Missing Dowagiac, MI senior (Alzheimer's diagnosis) - Larry Waldschmidt found in rural Cass County, MI -- April 17 -- Penn Twp. home's driveway

CASSOPOLIS (County seat) -- Law Enforcement officials thank those who were searching for the senior citizen who died in rural Penn Township -- His car was parked in an unoccupied home -- His body also found at that location. -- No foul play is suspected.

DOWAGIAC, MI — Police in Cass County are asking for the public’s help in finding a 78-year-old Dowagiac man.

Larry Waldschmidt was last seen working in his yard in the 24000 block of Jefferson Street in Dowagiac at around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27. He appears to have gotten into his vehicle and left, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.

further information at Michigan Live! www.mlive.com/ 

Trump rallies base in pre-2020 election rally (Grand Rapids, MI) - March 28, 7 p.m.

Michigan, long considered part of the Democratic “blue wall” before Trump won the state, will be an important battleground in the 2020 election. Trump narrowly won Michigan by 10,704 votes in 2016, but Democrats swept statewide offices during last year’s midterm elections.

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, said in an interview this week Michigan will play a “pivotal” role in the 2020 presidential election.

He also had a 2016 rally the day of the election (November that year) at the Grand Rapids Convention Arena. . .

10,000 - 12,000 Trump - Pence supporters expected at Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, MI March 28,2019; (afternoon until 7 p.m. rally)

https://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/2019/03/some-downtown-streets-parking-lots-to-close-for-trump-rally.html

Re-election of the POTUS and Veep at the tickets-only rally from Campaign (Michigan) website

The November 2020 voting is approximately 19 months, 2 weeks away. . .

"Head Shots" book of Poetry -- Professor Janice Zerfas, Lake Michigan College reading - April 1, 2019 6:30 p.m.

Janice Zerfas helps Forever Books celebrate its 20th anniversary!

To celebrate their 20th anniversary and the start of National Poetry Month, Forever Books in St. Joseph, is hosting poetry night from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, April 1 with a reading by LMC professor Janice Zerfas, author of the new chapbook Head Shots (available now in the store), and Forever Books' resident poet Stephen Allen. The store also is holding a 20 percent off sale for all in-store purchases that day. Reservations for the poetry reading are requested. Please call 982-1110

Face the Music - opera gala - March 30, 2019 at 8:30 p.m.

Voice students of the Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan) Department of Music present a delightful program of arias and ensembles from a wide range of operas. Be wowed as the students meet the demands of this challenging singing. You will be treated to beautiful music by Mozart, Verdi, Rossini, Menotti, Ward, Gershwin, Charpentier, Bizet, Gounod, Offenbach, Massenet and more! Proceeds from this concert help offset the cost of future AU Singer Actor Studio Productions.

This event, titled FACE THE MUSIC (Conquer the Fear), is true for both performer and audience member. It takes great courage to create many of these demanding arias. Join the Andrews University Department of Music voice students as they explore the wonderful repertoire of opera. In addition, University Singers will make guest appearances! Presented by the Andrews University Singer Actor Studio.

Tickets available at https://howard.andrews.edu/

Championship athletes and teams who were not invited or who were "disinvited" from White House congratulations (2017 - current)

from Politico dot-com article (March 20, 2019):

Team USA Olympians and athletes from the NBA, MLB and NFL have all declined invitations to the White House, citing their opposition to the Trump administration or to the president’s sharp criticism of players who’ve refused to stand during the national anthem. And earlier this month, Trump came under fire for failing to host solo events for women’s championships sports teams during his two years in office.

Trump also snubbed last year's Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, just hours before they were scheduled to visit the White House. The president disinvited the entire team after several players said they would skip the ceremony in protest of the president. Trump ultimately held a celebration for Eagles fans without them, but most of the attendees appeared to be government workers.

Three Patriots players — Duron Harmon, and twin brothers Jason and Devin McCourty — have already said they are likely to skip the upcoming White House celebration. “They don’t want me in the White House,” Harmon told TMZ following the team’s 13-3 win in Atlanta last month. Harmon was one of several players, including star quarterback Tom Brady, who was absent from the 2017 Rose Garden ceremony honoring the team.

White House Dinner cancelled due to early departure of Netanyahu on Monday 25 March-- for Prime Minister of Israel (March 2019)

Breaking News -- March 25 -- Prime Minister of Israel has returned to Middle East due to Gaza missile attacks on Tel Aviv homes

from POLITICO dot-com (March 20, 2019)

President Donald Trump is set to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington next week, the White House announced Wednesday.

