may 1, 2014 final spirit news

May 1, 2014Volume 12, Number 13Benton Harbor, Michigan and South Bend, Indiana (Michiana Community)www.bentonspiritnews.com

Informing, Enhancing, Showcasing, Promoting and Educating Michiana -- Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana

Complimentary

BH Charter Students

Build Ferris Wheel

Page 5

InterCare Encourages All to Reach Out & Read - 1

QUEENS!

Page 12

Congrats LMC

Graduates!

See Page 4

www.bentonspiritnews.com

Science Model

Page 8

On Friday, April 25, 2014, students, parents, teachers, administrators, sponsors and other guests saw and heard a video message from U.S.

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Her message was personally introduced by her Regional Manager, Ms. Mary Judnich, who was in attendance at the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium held in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry on the campus of Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.

By Ralph HeibutzkiSpirit Correspondent

I’m Saving Myself Executive Director Bonita Mitchell will join an all-star

local gospel talent lineup for a special concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, at Second Baptist Church, 600 Donald Adkins Drive, in Benton Harbor. According to Mitchell, the “Believe, Don’t Give Up” concert is intended to communicate three basic messages to those who attend.

“What we want to see happen is that, first of all, people will come to Christ,” Mitchell said. “They’re going to know that there’s other people going through harder times than them, and they never gave up. Number two, we want to see an increase in African-Americans getting therapy. Our job is to do whatever we can to build healthy communities. Number three is hope, that people will leave that concert rejuvenated to reach for their dreams.”

Mitchell will be joined by Charlene Jones, Gwen Norwood, Tara Sanders

and Yakima Shepard, who are all nota-ble gospel singers in their own right. Eight local residents will be honored as “Trailblazers In The Community” for their work in supporting others, and pamphlets and other informational resources will be available, too. Friday’s concert is the second in a series that Mitchell envisions as a long-term project in helping residents deal with doubts, fears and other negative emotions.

“Most people say, ‘African-Americans don’t kill themselves,’ but there’s so many kids and so many families that are suffering, just want-ing to give up – a lot of them are now going to church,” Mitchell said. “The kids are coming to these con-certs to hear good singing – and, at the time they’re hearing good singing, we can resources there, if they need ongoing help.” For more details about the concerts, visit the organization’s website, www.imsavingmyself.org.

“Believe, Don’t Give Up” Is May 2 Gospel Concert

U.S. Senator Stabenow Applauds Early Researchers

Berrien RESA student Josh Brown of Edwardsburg High School demon-strates NMR sample preparation at Andrews University for attendees at the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium.

It’s Blossomtime!See page 12

For those who haven’t seen them making their goodwill rounds this week, here are the Mr. and Miss Blossomtime court’s members. Miss Blossomtime, first row, left to right: Ellie Hurd (Miss Congeniality, and Miss Heart of Blossomtime), Charlene Cuarto (Second Runner-Up), Roxie Elliott (Miss Blossomtime), and Natalie Hepburn (First Runner-Up). Mr. Blossomtime, second row, left to right: Stephen Walker (Mr. Nice Guy), Connor Hubble (Mr. Blossomtime), Corey Wysinger (First Runner-Up), Casper Aviles (Second Runner-Up).

Proudly servicing Bangor ~ Benton Harbor ~ Eau Claire

Holland ~ Pullman (855) 869-6900

Reach Out & Read: Giving Your Kids a

Reading Head Start! InterCare has participated in the Reach Out & Read program for six years now, and has distributed more than 22,000 books to children at all five of our health centers. Books, available in English and Spanish, are given free of charge to children at their well child visits from the time they are six months old until they are five years old. Reach Out & Read is a national program that began in Boston in 1989. It has now grown to 5,000 programs in all 50 states, and reaches 4.2 million children a year! Studies have shown that when children are given books to take home they have more opportunities to be read to by their parents. Children who are read to learn to be much better readers. The small step of giving a child a book can make a big difference in their education. InterCare spends more than $2,000 on books annually, with a reduced rate through Scholastic. If you would like to make a donation to the program, please call 269-876-5231.

In Berrien County, InterCare and the Berrien County Health Department partnered to offer the Triple P Positive Parenting Program to the community. This program was first developed in Australia more than 30 years ago. It is now available in 20 countries and in 18 languages. The program is a good fit for every parent, no matter what the person’s background is. Families that would benefit from the program are connected with someone who has been trained in the levels of the Triple P program. That person will then help each family come up with the plan that will best fit the needs of the parents and their children. Each level in the Triple P program offers different tips for how to interact with your child(ren). For example, a parent having trouble with their toddler’s temper tantrums needs much different advice than a parent dealing with a teen using drugs. The information offered is what will help each parent meet their unique needs. The Triple P program is being funded through a grant received by InterCare and the health department, and is in its final year of funding. For more information, please call Susan at 269-876-5231.


2 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014 HealtH

More�people�getting�health�insurancemeans�more�people�getting�healthy.There’s a new health plan that fi ts in your budget. And it’s working hard

to help working people like you get healthy. It’s the Healthy Michigan Plan.

It covers everything from doctor visits to hospitalizations to prescriptions

at a low cost. It’s never been easier to get healthy.

Start at www.HealthyMichiganPlan.org or call us at 1-855-789-5610.

Free Skin Cancer ScreeningsIn support of National Skin Cancer

Awareness Month, Lakeland HealthCare will offer free skin screenings on Friday, May 2. The 10-minute screen-ings will take place from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center, 3900 Hollywood Road, St. Joseph. Appointments are required; walk-ins will be accepted only if space is available. To schedule a screening appointment, call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

Free Congestive Heart Failure Class

Lakeland HealthCare will offer “Living Well with Heart Failure,” a free class for community members about congestive heart failure (CHF). This chronic condi-tion is characterized by the heart’s inability to meet the blood flow needs of the body. Participants will learn to identify common causes and symptoms of heart failure as well as new daily routines that can dra-matically improve one’s quality of life. Preregistration for the class is required; call (269) 556-2808 or (866) 260-7544.

• Tuesday, May 6 • 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles Buchanan Area Health Resource Library 31 N. St. Joseph Avenue, Niles

Free Weight Loss Seminar The Lakeland Comprehensive

Weight Loss Center is offering a free

seminar, “Lose Weight…Find Health.” The seminar will be presented from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in Room 4 of the Frederick S. Upton Education Center at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.

The Lakeland Comprehensive Weight Loss Center specializes in working with each person to create a custom-ized lifestyle plan, including medical weight loss management through diet or bariatric surgery, nutrition coun-seling, individualized exercise pro-grams, and monthly support groups.

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 68.5% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese. Losing as little as 5-15% of your initial body weight can reduce your risk of diabetes and other illnesses and can even elimi-nate your need for some medications.

