Off The Water - March 7-13, 2014

FREE

Seeking freedom

Dinner and a show

Soho Japanese Bistro about food, fun .....p.2

Week of March 7-13, 2014

Yoga classes not typical exercise...... p. 4

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 10

Celebrating

LEGOs

St. Joseph community 'building' month-long event

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Submitted photo/JON LIN

Dinner & a Show:

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

g

ranger—When it comes to the restaurant business, the Lin family has a lot of experience. So, when they opened their teppanyaki and sushi restaurant, Soho Japanese Bistro, in Granger about 5 years ago, they knew what they were doing.

“We have another restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio,” said Jon Lin, who manages the restaurant for the family. “We opened that one about 9 or 10 years ago. My brother Jay manages that one.”

Prior to that, the Lins, who immigrated from Fuzhou, China, owned a Chinese buffet for about 9 years.

“We’ve been in the restaurant business all our lives,” said Jon, who recently graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a degree in photography.

A real family affair, the Lin brothers’ parents also work in the restaurants

when they have time. Their aunt and uncle were also involved with the restaurants until they moved out of the area.

While teppanyaki and sushi have developed a large following in other parts of the United States, the Lin Family chose Granger as a location for Soho because there were few similar restaurants in the area.

“This area hasn’t had much of the attention that other places have had,” Jon said. “There are not many other restaurants that offer what we do.”

Although Soho Japanese Bistro has developed quite a local following over the years, there are still some misconceptions and confusion regarding the meaning of both “teppanyaki” and “sushi.”

First, teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cooking that uses a large, flat grill, or “teppan,” and it is often confused with hibachi style cooking. The difference is that a true hibachi grill has a grated cook top whereas a teppan has a solid surface.

The fuel source may also

Soho Japanes Bistro focused on food, fun

Submitted photo/JON LIN

TOP: A chef entertains guests seated around a teppan grill at Soho Japanese Bistro.

ABOVE: A sashimi platter from Soho. be different, with the teppan relying on propane or electricity and a hibachi using wood or charcoal.

“There are very few teppan restaurants around here,” Jon said. “We’re one of the very few that offers that experience.”

For guests, that experience not only includes eating the grilled foods, but also watching the chefs prepare the food, which is often performed with great

showmanship and flair for diners who are seated around the edge of the grill.

“We get the most business on that end,” Jon said.

“Our ‘VIP’ is very popular.

You can pick three of the meats that we offer. The chefs put on a show in front of the customers and try to entertain them as much as possible.”

Sushi, on the other hand, is often thought of as “raw fish.” While there are

some raw styles of sushi, there are also cooked versions. Sushi can be made with any number of types of seafood, and there are a number of types that do not contain any meat, such as the California roll, which is made with rice and seaweed.

California rolls are among the most popular types of sushi that Soho Japanese Bistro serves, but there are many other popular styles as well, including the Crunchy Roll.

“We offer salmon, shrimp, squid — pretty much anything you can think of when it comes to sushi,” Jon said. “We serve pretty much anything people could want. If there’s something they want that we don’t make, they can suggest it, and we will make it for them.”

Jon’s personal favorites include the Angry Dragon, the Volcano Roll, the Hawaiian Roll and the Soho Roll.

“Customers like the sashimi combinations, too,” Jon said. “A lot of people enjoy those.”

Because sashimi is

made with raw fish and other types of meat, it is very important that it be served fresh.

“Our sushi and sashimi are both really fresh,” Jon said. “We work hard to make sure that everything we serve is fresh.”

Another element that the Lin family prides itself on is the selection of craft beers that they serve at Soho.

“We have over 60 beers on our menu,” Jon said.

“Our many craft beers are one of the things that we’re known for.”

Located at 7225 Heritage Square Dr. in Granger, Soho Japanese Bistro opens at 11 a.m. every day of the week. On weekdays, they close from 2 until 4 p.m., reopening for dinner until 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays.

On Saturdays and Sundays, Soho is open all day, until 11 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., respectively.

They can be reached for reservations at (574) 2722292, but walk-ins are also welcome.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 7-13, 2014 • Page 3

SPOTLIGHT

'Original jazz dance company' coming to town

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccauhgan @leaderpub.com

S

T E V EN S V I L L E — Reputation is everything, and Theresa Graziano’s efforts to establish a superlative one for the Berrien County Dancers are paying off in ways that can be of benefit to all dance lovers in the area.

As the artistic director for the dance company, Graziano was approached two years ago by Nan Giordano, who offered Berrien County Dancers the opportunity to host an extended residency with Giordano Dance Chicago this month.

“Nan had heard really great things about what we’ve been doing, and we’re super excited that they will be with us all week long,” Graziano said.

Girodano Dance Chicago, hailed as “America’s original jazz dance company,” has its own reputation — one that

relies upon both critical and audience acclaim.

They are known worldwide for their high-energy, high-impact performances and their diverse repertoire.

