Off The Water - January 21-27, 2016

FREE

Change of pace

A chilly thrill

Snowy fun returns to Buchanan..... p.3

Week of January 21-27, 2016

Columnist connects Weezer, 'Star Wars'....p.6

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 8, Number 3

What's cooking?

St. Joe asks public to weigh in on best chili

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of January 21-27, 2016

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Best chili in St. Joe?

Cast your vote Jan. 29

S

T. JOSEPH, Mich. — Whether visitors like their chili mild or fiery hot, meat or in chili-inspired desserts or hot beverages, they will find more than a dozen ways to chase away the chill from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, in St. Joseph.

During this January “It’s Finally Friday” event, merchants and restaurants will offer samples of their favorite chili recipes in hopes of earning the 2016 Chili Pepper Award that is determined by popular vote.

“There is a suggested $2 per person or $5 for a family of four or more donation to register,” said Whitney Behnke, executive director of the sponsoring organization, St. Joseph Today. “A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen.”

Registrants will get a map of chili stop locations and will be entered in a drawing for a $25 St. Joseph Today gift certificate good at more than 40 locations. The drawing will be Jan. 30.

Tasters can also register and get a map on the day of the event at the Welcome Center, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Behnke said everyone that completes the chili tour and turns in their maps at the Welcome Center Jan. 29 will be entered to win in a drawing. The winner will receive a St. Joseph Prize Pack.

Behnke added that several non-chili locations are also “must stops” that evening because of their special sales and family-friendly entertainment. For updates about the Chili Tour and future “It’s Finally Friday” events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call (269) 985-1111.

St. Joseph Today is a membership-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, producing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities.

The following sites are this year’s chili stop locations: • 221 Main Restaurant • Bistro on the Boulevard • Bound for Freedom featuring chili by Cafe Mosaic • The Buck Burgers & Brew • Caffe Tosi featuring chili by The St. Joseph High School Frosted Chilis (of the 2015 LMC Chili Cook-Off) • FuzzyButz Pet Bakery • HarborTown Interiors featuring chili by Plank’s Tavern • Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches featuring chili by Zoup!

• Kilwins • Krasl Art Center • Lazy Ballerina • Olive Cart • Perennial Accents • Purely Michigan featuring chili

by The Buck Burgers and Brew • Schu’s Grill & Bar • South Bend Chocolate Cafe • St. Joseph Today featuring chili by Coach’s Bar & Grill • Revive Spa featuring chili by LakeHouse • Third Coast Surf Shop featuring chili by Schu’s • White Pine Winery

Please Drive Safe!

With all of the snow and extremely cold temperatures, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department asks everyone to please Be Safe while driving! If you must be on the roads, give yourself extra time and drive slow.

Follow us on Facebook for more Safety Tips!

Berrien County Sheriff’s Department

Crime Prevention Unit (269) 983-7141 • www.BCSheriff.org

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Produced and printed by Leader Publications 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 Off the Water is available throughout southwest Michigan and the greater South Bend, Indiana area.

Michael Caldwell Publisher (269) 687-7700 michael.caldwell@leaderpub.com

Ambrosia Neldon Managing Editor (269) 687-7713

Sales Donna Knight Classifieds (269) 687-7717 donna.knight@leaderpub.com

ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com

Sherina Gonzalez (269) 687-7728

Anne Johnson Creative Services (269) 687-7701

Phil Langer (269) 687-7725

sherina.gonzalez@leaderpub.com

anne.johnson@leaderpub.com

phil.langer@leaderpub.com

Rhonda Rauen Accounting Manager (269) 687-7711

Nicole Bates (269) 687-7724 nicole.bates@leaderpub.com

rhonda.rauen@leaderpub.com

Cindy Klingerman Distribution Manager (269) 687-7727 cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com

www.OffTheWater.com

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 3

FOCUS

Chilly thrill returns to Buchanan

B

By TIM MOSIER

UCHANAN, Mich. — You’ve heard about it from a couple family members or friends, you’ve been curious, and this year you tell yourself you have to go see what all of the excitement is about.

