $21+ per hour.

Must have a CDL A License, pass a DOT physical and be able to lift 80 lbs. Other requirements include a basic math aptitude, excellent communication skills and a good driving record. Must reside in or around GOSHEN Indiana area.

Please email resume to HR_GrandRapids@ HTHackney.com Fax 616-261-6736

DRIVER/SERVICE TECH

Joy's Johns Hiring Duties include delivery, pickup and cleaning of portable restrooms. Must have 1 year straight truck experience, chauffeur license, current D.O.T. physical, clean driving record. Able to read a map with knowledge of Michiana area.

Reliable transportation and able to work flexible hours a must. Apply at 1325 Airport Rd. Niles, MI GreenMark Equipment is hiring for a Parts Counter Sales Person. See our larger ad in today's paper.

NOW HIRING

23 Full and Part Time Positions. Opening in Gerneral office help, Marketing, Delivery/Set-up and Customer Service Dept. $19.95/Start.

Call Human Resource at 855-647-9540 for immediate interviews

nefits.

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

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

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

SEMI-DRIVERS

NOW HIRING REALTORS

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

NOW HIRING

Concrete Construction Foremen, Concrete Finishers and General Construction Laborers

Full or part-time (runs within aprox. 250 mi. radius.) Park truck at home. Good starting pay and benefits. Applicant must have at least 1 year semi driving exp. with good driving record. Call Dejno’s Trucking. 1-800-544-6798.

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

Are you interested in joining a fast pace company that values it’s team and shows (269) 408-1980 it with more than lip serstjosephmi.expresspros.com vice? Ready for 100% paid Family Health Insurance, Paid Vacations, 401(k), Opportunity for Advancement, and an encouraging and safe culture WANTED that is actually practiced?

Intelligent, hard-working How about all that while Marketing Expert earning a competitive wage that is regularly reviewed for Leader Publications seeks a increase? proven media seller that All of this is not too good to puts the customer’s interests first. be true.

L.L. Geans Construction, Co. is currently expanding its team, seeking individuals that possess the following skills and abilities: · Strong Safety Culture · Knowledge of Construction Equipment · Positive Attitude

Applicants should have an understanding of how to get to the bottom of a business’s marketing challenges and be able to transform that information into a solid advertising plan utilizing multiple marketing platforms.

If this sounds like you, contact our office at: 1923 N. Home Street Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 574-255-9671 Email: admin@llgeans.com

Qualifications preferred include: previous advertising sales experience or other sales experience that would be applicable; excellent verbal and written communication skills; computer skills; community spirit and a drive for success. Must have a valid driver’s license.

Leader Publications offers competitive compensation and commission plan along with a quality benefit package.

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

E-mail a cover letter of introduction, resume and references in confidence to mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com

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 Sat. May 24th 8a-5p. Contact Paul: 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 269-783-6570 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 or (574)217-7590 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

418

Cassopolis & Dowagiac

3 BDRM HOMES

Unfurnished, appliances included, Two 3 bdrm homes available. (708)712-8703

NILES HOME

3 bedroom, new carpet & paint, great location, near schools & park, fenced yard, $700/mth 269-683-7238

2 BEDROOM

side by side duplex, wood fireplace, washer/dryer hook up, patio, no pets or smoking, $600/month, $600 deposit, 1 yr. lease, (269)470-4448 or (269)470-9836 ROUND LAKE CHALETS SISTER LAKES, MI “Summer Rental Specials” May 31st –June 7th $495+tax Aug.29th –Sept.1 (Labor Day)$295+tax Weekend (Sept.) $239+tax Weekly rate (Reg.$1125)+tax “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

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 REMODELED FARM HOUSE Berrien Center 2.3 Acres 5,000 sq. ft.Barn Attractively Priced $189,000 Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484

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

WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING

Integrity Real Estate Professionals would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our agents for professional service you expect and deserve.

269-684-5030 Integrity Real Estate Professionals

THIS CHARMING

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

Page 10 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

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

Consignment

625

Turn your Closet into

CASH

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

Household Mer642 chandise FOR SALE

Used & reconditioned 3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready washers, ranges, dryers, reto be moved into. Lease frigerators & freezers.

