BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ AUGUST 2018

COMMUNICATION IS KEY ...

In a joint effort with the City of Bridgman, Lake Township, Bridg- man Public Library, the Greater Bridgman Area Chamber & Growth Alliance, and Bridg- man Public Schools, we present this community newsletter. The Miss Bridgman Scholarship Organization thanks the residents of Bridgman and Lake Township. READ MORE PG 11. COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN COMMUNICATION As residents of the Greater Bridgman area, we should be proud of the example set forth by all the community partners involved who are working together for this one common cause -- better communication with our constituents. We hope you are pleased with the results. SCHOOL NEWS TOWNSHIP NEWS LIBRARY NEWS CITY NEWS FROM THE FROM THE FROM THE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT SUPERVISOR DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER It is Last fall As sum- Welcome already during our mer winds to the August strategic down and 2018- and we are planning gives way 2019 heading retreat, to fall, lawn school into fall. community mowers and year! members rakes will We have suggested soon trade Hard to had many that the places with Supervisor Superintendent believe that projects Director library help City Manager shovels and John Gast Shane M. Peters another that have Gretchen Evans get the Juan Ganum snowblowers summer is quickly coming to been word out about community in Bridgman garages. Before an end and a new and exciting completed and ones that are events. The idea made a lot we say goodbye to our yard school year is upon us. winding down. Shawnee of sense to us. We are in the work I would like to turn your Road from Jericho to Holden information business, after attention to the City’s new Tall READ MORE PG 2 is complete. all. So we decided to start Grass and Weed Ordinance, READ MORE PG 7 a community calendar and which is scheduled for adop- open it up to all organizations tion at the end of August.

READ MORE PG 14 READ MORE PG 10 COMMUNITY BUZZ BRIDGMAN

LIKE Bridgman Public COMMUNITY BUZZ Schools on FACEBOOK.

BRIDGMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE - Continued from COVER ...

This summer, we have hired numerous quality Also this summer we have been busy with projects, planning, and prepara- people to join our BPS family. The one common tion for the upcoming school year. thing that we continue to hear through the • STEM Lab HVAC project – The HVAC infrastructure in the RMS hiring process is that Bridgman Public Schools is STEM Lab was updated over the summer. a destination district for employees. • Summer Recreation programs – Again this summer, we were able to offer over 20 extra-curricular camps serving over 300 students. Look for 2019 camp information and registration next spring. New employees and their assignments: • Summer Feeding program – This summer our food service de- Mr. Sam Stine – partment served over 6,500 meals to students as part of the Meet Up District Director of Curriculum, Instruction and and Eat Up program for students 3 -18 years old. Summer feeding Special Education locations were Immanuel Lutheran, Bridgman Public Library, Warren Mr. Gerald Heath - Dunes Estates, and Bridgman Elementary. Bridgman High School Principal STRATEGIC PLAN Mr. Aaron Koleda – The District is beginning its final year of the five-year Strategic Plan. The District Technology Coordinator four strategic goals were established by the Board of Education, along with Mr. Dave McIntyre - District Mechanic District administration, with input from various community stakeholders. Mrs. Joanna Davis - Payroll Mr. Sam Waalkes – RMS/BHS Spanish Teacher • Goal 1 – Create and Preserve Financial Resources to Support Long- Mrs. Michelle Foxworthy – RMS Teacher Term District Financial Stability Ms. Emma Cramer – RMS Teacher • Goal 2 – Provide Diverse Learning Opportunities through Curriculum, Ms. Kara West – RMS Teacher Programs, and Schedules Mr. Robert Bruce – RMS Paraprofessional • Goal 3 – Expand Student Knowledge and Accessibility of Technology Mrs. Tabitha Caid – BES Paraprofessional • Goal 4 – Cultivate Strong District/Community Roles, Relations, and Mrs. Stacy Litteral – Transportation Partnerships Ms. Wendee Hahn – Transportation Each goal has several strategies that staff has been working to complete Mrs. Mary Kennedy – Food Service over the past four years. These goals and strategies will enhance our Ms. Caroyln DeFrance – Custodian district and continue to produce high quality students. Additional infor- mation regarding the Strategic Plan can be found on our website (www. bridgmanschools.com). Job Opportunities We truly live in a community that believes in education and supports its THERE ARE SEVERAL JOB children. I thank the entire community for their continued support of OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT Bridgman Public Schools. As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if you WITHIN OUR DISTRICT. have a concern or would like additional information about what is happen- ing in the Bridgman Public Schools. If you would like to be part of our organiza- tion, please visit our website at www.bridg- The strength of our community is our schools and the strength of our schools is manschools.com and click on “Department” our community. then “Human Resources” to apply. GO BEES! Shane M. Peters, Superintendent

The strength of our community is our schools { and the strength of our schools is our community. COMMUNITY BUZZ 2 } BRIDGMAN

