Cyclists unite for annual Apple Cider Century Ride
BY FRANCESCA SAGALA
According to Bryan Volstorf almost as soon as diehard cyclists have crossed the finish line at each Apple Cider Century, they’re already raring to go for the next one.
“People start signing up at the end of this weekend,” Volstorf said.
The 52nd annual ride, which took place Sunday, Sept. 28, had around 3,200 riders, Volstorf said, which is in line with most of the year’s numbers. Around 35 states are represented, with 90 percent of riders being from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, Volstorf said.
The ride starts and ends at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Three Oaks. On the morning of the ride, cyclists enjoy a hearty breakfast that’s cooked by the Three Oaks Fire Department. Later, they enjoy an allyou-can-eat spaghetti buffet.
Dave Flick, chief of the fire department, said that they’ve been serving breakfasts to hungry cyclists for the past 49 years.
“Today, I think we’ll probably serve 800 (cyclists),” he said, adding that they usually serve the 100-mile riders at 6 a.m.
Throughout the ride, riders can refuel their bodies with snacks at various SAG stops that are scattered alongside the routes. Volstorf said this is thanks to the 15 different
organizations, from the New Buffalo Lions Club to the Rotary Club of Harbor Country to the Friends of New Troy, who pitch in.
“We try to involve as many groups as we can,” Volstorf, who said each group is given $1000 for their help, said. Alos pitching in are Volstorf’s family. His son, Tim, along with his daughter-in-law, tackles registration and technology aspects. Daughter Marsha makes the trek from Milwaukee to take care of the T-shirts and the artwork portion.
The event is put on by the Three Oaks Spoke Bicycle Club, of which Volstorf is the president and executive director. He said he’s training his son on all aspects of the ride, making him co-executive director of the club.
Volstorf, who’s 81, said the most he rides nowadays is 25 miles. The last was the century he rode was 104 miles, when he was 50. That year, long distance riders were bemoaning how “hilly” and “rough” it was to ride the route. So, Volstorf took one of the club’s rental bikes, some Gatorade and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and took off at 8 a.m., riding the whole 100 miles in 10 hours on single speed.
“I came home and collapsed on the couch and said, ‘Those guys are right, it is hilly,’ and that was the century ride I ever did,” Volstorf said.
Cycling has come a long way from that ride. Back then, everyone rode centuries in jeans, shoes and a T-shirt. One year, all the members of the club bought helmets.
“They said, ‘Bryan, you must have a10 cent head,’ and then I got a helmet,’” he said.
Also nowadays, Volstorf said he’s encouraging more of the younger generation of cyclists to hit the road. Currently, anyone under 12 rides free.
“That way, the families come bring the kids and maybe the kids keep coming and the parents too - so we try to build a base on that end,” he said.
Amy Butler, who had ridden 100 miles last year, decided to ride 15 miles this year with her husband, Brett, as well as their two children, Noemi and Aoton.
“They came and cheered me on, and they were inspired, and we came back and did it as a family,” she said.
The family had just ridden 11 miles in the Tennessee mountains and didn’t anticipate that day’s excursion being as hilly.
“The energy is good - we like the pancake breakfast and the community,” Amy said.
Noemi, Amy, Aoton and Brett Butler pose by the start and finish line
All Tuned Up performs in Dewey Cannon Park
Fritz Melchor and Mark Baltes serve popcorn at Dewey Cannon Park
Julie Flick and Barbara Ambrose Coyner from the Lions Club pour cider at Oselka Park
Firefighters serve
pancakes Cyclists
in Dewey Cannon Park for the ice cream social
Pokagon Band lowers its flag in honor of Ernest L. Stevens, Jr.
LONGTIME CHAIRMAN OF THE INDIAN
GAMING ASSOCIATION HAS WALKED ON
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana announced today that it will lower its flag at half-mast at its government and business locations in honor of Ernest (“Ernie”) L. Stevens Jr., a tribal citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin and longtime Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association (IGA). Chairman Stevens walked on Friday, September 26 at the age of 66.
Commenting on the passing of Chairman Stevens, Matthew Wesaw, Tribal Council Chairman for the Pokagon Band said, “Indian Country has lost a tremendous leader in the untimely passing of Ernie Stevens Jr. From his earliest leadership roles, he displayed incredible vision, commitment, empathy and advocacy, with a very humble approach. His dedication and unwavering passion in service to Indian Country is only surpassed by his passion and commitment to his family. Our hearts go out to his wife Cheryl, children and grandchildren. We can only ask that the Creator hold them close and give them comfort and confidence that Ernie’s journey will be joyful as he is reunited with friends and family that walked on before him. We share our deepest condolences and sympathy. This is a very unfortunate and premature loss. Rest in peace, my friend.”