In a statement, the White House said Trump will host the Israeli prime minister for a working meeting on March 25 to “discuss their countries’ shared interests and actions in the Middle East” and at a White House dinner on March 26.

The Shortest Way Home: Author discusses his memoir (2019) : March 19, 2019

March 19, 2019
Where: St. Joseph County Public Library Main Branch, South Bend, IN
Humphreys Multimedia Center Auditorium - seating there and in overflow rooms

From 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Join Mayor Pete as he discusses his recent book "Shortest Way Home" and explores personal and community-wide triumphs.

South Bend is a city of change and resurgence. Mayor Pete shares his personal and political story in this special author event. A Q&A will conclude the event. Pre-signed books available for purchase. This event is being held in partnership with The Brain Lair.

Please note that seating is limited. A simulcast of the talk will be available in two overflow spaces (with limited seating) once the seats in the Humphreys Multimedia Room are filled.

Celebrate St. Patrick (PBS program) - re-broadcast on Sunday March 17, 2019

Enjoy this special that combines sacred and secular Irish music to celebrate the life of St. Patrick.

Celebrate St Patrick 2018 sees choirs from across Ireland join composer and arranger John Anderson and his Voices of Ireland in and around the spectacular setting of St Patrick's Cathedral. Set around the ancient city of Armagh--the spiritual capital of the island--this celebration marks the beginning of a festival that culminates with St Patrick's Day parades across the world

8 - 9 p.m.
WNIT-TV (PBS) Elkhart, IN

John Allen, Vatican correspondent -- to speak March 21, 2019 at Holy Cross College, Notre Dame, IN

from WVPE (NPR radio station website - N. Indiana) website =

Holy Cross College will host a Vatican journalist to present a talk entitled, “Rome is from Mars, America from Venus: The Cultural Gap between the Vatican and Main Street USA.”

The featured guest speaker for the event is  John L. Allen Jr.  He will be at the Pfeil Center’s McKenna Arena at Holy Cross College on Thursday, March 21st at 7pm. Allen is widely regarded as one of the best single sources of information on Vatican affairs.  He has reported extensively on the Catholic Church's abuse crisis and Pope Francis' response to it. Allen also serves as a Vatican analyst for CNN.   

A reception and book signing will follow Allen's talk.  This event is free and open to all. 

For more information, click here:

http://www.hcc-nd.edu/vatican-journalist-john-l-allen-jr-speak-holy-cross-college/

Severe Thunderstorm Warning afternoon - Thursday 3/14/2019

Southeastern Berrien County in southwestern Michigan... * Until 430 PM EDT

* At 354 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm was located near New Carlisle, or 8 miles northeast of La Porte, moving northeast at 50 mph. HAZARD...Golf ball size hail and 60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE...Trained weather spotters reported golf ball sized hail at 348 PM EDT in La Porte. IMPACT...People and animals outdoors will be injured. Expect hail damage to roofs, siding, windows, and vehicles. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees. * Locations impacted include... South Bend, La Porte, Niles, Buchanan
..WIND ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM EDT  THIS AFTERNOON TO 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING... HAZARDOUS WEATHER... * South to southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph are expected this afternoon. * Stronger wind gusts are possible with thunderstorms. IMPACTS... * 

Isolated tree and power line damage is possible. * Unsecured outdoor objects will be blown around. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A Wind Advisory means that sustained winds of 30 mph or gusts of 45 mph are expected. Winds this strong can make driving difficult

"Interfaith Friendships Lunch" - United Religious Community of South Bend, IN - Thursdays Noon to 1 p.m., 501 N. Main St.

A free with pre-registration lunch of vegetarian soup and bread will be served weekly at the offices of the "United Religious Community of South Bend" [ 501 N. Main, phone 574-282-2397 ext. 3 ].

This Thursday March 14, 2019 will be the initial lunch - informal gathering for all faiths.

No Theological or Pastoral knowledge is expected for those who will meet and break bread together.

You may also register via the website "EVENTBRITE."

It was announced in the South_Bend_Tribune Community Brief as a new monthly gathering on Tuesday 3/12/2019.

Lenten Service - Trinity Episcopal Church, Niles, MI 49120 - March 13, 2019 meal at 6 p.m.

Trinity Episcopal Church of Niles, Michigan [ 9 S. Fourth Street ] will host a community Lenten service on Wed. 3/13/2019 beginning at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Five area congregations are participating [Protestant and R. Catholic] in the March - April series of weekly gatherings and focused worship.  Speaker this week will be Fr. Christian Johnson [ St. Mary's, Niles, MI] and the clergy will have turns in different pulpits.
All are welcome.

