March 2, 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 9, volume 76

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Thursday, March 2, 2017

Two charged in attack on Michigan State Police Trooper PAGE 4

Night in the tropics at chili cook-off PAGE 5

Beer Church opens PAGE 6

Service League scholarships benefit from give-back PAGE 8

BREAKING GROUND

Mustangs play with donkeys PAGE 9 Dress code addressed at School Board meeting PAGE 10

THE NORTH WHITTAKER REDEVELOPMENT STARTS PHASE ONE WITH CEREMONY — PAGE 12 —

PHOTO BY LINDA HENDERSON

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

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ETHICS Society of Professional Journalism PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. PUBLISHER DEE DEE DUHN CONTENT/NEWS EDITOR KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK REPORTERS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS DEE DEE DUHN THERESE DONNELLY LINDA HENDERSON FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER NATALIE CACIOPPO KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUEST WRITERS PROOFER FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING JANINE ADAMSKI (630) 370-0820 OR JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

IT WAS A GREAT DAY! The weatherman said it was cloudy; however, not on the corner of Whittaker and Mechanic streets, where it was a very sunny day. Last Friday at 1 p.m., the crowd gathered to see if, after 14 years of perseverance and due diligence, North Whittaker Street Redevelopment’s Phase One was really going to happen. Senator John Proos and Representative Dave Pagel joined our City leaders to partake in the official groundbreaking ceremony. It was good to see so many happy faces, business owners, lifetime residents and those who were brought here by fate or were inspired to make this their forever home, which included well over 100 people and one doggie, Nellie Black. It is a glorious day for our town!

LIBRARY TIDINGS

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

More importantly, it is a necessary day for the repair and replacement of infrastructure, so we have safe streets for our families and friends to enjoy for years to come. Much more money is going to be spent below ground than above ground. Kind of like writing that check for insurance. (who likes to spend money on insurance? I know I don’t-I would much rather spend it on a new dress.) But we must replace those 100-year-old pipes! Read about it on page 12. Congratulations to the City of New Buffalo and the team of dedicated volunteers who work so very hard to make this city a wonderful place to live, laugh and love. dee dee duhn and the New Buffalo Times Team.

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MARCH BOOK CLUB PICK: ONCE WE WERE BROTHERS

STEPPING STONE WOMEN’S SHELTER DRIVE: ACCEPTING DONATIONS THROUGH MARCH. Please call or visit the library’s website for more information about what can be donated.

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The NEW BUFFALO TIMES is easy to find now, as we have the selected drop spots closer to you. Milda’s Corner Market Customs Imports Sawyer Garden Center The Whistle Stop David’s Delicatessen Grand Variety Barney’s Knoll Bros. Bud and Elsie’s Redamak’s Flip’s Big C Lumber Between Casey’s and Nancy’s

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SATURDAY, MARCH 4

Daisy’s Kinsley and Katie Lambert sell Girl Scout Cookies, with their mom Jacquelyne, at Barney’s. Troop 00214 is also sending cookies to our U.S. Troops serving overseas.

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SKY WATCH WITH MIKE LATUS Gaze and learn about stars and planets. Please dress accordingly. 7PM

MONDAY, MARCH 6

SCRABBLE CLUB 6PM

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY 33 N THOMPSON ST NEW BUFFALO, MI (269) 469-2933

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017 Drill Team at Inaugural 2017

THE HARBOR COUNTRY SINGERS SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCE

he Harbor Country Singers are joining the famous Emmit Cahill as special guests of the Cahill and Acorn performance on March 5th at the Acorn, led by Cindy Berg Dryden. The Harbor Country Singers are entering their second season following their grand debut last year where they set new standards for their quality and exciting public performances. Ms. Dryden has attracted a successful and enthusiastic ensemble of 30 singers for her second season. Many of the ensemble came back and are joined by an amazing new group as well. They come from all walks of life and perform beyond your most critical standards with their beautiful voices led by the imspired direction from Dryden. Her directorial style is worth the ticket price alone, she is an amazing woman with an amazing skill set for drawing the best performance out of the willing chorale. This ensemble does not sing your standard repertoire, but are selections in up-beat and classic arrangements that are spell binding and breathlessly performed. The performance of the Harbor Country Singers will be a special arrangement at the Acorn’s production of Emmit Cahill on Saturday March 5th. Call for reservations at 269.756.3879. Do not miss this season’s latest with Cindy Berg Dryden and her Harbor Country Singer’s songfest to remember for a life time. — LAWRENCE VON EBELER

New Buffalo Times

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Mid America Cowgirls Performed in Inaugural Parade

epresentatives from The Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team from Three Oaks will be guest speakers at the March 15 general meeting of the Berrien County Republican Women’s Club. The noon meeting will be held at Pebblewood Restaurant in Bridgman. The program is entitled “An Inaugural Experience.” The drill team was one of only 40 units selected to be in the parade and one of two groups from Michigan. More than 20 members and 18 horses made the trip to Washington D.C. The group of women and girls range in age from 7 to over 60. Riders are not only from Michigan, but also from Indiana and Illinois. Cost of the buffet luncheon is $15. An RSVP is requested by calling 982-9939. The public is invited to attend. — STAFF REPORTS, PHOTO PROVIDED BY KAREN CAMPBELL

Two charged in attack on Michigan State Police Trooper

wo men were arraigned in the Berrien County Trial Court for a roadside attack on a Michigan State Police Trooper Monday morning around 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 20, on the US-31 Bypass in Berrien County, Michigan. According to a Michigan State Police press release, Michael Scott Barber, 21, of Gobles, Michigan, was charged with the following criminal offenses: Assault Strangulation, which has a 10-year felony; Flee and Elude 3rd Degree, which has a five-year felony; Resisting and Obstruction a Police Officer Causing Injury, a four-year felony; Receiving and Concealing a Stolen Motor Vehicle, a five-year felony and Attempt Disarming a Police Officer, (a taser), a two- year felony. Barber was the driver of the motorcycle. Travis Tyler Wise, 19, of Middlebury, Indiana, was charged with the following criminal offenses: Assault Strangulation, a 10-year felony; Obstruction of Justice, a five-year felony; Resisting and Obstruction a Police Officer Causing Injury, a four-year felony and Attempt Disarming a Police Officer, (a taser), a two-year felony. The trooper was treated for the injuries sustained and released. Daily At their arraignment, bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety on Wise and $75,000 cash or surety on Barber. Their pre-exam conference and preliminary exam hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, March 1, and Tuesday, March 7, respectively, both at 8:30 a.m. in the Berrien County Trial Court – Niles, Michigan. The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. — STAFF REPORTS

Swanson Activity Center welcomes artists, crafters for art show

30 N Whittaker St Open Daily

he Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults will be holding its fourth annual Arts and Crafts Show Saturday, June 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CST). This fundraiser event will take place at the Activity Center at 910 State Street in La Porte, Indiana. All money raised is used to enhance senior activities and programs held at the Activity Center. Vendor spaces are now open for crafters and artists who specialize in making quality, hand-crafted items. Only outside spaces are available. Outside booths are 10x10 for $35. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1. Last year, there were 40 vendors from Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, and they anticipate that number will increase this year. For more information or to get an application, call 219-393-4093 or email ddev48@hotmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS

