Milda’s Corner Market • Sawyer Garden Center • The Whistle Stop
David’s Delicatessen • Barney’s Knoll Bros. • Stray Dog Infusco Coffee Roasters Black Currant Bakehouse
The Marina Grand • Redamak’s Big C Lumber
Between Casey’s and Nancy’s Sawyer Hardware • The Harbor Grand Froehlics - Three Oaks
Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks
The Acorn Theater - Three Oaks The Lakeside Inn
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.
Wintery-like weather greets Christkindlmarket
BY STAN MADDUX
Despite the winter-like weather, campfires and hot drinks helped keep people warm at a Christkindlmarkt at the La Porte County fairgrounds over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Many of the two dozen or so vendors, who offered a wide range of handcrafted products, were located inside large storage containers instead of tents (like in previous years) as shelter from the wind during the German-themed event.
Other vendors, who were selling things like food and beverages, and Santa Claus were inside some of the permanent buildings at the fairgrounds.
“It’s really very do able,” said a bundled-up Tatiana Colby of Portage, Indiana.
Other happenings at the threeday market included Christmas tree throwing and corn hole contests, along with live music and a beer garden.
Colby brought her two sons, Simeon, 22, who was home for the weekend from Indiana University and Jamieson, 14, along with her sister, Rebecca.
It has become a tradition for her family to go to the Christkindlmarkts in La Porte and other cities, like Chicago and Indianapolis, to start the holiday season.
“It’s just kind of a whole Christmas vibe,” she said.
Jake and Ali Janik made the drive from Hobart especially for their their 4-year-old daughter, Naomi, to visit with Santa Claus and for them to spend quality time together as a family.
They also purchased a wreath during their third consecutive year at the market.
“It’s fun to just start celebrating the Christmas holiday,” Mrs. Janik said.
For Paul and Amy Schnerold of La Porte, the market was a
chance for them to purchase unique gifts for their relatives of German descent.
“We thought what better place than a Christkindlmarkt,” Mr. Schnerold said.
Freshly cut Christmas trees were also available for purchase.
The Christkindlmarkt was put on by Bethany Lutheran Church, but not so much as a fundraiser since a vast majority of the proceeds go toward the cost of staging the event, said Carrie Garwood, one of the coordinators from the congregation in La Porte.
Garwood said the real incentive is to provide local vendors an offseason opportunity to offer their products and for residents from the area who can’t afford the much larger Christkindlmarkts in Chicago or elsewhere an opportunity to experience one on a much smaller scale.
“It’s a community event we get to give back to people,” she said.
The food menu included bratwurst sandwiches or a platter consisting of two bratwurst sandwiches, sauerkraut, red cabbage, potato pancake, applesauce and a Kringle, which is a German Danish with filling on the inside.
Much of the food, which was kept hot inside crock pots, was made by Reggie Belzowski, a church member whose parents were originally from Germany.
“My mom used to cook things like this. That’s how I know how to do it,” she said.
Among the beverages helping to keep people warm were hot chocolate and Gluhwein, which is an apple spiced wine famous in Germany that’s served hot.
Besides Nature herself, there is no audience for virtue of higher supremacy than the euphoric feelings and approval of the soul’s conscience.
— Dino N. Fatouros
Local Government Meetings
Berrien County Health Department recognizes HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
PROMOTES HIV SERVICES
In recognition of HIV/AIDS Awareness Month, the Berrien County Health Department is reminding community members of its HIV services.
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO VANCE PRINCE, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, KAREN GEAR, RICH KNOLL, VANCE PRICE
City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD
HOWARD MALES, MICHELLE HEIT, MICHELLE HANNON, PATTY IAZZETTO, BARBARA ANDERSON
Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM
SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY
Sheriff, Chuck Heit Undersheriff, Greg Sanders
NEW BUFFALO AREA
RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY
Meets at 10AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (odd) at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD
LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, JENNIFER SUMMERS, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD
DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, ARTHUR ANDERSON
Chikaming 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
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 5PM EST
KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER
HARRY WALDER, JOHN GRACE, ED SEBASTION, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES
MICHIANA
VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
Recognized nationally, HIV/AIDS Awareness Month brings attention to the impact HIV/AIDS has in communities locally and worldwide and raises awareness of prevention and treatment strategies.
BCHD provides a range of HIV services for community members. State-certified nurses are experienced and trained to provide confidential or anonymous testing in a nonjudgmental manner. A nurse will ask questions about the risk of acquiring HIV and assist in developing a plan for risk reduction to help prevent future infection.
