Lifemadesimple

Things Every Resident & Visitor Should Know Highlights From Area Communities

Check Out All The Fun Attractions & Upcoming Events!

2 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

excel o t y l al d loc e r I Insp

globally

new For

2013

Montessori pre-school

niles

community schools Making a decision about where you send your child to school is about more than textbooks, bricks and mortar. It’s about providing the vital preparation necessary to ensure success as they take their place in the world. at niles community schools your child is important to us. you are important to us. we will work together with you for the best education for your child. college & career readIness-on/oFF caMpUs eastsIde connectIons school

nIles new tech

early college

expanded cte prograM

w-a-y & w-a-y Forward

MontessorI pre-school

strIVe at ballard

proFessIonal health careers acadeMy

FUtUr r U o r o d at I o n F bUIldIng a FoUn

www.nilesschools.org

e.

June 2013 • 3

Life Made Simple

Berrien County Introduction ....................................... Page 4

Pokagon-Sumnerville ....................... Page 41

Buchanan .......................................... Page 6

Stevensville .................................... Page 42

Buchanan Calendar of Events.................................... Pages 8 & 9

Berrien Springs ............................... Page 43

Niles ................................................. Page 10

Harbert ............................................ Page 44

Niles Calendar of Events ................................. Pages 14 & 15

Bridgman ........................................ Page 44

Cass County Introduction ...................................... Page 18

New Buffalo ..................................... Page 46 St. Joseph ........................................ Page 47

Cassopolis ....................................... Page 20

Baroda ............................................. Page 47

Benton Harbor ................................. Page 42

Coloma-Watervliet ........................... Page 44

Three Oaks ...................................... Page 45

Union Pier ....................................... Page 48

Dowagiac Calendar of Events ......................................... Page 23

Lakeside ......................................... Page 48

Dowagiac ........................................ Page 24

Sawyer............................................. Page 49

Edwardsburg .................................... Page 31 Edwardsburg Calendar of Events ......................................... Page 34 Indiana South Bend .......................................Page 37

Granger ........................................... Page 38 Mishawaka ...................................... Page 40 Off the Water Sister Lakes ..................................... Page 41

Eau Claire......................................... Page 49 Galien ...............................................Page 50 Directory Section

Recreation Guide ..............................Page 50 Health & Fitness Guide ..................... Page 51 Home Improvement Guide ................ Page 51 Automotive Guide ............................ Page 52 Apartment Guide ...............................Page 53 Professional Services Guide ............ Page 54 Senior Living Guide ......................... Page 54

4 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

BERRIEN COUNTY Berrien County’s location in the heart of Michigan’s southwest makes it a prime market for business, industry and tourism.

Its substantial and wide variety of agriculture has established locally grown crops as major attractions for tourists and food processors. Five hundred and eight-five square miles of scenic natural beauty with 42 miles of shoreline on Lake Michigan make Berrien County a choice destination for tourists, artists and naturalists.

Location Strategically located on the Chicago/Detroit, Grand Rapids/ Indianapolis vectors, Berrien County is served by major interstate highways, airports, rail Jennifer Stolpe took this photo of the fountains transportation and shipping — at Silver Beach in St. Joseph both deep draft and river barge.

Berrien County contains 22 townships, eigh cities and nine villages. route extending from Montreal ently the site of St. Joseph. The the county had a minus 3.5 perto New Orleans, a busy portage County was named in honor of cent growth rate during this 10History from the St. Joseph River to the John M. Berrien of Georgia, an year period. In 2010, there were Berrien County prominently Kankakee River, which ran just attorney general in President An- 63,054 households and 41,585 appears in the earliest recordings south of Parc Aux Vaches. Many drew Jackson’s cabinet. families in the county. The popuof history in the Northwest Terri- early missions were established lation density was 276.2 per tory. Father Marquette, a French in the Niles vicinity from 1688 square mile. There were 76,922 Residents missionary, entered the St. Jo- to 1800. Berrien County was According to the 2010 United housing units at an average denseph River mouth in 1669, and separated from Lenawee County States Census, Berrien County sity of 135.5 per square mile.

French explorer LaSalle built in 1829 by the Legislative Coun- had a 2010 population of There were 63,054 households Fort Miami at the present site of cil of the Territory of Michigan. 156,813. This is a decrease of out of which 29.6 percent had St. Joseph City in 1679.

The county seat was originally in 5,640 people from the 2000 children under the age of 18 livFort St. Joseph was established the town of Newberryport, pres- United States Census. Overall, ing with them, 47.8 percent were by the French in 1691 just south of the present site of the city of Niles. The fort was surrendered to the British about 1761, capKimberly Wynn tured by Chief Pontiac in 1763, taken by the Spaniards in 1781 took this photo of and by the United States after the runners in the first Revolutionary War. Thus it became known as “the Land of annual pub run Four Flags,” which is the theme from Benton Harbor of the new Berrien County Flag adopted in July 1967. to St. Joseph and Parc Aux Vaches, now the site of Bertrand, was an important back crossing point of the Great Sauk Trial — a trail and waterway

June 2013 • 5

Life Made Simple husband and wife families, 13.6 percent had a female householder with no husband present, 34 percent were non-families, and 28.7 percent were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the county, the population was spread out with 23.4 percent under age of 18, 8.5 percent from 18 to 24, 23.2 percent from 25 to 44, 28.6 percent from 45 to

64, and 16.3 percent who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.

The 2010 American Community Survey one-year estimate indicates the median income for a household in the county was $40,329 and the median income for a family was $51,305. Males

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Wayne Thomas, Pamula Guard, Stephen Thomas, Adam Thomas & Dr. Limda Murphy

had a median income of $26,745 versus $16,289 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,337. About 12.1 percent of families and 16.8 percent of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.5 percent of those younger than the age 18 and 8.3 percent of those age 65 or older.

Jobs Its 42 miles of Lake Michigan

shoreline, 86 inland lakes and the St. Joseph, Galien and Paw Paw Rivers have attracted a substantial tourist trade. Port facilities and strategic location on arterial highways fostered industrial development. Lake-tempered water and rich soil aided the growth of fruit farming and the area has become one of the national leaders in fruit production.

— Wikipedia, berriencounty.org

6 • June 2013

UTILITIES

Life Made Simple

BUCHANAN

Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

GOVERNMENT

City of Buchanan 302 North Redbud Trail, Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-3844 www.cityofbuchanan.com The city commission meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at city hall.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Buchanan population: 4,681 Race: White: 86.26 percent African-American: 10.23 percent Hispanic/Latino: 1.84 percent

FARMERS’ MARKET

Buchanan Farmers’ Market 112 Days Ave., Buchanan 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

LEGISLATORS

Dave Pagel, R-Berrien Springs, state representative for District 78, Office Phone: (888) 3730078, Mail: 1097 Anderson House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48909, Email: DavePagel@ house.mi.gov John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

Craig Haupert took this photo of students riding the hay wagon at historic Buchanan School Farm benow.senate.gov.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: senator@levin. senate.gov.

Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARY

Buchanan District Library 128 E. Front St. (269) 695-3681 www.buchananlibrary.org

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building, PARKS Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: n Kathryn Park, 4th and Moccatellupton@mail.house.gov. sin streets — Playground U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Dn McCoy Creek Park, off of Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224- Smith Street 4822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate — Softball/baseball fields, playOffice Building, Washington, ground, picnic facilities, shelter DC 20510, Email: senator@sta-

available for rent n McCoy Pond Park, Red Bud Trail and Front Street n Veteran’s Memorial, picnic facilities, access to McCoy Creek n Old City Hall Park, Oak and Front streets — Gardens, home of Arbor Day — Celebrations each April n Victory Park, Victory and Arctic streets — Basketball court, play equipment, benches

POLICE AND FIRE

City of Buchanan Police: (269) 695-5120 Fire: (269) 695-5592

SCHOOLS

Buchanan Community Schools 401 W. Chicago St., Buchanan (269) 695-8400 www.buchananschools.com

SENIOR CENTER

Buchanan Area Senior Center 810 Rynearson

(269) 695-7119

UTILITIES

Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

Municipal Utilities Department of Public Works Located: 302 North Redbud Trail, Buchanan Phone: (269) 695-3844 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: www.cityofbuchanan.com

Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

June 2013 • 7

Life Made Simple

TOP QUESTIONS ASKED ABOUT BUCHANAN

Q: When is trick-or-treat?

A: The city commission sets the policy for trick-or-treat and we try to get them to set the dates in September.

your garden, naturally

www.fernwoodbotanical.org 269.695.6491

Q: When are the citywide garage sales?

A: That is usually on a Friday and Saturday in June, but check with our website (cityofbuchanan.com) and on Facebook, to find out the date. This year it’s June 14-15.

Q: When is spring cleanup?

A: That’s where we provide dumpsters to city residents to come in and bring their junk in. That is usually in May. It can also be found on the city website and Facebook.

Q: City ordinances. We get a lot of questions about these.

A: It is also on our website. You have to navigate a little bit to find them. You can call (269-695-3844) too, either one.

— Gladys Bybee, Buchanan City Clerk

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED I N B U C H A N A N U N T I L .....

You have stopped at the Union Coffee House, 115 E. Front St., Buchanan, for a hot cup of coffee or a bite to eat.

This one-of-a-kind cafe is known for its music, food and, of course, coffee.

Everything they serve is fresh, so you don’t have to worry about getting a stale , piece of bread or lettuce that is past its prime.

The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere is artsy, hip and relaxing.

All the coffee served is roasted in Michigan by small, independent operations so you , can take satisfaction in knowing that you are drinking some of the finest coffee around while also supporting small business.

RECYCLE YOUR PAPER FOR FREE

Call 269-684-0900 or 800-722-9710 michianarecyclinganddisposal.com

t s e w h t u So chigan’s Mi Best Kept Hideaway!

For Reservations Call

269.695.3785

• Cabin Rental • Private Lake • Fishing • Playground

• Concession Pavilion • Ice Cream • Recreation Barn • Tent & Rv Campsites • Canoe & Kayak Rental • Beach Swimming

1622 E. Clear Lake Rd. • Buchanan, MI

W W W. F U L L E R S R E S O R T. C O M

8 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES BUCHANAN COMMON THURSDAY CONCERTS START AT 7:00 P.M.

2013 EVENTS

The Common is an outdoor venue on the corner of Roe Street & Days Avenue. Limited seating is available. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

Concerts are held RAIN or SHINE. If it rains, we may move to the stage area or Redbud Community Center (former Senior Center). The Thursday concerts are sponsored by the City of Buchanan.

this father & son duo Justin & Terry Lovelady can put out with Southshore Concert Band songs like Johnny B. Goode, This 65-piece concert band Mama Tried, Stay Here Tonight, brings marches, Broadway hits, patriotic and popular songs to us. I Saw Her Standing There and Pride and Joy. • June 20 July 18…VanDyke Revue 5th Gear A local 4-piece rock and counOur own local Buchanan band try band featuring the greatest playing a variety of music from artists of the 50’s thru the 90’s. yesterday and today including Hear My Girl, Margaritaville, country.

Tennessee Waltz and lots more great hits.

• July 4

• June 13

Ernie Givens & The White Lies • August 1

A six-piece country & western Truth-n-Jazz band playing all your favorites.

An 18-piece band performing Pre-show JT & The Bare Essentials big band jazz standards.

• July 11

• August 8

Be amazed at the diversity that

Hear songs expressing their

JT & The Bare Essentials

Blue Water Ramblers

Come Down to the s’ Market!

Buchanan Farmer in season and taste what’s

Open from May 4 - October 19, 2013 • Every Saturday from 8:00am - 1:00pm • Downtown Buchanan on the Common

Vendor opportunities AVAilAble!

For more information call 269-506-3021 or buchananfarmersmarketmaster@gmail.com www.buchananfarmersmarket.com

Soak Up, Wind Down

Experience a day spa dedicated to your complete enjoyment & relaxation!

Massage • Manicure • Pedicure • Facials • Waxing •

Havens Retreat Day Spa 113 Main Street • Buchanan, MI • 269-697-8170

We Specialize in Asian Imports!

“We strive to provide the finest customer service possible in a proficient and artistic atmosphere.”

