Off The Water - March 21-27, 2014

Fore!

Inspired Work

Youth artists take spotlight............. p.2

Week of March 21-27, 2014

FREE

Look out, disc golf is growing sport... p.5

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 12

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Page 2 • Week of March 21-27, 2014

Getting Inspired

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Young artists grab spotlight at Box Factory

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

T. JOSEPH—From March 27 through April 16, some of the most promising highschool and middle-school artists in the area will be displaying their work as a part of the “Inspiring Future Artists” show at the Box Factory for the Arts.

Formerly known as the Middle and High School Show, the exhibit will include the work of students from approximately 17 middle schools and 19 high schools in Berrien County and beyond. Homeschooled students will exhibit their art as well.

“It’s a great location for student art,” said Jeff Heaton, home-school art instructor at the Box Factory and liaison for the redesign of the show. “It’s a beautiful, industrial place to display the work, and every year, we want to try to make it a little bit better.”

In an effort to improve the show, a committee of art and education specialists from Berrien RESA, the Krasl Art Center and the Box Factory have been meeting since August.

“Elizabeth Andrews, Keith Stevens, Tami Miller, Ali Hansen and I have been meeting monthly since August to redesign and improve the show,” Heaton

said.

The first challenge was to develop an easy means for teachers to display their students’ art without damaging the walls of the galleries.

“We’re trying to change the display space. We’ve created new panels with frames and covered them with burlap to cover our brick walls,” Heaton said.

“It’s easier to install the show because it’s a softer display surface.”

Another challenge was to create displays that showcased each student’s work. This required limiting the number of entries from each school.

“The number of entries was unlimited in the past, but we’ve limited it to 25 per school this year. By reducing the number, we’re hoping to get a better view of the artwork,” Heaton said. “It was crammed in last year. By doing this, we hope to have a better-looking show.”

This year, visitors can expect to see a show that looks similar to others that they have seen at the Box Factory.

“We’re trying to raise the bar as far as how the work has been presented,” Heaton explained. “We’re doing it the same way that we do the adult and professional shows at the Box Factory.”

That includes hanging all of the work composed in one medium together.

“We will be hanging the

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Submitted photo/JEFF HEATON

Elementary school art, now on display at the Box Factory for the Arts, will soon be replaced by that of middle and high school students.

show by type of artwork rather than by school,” Heaton said. “That way, students will be seeing how their work looks against the work of students from other schools.”

Limiting the number of entries will also help organizers achieve a third goal: to emphasize the prestige

associated with being included in the show.

“The quality of the art show has always been really good, but we’re trying to make it a special honor for students to be included in this show,” Heaton said.

“We hope this will be a show that they can put into their portfolios and resumes.”

On March 27, an opening reception will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., including a presentation of awards at 6:30 p.m.

“We will be having several awards, and we have a couple of scholarships available for some of the seniors as well,” Heaton said.

Heaton and fellow orga-

nizers are looking forward to the upcoming show.

“It’s very important to display student art,” Heaton said. “I taught art for 31 years in public schools in Ohio, so I totally respect all of the work that the art teachers have done, especially with the budget constraints they have.”

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Week of March 21-27, 2014 • Page 3

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Styx will be making a stop in Elkhart on their North American Tour this April.

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

E

LKHART—While the band Styx was formed in the early 1970s and saw its popularity quickly rise soon thereafter, the band has actually performed more live shows since 1999 than it did in all of the previous years combined.

Styx schedules roughly 100 shows per year, and their frenetic touring schedule shows no signs of abating. In fact, they are currently in the midst of their 2013-2014 North American Tour, with a stop scheduled for Elkhart’s Lerner Theater on April 3. Head East will be the opening act.

Later this summer, Styx will continue their travels, sharing the bill with Foreigner on their “Soundtrack of Summer” tour. The nearest stop on that tour will be an appearance in their hometown of Chicago on June 6.

“That’s actually really fun! It’s our big, summer blockbuster tour. We’ve gone out with Def Leppard, Yes and REO Speedwagon in the past,” explained singer and keyboardist Lawrence Gowan. “This year, we’ll also be joined

by Don Felder, and he’ll be playing some of the Eagles’

big hits.”

When asked why Styx tours so much, Gowan explained that, in 1999 when he joined the band, “Styx had reached a level of cultural reference, but many people hadn’t had a chance to see them. There was a lot more of the world that wanted to see Styx play live.”

The band chose Gowan to fill the shoes of Dennis DeYoung, who had left the band a few years earlier, in part because he enjoyed touring so much.

“They were looking for someone who likes to tour, and I was doing about 140 shows a year,” Gowan explained.

In fact, Gowan loves performing live so much that, when Styx isn’t on tour, he spends his free time playing his solo material at gigs around Canada. Based in Toronto, he had enjoyed a successful solo career there for years before joining forces with Styx.

“I play solo shows in Canada during my tiny bit of time off from touring with Styx,” Gowan said.

With all that time devoted to the road, Styx has not had much of an opportunity to record new albums in the studio.

“We can’t record all of the new material that we have,” Gowan said. “We

just don’t have time between tours. We just haven’t wanted to commit the time to recording new material.”

Instead, Styx has recorded a number of live albums, and they released a twovolume set, “Regeneration I and II,” that includes all of the songs that they are known for.

“We put out the two ‘Regeneration’ albums in 2010 and 2011, as well as a live DVD. There are a couple of new things on that as well,” Gowan said. “We’ve only done one album of brand new material since I’ve been with the band.”

That means that concert-goers are sure to hear most of the songs that have made Styx so popular over the years.

“We can’t play all of the favorites as well as a lot of new songs, but it makes us feel good to have such a body of work,” Gowan said.

