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Friday, January 27, 2012

the place to be entertained

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SUPERCHARGED

There are many people out there who love comic books and superheroes.

One Michiana man is taking that love to another planet.

SEE PAGE 2.

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Page 2 • Friday, Friday, January 27, 2012

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Elkhart ON THE COVER: Museum founder Allen Stewart attempts to shoot a web from his right hand next to a life-size replica of Spiderman at the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Ind. Off the Water/CRAIG HAUPERT

Off the Water/CRAIG HAUPERT

More than 55,000 superhero comic books and thousands of superhero action figures can be found at the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Ind.

Allen Stewart: Super Collector

By CRAIG HAUPERT Off the Water

Comic book enthusiast Allen Stewart emits as much character as the superheroes he collects.

An Elkhart, Ind., Realtor, Stewart has devoted a large portion of his life to collecting comic books and superhero memora-

bilia. His collection became so large he built a museum on his Elkhart property to house all of it.

The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum contains more than 55,000 comic books, thousands of superhero-themed toys and countless pieces of rare superhero memorabilia.

Off the Water/CRAIG HAUPERT

One of two original costumes worn by William Katt on "Greatest American Hero" is located at the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Ind.

Submitted photo

Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum founder, Allen Stewart, is dressed as the Green Lantern and surrounded by three costumed women superheroes.

The museum is designed to look like the Hall of Justice building featured in the 1970s cartoon, “Super Friends.”

It is a must see for anyone wanting to unleash his or her inner superhero.

“It’s so great because people just love it,” Stewart said. “It doesn’t matter your age. If you’re 10 or you’re 80, you are going to come in here and find something from your childhood.”

The 41-year-old has a history and teaching degree and does guest lectures at Indiana University South Bend. He also shows teachers how to use superheroes in the classroom to help get students interested in all subjects.

“You use Captain America to teach World War II, and the kids really get into it and they remember things, like about FDR and Hitler and Churchill,” he said.

Stewart spent seven years as a black belt fitness instructor in the Army, training soldiers in martial arts and American fighting styles. He once published his own line of comic books and was one of five finalists to play Robin in the 1990s Batman movies.

He said the best way to de-

scribe himself is Batman.

“Batman didn’t have any super powers, but he tried to be the best both mentally and physically, and I have patterned myself after that,” he said. “It probably sounds nuts, but it is true. The only thing he has on me is height. I’m challenged in that area.”

The museum is divided into sections showcasing more than 75 years of comic-book and super-hero history. It is the largest collection of its kind in the

world.

One section resembles the Batcave seen in the 1960s Batman television show, complete with fireman’s pole and tons of Batman memorabilia.

The Hollywood Heroes section contains movie and television memorabilia signed by the stars, including Adam West, Hugh Jackman, Linda Carter and more. He has a Superman emblem signed by the late Lane Smith, who played Perry White in the television show, “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.”

“He is one of the nicest actors I ever met. I actually spent one night gambling with him on a riverboat,” Stewart said.

The museum contains one of the two original costumes worn

by William Katt on the show “Greatest American Hero.”

Stewart says the museum contains the third most-expensive

Off the Water/CRAIG HAUPERT

Founded five years ago, the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum in Elkhart, Ind., contains the world’s largest collection of comic books and superhero memorabilia.

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The only thing (Batman) has on me is height. I'm challenged in that area.

— Allen Stewart

comic book: an original copy of “Captain America,” issue No. 1 from 1941.

“It is the most important comic book of World War II because it shows Captain America punching out Hitler,” he said. “Not only that, but the comic book comes out nine months before Pearl Harbor.”

The second floor of the museum offers most of a collection of more than 55,000 comic books that includes every superhero comic from 1957 to the stuff that came out this week.

He is currently looking for donors and sponsors to help fill the gap of missing comic books from 1938 to 1957.

“We are the only organization dedicated to acquiring and preserving an original copy of every comic book,” Stewart said.

The museum offers several special events throughout the year. It will host a Wonder Woman Day event on Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wonder Woman will be on hand to sign autographs. Visit the Hall of Heroes Musuem Facebook page for more

Submitted photo

Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum offers several special events each year, including a superhero-themed costume party around Halloween time. Museum founder, Allen Stewart, is dressed as Bizarro.

