April 8, 2021

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 14, volume 80

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Thursday, April 8, 2021

Berrien County continues to see steady increase of COVID-19 cases last week PAGE 4 New Buffalo City Council approves city manager contract for Darwin Watson; More of year-round economy the vision of new city manager PAGE 6

Expansion on tap at Beer Church PAGE 11

Elsie Earl Studios, Neighbor by Neighbor partner to deliver Easter baskets, meals to families PAGE 16

GOOD BURGER...

REDAMAK’S OPENS FOR 46TH SEASON — PAGE 10 — PHOTO OF BURGER LOVERS WAITING OUTSIDE OF REDAMAK’S ON OPENING DAY BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

The Pokagon Fund Vision Program celebrates past successes, accepting applications to help more residents

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ince 2011, The Pokagon Fund (TPF) has been committed to providing routine vision care for youth and seniors who reside in Southwestern Berrien County. The program is currently administered directly by TPF with Smoke Vision Care of New Buffalo providing the eye care services.

Since these two organizations began their partnership in December 2018, 188 eligible residents have received no-cost routine vision examinations and/or prescription glasses through the program.

Vision changes can happen slowly and vision loss from an eye disease can go unnoticed until it is too late.

This is true for youth and seniors alike; many people may assume the way they see is normal and do not realize they have vision problems.

Routine eye exams from Smoke Vision Care are important to assess vision and learning-related issues as well as evaluate the health of the eye to detect and treat problems early, helping to preserve patients’ vision and healthy sight for life.

The program is available to eligible youth and seniors (defined for the purposes of this program as those who are 50 years of age or older)

‘Gig City’ becoming reality for internet provider

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NO-COST, ROUTINE EYE EXAM PROVIDED

BY SMOKE VISION CARE OF NEW BUFFALO who reside in the 49115, 49116, 49117, 49125, 49128, and 49129 zip codes. Applications can be obtained by visiting Horizon Bank (in New Buffalo or Three Oaks) or The River Valley Senior Center; downloading one from TPF Vision Program webpage (www.PokagonFund.org/ VisionProgram); or by calling TPF offices at (269) 469-9322 and having one mailed.

“Participants consistently provide positive feedback about the impact of the Vision Program and the level of service they receive from Smoke Vision,” said Dan Petersen, executive director of The Pokagon Fund.

“This is a wonderful program that gives youngsters a vital tool to be successful in their learning journeys and enhances the quality of life for area seniors that they may not otherwise be able to afford.”

“I am very thankful you have provided this [program],” one participant said. “My vision was failing, and I did not know how I was going to afford this. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

More information on the program, including eligibility requirements, can be found at www.PokagonFund. org/VisionProgram. — STAFF REPORTS

The soul desires immortality?

— Dino

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A local internet service provider is making LaPorte its first “Gig City.”

When the work is finished, slow internet speed will be a thing of the past at any home or business in LaPorte connecting to what’s basically unlimited capacity fiber.

“I think this is massive,” said Bert Cook, executive director of the LaPorte Economic Advancement Partnership.

Surf Broadband Solutions is investing $5 million on building a fiber network for anyone in the city to access, said Patrick Wheeland, chief technical officer for the firm.

The LaPorte based company provides service across northern Indiana, southern Michigan and the Chicago area.

Wheeland said about 3,700 homes and businesses throughout the entire city will be able to tap into the network within the next couple of months.

The company is also investing another $5 million on extending the fiber to another 1,300 potential customers north and west of the city limits, he said.

Wheeland said there will be enough capacity for a single customer, for example, to streamline up to 200 HD movies on Netflix at the same time without a service interruption.

“It’s going to do everything you need with the speed it can provide,” Wheeland said.

The city is providing only right of way access to run the fiber and help in avoiding buried water and sewer lines.

Cook said access to such high volumes of bandwidth should be a difference maker in attracting new businesses and residents in an increasingly digital world.

“There’s so much that we do online having access to that connectivity becomes crucial,” he said.

Wheeland said LaPorte will be the first city it blankets with access to such high performance fiber but more are expected at some point in the future.

“We are working to spread fiber across all of our entire foot print,” he said. — STAN MADDUX

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANIGAN City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS to be determined NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD PETE RAHM, MICHELLE HEIT, JUDY H. ZABICKI, PATTY IAZZETTO, JACK ROGERS Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, BILL MARSKE Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Berrien County continues to see steady increase of COVID-19 cases last week

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he number of cases of COVID-19 continued to steadily increase last week in Berrien County, Nicki Britten, health officer at the Berrien County Health Department, said at the health department and Spectrum Health Lakeland’s (SHL) Facebook Live update Wednesday, March 31.

