August 18, 2011Volume 10, Number 31 Benton Harbor, Michigan 49022and South Bend, Indiana

Informing, Enhancing, Showcasing, Promoting and Educating Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana

Complimentary

CrossroadsReunion

•Pages 6-7•Aug. 31• Page 2

By Ralph Heibutzki Spirit Correspondent

The sounds aren't apparent from the outside, but the drills, hammers and saws banging away in the rear of Benton Harbor Charter School, 455 Riverview Drive #1, make plain that big plans are afoot – in this case, an addition, with nine new classrooms. Making those plans happen required knock-ing down a wall, so that students could have their own lockers – which is just one of the reasons why parents should feel excited when they return this fall, according to Assistant Principal Martha McCrevan.

On following McCrevan around the building, it's not difficult to see why she's

so excited. “We have boatloads more space in the building (for further construction),” McCrevan said. “Eventually, we want to add a gymnasium, another cafeteria, a computer lab, a science lab – a whole bunch of stuff.” The construction coincides with a popula-tion that's grown to more than 400 students, which Benton Harbor Charter hopes to increase to 500, according to McCrevan. “We would like (to have) four kindergarten, four first (grade) and four second (grade classrooms). That's our goal,” she said.

Long-term, Benton Harbor Charter wants to expand to the high school level, on which no decision has been made yet, McCrevan said. “It's exciting – this is why we want to have four kindergarten, four

first and four second (grade class-rooms),” McCrevan said. “As these children grow up and stay with us, then we'll have the numbers to sup-port a high school.”

Once the addition is complet-ed, students will also be equipped with “smart boards,” or electronic whiteboards that promote greater interaction between classrooms and teachers through touch-based technology. Students will also have access to Kindle devices, which are produced by amazon.com, and are slowly transforming the b o o k

BH Charter School On The Move: New Addition Coincides With

Student Growth

By Ralph HeibutzkiSpirit Correspondent

Reaching students who don't succeed in traditional school

environments is a major priority of any local alternative education pro-gram, for which answers can remain elusive. However, Watervliet High School officials think they're on the right track with the introduction of Widening Achievements for Youth (W-A-Y) – an interactive, indi-vidualized, project-based program designed to get youth back on the right track toward a high school diploma.

About 25 people attended an orientation meeting on Wednesday, August 10, at the Watervliet High School library. Curriculum Director Carole Fetke and Amy Dent, direc-tor of Watervliet's alternative education program, ran down the program's basics, with help from Superintendent Kevin Schooley, guidance counselor Ana Maack, and High School Principal Nate Ludlow. For those families whose students do make the cut, Fetke suggested keep-

ing one point in mind: “Make sure you want to do this. This is you tak-ing charge of your education – we'd love to help you along the way.”

As project leader, Dent will natu-rally play a crucial role, but students who sign up won't lack for support, Fetke said. “We want to make sure nobody falls through the cracks in our community. We want everybody to have that high school diploma, because times are being really tough out there, and you're going to need that for your future. And we want to help you get there,” she said. The district is now taking applications for the program. For further infor-mation, call (269) 463-0317, or visit www.watervliet.k12.mi.us.

W-A-Y is actually modeled on a British program (NOT School) credited with a 95 percent success rate among the 6,000 students that enrolled, according to Fetke. The two entities have since formed a partnership to serve high school age youth (15-19) “who have become disengaged from traditional school for a variety of reasons and have dropped out, or are at risk of doing

Watervliet Readies New Alternative Ed Approach: W-A-Y Puts Students In

Charge Of Own Education

More on BH Charter, page 2

Judge Comes to

Benton Harbor• Page 8 •

Benton Harbor Charter School students will have the benefits of new interactive technology when they return this fall, including interactive electronic “Smart Boards.”

Upgrading technology for the media center has also been a priority for Benton Harbor Charter School’s management.

Watervliet Public Schools Curriculum Director Carole Fetke (left) and Alternative Education Executive Director Amy Dent field questions about the W-A-Y (Widening Achievements for Youth) program, which is aimed at students who haven't succeeded in traditional school settings.

More on W-A-Y, page 4

FREE Small Bus. Workshop•Page 2•

Does your Biz Need

Help?•Page 12•

Page 2 • August 18, 2011 COMMUNITY

business through their ability to download any book available through the online retailer. However, those events aren't the only noteworthy things happening at the school, as McCrevan explains.

Academic Intervention MethodsThe construction and the technol-

ogy reflect a broader philosophy of Benton Harbor Charter's management, which makes every resource available to help students perform well academi-cally, McCrevan said. “If they're not at grade level at the end of the year, they're retained. We have intervention programs that we do all year long with the kids,” she said.

Those intervention efforts include tutoring, and after school programs like “Skill City” and “Homework Night,” in which students can stay past their regular class day – and focus on catching up, or improving their performance in core aca-demic areas, according to McCrevan. “We do lots of interventions for students who need it, who are not at grade level. We do whatever we can to get them at grade level, and beyond,” she said.

Three outcomes are possible when students finish the year. They can be held back, promoted to the next level or promoted, with intervention, according to McCrevan. “For those kids, summer school is mandatory, if they're going to be promoted – that's another intervention we do. Everybody else, they can come if they want to,” she said. Whatever happens,

students know what's expected from them – and that the bar is set high. “Our kids are not socially promoted, so if they're not at grade level, we're going to keep working with them until they get there,” McCrevan said.

