4th Annual Berrien Springs Pickle Festival Set For July 4th
4th Annual Berrien Springs Pickle Festival Set For July 4thA Dill-ightful Day and Pre-Festival Activities Planned for 2024Berrien Springs, MI – The Village of Berrien Springs, the Berrien County Historical Association (BCHA), and the Berrien Springs Community Library invite you to the 4th Annual Pickle Festival on Thursday, July 4th and its auxiliary events in June. Continuing to grow in popularity, the Pickle Festival pre-event auxiliary activities kick off with the Pickle Fest Preview Weekend and the
Get Ready for the SPRING RUMMAGE SALE at the Box
Get Ready for theSPRING RUMMAGE SALE at the Box ST. JOSEPH, MI – The Box Factory for the Arts is looking for donations of gently used items in preparation for its Spring Rummage Sale on April 18-20. DROP OFFDonations can be dropped off at the Box Factory’s main entrance, 1101 Broad St., on Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, between noon and 4 p.m. Accepted items include art and craft supplies and books, books of any type, magazines, household goods, glass items, and furniture. No clothes or
Dr. Linwood B. Whitten named to the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50
Dr. Linwood B. Whitten named to the NASPA Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — The National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) has named Lake Michigan College Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Linwood B. Whitten to its prestigious Black Diaspora Knowledge Community Stellar 50. This esteemed recognition underscores Dr. Whitten's commitment to servant leadership and impact on higher education and student affairs. The Black Diaspora Knowledge
GhostLight Theatre announces inaugural Young Adult(YA) Theatre Arts Training Program and auditions
2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for The GhostLight Theatre! In their 5th anniversary season, The GhostLight is launching their first ever YA (Young Adult) theatre training program to take place throughout the entire season, which will culminate in a mid-summer fully staged production of the play She Kills Monsters (Young Adventurers Edition) written by Qui Nguyen. Students aged 13-19 interested in studying the theatrical arts including acting, stagecraft, set design, costuming, light and sound
Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party!
Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party! ST. JOSEPH, MI – Now that spring has finally sprung, get ready for some beachtime fun! Dave Rudolf’s Beach Party will bring the songs of Jimmy Buffett, the calypso of Harry Belafonte, the reggae of Bob Marley, and other music to the Box Factory for the Arts on Saturday, April 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $12 general admission and $15 for cabaret seating (at tables in front); reserve your seating at ticketstripe.com/daverudolfbeachparty. Walk-in tickets are $15.
Collaborative jazz concert will usher in spring at LMC
Collaborative jazz concert will usher in spring at LMCEvent: Swingin’ in the SpringWhen: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Admission: Free general admission; tickets not required BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The joint will be jumpin' when the Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents Swingin' in the Spring at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24. The concert will feature
Buchanan District Library and LiveBuchanan Host Successful Community Event to Kick-Off Mural Project
On March 13th, from 4-6 pm, the Buchanan District Library, in collaboration with LiveBuchanan, welcomed local children and families to a special event aimed at fostering community engagement and participation in the upcoming mural project. Held at the library located in downtown Buchanan, the event was a resounding success, drawing over eighty enthusiastic children eager to be part of the initiative. The event, which featured South Bend artist Alex Ann Allen, provided attendees with the opportunity to
MARKET VAN BUREN HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL MUNICIPAL SUMMIT
MARKET VAN BUREN HOSTS 4TH ANNUAL MUNICIPAL SUMMIT PAW PAW, Mich.- On Tuesday, March 19, Market Van Buren hosted their 4th Annual Municipal Summit. The event was held at Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac where over 50 leaders from Cass and Van Buren Counties gathered to learn strategies related to housing, project incentives, utility extensions, and best practices for applying for federal grants. Session topics included: · TMA Tutorial (Housing Study): Can You hit a Moving Target
Registration open for Lake Michigan College Summer Camps
Registration open for Lake Michigan College Summer Camps BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Registration is open for more than a dozen summer camps hosted by Lake Michigan College through its Department of Extended Education. Participants can choose from performing arts and Fab Lab camps on LMC’s Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. The complete list of camps can be found at www.lakemichigancollege.edu/camps. Performing Arts Camps High school music students can enhance their performance skills through
Red Hawk Futures Scholarship offers free tuition to in-district 2024 high school graduates
Red Hawk Futures Scholarship offers free tuition to in-district 2024 high school graduates BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — High school students graduating from an in-district high school in 2024 can receive free tuition to attend Lake Michigan College through the Red Hawk Futures Scholarship program. Administered by the Lake Michigan College Foundation, all 2024 high school graduates in LMC’s district are eligible for the last-dollar scholarship, covering 100 percent of tuition for classes starting Fall 2024
Roundtable event to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, creativity, and ethics
Roundtable event to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, creativity, and ethics BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Lake Michigan College invites the community to a roundtable event, "Navigating AI: Exploring Creativity and Ethics," on Thursday, March 21, from noon-1:30 pm in the Multi-Purpose Room (L-311) on the Benton Harbor Campus, 2755 E. Napier Ave. The intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on creativity and ethics is a pertinent topic in today's rapidly evolving
