Off The Water - July 18-24, 2014

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Zany Comedy

Rocking the Acorn

SB Civic presents 'The Producers'... p.5

Week of July 18-24, 2014

Cracker returns to Three Oaks....... p.6

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Volume 6, Number 29

Up for it?

Urban Adventure Games offers diverse challenges for Michiana athletes

www.offthewater.com

Page 2 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

GET OUT!

Are you up for it?

Urban Adventure Games offers diverse challenges for Michiana athletes

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com outh bend— If you’re an athletic person who has wanted to get to know South Bend and Mishawaka on a more intimate level, then the Urban Adventure Games are an event you won’t want to miss.

Scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. with a mandatory rules meeting on July 26, the Sixth Annual Urban Adventure Games will set racers on a course of checkpoints set up throughout the urban area, beginning and ending at Kamm Island Park, located at 600 W. Front St. in Mishawaka.

“Our new thing this year is that the start and finish will be at Kamm Island in Mishawaka,” said Kyle Everett, a member of the event’s leadership committee.

“The course still goes through South Bend and Mishawaka, but moving the course allows us to change up some of the checkpoints.”

Set up in a format similar to “The Amazing Race,” the Urban Adventure games pits teams of two racers against each other as they complete a scavenger hunt, travelling from one checkpoint to the next via bicycle.

Once at those checkpoints, team members must complete various physical and mental challenges.

In the past, checkpoints have included rafting on the East Race, riding elliptical bikes at Howard Park and riding a mechanical surf board. However, that doesn’t mean those challenges will be included this year.

“Part of the fun is that we try to mix up the activities and checkpoints each year. That keeps it fresh and fun for us and the participants,” Everett explained.

In order to make the race accessible for everyone, organizers have developed three different courses for three divisions: Elite, Open and Fun. “The elite division is for the more extreme, athletic racers,” Everett said. “The Fun Division is more family oriented, and in the middle, we have the Open Division. That’s where most racers sign up.”

The Urban Adventure Games’ website, www.urbanadventuregames.com, lists the physical expectations for participants in each group, including the distances that participants should be able to run, bike and swim.

The site also has information about the type of gear that racers should bring.

“Racers must bring their own bike helmets, but all the other safety gear, like harnesses, will be provided,” Everett said. “Safety is a big priority for us when we put this on. We always make sure we have safety personnel available for all of the events.”

Participants as young as 13 are welcome to join the race, and Everett said that the parents of many younger teens use the race as an opportunity to spend some active time with their children.

“What we’ve seen in the past is that kids over 13 will team up with a parent. Older teenagers often team up with a friend,” Everett said. “We’ve seen a really nice mix of age ranges.”

In addition, awards are given to different divisions within each group based on the genders of the participants.

S

Submitted photo

Some parents use the Urban Adventure Games as a way to spend fun, active time with their teens. BELOW LEFT: Participants got to try out their paddle boarding skills in a challenge from a previous year. BELOW RIGHT: Organizers expect a record-breaking crowd for this year's event.

"" “Part of the fun is that we try to mix up the activities and checkpoints each year.

That keeps it fresh and fun for us and the participants,” Kyle Everett

Member of Urban Adventure Games committee

“There are awards for male/male, male/female and female/female teams,” Everett said. “There’s also a costume contest. It’s a lot of fun, and that keeps it exciting.”

Once the race ends, the after-party will begin with entertainment provided by the band Everyday People.

“Our after-party is taking place on Kamm Island, and the party goes from about 12 to 3:30 or 4 p.m.

There will be free beer for the racers over 21, and other people are welcome to come out, too, including kids,” Everett said. “People should bring lawn chairs and blankets so they can enjoy the afternoon’s entertainment and hang out in the park.”

Those who are interested in participating in this ultimate urban race can learn more and sign up on the event’s website. More information is also available on their Facebook page. However, as Everett noted, there isn’t much more time to sign up, and space is limited.

“We already have close to 400 teams signed up, and we cap it at 500 teams, so people should sign up soon,” Everett said. “If you haven’t done it before, you should come out and try it because no matter what your skill level is, we have a division for you, and it’s really a lot of fun.”

Off The Water, Michiana

'Coriolanus'

Week of July 18-24, 2014 • Page 3

ON DISPLAY

Pigeon Creek Company does Shakespeare like audienced have never seen him before

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

S

t.joseph— “To be, or not to be?

That is the ques-

tion.”

Who hasn’t heard these familiar words from Hamlet’s soliloquy?

Over the past 450 years, the Bard’s plots and characters have seeped into popular culture to the point that pretty much anyone can quote a line or two of Shakespeare.

Even kids as young as 3 or 4 can recite the basic plot of “Romeo and Juliet,” having been exposed to it in “Gnomeo and Juliet” or some other (albeit sanitized) rendition of Shakespeare’s great work.

With that kind of reputation preceding his plays, it can be hard for a theater company to find one that an audience can come to without certain expectations, but that is exactly what the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company has done with their new production of “Coriolanus.”

“It’s not a play that people are very familiar with,” said Katherine Mayberry, executive director of the company and producer of the production.

“It’s a play that most people can come to fresh and not necessarily know what the outcome will be.”

As one of Shakespeare’s Roman tragedies, “Coriolanus” tells the story of Roman warrior Caius Martius Coriolanus, played by Chaz Bratton. Struggling to gain the support of the Roman populace, Coriolanus forms an unlikely alliance with his greatest military rival, the Volscian general Tullus Aufidius, played by Scott Lange.

As their characters go from mortal enemies to close co-conspirators, the off-stage friendship of the two main actors’ most certainly enhances the tensions that the audience witnesses.

“Working with Chaz has been good. He is one of my best friends,” explained Lange. “‘Coriolanus’ is one of those plays where, throughout the entire play, the characters talk about each other, but they don’t spend a lot of time on stage together, so it’s been great to go to rehearsals and see his work.”

Pigeon Creek’s production also features actors Kathleen Bode, Antonio Copeland, Kat Hermes, Sean Kelley, Owen McIntee, Sarah Tryon, Kate Tubbs, Kyle Westmaas and Scott Wright.

Also playing a critical part in this production of the play are the audience members themselves, drawn into the roles of members of the Roman populace from whom Coriolanus seeks support.

“This production really makes good use of the audience. There is a lot of intrigue over who will

Photo Submitted by Kat Hermes

Much of the tension in "Coriolanus" stems from the evoloing relationship between the title character (Chaz Bratton) and Tullus Audfidius (Scott Lange).

All are welcome to worship with us.

Cass Fellowship Bible Church

Pastor Richard Doran (269) 274-5726 64016 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-2195 Sunday School: Sunday 9:30 am Church Service: Sunday 10:30 am and Wednesday 7 pm

have political control, and many of the speeches are directed to the audience as though they are the people of Rome,” Mayberry explained. “The Box Factory is a great venue for a play like this.”

The performance is further enhanced by the orientation of the production’s guest director, Dennis Henry. “‘Coriolanus’ is the pet project of the director, Dennis Henry, who we brought in to work with us.

