Off The Water - April 11-17, 2014

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Redefining art

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Week of April 11-17, 2014

Urban-inspired works at ARS.......... p.8

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 15

One-of-a-kind Sandpiper offers eclectic gifts for any occasion

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Page 2 • Week of April 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Sandpiper offers eclectic gifts for any occasion

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

RIDGMAN—“People say, ‘Don’t mix business with pleasure,’ but I just think that business should be a pleasure,” said Suzy Barnes, owner of the Sandpiper in Bridgman.

As a unique place to purchase an Easter or Mother’s Day gift, visiting the Sandpiper can be a pleasure for customers a well.

The shop houses a fullservice flower shop, as well as a boutique featuring one-of-a-kind garments created by local fiber artists, home décor items, body care products, jewelry and accessories.

“We have over 50 local artists that we buy from.

We’re not a commission shop, and our goal now has become to get money back into the local economy as fast as we can,” Barnes explained.

The business has evolved since Barnes first bought it from Judy Matthews in 2009. It had been a fixture in Bridgman for more than 40 years when Matthews finally decided to retire, and as a regular customer, Barnes was interested in keeping the shop alive.

“I have a house full of things that I bought here at the store over the years,” Barnes said. “Judy started talking to me about buying it because she felt like our tastes were similar. She just wanted it to keep going. It was kind of her legacy.”

Once Barnes took ownership of the shop, the current character of the store developed rather serendipitously.

“Everything just started out with an idea, and if it was a good idea, we went with it,” Barnes said.

“Everything here’s been like that.”

For example, the Sandpiper’s emphasis on hand-knitted and -crocheted items stemmed for Barnes’ own hobby of spinning yarn in the front window.

“That all started by accident. I like to spin yarn, so I would buy the raw wool from the animals from a few local farms, and I just got to be addicted to doing it,” Barnes recalled.

“So, I would do that in the window in the winter when I was here alone.”

Passersby noticed her activity and began inquiring as to whether they could purchase her handspun yarn.

“After about the 10th person asked, I realized I was missing an opportunity,” Barnes said. “So I started spinning for volume.

Then, people started asking if I would make items for them from the yarn.”

Always ready to oblige, Barnes first relied upon

friends who were accomplished knitters. Now, she employs eight master knitters from around the state of Michigan. While the shop is full of unique, handmade items for customers to choose from, Barnes still offers handspun wool from sheep and alpacas.

The eclectic collection of locally-made gifts offered by the Sandpiper also grew in a somewhat unplanned way.

“I just decided, ‘If I’m going to go shopping, what would I like to be able to get without driving to St. Joe or Benton Harbor or South Bend?’ What would I like to be able to get here?’”

Barnes recalled. “And, my answer was, ‘I’d like to be able to get things that are quality, that are locally produced—things I can run in quick and pick up if I need

something unusual.”

Barnes did not want to carry mass-produced items that she could find in any store across the nation.

“That’s not a gift. That’s not a treat. That’s not a piece of real value to me,” Barnes explained.

As word spread of Barnes’ desire for unique, locally-produced items, craftspeople and hobbyists began to approach her about the possibility of selling their creations through her store.

“People started coming in and showing me things.

You know, ‘I make this beautiful soap. I live in Berrien Springs. I’m a nurse.

Do you want to try it at your place?’” Barnes said. “So, I’d buy a small bit and try it out, and it just exploded from there.”

Barnes attributes a portion of her success in running the Sandpiper to her personal approach to sales, making it her goal to help customers choose the perfect gift for any recipient.

“Gift-giving just happens to be a talent of mine,”

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

Suzy Barnes, owner of the Sandpiper, loves to spin locally-produced wool in the warm light of the shops’ front window.

Barnes said. “When someone comes in and says they’re looking for a gift, I try to ask them sets of questions that will help me guide them. A gift should be personal. I wouldn’t recommend the same gift for two different people, ever.”

Barnes’ goal is to help every gift-giver choose a useful gift, rather than something that the recipient will not truly appreciate. She takes the same approach when creating floral arrangements.

“Flowers are like art.

They come in every size, color, and shape,” Barnes said. “The outcome will always be better if you let us design for the person instead of taking that ‘give me whatever,’ cookie-cutter approach.”

Barnes also credits the shop’s success to her special employees, including Caroline Pfliger.

“She has been with me since the first year,” Barnes said. “She smoothed out all the bumps. Invoicing, inventory, all of those things.

She’s an amazing person!”

Located at 4217 Lake St., the Sandpiper’s winter hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

On the second Friday of every month at 6 p.m., they also host a fiber-lovers open house. More information can be found at www. thesandpiper.biz or by calling (269) 465-5936.

No matter what you’re looking for in a gift, whether it be for a child, a man, a woman or for yourself, it seems certain that you can find it at the Sandpiper.

“We have things that people have a hard time finding, like Polish pottery, jewelry that’s handmade, all sorts of things,” Barnes said. “It’s gifts, décor, fiber, fashion, flowers — kind of a little bit of everything.”

Off The Water, Michiana

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Week of April 11-17, 2014 • Page 3

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ICHIANA—Over the next two weekends, various communities around southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana will be celebrating the arrival of spring with their annual Easter egg hunts and other unique, family-centered activities.

Niles

Dowagiac

Dowagiac will hold their Easter egg hunt on April 12 at Beckwith Park. While the hunt begins at 12 noon, the festivities will actually begin at 9:30 a.m. with a visit from the Easter Bunny atop a fire truck. In case of bad weather, the event will be held on April 19.

“Kids can visit with the Easter bunny from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.,” said Bonnie Ferrier, who is co-chairing the event with fellow Honor Credit Union employee, Jessica Kehrer.

“We also have an Easter costume contest.”

Contestants in the 11:30 a.m. contest can win one of three Easter gift baskets.

Costumes will be judged for originality, cuteness and creativity by Miss Dowagiac, her court and the Easter Bunny. There will also be other fun activities, including sidewalk chalk, hula hoop contests and a bean bag toss.

The egg hunt will feature 4,000 eggs stuffed with candy and stickers by Bonnie and her fellow tellers at Honor Credit Union: Michelle Owens, Stacey Staley and Sara Mosier.

