Off The Water - July 11, 2014

FREE Where are they now?

Swim, bike, run

Sister Lakes Triathlon returns...........p.4

Week of July 11-17, 2014

Sculptural work of Notre Dame alumni...p.5

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 28

Walk the Talk Tours showcase St. Joe's historic buildings, monuments and sculpture collection

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Walk the Talk

Tours showcase St. Joe’s historic buildings, monuments and sculpture collection

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

T. JOSEPH—Besides the beautiful beaches and the many recreational opportunities afforded by the lake and the river, one of the aspects that draws tourists to St. Joseph is the unique character of the town that perches atop the bluff.

With historical monuments, contemporary works of art and Victorian houses, taking a stroll along the bluff and down State Street can be a rich cultural experience, but it is also one that can bring up a lot of questions as well.

That’s why this summer’s Sidewalk Art and Heritage walking tours are such a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to get to know St. Joe a bit better.

“From the perspective of St. Joe Today, we’re excited to have two great tours to offer residents and visitors,” said Jill Stone, executive director of St. Joseph Today.

“They really allow people to capture the art and the history of the area. It’s a great opportunity.”

This is actually the second year that the Heritage Museum is offering the tours.

“We had a request from

St. Joe Today to offer history tours,” said Molly Kruck, museum assistant at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. “So, I helped to write the tours last year. We try to cover a little bit of everything—interesting houses, the lighthouses.

The barrel factory that is now an apartment building has an interesting history.”

Since they began in late May, the tours have been popular with tourists and residents alike.

“We’ve had a few tourists on the tour, but mainly it’s been residents who want to learn more about the history of St. Joe,” Kruck said. “It’s been ranging from 5 to 15 people on each tour.”

The history tours, which cover about a mile and take a little over an hour, include more than 30 stops.

“We go by the Hotel Whitcomb and the Maids of the Mist Fountain. The cannon on the bluff is always really popular,” Kruck said. “We also stop by a few historic homes like 510 Park St. It’s a little Greek Revival home, and it is the oldest standing house in St. Joseph.”

Kruck recommends that folks also make a visit to the Heritage Museum after the tour ends.

“Admission to the Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

TOP: The Krasl’s Sidewalk Art Tours provide information about the sculptures located in the Margaret B. Upton Arboretum. MIDDLE & BOTTOM: People who take the Heritage Museum’s walking tours will learn about St. Joseph’s oldest standing house as well as the Civil War cannon on the bluff.

museum is free throughout the rest of the summer,” Kruck said. “They can go by there after the tour.”

Building on the success of last year’s history tours, the Krasl Art Center has joined in this year, offering tours that cover the variety of monuments and sculptures that have been placed around St. Joseph as well as on the grounds of the Krasl itself.

“We started on May 30 with our first one,” explained Jodi Lamm, an education specialist who serves as a guide along with trained docents. “Not surprisingly, they started off slowly, but on our most recent tour, we had about 15 people. I think it’s a good mix of both residents and tourists.”

Like the Heritage’s history tours, the Krasl’s art tours begin at the St. Joseph Today Welcome Center, – Molly Kruck, museum assistant at the located at 301 State St. Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.

“We start at St. Joe Today, and then we walk to the bluff right by the Whitcomb. From there, we visit the Firemen’s Memorial and the Maids of the Mist Fountain, an iconic St. Joe piece,” Lamm said. “Also, we talk about each one of the sculptures in the Krasl’s Biennial Sculpture Invitational that are visible from the bluff.”

From there, the tour takes visitors along the top of the bluff, ending at the Krasl, where visitors can learn about the various sculptures there. Then, tour guests can continue their experience by entering the art center, where admission is always free.

”We try to cover a little bit of everything — interesting houses, the light houses.

The barrel factory that is now an apartment building has an interesting history.”

“There is some overlap between the two tours, but they do a lot more of the historic buildings, while we focus much more on the art,” Lamm said.

Like the history tours, the art tours last about an hour and cover a little less than a mile, so Lamm recommends that people wear comfortable walking shoes.

“We’re always on the sidewalk, so we’re strollerfriendly,” Lamm added.

“The Krasl’s mission is to bring people and art together, so what better way to do that in the summer than to offer family-friendly walking tours?”

While the two types of tours are typically scheduled on alternating Fridays at 1 p.m. throughout the remainder of the summer, the final tour date, Aug. 29, will provide people with the opportunity to take both tours, back to back.

“That day, the Heritage will do their tour at 1 p.m., and then ours will start at 2 p.m.,” Lamm said.

Remaining dates for the Krasl tours are July 11 and 25; and Aug. 8, 22 and 29, while the Heritage tours will take place on July 18 and Aug. 1, 15 and 29.

“If people want more information on tour dates and such, they can call (269) 983-1191 or visit our website at www.theheritagemcc. org,” Kruck said.

While the tours are free, a $5 donation is suggested.

Information is also available from the Krasl at (269) 9830271 or www.krasl.org, as well as from St. Joseph Today at (269) 985-1111 or www.stjoetoday.com.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of July 11-17, 2014 • Page 3

CUISINE SCENE

Taste of Tri-County Orchards Mall offering a variety of special events and new amenities

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ENTON HARBOR— Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Orchards Mall, which is located at 1800 Pipestone Rd. in Benton Harbor, is looking for ways to renew its appeal and reconnect with the surrounding community.

Despite having been put up for sale last month, the mall’s marketing staff have planned a number of events designed to bring more foot traffic to the mall.

“We are very excited about this opportunity for new ownership,” said Brook Latham, marketing and events coordinator at the mall. “I came in around the end of November for a job as an event coordinator, and we spent the next three months developing a marketing plan.”

One of those upcoming events is the Taste of TriCounty, which is scheduled to take place at the mall from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 19. Organizers hope to showcase eateries from Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

“We sent out 250 invitations to local, Tri-County caterers, restaurants, delis, and to businesses of that sort,” Latham said. “We’re anticipating that they’ll bring a selection of items they’d like customers to try.”

Entry to the event will be free, and guests will then purchase tickets for food items.

“Each item will cost a certain number of tickets, and ticket amounts per taste will be set by the restaurant,” Latham explained.

“Then, a percentage of the ticket sales will be split

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

The Orchards Mall has added a children’s play area for mall patrons to enjoy. between the restaurant and the mall.”

Another element of the event will be the judging of the various food items available.

“Guests will vote, and then also there will be three guest judges,” Latham said.

“There will be voting for the Best Main Dish, the Best Appetizer, the Best Dessert, as well as a Green Plate Award, which would be for vegan, all-natural, glutenfree or organic dishes.”

Organizers have invited restaurateurs big and small to participate in the Taste of Tri-County.

