05-31-2018 North Berrien Historical Museum hosts field trips for Coloma Elem. students; Pauline Wend

North Berrien Historical Museum hosts field trips for Coloma Elem. students

The North Berrien Historical Museum was delighted to host visitors from Coloma Elementary School’s 2nd and 4th grade classes on May 22, 24, and 31. Approximately 150 students in total attended.

On these visits, the groups learned about the agricultural history and legacy of the area as well as how the process has shifted with time. Interim Programs Director Peter Cook used the main gallery to discuss Native American farming including the Potawatomi maple syrup process. Afterward, Museum Director Jack Greve took students to the Agricultural Building to talk about the pioneers’ influence on Michigan’s landscape from forest to fruit harvest and the tools that were introduced. The children were then taken outdoors where Board Vice President Marc Hettig illustrated changes that have been made to the way crops are harvested. Hettig detailed the gradual and arduous transition from sickle to combine, culminating in a comprehensive description of an actual on-site combine harvester graciously loaned to the Museum by GreenMark Equipment of Sodus. Following this demonstration, the children returned to the Agricultural Building where they learned about the germination process of pea seeds and planted their own to grow at home. Finally, the students posed in front of the combine for a group photograph before leaving. A splendid time was had by all.

Pauline Wendzel candidate for State Rep. of the 79th District kicks off campaign at Arclight Brewery in Watervliet

By Annette Christie A familiar name will be on the ballot in the August primary election, under the State Representative section. Pauline Wendzel is a lifelong Watervliet resident from a proud fourth generation Bainbridge Township farming family. She is an active alumnus of both Watervliet High School and Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology and Food Industry Marketing.

Wendzel says she learned the value of hard work at a young age working on her family farm and counseling young children at Five Pines, a local Christian day camp. Seeing an opportunity to learn more about her community, she became the programs director at the North Berrien Historical Museum in 2014. Through her employment there she helped to educate youth on the importance of Southwest Michigan heritage. During that time, she was an advocate for the community and the museum at many local municipal and school board meetings. Seeking to learn more about local government she became the assistant deputy clerk for Bainbridge Township where she obtained a thorough understanding of the election process. She is currently the product brand development manager at Coloma Frozen Foods promoting Michigan fruits, vegetables and agritourism throughout the country. Giving back to her community is very important to Wendzel. She served as the Michigan Apple Queen in 2007 and is an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Through her family, she gained an understanding of the importance of agriculture, as well as by exhibiting in the Berrien County Youth Fair and 4-H. She is a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. She has also traveled to Mexico and Nicaragua on house-building mission trips. If elected, she will assure that the voices of her community are heard in Lansing, She believes in the importance of conservative family values and is dedicated to bringing people together for the improvement of our community. Pauline’s agenda is improving the district’s infrastructure, continuing development in education and vocational training along with protecting our rich agricultural heritage while promoting our future. Wendzel kicked off her campaign on Thursday, May 10 in her hometown, at Arclight Brewery. She would be proud to represent the 79th district and is willing and able to dedicate 100% of her time and energy for the area she was raised in and loves.

North Berrien Historical Museum welcomes Interim Programs Director

The North Berrien Historical Museum has added a new member to its staff team this May. Peter Cook of Kalamazoo is now working as the Interim Director of Programs. Peter graduated summa cum laude from Western Michigan University in 2016, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Public History. While attending WMU, he interned at the Music House Museum in Acme near Traverse City. Outside of school, Peter worked at a local record store and a home improvement store. He also volunteered at WMU’s radio station and played in various local bands.

During his internship at the Music House, Peter was able to combine his passion for music and history by taking guests on guided tours of the extensive collection of automated mechanical instruments. “Watching history come alive for people reinforced my notion that I wanted to serve as an interface between the public and the past,” said Peter. He is ready to apply that same enthusiasm to the North Berrien Historical Museum. “I’m excited to be a part of the Museum and to learn more about North Berrien’s rich and unique history. I also look forward to becoming involved in the community.” Please feel free to stop by the Museum and introduce yourself to Peter. Also keep an eye out for new programs he will be hosting at the Museum in the near future. Information about upcoming programs and events can be found on the Museum’s website northberrienhistory.org and on Facebook at facebook.com/NorthBerrienHistory.