Milda’s Corner Market • Sawyer Garden Center • The Whistle Stop
Rebecca Dewey Chapter, NSDAR honors Clark for expansive conservation work
The Rebecca Dewey Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution honored Merrill Ann Hahn Clark with the Outstanding Work in Conservation Medal and the Women in History Medal, with state Rep. Brad Paquette joining with a special tribute, Saturday, Dec. 14.
Clark was appointed, with the recommendation of the former Michigan U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, to the newly formed National Organic Standards Board to set the standards nationally. She was instrumental in the Michigan Farm Worker Protection Act. Clark started a newsletter that evolved into the Organic Growers of Michigan, which then evolved into the Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance, as well as authored articles for the organic movement for Michigan and Indiana newspapers. She was involved at the state level with the Michigan Clean Air campaign, the governor’s recreation advisory committee and other pesticide related projects.
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
Clark and her husband, John, acquired and farmed 1800 acres, the Roseland Organic Farms, in Cass County in 100% pesticide and herbicide free environmental practices for over 55 years. It became the largest organic beef farm in the Midwest. Clark founded the CEP (Citizens for Environmental Protection), which advocated action and policy in southwest Michigan led by citizens. She fought for the banning of out-of-state waste management and movement between Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Clark was the natural resources director for the League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties Michigan and a member of the Rebecca Dewey Chapter, NSDAR. She’s also the author of “Dandelion Roots Run Deep,
an Environmental Memoir,” ran and won a spot on the Cass County Planning Commission as the first woman on the commission and organized Earth Day events in southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana. She served as a policy advisor with the Cornucopia Institute and held leadership positions with Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance and Beyond Pesticides. Clark authored “Stewardship of the Land and the Food it Grows,” which is a look at Alternative Agriculture in Michigan.
In addition to the awards for Clark, the chapter celebrated the year end of community service and its 115th birthday with a potluck social for the holidays and honored chapter member Priscilla Lee for her service to the chapter in memorial to her great grandmother Sarah Ann Perham Lee. — STAFF REPORTS
Journeyman Distillery - Three Oaks
The Acorn Theater - Three Oaks The Lakeside Inn
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“When distressed, the soul immediately goes into a defective state, its reasoning power vanishes. At the highest levels, the wise work diligently to be free from distress.” — Dino N. Fatouros
Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
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, JACK GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES
MICHIANA
VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
‘Shop with a Cop’ gives back to local families
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual “Shop with a Cop” event at the Walmart Supercenter in Niles, Michigan, Saturday, Dec. 14.
Following the shopping, participants gathered at the Michiana Christian Embassy Church for Christmas present wrapping.
“A special thank you goes to Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit Sergeant Kimberly Fedison, who dedicates countless hours to organizing this wonderful event, including securing donations to make it all possible,” a sheriff’s office press release stated.
In 2024, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit partnered with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Chaplains, the Saint Joseph City Department of Public Safety, the Southwest Michigan Boys & Girls Club and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Enforcement
Division, along with several local Berrien County School Districts, to make the 2024 “Shop with a Cop” program a success.
The “shopping” consisted of the families and children being adopted by law enforcement officers and then proceeding through the entire Walmart store to select and purchase the gifts they desired for themselves and their loved ones.
“This year, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, alongside our partner agencies and organizations, made a meaningful impact by supporting eight families and 24 children. Each child received $225 to shop for Christmas gifts for themselves, their loved ones, and friends,” the press release said.
The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office not only facilitated funding for children to enjoy a shopping experience, but it also received enough generous donations so that each family was surprised
with a holiday food basket, along with an extra gift card at the conclusion of the event. This extra gift card for each family was presented as an additional gift to purchase everyday essentials. This “unique combination of giving aims to enhance each ShopWith-A-Cop Family’s holiday celebrations at home, ensuring they have a festive meal, gifts under the tree, and a little something special for their loved ones,” the release said.
The following businesses and civic organizations donated money, goods and services to this function: Wal-Mart Super Center – Niles; Near North Title Group; RedBud Recreation Inc (RedBud MX - Motocross); LECO Corporation; A & B Costanza Farms; Four Rookies Inc (Wings, Etc.); Wightman Architecture & Design; Stevensville United Methodist Church; Michiana Christian
Embassy; Thrive Psychology; Friends for Berrien Springs; Catholic School House of St. Joseph; Jim & Gayle Hagenbarth; Antibus Scales & Systems; Andy & Shelly Archer; Steve Heilig; Berrien County Sheriff’s Office; Berrien County Sheriff’s Office – Reserve Division; The Grinch; several anonymous donations and Sub-way @ Niles Wal-Mart.