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details.

Stewart is married with a son and daughter. He said his wife doesn’t share his love of superheroes.

“I wish she was, but she’s not,” he said. “I can’t get her to dress up as Wonder Woman or Super Woman or anything like that, which would be pretty cool.”

Those wanting to visit the museum need to make an appointment by calling (574) 293-0755. It is located at 58005 C.R. 105, Elkhart, Ind. Admission is $5 adults and $3 for children younger than 10.

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South Haven n Through Feb. 5: "Michigan Outsider's Art Exhibit" shows at the South Haven Center for the Art, 600 Phoenix St., South Haven. n 5 to 7 tonight: Family Game Night is at the South Haven Memorial Library, 314 Broadway St. Families are welcome to participate in board games, card games and video games at the library. n 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday: Carhartt Party 2012 at McIntosh Orchards, 6431 107th Ave. in South Haven, with bonfire at dusk, free chili served McIntosh style, hard cider specials and free wine tasting. n 9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday: Douglas James Band at Black River Tavern, 403 Phoenix St. in South Haven.

Friday, January 27, 2012 • Page 3

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Page 4 • Friday, January 27, 2012

Just do it

Please submit calendar events to Managing Editor Katie Rohman by email, katie.rohman@leaderpub.com; phone, 687-7713;

www.offthewater.com

The other reason?

Places to go, people to see

fax, 683-2175; or mail or visit Today the Leader Publications office at n Pokagon United Methodist 217 North Fourth St., Niles, MI Church is having a soup, salad 49120. and dessert dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the church at 31393 Kansas St., Dowagiac (village of Pokagon). Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door. Chase away the cold with a bowl of hot soup and fellowship. n Four Courses with the Chorale offers music and a fourcourse meal at 7 p.m. at the Mathews Conference Center on the Dowagiac campus of Southwestern Michigan College. Tickets are $40 per person. Call (269) 782-1115. n An energy sustainability workshop for nonprofit organizations will feature presentations from NIPSCO, City of South Bend, Indiana Michigan Power and IUSB Center for Sustainability from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the LOGAN Center, 2505 East Jefferson Blvd. in South Bend, Ind. Call (574) 289-4831 to register for this free event. n The opening party for the “Krasl Art Center Members’ Show: In D3” is 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Krasl Art Center, 707 songs and dancing.

Lake Blvd. in St. Joseph. The reClifford is a long-time chilception is free and open to the dren’s favorite and celebrates public. his 50th anniversary in 2012. n Discover Winter Nights runs The original children’s book from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring a series created by author Norlighted tubing hill and three man Bridwell was first pubmiles of lighted cross-country ski lished in 1963. The animated trails. A warming fire and rechildren’s television series was freshments will be available for nominated for an Emmy those wishing for a more relaxed award. atmosphere with family and Tickets are $14 and $19. Call friends. Cost is $2 per person. the box office at (269) 927The 820-acre park is located just 1221. south of M-60 on Monkey Run Make it an afternoon from Street, five miles west of Jones. noon to 2 p.m. and meet and For more information or snow greet a lot of furry faces waitconditions, call Cass County ing for some affection thanks Parks and Recreation at (269) to local animal rescue groups.

445-4456 or email Scott Wyman Enjoy a buffet of chicken finat scottwy@cassco.org. gers, macaroni and cheese and n The Lake Michigan College house-made chips. Tickets are Mendel Center Mainstage in $7.

Benton Harbor will present “Fiddler on the Roof” at 7:30 p.m.

Benton Harbor

Clifford graces Mendel Center Mainstage Clifford comes to life on stage in a new family musical, "Clifford The Big Red Dog LIVE!" A celebration of Clifford's 50th anniversary, the event takes place at the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage, 2755 East Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, for two shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Feb. 18.