Options at starting at $587 Geiger Refrigeration Service per month (includes lot rent, 841 Carberry Rd. Niles insurance, water, trash) Call (269)687-8639 269-423-7024 or visit TAX SEASON IS HERE www.phelpscommunity.com BILL'S USED APPLIANCES to view pictures Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Fridges for all budgets, start Mobile Homes 506 at $100. Inventory always SPRING SAVINGS ON changing. 2559 S. 11th St. AFFORDABLE HOMES Niles (269) 591-7922 •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 Mer595 chandise Dining Room Table

Glass top, 5 ft diameter, with 4 chairs, Asking $500 obo.

Call 269-684-0463.

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

Antiques 600 ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET Sunday, April 27 8am to 4pm 400 Exhibitors Rain or Shine Located at the Fairgrounds, right in Allegan, Michigan $4.00 Admission. No Pets

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

Lawn & Garden 648 EVERGREENS

10 MARKETPLACE

ALWAYS BUYING

Plumbing Service

Off The Water, Michiana

706

Misc. Services 747 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

★★★★★★★★

•Junk Cars• •Free Pick Up• Cash Paid On The Spot Up to $1,500 (574)850-1222 24 hours, 7 days a week Home Improve700 ment #1 GUTTERS

We do seamless gutters.

Free estimates, call (269)782-0401

FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING FRYMAN’S ROOFING

Your home exterior experts.

Quality guaranteed! Locally Owned for 50 years. (269)7825008 (David & Terri Fryman)

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

HOME SERVICES & REPAIRS LLC

All kinds of Project & Repairs. 30+ years exp.

Plumbing, Elect., Drywall etc.

269-782-7919 269-357-4853

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

(269)228-0496

Lawn Service 721 GARDENING WITH INTEGRITY, LLC

•Lawn maintenance, •Full Landscaping Service • Spring Clean Ups clean beds, preen, mulch, trim shrubs, edging, create new beds & much more Call Ellen (269)759-1012

Landscaping 724 PEMBERTON LANDSCAPING Spring Clean up, Mowing, Fertilization, Shrub Trimming, all Yard Maint. needed, Residential and Commercial. Licensed and Insured.

Call 574-876-1127

Tree Service 725 C & S MARSH TREE SERVICE

Trees, brush, stump removal, high lift work, insured.

(269)362-4331 or 683-1065 leave msg.

CASPER MASONRY

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

Concrete countertops, vases, and more.

Please visit our website for more information. www.concreteoutfitters.com (269) 228-8131

Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates.

269-687-4972

Pool Service 727 SWIMMING POOL LINERS & REPAIRS

GLEN'S HAULING (269)683-8389.

Cell (269)340-4233 Topsoil•Stone•Etc.

KLIMEK ENTERPRISES

Electrical Contracting, No Job Too Big or Small. Free Quotes.

Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6290 or (269)470-4097.

MICHIANA MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION

Neighborhood Garage Sale Saturday, April 26, 2014 9:00 am-3:00 pm With 140 homes, the Arbor Pointe Neighborhood Garage Sale is one you won't want to miss!

Located just South of the Indiana/Michigan state line. West off of Portage Road.

Wanted to Buy 672 WANTED TO BUY

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

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

BUYING

Licensed/Insured.

(269)445-7005

Call

MICHIANA HANDYMAN

John

Home repairs, siding, drywall, bathrooms, painting, plumbing and much more!

One call does it all!

NOW OFFERING "SPECIAL PRICING" on all bathroom remodeling and painting.

Call today to take advantage of this offer!

(269)405-2643

ience. Robertson’s Sales & Service, Niles. Call (269)6842669

Paving Service 739 C & C CONCRETE

MIDWEST ROOFING

NIEBOER CONCRETE

GARAGES

BY NIEBOER

Quality Built (269)684-6673

POND LINERS

EPDM Rubber, Any size Lowest Prices, FREE Delivery, Huge Inventory, TRM Enterprises, South Bend.

(574)246-1922 (574) 329-9294

Flat work of all kinds, stamping, sidewalks, concrete patching, patios, driveways and pole barns.

No job too small. Free WEAVER CONCRETE Estimates.

Insured And masonry, driveways, (269)228-1163 porches, patios, tear

HOPPER EXCAVATING

out/replace, all repairs, brick, block, stone, fireDriveway, stone, slag, re- places. Will fix wet basecycled concrete, asphalt, top ments big or small, inside MK soil, sand & fill. (269)782- and out. All concrete flatCONSTRUCTION 1744/(269)783-1744 work $2.25 sq. ft. Landscaping. Fast dependable Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, Recycling Service 743 service. Quality work. Aaron Framing and more. Over 25 CA$H 4 JUNKERS (269)655-4158 years experience. Licensed.

