December 12, 2019

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

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER

issue 50, volume 78

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

City of New Buffalo waterfront master plan development underway PAGE 3

NBBA reviews 2019, anticipates 2020 at annual meeting PAGE 4 New Buffalo school board members accept social worker resignation, approve operating millage renewal proposal PAGE 6

NBYC celebrates the holidays PAGE 8

Teddy bears, Toys for Tots and tea at ‘Teddy Bear Tea’ PAGE 10

Hesston’s Candy Cane Express event boasts the true spirit of the season PAGE 14 New Three Oaks business owners host chamber mixer PAGE 16

RISING STARS

YOUNG ARTISTS’ MASTERPIECES CELEBRATED DURING ANNUAL FOTO FEST — PAGE 9 —

PHOTO OF BILL WELTER AND BRETT PADGET BY THERESE DONNELLY

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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City of New Buffalo waterfront master plan development underway

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BY STAN MADDUX

ore, less costly beach parking could be part of a makeover for the waterfront in New Buffalo.

Abonmarche, a visionary design firm out of Benton Harbor, was hired by the city to develop a master plan for the beach area.

During a packed input gathering session at New Buffalo City Hall Thursday, Dec. 5, Mike Huber, Abonmarche consultant, said access and cost of parking ranked high as a negative about the lakefront in a survey of 654 residents and visitors.

Other complaints included older amenities like the bathrooms, poor quality sand and lack of connectivity with the downtown.

Among the wish list items was an Amphitheatre for concerts and other events, a boat offering public cruises, kayak rentals and charter fishing.

Sunsets and being a great place to take family photos ranked high on what survey respondents liked most about the waterfront, he said.

Overall, the beach area scored just over 3 on a 1 to 5 scale of favorability.

“What we heard from the city was we want to hear what the public thinks. So, this is really the first phase of the process,” Huber said.

He said the preliminary findings will be presented soon to the New Buffalo City Council and other members of the administration to keep them up to date on the ongoing process.

Another meeting to gather ideas from the public will also be held Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Huber said Abonmarche will use the information from the public to help identify projects that achieve the community’s vision for the waterfront.

He expects to present a final master plan draft to the city council for possible adoption in February or March.

The process started in October with a $50,000 federal grant obtained by the city to pay the entire cost.

“Our goal is the city council will see the plan as a road map for making future investments in the waterfront,” Huber said.

City council members Elizabeth Ennis said a master plan for the lakefront makes sense now that reconstruction of North Whittaker Street is completed.

The amount of the master plan that will get implemented depends on cost and funding, she said.

Abonmarche will identify potential outside revenue sources for the city to pursue.

“It’s a long-range plan because we got to find the capital to pull this off, which we do not have right now,” Ennis said.

Ennis said she would like part of the beach parking lot moved to Lions Park to create walkways and other amenities to enhance the lakefront experience.

“I do think people love to walk along a beach and if we can do that, I think that would be great,” she said.

You are what you are. Get out there and get peace. Think peace, live peace, and breathe peace and you’ll get it as soon as you like.

— John Lennon

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13 THEMED STORY TIME: WINTER 4:30-5:15PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 HOLIDAY GRAHAM CRACKER HOUSE 2-4PM MONDAY, DECEMBER 16 CHRISTMAS MAKE & TAKE CRAFTS 10AM-8PM READ WITH NEWDLE THE THERAPY DOG 11AM-NOON LEGO CLUB 3-7PM TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 CHRISTMAS MAKE & TAKE CRAFTS 10AM-8PM ESSENTRICS WITH CECILY, BEGINNER 10-11AM ESSENTRICS WITH CECILY, ADVANCED 11AM-NOON KID’S CRAFT HOUR 11AM-NOON LEGO CLUB 3-7PM TEEN VR SESSIONS 5-8PM WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 CHRISTMAS MAKE & TAKE CRAFTS 10AM-8PM STITCHES, NEEDLES, THREADS & MORE 10AM-2PM

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Local Government Meetings

Katie Maroney, NBBA president, gives a report during the annual meetin

Members of the NBBA enjoy appetizers and mingling at the Marina Grand Resort

DEMOCRACY REQUIRES TRANSPARENCY

New Buffalo Times CITY OF NEW BUFFALO CITY COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM Monday, December 16, 2019 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (DDA) MEETING Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8AM Thursday, December 12, 2019 CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS Meets on the first 1st Tuesday Quarterly at 7PM NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7PM Monday, December 16, 2019 NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM Thursday, December 12, 2019 CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

Lisa Gawron, NBBA treasurer, gives the financial report during the annual meeting

NBBA reviews 2019, anticipates 2020 at annual meeting

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

embers of the New Buffalo Business Association (NBBA) looked back on a successful 2019, bid farewell to its executive director and looked toward 2020 at its annual meeting at Marina Grand Resort Thursday, Dec. 5.

Adam Burck first came onboard the NBBA in January 2018 to help the NBBA board develop a new strategic plan.

Due to devoting more time to a new job that he’s been working at since January, he will be stepping down as the organization’s executive director.

“It’s been great working with the organization – we’ve moved forward and kind of created a structure that’s more sustained as a volunteer organization,” he said.

Katie Maroney, NBBA’s current president, said that the organization’s social media accounts have been growing in 2019, with almost 8,000 followers on Facebook and more than 12,000 followers on Instagram. Burck and NBBA communications chair, Blagica Bottigliero, have circulated newsletters to more than 5,000 recipients twice a month.

Events that the NBBA put on in 2019 were Beer in the Buff-On the Go, a pub crawl that took place in April; spring and fall sidewalk sales; the New Buffalo Farmers Market, which took place May through October (Maroney credited Cathi Rogers, market manager, for putting it on); the free Independence Day celebration held at Lions Park July 3; the Ship and Shore festival, which returned to New Buffalo for its 34th year; the Harvest and Wine Fest held over Columbus Day weekend; and the recent Whittaker Winter Wonderland that was held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Regarding the upcoming year, Maroney said a new NBBA website should be making its debut as well as an area map, which has been talked about for years.

Maroney outlined improvements to member benefits, such as member seasonal outings, two complimentary discount tickets to all NBBA events, free video profiles for new members, social media sharing for events and special occasion up to two times a month; and lunch and learns and up skills seminars.

NBBA goals for 2020 include cultivating and implementing a social media and print content calendar;

continuing to collaborate with area municipalities, chambers, foundations and charities; assist with economic viability and development in the region; and create a sense of community through outreach programs and activities.

Regarding finances, Lisa Gawron, NBBA treasurer, said that operating expenses (which is what member dues cover every year), are on the “low end” at $20,000, which is “barley making it.”

Soon, members will be able to pay their dues online via QuickBooks, Gawron said.

In 2019, the NBBA raised about $60,000, which Gawron said is “pretty good for a 100-member program” and is $20,000 more than was raised in the past.

Sponsorships help fund annual events. Gawron said it takes “tens of thousands of dollars” just to run the Harvest and Wine Fest. The free Independence Day celebration is “100% funded by donations,” she added. Without all the NBBA’s municipal partners and sponsors, events wouldn’t be possible.

“Anytime you guys can donate anything, it’s a really big deal for us,” Gawron said to the audience.

Goals for 2020 also include continuing to raise more money to bring better events to the community.

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he New Buffalo Business Association is a local nonprofit 501 (c) (6) comprised of more than 100 community member businesses representing New Buffalo and neighboring communities.

Current members of the NBBA board are Maroney, president; Toni Morris, vice president (and events committee chair); Gawron, treasurer; Dawn Fadden, secretary (members committee co-chair); Audrey Tuszynski, board member (members committee cho-chair); and Blagica Bottigliero, communications chair.

Ex-officios – include Emma Brewster (New Buffalo Explored), Dee Dee Duhn (New Buffalo Downtown Development Authority), Mark Kroll (New Buffalo City Council), and Judy Zabicki (New Buffalo Township).

The board has also voted on three additional board members for 2020: Traci Lauricella, Abby Voss and Lisa Werner.