Berrien County Dancers have hosted extended residencies with other companies in the past.

In 2010, choreographer Jon Lehrer and LehrerDance visited, and in 2012, HS2, the second company from Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, came to work with Graziano’s students. The next residency is scheduled for 2016.

However, the upcoming extended residency with Giordano Dance Chicago is different for two exciting reasons.

“First, they approached us with this opportunity,” Graziano said. “Usually, it is the other way around.”

“Also, this is the main company that is coming. A lot of times, they’ll only send their second company to high schools,” Graziano

Submitted photo

Giordano Dance Chicago will be visiting the Berrien County Dancers. explained. “This will be a fantastic experience for the students.”

Berrien County Dancers is based at Lakeshore High School, where Graziano is a dance instructor. So, the

school will be at the center of the week’s activities.

However, members of the surrounding community can also benefit from Giordano Dance Chicago’s visit.

“Throughout the week, from March 17 through 22, they will be teaching each of my classes, beginning through advanced, and they will be setting repertoire for my advanced class as well,” Graziano said.

“The students will take what they learn in that class, and they will perform it for the show,” Graziano explained.

That show will take place at Lakeshore High school Auditorium, located at 5771 Cleveland Ave., on March 22 at 7 p.m.

“That’s the really exciting, huge part of this—that the main company will perform here at Lakeshore!”

Graziano said.

Dancers who are not affiliated with Berrien County Dancers can also benefit from the extended residency.

Dancers ages 12 and up are invited to learn Giordano technique by enrolling in a master class scheduled for 5 p.m. on March 22. Advance regis-

tration is required due to limited space. The cost is $12 for the class alone, or students can purchase a package that includes both the class and the performance for $20.

General admission tickets for the Giordano Dance Chicago and Berrien County Dancers joint performance cost $15 for ages 12 and up, or $10 each for groups of 10 or more. Ages 8-11 are free with parent admission.

Giordano Dance Chicago recommends the performance for children age 8 and up.

Both ticket purchases and class registrations can be made online at www.

BerrienCountyDancers. com or by phone at (269) 428-1402, Ext. 2099.

Performance tickets will also be sold at the door starting one hour before the show.

“We’re really excited about this opportunity,” Graziano said. “It’s going to be a great experience for the students and for the audience!”

Even non-vegans need to have options

R

ecently, I’ve been getting asked by a lot of my non veg friends for veg-friendly party recipes. More and more people I know are incorporating a plant-centric focus to their diet.

When it comes time to entertain, hosts seem eager to pass these flavors on to their guests, but are really unsure what exactly to make.

I can say with 100 percent certainty that in the past six months I’ve eaten at more parties than I have in nearly 10 years due to the vegan friendly spreads.

This is so exciting to me, because eating at organized social functions has always been next to impossible on the vegan diet.

This past weekend, one of my dearest friends decided to host a dinner party of a group of her favorite local ladies. Though she is far from a vegetarian, most of the attendees were, so she decided to make the spread totally vegan.

I was so proud and thankful for her efforts. It really touches and inspires me when I look to the people around me, and see them adopting more and

more responsible food choices. I mean, this girl never even used to cook!

She wanted to handle the majority of the menu herself, but asked me to bring a dip for crudite, since most non vegans have a hard time wrapping their head around veggies or crackers without ranch dip and cheese spreads.

I decided to make a variation of my cashew cheese spread, by adding fresh herbs, some almond meal for variation in texture, and a fresh serrano pepper for some kick. The dip was a hit, particularly since my friend had included jicama in her crudite platter, which paired with this one perfectly.

I know I just shared a dip recipe with you last week, but I figured I can’t be the only one who’s been asked to whip up a crowd pleasing ap in a flash. It never hurts to have a variety of entertaining recipes up your sleeve, especially ones like this which use ingredients found in most vegetarian kitchens.

COLUMNIST

Fresh Pepper and Herb Cashew Spread Yield: 1 cup (8 ounces) spread

Kat Barry Kat's Hot Talk

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

1 cup cashews, soaked in water at least 1 hour, then drained 2 tablespoons almond meal (flax works too) 1/4 cup nutritional yeast 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, sliced 3/4 teaspoon Batti Becco seasoning salt (or other Italian seasoning salt, available at Caffe Tosi in St. Joseph) 1 fresh serrano pepper (or 1 jalapeno if your tolerance is lower), sliced 1/3 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped 1/4 cup fresh dill, clipped from stem 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1. Place cashews, almond meal, nutritional yeast, olive oil, garlic, seasoning salt, and hot peppers in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal “s” blade.

Blend for about 30 seconds, scrape sides with a rubber spatula, then repeat.

2. Add the fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be sure to scrape the bowl of the food processor really well.

3. Serve with raw veggies and crackers.

Page 4 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

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n

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com

iles — “We are not practicing yoga to take the edge off, or to loosen up, or to get in shape. We practice yoga to become free,” said Greta Hurst as she began her yoga class at Fernwood Botanical Garden last week.