You park your car in downtown Buchanan and make the short walk to the ticket window to get your wristband. You pay your $5 and a volunteer hands you a tube. Then you turn to make your way to the hill and you see it, the 12-foot tall wooden ramp perched on top of the city’s main street.

At that moment something is pulled out of you, something you might not have felt in a long time but now feel as strongly as you did when you were a child.

The thrill.

Buchanan’s annual Thrill on the Hill snow-tubing event is quickly becoming a regional January tradition. The 2016 version of the event looks to be even better than year’s past and marks the fifth year of the Front Street festivities.

Like it has every year since its inaugural run in 2012, the event will take place the last weekend in January, this year on the 29th and 30th. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, when the hill is officially opened for the weekend.

For children 5 years and younger there will be games and contests as well as a mini-hill, constructed near the bottom of the main hill. The hill is only

open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night and wristbands are $3 for the three hours.

After a few hours of grooming, the ramp atop Front Street is

reopened for the adult midnight run from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost for the adult tubing is $5.

Throughout the entire event tubes will be provided and bringing a

personal tube or sled is prohibited.

Saturday there will be a full day of activities for people of all ages. The hill will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. but the cost of an all-day wrist band is still $3.

Smoke Family Vision Center will be hosting a snowman building contest in its parking lot between Front and Rynearson St. It has been rumored that Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer and Pete the Penguin will all be in attendance on Saturday.

For the second year, the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is offering horse-drawn carriage rides around the downtown area. Carriage rides will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday only, $5 per rider. There will be a large fire pit near the bottom of the hill for riders who want to take a break and warm up a little.

According to Buchanan City Manager Bill Marx, this year the ramp will be placed higher atop the hill to lengthen the trip down for riders. The slide is approx.

800 feet from top to bottom this year, the longest it has ever been.

Volunteer firefighters will be on site and will be tossing stress relief “snowballs,” some of which will be marked to redeem for prizes, from their fire ladder.

Throughout the entire weekend a DJ will be playing music and holding dance contests for people of all ages.

TIME TO PLAN YOUR WINTER FUN IN DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPH!

light up the bluff until feb 15

StJoeToday.com MAGICAL ICE FEST

downtown chili tour

St

WIN .Joe BE TER

FE SER T

warm up with us! jan. 29 • 5-8 pm

Domestic & International Cruises, Inclusives & Land Vacations

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages • Tours • Group Excursions

VACATIONS | LAND & SEA Call Kay Walker, Cruise Consultant /Vacation Specialist

269.471.5527 // 877.486.4855 9215 Garr Road, Berrien Springs kaywalker@cruisesinternational.com www.Kay-Walker.CruisesInternational.com

downtown St. J st.

WIjoseph N oe saturday BEETERjan. 30 R pm Fnoon-4

E ST

magicalicefest.com

St

WIN .Joe

BE TER FE ER

ST

frosty fun all weekend feb. 5-7

three days of funtastic events! march 11-13

Page 4 • Week of January 21-27, 2016

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

Still rocking

Motley Crue frontman coming to Four Winds

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak @leaderpub.com

N

EW BUFFALO, Mich. — Vince Neil, the lead singer for Motley Crue will bring his solo tour to the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds in New Buffalo Friday night.

Neil and Motley Crue recently wrapped up their nine-year farewell tour and the front man is out on the road performing a mix of Crue tunes and songs from his solo work.

“We do all the Motley stuff and some things they didn’t do live or haven’t done in a long time,” Neil said. “Of course there will be some of my solo stuff plus some really cool surprises. It is a big, cool, energetic rock show.”

Neil, who performs such hits at “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Kickstart My Heart” and “Home Sweet Home,” is set to release new music in 2016.

Neil’s last solo album, “Tattoos & Tequila,” was released in 2010. He has released four solo albums to date. The other studio albums were 1993’s “Exposed” and 1995’s “Carved in Stone.”

He also released a live album in 2003 entitled “Live at the Wisky: One Night Only.”

Neil said he is looking forward to recording new music now that he has wrapped up the Motley Crue tour.

“It’s exciting to be recording new music and to be moving on,” he said. “I have already been working with the guys on some stuff.”

