Off The Water - February 7-13, 2014

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Frozen magic

St. Joseph set for ice fest................. p.3

Week of February 7-13, 2014

Online community about outdoors...... p.8

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 6

How sweet it is Veni's in niles ready for the holiday of love.............p. 2

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Page 2 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Veni’s hits that sweet spot

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com NILES — It comes as no surprise that candy is the most commonly exchanged gift at Valentine’s Day. In fact, nearly 50 percent of Valentine’s gifts will include sweets, according to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association.

Of course, “candy” could refer to the most mundane box of crunchy conversation hearts.

However, those who wish to make a more lasting impression on their sweethearts might consider a more artistic gift of chocolates, which not only taste delicious, but are beautiful and memorable in their presentation.

Veni’s Sweet Shop, using old-world, artisanal recipes that have been handed down over 100 years, is one local chocolatier where visitors can pick out the perfect box of chocolates for their particular valentine.

“Ultimately, all of our chocolates have to taste good, but we are also very aware of their appearance as well,” said Linda

Skwarcan of Veni’s Sweet Shop. “When you receive a box of chocolates, the first thing you do is see it, and it should look beautiful .”

The staff at Veni’s, which includes veteran chocolatier Sandra Bennitt, creates virtually all of the chocolates on-site in small batches using recipes from the original owners, the Marazita family.

“Our chocolates are hand-dipped, and each one of our creams has a unique and artistic finish to it,” Skwarcan said.

Indeed, even the act of purchasing a gift at the historic location can be an aesthetically pleasing experience.

Original, art-deco glass signs welcome guests to visit Veni’s 228 E. Main St. location in Niles. In fact, as noted in an exhibit featuring the shop at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, the word “veni” in Italian means “come in.”

Currently, a heartshaped ice sculpture stands pristine beside the entrance, thanks to the frigid temperatures that have lingered since the Hunter Ice Festival. Plate glass windows display traditional

red and pink heart-shaped candy boxes, creating a festive mood.

Upon entering the candy store, guests are enveloped by the rich scent of fresh chocolate emanating from the kitchen. More heartshaped boxes adorn the walls on either side of a art deco hutch that dates back to the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.

“We have the best selection of heart-shaped boxes in the area, more than we’ve seen anywhere else,” Skwarcan said. “They come from several different companies from across the country.”

While many of the boxes feature satin bows, lace and artificial flowers, Veni’s also offers boxes that are more masculine.

“We actually made some of our own this year,” Skwarcan said. “It’s hard to find boxes that women can feel comfortable giving to men, so, we came up with a camouflage duct tape one and three different collegiate ones, and so far they’ve been very popular.”

Catering to the various preferences of their customers, the staff at Veni’s is

willing to repack heartshaped boxes from years past.

“We have two sets. One group of customers brings their boxes back, and we repack them every year, which we’re happy to do,” Skwarcan said. “Others pick a new heart every year. Perhaps they put them out for decorations after the chocolates are gone.”

Skwarcan said that the most popular assortment is their “deluxe assorted box,” but there are other popular favorites as well.

“Our salted caramels are amazing.

They are very, very good. We sell a lot of them. We also sell a lot of turtles. Our cherry cordials are really good, too,” Skwarcan said.

“We have something for every age and every taste.”

As a former customer of the sweet shop—taking over the business six years ago with the help of her husband, Larry—Skwarcan is very attuned to the desires of her customers.

“We’re happy to handpack when people want to

pick out particular chocolates and caramels,” Skwarcan said. “You can pick out your heart and then pick out the chocolates. We will

also gift wrap it at no charge.”

Another favorite at this time of year is Veni’s selection of fresh, hand-dipped strawberries, which can be ordered by calling (269) 684-1323 or visiting www.

VenisSweetShop.com.

“We are currently taking orders for hand-dipped strawberries for Valentine’s day—milk, dark, white, an assortment—however people want them," Skwarcan said. “That’s always very popular at Valentine’s Day.”

Leader photo/JILL McCAUGHAN Leader photo/CRICKET NELSON

Michelle Jackson and Linda Skwarcan welcome visitors to Veni's Sweet Shop.

Leader photo/CRICKET NELSON

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of February 6-13, 2014 • Page 3

ON DISPLAY

Annual event captures 'magic' of ice

you don’t find at all of the other ice festivals,” Stone said.

Activities will include T. JOSEPH—The Dora the Explorer-themed City of St. Joseph games and activities, surf is promising their music, hula lessons and $1 biggest and best carousel rides. Waikiki Magical Ice Fest on the Weekend events are schedweekend of Feb. 7 uled to run throughout the through 9. This will be weekend, and more inforthe tenth year that the city mation on those can be will host the event. found at www.silver“We’re really excited beachcarousel.com. for this year’s ice festiAnother weekend-long val,” said Jill Stone, execu- activity is the Snow Biz tive director of St. Joseph Scavenger Hunt. Visitors Today. “It’s one of our big- can pick up a scavenger gest events of the year, and hunt form at St. Joseph we expect to have the per- Today, 301 State St., and fect weather for it.” then hunt for more than 20 The weekend’s events sculptures with items frowill actually get started zen inside. Once all the with the Waikiki Weekend sculptures are found and Family Fun Night on recorded, the form can be Thursday, Feb. 6, from 4 returned to enter a prize to 8:30 p.m. at the Silver drawing.

Beach Carousel and The first ice carving Shadowland Ballroom at event scheduled for the 333 Broad St. weekend is the Friday eveSubmitted photo “It’s a very Hawaiian ning competition that will An ice sculpture created during last year's Magical Ice Festival in St. Joseph. theme down there, and take place from 5:30-7:30 that’s a fun thing to do that p.m. This individual com- petition has traditionally of State and Pleasant ning from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and beverages to help visibeen held on the Sunday of Streets.

Teams of professional carv- tors keep warm as they the festival.

A Fire and Ice Reception ers will engage in 15-min- view the competitions and “We have 12 carvers will then be held at the ute ice carving duels. finished sculptures. Local lined up, and it’s a nation- Shadowland “Another event we’ve merchants will be open, Ballroom ally certified event,” Stone from 8 p.m. until midnight. added this year is the 5K offering sales and special said. “In our neck of the Live music, a martini ice run at 9 a.m. on Saturday promotions. woods, we are the only ice luge and fire dancers will morning, put on by a local “Saturday is the big festival that is a National liven up the event. While runners’ group, the Sunset day,” Stone said.

Ice Carving Association- most of the weekend’s Coast Striders,” Stone said. “Hundreds, if not thoug certified competition. The events will be free, admisStone said downtown sands, of people attend, and d carvers earn points in these sion to this particular restaurants and bars will be they have a great time every s competitions, and those get reception will be $10, but serving a variety of foods year.” n tallied up. So, needless to ladies will be admitted free say, they take it very seri- until 9 p.m. n ously.”

