July 16, 2020 by New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 29, volume 79

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Thursday, July 16, 2020

Gov. Whitmer signs order requiring mask use in all indoor public spaces PAGE 4 New Buffalo school board to vote on return to school plan next month PAGE 8

Students, teachers reunite at weekly ‘Park and Read’ PAGE 10

Blueberry picking on radars of stay at home weary PAGE 11 New Buffalo Township board adopts resolution supporting end to U.S. 12 trial road diet PAGE 14

HEY SATURDAY NIGHT

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Plan for returning county property in drain assessment to tax rolls presented to Three Oaks Council

BY THERESE DONNELLY

joint effort between the Village of Three Oaks and Berrien County may help landowners in the Schwark Drain Assessment. During the Three Oaks Village Council’s Wednesday, July 8, Zoom meeting, Berrien County Drain Commissioner Chris Quattrin said he had been researching options for the county-owned property in the drain assessment, in the hopes of adding the land back to the tax rolls. When the assessment began, a proposed housing development was expected to pay a large portion of the drain. However, the property at 6974 U.S. 12 was forfeited to the county for non-payment of taxes. Instead, the county levied additional assessments on the village, township and neighboring property owners. At the council meeting, Quattrin said since taking office, he had refinanced the bond for a better rate, dropping the assessments. After researching additional options to lower costs, he felt the best option was selling the county-owned land to a developer. In order to get a selling price high enough to cover costs and help the bond, he said the best option might be to find a developer looking to buy wetland mitigation credits. These credits are used to offset environmental impact caused by land development. A developer wishing to build on a wetland may receive permission from the state to purchase and perpetually maintain a second wetland. Quattrin said wooded wetlands are uncommon, which would make the land valuable to potential developers, but the county’s land might not be large enough to make a purchase worthwhile. Instead, he asked the council to consider contributing its adjacent parcel, which would create a lot slightly over 20 acres. With the money from such a sale, Quattrin said the county could pay off costs associated with the land, and get

it back on the tax rolls. Any leftover money could go to paying down the bond. While the council expressed interest, they noted the village parcel was donated and research would need to be done on any deed restrictions before a decision could be made. Berrien County Commissioner Ezra Scott told the council he had worked with Quattrin to find a way to reduce the assessment on property owners and found that private development or wetland mitigation were the best solutions. “It’s too rural and has nothing to offer for any HUD money,” he said. The drain is expected to cost over $2 million over a 20-year period, which was expected to end in 2029. At the recommendation of Village Manager Dan Faulkner, the council voted to approve an agreement with the law firm Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins and Borsos to draft a marijuana ordinance for village attorney Charles Hilmer to review. The agreement would prohibit the firm from representing any marijuana-oriented business in the village for six months after any ordinance is enacted. Village President David Grosse said there was a need for an experienced attorney to draft the ordinance, as a number of companies have contacted the village expressing interest in opening a marijuana-oriented business and they all had attorneys experienced in the field. The committee on lagoons met and agreed that work needs to be done to address intrusion in the ponds. Water and Sewer Superintendent Quentin Clark is pricing out flow meters to measure material in different parts of the system. Council member John Pappa suggested the council grant permission for the purchase, which is expected to be around $18,000 so Clark would not have to wait until after the August council meeting to

act. Village Clerk Cindi Moynihan noted a purchase of that amount needed to go out for bid, so the council voted to authorize Clark to accept bids. Later in the meeting, Faulkner said the committee had also discussed the sulfur smell associated with the village water and the water department will flush hydrants to help alleviate that. Faulkner told the council the Water Department’s truck is operational, but the floorboards and running boards are rusting through. The state purchasing program will allow the village to trade the truck in towards the purchase of a 2020 Ford F250. The council will review and approve a tentative 2020-2021 budget during the July meeting. Copies will be available to the public and the council will have a public hearing Sept. 9. Grosse noted the final budget has to be approved by Sept. 30.

uring council comments, Colleen Newquist said she had heard complaints from residents who were not notified before the DPW sprayed for weeds. She said there was a need for more timely communication and offered to help coordinate with Faulkner. During public comment, the council was asked if they would consider approving togo alcohol sales for restaurants and bars while they follow COVID-19 restrictions. Doing so, according to Faulkner, would require a designated district with posted signs, and establishments would need to mark their containers. Resident Joe Hinman pointed out that 2020 will be the 50th anniversary of the death of Randy Carver, for whom Carver Park is named. Hinman asked if there were plans to mark the occasion and offered to buy and place flowers at the memorial obelisk in the park.

Painting is an infinitely minute part of my personality. — Salvador Dali

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO MAYOR LOU O’DONNELL IV CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday May, September, and November at 8AM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Gov. Whitmer signs executive order requiring mask use in all indoor public spaces

STATE SEES UPTICK IN COVID-19 CASES

ov. Gretchen Whitmer signed executive order 2020-147, which reiterates that individuals are required to wear a face covering whenever they are in an indoor public space and requires the use of face coverings in crowded outdoor spaces. Friday, July 10. Most significantly, the order requires any business that is open to the public to refuse entry or service to people who refuse to wear a face covering, with limited exceptions. Governors in the states of Kansas, Maine, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Washington have imposed similar requirements on businesses. Gov. Whitmer signed this executive order in response to rising COVID-19 cases in Michigan and across the country. Executive Order 2020-147 reinforces and expands upon the governor’s previous executive orders on safely restarting Michigan’s economy and ensuring workplace safety. “The heroes on the front lines of this crisis have gone hours without taking their masks off every day – doctors, nurses, child care workers, grocery store workers. We owe it to them to wear our masks when we’re on a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy,” said Gov. Whitmer in a press release. “Masks can reduce the chance of spreading COVID-19 by about 70%. By wearing masks, we can save lives and protect our family, friends, and neighbors from the spread of COVID-19. And by wearing masks now, we can put our state in a stronger position so our kids can return to school safely in the fall. For the sake

