Off The Water - December 20-26, 2013 by Leader Publications

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Curious Kids

Gingerbread art

South Bend hosts holiday contest... p.6

Week of December 20-26, 2013

Museum provides children programs....p.8

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 5, Number 51

Going downtown South Bend offers a variety of holiday treats... p. 6

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of December 20-26, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Interview with Santa OTW: Santa, you are all over the place for a couple weeks leading up to Christmas. How do you get all of your work done? Santa: I have a big staff — lots of elves, and a lot of good people working in the communities, believe it or not. We get a lot of support from a lot of people, and they all do it very quietly. It’s wonderful, how much support! OTW: And, does Mrs. Claus ever complain that you’re gone so much at this time of year? Santa: Mrs. Claus does notice that I’m gone a lot. Today is one of those days. OTW: I bet she’s got a lot to do right now. Santa: She does. She’s pretty much the manager. OTW: Ok, so she is your right hand… Santa: She is the main hand, believe me. OTW: We’re getting a lot of snow here in South Bend here today. Would you say there’s more snow here or up at the North Pole? Santa: Oh, this is just a sprinkle. This is just a sprinkle. OTW: So, you’re good with the snow. You know

how to handle it. It’s in your blood. Santa: I think so. It is. I love snow! OTW: Compared to years past, how have the kids been this year? Santa: Good. Nice, nice kids. And do you know what? I’m so proud of the parents because it all goes back to the parents, just being good models for the kids, and being disciplinarians. Kids really want structure, and it’s wonderful to see these kids. I’m so proud of them. OTW: So, the majority of kids will be getting presents this year? Santa: The majority, yes. I don’t know how we’re going to fill all the quotas. Yes, lots of kids, lots of presents. OTW: Is there a specific present that a lot of kids are asking for this year? One that you’re hearing a lot about? Santa: Yes. I’m trying to think of the name of the bracelet. I was presented one by a young man. It’s a loom. OTW: The rainbow loom? Santa: The rainbow loom. Yes! That seems to be a big

item. And of course, the Barbies and the Barbie house. That’s always popular. And, hmmm, what else? The little guys like Thomas the Tank Engine. That’s very special. I could just go on and on. There are so many new things. OTW: There’s always something new, isn’t there? Santa: Yes, always. It’s just amazing. OTW: How do the elves keep up with all of the new things that are coming out every year? Santa: You know, I don’t want to say that we have spies in the industry, but it sure helps! There are a lot of people who are just magic. And there is a lot of magic. I think you have to know that magic is involved. Magic is involved. OTW: You’re going to be here next weekend, too, aren’t you? Santa: Yes, I will be back next weekend. Friday night: 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday: 12 to 6 p.m. and Sunday: 12 to 4 p.m. OTW: When you do that, do you stay down here in South Bend, or do you jet back to the North Pole

To find Santa, look for the little red house in the 100 Block of S. Michigan St. in front of the College Football Hall of Fame, Downtown South Bend.

every night? Santa: We stay here. We have good support back home. OTW: Do the elves or Mrs. Claus ever give you any presents? Santa: Their presents are very good work and lots of love. OTW: And love really is one of the most important presents anybody could get. Santa: It is for me. OTW: Do you give each of them presents at Christmas, too? Santa: Yes, each one of them is an individual and has special wants and needs, and we try to fill them, and boy there are a lot of different things we do. But, yes, that’s what we do! OTW: And Santa, I know you’re very busy at this time of year, and I won’t take up any more of your time, but is there anything you’d like to say to the folks out there as Christmas

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN

Santa awaits guests at his house in Downtown South Bend. comes up? Santa: It’s got to be peace. OTW: Is that your Christmas wish this year? Santa: Yes. Peace. One boy, he was about 13 or 14, I asked him, “How about you, bud? What would you

like?” And he said, “Well, I’d like peace, and I’d like my family together.” OTW: And that would make for a Merry Christmas. Santa: Yes, for him. And for me, too.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of December 20-26, 2013 • Page 3

GET OUT!

