November 24, 2022

PHOTO

CROWNING ELIZABETH LUMLEY BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

ETHICS

PROPRIETOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES, INC. EDITOR NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE EDITORIAL BOARD

Berrien County Health Department encourages community members to get flu vaccinations, offers vaccine clinics

Singers to present ‘Sounds of the Season’ to celebrate the holidays

REPORTERS/WRITERS

THERESE DONNELLY FRANCESCA SAGALA LAWRENCE VON EBELER KURT MARGGRAF ALEXANDER FATOUROS SOPHIA ROSE FATOUROS STAN MADDUX KRISTIN E. FATOUROS

NEW BUFFALO TIMES INTELLIGENCE NEW BUFFALO TIMES POLITICS GUESTS QUOTES

DINO N. FATOUROS PROOFING FRANCESCA SAGALA BROADCAST/ADVERTISING

ADAMSKI

As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, the Berrien County Health Department is encouraging community members to get a flu vaccine.

Flu season typically takes place in Michigan from October to April each year. Experts say this flu season could be more severe than recent years due to lack of exposure to flu viruses over the past two years when COVID-19 prevention measures were in place. With rare exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine.

BCHD will host flu vaccine clinics on Wednesday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon at its Benton Harbor office, 2149 E. Napier Avenue, SE, through the end of December. An appointment is required and can be scheduled by calling BCHD at 269.926.7121.

“Vaccinations are our biggest tool to help prevent severe illness and keep everyone healthy this flu season,” said Guy Miller, health director at Berrien County Health Department. “No one wants to spend the holiday season being sick – get your vaccine today to help reduce the impact influenza has on you and your loved ones.

“If you have concerns or questions about the vaccine, contact your primary care provider or ask us at the health

department.”

Influenza vaccines are proven to be safe and effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention completes studies each year to determine how effective flu vaccines are. Recent research has shown vaccinations reduce the risk of getting sick from flu by 40-60%.

Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you from getting sick – it can also lessen the severity of symptoms if you get a breakthrough infection, reducing the risk of flu-associated hospitalization. Getting a flu vaccine also helps prevent you from passing the virus on to more vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65 and individuals with certain chronic conditions.

Aflu vaccine cannot give you the flu, but it may have other mild, shortlasting side effects such as soreness, redness and swelling around the injection site, headache, fever, muscle aches and fatigue. These symptoms are typically mild and should go away after a day or two.

Your primary care provider and local pharmacies can also provide flu vaccinations.

For more information, visit www.bit.ly/BCHDFlu or call 269926-7121. — STAFF REPORTS

Join the School of American Music (SAM) and a band of many players for the Harbor Country Singers holiday sing-along at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Episcopal Church of the Mediator, 14280 Red Arrow Highway in Harbert.

The sing-along is free, but a donation for Neighbor to Neighbor of canned goods or a food item, such as nutrient-rich peanut butter, is requested.

“Sounds of the Season” will feature the Singers accompanied by multiple instruments, ranging from piano to guitar, dulcimer, trumpet, French horn, trombone and tuba. The program will span holiday favorites from Hanukkah to Christmas, secular to sacred, with the lineup including favorites such as “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “White Christmas.” Songbooks with music and lyrics will be provided.

“There will be music for everyone to enjoy,” said Donna M. Mitchell, executive director of SAM. “We are grateful to the Episcopal Church of the Mediator for partnering with us to present this fun community event.”

Please sign up for free tickets at schoolofamericanmusic. com. For more information, contact SAM at 269-409-1191, schoolofamericanmusic@ gmail.com or online at schoolofamericanmusic. com.

Harbor Country Singers is supported by the School of American Music and a grant from the Pokagon Fund. Established in 2016, the community chorus rehearses and performs in Harbor Country for holidays and other events. Programming is produced by Pat Putnam.

The School of American Music provides education, performance and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area. Currently engaged in raising money for The Future Fund, SAM aims to establish an endowment to guarantee its financial future. Every dollar donated to the Fund is matched by the Michigan Arts Foundation. SAM is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Donations can be made on SAM’s website.

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo

New Buffalo Township Board approves zoning ordinance amendment regarding fences

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Azoning ordinance amendment regarding fences, which removes some of the definition of “Building Height” and adds some language to it, was adopted by members of the New Buffalo Township Board of Trustees Monday, Nov. 21.

fence,” which was what was approved by the ZBA, “to be constructed unless you act to nullify the ZBA’s grant due to the clear absence of jurisdiction.”

Board members adopted a Resolution in Opposition to Short Term Rental Legislation House Bill 4722 and Senate Bill 466.

firing people” as well as the purchasing of items.

Rahm said that “if anybody wants to expand, we’ve got a fantastic police department here.”

“I’m pretty happy with what we haveour coverage is excellent,” he said.

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL

MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJESKI, JOHN HUMPHREY, BRIAN FLANAGAN, VANCE PRICE

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 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

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD

FRANK MAGRO, LISA WERNER, HEATHER BLACK, DENISE CHURCHILL, BRADLEY BURNER, VANESSA THUN

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 Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MARY ROBERTSON, CLERK DEBORAH LINDLEY, BLAKE O’HALLORAN, JAMES BRACEWELL, PETER DOERR, PAUL LEONARD, JR. MICHIANA

VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Per the recommendation of the building and zoning administrator, the following addition was made to the definition of Building Height under Article 13: “The vertical distance measured from the average grade to the highest point of the building. Height shall be measured from the average grade to the highest point of the roof surface or parapet wall that extends above the roof, whichever is higher.”

Cheryl Marie Lynch said the new zoning ordinance that went into effect last December “omits the previous ordinance’s provision pertaining to the jurisdiction of the Zoning Board of Appeals,” which states that the ZBA “shall not have the authority to hear appeals from a decision made in respect to any special land use.”

On Nov. 9, the ZBA approved a variance pertaining to the business Carts on 12, “which is operating under a Special Land Use Permit that runs with the property,” she said.

Lynch added that the ZBA granted the business a “12-foot-tall sideline fence right next to my home.”

“Not only did they not have the power to do that, but they also could not find a single operable fact in the variance application that would warrant a fence height beyond the 6-foot height that is shown on the approved site plan,” Lynch said.

Lynch said it’s a “fact” that the board will approve a “township-built spite

Per the resolution, the township opposes the proposed bills because they would “further erode local governments’ control over zoning and land use decisions.”

It also states that property owners have “unalienable rights, which include the right to rent their property and the township has an appropriate process in place to regulate them.”

Supervisor Michelle Heit said she and trustee Pete Rahm worked on “tweaking” its language since it was tabled at the last meeting.

Rahm said that, while the resolution states it’s an “unalienable right” to property owners to rent the township still wants to “retain the right to control short term rentals.”

“We think that we as the township board should have the right to control short term rentals and to keep it here locally,” he said.

Board members reached a consensus that they weren’t interested in any kind of shared collaboration with other municipalities and their police departments

Heit said that discussion on possible shared services took place at two cross municipality collaboration meetings.