On March 31, Britten said the county was seeing about 48 new cases per day on average, a number that has been steadily increasing for the last three weeks. The percent positivity of tests has been around 10%, compared to a month ago, when it was lower than 5%.

As of the afternoon of Tuesday, April 6, in total, the health department was reporting 12,026 confirmed cases, 226 confirmed deaths and 10,619 10-day recoveries. There were also a reported 27 non-ICU COVID-19 patients and five ICU patients.

Britten added that Michigan has been seeing an increase in cases – more so than other states.

Compared to last fall, Britten said that there have been more cases amongst younger adults as well as children under the age of 18.

Particularly, a lot of cases have been amongst those in middle and high school.

Britten said that currently, comparing “age trends and breakdowns” to the fall right now is difficult because the vaccine “makes a difference in how this all plays out.”

“It’s possible what we’re really seeing is the absence of hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of cases amongst older adults that are now very well protected as they’re getting the vaccine,” she said.

On March 31, Britten said there had been 12 confirmed cases of B.1.1.7 variant (UK variant) in Berrien County.

“We know once variants are present in a community, it does fairly quickly become the predominant strain - not the only one, but it does become more common,” she said.

Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland, said that over the course of a couple weeks, SHL went from having no admissions of COVID-19 patients to 27.

Spectrum is seeing a “younger cohort” be admitted, Hamel said.

Spectrum Health facilities overall have admitted children, with patients under 30 years be in the ICU on ventilators.

“We’ve had more (patients) in their 40s and 50s than we had before…The average age of individuals that have been admitted have been 10 years younger than a few weeks ago – and that’s certainly related to the vaccine success in older individuals,” Hamel said.

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he amount of vaccine coming into the state and then to the county has been starting to increase a little more, Britten said, and more providers have been coming “online” to give vaccine at mass clinics held each week. For an update on vaccinations in Berrien County, see article at right.

Hamel had one message for those who have waited to get the vaccine either because they wanted to allow others who are more high risk go first or who have decided to sign up later because of the long wait list.

“Now’s the time to get your vaccine,” he said.

BERRIEN COUNTY COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE: ALL RESIDENTS AGES 16 AND OVER NOW ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A COVID-19 VACCINATION

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he Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland are pleased to move forward with expanded eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination for all residents ages 16 and up, which began Monday, April 5.

Although eligibility has expanded, Berrien County vaccination partners will continue to prioritize residents based on highest risk, including older residents, those with underlying medical conditions, and frontline/essential workers.

Allocations of the COVID-19 vaccine continue to increase each week throughout the state, including in Berrien County.

Local providers are receiving weekly shipments of Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccines, with only the Pfizer vaccine being administered to those ages 16 and 17 with parental consent.

This increase in supplies has allowed the Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland to hold large mass-vaccination events in several communities across the county, as well as smaller, more targeted pop-up clinics.

As of April 5, more than 45,500 residents have received a first dose of the vaccine with nearly 71,000 total doses administered by the Berrien County Health Department, Spectrum Health Lakeland, several federally qualified health centers, and pharmacy partners. This number represents approximately 37% of Berrien County residents who are now protected against COVID-19 with a safe and effective vaccine.

With COVID-19 cases on the rise throughout the State of Michigan, including in Berrien County, residents are urged to continue taking precautions to slow the spread of the virus.

Continued diligence with social distancing, hand hygiene, use of face coverings, and remaining at home if feeling signs of illness are crucial at this time. In addition to these personal prevention actions, community members are also strongly encouraged to consider receiving a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and those around them.

Appointments are available online for self-scheduling at the Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland websites. Residents with limited internet access are encouraged to call the Berrien County Health Department at 800-815-5485 or Spectrum Health Lakeland at 269927-5100 for assistance in scheduling appointments. New appointment availability is added regularly throughout the week and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All vaccination clinics are still operating by appointment only at this time.

More information about COVID-19 and vaccination efforts in Berrien County is available at www.bchdmi.org/COVID19 or www.spectrumhealthlakeland.org/COVID19. — STAFF REPORTS

The strength of the Democratic Party of Cook County is not something that just happened. — Richard J. Daley

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Keller Williams hosts the Easter Bunny

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he Easter Bunny hopped on down the bunny trail to greet downtown visitors at Keller Williams Realty at 207-B N. Whittaker Street in New Buffalo the bright and sunny morning of Saturday, April 3.

The hosting of the Easter Bunny, “Peter Rabbit” (who said he was a realtor on Katie and Quinn Garrison the side) was a part with the Easter Bunny of Keller Williams’ community outreach. Young and old alike posed with the giant, fluffy rabbit and then were handed a bag of colorful eggs containing special Easter treats.

