off the water - december 11-17, 2014

Annual 5K returns ......................... p.2

Santas storm Paw PawLMC kicks off new series ...............p.3Holiday Comedy

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Week of December 11-17, 2014 Volume 6, Number 50Off The Water | The place to be entertained.

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More than houses

Gingerbread train makes stop at

Four Winds

• Week of December 11-17, 2014 Off The Water, Michiana

2

GET OUT!

Santas storm Paw PawBy DOROTHY ENGELHARDT

PAW PAW, Mich. — Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus… and here come a lot more Santas.

It’s time for the third annual Santa Run and Fun Walk in Paw Paw, Michigan, which has drawn more than 200 participants in each of its previous years.

The fun run/walk is hosted by the Paw Paw Area Rotary Club and takes place in the fes-tive downtown area. Each participant is given a five-piece Santa suit to wear during the run/walk. Medals are also presented to every Santa upon completion of the course.

“Everyone is encouraged to participate in this event. The fresh air and exercise are sure to help reduce the typical holiday stress,” said Janelle Randall, an event coordinator.

The event is scheduled to take place on at 9 a.m on Saturday, Dec. 13. The route is 5 kilo-

meters, or 3.1 miles, in length. Walkers have the option of a one-mile course. Registration is $30 for those 12 years and older. Those 11 years and younger may participate at no charge and receive a Santa hat to wear.

Strollers are welcome, and creative Santa suit embellishments are encouraged.

According to Randall, the funds raised are used, in part, to support causes such as literacy programs at the schools, honoring students at Michigan Avenue Academy with “Student of the Month” awards and scholarships.

“We also partnered with the Village of Paw Paw in the building of the Maple Lake Amphitheater,” Randall said.

Randall said the best part of the event explains exactly why people should come from all over to attend.

“The Christmas Spirit is everywhere. With over 200 Santas, everyone is in a great mood!”

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LMC Mendel Center kicks off new Hanson Living Room Series with holiday comedy extravaganzaBENTON TOWNSHIP,

Mich. — The Lake Michigan College

Mendel Center is giving the gift of laugher this holi-day season with the “Ha! Ha! Holidays Show — A Comedy Extravaganza” on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. as part of its new Hanson Living Room Series.

The evening will fea-ture local and regional improvisational comedy troupes and special guests — all spreading holiday cheer. Crawlspace Eviction has been delivering laughs, chortles and guffaws to Kalamazoo since 2003. They will be joined by TORP, the improv troupe based in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, for an evening of guaranteed laughs and libations.

Crawlspace Eviction is a group of improv perform-ers with a sharp focus on creating interesting charac-ters and relationships on stage, directly from audi-ence suggestions. From the beginning, the team was determined to explore the comedy in human connec-tion. Crawlspace Eviction has been performing since

2003, always pushing the boundaries of what a col-lection of talented perform-ers can do when they don’t have a script to work from.

Over the years, Crawlspace Eviction has performed multiple times in the Toronto Improv Festival, Gilda’s Laugh Fest, and the Kalamazoo Improv Festival. In 2006 they made the award win-ning mockumentary style movie Comic Evangelists, which premiered at the prestigious AFI Fest in Hollywood. With the help of KRESA’s EFA program, Crawlspace Eviction creat-ed an original interactive improv form known as UP2U, incorporating mul-timedia elements with improvised storytelling. Crawlspace Eviction per-forms regular shows in Kalamazoo at Farmers Alley Theatre.

TORP is in its fourth year of improvisational comedic revelry. The TORP troupe has been causing fits of laughter at various charity events and public performances throughout southwest Michigan, including mur-

der mystery events and comedy revues for the Morton House, the Lake Michigan College Hospitality and Fine Arts programs, One Hundred Women Strong and more.

Current TORP impro-visers include Mike Nadolski, Andy Sawyer, Patricia Muellen and Tony Balbo — all of whom will be performing during the Ha! Ha! Holidays Show.

The Hanson Living Room Series is a new way for patrons to experience live music, comedy and entertainment in the intimate setting of the Hanson Theatre. The venue is designed for maximum viewing and listening plea-sure, and provides audiences with the opportunity to con-nect more closely with the performers and the perfor-mances. Other performers

included in the 2014-2015 Hanson Living Room Series are Americana bands Wild Ponies on Friday, Jan. 23, and Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys on Friday, Feb. 13.

Tickets for the “Ha! Ha! Holidays Show — A Comedy Extravaganza” are $15, and $10 for Mendel Center Mainstage series ticket holders, students, and seniors. They are avail-able by calling the LMC Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221 or visit-ing www.lmcmainstage.org. For information about group rates, pre-show party options, and other special arrangements, contact Mike Nadolski at (269) 927-8109 or [email protected].

A cash bar will be open for all patrons one hour before show time and dur-ing intermission. Special Mendel Center drink cups

are available for purchase, which allow patrons to enjoy their beverages inside the theater.

The full line-up of LMC Mendel Center Mainstage entertainment can be found at www.lmc-mainstage.org.