She said the township doesn’t “have a lot of other issues that other municipalities have,” adding that they contract with the sheriff’s department and don’t have to worry about “hiring and

Clerk Judy Zabicki said she didn’t think any of them want to “deal with the liability issues that go along with it - the hiring, the firing, the training.”

“We’re paying for their knowledge and their expertise on all of that, including if there was something here - their SWAT team, their dive team, everything,” she said.

Board members adopted a salary stipend resolution for $200 salary stipends for the treasurer, clerk and supervisor.

Board members adopted a resolution that restates the rules and regulations for the Galien River Sanitary Sewer District Authority. Heit said that the authority has made changes over the years to its rules and regulations that have never been formally adopted.

Board members approved a lease agreement with Pleasure Island Marina office space, as the previous renter had moved out.

The fifth payment application to Selge Construction for lift station work was approved.

A bid from Pay Jay Construction for a parks department truck for $8,500 was approved.

Board members approved a water tap fee increase to $4,000 effective Dec. 1, 2022. Heit said the increase is with regards to the changing of the structure and it’s more of a flat rate.

It’s a wonderful thing to be optimistic. It keeps you healthy and it keeps you resilient. — Daniel Kahneman

Open house highlights final design plans for Sawyer Road Project

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Berrien County Road Department Engineering Supervisor Kevin Stack said certain factors, such as more federal aid money and watching the “bigger picture here of the region and what we’re trying to do” caused the road department to hit the brakes on the Sawyer Road project – from Red Arrow Highway to Flynn Road – at an open house at Chikaming Township Center Thursday, Nov. 17.

Design wise, Stack said, nothing has changed in the final plans since he spoke at a similar open house a year ago, other than a couple driveway cuts. Currently, the curb throughout the entire downtown stretch is a rolled curb and there’s “no defined” entrance and exits to roads and drives. Stack said that the road department will be cutting it out and putting a new curb in, which will be “defining the drive and making it a flat concrete gutter.”

The project will exist strictly between the existing curb lines, which will involve the milling of two inches of asphalt and the replacement of two new inches of asphalt.

There’s a possibility of two crosswalks, including one with a pedestrian activated signal by the proposed park that would be on land where the former fire station once sat.

Moving outside the downtown area toward Red Arrow Highway, the road department will still be going with a 5-foot paved shoulder on each side that will connect Red Arrow and the downtown area for nonmotorized bike and pedestrian access.

Stack said there will be hardly any clearing in terms of trees and brush unless there’s a safety issue with it being close to the edge of the road, which will be “very minor.”

At the area around Fifth Third Bank at Three Oaks Road, the curb and gutter will return, and the concrete edging all will stay.

“Then we’ll just remove the asphalt in between there, go down the intersection of Three Oaks for about 50 feet, tie that all in - make it nice and smooth - all the way up to Red Arrow and repaint the lines,” Stacks said.

Regarding the four to three lane conversion in a section of Sawyer Road, Stacks said that the accident history on that stretch of road indicates that, in five years, there’ve been 21 accidents, 13 of which were a type of “sideswipe rear end angle collision between the ramps of I-94.”

A traffic count indicated that less than 5% of traffic on that road is commercial.

Stacks said that the road department has had “nothing but a 100% success rate” with four to three lane conversions throughout the county. While it’s still early, in two years since the conversion that was done on Red Arrow Highway in Union Pier, there have been a reduced number of accidents at that intersection.

The road department will be painting the road to three lanes and there will be a five-and-a-half-foot shoulder underneath from one side to the other –“from where it starts to where it ends.”

Regarding the conversion, the road will taper down and there will be an “oversized center turn lane” for semis and vehicles to seek refuge.

Stack said the conversion will just involve painting lines and not changing the width of the road – which will make it easier to switch back should there be issues.

“If we see an increase in the number of accidents, we will address that,” he said.

The intersection at Tatro Drive is going to be redefined “as a typical roadway side street intersection,” as the big concrete apron that’s in there now is going to come out and the intersection

will be oversized to a commercial graded access with a new curb.

Stack added that the road department will be applying to get federal funding to put ADA ramps with a pedestrian push button at all four corners of the intersection of Sawyer Road and Red Arrow Highway.

Part of the creation of the ramps involves getting funding to finish the non-motorized path from Harbert Community Park up to that intersection – which will require the county to “show connectivity.”

“We’re connecting a small future park in Chikaming, we’re connecting a downtown urban area to an intersection to a nonmotorized path that connects to community park, township hall and, eventually, New Buffalo,” Stack said.

Noting that this is a “next year project,” Stack said that there’s a chance that, by the end of next year, cyclists will have the ability to “bike from downtown Sawyer all the way across Cherry Beach, jump onto Lakeshore Avenue all the way down to Union Pier on the side streets until we get the rest of the paths.”

“So, we’re making big strides here in getting that nonmotorized path built,” he said.

Stack said it’s hoped the Sawyer Road project will be sent out to bid next month and a contractor will be onboard by the middle to the end of January.

The current “game plan” is to be done by Memorial Day 2023.

Since the asphalt plants “fire up” around the middle to end of May, the road department needs to get preparation work done before then.

“So, the road’s not going to shut down in any way, shape or form – we will provide access to all businesses and all residents at all times,” Stack said, adding that the road department will install digital message boards indicating that businesses are open throughout the construction.

Taking a look at the final design of Sawyer Road at Chikaming Township Center

Robertson, Price inducted at city council meeting

BY THERESE DONNELLY

Members of the New Buffalo City Council started their Nov. 21 meeting by inducting new members.

Mark Robertson was reelected for another four-year term and Vance Price was newly-elected for a four-year term.

The council also elected Councilman John Humphrey to serve as mayor, and councilman Roger Lijewski to serve as mayor pro tem.

City clerk Amy Fiddler administered the oath of office to the members.

The increase in city water and sewer rates was brought up to the council during public comment. Resident Mike Uffner asked about the drastic increase in monthly bills. While the council typically does not answer questions during public comment, Humphrey explained that the increase includes two factors. There is a 3% cost of inflation increase the Galien River Sanitary District applies annually, and there is an additional increase due to the fact that the city has failed to raise the ready to serve fees in almost 17 years, and customers had been charged the same rate regardless of meter size. He said notice had been published regarding the changes and the city had scheduled a town hall meeting for Nov. 22 to address concerns in more detail.

Resident Mike Carpenter expressed concerns over pedestrian safety during the winter. He said many businesses and residents push snow from their parking lots and driveways onto sidewalks, making it difficult to walk. Carpenter said he understood that some residents are not physically able to clear their sidewalks but he asked the city to remind businesses to keep sidewalks clear. Humphrey said keeping sidewalks cleared of snow is a city ordinance and he would look into the issue.