-Cherie Cozadd

owner/stylist

Dog E Style 324 E Dewey Street • Suite 107 Buchanan, MI • 269-591-0036 AForburger07@aol.com

Allexia Forburger, Owner (Located across the street from the Duck Pond)

Looking for the perfect gift?

BREATHE

We’ve got you covered!

Unique gift ideas for him, her & home!

January 2013-2014

We are the ONLY ASE Certified BLUE SEAL OF EXCELLENCE Repair Shop in Berrien County

269.697.8380 • 711 E. Front St. • Buchanan

www.automotioncarecare.com

FrontCustom Street Framery Framing & Gift Shop

801 E. Front Street • Buchanan • 269-695-5135 Tues - Thurs: 10 - 5 • Fri: 10-4 • Sat: 10 - 2

June 2013 • 9

Life Made Simple unique take on life present and past presented in a mixed style from country to Cajun, rock to reggae, bluegrass to the blues and gospel.

STOP, LUNCH & LISTEN BUCHANAN COMMON

LAST SATURDAY CONCERT Common Stage – 7:00 p.m.

• July 4 Thursdays, Noon to 1 p.m. Jetta & The Jellybeans Free summer program for • July 11 preschool and elementary aged children on the Common Stage, sponsored by the DDA and the Buchanan District Library.

• June 29 Jesse Dee

• June 13

• July 29 Samantha Crain

• June 20

Chris Fascione, Juggling , Funny Stories

Clay Coach Jeff Yohe, Baseball Clinic

• August 31 • June 27 Larry Keel & Natural Bridge Potawatami Zoo

Gifts & Greeting

for everyone & every occasion!

We make it easy with one-stop gift shopping for every celebration ...or just because!

• Jewelry • Clothing & Shoes • Hand Bags (including Jeans) • Home Decor • Craft Beer & Wine • Kitchen Wares

111 Main St. Buchanan, MI 269-695-6650

• September 1 (Sunday) Harvest Buchanan –Art Buchanan Fire Dept. – Spray & Jazz Fest Park Day • July 25 Cirque Amongus—Circus Fun • November 30 (Saturday) White Saturday – Downtown • August 1 Shopping Event Buchanan Art Center • August 8 • January 25, 2014 (Saturday) Dave VanDyke, Get Your THRILL ON THE HILL Music On! • July 18

delicious

FAMILY DINING

269-695-9515

?

Check Out the Multi-Task Kombi System Trimmers & Yard Boss Cultivator

• • •

See and Try Our Easy 2 Start Chainsaws and Grass Trimmers

Tools, Not Toys 3 Miles North of Buchanan at 14056 Red Bud Trail

269-695-9009

www.stihlusa.com

fast Breakved Ser AY! ALL D

& friendly service.

We’ll Make you feel right at home with great food s oin U 708 E. FRONT ST. BUCHANAN, MI 49107

Pick up the POWER Are you ready for a

Drummunity, Rhythmic Fun for Everyone

AND EVEN MORE EVENTS! • June 25 (Tuesday) Ronald McDonald at noon at the Common Stage

CHEERS! Known for GREAT Burgers, HUGE Chicken Sandwiches

& Friendly Atmosphere!

215 E. Front St • Buchanan

269.695.2233

J MONDAY–FRIDAY For 10 DINNERS For Just

$5.59

10 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

NILES GOVERNMENT

City of Niles 333 N. 2nd St., Niles Phone: (269) 683-4700 Website: www.ci.niles.mi.us City council meets at 1345 E. Main St. on the second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m.

DEMOGRAPHICS

n Population: 11,600 n Mean travel time to work: 20 minutes n Average household income: $31,757 n Median home value: $88,400 n Race: — White: 80.3 percent — African-American: 12.4 percent — Hispanic/Latino: 5.7 percent n Education: — High school diploma: 82.6 percent — Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.6 percent n Gender: — Females: 52.9 percent — Males: 47.1 percent

FARMERS’ MARKET

Niles Bensidoun French Market West Main and Front streets, Niles Thursday and Saturday

HEALTH CARE

Cassopolis OB/GYN and MIHP 60 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 683-0300

TOP

Q:What is the Four Flags?

A: It is a history question.

It refers to the four nations that occupied Fort St. Joseph in Niles at one time or another: French, British, Spanish and, finally, America.

S.M. Curran took this photo of the Niles Burn Run, where even the dog seemed to enjoy the ride.

Lakeland Community Hospital 31 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 683-5510 Lakeland Cancer Specialists within Lakeland Community Hospital 31 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 428-4411 Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center 6 Longmeadow Village Drive,

QUESTIONS

Suite 2, (269) 687-4673 Lakeland Ear, Nose and Throat 60 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite C Phone: (269) 687-2910 Fax: (269) 687-8770 Lakeland Family Care of Niles 4 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 2 (269) 684-6000

ASKED

Q: Where can I get a passport?

A: A lot of people don’t know the answer to that. You might think you have to go to a county office, but you can go down to the post office.

They make it really easy for you.

ABOUT

Q: What kind of field do you think my child should get into?

A: Looking long range, the next 30 to 50 years, with the population average growing there will be a need for people to take care of them.

There are thousands of good

Lakeland Family Medicine, Niles 24 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite G (269) 684-5002 Lakeland General Surgery 60 North St. Joseph Ave., Suite E (269) 684-6696 Lakeland Orthopaedics 6 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 1 (269) 684-6484

NILES

jobs out there in nursing or at retirement homes. They all need staff, administrators and personal care givers.

— Ron Sather, Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce

June 2013 • 11

Life Made Simple

www.NilesMi.com

Get the most out of your Marketing Dollars.

Startin

g at

125

$

per ye ar

Web Banner Ad Sizes: 150 x 75

150 x 150

Increase your business’ exposure with a web site banner on the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce website. On average, your banner ad can be seen by more than 10,000 potential customers each month!

FOUR FLAGS AREA

CHAMBER of COMMERCE

Building a Better Business Community 321 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120 • 269-683-3720 • chamber@nilesmi.com

150 x 225

For more information visit: www.nilesmi.com Or scan here with your smart phone.

12 • June 2013

Life Made Simple Lakeland Urology 24 N. St. Joseph Ave. (269) 684-5447

Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: tellupton@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, DMich., Office Phone: (202) 2244822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: senator@stabenow.senate.gov.

Sleep Medicine of Lakeland 6 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 1 (269) 408-1115 Southwestern Medical Clinic Center for Women’s Health/Obstetrics and Gynecology 60 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite B1 (269) 687-0808

Years of Beautiful Smiles for Children in Need.

Southwestern Medical Clinic Adult-Internal Medicine and Family Medicine 2002 S. 11th St. (269) 687-0200

has exhibited his passion for giving children healthy smiles on his many missions to dental clinics all over the world.

Here in our community, Dr. Beckermeyer annually participates in the ADA Foundation’s National “GIVE KIDS A SMILE!” program.

Each year, on the first Friday in February FREE dental cleanings for children 18 and under are offered as a service to the community. www.drbeckermeyer.com

Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, MI 48909

Pediatrics 2002 South 11th St. (269) 687-0200 Walk-In Clinic 2002 S. 11th St. (269) 687-0200

Dr. Richard Beckermeyer, DDS, P.C.

Richard L Beckermeyer, D.D.S., PC

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: senator@levin. senate.gov.

LIBRARY

Niles District Library 620 E. Main St. (269) 683-8545

PARKS

n Birkholm Park, Clarendon and 14th streets — Playground and picnic facilities n Cass Street Park, Cass and Eighth streets — Play structures, tetherball, basketball court, picnic facilities n Plym Park, Marmont and Plym Park Road.

— Play structures, picnic shelter, tennis courts, soccer field, softball, basketball n Eagle Street Park, Eagle and Fifth streets — Playground n Tot Park, Pokagon and 11th streets — Playground n Eastside Park, 17th and Syca-

LEGISLATORS

Dave Pagel, R-Berrien Springs, state representative for District 78, Office Phone: (888) 3730078, Mail: 1097 Anderson House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48909, Email: DavePagel@ house.mi.gov John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building,

BUILDING A STRONGER

COMMUNITY

269.683.6461 123 Marmont Street, Niles

y WHERE YOU CAN FIND YOUR “PATHWAY TO Health SMILES!”

• $5 Drop iN FitNeSS claSSeS – No memberShip NeceSSary • youth programS • obeSity preveNtioN programS • aFter School programS • FitNeSS challeNgeS

www.NB-YMCA.ORG

NILES-BUChANAN YMCA

905 N. FroNt St. • 683-1552

June 2013 • 13

Life Made Simple more streets — Play structure, picnic shelter, softball/baseball field, basketball court n Saathoff Park, Maple and Ninth streets — Playground, soccer field, basketball court n Clevenger Park, Cherry and Fifth streets — Play structure, picnic shelter n Riverfront Park, along east side of St. Joseph River, Wayne

to Fort streets — Boat ramp, play structure, skate park, amphitheater, walking trails, picnic facilities/shelters n Island Park, entrance off Parkway, south of Broadway Street — Bridge to island, picnic shelter, playground equipment n Marmont Street Boat Ramp, Marmont Street at the St. Joseph River — Boat ramp

WE DO IT ALL and we ALWAYS do it for LE$$ Call or Stop by today!

30

Michiana’s • Free Estimates Largest • Complete Auto Service NAPA Auto Ca re Center • Fully Licenced & Insured • Convenient Hours: Monday – Friday: 8a-6p, Saturday: 9a-4p

Clark’s Service

1901 Oak Street • Niles 269-683-8516

Enjoy these great

WEEkday valuEs! sports, Beer & jumbo wings

Monday- 49¢ Wing & domestic Bottle Specials TueSday- Chicken Tenders, domectic draft Specials & Imports WedneSday- Shrimp & 34 oz Schooner Specials ThurSday- Boneless Wings & 60 oz Pitcher Specials

2008 S. 11th St. • Niles

683-9464

www.wingsetc.net/locations/wings_niles.html

Mon-Thurs: 11am – 11pm Fri & Sat: 11am – Midnight Sunday: 11am – 10 pm

DALE RIFENBERG

Insurance

Your future quarterback . . .

You’re his biggest fan, his agent and his Mom. Secure his dreams, no matter what, with life insurance from Auto-Owners Insurance.

Marcia A. Rifenberg

214 N. 4th St., Niles, MI 49120

(269) 684-5260

501 Main St., St. Joseph, MI 49085

(269) 983-7101

Owner 118 Main Street Buchanan, MI 49107

AUTO • HOME • FARM BUSINESS • MOTORCYCLES RV • WATERCRAFT

Office: 269-695-1200

| Cell: 269-470-5824

14 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

Repairs & Prices You Can Trust!

• Tune-Ups

The

NUGGETT 2013 EVENTS Downtown Grill Every Saturday

• Exhaust Systems • Heating & A/C

www.playteamtrivia.com

THURSDAYS

Starting at 7:00 pm

• Electrical

FRIDAYS

• Engine Issues • Steering, Tires & Suspension.

From 9:30pm – 1:30 am

Free Community Lunch

from Noon-2PM Downtown Trinity Episcopal Church 9 S. 4th Street

Every Wednesday “Bring It” Car Show,

Downtown Niles 6:30 – 9:30PM

LIVE MUSIC

• July 18 – TBA 7 PM • July 19 – Frankenweenie – sponsored by Lake Michigan Mailers – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland

www.nuggettdowntowngrill.com

• July 22 – Niles Viking Reunion Weekend

• July 1 – The BOXCARS with The Balos Family 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) • July 4 – The Whistle Pigs 7 PM

222 E. Main St. Niles, MI 49120 269-684-7177

• July 17 – Hillbenders Bluegrass 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Every Thursday from 9-2 pm & From 8:30 pm – 12:30 am Saturday from 8-12 pm Niles Bensidoun 202 E. Main St. • Niles French Market 684-8788 SATURDAYS

269-684-8400

• July 14 – Goldmine Pickers & Niles Burn Run 7 PM (with 6 PM opener)

bellasgm@gmail.com

Owner

www.facebook.com/BellasGiftsAndMemories

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? Allergy Fast Solutions Prescriptions Medication Experienced Compounding Facility Care

Personal Care

• July 21 – BAD Nicholas 7 PM (with 6 PM opener)

• July 24 – Great White Caps Surf Music 6:30 – 9:30 PM

• July 25 – The Great White Caps • July 4 – Independence 7 PM Day Fireworks!