In this adventure, Clifford and Emily Elizabeth journey to Birdwell Island with their friends, Cleo, T-Bone, Charley, Jetta and Mac. They will share such values as sharing, playing, fairness, respect, working together, responsibility, truthfulness, kindness, helping others, believing in self and being a good friend with laughter,

Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

Ticket prices range from $45 to $55. Call (269) 927-1221. n Michigan Blood will have a blood drive from 1 to 5 p.m. at Life Action Ministries, 2727 Niles-Buchanan Rd., Buchanan.

Saturday n Discover Winter Nights runs from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring a lighted tubing hill and three miles of lighted cross-country ski trails. A warming fire and refreshments will be available for those wishing for a more relaxed atmosphere with family and friends. Cost is $2 per person.

The 820-acre park is located just south of M-60 on Monkey Run Street, five miles west of Jones.

For more information or snow conditions, call Cass County Parks and Recreation at (269) 445-4456 or email Scott Wyman at scottwy@cassco.org. n Join Sarett Nature Center naturalists for a cross-country ski on 12 miles of trails at Muskegon State Park. The $17 fee includes transportation from Sarett, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, and Muskegon’s trail fee.

Call (269) 927-4832 to register. n Gear up for a Chinese New Year celebration for the Year of the Dragon at Water Street GelatoWorks, 138 Water St. in Benton Harbor. The fundraiser is from 4 to 8 p.m. Jan. 28. Call (269) 925-5555 for details. n Emilee Allan performs a CD release concert at 7 p.m. at Lerner Theater, 410 South Main St. in Elkhart, Ind. Call (800) 294-8223 for tickets, which cost $15.

Opening act is South of Somewhere. n Winter exploration at Fernwood for children ages 6 to 10.

From 2 to 4 p.m., kids can learn about what makes winter special, including snow, animal tracking and birds at the feeders. Dress for walking outdoor trails at Fernwood Botanical Gardens, 13988 Range Line Rd. in Niles.

Cost is $10; $8 for members.

n “Brew and View” features “This Is Spinal Tap” at the Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks. Show is at 8 p.m.

No charge. Call (269) 756-3879. n Fernwood book group discusses “Eight Women, Two Model Ts and the American West” by Joanne Wilke at 10:30 a.m. Fernwood Botanical Gardens is located at 13988 Range Line Rd. in Niles. n South Bend Symphony Orchestra presents “The Stuff of Legends” at 8 p.m. at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 N. Michigan St. in South Bend. Call (574) 235-9190. n Fierce Dance Academy plans a pancake breakfast at Dowagiac Moose on M-51 North from 9 a.m. to noon for $6.

Sunday n Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, hosts a “Mystery Birding Adventure” at 10 a.m. Bring a sack lunch and dress for the weather. The cost is $10 per person ($5 for Sarett members). Call (269) 927-4832 to register. n A chili and baked potato benefit will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Buchanan Senior Center, 810 Rynearson St., Buchanan, to benefit Michelle Klarich’s cancer treatment. The lunch is sponsored by the Buchanan Li-

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Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

South Bend

Look for something delicious at the Backstage Grill, 222 South Michigan St.

Get an extra helping during Winter Restaurant Week Winter Restaurant Week in South Bend features 13 locally owned eateries through Feb. 4.

Each restaurant, offering fare ranging from Italian to fine dining, French to Thai and Irish to American, will offer a three- or four-course dinner for $25 or dinner for two for $25.

Participating restaurants include: n Backstage Grill, 222 South Michigan St. n Carmela’s at Macri’s, 214 North Niles Ave. n Cafe Navarre, 101 N. Michigan St. n East Bank Empori-

um, 121 South Niles Ave. n Fiddler’s Hearth Public House, 127 North Main St. n LaSalle Grill, 115 West Colfax Ave. n LePeep, 127 South Michigan St. n Siam Thai, 211 North Main St. n South Bend Chocolate Cafe, 122 South Michigan n Sunny Italy Cafe, 601 North Niles Ave. n Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, 620 West Washington St. n Trio’s Restaurant & Jazz Club, 129 North Michigan St. n The Vine, 103 West Colfax Ave.

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offthewater.com ons Club and friends of Michelle Klarich. n The Peace and Justice group Pax Christi (Peace of Christ) of Southwestern Michigan invites all to attend its meeting at 7 p.m.