In preparation to fund a number of projects, the City hired Baker Tilly and Miller Canfield as consultants to research the use of Grant Anticipation Notes as a form of shortterm funding. City manager Darwin Watson explained that GANs are a form of short-term financing issued in anticipation of the municipality receiving grant funding. Under this arrangement, the municipality obtains money

The increase in city water and sewer rates was brought up to the council during public comment. Resident Mike Uffner asked about the drastic increase in monthly bills. While the council typically does not answer questions during public comment, Humphrey explained that the increase includes two factors. There is a 3% cost of inflation increase the Galien River Sanitary District applies annually, and there is an additional increase due to the fact that the city has failed to raise the ready to serve fees in almost 17 years, and customers had been charged the same rate regardless of meter size. He said notice had been published regarding the changes and the city had scheduled a town hall meeting for Nov. 22 to address concerns in more detail.

to begin or continue work on a project before the grant is finalized, then uses grant funds to pay off the GAN. The city has plans to build a broadside dock, upgrade the municipal marina and create the Marquette Greenway Trailhead and a pocket park on Smith Street. Watson said the collective cost of these projects is estimated at $3,310,000. Humphrey asked if repaying a GAN would impact the city’s finances, noting they would need to be repaid in 18 months. Watson said it would be “relatively tough” to meet the obligation and that other, more “cash-flow friendly” funding may be available. The council voted to table the issue until they could learn about other options, with Watson explaining they will need to hold a special meeting before the December meeting before they can consider other options.

Over the summer, the city contracted with Viking, Inc. to perform minor dredging in the harbor. The firm presented a request for a final payment of $10,500 for that work. Before the Council approved the payment request, councilmember Brian Flanagan recalled that in August the council had requested project managers from Abonmarche Engineering to look into recourse for delays in work that Viking said were caused by weather and equipment issues. Mike Morphey said after researching the issues, the dredging work was completed and the final cost was lower than the closest bidder.

In a separate motion, the council also approved Abonmarche’s change order to engineering for additional dredging. Watson explained the original permit was based on soundings taken in the winter, but new tests in the spring revealed Lake Michigan’s water level had dropped by more than one foot, which necessitated emergency dredging to clear shoals that were discovered. Abonmarche requested an increase from $1500 to $9700 in order to submit additional applications. The council approved the request.

Abonmarche also submitted an engineering proposal of $309.900 for the broadside dock project. Morphey stated the project would extend the usability of the marina

by allowing boats of multiple sizes to dock, and would also stabilize the banks and prevent flooding on North Whittaker Street. The council approved the proposal.

The Mayhew Street Drain project is complete and the council approved a final pay request from Payjay Inc. for $46,245 for the work.

Humphrey noted this is the first major step in a fivepart plan to improve the beach area. Watson said the city has budgeted money for years to fund the project. He noted that costs will be much higher than originally anticipated due to post-Covid increases.

The council had the first reading of a proposed amendment to Section 39, Article VI, Chapter 18 in the Code of Ordinances. Watson explained the amendment is intended to clarify the council’s procedure for requests to vacate streets or rights of way and include the wording “as allowed by law.”

Humphrey said nearly every Zoning Board of Appeals meeting now includes a request for the vacation and the new amendment would help streamline the request process.

As the city looks at ways to encourage growth, Humphrey said he had spoken with a representative from the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan. He said CEDA’s program had been effective in other communities, but after learning more about it, he did not feel it met New Buffalo’s needs. Under the CEDA program, a municipality pays $10,000 and CEDA hires someone to work with the city on a weekly basis for 15 months to create and implement plans. Humphrey said New Buffalo’s main obstacle is high property costs and a limited season to realize a return on investment, which is not addressed by the CEDA program.

The council approved a one-time year end salary adjustment for 32 city employees. Watson said two employees who were hired during 2022 will receive a prorated adjustment.

Watson reported the company that usually handles the city’s Independence Day fireworks display had contacted him to schedule a date and had suggested Monday, July 3. The cost for 2023 is $16,500, a 10% increase over the previous display. Watson said approving the date did not create an obligation, but simply secured the date, which the council agreed to.

The council briefly went into closed session to discuss Watson’s performance review. After the meeting was reconvened, Watson welcomed Price and Robertson, who both thanked voters for electing them.

Press conference details Board of Immigration decision regarding Ibrahim Parlak case

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Details were given on a decision that was issued last week from the Board of Immigration Appeals with regards to a 2018 court hearing in the ongoing case surrounding Kurdish immigrant Ibrahim Parlak at his Harbert restaurant, Café Gulistan, Monday, Nov. 21.

In July 2018, an immigration judge granted Parlak’s application deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture, citing evidence that he would more likely than not be tortured by the Turkish government.

Robert Carpenter, the attorney for Parlak, said that on Oct. 31, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued a decision in response to the Department of Homeland Security’s appeal contesting the judge’s 2018 ruling.

“That decision was a 2-1 decision with a dissent to remand the case back to the immigration judge because their record that the Department of Justice keeps was woefully deficient and listed 400 plus times indiscernible as Ibrahim’s answers to questions,” he said of the board’s decision.

He said the transcriber of the 2018 audio recording “couldn’t understand 400 plus responses from Ibrahim.”

Carpenter said that “neither side asked for the case to be remanded because the entirety of the record is on a recordable device.” He’s ordered the recording, which

should arrive in the next week or so, and will have someone listen to it “to see what we can make of those indiscernibles.”

Carpenter said three judges on the board decided the case should be sent back “on their own volition – it wasn’t asked for on either side, the government had no issues with the record whatsoever.”

“Ibrahim won his case in 2018 - the government decided to appeal that win, it’s the government’s burden of showing that the immigration judge was wrong in 2018…So if the record doesn’t support that because it failed in some material way, you would think you would hear about that from the government and its briefs – we heard nothing, utter silence on the record,” he said.

He added that it was “peculiar” for the board to “decide to remand it on the record.”

Carpenter said an appeal will be filed with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and a motion to reopen will be filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals next week.

Parlak said that throughout the three to four hour-questioning, “there was never an issue raised” by the government attorney, the judge or any of the attorneys.

“Through the process, the only time the judge interfered with my answering, it was ‘My equipment’s not working, let’s take a break’ - other than that, there was no complaint, no warning that they are not

understanding,” he said.

Parlak added that when a couple points weren’t clear for the judge, she “repeated clearly what I wanted to say a couple times, when Robert wanted to clarify it, he repeated clearly what I said.”

“But those are on there and the judge didn’t seem to have any problem making a decision based on that… It’s just hard to understand the Board of Immigration would come up with that reasoning to send it back - who knows how long it’s going to take to go through that process again all over,” he said.

According to the Friends of Ibrahim group’s website, Parlak was active in his youth in the Kurdish human rights movement in Turkey and Europe. He returned to Turkey after being abroad for several years, where he “was arrested, tortured, charged with the crime of separatism and sentenced to death.”

“He was eventually released from prison for medical reasons, and came to the U.S. seeking asylum,” the group states.

After being granted asylum in 1992, it was revoked when he applied for citizenship in the early 2000s due to a cited “supposed link to the separatist organization, Kurdistan Workers Party,” Friends of Ibrahim states.

He was arrested in July 2004 and detained for 10 months at the Calhoun

County Jail in Battle Creek. After his case was heard in the immigration court, Judge Avern Cohn ordered his release on a “writ of habeas corpus” in 2005.