He was previously an actor with the American Shakespeare Center in Virginia, and that company does something similar to what we do,” said Mayberry, referring to their shared preference of staging plays using performance conditions similar to those of Shakespeare’s own time period.

“This was my first time working with Dennis, and it was really great,” Lange said. “As a company, it’s always really good to bring in someone with new ideas and a fresh way of seeing things. And, he fit in really well with the personality of our company. It was a great experience.”

Pigeon Creek’s performance of “Coriolanus” is sure to bring that same great experience to audience members at the Box Factory.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are available in advance at www.boxfactoryforthearts.org, by phone at (269) 983-3688, or at the door. Wine and light refreshments will be available for purchase at this event, and Special VIP tickets of $15 per person with prepaid reservations, which include a drink ticket, are available for this event. General admission tickets are $10, with senior and student tickets available for $8.

Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

Produced and printed by Leader Publications 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 Off the Water is available throughout southwest Michigan and the greater South Bend, Indiana area.

Michael Caldwell Publisher (269) 687-7700

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Jenny Yarbrough (269) 687-7726 jenny.yarbrough@leaderpub.com

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Page 4 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

FOCUS

Spice of Life

Church of the Mediator offers variety of events for community

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

H

arbert— The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, located at 14280 Red Arrow Highway., has a wide variety of events planned in the upcoming weeks, including a French Market, an evening of star-gazing, and two musical performances.

“Our larger mission is to be able to share the church in the community and to reach out to as many people in the community as we can,” explained Kristen Dow, senior warden at the church. “We’d like people to know that we’re another location in Harbor Country where people can attend events.”

For those who love shopping local and finding great bargains, members of the Church of the Mediator’s Flower and Garden Guild have planned their annual French Market to take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 19.

“This event has been going on for a long time. It started out as a bake sale and a rummage sale, and we used to call it the European Market,” said organizer and co-chair of the church’s Flower Guild, Jeannine Totzke. “I took over this event four years ago, and I just kind of expanded it.”

Now, the event includes a variety of vendors.

Fabrics

“There are all different kinds of people selling items, and most of them are handcrafted.

One girl sells books. She always does really well. We also have someone who does resale.

It’s very nice stuff—linens, dishes, outdoors stuff,” Totzke said.

“I also have an artist. She does note cards and such. There will also be a lady who sells perennial flowers. Also, Purple Bicycle Wine Jelly will be there. They use local wines to make all kinds of nice jellies. They’re very good.”

While the sale included nearly 40 vendors last year, Totzke said that there are still some 95% of Our Decorator & spaces available for vendors who would like Upholstery Fabrics are to participate in this year’s market.

Interested parties can contact Totzke at me50% to 90% Off Retail Submitted photos diatorfrenchmarket@gmail.com. Booth spaces are $15 each, and those funds will be used by Members of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator are anxthe Flower Guild to provide flowers for the al- ious to share their recently-expanded church with the Hartars and other areas in the church to make it bor Country community. warm and friendly for visitors.

“There is also a bake sale put on by the Episcopal Church Women. That’s always a big success,” telescopes as well.

Totzke said. “This year, we plan to add box lunches as well Information about planets, constellations, and other astroso that shoppers and vendors can get something to eat be- nomical phenomena will be provided by two experts for the evening, Jennifer Francis, director of the Upton Planetarium the sweets we sell at the bake sale.”

Downtown Berrien Springs, MI 49103 sides The Episcopal Church Women plan to use those funds to and Mike Durren, Instructor of Astronomy at Lake Michi269-473-2201 gan College. Other experts are also welcome. renovate the church kitchen.

Finally, music lovers are invited to attend two separate If star-gazing is more your thing, the Church of the MediOpen Sunday thru Thursday ator will also be hosting an evening of activities related to as- concert programs that the Church of the Mediator is offerClosed Friday & Saturday ing. tronomy on Saturday, July 26, 2014.

On Sunday, July 20, The Lighthouse Chorus, with special Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the evening will start off with a Call for hours telescope-building session, and participants are also encour- guest quartet the Reveliers, will be performing at the church at 4 p.m. aged to bring a picnic dinner along with them.

The Lighthouse Chorus is dedicated to the preservation Commemorating discoveries made by Galileo 400 of barbershop singing, and they will perform in the traditionyears ago, participants will al a cappella style that barbershop quartets are known for. build replicas of the telescope The Reveliers will also sing a cappella, including old faAll proceeds ’s he designed. Kits for those vorites, fun and novelty songs, doo wop and barber shop er im he lz go to A tia telescopes will be available tunes in their repertoire. and Demen Then, on Aug. 3 at 4 p.m., the Episcopal Church of the for $25 each, and tripods for Services of a dian the instruments will also be Mediator will host a performance by the Tenors Three.

Northern In Comprised of accomplished vocalists, Robert Dure, available for $25 each.

After the telescopes have Bruce Johnson and Matthew Daniel, Tenors Three will enbeen built, viewing of the tertain the audience with a variety of vocal standards, classiW ine Tasting • Appetizers • Live Music night sky will take place in cal pieces and seasonal favorites.

A free will offering will be taken at the door for both of the church’s gardens at sunBottles of wine valued at $10 or more have been donated. Attendee’s these musical events. set, which will take place purchase a numbered cork for $20. At the end of the evening, trade More information about these and other events, including around 9:15 p.m. your cork for the corresponding numbered bottle of wine!

6330 North Fir Road A 5 1⁄2-inch reflector and a children’s summer reading camp scheduled for August, Granger, IN 46530 To donate or RSVP, contact Leann 243-5557 a 12-inch Dobsonian tele- can be obtained by calling the Church of the Mediator at scope will be available for (269) 469-1441 or by visiting their webpage at www.

Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care viewing, and event-goers are churchofthemediator.com. They also have a Facebook page welcome to bring their own where upcoming events are listed. www.thehearth.net

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Off The Water, Michiana

Week of July 18-24, 2014 • Page 5

South Bend Civic presents ‘The Producers’ SUBMITTED From the zany imagination of comedy legend Mel Brooks comes “The Producers,” the blockbuster musical that won a record 12 Tony Awards.

Downtrodden producer Max Bialystock and his meek accountant Leo Bloom come up with a foolproof scheme: produce the worst show in history and make off with the investors’ millions. What could go wrong? Everything of course! A wild and fantastic romp that is side-splittingly funny and a valentine to Broadway.

“The Producers” is based on a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan with music and lyrics

by Mel Brooks.

David Case, director, and music director Roy Bronkema lead a cast featuring Ted Mainer as Max Bialystock and Nick Mezak as Leo Bloom, with Brandon Armentrout, Olivia Becht, Sarah Beudert, Emily Case, Silas Chester, Pierre Cooks, Kathryn Denny, Katie Fry, Daniel Grey, Will Heckaman, Laura Heft, Christa Hill, Allison Jones, Katie JungZimmerman, Jacob Kramer, Sean Leyes, Evan McSorley, Hilary Murrmann, Alexandria Sadowski, Nicholas Salay, Sara Schmidtke, David Stefenc, Mark Torma, Patrick Trimboli, and Libby Unruh.

