January 19, 2017 by New Buffalo Times

LIFE ON THE SANDY SHORES, THE FRUITFUL FARMLANDS AND THE MAGNIFICENT VINEYARDS.

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LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 3, volume 76

Council talks City goals with new city manager; Dredging city harbor more challenging this year due to new restrictions PAGES 4 & 14 New Buffalo Township Board approves Public Safety Millage Resolution PAGE 6 Chikaming Township discusses beach access, library funding PAGE 7

Boys Bison basketball with wins against Centreville, White Pigeon PAGE 8

Chikaming park open for the season PAGE 9

Origin of the lighthouse at the beach PAGE 13

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Thursday, January 19, 2017

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

There’s a new smile in town! Introducing, Dr. Hillary V. Knight who will be stepping into Dr. Jay Blackburn’s shoes when he retires this January. “I hope you will continue to seek dental care with Dr. Jay’s compassionate team at Harbor Country Dental, who have been providing quality care for almost 33 years. I intend to continue their tradition of excellence.“

105 W. Merchant St., New Buffalo, MI 49117 P: 269-469-3140 • F: 269-469-6182 • www.harborcountrydental.com

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

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FROM THE PUBLISHER FUN IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY! LIPSTICK DAY IN BALI WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! Quietly, I began distributing lipstick at the back of the restaurant before making an announcement to the rest of the staff at the Bungalows. It became a lipstick riot! Yes, I created a monster about 15 plus years ago, when I first started giving away my lipstick before leaving the island. Which is fine, because this little gift means so much to them. After arriving in the middle of the night, I awoke to the birds singing. I did my yoga, walked the not-so-clean beaches and headed to my favorite massage salon (after dreaming all night of my first of many full body massages). WHAT! It was not there, nor were the other massage salons. Seems they have all turned into tattoo parlors - three on every block. Looks like I will be coming home with a full body tattoo instead of a massage. Bali has an interesting business approach - if something is hot and one person is successful at it, the entire street does the same thing. The competition is crazy (which is the way it has always been). I plan to share their efficient sidewalk structure with the DDA and Abonmarche. Bali has always let the motorcycles use the sidewalks to get around the traffic of the cars. The sidewalks are all of about 3.5 feet wide, so the pedestrians have to often step aside so the motorcycles

LIBRARY TIDINGS

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY can get by. Seems to work just fine! If you fall into a hole where there is suddenly NO sidewalk, it is YOUR problem, as lawsuits do not exist. They have replaced most of the old sidewalks with new ones, which are made of a nice ceramic tile. The only problem, is they are extremely slippery when wet, and this is a tropical environment; however, at least you don’t fall six feet below into the sewer. The traffic has doubled since I was last here. Shocking how many Indonesians are moving to this island! What would previously take one hour to get to my buying villages from Kuta is now three hours. It has been a special experience, watching Bali change over the years - and yet, it is still so very much the same. A few of my friends have passed, but most are still here. Holland, the resident monkey, passed after 35 years, and the restaurant rat I named Cha Wa Wa is no place to be seen. Hopefully, he just moved to another restaurant. As with the staff at the Three Brothers Bungalows, it is tradition here that a person keeps the same job for a lifetime. Which means that when I come back, it is as if nothing has changed. Bali - such a great place to visit. (Harbor Country: A great place to live.) Attitude is everything. dee dee duhn

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NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY 33 N THOMPSON ST NEW BUFFALO, MI (269) 469-2933 Dee Dee Duhn distributing lipsticks in Bali.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Council talks City goals with new city manager

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo City Council had Once they’re finished, Fisher said they will send it to Houseal the chance to lay out important City goals for Lavigne Associates, the consulting firm that was hired to help incoming City Manager David Richards at a with the Plan. Special Council meeting Wednesday, Jan. 11. Anderson emphasized that the Plan would not just be an Richards has served as City Manager “amendment” of the existing one but one that would focus on for Unalakleet and Fort Yukon, Alaska. Councilmembers “tangible action items for the next five to 10 years.” approved a “city manager employment agreement” with him Having Richards conduct a mid-year budget review with at a meeting last month and he was hired on a temporary, 12the City’s department heads was also suggested, as Anderson week basis. His start date is expected to be Monday, Jan. 23. said that this would help him prepare for the budget process. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you and with Richards suggested that he could either work with the City residents to accomplish whatever treasurer and the department heads to Both Councilmember Mark project goals we can decide on,” he said prepare a “draft budget” to be presented Robertson and Mark Kroll to Councilmembers at the start of the to the Council or with a committee made listed the City’s upcoming Special Meeting. up of individual Councilmembers. The downtown development as Mayor Lou O’Donnell IV explained committee would “refine” the budget being a major City goal. that the point of the meeting was to before formally presenting it to the rest Robertson added that, in “brainstorm” with Richards about what of the Council. addition to redoing North they’d like to see him accomplish over Whittaker Street, the City the next few months. In 12 weeks, he o ensure that he was was gearing up for Phase said, they would review what Richards completing all of the One of the North Whittaker has accomplished so far and plan for Councilmembers’ desired Street Redevelopment Project, the future. goals, Richards proposed which involved reconstructing Both Councilmember Mark Robertson that they each send him a Mechanic and Barton streets. and Mark Kroll listed the City’s list of goals or projects that they’d like Outgoing City Manager Rob upcoming downtown development to see him accomplish within the first Anderson added that Phase as being a major City goal. Robertson 90 days. A review period before the One is currently out for added that, in addition to redoing North end of the 90 days would take place, bidding, with bids being due Whittaker Street, the City was gearing during which they would see what by the end of the month. up for Phase One of the North Whittaker he has accomplished thus far. This Street Redevelopment Project, which would provide Richards with a way involved reconstructing Mechanic and Barton streets. Outgoing to “easily demonstrate” what he has accomplished within City Manager Rob Anderson added that Phase One is currently that time frame. Once Richards received the lists, he could out for bidding, with bids being due by the end of the month. then prepare a “work plan” and email it to Councilmembers. In addition to North Whittaker Street, Robertson said that Richards acknowledged that it will be a draft plan, as it may need to be amended. Councilmembers agreed to give working on the City’s zoning ordinance was also a priority. Currently, the City is working on creating a new Master Plan Richards a list of items as soon as possible. and ensuring that the language of the City’s zoning ordinance Another way to keep Councilmembers informed on what lines up with the Plan. O’Donnell added that once they have Richards has accomplished is through a biweekly activity the Master Plan in place, they can “really start working” on the report, during which Richards would prepare a written report displaying how he is interacting with other boards zoning ordinance. and department heads. Most importantly, O’Donnell said, Anderson explained that they have a contract with General was that Richards demonstrated the “ability to follow Code, who did a legal review of the ordinance and sent them through” with his goals, as well as communicated with all the a package pointing out what should be reviewed with regards department heads and City staff and developing a “working to the ordinance. Regarding the Master Plan, Anderson said relationship” with them. that revising it has been a “community outreach” effort, as “It’s mostly keeping the communication going and making workshops have been held and various City boards have reviewed the current one. Planning Commission Chair Pat sure that with what’s going on, there’s an end in sight Fisher said currently, the Commission is reviewing the Plan, to everything - it’s not just talking, it’s follow through,” marking where they believe that changes should be needed. O’Donnell said.