For more information or to register for the seminar, call (269) 687-4673, or visit www.lakelandhealth.org/weight-loss.

Remembering with Love Program

The Remembering with Love program is offered at no charge by Hospice at Home, a Lakeland HealthCare Affiliate. Community members are invited to remember mothers, fathers, and other special loved ones as well as take part in self-healing activities. Participants can highlight memories and life les-

Lakeland Health Events

On May 8, the Hearing and Speech Center will offer free hearing screen-

ings for adults from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event coincides with Better Hearing and Speech Month throughout May.

Approximately 32 million Americans currently suffer from hearing loss. More surprising is that only 37% of those with hearing loss are of retirement age.

Mary Jo Canaday, M.S., is a licensed audiologist at the Hearing and Speech Center. She stresses the impor-tance of detecting hearing loss early.

“There are many, many studies that show how hearing loss is tied to multiple health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, depression and increased stress. What’s becoming clearer is the ripple effect hearing loss has on brain function,”

Canaday says. “People with even mild hear-ing loss have twice the risk of developing dementia. The risks for those with moder-ate to severe hearing loss are even greater. What we hear impacts our brain’s stimula-tion. If it isn’t stimulated, it will atrophy.”

The screenings will last approximately ½ hour. Appointments are necessary and space is limited. Call (574) 247-6047, ext. 103, to reserve a spot. If your screening reveals hearing loss, more comprehensive testing can be scheduled to determine a course of action appropriate or neces-sary for your specific hearing conditions.

The Hearing and Speech Center is located at 6910 N. Main Street, Bldg 9, in Granger, IN. For more infor-mation, visit www.uhs-in.org.

sons at activity stations, receive a com-forting chair massage, and enjoy light refreshments and fellowship with others.

The program will be held on Saturday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, at Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph. Please RSVP to Lory’s Place at (269) 983-2707.

Hospice at Home also offers ongoing groups that meet during the evening for adults and children at Lory’s Place, a Grief Healing and Education Center. The groups include regularly scheduled age-appropri-

ate support group sessions that allow children and adults to interact with peers who have suffered similar loss. Groups for children and adults who are antici-pating a loss or who have experienced a loss through pregnancy are also available, as well as educational and workplace grief programs. All community bereave-ment services are provided free thanks to local community contributions. For more information contact Lory’s Place at

(269) 983-2707 or (800) 717-3812, or visit www.lorysplace.org.

Free Hearing Screening in Granger - May 8


3Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014PublisHer’s Page

The Benton - Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is published on Thursday. The print version is published bi-weekly and on-line version is published daily with new information.

Deadline: The deadline for submission is the Thursday BEFORE each Thursday’s publication date. Exceptions are made for paid submittals.

The preferred method for submitting infor-mation is by e-mail to:

Michigan News:[email protected] Indiana News:[email protected]

Distribution:The Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper is distributed throughout the communities of Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana (Michiana) and growing.

Subscription: A copy of the Benton-Michiana Spirit will be mailed first-class to you for only $35 for 6 months or $70 for a year.

Freedom of Speech. Note: editorials and letters to the editor are not the opinion and/or view of the Benton Spirit, but the view-point of the author.

BENTON HARBOR OFFICE:P.O. Box 465

Benton Harbor, MI 49023Telephone: (269) 926-4241

Fax: 1-888-807-3010E-mail:

[email protected]

Publisher - Princella TobiasEditor - Desmond Murray, PhDAdvertising/Sales - Princella TobiasAdministrator - Patricia Plaut-PayneCommunity Liaison - Ralph Heibutzki, Candrice Williams, Richard Smith, James Summers, Pastor Hardie Blake, Tim Johnson, Stephan Tinsley, Elaine Osmun, Pastor Michael Carson, Darshonda Harper, Aspiring Young Journalist (AYJ) Team: Benton Harbor High School, Benton Harbor Public Library Teen Advisory Board, Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor, and I’m Saving Myself.

No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without permission from the publishers. All rights reserved world-wide.

SOUTH BEND OFFICE:815 Lincolnway West

South Bend, IN 46616Telephone: (888) 614-8881 Fax: (888) 807-3010

E-mail: [email protected]

A Proud Sponsor of the

2014 BEST Early Research Symposium

One thing hasn’t changed since 1934: Our commit-ment to giving back to the communities we serve. From developing outreach programs to fundraisers to pre-serving the environment - we’re committed to helping our communities become better places to live, work, and play. We care about you, strive to understand your family’s needs, and cooperate with you and your com-munity in order to provide the best service possible.

www.meijer.com

It’s Simple . . .Love a MotherHug a Mother

Smile at a MotherRejoice Mothers

Do Something “Extra” Special for a MotherPray for a Mother

. . .Love Mothers on Mother’s Day and

Always!!

A Message from the Publisher


4 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014

EDUCATE A COMMUNITY

Sponsor the Education Page in Spirit News

Your tax-deductible sponsorship could positively change a Life!

Call (269) 926-4241 -- TODAY!

JIM’S HEATING SERVICE 372 S. FAIR AVENUE,

BENTON HARBOR, MI 49022

SHOP: (269) 926-1512FAX: (269) 926-1705EMERGENCY: (269) 449-6196OWNER: JIM WHITELOW

Experienced and Reliable Service You Can Trust

Major Credit Cards Accepted

Heating Problems?Call Jim’s Heating Service

$10 OFF Service CallDiscounts cannot be used with other promotions

and have no cash value

BENTON TWP. – Lake Michigan College will award 488 degrees and certificates to 473 students during its 67th Annual Commencement ceremony, to be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the Mendel Center, 2755 E. Napier Ave., in Benton Township. Kallay Carr, of St. Joseph, has been cho-sen as the student speaker. She’s graduating from LMC with an associate’s degree in business administration, with highest hon-ors. Officials will recognize 453 associate degrees, 23 certificates of achievement and 12 Level I certifi-cates during the ceremony. A par-tial list of graduates follows below.

For the full listing, visit www.bentonspiritnews.com.