“Sheriff Chuck Heit and the administrative staff at the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office are extremely proud of the efforts put forth by the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit for this wonderful cause, as well as all of the volunteer hours the Reserve Unit dedicates to the County of Berrien and the local communities throughout the year, ensuring the County of Berrien, local communities, and the surrounding areas are a wonderful place to reside and visit,” the release said.
— STAFF REPORTS
The secret of getting ahead is getting started. — Mark Twain
Grand Beach Village Council talks village roads
Members of the Grand Beach Village Council continued the discussion of unfunded projects in the village with the topic of roads at their Wednesday, Dec. 18, meeting.
Ed Sebastian, who serves as the streets and water commissioner, said that a document has been put on the village’s website for the public’s review with regards to issues related to road maintenance.
The master plan has a goal to “repair and maintain” the village’s roads, Sebastian said.
In the document, Sebastian is proposing that the goal be updated to something more specific: That the village repairs “our roads over the course of the next several years and then develop a plan to maintain them in fair to good condition going forward.”
Prior to road work that was done in October, 64 percent of almost 12 miles of roads were evaluated and rated as poor, 34 percent fair and only about two percent in good condition.
After putting in about $513,000 to scarify and repave almost three miles of roads, the village now has about 25 percent of its roads that are “effectively in new condition, or very new condition.
Sebastian said about two percent would probably still be rated as “good,” 39 percent would be rated as poor and about 34 percent as fair.
Sebastian said that, due to the roads degrading every year from weather, traffic and age, the roads have an expected service life of around 10 years.
The goal would be to put in place a plan that would “get everything in good to fair condition and try to keep it that way, knowing that roads will continue to degrade over time,” he said.
Sebastian estimates that maintaining the roads consistent with the proposed goal would require setting aside around $200,000 in 2024 dollars per year “to support regular repairs of the roads as they deteriorate and reach the end of their service life,” per the document.
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Sebastian said that he’d like to receive feedback from the community on ways the project could be funded. Three possibilities are through a millage, special assessment and grants; however, he said that grants aren’t seen as “being a reliable way to fund road repairs in the village.”
Council president Harry Walder said that, in the following months, presentations will be made on other major unfunded projects in the village: the golf course irrigation system and the police station.
A public survey is also being worked on with regards to input on funding the projects.
Councilmembers approved hiring Michelle Maroney as the deputy clerk, effective immediately.
Walder said that Maroney was the only applicant for the position. She’s also clerk-treasurer Kimberly Wolnick’s daughter. After consulting with village attorney Sara Senica, Walder said that he learned that there’s “no legal issue” with hiring Maroney.
Maroney will be paid $45,000, with the understanding that there will be a six-month evaluation period.
Wolnick said that she and Maroney will be reporting to the council, and that Maroney won’t be a signer on the accounts.
Councilmembers also approved appointing Diane Cody as a member of the Planning Commission. Cody will be serving the remaining term of Sebastian, who left after being elected to the council.
The 2024-2025 HSA contributions for employees were approved. Walder said the total contributions amount increased from $32,850 to $36,500 because Maroney was just hired.
Councilmembers approved increasing golf pro Don Butler’s salary to $30,000.
Golf Course and Pro Shop
Commissioner Jack Grace said that, in previous years, Butler has “run the range, renting general shag balls, picking them up and bringing them back.” He’d also bought his own collector for the balls and
has washed them with a machine that he bought.
“With the purchase of the new golf ball dispenser, that’s a big loss of income to him,” Grace said.
Grace said that Butler will also be using his own balls in the dispenser, which will save the village a “good amount of money.” He’s also willing to let them use his collector and will wash them and put them back in the machine.
Council members approved authorizing a monthly stipend to Keith Kehoe of $100, which will be retroactive to Nov. 1, the beginning of the 20242025 fiscal year.
Walder said that Kehoe has received EAGLE certification for Water Works System Operator Classification S4. Currently, he’s taking classes and passing exams to work his way up to being able to fulfill all the tasks of superintendent Bob Dabbs.
Walder told councilmembers that the Planning Commission will be implementing a Grand Beach Master Plan Accountability Report in January that, beginning in March, will require councilmembers to turn in a report for what they’ve accomplished “with regards to the departments of the master plan in the areas of your responsibility.”
