Horizons 2021

S N O Z I HOR Unity y t i n u m Com Putting the

IN

40th edition

2021

Celebrating connections, traditions & collaboration in southwest michigan

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Table of Contents 5 FROM THE DESK OF General manager, managing editor welcome readers to publication

48 LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDS Michiana wedding industry takes pandemic challenges head on

9 MEET THE STAFF Take a peek at the team members responsible for this community yearbook

59 RENOVATING A COMMUNITY Couple adopts downtown buildings to breathe new life into city’s center

10 GUESS WHO? Can you identify these local celebrities by their high school photos?

63 WHAT MAKES A COMMUNITY? Locals weigh in on identifying marks of their hometowns

13 UNDER THE STARS Cass County Parks build on momentum from Dark Sky designation

65 MORE THAN A GAME Local athletic rivalries bring communities together

16 RECREATING RESPONSIBLY Cyclists from throughout Michiana create biking community

71 LENDING AN EAR Compassionate Callers Club offers lifeline to isolated senior citizens

19 CHALLENGING YEAR Despite shutdown, complex still accomplishing goals for future

75 READY TO RUN Mascot tradition reborn with the return of SMC’s Ronnie the Roadrunner

22 A SPECIAL TRIBUTE Dowagiac council member honored by park dedication

79 IN THIS TOGETHER Amid pandemic, community responds to increased need with increased generosity

24 MAKER ON A MISSION Dowagiac woman uses love for sewing to create, distribute face masks

83 A TEAM EFFORT Business partnerships in Niles band together during uncertain times

24 I MASK UP...

Locals share reasons they follow pandemic precautions

87 THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE Hickory Creek Winery brings virtual wine tastings home

29 REKINDLING THE FLAME Dowagiac sweethearts reunited after nearly 40 years apart

90 TIPPING POINT Niles resident sparks giving movement throughout Michiana region

32 ROAD TO RECOVERY Niles native reflects on nine months as traveling nurse on COVID-19 floors

93 SISTER ACT Three sets of Dowagiac siblings bond on volleyball court

37 TERRIFYING TRANSMISSION Southwestern Michigan College, community join forces to make radio show

95 PARTNERS IN LEARNING Teachers, parents rely on each other throughout virtual schooling

41 ONE BUCHANAN Organization strives to promote unity among residents in Redbud City

98 KEEPING FIT Coaches deploy virtual workouts to engage players working from home

45 A VOICE FOR YOUTH Court Appointed Special Advocates represent children in foster care

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General Manager FROM THE

I

f there is anything I learned this year, it’s that when faced with a challenge, humans are drawn to one another. Even the most independent and introverted among us require human contact in the same way we need water, food and shelter — and when it comes to solving problems, collaboration is a life line.

As we set out to plan our 40th edition of Horizons — often referred to as our “community yearbook” — we took the same approach we take every year, reflecting on the previous 365 days to find a common theme.

If you flip through the pages of newspapers published in 2020, there is no denying you will see ugly words like “pandemic,” “death,” “tension” and “protest.” Staggering stories of coronavirus fatalities, political discord, racial tension and economic crisis will be noted time and time again, but so, too, will the stories of our community’s response to these trying times.

If you read between the lines of even the most heart wrenching stories, you will see that when we were forced apart, we fought like the devil to connect.

When the Centers for Disease Control announced that face masks were an invaluable tool at mitigating the spread of the novel coronavirus, novice seamstresses

T

Editor’s letter

he year 2020 was one of the strangest, most bewildering of my life.

The year started so bright. I’ll never forget New Year’s Eve 2019, laughing at a bar surrounded by friends and strangers alike, raising my glass to cheers the new decade, our entrance into a new era of the roaring ‘20s. As the clock struck midnight, I remember thinking that we were all looking forward to a great year that would only be made greater by the tremendous growth our communities were experiencing.

Then March came, and I was reminded that I should never be allowed to bet on anything. Almost as soon as the year started, everything

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

came to a halt. The COVID-19 pandemic arrived, and suddenly we were all shut indoors, isolated from the world, terrified of a deadly, highly contagious virus. As the months dragged on, the virus took its toll — in lives lost, mental health crises, businesses shuttered, families left without a way to pay their bills and keep food on the table.

Living through 2020 was hard.

Working through it was even harder.

The pandemic forced the newspaper to continually change course and keep up with ever-changing mandates and best practices. Stories would become irrelevant by the time they hit the page, thanks to yet another development in the pandemic. In a lot of ways, it has

turned to experts on their Facebook feeds to learn how to sew the garment that will forever serve as a symbol of the year 2020.

When restaurants faced permanent closure due to dine-in restrictions, leaders in our business communities issued challenges and incentives to dine local by ordering takeout — all while keeping a social distance.

Employees, classrooms, civic organizations, athletic teams and even theater troupes resolved that the show must go on, and found ways to safely move forward by utilizing video conference sites to connect.

When faced with an increase in hunger and precarious housing, nonprofit leaders rallied the troops to raise funds, collect donations and find homes — all from behind computer screens. Though faced with their own financial challenges, local businesses and residents responded at record levels to support their neighbors.

So, while the common themes of the past year may at face value seem to be “separation” or “division,” at the local level, we honed in on our ability to work together against all odds. This edition celebrates tenacity, ingenuity, traditions and collaboration, all the things that “Put the ‘Unity’ in ‘Community’” — the

felt like I’ve been holding my breath since last March, always waiting to run towards the next pandemic story, ready to pivot our coverage again for what seemed like the 100th time.

So, when the time to start producing Horizons rolled around, I have to admit I was nervous. How would we do it?

What if mandates changed again?

How would we find the right stories to represent our communities?

It did not take long for our communities to prove to me that my fears were unfounded.

For some communities, the pandemic has brought out the worst in people. But as I was out reporting for this year’s Horizons, I found that could not be further from the truth for our communities here in southwest Michigan.

Throughout the production process for Horizons, the Leader Publications staff has spoken to people who dedicated hours of their time making

theme for this milestone edition of our beloved annual magazine.

Although we typically reserve the pages of Horizons for positive, uplifting stories, we felt it was important to authentically capture the year. As always, we aim to create a history book focusing on the past year so that decades from now, we can look back and remember what it was like to live in southwest Michigan in 2020.

As such, some stories in the following pages will be difficult to read. Like this year, some stories are downright heartbreaking, but many more show the resilience and determination we have learned to recognize as a common trait in people of southwest Michigan.

This magazine was made possible by more than 100 local businesses that support local journalism and wanted to be sure these stories were told. It contains months of hard work by journalists and marketing professionals who live in these communities, and have experienced this historic year along with our readers.

We hope these stories serve as yet another thread to tie us all together, a tangible reminder of all we have gone through — and survived — because when faced with adversity, we learned our most valuable tool: each other.

masks for others, nurses who have risked their health and safety to help sick patients, volunteers who spent their days off calling homebound seniors just to make sure they are OK and many, many more.

This process has proven that southwest Michigan is not a community that divides when a crisis strikes. Instead, we come together. We are there for one another. We weather the storm.

While 2020 taught me that I am always a loser at a betting game, it also taught me to trust in what I know — that the power of community can overcome anything, including a global pandemic.

That’s why I am willing to take the bet that as you flip through these pages, you will be inspired, just as I was, by these stories of community and know that together, we will come out of this pandemic better on the other side.

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HORIZONS 2021 GENERAL MANAGER Ambrosia Neldon MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Culton ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Bounds Donna Knight Phil Langer Bill Mathews Alex Reuter EDITORIAL Christina Clark Maxwell Harden Scott Novak PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Seabolt Emily Sobecki ACCOUNTING & DISTRIBUTION Nicole Craven Donna Knight Rhonda Rauen Horizons is produced by Leader Publications, LLC. 217 N. 4th St., Niles, MI 49120 (269) 683-2100 www.leaderpub.com

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

MEET THE

STAFF Meet the team responsible for creating the 40th edition of Horizons — southwest Michigan’s community yearbook — with their old yearbook photos!

AMBROSIA NELDON

RHONDA RAUEN

Most likely to become a published author

Most likely to open a winery

GENERAL MANAGER

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

SARAH CULTON

SCOTT NOVAK

CHRISTINA CLARK

MAXWELL HARDEN

Most likely to live abroad

Most likely to become a rockstar

Most likely to travel back in time

Most likely to be on ESPN

JENNIFER BOUNDS

BILL MATHEWS

ALEX REUTER

DONNA KNIGHT

Most likely to run away with the circus

Most likely to have their own TV show

Most likely to be the tallest person in the room

Most likely to win ‘Dancing with the Stars’

MANAGING EDITOR

MARKETING CONSULTANT

SPORTS EDITOR

MARKETING CONSULTANT

STAFF REPORTER

MARKETING CONSULTANT

STAFF REPORTER

CUSTOMER SERVICE

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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?

Guess who?

Here’s another blast from the past.

We’re continuing our community yearbook with more throwback images of some faces you may recognize.

Guess which is which, and then turn to page 68 to find the answers!

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2

3

4

5

6

7

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Here are some hints:

• Each one is a leader in their local community — either Niles, Buchanan, Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Vandalia or Edwardsburg.

• Each has aged a bit since these high school portraits were taken.

• Two of them are now married to each other!

• Many are featured throughout the pages of this magazine.

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Under the stars Cass County parks build on Dark Skies momentum STORY SARAH CULTON PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

W

hen Edwardsburg resident Robert Parrish was 7 years old, Santa left him a telescope under the Christmas tree.

While it may have been a cheap toy made of plastic, the telescope soon became his most prized possession, matching the space-themed curtains in his bedroom and the glow in the dark stars lining his ceiling. Parrish’s father, Andrew, taught him to use the telescope underneath clear night skies, their fingers tracing the outlines of constellations and galaxies.

“Half the time, we didn’t even know what we were looking at, but it sure was fun,” Parrish recalled with a laugh. “The telescope was kind of what pushed me over the edge. I’ve been a star nerd ever since.”

These days, 66-year-old Parrish knows what he

is looking at. The toy telescope and his father’s influence inspired a life-long passion for the stars in Parrish, who now hopes to inspire that same passion in others through his astrophotography and work as a Cass County Parks Board member.

In January 2020, Cass County’s Dr. T.K. Lawless Park was labeled an International Dark-Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. The Cass County park is one of two parks in Michigan to have achieved the designation, following a more than two-year application process.

Now, Cass County Parks are building off the Dark Skies movement’s momentum, and board members hope the next few years will be some of the most important and influential in the parks department’s history.

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THE JOURNEY According to its website, the International DarkSky Association is a recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide. The association provides Dark Sky designations to parks, communities and places that fulfill the required criteria, including achieving dark sky friendly lighting, advocating for the protection of the night sky, having appropriate light readings and more. The organization’s primary goal is to fight light pollution — or excessive use of artificial light — worldwide. Its representatives claim light pollution can have severe physical and environmental consequences for animals and humans alike.

Since his childhood, Parrish has watched as the night sky he and his father so loved has become murkier, as the stars that once shone so brightly in his backyard became harder to see due to increased usage of artificial light in street lamps, neon signs and illuminated buildings. When his father died in 2018, Parrish decided to honor his memory by protecting Cass County’s night skies and seeking a Dark Sky designation for Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, a 900-acre park located on Monkey Run Road in Vandalia.

“I thought this would be a great way to remember my father,” Parrish said. “I have so many memories with my father, just looking up at the stars in our backyard.

The stars back in the ‘60s were a lot brighter.”

According to Cass County Parks Director Scott Wyman, Lawless Park was chosen due to its location and already naturally occurring dark skies.

“Whatever your love of the outdoors is, you can pretty much do it all here at Lawless Park — mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, fishing, tubing, cross country skiing. This list kind of goes on,” Wyman said, walking along one of the park’s many trails. “The Dark Sky initiative just added to our activities.”

Over the next few years, Parrish estimates he poured more than 500 hours into the project of getting Lawless Park designated a Dark Sky Park. He put together a 65-page application featuring letters of support from local leaders, testified before the state legislature and organized educational events surrounding the night sky.

“Simply put, if it wasn’t for [Parrish], we wouldn’t have this,” Wyman said. “He’s not getting paid for this, but he is spearheading it. Lawless Park was and always will be a great place to view the stars, but we wouldn’t have this designation without Robert.”

After years of hard work, Parrish said when he finally got the news on Jan. 5, 2020, that Lawless Park had been named an International Dark Sky Park, he broke into tears.

“I’m a big baby,” he said with a laugh. “I know my dad is a big ol’ softy. He probably would have cried too. I think he is looking down on us now and smiling about all this.”

THE DESTINATION Today, the sprawling green park’s entrance is marked with a sign letting every visitor know it is both an International Dark Sky Park and a Michigan Dark Sky Preserve.

Since receiving the first designation more than a year ago, the Cass County Parks Department has been

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“

“The pandemic really showed us all how important parks are to the community. The parks became important not just for physical health, but mental health as well. It’s a global pandemic, and we have still been able to accomplish what we have accomplished. It’s incredible.”

SCOTT WYMAN, CASS COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR

hard at work planning nighttime events, a stargazing schedule and other educational activities as part of its efforts to promote Dr. T.K. Lawless International Dark Sky Park. In the U.S., visitors have come from as far as Missouri and Iowa to view the night sky at the park. Once, Parrish said he even spoke with someone who had been visiting from England. In total, Parrish and Wyman estimate more than 1,200 guests visited during the park’s designated Dark Sky hours, which began in the summer. In 2021, Parrish is hoping to double that number. To help encourage more attendance, Parrish is hoping to add events on select weekends to augment the stargazing, such as musical acts, yoga sessions and astrophotography courses.

“We want as many people to come here and see the night sky as possible,” he said.

“This is our first year, and it’s a pandemic year,” Wyman said. “When Robert first brought this to us, I thought, ‘this will be just one more thing to do at Lawless Park.’ It’s become so much more than that.”

Outside of the Dark Sky nights, Wyman said Cass County Parks saw a renewed interest in 2020, he believes in large part to the pandemic keeping many indoor venues closed.

“The pandemic really showed us all how important parks are to the community,” Wyman said. “The parks became important not just for physical health, but mental health as well. It’s a global pandemic, and we have still been able to accomplish what we have accomplished. It’s incredible.”

With all eyes on the parks last year due to the Dark Sky initiative and the pandemic, the department embarked on drafting its five-year parks plan, which was approved by the Cass County Board of Commissioners in January 2021. With the plan, Wyman hopes to give the parks a facelift and add a camping area to draw even more visitors to Cass County Parks to enjoy its hiking trails and other amenities during the daytime — and its dark skies at night. Eventually, the parks board would like to install an observatory at Lawless Park and a nature center within the county.

“We are building off the momentum of Dark Skies,” Wyman said. “It is as simple as that. It couldn’t come at a more perfect time. I keep telling my board that the next five years could be our best.

We are excited. … One of our top priorities will be supporting Dark Skies.”

As Cass County Parks continue to expand on the momentum generated by the Dark Skies initiative and the five-year plan, Parrish has one major dream: to instill in residents the same wonder of the stars he felt when he opened that toy telescope nearly 60 years ago.

“I always tell people, no matter what they believe — whether that’s intelligent design or if they think we are here by happenstance due to science — no matter what, when we look at the stars, we are looking at our origins,” he said. “We are all made of ‘star stuff.’”

Recreating responsibly Cyclists from throughout Michiana create a biking community STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

G

athering in the gravel parking lot of River Saint Joe Brewery on June 16, there was an excitement in the air as people saw others after months of government mandated COVID-19 shutdowns.

As bicycles were taken down off of vehicle bike racks, out of car trunks and truck beds, cyclists greeted one another. The staccato clip of cycling shoes clicking into place in the pedals throughout the greetings as riders tested their bikes on the terrain.

The first ride in June for Bike Buchanan saw a large turnout of more than 60 riders. During peak points of the spring, summer and early fall, 70 to 80 people joined the rides. By the end of the riding season, on Oct. 27, only about 20 riders came out. The days were getting shorter and this specific day had been rainy, but

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the cyclists who arrived were in high spirits, happy to close out the season together.

At the last gathering, founder and Smiles for Miles ride leader Liz Martin stood on the rock barrier on the sidewalk at the brewery. She announced the four group rides to take place on their last night, and urged the bicyclists to get moving.

“I want to thank everybody for coming out tonight,” Martin bellowed from her perch.

Rounding out its third season, Bike Buchanan has grown from just one all skill level inclusive ride around Buchanan three years ago, to up to six groups to divide into with different speeds and distances on Tuesday evenings. The rides have attracted everyone from new bicyclists to Olympic-level athletes.

Martin has met cyclists from all around the area, including Goshen, Elkhart, South Bend, Mishawaka, Niles, Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Stevensville and beyond as they have participated in a Bike Buchanan ride at one point or another.

Martin’s vision was to create a space for everyone to enjoy riding their bike, no matter what type they had access to. When she was just getting started with her cycling, Martin noticed that the sport had an intimidating edge.

“A lot of those riders have become my friends, but I always felt like I didn’t know where I fit in,” Martin said. “I wasn’t super fast. I didn’t have all the gear. You immediately start your self-doubt, and you think you can’t go as fast as those people.

Obviously, you can as you keep riding, but I noticed there was a desire for people who wanted to go out and cruise around and meet people.”

As the ride grew over the next few years, Martin recruited friends to help scout ride routes and lead rides with her. Martin has retained leadership of the “Smiles for Miles” ride, the all-level rider group. Nearly all the rides, save for one for more competitive cyclists, are “no-drop” rides. “Nodrop” means that no bicycle rider is left behind.

The leader will hold the group at stop signs and slow the pace down if the group is starting to come apart. Another part of being the group leader is calling out obstacles, so the rest of the group may be aware of a pot hole or dangerous divot in the road.

With the exploding popularity of the group and its partnership with River Saint Joe, Martin recruited Allison Butcher, of Buchanan, and Genevieve Shaba, of St. Joseph, to help lead rides in 2020. Neither Butcher nor Shaba would describe themselves as being hardcore cyclists prior to becoming ride leaders with Bike Buchanan.

“After college, I moved back to Buchanan and I needed something else to do,” Butcher said. “Liz was always encouraging me to ride with her. She

was always describing how therapeutic it was.”

Butcher grew up with Martin, becoming best friends in kindergarten. Butcher had borrowed a bicycle from another Bike Buchanan participant, and finally, a week before the last ride of 2020, bought her own bicycle to finish out the year. “[Martin] was keeping me accountable,” Butcher said. “She knew I liked it. It was just getting me to go after work. It was due to her accountability that I kept coming back. I got addicted, and now I’m here every week.”

Athletics has been a part of Shaba’s life even through college occer. She wanted to take a different approach to staying active in her free time.

“I’ve been biking off and on for a while,” Shaba said. “I met Liz through a mutual friend at work.

She, along with the entire biking community, have been extremely welcoming. I’ve met so many people, and it’s really opened a lot of doors.”

Shaba moved to St. Joseph after graduating from college, and visiting Buchanan showed her a second community to explore.

“I didn’t know what was around here,” Shaba said. “It’s a smaller town than I’m used to. It’s been really cool to have people come around and do something active together.”

BREWING A COMMUNITY Behind the bar at River Saint Joe during the last ride of 2020, Chelsea Schmeling, Heidi Haney and Austin Work were working the evening of the last ride for Bike Buchanan. The three recognized the riders who were there, and had a comfortable banter with many of them as the riders placed orders and returned for fresh beers.

The brewery would open exclusively for the group rides on Tuesday evenings, a day the brewery is otherwise closed.

“We try to do some special eats for the group,” Haney said.

Both Schmeling and Work said the group that gathers at the brewery after the rides has been very supportive.

The partnership has been beneficial for both River Saint Joe and Bike Buchanan.

