November begins the holiday season activities with bazaars and craft shows, Downtown Holiday Homecoming in Niles and Old Fashion Christmas Celebration in downtown Dowagiac.  Don’t forget to pick out your holiday tree at Butler Tree Farm, Yule Tide Acres or at Whispering Pines Christmas Trees. If there is a good amount of snow, skiing, snowmobiling and tubing are abundant in the Four Flags areas at Swiss Valley and Five Pines, or warm up and shop for antiques in Dowagiac, Berrien Springs, Niles or Buchanan.
Remember that Friday is Veteran’s Day, so look for many local celebrations to honor our veterans. What is a veteran? A “veteran” whether active duty, discharged, retired or reserve, is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount of “up to and including their life.” That is an honor. And there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand that fact.  So please remember to take a moment of your time to honor our veterans.
Also remember to visit your local libraries and senior centers for many other activities.
For more information visit Four Flags Area’s website, www.fourflagsarea.org or call (269) 684-7444.

Nov 1-20
Operation Christmas Child — A Project of the Samaritan’s Purse — From now until Nov. 20, stop by the Four Flags Area Council on Tourism office and pick up information and a box to pack for Operation Christmas Child — A Project of the Samaritan’s Purse. Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoeboxes and the good news of God’s love. Here is a way you can make a difference in the lives of those children.
Niles………………….684-7444

Today
Women’s Personal Safety Training — Join Lace Dance & Fitness Studio and Berrien County Sheriff’s Department Crime Prevention Specialist Kelly Lesch for this informational women’s safety training seminar. Learn basic safety techniques and gain the confidence you’ll need if a situation ever arises. Kelly will be answering any and all questions regarding personal safety in public places as well as in the home. Open to all females ages 13 and up, $10 in advance, $13 day of the event with proceeds benefiting Polly’s Place.  Snacks and water will be provided by the studio. To register, contact Lindsey Hessey via phone at (269) 605-9725, email lhessey@live.com or call Lace Dance and Fitness Studio at (269) 845-0283, Niles Police Department, 1600 Silverbrook Ave., Niles.

Today
Bertrand Firefighters Chili Supper — This event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at 4770 W. U.S. Highway 12, Bertrand Fire Station, Buchanan

Today
Fundraiser Tailgate Party — A Goal Line Celebration will raise money for the Cass County Council on Aging Dowagiac Senior Center. Food and Fun of a tailgate party, silent auction, raffles, music provided by Blue Water Rockers. Tickets are $30 each and are available at the Council on Aging, proceeds from the event will benefit the new Dowagiac Senior Center that will open early 2012. Make reservations soon; this event is located at the Mathews Conference Center at Southwestern Michigan College.
Dowagiac………………………………………..(269) 445-8110.

Today
Holiday Craft Bazaar — Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar, from 9-3 pm, 24832 U.S. Highway 12 East.
Edwardsburg……………………….(269) 699-5330

Nov. 5 and 6
Woodcarvers’ Show — The 31st annual Fruitbelt Woodcarvers exhibition will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Cassopolis. In addition to the exhibition there will be a raffle and drawings for prizes. Admission and parking are free.
Cassopolis………………………..(269) 435-7245.

Today
Holiday Bazaar — The Vandalia Chapter 235 Order of the Eastern Star of Union Michigan will have their Annual Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 15598 U.S. 12 East, Union.

Sunday
Niles Service League Holiday Open House — Come enjoy refreshments and support the Niles Service League from 1 to 4 p.m. while shopping with: Thirty-One, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Stampin Up, Silpada, Tastefully Simple, Mary Kay, Tupperware, Celebrating Homes, Beauti Control and Longaberger. We will also be having a raffle and 50/50. Perfect way to get some of that holiday shopping done! Bertrand Township Hall 3830 Buffalo Rd., Buchanan

Sunday
Fashion Show — Polly’s Place Niles Fundraiser Fashion Show and Silent Auction will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bell Building 305 N. Third St., Niles. Tickets are available for $12 in advance or $15 at the door.
Niles…………………………………….683-6523.

Sunday
Franz Jackson Jazz Celebration — A night of lively celebration featuring Judy K beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Tuesday and Nov. 15
Blood Pressure Check — Drop by a get your blood pressure checked out on Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. and Nov. 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. located at the Niles Area Senior Center, 1109 Bell Rd.
Niles………………………………683-9380.

Tuesday
ADT Companion Service — When you experience a fall, medical issue or other emergency, every second counts.  If you are alone, delayed medical care can jeopardize your recovery and your independence.  Tera Jamesen with ADT Home Health Security will give a presentation on the ADT Companion Service, located at Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson Rd.
Buchanan……………………………………….(269) 695-7119

Tuesday
Blood Sugar Screening — This event is from 9 to 10 a.m. and is provided by Hospice at Home.  Fasting (water only) after midnight is recommended. Located at the Niles Area Senior Center, 1109 Bell Rd.
Niles………………………………………683-9380.

Thursday
Organizing Financial Paperwork — A brief and informative presentation conducted by Christina Watson of Chemical Bank, register by Tuesday, a financial information folder will be provided to each attendee and provides a quick reference to your entire financial situation.  Located at Buchanan Area Senior Cente,r 810 Rynearson Rd.
Buchanan…………………………..(269) 695-7119.