Blossomtime Showcase of Queens Pageant taking place next weekend The Blossomtime Showcase of Queens Pageant will be held Sunday and Monday, March 12 and 13, at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center in Benton Harbor. This year’s theme is, “If it starts with a “B” it must be Blossomtime.” The two-night pageant will be showcasing 23 lovely young ladies on Sunday and Monday and 33 young gentlemen on Sunday evening, all of whom will be representing communities from Southwest Michigan. Monday evening’s pageant begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature both the gentlemen and the ladies competing in communications. On Monday evening, the young women will compete for the Blossomtime crown beginning at 7 p.m. The local communities of New Buffalo and Three Oaks will be represented by their respective royalty. Miss New Buffalo 2017 Lauren Aroney and Mr. New Buffalo 2017 Andrew Keller, along with Miss Three Oaks/ River Valley 2017 Madelynne Keller and Mr. Three Oaks/River Valley 2017 Ryan Chang, will take the stage with other area royalty to compete for the top Blossomtime honors. Also representing New Buffalo will be 2017 Blossomtime Jr. Teen Amelia Selir and 2017 Bud Princess Olivia DuPre, both of whom are New Buffalo students and residents. Tickets are $15 for Sunday and $20 for Monday. The Mendel Center is located at 2755 Napier Avenue in Benton Harbor. For more information, call 269-982-8018 or visit www. blossomtimefestival.org — COMPILED BY LINDA HENDERSON

Corned Beef Off to take place March 12

avid’s Delicatessen & Coffee is holding the seventh annual Corned Beef Off on Sunday, March 12 from 12-4 p.m. Join them for unlimited tastings of over a dozen varieties of corned beef. This year features local entries from David’s, Local, and Burn ‘Em, and national entries from New York, Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Proceeds benefit Chikaming Open Lands, the local land conservancy dedicated to preserving the open spaces and natural rural character of southwest Berrien County. The money raised will help Chikaming Open Lands protect and restore native plant and animal habitat in the area, improve water quality in our rivers, streams and in Lake Michigan, and permanently preserve ecologically significant forests, prairies, and wetlands, as well as prime farmland and other open spaces throughout the community. Admission is $15. David’s Delicatessen & Coffee is located at 30 N Whittaker St. in New Buffalo. Please call (206) 469-7177 for questions. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

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Night in the tropics at chili cook-off

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espite the plunging temperatures outside, students and parents enjoyed a tropical night at New Buffalo Elementary School’s annual chili cook-off and silent auction Friday, Feb. 26. Sponsored by the PTO, the theme for this year’s cook-off was Hawaiian Luau. Guests donned leis and other colorful tropical attire and enjoyed homemade chili, as well as bid on a variety of themed gift baskets put together by each grade, such as the “Coffee Lover,” “Backyard BBQ” and “Movie Night” baskets. After enjoying the chili, children worked off their energy by creating a craft, jumping around in a tropical themed bounce house and getting their faces painted by a genuine clown in the school cafeteria.

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COMING FALL 2017

BE more

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International Women’s Day, observed on March 8, celebrates the achievements of women. Yet, women still face many issues, including gender-specific obstacles to their financial goals. If you’re a woman, what can you do to get past these barriers?

First, recognize what you’re up against. For example, women tend to spend fewer years in the workforce, due to taking time off to care for young children and older parents. As a result, women may have much smaller retirement accounts than men. So you need to act decisively. For starters, contribute as much as you can to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, and boost your contributions whenever you get a raise. And contribute to an IRA, if you’re eligible. Also, if you like your job, consider sticking with it a couple of years past when you thought you’d retire. You’ll continue building your retirement plan, and the added income may allow you to delay taking Social Security, which may lead to bigger benefit checks. Making these and other moves can help you go a long way toward overcoming the special financial challenges faced by women. This is Charles M. Stein, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 4221 Lake Street in Bridgman, Michigan. Please call (269) 465-4606 for more information. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. Member SIPC

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Beer Church opens LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he proprietors of the Beer Church Brewing Company in New Buffalo, John Lustina and Jane Simon welcomed patrons to a soft opening of their new microbrewery Thursday, Feb. 23. What started as a quiet opening, quickly ramped up as people got wind of the long-anticipated opening. The tasting area was soon overflowing with customers who were sampling their first taste of the homegrown beers. Brew Master Nate Peck did not disappoint; beer aficionados were raving about the new beers. Currently the Beer Church is offering four brew choices, from a light ale to a heavier stout. On Thursday evening, Brew Master Nate Peck and Bar Manager Alex High were pulling beers from the taps mounted on top of the former 1945 wooden alter, which is now located in the entryway of the building. Lustina said that each of the beers has a distinctive flavor and the patrons seem to be enjoying samples of each. On tap, initially, will be Pontius Pilate IPA, Crooked Cross Cream Ale, suggested as “a light beer drinker’s first craft beer;” Unreliable Narrator Double IPA, and Midnight In A Perfect World. The lightest beer offered, Crocked Cross Cream Ale, is made from Magnum and Cascade hops in a 5.6% “Crushable form” and represents a smooth enjoyable Cream ale. Pontius Pilate IPA, at 6.3%, is describes as a “relaxed, juicy New England Style beer with a citrus finish.” Unreliable Narrator Double IPA is a stronger IPA, 8 %, that is brewed from German Magnum, Chinnook and Simcoe hops. The brewery website states that it is, “A literal Tulip full of bombastic liquid gold.” Midnight In A Perfect World Imperial Stout delivers the flavors many dream of in a beer: chocolate, coffee and caramel in an 8% alcohol stout. A dream come true for many beer lovers. The brewery is also offering two guest taps, Pike 51 el Dorado Saison, single hopped farmhouse funkiness at 4.7% and Painted Turtle Apple Crisp Cider, representing Michigan’ s best baking apples, real cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla at 6%. Two years after making their initial offer to purchase the iconic United Methodist Church building at 24 South Whittaker Street, the enthusiastic partners have opened the doors and welcomed a new congregation of followers to the narthex or tap room of their brew pub. The first Phase, or initial opening, has limited seating with an intimate capacity of 33 followers, but the tasting room offers terrific beer and a front row seat into the future development of the brewery. Patrons can enjoy a cold beer and view the progress being made in the main sanctuary of the former church. Many

improvements are still to come for the main area; a long bar will be added under the windows on the south side of the building and an authentic wood fired pizza oven, imported from Sicily, will soon be assembled, tile by tile, on the raised former alter area. Outside a beer garden is planned on the south side of the building for summer enjoyment. Along with the Napolitano pizza, the couple also plans to serve small plates and salads. When complete, the main bar will have 12 beers on tap and a selection of wines from Dablon Vineyards and Winery in Baroda, and they will also serve spirits for those who prefer a mixed cocktail. The finished space, including the outside garden, will seat 190 patrons. Also available is fresh beer to-go, sealed on-site in 32-ounce Crawler cans, which will be filled and sealed at the vintage lectern.

uch work has been completed on the property. More than the owners had originally anticipated or planned. A new foundation, with additional supports and additional drainage was a big undertaking. A new parking lot is under way and new driveways, curbing, sidewalks and an entrance ramp have been installed along with new privacy fencing at the rear of the property. The heart pine floors, dating back to the time when Abraham Lincoln was President, have been lovingly stripped of many layers of old flooring and restored to a rich glowing honey color. The exposed beam ceiling shows signs of the original structure built in 1861. In the lower level, typical of pre-Civil War construction, the support beams are actual tree trunks, complete with their bark intact. The belfry tower, with its ancient crooked cross and original cast iron bell, is still a plan in progress, but may someday be a viewing attraction. Lustina and Simon have been passionate about their opportunity to open the first craft brewery in New Buffalo. He said that they couldn’t believe New Buffalo didn’t have a brewery since it is right off Exit One, at the beginning of many winery trail and brewery tours. He added that they were thrilled when the landmark building at the crossroads of town became available. They look forward to the North Whittaker Street redevelopment and anticipate that it will enhance the downtown and their South Whittaker Street location. This spring, Beer Church hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to midnight, and Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. But, check the website or Facebook for additional opening times, and join the congregation online for updates and promotions.