Associate Degree Recipients

Benton Harbor: Richard Darnell Alexander Anthony Charles AndrewsArnell Allen Barney Andrea Janisha BatomCaydee Rochelle Beebe *Timothy Charles BerndtElnora Blanchard WinsonLizaura BlancoErin Elizabeth BoothTonya Marie BurchPriscilla Ann BurksBriana Lynne CoburnVernon Cornelius David O Curry * + Tessa Elaine CuylerShatoria Latrice Dancer \Leah Dvorak * (Fall 2013)Antwand Ray-Devaughn GilbertSean Connery GrayLaTonya TaNee’ Grubbs Travis Robert HamiltonShanika TaShon Harris + Andrew Joseph Havlik **Stacey Lamonte’ Heard Jr. **

Carmela F HernandezMarianna HillZaneta Vania HoskinsStephanie Renee Hudson-WheelerPatricia Ann Jett Anthony Lee Johnson JoAnn Aaron Johnson Loren Lavell Johnson *Sujuanna Sikeya JohnsonAngela Michelle JonesRoxanne Jones * Aaron Micheal KingRachel Amanda Mannino Amber Nichole MartineSarah Ann Maynard **Anthony Darrick McCoyLinda M McGeeKathleen Michelle Mercado *Kandi Kai MerrittJillian L MetzgerJohn Henry Moore III Roy N NapierTimothy Maurice NapierElizabeth NunezAnna Lynn PalmerAndre L. ParsonDana Natalie PearsonMark Wayne PhillipsDionna Yolanda PowellAlexis Alis RayChristopher Dwayne Rice Page RayNishe Robinson Shana Latrice RosebudPatricia Lynne Sage * Emma R Schaper *Zakiyah Aftia’a ShannonMonique Natasha ThompsonHuynh Tran ***Tommie Samuel Turney *DelVania JoVon Tyson Victoria Lee White *** Seanetta WhiteheadAmbi Sherri Bullocks- WilliamsSamuel Lee WilliamsPatricia Ann WillisShanette Tiara Wilson Allison Irene WiltfongBernice Rene Wright-Muhammad

Buchanan Debra May Bonek*Meagan Kathleen Bybee ** Hunter James DickinsonKylie Nicole GanoRichard Aaron Heminger * Kourtney Ann Krumrie * Trinity Mikayla Orphanidis *Cheryl Helen Pelley * Oscar Hernan Sanchez Jr.Ashley Jean SimonsDaniel Robert Trist ***Michael Wayne Ward *Andrew John Warner **

Niles Lauren Elizabeth AngelaSamantha Kay Asmus *Chloe Olivia Baker *Jacquelyn Susan Barney James Stacy Bingham *Richard Charles Briand **Ryan Vondale CandlerRuth Marie DePas *** Christine Marie Dvorak Brandy Ann FryLisa Diane Gregory **Allison Kristine Grierson Rachael Miriam Horn *Brian Christopher HorvathCarol June Horvath **Lindsay Mae Kaluf ** Rebecca Renee Kennedy *Holly Ann Lant * Brian Allen Moody *Christian James Parritt * Danielle Marie Rothfuchs *Debbie Ruth Russell *Nicole J Ann Scanlon *Sarah Louise SchoenleberKendra Shanee ShellCameron Alan Sly *Amy Nicole Smith **Shannon Marie Smith *Jody Lynn Snyder Adam Lee Stevenson * Andrei Paul Sullivan * Jiaxin Teng **Rachel Adele Warren **

Alexandra Jewel Wilson *Kayla L YonkerAshlynn Nicole Young

St Joseph Gianna Nicole AbdelnourDanielle Alizabeth BabcockDaniel Blaine Bailey Linnea Jean Bergman **Anna Elizabeth Brown *David Allen BrownCraig Joseph Campbell *Kallay Anna Carr ***Lynne Marie Christiano ** Kesha Clark *Catherine Marie CoultesDawn Irene Curley Alicia Regina ElkinsEmily Irene EversoleChristopher FlournoyGabriela Christina Grannell *Melanie Fisher GreenEric Thomas Hanley Matthew Darrel Hauch * Megan Christine Hendrix Jacob Alexander Kauffman Mashingo Jane KawinaAlexa Rachel Klemm * Jared Michael KnuthJoshua Michael Lange * Ericka Lynette Locklear James Henry Marienthal Mihail Mascov * Courtney Lynn Mason **Allie Michelle-Jacobi Maynard *Jonathan Lawrence Miceli *William Clifford Miller Erin Michelle MoranMichel Moreno ** Mary Kathleen Morphey * Jordan Augustine O’Hearn *Autumn LeAnne Pelkey *** Meghan Rae Pelkey **Nikkole Delois-Marie Rhew **Gabriel William Rienks Alison Sheffield Rineer **Nick Arturo Rodriguez Nathaniel Ryan RosenbaumKali Paige Ruppel Cody Niel Scherer Cory Dean Schmidtman Christine Casella Shull ***Kyle Christopher Smith Arielle Christine SumrallJudith Evelyn Sykora *** Arthur John Wagner * Sean Robert WestleyShannon Marie WilderCorina Lacey WolfJoseph M Young * Stevensville Sarah Rebecca Ashen *Scott Wayne Banner **Brandon Scott Beltran *Kelsey Marie Brenk *Olivia Katherine Fox **Carl Michael Frischkorn *

Mikki Elizabeth Goff Davis *Robert Paul Hierholzer III (Summer 2013 Graduate)Trishia Lynn Inman *Taylor Francis KearneyAaron Anthony Krukowski *Savannah Anza Lents *Katelyn Elizabeth Luongo **Ladonna Marie Marko ** Caleb Wilfred Meyer * James Allen OrganNanette Barrio Patzer *Joshua Michael Quandt * Nancy Jean SchaperZachary Christopher Schewe * Angela Renee Schlaack *Brent Edward Schwab *Israel Sotelo-Abelino *Kurt Joseph Wendland *Emily Helena White *Stephen Edward Zarnay Certificate of Achievement Recipients

Benton HarborMargaret Collier *Juanita Theresa LewisTiffany Ann Marie Napier BuchananDaniel Michael BonekCheryl Helen Pelley * NilesDalton Jesse DlouhyJoseph Daniel Franc ***Reshawn K Preston Cameron Alan Sly *Jody Lynn SnyderAllison Leigh Zacharski * Level 1 Certificate Recipients

Benton HarborKhris Rene Allen Patricia Ann Martin Janice Marie McFallRichard C Rudowske, Sr.Iris Darlene White

South Bend, IndianaEli James Barker StevensvilleRonald Emery Elias +

St. JosephEric Thomas Hanley

Honors notations: * (3.25-3.74 G.P.A.) - Honors** (3.75-3.99 G.P.A.) - High Honors*** (4.00 G.P.A.) - Highest Honors+ - Multiple degrees

education

Students Graduating SundayFrom Lake Michigan College


5Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014science

BENTON HARBOR, MICHIGAN –Students at Benton Harbor Charter School (BHCS) spent the day building a 6-foot Ferris wheel as part of a Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) physics project.

The fourth through eighth grade students at BHCS were excited to have a special visitor in the building on Tuesday, April 22. STEM Genius, a passionate program inspiring kids from kindergarten to 12th grade through creative and exciting hands on projects, vis-ited the Benton Harbor school. The agenda?

Building a rotating Ferris wheel.