The team carving comy Friday’s competition petition will begin at 8 a.m. s will include two former on Saturday morning and world-champion ice carv- continue until 4 p.m.

Sculptors will carve blocks Submitted photo ers.

Once that competition of ice all along downtown St. Joseph will host ice carvers at their NICAhas ended, the Magical Ice State St. sanctioned event this weekend.

Festival will be bringing “We’re going to have a back an event that has been bigger Saturday competition this year,” Stone said. very popular in the past.

“After the Friday com- “In the past, we’ve had a petition, we’re having our four-block competition, but Fire and Ice event. It will this year we’re expanding it be a fire encased in ice, to eight blocks. That means 95% of Our Decorator & right on State St.,” Stone that the sculptures can be Upholstery Fabrics are said. “We did this in the twice the size of last 50% to 90% Off Retail past, and we’re bringing it year’s.”

The festival’s Second back because it’s so cool.”

That display will take Annual Ice Wars will also place at 8 p.m. at the corner take place on Saturday, runBy JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com

S

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Page 4 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Lots to do for literal love birds

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com

B

E R R I E N CENTER—Why do we celebrate love and romance on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day? For the medieval poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, and later for William Shakespeare as well, Valentine’s Day was special because they believed it was the day that the world’s birds would flock together, each one in search of its one, true mate.

For this reason, even today, pairs of love birds often adorn Valentine’s cards.

Of course, there are competing stories, such as that of St. Valentine, a priest executed in 3rd Century Rome as punishment for performing marriages that had been forbidden.

But, for those who love nature and who also bemoan the commercialization of holidays in general, Chaucer’s version of Valentine’s Day might be the more palatable choice.

For those nature lovers, a birding trip to Love Creek County Park or another of Berrien County’s bird-

watching destinations is a unique yet fitting way to celebrate the season.

“Berrien County is actually a really popular birding county,” said Kip Miller, a naturalist who has been with Love Creek for 30 years. “A lot of people come from out-of-county and even out-of state to watch birds in Berrien County.”

Love Creek offers two indoor bird-viewing areas, both with large windows and seating that allow visitors to relax indoors as they watch a variety of native birds come to the feeders.

More birding opportunities are available through Love Creek during the fall and the spring. In addition, Berrien County Parks organizes field trips to other birding locations around the county.

“Love Creek, as a part of Berrien County Parks, is a sponsor of the Berrien Birding Club. We have a lot of fieldtrips to a lot of the places on the map,” Miller said. “People can find out about those fieldtrips from our website or by contacting us.”

That map, “Berrien County Birding

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Destinations,” is a 2013 publication that resulted from a collaboration with a number of different agencies and groups. It can be obtained at Love Creek, which is located at 9292 Huckleberry Rd., and at several other locations, including www.berriencounty.org/parks. Love Creek can also be reached at (269) 471-2617.

Two of those collaborators, Sarett Nature Center and Fernwood Botanical Garden, have birding opportunities scheduled in the near future.

Sarett will be hosting a birding fieldtrip on Feb. 9.

They will be travelling to either Allegan State Game Area or to Muskegon. Then, on the evening of Feb. 22, they will be hosting an “Owl Prowl” at their nature center.

For those who would like to draw more birds to their own backyards, Sarett will offer a birdhouse building project. More information about all of those events is available by calling (269) 927-4832 or visiting www.sarett.com.

Fernwood Botanical Garden will host the Great Backyard Bird Count from 1 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 15. The event, organized by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, is designed to teach people about feeding and identifying common winter birds. More information on that event can be obtained by calling (269) 695-6491 or by visiting www.fernwoodbotanical. org.

At Love Creek, outdoor activities are devoted mainly to cross-country skiing in the winter. Nature enthusi-

asts can enjoy 5 miles of groomed, cross-country ski trails when they visit that park. They offer ski rentals for those visitors who do not own equipment, and while they do not offer lessons, Miller said that the sport is fairly easy to learn.

“We get some requests for lessons, but it’s not that hard to figure out,” Miller said. “It’s a great way to get out and enjoy winter. It’s a lot of fun, and it’s good fitness.”

While birds and other animals may be seen while visitors ski, Miller said most of the wildlife tends to stay out of sight.

“What you can see are the signs of animals. There are a lot of tracks out there.

A lot of the deer and foxes are starting to use the ski trails because the snow on the trails is packed,” Miller said. “They’re using the ski trails as a kind of animal highway right now.”

Love Creek hasn’t enjoyed such good skiing conditions in a long time.

“This has been one of the best winters,” Miller said. “Tourists do come here for the skiing and for the birds, and it’s a good thing for the locals, too,” Miller said.

So, whether it’s for birding, skiing, or a variety of other outdoor activities, Michiana residents have a year-round, natural treasure in Love Creek County Park.

And, if you’re looking for an alternative way to celebrate the Valentine’s Day season, you might consider getting outdoors to see whether Chaucer and Shakespeare were on to something. You might just decide that Valentine’s Day really is for the birds.

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

ABOVE AND BELOW LEFT: Visitors to Love Creek Center and Sarett Nature Center can view wild birds at their feeders year-round.

BELOW RIGHT: A barred owl on display at Love Creek Nature Center.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of February 6-13, 2014 • Page 5

CUISINE SCENE

Treat your sweetheart this Valentine's Day

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com

m

ichiana — Along with giving gifts of candy and flowers and exchanging cards, enjoying a romantic dinner is a common tradition for couples at Valentine’s Day. While many restaurants in Michiana will be serving dinner as usual that evening, other venues have made special plans for the occasion. Here is a sampling of a few of them. Please keep in mind that Valentine’s Day is one of the busiest evenings for restaurants during the year, and reservations are required for many of these special events.

Fernwood Botanical Garden, located at 13988 Range Line Rd. in Niles, will be serving a special Valentine’s Day dinner, prepared by Chef Tim Carrigan from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 14.

The menu will include shrimp cocktail, fresh baby greens with dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and herb dressing, filet of beef with a mushroom demi glace, stuffed chicken breast served with a roasted garlic jus, and a mini dessert platter. Dinner also includes champagne and a rose for each couple. The cost is $90 per couple. Guests must pre-register by calling (269) 695-6491.

In Benton Harbor, Mich., bread+bar, 645 Riverview Dr., will host a pre-Valentine Wine Dinner with Phelps Creek Vineyards from 7 to 9 p.m. on February 12, 2014.

Presented in conjunction with Ruth Ryberg, bread+bar will be serving five specially paired courses with five award-winning Oregon wines. Robert Morus of Phelps Creek Vineyards will also be present. The cost is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made by email to ruth@ dontwhinedowine.com or by phoning bread+bar at (269) 757-7219. The special menu will continue to be available throughout the weekend.