“Our friendly, inclusive staff welcomes and encourages community members to get tested and take advantage of our resources and referrals so they can live long, healthy lives,” Clinical and Community Health Services Supervisor Dionne Rigozzi said. “The Berrien County Health Department is here to help test, educate and provide resources without the stigma often associated with HIV.”
Rapid HIV tests are available and provide results within 20 minutes during the same visit.
The nurse will help interpret and discuss results. The Health Department also provides community referrals for
anyone who tests positive for HIV. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone ages 13 to 64 get tested at least once as part of routine health care. Individuals with the following risk factors are encouraged to get tested at least once a year:
• Are a male who has had sex with a male.
• Have had anal or vaginal sex with someone who has HIV.
• Have had more than one sex partner since your last HIV test.
• Have shared needles, syringes or other drug injection equipment.
• Have exchanged sex for drugs or money.
• Have been diagnosed with or treated for another sexually transmitted infection, hepatitis or tuberculosis.
• Have had sex with someone who has done anything listed above or you don’t know their sexual history.
Community members can schedule an appointment 1-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday at BCHD’s Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Ave., or 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. MondayThursday at its Niles office, 1205 N. Front St. Call 269-926-7121 to schedule an appointment.
To learn more about the Berrien County Health Department’s HIV services, visit www.berriencounty. org/637/hiv-services. — STAFF REPORTS
The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil. — Marcus Tullius Cicero
COMMUNITY MULTI-USE TRAIL ALONG M-63 TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN 2025
As part of the Berrien County Trails Master Plan, the engineering is complete for Phase One of the Lakeshore Trail, a walking/biking trail along M-63 connecting the community to several parks and beaches along Lake Michigan and to downtown Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.
This is the first phase of a larger effort to ultimately connect the trail systems in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor to the Van Buren State Park Trail, which connects to South Haven. This 2.5-mile section of the Lakeshore Trail will be a paved, multi-use walking and biking trail from the Harbor Shores Trails on Higman Park Road in Benton Harbor, along M-63, and to the Monte Road trailhead of the Lakeview Mountain Bike Trail.
While engineering is complete, funding efforts are in progress and the trail is expected to be constructed in 2025. Nearly $3 million in funding has been secured through federal, state and local grants; however, community funding is needed to complete the project. A local donor has offered to match up to $100,000 in donations.
A fundraising event is planned from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at North Pier Brewing in Benton Harbor. A portion of every pint purchased will be donated to the Lakeshore Trail, a silent auction will be held, and light appetizers will be provided. More details and a donation link can be found at www. berrientrails.org/lakeshoretrail. asp. — STAFF REPORTS
Dogs rescued after falling through ice
BY STAN MADDUX
Apolice officer rescued two dogs that crashed through the first thin ice of the season on a pond outside La Porte.
The life-saving effort wasn’t easy for La Porte County Police Sgt. Scott Boswell, who broke through the ice himself while inching his way toward the medium sized Collies.
For the past four years, Boswell has been the leader of the department’s seven member Scuba Unit trained in both water and ice rescues.
According to La Porte County Police, at about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, officers responded to 1099 Stevens Road in Pleasant Township.
Melissa Worthington, 41, reported her dogs were not in the area of her residence; however, while looking for them, she discovered her pets in the nearby pond.
Police said the dogs seemed to be standing on the bottom of the pond up to their necks in water but were not able to get out from where they crashed through the ice.
Within five minutes, Boswell arrived and put on a water proof cold suit designed to protect the body for long periods against hypothermia should the person wearing one break through
the ice.
He tethered himself to a line fastened to a police vehicle and slowly began sliding his way across the ice while lying on his chest.
At one point, he broke through the ice, which allowed water from the pond to rush into the neck area of his protective suit.
Eventually, police said he was able to get close enough to the dogs and lift them out of the water.
After reaching the shoreline, police said the dogs were grabbed by Deputy Ken Etchison and Worthington, who took them back home to begin the process of drying and warming them up.
Police said Boswell was seen by medics at the scene for cold water exposure but required no further treatment.
La Porte County Police Capt. Derek Allen said that, while ice rescue attempts of people or animals don’t happen very often, team members sharpen up on their training monthly during the season in case they’re needed.
“We never know when a situation may present itself,” he said.
Fatter named all-state honorable mention in girls volleyball
BY STAN MADDUX
Amember of this season’s New Buffalo High School girls’ volleyball team was recognized at the state level for her play as a specialist on defense.
Senior Maegan Fatter was named an all-state honorable mention player in the statewide post season coaches’ poll.
She was also named an allregion and an all-conference player.
