Life Made Simple 2012

Simple.Life Made

Niles

Dowagiac

Buchanan

Cassopolis

Edwardsburg

Berrien Springs

The information one would need to fully enjoy living in our region and to provide services or opportunities to make life easier.

2 • June 2012 Life Made Simple

2 Ad

DID YOU KNOW...• Student Achievement is our #1 Priority• Full implementation for Reading Recovery• Academic Progress is measured by the NWEA tests in the areas of language, math and reading• Full Day Kindergarten• Great Start Readiness Early Childhood Program• Each elementary building offers art, music, and physical education programs • All teachers are Highly Qualified under the Federal No Child Left Behind requirements• Active athletic and fine arts programs• Vocational opportunities at Van Buren Tech Center• Alternative Ed and Adult Ed opportunities• 759 college credit hours were earned as part of dual enrollment in 2011-12 with Southwestern Michigan College saving parents a total of $104,173 in tuition costs•100% of the Class of 2012 plan for definite post-secondary educa-tion after graduation• The Class of 2012 earned a total of $643,936 in scholarships• The Dowagiac Board of Education, Administration, Staff, Par-ents, and Community are engaged in a Strategic Planning Process to ensure the quality of our school district for the future• Students have an opportunity to interact with world renowned artists and authors during the Dogwood Fine Arts Festival

Dowagiac Union Schools243 S. Front Street

Dowagiac, Michigan269-782-4400

www.dowagiacschools.org

Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel

Deputy Superintendent Dawn Conner

The Board of Education meets the third Monday of each month, City Hall Council Chambers, 7:00 p.m.

School Board Members•Mark Dobberstein 27611 Mathews St., Dowagiac 269-782-4177Term expires: 2012• Michelle Helmuth 57250 Wilbur Hill Road, Dowagiac269-591-1176Term expires: 2013•Stacy Leversen 29401 Pine Row Trail, Dowagiac 269-782-0717Term expires: 2012• Larry Seurynck 55945 Inn-D-Inn, Dowagiac 269-782-2559Term expires: 2014• Julia Smith23705 McKenzie St., Dowagiac269-783-0991Term expires: 2014• Ronda Sullivan 107 Cora Street, Dowagiac269-783-0349Term expires: 2015

•Claudia Zebell 51701 Leach Road, Dowagiac269-424-7701Term expires: 2015

Union High School701 W. Prairie Ronde, DowagiacGeneral Office: 269-782-4420Serves Grades 9-12School Mascot: Chieftains (since 1928)School Colors: Orange and BlackNamed a Best High School Bronze Medal Winner in 2012 by US News & World Report

Dowagiac Middle SchoolMatt Severin, Principal57072 Riverside Drive, Dowagiac General Office: 269-782-4440Serves Grades 6-7-8

Justus Gage Elementary SchoolMarcy Hendress, Principal301 Oak Street, Dowagiac General Office: 269-782-4460Serves Grades K-5

Kincheloe Elementary School25121 Gage Street, Dowagiac General Office: 269-782-4464Serves Grades K-5

Patrick Hamilton Elementary SchoolHeather Nash, Principal614 Spruce Street, DowagiacGeneral Office: 269-782-4450Serves Grades K-5

Sister Lakes Elementary SchoolGretchen Hart, Principal 68079 M-152, Benton HarborGeneral Office: 269-782-4468Serves Grades K-5

Pathfinders Alternative/Adult Educa-tion501 N. Paul Street, Dowagiac General Office: 269-782-4471Serves Grades 7-12 & GED

TechnologyRandy Gross, DirectorGeneral Office: 269-782-4477

AthleticsBrent Nate, Athletic DirectorGeneral Office: 269-782-4470

Maintenance/FacilitiesDave Daniels, DirectorGeneral Office: 269-782-4480

TransportationKevin Kelm, SupervisorGeneral Office: 269-782-4482

“Respect, Responsibility, Trust”Dowagiac Union Schools

•Dowagiac established the first public school from tax dollars west of Detroit in 1840•The Class of 2012 was the 148th to graduate.

Life Made Simple June 2012 • 3

TOC

TABLE OF CONTENTS BERRIEN SPRINGS

page 5

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

JESSICA SNIVELYpage 5

BUCHANANpage 9

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: JERRY FLENAR

page 9

CASSOPOLISpage 13

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:

CAROL BENJAMINpage 15

DOWAGIACpage 19

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: HALEY ROBBINSpage 19

EDWARDSBURGpage 30

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: TANDA STIFFLERpage 30

NILESpage 40

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: SCOTT CROUCHpage 40

NILES TOWNSHIPpage 52

photo/ANDREA SCHUENEMAN

photo/JOHN EBY



photo/JOHN EBY


photo/ANDREA SCHUENEMAN COVER PHOTO: McCoy Pond Park, Buchanan.Leader Publications cover design and photo/ANDREA SCHUENEMAN


4

Fun For Kids

Cranberry Lake Campground • Seasonal Sites Available • Great Fishing • Boat Rental & Launch

(269) 646-3336www.campcranberrylake.com

6597 Smith Rd • Berrien Center, MI(269) 471-1396

www.fivepines.orgVisit us onFacebook

Day Camp • Challenge Ropes Course Retreat Lodging • Hayrides • Low Ropes Initiatives Activity Center • Youth Program “Five Pines Live”

Winter Activities - Tubing and Cross-Country Skiing

THEHISTORIC &BEAUTIFULDOWAGIACRIVER

DOE-WAH-JACK’SM-51 North, Dowagiac, MICall for Reservations (888) 782-7410 • www.paddledcri.com

CANOE& KAYAK

TABLE OF CONTENTS:BEST-KEPT SECRETS

Lemon Creek Fabrics

PAGE 8

Old Rugged Cross Church

PAGE 21

Eddie MuseumPAGE 26

History Center at Courthouse SquarePAGE 38

El Amigo PepePAGE 47

weekendNew Buffalo/Three OaksPAGE 55

Coloma/WatervlietPAGE 58

BridgmanPAGE 59

South Bend/Mishawaka/ GrangerPAGE 60


5 Berrien Springs

BERRIEN SPRINGS

By CRAIG HAUPERTcraig.haupert

@leaderpub.com

Andrews Un ivers i ty Academy student Jessica Snively spent a good por-tion of last summer teach-ing children about archi-tecture at the Berrien Springs university’s Renais-sance Kids camp

Snively says she loves ar-chitecture and giving back to the community, so volunteering at the camp was the perfect fit for the South Bend resi-dent.

“There is so many peo-ple in my life who have helped me get through things and attain goals, and I feel like helping out in the community is a way to show my apprecia-tion,” Snively said. “I want to help make someone’s life and little more joyful and, if possible, improve it.”

Snively is also involved wi th the un ivers i ty ’ s church, where she volun-teers at the children’s li-brary and plays guitar during daily chapel ser-

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:J E S S I C A S N I V E L Y

vices.Snively has been playing

guitar in the song service for the past three years.

“I love playing, and it’s another way for me to help,” she said.

Snively, who will be a se-nior next year, also acts as a representative for her class at Andrews Acade-my, where she attends class government meet-ings and plans student ac-t iv i t ies , wh ich occur throughout the school

year.Snively is looking forward

to teaching the next round of children coming through Andrews Universi-ty’s Renaissance Kids camp, which runs from June through July.

Snively took part in the camp as a sophomore. When she was too old to attend, the university cre-ated a volunteer position for her.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Snively said.

GOVERNMENT112 N. Cass St., Berrien SpringsPhone: (269) 473-1188Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m.

BERRIEN COUNTY FAIR

Aug. 13-189122 Old U.S. 31, Berrien Springs, Mich.www.bcyf.org(269) 473-4251Midway, 4-H events, vendors, circus, truck and tractor pull, Bullmania featuring bull riding, motocross and grandstand head-liners Justin Moore and Bret Mi-chaels.

DEMOGRAPHICSPopulation: 1,862Race: White: 77.12 percentAfrican-American: 11.06 percentHispanic/Latino: 8.92 percentMedian household income: $32,396

CLINICLakeland Ear, Nose and Throat 9045 U.S. 31 Suite 3 Berrien Springs, MI 49103 Phone: (269) 471-9702 Fax: (269) 471-9707

LEGISLATORSSteven Pscholka, R-Stevensville, state representative for District 79, N-1098 House Office Build-ing P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48933, (888) 656-0079, [email protected].

John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail: P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Ray-burn House Office Building,

Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected].

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-4822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: [email protected].

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C.

20510, Email: [email protected].

Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARYBerrien Springs Community Li-brary215 West Union St.Berrien Springs(269) 471-7074

PARKSn Wolf’s Prairie Park, South Cass Street— Playground, picnic facilities, waterfront of Lake Chapin/Ber-rien Springs Hydro Electric Damn Love Creek Nature Center, 9292 Huckleberry Rd., Berrien Springs— Trails for hiking, cross-coun-try skiing and biking, naturalist service center offering natural history programs

continued on page 7

Submitted photo

Andrews University Academy student Jessica Snively, second from the right in the back, helped teach this group of students involved in the university’s Renaissance Kids Camp.


6

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7

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continued from page 5

PARKS CONT.n Berrien Springs Recreation Dept., 1 Sylvester Rd., Berrien Springs

POLICE AND FIREVillage of Berrien SpringsPolice: (269) 471-2813Fire: (269) 471-7759

SCHOOLSBerrien Springs Public SchoolsOne Sylvester Ave., Berrien SpringsContact: 269-471-2891, ho-meoftheshamrocks.orgBerrien Regional Education Ser-vice Agency711 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien SpringsContact: 269-471-7725, berrien-resa.org

SENIOR CENTERCentral County Senior Center4083 East Shawnee Rd. (269) 471-2017

UTILITIESDepartment of Public Works(269) 473-6921

Natural GasSemco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Website: www.semcoenergygas.com

ElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424(800) 492-5989Website: www.indianamichigan-power.com

Berrien County Fair draws horse lovers from the region.

Leader Publications file photo


8 Buchanan

BEST-KEPT SECRET in southwest Michigan: Lemon Creek Fabrics

By KATE STONELeader Publications

In an age where large companies rule the business world, Lemon Creek Fabrics, a small mom-and-pop store in downtown Berrien Springs, continues to thrive.

Judi and John Dougan, both in their mid-60s, have been running Lemon Creek Fabrics for 19 years.

“I was teaching pottery at An-drews University when I suffered from a herniated disc,” Judi said. “ John then suggested we open a store, and things just fell into place.”

John has a background in busi-ness, while Judi has experience with garment design.

“It was an easy transition from garment to interior design,” Judi said. “You just have to find a source or a channel where the ex-cess goods are coming from clearing houses. It’s a matter of contacts. I’ve been blessed with great contacts.”

Fabric supplies come from many locations for a variety of reasons. If a company orders fab-ric and it arrives too late, the company will then sell it at a much cheaper cost. Fabric is also resold if a company ordered too many rolls, or simply just had leftover materials.

Since the Dougans are able to purchase their supplies at a lower cost, they can also sell at a lower cost. The fabrics sold at Lemon Creek Fabrics are 50 to 90 per-cent off retail price, which great-ly benefits both the buyer and the seller.

“If you want to get into busi-ness, you have to find something people need,” Judi said. “If you do something well, especially if it is unique, people will come to

you. The world comes to us.”Lemon Creek

Fabrics sells high-end goods, most of which couldonly otherwise befound at a market. The Dougans take pride in the quality and variety of their fabrics as well as the ser-vice they provide to the consum-ers.

Lemon Creek Fabrics not only provides goods and services to local customers, but also to tex-tile artists countrywide. Com-mercial sales make up 40 percent of their business, while the re-maining 60 percent comes from retail clients from Chicago, Lake Michigan and surrounding lake residents and visitors and the lo-cal population. It is a homegrown store with only one location, on Ferry Street in Berrien Springs.

Even though it is a business, the Dougans act as if their store were merely a hobby of theirs.

“We like to have fun,” Judi said. “Customers come in and they play with the fabrics. I can be upstairs when I hear the bell and one of my regulars will say, ‘Don’t bother coming down. I’m just going to play around for a bit.’ I really enjoy helping people make their homes beautiful. “

This relaxed and happy envi-ronment creates a calm atmo-sphere that assures visitors that the Dougans are friendly people who will spend two hours help-ing a single customer.

“We enjoy what we do and we have no plans for retirement,” Judi said. “We’re having too much fun.”

John and Judi Dugan have run Lemon Creek Fabrics in Berrien Springs for 19 years. The store is popular for its wide slection of high-end fabrics. Commercial sales account for 40 percent of its business.

Lemon Creek Fabrics is located at 119 West Ferry St., Berrien Springs. Call (269) 473-2201.Leader Publications file photos


9


@leaderpub.com

For the past 30 years, Jerry Flenar has devoted much of his time to mak-ing his hometown of Bu-chanan a better place to live.

The 64-year-old has held almost every office in the Buchanan Lions Club, of which he has been a member for 27 years. He volunteers with the Buchanan Garden Club, is a Friend of Oak Ridge Cemetery and a member o f the Bu-chanan Area Chamber of Commerce.

He served on the Bu-chanan Board of Educa-tion for 13 years, includ-ing 10 as president. He is also president of the Bu-chanan Buckteens Reun-ion, a class reunion for 40-plus year graduates of Buchanan High School.

If there is a community service project out there,

chances are Flenar has done it.

“I just think Buchanan is a great town,” said Fle-nar, a 1965 graduate. “It has been good to me and my family and we believe we should give something back to it.”

Flenar is a recipient of the Buchanan Area C h a m b e r o f C o m -m e r c e ’ s L i f e t i m e Achievement Award for Volunteering.

He is most proud of his work with the Lions Club, including purchasing a wheelchair and service dog for two needy kids.

He has also enjoyed fa-cilitating the Buchanan B u c k t e e n s R e u n i o n , which takes place on the second Sunday in June at the high school. About 480 people attend the re-union a year ago, up from 460 the year prior.

“It is probably one of the most worthwhi le things,” he said. “You get t o s e e p e o p l e y o u

BUCHANAN

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:J E R R Y F L E N A R

haven’t seen in a long time. A lot of memories are shared.”

Flenar said Buchanan has been a great place for him and his wife, LeeAnn, to raise their two children. He is deter-mined to help keep it that way.

“I am going to contin-ue to volunteer as long as I can,” Flenar said.

UTILITIESElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichigan-power.com

GOVERNMENTCity of Buchanan302 North Redbud Trail, Buchan-an, MI 49107(269) 695-3844www.cityofbuchanan.comThe city commission meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m. at city hall.

DEMOGRAPHICSBuchanan:Population: 4,681Race:White: 86.26 percentAfrican-American: 10.23 percentHispanic/Latino: 1.84 percent

FARMERS’ MARKETBuchanan Farmers’ Market112 Days Ave., Buchanan8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday

LEGISLATORSSharon Tyler, R-Niles, state rep-resentative for District 78, Office Phone: (888) 373-0078, Mail: 1097 Anderson House Office Building, Lansing, MI 48909, Email: [email protected].


U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Ray-burn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected]. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-4822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: [email protected].

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: [email protected].


LIBRARYBuchanan District Library128 E. Front St.(269) 695-3681www.buchananlibrary.org

PARKSn Kathryn Park, 4th and Mocca-sin streets— Playgroundn McCoy Creek Park, off of Smith Street— Softball/baseball fields, play-ground, picnic facilities, shelter available for rentn McCoy Pond Park, Red Bud Trail and Front Streetn Veteran’s Memorial, picnic facilities, access to McCoy Creekn Old City Hall Park, Oak and Front streets— Gardens, home of Arbor Day — Celebrations each Apriln Victory Park, Victory and

Arctic streets— Basketball court, play equip-ment, benches

POLICE AND FIRE

City of BuchananPolice: (269) 695-5120Fire: (269) 695-5592

HOT SPOT EATERYWheatberry Restaurant and Tav-ern15212 N. Red Bud Trail(269) 697-0043Known for its selection of micro brews, baby back ribs

continued on page 12

Submitted photo

Longtime Buchanan resident Jerry Flenar kneels with his grandson, Adam Flenar.