LIKE Bridgman Public Schools on FACEBOOK. COMMUNITY BUZZ BRIDGMAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS BRIDGMAN ELEMENTARY Athletic Information: Knowledge is our Super Power FINALFORMS We are very excited to announce that the Bridgman WHAT DO WONDER WOMAN, BATMAN, SPIDERMAN, AND Athletic Department has partnered with FinalForms, THE BRIDGMAN ELEMENTARY STAFF HAVE IN COMMON? an online forms and data management service. FinalForms allows you to complete and sign athletic They are all Superheroes! According to the Webster dictionary, participation forms for your students. The most a superhero is any person regarded as having extraordinary ability exciting news is that FinalForms saves data from in some field. The teachers and staff at Bridgman Elementary have season-to-season and year-to-year, meaning that you the extraordinary ability to build relationships, deliver challenging will never need to enter the same information twice! curriculum, and invest in the success of every child. FinalForms also pre-populates information wherever possible, for each of your students, saving you time. In order to celebrate our student Superheroes, the theme for Bridg- You may review your data at any time to verify it is man Elementary for the 2018-19 school year is: Knowledge is our current. You will be required to sign your forms once Super Power. Throughout the year, lessons, activities, celebrations per year and after any update. and classroom incentives will revolve around the Superhero theme. We are asking that ALL parents of athletes use Our first Superhero event will be our all schoolFun Run on October FinalForms. Please register at: https://bridgman-mi. 5, 2018. This event is sponsored by ourParent Teacher Organiza- finalforms.com and follow the prompts to create tion and is their annual fundraiser to promote healthy lifestyles. All your account, create your students and sign your pledge money earned supports the students and staff at Bridgman forms. Thank you for your assistance in streamlining Elementary School. our athletic paperwork processes at Bridgman High School and Reed Middle School. Bridgman Elementary School is pleased to welcome Lacy Payne to our building as a Literacy Specialist. Lacy has been a teacher at BRIDGMANATHELTICS.COM F.C. Reed Middle School for the past twelve years. Lacy brings vast Be in the know with the most up-to-date schedules, knowledge of language arts, literacy coaching, technology and read- transportation times, directions to opposing schools/ ing supports to BES. Lacy earned her bachelor and master’s degrees facilities, updates & changes at our athletic website. from Western Michigan University and is earning her leadership Create an account and sign up to follow as few or as certification from the Michigan Association of Secondary School many teams as you like to receive immediate text and Principals. email alerts as well. BCS ATHLETIC CONFERENCE In an effort to meet all the needs of our students, Bridgman Ele- Bridgman High School is entering its fifth year as mentary School is proud to partner with the Blessings in a Backpack a charter member of the BCS Athletic Conference. program. Blessings in a Backpack mobilizes communities, indi- Divisions in our league can vary sport to sport. Below viduals and resources to provide food on the weekends for school is your “cheat sheet” for what divisions our Bees com- children across America who might otherwise go hungry. Currently, pete in per sport for 2018-19: over 40 students are provided with food to take home each week- SPORT DIVISION/LEAGUE end. Cross Country BCS Conference (all schools) Boys If you are interested in assisting with this cause, please Competitive Cheer contact Lori Graves at [email protected]. Girls Soccer Girls Tennis CONTINUED PG 6. The strength of our community is our schools and the strength of our schools is our community. COMMUNITY BUZZ { }3 BRIDGMAN LIKE Bridgman Public COMMUNITY BUZZ Schools on FACEBOOK.

F.C. REED MIDDLE SCHOOL

Greetings, to contact me at jtruesdell@bridg- She has taught students for Berrien manschools.com if you would like to Springs Public Schools at Sylvester Ele- I hope everyone schedule a tour of the RMS facilities. mentary from 2013 – 2018. has had a terrific summer and spent The middle school’s staff has also Emma Cramer will teach 7th and 8th plenty of time out- undergone a metamorphosis over the grade Math. Miss Cramer received her side taking advan- summer and we are excited to intro- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Educa- tage of our local duce five new additions to our faculty. tion from Grand Valley State University natural resources in 2017. Miss Cramer taught students and the many ex- Please join me in welcoming for Eau Claire Public Schools at the mid- John Truesdell citing events that the newest members of the dle school level during the 2017 - 2018 Middle School Principal school year. have been hap- F.C. Reed Middle School pening around town. To say that it has been a busy summer at the middle school team: Robert Bruce will be a new special would be an understatement. However, education paraprofessional at the mid- I’m thrilled to report that F.C. Reed Mid- Sam Waalkes will teach HS level dle school. Mr. Bruce is from Berrien dle School is ready for another exciting Spanish to RMS 8th graders and a sec- Springs and has worked as a classroom and engaging year of student learning. tion of 7th grade Bonus. Mr. Wallkes aid in Coloma Public Schools and Lake- is from Grand Rapids and attended shore Public Schools. Most recently, Many major renovation projects have Michigan State University. He gradu- he was a Title One Paraprofessional at been successfully completed in the last ated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Edu- Sylvester Elementary School in Berrien three months. Most noticeably, to keep cation in May of 2017. Mr. Waalkes Springs Public Schools. students comfortable and protect the recently completed a yearlong Spanish community’s investment, a brand new student teaching assignment at Lowell By utilizing our first class facilities, the heating and cooling system has been Middle School during the 2017 - 2018 dedicated faculty at F.C. Middle School installed in the RMS STEM Lab. In school year. will continue to strive to work with addition, to promote student wellness, students, parents, and the community two new water bottle filling stations have Kara West will teach 8th grade to ensure all learners are challenged to been added to the middle school’s hall- ELA and Social Studies. Miss West succeed during the 2018 - 2019 school ways thanks to the generosity of the RMS received her Bachelor’s Degree in Edu- year. Please do not hesitate to contact Student Council. Finally, a brand new set cation from Central Michigan Univer- me if you have any questions about the of display cases have been stationed in sity in 2014. Miss West taught ELA middle school or would like to volunteer the Encore hallway to expand the build- and Social Studies for Bendle Public to support our educational mission. ing's capacity to show off our talented Schools at the middle school level young makers’ innovative and creative from 2016 – 2018. Go Bees and South County projects. Thank you to the Bridgman Cougars! Foundation for Educational Excellence, Michelle Foxworthy will teach 6th the RMS Student Council, and our many grade Social Studies and ELA. Mrs. Your partner in education, community partners/sponsors who have Foxworthy received her Bachelor’s John Truesdell, RMS Principal made these renovation upgrades pos- Degree in Elementary Education from sible! As always, please do not hesitate Western Michigan University in 2013.