Sponsors for "The Producers" are Villing and Company, Alfred and Martha Choitz, the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and Matthew Kahn, Merrill Lynch.

"The Producers" will be presented in the Wilson Theatre at South Bend Civic Theatre July 11 to Aug. 3.Performance times are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $21 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and $18 Wednesdays and Thursdays. To purchase tickets call the SBCT Box Office (574) 234-1112 or go to sbct.org.

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Fresh food, great drinks, fun atmosphere.. miles from ordinary.. but closer than you think

Tacos & trivia THURSDAYs

Join us 7-9pm for pub tacos, trivia and prizes!

upcoming live entertainment Saturday, July 19: By Hook or By Crook

proudly sponsoring the best free concert our area has to offer... saturday, july 26 at 7pm on the Common: robert walter’s 20th congress!

Mon & Thurs : 4pm-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-1am Sun: 11am-5pm Closed: Tues & Wed 259 E. Front Street Buchanan, MI 269.409.8464 www.BucktownTap.com

Come downtown for delicious food, great music and a wide variety of beer and wine!

Friday, July 25 • 3pm-9pm Niles Riverfront Park

www.nilesmi.com

Page 6 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

Off The Water, Michiana

SPOTLIGHT

Cracker returns to rock Acorn Summer tour precedes upcoming album release

t

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com

hree oaks — Local “Crumbs”— that is, diehard fans of Cracker — probably already know that the rock band fronted by David Lowery will be returning to The Acorn on Aug. 1.

However, casual fans of early 1990s music may want to “get on with it” and go buy their tickets before the show sells out. After all, VIP tickets are already gone.

“We’ve played The Acorn in the past, and we really liked it,” said Lowery, who sings and plays guitar with Cracker. “It’s a great venue, and I like that part of the world. A lot of my friends come over from Chicago to see us play there.”

The music of Cracker, best known for their hits like “Get Off This,” “Low” and “Euro-Trash Girl” from their gold-selling 1993 album “Kerosene Hat,” has been called “alternative rock” and even “alternative country,” but according to Lowery, their genre is “rock, just rock.”

“Cracker’s pretty much a mainstay, adult alternative rock band. Stations like WXRT in Chicago play our stuff a lot,” Lowery said. “But, there’s always been a roots element to our music.”

However, fans with really good memories will remember Lowery’s early days as the frontman for Camper Van Beethoven, a band that was famous on the college-rock circuit for songs like “Take the Skinheads Bowling” and “Pictures of Matchstick Men.” In fact, Camper Van Beethoven lives on, just having released the companion album to 2013’s “La Costa Perdida”— what Lowery called “our Northern California album.” Released in June 2014, “‘El Camino Real,’ is the Southern California portion of that project.”

Photo Submitted by Jason Thrasher

Cracker will be playing at The Acorn Theater on Aug. 1.

“We’re doing some shows together,” said Lowery. “Camper Van Beethoven had the most recent album, so they’re doing a lot of shows.”

While Camper Van Beethoven won’t be playing at The Acorn with Cracker, fans will have the unusual pleasure of hearing Cracker perform their hit songs with all of the musicians who originally recorded them.

“Cracker’s always been just Johnny [Hickman] and me,” Lowery explained. “In most bands, you usually have two people who do most of the work, so when we set up Cracker, we made sure that it was just me and Johnny. However, we’re going to have the two guys with us who played on that album.

They’re guys we basically grew up with.”

Lowery promised that the audience will hear songs from all

of their albums from the last 20 years, including some from the band’s most recent release, 2009’s “Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey.”

They may even play a song or two from their as-yet-untitled album that is scheduled for release in December or January.

Beyond recording a lot of music with the two bands, as well as releasing a solo album in 2011, Lowery has also been busy teaching students about the recording business at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business.

“I basically help run their music business program,” Lowery said. “It’s a fairly progressive business school in that they hire people who are professionally qualified to be teaching students about how the business really works.”

Beyond that project, Lowery has also taken a front-andcenter role in the fight against music piracy over the last couple years, publishing a blog, “The Trichordist,” and recently touring in China.

“We discovered that there are a lot of young people who know our music because of ‘The Perks of Being a Wall Flower,’ which was a very highly featured movie over there,” Lowery said. “We were also doing a sort of a cultural exchange, speaking with our counterparts there, people from indie labels, concert promoters, and artists, discussing how piracy impact artists and what their government’s doing about it.”

As busy as he has been, Lowery continues to find the time to tour each summer, and whether you’re a Crumb, a former Camper Van junkie or just someone who appreciate some good rock ‘n’ roll songs written with a sense of humor and irony, Cracker’s show at the Acorn is one you shouldn’t miss.

Cracker will take the stage at the Acorn, located at 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, at 8 p.m. on Aug. 1. Tickets for the show are available at www.acorntheater.com, and more information can also be obtained by calling the box office at (269) 756-3879.

Waterfront Paradise FoR SAle

There are many ways to be a Superhero at the Niles-Buchanan Relay For Life So many events to participate in at Relay For Life:

Talent Contest - To sign up contact Lindsay Prenkert at Lindsay.Prenkert@gmail.com

Opening Ceremony Survivor’s Lap & Celebration Caregivers Lap Luminaria Ceremony Fight Back Ceremony Closing Ceremony

Silent Auction - Contribute an item or bid in the auction To donate an item contact Kellie Welch at knwrelay@gmail.com

Activities for all ages • Food • Music

Still time to start a new team or join an existing team.

Join as a Survivor or Caregiver

Sat-Sun, July 19-20th at Niles High School Football Field “Saving the world one Hero at a time - Super Heroes Wanted” Join a Committee, Form a Team or Be a sponsor Help us make the Niles-Buchanan Relay for Life an amazing 24 Hours!

NILES-BUCHANAN RELAY FOR LIFE Contact Cody.Waters@cancer.org (269) 349-8710 Ext. 6127

Celebrate Survivors • Remember Those Lost • Fight Back

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Off The Water, Michiana

Fernwood Friday features Howard Levy and Chris Siebold

Week of July 18-24, 2014 • Page 7

Jump into Summer!

Apartments start at $450/mo.

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(269) 683-1850 Spas • Pools • Equipment • A Full Service Company Submitted photo

Howard Levy and Chris Siebold will be bringing their music to Fernwood on July 18.

SUBMITTED Fernwood and WVPE Public Radio are bringing the music of Howard Levy and Chris Siebold to Fernwood on Friday, July 18, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Fernwood Friday is an annual concert that is part of the WVPE Summer Concert Series, which takes place on Fernwood's Green.

Food by Chef Tim Carrigan, beer and wine are available for purchase.

Howard Levy is a virtuoso of the diatonic harmonica and an excellent pianist. An original member of Bela Fleck’s Flecktones, he has radically changed the approach to the harmonica, broadening its musical range and winning Grammy awards for his recorded output.

