December 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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LIFE IN NATURE ON THE SANDY SHORE

New Buffalo Times

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CHICAGO • LONG BEACH • MICHIANA SHORES • GRAND BEACH • NEW BUFFALO • UNION PIER • THREE OAKS • LAKESIDE • HARBERT • SAWYER issue 50, volume 80

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Thursday, December 16, 2021

Covid-19 cases on the rise in Berrien County PAGE 3 Three Oaks Village Council moving forward on plans for wastewater treatment PAGE 4 New Buffalo boys basketball team topples Goliath PAGE 6 New Buffalo school board fields concerns on GSA Club, critical race theory PAGE 9

Students deck the city, township halls with Christmas cheer PAGE 10 Orchard planted to help feed rescued monkeys PAGE 17

WAIT, YOU LOOK FAMILIAR...

SANTA LANDS AT THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP LIBRARY — PAGE 10 —

PHOTO OF DREW GIBSON HANGING OUT WITH SANTA BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Covid-19 cases on the rise in Berrien County

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SPECTRUM HEALTH ‘BUSTING AT THE SEAMS,’ SEEING PATIENTS IN HALLWAYS

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

s Covid-19 cases continue to rise, Berrien County continues to stay in the high transmission category, a position that it’s held since August.

Dr. Rex Cabaltica, MD, Berrien County medical director and family medicine physician, said during a Zoom call on Dec. 8 that, over about a month ago, the county was seeing a plateau in cases; however, as of early December, it’s been a different story.

The county’s seven-day average of new Covid cases from Dec. 7-13, was about 519.4 new cases per 100,000 residents, according to state data from Dec. 14.

In addition, the county’s positivity rate was at 26 percent.

“Our positivity rate has never been as high as it is now,” Cabaltica said, adding that it’s about as high as it was a year ago, when the county experienced its surge in cases.

At a 2.3 percent increase,

the 0 to 11 age group has been experiencing the greatest increase in Covid cases – which is “not surprising,” he said, given that only recently that 5- to 11-year-old children have been given the green light to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

Dr. Loren Hamel, president of Spectrum Health Lakeland, said that Spectrum is full across the state.

“We’re busting at the seams – we have folks in the hallways, we have opened up new clinical areas to put patients and waiting areas and beds because we’re so full…Waits in the emergency department have never been longer,” he said.

On Dec. 8, he said they were at about 80 Covid patients, which is where it was at about a year ago; however, the positivity rate has doubled.

“Fatigue is at an all-time high, there’s staffing crisis around the state and across Spectrum Health and Spectrum Health Lakeland and so it’s as busy as it’s ever

been at a normally busy time of year and before influenza has hit us hard…We’re concerned,” Hamel said.

On Dec. 8, Cabaltica said that the Omicron variant detected in South Africa late last month so far seems more transmissible but doesn’t seem to be causing as severe of disease. He added that there is evidence that it may be able to evade some of the protections of the protection offered through the Pfizer vaccine, which is the vaccine that’s primarily used in South Africa.

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n Dec. 9, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Kent County Health Department had been notified of a case of the Omicron variant in a Kent County resident.

Cabaltica added that, so far, it looks like the booster will help continue to protect you against severe disease and death.

Hamel said that the new variant is spreading “markedly faster” than the Delta variant and the transmission rate is “running higher.”

“We expect this to spread across the globe and give us a fifth surge,” he said.

According to data from across the country and from across Spectrum’s 13 county service area, Hamel said those who are unvaccinated are six times more likely to get sick and 10 times more likely go to the hospital as well as 10 times more likely die.

For those who are 50 and over and have diabetes and hypertension, their chances of going to the hospital or dying may be 40 or 50 times greater than those statistics.

“Vaccines are working, there’s no questions about that – is it perfect? No. Do the antibodies wane? Yes. Might boosters help prolong that? Of course - but we know the vaccines are a much safer way to get an immune response than is the disease,” Hamel said.

As far as artists and musicians, they don’t retire.

They might tour less.

— James Hetfield, Metallica

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Local Government Meetings New Buffalo Times

Democracy Requires Transparency

CITY OF NEW BUFFALO JOHN HUMPHREY, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL LOU O’DONNELL, IV. MARK ROBERTSON, JOHN HUMPHREY, ROGER LIJESKI, BRIAN FLANAGAN 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 CHUCK HEIT, PRESIDENT HEATHER BLACK, VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HASKINS, TREASURER LISA WERNER, SECRETARY JOYCE LANTZ, TRUSTEE FRANK MARGRO, TRUSTEE PATRICIA NEWSTON, TRUSTEE 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

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Three Oaks Village Council moving forward on plans for wastewater treatment

BY THERESE DONNELLY

he Three Oaks Village Council moved forward company would be able to resolve issues with its landlord with wastewater treatment plans at their last soon. meeting of 2021, which took place Wednesday, The council appointed former village treasurer Lois Jones Dec. 8. as interim village treasurer, making her an authorized As part of the village’s ongoing improvements signer on village bank accounts. to the municipal sewage treatment system, the council Following a brief discussion, the council selected heard from engineering firm Wightman and Associates Matthew Derby as litigation attorney for the village. regarding state requirements. The village was asked to Faulkner said the village’s marijuana attorney, Jessica make a determination on a series of Fette, does not handle litigation. statements provided by the Michigan The council approved Department of Environment, Great fterwards the council a statement to EGLE Lakes and Energy (EGLE) regarding went into closed session acknowledging non-domestic the village lagoons. Based on the to discuss strategy for contributions, and stating biological oxygen demand (BOD) pending litigation against the village has no plans to levels measured in the lagoons, the village. disconnect current customers.