“We really want to highlight the hidden treasures.

We really want people to come and show us what they have,” Latham

explained. “It may be hidden out on the back roads somewhere, but they may have the best apple turnover there is, and we want them to come out and show that.”

While this is the first year for the event, Latham has high hopes for the future.

“Taste of Tri-County really is about bringing local restaurants here,” Latham said. “We expect it to be small this first year and then to grow each year.”

Events planned for the remainder of the year include a Travel and Tourism Show later this month, an End-of-Summer Antique Road Show-styled event in August, and a 35th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for October. A

complete list of events can be found on the mall’s website at www.theorchardsmall.com.

In addition, the mall has been hosting Small Business Saturdays and Orchards Marketplace Saturdays on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. Those are days on which the mall showcases the offerings of small businesses, independent distributors, cottagers, crafters and local farmers.

“Shopping local is really the only way we can encourage people to come here,” Latham said. “We have to increase foot traffic in order to attract larger stores to the mall.”

With approximately eight open spaces in the mall, Latham and other mall support staff hope that the increased activity will draw in new retail businesses.

“Giving back to the community is so important,” Latham said. “The goal is to reconnect with the community. That’s been our focus, and it will continue to be our focus.”

Other changes that have been taking place at the mall include the addition of new signs and updated training for the security staff.

“We’ve made some tremendous changes this year, like the new signage outside,” Latham said. “Our security is going through a lot of updated training for confidence and control.”

More information about the Taste of Tri-County and other upcoming events at the Orchards Mall is available on their Facebook page. Businesses interested in participating in the upcoming events can also register through the mall’s web site.

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Page 4 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Swim, bike, run

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

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Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

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RECYCLE

YOUR PAPER

ISTER LAKES—Back for its fourth year, the Sister Lakes Triathlon will be drawing both athletes and spectators to the area on July 19.

“About 50 percent of the participants come from the Chicagoland area, and the other 50 percent come from Indiana and Michigan,” said Mike Spain, president of the Crooked Lakes Homeowners Association.

“This is our fourth year, and it’s been really a nice event, averaging about 400 athletes and about 1,500 people total.”

Race-day registration for the event will take place at the Sister Lakes Lions Clubhouse, located at 66991 95th Ave., and that will also be where the postrace festivities are held.

“Athletes start arriving at about 5:30 a.m., and the races start at 8 a.m. We allow same-day registration. We usually get about 100 more people that way,” Spain said, noting that the cost for participation rises as the date of the event gets closer.

Participants will swim Round Lake, bike the country roads and run a course that takes them around Big Crooked and Dewey lakes as well as some of the many residential areas of the summertime resort area.

“There is a transition area where the athletes come out of Round Lake by the Driftwood Inn. Then, they cross the road and transition to their bikes there. They ride the bikes, drop the bikes at Lion’s

Sister Lakes Triathlon returns for 4th year

Submitted photo

Participants in the Sister Lakes Triathlon will swim Round Lake before taking to their cycles at the first transition area by the Driftwood Inn. Park, and then do the run,” Spain said of the two-transition race.

“It’s nice because you can watch the transition from the swim to the bike event from a knoll near the Driftwood,” Spain said.

“It’s almost like a natural amphitheater right there.”

Organizers have planned the event so that there are a number of options for athletes of varying capabilities.

“The Olympic event is a 1000-meter swim, a 21.6mile bike ride and a 10K run,” Spain said. “There is also the Sprint. It’s a shorter event with a 500-meter swim, a 13-mile bike ride and 5K run.”

Organizers have also taken into account those participants who may be nursing injuries sustained from participating in previous triathlons this summer.

“We’re also offering the Aquabike event since some folks have injuries due to running,” Spain said. “There are two versions of that. The Sprint event is just a 500-meter swim and a 13-mile bike ride with no run for athletes who may have issues with running. We also have an Aquabike Olympic event, which is a 1000meter swim and a 21.6mile bike ride.”

The event will end at noon, and awards and a meal will then take place at the Sister Lakes Lions Clubhouse.

“We’ll have the awards and meal in afternoon for the triathletes and their guests,” Spain said. “The meal is included in the registration fee for the triathletes, but the guests will have to pay.”

Official awards will be

presented in a variety of age classes by gender.

“We’ll have awards for the winners of first through third places,” Spain said.

“We even have an award for the Clydesdales, which are men over 200 pounds.”

Sponsored by Charter Fitness, the event will be managed by 3 Disciplines, and proceeds will benefit the Corridor Improvement Association of Keeler Township. Funds raised will be used to make improvements in the Sister Lakes area.

“Three Disciplines are the professional managers of the event. They bring all of the equipment for chip timing, as well as a sound system and an announcing system,” Spain said. “You can sign up for the race on their website at www.3disciplines.com.”

Summer Arts Camp at ARS Gallery

T

he ARS Gallery/Arts & Culture Center is offering four weeks of art camp this summer titled “A Summer Arts Quest: Bonjour France.” Three of the camps will focus on the art and culture of France, while a forth camp will be a teen camp focusing on intensive studio arts.

Students will develop skills, techniques, critical thinking, creative problem solving, and conceptual concerns through a wide range of resources, materials, and with the guidance of our very talented teachers. Collaboration, cooperation, and focus will all be considered.

A student artist’s reception will be held on the last

day of each week of camp. Family and friends are invited to the gallery for refreshments, and to view the art the students have created which will be exhibited.

Those interested may sign-up at ARS which is located at: 147 Fifth St. Benton Harbor, online at annarussoart.com, mail a check to: P O Box 9151, Benton Harbor, MI 49023, or call the ARS Gallery at 269-2775090, 269-208-4409.

For more information you can contact ARS Gallery/ Arts & Culture Center, 147 Fifth St., Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022 @ 269-208-4409, email arsarts.culture@gmail.com or sign-up and find out more at: annarussoart.com

Camp II (7-12 yrs) July 14-18 Monday-Friday, noon-4:00pm Camp III (8-13 yrs) July 21-25 Monday-Friday, noon-4:30pm Camp IV (13-17 yrs) August 4-8 Monday-Friday, noon-4:30pm The cost for Camp II - $140 The cost for Camp III & IV - $160

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of July 11-17, 2014 • Page 5

ON DISPLAY

Where are they now?

SBMA and Snite exhibition showcase the sculptural work of Notre Dame alumni degrees.”

Working in a variety of media, the sculptors included in the two exhibits provide art lovers with an overview of the wide variety of the types of artwork that are fall under the heading of “sculpture.”