His duo partner, master guitarist Chris Siebold, is fluent on a number of fretted string instruments, including mandolin, lap steel guitar, and banjo, with occasional percussion.

Together they traverse an incredible range of sonic territory: blues, swing, bebop, flamenco, tango, European folk, and American song-stylings from Gershwin to Dylan often sounding like a full ensemble. The Howard Levy and Chris Siebold Duo has performed

in numerous theaters, universities, and clubs across the US, South America, and Europe.

The concert is free to Fernwood and WVPE Members; all others are only $5 each.

Want to experience Fernwood Friday from the comfort of the café decks? Fernwood is offering an exclusive package that includes a farm-to-table dinner complete with dessert and a bottle of wine (one bottle per couple), plus reserved seats with the best view in the house. The cost is $40 ($75 per couple). Reservations are limited so call Fernwood today at (269) 695-6491 to register.

Fernwood is a special place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Fernwood comprises 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Michigan, at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. The Fernwood Café is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.

Fernwood is closed on Mondays. Call (269) 695-6491 or visit www.fernwoodbotanical. org for more information and to confirm status of classes.

Calling amateur photographers SUBMITTED BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Partnering to support the area’s amateur photography talent, Cornerstone Alliance and Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce are launching “Picture Yourself a Winner” contest through Friday, August 15 and is designed to capture images from Berrien County that depict four distinct perspectives of Michigan’s Great Southwest.

The contest is open to amateur photographers only; amateur is defined as someone who earns less than 50 percent of their income from photography.

The four contest categories for photograph submissions are: Manufacturing, Industry and/or Technology; Arts, Leisure and/ or Recreation; Street and/or Cityscapes; Unique & Creative Perspectives. Photographers can submit one photograph per each category, and submitted photos are to be taken within Berrien County.

Tammie Howard, president of Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce said, “We encourage photographers of all ages to be part of this contest and submit entries in one or all four categories. There are so many interesting and picturesque venues throughout

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the county-we look forward to receiving many submissions.”

There will be first, second and third place winners awarded in each category. Winners will be announced the week of September 8, 2014. The 12 award-winning photographs will be displayed in a rotating photo exhibit throughout various public locations in Berrien County beginning this fall.

All photographs must be submitted via email to info@cornerstonechamber.com and should include first and last name; full address; phone number; category and a brief description of the photograph including location, venue and date. Digital photographs should be taken at the highest resolution possible, a minimum of 300 ppi is recommended.

“We are delighted to work with the Chamber on this project,” said Cornerstone Alliance President, Victoria Pratt. “We want this contest to inspire and promote creativity that sometimes can only be captured through a camera lens. We are excited to tap into our area’s talent.”

To learn more details about “Picture Yourself a Winner” and the complete set of rules, please visit www.Cornerstonechamber.com or call (269) 925-6100.

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minimum of 6 tables w/ coupon. Exp. 6/30/14

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CLEARING OUT YOUR ATTIC? Call Classifieds to sell your stuff! 269-683-4804

Page 8 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

Collecting Glass Canning Jars

Cash in your Coins, Jewelry Gold & Silver

The method for preserving food using glass jars was sparked by a contest sponsored by the French military led by Napoleon Bonaparte. The French military offered a cash prize of 12,000 francs to the person who devised a method to preserve food for long periods of time. French inventor Nicolas Appert was responsible for introducing the heat seal process of canning in the early 1800s. He won the prize!

Later, glass jars came of age. In the late 1850s— 1858 to be exact—when the Mason fruit jar was patented by tin smith, John Mason, everything changed in the world of canning. The Mason jar solved the food preservation problem with the use of a lid and rubber seal. Mason’s patent was for the machine that cut tin into threads making it easy to manufacture a jar with a reusable screw top lid. Mason’s sealing mechanism comprised of a glass container with a thread molded top and a zinc lid with a rubber seal ring was patented on November 30, 1858.

Bacteria was killed by heating the jars in hot water and sealing the jar while still hot. The heat seal process gave glass jars an important place in the collectibles realm. Today, collectors look for glass canning jars, also called fruit jars for canning and for kitchen decoration in the antiques market.

If you think one canning jar is no different from another canning jar, then, think again …

WE BUY • SELL • TRADE

Nunemaker’s Coin Shop 2516 Lincolnway West Mishawaka, IN Open: Mon-Sat

574-288-7464

Free

In-Store Appraisals!

www.nunemakers.com

No-Melt Dough

Bird Food Cylinders

Clamped Glass Jars In 1882, Henry Putnam of Bennington, Vermont, invented a glass canning jar that used a glass lid and a metal clamp closure. Called lightning jars because they could be opened in a flash, the glass lids were popular because they did not present as many contamination problems as the common zinc lids.

Many companies produced glass canning jars: Lustre, Climax, Atlas, Swayzee, Samco, etc.

The Buffalo, New York family named Ball (the Ball jar) headed by William Charles Ball and his five brothers produced paint and oil storage cans. From a new factory in Muncie, Indiana following a fire at their Buffalo facility, the Ball Company began producing glass storage jars. Like Mason jars, soon Ball jars became a household name. While the majority of glass canning jars sell in the $10 to $75 range, a Ball Perfection half pint glass fruit canning jar sold recently for $600 at auction.

While both Mason and Ball took great strides in the arena of glass canning jars, Alexander Kerr made canning easier for those working in the kitchen with his introduction of wide mouth/easy to fill self-sealing canning jars. His jars allowed a threaded metal ring to stay in place during the heating process.

These jars could be quickly filled and re-used, too.

When it comes to valuable glass canning jars, look for embossed pattern decoration and lettering advertising the origin and maker of the jar, clear condition, no cracks or chips, and the original accessory lid, seal ring, or clamp. Happy canning and collecting!

COLUMNIST

Summer Seed Summer Summer Seed Seed

SALE SALE SALE 15% OFF 5, 10 and 20 Lb. Bags of Seed

93532.indd 1

Off The Water, Michiana

Valid only at Granger store. One discount per purchase. Offer not valid on previous purchases, or sale items. Other exclusions mat apply. See store for details.

6/11/14 12:17 PM

MUST PRESENT COUPON. Offer valid thru 7/31/14 The University Crossing Store - 421 E. University Drive, Granger New In the Super Target Shopping Center Location!

(574) 247-0201 • www.mishawaka.wbu.com

Spend a day 6/11/14 12:17 PM

Discovering Buchanan!

6/11/14 12:17 PM

Saturday, July 26, 2017 • 1-7pm

Start the day at the Buchanan Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm Get maps and information on over 20 participating businesses and organizations.

Then spend the day visiting these locations for samples, give-a-ways and activities . . . all for free!

After the fun stay for the best free concert our area has to offer at 7pm on the Common!

w w w. b u c h a n a n . m i . u s

Dr. Lori Verderame Arts & Antiques Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Bring an antique for a FREE appraisal by Dr. Lori at Suburban Home & Garden Show in Oaks, PA on Feb 21 thru 23, 2014. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel. Visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.