Lots of winter activities at Sarett By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater@leaderpub.com

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Sarett Nature Center has a long history of providing a wide variety of programs and activities for nature-lovers year-round. “This is the place to come for the winter,” said Chuck Nelson, long-time director of the nature center at 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, Mich. While Sarett helps to provide environmental education classes to over 25,000 students each year, the staff also makes sure that there are plenty of winter activities designed for individuals and families. “We schedule stuff just for kids who’ll be at home and for moms who want to get out with them,” Nelson said. “We have winter snow games where we do lots of tracking and stuff for little kids, and measuring temperatures, and taking snow in and melting it and seeing how much water there is for the amount of snow that you pick up. Winter fun stuff. It’s all on our website. That’s the way to find out about everything. And it’s an easy one to find. It’s www. Sarett.com. We’re also on Facebook.” In order to make the 1,000acre preserve accessible to visitors in the winter, the Sarett staff has been working hard to clear trails for both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Sarett also caters to those who enjoy sledding, with staff members packing down a trail that makes climbing the sledding hill easier. “We do have Pear Hill, and that is open for sledding in the winter. If people want to come out during the week, they can. Our trails are open from dawn to dusk,” said Mike Mahler, a staff naturalist who first began working at Sarett in 1997. “You should bring your own sled. It’s nice because on the hill where we have the sledding there are no trees. There’s nothing to worry about running into. There are probably four or five different paths they could take to sled down, and it’s not bad walking back up.” In fact, Sarett has a special day of sledding at Pear Hill planned for Friday, Dec. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $1 for children, ages 7 years and older. Parents should call 9274832 to register. Snowshoeing is another activity that the whole family can enjoy at Sarett, as it requires neither experience

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because folks can use our regular trails,” Nelson said. “It’s a great activity, and we’re doing it full blast.” “We never intended it to be an activity for preschoolers and first-graders and secondgraders, but that’s our biggest use for snowshoes now. So, that’s why we just got a whole other set of tiny snowshoes,” Nelson said. “We like to say that if you can walk, you can snowshoe.” A third way to explore nature at Sarett is by crosscountry skiing. “January and February are when we schedule nothing but snow activity, and it’s pretty well filled up with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing going on at the same time,” Nelson said. “Then, on the weekends, it’s a family activity and also a time for people who just like to ski.” “Over the Christmas break period, we’ll also be open if people want to come in and rent cross-country skis and snowshoes,” Mahler added. “You are welcome to bring your own skis. A lot of people do. We groom the trails. It’s about 8 miles of ski trails. We have some nice hills, and we have plenty of flat areas. So, if people want to avoid hills,

they can do that,” Mahler said. “Usually, during the wintertime, we’ll schedule ski lessons a couple times, and that’ll be on the schedule on our website.” According to the staff at Sarett, learning to cross-country ski is fairly easy. “If you can walk, you can cross-country ski,” Mahler said. “You usually do a lesson in about an hour. You can even do it in less than that. It’s pretty easy,” Mahler said. “You can see birds, and if you’re lucky, you can see deer, rabbits and squirrels. It’s a good way to get out in the wintertime and enjoy nature in the winter.” For those families who find that they enjoy skiing in the daytime, Sarett provides the opportunity to try skiing at night as well, offering a few night skis and an event that they call the “Gourmet Glide.” “The Gourmet Glide will be in January. If there’s snow, we’ll have 60 or 70 people come out for that. We’ll have a bonfire across the road,” Mahler said. “We’ll have hot cider and hors d’oeuvres. Everybody will ski the loop a couple times, and then we’ll head back in for a big potluck. It’s a fun, fun evening.”

Page 4 • Week of December 20-26, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

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Celebrate the New Year with Kenny Loggins By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater@leaderpub.com

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

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Among the many venues offering New Year’s Eve entertainment options in Michiana this year, Four Winds Casino is promising one of the biggest events, with Kenny Loggins headlining at their Silver Creek Event Center in New Buffalo, Mich. “Kenny Loggins will be taking the stage at 10:30 p.m., Eastern time, on New Year’s Eve, and he will be bringing in the new year on stage,” said Denise Martin, vice president of entertainment, food and beverage at Four Winds Casinos. “He’s a Grammy-Award winning artist.” “This concert is strictly a ‘hits show.’ I’ll be on stage with a full band behind me, playing my hits,” said Kenny Loggins, who has 12 platinum albums to his credit. “We anticipate that he’s going to have some of those songs that we all love — those hits of the past,” Martin said. Some of the songs that

Loggins is known for include “Celebrate Me Home,” “Whenever I Call You Friend,” “What a Fool Believes” and “This is It.” Loggins’ sets may also include some of the charttopping songs he wrote for blockbuster films like “Footloose” and “Caddy Shack.” “We all loved that song!” exclaimed Martin, recalling Loggins’ “I’m Alright,” which he wrote after viewing a rough cut of “Caddy Shack.” He may also sing “Danger Zone” from “Top Gun.” “I didn’t write ‘Danger Zone.’ Giorgio Moroder wrote that, and they needed a singer at the last moment, so they called me. He wrote ‘Meet Me Half Way,’ too, and I worked with him on that,” Loggins said of the song for the film “Over the Top.” While Loggins plans to play the hits from his successful solo career on New Year’s Eve, he intends to spend the coming year working on projects with a band that he formed with

Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman. “I’ve been working with Blue Sky Riders since about four years ago. We’ve been kicking at it pretty hard. They will be opening for me on the road,” said Loggins, referring to his solo tour. “We have a new album, ‘Finally Home for Christmas.’ The sound is more akin to the Loggins and Messina days. It’s a country-rock group. There’s some of my favorites, like the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, in our sound.” “I hope people will visit www.blueskyridersband. com. I’d love for people to keep discovering that,” Loggins added. Loggins also has several other holiday-themed projects that he has been working on, including an edition of the book “Frosty the Snowman,” that comes with a CD of songs he wrote and recorded. “I did ‘Frosty the Snowman’ with Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary. Peter has a publishing imprint. I’d never met him before, but he called

and asked me if I’d be interested in doing the project,” Loggins explained. “He’s great! That’s who I want to be when I grow up. He’s a true humanitarian.” Loggins himself works with a charity organization called Unity Shoppe. “I helped to start it in Santa Barbara about 20 years ago. They work to collect food, clothing, books and toys for needy families around the holiday season,” Loggins said. For now, Loggins is excited to be visiting southwest Michigan for the first time. He plans to meet up with an old friend who resides in the area. Loggins is also looking forward to the concert on New Year’s Eve, as he loves to perform live. “It’s an experience I don’t have anywhere else. It is time-travel,” he has said on his website. “I make a connection with the audience that is special to me and unique in my life.” Tickets can be purchased for $100 through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 475-3000.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of December 20-26, 2013 • Page 5

CUISINE SCENE

Roadhouse features famous ribs By JILL McCAUGHAN only about 10 will have offthewater@leaderpub.com

Monday night is traditionally a slow night for restaurants, and many eateries simply opt to keep their doors closed rather than to cook for light crowds. The Red Arrow Roadhouse has taken a different approach, and it’s one that has been working to keep their dining room full on Monday nights for more than 20 of the 25 years since they opened. “Every Monday night, starting just after Labor Day and running up until Memorial Day, locals know that this is the place to be for our off-season rib night special,” said Jennifer Trout, who owns the Red Arrow Roadhouse with her husband, Tim. The Trouts’ business partner, Chip Steffey, serves as the general manager, and he can usually be found greeting the steady stream of guests coming through the doors on Monday nights. “We wanted to give the locals a reason to come out in the cold on Monday nights, so we make it worth their while,” Trout said. That reason is a special price for a full slab of barbecued baby back ribs and side dishes — just $11.99 for a meal regularly priced at $22.50. For those with smaller appetites, half-slabs are only $8.99. The Red Arrow Roadhouse takes its ribs very seriously, preparing quality cuts with a rub that was designed specifically for their restaurant. “On Monday nights, the whole entire grill is full of barbequed ribs,” Trout said. “It’s a big deal.” Trout estimates that, of the 150 people eating in the dining room at any given time on a Monday night,

ordered something other than what the owners call “the most talked about ribs around.” “We open at 5 on Mondays, but a lot of times, we’ll look out and see people sitting in their cars, waiting for us to open up, as early as 4:30. If the parking lot really starts to fill up, we’ll just open the doors a little early for them,” Trout said. “The best time to come down to avoid a wait is probably after about 7 p.m.” To keep the dining room full on other off-season weeknights, the Red Arrow Roadhouse offers a special price on all of their other entrees. For $10.99, patrons can enjoy a long list of favorites, such as chicken enchiladas, chicken parmesan, broiled whitefish or a char-grilled top sirloin openfaced sandwich. (The special pricing does not apply to carry-out orders.) In keeping with the history of the vintage roadhouse, Red Arrow’s menu also includes broasted chicken, just as other restaurants did in past years at that same location. Red Arrow Roadhouse also caters to families with a children’s menu that includes cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, BBQ ribs, fish fillets and Mac and cheese, with sides and a drink included in the price. In addition, Red Arrow offers its patrons a wide selection of craft beers from breweries such as Bell’s, Fat Tire, Founder’s, Tapistry, Great Lakes and Dogfish Head. They also offer an extensive wine list.

from May until October,” Trout said. Winter hours at the Red Arrow Roadhouse, located at 15710 Red Arrow Highway, are 5 to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, 12 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 12 to 9 p.m. on Sunday. More informa-

tion, including their menu, can be found at www.roadarrowroadhouse.com, and the restaurant can be reached by phone at (269) 469-3939. “We want to make it worth the drive down here from other communities,” Trout said. “So, on weekdays, as we like to say, you can eat for chicken scratch.”

