11-28-2019 School News & Calendars

HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL… “Students of the Week” for Nov. 18 – 22, 2019 are: (from the left) 9th Grade – Ximena Hernandez, student of Cesar & Valeria Hernandez; 10th Grade – Jasmin Garcia, student of Juan & Melissa Garcia; 11th Grade – Reynaldo Cortez, student of Everardo & Roberta Cortez; 12th Grade – Irvin Zavala, student of Zonia Zavala. Congratulations to these “Students of the Week” and keep up the great work!

Benefit dinner for Machado family

A benefit dinner is being held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 from 2 to 5 p.m. for the family of Barbara (Susie Watson) Machado. The location for the dinner is the Coloma FOP lodge at 3470 Angling Road. The meal is provided by CK Catering and includes vegetable tray, Swiss steak with gravy, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, tossed salad and roll with butter. Tickets are $10 ($5 for 5 to 10 year olds – age 4 and under are free) and can be purchased at Mike’s Pit Stop in Coloma or B&B Grocery in Watervliet. In addition, there will be a silent auction and bake sale. All proceeds will go toward medical and unforeseen expenses.

Coloma Community Schools Calendar of Events

Friday, November 29 NO SCHOOL Sunday, December 1 8th Grade Mackinac Trip 2nd payment due Monday, December 2 Middle School Boys Basketball at Fennville, 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 3 JV/Varsity Girls Basketball at Brandywine, 5:30/7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4 Middle School Boys Basketball vs. River Valley, 5:00 p.m.

Watervliet Public Schools Calendar of Events

Thursday, November 28 – Friday, November 29 NO SCHOOL – Thanksgiving Break Monday, December 2 7th & 8th Grade Boys White Basketball at Saugatuck, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 3 Jostens at H.S. for Class Ring orders; H.S. GVSU Field Trip; PTO Meeting at North School, 3:45 p.m.; JV & Varsity Girls Basketball, Home vs. Berrien Springs, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 4 7th Grade Boys Maroon Basketball at Bridgman (BC Tournament), 4:30 p.m.; 7th & 8th Grade Boys White Basketball at Andrews, 5:00 p.m.; 8th Grade Boys Maroon Basketball, Home (BC Tournament), 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 5 7th & 8th Grade Boys Maroon Basketball, Home vs. Saugatuck, 5:00 & 6:00 p.m.; JV & Varsity Girls Basketball, Home vs. Eau Claire, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 6 Mid-Marking Period Progress Reports; South School Spirit Day; MS Dance, MS Gym, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 7 TBA 7th & 8th Boys Maroon Basketball at St. Joseph (BC Tournament)

Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program announces 2020 pageants

Entry forms are now available for 2020 Mrs. Southwest Michigan, Ms. Southwest Michigan, Miss Southwest Michigan, and Miss Southwest Michigan Teen. The Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program focus is on teaching age qualifying women in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area – Leadership, Communication, Community Service, and Respect & Honor. All scholarships awarded through this program are given to the participants in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area only. The Mrs. Program is open to married women between the ages of 21 & 70 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area. There are five phases of competition with each age group in the program. The first phase is Interview which counts for 50%, the second phase is Formal Wear which counts for 20%, the third phase is Active Wear which counts for 10%, and the fourth phase is the On-Stage Question which counts for 10%. The fifth phase is Introduction Speech which counts for 10% of the contestants score. The Ms. Program is open to single women between the ages of 25 & 70 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area. The Miss Program is open to young women between the ages of 17 & 25 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area. The Teen Program is open to young women between the ages of 12 & 17 by pageant date, living in the Greater Southwest Michigan Area. The 2020 Mrs. Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program, Ms. Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program, Miss Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program & Miss Southwest Michigan Teen Scholarship Program will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 6 p.m. at the Bridgman High School Auditorium. Over $10,000 will be awarded in scholarships and gifts in the four divisions this year. For an entry form, visit www.misssouthwestmichigan.org. Click on Mrs., Ms., Miss or Teen then click on “Compete.” For questions, please call the Southwest Michigan Scholarship Program Office at (269) 428-4999. Deadline for applications will be February 1, 2020.

TEACHER AWARD… Katherine Cattes (left), teacher at Coloma Junior High, accepts a “big” check for $100.00 in recognition of her efforts in the Honor Credit Union 10th annual Teacher Awards. Giving her the check is Thomas Newnum, Community Assistance VP, and Dave Scheuer (right), Branch Manager of Coloma Honor Credit Union.

CJHS teacher Katherine Cattes awarded

Katherine Cattes, 6th-grade Social Studies teacher at Coloma Junior High, was chosen to be the recipient of a $100 check in Honor Credit Union’s 10th annual Teacher Awards. Her classroom heartily approved of the award by erupting in clapping, cheers and hugs for their teacher. “A huge thank-you to Honor Credit Union,” said Cattes. “We will soon have an updated globe for our classroom.” Honor Credit Union began in 1934 as a teachers credit union. In staying true to their roots, they offer this annual award to chosen area teachers in recognition of their hard work and in hopes that the money can help make their work a little easier by going toward improvements in their classroom. To nominate a teacher for 2020, visit honorcu.com/teachers.