Dusk Apple FestivalGrounds • July 26 – Wreck it Ralph 17th St, next to Jr. High School – sponsored by Pat Colburn Agency, Inc • July 5 – The Goonies – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland • July 7 – Henhouse Prowlers • July 28 – The Giving Tree Band 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) • July 10 – Red Hot Voodoo • July 31 – Van Dyke Revue 6:30 – 9:30 PM 6:30 – 9:30 PM • July 11 – Ten Minute Warm-Up • Aug 1–4 – Riverfest!

7 PM – Raft Parade, Dragon Boats, • July 12 – Hunger Games Cart Motorcycle Show, live – sponsored by Pizza Transit music, arts & crafts, food & – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland fun for all ages

Specialists

• July 13-14 – Niles Burn Run All day, Main Street

Household Needs

OPEN 8 - 5 • Monday - Friday

• August 1 – High Life 7 PM

LOWESt PriCES iN tOWN, gUArANtEEd!!

FrEE rx dELiEvErY Niles Family

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm Closed Sunday

70 E. Main St. • 683-1400 • Next to Secretary of State

Repair • Networking • Web Design 269-683-4524

218 N. Front Street NILES 269-635-5051

306 E. Main St. Suite 200 Niles, MI We love technology.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

June 2013 • 15

Life Made Simple

Olfactory Hue Bistro Brunch • Lunch Dinner • & Catering 226 E Main St. • Niles • 269.687.0880

M, T, TH & Sat: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm, Wed & Fri: 9:30 am - 8 pm

East Main Gardens

• August 2 – ET – sponsored by Allied Solutions, LLC – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland • August 4 – Riverfest –The Whistle Pigs & Harpeth Rising 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) • August 7 – Acme Box & Crate 6:30 – 9:30 PM

Florist

• August 21 – Alligator Blackbird 6:30 – 9:30 PM • August 22 – David Mayfield Parade 7 PM

• August 8 – Jack Grace Band • August 25 – Cairn to Cairn 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) 7 PM • August 9 – The Lorax – sponsored by Colorful Stitches, Scott Wilson Heating & A/C, and Bussero Bottoms – Outdoor Movie at Wonderland

• August 28 – Elwood Splinters Blues Band 6:30 – 9:30 PM

• August 10-11 – Heritage Route Garage Sale – Michigan’s Largest!

• September 1 – TBA 7 PM (with 6 PM opener)

• August 29 – Top Secret 7 PM

• September 5 – Mark Ficks & The Significant Others • August 11– Patchwork Band 7 PM 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) • September 8 • August 14 – Parkovash – Rockin’ in America – 6:30 – 9:30 PM All Day Rock Tribute to • August 15 – The Freight September 11th Hoppers with Wil Maring 7 PM (with 6 PM opener) & Robert Bowlin • September 26-29 – Four 7 PM Flags Area Apple Festival: • August 18 – Wil Maring Carnival Rides, Entertainment, & Robert Bowlin with the Food, Activities & More!

Freight Hoppers 7 PM (with 6 PM opener)

Wonderland Cinema & Cafe Come get Dinner AND a Movie In One Place!

www.mooretheatres.com

We Deliver Smiles!

1521 E. Main St. • Niles, MI (269) 683-8000 • (800) 924-7525 www.EastMainGardensFlorist.com

109 N. Third St. • Niles • 269-687-8865 Mon–Sat: 10:00 - 7:00 • Sun: 11:00 - 3:00

Women’s Apparel & Accessories

224 E. Main St. • 269-684-8484 www.nilesstyles.com Specializing in “Made in USA” Upscale Women’s Apparel!

OVEN-FRESH

FLAVOR Come in to our new dining room and savor the truly wonderful aroma of sweet, ripe, tomatoes, sizzling pepperoni and melt-inyour-mouth mozzarella cheese cooking in our oven. Then dig into your own custom pizza creation.

Sentiments

Bridal Salon • Tuxedo & Dress Rentals • Prom • Pageants • Formal Wear • Jewelry • Lingerie • Quinceanera

307 E. Main Street 269.684.1556 Tues–Thurs 10-6 Fri 12-6 • Sat 10-5

Where the 2nd pizza is always...

215 E. Main St. Niles, MI

269-684-6600 www.pizzatransit.com

1/2

OFF

16 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

Nothing stands in our way of providing fast, professional towing service when you need it most. Please take a moment right now and add our number to your cell phone in case of an emergency.

269-684-ATOW (2869)

n Southside Park, 15th and Silverbrook Avenue — Play structure, baseball field, basketball court, picnic shelter n Troost Park, Eighth and Ferry streets — Playground n Thomas Stadium, Silverbrook Avenue and 11th Street — Baseball stadium only n F.O.P Park, F.O.P. Drive and State Street — Baseball only

POLICE AND FIRE

City of Niles Police: (269) 683-3282 Fire: (269) 683-2520

Michigan State Police Niles Post Phone: (269) 683-4411 Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Phone: (269) 684-5274

WE CARE!

The areas only “100% GREEN” environmentally friendly tow truck fleet!

32481 US-12 Niles, MI 49120

Melody Grubbs took this photo of a historical re-enactment at Fort St. Joseph.

History buffs should visit the Niles History Center

SCHOOLS

Niles Community Schools 111 Spruce St., Niles Contact: (269) 683-0732, nilesschools.org

Southwestern Michigan College 33890 U.S. Highway 12 (269) 687-1600 www.swmich.edu

Brandywine Community Schools 1830 S. 3rd St., Niles UTILITIES Contact: (269) 684-7150, brandy- Electricity wine.schoolfusion.us Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Niles Adventist School Website: www.indianamichigan110 N. Fairview Ave., Niles power.com Contact: 269-683-5444, nilesadventistschool.org Municipal Utilities City of Niles Utilities Department St. Mary’s School 333 N. Second St., Niles 217 S. Lincoln Ave., Niles Phone: (269) 683-4700 Contact: (269) 683-9191, stHours: Monday through Friday, 8 marysniles.com a.m. to 5 p.m. www.ci.niles.mi.us The Home School HUB Niles Natural Gas Contact: Semco Energy (269) 240-6094, hshub.org Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, Lake Michigan College Bertrand 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Crossing www.semcoenergygas.com 1905 Foundation Drive, Niles (269) 695-2792 www.lakemichigancollege.edu

June 2013 • 17

Life Made Simple

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED I N N I L E S U N T I L .....

You’ve gone to the Niles District Library.

— Angie Pena

You’ve fished at Riverfront Park.

— Austin Pena

You’ve gone to summer festivals like the Apple Festival and the Bluegrass Festival.

— Kristina Boling with Ashton Boling

Visited Riverfront Park.

— Mike Needham with Alaina Needham

Taking Schools of Choice Applications for the 2012-2013 school year K-12 grades, including Alternative and Adult Education Programs with on-site child care.

Merritt and Brandywine

Elementary Schools: a great place to start!

• Safe, caring schools for K-6 grades.

• Strong family support and parent involvement.

Brandywine Middle/Senior High School:

right size; right opportunities!

• 7 period class day.

• Promoting all students to have a strong academic foundation.

• Providing students a wide range of educational opportunities.

Brandywine Community Schools:

the right choice!

Brandywine Community Schools 1830 S. 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120 269-684-7150

www.brandywinebobcats.org

18 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

CASS COUNTY Agricultural strength provides foundation for growth, diversity

By JOHN EBY john.eby@leaderpub.com Cass County Administrator Louis Csokasy highlighted accomplishments and outlined challenges in his first State of the County address.

Residents Cass Countians — coined by Clerk-Register Monica Kennedy — likely belong to one of three groups — agriculture, the county’s largest business sector; lake residents or weekenders; and employees who work in Niles, Elkhart, South Bend or Kalamazoo.

“Communities such as Sister Lakes, Eagle, Diamond, Barron or Birch represent a distinct group with needs different from the agricultural community,” said Csokasy, of Penn Township. “Lately, we have begun to define Cass County as a bedroom community. Seventy percent of residents travel outside the county to work every day.

Cass Countians are older than surrounding peers. Sixteen percent of us, including me, are older than 65.”

Diversity While 90 percent are white, the population is more diverse than 5.5 percent blacks and 1.3 percent Native Americans suggest because “both these groups have a large footprint.”

Eighty-six percent of residents earned high school diplomas, but only 16 percent attained bachelor’s degrees.

Doris Hoyt took this photo of Troy as she participated in the Western Horsemanship class at the Cass County Fair Families “On the family front,” Csokasy said, “83 percent owns homes. This resident is much more likely than in surrounding communities to be a single parent. Median household income is $45,400. Cass County’s unemployment rate, 7.3 percent, beats Michigan and the nation.”

Local government “Overall, government continues to be fiscally conservative,” he said.

“Standard and Poor ’s retained our very respectable AA rating and its letter was as positive as I’ve seen. The county’s financial position remains

strong, in their view. The fiscal 2012 budget ended the year with an audited surplus of $310,000, increasing available general fund reserves to $8 million. The county’s delinquent tax fund, another source of liquidity, had cash and equivalents of $4.8 million and $5.4 million in September of 2011 and 2012, respectively. Property taxes account for the largest general fund revenue source, 63 percent. State revenues, 17 percent. A quick check of townships showed unrestricted assets totaling almost $16 million.”

In the current $13 million county budget, taxes account

for 58 percent of projected revenue.

“Unlike many areas of the state,” Csokasy said, “taxable values in Cass County are projected to actually increase by alrmost $35 million.”

Redistricting Csokasy said, “We need to understand that people drive numbers,” with census redistricting reducing the Board of Commissioners from 15 to seven for the next decade, with new leadership, Chairman Dwight “Skip” Dyes of Calvin Township and Vice Chairman Bernie Williamson of Jefferson Township.

June 2013 • 19

Life Made Simple Commissioners examined during the transition how to do their work more effectively, instituting a Committee of the Whole, which eliminated committees in favor of more public input.

“Many people think I pushed this issue,” the administrator said, but called former commissioner Dale Lowe, Howard Township supervisor, the “father of the Committee of the Whole.”

At the department level, Kennedy, the chief deputy who succeeded Silver Creek Township Clerk Barb Runyon, is joined by Niles attorney Carol Bealor, former assistant prosecutor, as Friend of the Court administrator.

Growth “Southwestern Michigan College continues to develop and grow,” Csokasy said.

“Niles Area Campus (in Milton Township) is expanding. In cooperation with Ferris State University, four-year degrees can be obtained locally. It is safe to say increased educational levels in our county are the direct result of SMC’s success.

“Another success is Cassopolis Family Clinic, breaking ground on a 30,000-squarefoot, $6.4 million facility on the north side of Cassopolis.

The county facilitated this project by making available a five-acre site close to downtown.

“Dowagiac has a Pokagon Band casino identical to those previously established in Hartford and New Buffalo. The tribe will be sharing gaming revenues with entitities impacted by this location,” including Pokagon Township, whose officials had traveled to Lansing this year to accept Gov. Rick Snyder’s award for preserving the Old-Rugged Cross Church.

Agricultural strength “With over 200 crops raised, our agricultural diversity is a real strength,” Csokasy said.

“This industry continues to consolidate from family farms into agri-business. Farms of 5,000 to 10,000 acres are not unusual. We are leading state land value increases due to these changes. For example, the last three large sales of vacant farmland went for $6,000 per acre, $8,000 per acre and $10,200 per acre, depending on irrigation. These are absolutely staggering numbers.”

Setbacks “There have been some setbacks, such as Stamp Farms and Hess Engineering in Milton Township,” he said.

“The good news is those assets remain. We fully expect new owners to make them recover. As a bedroom community with the RV industry improving to the south, commissioners developed a list of multiyear goals, starting with a comprehensive vision for the direction of economic development.

“Second, implementation of electronic document imaging.

Paper is to county government as a swing is to golf — essential, but less is better. The county generates 1.6 million pieces of paper a year,” with records being copied, filed, retrieved and stored at considerable cost. “While some costs will be offset by grants, it will take three to five years and $500,000 to implement.”