10

Buchanan

Specially Designed1 Bedroom Apartments For

Seniors and Disabled Persons


Seniors and Disabled PersonsOffice Hours: Mon-Fri 12:30pm - 5:00pm

Rent Based on Income • TDD: (800) 649-3777Centrally located within walking distance of shopping,

banking and medical offices. Furnished with major appliances and fully carpeted. Laundry in each building.

Community room available for residents to gather and relax.

Mill Pond Apartments800 E. Smith St., Buchanan • (269) 695-0475


Farmers’ MarketOpen Saturdays May through October 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Located Downtown Buchanan

The Common“Stop, Lunch & Listen” plays put on during the noon-hour throughout the summer.

Tin Shop Theatre“Peter Pan and Wendy” Adapted by Doug RandBeginning July 27

The Great Ice Cream SchemeBy Billy St. John Beginning Sept. 8

The Buchanan Farmers’Market. Find your favorite

fresh produce, breads & specialty products

Downtown BuchananEvery Saturday

May thru October8 am - 1 pm

on the BuchananCommon Grounds


11

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12

Worship

ooCOMMUNITY C H U R C Hh2390 Lake Street - Niles

Saturday 6pm Sunday 9 & 10:30am

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Please join us for worship... hopeofniles.com

LetFaith be your GuideLetFaith be your Guide

curious kids’museum

At Silver Beach(269) 982-8500333 Broad Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085

On the Bluff(269) 983-2543Lake Boulevard

St. Joseph, MI 49085

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Discovery Zone by Curious Kids’ Museum SCHOOLS

Buchanan Community Schools401 W. Chicago St., Buchanan(269) 695-8400www.buchananschools.com

SENIOR CENTERBuchanan Area Senior Center810 Rynearson (269) 695-7119

UTILITIESElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

Municipal UtilitiesDepartment of Public WorksLocated: 302 North Redbud Trail, BuchananPhone: (269) 695-3844Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Website:www.cityofbuchanan.com

Natural GasSemco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Website:www.semcoenergygas.com

Leader Publications photo/CARLA COLE

Buchanan’s Thrill on the Hill was a hit during the height of winter.


13 Cassopolis

Food and Fun

• CarnivalRides•FoodVendors•Arts&CraftsonSaturday &Sundaywithover190 booths•Parades•Contests•FreeEntertainment•Andmuch,muchMORE foralltoenjoy!

www.fourflagsapplefestival.org

(269) 782-7908Silver Creek Plaza

DowagiacAdditional locations in Coloma, Benton

Harbor, South Haven and Watervliet.

AB090073

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CASSOPOLISGOVERNMENT

Village of Cassopolis117 South Broadway, second floor-suite 100, Cassopolis, MI 49031Phone: (269) 445-8648; fax, (269) 445-2052.Council meets the second Mon-day at 7 p.m.

CASS COUNTY FAIRJuly 29 through Aug. 4590 N. O’Keefe St., Cassopolis, Mich.www.casscountymifair.comMidway, 4-H events, vendors, supercross, parade, pickup truck

and semi pulls, demolition derby, rodeo, firefighter show and more.

DEMOGRAPHICSn Population: 1,740n Race:— White: 54.6 percent— African-American: 32.59 per-cent— Hispanic/Latino: 2.18 percentn Median household income: $28,696


Leader Publications photo/KATIE ROHMAN

Local children participate in the Memorial Day service.


14

Knowing Is…a Helping Hand

We Know Insurance.You KnowUs.Let’s Talk.

60267 Century Drive, Cassopolis | 269-445-2425 | 800-228-7855 | kemneriottcass.comPersonal & Business Insurance | Bonds | Financial Services

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18 holes with cart for four golfers

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18 Holes 18 HolEs (with cart)

Weekdays ..................... $24.00Weekends ...................... $28.00seniors only (week days) .......................... $20.00

FARMERS’ MARKET604 S. Disbrow St., Cassopolis, Mich.8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday May through September

HEALTH CAREBorgress-Lee Internal Medicine and Family Practice117 South Broadway(269) 445-0771

Cassopolis Family Clinic109 School St. (269) 445-3874

LEGISLATORS

Matt Lori, R-Constantine, state representative for District 59, Of-fice Phone: (877) 262-5959, Mail: N-933 House Office Build-ing, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48933, Email: [email protected].

John Proos, R-St. Joseph, state senator for District 21, Office Phone: (517) 373-6966, Mail:

P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Ray-burn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected].

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-4822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Of-fice Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: [email protected].


Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909

continued page 16


15

Farm Market & GreenhousesIn Cassopolis, 21765 M-60 (State St.)269-445-8715

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The Timbers of Cass County55432 Colby St. • Dowagiac, MI

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M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:C A R O L B E N J A M I N


@leaderpub.com

Carol Benjamin wants to bring about a positive change in her hometown of Cassopolis.

She also wants her 13-year-old son to choose to stay in Cassopolis when he grows up.

Benjamin, a member of the Cassopolis Planning Commission, has a few ideas on how to make it happen.

She cal ls her ideas, Cassoportunities.

“All the Cassoportunities projects I’ve pulled to-gether have been done in other communities and I am hoping to attract

those who have a passion for one or more of the projects and will jump in and be a doer,” Benjamin said.

“What doesn’t work so well is for an individual to try to do it all themself.”

There are more than a dozen projects laid out in her Cassoportunities proj-ect packet, including the Cassopolis Community Gardens.

The gardens are located in a fenced in area on East Street between John-son Street and Harding Street.

She wants it to resemble the successful community gardens project in Niles, and one day get the local schools involved in it.

‘This year is more about getting it started,” she said.

“It may not be a full gar-den this year, it might be a large pumpkin patch and sunflowers, but some-thing will be done so it is in a better position for next year as more people

get onboard.”Another of Benjamin’s

projects involves growing the Cassopolis Farmer’s Market.

Benjamin said more farms would need to get involved, including local Community Supported Agriculture operations.

Leader Publications photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Carol Benjamin, of the Cassopolis Planning Commission, looks through a fence at the site she hopes will one day be home to the Cassopolis Community Gardens.


16


LIBRARYCass District Library319 M-62(269) 445-3400

PARKSn Don Horne Park, off of M-62— Picnic facilities, restrooms, baseball/softball fields, two small pavilions available for rentn Clisbee Park, off of North Broadway— Playgroundn Southside Park, S. O’Keefe and M-62— Picnic facilities, playgroundn Log Cabin Park, located off of Stone Lake — Observation deck, restrooms

POLICE AND FIREVillage of CassopolisPolice: (269) 445-8100Fire: (269) 445-2519


Ron Bass Park


17

Cass County Sheriff’s Department Phone: (269) 445-8644

HOT SPOT EATERYTastee Twirl220 S. Broadway St.(269) 445-3837Known for cheeseburgers, fries, fish

SCHOOLSCassopolis Public Schools63700 Brick Church Rd., CassopolisContact: 269-445-0500, cassopolis.k12.mi.us

Lewis Cass Intermediate School District61662 Dailey Rd.(269) 445-3891www.lewiscassisd.org

SENIOR CENTERCass County Council on Aging60525 Decatur Rd. (269) 445-8110

continued page 18Leader Publications photo

The Pioneer Museum in Cassoppolis helps teach the area’s heritage.


18

Real Estate

Jerry Bolock(574) 298-6730

Dawn Bolock(574) 220-1249

“Thanks for the Opportunity”69001 M62 Suite D • eDwarDSburg, Mi

(269) 663-8800

ROTHWEHRLYGRABER

Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.

Jerry Bolock(754) 298-6730

Dawn Bolock(754) 220-1249

“Thanks for the Opportunity”

69001 M62 Suite D • Edwardsburg, MI

(269) 663-8800

LOUX & HAYDEN REALTYFarm • Residential • Commerical • Lake

Certified Residential Appraiser

125 S. BroadwayCassopolis, MI 49031

Office: 269/445-2633 Fax: 269/445-8293

Toll Free: 269/545-2633

Looking for exceptional home amenities like granite countertops? Walk-in closets and spa-style baths, along with highly efficient features designed to trim energy costs? Consult with experts to get you the home of your dreams!

UTILITIESElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

Municipal Utilities/TrashResidents must sign up through Department of Public WorksCassopolis Village HallLocated: 117 S. Broadway, Suite 100, CassopolisPhone: (269) 445-8648Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Natural GasSemco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Website: www.semcoenergygas.comWikepidia.org photo

Downton Cassopolis



19 Dowagiac

DOWAGIAC

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:H A L E Y R O B B I N S


@leaderpub.com

Living in the United States, most people don’t have to worry about hav-ing enough money to buy a pair of shoes.

That’s not the reality in many places across the world.

That is why Dowagiac graduate Haley Robbins decided to get involved in a program called Soles-4Souls.

Soles4Souls is a Nash-ville-based charity that collects shoes from the warehouses of footwear companies and the clos-ets of donors. The charity distributes these shoes to people in need, regard-less of race, religion, class or any other criteria. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has de-livered more than 17 mil-lion pairs of new and gen-tly worn shoes. The shoes have been distributed to people in over 127 coun-tries, including Kenya, Thailand, Nepal and the United States.

Robbins collected 84

pairs of shoes.“I believe it’s important

to get invoked with your community because it gives a great pride in knowing you did some-thing to change some-one’s life,” Robbins said. “With me, it gave me the biggest smile when I saw the video of children re-ceiving the shoes.

“I enjoy the simple joy that people get when someone else does just

something as little as giv-ing them a pair of shoes.”

Robbins, who volunteers with special needs chil-dren at the Lawrence Learning Center, did the Soles4Souls project with her class at the Van Buren Technology Center.

Robbins, who graduat-ed from Dowagiac High School in June, said peo-ple could get involved by visiting the charity’s web-site at soles4souls.org.

GOVERNMENTCity of Dowagiac241 S. Front St., DowagiacPhone: (269) 782-2195Website: www.cityofdowagiac.comCity council meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m.

DEMOGRAPHICSn Population: 5,879n Mean travel time to work: 20 minutesn Average household income: $32,020n Median home value: $83,600n Race:— White: 73.5 percent— African-American: 14.3 per-cent— Hispanic/Latino: 5.4 percentn Education:— High school diploma: 77.6 percent— Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.5 percentn Gender:— Females: 52.4 percent— Males: 47.6 percent

HEALTH CAREBorgess-Lee Memorial Hospital420 W. High St. (269) 782-8681

Borgess Lee Medical GroupBorgess Lee Bone and Joint420 W. High St.(269) 783-3053

Internal Medicine and Family PracticeOutpatient Surgery, Adult Walk-In Clinic 520 Main St., Suite A(269) 783-3052

Pediatrics and Pediatric Walk-In Clinic 520 Main St., Suite C(269) 783-2080

Internal Medicine 400 W. Division St.Dowagiac(269) 782-2111

Borgess-Lee Cardiology420 W. High St.

Surgical Services515 Main St.(269) 782-2273



U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected].



continued page 23

Submitted photo

Dowagiac student Haley Robbins collected 84 pairs of shoes for a charity program called Soles4Souls.


20

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21

BEST-KEPT SECRET in southwest Michigan: Old Rugged Cross Church

By JOHN [email protected]

Almost 15 years after buy-ing Old Rugged Cross Church in Pokagon, Bob and Molly Shaffer can see an end to their odyssey just in time for its 150th anniversary.

“We’re not there yet, but we’re getting near the end,” Bob said.

Their July 1998 purchase of the former First Methodist Episcopal Church between Dowagiac and Niles — built in 1862 as a hops barn, made into a church in 1876 — led to the formation of The Old Rugged Cross Foundation.

ORCF is a multidenominational, non-profit corporation which owns and manag-es restoration and operation of the land-mark placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Molly spent three years writing a book about their journey, which should be avail-able this fall. The sesquicentennial will be celebrated in September.

“The president has agreed to come,” she said. “Abe Lincoln.”

People from all over the world have visit-ed the church, which is in close proximity to Andrews University in Berrien Springs.

“And yet,” Molly said, “we’ll go to the Cass Fair and meet people who have never heard the story and say we should adver-tise.”

After years of selling $50 commemora-tive bricks, $20 calendars, $20 wooden crosses made of interior lath and soliciting gifts up to $10,000 for a project estimated to cost $2 million, she says she doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“We’re thrilled people who donated can see their money has been put to good use,” she said, explaining the restoration was done with private funds with no federal or state financial entanglements.

The sanctuary, booked for four weddings this year, includes six 12-foot painted lead-ed-glass windows.

There is still work to be done.“We have to put fieldstone around the

base,” Molly, 74, said, “and take the metal (roof) off to put back cut-wood shingles.

Two years after the Rev. George Bennard of Albion debuted the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” during a 1913 revival visit, the building was sold to a farmer who re-moved the sanctuary floor and moved in livestock.

By 1998, its foundation crumbled, sill beams rotted, walls fallen to the ground, roof sagging, windows and bell tower gone, it seemed only overgrown shrubs kept it from collapsing.

“It was very well constructed, but the building had moved off of its footing and actually sat on the walls. The trees were ac-tually stabilizing it. It’s not going to fall down now.

“We’ve got a 14-inch wall and a four-foot crawlspace under the entire building. It’s beyond a restoration,” Bob said.

The church hosts hymn sings the first Sunday each month, May through Decem-ber, at 6 p.m.; and concerts are held the third Sunday at 3 p.m.

The original bell, pul-pit, pump organ and two pews have been

returned. Other pews were reproduced by John Sindelar of Ed-

wardsburg. Dale Lay-man, a Berrien Springs

contractor, replicated the siding.


22

Dowagiac • Sister Lakes • Cassopolis

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56153 m51 South • 269-782-1953

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Portage8800 Shaver Rd.(269)323-0660

Sturgis1111 W. Chicago Rd.

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South HavenOn Phoenix St., 269-639-7788

St. Joseph4025 M-139

(269)429-1707

Beeson st. Bar & Grill105 Beeson, Dowagiac • 782-3554

Kitchen Closed Sundays

Cass District

Library319 M-62 North

Cassopolis, MI 49031(269) 445-3400

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Your Trusted Advisorfor Life, Home & Retirement

Jeff Neumann216 S. Front St. Dowagiac, MI • 269-782-8619 www.farmbureauinsurance.mi.com

Serving the

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For over 27 years!

Simply fabulous clothes, accessories and shoes for ladies who love to shop!

The Marshall Shoppe

Women's Fashions

138 S Front St, Dowagiac MI 49047

269-782-7445Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 l Thursdays till 4:00

Expert advice and all the right supplies for your farm animals & pets.


Your Headquarters for

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Red Raven GiRls Have MoRe Fun!

Seasonal events, great shopping, dining & museumsto explore the fine arts and so much more!

March 31, 2012Easter Eggstravaganza May 11-20, 2012 Dogwood Fine Arts Festival

May 25-26, 2012 - Community WideGarage Sale Weekend

May 27, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast

May 28, 2012 Memorial Day Parade

Thursdays, Beginning May 31, 2012 - Beckwith ParkSummer Concert Series

June 16, 2012 Family Reach Out Free Carnival

June 30, 2012 Big Foot Fourth of July Parade

June 30, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Fireworks

July 7, 2012Lady Lions Craft Bazaar

July 21, 2012Sister Lakes Triathlon & Relay

July 26-28, 2012Summer in the City Sidewalk Sales

July 28, 2012Steve’s Run

July 29 - August 4, 2012 Cass County Fair

August 18, 2012Rod & Roll Classic Auto Show

For more information on any of these events visit www.dowagiacchamber.com

September 1 & 2, 2012Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow

September 2, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast

September 8, 2012Big Foot Monster Golf Tournament

Week of HalloweenTrunk ‘n Treat

October 13, 2012Under the Harvest Moon

November 16, 2012Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration

November 17, 2012Theta Mu Sorority Craft Show

November 24, 2012Dowagiac White Saturday

December 7, 2012Candle-light Christmas Parade

February 2, 2013Dowagiac Ice Time


23

Dowagiac • Sister Lakes • Cassopolis

Your Hometown SearS Premier Store

Sears of Dowagiac John Fox (owner)

56153 m51 South • 269-782-1953

ALL PHASECONSTRUCTION CO.