“The students were excited to be a part of something that allowed them to use their critical thinking skills and apply the infor-mation they learned in the classroom to something they could see and touch,” says BHCS’ Principal, Jean Johnson. “Overall the students were able to take away the fact that learning is fun, learning is important, and learning can be hands-on!” Students participated in shifts during the day, com-pleting the project with their classmates.

Afterwards, parents were inviting to an interactive meeting where they learned about STEM, and could witness the stu-dents’ hard work. The rotating Ferris wheel now has a permanent home in the front walkway, for all visitors to view and enjoy.

Benton Harbor Charter School Students Participate in STEM Genius

WASHINGTON, DC – House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) has announced the launch of 21st Century Cures, a new initiative that aims to accelerate the pace of cures and medi-cal breakthroughs in the United States. Members will take a comprehensive look at the process – from discovery to development to delivery – to determine “what steps we can take to ensure we are taking full advantage of the advances this country has made in science and technology and use these resources to keep America as the innovation capi-tal of the world,” Upton said, in a press statement issued from his office.

The committee seeks to broadly col-laborate with the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other agen-cies, as well as the nation’s patients and scientific pioneers in academia and industry. The committee’s exten-sive effort will include white papers, roundtables, and hearings, as well as the solicitation of input from inter-ested parties, large and small.

As Upton and fellow committee member Diana DeGette (D-CO) noted, there often exists a major gap between the speed of new health care technolo-gies – and the pace at which they actu-

ally reach the public. “From the map-ping of the human genome to the rise of personalized medicines that are linked to advances in molecular medicine, we

have seen constant breakthroughs that are changing the face of disease treat-ment, management, and cures,” Upton said, in a video released by his office. If

we want to save more lives and keep this country the leader in medical innovation, we have to make sure there’s not a major gap between the science of cures and the way we regulate these therapies.”

DeGette expressed similar senti-ments in her own video statement, in which she said: “Health research is moving quickly, but the federal drug and device approval apparatus is – in many ways – the relic of another era. We have dedicated scientists and bold leaders at agencies like the NIH and the FDA, but when our laws don’t keep pace with innovation, we all lose.”

That’s why, Upton and DeGette indi-cated, Congress is promising to take an in-depth look at the drug and device development process, and see what can be done to streamline it. “We know we don’t have all the answers,” Upton said. “That’s why we’re asking questions first. We are listening. We want to know how to close the gaps between advances in scientific knowledge about cures and the regulatory policies created to save more lives.” For information on the progress of “21st Century Cures,” fol-low the conversation on Facebook and Twitter (using the hashtag #Path2Cures).

Upton Announces Launch of 21st Century Cures -- Enhancing Medical Science Research

“From discovery to development...to deter-mine “what steps we can take to ensure

we are taking full advantage of the advances this country has made in science and technology.”--Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI)

Congressman Fred Upton (left) and Congresswoman Diana DeGette (right) committee members of 21st Century Cures.



“Good afternoon! Thank you, Dr. Murray, for that introduction, and I wish I could be there directly with you at this BEST Early

Symposium to have an opportunity to talk with all of you about all the great things you’re doing. Thank you also to Tonya Snyder, the Math and Science Center Coordinator at Berrien Regional Education Service Agency, for being a partner, and the Benton Spirit Community Newspaper, thanks for spreading the word. And of course, thank you to Andrews University’s Chemistry Department for hosting this really great event.

It’s wonderful that you’re all involved and getting started so early in exciting areas of research. You know, some people might say that as high school seniors “you’re too young, it’s too early to do this kind of research,” and I would just say you are never too young to get started in breakthroughs, new opportunities, new ideas, new research, and it’s never too early to contribute to our understanding of the world around us. The work you’re doing right now could contribute to finding the cure for cancer, or making our antibiotics more effective, or creating the next alternative fuel vehicle.

You know, my daughter-in-law has been working for a number of years as a mate-

rials engineer for General Motors, and she has helped create the electric motor at General Motors, and she is now head-ing the fuel cell initiative for the next generation of alterna-tive fuel vehicles. She’s excited, she loves what she’s doing, and I’m hopeful that you will have that same kind of oppor-tunity to find something that you’re excited about, where you feel you can make a difference, you can make something, cre-ate something, and feel that you’re making a real contribution.

We need more students like you – performing independent, original research, and taking classes in science, technology, engineering, and math. I know this experience will make a big difference in your life as you start your college career, or it may help you decide what you want to do and what your future holds.

You know, whether you someday plan to become a science journalist, go to med school, get a PhD, or just be a more informed citizen, the skills you are learning here will be with you for the rest of your lives. I expect great things from each of you. Congratulations on all you’re doing!”

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow Applauds Early ResearchersOn Friday, April 25,

2014, students, parents, teachers, administra-tors, sponsors and other guests saw and heard a video message from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Her message was personally introduced by her Regional Manager,

Ms. Mary Judnich, who was in attendance at the 2014 BEST Early Research Symposium held in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry on the cam-pus of Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI.

Her message was

directed mainly to the stu-dent researchers that dis-played their posters and performed demonstrations of laboratory techniques, that are often only learned in college level organic chemistry. The twenty Math Science Center stu-dents from high schools

across Berrien County were: Rachel Bonek (Buchanan), Joseph Chi (Berrien Springs), Eleanor Hein (Niles), Luke Higgins, (Buchanan), Camden Roth (Berrien Springs), Ryan High (Bridgman), Carl Steinhauser (Berrien Springs), Adam Merrick

(Bridgman), Adam Dubs (Berrien Springs), Emily Najacht (Coloma), Andrew Shafer (Edwardsburg), Andrew L ipp (Bridgman), Josh Brown (Edwardsburg), Adam Mitchell (Buchanan), Matthew Guntz (Coloma), Cody Ortiz-Leonard

(Niles), Jake Wold (Berrien Springs), Nic Murray (Coloma), Abigail Sheline (Berrien Springs), and Evan Hauck (Bridgman).

science


7Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014

We thank everyone who in any way helped to make the April

25, 2014, BEST Early “Imagine Different” Research Symposium a thrill-ing success. As one parent remarked, it “far exceeded my expectations.”

Imagination is our biggest frontier. So it has been and so it shall be. We live at its frontier or we shrivel into nonex-istence and the Dark Ages. Out of our imagination flows poetry and technol-ogy, dance and geometry, superstition and science, mosques and cathedrals, the structure of DNA, the Big Bang of the Cosmos and much much more.

Yet, our systems of education across the globe seem hesitant to unleash the curiosity and imagination of students. They routinely delay students with pre-requisites and four years of high school and four years of college before “serious” research can be done. This educational malpractice must stop. Students don’t need

prerequisites to be curious, to explore, to discover, to research and to innovate.