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

— Thomas Jefferson

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES KOENIGRUBLOFF REALTY GROUP BECOMES BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES CHICAGO

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Eighteen-foot-tall Santa Claus a time-honored LaPorte tradition

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BY STAN MADDUX

or many La Porte residents, Christmas wouldn’t be quite the same without an 18-foot-tall statue of Santa Claus.

The 500-pound fiberglass man in the red suit has been a downtown fixture here during the holidays since 1968.

“It wouldn’t feel like Christmas without Santa there,” said Brandi Glanders, a La Porte native and co-owner of Rogue Salon at 820 Lincolnway.

Her hair styling business is directly across from the Santa Claus statue, which is held up by eight-foot-long cables fastened to stakes on the courthouse lawn.

“It brings back a lot of memories of spending time with my family at Christmas time and just driving down Lincolnway and seeing all of the lights and everything,” said 19-year-old Haley Eriks.

“It wouldn’t be Christmas time in LaPorte without it,” she said.

The Santa Claus statue has been at the same location every year except 2006, when it moved to the former Wells Fargo Bank at Lincolnway and Jackson Street to allow for renovation of the courthouse.

The figure also had to undergo major repairs once.

Its head and right hand broke off in 1980 after toppling over onto a concrete berm at the edge of the courthouse lawn when vandals cut several of the support cables.

LaPorte County historian Fern Eddy Schultz said many adults who grew up here now take their children to see the beloved statue.

“It’s just become kind of a tradition to see Santa back on the courthouse lawn,” she said.

The statue is put up before Thanksgiving and taken down after the New Year.

Mark Schreiber, parks superintendent, said it takes just a couple of hours to assemble and erect the statue, which comes in three sections.

It’s stored in an old NIPSCO building on Washington Street and trucked to and from the courthouse on a flatbed trailer.

“He was first put up in 1968 and I was born in 1969, so I don’t know personally of any Christmas without him,” Schreiber said.

If the statue were alive, Schultz said, Santa would probably tell about the countless blizzards and other weather extremes he’s endured.

She said Santa would certainly have some heart felt stories to share, too.

“He’d have a lot to say about all of the little children that have come to see him and the adults. Some of the adults are just as interested in him as the children are because they grew up with him.”

“He’d probably say I remember you from way back or something like that,” she said.

erkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group will become Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago in January 2020.

The change will occur across the company’s 25 offices serving Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The firm’s executive trio of Diane Glass, chief operating officer; Mark Pasquesi, president of brokerage and Joe Stacy, senior vice president and general sales manager made the announcement to a packed house at the Park West.

“Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is an iconic brand and Chicago is an iconic place. Together, they represent real estate excellence, integrity and service,” said Glass. “We are the gold standard for real estate, from the city to the suburbs and into Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin.”

“This change has been led by our clients and brokers,” Pasquesi said.

“When homeowners and home buyers talk to us, they call us Berkshire Hathaway. We listened to that. And we want to convey that Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is who we are, and that the Chicago metro area is where we call home.”

“Chicago is so much more than a city,” said Stacy. “It’s a mindset and a way of life that is commerce, culture and opportunity. Even our sports teams are known around the world. Adding that to one of the most respected business names in the world delivers on our commitment to doing real estate better.”

Consumers will begin to see Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago on the familiar cabernet signs over the next month or so. The biggest change will be online as the firm moves to a new digital address: http:// bhhschicago.com.

This is the latest in bold moves undertaken by members of the company’s new leadership team. In their first few months, they announced a new People & Culture Department, enhanced Agent Development training and coaching programs, and developed strategic alliances for a variety of marketing programs.

In November, the company was named the number one Top Workplace in Chicago by the Chicago Tribune. Recently, an office opened in Downers Grove, following successful expansion into Michigan City, Indiana.

“Chicago is such an important, global market and one of the world’s finest cities,” said Gino Blefari, CEO of HomeServices of America and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.»Connecting ‘Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices’ and ‘Chicago, backed by this incredibly talented group of real estate professionals, is simply genius to me. On behalf of the entire Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network and its HomeServices of America parent company, I congratulate Diane, Mark, Joe and all of the agents and staff on becoming Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago.” — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

ARENA sports

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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hat a week!

The Bears played their best game of the season Thursday night and easily beat the Dallas Cowboys. The victory kept their faint playoff hopes alive and showed Bears fans that Mitchell Trubisky may yet become a really good quarterback. The game also renewed my faith in coach Matt Nagy. Both offensively and defensively, the Bears’ game plan was outstanding. I suppose that if the Bears win their last three games, the season will be considered a success, even if they don’t make the playoffs. It’s better to finish strong after a slow start than the other way around, but the team’s poor play in the middle of the season remains a mystery.

The other big football game this week took place on Sunday. The game was close for a while, but Big Thunder ended up winning handily to advance to the finals of the Fernwood Fantasy Football League. Wait a minute, who is Big Thunder? Years ago, when we began playing fantasy football, I named my team after an obscure running back who played for the Bears from 1964 until 1968. Those were my college years, and I was fully immersed in sports. It was 1965 when the Bears drafted Gale Sayers and everyone, including myself, loved him. On the other hand, I thought that the Big fullback the Bears had was going to be Sayers equal. Unfortunately, Andy Livingston had a bad knee and never reached his potential. Andy’s nickname was, of course, Big Thunder, and 30 odd years later, I named my team after him. I loved Andy’s nickname and I loved the way he ran, so it was easy to choose the name. My team will play either my son’s team or the team he is playing this week for the championship next week. Right now, that game is too close to call.

I’m sure you’ll be pulling for me to win the title, so I thank you in advance.

This week, baseball’s winter meetings will take place, and I expect the Cubs and the White Sox both to make some roster moves. The Sox are ready to compete this season, and look to try to land an outfielder and a pitcher. The Cubs need a center fielder and more pitching too, and I hope both teams land their targets. For the first time in my life, the possibility of both teams reaching the World Series is real, and I’m expecting a fun filled summer for Chicago baseball fans.

I’m so excited about the upcoming season that we decided to go to Wrigleyville today. We wanted to experience some of the pop-up bars in the neighborhood. Our first stop had been transformed into “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation,” complete with a camper.

We also stopped in to check out Rudolph’s. There were many more, but it was time to go home, so we couldn’t visit them all. There are 22 holiday pop-up bars in Chicago this year, and if you get to Chicago soon, I can tell you that they’re a lot of fun.

Dr. Seuss, through the Grinch, said, “Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” Be kind to one another. Keep smiling. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

I’m a big trash-talker — but usually it’s not to get in anybody’s head. In fact, a lot of the time it starts with me talking to myself out loud. It’s never about them, it’s about me.

— Collin Sexton

CHALK BOARD scholastics

New Buffalo school board members accept social worker resignation, approve operating millage renewal proposal

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

he initial designs for the future STEAM (Science, Engineering, Art, and Math) building across the street from New Buffalo High School are 90% complete, New Buffalo Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said at the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Monday, Dec. 9.

At their Monday, Oct. 14, meeting, New Buffalo Area School Board of Education members approved the Abonmarche (the engineering firm hired to work on the project) expansion of recreational site scope fee, in the amount of $72,300, for a new STEAM facility that the district is planning to have built on Clay Street across from the high school.

The district will utilize two parcels located across from the high school. Leslie said that one parcel will be used for recreational purposes. A diagram that was revealed to board members at the October meeting revealed that, next to the STEAM building would be a basketball court and that the district would be adding on to the skate park. Tennis courts and more parking spaces would follow court and park. Next to the parking would be six new pickleball courts.

Leslie said that Abonmarche representatives plan on presenting on the initial designs at the board’s Monday, Jan. 13, meeting.

Board members approved the operating millage renewal proposal, as presented, and that it be placed on the ballot of a special election Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

According to the motion that was passed, the proposal will “allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, required for the school district to receive its revenue per pupil foundation allowance and renews the millage that will expire with the 2020 tax levy.”

