When is Small Business Saturday?

It traditionally falls on the day after Black Friday // two days following Thanksgiving (Turkey Thursday) . . .

Saturday Nov. 30, 2019

Hilltop Cafe, Buchanan, MI -- Thanksgiving Free Dinner (Noon. - 2 p.m.) Nov. 28, 2019

708 E. Front Street, Buchanan downtown -- 269-695-9515

Mentioned as a place to be for fellowship and great food -- ABC 57, South Bend, IN local TV

Thanksgiving meal served by owners and employees today only

Noon - 2 p.m.

For wonderful customers, community, and friends

Kim Jong Un's message on Thanksgiving 2019 -- Projectiles launched toward disputed sea east of North Korea

From AP News -- wndu.com posted this story approximately 5 a.m. Eastern

North Korea on Thursday Nov. 28, 2019 fired two unidentified projectiles into the sea, South Korea’s military said, three days after the North said its troops conducted artillery drills near its disputed sea boundary with South Korea.

The launches were an apparent attempt by North Korea to pressure the United States to make concessions in their stalemated nuclear diplomacy.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the projectiles were launched toward the North's eastern waters after lifting off from the country's northeastern South Hamgyong province.

It said South Korea's military is monitoring possible additional launches by North Korea. It gave no further details, such as what kind of projectiles were launched and where they landed.

In the past, such reports by South Korea about North Korean launches have usually turned out to be test launches of missiles, artillery pieces and other weapons. Late last month, North Korea conducted what it called a test-firing of a new "super-large" multiple rocket launcher, a day after South Korea's military said the North fired two projectiles into its eastern waters.

7:45 a.m. 10K Run; 9:15 a.m. 5K Run/Walk & 1 Mile Fun Run Niles-Buchanan MI Thanksgiving Day Run Tradition

Since 1981 -- a 38-year tradition of the Niles-Buchanan YMCA

In 2018 nearly 2,400 people from 31 states participated in the Race-walks or Kids 1 mile Fun Run

Details at www.ymcaswm.com/TDR before Packet Pick-up on Wed. Nov. 27, 2019

In House Registration on Thanksgiving Day this year
6:30 a.m. $35 per person

YMCA 905 N. Front Street, Niles, MI 49120

Thanksgiving Free Meal - Soup Kitchen, First U.Meth. Church, South Bend, IN -- one day prior (Nov. 27, 2019)

from Church Website -- First UMC dot-org -- street address is 333 N. Main Street, S. Bend, IN

The Downtown Soup Kitchen, in South Bend, operates out of First United Methodist Church’s large restaurant-quality kitchen. Volunteers serve 200-300 guests each week, and assist with special holiday meal days for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, which average 300 guests per celebration. The holiday meal dates are often a day or two before the actual holiday. All people are welcome to visit and eat any day the Soup Kitchen is open.

Traffic at this blog (http://faithfor2008.blogspot.com/ ) :November - December 2019

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Monday 16 December        155 page views

                     

High Wind Warning (in effect until 9 p.m. Eastern) - Berrien County, Michigan

from Weather dot-com (National Weather Service online):

Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph shifting west in the afternoon. * 

WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio. * 

WHEN...From 4 AM EST  to 9 PM EST  Wednesday NOvember 27, 2019. 

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

Free Flu Vaccinations for children and uninsured adults -- St. Joseph County, Indiana (Mishawaka, IN) - Nov. 26, 2019 morning

from ABC 57 online article

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. – The St. Joseph County Department of Health announced that residents will be able to receive free vaccinations.

Vaccines will be available at the County Services Building located at 219 Lincoln Way West in Mishawaka, IN on Tuesday Nov. 26, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The flu shots will be offered to children (18 or under) and uninsured adults.

Vaccinations will be offered for little to no charge.

High wind warning - Nov. 27, 2019 (SW Michigan counties)

High Wind Warning (4 a.m. until 9 a.m.)

Areas Affected: Berrien; Branch; Cass; Hillsdale; St. Joseph counties in Michigan

NWS NorthernIndiana (Northern Indiana and Northeastern Ohio)

...HIGH WIND WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH WEDNESDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Southwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible.

* WHERE...Portions of northern Indiana, southwest Michigan and northwest Ohio.

* WHEN...Wednesday 4 a.m. morning (11/27/20190 through 9 p.m. Wednesday evening.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles on north south oriented roads.

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this situation. Fasten loose objects or shelter objects in a safe location prior to the onset of winds.