The Lake Michigan College Mendel Center is located just 40 minutes from Kalamazoo and South Bend on the Lake Michigan College Napier Avenue Campus in Benton Township, Michigan, one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24).

The LMC Mendel Center Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., and one hour before show time. Tickets may be purchased in person, by phone at (269) 927-1221, or online at www.lmcmainstage.org.

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Barn Swallow thanks community with holiday celebrationThe Michiana Community is invited to spend a special presentation of “Christmas

at Barn Swallow” on Saturday evening, Dec. 13th beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre located at 22334 U.S. 12 East of Edwardsburg, Michigan.

The evening will showcase the Edwardsburg High School Varsity Choir, several vocal presentations, instrumentals, special readings, and the ever-popular “sing-along”

with the audience. Refreshments will be available to

close the evening’s holiday enter-tainment.

This holiday event is free. Organizers say it is

the theatre family’s way of thanking the community for the support and encour-agement given during the grow-ing pains to build a beautiful home to “provide qual-ity entertainment in a rural setting.” However, dona-

tions are never refused.

For information, call Carol at (269)

445-2511.

Dec. 13 - Celebrate the season with Santa at Sarett from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Visit Sarett Nature Center to create holiday nature crafts and take a photo with Santa. Author Cara Arver will also be on hand to sign her children’s book, “Manistee Melody.” Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Dec. 30 - Sledding on Pear HillWeather permitting, children (7 years and older) can sled on Pear Hill with

Sarett Nature Center on Dec. 30 at 1 p.m. Cost is $1. Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Jan. 2 - Celebrate WinterChildren (6 years and older) can celebrate winter with Sarett Nature Center on

Jan. 2 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The morning session ($3) will include learning about animals in winter, snow and winter survival. The afternoon session (addi-tional $3) will be spent snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Children should dress appropriately and bring a lunch. Call (269) 927-4832 to register.

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TOURIST FOR A DAY Discover the local destinations right in your own backyard

EDWARDSBURG, Mich. — Martin’s Super Markets is hold-ing its Snapshots with Santa

event on Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 at all stores, including the Niles location on South 11th Street.

Children can visit Santa and have his or her picture taken by one of Martin’s “elves” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

Photos will be developed and printed immediately on site for a $2 cash contribution, which will be donated to each store’s chosen charity.

Donations at the Niles store will benefit the Niles Service League, a non-profit orga-nization that provides ser-vices to children from the Niles, Buchanan and Brandywine school dis-tricts.

Through fundraising, the Niles Service League provides coats, hats, boots, clothing, scholarships, camperships and more to children in our area.

Martin’s Super market in Stevensville will also host an

extended Snapshots with Santa event Dec. 13 and 14 to benefit the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days, customers are invited to visit Santa in Stevensville and have their photos taken with him. Participants will receive a hard copy photo or have a photo emailed for a donation of $2 per photo. All donations given in

Stevensville will benefit the Humane Society.

From 11:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 13, holiday dance performances from Miss Connie Cassidy’s School of Dance will be offered for visitors. From 12:15 to 12:45, holiday stories will be read by Miss Mary Ann Ware, library associate for the Lincoln Township Public Library.

Both Saturday and Sunday, guests can do a snowflake craft sponsored by 1st Source Bank or decorate

cookies on the second floor of the Side Door Deli for $1 from

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.After the Snapshots with

Santa event is complete, people are encouraged to vote for their favorite Martin’s Santa on the Martin’s Super Markets Facebook page from Dec. 15-21.

The store receiving the most votes will

receive an additional $500 donation toward their cho-

sen charity as well as a holi-day party for employees.

Take a picture, help a childMartin’s Santa Snapshots event benefit local charities


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Tofu: A vegan stapleThere is a great little

bodega around the corner from my build-

ing that, while a bit more expensive than how I nor-mally shop, it offers essen-tials including some vegan products like my favorite locally made tofu, vegan cheeses,and even coconut ice cream. I usually stop in for an emergency can of cat food and a bag of spinach or something. Just a couple essentials to get me by until I have time to go to the store again.

The other night I popped in to buy some of the afore-mentioned items. As I was checking out, the Ukrainian woman who was ringing me up picked up the tofu and said, “What do you do with this? I want to try, but don’t know how to make...”

I live for opportunities like this to explain to peo-ple all the different ways you can prepare tofu. It’s easy for me to forget that this food stuff is complete-ly foreign to a lot of people, and though some may be curious and interested in plant alternative, often peo-ple do not know what to do or where to begin.

I started by explaining to her that tofu doesn’t really taste like much on its own, that it’s all about how you prepare it, that it has a similar texture to ricotta cheese and thus can be used as a cheese substitute, egg substitute or when sea-soned and prepared prop-erly can be a great substi-tute for animal protein. I’ve been a plant eater so long that it was good for me to explain to her some basic ways to prepare this vege-tarian staple.

So now, I pass these ideas along to you. Here are three simple ways to prepare tofu.

Tofu ScrambleI started making this for

brunch a long, long time ago. The first recipe for tofu scramble I made was out of the Post Punk Kitchen cookbook. It is a tried and true brunch clas-sic and is a great substitute for scrambled eggs.

