Neighbors Oct 06
Transcription
Neighbors Oct 06
C ass County O CTOBER 2006 FREE — TAKE ONE Vol. 3 No. 8 © 2006 Neighbors llc. NEIGHBORS A Cass County Newspaper ser ving Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Edwardsburg, Vandalia, Jones, Marcellus, Decatur, Union and Sister Lakes, with home deliver y at Diamond, Eagle, Birch, Corey, Donnell, Shavehead, Baldwin, Long, Paradise, Stone, Buck, Lewis and Bair Lakes Post Office: Please deliver as soon as possible! Cass Co. Neighbors 120 S. Broadway Cassopolis, MI 49031 PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Milford, IN Permit No. 2 FIELD TRIP: Fred and Phil went on another grand adventure — this time we went to Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids On the inside ... Re gional News News .............. P a g es 2-4 Re gional Calendar .............. P a g e 5 F loy loy d’s d’s Postcar Postcar ds ............. P a g e 12 T he Last Wor d .................. P a g e 35 Neighbor s is pub lished monthl y fr om Mar c h thr ough December ; Deadline f or adv adver tising and copy copy is the thir d Friday riday of ever y month. Home deliv deliver y av av aila b le — call today! today! Neighbor s Story on Page 21 120 S. S. Br oad w a y Cassopolis, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-9200 sailor phil@philvitale .com jack jack @beanstalk.net PAGE 2 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 REGIONAL NE WS Moms in Touch The Edwardsburg “Moms In Touch International” prayer group meets weekly on Mondays from 1-2 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church on US 12. Here’s an opportunity for you to become a part of a group of mothers who meet one hour each week to pray for their children who attend Edwardsburg Public Schools. If you are interested in learning more, please call Barb Brubacher at 269-663-2905. Hospice Harvest Dinner Dance The 10th Annual Hospice Harvest Dinner Dance will take place Saturday October 28 at the V.F.W. Post 6248 in Decatur. Tickets are $20 per person and benefit Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan in VanBuren County. The popular entertainers, “Jeff & Bill” will provide the evenings music and will be joined by The Encore Dance Company. Costumes optional. Tickets available in Decatur at First State Bank, Newell Insurance Agency, Everybody's Music and Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Tickets also available at Nu-Image in Lawton, Lori's Hallmark in Paw Paw and Gobles Insurance Agency in Gobles. Call (269) 423-6015 for details. Fruitbelt Woodcarvers show The Fruitbelt Woodcarvers will host their 26th annual wood carving show on November 4 and 5 at the Cass County Fairgrounds on North O’Keefe St. in Cassopolis. The show will be from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and from 10 am to 3 pm on Sunday. Admission and parking are FREE (donations are welcome and refreshments commit to staying on that case until the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. While others may come and go, CASA volunteers provide that one constant that children need in order to thrive. Are you ready to stand up for a child who needs you? Inquire today about the power you have to change a child’s life. Call Lisa Schmidt, CASA Program Director at (269) 445- 4431 for an application. PHOTOGRAPHIC ODDITIES OF SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN — This interesting sign was spotted and photographed by a local photographer on his travels around the area. will be available for sale.) A special raffle will be held (tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5) for a walking stick, nativity set and Noah’s ark with characters (see any club member to purchase raffle tickets). CASA Training Class Set On October 17 a Training Session for new Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) will begin at the Old Courthouse in Cassopolis. Applications are available by calling Lisa Schmidt, CASA Program Director, at (269) 445-4431. The Cass County CASA program is an organization that recruits and trains community volunteers, who are appointed by the Family Court Judge Susan Dobrich to be independent fact finders and to speak up for the best interests of an abused child here in Cass County. You can help by becoming a CASA volunteer, or by supporting the Cass County CASA program by providing a service, a product or by making a donation. Appointed by judges, CASA volunteers typically handle just one case at a time-and Fall Roast for Meals on Wheels Retirement is a time for relaxing and enjoying life. For some, however, the retirement years are challenging times. Some people find it difficult to get to the store, or even to make their own meals. We can provide hope. The Cass County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritious meals to seniors in Cass County. The Cass COA is holding a Fall Roast to help raise funds to help expand the Meals on Wheels program Saturday, Oct. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. The dinner will feature a hog roast, along with dancing, live entertainment by Al Mott, a 50-50 raffle, silent and live auctions and more. Premier auction items include two tickets to a Notre Dame home football game and a $500 design certificate from Northstar Landscaping. Dining packages, golf outings, and handmade pottery and crafts are among the many other auction items. The COA acknowledges the generosity of our “Gourmet” level sponsor, Dowagiac Commercial Press, and our “Friend” level sponsor, Greater Niles Community Federal Continued on next page Chalet Party Shoppe GRAND OPENING OCTOBER 13 & 14 AT 667 CR 17 IN ELKHART In-store specials both days! Visit any of our specialty locations for a wide selection of wines, spirits, microbrews & beer 667 CR 17 , Elkhart (574) 296-9704 309 N Main St., Middlebury (574) 825-9138 245 Chicago Ave., Goshen (574) 534-1020 2703 Caragana Ct., Goshen (574) 533-7718 1830 Rieth Blvd., Goshen (574) 875-0077 2501 S. Nappanee St., Elkhart (574) 293-8285 Open Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm, Friday 9am-11pm Saturday 8am-11 pm Chicago Ave. store opens daily at 7am, closes Monday-Thursday at 11 pm and closes Fri. and Sat. at Midnight. Delivery service available to local lakes, fees apply, minimum order required, 24 hour notice needed (call the store nearest you for more information) PAGE 3 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 REGIONAL NE WS Credit Union. The COA would also like to thank Mike File, KB Village Express/Subway for their support, and other local businesses and individuals for their donations toward making this dinner a success. Other sponsorship opportunities are available. Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased at the COA at M-60 and Decatur Road in Cassopolis. For information on tickets, additional sponsorship opportunities, or to find out about Meals on Wheels Volunteer Opportunities, call the COA at (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390. Dowagiac woman wins spree What began as an uneventful shopping trip to Underwood’s Shoe Store for two of her family members, turned into a rewarding experience for Mary Schrader of Dowagiac. When Schrader recently purchased a pair of shoes for her husband, Bob, and their granddaughter, Jessica, she entered the August Shopping Spree Give-away of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce and walked away one of last month’s three winners. Winners in August were announced by Vickie Phillipson, program director for the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Development Authority. In addition to Schrader, winners also included Jodi Borah of Coloma, who entered the drawing at Laurie Anne’s, and Sandy Kroepel of Cassopolis, who entered the drawing at Homespun Memories. Each of the three women will receive $50 in Universal Dowagiac Gift Certificates. This is the third year for the two organizations to team up with businesses in the program. The retail promotion, which was Forest Glen grand opening is Oct. 5 A new 20-bed Assisted Living facility in Dowagiac, Forest Glen, will host an Open House on Thursday, October 5 from 3:30 to 6 pm. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4 pm. The all-new facility is located at 29601 Amerihost Drive. Assisted living features include one bedroom or studio suites with private bath, assistance with personal care needs, medication administration, professionally trained staff on site 24 hrs., housekeeping, all nutritious meals and snacks included, personal laundry and linen service, ongoing monitoring of healthcare needs and a variety of life enrichment activities. Optional on-site services include x-ray, podiatry, lab, home health, hospice, oxygen, pharmacy, medical equipment, physical, occupational and speech therapy. The facility will be administered by Rebecca Fear, RN, BSN. launched June 1, came to a close with the August drawing. She said the shopping spree give-away was held in conjunction with the three-month “Destination Dowagiac” television advertising campaign. Three winning tickets in August were drawn from a preliminary pool of semifinalists, whose names were pulled from entries that were collected at each of the participating stores. The six other semifinalists were: Jerry and LuAnn Woodrick A romantic little town, a cozy restaurant, a really special meal ... life can be so fine. Step into Wood Fire. We’ve taken the same special care with our building restoration that we’ve taken with our music, our food, and our service. Whether dining with friends or just the two of you, Wood Fire is warm, the martini’s perfect, and the food exquisite. Cooked in our homemade Italian oven, burning exclusively apple wood from local orchards, our cuisine is unique. WOOD FIRE ITALIAN TRATORRIA ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Open seven days for lunch and dinner Live Jazz on Wednesday and Sunday evenings Family carryout available Semi-private accommodations for groups from 10 to 110 Reservations at 269.782.0007 of Galien, who signed up at Imperial Furniture; Tim Pitcher of Dowagiac, who signed up at Judd Lumber Co.; Susan Oosterwal of Dowagiac, who signed up at The Marshall Shoppe; Martha Cox, who signed up at Vincent J. Jewelers; Donna Hannon of Portage, who signed up at Windy Acres Nursery; and Debbie Maley of Clawson, who signed up at the Wren’s Nest. The Summer Shopping Spree Giveaway is one of several seasonal promotions the Chamber of Commerce hosts each year. June’s winners were: Jan Personette of Niles, Larry Smith of Benton Harbor and Kellie Beck of Dowagiac. July’s winners were: Donna Kyle of Cassopolis, and Sue Wiker and Sue Drane of Dowagiac. Harris named to post During its annual meeting in Harbor Continued on next page Cheep cheep, Dussel’s puts food in my beak Black Oil Sunflower Seeds $10.99/50lbs. Thistle Seed 79¢/lb. Finch Mix $7.99/bag Truckload Sale Sat. Oct. 21 10 a.m to 2 p.m. — All Bird & Wildlife Feed and Supplies (COME IN AND REGISTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 150 LBS. OF BIRD SEED) Dussel’s 21765 M60, Cassopolis Open Tuesday through Sunday 134 S. Front St. Dowagiac, MI 269●782●0007 w w w . w o o d f i r e d i n i n g . c o m 445-8715 PAGE 4 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 REGIONAL NEWS Springs, the Michigan Community College Business Officers Association (MCCBOA) elected Terry Harris, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Southwestern Michigan College as the Association’s President for 2006-07. Harris is the fourth member of SMC’s executive team to hold this position. The tradition started with David Briegel who was MCCBOA President in 1972 followed by Richard DeVos in 1985 and John Pitcher in 1992. The mission of this association is to exchange information and experiences with other community college leaders, provide training in business operations as well as cooperate with and assist the MCCBOA in statewide concerns. Harris joined SMC in 1997 as Executive Director of Financial Services and was promoted to Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the College in 2004. Harris was a member of SMC’s first graduating class in 1968. Upon graduating from SMC, Harris went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. He then worked at various Michiana-based companies in various financial roles prior to joining SMC. SMC Board meets The Southwestern Michigan College Board of Trustees conducted a variety of business during its September meeting. The board reviewed recent additions to SMC’s Early College program, which allows local students to start earning college credit while still in high school. SMC has historically offered two programs as part of Early College: Career Academies and SMCDual Enrollment. In addition to these pro- grams (that will continue), two new opportunities are now available as well. First, numerous online courses are being offered to provide coursework not typically available at high schools. These courses meet the state’s new online experience requirement mandated by law. Representatives from the Department of Education have recognized SMC for its exemplary Early College models and the work it’s done with area high schools. In addition, SMC has created a new Early College model called “Direct Credit,” which establishes a process for students who demonstrate college-level mastery of course content for subjects taught in high school to obtain college credit. SMC has also designed new programs including Assessment Testing, the Bridge Program and Academic Support to make sure sophomores, juniors and seniors interested in taking college credit courses during high school are prepared to do so. Students can use these support programs as placement tests to prepare for college. At the meeting, the Annual Report for the Museum at SMC was presented to the Board of Trustees by Steve Arseneau, Museum Director. Activities of the Museum during the past year include four major exhibits, family nights and school tours. Beginning in January, the Museum was required to downsize its staff as a part of budget reductions, but has taken many steps to make sure that its core mission remains on track. The Board of Trustees awarded three service pins during the meeting. Tim Smith was awarded for 5 years of service, David Baker was awarded for 25 years of service and Dr. Will Tomory was awarded a pin for 30 years of service. In other events, the Southwestern Michigan College Art Gallery will be hosting Kathee Kiesselbach’s Printmaking artwork starting October 9. A reception will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 12:30 p.m. The Gallery is in room 108 of the Dale A. Lyons Building. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free. Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” (Ten Little Indians) will kick off this year’s SMC theatre productions on Thursday, October 19. Show times are Thursday, October 19 through Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 22 at 2 p.m. in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building on the Dowagiac campus. Tickets are $7 and $5 general admission and are available at the door or by calling the SMC Box Office at 269-7821280 or 269-687-1600 extension 1280. The Museum at SMC continues its fall lecture series on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m. with, “Underneath the Bridge: A Record of the Dowagiac Creek In Watercolor.” David Baker, SMC Faculty and William Westrate will be the featured speakers. All lectures are free and held in the Upton Room at the Museum. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, please call 269782-1374. Budget Blinds makes it easy to get beautiful custom window coverings! ● ● Thousands of samples from the best brands “Expert Fit” measuring and installation Custom Window Coverings Make Great Gifts Please order early for Christmas Visit our showroom at the corner of SR 23 & Capital Ave. in Granger FREE In-Home Consultation & Estimate 35% off Select Signature Series Window Treatments Shutters, Draperies, Wood Blinds and More 888-882-8343 or 574-277-6800 Budget Blinds Locally owned and operated Tri Lakes Sports Marine Where CUSTOMER SERVICE is our Number One Priority! et g o t t E ge N r I o G f N t ’ E D Don N A !!!! O AT r e B t r n i u W yo r o f d te c e t o r p Check out our WINTERIZING program for Does your pontoon furniture and carpet need a new look? SAVE I/O - Inboards Outboards - four strokes - PWC Sportjets 269/641-2154 or 269/641-5993 SH RIN WR K S TO A P & RA GE Have it redecked and new furniture installed over the Winter! EMAIL: sonie@triboats.com Visit our Online Store at www.triboats.com 69545 Sunset Blvd., Union, Michigan PAGE 5 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 REGIONAL CALENDARS Oct. 2 Movie Night at Mason/Union Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 3 Breast Cancer Awareness Day, COA, 10 am - Noon, 445-8110 Oct. 3 Cass Book Club, 7:30 pm, Cass United Methodist Church, 2nd floor, dessert & coffee to follow Oct. 4 Native American basket-making workshop at Edwardsburg Branch of Cass District Library, 6 pm Oct. 4 Low Vision Support Group at COA, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 4 Insurance assistance day at COA, 9 am - Noon, 445-8110 Oct. 5 Spring Garden prep workshop at Edwardsburg Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 6 Cass Conservation Club Fish Fry, 4:30 - 7 pm, $7/$4. All you can eat, carry-outs available Oct. 7 Cass County Parks Dept & Cass District Library’s Harvest Fest, TK Lawless County Park, 5-9 pm Oct. 7 Harvest Festival, St. Joseph, www.sjtoday.org Oct. 7 Harvest Festival Trick or Treat Tail Trail, Dr. TK Lawless Park, Vandalia, $3 (free under age 2), 5-9 pm, K-9 judging 6 pm, trail 7-9 pm. 445-8611 Oct. 7, 8 Wicks’ Apple House Ciderfest, Dowagiac, 269-782-7306 Oct. 7-29 Niles Children’s Fun House, St. Joseph, www.sjtoday.org Oct. 9 Brain Aerobics Class at COA, 10 am - Noon, 445-8110 Oct. 9 Movie Night at Howard Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 10 Parkinson’s Support Group, COA 13 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 10 Marcellus neighbors visit the COA, 9:30 am - 2 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 11 Quilting at Edwardsburg Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 12 VA and Woodlands reps at COA, Vets 10 am - Noon; Woodlands 2 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 13 COA visits southeast neighbors, Conservation Club, Union, free blood pressure check at 10 am, bingo at 10:45 am, potluck lunch at noon (bring a dish to pass), 445-8110 Oct. 13 Great Decisions, COA 9:30 - 11 am, 445-8110 Oct 14 Fall Roast for Meals on Wheels, COA, 4 - 9 pm, $20445-8110 Oct. 14-15 Autumn Air and October Fest, Fernwood, Niles, 683-8653 Oct. 16 Quilting at Mason/Union Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 16 Bingo at Lincoln Community Center, Dowagiac, $1.25, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 17 CASA Training Session, old Courthouse, Cassopolis, 445-4431 Oct. 18 Native American sweet grass turtle making at Edwardsburg Branch of Cass District Library, 6 pm Oct. 19 Cooking for One, COA, 1-2:30 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 20 Cass Conservation Club Fish Fry, 4:30 - 7 pm, $7/$4. All you can eat, carry-outs available Oct. 20-22, 26-29 Beckwith Theater performances of Dracula - The Musical, 7:30 pm Oct. 21 Old Rugged Cross Fall Festival & Craft Show Oct. 23 Bingo at Lincoln Community Center, Dowagiac, $1.25, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 24 Jewelry workshop at Howard Branch of Cass District Library, 6:30 pm Oct. 25 Michigan Lake & Stream Association Region 3 Fall Seminar, Van Buren Conference Center, Lawrence MI, 5:30 - 9:30 pm, 7823319, www.mlswa.org Oct. 25 Caregivers Support Group, COA, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 25 Dogwood Fine Arts Festival Fall Lecture Series with Sarah Vowell, 782-1115 Oct. 26 Grief Matters Support Group, COA, 12:15-1:30 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 26 Prometheus String Quartet presents Music from the Movies at Howard Branch of Cass District Library, 7 pm Oct. 27 Legislative Update, COA, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 27 Great Decisions, COA 9:30 - 11 am, 445-8110 Oct. 28 10th annual Hospice Harvest Dinner Dance, VFS Post 6248, Decatur, $20, 423-6015 Oct. 30 Bingo at Lincoln Community Center, Dowagiac, $1.25, 1-3 pm, 445-8110 Oct. 16 Halloween Party at COA, Noon, 4458110 Nov. 4, 5 26th annual Wood Carving Show, Cass County Fairgrounds, Cassopolis, 10-5 Saturday, 10-3 Sunday. Free. Nov. 7 Cass Book Club, 7:30 pm, Cass United Methodist Church, 2nd floor, dessert & coffee to follow. Nov. 27 Downtown Home for the Holidays, Niles Nov. 18 & 19 Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration Open House, Noon 3:30 pm, Beckwith Park. Dec. 1 Dowagiac Candle-light Parade, 7:30 pm Dec. 8-23 Lights Before Christmas, Fernwood, Niles, 683-8653 2007 Jan 20 Stone Lake 5th Annual Ice Fishing Derby; no-ice date is Feb. 3 Feb. 3, 2007 Dowagiac Ice Time Festival and Chili Cook-off Cass County NEIGHBORS 120 S. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-9200 NEIGHBORS, LLC is wholly owned by Fred Stein and Phil Vitale, and operated from offices at 120 S. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031. The community newsletter is produced and distributed without charge via US Mail every month from March through December to homes on Stone, Diamond, Donnell, Paradise, Eagle, Lewis, Birch, Buck, Shavehead, Baldwin, Long and Bair Lakes, as well as at a variety of public venues in Cassopolis, Vandalia, Jones, Dowagiac, Marcellus, Union, Edwardsburg and throughout Cass County. For information on advertising, rates or space reservations, please contact Fred Stein at (269) 228-1080. For information on editorial content, contact Phil Vitale at (269) 445-9200. Fred Stein, left, and Phil Vitale reflected in the window of the NEIGHBORS’ office in downtown Cassopolis. PAGE 6 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 REGIONAL EVENTS Regularly Scheduled Meetings & Events COMMUNITY EVENTS AND MEETINGS Cassopolis/Vandalia Chamber of Commerce meeting; Third Wednesday of every month, Midwest Energy, Cassopolis, 5:30 pm Chapel Hill Mops (Mothers of Preschoolers) Second Friday of every month Sept-May 6:45-9:00 PM Childcare Provided; 14525 Chapel Hill St., Union, MI 49130, 296-641-5236 Barn Swallow Board Meetings, first Saturday of each month; 445-2511. Cassopolis Optimists Club, Call 6846005 for meeting information. The Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce meets the first Thursday of every month at Noon in the lower level of the GW Jones Bank. 663-6344 Cass County Historical Society; Third Tuesday of every month, Cass District Library, 7 pm Support the Fort monthly meeting, second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 pm, 210 Main St., Niles, 687-0377 Niles Art Association meetings, first Tuesday of every month, Four Flags Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 4th & Main,. Niles, 7 pm.683-6415 French Market in Niles, Weekends from June 15 - Oct. 26, noon til dusk, 687-4332, www.nilesmainstreet.org Weekly support groups for domestic & sexual assault survivors in, Sturgis, Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Three Rivers. 1-800-828-2023 for time/place info, confidential for safety. Child care. Youth Club of Cass County has activities for kids between ages of 6 18 every Tuesday from 3 - 7 pm and Saturday from Noon - 6 pm The Cass County Democratic Party regular meeting, the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6pm at the headquarters, 804 E State (Family Dollar Shopping Center, Cassopolis). 476-2858. Tri-County Ministries carry-in luncheon, third Thursday every month 11:30 am at the Family Life Center next to Sister Lakes Community Church on Mich. 152. Non-denominational open to all area women. 424-5743 GOVERNMENTAL MEETINGS Cass County Commissioners — First and third Thursday of every month; 2nd floor of the old courthouse; call 445-4420 for information. City of Dowagiac; Second and fourth Garage Doors & Openers Mondays of every month; 7 pm; City Hall, 241 S. Front St., Dowagiac; 7822195 Village of Cassopolis — Second Monday of every month; 7 pm; Village Hall, 117 S. Broadway, Cassopolis; 445-8648 Tuesday of every month; 7 pm; Township hall, 17049 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg; 641-5923 Milton Township Board — Third Monday of every month; 7:30 pm; Meeting hall, 2576 Bertrand Rd., Niles; 684-7262 Village of Edwardsburg — Third Monday of every month; 7 pm; Village Hall, 26296 US 12-East, Edwardsburg; 663-8484 Newberg Township Board — Second Monday of every month; 7 pm; 13020 Born St., Jones; 244-8747 Village of Marcellus — Second and fourth Thursday of every month; 7:30 pm; Village Hall, 177 E. Main, Marcellus; 646-5485 Ontwa Township Board — Second Monday of every month; 7 pm; Township hall, 26225 U.S. 12, Edwardsburg; 663-2347 Village of Vandalia — Second Monday of every month; 7 pm; Village Hall, 18035 State St., Vandalia; 4762344 Penn Township Board — Second Monday of every month; 6:30 pm; Township hall, 60717 S. Main, Vandalia; 476-2173 Calvin Township Board — Second Tuesday of every month; 6 pm; Township hall, 18727 Mt. Zion Rd., Cassopolis; 476-2620 Pokagon Township Board — Second Wednesday of every month; 7:30 pm; Township hall, 30683 Peavine St., Dowagiac; 782-8756 Howard Township Board — Third Tuesday of every month; 7 pm; Township office, 1345 Barron Lake Rd., Niles; 684-0072 Porter Township Board — Second Tuesday of every month; 7 pm; Township hall, 69373 Baldwin Prairie Rd., Union; 641-2375 Jefferson Township Board — Third Saturday of every month; 8:30 am; Township hall, 24725 Jefferson Center St., Cassopolis; 445-3941 Silver Creek Township Board — Second Wednesday of every month; 7 pm; Township hall, 32764 Dixon St., Dowagiac; 424-3025 LaGrange Township Board — Third Tuesday of every month; 7:30 pm; Township hall, 58253 M-62, Cassopolis Volinia Township Board — Second Monday of every month; 7:30 pm; Township hall, Goodenough Rd., Marcellus Marcellus Township Board — Third Tuesday of every month; 7 pm; Township hall, 13163 Marcellus Hwy., Marcellus; 646-2305 Wayne Township Board — First Monday of every month; 7:30 pm; Township hall, 53480 Glenwood Rd., Dowagiac; 782-7017 Mason Township Board — Second TREATMENT WORKS If you want to know more about meth in Cass County, or would lend a hand to safely fight Methamphetamine in Cass County — please come to monthly Task Force meetings on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Cass County District Library. Flagg Room, beginning at 8:30 am. Whether you’re able to attend one meeting or many, your presence is always welcomed! If you would like a Meth presentation for your group/organization (no matter how small), please contact the Woodlands Addictions Center at (269) 476-9781. Sales , Installa tion & Re pair J. W. Bowles Well Drilling Ne w and Re placement Door s Gr ea t Selection of Quality Door s Car ria g e House Designs a v aila b le Quality Wor kmanship ● Sa tisf action Guar anteed Maintenance Fr ee ● Lif etime W ar r anty 30 Year s Experience ● Fr ee Estima tes Ver y Reasona b le Prices Silver Cr eek Door Compan y 30626 Topash Str eet Do w a giac , MI 783-1500 2” - 8” Wells Sales & Service Residential ● Commercial & Irrigation (269) 687-5006 - Niles (269) 663-2820 - Edwardsburg www.bowlesjwwelldrilling.com PAGE 7 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 CHURCH DIRECTORY AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL Quinn Chapel AME 405 Harding Cassopolis; 445-8753 Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services Wed. 6 p.m. Bible Study EPISCOPAL St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 306 Courtland St. Dowagiac, 782-7033 Sun. 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist EVANGELICAL FREE Cass Fellowship Bible 64016 M-62 South Cassopolis; 445-2195 John Sears, Pastor BAPTIST New Beginnings Baptist 127 S. Rowland Cassopolis; 445-8528 Wed. 7 p.m. Services Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services 6 p.m. Services Sun. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Services FRIENDS Penn Friends Community Church 19107 Quaker Cassopolis; 445-8546 CATHOLIC St. Ann 421 N. Broadway Cassopolis; 445-3000 Sun. 8:30 am & 11 am Services 10:30 Christian Ed Sun. 10:30 a.m. Services CHURCH OF CHRIST Pleasant View Church of Christ 60550 Crooked Creek Rd. Cassopolis; 445-2655 LUTHERAN St. Paul Lutheran 305 W. State Cassopolis; 445-3950 Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services The Federated Church 202 Center Street Dowagiac; 782-5656 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services CHURCH OF GOD First Church of God 21083 Spencer Rd. Cassopolis; 445-8500 Sun. 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Services Sun. 9 a.m. Services 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Adult Bible Class METHODIST-UNITED Cassopolis United Methodist Church (CUMC) 209 S. Rowland, Cassopolis 269-445-3107 email: CUMC@locallink.net pastor: Rev. Glenn Litchfield Worship: Traditional 9 am Contemporary 10:30 am Sunday Coffees: 10 am, 11:15 a.m. July 20 Game Night 7 pm, Wood Hall Sermon Topics: July 2 “Come to the Water: Cleansing”; July 9 “Come to the Water: Refreshment” Communion; July 16 “Come to the Water: Celebration” Baptism; July 23 “Destination: Forgiveness, Who?”; July 30 “Destination: Forgiveness, What?” Wakelee United Methodist Church 15921 Dutch Settlement Marcellus, Michigan 49067 269.646.2049 or toll-free 1.877.925.3533 wakelee@locallink.net www.wakeleechurch.net June-August 9:30 a.m. - Worship 11 a.m. - Adult Sunday School September-May 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School 10:30 a.m. - Worship Childcare and Children’s Church (Kindergarten-4th grade) year-round during worship. MISSIONARY Dailey Missionary 27046 Dunning Cassopolis; 445-2066 NON-DENOMINATIONAL House Of Prayer Community Church 63563 Brick Church Road Cassopolis, Michigan 49031 269-445-2846 Sunday School: 9:15 A.M. Morning Worship: 11 A.M. Weekdays: Wednesday 7 P.M. PENTECOSTAL The Lord’s House 60835 Decatur Rd. Cassopolis; 445-3614 Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services 6 p.m. Services Wed. 7 p.m. Services PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 200 E Beardsley Ave Elkhart IN 46514 574-264-3109 http://presby.net presby@presby.net Chapel service: 8:30 am Contemporary service: 9:30 am Sanctuary service: 10:30 am Sun. 9:30 a.m. Services 11 a.m. Sunday School United Presbyterian 209 E. State St. Cassopolis, MI 269-445-2664 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Calvin Community Chapel 18770 Mt. Zion Cassopolis; 476-2246 Sun. 10 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Services Peoples Protestant 525 Pearl Cassopolis; 445-2668 Sun: Worship 10 am SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST Meeting at Kraus Family Banquet Center every Saturday, 4 miles east of Edwardsburg on US 12 Phone: 269-641-5376 Bible Study: 9:30 AM Worship Service: 10:50 AM Sun. 8 a.m. Services 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Services WINTER’S COMING! Na tur al Gas prices ar e on the RISE! WE HAVE A Registered Investment Advisory Firm 100 So. Main St. ✦ Elkhart, IN 46516 574.522.3738 ✦ 888.820.9100 ✦ Fax 574.522.1555 ✦ www.compasswa.com Our Advisory Team is a little different ✦ 6 Advisors ✦ Federally Registered ✦ Firm is Advisor owned ✦ Advisors compensated by salary, not commission CALL US WE may be able to Help 574-522-3738 888-820-9100 Selected one of the Nation’s 100 Most Exclusive Wealth Advisors by Wor th magazine Oct 2004 & Bloomberg magazine as one of the Top Wealth Managers in the country Jul/Aug 2004 H e l p i n g Yo u B u i ld an d M a n a g e Yo u r Wealt h Compass Wealth Advisors, LLC a Registered Investment Advisory Firm. Securities offered through Mutual Services Corp, Member NASD/SIPC. Compass Wealth Advisors is not affiliated with Mutual Service Corp. W OOD N ATURAL, ALTERN ATIVE FUEL Watson’s Tree Service Mulch & Soil Farms 2953 E. Detroit (M-60) 269-683-5305 / 888-751-TREE www.watsonstree.com Mon.-Fri. 7 am - 6 pm; Sat. 7 am - 4 pm PAGE 8 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Council On Aging activities for October The following activities are scheduled through the Cass County Council on Aging in October: Oct. 3, Tuesday: Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Information, demonstrations and services to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer and women’s health issues. Continental breakfast, door prizes, and an opportunity to remember or honor loved ones affected by cancer. 10 a.m. to noon. Oct. 4, Wednesday: Low Vision Support Group. The group will cover topics related to living with low vision and will provide support and practical strategies for those with vision loss. 1-3 p.m. Oct. 4 and 18, Wednesdays: Hot Breakfast. A variety of breakfast favorites are available to suit any taste, including eggs, any style, breakfast meat, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee. Continental breakfast served daily, 7:15 to 9 a.m. study guide is available for a fee. 9:30 – 11 a.m. Center, Dowagiac. The COA brings Bingo to Dowagiac for just $1.25. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 9, Monday: Brain Aerobics Class. “Fitness for your Mind” exercises the brain and stimulates neurons. This is a free class, but you must register due to space limitations. This class is open to everyone. 10 a.m. to noon. Oct. 14, Saturday: Fall Roast. Music, dancing, silent auction, and a hog roast feast mark this evening to raise funds for the COA Meals on Wheels Program. Tickets can be purchased for $20 at the COA, tables of eight are available. 49 p.m. Oct. 25, Wednesday: Caregiver’s Support Group. Aimed at those taking care of ill or elderly loved ones, the group offers a chance for caregivers to discuss issues, coping strategies, and gain support from others. Care services during the meeting for those in need can be arranged free of charge by calling Suzanne Beurmann at the COA at (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 10, Tuesday: Marcellus Neighbors visit the COA: Marcellus area residents are invited to hop on the bus to the COA at the United Methodist Church in Marcellus at 9:30 a.m. and return by 2 p.m. Call Public Transportation at 445-2455 to reserve your seat. Oct. 10, Tuesday: Parkinson’s Support Group. Special discussions, activities, and support for those affected by Parkinson’s disease. Open to families, friends, caregivers, and those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. 1-3 p.m. Oct. 13 and 27, Fridays: Great Decisions. Everyone is welcome to add their voice to this current events discussion group, regardless of beliefs, education, or background. Discussion topics cover local, national, and world events and situations. Participation is free of charge; Oct. 12, Thursday: Veterans Administration and Woodlands. Representatives from these organizations will be at the COA to answer questions, talk about issues and get to know the community. Veterans 10 a.m. to noon, Woodlands Noon to 2 p.m. LAKE EFFECT POWERSPORTS at Sister Lakes — 30 Minutes from Diamond Lake Largest Indoor Showroom in Michiana PRE-SEASON SAVINGS ON 2006 SKI-DOOS & APPAREL Oct. 12, Thursday: COA visits Southeast Neighbors. Come to the Conservation Club in Union to meet your neighbors and get a free blood pressure check starting at 10 a.m. Bingo starts at 10:45 a.m., and stay for a potluck lunch at noon (don’t forget a dish to pass). Oct. 16, Monday: Bingo at Lincoln Community Center, Dowagiac. The COA brings Bingo to Dowagiac for just $1.25. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 19, Thursday: Cooking for One. Learn how cooking for one can be easy and enjoyable. Get a free cookbook and get ideas for planning, shopping and cooking for one. Presented by Cindy Warren, Michigan State University Extension Educator. Please call (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390 for an appointment. 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 23, Monday: Bingo at Lincoln Community Oct. 26, Thursday: Grief Matters Support Group. Christine Roach-Brown, a professional bereavement counselor, will talk about strategies on how to cope with grief and loss and begin the process of healing. The program is open to anyone dealing with loss. 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Friday: Legislative Update. Representative Rick Shaffer from Michigan’s 59th District discusses upcoming legislation and takes questions. Free continental breakfast. 1-3 p.m. Oct. 30, Monday: Bingo at Lincoln Community Center, Dowagiac. The COA brings Bingo to Dowagiac for just $1.25. 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 31, Tuesday: Halloween Party. Prizes for the best costume, entertainment, and Halloween lunch available for purchase in the dining room. Noon. These are just some of the activities and classes that the COA has to offer. For more information on this or other COA programs, call (269) 445-8110 or (800) 323-0390 or go to www.casscoa.org. The Cass COA is located at the corner of M-60 and Decatur Road in Cassopolis. All activities are at the COA unless another location is specified. Cass COA Fall Roast Saturday, October 14 4 - 9 P.M. 67990 W. M-152, SISTER LAKES www.lepowersports.com (269) 944-5577 Tickets available at the COA $20 Per Person Tables of 8 available music - dinner - dancing - fun! Proceeds will benefit the COA M e a l s o n W h e e l s Program Come see the all new redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Silverado 269-278-1485 M-60, Just West of US-131 J I MChevrolet, V EBuick, TInc. TER Sales Hours: Take the Short Drive to Three Rivers and find out why everyone is saying ... Mon., Wed. 9am ‘til 8pm Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 9am ‘til 6pm Saturday 9am ‘til 1pm “Everything Is Better At Vetter” Visit our website: www.betteratvetter.com Ken Tabert Chuck Spencer Brian Ruth Ryan McGill, Sales Manager Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... Vetter is Better ... PAGE 9 Breast Cancer Awareness Day The Cass County Council on Aging will mark Breast Cancer Awareness month with a special morning October 3 from 10 a.m. to noon. A mammogram technician from Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital will discuss how to conduct a self examination, show xrays, and offer discount mammogram coupons. St. Joseph Image Recovery Center will be here to show the newest prosthesis available and clothing and wigs for patients. Celebrate the lives of cancer survivors and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives by adding the names to the Tree of Hope and Remembrance. Enjoy continental breakfast courtesy of Alick’s Home Medical, register to win door prizes, and get skin care tips and chair massages from Pacific Quest Day Spa. In the spirit of the day, wear something DINING ROOM available for holiday festivities November & December NEIGHBORS pink. For further information contact Debby or Sandi at 800-323-0390 or 269-445-8110. Service offers help with claims The world of insurance claims can be confusing and frightening. For anyone facing medical bills that are difficult to understand, a new monthly service is coming to the COA. Beginning Wednesday Oct. 4 from 9 a.m. to noon, Linda Green from Always Appeal will be here to meet with clients who may be having difficulty with insurance claims or understanding medical bills. This is a free service. Green is a Claims Assistant Professional with more than 30 years of experience working with insurance claims, medical personnel, and insurance companies. Green stays informed and up to date in the insurance field by enrolling in continu- Banquet Facilites for up to 175 Four Lakes OCTOBER 2006 ing education courses on Medicare policies and procedures as well as HIPAA rules and regulations “I offer help to individuals who have medical insurance claims they can’t seem to resolve or medical bills that are just overwhelming,” said Green. Appointments will be available on the first Wednesday of each month in 30minute increments from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments may be made at the Front Desk or by calling (269) 445-8110 or(800) 323-0390. Fitness room members should enjoy the extra hours. The fitness room is also open every Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A Combo fitness/Pilates class will also be added to the Saturday schedule. The class will run from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and will cost $20 per month. Fitness room membership is not required to attend the class. Fitness room memberships are available in one-month to one year increments; cost ranges from $30 to $150. Walk-in passes are available for $5 per visit. The COA Fitness Room has a wide variety of professional quality gym equipment to help anyone reach their fitness goals. COA staff and volunteers are trained in proper use of all equipment to ensure safety and maximum benefits. Fitness room opens on Saturday The Cass County Council on Aging fitness room will be open Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon beginning Oct. 7. “We’ve had a lot of requests for more hours, especially since the fitness room expanded last year,” said Sandi Hoger, Director of Leisure Enrichment. Closed