“Contemporary sculpture isn’t confined to just the traditional marble and bronze pieces. There are some of those, but this exhibition also includes installation pieces, photography, video—even small robotic houses that move around, as well as carved drywall,” Rospenda explained. “One artist even includes some elements created with a 3-D printer. It’s really a wonderful exhibition.”

The list of artists whose work will be on display includes Leticia R. Bajuyo, Neal Bociek, Derek Chalfant, Jay Dougan, Isaac Duncan, Benjamin

orative process that was satisfying to staff members working on both sides of the project.

“The show is a nice opportunity to see these

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By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

OUTH BEND—This summer, sculpture lovers in the Michiana area have the unique opportunity to view and appreciate “a true survey of contemporary sculpture,” according to Mark Rospenda, curator of exhibitions and collections at the South Bend Museum of Art (SBMA).

Displayed in two overlapping exhibitions, the work of 21 sculptors will be included as a part of “ND Alumni: Sculptors and Professors.”

The project is a collaboration between the South Bend Museum of Art o(SBMA) and Notre Dame’s eSnite Museum of Art. “It’s a great show, and we’re really lucky to have it,” Rospenda said. “It really wouldn’t have been possible without Professor Austin Collins. He has been working on it for two years.”

“There is not one school of thought represented in this exhibit— either conceptually or material-wise.

It’s a very diverse group,” said Collins, who has served as professor of sculpture in the Department of Art, Art History and Design at the University of Notre Dame for the past 28 years.

“All of the sculptors in this exhibit are former students of mine who are now both sculptors and professors at colleges and universities,” Collins noted. “The idea is to show what people are doing with their art

two venues working so well together,” Collins said. “The division of the works shows the collaboration between the two museums. Both museum staffs viewed a PowerPoint presentation together and made the decisions.”

While viewing the work will be interesting in and of itself, both Rospenda and Professor Collins strongly suggest that interested parties attend a twoday symposium that is scheduled to take place Sept. 19 and 20.

“It will really offer a chance to hear from the artists themselves about what their thoughts are— what they’re trying to accomplish with these contemporary strategies,” Rospenda said.

Funke, Steven Hansen, “For example, there is a Chad Hartwig, Irina piece by Nick Roudebush Koukhanova, Lori Miles, called ‘Five Bushels.’ It is Molly Morin, Tomás comprised of five, Rivas, Nick Roudebush, 90-pound ceramic tiles that Katelyn Seprish, Phillip sit on the floor. If you hear Shore, Cambid J. Choy, Nick talk, you’ll learn that John W. Hooker, Chido Nick works on a farm, and Johnson, Brian Kakas, each of the tiles is made to Submitted photos/SNITE Museum of Art the exact volume of a bushDaniel Julian Norton and Miklos Simon.

Center: “Problem Girls” by Steve Hansen. el. Knowing that opens up Their works were a different pathway for you divided between the two Insets: Details from “inconsequentially to understand the work.” venues through a collab- SPECTACULAR” by Chad Hartwig.

Collins also pointed out

that the symposium’s keynote speakers will be acclaimed international sculptor Tony Cragg and art historian and author Judith Collins.

“Judith Collins, the former curator of the Tate Modern in London, has also recently published a book surveying modern sculpture, ‘Sculpture Today,’ which really ties in well with this exhibit,” Professor Collins said.

To provide the exhibition with a longer life, organizers are currently working on both a catalogue and a website dedicated to the exhibit. Once that site is completed, a link to it will be available on both the SBMA’s website, www.southbendart. org, as well as the Snite’s website, www.sniteartmuseum.nd.edu.

The SBMA’s portion of “ND Alumni: Sculptors and Professors” opened on June 28 and will run through Sept.

28. Located in the Century Center at 120 S. Saint Joseph St., the museum’s galleries are open from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. Admission to the museum galleries is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5 for nonmembers.

More information about the SBMA can be obtained by calling (574) 235-9102.

The Snite’s portion of the exhibit will open on Aug. 3 and run through Nov. 30. Located at 100 Moose Krause Circle, Notre Dame, Indiana, the museum is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays, and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The Snite can be reached by phone at (574) 631-5466.

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Page 6 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

Take healthy food with you

F

ourth of July weekend, I had a full schedule of outdoor events to attend.

On the actual 4th I went to a pool party at a downtown roof-deck pool Saturday and Sunday I went to a music fest with a dear friend who was in town for the weekend. I knew I was going to have a few drinks throughout the day, and that I would need to snack and eat right to keep my energy up.

I got up really early Friday morning and whipped together some high-protein cookies to snack on as well as a giant broccoli collard green salad.

I filled the salad with lentils, millet, radishes, fresh parsley, onions and garlic; hardy ingredients I knew wouldn’t wilt over the next few days and that could hold up in my backpack for a few hours without being refrigerated.

On the way into the festival, I had to explain to the security people that I stick to a clean diet and have food sensitivities, so I brought my own food. They kind of made fun of me, which happens often in security lines,

and then they let me pass through without issue.

A couple hours into the festival I got hungry so I busted out my salad and fork, then dug in. There I was in the middle of a crowd full of kids dancing around to electronic music, eating my broccoli salad.

Everyone in my group was dying laughing. The people I didn’t know very well asked me a bunch of questions about my plant-based diet, my food smuggling, the whole thing.

Most people were shocked I was able to bring food in. I get this reaction all the time at airports too. It’s been longer than I can remember since I traveled or went to a festival or outdoor event without my own food.

Now, it’s true some of the larger festivals don’t let you bring in outside food. I even had to toss out a banana at Lollaplooza one year. However, I’ve found that for the most part it’s incredibly easy to travel with provisions. All you have to do is say that you’re on a strict diet and they really don’t question you any more.

Packing a filling salad that can hold up will save you tons of money and will help you stick to your healthy eating habits even on the road.

We all know how gross you feel after you’ve been

eating really well then totally blow it because you got so hungry you had to eat the first thing in sight.

I try to always take trail mix and to load my traveling salads with filling grains and beans. I also make sure to put

Broccoli and Collard Green Salad to Go Yield: 6-8 servings salad 2 heads broccoli cut into florets (about 2 ½- 3 cups) About 3 cups collard greens cut into ribbons 2 cups radishes, cubed 1 1/2 cups cooked lentils (cooked in vegetable stock) 1 1/2 cups cooked millet or quinoa (cooked in vegetable stock) 1/2 cup fresh parsley, loosely chopped 1/3 cup yellow onions sauteed with 3 cloves garlic

Hot Hungarian Paprika Dressing

5 ounces extra virgin olive oil 2 ounces fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon Eros Pista Hot Hungarian Paprika Paste (available online) Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon) 1. Prep all veggies and toss ingredients in a large salad bowl.

2. Shake dressing in a shaker or jar until full emulsified.

Pour over salad and toss well.