Flatwater Farms and River Saint Joe co-owner owner Fran Tuite has been a cyclist and bike commuter in Chicago. She learned about Martin’s group, Bike Buchanan, and intended on reaching out to her to form a partnership. Tuite said Martin beat her to it.

“The owners had heard of [Bike Buchanan], and I went in with the idea of pitching us supporting River Saint Joe,” Martin said. “They were super receptive, and it was an awesome partnership from the get go.”

Tuite was thrilled with the partnership.

“It was kind of serendipitous,” Tuite said. “I love supporting biking and getting people outside.”

Hosting Bike Buchanan on Tuesday evenings opened River Saint Joe up to more cycling groups, as cyclists and people getting into riding their bikes journeyed to the brewery for the all level rides.

“I think the community and locals loved the idea,” Tuite said. “I definitely think it introduced our place to people who wouldn’t have known about us. Bike Buchanan drew people from as far away as Holland, Michigan, a bunch of bikers from Whirlpool in St. Joe and Stevensville. There’s a brewery, Watermark. They have a cycling team, and they made it a point to also do some rides to us on Saturday. There’s a Pachyderm group that found out about us. Local community members who maybe weren’t beer drinkers heard about us.”

Tuite said the brewery did not track how many cyclists and community members found out about them through Bike Buchanan, but she knows it was considerably more people than had they not fostered the partnership they did.

Having the space to stage the rides, come back to and store bicycles and gear, and be able to enjoy beer and snacks together was a game changer for Martin and the ride.

“It added to the social aspect,” she said. “We were able to enjoy their beer garden and their outside areas. As it was getting colder, they have beautiful fire pits and Adirondack chairs. There’s more than enough space for us to be together, but keep a safe distance, and I think that makes it super unique and important.”

Striking the social balance along with the recreational was important to Martin.

For Teresa Sheppard, of Niles, and William Hoffman, of South Bend, the draw was a friendly ride with others who were looking to build an inclusive cycling community.

“Beer helps,” Hoffman said, jokingly, as he raised his glass after the ride.

With the sun set, the cyclists finished their beers and thanked the brewery staff as they left, speaking of future rides and looking forward to the beginning of next year’s adventure.

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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Challenging year Despite shutdown, complex still accomplishing goals STORY SCOTT NOVAK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

D

espite a rollercoaster ride, work on the Edwardsburg Sports Complex has continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even though the ESC board was forced to postpone or cancel events, and even shut the complex down in August due to insurance issues that arose from the pandemic, plenty of projects were continued, and some completed in 2020.

On Aug. 19, the board announced that the Edwardsburg Sports Complex would suspend all activities until further notice. That was because board members felt there was no coverage if someone contracted COVID-19 while being at the facility.

Even though the Edwardsburg cross country teams were unable to host their meets on the complex’s trails, and the fall soccer league had to be canceled,

work on the various fields and projects throughout the complex went on, according to Patty and Ed Patzer.

The state of Michigan began setting guidelines as to what could be open and how many people would be allowed to gather for events just as the complex was set to open for the spring.

“It started just when soccer and lacrosse were beginning to get scheduled,” Patty Patzer said. “The whole spring season had to be canceled.”

“We would have exceeded all of those outside gathering guidelines,” Ed Patzer added. “She [Gov. Gretchen Whitmer] just said outdoor gatherings. We are 102 acres, and we are spread out, but there never were any guidelines about that. No one could tell us if someone would come and shut us down, and we did not want that kind of publicity.”

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“So, we had to cancel the entire spring season,” Patty added.

Even though golf courses were allowed to open up with guidelines pertaining to social distancing, the ESC board was unsure if that included the sports complex. The board was prepared to reopen in the fall under the latest guidelines when insurance became an issue.

According to the Patzers, one of the events that was allowed to happen over the summer months was the inaugural Farmer’s Market, which, despite the pandemic, was a success.

“Markets were able to run, and we had a garage sale the second weekend of August,” Patty Patzer said. “It was right before the garage sale we realized the liability coverage for small business and nonprofits just was not there.

There was no legislation for it. Our board of directors was concerned too.”

The complex was able to host a pair of events over the summer. The Beasley National Soccer School went on as planned in July, and “A Night Under The Stars” outdoor prom was hosted on Aug. 1.

The complex was also able to host fall baseball practice.

Summers are usually a bit slower than

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the spring and fall seasons, according to the Patzers, but losing both of their busy seasons was not in the plans.

Even though the pandemic meant delays, work at the complex continued throughout the year. Because they were able to keep pushing forward, 10 multi-use fields were fully developed, the fields of the baseball quad are now ready for play, and a basketball/pickleball court was built.

The complex also expanded its walking/ cross country trail, with hopes that in the spring, the state will be reopened for people to take advantage of the complex.

“From a construction standpoint, the board gave us the green light to continue that,” Ed said. “Although there was some hesitancy there. I pushed hard for that because we had to do something. Our biggest challenge is to get past the construction phase of the complex so that we can be operational and run events.”

An unforeseen fallout from the pandemic was that state orders did not allow for construction work to be done for a period of time. That forced the complex to change its plans.

“Our foundation contractor for the

concession stand for baseball was not allowed to come into Michigan,” Ed said. “Because of that, he could not work initially. [Gov. Whitmer] shut down construction in Michigan. He did not want to risk coming in.

Because of that, the foundation got put in so late, I decided to cancel the project for last summer. ... All the contractors were behind, so I was not able to get the electricians and the plumbers out there. Now, with wood and steel prices, we are probably going to have an increase of $50,000 or $60,000 in the cost of that concession building.”

One of the good things that has come out of the coronavirus pandemic is the use of the complex’s walking trails. Because people have been allowed to get outside and hike or go on walks, the trail has seen an uptick in use.

“What we are seeing is that people are using the trail to get outside,” Patty said. “They are using the trail to walk to get some exercise.”

Moving forward, the complex will continue its work on the baseball fields, as well as the concession stand construction, fencing on the rest of the fields and building a press box.

“We will be ready for the spring,” Patty Patzer said.

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A special tribute Dowagiac council member honored by park dedication STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

N

estled next to the Dowagiac Creek is a quaint space, a space where folks can escape the hustle and bustle of their everyday lives to take a walk, be hypnotized by the steady stream of flowing water, play with their kids or to just sit in their car and have a moment to themselves. Schuur Park is that space, much to the delight of its namesake, Dowagiac city councilman Bob Schuur. Schuur, the longestserving council member in the city’s history with 36 years under his belt, was honored with the dedication of Schuur Park in 2019.

Friends, family and colleagues celebrated Schuur’s achievements at the newly-established park at the dedication ceremony.

“The dedication of the park was wonderful,” Schuur said. “[City manager] Kevin Anderson does a great job with the

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city as does mayor Don Lyons. They come up with a lot of wonderful ideas for the community.”

The decision to name the park after Schuur was an easy one for Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons, who was inspired by his father Dale A. Lyons and the late Dr. Fred L. Mathews, individuals who played integral roles in the founding and development of Southwestern Michigan College. Both have buildings named after them on SMC’s Dowagiac campus.

“I was born and raised here,” Lyons said. “My family has very deep roots here. My father was heavily involved in the community. One of the things SMC did that I liked was that buildings were named after individuals who gave time and effort to public service. I tried to carry the practice on. Bob has served more than 30 years and is the longest-serving member.

We felt it was appropriate that his service be recognized.”

The park, located on Cass Avenue adjacent to the Dowagiac Creek, offers visitors a fishing pier, play equipment and resting benches. Schuur said that the area used to be a popular spot for the city’s youth to take a plunge on a hot summer day.

“Did you know that stream is a trout stream?”

Schuur said. “The water starts in Coldwater and flows through here.”

Spending primarily grant money awarded to the city by the state of Michigan, the city broke ground on the development of the park in September 2019 and finished before the end of that year.

“Dowagiac has a number of parks,” Lyons said.

“We’re always looking at opportunities to expand that number. We came up with the idea to utilize an asset of our community. With that in mind, we came up with the notion of establishing a park where Cass Avenue crosses the creek.”

“It felt good to name it after someone like Mr. Schuur,” Anderson said. “He has shown his dedication to the community over the course of his many years of service. The response has been tremendous. You like working on something that has filled a need in the community.”

Schuur first took office Nov. 18, 1985, and has overseen many important city projects over the course of his career, including the relocation of M-51 in the downtown and the reconstruction of the downtown streetscape; the demolition of the former Dowagiac Middle School and its redevelopment into the downtown Lyons

Health Center; relocation of the Dowagiac Area History Museum; the purchase and continued development of Russom Park; the purchase of blighted property across from Dowagiac City Hall and its redevelopment into the James E. Snow Building; and improvements to numerous structures at Riverside Cemetery.

According to Schuur, the restructuring of downtown Dowagiac was a tough task the city had to undertake.

“There were a lot of people who did not want that done,” Schuur recalled. “Some of the merchants felt that if the people traveling did not travel through downtown, they would not stop and buy. But it turned out to be a blessing because we now control the street. It’s a city street and not a highway. Now when we have a parade or a festival, it is much easier to coordinate.”

Schuur began his professional career working for what was then Lee Memorial Hospital at the age of 17. He worked there for 55 years and said that was where his passion for helping people ignited.

“I started there at 80 cents per hour,” Schuur said. “I was doing all kinds of odd jobs and the Sisters of St. Joseph had me doing all kinds of things. I laid linoleum, hung curtains, you name it.”

According to Schuur, working with the Sisters of St. Joseph at the hospital left a significant impression on him, even if he was doing busy work.

“I’ve got a real love for them,” he said. “When I first started, I was 17 and had a driver’s license.

The nuns were not allowed to drive and they always had to be in pairs. They had me take them everywhere. I had lots of fun, and they always fed me when it was lunchtime.”

Schuur has also been on the Dowagiac Cemetery Board for all of the years that he has been on the city council. In addition to helping the city, Schuur aims to make sure that the final resting place of the community’s loved ones is well taken care of. He visits the cemetery often, taking different routes every time to document things like fallen tree limbs and damaged tombstones. It is the little things like this that have allowed Schuur to have the lengthy career he has.

“If I notice anything that needs to be addressed, I bring it up during council meetings,” Schuur said. “The cemetery is very important to me. All these years, I’ve followed through and try to do my part to make the cemetery a better place. It’s been nice.”

Entering his 36th year of service, Schuur aims to continue to serve the community he loves so much.

He donates extra time to First Christian Church in Dowagiac as well as the city’s beautification committee.

“I just wish my mom could be here to see what happened to the city and that her oldest son had a park named after him,” Schuur said. “Most of the time when things are named, people are dead. I am humbled and grateful.”

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I Mask Up for...

Maker on a

mission

INTERVIEWING & PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH CULTON

With the importance of masking emphasized by lawmakers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health departments.

Leader Publications asked people across southwest Michigan why they believe it is important to mask up.

“For my friends and family to keep them safe, but also, as a superintendent, as an example for others in the district.”

Dowagiac woman uses love for sewing to create, distribute thousands of homemade masks

JIM KNOLL Superintendent, Edwardsburg Public Schools, Edwardsburg

STORY SARAH CULTON PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

D

iane Barrett-Curtis describes her sewing room as “organized chaos.”

Located at the top of a tall staircase inside her Dowagiac home, the room — titled Curtis Clothing Co., according to a sign hanging above the doorknob — lives up to the 69-year-old woman’s description.

Piles of fabric in every color burst out of ceiling-high shelves and litter every available inch of space. On a worktable in the room’s center rests dozens of halfcut squares — some plain, some with dots, others adorned with the smiling face of a lion or bunny. Next to the table sits one of her favorite parts of the space — a box stocked to the brim with empty spools of thread, each one used up during the year 2020.

“My fabric and thread collections have been growing for years,” Curtis said as she gave a tour of the room, stopping every so often to tell the history of one fold of fabric. Many she picked up during sales at JoAnn Fabrics. Others she hunted for, knowing that a specific color or pattern would brighten someone’s day. “As you can see, when I’m working, I just somehow end up with piles of fabric everywhere.”

Since March, Curtis has been spending a lot more time than usual in the sewing space. Most days, she can be found sitting in front of the sewing machine, her TV working double-time streaming reruns of “The West Wing” as she stitches together square after square of fabric.

Her months of dedication have not been without cause. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Curtis has hand-sewn nearly 3,000 masks to be donated to individuals and groups in need across the country.

“Some people are ‘crazy cat ladies,’ but I guess you could say I’m a ‘crazy mask lady’ now,” Curtis said, letting out a laugh.

SPREADING JOY, NOT GERMS Though Curtis had long enjoyed sewing, when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1, 2020, there was no way she could have known she would spend the majority of the year sewing every kind of mask imaginable. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the state of Michigan in March, she knew she needed to help.

“I just feel like this is what I can do and what I can contribute right now,” said Curtis, who has lived in Dowagiac since she was 5 years old. “I’m not a health care worker. I can’t help in that respect in taking care of people, but I can help people stay safe, so that’s what I am going do.”

“Probably the top thing is for safety and to make my customers more comfortable.”

CATHY FRANZ Owner, The Marshall Shoppe, Dowagiac

“I mask up because I believe it is the safe thing to do. We have to be careful, and we have to protect ourselves and other people.”

MELODY CONRAD Volunteer, Shelf Life Bookstore, Niles

“I wear a mask because I know that not only does it protect myself, it protects our patrons and library employees with whom I share a work space.”

BARBARA GORDON Director, Cass District Library, Cassopolis COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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Though she is retired, Curtis typically volunteers several times a week at Justus Gage Elementary School to read to students. When COVID-19 kept her away from the schools physically, her masks gave her a tie to the school and the students she loved.

Sarah Proctor, an elementary teacher at Justus Gage Elementary School, said Curtis sewed matching masks for her entire second-grade class.

Though the masks were little more than two loops of elastic connected by a pleated strip of polkadotted fabric, Proctor said the masks not only kept her students safe from COVID-19, but also gave them something to bond over.

“In an age of social distancing, [the masks] build unity,” said Proctor, 39. “The kids get really excited that they all have the same masks. We can’t sit in a circle. We can’t gather in a small group because we need to be spaced out. This is one more thing to bring us together, and for Diane to have given that to us is such a blessing.”

After the first few batches of masks were distributed, it did not take long for Curtis’ facial coverings to make it outside of her hometown.

While she initially planned only to make a small number of masks, requests soon came pouring in from those in need. Once she started joining mask-making groups on Facebook, she began to

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help fill requests from businesses, organizations, hospitals and Native American tribes asking for masks. To date, her masks have gone as far as North Carolina, Oklahoma, New York, Florida, Texas and California, in addition to several cities within Michigan.

One who reached out for assistance with masks was Erik Hutchinson, a 36-year-old psychiatric social worker from Ypsilanti, Michigan. A worker within the Henry Ford Health System, he and his coworkers cannot wear hand-sewn, nonmedical grade masks inside the hospital in which they work. However, the healthcare workers still needed masks to wear to and from the hospital and in their everyday lives. Hutchinson, who knew Curtis from when he lived in Cassopolis years ago, contacted her for help, and Curtis delivered.

Not only has she sent Hutchinson 150 masks to date to distribute to healthcare workers in the metro-Detroit area, but she also sent homecooked brownies and cookies to help lift their spirits.

“It feels like a strong support, like we are being taken care of,” Hutchinson said through the crackle of a phone line. “If I could say one thing to [Curtis], it would be: ‘Words can’t express the love and support we feel when we open our gift box from you. Thank you for supporting us through this pandemic.’”

Another healthcare worker to receive masks from Curtis was Angel Sundman, a 58-year-old occupational therapist. Though she now lives in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Sundman grew up across the street from Curtis, and when she heard her former neighbor was making masks, Sundman reached out.

After months of stressful, dangerous work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sundman said the masks Curtis sent felt like an act of compassion and appreciation that brought tears to her eyes.

“I was amazed when I got my first two in the mail, and Diane wouldn’t take a dime even though I wanted to contribute,” Sundman said, apologizing for the emotion flooding into her voice. “To get a little piece of home in the mail, it was a little lifeline that came in the mail in a time when we just needed caring and compassion.

Diane is an awesome, incredible human who has made her mark on this planet and continues to do so.”

STITCHING TOGETHER CONNECTIONS Those who receive Curtis’ masks are not the only ones who benefit, Curtis said. She too has found personal enjoyment and fulfillment from her project.

I Mask Up for...

“It’s for your own safety and the safety of those around you. What I’ll often say to a student who has his mask hanging a little too low is ‘I don’t want you to get sick today. Go ahead and mask up so you are keeping safe.’”

DAN NOMMAY Principal, Edwardsburg Intermediate School, Edwardsburg

“It’s the right thing to do during a pandemic to keep our staff and our customers safe.”

LINDA SKWARCAN Manager, Veni’s, Niles

“It’s been very rewarding for me.

I get a couple of people who say my masks are the best,” Curtis said with a smile. “That makes me feel really good.”

Curtis has used the project to learn new skills and has spent countless hours watching YouTube videos to learn about new mask techniques.

Once she saw a style of mask she had never seen before in a store. She bought the mask just to take it home, take it apart and learn how to make it herself.

“It’s amazing to me all the different YouTube videos there are,” she said.

“I’m always down to try a different mask. I usually give them to my husband to test them and say, ‘here, let me know how you like it.’”

In addition to giving her an outlet to test her sewing skills, Curtis said the project has helped her keep her mind off the pandemic and political turmoil around her. In addition to having to cancel trips and be isolated throughout the pandemic, Curtis’ daughter was fighting cancer in 2020. Because of COVID-19 precautions, Curtis could

not be with her daughter while she was in the hospital, something Curtis said was painful for her to endure.

When the stress of the outside world became too much, Curtis said she at least had her sewing room and project to turn to — giving her a purpose and a connection to everyone she sent a mask to.

“Truthfully, if I hadn’t been sewing, I don’t know what I would have been doing these past few months,” Curtis said. “Sewing has given me a bit of a release so I can keep my mind off of other garbage.”

Despite the outlet it has given her, Curtis said there had been several times she thought she was done making masks. However, whenever she is about to put down her fabric scissors, she will get another request for a mask order, and she will march back up to her sewing room to complete it.

“As long as I think there is a need for it, I will keep making masks,” Curtis said. “I don’t go out of my way to find people, but they keep happening to find me. I’m glad for that.”

“I mask up because I want this pandemic to be over.

I mask up because I don’t ever want to fear that I was the cause that this horrible virus was passed on to anyone. I mask up because I believe it’s the right thing to do not only for myself, but for the people I’m around.”

JANIE REIFENBERG Community Assistant Vice President, Honor Credit Union, Dowagiac

“I do it for the safety of myself, my customers and because it’s the right thing to do.”

ELIZABETH KELLER Co-owner, The Upcycled Artisan, Niles COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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Rekindling the

flame

O

Dowagiac sweethearts reunite after nearly 40 years apart STORY SARAH CULTON PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

n New Year’s Eve 2017, Liz Momany, of Dowagiac, stood in the middle of Times Square in New York, squished into a crowd of cheering, enthusiastic fellow tourists. Like everyone else, Liz was waiting for the clock to strike midnight and take her into a new year full of possibilities.

When the time came, she watched in awe as the ball dropped, and confetti of all different colors rained over her. Somewhere in the sea of colors was a slip of confetti she had written her new year’s wish on earlier in the evening — to find true love.

In less than six months, her dream would come true.

In August 2019, Liz, 60, married Chris Momany, 59, the current pastor at First United Methodist Church in Dowagiac. Though they dated a little more than a year before their marriage, they had known each other since the 1970s. Chris and Liz were high school sweethearts who had been separated for 39 years before they reunited in May 2018.

Though their path to love and marriage was a long and winding one, the couple said it has felt like life “coming full circle.”