There are about a mil-lion variations out there on the internet, in cookbooks (including my own), on my website, and on Off the Water’s site.

These days, I don’t just eat this dish for breakfast, rather I make it for dinner, too. It’s a great way to use up all the random veggies you have in the fridge that are on the verge of going bad. You get all the vita-mins and food groups you need a one skillet dish which is another huge plus! Keep it simple and don’t worry too much about sticking to the recipe.

If you are new to plant based eating, turmeric is key for giving the scramble a yellow color, nutritional yeast adds richness, and black salt an eggy-sulfuric flavor. Keep lemons or limes around to brighten the dish up and whether lunch or dinner, it never hurts to top a dish with green onion and avocado.

Baked TofuAt least once a week I

mix a slurry of Energ Egg Replacer and water, brush it on tofu, and then dip the tofu in either blackened spices or some other yummy coating and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes. The blackened tofu is defi-nitely my go to, but I’ve been trying to mix it up a bit lately. Having this fla-vored tofu around makes healthy meals in a hurry SO much easier.

Just throw the tofu on a salad, or pair with a green vegetable and quinoa for a balanced meal. This week I used Victoria Gourmet 7 Seed crust (available on amazon.com), but last week’s Buffalo Tofu Bites were the real prize winner. These scrumptious bites are actually a great appe-tizer for the holidays. Pair with a vegan ranch dipping sauce and you’re in busi-ness!

Kat Barry, a St. Joseph, Michigan native, is owner of Kat’s Hot Cakes vegan catering, and co author of “The New Chicago Diner Cookbook: Meat Free Recipes from America’s Veggie Diner.” She also develops recipes for eHow.com, where you can find over 30 of her vegan instructional cooking vid-eos. She is also a certified yoga instructor. Kat cur-rently resides in Chicago, and in her free time she enjoys practicing yoga, sampling local spirits, lis-tening to live music, and getting outdoors. Follow @katshotcakes on twitter. Kat can be reached via email at: kat@katshot-

Tofu Ricotta

Tofu ricotta is an excellent substitute for cheese in pasta dishes, casseroles, on pizza, or even as a salad and filling snack all on its own. I often make a batch with no real intention of what to do with it, and use it however I see fit throughout the week. There is a great recipe for it in The New Chicago Diner Cookbook, but I will include a variation I make with kale instead of spinach here.

Tofu and kale saladYield: about 4 cups salad1 small yellow onion chopped1 package extra firm tofu drained and crumbled5 cloves garlic, finely chopped1 cup nutritional yeast1 tsp. sea salt1 tsp. dried oregano¼ tsp. black pepper2 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped2 Tbs. olive oil1/2 Tbs. grapeseed oil3 cups kale, washed, massaged and torn into 1/2-inch pieces

Drain tofu on a paper towel for 30 to 60 minutes. Heat a skillet over medium low. Add the oil, and, once it’s warm, add the onion. Saute the onion until nearly translucent, then add the garlic. Once this mixture cools, the tofu should be ready. Toss everything in a large mixing bowl. Combine thoroughly with clean hands. Enjoy as a snack, tossed in pasta or as a lasagna stuffing.

Baked Buffalo Tofu BitesYield: 2 dinner sized servings (about 12 ounces)

1 12 ounce package extra firm tofu, drained on a paper towel for about 20 minutes (or just press lightly if the tofu isn’t too moist).2 teaspoons Energ Egg Replacer + 4 tablespoons waterAbout 3-4 cups yellow cornmealAbout 2 cups Franks Red Hot or other hot sauceAbout 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oilSea salt to taste (I suggest 1/2-3/4 teaspoon)

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Energ and water making a slurry. Next, poor the cornmeal in a medium sized mixing bowl.

2. Slice the tofu into 1/2 inch cubes. Dredge in the Energ-water slurry the place in the cornmeal bowl. When you have about half the tofu in there, toss gently, but well with tongs. Make sure all the pieces are coated and then place them on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining tofu then bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. The pieces should be starting to golden and any loose cornmeal crumbs will be browned.

3. Meanwhile, rinse out the cornmeal bowl and just use the same one to whisk together the Franks, oil, and sea salt. Give it a taste and adjust proportions as needed.

4. Remove the tofu bites from the oven and once again toss half of the tofu at a time using the tongs. Place back on the baking sheet and bake another 4-6 minutes until they are a little crispy. The total baked time should be between 15-20 minutes.

5. Drizzle with Tahini Dressing or place on toothpicks and dip in tahini or vegan ranch as an appetizer.

COLUMNIST

Kat BarryKat's Hot Talk


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FOCUS

Tofu: A vegan staple

special somethings for those on your list …and a chance to visit

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NEW BUFFALO, Mich. — Visitors entering Four

Winds New Buffalo will be immediately greeted by the smell of Christmas for the next few weeks.

A few steps later, they’ll find out why.

In the grand lobby at the main entrance of the casino stands a 23-foot-long, 4-foot-wide, 8-foot-tall train — and it’s completely edible.