of your loved ones, let’s all mask up, Michigan.” Over the past week, every region in Michigan has seen an uptick in new cases, and daily case counts now exceed 20 cases per million in the Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Lansing regions. Research confirms that a big part of the reason is spotty compliance with the governor’s requirement, issued in prior orders, that individuals wear face coverings in public spaces. Last Friday, the Berrien County Health Department Facebook page was reporting the county saw a “sharp increase” in new cases last week, with 61 cases added to the county’s cumulative total. More young people are accounting for many of the new cases (from midJune to now, the average age is 39), and there’s been clusters of cases linked back to youth group events as well as long-term care facilities. The area’s hospitals are “successfully managing” the newly admitted patients, the post stated. Most common symptoms that the county is seeing is fever, cough and fatigue/weakness. Three out of four confirmed cases displayed symptoms. More information can be found on the county’s COVID-19 Dashboard at bchdmi.org.

tudies have shown that wearing a mask can save lives and significantly lover an individual’s chance of spreading COVID-19. A study on different regions in Germany, for example, suggests that the adoption of mandatory mask ordinances decreased

the daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections by 40%. Modeling from the University of Washington similarly indicates that more than 40,000 lives would be spared nationwide if 95% of the population wore a mask while in public. Furthermore, a study conducted by Goldman Sachs concluded that a federal mask mandate could save the U.S. economy from taking a 5% hit to our GDP. Under the governor’s order, businesses that are open to the public must refuse entry and service to individuals who fail to comply, and must post signs at all entrances instructing customers of their legal obligation to wear a face covering while inside. Those who are exempt from wearing a mask in Michigan businesses include people younger than 5 years old, those who cannot medically tolerate a face covering, and those who are eating or drinking while seated at a food service establishment. The executive order took effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, July 13. A willful violation of the order is a misdemeanor subject to a $500 criminal penalty, but no term of confinement may be imposed on individuals who violate the mask requirement. No individual is subject to penalty under the order for removing a mask while engaging in religious worship at a house of religious worship, although consistent with guidance from the CDC, congregants are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings during religious services. — STAFF REPORTS

A man is usually more careful of his money than he is of his principles. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

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‘TASTE AND TUNES’ CONCERT COMING TO FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS THIS MONTH

riendship Botanic Gardens will be hosting an evening of musical entertainment featuring local artist Johnny V at the Taste and Tunes Concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 31. Johnny V is a singer and songwriter, who offers music from genres such as blues, folk and Americana. He has been singing all across the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana region for over four decades, has six albums out and is currently working on a soundtrack for an independent film. He will be telling stories through song on the stage of the Celebration Pavilion, which overlooks Lake Lucerne and the ArcelorMittal Children’s Garden, July 31. “As an artist, Friendship Botanic Gardens is a very, very special venue to perform at,” said Johnny V. “It’s one of the few places I perform at that embraces my musical soul and creativity. It’s a place I can tell a story, play original music and play deep cuts of many different artists, all the while knowing the audience is with you through the journey of the evening.” Beer and water will be available for purchase at this family friendly event. Advanced ticket purchase is recommended and is available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-tuneswith-johnny-v-a-summer-concert-seriestickets-111057800872. Cash only ticket sales may also be made at the door the day of the event. Tickets are $2 for children ages 13-17 and $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with music starting at 6:30 p.m. This is the first Johnny V concert in his summer series at Friendship Botanic Gardens. He will return to the stage again from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, and Friday, Sept. 25. Chairs will be set up in the Celebration Meadow socially distanced from one another. Friendship Botanic Gardens encourages guests to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. No outside food or drink allowed in the venue. For more information about Johnny V and his other upcoming concerts, visit thejohnnyv.com. Friendship Botanic Gardens is located at 2055 E US Hwy. 12, Michigan City, IN. For more information, call 219-878-9885 or visit www.friendshipgardens.org. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Union Pier/Red Arrow Highway Improvement Project moving into second phase

he Red Arrow Highway/ Union Pier Corridor Improvement Project is now ready to move into the next phase. Since the beginning of the month, Red Arrow Highway through Union Pier has been reopened to traffic with one lane in each direction after being closed to a major sewer project by the Galien River Sanitary District (GRSD) Sewer Authority. According to Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte at the township’s Thursday, July 9, meeting, as of Thursday, one manhole is working on being installed at the northeast intersection on Union Pier Road and Red Arrow Highway. Bunte said he hopes that section will be open this week after the completion of the manhole, so cars won’t have to detour off Interstate 94. A new sewer bypass has been started is going from Berrien Street to Union Pier Road. The replacement of a pipe going from Berrien Street to Lift Station 6 has also begun. The GRSD Sewer Authority project involved installing a new sanitary sewer along Red Arrow Highway between Union Pier Road and Berrien Street, as well as replacing existing sanitary sewer in Townline Avenue between Greenwood Avenue and Red Arrow Highway. Bunte said that the bidding process for the second phase of the project, which involves streetscape improvements on the highway in downtown Union Pier, will begin and bids will be awarded and project should begin around July 24. The Berrien County Road Department is managing that portion of the project. The second phase will continue into the fall and be completed next spring.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