Summer Camp Wrap-up Benton Harbor Charter ran five weeks

of summer camp this year (July 5 to August 5), for about 175 students, McCrevan said. “The first two weeks, we took kids on field trips every single day – it was awesome,” McCrevan said. Favored destinations for small children included the Curious Kids' Museum, Sarett Nature Center, and Warren Dunes State Park, while their older peers went on the Harbor Shores tour, and Jean Klock Park, for example.

In other cases, the school organized trips for all students – which included vis-its to the Kalamazoo Museum, as well as the city of St. Joseph's Venetian Festival, for example. “We did academics every morning, and field trips in the afternoon. Everything was free, (including) transpor-tation, breakfast, (and) lunch,” McCrevan said. The major exception ended up being Venetian Festival, for which the school buys wristbands at a special rate, she added.

Club Offerings Expanded Benton Harbor Charter School has also

expanded its roster of student clubs, which were originally restricted to middle school – but are now available to elementary stu-

dents, as well, M c C r e v a n said. There are clubs for art, dance, drama, and computer t echno logy , among other subjects. For the school's 20 teachers, that can mean a fair amount of additional time, if they're willing to help supervise a club. “Some of our teachers stay after school three out of five days a week – now, they get compensated, and it's a choice,” McCrevan said. “Nobody has to do any of it.”

Fall Sports Introduced In other developments, Benton Harbor

Charter entered the local prep sports world last year. For football, the school joined Countryside Academy and Lake Michigan Catholic, “just because we don't really have the numbers to have an entire team,” McCrevan said. “The other fall sport is cross country, but we just don't get much interest – maybe this will be the first year. Then we have, of course, our basketball season, track, and cheerleading.”

Back To School CalendarStudents return to school on Tuesday,

September 6. Benton Harbor Charter School will celebrate its new year with its traditional “Back to School Night,” including a barbecue, games and raffle,

on Thursday, September 1. For those who can't wait that long, the school will offer a spaghetti and fish dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 26.

According to School Director and Principal Tim Harris, “we are seeking 60 students in grade 6-8 for three consecutive years and then the Board will consider asking Ferris State University for grades 9-12, with one grade added each year.”

On Tuesday, Ferris State University Field Representative Larry Lindquist pre-sented to the School Board, MEAP data showing that students who attend the Academy for three years or more in many cases exceed state standards, and in every case, far outperform those students that have been there less than three years.

Board President Jean Nesbitt was elated that 100 percent of third and fourth graders at the Academy passed the MEAP in Math, and praised the staff for their con-tinued commitment to the Academy.

For more information about Benton Harbor Charter School, contact them at (269) 925-3807, or visit them online at: http://www.bentonharborcharter.com/.

BH Charter, continued from page 1

August 18, 2011 • Page 3PUBLISHER’S PAGE

SBA Comes To Benton HarborAll Are Invited

By Princella Tobias, Founding Publisher, Spirit Community Newspapers

The Benton Spirit and Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is published on Thursday.

Deadline:The deadline for submission is the Friday BEFORE Thursday’s published date. Exceptions can be made for paid submittals, but confirmation by the Spirit is needed.

The preferred method for submitting infor-mation is by e-mail to:news@bentonspiritnews.com or you can send:

FAX: (269) 925-4540 (866) 225-4540

MAIL: P.O. Box 465 Benton Harbor, MI 49023 WEB SITE: www.bentonspiritnews.com

Distribution:The Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is distributed through-out the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana and growing, on Thursday. Online version is displayed by Saturday.

Subscription: A copy of the Benton-Michiana Spirit will be mailed first-class to you for only $35 for 6 months or $70 for a year.

Freedom of Speech. Note: editorials and letters to the editor are not the opinion and/or view of the Benton Spirit, but the view-point of the author.

P.O. Box 465Benton Harbor, MI 49022Telephone: (269) 926-4241

Fax: (269) 925-4540www.bentonspiritnews.com

Publisher - Princella TobiasCo-Editor - Desmond Murray, PhDAdministrator - Patricia Plaut-Payne

Community Liaison - Ralph Heibutzki, Candrice Williams, Greg Osmun, Richard Smith, Tim Johnson, Trenton Bowens, Stephan Tinsley, Elaine Osmun, and Pastor Michael Carson.

Aspiring Young Journalists: Benton Harbor Public Library Teen Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan, HHUM, and I’m Saving Myself.Advertising Sales - Princella Tobias

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without permis-sion from the publishers. All rights reserved worldwide.

Does your small business need help? Do you want to take your business

to the next level? Do you need infor-mation to get your business idea off the ground? Do you feel you have you been excluded from resources to make your business grow?

This is for you! This is an open invitation to ALL small businesses own-ers, budding entrepreneurs, and anyone at any stage of your business. Take full advantage of the first ever statewide SBA Small Business Outreach Tour! It’s free and it’s coming right here to Benton Harbor on August 25. The event venue is Western Michigan University Southwest, 2785 East Napier, Room 1304, Benton Harbor.

Some of you contacted us shar-ing your views that you felt left out when you heard the new director of Michigan’s SBA was invited as the speaker for an invited group of people;

now SBA has returned and this event is open to the entire public.

“One of the reasons we started the Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce (MAACC) is to help con-nect African-Americans and all busi-nesses to tools, resources and train-ing to empower them; that they would typically not even know about. On behalf of MAACC, we are pleased to sponsor this information in the Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper so ‘all’ can be informed,” states Glenn Williams, President of MAACC.

This is a great opportunity to be included, inspired and informed about starting, operating and growing your business right here in Benton Harbor. Get connected to experts in lending, government contracting, business growth, financial management, export-ing and more. Get inspired by stories of successful small business owners in

your region. Get informed about what's happening in your community from local economic development resources.

