98.3 The Coast

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Jennifer Tomshack with United Way of Southwest Michigan tells us about this year’s award winners for the 2022 Volunteer Recognition Awards, which you can see on video right now at uwsm.org! United Way of Southwest Michigan awards outstanding community volunteers Every year, UWSM recognizes volunteer leaders in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. This year, awards were delivered and recorded “prize patrol”-style in June. United Way of Southwest Michigan honored exceptional volunteers who serve Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties with their work and commitment and who create lasting impact in the community. “There is a long tradition of service in Southwest Michigan and this year’s winners have helped to keep volunteerism in the forefront of improving our communities and region,” said Debbie Ramirez, Volunteer Engagement Director of United Way of Southwest Michigan. “These winners are the cream of the crop of local volunteers and represent what it means to make true impact on an individual level and a corporate level. Hats off to them for their dedication to their communities and for inspiring others along the way.” The winners were: NEW IN 2022! Judge Susan L. Dobrich Volunteer Leadership Award for Cass County Winner: Chris D. Bergen Chris helped develop Ross Beatty High School’s first Robotics Team into one of the top teams of over 400 in Michigan. In that role, Chris is there every day, teaching student members how to use tools, make design changes, organize the workspace, plan game strategy, provide transportation, make robot parts in his machine shop, and too many other things to count. He organizes the team to participate in the annual Cassopolis Memorial Day parade. “Chris is a tireless volunteer and citizen of Cass County,” said Fritz Kucklick, a Robotics Team mentor who nominated Chris. Chris also volunteers with the VFW, Sheriff’s Department, Penn Township Fire Department, and others. For the winner of this great honor, $3,500 will be donated to a nonprofit that serves Cass County residents—the winner will choose from a list of agencies or organizations that serve Cass County. The monetary portion of this award is being provided by the McLoughlin Family Foundation. Margaret B. Upton Volunteer Leadership Award Winner: Kathy Rossow Kathy helped build the landscape of community volunteering in Southwest Michigan, particularly in Niles and Buchanan. For nearly 30 years, she has been one of the prominent faces of volunteering in the region. In 1977, the Niles Service League asked her to lead a volunteer clearinghouse (which would become known as the Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan) that grew to cover the tri-county area, serving more than 260 nonprofit organizations, 50 faith communities, 30 businesses, and every school district. In the mid-1990s, she ran for and earned a position on the National Council of Volunteer Centers, sharing her local wisdom on a regular basis with her national counterparts in Washington D.C. at the Points of Light Foundation. She helped national organizations to see the power of locally organized and grassroots community engagement. For the winner of this great honor, $3,500 will be donated to the nonprofit organization of her choice. Nominees: Bob Stanwood and Jackie Huie Volunteer United Service Impact Award Winner: Keith Stevens Keith has been a volunteer for the Berrien County Cancer Service for three years. He spends his time there leading Art Play Workshops and creating Design Art Displays. The Art Play Workshops are particularly important for children who are experiencing or impacted by cancer as it provides an emotional outlet for them through play. Nancy Church, RN, OCN, President and CEO of Berrien County Cancer Service, who nominated Keith for this award, said, “His philosophy is instead of complaining about what needs to be done, you should get involved and make change with whatever talent you have. He will be awarded $1,000, which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of his choice. Nominees: Eduardo Lopez and Paulina Valdes Volunteer United Business Partner Impact Award Winner: Honor Credit Union “Honor Credit Union team members show up in all of their communities, volunteer their time and talents with dozens of organizations and municipalities [serving on local councils, chambers, etc.], and work hard to make those communities strong,” says the individual who nominated them for this award. Honor Credit Union offers their employees paid time monthly to volunteer for the organizations of their choice, which includes volunteering for events, special projects, churches, schools, organizations, agencies, boards of directors, and much more. Their employees are seen throughout Southwest Michigan and in all the communities in which they live, work, and play. They will be awarded $1,000 which will be designated to the local nonprofit organization of their choice. Nominee: Girls on the Run of Southwest Michigan Videos of the award deliver

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Jessica and Chris from Cornerstone Alliance join Zack to talk about the return of the Water Taxi service between St. Joseph & Benton Harbor and how you can use this great free service now through Labor Day. Visit ExploreMIShore.com for more details and to download the wayfinding app!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In the Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District. Local, Organic, Farm Fresh! Meet Eldora! Eldora is a fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier mix who is around 3 years old. She came to us as a stray who had clearly had puppies. Eldora was also found to be heartworm positive. Since arriving, Eldora has gone through treatment for her heartworm and we are happy to say she is doing great! Eldora loves people, and is very friendly to strangers. She absolutely loves to play and chase balls or chew on stuffed toys. Eldora will keep you entertained with her happy antics! She is microchipped, spayed, and vaccinated. If you are interested in meeting Eldora you may fill out an application at the Al-Van Humane Society website: Al-Van.