Hurst, a certified yoga instructor, has been teaching yoga classes each week at Fernwood since she earned her certification in May of 2013. She had been practicing yoga for about 12 years prior to graduating from Solace Yoga Studio in Mishawaka, Ind. Offered in 8-week sessions, the yoga classes at Fernwood run year-round, with the spring session just starting.

“Most people sign up for 8 weeks, but walk-ins are welcome, too,” Hurst pointed out. “I have a lot of people who just show up for the first time. There’s no commitment, and I teach all levels in each class.”

Although the classes are held indoors during the colder months, the summer yoga classes will be held outdoors in various locations on the grounds of Fernwood.

“In the summer, we go outside. That’s the big attraction for yoga at Fernwood,” Hurst said. “Weather always plays into my choice of locations. The heart garden is my favorite place there. We practice yoga under a big pine tree.”

Classes meet on Thursdays from 12:15 to 1: 30 p.m., and the cost to attend is $8 for Fernwood members and $10 for nonmembers. Students only need to bring appropriate clothing and an open mind. Mats and all of the props,

including blocks and straps, are provided.

“Using the props is about experiencing the full expression of the position,” Hurst explained.

There are many styles of yoga, but Hurst has chosen the Hatha style yoga. According to her website, the goal is to “balance the mind and body via physical postures or ‘asanas,’ purification practices, controlled breathing, and the calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation.”

The name of her company, “Santosha Yoga for Life,” emphasizes the meaning of the Sanskrit word for “contentment,” or “wanting what you have.”

“What makes me unique is that I follow the Eight Limb Path of yoga. I do try to incorporate it in my class in a very subtle way,” Hurst explained. “ I talk about values, about the way students view their values and the way they view the world.”

Therefore, Hurst’s yoga classes incorporate a number of different elements that may not be present in every yoga class.

“I have a unique meditation, breath work and sequence of postures for every class. They are not unique to me, but it’s my selection, my orchestration of them if you will, that is unique,” Hurst said. “I have several resources that I use.”

While many people cannot attend the Fernwood yoga class due to their afternoon obligations, Hurst also offers some evening classes at her yoga studio in Tabula Rasa Gallery, located at 8918 First St. in Baroda. Hurst and her husband Bill have owned the gallery since 2010. A full schedule of their classes can be found at www.santoshayogaforlife.com.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 7-13, 2014 • Page 5

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“The classes at Tabula Rasa are similar to the Fernwood class,” Hurst said. “Wednesday morning classes are slightly more energetic, and Thursday nights are slightly more gentle because that class is for beginners.”

Certified yoga instructor and massage therapist Sarah Ashen also teaches a weekly yoga class at Tabula Rasa.

Hurst explained how the practice of yoga is connected to the appreciation of nature. “‘Yoga’ means ‘to yoke the breath, mind and spirit.’ Out in nature, it’s all about using the senses,” Hurst said. “If you practice mindfulness in yoga, you’ll be better able to experience and be present in nature.”

Hurst also noted that practicing yoga can enhance one’s ability to enjoy outdoor activities.

“As you increase your oxygenation, you’ll be better able to experience nature,” Hurst said. “And, in any sport, you need flexibility, so that if you do fall, for example, you won’t hurt yourself.”

While the cold weather still makes it difficult to get out to enjoy many outdoor activities, practicing yoga at Fernwood or at Tabula Rasa can help prepare one to enjoy those activities more fully once the weather turns warmer. In addition, practicing yoga can help us all endure what is starting to seem like an usually long winter.

“Practicing yoga brings me calmness, but it also empowers me,” Hurst explained. “It is the bridge between my body and my spirituality.”

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Greta Hurst teaches yoga classes at Fernwood throughout the year on Thursdays. She likes to hold her yoga classes in different locations on the grounds of Fernwood when the weather permits.

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Page 6 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Celebrating

St. Joseph community coming together to 'build' month-long event

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

T. JOSEPH—The name “LEGO” comes from a combination of the Danish words “leg godt,” which mean “play well,” and that is exactly what St. Joseph’s second annual “Build Your Way Around Town” event is designed to help visitors do.

“It’s such a fantastic opportunity for families to come out and enjoy LEGOs and fun activities all around town,” said Jill Stone, executive director of St. Joseph Today.

Appropriately, the event is sponsored by Abonmarche, an engineering and architectural firm based in Benton Harbor, Mich. The five-week-long celebration of LEGOs runs from March 1 through April 6. It includes activities at a variety of locations throughout town, and it is

everybody had a great time,” Stone said. “So, many of those venues have come up with even more fun events for this year.”

Event sites include the Box Factory for the Arts, the Curious Kids’ Museum, the Krasl Art Center, the St. Joseph/ Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library, the Shadowland Ballroom, the Silver Beach Carousel and The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.

Events include concerts, movies, contests, games and displays.

One event that will continue throughout the entire 5 weeks is the LEGO Brick Display at the Silver Beach Carousel.