You don’t need to be part of any exclusive group. You don’t need any membership fees. It’s free yet invalu-able. This is your federal govern-ment working for you and with you. Everyone is invited, everyone is wel-come and encouraged to get connected, get inspired and get informed. There is a team of state, regional and local SBA representatives that would be on hand to lend a hand. They will hold workshops from 2 pm to 5:30 pm on subjects like: How to start a busi-ness; Financing your business; Market research – Information based planning; Exporting; Understanding your num-bers, and Government Contracting.

See YOU there.

SBA Small Business Outreach TourBenton Harbor - Tour Stop #10

August 25, 2011 • 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.AGENDA2:00 p.m. Registration and Networking

2:30 p.m. Introduction: Tamara David, Regional Director, MI-SBTDC

2:35 p.m. Welcome to the Tour: Gerald Moore, SBA District Director

2:45 p.m. Get to know your Ecomonic Management Team (EMT)

• MI-SBTDC – Tamara Davis

• MEDC – Tom Tarleton

• SBA - Brian Picarazzi

• MI Works! – Gwen Wood

• PTAC – Jan Campbell

• Cornerstone Alliance WBC – Margaret Adams

• CommerceConnect-Linda Clark

• USDA - Lisa Eppel

3:15 p.m. Sucess Story: Gloria Ender, Freedom Finishing

3:30 p.m. Networking with EMT

3:45 p.m. Breakout Sessions - Topics Include:

• How to start a business – John Schmitt, MI-SBTDC & Buffy Nespodzany, MI-SBTDC

• Financing your business – Brian Picarazzi, SBA, Lisa Epple, USDA

• Market Research – Information based planning – Melissa Angel, MI-SBTDC

• Exporting – John O’Gara, SBA-USEAC

• Understanding Your Numbers – Carolyn Rourke, MI-SBTDC

• Government Contracting – Romy Ancog, SBA, Jan Campbell, PTAC

5:30 p.m. Adjourn

This information was sponsored by the Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce

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so,” states a handout provided by the district. Students accepted into the pro-gram receive an iMAC workstation, digital camera and Internet connectiv-ity, at no cost to themselves. They are expected to attend a learning lab twice a week, based on their own schedule and the lab's availability. They're also responsible for logging on every day into an online community of mentors, who help them to complete the proj-ects that they're trying to complete.

Students work at their own pace, and bring whatever credits they've earned so far into the program, Fetke said. A second orientation is set for 6:30 p.m. on August 23, in the high school library, with the first student group expected to start working during the first week of September. “That's when they get their computers at their house, and we teach them to how to use them,” Fetke said. “If they want to come in and work through summer, more power to 'em. But we're going to push them, and make sure they don't go too slow.”

This combination of individual-ized effort and accountability is what makes W-A-Y a unique learning expe-rience – because its creators realized that a “one size fits all” approach doesn't help students who struggle academically, Fetke said. “In a tra-ditional (school) day, unfortunately, sometimes we don't drive students to do their best work – they do what we tell them to do. We're limited by our imagination, as they're limited by theirs, and they're a totally different generation,” Fetke said. “What they will do, if we just let them do it, could be way beyond what we were expect-ing.”

All projects that the students cre-ate are based on the state's own Core

Content Expectations – which will also coincide with the Michigan Merit Curriculum, as well, Fetke said. The mentors are certified teachers in their subjects, and all projects are cross-cur-ricular, allowing students to get work in – and earn credit – in several areas simultaneously, Fetke said. “The men-tor can steer them in the right direc-tion: 'This is what you're interested in? Let's do some of your biology content expectations. Let's do that through an anatomy and physiology project,' so they get that experience,” she said.

Nor is students' learning be strictly tied to their lab experiences, Dent said. Videos, field trips and other interac-tive learning methods will be part of the equation, as well. “There's a lot of outside resources, so they could go to the hospital (for anatomy or biology-related projects). Whatever resources they find, they could use them. We can bring them in, or find them,” Dent said. For example, one student who chose video game project took the opportunity to create various alternate endings and scenarios for them, she added.

With all these positives, the only real down side is that students cannot take part in high school sports while enrolled in W-A-Y. “That is an unfortunate thing, but there's certain requirements that don't match up with the MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletic Association),” Ludlow said. “We looked into it, and we just didn't find a good, solid matchup that we felt comfortable with. As far as activities go – if there was a dance or a prom, as long as we were noti-fied, we'd feel comfortable about moving forward in that direction.” However, Ludlow feels the tradeoff

is worthwhile, if the result is a student who graduates. “I'm sure you're a little hesitant about this, but I believe in what these people have done,” Ludlow told the audience. “They're great at what they do, they've done the research on it, they've seen the suc-cess rate of it, and it's a program that works.”

W-A-Y also differs significantly in one other aspect, according to guid-ance counselor Ana Maack. “It's not coming out of your pocket, and a regu-lar home schooling would – especially a good quality one,” Maack said. “At the guidance office, I see a number of students that have gone in that direction, but the cost is really crazy sometimes.” The result is a lesser program that doesn't meet Michigan core standards, Maack said. “Those students have a real hard time find-ing a job, because it doesn't compare to everybody else that graduated in Michigan,” she said.

