Off The Water - March 14-20, 2014

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Artists unleashed!

Memory lane

Author reflects on Michigan summers... p.4

Week of March 14-20, 2014

Facebook group showcases talent.... p.8

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 11

On Thin Ice Lake Michigan may not be as frozen as it looks

“The smaller dot on the lake is a person. It was hard to believe someone would take such a risk for a photo.”

— Joshua Nowicki

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of March 14-20, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

People venture onto the ice of Lake Michigan just off Silver Beach in early March.

Study shows dangers of walking on ice

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

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t. joseph—Ice cover on the Great Lakes has reached nearly historical levels, with 92 percent of the five lakes covered as of March 6, according the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

In fact, Lake Michigan reached a record breaking 93.29% last weekend, the most since 1973.

Living on the edge of that lake, residents don’t need any statistics to tell them what they can see their our own eyes—there is a lot more ice on Lake Michigan that there has been in decades.

However, those who wish to get an up-close look at that ice would do well to heed the advice of Petty Officer 3rd Class Zachary Mason, of the U.S. Coast Guard Station in St. Joseph.

“If you don’t have to go out on the ice, don’t,” said Petty Officer Mason. “It is a huge risk to go out the ice at this time of year.”

While the concentration of ice reaches 100 percent in some northern spots on the lake, according to maps developed by NOAA, that figure is only 10 percent for the ice along the Michigan shoreline from roughly South Haven to the Indiana state line.

Despite these low ice concentrations, the ice can be very thick in some areas, lulling more adventurous souls into a false sense of security. After all, many peo-

ple walk out on Lake Michigan with no adverse consequences whatsoever.

A few weeks ago, hundreds of people ventured out onto the ice near Grand Haven. While most had no trouble, at least six people had to be rescued—three who fell through the ice and three who fell off of the pier, including a child who broke her leg.

Many factors can cause the strength and thickness of the ice to vary considerably within relatively small areas.

Temperature changes, water currents, wind and even unseen waves can weaken the ice.

“A big wave can weaken ice that was safe yesterday,” said Bob Pratt, co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project in Ann Arbor.

The shelf ice on the lake is often hollow underneath.

Areas around rivers or channels, such as that between the two piers in St. Joseph, are particularly dangerous.

“I have seen people walk on the river channel. Water is moving under the ice, and it is very unstable,” said Joshua Nowicki, a local photographer who has become wellknown for his photographs of the St. Joseph lighthouses.

“On windy days, the ice moves and shifts.”

While one might imagine Nowicki fearlessly trekking over the lake to capture his stunning shots of winter’s effects, he is in fact very cautious.

“With regards to going out on the lake ice itself, I generally stay away from it,”

Nowicki said. “When I am on the ice, it is never on a river channel, near the pier, or more than about five yards from shore.”

Nowicki credits his cautiousness to an incident that occurred in his youth.

“I fell through the ice— luckily only up to my waist—on a small pond not far from home and remember how painfully cold it was to walk home. As a result, I do not want to repeat that experience,” Nowicki recalled.

When he does walk on the ice and pier, Nowicki takes certain precautions, many of which are also recommended by both Petty Officer Mason and Pratt.

“Before I go outside to take photos along the lake in the winter, I always check the weather reports and radar to get an idea about the way I need to prepare,” Nowicki said, noting that he wears a winter wetsuit under his coat and ice cleats when shooting on the pier.

Both Pratt and Officer Mason suggest wearing a life jacket and warm clothing while walking on the lake.

Pratt explained why a life jacket is so important.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there about how long you can survive if you fall through the ice. If you have flotation, it’ll be about an hour before you succumb to hypothermia,” Pratt explained. “The experts use the ‘1-10-1’ rule.”

The 1-10-1 rule is an easy way to remember the typical effects of being submerged

in super cold water.

“For the first minute, your breathing becomes uncontrollable. Without flotation, you’ll drown. After that first minute, you’ll get your breathing under control, and you’ll have about 10 minutes of purposeful movement,” Pratt explained. “After 10 minutes, you’ll need help being rescued. Then, hypothermia takes about an hour or so before it becomes lifethreatening.”

Officer Mason also recommends taking a ship-toshore radio or cell phone out onto the ice—if one must go out at all. The Coast Guard monitors channel 16.

“If you’re in trouble, we’ll come out and get you.

We are trained and ready to respond,” Petty Officer Mason said. “You should also let people know where you’re going.”

Even when Nowicki walks on the pier, he takes precautions.

“Ice cleats are a must for being on the pier in winter.

The ice cover on the pier is very uneven and quite slippery,” Nowicki said. “I have frequently seen adults bringing children out on the lake ice and pier. This is very dangerous and taking an unnecessary risk.”

A helpful guide to safety on the ice is available from the Ohio State University Extension at www.ohioline. osu.edu/aex-fact/pdf/0392. pdf.

However, as the guide points out, “The only absolute safe ice is the ice you stay OFF.”

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 14-20, 2014 • Page 3

SPOTLIGHT

Verve Pipe frontman to take the stage

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ENTON HARBOR— Fans of 1990s alternative rock will remember the angst-filled anthem of that era, “The Freshmen,” released by The Verve Pipe as a single in 1997. Having sold more than 3 million copies, the song still receives a lot of airplay today, even if D.J.s sometime confuse The Verve Pipe with The Verve.

“It happens almost every day. It’s ridiculous,” said Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of The Verve Pipe. “I do like that band, though. I listen to their music.”

Vander Ark will be offering fans the opportunity to hear “The Freshmen” and several of The Verve Pipe’s other hit songs live at The Livery on March 21. He will take the stage after opening act Channing & Quinn.

Since the band hit multiplatinum status with “The Freshmen,” Vander Ark’s solo career has taken many twists and turns, and it seems safe to say that audience members will get a taste of the various types of music Vander Ark has been writing over the last two decades.

“Recently, I’ve been playing more with The Verve Pipe,” Vander Ark said. “I will play some Verve Pipe songs at the show.”

