May 11, 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 19, volume 76

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Thursday, May 11, 2017

North Whittaker Street Redevelopment Project Phase One Weekly Update PAGE 3 Dredging to commence by month’s end PAGE 4

NBBA kicks off the season PAGE 6 New homes being offered PAGE 7 Bowen named NBES principal, Magro selected as Board Vice President PAGE 8

BIG WHEEL KEEP ON TURNIN’ NBHS celebrates Prom 2017 PAGE 11 Budding Harbor Country artists at We Play and Learn PAGE 19

BLOSSOMTIME WEEK KICKS OFF WITH PARADE OF PAGEANTRY — PAGES 12-13 —

PHOTO OF SAM THE WHEELER BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

PUBLISHER DEE DEE DUHN

CONTENT/NEWS EDITOR KRISTIN E. FATOUROS NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOE DURK

LIBRARY TIDINGS

FROM THE PUBLISHER

ETHICS Society of Professional Journalism PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC.

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 INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM LONG TERM BROADCAST CONTRACTS/AD PARTNERSHIPS PLEASE TEXT/CALL GUS 269-876-7452

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

SALUTE TO MOM: Our mothers live on in our lives, as they are embedded in our souls. There are little things that we hardly think about until years later, after realizing that we are doing the same tasks the very same way. As I look in the mirror I begin to see my mother, only wishing she was still here so I could rightly honor her for all of her strength, wisdom and stability, her courage and commitment to God and her family. She was my father’s greatest cheerleader and together, they made sure their daughters were blessed and given a foundation that we could build on forever. Though we did not have indoor plumbing until I was about eight years old, nor did we have television or radio, we were too busy being a family to even notice. A few years later, my mother became an occupational therapist at the first osteopathic hospital in the world. Later, she ran for city judge, which she remained for 18 years—all without a moment of pride. She was humbled to be a mother and a wife. I understand the great gift I was given when they found me in the cabbage patch on that Missouri farm. This Sunday, I will honor my mother and light a candle as I think of her grace and strength, and hope she will be watching from above. May all of you take the time to honor your mother and remember the little moments that they have etched into your soul. To all those who are mothers themselves, the New Buffalo Times staff salutes each and every one of you - it is the most important job in the world. dee dee duhn

SUBSCRIPTIONS

JUNE BOOK CLUB PICK: EVERYTHING I NEVER TOLD YOU BY CELESTE NG

THURSDAY, MAY 11 BOOK CLUB NOON SCRABBLE CLUB 6PM

FRIDAY, MAY 12 A SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY STORY TIME 11AM YOGA 1:30PM TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING 4PM

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The DDA’s Design and Visual Impact (DVI) committee looks at materials for the new Whittaker Street steetscape.

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 For the most convenient location, you can subscribe to get the NEW BUFFALO TIMES in your mailbox or inbox. Please email us for E-TIMES, info@newbuffalotimes.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 16 WHAT IS THAT? A GUIDE TO BEACH GLASS, FOSSILS AND OTHER BEACH TREASURES PRESENTED BY

North Whittaker Street Redevelopment Project Phase One Weekly Update

onstruction work continued on Phase One for the North Whittaker Street Project in New Buffalo for the week of Monday, May 1, through Sunday, May 7. Construction has been authorized for the next two Sundays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The following work was completed for the week of Monday, May 1: North Barton water testing and work on the storm main; work on East Mechanic Street curb and sidewalks and rough grading on West Mechanic and North Barton Street. The following work is anticipated for the week of Monday, May 8: paving beginning on East Mechanic Street Thursday, May 11; East Mechanic Street landscaping; work on West Mechanic Street curb and sidewalks; work on North Barton Street water services and curb and rough grading on alternate parking areas. Work anticipated for the week of Monday, May 15, includes: East Mechanic Street pavement markings and signs; rough grading on alternate parking areas and North Barton Street concrete and road grading. — STAFF REPORTS

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

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

IDENTIFY BEACH TREASURES AT NEW BUFFALO LIBRARY

hat IS That? A Guide to Beach Glass, Fossils, Whale Burps and Other Beach Treasures will be the topic of the Friends of New Buffalo Library Community Forum Tuesday, May 16, at 6:30 p.m. at New Buffalo Township Library. The program will shed some light on the many items found on the beach, from easy to identify stones to the more mystifying flotsam commonly found on area beaches. Veteran beachcomber and professional sand sculptor Janet Schrader will share her knowledge and collection of waterfront treasures and curiosities. Attendees are welcome to bring their own beach finds for help with identification. To tie in with the presentation, Schrader and Pat Fisher will lead a lakefront treasure hunt Saturday, May 20, at 10 a.m. at the New Buffalo Beach. The hike is sponsored by the newly formed Harbor Country Hikers. Upcoming free Community Forum programs are Estate Planning for Everyone Monday, June 12, and Exploring Lake Michigan: A 1,000-Mile Walk on the Beach Monday, June 19. All programs begin at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Pokagon Community Room. For further information, call the library at 269-469-2933, follow the Facebook link at newbuffalotownshiplibrary.org or email new.buffalo.fol@gmail. com. New Buffalo Township Library is located at 33 North Thompson Street in New Buffalo. — STAFF REPORTS

NEW BUFFALO SAVINGS BANK TO HOST SHRED DAY

ew Buffalo Savings Bank will hold their annual Shred Day Saturday, May 20. Residents are encouraged to clean their desks and shred up to 10 boxes of personal papers (per person) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot behind 45 North Whittaker Street in New Buffalo, rain or shine. — STAFF REPORTS