Fatter was a libero, a position on the back row where the main responsibilities are keeping the ball alive with accurate passing and doing whatever possible to stop the ball from hitting the floor.
New Buffalo Head Coach Bruce Molineaux said her ability to move toward the ball quickly was one of the reasons she was effective in that position.
“She was kind of a leader back there,” he said.
Fatter led the team in digs with 511.
Seniors Riley Tertel and Cassidy Saunders made all conference honorable mention.
Molineaux said Tertel finished the season with more than 500 assists as the team’s setter, while Saunders was among his strongest players on both offense and defense.
Saunders was third on the team in kills with 148, trailing only Benita Puskinigus and the team leader in kills, Josie Humphrey, who had 169.
Molineaux said Saunders also had among the highest number of digs on the team with 354.
Humphrey was named by her teammates as the squad’s best player on offense.
Fatter and Tertel shared “Most Valuable Player” honors.
The Lady Bison won more than 20 matches this year and finished third in their conference.
The team also won the tournament at Bridgman and finished second place in two other tournaments.
“It turned out to be a pretty good year,” he said.
The Lady Bison were swept by Our Lady of the Lake in the semifinals of the District 4 tournament, but two of the three sets went down to the wire.
Our Lady of the Lake went on to the District 4 state finals, losing to last year’s champion, Clarkston Everest Collegiate, in four sets.
“We probably gave them as touch as match as anybody,”
Molineaux said.
SPORTS
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
Thanksgiving was last week, and I hope everyone was surrounded by friends and family, and your tables were filled with delicious food.
In my opinion, it is one of the finest holidays, except maybe for the poor host. While everyone tries to pitch in, the majority of the cleaning and cooking falls on their shoulders. Please make every effort to remember to thank those who worked so hard to make the day so delightful for the rest of us.
Traditions are plentiful around the holidays, and for football fans. the Lions and Cowboys are always participants on Thanksgiving. Back in the day, John Madden used to award a turkey leg, then a turducken, to the MVP of the Thanksgiving day game. This year, the Lions beat the Bears, and the Bears coach would not have been considered to be the recipient of the award.
As a matter of fact, coach Eberflus was so inept that he was fired less than 24 hours after the game. While I am 100% behind his firing, I find it difficult to understand the hatred and character assassination that is taking place. The man gave his heart and soul to the Bears, and things just didn’t work out. Coaches are fired all the time, and occasionally they get second chances.
Eberflus is a good man and while I can’t see it happening anytime soon, if he learns from his mistakes and gets another opportunity, he may actually succeed. Good luck coach, except when the Bears are your opponent.
Saturday, the Michigan Wolverines upset the Ohio State Buckeyes 13-10. The victory
over second ranked Ohio State was huge for Michigan and devastating for the Buckeyes.
Because sportsmanship seems to be a thing of the past, some Michigan players decided to plant their school’s flag in the middle of Ohio States field. Surprisingly, this didn’t sit very well with the home team, so a melee began and quickly got out of hand.
Fans, players, police, pepper spray, blood, and $200,000 in fines later, order was restored. No further punishment is being considered, and the case is now closed.
I’m very aware that young people are fine with things I consider to be poor sportsmanship, but with all of the anger in the world right now, wouldn’t a lineup to shake hands with the other team (like they do in the little league) be a nice change of pace? Wouldn’t giving an opponent a hand to help him up after you nearly knocked him into the next county be better than dancing over his injured body?
Playing hard, doing your best, being a good loser or good winner, respecting your opponent as well as your teammates, and representing your team in a positive manner beats being a thug by a long shot.
Jon Gruden said, “I got a lot of the greatest values in life from playing sports, from playing football—teamwork, sportsmanship, my work ethic, resiliency, dedication—I got it all by being on a team.” Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
— LaMelo Ball
Bison stumble early but cruise to victory
BY STAN MADDUX
After a slow start, the New Buffalo High School boys’ basketball team caught fire to remain undefeated early in the season.
The Bison (2-0) defeated Eau Claire on the road
Tuesday, Dec. 3, 85-56.
The Beavers started the second quarter leading 18-15 but trailed at halftime by 13 points.
New Buffalo Head Coach
Nate Tripp said there was no looking back once his players
kicked into full gear on both sides of the court.
“We just woke up,” he said.
Senior M’Nason Smothers led the Bison attack with 25 points.
Juniors Trevor James and Lucas Forker scored 22 and 20 points respectively.
Most of the buckets from the 5’8” fast moving, high jumping Smothers were made in transition off turnovers and put backs of rebounds on offense.
“His speed is incredible,” Tripp said.