In the interim since The Verve Pipe’s biggest success, Vander Ark has spent his time delving into a wide variety of artistic projects, including acting, writing music for films, writing and co-producing ballets, and recording music for children. In fact, Vander Ark keeps so busy that he has little time for much else.

“It may sound pretentious, but I don’t listen to much music at all anymore,” Vander Ark said.

“I’m always in the studio, working on my own stuff.”

All of those writing projects hint at what might

Submitted photo

Brian Vander Ark will be playing at The Livery on March 21. have been for Vander Ark, had he not found his calling in music.

“If I hadn’t become a musician, I would have been some sort of writer—I would have maybe written books,” Vander Ark said. “I still write short stories and screenplays.”

Vander Ark’s life experiences have played into his creative choices.

“I’ve been doing a lot more ‘kid stuff’ instead of writing on the darker themes,” Vander Ark said, crediting his own role as a parent for his inspiration.

“I thought I’d write about the kid stuff that I did when I was younger.”

A native of Michigan, Vander Ark now lives in the Grand Rapids area with his wife, who is also a performer. Because of his close proximity to Benton Harbor, he has been a guest at The Livery in the past.

“I’ve played The Livery a couple of times,” Vander Ark said. “I love The Livery. It’s great people there. I get to bring my friends in, and I’m excited about it.”

Some of those friends

include the “quirky” duo, Channing & Quinn, who will open the show for Vander Ark. “I’ll be bringing a great duo that I’ve been playing with, Channing & Quinn.

They bring a lot of different instrumentation to the songs—ukulele, accordion, a kick drum,” Vander Ark said. “She sings and plays the glockenspiel. You don’t hear that very often!”

Tickets for the show at The Livery, located at 190 Fifth St., are $15 each, and more information is available at www.liverybrew.com.

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Page 4 • Week of March 14-20, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Author reflects on Michigan summers

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

s

tevensville— Among the perks of living along the “Gold Coast” of Lake Michigan are the white sand beaches that provide hours of enjoyment and relaxation in the warmer months. Just the thought of them has kept many residents going through this long, cold winter.

It’s not quite time to hit the beach yet—to play in the surf, to soak up the sun’s rays or to build sand castles — but if you need help getting back in the mood, Alexander Rassogianis has written a book that just might help you prepare to make the most of the coming Michigan summer.

“Return to Glenlord: Memories of Michigan Summers” is a volume of Rassogianis’ recollections

from the summers that his family spent in Stevensville in the 1950s.

“I constructed the book in episodes because I couldn’t do it chronologically. I couldn’t do it justice,” Rassogianis said.

“I remembered all of these activities, but I would have just been guessing as to the months and years that they happened.”

Just as childhood memories tend to come to us in flashes— not always neatly bound together with a narrative thread — so Rassogianis’ book can transport readers back to times in their own lives that they remember fondly.

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“A lot of people identify with what I wrote— people who grew up in Stevensville or who grew up in the 1950s and had similar coming-of-age experiences that

they’ve reflected on,” Rassogianis said.

In fact, those flashes of memory led to additions that kept Rassogianis working on the book for three years.

“Every time I thought I was finished, I would be driving in the car, or doing something else, and I would remember another story to include. I finally just had to wrap it up,” Rassogianis said.

While not always connected by an on-going plot, each of the book’s 78 chapters tells a short a short story that involves at least one of the main characters: Alex, his parents and siblings, or his

several summer friends.

Those characters come into sharper focus as the book develops.

Because of that structure, the experience of reading “Return to Glenlord” might remind some readers of times when they sat and listened to an older relative tell tales of their vanished youth.

Others will remember fondly their own long-lost summer days at Glenlord Beach, now submerged by Lake Michigan,

the victim of erosion.

Whether or not readers experienced the time when the amusement parks at Silver Beach and Eden Springs were still open, they will find

Rassogianis’ memories of those tourist attractions interesting from a historical point of view.

His descriptions of longclosed restaurants and drivein theaters are also poignant.

The inclusion of family photographs taken in some of those locations further helps to transport readers back to that bygone era.

This historical aspect of Rassogianis’ memoir is

not surprising since the author earned a master’s degree in history from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee and taught history for 15 years.

Another aspect of the book that will speak to some readers is the sorrow young Alex felt at the end of each summer. As a resident of Chicago, one of the most difficult things for him was the return trip home.

“We loved Michigan.

We wanted to stay there forever,” Rassogianis recalled. “How depressing it was to come back here [to Chicago]. No more beach, no more friends. It took me a couple of weeks to adjust to that after every summer.”

From that perspective,

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 14-20, 2014 • Page 5

FOCUS

Rassogianis’ family spent many happy summers with friends on the beaches of southwest Michigan in the 1950s.

Submitted photo

“Return to Glenlord” can serve as a reminder to year-round residents that we are fortunate to call this tourist destination our “home.”

Rassogianis and his siblings still love to visit southwest Michigan, vacationing in the same home that his parents

bought when he was a child.

“Every time I cross that border into Michigan on the old highway, it’s a whole different world,” he said.

“It’s such a pleasure.

That’s why we just can’t give it up. We just can’t sell the house.”

Whether you are looking for a book to read on the beach this summer or for a way to get back into the Michigan summer spirit right now, “Return to Glenlord” is a book you may want to spend

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Page 6 • Week of March 14-20, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Chili walk to spice up Buchanan

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

UCHANAN—For the eighth year running, the town of Buchanan is gearing up for its annual Chili Walk, which will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on March 20.

“It starts at the Buchanan District Library,” said Randy Hendrixson, executive director of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce. “That’s where people can get their maps and ballot forms.”

The cost to participate in sampling and judging the chili recipes is $2.

Then, event-goers will have the opportunity to follow their maps to various downtown businesses where they will receive 2-ounce chili samples.

“The $2 spoon fee will go to supporting the robotics program at Buchanan High School,” said Hendrixson. “They have a really great team, and we want them to succeed.”

Last year’s event was the biggest so far, and organizers are hoping that this year’s event will be even bigger.

“We’re really excited about it this year,” said Randy Hendrixson, executive director of the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce. “I hope we

have great weather for it like we’ve had in years past.”