Dredging to commence by month’s end LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

t their Thursday, May 4, meeting, New Buffalo Harbor Commissioners discussed dredging and training for the Transient Marina staff as well as their desire for an additional staff member to provide service to boaters at the Marina. Harbor Master and Parks Superintendent Tony Ashbaugh reported that the final documents for the harbor dredging and sounding of the harbor are in process. The soundings, which are required before dredging takes place, are anticipated to be done by next week. Following the soundings will be the set- up to begin the dredging operation. It was agreed that it was necessary to avoid dredging over the Memorial Day holiday. The dredging will take seven good weather days to remove an estimated 6,900 cubic yards of spoils, which will be placed on the beach south of the harbor. Areas to be dredged are the mouth of the harbor, as well as a shoaling area outside of the harbor mouth and the federal channel. The USACE recommends that the harbor mouth be 10 feet in depth and the channel be eight feet deep. Currently, there are areas that are more shallow than is recommended, especially near the port, or returning, side of the harbor entrance. Shoaling has been reported outside of the harbor mouth. Due to the fish spawning season, the DNR will not allow the dredging to begin until after May 1. The Harbor Commissioners and the City hope to have the dredging completed before boating season is in full swing. The 2017 dredging will be paid for with the Emergency Dredging Fund, which is a special volunteer contribution fund set aside for dredging. Following the bid openings and an adjustment to the channel dredging areas, the dredging job was awarded to the low bidder, White Lake Dock and Dredge, Inc. of Montague, Michigan, who had an adjusted bid of $165,150. The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) provided the City with an estimate for the dredging costs at $250,000. The bidding process and the oversight for the work will be managed for the City by Wightman and Associates. At the April Harbor Commission meeting, members discussed the need for new customer friendly procedures for operating the Transient Marina and boat launch. Chair Nancy Smith reported that the City’s insurance carrier would like to see employee training implemented if the staff were to assist boaters with docking or other chores. At the May meeting, they made a motion for the marina staff to attend marina staff training conducted by an OSHA compliance consultant. The cost for each staff member to attend is $150, which includes textbooks and eight or more hours of instruction and hands-on practice. At the completion of the course, each student is provided with a Certificate of Completion. This course is an in-depth comprehensive class on safety and procedures and is offered onsite. The commissioners had hoped for an additional staff member to be assigned to the Transient Marina; however, Ashbaugh stated that with City budget cuts, an additional hire was questionable. He stated that all of the departments in the City have been asked to cut their budgets in order for there to be a balanced budget for the coming year. “We are looking at $250,000 in (citywide) cuts - it’s a hard pill to swallow,” he said. Ashbaugh stated that the Parks Department is always operating at a loss and is supplemented by the General Fund. Member George Repiscak replied, “There is not a park department anywhere that makes money.” The commissioners approved a motion to keep the launch fees and docking fees the same as last year. They stated that they did not receive a new fee schedule from the MDNR, who manages the reservation system throughout the Michigan harbor systems. The City Transient Marina will be staffed beginning Monday, May 15. Ashbaugh reported that the goose population has diminished from previous years, and that he believed that some have relocated. It was reported that the USACE is expecting the lake to rise 18 inches over last year’s high water levels. The docks at the Transient Marina are fixed but adjustable to water height. Member Repiscak reported that, other than a few electrical issues, little damage had occurred to the Moorings docks during the recent storms. Member Doreen Kral reported the loss of one dock post in South Cove as a result of recent storms. The current balance in the Emergency Dredging Fund (EDF) is $ 412,806. Nine harbor entities contribute annually to the EDF: Dunewood Condominium Association, Harbor Point Shores and Harbor Landings Condo Associations, Lake Michigan Yacht Club, Oselka Marina, Pleasure Isle Marina, South Cove Condo Association, The Moorings Condo Association and The Peninsula Home Owners Association and the City of New Buffalo. This year, the dredging will be paid for with funds from the EDF. In the past, dredging in the New Buffalo federal channel has been accomplished from funds set aside in the City’s Emergency Dredging Fund (EDF), from Pokagon Fund Grants and from Hurricane Sandy Recovery Funds. Since 1999, there has been no money allocated or available from the Federal Government (U.S. Army Corp of Engineers) for small draft recreational harbor maintenance, which is the designation for New Buffalo’s federal channel. The next meeting of the Harbor Commission is Thursday, June 1, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Scrap tire collection scheduled for this week This year’s Berrien County Scrap Tire Collection will take place Thursday, May 11, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday, May 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Berrien County Road Commission facility. Tires from businesses will not be accepted. Coordination and funding for this event can handle tires from residents only. No early drop-offs will be allowed. The following fee will be charged and is due at the event by cash or check (written to Berrien County): $1 per passenger tire and $2 per passenger tire on the rim; $5 per semi-truck tire and $10 and up for oversize and loader tires. Participants planning to bring large tires must call 269-983-7111 x8234 prior to May 11 to report size and quantity. Abandoned tires can hold water and become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and rodents. Tires left on a property, in a ditch or on a public green space are an eyesore and cause property values to decrease. “This collection provides Berrien County residents with a low cost way to safely and legally handle waste tires,” said Jill Adams, the Berrien County Environmental Property Manager. “Residents with unwanted scrap tires can protect their family’s and neighbors’ health, the health of the environment, as well as potentially free up precious storage space at home by participating in this tire collection event.” Tires will go to Deerpath Recyclers in Dowagiac, Michigan, to be processed. More information, and a list of other tire recycling options can be found by visiting www. berriencounty.org/recycle and clicking on “Tires” or by calling the Berrien County Parks Department at 269-983-7111 x8234. The Berrien County Road Commission Facility is located at 2860 East Napier Avenue in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on the corner of Napier and Yore avenues. Participants must enter the Road Commission facility at the southernmost gate (third gate from the corner) on Yore Avenue and follow event signs. — STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Always Dancing wins 143 Kentucky Derby

