Brenda Layne: An Underpinnings Podcast

September 6, 2021 is the 125th Anniversary of the Yore Opera House Fire in Benton Harbor. The tragedy caused the worst loss of firefighter lives in Southwest Michigan's history. Hear about upcoming commemoration events and her book 'A Night of Horror - Yore Opera House Fire' from Denise Tackett, Author & Treasurer of The Morton House Museum.

Kayla Kolberg of Baroda talks about making her dream (since age 10) come true with the initial stage of planning for 'Zoovolution' underway. Hear her ideas for the first Zoovolution fundraiser - coming Sept. 25!

9 Organizations - 1 Challenge. It's year 2 for the Berrien Community Foundation Arts Challenge & Auction. Lisa Cripps Downey, BCF President shares the details and Susan Dietrich-Reed, Executive Director, Citadel Dance & Music Center represents the group of 9 Arts Organizations: Krasl Art Center The Acorn Theatre Twin City Players (TCP) The GhostLight Theatre Water Street Glassworks Children's Music Workshop (CMW) Performing Arts Workshops (PAWS) Citadel Arts & Music Center Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra.

Equine Therapy offers proven benefits for people with disabilities. The Therapeutic Equestrian Center has been serving the tri-county area in Southwest Michigan for many years with the help of over 100 volunteers. They currently lease space for classes and their 7 horses, but will soon be moving to a new location. The ultimate goal is to own their own space according to Founder/Board President/Instructor, Autumn Zick.

The 75th Berrien County Youth Fair is August 16 - 21 in Berrien Springs. After skipping 2020 for the Coronavirus, volunteers, exhibitors and fairgoers alike are ready for the fair. Hear all the plans for the week with long-time Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator, Jill Hein.

Riverfest Benton Harbor is August 6 and 7 with a great mix of local and regional talent and entertainers. Besides a permanent art installation for the City, 2 non-profits benefit. Co-organizers Sharon Henderson and Julee Laurent fill us in.

Bids For Barks 2.0 had to cancel plans for their auction fundraiser last year due to Covid-19, but are ready to raise funds at the end of the month for Paws of Hope with their 'Dog Day Afternoon' event on the grounds of the LMC Mendel Center. Organizer Lynn Schlender has the low-down!

The Race Relations Council began in 1999 and has been an architect of popular programs in Southwest Michigan including 'Calling All Colors,' and the 'All God's Children Choir.' New co-chairs Charmae Sanders and Jacquie Johnson take the helm August 1st, with initiatives to go social, and more.

From wife, teacher, mother & business owner to widow & single parent running a business and now successful businesswoman - happily re-married with a blended family of 6 adult kids and 12 grandkids - volunteer, philanthropist, It Works rep and woman of faith, Lois Ashbrook has been a mentor, leader and advocate to emulate. She is my guest this week. Presented by Frederic & Kimberly's Aveda Concept Salon in St. Joseph and Taylor Rental ~ Party Plus in Benton Harbor. Also brought to you by Full Circle Café & Espresso Bar in Stevensville.

Summer's back on and events are coming back and Millicent Huminsky, Executive Director of the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, couldn't be more pleased. This week, she talks about some of the events we can put back on our calendars!

Joyce Vance and Artelia Martin from the Benton Harbor Juneteenth Committee outline 2021 celebration events - starting at ArtHop in the Benton Harbor Arts District on 6/18. Listen to this week's episode for the schedule.

Kelly Ewalt is the Community Development Director for the Village of Berrien Springs. This week, she talks about the Pickle Festival she's planning for July 4th, with events, food, fun for all ages - and of course - PICKLES!

Not-for-Profit Gateway Services has recently changed their name to more adequately reflect their mission. Tami Gould, Executive Director, outlines the impetus for the change to The Center for Growth and Independence. And...she might have the perfect job for you, too! Listen in.

Pandemic or no, things are always chugging along at the OutCenter of Southwest Michigan! This week, long-time Executive Director, Mary Jo Schnell, talks advocacy, legislation, resources and Pride Month (June) activities.

The League Of Women Voters of Cass and Berrien Counties is working to educate 'communities of interest' on their rights to testify before the Redistricting Commission at public input forums now through September. Board Member Faith Schoon of Bridgman explains in this week's podcast.

ARS Arts & Culture Center Founder and President, Anna Russo-Sieber, is excited about sustainable fund health as the organization enters it's 11th year. Get the update on this week's interview.

