July 7, 2016 by New Buffalo Times

LIFE ON THE SANDY SHORES, THE FRUITFUL FARMLANDS AND THE MAGNIFICENT VINEYARDS.

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LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 26, volume 75

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Thursday, July 7, 2016

Dan Donnelly memorial sculpture fundraiser to be held at Jackie’s Cafe PAGE 6

Planning Commission meets and addresses about North Whittaker Street presentation given by Abonmarche, communication with public PAGES 4 & 6

LearnOnPoint, Inc. founder opens lifelong learning studio PAGE 9

Village Square/Fountain Square fenced in PAGE 10

Golf carts galore PAGE 12

Hey Nei g hbor Sustainable Vertical Farming New Buffalo, Michigan

BU Y LOCAL

FORTRESSES AND FIREWORKS

NEW BUFFALO CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY BY THE BEACH — PAGE 11 —

PHOTO OF A SAND CASTLE MADE BY JANET MOORE SCHRADER (THE SAND PIRATE) BY NATALIE CACIOPPO

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

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LIBRARY TIDINGS

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM THE NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY

YOUNG POET’S CONTEST (AGES 11-18): ENTRIES DUE JULY 14

ON DISPLAY IN LOBBY: One Hour One Mile: Effects of beach trash

THURSDAY, JULY 7 JEDI TRAINING CAMP (SUMMER READING PROGRAM) 4PM SCRABBLE CLUB 6PM

FRIDAY, JULY 8 STORYTIME 11AM

MONDAY, JULY 11 AUTHOR TALK: DISASTROUS HIGH-TECH DECISION MAKING

TUESDAY, JULY 12 TODDLER TIME

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

FROM THE PUBLISHER

NEW BUFFALO CELEBRATED INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH GUSTO! I think every inch of grass was covered with families who came from near and far to share in the performance of the La Porte Symphony Orchestra and the massive fireworks display. The nicest couple came into my store. They were visiting from Chile, and said they were Americans who had moved to Chile and had not seen a Fourth of July fireworks celebration for 19 years. I hope they could see it from Union Pier, which was the plan, as they had a family of 18 gathered in Harbor Country. The really great thing about having a retail store is that you get to meet people and hear their story. There were many first-timers here over the holiday weekend, more than I had ever spoken to before. Many folks told me how much they loved this community and that they planned to come back. I did let them know that we are working on a plan to widen sidewalks and create a destination for the local community and the visitors. The discussion is always concerning the

ABOUT US The ©NEW BUFFALO TIMES is an independently owned weekly newspaper that has been in circulation since 1942 and is published every Thursday. PUBLISHER DEE DEE DUHN

aesthetics of the plan, like widening the sidewalks, and not so much about the infrastructure (because I am thinking the visitors really don’t care so much about the more than 100-year-old pipes that are barely holding up the street, though it is of utmost importance to build a strong infrastructure that will hold the millions of people that come in for the Independence Day celebrations). I never realized how important it was to have wide sidewalks until this weekend. The difference of walking on the block where Stray Dog is located and then onto the bridge makes it very clear how much our little city will benefit as we move forward on the Whittaker Street enhancement project. It is like a month of partying - Thursday nights are the Farmer Market, last weekend was Independence day, this past Wednesday was the Car Cruise-in and then before we know it, will be Ship and Shore! Celebrate summer! dee dee duhn

DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) FAQ SERIES

he New Buffalo DDA was formed by the City Council under the State’s Downtown Development Authority Act. The DDA captures funds that would normally leave the community for the state, instead rerouting them to be spent exclusively within our downtown at the discretion of the DDA Board. This series of FAQs will be appearing in the New Buffalo Times, and you are welcome to submit your own questions as well. The DDA is launching its own website, which can be viewed at www.newbuffalodda.blogspot.com. The DDA Board would love to hear from you; no idea is too big or too small. The Board meets the second Thursday of every month at 8 a.m. in the Council chambers at City Hall.

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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13 STITCHES, NEEDLES, AND THREADS 10AM-2PM

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Why is the City moving forward with the North Whittaker streetscape project without additional community discussion and input? This streetscape project was initiated in 2010 at which time there was a very thorough analysis with considerable public input. The public participation from the 2010 planning effort for North Whittaker is incorporated into the current work plan. The City will take advantage of work already completed which will save time and money by incorporating all of the previous public engagement that took place during the 2010 planning effort. There will be additional community discussion and input for this project as it moves forward. Please contact New Buffalo City Hall at 269-469-1500 to enter your name and email address for automatic notifications or go online to www.cityofnewbuffalo.org.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE JANINE ADAMSKI 630-370-0820 EDITORIAL STAFF ROSEMARIE BLUM NATALIE CACIOPPO THERESE DONNELLY JOE DURK LINDA HENDERSON FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER REACH US NEW BUFFALO TIMES 139 N Whittaker St. PO BOX 959 New Buffalo, MI 49117 269-469-1100 www.newbuffalotimes.com info@newbuffalotimes.com GET US Subscriptions to the NEW BUFFALO TIMES are renewed for one year from the initial start date. SUBSCRIPTIONS RATES: inside Berrien County/$40 outside Berrien County/$48 digital/$35 digital and print/$65 Periodical Postage paid in New Buffalo, MI. Postmaster, please send address changes to: NEW BUFFALO TIMES PO BOX 959 New Buffalo, MI 49117 ©2016 NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. PUBLICATION NUMBER 377960