Also in Benton Harbor, The Oak Room at the Citadel, located at 91 Hinkley St., will host “Hearts On Fire.” This special Valentine’s evening, which supports Water

Submitted photo

ABOVE LEFT: Copper Rock Steakhouse at Four Winds Casino will be offering a romantic Valentine's dinner. ABOVE RIGHT AND BELOW: bread+bar will be serving a variety of desserts hand-crafted by Bit of Swiss.

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Street Glassworks’ Fired Up! after-school teen glass program, will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Feb. 14. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and gelato will be served and a cash bar will be available.

The Ed Bagatini New Swing Orchestra will be performing. Both a live and a silent auction will be held. Fired Up! students have created pieces available for purchase, and guests will also receive a special glass gift. The cost is $75 per person.

Reservations are limited to 100 guests and can be made by calling (269) 925-5555.

Three restaurants at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo will be hosting Valentine’s Day-themed dinners on Feb. 14. First, the Copper Rock Steakhouse will be providing a Chateaubriand dinner for $150 per couple. The full menu includes shrimp cocktail, caesar salad, a center cut 20-ounce filet, and an special chocolate dessert to share. Wine flights will also be avail-

able for $20 per person as well as champagne and specialty wines by the glass and bottle.

At the Hard Rock Café, a prix fixe menu for two will be offered. The menu includes two glasses of champagne, soup or salad, and a choice of entrées that include prime rib, filet mignon, and crab-stuffed shrimp with asparagus, carrots and fingerling potatoes. Created especially for Valentine’s Day, the “Chocolate Nocturn” will be served for dessert. The prix fixe menu is $80 per couple, which does not include tax and gratuity.

Finally, The Buffet at Four Winds will host a Valentine’s Chocolate Weekend from Feb. 14 through 16. Guests can enjoy three flavors of chocolate, which will be flowing from fountains, a wide selection of chocolate desserts, and made-to-order chocolate beignets. More information on these three dinner events can be obtained by calling 1 (866) 494-6371 or visiting www.

fourwindscasino.com.

In Dowagiac, Mich., Wood Fire, located at 134 S. Front St., will be offering a special, romantic weekend of music, wine and food. Dinner specials will be available, and entertainment will be provided throughout the Valentine’s Day weekend. Friday, Feb. 14, will feature the fine piano music of Dennis Glander. On Saturday, Feb. 15, Jim Pickley will be accompanied by Venitia Sekema, and on Sunday, Feb. 16, Ron Barany will provide the entertainment.

Reservations can be made by calling (269) 782-0007.

Café Navarre Bar and Restaurant, located at 101 N. Michigan St. in South Bend, Ind., will be offering its regular dinner menu as well as some featured dishes. Guests can also arrange to surprise their date with chocolate truffles from Veni’s Sweet Shop waiting at their table.

Reservations and orders for truffles must be made

by Tuesday, Feb. 11 by calling (574) 968-8101.

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Page 6 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

Spice up your winter desserts

I

’ve heard of people using beets in baked goods for years.

They sweeten and add moisture naturally. It’s a very common staple ingredient in oil free and sugar free or low sugar baking. Further, the color of beets can be used as a natural food coloring.

For me, the taste of beets is very earthy, something I’ve had to get used to over time. I’m at the point now where, if prepared correctly and paired properly, I love beets.

Golden beets especially seem a little sweeter and the earthy tones are slightly muted. When I saw them on sale last week, I thought this would be a good opportunity to try a muffin or cake recipe featuring golden beets.

I was inspired by some blueberry beet muffins I’d eaten in Hermosa Beach a couple weeks ago. They were vegan, gluten free and very moist. The flavor of those particular muffins was still a little earthy for me, but

it really got me wanting to work on some recipes of my own.

I knew with the right spices, the earthiness could be disguised.

Sunday’s Vegan Super Bowl Potluck seemed like the perfect chance to taste test my creation. There were no desserts on the menu, so I knew I had to come up with a cake or cupcake.

When searching baked good recipes featuring beets, I came across one for cupcakes with bourbon. I loved the idea and used the recipe as inspiration for the following vegan, gluten free version.

The Bourbon Buttercream Icing is a variation of my basic Buttercream Icing.

It’s a winner everytime.

Kat Barry, a Saint Joseph, Michigan native, is owner of Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan catering, and co author of The New Chicago Diner Cookbook, Meat Free Recipes from America’s

COLUMNIST

Off The Water, Michiana

Bourbon Spice Cakes

Yield: 8 mini cakes; about 12 cupcakes For the golden beet puree: 2 medium roasted golden beets (about 3 cups) 1 tablespoon maple syrup ¼ teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons soy milk For the mini Bundt Cakes: 1 ¼ cup buckwheat flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves ¼ cup maple syrup 4 ½ teaspoons Egg Replacer + 6 tablespoons water ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed ½ cup natural applesauce 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 cup golden beet puree To make the puree: 1. Remove skin from beets, and chop into ½ inch pieces.

2. Place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the metal s blade, or in a blender. Puree until smooth, like whipped potatoes. Set aside.

Kat Barry Kat's Hot Talk Veggie Diner. She also develops recipes for eHow. com where you can find over 30 of her vegan instructional cooking videos. She is also a certified yoga instructor. Kat currently resides in Chicago, and in her free time she enjoys practicing yoga, sampling local spirits, listening to live music, and getting outdoors. Follow @ katshotcakes on twitter. Kat can be reached via email at: kat@katshotcakes.com.

To make the cakes: 1. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg replacer and water, making a slurry. Be sure there are no clumps.

3. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the egg replacer, sugar, and maple syrup. Beat on low for about 30 seconds, then whip on medium for about 5 minutes. You should have a golden brown mixture that’s thick enough to coat the back of a rubber spatula or spoon.

6. Next, stir in the applesauce, beet puree, vanilla and bourbon. Beat until combined, scraping sides. After a minute or two. Turn of mixer.

7. Fold in dry ingredients, scraping sides of mixer until mixture is just combined.

8. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly oil mini bundt cake pans, or muffin tins. Fill about 1/3 full with batter.

9. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean.

10. Allow to cool on a wire rack. When fully cool, frost with Bourbon Buttercream Icing (recipe to follow).

Cooks’ Notes: I made these in mini bundt cake pans because I have a lot of those, but you can make them into cupcakes, a cake, or mini muffins. Obviously, you will have to adjust baking times as necessary. Cupcakes will be about the same bake time as listed. For an 8 inch round cake, I would probably say about 20-30 minutes. For mini muffins I would say 5-8 minutes.

Bourbon Buttercream Icing Yield: About 2 cups icing

1 cup Earth Balance vegan margarine, softened About 6 cups vegan powdered sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla About ¼ cup soy milk 2-4 tablespoons bourbon 2 teaspoons maple syrup 1. Using the whisk attachment, whip the margarine in the bowl of an electric mixer. The margarine should be really soft when you start.