He would not say if the new album would be similar to his last or if it would take a new direction.

“You might just hear some of it at the show, you never know,” Neil said. “I don’t want to give that away.”

Neil said that venues like the Silver Creek Event Center are special.

“There is an energy and a vibe,” he said. “It takes me back to the early Motley days. It is great to connect with people.”

Although known primarily for being the frontman for Motley Crue, Neil has also ventured into the business world, started his own foundation following the death of his daughter from cancer, and even the sports world.

He spent some time in the early 1990s and eventually competed in the Indy Lights Series in 1992 with P.I.G. Racing. He ran four races and finished three of them.

He retired from racing after suffering a crash.

He also dabbled in the Arena Football League.

Neil, along with long-time friends and business partners Bob Hewko and Mark Daniels, acquired the Jacksonville Sharks in 2014. He also owned the Las Vegas Outlaws.

He has owned bars, vineyards, had his own brand of tequila and a gentleman’s club called “Vince Neil’s Girls, Girls, Girls in Las Vegas.

There is also Vince Neil Ink and Eat, Drink and Party, also located in Las Vegas.

“Las Vegas has been very good to me,” he said.

“I am very thankful to the people who have loved the music and given me a chance in entertaining. I am a road singer. I love it.”

A limited number of tickets for the 9 p.m. show Friday range from $65 to $80. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting fourwindscasino.com.

Valentine’s Day..

We’ve got a Bunch of Fresh Ideas!

East Main Gardens Florist 1521 E. Main Street Niles, MI

(269) 683-8000 (800) 924-7525

www.EastMainGardensFlorist.com

Sponsored by

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Friday, February 5, 2016, 7 p.m.

$44 $52 $56 $60

You should be dancing!

It’s one of the most beloved dance stories of all time in a spectacular new musical stage production. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep is Your Love,” in addition to several new songs written especially for this production.

“Hit song after hit song, bright lights, and dancing to blow you away.” - BBC

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

Dress the part and enter the Disco Costume Contest at intermission!

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER DISCO PARTY Immediately following the show until midnight

$20

21 and older only, please. Learn more at www.TheMendelCenter.com/fever

TheMendelCenter.com

Box Office (269) 927-1221 Box Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. And one hour before show times.

2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 • Program subject to change. Prices do not include fees.

9 CLASS

Off The Water, Michiana

General Notices 106 WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Business Oppor200 tunities Earn Extra Cash on the Weekends

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

Contact Cindy at 269-687-7727 or cindy.klingerman@ leaderpub.com to learn more about this profitable opportunity

Help Wanted

300

15 DRIVER TRAINEES

NEEDED NOW!

Learn to drive for US Xpress!

NEW Drivers earn $800/week & Benefits!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! CDL & Job Ready in 3 weeks!

1-800-882-7364

APPLY NOW

for Office, and Customer Service positions across Southwest Michigan Pay Range $12-$15 per hour All positions are permanent Call 269-408-1980 for info.

BOX TRUCK DELIVERY DRIVER

needed. Chauffer License required, copy of good driving record, Benefits and Competitive wage.

Send resume attention: lcrannie@hehrintl.com by January 29th

DRIVERS WANTED

Michiana Recycling & Disposal

is looking for residential drivers with a CDL A or B, good attendance and work ethic, ability to read maps & attention to safety. Benefits include BCBS Health, Dental & Life Insurance, uniforms, paid holidays and vacations, safety bonus and overtime pay. Our route drivers average over $54,000 per year, work less than 50 hours per week, and are home every night!

Apply on line at MichianaRecyclingCareers.com

Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted

DRIVERS NEEDED:

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

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

or at our office at 33541 Reum Rd, Niles, MI

Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 5

PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS and CNAs

Care for the elderly in their homes.

Experience preferred.