“This is our fifth year of involvement,” Bonnie said.

“Deborah McDonald and some of the ladies from the Timbers stuffed some eggs for us, too.”

The Easter Eggstravaganza is truly a community event with donations coming in from merchants from around town and with fire department employees hiding the eggs.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Ferrier said.

In keeping with tradition, the Berrien County Civitan Club will be presenting an Easter egg hunt for children in Niles at Riverside Park on April 12.

“It starts at 12 noon with the siren blast, and it’s over in about 10 minutes,” said Annie Chapman, who is chairing the event. “It’s one of our favorite events to do every year, and we love to do it.”

The club plans to spread approximately 4,000 candy- and prize-filled eggs in the park for children ages 2 to 10 to collect.

Of those 4,000 eggs, 2,000 are filled by the Civitan Club, and the rest are donated by local merchants. Some eggs will have special prize slips for stuffed animals or gift certificates for treats from places like McDonald’s.

A few will even have prize slips worth $25 in golden coins.

“The Niles DDA donates $100, and that is divided into four special prizes for kids in four different age categories,” Chapman said. “Those categories are 2-yearSouth Bend olds, 3- to 4-year-olds, 5Downtown South Bend to 7-year-olds, and 8- to (DTSB) has planned their 10-year-olds.” own “Egg Stravaganza” for

April 12. Downtown restaurants, attractions and shops have teamed up to offer specials, demonstrations, crafts and activities that celebrate eggs, bunnies and everything spring in the heart of downtown.

Starting at 9 a.m., the day will be filled with many fun activities for children of all ages. While many are free, some do have a small cost associated with participating in them.

For example, craft activities will be available at Healthworks! Kids’ Museum, The Center for History, Junk Evolution and The Pigeon and the Hen Pottery.

The former College Football Hall of Fame will be another location where children can enjoy special treats, like cookie decorating, egg races, sack races and a cash egg hunt, which starts at noon. In fact, DTSB is hiding $200 in prizes in some of those eggs.

There will be also be a breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Tippecanoe Place Restaurant from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Reservations can be made by calling (574) 234-9077.

A complete list of the day’s activities and their locations is available by contacting Downtown South Bend, Inc. at (574) 282-1110 or by visiting www.DtsbEggFun.com.

Buchanan

Buchanan will host its public Easter activities on April 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Buchanan Commons at 122 Days Ave. The children’s hunt will begin at 11 a.m., followed immediately by an egg hunt for dogs.

Alice Kring, owner of

Redbud Insurance, is organizing the event for the fifth year, but she has been helping out with the event since 2007.

“I’m guessing there’s approximately 8,000 eggs,” Kring said. “Most of the eggs are filled with candy, but there are 30 prize eggs for each of the four age groups. Prize slips are for grab bags for older kids and smaller stuffed rabbits for the younger kids.”

There will also be prize slips for a large and a small gift basket for each group as well as very large stuffed animals. The Leo Club and the Boy Scouts will help spread the eggs.

“We’ve had a lot of individuals that have dropped off candy and money,” Kring said. “If people want to help, there is still time to drop off candy and dog treats at Redbud Insurance or at City Hall.”

St. Joseph

On April 19, St. Joseph will also present an Easter egg hunt and other fun activities for kids and their families from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on State St. in downtown.

It will follow the same format as last year’s hunt, with area merchants providing as many as 10,000 eggs that kids can search for. Golden eggs containing extra special prizes will also be hidden.

In addition, St. Joseph Today has teamed up with the Silver Beach Carousel to offer two locations for family fun. Magician John Dudley, face painter Kristen Zamora and the Easter Bunny will be downtown from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will then move to the carousel starting at 2 p.m.

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Page 4 • Week of April 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

'Passion' takes stage on Good Friday

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ERRIEN SPRINGS— While we now use the word “passion” most often to describe an intense desire or interest, the word actually comes from the Latin word for “suffering.”

As such, “passion” has been used for centuries to describe the events that Jesus Christ endured during the last few days before his crucifixion.

Passion plays, then, have been a staple of Christian Easter celebrations since medieval times. These dramatic representations originally served as a way to instruct the largely non-literate masses in the Church’s doctrine of the crucifixion and resurrection.

In keeping with this Easter tradition, the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University will host two free performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s

“The Passion of Christ According to Matthew” on Easter weekend.

“The performance will be premiering on Good Friday because Bach originally wrote it to be performed on Good Friday,” said Charles Reid, associate professor of voice at Andrews and producer of the performance.

According to Reid, the drama begins with the woman at Bethany anointing Jesus with ointment, and it ends with Christ’s body in the grave. In medieval times, the event of the resurrection, which occurred on Easter, would have been covered in a separate play.

Although Andrews has staged passion plays in the past, this year’s all-new production incorporates both traditional and innovative elements. For example, Reid and student Aleks Kravig translated the piece from its original German into common American English, while remaining true to Bach’s intent with

“The Passion of Christ According to Matthew” will be performed at Andrews University on April 18 and 19. the language.

In addition, the costuming for this production will be more casual and contemporary.

“Jesus didn’t get dressed up to be Jesus,” Reid pointed out. “He just wore clothes. Same for the disciples. Era-appropriate costuming adds another disconnect of that’s how it

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was ‘back then.’ We want this story to be as relatable as possible.”

Perhaps the biggest innovation is the decision to stage the production as an opera.

“It really is a unique performance,” Reid said. “I experienced it as performed in a similar way as a young singer at the Brooklyn

Academy of Music, which is where I got the idea. It is a creative choice that is not a normal part of the tradition.”

Staging the production in this manner allows for more emphasis on what Reid called “reflection points” throughout the performance.

“We are telling the story as well as presenting points of reflection, or meditation, on certain aspects of the story,” Reid explained. “Throughout the story, Bach interjects chorales or arias which comment on the story.”

In keeping with tradition, two choirs and two orchestras will perform the piece, along with several soloists, including Andrews student Deneile Clark in the role of Jesus. David Ortiz will play the role of evangelist/narrator.

