SITTING ON SANTA’S LAP… The 2016 Watervliet Court of Honor got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Clause at the Watervliet Hometown Christmas. Pictured are: (from the left) Mr. Watervliet Brody Roland, Second runner-up Brittany Collins, Little Miss Firecracker Caroline Weber, Little Mr. Firecracker Braydon Collins, Santa, Miss Watervliet Karlee Liles, First runner-up to Little Miss Firecracker Lilyahna Collins, Mrs. Clause and First runner-up to Miss Watervliet and Miss Congeniality to Blossom-time Aliea Chapin. (Photo by Shawn Mead Photo-graphy)

Tri-City Angel Tree still has gift request tags

 What is the Angel Tree? It is a Christmas Tree in the Tri-City Record office at 138 N. Main Street in Watervliet that is loaded with hanging tags. Each of those tags has a gift request written on it for a child in need. We are asking readers to stop by and select a tag or two off of the tree, then go out and buy the item listed on the tag. Return the new item, unwrapped with the tag by Friday, December 16. Tri-City Angel helpers will then wrap the gifts and deliver them to the families prior to Christmas.

Please join in giving a local child a little hope this Christmas, a hand up to a family that is struggling, and showing love and kindness do still exist, especially in the Tri-City Area.

A challenge this Christmas season is to take a moment to do something nice for someone else. It can be as small as holding a door for someone while out shopping, smiling at someone passed on the street, or taking cookies to a neighbor. Whatever the case may be spread some kindness. Do not be surprised at how it will not only make someone else’s day, but will also put a smile on your face too!

Feel free to write in to the Tri-City Record Angel at PO Box 7, Watervliet, MI 49098 or e-mail at record@tricityrecord.com with any ideas, suggestions, talents you would like to share, etc. Make sure to put it to the attention of Tri-City Angel. We look forward to hearing from you.

Watervliet’s Best Lighted House contest, Dec. 4-17

 This contest is sponsored by the City of Watervliet for those who love going all-out to decorate their house for the Christmas season. It is in coordination with the Home Town Christmas Celebration on December 4.

Residents in both the city and township of Watervliet may enter to win! Simply post a photo of your display on the “Watervliet’s Best Lighted House” event page on Facebook, then send your street address via Facebook messenger to Katie Ann Muth (so they can confirm authenticity – do NOT post your address publicly with your photo.)

Entries can be made anytime between Dec. 4 and 17 but not prior to Dec. 4.

Once your house is entered in the contest, then share the event and photo with all your Facebook friends and ask them to go the event page and vote for your house! Photos with the most “likes” and “shares” total will win one of three prizes; 1st place – $100 cash, 2nd place – $50 Board of Trade gift card, and 3rd place – $20 Mill Creek Charlies gift card.

At midnight on Dec. 17 “likes” and “shares” will be counted on the event page only.

RSVP on the event page as “going” for more information and to view other contestants’ entries. Do not forget to “invite” your friends to this event as well!

2017 WATERVLIET SNOW PRINCE AND PRINCESS… and their court were crowned Sunday at Arclight Brewing Company. Pictured (from the left) are: First runner up to Prince, Josh Creasy; Snow Prince Logan Duscha; Snow Princess Adriyana Winters; and First runner up to Princess, Riley McKinney. All of them are students at Watervliet Middle School. (TCR photo by Annette Christie)

Hometown Christmas brings snowfall and people

By Annette Christie

Mother Nature decided that Watervliet needed a little gentle snowfall for its Hometown Christmas event held Sunday afternoon.  That did not stop the hundreds of people that came out for a little holiday spirit.

Things kicked off at 4:00 p.m. at Arclight Brewing Company with the crowning of Watervliet’s Snow Prince and Princess.  In its second year, the event drew 29 contestants, topping last year’s total of 22.  The Snow Prince was Logan Duscha, 14.  He is the son of Steve and Char Duscha.  His first runner-up is Josh Creasy.  Creasy is 13 years old and his guardians are Brad and Bessie Mann.  The Snow Princess is Adriayana Winters, 14, daughter of Anthony and Rebecca Winters.  Her first runner-up is Riley McKinney, 13, daughter of Travis and Nicole McKinney.  All of the Snow Court attends Watervliet Middle School.

KALYN MANLEY… 8, stopped in to visit Santa’s reindeer at the Hometown Christ-mas celebration held in Watervliet Sunday night. She is a student at Watervliet South Elementary. (TCR photo by Annette Chris-tie)

Santa’s reindeer stopped in at Arclight to share in the Hometown Christmas celebration.  Kalyn Manley, 8, was just one of many that stopped by to meet and pet the reindeer.  She is a student at Watervliet South Elementary.