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he 143 Running of the Roses and all things traditionally Kentucky were celebrated by members and their guests at the New Buffalo Yacht Club Saturday, May 6. Revelers dressed the part for the kick-off to the Triple Crown race season as they cheered on their favorite horse. Both men and women donned creative, beautiful and funny hats for the annual celebration and bragging rights for best hat. In the end, on a very muddy track, Always Dancing ran the mile and a quarter in 2:03:59 and wore the traditional blanket of roses in the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. The favorite held off a late effort from Lookin At Lee, Battle of Midway and Classic Empire to claim the roses by two-and-three-quarter lengths. This was the second Kentucky Derby win for Jockey John Velasquez and trainer Todd Pitcher. The annual festivities at the Club also featured the traditional pogo stick horse races. Despite chilly temperatures, the Club’s stable of local ponies came to the harbor-side paddock to race. Entrance Brian Campbell fees for the horses and their jockeys, in an original creation who competed in those stakes, went to benefit the First Mates group, who make fleece blankets, jackets and caps for the Neonatal Unit and children’s ward at South Bend Memorial Hospital and for the Ronald McDonald House in South Bend, Indiana. A special race-day southern cuisine menu was offered by Chef Brad along an overflowing sweet table, as well as the signature drink of the day, Mint Juleps. Baker extraordinaire and member Rita Watson provided Commodore Adam Umbrasas chocolate and caramel horsehead suckers and hard candy red rose suckers, along with Kentucky Rum balls, a horseshoe of gooey chocolate brownies, petite cheese cakes and homemade cookie choices that more than satisfied everyone’s cravings. Taking top honors in the very competitive “best of” contests were: Best Derby couple, Ed and Nancy Oldis; the Most Creative Hat was won by Robyn Zirkelbach with her hat with flashing red, white and blue stars; the Best Looking Hat award went to Rita Watson; voted Best Dressed were Tom Smith and Maureen Shanley and the Funniest Hat was won by Ron Watson in his horsehead and tail Stetson. The second race in the Triple Crown, the Preakness, runs at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland, Saturday, May 20. The final race will be the Belmont Stakes Saturday, June 10, in New York.

Give Mom a Gift to Help Her Financial Future Mother’s Day is right around the corner. This year, why not give Mom a gift that can help her far into the future?

For example, you could write her a check to help fund her IRA. In 2017, she can put in up to $5,500, or $6,500 if she’s 50 or older, so every amount will help. With its tax advantages and an almost limitless range of investment options, an IRA is a great retirement-savings vehicle. You could also consider writing her a check to pay for one or two months’ worth of your mother’s life or disability insurance premiums. And you might want to connect her to a financial professional who can offer suggestions for dealing with the potentially huge expenses of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay. (Keep in mind that your mom can use any monetary gift as she chooses, she does not have to use the money to fund her IRA or pay insurance premiums.) Finally, think about donating to a charitable organization your mother supports. You’ll feel good about making the gift, and you could gain some tax benefits, too. Your mother has done a lot for you. This Mother’s Day, show her you appreciate her efforts by making a financial gift that could have a real impact on her life. 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, MAY 11, 2017

NBBA kicks off the season

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

embers of the New Buffalo Business Association gathered at Horizon Bank in New Buffalo Thursday, May 4, for a social and annual kick-off to the summer season. President Karen Bartos-Poff addressed the group while they enjoyed beverages and light bites that were provided by David’s Deli. She gave an update on the activities planned for the upcoming summer and fall season, as well as welcomed the following new members: Redman and Company, Ed Trainor of BTS Associates, Frisky Frog and Loretta Friend of Elsie Earl Studio and Art Gallery. Poff stated that the organization is looking for additional sponsors for events. To date, she said the NBBA has raised $37,000 for events; however, the goal is to raise another $20,000. Every little bit pledged helps, she said. New Buffalo City Manager David Richards, who was the evening’s guest speaker, highlighted the ongoing North Whittaker Street Phase One Redevelopment Project. He said that while he realizes there have been many inconveniences to everyone, by Memorial Day, the streets will be beautiful and substantially completed. The project is on schedule and going well, despite there being more rain than anticipated. Phase One involves reconstructing East and West Mechanic and North Barton streets in preparation for the North Whittaker Street renovation, which will begin after Labor Day. In order to balance the City budget, Richards said that City spending will be cut back in the coming year. He reported that in the budget year 2014-2015, the General Fund surplus was more than $950,000. As of now, the General Fund surplus is $250,000, which Richards said is “unacceptable.” He stated that during the past year, more than $600,000 was spent on legal fees and more than $100,000 was spent on other expenditures. He said that the City likes to have a 25 percent surplus in the General Fund; however, as of now, it is

at about 18 percent. “This is a major hemorrhage that we’ve got to stop,” he said. Since a new legal counsel has been hired, Richards said the City has spent only $2,400 in legal fees since March 23, which he considered “a success.” He said that the current fund balance “creates a real hardship for the City.” “We would like to provide curbs, gutters and sidewalks to every

planned NBBA events, which are also available on rack card in area stores. The first event will be the opening of the second season for the New Buffalo Farmer’s Market Thursday, June 1, from 4 p.m. until 8p.m. The market will run for seven weeks during the summer. Five food trucks have committed to provide food and more than 50 vendors have signed up to participate in the market. Last year’s market became a Thursday

Brett Francis with Stephen DelCoursey, Stacie Schable, Karen Poff and Carol Shubert

Tracy Hauseman with Rich and Eileen Kochanny

Kristen Damico with Juli Westergren

neighborhood in town, but that is a lot of dollars and a lot of streets,” he said. Richards added that the City budget will be balanced with many compromises by the City departments and with the elimination of unnecessary legal fees. “I have a five-year contract, so I’m here for a long time. I’m really happy to be here and looking forward to great successes here,” he added. Also at the gathering, Poff reported on

Kurt Hauseman with Lisa Gawron

night neighborhood gathering and social time, and provided shoppers with fresh produce, flowers, sweat treats, artisan goods and live music. The market will be located along East Merchant Street by New Buffalo Savings Bank.

The New Buffalo Car Classic will be held on the first Wednesdays of the month through August along North Whittaker Street. From 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., guests can view hot rides and beautifully restored vintage cars while mingling and enjoying live music. The first show will be Wednesday, June 7.

he NBBA will host the annual Independence Day Celebration Week from Thursday, June 29, through Tuesday, July 4, at the City Beach and Lions Park. Family activities are planned throughout the week. The concert by LaPorte Symphony with food vendors and fireworks will be Monday, July 3, from 7 p.m. until midnight at Lions Park. The Big Smiles 5K run/walk is scheduled for Saturday, July 1. Ship & Shore is back for the 33rd year. The event will see a few changes, as art will be introduced in tandem with the live music, food and craft vendors. New this year will be a beer and wine tent. Children’s activities and contests will also be featured, and a 5K run/ walk is planned. The festival will span North Whittaker Street, from Mechanic to Buffalo streets. Live music will be presented Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13, with a full schedule to be announced. Saturday night’s headliner is the Déjà Vu Band. Columbus Day weekend will see the return of the Harvest and Wine Fest at Lion’s Park Saturday, Oct. 7, from noon until 9 p.m. Live music, wine and beer and food, merchandise vendors and children’s activities will be available at the 12th annual fest, along with 12 regional wineries and craft beers. New Buffalo’s Halloween parade and trick-or-treating will be held Sunday, Oct. 29. The holiday events will kick off Saturday, Nov. 25, and last through Dec. 23. For a full listing of events and information about the NBBA, visit www. newbuffalo.org or the information booth located on the corner of Merchant and Whittaker streets to pick up at rack card with the full schedule of events.