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Page 6 • Week of December 20-26, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Santa’s Gingerbread Village and Workshop helps light up in Downtown South Bend By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater@leaderpub.com

Downtown South Bend is offering a whole host of free, family-friendly things to do this Christmas season, including the chance to view and create edible art. “We come here every year,” agreed several members of the Molnar-Szymczak family, of Mishawaka, Ind. Their visit included viewing the gingerbread village, decorating cookies and visiting with Santa. Riding the trolley and visiting the South Bend Chocolate Company were also on their agenda. “Last year, the Grinch was there. Rudolph is supposed to be there this year,” said Mrs. Molnar-Szymczak, referring to the South Bend Chocolate Company’s special guests. Many other families have also visited and enjoyed the variety of events that have been taking place in the 100 block of S. Michigan St. in South Bend over the last two weekends, and there is still time for more families to participate. Events are scheduled to take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20; 12 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21; 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22; and 12 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24. On the sidewalk in front of the former College Football Hall of Fame, visitors will find Santa’s little red house, where he is

greeting children and listening to their Christmas wishes. Parents are welcome to take photographs of their children participating in this holiday tradition. Each of Santa’s visitors will receive an “I Believe” sticker that entitles them to a free chocolate bar at the nearby South Bend Chocolate Company. The trolley stop is also located in this area, and it will be available

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for rides on Dec. 21, 22, 23 and 24. Inside the former College Football Hall of Fame, visitors will find 18 gingerbread houses that were entered into the DTSB’s annual competition. While the judging for the competition was conducted on Dec. 14, the houses will remain on display through Christmas Eve. Prizes were awarded in three categories,

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of December 20-26, 2013 • Page 7

ON DISPLAY including non-professional child, non-professional adult and professional. A people’s choice first place prize was also awarded. Constructed of gingerbread and glued together with icing, the houses present viewers with insights into the creativity of their builders. While there are some traditional gingerbread houses, others are quite unique. One house boasts the inclusion of 32 different types of foodstuffs in its construction. Another creation depicts a Potawatomi village. A third depicts a French patisserie, or pastry shop, complete with tiny, life-like customers. After viewing the gingerbread houses, families are invited to exercise their own creativity in the nearby cookie-decorating area. Dozens of tree-shaped sugar cookies, provided by Martin’s Supermarkets are available for free. Cookie-artists are provided with a rainbow palette of icing and sprinkles to use. Christmas-themed coloring sheets and markers are also available for visitors to use. More information about Santa’s Gingerbread Village and Workshop and these other activities is available by visiting www. DowntownForTheHolidays.com or by calling (574) 282-1110. An additional free activity, offered only at 6 p.m. on Dec. 20, will be The Roz Puppets’ “Holly Jolly Jingles” puppet show at the former College Football Hall of Fame Press Box. Michelle Hyink, of Osceola, Ind. visited Santa and the gingerbread village with her two boys, Brayden and Daemon, ages 9 and 6. “This is our first time here. It’s nice. I like it,” Hyink said, of her mom’s day out with her sons. “The boys are having a great time.”

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

Gingerbread on display in downtown South Bend.

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Page 8 • Week of December 20-26, 2013

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Kids museum great getaway during break By JILL McCAUGHAN topics that even adults will offthewater@leaderpub.com

YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMPETITION

Christmas break is coming up, and many parents may be looking for something to keep their kids actively learning while still having fun and spending time together as a family. The Curious Kids Museum in St. Joseph, Mich. has the answer: family programs at both the original museum on the bluff and at the Discovery Zone below the bluff. “Christmas break is crazy wonderful busy,” said Lori Marciniak, executive director of the Curious Kids Museum. “We call them ‘family programs’ because we really hope that people do it as a family. We truly try to find

be very interested in,” Marciniak said. “There’s something for everybody.” “Journey of the Raindrop” will be offered at the museum, located at 415 Lake Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26th through 30th and Jan. 2nd through 4th. “This is going to truly be the life-cycle of water. We’re going to try to explain that we have the water that we have. It evaporates, and it comes back down, and we have water that dinosaurs drank, still on the earth,” Marciniak said. “Kids can truly act like a raindrop. They’re going to go through the water filtration plant, and back up into the clouds. There’s going to

Submitted photos

Curious Kids Museum in St. joseph offers several activities to entertain children during the winter months. be a little climbing area where they climb up into the clouds, and then they crawl through tunnels as ground water,” Marciniak said. “We completely transform the basement. It is truly amazing what Gina Mason, our education director, does with the basement.” “Then, they’ll go into what we call ‘the collection room,’ and that’s going to be where all the crafts are, and we’ll do some hands-on activities that relate to the whole journey of the raindrop,” Marciniak said. “Michigan’s Wildlife” will be offered at the