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

No quorum for Planning Commission, North Whittaker Street Presentation given by Abonmarche

he Special Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, did not convene due to the lack of an official quorum. Under the rules of the Open Meetings Act, no meeting or decisionmaking is allowed without at least five members of the nine-member commission present. The Planning Commission members requested the Special Meeting be held at their regular meeting Tuesday, June 5, and at the last Special Work Session Meeting Wednesday, June 15, for the purpose of reviewing the Whittaker Street redevelopment project and to review the draft proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments. At the request of the Planning Commissioners, City Manager Rob Anderson invited representatives from Abonmarche, the consulting and engineering firm working on the North Whittaker Street project, their partner on the project, Bob Ford of Landscape Architect and Planners, four members of the Downtown Development Authority design team (DDA), Dee Dee Duhn, Joe Lindsay, Ellie Mullins and Dough Roch and members of the public to the meeting. Councilman Bobby Spirito was also in attendance. The four Planners in attendance were Vice Chair Mel Valiquett and members Paul Billingslea, Larry Bernstein and Debra Cronin. Prior to the meeting, Chair Pat Fisher emailed that he would not attend as he was working late. Member Sharyn O’Mara was unable to attend and notified the City Clerk, as did Kristen D’Amico. Commissioners Ray Kirkus and Ralph Hullet did not attend, nor did either of them notify anyone of their planned absence. Since representatives of Abonmarche were present and there were members of the public that were interested in the project, a presentation and overview of the plan was given by Abonmarche. This was the sixth presentation that McGhee has given in a public forum for the benefit of all to participate. Also present was Abonmarche president Chris Cook. McGhee presented the overview of the project team’s task: Developing a plan that would assist in creating a year-round economy for the downtown, investigating utility conditions and making necessary improvements and upgrades, improving accessibility and pedestrian safety in the downtown areas, developing a plan that would not adversely impact overall parking availability in the downtown area and creating a sense of place and destination for community residents. The team started their task by using the 2010 Downtown Streetscape Plan that was completed by Bob Ford, Landscape Architects and Planners and adopted by the City Council at

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

that time. McGhee said that a full makes Whittaker Street more of a engineering evaluation of the area gathering destination and not just streets and infrastructure has recently a place to conduct business. Option been completed by Abonmarche. The Two would provide approximately plan calls for all of the underground 910 parking spaces, both public and water and sewer lines, as well as all private, on Whittaker Street and of the electrical and utilities lines, to adjacent downtown streets. be replaced and buried before a new Traffic lanes would remain the same, street is constructed. The streetscape 11-foot width in each design, 11-foot. decorative finishes will be the final Both designs incorporate four-foot bike component of the project. lanes. While many questions were asked The beautification portion of the and answered, no decisions were made project, such as historic lighting, during the half hour presentation. Still benches, decorative brick work and open for the final decision by the City any signature art piece additions, Council is whether the project will will be determined at the continuing proceed with the Option One or Option planning meetings throughout the Two parking plan summer and fall. and streetscape DDA member McGhee presented the design. Mayor Mullins stated overview of the project team’s Lou O’Donnell that the design task: Developing a plan that and the and beautification would assist in creating a councilmembers features should year-round economy for the had asked for be chosen by downtown, investigating input from January 2017; utility conditions and making the Planning she invited necessary improvements Commissioners anyone interested and upgrades, improving on this critical to work with the accessibility and pedestrian issue, which is DDA Design/ safety in the downtown one of the reasons areas, developing a plan that Visual Impact the Special Subcommittee. would not adversely impact Meeting was Following the overall parking availability scheduled. The presentation, in the downtown area and Planners have Designer creating a sense of place and also been very CottageScapes destination for community vocal that their owner Karen residents. The team started input has not Doughty and Del their task by using the 2010 been considered Sol Owner Hank Downtown Streetscape Plan during the Kubiak both that was completed by Bob more than 10questioned the Ford, Landscape Architects year planning parallel parking and Planners and adopted process for North option, stating by the City Council at that Whittaker Street that too many time. McGhee said that a full Redevelopment. parking spaces engineering evaluation of the The Option area streets and infrastructure would be lost One plan calls for with parallel has recently been completed parallel parking parking in both by Abonmarche. The on the west side plans. Doughty plan calls for all of the of Whittaker also objected to underground water and sewer Street and pullthe bike lanes on lines, as well as all of the in, angle parking North Whittaker electrical and utilities lines, to along the east be replaced and buried before Street, stating side. The west that they could a new street is constructed. side of the street be a hazard to The streetscape decorative would have 10people parking finishes will be the final foot additional and unloading component of the project. carriage way from vehicles. areas along the Kubiak suggested sidewalk, while the east side carriage the bike lanes be located on Barton ways would be six-foot carriage ways. and Thompson streets, and said he The carriage way areas would provide also favored angle parking. room for outside café seating, benches McGhee stated that a University and trees and landscaped areas. This of Oregon study showed a 20 to plan would provide approximately 63 percent drop in accidents when 955 parking spaces, both public parallel parking replaced angle and private, on Whittaker Street parking. He stated that MDOT was and adjacent downtown streets. not likely to award grant money for The Option Two plan offers parallel streets designed with angle parking. parking on both sides of Whittaker He also said that with the wider and nine-foot sidewalks with 12-foot sidewalks and carriage ways, the carriage way areas on both sides of the traffic would naturally slow down and street. the pedestrian crosswalks would be a McGhee said that providing parallel shorter distance between the east and parking on each side of the street west side of the street.