Wightman recommended a statement In previous years, the council has Instead, there will be action to that the village currently accepts nongiven gift cards to village employees work with existing customers domestic or industrial waste into the and committee members. However, to identify pre-treatments to system. Strictly domestic waste would Faulkner informed the council that the reduce the BOD. have a BOD level of 300 or lower. practice conflicts with laws regarding The council approved a statement the use of public funds. Instead, the to EGLE acknowledging non-domestic contributions, council voted to approve end of year bonuses for village and stating the village has no plans to disconnect current employees. Councilmember Colleen Newquist said she customers. Instead, there will be action to work with did not think any of the committee members would mind, existing customers to identify pre-treatments to reduce the noting that “no one signs up for a committee to get a gift BOD. card.”

Recently awarded marijuana business licenses in the In a separate motion, the council approved pay increases village came up at the meeting. Addressing the council, for some village employees. Faulkner told the council audience members questioned the village’s decision. John municipalities everywhere are facing a need to offer salaries Balich and Nick Sayers spoke to the council, and village that meet the cost of living. manager Dan Faulkner read an email from Dan Menitoff.

Under the approved increases, Clay Ackerman will In prepared statements, the three claimed Exclusive receive $51,460 per year, Nate Smith $23.22 per hour, Alex Keen $19.83 per hour, and Lars Whittenburg $16 per hour.

Healing had not provided all the information required for Council meetings in 2022 will again be held on the the license application. They also stated Exclusive Healing second Wednesday of each month starting at 7p.m. has pending litigation from its landlord, which they said Prior to adjourning the meeting, village president was not disclosed in the application. After the meeting, Rich Smith thanked village employees and emergency Exclusive Healing Vice President Dan Milsk said he did not wish to comment on pending legal matters but he hoped his responders for the work.

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THREE OAKS THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM GRAND BEACH VILLAGE OF GRAND BEACH COUNCIL Meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7PM MICHIANA VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM

The art of pleasing is the art of deception.

— Luc de Clapiers

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NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS SWITCHES TO REMOTE LEARNING

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ue to a growing number of positive Covid-19 cases and close contacts, students and teachers at New Buffalo Area Schools have had remote learning this past week.

“Due to the increasing number of Covid cases impacting NBAS, we will be switching to remote instruction for the upcoming week,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said in a letter to parents that was sent Dec. 11.

Students picked up their devices Monday, Dec. 13, and had instruction Tuesday through Friday. Similar to a year ago, meal pickup was also available.

“As you can imagine, the number of close contacts is growing proportionately as well. As the number of cases increases in our area, it is also taking much longer for us to receive PCR results,” the letter stated.

At the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education meeting Dec. 13, Leslie said that, since Friday, Dec. 10, the district has had “more Covid positive kids than we’ve had up to this point in the entire school year…They’re just coming in fast and furious with the positive PCR tests.”

Since Saturday, he said the district had nine positive PCR tests. Out of those additional PCR tests, the district had about an additional 80-plus close contacts.

“There’s no way we could continue to have in-person learning with how fast all those positive tests were coming in,” he said. — FRANCESCA SAGALA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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Chikaming Township Board approves making Bridgman Public Library the township library

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embers of the Chikaming Township Board approved making Bridgman Public Library the township’s home library at their Thursday, Dec. 9, meeting.

Board members approved a motion to assign the Bridgman library as its home library for a one-year period for an amount to be determined.

The township’s current contract with the New Buffalo Township Library, Three Oaks Township Library and Bridgman Library expired this past June and it’s on an annual renewal until there’s a new contract. In the past, the township has committed to $30,900, which is $10,300 per library, on an annual basis in its budget for funding plus penal fines.

At the October meeting, Chikaming Township Supervisor David Bunte said a proposed three-year agreement stated that there would be a library card fee of $25 annually for Chikaming Township residents for use in the New Buffalo Township Library and the Three Oaks Township Library and that Bridgman would remain free of charge. The lump sum of $30,900 would remain.

After the meeting, board member Bill Marske and Rich Sullivan met with representatives of all three libraries.

“The basic thing we got with New Buffalo and Three Oaks is they still feel that they’re not being fair to local residents by not charging more,” Marske said.

Marske said they learned that around 1,800 people, or over half of Chikaming residents, are using the library.

Marske added that the extra $25 fee would only be for the first year and this fee could increase. He added that “they’re pretty much stuck on that $25

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

and $30 - they want to charge each individual here the same amount of what they charge someone who’s from New Buffalo or Three Oaks.”

Marske said that Bridgman said that they didn’t want to charge anything extra “because they feel they’d be double dipping.”

Sullivan said that they were “won over by Bridgman’s attitude all throughout this – we felt like they wanted us there – they want to be part of our community and are constantly letting us know.”

He added that the library provides a monthly report to the township.

Board members approved the remodel of the office for the Chikaming Township Police Department for an amount not to exceed $50,000, with the department coming back to Bunte with a detailed cost analysis.

Sgt. Brandon Jones said they’re looking to upgrade the office in two phases. The first phase would include removing the existing waiting room and updating the power, internet, and phone lines in the office, updating the carpet with vinyl flooring, and installing LED lights.

The estimate that McGuire Construction (which is also remodeling the front office of Township Center) they gave him to do everything would be $35,000. Jones said going with McGuire’s quote would involve “significant cost savings with labor in addition to materials.”

The second phase would involve updating the office furniture and creating “defined working spaces” for each fulltime employee and a defined working space for part-time employees and reserve officers.

Jones said that officers liked the plan from Office Interiors, which included four cubicles for each fulltime employee and a fifth workstation

for the part time employees and reserves and a squad desktop.