Facebook.com/DoctorLori, Lori Verderame on Google+ or call (888) 431-1010.

Show your love by placing a

Birthday Celebration Ad in the newspaper!

3.125” x 3” Color $45 BW $35

4.8125” x 3” Color $65 BW $50

HAPPY 5th BIRTHDAY to my little pirate !

Brayden you have truly been such a blessing in our lives. You make everyday a new adventure.

We love you so mu ch.

Love, Mom, Dad and Cortney

Ads need to be purchased 4 days prior to the publication date.

Contact Donna or Nicole at 269-687-7717

9 MARKETPLACE

Off The Water, Michiana

106 25 DRIVER TRAINEES Instruction & NEEDED NOW! WRONGLY DENIED Training Become a driver for

General Notices

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?

I can help. (269)473-2370

Business Oppor200 tunities Earn Extra Cash on the Weekends

delivering the Leader AREA ROUTES AVAILABLE As an independent contractor you determine the hours you work on Saturday and/or Sunday. You must have a valid drivers license and your own transportation.

Contact Cindy at 269-6877727 or cindy.klingerman@leaderpub.com to learn more about this profitable opportunity

TMC Transportation Earn $900 per week!

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Sponsored Local CDL Training 1-800-882-7364

WANT A JOB?

20 Open Positions $8.50/Hour Buchanan, MI Call Now!!!

(269) 408-1980

stjosephmi.expresspros.com

See our ad under business opportunities North Woods Memory Care is seeking an Environmental Service Director. See our larger ad in today's paper.

Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License Classes. Contact Paul: 269462-2584 or Kelly: 269783-6570 pdkfirearms.com

Apartments 2 BEDROOM

412

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

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

National Standard. See our larger ad in today's newspaper.

Kibbechem is hiring in their Department.

Maintenance See the larger ad in today's paper.

Elderly Care 307 KARE SERVICES

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

HOUSE FOR SALE

Rental Property 490 COMMERCIAL BUILDING FOR RENT

4068 King Dr., Sodus, MI. Located on quiet dead end street in the heart of wine country, this home is just waiting for you! Updates throughout this 3 bedroom home.

Roof, furnace, windows, well, water heater, electrical, insulation, and more! But if that is not enough sellers are including a 1 year home warranty with an acceptable offer to assure your peace of mind. All appliances also included.

Enjoy quiet evenings on the large front porch, in the spacious backyard or take a walk to the nearby park.

Minutes to the bypass make it convenient to everywhere! Come take a tour today! MLS14029450 Coldwell Banker, RWG Patty Lauten 574-340-4271 269-663-8800

WHETHER BUYING OR SELLING

Integrity Real Estate Professionals would love the opportunity to serve you. Call any of our High traffic area on M-60 agents for professional East, Niles. West end of service you expect and debuilding. 1600 square feet serve. with two overhead doors.

269-684-5030 Please call (269)683-3223 Integrity Real Estate Professionals

Houses for Sale

500

NOW HIRING REALTORS

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

North Woods Village, a new, premiere Assisted Living/Memory Care facility in Mishawaka is looking for an experienced Environmental Services Director to manage the maintenance and housekeeping departments. Previous management experience is preferred and a strong maintenance background is required. If interested send your resume to mfeauto@nwvmemory.com or call Mick Feauto at 574-247-1866.

WOUND CARE NURSE Local long-term care facility is accepting resumes for a Wound Care Nurse.

Interested candidates must have a valid Michigan RN or LPN nurses license and previous experience working as a wound care nurse in a long-term care facility is preferred.

We offer a very competetive wage and benefit package. Qualified candiates should submit resumes to: nicole.bates@leaderpub.com

Manufactured Homes

502

P.D.K.

Cassopolis

Help Wanted 300 EXPERIENCED MACHINE OPERATORS

LEADER PUBLICATIONS ROUTES AVAILABLE

309

Week of July 18-24, 2014 • Page 9

Single mom looking for a home or a 1st time buyer?

Call Mike at (269)470-2995

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT A local plastics corporation seeks motivated individual for a career in our Maintenance Department. If you are able to commit to the job responsibilities and meet the qualifications then we look forward to reviewing your application.

Qualifications & Responsibilities: • You must be punctual and arrive for your shift when expected.

Attendance is critical.

• Industrial Experience is required, however there is no minimum as long as you are knowledgeable in the field.

Plastic Injection Molding or Extrusion Experience is a plus.

Please submit all applications and inquires to career@kibbechem.com. No soliciting, thank you.

MDS ASSISTANT

Local long-term care facility is accepting resumes for an MDS Assistant.

Interested candidates must have a valid Michigan RN or LPN nurses license and previous experience working as an MDS Coordinator in a long-term care facility is preferred.

We offer a very competetive wage and benefit package. Qualified candiates should submit resumes to: nicole.bates@leaderpub.com

FAMILY HOME, $686/MO!

3 bd/2 bth, 1,456+ sq. ft.

Many updates!

Central air, Skylights Buchanan, 269-695-3119

HOMES FOR SALE IN DECATUR

3 Bed, 2 bath homes ready to be moved into. Lease Options at starting at $621 per month (includes lot rent, insurance, water, trash) Call 269-423-7024 or visit www.phelpscommunity.com to view pictures

Antiques 600 ALLEGAN ANTIQUE MARKET Sunday, July 27 8am to 4pm 400 Exhibitors Rain or Shine Located at the Fairgrounds, right in Allegan, Michigan $4.00 Admission. No Pets

Cemetery Lots 617 2 ADJACENT CEMETERY LOTS

Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, between NilesDowagiac, Mission Section near the old Chapel. $1,295 each, includes transfer fee and deed fee. (269)6833473

2 CEMETERY PLOTS

Save $1,100 per lot, Niles Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Garden of Mission section, $600 for both, lots include transfer cost. Call (269)782-6822

Mobile Homes 506 Household MerSPRING SAVINGS ON chandise FOR SALE 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

642

•Used and Reconditioned Appliances •Washers & Dryers •Ranges •Air Conditioners •Refrigerators 841 Carberry Rd. Niles (269)687-8639

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

HUGE SALE AT

BILL'S USED APPLIANCES Hours: Mon-Fri. 10a-5pm Sat. 10a-3pm Closed Sunday 2559 S. 11th St. Niles (269) 340-5952

Merchandise for 643 Sale YOUR E-CIG EXPERTS

Vaporizers & e-hookah Over 50 liquid flavors.

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

Page 10 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

Submit calendar events to Jill McCaughan, feature writer, by email at jill.mccaughan@leaderpub.com or offthewater@leaderpub.com or visit the Leader Publications office at 217 N. Fourth St., Niles.

July 17

i

The Acorn Theater in Three Oaks will present Roxy Bellows at 2 p.m. Roxy Bellows is an improvisational cabaret singing diva with a lightning fast delivery.

Whether belting out a totally improvised song or engaging in sidesplitting banter, Roxy never fails to delight and amaze her audiences.

Tickets are $20. Coffee and dessert are included in the ticket price.