Discovery Zone, located at 333 Broad St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26th through 30th and Jan. 2nd through 4th. “We will talk about all of the different animals that are indigenous to Michigan. So, we want to talk about the cougars,” Marciniak said. “There’s really 10 million plus Michigan residents. … We’re talking about all of the wildlife in Michigan. So, we’ll have displays on a lot of different animals, and again, lots of hands-on activities.” “Love Creek is doing a live animal show on Dec. 27th, and again on Jan. See CURIOUS page 11

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1st 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 $450/month for one. 2nd office space has 1 entrance off 4th St. in Niles and has a reception area plus 2 offices, $350/month. Call or email mike.caldwell@leaderpub. com. (269)687-7700

Houses for Sale 500 FOR RENT OR SALE 1117 Pearson, Niles 3 bedrooms garage, basement Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484

FOR SALE

VERY CUTE

Antiques AIDEN'S

600

ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT

house plus apartment in Sumnerville. 3 bed, 2 bath www.stjosephmi.expresspros. house. 1 bed, 1 bath apt., com apartment is above large detached garage, big yard, all appliances included, apt. has excellent renter, that Apartments 412 could be a big part of your PERSONAL CARE 2 BR & 1 BR APTS. mortgage payment ASSISTANTS near downtown Dowagiac. (269)684-0899 $600 2br/$560 1br. Nice OVER 20 ACRES and CNAs Care for the elderly in their apts in triplex. Responsible homes. Experience pre- tenants only. Apply at: ferred. (269)428-9100 www.dowagiacrentals.com all utilities included in rent. www.rahswmi.com 269-806-5875 for quesDRIVER TRAINEES! tions. GET FEE-PAID CDL TRAINING NOW! PAWATING VILLAGE Learn to drive for 1 Fort Street- Niles 18699 Williams St. US Xpress 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Cassopolis, MI New Drivers can earn Apartment available of natural beauty in $800/wk & Benefits! Now! Michigan! 7 minutes from NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! 1/2 off First 2 Month's Rent Elkhart. Open split bedroom Be trained & based locally! Call Today 684-4500! floor plan offers over 2500 1-800-882-7364 sq.ft. with 6 bedrooms/4.5 including guest For Rent 418 bath quarters. Barn, pool, creek, DOWAGIAC/ pond, and horse/dirt bike BUCHANAN trails. Edwardsburg schools Rentals available This house is a must see! (2) 3 bedroom homes $750 $410,000 Visit mo. + security dep www.SoGoodToBeHome.com (1) 1 bedroom apartment for photo tour or call $450 + security dep Coldwell Banker, RWG (1) 2 bedroom apartment Patty Lauten $625 + security dep. (574)340-4271 BUCHANAN (269)208-0328 (269)663-8800 1 bedroom house with huge finished garage, large rural yard with stream in nice neighborhood, Edwardsburg Schools, modern appliances included. $685/month. (269)240-1644/1669

CHARMING

unique Spanish bungalow. Shows beautifully with hardwood floors, curved doorways, formal dining and fireplace. Many recent updates including flooring, plumbing, cabinets and appliances. Attached garage and full basement. Private back yard and a pond for your enjoyment. Priced to sell at $69,900. 221 North 13th St, Niles MLS # 13065487 Call Sandy Bunch 269-470-7650 Integrity Real Estate Professionals

Manufactured 502 Homes HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

We buy storage units & estates and sell the treasures back to you. Mon., Weds. & Thurs. 12-5pm (closed Tues.) Fri., Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm 822 Fort St., Niles (269)830-3790

Auctions

603

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

YOU NEVER KNOW AUCTION HOUSE AH:21000020

53847 N. Park Ave. Elkhart, IN. Every Fri. at 5:30p.m. Now taking clean big & small consignment. Drop off merchandise SatThurs Daily 10-5. Pick-up available. Someone here at all times. For more details call David (574)522-1020 or Trish (574) 206-6296 #AU01042788

Consignment

625

Turn your Closet into

CASH

Kids' clothing: newborn to teen, Baby gear & furniture, Maternitywear

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $621.00 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-4237024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures

INVENTORY BLOW OUT!!