With regards to the Cherry Beach Project and the Michigan Legislature releasing the funds, Bunte said that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said that the appropriations bill has been introduced to the Senate and that once it gets passed through appropriations, it can then proceed to the Senate and House and then be signed off by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for the release of the acquisition funds to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund. Bunte said the township can then work on acquiring the parcel of undeveloped land that’s adjacent to Cherry Beach. Bunte said that the project’s legal description, boundary map, and 40-year title search have all been completed and that the township is now waiting on the project agreement with the MDNR Trust Fund. Board members held a Truth in Taxation hearing. Bunte explained that the township was holding the public to “recoup the millages that were initiated through our budgetary process in March.” At the June meeting, Bunte explained that, due to the Headlee Rollback, the township’s millages would roll back significantly if there was no hearing. Operating revenues would be down by $29,000, public safety would be down by $180,000 and road department revenues would be down by $90,000. Board members adopted a resolution of the Truth in Taxation hearing. Bunte reiterated that no additional funds will be collected from residents as a result of the hearing. Board members welcomed Carson Taylor to the township’s fire department. According to Fire Chief Mike Davidson, Taylor was the

first person to begin the township’s cadet program. Taylor was certified through the state during high school, graduating from Firefighter 1 and 2 by the end of 2018; however, he couldn’t be a firefighter yet, since he wasn’t 18 years old. The cadet program allowed him to respond to calls and gain some experience. Now, Taylor is 18 and officially a firefighter “in the eyes of the state of Michigan and through the state fire marshall and Michigan Firefighter Training Council,” Davidson said. Taylor is also training to be a medical first responder and is interested in becoming a part of the water rescue team. Board members approved reinstating Tobin Quint as a firefighter (he’d become one in 2005 but moved away after completing education as a physician’s assistant).

oard members approved board trustee Rich Sullivan going up in a plane and videoing the Chikaming Township coastline (Sullivan abstained). Sullivan said he’ll be going up with his son, with a former student of his who’s a pilot with United Airlines flying the plane. He said they can’t go up until the pilot is certified on Cessna at Benton Harbor Airport. Sullivan said images can be posted on the township website, so the public can “see what’s going on with shoreline in Chikaming Township” with regards to its erosion issues. Bunte said that he was recently awarded the Outstanding Community Administrator Award and Doug Dow, Planning Commission chair, was also given an award through the Michigan Planning Association based on their work revising the township’s zoning ordinance.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

American flag graces wheat harvest

BY STAN MADDUX

othing, perhaps, is more patriotic than an American flag flying above wheat being harvested in the land of milk and honey. It’s been happening at the Livinghouse family farm in LaPorte County since before the Fourth of July. Scott Livinghouse attached a flag to an International Harvester combine his family purchased last year to show his patriotism and help lift the spirits of people during what’s been a very challenging 2020. “I just thought it would be something nice to do,” he said. Livinghouse said he also wanted to pay tribute to his father, Richard, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and his son, Josh, presently serving in The Marines. His father, who just turned 75, has done most of the combining at the farm in his family for the

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past 70 years or more. “It’s kind of to honor him, too,” he said. The flag has flown over the 300 acres of wheat the family began harvesting in their fields near Rolling Prairie and in surrounding areas before

Independence Day. Their main farm is along U.S. 20 near 300 East in Kankakee Township. Livinghouse said the flag will be on the combine while the final 60 acres of wheat is harvested and when the machine ventures out for corn and soybeans in the fall.

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The family has about 1,300 acres of corn and 1,400 acres of soybeans along with alfalfa and close to two dozen head of beef cattle used for meat by customers filling up their freeziners. Another 70 head of beef cattle owned by other people are also cared for at the farm. Livinghouse said his family about five years ago got out of the dairy farming business founded by his great grandfather to focus primarily on grain.

e said he hopes the flag being visible in the fields serves as a morale booster and filled a void from the recent Independence Day parades and fireworks shows in the area being cancelled because of the pandemic. “Most of the people, like neighbors and stuff, that have seen it - they all said it was pretty neat,” Livinghouse said.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Chikaming Township Police Department ‘raising the bar’ on professionalism, transparency

ven before the current uproar involving police departments and the communities that they serve was sweeping across the country, the Chikaming Township Police Department was already working on “raising the bar” of law enforcement. “What happened is the despicable act of one officer have created in our nation a lot of people bunching us (law enforcement) together,” Chikaming Township Police Chief Todd Taylor said, referring to the killing of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin, with three other officers present, in May. Protests erupted across the country as a result of the murder. “Sgt. (Brandon) Jones and our team, we pour our heart and souls into our jobs, we come to work every day serving our community with distinction and honor and professionalism and it break our hearts to see how many people dislike the police,” Taylor said. But Taylor said he believes that he knows lies at the root of the problem: a lack of transparency. “The ‘c’ word is communication - we need to tell our communities what we’re doing in our police department, to be community oriented, what communityoriented strategies we have in place and open up that dialogue with our community,” he said. Recently, the police department held a “Q and A Session” with the public at Harbert Community Park. Officers also shared with the community ways that the department has been striving to be transparent. On the suggestion of Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte, Taylor said they’ll be holding monthly sessions beginning next month, with the next one possibly taking place at Infusco Coffee Roasters in Sawyer. Most importantly, Taylor said he doesn’t want to just talk about how