3. Pack salad in individual 8- 32 ounces containers and store in the refrigerator or a cooler until ready to transport.

them in a container I won’t be sad if I have to toss at the gate or along the journey.

I didn’t have to toss anything this time around, and was so glad I planned ahead and packed food for both the festival and the pool party since neither event had much food. There was none at the pool, and the festival only had one booth of fried items, and the only “vegetable” they were serving was french fries.

Many of the people in my group snacked on the cookies when they needed a little boost, and some even ate salad. I spent zero dollars on food and was able to devote my most my caloric intake to having a couple light beers or glasses of wine.

I rounded out the weekend feeling like I didn’t totally undo my healthy lifestyle, which we all know can often be the case after an American holiday or vacation. Take an extra hour to prep a bit, you won’t regret it later.

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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 Barry, a St. Joseph, Kat can be reached via Michigan native, is owner email at: kat@katshotof Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan cakes.com.

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Activities for all ages • Food • Music

Still time to start a new team or join an existing team.

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Sat-Sun, July 19-20th at Niles High School Football Field “Saving the world one Hero at a time - Super Heroes Wanted” Join a Committee, Form a Team or Be a sponsor Help us make the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life an amazing 24 Hours!

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Off The Water, Michiana

Garden Party at Four Winds Field

S

OUTH BEND, Ind. — This Friday, July 11, Andrew Berlin and his wife Courtney, will open their South Bend ‘backyard’— Four Winds Field—to host the 10th annual Garden Party to benefit the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at LOGAN. Submitted photo Berlin is the owner of the South Bend The Ansaris will host this year's garden party.

Silver Hawks and Berlin Packaging in Chicago. He is also a the past decade, the crowd has grown to limited partner of the Chicago White Sox. around 300 people, but Pierce says this The Ansari Center is a division of LOGAN year’s crowd will top 400.

In prior years, the event was hosted by, f Inc. and provides direct support and services for children and young adults with among others, Carmi and Chris Murphy, Dan Fitzpatrick, and Mary and Tom Lowe. e Autism.

“The annual Garden Party fundraiser is “This is just a really fun summer party, always held in the backyard of its host,” but everyone’s focused on the Ansari says Melinda Pierce, co-chair of the event. Center and its programming,” Pierce says.

“When Courtney and Andrew agreed to “Families with an autistic child need an host this 10th anniversary event, we want- enormous amount of support and resourc- ed it to be in the biggest backyard possi- es. Our community recognizes the tremend ble. So it made sense to have it at their dous work of LOGAN and the Ansari - South Bend ‘home’—Four Winds Field. Center to get services to those who need , Good thing, because we’ve already set an them the most.”

The Ansari Center and LOGAN’s two e all-time record for attendance.”

This ticketed event begins at 6 p.m. Autism Learning Centers provide support - with a cocktail reception. Dinner follows services, information and resources to indiat 7:30 p.m. viduals with Autism Spectrum Disorders, w In 2005, The Garden Party started as a their families and communities in Northern . group of 40-50 people who raised money Indiana and Southwestern Michigan. a to support the newly formed Sonya Ansari Through the latest research and practices in Center (named after the daughter of Drs. autism intervention, the Ansari Center proRafat and Zoreen Ansari, honorary chairs vides information, training and resources this year. Dr. Rafat is one of the founders on a variety of approved developmental of Michiana Hematology Oncology’s teaching approaches. For more informaAdvanced Centers for Cancer Care). Over tion, visit AnsariCenterforAutism.org.

Spas • Pools • Equipment • A Full Service Company

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• Replacement pool liners, safety covers & spa covers • Motor and pump repair

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Week of July 11-17, 2014 • Page 7

Come downtown for delicious food, great music and a wide variety of beer and wine!

Friday, July 25 • 3pm-9pm Niles Riverfront Park

www.nilesmi.com

CLEARING OUT YOUR ATTIC? Call Classifieds to sell your stuff! 269-683-4804

Page 8 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Cash in your Coins, Jewelry Gold & Silver WE BUY • SELL • TRADE

Nunemaker’s Coin Shop 2516 Lincolnway West Mishawaka, IN Open: Mon-Sat

574-288-7464

Free

In-Store Appraisals!

www.nunemakers.com

Natural enclave

North Lake Park offers variety of recreational opportunities

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

L Want to

advertise with us?

www.OffTheWater.com Call 269.683.2100

INCOLN CHARTER TOWNSHIP—Wi t h Grand Mere State Park located just to its south, Lincoln Charter Township’s North Lake Park might often be overlooked, but it is a beautiful, natural enclave that should not be missed by those who love the outdoors.

Supported and cared for by the Lakeshore Rotary Club, North Lake Park is a popular local spot for those who enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, and it boasts a number of amenities as well.

The park, located at 3600 Grand Mere Road, sits on the shore of North Grand Mere Lake. North Lake Park is open each day from sunrise until one-half hour before sunset.

There, anglers can take advantage of either the shoreline or several docks to cast for pan fish.

Additional viewing platforms allow visitors to get

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

North Lake Park provides visitors with beautiful views of both the lake and the surrounding woods. a better view of the flora and fauna that make North Lake their home.

The park also includes a playground and swing set, as well as a volleyball court for those visitors who simply want to enjoy some recreation beside the small lake. A spacious picnic pavilion, grills and rest-

rooms are also provided for the convenience of park patrons.

One new feature at North Lake is the system of pathways that Lakeshore Rotary Club members and other volunteers have been helping to build on Fridays.

“They received a grant from the Michigan Natural

Resources Trust Fund last year to build the wooden pathways,” explained Terry Smith, the township’s treasurer, who also oversees the parks.

These wooden-plank pathways allow a safe, barrier-free way for visitors to venture into the woods near the lake without disturbing the ferns and other plants growing there.

For those who would like to learn more about the various species that call the North Lake area “home,” Sarret Nature Center will be leading an “Informational Beach Walk” there at 8 a.m. on July 20. Participants need to pre-register by calling Sarret at (269) 9274832, and the fee for the program is $5.

Those who wish to visit North Lake should be aware that park rules prohibit overnight camping, alcohol, ground fires, smoking, motorized vehicles on the beach, and unleashed pets. Observing those rules will ensure that the park remains beautiful for future visitors.

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minimum of 6 tables w/ coupon. Exp. 6/30/14

Tacos & trivia THURSDAYs

Mon & Thurs : 4pm-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-1am Sun: 11am-5pm Closed: Tues & Wed

upcoming live entertainment

259 E. Front Street Buchanan, MI 269.409.8464

Join us 7-9pm for pub tacos, trivia and prizes!