Board members accepted, with regret, the resignation letter of Shannon Woerdehoff, the high school social worker, effective Jan. 3, 2020. In a letter that was addressed to the board, Woerdehoff said she was pursuing a career opportunity with Berrien RESA. Leslie said that the district had five applicants for the position. Board members approved meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23, to approve the hiring of one of the applicants.

Board members approved authorizing Woerdehoff, to submit a $15,000 Pokagon Fund grant application, for grades 6-12, in support of the Center[ed] on Wellness Mental Health Initiative.

Leslie said that the grant will help pay for Center[ed] on Wellness therapists to be onsite to counsel students at New Buffalo Middle and High School for four hours a week beginning in January. Third grade students from New Buffalo Elementary School will also be receiving a mindfulness group curriculum from Center[ed] on Wellness therapists once per week for a total of six weeks during January and February 2020. The therapists that will be sent will specialize in issues currently facing the students, such as depression, addiction and anxiety.

Board members authorized Lindsey Diebolt, middle school principal, to submit a $1,334 Pokagon Fund grant application, for grades kindergarten through 12, in support of an antibullying speaker, Tom Thelen, and program to come to the school.

Leslie said that the cost to bring Thelen and the speaker is $4,000 and will be split three ways with Water’s Edge United Methodist Church in New Buffalo, The Pokagon Fund, and New Buffalo Area Schools.

Board members employed the following in coaching positions for 2019-2020: Wayne Butler, Baseball head coach; Jason Haskins, softball head coach; Amy Ingle, girls tennis; Nate Jones, varsity track head coach; Renee Fitts, varsity track assistant coach; Karla Madison, Varsity Track assistant coach; Ed Fidler, varsity golf; Erik Beers, girls varsity soccer head coach; Nicolas Talbott, girls varsity soccer assistant coach; Vance Price, middle school track; Lisa Knoll, middle school track; and Natalie Walter, middle school track.

The employment of the following coaches for 2019-2020 was also approved: Ashley Croskey, third/fourth grade girls basketball; Chris Leidolf, third/fourth grade girls basketball; and Jason Berquist, sixth grade boys basketball.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

NBYC celebrates the holidays

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BY LINDA HENDERSON « PHOTOS BY TARA TIMM

he New Buffalo Yacht Club held two holiday events last weekend to welcome the holiday season.

The adults enjoyed an Italian dinner with all of the accouterments, which was provided by members Joe and Yvonne Farina, owners of Victory Tap in Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 7. Following dinner and an “ugly sweater” contest, the guests mingled and danced to old favorites from the Red Delux band.

The club was transformed into a superhero universe for the children’s Christmas party Sunday, Dec. 8.

The house was packed, with more than 100 kids, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and family members all anticipating what surprises the day would bring. The afternoon began with a kid friendly buffet lunch, complete with a superhero-themed sweet table prepared by yacht club member Rita Watson.

Following the luncheon, Roz’s Puppet Show entertained and mesmerized the children with songs and antics. After the show and singa-long, a surprise visitor, Olaf from Disney’ “Frozen,” along with SpiderMan, arrived. The squeals and shrieks were pure joy as the kids lined up to received special treats and have photo ops with the big, white, fuzzy guy and the superhero.

Just as one could barely contain all their excitement, all of the wee ones ran to the windows and pressed their tiny noses to the glass. Like pure Michigan magic, Santa and Mrs. Claus seemed to ascend right out of the harbor with their bag of goodies. Each child, and some adults, got to sit on the Jolly Elf’s lap or the lap of his missus and tell them their wishes.

Each child received a couple of personal gifts, including a Power POW backpack filled with goodies.

The traditional party is held each year for members’ children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friend and is chaired by Watson and her committee.

This year’s party benefited the Ronald McDonald House at South Bend Memorial Hospital.

Watson reported that her sled (van) was chock full of items when she drove it to the staff and residents of RMH Monday, Dec. 9. The RMH received many generous donations from its wish list, including food staples, laundry detergents and gift cards. The hospitalized children will also receive POW bags.

The NBYC First Mates also donated handmade fleece blankets to help everyone have a more comfortable holiday while awaiting their child’s recovery.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019 Viktoria Mitlyng

Clay Burk

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Erin Willis

Riley Brewster

Young artists’ masterpieces celebrated during annual FOTO Fest

F Shyla Desmond and Abbigail Shaw

Lily Van Plew-Cid and Braenden Pinette

BY THERESE DONNELLY

riends of Three Oaks hosted its annual FOTO Fest at Acorn Theater Saturday, Dec. 7, to celebrate some of Three Oaks’ youngest artists.

Three Oaks students from kindergarten to fifth grade had their artwork on display in the theater during the

party.

While organizers stressed that all the artists were winners, they eventually picked out three pieces they felt stood out even among the amazing displays. First place went to Lily Van Plew-Cid, second to Izzy Lee and third to Braenden Pinette.

Several fifth-graders showed their skills in the talent show, with singing, dancing and comedy. Clay Burk, Shyla Desmond, Abbigail Shaw, Shyann Spaulding and Riley Brewster all kept the audience entertained with their performances.

Partygoers got to enjoy pizza from Patellie’s along with apples and cider.

Besides recognizing the arts, FOTO Fest also benefitted area nonprofits. The Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry, Islay’s Barrel and the River Valley Elementary arts program received donations from FOTO. The Food Pantry provides food, clothing and support for area families in need, while Islay’s Barrel enables local children to attend sleep away camps, including Camp Eberhart and Dunes Learning Center.

RVES teacher Lisa Van Plew-Cid said the donated money would help purchase supplies that were outside the school budget.

“Our little kids are going to be doing big things,” she told the crowd.

Admission to the party was free for everyone, but donations for the food pantry were accepted at the door.

Viktoria Mitlyng of FireBird Dance Place in Chicago demonstrated Roma dances, while telling the children about her culture. Near the end of the party, she invited partygoers on stage to dance with her.

Art has been part of Mitlyng’s life since the very beginning, she said. She said she got into dancing as a child and was learning to twirl before she could walk.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019 Beach balls sailed through the air to the tunes of the Wacky World of Dave Rudolf

Dave Rudolf entertains little guests at the Teddy Bear Tea

Teddy bears, Toys for Tots and tea at ‘Teddy Bear Tea’

T Kids dance to the Wacky World of Dave Rudolf

Kids hula hoop to music provided by Dave Rudolf

Young ladies and gentlemen play Duck Duck Goose after the feast

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

center,” she said. he time to engage in teddy bear-holding, The event, which started out at tea-drinking and giftthe nearby Harbor Grand, sees giving arrived at the returning families year after Marina Grand Resort year. in New Buffalo the afternoon of “It’s nice to see the same Sunday, Dec. 8. families come back every year,” For the 19th year, the resort Dixon said. hosted a Teddy Food is Bear Tea, provided during which through the young ladies Bentwood and gentlemen Tavern located were invited to in the Marina sip cups of tea Grand. Staff (hot chocolate, members really) arrive at 10 and nibble p.m. for cookiedainty finger making and sandwiches bake the night and Christmas away so that cookies they’re fresh embellished for the next with colorful day’s feast. candy; visit After the with the Isobel Morris and Peggy Cooper jolly old man feast, guests enjoy sips of tea himself along are invited to with Miss New dance around, Buffalo and her royal court, and hula hoop and toss beach balls dance the afternoon away to live in the air to the musical stylings entertainment. of “The Wacky World of Dave Floppy white teddy bears Rudolf.” were propped up against silver “He gets everyone dancing trees adorning each tabletop.

– you’ve got to burn off that Over on one side of the resort’s sugar,” Dixon said. spacious upstairs event space Still, Dixon said the best part of was a group of Christmas trees. the day is encouraging children Upon entrance to the tea, the to give. Staff members also get in little guests wandered over to on the act, donating gifts. Candy the trees, adding a new and canes and leftover gift bags from unwrapped toy to the growing the day are also donated. pile of presents underneath each “I think it’s nice when you see one.