The strength of our community is our schools and the strength of our schools is our community. { COMMUNITY BUZZ 4 } BRIDGMAN LIKE Bridgman Public Schools on FACEBOOK. COMMUNITY BUZZ

BRIDGMAN HIGH SCHOOL

Are you ready for another exciting you to our custodial and maintenance staff for ensuring a clean and efficient work environment school year? I certainly am! As your new high for our students and teachers. school principal I am thrilled to be joining the Bridg- man Public Schools family and am honored to help The Spanish curriculum material was selected prepare your children for their future careers and after an extensive search by staff members, Mrs. lives. The first day of school, Tuesday, September 4, Lamas and Mr. Noll. Thank you for going above is just around the corner. Our faculty and staff have and beyond! Senderos by Vista Higher Learning been hard at work this summer attending profes- is a student-centered learning environment that sional development trainings and preparing lessons includes vocabulary and grammar tutorials and Gerald Heath and activities designed to CHALLENGE ALL OF will be utilized in Spanish 1, 2, and 3. Abriendo High School Principal OUR STUDENTS TO SUCCEED! On behalf of the Paso is the Spanish 4 curriculum and includes high school team, we are eager to welcome back our a reading and separate grammar textbook in students and are excited to begin the 2018-19 school year. addition to digital course materials. This coming year, the BHS Science department will be work- Just as I look forward to learning more about members of the Bridgman ing hard researching a new curriculum based on school community, I thought you may want to know more about me and the Next Generation Science Standards. All of my family. My wife, Karen, is a 1997 Bridgman High School graduate. We these new curriculum developments continue to met while attending Michigan State University. After having worked for the align with our district’s vision statement; Michigan Senate for a number of years, she is now serving in her 13th year “Together, challenging our children to succeed.” at Berrien RESA as the Supervisor of Communications. Together, we live in Bridgman with our two sons, Owen (6th grade) and Miles (4th Grade). Our NEW STAFF AT BHS children keep us busy and will also be joining the Bridgman Public Schools Joining us as a shared teacher with the middle family this year. As for myself, I have spent the last 13 years of my career at school is Sam Waalkes. Sam will teach Spanish Lake Michigan Catholic Middle/High School where I was a teacher, coach, 1 at the high school. athletic director, assistant principal and principal. Cheri Markham, a familiar face at Bridgman SUMMER ACTIVITY UPDATES Public Schools, will be moving from the middle The Bridgman Marching Band just completed another successful band school to the high school to teach US History camp, enjoying comfortable 70 degree temperatures! Thank you to Mr. and AP US History. Reppart, the Band Boosters, and parents for all of your assistance in orga- nizing the week’s events. Thanks to this opportunity, the Marching Band is GREAT INFORMATION ready to represent the district at athletic events and area competitions. The beginning of every academic year is always a busy time. For up-to-date information, please The fall sports season began on Monday, August 6 with the football team view our website at bridgmanschools.com, then participating in two-a-day practices. The rest of our competitive teams’ sea- click on the “high school” link. Once on the BHS sons opened on Wednesday, August 8. It will be an exciting fall sports line- page, please refer to the helpful links on the up with the introduction of the South County Cougars; our new cooperative left side. This site features our daily announce- football program with New Buffalo Area Schools. ments, a calendar for the school and athletics, During the summer break, our custodial and maintenance team dedicated significant student information, and our Twitter countless hours to deep cleaning, completing minor building repairs, and feed. painting throughout our facilities. All of this work occurred while summer Again, thank you for welcoming me to Bridgman camps and professional development took place in the building. Thank High School. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time by calling (269) 465-6848 or email me at [email protected]. I am look- ing forward to a successful school year! COMMUNITY BUZZ 5 BRIDGMAN LIKE Bridgman Public COMMUNITY BUZZ Schools on FACEBOOK.