Tripp said the ball handling of ability of his guards like Nick Haskins and Sam Tripp, were also difference makers from being able to handle the Beavers’ pressure defense and running the offense.
“Our guards were just nice and calm and steady,” he said.
The Bison opened the season with an 86-47 victory over Bangor at home.
With high expectations coming into the season, Tripp said his
players aren’t quite there yet in learning his new high pressure defensive schemes but have pretty much nailed where they need to be at all times on offense.
“We are either getting point blank third grade lay-ups or wide open threes. That’s pretty much all that we want to take,” he said.
The Bison could be in for a major test Friday on the road against a strong Michigan Lutheran squad.
Illegal firearm, cash seized in high-speed chase
BY STAN MADDUX
Two Illinois residents traveling over 100 miles per hour in an Interstate 94 construction zone in northwest Indiana were captured early Monday, Dec. 2, following a chase.
An altered rapid-fire handgun, along with more than $15,000 in cash, was confiscated after the pursuit, according to Indiana State Police.
Brandan Williams, 19, of Rockford was being held in the Porter County Jail on preliminary charges of Level 5 felony possession of a machine gun, Level 6 felony resisting law enforcement and Class A misdemeanor reckless driving.
Marega Yussuf, 19, of Chicago was locked up on a preliminary charge of Level 5 felony possession of a machine gun. At about 4 a.m., police said a trooper clocked their eastbound vehicle at 110
mph. in a construction zone between Portage and Lake Station.
The driver pulled over near Burns Harbor; however, as the trooper approached on foot, the vehicle drove off at a high rate of speed.
A short time later, the driver stopped a second time and, as the trooper walked up to the vehicle, again fled a second time, police said.
The brief pursuit ended when the feeing vehicle, which was traveling across all lanes of travel, was struck by a semitruck that was also traveling eastbound on the interstate, police said.
The semi driver was not injured.
Police said the confiscated handgun contained a switch, which turned it into a fully automatic weapon.
Raiders lose season opener in girls’ basketball
The season opener turned out to be quite a challenge for the newly merged girls’ basketball programs from New Buffalo and River Valley high schools.
The Red Arrow Raiders were defeated at home Tuesday, Dec. 3, by Berrien Springs 65 to 22.
The Shamrocks with an obvious size and ball handling advantage scored the first seven points until freshman Addyson Lynch sank a free throw with just over five minutes left in the first quarter.
Lynch also scored the first field goal for the Raiders by stealing the ball at half court and
BY STAN MADDUX
dribbling in for a lay-up.
A short time later, the Raiders pulled to within 10 points when sophomore Allyson Cardenas drove in for lay-up over the outstretched arms of a defender.
The Shamrocks using a full court press to create turnovers quickly scored the next nine points to take a 25-9 lead into the second quarter.
The Raiders showed improvement in the second quarter, especially during a quick burst in scoring that began when sophomore Peyton Swain drained a three point shot. Her bucket was followed by a lay-up from Lynch and a nothing but net three
pointer from sophomore Laney Strother. However, the Raiders could not find a solution to the scoring and rebounding ability of senior Aubre Smith. Smith used her stocky, six foot frame to make her 21 first half points seem almost effortless.
The Raiders trailed 4113 at halftime.
In recent years, New Buffalo and River Valley have combined other sports teams, including football, because of declining enrollments.
The River Valley girls’ basketball team last year was very competitive but a number of talented seniors from that squad have since graduated.
FRIENDSHIP BOTANIC GARDENS TO HOST ‘MERRY AND BRIGHT NIGHTS’
Experience the magic and wonder of Friendship Botanic Gardens during the gardens’ “Merry and Bright Nights,” which will take place from 4-7 p.m. CDT Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14.
Bundle up, grab cocoa and cookies and walk the lighted pathways. There will be different sights to see around each bend. Bring the kids and your pets for a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This is an open-house style event, so arrive anytime between 4 and 7 p.m. CDT. Santa will arrive at 5 p.m. Ticket prices are as follows: Adults, $10; seniors and veterans, $7 and children 12 and under, free. Tickets are available at the door or at www. friendshipbotanicgardens.org.