Pagel sworn into office in Lansing

tate Rep. Dave Pagel, R-Berrien Springs, took the ceremonial oath of office administered by Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman on the House floor Wednesday, Jan. 11. Joining the 78th House District lawmaker for the event was his wife, Sue. This is Pagel’s third term representing portions of Berrien and Cass Counties including the cities of Niles, New

Projects in the works for Village of Three Oaks

Buffalo and Buchanan and the townships of Three Oaks, Chikaming, Weesaw, Baroda, Bertrand, Oronoko, Sodus, Pipestone, Berrien, Buchanan, Niles, Galien, Silver Creek, Howard, Milton and Ontwa. He can be contacted by calling 517-373-1796, toll free at 888-373-0078, emailing DavePagel@ house.mi.gov or by mail at Anderson House Office Building, N-1097, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909. — STAFF REPORTS

The Three Oaks Village Council spent their January meeting preparing for Village projects in the coming year. Village Manager Adam Umbrasas told the Council that, with permission to go out for bid now, the Village can get advantageous prices for repaving Elm Street and other streets in time for the Village’s 150th anniversary celebrations slated for later this year. The Council approved seeking bids for repaving North Elm Street from the train tracks to the post office, as well other nearby streets, including Memorial Drive. Councilmember Darlene Heemstra said the Parks and Recreation Plan needs to be completed by March 1 in order to qualify for possible grants. She said the Parks Board has collected information from residents through an online survey and has set a public hearing for Feb. 8 to finalize the plan. The Planning Commission is working on updates to the Village Master Plan, noted Village President David Grosse.

Rep. Griffin opens office, announces contact information

tate Rep. Beth Griffin, R-Mattawan, has officially opened her Lansing office to serve Southwest Michigan residents and has announced key contact information for people to easily reach her. People can contact Griffin by calling 517-373-0839, mailing correspondence to S-1085 House Office Building, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48909-7514 or e-mailing bethgriffin@house.mi.gov. “I look forward to being a problemsolver for people in the district and helping them with any concerns or questions they might have regarding state government,” said Griffin. “I plan to take a common sense approach to a more effective and efficient government, and want input from residents of the 66th District to achieve those goals.” In addition, Griffin plans to have regular local office hours in the future to give area residents a convenient opportunity to speak directly to her. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Knight opens Harbor Country Dentistry, Blackburn set to retire

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riends and patients are invited to say hello to new dentist Dr. Hillary V. Knight, DDS, and bid best wishes to retiring Dr. Jay Blackburn, DDS, Thursday Jan. 19, at an open house at Harbor Country Dental on Merchant Street in New Buffalo. Join the group for light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and share in some good remembrances. After serving the community for 33 years, Blackburn is retiring from dentistry. Knight will be taking over the dental practice. Knight comes to New Buffalo by way of Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she has practiced dentistry at Cherry Health for the past three and a half years. She is a graduate of Indiana University Bloomington and in 2013, she graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry with her Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Knight grew up in Michigan City, Indiana, and is a graduate of LaLumiere School in La Porte, Indiana. She said that buying the practice in New Buffalo “felt right.” She and her husband have a one-year-old baby boy, Michael, and they both wanted to return to their hometown and be close to their parents, families and best friends. New Buffalo seemed like a good fit; the time was right for Blackburn and for Knight and the practice was close to her hometown. By investing in the New Buffalo dental practice, Knight will ensure that a dental practice, which many see as a very important community asset, remains in town. “I am very excited to have my own place. I am excited about the future. I enjoy practicing dentistry and this should be fun,” she said. Blackburn said that he remembers a dental practice being located in New Buffalo back in the 1950s, or possibly before that time. Prior to him opening a practice in 1984, he said that Dr. Maria Holock practiced dentistry here. He said that she was very gracious in welcoming him and he said he will always remember her kindness and support. Blackburn has practiced dentistry since he graduated from dental school in 1979. After practicing in the Chicagoland area, he invested in his private dental practice in New Buffalo in March 1984. “It has been both interesting and fulfilling. I have meet so many nice people here,” he said. “Times were tough, interest rates for new home purchases were at 15 percent, there was 17 percent unemployment in the state of Michigan and there was a lot of destressed property throughout the Harbor Country area,” he said of when he first started his New Buffalo practice. Blackburn credits people who had a vision and who helped to restore the area and attract tourism with bringing the area back to prosperity. He said that tourism and second homeowners have helped support employment and area businesses. “I would like to thank the community for supporting me all this time. It has been a real pleasure to work here and I am very happy to have spent my professional career here,” he said. While Blackburn and his family will enjoy Florida in the winter months, he plans to enjoy summers here. When in town, he also plans to continue to participate in the New Buffalo Lions Club, an organization he has been very dedicated to supporting over the years. Knight plans to offer comprehensive dental care for both children and adults, which was previously provided by Blackburn. The dental office will remain in the same location and she will offer the same office hours, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Knight will retain the same familiar staff that has been serving Blackburn’s patients: Dental Assistant Lori Bulthuis, Dental Hygienist Cindy Mara and Office Manger Patti Marth. Harbor Country Dentistry has a new website, blog and presence on Facebook, which features educational pieces. Visit www.harborcountrydental. com or on Facebook at harborcountrydental. The dental office is located at 105 West Merchant Street, at the corner of Barton Street in New Buffalo. Their number is 269-469-3140.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

2017 GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE FROM “THE HEART OF COOK”

rant applications are again available for “The Heart of Cook” Foundation Fund. “The Heart of Cook” is a grant program funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by the Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties). “Every year we look forward to providing this funding opportunity to the non-profits in our community,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer Joel Gebbie. “The Heart of Cook Foundation is one way that we can say thank you and support The following Realtors were also installed as Officers and Directors the non-profit of the Southwestern Michigan organizations that Association of Realtors, Inc. and the serve our community Real Estate Information System of so tirelessly Southwestern Michigan Inc. for 2017: throughout the year.” • President-Elect: Robert Kaufman, @properties Harbor Country, New Educational Buffalo projects, human • Treasurer: Mark VanDusen, Cressy services programs & Everett Real Estate, Edwardsburg that support families, • Directors: and environmental -K arin Buda, Berkshire Hathaway HomeService, Edwardsbrug protection and -T ina Thornton, Realty Executives preservation projects Pro Brokers, St. Joseph are the focus - J aimie Lenardson, Cressy & areas for this grant Everett Real Estate, Stevensville program. The grant -C arol Wight, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, New review committee, Buffalo comprised of -L inda Johnson, Integrity Real Cook Nuclear Estate Professionals, Niles Plant employees, -B ert Peters, FriendlyAppraiser. gives special com LLC, Stevensville -R enay Suseland, Cressy & Everett consideration to Real Estate, Edwardsburg projects that involve -A manda Soukup, Coldwell Banker I & M employees. Weber-Seiler, South Haven Organizations must -D an Stacey, Stacey Appraisal have 501(c)(3) tax Service, Berrien Springs -L ars Petzke, RE/MAX by the Lake, exempt or equivalent St. Joseph status to qualify for funding. “In 2016, we provided more than $53,000 in funding to 29 non-profit programs and special projects in educational and community-based agencies,” said Dave Lefor, employee advisory committee member. “That is a great way for Cook to continue to be an important community partner. So much good is accomplished when we work together.” Grant applications and guidelines may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Foundation’s web site at www.berriencommunity.org/hoc, which started January 9, 2017. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is February 6, 2017, with awards to be announced in May. Agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle. If you have questions about applying, contact Susan Matheny at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org. The Berrien Community Foundation holds endowment and other funds for a number of non-profit organizations in Berrien County. Through these funds the Community Foundation is able to support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. The Community Foundation’s Community Endowment and field of interest funds have provided funding to support a wide variety of services and agencies for more than 60 years. For more information on the Berrien Community Foundation, visit their website at www. berriencommunity.org or call 269-983-3304. — STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo Township Board approves Public Safety Millage Resolution for May ballot LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP

he New Buffalo Township board met for their regular meeting Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 17 due to the offices being closed in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on