Since 2005, Ibrahim has been protected from deportation by the introduction of a Private Bill by Michigan Sen. Carl Levin and Rep. Fred Upton at the beginning of each new Congress, the Friends of Ibrahim Group website states.

Parlak called the latest developments “discouraging,” adding that it was the Board of Immigration that decided to reopen the case based on the “country conditions.”

“We followed all the guidance through the years, and we were hoping it would become positive from the Board of Immigration - there was no reason for the Board of Immigration to deny the case or not grant it,” he said.

Parlak said they were expecting the government would appeal it.

“But now, going back from the beginning – it was just something I wasn’t expecting.”

Joel Klass, a member of Friends of Ibrahim, said that the entire case is “mysterious.”

“The government has done virtually everything they can think of to extend this thing…You’d think it was personal but there’s been different people involved over the years – it’s certainly not the America I grew up being taught about,” he said.

Ibrahim Parlak gives an update at Cafe Gulistan of his ongoing case

Robert Carpenter, Ibrahim Parlak and Joel Klass during a news conference on the ongoing case

NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION SEEKING NEW MEMBER

The New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education is seeking qualified candidates to fill the vacancy of Frank Magro, who resigned effective Nov. 18, 2022. An individual will be appointed on Dec. 12, 2022, to fulfill the two years left on the term.

Interested persons must submit a letter expressing interest in the Board position and their qualifications for the position to the Office of the Superintendent, P. O. Box 280, 1112 E. Clay Street, New Buffalo, MI 49117 no later than noon on Dec. 7, 2022.

Depending on the number of interested candidates, it is possible not all candidates will be interviewed. If you have any questions concerning the role of the Board of Education and the responsibilities of a Board Member contact, Dr. Michael R. Lindley, Superintendent of Schools at 269-460-6013 or email mlindley@ nbas.org.

— STAFF REPORTS

Results

Councilmembers discuss sign ordinance enforcement in Grand Beach

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Members of the Grand Beach Village Council discussed the enforcement of

the sign ordinance – as well as its lack of specification as to how long signs should be up – at their Wednesday, Nov. 16, meeting.

Council president James Bracewell said that there’s currently no “date limitations” on signs inside the ordinance.

Throughout the election period, signs were up for about seven and a half weeks, he said. Other signs, such as ones stating when someone’s child has graduated, have been up seven to nine months.

Size has also been an issue, as Bracewell said relator signs “are growing in size” and “must be measured according to our provisions.”

Diameter and square footage that’s allowed is in the ordinance and the village “has pursued that in the past and it’s been effective.”

He added that signs are growing and “becoming like they’re permanent.”

“If the populace wants it, fine –but there is a structure to control that situation,” he said.

How close the signs are to the street was also an issue this past election period, as Bracewell said that candidates weren’t aware as to how close signs could be according to the ordinance and those who’d placed theirs too close to the street were asked to move them back.

Clerk Mary Robertson said that the village currently doesn’t have anything in the ordinance pertaining to candidate signs, so the village follows the rules of the state.

Resident Angela Trainor said that when the political season began, candidates “didn’t put signs out any earlier than they were out in New Buffalo or other communities.

She added that all the candidates were provided the state sign law “so they did not abuse the political season, they just started earlier than some.”

Trainor said that other candidates, such as ones for school boards, had their signs on the outsides of fences.

“Nobody went around and made them put them back, but it was according to the state sign that they should have been following - and they did follow,” she said.

Councilmember Paul Leonard said that the next council could put out an outline of guidelines, such as what they can do in terms of signage, how soon they can put them up and after election how soon they must take the signs down, during the next election cycle.

Regarding purchasing CDs at Horizon Bank, Bracewell said that the interest rates on available funds are escalating and will possibly continue to escalate over the next six months. He said he recommended to Robertson to switch some of the village’s available funds that are at Fifth Third Bank that are earning .01% to Horizon Bank for six months.

Councilmembers approved renewing Priority Health Insurance that the village has in place for its employees.

Bracewell said the village “took a gamble” two years ago when it changed its supplier. The village will have an increase of 10.92% in premiums with the 2023 renewal.

Leonard said the 10% increase is “well within what’s going on in the industry” and that some policies out there have 15% to 17% increases.

“For what we provide our employees and the additional cost I feel that we’ve done well,” he said.

Superintendent Bob Dabbs said that he has two bids with regards to replacing the roofs on the village hall and the maintenance building. He said he’ll present the bids at the December meeting to the new council, adding that they can go through another year or possibly two with the current roofs. Recently, the village hall’s entire chimney as well as all the spouts were caulked and sealed.

“The building down there is worse than this one,” he said.

Leonard said if they can make it through two years, the village should be able to cover it and by that point in time, there should be additional tax revenue from the 21 new homes that are under construction in the village.

“Our council will have to keep an eye on it, certainly next spring and probably during the budget meetings and make some projections - how much money we have, how much money we need,” he said.

Bracewell said there’s sufficient funds to put a new roof on the village hall.

Councilmembers approved end of year salary adjustments.

Councilmembers approved the Medicare Advantage Copay for 17 months for the benefit of Robertson and her spouse, with an additional $2,000 stipend.

From the Bleachers

COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, and even with all of the things that aren’t perfect in the world, most of us have so much to be thankful for.

If nothing else, we have a roof over our heads and food on our tables. Many of us have people that we love, and people who love us. We live in a country and at a time that allows us to be ourselves, no matter what some may think. It’s certainly understandable that everyone doesn’t share my positivity about this time of year. Life does go on, and good and bad things happen every day. So, for those of you that can’t celebrate the holidays because sad or bad memories are overwhelming, I feel your pain. My wife passed away twenty six years ago on December 1st, so feeling sad at this time of year is no stranger to me.

Time has a way of changing our perspective. For many years, sadness overwhelmed happiness during the holidays. At some point, my children convinced me to celebrate Sue’s birthday rather than the day she passed. She was a wonderful wife, mother, teacher, and all around human being. When we made the decision to celebrate her life rather than mourn her death, the holidays started to become joyful again.

Sue wasn’t much of a sports fan when I met her, but over the years she changed. You might think that I had something to do with that, but the reality is her children were much more responsible. When the kids started playing baseball and softball, Sue began going to all of their games, and when

somebody who was supposed to be the scorekeeper failed to show up one day, she happily took over and never relinquished the job. She grew up on the Northside of Chicago, so she basically had to be a Cub fan, thus avoiding many an argument. By the time she passed away, she understood my love of sports, and shared a portion of my passion. However, she was never able to come to grips with my preference for Bears games over beautiful Harbor Country sunsets.

November 22nd is Sue’s birthday, and this year she would have turned 73. She is still missed by many, and I’m so glad the decision was made to celebrate her life. Because we are so spread out geographically, we will gather on her birthday telephonically and share some happy stories of the years we were blessed with her presence. To all who have tough times around the holidays, I understand. We all heal differently, and at our own pace. My hope for everyone is to have a Thanksgiving that brings you peace and joy.

A couple of quotes that resonated with me in tougher times. Edna St. Vincent Millay said, “The presence of her absence is everywhere,” and Henry Scott Holland wrote, “Death is nothing at all. I have only slipped into the next room…whatever we were to each other that we still are.”