Although the chamber of commerce and sponsor LifeHouse Properties cannot do much to ensure that the weather will cooperate, they are working hard to make sure this event will be a success.

“It’s been growing every year,” Hendrixson said. “Last year, we had the most chilis ever—30 of them. It’s fun because they range from real traditional chilis to very exotic ones—super hot chilis.

We even have dessert chilis.”

Last year’s event was well-attended, too, with Hendrixson estimating that between 300 and 500 people came into downtown Buchanan to sample and judge the chili recipes.

“We filled the downtown,” Hendrixson said.

“It’s pretty impressive to see so many people out there, enjoying what our town has to offer.”

Contestants in the chili contest are typically business and organizations from the Buchanan area.

If contestants do not have downtown storefronts, the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce will work to partner them with a business or organization that does. More information is available by calling the chamber at (269) 6953291.

judge’s choice and a people’s choice, and then there’s an award for the most creative name for a chili,” Hendrixson said.

The celebrity judges for this year’s contest will be D.J. “Wild Bill” from Y-Country, 97.5 F.M., Berrien County Sherriff Paul Bailey and Buchanan High School teacher Philip Place.

“We’re really excited to have Mr. Place as one of our judges. He is in charge of the tech club, and he oversees the robotics program. His students will be there as well,” Hendrixson said.

That robotics program will be the primary recipient of the proceeds from the Chili Walk.

“We’re donating some of our proceeds from the event to the robotics program,” Hendrixson said.

“It’s a $5,000 to $7,000 investment to enter into the state competition.

Submitted photo That’s just for the entrance Over 30 different types of chili were served fee and the robotics equipment. Outside of that, the at the Buchanan Chili Walk last year. team needs money for jer-

“The deadline to enter the contest is this week, but if there are late-comers, we’ll try to accommodate them,” Hendrixson said. “There’s plenty of room for more.”

Chili recipes will be eligible for three separate awards.

“We have two different ‘Golden Ladle’ awards—a

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seys, hotel rooms and many other incidentals.”

Along with sampling a wide variety of chili recipes and supporting the students in Buchanan’s robotics club, Hendrixson hopes that visitors to the event will take advantage of promotions being offered by local businesses.

“We encourage all of the local eateries and pubs to run specials that day,” Hendrixson said. “We want people to taste the chili, and then we hope they will go out and eat at the same places they’ve had chili after the awards ceremony is over.”

Organizers also hope that visitors will take the opportunity to patronize some of the newer establishment in the downtown area.

“It’s a perfect chance for folks to come out and see how Buchanan is growing,” Hendrixson said. “Since our last Chili Walk, we’ve had 12 new businesses open up in downtown Buchanan.”

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 14-20, 2014 • Page 7

Tasty soup to warm up last days of winter

I

t’s said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Thus far, the March lion has been roaring stronger than ever and all of us in the Great Lakes region are ready for him to go to bed for a while.

As I sit here today writing this, hope of that is realized with a sunny sky and mid 40s temps. While we may have a few more cold days ahead, I’m finally feeling like my frozen city really might thaw out.

Winter will actually come to an end, and soon.

New Chicago Diner Cookbook: Meat Free Recipes from America’s 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 Kat Barry, a St. Joseph, Michigan native, is owner of outdoors. Follow @katshotcakes on twitter. Kat can be Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan catering, and co author of "The reached via email at: kat@katshotcakes.com.

In honor of that, I decided to share a recipe for an excellent soup I made last week. It was a blustering 20 degree day, and I really needed an immune-boosting warm-up.

May this be the last of the soup comforts I feel necessary to share with you until next fall!

COLUMNIST

Golden Acorn and Swiss Chard Soup 2 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil ¾ cup yellow or white onion, chopped ¾ cup white Swiss chard stems, sliced 8 cloves garlic, sliced 1 partially cooked golden squash, cut into 1 inch pieces 4 ½ cups Swiss chard, sliced into ribbons

3 cups cooked or canned navy beans, drained and rinsed ¼ cup fresh dill, cut from the stem ½ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped ½ teaspoon white pepper 1 ½ teaspoons Batti Becco or other seasoning salt Black pepper to taste

1. Start by heating the oil in a large stock pot. Next, add the onion and chard stems. Cook until translucent.

2. Add the garlic and saute until the garlic starts to become tender. Slowly stir in the vegetable stock, white pepper, black pepper and seasoning salt.

3. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer and add the chard, beans, and squash.

Cover and simmer about 15 minutes.

4. Stir in the fresh herbs and adjust seasonings as needed. Simmer another 5-10 minutes.

Turn off heat and let sit about 10 minutes.

5. Puree with a hand blender and serve topped with roasted squash seeds.

Kat Barry Kat's Hot Talk

Cook’s Notes: To cook the squash, cut in half and scoop out seeds and guts (save seeds for roasting). Place meat side down in a shallow baking dish filled with about an inch and a half of water. Bake in oven at 350 for about 25 minutes, until the skin can be poked with a fork but it’s not really, really soft. Turn squash face side up and allow to cool completely before peeling and slicing.

If you don’t have a hand blender, wait until soup cools and then transfer to a blender or food processor to puree.

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Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Unleashed! Facebook group showcases talent

E

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

DWARDSBURG—For many of the 1 billion Facebook users around the world, the popular social network is a place to share news, photos, interesting links and other personal tidbits with friends and family members.

Yet, as with any other type of technology, there are groups of people who have adapted the site to suit their own needs and desires.

That’s what Dennis Anderson, an artist based in Edwardsburg, and an ever-growing group of more than 200 artists from around Michiana have done by creating, joining and supporting the Facebook page called “The Artists of Michiana …

Unleashed!”

Anderson started the page in August 2013 with the purpose of creating a space where artists of all stripes could come together and support each other.

As the page’s description states,“Unleashed! exists for local artists to find solace in knowing... you are not alone. Art is what you make of it. Your personal day-to-day struggles with creativity in the face of all sorts of other life problems are probably no different than mine, or the next artist.”