POTUS 45 Vaping Meeting that devolves into a free-for-all (Nov. 22) -- at White House

from The Hill online news article

Public health advocates clashed with representatives of the tobacco and vaping industries, as well as conservative groups, during a “listening” session at the White House on Friday.

During the meeting, Trump seemed to listen to the arguments of the pro-vaping sector, and hinted he is walking back a long-delayed proposal to remove all flavored e-cigarettes from the market, amid concerns over job losses and the dangers of counterfeit products.

“If you don't give it to them, it is going to come here illegally,” Trump said, adding “they could be selling something on a street corner that could be horrible.”

Trump did express support for the industry-backed proposal of raising the age limit for tobacco purchases to 21.

“Twenty one, we are going to be doing,” Trump said.

The meeting was initially going to be closed to the press. But ever a fan of a spectacle, Trump invited reporters and cameras into the room, with members of the media able to witness first-hand Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) making the claim that vaping companies sold a flavor called “unicorn poop” to appeal to children.

Meeting on Vape Ban -- 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC -- evokes memories of NBC series "The Apprentice"

Proponents and critics of vaping Friday debated strenuously before President Donald Trump on whether the federal government should ban flavored e-cigarettes, in a public-policy version of "The Apprentice" that featured combatants trying to score points with a demanding host who also happens to be the president.

At the end, no one was fired, and it seemed as though the contest — which involved a major public health issue — was far from over.

The president, for his part, raised questions about the wisdom of outright "prohibition" of e-cigarette flavors, although he himself had announced one two months ago. He noted Friday that bans could lead to proliferation of black-market products. "If you don't give it to them, it is going to come here illegally," he said at the meeting with vaping and tobacco industry leaders, public-health advocates and others on the surge in underage vaping. "They could be selling something on a street corner that could be horrible. They are going to have a flavor that is poison."

At the same time, Trump indicated support for legislation to raise the federal minimum age for buying tobacco products to 21 from 18, which is pending in Congress.

While health groups generally support an age increase, they say "Tobacco 21," as it is called, is not enough to check the increase in teen vaping. "Raising the age doesn't fix the main problem," Gary Reedy, chief executive officer of the American Cancer Society, said after the meeting. "As long as the flavors are there, kids are going to be enticed."

In the hour-long session in the Cabinet Room, the various participants argued their views, occasionally shouting their disapproval. At one point, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, who supported the comprehensive e-cigarette flavor ban that Trump touted in September but has since balked at finalizing, said most adults do not use flavors.

"Yes, they do!" yelled vaping advocates, offering to provide sales statistics.

Some health group members objected loudly when they felt vaping advocates understated the prevalence of e-cigarette use among young people. More than five million teens have vaped in the last 30 days, they pointed out, citing the latest federal data.

Trump announced a ban on non-tobacco flavored vapes on Sept. 11 but earlier this month retreated from the decision because of concerns that job losses in the vaping industry and disgruntled vapers could hurt his reelection prospects, The Washingtonpost has reported.

www.stripes.com/ Coverage by Stars and Stripes online

https://www.stripes.com/news/us/in-apparent-shift-trump-warns-about-dangers-of-banning-flavored-e-cigarettes-1.608369

Thanksgiving Day November 28, 2019 -- free dinner at local U.Meth. Church -- Wesley // phone 269-683-7250

from Leader Pub story online

Amy and John Wade along with other volunteers will be cooking on a grander scale than most people do for the holiday. They will be preparing between 10 and 14 turkeys to serve those in need in the Niles area.

Wesley United Methodist will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019. The meal is to be hosted at the church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, MI and will feature a meal of turkey, potatoes, gravy, dressing, rolls, vegetables, and dessert. Registration is required up until the day before Thanksgiving by calling (269) 683-7250. The church is offering rides to the meal to those who request them at the time of registration

www.leaderpub.com/ 

Presentation of Mary at Jerusalem Temple by parents (Joachim & Anna) - Nov. 21 annually

SOURCE is the Protevangelium of James (Ancient Christian writing):

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint of the Day for November 21

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The Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was built there in honor of this mystery. The Eastern Church was more interested in the feast, but it does appear in the West in the 11th century. Although the feast at times disappeared from the calendar, in the 16th century it became a feast of the universal Church.

As with Mary’s birth, we read of Mary’s presentation in the temple only in apocryphal literature. In what is recognized as an unhistorical account, the Protoevangelium of James tells us that Anna and Joachim offered Mary to God in the Temple when she was 3 years old. This was to carry out a promise made to God when Anna was still childless.

