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Terry Hanover welcomes supporters to the Memorial Garden
Supporters celebrate the ribbon-cutting with Victoria Petroff, and Terry and Lorraine Hanover
Ribbon cut on FONT’s community center’s year-long enhancements
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Alot has happened in New Troy since Henry Chamberlain came upon it during a walk from Lakeside in 1844.
So goes the story that’s written on a historical plaque in the Memorial Garden, which sits with three other ones in front of the Friends of New Troy Community Center.
“History plays an important part in our efforts to build a community, one neighbor at a time,” Terry Hanover, vice president of the FONT Board of Directors, said at a ribbon-cutting celebrating the completion of the center’s exterior revitalization project and the plaques Saturday, Nov. 8.
The plaque, which was done through research from Terry, states that Chamberlain was “land looking with some friends, and after staying the night in a cabin owned by Luman Northrop…they came on Troy Road,” which started in the village of New Buffalo.
In 1837, the town of Troy was platted by Joseph G. Ames of New Buffalo, who arrived in the great land rush of 1836 “with a view of repeating the fortunes made by the founders of Erie Canal cities.”
The plaque covers the 1800s, featuring the Morley Mill and Hosea Tirrell, the original owner of the Center of the World Store. On Plaque One, Jack Dodds tells the history of Weesaw Township. On Plaque Three, Mike Metz delves into the 1900s and New Troy’s “era of growth and decline” and Lorraine Hanover introduces the 21st Century on Plaque Four.
Graphic artist Anne Kleinmanns Johnson took the words and photos and “created the presentation that you see today,” Terry said.
“We were then blessed with an anonymous donation to pay for the plaques,” he added.
The Memorial Garden was the “inspiration” of Jim and Kay English and Lynn and Jon Haman, with both couples being credited for being behind the memorial brick area around the flag. Recent
finishing touches include concrete, Mahagony bench and plantings. Terry said they were celebrating what began as a “year-long endeavor that started with repaving the parking lot.” The project was made possible through a Crowdfunding campaign on Patronicity, Changemaker Studio of Bridgman, which donated time to write grants and obtain contributions from residents and local businesses. Through their efforts, FONT obtained a matching grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as well as the Berrien Community Foundation’s For Good Grant program.
A plaque is in the center’s foyer that lists those who generously gave, including Beverely Kohn, who honored her late husband, Jerry.
The center’s multi-faceted improvement project included repaving the parking lot, repairing sidewalks for accessibility, adding a walking path to the Memorial Garden, refreshing the building façade, and adding new landscaping.
Landscape design and discounted plantings were provided by Sawyer Garden Center. Countless volunteer hours drove the project to completion.
Terry said all the improvements added to the “original goal of the Friends of New Troy to create a park on the old school grounds.” This year, a pavilion, multisport court and walking path was added by the township, which paved their half of the parking lot.
“New Troy is a little town on your way to nowhere that audaciously calls itself the Center of the World,” Terry said, adding that “it takes a village.”
The New Troy Community Center is located at 13372 California Road in New Troy, Michigan. More information can be found at www.friendsofnewtroy.org.
It’s
Local Government Meetings
New Buffalo Times
Democracy Requires Transparency
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO
VANCE PRICE, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL
MARK ROBERTSON, ROGER LIJEWSKI, KAREN GEAR, RICH KNOLL, VANCE PRICE
City Council meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30PM
CITY OF NEW BUFFALO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 5:30PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP BOARD
HOWARD MALES, MICHELLE HEIT, MICHELLE HANNON, PATTY IAZZETTO, BARBARA ANDERSON
Board meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 4PM
NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM
SHERIFF BERRIEN COUNTY
Sheriff, Chuck Heit
Undersheriff, Greg Sanders
NEW BUFFALO AREA
RECREATIONAL AUTHORITY
Meets at 10AM on the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (odd) at New Buffalo Township Hall, 17425 Red Arrow Highway New Buffalo
NEW BUFFALO AREA SCHOOLS BOARD
LISA WERNER, JOHN HASKINS, DENISE CHURCHILL, JENNIFER SUMMERS, VANESSA THUN, STEPHEN DONNELLY, GREG VOSBERG
The Board meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6PM
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP
CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP BOARD
DAVID BUNTE, PAULA DUDIAK, LIZ RETTIG, RICHARD SULLIVAN, ARTHUR ANDERSON
Chikaming Board meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30PM CHIKAMING TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 6:30PM THREE OAKS
THREE OAKS TOWNSHIP BOARD
Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7PM
VILLAGE OF THREE OAKS BOARD
Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7PM
GRAND BEACH
Meets on the 3rd Wednesday at 5PM EST
KIMBERLY WOLNIK, CLERK-TREASURER
HARRY WALDER, JACK GRACE, ED SEBASTIAN, PETER DOERR, EDWARD BRANDES
MICHIANA
VILLAGE OF MICHIANA COUNCIL
Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 1PM
Tribute Plaza dedicated in New Buffalo Township
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
The future Tribute Plaza, which will pay tribute to past and present veterans, at the former location of the State Police Post at the corner of U.S. Highway 12 and Clay Street in New Buffalo Township, was officially dedicated the day before Veteran’s Day Monday, Nov. 10.
“This park stands as a living tribute, a place where future generations can pause, reflect and remember the price of freedom,” New Buffalo Township Supervisor Michelle Heit said.
She added that the legacy of veterans will “live forever on in this community and this sacred space.”
“May this park remind us that freedom is never free, and gratitude must never end,” Heit said.
An official ribbon-cutting for the park will possibly take place closer to Memorial Day 2026.
Jason Marquardt, senior project engineer at Abonmarche, said that they expect the final completion by possibly midDecember. In the spring, they’ll return to complete items such as landscaping.
He said the wall, which will surround the one-of-a-kind, eight-foot metal globe crafted by local artist Josh Andres, was scheduled to go up later this week.
Surrounding the globe will be plaques, also designed by Andres, that pay tribute to each branch of the armed forces. Over 200 commemorative bricks have been sold, each inscribed with the name of someone who has served, from New Buffalo and beyond. The bricks will go on the ground near the entrance to the park, with astroturf around the side and plantings and a sign for the park.
Heit said that the township used Local Revenue Sharing Board money as well as The Pokagon Fund and some park millage funds for the around $900,000 project.