For more than two decades as Chairman of the IGA, Mr. Stevens was dedicated to his mission of advancing tribal government gaming and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Under his leadership, IGA became one of the most respected and influential voices in Washington, D.C., tirelessly advocating for the rights of tribal nations and safeguarding the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Incorporated in 1985 and located on Capitol Hill, IGA is a leading voice for Indian Country, working diligently to ensure that the special status of tribes is recognized and protected when issues affecting tribal sovereignty arise. IGA advocates on behalf of Indian tribes with Congress, the White House and federal agencies. In order to accomplish its mission, IGA often works with Congress and the administration on all Indian Issues under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and the Commerce Clause.
More information on the Indian Gaming Association can be found at www.indiangaming.org/.
The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s sovereignty was reaffirmed under legislation signed into law by President Clinton in September of 1994. The Pokagon Band is dedicated to providing community development initiatives such as housing, education, family services, medical care, and cultural preservation for its more than 6,400 citizens. The Pokagon Band’s tencounty service area includes four counties in Southwestern Michigan and six in Northern Indiana. Its main administrative offices are located in Dowagiac, Mich., with a satellite office in South Bend, Ind. In 2007, it opened Four Winds Casino Resort in New Buffalo, Mich., followed by Four Winds Hartford in 2011, Four Winds Dowagiac in 2013 and Four Winds South Bend in 2018. The Pokagon Band operates a variety of non-gaming businesses through its investment enterprises, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority. More information is available at www.pokagonband-nsn.gov,www. fourwindscasino.com and www.mnobmadsen.com. — STAFF REPORTS
WHISKEY FOR BREAKFAST
OBITUARIES
Nancy Anne Baird
1951-2025
Nancy Anne Baird, 73, of Sawyer, passed suddenly, Thursday, September 25, 2025, in the comfort of her husband’s presence.
Her life began October 3, 1951 in Warren, Ohio, the youngest and only girl of three brothers born to James and Virginia (nee Loving) Baird. Nancy and Robert have been together for over 20 years.
Nancy spent most of her life in Kent, Ohio. She graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School and went on to earn both a B.A. and M.A. in Education from Kent State University. While attending Kent State, she lived through the tragic events of May 4th, when four students were killed and nine others wounded by the Ohio National Guard, an experience that left a lasting influence on her life. Nancy taught fourth grade at Longcoy Elementary School for thirty years before retiring. She spent her summers in Sawyer, where she enjoyed the company of family and relatives in homes built by her great-grandfather in the 1920s. She loved Lake Michigan, often walking along the shoreline to collect crinoids and beach glass. Later in life, Nancy reconnected with Bob, whom she had first met thirty-five years earlier. Together they lived happily in South Dakota before settling permanently in Michigan with their beloved dog, Casey McDuff. Nancy was an active member of many communities, including the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Honorary Society in Ohio, Chikaming Country Club, and she served as secretary for the Stewardship Committee of Chikaming Open Lands. A devoted golfer, she played for many years and even won the nine-hole Ladies Championship. She
had a wide range of hobbies—attending movies, dining out, playing games and solving crossword puzzles, and pursuing her passion for interior design. Nancy cherished her game group and book club friends in Shorewood Hills. Outgoing, conversational, and full of joy, Nancy loved people and made friends easily.
Nancy will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Tatina of Sawyer; step-daughter, Heather Adams of Mitchell, South Dakota; sister-in-law, Bobbi Baird of Kent, Ohio, and her family Courtney and Paul Clark and their sons Anderson and Jackson of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; in-laws of Jim Baird III, Lori and Jim Stone of Kent, Ohio and their daughters Michelle and Clare Stone; cousins, Kristy (Steven) Pokorny of Riverwoods, Illinois, Ginny (Mitchell) Novak of St. Charles, Illinois, and Debbie (Bill) Corcoran of Springfield, Missouri; the Borchers, Loving, and Greenwood families; and special friends, the Tarpley and the Zimmerman families. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three brothers, Jim, Doug, and Bob Baird.
Family and friends will gather Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. in Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, 106 Ash Street East, Three Oaks. A memorial service will be held, Friday, October 3, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in Three Oaks United Methodist Church, 2 East Sycamore Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Nancy be made to The ALS Foundation, 24359 Northwestern Highway, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48075 or www.alsofmichigan.org., to Three Oaks United Methodist Church, 2 East Sycamore Street, Three Oaks, Michigan 49128 or to Chikaming Open Lands, 12291 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Michigan 49125. Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Pobocik Chapel, Three Oaks. Please share a memory or a message online at www.wagnercares.com.
