Things to know... People to meet... Plans to make... Vultures Return Blue Star Mothers Procrastinators Day

VOL I No. 12 April 6–20, 2018 Huge Exhibit at the BAC ●Buchanan Area High Schools & Middle Schools Art Exhibit Featuring work from 10 schools within a 50-mile radius of Buchanan. Cash awards sponsored by Dr. Richard and Cindy Beckermeyer. Runs through 4/19/18. ●The Art Experience A Buchanan Art Center program in partnership with GateWay Services and the First Presbyterian LastClasses call for registration: Church, featuring artwork ●Intro Watercolor (Adult) by GateWay Services Deadline: April 8 Participants. ●Digital Photography (Adult) Runs through 5/5/18. Deadline: April 7 ●Inside/Outside Oils ●Russian Folk Painting (Adult) by Jackie Welsh and Deadline: April 19 Cheryl Phelan. “Painting ●Creative Silver Recycling together is not only plea- (Adult) Deadline: April 19 surable, we are constantly ●Claymates (Ages 7-13) learning from each other. Deadline: April 8 We have painted together Painting the Colors of Spring for a long time.” Some of the art on display Runs through 5/5/18. (Ages 5-12) at Buchanan Art Center Deadline: April 10 Gallery Reception Sunday, April 15th 2-4pm Visit the website or call for pricing and dates. Light refreshments. All are invited. www.buchananartcenter.com 269-697-4005 Awards What’s Inside...... High School 3rd Place: Leo Rosales Page 2: Letters, Etc. Page 5: Misc. Alice, Drawing 1st Place: Lauren Rakowski Publisher’s comments Rex Rose Exhibit at Galien Library 11th grade, Edwardsburg HS Hello Beautiful, Painting The Paper Contact and Distribution 11th grade, Edwardsburg HS Voter Registration Training Session The Man Who Got the Race Running 2nd Place: Daniela Delacruz Winners All Around Middle School It’s a Fox, Charcoal Page 3: Life is Better, Police, Etc. 75th High School Senior Athlete Night 11th grade, Eau Claire HS 1st Place: Zane Runkel Message from the Mayor 2nd Place: Harleigh Besaw Page 6: Vulture Venues Finished, Pencil Scarecrow Factory Opens Ceramics of the Sea, Ceramics 8th grade, Upton MS 11th grade, Edwardsburg HS Police Reports Page 7: Spring Cleanup 3rd Place: Mollie Harris 2nd Place: Amelia Pipik Ursa, Drawing Eat Fire, Mixed Media Page 4: Body, Mind, Spirit & Soul Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning 8th grade, Upton MS 10th grade, Edwardsburg HS Celebrate St. Expeditus Day Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Day 3rd Place: Delani Stull 3rd Place: Ava Blasy Fox, Drawing Seriously, Pencil Blue Star Mothers Chapter 193 Page 8: Calendar 9th grade, Edwardsburg HS 8th grade, Upton MS Our Sympathy... The Paper April 6–20, 2018­ Letters, Etc. Page 2

Mary Lister All letters to the editor may be edited for Publisher grammar and spelling, but not content Patricia Banker (unless for length). They do not necessarily Editor reflect the opinions of this newspaper.

indness is always fashionable. We want to hear from you, and to share your voice. The comments here include opinions, observations and viewpoints which are not necessarily reflected by K -Amelia Barr, novelist (1831-1919). The Paper. We will print your name or withhold it as you request, but we must Amelia hit the nail on the head. Not only know the source in order to publish. fashionable, but loved. Have you ever disliked anyone who was kind (unless it was a case of envy)? Kindness comes in many forms. One of The Man Who Got the Race Running Again my favorites is the old-fashioned thank-you note, A recent drive across the rolling hills and valleys of Berrien County reminded me of hand-written, if it’s only on a piece of plain paper how much water had fallen on us in SW Michigan to cause widespread flooding in -- sometimes that’s better than some of those Kalamazoo and Niles—but not in Buchanan. cards that we spend hours trying to find. I am Having been a junior member of the 2010-12 Ad Hoc McCoy Creek Watershed in awe of Shirley Roti Roti and Marie Kangas Committee, tasked with finally settling the supposedly conflicting interests of a healthy -- both in their 90’s and still taking the effort and mill race for Pears Mill, and a healthy Creek for fishermen (a controversy since 1945), time to write a lovely thank you for giving them I realized why Buchanan remained largely dry. a simple thing such as a card! The residents of Buchanan who stayed dry should drink a toast to the Chairman of You probably know others who do that type of that Committee, Tom Fehlner, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Notre Dame. thing. Apart from casting oil on troubled waters —fish vs. mill— to get a workable And then there are the little acts of kindness, compromise solution, he single-handedly used his long-developed skills of procuring many that have disappeared, such as holding the grant money to request help from National, State, County and special-interest sources door open for the person behind you, or offering (up to 16 at one point, of which only three had turned us down, as of February 2012) your umbrella to someone in the rain, or saying and to thereby raise half of the money the City estimated would be required to do the excuse me when you accidentally brush against engineering work necessary to free up the water flow through the City. someone, or giving a surprise gift for no apparent The three biggest components were the removal of the dam forming Clark Pond, the reason. But I think one I admire most in people construction of the