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

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the Entire Month of May

New homes being offered

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

ecently, local business owners Clay Howard of Howard Development Company and Bob and Missy Lang of Porte Housing Specialists teamed up to bring five new homes to the area. A new spec/model home was delivered to the site of Howard Development Company’s latest project located at 514 South Jameson Street, which is just north of Jefferson Street in New Buffalo, Thursday, May 4. The model home features high-end finishes and an expandable living space. The home built by Rochester Homes includes an upgraded stainless steel and granite kitchen, with a bar off the living Visnja Howard in the kitchen area. The master bedroom with Missy Lang features an upscale master bath, and there is an additional bedroom and bathroom. A laundry room is also included in the model. The unfinished second floor of the home can be expanded to include an additional bath and two or three additional bedrooms. A large front porch invites one to sit and relax, and the attached twocar garage is sure to please on snowy days. Homes sales are being handled by Pete Rahm of Keller Williams Realty in New Buffalo.

SYMPLI Fall 2017 TRUNK SHOW Saturday, May 20th Seatings at 11am & 2pm EST Samples in Store 5/20 - 5/29 Call for seating reservations or private showing. Bring a Friend!

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

STUDENTS GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY WITH OUTREACH PROJECTS

ecently, three Envirothon teams from New Buffalo High School have focused on filtering pollutants from bodies of water as well as stopping the spread of invasive species to help their local community for this year’s round of community outreach projects. The Envirothon group, “Finding Gobies,” will be hosting a fishing tournament in the Galien River to raise awareness of the spread of the little fish known as gobies. According to Gregory Siuda, gobies are an invasive species that can have harmful effects on native aquatic ecosystems by eating a variety of small fish, such as Darters, Sculpins, Logperch, fish eggs and mussels. He added that they eat around 70-80 mussels, including Zebra mussels. Siuda said that while that Zebra mussel is also invasive and it’s good when the gobies eat them, the gobies will then receive the toxins from the Zebra mussel. In turn, the toxins are then transferred to whatever chosen predator the gobies eat next. The point of the fishing tournament, Siuda said, will be not only to raise awareness of the gobies but to show how the community can lessen their spread. Using the bait that will be provided, participants will see how many gobies they can catch. The gobies will then be killed and used for bait. In addition to Siuda, members of Finding Gobies include Ava Marie Mendoza, Andrick Villa, Sarah Eberly and Joe Turcotto. Meanwhile, members of another Envirothon group are tackling an invasive species on land: knotweed. According to Maeve Smith, the group, which also includes students Ryan Bluschake, Joey Roberts and Justin Smith, plans on spreading awareness of the plant that has recently popped up throughout New Buffalo. Recently, they attended a workshop at New Buffalo Township Library that discussed the invasive plant to learn more about it. Ultimately, she said they plan on distributing brochures about the plant and its dangers to local businesses and establishments throughout the community. Finally, the Holy Shiitake team will be reviving its successful experiment with mycofiltration and mushrooms. Last year, the team presented the project at the state competition and earned first place in the People’s Choice category. This year, student Liz Ramsey said they plan on giving an update on the results of last year’s experiment, as well as to continue with it. The project involved creating mushroom mats and myceliated burlap sacks along the Galien River in New Buffalo in an attempt to break down chemical water pollutants found in the runoff, such as gas and oil spills from the boating area. The group was inspired by American mycologist and author Paul Stamets for creating mats of mycelium over areas of erosion near rivers or still bodies of water to filter toxins and bacterial pathogens from the water. In addition to Ramsey, group members also include Alex Schmock, Felix DeSimone and Jacob Smith. High school science teacher Richard Eberly said the groups will travel to Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, to present their projects at the state competition, which is set to take place from Wednesday through Friday, May 17-19. — FRANCESCA SAGALA

Mother’s Day 3D PAINT WITH MOM! SUNDAY May 14 3-6pm

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CHALK BOARD scholastics

Bowen named NBES principal, Magro selected as Board Vice President

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

New Buffalo High School alumni has been named as the brandnew New Buffalo Elementary School principal. At the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, May 8, Board members approved the recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Leslie and interview committees that Adam Bowen be the new principal effective July 1. He would be taking the place of current principal Dave Kelly, who will be assuming the position as the school district’s new curriculum coordinator beginning next school year. Bowen is a 2000 graduate of New Buffalo High School. After high school, he graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with a degree in Elementary Education as well as a Master’s in Administration. Bowen taught in South Bend, Indiana, in a special education classroom for fifth and sixth graders for one year before coming to New Buffalo Elementary School. There, he taught third grade for four years and first grade for five years. He then became the school’s Title One Coordinator, a position which he has held for the past two years. At last month’s meeting, Leslie said that they had 49 applicants for the job, and that he hoped to come to the Board with a formal recommendation by their next meeting. “I’m very excited to make this Adam Bowen named New Buffalo recommendation,” he said. Elementary School Principal Those who attended the meeting reacted positively to the news, and applauded soon after the Board’s approval. Board members were also enthusiastic, and Board Treasurer Pano Arvanitis said that they “expected great things” from Bowen. “That’s all you’re going to get,” said Bowen. Also at the meeting, Board members approved Trustee Frank Magro as the new Board Vice President. Magro will be taking over for former Vice President Lee Artz, who resigned from the Board at last month’s meeting after 12 years. Board members adopted the resolution for the 2017-2018 Proposed Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s General Fund Operating Budget. Board members approved a recommendation from Leslie and Special Education Coordinator Wayne Butler to appoint Martina Ciccarelli and Donna Messinger to the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency Parent Advisory Committee for a two-year term, from Aug. 31, 2017 through Aug. 31, 2019. As explained by Leslie, each district has two representatives that serve on the advisory committee. Both Ciccarelli and Messinger, he said, were “excited about being selected.” In other school district news, Leslie said that New Buffalo Middle School eighth grade students had just returned from a trip to Washington, D.C., and that it was reported that they had a “great time.” He added that they were reaching the final home stretch with regards to the end of the 2016-2017 school year, and that the New Buffalo High School graduation is scheduled to take place at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 4.