“We’re able to wedge snippets of new material into the shows, and we have to satisfy ourselves with that.”

As with any band, Styx has some songs that the hardcore fans love, even though they never received much airtime.

“We’re also doing some of the songs that weren’t as popular when they first came out,” Gowan said.

“They’re basically B-sides

that weren’t necessarily big radio hits, but they are very popular with the younger crowd. People are rediscovering them.”

Gowan is thrilled that the band has found a new audience in the younger generation.

“There are so many younger people who have come to appreciate Styx, and they want to see us perform live,” Gowan said.

“The music industry has changed a lot in the last decade, but the one thing you can’t download is the live experience.”

Even though the band plays so many shows every year, they still keep each performance fresh.

“We always play a different set from the one we did the night before. Of course, we play all of those great standards, like ‘Come Sail Away,’ and some of the others,” Gowan said. “But, what happens in the moment arises from what the audience brings. Every night, something unique happens.”

Tickets to see Styx on April 3 at the Lerner Theater are on sale now, and they can be purchased through www.thelerner.com or by calling their box office at (574) 293-4469 or (800) 294-8223. Doors to the venue will open at 6:30 p.m., and Head East will open the show an hour later.

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Off The Water, Michiana

Roasted Parsnips with Fresh Herbs

T

his week I’m going to share with you an excellent and simple recipe for parsnips. You’ve probably seen these white carrot looking veggies lurking around the produce section and not known what to do with them. Well parsnips are a

nutty sweet starchy vege- fiber and low in calories helping to,lower choles- gies and an herb marinade. table kind of crossed making them perfect for terol and maintain healthy I’ve also shredded them COLUMNIST between a carrot and a and mixed them with celpotato,though they are ery root for a contempocloser related to carrots. rary take on a potato panParsnips naturally taste cake. I believe I shared the sweet, so they can be used recipe here a few weeks to sweeten dishes up withback. out adding sugar. They are Anyway, this time I naturally high in soluble decided to make them the star of their own dish, paring them with only fresh herbs, onion, and garlic.

Roasted Parsnips with Fresh Herbs Something about the comYield: 4 side servings bination made the parsnip taste really decadent, and I Kat Barry couldn’t stop eating it.

2 parsnip, peeled and thinly sliced Kat's Hot Talk In my book, and my 2/3 cup yellow onion, cut into 1 inch pieces kitchen, that alone makes it 6 coves garlic, sliced worthy enough to share, but 1/2 cup fresh dill, clipped from add to the equation that it’s over 30 of her vegan incredibly easy to prepare, instructional cooking vid stem with kitchen sheers and you get a total win. eos. She is also a certified 1/2 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped yoga instructor. Kat cur1 teaspoon Bati Becco seasoning salt blood sugar levels. They Kat Barry, a St. Joseph, rently resides in Chicago, 1/2 tablespoon grapeseed or vegetable oil are also high in, potassium Michigan native, is owner and in her free time she and antioxidants! of Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan enjoys practicing yoga, Parsnips are delicious catering, and co author of sampling local spirits, lis1. Preheat oven to 350. roasted, fried, made into "The New Chicago Diner tening to live music, and 2. Place all ingredients in a large baking dish and toss well. savory cakes, whipped, Cookbook: Meat Free getting outdoors. Follow mashed, and any manor of Recipes from America’s @katshotcakes on twitter.

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 21-27, 2014 • Page 5

GET OUT!

r o ! e F

Look out, disc golf is growing sport

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

M

ICHIANA—Back in the early 1980s, my oldest brother gave me a special “Frisbee” made especially for playing what he called “Frisbee golf.” He had bought it so we could play together at a nearby park. Our city had constructed a Frisbee golf course there, consisting of strategically-placed baskets with signs that indicated the par for that “hole.”

It was a fun activity that got us outside, walking through the woods and meadows and exercising our competitive spirits at the same time.

Over the past 30 years, the sport has become a great deal more popular.

Sporting a new name, “disc golf,” courses for the sport have been sprouting up in parks all over the nation.

“Back in the 1980s, it started getting popular, and it was called ‘Frisbee golf,’ but Wham-O invoked trademark law, and so people had to start calling it something else,” explained L a r r y Leonardi, operations and new ventures manager with Essential Discs. “The confusion over its name caused it to fade.

But, it started regaining popularity in the mid1990s, and they put in a lot more courses.”

Leonardi, who runs Essential Discs with his wife Kathy, hopes that the disc golf trend continues to build.

Their Watervliet-based company designs and builds courses, as well as organizing and promoting tournaments to help grow the sport.

“Disc golf has been experiencing 10 to 15 percent growth annually,” Leonardi said. “By about 2009, 3,000 courses had been put in all around the country.”

Leonardi credits the relatively low cost of constructing disc golf courses for their popularity among parks departments.

“Parks departments love it because it doesn’t cost a lot to put in a course,” Leonardi said. “Baskets cost between $400 and $500 each. Then, you need a couple signs for about $20 each, and you have a disc golf course.”

It’s also an inexpensive

Submitted photo/KATHY LEONARDI

Playing disc golf can be a great way to get out and enjoy nature. game for the players. The amount of necessary equipment is minimal, and the cost of that equipment is surprisingly low.

“On the players’ side, discs aren’t nearly as costly as all the equipment you need for regular ‘ball golf,’” Leonardi said. “You can get three discs for about $20 total, and you’ll be set up to play with a driver, a mid-range disc, and a putter.”

Over the years, the sport has become especially popular in southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana, thanks in part to enthusiastic disc golfers who want to share the sport with others.

“There’s just a plethora of courses here. I’ve never seen so many courses in one area,” said Joe Rutkowski, who moved to South Bend three years ago. “It’s crazy how many amazing players we have in the area.”