McGhee said that the wider sidewalks provided much improved accessibility for pedestrians, and that the current narrow, five- to six-foot sidewalks, many of which had steps protruding into the walkway, were not a healthy or inviting environment for businesses. “The worst thing for a downtown retail district was asphalt and pavement; a downtown needs to be pedestrian and bike-friendly with trees and sitting areas,” he said. McGhee said that the project team is looking into additional parking areas off North Barton Street as well as an area for public restrooms. North Barton Street, which is scheduled to be redone in Fall 2016, will be reconfigured to provide angle parking on the east side of the street, which will add more parking spaces within a close proximity to Whittaker. This fall, work is scheduled to begin on Phase One of the project, which will include reconfiguring parking and replacement of the street on North Barton and redoing Mechanic and Merchant streets between Barton and Thompson streets. During the reconstruction of North Barton Street, the parkways on the east side of the street will be removed and the sidewalks will be replaced. McGee also stated that the City is looking into forming partnerships with property owners backing up to Barton Street from Whittaker Street to allow for walk-through corridors and expanded shopping arcades in the rear of the buildings.

indsay, owner of David’s Deli and a DDA member, said there were two things he liked about Phase One: It involved cleaning up North Barton and the possibility of rear deliveries for stores. He also added that the Plan was long overdue and there was an urgent need to replace the infrastructure under Whittaker Street. Funding for the project could come from a combination of bonding, public grant money and private grant funds available to the City from the municipal fund allocations in the Local Revenue Sharing Fund (LRSB) and The Pokagon Fund. In addition, there is also Enterprise Funding available for the water and sewer lines. The project cost estimates for both Phase One and Phase Two is $4,883,000. The goal is to start Phase Two of the Plan, the North Whittaker Street redevelopment, by Fall 2017, with its completion prior to Memorial Day 2018. The public may view the plans and comment on these options through an online questionnaire posted on the City website, www.cityof newbuffalo.org.

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Wayne Taylor, Alberto Ilescas and Bob Wilder with Janine Adamski, Dee Dee Duhn and Brian Abele

New look for the Terrace Room HARBOR GRAND GOES UPSCALE

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he Harbor Grand Hotel has been undergoing extensive remodeling in their signature restaurant and bar, The Terrace Room. The harbor side venue has a new and expanded upscale interior look, while the outside patio seating overlooking the harbor remains the same inviting garden space. The expansion includes an enlarged bar area, a newly constructed and appointed restaurant and the additional redesign of the Prairie Room meeting venue, which is now adjacent to and open to the new bar. The kitchen has also been enlarged to accommodate an array of professional equipment to complement a fully functional staff. Executive Chef Alberto Ilescas and Corporate Chef Jenny Drilon of the Marina Grand/Bentwood and their crew are offering an authentic artisan cuisine from the countryside of Italy to diners on the shore of Lake Michigan. Food and Beverage Director Wayne Taylor said he was looking forward to the newly expanded venue and menu offerings, saying that the space is a very exciting addition to the Harbor Grand. “It’s an amazing fully functional restaurant and bar,” he said. The menu features traditional, rustic Italian dishes like handmade pasta and bruschetta, meat and seafood entrees, fresh insalata, and antipasti, appetizers and mouthwatering desserts, including homemade Gelato Sorbeto and Tiramisu. Everything is prepared with fresh and locally grown seasonal ingredients. The new bar room, which opened to the public for a soft opening this last week, features a long, polished, concrete oval bar with seating for 14 and mood lighting. Bartenders Dana Jackson and Tim Turner will prepare an array of mixology creations, a dozen different signature martinis, pour one of a half dozen foreign tap beers, or pop the cork from a bottle selected from the wine cellar. They can also brew an authentic latte, cappuccino or expresso house creation “cuppa.” The bar room shares a large, two-sided fireplace with the yet to be opened main dining room. The room also features a flat screen TV and a second small meeting room off the east side. The new room is sure to be a destination gathering spot in Harbor Country. The main dining room will be open in the near future, but full diner and lunch service is currently available at the bar, in the Prairie Room and on the outdoor patio. The hours for dining are noon until 10 p.m. seven days a week. The Harbor Grand Hotel is located at 111 West Water Street in New Buffalo. Reservations may be made by calling 269-469-7950 or visiting www. terraceroomhg.com or Facebook for more information.