As a retired licensed carpenter, Sullivan said that he’d be willing to help put together cubicles or knock down walls to cut down costs. He added that members of the community may also be willing to help.

Board members approved creating a three-member ad hoc committee, which would include Public Safety committee members Rich Sullivan and Greg Bunch, as well as the assistance of Lincoln Township Fire Chief Brandon Chiarello, to handle the search for a new fire chief.

Board members adopted a resolution in support of an environmental study being done for a proposed Amtrak rail link in New Buffalo.

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unte said that currently, one rail line in New Buffalo comes from Chicago and heads east to Detroit. The other line, which goes on an overpass right off Red Arrow Highway, bypasses New Buffalo and heads north to Grand Rapids.

Board members also approved sending a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg regarding their support of the rail link as well as pledging $2,000 toward a future grant opportunity for a matching grant with the rest of the municipalities in the county.

Upon the recommendation of the Planning Commission, board members agreed to hire The Antero Group for the initial design for Sawyer Road.

Board members approved the following lot combinations and divisions and adjustments: a lot combination for 15373 Lakeshore Rd., a lot combination for 12347 Dunes Rd., a boundary line adjustment for 12347 Dunes Rd., and a lot division for 13252 Pleasant St.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

New Buffalo boys basketball team topples Goliath

H school.

BY STAN MADDUX

ickory from the movie “Hoosiers” was not on the basketball court defeating a team from a much larger high

Instead, it was the boys from New Buffalo High School playing Cinderella in storybook fashion on the hardwood.

The Class D Bison in their Dec. 7 season opener on the road outscored Class A Sturgis 77-73.

Head Coach Nate Tripp said good defense, accurate shooting and determination were major keys to success in his team’s fast paced style of play.

“The boys were definitely celebrating afterwards,” said Tripp.

Tripp said the game against Sturgis was scheduled to help the defending District 4 champions with five returning starters get used to stiffer competition for preparing to go deeper in the post season this year.

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The Bison lost in the first round of the regionals by four points last year to Howardsville Christian.

Tripp said he was just hoping to have a chance at defeating Sturgis in the final period.

Sturgis never had the lead and trailed the Bison by 12 points at the end of the third quarter.

Tripp said the outcome showed New Buffalo when players are performing to their potential should be mentioned as one of the toughest Class D basketball teams in the state.

“We’re tough. We are gritty and we’re not scared but it also told us we got a long ways to go. We got a lot of things we got to clean up,” he said.

Kayden Parmley paved the way with 24 points for the Bison while Jeremiah Mitchell added 14 points.

Mark Shaw and Zack Forker contributed 12 points apiece.

Forker also grabbed 10 rebounds.

Tripp said the strategy on defense this year is to be more aggressive, with players trapping ball handlers more often when there’s

an opportunity and during key moments in games.

Tripp, who has coached many of the players since middle school, said another goal this season is to achieve a high level of performance from the team on a more consistent basis.

“This is a team that has had their ups and their downs and their peaks and their valleys. We’re trying to mature and grow so we don’t have those dips,” he said.

Tripp cautioned his players should not overlook talented teams like River Valley and Countryside Academy that will also be competing for the District 4 tournament.

“While it was a nice victory, this team understands where we want to go,” Tripp said.

The Bison on Dec. 10 defeated Covert on the road 94-40.

Mitchell was the leading scorer for the Bison with 19 points.

Anthony Lijewski, Forker, Mark Shaw, Ryan Vincent and Parmley each scored anywhere from 10 to 14 points.

Mustang hoopsters stomp Bison

iver Valley remained undefeated by beating New Buffalo 62-12 Tuesday night in girls’ high school basketball.

The game at New Buffalo was tied mid-way through the first quarter when Aaron James hit a crowd pleasing three point shot for the Bison.

Mustangs, though, used superior ball handling and shooting skills to begin taking control at the end of the first quarter after a steal and lay-up

by Natalyn

BY STAN MADDUX

Heckathorn.

Macey Springer opened the second quarter for the Mustangs by dribbling her way the full length of the court around Bison defenders for a bucket.

The Mustangs quickly added to their lead on a pass leading to baseline lay-up by Kursten Smith.

River Valley later went up by 21 points on a pair of three-point

buckets from Hanah Lynch and Annekah Witter.

The score was 34 to 9 at halftime.

The lead grew to 32 points in the third quarter when Lexie McCarty after driving the court for a lay-up was fouled and sank a free throw.

Springer led the River Valley attack with 13 points. Lynch and Witter each contributed 12 points.

Witter scored all of her points on three point shots.

Georgia Arvanitis scored seven points for the Bison, who fell to 0-3.

NEW BUFFALO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL RECOGNIZED AS REGION 5 ‘PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR’

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n Thursday, Dec. 9, New Buffalo Elementary School Principal Adam Bowen was recognized as the Region 5 Principal of the Year by the Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal Association (MEMPSPA).

A native of New Buffalo, Bowen attended Western Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in education in 2004 and his Master of Arts in educational leadership in 2011. In 2006, he returned to New Buffalo to teach third grade, which is what he taught for four years. He taught first grade for five years before being promoted Title One coordinator for the elementary school building.

“It was during this time where he could broadly use his leadership skills to focus on student growth and achievement. During this time, he analyzed data, administered assessments, observed teachers, evaluated curriculum, and modeled lessons,” a press release from the district stated.

In 2017, Bowen became the principal of the elementary school.

“Under his leadership, the elementary school transitioned to a greater emphasis on reading comprehension in the upper elementary grades, embedded science and social studies curriculum in the reading content, and increased the rigor of the math curriculum. As a result, the M-STEP results for New Buffalo Elementary School are frequently in the top 10 in the state of Michigan, including first in fourth grade math in 2019,” the press release said.

