Purdue Club announces spring meeting

ST. JOSEPH — The Purdue Club of Southwest Michigan will host its annual spring meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at the St. Joseph River Yacht Club, 128 N. Pier St., St. Joseph.

This year’s guest speaker will be Matt Rudkin, WSBT chief meteorologist and 2011 Purdue graduate. 

Rudkin has a Bachelor of Science degree in atmospheric science. He also obtained a seal of approval by The American Meteorlogical Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, the highest distinction given to a broadcast meteorologist.

He also prepares daily forecasts for the South Bend Tribune and four local radio stations. Rudkin is also an adjunct professor at Valparaiso University.

Additionally, the club will announce the recipients of this year’s scholarship program and elect officers. 

A Purdue update will be given by John Sautter, the retired vice president of housing and food services at Purdue. Sautter also serves as the senior advisor to the Purdue Alumni Association.

Hors d’oeuvers will be served along with a cash bar.

Reservations for this event may be made through the club website at purduealumni.org/SWmichigan;  via Pay Pal; or by mailing a check made payable to “Purdue Club of SW Michigan,” c/o Howard Poole, 31594 Maple Island Road, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

The cost of this event will be $20 per person. Reservations must made by May 7.

Niles Band spring flower fundraiser

NILES — The Niles Community Schools band students will be taking orders for the annual spring flower fundraiser and collecting money from those orders through April 28.

Sales are in time for Mother’s Day. Those interested may also place order through Josh Doe until the spring concert on May 17.

Two different flower vouchers will be available. Customers may redeem the flower vouchers at Varner’s Greenhouse, 70294 Fir Road, Niles. Flowers may be picked up from May 1 through May 31.

This event is a donation, so prices at Varner’s will be lower.

Options include:

• One flat of bedding plants for $11: impatiens, petunias, begonias and marigolds

• Ten-inch basket for $13: petunias regular impatiens, double impatiens, new guinea impatiens, non-stop begonias, ivy geraniums, fuchsias, ferns

For more information or to purchase flowers visit call Josh Doe at (269) 683-2894 ext. 323 or by email at Joshua.doe@nilesschools.org

Veterans’ benefit classes

America Legion Post 26 will be hosting a class on veterans’ benefits from 1 to 3 p.m.  May 6, at the Niles District Library, 620 E Main St., Niles.

The meeting will focus on what benefits the state of Michigan and the state of Indiana have to offer to veterans, as well as the benefits veterans have by being a member of the American Legion.

For more information, call John Sly at (269) 357-1411 or email americanlegionpost26nilesmi@gmail.com.

Community invited to clean up Riverfront Park in honor of deceased local artist

The Niles Clean UP Trash Day Group was organized in honor of Niles’ Most “Unfamous” artist — and self proclaimed “Tropical Gypsy” — John Lidecker.

Lidecker died earlier this year.

In Lidecker’s honor, the Niles Clean UP Trash Day will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22. Those interested should meet in the parking lot of Niles City Hall, 333 N. Second St.

Those who knew Lidecker knew he was not just a local artist and sign maker, he was also proud of Niles and could frequently be seen picking up trash throughout the downtown.

Lidecker was appointed to the city’s parks board and the public arts commission. He heavily supported the Downtown Development Authority’s Main Street programs and initiatives aimed at beautifying the community.

Trash bags and water will be provided for all volunteers and organizers.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear gloves, colorful clothes, leis and/or Mardi Gras beads in John’s honor, as he was usually found sporting classic Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops.

For more information on community events honoring Lidecker’s memory and impact on our hearts,  search for “His Gypsy Heart” on Facebook.

Also on April 22, Niles will be hosting an Earth Day event called “Niles Going Green” from noon to 3 p.m.  at Riverfront Park. The event is being hosted in conjunction with Girl Scout Troop 30455, the Niles History Center and Niles District Library.

Activities include: park clean-up, earth day activities and crafts focused on recycling and the importance of native plants and natural habitats.

Activities and crafts will be in Riverfront Park’s Amphitheater, rain or shine. The city will supply vinyl gloves and trash bags for participants and a prize will be awarded for collecting the most trash.

The event is free and all are welcome.

Interested volunteers are asked to join the Niles Clean UP Trash Day Group on Facebook for updates at Niles, MI Trash Clean-up & More!

For more information, call Angie Lick at (269) 683-4700 or email her at alickt@nilesmi.org.