The culinary master-

piece is made of more than 1,700 pounds of ginger-bread, approximately 240 pounds of chocolate, 30 pounds of cooked sugar and 165 pounds of royal icing to decorate and put the gingerbread together.

Craig Lewkowitz, exec-utive chef for Four Winds Casinos said he wanted to do a different display than in past years.

“Actually I was doing some shopping and when I walked into a store there was a large metal train set out that was being used as a decoration. I thought that

would make a neat addi-tion,” Lewkowitz said. “I wanted to keep it fresh, so this year we did a train.”

Previous displays have included a large ginger-bread village and a 20-foot-tall gingerbread house.

“This is a collaboration. It took about 16 people about 240 man hours to build it,” Lewkowitz said, recounting the long hours of planning, mixing dough and icing, rolling out dough and assembling the large sculp-ture. The chef said people from all over the casino helped, including kitchen

staff and carpenters.Inside the train are two

compartments — a naugh-ty compartment filled with coal and a nice compart-ment filled with gifts. With the exception of the coal and the gifts, the entire sculpture is edible.

“It’s pretty traditional. I think there’s a lot of con-ventional hotels and casi-nos that put a display up,” Lewkowitz said. “People really like to see it, and they especially like the aroma. People say it really evokes the holiday.”

The display was installed

on Dec. 1 and will remain in the grand lobby until Dec. 26.

Meanwhile, guests can visit Four Winds New Buffalo for a number of other holiday events, including a free concert at the Hard Rock Café Four Winds and a holiday buffet.

On Friday Dec. 12, country music artist Clare Dunn will perform a free concert at the Hard Rock Café Four Winds begin-ning at 9 p.m.

Dunn is known for hit singles such as “Get Out” and “Cowboy Side of You” and has opened for country

music stars Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Colt Ford, Parmalee, Hank Jr. and Jamey Johnson.

More information about the artist is available at http://claredunn.com.

Guests are also invited to the buffet at Four Winds New Buffalo on Christmas Day for an all-day prime rib and shrimp buffet prepared by Lewkowitz and his kitchen staff. The buffet is available from noon to 9 p.m. and is $28 for adults, $19 for children under 12 and free for children 3 and under.

Giant gingerbread train at Four WindsNew Buffalo casino offers lots of holiday fun this month

Submitted photo


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CUISINE SCENE

There is never a better time for a nice bottle of wine than around

Christmas and New Year’s. Why not try something dif-ferent and make your holi-day party festive for your friends and helpful to a community cause?

Every community across our nation has a good a good cause or organization that can use your support. Recently a group of friends held a wine tasting, encour-aged a set donation, and then made contributions to two different good causes. The group supported a local health clinic and a health care initiative in Oregon providing coverage for migrant vineyard workers.

Here is how it worked: The three leaders decided to pour Oregon wines since part of the proceeds would go to an Oregon-based charity. The wine lineup included two Pinot Gris wines under $20 and four Pinot Noirs. The Pinot Noir wines ranged from $22 to $55 a bottle.

Now the group has some real wine geeks and they provided the wine knowl-edge during each pour. We had a great lineup of small bites including flat breads, pâté and the usual assort-ment of cheese and crackers.

The organizers used social media friends’ lists and personal connections to invite people to the wine tasting/philanthropy event. We had a spokesman for the local health clinic in our group. He gave a five-minute presentation on what the local clinic was all about and then it was back to the wine.

Essentially, it was a wine event for a good cause.

The organizers bore the cost of the wine and food, though we may look at a way of writing that into the cost in future events. What you can suggest as a dona-tion is different in every community but our group gave $50 per person – all of which went to the two charities. We ended up with a nice-sized group for the

evening and raised more than $700 to split between two charities.

You don’t need some “real wine geeks” to host a party either. Just generate some conversation about the wine. What did it smell like? What flavors do you taste? What do you like or dislike about the wine? What food would pair with the wine? Take a few moments and do an internet search on each wine you’re going to pour and you’ll find plenty of talking points.

And pick any wines you like at any price point but be sure to try something new and something different.

Our group is already planning ahead for February. The next event is shaping up to be big red winter wines and supporting local sum-mer youth sports.

In seven years of wine writing the one thing I’ve learned over and over is people do want to know about wine and actually talk about wine. There is no better way to do it than in a

festive social setting.Great wine always leads

to great conversation. When the combination can benefit a good cause, everyone comes out a winner.

Cheers!

Howard W. Hewitt, Crawfordsville, Indiana, writes about wine every other week for more than 20 Midwestern newspaper. Reach him at: [email protected]

Celebrate wine for a good causeCOLUMNIST

Howard HewittGrape Sense

Submitted photo

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lambrecht’s liquours of St. Joseph,

in partnership with Ray’s on the Green, presents a showcase of wine and food from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Berrien Hills Golf Club, 690 Napier Ave., Benton Harbor.

The event will feature more than 75 boutique wines from around the world in all styles. All wines served will be avail-able to purchase, at special pricing, thru Lambrecht’s. Ray’s on the Green will provide a buffet, which is included along with unlimited sampling of wines with ticket purchase.