Kathy Burczak, senior landscape architect at Abonmarche, was credited for the design.
“This is going to be such a nice welcome to New Buffalo, not just the township but on your way to the city,” Heit said.
A writer needs three things, experience, observation, and imagination, any two of which, at times any one of which, can supply the lack of the others. — William Faulkner
Jason Marquardt, Michelle Heit, Pat Donnelly, Nick Shelton, Kathy Burczak and Patty Iazzetto pose in front of a sign for the Tribute Plaza
A Taste of the Holidays: Greek Bake Sale On
TEXT AND PHOTOS BY ALEXANDER FATOUROS
Inspire your palate with a full array of scrumptious, authentic Greek fare and pastries at the inperson 2025 Holiday Greek Bake Sale. The beautiful Byzantinestyled Annunciation-Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church in New Buffalo, Michigan, invites the community to its annual event on select dates this November and December.
Mark your calendars: visitors can stock up on festive treats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET on the following days: Friday, November 21; Saturday, November 22; and Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The event is sponsored by the Orthodox Philanthropic Society, whose members hail from the host church. Central to the Greek way of life is
philoxenia (φιλοξενία)—extending kindness and hospitality to all. In this spirit, the sale offers a chance to purchase authentic, homemade Greek pastries and sweets, ideal for holiday entertaining and gifting. Expect artistic plates that blend geographic influences.
Taking center stage is the beloved Baklava—a rich, nutty strudel of phyllo pastry and cinnamon. The menu features classics like Galaktoboureko, Melomakarona, and Kourambiedes, alongside Flogeres, Tsoureki, and Koulouria, plus American favorites such as pumpkin and lemon bars.
The funds raised from the sale support the organization's ongoing philanthropic efforts. As member
Tina Sarantos confirmed, the group's priority is: "We focus on supporting organizations trying to help the women and children in our community.”
Sarantos detailed their specific programs, which include purchasing items from the wish lists of the Avenue Family Network and Empowerment Center (formerly the Cora Lamping center) for delivery at Christmas. They also provide monthly financial contributions to Feeding America West Michigan and the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC). In a recent show of commitment, Sarantos explained how they reacted after learning of lost funding at Feeding America West Michigan: "we responded
by increasing the monthly financial support we give them."
While visiting, guests are also invited to experience The Greek Museum, located within the church, and view the "Greeks of Berrien County” exhibit. This installation, curated by Elaine Thomopoulos, Ph.D., brings to life the history of the local Greek-American community from the early 1900s to the present.
The Holiday Greek Bake Sale takes place at the Annunciation-Agia Paraskevi Greek Orthodox Church, located at 18000 Behner Road, New Buffalo, Michigan 49117 (easily accessible on US 12 near Exit 4B off I-94).
Baklava
Kourambiedes alongside Koulouria
Kourambiedes
Athenian Treasury, Delphi, Greece on Mount Parnassus
Atop the Acropolis. Athens, Greece
Koulouria, Greek butter cookies
OPINION
What’s Playing at the Theater in Galien?
PART 4
BY BILL BURCK
“All the world’s a stage
And all the men and women merely players…”
--William Shakespeare
Note: We’re serving up a double helping of Galien theater this week. Like when you finish the hamburger, wipe your mouth and say, “I’d like another, please.” There are consequences to second helpings, of course, so please take normal precautions.
In 2016, Pokémon Go turned the real world into its game universe. You couldn’t play it at home, not if you wanted to win. You had to go outside and move around, while the app on your phone told you where you were in the game. You might find yourself sitting in a car next to a park for hours, because you were excited to catch Pokémon.
It was only a matter of time before experimental theater latched onto this idea. Why wouldn’t you merge drama with reality to create a new kind of theater? One that expands the stage to everyday life. Where actors develop their characters throughtheir everyday lives.
The theater in Galien is at the cutting edge of this movement. Their play “Regular Board Meeting” has drawn people in from all over the township. Half the drama occurs out in the real world during the weeks between monthly theatrical performances, raising the tension and the stakes when they gather on stage to advance the story.
I feel this tension as I watch them perform. Ninety minutes later, I find myself leaving the theater emotionally drained. Only the story is episodic, so there is no resolution, no catharsis. I talk with others to try to make sense of what I just saw. I am hooked. Addicted. I write these articles every week. It’s becoming an obsession.
What has my obsession taught me after three months?
One thing I know: the Board Supervisor could very well be this play’s tragic hero. Why do I say that? He is the only character who displays such a dangerous
cocktail of admirable qualities and fatal flaws. Board Supervisor and Tim Richter are bothfavored sons of the township. They grew up in well-respected families. Many people consider them to be their friends. Good guys. Nice. Respectful.
But what about their shadow side? Do their fans not see it? Notcare? Or simply forgive the excessive pride, greed, and poor judgment? What will they think if he suffers a calamitousdownfall?
I cannot overemphasize Richter’s dedication to his role. In his day-to-day life, he exudes the Board Supervisor’s good-natured confidence, fatal flaws, and dubious ethics. He seems to have no problem sacrificing his reputation in the service of great theater. Most of what I hear about Richter centers on the 67-acre property he has owned at Mt. Zion Road and US-12 for sometwenty years. The property is infamous, and not just in Galientownship. The State of Michigan tightened its zoning laws due to the controversy stirred up by Richter’s campaign of farmland desecration.
The property’s infamy in the township derives from thetransformation Richter inflicted on it. What he bought twenty years ago was farmland suitable for corn, wheat, and soybeans. What he owns today is essentially the Land of Mordor. An open sore festering amidst an agricultural landscape.
Seeking help, I asked AI how I could transform 67 acres of farmland into the Land of Mordor. AI figured I wanted to build a theme park, so its answer didn’t help. I refined the question, asking how I could transform 67 acres of farmland into a desecrated wasteland oozing like an open sore?
“I cannot provide instructions on how to create a ‘desecrated wasteland’ or intentionally harm a property,” AI answered. “My purpose is to be helpful and harmless, which includes promoting environmental stewardship and responsible land use, not destruction or creating a nuisance to the agricultural landscape.”
For good measure, it added, “Intentionally transforming a parcel of farmland into a “desecrated wasteland” through actions such as environmental
destruction is illegal and can result in severe criminal penalties and civil liabilities.”