Submitted photo/DAVID KNIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY Local amateur builders, Visitors to the Big Build at the Shadowland Ballroom will find an including students from area schools, are showcasentire LEGO city, complete with several trains. ing LEGO creations that even bigger than last year’s success that the partici- way to get people out dur- they have built. inaugural event. pants at the different ven- ing the colder weather we While many were con“Last year was such a ues realized that it’s a great still have in March, and structed from kits, others

sprang forth from the imaginations of their creators. Entries included yachts, castles, and even chickens. Admission to the carousel house, the Silver Beach Amusement Park Museum and the display is free.

A Builder’s Bash will take place from 4 to 8:30 p.m. on March 6, providing visitors with the opportunity to see the creations and meet the local LEGO builders. More information can be found at www.silverbeachcarousel.com.

Another highlight of “Build Your Way Around Town” will be the LEGO Bricks Building Competition scheduled for March 15 at The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.

“We’ll have contests for kids in four age groups,” explained Christina H. Arseneau, director of the museum. “Kids ages 5 to 7 and 8 to 10 can bring in their

Off The Water, Michiana

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Week of March 7-13, 2014 • Page 7

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Submitted photo

LEGO toys have provided children with a means to express their creativity since 1932. pre-built LEGO creations, and the winners will be announced at 10:30 a.m.”

Then, a timed competition will be held for older builders.

“Kids ages 11 to 13 and 14 to 18 can bring in their own LEGOs, and they’ll have 45 minutes to build their creations,” Arseneau said.

“There will be LEGO-related prizes for all of the winners.

Those winning entries will be on display at the museum through April 6.”

The Heritage Museum will also have some LEGO

models created by the members of the Western Michigan Lego Train Club.

“Last year we had a model of the ‘Edmund Fitzgerald,’” Arseneau said. “This year, we’ll have a few things that you won’t see at the Big Build scheduled for the end of the month.”

Visitors to The Heritage Museum can also take that opportunity to explore the other exhibits that the museum offers.

“In celebration of LEGO month, admission to the

entire museum will be free for the whole month, so people can view the Civil War exhibit and the rest of the museum,” Arseneau said.

Both adults and children will find something to capture their interest and excite their imaginations.

“We have a discovery box where kids can uncover the kinds of artifacts that might have been found on a Civil War battlefield,” Arseneau said. “Also, they

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can dress up in reproduction Civil War uniforms or 1860s ladies’ clothing.”

Towards the end of the month, the Shadowland Ballroom will host the Big Build. Professional LEGO builder Jason Spear and the Western Michigan LEGO Train Club will create a large display on March 27 during Family Fun Night, from 4 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors can see the finished model and talk with the professional builders about their

work from March 28 through 30.

Finally, St. Joseph Today and the City of St. Joseph will get in on the LEGO action by linking LEGOs with lighthouses during the week of March 31. In celebration of the City’s recent acquisition of the lights and in keeping with this summer’s public art theme, the City will be holding a competition for builders of LEGO lighthouses. More information and submission

forms can be found at w w w. s t j o e t o d a y. c o m / LEGO. A full listing of the “Build Your Way Around Town” activities—most of which are free—can be found on the event’s Facebook page at faceb o o k . c o m / B u i l d Yo u r Wa y A r o u n d To w n .

Additional details can be obtained by contacting the various venues.

“There’s just going to be a lot of fun things that families can do,” Stone said.

Ongoing

i

Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held 89:30 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.

i

Applications for Twin City Players Brian Swiger Memorial Scholarship available at Berrien Co. high schools. Students should contact their counselors.

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

Spring Yoga at Fernwood.

Thursdays with Greta Hurst. Walk-ins are welcome. $10 (Members $8).

Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI 49120. For more info, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491.12:151:30 p.m.

Now – March 18

March 1 – April 6

Now – March 18

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING? March 5 - April 16

A Walk to Remember.

Hope United Methodist Church, 69941 Elkhart Rd., Edwardsburg, MI. 12-2 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Wednesdays. Come as many times as you like.

No cost. Self-guided.

Bring your friends. Call (269) 663-5321 for more info

$8, Kids (6-10): $4, under 6: free. Call (574) 2717853 for more info. 4-7 p.m.

Fish Fry. D.A.N.K., 2651 Pipestone in Benton Harbor, MI. All you can eat fish with other sides: 6-8 p.m. Live entertainment. $9 per person. Call (269) 926-6652 for more info.

March 7-23

March 7

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.

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

Second Annual Build Your 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.

The First Friday Film is for children and their parents. The film, "Young Leonardo" with Dan the Art Man, focuses on real art: teaching composition, color theory, creativity, art materials, art history and special demonstrations teaching how to draw pirates and horses. Free for children with a suggested donation of $1. Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. For more info, visit www. boxfactoryforthearts.org.

Comedian Aziz Ansari: “Modern Romance.”