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

they’re being transparent, he wants to culture all in the name of transparency: show it. creating a community resource officer “Raise the bar” was a slogan that the position, which is currently filled by department adopted last year. officer Paige Holtz; partnering with the “The good old boy system – it’s got River Valley School District in creating a no place in law enforcement anymore,” sub-station at the River Valley Middle/ Taylor said. High School to interact daily with the “Raising the bar” means Taylor must community’s youth; publishing weekly identify annual goals and objectives for incident logs on the department’s the department, with the department meeting to review the goals and objectives to get team input and consensus. One of these goals is working on becoming a professional police department and becoming state accredited. If it becomes accredited, the agency will be the smallest one in Michigan to become a state accredited agency. The accreditation process began in 2019. The department just went through a mock assessment. Taylor said its their goal is to be a fully accredited police department by the fall. Taylor and Jones have redrafted the entire policy and procedure manual. Jones said that each of the 107 standards has bullet points explaining how the township police A recent outpouring of support in the form of gifts has been recieved by the Chikaming Township Police Department department is following them. Taylor said he redrafted the entire policy and procedure manual, Facebook page to exhibit transparency which has been a two-year and continual and let the public know what their police process. department is doing on a weekly basis The department would go through the (Taylor said they may branch out to accreditation process every three years, Instagram and Twitter); replacing the Jones said. dark military style of police uniform with Since 2017, Taylor said that the one that will help citizens feel comfortable department has made other changes to its approaching an officer, transitioning to a

royal blue polo and khakis in the summer and a class (a) (classic uniform) with a tie in the fall and winter; and in 2019, the agency participated in an eight-hour course provided by the Western Michigan University called Crisis Intervention Systems, so staff will know how to properly deescalate a crisis and how to handle people with mental illnesses.

ast month, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a fourprong (policy, personnel, partnership/community engagement, and prevention and accountability) police reform plan for Michigan. Reading through the proposed plan, Taylor couldn’t help ticking off items that the Chikaming agency has already implemented. “I broke apart her article and said, ‘We’re already doing this, we’ve been doing this for years,’” he said, adding that under the “policy” prong is to ban chokeholds but the agency doesn’t even train on chokeholds. “Getting out there” remains a vital part of earning the community’s trust. Getting out there – meaning officers stepping out of their patrol car and conducting foot patrol through Sawyer and Union Pier to interact positively with our public. “Someone came up and called me Brandon, but my uniform shirt says Sgt. Jones on it…obviously, I had some interaction with them at some point on a first name basis with this person and it immediately deescalated the reaction to police coming there,” Jones said of the new policy. Getting to know communities that they serve daily should be implemented by police officers across the country, Taylor said. “We’re a law enforcement agency, we should know who you are and businesses…The days of riding around in a police car 10 hours a day are gone,” he said.

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

CHALK BOARD

NEW BUFFALO HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT STILL ON TAP FOR NEXT FRIDAY

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ew Buffalo High School is pleased to announce the ceremony for the Class of 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, at the high school sportsplex. “As much as we would like to do otherwise, this is an invitation only event. Well-wishers will be asked to adhere to strict parking, entrance and distancing guidelines. Masks will be required,” a press release from the school district states. Family members will receive invitations in the mail. They will be responsible to distribute the tickets to the appropriate attendees. Following the ceremony, there will be a parade through New Buffalo, which is anticipated to begin at about 9:30 p.m. — STAFF

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New Buffalo school board to vote on return to school plan next month

ew Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education members should know by their Aug. 10 meeting what the school district’s plan is with regards to how students will be transitioning to in-person learning in the fall. At the end of June, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-142, which requires school districts to adopt a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan At the Monday, July 13, virtual meeting, New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said that he and other superintendents in Berrien County have been meeting weekly to ensure they’re “on the same page” with regards to their plans on returning to school in the fall. “A lot of stuff is being dictated at the state level – we don’t really have a lot of wiggle room in terms of what decisions we can make,” he said. Students returning to the schools’ physical building hinges on what phase Berrien County is currently in regarding the MI Safe

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Start Plan come September, Leslie said. Similar to the Continuity of Learning Plan in the spring, Leslie said that he’ll need the board’s approval of the plan at the August meeting, as well as the approval of Berrien Regional Education Service Agency (RESA). Bryan Strother, a parent, said that he’s concerned about students wearing masks, particularly with their privacy being compromised if a doctor must write a note indicating why they don’t need to wear a mask. Per her latest executive order requiring Michigan residents wearing facial masks in indoor settings, Gov. Whitmer currently allows nine exemptions (Chuck Heit, board president, said it’s actually 10) to not wear a mask. Strother said he’s also concerned about students’ mental health if they’re not allowed back in the building come September – a sentiment he’s heard throughout the community. “We have a very low risk population coming to school as students and we want to

see them interact a normally as possible as possible within the school,” he said. Suzanne Cramer, the district’s media specialist, said she was concerned that there’s still no plan in place if they return to school. “In my individual area of teaching, I’d like to have more than a couple pf weeks to get my mind wrapped around how I’m going to put out my agenda for my students – if I’m going into the classroom, if they’re coming to me, how I’m going to handle book selection,” she said. Heit reiterated that the district is still waiting on information from the state, adding that “trying to figure out the governor is interesting.” “We’re still in holding pattern – we’re waiting to see what the final result is,” he said.

eit said that graduation at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24 (see article at left) is still on, although given the governor’s latest executive order on masks, the night’s festivities could still change and the

situation will have to be monitored. Leslie said that the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) should be making a decision by the end of the month with regards to how it plans to handle sports this upcoming school year. Spring sports being played in the fall is a possibility, he said. Leslie pointed out that fall sports practice usually starts by the second Monday in August. Board members approved the Operation Agreement for participants involved in the LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Area Vocational District. Leslie said that the agreement allows the school district to send students to the A.K. Smith Center in Michigan City like it has for the past four years. Students take classes in the culinary arts, auto repair and welding. Board members approved the employment of Christina Beushausen for the position of fall seventh grade girls’ volleyball coach and Karen Muckey Martinez for the position of fall cheer coach.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