To support community needs during the holiday season, a portion of proceeds will benefit the Safe Shelter for Domestic Violence. Organizers are committed to the national “NO MORE” campaign to raise awareness of the ongoing severity of violence and abuse.

Tickets are $35 by advance purchase and $40 at the door. Tickets may be pur-chased at Lambrecht’s- 2926 Niles Ave., St. Joseph, or at Berrien Hills Golf Club — 690 Napier Ave., Benton Harbor.

For more information, please phone Lambrecht’s; 269-983-5353 or lam-brechtsliquors.com

Wine around the world


Celebrate wine for a good cause

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• PLAYGROUND

Stop in for a tour!M-F 8am-5pm

1615 N. 5TH St.• Niles, Mi 49120

(269) 683-1850

Arbor TrailsWe Have Spacious 3 Bedroom

Townhomes with Full BasementsStarting at $635/mo.

1&2 Bedroom Apartments and 2&3 Bedroom Townhomes

Available!

FREEWiFi

For Rent 418LOOKING FOR

Housemates to share housein Niles quiet country set-ting, 3 bedroom, 2 bath,3,000 sq. ft., 2 levels, 2acres, $500 per month, rentpossibly negotiable.(269)240-8800SHARP 2 BEDROOM

Niles ranch home with 1 cargarage, fenced back yard,quiet location, $625/month(269)695-5839

Office Space for Rent

427

COMMERCIALBUILDING

1106 Fulkerson, Niles,currently a beauty shop, canbe made into an office, at-tached 24x24 storage,$1,100 month. Contact DonWebber (574)274-7007

Rent-Lease, Misc. 442OFFICE SPACE

For rent, approx. 750 sq ft,corner office, securebuilding, indoor parking,reasonable rent. Call RogerTracey (269)683-2211

Houses for Sale 500

6423 Long Lake Rd.,Berrien Springs, 4 bed-room, 2 1/2 bath, 4.4acres, 2 fireplaces, polebarn $269,900

Call Mike at(269)470-2995

BUCHANAN BEAUTYFOR SALE

2 AcresPole Barn & Garage3 bedrooms, 2 bath

Immediate OccupancyCall or Text Chris Moore

Freedom Realty(269)362-5665(269)687-8484NEW PRICE!

1420 Oak St., Niles 3 Bed/2 Bath, 1690 sqft

Lots of new updatesCarolee Dalrymple

Pier Realty616-634-2358

WHETHER BUYINGOR SELLING

Integrity Real EstateProfessionals

would love the opportunity toserve you. Call any of ouragents for professionalservice you expect and de-serve.

269-684-5030Integrity Real Estate

Professionals

Manufactured Homes

502

GREAT HOME!GREAT PRICE!

2 Bd/2 Bth, air cond.,Vaulted ceilings, $488/MO*Buchanan, 269-695-3119HOMES FOR SALE

IN DECATUR

3 bed, 2 bath homes readyto be moved into. Leaseoptions starting at $599 permonth (includes lot rent, in-surance, water, trash) Call(269)423-7024 or visitwww.phelpscommunity.comto view pictures

STUNNING HOME!GREAT PRICE!

3 bd/2 bth, A/C, garden tub,Thermopane Windows,

New flooring throughoutCall 269-695-3119Riverside Estates

Antiques 600FOR SALE

Antique Ash Dresser, rosemarble top, $350. WickerSettee with chair $120. CornSilage Chopper $190.Alladin Brass Lamp $120(574)273-6954

Collectibles 602NILES FLEA MARKET

111 E. Main St, Niles MINew vendors bringing manynew items weekly. OpenHouse Nov 28th-30th! ComeChristmas shopping with us!(269) 262-4333

Auctions 603NILES COMMUNITY

AUCTION HOUSEAntiques, collectables,furniture, & tons of newitems!

802 Fort St, Niles MI(269) 635-0271

Good Things to Eat

636

Sweet TexasOranges

5 lbs/$3.5018lb/$12.00

#1 HONEY CRISP.99/lb

$20/half bushel•#2 Honey Crisp $10/half bushel •Other Varieties

$7/half bushel & up•Red, White &

Russet Potatoes10lbs. $1, $20cents/lb.,

•Sweet Potatoes $12/half bushel .49/lb.

•Jumbo Walla WallaSweet Onions

.35/lb., $16.50/50lbs.•Texas Ruby red grapefruit

5 lbs/$2.5018 lbs/$9.00

•Honey1 1/2 lbs. $7

HOURS:Mon. - Sat. 10-5,

Sun. noon-5Hunky Fruit Stand

2054 M140Benton Harbor, MI 49022

(269) 944-3025

Household Mer-chandise

642

BILL'S USED APPLIANCESHOLIDAY SPECIAL!!