A Writer’s Life... DURING THE GOLDEN AGE OF TELEVISION ANIMATION
BY JACK OLESKER
Clawing my way through research
Lori was, of course, right about Heathcliff and Garfield: two entirely different cats –different in mindsets, attitudes and personalities. She’d done her homework early on, investigating Garfield because she knew comparisons were likely to come up, and then she leaped into the deep end of Heathcliff.
I was coming into Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats a lot later than her, so I had to do the same...and fast! Fortunately, I loved doing research. And so I, too, jumped into the deep end of Heathcliff. I came to understand how, to the casual observer, Heathcliff and Garfield could be mixed up, even interchangeable. They were both orange tabbies and both had big bellies. But as I dug, read scripts and did research, I found that was where the similarities ended. In fact, they were diametric opposites. Yeah, both had owners and lived in a house. But Garfield was a house-cat. Heathcliff was definitely the outdoors type. He loved to roam the neighborhood and get into all sorts of wonderful trouble!
And where Garfield was a lazy slug, Heathcliff was an energetic entrepreneur/rapscallion/scam artist. And I said“artist” because Heathcliff was unquestioningly artful in all did. As I viewed the videocassette episodes of Heathcliff, I found a cat who loved to pull off schemes that would net him ever increasing amounts of fish. He was tough – surely the toughest cat in the neighborhood. But I also found he was a true romantic.
A schemer and rapscallion, an entrepreneur, a tough dude and a romantic at heart. Hmmmm… Sounded like someone I knew. I had a feeling Lori knew what she was doing when she put Jack Olesker on this series. This was
my kind of series, my kind of cat. Each episode of Heathcliff and The Catillac Cats had two separate eleven-minute stories – one starring famous – some would say infamous – Heathcliff and his buddies, and the other with newcomers The Catillac Cats, featuring their leader, Riff Riff.
I barely knew Heathcliff and I knew nothing about The Catillac Cats until Lori dumped four floppy discs and four videocassettes with series episodes on my desk just before telling me I was to be Heathcliff and The Catillac Cats’ new story editor.
My initial reading of Heathcliff scripts and episodes featuring the lovable ne’er-do-well, was a delight. What was a total surprise The Catillac Cats were! I raced through reading all four scripts from Season One’s sixty-five episode run. Next I viewed videocassettes of The Catillac Cats stories. They had me at hello.
I loved The Catillac Cats. I loved Riff Raff, their leader. I loved Wordsworth, who roller skated around the neighborhood with headphones on and spoke in rhymes. Muscled Mungo and Hector – a tough-talking street-smart cat with a New Jersey accent, convinced he should be the gang’s leader –rounded out the irresistible group.
Then there was Cleo. Heathcliff’s girlfriend, Sonja, was cute. But Cleo was in a whole different league. If I was a cat, I guarantee I’d be dating Cleo. Add in all of them living in a junkyard kingdom and it was a can’t-miss concept.
I learned Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats was created by Jean Chalopin and the French cartoonist Bruno Bianchi. But the series had Jean written all over it. Riff Raff’s a whimsically romantic character, a creative genius who aspires to greatness and leads all who followed his siren’s song. This was Jean’s baby, all right, and I was loving it.
ARIES MARCH 21—APRIL 19
HOR0SCOPE
OCTOBER 2-8, 2025
AS
INTERPRETED BY SANDY “STAR” BENDT
There is a tendency to prove yourself this week and you may attract those who would take advantage of your showmanship or use it to their ends. Be true to yourself but don’t take on too much. You may end up spending too much money or time on things that may not be to your benefit.
TAURUS APRIL 20—MAY 20
There is a vigorous, practical energy headed your way this week. Use it to get things cleaned up and organized. You may focus on work to avoid emotional issues with partners or family, which will ultimately give them the space they need to figure out their own messes.
GEMINI MAY 21—JUNE 21
It will be easy to get caught up in daydreams and romantic fantasies this week. Just don’t mess up your work schedule or ignore important chores because your head is in the clouds. Stay on task when at work and don’t get distracted by social media. Make room for fun, after the work is done.
CANCER JUNE 22—JULY 22
The vibe coming at you this week will make you feel more self-reliant and confident. When it comes to feeling secure or getting the job done, you’ll be better off doing it yourself now. Friends and neighbors may be a little absent minded. So, better to avoid mishaps and go solo.
LEO JULY 23—AUGUST 22
It will be very easy to come off too strong this week. Don’t be afraid to walk away from stressful situations in order to cool down and process your feelings. Even if your feelings are valid, things can easily escalate, and you don’t want your words used against you later.