Oselka. They approved the appointment of Pete Rahm as the representative to the LRSB Board with Judy Zabicki as the alternate representative. Rahm replaces Jack Rogers as the Township Monday. representative effective March 14, 2017. At the opening of the meeting, Chuck Heit They also appointed Judy Zabicki as the addressed that board and thanked them for the representative on The Pokagon Fund with opportunity to serve as their representative on Michelle Heit as the alternate representative. The Pokagon Fund Board. Zabicki replaces Chuck Heit as the Pokagon Fund Resident Cheryl Marie addressed the board representative. and stated that her exchange with the board at They unanimously adopted the proposed the December meeting regarding Carts on 12 was Public Safety Millage Resolution for the May not reflected in the minutes. She stated that the 2017 election ballot. The resolutions stated the omission violates the spirit of the Open Meeting proposed millage is not to exceed 1.4 mills over a Act (OMA). ten year period, from 2016 to 2026. This amount Resident Michael Patrick addressed the board represents $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed property and stated that today’s meeting had not been valuation. The proposed millage is projected properly posted and requested that they postpone to raise $799,000 in revenue for public safety, it. He also claimed that the Resolution to adopt which includes police protection, fire protection a Public Safety millage was in conflict with due and the ambulance service. A portion of the taxes process and requested that it not be approved. collected will be distributed to the CIA district, David Stumm addressed the board and per state law. The resolution needed to be adopted suggested that the Public Safety Millage proposal at the January meeting to be placed on the May be increased from 1.4 mills to 2 mills to cover ballot. The board felt the amount requested, 1.4 long-term budget needs. He also suggested mills, in addition to the Payment in Lieu of Taxes that the budget revenues needed to be adjusted (PILT) money received from the LRSB and the to reflect the current public David Stumm addressed the board and possibility of not safety millage, suggested that the Public Safety Millage receiving LRSB would adequately proposal be increased from 1.4 mills to 2 mills Funds for public cover the to cover long-term budget needs. He also safety, as the projected public suggested that the budget revenues needed township has safety expenses. to be adjusted to reflect the possibility of not They approved received in the receiving LRSB Funds for public safety, as the unanimously the past years. township has received in the past years. 2016-17 Budget Berrien Amendments, County Sheriff including an amendment to increase the training Supervisor Juli Flick gave the November 2016 budget for the Supervisor and the Clerk from Township report; there were 117 complaints $400 to $1,000 for the year. answered, 14 tickets were issued and 7 arrests They approved $85, plus mileage and meals were made. In Berrien County there were 1,128 for addition training for firefighter Jamie Flick to complaints answered, 212 tickets issued and 153 attend two training sessions with the Baroda Fire arrests made. The Narcotic’s report for Berrien Department. County showed 89 arrests as of 2016. Flick was The attendance policy and operating guidelines asked if recent breaking and entering activity in for the N.B. Township Fire Department was Chikaming Township barns and out buildings tabled until further input from Chief Lijewski. had also occurred in New Buffalo Township. She The board approved the cost for training and said that New Buffalo had not experienced that meetings and reimbursement for mileage and problem. She also stated that vehicle burglaries lodging for Supervisor Michelle Heit and Clerk were up in the south county, but not in New Judy Zabicki. Both will attend training Jan. 19 Buffalo Township. and Board of Review training Feb. 3 and they Fire Chief Ed Lijewski was unable to attend the will attend the Michigan Townships Association meeting and filed his report with the board. (MTA) Conference in Lansing April 10-13 for the The board approved two payments to State Convention. Wightman and Associates for invoices for the At the close of the meeting Cheryl Marie Corridor Improvement Authority (CIA); one in submitted a formal complaint, via Supervisor the amount of $486.70 and the other $846.58. Heit, against Building Department Administrator Supervisor Heit stated that in the future the & Zoning Administrator Estelle Brinkman and Township would use the services of Dan Fedde, Planning Commission Chair Dolores Batchelder. Director of the Berrien County Administrative She cited violations of constitutional rights and Center, which she stated would be a cost savings. OMA violations. She said they were “seeking The board approved Change Order # 1 which damages within the scope of authority.” allows for two soil boring tests to be performed Michael Patrick addressed the board again for the for Grand Beach Water Main Extension. and urged them to use audio video recording Amtrak and MDOT each required soil borings for all of the meetings, including the Planning in separate locations. The future water line Commission, so that there would be a public extension is proposed to go under the Amtrak record and so that the public could view the railroad tracks and it will also be in the state road meetings as they were taking place. right-of-way. The next meeting of the New Buffalo Township They approved CIA Board reappointments Board will be Monday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. at the for four years, expiring 12/31/20. The following Township Hall on Red Arrow Highway. members were reappointed; Mark Pitts and Ron

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Chikaming Township discusses beach access, library funding at monthly meeting