Walder asked councilmembers to look at a draft capital improvement plan for a special council meeting, which will be held in January. The plan will replace what’s usually done when the yearly budget is worked on, where councilmembers say what projects in their areas of responsibility need funding.
Council members approved an updated Grand Beach Organizational Chart, which will be put on the website.
Brad Mattner has submitted his resignation letter as the village’s building official. Mattner has resigned because building inspector Chad Butler now has his building official certification.
FILM GROUP’S JANUARY MEETING TO FEATURE ‘THE FIREMEN’S BALL’
Harbor Country Film Group leader Eve Moran has selected Milos Forman’s 1967 comedy, “The Firemen’s Ball,” has been selected by leader Eve Moran for Saturday, Jan. 4, meeting of the Harbor Country Film Group at New Buffalo Township Library, 33 N. Thompson Street, in downtown New Buffalo.
Moran calls the film “a warm and very funny movie” about an event where everything goes terribly wrong. She notes it was the last film Forman made in his native Czechoslovakia before he moved to the U.S. and directed, among other movies, Oscar winners One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Amadeus.
Film group meetings are open to all, and there is no charge for admission. As usual, free popcorn will be served. — STAFF REPORTS
To Your Health
COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND
STAY HEALTHY WHEN EVERYONE AROUND YOU IS SICK
Have you ever wondered why there can be five people in a room, three will get sick and two don’t? It is your immune system that keeps you healthy. Your immune system is your first line of defense against pathogens. Taking these steps can help.
Say No to sugar, dairy and processed foods. These Non foods will wreak havoc on your immune system. Eating 2 Tablespoons of sugar can put your white blood cells into a coma. Paralyzing your immune system up to 4 hours. An average 12 oz. soda contains about ten teaspoons of sugar. Add up the sugar in your morning coffee, cookies, pastries and snacks and you can see why you can easily get sick and stay sick. Be proactive in your own healthcare and take responsibility for your own health and those around you. Dairy inflames mucus membranes setting them up for infection.
When your body shows signs of illness like a sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and achy bones, you are well on your way to a pathogen taking hold. You can stop the progression, or lessen the duration by simply being cautious what you put into your body and mainly – what you do not put into it.
If you are in public areas or work, wash your hands often. Avoid touching your face. Most upper respiratory infections are spread through mucosal membranes (Eyes, nose, mouth.)
Stay rested. When you are run down, your bodies immune system cannot stay strong. We need good rest and sleep to stay healthy.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. These are full of the
vitamins and minerals we need to build and repair our bodies cells. With these nutrients saturated in your body, chances of getting sick is much less. Eat plenty of Vitamin C rich foods that help build your immunity. This is in all Citrus fruits, grapes and berries. Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta carotene that support our mucous membranes to function properly & healthy.
Stay hydrated. I am mostly referring to water here, as coffee and soda are dehydrating and usually sugar laden. Herbal tea with raw honey would also be good. A body that is dehydrated is more prone to infection.
Germs like to hitch rides all around you in utensils, cups, grocery carts, door handles and more. Be cautious to use glovesor your shirt sleeve to open doors or pushing carts. This may seem silly, but can save you from illness if your immune system is not running optimal. Another reason to wash your hands regularly and not touch your face.
If you are sick, please take a sick day, stay home, rest, hydrateand be courteous not to infect others.
There is no better wealth than Health… Genetics loads the gun, but diet and lifestyle pull the trigger.
Disclaimer: Nothing in these articles is meant to replace medical advice. If you are on medications, do not stop taking them. Be responsible for your own health.
Former coroner sentenced again for going into woman’s home
AKaren Edwards is a board-Certified Dr. of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist, Vegan and Raw food Chef. She is owner of Holistic Alternatives in New Buffalo and La Porte for over 25 years.
BY STAN MADDUX
former elected official and firefighter in La Porte County has been sentenced for entering the unoccupied home of a woman without her permission and engaging in lewd behavior inside her bedroom.
John Sullivan, 64, of Wanatah was previously convicted on similar allegations at the residence of another woman.
Sullivan was sentenced Wednesday, Dec. 18, in La Porte Circuit Court to 18 months on work release after pleading guilty to Level 6 felony residential entry.
He could have received an up to 30-month sentence.