The toys were for Toys for Tots. them giving the presents – they know they’re not getting the In order to gain entrance to the presents; they’re bringing them tea, each guest was required to to someone who can’t afford donate a toy, said Holly Dixon, it. It sounds like some families the resort’s events manager. have explained that to the kids as “We’re really excited to be well,” Dixon said. part of a Toys for Tots donation

Aurora Mannino has her turn with Santa

Lillian Hamilton enjoys dainty bites at the Teddy Bear Tea

Christmas trees tower over the piles of presents

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Amy, Cole, Judson, Jeb, Jameson and Ava Graham

LETTERS TO THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES:

DEMOCRACY LAYS DOWN WITHOUT TRANSPARENCY THE VIEWS HERE DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES ASKS THAT YOUR LETTERS BE UNIQUE, KIND AND BASED ON REASONED FACTS. THE NEW BUFFALO TIMES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO NOT PUBLISH ANY CORRESPONDENCE FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE KEEP YOUR LETTERS TO 500 WORDS OR FEWER. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME, PHONE NUMBER AND YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LETTER TO THE INFO@NEWBUFFALOTIMES.COM. THANK YOU KINDLY IN ADVANCE. DEMOCRACY REQUIRES TRANSPARENCY.

New Buffalo Times LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

D

SUPPORTING ROGER’S...

uring the New Buffalo City Council meeting in November, along with many other residents, I spoke up in support of Allision and Roger Lijewski’s business, Roger’s Wrecker Service. I am requesting that those who were present in November along with those who couldn’t attend, join me on Monday, December 16 at the Council’s 6:30 pm meeting to voice our continued support of this valued business.

I served on the Planning Commission and the Council and I believe that suing a wellrespected business in the City is unnecessary. Until the City moved all property up to the city limits into the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) district, there was no problem with Roger’s fitting within the requirements of the General Commercial Zoning District. It is only since the property became part of the DDA that the Council decided the business must go.

Several businesses properties on Whittaker Street are for sale, other storefronts stand empty, City Flowers recently left, and the Variety Store closed. Instead of using tax dollars to force a thriving business to leave, the Council should be encouraging Roger’s to stay.

— DONNA MESSINGER

W

e spoke in favor of Roger’s Wrecker Service at the City Council’s November meeting and were impressed with the number of other people voicing their support. We again plan to speak at the December 16 council meeting and encourage more people to join us. We must stand together and object to the city council using our tax dollars to sue a valued service in our community.

Roger’s Wrecker Service is one of the few long-term locally owned family businesses that continues to operate in New buffalo, so it doesn’t make sense for the council to ruin them financially with a lawsuit against them. Instead, the council should focus its attention on finding a solution to the vacant block downtown.

Please help us to help Roger and Allison at the December council meeting by providing testimonials of support for them. The council needs to understand that it is their responsibility to work with local businesses, not against them.

— CHUCK AND KIM KRAMETBAUER

Three Oaks welcomes the season with a parade, tree-lighting and caroling

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BY THERESE DONNELLY

hree Oaks kicked off the holiday season Saturday, Dec. 7, with a lighted parade that led to a tree lighting celebration in Carver Park.

The lighted parade made its way along Elm Street, leading revelers to the park. Once at the park, the crowd gathered in the southeast corner near the tall evergreen tree, where Village of Three Oaks President David Grosse officially lit the tree.

Since it wouldn’t be Christmas without carols, students from the School of American Music led the singing. Santa and Mrs. Claus joined in before heading to the park pavilion to visit with the children in front of a roaring fire.

The River Valley Ministerial Association provided cookies and hot chocolate for everyone.

Holiday fun continues in the village throughout the month. The Harbor Country Singers will perform a concert at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20, at St. John United Church of Christ, 10 Linden St., in Three Oaks.

To do anything to a high level, it has to be total obsession.

— Conor McGregor

New Buffalo Times

School of American Music singers

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE — SINCE 1942 —

Dave Grosse

Santa and Mrs. Claus with helpers Alexis and Ani

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

Hesston’s Candy Cane Express event boasts the true spirit of the season

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BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

or the past two weekends, Hesston Steam Museum was transformed into an old-fashioned Christmas village.

People formed a long line inside of Hesston Junction, waiting to climb aboard the Candy Cane Express, where they could ride in open and enclosed passenger cars. Nearby, old-fashioned holiday tunes were spilling out of a white tent, where children and their parents were being entertained by local musicians as they waited to see Santa.

Outside the tent, visitors could warm up by rubbing their hands together around a small fire.

Inside the 1900s-era caboose (which was heated by an oldfashioned wood stove, of course) was the main event: Santa, who was doling out candy canes to good little boys and girls and lending an ear to them as they divulged their special Christmas wishes.

The two weekends were brimming with good holiday fun as well as a dose of the spirit of giving. In exchange for a free train ride on the Candy Cane Express, guests were invited to donate an unwrapped gift to Toys for Tots.

Hesston Steam Museum General Manager Ted Rita said that he believed it was the museum’s 20th year supporting LaPorte County Toys for Tots.

“Our volunteers are really invested in this…it really fits with our (the museum’s) mission bringing history to life but also bringing families a good quality experience,” Rita said, adding that the Toys for Tots red logo even bears the image of a train.

“We’ve all been there before: where money’s tight and we don’t know how we’re going to get through the holidays. The Toys for Tots people are so kind and giving, they get people through that hump and we’re just so proud to partner with them,” he added.

According to volunteer Tim Vaughan, Toys for Tots is a Marine Reserve program. The LaPorte County Toys for Tots has a Marine Corps detachment, the Michiana Marines, which is comprised of Marines.

Toys for Tots is a strictly volunteer-run venture, Vaughan said.

“We don’t take gas money or food money,” he said, adding that mostly Marines volunteer for the program.

LaPorte Toys for Tots collects toys for families who’ve been identified as being in need throughout LaPorte County. Dropoff stations for toys are located throughout the area (this year, there are more 160 boxes), although Vaughan said they accept cash donations as well. Last year, the organization helped almost 4,000 children throughout the county and donated almost 18,000 toys. Toys are collected for children up to age 12.

After enjoying a quick breakfast provided by Schoop’s, volunteers will pick up the last of this season’s boxes of toys Monday, Dec. 16. Toys will then be sorted out (women volunteers will sort the toys based on the needs that have been identified for each family) before being distributed.

Tim Dishman said that everyone benefits from the donations.

“I think about parents who can’t provide for children - so you’re making young and old happy. It’s a good thing we do,” he said.

Dishman added his experience of collecting toys came “full circle” last year when he witnessed community members holding the toys in their hands after distribution.

“We don’t get names, we just know it’s a family by number (when we’re sorting toys), so we were able to deliver those as the end product – it was a profound experience for me,” he said.

The museum will be closing to the public for the winter.

Meanwhile, museum volunteers will continue to toil away at the museum throughout the colder months with inspections and maintenance, ensuring everything’s ready for the upcoming 2020 season.

This is a little break for us actually,” Rita said, adding that the “hard work” is yet to come.

Hesston Steam Museum is located at 1201 E. 1000 North in Hesston, Indiana. For more information, visit www.hesston.org.

JVB band members Veronica and Jonathan Barnes entertain guests waiting for Santa

Mike Boehm (aka Santa’s brother) hangs out with Matthew and George Folk

Passengers aboard the Candy Cane Express

Pat Graham dishes up cookies baked by volunteers

Bradley Lynch hangs out with Santa

Marine volunteers Tm Vaughan, Tim Dishman, and Joe Frye

Poppy and Winnie Payne wait to see Santa

The Candy Cane Express pulls up to Hesston Junction

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

New Three Oaks business owners host chamber mixer

T

Marco Chavarry and Thomas Allen Pauly welcome chamber members in Alapash New Home

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

hree new business owners who opened their doors to the Harbor Country community in 2019 hosted the Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce’s very merry holiday mixer Wednesday, Dec. 4.