Painting Service 754 Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777 "Have Gravel Will Travel"

repairable scrap and unwanted vehicles, top dollar paid. Call or text for a free MR. MAINTENANCE quote today. Free towing.

FREE ESTIMATES Kevin (817)437-0450 Roofing, Siding & Windows, Light Hauling & Spring WE WILL BUY your junk car. We haul for Clean-Ups, No Inside or Turn that Junker in your yard to cash in your hand free. Paying up to $1500 Outside job too big or small.

801 Carberry Rd, Niles affordable rates. cash. Please call anytime Low 269-687-5865 (269)591-1403 269-687-8098

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

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

900

Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s 2003 YAMAHA

TT-R 90, $600 or best offer, runs good, looks good.

(269)782-3139

McDaniel's Harley-Davidson

Stop in to check out the Dyna Low Rider & Sportster SuperLow 1200T. 1910 Lincolnway East, South Bend (574) 289-6650 or shop www.mchadanielsharleydavidson.com

Family owned since 1984.

Lifetime Warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.

NEW PRICE Call (269)684-7199 02 Harley Davidson Super MOLE PROBLEMS? Glide, 11,500 miles, Black, Screaming Eagle Engine.

We Can Help!

Asking $8,000 OBO. Call No contract or minimum 269-684-2654 or 269-405Call (269)254-6634 0033.

U dig, 2 - 5 ft., white pine, JDS HOME Sidewalks, floors & driveways.

Norway Spruce & Blue Free Estimates. Licensed & InIMPROVEMENT Spruce, $12. (269)683- Repairs, Replacement, New Any size, great prices, all sured. (269)684-6673 4039 Small Jobs welcome. equipment, 35 years experPOLE BARNS &

Garage-Yard 669 Sales Arbor Pointe

Insurance 758 LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES!

CONCRETE SERVICES Boats, Motors

All your Masonry needs!

Chimney Cleaning. Insured & Excellent Cleanup, Insured. Bonded. Senior discounts .

Free Estimates. Visa/MC. (269)362-1566

THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE

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

Driveways, Patios, SideSHORE STATION walks, and Room Additions. with canopy and top $1,800 15 years experience. Call Jay OBO (708)296-2372 269-635-4393.

DAN'S TREE SERVICE

(574)361-9747

Cleaning Service 757 CLEANING LADY

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

Free Estimates.

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

Trucks, Vans, 942 4-Wh Drives 02 GMC YUKON XL

black, leather tan int., 2-4-all wh. dr., 5.3 liter, trailer equip., $6,400 (269)7827734

Autos for Sale 945 New Arrival at Scarlett Auto Sales!

Loaded 2010 Hyundai Elantra, 58k mi. 5 spd $700 down, $275/mo No Interest! No Credit Checks!

7979 Deans Hill Rd Berrien Center, MI 49102 (269) 461- 4197

Off The Water, Michiana

i

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 April 24 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets may be purchased at www.dougskidsonstage.com or by calling Become a Third Thursday (269) 313-2796.

Restoration Ranger at Sarett Nature Center. At 1 p.m. on April 26 April 24, the crew will work to remove invasive species threatening Sarett’s habitats. Please call (269) 927- Celebrate Shakespeare’s 4832 to register, wear work 450th birthday with the ofclothes and bring gloves. fering of Firehouse Shakespeare. Join Shakespeare April 25 at 3 p.m. and Notre Dame Executive Director Scott Jackson for a community reading of “Twelfth Night.”

Students from Lake Michi- Snacks will be provided. gan College’s hospitality This event is free but parprogram are hosting a “Per- ticipants need to reserve ish in Paris” murder mys- their spot by calling the tery and gourmet dinner Box Office at 574-234event at the Mendel Cen- 1112 or online sbct.org. ter. The event will feature a murder mystery, dinner, music and silent auction.

Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple or $350 for The first annual Colors For a table of 10. To purchase Kids 5K Fun Run will be tickets, call (269) 927-8868. hosted by the Niles Service League at Brandywine April 25-26 High School on the cross country course, 1700 Bell Rd, Niles, Mich. Registration begins at 7 a.m, PreJoin the Fernwood staff run zumba begins at 8 a.m. in a free ceremonial tree The race starts at 9 a.m. planting at 10 a.m. on Ar- The Colors for Kids 5K fun bor Day, April 25. On April run will raise money for lo26 from 1 to 3 p.m., learn cal children with 100 perall about trees from select- cent of the profits staying ing and planting to overall in the community. care. Throughout the weekend, stop by the Arbor Day stations to learn how trees function and sustain life on our planet. Saturday pro- Kennedy’s Kitchen makes gram $15 (Members free). its annual Spring appearance at the Box Factory for the Arts at 7:30 p.m.