TWO KIDS IN LOVE These days, the couple sits at their dining room table looking through dozens of sepia-toned memories — Polaroids and old photos discolored and fraying at the corners — depicting their high school lives together. The couple looks different now than they did back then. Liz no longer dons the bright, bold plaids of the late 1970s, and Chris is missing his 17-year-old head full of sweeping hair. Though fine lines now crinkle toward the edges of their eyes, the couple can still be recognized by the smiles that match the photos of their younger selves.

“This one was from one of our high school dances,” Chris said, pointing to a photo of himself and Liz decorated with a corsage and boutonniere. He chuckles to himself as he flips to another snapshot of the couple sitting in rocking chairs, looking exhausted.

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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“That was a rock-a-thon where you rock for 24 hours and raise money for missions,” he said. “We were probably about 22 hours in when this photo was taken.”

“There are a lot of memories on this table,” Liz said, delicately picking up one of the photos to read the date on the back. It is from 1978. “There are some good ones here.”

Liz Skelley and Chris Momany met in the summer of 1977 at band camp. At the time, Liz, a junior, claims she “atrociously flirted” with Chris, a sophomore at the time. They were both drummers in the St. Joseph High School marching band. Despite her flirting over the summer, it took until September before Chris finally asked Liz to the homecoming dance.

“We were kind of talking back and forth, and I don’t know how many times I walked her home before I got the nerve to ask her out,” Chris said.

“I always made sure we took the long way home,” Liz recalled with a knowing smile. “When he finally asked me out, I said, ‘sure, why not?’”

Now sitting on a comfy couch in his Dowagiac home, Chris laughed.

“You know, I couldn’t tell if she was really excited or not,” he said.

After that, Chris and Liz became inseparable. It was on one of their long walks — on the corner of Highland Street — that Chris told Liz he loved her for the first time.

“I said it first both times,” Chris said. “She is really the person who really taught me to find confidence in myself.” “[Chris] was my first true love,” Liz said. “It was heavy, more than a high school fling.”

As a couple, they formed some of their favorite memories attending youth group together. Chris even credits their time together as inspiring him to become a pastor, saying Liz was the first person to encourage him to explore his talents in the church.

The couple dated for two years before Liz graduated high school, and the couple drifted apart.

She obtained a background in nursing before moving to Indiana and becoming a consultant for different hospitals. She married and mothered three daughters before divorcing her first husband.

Once Chris graduated high school, he pursued theology and spent 23 years as a chaplain and parttime professor at Adrian College. He spent nearly 27 years with his first wife, Kim, before she died in 2016 following a battle with cancer. With Kim, Chris fathered one son.

Time kept moving, and Chris and Liz did not see each other again for nearly 39 years. Little did they know, it would take a chance encounter to reunite them.

FALLING IN LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN In 2017, Liz moved back to southwest Michigan to care for her ailing mother. Around Christmas 2017, Liz took her mother out to eat in St. Joseph and — much to Liz’s surprise — ran into Chris’ mother, Carol Momany. The three women had a chat before going about their respective days, and it did not take long before Carol was on the phone with Chris letting him know that his first love was

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back in town.

“After all these years, my mom still thought Liz Skelley was the top of the heap,” Chris said. “[Our parents] remembered us as young people, and they really felt good about the other person.”

In February 2018, Chris, who was living in Adrian, Michigan, reached out to Liz via Facebook to express concerns and prayers for her mother’s health. In May of that year, he finally asked her out for a cup of coffee.

Ahead of the date, Liz was determined not to be nervous, having convinced herself the meeting was nothing more than catching up with an old friend. However, all it took was Chris walking in to that coffee shop for everything to change.

“I spilled the coffee in front of me because my hands were shaking so hard,” Liz recalled with a laugh. “Once we laid eyes on each other again, there was a spark that ignited immediately.”

The feeling was mutual.

“I thought, ‘Wow. Liz is the same fantastic person she always was,’” Chris said of seeing her again. “Even if I had never met her before in my life, I would still have thought she was a fantastic person.”

From that date on, the couple knew they were serious about each other. Due to the distance, they would talk on the phone each night for hours, often until 2 a.m.

“We were on the phone for I think 86 hours in June,” Liz said. “We got to know each other really well.”

On Aug. 12, 2018, the couple took a postdinner walk along the beach in St. Joseph when Chris dropped to his knees, fumbled in his

pockets and produced a ring.

“He told me he was going to ask me to marry him, but I was still shocked,” Liz said.

Things continued to move quickly for the Momanys. Chris was assigned to lead Dowagiac’s First United Methodist, and the couple found a home just outside of downtown to settle in once they were married. Nearly one year after Chris proposed, Liz was walking down the aisle in a white dress to him. Following the ceremony, the couple recreated a photo from their high school prom.

“It was right,” Chris said. “When you are young, you are nervous about everything, but I wasn’t. I knew I was where I was supposed to be. I knew it was going to be a fun day, and it was.”

“It was a simple wedding, but we were very much in love,” Liz added as she shot a smile over to her husband. “We still are.”

Now that the couple has been married and settled for more than a year, they look forward to continuing their life together, being a part of the Dowagiac community and traveling through mission trips.

“We are such best friends. We can spend all day every day together and be perfectly happy,” Chris said.

Despite the four-decade journey she and Chris have been on, Liz said she could not be happier with the way her Times Square wish was fulfilled.

“There’s a part of me that never, ever stopped loving [Chris],” she said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be with your first love.”

“

“[Chris] was my first true love. It was heavy, more than a high school fling.”

LIZ MOMANY

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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Road recovery TO

Niles native reflects on nine months as traveling nurse taking care of COVID-infected patients all over U.S. STORY AMBROSIA NELDON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

I

n Cincinnati, Ohio, hours from her home in Michigan, a nurse stands by a bedside, her iPhone in one hand, her patient’s hand in the other.

The man in her care, a pastor from Ohio, is minutes away from taking his last breath. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are no family members in the room. The usual sounds of “I love yous” and stifled tears from loved ones are replaced by beeps and buzzes of medical equipment, the room empty save for a nurse and her patient. The nurse pulls out her phone, turns on gospel music, and prays with the pastor.

With the knowledge that this man would soon succumb to the virus that has killed more than 400,000 Americans since March 2020, the nurse does all she can to make this man — a stranger — comfortable. Knowing her presence is not the same as a loved one’s, she FaceTimes the patient’s daughter, giving them both a chance to say goodbye.

Before she hangs up, Andrea Wright, BSN-RN, promises the daughter she will not leave the pastor’s side, and she keeps her word. In the last nine months, she has witnessed countless COVID-19 patients take their last breaths, but as she says, it never gets easier.

Through two masks, a face shield, a gown and gloves, the travel nurse from Niles sits by her patient’s side and weeps.

COMPASSIONATE CARE On Feb. 28, 1999, a conference room at Riley’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis was set up for a birthday party. Instead of the bowling shoes, roller skates or video games that typically accompanied 8-year-olds’ birthdays in the late ‘90s, Wright was treated to a chocolate cake and wrapped presents — an experience that would impact the rest of her life.

A few weeks before her 30th birthday, Wright recalled the special birthday party she celebrated more than two decades ago when her sister was admitted in the hospital. Though her classmates and extended family could not be there, she was surrounded by new friends.

“That was the reason I chose to become a nurse,” Wright said. “They cared enough about this little girl who was not even sick, and not in the hospital — my sister was! They went that extra step to show that compassion.”

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COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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“

“We are everything now.

We are nurses, but we are phlebotomists now. We are respiratory therapists. We are the eyes and the hands and everything.”

ANDREA WRIGHT, BSN-RN

For the last several years, Wright has dedicated herself to providing the same level of care to patients and their loved ones all over the country.

In early February, Wright reflected on nearly a decade of nursing as she traveled from her latest assignment in Cincinnati to North Carolina to retrieve personal items from an earlier stint in the year.

Upon graduating from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of science in nursing and a focus on community health, Wright accepted a position as a community health nurse with St. Joseph Health System — a difficult position, but it paled in comparison to the past nine months of work as a traveling nurse on COVID-19 floors across the country. “[Community health] was hard — very hard because you’re in the homeless shelter. I would do home visits with a social worker, plan community health events on certain diseases and things that are very preventable in public health,” Wright recalled of her first job out of college. “Of course, I was working in underserved populations and with how their healthcare is different across all skin colors, all those things — if you don’t have the access to health care, you’re not going to be successful in your health.”

Eager to grow her career and experience quickly, she accepted an opportunity as a traveling nurse in 2018 that would send her to a new hospital every four to 13 weeks. Since the beginning of the pandemic, she has worked in Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Arizona, Durham, North Carolina, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Greenville, North Carolina.

“It has been eye opening just to see as a nurse how

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different our scope can be depending on what state you go to,” she said. “It helps you to have a wellrounded experience as a nurse.”

Each state takes different approaches to medicine in terms of treatment, prescriptions, insurance, accessibility and more. “[Traveling] definitely has changed my perspective and made me a better nurse and a better person, honestly,” she said.

A WHOLE NEW WORLD On a typical pre-pandemic day, a swarm of hospital employees in scrubs of various hues, name badges and white sneakers buzz through the halls, creating a cacophony of footsteps, chatter and squeaking wheels. A seemingly choreographed routine of moving beds, shifting wheelchairs and bustling employees fills the halls.

Some transport patients from their rooms to various tests and therapies. Others push carts filled with food from room to room, delivering meals and offering nutrition advice. Even more transport medicine, draw blood, clean rooms and wash linens.

“We are everything now,” Wright said of the current state of COVID floors at hospitals all over the country. “We are nurses, but we are phlebotomists now. We are respiratory therapists. We are the eyes and the hands and everything.”

Typically, nurses are responsible for directly caring for patients and serving as the liaison between patients and their physicians. Other employees are usually responsible for various tasks like food delivery, sanitation and lab work.

“Depending on what hospital you go to, the

physicians don’t even go into [COVID-19] rooms,” Wright said. “They will call the patient if they are able to talk to the patient through the window or the door, or we [nurses] will have to go in the room and bring an iPad in there for the patient so the doctor can communicate.”

In order to minimize the amount of spread from COVID-positive patients to other people, nurses have taken on the brunt of the workload, in many cases serving as the only person patients interact with throughout their stays at the hospital.

“The stress and the burnout that people don’t realize is that in nursing, yes, we already do a lot, and then COVID happened and now these subspecialties cannot for their safety go into those rooms,” she said. “Normally, before COVID, dietary would bring the food into the room for the patient and all those things. Nope, we do all that now, too.

Environmental, as far as making sure the rooms are clean and all those things … we do that, too. We are transport. If my patient has to go down for an MRI, we have to take them. … If I have three patients that day and I have to leave the floor with one for a test, I’m off the unit for an hour.”

The biggest challenge, Wright said, has been the high death toll of patients once they are admitted to hospitals with the novel coronavirus that first swept the globe in late 2019.

Recalling the pastor’s death in Cincinnati, Wright solemnly admitted the incident was only the latest of many similar circumstances.

“It’s not just one patient,” she said. “It’s happened almost every other day. … That’s the hardest part of this.”

BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD? Like so many nurses across the world, Wright said she has been pushed to limits she did not know she had, but has persevered with support from family and fellow nurses she has met through her travels.

With a bubbly laugh, she said she recently warned her father she was quitting and getting a job at Chick-fil-A. “That way when something goes wrong, all I have to do is say, ‘my pleasure!’ and smile,” Wright said. “I joke, but it’s definitely crossed my mind a few times.”

Regardless of the toll the job has taken in the past year, Wright feels blessed to have been given the opportunity to care for patients.

“It’s sucked. I’m not going to sugar coat it,” she said. “But I wouldn’t change it. There are bad days all the time, but sometimes you have good days that make those bad days not so bad.”

Take, for example, a patient who was put on a ventilator with little hope of recovering from the virus, days later heading home with plans for respiratory therapy.

“That makes it worth it,” she said.

As she began a month-long vacation between assignments, Wright asked the general public to remain vigilant in mitigation efforts despite lowering COVID-19 case numbers and vaccinations rolling out.

Wright said she and her fellow nurses have been insulted time and time again as acquaintances insist coronavirus has been exaggerated or made up by media outlets. She encouraged those challenging information about the virus to question healthcare experts they trust.

“The best thing you can do is educate yourself, and not educating yourself by your social media research,” she said. “Go talk to your family physician. … Talk to someone who works in the hospital.”

Throughout the last nine months, she said she had met countless people who thought the virus was a hoax, or overplayed by the press, and then contracted it and had a change of heart. The virus, which spreads primarily through respiratory droplets during human contact, has been known to spread wildly at events and gatherings where masks are not worn and social distancing is not observed.

“I don’t care if you live your best life and go on a trip, just wear a mask,” Wright said. “And don’t go around sick family members.”

With many months of caring for patients sick with COVID ahead, Wright pleaded with anyone questioning the severity of the coronavirus to do their part, if not for themselves, for people around them.

“It’s a slap in the face to our profession, for one,” she said. “If you’d like to come and trade places with me, I dare you.”

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

abonmarche.com

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STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

I

t was the summer of 1964.

Children, parents and the entire Dowagiac community were enjoying the splendors summer brought with it. But this summer was different. Everyone made sure to be home by dusk. Doors were locked and blinds were closed.

Someone — or something — had been making its rounds in town. Families gathered around the radio in hopes of learning its whereabouts, while others braved the outdoors looking for signs of it.

Dowagiac had found itself within the grasp of the Dewey Lake Monster, a grip that has ceased to relent more than 50 years later.

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“

I talked to my dad about it. Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case. It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it.

They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

LYNDON PARRISH

SETTING THE SCENE Sixty-six years later, Dowagiac residents were once again holed up in their homes, hiding from a different monster — the COVID-19 virus.

Like so many in the year 2020, Marcus Roll, manager of theater operations and applied performing arts at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, had run into a problem — keeping life moving in spite of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus raging throughout the globe. In Roll’s case, the tasks at hand were to find a way to keep his performing arts students active during the pandemic, and to creatively engage the community in a way that complied with pandemic restrictions.

According to Roll, the school’s spring production of “Grease” was canceled last year, and an inperson fall production this year was not realistic.

That is when Marcus was approached by SMC assistant director of campus life Branden Pompey with an idea for a radio show.

“It was this weird happenstance,” Pompey said.

“I’m a fan of old-timey creature features from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Radio shows always had that ‘Twilight Zone’ sort of feel to them. You’re able

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to create the picture in your mind because you’re listening to everything going on.”

A 2005 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, Pompey earned his associate’s degree in theater at SMC and his bachelor’s in theater at Grand Valley State University. He knew his way around a stage, having both directed and acted in a number of projects at the Beckwith Theatre Company.

“When I went to school, I had the dream of screenwriting,” Pompey said. “I saw this as an opportunity to flex my creative muscles and tap into the artistic side of me. I jumped at the opportunity to do that.”

“Brandon and I had been looking for a way to collaborate, so this has been perfect,” Roll said.

“He wrote an original script, and I got to produce and edit, so we’re playing to both of our strengths.”

Roll and Pompey then pitched the idea to the school administration, which liked the idea of a virtual production.

“They wanted to make it more personal for the community,” Pompey said. “Centering it around something near and dear to people in Dowagiac.

We decided to focus on the Dewey Lake Monster.”

The Dewey Lake Monster is a legendary Sasquatch-like creature first reported in the mid-1960s after sightings near Dewey Lake in Dowagiac.

Their proposed show, titled “Terror on Dewey Lake,” would center around a group of students unraveling the mystery of the disappearance of a local town hero, with the Dewey Lake monster as the prime suspect.

Standing a towering 9 feet tall, weighing in at roughly 500 pounds of pure muscle and featuring bright, glowing eyes, the Dewey Lake Monster’s physical appearance was enough to make even the toughest witness tremble. While sightings of the mythical creature have diminished over the years, the legend of the Dewey Lake Monster resonates with greater Dowagiac to this day.

With approval from the higher-ups, production on “Terror on Dewey Lake” could begin in earnest.

While “Terror on Dewey Lake” might spin a tale about a horrifying monster, this is a different story. This is the story of how two thespians set out to save the school’s theater season, and the community that supported them every step of the way.

Lyndon Parrish, a former member of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, holds a photo of his father, who was a sergeant with the department when word spread that the Dewey Lake Monster was roaming the region.

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THE PRODUCTION Pompey and Roll had just received the greenlight for their radio show, but they could not afford to relish the moment.

They had roughly seven weeks to produce the radio show before its Oct. 30 release. Pompey spent the first few weeks writing page after page of script, working through the types of sound effects and transitions needed and conjuring up commercials and musical numbers.

The pair decided to incorporate local businesses into the radio show’s commercials, which featured advertisements for Baker’s Rhapsody, Underwood Shoes and the Beckwith Theatre Company — all in the name of creating a “well-rounded Dowagiac experience.”

“That was pretty cool,” said Baker’s Rhapsody owner Jordan Anderson. “They decided to make it hyper-local and include local businesses and landmarks. I just thought it was a clever idea to do a radio show amid the pandemic.”

Once the script was in a good place, the duo began hosting auditions for roles. The auditions received a large turnout, including performing arts students, regular students, school faculty and even SMC alumni.

The cast would feature a direct connection to the Dewey Lake Monster myth.

SMC Director of Security and Conduct Lyndon Parrish auditioned for the role of Sheriff Leonard.

Parrish spent 27 years with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. His father, Paul Parrish, was a sergeant with the sheriff’s department in 1964 when the first sightings of the Dewey Lake Monster took place, and went on to be the sheriff for many years. “[Branden] thought it would be interesting for me to play a role,” Lyndon Parrish said. “I was a little hesitant. He convinced me that I wouldn’t be in front of anyone, and I wouldn’t have to memorize the script. I was really impressed with the final product. Branden did a great job with the script. It sounded like an old-timey radio show.”

Lyndon Parrish was born in 1964, the same year the Dewey Lake Monster was sighted in the Dowagiac area. While he was not around to experience it, his father filled him in on the event that gripped the community.

“I talked to my dad about it,” Lyndon said. “Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case.

It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it. They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

Pompey said having a crew member with a tie to the Dewey Lake Monster added another layer of interest to the production.

“To work with someone who had a direct connection to the myth was exciting,” Pompey said.

“He had a blast participating.”

In addition to Parrish, Pompey and Roll cast 24 roles for the production. At long last, rehearsals could begin.

The radio show format allowed Roll and Pompey to keep both performers and spectators safe from the large casts and crowds that typically accompany

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theater productions. Recordings and rehearsals were able to be done via Zoom.

“With a radio show, it’s all dialogue,” Roll said.

“With a play, we would have to rehearse in person, which calls for a lot of movement on the stage. We would be rehearsing with props, too. With the radio show, if we need to rehearse in person, we can safely do that in the theater by spreading out. We don’t have to move. The voice actors will be able to look at the script the entire time, instead of memorizing lines like you would in a play.”

One of the biggest issues the production ran into was losing students to quarantining after being exposed to a positive COVID-19 test. But because of the nature of the production, the show was able to go on.

“None of our performers tested positive,” Pompey said. “We had performers isolate for a few days. With the way technology is, we were able to connect with those performers via Zoom and hook them up to a sound system. Any time a hurdle was thrown at us, we were able to find ways to make it work.”

Recording the dialogue and sound effects took almost two weeks. A soundstage was created in the school’s orchestra loft using 2 x 4 lumber and soundproofing blankets and materials.

The rustling of leaves underneath characters’ feet, the chirping of birds, water flowing down the stream and many more sound effects were created

by Roll, who also coordinated the musical numbers. “[Roll] was the workhorse of this show,” Pompey said. “A number of instrumental pieces and sound effects were made by Marcus.”

Once edited, Roll sent the final product to the school’s marketing department, which began creating posters and advertisements for the show.

When Oct. 30 finally rolled around, the school uploaded “Terror on Dewey Lake” to YouTube for all the world to see — err, listen.

THE RESPONSE After weeks of editing scripts, evaluating auditions, creating sound effects and putting together musical numbers, Pompey and Roll had finished their first production together. The radio show has received hundreds of views on YouTube since Oct. 30.