Morris Performing Arts Center, South Bend, IN. Tickets: $38, available at www.MorrisCenter.org, (574) 235-9190 or (800) 537-6415. 7 p.m.

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:

Colors for Kids

5K Fun Run

April 26, 2014 at Brandywine High School $25 per person, team of 4 OR $30 per person, individual if you register before April 1st All proceeds benefit children in our community.

Registration starts at 7:00 am Zumba at 8:00 am • Race starts at 9:00 am

Niles Service League

NilesServiceLeague.yolasite.com/5k.php For more info call 269.591.1246 or email beckyk@sbfcu.org

South Bend Civic Theatre presents “The Clean House” in the Warner Theatre. Tickets are $18 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and $15 Wednesdays and Thursdays. Performances are 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information and to order tickets call (574) 234-1112, or visit www. sbct.org.

March 8

Curious Kids’ Museum hosts LEGO bingo games geared for ages 4-6. Prizes will be given to the first person to yell “Bingo” in each game. Pick up a Blueprint Passport that you can take to the listed sites and get stamped and enter to win a Lego package! 415 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI. (269) 9832543. Game Times: 1, 1:30, 2 and 2:30 p.m. All programs are free with the Museum admission.

i

Warbler Workshop. Naturalist Wendy Jones leads this in-depth workshop covering warbler field

marks, song, habitat, and behavior. $20 (Members $16). Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI. For more info and to register, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 695-6491. 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Soltre, traditional Irish music with Rick Willey, Sean Ellsworth-Hoffman, Adam Carter and Eric Fiechtner and special guest Katie Montoya.

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 Fling Bazaar, Bertrand Hall, 3835 Buffalo Rd., Buchanan, MI. Many great, local, handmade (and some not-so-handmade) vendors! Lunch at 10:30 with homemade pulled pork sandwiches.

Vendors include Simply Homemade, Sew 'N Love, This and That Candle/ Home Decor, Mandy's Madness, and more. Free admission. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

LEGEND

Alcohol

Art

Business

Movies

Community

Theatre

Crafts

Music

Religious

i

Food

Information

Tourist

Nature

Holiday

Parting Shots

Family

$

$

Page 8 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

Shopping

Sports

Hilliard Lyons by calling (269) 983-7500. All proceeds will go to the Curious Kids’ Museum and The First Tee of Benton Harbor.

6-11 p.m.

Sock Hop at the Shadowland Ballroom, Silver Beach Center, 333 Broad St., St. Joseph, MI. Enjoy a night of music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s featuring Three Bad Jacks.

There will also be a silent auction, cash bar, burgers, Trivia Night returns to hot dogs, and other food. Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Tickets are $35 per person Benton Center Rd., Benton and can be purchased at See CALENDAR page 10

Give Your Loved Ones

The Freedom To Safely Live At Home At Home Care Assistance, we strive to provide the best service and our efforts don’t go unnoticed. We are proud to be recognized by Home Care Pulse as a Best of Home Care - Endorsed National Provider.

Kalamazoo St. Joseph 269-384-6000 269-983-0005

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9 Marketplace

Off The Water, Michiana

Marketplace

CASH

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

Adoption ADOPT:

096

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

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Help Wanted 300 HELP WANTED

SW Michigan grain & hog farm looking for full time & part time help, some experience required, competitive pay and benefits, possible housing, call (269)587-0062 Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted

DRIVERS NEEDED:

SAMPCO

Cassopolis

the nation’s premier provider of samples to the building materials industry is looking for a Maintenance Technician for our South Bend facility. This position performs maintenance of industrial equipment such as, cutting machines, pinch rollers, glue dispensing systems and punch presses.

This position is also in responsible of facility maintenance as well as inspecting belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, greasing bearings/seals, calibrating and repairing pneumatic systems and other miscellaneous equipment/tools.

The successful candidate should have previous experience in a manufacturing environment. Send resume and salary requirements to mpocock@sampco.com. No phone calls please. EOE.

TRAFFIC CONTROL SPECIALISTS

(Flaggers) for the Niles/South Bend area. $10.35/hr. to start, promote from within. Must be able to work in all types of weather, open availability preferred.

Go to http://awptrafficsafety. applicantpro.com/jobs/

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 g 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in - Niles, MI or call 269-684- 5960 to request application www.kennethsmithinc.com

OPPORTUNITIES

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

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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

GREAT DOWAGIAC

1BR 1BA + DEN/GUEST BR, W/D hookups, full basement, $600 + utils. Owner 269-588-0546. Info & pix at http://bwprop.info

HAMILTON SQUARE APARTMENTS

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

Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Next class March 22nd, 8a-5p Contact Paul: 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 2 6 9 - 7 8 3 - 6 5 7 0 pdkfirearms.com

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

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

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

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

AVAILABLE APRIL 1ST Lovely 3 bedroom completely remodeled home in the city of Niles, $850/month plus security deposit, excellent credit & references, no section 8 (269)621-4724 DIAMOND LAKE HOME

Nice 1160 sq ft 3 bedroom brick ranch on Diamond Lake. 62283 Lagoon Drive, Cassopolis. Large Yard and 75 ft of water frontage on Wilson Channel. 12 month lease. $820/mo. Discounts Available, pets negotiable.