Together with fellow disc golfer Nick Radecki, Rutkowski started the Southside Disc Golf Club in order to promote the sport.

“We have so much talent, but not much organization here,” said Rutkowski.

“I felt like it was my calling. This is me. I want to help grow the sport. I want Michiana to experience disc golf. It’s our tool to

bring people together.”

From humble beginnings, Rutkowski’s club now has between 30 and 40 people involved. They can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

There, people can learn about tournaments and other activities that the club has planned, including projects to beautify and enhance certain parks, like Rum Village in South Bend.

Madeline Bertrand County Park also has a course.

“We feel like we can do something big. We’re excited to be spreading the word,” Rutkowski said.

“We are completely nonprofit. We’re just trying to grow the sport from the grassroots.”

Rutkowski and Radecki are willing to do whatever they can to help get more people involved in playing disc golf, including giving away discs and matching beginners up with experienced players who can coach them on the basics.

“People can call me at (574) 309-6139. No matter where they are in the area, I can hook them up with somebody from the club,” Rutkowski said. “We’re giving away free discs. We’ll show you what you need to do to get started, and we’ll even give you the discs to do it.”

Some coaching in the sport is helpful because discs for playing golf are slightly different than the typical “Frisbee” style of disc. They are both smaller and heavier, which causes them to react differently than the larger discs do when they are thrown. For that reason, disc golfers use a different throwing motion when playing the game.

“Throwing a disc is a lot different than throwing a ‘Frisbee.’ With a ‘Frisbee,’ most people use a swooping arm motion, a sort of windmill pattern,” Leonardi explained. “With a disc, it’s a motion that’s more like pulling a lawn mower chain—across your body.”

Rutkowski points out that the sport appeals to a wide variety of people, especially those who enjoy getting out in nature.

“Disc golf is really for anybody who enjoys walking in the woods and getting outside,” Rutkowski said.

“Unlike other sports, disc golf is one of those sports that unites everybody.”

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Page 6 • Week of March 21-27, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Artist serving up 'icons' at Frankie's Breakfast Club

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ENTON HARBOR— When patrons enter Frankie’s Breakfast Club, they can’t help but notice a striking, somewhat abstract, and yet very realistic, portrait of Frankie Rios, the restaurant’s namesake. Upon closer examination, viewers will see that the piece is actually a relief, composed of various layers of painted wood.

Soon, the restaurant will be filled with more portraits done in this same, unique style. The artist, Brad Bigford, will be showing a collection of his recent work, “Icons,” with the opening reception scheduled for March 23 from 4 to 7 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to talk with Brad over breakfast at Frankie’s. Here are some excerpts from our conversation.

BB: The show includes portraits of famous people.

We’ve got Madonna, Michael Jordan, Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali, Jack Nicolson, Tiger Woods to name a few.

OTW: You’ve brought along reproductions of a piece by Botticelli and by Duchamp. Is this something new you’re doing now? Or are these pieces that will also be in the show?

BB: These are something new—reproductions of famous pieces of art. I’ll be doing a show with them later.

My crossover piece was Frieda Kahlo. I did her in my old style, which is not even brushed. It’s like panels with crackle paint, stenciled and maybe a little bit of hand brushing. When I did Frieda Kahlo, I chose her famous painting of herself instead of a picture of her, and that was kind of my cross-over piece to doing other people’s paintings. And it worked in that same style, but I hadn’t done a painting before.

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

Sculptor Brad Bigford’s series of relief-style portraits, similar to this one of Frankie Rios, will be on display at Frankie’s Breakfast Club for several weeks this spring.

So, the next painting I chose was a Salvador Dali, and I did all the sections, and I put it together, and it didn’t look like anything.

So, I thought, “Well, if I just paint this section out

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here to delineate it, it might work.” And it looked better, but then I painted the next section, and I ended

up painting the whole thing. So, I just kind of switched gears and decided, “Well, for these, I’m just going to have to actually paint, not just screw around.”

OTW: Would you say that portraiture is easier to do in this medium that you’re using?

BB: Yes, in a certain size. When you’re starting to get to a smaller size, you’re starting to lose some of the quality that I like about it.

OTW: In the past, you were working in a style that was more sculptural, creating three-dimensional pieces. Would you call these newer pieces 3D still or is this 2D, or what would you call it?

BB: It’s almost like a relief. It is a relief of sorts.

It’s just a more linear relief.

It’s not carved in between the layers, so it’s more of a stacked relief.

OTW: How did you first go from your former

style of work to this new form you’re using?

BB: I was watching an old black and white horror movie on TV, and there was this woman screaming, and the lighting was real under-lit, so you just saw a real vivid black and white image. So, I took a picture of the TV screen, and I went out in the shop, and I just cut that white part out in ¾-inch thick wood and rounded it over and stained it white and put it on a black background, and it looked really cool.

That was the first one.

Then I got thinking, let’s make this work with color, so I started experimenting with more panels, raising up the pieces to create depth.

Then, like with the eyes, those pieces are missing because that’s the black, that’s the darkest part of every picture, that’s just gone, so I’ll put the pin-

See FRANKIE'S page 11

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 21-27, 2014 • Page 7

SPOTLIGHT

'The Wiz' brings magic to South Bend theater

w By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

e -

OUTH BEND— Despite juggling a blossoming career tthat keeps him travelling dconstantly between the aEast and West coasts, ,Chicago-based Chris Carter has enjoyed spendeing the last several months kworking with actors and rcrew at the South Bend tCivic Theater. , Although his credits include a variety of roles .including dancer, puppeteer and choreographer, SBCT’s production of “The gWiz,” which opens on gMarch 28, has provided Carter with the opportunity to direct a show that he has ,loved since he was a youth.