“It’s phenomenal to me,” Pompey said. “It’s the first thing I’ve written that has been fully produced.

To think that so many people tuned in means a lot to me. Creatively, you approach production with the idea in mind, but figuring out how to make it work cohesively was challenging. Having a partner like Marcus helped. We were able to troubleshoot with the script. I wrote the script, but it was a collaborative effort. I felt by the end of it, it was all of us making the show together.”

While the theater department is eager to return to traditional productions, Pompey said he had some ideas in mind if the school wanted to produce another radio show.

“We have had talks of what we’d want to do going forward,” he said. “I made it clear that if I have the opportunity to write scripts and get them produced, I would jump at the opportunity.

I have some ideas in my head. Halloween, film noir, maybe western. I feel like I have creative momentum behind me. One of the great things about working for SMC is that the environment encouraged me to experiment and try new things.

I’m grateful to work where I’m working. It allows me to flex creative muscle.”

Is the Dewey Lake Monster real? Time has moved forward since the first sightings but the myth continues to persist. There is no telling what could be hiding inside the dense thickets surrounding Dewey Lake. Perhaps Pompey and Roll will have material for a sequel if the Dewey Lake Monster decides to trudge through Dowagiac woodlands again.

One Buchanan Organization strives to promote unity among residents

W

alking along its sidewalks lined with charming brick buildings, many would think Buchanan was “nice” — a nice little town with nice little shops filled with nice people.

“Nice” was certainly the adjective settled on by Reader’s Digest, which named Buchanan “The Nicest Place in America” for 2020.

However, leaders of a local nonprofit organization want Buchanan to be more than nice. They want their city to be the “most diverse, welcoming and inclusive place in America.”

Founded in 2017, One Buchanan is an organization aimed at promoting diversity and making Buchanan into a place that welcomes people of all races, nationalities, socio-economic statuses, religions, and sexual and gender orientations. During its life span, the group has hosted community dialogs and educational

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH CULTON campaigns, as well as helped promote a 2019 non-discrimination ordinance.

In January 2021, the organization furthered its cause as the Buchanan City Commission voted to recognize One Buchanan as an official city board to increase inclusivity and recognize diversity within the city. With the action, One Buchanan committee members believe the city has taken steps to ensure diversity and inclusion remain core to the city’s identity.

Founding member Rev. Sid Mohn said One Buchanan was inspired by similar movements in cities such as Boston and Chicago to promote unity and diversity.

“We wanted to declare that hate has no home in Buchanan,” Mohn, 72, said. “We wanted to say that we are one Buchanan that celebrates diversity and works toward unity and understanding.”

Committee member Monroe Lemay said she got her start with One Buchanan after Mohn approached her, the Buchanan Area Senior Center’s then-director, about a support group for LGBTQ seniors. That conversation morphed into wanting to create an organization that supported all marginalized communities in Buchanan — an organization that welcomed all residents regardless of age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation or place of origin.

“We started to say rather than being a support group, while that certainly could be a part of that, we wanted to provide an educational aspect,” Lemay said. “Whenever you introduce something new to the community, you need to educate. You can’t blame people who don’t do something because they weren’t taught properly.

What you can do is be a leader and a teacher and show people there is a better way.”

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Since hosting its first forum in 2018, both Mohn and Lemay said they had been pleased with the reaction from the Buchanan community, many of whom have been eager to learn and understand the history of diversity in the city. According to Lemay, roughly 100 people attended the organization’s first forum. At its last forum, that number grew to nearly double.

“This is helping people find the missing puzzle pieces,” Lemay said. “This is a way to connect people and bring awareness that we do have minorities here. …

It really is bringing people together as a community.”

Not content to stop while ahead, the One Buchanan executive committee grew to include representatives from all community branches. President Heather Grace represents the city government as the Buchanan city manager, and Vice President Patricia Robinson represents the school district as Buchanan Community Schools superintendent.

As the local school district leader, Robinson said she was drawn to the educational aspect of One Buchanan, believing the organization’s mission to be an important one to prepare her students for the outside world.

“It’s always good to promote embracing marginalized groups,” Robinson said. “At the schools, we are tasked with providing an environment and culture of safety, diversity and support for our students, and I think [the values of Buchanan] can really prepare students for the world. It helps them be well-rounded and to understand other people’s races and diversity groups.

It helps make sure people feel welcomed and included.

Overall, it’s for the greater good of our country.”

Being a recent transplant to the Buchanan community, Grace said she was almost immediately drawn to One Buchanan. As city manager, she hopes to promote the group’s message of diversity and inclusion to the entire community.

“It’s important [as a city] to provide quality services

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to your citizens — and that means all of your citizens,” Grace said. “We need to be reaching a diverse group of people, knowing what their needs are and making sure those needs are met. We can’t do that unless we have a diverse set of voices at the table, and I think this is a great way to get our voice out there and say, ‘we want to be inclusive and embracing diversity.’”

Now that One Buchanan is officially a city board, committee members said they were excited for what the future holds and hope to continue to promote the organization’s values to make Buchanan the most welcoming city it can be.

“I think this brings the city government to the table directly,” Mohn said. “I think this is another illustration of the city deepening its commitment to its values of diversity, not just in words but in structural ways.”

Going forward, Grace said the city would promote One Buchanan as a city board by advertising meetings and minutes on the city’s website. While some of the details of the city’s involvement in One Buchanan are still being ironed out, Grace said she hopes that, in the future, the city could provide some funding to the organization and help it secure grant funds to aid in its outreach.

“We are really looking to expanding the accessibility and outreach and what [One Buchanan] can accomplish,” Grace said. “We have to embrace diversity if we want Buchanan to grow.”

In the meantime, One Buchanan committee members said they would continue on their mission to make Buchanan “more than nice.”

“We all have a passion for this town, and we all believe Buchanan is already a great place to be,” Lemay said. “I want to make sure that in the future, everyone feels that way. We want to focus on making Buchanan even better.”

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We work together to find a

solution

Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network works in partnership with individuals, families and the community to inspire hope, promote resiliency and achieve recovery by providing effective behavioral health services.

960 M-60 East, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031

24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 269-445-2451 or 800-323-0335

www.woodlandsbhn.org

voice youth A

FOR

I Cass County Court Appointed Special Advocates represent children in foster care system STORY AMBROSIA NELDON PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA SEABOLT

n the three southernmost counties in southwest Michigan, nearly 700 children are in foster care.

Removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse, these children are separated from not only their parents and their home, but oftentimes their friends, classroom and even siblings.

Having experienced the shock of being removed from their home, these children are often conflicted, but too young or too shy to raise their voice in a legal setting.

As children are placed in foster care — often several miles from home — they are faced with new surroundings, and in some cases, no one who represents only them.

“That’s where we come in,” said Erica Boulanger, executive director for Cass County Court Appointed Special Advocates. “We advocate obviously for kids who are in care due to abuse or neglect, and we really pride ourselves on being the one constant in the child’s life.”

Court Appointed Special Advocates was created by a judge in Seattle, Washington in 1977, when he was faced with making drastic decisions about the placement of children, often with little information or input from the children themselves. In 1995, Cass County CASA was founded by Judge Susan Dobrich, who continues to serve as a judge in Cass

County today.

Court Appointed Special Advocates — or “CASAs,” as they are often called — are placed with children in the foster system to serve as their voice and to help them find a permanent home as quickly as possible. Volunteers undergo 30 hours of training to learn how to advocate for the foster children with whom they are partnered. Once fully trained, CASAs represent their partner children with lawyers, judges, foster families, schools and, in some cases, parents.

Maggie Sevison, a former teacher at Edwardsburg Public Schools, was paired with her partner child for five years before the child aged out of the program.

“I’ve found it very moving how all these wonderful kids are getting help from other people that aren’t family or teachers, and how much people care for them and really work to make sure that their time in foster care is going well and they are getting everything they need to be happy and successful,” Sevison said.

In addition to representing her child, Sevison, like other CASAs, bonded with the teenager she worked with. To provide additional support and earn trust of their children, many CASAs spend additional time with their partners, whether going out for lunch, shopping, bowling or helping with homework.

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“I was surprised how much I enjoyed a high school student because I always taught first grade,” Sevison said. “It’s a whole different situation. With younger kids, you interject more with your experience.

With older kids you interject, but you listen way more. They’ve already got in their mind what you’re thinking. Sure, you can give your opinion, but you do a lot of listening.”

Boulanger, who has served in various roles with Cass County CASA for the past 15 years, said the pandemic has made connecting with children in the CASA program more difficult than usual.

“Our volunteers were still on board and we got active and creative with FaceTime, phone calls, text messages,” she said. “A lot of them kind of went old school with sending cards and handwriting letters.

They did porch drops where they’d check in at a social distance.”

Boulanger and her team have also had to get creative with fundraising for the program, which is largely dependent on community contributions.

“We couldn’t do our live auction this year, so we did a letter appeal,” Boulanger said. “We raised about $25,000.”

Cass County CASA board president and former director Jim Ward became involved with CASA in 2008 after moving back to Cassopolis in his first retirement.

“I was very interested in getting involved in some

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nonprofit volunteer work with youth,” he said. “Then there were a series of events that took place rather rapidly. The director left, and they were looking for a director. I stepped up and said I had the management experience and the financial experience to run a program, but I certainly didn’t have the childcare social work background. But Erica did. … We made a great team.”

When Ward joined the program in 2008, Cass County CASA was advocating for between 10 and 15 children. Ward said the program has grown to advocate for more than 50 children at a time.

“I would say that it’s a very necessary program in any city, whether it’s a small community like Cassopolis or Cass County or a big metropolitan area,” Ward said. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about and that I didn’t know about as an individual in the community. There are children removed from their homes through no fault of their own. It’s about what the parents did or didn’t do basically.”

Ward said one of the biggest challenges CASA faces is the lack of foster homes locally.

“In 2008, 2010, there were several large foster homes in Cass County that had been in existence for years that had generations of kids that had gone through them. We had places for kids when they were removed,” he said. “When a child is removed from a home, it can be in the middle of the night. It’s

fast. Police are involved. You need to put that child somewhere he or she are safe and we had the foster homes to do that, and it’s getting tougher.”

This means that children are often sent as far away as Kent County, Wayne County or even the Upper Peninsula.

“When those kids are in the court system and their parents are in a rehabilitation program, it’s important that those children are able to see their parents, and how are they going to do that when they’re 150 miles away?” Ward said. “If there are siblings involved and they are split up, heaven forbid, that happens at a time when they need to be with their siblings more than ever now that their parents are gone. It’s a tough situation, all created by the fact that we just don’t have the foster homes available that we once did.”

Ward and Boulanger encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering children to reach out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for more information. Those interested in learning more about the CASA program should contact Boulanger at (269) 445-4431.

Regardless, CASA volunteers work hard to provide as much stability as possible for the children they represent.

“We know that permanency is a big thing in a kiddo’s life,” Boulanger said. “CASA volunteers can advocate and say, ‘what can we do to expedite that?’”

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Love

bounds KNOWS NO

Michiana wedding industry takes pandemic challenges head on

STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

W

hen Amanda Leonard, of Niles, became engaged over Christmas 2019, she was excited to begin planning her and her fiance’s wedding. They picked out the perfect venue, the Grand LV, in downtown Niles, and found a photographer who fit their style just right: Shayne Culp Photography. Choosing catering, invitations and making the guest list soon followed in the course of planning for their big day in November 2020.

Wedding planning can begin years in advance. Selecting every perfect detail from the venue, working on the guest list, finding “the dress,” finalizing “the look,” planning with wedding parties, hiring a photographer, setting a menu… the list of to-dos can go on and on.

In March, on the cusp of southwest Michigan’s spring wedding season, COVID-19 mandates shut down in-person learning for schools after March 13, and went on to include gatherings, restaurants and bars.

Initially just for two weeks, the shutdowns grew longer and longer.

Leonard said she stayed in contact with the owner of the The Grand LV, Melanie Kennedy, to work through the mandates and expectations together.

“We were up to 230 people coming our wedding, and then in May, our final payment was due for the venue,” Leonard said. “We were super worried about that. We went ahead and paid, and hoped that COVID was not going to be a thing in November.”

She said speaking with Kennedy about the changes and continued uncertainty helped allay some anxieties.

“Her and I were in constant communication,” Leonard said. “If COVID-19 were to get worse, she was super flexible.”

According to The Wedding Report, a research company and website that publishes forecasts and data on the wedding industry, 21 percent of couples surveyed opted to postpone their weddings to later in 2020.

Forty-one percent surveyed moved their dates to 2021, and 7 percent opted to cancel the formal event altogether in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ultimately, Leonard married her fiancé in the fall on their originally planned date, with a much smaller wedding and reception than they had hoped for.

“We wanted to protect our grandparents and have them be a part of the day, and not be worried about the extra people at the wedding,” she said.

The guest list was cut down to the 50 people closest to the couple.

Leonard’s was not the only wedding Grand LV owner Kennedy had to adjust in the wake of COVID-19 mandates. With a wedding on the books in the first weeks of shutdowns, Kennedy’s season has been one roadblock after another.

Despite the hurdles, she said she still has been working to make brides’ dreams come true. “[The bride] was panicking,” Kennedy said. “I would never cancel a wedding the day of. I let her know as soon as I could that she was still getting the space.”

As the mandates were interpreted by Michigan residents, Kennedy moved forward with the bride’s wedding before contacting all following to reschedule until the state allowed the space to reopen to host events.

The event venue, near the heart of downtown Niles, breathed new life into a space that originally was built to be the Elks Temple in 1928. The space has survived, retaining much of its original beauty, through many other national crises including The Great Depression, World War II and more.

Opening an event space was not Kennedy’s dream, but she and her husband had seen the beauty of many buildings in downtown Niles and

wanted to breathe another life into them.

“It was solely by accident,” Kennedy said of becoming a wedding venue owner.

When the Kennedys walked through the space before purchasing it, they were moved by the space’s potential.

“We were blown away by how glamorous it was, especially the top floor,” Kennedy said. “We had big dreams for the space. We wanted to bring it back to life. It took off quicker than we could have imagined.”

As the space kept booking, and the renovations continued, Kennedy decided to dedicate her full energy to the new venue and left the salon business.

“A lot of times, I’m the janitor and the event coordinator,” she said.

She likened wedding bookings to clients in a salon. Some brides are very hands on and involved in the smallest details, while others simply want the day to unfold at its own pace.

“Some clients will leave with wet hair, and others, one single hair out of place hair bothers them,” she said.

In the same way, weddings have continued to book, and couples have different needs and visions for the space.

During the heaviest COVID-19 state mandates, The Grand LV was effectively closed for four months. The venue’s bridal suite was empty of laughter and hairspray. The downstairs reception space hosted no first dances. Celebrations ceased within the building. All the while, Kennedy fielded questions from couples concerned about

their event and wedding dates.

The first event back in the building of a traditional size was a wedding of 100 attendees, for a bride and groom who were originally scheduled to say their “I dos” in May. Like all weddings hosted since shutdowns began, that party had to adapt to safety precautions and spacing. A box of paper face masks sat at the entrance of the ceremony and reception areas, while hand sanitizers were strategically placed on the tables and throughout the space.

“You would have never seen that before,” Kennedy said.

Photographing events changed for Culp as she worked on weddings through the Michiana area in 2020 as well.

Culp took the leap into being a full-time photographer in 2020, and learned what that meant as it changed with each week.

Culp said she does not have to worry about hosting crowds as a venue owner would. Instead, she has only had to ensure she stays safe at the weddings she works. Many have been backyard weddings that kept things small and intimate with family.

For outdoor weddings, Culp said she has seen extra hay bales placed to create space between seats. Another venue she photographed in, The Morris Performing Arts Center, had guests spaced between the theater’s seats, leaving at least three seats between groups.

She has had to adapt her photography style to be able to stay back further from the bridal party, groomsmen and reception.

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“I take precautions,” Culp said. “I get tested [for COVID-19] once a week. I just want to be safe. Being a photographer, I am exposed to a lot of people.”

Culp said she and her second shooter also wear masks when they are on location photographing.

Usually, during engagement and wedding shoots, Culp will help pose her subjects.

Without wanting to get too close this year, she has worked with her assistant to mimic the poses from a distance. She said it gets the couples laughing, which helps everyone relax, as well.

Throughout her first year exclusively doing photography, she had 24 weddings booked, many of which took place at the Grand LV, working side-by-side with Kennedy.

In additions to the changes Culp has seen in the industry, Kennedy said the gatherings are much smaller now. In an area where large weddings are popular, Kennedy said only two weddings have exceeded 40 to 50 people.

However, once the celebration has started, Kennedy said it is still the usual fare: dinner, dancing and cake.

Despite experts like Kennedy and Culp working to make nuptials as normal as possible, brides like Leonard were not keen to share their special day with the virus. Leonard said her wedding was much smaller than planned, and the people who attended were the closest circle to her.

Cutting their guest list down to fit within the mandates and to keep their families safe was difficult.

“My husband comes from a big family. He is one of 25 cousins,” Leonard said. “We only had one set of grandparents attend. They were concerned with COVID-19 and did not want to be out with even 50 people.”

Many of her guests at her small wedding wore masks. The social circle was kept very small — to guests she and her fiancé had been in contact with. The couple wanted to ensure their guests were safe. However, despite being willing to take COVID-19 precautions, Leonard did not want masks in her wedding photos.

“I had seen photos of weddings where everyone had masks on. It’s marking history,” Leonard said. “But that was one thing I did not want. I’ll remember it – I lived it. I don’t need photographic evidence.”

Instead, she wanted photographs showing their love for one another, and the beauty of the day. Culp helped the couple feel at ease and captured the day the way Leonard wanted to remember it.

“We had the chairs spaced out, and a lot of spacing between each row,” Leonard said of the wedding venue the day she said her vows.

“Even at our wedding, we had masks and hand sanitizer placed out for people to use if they

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Melanie Kennedy, co-owner of the Grand LV, has had to get creative with wedding and event hosting this year as pandemic regulations restricted large gatherings.

needed it, but we really tried to keep it to the 50 people we had been around. Nobody at our wedding was someone we had not seen at least in the past week or two.”

Though she had to make concessions for her wedding — fewer guests and face coverings — Leonard said her big day was still perfect and left her impressed with the way the vendors pulled it off.

“I think other than the fact that we had to reduce our wedding size, it went as we had envisioned it,” Leonard said. “I was thankful that we had no other added stress on my end.”

Bookings are continuing into 2021 and 2022 for The Grand LV, and as the wedding season wound down in the fall for Culp, she looked ahead to engagement bookings and weddings for the next year.

“I think you have to look at the bright side of the situation,” Culp said. “The wedding industry took a hit of negativity. We have to continue to deal with that. It taught us all to be humble and work harder.”

Postponed weddings and rescheduled receptions will carry forward into the future to celebrate those uniting in their love for one another.

One of those celebrations will be Leonard’s oneyear anniversary reception, with as many friends and family as she hoped to have at their wedding.

“We bumped it up to early October,” Leonard said. “We can be out of the woods on flu season, and make sure everyone can be in attendance.”

There is another perk to having a bigger party the next year that Leonard is excited about.

“It gives me another reason to wear my wedding dress,” she said.

"I love being a member of the Chamber.

They are like an extension of your team; always working, promoting, advocating, and fighting for your success."

- Kellye Wilson, Perennial Accents -

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER According to a national survey conducted by the Atlanta based research firm Schapiro Group, "If respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future."

OUR MISSION To leverage every available resource within our network for the advancement of our members and the betterment of all who live and work in our community.

ENGINEERING • ARCHITECTURE • LAND SURVEYING

OUR VISION To propel Southwest Michigan to national prominence as a vibrant, regional destination where business thrives, talent resides, and quality of life is second to none.

OUR OBJECTIVES Improve alignment among stakeholders and across communities.