free-flowing channel through the former pond and the dredging of is the kind act of listening. I was in a tiny shop the silted up Race leading to Pears Mill. earlier this week and a lady began talking about At the height of water flow through the City with heavy rain falling on frozen ground her deceased husband as though she needed throughout Berrien and the surrounding counties, while the Kalamazoo River was someone to listen to her. The very busy shop invading the suburbs of the City and Amtrak was reduced to 10mph at several places owner and I were the only other people there, near the swollen river, water was rushing through Buchanan several inches below flood and he just let her go on and on. I thought it was stage in both the Creek and Race. An eyeball estimate would put three-fifths in the Creek incredibly kind of him. We never know when it and two-fifths in the Race. will be us who need the support. So when it rains, raise a glass to Tom Fehlner who almost single-handedly enabled So, yes, Amelia Barr, kindness IS always the City to “get-er-done.” fashionable. And, also, it might get you out of Randal Peart deep doodoo. -- Mary

Editorial Board Advertising Manager Nancy Fehlner Mary Vincent Mary Lysy Church Liaison We need you! ●Do you read The Paper every issue? Marjorie Trapp Louann Gardner dvisory oard ● A B Calendar Coordinator Do you look forward to having it arrive? Darlene Clevenger Beth Murphy ●Is it keeping you better informed about Don Holmes what is happening in town? Randal Peart Facebook/Instagram Rick Polos Renée Ruth ●Do you enjoy the quality? Alan Robandt Contributors We are going to start offering subscriptions in the near future. Our Community Attorney John Colip We are trying to find other ways to raise funds, and perhaps to seek grants. But those take time. If you wish to advertise, please With special thanks to Mary Vincent, Don Holmes, contact us. If you wish to make a monetary contribution, please Cindy Benson, Doyle Vergon, and Louann & Ned Gardner send a check to The Paper at P.O. Box 63, Buchanan, MI 49107. for doing whatever it takes to get The Paper Or you can do it easily and safely from our webite: out there and into the hands of Buchanan Readers. thebuchananpaper.org If you would like to help us with fundraising or grant requests, please contact us. If you have any other ideas, please let us know! We enjoy our work and want to continue to serve you!

If your place of business would be a good place to distribute The Paper, is published bi-weekly, and is distributed for please let us know. We’d be glad to provide you with the latest issues. free, both in print and electronically. Available at: It is a not-for-profit organization and relies Buchanan Art Center Martin’s Niles on advertising, donations and volunteers to Buchanan Library McCoy Creek Tavern produce and distribute it. Donations can be Buchanan Area McDonald’s made from our web site, or sent to: Senior Center Niles Library PO Box 63 Buchanan MI 49107 B&W Olde Village Inn Phillips 66 269.224.4949 Fernwood Redbud Grocery www.thebuchananpaper.org Harding’s Redbud Hardware [email protected] Hilltop Cafe Union Coffee House or find us on Facebook and Instagram at Hilltop Marathon UPS Store, Niles The Buchanan Paper Lehman’s Farmhouse The Paper April 6–20, 2018 Life is Better, Police, Etc. Page 3 p o l i c e “Life is better here...” reports is the City slogan. 3/12/18-3/26/18 So in this regular feature you can tell Officers responded to 134 calls during this time period. 3/12: Officers assisted with a medical er check. Responded to a call concern- us what makes life better here — and how it can be improved. emergency call. Administered two Pre- ing a juvenile noise complaint. We encourage your submissions. liminary Breath Tests. The City Code 3/19: Officers were called to investi- Enforcement Officer attended to a litter gate a property damage accident. Ad- ordinance violation. Officers were dis- ministered two Preliminary Breath patched to investigate threats that were Tests. The City Code Enforcement made. Officers investigated a call con- Officer attended to a junk vehicle vio- Message from the Mayor cerning the larceny of tools from a ve- lation. Officers made an arrest for a On Wednesday, March 28 at 6:00 p.m. I attended hicle. Investigated suspicious markings parole violation. Investigated a com- a town-hall-style meeting regarding safety in our that were made on a driveway. Took plaint about an animal problem. Re- care of some found property. Assisted schools. School and community leaders from Niles, sponded to an alarm. Investigated the in a lockout problem. Assisted the Ber- malicious damage of two vehicles. Buchanan and Brandywine met at Niles High School rien County Sheriff’s Department with Performed a VIN inspection. Assist- a call that concerned a possible propane ed with two emergency medical calls. to discuss school safety in the wake of the school shoot- leak. Investigated a complaint about ings in Parkland, Florida. some retail fraud. 