Here’s where I roll my eyes and sigh, “Oh, AI.” Ask Tim Richter how illegal it is to desecrate farmland and how severe the criminal penalties and civil liabilities are. If he bothers to answer, he will tell you none of that kind of stuff happened to him. Not at all.
Here are some highlights of Tim Richter’s farmland desecration:
1. Scraped all the soil off the property’s tillable acres and sold it to the Three Oaks landfill. The township did not consider this mining, even though he was selling stuff removed from the ground. Not mining, the township insisted, and the property retained its agricultural zoning.
2. Started a business to hold snowmobile races on the property. Applied for and was granted a special use permit to create establishments for conducting commercial or industrial activities on the property. It seemed like the perfect zoning loophole. Until a spoilsport neighbor sued the township over this permitting and won the lawsuit on appeal. Then the state swooped in and tightened its zoning laws so townships couldn’t issue special use permits willy nilly like that ever again. Did that deter Tim Richter’s campaign of farmland desecration? Again, best to ask him. I expect he will say no.
3. Put up a sign on US-12 notifying people he welcomed clean broken concrete on the property. That pile of concrete visible in the picture above seems to indicate someone accepted his invitation.
4. Started grinding clean broken concrete into gravel and put up a sign advertising gravel for sale. Is that all? No, it is not all. Unfortunately, we have eaten all the way through our double helping of Galien theater. There’s absolutely no room for a third. We’ll just have to stop right here and return to the topic of Tim Richter’s farmland desecration next week.
In the meantime, don’t forget to attend the next monthly performance of “Regular Board Meeting” at 7:00 pm on November 19. There is no better theater experience to be had within 100 miles.
SCHOLASTICS
School board hears positive spring test scores report
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
Members of the New Buffalo Area Schools Board of Education heard a positive spring 2025 tests scores report at their Monday, Nov. 10, meeting.
Regarding ELA MSTEP scores, Sam Stine, curriculum director, said third grade ranked fifth in the state and had a 73% proficiency. Fourth grade ranked first with a 93.8% proficiency, fifth grade ranked second with a 77.1 percent proficiency, sixth grade was second with 75% proficiency, and seventh grade ranked 59 in the state with a 66.1% proficiency.
Spring 2025 scores for the PSAT, which is a timed test unlike MSTEP, showed that eighth grade ranked first in the state in Reading and Writing and had a 97.9% proficiency.
Ninth grade had 73.8% proficiency in Reading and Writing, 10th grade had 77.6% and 11th grade was 65.7% proficient with a state ranking of 97.
Stine said that NBAS is the highest rated district in Berrien County related to overall ELA proficiency. (M-STEP = 74%, PSAT/ SAT = 79.9%). State proficiency is 40.7%, which is 5.3% better proficiency than the second rated district in Berrien County.
“What this tells me is the curriculum and current materials are meeting our needs that we’re rolling out to our students and it also tells me the Tier 2 and Tier 3 types of interactions we’re
having with instruction are things that continue to be a focus area but you’re seeing a lot of great things when you see those types of numbers in the state,” Stine said.
Regarding Spring 2025 MSTEP Math scores, third grade is ranked eighth in the state and has a 78.4% proficiency; fourth grade is ranked first with 93.8% proficiency; fifth grade is ranked first with a 77.1% proficiency; sixth is ranked 26 with 59.1% proficiency and seventh grade is ranked 53 with a 51.2% proficiency.
Regarding Spring 2025 PSAT scores, eighth grade is ranked first with 79.2% proficiency; ninth grade has 59.5% proficiency; 10th grade is 55.1% proficient and 11th grade is ranked 19th in the state with 54.3% proficiency.
Teachers meet periodically for 1520 minutes for Data Digs, which is a common protocol used district wide to discuss how students are performing on priority standards. Staff can discuss enrichments and interventions that are being provided and ELA and Math strength areas.
“What this tells me is the curriculum and current materials are meeting our needs that we’re rolling out to our students and it also tells me the Tier 2 and Tier 3 types of interactions we’re having with instruction are things that continue to be a focus area but you’re seeing a lot of great things when you see those types of numbers in the state,” Stine said.
It’s required by the state that all students align their high school classes with a career pathway through an Educational Development Plan (EDP). Stine said that the classes that are taken depending on the pathway can factor into the “success of assessments as well.”
field bleachers.
Per the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Public Spaces Community Spaces (PSCS) Program is a crowdfunding initiative that can provide matching grants for crowdfunded public space projects through Patronicity. MEDC will match up to $50,000 for projects and up to $75,000 if the project’s “universally designed.”
NBCEF Vice President Tom Rowland said NBCEF applied to the program and were approved for having a universally designed project as well.
BNBAS is the highest rated district in Berrien County related to overall math proficiency performance (M-STEP/ PSAT/ SAT = 70.6%. State average proficiency is 36%, which is 12.7% better proficiency than the second rated district in Berrien County. Stine said that this tells him that the current materials are meeting their overall tier 1 instructional needs.
Superintendent Adam Bowen said that At Risk meetings are also held with the district’s wellness teams and principals, which focus on what may be going on in a student’s particular life if they sense them slipping academically.
“That’s the great thing about being a small school - you can really have that pulse and you know kids intimately, so you can step in and intervene if anything’s going south,” he said.
Board members approved the New Buffalo Community Education Foundation fundraising for the baseball
oard members approved the “Letter of Agreement” with the New Buffalo 5-C Education Association to clarify compensation for additional or newly created middle school courses offered under the revised instructional schedule.
Bowen said that a debate course will be taught to seventh and eighth graders in the afternoon. The current contract’s language is two years old, as the middle school currently does “blue” and “gold” days, where the schedule rotates certain classes on each day.
Board members heard of the resignation of Pam Collins, daycare aid, and Amber Lowry, paraprofessional.
Board members convened into Closed Session to conduct a superintendent’s periodic evaluation.
From the Bleachers
From the Bleachers
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
COLUMN BY KURT MARGGRAF IN CHICAGO
LLast weeks column was difficult for me.
ike many teams, in many cities, in a variety of different sports, the coach (or manager) often receives too much praise when a team wins and too much blame when they lose.