Challenges The county must also decide what to do with its 1899 courthouse, 20,000 square feet, three-story facility empty for nine years. Once use is decided, timelines and costs follow.

A fourth goal is resolving “legacy costs. Our unfunded liability for retirement stands at $4.2 million,” Csokasy said.

“This is a key county benefit so we want to study it carefully.

The animal shelter, led by Mike Grice, underwent a complete renovation. The Donnell water project was completed under the leadership of Penn

Patti Zurawski took this photo of Elyse fishing on Stone Lake in Cassopolis in Cass County Township and the Board of Public Works.

Marcellus Township and BPW extended the sewer system in that area. The Road Commission rebuilt the Redfield Street bridge and added a

non-motorized boat launch.

The parks master plan, under Scott Wyman, completed and approved by the state qualifies the county for grants.”

Refinancing debt saved more than $100,000.

20 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

CASSOPOLIS GOVERNMENT

Village of Cassopolis 117 South Broadway, second floor-suite 100, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Phone: (269) 445-8648; fax, (269) 445-2052.

Council meets the second Monday at 7 p.m.

CASS COUNTY FAIR

July 29 through Aug. 4 590 N. O’Keefe St., Cassopolis, MI www.casscountymifair.com

Midway, 4-H events, vendors, supercross, parade, pickup truck and semi pulls, demolition derby, rodeo, firefighter show and more.

DEMOGRAPHICS

n Population: 1,740 n Race: — White: 54.6 percent — African-American: 32.59 percent — Hispanic/Latino: 2.18 percent n Median household income: $28,696

FARMERS’ MARKET

LEGISLATORS

HEALTH CARE

Matt Lori, R-Constantine, state representative for District 59, Office Phone: (877) 262-5959, Mail: N-933 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48933, Email: mattlori@house.mi.gov.

604 S. Disbrow St., 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 .m. Saturday May through September Borgress-Lee Internal Medicine and Family Practice 117 South Broadway (269) 445-0771 Cassopolis Family Clinic 109 School St. (269) 445-3874

John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

Hayley Moore took this photo of Diamond Lake from Howell Point Beach in Cassopolis TOP

QUESTIONS

ASKED

ABOUT

Q: What activities can a person do on in town or on Diamond/Stone Lake?

Cindy LaGrow

A: Boating, fishing, ice fishing, golfing, parades and community events, swimming, paddleboating, many parks in town including Lawless Park and Russ Forest Park.

Q: What types of industries are in Cassopolis?

A: Office building, extrusion, research and development, wood working, painting, farming, welding and metal fabrication.

Q: What types of services are available in town?

CASSOPOLIS

A: Police, fire, trash services

Q: What is a good place to eat?

A: The Smoking Good BBQ, Marcello’s, Broadway Cafe, Twistee Twirl, George’s Cafe, Double K Coffee.

Q: What is so great about Cassopolis?

A: A very community minded community that pulls together to help when people are in need. It is a safe town to live in. Quaint village that is close to large cities within good amenities but you don’t have to live in a big city to enjoy them.

June 2013 • 21

Life Made Simple

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: tellupton@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, DMich., Office Phone: (202) 2244822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

20510, Email: senator@stabenow.senate.gov.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: senator@levin. senate.gov.

Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail:

P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARY

Cass District Library 319 M-62 (269) 445-3400

PARKS

n Don Horne Park, off of M-62 — Picnic facilities, restrooms, baseball/softball fields, two

small pavilions available for rent n Clisbee Park, off of North Broadway — Playground n Southside Park, S. O’Keefe and M-62 — Picnic facilities, playground n Log Cabin Park, located off of Stone Lake ­— Observation deck, restrooms

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PLUS, Stop in to see our Farm Market specials, produce, and grocery items.

LANDSCAPING! Contract / Fixed Price Options

• Volume Discounts • Motor oils & hydraulics in bulk & packaged quantities • Premium Diesel Fuel • Hoses & Filters in stock

• Mulch • Stone • Topsoil • Free Consultation • Full Service • Delivery Available

QUALITY PETROLEUM DISTRIBUTORS Gifts Cards Available!

Serving the community for over 17 years!

Quality Petroleum Distributors

604 Water Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031

(269) 445-2441 (800) 424-3885

(269) 445-8715 21765 M-60, Cassopolis, MI 49031 MON-SAT 8-7pm • SUN 8:30-6pm www.DusselsFarmMarket.com We take EBT & Project Fresh

22 • June 2013

POLICE AND FIRE

Village of Cassopolis Police: (269) 445-8100 Fire: (269) 445-2519

Cass County Sheriff’s Office Phone: (269) 445-8644

SCHOOLS

Cassopolis Public Schools 63700 Brick Church Rd., Cassopolis Contact: 269-445-0500 cassopolis.k12.mi.us

Lewis Cass Intermediate School District 61662 Dailey Rd. (269) 445-3891 www.lewiscassisd.org

SENIOR CENTER

Cass County Council on Aging 60525 Decatur Rd. (269) 445-8110

Life Made Simple

UTILITIES

Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichigan power.com

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED I N C A S S O P L I S U N T I L .....

Municipal Utilities/Trash Residents must sign up through Department of Public Works Cassopolis Village Hall Located: 117 S. Broadway, Suite 100, Cassopolis Phone: (269) 445-8648 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

... you have hiked in Lawless Park.

— Laurel Ward Your mother learns her daughter’s ACT score at the beauty salon before you hav had a chance to tell her.

— Kristine Widerquest Bosler

... you’ve walked the boardwalk of Stone Lake and drank in the beauty of Stone Lake while the sunset melts its pink glow across the water.

— CeeCee Wilson ... you go through a winter.

— Kari Jones

David Jewell took this picture of the fireworks exploding over Diamond Lake

June 2013 • 23

Life Made Simple

DOWAGIAC • SISTER LAKES • CASSOpOLIS Seasonal events, great shopping, dining & museums to explore the fine arts and so much more!

LOUX & HAYDEN REALTY

Farm•Residential•Commerical•Lake 0 years Over 3 g the servin unity! m com

Susan Loux

Certified Residential Appraiser License # 1201002510

125 S. Broadway Cassopolis, MI 49031

For more information on any of these events visit www.dowagiacchamber.com Thursdays Beginning June 6, 2013 Beckwith Park Summer Concert Series

September 1, 2013 Sister Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast

July 6, 2013 Big Foot Fourth of July Parade

Big Foot Monster Golf Tournament

July 6, 2013 Sister Lakes Lions Fireworks July 13, 2013 Lady Lions Craft Bazaar July 20, 2013 Sister Lakes Triathlon & Relay

Week of Halloween Trunk ‘n Treat October 12, 2013 Under the Harvest Moon November 22-24, 2013 Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration November 23, 2013 Theta Mu Sorority Craft Show

July 27, 2013 Steve’s Run

November 30, 2013 Dowagiac White Saturday

July 28 - August 3, 2013 Cass County Fair

December 6, 2013 Candle-light Christmas Parade

August 31 - September 1, 2013 Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow

Your Trusted Advisor

for Life, Home, Auto & Retirement g they Servin munit s!

Com r 28 year e v For o

September 7, 2013

July 25-27, 2013 Summer in the City Sidewalk Sales

August 17, 2013 Rod & Roll Classic Auto Show

Office: 269/445-2633 Fax: 269/445-8293 Toll Free: 269/545-2633 wloux@louxhaydenrealty.com

February 1, 2014 Dowagiac Ice Time

Your Hometown SearS Premier Store

Sears of Dowagiac

John Fox (owner) 56153 m51 South • 269-782-1953

2

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Grames Tire & Battery Sean & Greg Grames

Serving Southwest Michigan for over 40 Years!

ROHDY’S

Heating & Cooling Residential & Commercial Service & Installation Licensed • Insured

29575 M-62 West Dowagiac, MI 49047 Phone:

Jeff Neumann

216 S. Front St. Dowagiac, MI • 269-782-8619 www.farmbureauinsurance.mi.com

(269) 783-0440 Fax:

(269) 782-5552

Inovateus small Business and technology Development Center

a Business Incubator

for start-up businesses and current businesses that are ready to grow

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so that all you have to Do Is grow your BusIness

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CASS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT 62101 M-62 SOUTH CASSOPOLIS, MI (269) 445-2231

24 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

DOWAGIAC DEMOGRAPHICS

n Population: 5,879 n Mean travel time to work: 20 minutes n Average household income: $32,020 n Median home value: $83,600 n Race: — White: 73.5 percent — African-American: 14.3 percent — Hispanic/Latino: 5.4 percent n Education: — High school diploma: 77.6 percent — Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.5 percent n Gender: — Females: 52.4 percent — Males: 47.6 percent

Get the

HEALTH CARE

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital 420 W. High St. (269) 782-8681 Borgess Lee Medical Group Borgess Lee Bone and Joint 420 W. High St. (269) 783-3053

Internal Medicine 400 W. Division St. Dowagiac (269) 782-2111 Borgess-Lee Cardiology 420 W. High St. Surgical Services 515 Main St. (269) 782-2273

Internal Medicine and Family Practice Outpatient Surgery, Adult WalkIn Clinic 520 Main St., Suite A (269) 783-3052

Dowagiac District Library 211 Commercial St. Dowagiac (269) 782-3826

Pediatrics and Pediatric Walk-In Clinic 520 Main St., Suite C (269) 783-2080

n James E. Heddon Park, M-62 East past Colby Street — Picnic facilities, restrooms,

LIBRARY

PARKS

boat launch, fishing areas, vehicle and trailer parking, Mill Pond access n Water Tower Park, Clyborn Street, south of East Prairie Ronde — Picnic facilities, benches, playground, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, softball field n Lions Park, South Front Street, south of Chestnut Street — Access to Dowagiac Creek, fishing areas, pedestrian bridge n Rotary Park, Riverside Drive, south of Hill Street — Picnic facilities, restrooms, playground, skate park, softball/ baseball fields, hiking, nature and cross-country skiing trails n Rudolphi Wildlife Refuge, entrance on Dailey Road

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Our communities are thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and demands of today’s seniors. Our care programs are designed specifically for each individual, providing the highest level of service when it’s most needed.

As your needs change, we change with you. It is our privilege and honor to share in life’s journey.

Rental Center We Rent Power Tools

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Visit our website at www.juddlumber.com for complete inventory & rates of our rental items.

269-782-5300

leisure-living.com

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June 2013 • 25

Life Made Simple

INVEST HERE

LIVE HERE

VISIT HERE

Scott Rose took this photo of Dowagiac Union High School Band trumpeter Jessica Martin during the city’s Memorial Day ceremony at Riverside Cemetery

City of Real People, Real Community, Real Opportunity As you get to know Dowagiac, you’ll be impressed with its Victorian charm, embodied by our vibrant downtown and our many fine and stately older homes as well as our commitment to the exciting promises of the 21st Century.

college, a quality full service hospital, a healthy industrial and commercial base and a community wide commitment to the arts, Dowagiac has all the amenities of a city many times its size while retaining and enjoying its small town warmth and charm.

The citizens of Dowagiac are dedicated to saving and building on our historical heritage, while at the same time embracing and encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit that creates opportunities for all of her citizens.

Whether you’re a first time visitor or someone who knows us well, we invite you to take a little extra time to get to know us better.

We are confident you’ll be impressed with Dowagiac’s commitment to building a better future on the solid foundation of our remarkable heritage.

