THESE KUTE KIDS ARE… Madison, 15-year-old sophomore and a cheerleader at WHS, Allyse, 7-year-old 1st grader at South School, and Amya, 13-year-old 8th grader at Watervliet Middle School. They are the daughters of Crystal Cartwright and granddaughters of Mary Beth and Lyle Gurd of Watervliet and the late Gordie Cartwright. They are also the granddaughters of George and Mary Harvell of Benton Harbor.

Murrays celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

George and Cherylene Murray will celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Nov. 22, 2019. George Murray and the former Cherylene Duncan were married at St. John’s Catholic Church in Riverside, California in 1969. They were blessed with three children – Traci, Joy (deceased) and Jeff.

Salem Lutheran concludes 100 year celebration Sunday with special service and dinner

Salem Lutheran Church at 275 Marvin St. in Coloma comes to the end of their 100-year celebration. This Sunday, November 10, will start with a guest organist James Hoyt Gladstone. Gladstone is a native of Marshall, Michigan and is a graduate of Concordia University, Chicago. At Concordia University he sang in the Kapelle Choir on an Around-the-World tour singing benefit concerts for various Lutheran missionaries. He spent a summer studying the Great Pipe Organs of Europe. Gladstone has served as canter at a number of Lutheran churches as well as Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. He taught Pipe Organ at Lake Michigan College, where Mary Spaulding was one of his students, and sang in the Lakeland Choral Society. In retirement, he assists as organist and accompanist at the Church of St. Lorenz in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Rev. Galan Walther will be speaking at Salem Lutheran’s Celebration Service on Sunday. He graduated from Concordia in St. Louis and continued his education at Concordia in River Forest, Illinois. He first served at Trinity Lutheran in St. Joseph. Rev. Walther is Assistant to the President Congregation Mission and Ministries Southwest and Thumb Zones, Family Ministries. The congregation is looking forward to hearing his message. The 100-year celebration will end with a dinner Sunday evening with many members and former members having reserved attendances. A number of area pastors have been invited to share in this celebration dinner and to say a few words. The church is pleased with their acceptance. This has been a very special year for Salem and the many members wish to thank our community for their best wishes.

BEGGING WAS ERNEST… on Halloween last week even though the numbers of trick or treaters were down due to the cold and rain. Main Street Watervliet merchants were busy passing out candy for the Sidewalk Costume Parade, though many of the masquerades were covered by rainwear and winter coats.

Christian men’s breakfast on Saturday

Hartford Bible Church, formerly the Hartford Federated Church, is inviting Christian men of Hartford to join them for breakfast Saturday, Nov. 9 at 8:00 a.m. Fellowship is centered on the saving work of Jesus Christ. Prayer for the town of Hartford follows a short devotional after breakfast and is expected to be through by 9 o’clock. Please let them know who is coming so they can be prepared. Email hartfordbible@gmail.com or call 269-621-4521. The church is located at 65418 Red Arrow Hwy in Hartford.

Coloma American Legion hosting Burger Night on Wednesday

American Legion Post 362 in Coloma is having Burger Night on Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. They will be serving hamburgers, cheeseburgers and French fries. Post 362 is located at corner of east St. Joseph and Sassafras streets.

Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony at Lakeland Watervliet

Lakeland Hospital, Watervliet Auxiliary will host the Annual Tree of Love Lighting Ceremony Thursday, Nov. 21 at 12:00 p.m. in the Hospital Lobby. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided. Angels and ornaments are available for purchase at the Hospital Information desk and the hospital Park Bench Gift Shop.

Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale at 12 Corners Church

Twelve Corners Community Church extends an invitation to the public for their all you can eat pancake breakfast on Saturday, Nov. 23 beginning at 9 a.m. On the same day, take advantage of their bake sale to purchase Thanksgiving desserts. The breakfast menu includes all you can eat pancakes, sausage, bacon, breakfast wraps, biscuits with sausage gravy, fruit and jellies served with coffee, orange juice, milk and water. The cost is by donation. Proceeds for the day will go towards 12 Corner’s building fund. The church is located at 3902 Hicks Avenue in Benton Harbor.

PIT CREW… Coloma Lions Club annual Pumpkin Derby was successful Saturday, Oct. 26 as part of Halloween in the Park due in part to all the volunteers who helped at the race. Volunteers pictured are: (from the left) Bruce Owen, John Whisler, Jim Sternaman, Sal Rendo, Brian Smith, Dale Kreitner, Lisa Streu, Ross Streu, and Bennett Leedy.

Pumpkin Derby winners announced

Once again, the Coloma Lions Club held its annual Pumpkin Derby Race as part of the festivities of Coloma’s “Halloween in the Park”. There were twenty pumpkins entered, with some that flew straight down the ramp and continued past the finish line, and others that were just lucky to make it down in one piece! “Best Decorated” this year went to “Shelly” the turtle, entered by Tyler Thompson. For the race, the first place winner was “Mustachio”, built and decorated by: Annabella Williams! Tyler Thompson and his turtle decorated pumpkin “Shelly” earned second place. Coming in third was “Simba” by the Covert Lions Club. Fourth Place was “Speed Demon” by Mattson’s House of Décor. The Coloma Lions Club thanks all who participated and helped make this fun event possible! Special thanks to Coloma True Value for facilitating the purchase of the wheel kits. Special thanks to Centsible Heating and Cooling for their generous offer to cover costs of the race for families who would need it.