3/20: Officers responded to an alarm. Assisted with an emergency medical Niles, Buchanan and Brandywine high schools all had student walkouts 3/13: Officers assisted a motorist who call. Looked into a call concerning a on Wednesday, March 14 at 10am to protest for improved student safety was having a problem. Administered dog biting another dog. Administered a Preliminary Breath Test. The City two Preliminary Breath tests. The City and mental health services for students. This town hall meeting was Code Enforcement Officer attended to scheduled in response to student requests following the walkouts. Code Enforcement Officer attended to a problem involving violation of the two junk vehicle violations and a litter The meeting was led by Dr. Dan Applegate, Superintendent of Niles Animal Excrement Ordinance. Officers violation. A vehicle license plate was responded to assist with a stalled vehi- Community Schools. Tim Donahue, Superintendent of Buchanan Commu- found. The department performed a cle in the road. Responded to an alarm. background check. Officers responded nity Schools and Karen Weimer of Brandywine Schools also provided in- 3/14: Officers investigated a complaint to an alarm. Performed a general as- put. Procedures, rules, and safeguards were all reviewed. All three super- concerning the larceny of a Bluetooth sist. Investigated a malicious destruc- intendents thanked community members for their support of bond issues player from a vehicle. Assisted with tion of property complaint. as the bonds have provided much-needed funding for safety improvements an emergency medical call. The City 3/21: Officers administered three Code Enforcement Officer attended Preliminary Breath Tests. Performed in all three districts. to a Junk Vehicle Ordinance viola- a welfare check. Received a call con- Three student leaders from Niles spoke about the walkout and the goals tion. He also attended to the violation cerning a verbal dispute. Upon arrival of the school safety movement. of the Litter Ordinance. Officers made the suspect was gone. Performed a VIN two welfare checks. Investigated two inspection. Investigated a complaint Students and parents then heard from Representative Fred Upton who concerns about suspicious persons in concerning a malicious destruction of reviewed the newly approved funding to schools for increased security the community. Assisted the Child Pro- a bicycle. Responded to a false alarm. tection Agency in a call. Investigated a which was passed last week in the omnibus bill. property damage accident. Investigated 3/22: Officers arrested an individual Local law enforcement was in attendance. Sheriff Paul Bailey spoke a concern about an open door. for driving with a suspended license; it was the person’s second offense. The 3/15: regarding funding for school counselors and more safety officers through Officers participated in a sub- Code Enforcement Officer attended to the sheriff’s association, of which he is the current president. In addition poena service. Assisted an individual an International Maintenance Property who had a lockout problem. The Code to Sheriff Bailey, there were officers from Cass County, the City of Niles, Code violation. Officers assisted with Enforcement Officer attended to an an emergency medical call involving a the Michigan State Police as well as our own OfficerHarvey Burnett, who International Maintenance Property seizure. Assisted an individual with a addressed issues of mental health for young people. Code violation. Officers investigated a lockout problem. Performed a general property damage accident. Responded The tone of the meeting was very positive and everyone was in agree- assist. Investigated an assault and bat- to a call concerning a civil issue. Inves- tery complaint. ment that student safety is the number one priority of school, community tigated a suspicious situation concern. 3/23: The City Code Enforcement 3/16: and law enforcement leaders. The meeting concluded with a Q and A from Officers responded to two alarms. Officer attended to a fence code the audience. The Code Enforcement Officer attended violation and a burning code viola- to a Litter Code violation and a Junk Ve- -Brenda Hess tion. Officers investigated two threat hicle Code violation. Officers adminis- concerns. Assisted another agency tered a Preliminary Breath Test. Assisted in a subpoena service. Delivered the an individual with a lockout problem. council packets. Officers responded Assisted the Child Protective Service to a call concerning an open door. All with a call. Investigated a call concern- was determined to be all right. ing a Domestic Violence situation. by Jean Rose Made a general assist. Looked into two 3/24: Officers responded to a call calls concerning domestic problems. concerning a suspicious situation. Responded to an alarm. Administered 3/17: Scarecrow Officers administered two Pre- three Preliminary Breath Tests. Took liminary Breath Tests. Responded to charge of a credit card that was found. a call concerning a dog that fell into a Assisted an individual with a lockout Factory hole and couldn’t get out. Assisted the problem. Assisted the Niles Town- Child Protective Service with a call. ship Fire Department with a call. Performed a general assist. Assisted in Assisted with an emergency medical Opens two lockout situations. Investigated a March 27 was opening day call. Responded to a call concerning larceny complaint. Assisted with two an assault and battery complaint. at the Scarecrow Factory. The emergency medical calls. Investigated day was spent reorganizing a call concerning the larceny of a wal- 3/25: Officers administered four Pre- let and keys. Responded to a call about liminary Breath Tests. Investigated our work areas, sorting and someone who was disturbing the peace. two breaking and entry calls. Per- hanging donated clothing and formed a VIN