Be kind to one another. Make good choices. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Happy Thanksgiving. Peace, love, and happiness.

Rare loss at home for La Lumiere

BY STAN MADDUX

La Lumiere lost its first game of the young high school basketball season in a Nov. 18 game featuring two teams ranked in the top 20 nationwide.

The Lakers (4-1) were defeated at home 75 to 71 by The Skill Factory, a college prep school from Atlanta, Georgia.

La Lumiere with the game tied in the second quarter reclaimed the lead on back-to-back three-point shots from Trenton Walters and Gus Yaldron.

A two-handed slam dunk by Kaleb Glenn made the score 30-23 with 50 seconds left in the second quarter.

La Lumiere took a five-point lead into halftime.

TSF (7-0) opened the third quarter with a three-point shot and dunk to quickly even the score.

It wasn’t long before the Lakers took a nine-point lead with help from a driving lay-up by Walters, a three-point shot from Zaiden Lowery and dunk from Yaldron.

The lead soon evaporated, though, from the three-point shooting of TSF and their ability to score close to the rim.

Another three-point shot from the baseline gave TSF its first lead with just over six minutes left in the final period.

Both teams exchanged leads until TSF went ahead for good with about two minutes to play in the game.

TSF extended their to five points with less than 30 seconds on the game clock, forcing the Lakers on defense to foul.

However, TSF locked up the victory by sinking all but one of their free throws.

Walters hit a desperation three point shot from near half court to cut the lead to two points with just two seconds left in the game.

Yaldron, a 6’9” center from Appleton, Wisconsin, led the Lakers on offense with 20 points.

Lowery, a 6’4” guard from Springfield, Missouri, scored 18 points while Kalen Glenn, a 6’7” forward out of Louisville, Kentucky, added 12 points.

Head Coach Pat Holmes said he was disappointed but not surprised at the outcome considering TSF has eight players already committed to Division 1 college basketball programs.

Holmes also said seven players were lost from last year’s squad due to graduation but still likes the chances of this year’s squad returning to the Geico National Finals given the quality of the replacements.

La Lumiere has received a bid to the national finals almost every year for the past decade and won the championship in 2017.

The current Lakers team has several players already signed to play at big time college programs like Louisville, Wisconsin and Marquette.

“We have a bunch of new faces, but we got a really good group that’s coming to together, learning to play together and playing the right way,” Holmes said.

Personally what’s more important then feeling good and being undisturbed? — Dino N. Fatouros

SADD members pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Members of the SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) chapter at New Buffalo High School got into the Thanksgiving spirit when they packed shoeboxes that will make a profound difference in a child’s life Thursday, Nov. 17.

Students packed the boxes with the items that students, teachers and parents had been bringing in for the past few weeks for Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Relief that invites people to pack shoeboxes with school supplies, fun toys, clothes and hygiene items to be distributed to children around the world.

Students have partnered with Calvary Chapel Outreach New Buffalo, which has been involved with Operation Christmas Child for several years. Shoeboxes were scheduled to be dropped off at Calvary Chapel by Monday, Nov. 21. Members of the public were invited to bring their shoeboxes to the church during National Collection Week, which took place Nov. 14-21.

According to Tammy Ohl, a member of Calvary Chapel, last year, the church packed 1,021 boxes.

The crates of shoeboxes at Calvary Chapel will go to South Bend, where

they go to the regional collection center in Chicago. There, they’re sorted by workers before being repackaged and going to Boone, North Carolina. From there, they travel across the world, from Mexico to Ukraine to refugee camps in Poland, as well as across the country.

Senior Carys Gallas said that Nicole Bowen, the advisor for SADD, suggested the partnership.

“I think it’s something different - we haven’t done it yet, so we were really excited about it when she brought it to us,” she said.

Gallas said SADD is focused on community service and “pushing out messages to the student body.”

Members have done different initiatives on the dangers of drunk driving, such as a districted driving simulator. Last year, they brought in a parent from New Carlisle, whose son had died in a drunk driving accident, to talk to the student body.

Last fall, members got the school involved in another initiative when they collected water bottles to donate to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Southwest Michigan during the Benton Harbor water crisis, when residents experienced elevated levels of lead in their municipality supplied drinking water.

Members of the New Buffalo High School SADD stand with packed shoeboxes with advisor Nicole Bowen

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 11/07/22. CDs offered by Edward Jones

Members of Three Oak/River Valley 2023 Royal Court begin their reigns

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Being crowned as royalty runs in Elizabeth Lumley’s family.

Elizabeth said that it was her sister, Miss Three Oaks/River Valley 2020 Madison Lumley, who inspired her to take the plunge and go out for the title as well.

“She just talked so positively about the whole experience, and I thought, ‘Why not, it’ll be fun for me too,” Elizabeth said.

Seeing as how Elizabeth was crowned Miss Three Oaks/River Valley 2023, as well as Miss Congeniality, at the auditorium of River Valley Middle/High School Saturday, Nov. 19, one could assume that she has no regrets about her decision.

Indeed, Elizabeth said that she’s “really excited for the future.”

“I was very nervous but now, all those nerves are gone and I’m very happy and very excited for this year,” she said.

Elizabeth added that she’s most looking forward to being in the parades, which will be “really fun.”

A 17-year-old senior at River Valley High School, Elizabeth is the daughter of Holly and Jason Lumley. She is currently dual enrolled at Lake Michigan College and would like to further her education at a four-year university studying either forensic science or criminal justice. She is a drum major in the River Valley Marching Band, and is involved in student congress, concert band and the interact club.

In keeping with the “I’m from the Country- “themed pageant, Miss and Mr. contestants were asked to share their dream for their small town of Three Oaks, USA.

“My dream for my small-town community is for growth and support of local businesses,” Elizabeth said.

Elizabeth takes pride in her small town’s traditions. Back by popular demand, Miss and Mr. contestants were asked to compose a commercial of an attraction in Three Oaks.

Elizabeth chose the Apple Cider Century and said that the third Sunday in September “can’t come soon enough - me and my biking buddies love to bike the trails and experience the beauty that is southwest Michigan country. “

She said what she’d most like to achieve in life is “to have success.”

“And by success, I mean having a loving family, being surrounded by people who support me and enjoying what I do,” Elizabeth said.

Crowned first runner-up to Miss Three Oaks/River Valley was Camille Czech.

A 17-year-old senior at New Buffalo High School, Camille is the daughter of Amy and Barth Czech. She plans to pursue a doctorate in optometry at Ferris State University and the Michigan College of Optometry. Camille’s involved in 4-H, student senate, varsity equestrian, varsity tennis and pottery club.

Her dream for her small town is for everyone to “cherish the wonderful memories we made while continuing to work together and strive to be a sought-after place to live in the future.”

Speaking about her own future, Camille said she wants to be “completely happy with everything that I’ve done.”

“I don’t want to regret on missing out on any opportunities,” she said.

Decked out in a sparkly pumpkinthemed dress, Camille invited everyone to make the trek to Dinges’ Fall Harvest.