“I have always loved ,‘The Wiz,’” Carter said. “I fell in love with the movie tfirst. Then, when I was in -high school, they brought in a new teacher, and she wanted to do a production of ‘The Wiz.’ I told her, I will go out and find every character in the ensemble,

and my cousin Michael and I went out and did just that.

I choreographed it, and I got to be the Wiz, too.”

Although Chris had already been studying dance for many years, his experience with “The Wiz” opened up a whole new window on the theater for him.

“That was really my first experience with musical theater,” Carter said. “I thought, ‘This is awesome!

I can tell a story when I dance. I can be goofy. I can do all the things you can’t do in ballet and hip hop.’

When I choreographed the tornado, I realized this was my calling.”

Chris’ deeply-felt connection to “The Wiz,” an adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” that draws upon uniquely African-American cultural experiences, stems from his own experience growing up in Muskegon, Mich.

“I come from an urban community,” Carter said. “‘The Wiz’ gives us a chance to connect with what we know as members of an urban community.”

As the director of

SBCT’s production, Carter is in a position to emphasize the aspects of the show that he feels are most important.

“The story sometimes loses its magic in some other productions,” Carter said. “I want to keep the magic, the love and the fun in the show. I keep that by adding trapdoors and laser light shows. I want to

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remind people of what they fell in love with when they were kids.”

Carter also wants to make sure that audience members are drawn into the story of “The Wiz” while emphasizing that, although there are similarities, “The Wiz” is not just a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz.” “I want to bring the audience into it more, not

let it be so distant to them.

I want everybody to leave the theater happy, calm and relaxed,” Carter said. “It’s important to keep the feeling of ‘The Wiz’ separate from ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It’s a feeling of jubilation, of rejoicing. That’s what’s important to me with this story in particular.”

His enthusiasm for the show has also affected the cast, which should translate into a very memorable experience for those in attendance.

“As a director, if you put enough into it, you can bring your passion into it.

The cast can feel it,” Carter said. “I could not have asked for a better cast. I want to thank them for being there because I can’t do it alone.”

Once SBCT’s production of “The Wiz” wraps up, Carter will return to his busy schedule.

“I’m actually in a show in San Francisco, ‘Queenie Pie,’ Duke Ellington’s unfinished opera. I’m also going to San Francisco to do ‘Showboat’ at the San

Francisco Opera in May,” Carter said. “I just recently did ‘Oklahoma’ at the Chicago Lyric Opera, and I was a dancer and singer.

I’ll also be performing in some regional theater productions this fall.”

“The Wiz” performs in the Wilson Theatre at South Bend Civic Theatre, 403 N. Main St., from March 28 to April 13, 2014. Performance times are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $21 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows and $18 for Wednesday and Thursday shows. To purchase tickets, call the SBCT Box Office at (574) 234-1112 or visit to www.sbct.org.

If the director’s excitement about the production is any indicator of how entertaining the show will be, then audience members will surely have a great time.

“I’m excited about it because everybody else is excited about it, too. I think it’ll be fun,” Carter said. “I love this show, and I want you to feel that!”

Page 8 • Week of March 21-27, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Get out, help out

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

AWYER—Signs of spring’s approach are finally appearing, and with them come more opportunities to get out and enjoy the natural resources that draw so many visitors to this area. Forests, lakes, streams and dunes offer a wide variety of naturebased experiences for both adults and children.

Residents can enjoy those resources while helping to preserve them by participating in volunteer stewardships days at state parks with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

“It’s a good way for people to get out and help out,” said Heidi Frei, resource steward for the stewardship unit of the DNR. “It’s beautiful out there right now. The landscape is just fantastic.”

Frei oversees volunteer stewardship work projects almost every weekend throughout the southwest Michigan area. One of those activities will take place at Warren Dunes from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 30.

Warren Woods and Grand Mere are also nearby state parks where folks can get out in the fresh air and help the DNR with habitat preservation activities. The calendar of volunteer workdays on the Michigan DNR’s website, www.michigan.gov/dnr, provides a listing of currently scheduled activities.

“We actually work pretty regularly at Warren Dunes, Warren Woods and Grand Mere,” Frei said.

“We’re out there at least once a month.”

While many of the

scheduled activities take place on weekends, Frei said that the DNR has many opportunities that volunteers can do at other times, and they always welcome assistance from the public.

“We have a number of different opportunities for volunteers. We have projects where volunteers are doing surveys for us or mapping invasive species,” Frei said. “We can always work with volunteers that are willing and ready to learn.”

The March 30 project at Warren Dunes is designed to remove invasive plant species from the dunes in order to preserve the natural habitat there.

“If these invasive species get too thick, that can limit the native plants and reduce cover from things like bloodroot or trillium, the wildflowers that people like to see here” Frei said.

“We also have some very unique Beech-Maple forests there that need to be protected.”

Among the species that need to be eradicated are Japanese barberry, nonnative honeysuckle, autumn olive, multiflora rose and garlic mustard.

“One plant that we’ll be targeting is the Japanese barberry. It’s thorny, and its form is very distinct. It really has the ability to take over the dunes,” Frei said.

“We’re trying to get control over it so we don’t lose our trillium and the forest understory.”

Although one might assume that it’s too early to be finding non-native plants, Frei said that the task can actually be easier when there are not a lot of leaves to block the view.

“Even though there was snow cover on the ground,

Volunteers can make difference at state parks

Submitted photo/MICHIGAN DNR

Volunteering at state parks is one way to enjoy our natural resources and help care for them at the same time.

we were out a few weekends ago, and we were able to get a lot done,” Frei said.