inspection. Assisted 3/18: Officers assisted with an emer- with two emergency medical calls. planning our displays. Next gency medical call concerning a per- Tuesday we start creating Responded to a domestic violence son having a seizure. Administered call. Investigated a fraud concern. scarecrows. The factory three Preliminary Breath Tests. Re- is open every Tuesday at sponded to a call concerning the un- 3/26: Officers investigated an identity lawful driving away of an auto. Inves- theft complaint. Responded to a call 9am, we break at 11:30 for a tigated the malicious damage to two concerning a person driving on the 30-minute meeting, have lunch vehicles by keying them. Made an ar- sidewalk trying to hit a person who at noon and follow up with rest in a domestic violence complaint. was walking on the walk. Investigated more creating until about 2pm. Assisted with an emergency medical a breaking and entering complaint. As- sisted with an emergency medical call. Please join us for the fun, even call. Investigated a concern about a suspicious situation. Performed a teth- –Bob Hess if you have only an hour or two. Any time you can spend with us is appreciated. Pictured above: Mary Fisher and Clare Hagan sorting and hanging small scarecrow clothing. Below are Dave Perez and Hannah Bever searching for clothing and accessories for a display they are creating. The Paper April 6–20, 2018­ Body, Mind, Spirit & Soul Page 4 “Body, Mind, Spirit & Soul” is a regular section featuring selections in the areas of faith, health, spirituality and wellness. We encourage your submissions. Blue Star Mothers Chapter St. Expeditus Day 193 recently filled April 19 16 boxes with Celebrate! personal-care The Patron Saint of Procrastinators and food items, A popular tale regarding St. Expeditus sending them to (Expedite in French) relates how a shipping servicemen and crate containing relics from Roman catacombs women stationed was sent to a community of French-speaking overseas. from left: Minnie Walter, Phyllis Davis, nuns. Their only clue to the identity of the Tammy Sebasty, Wendie Stephenson contents was the inscription e spedito and Chapter 193 was formed three years ago and meets the first the date. Assuming that was the name of the Wednesday of every month (except December) at 7pm at the saint whose remains were inside, the sisters Redbud City Center (131 S. Oak Street). In addition to sending translated it to French–Expedite (Expeditus packages to our service people, the Blue Star Mothers provide monthly bingo parties to veterans at a local assisted-living facility. in Latin) and consequently dedicated a chapel Blue Star Mothers, Chapter 193 welcomes interested persons to him. Not speaking Italian, the nuns hadn’t to attend their meetings and seeks mothers whose child serves, realized that the writing on the package or has served, in any branch of United States military, to join actually referred to the shipping date. them in supporting the individuals who have chosen to keep While there are many devotées of Saint our country safe for all Americans. St. Expeditus limited edition sculptural plaque Expeditus (or Expidite), there is no creditable For further information on becoming a member, or donating evidence that he ever walked this earth. to the next care package boxing, contact the chapter president, Tammy Sebasty @ (269) 240-3894 or [email protected] The name Expeditus occurs among a list of saints martyred on the 18th and 19th or visit Buchanan Michigan Blue Star Mothers 193 on Facebook. of April, one in Rome and the other in Armenia; but there is no tradition around either, and the name was quite possibly a scribe’s spelling error. (The list in question was found to contain so many mistakes that virtually anything on it was suspect.) St. Expeditus is patron of the town of Acireale in Sicily, and 18th-century paintings of him have been found in Germany, depicting him as a saint to be invoked against procrastination. (He bears the word “hodie”–Latin for “today”–while stepping on a crow which is crying “cras”–”tomorrow.”) There is only one famous statue of him in North America. It is in New Orleans, where he enjoys a great reputation for “expediting” spiritual favors. He is also believed to “expedite” payment and shipments and thus is the patron of merchants. Fred “Dugie” Elton Holloway Also known as “The Minute Saint” for “prompt solutions,” In Rome, there’s Aug 11, 1943 - Mar 2, 2018 he has been adopted exofficio as patron of computer programmers, a statue of e-commerce and those who use the internet. Sant’Espedito in Ruth C. Turner As is the case with several other popular saints (e.g., the church of Santa Dec 18, 1925 - Mar 8, 2018 St. Vincent for Wine), Expeditus appears to have achieved his Maria di Loreto. patronage through a pun. The fact that he most likely owes his Jeanne Walkden existence to errors–and errors are often made in haste–adds an ironic poignancy to Apr 3, 1959 - Mar 8, 2018 the tales. Cynthia “Cindy/Cid” Ann Galaske -Pat (See saintspreserved.com for much more information) Jul 18, 1966 - Mar 20, 2018 Ronald D. Heminger f you just didn’t quite get around to celebrating St. Valentine’s Day Oct 20, 1941 - Mar 21, 2018 Iby sending valentines, or forgot someone’s special occasion, or Mary Ann Lemon perhaps have been putting off sending a thank-you note, St. Expeditus Jan 7, 1929 - Mar 22, 2018 Day is the perfect time to do it! Betty Joyce Frost Another good way to celebrate is to clean off your desk—if it’s piled up Apr 24, 1933 - Mar 23, 2018 with things you’ve been meaning to get around to. Marvin Lynn Wisemore ●Watch for the sculptural plaque above to be Apr 7, 1950 - Mar 26, 2018 raffled off in a fund-raiser for The Paper – as soon as we get around to organizing it! Phyllis Marie Ruetz Dec 07, 1933 - Mar 28, 2018