2 Bd/2 Bth home, $456*/MO! Vaulted ceilings, skylights, Spacious kitchen Call today! 269-695-3119

Accepting only winter outwear Nov. - Jan. Call for appointment. Who kNew Consignment 269-782-9800

FOR SALE

Used & reconditioned washers, ranges, dryers, refrigerators & freezers. Geiger Refrigeration Service 841 Carberry Rd. Niles (269)687-8639

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors. US 31 Tobacco 50552 US 31 N, South Bend (574) 271-0333

Miscellaneous FOR SALE

666

Horizons CSE 3.6 Elliptical $475. Pull behind golf cart with clubs $75 or best offer (269)695-6101

GREAT DEAL

on Floor Trusses 26' 1" Center Bearing Floor Trusses Call Judd Lumber for pricing and details Call for pricing (269)782-5134

Bargain Buys 668 USED BOOKS FOR SALE

Jak's Books, 210 Water, Benton Harbor. (269)3694876

Wanted to Buy BUYING

672

repairable scrap and unwanted vehicles, top dollar paid. Call or text for a free quote today. Kevin (817)437-0450

WANTED TO BUY Things to Do 637 Cash paid for small & CASS DISTRICT medium size refriLIBRARY gerators working or not, http://cass.lib.mi.us (269)445-3400 Check out our online services: Freegal, Learn4Life, and more! Call for more info.

washers, gas & electric ranges. Call (269)687-8639

WE WILL BUY

your junk car. We haul for free. Paying up to $1500 cash. Please call anytime 269-687-8098

Home Furnish641 Home Improve700 ings ment MICHIANA'S LARGEST FRYMAN’S ROOFING selection of artwork, lamps & more Whims & Wishes 51625 SR 933, South Bend (574) 277-2131

Household Mer642 chandise BILL'S USED APPLIANCES

Washers & Dryers, Stoves, Refrigerators and More. Inventory Always Changing. 2559 S. 11th St. Niles (269) 591-7922

FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING

Your home exterior experts. Quality guaranteed! Locally Owned for 50 years. (269)7825008 (David & Terri Fryman)

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Over 25 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Insured! Call Randy (269)782-3139 (269)208-9838

Page 10 • Week of December 20-26, 2013

Submit calendar events to Jill McCaughan, feature writer, by email at jill. mccaughan@leaderpub. com or offthewater@leaderpub.com or visit the Leader Publications office at 217 N. Fourth Street, Niles.

Now - Jan. 31, 2014

Michigan Apple Committee’s amateur apple recipe contest. More info at www. MichiganApples.com Dec. 6-24

Sunday, 12-5 p.m. For more info, visit www. southbendart.org or call (574) 235-9102. Dec. 7-22

Free Gingerbread House Contest and Exhibit at Fernwood. Categories for children, adult amateurs, and professionals. Houses on exhibit through Dec. 22. For more info call (269) 6956491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org. 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI.

Gingerbread House Display, Downtown South Bend, IN. Gingerbread village is on display in lobby of the former College Football Hall of Fame. Also, Santa’s Workshop, free cookie decorating, Santa, activities and crafts for children. Visit www.downtownfortheholidays.com for more info.

Santa will be at his house at the corner of State and Pleasant Streets, St. Joseph, MI. Thursdays and Fridays 4-6 p.m., Saturdays 12-5 p.m., Sundays 12-3 p.m. For more info, call (269) 9851111 or visit www.stjoetoday.com.

Dec. 6-Feb. 2

Registration period for the Krasl Art Center’s Winter 2014 classes for adults and children. For more info or to register, visit www.krasl.org or call (269) 983-0275. Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd. Saint Joseph, MI.

South Bend Museum of Art Student -Faculty Exhibition. View the artwork 100 local artists— students and teachers— of all ages who have created art in our studios during the past 12 months. Jerome J. Crowley Community Gallery. SBMA, Century Center, 120 South Saint Joseph Street. Open Wednesday through

Dec. 15 – Jan. 20

Dec. 19

“North Pole Nibbles.” Kids’ Cooking class with Chef Darcy Bloss. Martin’s Granger store. For more info and to reg-

10 HALF CLASS

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING? ister, call (574) 807-8220 or visit http://www.martins-supermarkets.com/ cookingschool. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Members of the Cass County Pioneer Log Cabin Museum meet at 6 p.m. at the Cass County Library on M-62 in Cassopolis, MI. Dec 20.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” The Twin City Players. 600 West Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors, $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates available. For tickets or more info, call 269-429-0400 or visit twincityplayers.org. 8 p.m.

Anniversary of Studebaker Closing. Studebaker National Museum. 201 S. Chapin Street, South Bend, IN. Free admission. Light refreshments. For more info, call (574) 235-9714 or visit www. studebakermuseum.org. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 21

New Troy Indoor Flea Market. New Troy Community Center. Free admission. Local food products, plants, tools, antiques, books, jewelry, photography, crafts, furniture and other housewares, and more for sale.

