#10Trail Challenge -- Chikaming Open Lands

Burns Prairie Preserve - Galien, MI

Native prairie flowers are in full bloom -- the #10 Trail Challenge

18195 Mt. Zion Road (just south of U.S. 12 and just west of Dayton Road).

Limited Parking

chikamingopenlands.org/10trailchallenge

Logan Center -- Run (I-mile, 5K, 10K) this year August 1 - 31, 2020

www.logancenter.org/
South Bend, IN

Join us for the 17th annual LOGAN’s Virtual Run starting on Saturday, August 1, 2020. This year’s event includes a 10K Run, 5K Run/Walk, and a 1-Mile Fun Walk. We understand we’re in a unique time with COVID-19, and we have decided for everyone’s health & safety – to host the run virtually.

With this change, you now can run anywhere at any time of day. You can choose your course and run freely. The Run will take place the entire month of August (starting at 5 AM on 8/1/20 and ending on 8/31/20 at 10 PM). If you race during this time frame, your time will be recorded.

We want this experience to be as interactive as possible, so we encourage participants to use the RaceJoy app to track your run/walk, receive progress alerts and “cheers” along the way! This will allow for you to have an official race experience at your convenience and how you want it. LOGAN’s Run has become a tradition and highlight of the summer for many in the community, and we are confident we will have participants from all over join the fun this year. If any LOGAN event symbolizes its mission in action, it’s the Run! We celebrate every person crossing the finish line — be they in a wheelchair, walking with braces, or running without restriction.

Your participation in this event is an opportunity to get out and run for a great cause. You will help us raise awareness about what we do at LOGAN, supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities so they may achieve their desired quality of life. So grab a friend, no matter where they live, and encourage them to participate with you!

LOGAN’s Run combines fun and fitness…energy and effort with the end result being a celebration of everyone’s ability

Replacement site for Sept. 29, 2020 -- Presidential Debate

As of July 27 -- Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Clinic will be hosting.

Cleveland, OH

University of Notre Dame cancels Sept. 29 Presidential Debate -- health issues

Press release (July 27, 2020):

University of Notre Dame President Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., announced today the University has withdrawn as the host site for the first of the 2020 presidential debates, scheduled for Sept. 29.

After consultation with Dr. Mark Fox, St. Joseph County deputy health officer, and with the unanimous support of the Executive Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees, Father Jenkins made what he called “this difficult decision because the necessary health precautions would have greatly diminished the educational value of hosting the debate on our campus.” In a letter earlier today to the Notre Dame community, Father Jenkins said that “the inevitable reduction in student attendance in the debate hall, volunteer opportunities and ancillary educational events undermined the primary benefit of hosting — to provide our students with a meaningful opportunity to engage in the American political process.”

Father Jenkins added: “I am grateful to the many members of the University community who have devoted countless hours planning this event, and to the Commission on Presidential Debates leadership for their professionalism and understanding. But in the end, the constraints the coronavirus pandemic put on the event — as understandable and necessary as they are — have led us to withdraw.”

He concluded by saying that “despite this decision, I hope we will all remain attuned to the many important issues facing our nation during this election year — and, please, let’s exercise our right and privilege to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3.”

Office of Rev. John I. Jenkins, President

www.nd.edu/

Drive for Students (K - 12): Niles Public & Brandywine School Districts

Sponsor is "Music and More" -- source of this announcement is WSBT -TV CBS affiliate for Michiana

School supplies aren't the only thing on the back to school shopping list, but also personal protective equipment.

That's why Niles Music and More is starting a community initiative to make sure every child is prepared for school this fall.

www.wsbt.com/ 

Census Celebration - Monday, July 27, 2020

Time: 5:30 - 7 p.m. Eastern
Place Niles-Buchanan YMCA, Niles, MI 49120

Complete your household’s 2020 census while enjoying FREE hot dog dinner, water slide, giveaways, Zumba fitness, and more!

All activities will be set up outside and adhere to physical distancing protocols.

Where: Niles-Buchanan YMCA (905 N. Front Street, Niles, MI)
When: Monday, July 27
Time: 5:30-7:00 PM
Cost: FREE!