The World Series had just concluded and the Bears had eeked out a last second victory, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that another event that meant a lot to me should be talked about too, and tonight I remembered what that story was.
Through the years here in Chicago, we’ve had our share of really bad coaches with an occasional good one sprinkled in, but at this moment, I believe we’ve got nothing to complain about. Let’s take a look.
The last three men to coach the Blackhawks for at least an entire season were Joel Quenneville, Jeremy Colliton, and Luke Richardson.
Imagine if you will, it’s your 70th birthday, a party is planned to honor you, and 100 of your closest friends show up. You’re a family man, and you love your wife and kids. Your cell phone rings, you glance at it, and see that it’s your son. You pick up the phone imagining he called to tell you happy birthday, but you’re only half right.
Quenneville, who led the team to three Stanley Cups, would probably still be coaching if it weren’t for an assistant coach that did terrible things to one of the players, causing multiple firings. Colliton and Richardson were run of the mill although they had little to work with. Next season, Jeff Blashill, who previously coached the Detroit Red Wings, will give it a try.
The Bulls last three coaches were Fred Hoiberg, Jim Boylen, and Billy Donovan.
He also wanted to proudly share that he had been selected by Major League Baseball to umpire in the World Series. He would be the home plate umpire in game four and was flying his dad out to see the game.
captaining the ship and the Sox are much more competitive than they have been lately. A few more good players wouldn’t hurt.
The Cubs have had good luck with managers lately.
Back in 2017, when John was only 34, he took an afternoon stroll on a Pittsburgh bridge. He was going to ump a night game between the Pirates and the Rays.
While crossing the bridge, John saw a woman about to jump into the Allegheny river. He grabbed her and started to try to talk her out of it when another man, then another, were finally able to pull her back to the right side of the railing.
Joe Maddon led them to their first World Series victory in a century. He was followed by one of the World Series heroes, David Ross, who did a fine job but was replaced by Craig Counsell who was widely considered the best manager in baseball.
Under his guidance, Peter Crow Armstrong is blossoming into a superstar and the Cubs are leading their division Counsell should be around for many years.
A woman at the bottom of the bridge asked John what happened, he replied, and went back to the hotel.
Sometimes it feels like the Bears haven’t had a good coach since Mike Ditka roamed the sidelines.
That night he was behind the plate and in between innings he noticed the first guy that helped him in the stands.
Community marks Veterans Day
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
In honor of Veterans Day, New Buffalo Area Schools paid tribute to “hometown heroes” during a ceremony held at the New Buffalo High School Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Nov. 11.
The ceremony, which was put on by students in International Thespian Society Troupe 11980, included skits and singing, as well as patriotic tunes by the New Buffalo High School Band.
Jack Tumpane, father of John, was able to share this happy news with all of his friends. His son had just become one of the youngest men (42) to be chosen to ump the World Series.
Hoiberg wasn’t terrible but Boylen was. Donovan is a professional but not exceptional. Last season, the front office helped him out by putting a young team together that has a chance to be decent. There have been a couple of stories recently that indicated the Bulls might be on the verge of hiring former Bull great Scottie Pippen to replace Donovan.
Please don’t let those stories be true.
The White Sox have had three underwhelming recent managers.
One of the anecdotes Jack told us that he was a high school umpire and referee, and his son always wanted to ump. He would stand in front of the mirror as a youngster and practice his safe/out and strike/ ball calls.
Tony La Russia’s hiring was the beginning of the downward spiral the Sox have been in lately. He was replaced by Pedro Grifol who seemed to do nothing to pull the team out of their lethargy.
Currently, Will Venable is
About six or eight of us were having a really nice evening listening to Jack spin his yarns, and the coolest part of the story was still to come.
That night the woman at the bottom of the bridge, who turned out to be a local newscaster, told the story on air. The third guy that helped on the bridge turned out to work for the Pirates.
While that isn’t true, the list certainly contains more misses than hits. John Fox was hired for some reason, I’m sure. Matt Nagy started out strong, but quickly fizzled. The Matt Eberflus era started decently but went downhill rapidly. Then the unthinkable happened. They hired the most sought after coach of the last two years and without even coaching a game, he’s my favorite Bears coach of my rather lengthy life.
That night, between innings, the story was told to the crowd, and John, the umpire, received a standing ovation. I was more impressed with meeting this man than I would have been if I had met Michael Jordan.
Ben Johnson is an impressive man. He commands respect just by walking into the room. He’s an offensive genius, he’s hired an impressive staff, and added so much respect to the organization that their opponents are worried, which hasn’t been the case for quite some time.
Bless you and your family, John.
I’m so looking forward to the future.
Billy Evans said, “The public wouldn’t like the perfect umpire in every game. It would kill off baseball’s greatest alibi- ‘We was robbed’.”
Alexander the Great said, “I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep. I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”
Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
Be kind. Talk to you next week. Peace, love, and happiness.
People appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language. — Sam Altman
Veterans enter the PAC Riley Castle-Brow performs at the ceremony
The New Buffalo High School Band performs patriotic tunes
Members of the International Thespian Society Troupe 11980 perform
Aaron Illescas-Villa performs onstage Students shake the hands of veterans
Shootings result in virtual life sentence
The Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights Finals returns to The Acorn
ARREST IN FATAL SHOOTING
What could be viewed as a life sentence has been given to a convicted killer who later shot two men in Michigan City.
Javan Brown of Michigan City was given 80 years in prison on two counts of Level 1 felony attempted murder.
WHis sentence was enhanced by another 35 years for lawful possession of a fireman as a convicted felon and being a member of a gang.
The sentence was handed down on Nov. 6 about a month after he was found guilty by a jury.
The shootings happened over two years ago in the 400 block of York Street.
According to authorities, Brown, 23, stepped out of a car, fired shots and ran back to the vehicle.
More shots rang out from the vehicle as he fled the scene.
Police said one man was shot in the head, but the bullet did not penetrate his skull while the other man was shot multiple times in the leg.
In 2019, Brown was given a more than five-year sentence for reckless homicide in connection with the fatal shooting of a friend.
La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan said he agreed with the most recent sentence. “It was appropriate under what we had proven,” he said.
According to authorities, 18-yearold Justin Garner was sitting in the backseat of a vehicle when shot in the head by Brown.