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring “Eldora” from Al-Van Humane Society! Eldora is a fun-loving Pit Bull Terrier mix who is around 3 years old. She came to us as a stray who had clearly had puppies. Eldora was also found to be heartworm positive. Since arriving, Eldora has gone through treatment for her heartworm and we are happy to say she is doing great! Eldora loves people, and is very friendly to strangers. She absolutely loves to play and chase balls or chew on stuffed toys. Eldora will keep you entertained with her happy antics! She is microchipped, spayed, and vaccinated. If you are interested in meeting Eldora you may fill out an application at the Al-Van Humane Society website: al-van.org/adopt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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06-30-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniele from St. Joe Today has details on lots of Independence Day celebrations and fireworks to enjoy! Check out stjoetoday.com for more! The Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber invites you out to their annual Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 1 from 5:30PM-11PM at the Watermark Solarium! Enjoy live music, drinks by Watermark Brewing, food from Woodstock & Grill and Nola Roux, and more! Forever Books kicks off their Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt this Friday, July 1! Stop by Forever Books to pick up your passport and visit participating locations to find Waldo July 1-27. Catch the St. Joe Farmers Market weekly on Saturdays in Lake Bluff Park from 9AM-2PM! Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly market, now through October 8, in Lake Bluff Park. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra hosts their annual Independence Day Celebration this Sunday, July 3! Attendees will enjoy patriotic favorites with a thunderous display of fireworks overhead. The City of St. Joseph will host their Fourth of July Fireworks on Sunday, July 3 at dusk. Other area fireworks on Sunday include Baroda and South Haven. Antiques on the Bluff returns to Lake Bluff Park this Sunday, July 3 from 10AM-5PM! Find hidden treasures along Lake Bluff Park at this premier antique show that overlooks Lake Michigan. This event features over 50 vendors and runs the first Sunday of the month, May through October. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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06-29-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Susan from Berrien Community Foundation joins Zack to speak to Michelle Hannon with the New Buffalo Area Recreation Authority about the William J. Deputy Grant. You, too, can establish your own legacy fund to make a lasting impact in a Berrien County community like Bill Deputy. Reach out to Berrien Community Foundation at berriencommunity.org for details!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Sarah from the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber has details on Thursday’s Business After Hours at Simple Computer Repair, Friday’s Independence Day Celebration at Watermark Solarium, and the July 18th Golf Outing with less than 10 team slots available! Get to smrchamber.com for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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06-27-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Furry Friends Friday is brought to you by The Mason Jar Cafe! In The Heart of the Benton Harbor Arts District! Local, Organic, Farm Fresh! Meet Tim & Dixie Tim is a male Black & White Tuxedo cat. Dixie is a female Brown Tabby Cat with White Patches. Tim and Dixie are one year old, and they are brother and sister! The siblings enjoy the company of other cats. Tim and Dixie are loving and energetic, still enjoying their youth. They are neutered/spayed and up to date on vaccinations. Please call Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-934-7729 to learn more about terrific Tim and delightful Dixie.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kristen and Jessica from The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance join us to discuss the 100 for 100 in 100 Day Campaign as well as upcoming WBC events. Find more at cornerstonewbc.com and donate to the campaign at gomichigan.com! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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It’s Furry Friends Friday, sponsored by The Mason Jar Cafe, featuring Tim & Dixie from Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan. Tim is a male Black & White Tuxedo cat. Dixie is a female Brown Tabby Cat with White Patches. Tim and Dixie are one year old, and they are brother and sister! The siblings enjoy the company of other cats. Tim and Dixie are loving and energetic, still enjoying their youth. They are neutered/spayed and up to date on vaccinations. Please call Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan at 269-934-7729 to learn more about terrific Tim and delightful Dixie. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Head to BuyLocalBerrien.com to check out the latest article, Six Burgers to Try in Southwest Michigan and see if your favorite makes the list!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06-23-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Daniele from St. Joe Today gives us a look at this week and weekend’s best deals, events and fun around the area! Find more anytime at stjoetoday.com! Benton Harbor Arts Association presents Arts in the Park held in the Benton Harbor Arts District this Friday, June 24 from 6:00p-9:00p! This event features local artisan booths, live music feat. Sankofa, food trucks and more. Journeyman Distillery hosts Corsets, Whips and Whiskey Weekend this Friday-Sunday! On Friday attendees will enjoy a special release of Corsets, Whips and Whiskey; Saturday enjoy a Back Yard BBQ and Live Music from 11:30AM-3PM, music goes til 10PM, VIP Tour and Tasting available; Sunday enjoy a Corsets, Whips & Whiskey Brunch from 11AM-2PM! The OutCenter hosts PrideFest this Saturday, June 25 from 3PM-6PM at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park! Free for all ages. The Livery will host an After Party for LGBTQ+ adults and their allies, the show starts at 8PM with a $10 honor cover. Catch the Joe Farmers Market weekly on Saturdays in Lake Bluff Park from 9AM-2PM! Market-goers will enjoy fresh finds at the weekly market, now through October 8, in Lake Bluff Park. Vendors will offer a variety of products including baked goods, locally grown produce, perennials and cut flowers, meats and cheeses, coffee and more! A Cut Above Knife Sharpening will be at the Bridgman Open-Air Market this Saturday, June 25 from 9AM-3PM! They offer on-site scissor and blade sharpening as well as Henckles kitchen knife seta and BRAND NEW ACAKS (A Cut Above Knife Sharpening) custom kitchen knife sets. Round Barn Public House hosts the Grand Opening of The Beer Garden this Sunday, June 26 at 1PM! Attendees will enjoy delicious food from Evelyn Mae’s BBQ and beats spun by the DJ collective, The BBQs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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06-22-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Zack speaks with Berrien Community Foundation scholarship program winners Hailey Hentz and Garrett Bracket about what it means to be honored with a scholarship opportunity. Susan and the staff at BCF can help you set up your own scholarship fund by contacting berriencommunity.org!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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06-21-22 WSJM Afternoon NewsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.