“This is the only piece I know of that Bach wrote for two orchestras,” Reid said. “All of the singers are from Andrews University, and the Andrews Symphony Orchestra will be performing.”

Stephen Zork, associate

professor of music for choir and voice, will be conducting the performances, while Claudio Gonzalez, associate professor of music for orchestra and strings, is managing the instrumental aspect for the production, including ensuring that appropriate, Baroque-era instruments are used in the performance.

“We’ve brought in a few specialized instruments for this performance, including a positive organ, which is basically a very small, portable organ, a harpsichord and a viola di gamba,” Reid said.

While the free performances are scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on April 18 and 19 in the Howard Performing Arts Center, Reid expects a full house, and he recommends that audience members arrive when the doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are not necessary.

More information about the production can be obtained by calling the Howard Center for the Performing Arts at (269) 471-3560 or by visiting www.howard.andrews.edu.

George Clinton headlines PGA concert series

B

ENTON HARBOR – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and funk legend George Clinton is coming to Benton Harbor, Mich., to headline a three-day Community Concert Series presented by Dow and Whirlpool Corporation during the week of the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid, May 20-25. Also performing is New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band, R&B stylist Will Downing and jazz musician Tim Cunningham.

Local artists, Charlene Jones and Bonita Mitchell, will be the featured opening acts – as Jones will open for George Clinton and Mitchell will open for Dirty Dozen Brass Band.

The concerts will take place in advance of Memorial Day Weekend, from Wednesday, May 21 through Friday, May 23. All shows will be held at City Center Park in downtown Benton Harbor and will be free to the public.

Admission to the Community Concert Series is free although a ticket is required.

Beginning May 1, fans can obtain tickets by visiting the following local businesses: Pizza Hut, St. Joseph — 2049 Niles Road; Pizza Hut, Benton Harbor — 1940 M-139; The Livery, Benton Harbor — 190 5th Street; Harbor Shores Clubhouse, Benton Harbor — 201 Graham Avenue; St. Joseph Today office, St. Joseph — 301 State Street.

The Community Concert Series schedule is as follows (all shows begin at 8:30 p.m.): Wednesday, May 21: Charlene Jones (opening), George Clinton (headlining). Thursday, May 22: Gospel music by Bonita Mitchell, Charlene Jones, Gwen Norwood and Tara Sanders (opening), Dirty Dozen Brass Band (headlining).

Friday, May 23: Tim Cunningham (open-

ing), Will Downing (headlining).

“We’re looking to build on the success and momentum of the 2012 Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid here in Benton Harbor by offering more activities for the people of this community,” said Greg Vaughn, vice chairman of the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid and chair of the Assure Community Benefits Committee, which connects the Championship to the community. “This concert series and the Championship are wonderful opportunities to highlight our community and help create an atmosphere where visitors will want to come back during other times of the year. We look forward to welcoming such impressive musical acts to Benton Harbor in May.” “Dow’s commitment and contributions to community reach beyond science and technology in order to embrace the human spirit and to help provide sustainable communities,” said Mike Kolleth, director of corporate brand and advertising for Dow. “We are pleased to be a part of bringing a community together, especially one right here in our home state.”

This year represents the 75th edition of the Senior PGA Championship presented

by KitchenAid, the oldest and most prestigious event in senior golf. It also returns to Benton Harbor in 2016 and 2018. Fans can learn more about the brand sponsorship and get updates at Twitter.com/ KitchenAid_Golf and Facebook.com/ SPGAKitchenAid. Tickets to the 75th Senior PGA Championship presented by KitchenAid may be purchased online at SPGA2014. com or by calling the Championship office at 269-487-3200.

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 11-17, 2014 • Page 5

A little help from my friends T his week, I’d like to take the opportunity I’ve been blessed with here to write a little tribute to friendship.

Particularly, friends who become family and those special bonds you form with the people you grow up around. I grew up in a family where close friends were considered family, and I’ve carried this example on in my adult life.

If you know me personally, then you know I am a big believer that the mind, body, spirit connection is essential for optimal health and wellness. For me, friendships are a critical part of my spiritual well being.

Events in my personal life these past couple weeks

have really amplified this truth and brought it to light.

Just when a fairly new, yet quickly close friendship was coming to an end, a dear family friend died. I had to come home to Southwest Michigan for a few days where I was surrounded by family and friends who are family; those who have known me since day one.

Facing the true loss of someone influential in your life really puts things in perspective. It also forces together all the people who shaped you as a person and have known you from the start. I was deeply saddened, but also felt much more centered coming back to my roots.

We will never know

why certain people come into our lives or dramatically exit when they do, but if you are fortunate enough to have grown up in this area, chances are you have people who are there for you no matter what, who would do anything for you even if they haven’t heard from you in quite a long while. What greater blessing in life is there than that?

To me, knowing I’m not going through this roller coaster ride of life alone, that I can always come home, is a great comfort.

It’s said that a true friend is someone who knows everything about you and loves you anyway. I felt myself enveloped in this sentiment last week as I attended

the funeral of one lifelong friend and the wedding of another in one weekend.

Looking around the packed churches at these pivotal events, seeing all the old familiar faces, made me truly grateful for the lifelong bonds I formed growing up in St. Joseph. I feel strongly that this is something special about our community and we should take note at how lucky we are.

Life can throw us some real curve balls once in a while, but if you are blessed with a true, old friend who knows you to the core, the tough times are easier to bear and the good times more joyous. So, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those in my

Chilean wines make a comeback

S

outh American wines played a key role in revolutionizing the concept of value wines in recent years. Argentina has had great success with its seductive Malbec, earthy Bonarda, and even the white difference of Torrontos.

Chile has been around longer but may be viewed more skeptically by growing mostly Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot wines. Early on much of the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc was quite tasty. But the reds were marred with a green pepper or vegetal flavor that was a little more than unappealing to many palates.

The Chilean wines I’ve tasted in the past year are increasingly of higher quality and interest. Chilean winemakers are also experimenting with Pinot Noir and even Rhone blends. The unique and different growing regions could make Chile a real wine star in com- ing years.

A little background goes all of the way back to the 16th century and Spanish conquistadors introducing vines to the coastal nation. In the 1800s the French introduced Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, and a somewhat obscure grape, Carmenere.