Residential & Commercial Builder LLC

(269) 782-8396106 Henry St., Dowagiac, MI 49047

CustomizeEvery Inch of Your Home

Additions • New Homes • Remodeling • Cabinets • Doors & Windows • Trim

Let us create a truly unique home that seamlessly meets all of your needs. From floor to rafter, wall to window, you can count on quality

craftsmanship and excellent design at every turn. Talk to us today about your plans for a new home and let us turn your vision into one very

beautiful reality.

ExceptionalKitchens & BathsImagine the convenience. Imagine the beauty. Imagine the luxury. Your kitchen and bath can be everything you’ve always imagined, for a price that’s far less than you’d ever expect.

We provide both the design expertise and can arrange your expert installation.

Free Financing for 6 monthson all kitchen & bath renovations

Limited-time offer. Call for details today!

“Our pros have shown you the right way since 1967!”

Free Design ServiceMonday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 8-1Visit us at: www.hannapel.com

Niles204 S. 11th Street,

(269)684-4050

Kalamazoo370 N. 9th St.(269)372-0340

DowagiacM-51 South

(269)782-7788

Portage8800 Shaver Rd.(269)323-0660

Sturgis1111 W. Chicago Rd.

(269)651-5388

South HavenOn Phoenix St., 269-639-7788

St. Joseph4025 M-139

(269)429-1707

Beeson st. Bar & Grill105 Beeson, Dowagiac • 782-3554

Kitchen Closed Sundays

Cass District

Library319 M-62 North

Cassopolis, MI 49031(269) 445-3400

http://cass.lib.mi.us

Edwardsburg Branch

269.663.5875

Howard Branch

269.684.1680

Mason/Union Branch

269.641.7674

Local History Branch

269.445.0412

75OVER

years

SErvINg tHE CoMMUNIty!

CASS OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

62101 M-62 SOUTH CASSOPOLIS, MI(269) 445-2231

CASS OUTDOOR

POWERServing the Cassopolis Area

Since 1989 – 23 Years!

• Superior Service

• Expert Technicians

• Largest Showroom

in the Area

Your Trusted Advisorfor Life, Home & Retirement

Jeff Neumann216 S. Front St. Dowagiac, MI • 269-782-8619 www.farmbureauinsurance.mi.com

Serving the

Community

For over 27 years!

Simply fabulous clothes, accessories and shoes for ladies who love to shop!

The Marshall Shoppe

Women's Fashions

138 S Front St, Dowagiac MI 49047

269-782-7445Open Mon-Sat 9:30-5:30 l Thursdays till 4:00



Your Headquarters for

Nutro Max Products

L0034839

Quality Products Competitive Prices

269-782-709657470 M-51 South

Dowagiac, MI

Hours: M-F 8:30-6, Sat. 8:30-5

A place where home and fashion come together!

201 S. Front St. l dowagiac l 269-462-9144

Red Raven GiRls Have MoRe Fun!

Seasonal events, great shopping, dining & museumsto explore the fine arts and so much more!

March 31, 2012Easter Eggstravaganza May 11-20, 2012 Dogwood Fine Arts Festival

May 25-26, 2012 - Community WideGarage Sale Weekend

May 27, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast

May 28, 2012 Memorial Day Parade

Thursdays, Beginning May 31, 2012 - Beckwith ParkSummer Concert Series

June 16, 2012 Family Reach Out Free Carnival

June 30, 2012 Big Foot Fourth of July Parade

June 30, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Fireworks

July 7, 2012Lady Lions Craft Bazaar

July 21, 2012Sister Lakes Triathlon & Relay

July 26-28, 2012Summer in the City Sidewalk Sales

July 28, 2012Steve’s Run

July 29 - August 4, 2012 Cass County Fair

August 18, 2012Rod & Roll Classic Auto Show

For more information on any of these events visit www.dowagiacchamber.com

September 1 & 2, 2012Kee-Boon-Mein-Kaa Pow Wow

September 2, 2012Sister Lakes Lions Pancake Breakfast

September 8, 2012Big Foot Monster Golf Tournament

Week of HalloweenTrunk ‘n Treat

October 13, 2012Under the Harvest Moon

November 16, 2012Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration

November 17, 2012Theta Mu Sorority Craft Show

November 24, 2012Dowagiac White Saturday

December 7, 2012Candle-light Christmas Parade

February 2, 2013Dowagiac Ice Time


24

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The sun sets in Dowagiac.Leader Publications photo/ROBERT COOK

A successful play is concluded at a Dowagiac ballfield.Leader Publications photo/LINDA MOSIER


25

Dowagiac Area Federal Credit Union is a locally member owned non-profit financial institution. Our goal is to provide the best service for the best price and help our members achieve their financial goals.

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269-782-5643 57748 M 51 South • Dowagiac

continued from page 21Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office

Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013

Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARYDowagiac District Library211 Commercial St.Dowagiac(269) 782-3826

PARKSn James E. Heddon Park, M-62 East past Colby Street— Picnic facilities, restrooms, boat launch, fishing areas, vehi-cle and trailer parking, Mill Pond accessn Water Tower Park, Clyborn Street, south of East Prairie Ronde— Picnic facilities, benches, playground, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, softball fieldn Optimist Park, South Front Street, south of Chestnut Street— Access to Dowagiac Creek, fishing areas, pedestrian bridgen Rotary Park, Riverside Drive,

south of Hill Street— Picnic facilities, restrooms, playground, skate park, softball/baseball fields, hiking, nature and cross-country skiing trailsn Rudolphi Wildlife Refuge, en-trance on Dailey Road— Parking, nature, hiking and cross-country skiing trailsn Walter Ward Park, Cora Street, south of Pokagon Street— Picnic facilities, playground, fields for soccer or football, bas-ketball courtsn Northwest Park, Wolf Street, west of North Paul Street— Parking, softball fieldn Farr Park, West Division Street and Indiana Avenue— Benchesn Rudy Park, East Division Street (M-62), past VFW Halln Burke Park, triangle of Main, North Lowe and Spruce streetsn Beckwith Park, downtown Dowagiac, corner of Beeson and South Front streets— Gazebo, benchesn Russom Park, 29101 Yaw St., west of Middle Crossing Road

— Dowagiac Little League, baseball/softball fields

POLICE AND FIRECity of DowagiacPolice: (269) 782-6689Fire: (269) 782-9563

HOT SPOT EATERYLutz Drive-In28102 M-152(269) 782-5676Known for Friday night fish fry

SCHOOLSDowagiac Union Schools501 N. Paul St.(269) 782-4471dowagiacschools.org

Calvary Bible Academy27032 Marcellus Highway (269) 782-7296calvarybibleministries.wordpress.com

Southwestern Michigan College58900 Cherry Grove Rd.(269) 782-5113swmich.edu

SENIOR CENTERFront Street Crossing227 S. Front St. (269) 445-8110

UTILITIESElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com(Electric, water and sewer)Located: 241 S. Front St., DowagiacPhone: (269) 782-8200Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Website: www.cityofdowagiac.com

Natural GasSemco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.www.semcoenergygas.com


26

29601 Amerihost DriveDowagiac, MI 49047

www.leisure-living.comTammy Haner, Administrator

Cell: (269) 767-2275

269-782-5300A Leisure Living Managed Community

MISSION STATEMENT: It is the purpose of Forest Glen to honor God by providing high quality senior lifestyle services that promote the value and dignity of every person.

Your Financial advisor

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Charlie Maher(269) 462-9445Registered Principal Financial Advisor

212 South Front Street, Dowagiac, MI 49047 • Member FINRA/SIPC(269) 462-9445 Office • (269) 462-9186 Fax • [email protected]

BEST-KEPT SECRET in southwest Michigan:

Eddie Museum


After 12 years, many people remain unaware Edwardsburg has a three-room museum with a second-floor balcony of artifacts — especially if they travel to the lakes on M-62 from Indiana without taking U.S. 12 west to “Uptown.”

“Some turn and go down to the post office and don’t come down to this block,” according to Ar-gus columnist Jo-Ann Boepple.

“They don’t even know it’s here unless they go toward Niles. It’s one of Edwardsburg’s best-kept secrets.”

It had been a “stagecoach stop,” known as Smith Hotel and Sherman House, until what by then was a rooming house partly burned in a 1986. It’s near the former location of the Uptown Tavern, which, like the old hard-ware store, also burned.

The museum was built with

volunteer labor, like a barn-rais-ing.

“Everything in here comes from Edwardsburg,” said Boep-ple, a former Niles teacher and Edwardsburg principal. “We ac-cept nothing from outside of Ed-wardsburg.”

To view its collection in chron-

Leader Publications photo/JOHN EBY

Edwardsburg’s three-room museum exclusively offers artifacts about the village. It is located on U.S. 12, just west of M-62 in a for-mer “stagecoach stop” hotel.


27

Exhibits at Eddie Museum

n “Artists of Edwardsburg: Past, Present and Future,” tribute to the Harris family until July 4.n July 16-Aug. 29, “World

Travelers of Edwardsburg,” tribute to travel guide Vera Slechtova, the German teach-er who lived adjacent to the museum property.n Sept. 10-Oct. 24, “Quil-

ters of Edwardsburg,” tribute to community stitchers, quil-ters and their work.

n Nov. 5-Dec. 15, “Holiday Collection” of John and Sally Dalrymple, tribute to the holi-days in Edwardsburg.n Nov. 24, holiday open

house.The museum, which closes

Dec. 17, is open every week-day from 1 to 4 p.m.; 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday. The muse-um is located at 28616 Main St. (U.S. 12), Edwardsburg. Admission by donation.

ological order, start in the right corner at Stanley Disher’s clock collection and move counter-clockwise through a revolving town history arranged by busi-nesses, the railroad, farms, with lakes in the back corner.

Clubs and organizations occu-py the other back corner, then

churches.Gazing upward reveals an ar-

ray of military uniforms and quilts along the balcony with the clocks.

Front and center is the featured exhibit, “Artists of Edwards-burg,” inspired by the Harris family, including Raymond, sons

Douglas, Willard, Richard and Charles, all artists, and Charles’ son, Mark, who has an art gal-lery in Bonita Springs, Fla.

A hundred people attended the May 20 open house.

Bette Larson Harris, Charles’ wife, a real estate broker and a 1950 Edwardsburg graduate,

died Aug. 22, 2009, in an auto accident. The Fort Wayne, Ind., resident remembered the muse-um in her will.

“Their families all came, in-cluding cousins who hadn’t seen each other in a long time. It was like a family reunion,” Boepple



Edwardsburg Area Historical Museum’s addition contains a balcony of artifacts. That’s Jo-Ann Boepple in the lower right corner by the Harris family artists exhibit which continues until July 4.


28

Always a Good Time!Always a Good Time!

Jukebox • Pool • Club Keno • Pull Tabs

$1.50 Draft Beer every Day!Friday: All-You-Can-Eat Fish

Saturday: Prime RibOpen Til 2am

55986 Indian Lake Rd. • Dowagiac, MI Off M-62(269) 782-3151

M-Th 11:30am-10pm • Fri & Sat 11:30am-2amSun 11:30am-10pm (except during winter)

Precision Auto & Body269.684.7111 or 269.684.ATOW (2869)

32481 US 12 Niles, MI 49120

Call

One room contains all manner of school memorabilia, from graduation invitations and programs, a diploma from the first class in 1865, the bell from the original

school, yearbooks, prom photos, letter sweaters, cheerleading outfits and class rings.



29

56216 M-51 S Dowagiac, MI • Phone: 782-3426Open daily 8:30 to 8 P.M., Sunday til 5 P.M.

Over 50 years in business and just finished a store wide remodel. We have the products you need to start and finish your project, as well as, helpful, knowledgable associates to help you find the right solutions. You will find what you need in our Plumbing, Electrical, Tool, and Hardware departments. Need a gift, check out our Housewares and Gift departments...we have a huge selection of gifts for ALL occasions. Stop in our Sporting Goods for the latest Technology in bowhunting from Hoyt, Bowtech, Mathews, Parker, etc. Everything you need, from clothing, bows, accessories, our shooting range to fine tune everthing, and Expert Advise! Need electronics? Our Radio Shack has what you need. Everything from the small parts to the big TV, we have it. Update your cell phone with our contract phones from AT&T and Sprint, or get a prepaid phone from Virgin Mobile, Boost, AT&T. We have innovative products like the iPhone 4S and iPad2, Samsung Galaxy S III, and Kindle Fire. We can get you great TV programming with some of the most innovative technology in the business through Dish Network....programming starts at $24.99 a month!

Don’t forget these great services: Screens custom made and repaired, windows repaired, locks re-keyed, pipe cutting & threading, mower blades, scissors, shears sharpened, custom color matching for your paint projects, UPS shipping.

Thank you for your Patronage!

HALE’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE & RADIO SHACK

HALE’S TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

continued from page 27said.

The patriarch was the sort of creative fellow who built the plane whose image the pilot and engineer committed to a canvas. He once left a hole in the garage roof of his house at Eagle Lake for a telescope.

The middle room, or Little House, had small bedrooms and a kitchen, which has since been torn off along the back.

Finally, visitors come to the school room, crammed with all manner of memorabilia, from graduation invitations and pro-grams, a diploma from the first class in 1865, the bell from the original school, yearbooks (in a Class of 1957 aberration, the Yearling yearbook opened side-ways), prom photos, letter sweaters, cheerleading outfits

and class rings.Second-graders touring the

museum were exposed to a baf-fling array of obsolete devices, such as dial telephones and type-writers.

A nonprofit group, which meets Wednesday mornings from 10 to noon, maintains the museum. It relies on contribu-tions and what it makes from its gardens with an annual plant sale over Memorial Day.

A park-like lawn where there used to be a barn, chicken coop and dog kennel and canopied deck in back host events from concerts and teas to the U.S. 12 garage sale and garden parties.

A little white building was Mike’s Takeout, the hamburger stand that stood next to Uptown Tavern — Edwardsburg’s first fast food.

Seldom seen are gardens behind the museum, which figure in the annual Memorial Day plant sale that helps sustain the facility.Leader Publications photo/JOHN EBY


30 Edwardsburg

EDWARDSBURG

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:T A N D A S T I F F L E R


@leaderpub.com

Edwardsburg resident Tanda Stiffler and her hus-band, David, are always on the lookout for Christ-mas toys, no matter what time of the year it is.

Tanda collects toys throughout the year for Operation: Secret Santa, a holiday party for Cass County foster children.

By the time Christmas rolls around, the Stifflers have enough presents to rival Santa Clause.

The children can pur-chase toys with elf bucks e a r n e d b y p l a y i n g games at the holiday party.

“It is so rewarding and so much fun,” Tanda said. “If it is for kids, I am all over it.”

Operation: Secret Santa is one of many ways Tan-da gives back to the Ed-wardsburg community.

Tanda is heavily in-volved with the Edwards-burg Lions Club, which she joined with her hus-band around five years ago.

Tanda was integral in helping the Lions acquire a high-tech camera for Project KidSight, which provides free eye screen-ings for preschool chil-dren.

Through Project Kid-

Sight, the Lions have pro-vided hundreds of chil-dren with free eye screen-ings.

“A lot of kids don’t know they can’t see well and that can affect their per-formance at school,” Tan-da said.

“With this, we can help kids get diagnosed and refer them to an eye doc-tor if they need one.”

Tanda also volunteers countless hours for the Presbyterian Church on Lake Street in Edwards-burg.

She writes articles for the church and is a member of the Presbyterian Wom-en’s Association, which puts on an annual salad smorgasbord and style show.

Tanda said her husband

and daughter, Amy An-derson, are just as in-volved in the community as she is.

Anderson, talent search director for Southwestern Michigan College, has helped turn the Edwards-burg Leos club into the largest in the state, with about 140 members. An-derson, a member of the Edwardsburg Lions Club, serves as adviser to the Leos. She’s also heavily in-volved in running Opera-tion: Christmas Santa.

David has served as President of the Edwards-burg Lions Club.

