First, thanks to all of you that responded to last week’s column regarding a new feature we are developing for nonprofits, including service clubs in our area. Editor Kim Wynn came up with a catchy title, “Giving,” along with a nice mockup of the design. We will be meeting with a community advisory group shortly with the goal to launch this feature every Thursday beginning no later than May 2.

Now moving on to some fun. We have a few contests launched and a few to come. The brackets for the men’s college basketball tournament will be coming to a close very shortly. For the record, I’m doing terribly. While I’m last in the VIP group, Congressman Fred Upton is tied with community editor John Eby at the top of the pack. Phil Langer from Leader Publications advertising is the leader in the overall Leader contest, but isn’t eligible to win. Brian Ketchum, of Niles, holds that honor as we move into the Final 4.

Two other photo contests, including Mommy & Me, are now up and running. Despite five great prizes, we only had four entries as of yesterday at 2 p.m. Surely, we have some proud moms and their families? “Memories of Dogwood” is also up with only John Eby’s shots posted. The top prize includes two tickets to see Arlo Guthrie and a family season pass along with a $25 gift certificate to the Wood Fire Restaurant. I wish I were eligible. I’m hoping to see many more entries in both contests. As we receive photographs, you will begin seeing them printed in our newspapers.

Coming on Memorial Day weekend will be our Summer Fun photo contest. This was enormously popular last year when nearly 2,000 people participated. I know these contests can be challenging for those without computers although there are businesses throughout the area that can help you scan and post your photographs. The Dogwood headquarters in the Huntington Bank building in Dowagiac will be happy to help you with their contest. I’ll try to hunt down some locations for Mommy & Me as well. Good luck to all that participate.