HAPPY RETIREMENT LOIS… A retirement party was held Monday evening in honor of Lois Hartman, Director of the Watervliet District Library for the past twenty-two years. Many family, friends as well as patrons attended to wish Lois well on her retirement. Pictured above are board members (from the left) Don Young, Patricia Geisler and Anne Bayer presenting Lois with a card in recognition of her service. The Library Board is in the process of hiring a new Library Director. (TCR photo by Karl Bayer)

Watervliet Twp approves final step in lake clean-up continuation

By Annette Christie

The Watervliet Township Board delayed their August meeting by one week, holding it on August 22.  At the meeting the board approved the final step needed to continue a Special Assessment District aimed at the clean-up and maintenance of Paw Paw Lake.   The final resolution approves future efforts to improve the condition of Paw Paw Lake through the district, made up of residents that reside on or have access to Paw Paw Lake.  In addition, the townships of Coloma Charter and Watervliet Charter made an at-large contribution.    It is estimated that it will cost approximately $212, 857.14 between the two communities annually.  With the estimated cost, the special assessment roll was established by the township’s assessing officer.  The resolution establishes that the first payment toward this assessment shall be collected in February 2017, and in February going forward for the consecutive years of the project.    The improvement project will be re-visited every four years moving forward, with a public hearing to be held in June.  The next one will be in 2020.    The next meeting of the Watervliet Township Board will be on September 19, 2016.

Griffin/Endsley Wedding Announcement

Heather Lynn Griffin and Aaron Michael Endsley

Heather Lynn Griffin and Aaron Michael Endsley were united in marriage on Saturday, August 13 at Fernwood Botanical Gardens. Heather is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ray (Lynn) Griffin of Watervliet. Aaron is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Harold (Kim) Chaney of Indianapolis.  Pastor David Haase officiated. A reception was held following the ceremony at The Heritage Center in St. Joseph.  Maid of Honor was Michele Lovell; bridesmaids were Rosie Born-Powell, and Alex Woodrick. Flower Girl was Cierra Taylor, niece of the groom. Best man was Harold Chaney; groomsmen were John Edwards and Robert McAllen IV. Wedding music provided by Dennis Griffin, brother of the bride.  Heather graduated from Lake Michigan College and is a radiologic technician. She is currently employed at the Silver Harbor Brewery Company in St. Joseph. Aaron was formerly in the U.S. Navy, having served on the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Enterprise. He is employed at the Donald C. Cook Nuclear Plant.  Following a honeymoon to the Dominican Republic, the couple will reside in St. Joseph.

Chronic Pain PATH Workshop offered

 Region IV Area Agency on Aging will offer the Chronic Pain PATH (Personal Action Toward Health) Workshop at the Area Agency on Aging beginning September 20.  Chronic Pain PATH is a Chronic Disease Self-Management Program that was developed and tested by Stanford University. The workshop is a six-week program that teaches practical skills for living a healthy life with chronic pain. The focus is on self-care, learning new coping strategies and sharing personal experiences.  Some of the things participants will learn are how to: exercise to maintain and improve strength, flexibility and endurance; overcome stress and relax; and pace activity and rest.  Classes are scheduled to meet every Tuesday at the Area Agency on Aging, 2900 Lakeview Avenue, in St. Joseph. They will be held September 20 to October 25, from 1:00 to 3:30 pm.  Cost for the class is free. Donations are gratefully accepted. Family members, friends and caregivers are also encouraged to attend. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register for the class, call Julie (269) 982-7759 or Tracy (800) 442-2803 at the Area Agency on Aging.

Plymouth Congregational Community Community hymn sing is Saturday, September 3

 The next Community Hymn Sing will be celebrated at Plymouth Congregational Church on Saturday evening September 3 at 6 p.m. The brick church is located on Red Arrow Highway across the street from the Watervliet Laundry. Ken Biastock and Arch Woodstock will provide special music. Come and enjoy singing together, the fellowship, and the ice cream and cookies afterward. All are welcome.

Senior Services

Hartford United Methodist Church, 425 E. Main St., Hartford

 On Monday, September 5, “Labor Day Holiday” CLOSED!

On Tuesday, September 6, lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m.; cards, Computers with Emma, and exercise at 1:30 p.m.

On Friday, September 9, lunch will be serviced at 12:30 p.m.; cards/Euchre/Hand & Foot and knitting/crocheting/needlework at 1:00 p.m.

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

Rides are available through Van Buren Public Transit with no less than 24-hour advance notice at 269-427-7921.