Invest in the attraction and development of business and talent.

Impact public policy and elected officials through advocacy.

Influence consumer sentiment and spending habits.

Ignite the growth of our region.

JOIN US for as little as $299 a year. Visit www.smrchamber.com to learn more.

811 Ship St., Ste 303, St. Joseph | 269-932-4042 | www.smrchamber.com

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abonmarche.com

"I love being a member of the Chamber.

They are like an extension of your team; always working, promoting, advocating, and fighting for your success."

- Kellye Wilson, Perennial Accents -

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER According to a national survey conducted by the Atlanta based research firm Schapiro Group, "If respondents know that a small business is a member of its local chamber, the business enjoys a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness, a 68% increase in its local reputation, and an 80% increase in the likelihood that consumers will patronize the business in the future."

OUR MISSION To leverage every available resource within our network for the advancement of our members and the betterment of all who live and work in our community.

ENGINEERING • ARCHITECTURE • LAND SURVEYING

OUR VISION To propel Southwest Michigan to national prominence as a vibrant, regional destination where business thrives, talent resides, and quality of life is second to none.

OUR OBJECTIVES Improve alignment among stakeholders and across communities.

Invest in the attraction and development of business and talent.

Impact public policy and elected officials through advocacy.

Influence consumer sentiment and spending habits.

Ignite the growth of our region.

JOIN US for as little as $299 a year. Visit www.smrchamber.com to learn more.

811 Ship St., Ste 303, St. Joseph | 269-932-4042 | www.smrchamber.com

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

abonmarche.com

G N I Y F I R R TE N O I S S I M S N A R T cal

n College, lo a ig h ic M rn te s e w South

io show

uce rad d ro p to s e rc fo in jo community

STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

I

t was the summer of 1964.

Children, parents and the entire Dowagiac community were enjoying the splendors summer brought with it. But this summer was different. Everyone made sure to be home by dusk. Doors were locked and blinds were closed.

Someone — or something — had been making its rounds in town. Families gathered around the radio in hopes of learning its whereabouts, while others braved the outdoors looking for signs of it.

Dowagiac had found itself within the grasp of the Dewey Lake Monster, a grip that has ceased to relent more than 50 years later.

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“

I talked to my dad about it. Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case. It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it.

They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

LYNDON PARRISH

SETTING THE SCENE Sixty-six years later, Dowagiac residents were once again holed up in their homes, hiding from a different monster — the COVID-19 virus.

Like so many in the year 2020, Marcus Roll, manager of theatre operations and applied performing arts at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, had run into a problem — keeping life moving in spite of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus raging throughout the globe. In Roll’s case, the tasks at hand were to find a way to keep his performing arts students active during the pandemic, and to creatively engage the community in a way that complied with pandemic restrictions.

According to Roll, the school’s spring production of “Grease” was canceled last year, and an inperson fall production this year was not realistic.

That is when Marcus was approached by SMC assistant director of campus life Branden Pompey with an idea for a radio show.

“It was this weird happenstance,” Pompey said.

“I’m a fan of old-timey creature features from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Radio shows always had that ‘Twilight Zone’ sort of feel to them. You’re able

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to create the picture in your mind because you’re listening to everything going on.”

A graduate from Dowagiac Union High School in 2005, Pompey earned his associate’s degree in theater at SMC and his bachelor’s in theater at Grand Valley State University. He knew his way around a stage, having both directed and acted in a number of projects at the Beckwith Theatre Company.

“When I went to school, I had the dream of screenwriting,” Pompey said. “I saw this as an opportunity to flex my creative muscles and tap into the artistic side of me. I jumped at the opportunity to do that.”

“Brandon and I had been looking for a way to collaborate, so this has been perfect,” Roll said.

“He wrote an original script, and I got to produce and edit, so we’re playing to both of our strengths.”

Roll and Pompey then pitched the idea to the school administration, which liked the idea of a virtual production.

“They wanted to make it more personal for the community,” Pompey said. “Centering it around something near and dear to people in Dowagiac.

We decided to focus on the Dewey Lake Monster.”

The Dewey Lake Monster is a legendary Sasquatch-like creature first reported in the mid-1960s after sightings near Dewey Lake in Dowagiac.

Their proposed show, titled “Terror on Dewey Lake,” would center around a group of students unraveling the mystery of the disappearance of a local town hero, with the Dewey Lake monster as the prime suspect.

Standing a towering 9 feet tall, weighing in at roughly 500 pounds of pure muscle and featuring bright, glowing eyes, the Dewey Lake Monster’s physical appearance was enough to make even the toughest witness tremble. While sightings of the mythical creature have diminished over the years, the Dewey Lake Monster resonates with greater Dowagiac to this day.

With approval from the higher-ups, production on “Terror on Dewey Lake” could begin in earnest.

While “Terror on Dewey Lake” might spin a tale about a horrifying monster, this is a different story. This is the story of how two thespians set out to save the school’s theater season, and the community that supported them every step of the way.

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THE PRODUCTION Pompey and Roll had just received the greenlight for their radio show, but they could not afford to relish the moment.

They had roughly seven weeks to produce the radio show before its Oct. 30 release. Pompey spent the first few weeks writing page after page of script, working through the types of sound effects and transitions needed and conjuring up commercials and musical numbers.

The pair decided to incorporate local businesses into the radio show’s commercials, which featured advertisements for Baker’s Rhapsody, Underwood Shoes and the Beckwith Theatre Company — all in the name of creating a “well-rounded Dowagiac experience.”

“That was pretty cool,” said Baker’s Rhapsody owner Jordan Anderson. “They decided to make it hyper-local and include local businesses and landmarks. I just thought it was a clever idea to do a radio show amid the pandemic.”

Once the script was in a good place, the duo began hosting auditions for roles. The auditions received a large turnout, including performing arts students, regular students, school faculty and even SMC alumni.

The cast would feature a direct connection to the Dewey Lake Monster myth.

SMC Director of Security and Conduct Lyndon Parrish auditioned for the role of Sheriff Leonard.

Parrish spent 27 years with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. His father, Paul Parrish, was a sergeant with the sheriff’s department in 1964 when the first sightings of the Dewey Lake Monster took place and went on to be the sheriff for many years. “[Branden] thought it would be interesting for me to play a role,” Lyndon Parrish said. “I was a little hesitant. He convinced me that I wouldn’t be in front of anyone, and I wouldn’t have to memorize the script. I was really impressed with the final product. Branden did a great job with the script. It sounded like an old-timey radio show.”

Lyndon Parrish was born in 1964, the same year the Dewey Lake Monster was sighted in the Dowagiac area. While he was not around to experience it, his father filled him in on the event that gripped the community.

“I talked to my dad about it,” Lyndon said. “Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case.

It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it. They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

Pompey said having a crew member with a tie to the Dewey Lake Monster added another layer of interest to the production.

“To work with someone who had a direct connection to the myth was exciting,” Pompey said.

“He had a blast participating.”

In addition to Parrish, Pompey and Roll cast 24 roles for the production. At long last, rehearsals could begin.

The radio show format allowed Roll and Pompey to keep both performers and spectators safe from the large casts and crowds that typically accompany

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theater productions. Recordings and rehearsals were able to be done via Zoom.

“With a radio show, it’s all dialogue,” Roll said.

“With a play, we would have to rehearse in person, which calls for a lot of movement on the stage. We would be rehearsing with props, too. With the radio show, if we need to rehearse in person, we can safely do that in the theater by spreading out. We don’t have to move. The voice actors will be able to look at the script the entire time, instead of memorizing lines like you would in a play.”

One of the biggest issues the production ran into was losing students to quarantining after being exposed to a positive COVID-19 test. But because of the nature of the production, the show was able to go on.

“None of our performers tested positive,” Pompey said. “We had performers isolate for a few days. With the way technology is, we were able to connect with those performers via Zoom and hook them up to a sound system. Any time a hurdle was thrown at us, we were able to find ways to make it work.”

Recording the dialogue and sound effects took almost two weeks. A soundstage was created in the school’s orchestra loft using 2 x 4 lumber and soundproofing blankets and materials.

The rustling of leaves underneath characters’ feet, the chirping of birds, water flowing down the stream and many more sound effects were created

by Roll, who also coordinated the musical numbers. “[Roll] was the workhorse of this show,” Pompey said. “A number of instrumental pieces and sound effects were made by Marcus.”

Once edited, Roll sent the final product to the school’s marketing department, which began creating posters and advertisements for the show.

When Oct. 30 finally rolled around, the school uploaded “Terror on Dewey Lake” to YouTube for all the world to see — err, listen.

THE RESPONSE After weeks of editing scripts, evaluating auditions, creating sound effects and putting together musical numbers, Pompey and Roll had finished their first production together. The radio show has received hundreds of views on YouTube since Oct. 30.

“It’s phenomenal to me,” Pompey said. “It’s the first thing I’ve written that has been fully produced.

To think that so many people tuned in means a lot to me. Creatively, you approach production with the idea in mind but figuring out how to make it work cohesively was challenging. Having a partner like Marcus helped. We were able to troubleshoot with the script. I wrote the script but it was a collaborative effort. I felt by the end of it, it was all of us making the show together.”

While the theater department is eager to return to traditional productions, Pompey said he had some ideas in mind if the school wanted to produce another radio show.

“We have had talks of what we’d want to do going forward,” he said. “I made it clear that if I have the opportunity to write scripts and get them produced, I would jump at the opportunity.

I have some ideas in my head. Halloween, film noir, maybe western. I feel like I have creative momentum behind me. One of the great things about working for SMC is that the environment encouraged me to experiment and try new things.

I’m grateful to work where I’m working. It allows me to flex creative muscle.”

Is the Dewey Lake Monster real? Time has moved forward since the first sightings but the myth continues to persist. There is no telling what could be hiding inside the dense thickets surrounding Dewey Lake. Perhaps Pompey and Roll will have material for a sequel if the Dewey Lake Monster decides to trudge through Dowagiac woodlands again.

One Buchanan Organization strives to promote unity among residents

W

alking along its sidewalks lined with charming brick buildings, many would think Buchanan was “nice” — a nice little town with nice little shops filled with nice people.

“Nice” was certainly the adjective settled on by Reader’s Digest, which named Buchanan “The Nicest Place in America” for 2020.

However, leaders of a local nonprofit organization want Buchanan to be more than nice. They want their city to be the “most diverse, welcoming and inclusive place in America.”

Founded in 2017, One Buchanan is an organization aimed at promoting diversity and making Buchanan into a place that welcomes people of all races, nationalities, socio-economic statuses, religions, and sexual and gender orientations. During its life span, the group has hosted community dialogs and educational

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH CULTON campaigns, as well as helped promote a 2019 non-discrimination ordinance.

In January, the organization furthered its cause as the Buchanan City Commission voted to recognize One Buchanan as an official city board to increase inclusivity and recognize diversity within the city. With the action, One Buchanan committee members believe the city has taken steps to ensure diversity and inclusion remain core to the city’s identity.

Founding member Rev. Sid Mohn said One Buchanan was inspired by similar movements in cities such as Boston and Chicago to promote unity and diversity.

“We wanted to declare that hate has no home in Buchanan,” Mohn, 72, said. “We wanted to say that we are one Buchanan that celebrates diversity and works toward unity and understanding.”

Committee member Monroe Lemay said she got her start with One Buchanan after Mohn approached her, the Buchanan Area Senior Center’s then-director, about a support group for LGBTQ seniors. That conversation morphed into wanting to create an organization that supported all marginalized communities in Buchanan — an organization that welcomed all residents regardless of age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation or place of origin.

“We started to say rather than being a support group, while that certainly could be a part of that, we wanted to provide an educational aspect,” Lemay said. “Whenever you introduce something new to the community, you need to educate. You can’t blame people who don’t something because they weren’t taught properly.

What you can do is be a leader and a teacher and show people there is a better way.”

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Since hosting its first forum in 2018, both Mohn and Lemay said they had been pleased with the reaction from the Buchanan community, many of whom have been eager to learn and understand the history of diversity in the city. According to Lemay, roughly 100 people attended the organization’s first forum. At its last forum, that number grew to nearly double.

“This is helping people find the missing puzzle pieces,” Lemay said. “This is a way to connect people and bring awareness that we do have minorities here. …

It really is bringing people together as a community.”

Not content to stop while ahead, the One Buchanan executive committee grew to include representatives from all community branches. President Heather Grace represents the city government as the Buchanan city manager, and Vice President Patricia Robinson represents the school district as Buchanan Community Schools superintendent.

As the local school district leader, Robinson said she was drawn to the educational aspect of One Buchanan, believing the organization’s mission to be an important one to prepare her students for the outside world.

“It’s always good to promote embracing marginalized groups,” Robinson said. “At the schools, we are tasked with providing an environment and culture of safety, diversity and support for our students, and I think [the values of Buchanan] can really prepare students for the world. It helps them be well-rounded and to understand other people’s races and diversity groups.

It helps make sure people feel welcomed and included.

Overall, it’s for the greater good of our country.”

Being a recent transplant to the Buchanan community, Grace said she was almost immediately drawn to One Buchanan. As city manager, she hopes to promote the group’s message of diversity and inclusion to the entire community.

“It’s important [as a city] to provide quality services

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to your citizens — and that means all of your citizens,” Grace said. “We need to be reaching a diverse group of people, knowing what their needs are and making sure those needs are met. We can’t do that unless we have a diverse set of voices at the table, and I think this is a great way to get our voice out there and say, ‘we want to be inclusive and embracing diversity.’”

Now that One Buchanan is officially a city board, committee members said they were excited for what the future holds and hope to continue to promote the organization’s values to make Buchanan the most welcoming city it can be.

“I think this brings the city government to the table directly,” Mohn said. “I think this is another illustration of the city deepening its commitment to its values of diversity, not just in words but in structural ways.”

Going forward, Grace said the city would promote One Buchanan as a city board by advertising meetings and minutes on the city’s website. While some of the details of the city’s involvement in One Buchanan are still being ironed out, Grace said she hopes that, in the future, the city could provide some funding to the organization and help it secure grant funds to aid in its outreach.

“We are really looking to expanding the accessibility and outreach and what [One Buchanan] can accomplish,” Grace said. “We want to embrace diversity if we want Buchanan to grow.”

In the meantime, One Buchanan committee members said they would continue on their mission to make Buchanan more than nice.

“We all have a passion for this town, and we all believe Buchanan is already a great place to be,” Lemay said. “I want to make sure that in the future, everyone feels that way. We want to focus on making Buchanan even better.”

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We work together to find a

solution

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960 M-60 East, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031

24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 269-445-2451 or 800-323-0335

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UFCU 1185273

ambrosia

CASA My interview with Jim Ward got deleted.

Talking to him again Sunday evening, then will file.

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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CASA

My interview with Jim Ward got deleted.

Talking to him again Sunday evening, then will file.

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

CASA

My interview with Jim Ward got deleted.

Talking to him again Sunday evening, then will file.

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

47

Love

bounds KNOWS NO

Michiana wedding industry takes pandemic challenges head on

STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

W

hen Amanda Leonard, of Niles, became engaged over Christmas 2019, she was excited to begin planning her and her fiance’s wedding. They picked out the perfect venue, The Grand LV, in downtown Niles, and found a photographer that fit their style just right: Shayne Culp Photography. Choosing catering, invitations and making the guest list soon followed in the course of planning for their big day in November 2020.

Wedding planning can begin years in advance. Selecting every perfect detail from the venue, working on the guest list, finding “the dress,” finalizing “the look,” planning with wedding parties, hiring a photographer, setting a menu… the list of to-dos can go on and on.

In March, on the cusp of the beginning of southwest Michigan’s spring wedding season, COVID-19 mandates shut down in-person learning for schools after March 13, and went on to include gatherings, restaurants and bars. Initially just for two weeks, the shutdowns grew longer and longer.

Leonard said she stayed in contact with the owner of the The Grand LV, Melanie Kennedy, to work through the mandates and expectations together.

“We were up to 230 people coming our wedding, and then in May, our final payment was due for the venue,” Leonard said. “We were super worried about that. We went ahead and paid, and hoped that COVID was not going to be a thing in November.”

She said speaking with Kennedy about the changes and continued uncertainty helped allay some anxieties.

“Her and I were in constant communication,” Leonard said. “If COVID-19 were to get worse, she was super flexible.”

According to The Wedding Report, a research company and website that publishes forecasts and data on the wedding industry, 21 percent of couples surveyed have opted to postpone their weddings to later in 2020.

41.5 percent surveyed moved their dates to 2021, and 7 percent opted to cancel the formal event altogether in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ultimately, Leonard married her fiancé in the fall on their originally planned date, with a much smaller wedding and reception than they had hoped for.

“We wanted to protect our grandparents and have them be a part of the day, and not be worried about the extra people at the wedding,” she said.

The guest list was cut down to the 50 people closest to the couple.

Leonard’s was not the only wedding Grand LV owner Kennedy had to adjust in the wake of COVID-19 mandates. With a wedding on the books in the first weeks of shutdowns, Kennedy’s season has been one roadblock after another.

Despite the hurdles, she said she still has been working to make brides’ dreams come true. “[The bride] was panicking,” Kennedy said. “I would never cancel a wedding the day of. I let her know as soon as I could that she was still getting the space.”

As the mandates were interpreted by Michigan residents, Kennedy moved forward with the bride’s wedding before contacting all following to reschedule until the state allowed the space to reopen to host events.

The event venue, near the heart of downtown Niles, breathed new life into a space that originally was built to be the Elks Temple in 1928. The space has survived, retaining much of its original beauty, through many other national crises including The Great Depression, World War II and more.

Opening an event space was not Kennedy’s dream, but she and her husband had seen the beauty of many buildings in downtown Niles and

wanted to breathe another life into them.

“It was solely by accident,” Kennedy said of becoming a wedding venue owner.

When the Kennedys walked through the space before purchasing it, they were moved by the space’s potential.

“We were blown away by how glamorous it was, especially the top floor,” Kennedy said. “We had big dreams for the space. We wanted to bring it back to life. It took off quicker than we could have imagined.”

As the space kept booking, and the renovations continued, Kennedy decided to dedicate her full energy to the new venue and shut down her salon business.

“A lot of times, I’m the janitor and the event coordinator,” she said.

She likened wedding bookings to clients in a salon. Some brides are very hands on and involved in the smallest details, while others simply want the day to unfold at its own pace.

“Some clients will leave with wet hair, and others, one single out of place hair bothers them,” she said.

In the same way, weddings have continued to book and couples have different needs and visions for the space.

During the heaviest COVID-19 state mandates, The Grand LV was effectively closed for four months. The venue’s bridal suite was empty of laughter and hairspray. The downstairs reception space hosted no first dances. Celebrations ceased within the building. All the while, Kennedy fielded questions from couples concerned about

their event and wedding dates.

The first event back in the building of a traditional size was a wedding of 100 attendees, for a bride and groom who were originally scheduled to say their “I dos” in May. Like all weddings hosted since shutdowns began, that party had to adapt to safety precautions and spacing. A box of paper face masks sat at the entrance of the ceremony and reception areas, while hand sanitizers were strategically placed on the tables and throughout the space.

“You would have never seen that before,” Kennedy said.

Photographing events like weddings, changed for Culp as she worked on weddings through the Michiana area in 2020 as well.

Culp took the leap into being a full-time photographer in 2020, and learned what that meant as it changed with each week.

Culp said she does not have to worry about hosting crowds as a venue owner would. Instead, she has only had to ensure she stays safe at the weddings she works. Many have been backyard weddings that kept things small and intimate with family.

For outdoor weddings, Culp said she has seen extra hay bales placed to create space between seats. Another venue she photographed in, The Morris Performing Arts Center, had guests spaced between the theater’s seats, leaving at least three seats between groups.

She has had to adapt her photography style to be able to stay back further from the bridal party, groomsmen and reception.