ARENA sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

e’ve been waiting so long, but if things go right, actual games between professional athletes will begin shortly. The National Hockey League started practicing last Monday, July 13, and they start playing real games August 1. The National Football League is scheduled to begin their training camps in a couple of weeks, and the regular season will begin on September 13. The National Basketball Association teams began practicing last week, and will restart their season July 30. Finally, Major League Baseball has restated their training camps, and their season will finally begin again on July 23. Yes, sports fans, unless this pandemic rears its ugly head when the games begin, we’re going to go from absolutely nothing to more games than you can shake a stick at. Finally, our favorite teams will begin to compete, and everything will seem to be moving back toward normalcy. While I must admit that I enjoyed watching shows, like Ozark and Money Heist, nothing can take the place of a live sporting event that pits the best in the world against each other. Of course, the games aren’t going to be the same, because there will be few or no fans able to be at those games. Television ratings will probably be through the roof, but actual people in the seats will be missing. Seasons have been shortened or altered, and more than a few players have decided to wait until next year. Even though it won’t be normal, it will be fun, and I’m really looking forward to it. The last 50 years have produced 13 championships for our Chicago teams, and it

would sure be nice to add one or two more. The Bulls didn’t make the playoffs, but the Blackhawks did and they could possibly make some noise. The three teams that I feel will do really well are the Cubs, White Sox, and Bears. The Cubs are nearing the end of their outstanding run while the Sox are poised to begin theirs. Both teams should be very good this year and a city series is not out of the question. While neither team will be favored to win championships, both very well could. The shortened baseball season should be a lot of fun. Then there’s football. While I’m not sure how they will be able to play through this virus, if they can pull it off, I’m going to be really excited about the Bears. Many are down on the Bears quarterbacks, but not me. I believe in Trubisky, and think he’s going to be excellent this season. For Foles to beat him out, he will have to be outstanding, so either way the team will be in good hands. The real strength of the team will be the defense, and every long time Bear fan loves a great defense. If the Bears can avoid injury, the defense may be as good as it’s ever been, maybe as good as the 1986 Super Bowl Champions. I still really like Coach Nagy and believe he has what it takes to lead the Bears to the promised land. Raymond Lindquist said, “Courage is the power to let go of the familiar.“ Stay safe. Be kind. Have fun. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

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10 THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Students, teachers reunite at weekly ‘Park and Read’ BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

out and read and get books into kids’ his summer proved to be the children who are in middle school and weeks ago: “I just can’t believe how hands and have some fun together and perfect one to hold weekly under are provided. much reading books to kids just fills my reading sessions at parks “We want kids of all ages to be here - I see our beautiful area,” she said. heart.” throughout the area for just want them to have books at home,” Over by the boxes of books, Delilah “We haven’t done it in so long…It’s elementary age students, Clark said. Alexander and Izzy Levy were divvying what we’re made for and it’s hard to be Chikaming Elementary School Principal Students had been cooped up in up the time they would allow each other without it,” Clark said. Heidi Clark said. their homes this past spring and to read the books that they’d selected. The reading program also exposes River Valley Elementary Schools, separated from their fellow classmates “I read at breakfast, lunch and children to the area’s natural beauty. in partnership with the Three Oaks and teachers due to the dinner,” Izzy Levy, who’s going to be Taylor also sits on the Township Library, has been holding coronavirus pandemic in fifth grade and attends a school in Chikaming Township a summer reading program, titled – which played a role in Chicago, said. Parks Board. Students why Clark decided to give “Park and Read,” every Wednesday at “It always makes me feel happy and I have met on land that’s 10 a.m. since July 1. A feel like I’m in a different group of children met land when I’m reading,” at Galien Park in Galien Delilah Alexander, a Wednesday, July 8, where future fifth grader within they heard a reading of the River Valley School District, said. “How a Chipmunk Got Its Through a grant from Stripes” before scattering across the park for an The Pokagon Fund, the impromptu scavenger school district is also hunt. offering a free summer Clark said United Way day camp to any child CC, Chikaming Elementary of Southwest Michigan who’s just finishing Drew, Garrison and Danielle Gibson hunt for mascot, made an Izzy Levy and Delilah Alexander gave the school district kindergarten through treasure at Galien Park appearance at Galien Park dig through the boxes of books a grant, which enabled fifth grade and resides them to provide books for children the program a try. within the Pokagon Fund service been preserved by Chikamign Open to take home with them (young “It’s something we’ve actually been area from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday Lands (two weeks ago, they met at readers could be seen pawing through dreaming of for several years…We through Friday through Aug. 7 at Harbert Road Preserve, but Clark said cardboard boxes of books at the edge Tower Hill Camp, 12173 Tower Hill Rd., haven’t seen kids in so long, so we she also wanted to include other parks of the park after the session). Children Sawyer. though this is the year to get this going,” (such as Galien Park) within the school are each given one book to take home The following are the locations for she said. district. with them. The library provides snacks, the next Park and Read sessions: Clark said that Shelly Taylor, who supplies and weekly “brag tags.” etting children excited Wednesday, July 22, at New Troy teaches second grade at Chikaming The River Valley and Chikaming about reading, Clark Bridge, New Troy; Wednesday, July 29, Elementary School, summed up the Elementary schools’ leadership team said, remains one of the Harbert Community Park, Harbert and teachers’ feelings about being apart sign up for a week and choose the book, program’s primary goals. Wednesday, Aug. 5, Timbertown, Three from their beloved students when she activity and the snack. Books meant for “It’s just a chance to get Oaks. said, after reading to the students two