SWEM CHAPEL Starks Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services 301 W. Front Street Buchanan, MI 49107 (269) 695-6881 Richard Swem Cameron Ondresky [email protected] [email protected]

Should Cameron’s pic be bigger? The Paper April 6–20, 2018 Misc. Page 5 75th High School Senior by Mark Tumbleson Former BHS Rex Rose Athlete Night Athletic Director Mike Young he Buchanan-Galien Lions Club hosted speaks to group Exhibit their annual high school Senior Athlete of senior athletes NightT on March 22nd at the American Legion at Ralph Rumbaugh Post #51. Senior Athlete Night is a long-standing tradition of the Lions Galien Club. The evening is an opportunity to recog- nize high school seniors for their athletic and Library academic achievements as well as increase their awareness of the Lions Club and the val- by Sue Robinson ue of all service groups to the community of Buchanan. All enjoyed a fine meal prepared by Bill Kechkaylo. This year’s group consisted of 44 athletes, 10 coaches, 13 Lions and the pring has sprung at the Galien Township Library! guest speaker, former BHS Athletic Director The library is currently hosting a photography display Mike Young. ofS beautiful flower pictures as well as woodworking items by local artist Rex Rose. Daffodils, lilies, and many other plants & flowers will surely put you in the mood for spring. You can also see hand-carved wooden automobiles. There is even a Hummer replica, and a photo showing one that Rex presented to “The Terminator” himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Rex and his wife, Jean, are life- long residents of the Buchanan area, and he is a graduate of Galien High School. His work has been exhibited at Buchanan Art Center, where he has another show this fall, When Scarecrows Invade Buchanan. Stop by the Galien Library at 302 N. Cleveland Avenue. Hours are Mon. & Wed. 12-8pm, Tues. & Thurs. 10-5:30, Fri. 12-5:30, Sat. 9-1. The display will be available for viewing until the end of April.

To kick off the evening, Lion President BHS senior athletes honored at the Mark Tumbleson welcomed all and intro- Lions Club 75th annual dinner. duced Lion Jeff Curry, Master of Ceremo- nies. Curry spoke of the history of the senior LIONS is an acronym for Liberty, Intelli- athlete dinner tradition and how much the Li- gence, Our Nation’s Safety. The Lions are the ons look forward to hosting this event each largest service organization in the world, with year. He then introduced BHS Athletic Direc- 1.4 million members in 205 countries. The Li- tor Lonnie Hoover who thanked the Lions ons primary focus is vision improvement, but for hosting the evening and had each coach each local club member also assists the com- introduce themselves. Each athlete then had munity in a wide variety of service activities— opportunity to share their name, future plans hence their motto “We Serve”. VOTER REGISTRATION and most memorable sports moment. Dinner was followed by each Lion giving Most recently the Lions chartered a Leo Club TRAINING SESSION their background of Lion service years and what (a junior Lions club for high school students) Saturday, April 7, 10:00am being a Lion means to them. Curry then intro- and were very involved in the underwriting and duced Mike Young who gave the senior athletes promotion of the Buchanan Promise program. he League of Women Voters of Berrien & Cass Counties will quite a pep talk and some excellent advice about Tumbleson closed by encouraging the stu- sponsor a voter registration training session at Buchanan T dents to consider making community service a Art Center, 117 W. Front, Saturday, April 7, at 10:00am. life. Young worked a total of 38 years in pub- Anyone 18 and over interested in helping people register to lic education before retiring in 2006. He taught priority once they are out of college, or serving vote is welcome to attend. The session will take about one hour. and coached at both St. John’s and Colon, MI in the armed forces or get settled into their next Also, Friday, April 13 from 10am—1:30pm: The League will before coming to Buchanan in 1976. He started stage of life. “No matter where you end up, you host a voter registration table at Niles Community High School. his BHS career as head football and track coach will not be very far from a local Lions club or a (For access, you will need to go to the main door, be buzzed in, and and then advanced to serve 22 years as athletic community where you also can serve!” register in the school office. The League table will be nearby.) director and assistant principal in Buchanan. He Master of Ceremonies Curry closed the For more information on this event, email League Voter Service spoke of many of his own coaching opportuni- co-chairs Michael McCaffrey at [email protected] or evening by thanking everyone for taking time ties, memories and experiences, challenging the to attend, hoped they learned something and John Ripley at [email protected]. young athletes to begin preparing for their next enjoyed the evening. He thanked the athletes stage of life. and coaches for their dedication to