Members will be planning for future events and viewing and discussing the documentary video “Waging Peace.” This is a film about Muslim and Christian alternatives to violence and war. They meet at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 219 S. State St., Niles. All are welcome.

Monday n The Cass County Parks and Recreation Commission and Southwest Michigan Planning Commission invite those interested in parks, recreation and open space to join them for a visioning session from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Cass County Road Commission’s Collins Meeting Room, 340 O’Keefe St., Cassopolis. The purpose of the session is to receive public input to be integrated into an updated fiveyear recreation and open space plan. Input will also be used for setting goals, policy and development in the parks. For more information, contact Scott Wyman at scottwy@cassco.org or (269) 445-4456.

Wednesday n The spring lecture series at the Museum at Southwestern Michigan College, on the Dowagiac campus, kicks off with “Ice Age Imperials: Prehistoric Animals of Southwest

Michigan. The free hourlong lecture begins at 6:30 p.m., featuring Christina Hirn Arseneau, director of the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center in St. Joseph, as speaker. n The Four Flags Snowmobile Club will meet at 7 p.m. at the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce building (lower level, enter from alley), 321 Main St., Niles. New members always welcome and needed to keep trails going. Contact Reid Heibel at 6845375 for more information. n The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Edwardsburg will have a volunteer committee meeting at 6 p.m. at the Edwardsburg Fire Department. The meeting will begin planning process for the Relay for Life of Edwardsburg, which supports the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping people get well, by finding and by fighting back against the disease. For more information, contact Chad King at (574) 215-8051.

Thursday n “I Have a Dream: The Life and Times of Martin Luther King” is a dramatization at The Mendel Center Mainstage on the campus of Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Ave. in Benton Harbor.

Show is at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $11 to $16.

Feb. 3 n Sculptor Tuck Langland gives a gallery talk at

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to help lower the bar tab by the end of the night. “switch from saturday. saturday weddings are not only the most popular, but also the most expensive. couples with some flexibility can save money by moving their wedding to a Friday or sunday. couples who move their weddings to Friday often find they get to spend more time with their friends and families the following day, as guests are more inclined to stay in town an extra day than they are on sunday afternoons following a wedding.

Choosing less extravagant floral arrangements is one way couples can save money on wedding expenses. commitment to their weddings. But it’s still possible for couples to make the most of their wedding without landing themselves in heavy debt once the honeymoon is over and the bills must be paid. “limit beverage availability. in the Visa survey, respondents felt they overspent more on food, drink and cake than any other aspect of their wedding. The bar tab can quickly add up at the end of the night, but couples can limit the bar expense by making on a few different types of drinks available. offer just two or three drink options instead of a full bar. couples can also consider a cash bar for mixed drinks The Perfect Place for your Wedding Day…

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“Order less extravagant floral arrangements. Floral arrangements for a wedding can prove very expensive.

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www.offthewater.com

Ready, aim, taste

Dowagiac Amateurs, professionals fire up the crockpots to lay claim to title for best chili in town

The stakes are getting

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As Dowagiac’s 16th annual Ice Time festival returns to the central business district Feb. 4, organizers have upped the award money for its Amateur Chili Cook-off.

The first-place winner will win a $50 Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificate. Second place will receive $25 with the third-place finisher receiving $10.

According to festival organizers, the first documented chili cook-off took place in 1967 in Terlingua, a remote ghost town in Texas.

Ice Time festival events n Ice-carving competitions n Winter Hibernation and Pajama Sale n Ladies Library Association winter book sale n Timber carving demonstration and silent art auction n An exhibition by Fruitbelt Wood

Carvers at Round Oak Restaurant n Good Smokin' Barbecue at the Hot Spot warming station on Commercial Street n S'mores over a campfire n Children's events at The Gift of Namaste, The Red Raven and Who Knew? Consignment

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Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

Like gossip, the idea spread.

Since then, communities large and small have hosted competitions.

Here in Michigan, while some love it hot, others like it mild, though most agree it’s one of the best ways to warm up on a blustery winter afternoon.

