September 6, 2021 is the 125th Anniversary of the Yore Opera House Fire in Benton Harbor.  The tragedy caused the worst loss of firefighter lives in Southwest Michigan's history.  Hear about upcoming commemoration events and her book 'A Night of Horror - Yore Opera House Fire' from Denise Tackett, Author & Treasurer of The Morton House Museum.

Kayla Kolberg of Baroda talks about making her dream (since age 10) come true with the initial stage of planning for 'Zoovolution' underway.  Hear her ideas for the first Zoovolution fundraiser - coming Sept. 25!

9 Organizations - 1 Challenge.

It's year 2 for the Berrien Community Foundation Arts Challenge & Auction.  Lisa Cripps Downey, BCF President shares the details and Susan Dietrich-Reed, Executive Director, Citadel Dance & Music Center represents the group of 9 Arts Organizations:

Krasl Art Center

The Acorn Theatre

Twin City Players (TCP)

The GhostLight Theatre

Water Street Glassworks

Children's Music Workshop (CMW)

Performing Arts Workshops (PAWS)

Citadel Arts & Music Center

Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra.

Equine Therapy offers proven benefits for people with disabilities. The Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been serving the tri-county area in Southwest Michigan for many years with the help of over 100 volunteers.  They currently lease space for classes and their 7 horses,  but will soon be moving to a new location. The ultimate goal is to own their own space according to Founder/Board President/Instructor, Autumn Zick.

The 75th Berrien County Youth Fair is August 16 - 21 in Berrien Springs.  After skipping 2020 for the Coronavirus, volunteers, exhibitors and fairgoers alike are ready for the fair.  Hear all the plans for the week with long-time Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator, Jill Hein.

Riverfest Benton Harbor is August 6 and 7 with a great mix of local and regional talent and entertainers.  Besides a permanent art installation for the City, 2 non-profits benefit.  Co-organizers Sharon Henderson and Julee Laurent fill us in.

Bids For Barks 2.0 had to cancel plans for their auction fundraiser last year due to Covid-19, but are ready to raise funds at the end of the month for Paws of Hope with their 'Dog Day Afternoon' event on the grounds of the LMC Mendel Center.  Organizer Lynn Schlender has the low-down!

The Race Relations Council began in 1999 and has been an architect of popular programs in Southwest Michigan including 'Calling All Colors,' and the 'All God's Children Choir.'  New co-chairs Charmae Sanders and Jacquie Johnson take the helm August 1st, with initiatives to go social, and more.

From wife, teacher, mother & business owner to widow & single parent running a business and now successful businesswoman - happily re-married with a blended family of 6 adult kids and 12 grandkids - volunteer,  philanthropist, It Works rep and woman of faith, Lois Ashbrook has been a mentor, leader and advocate to emulate.  She is my guest this week.

Presented by Frederic & Kimberly's Aveda Concept Salon in St. Joseph and Taylor Rental ~ Party Plus in Benton Harbor. Also brought to you by Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar in Stevensville.

Summer's back on and events are coming back and Millicent Huminsky, Executive Director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, couldn't be more pleased. This week, she talks about some of the events we can put back on our calendars!