Small-business Owners Must Protect Their Futures If you’re a small-business owner, you think a lot about your needs for today. But don’t forget about tomorrow. Specifically, do you have a retirement plan for yourself?

You have several good options. For example, you could open an owner-only 401(k), which offers many of the same advantages of a 401(k) offered by big companies to their employees. Or, if you have just a few employees or are selfemployed with no employees, you might consider a SEP IRA. If you have fewer than 10 employees, you could establish a SIMPLE IRA, but this plan may be more advantageous to your workers than to you. And here’s a plan whose existence might surprise you: a defined benefit plan, which works very much like those traditional pension plans that seem to be vanishing from the scene. A defined benefit plan has high contribution limits and, like the other retirement plans, is typically funded with tax-deductible contributions. To determine which plan is right for you, consult with your tax advisor or financial professional. But don’t wait too long – the future will be here before you know it. This is Charles M. Stein, your Edward Jones financial advisor located at 4221 Lake Street in Bridgman, Michigan. Please call (269) 465-4606 for more information. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. Member SIPC

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

LETTERS TO THE PAPER:

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED HERE DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE IDEAS OR OPINIONS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. WE ASK THAT LETTERS BE UNIQUE TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES AND SHOULD BE 500 WORDS OR FEWER. LETTERS MUST INCLUDE A PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE NOTE THAT PUBLISHED LETTERS WILL BE EDITED FOR SPELLING AND GRAMMAR. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHICH LETTERS ARE SELECTED FOR PUBLICATION. EMAIL US AT INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM.

SHOW AND TELL... s a resident of New Buffalo Township and a concerned citizen who has attended most township meetings for the last five, I would like to remind and encourage ALL residents to vote in the upcoming August 2nd Primary election. Additionally, I would like to Endorse Patty Iazzetto for Township Trustee. Patty has demonstrated her interest in participating in township government by attending all township meetings since March. The incumbents show up to almost every meeting. They make the hard decisions and investigate problems and choices that apparently no one else wants to do and then they tell us what they did and get very little praise for their dedication. So, I have to ask: Where are all the other new candidates? Shannon Shawver and Jim Selir are also running for Trustee, but they have not even bothered to show up for the monthly meetings. So, we voters know nothing about them. We have no idea why they want the job, nor do we know what they want to do for the citizens of the township. Perhaps the same should be said for Judith Zabicki (who is running for Clerk) and Barb Anderson (who is running for Treasurer). These Full-time positions come with big full-time salaries and BIG responsibilities. The Township budget exceeds Four Million Dollars. Judy & Barb, if you are running to replace Paul Oselka and Jack Rogers respectively, you might want to have better reasons than: “I don’t like him” or “I want his paycheck”. Perhaps all new candidates will find the courage to actually do something by coming to the next meeting and making a 3 minute statement about why you want and should have the job. I for one would like to know if you even know what the job entails. Failure to show up tells us all we need to know.

— DAVE STUMM, RESIDENT

The greater the power, the more need there is for transparency, because if the power is abused, the result can be so enormous. On the other hand, those people who do not have power, we mustn’t reduce their power even more by making them yet more transparent. — Julian Assange

Planning Commission addresses North Whittaker Street, communication with public

THERESE DONNELLY IN NEW BUFFALO

uring the Planning Commission’s July 5 meeting, Commissioners scheduled a work session for July 12 to focus on the proposed North Whittaker Street project. The plans for the city’s main business area have stirred discussion. One of the plans the Downtown Development Authority has proposed includes switching to parallel parking on North Whittaker. Several business owners have told both the Planning Commission and the City Council they feel altering the parking will have a negative impact on the downtown. Concerns have included reduced and more difficult parking and difficulty pulling into traffic. Most of those business owners stated they are in favor of work to the downtown infrastructure, noting the area around North Whittaker is plagued by frozen pipes in the winter, a 100-year-old water main and other issues. Payment for the project has also raised discussion. Planning Commissioner Ray Krikus has circulated a petition for a referendum regarding the planned millage for work, saying he feels the project should be paid for by those who will benefit from it. At the Commission meeting Kirkus said he had collected over 170 signatures. Commissioner Ralph Hullet said he had spoken to several residents regarding the project and found many did not know what was going on. Hullet said the city needed to find better ways to communicate with residents. In response, Larry Bernstein pointed out the public had been able to attend meetings and work sessions. “We’re at the 20-yard line and the goal post is getting real close,” said Commissioner Mel Valiquett. “The downtown needs to be redeveloped, there is a very serious infrastructure problem.” Valiquette added there were always ways to communicate better but the city uses local newspapers and its website to communicate clearly and residents are responsible for reading the information. Before the Commission voted to approve the night’s agenda, Kirkus made a motion to include an item to discuss possible Open Meetings Act violations by Commissioners. City Manager Rob Anderson advised the Commission it was an issue for internal investigation and the city attorney had recommended not discussing the matter in public at this time. After discussion among the Commission Kirkus withdrew his motion but claimed the city attorney was not consulted when he and Commissioner Pat Fisher were accused of violations. A possible joint work session between the Commission and Council was mentioned at the previous Commission meeting. Commission Chair Pat Fisher said he has contacted Mayor Lou O’Donnell via email, voicemail and in person regarding a possible work session but has gotten no response. However, at previous meetings, O’Donnell has publically agreed to a joint meeting of the two bodies. The Commission expressed interest in approaching the Council regarding a joint session and also agreed there would be benefits to having joint sessions with other committees before meeting with planning commission consultants.

