Sandie and Dick Judd get into character to play his great-grandparents, Amanda and Mark Judd. The cemetery tour continues this weekend, Oct. 1, 2, and 3, Fridays and Saturdays at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. No reservations required General admission costs $10, $5 for students. Purchase tickets at the entrance to Riverside Cemetery on Riverside Drive.

By JOHN EBY

Dowagiac Daily News

“I know there’s always a lot of negativity in the area and doom and gloom,” Tracy Galbreath addressed Dowagiac City Council Monday night, “but I would like to bring some good news. I have a wind generator business. My distributors are from Louisville, Ky., and they came to visit us a couple of weeks ago.”

“We were able to spend a lot of time in Dowagiac,” she said. “They travel nationally and globally, but they had nothing but fabulous things to say about our town. They are planning a trip back.

“They visited the boutiques, the stores, the college, the restaurants just in amazement” at what they found “in a little town like this. They can’t wait to come back.”

Galbreath also thanked city Public Safety Director Tom Atkinson, the police and fire departments and ambulance service on behalf of her and her sister, Tammy Brooks, and parents, Jim and Judy Dodd, for “providing a beautiful funeral service with full fireman honors for my uncle, Terry Dodd. He was an accomplished fireman who always believed he had three different communities.

“Without question, I know he was watching as so many different departments led the procession demonstrating the honorable exit he was so deserving of. We thank all those who made it possible for his legacy to continue. I, for one, am very proud to be from Dowagiac.”

Her father, Second Ward Councilman Jim Dodd, added that his wife’s niece came up from Arkansas for a 50-year class reunion.

“He’s never been out of Arkansas and she brought him up. He wants to come back. He’s really impressed with Dowagiac — the college, the soccer fields, the high school, the (middle school), the Little League fields. That’s good. We’re getting them from all over.”

Several council members also commented about positive feedback they received about Beckwith Theatre’s second annual Riverside Cemetery tour with actors portraying Dowagiac historical figures.

It continues with shows Oct. 1, 2. 3. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 6 p.m. and Sunday’s performance starts at 2 p.m.

Reservations are not required.

Patrons should come to the main entrance of Riverside Cemetery on Riverside Drive to purchase tickets ($10).

Beckwith presents stories of 10 different “residents,” including a Civil War sharpshooter, a Revolutionary War veteran, a journalist named “The Patriot” by Abraham Lincoln, a teamster at the Battle of Waterloo, a murdered man and other fascinating souls.

Patrons should wear comfortable shoes for walking about three fourths of a mile on sometimes uneven ground.

Golf carts are available for those needing assistance.

If the weather is inclement, performances will be canceled.

Cast: Abner Moon-Denny Tushla; Frank Lake-Brad Yazel; Nicholas Bock-Jim Keech, Mark Judd-Dick Judd; Flavia Defendorf-Karla Pruis Hoffman; John Letts-Tom Atkinson; Laing family member-Wendy Elsey; Grace Greenwood-Jane Phillipson Wilson; Samuel Ingling-Jeff Mattix; and James Emmons-Dave Cook.

“The more I hear about it,” Second Ward Councilman Bob Schuur said, “the gladder I am that I’m on (the cemetery) board. We have a very wonderful, well-kept cemetery. I was proud of what they’ve done.”

Mayor Pro Team Leon Laylin, who plans to attend this weekend, added, “A couple of comments were made to me over the weekend that it’s as good or better than last time.”

“I’ve received the same comments today,” said the other Third Ward councilman, Dr. Charles Burling.

“They were excited and awed that some of our local talent stepped up and did a really nice job. I haven’t been yet, but I intend to go, and it comes highly recommended.”