As a result of these test scores, the elementary school was named a National Blue Ribbon Award Exemplary High Performing School in November 2020.

Bowen is “an outstanding role model who truly cares about his students and staff.”

“Adam is willing to help out in any way possible to help students and his school family, including coaching middle school football on top of other responsibilities. We also want to thank MEMSPA Region 5 for recognizing Mr. Bowen as well,” the release said. — STAFF REPORTS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

SPORTS

DRIVER OF ALLEGED SECOND VEHICLE INVOLVED IN FATAL HARBERT CRASH TAKEN INTO CUSTODY

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fter further investigation from the Chikaming Township Police Department and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, it was determined that a second vehicle was involved in a single-vehicle accident that resulted in one fatality and two injuries in Harbert Saturday, Nov. 27.

According to a press release from the Chikaming Township Police Department, at 9:59 p.m. Nov. 27, emergency personal were dispatched to Red Arrow Highway south of Harbert Road for a report of an unknown personal injury accident.

The release stated that the vehicle had “sustained heavy damage, as it appeared to have rolled multiple times and struck a large tree.” The driver Travis Lloyd Germain, a 21-year-old male from Michigan City, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The two passengers Dakota Bentancourt, a 24-year-old male from New Carlisle, Indiana, and Ethan Eugene McFarland, a 20-yearold male from Noblesville, Indiana, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Bentancourt and McFarland were both transported to Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph, Michigan.

The release stated that “preliminary investigation shows a second vehicle may be involved in the crash.”

An updated press release stated that Dominic Michael Mason, a 24-year-old male from Michigan City, was identified as the driver of the second vehicle. The victim’s car, driven by Travis Lloyd Germain, was traveling northbound on Red Arrow Highway from Michigan City as it was being chased by Mason’s vehicle.

Evidence suggests both vehicles were traveling at approximately 90 miles per hour.

“Mason’s vehicle struck Germain’s vehicle multiple times causing the crash. This crash resulted in Germain’s death and severe injuries to both Germain’s passengers,” the release states.

According to the release, Chikaming Township Police Department submitted a report to the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office for review. As a result, the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office authorized the following criminal charges against Mason: “1) 2nd-degree murder 2) Reckless driving causing death 3/4) Reckless driving causing serious impairment of body function 5) Fail to stop and identify at accident-causing death 6/7) Fail to stop and identify at accident-causing serious impairment of body function 8) Possession of heroin.”

Mason turned himself into the Berrien County Jail Thursday, Dec. 9. He was taken into custody and lodged without incident.

These are allegations, as Mason is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. — STAFF REPORTS

Children need models rather than critics.

— Joseph Joubert

From the Bleachers COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO

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he holidays are rapidly approaching, and I feel that it’s my civic duty to remind everybody that the pandemic is not over.

There are 21 professional basketball players in Covid-19 protocols, and 9 of them are Chicago Bulls.

After many years of mediocrity, the Bulls were playing at a championship level when one by one, they started getting sick.

I’ve read that most, if not all of the infected Bulls, have been vaccinated.

Many even have their booster shot, so everyone should be fine in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, expect the team to flounder. I believe that if any more players become ill, the league may have to postpone some of their games. Finally, Michigan and Indiana had to call in the National Guard to help the health care workers who are becoming extremely weary. So please, do your best to be careful so that we can begin to put this behind us.

Did you hear ( pun intended ) about the deaf football team ? As fate would have it, the California School for the Deaf Riverside’s nickname is the Cubs, and much like the Chicago team with the same name, there have been many seasons that they were laughingstocks in their league. But this year, something clicked and they reached the championship game for the first time in their 68 year history. They reached the championship game by winning all twelve of their contests, with an average margin of victory of almost 50 points. Unfortunately, their storybook season didn’t have a happy ending,

as a slow start and a couple of key injuries were too much to overcome.

I find it amazing that a sport that feeds on crowd noise and requires a lot of communication can be played at such a high level. Those young men deserve a lot of credit and they have certainly earned my admiration.

It’s been another rough season for the Chicago Bears. They entered the Sunday night game against their arch rivals, the Green Bay Packers, with only 4 wins in their first 12 games. The Packers were heavily favored to beat the Bears handily, but the Bears put up a good fight… for the first half anyway.

The Bears actually led 27-21 at halftime, but unfortunately for the Bears, they had to play a second half. The Packers ended up winning 45-30 and their dominance over the Bears continues unabated. As a Bears fan, I was more than a little encouraged by the game.

The Bears young quarterback made his share of mistakes, but he also made a few big plays. The Bears offense looked really good in the first half, but it is probably too late to keep coach Nagy from losing his job. Nagy is a good man, and I wish him well in his future endeavors, but I do think it’s time for a new coach. Another exciting off season awaits.

Bob Phillips said, “There are three stages of man: he believes in Santa Claus; he does not believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.”

Happy holidays. Refuse hate. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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SCHOLASTICS

New Buffalo school board fields concerns on GSA Club, critical race theory

embers of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education fielded concerns from several parents and students regarding the high school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Club as well as critical race theory (CRT) at their Monday, Dec. 13 meeting, which was held in the Performing Arts Center.

Board president Chuck Heit said that he was “surprised to get emails saying the school bord was “entertaining to remove a teacher and remove GSA from the school.”

“That is not true – I know social media likes to spread things, but that is not something this school board is looking at ever doing,” he said.

In a statement after the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Jeff Leslie said that he was approached by Heit regarding emails he’s received that the district is looking to remove high school English teacher Holli Sommerfeld, who also sponsors the school’s GSA (Gender Sexuality Alliance) Club – which is “absolutely, absolutely, absolutely not true.”