Mondays eT Mor 269-445-8400 han JUST HAIR Styling for Men & Women Hair, Nails, Waxing & Pedicures COUNTRY CLUB Adamsville, MI 206 N. O’Keefe ● Cassopolis, MI 49031 Reservations Required Evenings Available by Appointment Only 269-699-5349 5 SHOPS UNDER ONE ROOF Farm Fresh Produce Wicks Apple House Country Style Bakery Featuring Homemade Fruit Pies Cider Mill Maze Corn e n s o p 26th st u A gu Gift Shop Orchard View Restaurant Hours: Tues. - Sun. Breakfast 8-11:30; Lunch 12-4:00 Cider OctobFest 7 t h & er 8th WICKS APPLE HOUSE - Tues. - Sun. 8am-6 pm Open Holiday Mondays 52281 Indian Lake Rd. (3 mi. South of Dowagiac) Dowagiac, MI 49047 (269) 782-7306 (call for directions) PAGE 10 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 BUSINESS NEWS Entrepreneurial Development in Cass County By David Allen First National Bank Three Rivers eonard Kanczuzewski is a customer of ours. He also shares a passion of mine for entrepreneurial development. Leonard is a huge supporter of Cassopolis, Cass County and all of Southwest Michigan. For those of you who do not know Mr. Kanczuzewski, he’s president of the Cass/Vandalia Chamber of Commerce and owner of the old Ed Lowe Business Incubator, re-named Inovateus Business Center - A Community of Forward Thinkers. Mr. Kanczuzewski is a successful businessperson that has not forgotten his roots. Rather than resting on his welldeserved laurels and easing into retirement, Leonard is beginning yet a new career helping business start-ups succeed in his incubator. Fortunately, Leonard has a lot of help. Folks like Cass County administrator, Terry Proctor, Cass County commissioner, Ron Francis, and Penn Township supervisor, John Gore, know a lot about economic development as well as organizations like the Cass County Economic Development Corporation, Ed Lowe Foundation (www.lowe.org), and Southwestern Michigan College (www.smc.cc.mi.us). The key message here is if you need help starting a business in Cassopolis, there are a lot of resources out there. Leonard’s simple goal is to help businesses thrive in Cass County. It’s up to you to take advantage of what he and others in the area have to offer! L Whether it’s Cassopolis, Dowagiac, Niles, Three Rivers, Mendon, Constantine, Centreville, or elsewhere, people are working diligently to incubate new business. In Constantine (www.constantinemi.org), for instance, interim village manager, Mark Honeysett, village president, Pat Weiss, St. Joseph County EDC executive director, Cathy Annis, Glen Oaks Community College (www.glenoaks.edu), the St. Joseph County Sustainability Council (www.sjcsc.org) and others are trying to promote the Constantine Commerce Center (C3). Unlike the light manufacturing focus of the Inovateus Business Center, C3 targets small businesspeople by marketing its high speed internet connectivity. Currently, two of the three businesses located here market their products globally over the Web and a third business will soon join their ranks. C3 has been a quiet success and should help small business start-ups in St. Joseph County for many years to come. A few short miles north of Constantine in Three Rivers (www.threeriversmi.org), leaders, including city manager, Joe Bippus, community development director, Marcia Saunders, chamber general manager, Bruce Snook, and DDA director, Renee Hradsky, are working with the Northside Economic Potential Group (NEPG) of Kalamazoo to provide entrepreneurial space and training in the area. A recent grant has put NEPG together with the City, its’ DDA, local businessperson, Tom Meyer, and the St. Joseph County EDC (www.sjcedc.com) to begin establishing a base of operations at what Residential Commercial Industrial Agricultural locals call the Whitehouse building. The Whitehouse building is located in Three Rivers’ downtown adjacent to the southwest corner of Michigan Avenue and Main Street. For a full listing of their programs and services, you may want to check out NEPG’s website (www.nepg.org). An article on their website details the September kickoff of their New Ventures Training Program. In Niles (www.ci.niles.mi.us), Sharon Witt-Tyler, a recent recipient of the prestigious “Michigan Economic Developer of the Year” award presented by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, is no stranger to business incubation. Sharon is executive director of the Southwest Michigan Economic Growth Alliance, Inc. (www.michigan-business.info). Her organization was one of the first in the state to operate a business incubator. Though the incubator was razed to provide space for new investment, Sharon, city manager, Terry Eull, local business leaders and organizations like Southwestern Michigan College and Lake Michigan College (www.lakemichigancollege.edu) and its’ MTEC Center know what resources are needed to establish a new business in their community. From business plan development to assistance with legal, accounting and insurance issues, they can help ensure your business gets off on the right foot. Finally, it’s worth noting that entrepreneurial development is occurring throughout southwest Michigan and not just in selected communities. Beyond the primary mission of retaining and expanding local businesses, economic developers work diligently on nurturing new business either through attraction or business start-ups. In other words, though I provided you some examples of business incubation in places like Cassopolis, Constantine, Three Rivers and Niles. They’re also working on these issues in other cities, including Dowagiac (www.cityofdowagiac.com), Mendon, Centreville and elsewhere. Sandy Gower and Bill Nelson can attest to this in Dowagiac as well as John Hyden in Mendon and Donna Randall and Marty DeLeo in Centreville. Helping develop new business is moving up alongside the traditional economic development priorities of retention and expansion. Local developers are finding it to be far more economical than attraction efforts because future entrepreneurs are typically found on shop floors throughout our part of the state. Putting entrepreneurs together with the abundant resources available is our challenge. There’s plenty of assistance out there; we just need to make people aware of it. And, the sooner the better! Dave Allen is currently vice president of business development for First National Bank in Three Rivers. Prior to joining the bank, Mr. Allen served as Executive Director for the St. Joseph County Economic Development Corporation (2003 - 2005), Manager of Business Retention for Southwest Michigan First (2002), and Manager of Regional Operations and Public Affairs for SEMCO Energy (1988 - 2001). Keep it Quiet With a Honda B F40 ● Quiet 4-stroke technology ● Extremely stable low-speed performance ● Unsurpassed fuel economy ● Gas assisted tilt and many other convenience features ● No smokey 2-stroke exhaust ● No oily film left on water We offer complete service on all Honda outboards and take pride in providing the kind of customer satisfaction that you expect from Honda. Eagle Lake Marine On the south side of EAGLE LAKE off US 12, near Edwardsburg 66020 M-62, Edwardsburg, MI (between Cassopolis & Edwardsburg 782-3200 l 800-508-2002 l 445-8161 PROVEN 269-699-5103 http://www.eaglelakemarine.com For optimum performance and safety, read the Owner’s Manual before operating your Honda Marine Product. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating. PAGE 11 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 A$K, It’s Your Money/ Dear Mr. Reasoner, I have a simple question; I’m wondering what you think of reverse mortgage loans. I am thinking of using the loan to buy a car and to do some upgrades to my small summer home on the lake preparing for possible resale when the time comes. My current car is 11 years old, but I hope to keep it a couple more years if the upkeep does not get to expensive. I am single, never married, 70 years old. I plan to maintain my two homes as long as I can. I am in very active and good health but, a little short on dollars for doing the extra extras. I have enclosed an article for your review. I would be grateful for your input on this matter. Sincerely, Doris Dear Doris, Thanks for the question, I have found that one of the most difficult things to get is an objective, professional input into the area of one’s financial life. Everyone has so many biases built into their thinking that those biases become fact. Those facts become the foundation for their life’s philosophy. Doris you were born in 1933 in the very heart of the Depression. Psychologists tell us by the age of five most of our thought processes are already ingrained into the brain. What were your parents telling you about money (by their actions and words) during the 30’s? Of course, I don’t know for sure, but I’ll bet it was something like save (hoard) your money, don’t spend for unnecessary items and don’t by Paul Reasoner Compass Wealth Advisors trust the banks, since many of them closed and depositors lost money as there was no federal insurance at the time. The reason I point this out to you is that the articles you sent me gave you all the reasons you need to go to the B-A-N-K and talk to their reverse mortgage specialist. Those reasons as you have already read are: 1. The loan does not need to be repaid until you sell the house, move (presumably into some form of assisted living or nursing home) or pass away. 2. The proceeds are tax-free since the money is based on your primary residence and the money is a loan. 3. There are no monthly payments which would cut into your standard of living. 4. While the equity of your house would go either in whole or in part back to the bank, rather than your heirs, I assume you have no children so that is not an overriding concern. 5. The major negative is cost. No two ways about it banks are in the fee-income business. They do not just want interest on money they lend they want fees which they charge to lenders to increase the income to the bank. Of course, if a 70 year old woman comes to the bank with hat-in-hand they will try to take advantage of her (however, they will smile all the while). Bottom line is; reverse mortgages are expensive. I would not simply consider a reverse mortgage for reason number five specifically. Doris, my opening comments about being born in the Depression and being very conservative in your spending habits were made for a reason. I would look at your lifestyle first. The extra extras you are searching for may be right in front of you. Few individuals are fortunate to have two homes plus, at 70 be healthy enough to maintain them both. Sit down and give yourself a hard financial review, go back to your roots I bet you will be able to find a solution even if it is to sell one of your homes allowing for additional financial freedom and time to enjoy many more of life’s treasures. Enjoy, -Paul D. Reasoner CFP®, CIMA® Paul D. Reasoner, CFP®, CIMA® can be reached for questions at 888-820-9100 or write: Compass Wealth Advisors, 100 S. Main St., Elkhart, IN 46516; Securities offered through Mutual Service Corporation, Member NASD, SIPC Compass Wealth Advisors LLC is not affiliated with Mutual Service Corp. S & R Jewelers 142 S. Broadway, Cassopolis SPECIALIZING IN THE DESIGN AND REPAIR OF FINE JEWELRY Open 9:30 to 5:30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday Saturdays from 9:30 to 3 Wednesday by appointment PAGE 12 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Historic post cards depict Cass County cards submitted by FLOYD AND TOM JERDON Jerdon Real Estate, Dowagiac his month’s historic post cards from southwestern Michigan Real Estate Brokers Floyd and Tom Jerdon depict a variety of scenes from Cass County lakes and resorts, some of the cards dating back to the early 1900s. T The three postcards pictured on this page are from two of the smaller lakes in the county, Twin Lakes at right and below and from Bull Lake (southeast of Edwardsburg) pictured at bottom right. The Bull Lake postcard is dated 1913. Because of the size of these lakes and the relative scarcity of visitors and residents, there was less demand for postcards and fewer were ultimately produced. Consequently, the cards that do exist are much more rare than some of the cards from other lakes in the area. all photos courtesy of Jerdon Real Estate Upstream Waters Landscape Ser vices llc. 269.782.0787 877.282.5803 Serving Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Sister Lakes and all Lakes of Cass County DESIGN INSTALL MAINTAIN to provide ambiance for your outdoor living Install Maintain PAGE 13 NEIGHBORS Above is the Bird’s Nest Hotel on Indian Lake. The hotel was one of the last operational resort/hotels in the area. Jerdon Real Estate sold the property in the 1960s and it was demolished in the 1970s. Below is a postcard showing the caged bears at Ridenour Resorts at Indian Lake. The bears were kept for several years as a tourist attraction. Above is a card showing the Avalon Ballroom at Baron Lake. Below is another rare card showing the hillside of Stone Lake in Cassopolis. all photos courtesy of Jerdon Real Estate Phone (269) 782-4000 A Better Way to Build LAKESHORE Home Builders Visit our website showcasing lake property on 100 Lakes in Southwest Michigan www.jerdon.net 269-684-7048 2307 S. 11th St., Niles 1/4 mile south of Wal-Mart or 1-1.2 mile north of stateline OCTOBER 2006 LONG LAKEFRONT This lake home is like new, built in ‘02. Light & bright interiors, nice kitchen, & lakeside deck. 1,300 SF, 3 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, basement, & more. Back lot & double garages. Sand beach, great view, low maintenance, &walk-in condition! $349,900 DEWEY LAKEFRONT 8 BR House. 2 fireplaces, 3 baths, 3,985 SF, high ceilings, lake side deck, gazebo, upper deck, master suite. Screened porch, second kitchen, garage, decks, beach house. Sand beach, level site, newly fenced yard & painting. $545,000 BLUE FIN MARINA ON MAGICIAN LAKEFRONT Residential or commercial. 120’ beach, concrete sea wall. 5 Lots with sewer, backlots, level terrain. pole building with attached block building. Office, show rooms, gas pump, retail area, boat hoist, & parking. $1.275 Million CABLE LAKEFRONT Contemporary exterior, beautiful window scapes, peninsula location. 3 Bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, fireplace, knotty pine interior, lakeside master suite, cozy kitchen, exposed beam construction & architectural loft, $399,500 MAGICIAN LAKEFRONT 4 Bedrooms, 4 baths, 2 fireplaces, 3,211 SF. Lakeside master suite & bath, Pella windows, Asian beech hardwood & ceramic tile floors, granite counter-tops & gourmet kitchen. WAS $889,900 NOW $699,900 BIRCH LAKEFRONT New Listing! 70' of sand beach, fireplace, wooded, level site, 4 bedrooms, 2,010 SF, new upgrades, & fabulous view of this beautiful turquoise colored lake! $589,900. an independent builder Interactive TV Texas Hold-em & Trivia Family Friendly Environment Kereoke on Wednesdays Live entertainment every Saturday Open 7 days 7 - 2:30 236 S. Front St. Dowagiac, MI kitchen hours Sun Noon - 9 M-S 11-11 782-9690 Walleye - Perch - Sandwiches - Italian Beef - Joes - Pizza - Soups - Large Salad Selection Steaks - Ribeye - NY Strip - Sirloin - Fish - Lake Superior Whitefish (Fri) - Italian Sausage - Chicago Dogs - Coney Dogs - Cheeseburgers - Sloppy LITTLE TWIN LAKEFRONT 4 Lots totaling 100 of lake frontage and fenced yard. 3 Bedrooms, 1,045 SF, full bath, large great room, solid knotty pine interior. Priced right too! WAS $179,900 NOW $169,900 LAND & LAKEFRONT AUCTION Nov. 11th 10 AM (EST), Tolbert Farm 292 Acres Pleasant Lakefront Edwardsburg, MI, Open Houses: Oct 14th 10-Noon Oct 17th 4-6 PM Parcel #146A home/buildings,#2 32.9A lakefront/woods, #3 190A woods/ag #4-3.5A lakefront, #5 10.9A. Phone for brochure or visit www.jerdon.net PAGE 14 NEIGHBORS The log cabin above was the “honeymoon” cabin at Christiana Lake, next to the old homestead of Bill Selby. Below people enjoy the teeter totter at Pleasant Lake in Edwardsburg in a 1909 postcard. At right are a group of sailors at French Landing on Eagle Lake. all photos courtesy of Jerdon Real Estate OCTOBER 2006 Feed the animals! Wildlife food headquarters Bird seed Deer apples Shelled & Cracked corn Dussel’ s 21765 M60, Cassopolis Open Tuesday uesday thr ough Sunday Sunday 445-8715 PAGE 15 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Cass District Library’s Fall Schedule of Fun! Movie Nights continue at the Mason/Union and Howard Branches! This cinematic lineup includes: ■ Monday, October 2, Mason/Union Branch, we will be showing a recently released film starring an inquisitive monkey! The feature begins at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and drinks provided. ■ Monday, October 9, Howard Branch, we will be showing the third in the series of movies starring mutant superheroes. This feature begins at 6:30 p.m. Popcorn and drinks provided. Fall Story Hour begins Tuesday, October 3. Catch a session at any of our locations. ■ Tuesdays, Howard Branch, 10 a.m. ■ Wednesdays, Mason/Union and Edwardsburg Branches, 10 a.m. ■ Thursdays, Main Library, 10 a.m. Friends of the Library, Mason/ Union Branch will hold their annual book sale: ■ Wednesday October 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ■ Thursday, October 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. ■ Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cass County Parks Department, Cass County Soil Conservation District, and Cass District Library are teaming up to host a fall Harvest Fest at Dr. T. K. Lawless Park, October 7 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. Activities include: ■ Trick or treat trail ■ Hayrides ■ Face painting ■ Crafts ■ Pumpkin decorating ■ Canines in Costume parade and contest Teen Read Week October 15 - 21 ■ Prizes and activities for teens at all branches. Calling all teens to come in and liven up the library. Create something at one of our workshops: ■ Wednesday, October 4, Joy Duff will conduct a Native American basket-making workshop at the Edwardsburg Branch beginning at 6 p.m. All participants will leave with a small sweet grass basket. ■ Thursday, October 5, Greg Leyes from Ginger Valley will show participants how to prepare their gardens for spring. One lucky winner will receive a special door prize. This workshop begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Edwardsburg Branch. ■ Wednesday, October 11, Robin English will conduct a quilting workshop at the Edwardsburg Branch beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendees will learn a new quilting method or technique. ■ Monday, October 16, Robin English will conduct a second quilting workshop at the Mason/Union Branch beginning at 6:30 p.m. Barbara S. Harman Now available at stores and restaurants throughout Michiana Copywriting—Editing—Photography P.O. Box 634 Granger IN 46530 E-Mail: bharman@mwconnections.com Phone: 269 641-2434 574-292-0478 Italian Charm Bracelet Dealer Sprague Farms Pumpkins Diamonds for all occasions We also repair your fine jewelry (all shapes,sizes, and colors), Indian Corn, Squash, Cornstalks, Gourds,Straw Directions: Take M-62 west about 4 miles from Dowagiac to Indian Lake Road. Turn right, go about 3 miles to Silver Street. Turn left, then go 1 mile — we are located on the left. (269) 319 M 62 N Cassopolis, Michigan 269-445-3400 www.cass.lib.mi.us Main*Edwardsburg*Mason/Union*Howard*Local History *Home Delivery *Summer Reading Programs & Story Time *Internet Access *Genealogical Resources for Researchers *Arts & Humanities Program *Public Fax, Copy, and Laminating Services Cassopolis, Michigan After learning a new craft at one of our workshops, come swing and sway to the tracks of film favorites with the Prometheus String Quartet as they present Music From the Movies at the Mason/Union Branch, Thursday, October 26 at 7 p.m. For questions or suggestions regarding programming, please call any Cass District Library location or e-mail jray@cass.lib.mi.us. Midwest Genealogical Historical Research Courthouse Documents Research ● Aeration & Dethatching ● Full Fertilizing Program ● Shrub Trimming ● Bush Hog Work ● Spring & Fall Clean-up ● Mulch Hauled and Laid ● Sand & Topsoil Hauled 269 ■ Wednesday, October 18, Joy Duff will show participants how to make a Native American sweet grass turtle at the Edwardsburg Branch beginning at 6 p.m. Everyone will take one of these adorable creatures home. ■ Tuesday, October 24, Kelly Boyd will conduct a jewelry workshop at the Howard Branch beginning at 6:30 p.m. All participants will leave sporting a unique piece of jewelry of their own creation. Proudly serving residents (and vacationers!) in Calvin, Jefferson, LaGrange, Howard, Mason, Milton, Newberg, Ontwa, Penn, Pokagon, Porter