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

VYTAS FEATURING NEW SPRING CLASSES

hroughout the month of May, Vytas Performance and Athletics will be offering new classes. Youth boxing classes for children ages eight and up will be held Tuesday and Thursday nights from 4 to 5 p.m. Pilates barre fusion classes taught by personal trainer Liz Walker are Fridays in May from 4 to 5 p.m. VPA is located at 116 North Whittaker Street, Unit C, in New Buffalo. For more information, call 253-298-2186. — THERESE DONNELLY

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From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

ast Saturday marked the 143rd running of the Kentucky Derby. Always Dreaming was the winner, becoming the fifth straight favorite to win, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished since the 1890s. If I had gone to a O.T.B. and placed a bet on the race, I’m sure that I wouldn’t have bet on Always Dreaming. My history in wagering on horse races is to bet on the long shot. Who knows, maybe one day a long shot will actually win. My guess is my hard earned money would have been placed on Thunder Snow, the horse who began bucking and walked back to the barn without finishing the race. My enjoyment of horse racing has been handed down to me from my parents. They used to enjoy going to Arlington Park racetrack, where Dad would bet on the long shots (and lose) while Mom would be more conservative (and win). After my mom passed away, my brother, sister, myself, and various other family members attended the races on Mother’s Day, and truth be told, actually spread a few ashes on the track. She really did enjoy going to the races. Back to the Derby. My college education took place in Carbondale Illinois, way down in the southern part of the state. I just googled it and discovered the distance between Carbondale and Louisville is a mere 233 miles. One of my best friends in college was from Louisville, so he and I and a couple of other friends decided to start hitchhiking down to Kentucky to witness the big event. We split up into two groups, because four young guys trying to thumb a ride was pretty much a long shot, even back in the 60s. Jack and I got picked up by a guy in a rickety old pick-up truck and as we passed our fellow travelers, we yelled something to them. That’s when the trip got harrowing. For some reason, the guy who had picked us up suddenly thought that we were up to no good. He told us he had a gun and started speeding. He got the old truck up to about 90 mph, and it was shaking violently. We finally were able to convince him that we meant no harm, and he dropped us off. We met up with our friends and got ready to attend the Derby. The ladies looked lovely sporting their hats and drinking their mint juleps with their nattily attired gentlemen friends. We (along with 100,000 others) chose to be less formal, and used our general admission tickets to sit on the grass in the infield. By the time the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports” took place, most of us had withstood the long lines and had plenty to drink. The atmosphere was like a giant party, and everyone had a wonderful time. It goes without saying that we didn’t have to wait in line to cash our winning tickets, because we didn’t have any. Tenneva Jordan said, “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people promptly announces she never did care for pie.” Bless you mothers, each and every one. Happy Mother’s Day. Be careful out there. Make good choices. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Cory Hodge and Abby Price with Kristin VanPelt and Danny Lam

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NBHS celebrates prom 2017

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

s is tradition, New Buffalo High School students walked the blue carpet in the high school gym before being whisked away for a night of dinner and dancing at their annual prom Saturday, April 29. Family and friends gathered on the bleachers in the gym, clapping for students as they walked down the carpet. Afterward, students and teachers boarded a bus to Uptown Center in Michigan City, Indiana, to enjoy their masquerade-themed prom.

Kaitlyn Biela and Trenton Fuller

Cody Cybulski and Emma Roberts walk off the blue carpet

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Alex Schmock and Jill Patel walk off the blue carpet

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Blossomtime Princess Olivia DuPre wins Best Soap Box

Miss New Buffalo Lauren Aroney with the Key to the City

Michigan Marine Corps League

MISS NEW BUFFALO LAUREN ARONEY RECEIVES KEY TO THE CITY WORDS BY LINDA HENDERSON PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANGELA DUPRE AND DIANA SELIR

his year’s Blossomtime Festival week, which took place Sunday, April 30, through Saturday, May 6, was filled with activities for the 23 community queens and Blossomtime royalty. The week kicked off with the traditional Blessing of the Blossoms, which was held Sunday, April 30, at the Michigan State University Research and Extension Center in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Blessing of the Blossoms is a nondenominational service that serves as the foundation and core of the Blossomtime Festival itself. The event celebrates the blessings of the past and ask for God’s blessings on this season’s event in a multi-community setting of reverence, music and fellowship. Following the service, Blossomtime royalty paired up with the House of David “Echoes” Baseball Team for a game of baseball, which honored a tradition that dates back to the early 1900s. The popular Shoe Box Float Parade stepped off Monday, May 1, on Broad Street and traveled down State Street in St. Joseph, Michigan. Younger participants in first through sixth grade decorated a float centering around this year’s Blossomtime theme, “If it starts with a ‘B,’ it must be Blossomtime.” New Buffalo’s Olivia Dupre, who is Little Miss Blossom 2017, was honored with a first place trophy for her gymnasticsthemed float, “Backstands, Beam and Bars.” Dinner with the queens was held that evening along with a fashion show competition for the best Barbie attire. The community dignitaries gathered Tuesday, May 2, at the Mayors Banquet, where the community queens received a charm bracelet displaying a photograph of all of their sister queens as well as a key to their respective cities. New Buffalo Councilwoman Liz Ennis presented the key to the City of New Buffalo to Miss New Buffalo Lauren Aroney. Miss Junior Teen Blossomtime Amelia Selir, also of New Buffalo, took part in all of the events as a Blossomtime Royal Court member. The Blossomtime Youth parade for preschoolers through middle school students took place Thursday, May 4, at St. Joseph High School. The 38th Annual 5KRun/Walk and 10K Run was held prior to the Saturday, May 6, Grand Floral Parade. The culmination of the festivities is the Grand Floral Parade, which stepped off at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon with chilly breezes and sunny skies. For full coverage of this year’s Grand Floral Parade, see page 13.