Schooley expressed confidence that the district's investment in W-A-Y will pay off, once parents and

students realize what the program has to offer them. “Obviously, I've done the research. We were tired of see-ing smart kids not do well in school, because they didn't fit into the box – and (we wanted) to provide more of a continuum of different options, for the kids in our care,” Schooley said. “I think this (W-A-Y) is it. We've got a sound background, we have a great team leader. I think it's going to be a positive thing for the kids.” Among the believers is former Benton Harbor High School Principal Anita Harvey, who left to take a similar position at Battle Creek Freshman Academy this fall. “I think it's (W-A-Y) innovative. I think it's a way to reach nontradition-al learners,” Harvey said afterwards. “I'm looking to reach that alternative learner, as well. I was more so here for family reasons – because I have family members, that traditional school didn't work for them.”

W-A-Y, continued from page 1

Page 4 • August 18, 2011 EDUCATION

Derrick Davis, 17, of Benton Harbor, has signed a letter of intent to accept a baseball scholarship

at Clarke University, in Dubque, Iowa. He is the son of Roshonda Doolittle and Richard Davis, and a 2011 graduate of Benton Harbor High School.

Davis wishes to thank the many people who have supported him, particularly his coach, Danny “Tae Tae” Jennings, and his grandmother, Mrs. Doolittle. Although many schools made him offers, Davis and his parents settled on Clarke after going there for a visit, and loved it. The Ebenezer Baptist Church family and the community wishes him all the best for his future.

BH Grad Derrick DavisSigns With Clarke University

TUTOR A CHILD

IT COULD CHANGE

THEIR LIFE!

EDUCATION August 18, 2011 • Page 5

Four Lake Michigan College (LMC) students have been awarded Academic

Incentive Scholarships for the 2011-2012 academic year. The $500 scholarships are given annually by the LMC Foundation to Student Support Services (SSS) partici-pants who have demonstrated academic achievement and have actively partici-pated in the SSS program.

"The Academic Incentive Scholarship recognizes the ability of students to over-come the unique challenges faced by first generation college students or students with a low income or disability,” stated Nancy Johnson, SSS project director. “It acknowledges academic achievement and brings each student one step closer to real-izing his or her goal of obtaining a college

degree."This year’s scholarship recipients

include: James Chuhak – Coloma, 2001

graduate of Coloma High School, drafting and design major

Alisha Gioupis – Stevensville, 2008 graduate of Lakeshore High School, nurs-ing major

Nailya Lau – St. Joseph, 1992 gradu-ate of Kazan Secondary School (Russia), nursing major

Priscilla White – Benton Harbor, 1987 graduate of Grand Rapids Adult Education, early childhood education major.

For information about the SSS pro-gram, contact Nancy Johnson at (269) 927-8100 ext. 5209.

Most people visiting southwest Michigan this time of year come

to stroll on our beaches, to sample our ice cream, and to otherwise enjoy sum-mer vacation. However, this week, sev-eral educators from Flint, Escanaba, and Muskegon, Michigan will come to focus not on summer fun, but on keeping young people in school once summer is over.

Teachers will participate in a two day intensive training to learn to implement Michigan Works!’ Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program. The program,

currently in Benton Harbor, Coloma, Covert, Niles, and Cassopolis high schools, serves students thought by teachers and counselors to be at high risk of leaving school prematurely. JAG students par-ticipate in a variety of leadership and ser-vice opportunities in addition to receiving classroom instruction and individualized mentoring from teachers. Recent statistics show a 97% retention rate among JAG students in the tri-county area.

“We recognize the important role education plays in having a skilled work-

force. The challenges our labor force faces require a team effort. We’re a natu-ral partner with education and JAG is just one of a number of our joint initiatives,” said Michigan Works!’ executive director Todd Gustafson.

The process to expand the JAG pro-gram began in January when officials approached Michigan Works! Chief Education Officer, Chris Fielding, and expressed a desire to replicate the pro-gram. Officials from the prospective sites visited JAG classes at Benton Harbor High

School. “They saw that we were tearing down barriers to success and that we were building stronger students. Students with increased reading and math scores, stu-dents who are more employable, students who confidently look you in the eye and shake your hand,” said Fielding. “We will get these new sites started and then we will support them throughout the year with frequent visits and conference calls. We are committed to ensuring this program thrives

New Enrollment Open HouseFriday, August 19th at 7 p.m.

• No Tuition• High MEAP Scores• Highly Qualified Staff• Child Care Year Round• Full day Kindergarten & Young 5’s

• Free Backpack with enrollment• Orchards Mall, Sister Lakes & Eau Claire Shuttle Stops

269-944-3319“The Most Important Resource We Develop is Children.”

A Promise Zone School

Four Students Receive LMC Foundation Scholarships

Alisha Gioupis, Stevensville; James Chuhak, Coloma; Priscilla White, Benton Harbor; Nailya Lau, St. Joseph.

Local Dropout Prevention Program Spreads Throughout the State

The South Bend Chapter of Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (SBCIBE) will

host the third annual citywide Youth Leadership Explosion Back To School Rally on Saturday, August 20. SBCIBE is hosting the rally with help from several major local organizations, including the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, 100 Black Men, Martin Luther King Senior Men, Avalon Counseling, Mamas Against Violence, St. Joseph County Minority Health, and Citizens Committed to Save Our Youth,

The Youth Leadership Explosion will begin at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams. Activities begin with a conference at 9 a.m. at Greater St. John, and conclude at 6 p.m. at Martin Luther King Recreation Center , 1522 W. Linden Ave. This year’s theme is “Youth and Adults in Unity: Creating Tomorrow’s

Leaders.” The Youth Explosion focuses on issues affecting youth and their fami-lies. This year’s event will address the importance of establishing relationships between youth and adults.