2. Slow add in the powdered sugar, beating well and scraping the sides after each addition.

3. Blend in the vanilla, bourbon, maple syrup and enough soy milk to create a smooth yet firm icing. Be sure to whip on 8-10 (high) for about 2 minutes before finishing to make the icing extra smooth and firm. Scrape the sides of the mixer bowl often with a spatula.

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of February 6-13, 2014 • Page 7

SPOTLIGHT

'Deathtrap' not as serious as its name

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com

s

t. joseph — “It’s a great thriller and a great comedy,” said Bob Myers, when asked why audience members should brave Michigan’s snowy winds to attend an upcoming performance of The Twin City Players’ “Deathtrap.” “You know, in the middle of February, you need a laugh!”

Director of the current production and president of the theater company’s board of directors, Myers is understandably passionate about the new show.

“It’s live theater, and it’s great. We have a tremendous cast for it,” Myers said. “It’s hard for me to be objective, obviously, but If I had seen this in one of the major theaters in Chicago, I would have gone away saying, ‘This is why you pay $70 a ticket— to see theater of this quality.’”

The third mainstage production of the Twin City

ON SALE VALENTINE’S DAY!

Players’ 2013-2014 season, the literary thriller “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin, is considered to be one of the great popular successes of recent Broadway history. The play offers audience members an opportunity to enjoy both gasp-inducing thrills and spontaneous laughter.

The plot revolves around the devious machinations of playwright Sidney Bruhl, played by Scott Bradford. In an attempt to improve his fortunes, he schemes to take credit for a masterpiece written by a student, Clifford Anderson, played by Steve Prouty.

With that as the backdrop for the on-stage action, Twin City Players promises an evening full of twists, turns and sudden shocks, such that audiences will be held spellbound until the very last moment of the play.

Supporting Bradford and Anderson in their presentation of the life-or-death game of cat and mouse are cast members Renee Wright as Myra Bruhl, Beth DeCoursey as Helga ten Dorp, and Brett

Leader photos/RENEE WRIGHT

The Twin City Players will be presenting "Deathtrap" through February 23.

Lutz as Porter Milgrim.

Working behind the scenes are assistant director Dennis Bachman, student director Rachel Thursby, stage manager Steve Hamel, costumer Tammy Green, and set

Proudly Presents in Elkhart, Indiana

designers Erin Bennett and Candace Seymour Myers.

The role of lead set constructor is also filled by Bob Myers.

The play made its Broadway debut in 1978, and

some audience members may remember the 1982 film version that starred Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Cannon.

“It will essentially be the straight presentation of the show, but better acted, I think!” Myers said, when asked to compare the film with the Twin City Players’ version. “The thing is, live theater is the most powerful art form out there. There is nothing more powerful than that.”

“If audience members were watching the film at home on TV or in the cinema, they’d have very little reaction,” Myers explained. “But in the live theater, they’ll be laughing, crying, the whole range of emotions that you get only with a play.”

The Twin City Players chose the script for production because it is such a wellwritten play.

“This last year, we decided we wanted to do a whole season of award-winning shows—Tony Award winners, Pulitzer Award winners.

‘Deathtrap’ wasn’t actually a

winner; it was a runner-up.

But, it’s such a neat show that we wanted to do it anyway,” Myers said.

Other award-winners that the company will produce this season include Tennessee Williams’ “Streetcar Named Desire,” Oscar Hammerstein’s “The King and I,” and Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.”

“Deathtrap” opened on Jan. 31, and the show will run through Feb. 23. Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and for 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoons at the Twin City Players Playhouse, 600 West Glenlord Rd. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at (269) 429-0400. They can also be purchased online at www. twincityplayers.org. They are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates are also available.

“It’s live theater, right there in front of you. It’s real people. It’s not on a screen,” Myers said. “That beats the heck out of sitting at home and watching TV!”

FIRST EVER ELKHART APPEARANCE

Joshua Nowicki

special guest

HEAD EAST

Thursday April 3, 2014 • 7:30 PM The Lerner Theatre Elkhart, Indiana

NN TH A UAL 0 1

Tickets on sale Friday February 14 at 10 am at the Lerner Box Office, charge by phone 574/293-4469 or online www.thelerner.com, Orbit Music/Mishawaka, Audio Specialists/State Road 933 North-South Bend, Karma Records/Plymouth & Warsaw, Wooden Nickel Records/Fort Wayne, LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office

Rock & Blues Legend • from Beaumont, Texas

Johnny Winter

Saturday March 15, 2014 • 8:00 PM ON SALE Club Fever THIS FRIDAY South Bend, Indiana FEB. 7 !

Tickets on sale Friday February 7 at 10 am at Orbit Music / Mishawaka, Audio Specialists / State Road 933 North - South Bend, Karma Records / Plymouth & Warsaw, LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office / LaPorte, Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office / South Bend, and all Ticketmaster locations, Charge by phone 574/235-9190 or online www.morriscenter.org and www.ticketmaster.com

February 7-9 Downtown St. Joseph, MI

MagicalIceFest.com

SOUTHWESTERN

MICHIGAN TOURIST COUNCIL

Page 8 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Nature lovers unite ... online?

By JILL McCAUGHAN offthewater @leaderpub.com

a

nn arbor—With this winter ’s uncommonly frigid days and large snowfall totals, many families in the Great Lakes region have had a hard time getting their kids outside for the past couple months.

Cooped up inside, it may seem like there’s no way help kids stay connected to nature. But now, thanks to the National Wildlife Federation, there’s a new online community— Wildlife Nation—where parents can link up with other, like-minded folks to share ideas for keeping kids active and involved in nature year-round.

“We started Wildlife Nation because we can’t imagine a world where nature and wildlife are not a part of kids’ lives,” said Becky Lentz, director of Great Lakes programs and operations at the National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center.

“Our goal is to create a community where we all help each other so that kids today can enjoy the wonders of wildlife, whether they live in a large city, a suburb, or rural community.”

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is the largest private, nonprofit conservation organization in the United States, with more than 4 million members. Since its founding in 1936, the organization has worked to connect youth with the natural environment.

Many parents will themselves remember being inspired by NWF’s “Ranger Rick” magazine.

The new online social network, accessible at www.

Submitted photo/CHARLIE ARCHAMBAULT

WildlifeNation.org, is one way that the conservation organization is taking that mission into the 21st century.

The project is the brainchild of Becky Lentz and Julia Liljegren, regional education manager at the Great Lakes Regional Center. Together with their tech partners, build/ create studios in Ann Arbor, they have spent more than two years readying the site, a sort of “niche Facebook,” for the public launch, which began in January.

“The Wildlife Nation community is online and on-the-ground, so teams of one or more adults do stuff outside with kids and then connect with others to share what they are doing online,” Liljegren said. “People can do as much or as little as they want, how and when they want to do it.”