BRIDGMAN ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT In my professional, public school career that has come full circle, and after having served in various administrative roles in two other 2017-18 Year in Review districts, I can attest that Bridgman Public Schools is a first-class BCS CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS: school system. Bridgman Public Schools has an incredibly respected Bees Girls Cross Country won its third administration, highly-reputable teachers and extremely energetic straight conference championship and coaches who are enthusiastic and passionate about athletics and 4th overall in school history. academics. Great things are in place at Bridgman Public Schools Ken Schmaltz and I consider myself blessed as I begin my 4th year leading the MHSAA STATE FINALS QUALIFIERS: Athletic Director athletic department at my alma-mater. Working for this district Girls – Mackenzie Knowlton is very near and dear to my heart and I am very thankful for the Boys Cross Country – 3rd Place at MH- opportunity to be an energetic impact as well as a positive role model for the youth SAA Division 4 Regional Tournament and future of Bridgman. We’re loyal to you Bridgman High! Go Bees! Girls Cross Country – 2nd Place at MH- SAA Division 4 Regional Tournament Ken Schmaltz – Athletic Director | (269) 466-0227 | [email protected] Boys Track – Drew Dow, Jayden Pribyl, Athletic Tickets Spencer Noll, Connor Blesy Bridgman High School is a voluntary member of the Michigan High School Athletic Girls Track – Kaitlin Essig, Mikaela Association (MHSAA) and typically charges a $5 admission for its home athletic Owen, Karsyn Stewart events. Reed Middle School prices are $3 – adults; $2 – students. Senior Citizens Girls Tennis – 3rd Place at MHSAA Divi- are warmly welcomed and admitted free of charge – we kindly ask individuals to pick sion 4 Regional Tournament up Senior Citizen cards at the Bridgman High School office ahead of time. Further, Boys – Ty Barschdorf student-only pre-sale tickets can be purchased for all home and BCS Conference road ALL-STATE ATHLETES contests for $2 in their respective school office (must be used for date of purchase). Girls Track –Mikaela Owen Family Bargain Cards NEW COACHING HIRES FOR 2018-19: Once again in 2018-19, Bridgman Public Schools will be selling its Family Bargain Cross Country – Spencer Carr Cards that include 20 admissions to any home Bridgman athletic event (non-MH- Girls Swimming – Emily Nannfeldt SAA tournament) for the price of $30 (equaling $1.50 per event). The cards have Competitive Cheer – Lisa Kreitner no expiration and carry over from each sports season as well as each school year. JV – Morgan Adkins Purchases can be made in the High School Office and a small number of cards will be JV Girls – Michelle Foxworthy available for sale at home athletic events as well. Boys Varsity Track – Spencer Carr RMS Track – Aaron Locke South County Cougars Football Varsity – Elaine Starbuck The Bridgman and New Buffalo Football Programs, respectively, have formed a new 7th & 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball – Steve cooperative agreement in both JV and Varsity football beginning with the Fall 2018 Rumsey sports season. Separately, the strong reality existed that neither school’s programs JV – Scott Wessendorf would continue to exist for the duration of the 2018 season. Aaron Locke and Matt RMS Football – Erik Haskins Johnson are the co-head coaches and both school’s respective former coaching staffs have joined together as well. Each school will host two Varsity home games this sea- MHSAA TOURNAMENTS HOSTED BY son while the Cougars will also enjoy multiple Homecomings – Sept. 14 at Bridgman BRIDGMAN HIGH SCHOOL IN 2018-19 and again on Oct. 19 at New Buffalo. The Bridgman and New Buffalo cheer teams Winter Sports Season – Division 3 Girls have also joined forces for this fall and will be led by co-coaches Lisa Kreitner and Basketball District Tournament Patty Daniel. All past traditional Bridgman home event admissions will be honored for home football games played at both venues. Current JV and Varsity schedules can be found by visiting bridgmanathletics.com.

COMMUNITY BUZZ 6 BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

LAKE CHARTER TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR - JOHN GAST Lake Charter Township Water Department CONTINUED FROM COVER ... HELLO TO ALL! found PFAS in their water. Some of the Baldwin Road from Rambo to Snow is systems are well systems. We will do ev- finished. Some other roads received chip I hope everyone has had a great erything necessary to stay on top of this and seal applications. summer. It is hard to believe that sum- issue. If you have any questions, feel free mer is almost over. to give me a call and I will try and an- Red Arrow Highway is still on the table, swer them. A few good resources are the with overlay of asphalt from the Bridg- I would like to mention a national water following websites -www.michigan.gov/ man City limits to Browntown Road. issue that you may have heard about in pfasresponse, www.epa.gov/pfas, www. This will commence after Labor Day the media. It is called PFAS, which is an atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas. Weekend. acronym for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyflu- oroalkyl Substances. These chemicals Also, an update on a project that we start- The water plant continues to have are a class of organic chemicals that ed this summer is the Date Road water- upgrade work done to equipment with are fire resistant and repel stains, oil main replacement project. This project is some original components to make the grease, and water. PFAS has been used/ on the south end of Date Road and will operation more energy efficient. manufactured since the 1950s and has improve reliability in this area. The proj- been used in numerous industrial and ect should be completed in a couple of A new roof is currently being applied to consumer products, such as fire fighting months. You may want to avoid this area the original part of the plant. foams, stain repellents, nonstick cook- while the construction is progressing. ware, waterproof clothing and fast food If you do travel this way, please exercise Greenwood Cemetery is having the back wrappers. The manufacturers of PFAS caution for everyone’s safety. loop resurfaced this fall, complimenting agreed to phase out the production of the resurfacing of the front loop. these compounds around a decade ago, I continue to present the offer for but they are still used in the field. The plant tours if you are interested and If you see street lights that are not State of Michigan is carrying out a pro- these can be scheduled during the working, please call in with the pole active initiative to sample community week. Enjoy the remainder of your number. There is a tag on the pole, and water supplies and other sites to identify summer as we look forward to fall. the Township will forward your request where PFAS compounds occur. to AEP/I&M. Jeff Burkhard You may have heard on the news about Water Plant Superintendent John Gast, Supervisor communities in Michigan that have

Electronic sign We are sure by now you have seen the new sign in front of the hall. We have received many positive comments about it. We will be posting Township meet- ings and events on the sign as well as larger community events. Please keep your eyes out for events and upcoming meetings.