We thank you all for being at this frontier of imagination and for imagin-ing with us a different way, for imag-ining all 16 million US high school students doing real authentic research including all 500,433 Michigan high school students. Whatever role you play, Imagine Different.

Thank you, ParentsWe were excited to see a lot of

parents and family in attendance. We especially thank you for giving us an

opportunity to work with your children.

Thank you, SponsorsWe thank our event co-sponsors:

Whirlpool Corporation, Lakeland HealthCare, Honor Credit Union, Leader Publications, Benton Spirit Newspaper, Meijer, Michigan State University 4H Extension, Wilce L Cooke Foundation, Takie’moto Cosmetics, Compliance Audit Consultants Inc, Benton Harbor PoetTree, and Global Center for School Counseling Outcome Research Evaluation & Development.

Thank you, Media & PhotographersWe thank our media partners:

Andrews University Television (AUTV), Andrews University Integrated Marketing & Communication, , Leader Publications, WSJM – Pat Moody Show, Berrien RESA SCommunication-- Karen Heath, Videographer Jasmine

K Griggs, Malcolm Butler of Benton Harbor, and a special thanks to Jasmine Long of the Dream Academy.

Thank you, HostsWe thank our event hosts: Andrews

University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper, Berrien County Math Science Center, Berrien RESA, BEST Early, Pat Payne, Princella Tobias, Math Science Center Director Kevin Clark, Andrews University STEM Dean Keith Mattingly, Chemistry & Biochemistry Chair David Nowack, and Math Science Center Coordinator Tonya Snyder.

Thank you, GuestsWe thank our special guests: U.S.

Senator Debbie Stabenow via video mes-sage, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder via written message, Michigan State Education Superintendent Mike Flanagan via written message, Mary Judnich (Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow), Megan Schrauben (Michigan Department of Education, Integrated Education Consultant) and her MDE team, Deb Barrett (Michigan State University Extension, Senior Educator), Jake DeDecker (Michigan State University Extension, Program Leader), Emmerson Payne (retired education administra-tor), David Eichberg (Berrien Springs High School, Principal), Joseph Taylor, (Benton Harbor Area School Board member), Michelle A Bakerson (Indiana University South Bend, Interim Assistant

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs), Yvonne Larrier (Indiana University South Bend, Associate Professor of Counseling), Dan Mitchell (Hanson Mold, President), Patricia Plaut-Payne (educator/Benton Harbor Upward Bound and Spirit’s Aspiring Young Journalist Program) and Yolanda Ash (Fifth Third Bank, Financial Center Manager).

Thank you, Dream Academy Students and Teachers

Students: Shawn Gaines, Nicolas Castillo, Otis Rimpson, Jasmine Long, Mia Atkins, Halle Page, Jada Rice, Matthew Chapman, Kaylee Moore, Amer Tyler, Marshawn Henry, Earreon Wilkerson, Craig Pollard, and Kara Dyson.

Teachers: Melanie Kom and Vickie Fultz.

Thank you, Research Funders The laboratory research conducted

by our Grade 12 students was funded by: Andrews University Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Andrews University Office of Scholarly Research, the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund, and the National Science Foundation.

Thank you, AllThe presence and contributions of so

many in our community for this event demonstrates that with leadership and vision we can Imagine Different and come together in support of early research participation and our young researchers.

Thank You All for Imagining Different By Dr. Desmond H. Murray

“The BEST Early Research Symposium was so much more

than I expected! Our son, Andrew Shafer, is a senior at the Berrien Math and Science Center and this program helped me to better understand what he and his class-mates have been working on for the entire semester in their Chemistry course.

Touring the lab and seeing the students demonstrate some of the procedures they used in their work brought back fond memories of my time in the chemistry lab as an undergraduate--I would have loved the chance to do this as a high school student! It’s great to think that the students have skills that they can now use to work in a lab while they attend college.

The projects were fascinating! One thing that it made me realize is the importance of trying to find better ways of doing procedures that are already known, in order to improve--for exam-ple--efficiency or yield in a reaction.”--Elaine L. Shafer, M.D.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Murray on the outstanding 2014 BEST Early

Research Symposium held at Andrews University last Friday, April 25. It was a great opportunity for the Senior Math and Science students to showcase their knowl-edge while challenging them to think criti-cally and provide meaningful research. Most importantly, they are doing this at the early stage of their adult lives which will prepare them for future, real-world

cha l lenges . T h r o u g h

this process, they see the path to con-t r i b u t i o n s that they can make to cre-ate a return on all that has been invested in them thus far. Your vision of adopting early research participation to create a sustainable workforce was clearly demonstrated and it was evident that all of them will take something valuable away from their research projects. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm in teaching our young people to be confident that they too can make real contributions to humanity.”--Dan Mitchell, Parent of Math Science Center student and President of Hanson Mold Company

“On behalf of MSU Extension and the 4-H Program, we are proud to

help sponsor this experience for Berrien County youth. I am always inspired and encouraged about our world and our future when I leave the BEST Early Symposium. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedica-tion that Dr. Murray and all of his students invest in this experience for Math Science Center seniors and I am thrilled to hear

of how other young scientists are being encouraged to participate and increase awareness in our community. It was a pleasure to work with this year’s students as they prepared to be interviewed for the Symposium. I look forward to working with Dr. Murray in the future to sup-port the next group of seniors in 2015!”--Deb Barrett, MAEdSenior Extension EducatorMichigan State University Extension Children and Youth Institute

“I had fun!! It was a very interest-ing and informative experience.

I learned a whole lot from attend-ing this program. Definitely sounds like something I would love to try.”--Shawn Gaines, Dream Academy Student (11th Grade), Benton Harbor, MI

“The knowledge of the people around me at the symposium

was amazing. It was great to see peo-ple our age come up with things that I would have never thought of - just mind-blowing. I want to be a part of this. I want to learn. I want to research and find solutions to relevant problems. I want to be a part of this in the future.”--Matthew Chapman, Dream Academy Student (10th Grade)

“It is encouraging to watch our stu-dents develop from laboratory novice

to seasoned expert all within a few short

months. The discoveries that they make along the way while in the capable care of Dr. Desmond Murray are ones that will last with them for a lifetime. I am grateful for the enthusiasm for research that Dr. Murray strives to instill in our Berrien County Math & Science Center students. The celebration of our student research accomplishments this past week was simply amazing to behold!--Tonya Snyder, Berrien County Math & Science Center CoordinatorBerrien RESA

“I would like to say that I had a great time at the symposium. It was very

interesting. I really like the experiment where the guy was testing a solution to see if it could make brain tumors smaller and sadly, it didn’t work -- but, experiments are about making mistakes that leads to great-er success and that is what it is all about.--Jasmine Long, Dream Academy Student “(11th Grade)

Responses to the 2014 BEST Early Imagine Different Symposiumscience

Dan MitchellTonya Snyder



Scientific Model: Interview with Natalie N. King

By Dr. Desmond Murray, Spirit Correspondent

How many international fashion mod-els do you know with a PhD in

Neuroscience? At the still young age of 26, Natalie King, an accomplished fashion model, will receive her PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) on Friday, May 9, 2014. She will be the first African-American/Latina mixed woman ever to achieve this academic distinction at UIC, and among only 3% of African-American/Latina mixed women to have ever received this degree nationwide, as of 2012.