“If you have a great recipe for chili, this is your opportunity to lay claim to the best homemade chili in town,” Badner said.

The amateur division is open to home cooks, ages 18 to 108. Advance registration forms are available at the Chamber in the train depot or by calling the office at 7828212.

A $5 nonrefundable entry fee is required by Monday.

“While amateurs are planning their strategy, local restaurateurs will tell you there’s nothing mild about the festival’s Professional

Chili Cook-off that sends long-time competitors back to the kitchen to make their best recipes,” Badner said.

The Professional Chili Cook-off is open to the public free of charge, with sample-size containers served from 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 4.

Host sites are located downtown or within easy walking distance to the central business district, which is why locals refer to this popular auxiliary event as “the chili crawl.”

Patti Badner, co-charman of the festival, said five-time winner Beeson Street Bar and Grill, which gave up the traveling trophy to 2011 winner Wood Fire Italian Trattoria, was the first restaurant to sign up for this year’s challenge in hopes of bringing back the trophy.

Zeke’s Restaurant, Wounded Minnow Saloon and Dowagiac Eagles have also signed up.

Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

Human Nature extolled in hot Motown sound Human Nature, an Australian pop group, is storming America with its first U.S. national tour, a new album release, "The Motown Record," a PBS TV special and a new DVD. The group performs at Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 North Michigan St., South Bend, on March 25.

The chart-topping quartet and its seven-piece band, The Funk Foundation, embark on the tour in the spirng.

"Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson" kicks off March 24 in Detroit and travels to 33 cities.

Tickets, $32 and $55, go on sale today.

The cross-country tour follows in the steps of the TV special, "Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Rob-

inson," which premiered in December on PBS stations nationwide.

The new Human Nature album, "The Motown Record," set for release March 6, is a classic, yet modern, take on the Motown hits that influenced generations, featuring songs made famous by artists such as The Four Tops, The Supremes, The Temptations and Stevie Wonder, including "Baby I need Your Loving," "My Girl," "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" and "Stop! In the Name of Love."

Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. While still in school, they were captivated by the harmonies of soul,

Blue Man Group

Morris Performing Arts Center, 211 North Michigan St. in South Bend Saturday: "The Stuff of Legends" by South Bend Symphony Orchestra with Gabriel Schlaffer on viola at 8 p.m.

Feb. 11: "Romance at the Symphony" by South Bend Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m.

Feb. 12: Golden Dragon Acrobats present "Cirque Ziva" at 3 p.m.

Feb. 14: "Blast!" at 8 p.m., a Broadway musical

Feb. 24: "My Fair Lady," a Broadway musical, at 8 p.m.

March 3: "Inspired by the Bard," by the South Bend Symphony Orches-

The Texas Tenors

tra with actors from Notre Dame at 8 p.m.

March 9: Disney Live presents “Three Classic Fairy Tales,” a children's show, at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

March 21: "Riverdance Returns" at 8 p.m.

March 31: "The Texas Tenors," by the South Bend Symphony Orchestra at 8 p.m.

April 20-22: Blue Man Group at 8 p.m. April 20, 2 and 8 p.m. April 21 and 2 and 7 p.m. April 22 April 26: Red Green Wit and Wisdom Tour at 7 p.m.

Friday, January 27, 2012 • Page 9

offthewater.com

gospel and R&B. Since forming Human Nature, these four friends have forged one of the most successful careers in Australian music history, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1.

They have toured internationally and opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia.

Human Nature opened the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and its 2005 Motown tribute, "Reach Out," went platinum five times, attracting the attention of Smokey Robinson.

The legendary singer recorded "Get Ready" with Human Nature at Las Vegas' Imperial Palace, where the show consistently played to sold-out crowds

South Bend

Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. for more than two years.

The group's PBS special, a telecast of the Vegas show produced by longtime Grammy Awards and multi-Emmy Award

winning producer Ken Ehrlich, features the group singing spectacular interpretations of Motown hits, dancing and sharing stories.