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Maura Killips walks with her father Rich Killips down the aisle

Alexis McCarty, Camille Czech, Gabriel Pauff and Elizabeth Lumley perform I’m from the Country

Elizabeth Lumley takes her first walk onstage as Miss Three Oaks and River Valley 2023 The 2023 Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Royal Court

Camille Czech states her life goal from Zack East

Mr. Three Oaks and River Valley Gabriel Pauff boasts about his town’s attractions

Macey Sprnger states what she wants to achieve

Macey Springer talks up her hometown during the commercial segment

Addyson Frazier is crowned Miss Teen Three Oaks and River Valley

Alexis McCarty talks about Flag Day

“Pick a friend, grab a pumpkin and let’s make memories last forever,” she said.

Other Miss contestants were Alexis McCarty and Macey Springer.

Mr. Three Oaks/River Valley 2023 is Gabriel Pauff.

The son of Emily Sproutsoff, Gabriel is a 17-year-old senior at River Valley High School, where he’s involved in marching band and concert band. Upon graduation, he would like to study criminal justice at the University of Michigan.

Among the list of attractions that he named to lure tourists to Three Oaks – Viola’s Café, with the “best biscuits and gravy ever,” the more-than100-year-old Drier’s Meat Market and Warren Dunes Beach – was The Biggest Little Baseball Museum, where “any baseball nerd is welcome.”

His dream for his hometown is to see “the growth for a Little League baseball program.”

Gabriel’s dream in life is to “have a group of nice people that surround me and to have a life that I can relax by the time I’m 60.”

Crowned Miss Teen Three Oaks/ River Valley 2023 was Addyson Frazier.

The daughter of Emily and Chris Frazier, Addyson attends River Valley Middle/High School. When she grows up, she would like to be an attorney. When not in school, Addyson enjoys riding horses, reading books, watching football, playing volleyball and spending time with family and friends.

“I just have had a passion for doing stuff with the community and having fun being with this group of girls for a whole year – I can’t wait,” she said.

When asked what makes Three Oaks special, she said “Prancer,” which was filmed there.

As a teenager, Addyson said the piece of advice that she would dole out to the younger generation would be to “enjoy your time being a child – don’t wish your life away.”

Other Miss Teen contestants were

Mikayla Falzone and Ava Ledesma.

Crowned Little Miss Three Oaks/ River Valley 2023 was Hazel Bross.

The daughter of Kim and Brandon Bross, 6-year-old Hazel is in the first grade at Chikaming Elementary School, where her favorite subjects are gym, tech class, art and strategy groups.

When she’s not in school, she enjoys playing with her brother and sister, as well as playing soccer, doing arts and crafts and watching videos on her tablet.

When she grows up, she wants to be a veterinarian.

Joining Hazel on the royal court as first runner-up is Lilly Sokolowski.

The daughter of Lindsay Ennesser and Victor Sokowlowski, Lilly attends the first grade at Chikaming Elementary School. where her favorite subjects are art and gym.

When not in school, Lily can be found hanging out down on the farm and “playing with the calves.”

When she grows up, she’d like to be a barrel racer.

Crowned second runner-up to Little Miss Three Oaks/River Valley was Alyssa Williams.

The daughter of Jessica and John Williams, 7-year-old Alyssa attends Chikaming Elementary School, where she enjoys library and gym. When not in school, she sings and dances, collects rocks, does yoga and tends to her pet guinea pigs, Peanut and Oreo.

Alyssa aspires to be a chemist when she grows up.

Other Little Miss contestants were Lexi Jaspering, Marlee Wesaw, Skiler Ott and Peyton Monroe.

The pageant was emceed by Miss Three Oaks 2011 Eva Ebbott, who has been teaching students with severe multiple disabilities for the past six years, and Zack East, vice president of business development for Mid-West Family Southwest Michigan.

Judges for the Miss contestants were Ethan Zeiger, Tommy Oldham and Jessica Hargett. Judges for the Miss Teen and Little Miss contestants were Jaclyn Dombrowsky-Tierney, Roxann Zobrowsky and Sarah Oman.

Miss Teen contestants Mikayla Falzone, Addyson Frazier and Ava Ledesma

The contestants strike a pose during the opening number

Eva Ebbott asks Little Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Hazel Bross what she most anticipates during her reign

Little Miss contestants pose onstage

Camille Czech is crowned first runner up to Miss Three Oaks and River Valley

First Runner Up to Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Camille Czech talks up Dinge’s Farm

Gabriel Pauff is crowned Mr. Three Oaks and River Valley

Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Elizabeth Lumley gives her first speech as queen

Marlee Wesaw answers a question from Zack East

OBITUARIES

Ronald Ginani

1938-2022

Ronald Ginani, 84, of New Buffalo, MI passed away Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Corewell Health in St. Joseph, MI. Arrangements entrusted to Starks and Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services. Those who wish to leave a condolence online may do so at www. starks-menchinger.com

Ronald was born July 11, 1938 in Chicago, IL to Gene and Hilda (Stuck) Ginani. After high school he then attended Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he received his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Ronald served his country in the United States Airforce. On July 14, 1962 he married Roberta Price in Chicago, IL. Ronald worked as a Private Electrical Engineer for many years.

Ronald enjoyed preforming in many operas in Chicago over the years. He also had a love for flying, scuba diving, sailing, making home made wine and spending time with is family and friends at their beach home.

Ronald is survived by his son, Gene (Denise) Ginani; grandchildren, Lauren Ginani, Ronald “Geno” Ginani II and Allison (Logan) James; great grandson Matthew Robert Davidson; sister Dale (Rich) Klabacha; several nieces and nephews; son-in-law, Warren (Patti) Zimmerle; sister-inlaw, Pam Schaefer; brother-in-law, Deacon Gregory (Katherine) Price; and

lifelong friends Ron Lenzi of Chicago and Phil Georgeau of Kalamazoo.

Ronald was preceded by his parents; wife Roberta, daughter, Debra Ann Zimmerle.

Patricia Mae Kroeger 1953-2022

Patricia Mae Kroeger, 69, of Galien, died, Saturday, November 19, 2022.

She was born March 17, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois, one of four children born to Alfred and Eunice Miller. She married Mark Kroeger November 2, 1973 in Illinois.

Patricia cherished her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids. She was an avid sewer and gardener. She loved to cook and bake for her family.

Patricia will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband of fortynine years, Mark Kroeger of Galien; daughter, Erin Kroeger of Galien; sons, Shawn (Karin) Kroeger of Montgomery, Illinois, Tim (Becky) Kroeger of Easton, Maryland; eight grandchildren, Erik, Lauren, Jakob, Claire, Michael, Molly, Lilly, Ryan; two great grandchildren, Christopher, David; one sister, Norine (Greg) Farrar of Austin, Texas; one brother, Gene (Cheryl) Miller of Arizona; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her

parents and one brother, Norman Miller.

