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United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP
United Way of Southwest Michigan Accepting Funding Requests for the Emergency Food and Shelter (EFSP/FEMA) ProgramST. JOSEPH, MI (February 17, 2025) – United Way of Southwest Michigan (UWSM) announced today that it is accepting funding proposals from Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren County agencies for Phase 42 of the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP/FEMA). The National Board has awarded Berrien County the grant amount of $58,883 for this phase, Cass County the grant amount of $19,779 for this phase,
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Free Tree Care and Maintenance Workshop Hosted by Present Pillars.
ReLeaf Michigan, a nonprofit organization dedicated to planting and maintaining trees across the state, is offering a free presentation on Basic Tree Care and Maintenance at the Pillar Center on Thursday, March 6th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This educational event, led by Bob Hunt, an ISA Certified Arborist and grounds supervisor at Hope College, will provide valuable insights into proper tree care techniques. As a project forester with ReLeaf Michigan, Bob will share his expertise on how to maintain
Annual Edible Horticulture Event at Fernwood
Fernwood Botanical Garden invites all to enliven their gardens and taste buds at our Edible Horticulture event! Hear from local chefs, farmers, and gardeners influenced and inspired by the community and crops growing in our region. This year's speakers include an organic farmer specializing in homemade sourdough breads, the head chef of a vibrant new Indian restaurant, and the chair of a South Bend vegan food festival. Enjoy a complimentary lunch provided by The Grateful Pie Company and visit our
Midwest Energy & Communications Connects Its 30,000th fiber internet customer and celebrates with a contest
Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC) recently achieved a significant milestone by connecting its 30,000th fiber internet customer and effectively eliminating the digital divide for the rural people it serves in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. In 2015, the Michigan-based electric cooperative launched a major fiber optics project to smarten its electric grid and bring fiber internet to its electric customers. “Becoming an internet service provider started because our customers turned to us for help.
Kennedy’s Kitchen Brings Toe-tapping Irish Tunes to the Box Factory on March 8
What better way to get ready for the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day celebration than with pub songs, sing-alongs and ripping dance tunes from the Celtic tradition? That’s the fare that will be presented by Kennedy’s Kitchen on Saturday, March 8, 7-9 p.m., at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. Make sure to reserve your seats for this popular Irish-music band from South Bend, IA. Tickets are $25 for cabaret seating in front or $15 general admission if purchased in advance
The Grateful Pie Company at Fernwood to Host Ribbon Cutting
Fernwood Botanical Garden is excited to announce its partnership with The Grateful Pie Company. Previously located inside The Commerce Center on Colfax in South Bend, the eatery now operates from the Fernwood Café. The Grateful Pie Company is open to the public during Fernwood’s operating hours, offering both dine-in and take-out options. The café menu includes soups, salads, sandwiches, pot pies, and pizzas. Homemade baked goods are sold in the garden’s gift shop, including fresh pies, loaves of bread,
The Ghostlight Theater 2025 Season OPENS THIS WEEK!!
CLYDE's OPENS THURSDAY! Our Season Premiere!! Click here for tickets NOW! Actor Daniel Rivera (Rafael) prepares the grill in CLYDE'SCLYDE's OPENS THURSDAY! Our Season Premiere!! Click here for tickets NOW! Click the video below to see part of our presentation from last weekend's Michigan Black Summit! CLICK here to get your tickets to CLYDE'S February 13-23rd!!CLICK here to get your tickets to CLYDE'S February 13-23rd!! Join us in a very important Post-Show Discussion on Sunday, February 23rd at 5pm
Watermark Brewing Co. Expands with Depths Society Golf in Downtown Stevensville
Watermark Brewing Co. is proud to announce the opening of Depths Society Golf, an indoor golf club now open to the public in Village Square, downtown Stevensville. Located at 2670 W John Beers Rd, Stevensville, MI, the latest addition to the Watermark family offers an immersive, high-end golf experience, bringing cutting-edge technology and a welcoming community atmosphere to Southwest Michigan. Three bays equipped with Trackman iO simulators, Depths Society Golf delivers unmatched accuracy and realism.