Administrators welcome posts on all sorts of art-related topics: “Our local scene, new projects, collaborations, anything.” The only real rule is that comments be supportive.

With such an open-armed policy, visitors to the page will find an amazing variety of artists creating in all sorts of media.

There are even some musicians who post on the page.

“The goal is to bring in those creative people and allow them to unleash their inner creativity—to know that their goals are probably very similar to the other artist who sits quietly at home wondering how to get their work out and to be seen,” Anderson said.

One of those artists is Sarah Dolezal, a South Bend-based artist who posts photos of her found-object artwork under the moniker “Gears on Acid.”

“I love the feedback from the other artists, and the support that everyone is willing to give everyone else is really encouraging,” Dolezal said. “The largest gain I’ve gotten from this group is the feeling

Submitted photo

Top Left: “Nomad,” mixed media, by Sarah Dolezal. Right: “The Sith of Anarchy: Vader,” pen and ink, digital, by Dennis Anderson. Bottom Left: “Bill Murray,” chalk and charcoal, by Manda Vazquez. that I can do this. I’m not as afraid to show them what I have because they are doing the same. The atmosphere is really positive and the sense of community is astounding.”

Other artists express similar feelings about the network that Anderson created now and maintains with the help of several other administrators.

“I love keeping in contact with the local art community ... they all inspire me. I enjoy that we can put shows together, ask questions, and lend each other a hand,” said Kelsey Frederick, a site administrator and painter based in Mishawaka. “I feel

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that it is a huge part of a great art movement in a city that can be blind to what art is.”

Serving many of the same purposes, “The Artists of Michiana…Unleashed” is reminiscent of the physically-located artists’ colonies that were popular in late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Manda Vazquez, who describes her work as “modern fine art,” called the forum “a great tool to have at our disposal!

Personally, I use it to connect with other local artists, get feedback on work, and give/receive advice and tips of the trade.

Even with it being a virtual community, there is a great sense of camaraderie.”

While the site was originally created for the purpose of bringing artists together

so that they could support and share experiences with each other, Anderson also welcomes art lovers to join the group.

“While the goal really was to create a space for the local artists only, I’ve not been turning down anyone who wants to join to check out what we’re up to and maybe even glimpse at how we think and work while creating,” Anderson said.

Potential art buyers are welcome to join the site, whether they are looking for a completed piece or a commission piece.

“It’s a place for all creators or enthusiasts equally. Social media has definitely been interesting as a tool for artists, bringing us together and getting us out in the public eye,” Anderson said. “We have a wonderful pool of very creative folks in

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9 MARKETPLACE

Week of March 14-20, 2014 • Page 9

Marketplace

GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? LIST IT HERE FOR ONLY $10. CALL (888) 725-0108 Kenneth Smith, Inc. Cassopolis THIS CHARMING Adoption 096 CDL TRUCK DRIVER Office Space for Truck Drivers Pulling STONE LAKE MANOR 427 POSITION Dump Trailers Wanted ADOPT: Senior Apartments.

2 Rent Adoption is a gift of love. We The Cass County Road months free on select units.

DRIVERS NEEDED: will honor and cherish your Commission is currently Class A CDL and Dump Spacious, two bedroom OFFICE SPACES gift forever. A bright future accepting applications for a trailer exp. preferred. Tri- located on beautiful Stone FOR RENT Truck Driver filled with love and op- full-time Intercom entry 1st office space has dual state area, Home nights and Lake, /Laborer.

Applicants must portunity awaits the baby weekends, Fuel Savings building, elevator, emer- entrances off 4th & Sythat blesses our home. Tina have a Michigan Com- Sharing Program, Safety gency pull cords. Seniors 62 camore in Niles and has 1 3 bedroom home has 1 on and Sam 1-800-719-9477 mercial Driver’s License Bonus, Health Benefits. years or older. Rent starts at large office or can be di- the main floor and 2 upGroup A with air Brakes, a Expenses Paid. $631.00 (based on income). vided into 2 smaller of- stairs, 2 full baths, some Apply in person general familiarity with woodwork and roadway safety, and suc- 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in Please call Toni at 269-445- fices. Lease includes heat, original General Notices 106 cessfully pass a drug and Niles, MI or call 269-684- 3333 or stop by today at gas, water, sewer, hardwood floors. Open living 5960 to request application 145 Stone Lake St. for more $800/month for both of- room and formal dining VENDORS WANTED! alcohol test. www.kennethsmithinc.com information. EHO. TDD 1- fices or $450/month for room area. Detached garFarmers, Cottage, & Craft The successful candidate 800-649-3777 American one. 2nd office space has age is brand new with easy will be required to operate 2nd Saturday EACH Month Preferred 1-800-968-1792 NOW HIRING 1 entrance off 4th St. in access from the alley. Back Small Business Saturdays a dump truck, blade gravel Niles and has a reception yard is fenced with a REALTORS roads, patch pot holes, haul 4th Saturday EACH Month area plus 2 offices, covered patio.

Call today 269-683-4507 materials to construction Register @ RIVER OAK APTS Visit $350/month. Call or email Coldwell Banker R. E. projects, perform snow rewww.theorchardsmall.com 1729 Oak St., Niles mike.caldwell@leaderpub. www.SoGoodToBeHome.com Specialists moval, and trim/remove or call 269-927-4467 (269)687-8340 for more photos and info com.

(269)687-7700 1400 Chicago Rd trees. In addition, the 1-2 Bedrooms $63,000 Niles, MI 49120 successful candidate must Heat, Water, Hot Water & WRONGLY DENIED Coldwell Banker, RWG conduct minor mainTrash All Paid Houses for Sale 500 SOCIAL SECURITY OPPORTUNITIES Patty Lauten tenance on their truck inAsk About Our at all levels with growing FOR SALE DISABILITY BENEFITS? (574)340-4271 cluding changing blades on Move-In Specials businesses across I can help. (269)473-2370 (269)663-8800 the underbody scraper.