Both individuals and organizations can join Wildlife Nation. There are

16 founding teams representing the states of Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Vermont. Founding teams include families, schools, corporations, organizations and state agencies.

Although the main focus has been on the Great Lakes region, the site is accessible nationwide.

“When you log on to Wildlife Nation, you can join an existing team or create one and then link up with one of the actions you want to join,” Lentz said.

“We have all kinds of people and groups that are working towards one of our four main actions: building habitats, fishing, camping, and planting trees.”

Another action area, “Teamspirations,” serves as a kind of “catch-all” where teams can share less structured, more unique ways to “keep the wild alive” in kids and communities.

Teamspirations Submitted photo/DONNA KERT include activities like hik-

February 14, 15 & 16 Join us for a romantic weekend of Music, Wine and Food.

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ing, nature photography, scavenger hunts and many other ways to explore wildlife and the great outdoors.

“It’s free to join, and there are no expectations, just the hope that people will share their ideas and ways to get kids out into nature,” Lentz said.

On the site, parents and other organizations that serve kids will find ideas that they can use right now, in the dead of winter. Or, they can use the site to plan activities to do once the weather breaks. Parents can also involve their kids in posting pictures and telling stories about encounters with nature that they have had in the past.

For example, if families have tried out any of the nature-related ideas that have been covered in Off the Water in recent months, those would be experiences that could be shared on Wildlife Nation. Even though some activities take place indoors—like building a birdhouse at Fernwood or enjoying a program at the Curious Kids Museum or Sarett Nature Center, those are still ways to get kids involved with wildlife and the environment.

A series of video clips, found in the “Community Story” section, can also help to inspire kids and families to get out and explore the wild world around them. A FAQ section on the site answers a wide range of questions that visitors to the site may have as they get involved in the online community.

“Wildlife Nation is about one thing: inspiring people to go out and enjoy wildlife,” said Liljegren.

“Each person has a story to tell and every one of us can help make a difference so that kids can enjoy wildlife now and for years to come.”

Cash in your Coins, Jewelry Gold & Silver WE BUY • SELL • TRADE

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of February 6-13, 2014 • Page 9

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General Notices

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1 Bedroom Ground Floor $535 mo plus security deposit

Houses for Sale 500 EDWARDSBURG CHARMER

Section 8 and others accepted!

Call Today 574-532-2181 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. EHO. TDD 1800-649-3777 American Preferred 1-800-968-1792

UPDATED HOME

Nearly New Ranch Home Quiet Area - Over 1 Acre Awesome Pole Barn Don't Delay Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484

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HAMILTON SQUARE APARTMENTS 315 N. Lowe, Dowagiac Nice Country Setting 1-2 Bedrooms Starting at $400 (269)782-4637

RIVER OAK APTS

1729 Oak St., Niles (269)687-8340 1-2 Bedrooms Heat, Water, Hot Water & Trash All Paid Ask About Our Move-In Specials www.coreleases.com

UNIQUE APARTMENTS

MULTIPLE JOB OPENINGS

in Dowagiac for rent. One br. $560/ two br. $600. Utilities and trash included.

Responsible tenants can apply at: www.dowagiacrentals.com. 269-8065875 for more information.

(269) 408-1980 Three Oaks Assembly Welders Pick and Pack Reliable Applicants APPLY TODAY!

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Office Space for Rent

427

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT

DRIVER TRAINEES!

GET FEE-PAID CDL TRAINING NOW! Learn to drive for US Xpress New Drivers can earn $800/wk & Benefits!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally!

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Elderly Care 307 KARE SERVICES

Compassionate Home Care Services (269)684-1984 (574)292-2900 email:KKaidanRay@aol.com www.KAREService.com

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

Apartments Available $565/month (269)684-4500 tanglewood-niles.com

412

Misc. Services 747 Merchandise for 643 KLIMEK Sale ENTERPRISES YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS Electrical Contracting, No Job

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

Only $490/MO! 2 bd/1 bth, Newer appliances, New flooring throughout, Call Riverside Estates Buchanan, 269-695-3119

NILES FLEA MARKET Wed.-Sat. 10a-5p Sun. 12p-5p 111 E. Main St A few Vendor spots still available. For more info call 574-323-4187

18699 Williams St. Cassopolis, MI of natural beauty in Mission Hills Memorial Michigan! 7 minutes from Gardens. $1,000 or best Elkhart. Open split bedroom offer. (574)273-0272 floor plan offers over 2500 sq.ft. with 6 bedrooms/4.5 bath including guest Consignment 625 quarters. Barn, pool, creek, Turn your Closet into pond, and horse/dirt bike CASH trails. Edwardsburg schools Kids' clothing: This house is a must see! newborn to teen, $410,000 Visit www.SoGoodToBeHome.com Baby gear & furniture, for photo tour or call Maternitywear Coldwell Banker, RWG Accepting Spring & Patty Lauten Summer wear Feb. 1st (574)340-4271 Call for appointment.

(269)663-8800 Who kNew Consignment 269-782-9800 WHETHER BUYING We are open Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm, OR SELLING so you can replace the Integrity Real Estate winter clothes your kids Professionals are outgrowing would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our agents for professional Things to Do 637 service you expect and deCASS DISTRICT serve.

269-684-5030 LIBRARY Integrity Real Estate http://cass.lib.mi.us Professionals (269)445-3400 Check out our online services: Freegal, Learn4Life, and more! Call for more info.

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $587 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-423-7024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures

Wanted to Buy BUYING

672

repairable scrap and unwanted vehicles, top dollar paid. Call or text for a free quote today. Free towing.

Kevin (817)437-0450

Too Big or Small. Free Quotes.

Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6290 or (269)470-4097.

WEAVER CONCRETE

And masonry, driveways, porches, patios, tear out/replace, all repairs, brick, block, stone, fireplaces. Will fix wet basements big or small, inside and out. All remodeling windows, siding and doors.Aaron (269)655-4158

General Mer595 WANTED TO BUY chandise Cash paid for small & Painting Service NOW OPEN medium size refri-

Cemetery Lots 617 1 LOT WITH 2ND INTERMENT RIGHT

Manufactured 502 Homes HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

US 31 Tobacco 50552 US 31 N, South Bend (574) 271-0333

Household Mer642 chandise FOR SALE

gerators working or not, washers, gas & electric ranges. Call (269)687-8639

WE WILL BUY

J.M. HUNT your junk car. We haul for ENTERPRISES, LLC free. Paying up to $1500 cash. Please call anytime Painting & Drywall. Insured.

Free Estimates.

Family 269-687-8098 Owned & Operated for Over 50 years. 269-683-4442.

Home Improve-

ment

700

FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING FRYMAN’S ROOFING

Your home exterior experts.