Debbie Smidler Named 2025 REALTOR® of the Year by Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors
Debbie Smidler, a licensed REALTOR® with eXp Realty, was named the 2025 REALTOR® of the Year for the Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS at their Annual Recognition Gala held in January. Smidler is a licensed REALTOR® with over 20 years of office management experience and 25 years of customer service experience and holds several professional designations, including Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR), At Home with Diversity (AHWD), and Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)
SWMAR Announces 2024 (ACE) Continuing Education Award Recipients
The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® Education Committee will acknowledge and celebrate members who continue their education in the complicated field of real estate over and above required courses to better serve homeowners and homebuyers in our community. The new award is named ‘ACE Award’, standing for Achievement in Continuing Education. There were seven REALTORS ® who invested extra time and expenses to further their real estate education and have received the ACE Award for 2024. The
SWMAR Annual Fundraiser Benefits The Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition and The REAL Help
The Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS ® (SWMAR) recently celebrated their sixth annual holiday luncheon and fundraising auction. The REAL Help Foundation was established in 2014 and has been the Association’s charity of choice for this fundraising event since 2023. This program helps families in Southwest Michigan who are in times of crisis and has been a heartfelt priority for REALTORS ® and ancillary service members of the Association. Association members knew there were other charities in
New analysis examines why snow shoveling, paired with sedentary lifestyle, increases heart attack risk in men
Not so fun fact: Shoveling snow for just ten minutes involves lifting and throwing nearly one ton of frozen precipitation, according to a newly published analysis from Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital. This finding and others further distinguishes snow shoveling as a significant risk factor for acute cardiac events in sedentary men. Led by Barry Franklin, Ph.D., director (emeritus) of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology, the review examines the physiological demands of
United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the Community
United Way of Southwest Michigan Celebrates 211 Day, Highlighting a Lifeline for the CommunityST. JOSEPH, MI (February 11, 2025) – Today, February 11th (2/11) is National 211 Day – an annual observance celebrating the go-to, 24/7 three-digit (2-1-1) resource that helps millions of people in the U.S. and Canada – including those in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. The three-digit service connects information about resources and services available in our local community and is free to utilize.Based on
The GhostLight Theatre’s 2025 season kicks off with Pulitzer-Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage
The GhostLight Theatre begins its 2025 Theatre Season with Clyde’s – a play written by Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, directed by Aaron Reese Boseman (American Son). Clyde’s will mark the start of The GhostLight Theatre’s 6th season, and it will be presented in the GhostLight’s Black Box Theatre space from Thursday, February 13th , through Sunday, February 23rd. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, curtain is at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m. at 101 Hinkley Street in Benton Harbor. General Admission
Powerhouse Players: LMC Women's Athletics Turns 50
On National Girls and Women in Sports Day, February 5, 2025, Lake Michigan College is proud to spotlight 50 years of women’s athletics at LMC. The day brings attention to the accomplishments of girls and women while promoting equality in sports. The College currently fields five women’s teams - basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball – which are represented by 70 female student-athletes during the 2024-2025 season. The Red Hawks compete as part of the Michigan Community College
Freedom Counseling Center Welcomes Two New Therapists To Their Team
Ria Ferguson and Jonathan Rusbach Now Accepting Patients Freedom Counseling Center is proud to announce the addition of two new therapists, Ria Ferguson and Jonathan Rusbach, to its esteemed team of mental health professionals. With decades of experience providing quality counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and children in Southwest Michigan, Freedom Counseling Center continues its commitment to enhancing mental well-being in the community. Founded in 1998, Freedom Counseling Center
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United Federal Credit Union Promotes Two to Director Roles to Start New Year
United Federal Credit Union Promotes Two to Director Roles to Start New Year ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – United Federal Credit Union (United) announced the promotion of two current employees to director level positions in 2025. Jenny Baker, Director of Deposit Operations Jenny Baker has been promoted to Director of Deposit Operations. In her new role, she is responsible for overseeing the administration of Deposit Operations for the credit union, leading a team of Deposit Operations Analysts. Jenny
Wales Wealth Management Group Recognized as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Keri Suarez Director of Client Experience 269-983-7555 Wales Wealth Management Group A private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial LLC Wales Wealth Management Group Recognized asa Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes January 31, 2025 St. Joseph, Michigan – Wales Wealth Management Group, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial in St. Joseph, Michigan, was named to the 2025 list of “Best-in-State Wealth