David Richards, Mayor Lou O’Donnell IV, Adam Umbrasas, Pat Donnelly and Brian Poynton

Owners Jane Simon and John Lustina

The congregation gathers

Beer Church

Nicole and Dan Saunders with Noreen and Bob Mathews

Alex High with Nate Peck

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

The Big Easy comes to NBYC

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

ardi Gras celebrations came to New Buffalo in a Big Easy way Saturday night, Feb. 28, when members of the New Buffalo Yacht Club enjoyed authentic creole cookin’ and lively entertainment throughout the evening. Some revelers at the yacht club came dressed in costume for a night of partying. Court jesters, flappers, bar winches and gentleman callers were in attendance, many of whom were wearing hats, beads and costumes in the authentic colors of Mardi Gras: purple, gold and green. Following dinner, the members honored court jesters Nancy and Ed Oldis by selecting them as the night’s Best Costumed Couple. At the yacht club, Chairperson Rita Watson and her crew cooked up pots of Cajun and creole favorite southern cuisine for the partygoers. The chefs served a variety of jambalaya and gumbos, both mild and spicy, made with Andouille sausage and pork, and shrimp and chicken. There were huge pots of down-home red beans and rice simmered with ham hocks, along with the other staple, dirty rice. They served an authentic muffuletta salad and the traditional muffuletta sandwich, shrimp and clam po’boys, along with clam and corn bisques soup served with homemade corn bread. The sweets table featured individual King cakes (with the traditional hidden good luck baby), homemade bread pudding with raisins, cheesy coffee cakes, southern rum balls and cookies. The drink feature for the evening was the famous hurricane, served in a souvenir beverage glass. Following the feast, patrons danced to the live music of Island 49 Band and during band breaks, they competed for prizes in the cake walk. No one left hungry, some left with prizes and everyone left with great memories of Carnival night, NBYC-style. Historically, Mardi Gras, also called Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three Kings Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday. For some, it marks the end of winter partying for 40 days. In the United States, the celebration began in 1702 in Mobile, Louisiana. It then moved on to gain prominence over the following centuries in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1872, a group of New Orleans businessmen invented a King of Carnival, Rex, to preside over the first daytime parade. To honor the visiting Russian Grand Duke Alexis Romanoff, the businessmen introduced Romanoff’s family colors of purple, green and gold as Carnival’s official colors. The color purple stands for justice, gold stands for power and green stands for faith. Ash Wednesday, which took place this year Wednesday, March 1, is the first day of Lent on the Christian calendar. It marks the end of partying for many Christians as they begin a 40-day fast and sacrifice enjoying favorite foods and drinks until Easter Sunday, which will be celebrated Sunday, April 14, this year.

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Marie Manny and Therese Lukowski with Donna Falls

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Ed and Nancy Oldis

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Service League scholarships benefit from give-back

www.newbuffalotimes.comw w Arlene Feinberg with Angela Reichert and Beverly Harvey with Rick Ott, Roger Harvey and Arnie Feinberg

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he New Buffalo Service League and the New Buffalo High School graduating scholarship recipients were the beneficiary of the February give-back dinner hosted by the Bentwood Tavern in the Marina Grand Resort. The dinner was well attended by community members, League members and members of the New Buffalo Area Schools staff, all of whom came out to support the local scholarships and enjoy a night of fine dining on the waterfront in the Bentwood Tavern. The New Buffalo Service League is an established, not-for-profit organization that is very active in the community. In addition to aiding community families and residents during the year, the organization also awards annual scholarships to NBHS graduates. Each year, one senior is honored with a $1,500 scholarship in memory of 1960 NBHS Valedictorian Mary Anne Frey, who passed away in a car accident just days before City Manager Dave Richards vistis with HCPAI members Nadra Kissman with Karla Madison, Al Kissman and Joan Putzke graduation. Six additional seniors are typically awarded $1,000 scholarships. The actual number of scholarships awarded is determined each year by the success of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual fundraising efforts. The majority of the scholarship funds are raised through the annual fall Arts and Craft Fair; however, this year, revenue received from the give-back dinner will benefit two additional graduates. Once a month throughout the winter, Bentwood Tavern hosts a give-back dinner for one area non-for-profit, when the restaurant gives back 50 percent of all food and beverage revenue from the one designated evening. The Nancy Gino, Pat and John Hoekstra, (left) Bob Gino with Paula and Ken Dudiak full menu of artisan comfort cuisine, which is crafted by chefs Jenny Drilon and Alberto Ilescas, is available for dining, and the bar is always open for cocktails and mingling with friends. The March dinner will be held Wednesday, March 22, and will benefit the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. Managing Director Robert Kemper and his wife Collette started the give-back program in 2008 to help raise funds for a local school Mark Kroll, Jason Spohn with Will Schauble and David Aaker student trip to Washington, D.C. To-date, the Marina Grand Resort/Bentwood Tavern has donated over $90,000 through this program to more than 46 non-profit organizations and community initiatives throughout Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. Reservations are always suggested. Please visit www. marinagrandresort.com or call 269-469-9900. The Bentwood Tavern is located in the Marina Grand Resort at 600 West Water Street in New Juli Westergren, and Marilyn Harrington Chef Alberto Ilescas with Cheryl Kasper and Mary Jane Evans Buffalo.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Lalu Wins over Gateway Prepatory

Mustangs play with donkeys

ARENA sports

#20, Gaige Rice, #1 Sotiri Margaritis, and #44 Ryan Butler defending during the Cass game

Bison face two on the road

he New Buffalo Bison varsity basketball team travelled to White Pigeon and Cassopolis for two recent BCS conference games. The White Pigeon game Thursday, Feb. 16, was close throughout; however, unfortunately, the Bison dropped a close one, 41-49 to the Chiefs. Strong play by Gaige Rice and Creo Brewster resulted in 11 points for each of them. Seth Margaritis, despite battling the flu, tossed in seven, Ryan Butler had six, Julian Hymes had four and Pat Grififin had two. The Bison then travelled to Cassopolis Friday, Feb. 18, for a much needed conference win to stay atop the BCS Blue Division. The game was intense and close the entire four quarters. Cassopolis held narrow leads after the first two quarters but then the Bison came storming back in the third to hold a 49-46 lead. The fourth quarter saw both teams in a back and forth scoring battle. A last second shot by Brewster was close but failed to go in, and the Bison lost 60-63. Margaritis led the scoring with 18, Brewster had 16, Julian Hymes scored 12, Ryan Butler had 11 points and 20 huge rebounds, and Gaige Rice had three points. The Bison close their regular season at home Friday, Feb. 24, against Mendon and then head to district play at Bridgman. They will face a very strong Brandywine team Monday, March 6.