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Craig Berry poses with the Easter Bunny

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

New Buffalo City Council approves city manager contract for Darwin Watson

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More of year-round economy the vision of new city manager

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thriving New Buffalo after the busy summer tourism season is the vision of a new captain of the city’s ship.

Darwin Watson has been chosen as the new city manager.

He’s replacing Dave Richards, who died in December from COVID-19.

Watson, 53, was city manager in Benton Harbor for five years until 2019 and has been involved in real estate, development and consulting work ever since.

The biggest reason he cited for pursuing the job is interest in helping the city beside Lake Michigan reach into the untapped potential he sees in the community.

“I want to be a part of making it the gem I know it can be,” he said.

Watson said he has some ideas for creating a more year round economy but wants to know what community leaders and residents want and the strategies they might have before opening his playbook.

He said New Buffalo has a “big city component” and small town atmosphere that draws people here from places like Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

The city’s population of about 2,500 rises

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo City Council approved a three-year city manager employment agreement for Darwin Watson at a special Wednesday, March 31, meeting.

The agreement was approved in a 4-0 motion (councilmember Roger Lijewski was absent).

Police chief Rich Killips, who had been serving as interim city manager since December, said that the hiring committee, specifically Mayor John Humphrey and councilmember Mark Robertson, worked with Watson to come up with “accepatble” employment agreement that was blessed by city attorney Nick Curio.

“I think we just need to get it executed,” he said.

Watson began his new role as city manager Thursday, April 1. The agreement will remain in effect until April 1, 2024.

The agreement states that “the Council agrees to pay Watson a base salary of $85,000 per year that shall be paid in biweekly increments” and that the “Council shall not reduce Mr. Watson’s base salary while this Agreement remains in effect.”

“If Watson’s regular evaluation conducted pursuant to this Agreement indicates his performance is acceptable, Watson’s base salary shall increase as follows: As of Jan. 1, 2022, the annual base salary shall be $87,000; as of Jan. 1, 2023, the annual base

salary shall be $92,000, as of Jan. 1, 2024, the annual base salary shall be $95,000 and as of Jan. 1 in each year thereafter, the annual base salary shall increase by 3%,” the agreement states.

Councilmembers approved the agreement as presented with a change to Section Two as well as any other typos that need correcting.

Councilmember Lou O’Donnell said that under Section 2, “Term,” it’s stated that the agreement “shall continue in full force and effect for 3 years, until April 1, 2024, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Charter or Subsection 12 of this Agreement.” He said that the reference to Subsection 12, “Separate Representation,” should be changed to Section 8, “Severance Pay.” “I’m happy to have Watson onboard,” Humphrey said.

Watson said he’s anxious about “getting in and getting together with stakeholders, the council, citizens and just getting a feel for what everyone wants in trying to prioritize and make all of those come to fruition.”

Councilmember Brian Flanagan said he’s “looking forward to working with Darwin and making this city what it should be.”

Humphrey said he wanted to publicly acknowledge Killips for stepping into the role of interim city manager.

30 N Whittaker St INTEGRITY • EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS Deli by day

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to close to 20,000 during the summer from second homes being occupied before vacated for the most part during the winter.

Watson believes the key is preserving the charm of the city at both ends of the spectrum while becoming more of an attraction when the hustle and bustle of summer tapers off.

“How do we capture on the quaintness of New Buffalo, the coziness of New Buffalo but also make it a place that people just want to come and see year round,” Watson said.

He said one focus could be giving people flocking to nearby Four Winds Casino even during the winter a reason to venture into the downtown before heading back home on Interstate 94.

Watson is also a former assistant city manager and director of various public works agencies for the city of Benton Harbor, where he started in 1995 as a water plant operator.

He said his experience should be a good fit in New Buffalo, where aging infrastructure in areas like water and sewer are a concern.

“You can’t just put something in the ground or lay a road for it to decay then try to fix it all at one time. If you want to add residents, you got to make sure you have infrastructure to support it,” he said.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

SPORTS

FRIEND OF NEW BUFFALO LIBRARY TO PREPARE FOR COMING BIRD SEASON

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aking your yard bird-friendly and how to identify the different species when they come will be the subject of the Friends of New Buffalo Library’s virtual Community Forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 22.

Naturalist Wendy Jones will discuss the benefits of backyard birding and how to easily attract a wide variety of birds, including woodpeckers, finches, bluebirds, hummingbirds, orioles and many more. Her tips will cover providing food, water, and shelter.

Known to many as the “chickadee naturalist,” Jones has lived in the Michiana area since 1991 and worked at Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve until last summer.

The Zoom link to join the Forum is found under Activities/ Events on either the library’s Facebook page or its website.