Senator John Proos waves to paradegoers

Miss Blossomtime Pre-Teen Amelia Selir with Second Runner-up Lauren

Mid-America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team

Blessing of the Blossoms

Little Miss Blosom Olivia Dupre with Blossomtime Mr. Nice Guy, Bud Princesses and Prince and Miss Teen Blossomtime

Royals at Barbie Fashion Dinner

Blossomtime Teens and Pre-Teens at the Queens Dinner

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Blossomtime Royalty, Community Queens and Miss Sunset Coast Outstanding Teen float

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Three Oaks/River Valley float wins Mayor’s Award at Grand Floral Parade

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

hree Oaks/River Valley’s float, which honored their beloved community, received top honors at the 111th Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan, Saturday, May 6. The birthday cakethemed “It’s Our Birthday” float, which paid tribute to 150 years of s Three Oaks and 50 years of River Valley, won the Mayor’s Award at the annual parade. Activities celebrating Three Oaks’ sesquicentennial are scheduled to run every other weekend this summer from Friday, July 7 through Saturday, Sept.16. For more information, follow Three Oaks 150 on Facebook. In addition to Three Oaks/ River Valley, the following awards were bestowed upon the following communities for their respective floats: Sweepstakes Award went to Berrien Springs for their Blooming Beauties float; the President’s Award as well as King’s Award went to Three Oaks and River Valley royalty ride Bridgman for their Beauty and Beast atop their prize-winning float; the Board of Director’s Award It’s Our Birthday float went to Hartford for their Bug’s Life float; the Queen’s Award went to Stevensville for their Blues Brothers’themed float; the Twin Cities’ Award went to Watervliet for their Backyard BBQ float; the Chairman’s Award went to Eau Claire/Sodus’ Under the Big Top-themed float and the Parade Committee’s Award went to St. Joseph’s Beautiful Beaches float. This year’s “If It Starts with ‘B,’ It Must be Blossomtime”-themed parade featured 114 units, which included antique cars, clowns, drill teams such as the Mid America Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team and area schools’ marching bands, as well as Benton Harbor Mayor Marcus Muhammad, Little Miss New Buffalo Angelina Bryk St. Joseph Mayor Michael Garey, state (center) and Second Runner-Up Ava Senator John Proos (R-St. Joseph), Jackson (left) and First Runner-Up Charlee and state Representative Kim LaSata Churchill (right) pose with New Buffalo (R-Bainbridge Township). royalty aboard their float

CHURCH DOESN’T TAKE A

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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

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

Doing lunch at the GATE

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Lunch at the GATE

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

ring your appetite and enjoy a program and luncheon Wednesdays at Water’s Edge Methodist Church Fellowship Hall in New Buffalo. Area seniors are all invited to partake in the delicious fare and enjoy a mid-day social hour, along with a short program. Coordinator of the GATE (Gathering at the Edge) event, Mike Keffer, invites all those who are more than 50 years old to attend. On Wednesday, May 3, the group was entertained by karaoke singer Bob Fischer, followed by a sing-a-long and dancing. Fischer hung up his fishing pole and picked up a microphone, crooning old favorites from country artists, Elvis and others. Fischer said he got started singing on a trip to Florida after attending an Pastor Brad Bartelmay and Charollete event, and thought that it would be fun to bring it home to Harbor Country. When not fishing, Fischer performs at various area senior center venues, as well as the New Buffalo American Legion Post. The GATE activities begin with a program designed for senior interests at 11 a.m., followed by lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The menu consists of a fresh salad bar, a sandwich, homemade soup provided by Skip’s Restaurant and luncheon coordinator Mike Keffer, and a homemade dessert, along with choice of a beverage: coffee, tea or lemonade. For those who choose two main items, the cost is $4, while three main items are $5. Carry-out is also available for a nominal price. The luncheon is held in the beautiful fellowship area overlooking the church gardens and grounds. “It’s about getting together and enjoying fellowship and lunch with friends,” ticket taker and volunteer Fay Bowen said of the luncheon. Following the May 3 luncheon, children from We Play and Learn joined attendees for a few dance numbers with Pastor Brad Bartelmay and their teachers. “It’s all about creating community, both for the lunch and the day care center at Water’s Edge,” Pastor Brad Bartelmay said of the luncheon and art exhibit. The Water’s Edge Methodist Church campus is located at 18732 South Harbor Country Drive (M239).

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Bob Fischer sings

Feye Bowen enjoys a dance with Becky Humphrey

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Meeting to discuss county connected transit system

public meeting will be held Thursday, May 11, from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the New Buffalo Township Library by the project team for Connect Berrien. The meeting will provide input from the public on how a connected transit system throughout the county should work. The team will explain what public transit currently looks like in Berrien County, as well as provide an opportunity for them to learn more about what the public needs and what their concerns are with regards to the countywide transit service planning process. There will be four public meetings held throughout Berrien County for the public’s suggestions on the Berrien County Integration Plan. For more information, visit www.connectberrien.org. — COMPILED BY LINDA HENDERSON

Law Enforcement Memorial Day Service

he Blossomland Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #100 will hold the annual Police Officer Memorial Day program at noon Thursday, May 18, at the Berrien County Law Enforcement Memorial located at the south end of Lake Bluff Park in St. Joseph,

Michigan. The Berrien County Law Enforcement Memorial was developed by all four Fraternal Order of Police Lodges in Berrien County. The Police Memorial Day service honors those who died on duty serving the residents of Berrien County. This year, two additional names will be honored, Joe Zangaro and Ron Kienzle, both Berrien County Court Bailiffs who were killed July 11, 2016. The service will also remember two former Berrien County residents who were killed in the line of duty. Families of those who are being honored are encouraged to attend, as they will have an opportunity to participate in the service by laying a flower on the memorial as their loved one’s name is called. Law enforcement departments of those who are remembered also participate in this service. This year’s speaker is Michigan State Police Captain Carl Bassett of the Chaplains Corp for the State Police. Also participating in the service will be the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard and officers from area departments, who will make up the FOP Lodge #100 Rifle Squad. Lake Boulevard in St. Joseph will be closed from Pearl to Park streets from 11:15 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. to accommodate the ceremony. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. — STAFF REPORTS

Purchase plants, help fight human trafficking

upport the fight against human trafficking in Michigan by purchasing creatively potted plants from “Planting Hope” at two upcoming area events. The Fernwood Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale will take place Saturday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fernwood is located at 13988 Rangeline Road in Niles, Michigan. Lemon Creek Winery Art and Wine Festival will take place Memorial Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, from 12-6 p.m. Lemon Creek Winery is located at 533 East Lemon Creek Road in Baroda, Michigan. For more information on the fight, visit SW Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force’s website at swmihumantrafficking. org or visit them on Facebook. To report suspected human trafficking (labor/sex), call 888-3737-888 or text: BeFree. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 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.