“If you know what you’re

Colors for Kids

5K Fun Run

April 26, 2014 at Brandywine High School

looking for, with all the leaves gone, you can get a clearer picture of what’s out there. It’s easier to see what you’re looking for.”

The DNR will provide volunteers with the neces-

sary tools, and they will educate volunteers so that they know what to look for.

“A lot of people catch on right away. We provide assistance, instruction and tools,” Frei said. “We’ll

have some work gloves for people to borrow if they don’t have a favorite pair of their own.”

Of course, if volunteers have their own gloves, they are welcome to bring them, too, but they should be clean and free of mud and “hitchhiking seeds” that could actually contribute to the problem of invasive species in the dunes.

Frei also recommends dressing for the weather and wearing warmer clothes. Even on warmer days, long sleeves and pants should be worn to prevent scrapes from branches. More information about what to wear and what to expect can be found on the DNR’s website.

Helping the DNR with habitat restoration is an activity that almost anyone can do, including children.

“I always encourage bringing kids, but parents are the best gauge for what their kids can handle,” Frei said. “I think it’s a great learning opportunity.

Anything we can do to get kids away from the TV and the cell phone is a good thing. I’ve had kids as young as four years old helping. They handle it pretty well. I’m always amazed by the kids.”

Groups are also welcome to participate.

“We have everything from scouting groups to retirees to service clubs that come out and help,” Frei said. “We encourage large groups to give us a call beforehand so we can plan for the right amount of equipment and so on.”

People who want to help out while witnessing spring’s first bloom can contact Frei at (269) 6856851, ext. 147 or at freih@michigan.gov with their questions about volunteering in southwest Michigan parks.

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9 MARKETPLACE

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 21-27, 2014 • Page 9

Marketplace GOT SOMETHING TO SELL? LIST IT HERE FOR ONLY $10. CALL (888) 725-0108

General Notices 106 VENDORS WANTED!

Farmers, Cottage, & Craft 2nd Saturday EACH Month Small Business Saturdays 4th Saturday EACH Month Register @ www.theorchardsmall.com or call 269-927-4467

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES

NEEDED NOW AT US XPRESS Earn $800/wk Local CDL Training NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Be trained & based locally!

1-800-882-7364

I can help. (269)473-2370

Help Wanted 300 DRIVER/SERVICE TECH

Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted

DRIVERS NEEDED:

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

Apply in person 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in Niles, MI or call 269-6845960 to request application www.kennethsmithinc.com Local Niles Facility Hiring for CNA's, LPN's, RN's and Therapy Staff. See our larger ad in today's paper.

Norco Industries is Hiring for a Mechanical Engineer. See our larger ad in today's paper.

NOW HIRING REALTORS

Call today 269-683-4507 Coldwell Banker R. E. Specialists 1400 Chicago Rd Niles, MI 49120

OPPORTUNITIES

at all levels with growing businesses across Southwest Michigan •Skilled Trades •Industrial Sales •Packing/Sorting •Mechanics Reliable Applicants

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

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

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

Joy's Johns Hiring Duties include delivery, pickup and cleaning of portable restrooms. Must have 1 year straight truck experience, chauffeur license, current D.O.T. physical, clean driving record. Able to read a map with knowledge of Michiana area.

Reliable transportation and able to work flexible hours a must. Apply at 1325 Airport Rd. Niles, MI

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

Dowagiac

2 BEDROOM

$525, heat (269)930-4232

Elderly Care 307 KARE SERVICES

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

Instruction & Training

309

P.D.K.

Niles

2 BEDROOM

side by side duplex, wood fireplace, washer/dryer hook up, patio, no pets or smoking, $600/month, $600 deposit, 1 yr. lease, FORECLOSURE LIST (269)470-4448 or emailed directly to you!

(269)470-9836 Contact Tarah Sheteron @ Star Realty. We list and ONLY 3 HOMES LEFT Gold sell FREDDIE MAC foreclosures all across Southwest Michigan! Be the first to hear about these deals!

Call, text or email me to get on the list! tarahs@msn.com 269- 876-9276 Niles- N. 5th St.

Come in and see how we can help. Break the rent cycle in 2014. Use your tax return -- We match down payments from $1000 to $2500.

Call now (269)695-5148 Hills Haven Mobile Home Community, where coming APT. included home is always a pleasure

Edwardsburg

2 BEDROOM APT.

$140 per week includes water & trash, no cats or dogs, $100 deposit. Call 1-

269-414-4139

ONLY Between Mon.- Sat. 11am - 6pm

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

Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Next class March 418 22nd, 8a-5p Contact Paul: For Rent 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 3 BEDROOM 2 6 9 - 7 8 3 - 6 5 7 0 Fulkerson Park, Niles, no p d k f i r e a r m s . c o m pets, $725 (574)323-1102

MECHANICAL ENGINEER Flo-Dynamics, a leading manufacturer in automotive fluid maintenance equipment, is looking for a Mechanical Engineer who is a self-starter, has innovative ideas & the ability to solve problems, works well with others and is not afraid to get their hands dirty. Candidates must be competent in Solid Edge, Solid Works and MS Office programs. Responsibilities will include; product design, maintaining & creating BOMs, developing test procedures, troubleshooting problems and testing components & finished goods. Experience with fluid exchange systems is preferred. EOE. Please send your resume with cover letter and salary history to:

Norco Industries c/o HR

2800 Northland Drive, Elkhart, IN 46514 or Fax: 574-262-0368 or Email: jknefely@norcoind.com

CNA’s / LPN’s / RN’s / Therapy Staff Local Niles facility is accepting applications for full-time & part-time CNA’s. Offering a new wage scale and sign on bonus for CNA positions.