Leslie added that as part of professional development through Better Lessons, some teachers chose to take a series of courses (the district covered the cost of the lessons) in the summer of 2020 to prepare for the possibility of remote learning.

One of the sessions was on “culturally responsive teaching.”

“He said that because the title of that professional development is CRT, some people “saw that and thought we’re teaching Critical Race Theory.”

New Buffalo High School Principal Wayne Butler said that the district “has a mechanism in place where we

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

can allow students to form clubs and organizations based on their wants and needs.”

“I would say right now, thank you, teachers, for being willing to sponsor these efforts - we are charged with challenging all students, this includes being culturally responsive to them and the student’s culture,” he said.

Currently, he said teachers are “coming under fire for all matter of items for which they have no control, hence this packed board meeting” and need the community’s support.

Sommerfeld said that “having open dialogue” about “LGBTQ+ topics and discussions” leads students belonging to that community to “feel visible and as though they have a stake in their school and community,” which is “echoed through works done by the student-led Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club, which leads to improve our school culture through education and advocacy.”

She added that culturally responsive teaching is “not the same thing as critical race theory.”

“Culturally responsive teaching is another lens used to attempt to the bridge gap between teacher and student by helping the teacher understand the cultural nuances that may cause a relationship to break down,” she said.

Jim Oselka said that CRT has been “rebranded as culturally responsive teaching.”

He said its “core tenants” are that “America is a systemically racist nation” and “was not built on freedom, democracy and equality as our founding documents state.”

“CRT teaches that race is the only thing that determines a person’s

identity, not the content of their character, their behavior, their skills or anything else - only their race determines who they are and how far they can go in life,” he said.

Oselka said that there are “plenty of resources available and sample policies and language from other school boards across the country that have already implemented anti-CRT policies.”

Heather Gradowski said that what she learned about CRT is “exciting” because it’s a “method of thinking that encourages thoughtful review of history, data-centered discussion of both historical and current trends and opening our minds to the experiences of others we can’t necessarily see or feel.”

She added that “systemic racism is real, anti-Semitism is real, and antiLGBTQ+ actions are real” and those who think they don’t know anyone who has been impacted by “bigotry, bias or ignorance you are mistaken.”

K

athy Walters said she’s witnessed “drastic change in the school population – our student body has never been so diverse…Now is the time for inclusion and acceptance of all our students.”

She added that Sommerfeld has been an “amazing asset not only for the English department but LGBTQ plus students,” as her own child has “flourished in her classroom” as well as by having her as the staff sponsor of the GSA Club.

“Teaching culturally responsive teaching, supporting our GSA groups and advisors, shutting down the racist and homophobic racist actions from students and staff needs to happen

so we continue to be a school other districts look up to,” she said.

Georgia Arvantis, a senior at New Buffalo as well as member of the GSA Club, said that getting the club this year has allowed students to “have this safe place where we can go and converse with other people who are part of a community or who are supporting this community where a lot of us didn’t have that representation.”

“We have this group of staff members trying to be that support system for us,” she said, adding that she “can’t name how many times I’ve heard racist or homophobic comments” in the classroom.

Leslie brought up the topic to form an eight-man middle school football team of seventh and eighth grade boys with River Valley. Heit said that he’d like to ask athletic director Matt Johnson to give an update on the varsity high school team’s co-op with River Valley, which was approved in the spring.

Board members approved a superintendent evaluation of Leslie.

According to the Summative Evaluation Score, Leslie was 3.9/4.0, which means he received a 98 percent rating. Per the evaluation, this “puts him in the category of Highly Effective (90% to 100%). Leslie received “extremely high marks in Business and Finance (4.0/4.0 = 100%) and Instructional Leadership (3.9/4.0 = 98%). The board rated Leslie at 90% or higher in each of the performance practice areas.

Due to having to switch to remote learning, parents and students also expressed a need for a mask mandate at the district. Per its Return to Learn Plan, the district recommends face coverings but doesn’t require them.

www.newbuffalotimes.com

10 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

New Buffalo Township Treasurer Jack Rogers distributes candy to students

Santa lands at Three Oaks Township Library

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

A

lthough the weather outside was frightful, Santa still managed to navigate his sleigh and land in Three Oaks in time for his visit with readers at Three Oaks Township Public Library Saturday, Dec. 11.

While waiting for their turn with Santa, children could color a Christmas picture in the children’s reading room. Children could also munch on cookies and sip at hot chocolate, which were provided by the Friends of Three Oaks Library.

Santa will be making one more stop at the library at midnight Dec. 23, when he collects the letters that children have been dropping off for him into the special mailbag in the mailbox located at the entrance to the library.

Isaac Cummings shares his letter with Santa

Students display their handmade ornaments at Township Hall

Students deck the city, township halls with Christmas cheer

S

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Asher York poses by the mailbag for Santa

2020 Miss Three Oaks and River Valley Madison Lumley has her turn with Santa

tudents from New Buffalo Elementary School trooped over to New Buffalo City Hall and New Buffalo Township Hall to deck the trees out in their handcrafted ornaments Friday, Dec. 10.

While kindergarten through second graders took turns gathering at New Buffalo Township Hall, the older set gathered at the city hall.

As a reward for their generosity, students were given bags of candy and treats. At the city hall, Officer Mike Cluster led students in a round of Christmas caroling.

