01-04-2018 Keeler Township schedules Parks Public Hearing; Lakeland welcomes First Baby of the New

Lakeland welcomes First Baby of the New Year The BirthPlace at Lakeland Hospital, Niles welcomed southwest Michigan’s first baby of 2018 at 4:46 a.m. on Mon-day, January 1. Ciara Lamb and James Helton of Union, Michi-gan are the proud new parents of a daughter, Lillian Michelle Helton. Baby Helton weighed in at eight pounds, eight ounces, and measured 21 inches long. In keeping with their annual tradi-tion of celebrating the first baby of the year, the Lakeland Aux-iliary provided the family with a gift basket full of baby items valued at $100. The Lakeland Health system has delivered generations of southwest Michigan residents, with 1,630 babies born in the St. Joseph and Niles hospitals with-in the last fiscal year. Lakeland is served by a team of 23 obste-trics and gynecology providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives. In May of 2017, Lake-land Medical Center, St. Joseph became one of only two in our region (west Michigan and northern Indiana) to offer nitr-ous oxide for managing pain while in labor. For more information about the BirthPlace, visit www.lakelandhealth.org/birthplace.

Keeler Township schedules Parks Public Hearing

By Annette Christie

The Keeler Township Board will hold a hearing to learn about their updated 5-year Recreation Plan. The board sought input from the public through December 15 and will discuss the results of that input at the Public Hearing at their February 6 meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The last time the township updated their plan, they sent out surveys to all residents and only received about 40 back. In this go around the township provided it on their website and put the word out in and around the township.  Supervisor Bill Kays said they received about 100 responses to the survey. The survey included questions about lake use Lions Club Park use, desire for walking trails, and an overall wish list.

At their Tuesday, January 2 regular meeting the board also discussed complaints about the condition of Magician Lake. Kays said that one resident has some pretty heavy duty bubblers that are creating 30’ x 300’ of open water. As the township does not have an ordinance to regulate this, Kays said he will try and work with the home owner and if that is unsuccessful, he will work with the board on establishing an ordinance that could regulate this.  He said that Silver Creek Township, which houses half of the lake, does have an ordinance that regulates the use of bubblers.  Kays said they are not trying to discontinue use altogether, but rather they would like the bubbler action to be directly in the area of the pier vs. spread out over the lake.

The board discussed action taken at their December meeting for sewer charges that were not paid.  The Sewer Authority had asked the two townships to put unpaid sewer fees on the residents’ tax bill. The Keeler Township Board took action at their December meeting authorizing for the unpaid sewer charges to be added to the tax bill.  The charges were added by the treasurer and were then forwarded to the county treasurer for action.

Some of the residents had since paid the outstanding sewer fees and the amount needed to be removed from the tax bill. While the local treasurer can do it on her end, the board had to approve a resolution to be forwarded to the county treasurer in order for it to be removed on their end.

In other business the board approved an increase in wages for the elected officials.  The positions of Supervisor, Clerk, and Treasurer are now paid $21,600. The Trustees are now paid $3,600 annually. Kays said that once the budget work gets closer, they will see if the budget can afford the increase.

Berrien County 4-H celebrates leaders and members for 2017

 Janice Gruss of Benton Harbor and Robert Lausch of St. Joseph were recently named the 2017 Berrien County Outstanding 4-H Leaders at the Berrien County 4-H Member & Leader Recognition Program.  The program and awards were sponsored by both the Berrien County 4-H Leaders Association, Inc. and the Berrien County 4-H Foundation, Inc. Awards were presented to both leaders and members at the Annual Berrien County 4-H Member & Leader Recognition banquet on November 5, 2017 at Pebblewood Banquet Hall in Bridgman.

The Outstanding 4-H Leader Award recognizes 4-H leaders for their volunteer service and leadership within their 4-H clubs as well as their leadership on county programs, committees, and activities that benefit the more than 400 families with children enrolled in Berrien County 4-H.  The award presented to this year’s recipients included a watch, framed certificate, and names engraved on a permanent plaque that is displayed in the Berrien County Michigan State University Extension Office.

Janice Gruss has been a leader in the Countrysiders 4-H Club for 18 years, where she has devoted tireless energy and enthusiasm toward educating youth in various projects that include: arts & crafts, clowning, leather craft and cake decorating. Gruss’ volunteerism also includes assisting with 4-H Spring Achievement, the 4-H Talent Show and the 4-H Booth at the Berrien County Youth Fair.

Rob Lausch, also being honored has been a leader for over 20 years sharing his talents with 4-H youth in woodworking. Through his leadership youth have been able to acquire knowledge and skills that have been translated into professional careers as 4-H Alumni. Outside of the club level, Lausch volunteers his time as an evaluator for the 4-H Spring Achievement that aids in guiding youth with continued improvement on their projects.

The Leo Stanley Memorial Award for the 2017 Outstanding 4-H’ers is sponsored by the St. Joseph/ Benton Harbor Exchange Club and was presented to Darlene Mattson of Benton Harbor, and Kennedy Melton of Baroda.  Each recipient received a watch, framed certificate and name engraved on a permanent plaque that is displayed at the Berrien County Michigan State University Extension Office.