Family and friends will gather at a later date and time, to be announced.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Patricia be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 5501 North Cumberland Avenue, Suite 101, Chicago, Illinois 60656.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

Please share a memory or a message onlineat www.wagnercares.com.

served in the Army Air Corp with the 5th Air Force. Following WWII, he served another 3 1/2 years in the Merchant Marines. He enjoyed feeding and watching birds in his backyard. He was an avid collector of antique clocks, coins and oil lamps. He enjoyed reading many newspapers and magazines, on any subject he could get his hands on. He retired in 1987 as a Teamster Truck Driver for over forty years, logging over four million accident-free miles. Henry resided in Southwest Michigan his entire life and a resident of Three Oaks since 1959.

Henry will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his children, Jim Turley of Richland, Steve (Julie) Turley of Kentwood, David (Susan) Turley of Bradenton, Florida, Chris Turley of Three Oaks, Susan Turley of LaSalle, Illinois; seven grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Henry Paul Turley

1927-2022

Henry Paul Turley, 95, of Three Oaks, died Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

Henry was born January 22, 1927 in New Buffalo, Michigan, one of six children born to Constantine and Kathryn Turley. He married Valora Lee DeMorrow June 1951 in New Troy, Michigan.

During WWII, Henry proudly

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Lee; his four brothers; and one sister.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

Henry will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Three Oaks.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Henry be made to the American Legion Randall Couchman Post #204, 204 West Linden Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks.

Please share a memory or a message onlineat www.wagnercares.com.

Living miniature church focus of holiday event

BY STAN MADDUX

Aminiature church made from scratch with moving parts will be featured during a special event outside La Porte next month.

The annual Night at the Giese Church is scheduled Dec.17 at the La Porte County Historical Society Museum on U.S. 35 just outside the southern edge of the city limits.

The two hour program begins at 6 p.m.

“Come on down to see this amazing church that has been a holiday tradition in La Porte for decades and learn the history behind it!,” said Savannah Jackson, assistant director of the La Porte County Historical Society Museum.

Admission is by donation.

Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided.

Otto Giese made a pact with God to do something special if he made it back home from World War II, according to local historians.

He worked with craftsmen and corporate heads locally to design and build the life-like church with mechanical parishioners, including mothers and their babies, in every pew.

The sound of church bells typical

for that time period ring out at the push of a button followed by recordings of Christmas songs performed in churches like ‘’Heaven and Nature Sing’’ and ‘’Joy to the World.”

Twentyeight wooden choir members powered by a conveyor and holding lighted candles make their way down the aisle.

Next, a minister made of wood comes out from behind the altar with a recorded message about the true

meaning of the season before kneeling in front of an image of the last supper.

Originally, the church during the holiday season was on display outside a funeral home Geise operated in LaPorte.

After retiring in 1978, Giese donated the church to the museum, where it’s been out for the public to see ever since.

Giese was 90 when he died in 2002.

Since a 1994 restoration, much of the church is powered by computer so there’s fewer parts and less maintenance, museum officials said.

Needy flock to turkey giveaway

BY STAN MADDUX

There were 1,000 free turkeys that were given away Monday, Nov. 21, in Michigan City and LaPorte.

The frozen turkeys from the Food Bank of Northern Indiana were passed out by Citizens Concerned for the Homeless with help from members of the Michigan City based organization and volunteers.

People inside 50 or more vehicles were waiting at each site when the drive-thru event began at 9 a.m. at Marquette Mall and 12:30 p.m. at the LaPorte County Fairgrounds.

There were no turkeys left when the two hour giveaway was over at both locations.

Dyana Karaff of LaPorte said she was not able to afford a turkey for Thanksgiving this year.

Karaff said she was already struggling to meet her monthly expenses on a fixed income before inflation skyrocketed.

“It’s killing us,” she said.

Besides inflation, Penny Peterson also of LaPorte said her monthly budget is strained from her husband not being able to work since recently having surgery.

Peterson wasn’t sure if her family’s Thanksgiving would have included a turkey on the dinner table if not for the free bird.

“This helps out a lot,” she said.

Tammy Rosebaum, operations director at CCH, said about 300 turkeys were handed out in the first one hour at LaPorte, where people began showing up at 11 a.m.

The vehicles were allowed through the gates early to keep them from backing up onto the shoulder of Indiana 2.

“We had them wrapped all the way

around the fairgrounds,” she said.

Rosebaum said the waiting vehicles in Michigan City stretched for about as long as a football field or more across the mall parking lot to St. John Road.

“The traffic was a big thing this morning because people got here so early,” said Bruce Stransky, a volunteer who helped direct traffic and unload turkeys from the back of a truck.

Sandra Mitchell of Michigan City passed out turkeys after responding to an advertisement seeking volunteers for the event.

“It’s always nice making other people smile,” she said.

Jim Musial, executive director of CCH, said the response was a reflection of the financial hardship caused by inflation in a county, where the percentage of people living at or close to the poverty line is high.

He said lingering struggles from loss of employment during the pandemic was another reason for the demand.

“You know what the prices are at the grocery store. People are struggling,” he said.

CCH, which has run other community food giveaways, focuses mostly on serving the needs of the homeless.

The group provides a facility for homeless people to store their belongings, take a shower and get something to eat while on the streets.

Other help is offered by the group in areas like upgrading job skills, finding employment and permanent housing.

HOROSCOPE

NOVEMBER

17-23, 2022

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT

ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19

Your emotional power is your greatest gift this season. When you feel passionate and positive, express it. This is a great time to simply tell someone how much you appreciate them. The effects of a good conversation will go far and stretch way into the next year. Put your cards on the table.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

This Thanksgiving is a good time to handle debt or financial issues that have been a sore subject. If you are able to forgive a debt, do it. Letting go of having to be paid back might open up a relationship that has been strained. Or better yet, perhaps a debt you have will be forgiven.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

Making peace and building bridges in estranged relationships will be easily done this thanksgiving. Business relationships will become much more profitable if you bury the hatchet or let go of the having to compete. Also, you will be blessed with good fortune in legal matters.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

Your work or career will keep you quite busy this thanksgiving and you may decide to put in some extra hours to keep up with demand. Just be sure to take some time to relax and recuperate. If you have to skip dinner with the family, be sure to catch up before the weekend is over.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

It’s time to shine Lion. Gather the family and friends and make it as large gathering as you can. The more people you have over the more fun you will have. If you’re not much of a cook, ask people to bring what they can, and you’ll be surprised at the amount of delicious food you’ll have.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

Sometimes it’s good to drive past the house you grew up in or visit places you have fond memories of from childhood. If you are unable to visit your childhood home, make an old family recipe that you haven’t had in a long time. Connecting with the past feels good now.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22

This thanksgiving make it a point to reach out to neighbors or make that call to a sibling you don’t usually spend much time with and catch up on each other’s lives. If you can visit, do it. This week it’s all about spending time together and creating peace in the world.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

It’s time to take relationships to the next level or turn things up a notch. The heat is on and it’s time to get cooking. Don’t shy away from opportunities to get closer and let go of negative memories. This thanksgiving is all about getting closer and welcoming new vibrations.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

Put on a happy face because you’ll the one bringing the laughter and ensuring a good time for all this turkey day. You will have a knack for getting people out of their shells and opening up to share the things they are grateful for. You will enjoy caring for others this holiday.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

Keep your eyes open and be ready to help people when you can. Be that person that helps a stranded motorist or carries the heavy packages for our elders. You may never know how far a small gesture of kindness can go. It might turn a misfortunate situation into a real blessing.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

You will have a knack for making people feel wanted and valued this thanksgiving. So, if you have a not so familiar person at your table this year, sit next to them and be sure your family includes them in the conversation. You will be especially outgoing and communicative this week.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

You will be blessed with a very magnetic personality this thanksgiving weekend and would be wise to put it to good use by reaching out to estranged family members or friends. Also spending time with parents or people who have a parental influence will make a difference now.

