Hunt begins at 11:00AM Age Groups:●Kindergarten & below●1st & 2nd graders●3rd & 4th graders●5th and 6th graders

Things to know... Morels & More

People to meet...Virginia Strayer

Plans to make...Easter Fests

VOL I No. 11 March 23-April 6, 2018

From Front St, take Clark St. south to McCoy Creek Drive, then west to the park.

What’s Inside. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5: Misc stuffA Sweet PartnershipDyngus DayPisankaPage 6: BHs, BucHanan BandsBHS Senior Wins Art HonorsBuchanan Bands ShineNational Walkout Day..3/14/18Page 7: city stuffChanging the GameThe First “Let’s Laugh Buchanan”Keep Laughing: “Little Larry”Computing Over CoffeePage 8: calendar

Spring haS

Sprung!

It happens every year. Sometimes when we least expect it—despite the Vernal Equinox informing us on March 20 that it’s officially spring. When Easter is

“early” there is often snow on the grass, and even on top of the eggs. But things are popping up all over, reminding us, that once again “No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.” - Hal Borlund

The City Egg hunt

CentenniAl PArk

this year will be held at Centennial Park, Saturday, March 24

Other egg hunts will be held at

local churches. See page 4.

plastic Eggs are a great inven-tion (does anyone use real ones for hunts any more?). They can be filled with all kinds of trin-

kets, coins, treats etc., that are not sugar-laden. But they are plastic, and more of us are becoming concerned with what the proliferation of plastic is doing to the environment. Here are a few websites that give scores of innovative, practical ideas for what to do with those empty shells:●Maracas to tea cups: http://redtri.com●Bird Feeders to molds: https://www.popsugar.com/moms●Geodes to planters: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com

And: it’s an activity to do with your kids, teaching recycling and involving creative skills. Maybe they can come up with their own ideas? If so, send them to us and we’d be happy to publish them. -pb

Even if you have plenty of early spring bulbs appear-ing in your own yard, a visit to Fernwood’s Moore

Woodlot will give you new perspective and ideas. Separating the north and south gardens, it reflects the balance between gardens and natural areas at Fern-wood. In early spring it sparkles with large, colorful

drifts of aconites, grape hyacinths, and other bulbs.

Our Masthead artwork for this issue was designed by CASSANDRA NICHOLS, a student of Mr. Russell Philip at BHS.

It was a class project, and our editorial board selected Cassandra’s work.All the students’ designs will be available to view on our website.

Fiddleheads are ferns before they become ferns, when they just poke their heads in the spring. They are prized by gourmets, and their taste is often

described somewhere between asparagus, broccoli and spinach. Though all ferns have this stage, it’s the Ostrich Fern that is especially edible. There are numerous recipes for them online, but a simple sauté in butter with salt and pepper brings out their best. You could well have them growing in your garden, but they can be found all over woodland areas. They will only be in the fiddle stage for a short period, and if you have any doubts, please consult with someone who knows. Resource: https://fearlesseating.net/fiddleheads/

Morels, those wonderful delicious things that come in the spring, can be found growing all over, in and out of Buchanan. You just have to

know how to find them. (But those in the know, will probably be reluc-tant to tell you.)You can eat any mushroom that grows... once! Learn from experienced hunters first. If that’s not possible, then please buy the Audubon Mush-room Field Guide as a starter book.

Resource: https://www.facebook.com/michiganmorels/

Page 2: letters, etc.Publisher’s commentsMoccasin School DaysField of Dreams Dog ParkPage 3: Police, etc.Police ReportsOfficer Brie’s TipsGetting to Know: Fran MorleyClark Barker: Dog MannersPage 4: Body, Mind, sPirit & soulMusic to My EarsEaster Services & MoreA Rare Gem: Virginia Strayer

tHe PaPer March 23–April 6, 2018 Letters, Etc. Page 2

Mary LiSterPublisher PatriCia BankerEditor

With special thanks to Mary Vincent, Don Holmes, Cindy Benson, Doyle Vergon, and Louann & Ned Gardner

for doing whatever it takes to get The Paper out there and into the hands of Buchanan Readers.

editorial BoardNancy FehlnerMary LysyMarjorie Trappadvisory BoardDarlene ClevengerDon HolmesRandal PeartRick Polos Alan Robandtattorney John Colip

advertising ManagerMary VincentcHurcH liaison Louann Gardnercalendar coordinatorBeth MurphyfaceBook/instagraMRenée RuthcontriButorsOur Community

is published bi-weekly, and is distributed for free, both in print and electronically. it is a not-for-profit organization and relies on advertising, donations and volunteers to produce and distribute it. Donations can be made from our web site, or sent to:PO Box 63 Buchanan Mi 49107 269.224.4949 www.thebuchananpaper.org buchananpaper@gmail.comor find us on Facebook and instagram at the Buchanan Paper

art CenterFernwoodharding’s

hilltopLibrary

MarathonMartin’s niles

phillips 66 Senior Center

union Coffee house

Are you planning to live to 100? Then, volunteer! Virginia Strayer (102 yrs.)