Keep in mind when thinking about the environment for grape growing is the unique terroir. The Andes and the Pacific Ocean sandwich the grape growing regions. That would be latitudes similar to Spain.

There are five major wine regions, arguably the Central Coast produces the best wines or at least the wines most often found on U.S. shelves. The Central Valley includes the three Maipo regions along with the best known Colchagua Valley area.

Some important folks and winemakers have taken notice of Chile’s potential in recent years through partnerships and investment. Robert Mondavi, Miguel Torres, Chateau Lafite Rothschild, and Chateau Mouton Rothschild have all partnered to make wines.

Great Britain imports a lot of Chilean wines and even the higher end bottles. In the U.S., Chilean wine normally means value – or frankly, cheap red wine.

Where Chile may have a long-term advantage is the diversity of its wine industry. The Cabernet, Syrah, and Merlot wines are certainly a bit different than pulling one off the shelf from California. That littleknown French blender Carmenere has

life who have been there from the beginning and who will be there until the end. I feel truly blessed.

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

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Off The Water, Michiana

CUISINE SCENE

Better with age

Round Barn Winery grabbing honors in 34th year

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ARODA—Seeing as April is “Michigan Wine Month,” and the Round Barn Winery has just been named one of the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” for 2014, wine lovers may want to celebrate by uncorking a bottle of the Baroda-based company’s products.

From humble beginnings, the family-run business has grown year after year, always innovating and expanding their product line.

“This will be our 34th year in the wine business in Michigan as a family. We planted the vineyard the same year as we bought the property here, so that would have been 1981,” said Chris Moersch, director of brewing operations and son of the founder, Rick Moersch.

“My father sold the grapes to Tabor Hill, and that was actually how we were able to raise enough money to open our own place in 1992. Every dime we’ve ever made, we’ve put back into the business.”

Originally, the winery was called the Heart of the Vineyard, but after the Moersch family decided to expand into distilling spirits, they purchased an authentic, Amish-built round barn in 1996.

“We wanted a unique building to house our still,” Moersch said. “We decided that we needed a round building with no corners for the bad spirits to hide in. So, it’s part of the lore of the round barns, and it kind of made sense.”

After several years of explaining that they were indeed the vineyard with the round barn—one of only two in the state of Michigan, the Moersch family decided to fully embrace the unique structure, and they renamed the company in 2004.

“That made it a lot easier for people to remember our name,” Moersch said.

Then, when they added their brewing operation in 2007, Round Barn became

Submitted photo

Now that spring has returned, the Round Barn Winery is open seven days a week. Visitors can both taste and purchase their wines in the historic round barn. the first Michigan company to produce wine, spirits and beer.

“I take care of the brewery and the public house, and my brother, Matt, is

the winemaker and the distiller here,” Chris Moersch explained.

It’s that kind of entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation that earned the Round Barn Winery,

Distillery & Brewery their latest accolade.

Companies on the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list are considered second-stage companies.

Defined as having 6 to 99

full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capita, these are companies considered as forming the backbone of Michigan’s economy.

“It’s very exciting, and certainly unexpected,” Moersch said of the award, which they will receive on May 6 in Lansing. “Bob Jones from Kinexus mentioned the award project,

o

Off The Water, Michiana

Week of April 11-17, 2014 • Page 7

CUISINE SCENE and he submitted us, and we were lucky enough to receive that award.”

Not content to rest on their laurels, the Moersches have continued to expand their product line, releasing two new wine varieties this year.

“Things are always growing,” Moersch said.

“We’re always developing new products. This year, we’re releasing our first vintages of Sauvignon Blanc and another variety, Albarino,” Moersch said. “To me, it’s kind of between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Gris. It has a really nice fruit character, and it does real well in this type of climate.”

Together with their many other varieties of white and red wine, these two new wines, which are rather rare in this region, bring the list of Round Barn offerings to roughly 25. Chris and his brother, Matt, also own their own label, Free Run Cellars, which offers about 12 more varieties.

One of those many varieties is sure to compliment any Easter dinner, from the traditional to the exotic.

Moersch suggested trying the Pinot Gris or Riesling with ham and the Pinot Noir if lamb is on the menu.

Although the Moersches continue to identify Round Barn as a family company, they now employ nearly 100 people seasonally. In

fact, they have doubled their staff in the last four to five years, according to Moersch.

“It is a family business, but we’ve grown to a point where we’ve run out of family to man all the positions,” Moersch explained. “We’ve been really blessed to have some great people working for us, and that really shows in the loyalty of our customers, and it continues to push our business forward.”

Those employees make sure that customers enjoy Round Barn’s products at the Baroda Tasting Room and Estate, located at 10983 Hills Rd., as well as at the Union Pier Tasting Room and the Round Barn Brewery and Public House in Baroda.

Round Barn products are also available at a wide variety of supermarkets and liquor stores as well as from the company’s website at www.roundbarnwinery.com. The company can be reached by phone at (800) 716-9463.

“Round Barn is the culmination of 30-plus years of the proverbial ‘blood, sweat, and tears,’ literally,” Moersch said.

“We’ve built a very loyal following, and that speaks very highly of the people who have worked for us and contribute to work for us. They’re basically an extension of our family.”

Leader photos/JILL McCAUGHAN

Chris Moersch, son of founder Rick Moersch, stands inside the Amish-built round barn that became the namesake of the winery, distillery and brewery in 2004.

Dogwood Fine Arts Festival May 9-18, 2014

Friday, May 9

Author Elizabeth Strout

X

Saturday, May 10 Dancing Wheels

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Wednesday, May 14 Storyteller Kim Weitkamp

X Friday & Saturday May 16 & 17 Culinary demonstration and tasting

X Saturday, May 17 Mitch Ryder Concert

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Page 8 • Week of April 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

ON DISPLAY

Redefining Art:

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

B

ENTON HARBOR— Art lovers who appreciate cuttingedge, meaning-based art that is both urban yet decorative may want to check out the new show coming to the ARS Gallery: Stephanie Lebak Adomaitis’ “Works on Paper.”