Students deck out the tree at City Hall Valentina Hall has her moment with Santa

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com Christina Beushausen directs the Blue and Gold Band

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 11 Deonna McGrew sings a solo during the Christmas Pop Sing Along

Demand could bring more resort-type apartments

N

BY STAN MADDUX

o keys have been issued but the developer of 200 resort type apartments in LaPorte could nearly double the number of units going up

Student, adult musicians showcased during annual holiday concert

Y

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

oung musicians at New Buffalo Area Schools, as well as some special guest musicians, came together to deliver a lively performance featuring the sounds of the season at the New Buffalo Bands’ annual winter concert Tuesday, Dec. 7.

This year, the concert opened with a performance from the Southwestern Michigan College Brass Band, which played a medley of holiday tunes. The concert closed with a joint performance of a “Holiday Pop Sing Along” against a backdrop of falling snow from the band,

the High School Band and select eighth graders from the Blue and Gold Band.

The performance opened with members of the Beginning Band (which features sixth grade students), followed by performances from the Blue and Gold Band (which is comprised of seventh and eighth graders) and the High School Band.

The Southwest Michigan College Brass Band was directed

by Mark Hollandsworth, SMC director. New Buffalo bands were directed by Christina Beushausen.

Members of the High School Band stand for applause after their performance with the SMC Brass Band

Members of the Beginners Band perform during the concert

right now.

Flaherty & Collins Properties out of Indianapolis plans to seek redevelopment tax credits from the state to help offset the cost of another 150 resort type apartments the company would like to build on the same property At the company’s request, the LaPorte City Council has approved a letter of support for the tax credits sought from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

The letter to the IEDC states additional resort type apartments near Clear Lake at NewPorte Landing would further address a need for improvement in the quality of available housing to help retain and attract residents to the city.

According to the letter, the expansion also would add to the economic growth the first 200 apartments are expected to generate for NewPorte Landing and downtown.

Bert Cook, executive director of the La Porte Economic Advancement Partnership, said the same tax credits were awarded by the IEDC in 2018 for the over $30 million development, which is about 90 percent completed.

Cook said the possible expansion is in response to demand reflected in a long waiting list of applicants for the first 70 higher end apartments expected to be made available for rent in February.

He said the remaining apartments should be open for rent later in February or March.

The 200 apartments featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances

will be contained inside three buildings.

Other amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center and bicycle storage for residents.

Cook said the proposed expansion hinges on the developer acquiring the tax credits and other approvals by the city in a process that new construction plans must follow to gain approval, he said.

“This is the very first step in a number of steps in order to consider a project like this,” he said.

Among the final hurdles to jump would be majority support from the city’s planning commission and city council.

Another 200 apartments would put Mayor Tom Dermody closer to achieving his goal of growing the city’s long stagnant population from 23,000 to 30,000 by 2030.

“We’ve said from day one we need housing of affordable type, high end type and everything in between,” said he said.

N

ewPorte Landing was once home to Allis Chalmers from the early 1900s until the factory closed in 1983.

Dermody said more than 80,000 tons of contamination was removed from the property during an environmental clean-up spanning six different mayors.

A slight majority of the 50 acres has already been redeveloped.

Stores like Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks along with Dunes Volleyball Club and Northwest Health Urgent Care are at the site.

An Aldi grocery store is presently going up on the property.

“To be able to turn that into something positive is amazing,” Dermody said.

I like to be in control of how I look and how I feel and how I act. — Billie Eilish

www.newbuffalotimes.com

12 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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‘Christmas at the Acorn’ returning for 17th year

F

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

or this year only, the annual Christmas at the Acorn will be called a new name: “Christmas at the Acorn: Survival Edition.”

At least, that’s what founder Robert Swan will call it.

Some of the performers that are part of the popular show have recently survived certain incidents (including a car accident). Swan himself is working his way through a second bout with cancer; however, despite illness, he said he’s “getting around pretty good.”

“I didn’t know a few weeks ago if we were going to have a show or not,” he said.

Once he got done with the process, he realized it was time to bring it back after taking a one-year hiatus last year due to Covid-19. “’You know, I feel okay,’” Swan said he told himself once he got back into the swing of things.

Then there’s the weathering of the ongoing pandemic that members of the audience have all been experiencing.

“We’re all survivors,” he said.

Harbor Country Opera will be presenting the 17th Christmas at the Acorn at the Acorn Theater at 8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 23.

Swan has brought together five of the finest singers you could wish to hear, including Acorn favorites tenor John Concepcion and soprano Kimberly Jones.

From tenor John Concepcion’s haunting rendition of “Balulalow (which will be accompanied on the harp

by Ramona Kim), to a couple of rarely heard medieval Christmas motets, Swan said there will be something for everyone. Swan will also sing the Christmas Song, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire.”

There will be plenty of opportunities for the audience

to join in song, with selections like “Silent Night” and “White Christmas.”

While audience members may not be able to sing through their masks, surely, they’ll be able to hum to “Silent Night.”

In a way, the show hearkens back to Swan’s days in church as a choir boy – “without having to kneel,” he said. He said he credits those days as introducing him to all the musical greats, from Mozart to Bach.

Swan went on to travel the world performing opera. His acting credits include roles in the movies “Hoosiers,” “The Untouchables” and the television show, “All My Children.”

In addition, Swan’s resume includes a variety of voiceover work, including as Tony the Tiger.

L

ike other performers across the world, Swan has been heartbroken to see how the entertainment industry has suffered a severe blow in the last year and a half.

“There was no performing in the arts going on at all,” he said.

Fortunately, Swan is used to forging ahead with his passion – despite any obstacles. That first year of the show, it wasn’t believed that anyone would show up for a show in Three Oaks in December.

But they did – which made Swan want to ensure that they would continue to come.

“I said, ‘You better show up,’” he said to the audience after promising he’d do it year after year.