BY THERESE DONNELLY

iver Valley High School hosted some unique basketball players for the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s post-prom fundraiser Saturday, Feb. 25. Buckeye Donkey Ball brought along some of their donkeys to take part in a donkey basketball tournament with four teams of local players. Donkey basketball has been around since the Great Depression; however, Saturday night was the first time many in Three Oaks saw a game. Four players from each team at Schaffer Gym tried to move their assigned mounts up and down the court. The rules of the game require a player to be on his or her donkey in order to steal or score, and passing the ball requires the thrower or receiver to be mounted. All the donkeys wore special shoes to keep balance on the gym floor. While the teams, which were made up of juniors and seniors, teachers, parents and alumni, and the police and fire departments, were intent on making baskets, the donkeys had a few other ideas. Players had to coax the donkeys to move, and often found themselves getting deposited on the floor. One donkey found his way to the exits several times, making it to the outside doors before getting turned back around to the gym. During intermission, children had a chance to take a donkey ride across the gym. George Mangold won the 50/50 raffle and donated his winnings back to the post-prom fund. In the final game, the police and fire department team won 6-4 to become the champions.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

CHALK BOARD

BOWEN NAMED TO DEAN’S LIST

icholas Bowen of New Buffalo has been named to the Dean’s list for his outstanding performance during the fall semester at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. Dean of the James F. Dicke Collage of Business Administration, John Navin, PhD., made the announcement, saying, “To be named to this list, you must have attained a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average based on being enrolled for a minimum of 12 graded semester hours of coursework. You met or exceeded that standard and this is simply outstanding performance.” Bowen is a 2016 New Buffalo High School graduate. — COMPILED BY LINDA HENDERSON

MICHIGAN RELEASES DRAFT STATE ESSA PLAN FOR FINAL PUBLIC COMMENT

ollowing months of public input, the Michigan Department of Education released the full draft plan for meeting the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The draft plan was detailed at today's State Board of Education meeting. Michigan’s Draft Plan is open for a 30-day public comment period, concluding March 16, 2017. Input will continue to be incorporated until the submission of Michigan’s final plan to the U.S. Department of Education in April. ESSA replaced the No Child Left Behind Act and is scheduled for full implementation during the 2017-18 school year. “This ESSA plan is a key component of making Michigan a Top 10 education state in 10 years,” said State Superintendent Brian Whiston. “Educators, parents, legislators and community members across the state devoted significant time and effort over the past several months to help us shape this plan. I appreciate their time, vision, feedback and continued collaboration as we finalize and implement our plan,” Whiston said. Whiston said the proposed plan has a “whole child” focus; will have less student testing; focuses on student academic growth; institutes a Partnership Model for improving low-performing schools; has a school accountability system tied to the Top 10 in 10 strategies; gives schools more flexibility on how they choose to improve; and gives schools greater ownership in how they follow their own plans. The Every Student Succeeds Act was signed into federal law on Dec. 10, 2015, replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. This law represents a shift from broad federal oversight of primary and secondary education to greater flexibility and decision-making at the state and local levels. ESSA requires states to develop plans that address standards, assessments, school and district accountability, and special help for struggling schools. There still is time for the public to weigh in. The draft ESSA plan is available for review and comment at www.michigan.gov/essa. You are invited to review and provide comment on the draft state plan through March 16. — STAFF REPORTS

This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful being. — Isaac Newton

scholastics

Dress code addressed at School Board meeting BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ress code concerns took center stage at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Feb. 27. During the Communications portion of the meeting, Secretary Lisa Werner read a letter from a concerned parent to the Board with regards to sudden strict reinforcement of the school dress code. The parent claimed that their daughter was asked to get out of her desk during an instructional period and stand in the aisle, where she was “scrutinized” by a male teacher she was “supposed to trust.” The experience, which the parent claimed “objectified” and “body shamed” her daughter, prevented her from focusing on her studies for the rest of the day. Two other parents who were present at the meeting echoed these claims, stating that they, too, were confused over the sudden reinforcement halfway through the year, after they had purchased their daughters’ clothes in accordance with the dress code last September. In particular, one parent expressed concern that her daughter often spent 10 minutes “fussing in the car,” worried that male administrators and teachers standing at the entrance to the school were going to scrutinize her outfit or claim they are “too big” or “too curvy” to wear something. Treasurer Pano Arvanitis said he didn’t have a problem with the dress code itself; however, he did take issue with how it was enforced. He did believe that some teachers or administrators should undergo some training with regards to how they enforce the dress code, and that they should learn to be more “discreet.” Arvanitis added that the new dress code policy was changed four years ago by a group of parents and teachers. It was not changed by administrators or school board members. He said he did think that the first step to solving the issue was for parents to bring their grievances to the Superintendent, Dr. Jeffrey Leslie. “Where it starts is with the administration,” he said. Vice President Lee Artz argued that the problem lay not in enforcement but in “interpretation.” What students may deem as being appropriate school attire may not be deemed appropriate by teachers and administrators. He said this presented the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together, either through student government, SADD or some other group, and “have a conversation.” Artz added that he believed the sudden enforcement arose due to teachers in the latter half of the day having a problem with students’ attire, wondering how they made it through the first two periods dressed a particular way. He said they thought it would be easier if dress code problems were addressed earlier in the day.

Also at the meeting, Board members adopted the district’s 2016-2017 General Fund Amended Budget. Business Manager Dan Coffman said the amended total revenue for 2016-2017 was $14,917,000.00. He said that local tax was $11,639,000.00, which made up 78 percent of their revenue base. Local Revenue Sharing Board (LRSB) made up 11 percent at $1,607,000.00. Total Amended Operating Revenue for 20162017 is $13,310,000.00, with local tax making up the largest portion at 87 percent. With regards to Amended Wages/Benefits for 2016-2017, payroll made up 40 percent of the district’s expenses, with operating expense, which includes maintenance, making up 31 percent. Coffman said the 2016-2017 Amended Fund Equity revenue of $14,917,618.00 had a fund balance of $3,419,745.00 on Jan. 1, 2016. The estimated balance for June 30, 2017 is $3,086,961.00. Arvanitis said they were “pretty much on track” with regards to the Bison/Pokagon Educational Fund, as more money was being placed into it every year than was being spent. Artz added that they would eventually like to reach the point where the fund was “self-sustaining.” Board members heard an update about the Bison After School Enrichment (BASE) Program from Director Andrea Brown. Currently in its ninth year, Brown said the program offers a variety of athletics and enrichments, including a computer club, a math club, a sewing club and a chess club, and teacher-led enrichments. Future enrichments may include an equestrian club as well as the high school robotics team paying a visit once a week. In athletics, Brown said varsity coaches have been currently working with students to prepare them for competing at the varsity level. In addition, Brown said soccer clinics, flag football, a cross country club and a two day a week for eight weeks basketball program have all been added. Having started the program several years ago, Brown said she now feels it’s officially an “extension” of the school day, as opposed to just something that occurs “after school.” “I really feel New Buffalo Elementary opens at 7:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m.,” she said. Board members approved the employment of Kevin Labaj as varsity Volleyball Coach, as well as the following spring coaching positions: Baseball, Mark Jackson as Head Coach and Jamie Flick as Assistant Coach; softball, Jason Haskins as Head Coach and Matthew Johnson as Assistant Coach; tennis (girls) Amy Ingle; soccer (girls), Erik Beers; varsity track, Matthew Remmo as Head Coach and Joshua Duram and Gabrielle James as Assistant Coaches; golf, Dale Matteson and middle school track, Vance Price and Lisa Knoll.