“It really is a family af-fair,” Tanda said. “If you ask me to do something my husband and daugh-ter will be there too. It is a package deal.”

GOVERNMENTVillage of Edwardsburg26296 U.S. Highway 12P.O. Box 596Edwardsburg, MI 49112Phone: (269) 663-8484Fax: (269) 663-8688Edwardsburg Village Council meets the third Monday at 7 p.m.

DEMOGRAPHICSn Population: 1,147n Race:— White: 94.94 percent— African-American: 0.17 per-cent— Hispanic/Latino: 0.96 percentn Median household income: $33,359

LEGISLATORSMatt Lori, R-Constantine, state representative for District 59, Of-fice Phone: (877) 262-5959, Mail: N-933 House Office Build-ing, P.O. Box 30014, Lansing, MI 48933, Email: [email protected].


U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Ray-burn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected].


U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-6221, Mail: 459 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, Email: [email protected]. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail:

P.O. Box 30013Lansing, MI 48909

LIBRARYCass District Library Mason/Union Branch

17049 U.S. Highway 12(269) 641-7674http://cass.lib.mi.us

Cass District Library Edwards-burg Branch

26745 Church St.(269) 663-5875http://cass.lib.mi.us

continued page 34

Leader Publications photo/CRAIG HAUPERT

Edwardsburg resident Tanda Stiffler sits outside the Edwards-burg Presbyterian Church, where she volunteers much of her time in addition to her work with the Edwardsburg Lions Club.


31

Michigan State • University of Michigan • Notre Dame • Saint Mary’s • University of South Carolina

Western Michigan University • Ferris State • University of Toledo • Washington UniversityBeloit College • Ohio State • Hope College • William Penn University • Valparaiso University

Spring Arbor University • Holy Cross • Northern Michigan University

Edwardsburg Public Schools

Investing In Your Child’s Future

Edwardsburg Public Schools • 269.663.3055 • Edwardsburg, Michiganwww.edwardsburgpublicschools.org

Pride • Passion • Purpose

Our graduates are going places...


32

Paul E. MayhEw FunEral hoME, Inc.

26863 W. Main Street, Edwardsburg, MI

269-663-5345 • Paul E. Mayhew, Owner

Ask Us About Our Pre-Need Plans

• Serving Seattle’s Best Coffee & Espresso Beverages • Panini’s • Soups • Salads • Breakfast Sandwiches

• Fruit Smoothies • Hand Dipped Ice Cream

Say good morning to a delicious cup of coffee!

25990 US HWY 12, EDWARDSBURG 269.663.2960

Open Monday through Friday 6 am - 3 pm, Saturday 7 am - 1 pm

Lorie Bowers, Agent

68935 Gateway DrEdwardsburg, MI

49112-0623Bus: 269-663-7015

Family is WhyWE DO IT ALL

Call or visit for all of your insurance needs.

Office Hours:Monday: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pmWednesday & Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday by AppointmentLike a Good NeiGhbor State Farm iS there®

StateFarm.com® • State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinoiswww.loribowers.com

New Location

New Location

69045 M-62, Suite K, Edwardsburg (269)414-4329

Car Loans & MortgagesA community Credit Union serving the Edwardsburg Area

Open Tues-Sun 10-5

269-663-816465391 Dailey Rd.

Edwardsburg

Graduation Parties, Corporate Events, Private Parties, Weddings, Showers, Family Reunions, Baptisms, Pharmaceutical Events and more!

KatieDidsCatering.com • (269) 663-603069821 M-62 Suite 10 • Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Email us at s: [email protected]

Edwardsburg

Bennett Motor CompanySteve Bennett

Auto Detailing26472 Main St., Edwardsburg

269-635-1635 • Fax 888-630-7842

Jacque Tighe269-663-5955 • Fax 269-663-8987

68916 Cass Street • PO Box 522 • EdwardsburgEmail: [email protected]

26799 Main Street, Edwardsburg

269-591-5872Walk-Ins Welcome!

Brandon Truitt: Owner Tues - Fri 8:30-5:[email protected] Saturday 8:30-1:00

69245 maple st.edwardsburg, mi 49112

269-414-4103

Gene’s Body & PaintWhere Every Detail Counts

Gene Dobransky(269) 663-3106Toll Free 1-888-873-345871051 M62 SouthEdwardsburg

ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLESYARD & GARDEN • TOOLS • MORE!

resale N buY N sell N tradethe discount Hut574-215-2556

Sherry Bertrand

SIGNWORKSVisit us online at:

signworkssignco.com269-663-6700

fax 269-663-323369175 M62 South • Edwardsburg, MI 49112

ADDISON TIRE SERVICE, INC.Established Business since 1987

WE DO: Brakes, exhaust and alignments, and all of your automotive needs!

26041 US Highway 12 • Edwardsburg, MI(269) 663-7435 • CELL (574) 606-6323

Or email: [email protected]

26251 US 12Edwardsburg, MI 49112Office: 269-663-5164Office Toll Free: 800-856-8200Office Fax: 269-663-7033Cell: 574-596-3590e-mail: [email protected]/pamwhitcraft

Pam WhitcraftAssociate Broker/Branch ManagerABR, CRB, GRI

OWNERS: Tom & Jodi Addison

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

StateLINeConvenienCe Store

Cold Beer & Wine LiquorMichigan Lottery Groceries

269-663-7375

217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 269-683-2101

LeaderPub.com

Leader Publications

LaPlace Plumbing, INC.P.O. Box 358 Edwardsburg, MI

MI: 269-663-8046IN: 574-277-1730

Residential • Commercial • Licensed in Michigan and Indiana

Independently Owned and Operated by Galen LaPlace

“Quality Work at a Reasonable Price”

Krupp’s Power Sports, Inc.www.kruppspowersports.com

Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo & Can-Am ATV’s & SSYSales & Service • New & Used • Authorized Service

• Storage Available • Factory-Trained Mechanics• Factory Parts - SnoGear-Apparel

Norm, Judy & Shane Krupp(269) 663-8424 • Fax: (269) 663-2468

70986 M-62, Edwardsburg

26286 US 12, Edwardsburg269-663-3029

Kris Elston [email protected]

Ed

wardsburgEdwardsburg Area Museum Exhibits

July 16 - Aug 29 World Travelers of EdwardsburgSept 10 - Oct 24 Quilters of EdwardsburgNov 5 - Dec 15 Holiday CollectionsNov 24 Holiday Open House

July After Hours Chamber Meet and Greet, 5 to 7 pmJuly 4 Annual Corn & Sausage Roast - Conservation ClubJuly 7 Fireworks at Eagle LakeJuly 28 Relay for LifeJuly 29 Relay for LifeAug 1 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmAug 4 Triathalon at Eagle LakeAug 24 4:30 & 7:30 pm The Kelly Miller Circus Lion’s ClubAug 25 Youth Outdoor Day - Conservation ClubSept 5 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmOct 3 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmOct 7 Cass Co. Crop Walk / Presbytyerian Church, EdwardsburgNov 7 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmNov 7 Meet and Greet / American LegionNov 10 Spaghetti Dinner / American LegionNov 24 Santa Comes to Town - Community Tree Lighting - Conservation Club

Dec 5 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmDec 18 Annual Awards Dinner

Barn Swallow Theater

Aug 9 - 12 Children’s Show - Honk Jr.Sept 27 - 30 Musical - QuiltersOct 25 - 28 Play - A Pebble Among the StonesNov 17 Barn Swallow Ice Cream Social, 7 pm


Aug 27 Open House - Edwardsburg High School, Middle School, Primary SchoolAug 28 Open House - Eagle Lake ElementaryAug 29 Open House - Edwardsburg Intermediate SchoolSept 4 First Day of SchoolOct 5 HomecomingNov 14 and 15 Parent/Teacher ConferencesDec 24 - Jan 4 Winter BreakApril 1 - 5 Spring BreakJune 7 Last Day of School

10% OFF Offer good thru 8-31-12

Kelly’s Corner Plaza • 269.663.2501


33

Paul E. MayhEw FunEral hoME, Inc.

26863 W. Main Street, Edwardsburg, MI

269-663-5345 • Paul E. Mayhew, Owner

Ask Us About Our Pre-Need Plans

• Serving Seattle’s Best Coffee & Espresso Beverages • Panini’s • Soups • Salads • Breakfast Sandwiches

• Fruit Smoothies • Hand Dipped Ice Cream

Say good morning to a delicious cup of coffee!

25990 US HWY 12, EDWARDSBURG 269.663.2960

Open Monday through Friday 6 am - 3 pm, Saturday 7 am - 1 pm

Lorie Bowers, Agent

68935 Gateway DrEdwardsburg, MI

49112-0623Bus: 269-663-7015

Family is WhyWE DO IT ALL

Call or visit for all of your insurance needs.

Office Hours:Monday: 9:00am to 6:00pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pmWednesday & Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday by AppointmentLike a Good NeiGhbor State Farm iS there®

StateFarm.com® • State Farm Insurance Companies • Home Offices: Bloomington, Illinoiswww.loribowers.com

New Location

New Location

69045 M-62, Suite K, Edwardsburg (269)414-4329

Car Loans & MortgagesA community Credit Union serving the Edwardsburg Area

Open Tues-Sun 10-5

269-663-816465391 Dailey Rd.

Edwardsburg

Graduation Parties, Corporate Events, Private Parties, Weddings, Showers, Family Reunions, Baptisms, Pharmaceutical Events and more!

KatieDidsCatering.com • (269) 663-603069821 M-62 Suite 10 • Edwardsburg, MI 49112 Email us at s: [email protected]

Edwardsburg

Bennett Motor CompanySteve Bennett

Auto Detailing26472 Main St., Edwardsburg

269-635-1635 • Fax 888-630-7842

Jacque Tighe269-663-5955 • Fax 269-663-8987

68916 Cass Street • PO Box 522 • EdwardsburgEmail: [email protected]

26799 Main Street, Edwardsburg

269-591-5872Walk-Ins Welcome!

Brandon Truitt: Owner Tues - Fri 8:30-5:[email protected] Saturday 8:30-1:00

69245 maple st.edwardsburg, mi 49112

269-414-4103

Gene’s Body & PaintWhere Every Detail Counts

Gene Dobransky(269) 663-3106Toll Free 1-888-873-345871051 M62 SouthEdwardsburg

ANTIQUES • COLLECTIBLESYARD & GARDEN • TOOLS • MORE!

resale N buY N sell N tradethe discount Hut574-215-2556

Sherry Bertrand

SIGNWORKSVisit us online at:

signworkssignco.com269-663-6700

fax 269-663-323369175 M62 South • Edwardsburg, MI 49112

ADDISON TIRE SERVICE, INC.Established Business since 1987

WE DO: Brakes, exhaust and alignments, and all of your automotive needs!

26041 US Highway 12 • Edwardsburg, MI(269) 663-7435 • CELL (574) 606-6323

Or email: [email protected]

26251 US 12Edwardsburg, MI 49112Office: 269-663-5164Office Toll Free: 800-856-8200Office Fax: 269-663-7033Cell: 574-596-3590e-mail: [email protected]/pamwhitcraft

Pam WhitcraftAssociate Broker/Branch ManagerABR, CRB, GRI

OWNERS: Tom & Jodi Addison

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

StateLINeConvenienCe Store

Cold Beer & Wine LiquorMichigan Lottery Groceries

269-663-7375


LeaderPub.com

Leader Publications

LaPlace Plumbing, INC.P.O. Box 358 Edwardsburg, MI

MI: 269-663-8046IN: 574-277-1730

Residential • Commercial • Licensed in Michigan and Indiana

Independently Owned and Operated by Galen LaPlace

“Quality Work at a Reasonable Price”

Krupp’s Power Sports, Inc.www.kruppspowersports.com

Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo & Can-Am ATV’s & SSYSales & Service • New & Used • Authorized Service

• Storage Available • Factory-Trained Mechanics• Factory Parts - SnoGear-Apparel

Norm, Judy & Shane Krupp(269) 663-8424 • Fax: (269) 663-2468

70986 M-62, Edwardsburg

26286 US 12, Edwardsburg269-663-3029

Kris Elston [email protected]

Ed

wardsburgEdwardsburg Area Museum Exhibits

July 16 - Aug 29 World Travelers of EdwardsburgSept 10 - Oct 24 Quilters of EdwardsburgNov 5 - Dec 15 Holiday CollectionsNov 24 Holiday Open House

July After Hours Chamber Meet and Greet, 5 to 7 pmJuly 4 Annual Corn & Sausage Roast - Conservation ClubJuly 7 Fireworks at Eagle LakeJuly 28 Relay for LifeJuly 29 Relay for LifeAug 1 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmAug 4 Triathalon at Eagle LakeAug 24 4:30 & 7:30 pm The Kelly Miller Circus Lion’s ClubAug 25 Youth Outdoor Day - Conservation ClubSept 5 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmOct 3 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmOct 7 Cass Co. Crop Walk / Presbytyerian Church, EdwardsburgNov 7 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmNov 7 Meet and Greet / American LegionNov 10 Spaghetti Dinner / American LegionNov 24 Santa Comes to Town - Community Tree Lighting - Conservation Club

Dec 5 Wed Chamber Lunch Meeting, 12 - 1 pmDec 18 Annual Awards Dinner

Barn Swallow Theater

Aug 9 - 12 Children’s Show - Honk Jr.Sept 27 - 30 Musical - QuiltersOct 25 - 28 Play - A Pebble Among the StonesNov 17 Barn Swallow Ice Cream Social, 7 pm


Aug 27 Open House - Edwardsburg High School, Middle School, Primary SchoolAug 28 Open House - Eagle Lake ElementaryAug 29 Open House - Edwardsburg Intermediate SchoolSept 4 First Day of SchoolOct 5 HomecomingNov 14 and 15 Parent/Teacher ConferencesDec 24 - Jan 4 Winter BreakApril 1 - 5 Spring BreakJune 7 Last Day of School

10% OFF Offer good thru 8-31-12

Kelly’s Corner Plaza • 269.663.2501


34

Pawsitively Crazy About Pets

Weekly recycling and garbage service for less than our competitors charge for garbage alone.

• 1/2 the pollution • 1/2 Green house gasses• Reduce garbage landfill

“Recycling creates jobs, landfills create a mess.”

Residential • CommeRCial • Rolloff

269-684-0900 • 800-722-9710

The difference between our competitors and us is as plain as black and white.

SheriffPaul

Bailey

Office of the Sheriff of Berrien CountyL. Paul Bailey, Sheriff

www.BCSheriff.org919 Port Street

St. Joseph, MI 49085(269) 983-7111 • Voice Mail: Ext. 7220

[email protected]@berriencounty.orgFor more information call Crime Prevention Specialist Kelly Laesch at 269-983-7141 ext. 7221

continued page 34

PARKSGunn Park, between U.S. 12 and Pleasant Lake— Lake access, open field space

POLICE AND FIREPolice: (269) 663-8444Fire: (269) 663-2160

HOT SPOT EATERYPapa’s Pizzeria71077 M-62(269) 663-0097Known for fresh-ingredient pizza

SCHOOLSEdwardsburg Public Schools69410 Section St., EdwardsburgContact: 269-663-1044, edwardsburgpublicschools.org

UTILITIESIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424(800) 492-5989Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

City utilitiesEdwardsburg Village HallLocated 26296 U.S. Highway 12, EdwardsburgPhone: (269) 663-8484Hours: M-F: 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to p.m.

Natural Gas Semco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Website: www.semcoenergygas.com


35

69245 maple st. • edwardsburg, mi 49112269-414-4103

stop in after the round!17 flat sCreens!

games!

great lunCh & dinner speCials!

great serViCe!

priVate parties!

CheCk faCebook for liVe entertainment on the weekends

Leader Publications photo/SHELLIE RAYMOND

Edwardsburg celebrates its homecoming in style.


Relay for LIfe


36

Healthy Living

BUILDING ASTRONGERCOMMUNITYNILES-BUCHANAN YMCA905 N Front StNiles, MI 49120269 683 1552 www.nb-ymca.com

For a Safer Healthier CommunityCOMMUNITY EMERGENCY SERVICE, INC.