Starting Black Friday, thruthe month of December,

10-20% off!Hours: Mon-Fri. 10a-5pm

Sat. 10a-3pmClosed Sunday

2324 S. 11th St. Niles(269) 340-5952

FOR SALE•Used and Reconditioned

Appliances•Washers & Dryers

•Ranges•Air Conditioners

•Refrigerators841 Carberry Rd. Niles

(269)687-8639

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WHAT'S HAPPENING?i

CLASSIFIEDS

Dec. 11

Lambrecht’s Liquours of St. Joseph, in part-nership with Ray’s on the Green, presents a showcase of wine and food Thursday, Dec. 11th at the Berrien Hills Golf Club, 690 Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tick-ets are $35 by advance purchase and $40 at the door. Tickets may be pur-chased at Lambrecht’s, 2926 Niles Ave., St. Jo-seph, or at Berrien Hills Golf Club- 690 Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. For more information, phone Lambrecht’s at (269) 983-5353 or lambrecht-sliquors.com

The Lakeshore Middle School Choirs, directed by Mrs. Carole Conrad, will hold their Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, December 11

in the Howard Perform-ing Arts Center at An-drews University, 4160 East Campus Circle Dr., in Berrien Springs. A do-nation of $1 per person is requested. The pro-ceeds will be used for the general support of the choir program. For information, call at 428-1408, Ext. 3099.The Lakeshore Middle School Choirs, directed by Mrs. Carole Conrad, will hold their Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11 in the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews Uni-versity, 4160 East Cam-pus Circle Dr., in Berrien Springs. A donation of $1 per person is requested. The proceeds will be used for the general sup-port of the choir program. For information, call at 428-1408, Ext. 3099.

Dec. 12

The Lake Michigan

Youth Orchestra (LMYO) showcases Southwest Michigan’s talented young musicians. LMYO will perform on Friday, Dec. 12, 2014 at 7 p.m. at the South Haven High School Auditorium. Tick-ets are $5 for adults and $3 for senior citizens.

Dec. 12-14

Lakeshore High School will present Irvin Berlin’s “White Christmas the Musical” at 7 p.m. on Dec. 12 and 13, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 14. All per-formances will be in the Lakeshore Community Auditorium, 5771 Cleve-land Ave., in Stevensville, Michigan. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for se-niors, veterans and stu-dents (grades Kdg-12). All seats are general ad-mission. Tickets are cur-rently on sale in the high school office, and will also be available at the box office one hour prior

to each performance. For more information, call (269) 428-1402.

Dec. 13

Barn Swallow closes out its season with “Christ-mas at Barn Swallow,” showcasing choirs and music ensembles from local schools, church-es and performance groups.

Celebrate the season with The Southwest Michigan Symphony Or-chestra guest conduc-tor, Harvey Felder and Soprano, Denise Ritter in this sparkling holiday celebration. Organizers say this timeless music is guaranteed to warm hearts of all who come. Come hear seasonal favorites such as White Christmas and Let It Snow performed on Sat-urday, Dec. 13, at 7:30

p.m. at the Lake Michi-gan College Mendel Mainstage.

The Elkhart County Parks will offer a Cross Country Ski Workshop on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Baldwin Schoolhouse in Bon-neyville Mill County Park. More informa-tion about the Elkhart County Parks, their pro-gramming and services can be found online at elkhartcountyparks.org.

Celebrate the season with Santa at Sarett on Dec. 13 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Visit Sarett Nature Center to create holiday nature crafts and take a photo with Santa. Author Cara Arver will also be on hand to sign her chil-dren’s book, Manistee Melody. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Everyone is invited to attend Fairplain Pres-byterian Church’s an-nual Cantata, entitled Let Heaven and Nature Sing, Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served immedi-ately following the Can-tata in the Courtyard room. Sunday morn-ing worship services at Fairplain Presbyte-rian Church begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by refreshments. On Sun-day, Dec. 14, beginning at 11 a.m. there will be an Advent-themed Intergenerational Sun-day School for all ages. Fairplain Presbyterian Church is located at 210 W. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. For fur-ther information, con-tact the church office at (269) 925-0041 or visit their web site at fair-plainpc.com

Tools & Machin-ery

663

BULK BOX DUMPER2HP, 1725 RPM-115/230volts general electric motorw/Vickervane hydraulicpump, willing todemonstrate. (269)471-7177

Wanted to Buy 672ADAMS JUNKERS

Adam buysJUNK CARS

Adam BuysRepairable CarsFixable Cars Wanted

adamsjunkers.comAdam Pays the most!!

FREE PICKUP7 days a weekTitle or not!!(574) 300-6556

ALWAYS PAYINGtop dollar for junk cars,trucks & farm equipment.Also buying repairables. Paulbuys junk cars & trucks.(574)993-1131

BUYINGrepairable scrap and un-wanted vehicles, top dollarpaid. Call or text for a freequote today. Free towing.Kevin (817)437-0450

WANTED TO BUYCash paid for mediumsize refrigerators, workingor repairable. Also gas &electric ranges. Call(269)687-8639

WE WILL BUYyour junk car. We haul forfree. Paying up to $1500cash. Please call anytime269-687-8098

Home Improve-ment

700

FRYMAN'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS & SIDINGFRYMAN’S ROOFING