Festivities will continue at Martin Luther King Center, where the University of Notre Dame cheerleaders will conduct a cheerleading clinic. A basketball skills competition will also be offered. Food, informational vendors and college rep-resentatives will also be part of the day-long activities. Games and prizes, along with haircut clinic demonstrations, will be given. Backpacks and school supplies will also be distributed. The day will conclude with inspirational performances under the big tent.

For more information, contact Linda Johnson, (574) 229-3755, or Craig Clark, (574) 339-3272.

South Bend Back To School Rally On Saturday

Get an iMac Computer & Internet in your home!

If you are a student that is 15 to 19 years old, live in Southwest Michigan, and

want to learn more about how to earn a high school diploma through on-line and

face to face project based learning:Call: Carole Fetke at (269) 463-5566Email: cfetke@watervliet.k12.mi.us

Visit: www.wayprogram.net

W-A-Y Watervliet� Beginning Fall 2011

net

A different W-A-Y to earn your

High School Diploma

Watervliet Public Schools

Join us at the Information Open House

Tuesday, August 9th 2011 6:30 p.m.

at the WHS Library

Join us at the

Information Open House

Tuesday, August 23rd 20116:30 p.m.

at the WHS Library

Page 6 • August 18, 2011 COMMUNITY

Thank you All from the Crossroads Reunion and BEST’s Aspiring Young Journalist Program

On behalf of Crossroads and the Benton Spirit Community Newspaper’s Aspiring Young Journalist Program, part of BEST (Building Excellence in Science and Technology, thank you for coming to

Crossroads’ First Reunion!

August 18, 2011 • Page 7COMMUNITYYour support and donation will help the Benton Spirit Newspaper train and mentor young students in media

technology. We are developing journalists/writers/editors, photographers, researchers and business owners of the future. Should you wish to make a donation and/or volunteer for this program, please contact Benton Spirit Newspaper at at (269) 926-4241.

We hope you all enjoyed the event and in knowing that you are a bridge to our youth’s future. We want to thank our volunteers, including Archie Davis, Ron Lehman (who came all the way from Arizona), Greg Osmun, Dr. Desmond Murray, Pat Payne, Victor Robinson, Richard Smith, and Candrice Williams. To see all photos, visit www.bentonspiritnews.com or www.facebook/bentonspiritnew, www.facebook/princellatobias, or www.facebook/lashunnharper.

August 18, 2011 • Page 8SPIRITUAL FOCUS

The Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper ask you to

join us in praying for Charles (Papa) Kimble of South Bend, IN and Edmond Morris of Buchanan, MI, as they face medical challenges. Pray for Geraldine Morris of Benton Harbor, who was visiting family in the south when her brother had a heart attack, while she was there. May we also pray for all in the Indiana State Fair in Indianpolis that faced tragedy last week.

Many students, parents, and educa-tors are preparing for the new school year. Pray for each of them to be the best they can be and excel.

We find ourselves intensively won-dering what will happen with our econ-omy, as elected officials debate with

our future. Let us pray that all elected offcials to do the right thing for us--the people.

Pray for all who are facing medi-cal conditions, facing challenges, our veterans serving our country and the world, incarcerated brothers and sisters, and even the ones who are blessed to be successful and able to pass on the blessings.

A special prayer to Ron Lehman, who traveled from Arizona; Archie Davis, Pat Payne, Dr. Desmond Murray, the volunteers who helped with Benton Harbor Harbor Vision, and other com-munityi-wide events.

Remember, a smile, helping hand, thank you and a prayer goes a long way!

Spirit Prayer Column

The family of Audrey Davis would like to thank each and everyone for the flowers, thoughtful-

ness, cards, food and expressions of kindness during our time of bereavement. The visiting with friends was most wonderful and appreciated during a time when we were grieving. We were overwhelmed with the responses we received and love and thank you all.

In Memory of Audrey Davis“Thanking our friends…”

He had worked hard

in the hot sun taking care of the master’s animals. As the sun set in the western hori-zon, this son of a king was lone-ly in a strange country and did

not want to spend another cold night in this desert climate. Again he was hungry for the fourth night, with no food to eat. In previous nights he had reached out to the animal feed to calm pangs of hunger in his stomach, but his night, he could not bring himself to eating the filthy mess. His mind raced back to the days he lived with his kind and wealthy father. He remembered the hot showers, the lav-ish family dinners, the soft pillow on his bed. He remembered the expensive gifts he used to get from family and friends for his birthdays. “No,” he said to him-self, “not another night in this despicable place.” The very memories of his home life seemed to energize him. With his mind’s eye he saw servants washing his feet in the evening. He saw his father’s grey hair and the wrinkles on his moth-er’s face. These thoughts were now rush-ing through his mind like a wind under his wings. Before he knew it, he got up and started walking in the night towards his father’s house. On the way he won-dered how his father would receive him. He had left home against his father’s wise counsel and in spite of his mother’s tears. But mixed emotions did not deter him from his now faster pace to reach home before dawn. In case dad asked him why he came back, he rehearsed a statement that went something like this: “Dad, I have sinned against heaven and earth. Please make me one of your ser-vants.” He knew his dad well enough to know that he would not cast him away in

anger.The young man did not arrive

home as early as he had hoped. It was a long journey. Sometimes he was tired and overcome with hunger and he took some sleeping breaks on the way. When he arrived at about 3 p.m. he was surprised to find his father waiting for him at the gate. When he tried to mutter his rehearsed statement, his dad hushed with a bear hug and held him there until he got himself together. The rest of the story of the prodigal son in the Bible is well known. The son who had been lost was welcomed back into his fam-ily like he had never done anything wrong. His past mischief was blotted out from memory and he was given a brand new beginning as a full member of the family.