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“I take precautions,” Culp said. “I get tested [for COVID-19] once a week,” Culp said. “I just want to be safe. Being a photographer, I am exposed to a lot of people.”

Culp said she and her second shooter also wear masks when they are on location photographing.

Usually, during engagement and wedding shoots, Culp will help pose her subjects.

Without wanting to get too close this year, she has worked with her assistant to mimic the poses from a distance. She said it gets the couples laughing, which helps everyone relax, as well.

Throughout her first year exclusively doing photography, she had 24 weddings booked, many of which took place at the Grand LV, working side-by-side with Kennedy.

In additions to the changes Culp has seen in the industry, Kennedy said the gatherings are much smaller now. In an area where large weddings are popular, Kennedy said only two weddings have exceeded 40 to 50 people.

However, once the celebration has started, Kennedy said it is still the usual fare: dinner, dancing and cake.

Despite experts like Kennedy and Culp working to make nuptials as normal as possible, brides like Leonard were not keen to share their special day with the virus. Leonard did not wear a mask to her wedding, and did not have her wedding party photographed with masks on.

Leonard said her wedding was much smaller than planned, and the people who attended were the closest circle to her.

Cutting their guest list down to fit within the mandates and to keep their families safe, was difficult.

“My husband comes from a big family. He is one of 25 cousins,” Leonard said. “We only had one set of grandparents attend. They were concerned with COVID-19 and did not want to be out with even 50 people.”

Many of her guests at her small wedding wore masks. The social circle was kept very small — to guests she and her fiancé had been in contact with. The couple wanted to ensure their guests were safe. However, despite being willing to take COVID-19 precautions, Leonard did not want masks in her wedding photos.

“I had seen photos of weddings where everyone had masks on. It’s marking history,” Leonard said. “But that was one thing I did not want. I’ll remember it – I lived it. I don’t need photographic evidence.”

Instead, she wanted photographs showing their love for one another, and the beauty of the day. Culp helped them feel at ease and captured the day the way Leonard wanted to remember it.

“We had the chairs spaced out, and a lot of spacing between each row,” Leonard said of the wedding venue the day she said her vows. “Even at our wedding, we had masks and hand sanitizer

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Melanie Kennedy, co-owner of the Grand LV, has had to get creative with wedding and event hosting this year as pandemic regulations restricted large gatherings. placed out for people to use if they needed it, but we really tried to keep it to the 50 people we had been around. Nobody at our wedding was someone we had not seen at least in the past week or two.”

Though she had to make concessions for her wedding — fewer guests and face coverings — Leonard said her big day was still perfect and left her impressed with the way the vendors pulled it off who worked with both Culp and Kennedy to pull off.

“I think other than the fact that we had to reduce our wedding size, it went as we had envisioned it,” Leonard said. “I was thankful that we had no other added stress on my end.”

Bookings are continuing into 2021 and 2022 for The Grand LV, and as the wedding season winds down in the fall for Culp, she looks ahead to engagement bookings and weddings for the next year.

“I think you have to look at the bright side of the situation,” Culp said. “The wedding industry took a hit of negativity. We have to continue to deal with that. It taught us all to be humble and work harder.”

Weddings postponed and rescheduled receptions will carry forward into the future to celebrate those uniting in their love for one another.

One of those celebrations will be Leonard’s one-year anniversary reception, with as many friends and family as she hoped to have at their wedding.

“We bumped it up to early October,” Leonard said. “We can be out of the woods on flu season, and make sure everyone can be in attendance.”

There is another perk to having a bigger party the next year that Leonard is excited about.

“It gives me another reason to wear my wedding dress,” she said.

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Renovating a

community

Couple adopts downtown buildings to breathe new life into city center

STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

A

fter more than 20 years in the Seattle area, Shannon Lyons, and wife, Cathy McBride, were ready for a change.

The consuming, long commutes on congested highways and roadways felt like stolen time after a while. The packed sidewalks throughout the city lost their wonder. The desire to live somewhere where the air was a bit more open and places were more accessible within minutes, not hours, grew more and more appealing. What if they could walk to the coffee shop, the dry cleaners, the library and pick up a baked good on the way back home within an hour or so?

Lyons and McBride were are old enough to start thinking about their future retirement, but were not ready to do it just yet. Instead, they wanted a change of pace — to enjoy parts of their day again in between the bigger tasks.

Lyons remembered a place like that, and decided it was time to return to a familiar place and see how life could be again in Dowagiac.

“We just kind of got tired of the big city.

We were kind of done,” Lyons said. “It was

very crowded, very expensive, very hard to get around. We wanted to have a little simpler, less stressed way of living.”

Lyons is from Dowagiac, and her family still resides there. The roots already in place were a part of the draw to “come home” for Lyons.

Moving back home and purchasing a house that would require tending to felt like a big commitment, however, as Lyons and McBride were used to traveling for work.

As they sought a place to live, they could not find exactly what they were looking for.

Then, looking at the downtown and some of the buildings there, they realized if they could not find it, they would build it.

“The building we are living in now was for sale, and from a Seattle perspective, it was an incredibly reasonable price,” Lyons said. “We thought, ‘what if we renovated the building and made it work for us?’”

Moving away from Seattle and coming back to Dowagiac was a big change for Lyons and McBride. To purchase properties to manage and restore in the heart of downtown, and

bring high end apartments and short-term rentals to the area, has been a different kind of venture for the two of them.

McBride said they fell into looking at the properties in Dowagiac on a whim.

“Shannon was traveling, and her boss was looking at houses,” McBride said. “She was like, ‘I’m going to look at something too.’”

McBride, a software engineer, was able to begin working remotely a year or so before COVID-19 made that shift for many individuals. The shift gave her and Lyons the ability to travel, look at the building and begin renovations.

Exploring the building in the downtown Dowagiac’s N. Front Street corridor, Lyons and McBride saw the way to make their way in Dowagiac. While apartments are in no lack of supply in Dowagiac, higher-end apartments and short-term rentals seemed to be to Lyons.

The couple experienced the appeal of Dowagiac and knew others would find it appealing as well.

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They saw the potential, and invested in the building they now call home: 115 S. Front St. City leaders, like Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, are also pleased with what Lyons and McBride have done in downtown.

“Reinvestment in the community and in our central business district is key to the continued development of Dowagiac,” Phillipson said.

“In recent years, as downtown property owners have relocated, reached retirement age or have passed away, several storefronts have changed ownership. In some cases, these are properties that were held by an individual or one family for multiple decades.”

They spent time talking with family and friends before the building was done and ready to move into. By the time it was finished, every space had a plan. Lyons and McBride could move into their apartment knowing the storefronts on the first floor would have eager tenants waiting to move in.

They were also able to see what other business owners had done to convert their buildings in the downtown area, like what Jordan Anderson, owner of The Baker’s Rhapsody, and husband Hector Rivas did in renovating their building just down the block.

“They were nice enough when we were looking at our building to allow us to see what their apartments looked like,” Lyons said of the living space above the bakery.

“We got to see what was behind the scenes and see that it can be done,” McBride added.

Lyons spent quite a bit of time in Seattle after graduating from Dowagiac Union Senior High School in the late 1980s.

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Her father Don Lyons, ran Lyons Industries beginning in the 1970s. The last name continues to be familiar to those in Dowagiac, as Lyons Industries continues to this day being run by the Lyons family. Don was first elected mayor of Dowagiac in 1997, and has held the seat each election since. Don and wife, Joan, have run the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac since 1996. The museum showcases the history and contributions of the Heddon family to the city, and to the sport of fishing. Returning to Dowagiac was a homecoming for Shannon.

Prior to she and McBride’s permanent return, she attended a high school reunion with her former classmates. One of the concerns many had surrounding the event was where to stay.

Neighboring communities of South Bend, Niles and St. Joseph had hotels and Airbnb-type rentals available, but not as many were available in Dowagiac.

It showed Lyons another market she and her wife could explore. With a second apartment to fill in the building, Lyons and McBride settled on a short-term rental model for the space.

“There really isn’t a place to stay in town,” Lyons said. “There’s a lot of lake places in the summer.”

McBride pointed out that professionals moving to the area, like themselves, may have a harder time finding a place to put down roots without a temporary living situation arranged.

“We have a college, factories, a hospital — we have professionals coming into the community,” McBride said. “They need somewhere to stay until they can find a house.”

Now, with two more buildings under contract, including the Harvey’s Shop building Lyons and McBride intend to renovate into more high-end apartments with commercial space on the first

floor, they are happy and settling into the Dowagiac downtown. They want to make the city more accessible to professionals building their career in the area, without having to commute from a home nearly an hour away.

With the pandemic firmly cemented in the minds of city dwelling professionals, Lyons believes there will be even more people seeking to do what she and McBride have set out to do.

“It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely doable,” Lyons said. “I think [the pandemic] is going to hasten people leaving cities and coming to smaller cities where their money goes a little further. Places they can walk to the coffee shop, the dry cleaners, the library, the train station and go to an outdoor concert. You really have everything accessible to you and not at an hour’s drive in traffic.”

In the case of the Harvey Shop building, at 143 S. Front St., Lyons said it was empty for a long time, making it an extensive renovation that will take some time. The building is a large-scale project to take on.

“Harvey’s closed in 1979. It’s been empty since 1979,” she said.

As buildings sit empty, they settle. Small problems grow into structural failings over time if not taken care of.

The city acquired the property, and Lyons and McBride put together a proposal and acquired the building in mid-2020. The building will have a commercial space on the first floor and high-end apartments upstairs.

“It’s right in the heart of downtown, right across from The Baker’s Rhapsody,” Lyons said. “It’s right across from the train station — you can’t miss it.”

Phillipson hopes the new life will bring more to the Dowagiac downtown for everyone to enjoy.

“The finished product will provide quality, upscale retail space for another new business, as development of the second level also boosts foot traffic within that block, and the entire downtown.”

In Lyons’ and McBride’s hunt for the perfect place to continue the later years of their professional lives together, they fell back in love with Dowagiac.

As more professionals find they may be able to work remotely — and they leave the larger cities for places with a bit more of a community feel — both Lyons and McBride think Dowagiac is a great place for people to discover.

“We moved here, and we really enjoy it,” Lyons said. “We like being able to be a part of a smaller community where we can have more of an impact.”

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MORE THAN A GAME Local athletic rivalries bring communities together

P

STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

acked stadiums. Raucous pep assemblies. Intense banter. The joy of bragging rights.

For communities across the country, high school sports rivalries are powerful events. Friends from across town become bitter enemies, if only for a few hours. Shops and businesses sport school colors to show their allegiance. The school fight song echoing through the rafters hits differently than it usually does.

Separated by just 14 miles, the communities of Niles and Dowagiac have been long standing rivals in many aspects, most notably high school football.

A series that dates back to 1896, the Vikings and the Chieftains played in their 103rd game against each other after a 15-year hiatus from 2005 to 2020.

Dowagiac emerged victorious with a 20-0 win over the Vikings to tie the all-time series at 49 wins, 49 losses and five ties.

The win was special for second-year Dowagiac head coach Randy Brooks, who was a 16-year assistant at Dowagiac starting in 1989 and helped the 1990 Chieftains win the Class BB state championship.

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“I told them the first year I was coaching here, in 1989, we were 8-0 and Niles was 3-5, and they beat us,” Brooks said. “That’s the way it goes, you throw the records out the window. It’s a backyard ball. I think for the guys that used to play, it means a lot to them. From both sides, if you go to a basketball game, they’ll tell a story about the Niles-Dowagiac football game. It really means more to them than probably the players involved in the game this year, but it’s a cool thing. They should have been playing this game all along. It’s unfortunate that the rivalry got broken up.”

Dowagiac senior Wyatt Bailey was happy to earn a win and become part of the rivalry’s history.

“It feels pretty good because we could start it off after it stopped,” Bailey said. “We can start it off with a win and even up the series and then next year our team can win it and we can be in the lead again.”

While the loss stung, Niles head coach Joe Sassano was glad his team was able to be part of a longstanding tradition.

“They need to understand that there’s a long line of guys that came way before them,” Sassano

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said. “It’s more than just them; there’s history.

This was a great opportunity to kind of work on that history here a little bit and give them as much of a history lesson as we could.”

Due to the rivalry’s extended hiatus, there were players on both teams who were born after the last game and grew up without experiencing the rivalry. Sassano brought in guest speakers consisting of former players and coaches to help players understand what the rivalry is all about.

Niles assistant coach Paul DePoy played football for the Vikings from 2003-2006 and played against Dowagiac in 2005, the last game before the hiatus. As the only player or coach to participate in the rivalry, DePoy was fired up the week leading up to the game.

“It’s awesome,” DePoy said. “It’s an electric atmosphere no matter what. Even with a limited number of fans, just seeing these two teams play again was great. This is my 10th year coaching now, and I always talk to kids about Dowagiac.

‘You guys don’t know nothing, there’s five, six thousand people in the stands.’ It really is something special.”

Given the unpredictability of the season’s

prospects, Niles senior quarterback Chase Andres and freshman quarterback Talon Brawley were proud to represent their community on the football field.

“We’re excited to bring it back,” Andres said.

“We’re moving the Wolverine Conference next year, so we’ll be able to continue it. It was one of the longest rivalries in the state of Michigan every year before they stopped so I’m glad to be a part of it. As a senior, being able to get my senior year back and to bring back a rivalry the same year has been great.”

“We lost a few games but it was a real special thing to play this year,” Brawley said. “We’re lucky. We could have had it taken away from us.”

Prominent area rivalries are not exclusive to the gridiron. They can be found elsewhere, including the hardwood. Josh Hood knows that better than most. Hood, assistant principal at Brandywine High School in Niles, has experienced his fair share of rivalry games against Niles and Buchanan, both as a Bobcats basketball player himself as well as coach of the girls basketball team.

Hood has coached the Bobcats for 12 years

and has amassed 10 district titles, seven regional titles, two state final four appearances and eight conference championships. He understands how important the Brandywine-Buchanan rivalry is to both communities.

“You know these people,” Hood said. “The thing about small communities is that the high school is the epicenter of the community. We have a lot of pride for our communities. You never want to lose because you’ll hear about it from everyone. They’re only five miles away. The players become friends because they’ll play travel ball or see each other outside of sports. There are so many friendships built, and ultimately, the game comes down to bragging rights.”

When the Buchanan Bucks enter the Bobcat Den, Brandywine students in the fan section are typically decked out head to toe in camouflage, ready to hunt the Bucks. Buchanan’s awardwinning student section comes ready to yell, taunt, dance and sing across the court, determined to drown out the Bobcats’ growls.

On the court, a sea of maroon and gold blends with maroon and white as players who have known their opponents since childhood, having played youth leagues and travel ball with friends

less than five miles away, battle it out for a win.

Rivalry games are also events where communities can join together in order to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

For the last decade, the Brandywine community has come together to raise more than $30,000 for the Brian Parker Foundation with its annual Cats for the Cure game.

Members of the basketball program sell T-shirts or accept donations, which assist the foundation in providing educational materials, research grants, monetary assistance and monetary support to those who have cancer.

“To be able to raise that kind of money for this foundation speaks volumes about our Brandywine community,” Hood said. “This foundation does so much for southwest Michigan, and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and helping them continue to do what they do. We are very grateful for the Parkers, and we hope to keep going strong for many years to come.

“We’ve been lucky,” Hood continued.

“Buchanan has helped us out the past few years.

It’s nice to see communities come together. You always want to win but at then end of the day, raising funds for something like this is big. I have

a lot of respect for their coaches.”

Despite the white-hot intensity the games themselves may bring, Hood makes sure to approach each rivalry game like the other games on the schedule.

“For me and our staff, we prepare the same if the opponent is Buchanan or Comstock,” Hood said. “If you’re a good coach, you shouldn’t put more emphasis on one game over the others. The community loves it. You play in big crowds in a high intensity atmosphere. From a coaching standpoint, you take things game by game as if every game is a rivalry. People want us to hate Buchanan. We share film and talk basketball. I have nothing but respect for their program.”

From Niles-Dowagiac to BrandywineBuchanan and beyond, rivalry games have a way of bringing out a level of school spirit that allows community members to come together as one, if even for a few days a year.

“That’s what makes it so special,” Morrison said of Brandywine’s rivalry with Buchanan. “It’s a tradition that never dies. That’s the game that you talk about. We always circle it on our calendar.

This is your time to represent your community, win or lose. It’s a great feeling.

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STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

I

t was the summer of 1964.

Children, parents and the entire Dowagiac community were enjoying the splendors summer brought with it. But this summer was different. Everyone made sure to be home by dusk. Doors were locked and blinds were closed.

Someone — or something — had been making its rounds in town. Families gathered around the radio in hopes of learning its whereabouts, while others braved the outdoors looking for signs of it.

Dowagiac had found itself within the grasp of the Dewey Lake Monster, a grip that has ceased to relent more than 50 years later.

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“

I talked to my dad about it. Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case. It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it.

They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

LYNDON PARRISH

SETTING THE SCENE Sixty-six years later, Dowagiac residents were once again holed up in their homes, hiding from a different monster — the COVID-19 virus.

Like so many in the year 2020, Marcus Roll, manager of theater operations and applied performing arts at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac, had run into a problem — keeping life moving in spite of restrictions put in place to slow the spread of the virus raging throughout the globe. In Roll’s case, the tasks at hand were to find a way to keep his performing arts students active during the pandemic, and to creatively engage the community in a way that complied with pandemic restrictions.

According to Roll, the school’s spring production of “Grease” was canceled last year, and an inperson fall production this year was not realistic.

That is when Marcus was approached by SMC assistant director of campus life Branden Pompey with an idea for a radio show.

“It was this weird happenstance,” Pompey said.

“I’m a fan of old-timey creature features from the ‘40s and ‘50s. Radio shows always had that ‘Twilight Zone’ sort of feel to them. You’re able

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to create the picture in your mind because you’re listening to everything going on.”

A 2005 graduate of Dowagiac Union High School, Pompey earned his associate’s degree in theater at SMC and his bachelor’s in theater at Grand Valley State University. He knew his way around a stage, having both directed and acted in a number of projects at the Beckwith Theatre Company.

“When I went to school, I had the dream of screenwriting,” Pompey said. “I saw this as an opportunity to flex my creative muscles and tap into the artistic side of me. I jumped at the opportunity to do that.”

“Brandon and I had been looking for a way to collaborate, so this has been perfect,” Roll said.

“He wrote an original script, and I got to produce and edit, so we’re playing to both of our strengths.”

Roll and Pompey then pitched the idea to the school administration, which liked the idea of a virtual production.

“They wanted to make it more personal for the community,” Pompey said. “Centering it around something near and dear to people in Dowagiac.

We decided to focus on the Dewey Lake Monster.”

The Dewey Lake Monster is a legendary Sasquatch-like creature first reported in the mid-1960s after sightings near Dewey Lake in Dowagiac.

Their proposed show, titled “Terror on Dewey Lake,” would center around a group of students unraveling the mystery of the disappearance of a local town hero, with the Dewey Lake monster as the prime suspect.

Standing a towering 9 feet tall, weighing in at roughly 500 pounds of pure muscle and featuring bright, glowing eyes, the Dewey Lake Monster’s physical appearance was enough to make even the toughest witness tremble. While sightings of the mythical creature have diminished over the years, the legend of the Dewey Lake Monster resonates with greater Dowagiac to this day.

With approval from the higher-ups, production on “Terror on Dewey Lake” could begin in earnest.

While “Terror on Dewey Lake” might spin a tale about a horrifying monster, this is a different story. This is the story of how two thespians set out to save the school’s theater season, and the community that supported them every step of the way.

Lyndon Parrish, a former member of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, holds a photo of his father, who was a sergeant with the department when word spread that the Dewey Lake Monster was roaming the region.

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THE PRODUCTION Pompey and Roll had just received the greenlight for their radio show, but they could not afford to relish the moment.

