03-22-2018 Spaghetti Dinner Benefit for Josh Selby this Friday; Easter Events

TRANSFERS ROTARY MEMBERSHIP… Brian Smith, Financial Advisor from Edward Jones in Coloma was inducted into the Paw Paw Lake Rotary Club. He originally was a member of the Berrien Springs Rotary and transferred to Paw Paw Lake. He and his wife, Sarah, make their home in Coloma. Paw Paw Lake Rotary meets Wednesdays at 12 noon at Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet. Pictured are Brian Smith and Denise Barowicz, Rotary member and his club sponsor.

Spaghetti Dinner Benefit  for Josh Selby this Friday

On Friday, March 23, 4-8 p.m. at the North Berrien Fire Rescue, 3061 Coloma Rd., Riverside is a spaghetti dinner to benefit Josh Selby and his family. Includes 50/50 raffle. Josh is a local Watervliet resident who was recently diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma, a form of throat cancer. He is currently undergoing chemo and radiation treatments. He and Christine are the parents of Seth, 14, Ava, 13, and Piper, 10, who attend Watervliet schools. The cost to attend is $10/adults and $5/kids 10 and under; under age 2 eat for free. All proceeds will benefit the Selby family to help cover medical costs and expenses with treatments. The community is invited to attend and encourage the family to be “Stronger Than Cancer: Selby Strong.” Please contact Shannon McVay at 269-369-4023 or Kim Derrick at 269-408-6382 to donate or get further information.

Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) holding Volunteer Trainings for Spring

Volunteer Trainings will be offered before the start of the Spring Session starting the week of April 9, 2018, for anyone ages 14 and up. Volunteer Training Part 1 on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Get the opportunity to learn about TEC, therapeutic riding, and available volunteer opportunities. New volunteers are encouraged to attend. Volunteer Training Part 2 on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Take advantage of hands on training for those interested in helping with therapeutic riding, veterans and our school programs. All trainings will be held at our indoor heated TEC barn located at 615 N. M-140 in Watervliet. If anyone would like to join a great team of volunteers and help special need riders, sign up for one of these trainings; please email Beth at beth.drollinger@gmail.com or call 269-932-5005.

Writing History: Local author Rosanne Bittner to appear at Watervliet  District Library

The Watervliet District Library is pleased to announce a special evening event featuring author Rosanne Bittner, Monday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. The program, “Writing History,” will consist of an informal question and answer session with the region’s local celebrity about her work and the process of bringing a book to publication. Since 1984 Rosanne Bittner has written more than 35 historical romance novels set in the American Old West. Among her works are the Savage Destiny series and almost a dozen historical sagas. Two of Bittner’s award-nominated titles are Tender Betrayal (1994) and Song of the Wolf (1993), which received three nominations for literary prizes. This Time Forever (1990) was named Best Fictionalized Biography by Romantic Times. Best Post-Civil War Romance for 1991 was Embers of the Heart. In 1993, Bittner was the recipient of the Third Place Readers’ Choice Award from the Oklahoma Chapter of Romance Writers of America. Bittner belongs to several professional and historical organizations including Romance Writers of America. This event is free; no registration is required. A variety of the author’s books will be available to purchase and for signing. Refreshments will also be provided. Anyone with further questions is asked to contact the library at 269-463-6382 or info@wdlib.org.

PREPARING FOR EASTER… Pastor Mark Mitchell places cross on the hill in back of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in preparation for the Good Friday joint service to be held March 30 with six other area churches.

Easter Egg Hunt in Hartford this Saturday

On Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. the Van Buren Sportsmen’s Club is sponsoring an Easter Egg Hunt in Hartford’s Ely Park. In the event of rain, the hunt will be held on Saturday, March 31 at 1:00 p.m.

Watervliet Lions’ Easter Egg Hunt next Saturday

The annual Watervliet Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, March 31 at 11:00 a.m. in Hays Park. All children through 10 years of age are invited. No baskets will be allowed on the field for children over 3 years of age. Children will be divided into age groups for the hunt. Questions can be directed to Linda Kabel at 269-463-4746.

Salem Lutheran announces services for the week of Easter

Salem Lutheran Church is holding a Maundy Thursday communion service on March 29 at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a service Good Friday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. Easter morning worship service is at 9:00 a.m., April 1, 2018. The public is invited to all services. The church is located at 275 Marvin Street in Coloma.

Chapel Hill UM Church Good Friday service

Pastor Mitchell commented “while he has only been the pastor at Chapel Hill the last four years, it’s his understanding the Good Friday service with the cross on the hill was started over 25 years ago.” Chapel Hill United Methodist Church (UMC) located at 4071 Naomi Road, Sodus will host Arden UMC, Berrien Springs UMC, Bridgman Faith, Hinchman UMC, Pokagon UMC and the Scottdale UMC on Friday, March 30. The service starts at 7:00 p.m. inside the church and finishes outside on the hill near the cross. Pastor Mitchell stressed “you do not need be a UMC member to attend the service, all are welcome.”

Free pancake breakfast on Easter morning

Crystal Springs Church of God invites the public to a free pancake breakfast on Easter morning, April 1, 2018 from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. The church is located at 1465 Pipestone Road, Benton Harbor next door to Crystal Springs Florist. For more information call 269-925-1843 or visit the church’s website at www.crystalspringsfamily.com.

River of Life Church Easter drama

The community is invited Easter Sunday, April 1 at 10:30 a.m. to River of Life Church in Watervliet for this year’s Easter production. Do not miss this exciting drama! Attendees will experience the impact Christ had, and still has today, in the lives of everyday people. The service will include a drama, dance, live worship and a powerful message. A special children’s program for ages 4-12 will be available. Nursery is also provided. The church is located at 8712 Red Arrow Hwy in Watervliet. For further information or to request a ride, please call 269-463-3224.

Freshwater Church Easter Egg Hunt on Easter morning

Sunday, April 1 at 10:00 a.m. the Freshwater Community Church is having an Easter Egg Hunt at Coloma Middle School following an 8:00 a.m. sunrise service. Everyone is invited. There will be lots of great prizes!