and Fran Morley, both featured in this issue, are examples of seniors who volunteered after retirement, and who are still leading productive lives. Three of our marvelous pro bono paper deliverers are well past retirement age, and still give happily and graciously to our community. And we all know about Marie Kangas, super volunteer! Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician of “Hidden Figures” book and movie fame, tutored long after her career with NASA, and she turns 100 in August this year. But the list of Buchanan people alone is pretty amazing when you consider our number of volunteer-run organizations. I’ve heard many people say they look forward to

retirement so they don’t have any commitments and they don’t want to have to do anything after all those years of work. Donating time to benefit others has been shown to not only lengthen your life, but also to lessen depression, to increase one’s sense of self-worth, and to increase overall health and well-being. All this while doing social good such as feeding the hungry, creating an urban garden, easing social isolation, giving others a sense of worth, and on and on. Why in the world would anyone NOT volunteer, even if only for an hour or two a month, and encourage your children to do the same! - -Mary

Local opportunities to volunteer include Buchanan Art Center, Buchanan Area Senior Center, Fernwood Gardens, Tin Shop Theatre, Redbud Area Ministries, Relay for Life, Meals on Wheels, local churches and schools. (Contact “The Link” on Facebook for more.)

if your place of business would be a good place to distribute The Paper, please let us know. We’d be glad to provide you with the latest issues.

all letters to the editor may be edited for grammar and spelling, but not content (unless for length). They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.

We want to hear from you, and to share your voice. The comments here include opinions, observations and viewpoints which are not necessarily reflected by The Paper. We will print your name or withhold it as you request, but we must know the source in order to publish.

The year was 1949 and the recently completed Moc-casin Elementary School was opening its doors for the first time. I had the fortune of being in the first kindergarten class. Velma Proud was the teacher. Her desk was just inside the door which made it easy for her to meet and greet the mothers as they brought their precious darlings on the first day of school. There were no tears shed by the new students, as I remember. Mrs. Proud (no Ms.) invited us to look around this marvelously large room and make new friends. I don’t remember my mother leaving, but can now imagine she may have shed a few tears as she left me in the hands of my new teacher.

What fun it was to make new friends, many that would continue throughout the high school experi-ence. We had a “fish pond” built into the corner of the room by the huge window. Oddly enough not one student fell into it (please tell me if you remem-ber differently).

This was in the days before daycare and other pro-grams. So it might be said, we were rather an igno-rant lot of five-year-olds by today’s standards. We had yet to learn the alphabet or count to ten. Could we write our names? Probably not as I remember that being part of the curriculum. Art was important as we learned to color within the lines; music took the form of our rhythm band, and The Hokey Pokey and Here We Go Round Mulberry Bush became part of our repertoire.

School for the kindergart-ner was just a half day. Ei-ther you went in the morn-ing or the afternoon and would switch after Christ-mas break. Not sure why our bottled milk was left outside the classroom on the porch, but that is where it was and a little break was allowed for us to sit down, drink the milk and eat saltines. At some point during our time in class, out came our little rugs, and quiet time prevailed as we rested on the floor. Of course, whispering was not acceptable behavior for Mrs. Proud. It only took once to be asked not to talk, and you did not talk again during rest time. As you may have guessed, I had some personal experience (more recently known as Chatty Cathy) in this matter.

The kindergarten experience was a great time to learn social skills: listening, cooperation, shar-ing, and participation. It was the best of times. At the end of that year lifelong friendships had been formed. Some would return to Moccasin School the coming year. Others would go to Buchanan El-ementary which was located in an extension of the high school. I was among those who would go to Riverside School on Fulton Street. Eventually we would all meet again becoming a part of the “BHS class of ‘62.”

“If you build it, they will come.” A phrase that was pretty prominent in the 1989 film, Field of Dreams—a movie

that captivated its audience by grasping the concept of hope-fulness and dedication to desire, which led to miraculous mo-

ments such as creating a baseball diamond in a cornfield. Jackie Lowe, one of the founders of Buchanan’s very own Field of Dreams

Dog Park, saw potential and felt that desire to create a dog park, ironically from a former base-ball diamond. For about six years, Lowe has worked with rich Low, along with City Commissioners Carla Cole and Dr. Pat Moore to create a place for paws to run free and safely. Though these commit-tee members have created the park’s foundation, “We need people, we need input,” Lowe stated. Lowe said that the committee is looking for input from potential park go-ers. “We want people to attend, because their say is important.” Lowe explained. Bucktown’s dog park will be open to the public, every dog must be licensed (which proves they have been vaccinated for Rabies). The pet-playground will be fitted with a double gate to ensure the safety of the energetic furry friends. A few different memorial pieces will decorate the park, such as sponsored benches and a wall with pet-named plaques. “The first pet on the board will be my beloved Dachshund, Fritz.” Lowe excitedly shared. After the park opens, there will continue to be fundraisers and there even could be adoption events within the 5-foot-fences. The dog park committee meets monthly. the next meeting will be held at the field on March 28th at 6:30 p.m. (at City Hall if the weather is inclement). The meeting is a good

Moccasin scHool daysby Frances Raven Avers, BHS Class of ‘62

Field of Dreams Set to Open in June

Fran Avers

available at:

opportunity for community members to put forth ideas and dog dreams they would like to see developed. Contact any members of the Field of Dreams committee, email Buckdogpark@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook by searching Buchanan Field of Dreams Dog Park.