Saturday, July 12: Ferlic & kancuzewski Saturday, July 19: By Hook or By Crook

www.BucktownTap.com

Off The Water, Michiana

General Notices

106

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Business Oppor200 tunities Earn Extra Cash on the Weekends

WANT A JOB?

20 Open Positions $8.50/Hour Buchanan, MI Call Now!!!

(269) 408-1980

stjosephmi.expresspros.com

HOUSE FOR SALE

300

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

LEADER PUBLICATIONS ROUTES AVAILABLE

See our ad under business opportunities

NOW HIRING REALTORS

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

25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for TMC Transportation Earn $900 per week!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Sponsored Local CDL Training 1-800-882-7364

Manufactured Homes

502

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. Contact Paul: 269462-2584 or Kelly: 269783-6570 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

Houses for Sale 500 2 STORY HOUSE

3 bedroom, 2 car detached garage, utility basement.

Call (269)683-2940

4068 King Dr., Sodus, MI. Located on quiet dead end street in the heart of wine country, this home is just waiting for you! Updates throughout this 3 bedroom home.

Roof, furnace, windows, well, water heater, electrical, insulation, and more! But if that is not enough sellers are including a 1 year home warranty with an acceptable offer to assure your peace of mind. All appliances also included.

Enjoy quiet evenings on the large front porch, in the spacious backyard or take a walk to the nearby park.

Minutes to the bypass make it convenient to everywhere! Come take a tour today! MLS14029450 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten 574-340-4271 269-663-8800

Single mom looking for a home or a 1st time buyer?

Call Mike at (269)470-2995

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

CASH PAID Farm Equipment 633 for used appliances.

(269)687-8639 & Supplies WE WILL BUY CASE SQUARE BALER

Call

(269)683-8482 your junk car. We haul for free. Paying up to $1500 area) cash. Please call anytime Things to Do 637 269-687-8098

$300.

(Pokagon

FAMILY HOME, $686/MO!

3 bd/2 bth, 1,456+ sq. ft.

Many updates!

Central air, Skylights Buchanan, 269-695-3119

delivering the Leader AREA ROUTES AVAILABLE As an independent contractor you determine the hours you work on Saturday and/or Sunday. You must have a valid drivers license and your own transportation.

Contact Cindy at 269-6877727 or cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com to learn more about this profitable opportunity

Help Wanted

4 BEDROOM RANCH

in Edwardsburg School District. Built in 2007. Open concept. 2 full baths, 2 half baths.

Full finished basement. 3 car garage. $299,900 Matt and Tonia Petruska (269) 663-2285 tonia.petruska@yahoo.com

Week of July 11-17, 2014 • Page 9

HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $621 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

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

Cemetery Lots 617 2 CEMETERY PLOTS

Save $1,100 per lot, Niles Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Garden of Mission section, $600 for both, lots include transfer cost. Call (269)782-6822

CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY

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

LEHMAN'S TART CHERRIES

Starts 7/4 You Pick, We Pit. Mon-Sat, 95. Sun 12-5. Bring containers. 2280 Portage Rd., Niles. (269)683-9078.

Household Merchandise FOR SALE

642

•Used and Reconditioned Appliances •Washers & Dryers •Ranges •Air Conditioners •Refrigerators 841 Carberry Rd. Niles (269)687-8639

HUGE SALE AT

BILL'S USED APPLIANCES Hours: Mon-Fri. 10a-5pm Sat. 10a-3pm Closed Sunday 2559 S. 11th St. Niles (269) 340-5952

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

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 30 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Call Randy (269)7823139 (269)208-9838

JDS HOME IMPROVEMENT

Repairs, Replacement, New Small Jobs welcome.

Licensed/Insured. Call John (269)445-7005

MK CONSTRUCTION

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

Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

MR. MAINTENANCE US 31 Tobacco FREE ESTIMATES 50552 US 31 N, South Bend Roofing, Siding & Windows, (574) 271-0333 Light Hauling & Spring Miscellaneous 666 Clean-Ups, No Inside or Outside job too big or small.

PIANO Low affordable rates. white, Samick upright. In- (269)591-1403 cludes matching bench and sheet music. $1500 obo. Lawn Service 721 Call (269)445-7194

Garage-Yard 669 Sales INDOOR YARD SALE

New things in every week at the old Martin's Auction House 6525 M-139 (Old US31) Berrien Springs, MI 10:00am-5:00pm EVERY Thursday, Friday & Saturday

Wanted to Buy BUYING

672

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

Tree Service 725 C & S MARSH TREE SERVICE

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

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

repairable scrap and unwanted vehicles, top dollar DAN'S TREE SERVICE paid. Call or text for a free Excellent Cleanup, Insured. quote today. Free towing. Free Estimates. Visa/MC. Kevin (817)437-0450 (574)361-9747

Page 10 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

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 St., Niles.

July 10

Be part of the Emerging Artist Series at the Acorn Theater with a live podcast led by Glen Cox and Justin Flagel of “Anywhere the Needle Drops.”

Glen and Justin will lead an intimate, personal interview with featured emerging artist, James Neary. There is no cover, and the bar will be open.

July 11-13

The Twin City Junior Play-

i

ers (TCjP) will perform its the final mainstage production of the 20132014 season, the Tony Award winning drama “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, directed by Christy Sloan and Lloyd Bolick.

Performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates are also available. All seats are reserved. Reservations can be made by calling the TCP box office at (269) 429-0400. TCP is also offering online ticket purchases for the first time at twincityplayers.org. Performance times are 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening performances and 4 p.m. for Sunday matinees. All performances take place at the Twin City Players Playhouse located at 600 West Glenlord Road in St. Joseph.

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING? July 11 - Aug. 3

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and live music will be performed from 7 to 10 p.m. Members are $8 “The Producers” per- and non-members are forms in the Wilson The- $9. Join today for savatre at South Bend Civic ings each year.

Theatre July 11 to Aug. 3, 2014. Performance times are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays Dr. Von and Fran Washat 2 p.m. Tickets are ington will perform their $21 Fridays, Saturdays, play “A River to Cross” and Sundays and $18 about the Underground Wednesdays and Thurs- Railroad at Sam Adams days. To purchase tick- Middle School in Cassopets call the SBCT Box olis at 7 p.m. The MichiOffice (574) 234-1112 or gan History Day State go to sbct.org.

Champions will also perform “The Kentucky Raid July 11 in Ten Minutes” Cost of the event is free, but donations are appreciated.