The three owners of new Three Oaks businesses – Thomas Allen Pauly of A Drawing Room, Marco Chavarry of Alapash New Home and Rodrigo Abarca of Oaks Eatery – stood in front of Chamber members amongst the Christmas merchandise that was aplenty at Alapash and briefly told their stories of – in the words of Kimberlee Wendt, chamber member services director - why they chose to “live, work and create in Harbor Country.”

Pauly (who opened A Drawing Room this past summer) said that he and his partner, Chavarry (who opened Alapash shortly after Pauly, on the Fourth of July weekend), bought a house in Three Oaks a year and a half ago. After looking around, Pauly saw the building that currently houses Alapash for rent; however, the building seemed too big for a drawing studio. Instead, he decided to move into the space that was available across the street.

Meanwhile, Chavarry moved into the space that Pauly originally spotted.

Before they knew it, Pauly said they were moving from Chicago to Three Oaks.

“We love being a part of the chamber - we recognize everyone here, everyone has become our friends since being here,” he said.

An equine artist who was once the official artist of the Triple Crown Champion, American Pharoah, the and 2006 Kentucky Derby portrait of Barbaro, Pauly displays his primarily oil paintings of racehorses inside the studio. For the past 10 years, Pauly has taken photos at the finish line at the Kentucky Derby.

Visitors can also peruse old horse books located on the bookshelves.

Pauly said A Drawing Room is his private studio; however, he also rents it out for events. He plans on hosting a potluck with a few artists Friday through Sunday, Dec. 20-21, which will be open to the public.

A Drawing Room is located at 9 N. Elm St. in Three Oaks.

Chavarry said the community has also proven to be very welcoming toward him during his first year as the business owner of Alapash New Home.

A Peruvian transplant, Chavarry has opened a shop that specializes in housewares and home décor, offering textiles, art and accessories from all over the world (such as Turkish rugs and pillows and Alpaca Throws sourced in Peru).

“There’s so much good energy and good vibes – it’s a very good way to start the holiday season for us,” Chavarry said.

Alapash New Home is located at 14 N. Elm Street in Three Oaks.

Wendt kidded Abarca of Oaks Eatery (which provided that evening’s cuisine), about asking her for reassurance that business would pick up once the weather warmed up.

“He was my very first potential business owner who asked this question: ‘So, I see what it’s like now, what’s it like in the summertime, does business pick up?’ I thought, this guy’s going to make it,” she said.

Before opening Oaks Eatery, Abarca said he didn’t even realize Three Oaks was on the map.

The eatery is described as offering farm-to-table and organic cuisine for breakfast and lunch, with a Mexican twist. Before opening in March, Abarca said the building was completely remodeled. He and his father serve as the Oaks Eatery cooks.

“Ever since then, we’ve just been a part of family and made lots of friends - we love the community and are happy to be here,” he said.

Oaks Eatery is located at 8 S. Elm Street in Three Oaks.

In chamber news, Wendt said that the deadline to place advertising in the 2020 Harbor Country Chamber Guide is at the end of this month.

The Guide will be unveiled at the second annual Spring Breakout Party at Journeyman Distillery March 26, 2020, which will be open to the public.

Sponsor opportunities and ticket sale information will be available in an upcoming member newsletter.

The new chamber website is scheduled to debut by the first of the year, where Wendt said members can “continue to discover even more tools in the member portal hub.” Included in the updates will be a chamber mobile app for smart devices, where members can check their accounts for chamber communications, look at billings and make payments.

Wendt said all members will receive a direct email soon to create a user name and password to “open the gates for easy program expert instruction.” Lunch and learns will also be available in January and February.

Chamber members enjoy some holiday shopping at Alapash New Home

Jan Tomacek peruses a horse book at A Drawing Room

Guests mix and mingle at A Drawing Room in Three Oaks

Lydia and Hannah Heyn at A Drawing Room

Kimberlee Wendt introduces Rodrigo Abarca

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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Christmas tree farm now a major holiday destination

G

BY STAN MADDUX

randparents were kids when they started bringing home a tree from a southwest Michigan farm that is now a Santa’s village that draws thousands for a real taste of the Christmas spirit.

“Our family tradition has become for a lot of our customers a family tradition as well,” said Kris Goodenough.

Her parents, Richard and Brita Soper, own Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm at 4403 Spring Creek Rd. between Three Oaks and Galien.

Mr. Soper was manager of a grain elevator in Walkerton when he planted his first 500 trees in the secluded rolling terrain in 1968.

As many as 70,000 trees on more than 40 acres grow there now.

Goodenough said 6,000 to 10,000 new trees are planted annually to make sure there’s enough to go around each season for people, with some coming from as far away as Chicago, Kalamazoo and South Bend.

Many customers are taken out in the fields on wagons pulled by draft horses and tractors to cut their own tree.

Cups of hot chocolate and cookies are waiting for them in the 3,200 square foot gift shop, which offers a wide variety of ornaments, Santa Claus figures and other Christmas merchandise.

Goodenough said the experience has grown considerably since the first crop of trees were sold in 1974.

“It was just my mom standing outside in the parking lot with a measuring pole, snowmobile suit and a carpenter apron selling trees when they first started.

Things have changed a lot,” she said.

Mrs. Soper still takes care of payroll and other paperwork.

Mr. Soper supervises the operation, which swells to about 40 employees from Thanksgiving to after Christmas.

Brian Wright, 32, of Michigan City came out Saturday with his wife, Christina, and their children Kennedy, 4, and Grant, 2.

His parents, who started taking him to Pinecrest when he was 2, also came along.

“It’s just a nice, fun atmosphere to come out to every year,” Brian said.

It was the fifth year at Pinecrest for Tom and Katie Garland.

The Three Oaks area couple also brought their 18-month-old son, Otis.

“We love it here,” she said.

Niles resident Earl Shaffer, 29, who used to go to Pinecrest as a child to bring home a freshly cut tree has brought his wife, Jessica, for the past three years.

“It’s nice. It’s always neat,” he said.

Casi Baich of New Carlisle came out for the 14th consecutive year with her grown son, Christian, and other family members.

She makes it a point to buy an ornament at the gift shop for her tree during every visit.

“There’s a great selection of trees and we love taking the horses out,” Baich said.

Goodenough said the operation featuring several irrigation systems to make sure the trees have plenty of water has two-full time employees year-round.

Pruning and mowing are among the other tasks performed to help produce healthy, good looking trees.

“You wouldn’t think (with) a Christmas tree you would have to water but there are certain varieties, especially the Frazier Fir, that we have to irrigate,” she said.

Her father grew up outside Chicago.

His interest in farming stems from his visits during the summer to his grandparents’ farm in South Dakota.

She said her father obtained a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Southern Illinois and later was selling ketchup in California when he first laid eyes on her mother.

Soper was employed at the grain elevator when he purchased the property and decided to plant trees on it to satisfy his itch to get into farming.

The Sopers also own The Blueberry Patch, a u-pick farm also offering already picked blueberries in Sawyer, Michigan.

“He was always a country boy at heart,” Goodenough said.

The thermometer of success is merely the jealousy of the malcontents.

— Salvador Dali

www.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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Annual Harbor Country ‘Nutcracker’ performance is a gift to the community

A

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Mice, sweets and snowflakes line the Performing Arts Center stage

Mice, sweets and snowflakes, who were portrayed by young Harbor Country actors, line the Performing Arts Center stage

Snowflakes line the Performing Arts Center stage

udience members at the New Buffalo High School Performing Arts Center were waiting to get swept away into the world of dancing snowflakes, an army of angry mice (led by an equally angry Mouse King), and one giant, fearless nutcracker-turnedprince at this year’s latest Harbor Country Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 7 – but first, Rob Gow, The Pokagon Fund Board chair, wanted to extend his thanks to everyone for coming.

“We think that this is the perfect way to start off the holiday season and we hope you enjoy the finished product,” he said.

Since 2008, The Pokagon Fund has been sponsoring the South Bend, Indiana-based Southold Theater production, which is the resident dance company of the Morris Performing Arts Center. Through funding from the Fund, all residents within the Fund’s service area (New Buffalo, Three Oaks and Chikaming townships) receive free tickets to the annual performance.