General admission tickets to Christmas at the Acorn are $40 and can be purchased at acornlive. org or by calling 269-756-3879. The Acorn Theater is located at 107 Generation Dr. in Three Oaks.

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 15

HOR0SCOPE DECEMBER 16-22, 2021

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

The time is ripe for exploring and encountering new things.

Your mental energy is running high which will absorb information easily now. Use this vibe to its fullest by exploring different cultures or ancient places. Whether you decide to travel or not, at least hit the library and explore through books.

LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22

SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22—DECEMBER 21

You have a flair for dramatics this week. Turn that energy toward the theater or performing art, rather than create issues in your relationships. If you start to feel like you need to outshine or compete for attention with someone or something, walk away and give yourself a chance to realign your energy.

The things that you previously identified with or felt an affinity with are changing, and this week you will feel some definite shifts in what you connect with. You are in the first stages of a new beginning and are at a point where the old is out, but the new has yet to materialize.

TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20

Your tone could be quite serious this week, and you’ll want others to reciprocate your intensity by following through on promises immediately.

Situations and relationships will be more dramatic with some comfort zones being disrupted and a certain amount of control will need to be surrendered.

VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22

CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19

There is no place like home, and this week that is where you will want be. No matter what your schedule is make sure you block out some time to relax and recharge. A little tender, loving, care goes a long way now. If possible, book a massage or a spa day. If not, be sure to get some extra sleep.

This is a great time of year to turn your focus inwards and get in touch with what your soul yearns for. Any kind of pampering or nurturing will go a long way for you now. So, whenever you have the opportunity, relax, pull back and tend to your own needs, then you will be more generous.

GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21

This is not the time to sit home alone.

Get caught up in the holiday spirit by going out and being with others. Join in on festivities and enjoy the sharing by telling your story and imparting the wisdom you carry. Even though you have a very youthful quality, you have experience beyond years.

LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22 It’s all about communicating and learning more about your environment. Check out your surroundings, and make sure you are understanding all you can from your situation. Take the advice and wise counsel that is being offered to you by others. Learn from their mistakes and make the most of your time.

AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18

CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22

SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21

PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20

The stars are blessing you with tremendous strength and willpower this week, making it the perfect time to get a handle on your daily routines and habits. If you have any health concerns address them with certainty now. Getting more exercise and choosing healthier meals is easy now.

You have a natural talent for finding things of value this week. This is a great time to take inventory of what you value and what you hold dear. You have the gift of long vision now, and can easily see what preparations are needed to create fertile soil for future planting.

Talking with people will be very important for the Water Bearer this week. Socializing, people-watching and being part of a larger group will help you feel more spirited and youthful now. Debating and openly discussing differences in ways that are inclusive and productive can happen now.

Take some time this week to build your image or create your brand.

Let yourself become more public minded and consider what you would like to contribute to society as a whole.

Consider what you would like people to remember you by and work towards that goal.

On knowing the True value of everything. — Dino

www.newbuffalotimes.com

16 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

Earth-friendly LaPorte test drives electric car

I

BY STAN MADDUX

t looks, drives and is just as roomy as other midsized cars burning gasoline.

That’s what LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody and other city officials are learning about an electric car being tried out even on police patrols for the past

week.

Dermody on Wednesday, Dec. 15, began using the fourdoor car displaying the city’s logo on his work-related runs for the next couple of days.

He said the only difference was the electric car runs much quieter than traditional vehicles.

“It moves quickly. Fast,” said Dermody during a test run Dec. 15.

The electric 2020 Nissan LEAF is on loan from Crown Point based South Shore Clean Cities, Inc. The organization, which promotes the use of alternative fuels and other earth friendly practices, is allowing a municipalities in northern Indiana to use the car for two weeks.

SSCC Project Manager Ryan Lisek said the idea is to start changing public perception that electric vehicles lack the power, size and luxury of cars and trucks burning fossil fuel.

The car in LaPorte, for example, appeared to be the spitting image of a similar sized gas powered vehicle inside and out.

“It’s going to change the way Americans are going to start thinking about electric vehicles,” he said.

LaPorte Police Chief Paul Brettin said the car definitely has the horse power required for police work.

He said a slightly larger model with room for people arrested would probably be needed for patrols, but he

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can see the not too distant future just from his brief time behind the wheel.

“The wave’s coming. It’s going to happen,” Brettin said.

After being parked outside in the cold for hours, he said the car also didn’t have to warm up before producing heat through the vents in the dashboard.

Sarah Nimetz, the city’s Sustainability Program manager, said the car travels up to 200 miles on a full battery charge.

The battery can be plugged into an electrical outlet at home just like a television set or some other appliance.

Nimetz said it takes about 10 hours for a low battery to be fully charged in a 110 volt outlet, but just a half hour or so at an electric vehicle charging station.

She said the car has been impressive enough that several electric vehicles might be purchased by the city.

The sticker price for the car is about $36,000.

H

owever, Nimetz said less money could be spent in the long run from not having to purchase gasoline or change the oil.

She said electric vehicles also are known for requiring less maintenance.

All public transportation buses in LaPorte already run on cleaner burning propane and the waste water treatment plant operates on solar energy.

In addition, Nimetz said the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions locally were recently identified to develop and implement strategies that make the biggest contribution in the fight against climate change.

“We’re constantly looking at new ways to do things. This is no longer the La Porte of old,” he said.

AMTRAK RAIL CONNECTION PROPOSED OUTSIDE NEW BUFFALO

A

mtrak is looking to speed up travel to and from Chicago in parts of Michigan with a rail connection outside New Buffalo.

The New Buffalo City Council has joined St. Joseph and other municipalities in southwest Michigan in support of an environmental and engineering study for a rail connection with the CSX tracks.