They had roughly seven weeks to produce the radio show before its Oct. 30 release. Pompey spent the first few weeks writing page after page of script, working through the types of sound effects and transitions needed and conjuring up commercials and musical numbers.

The pair decided to incorporate local businesses into the radio show’s commercials, which featured advertisements for Baker’s Rhapsody, Underwood Shoes and the Beckwith Theatre Company — all in the name of creating a “well-rounded Dowagiac experience.”

“That was pretty cool,” said Baker’s Rhapsody owner Jordan Anderson. “They decided to make it hyper-local and include local businesses and landmarks. I just thought it was a clever idea to do a radio show amid the pandemic.”

Once the script was in a good place, the duo began hosting auditions for roles. The auditions received a large turnout, including performing arts students, regular students, school faculty and even SMC alumni.

The cast would feature a direct connection to the Dewey Lake Monster myth.

SMC Director of Security and Conduct Lyndon Parrish auditioned for the role of Sheriff Leonard.

Parrish spent 27 years with the Cass County Sheriff’s Department. His father, Paul Parrish, was a sergeant with the sheriff’s department in 1964 when the first sightings of the Dewey Lake Monster took place, and went on to be the sheriff for many years. “[Branden] thought it would be interesting for me to play a role,” Lyndon Parrish said. “I was a little hesitant. He convinced me that I wouldn’t be in front of anyone, and I wouldn’t have to memorize the script. I was really impressed with the final product. Branden did a great job with the script. It sounded like an old-timey radio show.”

Lyndon Parrish was born in 1964, the same year the Dewey Lake Monster was sighted in the Dowagiac area. While he was not around to experience it, his father filled him in on the event that gripped the community.

“I talked to my dad about it,” Lyndon said. “Back in the ‘90s, there was a TV program about the case.

It was a crazy few weeks where a lot of folks got really excited about it. They had some castings of footprints back in the day.”

Pompey said having a crew member with a tie to the Dewey Lake Monster added another layer of interest to the production.

“To work with someone who had a direct connection to the myth was exciting,” Pompey said.

“He had a blast participating.”

In addition to Parrish, Pompey and Roll cast 24 roles for the production. At long last, rehearsals could begin.

The radio show format allowed Roll and Pompey to keep both performers and spectators safe from the large casts and crowds that typically accompany

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theater productions. Recordings and rehearsals were able to be done via Zoom.

“With a radio show, it’s all dialogue,” Roll said.

“With a play, we would have to rehearse in person, which calls for a lot of movement on the stage. We would be rehearsing with props, too. With the radio show, if we need to rehearse in person, we can safely do that in the theater by spreading out. We don’t have to move. The voice actors will be able to look at the script the entire time, instead of memorizing lines like you would in a play.”

One of the biggest issues the production ran into was losing students to quarantining after being exposed to a positive COVID-19 test. But because of the nature of the production, the show was able to go on.

“None of our performers tested positive,” Pompey said. “We had performers isolate for a few days. With the way technology is, we were able to connect with those performers via Zoom and hook them up to a sound system. Any time a hurdle was thrown at us, we were able to find ways to make it work.”

Recording the dialogue and sound effects took almost two weeks. A soundstage was created in the school’s orchestra loft using 2 x 4 lumber and soundproofing blankets and materials.

The rustling of leaves underneath characters’ feet, the chirping of birds, water flowing down the stream and many more sound effects were created

by Roll, who also coordinated the musical numbers. “[Roll] was the workhorse of this show,” Pompey said. “A number of instrumental pieces and sound effects were made by Marcus.”

Once edited, Roll sent the final product to the school’s marketing department, which began creating posters and advertisements for the show.

When Oct. 30 finally rolled around, the school uploaded “Terror on Dewey Lake” to YouTube for all the world to see — err, listen.

THE RESPONSE After weeks of editing scripts, evaluating auditions, creating sound effects and putting together musical numbers, Pompey and Roll had finished their first production together. The radio show has received hundreds of views on YouTube since Oct. 30.

“It’s phenomenal to me,” Pompey said. “It’s the first thing I’ve written that has been fully produced.

To think that so many people tuned in means a lot to me. Creatively, you approach production with the idea in mind, but figuring out how to make it work cohesively was challenging. Having a partner like Marcus helped. We were able to troubleshoot with the script. I wrote the script, but it was a collaborative effort. I felt by the end of it, it was all of us making the show together.”

While the theater department is eager to return to traditional productions, Pompey said he had some ideas in mind if the school wanted to produce another radio show.

“We have had talks of what we’d want to do going forward,” he said. “I made it clear that if I have the opportunity to write scripts and get them produced, I would jump at the opportunity.

I have some ideas in my head. Halloween, film noir, maybe western. I feel like I have creative momentum behind me. One of the great things about working for SMC is that the environment encouraged me to experiment and try new things.

I’m grateful to work where I’m working. It allows me to flex creative muscle.”

Is the Dewey Lake Monster real? Time has moved forward since the first sightings but the myth continues to persist. There is no telling what could be hiding inside the dense thickets surrounding Dewey Lake. Perhaps Pompey and Roll will have material for a sequel if the Dewey Lake Monster decides to trudge through Dowagiac woodlands again.

One Buchanan Organization strives to promote unity among residents

W

alking along its sidewalks lined with charming brick buildings, many would think Buchanan was “nice” — a nice little town with nice little shops filled with nice people.

“Nice” was certainly the adjective settled on by Reader’s Digest, which named Buchanan “The Nicest Place in America” for 2020.

However, leaders of a local nonprofit organization want Buchanan to be more than nice. They want their city to be the “most diverse, welcoming and inclusive place in America.”

Founded in 2017, One Buchanan is an organization aimed at promoting diversity and making Buchanan into a place that welcomes people of all races, nationalities, socio-economic statuses, religions, and sexual and gender orientations. During its life span, the group has hosted community dialogs and educational

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH CULTON campaigns, as well as helped promote a 2019 non-discrimination ordinance.

In January 2021, the organization furthered its cause as the Buchanan City Commission voted to recognize One Buchanan as an official city board to increase inclusivity and recognize diversity within the city. With the action, One Buchanan committee members believe the city has taken steps to ensure diversity and inclusion remain core to the city’s identity.

Founding member Rev. Sid Mohn said One Buchanan was inspired by similar movements in cities such as Boston and Chicago to promote unity and diversity.

“We wanted to declare that hate has no home in Buchanan,” Mohn, 72, said. “We wanted to say that we are one Buchanan that celebrates diversity and works toward unity and understanding.”

Committee member Monroe Lemay said she got her start with One Buchanan after Mohn approached her, the Buchanan Area Senior Center’s then-director, about a support group for LGBTQ seniors. That conversation morphed into wanting to create an organization that supported all marginalized communities in Buchanan — an organization that welcomed all residents regardless of age, race, gender, ability, sexual orientation or place of origin.

“We started to say rather than being a support group, while that certainly could be a part of that, we wanted to provide an educational aspect,” Lemay said. “Whenever you introduce something new to the community, you need to educate. You can’t blame people who don’t do something because they weren’t taught properly.

What you can do is be a leader and a teacher and show people there is a better way.”

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Since hosting its first forum in 2018, both Mohn and Lemay said they had been pleased with the reaction from the Buchanan community, many of whom have been eager to learn and understand the history of diversity in the city. According to Lemay, roughly 100 people attended the organization’s first forum. At its last forum, that number grew to nearly double.

“This is helping people find the missing puzzle pieces,” Lemay said. “This is a way to connect people and bring awareness that we do have minorities here. …

It really is bringing people together as a community.”

Not content to stop while ahead, the One Buchanan executive committee grew to include representatives from all community branches. President Heather Grace represents the city government as the Buchanan city manager, and Vice President Patricia Robinson represents the school district as Buchanan Community Schools superintendent.

As the local school district leader, Robinson said she was drawn to the educational aspect of One Buchanan, believing the organization’s mission to be an important one to prepare her students for the outside world.

“It’s always good to promote embracing marginalized groups,” Robinson said. “At the schools, we are tasked with providing an environment and culture of safety, diversity and support for our students, and I think [the values of Buchanan] can really prepare students for the world. It helps them be well-rounded and to understand other people’s races and diversity groups.

It helps make sure people feel welcomed and included.

Overall, it’s for the greater good of our country.”

Being a recent transplant to the Buchanan community, Grace said she was almost immediately drawn to One Buchanan. As city manager, she hopes to promote the group’s message of diversity and inclusion to the entire community.

“It’s important [as a city] to provide quality services

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to your citizens — and that means all of your citizens,” Grace said. “We need to be reaching a diverse group of people, knowing what their needs are and making sure those needs are met. We can’t do that unless we have a diverse set of voices at the table, and I think this is a great way to get our voice out there and say, ‘we want to be inclusive and embracing diversity.’”

Now that One Buchanan is officially a city board, committee members said they were excited for what the future holds and hope to continue to promote the organization’s values to make Buchanan the most welcoming city it can be.

“I think this brings the city government to the table directly,” Mohn said. “I think this is another illustration of the city deepening its commitment to its values of diversity, not just in words but in structural ways.”

Going forward, Grace said the city would promote One Buchanan as a city board by advertising meetings and minutes on the city’s website. While some of the details of the city’s involvement in One Buchanan are still being ironed out, Grace said she hopes that, in the future, the city could provide some funding to the organization and help it secure grant funds to aid in its outreach.

“We are really looking to expanding the accessibility and outreach and what [One Buchanan] can accomplish,” Grace said. “We have to embrace diversity if we want Buchanan to grow.”

In the meantime, One Buchanan committee members said they would continue on their mission to make Buchanan “more than nice.”

“We all have a passion for this town, and we all believe Buchanan is already a great place to be,” Lemay said. “I want to make sure that in the future, everyone feels that way. We want to focus on making Buchanan even better.”

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We work together to find a

solution

Woodlands Behavioral Healthcare Network works in partnership with individuals, families and the community to inspire hope, promote resiliency and achieve recovery by providing effective behavioral health services.

960 M-60 East, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031

24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 269-445-2451 or 800-323-0335

www.woodlandsbhn.org

voice youth A

FOR

I Cass County Court Appointed Special Advocates represent children in foster care system STORY AMBROSIA NELDON PHOTOGRAPHY AMANDA SEABOLT

n the three southernmost counties in southwest Michigan, nearly 700 children are in foster care.

Removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse, these children are separated from not only their parents and their home, but oftentimes their friends, classroom and even siblings.

Having experienced the shock of being removed from their home, these children are often conflicted, but too young or too shy to raise their voice in a legal setting.

As children are placed in foster care — often several miles from home — they are faced with new surroundings, and in some cases, no one who represents only them.

“That’s where we come in,” said Erica Boulanger, executive director for Cass County Court Appointed Special Advocates. “We advocate obviously for kids who are in care due to abuse or neglect, and we really pride ourselves on being the one constant in the child’s life.”

Court Appointed Special Advocates was created by a judge in Seattle, Washington in 1977, when he was faced with making drastic decisions about the placement of children, often with little information or input from the children themselves. In 1995, Cass County CASA was founded by Judge Susan Dobrich, who continues to serve as a judge in Cass

County today.

Court Appointed Special Advocates — or “CASAs,” as they are often called — are placed with children in the foster system to serve as their voice and to help them find a permanent home as quickly as possible. Volunteers undergo 30 hours of training to learn how to advocate for the foster children with whom they are partnered. Once fully trained, CASAs represent their partner children with lawyers, judges, foster families, schools and, in some cases, parents.

Maggie Sevison, a former teacher at Edwardsburg Public Schools, was paired with her partner child for five years before the child aged out of the program.

“I’ve found it very moving how all these wonderful kids are getting help from other people that aren’t family or teachers, and how much people care for them and really work to make sure that their time in foster care is going well and they are getting everything they need to be happy and successful,” Sevison said.

In addition to representing her child, Sevison, like other CASAs, bonded with the teenager she worked with. To provide additional support and earn trust of their children, many CASAs spend additional time with their partners, whether going out for lunch, shopping, bowling or helping with homework.

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“I was surprised how much I enjoyed a high school student because I always taught first grade,” Sevison said. “It’s a whole different situation. With younger kids, you interject more with your experience.

With older kids you interject, but you listen way more. They’ve already got in their mind what you’re thinking. Sure, you can give your opinion, but you do a lot of listening.”

Boulanger, who has served in various roles with Cass County CASA for the past 15 years, said the pandemic has made connecting with children in the CASA program more difficult than usual.

“Our volunteers were still on board and we got active and creative with FaceTime, phone calls, text messages,” she said. “A lot of them kind of went old school with sending cards and handwriting letters.

They did porch drops where they’d check in at a social distance.”

Boulanger and her team have also had to get creative with fundraising for the program, which is largely dependent on community contributions.

“We couldn’t do our live auction this year, so we did a letter appeal,” Boulanger said. “We raised about $25,000.”

Cass County CASA board president and former director Jim Ward became involved with CASA in 2008 after moving back to Cassopolis in his first retirement.

“I was very interested in getting involved in some

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nonprofit volunteer work with youth,” he said. “Then there were a series of events that took place rather rapidly. The director left, and they were looking for a director. I stepped up and said I had the management experience and the financial experience to run a program, but I certainly didn’t have the childcare social work background. But Erica did. … We made a great team.”

When Ward joined the program in 2008, Cass County CASA was advocating for between 10 and 15 children. Ward said the program has grown to advocate for more than 50 children at a time.

“I would say that it’s a very necessary program in any city, whether it’s a small community like Cassopolis or Cass County or a big metropolitan area,” Ward said. “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that we don’t know about and that I didn’t know about as an individual in the community. There are children removed from their homes through no fault of their own. It’s about what the parents did or didn’t do basically.”

Ward said one of the biggest challenges CASA faces is the lack of foster homes locally.

“In 2008, 2010, there were several large foster homes in Cass County that had been in existence for years that had generations of kids that had gone through them. We had places for kids when they were removed,” he said. “When a child is removed from a home, it can be in the middle of the night. It’s

fast. Police are involved. You need to put that child somewhere he or she are safe and we had the foster homes to do that, and it’s getting tougher.”

This means that children are often sent as far away as Kent County, Wayne County or even the Upper Peninsula.

“When those kids are in the court system and their parents are in a rehabilitation program, it’s important that those children are able to see their parents, and how are they going to do that when they’re 150 miles away?” Ward said. “If there are siblings involved and they are split up, heaven forbid, that happens at a time when they need to be with their siblings more than ever now that their parents are gone. It’s a tough situation, all created by the fact that we just don’t have the foster homes available that we once did.”

Ward and Boulanger encourage anyone who has ever considered fostering children to reach out to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for more information. Those interested in learning more about the CASA program should contact Boulanger at (269) 445-4431.

Regardless, CASA volunteers work hard to provide as much stability as possible for the children they represent.

“We know that permanency is a big thing in a kiddo’s life,” Boulanger said. “CASA volunteers can advocate and say, ‘what can we do to expedite that?’”

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Love

bounds KNOWS NO

Michiana wedding industry takes pandemic challenges head on

STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

W

hen Amanda Leonard, of Niles, became engaged over Christmas 2019, she was excited to begin planning her and her fiance’s wedding. They picked out the perfect venue, the Grand LV, in downtown Niles, and found a photographer who fit their style just right: Shayne Culp Photography. Choosing catering, invitations and making the guest list soon followed in the course of planning for their big day in November 2020.

Wedding planning can begin years in advance. Selecting every perfect detail from the venue, working on the guest list, finding “the dress,” finalizing “the look,” planning with wedding parties, hiring a photographer, setting a menu… the list of to-dos can go on and on.

In March, on the cusp of southwest Michigan’s spring wedding season, COVID-19 mandates shut down in-person learning for schools after March 13, and went on to include gatherings, restaurants and bars.

Initially just for two weeks, the shutdowns grew longer and longer.

Leonard said she stayed in contact with the owner of the The Grand LV, Melanie Kennedy, to work through the mandates and expectations together.

“We were up to 230 people coming our wedding, and then in May, our final payment was due for the venue,” Leonard said. “We were super worried about that. We went ahead and paid, and hoped that COVID was not going to be a thing in November.”

She said speaking with Kennedy about the changes and continued uncertainty helped allay some anxieties.

“Her and I were in constant communication,” Leonard said. “If COVID-19 were to get worse, she was super flexible.”

According to The Wedding Report, a research company and website that publishes forecasts and data on the wedding industry, 21 percent of couples surveyed opted to postpone their weddings to later in 2020.

Forty-one percent surveyed moved their dates to 2021, and 7 percent opted to cancel the formal event altogether in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ultimately, Leonard married her fiancé in the fall on their originally planned date, with a much smaller wedding and reception than they had hoped for.

“We wanted to protect our grandparents and have them be a part of the day, and not be worried about the extra people at the wedding,” she said.

The guest list was cut down to the 50 people closest to the couple.

Leonard’s was not the only wedding Grand LV owner Kennedy had to adjust in the wake of COVID-19 mandates. With a wedding on the books in the first weeks of shutdowns, Kennedy’s season has been one roadblock after another.

Despite the hurdles, she said she still has been working to make brides’ dreams come true. “[The bride] was panicking,” Kennedy said. “I would never cancel a wedding the day of. I let her know as soon as I could that she was still getting the space.”

As the mandates were interpreted by Michigan residents, Kennedy moved forward with the bride’s wedding before contacting all following to reschedule until the state allowed the space to reopen to host events.

The event venue, near the heart of downtown Niles, breathed new life into a space that originally was built to be the Elks Temple in 1928. The space has survived, retaining much of its original beauty, through many other national crises including The Great Depression, World War II and more.

Opening an event space was not Kennedy’s dream, but she and her husband had seen the beauty of many buildings in downtown Niles and

wanted to breathe another life into them.

“It was solely by accident,” Kennedy said of becoming a wedding venue owner.

When the Kennedys walked through the space before purchasing it, they were moved by the space’s potential.

“We were blown away by how glamorous it was, especially the top floor,” Kennedy said. “We had big dreams for the space. We wanted to bring it back to life. It took off quicker than we could have imagined.”

As the space kept booking, and the renovations continued, Kennedy decided to dedicate her full energy to the new venue and left the salon business.

“A lot of times, I’m the janitor and the event coordinator,” she said.

She likened wedding bookings to clients in a salon. Some brides are very hands on and involved in the smallest details, while others simply want the day to unfold at its own pace.

“Some clients will leave with wet hair, and others, one single hair out of place hair bothers them,” she said.

In the same way, weddings have continued to book, and couples have different needs and visions for the space.

During the heaviest COVID-19 state mandates, The Grand LV was effectively closed for four months. The venue’s bridal suite was empty of laughter and hairspray. The downstairs reception space hosted no first dances. Celebrations ceased within the building. All the while, Kennedy fielded questions from couples concerned about

their event and wedding dates.

The first event back in the building of a traditional size was a wedding of 100 attendees, for a bride and groom who were originally scheduled to say their “I dos” in May. Like all weddings hosted since shutdowns began, that party had to adapt to safety precautions and spacing. A box of paper face masks sat at the entrance of the ceremony and reception areas, while hand sanitizers were strategically placed on the tables and throughout the space.

“You would have never seen that before,” Kennedy said.

Photographing events changed for Culp as she worked on weddings through the Michiana area in 2020 as well.

Culp took the leap into being a full-time photographer in 2020, and learned what that meant as it changed with each week.

Culp said she does not have to worry about hosting crowds as a venue owner would. Instead, she has only had to ensure she stays safe at the weddings she works. Many have been backyard weddings that kept things small and intimate with family.

For outdoor weddings, Culp said she has seen extra hay bales placed to create space between seats. Another venue she photographed in, The Morris Performing Arts Center, had guests spaced between the theater’s seats, leaving at least three seats between groups.

She has had to adapt her photography style to be able to stay back further from the bridal party, groomsmen and reception.