(269)428-9100 www.rahswmi.com

GENERAL LABOR – 1st and 2nd shifts Including: Machine Operators Piece Rate Positions Forklift Drivers Send resume or apply in person: North American Forest Products PO Box 600 27263 May St. Edwardsburg, MI. 49112 Fax: 269-663-5302 Email: hr1006@nafpinc.com

HOME CARE AIDES (P/T) More details and application at www.casscoa.org

See our ad under business opportunities

MARKETING EXPERT

Leader Publications is looking for a dynamic salesperson. Print & online advertising sales experience is strongly preferred, as well as lead generation, strong closing techniques, excellent verbal & written communication skills, computer skills, creative capacity & a drive for success.

Excellent pay, benefits & opportunity to advance.

Must have valid license and dependable vehicle.

Email resume and cover letter to:

sherina.gonzalez @leaderpub.com

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS

Buchanan, Three Oaks, Galien General Labor Entry Level $8.75 - $10 Permanent, Fulltime Call 269-408-1980

SMCAS

or mail to: Leader Publications ATTN: Sherina Gonzalez 217 N. Fourth St. Niles, MI 49120

NOW HIRING MULTIPLE POSITIONS

Postle Extrusion, a growing aluminum extrusion company, has immediate openings for: • Packers • Maintenance Techs • Die Correctors • Production Supervisors Apply in person at 201 N. Edwards St. Cassopolis, MI or send resume to: hr@postledistributors.com

MATERIALS/PRODUCTION PLANNER

Please email resumes to: hr@tri-pac.us

To Place an Ad E-Mail Us At:

classifieds@leaderpub.com

Indoor Flea Market

We've expanded the store!

More than 2,000 feet of new booth space available. We buy estates and single items. (269)262-4333

Auctions Postle Extrusion has an opening for a

FOR SALE IN NILES

Maintenance Tech

309

P.D.K. Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License At: Edwardsburg Conservation Club Next class: Feb. 27 Contact Paul: 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 269-783-6570 pdkfirearms.com

Apartments

3 BDR Farmhouse on 1 acre Updated kitchen & bath Nostalgia of an old farm house but easy remodeling project Call 574-298-2737 Mary Cooper Cressy Everett Real Estate LESS THAN 1/2 MILE TO STATE LINE

412

Cassopolis

STONE LAKE MANOR

Senior Apartments.

2 months free on select units.

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

Please call Toni at 269-4453333 or stop by today at 145 Stone Lake St. for more information. Equal Housing Opportunity. TDD 1-800649-3777 American Preferred 1-800-968-1792 1729 Oak St., Niles Move In Special Security Deposit $200 1 & 2 Bedrooms Heat, Water, Hot Water & Trash All Paid (269)687-8340 www.coreleases.com

Office Space for 427 Rent NILES MAIN ST.

603

************

YOU NEVER KNOW AUCTION HOUSE AH:21000020

MIT #6394825 Apply at www.mitalent.org

3119 Church St. Niles 2bdrs, 2bths, basement Large backyard Oversized garage Only $64,900 Let your dreams bloom with Violet 269-635-8116 Coldwell Banker Anchor 1400 W Chicago Road Niles

53788 CR 9 Elkhart, IN. Every Fri. at 5:00p.m. Now taking clean big & small consignment.

Drop off merchandise Sat-Thurs Daily 10-5.

Pick-up available.

Someone here at all times.

We auction all winter. Space available at Flea Market.

For more details call David (574)522-1020 #AU01042788

Farm Equipment 633 & Supplies CASE TRACTOR

For Sale: 1968 Diesel 430 Case Tractor with front end loader and a three bottom mole board plow, 14" bottoms. Tractor has new rod bearings, piston rings and head gasket. Runs great.

Has two relatively new front tires. Power steering, new block heater, two new batteries and recently rebuilt starter. Live PTO, three point hitch, remote hydraulics. Call (269)471-7177

Household Mer642 chandise BUNK BEDS

brand new with tags, top is single, bottom is full size bed, paid $1,200, will sell for $700. (269)362-3670

RIVER OAK APTS

is seeking an Operations Manager FT Salary with competitive MATERIALS/ pay and benefits. Requires PRODUCTION EMT-P license and current DL .

PLANNER Send resumes to: A local consumer product Operations Manager, manufacturing company, PART TIME DRIVER 2100 W Chicago Rd, now hiring. See our LARGER to work early morning shift Niles, MI 49120 ad in today's newspaper.