and Volinia townships, as well as the residents of the villages of Cassopolis, Vandalia, and Edwardsburg. PAGE 16 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 The Civil War diary of Albert P. Anderson The Civil War Diary of Albert P. Anderson of LaGrange Twp, Cass County, Michigan Introduction by Jon Wuepper, Cass District Library Local History Branch his month we publish the continuation of the Civil War diary of Corporal Albert Phipps Anderson, of Cassopolis. This segment picks up during January 1862, when the 2nd Michigan Cavalry - of which Anderson had enlisted in Company L - was stationed at Camp Benton, Missouri. Jan. 13 1862. The coldest day we have had……Received a letter from Jeff with news that Sarah and Mark were married the 8th. Just what I have been expecting. (Notethe bride and groom were Sarah Mansfield and Mark Sherrill. In 1860, the latter lived a few miles south of the Anderson farm, off present day M-62. The Mansfield farm was adjacent on the west side of the Anderson farm). Jan. 15 1862. ….Putting us through in earnest just now and I’m glad of it, and they are getting awful strict with all, but pshaw, a regiment without discipline might better be at home than here. Jan. 18, 1862. The coldest day we have had and no coat. This morning we were almost freezing. Jan. 19, 1862. Thawing today and mud as deep and sticky as is usual for this Missouri clay. The T Serving your health needs in your home town. weather is about as changeable as the military orders given to us boys just to learn us to obey orders no matter what they are….Don’t know why I don’t hear from some of the folks. Jan. 21, 1862. Boys begin to growl about staying here in this deuced mud hole. Jan. 25, 1862. ….Was feeling almost sick this morning; reported to the hospital and got some quinine. Went on dress parade and got excused from drill. Almost ready to drop. Awful sick. Stopped in officers quarters until noon, and went to bed. Ague all the afternoon. High fever all night. Jan. 28, 1862…..Muddy, muddier, muddiest. Has been raining all Walk-In Clinic Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital 420 West High Street, Dowagiac 269.783.3052 ADD Clinic Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital 420 West High Street, Dowagiac 269.782.6307 day. Had the ague and was awful sick all afternoon and night. Jan. 30, 1862. …Received a letter from home and a few moments after a box of pies, cookies, cheese, butter, etc. I shall live on the top shelf now for a while. Soldiering would be ten-fold worse and harder to bear without the thought that we have a home and friends there; a mother who sympathizes with us in all the roughs, ups and downs of a soldier’s life. Jan. 31, 1862. ….Went to the city in the funeral escort over the remains of poor Tim Wooden. He died this morning early and his brother was here to be with him in his last sickness and to see his remains back to Michigan. What a pity the poor boy couldn’t have had a furlough a few weeks ago…..Goodbye January. Feb. 4, 1862. ….Thought when I woke up that I had been skating on Cass lake* all night…no war news. Why do we hear of no movement? [* “Cass lake” is a/k/a Stone Lake, as was adjacent to the Anderson farm, south of the Cassopolis village limits.] Feb. 12, 1862. …..Evening papers have accounts of the success of the Burnside fleet off the east [coast] of Virginia. ….Guess Todd and Dick will have a fight before morning….They are awful cross already. Feb. 13, 1862. ….Sure enough that fight came off as I predicted. Feb. 17, 1862. ….This afternoon the news of the surrender of Ft. Donelson came in camp. Great rejoicing and excitement; firing of guns, speeches, etc. [Ft. Donelson was a Confederate stronghold in northern Tennessee, near the TN Kentucky state line. On Feb. 16, 1862, Ft. Donelson was surrendered to Union forces, commanded by General Ulysses S. Grant. This was a major defeat to the Confederacy in the west.] Feb. 18, 1862. ….Had everything ready and left camp [near Benton, Missouri] at 10 o’clock…Got aboard the boat about 2 o’clock. Feb. 19, 1862 …..Slept quite comfortably on the deck of the steamer John J. Doe last night….Will be a tough night to lay out on the deck. Who wouldn’t be a soldier! Feb. 20, 1862-had a tough time of it on the steamer’s deck last night-was cold and icy….Nothing to eat but hard bread and little of that. Feb. 21, 1862---Steamed across the [Ohio] river to Ft. Holt [in Kentucky] aboyt 10 o’clock to unload our plunder….Seems good to get off a dirty crowded steamer. Feb. 24, 1862---….Steamers, gun boats and transports are moving in every direction. Feb. 26, 1862--- …An attack by the rebels from Columbus is expected tonight. Feb. 28, 1862--- …Got all our horses, etc. loaded before dark and steamed across [the Mississippi River] to Cairo, [Illinois]. Women’s group to screen movie “The Ground Truth” Internal Medicine & Family Practice 117 South Broadway Street, Cassopolis 269.445.0771 310 South Front Street, Dowagiac 269.782.8696 Pediatrics 300 Whitney Avenue, Dowagiac 269.783.1336 Family Practice 67892 M-152, Dowagiac 269.944.3500 (Sister Lakes) This is a photo of a T-Missile taken by Darnell Cassell during his National Guard service in Iraq. WAND (Women’s Action for New Directions), Southwest Michigan chapter, will host a screening of “The Ground Truth” on Tuesday, October 10th from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Cass District Library, followed by discussion. The film, which premiered at the 2006 Sundance and Nantucket Film festivals, was released in select cities nationwide in midSeptember. The Ground Truth, hailed as “powerful” and “quietly unflinching,” is Patricia Foulkrod’s documentary feature about patriotic young Americans - ordinary men and women who heeded the call for military service in Iraq - as they experience recruitment and training, combat, homecoming, and the struggle to reintegrate with families and communities. For further information contact Ruth Andrews at 269-445-0437 or by email at ruthand@woodlandsbhn.org. PAGE 17 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Why suffocate your skin when you could feed it? By Christina Richey e all have it, young and old, male and female, all colors shapes and sizes - our skin. And yet it is surprising how little we know about it. One reason how I know people don’t know about how our skin works and what it needs, is because of all the abuse it takes. Are you a sun-bather, avid tanner, junkfood eater, unhealthy-skin-product user (just to name a few)? I know it’s not the most exciting topic, but it concerns all of us and we all have concerns about it (whether we admit it or not). From the basket to the casket, we use personal care products at the average of seven times a day! Think about that, and what are you putting on your skin? It all adds up to problems that we don’t even realize that we have the power to change. I would like to pass on some information that I have learned recently that just might change your life. First of all, did you know that your skin weighs on the average of eight pounds and is the largest organ of your body? We all know that taking care of our heart, liver, and kidneys is good. But what about your skin? It also is the largest eliminative and absorptive organ and we suffocate it all the time with products containing ingredients that have too large of molecules to absorb into the skin and seals it up, just like marine life in an oil spill. Not a pretty picture! Try this test, put a peeled garlic clove between your toes and see how long it takes to taste it! (my kids had fun with this) You see, chemicals that you come in contact with, can be W found in every organ of your body within 26 seconds. Your skin is not just a tarp holding in your body parts! It’s a living, breathing organ that needs nutrition and care. Do any of you wish you would have known that from the beginning? I do, and it’s my desire to help others take better care of themselves and their families, from the inside as well as the outside. Second, the most important functions of the skin are: protection, temperature regulation, sensation, and secretion. Each one of these jobs can work more efficiently if the skin is properly cared for. Skin care products that you use have a lot to do with how your skin can function, or not function. You need products that allow the skin to breath as well as fight the intrinsic and actinic aging factors. Check this out, each square inch of skin contains: 65 hairs, 95-100 sebaceous glands, 78 yards of nerves, 19 yards of blood vessels, 650 sweat glands, 9,500,000 cells, 1,300 nerve endings (records pain), 19,500 sensory cells, 78 sensory apparatuses to record heat, 13 sensory apparatuses to record cold! What a complicated marvel that we cannot take for granted! Third, let’s go over the aging factors. Changes inevitably happen as the years pass and our skin is not immune to this law. Collagen and elastin production slows down and the thickness of the skin decreases with every passing year. Now only 10 percent of the visible signs of aging are due to intrinsic aging factors. These would include family background and history, skin color (in gen- eral, the darker the skin, the less visible sign of aging), thickness of skin, and loss of bone mass. They are things that we cannot help. But 90% of the visible signs of aging are due to sun exposure, or actinic aging. These would include wrinkling, sagging, discoloration, thinning skin, and spider veins. And these are things we can do something about! Prevention and protection are key in maintaining a younger appearance. Also as skin ages, production of the intercellular cement decreases, which lessens the skin’s ability to hold moisture. So then you’ve got a roughtextured appearance. Good skin care helps to lessen the physical aging of skin through topical hydration and moisturization. So, what lives in the environment and has what it needs to survive the climate changes and exposure? Plants do and the botanical ingredients that we derive from plants, when implemented in skin care products, help us, from healing and comforting skin ailments, to soothing, protecting, and beautifying our skin. Nature and science blended together, without mineral oil, animal products or by-products, dyes or chemical fragrances, and dermatologist tested, is the key for pure, safe and beneficial skin care products. Choose wisely, and your skin will thank you for it! Christina Richey is an independent consultant for Arbonne International, a company that makes and markets skin-care products. AC C E P T I N G R E S E RVAT I O N S F O R FA L L & W I N T E R F U N ! T h e i d e a l s p o t fo r Hunters S k i e r s ( we ’ r e j u s t t wo m i l e s f r o m S w i s s Va l l e y ) Ice Fisher men Fall Colors W i n t e r Wo n d e r l a n d Holidays with the family! 1 2 8 9 1 D u t ch S e t t l e m e n t R d . PUMPKINS (UPICK OR WE PICK) O n B o g a r t L a ke n e a r M a r c e l l u s , M i c h i g a n FALL DECORATIONS INDIAN CORN, APPLES, SQUASH Behind the High School on Kamp Kozy L u m b e r j a c k Re s o r t If it’s not the best we don’t sell it Open weekends 10 am to 6 pm 269-646-2181 Cassopolis Over $11.5 million SOLD in 2005 Susan Horstmann Broker Associate, GRI, ABR, SRES ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Cressy & Everett’s top producer in Michigan for 2005 Top Associate — Listing Volume & Sales Volume Multi-Million Dollar Producer — Hall of Fame Member Chairman’s Club Member Diamond Club Member 19 years of real estate sales experience 16 years of broker/broker associate experience 269-445-8152 800-344-9783 suesellshouses@beanstalk.net www.cressyeverett.com/susanhorstmann Cressy and Everett 22451 US 12 Edwardsburg, MI Historic Diamond Lakefront home designed & built for John M. Studebaker on north shore. 116' of prime lake front. 6 bedrooms , 3 full baths. Hardwood floors, walls and ceilings accent the warm and inviting living areas. Also features a 2 bedroom, 1 bath guest house. $1,697,000 #2642373 Diamond Lakefront home w/100' sandy beach w/desirable southerly location. Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors & open floor plan. Living room w/a wall of built-ins incl. a wet bar & pass thru fireplace. Gourmet kitchen & much more. Includes 100x150 back lot. $1,975,000 #2640801 Diamond Lakefront home w/80' front. 3 bedroom, 3 full bath w/open living areas with vaulted ceilings, skylights, and mirrored fireplace. Generous layered deck w/built-in gourmet grill and oversized hot tub. Attached 2 car garage plus newer detached 24 x 24 garage. $595,000 #2628313 Diamond Lakefront north shore home w/ oversized decking sandy beach, concrete seawall and 48x16 patio. Living room windows to capture lake views. Kitchen w/cherry Amish cabinetry, ceramic floor, & newer appliances. Detached 2+ stall garage. $949,000 #2643933 PAGE 18 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 The “POND” saga by Northstar Landscaping A pond can be described as a hole in the ground with water in it. Following that same line of thought, the Mona Lisa is a picture of a woman smiling. Both are true, but oversimplified. AND THERIN LAYS THE RUB! Often, a homeowner with a few acres over which he can gaze, may think, “I think a pond …with fish…would go great, just about THERE!” With the simplified vision of pond installation, the “weekend warrior” gathers a few friends for an afternoon digging party, they throw down a few beers and let her rip. Once the hole is dug, the next step is to just line it with some rubber roofing, and then invite the friends back for another party to edge the heat absorbing, shiny black hole with either fieldstones that have been dropped in a pile near the hole, or plants that would “decorate” the hole and beautify the scene. The remaining friends, however, are a little less anxious to haul the fieldstone and pizza is added to the menu to coax them back. After a weekend...or two...with friendships diminishing, the homeowner is ready to fill the pond, load it with fish from the local pond supply store and light the barbeque for ribs and brew as a reward for his remaining stalwart friends. On a Saturday morning, after hauling all of the hose that he owns from the garage and/or shop, connecting it to an outside spicket and propping the nozzle so that it can be left unattend- ed; the man of the hour ceremoniously turns on the water. He retreats proudly to the house to watch Saturday cartoons and have a relaxing morning listening to the trickle of water as it fills his richly deserved reservoir. The barbeque goes off without a hitch and everyone pats themselves on their sunburned, aching backs. AND THEN….THE MONA LISA LAUGHS! The day after the barbeque, the homeowner walks outside with a cup of coffee to quietly gaze at his pond and he notices that there might not be as much water in it as there was the day before! He chalks it up to “the pond is just settling” and once again brings out the hose and refills the cavern to its original level (all the while making sure not to crush the newly planted perennials). Days later, the homeowner notices that once again the level has lowered and the water is not as crystal clear as it once was…and what’s this…he could swear the Koi (normally a placid fish) are flashing him dirty looks! He begins to wonder if there might not be something amiss. Days go by, more water is poured in…the fish are now wearing scuba gear and a pretty shade of green is beginning to skim the top of the pond. Frustrated and beaten, he vows never to approach the area again and lets the wildlife have a wetland sanctuary. There are several things that may have happened. Maybe the rubber roofing material wasn’t completely sealed where it overlapped, or maybe the jostling and stretching of the material, tore a slight hole in the lining, or maybe rocks are beginning to surface from an area not well compacted under the lining and are causing the lining to stretch and tear. Maybe also, he should have thought about a pump to circulate and aerate the water. Or maybe, just maybe, he should have asked for a professional to help with either advice or installation. What would have been done differently? A professional with pond experience takes a lot into consideration before creating a pond. The issues are “The Where,” “The What” and “The How.” As far as “The Where” is concerned, the three important features to consider when installing a pond are LOCATION, LOCATION, and LOCATION. Is the terrain sloping in the right direction? If the terrain slopes toward the pond, there’s a danger that nutrients from lawn chemicals could leach into the pond from surface runoff. Is the area being considered in full sun? If the pond is in full sun, it will need plants floating on the surface of the water or a canopy of trees to prevent algae from forming in the bright sunlight. Is the pond site close to the deck or patio? One of the features of a pond is Continued on next page HOUSE FOR SALE Custom Waterfront Property 21869 Howell Dr. — Diamond Lake 4,800 Sq. Ft. 6 Bedrooms, 5 Baths Two Fireplaces Dining Porch Sauna Contact P a tric k Ma tthe ws 574-271-0644 WWW.FBBHOME.COM MARY VANDERBOSCH VIRGINIA GARD ASSOCIATE BROKER/OWNER, GRI, ABR SALES ASSOCIATE, ABR 269-476-2460 maryvre@highstream.net 800-936-8537 Virginia.Gard@Comcast.net 19673 BROWNSVILLE: Country Charm! Immaculate, maintenance-free Cass farm house has huge kitchen/dining/gathering room, 3 bedrooms and main floor laundry. An acre of land with 2-stall garage, fenced back yard and an awesome view of woods and wildlife. $154,900. Call Mary NEW LISTING 100’ Long Lake frontage w/ well cared for 2,106 SF home w/ 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, large yard, oversized 2 car garage & shed. Great Location on cul-de-sac road. Sewer Assmt Paid in Full $338,000 14764 US 12: Back view--where you’ll live! This impeccable one-owner Union Quad is on nearly an acre, and its pool and yard are so inviting! Space for everyone with the 4 bedrooms, 2 family rooms, and the 3-season porch. You’ll think you are in a park. Come see! $148,500. Juno Lake home has 96’ of lake frontage & 187’ of channel frontage. Amazing Views! 1,322 SF home, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths. New Listing $379,000 PAGE 19 NEIGHBORS Continued from previous page the pleasing sound of the water circulating through a waterfall or fountain. Nothing beats the homeowner sitting on the back deck contemplating life’s questions while listening to the soothing sound of water flowing. In considering “The What” issues, that same professional with pond experience would recommend the use of a pond liner in place of rubber roofing. Pond liners are chemically stable and don’t add toxins to the water. That makes Mother Nature happy. Everyone knows we want to stay on the good side of Mother Nature. There are two types of pond liners that are most common, preformed and flexible. The preformed are rigid and resemble a plastic “kiddy pool”. The flexible pond liner allows for more creativity in designing a pond, since it adapts to any shape. Most professionals prefer the flexible pond liner. Continuing with “The What” issues, consideration must be given to what type of material would be used to cover the liner. The most common material is smooth, round, stone often called “river gravel”. The stone adds to a natural setting and OCTOBER 2006 does a whole lot more. The stone’s surface is teaming with life…that smooth, shiny stone allows for colonization of bacteria that filters and consumes excess nutrients that are created from debris left by fish and plants. “What else don’t I know?” you might ask, and rightly so! We haven’t touched on underlayment that protects the liner, or pumps and skimmers with filtration chambers that capture debris or float valves and overflow drains that manage water levels. And, OH MY LORD! WE HAVEN’T TALKED ABOUT “THE HOW”! That’s the part where the homeowner dreamed of a 3-step process: dig a hole, line it, and fill it. The homeowner is half-right to include the word “steps” in relation to a pond, because when considering “The How” issue, that’s how you con- figure the hole-as steps with “treads and risers” with a slight slope. This shape allows for fieldstones to be placed along the sides of the risers, and river gravel to be laid on the treads and bottom. Logic says that if the pond sides are just sloped slightly without a step, the stone will slide down to the bottom of the pond and you’ll have a giant rock pile in the bottom of the pond! Makes sense to me. All of the other factors such as ph range, pond maintenance for cleaning the pond, washing the rocks and cleaning the skimmer boxes are more “How” issues that often never even enter the homeowner’s mind. How does all of this information help you? Well, maybe it doesn’t. Or, maybe it gives you the insight that maybe…just maybe…some things are best left to the professionals! Ever ything w e touc h tur ns to S O L D OVER $14 MILLION SOLD IN 2005 List with the agents with proven results in selling your waterfront property We are aware of properties “available” but not currently on the open market, so be sure to contact us before you start your search for a waterfront property. As a member of the Multiple Listing Service we can provide you with a complete list of Waterfront properties available, not just our own company listings. Each of the “sold” listings were either listed with or sold by Jeanne or Kelly. VISIT OUR WEB SITES: www.kellytoney.com www.jeannewilkerson.com www.cressyeverett.com/jeannewilkerson www.cressyeverett.com/kellytoney www.realtor.com Kelly Toney, Associate Broker, GRI, ABR Jeanne Wilkerson, Sales Associate 22451 US 12 East. Edwardsburg,MI FEATURED LISTING — 17690 Dutchsettlement Rd. 1.5 acres of privacy. Wooded and 160’ lake frontage. Nice year round home. 5 BR 3 Bath total. Fireplace is wood or gas — your choice. Beautiful views from every room. Seller has installed GEO Textile Mat in 2005 for your swimming pleasure. This system is approved by the DNR. Newer pier and asphalt driveway. Little Fish Lake is 135 acres and an all sporting lake. $339,000 AVAILABLE (AND RECENTLY SOLD) WATERFRONT for 2006: $2,500,000....Oak Springs Rd.....Eagle Lake......................SOLD 828,500.........Lake St. .................Diamond Lake .......Home Sale 775,000.........Shore Acres Rd.....Diamond Lake .......................... 