Who is Marilynne Robinson? Speaker at Trinity Forum (webinar)

Trinity Forum -- event on Literature

Marilynne Robinson

Marilynne Robinson is an American novelist and essayist. Across her writing career, Robinson has received numerous awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2005, National Humanities Medal in 2012, and the 2016 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. In 2016, Robinson was named in Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people. Robinson began teaching at the Iowa Writers' Workshop in 1991 and retired in the spring of 2016. Robinson is best known for her novels 'Housekeeping' (1980) and 'Gilead' (2004). Her novels are noted for their thematic depiction of both rural life and faith. The subjects of her essays have spanned numerous topics, including the relationship between religion and science, US history, nuclear pollution, John Calvin, and contemporary American politics.

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KS01ByHETBC6K5cT7Ze7Sw

Webinar on Literature - June 24, 2020

Story, Culture, & the Common Good with Marilynne Robinson

Description

We are honored to host award-winning and much-beloved novelist and essayist Marilynne Robinson on Friday, July 24th.

Robinson has plumbed the depths of the human spirit in her novels, including the National Book Critics Circle Award-winning 'Lila' and the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Gilead'. She has an incisive mind on our modern challenges and the mysteries of faith. We trust that this conversation will call us to seek wisdom and offer grace to ourselves and others in this difficult season.

Special thanks to this event's sponsors:
David Kiersznowski
Ross and Heidi Little

Time

Jul 24, 2020 01:30 PM Eastern Time

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KS01ByHETBC6K5cT7Ze7Sw

Weather Alert -- Saturday July 18 details for Berrien County, MI

Air Quality Alert for Today July 18th... The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared today July 18th...to be an Action Day for elevated levels of ozone. Pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range. The Action Day is in effect for the following Michigan counties... Berrien and Cass Counties. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. These activities include...refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling...using gasoline powered lawn equipment...and using charcoal lighter fluid. Positive activities include...car pooling...biking to work...delaying or combining errands...and using water based paints. It is recommended that active children and adults...and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma...limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Heat Advisory Day 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. July 18, 2020 (Berrien County, Michigan)

also from WNDU-com TV affiliate with NBC -- expected today is 92 with Heat Index of 100

Air Quality Alert for Today July 18th... 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared today July 18th...to be an Action Day for elevated levels of ozone. 

Pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range. The Action Day is in effect for the following Michigan counties... Berrien and Cass Counties. 

People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. These activities include...refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling...using gasoline powered lawn equipment...and using charcoal lighter fluid. Positive activities include...car pooling...biking to work...delaying or combining errands...and using water based paints. 

It is recommended that active children and adults...and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma...limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Virtual 5K -- Midway Madness - August 8 - 15, 2020

from ABC Affiliate (ABC57 dot-com)

The Elkhart County 4-H Fair and Goshen Health are sponsoring the Midway Madness virtual 5K between August 8 and 15, 2020.

When you register for the 5K you will receive a complimentary ticket to the 2021 Elkhart County 4-H Fair, a Midway Madness Virtual 5K t-shirt, and a swag bag full of goodies provided by Goshen Health.

Post a picture of yourself completing the 5K between August 8 and 15 to the Facebook event page and you will be entered for a chance to win one of 5 grand prizes including a 2021 Elkhart County 4-H Fair midway wristband voucher and a Fitbit.

Registration packets may be picked up at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds office August 3-7, 2020 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or may be shipped for $10.

Registration closes July 31, 2020 at 8 p.m.

Sunburst 2020 (Beacon Health Medical, Michiana): status of August 8, 2020 races

posted July 15, 2020 by Beacon Health web page

To our Sunburst registered race participants,

We’ve spent the last few months optimistically preparing to hold the 37^th running of Sunburst Races on Saturday, August 8, 2020. We worked hard to create a unique and comprehensive plan that would allow us to safely hold the races. We put our whole hearts into it because we know you desperately want to cross the finish line of an actual, in-person race and we want to continue supporting some of our littlest and most vulnerable patients at Beacon Children’s Hospital.

This, then, is not easy news to share, but necessary. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the race. After 36 consecutive years of Sunburst taking place in Michiana, we are heartbroken that we cannot move forward with the race this year.