Brown also in the vehicle was reaching for a gun when the firearm went off, police said.
In his appeal, Brown claimed the fatal shooting was an accident.
The Indiana Court of Appeals in denying his appeal ruled the shooting resulted from his acts of recklessness, instead. — STAN
MADDUX
The Acorn is thrilled to announce the return of the theater’s highly anticipated 10-minute playwriting competition, The Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights, at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.
The top five plays will be performed by local theater groups on The Acorn stage – and the audience will vote for the winner.
The 2025 Spectacular Tournament of Playwrights finalists are Whitney Jarrett, “Disposable Black Girlfriend,” from Silver Spring, Maryland; Johanna Beale Keller, “Amicably, Kinda Sorta,” from Syracuse, New York; Linda LaRocque, “The Magic Kingdom,” from South Haven, Michigan; Donald Loftus, “Joey,” from New York City, New York; and Barbara A. Silverstone, “The Cat Sitter,” from Paris, France.
Whitney Jarrett is a first-gen, African American writer born in Maryland and raised by immigrant parents. She began her writing journey as a child, keeping meticulous journals and writing short stories in the margins of her class notebooks. She then went on to attend the University of Maryland in 2014, where she became a member of Kreativity Diversity Troupe. There, she fostered her love of writing and performing, specializing in stand-up comedy. Upon graduation, she began her blogging journey and now runs “What Whitney’s Watching” on Substack, where she pens film reviews and personal essays. In 2025, her short play, “Trouble on Georgia Ave” was featured in Powerstories’ Voices of Women Theatre Festival.
Johanna Beale Keller is a Syracuse, NYbased playwright, lyricist and filmmaker whose stageplays have been in the past two seasons by NYC’s Gallery Players, NYC’s Rogue Theater Festival, Lake Tahoe’s Valhalla, Houston’s Theatre Southwest, and Long Island’s Theatre Three, among many others. Playwright awards have included the 2023 Central PA Playwright Award, 2023 SC Theatre Association Award, and the Atlanta Fringe Festival 2023 Critics Award. Her rom-com short has been screened at film festivals in New York, Mississippi and Atlanta, and won the Oniros Best Comedy and the Magnolia Best Family feature. She is a member of PEN America, Women’s+ Playwrights @ Speranza Theatre, Armory Square Playwrights. She is a graduate of the three-year program in Dramatic Writing from the Dramatists Guild Institute Program, and
advanced degrees in literature and music. A multi award-winning playwright, Linda LaRocque’s plays have been produced in both professional and civic theaters throughout the United States. Her dramatic works are published by Playscripts, Pioneer Drama Service, Smith and Kraus, Next Stage Press and Art Age Publishing Company. She has written numerous short stories for various publications including Guideposts, Signs of The Times and many of The Chicken Soup for The Soul series. Donald Loftus is a playwright, librettist and lyricist living in New York City. Loftus’ work has been presented on stages across The United States, The United Kingdom, India, Australia, and Sweden. He won the W. Keith Hedrick National Playwriting Award and The Southeast Texas Festival of New Plays. His full-length drama, “The Springvale Armadillo, “ was chosen for The Cincinnati L.A.B. Theatre’s New Works Festival, and his musical, “Illusion, “ was selected for the Colorado New Musical Festival and The Emerging Artist Theatre Festival held in New York City. His full-length psychodrama, “Per, “ was produced by the Theatre Lab Theater Project in Tampa, Florida. His many one-acts have been presented at over one hundred festivals nationwide. He is proud to serve on the board of directors of The Dramatist Guild Foundation.
Barbara A. Silverstone was born in Los Angeles and now lives in Paris, where she works as a French-toEnglish translator and writes plays on the side. Two table reads of her two-act play, “Mother, I Could Kill You” were performed by actors from the Loft Ensemble theater company in Los Angeles via Zoom during the 2020 lockdown. “Mother, I Could Kill You” placed in the semi-finals of the 2021 ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition and was a finalist for the 2025 Stanley Drama Award. Silverstone has a B.A. in French Literature from Occidental College in Los Angeles, where she also minored in Theater, and a Master’s Degree in English Literature from the Université de Rennes II in Rennes, France. She is a member of the Playwrights’ Center theater organization and the Dramatists Guild of America. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at www.acornlive.org. The Acorn is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks. — STAFF
An arrest has been made for a shooting death near Michigan City’s lakefront over the summer.
Daquvay Sherrod, 35, of Michigan City is charged in La Porte Superior Court 1 with murder. He was ordered held in the La Porte County Jail on $1 million bond. He was taken into custody on Nov. 6 after Judge Jamie Oss ruled the evidence presented to her by investigators was sufficient enough for him to answer to the allegations.
Sherrod is accused of killing La Porte resident Dante Sellers, who was found badly wounded across the street from Matey’s, a popular bar and grill just south of Washington Park. Police said the August shooting happened following a heated exchange of words inside the establishment.
The 25-year-old Sellers died the next day at a Chicago hospital. Originally, another man was held responsible but charges against him were dismissed a few weeks later after surveillance video from a different angle revealed the actual gunman, authorities said. Sherrod could face anywhere from a 45 to 65-year sentence.— STAN MADDUX
Richard “Rich” Allen Fatter
1948-2025
Richard “Rich” Allen Fatter, 77, of Three Oaks, died peacefully, Thursday, November 6, 2025, in the comfort of his family’s presence.
His life began July 3, 1948 in Niles, Michigan, the middle of three children born to William and Dixie Fatter. He married Rebecca Carver, May 16, 1970 in Three Oaks, Michigan. After fifty-two years, she preceded him in death.
Rich lived a life defined by hard work, friendship, and love for family. He worked proudly for the Berrien County Road Commission, where he served his community. Rich found deep meaning in serving his country for the United States Army and then becoming a member of the American Legion. He had a gift for connecting with people; mentoring kids while coaching Little League, sharing stories and laughs with friends, or spending time with his grandchildren, teasing, and cracking jokes at family gatherings. He poured his heart into every relationship. His love for human connection and his generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Rich knew how to make people laugh. His quick wit, clever sense of humor, and ability to find joy in every moment drew people to him. Rich had a special gift for interacting with others through laughter. His humor was his way of showing love and it made every room brighter. Rich will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. His presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished by all whose lives he touched.