Dr. King is just really getting start-ed. She is a co-author of an e-book and was recently admitted into a very exclusive global network of game-changers under the age of 30. She was a Black Opal Cosmetics Top 3 Finalist, Johnson Products Great Model Search Winner, has been featured in several well-known magazines, like Jet and Essence, and in numerous runway shows. In an interview with the Benton-Michiana Spirit Community Newspaper, she said, “Ultimately, my mission is to take care of my family, travel, get more involved with speaking and giv-ing back in different ways, start a few businesses and have a family of my own. I know that’s a lot but I can do it.”

Get to know more about Dr. King in her exclusive interview with the Benton Spirit.

Benton Spirit: Dr. King, please tell us some more about your early life and the influences that has put you on your life’s journey so far?

Dr. Natalie King: I was a very quiet child and went through a lot of the same challenges the aver-age young student encounters, includ-ing bullying, but I loved to read and write and used the negative energy to develop myself into a great student.

My family is a very determined one of Caribbean origins so educa-tion was always something that was emphasized and my parents consistently encouraged both my sister and I to do well in our studies both through word and through example. My dad obtained his doctorate and my moth-er is the recipient of multiple degrees including two at the master’s level.

Lastly, I am a huge personal devel-opment junkie, so my favorites are Jim Rohn and Eric Thomas, whenever I need some motivation to keep going or advice on how to become a better, greater human being; I look to these types of sourc-es, in addition to the Bible, of course.

Benton Spirit: What got you inter-ested in fashion modeling and science, two seemingly disparate fields? What are some specific challenges you have faced in blending these two interests and passions?

Dr. Natalie King: I’ve always been the tallest in my class and at the very beginning this made me very uncom-fortable because of course I just wanted to fit in like everyone else. It wasn’t until college where I started to view my height as more of a blessing than a curse.

In addition, I found that no matter what I was doing, I always had a fash-ion magazine in my hand so it just seemed like a logi-cal next step. Many chal-lenges came with saying I wanted to be a fashion model because of the horror stories that most people have come to believe about the industry and the ste-reotypes sur-rounding the idea of a black woman being successful in such a cut-throat field.

To balance this backlash, I decided to study science as well and it proved to be a great idea but I learned that I person-ally needed both to do well. I needed the fun and exciting side of fashion and modeling but I also needed the stable and brain stimulating side of science.

Overall, dealing with this situation, I learned that most challenges are cre-ated within myself because everyone’s opinions of what I should or shouldn’t do never changed. I had to be the one to change and figure out who I was and what I wanted. This then allowed for me to ignore the naysayers and negative people who had never seen it done before and create a new path for myself and others to then follow.

Benton Spirit: When you dream about your life, are you now living it? What do you want the upcom-ing chapters in your story to be?

Dr. Natalie King: I’ve achieved a lot of what I set out to do from even 10 years ago but you should always be aiming higher. Let your successes sink in and acknowledge them, but never be comfortable with being just “good enough.” So, at this point, I would not say I am done with all of my goals and dreams, I’ve just adopted bigger ones.

Benton Spirit: I know that you have

been active in reaching out to young women. What do you consider to be their greatest needs and what mes-sages do you give to address them?

Dr. Natalie King: This is a tough question to answer because I think it’s a very complex issue and the answer includes multiple factors. Every time

I speak w i t h y o u n g w o m e n and men, I point out the necessity of having a men-tor; maybe even mul-tiple men-tors if you have m u l t i p l e i n t e r e s t s for where you want to take your life.

I see a lot of y o u n g people just

going through the motions and not taking an active part in their own lives because maybe they think they have forever to figure it out. I always try to point out, first, it’s your life and you should have the most active role in planning how you want it to look. Secondly, time is not something you will always have. So, learn to focus and have discipline in whatever it is you choose to do.

Lastly, I believe there is a so much going on and there’s so much informa-tion available to us today, its unbeliev-able. Take advantage of this; learn as much as you can. Develop a habit for reading and your future will be bright. Education is incredibly important but learn all the necessary skills to properly take advantage of all of the knowledge you will attain and have solid mentors in your life that have been where you want to go. This was absolutely key for me.

Benton Spirit: Who is the essential Natalie King and what keeps your spirit alive?

Dr. Natalie King: I am an incred-ibly complex individual. I think a lot and most times, I’m thinking about the next opportunity I would like to cre-ate. I have a very focused and deter-mined spirit and my resiliency is some-thing unparalleled. This came out of plenty of experiences though, such as,

fighting challenges in grad school, my choices of career, the sudden loss of my father, and suicide of my friend all served to shape me as an individual.

My mindset is one where I don’t believe that I can’t do anything I set my mind to and work toward. This is of course because I’ve proved it over and over again and observed it in the lives of others. Some people may say it’s a very New Age way of thinking but it’s not. In the Bible, Phillippians 4:13 says the same thing. When your mind is limited, you limit God, which is extreme-ly unfortunate for you and for society.

Benton Spirit: Thank you, Dr. King. Congratulations on your gradu-ation and other recent accomplish-ments. You inspire me. I’m sure you will continue to inspire others.

Dr. Natalie King: I would person-ally love to thank all of my friends and family: Mom, Dad (RIP) and Sister, Shantel, for all of the love and sup-port they’ve given me over the last 26 years. It wasn’t easy, but your prayers and guidance have always been some-thing that served as a foundation my life. Thank you also to the Benton Spirit and Desmond Murray for always looking to promote what I am doing and giving me opportunities to share my personal journey with the readers!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Dr. Natalie King currently works in Chicago with the Liautaud Institute, launching leadership development pro-grams. To connect with Dr. Natalie King regarding partnerships in social entre-preneurship, potential research, or speak-ing opportunities for your group, educa-tional event, or corporate seminar, please reach her at [email protected].

science


9Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014government


With so much attention focused on the Benton Harbor mayoral election, it’s easy to forget that another will soon come barreling down the corner – with the August 6 countywide primary elec-tion, which determines the November ballot lineup. Berrien County’s high-est-profile Republicans – Congressman Fred Upton, State Senator John Proos and State Representatives Davel Pagel and Al Pscholka – will face vary-ing degrees of opposition as they seek to win new terms of office.