UP-IN-ARMS ABOUT UPTON...

n Wednesday, May 4th, Congressman Fred Upton betrayed the people of Southwest Michigan. After initially opposing the disastrous Republican health care bill, he flipped and voted to pass the bill in the House of Representatives. Upton’s stated reason for changing his position was that he offered an amendment that added $8 billion over five years to help states provide highrisk pools for people with pre-existing conditions who would lose the protection provided them by the Affordable Care Act. Upton’s amendment was described by the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) as an “$8 billion giveaway to insurance companies that won’t help the majority of those with pre-existing conditions.” The Center for Budget and Policy priorities listed three major problems with the amendment: 1) $8 billion falls far short of what is needed to make high-risk pools work; 2) The money doesn’t do anything about the other major problems the bill would cause for people with existing health conditions; and 3) States would get EXTRA money for dropping protections for people with pre-existing conditions. The bill that Upton voted for is a cruel assault on the health of middle and low income Americans. This bill would result in the loss of health insurance for more than 20 million people, would greatly increase the cost of health insurance for older and poorer individuals and those living in rural areas, would allow insurance companies to once again put lifetime limits on health insurance benefits, would greatly reduce protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions, and would eliminate the requirement that health insurance policies cover basic medical benefits like outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs. At the same time that the bill would cause great harm to millions of Americans, the Republican scheme would provide billions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest individuals. The majority of the bill’s tax cuts would go to those people who make more than $1 million a year. The Republican bill is strongly opposed by the AARP, the American Medical Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Diabetes Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Hospital Association, the Catholic Hospital Association, and the March of Dimes. Fred Upton voted for this horrible bill. He is clearly more concerned about supporting his party than he is about supporting his constituents. — DR. LARRY FELDMAN, LAKESIDE

REPRESENTATIVE UPTON IS “PUTTING LIPSTICK ON A PIG”...

he recent health care reform efforts of Congressman Upton are confusing and inconsistent. He was certainly more consistent in his efforts to repeal Obamacare prior to 2017, when calls for repeal were as frequent, straight-forward and non-binding, as they were unlikely. But now he finds himself in a position to significantly influence attempts to improve our health care system, and his response is to propose hastily crafted legislation that raises more questions than answers.

Instead of digging in, and taking the time needed to contribute to effective and costsaving improvements in our health care system, he appears willing propose cosmetic changes to policy for the sake of declaring short-term political victory. The effects of these efforts may have helped to get the latest version of the American Health Care Act through the U.S. House of Representatives, but will also clearly hurt many of the people Upton represents here in southwest Michigan. I am resident of Congressman Upton’s district, but also a physician and someone who has had the opportunity to inform and shape national health care policy. So, I am especially frustrated by Representative Upton’s maneuvers this week. These hasty and partisan attempts to repeal and replace Obamacare have been jammed through the House without support of any physicians’ groups, hospital associations, or other credible health policy experts. In fact, with its passage today, this effort has moved forward without the benefits of any estimates of long-term costs implications or numbers of people who will lose affordable coverage. While the debate in the past few days has been about the acceptability of various gaps in coverage for people with of pre-existing health conditions, there are other significant problems with this bill. The legal name for Obamacare is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and it’s the ‘Patient Protection’ aspects of the law that are under attack across the board. Coverage of pre-conditions is worth fighting for, which Congressman Upton has at least recognized with a token gesture. But, we also have to fight to protect people by ensuring that “essential health benefits” are not waived by states. Coverage of these benefits is critical to all people’s health, as they include emergency services, maternity care, hospitalizations, and preventive services such as the opioid addiction counseling. (Mr. Upton’s response to the opioid addiction epidemic is helpful, but that makes his lack of support for essential health benefits all the more confounding.) These services are of course all things that should be included in any insurance product, otherwise we are giving insurers a license to sell junk and just shifting the burden back to taxpayers and health care providers. Of course, the latest policy language is pitched as something that will lower cost of premiums. Well, junk should cost less. And failure to recognize that these costs will be paid for later by ethical health care providers and all good taxpayers is just a deception. Those are the folk who will ultimately pay for these services when the people who need them are short-changed by Mr. Upton and the Republican party’s incoherent policy. — MATT LONGJOHN, MD MPH

UPTON SUPPORTS TAX CUT FOR THE WEALTHY...

ur congressman, Fred Upton, just voted for a huge tax cut for the very wealthy. Calling it a “healthcare” bill, it really redistributes money away from healthcare to give to the rich. While many of us poor and middle-class will lose our health coverage with this bill, millionaires will receive a big tax cut. Be honest Republicans; call it what it is: a redistribution of wealth (or wellth) from us commoners to the very rich. — ALAN WAKEFIELD

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

CLASSIFIED ADS TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD, PLEASE CONTACT

Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $10 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

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 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. 4 bedroom home 2 bath. Available until May 13. $1500 with utilities. 269-470-5838. NEW BUFFALO Three bedroom apartment now available. This second floor updated, 1,000 sq. ft. is a must see. For Information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED

CARING DRIVERS WANTED Transport people to pre-scheduled medical appointments in Berrien County and beyond. Must have reliable 4-door vehicle, cell phone and access to internet or fax. Great way to supplement social security, disability or a pension income. (989) 871-2289 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.

UNION PIER Furnished 3 Br 2 Bath apartment. Updated, hardwood floors, fireplace, central heat and air conditioning. 2 blocks to beach access. New Buffalo Schools $1150 + Utilities Call Diane 312-480-9530

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.