Darlene Mattson has been a member for 10 years.  Her project involvement includes, but not limited to Arts & Crafts, Animal Science, Tin Punch, Clothing & Textiles, Dogs, Shooting Sports, Photography and Volunteerism. Her talents and passion extend beyond the scope of the Berrien County 4-H program, as she participates in state 4-H opportunities such as 4-H Exploration Days, 4-H State Shooting Sports Archery Competition, and various workshops on dogs, crafts, shootings sports and leadership development. Currently, Mattson is part of the Countrysiders 4-H Club and Town & Country Paws & Pals 4-H Club, while also, being a Teen Leader for the Best Friends 4-H Club and Straight Shooters 4-H Club. Darlene is the daughter of Herman and Lisa Mattson.

Kennedy Melton is an 11-year member, currently serving as Teen Director on the Berrien County 4-H Leaders Council, where she provides recommendations and develops ideas to improve the Berrien County 4-H Youth program. She has received county medals for Cats, Clothing & Textiles, Llamas, Photography, Leadership, Poultry, Foods & Nutrition, Rabbits; and All Achievement Awards for Clothing & Textiles and Llamas. Additionally, she has competed at the Michigan 4-H Rabbit & Cavy Expo placing in the top ten in Quiz Bowl, Skill-a-thon and Rabbit Judging. Melton is part of Baroda Bunnies, Galien Chanters, and Fuzzy Friends 4-H clubs.  Kennedy is the daughter of Phillip and Emily Melton.

The 2017 I Dare You Award was presented to Ciara Kibby of Coloma, member of the Great Expectations 4-H Club.

Crowdfunding campaign launched for Heritage Museum building

 The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center (HMCC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph area since 1965 with local history preservation and education. The facility, opened in 1998 and located on Main Street in St. Joseph, houses artifacts and archives, a research library, exhibitions, and public event spaces.

A team of experts advised crucial HVAC upgrades, exterior repairs, and energy-efficiency upgrades in 2018, for which HMCC has received a $50,000 Capital Improvements Grant from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs. The Heritage Museum must raise a matching amount of funds to implement the grant.

On December 11, 2017, a major flood impacted the facility, caused by the HVAC system located above the upper level galleries. While destructive damage occurred to the building on three levels, thankfully, no historical artifacts were lost and the archival storage spaces stayed dry. This incident has driven HMCC to immediately launch fundraising for capital improvements.

The Heritage Museum now urgently asks for community donations toward “Keeping Up the Cupola”— a reference to the iconic tower above our classical brick building, and the imperative need for building investments to preserve and sustain our priceless collections and valued community programs.

Recent estimates from the Facilities Committee—a team of construction experts, staff, and Board members—have firmly established the need for these capital expenses: Replacement of humidity control system – $26,600.00; Replacement of HVAC system (Shepard Hall only) – $89,400.00; Upgrades to 100% LED Lighting – $19,500.00; Exterior repairs to columns, cupola – $35,000.00; Replacement of HVAC system (All other areas) – $89,400.00.

Altogether, HMCC is now embarking on a capital improvements fundraising campaign that needs to provide over $300,000 to maintain the facility over the next several years. These expenses are critical in order to protect the museum’s historical collections, halt deterioration, improve energy-efficiency, and sustain operating income. Any funds raised in excess of our $50,000 goal for this campaign will be saved in accounts restricted for use only on capital improvements.

Founded as the Fort Miami Heritage Society in 1965, achievements have always depended upon community support. The facility is named the Priscilla U. Byrns Center in honor of a great leader and patron who made the building possible. The Center is asking local residents, and those whose hearts reside in Berrien County, to consider contributing generously to this campaign. The December 2017 flood places an unforeseen pressure to execute the upgrades funded through the MCACA grant program as quickly as possible.

“Double Feature” fundraising event planned

On Wednesday, January 17, the community is invited to a fundraising event to be held at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in St. Joseph. At this “Double Feature Fundraiser,” two PowerPoint presentations will be delivered by Museum Curator Tracy Gierada and all proceeds will support the campaign to “double” our grant funds by raising $50,000 by January 21.

On Wednesday, January 17 from 5:30-6:00 p.m. is a presentation titled “Twin City Trolleys” – History of streetcars and interurbans. It will take place in the Norris Room, Palenske Library, 500 Market St., St. Joseph. The second feature will be shown from 6:15-6:45 p.m. and is “1920s Benton Harbor” – Daily life and prohibition stories.

There is a suggested donation of $10 to attend one or both programs. Popcorn & refreshments will be served.

In addition, supporters can contribute to the “Keeping Up the Cupola” campaign in several ways: consider making a generous online donation to the crowdfunding campaign—visit www.patronicity.com/cupola. Share the crowdfunding campaign on social media. Help tell their story and share the crucial importance of these capital improvements to sustaining their work in St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.

HMCC also invites donors to schedule a personal meeting with their staff to learn more about the organization’s current challenges and opportunities.

HMCC requests if donors prefer to give in person or by mail, please don’t hesitate to reach out at (269) 983-1191 or info@theheritagemcc.org. Checks can be made payable to “The Heritage Museum” and directed to the mailing address: The Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, 601 Main Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085.