— STAFF REPORTS
www.harborcountryinsurance.com
Christmas arrives in Three Oaks
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Aparade that featured appearances by Buddy the Elf and Santa, a kazoo band and other vehicles that were decked out for the holidays heralded the Christmas season in Three Oaks during its annual Snowflake Stroll Saturday, Nov. 30. Everyone lined the streets for the Christmas parade, which featured local business owners cruising down Elm Street in vintage cars, Buddy the Elf and Santa riding atop a float and members of a kazoo band playing Christmas carols to represent The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts. Afterward, everyone warmed up with hot chocolate and caroling, which was led by Real Life Community Church Choir in Three Oaks, before visiting with Santa and watching the annual lighting of the tree at Carver Park
Inside Heritage Hall, The Region of Three Oaks Museum was holding its annual viewing of “Prancer Village,” which is a model of the one that was used in the 1989 movie,
“Prancer,” that was filmed in Three Oaks and nearby La Porte County. A banner had been hung strategically above the railroad tracks downtown in anticipation of Prancer Palooza, which will celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1415, in Three Oaks and La Porte.
Paradegoers line the annual parade route in downtown Three Oaks
The Acorn Theater Center for the Performing Arts makes an appearance in the parade
The 2024 Three Oaks Royal Court rides in the parade
Cars carrying seasonal floats ride down North Elm Street
The Jackson Cycle car makes its way down North Elm Street
Steve Graziano, the newly elected village president, leads the tree lighting Children have a quick word with Santa at Carver Park
Paradegoers line North Elm Street
Cars decked out for Christmas abounded in the parade
The Real Life Community Chruch Choir and Buddy the Elf sing carols at Carver Park
The tree is lit in Three Oaks
The Jourenyman Distillery car rides in the parade
Nick Bogert, a Region of Three Oaks Museum Board member, shows Prancer Village to guests
The Three Oaks American Legion Post 204 Color Guard marches in the parade
Cars ride under the Prancer banner in downtown Three Oaks
Children grab a quick picture with Santa at Carver Park
The crowd sings carols at Carver Park
The Prancer banner is hung in downtown in anticipation of Prancer Palooza
Cars were decked out for the season in the parade
Cars decked out for the season ride down the parade route
The fire truck, with Santa and Buddy the Elf in tow, enters the downtown
High-class riding experience unveiled during Candy Cane Express
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Visitors to the Hesston Steam Museum in Hesston, Indiana, will have the opportunity to feel as though they’re riding in the lap of luxury during the museum’s Candy Cane Express, which runs for one more weekend from noon to 4 p.m. CDT Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8.
Last weekend, the museum debuted the Hesston & Galena Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad’s Car No. 100, the Dalia Parlor Car, which was completely refinished and unveiled in time for the first weekend of the Candy Cane Express.
The car’s interior was completely removed and reworked with all-new seating, lighting/ electrical, audio system, trim work, red velvet curtains and a bar for serving cookies and water. The car has also been painted on the exterior with a new shade of green that closely matches a “bright Pullman green” sample.
Hesston & Galena Creek Narrow Gauge Railroad Volunteer Department Manager
Gary Bobcoke, who originally envisioned the concept, said that the car was built in 1999 as a 16-pasenger car. The car only allowed for eight seats, one on each side, going down either side of the center aisle.
The car was built for the Candy Cane Express, which this year was on the museum’s 1911 HK Porter Steam Locomotive, for passengers to stay warm during the train ride.
Last year, museum volunteers converted the inside into what’s called a “parlor car.”
“What we did was we removed all the seats and reimagined the inside of the car – we kind of made it more ornate, there’s a bar top in there now, there’s really plush seating and air conditioning and heat now so we can run it in the summer and we really only lowered the capacity by four, so now can seat 12 people in there,” Bobcoke said.
Henry, Jonathan, Charlotte and Julia Apple visit Santa in the caboose
Guests climb aboard the Candy Cane Express
Gary Bobcoke poses by Car No. 100, the Dalia Parlor Car
Starting next year, Car No. 100 will be available for booking for a premium cost on special weekends.
“You’ll get your own car host, so there’ll be a volunteer in the car who’s more knowledgeable of the museum, who’ll give an in-depth tour and you’re welcome to ask any questions you may have,” Bobcoke said.
The end of the train will be converted into an observational platform, which guests can walk onto and where they can take pictures of their experience.
The inside of the car, which runs on a twofoot gauge, is very similar to that of Maine’s Parlor Car Rangeley, the only two-foot gauge parlor car ever built in the United States.
“The Rangeley was a business car, so railroad executives would invite customers and other dignitaries of the railroad to ride with them and have a really nice experience onboard,” Bobcoke said.
It’s an experience that Bobcoke hopes guests will have at Hesston.
“Very few railroads nowadays do stuff like that and even if that is a possibility, that you can get on that train, it’s really hard to get on a train like that,” he said.
Hesston General Manager Ted Rita said volunteers made the Dalia Parlor Car possible.
“I’m really, extremely proud of our volunteers to envision new experience for our guests and to deliver on different things they can see and really transport them back into that 1920s time period and really imagine new things for our guests,” he said.