Though it cannot be proven historically, Mary’s presentation has an important theological purpose. It continues the impact of the feasts of the Immaculate Conception and of the birth of Mary. It emphasizes that the holiness conferred on Mary from the beginning of her life on earth continued through her early childhood and beyond.

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Reflection

It is sometimes difficult for modern Westerners to appreciate a feast like this. The Eastern Church, however, was quite open to this feast and even somewhat insistent about celebrating it. Even though the feast has no basis in history, it stresses an important truth about Mary: From the beginning of her life, she was dedicated to God. She herself became a greater temple than any made by hands. God came to dwell in her in a marvelous manner and sanctified her for her unique role in God’s saving work. At the same time, the magnificence of Mary enriches her children. They—we—too are temples of God and sanctified in order that we might enjoy and share in God’s saving work.

Madrigal Dinner (December 2019) - St. Mary's College, Notre Dame IN weekend times

Dinner Theatre -- in true Madrigal Dinner form, each course of your prime rib feast is announced with fanfare and song as carolers, dancers, jugglers, and more perform tableside.

Friday Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Saturday Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.

Make Reservations by December 3
http://saintmarysedu/ClassicChristmas

Presented by Saint Mary's College Department of Music
on the beautiful campus of Saint Mary's College

Kennedy Center Honors (Live event Dec. 8, 2019) -- to be shown on CBS on Dec. 15 this year

“The Kennedy Center Honors celebrates icons who, through their artistry, have left an indelible stamp on our collective cultural consciousness,” stated Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein. “Earth, Wind & Fire’s hooks and grooves are the foundation of a seminal style that continues to shape our musical landscape; Sally Field has brought us unforgettable characters, both joyous and poignant, for more than five decades; Linda Ronstadt is the defining voice of a generation, spanning genres, languages, and continents; Sesame Street continues to revolutionize how children and adults learn about our world; and Michael Tilson Thomas goes far beyond keeping score: he has shaped American music and musical institutions for the 21st century.”

“In this class of honorees, we are witnessing a uniquely American story: one that is representative of so many cultural touchstones and musical moments that make our nation great,” said Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter. “When I look at this class, I see the hopes, aspirations, and achievements not just of these honorees, but of the many generations they have influenced and continue to influence. We’re not just looking back; these honorees are urging us to look forward as well.”

The 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors marks the first time a television program will receive the award. The co-founders of Sesame Street, Joan Ganz Cooney and Dr. Lloyd Morrisett, will accept the Kennedy Center Honors on behalf of the show, Muppets creator Jim Henson, seminal Muppets artists Caroll Spinney and Frank Oz, and the thousands of creatives who have built the program’s 50-year legacy.

On Sunday, December 8, 2019 in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage, produced by Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment, the 2019 Honorees will be saluted by today’s leading performers from New York, Hollywood, and the arts capitals of the world. Seated in the Box Tier of the iconic Kennedy Center Opera House, the Honorees will accept the recognition and gratitude of their peers through performances and tributes

To be televised on CBS -- Sunday December 15, 2019 evening

Cultural Wedding Traditions (lecture by S.Bend, IN rabbi): Nov. 19, 2019 from 6 - 7 p.m.

Cultural Wedding Traditions from Around the World: Jewish
presenter Rabbi Michael Friedland (Sinai Temple - Conservative)

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

620 E. Main Street, Niles, MI 49120

www.nileslibrary.com

269-683-8545

info@nileslibrary.net

Tuesday hours are 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

@nilesdistrictlibrary

Join Rabbi Michael Friedland as he wraps up our Cultural Wedding Traditions from Around the World series with a presentation on Jewish weddings.

Niles District Library

Niles, Michigan 49120

Saturday afternoon Nov. 16, 2019 (2:30 p.m. Eastern) -- Military Jet Fly-over Notre Dame vs. Navy FB Stadium Game

from ABC 57 - S.Bend, IN affiliate

Military planes are scheduled to perform a ceremonial flyover on Saturday ahead of the Notre Dame football game against Navy.

Two U.S. Navy F/A-18F Supert Hornets and two E/A-18G Growlers from the VX-31 (“Dust Devils”) and VX-9 (“Vampires”) Test and Evaluation Squadrons, Naval Air Weapons Station, from China Lake, California are set to fly over in formation above Notre Dame Stadium.

The flyover is scheduled to happen during pre-game activities on Saturday afternoon Nov.16, 2019.