the various He emphasized how important it is to de- Buchanan sport teams. He closed with his all- velop a network of friends, contacts and ref- Winners All Around erences that will become invaluable in their time favorite saying: “Once a Buck–Always a future career growth. Mr. Young also engaged Buck!” Jerry Flenar, $10,000 the coaches several times, both to keep them Congratulations Buchanan High School senior Grand Prize winner of the on their toes, and the event light-hearted. He athletes on your many athletic and academic LMC Winners Circle Raffle was very proud to announce that all seven of successes and Good Luck in the future! earlier this month was his children graduated from given the award by Rita Buchanan and 17 of his 20 Whise of Lake Michigan grandchildren are currently College Foundation. enrolled in the Buchanan This was just one of the school system. prizes offered by LMC in Mark Tumbleson spoke of the Lions Club and its service their annual live and silent auction to fund to the community. scholarships. Buchanan Lions Club was The 28th Winner’s Circle Benefit Auction was held at The founded in 1934 and merged serving the community Mendel Center on Saturday, March 3, 2018. with Galien Lions Club in 2013. for 40 years The Paper April 6–20, 2018­ Vulture Venues Page 6

The arrival of spring signals the arrival of the migratory birds – robins, warblers, phoebes, hummingbirds, and yes, even turkey vultures. Vulture We will begin to see a gathering of turkey vultures, called a “venue,” on the railings of the water towers and circling Venues gracefully in the skies above Buchanan. by Jan Ferris ost people think of turkey vul- Mtures as being gross or evil. But I found some of their habits and ad- aptations to be quite interesting, and understanding them will hopefully dispel some of the misconceptions people have about them. Because they are scavengers, people perceive them have weak, chicken-like feet, which are suitable for red-tailed hawk. There are no vultures of any kind as dirty and disease-ridden. And they won’t win any running on the ground but not for lifting or carrying in England, so the first English colonists probably beauty contests, either. But they serve a purpose in food. They can only step on their food to hold it in referred to our soaring vultures as buzzards, and the the food chain, and spread no more disease than place while eating. They also have weaker, thinner nickname just stuck. non-scavenging animals. In fact, they are doing us a beaks than Old World vultures. Turkey vultures are not aggressive and won’t go service by cleaning up decomposing animals so that Because all vultures eat a messy diet of carrion, after pets or people. Their massive size and flight disease and bacteria don’t spread. their head and neck are mostly bare, except for a thin patterns make them interesting to watch. So enjoy Turkey vultures eat mostly meat, but they don’t covering of down. The turkey vulture gets its name watching the turkey vultures hunt for their food or eat live animals. The vultures from its bald, red head, which is similar to that of as they return to Buchanan head out of the city to search for and dine on car- a turkey. While feeding, the vulture often sticks its – just watch where you’re rion, their favored feast. Their keen sense of smell head inside the carcass to reach meat. If vultures had driving! for mercaptan, a gas produced by the beginnings of a feathery head, pieces of meat and bacteria would decay, leads them to carcasses. But contrary to what stick to their feathers. After feeding, turkey vultures ●The Turkey Vulture you may think about them, vultures won’t eat just perch in the heat of the sun to bake off anything that Society is a non-profit any dead animal. They prefer fresher meat over meat does manage to stick to the fuzz on their heads. scientific corporation that that is really rotten, and prefer the meat of herbivo- Admittedly, there is some vulture behavior that is is promoting scientific rous animals over that of dogs and other carnivores. pretty gross, but which serves a purpose nonethe- studies of the life habits and They also like dead fish and occasionally may eat less. One such behavior is urinating directly onto needs of the turkey vulture, plant matter. As well as a good sense of smell, vul- their legs, which has two purposes. In the summer, protecting the vulture and tures have excellent eyesight to assist them in finding wetting the legs cools the vulture as the urine evapo- its habitat, and informing food, but they cannot see well at night. rates, because they cannot sweat like we can. Their the public of the valuable Vultures usually fly in groups called “kettles.” I urine contains strong acids from their digestive sys- and essential services this once thought that a kettle of vultures flying in circles tem, which kills any bacteria that may remain on its bird provides to mankind was a sign of something dead or dying nearby, prob- legs from stepping on its meal. and to the environment. ably the result of watching too many old Westerns, Worse than that is their habit of vomiting, which is For more information, visit but that is not always the case. Although they may their primary form of defense. They cough up a lump their website at https:// indeed be searching for animals already dead, they of foul smelling, semi-digested meal, which deters turkeyvulturesociety.wordpress.com/ . don’t detect animals that are