For further information email new.buffalo.FOL@gmail.com mailto:new.buffalo.FOL@gmail.com The next FOL Community Forum program via Zoom will be “Lifestyles of the Mich(iana) and Famous” by Nick Bogert Tuesday, May 18. — STAFF REPORTS

GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE RETURNS NEXT MONTH

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t long last, the River Valley Garden Club’s famous plant sale will return from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 22, at Harbert Community Park, 13300 Red Arrow Highway, Harbert, just north of the Chikaming Township Center.

The plant sale is a great kick off to spring.

“Everyone was disappointed that we could not have our annual sale last year,” said Elizabeth Palulis, president. “We will ask people to wear face masks and use hand sanitizer, but the sale is all outdoors, and we feel safe having it in 2021.”

Members dig a wide variety of perennials, native plants, ground covers, bushes, and small trees from their own gardens.

Anyone with an interest in gardening is always welcome at the River Valley Garden Club. The club has field trips, guest speakers, a member’s plant auction, and hands-on workshops in addition to the annual plant sale. The club is also involved in service projects throughout the year, including the making of over eighty holiday arrangements for shut ins. Members come from Indiana and throughout southwest Michigan.

For more information contact Palulis at 269-426-3513 or email her at evpalulis@yahoo.com. Also visit the club’s website at www.rivervalleygardenclub.org. — STAFF REPORTS

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From the Bleachers

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COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

dmittedly, I haven’t been much of a fan of women’s basketball, but the tournament this year may have changed my mind.

While flipping channels last week, I paused for a couple of minutes to watch the University of Connecticut pummel their opponent. UConn always wins, so I moved on, but one of their players caught my eye. Paige Bueckers was her name, a point guard from Edina, Minnesota. She’s only a freshman, but she played like a senior.

She averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, and led her team to their usual place in the post season, the final four.

Uncharacteristically, UConn lost to Arizona in the semifinals and Arizona ended up losing to Stanford for the championship. The level of play has improved immensely since I last checked in and I look forward to watching more games next season.

The men’s final will take place Monday night. After numerous upsets and tough games the two teams standing are Gonzaga ( 31-0 ) and Baylor ( 27-2 ). These teams were both number one seeds and were expected to be in the finals, but it definitely has not been an easy road for either team. Because going undefeated is such a daunting task, I’m going to predict a victory for Baylor, but the game could go either way. There’s a very interesting side story to this year’s tournament. Jalen Suggs, the Gonzaga guard who hit the buzzer beater to knock off UCLA, and Paige Bueckers, the great freshman from UConn, are great friends. They met in Minnesota when Paige wanted to keep working out after her game was over, so she began working out with a boys team that was playing after

her game was finished.

Jalen noticed her working out on the side and invited her to fully participate. I believe both were in 7th grade and they went on to be Miss and Mister basketball in their home state. Even though they went to colleges on opposite coasts, they remain friends and offer each other encouragement throughout the season and playoffs. It looks like they will both be playing professional basketball in the future. They pushed each other to excel as basketball players and human beings and I’m happy to share their story.

The baseball season began this week and after the Cubs lost the opening game in 30 degree weather, they won the next two against the Pirates to get off to a good start.

The Sox won their opener but then lost the next three to the Angels. I couldn’t make it to opening day but I hope to get to Wrigley field Wednesday when the Cubs play the Brewers and it’s supposed to be 40 degrees warmer than opening day. The Detroit Tigers had a couple of cool moments this week.

On opening day in Detroit it was snowing.

When Miguel Cabrera hit a homer, he slid into second because he couldn’t see the ball go over the fence, and today Akil Baddoo hit a home run on the first pitch he ever saw in the major leagues. The cherry on top was his parents were at the game.

Oprah Winfrey said, “If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.”

Be silly. Be honest. Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

This is awesome, baby!

— Dick Vitale

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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A Bison fall short in regional comeback effort

ew Buffalo rallied but fell just short in the District 4 regional opener in boys’ high school basketball.

The Bison lost March 30 to Howardsville Christian 53 to 49 at Niles High School.

Head Coach Nate Tripp felt his high scoring team for much of the season would have won had it not been for cold shooting during much of the game.

Tripp said his players did well in handling the pressure defense from the Eagles but couldn’t execute a high percentage of open shots, including some close to the rim.

“We got he looks. We didn’t make shots,” he said.

The Bison jumped out to a 6-2 lead on buckets from Mark Shaw, Jeremiah Mitchell and Anthony Lijewski but trailed by four points early in the second quarter and six points at halftime.

New Buffalo took the lead in the third quarter when Kaden Parmley took the ball in for a lay-up on a fast break from the opposite end of the court.

BY STAN MADDUX

The Bison reclaimed the lead when Parmley from a pass by Shaw during another fast break laid the ball in at the rim.