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

oard members discussed a request of the Chikaming Township Park Board for them to review Township Ordinance 126 at the Chikaming Township Board’s monthly meeting Thursday, Jan. 12. As explained by Supervisor David Bunte, the ordinance involves the “accessibility of maintaining who manages the access of our public beaches.” Currently, the Township Supervisor manages the access of the Township’s beaches; however, up until two years ago, the Park Board has had this responsibility. As explained by Schrader, the Board was merely requesting that they return to the old system before the Supervisor took over the responsibility. “This would just revert back to the motion that was made two years ago to remove the duties and responsibilities from the elected Park Board to the Supervisor - you’ve had nothing but problems since then,” she said. In addition, Schrader said Ordinance 126 is located under the Park Board section and not the Township, and states that it helps them “govern the parks, beaches and preserves.” Schrader cited an incident that took place last November, during which the former Township supervisor opened the gate to the beach without filling out a permit. She said that there was meeting with a lawyer in private without any representation from the Park Board. Schrader said he had decided that he was in charge of the matter “even though he didn’t fill out two permits.” Trustee Bill Marske suggested that they wait a year to make a formal decision on the matter, which might be how long it would take for them to finish improving their zoning ordinances. At last month’s meeting, Board members approved the hiring of McKenna to help them with their ordinances, ensuring that they aligned with the Master Plan. With regards to the previous incident, he said that the Township acted on advice they received from legal counsel. Bunte said that, from a legal standpoint, there were “numerous” state and local regulations, and that he wanted to ensure that they weren’t “overstepping our bounds” on accessibility. He stressed that he wanted to ensure that they establish checks and balances and procedures and policies, and that he had yet to see a list of any procedures and policies. He said he would be happy to meet with Schrader or a member of the Park Board to discuss a list of policies that could be put in place and that, based on that list, they would decide on the next steps. Trustee Richard Sullivan pointed out it’s the Park Board’s responsibility to take care of the beaches, the preserves and the parks. Being elected officials, he said it should be expected that they have at least some say in “any kind of decision of people accessing those gates, not just the supervisor.” Schrader added that when residents called to complain about certain issues, they were told that there are five agencies in charge of the beach. Returning to the old system, Schrader said, would help “clarify” who was in charge. Also at the meeting, New Buffalo Township Library Director Julie Grynwich, Village of Three Oaks’ Cheryl Kersey and Bridgman Public Library Gretchen Evans gave a presentation on library funding. Michigan library funding, Evans explained, included implementing a millage or a service contract, which was a “negotiated amount that comes right out of municipalities’ General Operating Budget.” It includes that payment and “also a designation of penal fines,” which is “money the courts collect for violation of state law.” The money is put into a fund and can only be used for library support paid out by the county once a year. For many years, she said, Chikaming residents utilized library services through penal fines. A second contract was signed in 2013 that also included the Bridgman library in addition to Three Oaks, Chikaming and New Buffalo. Grynwich said they also received “an amount equal to 1 percent of Chikaming Township’s General Budget,” which included penal fines. Michigan says the minimum amount of support libraries should be receiving form local municipalities is three tenths of a mill, and that three tenths of Chikaming’s taxable value in 2015 was $174,018. In 2015, the following amounts were the municipal support per capita of Bridgman, New Buffalo, Three Oaks and Chikaming, respectively: $74.82, $62.24, $46.62 and $9.50. Both Grynwich and Evans acknowledged that Chikaming, unlike the other three municipalities, doesn’t have a millage; however, Evans said, the problem still remained that Chikaming doesn’t pay to use the library services like the residents from the other communities. Board members agreed to investigate the matter further, with Bunte saying they would soon be going into budget development for the fiscal year and they’d look into the “inadequacies.” Also at the meeting, Bunte said that 90 percent of Township staff now had a Township email they were using to conduct Township business. Last meeting, Board members agreed that everyone should use a Township email to conduct Township business, as opposed to their personal email.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

ARENA

PERFECTION IN THE LANES

t takes twelve strikes to make a perfect bowling game. Not every bowler racks up a 300 score but New Buffalo’s Paul Zdanis bowled a perfect game at Lakeshore Lanes bowling alley during a league game last month. Zdanis started league bowling at the Diamond Bowl in New Buffalo and has been bowling at Lakeshore for eight years now. While he averages a 199 score, he’s come within a few pins of a perfect game at least twice before, finishing one game with 298 and another at 299. Paul Zdanis bowled a perfect This time around, Zdanis said, he started 300 at Lakeshore Lanes. realizing around the seventh frame he was on track for a high score, but he didn’t expect to do as well as he did. “I thought I might get a 260 or 270,” he said. His perfect game was the first one recorded this season at Lakeshore Lanes. Once paperwork is submitted to the American Bowling Congress, Zdanis will receive a ring commemorating his score. — STAFF REPORTS

sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF

IN CHICAGO

ouldn’t you know it? Last week I declared that the college football season was over for us in the Midwest. Furthermore, I said that my interest in professional football was at an all time low because of the horrible season the Bears had. Little did I realize how exciting the upcoming games were going to be. Let’s begin with the college football championship game. Because our “local” teams, Notre Dame, Michigan, and the rest of the Big 10 teams had been eliminated, I didn’t have a rooting interest in the big game. Clemson against Alabama promised to be a great game for people in the southern part of the country, but because of my regional bias, my personal interest was minimal. Boy was I wrong! The Clemson Tigers defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide 35-31 in one of the most exciting college football games ever played. The game wasn’t decided until, with one second remaining, Clemson scored to win the game. The contest featured everything that makes college football great. Loads of enthusiasm, spectacular players, and a heart pounding finish. It made me wish I had paid more attention to it. The NFL Playoffs were also more fun to watch than I anticipated. After the smoke cleared this weekend, only Pittsburgh, New England, Atlanta, and Green Bay remained. The most exciting game of the weekend for me was the Dallas Cowboys versus the Packers. I have never been a fan of either team, but I must admit they both played a great game on Sunday. For the first time in my life, I am grudgingly willing to give the Green Bay Packers and their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, the credit they deserve. Year after year, that darn team from Wisconsin kicks the Bears butts. After most of the defeats, I feel the Bears were unlucky or the Packers were lucky, or a combination of the two. After watching them defeat the Cowboys, I finally realized that the Packers are just plain good. The front office, that rarely spends a lot of money on free agents, is excellent. The coaching staff is daring and innovative. The defense gets the job done. The biggest reason the Packers are so good, and so much better than the Bears, is the play of their quarterback. Since 1992, when Brett Favre became the Packer quarterback, the Packers have emerged victorious in thirty eight of fifty one contests. Since Jay Cutler joined the Bears, the Pack has won 14 and the Bears only three. While I don’t blame just the quarterback play for this discrepancy, it seems clear to me that the Bears must search for a new player at that position. I was correct about a couple of things last week. Spring training starts in less than a month and having great friends is surely a blessing. Hubert H. Humphrey said, “ The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” Be careful out there. Make good choices. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

Sotiri Margaritis (#1) and Ryan Butler (#44) during the Centreville game

Boys Bison basketball with wins against Centreville, White Pigeon

he Varsity Boys basketball team captured a dramatic, come from behind victory on the road against the Centreville Bulldogs Wednesday night, January 11, 2017. Winning by a final score of 65-64, they trailed at halftime by a score of 33-25. The Bison rallied in the third quarter, trailing only 45-46 at the end of the third. The fourth quarter was filled with back and forth scoring from both teams, before Seth Margaritis scored two and put the Bison on top for good with 4.5 seconds to go. Centreville was forced to inbound the ball from the Bison end and needed to get the ball down the court to try to get a last second shot off. After a time out, the Bison came out prepared to defend their one point lead and hold on for the win. Centreville quickly inbounded and threw the ball to mid court, but Ryan Butler was there, jumping to bat it down, with Seth Margaritis recovering it and the Bulldogs were never able to get a shot off. The steadfast Bison fans who made the long Wednesday night trip to Centreville went wild and the Bison celebrated their win. Final numbers for the Bison were Seth Margaritis with 19 points, Julian Hymes with 14, Creo Brewster with 12, Gaige Rice and Ryan Butler with 6 each, Patrick Griffin with 4, and Sotiri Margaritis and Garrett Mullen with 2 each. It was what Coach Randy Mast called “a great team win, everyone contributed.” The Bison are now 3-2 on the season and 2-0 in BCS divisional play. The Varsity Boys basketball team won another conference game, topping White Pigeon 66-35 Friday, Jan. 13. The Bison started out hot, sinking three, three-point baskets for their first nine points of the game, and never looked back. The Bison led after each quarter and finished with a decisive victory. Lead scorer was Seth Margaritis with 18 points, 12 of them from four three point baskets. Julian Hymes finished with 13 points, Gaige Rice with 11, and Creo Brewster had 8. It was another total team effort with 9 of the 11 Bison team members scoring in the game. The Bison travel to Mendon Friday, Jan. 20 — NEW BUFFALO TIMES SPORTS