Municipally Owned & Operated / Non Emergency & Transfers

All Crews Are Fully Licensed & Experienced Paramedics

Quick Response From 5 Stations / Medicare Quick Response From 5 Stations / Medicare & Medicaid Approved

Non-Emergencies & Transfers: 925-2141Administrative & Business Calls: 925-2143

EMERGENCIES-DIAL 911

For Peace Of Mind Call Today About Our Advantage Membership Program.

With the Medic 1 Ambulance Membership Program you can feel safe knowing your family is protected from out-of-

pocket ambulance costs.www.medic1ambulance.org

Accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services

Pregnant?Need help?

527 E. Main l Niles, MI 49120269.684.6200

[email protected] l www.pregnancyniles.com*The pregnancy care center does not provide abortion referals.

Serving Dowagiac and the surrounding communities since 1977, we offer complete eye care for all members

of your family.

In addition to family eye care, our services include treatment of eye disease

and injuries.

Optometrist, Dr. Montgomery also specializes in Lasik co-management.

A.K. Montgomery | Dowagiac, MIDr. Alan Montgomery | (269) 782-3476

We now carry the FIRST EVER electronic Bifocals!

Call for more information.

Optometrist, Dr. Montgomery also specializes in Lasik & Cataract

co-managementDr. Alan Montgomery | Dowagiac, MI

(269) 782-3476 | www.akmontgomery.com

1045 East Front StreetBuchanan, MI

(269) 695-5540


37

Edw

ardsburg Area

Member List:

Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce

Click on www.Edwardsburg.biz

574-343-3721 or 269-663-6344 • Located at 26225 US 12P.O. Box 575, Edwardsburg, MI 49112 • E-mail: [email protected]

Adams Theraputic Massage ..................................269-358-3345

At Home Realty .......................................................269-663-0100

Bentzer Inc. ..............................................................269-663-3649

Byron Counseling ...................................................269-414-4088

Carmi Design Group Inc. ........................................269-663-5073

Cass County Economic Development ..................269-445-4420

Cass County Library ...............................................269-445-3400

Center for Animal Health ........................................269-663-3235

Chemical Bank ........................................................269-663-3343

Clear Choice Chiropractic of Edwardsburg, PC ..269-663-6600

Coldwell Banker RWG ............................................269-663-8800

Cressy & Everette Real Estate ..............................269-663-5164

Christianson Industries ..........................................269-663-8502

D.E. Duck Heating & Cooling .................................269-699-5237

Drexel Inc. ................................................................269-699-7676

Diesel Injection Serv. 430 54th St. SW Grand Rapids 49548

Eagle Lake Marine of Mich. Inc..............................269-699-5103

East Shore Animal Hospital ...................................269-663-7387

Edwardsburg Family Medicine ..............................269-663-8288

Edward Jones Investments ...................................269-663-3130

Edwardsburg Public Schools ................................269-663-3055

Edwardsburg Sports Complex ..............................269-699-7552

Fat Cams at Garver .................................................269-414-4446

Frontier .....................................................................269-273-1736

Greater Niles Community Federal Credit Union ..269-414-4327

G.W. Jones Bank .....................................................269-663-5626

Harding’s Friendly Market ......................................269-663-7305

Hope United Methodist Church .............................269-663-5321

Kelly’s Investment ...................................................269-699-5225

Kemner lott Agency ................................................269-445-2425

Krupp’s Power Sports Inc. .....................................269-663-8424

LaBre Law Office .....................................................269-663-8554

Leader Publications ................................................269-687-7703



Lion’s Club ...............................................................269-663-2005

Lunkers ....................................................................269-663-3745

Marbach, Brady & Weaver Inc. ..............................574-266-1010

Meridian Title Corporation .....................................269-663-8139

North American Forest ...........................................269-663-8500

Ontwa Township .....................................................269-663-2347

Ontwa Township / Edwardsburg Police ...............269-663-8444

Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church .................269-699-5870

Precision Sheet Metal .............................................269-663-8810

Presbyterian Church...............................................269-663-6815

R & P Ambulance Restoration ...............................269-663-8319

Red Star Auctions/ St. Evans Inc ..........................269-663-6100

Robin’s Nest: Quilts & More ..................................269-663-3303

Scapino Steel ...........................................................269-663-0045

Servpro .....................................................................269-273-8777

Service Oil Company ..............................................269-445-2441

Simmons Chiropractic ...........................................574-271-4628

South Bend SilverHawks .......................................574-235-9988

Southwestern Michigan College ...........................269-782-1000

State Farm ................................................................269-663-7015

Stateline Diesel........................................................269-663-8571

Stillson Insurance Agency LLC .............................269-663-6695

Subway Edwardsburg, Libs, Inc. ..........................269-663-8558

Superior Air Management Systems, LLC .............269-663-5700

Tim Tancey, CPA ......................................................269-663-8620

Teresa of Edwardsburg ..........................................269-663-2244

The Union House Bed & Breakfast .......................269-641-9988

Union Insurance Agency, LLC ...............................269-641-5995

Uptown Improvement Assoc. ................................269-663-2347

Valhalla Information Systems LLC ........................269-978-8084

Village of Edwardsburg ..........................................269-663-8484

Voice - Printed News ...............................................269-445-8455


38

574-234-2133918 Oliver Plow Ct. • South Bend, IN

www.rosebrick.com

Beautiful...

Call today to schedule your free estimate.

Serving Michiana for over 95 years....


History Center at Courthouse Square

By TERRI GORDONLeader Publications

The homestead garden was once a family’s only access to fresh food: a difficult concept to grasp in this day of 24-hour supermarkets, accord-ing to Bob Myers, of the History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs.

Leader Publications photo/TERRI GORDON

End of season peppers and tomatoes ripen in front of the Murdock Log Home at the History Center at Court-house Square.

“A garden offered families of the time their only means of ob-taining fresh vegetables. That’s something we seldom think about in our age of canned and

frozen foods from the supermar-ket.” he said. “In the early 19th century, stores could only offer staples: flour, sugar, salt and the like.

“Families grew their own food, and preserving it meant drying, pickling, smoking and salting. Fresh vegetables from the garden must have been a real treat.”

Heritage Garden, outside the Murdock Log House at the His-tory Center, replicates what a garden would have looked like in the early- to mid-1830s. It sports vintage Jacob’s Cattle beans, corn squash and Hungarian wax peppers.

Broomcorn, used literally for making brooms, is also grown in the garden.

Sawyer resident John Fram-bach designed and constructed Heritage Garden several years ago as a requirement for the Michigan State University Exten-sion’s Master Gardener program. He continues to maintain it.

According to Frambach, the plants in the garden would have been readily found in the region during the 1830s.

Visit the Heritage Garden at the History Center at Courthouse Square, located at the corner of Union Street and U. S. 31, in Berrien Springs. Call (269) 471-1202.


39

Apartment Living

BENTWATERS APARTMENTS420 Bentwaters Ave., Three Rivers, MI“This is an equal opportunity provider”

(269) 273-7540

Luxury Aparment

Living

OF THREE RIVERS

BERRIEN WOODSApartments

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOMS EAST OF DOWNTOWN NILES

• Garages & Carports • Washer/Dryer Connection

• Central Air/ Heat • Seasonal Pool • PlaygroundOffice Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 10-3

For more information,call 269-684-7779

NILES HOUSING COMMISSION

251 Cass StreetNiles, MI 49120269-683-2783

www.nileshousing.orgIncome Based Housingapprox. 30% of income

1 Bedroom Apts

3, 4 & 5 Bedroom Homes

HOT WATER...

TRASH...WATER...HEAT...

ALL PAID!!1 or 2

Bedrooms!Mention this ad and receive $100 off your

first months rent!!

River Oak(269) 687-8340

1729 Oak St. Niles

ARBORTRAILSApartments

683-18501615 N. 5th St., NilesTDD 1-800-649-3777

AND THEY’RE GONESo Hurry In!

BLINK

Professionally Managed by Intrepid

Management, Inc.

Spacious Layouts • Pet Friendly Free Heat • Free Hot/Soft Water

Stop In Or Call

Jackie At (269) 687-1000

1721 Bond St.Niles, MI 49120

[email protected]

Griffin Estates

To arrange a visit call

269-782 5603TDD/TTY: 1-800 649 3777

Or stop by the Management Office at:400 Cleveland Rd.,Dowagiac Michigan

INDIAN HILLS APARTMENTS/ TOWNHOUSES

QUALITY HOUSING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

To suit your needs we have the following types of units:

Section 8 and 236 one, two, and three bed-room townhouses

Section 8 and market rate one and two bedroom apartments

Four FlagsPlazaNow Accepting

Applications for Elderly

17 North 7th St • Niles269-684-2246


40 Niles

NILES

M A K I N G A D I F F E R E N C E:S C O T T C R O U C H


@leaderpub.com

Niles resident Scott Crouch is a busy guy.

In addition to being a Ni les City f i ref ighter, Crouch also operates a fishing guide service while tackling numerous com-munity service projects in Niles.nHe has a vision for Niles as a vibrant place with activities and events for people of all ages.

“Anything is possible in this town if the people will put their minds and hearts into something,” Crouch said. “We have so much here with the river and ev-erything… there’s no rea-son we can’t make Niles great.”

Crouch not only talks a big game, he backs it up.

A few year s ago , Crouch approached the city with an idea for build-ing sand volleyball courts along the St. Joseph River.

When he was told there wasn’t enough money for such a project, Crouch decided to facilitate the project himself. With the support of many in the c o m m u n i t y , C r o u c h helped open the courts in the fall of 2009.

You won’t find Crouch’s name on the court, but he likes it that way.

“I don’t care if my name is on there or not. That has no bearing,” Crouch said. “What has bearing is be-ing able to see the im-pact it has on the com-munity. When I drive by and see people playing out there — I don’t get a feeling — I just know that it is right.”

Crouch isn’t stopping at sand volleyball courts. He is in the middle of secur-ing funding and supplies for his next project — a pond/waterfall feature along the St. Joseph River and north of the volleyball courts.

“It is going to happen. I already have close to $10,000 donated, plus supplies,” he said. “The only thing that got in the way was my hip surgery. It was supposed to happen this year, but I would say we are looking at next year now.”

Although Crouch said he only tackles one proj-ect at a time, he’s al-ready formed the vision for creating a basketball/slash waterpark near the volleyball courts.

“It would be asphalt and would have under-ground tubing under-neath and sprinkler heads would pop up and spray water so you could kick it on and have a waterpark

and the kids could play,” he said. “For basketball, you’d turn the water off and drain it.”

In addition to these projects, Crouch helped refurbish the authentic dragon boats seen every year during the Niles Riv-erfest Dragon Boat Rac-es.

The reason for Crouch’s participation in the com-munity is a simple one. It is his home.

“If I could have a job of just going out and mak-ing Niles great and the city great, I would love it,” he said.

GOVERNMENTCity of Niles508 E. Main St., NilesPhone: (269) 683-4700Website: www.ci.niles.mi.usCity council meets at 1345 E. Main St. on the second and fourth Monday at 6 p.m.

DEMOGRAPHICSn Population: 11,600n Mean travel time to work: 20 minutesn Average household income: $31,757n Median home value: $88,400n Race:— White: 80.3 percent— African-American: 12.4 per-cent— Hispanic/Latino: 5.7 percentn Education:— High school diploma: 82.6 percent— Bachelor’s degree or higher: 13.6 percentn Gender:— Females: 52.9 percent— Males: 47.1 percent

FARMERS’ MARKETNiles Bensidoun French MarketWest Main and Front streets, Niles9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday and Saturday

HEALTH CARECassopolis OB/GYN and MIHP60 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 683-0300

Lakeland Community Hospital31 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 683-5510

Lakeland Cancer Specialists within Lakeland Community Hospital31 North St. Joseph Ave. (269) 428-4411

Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center 6 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 2, (269) 687-4673

Lakeland Ear, Noseand Throat60 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite C Phone: (269) 687-2910 Fax: (269) 687-8770 Lakeland Family Care of Niles 4 Longmeadow Village Drive,

Suite 2(269) 684-6000 Lakeland Family Medicine, Niles24 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite G (269) 684-5002

Lakeland General Surgery 60 North St. Joseph Ave., Suite E(269) 684-6696

Lakeland Orthopaedics 6 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 1(269) 684-6484

Submitted photo

Niles City firefighter and fish-ing guide Scott Crouch knows how to land more than just big fish. He’s the man behind several community service projects in Niles.


41

Niles

Shawn Baber-AshleyRealtor®

Branch Manager1439 Oak St.Niles, MI 49120Toll Free: 800-683-5355Cell: [email protected]/shawnashley

Debbie Floor, Realtor® ABR, GRI, e-PRO1439 Oak St. • Niles, MICell: [email protected]

Brian FloorTop Producer, Realtor® ABR, GRI, e-PRO, Chairman’s ClubCell: [email protected]

East Main Gardens

FLORIST & GREENHOUSE

East Main Gardens

1521 E. Main St. Niles, MI

(269) 683-8000 (800) 924-7525

www.eastmaingardensflorist.com

“The Place for Family Fun”Gift Cerfiticate • Golf Lessons • Miniture Golf

Driving Range • Snack Bar • Batting Cages • Arcade

3019 S. 11th St. • Niles, MI 269.684.6868

www.hackersgolfandgames.com

Electrical service provided for:• residential • commercial • industrial

• farms • apartments

www.welshandsonselectric.com

Offering Expert & Reliable Electrical Services at

Competitive Rates for31 Years Now.

835 Carberry Road • Niles, MI

269-684-5544

Offering Expert & Reliable Electrical Services at

Competitive Rates for31 Years Now.

Across from Bell Plaza 1911 South 11th

Street Next to Bank of America

800-376-7946 or

269-684-7800

WarmWeather Means Treat YourPool Now.

PLEASURE POOLSOF NILES

Leisure Spas

30% OFF

Crockers Party Store1702 Broadway, Niles, MI 49120 • Ph: 269-684-0244

Friday & Saturday Open until 2 a.m.

Think of us when you think of your party needs

– Best Selection, too!

Pay ALL of your billshere!

Check out

our New Wine

Selection

Thank Youto all our loyal

customers & friends.

We are a diverse and unique community of forward thinking people who believe in the equal opportunity of all our citizens to enjoy our special quality of life.

Lakeland Urology24 N. St. Joseph Ave. (269) 684-5447

Sleep Medicine of Lakeland 6 Longmeadow Village Drive, Suite 1(269) 408-1115 Southwestern Medical Clinic Center for Women’s Health/Ob-stetrics and Gynecology 60 N. St. Joseph Ave., Suite B1 (269) 687-0808

Southwestern Medical Clinic Adult-Internal Medicine and Family Medicine 2002 S. 11th St. (269) 687-0200

Pediatrics 2002 South 11th St. (269) 687-0200 Walk-In Clinic 2002 S. 11th St.(269) 687-0200



U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected].

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., Office Phone: (202) 224-4822, Mail: 133 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510, Email: [email protected].



LIBRARYNiles District Library620 E. Main St. (269) 683-8545

PARKSn Birkholm Park, Clarendon and 14th streets— Playground and picnic facili-tiesn Cass Street Park, Cass and Eighth streets— Play structures, tetherball, basketball court, picnic facilitiesn Plym Park, Marmont and Plym Park Road.— Play structures, picnic shelter,

tennis courts, soccer field, soft-ball, basketballn Eagle Street Park, Eagle and Fifth streets— Playgroundn Tot Park, Pokagon and 11th

streets— Playgroundn Eastside Park, 17th and Syca-more streets— Play structure, picnic shelter, softball/baseball field, basketball courtn Saathoff Park, Maple and Ninth streets— Playground, soccer field, bas-ketball courtn Clevenger Park, Cherry and Fifth streets— Play structure, picnic sheltern Riverfront Park, along east side of St. Joseph River, Wayne to Fort streets— Boat ramp, play structure, skate park, amphitheater, walk-ing trails, picnic facilities/shel-ters



42

Niles

226 East Main Street • Niles269-687-0880

BrEakfaSt • BruNch • LuNch • catEriNgMonday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm

Olfactory Hue Bistro

Lace DanceFitness Studio

Lace DanceFitness Studioand

yoga222 Front St. • Niles, MI • 269-845-0283

Niles Family Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Closed Sunday

70 E. Main St. • 683-1400 • Next to Secretary of State

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?Allergy

SolutionsFast

Prescriptions

Medication Compounding

Health &Beauty

PersonalCare

HouseholdNeeds

FrEE rx dELiEvErYLOWESt PriCES iN tOWN, gUArANtEEd!!