“This show will consist of all new work from 2014.

I’m also painting a large piece right now that will be included in this exhibit,” Lebak Adomaitis said, laying down her brush to speak on the phone from her Bloomington, Ill. studio last week.

Originally from the Chicago area, Lebak Adomaitis has been attracted to public expressions of art — including graffiti and tagging — since she was a child. She first noticed these artistic expressions when she accompanied her father to various parts of the city as he conducted building inspections.

“My dad and I are cut from the same cloth,” Lebak Adomaitis recalled.

“We would be on the train, going into the city, and I would see all of these different signs. They really captured my imagination.”

Later, when Lebak Adomaitis moved to the Detroit area to complete her graduate studies in art at Cranbrook, she began wandering around that city.

These travels heightened her interest in urban art and urban planning theories, and she found herself calling her father and asking him questions.

Gallery Showcasing unique vision

different dia- ing paper, stapling it to the lects.” wall, and painting on that.

Beyond the “It allows me to make composition of bigger gestures. It’s the her paintings, same application, but it Lebak Adomaitis’ allows me to be more fluid experience in in my mark-making,” she urban environ- explained. “The additional ments has also piece I’m working on now influenced her is 52 inches by 69 inches choice of media on stretched paper.” and presentation.

Lebak Adomaitis also Having had a lot feels that framing her work of experience in makes it less accessible. mural painting, Therefore, her work will be Lebak Adomaitis displayed at ARS in a likes to paint on a unique manner. large scale, but “At the last gallery, my she has also work was just stapled to the found that she wall,” Lebak Adomaitis said. prefers paper to “But it ARS, it will be canvas. mounted with special metal Submitted photo “In grad school, strips that Anna Russo Sieber I did mainly real- found just for this show.”

Stephanie Lebak Adomaitis’ “Works on Paper” will be on display at theProudly ARSpresents in Elkhart, Indiana ly, really large An opening reception Gallery beginning April 11.

EAT curated murals in the for the show,GRguest T NEX AY! TICKETS will take Museum of Cont- by Laura Boyce, D AVAILARS ABLE! Gallery, HURanS overall mark. emporary Art Detroit,” place at the shape Tas “I have to admit that language.”

Detroit was odd. I saw Lebak Adomaitis’ cur- So, these paintings all Lebak Adomaitis said. “So, I located at 147 Fifth St., on tried painting some of the most beautiful rent series, “Next Stop,” include the heart-shaped SPECIAL GUEST on giant can- Friday, April 11 from 6 to 8 artwork there,” Lebak incorporates a particular paw print in a different vases, but they felt really p.m. Lebak Adomaitis’ Proudly presents in Elkhart, Indiana works will then continue Adomaitis said. “I remem- symbol that she encoun- style each time,” Lebak formal and stiff.”

That’s when Lebak on display there for ber in particular this one tered while riding the Adomaitis said. “Different GREseveral AT colors then become Adomaitis started stretchweeks. building with all of the Metra train in Chicago.

NEXT will T IC !

K ET Y Tickets on sale now at the Lerner Box Office,charge by phone 574/293-4469 or online www.thelerner.com, S windows busted out.

“I’d noticed that, on the SDAMusic /Mishawaka, Audio Specialists / State Road 933 North-South Bend, Karma Records / PlymouthA&VAWarsaw, Orbit R U IL A B H LE !

Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office Someone had spray-paint- Metra, each conductor has T Proudly presentsand in the Elkhart, Indiana ed flowers on sheets that their own hole punch for Pacific Coast Concerts Proudly presents in Kalamazoo, Michigan GREAT ONNEXT were hanging in the bro- the tickets. Usually, they SPECIAL GUEST TICKETS !

E L Y A A Proudly presents in Kalamazoo, Michigan S SD ken-out windows. That are just circles or squares, AVAILABLE! TNHOUWR! influenced me even more.” but one conductor had a She was taken with both strange one. It was like a the beauty of the art as well combination of a paw print SPECIAL GUEST as its place in what she and a heart,” Lebak Tickets on sale now at the Lerner Box Office,charge by phone 574/293-4469 or online www.thelerner.com, calls “an interesting social Adomaitis said. “I saw thisOrbit Music /Mishawaka, Audio Specialists / State Road 933 North-South Bend, Karma Records / Plymouth & Warsa Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, and the LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office language.” pile of punches on the “I’m fascinated by graf- floor, and I was fascinated Tickets on sale now at the Lerner Box Office,charge by phone 574/293-4469 or online www.thelerner.com, Proudly/ State presents in Kalamazoo, Michigan Audio Specialists Road 933 North-South Bend, Karma Records / Plymouth & Warsaw, fiti, gang signs, tagging and with the symbol.”

ON Orbit Music /Mishawaka, Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, and the LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office other public expressions As a sort of semiotic LE A that aren’t always consid- gesture, Lebak Adomaitis S ! presents in Kalamazoo, Michigan The State Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, W ONN Tickets on sale now at Proudly N ered ‘art,’” Lebak has incorporated that O E charge by phone 800 / 745 3000 or online www.ticketmaster.com LE L A S A S !

Adomaitis explained. mark—the heart-shaped NNOOW W Proudly presents in South Bend, Indiana “They are these languages paw print—into each of the where only certain crowds paintings in the “Next ON SALE understand the original Stop” series, adopting it as NOW! message, but then they are almost a tag sign of her adopted by the larger pub- own. lic. They become more of a “I’ve started using this

STYX HEAD EAST

STYX

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

STYX

HEAD EAST Sunday April Thursday April 3, 2014 • 7:30 PM13, 2014 HEAD EAST7:30 The Lerner Theatre • Elkhart, Indiana PM Thursday April 3, 2014 • 7:30 PM The State The Lerner Theatre • Elkhart, IndianaTheatre This S Michigan Kalamazoo, un

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

day!