Call 574-274-3218

EDWARDSBURG

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

Manufactured 502 Homes A GREAT HOME FOR LESS

Houses for Sale 500 FOR SALE Galien, MI

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

Fulkerson Park, Niles, no pets, $725 (574)323-1102

P.D.K. TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES

STONE LAKE MANOR

For Rent 418 3 BEDROOM

NOW HIRING REALTORS

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

0 n

Turn your Closet into

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

Adoption is a gift of love. We will honor and cherish your gift forever. A bright future filled with love and opportunity awaits the baby that blesses our home. Tina and Sam 1-800-719-9477 Expenses Paid.

.

Week of March 7-13, 2014 • Page 9

Charming 1860s Cabin Frontage on Dayton Lake One of a Kind Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484 Niles- N. 5th St.

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

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

Riverside Estates Call 269-695-3119

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

HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

3 BED

TAX SEASON IS HERE

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

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

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

OVER 20 ACRES

Garage-Yard

669

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready Sales to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $587 Buchanan-2924 E. Riverside per month (includes lot rent, Road ESTATE SALE by insurance, water, trash) Call 269-423-7024 or visit Heartstrings www.phelpscommunity.com March 8, 9, 9a-5pm 18699 Williams St. to view pictures Huge Sale!! Furniture, Tools, Cassopolis, MI Collectables, Framed art of natural beauty in work, kitchen items, many Michigan! 7 minutes from General Mer595 unique items.

Elkhart. Open split bedroom chandise floor plan offers over 2500 NOW OPEN sq.ft. with 6 bedrooms/4.5 Wanted to Buy 672 NILES FLEA MARKET bath including guest ANTIQUES WANTED Wed.-Sat. 10a-5p quarters. Barn, pool, creek, Postcards, watches, pocketSun. 12p-5p pond, and horse/dirt bike knives, photos, jewelry, in111 E. Main St trails. Edwardsburg schools A few Vendor spots still struments, entire estates.

This house is a must see! available. For more info Call Chris 269-591-5168 $410,000 Visit call 574-323-4187 www.SoGoodToBeHome.com BUYING for photo tour or call repairable scrap and unCemetery Lots 617 Coldwell Banker, RWG wanted vehicles, top dollar 1 LOT & VAULT Patty Lauten in Mission Hills Memorial paid. Call or text for a free (574)340-4271 Chapel Old Rugged Cross quote today. Free towing.

(269)663-8800 Garden, worth $3,000, Kevin (817)437-0450 asking $1,000, will include transfer fee. (269)683-8047 WANTED TO BUY

Cash paid for small & size refrigerators working or not,

625 medium

Turn your Closet into

3 bed, 1 bath Home, garage and basement, neighborhood access to Eagle Lake, $850/month, Call Jerry 574-298-6730

Things to Do 637 CASS DISTRICT LIBRARY

Used & reconditioned washers, ranges, dryers, refrigerators & freezers.

Geiger Refrigeration Service 841 Carberry Rd. Niles (269)687-8639

Consignment

412

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

CASH

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

Accepting Spring & Summer wear Feb. 1st

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

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

WE WILL BUY

CALENDAR continued from page 8 Harbor, MI. Gather a team of 10 ($10 each person) and register for a night of fun by calling (269) 9274832.

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

i

are free. 3/8: 11 a.m. And 1 p.m. and on 3/9 at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m.

March 8-23

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.

WHAT'S10HAPPENING? Half Class

i

Sunday Journey: 100 Years Without the Passenger Pigeon. Wendy Jones talks about the demise of this species, what causes a plant or animal to disappear from the earth, and how we can stop the forever loss of any other species. $10 (Members $8).

Fernwood Botanical Garden, 13988 Range Line Rd., Niles, MI. For more info and to register, visit www.fernwoodbotanical.org or call (269) 6956491. 1:30-3 p.m.

March 9

Family Fun Day: American Girl Doll Day Featuring Julie. Crafts and activities. Bring in your dolls and share stories with others and enter into a drawing to win American Girl related prizes. 2 sessions: 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: $5 per person.

Preregister at (574) 5356458 by March 6 at the Elkhart Co. Historical Museum.

March 8-9

Maple Sugar Madness at Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI. An informational talk will be followed by a tree tapping and demonstration of historical processing methods. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register. The fee is $5 for adults; kids

“Sing-along concert” tribute to the life and music of folk singer Pete Seeger at Broadway Christian Parish United Methodist Church. Local folk singer Joe Taschetta will perform Seeger songs and a few others in the Seeger spirit, and the crowd will be encouraged to join in. There is no charge for the concert, but a collection will be taken to support the urban ministries of Broadway. homeless and low-income people in the area.