dying. Their circling most animals attempting to raid a vulture helps them to gain altitude for long flights, or they nest. This vomit also stings if it gets in the may simply be playing. Michigan is in their summer predators face or eyes. If a vulture has to range, and they winter to the south of a line across lift off and flee from a potential predator, lower Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. it regurgitates the undigested food, leav- Turkey vultures are 25 to 32 inches long, with a ing a free edible offering for the predator. wingspan of about 6 feet, and weigh approximate- Vultures roost in communes and often ly 6 pounds. Their plumage is dark brown and the feed together. They nest on the ground in undersides of their flight feathers appear silvery or caves, and abandoned barns and sheds. white. They fly with their wings in a v-shape, and of- They lay one to three, but usually two, ten stand spread-winged in a “horaltic pose,” which blotchy-looking eggs, which both par- helps to dry the wings, warm the body, and bake off ents share responsibility of incubating. bacteria. They don’t have vocal cords, so they can The young are covered in pure white only utter hisses and grunts. They may hiss when down and have dark gray faces. Both par- they feel threatened, and grunts are commonly heard ents share in the feeding and care of the from hungry young or adults in courtship. young, offering them regurgitated meals. Due to their size, turkey vultures’ take-offs are la- I spoke with Ramona Van Riper, Presi- borious for them and they often fall victim to preda- dent of the Turkey Vulture Society, and tors and cars as a result. According to a study by the she told me that vultures will pair up and Smithsonian Institution’s Feather I.D. Lab, turkey nest farther away from the communal vultures are the most damaging to aircraft in bird roosts, which are just social gatherings. strikes. They must wait until the morning air has I was curious how far turkey vultures warmed to launch from their perches, then will soar venture out to look for food every day, on thermals caused from rising warm air. They can and Ramona says they may fly several fly up to 60 mph and are known to be able to soar for miles, up to fifteen perhaps, to search up to six hours without flapping their wings. for food. Therefore, they may not return There are two classes of vultures. New World or to the same roost every night, and other American vultures are distributed in North, Central, vultures may join the social groups. This and South America, and are related to storks and means that we may not always be seeing ibises. The turkey vulture, our most common, is one the same vultures near the water towers. of seven species of New World vultures, the largest I have mistakenly called turkey vultures of which are the California and Andean condors. Old “buzzards” for years, which is a common World vultures are found in Europe, Africa, and Asia, mistake. Buzzard is the correct term for a and these 15 species are related to raptors. Unlike family of hawks, and the European buz- raptors and Old World vultures, New World vultures zard is closely related to the American The Paper Aprl 6–20, 2018 Spring Cleanup Page 7

Yellow Crocus by Jill K. McDonald REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE DAY WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2018 3pm - 7pm. Jumpstart your Spring Cleaning LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE, he season of spring often triggers an itch for cleaning. 2755 E. NAPIER AVE. TIt is a great time to start fresh, lighten your load, BENTON HARBOR and simplify your space – both inside your home and out in Enter campus from Napier Ave. and your yard. In turn, your efforts can provide you with a more follow the event signs to the parking lot peaceful environment and create a sense of calm. south of the Mendel Center. Let’s welcome this new season of growth by creating space Accepted Items for new possibilities in all areas of your life! To jumpstart your spring-cleaning, here’s a few tips and ●Household Chemicals (see list of accepted chemicals). tricks to inspire you and help you gain traction to succeed ●Electronics (see list of accepted electronics; fees apply on in your endeavors: computer monitors & televisions, other items are free to drop off) ● Music – Put on some great tunes that motivate ●Magazines and Catalogs you! Ideally, create a playlist that you can turn on at a moment’s notice anytime you desire, which will help tune ●Books (soft and hard cover) With the spring thaw comes this your mind to focus. ●Shoes (all kinds) sadly familiar sight along our ● Hydrate – Keep water, a smoothie, or perhaps your ●Polystyrene/Styrofoam (ice chests, foam cups, foam “to-go” beautiful beaches. favorite coffee at hand. By keeping a refreshing beverage containers, egg cartons, foam blocks; not accepted packaging: PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS nearby, you won’t have to break your productive flow and peanuts, soft foam, or building materials) Most Curbside Recycling Pro- it just might help keep you going. grams and Drop-Off Recycling ●Eye Glasses Programs accept plastic bottles ● Step-by-Positive-Step – Pick one small task, focus, and jugs. Please pay close atten- and succeed! Whether you’re cleaning one dresser drawer ●Bicycles tion to which kind of plastic is or one section of your garden, break it down into bite- ●Plastic