Galien, MI www.coreleases.com Southwest Michigan Occasional general building •Skilled Trades Manufactured Help Wanted 300 and yard clean-up or other 502 •Industrial Sales For Rent 418 duties as assigned are also Homes WANTED •Packing/Sorting required.

3 BEDROOM Intelligent, hard-working •Mechanics A GREAT HOME Candidates must be able to Fulkerson Park, Niles, no Marketing Expert Reliable Applicants sit for extended periods of FOR LESS pets, $725 (574)323-1102 (269) 408-1980 time in a truck, lift up to Leader Publications seeks a 100 lbs., and be able to stjosephmi.expresspros.com proven media seller that operate a chain saw. This AVAILABLE APRIL 1ST Charming 1860s Cabin puts the customer’s in- position is considered 95% Lovely 3 bedroom comFrontage on Dayton Lake terests first. pletely remodeled home in outside work, and therefore One of a Kind the city of Niles, must be able to work in all Call or Text Chris Moore Applicants should have an types of weather and $850/month plus security TRUCK DRIVER (269)362-5665 understanding of how to get withstand both extreme deposit, excellent credit & TRAINEES Freedom Realty to the bottom of a heat and cold. Overtime references, no section 8 NEEDED NOW AT (269)687-8484 business’s marketing may be required, de(269)621-4724 2 bd/1 bth, US XPRESS challenges and be able to pending on the weather Newer appliances, Earn $800/wk NilesN. 5th St. transform that information and workload demands.

New flooring throughout, Local CDL Training into a solid advertising plan Applications are available DIAMOND LAKE 3 BED Qualifies for $199 NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! utilizing multiple marketing at 1.5 bath, single family, 1995 base lot rent HOME www.casscoroad.com Be trained & based locally! platforms.

For 24 months!

Nice 1160 sq ft 3 bedroom sq. ft., detached garage, and at the Road Com1-800-882-7364 Riverside Estates brick ranch on Diamond lease or cash, call for demission office.

E-mail Qualifications preferred in- completed applications to Call 269-695-3119 Lake. 62283 Lagoon Drive, tails. (877)553-5348 clude: previous advertising twyman@casscoroad.com, Cassopolis. Large Yard and HOMES FOR SALE sales experience or other or mail to Cass County RANCH BRICK 75 ft of water frontage on IN DECATUR sales experience that would Road Wilson Channel. 12 month in Brandywine School area, Commission, Atbe applicable; excellent tention Terri Wyman, 340 lease. $820/mo. Discounts 2,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 307 Available, pets negotiable. bedroom, 1/2 acre lot, verbal and written com- N. O’Keefe Street, P.O. Box Elderly Care munication skills; computer 68, Cassopolis, MI 49031. fenced back yard, 2 car atKARE SERVICES Call 574-274-3218 skills; community spirit and Review of applications will tached garage with extra Compassionate Home a drive for success. Must begin on March 24, 2014. side access, completely reCare Services Niles have a valid driver’s license. Applications should be remodeled, tiled kitchen, (269)684-1984 Leader Publications offers ceived by this date for bathroom & utility room, 2 BEDROOM (574)292-2900 competitive compensation primary consideration. Cass email:KKaidanRay@aol.com side by side duplex, wood carpeted bedrooms with and commission plan along County Road Commission is fireplace, washer/dryer hook walk-in closets, large dining 3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready www.KAREService.com with a quality benefit an up, patio, no pets or room, wood flooring in din- to be moved into. Lease Equal Opportunity package. smoking, $600/month, ing room, family room and Options at starting at $587 Employer.

Instruction & 309 $600 deposit, 1 yr. lease, hall, cathedral ceilings in per month (includes lot rent, DRIVER/SERVICE E-mail a cover letter of Training (269)470-4448 or family room, wood burning insurance, water, trash) Call introduction, resume and fireplace, all new stainless 269-423-7024 or visit (269)470-9836 TECH P.D.K. references in confidence to steel appliances, large www.phelpscommunity.com Joy's Johns Hiring mike.caldwell@leaderpub.com Florida room, additional 3 to view pictures Duties include delivery, Firearm Instruction garage great for pickup and cleaning of Concealed Pistol License ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT car workshop. $139,900 General Merportable restrooms. Must Classes. Next class March 595 (269)845-1830 have 1 year straight truck 22nd, 8a-5p Contact Paul: chandise experience, chauffeur li- 269-462-2584 or Kelly: WHETHER BUYING NOW OPEN cense, current D.O.T. 2 6 9 - 7 8 3 - 6 5 7 0 NILES FLEA MARKET physical, clean driving re- p d k f i r e a r m s . c o m OR SELLING Wed.-Sat. 10a-5p cord. Able to read a map Integrity Real Estate Sun. 12p-5p with knowledge of Michiana Apartments Professionals 412 111 E. Main St area.

Reliable transwould love the opportunity to A few Vendor spots still 2 BEDROOM Come in and see how we serve you. Call any of our portation and able to work available. For more info Apartments Available can help. Break the rent agents flexible hours a must. Apply call 574-323-4187 for professional $565/month cycle in 2014. Use your tax service you expect and deat 1325 Airport Rd. Niles, (269)684-4500 Cemetery Lots 617 return -- We match down serve.

MI tanglewood-niles.com payments from $1000 to 1 LOT & VAULT 269-684-5030 $2500. in Mission Hills Memorial Integrity Real Estate Dowagiac Call now (269)695-5148 Chapel Old Rugged Cross Professionals 2 BEDROOM APT. Hills Haven Mobile Home Garden, worth $3,000, $525, heat included Community, where coming asking $1,000, will include (269)930-4232 home is always a pleasure transfer fee. (269)683-8047

Page 10 • Week of March 14-20, 2014

Now – March 18

Ongoing

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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 and for people who think they may have a drug problem.

Dowagiac meetings are held in a closed format.

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, Mixed-Mixed 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/inSpring Yoga at Fernwood. dex.php?classes for details.

Thursdays with Greta Hurst. Walk-ins are welNow – March 18 come. $10 (Members $8).

Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For Applications for Twin City more info, visit www.fern- Players Brian Swiger Mewoodbotanical.org or call morial Scholarship avail(269) 695-6491.12:15-1:30 able at Berrien Co. high schools. Students should p.m. contact their counselors.

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING? Scholarships up to $1,000 are earmarked for seniors who have demonstrated a strong interest in theaterrelated activities. Applications can be obtained from Twin City Players at (269) 429-0400. Due by March 31.

Now – March 28

Applications are being accepted by WNIT Public Television for “Michiana’s Rising Star 2014,” a search for the brightest and best talent in the Michiana region. WNIT will host four regional competitions during April and May. For instructions on how to enter, visit wnit.org/risingstar or call (574) 675-9648 x 309.

Way Around Town event will be taking place in St. Joseph, MI. Event features LEGO brick building activities, family-friendly concerts, displays, competitions and a Big Build by LEGO professionals. Event sites include the Box Factory for the Arts, Curious Kids’ Museum, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, Shadowland Ballroom, Silver Beach Carousel and The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. For additional activity updates and more info, contact the individual locations or like facebook.com/ BuildYourWayAroundTown.

Now - April 16

A Walk to Remember.

Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Rd., Edwardsburg, Mich. 12-2 Second Annual Build Your p.m. and 6-8 p.m., WednesMarch 1 – April 6

days. Come as many times as you like. No cost. Selfguided. Bring your friends.

Call (269) 663-5321 for more info.

Now - 23

Celebrating Creative Kids (formerly known as the Elementary School Show) in all galleries. Reception will be March 15 from 12-2 p.m., awards presented at 12:30 p.m. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts.org.

Now - March 17

men, women and children.

Auditions for principal characters and adults will be held: March 9, 2014 from 3-5 p.m., March 10, 2014 from 7-9 p.m. and March 12, 2014 from 7-9 p.m. Auditions for the children of Siam will be held March 16 from 3-5 p.m. and March 17 from 6-8 p.m. Auditions will be held at Twin City Players Studio at 600 West Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, call (269) 429-0400 or visit www.twincityplayers.org.

Now-May 6

Twin City Players will hold auditions for its June production of “The King and I.” The play offers roles for 2 men, 3 women, 2 boys and a large ensemble of

Sesame Street Live “Can’t Stop Singing” is coming to the Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, for two performances on Tuesday, May 6, at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are on sale at the Morris Box Of-

NIEBOER CONCRETE

YOUR RIDE

POLE BARNS & GARAGES

more! Check out all bikes & accessories at 1910 Lincolnway East, South Bend, call (574)289-6650 or shop www.mcdanielsharleydavidson.com

CLASSIFIEDs 2 PLOTS & 2 VAULTS

in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, $2,100 negotiable, will pay transfer fees! (219)393-1977

Consignment

625

Turn your Closet into

CASH

Kids' clothing: newborn to teen, Baby gear & furniture, Maternitywear Accepting Spring & Summer wear Feb. 1st Call for appointment.

Who kNew Consignment 269-782-9800 We are open Mon. - Sat. 10am-5pm, so you can replace the winter clothes your kids are outgrowing

Things to Do 637 CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY http://cass.lib.mi.us (269)445-3400 Check out our online services: Freegal, Learn4Life, and more! Call for more info.

Household Mer642 chandise FOR SALE

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Over 25 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, additions, decks & Vaporizers & e-hookah porches, windows & doors, Over 50 liquid flavors. window wrapping, siding, US 31 Tobacco 50552 US 31 N, South Bend fascia & soffit. Insured! Call Randy (269)782-3139 (574) 271-0333 (269)208-9838

Garage-Yard 669 Sales CRAFT/VENDOR SHOWS

March 15 & May 17 9am4pm American Legion 104 N 3rd St, Niles Fun, Food & Giveaways INFO (386) 6276387

Wanted to Buy 672 ANTIQUES WANTED

Postcards, watches, pocketknives, photos, jewelry, instruments, entire estates.

Call Chris 269-591-5168

BUYING

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

Kevin (817)437-0450

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS

BY NIEBOER

Quality Built (269)684-6673

HANDYMAN

Home repairs, siding, drywall, bathrooms, painting, plumbing and much more!

One call does it all!

NOW OFFERING "SPECIAL PRICING" on all bathroom remodeling and painting.

Call today to take advantage of this offer!

(269)405-2643

MK CONSTRUCTION

Misc. Services 747 Painting Service BRADY CONCRETE

TAX SEASON IS HERE

BILL'S USED APPLIANCES Washers, Dryers, Stoves, Fridges for all budgets, start at $100. Inventory always changing. 2559 S. 11th St. Niles (269) 591-7922

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)

Autos for Sale 945 2000 DODGE INTREPID RT

needs work, $1,500 OBO. (269)635-4652

2001 GRAND PRIX

SE 4 door, runs good, new tires, reliable, for sale or partial trade etc. $1,700 OBO (574)350-5120 or (269)357-5173 evenings

FOR SALE

'93 Ford Ranger, 4 Cyl. 5 Spd., good mpg and runs good, very clean, no rust, $1,995.00, '02 Pontiac, J.M. HUNT Gran Prix, 4 Door, loaded, p.

ENTERPRISES, LLC COMPLETE Painting & Drywall. Insured. windows, p. locks, p. seat, CONCRETE AM/FM CD, Free Estimates.

Family leather, From start to finish. Owned & Operated for Over $4,995.00, '05 Audi, A4, Stamped, flat & dirt work. 50 years. 269-683-4442. loaded, sporty, 4dr., leather, Insured (269)663-8091 p. windows, p. locks, AM/FM CD, very clean, $5,995.00.

CONCRETE Insurance Ser758 All privately owned, clean, OUTFITTERS good runners, and priced to LOWER YOUR Concrete countertops, sell. Please call Greg at 269vases, and more.

INSURANCE RATES! 462-9260 or 269-262Please visit our website Home - Auto - Health - Life 6448. for more information.

We do the shopping for you! www.concreteoutfitters.com TCU Insurance Agency (269) 228-8131 Call Deb Asmus today (269) 683-6700 x5901 KLIMEK

Too Big or Small. Free Quotes.