Sunday April 13, 2014 April Sunday AprilSunday 13, 2014 7:3013, PM2014 7:30pm 7:30 PM TheState State Theatre The Theatre The State Theatre Kalamazoo, Michigan Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kalamazoo, Michigan

TicketsTickets on sale nownow at The State BoxOffice, Office, Ticketmaster locations, on sale at The StateTheatre Theatre Box allall Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone 800800/ 745 or online onlinewww.ticketmaster.com www.ticketmaster.com charge by phone / 745- -3000 3000 or

SundayProudly April 27,in South 2014 • 8:00 PM presents Bend, Indiana Club Fever • South Bend, Indiana Proudly presents in South Bend, Indiana

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ON

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E Tickets on sale now at Orbit Music / Mishawaka, Audio Specialists / State Road 933 North - South Bend, Karma RecordsA/LPlymouth NOW & Warsaw, LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office / LaPorte, Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, Morris Performing Arts Center Box !

Office / South Bend, and all Ticketmaster locations, Charge by phone 574/235-9190 oronline www.morriscenter.org and www.ticketmaster.com 21 AND OVER ADMITTED!

Sunday April 27, 2014 • 8:00 PM Club Fever • South Bend,• Indiana Sunday April 27, 2014 8:00 PM

Club Fever • South Bend, Indiana

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

21 AND OVER/ ADMITTED! Tickets on sale now at Orbit Music / Mishawaka, Audio Specialists State Road 933 North - South Bend, Karma Records / P & Warsaw, LaPorte Civic Auditorium Box Office / LaPorte, Wooden Nickel Records / Fort Wayne, Morris Performing Arts Cen

9 Marketplace

Off The Water, Michiana

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

Instruction & Training

309

P.D.K. Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Next class April 19th, 8a-5p Spring Special $75. Contact Paul: 269-4622584 or Kelly: 269-7836570 pdkfirearms.com

Roommate 400 Wanted SEEKING MALE ROOMMATE

Employed, blue collar guy, 3000sq ft home, 2 acre lot, beautiful west side of Niles Township, $410/month, security deposit & references required. Call 269240-8800.

Adoption ADOPT:

096

NYC firefighter and teacher are longing to share their heart and home with a child.

Expenses paid.

Please call Tara and Pete 1-877-246-1978 or www.TaraAndPeteAdopt.com

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES

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

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General Notices 106 VENDORS WANTED!

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

WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

4

I can help. (269)473-2370

Help Wanted 300 INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICIAN

National Standard-Niles is seeking an experienced, safety-oriented Electrician to join our maintenance team. Hours are 7pm-7am with a 36/48 hour per week schedule. We provide a competitive wage and full benefits package. Learn more about this opportunity and apply online at www.nationalstandard.com email your resume to N or jobs@nationalstandard.com EEOE

n

!

Week of April 11-17, 2014 • Page 9

NOW HIRING REALTORS

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

SKILLED CARPENTERS

10-15 Years Experience Preferred. Please call to set Plymouth up an interview. nter Box(269) 422-1111

SENIOR PGA TOURNAMENT

May 14th to May 31st Grounds Crew Be Part of an Extraordinary Local Event!

30-40 hours $8.00/hr.

Day and Night Shifts

(269) 408-1980

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SMALL COLLECTION AGENCY

specializing in medical collections is in need of an experienced telephone debt collector. Some of the requirements include: 1. works well with others and as a team 2. is goal oriented and productive 3. is a proficient typist and learns new software quickly 4. is professional and effective on the phone.

Send resume to: CSB PO BOX 412 NILES, MI 49120

Elderly Care 307 KARE SERVICES

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

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

412

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

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

For Rent 418 NILES HOME

3 bedroom, new carpet & paint, great location, near schools & park, fenced yard, $700/mth 269-683-7238 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, (269)470-4448 or (269)470-9836 Sister Lakes

2 BED HOUSE

No Smoking No Pets. $700/month plus security Mature Adult(708)925-8973

THIS CHARMING

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 WESTSIDE HOME

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

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

4 Bedrooms + Den Fireplace, Hardwood Floors Needs New Family $149,000 Call or Text Chris Moore (269)362-5665 Freedom Realty (269)687-8484 Niles- N. 5th St.

3 BED

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

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

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. Located at 1009 N. 13th St. Niles Visit www.SoGoodToBeHome.com for more photos and info $63,000 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten (574)340-4271 (269)663-8800

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 Merchandise

595

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

Consignment

625

Turn your Closet into

CASH

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

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

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

Household Mer642 chandise FOR SALE

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

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

TAX SEASON IS HERE

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

Page 10 • Week of April 11-17, 2014

April 11

April 11-13

i

The Lake Michigan College Concert Choir will present their spring choral concert, “How Can I Keep from Singing,” a celebration of great English language choral standards.

The concert will take place Friday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. on the LMC Mendel Center Mainstage.

Off The Water, Michiana

WHAT'S HAPPENING? odist Church (across the street from the theatre on Madison St). Please enter through the west door into the basement. Prospective performers are asked to have a musical theatre song prepared with sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. Readings of scenes will also be part of the audition. Rehearsals will begin in mid-May.

The Barn Swallow Theatre announces auditions for “The Old Time Radio Show,” the first show of Barn Swallow Theatre’s 2014 performance season.

Auditions will be held at the theatre, located at 22334 U.S. 12 East of Edwardsburg, Mich. from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, April 12 April 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday April 12th, and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday April 13th for 10th Annual LMC Steven Celebrate the return of call backs and special re- C. Silcox Spring Training Rocky Horror South Bend quests.

5K/10K Run/Walk. Lake Hot Patooties Shadowcast Michigan College, Napier presentation of the “Rocky April 12-13 Avenue Campus. Fee: $20 Horror Picture Show.” (before April 1) and $25 Tickets are $8. Survival (after April 1 and on race kits are $2 and can be purday). Registration at 7:45 chased the night of the South Band Civic Theatre a.m. at the flag pole plaza show. The event begins at will hold auditions for the in front of the Administra11 p.m. at the State Theater, special production of South tion Bldg. Race begins at 214 S. Michigan St. South Pacific: In Concert from 9 a.m. Registration forms Bend, Ind. 2 to 4 p.m. at the Social available at South Shore Hall at First United Meth- Health and Racquet Club,

YMCA in St. Joseph and Niles, and at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/race.

For more info, contact Andrew Cowan at (269) 9271000 ext. 5101 or cowan@ lakemichigancollege.edu.