Did you know the Lake Charter Township Water COMMUNITY BUZZ { Department offers tours? }7 BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

LAKE CHARTER TOWNSHIP Lake Township Treasurer Report

The 2018 summer tax bills are out and due September 14th to avoid interest Lake Township Park News and penalties. The park is very busy this summer! The disc golf course is finally complet- Did you know there are summer ed! The new astro-turf tee pads are all installed, mulch has been spread on tax payment deferments available the holes and trails, and the new tee signs are up. The new course lay-out for people over the age of 62, many is available in PDF version on our web site home page. Many thanks to our veterans, and on certain agricul- park employees, Tom and Tim, for all their hard work in completing this tural properties? project. Thanks also to Dave Brunsteg, Larry Leonardi and many other Please check out the requirements and members of the Sand Ridge Disc Golf Course League for volunteering many further information on the State of hours to help make this happen. They had their first Professional Disc Golf Michigan website (www.michigan.gov) sanctioned tournament on the completed course on July 14th. Thirty- two or ours (www.lake-township.org). De- players from around the area attended and had great things to say about ferment forms must be filed by the due the newly renovated course. More events and tournaments are planned for date deadline of September 14th. This later in the year. The park pavilions have been regularly rented all summer. allows eligible taxpayers to defer paying We hope you were able to enjoy the park this season. Fall soccer and other the summer tax until February 14th leagues are gearing up to start soon. without paying interest or penalties.

Did you also know that you are able Electronic Payments and E Check to make partial payments towards Electronic payments continue to grow every year. The new E check payment the taxes you owe? option is becoming more popular with twenty-five residents using the system to This helps spread out the burden of make tax payments this past season. The savings by using E check over conven- paying one large bill all at once. Any tional card payment systems was over $ 900! E check is available for utility pay- amount can be paid at any time. Also, ments also. The cost is only $ 3.00 for up to a $ 10,000 payment. It is fast, easy many area financial institutions have to use, and secure. Automatic utility payments also continue to increase. Some created a tax savings account to help payment cycles are seeing as much as half of all payments being made this way. with this as well. You pay your taxes Payments are deducted when due from the checking account you choose when monthly throughout the year (much like due. There is no charge for this convenient service. Please contact our office or an escrow for a mortgage) and the mon- visit our website for more information about these new, secure and convenient ey is reserved for tax payments. Check payment options. with your bank or credit union to see if they have this option available. Recycling News We all know how difficult it is to come We have been working hard on getting recycling going at the park. Challenges have up with that money every September been getting users to take a minute to dispose of recyclable materials in the proper and February. Deferring taxes, making containers. We purchased new “recycle only” containers to try to alleviate the prob- partial payments, and using a tax sav- lem. We believe over 50% of all refuse at the park is able to be recycled. Please help ings account are all great ways to make by taking an extra minute and disposing of your recyclable materials in the proper it easier on you and your budget. Please containers. Your help is greatly appreciated and our earth thanks you! give me a call if you would like any fur- ther information about these options.

COMMUNITY BUZZ 8 BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

LAKE CHARTER TOWNSHIP From the desk of the Lake Charter Township Clerk . . .

QUESTION: I am 60 years old, do I have to PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE come and vote in the precinct. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018. ANSWER: If you are 60 years old, a ballot can be cast by voting absentee. A form must be The polls are open from 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. signed to be placed on the absent voter list, and can be obtained on Lake Charter Town- EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE! ship’s website: www.lake-township.org. Click Gloria Payne on the Clerk’s tab. Township Clerk QUESTION: I signed the paperwork, do I have to sign up for an absent voter ballot every QUESTION: Do I need to register to QUESTION: Do I need to declare a election? vote for each election? party, in order to vote? ANSWER: No once your local Clerk places ANSWER: While there is a deadline ANSWER: No. The State of Michigan you on the absent voter ballot list, you will set by the State of Michigan for each did away with declaring your party some automatically receive an application for an election, once you are registered to time ago, however, from time to time absent voter ballot, for each election. The ap- vote, you do not need to register again. you will need to request either a Repub- plication must be signed (in two places, high- The deadline for unregistered voters lic, Democratic, or Libertarian ballot in lighted in yellow). This form can be obtained for the November Governor’s election certain elections. Please note that this on Lake Charter Townships’ website: www. is October 2, 2018. is governed by the parties, and not the lake-township.org Once you have turned the State of Michigan. application in, you will be mailed a ballot. The QUESTION: Where can I check to see ballot will be in a secrecy sleeve, you will vote if I am registered to vote? QUESTION: Do I need to show photo the ballot, place the ballot back in the secrecy identification when I come to vote? sleeve, and sign the outside of the envelope ANSWER: https://webapps.sos.state. (in the red box), and return the ballot to your mi.us/MVIC/ ANSWER: Yes, in 2016, the State of local Clerk. In Lake Charter Township, there Michigan enacted a law that voters are three ways to return the ballot. Walk it QUESTION: What form do I fill out to needed to show photo identification to into the Township Hall, place it in the blue register to vote? cast a ballot. However, if they forget drop box out front of the old fire station, or to bring their photo identification to snail mail it. (It requires two stamps). ANSWER: The form can be obtained the polls, they may sign an affidavit on Lake Charter Townships’ website affirming their identity under threat of Any other questions, please contact me at www.lake-township.org Click on the perjury, an option 18,388 residents used Gloria A. Payne, Lake Charter Township Clerk, Clerk’s tab. You can also register at in the Nov. 8, 2016 elections, according 3220 Shawnee Road, P.O. Box 818, Bridgman, any Secretary of State’s office. to the Michigan Secretary of State. Michigan 269-465-6601 Ext. 11