Affordable Pricing, Licensed & FREE ESTIMATES Insured. (269)684-6290 or Roofing, Siding & Windows, (269)470-4097.

MR. MAINTENANCE

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

Low affordable rates.

(269)591-1403

754

Specializing in Flat work of all type, seawalls, stamped concrete & Bobcat Service. Free estimates. Insured. Fast, dependable service. (269)4453349 or (269)591-0100

washers, gas & electric ranges. Call (269)687-8639 Pole barn & other garages specialist. Roofing Siding, WE WILL BUY Used & reconditioned your junk car. We haul for Framing and more. Over 25 washers, ranges, dryers, re- free. Paying up to $1500 years experience. Licensed. frigerators & freezers. cash. Please call anytime Contact Michael N. Knepple Geiger Refrigeration Service 269-687-8098 (269)476-9777 841 Carberry Rd. Niles ENTERPRISES (269)687-8639 Home ImproveElectrical Contracting, No Job

ment

Sidewalks, floors & driveways.

STARTS HERE! Free Estimates. Licensed & InStreet Glide, Electra Glide & sured. (269)684-6673

Turn that Junker in your yard WEAVER CONCRETE to cash in your hand JDS HOME And masonry, driveways, 801 Carberry Rd, Niles porches, patios, tear IMPROVEMENT 269-687-5865 out/replace, all repairs, Repairs, Replacement, New Small Jobs welcome. Snow Removal 745 brick, block, stone, fireLicensed/Insured. Call John places. Will fix wet base(269)445-7005 ROOF SNOW ments big or small, inside and out. All remodeling REMOVAL siding and Affordable rates.

Call windows, doors.Aaron (269)655-4158 MICHIANA (269)591-1403

WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for small & medium size refrigerators working or not,

Recycling Service

MIDWEST ROOFING

Family owned since 1984.

Lifetime Warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.

Call (269)684-7199

Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s MOTORCYCLE

2007 Honda Shadow, 1100 Saber, Has 9,000 miles, Burgundy in color,Asking $3500 OBO, Can be phoned or text 269-635-3134

Off The Water, Michiana

LEGEND

Alcohol

Business

Community

Crafts

Religious

i

Information

Art

Movies

Theatre

Music

Food

Tourist

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ing “96 Strings.” A piano trio from St. Joseph High School will be joined by other students and faculty to help raise awareness for the local food bank, Feeding America. Nonperishable food items and/ or monetary donations are requested. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts.org. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Downtown South Bend, Inc. (DTSB) present South Bend’s official St. Paddy’s Tent Party & Pub Tour on Friday, March 14.

The event takes place at 350 S. Michigan Street in the parking lot between Wayne St. and Western Ave in downtown South Bend.

The St. Paddy’s Tent Party will occur from 5 to 11 p.m. while the Transpo Trolley Pub Tour will occur from 5:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.

March 14-15

Nature

Parting Shots

Holiday

Family

Rummage sale, Willow Creek United Methodist Church, 14010 E. Jefferson, Mishawaka, Ind. Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. ($2 per bag, all day). Call (574) 255-7500 for more info.

Sports

March 15

$

$

Shopping

fice, by phone at 574-2359190 or 800-537-6415, or Spring Craft & Vendor online at www.MorrisCen- Show, American Legion, 104 North 3rd St., Niles, ter.org.

MI. Admission is Free.

Over 25 vendors with as March 14 purses, jewelry, housewares, candles, food, health Evening of chocolate and & beauty. We will also have wine pairing at the Choco- lots of giveaways. Kids are late Garden in Coloma, welcome. Information at hosted by Curious Kids’ directsellersconnection@ Museum. Contact Curious gmail.com 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kids’ Museum at 269-9832543, or dir@curiouskidsmuseum.org to sign-up or Halfway to Galway with for more info. 6 p.m.

Marnie Heyn will be the Box Factory for the Arts concert at 7:30 pm. TickSt. Patrick’s Day Dinner at ets, available online at Fernwood. Celebrate with www.boxfactoryforthearts. the tastes of a traditional org/calendar/#heyn or at Irish meal prepared by the door, are $10 general Chef Tim Carrigan, Fern- admission; $8 students and wood’s resident Irishman. seniors; children 12 and Meal includes an Irish under admitted free. brew. $15.95 per person.

Reservations required by March 12. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotan- Inviting Bluebirds to Your ical.org or call (269) 695- Backyard. Learn the best ways to invite bluebirds to 6491. 6 p.m. your backyard. Learn about bluebird natural history, hear tips on nest boxes, and receive advice on monitorMusic Foodraiser featur-

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Week of March 14-20, 2014 • Page 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING? ing your bluebird families. $12 (Members Free). Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 2-4 p.m.

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3653 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, Mich. Admission is free.

For more information of to participate in the fair call Anita Stout at 630-6055424 or Aloma Custer at 269-556-1631 March 17

Sarett Nature Center will sponsor a bus trip to the Chicago Flower and Garden Show for $65 per person, leaving from the Stevensville Meijer at 9 a.m. and returning around 6:30 p.m. Payment should be sent to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI

49022. For further information, call Sarett at (269) Singer/songwriter Laura 927-4832.

Whidden. Tickets are $10 March 18 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under admitted free). Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. “Scooby-Doo Live! MuJoseph, MI. For more info, sical Mysteries.” Presale visit www.boxfactoryforth- tickets are now available earts.org. 7:30 p.m. with special presale code “SCOOBS.” The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, Ind.. Call (574)

Class on Gardening with 293-4469 or visit www.theNative Plants, LMC Ber- lerner.com for more info. trand Crossing Campus, Room 116. FREE. For more info, call (269) 6951391 or visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/ce.

9-11 a.m.

Barbara Hosler, Endangered Species Coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will speak about the Endangered Species Act at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. More info: (269) 927-4832.

3 p.m.