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300 LARGE 1 BEDROOM Household MerIn Dowagiac Glenwood area, $500 per month plus utili- chandise

642

ties, security and cleaning THRIFT STORE deposit, references, no pets, COMCARE AID PROJECT trash service included. (269) Warm blankets, down com621-2257 forters, space saver/towel shelf, lap desk, furniture covOffice Space for 427 ers, book shelves, dinnerRent ware, humidifier and dehumidifier 2619 N. 5th OFFICE SPACES St.Niles

FOR RENT

MARKETING SOLUTIONS EXPERTS W AN TED

Leader Publications is expanding our suite of products. If you are a proven media sellers that put the customer's interest first you may be the talent we need.

Our candidate will have an understanding of how to get to the bottom of a businesses marketing challenges and be able to transform that information into a solid advertising plan utilizing multiple marketing platforms. Requirements include: previous advertising sales experience or other sales experience that would be applicable; excellent verbal and written communication skills; computer skills (a MacBook will be supplied) and internal passion and drive for success. Must have a valid driver's license. We offer a draw and commission program along with a medical benefit package. E-mail a cover letter of introduction, resume and references in confit o d e n c e michael.bennett@leaderpub.com

For Rent

418

NICE 2 BEDROOM Stove and refrigerator supplied, 1 year lease, no pets. $600 per month. Call (269)591-2124 or (269)684-5578 Dowagiac-303 West Telegraph

3 BED

1.5 bath, 1 car garage $650 month plus deposit Management by: Parker Property Mgmt, Inc. 269-782-0830 www.parkerrepm.com

Office space has dual entrances off 4th & Sycamore in Niles and has 1 large office or can be divided into 2 smaller offices. Lease includes heat, gas, water, sewer. $800/month for both offices or $500/month for one. Call or email michael.bennett@leaderpub.com, 269-687-7700

(269)929-8987

Miscellaneous

666

Garage-Yard Sales

669

AIDEN'S BARGAIN BARN Most clothes .99 Antiques, Collectibles, Furniture, Appliances, Art and More OPEN DAILY Mon. & Tues. 10-5 Weds. & Thurs. noon - 5 Fri. & Sat. 10-5 Sun. noon - 5 Behind Speedway Across from Taco Bell in Niles (269)214-0424

Wanted to Buy

672

CASKETS

starting at 699.00 all USA made Houses for Sale 500 Community Casket Company 1133 S Main St HOUSE FOR SALE South Bend, IN 46601 Beautiful 3BR, 3 plus acres.

574.220.3841 Pole Barn, 3 car Garage, www.communitycasket fenced yard, Cass area. company.com Bargin price till Feb 29 $189,900. (574) 855-3202

ADAM BUYS JUNK CARS

FOR SALE

PRICE REDUCED But no Loss of Style Beautiful Home 4 Bedrooms Formal Dining, Hardwood Floors

Chris Moore, Freedom Realty 269-687-8484 269-362-5665

Auctions

Queen size bed, Amish head board, Pillow top mattress & box spring paid $2,000 asking $1,500. Amish dresser $150, Amish night stand $50, Full size bed $50 (no head board). Glass door cupboard $40, Whit painted desk & chair $40, 2 Air conditioners $50 for both.

(269)782-7897

FOR SALE

603

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

YOU NEVER KNOW AUCTION HOUSE

53847 N. Park Ave. Elkhart, IN. We are back every Sun. at 2p.m. Now taking clean big & small consignment. Pick up available within a 30 mile radius. Someone here at all times. For more details call David (574)522-1020 or James (574)320-1178 Jennifer Fedor #AU11100077

Snow Blower, 1 yr. old, used very little, electric short, $489 new, asking $250. Honda 2000 G e n e r a t o r , used very little, 5 yrs. old, $1,000 new, asking $500 (269)684-6118 Authorized

KIRBY Service Center All Genuine Parts & Supplies

KIRBY Bags and Supplies

25% OFF w/coupon

M ICHIANA VACUUM & FAN 922 S. 11th St., Niles 269-683-4610

• Title or Not• •FREE pick up• Cash Paid On The Spot Up To $1,500 (574)300-6556 24 Hours, 7 Days A Week

Autos for Sale

ALWAYS BUYING

FOR SALE

!!!!!!!!