The Acorn Theater will host a special open mic night at 8 p.m. at no charge.

Performers are encouraged to email sandra@acorntheater.com to reserve a slot.

i

Comedian Wanda Sykes will perform at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center. Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased through www. ticketmaster.com, or by calling at (800) 745-3000.

9 p.m.

Mendel Center. Tickets are $25, $28 & $32. Mendel Center Box Office, (269) 927-1221 or www.lmc- Niles Elks Lodge is hostmainstage.org. 8 p.m. ing a benefit from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. to help with the medical expenses of Diane Smith, of Niles, who was recently diagnosed with More than 200 brews from stage II lymphoma. Smith 50 specialty breweries will is a 7th grade girls basketbe available to taste at the ball coach at Brandywine, ultimate beer sampling mother of three, wife and event, Blue Chip Brew- soon-to-be grandmother. fest, sponsored by Blue Tickets are $15 at the door Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, and the event will include Michigan City, Ind., on dinner, a cash bar and other Saturday, April 12 from fun features. For questions, 1:30 to 5 p.m. contact Josh Hood at (574) 315-6090.

The Parents without Partners dance will be from 7:30 p.m. to midnight at ZB Falcon’s Hall, located at the corner of Western and Sheridan in South Bend, Ind. Admission is $7. For more information, call Atlantic Steps at LMC (574) 256-9326.

Build a small table with the Sarett Nature Center Woodshop on April 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The project is appropriate for children ages 7 and up with an adult helper. The fee is $50. Pre-registration and

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Roofing, Siding & Windows, Light Hauling & Spring WE WILL BUY your junk car. We haul for Clean-Ups, No Inside or free. Paying up to $1500 Outside job too big or small. affordable rates. cash. Please call anytime Low (269)591-1403 269-687-8098

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

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Pool Service 727 SWIMMING POOL LINERS & REPAIRS

Any size, great prices, all equipment, 35 years experience. Robertson’s Sales & Service, Niles. Call (269)6842669

RICKS POWER WASHING RVs, homes, decks, farm Driveway, stone, slag, re- Electrical Contracting, No Job equip. & boat docks. Small cycled concrete, asphalt, top Too Big or Small. Free Quotes. commercial jobs. Serving soil, sand & fill. (269)782- Affordable Pricing, Licensed & Cass., Dow. & Niles. Free Senior Dis1744/(269)783-1744 Insured. (269)684-6290 or Estimates, (269)470-4097. counts. Will beat any Recycling Service 743 competitors estimates.

CA$H 4 JUNKERS MICHIANA MASONRY Call 269-470-9507 or 269& CONSTRUCTION 470-9498 All your Masonry needs!

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MIDWEST ROOFING

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Lifetime Warranty Shingles Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers.

Turn that Junker in your yard Call (269)684-7199 to cash in your hand 801 Carberry Rd, Niles POLE BARNS & 269-687-5865

Misc. Services 747 BRADY CONCRETE

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Stamped, flat & dirt work. Painting Service 754 Insured (269)663-8091

CONCRETE OUTFITTERS

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Insurance 758 LOWER YOUR INSURANCE RATES! Home - Auto - Health - Life We do the shopping for you!

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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

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prepayment are required. in Riverfront Park for chilPlease call (269) 927-4832 dren ages 2 to 10 years. to register.

Those interested should come early so that children can find their age group.

Stringfever will return to the Lerner at 7:30 p.m. The four talented musicians have put together a truly original show featuring five and six stringed electric violins, called violectras, a viola, and a cello.

Taste international foods from around the globe at Martin’s Supermarkets, 5637 Cleveland Avenue from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. See ethnic dancing and listen to ethnic music. Learn about different countries and cultures. All proceeds go to benefit Lakeshore High Shool International Club.

The State Theatre in South Bend is hosting a “Dumb and Dumber Brew and View” fundraiser to benefit the Center for the Homeless. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The movie begins at 7. Tickets are $5 per person.

Celebrate Easter with Downtown South Bend’s EggStravaganza.

The South Bend Museum of Art studios will be overflowing with color as owners explore the sights and hues of spring from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors will be able to make spring bonnets, sock bunnies, and much, much more. All activities are free and open to all ages.

Berrien County Civitan’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt

The Riversong Music Society presents John “Doc” Hosler, Kevin Blair and The Rusty Nails at 7:30 pm at the Box Factory for the Arts. Tickets are available online with PayPal at www.boxfactoryforthearts. org/calendar/#riversong or at the door are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free. The concert will feature music from the 50’s and 60’s.

April 13

Knights of Columbus AllYou-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast. St. Pius X Parish, Fir Rd., South of SR 23, Granger, IN. Immediately following the 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. mass in the auxiliary gym. Adults: $6, Kids (6-10): $3, under 5: free. Call (574) 2717853 for more info.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

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from April 15 to May 20.

Cost is $80 per person.

Hand building, sculpting, and slumping will be the The ARS Gallery in Benfocus.

Colorful Spring ton Harbor will host Moglasses will be used. saic with Toni Smith, a sixweek class, from April 16 to May 14. Classes are from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Cost is $125 per person.

The ARS Gallery will offer classes in beginning Italian with Lucia Liano. Classes will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

April 15 to May 20. Cost is The Lake Michigan Col$85 per person. lege Music Department will present a student recital at 12:40 p.m. in the Hanson Theatre of the Mendel Center for Arts and TechCornerstone Alliance Small nology. he recital takes Business Services is hosting place on the Napier Avenue a free seminar led by The Campus located at 2755 Southwest Michigan Pro- East Napier Avenue, Bencurement Technical Assis- ton Harbor, Michigan. For tance Center (PTAC) from further information, call 1 to 3 p.m. at Cornerstone the Performing Arts DeAlliance, 38 W. Wall Street, partment (269) 927-8876.

Benton Harbor, Mich.

Small business owners will April 18 learn how they can be on the government vendor list.

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April 16

“Family Feud Live” will be at The Lerner Theatre, 410 S. Main St., Elkhart, Ind. This fast-paced interactive stage show puts a live twist on America’s favorite family game show. All audience members have a chance to win hundreds of prizes at each. Call (574) 293-4469 or visit www.thelerner.com for tickets and more info.