Several name incumbents on the Berrien County Commission also face two-way primary races, and voters will also have to decide a three-way District Court race in an otherwise lightly contested judicial ballot. To assist readers in making their choic-es, the Benton Spirit now presents a brief summary of notable races om Tuesday’s ballot, and the August 5 primary list. For more information, visit www.berriencountyorg/Elections.

May 6 BallotTwo major mayoral races lead a

lightly crowded ballot on Tuesday, with the highest-profile race com-ing in Benton Harbor – as incum-bent Mayor James Hightower hopes to fend off City Commissioner Marcus Muhammad’s shot for the top spot. However, a Berrien County trial Judge issued an order that delays the election until charges of alledged election fraud can be confirmed.

A similar story holds in New Buffalo, where Mayor Donna

Messinger faces two opponents in Margaret Murray, and Si-Osiri. Council member Ray Lawson also faces opposition from George Scarlatis.

All terms in this race run through November 2016, while the win-ner in Benton Harbor will remain in office through December 2015. Additionally, voters will decide four school millage proposals as follows:

Buchanan Community Schools: Officials here are asking voters to renew an 0.80-mill building and site sinking fund levy for 10 years (2015-2024), which – if approved – will raise about $210,000 during its first year of levy.

Lakeshore Public Schools: Like Buchanan, Lakeshore is seeking a 10-year building and site sinking fund renewal for 1.471 mills (2015-2024). If voters approve the idea, the measure will raise about $118,000 during its first year of collection.

St. Joseph Public Schools: The dis-trict is seeking a 19.6292-mill, five-year operating millage renewal (2015-2019) that’s expected to raise about $5.85 million during its first year of collection, as well as a 10-year build-ing and site sinking fund levy renewal (2016-2025). If voters approve, the measure will raise about $950,000.

Watervliet Public Schools: The district is seeking approval of a $23 million bond issue for additions to school buildings; remodeling, refur-bishing and re-quipping buildings for security; acquiring and installing technology; and the development and improvement of playgrounds. If suc-cessful, the district will levy 5.50 mills for a maximum 28-year period, and doesn’t expect to borrow from the state to pay debt service on the bonds.

August 5 Primary BallotCongressional, State Senator

and State RepresentativeLongtime Sixth District

Congressional District Representative incumbent Fred Upton (R-St Joseph), who’s held his office since 1986, faces opposition from his own party in Republican Jim Bussier. Democrat Paul Clements, who has no opposi-tion, will face the winner this fall.

Further down the ballot, Republican State Senator John Proos (R-St. Joseph) and Democrat Bette J. Pierman are unopposed in their primary races – which leaves them free to lay the groundwork for a fall campaign. However, that’s not true for Republican State Representative Dave Pagel, who must get past a challenge from Jim Walker – and face Democrat Cartier Shields this fall (78th District). Republican State Representative Al Pscholka also faces a challenge from Cindy Duran (79th District). The winner of that matchup will square off in November against Democrat Eric Lester.

Berrien County Board of Commissioners

Eight commissioners on this 13-member body face opposition in their bids to remain in office for two more years, through 2016. Here’s a look at these contested races stack up:

District 2: Republican County Board Chairman Jon Hinkleman faces a Democrat challenge from Darrin Schaer.

District 3: Longtime Democrat incumbent and vice chair Marletta Seats must turn back a challenge from Benton Harbor School Board

Treasurer Joseph Taylor, while Republican candidate Michael Sleep hopes to spoil both their plans.

District 4: Another longtime incumbent, Mamie L. Yarbrough, will square off against Benton Harbor School Board Trustee Lisa Gullet.

District 5: Incumbent Cathy Thieneman’s decision not to run again has touched off a three-way battle for her seat. The Republican field includes 22-year St. Joseph School Board member Bill Chickering, whose wife, Fran, is a St. Joseph city commissioner, and David J. Yardley, while Democrat Douglas Elliott hopes to get past them both.

District 6: Incumbent Jeanette Leahey faces opposition from fel-low Republican Bernd Krebs.

District 7: Incumbent Deb Panozzo hopes to defeat Chad E. Clement to hold her seat; both are Republicans.

District 9: Democrat incum-bent Andrew Vavra, of Three Oaks, returns to face Republican Ray Kirkus, whom he previously defeated in 2012.

District 11: Republican incum-bent Jim Curran will take on Democrat Rick Briand in this race.

Judicial RacesMost judicial incumbents face

no formal opposition in this elec-tion cycle, so the highest-profile race will likely be the three-way battle to determine a new judge for the 5th District Court. Berrien County cor-porate counsel Donna Howard hopes to leave that office behind, though she’ll have to deal with two oppo-nents in Brian C. Sauer and Stephen Smith in this nonpartisan race.

Find Out What’s Happening in the Michiana Area

GO TO:

www.mycommunitycalendar.netPLUS: Submit your events at the “suggest Event” Tab

for your event to be included.

August Primary Lineup Set:Upton, Pagel, Pscholka, Proos Face Opposition


10 Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014 community

Dear Naki,Your poem inspired me to write again. I was “silent” for 20 years until I read your “Masterpiece” poem in the Benton Spirit (April 17, 2014). JoAnn.

I am sisterby JoAnn Marie Bacheller

I am sister.I am saint.

But your wife –Mister.

That I ain’t.I am lover.

I am mother.Bearing a child like

No other.Deserted. Betrayed.But not yet slayed.

The joys of lifeSurround me.

Tiny little feet withVoices sweet

Kids are so adorableWhen they

Sleep.Blame me.Shame me.Call me the

Cause of povertyYour lies can’t make me

Die.And my children, rise up and

Call me Blessed. Amen.

JoAnn Marie Bacheller is a Certified Nurses Aide residing in Berrien Springs, MI. She is a 1995 graduate of Andrews University with a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/Communication.

POETRY CORNER

CLASSIFIEDS

WANT TO MAKE A FEW DOLLARS – IN A FEW

HOURS/WEEK?

It’s simple! It’s Community!

Volunteer by helping us spread the word about events in our community and receive a stipend for doing it.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED: A computer/Internet access, telephone, data entry experi-ence, and 1-3 hours/week.

Only a few positions. Contact us at: (269) 926-4241 or email [email protected] immediate consideration.

BS/adv. May 1 2014__________________

TELEMETERS, SALES REP. GRAPHIC DESIGNER, REPORTER, PROOFREADER, ADMINISTRATIVE and WEBSITE TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED AT SPIRIT NEWS.

Sales/Telemarketing Consultant Needed. Reliable, friendly, and can fol-low details.

Experienced reporter and researcher needed immedi-ately to cover community sto-ries. Some tasks can be done from remote/home locations. Please send previous articles/work for consideration. Must be reliable, have excellent grammar, and able to follow details, and complete tasks in a timely manner.