With excellent schools, an outstanding community

www.cityofdowagiac.com

26 • June 2013

— Parking, nature, hiking and cross-country skiing trails n Walter Ward Park, Cora Street, south of Pokagon Street — Picnic facilities, playground, fields for soccer or football, basketball courts n Northwest Park, Wolf Street, west of North Paul Street — Parking, softball field n Farr Park, West Division Street and Indiana Avenue — Benches n Rudy Park, East Division Street (M-62), past VFW Hall n Burke Park, triangle of Main, North Lowe and Spruce streets n Beckwith Park, downtown Dowagiac, corner of Beeson and South Front streets — Gazebo, benches n Russom Park, 29101 Yaw St., west of Middle Crossing Road — Dowagiac Little League, baseball/softball fields

Life Made Simple

POLICE AND FIRE

City of Dowagiac Police: (269) 782-6689 Fire: (269) 782-9563

SCHOOLS

Dowagiac Union Schools 2435 S. Front St. (269) 782-4418 dowagiacschools.org Calvary Bible Academy 27032 Marcellus Highway (269) 782-7296 calvarybibleministries.word press.com Southwestern Michigan College 58900 Cherry Grove Rd. (269) 782-5113 swmich.edu

SENIOR CENTER

Front Street Crossing 227 S. Front St. (269) 445-8110

UTILITIES

Electricity Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 Website: www.indianamichigan power.com (Electric, water and sewer) Located: 241 S. Front St. Phone: (269) 782-8200 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Website: www.cityofdowagiac.com Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. www.semcoenergygas.com

LEGISLATORS LANSING State Sen. John Proos R-St. Joseph 820 Farnum Building P.O. Box 30036 Lansing, MI 48909-7536 Phone: (517) 373-6960

Fax: (517) 373-0897 Email: SenJProos@senate. michigan.gov State Rep. Matt Lori R-Constantine Rep. Matt Lori was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2008. The 57th District encompasses St. Joseph County and part of Cass County, including the City of Dowagiac and the townships of Calvin, Jefferson, LaGrange, Marcellus, Mason, Newberg, Penn, Pokagon, Porter, Volinia and Wayne.

Lansing office: Anderson House Office Building, N-993 House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48933 Mailing address: N-993 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 373-0832; tollfree, (877) 262-5959 Email: MattLori@house.mi.gov

June 2013 • 27

Life Made Simple

TOP

QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) at Dowagiac District Library have become less frequent thanks to Google, according to Kay Gray, who has worked there for 28 years.

Who’s my representative? remains the most popular query library patrons pose.

Gray said the library also fields a fair number of questions about Thursday evening concerts downtown thanks to its evening hours after the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority office in the depot closes.

Dowagiac Area History Museum Director Steve Arseneau said his most common inquiry, without doubt, is “I found a stove in my barn, what’s it worth? Then I disappoint them because I don’t do appraisals,” though he might hook them up with a Round Oak authority such as Mark Luthringer.

Clerk Jim Snow, the city’s ombudsman, said callers frequently have questions about utilities, which is why there is a section devoted to those services on the newly-re-

ASKED

ABOUT

vamped web site (www.cityofdowagiac. com).

Sue Watson, Dowagiac Department of Public Services administrative assistant for customer service, sometimes feels like a switchboard operator because her office seems like the last resort for those looking for other agencies’ phone numbers.

“We answer everything,” Watson said, with Ameriwood (782-8661), the post office (782-6300, Dowagiac; 445-8421, Cassopolis; and 461-6141, Eau Claire), the license bureau and the unemployment office frequent targets.

And by answering everything, Watson means sometimes Dowagiac gets confused by its alphabet neighbor, Douglas, the Lake Michigan shoreline “village of friendliness since 1870” which became a city in 2004.

Callers to Dowagiac Union Schools District at City Hall stay more on task, according to Kathy Stewart.

Typical questions include: do you keep

DOWAGIAC

copies of all diplomas (no)? How do I get my high school transcripts (there’s a form to fill out)? Are you closed today? Is there a half day today? If we are on a two-hour delay, what time will school start? What time does school start? What are the times of activities? When is the next school board meeting? Why is the bus running late? What elementary school would I attend if I moved to…? When does school get out? When is spring break? Winter break? How can I substitute for Dowagiac schools? How do I do School of Choice? What do I have to do to have my child attend a different elementary school? Do you have preschool?

Most questions, including job postings, can be answered by logging on to the district web site at www.dowagiacschools.org, but some people prefer the convenience of speaking to a live body.

— John Eby Leader Publications john.eby@leaderpub.com

28 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

State Rep. Dave Pagel R-Oronoko Township

Email: DavePagel@house.mi. gov

Email: tomannie2003@yahoo. com

Rep. Pagel was first elected to serve the 78th District in the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2012. The 78th District encompasses portions of Berrien and Cass counties, including the cities of Niles, New Buffalo and Buchanan and the townships of Three Oaks, Chikaming, Weesaw, Baroda, Bertrand, Oronoko, Sodus, Pipestone, Berrien, Buchanan, Niles, Galien, Silver Creek, Howard, Milton and Ontwa.

CASS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS County building: (269) 4454420 Fax: (269) 445-8978 The board of commissioners contains seven members.

Each member represents a district of about 7,200 citizens.

Commissioners serve two-year terms of office.

Terms expire: Dec. 31, 2014 The next commissioner election takes place in November 2014.

Chairman Skip Dyes District 3 Home: (269) 445-2537 Email: skipdyes@peoplepc.com

Lansing office: Anderson House Office Building, N-1097 House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48933 Mailing address: N-1097 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909 Phone: (517) 373-1796 Toll-free: (888) 373-0078 Fax: (517) 373-5918

Robert Wagel District 1 Home: (269) 782-6111 Email: mwagel@acd.net Retired high school guidance counselor Dixie Ann File District 2 Home: (269) 445-2033

Roseann Marchetti District 4 Home: (269) 699-7660 Email: Rojer42@frontier.com Former college, high school and middle school teacher Robert Ziliak District 5 Home: (269) 663-0027 Email: robertziliak@hotmail. com Retired Bernie Williamson District 6 Home/work: (269) 445-9100 Home/work fax: (866) 219-5224 Email: northstar@beanstalk.net Self-employed — script writer/

producer E. Clark Cobb District 7 Home: (269) 782-5858 Email: eccobb@frontier.com or eccobb@msn.com DOWAGIAC CITY HALL City Hall, 241 S. Front St. (269) 782-2195 Mayor Donald Lyons First Ward Lori Hunt Randall Gross Sr. Second Ward Bob Schuur James Dodd Third Ward Leon Laylin Charles Burling

HALE’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

Over 50 years in business and just finished a store wide remodel. We have the products you need to start and finish your project, as well as, helpful, knowledgable associates to help you find the right solutions.

You will find what you need in our Plumbing, Electrical, Tool, and Hardware departments.

Need a gift, check out our Housewares and Gift departments...we have a huge selection of gifts for ALL occasions.

Stop in our Sporting Goods for the latest Technology in bowhunting from Hoyt, Bowtech, Mathews, Parker, etc. Everything you need, from clothing, bows, accessories, our shooting range to fine tune everthing, and Expert Advise!

Need electronics? Our Radio Shack has what you need. Everything from the small parts to the big TV, we have it. Update your cell phone with our contract phones from AT&T and Sprint, or get a prepaid phone from Virgin Mobile, Boost, AT&T. We have innovative products like the iPhone 4S and iPad2, Samsung Galaxy S III, and Kindle Fire. We can get you great TV programming with some of the most innovative technology in the business through Dish Network....programming starts at $24.99 a month!

Don’t forget these great services: Screens custom made and repaired, windows repaired, locks re-keyed, pipe cutting & threading, mower blades, scissors, shears sharpened, custom color matching for your paint projects, UPS shipping.

Thank you for your Patronage!

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June 2013 • 29

Life Made Simple

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED I N D O W A G I A C U N T I L .....

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You haven’t lived in Dowagiac until you’ve gone to a pow wow (Alycia Atkinson) or gotten frost bite and heat stroke in back-to-back days (teacher Keith Klann).

Another teacher, Denise Stockwell, says the quintessential Grand Old City experience is seeing Riverside Cemetery in full bloom in May. That visual inspired Dogwood Fine Arts Festival’s name.

Bobbie Adams is a four seasons fan, saying you haven’t lived here until “you’ve experienced the beauty and wonders of town all year ’round.”

School board member Claudia Zebell favors the lighted Christmas parade — especially from her typical vantage point from within the procession accompanying the Chieftain Marching Band, where she can see faces filled with wonderment.

As a former Chicagoan, Zebell also appreciates living surrounded by orchards.

Five-year Dowagiac resident Robert Parker says you haven’t lived here until you’ve been to the new Four Winds Casino.

Taylor Uchiha says you haven’t lived here until you’ve tried Twistees ice cream.

79

Within limited service area

• Install gauge and check operating pressure • Check voltage and amperage on all motors with meter • Check air temperature drop across evaporator • Check evaporator superheat • Lubricate all moving parts • Check belt and adjust tension • Check filters • Check all wiring and connections • Check and adjust thermostat • Check that condensation drain opens

— John Eby, Leader Publications john.eby@leaderpub.com

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30 • June 2013

DOWAGIAC

Life Made Simple

UNION SCHOOLS “Every Student Matters in Dowagiac” Dowagiac Schools embraces the concept that every student matters!

The starfish story exemplifies our philosophy.

We believe we can make a difference with each student.

To support this belief Dowagiac Union Schools offers: • Reading Recovery: 1st grade students learn to read at grade level with highly trained reading specialists in all elementary schools. All students will read at grade level.

• Five Star Life Program: Middle school students participate in an after school mentoring program challenging students to live by five core vaues: respect, responsibility, integrity, sacrifice, and courage.

• Freshman Academic Coaches/Mentors: Mentors meet with freshman weekly providing additional support in the core classrooms. All students succeed—failing is not an option!

• S.A.T. (Student Assistance Teams): Kindergarten through 12th grade students improve their academic success using a proven team approach.

• SMC Dual Enrollment: Students may enroll in at least one course at Southwestern Michigan College or receive Direct Credit from faculty at Dowagiac Union High School. Students excel with rigorous courses during their high school years.

• Home School: Home-schooled students enroll for courses like Band, Choir, or foreign languages, or take advantage of our online curriculum opportunities that can be completed at home.

• Pathfinders-Alternative Education: Opportunities for students who want a flexible schedule, including online curriculum supported by certified teachers.

• G.E.D. & Adult Education: Students prepare to pass the G.E.D. test at our Pathfinders school, or to complete high school credits for a high school diploma.

• Wolverine Conference Champions: All-conference and all-state student athletes compete in outstanding athletic programs resulting in district, regional, semi-final, and state championships and college scholarships.

• Band, Choir, and Drama: Students perform in the beautiful Performing Arts Center as part of our award-winning performing arts program, resulting in exceptional musicians, vocalists, and theater performers who earn college scholarships.

The Starfish Story (adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley, 1907-1977) While walking down the beach, a man saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it in the ocean. As he came closer he saw thousands of starfish the tide had thrown onto the beach. Unable to return to the ocean during low tide, the starfish were dying.

He observed a young boy picking up the starfish one by one and throwing them back into the ocean. After watching the seemingly futile effort, the observer said, ”There must be thousands of starfish on this beach. It would be impossible to save all of them. There are simply too many. You can’t save enough to make a difference.”

The young boy smiled as he picked up another starfish and tossed it back into the ocean. ”It made a difference to that one,” he replied.

243 S. Front St • Dowagiac, MI 269.782.4400 www.dowagiacschools.org

Life Made Simple

EDWARDSBURG

GOVERNMENT

Village of Edwardsburg 26296 U.S. Highway 12 P.O. Box 596 Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Phone: (269) 663-8484 Fax: (269) 663-8688 Edwardsburg Village Council meets the third Monday at 7 p.m.

Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARY

Cass District Library Mason/

Union Branch 17049 U.S. Highway 12 (269) 641-7674 http://cass.lib.mi.us

June 2013 • 31

burg Branch 26745 Church St. (269) 663-5875 http://cass.lib.mi.us

Cass District Library Edwards-

DEMOGRAPHICS

n Population: 1,147 n Race: — White: 94.94 percent — African-American: 0.17 percent — Hispanic/Latino: 0.96 percent n Median household income: $33,359

LEGISLATORS

Matt Lori, R-Constantine, state representative for District 59, Office Phone: (877) 262-5959, Mail: N-933 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48933, Email: mattlori@house. mi.gov.

John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: tellupton@mail.house.gov.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, DMich., Office Phone: (202) 2244822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: senator@staben ow.senate.gov.

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: senator@levin. senate.gov.

Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office

The fourth annual Eagle Lake Triathlon in Edwardsburg will be held August 3; the event benefits the Life Treatment Centers

32 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

YOU HAVE NOT LIVED I N E D W A R D S B U R G U N T I L .....