The parade which brought Santa into town included the Miss and Mr. Watervliet and court, Mr. and Miss Firecracker and court, and all of the contestants in the Snow Prince and Princess Contest.  Santa was greeted at Arclight Brewing Company by a mass of little children waiting to meet him and Mrs. Claus.

The winner of the downtown merchant window contest was The Flower Basket, followed by the Tri-City Record (2nd place) and K-9 Learning College (3rd place).

There were 12 entries in the Chili Cook Off which was sponsored by Arclight.  The winner was Nick Skoda.  Deedee Circosta and Dawn Calin tied for second place.  The Chili Cook Off winner received a $100 prize, followed by $50 for 2nd place, and $25 for 3rd place.

Lighted House Contest

Now through December 17, residents in the city and township of Watervliet may enter their Christmas display in the Watervliet’s Best Lighted House Contest using Facebook.

Residents in both the city and the township of Watervliet may enter by posting a photo of their display on the “Watervliet’s Best Lighted House” Facebook event page.  Follow that up by sending their street address via Facebook Messenger to Katie Ann Muth (so the photo can be authenticated).

Once their house has been entered into the contest, contestants should share the event and photo with all of their Facebook friends and ask them to go to the event page and vote. Photos with the most likes and shares total will win one of three great prizes.  At midnight on December 17, the likes and shares will be counted on the event page only.

Interested parties can go to the event page on Facebook and RSVP as going to receive more information and view other contestants’ entries.  The more friends they invite, the more chance they have to win.  First place is a cash prize of $100.  Second place is a $50 Board of Trade gift card and third place is a $20 Mill Creek Charlie’s gift card.

North Berrien Senior Center, December 9

  On Friday, December 9 from 9-11 a.m. there will be a Christmas brunch for seniors at North Berrien Senior Center, 6648 Ryno Rd. in Coloma. Call 269-468-3366 for more information.

Downton Abbey Christmas event at Hartford Public Library, Dec. 10

 Plan on attending the Friends of the Hartford Library “Downton Abbey Christmas Event” on Saturday, December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hartford Public Library.  There will be 17 volunteers in period costume for a Downton Abbey fashion show at 7 p.m.

There is a Festival of Trees on the second floor ballroom. The trees are the creation by students from classrooms at Red Arrow and Woodside elementary schools. Cast your vote for the winning tree. The library’s Lego Christmas village is also on display among the trees.

Entertainment will be by the amazing classical guitarist, Warren Kramer from Grand Rapids.

The Hartford Public library is the perfect setting for this event. The building is the oldest, historical private residence in Southwest Michigan that serves as a public library. Its five fireplaces, ballroom, staircase and original wood have been preserved through the years.

Go to enjoy some tea and refreshments, view period costumes, cast your vote for the best decorated tree and listen to great music. This event is free for everyone.

SANTA CLAUS CAME TO COLOMA!… Throngs of children lined the sidewalk and stairs into Coloma’s City Hall Tuesday evening in the hopes of sharing their Christmas list with Santa. Here, Mrs. Claus and Santa listen as Coloma youngster Lincoln VanFerrari, 3, makes his requests known. See Page 14 for story and more photos. (TCR photo by Kristy Noack)

Christmas in Hartford, December 10

 The Hartford Lions Club is gearing up for Christmas in Hartford.  The 15th annual event will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016.

The event will start with a chili cook-off at His Place Outreach Center.  Local businesses and individuals of all ages are encouraged  to bring their chili entry (in a slow cooker type container) no later than 5:00 p.m.  Judging will begin at 5:00 p.m.  Three judges will judge the chili based on aroma, color, consistency, taste, and aftertaste. Following the judging the public will be able to taste test each entry. Trophies and cash prizes will be given to the top three entries. $100 will be given to the top entry, with $50 and $30 given to the other two winners.  Samples of chili will be available until it is gone!

A lighted Christmas parade will begin at 6:00 p.m.  The parade line-up will start at the Hartford Middle School beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Walkers are encouraged to start at the corner of Main and Edwin Street.  The parade will proceed down Main Street and end at the Outreach Center on South Maple Street. If interested in participating in the parade, please contact Judy Sinclair at 269-876-7505.

At the conclusion of the parade, Santa Claus will meet children at the Outreach Center where they may have their picture taken with him free of charge. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will be available.

The Lions Club would also like to thank Hartford Township for contracting with them, and the City of Hartford and Downtown Development Authority for their generous contributions to the lights that will shine in Ely Park during the holiday season.  Please thank their board members for helping make Hartford festive.

To participate or get more information about any of the planned events please contact, Judy Sinclair at 269-876-7505 or via e-mail at jsinclair4@frontier.com.