La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said the amount of punishment handed to Sullivan negotiated between his office and the defense was “the best possible outcome considering a whole number of factors.”
According to court documents, a 38-year-old woman in January of 2023 was alerted by her home security system about an intruder.
On her cell phone screen, authorities said she witnessed Sullivan captured by a security camera in her bedroom performing a sex act.
The video recording of Sullivan also contained images of underwear and other garments belonging to the victim, according to court documents.
Officers responding to her 911 call observed Sullivan in his car backing out of her driveway near Union Mills and took him into custody.
According to court documents, the woman knew Sullivan from him being
friends with her late father.
He had also been visiting her recently to check on her furnace and perform other handyman tasks, but at no time did she give him permission to freely go inside her residence, authorities said.
The woman told investigators she just had the security system installed after finding things in her home out of place and having a feeling of being watched, according to court documents.
In 2018, Sullivan was sentenced to one year on GPS home monitoring after pleading guilty to Level 6 felony residential entry.
He was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and take part in any recommended treatment.
In that case, authorities said Sullivan went inside the home of a 40-yearold woman without her permission and rummaged through some of her belongings.
That residence was across the street from the Cass-Clinton Township Fire Department where Sullivan was a volunteer firefighter at the time.
After his first arrest, Sullivan resigned during his first term as a La Porte County councilman after spending eight years as the La Porte County Coroner.
Sullivan is also a former full-time firefighter in La Porte and used to drive a school bus for the South Central School Corporation.
After his first arrest, police said Sullivan admitted going into the homes of two other women without their permission over the last 20 years.
I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win. —
Michael Jordan
Elementary students ring in the holidays
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Students at New Buffalo Elementary School received a warm send-off from family and friends before heading home for the holidays during their annual winter music concert, which was held at the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center Wednesday, Dec. 17. Kindergarteners and first and second graders sang through a series of tunes that
geared everyone up for the upcoming holiday, from “The Santa Claus Rock,” “Ring a Little Bell” and “I Want to Be an Elf.” In “Jingle Bell Parade,” kindergarteners, who were carrying little bells, marched into the auditorium and onto the stage.
The production was directed by Janelle Foulk, the elementary school music teacher.
Kindergarteners sing Red and Green
Second graders point to Blitzen, who made an appearance
First graders sing Peppermint Candy Cane
Students sing the songs of the season
Second graders perform seasonal tunes
Second graders sing Blitzen Boogie
First graders entertain with season tunes
Kindergarteners sing the sounds of the season
Second graders sing the sounds of the season
LOCAL PRESERVES TO HOST ‘FIRST DAY HIKE’
Those who will be participating in this year’s First Day Hike will again be walking a “twofer,” starting at Robinson Woods Preserve and finishing at Flynn Woods Preserve, at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1.
The hike will be led by Pat Fisher, president of Harbor Country Hikers.
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative to encourage people to go outdoors. Kids and adults across the country will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors.
Hikers should be final note, be on the lookout for “Old Man New Year,” as he may appear again this new year.
Robinson Woods Preserve consists of a mature forest dominated by beech, maple, tulip poplar, and oak. Seasonal streams transit the property, eventually draining into bubbling Cherry Creek whose steep and scenic
ravine sits at the northern edge of the property. Flynn Woods Preserve is a forested wetland complex located on the south side of East Road across from Robinson Woods Preserve. This property features a mix of oak-hickory and wetland forests, and together with Robinson Woods, creates a 115-acre protected area
HCH has an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made by emailing harborcountryhikers@gmail. com on a first-come first-served basis Dress in layers, a warm cap, and sturdy boots and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy or icy areas. The two-mile hike has been rated as being moderate.
Robinson Woods and Flynn Road preserves are located at 8016 East Road in Three Oaks. — STAFF REPORTS
OBITUARIES
Alvin Robert Kissman 1934-2024
Alvin Robert Kissman (affectionally known as Big Al or Alvin-Doody) was born July 5, 1934, in Bridgman, MI and grew up in New Buffalo, MI. He died peacefully December 16, 2024.
Al graduated from New Buffalo High School in 1954 and entered the construction business, becoming a master brick mason. He was a member of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as well as a life member of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union until his death. He proudly served on the New Buffalo Area Schools School Board in the 60s and 70s and worked very hard over the years to get the mileage passed for the new school.