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Empty Bowls dinner to benefit area students, families

he New Buffalo High School Classes of 2017, 2018 and 2019 are sponsoring the sixth annual “Empty Bowls” dinner at the New Buffalo High School cafeteria Friday, Jan. 27, from 5–7p.m. For a suggested donation of $10 for a ceramic bowl, diners will be provided with an “empty bowl” made by a New Buffalo High School student, a meal of soup or chili with crackers, a beverage, and a dessert. All proceeds raised from the event will stay in the local Harbor Country community and go toward the Blessings in a Backpack program, which benefits New Buffalo Elementary School students and their families. For more information, please contact Tina Keller, Class of 2017 co-advisor, at tkeller@nbas.org or 269-469-6046 and Beth Scoggin, Class of 2017 co-advisor, at bscoggin@nbas.org or 269469-6045. — STAFF REPORTS

Community group for Girls in New Buffalo Club H20

irls can join a free community group for girls ages 13-18 at Converge Community Church (601 W Buffalo St. New Buffalo, MIchigan), sponsored by Well of Grace Ministries (WOG). WOG is a safe place for girls to connect, increase self-esteem, find potential and explore possibilities, defining who you are on the inside and out, and celebrating what makes you unique. In this free course from 10am-2pm Saturday, June 28, they will be learning about factors that affect self-esteem and how to take control of improving self-esteem. Lunch is provided. Pre registration is required, it can be done by calling the office at 269-428-9355. Minors will be required to submit a signed registration form. — STAFF REPORTS

Chikaming park open for the season

he Chikaming ice rink opened for the 2017 season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony the evening of Saturday, Jan. 14. Chikaming Township Park Board member Janet Schrader welcomed everyone to the rink, encouraging them to come out and enjoy the fun all winter. During the ceremony, New Buffalo Savings Bank added a $500 donation to the ice rink coffers. Ice skating and roasting s’mores are just part of the fun at the lighted rink, as the Park Board has planned activities for Saturday evenings throughout the winter season. Saturday, Jan. 21, is the next party, where Flagship, Schrader (also known as the Sand Pirate) and the Park Board will host a cooking demonstration over campfires. The ice rink offers the free use of ice skates, supplied by the $500 Heart of Cook Nuclear Plant grant. The skates are available at the concession stand at the park, which is located on Red Arrow Highway in Harbert Community Park. — LINDA HENDERSON

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LETTERS TO THE PAPER:

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HERE DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE IDEAS OR OPINIONS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. WE ASK THAT LETTERS BE UNIQUE TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES AND SHOULD BE 500 WORDS OR FEWER. LETTERS MUST INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE NOTE THAT PUBLISHED LETTERS WILL BE EDITED FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHICH LETTERS ARE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION. EMAIL US AT INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM.

COTTONBABIES LOCAL...

am the CottonBabies Share the Love host for all of Michiana and Harbor Country, based in Buchanan, Michigan. In the Jan. 5 New Buffalo Times there was a great article printed about our program in regards to diaper need. I want to help as many struggling families in our community as I can so I’m writing to let the readers know how you can reach me locally, and to share a little bit about what I do! Share the Love is a national cloth diapering bank. Diapering a baby consumes a significant percentage of a family’s budget. While there are government programs to help families purchase groceries, there are no government assistance programs for diapers. Diaper need is a silent epidemic in the United States. Without an adequate supply of disposable diapers, parents resort to rationing by drying out soiled diapers to reuse them. This can lead to a heartbreaking array of rash and infection for babies and significant emotional stress for parents. Modern cloth diapers are a real solution for families facing diaper need. Share the Love brings hope to struggling families by offering reusable cloth diaper loans. Families must be eligible for WIC to qualify for a diaper loan. As a host I do not review income information, rather the applicant shows proof of active participation in WIC.  I also accept diaper donations! Believe it or not, cloth diapers are fast becoming mainstream in our area. Families are finding themselves aware of the damage that disposable diapers have done to our earth, filling our landfills. It takes 250-500 YEARS for a disposable diaper to decompose. Each child in disposable diapers send 1-2 TONS of waste to the landfills in the average of the two years they are diapered! Items I accept: -cloth diapers (I can do mini repairs on elastics, Velcro, and snaps) -wet bags -cloth wipes -laundry supplies -snappies -receiving blankets, baby washcloths, or any other soft material that could be turned into wipes To donate, apply, or for simply more information about the national Share the Love program, you can visit:http://www. cottonbabieslove.com When applying you will be asked for your location, and then your case will be assigned to me.

If you have something to donate, you can go through the website as well and indicate the area that you are in. Again, the case will be assigned to me to set up a time for pick up. When you receive a diaper loan from me I will teach you how to use and care for the diapers properly. When thinking of cloth, the dated conclusion is hassle--safety pins and rubber pants. Modern diapers no longer involve either of those! These aren›t your mother›s cloth diapers; they are easy, convenient, and nothing more than another load of laundry. — REBECCA TROXELL

UPTON REPEAL, REPLACE BILL IS NOT THE ANSWER...

he Affordable Care Act (ACA, Obamacare) has made it possible for more than 20 million Americans to obtain health insurance. The uninsured rate is currently the lowest it has ever been. Having health insurance saves lives – when people don’t have insurance they often avoid seeking medical help and often avoid taking prescribed medications. The ACA prevents insurance companies from refusing to offer insurance to individuals with “pre-existing conditions”, from cancelling insurance if the insured person develops an expensive medical condition, and from charging women more than men for insurance premiums. This law also allows parents to keep their children on their plans until age 26, guarantees access to preventive health care for women, and reduces the cost of prescription drugs for seniors on the Medicare Part D plan. Despite all of these benefits, Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Fred Upton, are racing to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act. One of the Republican proposals to replace the ACA is a bill called the PatientCARE act, which Fred Upton has co-sponsored. The non-partisan Commonwealth Fund has done a comprehensive analysis of Upton’s bill, and reports that if it were adopted it would, in its first year of implementation: 1) Increase the number of uninsured individuals by 9 million; 2) Increase the federal deficit by $17 billion and 3) Increase health insurance and medical care costs for older adults and low-income individuals. Upton’s bill would also eliminate mandated coverage of women’s preventive health services and would allow insurance companies

to charge women higher rates than men. Fred Upton should withdraw his sponsorship from this very destructive bill. Instead, he should look for ways to improve the Affordable Care Act. He might begin by supporting legislation to introduce a public option into the insurance marketplace. If this proposal had not been blocked from the Affordable Care Act, health insurance premiums and deductibles would be much lower than they are. Other important steps that Upton could take to lower the overall cost of health care are to vote for allowing medications to be imported from other developed countries and for allowing Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs. The pharmaceutical companies are charging astronomically higher prices in the United States than they are in other developed nations. This needs to stop. The Affordable Care Act has been enormously beneficial to all of us. It does not need to be repealed, it needs to be improved. Congressman Upton could help make that happen, or he could continue to sponsor legislation that will have seriously negative effects on the health of our country. Please urge him to stop sponsoring the PatientCARE bill and to work with his colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, to improve the Affordable Care Act. — DR. LARRY FELDMAN, LAKESIDE

STUTTERING HELP...

or many people, ringing in the New Year brings hope and joyful anticipation. But for those who struggle with stuttering, the old fears of speaking and being teased remain the same—year after year. Many of your readers don’t know that help for stuttering is available from so many places. Trusted information on stuttering is available at your local public library. Public schools have speech counselors, and children are entitled to free evaluation and help by law. Seek out a Speech-Language Pathologists in your area trained in helping those who stutter. Universities often offer speech clinics. Finally, the internet can be wonderful resource on stuttering— with free books, videos, and reference materials. Visit our website as a starting point: www. stutteringhelp.org. Make 2017 the year you find the help you and your family need.