The location is the abandoned ball field next to the trail at the McCoy Creek Recreation Area.

by Renée Ruth

tHe PaPer March 23—Aprl 6, 2018 Police, Etc. Page 3

reports2/27/18-3/12/18

p o l i c e

Officers respOnded tO 120 calls during this time periOd.2/27: The City Code Enforcement officer attended to two junk vehicle ordinance violations, a fence code violation and a litter code violation. Officers administered a Preliminary Breath Test. An officer responded to a call about a property line dispute. Some found property was turned over to an officer. Officers assisted another agency by responding to a personal injury accident call. Re-sponded to a call concerning a noise complaint. Performed a welfare check. Investigated a complaint concerning an attempted fraud. Re-sponded to a disturbance call. Had to check-out two calls about suspi-cious situations within the commu-nity. Responded to a call concern-ing a noise complaint. Checked out a complaint about some children being loud in a park.2/28: Officers administered a Pre-liminary Breath Test. Assisted the Berrien County Sheriff’s Depart-ment in an arrest. Did a VIN in-spection. Assisted with an emer-gency medical call.3/1: Officers administered a Pre-liminary Breath Test. Assisted with a call concerning an individual who fell and was injured. Responded to a false alarm. Responded to inves-tigate a threat complaint. Assisted with an emergency medical call.3/2: Officers investigated a call concerning a suspicious situation in the community. Made a proba-tion violation arrest. Administered a welfare check. Checked into a vehicle complaint. Investigated a harassment complaint. Delivered council packets. Assisted Child Protective Services. Lectured a child on the topic of stealing, per the child’s parent’s request. Re-sponded to a disturbance com-plaint. Investigated a call about a suspicious situation.3/3: Officers administered three Preliminary Breath Tests. Investi-

gated a complaint about malicious destruction of some property. Re-sponded to a complaint about some domestic violence.3/4: Officers administered five Pre-liminary Breath Tests. Received a call about an unwanted person. Two complaints were received about someone trespassing on an-other’s property.3/5: Officers assisted with two emer-gency medical calls. Performed a standby per a request. The City Code Enforcement Officer dealt with a lit-ter code violation. Officers assisted the Buchanan City Fire Department on a call. Responded to a complaint concerning a disruptive juvenile. Investigated a larceny complaint. Performed a welfare check. Lec-tured another child on stealing, per the parent’s request. Checked out a complaint about a suspicious ve-hicle with a dog inside the vehicle and the alarm was sounding.3/6: Officers administered a Pre-liminary Breath Test. Assisted with an emergency medical call. Re-sponded to a call concerning a do-mestic violence incident. Assisted an individual who had a vehicle lockout problem. Responded to a call about threats that were made. Investigated a complaint about a larceny of a cell phone.3/7: Officers administered a wel-fare check. Administered two Pre-liminary Breath Tests. Responded to an alarm.3/8: Officers assisted on an emer-gency medical call. Responded to a complaint about a dog that was run-ning loose. The Code Enforcement Officer addressed three ordinance code violations. Officers assisted an individual who had a vehicle lockout problem. Responded to a property damage accident call. Re-sponded to a call concerning a dog that was hit by a car.

3/9: Officers administered three Preliminary Breath Tests. Respond-ed to a juvenile, domestic com-plaint. Two junk vehicle violations were addressed by the City Code Enforcement Officer. Officers as-sisted the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department with a Child Protective Service Report. The City Code En-forcement Officer addressed a litter code violation. Officers assisted the Child Protective Services. Delivered Council packets. Assisted with an emergency medical situation. Re-sponded to a call about a civil issue.3/10: Officers responded to a call concerning the illegal discharge of a firearm. Administered three Pre-liminary Breath Tests. Investigated a call concerning a suspicious per-son in a neighborhood.3/11: Officers assisted a person who had a lockout problem. Made a welfare check. Administered five Preliminary Breath Tests. Received a baggie of marijuana that had been found. Assisted with a problem that was caused by a water main break. The break had caused a sinkhole. Of-ficers addressed a conservation vio-lation that involved a person fishing in a closed trout stream. Responded to a call about a small child that was left in a motor vehicle. Assisted an-other agency with a warrant arrest. Assisted a second person who had a lockout problem. Was involved in a subpoena service assist.3/12: Officers responded to a call concerning an emergency medical situation. Administered two Pre-liminary Breath Tests. The Code Enforcement Officer addressed a litter ordinance violation. Officers responded to a call concerning a suspicious situation in a neighbor-hood. Investigated a call concern-ing the larceny of some tools from a motor vehicle. Responded to a call concerning some suspicious mark-ings on a driveway. Received some personal property that was found. Responded to a call concerning retail fraud. Assisted an individual who had a lockout problem. Assist-ed the Berrien County Sheriff’s De-partment on a call that was received concerning a possible propane leak.

-Bob Hess

Officer Brie’s Tips

Good Morning Buchanan! There was a request for a tip about the stray cats roaming around town. Here are a few things that we can do to help prevent stray cats.1. The Berrien County Animal Control will come out to your property, and set up humane traps to try and catch the cats. Once the cat is caught, they will come to your house to collect the animal. Their contact number is 269-927-5648.2. If you have an outdoor cat, make sure they are spayed or neutered. For a feral/barn/or stray cat, ABC Clinic in South Bend, Indiana, will do a spay or neuter for $35. This helps keep the population down.3. Don’t feed stray cats. We all want to do the right thing, and I myself find it hard not to feed hungry animals. It’s best to try and humanely catch them, and get them to a shelter so they can be adopted into a home.

4. Owning a cat is like owning a dog! Make sure it has a collar with your contact information, or have it micro-chipped just in case it gets out.5. DO NOT poison or harm the cats in any way.If we all work together, we can help keep the population down. If you know of an organization that will perform the spay or neuter for a lesser price or free, please let The Paper know.Like our page on Facebook for more tips of the week! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Buchanan City Police Department, (269) 695-5120.Stay Pawsome! ~Officer Brie

Francis(Fran) was born at home, when doctors made

house calls. He has always liked that idea, especially since times have changed so much. Fran has spent his entire life in and around Buchanan, attending Riverside, Dewey and Moccasin Elementary Schools and graduating from Bu-chanan High School.