Mon. - Fri. Must have valid drivers license & insurance.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs. or A consumer product manufacturing company more.Apply in person at in Southwest Michigan is searching for a Leader Publications 217 N. 4th St. Materials/Production Planner. Experience Niles, MI 49120

in manufacturing, materials purchasing, customer service and run MRP/ERP based on MAS 90 or SAPBI.

on a double lot in Union Pier just feet from LAKE MICHIGAN Call Mike Stover (269) 470-2995

Collectibles 602 THE MARKET PLACE

2428 S. 11th St., Niles

Instruction & Training LEADER PUBLICATIONS ROUTES AVAILABLE

Houses for Sale 500 3 BEDROOM REHAB

Manufactured 502 Homes FOR SALE $35,000

1996 PATRIOT "VICTORIAN" 28 X 52

New roof 2014, new 95% professional office space. Eff Furnace and Central AC 1800 square feet, four in 2015. 4-car carport, 3 private offices and lots of bedrooms, fireplace, garden parking. $800 a month plus tub and walk-in shower in utilities and grounds. Can master bedroom, guest include both for $1,250. bathroom tub and shower.

Contact (269)591-5167. All appliances stay, fridge, 721 E. Main St., across from gas range, dishwasher, high eff washer and dryer, Post Office. garbage disposal. NADA Rent-Lease, Misc. 442 appraisal was $48,500, this is a steal at $35,000 call WAREHOUSE/ (269)262-4449 or cell (269)235-0523 for FLEX SPACE showing.

1265 SF PLUS OFFICE 24 E. WILDFLOWER 2607 SOUTH 11TH (933) Silverbrook Manufactured NILES. MI Home Community 1.5 NORTH IN. LINE Main Street, Niles (269)687-9583

Bargain Buys 668 QUALITY FURNITURE

Visit the Plaza Resale Store for quality used furniture and home decor. We also BUY ESTATES and excess home furnishings when moving and down sizing.

Plaza Resale Store 2607 S. 11th St. Niles, MI 574-383-8859

Wanted to Buy 672 CASH PAID FOR

Personal Property Estates, Antiques, Furniture, Appliances, Garage, Barn.

(269)445-2220 M-60 Variety - Cassopolis

Home Improve700 ment HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

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

Page 6 • Week of January 21-27, 2016

10 HALF CLASS

Off The Water, Michiana

‘Star Wars,’ Weezer share similar fates

U

ntil recently, the only relation between Weezer and “Star Wars” I would have drawn was that I have spent most of my life as a fan of both.

Indeed, what else could be compared between these beloved sources of entertainment, perhaps beyond the dark tone of each brand’s second release?

Weezer is a power pop rock band helmed by Rivers Cuomo since its formation in the early 1990s and “Star Wars” is a beloved science fiction film franchise whose influence is encountered everywhere, from toy shelves to clothes racks to my weekday lunch bag.

Beyond the décor of the adolescent bedrooms, commonality between these two subjects seems less than obvious.

However, after multiple viewings of the latest “Star Wars” film, “The Force Awakens,” and a year of listening to Weezer’s 2014 album, “Everything Will Be Alright In The End,” the similarities have been revealed.

Contentious debate among fans of either topic has become as much a part of each as the works themselves. Fans of both “Star Wars” and Weezer are among the most devoted and can be found everywhere, split into tribes of “classic” versus “contemporary.” It can be dangerous to broach either topic in public, as these tribes wear no identifiable markers and debate between members of each can engulf any area.

I recall a particularly naive moment last year

COLUMNIST

Justin Flagel when, in attempt to avoid awkward political discussion at The Brass Eye in Niles, I turned to Dave behind the bar and said “I started to rewatch the ‘Star Wars’ movies.”

The political discussion I evaded would have been peaceful compared to the debate that ensued, with

every person in the bar sharing loud and unshakeable opinions on “the sins of the “Star Wars” prequels” or the “stubbornness of fans of the originals.”

For those who have somehow avoided arguments between fans of the original “Star Wars” Trilogy and fans of the late

1990s prequels, I will briefly outline the quarrel.