New Buffalo down by six points at the end of the third quarter trailed by 10 points early in the final period mostly on three-point buckets from the Eagles.

The Bison started chipping into the lead when Parmley nailed a series of three point buckets, short jump shots and dazzling lay-ups from driving around defenders in the paint.

Howardsville Christian went back up by eight points with less than two minutes left on the clock.

New Buffalo, though, got back within striking distance from a bucket by Shaw well beyond the three point line.

The Bison had a chance to even the score after forcing a turnover during a full court press

with 16 seconds left in the game but failed to sink another shot.

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ripp said Howardsville Christian did not pose any major difficulties for his players, who simply failed to take advantage of plenty scoring opportunities.

“It makes you wonder what we need to do in the off-season to develop a more consistent shooting game,” he said.

Parmley led the Bison with 22 points followed by Lijewski and Shaw with 12 points and 11 points, respectively.

Mitchell contributed four points.

Prospects for the Bison look bright next year with all five starters, who are juniors, expected to return.

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Arrest in near fatal shooting

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An arrest has been made for a near fatal shooting apparently over a woman in LaPorte.

Kenwood Toy, 29, was arraigned March 31 in LaPorte Circuit Court on Level 1 felony Attempted Murder, Level 3 felony Aggravated Battery, Level 5 felony Criminal Recklessness and Class A misdemeanor Carrying a Handgun without a Permit.

He’s accused of shooting Jason Dickson in the back of the head March 19 at an apartment complex at 1700 Andrew Ave. on the city’s west side.

According to court documents, Dickson was living at the apartment complex with the ex-girlfriend of Toy. Dickson was outside one of the apartment buildings when Toy pulled up and fired a semi-automatic handgun soon after stepping out of a car, police said.

Police said eight spent bullet casings were recovered from the scene.

Dickson while being treated by paramedics managed to identify the gunman who was also picked out in a photo line-up by a witness to the shooting, according to court documents.

According to court documents, Toy and the woman once lived together at her apartment and have several children together.

Dickson took the children to South Bend for weekly visits with their father, who also used to live in Michigan City.

Police said Dickson early in the investigation was still waiting to have surgery to remove a bullet fragment from his brain.

Toy was given a March 7 trial date.

He was being held in the LaPorte County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Police said officers on several occasions in the past responded to the home to handle domestic violence related calls when Toy was living there with the woman.

Toy has prior convictions in LaPorte County for crimes like Battery, Invasion of Privacy and Resisting Law Enforcement, according to court records. — STAN MADDUX

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

9

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10 THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

Mandy Geisler, Kristy Jirtle and Jennifer Mann

Nikki Reno works in the kitchen at Redamak’s

Diners enjoy the bar area at Redamak’s

Redamak’s opens for 46th season THE BURGER LEGEND LIVES ON

E

ven a surprise springtime snowfall couldn’t deter burger fans from near and far from lining up outside Redamak’s in New Buffalo on opening day Thursday, April 1.

“We are open - this is not an April Fools,” Katie Maroney, administrative assistant, said.

Last year, Redmak’s opened March 1 (its usual opening day) before taking a brief hiatus when indoor dining wasn’t allowed in Michigan throughout the spring. To the relief of its diehard fans, Redamak’s opened its doors in late June and stayed open until late October.

“We’re just happy to be open – we’re looking forward to a great weekend,” Maroney said (the restaurant was open Easter Sunday, a first for Redamak’s).

This year, Redamak’s will be celebrating its 46th year in business.

Maroney added that a member of their staff, Deb Robertson, is celebrating an anniversary of her own: 40 years at Redmak’s.

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

The restaurant will be offering the same menu items, which includes a variety of both “The Legendary” and “The Ultimate” burgers, as last year.

Maroney, who also runs the Patty Wagon, said that events associated with the wagon will be postponed because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The restaurant is at 50% capacity, with a maximum of six people per table. Redamak’s also has menu QR codes for customers to scan. Laminated versions of the menu are also available.

Maroney said that the carryout area (the carryout window is located on one side of the restaurant) is more “streamlined” and “social distanced.” Texting that will alert customers when orders are ready has been added. Soon, some online ordering may be available. Cash and checks will remain the only payment options (an ATM is located inside of the restaurant).

“We hope to roll out some new things for the

The Carter and Bruinsma families enjoy the first burgers of the season

season next month that we’re really excited for,” Maroney said.

Redamak’s spring hours are from noon to 9 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Plans are for the restaurant to switch to standard summer hours and to be open seven days a week after Memorial Day.

R

edamak’s was established by George and Gladys Redamak in 1946. James “Jimbo” and Angie Maroney bought it July 15, 1975, when Gladys found it hard to manage after the passing of her husband. The restaurant is now run by Chuck Maroney, son of James and Angie, who serves as its general manager. Accompanying him is wife Linda, their daughters, Nikki and Katie, and his brother, James.