After their ride, children can visit Santa in the 1900s-era caboose.
In the spirit of the season, guests can bring one unwrapped toy in exchange for a free train ride.
Jerry Schmidt, Toys for Tots coordinator for the La Porte County Michiana Marines, said that the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has been supporting Toys for Tots since the 1990s.
The Michiana Marines has over 170 drop-off sites throughout La Porte County. Toys are distributed to families through the Salvation Army and other organizations.
“We distribute them to the Salvation Army and some of other local organizations, (like) churches,” he said.
DONATE A TOY, KARAOKE WITH ROYALTY AT ROMA’S PIZZA
The Miss New Buffalo Scholarship Pageant will be holding its annual Toy Drive and Karaoke with the Queens from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8, at Roma’s Pizza in New Buffalo.
The event will also feature a special guest appearance by the “man in a red suit.”
New, unwrapped toys for New Buffalo families will be accepted. All toys will be delivered to New Buffalo Area Schools, where they will be distributed.
Those who can’t make it and want to donate for a toy can make one via Venmo and Toy Donation in the Note section. More information can be found on the Miss New Buffalo Scholarship Pageant Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS
BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY!!! BANQUET HALL SEATS 55 PEOPLE
LUNCH • DINNER
Last year, the Michiana Marines collected over 16,000 toys and supported over 4,300 children. OPEN DAILY • 7AM-10PM
The Thomas family rides on Car No. 100, the Dalia Parlor Car
Volunteer Ally Rochefort with General Manager Ted Rita
Natalie and Robert Jadrnak visit Santa in the caboose
Trains take off at Hesston Junction
Malcolm Yon visits Santa in the caboose
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOR0SCOPE
DECEMBER
5-11, 2024
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
There is a sense of uneasiness this week or of being in a holding position. Commitments and promises could require more work than you had anticipated or take up more time than you had allotted for the job. Luckily, your ability to get help from others will speed things up.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
There will be a certain heaviness to the week, making things feel like they are taking longer than normal to complete. You may not feel like putting in the extra hours to help friends with their stuff but that doesn’t mean you aren’t being supportive. It’s that you are busy with your own commitments.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Be cautious this week and try not to overdo it. The cosmic energy may bring up some of your insecurities or emotional inadequacies, which could throw you into attention seeking mode. Before you make a spectacle of things, step back and breathe. A policy of non-action is needed now.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
There is a sense that relationships are going nowhere this week. If you are single, it may seem like there are no decent prospects and if you are coupled up, it may feel like there is not enough together time. Either way be patient, use this time to focus on yourself and your work projects.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
This is a good week to hone in on health and fitness routines and get more serious about taking care of yourself. Friends are highlighted this week so, if you have a hard time getting to the gym, perhaps you can meet a friend there and work out together. Either way become more health conscious.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
You will have some opportunities to advance your career or social standing this week but your heart may not be totally into it. There is a need to make things more permanent and long lasting and if you can’t get the enduring results you hope for, you just might walk away. Be patient with others.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
Now is the time to hone in on higher education and expanding your life experiences. If you can enroll in a class or attend a lecture, do so. If not, try hitting the library or doing some research at home. Critical thinking will be very necessary to deal with current issues. Don’t blow things off.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
Situations could feel quite intense this week and you may feel like you’re being asked to give more than you can give. But the truth is you are entering a very abundant time, where you will feel very fulfilled and blessed. The important thing is to share and welcome others in.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
It will become apparent this week just who is and who isn’t backing or supporting you. This isn’t about making everyone work together, it’s about people following through and contributing. You may have to rework schedules but if that what it takes to get everyone on board, so be it.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
There will be a realization of sorts as to what is working for you and what isn’t, the problem is you may have some emotional attachments to overcome before you can really move past the blockages. Harness the abundant willpower coming in this week to break free from restrictive habits.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
There is a sense of having to go it alone this week. You may not have the support of the troops now and if you want it done, you will have to do it. This is about standing on your own and doing your own work. Doing it alone will help you see the value of having all those troops.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
This week you may feel like holding back emotionally or not following through with plans to get together with friends but this should be avoided. Now is the time to let go of insecurities and open the door to new experiences. Drop the reservations and embrace those you care about.
Avoid inquisitive persons, for they are sure to be gossips, their ears are open to hear, but they will not keep what is entrusted to them. — Horace
AS THE BUSY HOLIDAY SEASON BEGINS, A REMINDER TO DRIVERS TO ‘DRIVE SOBER OR GET PULLED OVER’
During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside law enforcement in Berrien County to decrease impaired driving.