April 25-27 Tickets are available online with PayPal at www. boxfactoryforthearts.org/ calendar/#kennedy or at Kids On Stage will pres- the door are $10 general ent “Disney’s Jungle Book admission; $8 students and 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.

1

& ch

LE

Suet & No-Melt Dough

5 Pounds

Bird Food Cylinders

Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014 • Page 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING? 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 St., Benton Harbor, at 8 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.liverybrew.com.

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.

The Fernwood Book Group meets the last Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m.

Join the Book Group on Saturday, April 26, to discuss “Leaning Into the Wind: Memoirs of an Immigrant Farm Boy” by Larry Jacobsen. Even if you have not read the book, the group encourages you to attend.

April 27

rience 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.

poetry open mic and book signings at 7 pm on April 30.

The open mic is free and open to those wanting to read their poetry on the Box Factory’s stage. Readers should arrive at 6:45 p.m. to sign up for a time slot.

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 May 1 Sunday, August 3 from noon until 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Deadline for applications is May 3, 2014.

The ARS Gallery in Ben- Terms, fees and conditions ton Harbor will host an in- are outlined on application. ternational tapas and wine pairing Evening with Chef Mindy from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $28 per person Singer Susan Harrison or $50 per couple. returns to the Box Factory for the Arts stage on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, available online with PayPal at From 3 to 6 p.m. on May 23, www.boxfactoryforthearts. the Women’s Service League org/calendar/#harrison or of St. Joseph will present at the door, are $10; $8 the NASCHAIR Challenge seniors and students; and 2014, the Midwest’s premier children 12 and under free.

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Children ages 2½–3½ with an adult enjoy an introduction to nature from 3 to 4 p.m. Talk will be about flowers and followed by a walk to see Fernwood’s fantastic assortment. Please dress for walking the trails. $5 per child/adult pair (Members office-chair racing competi$4 per child/adult pair). tion. Proceeds from this fun event will benefit The TherApril 28 apeutic Equestrian Center.

Register your four-person team by May 1 to receive free t-shirts. Races will take TeenStock productions is place on Lake Blvd., St. Jopreparing for its summer seph. More info and regisperformance of “Les Mis- tration forms are available at erables.” Individuals enter- www.womensserviceleague. ing grade seven (fall 2014) org/projects/spring-event. through age 20 can participate. Auditions will be held May 2 at four southwest Michigan locations: Monday, April 28 at Coloma High School; Tuesday, April 29 at Bran- “Maya Lin: A Strong Clear dywine High School; Vision” will be shown at 7 Monday, May 5 at Ber- p.m. at the Box Factory for rien Springs High School; the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Wednesday, May 7 at Lake- Joseph, MI. The award-winshore High School. All au- ning documentary will be the ditions begin at 5:30 pm. final film in the First Friday Callbacks (as needed) will Film series before the sumbe held on Saturday, May mer hiatus. Suggested dona10 at 10 am at the Lake tion of $5 will be collected at Michigan College Band the door.

Room, Benton Harbor.

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April 30

In recognition of National Join the Southshore Concert Poetry Month, the Writers’ Band for their annual free Studio at the Box Factory Spring Concert and expe- for the Arts will sponsor a

May 3

The Ernie Hendrickson Band with opening act The Fluffers will perform a concert at The Livery in Benton Harbor at 8 p.m.

May 6

Celebration Cinema in Benton Harbor will host a red carpet fundraiser for Harbor Lights TV beginning at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door, and can be purchased at St. Joseph Today, the Three Pillars Music Store or online at celebrationcinema.com.

May 6-7

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Firefly photo with David Knight will present two sixweek photography workshops at the Box Factory for the Arts beginning on May 6 and 7. A beginners’ workshop will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and an intermediate workshop on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The fee for each workshop is $150; $135 for Berrien Artist Guild members. Prepaid registration is available online with PayPal at www.boxfactoryforthearts.org/ artcalendar.html# or by credit card at (269) 983-3688.