Calin Radulescu served as this year’s artistic director for “The Nutcracker.”

Debbie Schmidt, treasurer of The Pokagon Fund, said that this year, 41 young actors from Harbor Country took on the roles of little mice, “sweets,” and snowflakes in last Saturday’s two performances of “The Nutcracker”.

“I’m sure a lot of you are here to watch your children,” Schmidt said, adding that she was sure that some were also there just to sit back and enjoy the time-honored Christmas tradition. “‘The Nutcracker’ is a very special gift given to the children and we all love to receive presents,” Gow said.

At the intermission, guests could also purchase nutcrackers in a variety of sizes to remember the experience.

Gow said that the yearly performances of “The Nutcracker” are also a special gift given to the local community.

“Native Americans have very important cultural values around giving – the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi is a culture that believes there is wealth in giving,” he said.

“Their culture says the more you give, the wealthier you are. It’s the through that generosity, that culture, that the... Pokagon Band of Potawatomi...makes this possible, so the Pokagon Fund can work with Southhold Dance to bring this Nutcracker addition to the community,” Gow added.

Those who missed last weekend’s Harbor Country performance can catch one at the Morris Performing Arts Center, 914 Lincolnway W., South Bend, Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.southold-dance.org/.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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Mental health counseling for students supported Pokagon Fund grants

his fall, the River Valley School District and the New Buffalo Area Schools determined that the mental health of their students was a priority that required immediate action and sought funding from The Pokagon Fund to support in-school mental health counseling.

Mental health services for children and youth are at the forefront of concern for schools throughout the United States, according to the National Association of School Psychologists. A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that one in five children and adolescents experience a mental health problem during their school years, often caused by issues such as stress, anxiety, bullying, family problems, depression, a learning disability, and alcohol and substance abuse. Serious mental health problems, including self-injurious behaviors and suicide, are on the rise, particularly among youth.

It is estimated that up to 60% of students do not receive the treatment they need due to stigma and lack of access to services. Of those who do get help, nearly two thirds do so only in school.

“Our district’s biggest need is to have a therapist/ counselor that our students and their families can get in to see quickly and frequently,” said Will Kearney, the superintendent for the River Valley School District in support of the district’s grant application

to The Pokagon Fund. “Currently, families that participate in counseling face up to a 6-month wait in getting an appointment, and there is no follow up.”

At its November Board meeting, The Pokagon Fund Board of Directors awarded $42,500 to the River Valley School District that matched a grant from the State of Michigan to fund a family therapist/ counselor for the 2020 calendar year.

“This grant is intended to benefit all students who attend River Valley schools and their families,” said Deborah Hall-Kayler, vice chairperson of The Pokagon Fund. “Having a full-time therapist/ counselor available in the school building will provide students and their families with immediate access to mental health services and will enable the therapist/ counselor to maintain a direct and regular connection with parents so that the recommended strategies to help their children are implemented correctly and consistently.”

Taking a different approach with a Pilot Program for the first six months of 2020, the New Buffalo Area Schools will be partnering with a non-profit counselling service, Center[ed] on Wellness, to provide mental health services to New Buffalo students in grades sixth through 12th and their families.

A $15,000 grant approved by The Pokagon Fund at its December 2019 board of directors meeting will pay for Center[ed] on Wellness therapists to be onsite

to counsel students at New Buffalo Middle and High School one day a week from January to June 2020.

In addition, New Buffalo Elementary School third grade students will be receiving a mindfulness group curriculum from Center[ed] on Wellness therapists once per week for a total of six weeks during January and February 2020. This mindfulness curriculum is designed to increase social emotional learning for third grade students.

“If this pilot is successful, we will seek to budget for its sustainability,” said Jeff Leslie, superintendent of New Buffalo Area Schools. “We will also look at expanding the program to the elementary school so we can address the issues that our students face at an earlier age.”

“The support provided by The Pokagon Fund to the River Valley and New Buffalo school districts is an important first step toward dealing with the need for student mental health counseling on a long-term basis,” said John Krsul, interim executive director of The Pokagon Fund.

“The benefits of such counseling to students can be life-changing. Research reported by the National Association of School Psychologists demonstrates that students who receive social–emotional and mental health support achieve better academically.

School climate, classroom behavior, on-task learning, and students’ sense of connectedness and well-being all improve as well,” Krsul added. — Staff Reports

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‘Christmas at the Acorn’ to shower Christmas cheer on expectant audience

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

n some respects, Harbor Country Opera’s annual “Christmas at the Acorn” is a tribute to Robert Swan’s choir boy days.

“It reminds me of when I was in church as a choir boy – except there’s no kneeling,” Swan founder of Harbor Country Opera, said, adding that some of the music “wouldn’t end up in a church.”

The 15th annual show is scheduled to take place at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, at the Acorn Theater.

It would make sense that Swan’s show hearkens back to his childhood at the Episcopal church in Chicago’s Hyde Park, as that’s where it all began for him.

The all-boys choir was directed by a man who sang for the Metropolitan Opera, who introduced Swan to Bach and Mozart. From there, Swan took his inspiration from the time-honored tunes and, slowly but surely, let it blossom into a career.

He started singing solo at the church, with a meager weekly sum of five cents that would soon grow to $5.

“It was the first time I was ever paid to do anything,” he said.

Despite his musical beginnings, Swan still contemplated being a doctor when he got older. This ambition took a quick nosedive when he realized that he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in a hospital.

So, he turned to theater.

“I just did it,” Swan, whose acting credits include “Hoosiers,” “The Untouchables” and “All My Children,” said of his decision for the switch.

Swan “just did it” with “Christmas at the Acorn” as well. Dave Fink and Kim Clark, former Acorn owners, didn’t think he could do it. “‘No, nothing will happen,’” Swan recalls them saying when he introduced the idea of the now traditional Christmas show to them.

That first performance, “everyone showed up,” Sawn said. At the end of the show, Swan posed a question to the packed audience: Who would like if he started doing opera there on a regular basis? Everyone raised their hands.

“All right, you have to show up, and I’ll do it,” Swan promised the audience.

Members of the audience showed up for each show, and Swan kept his word.

Performers for this year’s production are Anatoliy Torchinskiv (on piano), Elliott Delman (on guitar), Ramona Kim (on harp), soprano Sarah Gartshhore, alto Martha Cares, alto Holly Schroeder, tenor Emanual Caraman, and baritone/ bass Warren Moulton and Swan.

Similar to past years, this year’s “Christmas at the Acorn” features a wide variety of songs old and new. Audience members may very well sing along to the popular carols “O Holy Night” (sung by Caraman and Kim), “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” (sung by Moulton) and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Some songs, however, may be heard by the audience for the first time, such as “O Ce Veste Minunata” and “Panis Angelicus.”

The Grinch will also be making an appearance this year. (Rumor has it that Cares and Swan will be swapping good-natured insults with each other during “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”).

“It’s funny stuff, touching stuff - I try to bring in new stuff every year,” said Swan, he credits his good taste in music for the healthy selection of songs.

“It’s a tradition for me (Christmas at the Acorn) – I don’t what I’d do without it.

It feels like my Christmas,” Swan said.

Tickets for Christmas at the Acorn are $30. Tickets are available at acornlive.org or by calling 269-756-3879. The Acorn Theater is located at 107 Generations Dr. in Three Oaks.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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

FOR RENT

NEW BUFFALO RETAIL US 12 high-visibility rental & pop-up spaces next to popular yoga studio.

Great parking. 700-2,000 SF. Call to view/rates @ 312-259-4011.

NEW BUFFALO Year Around Rental. Large 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.Will be available in September/October.

Quiet Living, no pets. $750-$925 per month. For more information call 269-469-1364.

HELP WANTED

LOVE WORKING OUTDOORS AND IN THE TREES? Then C & A is for you. Local tree care company looking for ground crew help. We train. Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license. Heavy lifting involved. 269-756-2571 or jamietreephilosophy@gmail.com.