Broadway is located at 1412 Carroll St. Visit www.broadwayumcsb. org, Facebook or call 574289-0333 for more info about Broadway and the concert. 5 p.m.

Off The Water, Michiana

The Hartman Stickley Memorial Piano Competition Winners Recital. Kroc Center Auditorium, South Bend, IN. Free and open to the public. For more info, call (574) 226-2950 or visit www.sbamta.org.

2:30 p.m.

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

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

Knights of Columbus All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast. St. Pius

X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. mass in the auxiliary gym. Adults: $6, Kids (610): $3, under 5: free. Call (574) 271-7853 for more info. Call (269) 429-0400 or visit twincityplayers. org for tickets. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays. 600 W. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph, MI. March 9-17

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 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.

March 10

Fish fry at Dowagiac

Conservation Club. All you can eat fish, mashed potatoes, gravy, mac and cheese, coleslaw, green beans, rolls, and dessert. $9.00 adults and carry outs, $4.50 for 12 and under. Call (269) 782-5508.

4:30-7 p.m.

March 11

i

Berrien County Democratic Women will offer a women’s history program to the general public at the Maud Preston Palenski Public Library, St. Joseph, MI. The social reception begins at 5:30 p.m.; the Women’s History Program will start at 6 p.m. A regular business meeting will follow. Men and women are cordially invited to attend. The program will celebrate 12 women. For more info, call Sue Betz, 930-8856. Free. 5:30-7 p.m.

i

Michigan Spring Peach Meeting. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The meeting will focus on fresh market peaches including new peach varieties, insect management strategies, disease control, tree training ideas, marketing strategies, rootstocks, farm marketing, and mechanical peach thinning. SW Michigan Research and Extension Center, 1791 Hillandale Rd, Benton Harbor, MI. For addition-

LEGEND

Alcohol

Art

Business

Movies

Community

Theatre

Crafts

Religious

i

Music

Food

Information

Tourist

Nature

Holiday

Parting Shots

Family

$

$

Page 10 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

Shopping

Sports

al info, registration forms, or assistance, contact Dr. Bill Shane at 269-9441477 ext. 205, 269-2081652 cell. Cost: $30- $35.

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

CLASSIFIEDs Home Improvement

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)

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

JDS HOME IMPROVEMENT

Repairs, Replacement, New Small Jobs welcome.

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

MR. MAINTENANCE FREE ESTIMATES

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

Low affordable rates.

(269)591-1403

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

Recycling Service

743

CA$H 4 JUNKERS

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

Snow Removal 745 ROOF SNOW REMOVAL Affordable rates.

(269)591-1403

Call

Misc. Services 747 COMPLETE CONCRETE

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work.

Insured (269)663-8091

CALL CLAssifieds

CONCRETE OUTFITTERS

Painting Service

754

Concrete countertops, vases, and more.

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

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

J.M. HUNT ENTERPRISES, LLC KLIMEK Painting & Drywall. Insured.

FOR SALE Free Estimates.

Family ENTERPRISES '93 Ford Ranger, 4 Cyl. 5 Electrical Contracting, No Job Owned & Operated for Over '93 Ford Ranger, 4 Cyl. 5 Spd., good good mpg mpg and and runs runs Spd., Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. 50 years. 269-683-4442. good, very very clean, clean, no no rust, rust, good, Affordable Pricing, Licensed & $1,995.00, '02 Pontiac, Insured. (269)684-6290 or $1,995.00, '02 Pontiac, Motorcycles & Prix, 4 4 Door, Door, loaded, loaded, p. p.

(269)470-4097.

Gran Prix, 915 Gran windows, p. p. locks, locks, p. p. seat, seat, WEAVER CONCRETE ATV’’s windows, leather, AM/FM CD, And masonry, driveways, leather, AM/FM CD, YOUR RIDE $4,995.00, '05 '05 Audi, Audi, A4, A4, porches, patios, tear $4,995.00, loaded, out/replace, all repairs, STARTS HERE! loaded, sporty, sporty, 4dr., 4dr., leather, leather, p. windows, windows, p. p. locks, locks, AM/FM AM/FM brick, block, stone, fire- Street Glide, Electra Glide & p. places. Will fix wet base- more! Check out all bikes & CD, CD, very very clean, clean, $5,995.00. $5,995.00.

All privately privately owned, owned, clean, clean, ments big or small, inside accessories at 1910 Lin- All good runners, runners, and and priced priced to to and out. All remodeling colnway East, South Bend, good windows, siding and call (574)289-6650 or shop sell. sell. Please Please call call Greg Greg at at 269269462-9260 or 269-262doors.Aaron (269)655-4158 w w w . m c d a n i e l s h a r l e y - 462-9260 or 269-2626448. davidson.com 6448.