217 N. 4th Street, Niles 269-683-2101

LeaderPub.com

Your “one of a find” upscale shopping experience.

224 E. Main Street, Niles • 684-8484www.nilesstyles.com

Bella’sGifts and Memories

222 E. Main St.Nestled in the heart of uptown Niles

269-684-7177Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-7

Wed 11-7Fri 10-6

Sat 10-4 & Sun 11-4

• Jewelry • Purses • Accessories • Home Decõr • Hand Crafted Signs • Kitchen ware & more!

We love technology.

Repair • Networking • Web Design

269-683-4524306 E. Main St.

Suite 200Niles, MI

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Four FlagsAntique MallVoted Best Antique

Mall in the Area!

* 60 Dealers under one roof * Open year round * One block north of Main St.

Hours:Monday-Friday

10am-5pmSaturday 10am-5

Sunday Noon to 5pm218 N. 2nd St.

in Historic Downtown Niles

269.683.6681

Monday to Thursday9:00am - 8:00pmFriday & Saturday10:00am - 6:00pm

Art Gallery Ebook Loans Book Club Game Nights Book Sales Genealogy Club Chess Club Interlibrary Loan Computer Classes Jr. Garden Club Computer Lab Meeting Space (fee)

Computer Copier (fee) Movie Showings DVD Loans Storytime Teen Programs WIFI Access

620 E. Main Street • Niles, MI

269-683-8545www.nileslibrary.com

New Customer

$5.00on ANY service

*expires 7-1-2013

SavesHANNoN FrAmeOWNER/STYLIST

stYLIstsTina Rager

Delen KennedyAmi Wells

Aimee Murdock

For your appointment call 269-683-4923

Big or Small, Legal ShieldSM Can Help

Email [email protected]/hub/rfeifar

Robert S. FeifarINDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE

322 East Main Street, Suite #101Niles, MI 49120

Local (269) 683-8419Toll Free (800) 877-9278

Come in to our new dining room and savor the truly wonderful aroma of sweet, ripe, tomatoes, sizzling pepperoni and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese cooking in our oven. Then dig into your own custom pizza creation.

FLAVOROVEN-FRESH

1/2OFF

Where the 2nd pizza is always...

215 E. Main St.Niles, MI

269-684-6600www.pizzatransit.com

Unique Gifts & Cards • Lolita Glassware • Willow Tree Angels • Kringle Candles

New and Used Books • Sale Books •Magazines


MAJEREK’SGift Shoppe & Reader’s World

213 E. Main 217 E. Main269.683.1689

Two Great Stores Continuing a Family Tradition in Downtown Niles!

With the purchase of $25 in

merchandise.*not valid with other

offers. exp 7-1-13$5 tonight?What are you doing

tonight?

www.playteamtrivia.comThursdays

starting at 7:00pm

FRIdays from 9:00pm to 1:30 am

The

NUGGETTDowntown Grill

202 E. Main St. • Niles684-8788

www.nuggettdowntowngrill.com

Good food, good music and fun activities all year long

June 2012 Every Saturday FREE Community Lunch Noon - 2 pm 9 S. Fourth Street - Downtown Area Trinity Episcopal Church1 - 3 9th Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival, All Day, Riverfront Park Amphitheater6 Free WED Summer Concerts Begin! 7:00 pm -9:00 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater7 Niles Bensidoun French Market 9:00 am -2:00 pm Corner of Front & Main near the Main St Bridge Free THUR Summer Concerts Begin! 6:00 pm -8:30 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater8 Movies in the Park, Dusk, Riverfront Park Behind Theatre9 Niles Bensidoun French Market 9:00 am -2:00 pm Corner of Front & Main near the Main St Bridge10 Free SUN Summer Concerts Begin!! 7:00 pm 9:00 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater30 Niles Women’s Expo 10:00am-4:00pm 200 Block E. Main St.

July 20124 Independence Day Fireworks! Dusk Apple Festival Grounds, 17Th Str., Next To Jr. High School 14 - 15 Niles Burn Run, All Day, Riverfront Park15 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm 1st Presbyterian - 13 Fourth Street25 Arts In Motion ~ A Celebration of the Arts. Celebrate the talents of Local Artists, Street Entertainment, local vendors, Block Party & Art! 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Downtown NilesTBA Fly-In/Drive In Breakfast $6 for Adults, K-12 Kids $3 7:00 am - Noon Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport

August 20122 - 5 Riverfest Begins!! Raft Parade, Dragon Boats, Car Show, Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Food and Fun for All. 10 - 12 Heritage Route Garage Sale Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale All Day, Main Street14 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm Hope Community Church - 2390 Lake15 Main Street (DDA) Meeting, 8:00 am, 210 E. Main St., 2nd Floor27 City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers 1345 E. Main St.

September 2012TBA Fly-In/Drive In Breakfast Salute to Veterans (Veterans Eat FREE) TBA Quilts from the Heart Quilt Show sponsored by the Niles Piecemakers, 9 am - 4 pm Brandywine Elementary, 2428 S. 13th St.

24 Apple Festival Youth Parade, 1:00 pm27 - 30 Apple Festival Begins!! 3:00 pm, Apple Festival Grounds, 17th & Lake

October 201211 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm 1st Church of Christ - 2240 Yankee12 - 31 Niles Haunted House & Scream Park, 7:00 - 11 pm 20 Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Collection and Certified Document Destruction 8:00 am to Noon Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center, 3200 Chamberlain27 Halloween Costume Contest, 2:30 pm, Niles District Library, Main St.27 Downtown Safe Trick or Treat, 4 - 5pm, Downtown Main Street31 Official Neighborhood Door to Door Trick or Treating 6:00 - 7:30, All Area Neighborhoods

November 201217 Santa Claus Arrives! 11:00 am, Riverfront Amphitheater17 Decorate downtown for the Holiday Homecoming Celebration 1:00 - 3:00 pm, 210 E. Main St. - Main St. Office24 Holiday Homecoming Lighting the Downtown Tree, Carriage Rides, Caroling, Entertainment & Shopping! 4 - 7 pm, Downtown Niles

December 20121 Ft. St. Joseph Museum’s Holiday Open House, 10 am to 1 pm, Ft. St. Joseph Museum, 508 E. Main - Corner of Main & 5th1 Breakfast with Rudolph & Friends, All You Can Eat Pancakes & Sausage with Holiday Friends. Bring Cameras! 8:30 am - 10:30 am, Golden Nuggett Grille, Downtown1 Lighting of the Train Depot 4:30 - 6:00 pm Historic Amtrak Train Depot6 Visit With Santa and Friends, 5:30 - 7:00 pm Riverfront Cafe, 219 N. Front7 Brentwood Holiday Bazaar, 10 am - 4 pm 1147 South Third St12 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm Wesley United Church, 302 Cedar St13 - 20 Visit With Santa and Friends, 5:00 - 7:00 pm Riverfront Cafe, 219 N. Front St.

January 201311 - 13 Hunter Ice Festival, All Day Downtown


43

Niles

226 East Main Street • Niles269-687-0880

BrEakfaSt • BruNch • LuNch • catEriNgMonday-Friday 9:30am-3:00pm

Olfactory Hue Bistro

Lace DanceFitness Studio

Lace DanceFitness Studioand

yoga222 Front St. • Niles, MI • 269-845-0283

Niles Family Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday 10:00am - 4:00pm

Closed Sunday

70 E. Main St. • 683-1400 • Next to Secretary of State

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?Allergy

SolutionsFast

Prescriptions

Medication Compounding

Health &Beauty

PersonalCare

HouseholdNeeds

FrEE rx dELiEvErYLOWESt PriCES iN tOWN, gUArANtEEd!!

217 N. 4th Street, Niles 269-683-2101

LeaderPub.com

Your “one of a find” upscale shopping experience.

224 E. Main Street, Niles • 684-8484www.nilesstyles.com

Bella’sGifts and Memories

222 E. Main St.Nestled in the heart of uptown Niles

269-684-7177Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-7

Wed 11-7Fri 10-6

Sat 10-4 & Sun 11-4

• Jewelry • Purses • Accessories • Home Decõr • Hand Crafted Signs • Kitchen ware & more!

We love technology.

Repair • Networking • Web Design

269-683-4524306 E. Main St.

Suite 200Niles, MI

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!

Four FlagsAntique MallVoted Best Antique

Mall in the Area!

* 60 Dealers under one roof * Open year round * One block north of Main St.

Hours:Monday-Friday

10am-5pmSaturday 10am-5

Sunday Noon to 5pm218 N. 2nd St.

in Historic Downtown Niles

269.683.6681

Monday to Thursday9:00am - 8:00pmFriday & Saturday10:00am - 6:00pm

Art Gallery Ebook Loans Book Club Game Nights Book Sales Genealogy Club Chess Club Interlibrary Loan Computer Classes Jr. Garden Club Computer Lab Meeting Space (fee)

Computer Copier (fee) Movie Showings DVD Loans Storytime Teen Programs WIFI Access

620 E. Main Street • Niles, MI

269-683-8545www.nileslibrary.com

New Customer

$5.00on ANY service

*expires 7-1-2013

SavesHANNoN FrAmeOWNER/STYLIST

stYLIstsTina Rager

Delen KennedyAmi Wells

Aimee Murdock

For your appointment call 269-683-4923

Big or Small, Legal ShieldSM Can Help

Email [email protected]/hub/rfeifar

Robert S. FeifarINDEPENDENT ASSOCIATE

322 East Main Street, Suite #101Niles, MI 49120

Local (269) 683-8419Toll Free (800) 877-9278

Come in to our new dining room and savor the truly wonderful aroma of sweet, ripe, tomatoes, sizzling pepperoni and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese cooking in our oven. Then dig into your own custom pizza creation.

FLAVOROVEN-FRESH

1/2OFF

Where the 2nd pizza is always...

215 E. Main St.Niles, MI

269-684-6600www.pizzatransit.com

Unique Gifts & Cards • Lolita Glassware • Willow Tree Angels • Kringle Candles



MAJEREK’SGift Shoppe & Reader’s World

213 E. Main 217 E. Main269.683.1689

Two Great Stores Continuing a Family Tradition in Downtown Niles!

With the purchase of $25 in

merchandise.*not valid with other

offers. exp 7-1-13$5 tonight?What are you doing

tonight?

www.playteamtrivia.comThursdays

starting at 7:00pm

FRIdays from 9:00pm to 1:30 am

The

NUGGETTDowntown Grill

202 E. Main St. • Niles684-8788

www.nuggettdowntowngrill.com

Good food, good music and fun activities all year long

June 2012 Every Saturday FREE Community Lunch Noon - 2 pm 9 S. Fourth Street - Downtown Area Trinity Episcopal Church1 - 3 9th Annual Niles Bluegrass Festival, All Day, Riverfront Park Amphitheater6 Free WED Summer Concerts Begin! 7:00 pm -9:00 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater7 Niles Bensidoun French Market 9:00 am -2:00 pm Corner of Front & Main near the Main St Bridge Free THUR Summer Concerts Begin! 6:00 pm -8:30 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater8 Movies in the Park, Dusk, Riverfront Park Behind Theatre9 Niles Bensidoun French Market 9:00 am -2:00 pm Corner of Front & Main near the Main St Bridge10 Free SUN Summer Concerts Begin!! 7:00 pm 9:00 pm Riverfront Park Amphitheater30 Niles Women’s Expo 10:00am-4:00pm 200 Block E. Main St.

July 20124 Independence Day Fireworks! Dusk Apple Festival Grounds, 17Th Str., Next To Jr. High School 14 - 15 Niles Burn Run, All Day, Riverfront Park15 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm 1st Presbyterian - 13 Fourth Street25 Arts In Motion ~ A Celebration of the Arts. Celebrate the talents of Local Artists, Street Entertainment, local vendors, Block Party & Art! 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, Downtown NilesTBA Fly-In/Drive In Breakfast $6 for Adults, K-12 Kids $3 7:00 am - Noon Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport

August 20122 - 5 Riverfest Begins!! Raft Parade, Dragon Boats, Car Show, Live Music, Arts & Crafts, Food and Fun for All. 10 - 12 Heritage Route Garage Sale Michigan’s Longest Garage Sale All Day, Main Street14 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm Hope Community Church - 2390 Lake15 Main Street (DDA) Meeting, 8:00 am, 210 E. Main St., 2nd Floor27 City Council Meeting, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers 1345 E. Main St.

September 2012TBA Fly-In/Drive In Breakfast Salute to Veterans (Veterans Eat FREE) TBA Quilts from the Heart Quilt Show sponsored by the Niles Piecemakers, 9 am - 4 pm Brandywine Elementary, 2428 S. 13th St.

24 Apple Festival Youth Parade, 1:00 pm27 - 30 Apple Festival Begins!! 3:00 pm, Apple Festival Grounds, 17th & Lake

October 201211 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm 1st Church of Christ - 2240 Yankee12 - 31 Niles Haunted House & Scream Park, 7:00 - 11 pm 20 Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Recycling Collection and Certified Document Destruction 8:00 am to Noon Southeast Berrien County Landfill Recycle Center, 3200 Chamberlain27 Halloween Costume Contest, 2:30 pm, Niles District Library, Main St.27 Downtown Safe Trick or Treat, 4 - 5pm, Downtown Main Street31 Official Neighborhood Door to Door Trick or Treating 6:00 - 7:30, All Area Neighborhoods

November 201217 Santa Claus Arrives! 11:00 am, Riverfront Amphitheater17 Decorate downtown for the Holiday Homecoming Celebration 1:00 - 3:00 pm, 210 E. Main St. - Main St. Office24 Holiday Homecoming Lighting the Downtown Tree, Carriage Rides, Caroling, Entertainment & Shopping! 4 - 7 pm, Downtown Niles

December 20121 Ft. St. Joseph Museum’s Holiday Open House, 10 am to 1 pm, Ft. St. Joseph Museum, 508 E. Main - Corner of Main & 5th1 Breakfast with Rudolph & Friends, All You Can Eat Pancakes & Sausage with Holiday Friends. Bring Cameras! 8:30 am - 10:30 am, Golden Nuggett Grille, Downtown1 Lighting of the Train Depot 4:30 - 6:00 pm Historic Amtrak Train Depot6 Visit With Santa and Friends, 5:30 - 7:00 pm Riverfront Cafe, 219 N. Front7 Brentwood Holiday Bazaar, 10 am - 4 pm 1147 South Third St12 American Red Cross Blood Drive noon - 5:45 pm Wesley United Church, 302 Cedar St13 - 20 Visit With Santa and Friends, 5:00 - 7:00 pm Riverfront Cafe, 219 N. Front St.

January 201311 - 13 Hunter Ice Festival, All Day Downtown


44

Dr. Richard Beckermeyer, DDS, P.C.

Years ofBeautiful Smiles

for Childrenin Need.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND YOUR “PATHWAY TO SMILES!”

Richard L Beckermeyer, D.D.S., PCwww.drbeckermeyer.com

269.683.6461123 Marmont Street, Niles

Healthy

has exhibited his passion for giving children healthy smiles on his many missions to dental clinics all over the world.

Here in our community, Dr. Beckermeyer annually participates in the ADA Foundation’s National “GIVE KIDS A SMILE!” program.