Aspiring to a career in law enforcement, he attended Lake Michigan College where he achieved an Associates Degree, while continuing to work on the family farm.

Fran fell in love with Sharon Walker at BHS. They married in 1961, and had two sons, Mi-chael and Jeffrey, who are now deceased. Their daughter Lyn-nette is an elementary school teacher. She has two children, Joshua and nicole—their only grandchildren. Fran and Sharon have been members of Buchanan Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years.

Fran proudly served his coun-try for 23 years, on active duty in the Navy, in the Naval Reserve, and also in the Army Reserve.

In 1965, he joined the Bu-chanan Police Force. After just one year he went to work for the Berrien County Animal Control where he stayed for 3 years be-

fore returning to the Buchanan Police Force, retiring in 1992. Not one to be idle, he started working for the Grand Beach Police Force and also worked for the Brink’s Armored Car Ser-vice.

In October of 2016, he cel-ebrated his 75th birthday with a surprise party organized by his wife and by the police depart-ment. He was recognized by the city for his community service. Fran loves Gospel, Blue Grass and country music, and The Up-hill Climb Blue Grass Gospel group provided the music for the party.

In his spare time he watches old movies with a historic theme. He spends as much time as he can with his two motorcycles, and weather-permitting he’ll be out riding one.

Still involved with public safety, he is the traffic control of-ficer at Buchanan Middle School and at Ottawa Elementary. He works in all kinds of weather and this year’s winter has really tested him. Like a mail carrier, he works in rain, sleet, snow and the heat. He said that he works for the kids and their safety.

Fran enjoys what he does and the community thanks him for his continued work.

getting to Know:

Fran Morleyby Linda

Canfield

“Cats are smarter than dogs. You

can’t get eight cats to pull a sled through snow.”—Jeff Valdez (producer, Urban Jungle)

It appears The Field of Dreams will finally become a reality. I do like a good dog park. You get to run and sniff around, chase stuff, and make new friends. And I hope that

humans will be considerate enough to make sure their dogs exhibit good manners.

Recently, I heard from a human who walks with her dog in town and thinks others need a reminder to be considerate to other dogs and people.

She said a dog’s owner let the dog chase after her dog the other day. So, owners need to be reminded of the basics: to keep their dogs held back (even on 6ft leads), pick up their poop, etc. It only takes one bad dog to ruin our reputations.

This is especially true for the Farmers’ Market, where dogs don’t always mingle well with the crowd. (Perhaps officer Brie will give us some tips in the next issue.)

by Renée Ruth

The sounds of spring are fill-ing the air! As the weather

still somewhat roller-coasters with temperatures, I cherish the music that I hear. The many varying sounds of birds are increasing as each week goes by. Winter plumage is fading on goldfinches; soon they’ll be wearing their bright yellow spring coats. Robins and star-lings are starting to chatter away. Soon the full array of winter migrants will return.

So pull out your binoculars, get your cameras ready, and let’s delve into fine-tuning our ears to enjoy the music that we hear!

Perhaps like a foreign lan-guage at first, the sounds of birds can soon become a beautiful language all its own that you can learn to more fully enjoy. Not only will you be able to put a name to a face, but it will also be like hearing the voice of familiar friends, as sounds of common birds will be joyously distin-guishable.

So here’s sharing a few great resources to assist in your learn-ing adventure: ●field guides –Two of my per-sonal favorites are Stokes Field Guide to Birds: Eastern Region by Don and Lillian Stokes (if you prefer color photographs) and Peterson Field Guides: Eastern Birds by Roger Tory Pe-terson (if you prefer drawings).●audio cds – An excellent series is Peterson Field Guides: Eastern/Central Birding by Ear. There is a Western version as well.●Websites – A great audio (and visual) resource is The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website www.allaboutbirds.com. The information is simple and clear. You can look up a bird and see great photos, plus there is an audio tab to listen to the sounds.●Apps – The free Merlin Bird ID App is offered by the above mentioned website. I’ve not personally used this yet, though it looks very appealing.●In-person – Call or visit your local nature center, like Fern-wood, to inquire about upcom-ing programs and outings to learn in a group setting. (They also have free literature on the racks, e.g., Berrien County Bird-ing Destinations.) As Shakespeare once said, “The earth has music for those who listen.” May your senses be filled with beauty and awe this spring, as you step closer into the abundant joys found among nature!

by Jill K. McDonald

Music to My ears

tHe PaPer March 23–April 6, 2018 Body, Mind, Spirit & Soul Page 4

“Body, Mind, Spirit & Soul” is a regular section featuring selections in the areas of faith, health, spirituality and wellness. We encourage your submissions.

●Faith United Methodist ChUrCh728 N. Detroit St.resurrection Service 9:00am(Breakfast following service)Victory Service 11:00am

●Faith ViCtory Fellowship13369 N. Main Street easter Service 10:30amegg Hunt & Bike raffleRSVP for egg hunt 269-695-1091●First United Methodist ChUrCh132 S. Oak St. Holy thursday Service, 7:00pmSunday School easter egg Hunt, 8:45ameaster Service, 10am

●portage prairie United Methodist ChUrCh2450 Orange Rd.Good Friday Service, 7:00pmeaster Sunrise Service, 7:00am(Outdoors)easter Service 9:45am, followed by egg Hunt●st. anthony CatholiC ChUrCh509 W. Fourth St.Holy thursday, 5:30pm Seder Meal; 7:30pm Mass of the last SupperGood Friday Service, 1:00pmHoly Saturday Easter Vigil, 8:30pmEaster Service, 8:30am●st. paUl lUtheran ChUrCh212 W. Front St.Community Good Friday Service, 7:00pmeaster Sunday Sonrise Service, 7:00ameaster Breakfast, 8:15ameaster Festival Service, 10:00am

services, celebrations

feasts, fests, and funFrom Seders to Sunrise Services, our local churches offer a variety of ways to celebrate the Easter holidays.