Redamak’s is located at 616 E. Buffalo Street in New Buffalo. For more information, visit www.redamaks.com or call 269-469-4522.

Eager burger lovers wait in line outside Redamak’s

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 11

N

Expansion on tap at Beer Church

BY STAN MADDUX

ew Buffalo has been put even more on the map by giving people a unique opportunity to have a craft beer and pizza baked in a wood fired oven inside a former 1861 church.

Beer Church has been such a draw there are plans to double the amount of outdoor seating.

Owner John Lustina said he’s not surprised by the amount of people coming from as far away as Chicago, South Bend and Indianapolis.

“This is what we hoped would happen and the fact that it’s turning out that way even in the midst of a pandemic is pretty great. What more could we ask for,” he said.

Lustina was living in Valparaiso before moving to New Buffalo after the brew pub opened in 2016.

He and his partner, Jane Simon, remodeled the former Water’s Edge United Methodist Church on Whittaker Street close to U.S 12.

Lustina and Simon already had a business model for a brew pub they wanted to start but didn’t know where it should go until they discovered the empty white church building for sale during a trip to New Buffalo.

The church had just recently moved to a new structure about a mile to the south on Whittaker Street near Interstate 94.

Right away, Lustina and Simon were captivated by the atmosphere they believed could be created in the landmark structure with pine floors.

They also liked the structure’s visible location and steady amount of foot traffic mostly by tourists during the summer.

From the very beginning, Beer Church serving on tap over a dozen craft beers with names like “Crooked Cross” brewed in the basement has been a popular destination even during the pandemic.

About 60 socially distanced outdoor seats were created last year because of limits on indoor seating brought on by COVID-19.

orders anticipated from more customers the expanded seating is expected to bring.

He hopes most, if not, all of the construction is finished before the first week in July.

During the winter, Lustina said seating will be provided in heated igloos on both levels of the structure.

“We wanted to make sure this was extremely unique and I think we accomplished that. I also think the upper level is going to make it even more unique,” he said.

Lustina said outdoor seating likely would have been added even if the pandemic didn’t happen because of customers having to wait for a table inside.

Currently, indoor dining in Michigan is restricted to 50% capacity.

Once the pandemic is o er and capacity limits are lifted, Lustina said he’ll have room for 300 seated customers inside and outside.

There will probably be room for another 200 standing customers.

“We’re very eager to get to that point,” he said.

Lustina said serving customers inside an old historic looking church is not only fun but definitely separates his brew pub from similar operations throughout the entire area.

“It’s amazing to see how many people take pictures in front of the place or any of the art we have inside. Even when you drive by it looks like a church in a movie so we got a lot going for us,” he said.

v

Construction is expected to begin soon on a permanent open air two story structure containing 120 outdoor seats.

Lustina said there will be 60 seats on each floor.

The upper level will also feature a bar and small roof customers can use for shelter during inclement weather.

Lustina said a second wood fired stove from Italy will also be installed in the new structure to handle the additional pizza

The march of the human mind is slow.

— Edmund Burke

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12 THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 13

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14 THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

OBITUARIES

PUBLIC NOTICES VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH NOTICE OF ELECTRONIC (ZOOM) PUBLIC HEARING In accordance with the Open Meetings Act, Public Act 267 of 1976, as amended, (MCL 15.264), and pursuant to the provisions of enrolled Senate Bill 1246, Public Act 254 of 2020 amending the Open Meetings Act to allow meeting remotely under Berrien County’s Declared State of Emergency, the Village of Grand Beach will hold an electronic (Zoom) Public Hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2021-2022 budgets on Thursday, April 21, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

(CST) – 7:00 p.m.

(EST). Instructions on how to attend the electronic meeting can be found at www. grandbeach.org. The proposed budgets are also available on the website.

MARY J. ROBERTSON CLERKTREASURER

Howard Martin Cook

H

1932-2021

oward Martin Cook, 88, of Galien, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 1, 2021, in his home, with his family by his side.

His life began July 10, 1932 in Nauvoo, Alabama to Edward and Gemima Cook. He married Mabel “Ruth” Hamilton on October 11, 1951 in Richmond, Indiana.

Howard was a loving, devoted husband, father, and provider for his family. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren. He was a hard worker, excellent welder, and mentor, always completing one project after another. He was well known as “Cookie” to his coworkers. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. After retirement, he enjoyed farming and taking care of his cows.