Present Pillars Announces Opening of ‘The Pillar Center’
Present Pillars Announces Opening of ‘The Pillar Center’Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber to host Ribbon Cutting March 22nd Benton Harbor, Michigan – When Present Pillars first started back in July of 2021, their mission was to spotlight and support fathers and highlight the importance of fatherhood involvement in children’s lives. Today they are continuing that mission and announcing the opening of the inaugural Pillar Center with a ribbon cutting celebration on Friday, March 22nd at 11:30 a.m. Since
Lake Michigan College hosts roundtable discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creativity and the human experience
Lake Michigan College hosts roundtable discussion on Artificial Intelligence and its impact on creativity and the human experience BENTON HARBOR, Mich. - Lake Michigan College invites the community to attend a roundtable discussion about the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on creativity and the human experience. The event, featuring expert speakers, will take place on March 21st from 12:00pm-1:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Room (L-311) at the Benton Harbor campus.As AI continues to advance and
LMC music students to perform two concerts in April
LMC music students to perform two concerts in AprilEvent: Pop/Rock Concert, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 10Event: Instrumental Ensemble Concert, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 17 Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Admission: Free general admission; tickets not required BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – The Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department will showcase its music students during free public concerts in April. The performances
Buchanan Area Restaurant Week 2024
The Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated 2024 Restaurant Week, showcasing the vibrant culinary scene of our community. Running from March 18th to March 24th, this extravaganza promises a delectable array of flavors and experiences for food enthusiasts and families alike. We're excited to celebrate the diverse culinary talents once again in Buchanan. This year's Restaurant Week will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore our local dining
GhostLight Theatre announces Southwest Michigan Theatre Arts Passport initiative with six other ar
As the stage is set for another extraordinary season of theatrical brilliance, we invite you to embark on a journey of creativity, talent, and community spirit with the Southwest Michigan Theatre Arts Passport. This program unites the wealth of talent in the area and invites patrons to experience everything these theatres have to offer. Step into the spotlight by obtaining your passport from any participating theatre or printing it yourself. Next, immerse yourself in the captivating world of live
Herbal Spring Symposium features three local and national herbal experts Registration ends March 25
Gather with fellow herb enthusiasts for this day-long symposium featuring presentations from localand national herbalists. Participants will learn about herb cultivation, culinary and medicinal uses, preservation,and much more! Participants will enjoy mini-workshops, exhibitor booths, and herbal shopping, pluscomplimentary refreshments, a boxed lunch, and a reusable canvas bag full of herbal swag. Proceeds will go tosupport the Michiana Herb Society and Fernwood’s Herb and Sensory Garden. A detailed
United Way of Southwest Michigan Announces Return of Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races
United Way of Southwest Michigan Announces Return of Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races United Way of Southwest Michigan is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of the Rock The Boat Cardboard Boat Races, set to take place on July 11, 2024, at the picturesque venue of The Inn at Harbor Shores in St. Joseph. This unique event, which features life-size boats made entirely of cardboard, promises exhilarating entertainment for participants and spectators alike. With 75 spots available for
Starlight Aerial Productions and the City of Coloma Present: A St. Patrick's Day Drone Show
Starlight Aerial Productions, in partnership with the City of Coloma, is thrilled to announce an extraordinary St. Patrick's Day celebration that will light up the night sky. On March 16th, following the festive parade that begins at 8:00 PM, spectators will be treated to a mesmerizing drone show that promises to be a visual feast. The lighted parade, a highlight of Coloma's St. Patrick's Day festivities, will start at 8:00 PM and proceed along Paw Paw Street from Washington to Center Street. To
Nancy Kiernan to lead the Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance
Nancy Kiernan to lead the Bridgman Chamber and Growth Alliance The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to announce it has hired Nancy Kiernan to serve as Director of its affiliate, the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance commonly referred to as the Bridgman CGA. Kiernan, a native of St. Joseph, spent her formative years in Southwest Michigan before attending the University of Chicago where she met her husband, Louis. Together, in addition to raising four beautiful daughters,
Wightman Hires Renowned Architect Tom McKercher as Regional Manager
Wightman Hires Renowned Architect Tom McKercher as Regional Manager Kalamazoo, Mich.—Wightman, a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in architecture, civil engineering, and surveying for commercial, education, energy, and government sectors, announces the hiring of Tom McKercher, a distinguished licensed architect with a career spanning 37 years. McKercher has joined the architecture team at Wightman as Regional Manager of the firm’s Kalamazoo office. “We are delighted to welcome Tom
Berecz & Associates, PLC Hosting Open House to Showcase Staff, Space, and Suitemates