In the late 1970s, George Lucas released the first “Star Wars” film to much praise. The acclaim from both critics and audiences went far beyond expectations and multiple generations of fans were born.

Personal and professional difficulties encountered by Lucas leading to the 1983 release of the third film, “Return Of The Jedi,” put the prospect of future films on hold for a decade. Fandom grew as the franchise expanded into every marketable item imaginable and audiences tirelessly examined the existing canon. In 1993, Lucas finally announced he would be returning to “Star Wars” by releasing prequels to the original films.

The first prequel, “The Phantom Menace,” was one of the most anticipated movies of all time. Reaction to it and the following prequels, however, split audiences into two camps. Many of those who had grown up on the original trilogy were disappointed in the quality

CLASSIFIEDs Snow Removal 745 SNOW PLOWING

residential 24 hour service, great rate.

Firewood $150/cord, delivery available.

(269)782-3072 or 591-2691

Misc. Services 747 Quality Clock Repair Front Street Framery 801 E. Front St. Buchanan House Calls, Free Estimates (269)409-1031

Auto. Service927 Repair SCARLETT AUTO BODY REPAIR INC. 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Roll back service (269)461-4197

Autos for Sale 945 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Stock# 1251 28k! Nice low mileage No credit checks & ZERO % interest!!!

Only $650.00 Down $275.00 Monthly!

Call Scarletts!

(269)461-4197

2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA

(Light Blue) Wow! 37k $1000.00 Down $325.00 Monthly!

Bring in this ad and receive $50.00 off down payment!

No Credit checks 0% Interest Call Scarlett's or stop in and see us!

(269)461-4197

FOR SALE

1987 and 1988 Dodge Dakotas, 6 cylinders, reg cab, long bed, 2-wheel drives, run decent. $1,400 obo each. 2015 Kymco Honda 4-wheeler, 70cc, brand new $2,500 - selling for $1,000. Less than 10 hours. Call (574)350-5120

FOR SALE

2005 Saturn Vue AWD one owner $4995 02 Chevy Tracker, one owner $2995 03 Chevy Cavalier Sport $3295 2002 Ford Mustang GT Extras $6995

57748 M51 South, Dowagiac (269)782-5643

ServiceS & SaleS anTenna Service

Antennas Plus WHY PAY TO WATCH TV? DuMp Your DISh or CAblE

MURDOCK'S USED CARS

(269)683-8677

•SPECIAL•

Purchase a vehicle between Jan. 14th & Feb 29th. No payments for 90 days, 0 Down, W.A.C. 2007 Chrysler Aspen 4x4 3rd row, heated leather, power roof, navigation, DVD player, and more.., low miles, $239/month 2007 Dodge Nitro SLT 4x4, power moon roof, low miles, $199/month 2012 Toyota RAV 4 4x4, 38,000 miles, 1 owner, $299/month 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, power sliders, power gate, low miles, $129/month 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT 1 owner, clean history report, non-smoker, nice. $245/month 2008 Chrysler Town & Country power sliders, power gate, full Stow-N-Go, low miles, $199/month 2013 Buick Verano black, heated leather, 1 owner, 57,000 miles. $219/month

Classifieds GET RESULTS

elderly care Kare Services Compassionate Home Care Services

(269) 684-1984 (574) 292-2900 Email: kmkaidan@aol.com www.KAREService.com

One time affordable fee and it’s free. Variety of free HD & Digital channels, use your own wiring, complete installation & repair, tower removal.

GaraGeS

Quality Garage Doors

AntennasPlus1.com

Sales, service & installation of garage doors & openers.

applianceS

Call owner Steve Baxter for your free estimate today.

BILL’S USED APPLIANCES

(269)683-9000

(269) 357-6352

We Work All Year Round

Don’t Miss The Deals!

Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm Sat. 10am-3pm • Closed Sunday 2324 S. 11th Street-Niles

(269) 340-5952

General repair

MR. MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES

Roofing, Siding & Windows, Light Hauling & Spring Clean-Ups, No Inside or Outside job too big or small.

Low affordable rates.