Your home exterior experts.Quality guaranteed! LocallyOwned for 50 years. (269)782-5008 (David & Terri Fryman)

HOME REPAIRS &REMODELING

Over 30 years of experience,tile work, kitchens, bath-rooms, decks & porches,windows & doors, windowwrapping, siding, fascia &soffit. Call Randy (269)782-3139 (269)208-9838

MKCONSTRUCTION

Pole barn & other garagesspecialist. Roofing Siding,Framing and more. Over 40years experience. Licensed.Contact Michael N. Knepple(269)476-9777MR. MAINTENANCE

FREE ESTIMATESRoofing, Siding & Windows,Light Hauling & SpringClean-Ups, No Inside orOutside job too big or small.Low affordable rates.(269)591-1403

WILLIAMS HOMEIMPROVEMENT

Repairs, Remodel, Windows,Siding, Additions, Painting,Plumbing & More. SeniorDiscounts. Free Estimates(269)635-1527

Heating 703

OUTDOOR WOODFURNACE

Robert Flory, Sr.Phone: (269)423-8458

Cell: (269)655-5291

Tree Service 725PAYNE'S TREE

SERVICETree Trimming & Removal.Stump Grinding & Firewood.Bobcat & Concrete Work.Insured. (269)663-8091THE CUTTING EDGE

PRO TREE CAREComplete Tree ServiceSAME DAY ESTIMATES

Insured, Competitive Rates.269-687-4972

Antenna Service 737

WHY PAY TO WATCH TV?

Dozens of Free HD & Digitalchannels, use your ownwiring, complete installation& repair, tower removal,packages with antenna, ro-tor & amp starting at $340.Free estimates.

(269)357-6352antennasplus1.com

Concrete Service 739DEPROW CONCRETE

Concrete, bricks, blocks &stonework. Any type of tearout & replace. Basementrepairs, landscaping, bobcatwork. No job too small. 35years experience. Concrete$2.20 a sq. foot. Insured.Jerry (269) 352-4010

Recycling Service 743CA$H 4 JUNKERS

Turn that Junker in your yardto cash in your hand

801 Carberry Rd, Niles269-687-5865

Snow Removal 745SNOW PLOWING

Residential & Com-mercial. Free Estimates.Reasonable Rates. CallLarry at C & C Concrete(269)228-1163

Misc. Services 747KLIMEK

ENTERPRISESElectrical Contracting, No JobToo Big or Small. Free Quotes.Affordable Pricing, Licensed &Insured. (269)684-6290 or(269)470-4097.

Quality Clock RepairFront Street Framery

801 E. Front St. BuchananHouse Calls, Free Estimates

(269)409-1031

Painting Service 754

J.M. HUNTENTERPRISES, LLC

Painting & Drywall. Insured.Free Estimates. FamilyOwned & Operated for Over50 years. 269-683-4442.

PAINTINGInt. & Ext., Drywall & WallRepair & Power washing.Insured. Call Glen Hoese at(269)684-4055

Trucks, Vans, 4-Wh Drives

942

1993 FORD F250Ext. cab, Diesel, 4x4, 8 ft.box with contractors cap,198,000 miles, everythingworks, $4,500 OBO. Also redfiberglass Tonneau cover,fits 2007-2013 GMC-Chevy2500 long box, $400 OBO.(269)782-3139

FOR SALE2 1/2 ton job rated 1952Dodge Stake truck, 14 ft.steel bed with woodenheadache rack & matchingside boards with tailgate,has single cylinder hydraulicdump, 5 speed trans-mission, model B-3KA-128GVW, 18,000 plus 2 speedrear end (269)471-7177

Autos for Sale 945

10 Kia Rio, 4 door $9,87511 Ford Fusion $13,67012 Jeep Patriot $14,931

12 Dodge Ram SLT $28,697Call (574) 264-1174 today!2006 Dodge Dakota Quad

Cab (Red)Engine: V8, 4.7 Liter

City 14/Hwy 19/Comb 16MPG

116k milesComfortably Seats 5 people

$7,500.00Call Scarlett Auto Sales

(269) 461-41972010 Hyundai Elantra GLS

46k grey in ColorGuaranteed 30 MPG/hwyFront Wheel Drive 4 Door

SedanNo Credit Checks

No InterestLow down Payment

Low monthly payments!!Free 6 month Warranty!

Call Scarlett Auto for moreinformation!

(269)461-4197

www.facebook.com/leaderpubcom

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WHAT'S HAPPENING?i

Nature

Community

Crafts

Food

iInformation

Family

Theatre

Tourist

Parting Shots

Art

Business

Religious

Music

Alcohol

LEGEND

Sports

$

$

Shopping

Movies

Holiday

SummerCamping

CLASSIFIEDS

The Michiana Commu-nity is invited to spend a special presentation of “Christmas at Barn Swallow” on Saturday evening, Dec. 13th be-ginning at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre located at 22334 U.S. 12 East of Edwardsburg, Michigan.