Call (269) 469-5687 for more info. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

“North Pole Nibbles.” Kids’ cooking class with Chef Darcy Bloss. Martin’s Stevensville store. For more info and to register, call (269) 429-1711 or visit http:// www.martins-supermarkets.com/cookingschool. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sign ups for Bridgman Floor Hockey are Saturday Dec. 14th and the 21st at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 9650 Church St. Bridgman, MI. For more info, call Andrew 269-876-6677 or visit www.bridgmanhockey.com. 12-2 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa. Fernwood Botanical Garden. $12 Adults, $8 Children ages 6–12, Children under 5 are free. Register by the Friday prior to the breakfast while seats are available. (269) 695-6491, www. fernwoodbotanical.org. 13988 Range Line Road, Niles, MI. 9:30–11 a.m.

Dec. 23 Christmas at the Acorn: A Christmas Extravaganza. Featuring Foiled Again. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, MI. For info, call (269) 756-3879 or visit www.acorntheater.com. Tickets: $20. Dec. 22

Live Nativity Scene. Niles-Buchanan YMCA, MI. 4:30-7 p.m.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas at LMC Mendel Center at 4 p.m. Tickets are $52, $60, $72. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www.lmcmainstage.org

9th Annual Harbor Country Christmas show. Harbor Country Opera at the Performing Arts Center in the high school. Tickets at harborcountryopera.org: $25. Students under 17 are free. For info, call 269231-0027. 4 p.m.

Last Minute Holiday Gifts for Friends & Family. Ages 5-10. Winter Break Shorts. Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI. For info, call (269) 983-0271 or visit www.krasl.org. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Dec. 24

Christmas Eve services, Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 14280 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert, MI. Children’s Pageant at 5:00 p.m. Late Christmas Eve services will begin at 10:30 p.m. Christmas carols followed by the Midnight Candle-Lit Holy Eucharist at 10:45 p.m. There will be no service on Christmas Day. The public is welcome. Dec. 26-30; Jan 2-4

Journey of the Raindrop. Curious Kids Museum. 415 Lake Blvd. St. Joseph, MI. 12-4 p.m. Visit www. curiouskidsmuseum.org for more info.

Michigan Wildlife. Curious Kids Museum Discover Zone. 333 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. 12-4 p.m. Visit www.curiouskidsmuseum.org for more info. Dec. 26

CLASSIFIEDs MK CONSTRUCTION

Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, Framing and more. Over 25 years experience. Licensed. Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

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

Tree Service 725 THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates. 269-687-4972

Optical Services 726 AK MONTGOMERY OFFERS eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses & more akmontgomery.com to schedule online, or Call (269)782-3476

Tech Services 735 HURLEY'S iFIXIT

Recycling Service

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS

MICHIANA MASONRY & CONSTRUCTION

All your Masonry needs! Insured & Bonded. Senior discounts . 269-362-1566

Quality Clock Repair

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

Front Street Framery 801 E. Front St. Buchanan House Calls, Free Estimates (269)409-1031

Painting Service

754

Insurance Ser758 LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES! Home - Auto - Health - Life We do the shopping for you! TCU Insurance Agency Call Deb Asmus today (269) 683-6700 x5901

Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s 2007 HD® FXST

I can replace your broken screen on iPhones, iPods, 747 iPads, most Andriod phones Misc. Services and tablets. Fast, reliable, Softail® Standard COMPLETE J.M. HUNT and honest local service. $10,900. 9,218 miles, CONCRETE ENTERPRISES, LLC Call 574-226-8673 or Vivid Black. start to finish. Painting & Drywall. Insured. www.facebook.com/hur- From Extras included Estimates. Family McDaniel's Harley Davidson, leysifixitforu for pricing. Stamped, flat & dirt work. Free Insured (269)663-8091 Owned & Operated for Over 1910 Lincoln Way East, SB 50 years. 269-683-4442. (574) 289-6650

KLIMEK ENTERPRISES

Electrical Contracting, No Job Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6290 or (269)470-4097.

Auto. Service927 Repair Wallace Auto Repair & 24hr Towing llc Best rates in town 67218 Cassopoils Rd Cassopolis, MI Call 269-699-5374