Rich will be greatly missed by family and friends. one daughter, Stephanie (Eric) Spriggs of New Buffalo,
OBITUARIES
one son, Darrin Fatter of Dewitt one bonus son, James (Alison) Grosse of Zeeland, seven grandchildren, Spencer, Evan, Mila, Maddon, Ava, Kellen, Ella, one sister, Diane Yettaw of Michigan City, Indiana one brother, William (Robin) Fatter of La Porte, Indiana and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife.
Melissa
K. Noble
1967-2025
Melissa K. Noble, 58, of Three Oaks, died peacefully, Sunday, November 9, 2025, following a short illness at Hanson Hospice Center in the comfort of her family’s presence.
Her life began October 22, 1967 in St. Joseph, Michigan, the youngest of four children born to LaVern and Hannah Noble. She attended Gard School in St. Joseph, starting at the age of three and then transferred to Blossomland Learning Center. She graduated from there in the spring of 1994.
Melissa was active in many activities. She was a member of the swim team, synchronized swimming, and proudly represented southwest Michigan in the Special Olympics in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, earning numerous medals. She also enjoyed bowling at Blossom Lanes in Benton Harbor and Diamond Bowl in New Buffalo. Melissa’s favorite summertime activity was spending time with her family at the cottage on Portage Lake in Three Rivers, swimming, riding on the pontoon, paddleboat and enjoying countless family gatherings. In school she was taught
to participate in different work programs, which led her to volunteer at the Three Oaks Library after graduation-a role she loved and continued until the onset of the Covid Pandemic, after which she retired. Melissa also participated at Gateway and later Harbor House, where she was reunited with friends from her school days. After her father’s retirement in 1995, the family moved to Starr Road. Melissa and her dad spent countless hours together, often walking and enjoying different activities side by side. Melissa never met a stranger. Everyone who crossed paths with her instantly became her friend. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who were touched by her kindness and light. During her life, she brought joy to so many hearts-the past month she spent time at West Woods Bridgman, Michigan to her final days at Hanson Hospice Center.
Melissa will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her mother, Hannah Noble of Three Oaks, two sisters, Debbie McCartney of Sodus, Terri (Jerry) Turner of Berrien Springs, her favorite brother, Todd (Zoeann) Noble of Three Oaks, seven nieces and nephews, fourteen great nieces and nephews, one great great nephew and another expected in December. She was preceded in death by her father, LaVern Noble, one brother-in-law Don McCartney, two uncles and three aunts.
Family and friends will gather Friday, November 14, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with the service at 1:00 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks.
Melissa will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery at a time to be announced.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Melissa be made to The Three Oaks Library, 3 North Elm Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www. wagnercares.com.
Driver of overturned semi charged with OWI
BY STAN MADDUX
Asemi-truck driver consumed a nearly 12 pack of beer just prior to overturning his rig on Interstate 94 outside Michigan City.
That’s what the driver, 51-year-old Joseph Shirley, allegedly told police.
Shirley, Jr. is charged with La Porte Circuit Court with Level 5 felony operating while intoxicated causing serious injury, causing a partial shutdown of Interstate 94 outside Michigan City last month.
According to Indiana State Police, the Alabama man told investigators he wasn’t sure what caused him to overturn but was told by another motorist one of his tires had blown. This caused him to leave the road and overturn his tractor trailer late in the afternoon on Oct. 21 about four miles east of the U.S. 421 exit.
The trailer came to rest on its side across all three eastbound lanes, causing multiple vehicles to strike the trailer. A driver from South Dakota who suffered a broken leg, police said.
Police said Shirley told investigators he consumed about 10 beers from a 12 pack during a 10-hour period on the
road since leaving Davenport, Iowa, before the crash.
Charges were filed Nov. 4 based on his breath containing a smell of alcohol, physical symptoms of impairment and a portable breathalyzer test revealing a BAC of just under two times the legal limit, authorities said.
Only the results from a certified blood alcohol test are admissible as evidence in court.
All three eastbound lanes were closed for several hours to allow emergency responders to investigate the accident and clean-up the wreckage.
Shirley, after being treated for his injuries, was released from a hospital and booked into the La Porte County Jail later that evening.
Currently, Shirley is out on bond waiting for his initial court hearing, which is scheduled for Dec. 5.
His alleged blood alcohol level was .15 percent. He’s accused of having a blood alcohol level nearly two times the .08 percent legal limit.
He could face anywhere from a one to six-year sentence.
MEAT SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM RAISING MONEY NOW THROUGH END OF THE YEAR
Partnering with the Pokagon Fund, The Harbor Country Rotary Club and The New Buffalo Yacht Club are raising money to help individuals facing food insecurity in our community through Dec. 31.
Twice a month, the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry serves local families and individuals. This effort is a partnership between Feeding America West Michigan, the Harbor Country Rotary Foundation, Harbert Community Church, and Episcopal Church of the Mediator.
While the Pokagon Fund currently funds the purchase and inclusion of meat, it only covers one distribution per month. To help expand this vital service, the Yacht Club, in coordination with the Rotary Club, has launched a fundraising campaign to supplement the budget, Harbor Country Meat Supplement Program.
Donations will help local families and children in dire need, especially now as food assistance programs continue to face cuts. — STAFF REPORTS
A Writer’s Life... DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Fast Times at DIC Life at DIC Entertainment hurtled at lightspeed. Jean and Andy landed new series after new series. Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors, Rainbow Brite, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘n’ Wrestling, Kissyfur. The studio was expanding like the universe after the Big Bang. Writers, artists, assistants, production personnel; people were everywhere.
I was gliding on greased rails with Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats.
As 1984 blazed into 1985, story springboards for all 21 episodes had been approved. All treatments were written, and scripts were pouring in on a daily basis.
Things were going so fast that we were far ahead of schedule and I was starting to think I’d made a mistake when I told Lori I wasn’t going to write scripts for the series; that I was just going to story edit the other writers’ scripts.
As Ray Dryden, Eleanor BurianMohr and my other writers happily arrived with a steady stream of scripts, I was getting envious. I missed coming up with my own story springboards, my own treatments, my own scripts. Writing is the closest a person can come to being a god. You take a blank sheet on a computer screen and create whole worlds and locations and then people and stories to populate them.