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Maple Sugar Demonstration postponed for this weekend

ue to the unusually warm weather the region has been experiencing, the Friendship Botanic Gardens’ annual maple sugaring demonstration has been postponed for this Sunday, March 5, from noon to 3 p.m. (CDT). Maple trees need cold nighttime temperatures to jumpstart the flow of sap, and Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated so far this year. Friendship Botanic Gardens apologizes for any inconvenience and hopes to see everyone this weekend. — STAFF REPORTS

Ronny Cox performing at LCA

he Lubeznik Center for the Arts will host acclaimed musician, actor and author Ronny Cox Sunday, March 12. The performer will return at 5 p.m. (CST) for a great evening of songs, stories and out and out lies. In 2014, Cox delighted audiences with his approachable charm and storytelling. The actor turned musician is best known for his dueling banjo performance in “Deliverance.” Acting in more than 125 films and television shows, the actor turned to music with his first self-titled album, “Ronny Cox,” which debuted in 1993 The program is underwritten with support from The Purdue University Northwest English Department: Dean Ron Corthell, Purdue University Northwest and Lucrecia and Jerry Holt, Purdue University Northwest. Seats are limited. Tickets are $12 for LCA members and $15 for nonmembers. There will be a cash bar. The Lubeznik Center for the Arts is located at 101 West 2nd Street in Michigan City, Indiana. For further information and reservations, call 219874-4900 or visit www.lubeznikcenter.org. — STAFF REPORTS

Spring LCA classes are open for registration

ubeznik Center for the Arts (LCA) spring classes for are open for registration. Weekly classes are available for those looking to develop new skills and workshops for those looking to flex their creative muscles. Adult classes (ages 16 and up) in painting, drawing and photography are available. Discover a broad range of concepts, strategies and processes in Abstract Painting with artist Jay Zerbe. For those who want to take their skills to the next level, Zerbe is offering Abstract Painting II. Other classes include Photography with George Kassal, Drawing Bootcamp for artists of all levels and the new Drawing II, both with Michelle Wiser. LCA provides a variety of classes for young artists from ages 7 to 12. Choose from Cookies & Canvas with Dori Huber and the new Painting & Drawing with the Masters with Alicia Rutzen. Parents can pre-register for Kid’s Summer Camps: Inspired by Nature from July 10 through 21 and STEAM: Science, Technology, Art and Math from July 31 through August 4. The Michigan City Public Art Committee directs a certain amount of money towards its Children’s Scholarship Fund which funds art classes for children in Michigan City. This scholarship is for residents ages 5 to 18. An application is available at www.lubeznikcenter. org. Single-session workshops are available. Photographer George Kassal is offering two new workshops: Digital Camera Orientation for the beginner digital photographer and Photographing Your Artwork for artists looking to gain knowledge on preparing digital images for documentation. Participants can take the Beaded Necklace workshop with Sam Lakin. Fused Glass with Twyla Butler will introduce students to the fundamentals of glass fusing. Felted Vessel, with Brenda Hutchings, teaches wet felting techniques using merino wool. Families with children ages six and up can enjoy some creative time together in Felted Wishing Stones with Brenda Hutchings. Using wet felting techniques with colorful wool roving, each participant will create their own wish stone to treasure. To see a full listing and to register for classes and camps visit lubeznikcenter.org or call 219-874-4900. Become an LCA Member and will receive ten percent off classes. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

FINDING A GOOD

CHURCH DOESN’T TAKE A

LEAP OF FAITH

JUST A SHORT DRIVE UP THE HILL

Teaching Through The Bible, Verse by Verse, Chapter by Chapter Sunday 10:15 am

Calvary Chapel New Buffalo 1615 East Buffalo St • Pastor Len Pera, 269-548-9980 219-246-3613

THE POKAGON FUND is awarding scholarships to adult students pursuing educational programs for career advancement.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANT GUIDELINES - Applicants must be a full time resident of Chikaming, New Buffalo, or Three Oaks Township, and the cities and villages therein. - Applicants must be 21 years of age. - Scholarships will be granted on both merit and financial need. - Application deadline: Friday, March 31, 2017 at 5PM.

To apply, visit www.pokagonfund.org and click on Applications.

821 E. Buﬀalo Street New Buﬀalo, MI 49117 269-469-9322 www.pokagonfund.org

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Bob Spirito, Elizabeth Ennis, Mark Robertson, Lou O’Donnell IV, Robert Kemper, Mark Kroll and Steve Winchester break ground

Groundbreaking celebrates North Whittaker Redevelopment’s Phase One

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA | PHOTOS BY LINDA HENDERSON AND FRANCESCA SAGALA

ccording to New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Chairman Robert Kemper, there was one important lesson to be learned from the City’s Friday, Feb. 24, groundbreaking for the Phase One portion of the North Whittaker Street Redevelopment project: Never give up. “All of you who have been with me on this ride for last 14 years - thank you for not getting off that bus with me, because I knew we could do it,” he said. The event, which included a crowd of residents, City council members, DDA members, state elected officials and local media, took place at the corner of Whittaker and Mechanic Streets in New Buffalo. Phase One includes the reconstruction of Barton Street (from Merchant to Mechanic) and Mechanic Street (from Barton to Townsend), which is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day. Phase Two, which involves repairing North Whittaker Street (from Buffalo to Mechanic) itself, is slated to begin after Labor Day and be completed by next Memorial Day. Standing at a podium in front of a pile of dirt and golden shovels, Kemper outlined the project’s history. In April 2003, the Business Improvement District (BID) Board was formed to work on Whittaker Street. Later that year, Kemper said that a letter was sent to property owners on Whittaker Street, asking their opinion on how the downtown area could be improved. This was followed by a meeting in the newly built New Buffalo High School Performing Arts Center, where more than 200 people attended to voice their concerns over Whittaker Street. In 2014, the DDA was officially formed, which Kemper said marked a turning point for the project and made it feel like a “reality.” “For those who said, why such a rush to get this project done—I don’t know, is 14 years a rush?” Kemper asked,