Autos for Sale 945 NEED TO SELL

2008 Mitsubishi, 2 door convertible, GS Spider, moving out of state, clean retail price or best offer. (269)921-3315

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

Shorts. Krasl Art Center, 4832 for snow conditions 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, and to register. 1-3 p.m. MI. For info, call (269) Winter sports season at St. 983-0271 or visit www. Dec. 28 Joseph County Parks krasl.org. 10:00 a.m.begins (weather and snow 12:00 p.m. conditions permitting). Activities include innerNew Troy Indoor Flea tubing and cross-country Market. New Troy ski rental at St. Patrick’s 3rd Annual Jaier Joust. Community Center. Free County Park in South Entry deadline Dec. 1. 4 v. admission. Local food Bend, IN and innertubing 4 soccer tournament. Boys products, plants, tools, and snowshoe rental at & girls, ages U09-high antiques, books, jewelry, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek school. Visit www.jaier- photography, crafts, furniCounty Park in Osceola, soccer.org for more info. ture and other housewares, IN. For more info on pro- 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and more for sale. Call grams and fees, call (574) (269) 469-5687 for more 277-4828 or visit www. info. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. sjcparks.org. Sledding on Pear Hill. Sarett Dec. 29 Dec. 27 Nature Center (weather permitting) 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. Children age 7 and up Jambon in Concert. The Winter Ice Sculptures. should bring their sleds. Acorn Theater, 107 Ages 5-10. Winter Break Cost $1.00. Call (269) 927- Generations Dr, Three CURIOUS continued from page 8 3rd, at 1 p.m. on both of those days. They’re going to bring in animals that are ‘hard to love,’ which would be like snakes and skunks. They might not be that cuddly and fuzzy, but they’re still our residents, and we should know how to co-exist with them,” Marciniak said. “That happens during the family program on those days.” “Both family programs are free with admission, which is $6 per person for each museum, Marciniak said. “You can get a same-day joint admission for $10, and

you can come and go between the two museums all day long.” For members of the museum, admission is free to the family programs. Marciniak noted that memberships make great family Christmas gifts. “You can buy a membership to either location for $65, and so that includes your immediate family. You could also buy a joint membership for $130, which would include grandparents. That joint admission also includes half-price admission to over 200 museums nationwide for up to six people,” Marciniak said. “If you buy one before

Week of December 20-26, 2013 • Page 11

Dec. 22, we have a special going on. You’ll get 15 months for the 12-month price.” Beyond the family programs being offered over Christmas break, both Curious Kids locations have some newer exhibits. “Up here on the bluff, we have greatly expanded our face painting area. That’s one of our signature exhibits,” Marciniak said. “We also have a new area, a building room with giant Imagination Playground blocks. You can create huge structures, and they’re very light. You can do just about anything with them.”

Oaks, MI. For info, call (269) 756-3879 or visit www.acorntheater.com. Tickets: $25. 8 p.m. Dec. 30

New Year’s Celebration Decorations. Ages 5-10. Winter Break Shorts. Krasl Art Center, 707 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI. For info, call (269) 983-0271 or visit www.krasl.org. 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Dec. 31

Wood Fire’s New Year’s Eve Party. Entertainment and dining. Champagne toast with each country’s new year. Dinner packag-

During the winter, the museum on the bluff is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays, and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. “In the Discovery Zone, we have ‘Toys: The Inside Story.’ It’s all about simple machines inside toys — pulleys and gears. There’s a gear table,” Marciniak said. “There’s also an electricity table, where you can close the circuit and make lights go on and fans work. That’s here through Jan. 5th.” “Down at the Discovery Zone, on Thursdays we do a Family Fun Night. So, we are

es available. $90 per couple; $45 per person. For more info, visit www. woodfiredining.com or call (269) 782-0007. 134136 S. Front St., Dowagiac, MI. Reserve early 4-5 p.m. Complimentary bottle of wine.

Funtime Burlesque. Video Dance Party follows show. The Acorn Theater, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, MI. For info, call (269) 756-3879 or visit www.acorntheater.com. Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at door. 9 p.m.

Kenny Loggins at the Silver Creek Event Center, Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, MI. Tickets available through Ticketmaster at www. ticketmaster.com or (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices start at $100. 10:30 p.m.

2013 New Years Eve Celebration at Waterford Estates Lodge. $150 per couple. Includes dinner, open bar, music, champagne toast, noisemakers & hats. Purchase tickets by Dec. 1 for free bottle of champagne. Book a room for only $50. Call (574) 272-5220 for tickets. www.waterfordestatesThe Acorn’s NY Eve Party lodge.com. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. with hosts Super Happy

open from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Then, we’re open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays,” Marciniak said. “This Thursday, Dec. 19th, we will have live reindeer in the ballroom. We’re cohosting that with the Silver Beach Carousel.” More information about upcoming events at both Curious Kids locations can be obtained by calling (269) 983-2543. We’re on Facebook, and our website, www. curiouskidsmuseum.org, has all kinds of info that people can check out,” Marciniak said. “We’re also on Twitter if people want to follow us there.”

Submitted photos

Curious Kids Museum is located in St. Joseph, Mich.

Page 12 â&#x20AC;˘ Week of December 20-26, 2013

Off The Water, Michiana

PARTING SHOTS

Submitted photos

The Amtrak Train Station in Niles hosted their annual Hometown Christmas celebration last week.

Christmas at the Depot