565,000.........Diamond View.......Diamond Lake.................SOLD 445,000.........Forest Hall.............Diamond Access ............ SOLD 399,900.........Filley Drive ............Donnell Lake...................SOLD 350,000.........Dutch Settlement ..Little Fish Lake ......................... 349,500.........Dutch Settlement ..Little Fish Lake ...............SOLD 349,900.........Diamond Harbor....Diamond LK Villa ............SOLD 349,900.........Forest Stevens ......Little Fish Lake ......................... 339,000.........Dutch Settlement ..Little Fish Lake ...............SOLD 299,900.........South Shore ..........Eagle Lake ...............New Price Jeanne (269) 462-0306 319,130.........Quinnesec .............Diamond Access....Home Sale 300,270.........Diamond Harbor....Diamond LK Villa ...Home Sale 249,000.........Beardsley ..............Diamond Access .............SOLD 229,000.........Hilltop ....................Baldwin Lake ..................SOLD 219,000.........Sunset ...................Baldwin Lake ..................SOLD 198,500.........Conrad Rd.............Pine Lake........................SOLD 185,900.........Woodland ..............Diamond Access ......Great Buy 169,000.........Maple Row ............Diamond Access 159,000.........Born St. .................Lilly Lake.........................SOLD 125,000.........Daily Rd. ...............Pleasant Lake 92,900...........Oil City Rd.............Davis Lake ......................SOLD Kelly (574) 215-9687 LIFE’S SHORT EAT WELL! Lunch Saturday Open later Only on weekends 11 am for drinks and desser t to 4 pm Reser vations recommended Dinner Mon-Th 4-9:30 Fri & Sat 4-10:30 12594 SR 23 in Granger 574-272-7017 Toll Free — 1-866-672-7017 A Gr anger Tr adition O ctober 2006 Vol. 3 No. 8 © 2006 Neighbors llc. SECTION T W O NEIGHBORS / FIELD FREDERIK MEIJER TRIP GARDEN & SCULPTURE PARK walk down the ol’ garden path ... indeed! Nonetheless, that’s what Fred and I decided on this month for our excellent adventure. Might seem pretty tame, but if you’ve never been to the Meijer Garden and Sculpture Park, you really don’t know what you’re missing! The Frederik Meijer Garden opened in April of 1995. It’s beautiful, stunning, spectacular and even FUN! Oh, yeah, inexpensive ($12 for adults, $9 for seniors and students, $6, $4 or Free for kids.). It’s open almost every day and relatively easy to find and get to(see www.meijergardens.org for full details). There are several indoor pavilions with flora from all over the world, and a stunning outdoor garden that covers nearly 200 acres — and is filled with the most beautiful displays and thought-provoking sculptures in the nation. There is a “children’s’ garden” with interactive displays, a butterfly garden, a large amphitheater, a gift shop, a restaurant, trolley rides ... well, you get the picture. If they don’t have it, you don’t need it! A For the MOST ride... goWakeS ide 51305 SR. 19 North Elkhart 574-264-2874 www.wakesidemarine.com Boats Motors Skis W akeBoards Accessories Service PAGE 22 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 FOLLOW THE TRAIL Visit the all-new SAUK TRAIL BAR & GRILLE on US 12 in Union, Michigan 641-5708 Serving prime steaks, fried or broiled fish, handmade pizza, Chicago Italian beef and Chicago Dogs, great burgers ... even my dad’s favorite fried bologna. GREAT FRIENDS ● GOOD FOOD ~ ALWAYS FUN ~ Dine in or Carry Out Credit Cards, ATM Open Daily PAGE 23 NEIGHBORS October 2006 A walk down this garden path reveals some startling sights — from a giant trowel to a three-story tall horse to giant bugs and even an alien spaceship. The short walk (or easy ride on the trolley) takes less than an hour — and if you’re lucky enough to be there in March or April, you’ll see the nation’s largest temporary butterfly show, and the outdoor amphitheater has summer concerts. The gardens are open year round (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). THE LAKE EXPERTS Robin Sharpe and Nancy Walker Now teamed together to provide the most successful service in the history of Southwestern Michigan Real Estate Over 25 years combined experience! Unparalleled knowledge NANCY WALKER of SW Michigan Lakes 586-530-8581 ROBIN SHARPE 574-215-5037 888-406-5333 888-406-5333 Shore Acres 21550 SHORE ACRES RD. CASSOPOLIS, MI 49031 269.445.5333 W e are excited to be teamed together to provide you with the best service available — whether you are BUYING or SELLING your dream home! CALL US TODAY! www.swmichiganhomes.com www.nancy-walker.com PAGE 24 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 GENEALOGY Library access to Heritage Quest ibraries today have the advantage of increasing services to patrons with the addition of online subscription services that augment their resources in ways that they could not possibly afford to do with additional book or microfilm collections, both because of space allocation and financial commitment. Patrons of the Cass District Library and the Niles District Library have free access at home to Heritage Quest Online through their library cards. Heritage Quest is a quality research tool that includes Census records, Freedman’s Bank Records, Revolutionary War pension and bounty land records, PERSI and thousands of online books. The addition of this valuable genealogical tool provides more information than small libraries could possibly afford or have room to catalog locally. The Cass District Library has access to Heritage Quest through computers at the main library as well as all branch libraries. Access the main library website at http://www.cass.lib.mi.us/cas.html. Links to branch libraries are accessible from the main page. The Niles District Library also has Ancestry.com, another major genealogical resource available at the library and a searchable local Obituary Index. Access their genealogical website at http://www.nileslibrary.com/localhistory.ht m#HQ In addition, both libraries participate in Michicard, a statewide library card system through the Library of Michigan that provides L (269) (269) (269) Genealogy and You by Barbara S. Harman bharman@mwconnections.com access to more than 300 libraries throughout the state. Check with your local library for information on this service. The following is an overview of the Heritage Quest database. You may search census records from 1790 through 1920. There are also partial records of the 1880 and 1930 censuses. Census records are my first tool of choice when beginning to research a family member. They provide valuable information that provides leads to other research sources. When you open the screen to the Heritage Quest census records you will see a list of census records on the left that are indexed by Surname. Type in your surname and given name to see what the index provides. Clicking on the name in the index will bring you to a microfilmed page of the original document. You will also note that not every year is indexed. However, by clicking on the browse button at the top of the screen you have access to every federal census from 1790-1930, including the 18201850 records not shown on the main index screen. The “browse” feature has 4 drop-down lists that must be accessed before trying to search in this mode. The lists include the census year, the state, the county and the location. You must choose one location in each of these in order to be able begin a search. Hopefully you’ve narrowed your search to the county level or at least to a couple of counties before using the browse feature. You must also enter a location-it may be a district or township. This search technique is very useful to narrow your search so that you don’t have to search the entire county. Once you find your ancestor you may download the page or print it. Using the indexed census lists before accessing the full search lists may save you some time by searching first the county and location where your ancestor was located in other census documents. The Freedman Bank Records are a wonderful tool for researching your African American ancestors. The bank was formed in 1865. It eventually failed in 1874. The information contained in the records includes name of depositor, place born and raised, employer’s name, and family information including spouse, children, parents, and siblings. Early records may also contain former plantation owner’s name as well as possibly death records. The information is arranged alphabetically by state. The Book Search feature allows you to search by name, place or book title. If you enter a surname you will get a list of all books in the catalog that includes that name. You may click on the title of the book, search the table of contents or click on the numbers to the left of the content list. This accesses the “hit” feature, and will take you to the pages that include the name that you searched. October is Family History Month and area libraries and genealogical societies have a variety of activities planned. It’s a great time of year to take a ride to a major research facility, take in a class and do a little research. The Niles District Library will hold their annual Genealogy and Family History Workshop beginning at 9am on Saturday, October 21 at the library on Main St. Check the website at http://www.nileslibrary.com/ for information on planned seminars and activities. The Michigan State Library has many classes and activities planned throughout October. Check the calendar at http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,160 7,7-160-17447_25622_25637--M_2006_10,00.html for times and locations. The Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne has a full month of day and evening classes planned. Access their website at http://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/2006FamilyHistoryMonth.pdf. While you visit their site, check out the photos of the new library construction. The facility will open in 2007. The annual Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) conference is scheduled to be held at the Grand Wayne Center on Aug. 15-18. PAGE 25 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 TECHNOLOGY Bugs in the machine By Parrish Reinoehl Pathfinder Networks e’ve all heard it before- you need to keep your computer free of viruses. As any PC user with a broadband connection can attest to, it is an absolute necessity that your PC has a working and current antivirus program installed. Even so, having just an antivirus program on your PC may not be enough to protect you from all the nasties that are trolling the Internet. There are other undesirable programs (called malware) besides viruses- and some of these can be very dangerous and harmful. Spyware and adware are programs that are surreptitiously installed on your PC and are designed to carry out various functions such as gathering information about your Internet browsing habits, serving popup ads, redirecting your Internet browser to different websites, and other undesirable functions such as stealing your personal information. These programs are primarily used by Internet advertising companies to inundate your PC with unwanted marketing material. However, spyware can also be used by hackers and criminals to monitor your PC usage and steal information such as credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, or other high-risk data. Some spyware and adware programs can also download and install more spyware, adware and viruses on to your PC when you are connected to the Internet — compounding the problem further. PCs infected with malware programs like these are fairly easy to recognize. If you are seeing popup ads every time you connect to the Internet, your Internet connection is slower than normal (or no longer works), or your PC seems to slow to a crawl and/or crashes consistently, you are probably a victim of spyware or adware. I have seen many PCs that W Ctrl Alt delete About the Author: Parrish Reinoehl is President of Pathfinder Networks; a Niles based technology consulting firm specializing in providing affordable computer services to small businesses and home users including networks, PC support, sales, and service. Pathfinder Networks can be reached at 269-684-7696 or via email at parrish@pathfindernetworks.co. Pathfinder Networks website is http://www.PathfinderNetworks.com Visit our retail location at 1920 S. 11th St., Niles, MI (in Belle Plaza). are infected with such an abundance (literally hundreds!) of these programs that the PC is essentially rendered useless. You may wonder how these programs find their way on to your PC in the first place. Most “free” programs are free because they contain adware. The developers of these “free” programs earn an income from the marketing companies that are able to push ads to your PC. Programs such as Weatherbug, Kazaa, WildTagent, BonziBuddy, Hotbar, Comet Cursor, AIM, and many, many others all install some form of adware or spyware. Even visiting some websites can cause adware or spyware to be installed. Many of these websites include pornography sites, game cheat-code sites, and warez (illegal programs) sites. Realistically, you can safely assume that more than 90 percent of the “free” software on the Internet is free because it contains adware or spyware. Even many pay programs contain malware such as this. Mattel came under fire for including the adware program “Broadcast” in many of its children games a few years ago. Sony was caught late in 2005 when it was discovered many of their audio CDs installed the malware programs Extended Copy Protection (XCP) and MediaMax CD-3 on users PCs. What can you do to protect yourself? First and foremost, be very diligent about what programs you allow to be installed to your PC and what sites are visited from your PC. Try to stay away from downloading and installing free software utilities that claim to enhance your Internet usage. Especially stay away from the music sharing programs such as Kazaa, Bearshare, Limewire, etc. These programs install numerous adware and spyware programs to your PC. Always keep in mind that if the software is free, there is probably a hidden reason why it is free for you to install. Stay away from programs that offer to give you fancy mouse pointers or that say they will enhance your emails with graphics and sound. Try to stay away from pornography sites, game cheat code sites (these are a favorite for kids that play video games), and warez software sites (sites that allow you to download pay software for free). Secondly, you should periodically scan your PC with a good adware/spyware removal tool. I personally recommend using both Lavasoft’s AdAware (www.lavasoftusa.com) and Patrick Kolla’s Spybot Search and Destroy (http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/). There is no reason to buy a commercial adware removal program, as both AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy are both free for private use and are excellent programs (and are some of the few free programs that do not contain spyware or adware!). In fact, there are many commercial spyware/adware removal programs that install more malware than they claim to remove. Don’t be surprised if you find that your PC has a few hundred files detected by these programs. I have seen cases where there were literally thousands of adware/spyware files on a single PC. You will want to allow AdAware and Spybot Search and Destroy to remove all files they finddo not worry about causing damage to your system as they will only remove files that are known to be infected. You should continually maintain your Windows Operating System by staying current with Windows Updates. You should also use a firewall to protect your PC. Many antivirus programs now include a firewall as part of the package. If your antivirus does not have its own firewall I highly recommend that you enable the built-in Windows XP firewall. Lastly, you should always be sure your PC has an antivirus program installed with an active subscription for updates. Many antivirus vendors, such as Panda Antivirus (www.pandasoftware.com) now include spyware and adware detection in their products. Antivirus software such as this will help to prevent spyware or adware from being installed to your PC. We highly recommend Panda Titanium or Platinum. Both products offer a superb antivirus engine as well as an outstanding ability to find and eliminate spyware and adware. In fact, we use Panda Antivirus to clean up virus and spyware infested machines on a daily basis. As always, feel free to contact the technicians at Pathfinder Networks should you need expert advice or help in dealing with the adware/spyware epidemic. We will be glad to help! Bakeman sisters leave legacy lives on at SMC It is impossible to estimate the number of young lives impacted by two Cass County women who dedicated their lives to education. Together, Maleta and Charlotte Bakeman spent nearly 100 years teaching children. Maleta in one room schools in the area, Charlotte in Muskegon Public Schools. Their influence will continue to impact the lives of students through their most generous gift to the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation. The $728,036 gift will be placed in the Southwestern Michigan College Foundation Endowment Fund where 80% of the interest will be used to provide scholarships for students in need. The principal will remain in perpetuity, and will continue to grow. Dr. Fred L. Mathews, Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Southwestern Michigan College said, “This scholarship endowment, when combined with previous gifts by the sisters, totals over one million dollars and constitutes the largest single scholarship fund for SMC students. Each year, it will provide a total of approximately $40,000 to students to help them pay for their college education. In addition to providing financial help to students, this fund will also serve as a memorial to the commitment that Charlotte and Maleta had to students and education.” Maleta M. Bakeman was born on February 5, 1897. She passed away on January 20, 1983. She lived her entire life at the family farm located on Middle Crossing Road in Silver Creek Township. Her sister, Charlotte M. Bakeman, was born on July 10, 1900. Following her retirement, Charlotte joined her sister at the family farm where she spent her summers. Charlotte passed away October 7, 2005. They were the daughters of William C. and Katharine Sommer Bakeman. Both Maleta and Charlotte graduated from Dowagiac High School, attended and graduated from Cass County Normal Preparatory School and Western Michigan University, then known as Western Michigan State Teachers College. Maleta never missed a day in 51 years of teaching in one-room school houses in Cass and Berrien Counties. Her influence was felt by students who remember attending IXL School in Eau Claire, Beeson and Lake LaGrange Schools in LaGrange Township and at Cushing Corners and Cullinane Schools in Silver Creek Township. She is perhaps best remembered for serving hot lunches to her students, which made it necessary to arrive at her school at 