‘Pennies for Polish’ benefits SMA

On Tuesday, which would have been Maggie Sue Kazlauskas’ first birthday, Spa-Toe-Pia launches “Pennies for Polish” or “Color for Coins” to raise a million cents — $10,000 — for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

SMA is a group of inherited diseases that cause muscle damage and weakness which worsen over time and eventually lead to death.

Infants with SMA type I are born with very little muscle tone.

Maggie Sue, who died June 11, was diagnosed in December.

She was born in Niles July 3, 2011, the daughter of Jim and Mindie (Baerg) Kazlauskas.

Her paternal grandparents, Ed and Sue Kazlauskas, own Jim D’s and The Marshall Shoppe.

“All July we will be doing toe polishing on children (boys and girls, 12 and younger) and pets for coin donations,” Spa-Toe-Pia owner Jacqueline Hale said Wednesday. “This is a campaign for Maggie Sue. Every penny raised will be donated to SMA in her name. She was so precious to me, and I really want to do something in honor of her.”

Donate at least $2 and receive a wristband.

Buchanan

‘Ollie Strong’: ‘Human Etch-A-Sketch’ runs through Niles for local child battling cancer

Community News

‘Seeking the light of wisdom’: Edwardsburg’s Monday Evening Club celebrates 130 years

Cassopolis

Marcellus man gets prison time for shooting man during food argument

Berrien County

Judge rules on 3 motions in Johnson case

Community News

‘Human Etch-A-Sketch’ to run for local child battling cancer

Business

Niles Chamber hosts ribbon cutting for The Embers

Business

Ready to rebuild: Fundraising efforts underway to rebuild historic Ramona Roller Rink

Cass County

Cass County Commissioners provide dumpsters for Twin Lakes cleanup

Community News

ESC to host annual Hero Run event

Buchanan

Campbell Lincoln Ford donates vehicle to Buchanan’s auto tech program

Community News

Dowagiac students receive more than $678K in scholarships

Community News

Dowagiac Auto Body owner killed in Keeler Township crash

Community News

Niles Community Schools narrows superintendent search

Buchanan

BASC Pride Committee to host annual Pride on The Common event

Berrien County

New veterans service office opens in Niles

Berrien County

MSP investigating officer-involved shooting in Berrien County

Cass County

Cass County Deputy Friend of the Court becomes Certified Court Executive

Cassopolis

Village trustee Pedersen announces run for Cassopolis Village President

News

South Bend man who robbed Fifth Third sentenced to prison

News

Cassopolis FFA, botany class deliver flowers to foster families

Columns

LYNCH: Cannabis rescheduling not ideal, but it is progress

News

Bids preparing to go out for AEP renovation

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: OUR Community, OUR Bond

News

King to challenge Denison in recall election