There’s always a sense that people will do things quite differently if they think they have privacy. — Peter Thiel

s the holidays come around this year, schoolchildren in Three Oaks will be missing what had become a December tradition: the annual FOTO Fest at the Acorn Theater. Sponsored by the Friends of Three Oaks, since 2007, this nonprofit organization— founded, according to its mission statement, “to support the town’s community-based charities and projects to make Three Oaks an even better place to live”—has hosted, among other events, an art show and holiday pageant for elementary and homeschool students in the area. After 15 years, the members of FOTO have decided to distribute their remaining funds and move on to other means of support for the Three Oaks community.

December’s FOTO Fest was the group’s signature event and was in its 13th year when the pandemic made such events difficult to stage. Over the years,

FOTO Fest finished

FOTO organizers provided art supplies to local schoolchildren and worked closely with River Valley art teacher Lisa Van Plew Cid, who gave kids art instruction and made sure that every student had the opportunity to let their creativity shine. On the first Saturday in December, all the students’ artwork was exhibited at the Acorn Theater. Parents, teachers and students celebrated their work with a talent show, a pizza lunch (most recently provided by Patellie’s in Three Oaks) and a kazoo singalong. Over the years featured acts included local musical ensemble The Minor Seconds with members of the Squirm Orchestra, magician David Kovac, aerialist Rachel Finan, juggler Mickey Simple and, from Chicago, the band Adventure Sandwich.

Top student artists were awarded a cash prize with a parallel generous donation—all sponsored by Skyline Design in Chicago—to various

nonprofits in and around Three Oaks. Organizers estimate that over the years, FOTO has donated more than $25,000 to local groups, including the Acorn Theater, Animal Lovers, Friends of Three Oaks Library, Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry, WHCR Harbor Country Radio, Islay’s Barrel, Music in the Park, River Valley Elementary School and the School of American Music.

While FOTO Fest was the group’s best-known event, FOTO also sponsored several Arbor Day celebrations (2007 and 2008) and galas, including the Give and Get Gala (2007 and 2008) and the Wild Oaks Masked Ball (2010).

The following people have been on the FOTO board since its founding in 2007: Beth Denton and Bill Burck, Jen Carol, David Fink, Greg Kerrigan and Jenny Hickory, Donna Blue Lachman, Brandon Nelson, Brett

and Lily Padgett, Pat Pellouchoud, Kim Pruitt, Charlie Rizzo (president of Skyline Design), Christian Siewert and the late Rick Tuttle.

Both Ellie and Josie Burck participated in the annual art competition when they were younger, and they now have careers in the arts. Ellie is a filmmaker and videographer and Josie is an artist and art director in the fashion field.

“FOTO felt like the perfect spot to have fun as a little kid. There was a lot to look at; it was a feast for the eyes,” said Ellie.

Josie wrote that “FOTO taught me what an arts community should look like and helped me see that my art and creativity are valuable.”

FOTO would love to hear from other past participants. If any former student has experiences to share, they should email 2charlie.chicago@gmail.com.

— ERIN HOGAN

The Acorn to present Rockapella’s Holiday Show, Holiday Open Mic Night featuring Abbie Thomas

The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts will present two upcoming holiday programs: the Rockapella’s holiday show Saturday, Dec. 3, and its annual Holiday Open Mic Night at Thursday, Dec. 15, featuring Abbie Thomas and other favorite Acorn Open Mic Night performers.

As one of the progenitors of the astonishing full-band sound of “contemporary” a cappella, Rockapella has shown every audience the rawpower of pure vocal talent and originality. They’ve become one of the world’s most sophisticated, lasting, and imitated vocal groups around today. You’d

be hard-pressed to find a more influential one out there in this era of network television a cappella shows like NBC’s The Sing-Off , movies like Pitch Perfec t and innumerable college vocal groups that own the corner of

cool on campuses everywhere. Since the early ’90’s when they first achieved national television fame on PBS’s Where In The World Is Carmen Sandiego? , Rockapella has toured the globe and provided a funky powerful soundtrack to several generations of vocal music fans, while keeping it all fresh along the way.

With buckets of catchy original pop songs, and complete contemporary revisions of sparkling Motown, pop, and soul classics, this group has always been the one to watch.

“There’s nothing between us and the audience – it’s very human music – with nothing missing,” says Rockapella’s human beatbox Jeff Thacher.

“We make it rock and make it interesting,” said Scott Leonard, the group’s chief songwriter, arranger and an architect of their ever evolving and imitated dynamic sound.

USA TODAY summed up the lasting appeal like this: “The best musical instrument of all is the human voice – if you’ve seen Rockapella you know that’s the truth.”

“People have a hard time believing it’s just us making all of that music. It’s still those same elements that make modern band music: percussion, bass, melody and harmonies,” said Scott.“Our success in the art of it – it’s not what you do, but how you do it!” said Jeff.

Indeed, Rockapella has proven that forming original pop and soul magic onstage is what sets them apart. Rockapella has appeared as a featured artist with the Boston Pops for 4 seasons, includingtheir full holiday tour, as well as the University of Tampa, Toledo, Houston, Wichita, GrandRapids, Idaho Falls, Atlanta and Michigan Pops symphonies.

The show starts at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. General Admission tickets are $50. Reserved seating is available at $85.

The Acorn’s annual Acorn Holiday Open Mic Night will get you in the spirit of the season with some of your favorite Open Mic Night performers from throughout the past year – PlayHouse, Dylan Reed Leavitt, Joe Bisceglia, Brian Kanyer, Nikki

Gauthier, Patti Shaffner and For Pete’s Sake.

Come experience exciting array of acts, packed into one night on the fabulous Acorn stage with a state of the art, professional sound system. Abbie Thomas is a full-time, independent singer songwriter, and earns her income from playinglive music at wineries, breweries, private events and the occasional opening act opportunity. She started playing live part-time in 2019, and switched to full-time in 2021 after losing her full-time corporate job during covid shutdowns. Thomas started writing instrumental music when shewas about 7 years old and began writing lyrics when she was a teen. Thomas’ career highlightsinclude opening for nationally touring artists, including Rachel Baiman, Cathy Richardson, Girl Named Tom and Laine Hardy. She also has a music video that has earned some film festival award nominations.

The show starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. There is no admission fee to this show, but donations are encouraged. Reserved seating is available at $25.

Tickets for both shows are available at acornlive.org. The Acorn is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks.

Abbie Thomas

The Rockapellas

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