DANK will host a fish fry July 12 on July 11 at the DANK at 2651 Pipestone in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Call the organiza- Jazz sensation Jessy tion at (269) 926-6652. J will headline the 12th

CLASSIFIEDs PAYNE'S TREE SERVICE

BRADY CONCRETE

Specializing in Flat work of all type, seawalls, stamped conTree Trimming & Removal. crete & Bobcat Service. Free Stump Grinding & Firewood. estimates. Insured. Fast, deBobcat & Concrete Work. pendable service. (269)4453349 or (269)591-0100 Insured. (269)663-8091

THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE

Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates.

269-687-4972

Pool Service 727 SWIMMING POOL LINERS & REPAIRS

CASPER MASONRY

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

COMPLETE CONCRETE

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work. all Insured (269)663-8091

Any size, great prices, equipment, 35 years experience. Robertson’s Sales & Service, Niles. Call (269)6842669

JOE'S DUMP TRUCK

Sand, Gravel, Top Soil, R/C Concrete & Asphalt, Bush Paving Service 739 Hogging, Land Clearing.

(269)635-1143.

C & C CONCRETE joelowery1@gmail.com Flat work of all kinds, joesdumptruck.webs.com

stamping, sidewalks, concrete patching, patios, driveways and pole barns.

No job too small. Free Estimates.

Insured (269)228-1163

HOPPER EXCAVATING "Have Gravel Will Travel"

Driveway, stone, slag, recycled concrete, asphalt, top soil, sand & fill. (269)7821744/(269)783-1744

Recycling Service

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS

Insured. (269)684-6290 (269)470-4097.

or

MICHIANA MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION

All your Masonry needs!

Chimney Cleaning. Insured & Bonded. Senior discounts .

(269)362-1566

MIDWEST ROOFING

Misc. Services 747 CONCRETE SERVICES

We do all the Loading, Hauling & Clean up!!!

Commercial/Residential/ Industrial •Storage Units, Decks •Construction Debris •Rental Clean Outs •Property Cleanup •Farms/Barns •Concrete/Asphalt Removal •Demolition 7 days a week (269)213-1746 Like us on Facebook www.facebook/ A2zrecycling.com

WEAVER CONCRETE

And masonry, driveways, porches, patios, tear out/replace, all repairs, brick, block, stone, fire"Integrity - Teach it by example" places. Will fix wet basements big or small, inside KLIMEK and out. All concrete flatwork $2.25 sq. ft. LandENTERPRISES Electrical Contracting, No Job scaping. Fast dependable Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. service. Quality work. Aaron Affordable Pricing, Licensed & (269)655-4158

Family owned since 1984.

Lifetime Warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.

Call (269)684-7199

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

Insurance 758 LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES!

POLE BARNS & GARAGES

BY NIEBOER

Quality Built (269)684-6673

POND LINERS

EPDM Rubber, Any size Lowest Prices, FREE DeDriveways, Patios, Side- livery, Huge Inventory, TRM walks, and Room Additions. Enterprises, South Bend.

15 years experience. Call Jay (574)246-1922 (574) 329-9294 269-635-4393.

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

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

Motors, Boating 903 Equipment SHORE STATION

ShoreMaster, Medium size with blue canopy, held 16 ft Tri-hull I/O, On diamond lake. $1400. Call 574-3401684

RVs, Campers, 921 Trailers COACHMEN 2004

Captiva 275-DS Slide fully loaded travel trailer, 27 feet, excellent condition. $10,800 or best offer 269473-1779

Autos for Sale 945 2004 MERCURY SABLE

$1800.00 Call Scarlett Auto Sales 269-461-4197 NEED A CAR NOW? WELL WE HAVE THE ONE JUST FOR YOU!!!!

New Arrivals at Scarlett Auto Sales!

J.M. HUNT Loaded 2010 Hyundai ENTERPRISES, LLC Elantras Painting & Drywall. Insured.

Free Estimates.

Family Low Miles! you can't beat Owned & Operated for Over that! COLD A/C RUNS GREAT Tax , Title and fees are your 50 years. 269-683-4442. down payment $275/mo No Interest! No Credit Checks!

Cleaning Service 757 7979 Deans Hill Rd Berrien Center, MI 49102 RICK'S POWER WASHING (269) 461- 4197 RVs, homes, decks, farm equip. & boat docks. Small commercial jobs. Serving Cass., Dow. & Niles. Free Estimates, Senior Discounts.

Will beat any competitors estimates.

Satisfaction Guaranteed.

Call 269-470-9507 or 269470-9498

Painting Service

754

Annual Smooth Jazz at Sunset concert in conjunction with the Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff. A limited number of reserved seats priced at $30 in advance, $35 day of show will be available beginning Friday, March 28, as well as general admission seating, $25 in advance, $30 day of show. General seating concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Tickets will be available at the Coast Studios at 580 E. Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor and online at www.smoothjazzatsunset.com.

able online at harborcountryopera.org, at David’s Deli, Michigan Thyme and New Buffalo Savings, or by calling (269) 231-0027.

Dan Lornitis is a comedic hypnotist whose shows are side-splittingly funny and captivating. Dan uses hypnosis to entertain, never to embarrass or humiliate anyone. He uses audience volunteers to create hilarious situations, like the woman who can’t remember her own first name or the rugged football player who takes a turn doing a lyrical dance number with a balloon.

See him live for $25 at the Acorn Theater at 8 p.m.

On July 12 Isola Jones returns in Isola Jones and Friends, joined on stage by tenor John Concepcion.

Tickets at $25 are avail- The

Harbor

Country

Opera will feature Isola Jones and Friends at 8 p.m. at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center, 1112 Clay St. in New Buffalo. Tickets at $25 are available online at harborcountryopera.org, at David’s Deli, Michigan Thyme and New Buffalo Savings, or by calling (269) 231-0027 July 13

Learn about the federally endangered Mitchell Satyr Butterfly at Sarett Nature Center on July 13 at 2 p.m. Admission is $3 for adults.

The Acorn Theater will host 2011 American Idol finalist Casey Abrams at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30.

July 14-17

At Curious Kids Museum’s “All Aboard” camp, campers will build a Thomas the Train Tanker to play in throughout the week. It’ll be exciting to learn about the different kinds of trains and their functions each day.

We’ll be reading a different train book every day as the campers make fun train crafts to take home. A train parade throughout the museum will delight the campers and guests. Cost is $75 for members and $95 for non-members.

i

July 14-18

i

Your Friends,” a magic wand, and tricks to share with others. Cost is $150 for members and $170 for non-members.

As part of its Summer Theatre Boot Camp series, Kids On Stage is offering music theatre camp for students going into 1st-10th grade in the fall. The camp will culminate with one performance of Disney’s “101 Dalmatians.” The two-week camp will take place Monday through Friday, July 14-18 and 2125 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“101 Dalmatians” will be performed Friday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. Classes will take place at the Kids On Stage Theatre located at the Orchards Mall in Benton Harbor.