He married the love of his life, Nadra Robinson (aka Nadra K). Their 70-year marriage and business partnerships, Orchard Acres and Nadra K Real Estate, were successful on every level. They were extremely proud of their children and each of their spouses, grandchildren, and great grandchildren: Katha and her husband, the late Samih Farsoun, and stepdaughter Rouwayda; Brian and his wife Simendea (nee Christensen), daughter Ashly and her husband Andrew Smith and their children, Dawson, Evelyn, and Isla and daughter Amanda and her husband, Kyle Neal, and their sons Wells and Oliver; son Dave and his wife Tammie (nee Ponegalek), and their sons Andrew and Aaron; and daughter Karla (and her late former husband Paul Madison) and their children Lena and Jade. Al and Nadra traveled the country and the world because of their children, and they felt incredibly blessed to have had such opportunities. However, their all-time favorite place was the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas.
Al is survived by his sister Janet Hauch. His parents, Ed and Bertha, his sisters Florence, Marion, and Ruthie, and brothers Gordon and Jerry preceded him in death.
He always said he had a great life with his wonderful family, and he will be missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The New Buffalo Railroad Museum, PO Box 3, 2024. If not for Al, assisted by Davie Olms and George Slechta, the Museum would literally not have been built 35 years ago.
Visitation was held on Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 am to 11:30 am at Sommerfeld Chapel - Starks Family Funeral Home, 15 N Barton St, New Buffalo, MI 49117. A funeral service was held at 11:30 am the same day.
Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com
A Writer’s Life...
DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Class begins and Los Angeles reveals itself…
By the time Jean and I work on my script, I am already a professional writer. My first novel, No Place Like Home(G.P. Putnam’s Sons), was a bestseller and I’d followed with three more successful novels. During my early years in L.A., I served as an associate editor at Entrepreneur Magazine. Afterwards I wrote commercials for voiceover genius Mel Blanc’s son, Noel. So while I may be a newbie in the television industry, I am no babe in the woods.
Until now, Jean treated me with the respect I thought I deserved. But with my first script in his hands, the honeymoon is over. We spend two hours going over my script, Jean’s hand-scrawled notes all over it. Worse, he’s completely crossed off whole pages of my script.
Few of Jean’s notes have to do with story or format. Mostare technical – why a certain camera angle won’t work, how the action in a scene should or shouldn’t take place, editing my dialog so it’s shorter and more punchy. By the time Jean leaves for his condo, I’m drained. I quickly recharge, realizing I’m blessed to have this hands-on critique from a television professional. I dive into my rewrite. Just past midnight I trudge down the hall, slide my revised draft under Jean’s door, stagger back to my condo and collapse into bed.
The next morning I open my balcony door to find L.A. unseasonably warm. As a former Chicago boy any time the heats up, my thoughts turn to the beach. So, shortly thereafter, I’m on Wilshire Boulevard, my car pointed toward Santa Monica. Somehow, even after five years in L.A., I haven’tgotten used to the taste of smog. And that’s why I pull into a 7-Eleven parking lot for a pack of gum. A twenty-something cashier is on the phone. As I wait, I watch her
becoming agitated as she snarls, “Tell them we agree to the script fee, but we’re holding onto the foreign rights!”
I put a pack of Dentyne on the counter, trying to get her attention, but the cashier starts shouting – actually shouting – “I don’t care! WE’RE NOT GIVING UP FOREIGN!”
Pushing the pack of gum across the counter to her, I ask, “Can you ring me up?” To which she glares with,“Can you not hear I’m on the phone with my agent?!”
I leave without the gum. Walking toward my car, I realize everyone – and I mean everyone – in L.A. is involved with ‘the biz’. There are literally dozens, sometimes hundreds of people working on any given episode of television or a motion picture. If you doubt this, wait until the end of a movie and watch the slow roll of the final screen credits.
In L.A, there are two kinds of people –those who are working in the biz and those who wanna-be working in the biz. Each, in their own way, contributes to the energy that throbs in this entertainment town.
Just before I get into my car, I look back to the 7-Eleven to see the cashier is still on the phone, arms flailing. In that moment I fall in love with her, with her drive, her ambition, her passion. She is everything that this “kingdom of doing” stands for.
I smile and get in my car, no longer caring about the pack of Dentyne.
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.