It’s uncommon, though not unheard of, to encounter an individual who can tie together over a century’s worth of a region’s history.Virginia Strayer is one of those rare gems. The 102-year-old Niles

resident has a sharp mind, quick recall and a mountain of memories that span back to a time when cars were still a luxury and television wasn’t even a thought.

Mrs. Strayer was born in 1916 at Saint Joseph hospital in Mishawaka to Frederick and kathryn eaglesfield. She and her sister Elizabeth lived in the family home on the east side of Niles until 1925, when the Eaglesfields moved to the west side. Virginia said this came as a surprise to some because the west side of town was predominantly Catholic and her family was Episcopalian.

This had no bearing on her family’s decision to move, but she made note that it was not an uncommon practice for some to let minor differ-ences serve as a division.

A few years after her family moved to the west side the Great Depression struck. Virginia was a freshman in high school when the economy took a turn for the worse. And while it was a time of uncertainty and eco-nomic anxiety, she said it helped to break down racial and social barriers in the high school.

“We had such fun in high school,” Strayer recalled. “To my knowledge there was no feeling of superiority, because we were all depression kids. And somebody that had a million dollars didn’t have any.”

Her father was fortunate enough to retain his job at Kawneer (a storefront- and window-manufacturer that was based in Niles) and her mother would help those who were less fortunate.

“During the depression my mother always had a chair by our backdoor,” Virginia recalled. “The hobos, or the homeless, or the people that needed food knew that that chair was for them, so they would come and mother would feed them. It would be simple, but at least they would have some-thing to eat. And other people did the same thing. Everybody helped.”

Her parents’ examples of helping others laid the groundwork for Virginia’s gracious approach. She helped found the Niles and Buchan-an branches of Meals on Wheels, in which she participated for over 20 years. She also sponsored fluoride clinics and volunteered in the Women’s Service League, which helped provide services for children in need.

“My mother and father were very community-minded and I think it rubbed off on me,” Strayer said.

Long before Virginia was volunteering her time around the commu-nity, she was a regular high-schooler, participating in basketball and soc-cer as part of the Girls Athletic Association. Her teammate and lifelong friend Mary Ball Powell is also still alive, and the two still get together for class reunions—their 85th will be in 2019.

After high school, as did her sister four years before, Virginia at-tended the University of Michigan. She majored in geography and re-called that school cost $50 a semester, while room and board was a dollar a day.

That’s where she reconnected with her future husband, Buchanan native John Strayer. The two had met two years prior on a blind date at her sister’s sorority party. “That was the beginning of the end,” re-called a smiling Strayer.

At their parents’ request, John and Virginia agreed not to marry until he had finished medical school. On Sept. 13, 1941, the two were mar-ried. Less than three months later Pearl Harbor rocked our country and America was thrust into World War II.

By August of 1942, John, who served as a flight surgeon in the Air Force, had his or-ders. Over the next three years he and Vir-ginia moved 14 times around the United States.

The frequent moves and lack of amenities taught Virginia the value of being resourceful. “I washed diapers by hand. I washed sheets by hand,” Virginia said. “I learned to iron by hand. I did uniforms by hand.”

The couple even spent a short time in a cabin at the entrance of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains —a cabin that had no running water. “Because of the war you were so grateful to be together that you would

do anything to be together,” she said. “That was our philosophy.” After the war ended, John, Virginia and their first-born daughter

Kathy (Rossow) returned to Ann Arbor so he could finish his resi-dency. During that time, Virginia gave birth to the couple’s second daughter, Anne (Comer).

The family returned to the west side of Niles in 1949 and gave birth to their son Jack two years later. After returning home, John and a group of four other doctors opened the Medical Center in Niles where he practiced into the late 80s. John passed away in 2006.

Between John’s 40 years in surgery, his father’s medical practice in Buchanan and his brother Bob’s dental practice in Buchanan, the

Strayer name was well-known in the Niles-Buchanan area.It was fitting that Virginia married into a business-minded family, as

both of her grandparents owned and operated businesses in Niles dur-ing the turn of the century.

Virginia’s maternal grandfather Winter ran a wholesale grocery store on the corner of Front and Main streets. It sold groceries to smaller grocery stores around Niles.

Her paternal grandfather Eaglesfield had a dry goods store down-town that he lived above for a time.

Virginia’s family ties to the area date back to 1881, when her grand-father Eaglesfield arrived in Niles from England at the age of 18.

Virginia, of course, has memories of her family who settled here. She serves as a great example of someone with strong ties to the past who has adapted well to the present.

At 102, she still is involved in three bridge clubs, frequently plays cribbage, has written her own obituary and still attends church weekly.

She lives life day-to-day and can’t pinpoint any one reason for her longevity, though she thinks her family plays a big part. “I was blessed with a wonderful husband and kids,” Strayer said. “I didn’t live under a lot of stress. I think that has something to do with it.”

a rare geMAt 102, she still is involved in three bridge clubs, frequently plays cribbage, has written her own obituary and still attends church weekly.

by Jon Young

“i didn’t live under a lot

of stress. i think that

has something to do with it.”