July 15

i

Week of July 11-17, 2014 • Page 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING? stage production of the 2013-2014 season, the Tony Award winning drama “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, directed by Christy Sloan and Lloyd Bolick.

Performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for children (12 and under).

Group rates are also available. All seats are reserved. Reservations can be made by calling the TCP box office at (269) 429-0400. TCP is also offering online ticket purchases for the first time at twincityplayers. org. Performance times are 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening performances and 4 p.m. for Sunday matinees. All performances take place at the Twin City Players Playhouse located at 600 West Glenlord Road in St. Joseph.

July 19

The Cass County Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. at the Bonine House, M-60 and Penn Road, east of Cassopolis. Cathy LaPointe will present the history of the Underground Railroad in Cass County. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information, call president Marilyn Fry at (269) 782-5721.

Organizers of the Outdoor French Market in Harbert, Mich. are seeking vendors for their event to be hend on July 19th at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 14280 Red Arrow Hwy. The group is accepting space reservations now. Contact the market committee for details at mediatorfrenchmarket@ gmail.com or call Jeannine Totzke on (269) At 6:30 p.m., the Heri- 921-1127. tage Museum and Cultural Center will host a program on Brammall Industrial Supply; Benton Harbor’s oldest operating Athletes from across the business. Current Bram- Midwest will compete in mall president Ken Ankli the Sister Lakes Triathlon will present the history of and Relay July 19. Parthe Benton Harbor com- ticipants will swim Round pany, who have oper- Lake, bike the smooth ated in the city since the and rolling terrain of coun1870s, and today serve try roads and run a course as the largest locally that takes them around owned distributorship in Big Crooked and Dewey Southwest Michigan. Ad- lakes and many residenmission to the program is tial areas of this sum$5 and free for students mertime Mecca. The twoand members of the Heri- transitional event which tage Museum. The Heri- features both Olympic tage Museum & Cultural and Sprint distances beCenter is located at 601 gins at 8 a.m. On-site Main Street in St. Jo- registration takes place at seph, Michigan. Please Sister Lakes Lions Clubcall 983-1191 or visit house, where post-race www.theheritagemcc.org festivities are held. For on-line registration, visit for more information. www3Disciplines.com July 18-20

i

Curious Kids Museum will host a five-day day camp entitled “Abracadabra.” Campers will spend hours learning how to create magic under the watchful eye of Master Magician, John Dudley. John has been performing magic and comedy for over 39 years. Each day throughout the week they will learn different tricks — culminating in a performance for family, friends and museum guests on Friday, July 18, at 11 a.m. In addition to the magic activities, daily beach play, lunch on the bluff and water play will be taking place during the week. Each camper will be taking home the The Twin City Junior The Episcopal Church book by John Dudley, Players (TCjP) will per- of the Mediator will host “Magic Tricks To Fool form its the final main- the 2014 Annual French

Outdoor Market at the church, 14280 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert, Michigan. Organizers are accepting space reservations now. Contact the market committee for details at mediatorfrenchmarket@gmail.com or call Jeannine Totzke on (269) 921-1127.

call Jean Rowe at 269 782 2769 or e mail jeanrowe70@comcast.net July 23

The Twin City Players will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7 p.m. at the Whitcomb Terrace, located at 509 Ship St. in St. Joseph. The performance is open to the The Box Factory will host public, but there is a sugthe Blvd. Billies with Dan gested $5 donation.

Geib, and Art and Rusty Hardwater. The concert July 25 begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 Elkhart County Parks will and under free. be presenting a program which will explore the wonderful world of amphibians and reptiles on at 1:45 pm. at the HeriThe Blvd. Billies with Dan tage Park Stage during Geib and Art & Rusty Hard- the Elkhart County 4-H water performs at the Box Fair. This will be a fun, Factory for the Arts, 1101 hands on program feaBroad St., St. Joseph, turing a variety of live Michigan at 7:30 p.m. Tick- amphibians and reptiles. ets at the door are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free.

Niles will host a Craft Brew and Wine Festival from 3 to 9 p.m. in Riverfront Park, featuring Lemon Creek Winery brews, music and food. will host an all-day con- Visit www.nilesmi.com cert featuring three live for more information. blues bands: The Elwood Splinters Blues Band, July 26 Shake N Chill and The David Gerald Band. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $10. The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company will “Coriolanus” in a cabaret setting at the Box Factory for the Arts. Beer The Southwest Michigan and wine will be available Symphony Orchestra in- for purchase. The concert vites you to an evening of begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket symphonic suites by Pu- prices are $10 general litzer Prize, Tony Award, admission; $8 students Academy Award, and and seniors; children 12 Grammy Award winning and under free. composer Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim on Silver will be performed on Saturday, July 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at Shadowland Pa- The Buchanan Area vilion – Silver Beach with Chamber of Commerce gates opening at 6:30 p.m. will be hosting its first ever “Buchanan Open House July 22 Day” from 1 to 6 p.m. Organizers are asking for all merchants, organizations and committees alike to Southwest Michigan participate in this comChapter of the National munity wide event. For Association of Active more information, contact and Retired Federal Em- bacc@buchanan.mi.us ployees will hold its an- or (269) 695-3291. nual picnic at a member‘s home. Main food and drink will be provided.

Please bring a dish to pass. All retired/current A reminder to Dowagiac federal employees and Band Alumni of the second their spouses/families are band reunion to be held welcome. For information on Saturday, from 6 to 10

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LEGEND

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Music

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p.m. at the Dowagiac Elks Club. Those who would like to attend, but haven’t sent in a reservation still have time. The deadline has been extended to July 14. Invitations were sent out to classes 1960 through 1973. Dowagiac band members who were in band before 1960 or after 1973 are still most welcome to attend. Contact Linda Nelson, (269) 7825212 if you would like to receive an invitation and it will be sent to you right away.

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Residents and businesses in Berrien County are invited to recycle their unwanted e-waste items and tires on Saturday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, at the New Troy Community Center, 13372 California Rd., New Troy. For more information or to volunteer to assist with the event, please contact FONT’s Recycling Committee member, Janna Riley, at 773-275-1514 or janna@ jannariley.com.

Page 12 • Week of July 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

Still Bad to the Bone

George Thorogood and The Destroyers rocking hard after 40 years

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com

M

ICHIGAN CITY—Since late February, George Thorogood and the Destroyers have been crisscrossing North America, playing more than 100 dates on their anniversary tour, “40 Years Strong.”

Soon, fans in the Michiana area will have their own chance to see the iconic blues-rock band when they come to Blue Chip Casino’s Stardust Event Center on July 12.