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THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020 11

Blueberry picking on radars of stay at home weary BY STAN MADDUX

ach Pflederer doesn’t usually spend the day picking blueberries with his family but feeling a bit cooped up, he did this year. He’s just one of the many people flocking to u-pick blueberry farms as a safer alternative for spending quality time away from home, with COVID-19 still a public health threat. The Champaign, Illinois, man was at Stateline Blueberries outside New Buffalo Monday with his wife, Elise, and their children, Ellowyn, 8, and Dominic, 3. His mother in-law, Chris Holmes from Westchester, Illinois, also came along for the ride to fill up a bucket. The number of ripened blueberries in the bushes were picked a little thin from a very busy weekend turnout at the 30-acre farm on 1000 North two miles west of Indiana 39. However, there are plenty of blueberries turning ripe in the coming days and weeks of the season, which is expected to run into early August. Pflederer was pleased with the quality of blueberries he encountered. “They look good. There’s a lot of berries on this bush,” Pflederer said. Dean Ott, owner of the farm for the past 22 years, said people especially from Illinois have been showing up more than ever before, perhaps, since the picking season began at the end of June. “It’s been a really good year, so far, because

people are just dying to get out of the house and find something to do outside,” he said. Ott said customers are given freshly sanitized buckets to take out into the fields. There are also bottles of hand sanitizer for them to use before they head out and after they return. Ott said the number of blueberries produced by his bushes this year is above average. Originally, he said the maturity of the blueberries were about two weeks behind schedule because of a cool spring, They were only about a week behind schedule following a recent spurt of hot and humid weather. Ott said there are 12 varieties of blueberries on the farm with some ripening early and other maturing later to maintain a good supply for pickers as long as possible during the season. Some of the bushes still producing were planted in 1947 under the previous owners. Ott also owns the nearby Wilk’s u-pick Blueberry Farm on Indiana 39 and runs an already picked blueberry growing operation near Bridgman. He’s done well enough as a blueberry farmer to retire from the construction industry in 2014. “It’s been fantastic because I get to spend the time with the kids doing their hockey and school and all of their activities. It’s a good time,” he said.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

BERRIEN COUNTY YOUTH FAIR ANNOUNCES 2021 FAIR GRAND STAND PLANS

n June, Berrien County Youth Fair officials announced the postponement of the 2020 fair due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, board members have been working hard behind the scenes to try and bring back the same artists in 2021 that were scheduled to perform in 2020. Now, the board of directors has announced that it was able to do that. The 2021 schedule will be the same as what was planned for 2020. The 2021 schedule will be as follows: • Monday, Aug. 16 – Truck and Tractor Pull; • Tuesday, Aug. 17 – Circus Continental; • Wednesday, Aug. 18 – The Oak Ridge Boys with special guest Emily Ann Roberts; • Thursday, Aug. 19 – Granger Smith with special guest Earl Dibbles, Jr.; • Friday, Aug. 20 – Demolition Derby; and • Saturday, Aug. 21 Bullmania

atrons who had previously purchased tickets for the 2020 BCYF grandstand shows can expect to be contacted via email from Ticket Sauce

— SINCE 1942 —

(the fair’s ticket provider) or phone (if an email was not provided at the time of ticket purchase) with options for their tickets. All tickets will automatically roll over (with the same seats that were purchased this year) unless ticket holders fill out a refund form. Ticket holders will be given the option for a credit for future ticket purchases, or be issued a refund. All requests for credits or refunds must be made via response to the email by July 31, 2020. After July 31, tickets will automatically roll over to the 2021 shows and the fair’s no refund policy will be in effect. Ticket holders with questions regarding the ticket refunding are asked to call the fair office at 269473-4251. The Berrien County Youth Fair has been postponed for 2020, but plans are in the works for a showcase for only the youth exhibitors and their parents/guardians this August. “The Berrien County 2020 Showcase – Where Youth are Essential” will be held Aug. 15 to 23. The Berrien County Youth Fair plans on celebrating its 75th fair next year, Aug. 16 to 21, 2021, with the theme of “Diamonds are Fair-ever.” — STAFF REPORTS

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12 THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

Ghost Isle Brewery plays host to Smith Guitar Works

BY ALEXANDER FATOUROS

resh air, live music, good food, and show-stopping views were on the bill de fare Saturday last at Ghost Isle Brewery in picturesque downtown New Buffalo, Michigan. The concert venue played host to popular rock group, Smith Guitar Works. Guests cooled down with one-of-a kind craft ales and danced to Classic Rock and Blues performed by Mark Smith and sons, Jason and Nathan. This iconic spot overlooking the Galien River wetlands has been dishing up house-made brews and other madefrom-scratch experiences since 2019. Owner Jim Sima and owner/operator Bob Sima have created a firecracker brand centered on unique beers, offering

a wide selection of styles. Ghost Isle Beers range from the biscuit-like flavor of the “New Buffalo Pilsner” to their signature heavy hitter West Coast IPA, “Surf Gardens.” The steam-powered brew house utilizes a 10-barrel system complete with four fermenters and eight serving tanks. Celebrants feasted on American comfort dishes fused with contemporary invention, such as the Lobster Roll, PrimeRib Philly, and “The A.L.T.ernator” (avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion on sprouted grain). When it comes to must-experience happenings—from the craft beer made on-site to shareable plates of crispy fries topped with AleBraised Pork, set amid panoramic vistas—Ghost Isle Brewery hits the mark.