Howard will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-nine years, Ruth Cook of Galien; four children, Brenda (Terry) Rowell of Mississippi, Marty (Vanessa) Cook of North Judson, Indiana, Ina (Steve) Carr of Galien, David Cook of

Galien; eight grandchildren, Clint (Joni) Rowell of Mississippi, Matt (Pam) Cook of Mill Creek, Indiana, Mark (Kimberly) Cook, Luke Cook, both of North Judson, Indiana, Elicia (Nathan) Lunsford of Monterey, Indiana, Shane Carr, Caleb (Becky) Carr, both of Galien, Georgia Cook of Sudbury, Massachusetts; fourteen great grandchildren, Hannah, Bryson, Sarah, Owen, Robbie, Avonlea, Gavin, Isabella, Malia, Brooks, Caroline, Lyla, Cade, Charlotte; great great grandchildren, Kaylee, Mark; and several extended family members.

Family and friends will gather Saturday, April 10, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m. in Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.

Mr. Cook will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery, Mill Creek, Indiana.

The family prefers contributions in Howard’s memory be made to Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085, or to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road Southwest, Lilburn, Georgia 30047 or online at lbda@lbda.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.

Isabel Nijole Smulkstys

I

1936-2021

sabel Nijole Smulkstys, age 84, of Lakeside died peacefully Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began May 1, 1936 in Kaunas, Lithuania the oldest of two children born to Stepas and Stase Juodakis. She married Julius Joseph Smulkstys on June 18, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois.

A native of Lithuania, Isabel immigrated to the United States with her father, mother and sister in 1948 in the aftermath of WW II. Her family settled in East Chicago, Indiana, joining the community of displaced Lithuanians who had moved to the greater Chicago area. She attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where she received a degree in chemistry.

It was in Bloomington that she met her husband, Julius, a political science graduate student. After graduating from IU, she became a chemical researcher at Lever Brothers Company in Hammond, Indiana. She married Julius in 1960 and in July 1961 they had their first child, Inga. Their second child, Linas, was born

In 1964. Isabel went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne (IPFW) and she pursued a career as an accomplished and loved high school chemistry teacher. She taught for many years at both Bishop Dwenger High School and Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She retired from teaching in 1993 and moved to Lakeside, Michigan with her husband. In retirement, she visited Lithuania frequently, tended to her garden, and perfected her cooking skills to the great delight of her family, especially her grandchildren.

Isabel will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her daughter, Inga (Christopher Klose) Smulkstys of Washington D.C.; son, Linas (Katie) Smulkstys of Oak Park, Illinois; four grandchildren, Noah Klose of Washington D.C., Lina Klose of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jonas and Margot; one brother-in-law, Liudas (Ruta) Smulkstys of Lemont, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one sister, Danguole Brone Juodakis.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Isabel be made to Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center online at wewill.northwestern.edu/ luriefy21.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pobocik Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 15

HOR0SCOPE APRIL 8-14, 2021

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

Lady luck will be shining her love beams on the Ram this week. Getting close to others on a more personal level will come easy now, and attracting a more prominent mate or partner is likely now. So, don’t shy away from encounters with powerful people and be sure to follow up with a phone call.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

You will be feeling very expressive and dramatic this week. Guard against going off the rails by thinking things through before you confront people. There is a need to analyze intuitive feelings before expressing them and research ideas before presenting them. Put that thinking cap on.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

A friendly, warm and energetic vibe is coming your way this week.

Make the most of it by entertaining friends or taking the lead in group settings. Not only is it a good time to make new friends, but also start new love affairs. So, put yourself out there and trust in Stellar connections.

You will be entering the world of imagination this week, and will feel very inspired to create changes to your work environment.

The undercurrents you may have been feeling will start to surface, giving you the opportunity to get a handle on your emotional state and creative collaborations.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Honor your senses this week. Eat and drink well. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself. You will enjoy spending time with others and may even be spoiled by those close to you. Don’t shy away from the pampering. Let it deepen your bonds with another. You will profit through the support of others.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

You will feel much more amicable with people this week and will easily smooth over problems you may have had with friends in the past. Even the most painful memories can be dealt with now. Enjoy this time of peace and coming together.

Don’t shy away from confrontation. It will be okay.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 You may be overly sensitive this week and could really take things out of context. Try not to take things personally if partners get pushy or come off as inconsiderate. Choose to let your loving nature shine through and keep in mind you’re the one who’s easy to get along with.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

This week you will be quite lucky in the romance department.

Even if you feel out of sorts with your partner, now is the time to create a more romantic atmosphere. If unattached, now is the time to get out meet people. Come out of your shell and enjoy some moon light.

Honor those healthy routines and habits now. Don’t shy away from being your best and digging deeper to accomplish some goals. You have some good vibes coming in that will help you push past emotional blocks and break free from stagnant relationships.

You will have an epiphany of sorts about your career or social status this week.

