11-28-2019 Hartford Redwood Elementary students named to National Elementary Honor Society

Hartford Redwood Elementary students named to National Elementary Honor Society

HONOR STUDENTS… 2019 National Elementary Honor Society members at Hartford’s Redwood Elementary. Pictured are: (from the left) Back row – Sponsor Courtney Whitman, Samantha Quist, Rebecca Johnson, Aubrey Ackerman, Mason Mireles, Lily Goodson, Jose Perales, Melody Bennett, Sponsor Laurie Southworth; Middle row – Christopher Lovell, Ava Mireles, Catherine Morsaw, Gabriel Ruiz Chavez, Sarah Diaz Salinas, and Matias Torres; Front row – Mason Whitman, Ashley Murcia Bocanegra, Kamryn Johnson, Madisyn Elston, Evelyn Barrientos Ortega, Addison Heminger, and Brady Rice. Not available for photo: Gary Wells. Established in 2008 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals recognizes 4th and 5th grade elementary students for academic achievement, personal responsibility, service to the school and community, and demonstrate development of essential leadership skills.

Parks Public Hearing held at Coloma Township meeting

By Annette Christie The first of two public hearings for the Coloma Township Parks & Recreation 5-year plan was held at their November 13, 2019 meeting. Consultant Cindy LaGrow presented the plan and answered any questions of the Township Board and those in attendance. The plan presented was a result of over 160 responses to the parks and recreation survey. The plan includes Coloma Charter Township overall, Helen Street Beach, Washington Park, and the Coloma Township River Park (AEP Paw Paw River launch). The following were requests used to create the plan: Helen Street Park – more picnic tables and shade, eliminating the boat launch to keep it more a neighborhood park, and installing aesthetic improvements with current porta-potty; Washington Park – improvements to lighting dugouts, and the additions of bathrooms, sidewalks and trails, areas for bicycles to be ridden safely, pickleball, benches and grills and requests for parks that are appropriate for older people to use as well; Coloma Township River Park (AEP Canoe/Kayak Launch) – Improve parking areas and install a kayak/canoe launch, aesthetic improvements for porta-potty placement, fishing, and signage. LaGrow said that if something is not in the plan they cannot apply for funds toward those projects. Following the public hearing, the plan will be available at the township hall, city hall, and library. Comments are still welcome for 30 days before the next public hearing. The plan has to be submitted to the State in February. With that, the township board approved a second public hearing at their December meeting. Rochelle Ulleg and Jody Lute with the Coloma Youth Softball Baseball Association commented that there has been great communication between their league and the Parks and Recreation Committee. They noted that one of the things they are considering is a couple of electric scoreboards.

Foreclosed property offered to township The township assessor brought to the board’s attention two properties that the County Treasurer has foreclosed on and is standard procedure, was offering them to the township. Assessor Kevin Kuetchner said that of the two properties, one is landlocked, an unimproved property that has cycled through the tax sales for 30 years. He said he believed that neighboring landowners near the two properties would consider purchasing them. Another parcel, also landlocked, deeded back to the township, has received one bid and he recommended selling that to them. Kuetchner said that the gentleman interested has adjacent property.

Other business Frank LaPeer with Wightman & Associates provided a SAW Grant update to the board. In the executive summary LaPeer said it shows the conclusion of the program identified all their assets, level of service, built a capital improvement program, a fairly detailed financial plan, and an asset plan. The SAW Grant work has been going for about three years.

THESE KUTE KIDS ARE… Kaylee (13) and Ellie (5) Bradshaw of Hartford, showing sisterly love. They are the daughters of Brian and Tina Bradshaw and attend Grace Christian School in Watervliet. Their proud grandparents are Jim & Betty Dunn of Coloma, Price Bradshaw of Hartford, and Randy Gray of Benton Harbor.

Preserving local history while spreading holiday cheer at the North Berrien Historical Society Museum

With live reindeer, visits from Mr. & Mrs. Claus, gingerbread house decorating, live performances, a kids’ carnival, and much more, the Holiday Open House at the North Berrien Historical Museum is a fundraising event you will find yourself coming back to annually. Guests are encouraged to join the Museum from Friday, December 6 thru Sunday, December 8, to experience this one of a kind holiday affair. Attendees will enjoy holiday activities, learn about some of the area’s history, and capture the holiday spirit while appreciating FREE ADMISSION! By touring the nearly 40 sponsored trees – uniquely decorated by local organizations and museum members – guests are able to cast their votes for their favorite competing trees. With a suggested cash donation of $6/gingerbread house decorating and an $8/box Cookie Walk, participants are guaranteed to taste the holiday cheer. For questions, please call (269) 468-3330. If you are unable to attend this weekend and would like to view the décor, please visit the North Berrien Historical Museum Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at 300 Coloma Ave., Coloma. This event would not be possible without the Museum’s supporting sponsors. A special thank you to: Edgewater Bank, Chemical Bank, Honor Credit Union, Watervliet District Library, Coloma Public Library, HOPE Resources, Coloma / St. Joseph KOA Holiday, Coloma Elementary School, Community Hospital Watervliet, Karla D. Smothers Agency, LLC, Berrien Community Foundation, Moss Chiropractic Clinic, Coloma American Legion Post 362, Paw Paw Area Rotary Club, Round Barn Filling Station, Coloma United Methodist Church, Water & Wheat Cafe, Sarett Nature Center, Soulard’s, H&R Block, Coloma Lioness Lions Club, Centsible Heating & Air Conditioning, The Friendly Tavern, Cutting Corners, GateWay Services, Youth Development Company/PAL, Loma Theatre, Coloma Choirs, B & B Grocery, Paw Paw Lake Golf Club, Don Young Insurance Agency, John’s Glass, Harding’s Friendly Market, Four Seasons Spa & Pool, DiMaggio’s Pizza & Burgers, Darlene Getz, DDS and The Upbeats.