Garage-Yard Sales Benton Harbor Kerlikowske Rd

669 2882

ESTATE OF BILL CHANDLER

Thurs. & Fri. July 17 & 18, 10am-5pm, Sat. July 19, 10am-1pm This is a sale unlike any you have ever seen! There are hundreds of pieces of antique furniture.

Mr. Chandler collected for years and now it will be sold.

There are too many items to mention, you'll have to see for yourself! Sale conducted by The Great Estate.

INDOOR YARD SALE

New things in every week at the old Martin's Auction House 6525 M-139 (Old US31) Berrien Springs, MI 10:00am-5:00pm EVERY Thursday, Friday & Saturday Nile/Cassopolis62010 Anderson Rd. (Between White St. and Pokagon Hwy)

BARN SALE

July 17, 18 & 19, 10-4 Saddles, cast iron, old tools, vintage glassware, collectibles, kitchen items, 2 very nice china sets (1930's) and much more. (269)6844469

Wanted to Buy BUYING

672

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

Kevin (817)437-0450

CASH PAID

for used appliances. Call (269)687-8639

i

Enjoy storytelling in the Acorn’s intimate New Leaf Lounge. The evening will be fun, smart, and safe with gifted performers connecting on the most human level.

Those who listen to The Moth or This American Life, you have an idea how it feels. Tickets are $10. Dinner Option: BYOF! The New Leaf Lounge is ready for entertaining, so come early and bring your own picnic and enjoy the show. Front bar will be open. Please do not bring your own alcohol.

Barn Swallow Theatre announces auditions

Home Improve700 ment #1 GUTTERS

10 HALF CLASS WHAT'S HAPPENING? for “Fox on the Fairway” to be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 17 and 10 a.m. to noon July 19.

Character parts needed for the show are three men, ages 18 to 60+ and three women also ages 18 to 60+. All auditions will be held at the theatre, located at 22334 U.S. 12 East of Edwardsburg, and will involve short readings from the script. Directing this play is Lois Owen.

She may be contacted at (269) 445-2142 or call Carol at (269) 445-2511 for more information.

i The Cass County Chapter of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel will meet at the Lowe Building, COA facility located

Tree Service 725 C & S MARSH TREE SERVICE

Trees, brush, stump removal, We do seamless gutters. high lift work, insured.

Free estimates, call (269)362-4331 or 683-1065 leave msg.

(269)782-0401

FRYMAN'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDING FRYMAN’S ROOFING

Off The Water, Michiana

PAYNE'S TREE SERVICE

at the corner of Decatur Road and M-60, Cassopolis. The business meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the Plym Room. The speaker will be Roseanne Marchetti on the restoration and plans for the historic courthouse in Cassopolis. Lunch is available at the dining room at noon. All retired school personnel, or those expecting to retire are invited to attend both the lunch and the meeting.

Members are reminded that the collection campaign for Cass County food pantries is continuing. Items needed are canned goods, boxed dinners, non-perishable items, and paper products. Reservations are encouraged by calling Carol at (269) 445-2511, emailing fcsenger@aol. com, or with a caller

HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING

Over 30 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Call Randy (269)7823139 (269)208-9838

THE CUTTING EDGE PRO TREE CARE

Complete Tree Service SAME DAY ESTIMATES Insured, Competitive Rates.

269-687-4972

Pool Service 727 SWIMMING POOL LINERS & REPAIRS

Any size, great prices, all equipment, 35 years experience. Robertson’s Sales & Repairs, Replacement, New Service, Niles. Call (269)684Small Jobs welcome. 2669 Licensed/Insured. Call John (269)445-7005 Paving Service 739

JDS HOME IMPROVEMENT

MK CONSTRUCTION

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

Contact Michael N. Knepple (269)476-9777

MR. MAINTENANCE

C & C CONCRETE

Flat work of all kinds, stamping, sidewalks, concrete patching, patios, driveways and pole barns.

No job too small. Free Estimates.

Insured (269)228-1163

HOPPER EXCAVATING "Have Gravel Will Travel"

Driveway, stone, slag, recycled concrete, asphalt, top FREE ESTIMATES Roofing, Siding & Windows, soil, sand & fill. (269)782Light Hauling & Spring 1744/(269)783-1744 Clean-Ups, No Inside or Outside job too big or small. Recycling Service 743 Low affordable rates.

CA$H 4 JUNKERS (269)591-1403

Lawn Service 721 GARDENING WITH INTEGRITY, LLC

•Lawn maintenance, •Full Landscaping Service • Spring Clean Ups WE WILL BUY your junk car. We haul for clean beds, preen, mulch, Turn that Junker in your yard to cash in your hand free. Paying up to $1500 trim shrubs, edging, create 801 Carberry Rd, Niles cash. Please call anytime new beds & much more 269-687-5865 Call Ellen (269)759-1012 269-687-8098

July 18

Woody Sez is a joyous, toe-tapping, and moving theatrical concert event that uses Woody Guthrie’s words, and more than 25 of his songs to transport the audience through his fascinating, beautiful and sometimes tragic life. Shows begin at 8 p.m. July 18 and 19 and 4 p.m. July 19 at the Acorn Theater. Cost for the 8 p.m. shows is $35.

Tickets are $30 for the 4 p.m. show.

Fernwood and WVPE Public Radio are bringing the music of Howard Levy and Chris Siebold

Misc. Services 747 BRADY CONCRETE

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

CASPER MASONRY

Brick/ Block/Stone. Custom Tree Trimming & Removal. & Insurance work. Insured & Your home exterior experts. Stump Grinding & Firewood. Bonded. (574)298-3520 COMPLETE Quality guaranteed!

Locally Bobcat & Concrete Work.

Owned for 50 years. (269)782- Insured. (269)663-8091 CONCRETE 5008 (David & Terri Fryman)

contact person.

From start to finish.

Stamped, flat & dirt work.

Insured (269)663-8091

CONCRETE SERVICES

Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, and Room Additions.

15 years experience. Call Jay 269-635-4393.

We do all the Loading, Hauling & Clean up!!!

Commercial/Residential/ Industrial •Storage Units, Decks •Construction Debris •Rental Clean Outs •Property Cleanup •Farms/Barns •Concrete/Asphalt Removal •Demolition 7 days a week (269)213-1746 Like us on Facebook www.facebook/ A2zrecycling.com

Painting Service

754

KLIMEK ENTERPRISES

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

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

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

MICHIANA MASONRY Painting Free Estimates.

Family & CONSTRUCTION Owned & Operated for Over All your Masonry needs! 50 years. 269-683-4442.

to Fernwood from 5:30 to 9 pm. Fernwood Friday is an annual concert that is part of the WVPE Summer Concert Series, which takes place on Fernwood’s Green.

Food by Chef Tim Carrigan, beer and wine are available for purchase.

The concert is free to Fernwood and WVPE Members; all others are only $5 each.