Dan Donnelly memorial sculpture fundraiser to be held at Jackie’s Cafe

“O

ver many years and in many ways, Dan Donnelly gave his time and energy for the betterment of our community. For example, his leadership and quiet focused determination, resulted in our new library, which is one of the “jewels” in our area,” said Arnie Feinberg, President of Harbor Country Public Arts initiative (HCPAI). “In thanks for all his many efforts, and in cooperation with his wonderful family, HCPAI is raising funds for a Dan Donnelly memorial sculpture,” he added. To kick-off this fundraising effort, there will be a cocktail party Saturday, July 16, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Jackie’s Café. Everyone is invited to join in this tribute to Donnelly, who truly loved the area and worked hard all his life to make it a better place for everyone. Tickets for the event will be $30, which includes appetizers prepared by Chef Jackie Chen. Tickets can be purchased at Jackie’s, the Villager or by calling New Buffalo Business Association Executive Director Cathi Rogers at 312-965-9114. Those who cannot attend the cocktail party but would like to contribute to the memorial sculpture should send a donation to Feinberg at 12 Pond Path, New Buffalo, MI 49117. Donations should be made to the Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative. Jackie’s Café is located at 801 West Buffalo Street in New Buffalo. — STAFF

REPORTS

Library to sponsor nature walk

The Summer Nature Series and the New Buffalo Township Library’s children’s Summer Reading Program are both teaming up for a special hike for families Saturday, July 16. Led by local trail expert Pat Fisher, the hike will start at 1 p.m. at the Galien River County Park. Participants will learn about local plants and wildlife, explore trails and take in the views from the marsh overlook as they make their way through the marsh boardwalk. Hikers should meet at the park trail entrance by the parking lot. The hike is sponsored by the Library. For questions, please email nbtlcreate@ gmail.com or call 269-469-2933. —

STAFF REPORTS

New Buffalo Area Schools welcomes preschoolers

ew Buffalo Area Schools is accepting preschool registrations for the 2016-2017 school

year. Children who will be four years old by Sept. 1, 2016, and are residents of the New Buffalo school district are welcome to enroll in preschool. This program offers great benefits to those children who are not quite old enough to enter kindergarten. Parents are advised to register their child soon, as openings are filling up. Students who are not New Buffalo residents are also welcome to register. Due to limited enrollment, a decision on enrollment acceptance will be made by Aug. 19 for nonresident applicants. A registration packet may be picked up at the elementary office, or you can print a registration package from the school’s website at es.nbas.org. Office hours in July are Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. The office is closed Monday and Friday. Bring the following items with you to registration: Your child’s official country/state birth certificate, immunization records, two proofs of residency (a rental agreement or property tax bill and a utility bill) along with your completed forms. Health Appraisals and Hearing / Vision Checks are also necessary for registration. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

The Friendship Botanic Gardens Board of Directors

Dan Donnelly

Memorial Sculpture F U N D R A I S I N G C O C K TA I L PA R T Y

Friendship Botanic Gardens new trail of lights

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN MICHIGAN CITY

n Thursday, June 30, Michigan City, Indiana’s Friendship Botanic Gardens’ Board of Directors hosted an unveiling of the new lighted pathways at the Gardens. Guests were treated to complimentary wine and cheese while the sunset and the Botanic Gardens came to life at night. It was a $68,000 investment in the gardens, and the lamp posts, which were sand blasted, painted and cleaned up, were ones that were located on Franklin Street in Michigan City. There were 17 lamp posts that were donated to the gardens from the park district and the Board of Works. NIPSCO gave $15,000 towards the new installation, $2,500 came from NiScource, $30,000 came from the Michigan City Redevelopment, and a donor on the Board contributed the difference. For more information about the Botanic Gardens and their upcoming events and how to contribute to this growing place, visit www.friendshipgardens.org.

Sat July 16 5:30 to 8:30 pm

Jackie’s Restaurant New Buffalo

Come and join us in this tribute to the late Dan Donnelly who truly loved our area and worked hard all his life to make it better for all of us. In thanks for all his efforts, and in cooperation with his family, we are raising funds for a memorial sculpture. To kick-off this effort, we will be having a cocktail party. Tickets will be $30 (includes appetizers and cash bar) and can be purchased at Jackie's, the Villager or call Cathi Rogers at 312-965-9114.

Guests listening to John Leinweber

The new lamp posts

If you cannot attend but would like to contribute to the memorial sculpture, please send donations to: Arnie Feinberg, 12 Pond Path, New Buffalo, MI 49117. Donations should be made out to the Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative.