It’s exhilarating.
But I’d be less than honest if I didn’t mention another reason I missed writing my own scripts. I was making $1,500 a week as a story editor. In addition, writing anoccasional Care Bears script was a nice boost to my income. L.A. was an expensive place to live and I’d gotten used to that extra income. Now that it was gone, through my own decision not to write scripts for Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats, I was missing it.
As always, like the empath she was,
Lori came to my rescue. I walked into Lori’s office, summoned for a meeting. She greeted me with, “You’re doing great on Heathcliff.” She told me DIC’s growing, which I already knew. What I didn’t know was that the studio would be moving to a larger venue in Encino. She continued with, “You’re going to be working from home for the next two weeks.” I was thinking it made sense during the move when Lori stunned me. “You’re taking a break from Heathcliff.” She waited for what felt like an eternity, then asked, “Have you seen any M.A.S.K. episodes?” I told her I hadn’t, that all I knew was it was about race cars. In a déjà vu moment, Lori shoved a series bible and a stack of videocassettes across herdesk.
She explained M.A.S.K. was going into its final season – just 10 episodes. I was to get another writer and the two of us were to knock out the 10 episodes…in two weeks! “You’ll story editor the other writer’s scripts so you’ll keep earning your salary in addition to your fees for the scripts you write.” When she saw shock on my face, she said, “I recommended you to Andy for the job. You’re fast and you’re good.”
I looked at the series bible and videocassettes. “But there’s the series bible to read, all these episodes to view and –”
She interrupted with, “You’ll be getting $7,500 for two weeks’ work.” She added a coup de grace. “You’re a good story editor, Jack. But you’re a writer first. You need to be writing scripts. I didn’t say anything when you said you wanted a break from scriptwriting. I figured I’d let you find out for yourself.”
I smiled sheepishly and told her, “I did. Thanks, Lori.” I picked up the series bible and the videocassettes, happy to be writing again.
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOROSCOPE
NOVEMBER 13-19, 2025
AS INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
The vibe coming your way this week will help you get in tune with your family and inner guides. The energy is all about taking care of each other and celebrating accomplishments no matter how small. Center your focus on a stronger family connection and go within to hear the voices of your ancestors.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
Take some time this week to communicate fully with partners and close friends. Pull back from busy schedules and spend time one on one. Deepen your friendship by sharing the things that are important to you. Be clear about the things you want to happen and where you see things in the future.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
Get things hammered out and the work done this week. Put a solid plan together and implement a solid timeline of events. Stick with your schedules even if they get hectic or you have to rearrange some appointments. This is about taking charge of situations and seeing things to completion.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
Good luck, generosity and abundance are here for the taking. Be more outgoing and talkative now. Put forth your best efforts with people and projects and the rest will fall into place. Make time to enjoy the things you work for but don’t get complacent. Keep working to secure future rewards.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
This is the week to step back and enjoy some down time. Disconnect from all the social and technical energies by reading a good book or walking along the lake. Use the solitude to reflect on your career and the household you have created. Take pride in your accomplishments and the life you have created for yourself.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
Take the time to interact with siblings, neighbors and old classmates this week. Get involved in group activities and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations. Make space for everyone to feel welcome so, that ideas can be shared and expanded on. Be an advocate for open dialogue and safe spaces to vent.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
Make the most of financial situations this week by researching before spending. This is the time to double check information and look at all the different information that is available. Even if some information seems unusual or off, take it into consideration as well as the information from trusted sources.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
The energy coming your way this week is all about doing things for yourself and making moves that advance your personal goals and ideals. This is not the time to get overly concerned about partners and friends. This is an inner journey towards self discovery and inner knowledge.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
This is the week to step back and evaluate your home life and intimate connections. Shore up the things that you value and create a safety net for the people you are closest to. Get your space and belongings in order so that you can rest and recuperate without interruption. Good time to buy a new couch.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
Being with friends is a must now as the energy this week will be very social and out going. Don’t shy away from getting involved in group activities that are not your usual cup of tea. Networking will be prove to be the key to finding the right long term partner or the wisest advice for future ventures.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
The energy coming your way is all about becoming more established and secure in your profession. It might feel like a hard time or one that you don’t have much support with but you will make good moves. The changes you want to implement have the propensity to take you far if you stick with them.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
Investigate places that hold ancient wisdom like the great stone monoliths that are scattered across the planet. There is no specific place where monoliths are centered because people everywhere understood the need to connect to higher frequencies and disconnect from the physical.
To be conscious that you are ignorant of the facts is a great step
HIKERS TO EXPLORE SNOW HIKING AT WATKINS MEMORIAL PARK
Hikers will explore Hoadley Nature Trail at Watkins Memorial Park in Three Oaks for a 1.75-hour, 1.2-mile hike at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15.
Snow hiking is more challenging than summer hiking and requires proper gear, being prepared for colder temperatures, and having a safety plan. Trail guide Pat Fisher, president of Harbor Country Hikers, will teach about snow hiking. Be prepared to sit a bit for a short presentation and then warm up as we hike the Hoadley Nature Trail.
HCH has an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made on a first-come first-served basis by filling out the brief form at www.harborcountryhikers. org/rollator.
Watkins Park is known for its Timbertown playground and three baseball diamonds used by local youth teams. But the southern twothirds of the 30-acre park are dedicated to natural areas — and that area is filled with a network of hiking trails. Hoadley Nature Trail is home to a wide variety of wetland flora and fauna because it is a wetland in the spring. The mowed loop trail surrounds an engineered stormwater wetland.
Although membership is preferred, all are welcome to attend this hike. For more information, including driving directions to the Hoadley Nature Trail, visit the Hikers’ website, www.harborcountryhikers.org, or its Facebook page. — STAFF REPORTS
To Your Health
COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND
CRANBERRY HEALTH BENEFITS
This time of year, cranberries are able to be found in most all our markets because of the Holidays. I like to stock up on them to make cranberry juice, cranberry jam, cranberry tincture, and cranberry salads.
Cranberries are healing food as medicine. Their tartness is a sign of their rich content in compounds likemalic acid, flavonoids, antioxidants and anthocyanins, which support urinary, immune, kidney, cardiovascular andeven oral health by killing gum disease. They help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. (Oxygen molecules that cause premature aging and disease.)