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

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

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Motorcycles &

IMPROVEMENT

Snowmobiles

915

Over 25 years of experience, ATV’’s tile work, kitchens, bath15% OFF! rooms, additions, decks & Installation of Officially porches, windows & doors, Licensed H-D® products window wrapping, siding, through Feb. 28th fascia & soffit. Insured! Call Randy (269)782-3139 McDaniel's Harley Davidson, 1910 Lincoln Way East, SB (269)208-9838 (574) 289-6650 JDS HOME

918

Repairs, Replacement, New 2 SNOWMOBILES Small Jobs welcome.

Licensed/Insured. Call John 1993 Artic Cat EXT 550EFI, 4,000 miles, $1,200. 1989 (269)445-7005

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.

Used & reconditioned Low affordable rates. washers, ranges, dryers, re- (269)591-1403 frigerators & freezers.

Geiger Refrigeration Service Recycling Service 743 841 Carberry Rd. Niles CA$H 4 JUNKERS (269)687-8639

TAX SEASON IS HERE

754

BILL'S USED APPLIANCES Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Fridges for all budgets, start Turn that Junker in your yard at $100. Inventory always to cash in your hand changing. 2559 S. 11th St. 801 Carberry Rd, Niles Niles (269) 591-7922 269-687-5865

Yamaha XLV 540 2 seater, 2,100 miles, $1,000. Very good condition. (708)3635200

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 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA 4 Door Sedan Very nice 46K Miles No credit checks 0% Interest Call Scarlett's 269-461-4197

MUST SELL!

Moving out of state. 2008 Mitsubishi, 2 door convertible, GS Spider, clean, retail price $10,125 or best offer. (269)921-3315

Page 10 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

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.

i

Region of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers.

Warner Gallery, SBMA, Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St. For more information, visit southbendart. org. Wednesday - Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Now – March 18

WHAT'S HAPPENING? filmmaker Joseph Chopin will be available to talk about his current film project following the screening. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts. org. A $5 suggested donation will be collected at the door. 7 p.m.

Ongoing

i

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held 8- 9:30 p.m. each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 306 Courtland St., Dowagiac.

Narcotics Anonymous is a self-help group for addicts seeking recovery. Dowagiac meetings are held in a closed format.

Now – Feb. 9

Winter Adult & Youth Classes at ARS Arts & Culture Center, 147 Fifth St., Benton Harbor, MI. Adult classes include: Italian Culture & Language, Mosaic, Wine Education, Cabernet and Canvas, The Art of Buying Art, MixedMixed Painting. Youth classes include Saturday Studio Art and Winter Clay Start date, meeting days, times and fees vary by class. Call (269) 208-4409 or visit www.annarussoart.com/ index.php?classes for details.

Now – March 18

Coastline Children’s Film Festival. Visit www.coastlinechildrensfilmfestival. com for more info and a full listing of events Applications for Twin City Players Brian Swiger through Feb. 9.

Memorial Scholarship available at Berrien Co. Now – Feb. 23 high schools. Students should contact their counTwin City Players presents selors. Scholarships up to “Deathtrap.” Tickets are $1,000 are earmarked for $15 adults, $12 seniors and seniors who have demon$7 children (12 and under). strated a strong interest in Group rates are available. theater-related activities. can be Call (269) 429-0400 or visit Applications obtained from Twin City twincityplayers.org for tickets. Performances are at 8 Players at (269) 429p.m. on Fridays and 0400. Due by March 31.

Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. 600 W. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Now – Feb. 27 Winter Yoga at Fernwood.

Thursdays with Greta Hurst.

Walk-ins are welcome. $10 (Members $8). Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical. org or call (269) 6956491.12:15-1:30 p.m.

A variety of glass and ceramics classes are being offered throughout February at Fire Arts, 305 E. Colfax Ave., South Bend, IN. Call (574) 2822787 or visit www.fireartsinc.com.

Now – Mar. 1 Scholastic Art Awards Exhibition, presented by the South Bend Museum of Art and The NW Indiana & Lower SW Michigan

Off The Water, Michiana

Fish fry at Dowagiac Conservation Club. All you can eat fish, mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, coleslaw, dessert and more. $9.00 adults and carry outs, $4.50 for 12 and under. 4:30-7 p.m. Call (269) 782-5508.

Fish Fry. D.A.N.K. All you can eat fish with other sides: 5:30-8:00 p.m..Free dancing and music from 7-10 p.m. Members $8; non-members $. Call (269) 926-6652 for more info.

sample different kinds of chocolate, and make a treat at the chocolate fountain.

Free with paid admission.

Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 1-4 p.m.

LEGEND

Alcohol

Art

Business

Family

Community

Focus

Crafts

Music

Food

Religious

Information

Tourist

Nature

Theatre

Feb. 9

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Guitarist David Youngman at Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. Tickets online at www. boxfactoryforthearts.org/ calendar/#youngman or at the door; $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free. 7:30 p.m.

“The History of Fernwood.”

Steve Bornell and Ann Desenberg explore the history of Fernwood in celebration of Fernwood’s 50th anniversary. $10 (Members $8). Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) Snowshoe explore at 695-6491. 1:30-3 p.m.

Allegan State Game Area with Sarett. The van will leave Sarett at 12:30 p.m.

Fee is $10; rentals are “For the Love of Art,” available for an additional Featuring over 40 fine artists. $3. Sarett Nature Center, RV Hall of Fame, Elkhart, 2300 Benton Center Rd., IN. Presented by KoZmo Benton Harbor, MI. Call Events. Tickets are $5 at the (269) 927-4832 to register. door, kids are admitted free.

11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Zion Lion. “Bob Marley Birthday Bash Tour” for Jamaica Me Crazy. Live reggae at Czar’s 505 every first Friday of the month.

505 Pleasant St., St. Joseph, MI. Call (269) 983-1166 for Women’s Service League’s more info. Doors open at 8 55th Annual Charity Ball: p.m., show time is 10 p.m. “A Night in White,” benefiting the HERBIE Clinic.

Berrien Hills Golf Club, “Men Are From Mars – 690 W. Napier Ave., Benton Women Are From Venus Harbor, Cocktails: 6:30 LIVE!” Starring Peter Story. p.m.; dinner: 7:30 p.m., Bendix Theater, Century dancing: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

Feb. 7 Center, South Bend, IN. MI. For more info and to Tickets at www.MorrisCenter. RSVP, call Deb Akin at org, (574) 235-9190 or (800) (269) 921-3427 and visit Len Cockman: Artist’s 537-6415. 8:00 p.m. www.womensserviceleareception at Fire Arts. The gue.org. exhibit, “Ceramics about Feb. 7-9 Speedways and Food,” will continue through Feb. 28.

Fire Arts, 305 E. Colfax Magical Ice Fest. Discover Winter Nights.