Dec. 13-14

The Twin City Players (TCP) will host auditions for its March production of the 2014-2015 season next month. Auditions for The Dixie Swim Club, book by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope and Ja-mie Wooten, directed by Larry Nielsen, will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Dec. 14

Curious Kids’ Museum, the Box Factory for the Arts and personal chef Tara Newman invite ev-eryone to kick off the holi-day season with Christ-mas Cookie Decorating Event from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts. This event is a fun-filled afternoon with cook-ie decorating and coloring contests among a magi-cal village of trains and gingerbread houses on display. Each child will re-ceive a half dozen cook-ies to decorate and take home. What a great way to spend an afternoon! Cost is $25 per child. Contact the Curious Kids’ Museum at (269) 9833-2543 to sign up.

Dec. 18

Everyone is invited to come meet two, live reindeer on Friday, Nov. 28, noon to 5 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 18, 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the Silver Beach Carousel. Entry is $1 per person (chil-dren 2 and under free) into Santa’s Christmas Corral in the Shadow-land Ballroom where you can pet these friendly, gentle animals of North Pole fame. Have a professional keepsake photo taken with your family for just $3.

Dec. 19

The Lake Michigan College Mendel Cen-ter is giving the gift of laugher this holiday season with the Ha! Ha! Holidays Show – A Comedy Extravaganza on Friday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. as part of its new Hanson Living Room Series. Tickets for the Ha! Ha! Holidays Show – A Comedy Extrava-ganza are $15, and $10 for Mendel Center Mainstage series ticket holders, students, and seniors. They are avail-able by calling the LMC Mendel Center Box Of-fice at (269) 927-1221 or visiting www.lmc-mainstage.org. For in-formation about group rates, pre-show party options, and other spe-cial arrangements, con-tact Mike Nadolski at (269) 927-8109 or [email protected].

Dec. 19-21

For the first time ever, the Twin City Players (TCP) will bring one of its season’s productions to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Cen-ter Mainstage. Perfor-mances of the holiday musical The Christmas Schooner, book by John Reeger, music and lyrics by Julie Shannon and directed by Paul Mow, will be on Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 p.m.

Dec. 20

New Troy’s popular In-door Flea Market is back for a new season! The flea market will take place Saturday, Decem-ber 20 and Saturday De-cember 27, and continue on the last two Saturdays of every month through March. It is open from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free.

Dec. 26

Join Funk Harmony Park and Moveable Types for a #DAXmas or “Day After Christmas” benefit con-cert on Dec. 26, at 8:00 p.m. at The Brick in down-town South Bend to ben-efit Big Brothers Big Sis-ters of St. Joseph County. Funk Harmony Park will also be playing a free acoustic show on Dec. 17 at Bare Hands Brew-ery in Granger to benefit the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization. In previous years they have

raised a total of $15,000 in donations.

Dec. 30

Weather permitting, kids (7 years and older) can sled on Pear Hill with Sarett Nature Center on December 30 at 1 p.m. Cost is $1. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

Jan. 2

i Kids (6 years and older) can Celebrate Winter with Sarett Nature Cen-ter on Jan. 2 beginning at 9:30 a.m. The morning session ($3) will include learning about animals in winter, snow and winter survival. The afternoon session (additional $3) will be spent snowshoe-ing or cross-country skiing. Children should dress appropriately and bring a lunch. Please call (269) 927-4832 to regis-ter.

Jan. 3

The Elkhart County Parks and the South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society are calling upon volunteers for the annual Elkhart County Christ-mas Bird Count, which will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3. Bird watchers can pre-register by contact-ing the Elkhart County Parks at (574) 535-6458 or e-mail [email protected] to register their name, ad-dress, and phone num-ber and e-mail to receive further directions for the bird count.

Jan. 10

The artistry and time-honored tradition of epic storytelling through dance will delight audi-ences at the Lake Michi-gan College Mendel Center Mainstage when the Russian National Ballet Theatre presents Don Quixote on Satur-day, Jan. 10, 2015, at 4 p.m. Tickets for the Russian National Ballet Theatre presents Don Quixote start at $34 and are available by calling the LMC Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221 or visiting www.lmcmainstage.org. Spe-cial rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For information about group rates, pre-show party options, and other special arrangements, contact Mike Nadolski at (269) 927-8109 or [email protected].

Artist and Pokagon Po-tawatomi tribal citizen Jason Wesaw will con-duct a workshop outlin-ing his unique process of producing work with clay directly harvested from the Great Lakes. Learn about historical native pottery while creating your own one-of-a-kind artworks alongside the artist. Participants will use clay harvested in and around South Bend. Early bird tuition is $80 before Dec. 10. After Dec. 10, tuition is $100.

Jan. 30-31

Thrill on the Hill will start

on Friday the 30th with a 5-9 p.m. run and then an adult “midnight run” from 11 p.m. to 1 p.m. Then all day Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Unlimited runs for $3! We provide your sledding tube! Contact City Hall at 269-695-3844 for more details. Or click the picture above for the Thrill’s Facebook page.

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12

PARTING SHOTS

Dowagiac rang in the holiday season with its annual candle-light Christmas Parade on Friday.

Photos By TED YOAKUM

off the water - december 11-17, 2014

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