In A.D. 325, the Council of Nicaea set the date of Easter as the Sunday following the paschal full moon, which is the full moon that falls on or after the vernal equinox. So Easter is always the first Sunday after the first full moon that falls on or after March 21. It can occur as early as March 22 and as late as April 25. Passover fell on the date of the paschal full moon in the Jewish calendar, and the Last Supper (Holy Thursday) occurred on the Passover. Therefore, the first Easter Sunday—the day on which Christ rose from the dead—was the Sunday after Passover.Orthodox Christians use the same formula to determine the date of Easter, but use the Julian calendar to calculate the date rather than the Gregorian one, which usually makes it a week later.

Defying the bitter cold and wind, eleven seniors

from the Buchanan Area Se-nior Center met up with a class of Buchanan fourth graders in early March to perform an old-fashioned task – collecting maple sap and boiling it down to make maple syrup.

For nearly thirty years, Bu-chanan school students have been learning where maple syrup comes from.

Life action ranch allows the school to tap maple trees for sap on their property on Clear Lake. The watery sweet liquid is then taken to the sug-

ar shack at the school farm on Andrews Road to be boiled down to maple syrup.

Retired Moccasin Elemen-tary Principal, Mark nixon, now volunteers to continue the program with which he has been involved for many years. All Buchanan fourth-grade

a Sweet Partnershipby Jan Ferris

(left to right) Jacob Kuntz, Logen Simpson, and Ari Johnson

Mr. Nixon pouring sap into collection tankAdalyn Tumbleson and Beverly Cannoot – teamwork!

“all BucHanan fourtH-grade classes learn How to identify MaPle trees, How to insert tHe taPs into tHe trees, How to

read a tHerMoMeter, and wHat causes tHe saP to

run.”

tHe PaPer March 23—Aprl 6, 2018 Misc Stuff Page 5

Come to Library and Educational Services15437 N. Red Bud Trail, Buchanan, MI 49107

269-695-1800

SpECiaL SaLE opEn to thE pubLiCBooks, Bibles, CDs, DVDs, and more fun items

especially for kids ages 3 to 18—but we have some-thing for everyone, of all ages! Including:

Adventures in Odyssey, Lamplighter Theatre, Your Story Hour, Drive Thru History DVDs,

Who Was? books, and so much more!Sale prices up to 90% off!

SaLE DaYS:tuesday, March 27

Wednesday, March 2811:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day

classes learn how to identify maple trees, how to insert the taps into the trees, how to read a thermometer, and what causes the sap to “run.” They excitedly check the sap buck-ets every couple of days to see how much sap they have, emp-tying the buckets into 5-gallon buckets, then into a huge tank mounted on a pickup for trans-port to the school farm.

At the farm the students rotate through three jobs – sawing firewood, splitting firewood, and skimming and stirring the syrup. They learn how to safely use traditional tools and perform tasks under the guidance of Nixon and

other volunteers. randy Bur-gess, who had volunteered for Maple Syrup Days when his kids were in school, accom-panied the seniors on the tour and enjoyed helping the kids split wood— an “equal op-portunity” chore for both boys and girls.

Miss amiel’s fourth graders were happy to show the seniors what they were doing and to work side by side with them. And the seniors enjoyed help-ing and offering suggestions to the kids. The kids’ enthusiasm was contagious and seemed to rub off on the seniors. And after learning the difference between store-bought “pancake syrup” and the real thing, they all en-joyed a pancake dipped in real maple syrup.

Everyone learns something from intergenerational activi-ties. It’s a win-win situation, and one which, in this case, has a sweet ending!

South Bend always has a Dyngus Day celebration...and it’s always the Monday after Easter.Dyngus Day, also spelled Dingus Day, is a fun Polish Holiday. It is very popular in Poland, and in Polish communities across America. After the long Lenten holiday, Dyngus Day is a day of fun. And, perhaps a little romantic fooling around.

Dyngus Day Tradition:

There are all sorts of ways for boys to meet girls. But, this one takes the cake. Guys, on this day you get to wet the ladies down. Sprinkling or drenching with water is your goal. Chase after the ladies with squirt guns, buckets, or other containers of water. The more bold and gallant boys may choose to use cologne. Hitting (gently, please) the ladies on the legs with switches or pussy willows is also common.

Ladies, you get your revenge on tuesday, when tradition has it that you throw dishes or crockery back at the boys. In recent times, it has become increasingly popular for the ladies to get their revenge on Monday, tossing water back at the boys.Note: Dyngus Day is also called Wet Easter Monday. Hmmmmm, I wonder why!?

-Marina Lisinski

Dyngus Day

from a vintage Polish postcard

Polish pisanka (plural pisanki) is a common name for an egg that is intricately ornamented using various techniques. Originating as a pagan tradition, pisanki were absorbed by Christianity to become the traditional Easter eggs. Pisanki are now considered to symbolise the revival of nature and the hope that Christians gain from faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Pisanka

Roughly 70 students participated in the national Walkout Day which called for better school safety to be imple-

mented across the nation.Staff did not plan, encourage, or discourage students from

taking this stand—rather, stayed neutral for students to make their own decisions.

BHS approached this in a way that called for better school safety–not as a pro- or anti-gun protest.

During the Walkout, teachers talked with students who remained in the building about school safety and how to be prepared in the event of an active shooter situation.

Student/Teacher conversations were intentional: to build preparedness and discuss classroom measures to ensure the best safety possible.