6 a.m. to begin preparations. She believed that a hot breakfast not only served to improve attendance, but the mind as well. Distinguished members of their profession, Charlotte and Maleta were life members of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. Charlotte was a past president of the Classroom Teacher Association of the M.E.A. and was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award granted by that organization. She was appointed by Governor Williams to serve on a committee to review, study and revise the Michigan Teacher’s Certification Code. The Bakeman sisters were also involved in their respective communities. Maleta helped organize the Dowagiac Business and Professional Women’s Club, served as the Silver Creek correspondent for the Dowagiac Daily News newspaper covering board meetings and in 1966 was awarded the “Gold Pin” for distinguished service as a 4-H leader of clubs in both Berrien and Cass Counties. In 1930, Charlotte helped organize the Muskegon Teacher’s Credit Union and served as its Treasurer-Manager during the early years. This state chartered credit union still serves the needs of the Muskegon public school teachers. An active, energetic woman, Charlotte was regularly involved in elected, local, state or national committees either for the M.E.A. or the Credit Union. Maleta and Charlotte Bakeman are the fifth generation of teachers in the Sommer family. They are described by friends and colleagues as loyal, faithful and devoted to their roles as educators. Their generosity will serve to make educational opportunities available for hundreds of future students. PAGE 26 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Kathy’s Corner ... by Kathy Ruple elcome fall! fall! With this cooler, crisp weather a trip to Wicks’ Apple House was in order. My husband and I took a ride to Dowagiac to check out the pure “APPLE SQUEEZINS.” The process before your eyes is fascinating. Between the aroma of baked goods, and watching the century-old, rack and cloth cider mill presses their “APPLE SQUEEZINS” it made for a great afternoon. They were nice enough to share a few of their recipes with me. Wicks’ Apple House was owned and operated by the Wicks’ family for 51 years. It is located on a centennial fruit and vegetable farm that was in their family for over 100 years. The Apple House had a modest beginning in the fall of 1950 on the front lawn of the family farmhouse. Increasing demand led the Wicks’ to construct a small building, which is now the rear part of the present showroom. Two years later a 4,000 bushel cold storage was added to pre- W serve the quality of the fruit. In 1960, a small cider press was purchased and the Wicks’ began pressing their own cider. A year later the present century-old cider press was found in a field, purchased and rebuilt to replace the smaller one. Four years later, the Apple House was enlarged with a 20 X 50-foot showroom, which made room to increase the variety of products. In 1969, another addition was made, making room for the Cider Mill and the famous Wicks’ Apple House products being made. Until 1973, the Apple House was open only during the fall. Demand for the Apple House products and increased tourism led them to open for the summer as well as the fall. A year later found more construction going on at the Apple House. This time, Apple Tree Gift Shop and Snack Bar were opened. The Snack Bar served a very limited menu and the small Gift Shop featured hand crafted items. Nutmeg Sugar Cookies 3 cups sugar 1 ½ cup margarine Mix together above ingredients. Add: 1 ½ tsp. baking power 6 ¾ cups flour 2 tsp. vanilla 1 ½ cups buttermilk 3 eggs 1 ½ tsp. baking soda 4-½ tsp. nutmeg Roll balls of dough (I use a # 40 scoop) in powered sugar. Bake 8 - 10 min. in 375° oven on ungreased cookie sheets. Georgiana Wright Sister Lakes, MI Venison Taco Salad 1 - 1 ½ lbs. ground venison 1 - 2 tomatoes chopped 1 sweet medium onion chopped 1 head lettuce chopped 1 green pepper chopped ½ cup green or black olives chopped (opt) Brown venison and cool. Mix all ingredients in salad bowl. 20 minutes before serving…. Add 1 16oz. bottle Catalina (Kraft) salad dressing,1-package taco chips broken up, and 1 8-oz. package shredded taco flavored cheese. Mix well. Peggy Herold Indian Lake Sesame Cookies 1 cup butter 1 tsp. almond extract 2 cups flour Jam By 1987, the Snack Bar needed more space to handle increased number of visitors, so construction started again! This time, a new room was added to house a full service restaurant called the Orchard View Room and the snack bar area was used for more Gift Shop Space. 1992 marked still another year for expansion, a new room was added to the rear of the original building to provide more room for larger displays of apples in the fall. 2001 marked the biggest change of all, when Wick’’ Apple House reopened for it’s 51st year with a change of ownership. Jerry and Kelli Casey of Dowagiac, purchased the business from Paul and Suzanne Wicks in January of 2001. The Casey’s strive to uphold the excellent quality and reputation that has made the Apple House a “must see” attraction in this small agricultural town. They encourage everyone to stop and visit this “one of a kind” business. New faces, and old faces alike, are welcome to enjoy their warm, country hospitality. Ciderfest is their annual two-day festival in October. Columbus Day Weekend. This is their celebration of the fall harvest. Families can tour part of the Centennial farm on a horse drawn wagon ride, pet friendly farm animals, have your face painted, and listen to country music. Every year they select a different theme and shape for their “MAZE” ING Maze. The maze challenges families to escape from 6, 000 feet of pathways while trying to navigate their way through over 100,000 living cornstalks. Families, scouts, schools, and youth groups can all enjoy this fun filled interactive adventure! Sounds like a fun, fall visit with your children or grandchildren is in order for your family too! These are the recipes these two ladies were nice enough to share with our readers. Thanks, ladies! Pumpkin Streusel Muffins 5 ½ cups flour 2 tbs. pumpkin pie spice 1-tsp. salt 4 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil Streusel Topping ¾ cups flour 3 tsp. cinnamon 4 cups sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup chopped nuts 2 c. Libby pumpkin 4 c. peeled, diced apples (juice squeezed out) 1 ½ cup sugar 1 stick margarine or butter Mix until crumbly. Mix wet ingredients first. Add dry ingredients. Mix well, Fill muffin tin ¾ full (greased or paper lined) and top with streusel mixture. For Texas size muffins bake 40 - 45 minutes at 350°. Adjust oven time for smaller muffins. Makes approximately 18 Texas muffins. Georgiana Wright Sister Lakes, MI Buttermilk Pie 2 eggs 2 ½ tbs. flour 1 tbs. butter 1 ½ cups of sugar 1 cup buttermilk 1 tbs. vanilla Mix and pour into an 8: pie shell. Bake at 350° until golden brown or until pie splits on the top. Peggy Herold Indian Lake ¼ cup sugar ½ tsp. salt sesame seeds Shape tablespoons of dough in balls; roll in sesame seeds and place on ungreased baking sheet. Flatten cookies a little indenting the center and fill with jam. Bake at 400° for 10 - 12 minutes. Yields 36 cookies. Georgiana Wright Sister Lakes, MI Enjoy this beautiful fall weather and colors. Please write, call or e-mail me if your place of business would like to submit recipes for our November issue. Thanks Giving favorites would be wonderful. See you in November! Kathy Ruple 16630 Donnell Lake Street Vandalia, MI 49095 616-476-2752 evenings, or kruple@remc11.k12.mi.us PAGE 27 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Annual Venetian Night at Paradise Lake efying the brief rain, The Sixth Annual Venetian Night took place, Saturday, August 26, sponsored by the Paradise Lake Community Corporation. With Mrs. Eunice Allen serving as general chairperson, at her lakeside home, was Allen Landing. Three hundred and twenty five — a new high record— for attendance, members their families and guests took part. Guests came from as far as Washington, D. C. Milwaukee Wisconsin and a special group of fifty-four, in a chartered bus the “Minority Opportunity For Racial Equality, East Chicago, Indiana Chapter. This year, a number of members of college Greek Social Organizations were also present including people of the Deltas, Kappa’s, Omegas, and a number of Sigma Gamma Rho Sisters Robust food, music, animated conversation for the adults — games and dance for the kids in a carnival atmosphere was created under color- D ful stripped canvas tents. Additionally, Clyde D. Bell, the PLCC historian offered a brief talk regarding the role of Cass County in the Underground Railroad Movement, the Kentucky Raid and life for Blacks in the area, including the role of the Lake for Black people prior to World War II A traditional highlight was an ongoing raffle offering a number of donated items ranging from stuffed animals, ladies hats, athletic jackets, T-shirts, caps, framed pictures and other works of art. All proceeds went to the treasury of the Corporation . Colorfully decorated pontoon boats paraded for on lookers, and their landing with the squalls of the children and flags flying in the breeze was a visual and emotional highlight Anthony Mc Gee, president, guided the day’s activities with his usual low keyed witty style, displaying a sense of humor — no longwinded speeches — and yet, he did recognize the work of those who were critical to the founding of the PlCCC .He acknowledged the contributions of pioneer families, He pointed out that without these families this day could never have happened. He announced the awarding to James Bell of an engraved plaque for his consistent support— financial and steady leadership. In that same spirit of gratitude by the PLCC , Adolph Moragne was given a similar award for his early devotion to the community Noting the past, President Mc Gee went on to admire and recognize the new potency leadership and serious commitment exemplified by Mr. and Mrs. Joe Sanders and our own Gregory D. Weather spoon, the new Cassopolis Superintendent of Schools; a second generation Laker who chose to make his home here with us Lakers It is true and a source of strength that the PLCC is a most diverse group. Some of us are year round residents, others summer only. Some are at the height of their productive years, yet others are retirees, some call home in cities located in Illinois or Indiana. Irrespective of where home is defined, the core group of PLCC consists of individuals, who by education, training and life experience equip them to guide the PLCC to a unique level of service The result will be a contribution to our Lake after our time for the benefit of our grandkids and beyond. Venetian Night is our annual fun time and quite appropriate. What is truly impressive is the energy and determination the members put forth to be certain the food and drink are amble, the service lines move smoothly and all is done with good spirit and display a selfless manner People are up early cooking, personal monies are spent. Boats are decorated, tables and chairs provided and lawns trimmed we can work together and we do. The proof is our Venetian Night. Well done, well done indeed. Clyde D. Bell, PLCC Editor Photos by Norman Austin Stacy’s Food & Spirits S teak by the Lake Home of the 20 oz (plus) Clydesdale Cut Prime Rib Generous Portions ● Nightly Specials for each Season 23018 S. Shore Dr. 5 miles East of Edwardsburg off US 12 on Eagle Lake Road Just up the hill from the lake (269) 699-5113 Open Wed & Thurs, 5-9:30 Fri & Sat, 5-10:30 Open Sunday at 4 pm 25 ONE-HOUR CALL AHEAD — In order to maintain a non-rushed, relaxed atmosphere, we do not take reservations. $25 OFF ON WINTER BOAT STORAGE APOLLO MARINE 25 25 South Side of Gravel Lake 15355 96th Ave., Lawton, MI 49065 (269) 423-6011 INSIDE or OUTSIDE SHRINK WRAP AVAILABLE CALL TODAY FOR PRICING AND DETAILS 25 PAGE 28 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Cass County Commissioners meeting summary September 7, 2006 The Board of Commissioners meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Bob Wagel. County Treasurer Linda Irwin reported on the tax sale. The sale was held on August 26th at the Van Buren County ISD in Lawrence, Michigan. The total amount of the sale was $193,780 with a profit to the County of $140,537. The scavenger sale will be held on September 29th in the Van Buren County Board of Commissioners Chambers at 10 a.m. The Board of Commissioners approved claims, budget amendments and established a budget for the Edwardsburg Sewer Debt Service Fund. Also under new business the Board approved the purchase replacement dictation equipment, and the revised Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Guidelines. The 2006-2007 Child Care Fund budget was adopted. The next meeting of the Board was set for September 21st at 4pm at the Cass County Building, 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis. September 21, 2006 The Board of Commissioners meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by Chairperson Bob Wagel. Commissioner Higley moved to add $10,000 to the 2006-2007 proposed budget for a household hazardous waste pickup for County resi- VILLAGE FLORAL 1 5 0 S . B R O A D WAY, C A S S O P O L I S (269)445-2393 —COUPON— GOOD $4 OFF ANY YANKEE FOR LARGE JAR CANDLE EXPIRES 10/31/06 —COUPON— Lar g est & best selection of f all silk and dried ar r ang ements and wr ea ths Fun Halo w een decor a tions W ill Tr ee Ang els — lar g e assor tment We no w ha ve Bo w Wo w Beanies dents. The motion was supported and approved. The Board then adopted the new budget for the year beginning 1 October. In other business the Board approved the purchase of video courtroom equipment for District Court. This will be the second video courtroom in the Law and Courts Building. The equipment is used to record proceedings and replaces older audio systems and court stenography. Video arraignment equipment was purchased for the Circuit Courtroom. This equipment will allow for arraignments of defendants who are being held at the jail. Video arraignment is a safer way to conduct arraignments and they can be done with less personnel. The Board voted to loan the Drain Commissioner $15,000 for the operation of his office for the next six months. The rate on the loan is 5.275%. Sandy Gower, Joe Silvia and Harry Stemple were reappointed to the Economic Development Corporation Board and County Commissioner Minnie Warren was appointed to the Cass County Planning Commission. The next meeting of the Board was set for October 5, 2006 at 4:00pm at the Commissioner Chambers on the second floor of the Cass County Building, 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis. Come visit our new showroom PAGE 29 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Ski gear for a new year by Gary Andert, general manager Outpost Sports of Mishawaka ooly worm sightings, shorter days and leaves changing color can only mean one thing; a new ski season is soon upon us! For those of you that have been residing in a cave for the last 13 years, with no Internet, mail, newspaper or television service, I apologize for the following statement. For the rest of you that insist on still skiing straight skis, well…yes, I truly feel sorry for you. You just don’t know what you are missing! Do you hear that hammering? That’s the sound of a coffin nail in your straights. Dead and buried! It’s time to experience super-easy turns and a ride so smooth you’ll think you’ve spouted wings! Today’s shape skis will allow you to ski terrain you could only dream about with a straight ski. This season’s latest crop of new ski equipment is truly stellar. Powder skiing, ripping up the terrain park, high speed cruising , super easy turning Ladies specific models, racing skis, whatever your taste, there is a new ski that can help you realize your true potential as a skier. With the popularity of terrain parks, ski manufacturers have added new models and tweaked the old ones. “Park” skis are a twin tip design, enabling you to ski switch (backwards) with the same feel as going forwards. If you are only going to ski in the park or pipe, you may want to choose a model that has a center bind- W ing stance. Be aware, that a center mounted ski will not ski the hill the way a normal mount position ski will. Consider these a “quiver” ski to pull out when you need to impress your friends with your latest move on the tabletop. if you want to ski a variety of terrain and not be limited to the park, check out a model such as Freeskier magazines Editors Choice pick of the Volkl Karma that is “a buy for someone that wants a perfect combination of park and all-mountain:. As in other new models, “twinnies” come in a variety of side cuts from super fat backcountry jibbing skis (think moun- tains) to narrower waist skis suitable for park and general skiing both. For those looking for a ski that is just as comfortable in western powder as Midwestern hardpack (while not being 100% perfect for both types of terrain) it is getting a little easier every year to find a ski that may give you some balance. There are several skis with a waist with dimension of 74-76mm that can rip 50 mile per hour cruisers and give you enough float in all but the deepest powder. K2’s Apache Recon and Volkl’s AC3 and the Nordica Hot Rod Nitrous are such models. And for the ladies, there is almost an exact corresponding Ladies model. For those gutsy lady speed mavens who also want some float out west, check out the K2 True Luv and VOLKL’S Attiva AC2. For those ladies looking to cruise and not snooze, check out the Volkl Attiva S4 and K2 One Luv. Oh my,my,my. Guy’s, the days when ladies skis were just a pretty color are over. It’s time to sharpen up on your wax techniques if you expect to keep up. No matter where you ski or how you ski, there’s a ski model out there that will give you smiles after smiles after miles of ski runs. It wasn’t so long ago that a ski binding was regarded as a necessary device just to keep your feet attached to the ski. Today, many skis and bindings are a system. The binding works with the ski to enhance edge pressure (better hold in a turn) and allow the ski to flex more naturally. Volkl has redesigned several of their skis with a channel recessed in the top of the ski that a Marker binding slides onto. Nordica has the Cross Balance binding mounting system that utilizes a Marker binding to always keep you in a balanced position on the ski. Yup, those plastic shoes are a necessary item for skiing. Skier has always had a love/hate relationship with their boots. They love em, because they love to ski, but they also hate the snug fit that is required to control the ski. Custom fit ski boot liners have been around for many years. First, we had (anyone remember these) Rosemont’s with the “clay” fit liner. Hanson’s hot wax injection liner. Than a plethora of foam injected liners and finally today’s heat fit liners. The heat fit liner is now used in most mid to high performance ski boots. The heat fit liner enables many to get a much more comfortable boot fit. For those that want the ultimate in comfort, warmth and performance you should go for a custom molded insole. While the boot manufacturers are doing a great job offering heat moldable liners in several models, a stock insole does not give much support or adapt to the shape of the bottom of your foot. Everyone loves new ski gear and this year’s new crop makes it easier to find your perfect ski, boot and biding. So start up with the ski dreams, check out the resort brochures and gear up to make this your best ski season ever. 525 South Broadway n Cassopolis, MI Dine in or Carry Out Premium quality ● Freshest products Delicious taste ● Pizza ● Subs Salads ● Sandwiches ● Baskets ● Side Orders HOME OF MICHIANA’S FINEST CHICAGO-STYLE ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH AND BEEF /S AUSAGE COMBO served on sliced French Bread with a side of au jus (gardinera available) Open TUESDAYFRIDAY Open at 11 am Saturday Open at 4 pm Closed Sunday and Monday Cass Outdoor Power Equipment 62101 M-62 South Cassopolis, MI 269-445-2231 CASS COUNTY’S No. 1 PIZZA PAGE 30 NEIGHBORS October 2006 The Common Cold and YOU by Joe Mashni, FNP ow that we’ve made it through the dog days of summer, cold and flu season is just around the corner. Adults average about 2 to 4 colds a year, although the range varies widely. Children have about 6 to 10 colds a year. One important reason why colds are so common in children is because they are often in close contact with each other in daycare centers and schools. In families with children in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year. THE COLD SEASON In the United States, most colds occur during the fall and winter. Beginning in late August or early September, the rate of colds increases slowly for a few weeks and remains high until March or April, when it declines. The seasonal variation may relate to the opening of schools and to cold weather, which prompt people to spend more time indoors and increase the chances that viruses will spread to you from someone else. Seasonal changes in relative humidity also may affect the prevalence of colds. The most common coldcausing viruses survive better when humidity is low-the colder months of the year. Cold weather also may make the inside lining of your nose drier and more vulnerable to viral infection. CAUSES The Viruses: More than 200 different viruses are known to cause the symptoms of the common cold. Some, such as the rhinoviruses, seldom pro- N Coming Next Month: The Flu and YOU ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joe Mashni is a family nurse practitioner at Lee Memorial Medical Group in Cassopolis specializing in internal medicine and family practice duce serious illnesses. Others, such as parainfluenza and respiratory syncytial virus, produce mild infections in adults but can lead to severe lower respiratory infections, like pneumonia, in young children. Rhinoviruses (from the Greek rhin, meaning “nose”) cause an estimated 30 to 35 percent of all adult colds, and are most active in early fall, spring, and summer. More than 110 distinct rhinovirus types have been identified. These agents grow best at temperatures of about 91 degrees Fahrenheit, the temperature inside the human nose. Scientists think coronaviruses cause a large percentage of all adult colds. They bring on colds primarily in the winter and early spring. Of the more than 30 kinds, three or four infect humans. The importance of coronaviruses as a cause of colds is hard to assess because, unlike rhinoviruses, they are difficult to grow in the laboratory. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of adult colds are caused by viruses also responsible for other, more severe illnesses. The causes of 30 to 50 percent of adult colds, presumed to be viral, remain unidentified. The same viruses that produce colds in adults appear to cause colds in children The weather: There is no evidence that you can get a cold from exposure to cold weather or from getting chilled or overheated. Other factors: There is also no evidence that your chances of getting a cold are related to factors such as exercise, diet, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids. On the other hand, research suggests that psychological stress and allergic diseases affecting your nose or throat may have an impact on your chances of getting infected by cold viruses. TRANSMISSION You can get infected by cold viruses by either of these methods. ■ Touching your skin or environmental surfaces, such as telephones and stair rails, that have cold germs on them and then touching your eyes or nose ■ Inhaling drops of mucus full of cold germs from the air SYMPTOMS OF COMMON COLD Symptoms of the common cold usually begin 2 to 3 days after infection and often include ■ Mucus buildup in your nose ■ Difficulty breathing through your nose ■ Swelling of your sinuses ■ Sneezing ■ Sore throat ■ Cough ■ Headache Fever is usually slight but can climb to 102 degrees Fahrenheit in infants and young children. Cold symptoms can last from 2 to 14 days, but like most people, you’ll probably recover in a week. If symptoms occur often or last much longer than 2 weeks, you might have an allergy rather than a cold. Colds occasionally can lead to bacterial infections of your middle ear or sinuses, requiring treatment with antibiotics. High fever, significantly swollen glands, severe sinus pain, and a cough that produces mucus, may indicate a complication or more serious illness requiring a visit to your healthcare provider. TREATMENT Symptom Relief: Over-the-counter medications can provide temporary relief of symptoms and should be used as soon as you feel a cold coming on. Acetaminophen is less likely to upset your stomach than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen which are used to relieve aches and pains. However, studies have shown that acetaminophen, aspirin or any other NSAID may worsen asthma and/or Continued on next page PAGE 31 Continued from previous page peptic ulcers. Aspirin should not be used in children under eighteen years old because it may play a role in causing Reye Syndrome, a rare but severe liver and central nervous system condition. Be sure to discuss all medication choices with your doctor. Congestion, cough and nasal discharge may be treated with a decongestant, antihistamine or a combination of the two. Certain people such as those with thyroid disease or high blood pressure should not take decongestants -- check with your doctor. There are many over-the-counter cold remedies that contain both of these ingredients. REMEMBER to follow dosage instructions on all product labels and know what is in the medication you are taking. Many combination prod- NEIGHBORS ucts - both prescription and over-thecounter-contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin. It is important to read the ingredients on each product label to avoid accidentally taking too much of these. There are no antiviral medications available for treating the common cold. Antibiotics are not useful for treating a cold, and should only be taken to treat bacterial complications that arise from it. Other Remedies: Herbs and minerals such as echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, honey, lemon, menthol, zinc, and vitamin C have gotten a lot of publicity as cold remedies. However, none of these claims are solidly supported by scientific studies. Adequate liquid intake is recommended. Eight glasses of water and/or juice per day are recommended. This will help keep the lining of the nose OCTOBER 2006 and throat from drying out, so that mucus remains moist and easy to clear from the nose. Avoid coffee, tea or cola drinks that contain caffeine. Also avoid any drinks that contain alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol lead to dehydration, the opposite of what you want. If you smoke, stop! Stay away from other smokers; inhaling their smoke will further irritate your throat and make you cough even more. If you must work or go to school, it won’t delay your recovery. But be a good citizen. Use tissues and wash your hands frequently to reduce the spread of your cold germs to others. PREVENTION There are several ways you can keep yourself from getting a cold or passing one on to others. ■ Because cold germs on your hands can easily enter through your eyes and nose, keep your hands away from those areas of your body ■ If possible, avoid being close to people who have colds ■ If you have a cold, avoid being close to people ■ If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose or mouth. Handwashing: Handwashing with soap and water is the simplest and one of the most effective ways to keep from getting colds or giving them to others. During cold season, you should wash your hands often and teach your children to do the same. When water isn’t available, CDC recommends using alcohol-based products made for washing hands. Disinfecting: Rhinoviruses can live up to 3 hours on your skin. They also can survive up to 3 hours on Continued on next page s e c a r B S FA CE L U TI F BE AU E K MA made affordable at SMILE CENTER Family Dentistry Richard A. Pilat, D.D.S. 110 S. Broadway Cassopolis 269-445-5550 Dr. Pilat is a General Dentist - Not a Specialist New Patients and Emergencies Welcome Time to change to a fixed rate Mortgage? Get 1% off our fixed rate Home Equity Loans during October and we’ll waive the application fee* PAGE 32 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Continued from previous page objects such as telephones and stair railings. Cleaning environmental surfaces with a virus-killing disinfectant might help prevent spread of infection. Vaccine: Because so many different viruses can cause the common cold, the outlook for developing a vaccine that will prevent transmission of all of them is dim. Scientists, however, continue to search for a solution to this problem. UNPROVEN METHODS Echinacea: Echinacea is a dietary herbal supplement that some people use to treat their colds. Researchers, however, have found that while the herb may help treat your colds if taken in the early stages, it will not help prevent them. One research study funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a part of the National Institutes of Health, found that echinacea is not affective at all in treating children aged 2 to 11. Vitamin C: Many people are convinced that taking large quantities of vitamin C will prevent colds or relieve symptoms. To test this theory, several large-scale, controlled studies involving children and adults have been conducted. To date, no conclusive data has shown that large doses of vitamin C prevent colds. The vitamin may reduce the severity or duration of symptoms, but there is no clear evidence. Taking vitamin C over long periods of time in large amounts may be harmful. Too much vitamin C can cause severe diarrhea, a particular danger for elderly people and small children. Myths and facts about the Flu and Colds Myth: You can catch the flu from a flu shot Fact: The flu vaccine is made from an inactivated virus, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Some people may be sore at the spot where the vaccination was injected, and in a few cases, may develop a fever, muscle aches, and feel unwell for a day or two. In very rare cases when a person is allergic to the vaccine, there may be an immediate reaction. Myth: One kind of flu is the “stomach flu.” Fact: About one out of three people with the flu may have an upset stomach, but this is rarely the main symptom of the flu. Other viruses and bacteria, and food poisoning are more common causes of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Myth: There is nothing you can do once you get sick with the flu except stay home in bed. Fact: Antivirals, when started within 2 days after flu symptoms appear, can reduce the duration of the illness and the severity of symptoms. Symptom relief medications can also help to minimize the discomfort associated with flu symptoms. Myth: You can catch the flu or a cold from going outdoors in cold weather. Fact: The flu and colds are more common in the winter months because that is when the viruses spread across the country. It has nothing to do with being outside in cold weather. Myth: Large doses of Vitamin C can keep you from catching the flu or a cold, or will quickly cure them. Fact: These claims have not been proven. Still, it is important to one’s overall health to consume the minimum daily requirement of Vitamin C. Myth: “Feed a cold and starve a fever (flu).” Fact: This is definitely not a good idea in either case. You need more fluids than usual when you have the flu or a cold. Drink plenty of water and juice, eat enough food to satisfy your appetite, and drink hot fluids to ease your cough and sore throat. Myth: Herbal remedies are an effective treatment for colds. Fact: Echinacea and other herbs are getting a lot of publicity as cold remedies. Zinc lozenges are also said to cure colds quickly. To date, none of these claims are solidly supported by scientific studies. Myth: Chicken soup and hot toddies are effective treatments for the flu or colds. Fact: A bowl of chicken soup is a popular home remedy. While hot liquids can soothe a scratchy throat or cough, chicken soup has no special power to cure the flu or a cold. As for hot toddies, another folk remedy, any beverage containing alcohol should be avoided when you are sick. Southwestern Michigan College Your ticket to live entertainment, fine art and culture. Performing Arts Art Gallery Museum Agatha Christie’s Kathee Kiesselback, Printmaker October 9 - October 27 Reception: Tuesday, October 10 Underneath the Bridge: A Record of the Dowagiac Creek In Watercolor “And Then There Were None” (Ten Little Indians) Thursday, October 19 through Saturday, October 21 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, October 22 at 2:00 PM Fall Band Concert Friday, November 3 at 7:30 PM Fall Choir Concert Thursday, November 9 at 7:30 PM Fall Dance Concert Saturday, November 18 at 7:30 PM Holiday Concerts Saturday, December 9 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM All events are held in the theatre of the Dale A. Lyons Building. Tickets are $5 & $7, students 18 and under are free. Contact the SMC Box Office at (269) 782-1280 for more information. Individual tickets go on sale three weeks prior to the event. David Baker, SMC Faculty, and William Westrate Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30 PM Brian Kakas, Ceramist November 6 - November 22 Reception: Wednesday, November 15 Fall Semester Student Exhibit November 30 - December 11 Reception: Monday, December 11 Archeology Lecture Dr. Michael Nassaney, Western Michigan Univ. Wednesday, November 1 at 6:30 PM From Drawing Board to Driveway: How the Studebaker Avanti Came to Be Kurt Kaiser January 15 - February 7 Reception: Wednesday, February 7 Andy Beckman, Studebaker National Museum All exhibits are held in the Art Gallery Room 108 of the Dale A. Lyons Building All receptions are held at 12:30 PM Gallery hours are Mon - Fri 11 AM to 2 PM, Tues & Wed 6:30 - 8:30 PM. All lectures are free & held in the Upton Room at the Museum at SMC on the Dowagiac campus. Museum hours are Tues - Fri 10 AM to 5 PM and Sat from 11 AM to 3 PM. Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 PM 58900 Cherry Grove Road • Dowagiac, MI 49047 • (269) 782-1000 or (800) 456-8675 • www.swmich.edu PAGE 33 NEIGHBORS HEALTH & OCTOBER 2006 FITNESS Strong, Lean & Fit! By Brenda Harris Cass COA t is your choice to be physically fit or not, so what is it? The holidays are coming quick and that means holiday parties and family get togethers. You can choose to watch what goes in that mouth now or gain that extra weight and fight to get it I off after the first of the year. The weather is going to get colder and that means you can walk outside and dress warmer or join a fitness class or workout gym and head off that weight gain now. So here is some suggestions that may help you to do do so.. First of all this has to be you’re CHOICE to do so and no one else. Are you ready???? Remember, you are going to sweat and feel muscles that you haven’t used in a long time — in fact, you are going sweat and feel muscles that you never felt before. To really to see results, there is one other thing that you should do. You need to intensify your workout, For example, use an interval program that burns double the calories. Try working with a moderately pace routine, then add a total body sculpting strength workout. So if you are working out what else do you need to do? Think Health!! Eat Health!! Live Health!! So Live health!! Be good to yourself!! Routine — The same old way over and over again By Brenda Harris Cass COA o, is it that hard to break that same old routine that you do day in to day out??? Just take a minute and look at this. There’s something comforting about having a set routine. And until recently I had a pretty good thing going. But life changes, and that S means we have to be flexible enough to changes at that moment or sink with the ship. That also applies to an exercise routine. Think about it for a minute, is your routine getting to be boring? Is your weight increasing or are you unhappy the way you been exercising? If, for example, your routine is getting up, going to the gym, getting that old workout card out and marking the time and weights down that you have done for the last 3 or 4 months in a row. What? You need to SPICE UP that routine!! Yes, Yes!! Put SOME hot peppers in that workout and you will awaken a new you — or I should say your body is going to say “OH NO SHE IS DOING SOMETHING DIFFERENT!!!!!” A little change is good for all of us. If you can do a little at a time you can adapt to it easier. So go for it!! Ready, Set, Action! Good luck and have fun — and try something new!! Girls on the Run® comes to Cass County new and innovative recreation and self-esteem program for girls will begin this year in Cass County. A Girls on the Run® is an experiential learning program for 8 to 13 year old girls that combines lessons in self- empowerment, healthy decision making and body image with warm-ups and workouts to train for completion of a 5 km (3.1 mile) run/walk. The program encourages emotional, social, mental, physical and spiritual development. Molly Barker, founded the program in Charlotte, NC in 1996. Barker, a former competitive runner, created the program based on years of teaching and counseling troubled children and their families combined with her own love of athletics and what participation in sports can do for young girls. Starting with 13 girls in 1996, the program now boasts over 20,000 “gradu- ates” and continues to grow exponentially. The program is the first of an entirely new genre of recreation programs. It combines physical training, namely preparing for a one mile or 3.1 mile running event, with warm-ups, team-building activities and workouts that focus on specific life-skills. These life-skills include among others, how to get along within a group, how to assert oneself in a healthy manner, how to stop a gossip chain, and how to combat the negative and unattainable images put forth by the media. The program will now be available through all Cass County Schools. If you would like more information regarding the program, please contact Tracy Johnson, Cass County Program Director at (269) 621-3143, ext 309, or visit www.girlsontherun.org. Open 7 days a week DIAMOND CONSTRUCTION Licensed & Insured Free Estimates No Job Too Large or Too Small Bob Bienz Cell 616-813-1957 Office 269-445-9153 22311 Osborn Ave. Cassopolis, MI 49031 269 Drug testing for organizations and individuals PAGE 34 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 Index to Neighbors Advertising Art & Antiques Bittersweet on Broadway ...............24 ...................445-4040 Chicago Road Antiques .................15 ...................663-8303 Attorneys Stephen K. Woods, Attorney ..........15 ...................445-2658 Automotive Vetter Chevrolet .............................8 .....................278-1485 Boats, Marinas, Piers, Sports Apollo Marine .................................27....................423-6011 Boat Butler .....................................11....................476-2222 Eagle Lake Marine .........................10 ...................699-5103 Four Lakes Country Club ...............9 .....................699-5701 Lake Effect Powersports ................8 .....................944-5577 Midway Watersports.......................7 .....................424-6177 O’Donnell Dock ..............................5, 28 ...............244-1446 Park Shore Marina .........................30 ...................445-3383 Pier Perfection................................34 ...................445-8838 Swiss Valley ...................................29 ...................244-5635 Tri-Lakes Sports Marine .................4 .....................641-2154 Wakeside Marine............................21 ............574-264-2874 Wolf’s Marine .................................35 ............269-926-1068 Construction, Home Improvement, Home Repair Behnke ...........................................24 ...................782-5704 Bill’s Vac Shop ...............................33 ...................782-9786 Bowles Well Drilling........................6 .....................663-2820 Brady Concrete ..............................33 ...................445-3349 Cass Outdoor Power......................29 ...................445-2231 Cass Heating..................................24 ...................445-5350 Design + Decorating ......................15 ...................445-8060 Diamond Construction....................33 ...................813-1957 Forest Beach..................................18 ............574-271-0644 Go Gas...........................................10 ...................782-3200 Goens Painting...............................15 ...................423-7813 Grover’s Service.............................33 ...................445-3458 Helmen Sechrist Architecture.........20 ............574-294-6674 Interior Specialties..........................15 ............800-873-3644 Lakeshore Home Builders..............13 ...................684-7048 Larry’s Painting ..............................24 ...................445-3973 Lutz Concrete.................................24 ...................279-7973 Midwest Energy..............................22 ............800-492-5989 Parrish Appliance Repair................15 ...................476-2263 Pathfinder Networks.......................7 .....................684-7696 Place Builders ................................11 ............574-259-4858 Silver Creek Door...........................6 .....................783-1500 Value City Furniture........................35 ............574-271-3950 Dental/Medical/Health Afdent .............................................14 ............800-325-1593 Cass COA ......................................8......................445-8110 Cassopolis Dental ..........................15 ...................445-8636 Forest Glen Assisted Living ...........38, 31 ...........7684-5088 Lee Memorial .................................16 ...................793-3052 Smile Center ..................................30 ...................445-5550 Education Cass District Library .......................15 ...................445-3400 Southwestern Michigan College ...32 ...................782-1280 Financial Compass Wealth Advisors .............7 ..............888-820-9100 Dowagiac Credit Union ..................31 ...................782-2410 FNB ................................................9 ..............877-273-1715 Guy Eby Insurance ........................33 ...................445-2425 Niles Credit Union ..........................14 ...................684-6005 Florists Olde Towne Fleur Shoppe .............11....................663-7073 Village Floral ..................................28 ...................445-2393 Food, Restaurants, Liquor, Catering, Markets, Produce Broadway Cafe...............................15 ...................445-2232 Chalet Party Shop ..........................2 ..............574-296-7503 Diamond Acres...............................17..............................n/a Dussel’s..........................................3 .....................445-8715 Hardings .........................................15 ...................445-2607 Hard Times Restaurant ..................33 ...................423-8788 Karen’s Cookies .............................15 ...................445-2882 Lindy’s Restaurant .........................24 ...................782-4533 Marcello’s .......................................29 ...................445-3900 Sauk Trail Bar & Grille....................22 ...................641-5708 Shafer’s Meat .................................33 ...................445-8763 Sprague Farms...............................15..............................n/a Stacy’s ............................................27....................699-5113 Wicks Apple House ........................9 .....................782-7306 Woodfire .........................................3 .....................782-0007 Wounded Minnow ..........................13 ...................782-9690 Yesterday’s .....................................19 ............574-272-7017 Hair Salons, Barbers, Beauty Arbonne..........................................11....................782-9802 Cleopatra’s Hair Hut.......................33 ...................445-2686 Just Hair .........................................9 .....................445-8400 Jewelers S&R Jewelers.................................11....................445-6006 Vincent J. Jewelers ........................15 ...................782-2000 Lawn/Landscaping JL Landscaping ..............................34 ....................445-2111 North Star Landscaping .................19 ...................445-9100 Upstream Waters ...........................12 ...................782-0787 Watson Tree Service ......................7 .....................683-5305 Wright Way Lawn Service ..............15 ...................445-3302 Misc. Fiala And Smith ..............................24 ...................445-8916 Barbara Harman.............................15 ...................641-2434 Lumberjack Resort .........................17 ...................646-2181 New Hope DRC .............................33 ...................445-6136 White Tail Feed & Tack ..................249 .................663-0909 Real Estate Tina Young .....................................11....................476-9815 Homestead Realty..........................18 ...................476-2460 Susan Horstman ............................17 ...................445-8152 Jerdon ............................................13 ...................782-4000 Re/Max Shore Acres ......................36 ...................445-5333 Kelly Toney/Jeanne Wilkerson .......19 ............800-856-8200 Nancy Walker/Robin Sharp............23 ...................445-5333 JL LANDSCAPING For all of your landscape installation needs 445-2111 269-445-8838 21614 Shore Acres in Cassopolis at M-60 & Shore Acres Rd. Announcing our new OFF-SEASON HOURS OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAY FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM Kayaks Block & Rock Retaining Walls ● Brick Patios ● Ponds ● Sod & Seeding ● Split & Seasoned Firewood (delivery available) Bobcat work ● Insured JIM LEACH CASSOPOLIS PAGE 35 NEIGHBORS OCTOBER 2006 THE L AST W ORD Whooo was that strange visitor in the night? by Phil Vitale Neighbors editor he night was as still as death and eerily quiet, but something had nagged at my drowsy senses until I lay in my bed in near rigor rigidity. Something had wakened me, some sound outside of my bedroom, but not outside of my earshot. Something unexplained. Something unusual. I lay still for a few seconds, wondering if I had imagined the noise — a half-wakeful mind can conjure all sorts of faustian imaginings as it sails the seas with Morpheus. Maybe it was the cats, I tried to rationalize as I waited for the noise to recur, my sleep-addled mind wanting nothing more than to fade back into the comforting arms of Nod. Another noise. A footstep, perhaps, or a shifting of weight? My eyes were shimmering as I felt my brain swimming back toward the shoreline of reality. I checked the clock — 4:07 a.m. its too-bright digital display told me. Maybe it’s my wife up for a stroll, I thought, throwing my arm across the tangle of covers that seem to have suddenly sprung into being as the toosoon, autumn-cool nights have chilled the air to check her whereabouts. Nope, she was right there next to T me, sleeping the sleep of the innocent, her mouth open and her breathing slow and regular — she obviously hadn’t heard the noise or I would have already been pushed out of the bed and told to go and investigate. In the distance a loose board creaked once, then again. Someone or something was definitely moving around on the second floor of my house ... possibly on the deck right outside my bedroom. Visions of desperate and determined intruders flashed across my brain, momentarily paralyzing me into stuporous and cowardly inaction. I envisioned an assault team of turbaned terrorists armed with hand-medown Russian assault rifles and knives with long curved blades hammered from Saracen steel. I saw horrid demons with the blood and gore of their earlier victims still dripping from their hideous clawed fingers. Why were they hesitating, I wondered silently, my breath caught in my throat. They could storm the house and slit my throat in a trice, disemboweling me with a slash and all the authorities would have to go on in the morning was a slashed and mutilated corpse. Oh nonsense, the imp of sanity shouted into my fear-frozen brain. Nightmares be gone. I sat up and took a drink of water from the bedside stand. I remem- “I had no idea ...” American Signature Gallery 12 Exclusive Collections to DECORATE your life bered it was a Friday and my house was filled with family who had descended on us for a weekend of frivolity. It’s probably just one of the visitors wandering around the dark house, maybe looking for a doughnut. That’s got to be it. Another step, louder. It’s right outside the screen door at the deck, I knew. In the pale light of the waning moon that seeped through the glass of the sliding doors I could see my cats — all three of them — lined up at the screen looking out onto the deck like it was carpeted with kitty kibbles and sprouting catnip. The last time I had seen them in such a state was when the raccoon had come down the chimney and made a shattered mess of the glassware that had been left on the kitchen counter. Another noise, more insistent, this one sounding like claws clicking on new-waxed linoleum. The cats in unison jumped straight up in the air like a choreographed ballet step, then settled into an arched-back, raised-hair, fat-tailed pose, a look they meant the intruder to interpret as a serious threat — they were suddenly transformed from meek, declawed, overweight and lazy housecats into Bengal tigers, feral pumas and cougars, kings of their domain and protectors of kith and kin. Whatever it was, it had them spooked. This was no raccoon. Call us to find out how to save 10% on large boat storage. Large boat rates are based on length Large and beam. We offer pick up and delivery service from local lakes for small boats, pontoons, and jet skis. Storage rates for trailored boats start at $250. Call us for a quote. Pontoon boats are $300 and Jet skis are $150. Take advantage of our winterizing and detailing services at very low prices. Call today, space is limited. Reserve your storage now. Use this coupon at the time of booking and save more off our discount storage. Mustering my courage I slipped the covers off and pulled on my jeans (that late night encounter with the raccoon had taught me the foolhardiness of facing any wild creature in the night ... when you’re naked), stepped into my boots and quietly moved to the door. It took a moment for the sight to register on my still sleepfilled eyes, but as the moonlight filled in the dark shadows and corners, I realized a silhouette was being brought into sharp focus. It was large. Very large. And it was balanced on the deck rail just inches from me. A noise escaped my lips, a sort of quiet shout of warning mixed with awe. “Woahhhhhh,” I half-grunted and half-sang, my heart beating the tempo like a kettle drum on crack. The intruder spun its head around ... literally around, backwards, like Linda Blair in that devil movie. I expected pea soup to follow. Instead it blinked once, then twice, no doubt as freaked by the sight of me and my three cats all staring like carny marks waiting to be fleeced. Then the owl spread its massive wings and leapt into the air as silently as a gentle breeze, leaving the deck rail as empty as the night. My pets looked up at me with the cat-equivalent of a shrug. Show’s over, they seemed to say. Go back to bed, silly human. Affordable Inside Boat Storage boats without trailers • Boats with trailers Pontoon boats • Jet skis MIDWEST’S LARGEST MARINE ACCESSORY STORE Quality home furnishings at the guaranteed lowest price Open M-Sat 10-9; Sunday 11-6 5865 Grape Rd., Mishawaka 574-271-3950 www.vcf.com 250 West Main St. Benton Harbor, MI 49022 269-926-1068 www.wolfsmarine.com Bring in this coupon and receive $50 Off Storage at Wolf's Marine Expires 11/01/06 Shore Acres TOLL 269-445-5333 FREE 888.406.5333 Visit your new home @ www.swmichiganhomes.com LONG & COVERDALE LAKE ACCESS!! Very nice 4BR, 2BA home. Lake Access is just across the street and a beautiful view of mother nature from the backyard. Full basement with family & rec. rooms. Call Barb or Scott.. $139,900 10 BEAUTIFUL ACRES -located just West of Cassopolis-excellent building location for your new home and enjoy the wildlife too $39,500 Call Barb or Scott STONE LAKE !! 100 feet of private lakefront property on 146 all sports lake. Terraced, nice sandy lake bottom, a great building site for a lakefront home. Municipal water & sewer available $150,000 Call Barb or Scott PARADISE LAKE !! Building Site w/ app. 298 feet of frontage. Located in SW Michigan-Cass Co., 2 hours from Chicago area, minutes north of Elkhart,Granger or South Bend areas. Municipal sewer at road, buyer to assume. $159,000 Call Barb or Scott 2 BEDROOM with a great view of Stone Lake, could be 3 bedrooms. New furnace, interior repainted, many other updates. $1,500 bonus to buyers. Call Char $79,900 NEWLY UPDATED. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, family room w/brick fireplace, living room w/tile entrance. New in last 3 years: most windows, carpets, high efficiency furnace, central air conditioner, painting, ceramic floors. Roof only 9 years old. Middlebury Schools $155,000. Call Sondra 11 ACRES. Built in 2002, 4BR, 2.5BA. Open concept w/French doors to rear deck. Finished walkout lower level w/kitchen, living room, bedroom and full bath. Attached 2-car garage plus 24x36 pole barn. Call Harry!!! $290,000 #2639244 3 BEDROOM 1.5 bath home situated on a 2 acre piece of feel good country. There’s also a pole barn and storage shed. Asking $102,900 Call Char #2642435 61624 SPENCER ROAD $104,900 This home is in excellent condition. Large living room and master bedroom. 3-season room, full basement-just needs your finishing touches and situated on a large corner lot. $104,900 #2625634 Call Char 2 ACRES-GREAT SPOT IN THE COUNTRY!! 2 bedroom with full basement Breezeway seperates garage and home Almost all the windows have been replace. Yard offers fruit trees for your enjoyment. Call Char $99,000 #2640731 EDWARDSBURG RANCH. 3BR, 1.5 bath on an acre. Gallery kitchen, family room, brick fireplace with an insert offsets heating expenses. Full basement with additional bedroom, patio & deck, +att. garage w/workshop. Don’t pass up this deal at $115,900 Call Char #2642134 NEED A PLACE TO STORE THE BOATS & TOYS?? This 2-car garage with cement floor in located just south of Cassopolis and on a one-acre parcel. $20,000 Call Char today. 67095 HILLCREST, JONES $279,900 Robbins Lakefront-Log Home-Main level bedroom +sleeping loft Lower level walkout-Deck-Garage Kitchen in lower level and could be set up for complete living quarters. Call Harry NEW HOME w/lots oGreat Room with Cathedral Ceilings & Gas Log Fireplace. Patio. Sprinkler system. Full basement with bath. Master bedroom suite. 2 car att.garage. (Public access to Eagle Lake nearby) $183,900 #2641642 Call Harry EXCLUSIVE & PRIVATE ESTATE. Brick, 6 bedrooms 3 full baths + 2 half baths, 4,790 SF, 2 fireplaces, formal living & dining room, custom staricase, office & study. 2 car att garage & stable w/ tack area and storage. Call Harry. $659,000 #2623084 2 BEDROOM, 1 BATH home on 1.4 acresjust West of Edwardsburg. The large living room could be partitioned off for a 3rd bedroom. There’s also a family room, full basement and garage. $126,000 #2631914 Call Harry REMODELED HOME! New windows, siding, wiring, plumbing, well, one new & one remodeled bath. New cabinets and ceramic floor. Short walk to Eagle Lake School in a nice subdivision w/new homes across the street. Municipal Sewer Assessment Paid. Call Harry $136,500 3 LOTS ON HEMLOCK LAKE 6.42 Acres for $124,900/3.36 Acres for $109,900 both on 96th Ave. Also a 1.79 Acres lot on Medd-o-lane for $89,900. Come check it out for yourself. Gentle rolling hills that you can purchase on a 63 acres spring fed lake. Call Bob Powers for more details. 19 ACRES! Older FARM HOUSE, very nice and well maintained. Wonderful hobby farm, great for hunting. May need some clearing, depends on the buyers wishes. Pole barn with electric and water. Quiet rural setting. Call Bob Powers for more details. 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, 6 Acres at 15738 Crussemeyer — like new. Appliances upgraded. Large master bath w/separate tub and shower. Two 30x40 Pole barns new in 2005 w/overhead doors & openers. This home is located on a private road. $169,500 Call Sondra Resen #2607623 LITTLE CROOKED & CABLE LAKE ACCESS. This is a well maintained 3 BR, 2BA home. Full basement, 2-car garage, From your private deck enjoy the landscaped yard and breathtaking flower garden. $139,500 #2642776. Call Nancy or Robin DIAMOND LAKE-Newly renovated lake home wnew maple kitchen, ceramic floors, two new bathrooms, new carpet, fresh paint, new furnace, newly sided and roofed garage, new exterior paint! 4 season porch Polyvinyl fencing, spacious deck. Call Nancy or Robin! $729,000 511 E. WATER ST., CASSOPOLIS Adorable 4 bedroom home. Some hardwood flooring. Partially finished basement. Enclosed front porch. Garage. $59,900 #2633994 Call Robin or Nancy DRIVE A GORGEOUS COUNTRY LANE to your fabulous home on 1.5 secluded acres fronting Puterbaugh Lake. It’s all been updated, has enough space for a crowd, but retains a quiet peace unequalled elsewhere. Priced to sell at $479,000. Call Robin or Nancy DIAMOND LAKE — Howell Point deeded access!! Boat, swim & play at the private association park only 1.5 blocks away. Diamond Lake Golf Course directly across street. This home has 5 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 fireplaces, screen porch. Full basement. Everything is in move in condition. $187,000. Call Nancy or Robin BEAUTIFUL BIRCH LAKE! 3 bedroom w/2 full baths. One owner, built in 1974. 2 large decks, balcony off master BR, skylights, dock/pier, concrete seawall. PLUS an additional creek front wooded building site across the street. Private approach on a cul-de-sac. $475,000 Call Robin GREAT COUNTRY LOCATION on 10 acres with 4 private ponds. Property has a log cabin A-Frame hunting structure, 40 x 30 metal pole barn plus 40 x 25 barn with 1 horse stall and field stone retaining walls . Excellent value! $124,500 Call Nancy or Robin VACANT LAND Char for more details. $20,000 ■ 3 wooded lots on Sunrise Drive w/access to Christiann Creek. Wooded. All have access to Christiann Creek leads into Christiann, Juno and Painter Lakes. $23,000 to $28,000 Call Sondra Resen ■ 4 Tracts on Elbow Lake Road. Wooded. Four adjoining acres can be purchased. Lots have had soil evaluation done & qualify for conventional septic. East side of Elbow Lake Rd, south of Shavehead Lake Rd. $13,500 to $21,000. Call Sondra Resen ■ HEMLOCK LAKE BUILDING SITES-2 parcels available one with 91 feet of water- frontage and 3.36 acres at $109,900. Second parcel-120 waterfrontage with 6.42 acres $124,900. Call Bob Powers ■ M-40 HWY: This property has potential for development. Hunting of all kinds. It has a road along south side of property. It is easily accessible of state highway. Acreage is gently rolling in character. Call Bob Powers ■ 4 VACANT PARCELS located of M-60 ranging in price from $34,900 to $49,900Some wooded parcels..perfect spot for your secluded new home or perhaps a storage barn for all those lake toys. Call Nancy or Robin for more details. 30252 M-152, Dowagiac #2638768 48.5 Acres and a beautiful old farmhouse. Georgeous original wood trim doors, builtins and wood floors. Lots of renovations: including fresh paint & floor coverings. The huge red barn is in very good condition. $280,000 Call Nancy or Robin LARGE 3 BEDROOM FARM HOUSE with newer vinyl siding. New 2-car detached garage, deck, garden areas and central air. All dimensions are estimated, not guaranteed or warranted. This property is eligible for Express Path Financing. $96,500 Call Nancy or Robin ■ QUIET BUILDING SITES near Diamond Lake, sewer hookup available-prices start at $25,000. Call Barb or Scott survey and further information. Call Barb or Scott ■ 60 ACRE parcel-great farmland already in production Convenient location - just outside of Cassopolis. 3 splits remain, some restrictions - call Char for details and copy of survey. ■ 5-acre vacant parcels-great spot for the horses, the kids and their 4-H projects as well as your new home. Call Char for a copy of the survey $35,000 each Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated 10 ACRES PLUS 400 feet of frontage on Bunker Lake. Wooded & private w/stream. Year around, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, built in 2000. 3,000 SF, maple floors, knotty pine ceilings. 12x14 entry. Walkout lower level. $389,000 Call Barb or Scott #2643613 Visit your new home @ www.swmichiganhomes.com DIAMOND LAKEFRONT! Elegant private lakeside estate built in 1997. 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 guest suites. Walnut floors on main level & custom woodwork throughout. 97 feet northside waterfront. Finished lower level walkout w/family room, 3 car attached garage. and more Call Barb or Scott 21550 SHORE ACRES RD. CASSOPOLIS, MI 49031 STONE LAKE!! Well maintained waterfront home. large lot room for expansion and a garage. Walkout lower level leads to a fenced in yard overlooking 110 feet of beautiful all-sports 148 acre Stone Lake. Call Barb or Scott $199,900 #2642733