— JANE FRASER, PRESIDENT THE STUTTERING FOUNDATION

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

LRSB At-Large members elect new representative

ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS AND ITS MLS INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS

eorge Lucas, a licensed associate broker with RE/ MAX Harbor Country in Union Pier was installed as the 2017 President of the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors, Inc. and the Real Estate Information System of Southwestern Michigan, Inc., by Natalie Rowe, the Michigan Realtors District 6 Director at a recent installation event. Lucas has been licensed since 1999, receiving his Brokers license in 2002 and holds the National Association of Realtors professional designations of Graduate Realtors Institute (GRI) and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Lucas has served on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors and the REIS of Southwestern Michigan in 2007-2009 and 2012 to present. Prior to serving as 2017 President, Lucas served as Treasurer in 2015 and President-Elect in 2016. He also served on the Finance Committee in 2015 and 2016, the Standard Forms Committee for seven years and the MLS Committee for two years, serving as its Chairman in 2012. Lucas is also a two-time recipient of the Educational Achievement Award and honored as the Most Effective Committee Chairman in 2012 and was 2013 Realtor of the Year. Lucas has consistently been an MLS Sales Producer earning many MLS Production Awards; the Silver Award once, the Gold Award three times, the Platinum Award five times and the Diamond Award seven times. He also received the Silver Life Award in 2002 and the Gold Life Award in 2005. In 2015, he was awarded an Honorable Mention for Realtor Magazine’s Good Neighbor Award in recognition for his work with Chikaming Open Lands. A self-described “joiner,” Lucas has recently served as the president of Chikaming Open Lands, a land conservancy headquartered in Sawyer and he is a past president of Chikaming Country Club in Lakeside. Lucas resides in Harbert. At another function held earlier in December, the 2016 President, Paul Dumke, with Integrity Real Estate Professionals Lakeshore, Stevensville presented Michelle Alger, Pier Realty, St. Joseph, the coveted President’s Cup Award. The President’s Cup is awarded annually to a Realtor who best exemplifies the spirit of the Realtors Code of Ethics as stated by the Golden Rule, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” and also contributes their time and talents to the Association and its MLS. Dumke also presented Michele Kaiser, Coldwell Banker Advantage, Stevensville, as the recipient of the 302016 N Whittaker • Open Daily Award for her Most EffectiveSt Committee Chairman leadership of the Standard Forms Committee. — STAFF REPORTS

JIM BRACEWELL REPRESENTING THE VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH ELECTED; PANO ARVANITIS REPRESENTING NBAS ELECTED ALTERNATE

LINDA HENDERSON IN HARBOR COUNTRY

he New Buffalo Area Local Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB) members representing the At-Large municipalities met in a special meeting Tuesday, Jan. 17 for the purpose of electing a representative and an alternate for the At-large municipalities. The At-large representative is one of five board members serving on the LRSB. The At-large municipalities are comprised of and represented by the following individuals: the Township of Chikaming, Rick Sullivan; the Township of Three Oaks, George Mangold; the Village of Grand Beach, Jim Bracewell; the Village of Michiana, Ryan Layman; the Village of Three Oaks, Adam Umbrasas; New Buffalo Area Schools, Pano Arvanitis; Berrien County RESA, Dr. Kevin Ivers; Lake Michigan College, Dr. Robert Harrison. Since the inception of the five member board of the LRSB in 2009, the At-large representative has been the Chikaming Township Supervisor. The first elected representative was Jeanne Dudeck followed by Wayne Warner. With the defeat of Warner in the November 2016 elections, a new representative was needed and was voted on by members of the entities they represent. The representative is a candidate chosen from any of the elected officials, from any of the At-large communities. The current Alternate Board Member Pano Arvanitis, representing New Buffalo Area Schools (NBAS), chaired the meeting, which was attended by all of the communities eligible to elect a representative. Three municipal representatives had previously submitted resumes and wished to be considered to fill the At-large representative positon; Jim Bracewell, Village of Grand Beach, Pano Arvanitis, NBAS and Rick Sullivan, Chikaming Township. Bracewell and Arvanitis were nominated to fill the position. Bracewell received four votes from Chikaming and Three Oaks Townships and The Villages of Three Oaks and Michiana. Arvanitis received three votes from B.C. RESA, NBAS and LMC. For the position of

alternate representative, Pano Arvanitis and Rick Sullivan were nominated. Arvanitis received the unanimous vote of the eight members present. Following the election Bracewell committed to work with the board secretary and keep communications on-going and open to the Atlarge members. The group also plans to meet in the future to establish, in writing, the procedures for future elections, so that everyone is familiar with the process. The members also acknowledged that they were in receipt of the Amended Compact and Interlocal Agreement and confirmation that the governing body has been elected to participate in the Interlocal agreement. At the next meeting of the LRSB, the five members of the Board will elect a Chairman. The past Chair and Berrien County Commissioner Andy Vavra was defeated by Ezra Scott in the November election; Scott succeeds Vavra as the B.C. County representative on the LRSB, but the chair position will be elected by the seated board members. That election will take place in February. The current members of the LRSB board are: Berrien County, Ezra Scott; City of New Buffalo, Bob Spirito; New Buffalo Township, Jack Rogers; Pokagon Band of Pottawattamie Indians, Matt Weesaw; At-Large representative, Jim Bracewell. In addition to the elections in February, member Matt Weesaw suggested inviting the two attorneys, New Buffalo Township Attorney David Peterson and Pokagon Band Attorney Mike Phelan to attend the meeting and review and clarify the LRSB by-laws, the State Compact Agreement and the Inter-local agreement. Each of the attorneys was instrumental in drafting the original documents and they have presented an overview of them and of the requirements of Specific Actual Costs requests to past LRSB board members. The next meeting of the LRSB will be Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 8:30 a.m. at New Buffalo Township Hall.