which was met with laughter from the got the money to do it, interest rates are audience. low, so now’s the time to do it,” he said. Overall, Mayor Lou O’Donnell IV Kemper thanked several groups of said the project will involve widening people for their help in pushing the sidewalks, repaving streets, adding project forward, including past and more parking and changing both sides present members of the DDA Board of of North Whittaker Street from angled Directors as well as its subcommittees, parking to parallel the City Council, parking, and and residents for repairing the aging voting in favor of water and sewer the referendum. lines beneath them. Current DDA Last November, members include: voters approved a Dee Dee Duhn, 15-year, $4 million J.V. Peacock, Joe referendum issue Lindsay, Karen for infrastructure Gear, Pete Rahm, improvements. Doug Roch, While a portion O’Donnell, Kemper Mayor Lou O’Donnell IV welcomes the crowd of the referendum and Ellie Mullins. will go toward the He also gave a downtown area, special thanks to the rest will be The Pokagon Fund, used for a capital who awarded a $1.6 improvement million grant to New program, which Buffalo last October DDA Communications Subcommittee will repair the side for its Downtown Chair Joe Lindsay speaks to the crowd streets throughout Revitalization New Buffalo. He Initiative. drew attention Pokagon Band of to the numerous Potawatomi Indians “patchy areas” and councilmember “neglected roads” Steve Winchester, around town, saying who was present at how some not only the groundbreaking, need to be repaved called the Band but “fully redone.” “good neighbors” Eventually, he said and said they were they hope to also happy to support Steve Winchester, Robert Kemper, Sen. John Proos and Rep. Dave Pagel show implement a plan the community. their gratitude for the Pokagon Fund for “maintaining” Kemper added the improvements. that the Fund Originally, actually contributed O’Donnell said the $25,000 to the City project was a “fivein 2004, which went year plan;” however, toward a project he said it has since study on downtown been accelerated. Whittaker Street. “We’re now fast Thanks were also forwarding it–we’ve given to Wightman Sen. John Proos congratulates the city

Engineering, who Kemper said helped form the DDA and “sell it” to the City Council; locally owned Payjay Inc., who won the bid to reconstruct Barton and Mechanic Streets and Abonmarche, the engineer and urban design team for the project. Lindsay, who serves as the chairman of the DDA’s communications subcommittee and co-owns David’s Deli with Emma Brewster on North Whittaker Street, mentioned the more than 100-year-old water main in front of Barney’s Supermarket, the pipes not being buried low enough and causing them to run their water for 24 hours a day in the winter and the back-upped sewer mains on Merchant Street as being some of the infrastructure issues that he hoped to see resolved. He also hoped the project would increase the City’s status as being the “gateway to Michigan.” “There’s a boom coming (to New Buffalo), and we have to have the groundwork laid so we’re ready for when that happens,” he said.

tate officials at the event included Rep. Dave Pagel (R-78) and Sen. John Proos (R-St. Joseph). Pagel congratulated residents and City officials for coming as far as they had, as well as The Pokagon Fund for being a “good neighbor” for supporting the project. Labeling the downtown as the “heartbeat” of a community, Proos said the project’s humble beginnings in 2003 jumpstarted New Buffalo’s vision for improvements. “It started in 2003 – 2003 was the beginning of a healthy heart in New Buffalo,” he said. Kemper added that he hoped that the project will also encourage others to become more involved within the community. “Hopefully it will inspire you to do other great projects in New Buffalo other than Whittaker Street,” he said.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 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.

A I

IS FRED UPTON MIA...

ccording to one of my friends who goes to Rep. Upton’s district office in St. Joe every Tuesday at noon, Fred hasn’t had a public town hall since 2011! How can he hear from those of us who don’t pay for access to talk to him at his many fundraisers? There are lots of things to discuss… hopefully this Tuesday Feb. 21 at noon at his St. Joe office [720 Main St. ] when he’s home for the recess...

— KAY HARTMANN MICHIGAN RESIDENT AND VOTER

INTOLERANCE...

am writing to express concern about the political climate in Michigan. I have lived in Three Oaks, Michigan, most of my life and have worked in tourism since 1999, with over 15,000 hours of serving the general public. Lately, I have noticed an increase in the number of hostile visitors to my establishment. I am used to political rantings from visitors. One memorable exchange involved a man who claimed Germany was trying to annex Nebraska. For the most part, it is benign. However, last week, two older white men harassed me for twenty minutes, wanting to know if I was a Democrat. I told them I don’t discuss politics with visitors, but they persisted. I was working alone that day and felt unnerved. On 9 December 2016, I had another white, middle-aged man yell at me about the “moo-slums” (Muslims) in Dearborn. It was a vicious rant, about how “they” have taken over the US, and how Trump is going to fix this problem. Have you ever been to the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn? It’s fantastic. Also, a key word here is “American.” The citizens of Dearborn are American and residents of Michigan. Southwest Michigan depends on tourism. Every weekend, at least two motorcoaches from Windy City Tours stop at my location before heading to our wineries. I have talked with many passengers, and they come from a diverse background. The coaches are packed with men and women of all races, religions, and sexuality. Michigan is known for its wine, and now it’s becoming known for intolerance. The Mexican border wall and Muslim ban proposed by the President, along with his rude and demeaning comments, give confidence to others to belittle those who seem different. Please do what you can to foster civility, and make Michigan welcoming to all visitors and residents. — ALYSON PAYNE

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

Stirring the Coffee KISS ME YOU FOOL BY GAIL ISAACSON

7TH ANNUAL COASTLINE CHILDREN’S

FILM FESTIVAL

MICHIGAN BENTON HARBOR - BRIDGMAN - ST. JOSEPH - THREE OAKS - NEW BUFFALO INDIANA MICHIGAN CITY - SOUTH BEND

FEATURES - DOCUMENTARIES - SILENT CLASSICS - SHORTS - YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMPETITION

“10 DAYS, 8 VENUES & 100 SOURCES OF INSPIRATION” SATURDAY MARCH 12 SATURDAY MARCH 18 NEW BUFFALO TWP LIBRARY

ACORN THEATER

33 N Thompson Street New Buffalo, MI 49117

107 Generations Dr. Three Oaks, MI 49128

2:00 PM Young Filmmakers Competition Films 3:30 PM Northwest Film Forum Best Shorts

3:00 PM Int’l Youth Silent Film Festival Winners 3:30 PM Steamboat Bill, Jr (w/Larry Schanker)

In collaboration with Krasl Art Center. Supported, in part, by a grant from the Virginia and Harvey Kimmel Arts Education Fund of The Philadelphia Foundation. Sponsored by Chemical Bank, Modern Dentistry Associates, Sam & Connie Monte, New Buffalo Times and The Pokagon Fund. Th is activity is supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program administered by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

loved my father Harold so much. Besides being my soul mate, we were actually very similar due to our shared pool of loving genes and appreciation for jazz music. But something quite atypical happened the night before my high school graduation in 1969. I was home alone dancing to an Oscar Peterson Trio record in the basement. I was wearing a black leotard and tights, as I had recently returned from a ballet lesson. I called a boy I had a crush on, from the nearby University of Chicago, and invited him to come over and listen to my dad’s progressive jazz records. This guy, named Mark Edelstein, was a fiddle player in a bluegrass band. My father’s ever surprising musical tastes had just lit upon a bluegrass/jazz quintet led by a musician named David Grisman. I thought I would turn Mark on to the music ... and hopefully to me too, the most sultry teenage vamp on the Southeast side of Chicago. Mark drove an orange Karmann Ghia and had hair down to his shoulders. When he arrived, I ushered him downstairs to listen to David Grisman on my dad’s state of the art hi fi. Even though I found the music profoundly romantic, Mark made no attempt to touch me. I had never even kissed Mark, a fact which didn’t seem to hold any urgency to Mark. He just sat there, hands in his lap. When I heard my parents arrive home, I shouted hello - but they were upstairs and didn’t hear me. The Gods must have been sympathetic to my cause. At that very moment, a gentle rain began to dance a sexy samba on the roof. The rainstorm was achingly dramatic to me and, being the drama queen I was and still am, I grabbed Mark’s hand and led him outside through the basement doors. Aiming to impress him as a spontaneous, sixties girl, I ran ahead of him with youthful glee. But I didn’t run very fast for one reason known to all universe – except Mark. I wanted him to catch me and to KISS ME. As the rain pummeled us with warm, not entirely unpleasant, moisture, I ran with practiced abandon. I wanted Mark, a philosophy major, to see how totally Zen, how utterly Descartes I was. A beautiful flash of life that he had the good fortune to be chasing down Pill Hill, in a rainstorm the eve before her high school graduation. When I arrived at the bottom, I hesitated, hoping Mark would kiss me. I waited, as the raindrops played keep away with my body. But he didn’t kiss me. In fact, he exhibited no attraction to me at all. By this time my leotard