Lakeland gala raises nearly $123,000; unveils new pavilion

This year, 370 community members attended the annual Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation Gala, held in the newly unveiled Atrium within the Lakeland Medical Center Pavilion. Through sponsorships, ticket sales, a silent auction, and a raffle, the gala raised nearly $123,000 in support of the 260,000 square foot Pavilion at Lakeland Medical Center. The remainder of the facility, including clinical and patient care areas, is slated for completion in January 2020. The theme of the event, “Night at the Pavilion” highlighted the new facility and the community’s support over the last three years which helped make the project a reality. During the evening, guests enjoyed fine dining catered by area restaurants, live entertainment, and an interactive tour of the space. “A ‘Night at the Pavilion’ was a once in a lifetime event for guests who had a chance to preview our beautiful, state-of-the-art facility before we open to patients early next year,” said Brandi Smith, president, Spectrum Health Lakeland Foundation and vice president, philanthropy. “We are so grateful to the community for their philanthropic support and their investment in health care for generations to come. The new Pavilion is truly a gift to our community.” To date, community members have pledged $6.8 million to the Pavilion. For ongoing news updates, during final construction, including a virtual tour of phase II renovations, visit spectrumhealthlakeland.org/pavilion.

Bariatric surgeons to discuss weight loss options

The Lakeland Weight Loss Center is offering a free seminar titled, “Lose Weight… Find Health.” The seminar will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the Community Room at Caring Circle, located at 4025 Health Park Lane in St. Joseph from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Bariatric surgeons Michael Schuhknecht, DO, and Seth Miller, MD, will discuss programs available for losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight for years to come. The Lakeland Weight Loss Center specializes in working with each person to create a customized lifestyle plan through bariatric surgery, diet and nutrition counseling, and monthly support groups. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 190 million adults in the United States are overweight and obese. Individuals more than 40 percent overweight are twice as likely to die prematurely as someone of average weight. However, the good news is that losing as little as five to 15 percent of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and other illnesses and can even eliminate your need for some medications. For more information or to register for the seminar, visit www.lakelandweightlosscenter.com/events or call 269-927-5361.

Community Calendar

Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. “HOLIDAY BAZAAR” at Cortez Carpet building, Main Street, Watervliet in celebration of Shop Small Saturday. Crafters/ Vendors can call Amy at 269-876-1326 to reserve space. Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. “HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW” at Decatur Jr. Sr. High School, 110 Cedar St. sponsored by Decatur Athletic Boosters. Lunch will be available. Admission is non-perishable food items to benefit Decatur Human Services. Saturday, Nov. 30, 1-3 p.m. “AUTHOR VISIT & BOOK SIGNING” by Rosanne Bittner at Back on the Rack, 7746 Red Arrow Hwy., Watervliet Friday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. “HOLIDAY BAZAAR” at Blossomland Learning Center, 711 St. Joseph Ave., Berrien Springs. Various items for sale, raffle items and light lunch options; proceeds benefit students. December 6-8 “HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE” at North Berrien Historical Museum, 300 Coloma Ave., Coloma. Free admission. Saturday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m. “CHRISTMAS CAROL HYMN SING” at Plymouth Congregational Church, 123 First St., Watervliet. Refreshments will be served. December 7-8 “HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS” celebration in Watervliet Saturday, Dec. 14, 2-5 p.m. “BENEFIT DINNER” for Barbara Machado family provided by CK Catering at Coloma FOP, 3470 Angling Rd. $10/ticket ($5/5-10 year olds, 4 and under free) available for purchase at Mike’s Pit Stop, Coloma and B&B Grocery, Watervliet Sunday, Dec. 15 “MISS HARTFORD PAGEANT” at Hartford High School Auditorium Tuesday, Dec. 24, 6 p.m. “CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE” at Plymouth Congregational Church, 123 First St., Watervliet. Public is invited. Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. “INDOOR SHOP HOP” hosted by Sweet Charity Sewing Group at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 601 Sycamore St., Niles. Quilting related items for sale from Indiana, Illinois & Michigan vendors. Raffle tickets with paid $5 admission and food by Brew Ha Ha of Niles. Tuesdays 1-5 p.m. “SOCIAL WORK INTERN” at Watervliet District Library, 333 N. Main St. provides assistance with educational opportunities, employment assistance, emergency services, family matters and any other issues that people may need help with. The intern does not give legal advice nor do they counsel people, but they can refer them to agencies that provide these services. Saturday, Apr. 25, 2020 6 p.m. “SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANTS” for Mrs., Ms., Miss and Miss Teen Southwest Michigan at Bridgman High School Auditorium. Visit www.misssouthwestmichigan.org for more information.