SEE YOU AT

COMMUNITY BUZZ THE POLLS! 9 BRIDGMAN FOLLOW Weko Beach COMMUNITY BUZZ Campground on FACEBOOK.

CITY OF BRIDGMAN CITY MANAGER - JUAN GANUM CONTINUED from cover ... In October 2016 the City repealed its Another noteworthy change from our ordinances which regulated weeds, grass, previous ordinance is a provision which brush and other vegetation within the requires that a buffer of twenty (20) City. As the City researched a better feet be created by maintaining grass November way to regulate tall grass and weeds in and vegetation at a height of six inches General Election a community of such varied landscape when the property abuts a public street and development patterns, the vast or residential property. The purpose be- THE GENERAL ELECTION WILL BE majority of Bridgman property owners, hind this provision is to minimize blight HELD IN THE CITY OF BRIDGMAN unsurprisingly, continued mowing their along our roadways and create buffer ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2018. lawns. Clearly, most of our residents do strips where undeveloped or vacant not require a local law to prompt them properties are adjacent to residential The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to to maintain their yards and keep their areas. 8:00 p.m. at City Hall, located at 9765 lawns at a reasonable height. Maple St. The last day to register for The Bridgman Police Department will the election is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9, Unfortunately, there will always be a function as the code enforcement 2018 by 5:00 p.m. Persons residing in need for laws which address grass height authority for the Tall Grass and Weed the City of Bridgman registering after and noxious weeds as not every property Ordinance. When violations are identi- the deadline will not be eligible to vote owner is focused on maintaining their fied our police officers will mail notices at that election. Persons planning to property. Without regulations to require to property owners and/or occupants register may do so in person at the City that lawns be kept below a certain height which shall give owners ten (10) days of Bridgman’s Clerk’s office, Berrien (in Bridgman, it’s six inches) there are from the date of the notice to cut the County Clerk’s office, or the Secretary some who might allow their yards to tall grass and weeds. If owners fail to of State driver’s license bureau during grow unchecked, thereby creating a comply the City shall have the authority regular business hours. You can also visit blighting effect on neighborhoods. to hire a contractor to cut the tall grass the Secretary of State’s website www. and weeds. Owners will then be assessed michigan.gov/sos and register online. The newly adoptedTall Grass and Weed for actual costs plus an administrative Regular business hours for the City of Ordinance attempts to draw a balance charge of fifteen (15%) percent. If a Bridgman City Hall are Monday – Friday between protecting public health, safety property owner does not pay the bill between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 and welfare and preserving the City’s within sixty (60) days of the date of in- p.m. The City Clerk’s office will be open natural environment. Rather than voice the cost shall become a lien on the on Saturday, November 3, 2018 between applying a one-size-fits-all approach, land or property assessed. 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Full text of the the ordinance acknowledges that a Though the enforcement provision of ballot proposal may be obtained at the significant portion of Bridgman’s land is the ordinance may seem heavy-handed, City Clerk’s office or can be found at comprised of dunes, wetlands and wood- its language is quite common among cit- www.mi.gov/vote. lands, which should not be subject to the ies across the country which are striving “six inch rule.” Essentially, if a home or to protect the property values and wel- property contains a lawn area, that lawn fare of residents and property owners. should be kept at or under the standard To view the entire ordinance please visit height, but vegetation within a natural the City’s website at www.bridgman.org. area or planting bed may be allowed to grow provided it is not a noxious weed as defined within the ordinance.

COMMUNITY BUZZ 10 BRIDGMAN FOLLOW Weko Beach Campground on FACEBOOK. COMMUNITY BUZZ

CITY OF BRIDGMAN

Summer Taxes Due Soon 2018 Summer taxes are due September 14, 2018. Beginning September 15 there will be interest added to the total. Please call the treasurer’s office to acquire the correct payoff amount. Winter Taxes will be mailed out by December 1, 2018. If you do not receive your taxes within a week after the mailing deadline, please contact the office for a duplicate copy. Remember, the law does not forgive you for not having the bill. It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to contact the office if you have failed to receive a bill.