clung to me like a feeble proposition. Feeling let down, I began a squishy lumbering back up the hill with Mark panting along side of me. When we arrived at my house, my father was waiting in front with fire in his eyes. “You had a boy in the basement with you - not only a boy, but a hippie,” he said. “Why did you sneak out through the basement doors? And why are you hiding this boy who needs a haircut? You didn’t want your mother and me to see him did you? And what is the reason you’re half dressed,” he wanted to know. “I’m not half dressed. I’m wearing a leotard,” I said Then my father punched Mark hard and knocked him down. I was caught by surprise and shock. I had never seen my father do anything like that before. Mark just scrambled up from the ground, ran at top speed to his waiting orange Karmann Ghia and sped away as fast as he could. “How could you do that,” I wailed. I was completely humiliated. “I love that boy. Now he’ll never want to see me again.” “I don’t like you hanging out with that element,” my dad said. “Someday you’ll thank me for this, young lady. Believe me, you don’t want to associate with riff raff.” “Dad, Mark is a philosophy major at the University of Chicago. He’s teaching me philosophy, Descartes, Kant .... dad I’ve never even kissed him. He plays the fiddle. We were listening to your David Grisman records. My father was speechless. I was crying and shivering in my wet leotard. “I’m not going to let you come to my graduation tomorrow. I hate you!” My dad put his arm around me, I was shaking. “We better go inside or you’ll catch a cold,” he said gently. In the years that have gone by since that unfortunate episode, I never brought it up again to my dad, who passed away in 1995. In 1999, I wrote an essay called “Daddy Jazz” about my father, Harold, his love of jazz and what a splendid person he was. It was played several times on Chicago Public Radio, the NPR station in Chicago. After one of these broadcasts, I received the following phone message: “Hi Gail, this is Mark Edelstein. Nice essay but I hope you know that some people might not feel the same way about your father,” he laughed. I called back and we both laughed. I hope Harold heard us. Copyright  2017 by Gail Isaacson

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND SPECIAL MEETING The City of New Buffalo Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on March 9, 2017 at 5:00 p.m., in the New Buffalo City Hall, 224 West Buffalo Street on a request made by Chuck Maroney. The applicant desires to renovate portions inside the existing restaurant, enclose the existing covered walkway on the south and add a small addition along the west side including extending and enclosing the existing covered walkway on the southwest corner. The proposed addition will enclose the existing covered walkway on the south side of the existing building and 8 feet along the west side up to the existing covered walkway on the south side. The proposed addition will allow for a new enclosed waiting area and customer entry. A portion of the proposed addition will result in a 5-foot building setback along Buffalo Street. The existing building currently encroaches 14.98 feet into the required 30-foot front-yard building setback along Buffalo Street. To allow for the building addition, the applicant is requesting a variance to allow a building addition with 5-foot frontyard setback. Said property is located at 616 East Buffalo Street, New Buffalo, MI. Property Tax Code No: 11-62-11500017-01-3. The Zoning Ordinance is available online at cityofnewbuffalo. org and City Hall. This meeting is an open meeting. This notice is posted in compliance with Open Meeting Act, Public Act 267 of 1976 and the Americans with Disabilities Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids should contact the City Clerk by writing or calling the following: Lori Vander Clay, City Clerk (269) 469-1500, 224 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI 49117. MARY LYNN, DEPUTY CLERK

diagnosis, maintenance and repair through state certification and/or technical schools. Please submit a resume and/or an application which is available at 224 W. Buffalo, New Buffalo, MI 49117 or at www. cityofnewbuffalo.org. Applications must be received no later than 4:00 pm (EST) March 15, 2017. The City of New Buffalo is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP 2017 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway., New Buffalo, Michigan 49117, to examine and review the 2017 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, property exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 9:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 13, 2017, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm Tuesday, March 14, 2017, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 4:00 pm March 14, 2017. Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2017 are as follows: Agricultural 50% 1.0 Commercial 50% 1.0 Industrial 50% 1.0 Residential 50% 1.0 Personal Property 50% 1.0 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Michelle Heit, Supervisor, New Buffalo Township David Roenicke, Assessor, New Buffalo Township New Buffalo Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability.

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOB POSTING MECHANIC The City of New Buffalo is accepting applications for a City mechanic. Must have Class B CDL with airbrakes specification or acquire within 60 days of hire. Five (5) yrs. minimum experience in automotive and equipment, gas and diesel repair and maintenance. Preferred certification in auto and diesel

American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to New Buffalo Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact New Buffalo Township by writing or calling. JUDITH H. ZABICKI, NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP CLERK 17425 Red Arrow Highway, New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-469-1011

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FOR RENT

STORAGE BARN 20 Ft. x 60 Ft. Storage Unit. Pull Thru Bay, 2 – 14 Ft. doors, insulated, renter can heat. $575 per month. State Road 39 Storage. Available July 10. 219-362-8817 THREE OAKS Lovely 2 bed, 1 bath home. Large basement, 2 car garage. Pets O.K. $865/ month. 312-422-1222. NEW BUFFALO Large 2 Bedroom Apartment, 1st. Floor. Plenty of closets. Quiet Living. No Pets. 269-469-1364. BEAUTIFUL TOWNHOUSE Monthly Rent—$1050. Charming townhouse is located in the heart of New Buffalo, just a short walk to the beach as well as the Galien River Preserve, the Marina, and the Amtrak train. This 2 Bedroom unit has an extralarge master bedroom and 1.5 Baths with front & rear facing decks in a parklike setting. It is freshly painted and has beautiful new floors and crown molding. The unit also comes with an assigned off-street parking space and a detached garage. Available now for 9 month or 1 year lease. Tenant has to cover electric and cable/internet/phone. No Smokers or Pets. Security Deposit required. If interested, please contact (312) 203-6615. NEW BUFFALO Apt. Large 1 bedroom, 1 bath, 2nd floor, water incl. No Smoking, no pets $575/mo. Contact 269-612-2889. NEW BUFFALO House 3 bedroom, 1 bath completely remodeled, all appliances and central air. No smoking. No pets. $875/mo. Contact 269-612-2889. NEW BUFFALO Large 2 Bedroom Apt. 2nd. Floor. Plenty of Closets. No Pets. Quiet Living. Full time. FOR INFORMATION CALL 269-469-1364. UNION PIER 2 Bedroom. 1 Bath Cottage/Home. Walking Distance to Beach. Fenced Property. Storage Unit Included. Rent: $750 per month. Please call/text 269-876-7452. 4 bedroom home 2 bath. Available until May 13. $1500 with utilities. 269-470-5838. NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP 3 Bedroom. 1 Bath House, Garage and basement. Located on a 1.8 acre parcel with a pond, in the NBAS district. $800 per month plus utilities. No pets. For Info call, 312-343-2304.