Each year, on the first Friday in February FREE dental cleanings for children 18 and under are offered as a service to the community.


n Island Park, entrance off Park-way, south of Broadway Street— Bridge to island, picnic shel-ter, playground equipmentn Marmont Street Boat Ramp, Marmont Street at the St. Joseph River— Boat rampn Southside Park, 15th and Sil-verbrook Avenue— Play structure, baseball field, basketball court, picnic sheltern Troost Park, Eighth and Ferry streets— Playgroundn Thomas Stadium, Silverbrook Avenue and 11th Street— Baseball stadium onlyn F.O.P Park, F.O.P. Drive and State Street— Baseball only

POLICE AND FIRECity of NilesPolice: (269) 683-3282Fire: (269) 683-2520

Michigan State Police Niles PostPhone: (269) 683-4411

HOT SPOT EATERYThe Tavern417 Brookfield St.(269) 683-1888Known for: Burgers

SCHOOLSNiles Community Schools111 Spruce St., NilesContact: (269) 683-0732, nilesschools.org

Niles Adventist School110 N. Fairview Ave., NilesContact: 269-683-5444, nilesadventistschool.org

St. Mary’s School217 S. Lincoln Ave., NilesContact: (269) 683-9191, st-marysniles.com

The Home School HUBNilesContact: (269) 240-6094, hshub.org



45

Supporting Local Businesses Since 1919•Networking Events

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•FREEwebpage

•Newsletterand e-mailblast

•Marketing opportunities

Promote, Protect and

Improve YOUR

business!

Four Flags area Chamber CommerCe

BuildingaBetterBusinessCommunity

Jointodayandincreaseyourinfluenceinthecommunity.

of

321E.MainSt.Niles,[email protected]


46

RepaiRs & pRicesYou can TRusT!ALL WORK GUARANTEED!WE'vE bUiLT OUR bUsiNEss ON ThE REfERRALs Of sATisfiED cUsTOmERs WhO TRUsT Us TO pROviDE RELiAbLE AND hONEsT sERvicE AT A fAiR pRicE, EvERy TimE!cOmE sEE WhAT WE cAN DO fOR yOU!• Tune-ups• Exhaust Systems• Heating & A/C• Electrical • Engine Issues• Steering, Tires & Suspension

GENE miLLiNmaster certified Auto Technician

705 N. Second St. • Niles 269-684-8400

269.684.6400Convenient locations in Niles and St. Joseph.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in older adults. Symptoms include blurred, wavy or distorted vision and a blind spot in the center of vision. Dr. Heroman is specially trained to treat retina diseases. His specialized care allows patients to have treatments performed close to home.Please call our office today if you think that you

might benefit from an evaluation of your eyes.

FREE WiFi! www.greateyecare.com

Southwest Michigan’s Retinal Specialist,Dr. Wes Heroman,

wants you to know:


Lake Michigan College Bertrand Crossing1905 Foundation Drive, Niles(269) 695-2792www.lakemichigancollege.edu

Southwestern Michigan College33890 U.S. Highway 12(269) 687-1600www.swmich.edu

UTILITIESElectricity Indiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichiganpower.com

Municipal UtilitiesCity of Niles Utilities Depart-ment 322 East Main St., NilesPhone: (269) 683-4700 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.Website: www.ci.niles.mi.us

Natural GasSemco EnergyPhone: (800) 624-2019Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.Website:www.semcoenergygas.com

Patrick McAvinue, left, plays fiddle in accompani-ment to Audie Blaylock of Audie Blaylock and Red-

line, which played at the Niles Bluegrass Festival in June.

Leader Publications photo/KIMBERLY WYNN


47

DALE RIFENBERGInsurance

Marcia A. RifenbergOwner

118 Main StreetBuchanan, MI 49107

AUTO • HOME • FARMBUSINESS • MOTORCYCLES

RV • WATERCRAFT

Office: 269-695-1200 | Cell: 269-470-5824


El Amigo Pepe


El Amigo Pepe, 1140 S. 11th St., has been making a name in Niles for eight years — four since moving from Fifth Street.

“Customers are happier with this location,” Jose Mendez said.

And happy, loyal customers are the key to El Amigo Pepe’s success.

This family-operated business’ name means “The Friend” Pepe, a nickname for Jose. The opera-tion involves seven family mem-bers.

“My dad has a lot of friends in the restaurant business, and not all of them are doing as well,”

says his oldest daughter, Gabriela Morales, who at 23 has been waitressing half her life and brought in her husband of a year.

“We know our customers and they know us,” Gabriela said. “We’ve seen their kids grow up

continued page 48


Jose Mendez and Gabriela Morales operate El Amigo Pepe.


48

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and they’ve seen us grow up. So many regular customers know us by name and we know what they want before they sit down. My parents are super friendly. My dad will give you the shirt off his back, so people are always there when he needs help. I tried to walk away and work at a hospi-tal, but I had to come back. You

miss the people.”Getting in the restaurant busi-

ness Jose chalks up to a “crazy idea. We didn’t know what we were doing. We had a place at Sister Lakes, then we moved to Michigan City, then came here” after a truck driver suggested Niles.

They previously did farm work, from grapes to celery, in Decatur.

Everything is done according to what people

want. Customers are always right.

— Gabriela Morales ”“


49

Our electric utility “turns on” our community with not-for-profit electricity service. Around the clock it lights, cools, heats and powers our homes, businesses, and institutions. Our aim is to provide always-there electricity while holding down your costs, and giving you the best in customer care. That’s because we’re a not-for-profit “public power" electric utility, created and owned by our community.

City of Niles Utilities Department

(269) 683-4700

Your community-owned electricutility is at your service.

We“Turn On”

Our Community

We Buy:

Voted

#1

We Pay Top DollarFor GoldScrap Gold, 90% Silver Coins,Sterling Silver, Broken or Unwanted Jewelry*If your not sure just bring it in!

South Bend Gold & Silver Exchange, Inc.106 N. Main St. • South Bend, IN 46601

(574) 210-2636Southbendgoldexchange.com

In business since 1994, Jose and Ana also ran a grocery store.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.

“We started with a little menu,” Jose said, compared to 14 kinds of burritos, including vegetarian and feo — “ugly.”

El Amigo Pepe has been ex-panding its profile, from local festivals and fairs to launching a Facebook page.

Jose does the Cass, Van Buren and Berrien fairs, Niles bluegrass and apple festivals and Red Bud motocross events in Buchanan.

Whoever cooks follows Jose’s and Ana’s recipes for authentic central Mexican cuisine. Jose’s specialty from Michoacan state is carnitas, pork with lime and ci-lantro.

“Everything is done fresh,” Gabriela said.

“We make chips three times a day and salsa from tomatoes,” which probably came from Shel-

ton’s.“Everything is done according

to what people want,” she said. “Customers are always right.

“It’s been getting very busy and we’re thankful for being so loyal to us.

“We try to keep prices low (like family-friendly 10 for $10 taco Tuesdays) because we know the situation a lot of our custom-ers are in.

“Sometimes, we’re so busy it’s hard to get to them and they stack up the dishes, wipe their own table with a rag and wait.”

Sybiotic relationships are cher-ished.

“We go to Walmart to get things, and Walmart people come here. Tyler’s people come in all the time and send over people buying cars.” Police officers who patronize the place praise Ana’s purple shirt, “Say no to drugs, say yes to tacos.”

“They don’t eat donuts, they eat tacos,” Gabriela laughs.


50

Lifestyles Over 50

1125 E. Milham Ave., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

(269) 383-9112 • (800) 531-0272

+ Services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

+ Home Health Care & Staff Relief

Caretel® Inns of Lakeland3905 Lorraine Path (off Niles Road)St. Joseph, MI 49085 • (269)428-1111

www.caretelinns.com

Ho

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oo

d R

d.

E. Glenlord Rd.

Malden Ln.

63

63

Niles Rd.

94

ST. JOSEPH

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E. Glenlord Rd.

Malden Ln.

63

63

Niles Rd.

94

ST. JOSEPH

Caretel Inns of Lakeland

Other services:• Physical Therapy• Occupational Therapy• Speech Therapy• Short-Term Rehabilitation• Out-Patient Therapy

STOP IN OR CALL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Introducing Caretel® Inns of Lakeland’s newest addition

Fullerton House InnFullerton House Inn

Offering seniorsmore living options forAssisted Living, and will include Penny Lane, our indoor downtown, with hair salon, spa, gift shop, and a theatre.

Also, a new state-of-the-art Occupational and Physical Therapy Center!

Caretel® Innsspecializes in:• Skilled Nursing Care• Assisted Living• Memory Care

READY TOMOVE INMAY 2012!

READY TO MOVE IN NOW!!

Is a family owned and operated long term care community. Our home offers private rooms, courtyards, and common areas for visiting families and friends.

We value the concept that aging is not a decline, but a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life. We have made a commitment to create a culture that fosters warmth and growth for our employees and for our residents. Residents can enjoy deliciously prepared meals, beautiful courtyards, activity center with a kitchenette, multiple common areas for visiting with family, wireless internet, digital satellite TV, in house laundry and housekeeping, and church services just to name a few.

Please Come See Us, No Appointments Necessary.

1211 State Line Rd., Niles, MI

269-684-2810

Giving you other options thannursing homes & assisted living

• Elder Care • Hospice Care• Short Stay • Permanent • Respite• Competitive Monthly Rates

209 S. Cleveland Avenue, Galien, MI • (269) 449 - 0160

Kelli’s Cozy Care Owner: Kelli McHugh, R.N.










Caring for loved ones.... LikeFamily


51

Lifestyles Over 50

1125 E. Milham Ave., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49002

(269) 383-9112 • (800) 531-0272

+ Services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

+ Home Health Care & Staff Relief

Caretel® Inns of Lakeland3905 Lorraine Path (off Niles Road)St. Joseph, MI 49085 • (269)428-1111

www.caretelinns.com

Ho

llyw

oo

d R

d.

E. Glenlord Rd.

Malden Ln.

63

63

Niles Rd.

94

ST. JOSEPH

Ho

llyw

oo

d R

d.

E. Glenlord Rd.

Malden Ln.

63

63

Niles Rd.

94

ST. JOSEPH

Caretel Inns of Lakeland

Other services:• Physical Therapy• Occupational Therapy• Speech Therapy• Short-Term Rehabilitation• Out-Patient Therapy

STOP IN OR CALL FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Introducing Caretel® Inns of Lakeland’s newest addition

Fullerton House InnFullerton House Inn

Offering seniorsmore living options forAssisted Living, and will include Penny Lane, our indoor downtown, with hair salon, spa, gift shop, and a theatre.

Also, a new state-of-the-art Occupational and Physical Therapy Center!

Caretel® Innsspecializes in:• Skilled Nursing Care• Assisted Living• Memory Care

READY TOMOVE INMAY 2012!

READY TO MOVE IN NOW!!

Is a family owned and operated long term care community. Our home offers private rooms, courtyards, and common areas for visiting families and friends.

We value the concept that aging is not a decline, but a continuous stage of growth and development in a human life. We have made a commitment to create a culture that fosters warmth and growth for our employees and for our residents. Residents can enjoy deliciously prepared meals, beautiful courtyards, activity center with a kitchenette, multiple common areas for visiting with family, wireless internet, digital satellite TV, in house laundry and housekeeping, and church services just to name a few.

Please Come See Us, No Appointments Necessary.

1211 State Line Rd., Niles, MI

269-684-2810

Giving you other options thannursing homes & assisted living

• Elder Care • Hospice Care• Short Stay • Permanent • Respite• Competitive Monthly Rates

209 S. Cleveland Avenue, Galien, MI • (269) 449 - 0160

Kelli’s Cozy Care Owner: Kelli McHugh, R.N.










Caring for loved ones.... LikeFamily


52 Niles Twp.

Placing

PeopleFirst

• Information Technology

• Clerical

• Professional & Technical

• Accounting & Payroll

• Office & Administration

• Medical Office

• Industrial & ManufacturingCELEBRATING

20 YEARSOF STAFFING EXCELLENCE

223 East Main St., Niles, MI 49120269-684-1454

WilliamsonEmployment.com

3371 West Cleveland Rd., Suite 120South Bend, IN 46628574-289-1454

A Fresh Take on dining

You and your family will enjoy dining in our beautifully restored, historic space. • Weekday menu & drink specials • Sunday Brunch • Banquet space available for private parties & gatherings • Craft Beers & Berrien County Wines

There's something for everyone at

219 N. Front St. Niles, MI 49120

For reservations call 269.684.2233

NILES TWP.GOVERNMENT

Niles Township320 Bell Rd., Niles, MI 49120Phone: (269) 684-0870Fax: (269) 684-1996Website: www.nilestwpmi.govBoard meetings first and third Mondays of the month at 7 p.m

DEMOGRAPHICSn Population: 13,325n Race:— White: 93.3 percent— African-American: 3.03 per-cent— Hispanic/Latino: 1.92 percent— Median household income: $37,794



U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., Sixth District, Office Phone: (202) 225-3761, Mail: 2183 Ray-burn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515, Email: [email protected]. Leader Publications file photo

Fulkerson Park


53

Weekdayvalues!

enjoy these great

Weekdayvalues!

sports, Beer & jumBo Wingssports, Beer & jumBo Wings

2008 S. 11th St. • Niles

683-9464www.wingsetc.net/locations/wings_niles.html

Monday- 49¢ Wing & domestic Bottle Specials

TueSday- Chicken Tenders, domectic draft Specials & Imports

WedneSday- Shrimp & 34 oz Schooner Specials

ThurSday- Boneless Wings & 60 oz Pitcher Specials

Mon-Thurs11am to 11pm

Fri & Sat11am to Midnight

Sunday 11am

to 10 pm

PRESERVEWe have a selection of great

products for all of your scrapbooking & paper crafting needs.

Let us help you

PRESERVEevery moment

Stickers & Brads

Eyelets & Embellishments

Rubber & Acrylic Stamps

Ink &

683-3008 www.NilesScrapbooking.com

2830 S. 11th St. . Niles



Gov. Rick Snyder, R-MI, Office Phone: (517) 335-7858, Mail: P.O. Box 30013Lansing, MI 48909

PARKSn Community Park, 1505 Bond Street— Baseball/softball field, play-ground equipment, picnic tables and grills, hiking trails along Brandywine Creek, trout fishing, community park building that can

continued page 54Leader Publications file photo

Pucker Street Dam


54


accommodate approximately 75 people and is available for rent on a first come-first serve basis.n Losensky Park, M-51 North and Pucker Street— Picnic tables, grills and benches, waterfront of Dowagiac Creekn South Fireman’s Park, directly behind the Township Hall on Bell Road— Host park for Cal-Ripken Baseball Program and the Niles-Brandywine girl’s softball. Con-cessions sold during the season, also includes play structures, ten-nis courts, picnic tables, grills and one pavilion for use at no charge.n North Fireman’s Park, off M-51— Playground equipment, benches, grills, picnic shelter.

POLICE AND FIREBerrien County Sheriff’s Depart-ment Niles Township Patrol:

(866) 630-7679Fire: (269) 683-3311

HOT SPOT EATERYBlueberry Hill House of Pan-cakes1109 S. 11th St.(269) 684-7400Known for omelets and, of course, pancakes

SCHOOLSBrandywine Community Schools1830 S. Third St., NilesContact: (269) 684-7150, brandywine.schoolfusion.us

SENIOR CENTERGreater Niles Senior Center1109 Bell Rd. (269) 683-9380

UTILITIESElectricityIndiana Michigan PowerPhone: (800) 311-6424Website: www.indianamichigan-power.com

Taking Schools of Choice Applications for the 2012-2013 school year K-12 grades, including

Alternative and Adult Education Programs with on-site child care.

Merritt and Brandywine

Elementary Schools:a great place to start!• Full Day Kindergarten• Small school experience without the private school cost

Brandywine Middle/Senior

High School:right size; right opportunities!

• 7 period class day• Promoting all students to have a strong academic foundation• Providing students a wide range of educa- tional opportunities

Brandywine Community

Schools:

the right choice!

Brandywine Community Schools

1830 S. 3rd Street Niles, MI 49120269-684-7150

www.brandywinebobcats.org

ACOUSTIC AUDIO HEARING SERVICEOur Family Serving Yours Since 1957

Michiana’s oldest and largest hearing aid providers“YOU WILL HEAR THE DIFFERENCE”

Apples & Oranges Are

Not The Same...