Must be certified by the State of MI. Also accepting applications for LPN’s/RN’s and PRN Therapy Staff.

Must be licensed by the State of MI. Please send resumes to: nicole.bates@leaderpub.com

ROUND LAKE CHALETS SISTER LAKES, MI

“Summer Rental Specials” May 31st –June 7th $495+tax Aug.9th –16th $795+tax Aug. 23-29(6 day) $495+tax (Reg.$1125)+tax “Fishing, boating, swimming, or just relaxing.” * Only a 20-minute drive from Niles!

Ask for Brad Light (269) 687-9227 Or cell (574) 850-6940

Office Space for Rent

427

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT

1st office space has dual entrances off 4th & Sycamore in Niles and has 1 large office or can be divided into 2 smaller offices. Lease includes heat, gas, water, sewer, $800/month for both offices or $450/month for one. 2nd office space has 1 entrance off 4th St. in Niles and has a reception area plus 2 offices, $350/month. Call or email mike.caldwell@leaderpub. com.

(269)687-7700

Houses for Sale 500 NILES HOME

Over 7 Acres Barn & Out Building Large Home Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484

3 BED

1.5 bath, single family, 1995 sq. ft., detached garage, lease or cash, call for details. (877)553-5348

RANCH BRICK

in Brandywine School area, 2,100 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bedroom, 1/2 acre lot, fenced back yard, 2 car attached garage with extra side access, completely remodeled, tiled kitchen, bathroom & utility room, carpeted bedrooms with walk-in closets, large dining room, wood flooring in dining room, family room and hall, cathedral ceilings in family room, wood burning fireplace, all new stainless steel appliances, large Florida room, additional 3 car garage great for workshop. $139,900 (269)845-1830

WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING

Integrity Real Estate Professionals would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our agents for professional service you expect and deserve.

269-684-5030 Integrity Real Estate Professionals

THIS CHARMING

Manufactured 502 Homes A GREAT HOME FOR LESS

2 bd/1 bth, Newer appliances, New flooring throughout, Qualifies for $199 base lot rent For 24 months!

Riverside Estates Call 269-695-3119

HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

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

Mobile Homes 506 SPRING SAVINGS ON AFFORDABLE HOMES •Preowned 2&3 bed homes •New 3 bed, 2 bath homes for $34,500 •Many standard features •Modular homes available Colonial Acres (269)663-2424

General Mer595 chandise NOW OPEN 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

Cemetery Lots 3 bedroom home has 1 on the main floor and 2 upstairs, 2 full baths, some original woodwork and hardwood floors. Open living room and formal dining room area. Detached garage is brand new with easy access from the alley. Back yard is fenced with a covered patio.

Visit www.SoGoodToBeHome.com for more photos and info $63,000 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten (574)340-4271 (269)663-8800

617

1 LOT & VAULT in Mission Hills Memorial Chapel Old Rugged Cross Garden, worth $3,000, asking $1,000, will include transfer fee. (269)683-8047

2 PLOTS & 2 VAULTS

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

Page 10 • Week of March 21-27, 2014

i

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.

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.

Ongoing

March 20

i

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 ChamNow - 23 ber (269) 695-3291 or bacc@buchanan.mi.us for an application. There is an Celebrating Creative Kids entry fee of $20. Entrants (formerly known as the may sign up through March Elementary School Show) 13th. 4:30-7 p.m.

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.

Off The Water, Michiana

10 HALF CLASS

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

i

Arts and Technology.

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.

The State Theater in South Bend will host “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Tickets are $8 and survival kits are $2.

Doors open at 11 p.m. and the fun begins at 11:30 pm.

March 21

March 21-22

Hope United Methodist Church Dinner Theater presents “The Mystery of Montley Manor.” Tickets: March 21: $8; March 22: $15. Dinner Theater: 6 p.m. Dessert Theater 7 p.m. Tickets sales from February 23 to March 14. (All tickets are presold so food can be purchased.)

Contact Hope UMC Church Office at(269) 663-5321 or The Lake Michigan Col- hopeumc2@aol.com. lege Performing Arts Department will present a March 22 Cabaret Night, Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage South Lobby of the Mendel Center for Birding Local Wetlands. Join 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) 2717853 for more info. 4-7 p.m.

i

naturalist Wendy Jones for a trip to local wetlands to learn about duck identification.

Spotting scopes are provided, but bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Travel is by carpool; meet in the Fernwood parking lot. Register by March 21. $15 (Members $12). Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120.

For more info, visit www. fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 9-11:30 a.m.

i

Michiana Area Genealogy Fair 2014: South Bend Area Genealogical Society (SBAGS). At the Downtown Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincoln Way E., Mishawaka, IN. $5 admission. Workshops will be presented by Dr. Michael Lacopo at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. For more info, call Bill Minish of SBAGS: (574) 277-1183 or email WHMinish@aol.com.

Doors open at 9 a.m.

i

“Seeing the Bias in Your Research.” Staff will help you strengthen how you look at history when you’re researching a topic. Have you missed a vital piece of information? Can you read an article and see what’s being left out or how it’s slanted towards an opinion? Come learn how historians look at their research to present history. Elkhart County Historical Museum. 11 a.m.

Chonda Pierce presents Girl Talk. Tickets: $20.50 to $27.50. The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN. For tickets, call (800) 294-8223 or visit chonda. org or thelerner.com. Call (574) 293-4469 for more info. 7:00-9:30 p.m.

