08-03-2017 Bear Cave restoration at Hays Park is community outreach project; oloma Watervliet Area C

Bear Cave restoration at Hays Park is community outreach project

By Michael Uskiewicz

Watervliet City Manager

The City of Watervliet partnered with the River of Life Church to do a community project. The River of Life Church of Watervliet has a program that they do on the fifth Sunday of any month. They have a community outreach program to bring the church out into the community to assist with projects or conduct community service.

I did approach the pastors of River of Life, Pastors Doral and Linda Jackson. I spoke to them about a project at Hays Park that I wanted to have addressed. I wanted to restore the Bear Cave located in a secluded area of the park. This area has great memories for many residents. The area has fallen into decay and was severely overgrown. I approached the Pastors to see if this was a project they would like to partner with the city on. They agreed to be involved in the first phase, to clean it out and see what remains of the original structure.

On Sunday morning, July 30, 2017, workers gathered at the Hays Park Bear Cave. Approximately 40 people showed up with shovels, rakes, weed eaters, gloves and even a tractor. Some city staff was there to assist in the endeavor as well. The volunteers went to work clearing brush, trees and a great deal of overgrowth. The plan was to work for three hours and then break for a picnic.

Much was accomplished in a short amount of time. The city trucks were hauling the overgrowth debris out at a very fast rate. One would pull up and it would be filled and off it went. Over 15 truckloads of debris were hauled from the site.

The next steps are to spray for remaining weeds. Then place the fallen rocks back in place and establish the frame work of the Bear Cave. The work did expose the parts of the system that supplied water to the fountain and pond. The system will be analyzed and an action plan drawn up to make the system functional again.

This was a labor of love as many people have expressed the deep appreciation for the work conducted and completed so far. It is a start. There is still much to do.

The City of Watervliet would like to thank the many volunteers for the awesome work they did on Sunday morning. Watervliet is truly blessed to have such wonderful people in our community willing to commit themselves to service to the community.

Editor’s Note: According to the Watervliet Record, 6/29/1934, the Wading Pool was dedicated on July 4, 1934. In addition the project included a rustic bridge that crossed the ravine below the fountain and pool. The work was part of a CWA project to develop the park area adjoining the Hays Athletic Field. The Civil Works Administration (CWA) provided temporary employment during the severe winter of 1933/34.

Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce holding ribbon cutting at Some Things Different in Watervliet

 The Coloma Watervliet Area Chamber of Commerce invites the community to a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting at Some Things Different, 404 N. Main Street in Watervliet.

Grand Opening days are Friday, August 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ribbon Cutting will take place on Saturday, August 12 at 1:00 p.m.

There will be live music from 12 noon to 2 p.m. both days. Light refreshments will be available as well.

Lisa Quiroz and Andy Craig invite you to visit this beautiful shop that carries uniquely different craft items of all shapes and sizes. It also features vintage furniture and other vintage items.

The majority of the store is one of a kind.  Hand painted cement statues that come alive when you look in their eyes!  Instruments like you have never seen.  There are 100% soy candles that are clean burning with an intense fragrance. All this and more, at Some Things Different, be sure to check it out.

North Berrien Historical Museum to have STEM Tuesdays on sailing in August

 Ahoy there, sailors! People have been sailing on Paw Paw Lake for over a hundred years. Join the North Berrien Historical Museum as they explore the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) that power sailboats. The museum will be hosting STEM Tuesdays throughout the month of August. Students in grades 6 and up are invited to come to the museum on August 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 10 a.m.- noon to learn about topics such as measuring wind, sail area and perimeter, buoyancy, and land and sea breezes. Each of these fun and educational sessions will follow U.S. Sailing’s STEM Education Curriculum.

STEM days are free but registration is required by August 7! Stop by the museum or call (269) 468-3330 to register. For questions, contact the museum at (269) 468-3330 or by email at kristen@northberrienhistory.org.

Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet Auxiliary holding annual Quarter Auction Event

 The Auxiliary of Lakeland Hospital Watervliet is holding their annual Quarter Auction fund-raiser on Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Again this year it will be at the Coloma FOP lodge located at 3470 Angling Road.

Tickets are $5, available at the door or by calling 468-8301. Auction items values range from $10 to $200.

All proceeds benefit Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary projects.

Senior Services

Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 E. Main Street

 Monday, July 24 Coffee & Conversation, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, Euchre/Cards, Knitting, Crocheting & Quilting at 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 25 Coffee & Conversation, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Euchre/Cards, Hand and Foot, Computers, Knitting and Crocheting at 1:30 p.m.

Friday, July 28 Coffee & Conversation, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Tai Chi, 11:30 a.m.; LUNCH served at 12:30 p.m.; Cards/Euchre, 1:30 p.m.

All seniors, age 60 and older, residing in Van Buren County are eligible to participate in these programs and activities.

Any questions or comments, please contact Senior Services Paw Paw office at 269-655-8000. Rides are available through Van Buren Public Transit with no less than 24-hour advance notice at (269) 427-7921.

Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary wants crafters for annual show

 Crafters wanted to participate in the Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet Auxiliary Annual Craft Show. This event will be held at Watervliet Middle School on October 21, 2017. For applications, call 468-8301. All proceeds donated to the Hospital.