LMC students earn spots on Fall 2024 President’s, Dean’s Lists
LMC students earn spots on Fall 2024 President’s, Dean’s ListsBENTON HARBOR, Mich. – Lake Michigan College has announced the names of students recognized for academic achievement during the 2024 Spring semester.There were 80 students named to the President’s List, achieving a 4.0 GPA at full-time status. The Dean’s List, meanwhile, includes 208 full-time students and 441 part-time students who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher. President’s ListBaroda Brooke Gerlach Charley KrackerBelle River, ON Ryan
$30,000 in Scholarships from Honor Credit Union
BERRIEN SPRINGS, MICHIGAN— January 29, 2025—Honor Credit Union is excited to continue its 15- year tradition of supporting Michigan students through its 2025-2026 Community Commitment Scholarship Program. This year, Honor will award a total of $30,000 in scholarships, providing 12 community-driven high school seniors with $2,500 each to help them achieve their college or trade school education goals. Honor Credit Union’s history is rooted in supporting education, beginning over 90 years ago as
2024 SWMI & National Housing Market December Sales Increase, Selling Prices Continue to Set Records
In SWMI, the housing market celebrated its peak years starting in 2016 through 2020. Then, the pace slowed under the influence of Covid in 2021 and 2022, resulting in a dwindling supply of houses for sale, taking a toll on the local housing market. In 2023, sales began to increase with selling prices reaching the highest level since 2006. At the end of 2024, housing sales continued to rebound due to the growing inventory of houses for sale. Selling prices in December 2024 surpassed the record prices
Sound Journey Features Gongs, Chimes and Cacao for Valentine Treat at the Box Factory
Four Hearts, a local “sound medicine” collective, is offering a heart-opening Sound Journey in conjunction with Valentine’s Day. The group uses musical instruments and ceremonial cacao to guide participants into a relaxing, meditative state which benefits physical and mental wellbeing. Experience the Four Hearts Sound Journey the Saturday after Valentine’s Day, on February 15, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Box Factory for the Arts, 1101 Broad St. in St. Joseph. Tickets are $40. Reserve your spot
Dr. Ken Flowers Receives ESGR Patriot Award for Outstanding Support of Military Reservists
Dr. Ken Flowers has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Patriot Award, presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program. The award recognizes supervisors who provide exceptional support and understanding to employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. Dennis Lutz, retired U.S. Army Major General and ESGR volunteer, presented the award to Dr. Flowers. About the Patriot Award The Patriot Award is unique in that only Reservists can
Watermark Brewing Co. Nominated as One of USA TODAY's 10 Best Beer Gardens
2025—Watermark Brewing Co., the heart of Stevensville’s vibrant craft beer community, is thrilled to announce its nomination for USA TODAY’s 10 Best Beer Gardens in the country. This national recognition highlights the brewery’s commitment to creating an unforgettable outdoor space for beer enthusiasts to gather, relax, and enjoy exceptional craft beer. Since opening its doors in 2016, Watermark Brewing Co. has prioritized building a brewery and a destination where community and craft beer thrive together.
Watermark Brewing Co. Hosts SWM Polar Plunge on February 1st, Supporting Michigan Special Olympics
Watermark Brewing Co. is excited to announce its role as host for the annual Southwest Michigan Polar Plunge, which will take place on Saturday, February 1st. This much-anticipated event will bring together the community to raise funds and awareness for the Michigan Special Olympics, with a fun and icy plunge into frigid waters as the day's highlight. This year’s Polar Plunge will kick off at Watermark Brewing Co., with registration beginning at 10:30 a.m. and the plunge at noon. Participants, fondly known
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Award Nominees
For Immediate Release Media Contact: Arthur Havlicek President & CEO info@smrchamber.com 269-932-4042Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber Announces 2025 Business Recognition Breakfast Award Nominees FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 24, 2025 St. Joseph, MI – The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber is proud to announce the nominees for their annual Business Recognition Breakfast Awards Ceremony & Annual Meeting, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, and Honor Credit
Michigan Gateway Community Foundation Scholarship Application Now Open
Deadline: March 15th at 11:59 PM – Apply Today! Buchanan, MI - Jan 15, 2025 – The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation (MGCF) is excited to announce the launch of its annual scholarship application process. The application portal is now open for students interested in applying for a variety of scholarships for the 2025 academic year. Students are encouraged to apply early, as the deadline for all applications is March 15th at 11:59 PM. The application can be accessed through the official MGCF website at
St. JOSEPH COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD PRESIDENT TO PRESENT $10,000 To THE ROBERT L. MILLER SR. VETERAN’S CENTER
South Bend International Airport’s thirteenth annual Bears in the Air program raised $10,000 to benefit local Veterans residing at the Robert L. Miller Sr. Veteran’s Center on the campus of the Center for the Homeless. St. Joseph County Airport Authority Board President David Sage will present the $10,000 check to Lani Vivirito, Chief Resource & Veterans Services Officer at the Center for the Homeless, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will take place at South Bend International