(269) 591-1403

Home improvemenT

plaSTerinG

KING’S PLASTERING, CONSTRUCTION PAINTING & DRYWALL

WILLIAMS

home Improvement & Maintenance

Repairs, Remodeling, Windows, Siding, Additions, Painting, Plumbing & More.

Certified mobile home work.

Credit Cards aCCepted

269.635.1527

williamsconstructco@gmail.com

MK CONSTRUCTION Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, Framing and more. Over 40 years experience. Licensed.

Contact Michael N. Knepple

(269) 476-9777

3 coat work and cove & thin coat. Company is based in Niles area.

Complete home improvement. Kitchens, bathrooms, decks, windows, doors, etc.

Call Jeff (574) 532-4735

painTinG

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

Free Estimates. Family Owned & Operated for Over 50 years.

(269) 683-4442

Classifieds!

Classifieds are the Highest Read Section!

231-629-1298 Snow removal

SNOW PLOWING Residential & Commercial Free Estimates.

Reasonable Rates.

Call Larry at C&C Concrete

(269) 228-1163 Tree Service

the Cutting edge pro tree Care

Complete Tree Services SAME DAY ESTIMATES. MAURER QUALITY Insured, Competitive Rates.

CARPENTRY

Promote Your Business Every Day in the

(269) 687-4972 Backwoods Tree & sTump service Licensed & Insured.

NICK: (269) 254-6634 SAM: (269) 591-5386

Readers look to Leader Publications for news, business, shopping, classifieds, weather, sports and more!

Your ad will run in 56 issues a month

and reach more than 150,000 potential customers each month for only $89 per month.

For $89 the 12 month agreement includes a 6 line classified ad that will run in the Niles Daily Star, Dowagiac Daily News, Cassopolis Vigilant, Edwardsburg Argus, The Leader, Off The Water PLUS online ads at leaderpub.com that reach more than 4,000 digital readers each day!

Call Classifieds to get started today!

269-683-2100 or visit our office at 217 North 4th St. Niles, MI 49120

Off The Water, Michiana

of the movies and the handling of their beloved characters.

A newer generation, though, came to “The Phantom Menace” with no expectations and were fascinated by the depiction of space battles and adventure.

“Star Wars” became one of the most hostile topics in movie history.

A very similar conflict has long existed among Weezer fans.

The band released two albums in quick succession in the 1990s, “The Blue Album” and “Pinkerton.” Both albums were placed in high regard by music fans, with “Pinkerton” gaining a near-mythic reputation in late-night Internet discussions. The band, due to various internal changes, would release nothing new for six years. As with “Star

Wars,” the downtime was spent building an anticipation no artist would envy.

In 2001, when the band released “The Green Album,” new fans rejoiced in the quirky pop hooks and unusual melodies while most old fans lamented the short songs and change in sound.

“The Force Awakens” has received well-deserved praise from nearly every person who has watched it, from the strongest of “Star Wars” fans to those without an interest in science fiction.

It is a solid, stand-alone movie full of incredible effects, entertaining adventure, and lovable characters.

Furthermore, both “classic” and “prequel” fans have found common ground in a new “Star Wars” that brings the most

Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 7

loved elements of each into one title, with a promising future for more.

Director JJ Abrams and those involved in the production approached it with a delicate hand, successfully honoring the franchise’s past while creating a new path every fan can walk down together.

Weezer’s “Everything Will Be Alright In The End” brought a similar approach in a musical form.

Portions of the album are a direct response to the complaints of classic fans and all of it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with the sound of the ‘90s. Tearing guitar riffs were combined with the pop sounds of the band’s more recent releases to bridge the gap, giving fans new and old something to love. The album made a number of best album lists for the year and remains one of the more solid releases of the band’s entire catalog. Where battles of Pinkerton versus “The Green Album” once occurred, shared joy of new music to come now exists.

On the “Star Wars” themed season finale of “The Breakdown With Dylan Roberts & Justin Flagel,” I stated that, thanks to “The Force Awakens,”

“the ‘Star Wars’ wars are over.” We can safely assume the same for the battle of Weezer lovers.

It is a good time to be a fan.