Always double check your payment amount written on your check. Check to make sure that the amount being paid is the amount written on the check. We often receive checks with the figure transposed, amounts that do SAVE THE not match the written amount on the line. So please take a few extra mo- BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY FLOAT ments to look over your check before mailing or bringing in your payment. TheMiss Bridgman Scholarship Organization wishes to thank the residents of Bridgman and New Tax Savings Accounts Available Lake Township for their ongoing support of our community float. An 81-year tradition, the float The Berrien County Treasurer’s Office has recently partnered with area has served as an iconic platform for the young financial institutions to launch a new tax savings account program. Five men and women of the court during the Blos- Berrien County financial institutions now offer a tax savings account to sometime, Memorial Day, Flag Day and Celebrate help residents save for their property taxes. The new accounts are avail- Bridgman parades. able at Edgewater, United Federal Credit Union, New Buffalo Savings, Honor Credit Union and 1st Source Bank. Please contact one of the banks or credit At present the float does not have a home base unions to learn more about the program. and is too fragile to be outside in inclement weather. TheMiss Bridgman Scholarship Orga- CPR/AED & First Aid Training nization is raising money to fund a permanent building for storing and redecorating the float TheBridgman Fire Department is now offering CPR/AED and First Aid each year. As a non-profit, the scholarship Training. Join hundreds of Americans already certified in these poten- organization is funded solely on donations and tially lifesaving skills and become an asset to your community. fundraisers. CPR = cardiopulmonary resuscitation An appropriately sized building will cost around AED = automated external defibrillator $20,000 for materials, however, a first stage goal Current scheduled classes: of $5,000 has been set. Please consider donating 8/25/2018 10:00 am - 2:00 pm CPR/AED to the Go Fund Me Campaign to “Save the Bridg- 9/6/2018 6:00 am - 10:00 pm CPR/AED man Community Float,” and share the campaign 9/8/2018 9:00 am - Noon First Aid with family and friends so our community can continue its longstanding tradition. Any person, For more information, pricing, and to register please visit www.bridgman. family or business that donates $100 or greater org/157/fire and click on the CPR link. We hope to see you in one of our will be recognized on the 2019 float, though classes! donations of all values are welcomed and greatly appreciated. To learn more and donate please vis- it www.gofundme.com/save-the-bridgman-com- munity-float. COMMUNITY BUZZ 11 BRIDGMAN FOLLOW Weko Beach COMMUNITY BUZZ Campground on FACEBOOK.

2018 Fall Cleanup Schedule

12 BRIDGMAN FOLLOW Weko Beach Campground on FACEBOOK. COMMUNITY BUZZ CITY OF BRIDGMAN

Remember to Rake them Right

As the nights become cooler we are reminded that leaves will be falling before we know it. Here are some important facts about the city’s leaf and brush collec- tion starting in September. The fall cleanup schedule is in this issue of the Com- munity Buzz and available at City Hall.

Rake leaves curbside to the grassy area between the street and the sidewalk or to the curb. Never put leaf piles in the street. Leaves placed in the street will wash down storm drains where they can cause algae, clogging and water quality impacts. Leaves will also clog drain inlets and cause flooding.

Collections occur on Monday of each pickup week between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Have leaves at the curb by 7 a.m. the Monday of pickup. Collection will start on the east side of the city and 50 pounds each when filled and will be col- work westerly. Crews will make one pass through the entire city. lected as part of the normal curbside-com- posting program in the spring. Residents Curbside collection will be weather dependent. If there is a significant may drop off leaf bags in the designated snow fall, leaf collection will be delayed and/or suspended. area behind the Street Department Garage located at 9825 Maple Street (south of city The final brush chipping and curbside leaf bag collection will be hall). November 19 and 20. Collection will resume in April 2019. Residents are reminded that Leaf piles do not kill grass, although they may cause it to temporarily leaf piles that are mixed with discolor. To prevent grass from discoloring rake your leaves just prior to the scheduled pickup date. grass trimmings, branches, brush or other non-leaf content After the loose leaf collection period ends, leaves are to be placed in bio- will not be collected through degradable paper yard waste bags. The bags should weigh no more than this service.