Students outside for the protest spoke up about violence and the need for better, safer schools. They made signs that read “Enough,” and “No More.”

After the walkout, as a means for making this a “teachable moment,” the entire student body met to discuss school safety.

Many teachers encouraged kids who were taking part to take it a step further. They were told that if they truly felt so strongly about this issue, it shouldn’t be just a 17-minute absence from class, but also include actual action. For example: write letters to congress men and women, attend City Commission meetings and suggest change, create a plan for safer entrances and exits in school buildings, or attend school board meetings and suggest safer changes.

national Walkout Day at BHS...03/14/18

Officer Harvey Burnett, who is also School Board President, spoke to the student body about ways they can encourage school safety. He addressed the need to be proactive and speak up when we hear or read something suspicious. Safety relies heavily on our students and they were encouraged to talk to their teachers or use the outlets such as the Herd Hotline or “Okay2Say” to report tips anonymously.

Students were offered an opportunity to pose questions to high school administration as well as Officer Burnett.

Officer Harvey Burnett

A suggestion submitted to The Paper:

Virtually all student-shooters are alienated loners, how about reaching out to them, showing some kindness?...

tHe PaPer March 23–April 6, 2018 BHS, Buchanan Bands Page 6

Bhs senior wins national art honors

Cora, a senior of Buchanan High School, won a Gold Key at the regional level for her yugen Portfolio, consisting of intricate pen-drawn, mandala-inspired works. At the regional level, Gold Key winners advance forward to the national competi-tion in New York. On March 13 the national winners were announced, and Cora earned a Silver Medal with Distinction, which sets her up for scholar-ships and a very prestigious awards ceremony held at Carn-egie Hall. Works from the show will be available for view in the online gallery at artandwriting.org.

If that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s more! Works will also be on display for two years with its first stop in New York at Parsons the new School for Design and Pratt institute. From there it heads to the art.Write.now tour around the country, with locations in D.C., the US Department of Education, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The last stop is the 2018-19 Tour at the new Hampshire institute of art. Cora is a dedicated young artist who has really exploded with creativity this year! She actively sells her work. You can also find her murals in homes, as well as in Buchanan’s new fitness center. We, here at Buchanan High School are so very proud of her for all of her artistic and personal accomplishments that she has made happen through her hard work and unwavering drive. Congratulations to you Cora, you are an inspiration to all!

by Sandra Miller

Cora Schau is among many aspiring young art students nationwide who participated in this year’s annual Scholastic art Show, held in the Warner Gallery of the South Bend Museum of Art. It’s the area’s most competitive art show for students grades 7-12.

While the Buchanan High Marching Band may

be the most visible of all the schools’ performing ensembles, the students of the Buchanan Middle School and High School Bands are hard at work all year long. Last week, the Buchan-an Middle School 7th and 8th Grade Band, as well as the Bu-chanan High School Symphonic

Band, took the stage at the MS-BOA District 6 Band and Or-chestra Festival at the Mendel Center on the Benton Harbor campus of Lake Michigan Col-lege. Festival is an annual event in which nearly all schools across the State of Michigan participate. Ensembles prepare three selections for performance, and also are tested through the

sight-reading process, with each stage being evaluated by a panel of adjudicators. For the sec-ond consecutive year, both the Buchanan MS and HS Bands earned a Division One Rating, with the added distinction of re-ceiving a unanimous “Straight One” rating from each judge. With nearly 80 performing

Buchanan Bands Shine

groups from 25 area school districts, Buchanan was one of only 6 districts in which all en-sembles earned a Division One rating. Additionally, the bands were supported by some of the largest audiences of the week, with many fans making the 30-minute drive to listen to our talented young musicians.

Come check out all of the band members in their final concerts of the year in May. the BMS Spring Concert is set for May 24 at 6:30, and will feature the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Bands.

the BHS Spring Concert and awards are set for May 22 at 7:00, and will feature full band, soloists, and section features from our BHS Symphonic Band. Both concerts are free, and will be in the HS Auditorium.

A mandala is an integrated structure organized around a unifying center. The word “mandala” is from the classical Indian language of Sanskrit. Loosely translated to mean “circle,” a mandala is far more than a simple shape. It represents wholeness, and can be seen as a model for the organizational structure of life itself--a cosmic diagram that reminds us of our relation to the infinite, the world that extends both beyond and within our bodies and minds. Describing both material and non-material realities, the mandala appears in all aspects of life: the celestial circles we call earth, sun, and moon, as well as conceptual circles of friends, family, and community. Source:http://www.mandalaproject.org/

by Mark Hollandsworth

The spirit of April Fools Day is alive year-round at the Hilltop Café, where on any given morning you’re

likely to hear coffee groups swapping stories and jokes. One of the groups happens to have so many “Larrys”in it that each has been given a nickname to keep them all straight. “Little Larry” has many stories about the challenges of “growing up short” (he’s 5’1”) and is not shy about shar-ing them. Some of his favorites include adventures with big Brandy, his St. Bernard (pictured).

If you’re not lucky enough to be a part of the coffee group, perhaps you’ll be able to eaves-drop on some of the fun while you’re reading The Paper.

Keep laughing!tHe PaPer March 23—Aprl 6, 2018 City Stuff Page 7

“Life is better here...” is the City slogan. So in this regular feature you can tell

us what makes life better here — and how it can be improved. We encourage your submissions.