A 3-D archery shoot will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dowagiac Conservation Club 54551 M-51 N. This event is open to the public. Breakfast is available before the shoot from 8 to 11 a.m. For more information call Brandon at Join the Elkhart County 269-423-2020.

Parks and the Goshen Wastewater Treatment Plant for April 15 a tour of their Wet Weather Detention Facility. The tour is open to anyone, ages 12 and up, who would have an The ARS Gallery in Ben- interest in seeing and hearing ton Harbor is hosting a about the ways this facility six-week Spring Clay for is designed to help keep unYouth class with Morgan treated wastewater from enIngle. Classes will be from tering our rivers and streams 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays during rain events.

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Week of April 11-17, 2014 • Page 11

Buchanan will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Meet at the common downtown. Candy donations can be dropped off in advance at Redbud Insurance or the Chamber office.

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speare. Join Shakespeare at 3 p.m. and Notre Dame Executive Director Scott Jackson for a community reading of “Twelfth Night.” Snacks will be April 26 provided. This event is free but participants need to reserve their spot by calling the Box Office at Celebrate Shakespeare’s 574-234-1112 or online 450th birthday with the of- sbct.org. fering of Firehouse Shake-

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The Greater Niles Senior Center will host a Dyngus Day Dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. at the senior center, located at 1109 Bell Rd. in Niles. The traditional menu will include sausage, sauerkraut, noodles, mashed potatoes, hardboiled eggs, dessert and a beverage.

Tickets are $6 per person.

Call (269) 683-9380 for details.

The National Active amd Retired Federal Employees Association southwest Michigan chapter will hold their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. at the Super Buffet in Benton Harbor (next to Big Lots). All retired and current federal employees, spouses and families are welcome.

For informaThe BPOE Elks Lodge tion, call Jean Rowe, (269) #1322 will hold a Lenten 782-2769 or e mail jeanfish and chicken fry from 5 rowe70@comcast.net to 7:30 p.m. Included will be all you eat fish, chickApril 25 en, cole slaw, baked potato, dessert, beverages.

Cost $8 per adult. Children under seven free.

Students from Lake Michigan College’s hospitality April 19 program are hosting a “Perish in Paris” murder mystery and gourmet dinner event at the Mendel CenEaster Eggstravaganza, ter. The event will feature Downtown St. Joseph. Face a murder mystery, dinner, painting, egg hunt, etc. For music and silent auction. info, call (269) 985-1111 or Tickets are $40 per person, visit www.stjoetoday.com. $75 per couple or $350 for 11 a.m.-1 p.m. a table of 10. To purchase tickets, call (269) 9278868.

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Page 12 • Week of April 11-17, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Four-legged fundraiser

Easter egg hunt, 5k to benefit humane society

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By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com

ENTON HARBOR—The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan has teamed up with Harbor Shores and Mad Dog 5/1 Revolutionary Fitness to present a unique event that celebrates Easter while promoting a healthy lifestyle and benefitting a worthy cause.

The first ever egg hunt and 5K “Easter Harbor Hop” will be held on April 13 at the Harbor Shores Nature and Fitness Trails, located at 201 Graham Ave. “Harbor Shores contacted us and asked if we’d like to partner with them,” explained said Jill Svoboda, executive director of the humane society. “Since we already do a golf outing, we decided to do a 5K, but we wanted to make it different from all the others, so we added the egg hunt to it because it takes place one week before Easter.”

The day begins with an 8 a.m. registration, and the fun run/walk begins at 9 a.m. It will be conducted in waves, with eggs placed along the course for children to find as they go.

“We have over 600 eggs with candy, little toys and prizes inside them, and they will be placed along the course,” Svoboda said.

The Lakeshore Baseball Team will be refreshing the eggs after each wave, and the Easter Bunny will hop out onto the course with special eggs as participants pass by.

Face painting and visits with the Easter Bunny will also be taking place. A breakfast will be served in the pavilion at 10 a.m. and at 12 p.m., but reservations for that portion of the event have now been closed. Registration for the 5K, however, will continue up through the morning of the event “You can walk, run, hop or saunter,” Svoboda said. “It’s just for fun; it’s not a race.”

The cost for participating in the event is $25 for adults and $10 for children and students. A special family rate is also being offered for families at $65, which covers the participation costs for two adults and as many children as are in the family. Participating adults will also receive T-shirts.

All of the proceeds from the event will go towards the building of a new facility for the humane society on M-139, next door to the Concord Ridge Equestrian Center.

“We’ve already purchased the parcel of land,” Svoboda explained. “Now, we need to raise $2 million for the construction of the building and all of the permits, including an apron required by MDOT.” The humane society’s current building, located on Crystal Avenue in Benton Harbor, no longer adequately serves the needs of the shelter, and it is beyond repair. “The existing shelter is very old. It’s crumbling around us,” Svoboda said. “The oldest part, which was built in the 1950s, is unusable. We only use that for storage. The newer part was built in the 1970s, and we just don’t have enough space for the animals.”

As the first “no kill” shelter in the region, the humane society is focused on finding loving homes for the animals there as well as on providing a better quality of life for the animals that remain at the shelter.

“We want to allow inside-outside access to the animals at their leisure. We now have 60 dogs and about 100 cats. The cats will be in community rooms instead of in small cages. That will be a way better environment for them,” Svoboda said.

Plans also include creating communities for the dogs by color-coding them based on which ones get along well together.

Besides participating in the 5K and the Bids for Barks fundraiser scheduled for May, folks can help the shelter by volunteering there.

“We hold volunteer orientations every second Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m.,” Svoboda said. “Just come to one orientation, and then you can come by any time and help out as your schedule allows.

Children are welcome, too, but they need to be accompanied by a parent.”

More information about volunteering, photos of the animals that are available for adoption, and registration forms for the Easter Harbor Hop are all Submitted photos/Sarah Miller available on the society’s website at www.humanesocietyswm. org. Updated information can also be found on the All of the dogs and cats society’s Facebook page.

pictured here are available for adoption at the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.