July 18-20

The Twin City Junior Players (TCjP) will perform its the final mainstage production of the 2013-2014 season, the Tony Award winning drama “The Crucible”

by Arthur Miller, directed

by Christy Sloan and Lloyd Bolick. Performance dates are July

Motors, Boating 903 Equipment SHORE STATION

ShoreMaster, Medium size with blue canopy, held 16 ft Tri-hull I/O, On diamond lake. $1400. Call 574-3401684

RVs, Campers, 921 Trailers COACHMEN 2004

Captiva 275-DS Slide fully loaded travel trailer, 27 feet, excellent condition. $10,800 or best offer 269473-1779

Autos for Sale 945 1987 PONTIAC FIREBIRD

Red, Factory 5 Speed, 350, 56,000 Original Miles, Some fender damage $3,800 (269)362-3068

2004 MERCURY SABLE

$1800.00 Call Scarlett Auto Sales 269-461-4197 Chimney Cleaning. Insured & NEED A CAR NOW? Bonded. Senior discounts .

Cleaning Service 757 WELL WE HAVE THE ONE (269)362-1566 MIDWEST ROOFING JUST FOR YOU!!!!

RICK'S POWER WASHING Family owned since 1984. RVs, homes, decks, farm New Arrivals at Lifetime Warranty Shingles equip. & boat docks. Small Scarlett Auto Sales!

Flat Roofs & Gutter Covers. commercial jobs. Serving Loaded 2010 Hyundai Call (269)684-7199 Elantras Cass., Dow. & Niles. Free Estimates, Senior Dis- Low Miles! you can't beat POLE BARNS & counts.

Will beat any that! COLD A/C RUNS GREAT GARAGES competitors estimates. Tax , Title and fees are your

BY NIEBOER Satisfaction Guaranteed. down payment $275/mo No Quality Built (269)684-6673 Call 269-470-9507 or 269- Interest! No Credit Checks!

POND LINERS 7979 Deans Hill Rd Berrien EPDM Rubber, Any size 470-9498 Center, MI 49102 Lowest Prices, FREE De(269) 461- 4197 758 livery, Huge Inventory, TRM Insurance Enterprises, South Bend.

LOWER YOUR (574)246-1922 INSURANCE RATES! (574) 329-9294 Home - Auto - Health - Life WEAVER CONCRETE We do the shopping for you!

And masonry, driveways, TCU Insurance Agency porches, patios, tear Call Deb Asmus today out/replace, all repairs, (269) 683-6700 x5901 brick, block, stone, fireplaces. Will fix wet base900 ments big or small, inside Boats, Motors and out. All concrete flatFOR SALE work $2.25 sq. ft. Land- 12' V Bottom boat with 6 hp. scaping. Fast dependable Evinrude motor and new service. Quality work. Aaron oars, with trailer and extras.

(269)655-4158 $850. Call (269) 357-6750

11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $7 for children (12 and under). Group rates are also available.

All seats are reserved.

Reservations can be made by calling the TCP box office at (269) 429-0400. TCP is also offering online ticket purchases for the first time at twincityplayers. org. Performance times are 8 p.m. for Friday and Saturday evening performances and 4 p.m. for Sunday matinees.

All performances take place at the Twin City Players Playhouse located at 600 West Glenlord Road in St. Joseph.

July 19

Organizers of the Outdoor French Market in Harbert, Mich. are seeking vendors for their event to be hend on July 19th at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 14280 Red Arrow Hwy. The group is accepting space reservations now. Contact the market committee for details at mediatorfrenchmarket@gmail.com or call Jeannine Totzke on (269) 921-1127.

Athletes from across the Midwest will compete in the Sister Lakes Triathlon and Relay July 19.

Participants will swim Round Lake, bike the smooth and rolling terrain of country roads and run a course that takes them around Big Crooked and Dewey lakes and many residential areas of this summertime Mecca.

The two-transitional event which features both Olympic and Sprint distances begins at 8 a.m. On-site registration takes place at Sister Lakes Lions Clubhouse, where post-race festivities are held. For on-line registration, visit www3Disciplines.com

The Episcopal Church of the Mediator will host the 2014 Annual French Outdoor Market at the church, 14280 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert, Michigan.

Organizers are accepting space

i

reservations now. Contact the market committee for details at mediatorfrenchmarket@gmail. com or call Jeannine Totzke on (269) 9211127.

The Box Factory will host the Blvd. Billies with Dan Geib, and Art and Rusty Hardwater.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free.

The Blvd. Billies with Dan Geib and Art & Rusty Hardwater performs at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St., St. Joseph, Michigan at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free.

Lemon Creek Winery will host an all-day concert featuring three live blues bands: The Elwood Splinters Blues Band, Shake N Chill and The David Gerald Band.

Food will be available for purchase. Admission is $10.

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra invites you to an evening of symphonic suites by Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, Academy Award, and Grammy Award winning composer Stephen Sondheim.

Sondheim on Silver will be performed on Saturday, July 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m. at Shadowland Pavilion – Silver Beach with gates opening at 6:30 p.m.

July 20-25

Pleasant View Church of Christ will host a Vacation Bible School program from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

July 20 to 25. The theme for this year’s program is Transformers, based off of Romans 12:2. Every night participants will enjoy energetic music, skits, crafts that they will be transforming into

Week of July 18-24, 2014 • Page 11

WHAT'S HAPPENING? something cool, games, snacks that they will make themselves and lessons from the Bible.

Call (269) 932-2715 for more details.

July 22

i Southwest Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees will hold its annual picnic at a member‘s home. Main food and drink will be provided. Please bring a dish to pass. All retired/current federal employees and their spouses/families are welcome. For information call Jean Rowe at 269 782 2769 or e mail jeanrowe70@ comcast.net July 23

The Twin City Players will present “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at 7 p.m. at the Whitcomb Terrace, located at 509 Ship St. in St. Joseph.

The performance is open to the public, but there is a suggested $5 donation.

July 24

St. Patrick’s County Park will offer a basic archery lesson on Thursday, July 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at the Brown Barn. This program is geared for ages 12 years and up, accompanied by an adult. The fee is $10/person. Registration and payment are required by July 21.

For more information or to make reservations, please call (574) 654-3155. St. Patrick’s County Park is located on Laurel Road in South Bend, IN. July 25

Elkhart County Parks will be presenting a program which will explore the wonderful world of amphibians and reptiles on at 1:45 pm. at the Heritage Park Stage during the Elkhart County 4-H Fair. This will be a fun, hands on program featuring a variety of live amphibians and reptiles.

Niles will host a Craft Brew and Wine Festival from 3 to 9 p.m. in Riverfront Park, featuring brews, music and food.

Visit www.nilesmi.com for more information.

nia Rd., New Troy. For more information or to volunteer to assist with the event, please contact FONT’s Recycling Committee member, Janna Riley, at 773275-1514 or janna@ jannariley.com.

LEGEND

Alcohol

Art

Business

Movies

Community

Theatre

Crafts

Music

Religious

Food

July 26

The Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company will “Coriolanus” in a cabaret setting at the Box Factory for the Arts.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free.

i The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its first ever “Buchanan Open House Day” from 1 to 6 p.m. Organizers are asking for all merchants, organizations and committees alike to participate in this community wide event. For more information, contact bacc@buchanan.mi.us or (269) 695-3291.