VIRGO AUGUST 23—SEPTEMBER 22
You will be ready for the long hours this week. The vibes coming at you now are giving you an extra boost to accomplish physical tasks and handle financial issues headon. Even if you think your resources are in short supply, somehow you will make it work and come out ahead.
LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23—OCTOBER 22
There will be a tendency to rush through things or gloss over issues this week. It’s important that you pay attention when working to avoid accidents. Be sure you pay attention to details when going over paperwork because it will be easy to miss important information now.
SCORPIO OCTOBER 23—NOVEMBER 21
The vibe this week will feel quite energetic and lively. Be sure to let your hair down and get moving. If you don’t, or if someone tries to suppress your good time, you may become stubborn or worse, passive aggressive. Don’t be afraid to leave the party poopers behind.
SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER22—DECEMBER21
You will feel quite energized this week and may instigate some sticky situations, if you’re not careful. People have a tendency to be overly sensitive to you now. Rather than pushing buttons and getting situations riled up, be the peacemaker. Let your words be helpful and constructive.
CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22—JANUARY 19
This week you will be feeling much more driven to succeed and utilize your executive powers. Use this energy to not only get big projects finished but get paid. Friends or social gatherings may try to interfere with your ability to get things accomplished but they are no match for your work ethic now.
AQUARIUS JANUARY 20—FEBRUARY 18
Your mind will be extra sharp this week and unfortunately your temper will be also. Don’t rush into ideas or jump to conclusions. It’s important you look at the big picture before getting upset over tiny details. Now is the time to honor curiosities by investigating them, before employing them.
PISCES FEBRUARY 19—MARCH 20
The atmosphere around you this week will be quite hearty and robust. You won’t be afraid to get down and dirty, if the job calls for it. When getting directions or instructions from others be sure to write things down and ask for clarification. It will be easy to get things turned around now.
To Your Health
COLUMN BY KAREN EDWARDS ND
EAT TO BEAT DIABETES
Your fork is the most powerful tool for your health. What you choose to load it with can either bring you great health, or take you down into disease, pain and suffering.
To prevent diabetes, focus on a balanced diet of whole grains, non-starchy vegetables, fruits, good proteins, and healthy fats. Prioritize foods high in fiber to stabilize blood sugar, such as whole grains like brown rice andoatmeal, and nonstarchy vegetables like leafy greens and broccoli. Include proteins such as beans, legumes, evensome fish and chicken, along with healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil. Limit foods with added sugars, refined grains, and all processed foods, as these can increase blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Refined grains are white flours, pasta, crackers, cookies, and such. Refining modifies food from their natural form. Modification involves the mechanical removal of bran and germ, ridding the living enzymes, fiber and nutrients. Refined grains will spike your blood sugar, increase hunger and cause weight gain. With the fiber being removed, it will eventually cause digestive and microbiome disruption. Diets high in refined grains are associated with increased risks of heart disease, cancersand diabetes. It can also cause severe constipation.
Fruits like berries, apples and melons are great for keeping your blood sugar balanced. It is better to eat the fruits in their whole form rather than juicing them, which
could be too concentrated and cause a spike in your blood sugar.
Keep hydrated by drinking lots of pure water and herbal teas. Ridding all refined sugar drinks. The body’s balance of fluids is about maintaining metabolic harmony. When blood sugar levels rise, glucose pulls water from tissues, which can lead to dehydration. Consistent water intake supports kidney function by aiding in the removal of excess glucose through urine.
Keep your focus on high fiber foods. These will help slow digestion and keep your blood sugar more balanced. Also focus on Complex carbohydrates (not refined) and healthy fats. This will help sustain fullness so you will not overeat and want to snack.
If you feel you do need a snack later, be mindful to keep it healthy. A piece of fruit, a small unsweetened yogurt or a spoonful of hummus and a couple of crackers. Also be sure not to eat too late in the evening. If you eat your dinner at 6 or 7, you should not need a snack before bed time. If you eat much earlier, a snack may be in order.
The longer you eat this way, the healthier your body will become overall. In fact, an earlier bedtime is also part of a healthier lifestyle and keeping your blood sugar balanced. Eight hours is a great goal to try to get every night for the best health.
There are many books to help you out if you are on a journey for better health. Start with your local Library.
A top seller: Glucose Revolution the Life-Changing Power of Balancing Your Blood Sugar - by Jessie Inchauspe.
PET OF THE WEEK
ELMO
Elmo is almost a year old old, but is a big, tall kitten, and a true comedian. He is neutered, and his vaccinations are up-to-date. From pipe cleaners, catnip, and your attention, Elmo will love you. He’ll remember with a short attention span. He loves affection and will cuddle when possible, but might be on the move after a rub. Make Elmo part of your home today.
HUMANE SOCIETY
A