Grocery Bags (must be clean and empty) accepted in which program. size tasks. Perhaps set a timer and then be proud of what Returnable Bottles: many ●American Flags grocery stores have Reverse you’ve completed. Vending Machines (RVM) or ● Celebrate! – Make time to celebrate your ●Personal Documents for free, on-site shredding accept plastic bottles sold in their accomplishments as you go. Even though you’ll be taking store for return of deposit and recycling. a break, it will help fuel your spirit and motivate you to LIST OF ACCEPTED Miscellaneous: Cooking oil, Crack filler, keep going forth with your efforts. Perhaps take a walk HOME CHEMICALS Driveway sealer, Roof coating. PLASTIC FOAM/STYROFOAM outdoors and enjoy the fresh springtime air, meet a friend Acids and Bases: Muriatic acid, Pesticides/Herbicides: All kinds The word Styrofoam (with a Battery acid, TSP, Lye at a great local café or coffeehouse, or pull out your Photography Chemicals: Developer, capital “S”) is a trademarked name for a certain kind of foam journal or a great book. Have fun! Adhesives: Caulk, Glue Fixer, Stop bath Aerosols: All kinds Propane Cylinders (1 lb): One-pound cyl- used mostly for construction May this season of spring be filled with many wonderful Automotive Products: inders only. Gas grill size propane tanks purposes. Household foam are not accepted at these events. new beginnings! As Marie Kondo stated, “Believe what Antifreeze items like foam food containers, Swimming Pool Chemicals: packaging blocks, egg cartons, your heart tells you when you ask, ‘Does this spark Batteries Chlorine to-go cups, etc. are different. The joy?’” As you clear the clutter of your space, may new Brake fluid pH reducer / pH increaser household foam items can be opportunities and happiness be yours! Gasoline: Gasoline brought in a standard recycled through the following gas can or gas container can be poured Paint Products: off at the event, and the container can be Mineral spirits local programs: returned to the participant ●Southeast Berrien County Oil based paint Transmission fluid Landfill Recycle Center: Paint thinner/Stripper Waxes/polishes 3200 Chamberlain Rd. Spray Paint Cans of all kinds Used motor oil and filters Buchanan, 269-695-2500 Stain www.sebclandfill.com/recycle. Batteries: Turpentine Accepts: ice chests, foam cups, Auto batteries Varnish foam “to-go” containers, egg Boat batteries LIST OF ACCEPTED cartons, foam blocks. It does not Button cell ELECTRONICS accept packaging peanuts, soft Household or alkaline batteries foam or building material foam. (any size) Air conditioners All household and office electronics Lithium PACKING PEANUTS Anything with a cord or that runs on Motorcycle batteries Packaging Service Compa- batteries nies: Inquire directly with local Rechargeable (used in power tools, Chain saws phones, laptops, etc.) packaging or shipping companies Computer monitors about foam (or other) packaging Beauty Products: ($10/monitor fee, all types) Hair spray reuse. Computer peripherals ●The UPS Store: Nail polish/remover Dehumidifiers 732 S. 11th St., Niles Perfume/cologne DVR/DVD players 269-683-7320 Cleaners: Freezers Accepts: clean, dry packing Bathroom/kitchen cleaners Microwaves peanuts and other various reusable Drain cleaner Phones packing materials for reuse. Oven cleaner Power tools MICHIGAN BOTTLE BILL Soaps and shampoos Printers Michigan is one of 11 states with Waxes/polishes Push lawn mowers a beverage container deposit law. Fluorescent Lights: Compact, tubes, Refrigerators Only “beverage containers” require Circular Small and large appliances a deposit and can be redeemed. Fuels: Stereos The law states under MCL Section Gasoline: Gasoline brought in a standard 445.571(b) that a beverage means Televisions ($20/tv fee, all types) gas can or gas container can be poured a “soft drink, soda water, carbon- off at the event, and the container can be returned to the participant. ated natural mineral water, or other nonalcoholic carbonated drink; beer, Home heating oil For Extensive ale, or other malt drink of what- Kerosene Information, ever alcoholic content; or a mixed Lighter fluid visit Berrien wine drink or a mixed spirit drink.” Medical Waste: Bringing beverage containers from Liquid; Medical Sharps and Needles County’s website: out of state on which no deposit was (must be in a puncture proof container); Outdated medicine; Pills (either in origi- berriencounty.org paid in Michigan for the purpose of nal container or combined into a baggie); collecting a deposit on the containers Mercury: Thermometers, Thermostats, and click on is illegal. Liquid recycling services -courtesy of Berrien County Services Calendar April 6-20

16580 Bakertown Rd. (Corner of Galien-Buchanan Rd & Bakertown) (269) 695-2334 www.countryheritagecu.com

Read and be happy! Compliments of Joe Jilek, Insurance Agent 695-2200

Ongoing

“I am come for my umbrella,” said the lender of it on a rainy day to a friend. “Can’t help that,” Looking for passionate, dependable, said the borrower; patient, gentle and caring individuals “don’t you see I am to care for our seniors at going out with it?” Buchanan Meadows. “Well, yes,” replied the lender, astonished at such outrageous Please send resumes to Barb at impudence, “yes, but – but – [email protected] what am I to do?” or call 248-735-1020. “Do!” said the other, as he opened the umbrella and walked off; “do as I did – borrow one.” Berrien County Record Jan 7, 1875