We all have wandered away from God in many different directions. Some have retraced their steps back to the comforts of their father’s house and found love, peace and acceptance. If you have been wandering in the wilderness, and are tired of life with-out God with all the stresses that go with it, your heavenly father makes this invitation to you: “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you peace.” This next weekend, go to a place of worship near you and ask for prayer. Confess your sins and start living like a child of a king.

WAS LOST, NOW FOUNDBy Josesph Karanja, Michiana Spirit Correspondent

Joseph Karanja, born and raised in Kenya, has been a resident of South Bend, IN for 15 years. He holds graduate degrees in theology and education from Andrews University and IUSB, respec-tively. Currently he is an educator in the public system, as well serving as an Elder at his church. For several years, he has been an active advocate for grassroots community organizations in the Michiana area. He is married to former Akila Stovall and they have five children.

On Sunday, August 28, 2011, former judge Patricia Brown

Holmes will be the featured speaker at New Paradise Baptist Church at 3:30 p.m.

Patricia Brown Holmes, a retired judge, is the first woman of color to be named an equity partner in the law firm Schiff Hardin LLP.

Judge Holmes has had a long and distinguished career as a trial lawyer and state, federal and local prosecu-tor. As a result of her accomplish-ments, she was recently appointed by Governor Patrick Quinn to chair the newly formed Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission, and to serve on the University of Illinois’s Board of Trustees. He also appointed her Chairperson of the Burr Oak Cemetery Task Force.

She is also Chairperson of the Just the Beginning Foundation, a legal pipeline organiza-tion designed to assist young people in becoming a lawyer.

Judge Holmes is married to Michael Holmes, who is Dean of

Admission and Head Football Coach at Leo Catholic High School. They

have three children: Demond (29), Aasha (16) and Aamir (12). They reside on Chicago’s South Side, where they are former members of St. James United Methodist Church.

Retired Illniois Judge will Speak at New Paradise Church on Aug. 28

Josesph Karanja

Patricia Brown Holmes,

Page 9 • August 18, 2011 HEALTH

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Preparation for back to school is in motion. There are many things to

prepare for as time is fastily approach-ing for the 2011-12 school year. One of the first, is preparing your kindergar-ten or preschool child to get ready and be able to learn by taking advantage of the free hearing and vision clinics.

Children entering school with undiag-nosed hearing or vision problems will often have trouble learning, including reading or following instructions. To avoid these problems and make sure that children entering school are ready to read, listen and learn, it is important that their hearing and vision be screened by a professional before entering kin-dergarten.

Not only is hearing and vision screening important to make sure chil-dren are ready to learn, it is also a Michigan State Law. Since October 11, 1996, Michigan House Bill 5094 has required that children entering kinder-garten present a statement signed by a professional to school officials confirm-ing that they have received hearing and vision screening.

“Screenings are required by the Public Health Code. We encourages parents who have children 3½ years or older that will be attending a preschool program this fall to have their children screened at one of the upcoming clinics. Home-schooled children ages three to five are also encouraged to participate in the hearing and vision screenings as well. If a child had previously been screened between the ages of three and five years of age prior to entering kin-dergarten, it is not necessary to repeat it,” states Frederick Johansen, M.D., Medical Director for BCHD.

The required hearing and vision screening may be done FREE by a certi-fied Hearing and Vision Technician from the Berrien County Health Department (BCHD) at one of our community clinics

located throughout the county. A signed hearing and vision screening statement may also be obtained by a family physi-cian, pediatrician or an eye doctor.

The parent should provide to the school one of the following documents:• A preschool screening form completed by a Berrien County Health Department

certified hearing and vision techni-cian. The form is available on the Berrien County Health Department web page at www.bchdmi.org, click

on Hearing and Vision Program link• The back section of the green physical form completed by the family physician, pediatrician or technician• A letter/statement from an eye doctor• A form provided from Headstart that indicates hearing and vision was done• A written and signed statement from the parent that their child may not be screened due to religious convictions

The best time to have your child screened is spring or summer so if there is a problem there is enough time to receive treatment if necessary, before school starts.

Unless otherwise stated clinics are 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.,at the following locations, dates and times:•Monday,August 22: BCHD--Benton Harbor, 2106 S. M-139.•Thursday, August 25: BCHD--Niles: 1205 N. Front Street, 1:30-3:30 p.m.•Monday, August 29: Orchard’s Mall Community Center, Benton Harbor, 9 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 2 - 6 p.m. •Wednesday, August 31: Benton Harbor Charter School, 455 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor. •Thursday, September 1: BCHD--Benton Harbor, 769 Pipestone.• Wednesday, September 7: BCHD--Niles, 1205 N. Front Street.

No appointment are necessary. For additional information, call Dawn Mitchell at (269) 926-7121 ext. 5292 or Kelly Clark at (269) 684-2800 ext. 6525.

FREE Public Hearing and Vision Screenings

“Hearing and vision screening is impor-

tant to make sure children are ready to learn, it is also a Michigan State Law.