Berecz & Associates, PLC Hosting Open House to Showcase Staff, Space, and SuitematesCommunity Encouraged to Meet & Greet on March 13thSt. Joseph, Michigan – One of Southwest Michigan’s most established mediation and law firms, Berecz & Associates, PLC, has expanded its staff and suitemates at their beautiful space at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph. To celebrate, Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, March 13th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Suite 315 to meet,
Lake Michigan College to rename Mainstage in honor of benefactor during April event
BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Thursday, April 4, the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center will celebrate the memory of a long-time patron and benefactor when it renames the Mainstage in honor of Rolfe Jenkins. As part of the dedication activities, a live public concert performance by Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton will take place at 7:30 p.m. Jenkins, who resided in St. Joseph, was an avid supporter of the performing arts in southwest Michigan and was a familiar face at the Mendel Center as a
Southwest Michigan Record Show returns to Lake Michigan College- Sunday, March 17th
Contact: Jeremy D. Bonfiglio Phone: 574-261-3650 E-mail: jeremybonfiglio@att.net Event: Southwest Michigan Record Show When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 17 Where: Grand Upton Hall, Lake Michigan College Mendel Center, 1100 Yore Ave., Benton Harbor, MI Cost: $5 early-entry admission at 8:30 a.m.; FREE admission 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: southwestmichiganrecordshow.com, facebook.com/southwestmichiganrecordshow, jeremybonfiglio@att.net, 574-261-3650 Future dates: Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 BENTON
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2024 Board of Directors
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS St. Joseph, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of one (1) new director to its governing board and the re-election of three (3) sitting board members. Newly elected to their first three (3) year term is Ron Sorce, Director of Sales and Catering for Four Winds Casino. Sorce has been with Four Winds Casino for three (3) years, prior to which he served as a Global Project Manager for Carlson
Munchie Mondays Scheduled to Return to Buchanan Summer 2024
Munchie Mondays Scheduled to Return to Buchanan Summer 2024 Buchanan’s beloved Munchie Mondays event is set to make a delicious return this summer from June to August, offering a tantalizing array of lunch and dinner options every Monday. Since its inception, Munchie Mondays has been a beacon of culinary delight for locals, providing a diverse selection of food options to satisfy every palate. From savory delights to sweet treats, there's something to please even the pickiest of eaters. The event,
United Federal Credit Union Names Jennifer Strefling Director of Internal Audit
United Federal Credit Union Names Jennifer Strefling Director of Internal Audit Jennifer Strefling, Director of Internal Audit ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) has appointed Jennifer Strefling as Director of Internal Audit at its corporate headquarters in St. Joseph, Michigan. Strefling brings more than two decades of experience in financial institution examination and compliance management to her role. Most recently, she was a Financial Institution Examiner at the Department
Honor Credit Union Announces 2024 Free Community Shred Days
Honor Credit Union, in partnership with Data Guardian and Marquette County Solid Waste Authority, is excited to announce its 2024 Community Shred Day schedule. Honor's free community shred days offer a secure avenue for disposing of sensitive documents, including tax forms and other papers containing personal information. This year, Honor is introducing shred events on weeknights and weekends to accommodate a broader range of community members and will be partnering with local businesses to co-host select
Michigan LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Forum
One Buchanan and OutCenter Southwest Michigan are presenting a forum on the state of LGBTQ+ civil rights in Michigan on Saturday, April 6, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson Street, Buchanan, Michigan. Registration is required and admission is free. Featured speakers for this forum are Jay Kaplan, LGBTQ+ Rights Project Staff Attorney with ACLU of Michigan, and Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement with Equality Michigan. Together, Jay and Emme possess
Horizon Realty Group Grand Opening
Horizon Realty Group is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new storefront location in Niles, MI, scheduled for March 23, 2024, from 10 am to 2 pm. The event will take place at 222 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120, and promises to be an exciting celebration for the community. Horizon Realty Group, a leading real estate brokerage, was founded by Kyle Zelmer in 2022 and is dedicated to putting clients, agents, and the community first. The brokerage's commitment to community engagement is
NEW DIGITAL LOVE LOCAL SWMI GIFT CARD PROGRAM
NEW DIGITAL LOVE LOCAL SWMI GIFT CARD PROGRAM ST. JOSEPH, MICH. — St. Joe Today is excited to launch the Love Local SWMI Gift Card program! This new digital gift card will take the place of St. Joe Today’s physical gift certificate program. “Love Local SWMI Gift Cards can be used at participating locations throughout Southwest Michigan, making them great gifts for any occasion!” said Carly Hubers, Membership Coordinator of St. Joe Today. “This program supports local businesses and is redeemable at a
A border fiesta to remember is coming to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center April 19
Event: Jarabe MexicanoWhen: 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2024Where: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022Tickets: www.TheMendelCenter.com, Tickets start at $25 A border fiesta to remember is coming to the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center April 19 BENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Mexican-American border band Jarabe Mexicano are bringing their blended songbook of Mexican Folk music, Rock & Roll,