PARKS

Gunn Park, between U.S. 12 and Pleasant Lake — Lake access, open field space

POLICE AND FIRE

Police: (269) 663-8444 Fire: (269) 663-2160

HOT SPOT EATERY

Papa’s Pizzeria 71077 M-62 (269) 663-0097 Known for fresh-ingredient pizza

SCHOOLS

Edwardsburg Public Schools 69410 Section St., Edwardsburg Contact: 269-663-1044, edwards burgpublicschools.org

UTILITIES

Indiana Michigan Power Phone: (800) 311-6424 (800) 492-5989 Website: www.indianamichigan power.com City utilities Edwardsburg Village Hall Located 26296 U.S. Highway 12, Edwardsburg Phone: (269) 663-8484 Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 5 p.m.

Natural Gas Semco Energy Phone: (800) 624-2019 Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: www.semcoenergygas. com

You’ve visited all the lakes in Cass County.

— Jerry Bolock

Until you’ve seen the fireworks on Christiana Lake.

— Roseann Marchetti

You’ve eaten buffalo burger at Lunkers.

— Jeannie Kanaby

Michelle Maret shot this picture of a sunset from her yard in Edwardsburg

June 2013 • 33

Life Made Simple

TOP

QUESTIONS

ASKED

ABOUT

Q: Is the Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce a government agency?

A: No we are not. The Chamber of Commerce is a representation of all the local businesses in the Edwardsburg and surrounding area. Our purpose is the promotion of business, civic environment and serving our community. We supply local information about Edwardsburg to anyone who calls, emails or stops by the office.

Q: We would like to have a picnic or go swimming, where would you suggest?

Karen Sinkiewicz

A: There are three beautiful parks in Edwardsburg, for picnics Kraus (M-62/located on Rolen Drive before May St.), Gunn (located on Lake Street/West Main St.) and for swimming Lindbergh park (located on Dailey Road/nearest intersection Hamilton).

EDWARDSBURG

Q: Are there public boat launches in Edwardsburg?

A: There are three public boat launches, Christiana Lake, Juno Lake and Pleasant Lake.

Q: Where can I purchase a fishing license for the day?

A: You can purchase a fishing license on-line at www.takemefishing.org/state/MI/MI-fishing-license-and-regulations or www.michigan.gov/dnr or stop by Lunker’s bait shop.

Q Do you have a local Museum for Edwardsburg?

A: Yes, our local museum is located at 25616 Main St., mailing address is P.O. Box 694 or you can send an email to JoBoepple@aol.com to find out their schedule for the year.

Joseph Weiser shot this photo of Eagle Scout Aaron Neumayer of Boy Scout Troop 593 saluting during the flag ceremony in the Edwardsburg Memorial Day Parade

34 • June 2013

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EDWARDSBURG

rg

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Life Made Simple

2013 Schedule of Events Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum US 12 Main Street, Edwardsburg, Michigan Hours: 1-4 Tuesday thru Friday, 11-2 Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday Exhibits May 15 to June 26 - Edwardsburg Lakesides July 10 to August 21 - Edwardsburg has Faith - Alleluia and Amen September 4 to October 23 - This Old House - Family and Friends November 13 to December 18 - Celebrating the Holidays November 29 - Holiday Open House Events May 24 to June 15 - Plant Sale August 9 to September 23 - US12 Yard Sale August 18 3:30 pm - Alumnae Open House Presentation of the Dr. Sweetland Award October 31, 6 to 7 pm - Witches on the Porch November 30, 10-2 pm - Candy Sale at Fire Station Oral Histories - 7 pm September 26, October 10, October 24 and November 7 Barn Swallow Theatre June 9, 2:00 pm - Open House July 13, 7:30 pm - The Variety Show August 8 to 11 - Really Rosie, Children’s Show October 20, 2:00 pm - Little Shop of Horrors November 16 - Talent Show and Pie Auction December 8, 2:00 pm - The Nunsense Christmas Musical

Ask Us About Our Pre-Need Plans

Car Loans & Mortgages A community Credit Union serving the Edwardsburg Area 68925 M-62, Suite A, Edwardsburg (269)414-4327

SCORE Branch Office

Inovateus Business Center 708 Sherman Lane Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269)445-2520 1-888-712-1470

SCORE Main Office National College 1030 E. Jefferson Blvd.

South Bend, IN 46617 (574) 310-8097

www.michiana.score.org • Stamping - Die Making • Production Turning • Tooling Machine Repair • Special Machines

19801 Old 205 • Edwardsburg, 49112at Come and see MIus (269) 641-7998 • www.minlandmachine.com Exposing Greatness

Number 23 Krupp’s Booth Power Sports, Inc.

www.kruppspowersports.com

Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo & Can-Am ATV’s & SSY

Paul E. MayhEw FunEral hoME, Inc. 26863 W. Main Street, Edwardsburg, MI 269-663-5345 • Paul E. Mayhew, Owner

Sales & Service • New & Used • Authorized Service • Storage Available • Factory-Trained Mechanics • Factory Parts - SnoGear-Apparel Norm, Judy & Shane Krupp

(269) 663-8424 • Fax: (269) 663-2468 70986 M-62, Edwardsburg

June 2013 • 35

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Life Made Simple

Join us on the 1st Wednesday of each month for lunch.

ONLY $5.

Member List: Adams Therapeutic Massage .....................................................269-358-3345 At Home Realty ...........................................................................269-663-0100 Bentzer Inc. .................................................................................269-663-3649 Cass County Council on Aging ................................................... 269-445-8110 Cass County Economic Development ........................................269-445-4420 Center for Animal Health .............................................................269-663-3235 Chemical Bank ............................................................................269-663-3343 Coldwell Banker RWG ................................................................269-663-8800 Cressy & Everett Real Estate .....................................................269-663-5164 Christianson Industries ...............................................................269-663-8502 D.E. Duck Heating & Cooling......................................................269-699-5237 Diesel Injection Serv. 430 54th St. SW Grand Rapids 49548 Eagle Lake Marine of Mich. Inc. .................................................269-699-5103 East Shore Animal Hospital ........................................................269-663-7387 Edward Jones Investments.........................................................269-663-3130 Edwardsburg Family Medicine....................................................269-663-8288 Edwardsburg Fitness Center ...................................................... 269-414-4113 Edwardsburg Lions Club ............................................................269-663-5200 Edwardsburg Pharmacy .............................................................269-414-4554 Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church.............................................269-663-6815 Edwardsburg Public Schools ......................................................269-663-3055 Edwardsburg Sports Complex ....................................................269-699-7552 Fat Cams at Garver ....................................................................269-414-4446 Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union .........................269-414-4327 G.W. Jones Bank ........................................................................269-663-5626 Hope United Methodist Church...................................................269-663-5321 Kelly’s Investment .......................................................................269-699-5225 Kemner lott Agency .....................................................................269-445-2425 Krupp’s Power Sports Inc. ..........................................................269-663-8424 LaBre Law Office ........................................................................269-663-8554 Leader Publications–Mary Cooper .............................................269-687-7724 Maple Cafe ..................................................................................269-663-3291 Marbach, Brady & Weaver Inc. ...................................................574-266-1010 Meridian Title Corporation ...........................................................269-663-8139 North American Forest ................................................................269-663-8500 Ontwa Township ..........................................................................269-663-2347 Ontwa Township / Edwardsburg Police ......................................269-663-8444 Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church .......................................269-699-5870 Precision Sheet Metal .................................................................269-663-8810 Red Star Auctions/ St. Evans Inc ................................................269-663-6100 Robin’s Nest: Quilts & More ........................................................269-663-3303 Scapino Steel ..............................................................................269-663-0045 Servpro ........................................................................................269-273-8777 Service Oil Company ..................................................................269-445-2441 South Bend Silver Hawks ...........................................................574-235-9988 South West Vision Center ...........................................................269-414-4492 Southwestern Michigan College .................................................269-782-1000 State Farm–Lorie Bowers ...........................................................269-663-7015 Stillson Insurance Agency LLC ...................................................269-663-6695 Subway Edwardsburg, Libs, Inc. ................................................269-663-8558 Superior Air Management Systems, LLC ...................................269-663-5700 Tim Tancey, Tax Attorney & CPA.................................................269-663-8620 Teresa of Edwardsburg ...............................................................269-663-2244 Union Insurance Agency, LLC ....................................................269-641-5995 Uptown Improvement Assoc. ......................................................269-663-2347 Valhalla Information Systems LLC ..............................................269-978-8084 Village of Edwardsburg ...............................................................269-663-8484 Voice - Printed News...................................................................269-445-8455

To Become a Chamber Member – Call 574-343-3721 574-343-3721 or 269-663-2244 • Located at 26225 US 12 P.O. Box 575, Edwardsburg, MI 49112 • E-mail: Administration@edwardsburg.biz

Click on www.EdwardsburgChamber.org

36 • June 2013

A Tradition of Educational Excellence

Life Made Simple

June 2013 • 37

Life Made Simple

INDIANA SOUTH BEND

Chris Davis took this photo of the gathering at South Bend’s Official St. Paddy’s Tent Party & Pub Tour If you’re looking for summer activities or just family oriented fun South Bend, Ind., is a great place to start. From its art galleries to its many museums to its great shopping locations South Bend is a city that has it all.

With a population of about 100,000 South Bend is the fourth largest city in the state. Founded in the early 1800s by fur traders much of the history of South Bend has been influenced by its location on the banks of the St. Joseph River.

Unlimited access to shipping allowed for early industrial development and for the city to take advantage of the automotive boom in the early half of the twentieth century.

Some of the great locations to visit in South bend include the Morris Civic Auditorium which is a great place for concerts and shows, The South Bend Museum of Art, The Northern Indiana Center for History, The Kidsfirst Museum, The South Bend Civic Theatre and the Potawatomi Zoo which is the oldest zoo in the

state. For sports fans there is the The South Bend Silverhawks Baseball Team and lets not forget the sports programs of Notre Dame and Indiana University at South Bend. Currently there are over 50 parks and recreational areas throughout the city that include many fun things to do such as river walks, picnicking, water racing and music festivals. South Bend is also known as a bicycle friendly community and the city has developed plans to build an additional 94 mile bikeway network.

Summer is a great time for music in South Bend and the city hosts some great annual festivals that include The South Bend Reggae Music Festival, an All Day Country Music Concert and a Contemporary Christian Music Festival all feature nationally known performers.

South Bend is a delightful community that is a great place to visit and prides itself in having a little something for everyone.

— William Crandell

38 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

Toscana Park offers shopping, dining, living and entertainment within an Italian setting

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GRANGER Just south of Edwardsburg and nestled between South Bend and Elkhart is the city of Granger.

With a population of about 30,000, the city is considered by its residents to be a great place to raise a family and is considered one of the top school districts in Indiana. Granger has sometimes been referred to as an affluent suburb of South Bend, but Granger has a flavor all its own.

According to the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, Granger is well known throughout the region for its shopping centers and restaurants. One of the city’s more popular dining establishments is Yesterday’s, known for its great food and wine list. Villa Macri’s Ristorante, located in Toscana Park, specializes in fine Italian cuisine, and Beef O’Brady’s Sports Bar is great for lunch and for catering.

If you’re looking for a quick lunch, there’s Martin’s Side Door Deli and Café located in Heritage

Square.

Heritage Square and Toscana Park are two of Granger’s most popular shopping malls and host a variety of stores that include Camellia’s The Make Up Store, Simply Yours Bridal Gowns and Eddie Bauer.

Heritage Square is also well known for its many family-oriented events, including summer concerts, ice carvings, fashion shows and the Heritage Road Show for antique enthusiasts.

Saturday evenings during the summer is a Classic Car Cruise In from 5 to 8 p.m. each Saturday.

For the past seven years Heritage Square has also hosted an art show, which will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 22 and will feature a culinary tent and live jazz band. Proceeds will benefit the Silk Scarf Project at St. Margaret’s House.

— William Crandell

June 2013 • 39

Life Made Simple

Get your pictures published in Leader Publications

We are always looking for great user-submitted photos. We’ve set up a brand new way for you to upload your photos of events, people and places in our area. It’s called MyCapture and you can find it on Leaderpub.com.

Here’s how to use it.