Stroke and Heart disease continue to be leading causes of death. There

are non-invasive, painless, low cost ultrasound screenings available that can help save lives by detecting underly-ing conditions associated with stroke and heart attack. The conditions for stroke and heart disease are often very silent, yet if identified are treatable and predominantly preventable. Life Line Screening will be providing these Stroke and Vascular screenings soon for Benton Harbor residents. Benton Harbor Public Library will be the site for a screening on Friday, August 26, 2011

Screenings will be offered for carot-id artery blockage, peripheral arterial

disease, abdominal aortic aneurysms, atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis as well as several blood tests. These tests are an important step and should be continued with preventive health actions, particu-larly if conditions such as high choles-terol, high blood pressure, diabetes exist or if there is a family history of stroke and vascular disease. Screenings are an important part of an annual health regi-men, combined with regular physician checkups.

Schedule an appointment for one of these upcoming screening by calling toll free to 877-792-8480 or go online to www.lifelinescreening.com/commu-nity-partners.

Stroke, Vascular Screenings at Benton Harbor Library - Aug. 26

Lakeland HealthCare is offering Smoke-Free Life, a series of free presenta-

tions and support sessions to help people quit smoking. The next presentation will be held on Thursday, August 25, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center, Lakeland Health Park, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. Edmund Paloyan, MD, Hematologist/Oncologist, of Lakeland Cancer Specialists, will explore the health risks of smoking, the benefits of quitting, the reasons why it is so difficult to quit, and available support resources, including medications.

Working in concert with the monthly Smoke-Free Life presentations are support sessions called “Beat the Pack.” These meetings address the behavioral aspects of quitting and provide additional tools to help participants stay quit, including moti-vational handouts and peer support. The support sessions are ongoing, and partici-pants can attend them at any time and for any length of time. Upcoming times and

locations of the meetings are as follows:•Tuesdays, August 16, 23--12:00 to 12:30 p.m. Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles--6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph•Tuesdays, September 6 and 13--6 to 7 p.m.: Lakeland Commu-nity Hospital, Watervliet • Tuesdays, October 4 and 11--6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles • Tuesdays, November 1 and 8--6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph

Visit www.lakelandhealth.org/smoke-free or call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544 for more information or to register for any of the Smoke-Free Life sessions offered by Lakeland HealthCare. Class registration is encouraged; walk-ins wel-come.

“Would You Recognize a Stroke Warning Sign?

Lakeland Offers Smoke-Free Life Program

August 18, 2011 • Page 10COUPONS/CLASSIFIEDS $$$ • MONEY SAVING COUPONS • $$$

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Drivers: BLACK HORSE CARRIERS has signed new business in Benton Harbor, MI . Local Delivery Routes, 4 to 5 stops per route, Home Daily, $1100 plus a week. 5 day work week. These are full-time positions that come with full Benefits, 401K and paid vacation. We also have part time work available. If you have 3 yrs. Exp. and a Class A CDL with a clean MVR. Call 708-478-6020 to schedule an interview or email: michelle.gillette@blackhorsecarriers.com EOE. Drug Testing is a condition of employment

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We are seeking CDLA drivers for Local P&D and DedicatedRoad/Dock positions out of our terminal in New Buffalo. Local-Schedules! Road-New Drivers Earning Up to $1000+/wk. Road- $500 Sign-On Bonus. Scheduled Increases! Paid Holidays and Vacations! Health & 401K Benefits! CDL-A w/Hazmat and Dbles End Req. Min 3-6mos Exp.

866-700-7582 www.gocentraltransport.com

PART-TIME POLICE OFFICER NEEDED

The City of Benton Harbor currently has job openings for the following position: Part Time Police Officer. To view job qualifications, visit the City website, www.ben-tonharborcity.com or email Leslie Shupert at lshupert@bhcity.org. Deadline to apply is 8/22/2011.

BS/advAugust 18, 2011_______________________

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYROLL/BOOKKEEPERNO Experience necessary.

Salary Commensurate, and takes little of your time.Requirements: -Should be a computer literate,must be effi-cient and dedicated.Please send resume to: distri-butionspcompany@gmail.com

BS/adv.: August 18, 2011_________________________ SALES REPS NEEDED

Expericed sales reps needed for Michianan area. Send resume to:editor@bentonspiritnews.com.

BS/adv.August 18, 2011______________________

Exe. Assistant NeededBenton Spirit Newspaper is in need of an Executive Assistant/Office Manager/Jack-of-Trade for their Benton Harbor office. P.T.: 20 hours (Monday - Thursday).

Excellenct clerical and orga-nizational skills, typing 50+ wpm, Microsoft Office, profes-sional written and oral skills, good telephone voice, able to follow through, be detailed, work with little supervision, and a thinker. This person needs to be discreet and dependable. Start immedi-ately.

Send resume, w/cover letter why you want this position, and your salary requirements (must be included), and three references to:editor@bentonspiritnews.com.

BS/adv.August 18, 2011

City of Benton Harbor Town Hall Announcement

The City of Benton Harbors will have its August Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, August 31st, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. located at The Business Growth Center at 200 Paw Paw; Room 116.

Updates on ongoing and pend-

ing developments will be discussed. The public will also have the opportunity to view the new Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) for fire sup-pression. Benton Harbor Area Schools and Cornerstone

Alliance will also provide updates on key initiatives in their organizations.

BS/adv.August 18, 2011

EMPLOYMENT

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2000 M-139•Benton Harbor(269) 925-9872

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PUBLIC NOTICE

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CALL(269) 926-4241

EDUCATIONAugust 18, 2011 • Page 11

We are Benton Harbor Charter School.

We would love your family to join ours!