Harbor Country Public Arts Initiative

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Fresh Seafood & Hand cut Steaks

Amy Wesner letting the kids pet Sven

Open Daily for Dinner

Monday–Saturday @ 6pm & Sundays @ 4pm

$10.00 Dinner Specials Monday - Thursday

Live Entertainment Thursday – Sunday Bar Open Until Midnight or Later

A library trip to the zoo Happy Hour ○ Live Entertainment

Bar Open Until Midnight or Later Friday & Saturday

Bar Snacks Available after 10 PM 16036 Red Arrow Hwy Union Pier, MI 269.469.9865 ° frankiesotherplace.net

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN NEW BUFFALO

hursday, June 30, marked the second week of New Buffalo Township Library’s kid’s summer reading program and to celebrate, Binder Zoo from Battle Creek, Michigan, came to teach everyone about some of the animals that live at the zoo. Zoo representatives taught the kids all about the different food and toys that they use with the animals to help them learn and make sure that they are living their lives to the fullest, as well as showed them three animals. Everyone learned about the screech owl, Norwegian Rats, and the Eastern box turtle. After the program, everyone was able to touch the turtle and feel its shell. For more information about the summer reading program, pick up a brochure in the Library’s Youth Services department.

Children learning about the animals from Binder Zoo

Herman the box turtle

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Brian Kissman sits in the gathering place at the back of his studio People enjoying Generation Gap Band at the New Buffalo Township Pavilion

LearnOnPoint, Inc. founder opens lifelong learning studio in Harbor Country

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ittle by little, LearnOnPoint, Inc. founder Brian Kissman is working to end the illiteracy crisis in America–and he’s starting right here in Harbor Country. Recently, the author/educator/consultant/public speaker/artist opened the LearnOnPoint Studio, a space that students throughout Harbor Country can visit to gather and learn, as well as to engage in workshops and courses that Kissman said are focused on the “four pillars of literacy for lifelong learning”: conversation to build and shape understanding; reading to make meaning; writing to convey ideas, and presentation to inform, educate and entertain. “When we have the ability to master and apply the pillars of literacy— reading, writing, speaking and listening—we can achieve our full potential,” Kissman said. Colorful pictures grace the walls at the studio, all of which were painted by Kissman. Books are placed strategically on shelves throughout the studio. A group of sofas and chairs facing a whiteboard are located in the back, creating a “gathering place” for young students. Before opening the studio, Kissman wrote two books for students to encourage literacy: Phonics Things, which he describes as being an “ABC, phonics, and learn to read book for the 21st Century” utilizing sounds, vocabulary, poetry and art, and Literacy Mats, which he calls a “reading, writing, speaking and listening book for the 21st Century.” He has been an educator for the past 35 years, with more than half of his teaching career being on the international schools circuit. Kissman said that he plans on offering several workshops and courses at the studio, covering topics such as: Eight Traits of Conversation and Book Clubs, Word Study and Having Fun with Vocabulary, Reading Intelligence and Fabulous Fiction,Reading Intelligence and Noteworthy Nonfiction, Six Traits of Writing and Publishing, Narrative Writing: Personal Narratives and Short Stories, Non-narrative Writing: Essays and Reports, Four Traits of Presentation and Engaging the Audience, Customer Service and Hospitality and Professional Collaboration, Communications, and Problem Solving. Kissman said the studio is just the beginning, as it will serve as the “headquarters” for LearnOnPoint. In the future, he said he plans on launching a major social media marketing campaign, which would include putting music and animation behind all of the 80 poems in Phonics Things, to gain a platform on the organization’s mission to ending childhood illiteracy. Currently, Kissman said they have a “strong presence” on LinkedIn as well as a website, LearnOnPoint.com. The goal to ending the “illiteracy crisis” in the United States, Kissman said, is to encourage good reading habits and to develop the language arts (reading, writing, conversation, and presentation) in a student’s early childhood as well as throughout their life. It’s a crisis that Kissman said should be addressed in a “robust way” so as to prevent the problem from continuing in the future. “Prevention is the best treatment of human dysfunction,” he said. LearnOnPoint Studio is located at 15300 Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, Michigan. For more information, contact Kissman by emailing bkissman@ learnonpoint.com or calling 269-586-4235.

Wednesday Night in the Park promises fun for the entire family

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN NEW BUFFALO

f you’re looking for something to do with the whole family, then the New Buffalo Township Park and pavilion has got you covered. Each Wednesday night between June and August, there is a band playing live music and one of the local restaurants serving everyone food. While the parents sit and enjoy the music, their children can play over in the park just a few steps away. Weather is never a problem because if it decides to rain, then the entertainment is played under the covered pavilion so everyone can still enjoy a Wednesday night out in the town. For a schedule of who is playing and what restaurant will be providing food, visit the Township website at www.newbuffalotownship.org.

WEDNESDAY PIPE ORGAN CONCERT SERIES WEDNESDAY PIPE ORGAN CONCERT SERIES Regional musical artists will be Regional musical artists will be featured organists at featured organists at the noon the noon Wednesday PipeWednesday Organ Concert Series Pipe Organ Concertat Series at the First Congregational the First Congregational Church of Michigan City, Church of Michigan City, Indiana. Indiana. The Church is home to an 1891 Roosevelt The Church is home to an 1891 tracker pipe organ. The church is tracker located 531 Roosevelt pipeatorgan. The church is located at Washington Street. The noon concerts begin531at Washington Street. The noon 12:15 pm central time. concerts begin at 12:15 pm central time.