Watervliet Free Methodist Church children’s program, December 11

 The children’s department of Watervliet Free Methodist Church is performing their Christmas program titled Angels Visit this Sunday, December 11 during morning worship service beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The story is about a woman who is so caught up in doing things for Christmas she forgets the main reason for Christmas and that is to be with family and friends to celebrate the birth of Jesus. She is visited by four angels who remind her of the real meaning of Christmas. As a result she ends up spending Christmas with her children as opposed to worrying about making the cookies look beautiful.

In addition to the skit, the children’s bell choir of 4-year-olds through 5th graders will perform. This is their third year of learning to play the bells.

Following the children’s program is the Christmas pot-luck dinner. Anyone is invited to attend the program and dinner. The church is located at 7734 Paw Paw Avenue in Watervliet.

Santa at Sarett, December 11

 Santa will make an appearance at Sarett Nature Center on Sunday, December 11 at 3:00 p.m. Children can make winter nature crafts from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Please call (269) 927-4832 to register.

W.H.S.  Student Council food drive thru Dec. 14

 Watervliet High School would like the community to know what their students are doing to help the community during the holiday season.

Watervliet High School’s Student Council is hosting a food drive that started Monday, November 28 and will run through Wednesday, December 14 where all items collected will be donated to a local food pantry. Students can bring in nonperishable food items and the advisory class that collects the most will be rewarded with a pizza party. If any community members would like to help, all donations can be dropped off in the guidance office at the high school.

Please contact Karla Liles, Guidance Secretary at 269-463-0735 with questions or for more information.

Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary upcoming fundraisers,

December 12 & 19

 On Monday, December 12 the Lakeland Hospital Watervliet Auxiliary is hosting a Susie’s Goodies sale in the Interim Room at the hospital. Available for purchase from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. are delicious baked goods and candy.

Then on Monday, December 19 the auxiliary will have the annual holiday Bake Sale.  Just in time for Christmas, purchase homemade cookies, baked goods, and candy in the hospital’s Interim Room from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

All proceeds from all of their fundraisers are used for the hospital in Watervliet such as the pavilion across from the Emergency Department, the new entrance and equipment for the various departments.

Coloma UMC hosting Blue Christmas with Andy Baker, Dec. 18

 At 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, Coloma United Methodist Church offers a special worship service designed especially for all those who are struggling and hurting this Christmas season. This year, we are blessed to have local singer/songwriter Andy Baker come and share his songs of struggle, faith, and hope. Andy and his wife Marianne are veterinarians and own the Gobles Veterinary Clinic. Andy is well known and well respected as a songwriter and performer in southeast Michigan. For more information on his music, check out his website at www.northwindsound.com.

Come as you are, offering only yourself as a gift to God’s grace and healing.

Vincent J. Jewelers chip in to help

families in need

 Jim, Gloria and Angie Frazier of Vincent J. Jewelers in downtown Coloma have found a creative way to help families in need this Christmas. Beginning December 1, Vincent J. Jewelers is selling pearl and crystal bracelets for $10, and donating the entire amount, not just the proceeds, to Watervliet Free Methodist Church food pantry. “My family and I are very grateful to this community, which has allowed us to stay in business so long,” says Jim Frazier. “This is just a small way for us to be able to help local families during this holiday season. Every $1 donated to the pantry buys about $4 in food. It feels good to be able to help make a difference.”

Vincent J. Jewelers is located at 228 N. Paw Paw Street in Coloma. You may contact the store at 269-468-4400.

VFW Post 6803 annual Needy Family program

 Watervliet VFW Post 6803 is accepting donations to their annual Needy Family program. Anyone wishing to make a donation of canned goods, non-perishable food items or a monetary gift please call Corky Openneer at 463-7544 or John Brown at 463-4528 to arrange for pick-up or delivery.

HOPE Resources’ Project Christmas Care

 HOPE Resources is a newly formed non-profit community resource center that will consolidate the efforts of three different food banks in the area. This center will provide a more efficient and effective distribution of services to the hundreds of families in need in the Coloma, Watervliet, Riverside, Hagar Shore, and Covert areas.

This year, HOPE Resources is launching Project Christmas Care to area families in need. They have targeted 200 families to receive this caring support, with HOPE for a brighter Christmas & holiday season. They are collecting food items along with gift cards and monetary donations (make checks payable to: North Berrien Food Pantry, memo: HOPE Resources) to assure families receive plenty to keep their bellies full and warm.

Item storage, packaging and distribution will be done December 19 – 21. For more information, contact Chair Salena Jonjevic at 269-363-9585 or hoperesourcesberrien@gmail.com; or call Interim Director Carole Sternaman at 269-468-6062 or 269-338-5292 or by email to carolesternamna@yahoo.com.