Website Help Needed IMMEDIATELY. Do you love computers, have some website and Photoshop experience? Can be done from remote location. Send requested information and sal-ary seeking to: [email protected].

BMS/adv. May 1, 2014______________

Are you a business/entrepre-neur still using a yahoo or gmail email address? Shame on YOU! Treat your busi-ness like a business and reg-ister your name NOW!

Have you considered regis-tering YOUR NAME as a domain? It’s your name -- register it!

Have you thought of a great

name to use on the Web or one you could try to sell for Big Bucks?

Register your domain now. It’s simple & $10/year. Plus, other great web tools at prices you can afford

Go to:www.007webstore.comBMS/adv. April 17, 2014____________________

DOMAINS FOR SALE!www.mrsmichelleobama.comwww.mrsmichellobama.orgwww.mrs.michelleobama.infowww.chicagosownbarack.comwww.postslavery.comwww.moneymotivates.mewww.spgabentonharbor.comwww.votebentonharbor.com

Make an offer, include your contact info, at:[email protected] inquiries only.

Employment

DOMAINS


Mexican heritage and pride will take center stage on Cinco de Mayo, which falls this year on Monday, May 5. This hol-iday is primarily celebrated in the U.S. and Mexico, and translates to “fifth of May” in Spanish. Cinco de Mayo holds an especially impor-tant meaning for residents in the state of Puebla – where the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French on May 5, 1862, under General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin.

Cinco de Mayo isn’t to be confused with Mexican’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. However, the holiday has

grown into a major celebration in the U.S., especially in cities with large Mexican populations – such as Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. Today, there are more than 160 official Cinco de Mayo celebrations occurring in 21 U.S. states – as well as in Australia, Japan, the Cayman Islands, France, Jamaica and New Zealand.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta --Howard Park

Area residents can get an early jump on their cel-ebrations during the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, which runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, at Howard Park, in South Bend. Featured activities include a glimpse of Indiana’s larg-est taco (12:15 p.m.); perfor-

mances by several area musi-cal groups, including Nueva

Etapa Norteña (12:30 p.m.), and Banda Nuevo Imperio (1:45 p.m.); a dance competition (3 p.m.); and eating contests for water-melons (1:30 p.m.), and jalapenos (6:45 p.m.).

Mechanical bull rides and children’s games will also be available, as well as plates of Mexican foods like frijo-les, jicanas, tacos and papa-yas. Lawn chairs and blan-kets are welcome; stay all day, if you wish. St. Adalbert Parish is the event host.

Immigration Reform Discussion

The Community Coalition

for Immigration Reform will be talking with people about Comprehensive Immigration Reform and will be gather-ing signatures on a petition that is addressed to Second District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. The Petition calls upon Congresswoman Walorksi to be a signer of the Discharge Petition in the House of Representatives for House bill, HR 15, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill. Congresswoman Walorski is called upon to support the Discharge pro-cess in order to bring to a vote before the Members of the House of Representatives this Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill.

Cinco de Mayo HolidayCelebrates Mexican Heritage, Pride:

SB Fiesta and Discussion Scheduled This Weekend

Advertise with Spirit News It Makes community and Business Sense.

Call for our Spring Promotion(269) 926-4241

Volunteer with

S;pirit News

for FREE Entertainment

Tickets and Dining Cooupons

Call(269) 926-4241


11Benton-Michiana Spirit Newspaper • May 1, 2014

Proudly servicing Bangor ~ Benton Harbor ~ Eau Claire

Holland ~ Pullman (855) 869-6900

Reach Out & Read: Giving Your Kids a

Reading Head Start! InterCare has participated in the Reach Out & Read program for six years now, and has distributed more than 22,000 books to children at all five of our health centers. Books, available in English and Spanish, are given free of charge to children at their well child visits from the time they are six months old until they are five years old. Reach Out & Read is a national program that began in Boston in 1989. It has now grown to 5,000 programs in all 50 states, and reaches 4.2 million children a year! Studies have shown that when children are given books to take home they have more opportunities to be read to by their parents. Children who are read to learn to be much better readers. The small step of giving a child a book can make a big difference in their education. InterCare spends more than $2,000 on books annually, with a reduced rate through Scholastic. If you would like to make a donation to the program, please call 269-876-5231.

In Berrien County, InterCare and the Berrien County Health Department partnered to offer the Triple P Positive Parenting Program to the community. This program was first developed in Australia more than 30 years ago. It is now available in 20 countries and in 18 languages. The program is a good fit for every parent, no matter what the person’s background is. Families that would benefit from the program are connected with someone who has been trained in the levels of the Triple P program. That person will then help each family come up with the plan that will best fit the needs of the parents and their children. Each level in the Triple P program offers different tips for how to interact with your child(ren). For example, a parent having trouble with their toddler’s temper tantrums needs much different advice than a parent dealing with a teen using drugs. The information offered is what will help each parent meet their unique needs. The Triple P program is being funded through a grant received by InterCare and the health department, and is in its final year of funding. For more information, please call Susan at 269-876-5231.

HealtH



Danielle Villa,Miss Niles

Laura VanOeffelen,Miss Paw Paw

Brooke Boyd,Miss South Haven

Melaina VonBehren,Miss St. Joseph

Natalie Hepburn, Miss Stevensville

Danielle Costantini, Miss Bangor

Greta Krieger, Miss Baroda

Ra’Keisha Jackson, Miss Benton Harbor Charlene Cuarto,

Miss Berrien SpringsChelsea Harrison, Miss Bloomingdale

Megan Hildebrandt, Miss Bridgman

Roxie Elliott,Miss Buchanan and

2014 Miss Blossomtime Queen

Courtney Kuemin, Miss Cassopolis

Bridget O’Brien Miss Coloma

Jenna Tidey, Miss Eau Claire/Sodus

Harley First, Miss Edwardsburg

Karleigh Pleyer, Miss Hartford

Dakota Allen, Miss Lawrence

Sarah Kalinowski, Miss New Buffalo

Callie Meyer, Miss Three Oaks

Elisabeth Fellows, Miss Watervliet

Queens!They are beautiful, intelligent, and full of

promise -- they are the reigning queens within the Blossomtime region. It was Roxie Elliott (left) of Buchanan, who won it all and was crowned the 2014 Blossomtime Queen.

See them all live during the Blossomtime Parade on Saturday, May 3, 2014, 1 p.m., rep-resenting their respective communities through-out the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph parade route.

Congratulations to all of the

BeautifulQueens!

community

may 1, 2014 final spirit news

Documents

miss heart of blossomtime

roxie elliott miss blossomtime

special concert

fridays concert

africanamericans dont

best early research

senator stabenow

ellie hurd miss congeniality