AT THE LIBRARY… Dave Scheuer from Honor Credit Union reads to children at the Coloma Library’s annual Money Smart Kids READ program as part of Money Smart 2017. Each child who attended the program received a copy of the story “A Dollar for Penny” by Julie Glass. Books were generously donated by the Michigan Credit Union Link.

Lakeland celebrates 570 volunteers

 At a recent luncheon event, Lakeland Health Foundations in Benton Harbor-St. Joseph and Niles honored nearly 570 volunteers who dedicated more than 61,374 hours of service to patients, residents, staff, and visitors throughout the health system last year – worth over $1,833,816.

“Each year during National Volunteer Week we are honored to take this opportunity to celebrate and give our heartfelt thanks to all of our volunteers who unselfishly give of their time and talents to make our health system a better place for patients, visitors, and team members,” said Loren B. Hamel, MD, President and CEO. “Each of our volunteers is an inspiration as they put smiles on faces and touch the hearts and lives of all they come in contact with.”

During the luncheon, volunteers received service pins for various increments of hours served. Wilmarie Jensen of Benton Harbor received the Lifetime award for her 40 years of service at Lakeland. Five other volunteers joined the “Twenty Year Club,” including Arlene Brown and Barbara Burton of Niles, Barb Findley of Benton Harbor, and Stew Finkler and Lucille Mallory of St. Joseph.

Throughout 2016, 347 St. Joseph volunteers provided 37,292 hours of service at the Center for Outpatient Services, Meadowbrook Business Center, Marie Yeager Cancer Center, and Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Lakeland Hospital, Niles had 187 volunteers contributing 18,244 hours. At Pine Ridge, 36 volunteers contributed 5,837 hours. Together these hours represent the work of 30 full-time associates.

North Berrien Historical Museum presents “Berrien County and the Great Depression” May 16

 On Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. the North Berrien Historical Museum will host “Berrien County and the Great Depression,” presented by Kelsey Curnutt, Services Coordinator at the History Center at Courthouse Square. There will be refreshments to follow.

How did the Great Depression impact Berrien County? What caused it? How did America get out of it? Discover the fascinating facts behind the worst economic disaster in American history and its effect on southwest Michigan.

No RSVP is required for this free program. For questions, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or at kristen@northberrienhistory.org.

Paw Paw Lake Association meeting

 The Paw Paw Lake Association will meet on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. at Watervliet Charter Township Hall.

Hartford Township takes measures to stabilize annual budget

By Nancy Albright

At the April meeting of the Hartford Township board, officials agreed to change the 2018 fiscal year calendar to begin on July 1 rather than Apri1 1 based on Township Treasurer Steve Starner’s recommendation.

According to Mr. Starner, Hartford City Hall and the Hartford Fire Department commence their fiscal years on July 1. “The new start date will allow us to create annual budgets with more precision. For example, rather than going in blind with respect to budgeting for roadwork, we will know how much funding to earmark for road projects so we don’t come up short.”

In the same vein, Township Supervisor Ron Sefcik told trustees that the township is $20,000 short this year for road repairs that need to take place on 7.2 miles of township roadways requiring seal coating. The project cost is $200,935 and this year’s budget only allows for $181,953. At Sefcik’s suggestion, the board voted to subtract two miles from this season’s project and finish the remaining stretch of road when the approximate $20,000 deficit can be covered.

Road Commissioner Rick Boze updated the board on the County Road 687 construction project. C.R. 687 North is currently experiencing a delay because the blue heron population in the area is still nesting. The project is slated to start at the beginning of June and be completed by the end of August. Work on C.R. 687 South is scheduled to begin late this summer and be completed by early fall of this year.

The project to raise the intersection and curb the corners of 70th Street and Red Arrow Highway will begin mid-summer. Boze stated that work will result in better drainage of the area. The improvements will be jointly funded by Van Buren and Berrien counties; the Van Buren side of the dividing line being eight feet, and Berrien County covering four feet of the work zone.

Van Buren County Conservation District hosts recycling events

The township voted to again take part in the Household Chemical Waste Recycling Program operated by the Van Buren County Conservation District. The township pays a $500 disposal fee which allows residents to dispose of harmful chemical waste. Collection dates are Saturday, June 17 on Hazen Street in Paw Paw, and Saturday, September 16 at the Department of Public Works in South Haven. The program accepts household chemicals, pesticides and passenger tires. Recycled hearing aids, eye glasses, walking canes and American flags are also accepted and will be donated to the local Lions Club and VFW.

Hartford Township sponsors local spring and summer events

Members of this year’s Hartford Royalty requested that the township sponsor this year’s Blossomtime parade float, “A Bug’s Life.” Township officials agreed to sponsor the float in the amount of $1,000. Hartford won the sweepstakes at the 2016 event and Supervisor Sefcik said that he thinks the funds will be well spent to bring continued recognition to Hartford. “Something like this is good for the Hartford community.”

Patty Schroeder requested on behalf of the Hartford Chamber of Commerce that the township sponsor this year’s 2017 Strawberry Festival activities. Officials agreed to help fund the festival in the amount of $750.