Some of the changes you need to make may have to do with your attitude or approach to situations. Know that your thoughts can affect the material world. So, think positive and visualize only the best of outcomes.

Take a second look at situations at home before making compromises or bargains. There is a good chance you are not understanding all of the finer details.

You lean towards the big picture and tend to skim information. Long drawn out negotiations may be boring but they are necessary sometimes.

We are living in a material world and sometimes that means we have to deal with the nonromantic side of partnerships, like shared finances. It’s important you take time to hammer out what your responsible for and how to best manage your living arrangement.

Yeah, I know you’re listening.

— Dino

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16 THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 Easter baskets filled a table in Elsie Earl Studios

F

Volunteers pack boxes at Harbert Community Church

Elsie Earl Studios, Neighbor by Neighbor partner to deliver Easter baskets, meals to families

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA | PHOTOS PROVIDED

Neighbor by Neighbor provided Friend with a list of amilies who have been in need of a little extra help this past year received Easter the names of children (including their age and gender) baskets and fully trimmed Easter meals last who are part of families that are week. serviced by them.

Loretta Richey Baskets cost $30. Friend set Friend of Play & Learn Toys herself a goal of raising money at Elsie Earl Studios, located for 103 baskets – which she at 200 W. Buffalo Street was able to reach at the end of in New Buffalo, partnered March. with Neighbor by Neighbor Each basket was filled with to bring Easter baskets to two quality, educational children in families who were toys from Discovery Toys, as in extra need of help this past well as other goodies, such year. Along with the baskets, as toothbrushes and stuffed Neighbor by Neighbor also animals. donated boxes of Easter meals Sponsors included individuals to families. in the community as well as Friend, who’s a seller of close as Chicago and as far away Discovery Toys, said that as Denver. Local businesses also each year, Discovery Toys stepped up as sponsors. encourages its salespeople Friend said that one from across the country to individual, Mike Boleho, partner with an organization sponsored 20 baskets ($600). that works with children with The New Buffalo Lions Club disabilities or seniors and to David Nichols packs boxes of food sponsored eight baskets find sponsors to donate money at Harbert Community Church ($240) and The Pokagon Fund to pay for Easter baskets. gave $1500. The New Buffalo Linnea Berg of Neighbor Business Association also

by Neighbor said that when donated toward the cause.

Friend approached the organization with her idea, she When buying items for the baskets, Friend said a said she’d raise the money for the baskets.

“How do you say no to that?” Berg said, adding that cashier at the Dollar Tree donated.

“People were so moved by it,” she said of the project.

Friend delivered the baskets to the Harbert Community Church, where she joined other volunteers in packing 158 boxes of food.

Berg said the boxes were made possible through donations to Neighbor by Neighbor that were left over from Christmas that were designated toward food. Also included in the donors were the New Buffalo Business Association and Lake Living Realty.

B

erg said Neighbor by Neighbor partnered with Harding’s Market in Bridgman (which had been a partner in the Christmas box donations) to purchase the food, which included hams as well as other nonperishable food items for Easter dinner. Berg added that two individuals, David Ball and Dennis Ferry, also shopped for candy for children to slip into the boxes.

This is the first year that Neighbor by Neighbor has done Easter boxes. Berg said that there were 20 to 25 volunteers who packed boxes at the church. Volunteers worked together to lay out the routes for each box and stuck labels on them.

“It was a great team,” she said.

Neighbor by Neighbor serves residents of Harbor Country who are living within 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The organization is supported by The Pokagon Fund and Harbert Community Church, which serves as its administrator and finance manager. More information can be found at www. nbynharborcountry.org.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

o

THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 17

MY SHELTER PETS ARE MY BIGGEST FANS

CLASSIFIED ADS Please submit your classified ad via email at classifieds@ newbuffalotimes.com. New Buffalo Times can now accept online payments with a credit card or paypal. Go to our website, www.newbuffalotimes.com, and submit $14 per week for a classified ad of up to 160 characters. Deadline is Friday 5PM before the following week’s publication.

ESTATE JEWELRY SALE

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18 THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE PLEASE CONTACT JANINE L. ADAMSKI JANINEADAMSKI@GMAIL.COM (630) 370-0820

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

— SINCE 1942 —

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THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2021 19

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STUDENTS!!!

Tom Rossman, Agent 815 E Buffalo New Buffalo, MI 49117 Bus: 269-469-4442 Toll Free: 866-848-5266 www.tomrossman.net State Farm, Bloomington, IL 1211999

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45 N. WHITTAKER ST. NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-2222 6701 W. US 12 THREE OAKS, MI 269-756-2222 6485 SAWYER RD. SAWYER, MI 269-426-3100 742 S. WHITTAKER ST. / NEW BUFFALO, MI 269-469-3697

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