• Visit leaderpub.com • On the homepage, click on the picture under galleries • Click on any gallery • Click on “submit a photo” • Fill out the information form • Select a category and album that fits your photo • Upload your photo and give it a title/caption • Submit Photography tip: If possible, make sure to include pictures of people, animals or action in your photos. People love pictures of other people and animals. Snapshots of children are popular too.

www.leaderpub.com

40 • June 2013

MISHAWAKA

Kayla Sowers took this photo of her kids enjoying a pond in Mishawaka

Mishawaka was built upon a deep sense of family traditions and community pride. Named after the tragic legend of the Shawnee Princess Mishawaka, the city is sometimes referred to as the Princess City by its 48,000 inhabitants.

Mishawaka is also known throughout the Midwest for its shopping and restaurants. Areas such as the University Park Mall, Grape Road and Main Street are some of the busiest retail districts in the state. Find stores such as Macy’s, Apple, Whole Foods, Guitar Center and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse.

Mishawaka not only features big retail stores but also locally owned custom stores that have a little bit of something for everyone.

Creating a family friendly community is very important to the residents of Mishawaka, and that is reflected in the many traditional-style neighborhoods.

Even the suburbs are designed in the city neighborhood pattern.

US 31 TOBACCO

Life Made Simple The city is also home to 29 parks and recreational areas, which are a symbol of pride for the city’s inhabitants. The Battell Park district is one of nine historic sites in Mishawaka and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and features a band shelter constructed by the WPA and a terraced rock garden. Downtown’s Buetter Park boasts two bridges that span the St. Joseph River and a scenic river walk while Merrifield Park has an Olympic-size swimming pool and ice skating rink.

One of the largest events the city hosts every year is The Mishawaka Summerfest. This year marks the 30th anniversary and the festivities will be held at Merrifield and Crawford Parks on June 21-22. Summerfest will feature 30 events for adults and children that include a petting zoo, live music, arts and crafts, a youth basketball tournament, 5K run and fireworks.

— William Crandell

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All Prices Subject to Change Without Notice. Thank You For Shopping With Us!

Life Made Simple

OFF THE WATER

June 2013 • 41

SISTER LAKES

Located where Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties meet, Sister Lakes is Southwest Michigan’s premier inland lake resort community. The Sister Lakes Business Association’s theme is “visit ... relax ... enjoy” and people have been doing just that for more than a century.

The Sister Lakes include Round Lake, Big Crooked, Little Crooked, Magician, Dewey and Cable Lakes. The name “Sister Lakes” dates back to 1877 when a post office was opened between the “sister lakes of Round and Crooked lakes.

Business Association president Barb Fisher noted that the Sister Lakes are in the middle of the action for summertime activity and continues to attract visitors from Illinois, Indiana and other parts of Michigan. Coming to Sister Lakes is a longtime tradition for many families who have come here for generations.

Besides the lakes themselves, she said the Sister Lakes are popular for many people because it’s close to so many other attractions like Lake Michigan, farm markets and towns like Dowagiac.

While most of the resorts that

Mary Kinney took this photo of a proud athlete finishing the swim portion of the Sister Lakes Triathlon brought in the Big Bands of the first half of the 20th century are no longer there, people can still visit places like the roller rink and the bowling alley in the heart of the lakes. As for population numbers, Fisher admitted that they’re hard to come by since the area straddles three

counties and a number of townships. Whatever the numbers, she said the population easily triples in the summertime with the influx of visitors and tourists.

The area’s special events include the annual Big Foot Parade and Fourth of July Fire-

works, this year both on July 6, the Sister Lakes Triathlon on July 20 and the Big Foot golf tournament Sept. 7. The Big Foot events stem from sightings of a “Big Foot” monster in and around the lakes in the mid1960s.

— Debra Haight

POKAGON-SUMNERVILLE For most people, the twin hamlets of Pokagon and Sumnerville in Cass County’s Pokagon Township aren’t much more than names on road signs halfway between Niles and Dowagiac.

Both communities have strong and often interconnected histories that have been recognized with state and national historical markers.

The township’s population numbers around 2,200 with

most residents living in either Pokagon or Sumnerville.

Sumnerville has historical markers for the Sumnerville Mounds believed to be burial mounds of Hopewell Indians dating back to fourth century A.D. or earlier as well as the Sumnerville Cemetery which is where many early Cass County settlers and pioneers are buried.

For its part, Pokagon is the home of the historical marker for the Old Rugged Cross

Church where the beloved hymn was first sung in its entirety. The Old Rugged Cross Foundation and local officials were recognized earlier this year with the 2013 Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation.

Another big piece of the area’s history can be found in Sumnerville at the Old Tavern Inn on Indian Lake Road which is the oldest business in Michigan, dating back to 1835.

Nowadays, Pokagon Town-

ship is on the map for another reason, specifically as it is home to the headquarters of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi which hosts the Kee-BoonMein-Kaa pow wow every Labor Day weekend at the tribal headquarters on Rodgers Lake.

Most recently, the township is home to the band’s third and latest edition of its Four Winds Casino brand. \— Debra Haight

42 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

B E N T O N H AR B O R

The northern half of Berrien County’s “Twin Cities” might not be as well known as a destination as its neighbor to the south, but it has always offered people a variety of unique and interesting attractions from the heyday of the House of David in the first half of the 20th century – and that’s still true today.

Whether people want to go to a world-class golf course or visit a shopping district filled with an eclectic mix of music, art and food, Benton Harbor offers people plenty of recreational and entertainment opportunities.

As Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Pat Moody noted, the Benton Harbor area not only has Harbor Shores, the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course with its surrounding amenities of shops and housing, but also other recreational opportunities for boating, kayaking and nature watching.

Then there’s the Benton Harbor Arts District. The district occupies just a few blocks of Territorial and Water Streets in

downtown Benton Harbor but has had an impact on the entire area. People come from throughout the area to enjoy the art galleries and the restaurants as well as places such as the Livery, which has a regular schedule of musical entertainment.

Nearby Lake Michigan College offers both educational and entertainment opportunities to the Southwest Michigan community. The college provides everything from certificates to two and four year degrees either itself or through partnerships with other universities. The college’s Mendel Center offers people some of the area’s best entertainment as it hosts guest artists throughout the year.

As for the local business outlook, the Benton Harbor area continues to have ties to its agricultural roots through entities like the Benton Harbor Fruit Market as well as being home to major industries such as Whirlpool and Lakeland Regional Health System, the county’s largest employer.

Kimberly Wynn took this photo of a student performing at the Citadel Dance & Music Center in Benton Harbor

STEVENSVILLE

Home to Lakeshore High School, the village of Stevensville and Lincoln Township, which surrounds it, are just south of the Twin Cities of Benton Harbor and St. Joseph and north of the lakeshore communities that make up Harbor Country.

Like many of the lakeshore communities, Stevensville is part beach town with beaches and dunes for people to explore, part rural community close to wineries and produce stands and part weekend getaway for Chicago area residents.

The village and surrounding area is home to several businesses, including longtime bakery and restaurant favorites such as Grand Mere Inn, the Bit of Swiss pastry shop and Tosi’s Restaurant. They attract customers from not only

Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana but also from Chicago and its suburbs.

In terms of festivals, the Discover Stevensville festival, which had been a mainstay of the village for several years, has been replaced by other summertime events.

The Lakeshore Lions Club Car Show takes place each June as does the Community Garage Sale Days. A new event called the Stevensville Summer Fest is set for late July. The summer season ends with a Community Fun Day in midSeptember.

The village has more than 1,100 residents while Lincoln Township has more than 14,000 residents.

— Debra Haight

June 2013 • 43

Life Made Simple

BERRIEN SPRINGS

Located in the heart of Berrien County, Berrien Springs is home to history with its distinction as being the county’s original county seat and agriculture as it’s surrounded by farms and vineyards and home to the Berrien County Youth Fair.

On the history side, the village is home to the History Center at Courthouse Square with its historic 1839 Courthouse Museum.

People can also find a different kind of history nearby at Andrews University’s Horn Museum with its permanent exhibits of Biblical archaeological finds.

Andrews is one of the county’s largest employers and is easily the largest in and around Berrien Springs. The university is also the source of the village’s great cultural diversity as it welcomes undergraduate and graduate stu-

dents from all around the world every year.

Most residents associate the fairgrounds just outside of the village with the annual Berrien County Youth Fair held each August. But as organizers are quick to point out, the fairgrounds are busy from spring through fall hosting horse shows and other gatherings and will be even busier when the proposed expo arena is constructed.

A profile of Berrien Springs wouldn’t be complete without mention of the recreational fishing and boating opportunities that abound due to the village’s proximity to the St. Joseph River and Lake Chapin. The villageowned Shamrock Park on the river is a popular destination for campers.

— Debra Haight

Nancy Sheetz took this photo of a boy watching for his mother and sister at the Girls on the Run 5k in Berrien Springs

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Life Made Simple

COLOMA-WATERVLIET

The north Berrien County towns of Coloma and Watervliet nestled next to the Paw Paw Lakes provide people with small town living at its best.

Nestled among the lakes, farmland and rolling hills, the communities offer quaint shops and wineries for visitors to enjoy.

Population-wise, the city of Coloma has nearly 1,600 people and Watervliet nearly 1,850.

Coloma’s history dates back to the mid 1800s when settlers constructed a sawmill and a few stores. Similarly, Watervliet was developed because of its location near the Paw Paw River and the potential for saw and paper mills.

More of the area’s history can be found at the North Berrien Historical Society Museum in

Coloma. In addition to recording the history of Coloma and Watervliet, the museum is home to artifacts from Hagar and Bainbridge Townships and Riverside and Millburg.

The area’s attractions are many and include the Deer Forest exotic animal petting zoo and amusement park and the annual Coloma Glad-Peach Festival held each August. Watervliet hold an annual Independence Day weekend festival with a parade and carnival.

People can also enjoy the sweet treats of the Chocolate Garden near Coloma and visit wineries like Karma Vista Vineyards and Contessa Wine Cellars.

— Debra Haight

HARBERT

Just as with each of the other towns in Harbor Country, Harbert has its own unique identity.

Historically, the town is known for its Scandinavian roots and as being the summer home of poet Carl Sandburg. Today, the town is known for its eclectic offerings including the annual “Umbrellas of Harbert” fundraiser held each summer.

The town was founded by railroad engineer who saw the potential in the land in the 1850s. A Chicago industrialist then built a train depot at what is present day Harbert.

In the early years, agriculture was the basis of the town’s economy whether it was the produce from the orchards and vineyards or the pickle factory that operated for many years.

The Scandinavian part of the town’s history goes back to the Swedish Bakery that was founded in the early 1900s and the town’s connection with Sandburg. He and his wife lived in Harbert for 15 years and it was in Harbert that he wrote most of his Pulitzer Prize winning biography of Abraham Lincoln.

Today, the Umbrellas of Harbert which can be seen each summer along Red Arrow Highway in Harbert is a major attraction as are the unique art galleries, antique shops and prize-winning restaurants. The umbrellas are large beach umbrellas which have been painted with unique designs by area artists. The fundraiser benefits a local charity every year.

— Debra Haight

Kimberly Wynn took this photo of the Rebecca Anne Band playing at the annual Brewfest on Weko Beach in Bridgman BR IDGMAN

Community leaders like to call Bridgman a “little piece of heaven” with its small town atmosphere and location on the shores of Lake Michigan.

While small in population with just 2,400 people, Bridgman is next door to one of the county’s top employers. Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant in nearby Lake Township employs 1,200 people.

As chamber of commerce office manager Kelly Anthony noted, Bridgman offers residents and visitors a variety of activities especially in the summer months.

The city’s Weko Beach is home to a summer concert series as

well as beer and wine festivals.

Another popular event is the Gus Macker basketball tournament.

She credited strong support from local businesses like Classic Catering for sponsoring events.

The city is also partnering with nearby communities to promote the central county corridor along Shawnee Road between Bridgman and Berrien Springs. Bridgman is the “beach town” side of the corridor and Berrien Springs the “culture and recreation” side with Baroda in the middle with the emphasis on “farm and wine.”

— Debra Haight

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June 2013 • 45

Life Made Simple

THREE OAKS Three Oaks might not have Lake Michigan at its doorstep like other Harbor Country communities have, but it does offer visitors its own unique set of attractions in its location inland from New Buffalo on historic U.S. 12.

Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce membership and marketing coordinator Kim Pruitt describes Three Oaks as a historic downtown with a wide range of offerings such as theaters, art galleries, unusual shops and even a distillery. People can step back in time with all the historic buildings in town, but still see the latest in theater and art offerings.

Drier’s Meat Market continues to be the mainstay of the Three Oaks downtown and is celebrating its centennial this year. The market remains much as it was

years ago with the sawdust on the floor, the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the smokehouse out back. People can still read the tributes written by celebrities such as poet Carl Sandburg and actor Larry Hagman.

Nowdays, the Acorn Theater provides the best of regional live theater while the Vickers Theatre shows many of the top foreign and independent films. Galleries and shops offer people the chance to browse through specialty foods, antiques, home decor and interior design items.

Annual events include an annual Flag Day celebration, the Music in the Park summer concert series and the Apple Cider Century bicycle ride held each fall. Three Oaks’ population is 1,700 people.

— Debra Haight

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46 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

NEW BUFFALO

This lakeside community has traditionally come alive in the summer months but the opening of Four Winds Casino a few years ago has changed all that.

New Buffalo is now a destination point for area residents throughout the year.

Located in the heart of Harbor Country, New Buffalo’s population still swells from 2,700 in the winter months to as much as 10,000 to 20,000 people in the summertime, Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce membership and marketing coordinator Kim Pruitt said.

Despite the draw the casino

has with its restaurants, gaming opportunities and world-class entertainment, Pruitt said New Buffalo remains a small town at heart. Besides visiting the city’s beautiful beaches, people can wander through the downtown shopping district with its unique shops and restaurants.

Annual festivals and events that are home to the New Buffalo area include the outdoor farmers market at Skip’s Other Place, the Ship and Shore Festival and New Buffalo Artigras Art Festival all held each summer.

— Debra Haight

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from throughout the Midwest and around the country.

The city which is the southern half of the county’s Twin Cities is the county seat for Berrien County which means that a majority of county governmental offices are in St. Joseph.

The city and surrounding area is also the home base for Lakeland Regional Health System and other major employers such as Bosch Braking System and Leco Corp.

Recreational opportunities abound. Although it doesn’t have a renowned golf course like Harbor Shores, it offers some of the area’s top beaches. Silver Beach County Park and the Shadowland Pavilion are popular destination points for area residents whether they want to lounge on the beach, enjoy the lake or relax with musical entertainment.

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With Lake Michigan as the backdrop, the city of St. Joseph is a popular destination for area residents not only during the summer months but throughout most of the year. While other area downtowns have struggled over the last few decades, St. Joseph has retained its healthy mix of restaurants, gift shops and retail stores.

The downtown’s offerings have been enhanced with the annual public art display which has a new theme every year.

The arts are also a focus at the city’s galleries and museums including the Krasl Art Center, Curious Kids Museum and the Box Factory for the Arts.

Summertime is an especially busy time for this beachside town as each week offers everything from concerts to a farmers market. The annual Krasl Art Fair is one of the big events of the summer as it draws top artists

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Part small town farm community, part weekend getaway for Chicago area residents, the village of Baroda offers people a bit of everything.

As village clerk, Tina Boehm notes one of the big things the Baroda area offers is fresh produce.”

Much of Southwest Michigan gets their produce from here,” she said. “We also have beautiful wineries and a small town feel.”

When Baroda residents talk about a small town feel, they mean it literally. The village’s population is under 900 people with the township around it adding another 2,900 people. “You

always meet somebody you know,” she said.

Boehm said the village’s reinvention began several years ago when a streetscape project gave a facelift to the downtown and spurred residents to switch the focus to agri-tourism.

Although manufacturers such as Quality Mold and Engineering and Tig Master still operate, Baroda is now known more for its restaurants, galleries, wineries and breweries.

Annual events include Barodafest, Christmas in the Village, Music in the Park and the Support Our Troops Festival.

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48 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

Bill Bielby took this photo at sunset along the beach in Union Pier

U N I ON P I E R

Like many of its sister communities in Harbor Country, Union Pier has made the transition in recent decades from its traditional businesses to strictly tourism. In the case of Union Pier, the traditional businesses included timber, logging, brick making and fishing.

The name “Union Pier” comes from the 600-foot shipping pier built here to ship goods to Chicago.

At its heyday, the pier shipped bricks and lumber to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871. The shipments eventually changed from bricks and lumber to fish and other food items until the pier washed away.

LAKESIDE

As is the case with many of the Harbor Country communities, Lakeside began in the 1800s as a logging community to supply the needs of the Chicago area. What began as a trading post with industry and stores became a popular vacation destination and resort area by the 1920s.

Like its neighbor to the south, Union Pier, Lakeside competed early on with New Buffalo when it came to shipping goods to Chicago and also had a 600 foot pier into Lake Michigan. The town was originally called Wilkinson after an early family and was renamed Lakeside in 1874.

The ties to Chicago have — Debra Haight remained over the years, going back to the time that University of Chicago administrators and faculty members came in the 1920s to establish the Chikaming Country Club. The country club eventually was home to the “Shakespeare House” which was a replica of Shakespeare’s birthplace home

Of course, tourism has always played a role in the village’s success since the late 1800s when resorts were established that attracted people from Chicago and beyond.

Among those having homes in and around Union Pier were Olympic runner Jesse Owens and Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak. The area was also visited by gangsters such as John Dillinger and Al Capone.

Today, Union Pier is an integral part of the Harbor Country landscape with its sweet and ice cream shops, corner store, galleries and bed and breakfast inns.

and dismantled from its original location in Chicago.

The Lakeside Inn on Lake Michigan is still a tourist attraction as it has been since the early 1900s. It is listed on both the state and national registers of historic places because of its history and architecture. The inn once had its own zoo and gardens and hosted Chicago orchestras in the 1930s and 1940s. It has been restored in recent years and is one of the few remaining resorts of its kind in Southwest Michigan.

Lakeside continues to be a destination for people interested in the arts, galleries and unique shops. The community participates in many of Harbor Country’s events and activities such as the Art Attack as well as home and garden tours. The annual Lakeside Garden Walk gives people the chance to visit residential gardens throughout Harbor Country to raise funds for River Valley High School scholarships.

— Debra Haight

June 2013 • 49

Life Made Simple

SAWYER The hamlet of Sawyer lies at the northernmost edge of Harbor Country and features everything from beaches and dunes to a quaint downtown filled with antique and other shops and a home and garden store known throughout the region and beyond.

Historically, Sawyer was founded by Silas Sawyer, an Ohio judge who joined those moving westward. He bought land and cleared half of it to plant fruit trees.

As with other towns in the region, logging was another big business in the 1800s. The area became known for its markets, its lumber business and shops like the Flynn Soda Grill and the Palm Tea Room by the 1920s.

Today, most area residents associate Sawyer with three things: the Tower Hill Camp, Warren Dunes State Park and

EAU

CLAIRE

Eau Claire lies in the center of Berrien County, in the heart of Southwest Michigan’s Fruit Belt with orchards of apple, peach and cherry trees filling the surrounding countryside.

The village celebrated its 150th anniversary two years ago in 2011 when the first post office was established in 1861.

The area was first settled in 1835 by Henry Rush who was attracted by the nearness of the St. Joseph River. He and other early pioneers carved a village out of the forest.

The name “Eau Claire” which is French for clear water came because of the nearness of the settlement to the Clear Water Creek. Its size still remains small with less than 650 residents.

Village Clerk Pam Antiss said a quote from the village’s centennial book sums up what — Debra Haight many local residents still feel

the Sawyer Home and Garden Center.

Tower Hill Camp was founded in the 1920s by the Congregational Church, while Warren Dunes is one of the largest state parks including a 1,500 acre preserve located on land donated by Three Oaks manufacturer Edward Warren.

Warren Dunes offers everything from campgrounds and forests to 240 foot high dunes and two miles of beaches.

It is the state’s most popular park.

Sawyer Home and Garden Center has become the place for people to go whether they want plants and nursery items or unique home decor and other gift items.

The store also offers a unique selection of produce, groceries and wine and beer.

about their village.

“So it is in this village of Eau Claire, Michigan no great events happened that shook the earth; yet in the great horizon of the United States of America the tiny star of Eau Claire shines brightly for it is a 150 story of the greatest thing in America -- its people.”

Today, agriculture remains the village’s main focus along with a good dose of patriotism.

The village’s biggest festival is the annual Cherry Festival which is held every year on the Fourth of July.

Patriotism is also at the forefront each Memorial Day weekend when flags are raised all along the village’s main street in honor of veterans and local families. The flags come down each November on Veterans Day. — Debra Haight

Angela Matlock took a photo of girls playing in the water at sunset at Warren Dunes in Sawyer

50 • June 2013

Life Made Simple

Shannel Hartlerode took this photo of water drags at Renegade Lake in Galien

GALIEN

Located between Buchanan and Three Oaks, the village of Galien is a little bit like the town that people forget.

Although it’s located near a major highway, U.S. 12, and on a major north-south county road, Cleveland Avenue, the village has not prospered like its nearby neighbors. Its population is just under 560 people with another 1,600 people living in the township around it.

Village Clerk Chris Palmer said that the village still has its library, American Legion post and a few shops including a gas sta-

tion at Cleveland and U.S. 12.

While the Galien Township schools closed in 2012, a few industries such as Kruger Plastics, Cast Coating and Carris Reels still operate out of the village’s industrial park.

The village has celebrated Pioneer Days in past years but is not having a celebration this year.

History continues to remain a big focus for the village as the Galien Woods Historical Society meets regularly throughout the year and works to restore the village’s 1800s-era jail.

— Debra Haight

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BERRIEN WOODS Apartments

1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

East of Downtown Niles Garages & Carports •Washer/Dryer Connection Aqua-Therm Heat • Central Air • Seasonal Pool Country living with city convenience.

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-3 For more information, call 269-684-7779

Specially Designed 1 Bedroom Apartments For Seniors and Disabled Persons

1 Bedroom Apartments Immediate Leasing*

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 12:30pm - 5:00pm

Mill Pond Apartments

Call: Mon & Wed 9am-Noon, 1-4 pm Tues & Thurs 9am-Noon • Closed Friday

800 E. Smith St., Buchanan • (269) 695-0475 Rent Based on Income • TDD: (800) 649-3777

Centrally located within walking distance of shopping, banking and medical offices. Furnished with major appliances and fully carpeted. Laundry in each building. Community room available for residents to gather and relax.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Niles HousiNg CommissioN

251 Cass Street, Niles (269) 683-2783 * Once Application is Approved.

Spacious Layouts Pet Friendly • Free Heat Free Hot/Soft Water

Griffin Estates

Stop in or Call

Brea at (269) 687-1000 1721 Bond St. Niles, MI 49120

www.mrdarpartments.com griffinestates@mrdapartments.com

The place to be entertained.

www.offthewater.com

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Life Made Simple

Professional Services G•U•I•D•E Boarding, Daycare and Spa

Painted Gaits Farm’s

Fritzburg Veterinary Service P.C.

Stephen Behan D.V.M., PhD

24-Hour Customer Service A Luxury All-Suite, All-Inclusive Pet Retreat

Brian P Watson

Agency Owner Chairman’s Conference Brian Watson Agency, INC

A Quiet, Peaceful Place to Stay and Play

Allstate Insurance Company

1218 Oak Street • Niles, MI 49120 Phone 269-684-5200 • Fax 269-684-4334

brianwatson@allstate.com

www.allstateagencies.com/brianwatson/welcom Auto, Home, Business, Life

www.BunkAndBiscuit.net 269-684-BUNK [2865] 1740 W. Bertrand Rd. Niles, MI

Smallwood InSurance ralph l. Smallwood

Mobile veterinary service Focusing on farm livestock Decatur, MI 49045 • 269-436-0086

Securities offered through MidAmerica Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC www.mfsinvest.com 1007 StreetSuite B 2230 E.East32nd20thStreet, Joplin, MO64804 64804 Joplin, MO 888-526-2001 888.526.2001

Office (269) 684-7825 Fax (269) 687-1004 1147 Huntly Road Niles, MI 49120

Senior Living G•U•I•D•E 1st Month Free on Select Units

$541

BETTER, FASTER

EMERGENCY CARE

Life Made Simple

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56 • June 2013

Life Made Simple