From Dec. 13, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office will be participating in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement period. In support of the law enforcement community’s dedication to protecting the lives of residents, officers will be working together to take impaired drivers off the roads. Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol throughout the enforcement period. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.
In 2023, approximately 27 percent of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. This is the lowest number of alcohol related deaths since 2019.
Over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays from 2018 to 2022, there were 66 people killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan. In those crashes, 17 of the drivers killed were alcohol impaired.
Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol throughout the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement period. To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the OHSP is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the United States Department of Transportation and NHTSA and coordinated by the OHSP — STAFF REPORTS
A Writer’s Life...
DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Become animated…
Okay, I hear you: “Jack was lucky to be in a building where a Frenchman who started an animation studio lived.”
Well ‘luck’ had very little to do with it.
I’d packed up, moved to L.A. where I knew no one, and for years, up until 1983, worked hard to put myself in the right place at the right time. That’s called ‘positioning’. In baseball it’s called ‘swinging the bat’.
Baseball... Yeah, so Reggie Jackson, Sammy Sosa and Alex Rodriguez – three of the greatest baseballplayers of all time -- have a lot in common. Reggie smashed 563 home runs during his career. Sammy pounded out 609 homers and Alex Rodriguez racked up an incredible 696 home runs. And each had over two thousand hits – 2,408 for Sammy, 2,584 for Reggie and an astonishing 3,115 for Alex Rodriguez.
Obviously, they were tremendously talented baseball players. But there’s one other thing they share in common: all three are on the Top Ten List of players who have struck out the most times in baseball – over 2,000whiffs each during their careers.
I also struck out a lot of times in my early career and I would strike out a lot more later in my career. But that’s how you hit home runs – you develop your talent, you put yourself in the right place, you swing the bat and you hopeyou are fortunate enough to connect...
I swung, and that night in Studio City I was fortunate enough to connect. I’d met a Frenchman who would animate me.
And it wasn’t ‘luck’. It was being in the right place at the right time, swinging for the eleven thousandth time and finally being fortunate enough to connect.
So one day I’m a novelist working on my next novel and the next day I’m jumping into the deep end of the pool, getting ready to write my first
children’s television script. It’s an odd journey, this going from writing horror and murder mystery novels to writing for children’s TV. I knowa little about screenwriting. I’d studied it now and then and pounded out a couple of truly awful screenplays. But here I am, actually hired to write a children’s television teleplay!
I am fortunate – there’s that word again –because I have a mentor in Jean Chalopin. I suppose Jean is fortunate he has found me. He’s looking for writers who can tell great stories and I think he likes me because I am a novelist. Importantly, our very different personalities somehow click. Jean was and still is one of the most even-tempered people I’ve ever known. He would remain calm standing in the midst of a Category 5 hurricane. I’m passionate, enthusiastic and over the top – our personalities were and still are diametrically opposed, except that we both have a relentless work ethic and love what we do.
I think he also likes that I am fast; always in a hurry. Being talented is important in television, but being fast is almost as important because writing for a television series is like being on a runaway train.
It would be a business marriage that worked, spawning literally hundreds of episodes of television, a lot of laughs and a friendship that’s endured for forty years.
And it all happened so fast….
Jack Olesker’s career in the entertainment industry spans over four decades. He has served as a story editor in L.A. as well as president of a motion picture and television company in Chennai, India. His writing ranges from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Care Bears and Hello Kitty’s Furry Tale Theater to documentaries and horror novels and murder mysteries for adults.
Taste of winter for ushering Santa into La Porte
BY STAN MADDUX
Agood-sized crowd braved the first wintrylike conditions of the season for the annual Santa Parade in La Porte Saturday, Nov. 30.
Josh Corey and his family stood warm with a fire, which was inside a barbecue grill that was fueled by charcoal and pieces of wood, in front of his home along the parade route on State Street near the courthouse.
“It’s chilly. It is chilly,” he said.
In 20-degree temperatures, Santa Claus waved to onlookers from a sleigh attached to a team of robotic reindeer, with Christmas lights draped over them.
Through a microphone, Santa Claus also greeted the crowd verbally with well wishes for the season, along with his familiar bellowing of “ho, ho, ho.”
“The kids just really seem to love it,” said Karen Vandervelden, who helped create the unit Santa rode on during the parade.
The parade later ventured down Michigan Avenue and then Lincolnway before ending at Plaza 618, where a long line of children with their parents waited to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus inside their chalet.
There was also a lighting of the city’s official Christmas tree at the plaza at Lincolnway and Monroe Street.