Friday
Veteran’s Day Celebration -Activities include a memorial service at the veteran’s memorial garden on the west side of the Council on Aging building at 11:30 a.m., lunch, and guest speaker. Veterans may call ahead to receive free lunch following the memorial service (all others may purchase lunch for about $5). Guest speaker is a member of the Army National Guard in Kalamazoo.
Cassopolis…………………………(269) 445-8110.

Friday
Fall Choral Concert — Presenting a variety of classical, pop, jazz, and folk choral music, the harmonious sounds of the SMC Select Voices, Men’s Ensemble, Concert Choir and Evening Chorale will fill the theater.
Dowagiac…………………………(800) 456-8675.

Friday
Veteran’s Day Celebration — One of the largest veterans’ events in Berrien County, beginning at 7 p.m., fun-filled evening at the Eau Claire High School, 7450 Hochberger Rd., Eau Claire. For information contact Jo at (269) 782-8796.

Friday
Friends Jazz Trio — Guitar, bass and piano playing all the familiar favorites beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 12
Holiday Market — This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. local crafters, baked goods, used books, attic treasures and much more. Niles Area Senior Center, 1109 Bell Rd.
Niles……………………….683-9380

Nov. 12
Arts & Crafts Bazaar — This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. admission is a non-perishable food item for the Christian Service Center. Food drive, bake sale, crafts, Christmas decorations, pastries, snacks, coffee, lunch. Located at St. Mary’s School Gym, 217 South Lincoln Ave., Niles
Niles……………………………….684-0637

Nov. 12
Trivia Night — St. Mark Parish Hall Trivia Night, doors open at 6 p.m. the game starts promptly at 7 p.m. Seating is limited to the first 24 paid tables, $100 per table, up to 10 players per table. Grand Prize — $250 to the winning table and $100 to second place table. Public welcome, located at  St. Marks Catholic Church 3 N. 19th St., Niles.
Niles………………………………………683-8650

Nov. 13
Jim Pickley —  beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 15
Memory Screening — This event will take place from1 to 3 p.m. Set up an appointment to have this important memory screening at the Buchanan Area Senior Center, 810 Rynearson.
Buchanan……………………..(269) 695-7119

Nov. 16
Memory Screening — Memory screenings are a significant first step toward finding out if someone may have a memory problem. Memory problems may be caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other medical conditions. Call nurse Tammy to schedule a screening. Niles……………………………………683-9380

Nov. 18
Compassion Cupboard open — The Compassion Cupboard at the First Church of God in Cassopolis, Spencer Rd., behind Family Dollar, will be open from 9 to 11 a.m.

Nov. 18
Ronn Barany — Soloist beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac,   (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 19
15th Annual Arts and Craft Show – This event is held in conjunction with Dowagiac’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dowagiac Union High School, 701 W. Prairie Ronde, Dowagiac. Sponsored by Theta Mu Sorority of Beta Sigma Phi.  Lots of unique arts, crafts and homemade food items from many area craftsmen. Many festivities will be going on in Dowagiac with its Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration Weekend. Free admission to craft show. Donuts and lunch menu available for purchase. Booth space available by contacting Sherrie at (269) 580-2331.

Nov. 19
2nd Annual VFW Bazaar — This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Andy vendor who signs up can come in and and get signs to pass out or put up where ever they can. If you are interested in becoming a vendor at this event, contact Michele Collins (269) 925-8355 or (269) 876-9397. Prices will be $25 for a 6-foot table and $45 for a 12-foot table. Anyone wanting a table can mail their checks to 2616 E. Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 Attn: Michele- checks can be made out to VFW Post 1137.

Nov. 19
Santa’s Arrival — This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Riverfront Park Amphitheater, gift from Santa, hot coffee, hot chocolate and donut holes. Free.
Niles……………………………………683-3720

Nov. 20
Free Community Dinner — The November Free Community Dinner sponsored by the Cassopolis United Methodist Church will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Vandalia Village Hall. The church will not be hosting a dinner in December, but will restart again on Saturday, Jan. 21 in the Wood Fellowship Hall of the Cassopolis United Methodist Church, 209 S. Rowland, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Nov. 20
Old Fashion Christmas Celebration — As Yuletide classics trumpet the crisp air, you’re sure to enjoy the relaxed pace of holiday shopping the way it used to be. Family events are held on open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as a true-to-life Old-World Santa greets children within the elegant, indoor setting of Wood Fire Italian Trattoria. Santa’s reindeer, Holly, awaits families outside, as carolers stroll the downtown and holiday dance performances are presented on Beeson Street. Be sure to tour the Grand Old City by horse-drawn carriage and visit the Theta Mu Sorority Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dowagiac Union High School.
Dowagiac…………………………(269) 782-8212

Nov. 20
Carl Payne – Soloist beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 25
Venetia Sekema — Vocals beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 26
Downtown Holiday Homecoming — Lighting of the City Tree, carriage rides, entertainment and shopping.
Downtown, Niles………………………….687-4332

Nov. 27
Ed Bagatini Trio — beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Wood Fire, 134 Front St., Dowagiac, (269) 782-0007.

Nov. 27
White Saturday Buchanan — 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Front and Main streets, downtown Buchanan, fun, music, shopping, strolling, eating, intellectual stimulation, idea generation, sensory satisfaction and of course, Santa Claus.