The 15th season concert series runs June 8 through The 15th season concert series Aug. 24, 2016. Performing organists Ann24, 2016. runs June 8 include through Aug. Performing include Taylor Dobie, Stephen Schnurr, Markorganists Sudeith, CarolAnn Taylor Dobie, Stephen Sudeith, CarolWolfgang Garrett, Kent Jager, Br. Matt Ben Garrett, Kent Jager, Br. BenSchnurr, Basile, Mark Derek Nickels, Rubsam, Basile, Derek Nickels, Wolfgang Rubsam, Matt Gerhard, Gerhard, Carey Scheck, Steven Lee Meyer guests.and guests. CareyBuzard, Scheck, Steven Buzard,and Lee Meyer The portrait of Ann Dobie was painted by Michigan City artist Connie Kassal. The portrait of Ann Dobie was painted by Michigan City artist Connie Kassal.

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

PUBLIC NOTICES

Appendix A NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF NEW BUFFALO OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS SECURED BY THE TAXING POWER OF THE CITY AND RIGHT OF REFERENDUM THEREON PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of New Buffalo, County of Berrien, State of Michigan, intends to issue and sell general obligation capital improvement bonds pursuant to Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended (“Act 34”), in one or more series, in an aggregate amount not to exceed Four Million Dollars ($4,000,000), for the purpose of paying all or part of the cost of the planning, engineering, design and construction of municipal infrastructure improvements, including, but not limited to, improvements to the water distribution system, sanitary and storm sewer facilities, streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, public parking facilities, public restroom facilities, and the fire station parking lot; a bridge over the Galien River; and the relocation of overhead power and communications facilities, together with all appurtenances and attachments thereto. BOND DETAILS SAID BONDS shall mature in annual installments not to exceed fifteen (15) in number, with interest rates to be determined at a public or private sale but in no event to exceeding the maximum rate permitted by law on the unpaid balance from time to time remaining outstanding on said bonds. SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF BONDS THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST OF THE BONDS shall be payable from the general funds of the City lawfully available for such purposes including property taxes levied within applicable constitutional and statutory tax rate limitations. RIGHT OF REFERENDUM THE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A VALID PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTYFIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS RESIDING WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON.

East Mechanic Street lot Ann Dobie playing for the audience

Roosevelt Pipe Organ Concert Series

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN MICHIGAN CITY

t Christ Church in Michigan City, patrons can enjoy an hour of beautiful music played on the historical opus 506 pipe organ and be left in awe as each organist elegantly plays the music from famous composers of the past. Every Wednesday between June and the end of August, you can hear a different organist take their seat behind this magnificent instrument and grace the audience with its exquisite sound. The organ was built in 1891 and has been recognized by the organ historical society as an historically significant instrument. The organ has three manuals, 28 ranks, 1540 pipes, weighs almost 10 tons, and is almost three stories high. This magnificent instrument is currently in search of a new home because the church is not large enough to contain it anymore. For more information about the organ, you can contact organ trustees Ann and George Dobie at 269469-0051. The Christ Church is located at 531 Washington at Sixth Street in Michigan City, Indiana.

Turning your backyard into a wildlife habitat

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN NEW BUFFALO

n June 28 Donna Pouzar, a gold level master gardener and landscape design specialist, came to the Pokagon Room at the New Buffalo Township Library to talk about how to turn backyards into a place where all wildlife, both big and small, can enjoy the habitat Tuesday, June 28. Pouzar discussed the dos and don’ts of what to put out for animals and insects to feed on, the proper feeders for birds and how often to clean birdbaths. This was part one of a four-part nature series in the Library’s 2016 adult summer program. For more information, pick up a brochure of the upcoming events in the program or visit the website at www. newbuffalotownshiplibrary.org.

THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 517, Act 34, Public Acts of Michigan, 2001, as amended. ALLYSON HOLM, CITY CLERK CITY OF NEW BUFFALO