Among the most popular of the 30 or so units in the parade consisted of two three wheeled go carts, which were powered by lawn mower engines that
zig zagged their way along the route.
“It’s like being a kid on a big wheel,” said Kip Piper, president of the Michigan City-based Guardian Riders organization.
Among the dignitaries in the parade was state Rep. Jim Pressel of Rolling Prairie, who walked the parade route with a pair of artificial reindeer antlers on his head.
“It’s really nice seeing Santa during the parade,” he said.
Helping to lead the way in the parade was La Porte County Sheriff Ron Heeg, who seemed to take delight in waving to the crowd.
“To see the kids smile as you’re going by and waiting for Santa is what it’s all about,” he said.
La Porte High School
sophomore Bella Stroud rode in the parade on a horse, who was wearing candy cane striped wraps that she placed around the ankles on his front legs.
Stroud rides the chestnut colored American Quarter Horse, “Bo,” in other parades and shows him during 4-H and other youth competitions during the year.
While the horse can get a bit antsy during parades, she said she knows how to settle him down.
“You just talk to him and you stay calm and just give him some love and he does pretty good,” she said.
PET OF THE WEEK
CHARLESTON
Charleston is about a twoand-a-half month old fluffball. He spent some time in a foster home, and is super social. Charleston loves to play and will hip-hop around, bouncing here and there. Then, when it is time to reenergize, he will track you down so he can kerplop onto your chest for a snooze. Charleston is neutered, and his vaccinations are up-todate. He is comfortable in a home with other cats, dogs, and children.
Solasta Winery showcases Michigan’s wine bounty
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
It took one trip to Napa Valley to plant the seed in Rasa Mitkus’ mind to bring the bounty of Michigan’s vineyards to the palettes of those who live in and frequent this corner of southwest Michigan.
Born and raised in Lithuania, where family and community value were instilled in her, Mitkus earned her degree in business management from the University of Illinois at Chicago over 25 years ago. She embarked on a successful career as a real estate developer and managing broker of real estate and mortgage companies.
It was when Mitkus’ children embarked on their own paths, though, when her previous dream reappeared in her line of vision. In 2020, she enrolled at the Lake Michigan College Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture. There, Mitkus gained hands-on experience by working in local vineyards and wineries.
The result of that wealth of experience is Solasta Winery, which opened at 11945 Red Arrow Highway in Sawyer last month.
Mitkus said she hopes that Solasta, which means “luminous” and “shining,” will be a shining beacon for those who want to come together and celebrate Michigan’s rich wine culture.
“It’s not just a winery – it’s a place for connection,
for creating memories and for celebrating the art and joy of winemaking…My mission is to craft exceptional wines that showcase the beauty and quality of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA (American Viticultural Area),” Mitkus, who spent 20 years coming up to the area before moving here, said.
Mitkus said the winery features a “exceptional selection of wines that highlights the unique terroir of the Lake Michigan Shore AVA.” This includes classic vinifera varietals and “innovative” hybrids, which Mitkus said will satisfy any palette. Guests can take a journey through Solasta’s offerings though five flight options: white, red, mixed, sweet or a customizable customer choice, which features a variety of 19 wines.
A complimentary take-home glass is offered with each wine flight. Food pairings, which include cheeseboards, cheese and meat charcuterie boards and s’mores boards, are also offered.
In the tasting room, guests can sip at a variety of wines until they find ones that are to their liking.
“Our knowledgeable tasting room staff is dedicated to creating a memorable experience – sharing the aromas, flavors of the wine, grape varieties used to create the blend, while guiding guests through thoughtfully curated flights that showcase our commitment to quality,” Mitkus said.
While Solasta’s current wine production is based in Fennville, plans are to bring part of the process inhouse to their production space.
“This change will give us the opportunity to showcase more of the winemaking journey to our guests, creating a deeper connection between our wines and the land they originate from,” Mitkus said.
In keeping with Solasta’s spirit of community, customers can join the Solasta Wine Club. The winery plans to host private gatherings; educational and interactive classes, such as on wine education; holiday celebrations; unique experiences, such as sip and paint nights and live music, such as saxophone performances.
“Wine Wednesdays, a “happy hour” for locals, feature discounted glasses of wines during select hours.
“Looking ahead, we’re eager to continue showcasing the beauty of Michigan wines, while fostering connections with our guests…We believe a visit to Solasta should be as memorable as the wine themselves,” Mitkus said.
For more on Solasta Winery, including about future events are to shop for wines, visit www.solastawinery. com or contact info@solastawinery.com or 630-2026867.