First “Annual” Box Factory Follies presented by impre-

CLASSIFIEDs 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 Merchandise FOR SALE

642

Wanted to Buy

672

ALWAYS BUYING

★★★★★★★★

•Junk Cars• •Free Pick Up• Cash Paid On The Spot Up to $1,500 (574)850-1222 24 hours, 7 days a week BUYING

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

Kevin (817)437-0450

CASH PAID FOR

Older watches, pocketknives, postcards, musical Used & reconditioned instruments etc. Entire Eswashers, ranges, dryers, retates. Call Chris 269-591frigerators & freezers.

5168 Geiger Refrigeration Service WANTED TO BUY 841 Carberry Rd. Niles Cash paid for small & (269)687-8639

medium

TAX SEASON IS HERE gerators BILL'S USED APPLIANCES

size

refri-

working or not, washers, gas & electric Washers, Dryers, Stoves, ranges. Call (269)687-8639 Fridges for all budgets, start WE WILL BUY at $100. Inventory always your junk car. We haul for changing. 2559 S. 11th St. free. Paying up to $1500 Niles (269) 591-7922 cash. Please call anytime 269-687-8098

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

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

Home Improvement

700

MR. MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES

Roofing, Siding & Windows, Light Hauling & Spring FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS Clean-Ups, No Inside or GUTTERS & SIDING Outside job too big or small.

FRYMAN’S ROOFING Low affordable rates.

Your home exterior experts.

(269)591-1403 Quality guaranteed! Locally Owned for 50 years. (269)7825008 (David & Terri Fryman)

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

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

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

269-687-4972

Recycling Service

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS

MICHIANA 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

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

Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

Electrical Contracting, No Job Too Big or Small. Free Quotes.

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

MIDWEST ROOFING

Family owned since 1984.

Lifetime Warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.

Call (269)684-7199

NIEBOER CONCRETE

POLE BARNS & GARAGES

BY NIEBOER

WEAVER CONCRETE

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

Misc. Services 747 BRADY CONCRETE

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

COMPLETE CONCRETE

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work.

Insured (269)663-8091

CONCRETE OUTFITTERS

Concrete countertops, vases, and more.

Please visit our website for more information. www.concreteoutfitters.com (269) 228-8131

Motorcycles & 915 ATV’’s McDaniel's Harley-Davidson

Stop in to check out the Dyna Low Rider & Sportster SuperLow 1200T. 1910 Lincolnway East, South Bend (574) 289-6650 or shop www.mchadanielsharleydavidson.com

Sidewalks, floors & driveways.

Free Estimates. Licensed & Insured. (269)684-6673

Quality Built (269)684-6673

JDS HOME IMPROVEMENT

Repairs, Replacement, New Small Jobs welcome.

Licensed/Insured. Call John (269)445-7005

KLIMEK ENTERPRISES

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

MOTORCYCLE

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

Autos for Sale 945 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 good mpg and runs Painting Service 754 Spd., good, very clean, no rust, $1,995.00, '02 Pontiac, Gran Prix, 4 Door, loaded, p. windows, p. locks, p. seat, leather, AM/FM CD, $4,995.00, '02 Dodge J.M. HUNT Caravan Ext, quad captains ENTERPRISES, LLC chairs, loaded, very clean, Painting & Drywall. Insured. $4,995. All privately owned, Free Estimates.

Family clean, good runners, and Owned & Operated for Over priced to sell. Please call 50 years. 269-683-4442.

Greg at 269-462-9260 or 269-262-6448.

Insurance 758 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

sario Greg Ladewski and a program of varied local talent. Tickets are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under admitted free). Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts.org. 7:30 p.m.

Spring Garden Symposium: “Gardening for the Future.” Speakers include Amanda Thomsen, Kelly Norris, Thomas Smarr, and Ken Druse. Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical. org or call (269) 695-6491.

9 a.m.-4:30 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 beer tokens, festival pint glass, and $10 in food tickets.

All attendees must be 21 or older. 5- 9 p.m.

i

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Joel Greenberg, author and research associate of the Notebaert Nature Museum and Chicago Field Museum, will present The Echoes of their Wings: The Life and Legacy of the Passenger Pigeon on March 22 at 3 p.m. Admission is $3.

Music, comedy, dance, short skits, poetry and much more will be on stage at the first Box Factory Follies on March 22nd at 7:30 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, Mich. General admission is $10 and $8 for students and seniors.

Tickets are available online with PayPal at www. boxfactoryforthearts.org/ calendar/#follies or at the door. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the Citadel Dance and Music Center in Benton Harbor.

i

WHAT'S HAPPENING? (NPR’s The Thistle & Shamrock), will perform at Notre Dame’s Debartolo Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for general admission. The band will be presenting their full Shamrock City show, also the name of their latest album.

March 23 March for the Tower. Join the final phase of the Rebuild the OxBow Park Tower. Walkers are needed to gather pledges and then march along our trails at OxBow County Park. The Two Rivers Running Club will host a Kid’s 1 Mile Fun Run for grades K-6. Minimum pledge is $10/person.

More info is available at www.elkhartcountyparks. org or (574) 535-6458. Ox Bow County Park, Fisherman’s Shelter. 2 p.m.

Enjoy a raptor experience at Sarett Nature Center on March 23 at 3 p.m. Aimee Pico will bring several live birds from the Lake Milton Raptor Education Center.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Learn how to be more efficient with your mobile devices with Cloud Computing for Small Business, a workshop offered by Cornerstone Alliance Small Business Services and Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance on Build a rubber band drag from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The Michiana Gem and race car with Sarett Na- at 38 W. Wall Street, Ben- Mineral Society will meet ture Center’s Woodshop ton Harbor, Mich. at 2 p.m. in the basement from 1 to 3 p.m. Children of Our Redeemer Lutheran March 22 - June 8 6 to 12 years old need an Church, 805 S. 29th St. adult to help. Fee is $20 per (29th and Wall St.) South car. Pre-registration and Bend, Ind.. Families and pre-payment are required. The South Bend Museum visitors are welcome.