COMMUNITY BUZZ 13 BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

BRIDGMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Library Director -- Adult Programs Gretchen Evans ... Continued from cover KNIT N YARN SECOND WEDNESDAY BOOK CLUB Every third Tuesday at 6:00 p.m., 2nd Wednesday of the month in Bridgman. That way, instead of and every Monday and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. consulting many sources, residents from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Join our friendly and interactive read- could find out about all Bridgman Learn to knit or crochet, share your ing group lead by Rick Fuller. Books are events in one place. We got help latest project, or get help with a yarning available for checkout one month before from LocalHop, a Michigan software problem. the meeting. Check with the library for company. the latest book club title. New members LAKE TREASURES are always welcome. Organizations can get a free account Wednesday, September 19 to post to the Bridgman community at 6:30 p.m. at Weko Beach House YIN YOGA calendar by going to www.getlocal- Join Janet Schrader, the sand pirate, at Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. hop.com, clicking GET STARTED, and Weko Beach House for an informative Cheryl Meadors, certified yoga instruc- entering the organization’s informa- program about things you can find on tor, leads a class at the library every tion into the form at the bottom of the beach. Bring along your favorite Thursday. The class is suitable for -be the page. LocalHop will respond with find! ginning or intermediate yoga students. login instructions. Each organization Just bring a yoga mat, some water, controls their own free account and THE ORPHAN TRAIN and a $10 participation fee. 50% of the decides what to post. IN MICHIGAN proceeds benefit the Bridgman Public Tuesday, October 9 at 2:00 p.m. Library. Of course, having organizations post Al and David Eicher will give a presenta- to the calendar is only part of it. tion on the history of Orphan Trains in Please help the Bridgman community Michigan. From 1854 to 1927, approx- calendar grow by using it and telling BRIDGMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY imately 12,500 orphans were placed in people about it. You can view the HOURS Michigan, many coming from the New community calendar on the library’s Monday-Thursday: 10-8 York Children’s Aid Society. Don’t miss website or the LocalHop website Friday: 10-5 this program on a fascinating bit of (search for Bridgman under Com- Saturday: 10-4 history. munities). Or you can download the Sunday: Closed LocalHop app from your favorite app WASHER NECKLACE store. Tuesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m. Create a unique necklace using house- If you have comments or hold washers. All materials will be questions about the calen- provided. Space is limited so please sign dar, please contact Cindy up at the front desk. Gast or me at the library 269-465-3663.

COMMUNITY BUZZ 14 BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

BRIDGMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY

Youth Programs Teen Programs Get a Library Card and EARLY LITERACY CLASSES Teen Programs are designed for Check Out Something WITH MISS TAMI ages 13-18. Check www.bridgman- Classes resume September 10. library.com/teens.asp for upcom- Incredible! Baby and Me (ages 0-2) ing activities and registration. September is National Library Card – Monday at 10:45 a.m. Sign-up Month, and a library card is Toddler and Me (ages 3-5) TEEN ADVISORY BOARD KICKOFF the most important school supply of – Tuesdays at 9:30 or 11:30 a.m. MEETING (GO AHEAD, BOSS US all. Story Hour (ages 3-5) AROUND!) – Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m. BPL library cards are free to those There WILL be pizza. Register at www. living in the city of Bridgman, SPICE UP YOUR LUNCHBOX bridgmanlibrary.com/teens.asp Bridgman Township, or Chikaming Wednesday, September 12 TAB—teen advisory board—is a group Township and attending Bridgman at 3.30 p.m. of teens (grades 6-12) who are interest- schools. To apply all you need is Learn new ways to make lunch beyond ed in becoming more involved in the identification and proof of residency the same old PBJ. If you ever pack your library. Teens meet monthly with library and the signature of a guardian for lunch, this workshop is for you! Ages 8 staff to give input on teen book purchas- students under age 18. and up. Register at the library by Sep- es, help create programming, volunteer tember 7. at library events, and more! Join us for a special showing of The Incredibles on Wednesday, HALLOWEEN PARTY COMING THIS FALL September 26 at 6 p.m. Rated Wednesday, October 24 at 6:30 Teen Read Week celebration PG. p.m. - October 7-13 Bring the family to our annual Hallow- Teen Story Contest, Escape Room, een Party. Enjoy games, activities, and and Teen Book Club treats! Costumes are encouraged but, not mandatory. Library Board Randy Hill – President Lane Kuypers – Vice President John Wilk – Secretary Community Garden Ken Huff – Treasurer We have come a long way. The Bridgman Public Library Community Garden started Liz Bogue – Trustee in 2012 with raised beds. Now six years later, there are 48 beds. Thank you to all Susan Collins – Trustee the volunteers who make this community garden a continued success. Check out Dorothea Crocker – Trustee what’s growing on the Bridgman Public Library Community Garden Facebook page. Sue Janoskey – Trustee Support the garden by buying a dozen clean used golf balls for five dollars. Come Aaron Noll – Trustee grow with us!

The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library. -- Albert Einstein COMMUNITY BUZZ { } 15 9964 GAST ROAD, BRIDGMAN, MI 49106 bridgmanschools.com Office: 269-465-5432 Fax: 269-466-0221

BRIDGMAN COMMUNITY BUZZ

One community working together to serve you better.

Bridgman Public Schools Bridgman Elementary City of Bridgman Central Administration 3891 Lake Street 9765 Maple Street 9964 Gast Road Bridgman, Ml 49106 Bridgman, MI 49106 Bridgman, MI 49106 Office: 269-466-0241 bridgman.org bridgmanschools.com Fax: 269-466-0248 269-465-5144 Office: 269-465-5432 Fax: 269-466-0221 Bridgman Public Library Greater Bridgman Area 4460 Lake Street Chamber & Growth Alliance Bridgman High School Bridgman, MI 49106 P.O. Box 871 9964 Gast Road bridgmanlibrary.org Bridgman, MI 49106 Bridgman, MI 49106 269-465-3663 269-465-4413 Office: 269-465-6848 [email protected] Fax: 269-466-0355 Lake Charter Township F.C. Reed Middle School 3220 Shawnee, P.O. Box 818 10254 California Road Bridgman, MI 49106 Bridgman, MI 49106 lake-township.org Office: 269-465-5410 269-465-6601 Fax: 269-466-0393