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Page 12 • Week of April 25 - May 1, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Super Kicker

showcases full slate of events

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com

B

ERRIEN SPRINGS—If you’ve been to the Berrien County Youth Fair, you may have seen the bull-riding competition put on by the Super Kicker Rodeo. What you may not realize is that show only presents one-fifth of the excitement that Michigan’s largest rodeo company has to offer.

Usually, Super Kicker can only their present bull riding event at the Berrien County Youth Fair due to space constraints, but this time, the top qualifiers from the 2013 “Light Em Up,” rodeo tour will be competing in five different events: bull riding, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, and barrel racing.

“This will be the first rodeo of the year, and it will also be the biggest one of the year,” said Cathy Johnston, who owns the rodeo company with her husband, Joe. “We hold a series of rodeos each year, and this is the 3-day championship finals from last year’s competitions. This show is the best of the best!”

More than 85 contestants will be competing in the events that begin at 7 p.m. on May 2 and 3 and at 2 p.m. on May 4, and the rodeo champion will be crowned on Sunday.

The Johnston family has a long history of staging rodeos and breeding saddle buck horses.

“I come from a rodeo family,” Cathy explained. “My husband and I decided to start our own rodeo company in 1994 after we used my father’s ring to have a high school rodeo that my son competed in.”

Cathy and Joe’s two sons continue to be involved in the family business, helping out with various technological tasks as well as working on the 61-acre family farm.

“Our farm is 70 miles north of Grand Rapids in a little town called Paris,” Cathy said. “We have a bucking horse stud and

about 11 mares. So, all of our bucking horse stock is born and raised here.”

The Johnstons have a total of 35 head of bucking horses as well as seven saddle horses, and 35 head of bucking bulls. Each year, they pick up a new load of bulls from Pat and Leah White’s farm in Delkab, Tx. “Our only vacation that we ever have is when we go to pick up a load of bulls down in Texas,” Cathy said. “The Whites have had a wonderful breeding program down there for about 15 years.”

buck, but that’s just not true. There’s nothing you can do to make an animal want to buck. There’s rebel animals, and there’s rebel humans, and these animals just don’t want to be rode. That’s why they buck.”

Along with caring for her family, providing for her animals is one of Cathy’s main priorities in life.

“We take very good care of our animals. It’s a blessing,” Cathy said. “I love my animals. It’s my job to take care of

Submitted photo

The Super Kicker “Light Em Up” Rodeo Championship Finals will include five different events, including bull riding and bareback riding. The rodeo champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 4, at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds.

Once they pick up the bulls, the Johnstons train them to be ridden in the rodeos.

“We do all the training,” Cathy said.

“People talk about all sorts of things that are done to the animals to make them

them and protect them. If I could feed them off a silver platter, I would!”

Sharing those animals with the riders and the spectators at the rodeos is another one of Cathy’s passions, and she sees the opportunity to do that as a great blessing.

“To sum us up, we’re blessed,” Cathy said. “Blessed. That’s the most accurate way I can describe our life. We’ve put a lot of rodeos on. We have a lot of good friends, and we have a lot of people who support us.”

It’s also very important to Cathy that the Super Kicker Rodeo provides an exciting and affordable evening of entertainment for families.

“My job is to entertain the rodeo fans, and that’s our main priority,” Cathy said.

“I want to make sure folks get their money’s worth, and then some. So, we try to keep it reasonably priced.”

Tickets to the rodeo cost $10 for adults and $8 for children ages 4 to 10. Children age 3 and under will be admitted for free.

Tickets can be purchased at Honor Credit Unions throughout Berrien County.

“It’s very family-oriented. Family— that’s what we’re all about. You can bring little kids or grandma, and no one will get offended by our funny men,” Cathy said.

“We’re excited! It’s going to be a great show!”

Cathy also wants visitors to know that this will not be a boring, old-fashioned rodeo.

“This isn’t your grandpa’s rodeo! It’s entertainment,” Cathy said. “It’s exciting.

There is that element of danger, just like at a car race. It’s a great outing!”

While this will be the first time that the Super Kicker Rodeo Championships will be held at the Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, Cathy hopes that it will become an annual event.

“I’m hoping that this will be the new home for our championships,” Cathy said.

“Getting this show together in just six weeks has been hard on me, but I’ve had a lot of help from the Fair Board, especially Mark Young. He’s been a god-send!”

More information about the Super Kicker Rodeo can be found at www.superkickerrodeo.com and on their Facebook page as well.