FOR LEASE

UNION PIER DOWNTOWN NEW RETAIL NOW AVAILABLE Low cost Art and Retail Space (New) 64 square feet size units Available in 8,000 square foot high ceiling Open Space Building in Union Pier on Union Pier Road Walk Traffic. Residential Neighborhood. Very high Income Customers. 2 Blocks walk to Beach. All utilities and Retail Lighting Included :) Local Artists preferential pricing :) PLEASE CALL/TEXT (269) 876-7452.

FOR SALE

NEW BUFFALO TOWNHOME AND BOAT SLIP Recently updated, 2 Bedroom. 1.5 bath, Roof Top Deck, attch. 1 car garage and a 50 Ft. Boat Slip adjacent to the unit. Located on the harbor, with a gated community, with a community swimming pool. Price Reduced to $273,000. Available immediately. FOR INFORMATION OR TO SCHEDULE A SHOWING CALL 219-796-5514

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties For Pond Lakes Call Laggis’ Fish Farm 269-628-2056 DAYS 269-624-6215 EVENINGS.

HELP WANTED

MASSAGE THERAPIST Must have MI license and insurance. Call Melissa at 219-898-5398. GROUNDSKEEPER Garden, lawn, equipment maintenance, supervise crew, security, other duties. 40 hr week April-October. Wages negotiable, paid bi-weekly. Mail resume to Friendship Gardens, PO Box 8834, Michigan City, IN 46361 or email internationalfriendshipgardens@yahoo.com. No phone calls please. ROOFING AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY SEEKING FULL TIME ROOFING AND SIDING INSTALLERS AND LABORERS Three years experience and valid drivers license required. Qualifying applicants. Call Sarah at 219-363-6151. LAKESIDE HOUSEKEEPER Seeking an experienced housekeeper one full day per week. Please have local references and be willing to do dishes, laundry, organization etc. Text or call 574-849-7383. FULL/PART-TIME MASSAGE THERAPISTS We are looking for full/part-time massage therapists and nail technicians. Please call 269-469-9111 if you are interested.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Responsible, compassionate lady looking for caregiver positon. Please call 269-479-5833.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

PUBLIC NOTICE

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Be Red Cross Ready Tornado Safety Checklist A tornado is a violently rotating column of air extending from the base of a thunderstorm down to the ground. Tornado intensities are classified on the Fujita Scale with ratings between F0 (weakest) to F5 (strongest). They are capable of completely destroying wellmade structures, uprooting trees and hurling objects through the air like deadly missiles. Although severe tornadoes are more common in the Plains States, tornadoes have been reported in every state.

CUSTOMS IMPORTS WILL BE OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY! EXTREME DISCOUNTS ON MOST PRODUCTS. MAKING SPACE FOR SPRING PRODUCT AND THE BALI CONTAINER. STAY POSTED AS WE EXTEND HOURS. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK.

CUSTOMS IMPORTS 139 N WHITTAKER ST DOWNTOWN NEW BUFFALO, MICHIGAN

Know the Difference Tornado Watch Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives! Tornado Warning A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately underground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

What should I do to prepare for a tornado?

What should I do if a tornado is threatening?

❐ During any storm, listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about watches and warnings.

❐ The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.

❐ Know your community’s warning system. Communities have different ways of warning residents about tornados, with many having sirens intended for outdoor warning purposes. ❐ Pick a safe room in your home where household members and pets may gather during a tornado. This should be a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. ❐ Practice periodic tornado drills so that everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. ❐ Consider having your safe room reinforced. Plans for reinforcing an interior room to provide better protection can be found on the FEMA Web site at http://www.fema.gov/ plan/prevent/rms/rmsp453.shtm. ❐ Prepare for high winds by removing diseased and damaged limbs from trees. ❐ Move or secure lawn furniture, trash cans, hanging plants or anything else that can be picked up by the wind and become a projectile. ❐ Watch for tornado danger signs: • Dark, often greenish clouds—a phenomenon caused by hail • Wall cloud—an isolated lowering of the base of a thunderstorm • Cloud of debris • Large hail • Funnel cloud—a visible rotating extension of the cloud base • Roaring noise

❐ If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. • Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. • Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home. • If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately. • Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately, using your seat belt if driving. • Do not wait until you see the tornado. ❐ If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter: • Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. • If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort: • Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible. • If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands.

What do I do after a tornado?

❐ Continue listening to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio for updated information and instructions. ❐ If you are away from home, return only when authorities say it is safe to do so. ❐ Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sturdy shoes when examining your walls, doors, staircases and windows for damage. ❐ Watch out for fallen power lines or broken gas lines and report them to the utility company immediately. ❐ Stay out of damaged buildings. ❐ Use battery-powered flashlights when examining buildings—do NOT use candles. ❐ If you smell gas or hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and get everyone out of the building quickly and call the gas company or fire department. ❐ Take pictures of damage, both of the building and its contents, for insurance claims. ❐ Use the telephone only for emergency calls. ❐ Keep all of your animals under your direct control. ❐ Clean up spilled medications, bleaches, gasoline or other flammable liquids that could become a fire hazard. ❐ Check for injuries. If you are trained, provide first aid to persons in need until emergency responders arrive.

• Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.

Let Your Family Know You’re Safe If your community experiences a tornado, or any disaster, register on the American Red Cross Safe and Well Web site available through RedCross.org to let your family and friends know about your welfare. If you don’t have Internet access, call 1-866GET-INFO to register yourself and your family.

269-469-9180 ACROSS FROM CASEY’S BAR AND GRILL

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REAL ESTATE

THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

LAKEFRONT • NEWS • BANKING STATISTICS FOR LEASE • NOW FOR SALE • CONSTRUCTION

MORTGAGE RATES 30 Year Fixed Jumbo.................... 4.52% 30-Year Fixed............................... 4.04% 15-Year Fixed Jumbo..................... 3.93% 15-Year Fixed............................... 3.20%

US CDS (NATIONAL AVERAGE) 1 year............................................... .58 6 month............................................ .34 1 month............................................ .10 KEY RATES Fed Fund Rate................................... Fed Reserve Target Rate �� Prime Rate........................................ US Unemployment Rate ��

.37 .75 3.5 4.6

Why are there trees I never walk under but large and melodious thoughts descend upon me? — Walt Whitman

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

ROB GOW & CHRIS PFAUSER 269.612.4104 | AskUs@ShorelineAdvice.com Lake Michigan Homes Luxury Country Getaways Michigan and Indiana

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THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2017

EATS

Thank you for your business. We will reopen March 2, 2017

LOCAL • FOOD & DRINK • FARMER • CHEFS OUR PHILOSOPHY: Source and showcase the tastiest meats, cheeses, produce and artisanal products the Midwest has to offer.

424 E. Buffalo Street | New Buffalo, MI (269) 231-5138 | www.localnewbuffalo.com check website for seasonal hours

16036 Red Arrow Hwy Union Pier, MI 269.469.9865

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OEHLICH’S See ad in this issue

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317933 DINE IN • CARRYOUT • CATERING EVENT SPACE • GOURMET GROCERY DOWNTOWN THREE OAKS

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FROEHLICH’S