Ever wonder how to find exactly what you’re looking for on the Internet, without looking and looking? Think there might be a

better way? Well, you’re in luck!Here are a few favorites of mine that might help you.1.) define. Go to google.com (or your preferred search engine) and type in the search box define: and then a word, such as define: aardvark and then hit enter. You’ll then see the definition of the word you’re seek-ing. This is handy for when you’re looking for a quick definition of a word.

2.) tHe Minus oPerator (–). When you’re searching for something such as “Root Beer” but you’re not looking for A&W Root Beer, you’d search for root beer –a&w. Note the position of the space between root beer and –a&w.

3.) tHe Plus oPerator (+). This is the opposite of the minus opera-tor. For example, red trucks +woods would lead you to red trucks in the woods. Your text would look like red trucks +woods. Again, note that there is no space between the “+” sign and woods. Keep them together.

4.) Quotation Marks. Using quotation marks around words, such as “the man on the moon is named Hank” will only return pages with that text as it was entered.

5.) If you want to search a specific site for a particular article or story, you can go to your search engine and enter “site:yoursite.com your top-ic you want to look for” and this will search that site for the words you entered and bring up what you’re searching for. Example: site:www.msn.com Michigan birds. Definitely helpful.

6.) related:_______.com. If you enter related:yoursite.com then the search results will bring up sites related to that particular site.

These types of search terms can be useful for research and any other information you’re seeking.

Until our next cup!

Computing Over Coffee

by Ed Marshalled@askthemarshall.com

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. George Bernard Shaw

Wednesday March 14th was a game changer for political

activism by Buchanan’s youngest adult community. Various strategies were presented for influencing pub-lic policy and government action on national Walkout Day. Registering to vote—and then voting, are the two most effective steps you can take to participate politically and make your voice heard. as long as you turn 18

on or before election day in november, you can go ahead and register to vote now. You must register to vote no later than 30 days before the election. If you will be away at school during November, you can vote with an absentee ballot. Much of this can be handled at the Department of Motor Vehicles office in niles. Faster, easier, and more pleasant is registering here in town at City Hall.

Here’s some helpful information from the Michigan page of www.dmv.org. The Mich-igan Secretary of State’s web site has the most up-to-date information. Essentially, go to Buchanan City Hall on North Redbud Trail and ask for our very competent City Clerk, Gladys Bybee. Township residents will need to go to their township offices.

Turning 18 by ElEcTion Day? FEEling ThE winDs oF changE? rEgisTEr now. anD how abouT running For ThE buchanan ciTy commission?

NOMINATING PETITIONS to qualify as a Candidate for a Buchanan City Commis-sioner are available from the Buchanan City Clerk at City Hall, 302 N Redbud Trail, Buchanan, Michigan. Three (3) seats for a four (4) year term on the City Commission will be voted on during the General Election, Tuesday, November 6, 2018. the last day to file nominating Petitions in the City Clerk’s Office is tuesday, april 24, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. local time. If there are more than six petitions filed by the deadline date, all names will be listed on the ballot for the August Primary on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 to be voted on. Nominating Petitions shall contain not less than 6 or more than 20 signatures of quali-fied registered electors in the City.

CHAnGinG tHe GAMe by Alan Robandt

to qualify to vote in Michigan you must:●be a U.S. citizen●be a Michigan resident and resident of the city or township where you are registering●be at least 18 years old by Election Day●not be currently imprisoned for a felony offense. You will need to re-register after a period of incarceration

aFter yOU HaVe reGiStereD, on Election Day you will need one of the following photo identifications with you:●A Michigan driver’s license or State ID card●A United States passport●A US Military ID card●A student ID card ●A tribal ID card

The League of Women Voters of Berrien and Cass Counties will host a Voter registration event at Buchanan High School and Niles High School, and possibly other locations, in the near future. Look for more information in The

Paper’s future issues or on line at www.lwvbcc.org.

What does an oreo cookie have to do with a sinking Titanic and water-

boarding? If you attended the first “Let’s Laugh Buchanan,” you know the answer, and it’s really a clean joke. The evening at the Tin Shop Theatre was filled with some big laughs, a lot of chuckles and a few moans and groans, but overall, it was a memorable time, well-spent. If laughter is the best medicine, then there were some pretty healthy people by the time they left.

Maxwell tidey was the perfect Emcee, keeping the ball rolling and laughs com-ing. Others contributing to the fun were Chris kladis, Patrick Fowler, Mark Stuck, Jordan york and Colton Cole. An 8-year-old named Gavin got some big hoots as he competed with Molly, both volunteers from the audience. “Dad Joke” com-petition ended the evening with Sarah Bianchi and katie kaltenbach battling it out, and all ended well. There is talk of another Laugh night—maybe kara-jokie?

The First Let’s Laugh Buchanan, March 19

Maxwell Tidey

serving the community for 40 years

Read and be happy! Compliments of

Joe Jilek, Insurance Agent695-2200

Clearance Nature Book Sale NOW ON, until GONE.Fernwood Botanical Gardens basement library

13988 Rangeline Road 269-695-6491

Open 10am – 5pm; closed MondaysDon’t have to be a member to peruse or purchase.

All sorts of great nature books, including children’s, most from $1 - $3 each.

Richard Swem Cameron Ondresky

Starks Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services

301 W. Front StreetBuchanan, MI 49107

(269) 695-6881

SWEM CHAPEL

Dick@swemchapel.com Cameron@starksfh.com

Should Cameron’s pic be bigger?

March 23- April 6 2018

16580 Bakertown rd. (corner of galien-BucHanan rd & Bakertown)

(269) 695-2334 www.countryHeritagecu.coM

The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.

Mark Twain

APRIL FOOLS’ DAY