A reminder to Dowagiac Band Alumni of the second band reunion to be held on Saturday, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Dowagiac Elks Club. Those who would like to attend, but haven’t sent in a reservation still have time. The deadline has been extended to July 14.

Invitations were sent out to classes 1960 through 1973. Dowagiac band members who were in band before 1960 or after 1973 are still most welcome to attend. Contact Linda Nelson, (269) 782-5212 if you would like to receive an invitation and it will be sent to you right away.

i Residents and businesses in Berrien County are invited to recycle their unwanted e-waste items and tires on Saturday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m, at the New Troy Community Center, 13372 Califor-

The Episcopal Church of the Mediator in Harbert, Michigan would like to invite the public to join us for a “Starry Starry Night” under the stars on July 26th at 7:30 p.m. (EDT). Our experts to guide us through the sky viewing are Jennifer Francis, Director of the Upton Planetarium in St. Joseph and Mike Durren, Instructor of Astronomy at Lake Michigan College. There will be a 12” Dobsonian telescope available for viewing or you can bring your own. Binoculars are also a great way to see features in the night sky. If you don’t have a telescope and would like to purchase a Galileoscope kit they are available for advanced purchase at a cost of $25. A tripod is recommended for stability and they will be available for $25.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts will hold a panel discussion, Art As Autobiography: The History of the Artist in the Work from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

Panelists include author Stephanie Medlock and artists Suzanne Cohan-Lange, Richard C. Lange and Material Possessions exhibiting artists John Paul Morabito and Aram Han. Panelists will discuss what influences inspire their works, from the more obvious fascination with forms and materials, to the socio/political issues that interest them, and the deeply personal memories that may unconsciously direct their choices.

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Information

Tourist

Nature

Holiday

Parting Shots

Family

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Off The Water, Michiana

Shopping

Sports

Camping

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Eastern. Tickets for the event can be purchased beginning on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. Eastern exclusively through the Ticketmaster website, www.ticketmaster. com, or by calling at (800)745-3000. Ticket prices start at $50 plus applicable fees.

Galien United Methodist Church is hosting a BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Ice Cream Social event from 5 to 7 p.m.

A free will offering will be available at the door.

All proceeds will benefit mission trips. Call 269362-4917 for carry-outs.

Aug. 2

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians’ Four Winds casinos will host a concert by Heart at Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 9 p.m.

The Box Factory for the Arts will present Gary Brandt and Jackie Davidson. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 general admission; $8 students and seniors; children 12 and under free.

Page 12 • Week of July 18-24, 2014

TOURIST FOR A DAY

Off The Water, Michiana

Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

Ring in the season early The Christmas Tree celebrates 25 years of year-round cheer

By JILL McCAUGHAN jill.mccaughan @leaderpub.com It’s been just over 6 months since Christmas came and went, and even if you haven’t started to miss all of the snow, you might be in need of a shot of Christmas cheer.

If that’s the case, you don’t have to go too far to enjoy a little “Christmas in July,” and The Christmas Tree, located at 2675 Mizpah Park Rd., is just the place to do that.

Sisters Kathleen Park and Madeline Kimball have been serving up Christmas in July, and August, and in pretty much every other month for the past 25 years at The Christmas Tree.

Despite the many years of success that the store has enjoyed, one might wonder how the two sisters and their mother, also named Madeline, found the nerve to open a Christmas-themed store all those years ago, but as Kimball explained, that was not what they set out to do back in 1989.

“The goose was the first thing,” Kimball recalled. “Both Mom and I are sewers, and Mom is a designer, so we said one day, ‘We need to be doing something.’ I had been volunteering for the Krasl at that time and I said, ‘The Holly Market is coming up, and maybe we could make something that we could sell there.’”

After discussing possible projects over coffee and cookies, the ladies hit upon the idea of creating elegant, stuffed geese that they would sell as fundraisers.

“We had a good time planning for that.

So, that’s where we started,” Kimball said.

“Mom made scarves for the geese out of really good material. They were so nice that you could take them off and wear them if you wanted to. We sold a lot of them. We got so tired of stuffing their necks!”

From the Christmas goose project, the trio moved into a business focused on helping other businesses prepare for the holidays.

“We really were focused at the begin-

The Christmas Tree is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

More information can be obtained by calling them at (269) 849-3360.

ning on doing the Christmas decorating for big corporate Christmas parties. We did the centerpieces for the tables, we did the wreaths, we purchased and gift-wrapped all of the employees’ Christmas presents,” Kimball said.

That led into assisting with home Christmas parties, and soon the ladies found that they had so many samples, they needed a place to put them all.

“We set up a nice sample room of about 800 square feet, and that’s really when it started to be a retail store,” Kimball said.

“We had customers peeking in the windows and asking questions as soon as we put out the sign. That was when we realized we needed to go to market to get things that people would want to buy.

That’s just part of the story.”

While the emphasis has always been on Christmas, The Christmas Tree is, in fact, really three shops under one roof—a gift shop, a gourmet shop and of course, the Christmas shop.

“This destination store has unusual things and things for every occasion,” Kimball said. “We have everything from new baby gifts—things that are a lot of times keepsakes, to children’s things, gifts for weddings, birthdays and home accent things, too. Our gift basket business is busy all the time, too.”

The Christmas Tree also carries a selec-

tion of Michigan-made artwork, handcrafted products and gourmet foods.

“When you go to market, almost everything is made in China,” Park noted.

“We try to sell locally-made products,” Kimball added. “We also try to pull artists in here when we come across their work and we like it. I think that makes our store special.”

Some of those Michigan artists include Carl Sams II and Jean Stoick, the duo that has produced a variety of nature-themed photography books, including the best-selling “Stranger in the Woods.”

“Another of our Michigan artists is Peggy Reimel Abrams.

We’re hoping to have her come for a signing soon,” Kimball said. “She’s known for her windswept Santas.”

“We’ve known her for quite some time,” Park added. “She’s in Swartz Creek, Michigan.”

Visitors to the shop may also have the pleasure of hearing Christmas music produced by local musician, Brian Siewert. His CD, “Christmas is Love” can also be purchased at the shop.

Other Michigan products can be found in the shop’s gourmet pantry, from which customers can choose individual items or combine them into custom-made gift baskets.

“We have all different kinds of gourmet foods,” Park noted. “We carry French truffles, and lots of different dips. We have a lot of Michigan things in here, too, like Kalamazoo Kettle Corn. Their caramel corn is so wonderful!”

While the amazing variety of products tucked into the shop is reason enough to visit The Christmas Tree, it is the people

Leader Photo/Jill McCaughan

Sisters Madeline Kimball and Kathy Park love to spread holiday cheer, selling Christmas ornaments and decorations year-round.

you will meet there that makes it really special.

“We have several gals, all long-time employees who have become like a family,” Kimball said. “Helping customers find exactly the right gift, no matter what the occasion, is something we all love about our work.”