(269) 925.3807

BUSINESS August 18, 2011 • Page 12

Th e Michiana

A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a n Chamber of C o m m e r c e

( M A A C C ) i s currently work-

ing with eight (8) African-American Businesses. For a two-year period, all new and existing businesses will go through its MAACC Business Incubator Program, which consists of many training and mentoring compo-nents. The program includes: devel-oping a solid business plan, design-

ing a marketing strategy, and finding the necessary financial resources that match the type of business in incuba-tion.

As President of this organization, I believe that in order for black busi-nesses to survive, they need certain pre-requisites. First, black business owners need to understand that they must be properly trained in all aspects of business development and man-agement in order to build a sustain-able business. Second, the African- American community needs to rec-ognize what other minority groups have known all along, that is, we

must patronize our own businesses. In order for black business to be suc-cessful, our dollars must be recycled at a minimum of five to six times in communities of color. That is a tall order, to be sure, but it can be attained. We reach that goal by changing the mindset of how and where we spend our hard earned cash. Statistically, black-spending power is set to peak over 910 billion dollars in 2011. With such a huge potential, why not recycle our wealth into something that we own ourselves? Vice-President Kenny Harper and I have always shared the vision of self-empowerment, where

the chains of supply and demand in our community are managed by us and for us.

Rather than looking for some-one to help us, African Americans should only look to themselves to make changes in the business land-scape. We achieve that purpose by staying focused, being supportive of one another, and above all, getting rid of that mindset of hate and indif-ference from our midst. From where Vice–President Harper and I stand, the only missing link in the way of progress and sustainable businesses is UNITY in communities of color.

Message from the Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce (MAACC)

“Where We Are Today?”By Glenn Williams, President, Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce

• The percentage of blacks in America is growing, and so is the amount of money blacks have available to spend on goods and services, according to a study released this week.

• The study entitled, "African-Americans Revealed," based on a BET survey of 80,000 black consumers over 18 months, showed a 10 percent increase in America’s black population between 2000 and 2008 and 55 percent increase in black buying power over the same period.

• According to the survey, black buying power is estimated now at about $913 billion and is projected to increase to $1.2 trillion by 2013.

• Another independent study released in November by the Selig Center at the University of Georgia supports those numbers. The study estimated that black buying power would be about $1.1 trillion by 2014, with current spending power for blacks at about $910 billion.

These are some stats from a BET (Black Entertainment Television) survey for your thoughtful reflection:

Community News from Michiana African-American Chambers of Commerce

Michiana African-American Chamber of Commerce“From Benton Harbor, MI to South Bend, IN...We are here to assist and serve Michiana small businesses”

33702 W. Sample , Suite 106, South Bend, IN ¶ (574) 287-3000www.maaccmeansbiz.org

Glenn Williams

Marketplace Coming to Michiana Later this month a group of Micro-

Vendors will begin learning about best busi-ness practices, under the MAACC Incubator Program. Along with selling merchandise, vendors will be tasked with completing busi-ness education classes, developing a business plan, learn what is required to sustain their businesses after completing the two year pro-gram. Currently there are ten (10) businesses enrolled in this program.

The official name of the market is the “Sample Street Markets”, and is scheduled to open in about two weeks with a grand opening celebration. The market location is 3702 W. Sample Street. The market will be opened weekly from Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will sell merchandise, ranging from cosmetics and perfumes to women’s clothing and from fruit baskets to floral arrangements and more. The Chamber is also looking for an addi-tional two to three vendors to completely fill the available space in the market. For more information, please contact the Chamber office at (574) 287-3000.

Free Legal AssistanceApplications are available for free Notre

Dame law student assistance for minority businesses, particularly those on the west side of South Bend. If your business is inter-ested in participating, feel free to contact the MAACC office for your PDF copy.

Black Business ExpoWe have tentatively scheduled the

Black Business Expo to be held in October 2011 at the Century Center-Downtown South Bend. Businesses that are interested in participating, please contact the MAACC office at 574-287-3000. There are only 70 booths available. Secure your spot today!

Black Business MagazineThe Michiana African-American

Chamber of Commerce will publish its first business magazine. Please stay tuned and get ready to take out an ad. A small ad will be given to all businesses for the first year. If you would like a larger ad, ad sizes and cost will published in the next publication.

Regular Monthy Meeting MAACC's regular monthly meetings are held each third Thursday of the

month in the meeting room at the Sample Street Business Complex located at 3702 W. Sample Street, Suite 106-South Bend, Indiana, starting promptly at 6:30 PM. This month’s special guest will be Dan Jones, President of the Business Development Coorporation.

Business Development Corporation (BDC), a nonprofit company provid-ing financial packages for small businesses, recently presented its second annu-al Bank of the Year and Banker of the Year Awards at a reception recognizing its area banking partners.

BDC works with banks to offer supplemental, long-term, fixed-rate loans to help small businesses expand their operations. The awards honored outstand-ing achievement in working through the Small Business Administration’s 504 Loan Program with BDC.

Founded in 1983, Business Development Corporation offers supplemental long-term, fixed-rate loans for the development and expansion of small busi-nesses in order to provide the financial backing and support to help the business community succeed. The primary method of assistance is through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program, a national financing pro-gram that recognizes the contributions of expanding small- and medium-sized businesses toward job growth in the United States. The program funds projects for land, buildings and equipment. Business Development Corporation has sup-ported entrepreneurs and established business owners in retaining and creating over 3,000 employment opportunities, bringing stability and revitalization to northern Indiana. Further information is available at www.bdcloan.com.

Come hear what Dan Jones has and can do for your business! This Thursday August 18, at MAACC, 3702 W. Sample Street, Suite 106, South Bend, IN, at 6:30 PM.