“The schedule you see is nothing new for us. We generally do this every year,” George told me by phone last week, just a few hours before he and the band took the stage at the Horseshoe Casino in Elizabeth, Indiana.

In fact, the band’s website quotes George as saying, “I consider my job description to be ‘live rock performer.’

When we play, whether it’s a great old theater, a brand new casino, an outdoor festival, wherever, we’re making a living doing what we love to do.”

With 15 million albums sold worldwide, and having performed over 8,000 live shows, it seemed natural to ask George look back to the beginning when he first got into rock ‘n’ roll.

OTW: How did you first get into playing rock ‘n’ roll?

GT: I couldn’t hit, run or throw, and I’m not as pretty as Paul Newman, so this was the natural thing. But really, any 11-year-old kid who saw the Ed Sullivan Show back in the 1960s wanted to become a rock star. All of us entertained the idea of being a rock star.

OTW: Was that when you first picked up a guitar?

GT: It was really a couple years later when I got the first Rolling Stones record that put the seed in my head. Then, when I heard the Allman Brothers, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal and some of those other guys, and they were using a slide guitar, I

knew I could do it. I had no doubt in my mind that I could do it….I was just shooting to be the opening act for the J. Geils Band. I saw other bands opening for them, and some of them were just terrible. Jeff [Simon] and I said, “We can do better than that!”

OTW: So, were those bands really your influences as you were coming up?

GT: Really, it was listening to the guitarplaying of John Hammond, J. Geils and Hound Dog Taylor. I would say those were the big three.

O T W : You’ve been playing with some of the guys in your band for a long time now, haven’t you?

GT: I’ve been playing with Jeff since almost the beginning. I was friends with his brother, and we grew up in the same neighborhood. He was willing to learn, had a good attitude, and no prison record. All he had to do was learn to play the drums.

OTW: That’s a long time to be playing together. How have you managed to do it? I mean, the Beatles couldn’t last that long together. Most bands can’t.

GT: We make sure we spend a lot of time away from each other.

OTW: How do you do that when you’re playing more than 100 shows a year?

GT: We have two different buses!

OTW: The other guys in the band have been with you for a long time, too, haven’t they?

GT: Yes, our bass player, Bill Blough, has been with us

since 1976, our guitarist, Jim Suhler, has been with us since 1999, and our sax player, Buddy Leach, has been playing with us since 2003.

OTW: What made you choose blues-rock over some other type of music?

GT: Rock ‘n’ roll is just the blues played faster. Blues is the doorway to rock. That’s the roots of the whole thing. Why would you want to play anything else?

OTW: My 14-year-old son just downloaded “Bad to the Bone” a few months ago.

What do you think it is about your music that makes it continue to appeal to the younger generations? To what do you attribute your staying power?

GT: Anything that’s good

is going to last. I mean, why do people keep watching “The Wizard of Oz?” It’s the same thing. If it’s good, people are going to keep wanting more of it.

OTW: What do you think you might have gotten into if you hadn’t gone into rock ‘n’ roll?

GT: Probably jail (laughing).

Seriously, though, think about it. Could you see Keith Richards working in an accounting firm or Tom Petty teaching phys ed? Some people just weren’t cut out to be anything else. I would have gone into rock’ n’ roll even if I hadn’t been successful at it. It was meant to be. You’ve got a destiny that’s waiting for you.

OTW: So, I’m guessing that the audience can expect to hear all of your big hits at the upcoming show?

GT: Yeah, we’re going to give them what they want. The audience is gonna hear all the hits. That’s what they’re coming out to hear. Some of these bands get up there and play some song off an album that nobody’s ever heard of and no one ever liked. Can you imagine if we did that?

OTW: It sounds like it’s going to be a great show, George. Is there anything else you’d like to say?

GT: Yeah. I have a message for your son. Tell him to take care of Mom. She’s been taking care of you for too long.

If you want to hear the iconic George Thorogood and his seasoned band the Destroyers play hits like “Bad to the Bone,” “Who Do You Love?” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” and “I Drink Alone,” they’ll hit the stage at 8 p.m. (Central Time) on July 12.

Tickets are on sale for $40, $50 and $70, and can be purchased by credit card at Ticketmaster.com or in person at The Gift Box in the Blue Chip Casino pavilion.

Guests must be 21 or older and have a valid state- or government-issued photo ID. Photo provided by: Aaron Rapoport

Hot cars, live music roll into St. Joseph

S

T. JOSEPH, Mich. — It will be extra cool to hang out along the bluff in downtown St. Joseph, Mich., on July 17 when Honor Credit Union, the Paul & Rose Suchovsky Trust and St. Joseph Today present the Mike Yore Memorial Car & Music Show. This free summer event showcases classic cars along Lake Boulevard and groovy concerts at the John E. N. Howard Bandshell from 4 to 10 p.m.

“Area residents and guests are sure to enjoy the classic cars and music lineup at this year’s event,” said Jill Stone, executive director, St. Joseph Today.

Stone said classic vehicle owners would roll in throughout the day and line up along the bluff for public viewing.

Anyone with a car 25 years or older is welcome to participate and may contact Larry Pascoe at 269-757-3149 for information. The car show is scheduled to start at 4 p.m.

Two free concerts will follow at the

bandshell overlooking the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Gates open at 6 p.m., with seating available

or visitors may bring blankets and lawn chairs for the grassy knoll. Beverages will be available for purchase on site and featured local favorites will include Livery microbrews and wines by Tabor Hill and Round Barn Winery. Sponsored by the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust (managed by Neumann Financial Group of Hilliard Lyons), the bandshell concerts will feature country

music standout Levi Riggs at 7 p.m.

This high-energy performer’s new single, “I’m Good” has reached Top 40 status and keeps rising as he travels around the U.S. opening for big stars

such as Trace Atkins, Tracy Lawrence and Bret Michaels.

At 9 p.m., JT Hodges, takes to the stage. This Texan puts out a contemporary Heartland Pop/Rock Country sound that brings fans to their feet and keeps them moving all through his concerts. In addi-

tion to the timeless classics he was exposed to at home, his musical influences also include Don Henley, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. His newest single, “Already High” is expanding his listener base. Concertgoers may also remember him for his role in Hallmark Channel’s 2013 “Finding Christmas.”

Stone said in addition to Honor Credit Union and the Paul and Rose Suchovsky Charitable Trust managed by Hilliard Lyons, MidWest Family Broadcasting and Beaudoin Electrical Construction are event sponsors.

St. Joseph Today is a membershipbased organization dedicated to developing and promoting events and business in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities. For more information about the Mike Yore Memorial Car & Music Show or upcoming summer events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call 269-985-1111.