FULL TIME COOK POSITION IN LAPORTE 1 Year Experience. Call Oak Woods Manor for more details.

219-362-6600.

HOUSEHOLD HELP NEEDED Looking for someone who is happy to help in a joyfully chaotic home.

Mornings preferred, days flexible.

Text 269-405-0705.

LOCAL NEWSPAPER DELIVERY Pays $20 an hour, plus Bonuses Please email: Media@NewBuffaloTimes.com

NEIGHBOR BY NEIGHBOR (NBYN) seeks a full-time MSW community practice social worker for a case manager position in southwest Berrien County. NbyN assists lowincome residents access resources and services, as well as addresses barriers to improving their lives. Pay commensurate with experience.

Receiving resumes and references at Neighbor by Neighbor, c/o Harbertchurch@gmail.com.

SERVICES

FISH FOR STOCKING Most Varieties Pond Lakes.

Laggis Fish Farm 269-628-2056 Days, 269-624-6215 Eve

PUBLIC NOTICES

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP New Buffalo Township is looking for a Township Library Board Member to serve a partial term expiring 11-20-20. Regular monthly meetings are held for this Board on the second Tuesday of the month.

Candidates must be a registered voter in New Buffalo Township.

Please drop off a letter of interest to the Township Hall at 17425 Red Arrow Highway or e-mail kbutler@ newbuffalotownship.org to apply for this position. Letters will be accepted until December 31, 2019.

VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 2019-98 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 2010-80

Michigan City church to feature two ‘Messiah’ performances

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he 55th annual Messiah Concert will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23, in the First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City located at Ninth and Washington streets.

The performance will be conducted by Philip Bauman, music director/ conductor, who is entering his fifth year at the helm of this annual

tradition.

There will be a preview performance opportunity at the dress rehearsal Dec. 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church. This performance is open to the public.

Free tickets are required for all events and are available at the church office or online at www.mcmessiah.com. There are a limited number of tickets available on a first come, first served basis. Tickets will be held in Will Call unless picked up at the church prior to the event. A free will offering will be taken at all events to help defray expenses. It is expected that the Sunday performance will be sold out, so guests should order their tickets soon.

Maestro Bauman, noted, “We’ve had a series of spectacular performances over the past four years. Those performances along with the groundswell of support and enthusiasm for the organization have brought significant changes our program. We are now registered as an NFP corporation in the state of Indiana and have obtained our own 501(c)3 status with the IRS. We are officially known as Michigan City Messiah, Inc,” Bauman said in a press release.

The newly formed board of directors is being led by Donna M. Mitchell, board president. Other board members include Don Nagdeman, vice president; Bonnie Ziesmer, treasurer; Howard Brenneman, secretary; Stan Holdcraft; Krystal Levi; Evelyn Slavey; Marilyn Cook; and Nic Orbovich.

Michigan City Messiah has already received its first Indiana Arts Commission grant and is looking forward to growing its programming in the next several months.

“Our performance last year was a deeply moving experience for all of us, soloists, chorus, orchestra and audience. We are delighted to bring two full performances to our community this year. In order to accommodate our growing audience and community interest, we have added a Saturday evening performance. This is something we have never offered before and are very excited to debut this year,” said Mitchell.

“I’m rejuvenated each year as we explore this magnificent music and guide the talented forces, including four outstanding soloists into another deeply spiritual experience,” she added.

Continuing his commitment to mentoring young musicians, Maestro Bauman holds conducting positions with the College of DuPage and South Suburban College in Illinois and is currently in his 18th season as conductor of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Youth Orchestra. With the youth orchestra, Maestro Bauman made his European conducting debut with performances in Austria and Germany in 2014.

In 2018, he performed in Italy with the esteemed ensemble. During his successful 24-year tenure at the La Porte County Symphony, he was credited with significantly raising the orchestra’s artistic level and spearheading a resurgence in the educational programming. Bauman is also the orchestra manager for the Northwest Indiana Symphony.

“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with many of the area musicians, chorus members and fantastic soloists in the musical journey of the Messiah’s life,” Bauman said.

Soloists this year will include the return of Kim Jones, soprano; Kristen Gornstein, mezzo-soprano; Matthew Daniel, tenor and will include the debut of Bill McMurray as bass/baritone. All singers are experienced professional “Messiah” soloists who have performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

For further information or to make ticket reservations, call the church office at 219879-4501 or visit www.mcmessiah.com. — STAFF REPORTS

Ordinance number 2019-98, an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance No. 2010-80 was adopted by the Village of Grand Beach Council on November 20, 2019. This ordinance shall take effect on December 23, 2019 in accordance with the Village Charter. Changes were made to the definitions of “Fence” and “Lot Coverage”. Section 4.03(C), 5.03(C) and 6.03(C) title changed to “Swimming Pools”. Added Section 4.03(D), 5.03(D) and 6.03(D) “Outdoor Hot Tubs, Spas, Jacuzzis and Whirlpools” and requirements. Changed section 4.03(E), 5.03(E) and 6.03(E) to 4.03(F), 5.03(F) and 6.03(F) and added requirements to “Permitted Accessory Uses” 4.03(F), 5.03(F) and 6.03(F). Added language to Sections 4.06(L), 5.06(L) and 6.06(L) – “Lot Coverage Inclusions” to state that permeable decks less than 12” above ground as determined by the Zoning Administrator shall be excluded. Includes additional

requirements to Section 4.07, 5.07 and 6.07 “Fences”. Added 30 N Whittaker St Sections 4.14, 5.14 and 6.14 “Temporary Construction Buildings, Deli by day Construction Trailers, Portable Restrooms and Storage Pods Incidental to Construction Work” and “Dumpsters”. Added language to Sections 11.04 (D) and (E) “Signs in the Residential District” to clarify language allowed on certain signs.

30 N Whittaker St

Deli by day

30 N Whittaker St Bar by night

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A full copy of this ordinance can be viewed at the Village Hall during regular business hours (9:00 a.m.

- 3:45 p.m. EST) at 48200 Perkins Blvd, Grand Beach, MI 49117 or at www.grandbeach.org.

MARY J. ROBERTSON CLERK-TREASURER Open 7 days (269) 469-3141

Open 7 days davidsdeliandcoffee.com davidsdeliandcoffee.com

Open Thursday-Monday Ope thefalsefrontbar.com th

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

HOROSCOPE DECEMBER 14-20, 2019

AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19 Old clients or associates will surface this week with some repeat business. A project you worked on earlier this year may need some touch ups or some repairing. At first this could cause a major headache or seem like a lot of extra work, but after you get things sorted out, you will be generously compensated.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 You will be spending more time at the home, then you had planned. Just when you think you’re clear to leave, you’ll get called back. So, be sure to double check things before you go out, or you might just end up back where you started. There will be many starts and stops before trips away from home are completed.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20 Certain social apects will require some investigating, this week. You may have to go behind the scenes to get all the intel, and the more you investigate the weirder things will get.

Very unusual sources will lead you to solid information, that will help you expand your understanding of people and their practices.

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21 The opportunity to re-pitch those creative ideas is here. Be sure you do your homework though, because some of the key players have changed and a new approach is in order. Keep the foundation, just polish the delivery and retool the key ideas. Your financial resources are ripe and there are many ways to harvest.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21 Some of those long-standing issues with authority figures will be sorted out over the next couple of weeks. You may be required to change some of your previous commitments to make things work in your favor. Don’t worry, this is when you finally get the recognition for all the hard work you have put in.

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21 Lost items will be returned, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how these things are returned or found.

Perhaps that beloved t-shirt will be returned by an ex, which could turn into a long conversation that leads to a reconnect. You will also get the go ahead on some home renovations.

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22 Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, that old flame appears to remind you of the burn. Don’t let unexpected arrivals disrupt your new ventures. They may cause you some distress but don’t let them distract you from your current situations. Keep your head up and know that heartache is behind you.