“There is a lot of momentum behind this,” said New Buffalo City Manager Darwin Watson.

Watson said the connection would be north of New Buffalo and join the Pere Marquette and Wolverine/Blue Water services routes.

Watson said passengers from the west could use the Amtrak station in downtown New Buffalo to switch from trains heading north to St. Joseph, Bangor, Holland and Grand Rapids to trains going east as far as Detroit.

Passengers from the east could stop in New Buffalo and switch to trains heading as far north as Grand Rapids.

“The impact to this community and southwest Michigan would be marvelous,” he said.

The environmental and engineering study is necessary to establish the proposed rail connection and obtain federal money to help with the cost.

Support from municipalities in southwest Michigan is being sought to put up a united front in seeking financial help from Washington D.C. Watson said the amount of dollars being targeted by the current administration for infrastructure nationwide increases the odds of securing federal funding.

New Buffalo Mayor John Humphrey said he believes the proposed connection would have a positive impact but how much was too early to speculate.

He said there would be incentive, though, for some people to live in New Buffalo and work elsewhere.

Humphrey also sees potential for an increase in visitors and commercial development.

“It wouldn’t be just about tourism,” he said.

Humphrey also said the benefits would be greater if stops were scheduled at the most sought after times.

“The eleven o’clock in the morning train doesn’t make it the most convenient if you were trying to work in Chicago,” he said. — STAN MADDUX

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 17

Orchard planted to help feed rescued monkeys

A

BY STAN MADDUX

former zoo worker in Chicago is growing fruit at a retirement home for medical research monkeys he operates within a relatively short drive of the area.

Sixty fruit trees along with an irrigation system were put in the ground in October at the Peaceable Primate Sanctuary in Northwest Indiana.

The sanctuary has 45 baboons and macaques released from years of medical research by universities and pharmaceutical companies across the nation.

Scott Kubisch said he started the sanctuary after learning primates once completing their medical research were euthanized or assigned to other medical research duty.

“I thought, well, you know what. If I can at least offer a retirement to some of them then that would be great and that’s what I did,” he said.

Kubisch was a former animal keeper for 21 years at Lincoln Park Zoo and five years at Brookfield Zoo. He already has more than a dozen fruit bearing apple, pear and peach trees along with blueberry bushes that he planted about the time he opened the facility seven years ago near Winamac.

Kubisch said he planted the orchard containing apple, elderberry, persimmon and paw paw trees along with grapes to put even more of a dent into the primate rescue home’s grocery bill. .

“It’s not a humongous orchard. Just something to start,” he said.

Kubisch said he provided $5,000 from a fund raising drive to pay the cost of starting the orchard.

Much like a zoo, the sanctuary has indoor and outdoor cages furnished with things like barrels and platforms for the monkeys to climb and exercise on.

There’s also a grassy area for the

animals to dig for bugs and insects or simply relax.

Kubisch said the sanctuary is not open to the public.

However, he said special events are held during the spring, summer and fall where people can come and look at the facility.

With 12 employees, the sanctuary operates strictly from donations, grants and money raised from the special events.

Kubisch said a lot of the food, such as fresh fruit and vegetables for the animals, is also donated by farmers and local grocery stores.

“That’s stuff that we don’t have to go out and buy,” he said.

He grew up in the Chicago area but his grandparents lived on a small farm in English Lake, which is about 30 miles from the sanctuary.

Kubisch said the farm is no longer in the family but he wanted to return to the area that he enjoyed so much during his childhood.

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Kubisch said it’s not unusual for a

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Usually, the animals are in their teens when taken in but some have been as young as 5.

“They’re going to be here for a long, long, time,” he said.

As a result, he also plans to grow the orchard to stabilize what he spends out of pocket on food for the animals.

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LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

New Buffalo Times

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— SINCE 1942 —

mwww.newbuffalotimes.com

MR. BLOSSOMTIME PAGEANT AND SHOWCASE OF QUEENS AND MISS BLOSSOMTIME PAGEANT SET FOR APRIL 2022

T

he Blossomtime Festival is excited to announce the 2022 Miss Blossomtime and Mr. Blossomtime Pageant.

After a long hiatus due to the pandemic, community pageants are in full swing choosing their representatives to later compete for the titles of Mr. and Miss Blossomtime.

This year’s theme, “Past, Present, & Future,” will be honoring the past of Blossomtime and present with a salute to the future and has inspired two wonderful evenings of entertainment, music, and glamour. The Mr. Blossomtime and Showcase of Queens Pageant will be at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24, and Miss Blossomtime Pageant is the following evening at 7 p.m. Monday, April 25.

Tickets are $30 each. Premier Seating is available for $45 each. Program prices will be $5.

Open to the public, ticket sales will be available Monday, April 4. The pageants will be at the Mendel Center Mainstage and are guaranteed to be wonderful evenings full of talented young ladies and gentlemen, and the coronation of the 2022 Blossomtime Royalty.

For more information on how to compete in the local community pageants, please contact the Blossomtime office at office@ blossomtimefestival.org or 269982-8016. — STAFF REPORTS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021 19

T.269.358.8159

Best live music in Harbor country

UPCOMING SHOWS

The Bergamot:

A South Shore Christmas

FRI 12/10 8 P.M. ET

Henhouse Prowlers

SAT 12/11 8 P.M. ET

Brass from the Past

SAT 12/18 8 P.M. ET

Holiday Open Mic Night

WED 12/22 8 P.M. ET Harbor Country Opera

Christmas at the Acorn

THU 12/23 8 P.M. ET

See more events on our website!

acornlive.org

www.newbuffalotimes.com

20 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2021

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