Our decision was based on a number of variables, most importantly the ongoing public health concerns brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Traffic at this blog: "Seeking and Faith and Understanding" - http://faithfor2008.blogspot.com/

Page Visits (July 15, 2020) - 58

Page Views (Thursday July 16, 2020) - 334

Page Views (7/17/2020) - 245

Page Views (7/24) - 47

Page Views 7/25/2020 = 140

Page Views 7/26/2020 = 160

Page Views 7/28 - 51

Page Views Wed. 29th = 48

Weather outlook for July 15 - 16, 2020

from NBC Affilate (WNDU.com weather web outlook):

showers all across Michiana later this evening and overnight, and some areas could get a heavier thunderstorm. There is a small risk for severe weather later this evening.

No Diamond Lake (Cassopolis, MI ) Triathlon for July 2020

Dear Racers and Triathletes,

First off, we at triMichiana hope that you and your family are staying safe during this time. While we have all been affected by COVID-19, some individuals have felt the impact more than others. We consider each of you to be a part of our racing family and want you to know that we are sending our prayers and best wishes during this time.

It is with much sadness that we are announcing the cancelation of the 2020 Diamond Lake Triathlon. Don’t fret – we will be back in action for this event in July of 2021!

We considered many factors before making this decision. As most of you know, race planning begins many months before the day of the event. With vendors shut down and state travel restrictions still being reviewed, we cannot in good conscience make the promise of a safe, quality event.

We want to extend a huge thank you to each of you for faithfully participating in our events and supporting health and wellness within our community.

Beach Warning (Berrien County, Michigan) -- July 10, 2020

Affected Area

Berrien County

Description

...BEACH HAZARDS STATEMENT REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SATURDAY MORNING July 11, 2020... HIGH WAVE ACTION AND DANGEROUS SWIMMING CONDITIONS EXPECTED... STRONG RIP CURRENTS EXPECTED... STRONG STRUCTURAL CURRENTS EXPECTED... OVERVIEW/POTENTIAL IMPACTS...Light southwest winds will shift to the northwest and increase to 15 to 25 mph this afternoon before diminishing to 10 to 20 mph tonight. This will result in waves building to 3 to 6 feet this afternoon and evening.

Running Wild 5K -- Wacky Hunt 3K (St. Patrick's Park, South Bend, IN) - August 2020

• All registration will be online. No day-of registration at the park.
• 5K will have a staggered start with a max of 25 participants beginning every 5 minutes.
• 3K Walk has a separate, later start time.
• There will be no after-run activities or awards ceremony. So registration fees have been reduced compared to last year.
• Award winners will be contacted individually to pick up their prize at a later date.
• We are not providing storage coolers for personal water bottles, nor refill stations. Bottled water will be provided at the end of the race.
• New this year – A Virtual Option! Run at a time and place convenient for you, and track your own time.

Included

Event includes awards for the top 3 finishers in each age category, disposable chip timers, nature medallions and optional t-shirts for pre-purchase (deadline August 9!) Dogs allowed on 6-ft leash for the walk only. Individuals or families with leashed dogs will begin at the back of the walk start.

The Running Wild 5K Run is professionally chip-timed with disposable chips on park wooded and open field trails, park roads, grass and gravel. The 3K Wacky Scavenger Hunt Walk is on similar, relatively flat surfaces. Proceeds benefit park facilities, programs and bus transportation to the parks for school programs.

• Early packet pickup for 5K will take place on Friday, August 14, 2020 from 4:30-6 pm in the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn. St. Patrick's Park
• Packet pick up for 5K runners will be on Saturday, August 15: 8 am – 8:45 am in the Pfeil Pavilion next to the Red Barn.
• 5K Run race time-9:00 am. 5K start time will be staggered every 5 minutes with a max of 25 participants in each heat; choose your start time when you register.
• 3K Walk start time-11:30am.

Registration

• On-line registration ends Thurs. Aug. 13, 11:59 pm EDT.
• Mail-in registrations must be post-marked no later than Aug. 07.
• See above for packet pick up dates and times..
• **If you register after Aug. 09, you will not be able to order a T-shirt. Registration must be made by Aug. 09, 2020 for T-shirts to be guaranteed.**

Apple Festival (48th Annual), Niles, MI postponed one year

from WSBT dot-com (CBS Affiliate news website)

The Four Flags Apple Festival, which had been scheduled for October 1-4, 2020 in Niles, has been canceled.