Ave., South Bend, IN. Downtown St. Joseph. Ice Valentine’s Day Craft Call (574) 282-2787 or carving competitions and Night. $2 admission per visit www.fireartsinc.com SnowBiz Scavenger Hunt. person for cross-country for more info. 5-9 p.m.

For info, call (269) 985- skiing, sledding, refresh1111 or visit www.stjoeto- ments, and other activities. day.com.

A small parking fee is also charged. Dr. T.K. Lawless Feb. 8 Meet Me in the Gallery: Park, 15122 Monkey Run Art! Jazz! Libations!

St.,Vandalia, MI. Call Fireworks! Mingle and cel(269) 445-4456 or visit ebrate the Scholastic Art Andrews University Wind www.casscountymi.org/ Awards while enjoying the Symphony presents its C o u n t y P a r k s / D r T K Larry Dwyer Trio. Annual Winter Concert. LawlessPark.aspx for more Fireworks on the river at 9 Howard Performing Arts info. 5 to 9 p.m. p.m. South Bend Museum Center. General admission of Art, Century Center, 120 is $5; students and seniors S. St. Joseph St. For more $3; children under 12 are information, visit southb- free. Call the box office at Southwest Michigan endart.org. 5:30-9 p.m.

(269) 471-3560 or visit Symphony Orchestra preswww.howard.andrews.edu ents “Majesty: The Best of for tickets. 8 p.m.

British Music” with Addlestone Gate at LMC “More Than a Month.” The Mendel Center, Benton First Friday film at the Box Harbor, MI. Concert Factory for the Arts. The Chocolate Covered includes an exhibit of artfilm explores the question Saturday. Learn about the work by Dave Smykal, “Should Black History history and origin of cocoa. Heather Seawright and Month be ended?” Local See a cocoa tree and bean, Brian Cooley from

i

Chartreuse. After party at RyeBelles Restaurant with the band. There is $5 cover charge and pre-registration is required. Concert tickets: Zone A: $37 adults, $32 seniors, $5 students. Zone B: $20 adults and $5 students. For more info, call (.269) 982-4030 or visit www.smso.org. 7:30 p.m.

Day-long winter birding trip beginning at 10 a.m.

Dress for the weather and bring a sack lunch. Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Knights of Columbus AllYou-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast. St. Pius X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. mass in the auxiliary gym.

Adults: $6, Kids (6-10): $3, under 5: free. Call (574) 271-7853 for more info.

i

Parting Shots

Winter

Adult Education Series: “Love is in the Air.” Class meets at 2:30 p.m.; the cost is $5. Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Feb. 13-20

i

Wine 101: Six-week course from Ruth Ryberg designed for anyone who wants to learn about wine. Must be 21. Lake Michigan College, Napier Ave. Campus, D-116 (Planetarium).

Contact 1-800-252-1562 ext. 7502 or visit www. lakemichigancollege.edu/ February Bazaar Sunday at ce. $89. Thursdays: 2/13The State Theater, 212 1/2 3/20. 6-7:30 p.m.

S. Michigan St., South Feb. 14 Bend, IN. Free. Stop by to get your sweetie the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day. Craft area for kids to make ARS Arts & Culture Center Valentines. South Bend is having an opening recepBrew Werks will be doing tion for the “ARS Faculty tastings of their special Exhibit.” 147 Fifth St. brews (21+ Please bring ID Benton Harbor, MI. For to participate)For info, more info, call (269) 277email info@thestatesb.com 5090 or visit www.annarussoart.com 5:30-7:30 p.m.

10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Feb. 12 Sarett

Nature

i

Feb. 15

i

Center’s Pearl Buttons and Shells:

Off The Water, Michiana

program by Ric Ladonski.

View a collection of pearl buttons and shells while learning about the history of pearl button manufacturers along the St. Joseph River. Suitable for all age groups. $10 (Members $8) Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 1-2 p.m.

Families or adults can make a birdhouse at Sarett Nature Center’s Woodshop at 10 a.m. The cost is $20 per house. Pre-registration is required. Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

i

“Watergate Remembered: 40 Years Later.” Lake Michigan College, Bertrand Crossing Campus, Room 116. Lecture by Tim Moore. Free and open to the public. For more info, call (269) 695-1391 or visit www.lakemichigancollege. edu/ce. 9-11 a.m.

Discover Winter Nights. $2 admission per person for cross-country skiing, sledsding, refreshments, and tother activities. A small ,parking fee is also charged. ,Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run St., Vandalia, MI. Call (269) 445-4456 or visit www.casscountymi.org/CountyParks/ DrTKLawlessPark.aspx for more info. 5 to 9 p.m.

i

New Troy Indoor Flea Market, New Troy ,Community Center. Local .food products, plants, tools, antiques, books, jewelry, photography, crafts, furniture and other housewares, and more. Community Book Store and Furniture Store will also be open. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Feb. 16

-Lake Michigan College yMusic Department faculty recital, Dance/Drama Room (F117) of the Mendel -Center. Free and open to the -public. For more info, call (269) 927-8876. 3:00 p.m.

Sommore Presents “The :Standing Ovation Tour.”

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Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN. Tickets are $45.00 and $50.00. Call (574) 2359190 or 800-537-6415, or visit www.MorrisCenter. org. 7:00 p.m.

Feb. 18

WHAT'S HAPPENING? Feb. 22

March 7

Make a fully beaded bracelet or necklace with finished ends. Choose from a selection of beads and metal findings (priced separately - up to $20 for bracelet and up to $30 for necklace). Tools provided. $10 (Members $8) Register by Feb. 20. Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 2 to 4 p.m.

Comedian Aziz Ansari: “Modern Romance.” Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN. Tickets: $38, available at www.

MorrisCenter.org, (574) 235-9190 or (800) 5376415. 7 p.m.

Spring Term Auditions for Lake Michigan Youth Orchestra’s three abilitybased youth orchestras: Concert Strings, Encore Strings, and Youth Symphony. Upton Middle School, St. Joseph, MI. 6-9 p.m. Requirements can be found www.smso.org. All students auditioning should call the SMSO office at (269) 982-4030 to schedule Trivia Night, Niles Service a 15 minute audition slot.

League at the Bell Building, Niles, MI. Winning prize Feb. 21 $200 to the table. Raffle, Door Prizes. Pizza by the slice, snacks, cash bar. 7 Brass Transit: The Musical p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.)

Legacy of Chicago at LMC Mendel Center. Tickets are $29, $34 & $39. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) Viking Games at the 927-1221 or www.lmc- Journeyman Distillery mainstage.org. 8 p.m.

Watch as 10 teams compete to win the title of the Viking Games. Live music,Viking feast and cocktails.

Love-Themed open mic Spectators encouraged. night, a part of Harbor Admission is free. Email Country’s Chocolate tiffany@journeymandisClassic Month. The Acorn tillery.com for more info.