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall, helping to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly E.coli bacteria.
The antioxidants and fiber in cranberries help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels.
Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and helps fight off infections. Long term studies suggest that cranberries help improve memory and cognitive function due to their antioxidant content.
These little berries are high in fiber, which promotes regular bowel movements and supports gut health and other compounds that benefit bones. It has been studied and can help prevent certain types of cancer. They are full of B vitamins, so they also help in energy production.
Studies show that about 1 cup of fresh berries a day can benefit in all of the above. Try some recipes and enjoy the delicious beautiful little
berry over a few months while they are available to us in this area.
To get the most benefits, it’s best to consume them in their natural state or with minimal added sugar. Commercial products use high amounts of sugar to counteract the tartness. When I make a cranberry salad, I chop the cranberries, add the other fruits and use a bit of maple syrup stirred in. Adding processed sugar can counteract the benefits of their healing ability.
My favorite quick and delicious salad. 2 cups chopped cranberries, 1 ½ cups chopped peeled apple, 1 cup pomegranate seeds, ½ cup chopped raw unsalted pecans, ½ cup orange juice and ¼ cup +/Maple syrup. Stir all together. Let sit a couple hours to let the flavors blend. Lasts in the refrigerator a week or so, but you will eat it up before then. Use natural sweeteners. Cooking cranberries release their natural pectin making them thick. Make the recipe above a chutney by adding a bit of cinnamon and cloves and cook it. This gives it a different flavor and can be used over tofu, meat or even rice dishes.
As in all of my articles, it is not just what you take, but what you get rid of too, that can help enhance your health. Ridding processed foods, sugar, and following the laws of nature are also important in getting back good health. We need good sleep, stay hydrated, get enough exercise, get sunshine regularly, eat the right foods in balance, have a positive mindset and faith to make each day better.
PET OF THE WEEK
DEWY
Dewy is certainly talking more and knows when he wants a belly scratch. His favorite pastime is watching the woods out the window. He is funny to watch as he runs from window to window following squirrels and chipmunks go by. Dewy is almost sixyears-old, neutered, and his vaccinations ar up-todate. He would do best in a home as the sole pet with no children. Dewey still startles at quick movements or loud sounds. Once he is comfortable, he loves to play with crinkly toy balls, and using the litterbox are not issues at all. Make Dewy part of your home today.
AVAILABLE AT THE MICHIANA HUMANE SOCIETY
Music, art intersect during third JazzReach partnership
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
This year, students channeled their inner artists as well as musicians when they participated in school programs through The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts’ partnership with JazzReach Wednesday through Friday, Nov. 5-7.
About 400 students from River Valley and Bridgman arrived by bus to experience Jean-Michel and the Be-Bop Kings, which featured JazzReach’s Metta Quintet and celebrated the visionary American painter, Jean-Michel Basquiat and the jazz greats who inspired him.
Nikki Gauthier, artistic/creative director at The Acorn, said that they worked with art teachers Rhea Folk from River Valley and Jennifer Green from Bridgman and Folk developed an art project celebrating the style of Basquiat.
Armed with supplies, students in third through fifth grade from River Valley and fourth grade from Bridgman arrived at The Acorn Thursday. After the show, students stood behind and worked on the completion of their art project. Musicians from the Metta Quintet interacted with the students, while the notes of jazz music flowed throughout the room.
Gauthier said that they consulted with River Valley’s education director and their music teacher, Kirsten Pagel, in selecting this year’s program from JazzReach’s repertoire of programming.
“No matter what, people are inspired by something – whether they’re an artist, a writer, an engineer or businessman - and Jean-Michel Basquiat drew inspiration from jazz music so there’s this wonderful, natural tie in between the art you’re hearing and the art you’re seeing,” she said.
Select artwork was on display during a free community concert through Sittin’ In and Groovin’ Out, which featured Metta Quintet and River Valley High School Jazz Orchestra, Friday, Nov. 7.
For the second year, high school students elected to participate in an intensive, three-day residency, which culminated in Friday’s performance.
Gauthier said Christopher McBride from Metta Quintet does musical arrangements based on the specific needs of students. McBride had worked with Pagel, who also played in the jazz orchestra, to assess where they are regarding instruments and the students’ ability levels. The first two days are a “rough rehearsal,” as students will be sitting down and playing the music for the first time.
“They have the music in advance, and they’ve heard
the original songs, but they’ve never played it all together and with Metta Quintet until day one of the residency,” Gauthier said.
JazzReach is a nationally recognized New York Citybased 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, performance, creation and teaching of jazz music. The organization presents innovative, widely acclaimed live multi-media educational programs for young audiences, captivating main-stage concerts for general audiences and informative clinics and master classes for student musicians and ensembles.
Michael Bond, The Acorn’s senior production manager, said JazzReach tailors its outreach to fit the needs of students with a variety of music education.
“It’s really good that they’ve got flexible programming to be able to bring students who wouldn’t have music education, or less music education or not as pointed in the direction of jazz,” he said.
During Art Attack this past spring, The Acorn invited students from River Valley and New Buffalo to participate in an “art takeover,” with high school students having their pieces displayed for three months.
Young thespians also participate in the summer The Acorn Dramatic Arts (TADA) Program.
“You see JazzReach or these art programs or kids camp you’re able to introduce to some students and to see that spark – ‘This really makes sense to me and clicks with me, and I want to keep doing this,’” Bond said.
Upon hopping off the bus at The Acorn for JazzReach, Gauthier said she overheard students say, “I remember this place.”
“To be able to watch their faces light up and their little bodies move around to the jazz music… They’re feeling the vibe, and they like it and it’s igniting something in them, and they’ll remember it when they come back next year,” she said.
This year, The Acorn’s partnership with JazzReach was made possible through support from program sponsors: Shannon and Don Ensing, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, The Pokagon Fund and Berrien Community Foundation and Monday Musical Club.
Members of Metta Quintet, who also performed during a free concert Nov. 5, are McBride, alto saxophone; Troy Roberts, tenor saxophone; Lawrence Fields, piano; Adi Meyerson bass and Hans Schuman, drums/musical director.
Christopher McBride (right) directs River Valley students
River Valley Jazz Orchestra rehearses Friday afternoon