Justin Flagel is the founder of the web magazine and podcast Anywhere the Needle Drops, where he and others showcase their interest in music, pop

culture, creativity and life.

Follow their work at anywheretheneedledrops.com.

Feedback can be directed to contact@anywheretheneedledrops.com.

Beautiful Fabrics!

Current Designer Closeouts & Excess Goods Home Dec Fabrics • Trims • Woollens Linens • Silks • Bridal Laces

95% of Our Decorator & Upholstery Fabrics are 50% to 90% Off Retail

Lemon Creek Fabrics 119 W. Ferry St.

Downtown Berrien Springs, MI 49103 269-473-2201 Open Sunday thru Thursday Closed Friday & Saturday

12th Annual Hunter Ice Festival

Tippy Toes

Inc.

Natural Nails saloN & spa

10 Year Anniversary

Warm up your hands and feet with a hot paraffin wax!

101 E. Main St, Niles, MI 269.684.3394 • tippytoesniles.com

EAST MAIN CAR COMPANY We are a friendly car dealership in business for 15 years. We specialize in quality, low mileage, one owner SUVs and 4x4s starting at $3,995.

Visit us at 1650 East Main Street www.EastMainCarCompany.com

269-683-7978

Friday, Jan. 22nd through Sunday, Jan. 24th Downtown Niles Shop Local!

Visit these merchants during the Ice Festival!

FREE

Order of Breadsticks with a pizza purchase when you dine in or carry out during the

Hunter Ice Festival January 22-24, 2016

684-6600 Dine In • Carryout • Delivery

Like us on Facebook

Come join us during the Hunter Ice Festival!

WWW.PIZZATRANSIT.COM 215 E. Main St., Niles •

Enjoy local food in a family friendly environment!

Olfactory Hue Bistro Eat Local.

Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the Ice Festival!

226 E. Main St, Niles, MI 269-687-0880

WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE Martial Arts Based System Defense • Fitness • Competition Offering Jiu Jitsu and Taekwondo!

Stop in and see us Saturday from noon to 2 pm!

Championship Instructors Classes Forming Now • All Ages

Legend Martial Arts 111 E. Main Street, Downtown Niles LegendRed.com • 231-287-6528 leave message

Page 8 • Week of January 21-27, 2016

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

STOMP!

International percussion sensation comes to The Mendel Center Mainstage

B

ENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — See what all the noise is about when “Stomp” comes to The Mendel Center Mainstage at Lake Michigan College Sunday February 28, at 4 p.m. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, “Stomp” has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people.

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, “Stomp” continues its phenomenal run with four global productions: the ongoing sell-out production at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material. This year, it will incorporate two new pieces. It is safe to say you will never again look at supermarket carts or plumbing fixtures the same way… or paint cans, or kitchen sinks or…

“Stomp,” an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays.

In addition to the stage shows, “Stomp” has been an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, an Academy Award nomination,

four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special Stomp Out Loud, noteworthy TV appearances including The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials.

The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-founder/director Luke Cresswell. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, “Stomp” has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expres-

sion: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum.

Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and close to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. “Stomp” uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps to fill the stage with a compelling

and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated.

Critics and audiences have raved: “‘Stomp’ is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “‘Stomp’ has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune.

Tickets for “Stomp” at The Mendel Center Mainstage start at $35 and are available at www.

TheMendelCenter.com, and through The Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221, weekdays 2 to 6 p.m. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For information about group rates, pre-show party options, and other special arrangements contact the box office.

A cash bar in the front lobby opens one hour before show time. Special Mendel Center drink cups are available for purchase, which allow patrons to enjoy their beverages inside the theater.

Ticket prices listed do not include fees. Program subject to change.

The 1,517-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theatre offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in elegant surroundings. Other amenities include free parking, handicap accessibility with usher-assisted advance seating opportunities, and an array of special services including valet parking, catering and bar service for private pre- and post-show events, booster seats for children, hearing-assist devices, non-spill cups for beverages inside the theatre, and recently added premium seats in the Stage Side section.

The Mendel Center is 30 minutes from Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo and South Bend. It is located on the Lake Michigan College campus at 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24).