Hearing Aid Providers Are

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IT’S PRICELESS!

Wayne Thomas, Pamula Guard, Stephen Thomas, Adam Thomas & Dr. Linda Murphy

- In Home Service for those with travel concerns

- 2 Year Standard Warranty on Mainline Products

- Doctor of Audiology on Staff

- 55 Years of continuous service

WE PROVIDE

We are dedicated to full service & will match anyone’s price Apples for Apples.

Call us for a “No Charge” hearing screening in our office or your home.

574-287-7221 • 1-800-288-7221808 South Michigan, South Bend, IN

269-273-7237 • Three Rivers, MI1170 W. Michigan Ste 6

574-534-7630 • Goshen, IN721 E. Madison Ste 3

www.acoustic-audio.com

Municipal UtilitiesDepartment of Public WorksLocated: 320 Bell Rd., NilesPhone: (269) 684-0870

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Website: www.nilestwpmi.gov

Niles Township photo

Brandywine Creek Nature Park


55

5 0 5 5 2 U . S . 3 1 N o r t h , S o u t h B e n d • 5 7 4 - 2 7 1 - 0 3 3 3 • M o n - T h u 5 a m - 1 2 a m • S a t 5 a m - 1 a m S u n 6 a m - 1 2 a m

• Gift Cards • Money Orders • Money Transfers • Pre-Paid Phone Cards • Cell & Long Distance Plans Available All Prices Subject to Change Without Notice. Thank You For Shopping With Us!

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E-CigaretteThe electronic cigarette, or personal vaporizer, is a battery-powered device that

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Come see it, try it...if you like it, BuY it!We carry all the accessories: chargers, liquids, filters, batteries, etc.

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WEEKENDN E W B U F F A LO / T H R E E O A K S

There are only eight towns in the official region of Harbor Country: Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Three Oaks, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert and Sawyer. Located in the southwest corner of Berrien County, the Harbor Country region stretches 15 miles north from the Michigan state line and inland six miles to Three Oaks. Harbor Country does not extend beyond these eight quaint towns. This little unsuspecting corner of southwest Michigan has become a destination of choice for travelers who want to experience lifestyles that are seemingly frozen in time, when things were simple, less complicated. Here you will only find the inconvenience of small-town life that is not panicked by the lack of technology or the instant gratification of cosmopolitan amenities.

— Courtesy of Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce website: www.harborcountry.org.James Jackson's work, "Hand's Off," left corner, is one of many piec-

es featured at The Courtyard Gallery, 813 E. Buffalo St., in New Buf-falo. See story page 55.


56

AsphaltAFFORDABLE

ASPHALT PAVING•BULLDOZING•EXCAVATING

•SEPTIC SYSTEMS•CONCRETE FLAT WORK

All types of drivewaymaintenance & repair.Sealed coating, repair & re-moval, trucking (269)695-1125

ConstructionPLACHER

CONSTRUCTIONNew Construction

& RemodelingANDREW PLACHER

CarpenterCell: (269) 876-1779

P.O. Box 873Dowagiac, MI 49047

Elderly CareASSISTED LIVING HOME

Licensed 24 Hour Care forSeniors. Affordable rates.Niles area. (269)683-3481

ExcavationDAVE’S HAULING &BOBCAT SERVICE

Topsoil, Stone, R/C Concrete,Beach Sand (574)298-9858

HandymanHANDY MAN/

CLEANINGVarious jobs etc., includingGeneral Clean-Up, Pressurewashing. Insured & Bonded.(269)462-3121 or(574)294-7532

HAULING

PAUL'S HAULINGTrash, cars, trucks, boats,boat trailers, lawn mowers,rototillers, batteries, anymetals, etc. Free Estimates.(269)663-5595

Home ImprovementHOME REPAIRS &

REMODELING25 years of experience, tilework kitchens, bathrooms,additions, decks & porches,replacement windows &doors, window wrapping,siding, fascia & soffit. Freeestimates. Insured!Randy(269)782-3139(269)208-9838

MKCONSTRUCTION

Pole barn & other garagesspecialist. Roofing Siding,Framing and more. Over 25years experience. Licensed.Contact Michael N. Knepple(269)476-9777

Lawn & Garden ServicePOND LINERS

EPDM Rubber, Any sizeLowest Prices, FREE De-livery, Huge Inventory, TRMEnterprises, South Bend.(574)246-1922 (574) 329-9294

MasonryCASPER MASONRY

Brick/ Block/Stone. Custom& Insurance work. Insured &Bonded. (574)298-3520

MiscellaneousEXPERT CLOCK

REPAIR45 years experience. Inhome service of grandfatherclocks. Free estimates. Webuy old clocks. LarryShingledecker (269)435-7228

WE WILL BUYyour junk car. We haul forfree. Paying up to $1500cash. Please call anytime269-687-8098

Painting

Complete Int./Ext.,269-471-5326.

Senior citizens discount.Free Est. Certified BenMoore Deck [email protected]

Pool ServiceSWIMMING POOL

LINERS & REPAIRSAny size, great prices, allequipment, 35 years ex-perience. Robertson’s Sales &Service, Niles. Call (269)684-2669

SNYDER'S POOL& SPA STORESNiles & Cassopolis

Swimming Pools & SpasQuality Sales & Service

Certified Service Technician269-684-8792269-445-0108

Roofing

ALT ROOFING &SIDING

Residential/Commercial.Life-time warrantiedshingles. Senior discounts.(269)782-9491

FRYMAN’SROOFING,FRYMAN’S

SEAMLESS GUTTERS & SIDINGYour home exterior experts.Quality guaranteed. (269)782-5008 (David & Terri Fryman)

Tree Service

BROWN'S TREESERVICE

Tree trimming topping & re-moval, stump grinding. FreeEstimates. Credit cards ac-cepted. (574)596-6995

C & S MARSH TREE SERVICE

Trees, brush, stump removal,high lift work, insured.(269)362-4331 or 683-1065leave msg.

THE RIGHT CHOICE...FOR SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN

888.725.0108217 N. Fourth St. Niles, Michigan www.leaderpub.com

Pool Service

The Courtyard Gallery, 813 E. Buffalo St., in New Buffalo is featuring the work of James Jackson, a lifetime resident of West Michigan who resides in Kalamazoo.

This graduate of Western

Michigan University is a painter, sculptor, inventor, husband and grandfather. His work is imbued with themes such as nature and personal balance. The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, has con-

signed four pieces of his work since 1994. Collectors from as far away as Russia and Brazil own his works. His sculptures can be seen throughout southern Michigan, including the 26-ton entrance sign between St. Joseph

and Benton Harbor, for exam-ple, or on the campus of Lake Michigan College.

As a child, Jackson foraged through junkyards and began working with steel, but his

continued page 58

Gallery features sculptures by James Jackson


57


58 Weekend


career in metal sculpture began after high school, when he got a job at the Gray Iron Factory where his father and uncles had worked for many years – mold-ing, casting and tempering met-als, building his metallurgy and engineering skills. Isolated in the loud factory, he discovered a love of working with steel and, inspired by the possibilities, he wondered how he could apply those skills in a more fulfilling career and before beginning his college education.

For two years, he studied pre-metals engineering at Ferris State College before dropping out in 1960, disillusioned by the inabil-ity of the curriculum to match his passion for working with metal. As he continued his education at Western Michigan University, he spent the next several years working as a counselor, track and football coach for Kalamazoo College. For more information, call (800) 291-9287.

C O L O M A / W A T E R V L I E T

The Paw Paw Lakes have been a longtime tourist destination along with the beautiful farmland, rolling hills, quaint shops and wineries. There is something for everyone, which makes the Coloma and Watervliet Area a wonderful place to live, work and play. Come visit our area and see for yourself why we really are a tourist destination for all seasons.

The Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce strives to promote the local businesses in the Coloma and Watervliet Area. This chamber is a joint chamber that serves both Coloma and Watervliet.

— Courtesy of Coloma-Watervliet Chamber of Commerce website: www.coloma-watervliet.org.

Deer Forest Fun Park offers fun for families.



59

ColomaJUNE 2012 Coloma BBQ Blues and Cruise 2012 • June 16 • Baker Park Downtown ColomaBring your family, friends, lawn chairs and appetites to this non-alcoholic, free event, sponsored by the area merchants. JULY 2012 Maud Nelson / Independence Weekend Celebration June 29-July 1Fireworks, delicious food, parades and women’s baseball highlight this fun filled weekend. There is also a very popular Duck Race, Airport Fly-In, pancake breakfast and Fun Walk and Run. Castles and Cottages Tour of Homes on Paw Paw Lake, Saturday, July 28 • 10 a.m to 4 p.m.The tour begins at Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club. Eight homes are featured this year. Travel by car or pontoon boat. For more information visit www.lakelandhealth.org/castlesandcottage. AUGUST 2012 Coloma Glad Peach Festival always the first full weekend in August. Aug. 3-5The Coloma Glad-Peach Festival is an annual celebration of the gladiolus flowers and peaches, which are both grown locally. Events include live music on two stages, a classic car show and an aerial fireworks display.

GET AWAY from the EVERYDAY!Whether it’s for the weekend or the whole season, Fuller’s Resort is the perfect

place to relax and enjoy the beauty of summer with family & friends.

•LogCabin&CottageRental •ConcessionPavillion •FullHookup&Primitive •RecreationBarn Campsites •Fishing •RentalTrailers •SwimmingArea&Beach •IceCream •Boat,Canoe,&KayakRental

1622 East Clear Lake Road • Buchanan, MI 49107For more information and reservations:

269-695-3785 or www.fullersresort.com

BRIDGMAN

The Bridgman Area Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to step inside our great community. Imagine yourself relaxing on the beach listening to our summer concert series. Or enjoying taps at sunset. Or enjoying a morning coffee while enjoying a Lake Michigan view at our Weko Beach House. The jewel of southwest Michigan. These are just some of the many activities available to you at Bridgman, exit 16 off I-94. The communities of Bridgman area include Baroda, Bridgman, Lake Township and Sawyer. We have much to offer: varied businesses, exemplary schools and services that are first class.

— Courtesy of Bridgman Area Chamber of Commerce: www.bridgmanarea.org.

From left, Brooke Chapla, of Goshen, Ind.; Amy Law, of Ed-wardsburg; and Erin Miner, of Sawyer, re-lax and listen to mu-sic at the 2010 Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival.Leader Publications file photo


60


LeaderPub.com

Leader Publications

Bridgman

Self-Serve Dog Wash

(269) 465-44254445 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI

www.pawstowash.com

4352 Lake StreetBridgman, MI 49106

269-465-3533www.bridgmanmeatmarket.com

• Michigan Wines• Fresh Cut Meats• Specialty Sausages & Gourmet Burgers• Seafood

Presented b y the Bridgman-Lake Township Economic Growth Alliance

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29 • 3-9 PMToast The Coast

Sample over 30 hand-crafted beers from Michigan’s best breweries on the beautiful

Lake Michigan Shore!

BREWERIES, LIVE MUSIC & GREAT FOOD

More at wekobeachbrewersfest.com or call Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

269.925.6301

S O U T H B E N D / M I S H A W A K A /

G R A N G E R

With a population of 104,905, South Bend is the fourth-largest city in Indiana, the county seat and the largest city in St. Joseph County. It is a college town with a rich history that also boasts a strong and diversified economy, as well as plentiful arts and entertainment possibilities. And now it is an All-America City, designated by the National Civic League (June 2011). Known as a civic Oscar, the All-America city designation is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious community award. Each year, a panel of national judges looks at cities that demonstrate innovation and showcase successful civic efforts.


Notre Dame


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JoeMamasJoe.comFacebook.com/JoeMamasJoe

11 S. Elm Street(269) 756-9111

Just miles from the shore of Lake Michigan and the Indiana border, Three Oaks is home to the Flag Day Festival, great shops, farmers market, galleries, restaurants, horseback riding, and more!

Three OaksThree Oaks

Just miles from the shore of Lake Michigan and the Indiana border, Three Oaks is home to the Flag Day Festival, great shops, farmers market, galleries, restaurants, horseback riding, and more!

Shop and explore the Historic

Featherbone FactoryWe specialize in Hand-Crafted

Concrete Garden/Stepping Stones, offering the Midwest’s

Largest Selection!

• Concrete stepping stones over 250 designs• Hand blown glass gazing balls• Bird baths & gazing ball stands• Pottery• Unique items for home and garden• Copper weather vanes

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am - 5pmSunday 2pm - 5pm

14 South Elm Street

(269)756-3101

BREAKFAST • LUNCH FRESH BAKED GOODS

Open Mon 7am-2pmWed-Sat 7am-3pm • Sun 7am-1pm

102 N. Elm Street • (269) 756-9420

KAMINSKI FARMS MEATSFarm Fresh • Hormone-Free Corn Fed Beef, Pork, Lamb & Chicken

1 1/4 mi NW of Three Oaks on Schwark Rd.

269-756-7457Cell 269-930-745816682 Schwark Rd

Three Oaks, MI

Taking Orders for Beef Halves& Quarters, Call to Order.

www.KaminskiFarmsMeats.com

$2.00 OFFA $30 purchase

w/coupon exp. 8-31-12

Drier’sMeat

Market

Expresso DrinksCoffee

Fresh Raw JuicesSandwiches & Wraps

Music in the Park 2012 June 16 South Shore Concert Band June 23 Stacey Koziel June 30 WRHC - Danny Schmidt July 7 Columbia College - Jazz July 14 The Concern July 21 Young Shakespeare July 28 Columbia College - R&B Aug. 4 Mojo Daddy Aug. 11 Unraveling String Band Aug. 18 Los Bandits de Michigan Aug. 25 Shades of Gray Sept. 1 Best of Pastiche

Saturdaysat 6:30 pmat Dewey

Cannon Park


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Granger

granger

Sweet Deals for Busy Bees

Shoppingin

Your Local Health Maintenance Store Organic Produce • Herbal Supplements • Frozen Meats • Smoothies & Shakes

225 Toscana Blvd, Suite 3 l Granger, IN l (574) 271-2076Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

[email protected]

By CRAIG [email protected]

You can find just about anything at the South Bend Farmer’s Market.

Even love.Just ask vendor and

market manager Marie Walawender.

“It’s true,” said Walawender, who has been a seller at the mar-ket for 56 years. She was selling produce when she met her future husband, Art, a regular customer of the market.

Couple finds love among market's fresh produce

SOUTH BEND FARMER’S MARKET

Where: 1105 Northside Blvd. in South Bend

Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Call: (574) 282-1259LIst of vendors: Visit

s o u t h b e n d f a r m e r smarket.com

Leader Publications file photoArt and Marie Walawender sell produce at their booth at the South Bend Farmer’s Market.

The pair was married on Dec. 7, about nine years ago, in front of the booth where Marie sells produce. You can find them there most days together selling fresh asparagus, tomatoes and anything else grown on their farm north of Dowagiac.

“I think it’s a neat story,” Marie said.

While most people won’t find love at the South Bend Farmer’s Market, they are likely to find

some of the best produce in Michiana. Since 1924, the mar-ket has been known as a great place to purchase farm-grown fruits and vegetables, a variety of cheeses, eggs, meat, fresh fish and lamb, artisan baked goods, flowers, plants and jewelry.

“The produce is fresh as it gets, picked one day and brought in the next day during the growing season,” Marie said.

Mishawaka, known as the Princess City, has a population of 50,126 and is situated along the St. Joseph River. A truly impressive retail hub is located in Mishawaka, along the Grape Road/Main Street corridor. Beginning at University Park Mall and heading south, a wide array of shops and restaurants has shaped the area into the second largest regional retail center in the state of Indiana. New developments happen continuously, and according to city officials the Grape/Main corridor will grow until they run out of room. A collection of attractive commercial business parks also highlights Mishawaka’s north side.

Granger is a non-incorporated Census Designated Place with a population of 28,333. Located in the northeast part of St. Joseph County in Harris Township, Granger is fast becoming the new housing center of the county. Students from this area attend Penn-Harris-Madison schools.

— Courtesy of Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County website: www.sjchamber.org.


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Documents

Life Made Simple 2012