Theater, 107 Generations 12 noon-11:00 p.m.

Dr., Three Oaks, MI. Show starts at 8 p.m. Come at 7 p.m. to try locally crafted chocolates, selected wines New Troy Indoor Flea and creatively romantic Market, New Troy drink specials. No cover. Community Center. Local For more info, call (269) food products, plants, tools, 756-3879 or visit www. antiques, books, jewelry, acorntheater.com. photography, crafts, furniture and other housewares, and more. Community Book Store and Furniture Vickers Theatre will open Store will also be open. 9 for the season with screen- a.m.-3 p.m. ings of “Philomena” and “Oscar-Nominated Short Films.” 6 N. Elm St. Three Oaks, MI. Tickets prices: 13th Annual Hunting Adults: $10.00; Seniors Heritage Banquet. National and Students with ID: Wild Turkey Federation. $8.00; 100-year-olds: Free. Pebblewood Banquet Hall, For more info, call (269) 9794 Jericho, Bridgman, 756-3522 or visit www. MI. Contact Dale Jasper at vickerstheatre.com. huntress1060@gmail.com or (269) 921-3474 for resFeb. 21-23 ervations and more info.

5:30 p.m.

South Bend Civic Theatre March 1 Presents “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr.” Bendix Theater in Century Center, 120 S. St. Joseph St., Kris Hitchcock & Small South Bend, IN. Town Son. “Country Showtimes: Friday 7:30 Night” every first Saturday p.m., Saturday 2 and 7:30 of the month. (18+) at p.m., Sunday: 2 p.m. For Czar’s 505, 505 Pleasant tickets call 574-234-1112 St., St. Joseph, MI. Call or visit www.sbct.org. $10 (269) 983-1166 for more per person or a four-pack info. Doors open at 8 p.m., show time is 10 p.m. for $32.

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Week of February 6-13, 2014 • Page 11

Knights of Columbus: Famous Lenten Fish Fry. All you can eat. Carry-out available. St. Pius X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Adults: $8, Kids (6-10): $4, under 6: free. Call (574) 271-7853 for more info. 4-7 p.m.

Fish Fry. D.A.N.K. All you can eat fish with other sides: 5:30-8:00 p.m..Free dancing and music from 7-10 p.m. Members $8; non-members $. Call (269) 926-6652 for more info.

March 8 PFX-The Pink Floyd Experience at LMC Mendel Center. Tickets are $32, $38, $42 & $46. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www.lmcmainstage.org. 8 p.m.

March 9

$30, $35 & $39. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) “Hair” at LMC Mendel 927-1221 or www.lmcCenter. Tickets are $48, mainstage.org. 7:30 p.m. $52 & $56. Mendel Center March 29 Box Office, (269) 9271221 or www.lmcmainstage.org. 7 p.m.

New Troy Indoor Flea March 15 Market, New Troy Community Center. Local food products, plants, tools, “The Ugly Duckling” & antiques, books, jewelry, “The Tortoise and the photography, crafts, furniHare” at LMC Mendel ture and other housewares, Center. Tickets are $15, and more. Community $18 & $22. Mendel Center Book Store and Furniture Box Office, (269) 927- Store will also be open. 9 1221 or www.lmcmain- a.m.-3 p.m. stage.org. 11 a.m.

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March 18 “Scooby-Doo Live!

Musical Mysteries.” Presale tickets are now available with special presale code “SCOOBS.” The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN. Call (574) 2934469 or visit www.thelerner.com for more info.

Tim Dudley Show (Tribute to Elvis Presley) Returns to The State Theater, 212 1/2 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets. com/event/503192 or 1-800-838-3006 (Option 1) $10Adults, free for children 12 & under. 7-11 p.m.

April 4

March 21 Knights of Columbus: Famous Lenten Fish Fry. All you can eat. Carry-out available. St. Pius X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Adults: $8, Kids (6-10): $4, under 6: free. Call (574) 271-7853 for more info. 4-7 p.m.

March 22

Knights of Columbus: Famous Lenten Fish Fry. All you can eat. Carry-out available. St. Pius X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Adults: $8, Kids (6-10): $4, under 6: free. Call (574) 271-7853 for more info. 4-7 p.m.

April 10

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Wines of the Piedmont, wine appreciation course from Ruth Ryberg. Must be 21. Lake Michigan College, Napier Ave. Campus, D-116 (Planetarium).

Contact 1-800-252-1562 ext. 7502 or visit www. lakemichigancollege.edu/ ce. $49. 6-7:30 p.m.

The Southshore Concert Band will present a Big Band Concert on the LMC Mendel Center Mainstage.

Tickets are $10. Call the Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221 or visit www.lmcmainstage.org for more info. 2 p.m.

Art of Beer Festival. Craft brews, local food, and live music. Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, Benton Harbor, MI. Tickets are $35 in advance, and $40 at the door; on sale now at www.artofbeerfest. com and (269) 927-1221, Admission includes 15 April 12 beer tokens, festival pint Knights of Columbus All- glass, and $10 in food tickYou-Can-Eat Pancake ets. All attendees must be Atlantic Steps at LMC Breakfast. St. Pius X 21 or older. 5- 9 p.m.

Mendel Center. Tickets are Parish, Fir Rd., South of $25, $28 & $32. Mendel SR 23, Granger, IN. Center Box Office, (269) Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 New Troy Indoor Flea 927-1221 or www.lmca.m. mass in the auxiliary Market, New Troy mainstage.org. 8 p.m. gym. Adults: $6, Kids Community Center. Local (6-10): $3, under 5: free. food products, plants, tools, April 13 Call (574) 271-7853 for antiques, books, jewelry, more info. photography, crafts, furniture and other housewares, and Knights of Columbus AllMarch 13 more. Community Book You-Can-Eat Pancake Store and Furniture Store will Breakfast. St. Pius X also be open. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Parish, Fir Rd., South of Tyler Perry’s “Hell Hath SR 23, Granger, IN. March 26 No Fury Like A Woman Immediately following the Scorned” at Morris 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Performing Arts Center. mass in the auxiliary gym.

Tickets at 1-800-537-6415, Newport Jazz Festival: Adults: $6, Kids (6-10): (574) 235-9190 or www. Now 60 at LMC Mendel $3, under 5: free. Call (574) morriscenter.org Center. Tickets are $25, 271-7853 for more info.

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Page 12 • Week of February 6-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

PARTING SHOTS

ABOVE: Photo submitted by Jim Wing, Niles, from the Hunter Ice Festival.

LEFT AND BELOW: The Ice Time Festival in Dowagiac drew hundreds of visitors to downtown Dowagiac, despite frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall. Photos taken by Ted Yoakum.

Submit Your Shots!

Send your photos to offthewater@leaderpub.com and they may be published in a future issue.