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“I take precautions,” Culp said. “I get tested [for COVID-19] once a week. I just want to be safe. Being a photographer, I am exposed to a lot of people.”

Culp said she and her second shooter also wear masks when they are on location photographing.

Usually, during engagement and wedding shoots, Culp will help pose her subjects.

Without wanting to get too close this year, she has worked with her assistant to mimic the poses from a distance. She said it gets the couples laughing, which helps everyone relax, as well.

Throughout her first year exclusively doing photography, she had 24 weddings booked, many of which took place at the Grand LV, working side-by-side with Kennedy.

In additions to the changes Culp has seen in the industry, Kennedy said the gatherings are much smaller now. In an area where large weddings are popular, Kennedy said only two weddings have exceeded 40 to 50 people.

However, once the celebration has started, Kennedy said it is still the usual fare: dinner, dancing and cake.

Despite experts like Kennedy and Culp working to make nuptials as normal as possible, brides like Leonard were not keen to share their special day with the virus. Leonard said her wedding was much smaller than planned, and the people who attended were the closest circle to her.

Cutting their guest list down to fit within the mandates and to keep their families safe was difficult.

“My husband comes from a big family. He is one of 25 cousins,” Leonard said. “We only had one set of grandparents attend. They were concerned with COVID-19 and did not want to be out with even 50 people.”

Many of her guests at her small wedding wore masks. The social circle was kept very small — to guests she and her fiancé had been in contact with. The couple wanted to ensure their guests were safe. However, despite being willing to take COVID-19 precautions, Leonard did not want masks in her wedding photos.

“I had seen photos of weddings where everyone had masks on. It’s marking history,” Leonard said. “But that was one thing I did not want. I’ll remember it – I lived it. I don’t need photographic evidence.”

Instead, she wanted photographs showing their love for one another, and the beauty of the day. Culp helped the couple feel at ease and captured the day the way Leonard wanted to remember it.

“We had the chairs spaced out, and a lot of spacing between each row,” Leonard said of the wedding venue the day she said her vows.

“Even at our wedding, we had masks and hand sanitizer placed out for people to use if they

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

Melanie Kennedy, co-owner of the Grand LV, has had to get creative with wedding and event hosting this year as pandemic regulations restricted large gatherings.

needed it, but we really tried to keep it to the 50 people we had been around. Nobody at our wedding was someone we had not seen at least in the past week or two.”

Though she had to make concessions for her wedding — fewer guests and face coverings — Leonard said her big day was still perfect and left her impressed with the way the vendors pulled it off.

“I think other than the fact that we had to reduce our wedding size, it went as we had envisioned it,” Leonard said. “I was thankful that we had no other added stress on my end.”

Bookings are continuing into 2021 and 2022 for The Grand LV, and as the wedding season wound down in the fall for Culp, she looked ahead to engagement bookings and weddings for the next year.

“I think you have to look at the bright side of the situation,” Culp said. “The wedding industry took a hit of negativity. We have to continue to deal with that. It taught us all to be humble and work harder.”

Postponed weddings and rescheduled receptions will carry forward into the future to celebrate those uniting in their love for one another.

One of those celebrations will be Leonard’s oneyear anniversary reception, with as many friends and family as she hoped to have at their wedding.

“We bumped it up to early October,” Leonard said. “We can be out of the woods on flu season, and make sure everyone can be in attendance.”

There is another perk to having a bigger party the next year that Leonard is excited about.

“It gives me another reason to wear my wedding dress,” she said.

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

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DOWNTOWN

Niles

MICHIGAN

This map does not include every business in downtown Niles.

Participating businesses are featured based on paid advertising.

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COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

55

DOWNTOWN

Niles

MICHIGAN

56

This map does not include every business in downtown Niles.

Participating businesses are featured based on paid advertising.

HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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HORIZONS 2021 | COMMUNITY

Renovating a

community

Couple adopts downtown buildings to breathe new life into city center

STORY CHRISTINA CLARK PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

A

fter more than 20 years in the Seattle area, Shannon Lyons, and wife, Cathy McBride, were ready for a change.

The consuming, long commutes on congested highways and roadways felt like stolen time after a while. The packed sidewalks throughout the city lost their wonder. The desire to live somewhere where the air was a bit more open and places were more accessible within minutes, not hours, grew more and more appealing. What if they could walk to the coffee shop, the dry cleaner, the library and pick up a baked good on the way back home within an hour or so?

Lyons and McBride were old enough to start thinking about their future retirement, but were not ready to do it just yet. Instead, they wanted a change of pace — to enjoy parts of their day again in between the bigger tasks.

Lyons remembered a place like that, and decided it was time to return to a familiar place and see how life could be again in Dowagiac.

“We just kind of got tired of the big city.

We were kind of done,” Lyons said. “It was

very crowded, very expensive, very hard to get around. We wanted to have a little simpler, less stressed way of living.”

Lyons is from Dowagiac, and her family still resides there. The roots already in place were a part of the draw to “come home” for Lyons.

Moving back home and purchasing a house that would require tending to felt like a big commitment, however, as Lyons and McBride were used to traveling for work.

As they sought a place to live, they could not find exactly what they were looking for.

Then, looking at the downtown and some of the buildings there, the couple realized if they could not find it, they would build it.

“The building we are living in now was for sale, and from a Seattle perspective, it was an incredibly reasonable price,” Lyons said. “We thought, ‘what if we renovated the building and made it work for us?’”

Moving away from Seattle and coming back to Dowagiac was a big change for Lyons and McBride. To purchase properties to manage and restore in the heart of downtown, and

bring high-end apartments and short-term rentals to the area, has been a different kind of venture for the two of them.

McBride said they fell into looking at the properties in Dowagiac on a whim.

“Shannon was traveling, and her boss was looking at houses,” McBride said. “She was like, ‘I’m going to look at something too.’”

McBride, a software engineer, was able to begin working remotely a year or so before COVID-19 made that shift for many individuals. The transition gave her and Lyons the ability to travel, look at the building and begin renovations.

Exploring the building in downtown Dowagiac’s N. Front Street corridor, Lyons and McBride saw the way to make their way in Dowagiac. While apartments are in no lack of supply in Dowagiac, higher-end apartments and short-term rentals seemed to be to Lyons.

The couple experienced the appeal of Dowagiac and knew others would find it appealing as well.

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They saw the potential, and invested in the building they now call home: 115 S. Front St. City leaders like Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority, are also pleased with what Lyons and McBride have done in downtown.

“Reinvestment in the community and in our central business district is key to the continued development of Dowagiac,” Phillipson said.

“In recent years, as downtown property owners have relocated, reached retirement age or have passed away, several storefronts have changed ownership. In some cases, these are properties that were held by an individual or one family for multiple decades.”

Lyons and McBride spent time talking with family and friends before the building was done and ready to move into. By the time it was finished, every space had a plan. Lyons and McBride could move into their apartment knowing the storefronts on the first floor would have eager tenants waiting to move in.

They were also able to see what other business owners had done to convert their buildings in the downtown area, like what Jordan Anderson, owner of The Baker’s Rhapsody, and husband Hector Rivas did in renovating their building just down the block.

“They were nice enough when we were looking at our building to allow us to see what their apartments looked like,” Lyons said of the living space above the bakery.

“We got to see what was behind the scenes and see that it can be done,” McBride added.

Lyons spent quite a bit of time in Seattle after graduating from Dowagiac Union Senior High School in the late 1980s.

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Her father, Don Lyons, ran Lyons Industries beginning in the 1970s. The last name continues to be familiar to those in Dowagiac, as Lyons Industries continues to be run by the Lyons family. Don was first elected mayor of Dowagiac in 1997, and has held the seat each election since. Don and wife, Joan, have run the Heddon Museum in Dowagiac since 1996. The museum showcases the history and contributions of the Heddon family to the city, and to the sport of fishing. Returning to Dowagiac was a homecoming for Shannon.

Prior to her and McBride’s permanent return, Shannon Lyons attended a high school reunion with her former classmates. One of the concerns many had surrounding the event was where to stay. Neighboring communities of South Bend, Niles and St. Joseph had hotels and Airbnb-type rentals available, but not as many were available in Dowagiac.

It showed Lyons another market she and her wife could explore. With a second apartment to fill in the building, Lyons and McBride settled on a short-term rental model for the space.

“There really isn’t a place to stay in town,” Lyons said. “There’s a lot of lake places in the summer.”

McBride pointed out that professionals moving to the area, like themselves, may have a harder time finding a place to put down roots without a temporary living situation arranged.

“We have a college, factories, a hospital — we have professionals coming into the community,” McBride said. “They need somewhere to stay until they can find a house.”

Now, with two more buildings under contract, including the Harvey’s Shop building Lyons and McBride intend to renovate into more high-end apartments with commercial space on the first

floor, they are happy and settling into downtown Dowagiac. They want to make the city more accessible to professionals building their career in the area, without having to commute from a home nearly an hour away.

With the pandemic firmly cemented in the minds of city dwelling professionals, Lyons believes there will be even more people seeking to do what she and McBride have set out to do.

“It’s not easy, but it’s absolutely doable,” Lyons said. “I think [the pandemic] is going to hasten people leaving cities and coming to smaller cities where their money goes a little further. Places they can walk to the coffee shop, the dry cleaner’s, the library, the train station and go to an outdoor concert. You really have everything accessible to you and not at an hour’s drive in traffic.”

In the case of the Harvey Shop building, at 143 S. Front St., Lyons said it was empty for a long time, making it an extensive renovation that will take some time. The building is a large-scale project to take on.

“Harvey’s closed in 1979. It’s been empty since 1979,” she said.

As buildings sit empty, they settle. Small problems grow into structural failings over time if not taken care of.

The city acquired the property, and Lyons and McBride put together a proposal and acquired the building in mid-2020. The building will have a commercial space on the first floor and high-end apartments upstairs.

“It’s right in the heart of downtown, right across from The Baker’s Rhapsody,” Lyons said. “It’s right across from the train station — you can’t miss it.”

Phillipson hopes the new life will bring more to the Dowagiac downtown for everyone to enjoy.

“The finished product will provide quality, upscale retail space for another new business, as development of the second level also boosts foot traffic within that block, and the entire downtown,” she said.

In Lyons’ and McBride’s hunt for the perfect place to continue the later years of their professional lives together, they fell back in love with Dowagiac.

As more professionals find they may be able to work remotely — and they leave the larger cities for places with a bit more of a community feel — both Lyons and McBride think Dowagiac is a great place for people to discover.

“We moved here, and we really enjoy it,” Lyons said. “We like being able to be a part of a smaller community where we can have more of an impact.”

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town great WHAT MAK

ES YOUR

WHAT MAKES DOWAGIAC GREAT?

What makes Dowagiac great? The people, that’s what makes Dowagiac great!

The people of Dowagiac are proud, hardworking people who care about Dowagiac and each other. People from all backgrounds and all walks of life. The people of Dowagiac aren’t just neighbors, they’re friends and family — friends that look out for each other and take care of each other when it’s needed. Family that is always there for each other. This is seen time and time again in the countless acts of generosity that flow through Dowagiac each year. In my 25 years in Dowagiac, I haven’t been a part of an unsuccessful fundraising event. Dowagiac takes care of each other and always steps up to the plate when needed.

I saw this front and center during the Black Lives Matter march this past summer in Dowagiac. I saw a community come together. When other communities were being torn apart, our community was holding hands and standing strong together. This is a community that is proud of its diversity and background. I had an amazing sense of pride that day to be part of Dowagiac.

The support that we receive at the Dowagiac Police and Fire Departments is second to none. I can’t tell you how comforting it is to know that our community backs us and cares about us. We in turn strive to be part of our community. That’s what Dowagiac is, community, a place to make a living, raise a family, laugh and love. A place to call home.

That’s what the people of Dowagiac have built and continue to build.

People are the world’s most valuable resource, and the people of Dowagiac are the best of the best. That’s what makes Dowagiac great!

?

STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY MAXWELL HARDEN/PROVIDED

WHAT MAKES NIILES GREAT?

I think that one of the things that makes Niles so great is how this city and its residents always come together and unite as one to help in whatever capacity is shown to be most needed.

This has never been more evident than in this last year, as I have watched Niles come together to support local businesses during a very trying time for all.

I love the creative and helping spirit that Niles has always had. They take any issue thrown at them and work together to figure out a viable solution. Niles is a great place to live.

AMANDA DUNNEM CITY OF NILES WARD 2 COUNCILWOMAN

STEVEN GRINNEWALD DOWAGIAC PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR

WHAT MAKES EDWARDSBURG GREAT? We are very proud of our first responders being the police, fire and ambulance. The support and appreciation from our residents is outstanding. We have just completed a five-year park and recreation plan (2021-2025), and we had more than 400 residents respond to the plan’s questionnaire. We are also proud of the Edwardsburg Public Schools system, the Edwardsburg Sports Complex, our local Lions Club and our very active chamber of commerce.

JERRY MARCHETTI ONTWA TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR

WHAT MAKES CASSOPOLIS GREAT?

First of all, we have a very unique, rich history. The Underground Railroad went through here, and Cassopolis was one of the state’s original colonies. We’re a lakeside community that features plenty of water activities.

I think one of the greatest assets that we have is that we’re a blended community. Black, white, Hispanic, native and Asian populations. I have lived here my whole life, and to my knowledge, there have not been any racial tensions. We get along with each other.

My grandfather was born in 1878 in Cass County. My family has been here for centuries. To my knowledge, it has always been a quiet, peaceful community.

DAVID JOHNSON CASSOPOLIS VILLAGE PRESIDENT COMMUNITY | HORIZONS 2021

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MORE THAN A GAME Local athletic rivalries bring communities together STORY MAXWELL HARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY EMILY SOBECKI

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acked stadiums. Raucous pep assemblies. Intense banter. The joy of bragging rights.

For communities across the country, high school sports rivalries are powerful events. Friends from across town become bitter enemies, if only for a few hours. Shops and businesses sport school colors to show their allegiance. The school fight song echoing through the rafters feels even better than it usually does.

Separated by just 14 miles, the communities of Niles and Dowagiac have been long standing rivals in many aspects, most notably high school football.

A series that dates back to 1896, the Vikings and the Chieftains played in their 103rd game against each other after a 15-year hiatus from 2005 to 2020.

Dowagiac emerged victorious with a 20-0 win over the Vikings to tie the all-time series at 49 wins, 49 losses and five ties.

The win was special for second-year Dowagiac head coach Randy Brooks, who was a 16-year assistant at Dowagiac starting in 1989 and helped the 1990 Chieftains win the Class BB state championship.

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“I told them the first year I was coaching here, in 1989, we were 8-0 and Niles was 3-5, and they beat us,” Brooks said. “That’s the way it goes, you throw the records out the window. It’s a backyard ball. I think for the guys that used to play, it means a lot to them. From both sides, if you go to a basketball game, they’ll tell a story about the Niles-Dowagiac football game. It really means more to them than probably the players involved in the game this year, but it’s a cool thing. They should have been playing this game all along. It’s unfortunate that the rivalry got broken up.”

Dowagiac senior Wyatt Bailey was happy to earn a win and become part of the rivalry’s history.

“It feels pretty good because we could start it off after it stopped,” Bailey said. “We can start it off with a win and even up the series and then next year our team can win it, and we can be in the lead again.”

While the loss stung, Niles head coach Joe Sassano was glad his team was able to be part of a longstanding tradition.

“They need to understand that there’s a long line of guys that came way before them,” Sassano

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said. “It’s more than just them; there’s history.

This was a great opportunity to kind of work on that history here a little bit and give them as much of a history lesson as we could.”

Due to the rivalry’s extended hiatus, there were players on both teams who were born after the last game and grew up without experiencing the rivalry. Sassano brought in guest speakers consisting of former players and coaches to help players understand what the rivalry is all about.

Niles assistant coach Paul DePoy played football for the Vikings from 2003-2006 and played against Dowagiac in 2005, the last game before the hiatus. As the only player or coach to participate in the rivalry from Niles, DePoy was fired up the week leading up to the game.

“It’s awesome,” DePoy said. “It’s an electric atmosphere no matter what. Even with a limited number of fans, just seeing these two teams play again was great. This is my 10th year coaching now, and I always talk to kids about Dowagiac.

‘You guys don’t know nothing. There’s five, 6,000 people in the stands.’ It really is something special.”

Given the unpredictability of the season’s

prospects, Niles senior quarterback Chase Andres and freshman quarterback Talon Brawley were proud to represent their community on the football field.

“We’re excited to bring it back,” Andres said.

“We’re moving the Wolverine Conference next year, so we’ll be able to continue it. It was one of the longest rivalries in the state of Michigan every year before they stopped, so I’m glad to be a part of it. As a senior, being able to get my senior year back and to bring back a rivalry the same year has been great.”

“We lost a few games, but it was a real special thing to play this year,” Brawley said. “We’re lucky. We could have had it taken away from us.”

Prominent area rivalries are not exclusive to the gridiron. They can be found elsewhere, including the hardwood. Josh Hood knows that better than most. Hood, assistant principal at Brandywine High School in Niles, has experienced his fair share of rivalry games against Niles and Buchanan, both as a Bobcats basketball player himself as well as coach of the girls basketball team.

Hood has coached the Bobcats for 12 years

and has amassed 10 district titles, seven regional titles, two state final four appearances and eight conference championships. He understands how important the Brandywine-Buchanan rivalry is to both communities.

“You know these people,” Hood said. “The thing about small communities is that the high school is the epicenter of the community. We have a lot of pride for our communities. You never want to lose because you’ll hear about it from everyone. They’re only five miles away. The players become friends because they’ll play travel ball or see each other outside of sports. There are so many friendships built, and ultimately, the game comes down to bragging rights.”

When the Buchanan Bucks enter the Bobcat Den, Brandywine students in the fan section are typically decked out head to toe in camouflage, ready to hunt the Bucks. Buchanan’s awardwinning student section comes ready to yell, taunt, dance and sing across the court, determined to drown out the Bobcats’ growls.

On the court, a sea of maroon and gold blends with maroon and white as players who have known their opponents since childhood, having played youth leagues and travel ball with friends

fewer than five miles away, battle it out for a win.

Rivalry games are also events where communities can join together in order to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

In the last decade, the Brandywine community has come together to raise more than $30,000 for the Brian Parker Foundation with its annual Cats for the Cure game.

Members of the basketball program sell T-shirts or accept donations, which assist the foundation in providing educational materials, research grants, monetary assistance and monetary support to those who have cancer.

“To be able to raise that kind of money for this foundation speaks volumes about our Brandywine community,” Hood said. “This foundation does so much for southwest Michigan, and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and helping them continue to do what they do. We are very grateful for the Parkers, and we hope to keep going strong for many years to come.

“We’ve been lucky,” Hood continued. “Buchanan has helped us out the past few years. It’s nice to see communities come together. You always want to win but at then end of the day, raising funds for something like this is big. I have a lot of respect for

their coaches.”

Despite the white-hot intensity the games themselves may bring, Hood makes sure to approach each rivalry game like the other games on the schedule.

“For me and our staff, we prepare the same if the opponent is Buchanan or Comstock,” Hood said. “If you’re a good coach, you shouldn’t put more emphasis on one game over the others. The community loves it.

You play in big crowds in a high intensity atmosphere.

From a coaching standpoint, you take things game by game as if every game is a rivalry. People want us to hate Buchanan. We share film and talk basketball. I have nothing but respect for their program.”

From Niles-Dowagiac to Brandywine-Buchanan and beyond, rivalry games have a way of bringing out a level of school spirit that allows community members to come together as one, if even for a few days a year.

“That’s what makes it so special,” said Mike Morrison, Brandywine alum and Bobcat announcer, of Brandywine’s rivalry with Buchanan. “It’s a tradition that never dies. That’s the game that you talk about. We always circle it on our calendar. This is your time to represent your community, win or lose. It’s a great feeling.”

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