Jason Smith, Nathan Smith, and Mark Smith of Smith Guitar Works strike up at Ghost Isle Brewery

Jim Sima and Tiffani Elzinga

Ghost Isle Brewery celebrants

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14 THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

New Buffalo Township board adopts resolution supporting end to U.S. 12 trial road diet

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embers of the New Buffalo Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution in support of the GetMichigan Your Flu Shot! of Transportation Department No Appointment Necessary! (MDOT) returning the current trial Flu Vaccine Now Available! road diet back to its previous fourlane configuration at a special meeting Wednesday, July 8. Board members adopted the resolution in a 4-1 vote (with township supervisor Michelle Heit, Pete Rahm, Jack Rogers, and Patty Iazzetto voting yay and Judy Zabicki voting nay). The resolution also states that the township board “does not support MDOT moving forward with a permanent road diet in 2021 coinciding with the resurfacing of U.S.-12.” A proposed road diet would reconfigure the four-lane U.S. Highway 12, reducing it to one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. A trial road diet was implemented by MDOT in May. The trial diet begins at the Michigan state line and runs to the city limits of New Buffalo. The road was restriped as three lanes, while the fourth lane was blocked from use. Members of the New Buffalo Township Board adopted a resolution in support of the trial road diet from the Indiana state line to New Buffalo City limits during a Jan. 21 meeting this year. *Covered 100% under: Medicare Part B, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI, Priority Health, Blue Care Network of MI, and other private insurances

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

As cited in the resolution, during Regional Planner at MDOT, after the the trial diet’s implementation, MDOT meeting: “failed to use proper signage to alert Thank you, Michelle. As soon as I motorist of the changes in traffic pattern, am aware, I will notify you when the failed to properly mark and restrict travel contractor will be out to restripe. We on the lane that are moving forward As cited in the resolution, was being removed designing the during the trial diet’s causing confusion project next year at implementation, MDOT for those traveling the current 4 lane “failed to use proper signage west on U.S. 12,” configuration. to alert motorist of the that MDOT “failed to changes in traffic pattern, plan properly cover the old failed to properly mark and restrict travel on the lane that from lines on the roadway, was being removed causing MDOT causing the new lines confusion for those traveling involves to be difficult to see west on U.S. 12,” that MDOT paving by motorist traveling “failed to properly cover the U.S. Highway 12 from on U.S-12 on the old lines on the roadway, causing the new lines to be the intersection at temporary diet” and Red Arrow Highway that the “New Buffalo difficult to see by motorist traveling on U.S-12 on the (north of the city of Township Board has temporary diet” and that New Buffalo) through received numerous the “New Buffalo Township to the Indiana state complaints from Board has received numerous line next year. MDOT township residents complaints from township residents concerning the trial had proposed that concerning the trial road diet.” a road diet from the road diet.” Indiana state line to “The New Buffalo Mayhew Street and from Wilson Street Township Board has determined that to Red Arrow Highway be part of that the current road diet is not functioning plan. To be part of the plan, the township as anticipated,” the resolution reads. would be required to pass a resolution in The resolution further states that the support of it by the end of this year. board is “requesting that MDOT return A traffic study for the current stretch U.S.-12 to its original four-lane traffic of highway on the trial road diet has configuration as soon as possible.” been scheduled for two days at end of Heit received the following email this month. from Amy Lipset, Southwest Michigan

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Class of 2020 caravan like sugar for bittersweet senior year

BY STAN MADDUX

he school year wasn’t quite the last hurrah many high school seniors envisioned but some districts went the extra mile to help fill the

void. Several police vehicles and fire trucks led the way for a July 7 caravan honoring members of the LaPorte High School Class of 2020. While Tyson Nisley said staying home to learn due to coronavirus was sort of nice at first, the longer it lasted, the more he realized just how much he was missing. “It didn’t go down how I expected it to. It was kind of a bummer,” he said. There were 125 vehicles occupied by graduates and their families that took part in the downtown caravan on a 1-mile stretch of Indiana 2, which was closed for the occasion. Some graduates rode in convertibles while waving to pockets of wellwishers along the route. Many graduates said the recognition was a morale booster for emotions still a bit scarred by the isolation from classmates and teachers as their school days winded down. Marissa Hughart said the hardest thing for her was not being able to go to prom. “I cried quite a few times thinking I

missed the last part of my senior year and sometimes it’s still hard to think about,” she said. Angel Russell, with a disappointed look on her face, said the fanfare and recognition from the caravan helped “a little but not too much.” Olivia Zarantonello said especially difficult was losing her final season in softball with teammates she’s had since grade school. She’s chosen to remain positive by focusing on the years they were able to spend together on the playing field. “It definitely could be worse. We’re thankful we got to play with each other for that long,” Zarantonello said. Zacharey Wilson, showing up with a cap and gown, didn’t seem bothered much. Wilson said he was looking more toward getting his new life off the ground. “I’m an upbeat person so nothing can bring me down. We’re good,” he said. Schools superintendent Mark Francesconi said some members of his administration came up with the idea to give back to a graduating class impacted by the pandemic. “I don’t think anything replaces what they missed but it’s the least we can do,” he said.