•Junk Cars• •Title Or Not• •Free Pick Up• Cash Paid On The Spot Up to $1,500 (574)850-1222 24 hours, 7 days a week Home Improvement

(269)208-9838

MK CONSTRUCTION

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

Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

747

FRYMAN’S ROOFING,FRYMAN’S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING

Your home exterior experts.

Quality guaranteed. R o o f snow r e m o v a l.

(269)782-5008 (David & Terri Fryman) HANDY MAN /CLEANING

2007 Ford Taurus, 49,000 miles, $9,500, price below retail. 1986 Ford LTD, 4 door, 32,000 miles, collectible, $3,500 (269)683-0517

Valentine Love Lines

975

VALENTINES DAY IS COMING!

700

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING 25 years of experience, tile work kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks & porches, replacement windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Free estimates. Insured!

Randy (269)782-3139

Misc. Services

945

Various jobs etc., including General Clean-Up, Pressure washing. Snow roof rem o v a l . Insured & Bonded.

(269)462-3121 or (574)294-7532

Call classifieds by Feb. 3rd and place a "LOVE LINE" for your loved one! $7 (5 lines) $10 (10 lines)

(269)683-4804

Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

offthewater.com

Chillin' at Winter Fest

Friday, January 27, 2012 • Page 11

New Buffalo

By CRAIG HAUPERT Off the Water

Put on your coats, hats and gloves Michiana. It’s time for New Buffalo Winter Fest.

The New Buffalo Business Association is inviting Michiana residents to get out of the house and attend its third annual New Buffalo Winter Fest Feb. 4-5.

The Winter Fest will feature free sleigh rides, ice-carving demonstrations, ice skating and more through the city’s downtown area.

“It is a great way for people to get out, walk around and view all the wonderful things going on,” said Rose Strother, executive director of the New Buffalo Business Association.

“There is a lot for everyone to do.”

Winter Fest was created three years ago to coincide with the city’s long-running Second Season Ball. Organizers wanted to offer a weekend’s worth of activities for those traveling to attend the ball.

Bev’s Second Season Ball begins at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Heston Hills Banquet Center, 1933 East 800 North, La Porte, Ind. The adult only, black-tie optional ball starts with a free open bar and appetizers made by local restaurants from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. A chocolate martini is the signature drink.

A full service dinner will follow the cocktail hour. The Detroit Mo-Town band, Impact 7, will play from 9 p.m. to midnight.

“They play really great music that should get everyone up and dancing,” Strother said.

A silent auction will be held throughout the evening featuring more than 250 items, including two vacation getaways, Scenic downtown New Buffalo, upper right, hosts Winter fest, including free sleigh bicycles, art by local artists and rides. A chocolate martini, upper left, is the signature drink for Bev's Second Seamany gift certificates to local son Ball at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Heston Hills Banquet Center in La Porte, Ind. businesses.

Michigan Grape Society hosts wine workshop Michigan wines are receiving increased national attenFor more information, contact Diane Miner at (269) tion, and wines from southwest Michigan are among the 944-1477 ext. 201. best the state has to offer.

Whether a professional in the wine industry or a wine aficionado, don’t miss this opportunity to taste Southwest Michigan wines from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. The Michigan Grape Society is the The finest imported extra virgin olive oils and sponsor. balsamic vinegars from around the world.

A panel of experts will guide tastings of wines from the We let you try before you buy.

Lake Michigan Shore Appellation, along with world-class examples of wine styles from other wine regions similar X-Mas Gifts Starting to Southwest Michigan wines.

At $12.00 and Up Registration is $75 per person by Feb. 3 and $90 per person for paid registrations after that date. Registration Toscana Park, 225 Toscana Blvd.#2, Granger, IN 46530 includes a catered lunch.

574-855-1059 | www.theolivebranchinc.net

“There is something there for everyone to bid on,” Strother said.

Tickets for the ball are $75 apiece and can be purchased by calling the New Buffalo Business Association at (888) 6606222. All proceeds go to fund the events the association puts on throughout the year.

People can attend Winter Fest without going to the ball.