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New Buffalo Times PRESENTS:

valentine hearts LET YOUR SPECIAL SOMEONE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING IN 15 WORDS OR LESS... VALENTINE’S DAY ISSUE

(FEBRUARY 9, 2016) Anyone who would like to place a personal "Valentine" message can contact: Linda Henderson at 312-859-8855 Janine Adamski at 630-370-0820 DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 3 • LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Glassman Park offers kayaking, hiking

LINDA HENDERSON IN HARBOR COUNTRY

he Harbor Country Chamber of plant species may also been seen growing in the park Commerce and The Harbor Country lands. There are no obtrusive lights installed at the Rotary Club kicked off their winter Lunch park, so star gazing and special night viewing events and Learn program on Wednesday, may also be an option for park patrons. January 11 at the Chamber office with The Park Department and Park Board are in the planning stages for future developments in Phase a presentation from New Buffalo Township Parks II for the park. They hope to see the installation Director Pat Donnelly. Donnelly presented an of a pavilion for educational and recreational overview of the recently developed Glassman Park to purposes, an office, a canoe/kayak rental space, area residents, who filled the room. rustic camp sites for kayakers and hikers, and The newly developed park is located south of I-94 additional hiking trails. on the west side of Glassman Road, off Kruger Road Glassman Park is one of three parks owned and between Red Arrow Highway and Lakeside Road. It is operated by New Buffalo Township. The flagship a 47-acre parcel that has been owned and managed by park, Memorial Park, offers a pavilion with a fireplace New Buffalo Township since 1981. The land consists and kitchen of woods, wetlands facilities, along and meadow lands with a children’s with one side of the playground, a spray park bordering the pool, bocce ball Galien River. courts, basketball The land has courts and remained largely woodland hiking undeveloped trails. until a recent The park also DNR grant and a has a 9/11 artifact 50/50 matching from the World grant from The Trade Center Pokagon Fund Attack installed which allowed for in their memorial the development garden next to the of the recreational Pat Donnelly addresses Lunch and Learn Township Hall. site. The $235,000 Phase I, of the multi-phase project, provided two parking areas, hiking trails with look- out points emorial Park also hosts Wednesday and benches, fishing access and a free handicapped night summer concerts and various kayak launch site on the river. On the hiking trails, other family activities throughout a unique circular brick Zen labyrinth has been the summer season. The park is installed, which invites hikers to enjoy a respite also available to reserve for private from their activities. parties. It is located at 17425 Red Arrow Highway adjacent to New Buffalo Township Hall. A second According to a Zen labyrinth web site, a labyrinth park, Kruger Park is a newly acquired piece of property has long been used as a meditation tool consisting located across the river from the Third Coast Surf of a walkable single line path. According to the site, Shop kayak launch along the Galien River, just to the a labyrinth can be a source of solace and can quiet south of Red Arrow Highway, off of Kruger Road. That a distracted or overactive mind. When troubled by parcel of land has not yet been developed, but there are disturbing emotions or unfortunate events in your possibilities for an additional kayak or canoe launch, life, walking a labyrinth can help resolve your inner fishing platforms and walking trails along the river. discomfort and still your mind enough for you to get Next week, Wednesday, January 18, join the Lunch clarity of what is going on. As a spiritual tool, both and Learn program when Mariel Borgman, Community the calming and quieting effect and the metaphorical Food Systems Educator with MSU Extension’s symbolism of the labyrinth as a pathway on a journey Greening Michigan Institute, will talk about Food Hubs or a spiritual track can help you to ponder life’s and Food Sheds and the opportunities they present greater mysteries, according to the wiki web site. for Southwest Michigan When visiting the park rest a moment and enjoy the agriculture. Hear about MSU beauty of this new asset. Extension research and The ADA Kayak launch will be installed in the education efforts designed spring, following the melting of ice on the river. The to help small- and mediumlaunch site is located up stream, two miles from the sized farms meet food safety Galien River/Red Arrow Highway launch site, which standards in Southwest is two miles from the mouth of the Galien River at Michigan. Lake Michigan. It may be possible, in the future, The Chamber Lunch and to paddle from Glassman Park to Lake Michigan, Learn programs provide a great however there are currently areas along the river opportunity for learning about a that must be cleared of downed trees and log jams. Donnelly said that they are looking at many options to program or service in the area. They are open to the public with help clear the area, including working in partnership free admission and an optional with Third Coast Surf Shop and other community lunch is available for $10 each. hiking and paddling organizations. He said they may All programs are held from hire professionals to do the initial clearing and then 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the park department and volunteers would hopefully the Chamber office, located be able to keep the water trail passable in the future. at 15311 Three Oaks Road The new park also offers opportunities for wildlife in Three Oaks. Registration viewing, particularly bird watching. In the recent is required. Register for any past, the American Bald Eagle has been spotted session on the web site www. in the area and many unique birds and water fowl migrate through the area on their way either north in harborcountrychamber.org or by calling 269-469-5409. the spring or south in the fall. Unique and protected

Zen labryinth

Glassman Park entrance bridge

Glassman Park map overview

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Origin of the lighthouse at the beach

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

his past week, New Buffalo resident Karla Madison posted an amazing photograph of the iconic lighthouse which sits atop the pump house at the New Buffalo City beach. The photo prompted many Photo by Karla Madison comments on Facebook, along with information about the lighthouse, which many people learned about for the first time. Former New Buffalo Park Superintendent Chuck Baran said the lighthouse was placed at the beachfront and dedicated as a memorial to New Buffalo’s favorite son, realtor and boat broker, Chuck Ritter, who passed away June 28, 2005. His family and many friends wanted to remember his fun and kind spirit and his love of Lake Michigan, and the recently acquired lighthouse seemed to be an ideal way to remember a husband, father, son, brother and good friend. In May 2005, the former Diamond Bowl (Theo’s Lanes) and recreational complex was slated for demolition to make room for a new condominium development, Diamond Point. As part of the demolition, the miniature golf course was also going by the way of the wrecking ball. The lighthouse had been one of the golfing challenges on the course, and Park Superintendent Chuck Baran saw it as the perfect addition to the lakefront. Friends rallied around the lighthouse project, and many lent a hand to bring the project to fruition. Baran said that developers Paul Oselka and Mark LaRose donated the lighthouse to the City parks, but the City had to move it. Ken Anderson Sr. loaded the lighthouse onto a trailer at Diamond Point and transported it to the beachfront; however, getting it installed on top to the former pump house was another challenge. The original pump, which pumped water from the lake to the City, had been removed from the structure at an earlier time, but there were layers of concrete atop the building and other objects which had to be removed to make room for the new lighthouse installation. After delivery, Baran said that the lighthouse sat in the parking lot for a few weeks until Ron Donkersloot of Donkersloot and Sons Marine contractors and Adam Umbrasas came to the rescue. In early Summer 2005, the crew helped to prepare the pump house, which entailed removing layers of concrete from the top of the structure. They developed a cable system to secure the lighthouse to the top of the building. By the end of June, the building was ready to receive the lighthouse. Donkersloot provided a heavy duty crane to hoist the lighthouse to the top of the pump house and then secure it, but the project was still not finished. Following the installation, Steve Bowen and Danny Garrison painted the building and the new lighthouse, but friends of Ritter, who wanted to dedicate the lighthouse in his honor, also wanted Reprint from it lit. Fundraising began and continued throughout the June 29, 2005 summer. Friend Nora Duffy spearheaded the group Friends of Chuck Ritter. They held numerous fundraisers for the project and raised over $10,000 to electrify and add lighting to the lighthouse. After five months of restoration activity, October 1, 2005, with a beautiful Lake Michigan sunset as a backdrop, the Chuck Ritter Memorial Lighthouse was lit and officially dedicated. Following the ceremony, family and friends gathered on the rooftop of the Stray Dog to raise additional funds and to celebrate the life and times of their good friend. With funds available for electrifying the light, Baran acquired an actual Fresnel light from a firm operating off the coast of Texas and installed it in the structure. The first day of operation, the light was broken by an act of vandalism. Not to be deterred, Baran replaced the lens and then installed bulletproof Plexiglas in all of the windows surrounding the light to prevent future damage. Baran said that originally, there was a sailboat weather vane on the top of the lighthouse, but that was damaged long ago by the wind. “I would love to see that replaced,” he said. The lighthouse is the backdrop for many photographs, and one constantly sees tourists and wedding parties gathered around it for photo ops. Baran added that the Four Winds Casino Hard Rock Café added the lighthouse as a symbol of one of their collector pins, which he said “is pretty cool.” When driving through the beach parking lot, take a moment to appreciate the dedicated group of people who made this special icon for the New Buffalo beach a reality.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