HOR0SCOPE
DECEMBER
26, 2024-JANUARY 1, 2025
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
Use any contentious situations as a learning experience. Before reacting to a stressful interaction, gauge what is really happening. There is a learning experience being offered before the new year starts. Pay attention and you will get the confirmation and reassurance needed to respond responsibly.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
There are times when you know exactly what someone needs but decide to rebel against giving and sharing in festivities. It is time to investigate that trait and move past it. Work on being actively more thoughtful. Figure out what blocks you from giving with an open heart and ultimately receiving.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
It’s time to invest in others and show some support. Stand behind promises and follow through with plans you have made. This is the time to collaborate and communicate. If something is becoming too much of a burden, communicate and let people help. That is leadership.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
Even though this is the darkest time of year and a time when cold winter spirits roam free, it doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to warm the heart. The sun shines in the house of relationships now, it may be dim but it increase over time. Use this time to actively work with your shadow.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
Social interactions will offer much in the way understanding yourself better during this final week of the year. So, attend parties with an open heart and mind. Don’t let pride stand in the way of being kind and generous or seeing where it is you need to make adjustments for the year ahead.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
The vibration from the stars will be shining some clarity onto the power dimensions of your home and relationships at the close of this year. Pay attention and you will see how things become imbalanced. Take some time to prevent and overcome behaviors that foster inequality.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
It’s not always easy to communicate in ways that keep the peace. When you stand on principle and uphold boundaries, you set an example. Perhaps, silence and simply doing what needs to be done without conversation is appropriate here. Lead by example, avoid long lectures.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
This winter season offers you a chance to really get close to someone; to mesh and interact on a deeper level. It’s about understanding how to really be with someone and what that is really worth in the long run. The golden rule plays heavy into things now. What do you both bring to the table?
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
Pay attention to partners and people you deal with individually. They may be giving you more insight than you realize to a personal issue. They may not even be aware of the issue but you are. Be willing to take an honest look at yourself before you make any permanent decisions.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
This is the time of year when it is wise to pull back and nurture yourself. Be kind to your body. Get a massage or soak your feet. When you spend a lot of time focusing on deadlines and making family time, it’s important to schedule time for yourself at the new year.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Friends and social groups have the ability to enrich your experience and warm your heart. See the value of socializing and interacting with public gatherings by actively getting involved. Be the one to help and be of assistance as we enter the new year. “The strength of ten grinches plus two.”
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Take time to meditate on what you have learned from family traditions and have established in your life from those experiences. Make the best of those lessons. Keep to traditions that are fulfilling and be ready to change it up if need be. Contemplate the meaning of thoughtfulness and consideration.
Successful investors tend to be unemotional, allowing the greed and fear of others to play into their hands. — Seth A. Klarman
TRIXIE
Trixie is a little younger than two years old, spayed, about 65-pounds, and her vaccinations are up-to-date. She is quite the snuggle bug, but can be a little reserved upon meeting new people, Yummy treats helps Trixie learn quickly that once she knows you, she is affectionate and loving to a whole new level. Trixie asks for just a few minutes to acclimate and then she basically turns into a Velcro pup. Trixie is child- and dogfriendly. She has the cutest head-tilt when she hears squeaky toys, and Trixie knows how to sit and takes treats very politely.
DEATH
THREE OAKS – Genevieve Scameheorn, 82, of Three Oaks, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024. Arrangements are pending at Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.
Students grace the stage for Christmas variety show
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
As was tradition, students graced the stage during New Buffalo High School’s very own Christmas talent show in the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center the day before winter break began Friday, Dec. 20.
Put on by the high school’s chapter of SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the talent show featured a wide variety of acts, from students in Matt Bayley’s Spanish 3, fourth year and AP Spanish classes returning to sing their medley of Spanish Christmas carols and Martin McGinn singing “See the Love” to accompany his piano playing to Thomas Kreiger (with the assistance of Colton Lijewski) amazing the audience with some magic tricks.
For the finale, students lined up onstage for the annual ugly Christmas sweater contest, showing off their glittery, multicolored sweaters to the student body.
Martin McGinn entertains on the piano
Spanish students sing Spanish Christmas carols
Students play Face the Cookie with Christmas flavored Oreos
Students compete in the annual Upgly Sweater Contest
Thomas Krieger and Colton Lijewski dazzle the audience with a magic trick
Students play Face the Cookie with Christmas flavored Oreos
Aaron Joseph plays his trombone
Students light up the auditorium with their phones
Ava Totzke and Mary Baricmar play the trumpet
Bianca Illescas Villa sings Slipping Through My Fingers
