New Buffalo Elementary School’s got talent

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Singing, rapping,

playing the piano, and gymnastic feats were just a handful of the talents that graced the stage at the ninth annual New Buffalo Elementary School Talent Show at the New Buffalo Middle/High School Performing Arts Center Friday, June 10.

The show was emceed by students Rafe Siewert and JJ Sullivan, who kept everything moving with their steady stream of jokes (“Why do hummingbirds hum? Because they forgot the words”).

Christina Beushausen, who teaches music at the elementary school, said the show began 13 years ago to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month, which takes place across the country every March.

Third graders Eva and Vivian Gryzwacz, Katiah V and Acacia Baney Gia Mancinci and Shawna Yech

Emcees Rafe Siewert and JJ Sullivan

Kayleigh Ford and Alivia Sturgill Roar Brother and sister duo Victoria and Jeff Remijas take the stage

Chloe Lemiex sings to the crowd

Rapper Emmett Hannon Kate Welsh and Fiona Duffner sing Buy Dirt

Makenna Bowers and Annabelle Gross

A group of second grade girls sing Count On Me

Guy Miller, who has served as acting health officer of the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) since November 2021, has been promoted to the permanent role, which became effective Thursday, June 9.

The Berrien County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Miller’s appointment at its June 9 meeting. Miller will continue to lead the 86 budgeted fulltime staff members to implement health department operations and advise public entities on best public health practices in a permanent capacity.

Since stepping into the role, Miller has been instrumental in leading the county’s COVID-19 response and other programs designed to build a stronger, healthier Berrien County community.

“In the past seven months as acting health officer, Miller has proven to be an intelligent, compassionate leader who is well-equipped to serve the community in this role permanently,” said Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette. “We are excited to formalize his appointment and work alongside Guy as he continues to expand the reach and programming of the health department.”

Prior to his appointment as acting health officer, Miller worked as an epidemiologist at BCHD for six years. He led multiple programs that analyzed local and national data to make the community a healthier place and collaborated across BCHD and other local health organizations on initiatives to prevent infection and disease. He played a pivotal role as the COVID-19 operations section chief, designing contact tracing programs, testing strategies and disease prevention measures in high-risk facilities.

Prior to joining BCHD, Miller worked as a phlebotomist at Mercy Health Partners in Grand Rapids and served as a volunteer medical assistant with Oasis of Hope.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in public health from Walden University in Minneapolis.

— STAFF REPORTS