NCAA Bracket (Men's Tournament) Contest for Library patrons - March 18 begins chance to play

further information at Niles District Library website (Niles, Michigan USA) = www.nileslibrary.com/

March Madness Bracket Contest

Submission period: Monday, March 18- Thursday, March 21, 2019 by NOON to Library Info. Desk

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, March Madness! The NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships are swiftly approaching and your Niles District Library is in on the action. If you’re already a stat guru or you want to get in on this whole bracket competition everyone’s hyped about, our competition is fun for everyone.

Here is what you need to do:

1.  Pick up a bracket from the Information Desk or download one (available on March 18).
2.  Fill out and return your completed bracket between Monday, March 18 and Thursday, March 21 (by noon).
3.  Completed brackets may be dropped off at the Information Desk or submitted via email to earl.shaffer@nileslibrary.net
4.  Have fun watching and keeping track of the games.
5.  The library will tally up the scores each week and posting them on our Facebook page, as well as at the Information desk in the library.
6.  Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 participants

Vienna Boys Choir (2019) - concert to benefit annual Arts Festival (Dowagiac, MI) - March 11, 7 p.m.

Monday, March 11, 2019

Dowagiac Performing Arts Center

Dowagiac Middle School

7:00 p.m

benefits Dogwood Arts Festival, annually held in May at various locations in Cass county, MI

http://www.dogwoodfinearts.org/vienna-boys.html

Section 1 tickets begin at $62 -- availability at above website

"Bach in Lent" - free Organ Concert, First UMC South Bend, IN - 7 p.m. March 8, 2019

Admission: Free

Benjamin Stone performs at First UMC, South Bend [ 333 N. Main Street ] works by Johann Sebastian Bach based on hymns for Passiontide.

He is currently a doctoral student in organ performance at Univ. of Notre Dame.

For further information call (574)-233-9463 or visit www.firstmethodistsb.org/

Concert - hosted by Niles District Library, Niles, Michigan Saturday March 9, 11 a.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend this enjoyable mix of music and performers to move us out of the winter blues and into a spring frame of mind. Free Admission for all ages; details at www.nileslibrary.com/ 

A Wintry Mix–with a Chance of Spring!

620 East Main, Niles, MI 49120        (Entrance on Cedar. St)

What if "there's winter in Spring"? Answer in "Weather Folklore"

from www.almanac.com [ Old Farmer's Almanac online ]

Daffodils That come before the swallow dares, and take The winds of March with beauty. -- William Shakespeare

A peck of March dust and a shower in May, Makes the corn green and the fields gay.

The March Sun raises but dissolves not.

(Meaning that March's Sun won't melt the snow or frost.)

If there's spring in winter and winter in spring, The year won't be good for anything.

If birds of passage arrive early from the north, expect a frost.

Where in Michigan can you enjoy "Paczki Day" on March 5, 2019? Web article from a Healthier Michigan dot-org

The making and indulging in paczki dates back to the Middle Ages. During that time, people in Poland would make pastries to use up all of their lard, sugar, eggs and other decadent ingredients before beginning Lent (a period of 40 days where Christians cut out certain foods like sweets or dairy and avoid eating meat on Fridays). Back then, the rich pastries were filled with pork fat. The more modern versions are a lot sweeter, often filled with fruit jelly (commonly raspberry, apple or lemon) or custard and dusted in powdered sugar.

When Polish immigrants came to the United States—especially Midwestern cities like Detroit, Chicago, Green Bay and Cleveland—at the beginning of the 20^th century, Paczki Day came with them. And it’s been celebrated here on Fat Tuesday ever since.

As far as where Paczki Day festivities occur in Michigan, Hamtramck is a particularly well-known destination for celebrations. That’s mostly due to the town’s rich Polish heritage and authentic bakeries like New Palace Bakery and New Martha Washington Bakery. In fact, thousands flock to Hamtramck each year to stock up on paczki, lining up around the block in the early hours of the morning, no matter the weather.

Paczki aren’t necessarily the healthiest treat (they can contain up to 1,000 calories and 80 grams of fat each), so you could also try whipping up a healthier version on your own (we’re partial to this paczki recipe).

Forthcoming volume: "Oxford Diaries" (Works of John Wesley) in 2019 - edited by R. Heitzenrater

find out more about this at Abingdon Press dot-com

The Works of John Wesley, Volume 17

By Richard P. Heitzenrater • Published Nov 2019 ISBN: 9781501890932

Insight into John Wesley's intellectual growth, spiritual practices, and understanding of salvation during his time at Oxford University: 1725-1735.