Free sleigh rides will run from noon to 5 p.m. Feb. 4 at the corner of North Whittaker and Merchant streets in New Buffalo. Ice sculpting will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 4.

Ice skating will be offered from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 4-5 at Judy’s Motel, 18891 E. Highway 12.

A chocolate chip pancake breakfast will be offered on the morning of Feb. 5 at Michigan Thyme.

Students from New Buffalo Middle School and New Buffalo High School will be carving ice on Saturday as well.

For more information, visit newbuffalo.org.

Before you Sell Your Get a second Opinion!

Don’t be “Fooled” with your !

,

Buying and Selling

Guns - Gold & Diamonds - Boats - Trailers Tools - TV’s - Movies - Car Stereos - Gaming Systems

Parritt’s Trading Post 1768 M139 Benton Harbor 269-926-6732

Page 12 • Friday, January 27, 2012

Festival offers top films for children The Coastline Children's Film Festival will take place in six locations throughout Berrien Country Feb. 3-12.

Children and their families will have more than 50 films from which to choose, ranging from comedy to adventure, love, music, dancing, happy endings and a few sad ones.

Some of the best short film from the new york International Children's Film Festival will be showcased, including animation

Off the Water, Southwest Michigan

www.offthewater.com

for ages 3 to 6 and thought-provoking and visually stunning short for ages 7 to 12.

More than 1,000 children are anticipated to attend the event, which includes such award-winning films as "What's On Your Plate," a documentary about kids and food politics; "Louder Than a Bomb," which chronicles a kids' poetry slam in Chicago; "One Lucky Elephant," a 10,000-pound love story about a circus elephant's retirement;

"White Mane," the 1953 Cannes Film Festival winner; "Eleanor's Secret," an animated film about the magic of learning to read; and selections from Leonard Bernstein's Young People's Concerts recorded nearly 50 years ago.

All screening are free.

"Louder than a Bomb" chronicles a kids' poetry slam in Chicago.

"What's On Your Plate" is a documentary about kids and food politics.

Film venues n Box Factory for the Arts and the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph n Anna RussoSieber Gallery and the Citadel Dance and Music Center in Benton Harbor n The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks n New Buffalo Performing Arts Center at the New Buffalo Middle School/High School n Bridgman Public Library in Bridgman

Berrien County Events at Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph n 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 4: Artist Tom Hurst will help kids create their own wooden toy canoes following the 10 a.m. screening of "Paddle to the Sea." n 2:30 p.m. Feb. 4: An Artful Origami workshop will follow the 1 p.m. screening of "Between the Folds." n 2:30 p.m. Feb. 12: A hands-on art activity will be presented following the 2 p.m. showing of the French classic, "Red Balloon."

Call (269) 983-0271 for registration and fees.

"Paddle to the Sea" follows the adventures of a carved toy-size canoe on its odyssey from Lake Superior to the sea.

Where Quality & Services Come First!

Workshops at the Anna Russo-Sieber Gallery in Benton Harbor n 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7-9: Three-day workshop for kids ages 11 to 16 n noon to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11: Two-day workshop for kids ages 6 to 10 These two workshops focus on storyboarding, visual story telling, film vocabulary, writing, directing and scene design. n 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10: A dinner and sustainable food workshop for those ages 8 and older will follow a 5 p.m. showing of "What's On Your Plate" n 3:30 to 5 p.m. Feb 11: A writing workshop for those ages 8 and older will follow a 2:30 p.m. screening of "White Mane" Call (269) 208-4409 to register and for cost.

Fully Licensed and Certified for Medicare and Medicaid • Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy ry 26 Thursday, Janua

Sonic Temple

The Best in Live Rock N’ Roll

Friday, January

27

Whistle pigs

7 Piece Dance Band, R&B Veterans!

ry Saturday, Janua

28

The Recent Rock that’s fun to dance to!!

• Family/Community Invited Events • Large Resident Rooms/Homelike Setting • Telephones Provided • Individual Flat Screen Televisions and Satellite Service Provided

The Timbers of Cass County 55432 Colby St. • Dowagiac, MI

(269) 782-7828

Visit our website at www.atriumlivingcenter.com