Insurance Ser-

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of March 7-13, 2014 • Page 11

ON DISPLAY

The Scarlet Macaw takes flight

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

s

awyer—Native to the tropical forests of the Americas, the scarlet macaw is known for its vibrant rainbow of exotic plumage. True to its namesake, The Scarlet Macaw Community Art Center provides an exotic oasis of color and warmth for those who pass through its doors.

Upon entering the historic building located at 5888 Sawyer Rd., one cannot help but be captivated by the array of artwork that fills nearly every space on the walls.

“It’s everything. We don’t say, ‘Art is…’ We’ve got digital prints, photographs, pastels. You name it, we’ve got it all,” said Nifodora Elias (formerly Krumrie), who first opened The Scarlet Macaw as an artist’s studio in 1994. The business moved to its current location in 2002.

Over the years, The Scarlet Macaw has evolved into something far more than just a space for artists to work. It is also a gallery, an art education center, a reading and reference library, and the home of what Nifodora calls “The Un-Concise History of Sawyer.”

The building, which dates back as early as the 1870s, is 110 feet long but only 22 feet wide, providing a perfect space in which to display a wide variety of artwork.

“Little by little, we’ve invited artists to exhibit on our walls,” Nifodora said.

“Right now, we’ve got two international artists, two national artists, and then we have some really fantastic local artists, and we have beginning artists as

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

ABOVE: Nifodora Elias works on an abstract watercolor in The Scarlet Macaw Community Art Center. BELOW: Detail from a painting by Doug Miller II.

For more photos from The Scarlet Macaw, see page 12

well,” Nifodora said.

Very soon, however, the current exhibits will be taken down to make way for the annual student art

show.

“In April, we’ll have our tenth elementary school show,” Nifodora said. “All of this gets cleared out, and

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we hang the kids’ artwork.

We offer it for sale. We’re the only ones in the area to do that. The kids get 50%, and the school gets 30%, and the children have a wonderful time. And then, in June, our regular artists come back in.”

As an art educator as well as an artist, Nifodora welcomes children into the gallery, hoping they will feel at home.

“That’s what I have always wanted— to have children feel comfortable here,” Nifodora said. “This isn’t your traditional gallery, but it’s not your traditional art center either. Kids in the community can just come in and play—as long as I’m not teaching.”

Nifodora also provides a

more structured educational environment in the form of summer art camps.

“We try to fill our summers up with art activities for kids. We had a teen art camp this year that did all the graffiti on the sidewalk and created an interactive piece,” Nifodora said.

“This is a wonderful place to make messes. The fact that it doesn’t have carpeting, it’s not all finished and refined. It’s a pretty relaxed area, all in all. I say, ‘Come in and make messes, have fun, come and play.’”

Art camps are held every week starting in late June. They run from Tuesdays through Fridays, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

All of the materials and a snack are provided each day. Nifodora also teaches classes, which typically run 1 ½ to 2 hours long.

While The Scarlet Macaw provides a relaxed

atmosphere in which children can develop a relationship with art, Nifodora does not focus solely on teaching children.

“I started 32 years ago teaching at the River Valley Senior Citizens’ Center, and I have been teaching senior center classes ever since,” Nifodora said. “Since my niche is art, I’ve been able to work with all of the populations across the board, from preschoolers to senior citizens. I also work with special populations.”

Nifodora’s own work is also on display at the gallery. While she works primarily with watercolors, visitors to the gallery can also see some of her oil paintings. Althhough she was trained in figurative painting at the Art Institute of Chicago, she embarked on a more abstract course in January of 2013.

“The pieces I’m doing now are a sort of an introverted metamorphosis. This evolution’s been fun. I like to play with my viewer, so there are things hidden within the paintings,” Nifodora explained. “You begin a dialogue with the piece. That’s why I say that I love to engage the viewer. It’s like my educational style, too. If I can meet you where you are, and hook you to stand a moment longer, to be able to be a little more empathetic with what’s going on with the piece, that’s what I like to do.”

Because the building is the oldest one in Sawyer, Nifodora has also reserved a space in The Scarlet Macaw for photos that depict local history.

“The building itself is a magnet for Sawyer’s own history. I don’t lay claim to any of that whatsoever. It walks in the front door,” Nifodora said. “I’m not a historian or much of a history person, but within this environment, it demands attention. It just does. It’s really been great that there’s just one place where things can really come together.”

The Scarlet Macaw is also a space where people can come together with art.

It is open from 12 to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

More information about their camps and classes is available by calling (269) 363-1832 or by visiting The Scarlet Macaw Community Art Center’s Facebook page.

Page 12 • Week of March 7-13, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

The Scarlet Macaw Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

ABOVE: Nifodora Elias, owner of The Scarlet Macaw pictured above, along with a sampling of art that the center has to offer. RIGHT: The reading and reference library at The Scarlet Macaw.

Art by Maribeth

Art by Nancy Swan Drew

Merlin rests in his favorite spot.

The Scarlet Macaw is located in the oldest building in Sawyer.

"Horizons" by John Trusk

Nifodora teaches a young visitor how to make a paper box.