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16 THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2020

HARBOR COUNTRY SINGERS SPONSORING JULY SUMMER SING-ALONG

he Harbor Country Singers (HCS), the area’s community chorus, will sponsor a second summer sing-along at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at the Three Oaks Arts & Education Center. Pat Putnam, producer of HCS events, says support for future sing-alongs was strong when the community event premiered in late June. The July 30 sing-along will feature popular Broadway songs. “We’ll be singing everyone’s favorite show tunes, like ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ from ‘Annie Get Your Gun; ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ from ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ and ‘Getting to Know You’ from ‘The King and I,’” she said. School of American Music (SAM) Guitar Instructor Ron Spears will provide accompaniment, and other guitarists are invited to bring their instruments and play along. Putnam and SAM Executive Director/Voice Instructor Donna Mitchell will lead the singing. HCS will follow social distancing guidelines for this event, and will provide face shields on request. Sanitized chairs from the Arts & Education Center will be available, or attendees can bring their own lawn chairs. HCS will distribute music and lyrics, but the ability to read music is not required in order to participate in the sing-along. The Harbor Country Singers is a program of the School of American Music, and is supported by a grant from the Pokagon Fund. The Arts & Education Center is located at 14 Maple St. in downtown Three Oaks. Rain date is the following Thursday, Aug. 6, same time. — STAFF REPORTS

School of American Music students to be featured at ‘Music in the Park’

arbor Arts’ Music in the Park program will feature a former School of American Music (SAM) piano instructor, two voice students and a special guest appearance by Martha Cares at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18. A Michigan City resident, pianist Aglaja Petrova began teaching at SAM when she was 15 years old. She has played for Masses at area churches and in high school and college ensembles, and has participated in numerous competitions. She currently attends the prestigious Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University in Bloomington. Jamileh Cornejo is a 16-year-old, second-year SAM voice student. She has participated in, and won, many competitions, including Hoosier Star, the Indiana State Fair and the First Christian Church of Rolling Prairie’s Music in Me.

Lauren Eggleston is a sophomore at St. Joseph High School and has been a voice student at SAM for three years. She is active in church music programs and has also competed successfully in singing contests. Special guest Martha Cares is a classically trained vocalist and a wellknown local favorite. She has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Florida Grand Opera, the Grant Park Music Festival, the Milwaukee Opera Company, and the Chicago Opera Theater. Locally, Cares has sung with the Harbor Country Opera and in other performances at the Acorn Theater in Three Oaks. She has also performed with SAM musicians at local venues. Music in the Park is held at the gazebo in Three Oaks’ Dewey Cannon Park. Admission is free, but donations to Harbor Arts are encouraged. — STAFF

Berrien County Sheriff’s Office to educate, warn individuals not wearing masks

REPORTS

“You don’t know what I’m thinking, you haven’t lived my Life.” Yes, but others have. — Dino

The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office will continue to educate and warn individuals who may not be complying with the current Executive Order 2020-147 regarding wearing a mask in an indoor public space (see page 4), according to a press release from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office. The current executive order lists 10 exemptions where the requirement to wear a face covering does not apply to individuals. One of these exemptions is if an individual cannot medically tolerate a face covering, but the order does not specify what that means or require the individual to show any proof. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging individuals to voluntarily comply with the order as written and wear a mask when entering an indoor public space. “As we have from the beginning, we will continue to educate and warn individuals and will only take enforcement action if necessary, to provide for the safety of the public. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office is appreciative of the measures local businesses are taking to protect their patrons and for the cooperation of individuals during these difficult times,” the press release states. — STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

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HOROSCOPE JULY 16-22, 2020

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

You will feel strongly attached to your home and family members this week, and although some of those ties may be challenged or stressed, you will do your best to keep the peace. There is a Mother-hen quality to you now and some may not totally appreciate your affections or nurturing.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

It may not be easy to take some time for yourself this week. You can expect many interruptions to your R&R. Whether it’s the office calling or people needing your specialized viewpoints, you will be winding up, rather than winding down. Personal commitments will keep you on the go.

There will be a real need to expose or express some of your inner thoughts, even if you don’t feel like sharing. Even if your opinion is hurtful or seems insensitive, others will demand to know. Perhaps this is your chance to release disappointment and move to a place of healing.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

There could be a lot of second guessing and uncertainty as to where to put your trust this week. You will be dealing with people you don’t have a choice in like neighbors, siblings or classmates. Keep thoughts of community and being part of something larger in a positive light and you will flourish.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Let yourself move into a more public space and open up to the bigger picture now. This is the time to network and launch a new social media or ad campaign. Create strong social foundations that allow you to connect while maintaining your individuality. Start branching out.

Get more involved in your relationships. There is an unlocking of insecurities or hidden negative feelings you are carrying that will rise to the surface now. Let any undesirability you feel dissolve and embrace the idea that you are capable and worthy of a deep and lasting bond.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Finances and possessions may feel threatened this week. You may feel like you have a lot of money going out, without a lot coming in. This is the time to get frugal and invest or purchase items that hold their value. Hard work and careful spending are crucial now.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It’s time to put your adult pants on and take charge. Now is the time to get serious and put in the hard work and focus necessary to follow through with commitments. There is a good chance your work performance will be evaluated or the things you do will be an example for others.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

Get into the flow of selfcare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle this week. Make time for yourself and be conscientious about the food you eat and the company you keep. The pitfall this week is being a people pleaser. Get more into who you are and what you want out of life.

Put education goals front and center now. This is not the time to go with the flow but make your own mark in the world. Whether you have to travel or do things totally out of the ordinary, now is the time to get serious and make it happen. Open your mind and it will be nourished.

This is the time of year when you are best suited for starting new health routines or daily practices. Do it. Go after those hard to stick to things. You are blessed with an inner strength from the heavens now and can face adversity with certainty. What you attune the mind to, the body follows. You will be ready to experiment and have fun this week. The caution comes in with the company you keep. Be sure to surround yourself with people who stand in integrity before you jump in after them. Use this vivacious energy to create and produce things for all to enjoy.

He is happy whom circumstances suit his temper; but he Is more excellent who suits his temper to any circumstance. — David Hume

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