Niles city council to vote on medical marijuana ordinances Monday night

NILES — The Niles City Council will hear a first reading of the proposed medical marijuana zoning ordinance at 7 p.m. Monday night during the regularly scheduled meeting at the Niles Fire Station Complex, 1345 Main St.

Last week, members of the planning commission voted unanimously to approve the draft for the first reading of the zoning ordinance. The draft was created as a recommendation to city council members.

Council members are also expected to vote on a second reading and enactment of the pro-posed medical marijuana opt-in ordinance.

Council meetings are open to the public to attend. For more information, call (269)-683-4700.

Beckwith to present Christmas comedy beginning next month

DOWAGIAC — The Beckwith Theatre will present “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!),” a comedy by John K. Alvarez, Michael Carleton and James FitzGerald, next month.

Performances will be from Dec. 8-10 and 15-17 at the theater, 100 New York Ave., Dowagiac. Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased at the box office at the time of the performance. All active and retired military personnel will be admitted free of charge on Saturday, Dec. 9.

To reserve seats, call (269) 782-7653.

Instead of performing Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told — plus Christmas traditions, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture and every carol ever sung. The show is madcap romp through the holiday season, officials said.

This production contains some adult content and is not appropriate for children under the age of 12. “Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)”  is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts Inc.

Gospel trio to perform concert at Old Rugged Cross Church Nov. 19

POKAGON TOWNSHIP — The Old Rugged Cross Church and Museum in Pokagon Township will be the venue for a concert by “We Three” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.

We Three is a women’s gospel trio comprised of Bertie Morgan, Pastor Gini Heller and Molly Shaffer. The trio sings a variety of traditional and contemporary gospel music that speaks to your soul.

There is no fee for the concert, although a free-will offering will be taken to benefit the restoration and maintenance of the ORC Church and Museum. This will be the last Old Rugged Cross concert for 2017.

The “Third Sunday at Three” concert series will resume at 3 p.m. May 20, 2018.

Those who cannot attend the show are encouraged to attend a hymn sing following the concert at 6 p.m.  Visitors may want to bring a cushion for seating, as the church’s wooden pews have no padding.

The Old Rugged Cross Church and Museum is located at 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon Township, located halfway between Niles and Dowagiac, a quarter mile east of M-51 and half block south of Pokagon Highway.

Niles District Library to host informational forum on Alzheimer’s

NILES — In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness month, the Niles District Library will host a forum on Alzheimer’s from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30.

Kristina Fuller from Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Northern Indiana will discuss normal brain aging, as well as signs of dementia. Kristina will also share the different types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, as well as practical information and skills with the aim to help attendants have better interactions with those living with dementia.

In addition, she will provide tips to promote healthy brain aging. A question and answer period will follow. Light refreshments will be provided.

Registration is suggested but not required. To register, call (269) 683-8545, ext. 112.