Dredging city harbor more challenging this year due to new restrictions

THERESE DONNELLY IN NEW BUFFALO

uring the City Council’s January 17 meeting, Harbor Commissioner Nancy Smith explained new environmental protective measures will prevent dredging from occurring while fish are laying eggs in the river. This, she said, shortens the timeframe when the city can dredge its channel. She urged the Council to move fast to approve going out for and accepting bids through Wightman and Associates. Mayor Lou O’Donnell said David Richards will begin working on the dredging project when he formally begins his job January 23. Wightman’s engineering fees for sewer extensions on Norton Street were approved by the Council. The Council thanked several donors The Council thanked several for contributing to water account donors for contributing to hardship cases. O’Donnell said nonwater account hardship cases. profit groups, including the 501 Club, O’Donnell said non-profit Harbor Country Food Pantry, Larry groups, including the 501 G. Bubb Harbor Country Endowment and New Buffalo Service League, have Club, Harbor Country Food Pantry, Larry G. Bubb Harbor donated money to help pay water Country Endowment and New bills for residents who cannot afford Buffalo Service League, have them. donated money to help pay The Council voted to table water bills for residents who discussion of an ethics violation cannot afford them. complaint made by former Council member Donna Messinger. O’Donnell said the complaint addressed matters the city’s attorney had advised the Council not to discuss publicly until a judge had made a determination. The case is before a judge and O’Donnell said he was not willing to expose the city to possible legal action by discussing the matter before the case is resolved. O’Donnell did say he felt much of the complaint was “frivolous.” The Council voted to approve an agreement with the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System for a benefit plan adoption for city employees. Nies Engineering continues to serve as the city’s engineering firm after the Council approved this year’s proposal. Council member Liz Ennis noted Nies has been serving the city for 20 years and suggested reviewing firms next year. St. Mary of the Lake’s special event application for their annual festival May 25 through 29 received approval from the Council. Two members of the Civil Service Board submitted resignations to the Council. Kevin Huber resigned as the Civil Service seat conflicts with his new position on the Park and Recreation Board and Bobby “Steve” Daniel also resigned. The Council appointed Arnie Feinberg to the New Buffalo Library Joint Building Authority, Juli Westergren to the Board of Review, and Pete Rahm and Karen Gear to the Downtown Development Authority. The meeting was the first for new City Clerk Lori Vander Clay, who was welcomed by the Council. Ennis reported on The Pokagon Fund’s efforts to provide help in the community and noted this is the TPF’s tenth year of activity. She expressed her thanks for the organization’s contributions to the community.

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Stirring the Coffee AND I STILL CAN’T MAKE THE CAHNGE BY GAIL ISAACSON

everal years ago, I went to a new restaurant that was owned by Rich Melman, the dining mogul and proprietor of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group in Chicago. While sitting at the bar, I noticed Mr. Melman slip into the room. I looked straight into his eyes; however, I received no return glint of recognition. And I don’t know why there should have been. Our last encounter was forty years ago—when he fired me. The restaurant was called Great Gritzbes Flying Food Show. It was Melman’s second restaurant, after the trendsetting R.J. Grunts. I was an aspiring actress, and working as a waitress left me time for auditions. Also, I thought it would be a very cool thing to be—one of those new kind of waitresses, a trendy, attractive ‘70s girl, slurping up the last juices of the hippie era. Landing a job there was tantamount to instant “in crowd” admission. Everyone except my mother congratulated me. This was where being an only child put me in a tight spot. My mother was obsessed with me marrying a doctor. “Who are you going meet there?” she wanted to know. “Married men looking to play around on their wives?” But I tucked this guilt trip away in my apron pocket and trotted off to Gritzbe’s, eager to be a waitress. I asked myself, how hard could it be? If I could sing and dance onstage and remember my lines, this should be a snap. On my first trainee night, I followed a waitress around and learned the protocol when someone in your station has a birthday. The waitress was supposed to hotfoot it over to the “dessert bar,” fill a bowl with ice cream, nuts and fudge, and top it off with maraschino cherries. Bowl in hand, she would then run around the restaurant, shouting that someone was having a birthday. All the other waitresses would surround the birthday celebrant and sing a mostly off-key “Happy Birthday.” Valiantly, I struggled in my pitch-perfect alto to slice through all the errant notes and find the melody. This was my favorite part of the job. In those modest ceremonies, I felt a bond with the other waitresses. But the truth was: the sisterhood I yearned for never really materialized. The other waitresses hated me—and for very good reasons. I was clumsy, creating daily spills and collisions. I didn’t pick up my orders promptly enough, causing other girls to bring my table’s food out for me. But the worst thing of all was: I couldn’t make

change. This was the reason I was late picking up my orders. Checks were paid to the waitress at the table. Each waitress kept her own bank, in a changer slung casually around her hips. Each day, I arrived for work with a bank of fifty dollars. Anything left over my original bank was profit. After a week or so, I began to notice I wasn’t making any money. Too often, I would have nothing left. In fact, I was losing money. Clearly, the only thing I was good at was “Happy Birthday.” The final blow came two weeks into the job. Eighty-year old Louis Goldblum had a birthday. I ran around publicizing it to my fellow servers. But they ignored me, whizzing by with their arms piled high with steaming, fried onion cakes and half-pound burgers. Running over to the dessert bar, I piled on mushy cheesecake and un-defrosted strawberries. I crowned it all with drippy peaks of whipped cream. Holding my trophy, I skipped to the birthday boy’s table, ready to take my place. But the others never joined me. All alone, I began singing in a small voice, thinking someone would join in: “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday Mr. Goldblum…” While they heard me belting it out for all it was worth, not one of them stopped. They blurred right by me, their arms a cornucopia of the good life. I sang on bravely and clapped as loud as I could when Mr. Goldblum wheezed at the candles. Closing time on Friday night was my swan song. As I was counting up the night’s losses, Rich Melman approached me. “I’m sorry Gail, but you’re just not cut out for this type of work,” he said. “I know,” I sniffed, my eyes filled with tears. “But Gail?” “Yes Mr. Melman?” “You sure can sing ‘Happy Birthday.’” As my husband and I were leaving the restaurant that night, the whole story came back to me. Rich Melman was positioned by the door. I approached him and told him I had worked at The Great Gritzbes Flying Food Show. He didn’t remember me. “That was forty years ago,” he said. “You fired me,” I said. “Looks like you got over it,” he observed. “Yeah I got over it.” “Looks like you did okay for yourself,” he added, eyeing my handsome husband. Yeah, but after three careers and two husbands, I still can’t make change.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2017

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