Please call (269) 927-4832 of Art will present Michiko Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Itatani and Jake Webster: to register.

Passages, the first in a new exhibition series titled Conversations, which will pair a regional established Blossomland Gem and MinNew Troy Indoor Flea Mar- artist with an established eral Society will host a lecket, New Troy Community artist from outside of the ture and display on gypsum Center. Local food prod- South Bend community. from 1 to 4 p.m., Krasl Art ucts, plants, tools, antiques, Gallery hours are noon to Center, St. Joseph, Mich. books, jewelry, photogra- 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday. phy, crafts, furniture and other housewares, and more.

Community Book Store and A penance and prayer serFurniture Store will also be Solas, “Irish-America’s vice based upon the last open. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. most influential band” seven words of Christ will FRANKIE'S continued from page 6 prick of light in with a little tiny dowel, and I’ll set it in past the hole, so you have the ‘follow eyes.’ So, almost all of the eyes on the paintings, when you come down to the show, the eyes will follow you when you walk across the room.

OTW: How interesting.

Creepy!

i

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BB: Yeah, creepy!

OTW: What I’m hearing is that you sort of devised this medium that you’re working in.

BB: Yes, this is my own thing, as far as I know. Of course, it’s a big world.

OTW: And, it’s still evolving, it sounds like.

BB: Yes. It reminds me of something that I saw in Mexico a few years ago.

There were all these guys running around doing these quick pictures with spray

Week of March 21-27, 2014 • Page 11

paint and stencils to create art for people on the spot.

And that’s sort of what I’m doing. I’m just kind of stenciling on plywood and cutting it out. I’ve taken it to a little bit higher level, but it’s similar.

OTW: So, you take a picture of the piece of are that you’re going to reproduce, and then…

BB: Or, I acquire a picture. I’ve probably done about 15 commissions for people, their kids, them

be held at 3 p.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, 3 N. 19th St. in Niles with Bishop Paul J. Bradley, presiding. Call (269) 6838650 for details.

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Hawks, shares his path to success with students and community visitors during his visit to campus. Mr. Berlin will be speaking as part of the College’s Practical Lessons in Success lecture series.

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WNIT Public Television proudly presents “A Conversation with Father Jenkins” on politically speaking. Hosted by IU South Bend professor Elizabeth Bennion, Ph.D., the program is broadcast live on channel 34.1 each Sunday at 2 p.m. and rebroadcast Monday at 3 p.m. on 34.2.

Veterans Helping Veterans in the Formation and Expansion of Veteran Owned Business, a free workshop will be offered at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, 500 Market Street, St. Joseph, MI, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

March 24

March 27- April 16

Class on Local Geology, LMC Bertrand Crossing Campus, Room 109. Free.

For more info, call (269) 695-1391 or visit www. lakemichigancollege.edu/ ce. 6-8 p.m.

Inspiring Future Artists (Middle and High School Show) in all galleries. Reception is March 27 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with awards presented at 6:30 p.m. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www. boxfactoryforthearts.org.

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March 26

Newport Jazz Festival: Now 60 at LMC Mendel Center. Tickets are $25, $30, $35 & $39. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www.lmcmainstage.org. 7:30 p.m.

Explore Michigan with Sarett Nature Center on March 26 at 10 a.m. Adventurers will visit Sarett sanctuaries (Black Woods and Brown Sanctuary) searching for the earliest signs of spring. The fee is $15. Bring a lunch and be prepared for gentle walks.

Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

March 28 The internationally acclaimed Bruce Katz Band will play at The Livery, 190 5th St., Benton Harbor, Mich., at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

March 29

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A rising star in the South Bend community brings his success story to Holy Cross College at 7 p.m. Andrew T. Berlin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Berlin Packaging and owner of the South Bend Silver

Learn to Make a Solar Heat Collector. New Buffalo High School’s leading Envirothon team, The Psionic Mushrooms, will share its knowledge for building operational solar heat collectors using aluminum cans in this special workshop. Visit www. psionicmushrooms.wix. com/psionicmushrooms to learn more about this team.

Register by Friday, March 28. $5 (Members Free).

Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

and their dog, or whatever.

I always require at least three photos because some won’t work. You need the right kind of light, the right kind of contrast. If it’s a really low-contrast picture, I just won’t have a lot to work with. Or, I’ll just take the photo myself because I know what I need.

OTW: How did you get involved with the folks at Frankie’s Breakfast Club?

BB: I just came in here,

and I liked the food. And, I took a picture of Frankie and made that portrait for them. I like to help small businesses and the movement in Benton Harbor.

I’ve lived here for years, and it was strugglesome to live here, and a lot of things have changed. Things are very slowly getting better.

While Bigford’s pieces will be on display at Frankie’s through April 23, permanent pieces of his sculptural work can also be

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Eryca Nelson returns to the Box Factory stage. Tickets are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under admitted free). Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www.boxfactoryforthearts.org. 7:30 p.m.

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Class on Photoshop Basics, LMC Bertrand Crossing Campus, Room 111. Free.

For more info, call (269) 6951391 or visit www.lakemichigancollege.edu/ce. 9-11 a.m.

viewed at the Lake Michigan College Campus of Western Michigan University, Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph and Fernwood Botanical Garden.

He also has plans for an upcoming show that will include versions of famous artwork composed in the same unique relief style as his portraits. Those who are interested in commission pieces can reach Brad at (269) 369-9346.

Page 12 • Week of March 21-27, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

PARTING SHOTS

'Parade'

of history SMC students perform Tony-winning musical Submit Your Shots!

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