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Invitational Children’s Choir Festival presented by Musical Arts Indiana and featuring Children’s Choir of Michiana with Lakeland Youth Chorale, First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main Street, South Bend, IN. Tickets available at the door ($9 adults, $4 child/student). For more info, visit www.MusicalArtsIndiana.org.7 p.m.

The Ugly Duckling” & “The Tortoise and the Hare” at LMC Mendel Center.

Tickets are $15, $18 & $22.

Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www. lmcmainstage.org. 11 a.m.

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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will host the 2nd Annual “Finding The Roots Of Your Family Tree” fair from 1 to 4 p.m. Featured will be the Berrien County Genealogy Society and local libraries.

The event will be held at

March 19

sign up through March 13th. 4:30-7 p.m.

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Chicago Flower and Garden Show Day Trip with Fernwood. Lunch is on your own at any of the convenient dining spots at Navy Pier. Fee includes transportation and admission. $75 (Members $60).

For more info, visit www. fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Bistro on the Boulevard, in conjuction with Lambrecht’s Liquors, presents “A Spirited Night,” a tasting seminar of whiskies around the world. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Bistro 521 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, Michigan.

March 20

March 21

Buchanan’s 8th Annual Chili Walk. Local businesses and organizations will stand off to see who has the best chili in Buchanan.

The public is encouraged to participate in the sampling, and each attendee may cast a vote for their favorite chili and best named chili. There will be a $2.00/spoon charge.If you are interested in registering for the contest, please contact the Buchanan Area Chamber (269) 695-3291 or bacc@ buchanan.mi.us for an application. There is an entry fee of $20. Entrants may

—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.

The Lake Michigan College Performing Arts Department will present a Cabaret Night, Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage South Lobby of the Mendel Center for Arts and Technology.

Page 12 • Week of March 14-20, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

'Mystery on Morton Hill: A Ghostly Whodunnit'

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

b

enton harbor— Perched on a hill just north of old downtown Benton Harbor, the home of the Mortons, one of the town’s three founding families, still stands.

Built in 1849 by Eleazar Morton and his son Henry, the house lays claim to being the oldest building in town, preserved first by the Benton Harbor Federation of Women’s Clubs and later by the Morton House Museum Board.

While the museum is closed for the season until the end of April, guests who would like to take a peek inside the 165-year-old house will have a special opportunity to do so on March 22 and 23. On those days, the museum board will be presenting “Mystery on Morton Hill: A Ghostly Whodunnit.”

“This is actually our second mystery theater.

We had a ‘speak easy’ theme last year,” said Debbi Hodgson Geib, a member of the board who has been involved with the museum for 20 years. “This year, the mystery is about a ghost hunter who comes to the house. The mystery is ‘Who killed the ghost hunter and why?’”

Joining the museum board in presenting the mystery will be costumed actors—Mike Nadolski, Meghan Pelkey, Tony Balbo, Joel Smiedendorf, Andy Stern, Sarah Spoonholtz and Patricia Gray.

“Several of them are with TORP, the improv group at The Citadel, and they were involved in last year’s Mystery on Morton Hill,” Geib said. “We are thrilled to have them back— it was such a wonderful experience last year!”

Guests will be invited to go on hour-long tours through the house between the hours of 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Saturday and between 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Reservations, which can be made by calling (269) 876-7692 or (269) 325-5828, are strongly recommended as the event sold out last year.

“We’ll have the actors in various rooms, guests will cycle through, get clues in various rooms and submit their guess at the end. There will be a prize drawing for those who

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN /SUBMITTED

Top: The Morton House, built in 1849, is the oldest house in Benton Harbor. Middle Row: Denise Reeves and Miriam Pede, members of the Morton House Museum Board. A portrait of Polly Klock on display at the Morton House. Last year’s Mystery Theater had a ‘Speak Easy’ theme. A model of “The Chicora,” a Graham & Morton vessel that sank in Lake Michigan. have guessed correctly,” Geib said. “After the tour is over, guests will be welcome to mingle and enjoy snacks and beverages.”

The board members have also invited a special guest to be on-hand for the weekend’s events: a ghost

hunter from the Indiana Michigan Paranormal Society (IMPS).

“She will have some pictures, her equipment, and hopefully EVPs for them to listen to,” Geib said, referring to electronic voice phenomena.

This will not be the first time that ghost hunters have visited the Morton House.

“We’ve had ghost hunters come in the past, and they’ve gotten some amazing photographs and amazing EVPs,” Geib said. “We have residents—ghosts.

From hearing the different voices, we think they are mainly Morton family members. There were also two Swedish sisters who were expecting to get the house, but they didn’t.

They seem to hang out around the kitchen.”

A recently acquired portrait of Polly Klock is also rumored to be a source of some inexplicable experiences.

The Morton House’s reputation as being currently occupied by “residents” serves as a fine reason for holding a “ghostly whodunit,” the funds from which will benefit efforts to further preserve the home.

However, the house’s documented history and contents offer reason enough for lovers of history to visit the location at 501 Territorial Rd., whether they are believers in the paranormal, or not.

“Members of the Morton family first came over on the ‘Anne’ in the 1630s to Plymouth Plantation,” said Denise Reeves, president of the museum board.

The family continued living in New England until Eleazar eventually moved to Benton Harbor, building a log cabin among the Native Americans. The current house underwent several renovations over the decades that the family resided there.

“Four generations of the family lived here,” added Miriam Pede, another museum board member.

“They occupied the home until 1937.”

The Mortons were instrumental in the development and growth of Benton Harbor. Not only did they own a 600-acre peach orchard, but family members were also responsible for digging the town’s shipping canal, enabling Benton Harbor to grow into a bustling harbor town in its heyday.

As partners in the Graham and Morton Transportation Company, the Mortons were responsible for much of the shipping that took place in the early years of the town. As Pede noted, they even maintained a Chicago office. One of their ships, “The Chicora,” is famous among Great Lakes shipwrecks.

Because of the family’s rich and varied exploits, visitors to the Morton House can learn about a wide range of historical topics.

More information about the house, which will be open on Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m., can be found at www.mortonhousemuseum.org. A Facebook page, Morton House Museum, is an additional resource for upcoming events.