Donna Pouzar speaking in the Pokagon Room

Village Square/ Fountain Square all fenced in

LINDA HENDERSON IN NEW BUFFALO

he property known as Village Square/Fountain Square that has sat idle in downtown New Buffalo since the housing crash of 2008 has been totally fenced in by a six-foot board fence. The fence, which was installed by Fence Masters of Baroda, encompasses the majority of the city block comprised of North Whittaker, East Merchant and North Thompson streets and a portion of East Mechanic Street. The property owner, Victor Ciardelli of Chicago and New Buffalo, was ordered by the City to enclose the eye soar in the heart of the downtown district. No information has been publicly given as to what the future holds for the long vacant property. The partially finished underground parking structure, originally constructed for the project, still remains, but the one partial, three-story brick building and the turn-ofthe century Michigan Thyme complex was removed in January 2016 after a condemnation order was issued to the property owners by The City of New Buffalo. The company also fenced in the open parking lot on the north side of the 100 block of East Mechanic Street for what appears to be a future paid parking lot. The property has long been used as a public parking area, but it was owned by Ciardelli. No information has been provided as to when the lot will be open or what the parking fee will be, but it was open for public parking Independence weekend. The City has public parking adjacent to the lot on the street ends of Thompson and Townsend streets and along the East Mechanic Street right-of way area. Last weekend, more than 85 cars were parked in the area that is now surrounded by a short picket fence. A gate was also added to the fence on the north side of the Village Square property, which could provide additional parking options in the empty lot; however, no information regarding that has been provided by the owners. The owners of record, New Buffalo Development Partners, LLC, C/O Victor Ciardelli, Member, have not agreed to discuss any plans, nor have they responded to inquiries regarding the future of the east side of the block, or Slab Harbor, as some people have named it.

Arts and crafts show seeking vendors n Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, the United

Methodist Women’s (UMW) board from the First United Methodist Church in LaPorte, Indiana, will be hosting their third annual arts and crafts show. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory at 2391 West State Road 2 in LaPorte. Fifty-seven vendors from Indiana, Michigan and Illinois have already signed up to participate; however, outside spaces are still available. Vendors who specialize in hand-crafted items can apply for a 10 x10 outside space at $25 by calling 219-393-4093 or emailing ddev48@ hotmail.com. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Grace, Ryan, Jessica, Vanna and Jonah Schrifer

Audience listens to La Porte Symphony Orchestra

New Buffalo celebrates the Fourth

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Hailey Warren and Madelyn Hill show off their lighted bracelets

Joseph Jeziorski and Gloria Meyer

ireworks lit up the sky as well as New Buffalo’s harbor during the City’s annual Independence Day celebration Sunday, July 3. Visitors enjoyed a free concert in Lion’s Park by the La Porte Symphony Orchestra before gathering down by the beach at dusk, where they watched fireworks illuminate the late evening sky. The concert was made possible by the following sponsors: Berkshire Hathaway, Harbor Country News, Marina Grand Resort and Bentwood Tavern, The Pokagon Fund, The Harbor Grand and Terrace Room, the New Buffalo Times, David’s Delicatessen and Coffee, New Buffalo Arts Council, McCollum Architects, New Buffalo Savings Bank and Horizon Bank.

Erik and Jen Blaha

The crowd waits for the fireworks

La Porte Symphony Orchestra performs before the fireworks

Fireworks at the New Buffalo beach

Peter, Oliver and Francis Dougherty show their patriotic pride by waving minature flags

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Golf carts galore

NATALIE CACIOPPO IN GRAND BEACH

rand Beach held their Fourth of July golf cart parade Saturday, July 2. Residents got creative and decked out their golf carts as they lined the street and rode to the Village Hall. Themes for the decorated carts ranged from movies, to musicals, to superheroes, to pets, to politicians, to just good old patriotic pride. The parade ended at the Hall, where everyone enjoyed food, entertainment, and pony rides and inflatable fun for the kids.

Charlie and the Choclate Factory

Trumpâ€™s Tanning Salon

Happy Birthday, America

Batman cart

Angry Bird cart

UPS delivery truck

Dog cart

John Deere

Tables and chairs set up at the village hall for the Fourth of July celebration

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

Runners unwind with yoga

Beverly and Ed Heimbach with Jill Langford (center) from The Logan Center

Annual Big Smiles 5K held at New Buffalo beach

R Luke, Joel, Jake and Lynn Kaslewicz

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

acers (and walkers) headed for the finish line during the fourth annual Big Smiles 5K Run/Walk Saturday, July 2. Participants lined up at the starting line at New Buffalo Public Beach and wound through the Sunset Shores subdivision, and then returned to the beach. First place overall went to Cameron Bredice, who crossed the finish line with a time of 16:14, followed by Nathan Blosser, whose time was 16:50. Third place went to Kyle Friedler, whose time was 16:56. All proceeds from the event went to the Dreaming Big Fund, a charity formed in memory of former special education teacher and New Buffalo High School 2000 graduate Kristen Heimbach to provide support and services to the families of autistic children, and the Logan Center in South Bend, Indiana, which is also devoted to helping autistic children in the surrounding area.

Nathan Blosser races to the finish line

Alex Ortiz races to the finish line

Ashley Hamilton recieves her medal for being the Fastest Female Overall winner

Kristen Dâ€™Amico and Lori Robinson do massages

Kyle Friedler races to the finish line

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THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

A Victorian Home at 127 So. Whittaker, decorated for Independence Day weekend, brings Americana Norman Rockwell style to New Buffalo. The home was built in the late 1800’s by a brother of August “Doc” Birkholz, who built the former neighboring home, which later became known as Little Bohemian & Hanna’s Restaurant.

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FROEHLICH’S

DINE IN • CARRYOUT • CATERING EVENT SPACE • GOURMET GROCERY DOWNTOWN THREE OAKS DINE IN • CARRYOUT • CATERING EVENT SPACE • GOURMET GROCERY DOWNTOWN THREE OAKS