The president of the Board of Directors out the following statement:

After months of research and discussion, the Four Flags Apple Festival Board of Directors has decided to postpone the 48th annual Four Flags Apple Festival to September 30 - October 3, 2021. However, the board and volunteers are working on plans to provide a few events on the festival grounds which we will be able to host safely under state guidelines.

The Four Flags Apple Festival is comprised of board members and volunteers who remain passionate about the Four Flags community. This was an extremely difficult decision and ultimately was one that was made for us due to state restrictions.

Thank you for your support and patience during this uncertain time. We look forward to celebrating the 48th annual Apple Festival with you in 2021 where “Apple Festival Celebrates Harvest” will be the theme.

Air Quality Alert - Ozone Action (July 6 and 7 and 8 and 9, 2020)

for Berrien County, Michigan (NOAA)

AIR QUALITY ALERT IN EFFECT UNTIL MIDNIGHT EDT MONDAY NIGHT JULY 6, 2020 and Tuesday July 7 and Wednesday July 8 and Thursday July 9, 2020... 

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has declared Sunday, July 5th through Thursday, July 9...to be an Action Days for elevated levels of ozone. Pollutants are expected to be in the unhealthy for sensitive groups range. 

The Action Days are in effect for the following Michigan counties... Berrien, and Cass Counties. People and businesses are urged to avoid activities which lead to ozone formation. These activities include...refueling vehicles or topping off when refueling, using gasoline powered lawn equipment and using charcoal lighter fluid. 

Positive activities include...car pooling, biking to work, delaying or combining errands and using water based paints. It is recommended that active children and adults...and persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma...limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Thunderstorm - July 4, 2020 - Eastern Berrien County, MI

Special Weather Statement -- NOAA Weather dot-com

Berrien County

Description

...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL AFFECT NORTHWESTERN CASS AND EAST CENTRAL BERRIEN COUNTIES... At 337 PM EDT, a strong thunderstorm was located near Indian Lake, moving northeast at 10 mph. Wind gusts up to 50 mph and half inch hail are possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Dowagiac, Eau Claire, Magician Lake, Dewey Lake, Sumnerville, Indian Lake and Sandy Beach. Torrential rainfall is also occurring with this storm, and may cause localized flooding due to the slow movement of this storm.

Underground Railroad Society (Cass County, MI) -- Vandalia, MI -- 2020 events cancelled, mid-summer

from URSCC dot-org web page (July 2020):

URSCC Annual Events are:
Cass County UGRR Wax Museum at the Bonine House -- Cancelled
Underground Railroad Days -- second weekend in July  Cancelled

Full Buck Moon (July 2020) -- Partial Lunar Eclipse

from Old Farmer's Almanac -- posted article www.almanac.com/

July 2020's full Moon brings with it a penumbral eclipse, which occurs when the Moon crosses through the faint outer edge of Earth’s shadow (the penumbra), making part of the Moon appear ever-so-slightly darker than usual. Unlike a full lunar or solar eclipse, the visual effect of a penumbral eclipse is usually so minimal that it can be difficult to perceive at all. For this eclipse, only a small portion of the Moon will cross into the penumbra, making it even more difficult to see.

This eclipse will be visible from most of North America, except in the northernmost regions of Canada and Alaska. It will begin at 11:04 P.M. EDT on July 4 and end at 1:56 A.M. EDT on July 5, 2020.

Red Bud (Buchanan, MI) to host amateur races July 4-5 instead of Motorcross Nationals

from SouthBendTribune (IN) story from Sports reporter Scott Davidson

Red Bud, nationally known track in rural Berrien County, MI, will host the
"Un-National" Weekend over the July 4-5 dates. 

It will feature amateur and ProAm racing.  The Lucas Oil Pro Motorcross normally
attracts 30,000 or more fans over the Independence Holiday annually.

Changes made necessary due to COVID-19 pandemic are:
only 200-250 racers are expected to take part in racing

Spectators will be allowed, but there will be no spectator camping

No Fireworks

Camping will be only allowed for riders and their families.

Registration begins on Thursday July 2 at evening time

Practice begins Friday.

Racing is set to start approximately 11 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

This is for bikers only (no ATVs) with the 250 and 450 ProAm classes set to compete Sunday.