NEW BUFFALO 5 bedroom 2 bath home on large wooded lot. Walkable to town and beach. Detached 2 car garage and storage shed. Central heat and air conditioning $1275 + utilities. Call Diane 312-480-9530

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.

NEW BUFFALO FURNISHED APARTMENT Brand new on market intimate, peaceful, in downtown New Buffalo putting you in walking distance to the lake, harbor, shops, restaurants and New Buffalo activities. Must see to appreciate the calming beach colors, accents, and retro modern ambiance. Has queen size bedroom for you and full size sleeper sofa in living room for guests. Has Smart TV with Comcast, DVD, blue ray and streaming capabilities, plus high speed internet. Has central heat and air conditioning for your comfort and off street private parking for your convenience (2 vehicles). No smoking, no pets. Weekly rate $1,500, monthly and full summer season negotiable. For information, please call 405-420-2000.

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

FULL TIME PAINTER WANTED 10 years minimum experience required. Starting Salary $14.00 per hour. Call Eddie at 269-462-1122. NEW BUFFALO Lawn Service crew openings. CALL 269-469-2340 Looking for contract cleaners for the Three Oaks area. FOR INFO CALL, 269-469-3894.

SEEKING EMPLOYMENT

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

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties For Pond Lakes Call Laggis’ Fish Farm 269-628-2056 DAYS 269-624-6215 EVENINGS. BRIAN’S DETAILING Have a dirty car? Why not have someone come to you. Have your car vacuumed washed and waxed for a shiny sparkling car every time! Call Brian at 219-841-2620

Stirring the Coffee FACEBOOK KISS OFF BY GAIL ISAACSON

girl I hadn’t seen in forty years courted me, rushed me, and sent gooey missives meant for me and me alone. Facebook was the go-between. Imagine my angst one morning when I brought up Facebook expecting my daily dose of friendship. Honestly I get a glow when I first glimpse the multiple subjects in my Facebook kingdom. Vivian where are you? Vivian, it’s me, your new, old friend. Where the hell are you? Horrors …. could it be that Vivian has UN-friended me? It was the summer of 2009 - the year of my fortieth high school reunion. The reunion invite mentioned a Bowen High School Facebook site. I eagerly flipped my face, sunny side up onto this cyber memory lane. Soon every form of gray haired high school chum contacted me. Their photos inched past me like an ancient filmstrip. Cheerleader Ellen Grossman looked most unlike herself. The perky blond is now a plus sized paragon of the good life. Student council president, Kirkland Jones, heads an African American law firm. A homing pigeon’s worth of messages arrived via Facebook, from older faces of former classmates. Steven Charles is pictured in a New Orleans bar playing the saxophone. He claimed to have gone to Bowen. “I don’t think I know you,” I typed. “I used to be Steven Wasserman. See you at the reunion.” This phrase echoed over and over in the hallowed halls of cyberspace. I couldn’t wait to get to the reunion and bond with all my new Facebook friends in person. Facebook is where my former best friend Vivian Leigh Rudolph found me. The last time I saw her name was in a Chicago Sun-Times review of the musical “Hair,” playing at a downtown theatre. I was away at the University of Illinois at the time. Vivian didn’t need a college education to dance her way out of poverty. I heard she had married a millionaire. Apparently Vivian had been tearing through social network sites looking for me, her high school co-star. Once she found me, she wrote private Facebook messages to me every day --- the special kind that don’t appear on the common “news stream” of friends, friends of friends and friends of friend’s friends. Vivian had inhaled the photos on my Facebook “wall,” pronouncing my husband handsome, my dog adorable, and me an ageless beauty. After gobbling my Facebook site, she ravaged my website and swallowed as many of my personal essays as would stay down. In the process, she became an expert on my life during the past forty years. “You’re so creative,” she cooed, “just

like in high school.” “Why don’t we meet for lunch. I heard about a restaurant in the new Barney’s Store I’m dying to try.” “Barneys,” I gulped, “Isn’t that the luxury store in Chicago’s gold coast?” Not only was Barney’s way out of my price range, I hated to hob-nob with the charity ball crowd. I never wanted to be one of those “ladies who lunch,” Steven Sondheim’s apt description of wealthy women with nothing to do. “Barneys,” I enthused, “What a great idea!” I arrived first, feeling criminally undressed. The carefully accessorized ladies were there all right, spearing arugula with tiny stabs of their forks, placing the salad on their tongues and managing not to smear their lipstick in the process. Vivian appeared looking stunning, easily outdoing the arugula crowd. “Dearest,” she crooned, “Do my eyes deceive me, you look fabulous, absolutely fabulous!” Reunion day finally arrived. The vestiges I saw were mildly disquieting. The homecoming queen is married to a wrinkled squirrel, the spitting image of Samuel Beckett. So what if the football hero’s skin resembles a battered football. Very large pores. I was bursting with wild anticipation to see my new/old Facebook friends. I was proud we Facebook Bowenites had developed such meaningful relationships in the weeks prior to the event. But what a let-down! When I saw these cyber buddies in the flesh, they acted blasé. Honestly, am I paranoid? They just didn’t seem that interested in talking to me. Obviously they preferred communicating on Facebook. Have you ever been dumped on Facebook? Just wait. I hear it happens to everyone. I guess those Facebook friendships aren’t as deep as they seem. I’m telling you so you’ll be prepared for it, so it won’t catch you off guard like it did to me. Actually, I’m still hurt. Deleting someone is such a brutally impulsive act! It truly confounds me that such an evil girl could even exist in this world hurting people’s feelings, making them feel so alone and … friend-less. Wait a minute. I just remembered. It wasn’t she who had pulled the plug. I had removed her face in a fit of passion. Don’t look at me that way. She hadn’t written on my wall in days! I didn’t want to write something desperate to her like “have I lost you?” The only sensible thing to do was to delete her from my life and quit Facebook altogether. I never look at it anymore. I totally believed she was about to un-friend me. It’s obvious I did her a favor. I saved her the trouble. Copyright ã 2017 by Gail Isaacson

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

REAL ESTATE

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

Good habits formed at youth make all the difference. — Aristotle

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THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

EATS

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