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19 This week, you may be reconsidering some of the ways you present yourself and your ideas. This rethinking will help you be more persuasive with those stubborn types. It’s not that your ideas are incongruent or contrary to others, it’s just that when two stubborn types meet, the headbutting can get out of hand.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22 You will be introduced to some interesting health food or exercise styles, that could really make a difference for you, now. This is an excellent time to get back on track with health and wellness routines. Make a deeper commitment to take better care of yourself.

Listen to your body and get back to the gym.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18 There are some emotional issues that will be revisited this week. This is the time to go within, release blockages and unlock patterns that keep you stuck in unrewarding or unproductive situations. You will be uncovering ways to increase your sense of personal value.

Remember Jack Handey’s deep thoughts?

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22 Creative projects that have been put on hold will be reinstated. What you wrote off as a failure or something that could never be finished, you will now see an opportunity to make right or complete what was left undone. This may cause you some hard work, but the payoff is bigger now and it will last longer.

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20 You are starting to bloom socially. Your comradery and ability to harmonize with others is powerful and contagious. Once you start opening up and sharing, others will return in kind. Don’t rush through the stores, take time to catch up with old friends when you see them. Say hello to everyone you know.

Peace is not something you wish for; It’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.

— John Lennon

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SUDOKU To solve the Sudoku puzzle, your challenge is to fill each empty cell with a number 1 through 9, so that each row across, each column down, and each 3x3 box contains all the numbers 1 through 9 with no repeats. Good luck solving!

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

LITTLE MISS BLOSSOM, MISS PRE-TEEN BLOSSOM APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING

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pplications are being accepted through Friday, Dec. 20, for the 2020 Little Miss Blossom and Miss Pre-Teen Blossomtime pageants being held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at St. Joseph High School.

The Little Miss Blossom pageant is open to girls who reside in Southwest Michigan between the ages of 5-8 by Jan. 11, 2020, with talent required. Miss Pre-Teen Blossomtime is for young women between the ages of 9 and 12 by Jan. 11, 2020, with talent required. Contestants will participate in the categories of private interview, onstage question and formal presentation. All participants will receive a tiara and an opportunity to ride in the 2020 Blossomtime Festival Grand Floral Parade.

Please contact the Blossomtime Festival office at office@blossomtimefestival.org or by calling the Blossomtime Festival office at 269-982-8016.

For additional information about each pageant and other pageants, visit www. blossomtimefestival.org.

— STAFF REPORTS

EVENTS Reach 5,000 + unique Event goers each week. Please send your Event you wish to publish including the number of times in Advance of your Event that you wish to Advertise to Media@NewBuffaloTimes.com Additionally, please mail $28 for each time you wish your Event published to New Buffalo Times P.O. Box 369 New Buffalo, Michigan 49117 Thank You Reaching 5,000 + unique Event goers each week.

DAILY EVENTS

NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP LIBRARY See weekly library events on page 3.

EVERY MONDAY

ZUMBA 6:30PM. New Buffalo High School High Gymnasium/Dance Studio. 111 E Clay St. New Buffalo. 219-614-8847.

Teacher is Marie Crist. $7 per class.

EVERY WEDNESDAY

STORY TIME AT THREE OAKS LIBRARY 10:30AM. www.threeoaks.michlibrary.org.

KNITTING AT THE DELI 2-4PM. David’s Deli.

All are welcome.

EVERY THURSDAY

TRIVIA NIGHT At dooley’s 7-9PM. Dooley’s Lake House Pub. 310 W Buffalo St. New Buffalo. 269-469-2247. www.dooleyslakehouse.com.

EVERY THURSDAY & SUNDAY OPEN TRAP PRACTICE 6:30-9:30PM. New Buffalo Rod and Gun Club. 10487 Kruger Rd. New Buffalo.

Open to the public. Contact Bob Kruger at 269-612-0983.

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

HARBOR COUNTRY BOOK CLUB 6:30PM. New Buffalo Township Library.

EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY LIVE MUSIC at night AT DOOLEY’S 8PM. Dooley’s Lake House Pub.

EVERY SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH

GENIUS NIGHT AND OPEN MIC 6:30-9:30PM. Elsie Earl Studios.

200 W Buffalo St. New Buffalo. www.elsieearlstudios.com.

The night will feature local and area literary performance and visual artists sharing their unique talents before an audience. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided. The cost is $5.

EVERY SATURDAY

YOGA AT THE PARK 9AM. New Buffalo Township.

SECOND AND THIRD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

NEW TROY INDOOR FLEA MARKET 9AM-3PM. New Troy Community Center.

13372 California Rd. New Troy. 773-803-9773.

Hosted by New Troy Flea Market and the Friends of New Troy, the market lasts until April.

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

FUDGE-RAISER TO BENEFIT RIVER VALLEY SENIOR CENTER Jackie’s Café of New Buffalo has chosen the River Valley Senior Center as recipient of this year’s “Fudge-Raiser,” donating 100% of proceeds to RVSC plus 100% in matching funds from The Larry Bubb Endowment. Pre-order now and pick up after Thanksgiving at Jackie’s Café, 801 W Buffalo St., New Buffalo. Contact the café at 269-469-1800 or RVSC at 269-469-4556.

EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY—THROUGH DECEMBER 22

DOOLEY’S OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MARKET 1-5PM. Dooley’s Lake House Pub. Bring the kids to visit Santa, Elsa, and Buddy the Elf. Holiday artisans will be selling gifts, treats, food and more. Enjoy the outdoor wonderland with warm fire pits, carolers, s’mores, hot cocoa, ice sculptures and crafts. Admission is free.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 & FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20

HARBOR COUNTRY SINGERS PRESENTS ‘CHRISTMAS COLLAGE’ 7PM Saturday. The Episcopal Church of the Mediator. 14280 Red Arrow Hwy. Harbert. 7PM Friday. St. John’s Church.

10 W Ash Street. Three Oaks.

Both concerts will include dance, children’s performances and instrumental music, in addition to choral music.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14-15

BLUE MOON VINTAGE HOLIDAY 10AM-5PM. Blue Moon Vintage Market.

16860 Three Oaks Rd. Three Oaks.

The final market of 2019 will feature 6,000 feet of vintage, industrial, architectural, European decor, home decor, Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan and more. No entry fee.

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE 8PM Saturday. 5PM Sunday. Silver Creek Event Center. 11111 Wilson Rd. New

Buffalo. 866-494-6371. www.silvercreek.centernewbuffalo.org.

Featuring more than 300 costumes and 20 world-class astonishing acts.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

HOLIDAY VILLAGE 3-6PM. Downtown Bridgman.

Hosted by Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance. Celebrate the season with the entire family. Stop in to local merchants for specials, samples, and fun.

THE ELF ON A SHELF: A CHRISTMAS MUSICAL 7-8:15PM. Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College. 2755 E Napier Avenue.

Benton Harbor. www.themendelcenter.com.

The beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere comes to the live stage for the first time ever. VIP Experience begins at 5:30PM, with pre-show photo opportunity with a Scout Elf. Tickets are $29-$59.

SATURDAY, DECEMEBER 21

CHRISTMAS AT THE ACORN 8PM. Acorn Theater. 107 Generations Dr. Three Oaks. 269-756-3879. www.acornlive.org.

The Saturday before Christmas, founder Robert Swan will bring together five of the finest singers you could wish to hear, including Acorn favorites Martha Cares, Susan Nelson, Warren Moulton, and Dominique Frigo. For tickets, visit the website or call the Acorn Theater.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

ACORN NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY 9PM. Acorn Theater.

Featuring tunes from Erly Band, delicious small bites to snack on, a champagne toast at midnight plus a balloon drop and noisemakers. General Seating is $40 and Reserved Seating is $65. Open to those who are 21 and older.

The information for these events is correct, as of the Tuesday before publication date. Please contact the events listed with any questions. Please send us any events at events@newbuffalotimes.com.

Deadlines are the Fridays before the following week’s publication.

In the past, you just let kids talk. But everyone’s listening now.

— John Mayer

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

SHOP AMAZON OR ...

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2019

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