St. Joseph Today is prepping for a shift back to normalcy for the coming warm weather. Hear it straight from Amy Zapal, Executive Director on this week's interview.

Since 2012, Paws of Hope, based in Stevensville, has been one of several local rescue groups in the area caring for our furry friends. A foster-only not-for-profit, they have no physical shelter and have continued adoptions throughout the pandemic. President, Robyn Fedor is Brenda's guest this week.

The 32nd annual 'Pennies for Patients' fundraiser will be a drive-through in North and South Berrien County on May 13. Nancy Church, RN, President and CEO of Berrien County Cancer Service has the details this week.

Deputy Director Michael Clark of the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety gives a community update. He discusses the Neighbors and Tip411 apps, the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy and openings for Officers and paid On-Call Firefighters.

Learn about a free 3-part series - Hidden History: Understanding the Origins of Racial Inequity - sponsored by the City of St. Joseph, Spectrum Health Lakeland and Lake Michigan College. St. Joseph Mayor Mike Garey and St. Joseph City Commissioner Lynn Todman (also V.P. of Health Equity at Spectrum Health Lakeland) discusses this gift to our community that starts 4/11/21.

Spectrum Health Lakeland's Center for Better Health makes health and wellness more accessible for Benton Harbor residents. Vice President of Health Equity at SHL, Lynn Todman, informs in this edition.

In March we celebrate Restaurant Month - and none too soon for our local chefs and servers! Sarah Spoonholtz, Director of Membership & Events at the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce, promotes a comprehensive listing of local restaurants on this edition.

The Twin City Players cordially invite you to their 'No Show Show - The Greatest Show Never Seen!' Learn about this March fundraiser for TCP with Board Member and Fundraising Chair, Sarah Simmons, on this episode.

Southwest Michigan ALPACT (Advocates & Leaders for Police & Community Trust) co-chairs share an update on progress and upcoming community forums. This episode features Margaret Clayborn, Community Health Program Specialist, Spectrum Health Lakeland, and City of St. Joseph Director of Public Safety, Steve Neubecker.

Former Pastor of 1st Church of God, St. Joseph, Robert Moss, currently Senior Executive Project Manager at Church of God Ministries in Anderson, IN has just released a revised edition of one of his books. 'Rediscover The Passion, The Promise, The Power' is updated and includes 2 new chapters, including one specifically about the pandemic. Get the ebook at warnerpress.org, and hear him narrate the introduction in this edition.

Happy 100th to The Exchange Club of Southwest Michigan! Exchange Club President, Dr. Jane Oelke, owner and founder of Natural Choices in St. Joseph, talks about club projects, keeping it all together during a pandemic, and plans for an upcoming state convention in this episode.

Since 1991, non-profit Citizens Mediation Service has been resolving conflict for people in Southwest Michigan. In this episode, Executive Director, Jenny Miner, discusses how they've continued to serve with virtual mediation during the pandemic.

Cabin fever? Pandemic fatigue? Visit the MagicalIce Fest in downtown St. Joseph February 5-7 either in person, or virtually. This episode features Amy Zapata, Executive Director of St. Joseph Today with the schedule of events.

Due to a sewer break earlier this month, Emergency Shelter Services serving Berrien County is seeking funds from the community to pay the $25,000 bill. Executive Director, Reschella Hawkins tells the story on this episode.

Taylor Rental/Party Plus' 'Your Day Your Way' Virtual Wedding Show on January 30 is the topic of this episode. Taylor owner Lois Ashbrook and Sales Manager Amanda Porter, Certified Event Rental Professional, give the details and let you know how to register in this episode.

This episode introduces the new not-for-profit Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation. Executive Director and Founder Ashley Hines join Brenda with Program Director and Community Support Services Kumani McAfee to discuss upcoming programming and initiatives.

Advances in early detection for lung cancer through low-dose CT can screening at the Marie Yeager Cancer Center in St. Joseph is the discussion in this episode. Featuring Dr. Barbara Schmidtman, Ph.D., Director of Oncology Services and Dr. Edmund Paloyan, Medical Director of Oncology Service at Spectrum Health Lakeland.

People who may be genetically pre-dispositioned for breast cancer now can learn more through the High Risk Cancer Program at the Spectrum Health Lakeland Center for Outpatient Services in St. Joseph. Learn more on this episode with Dr. Barbara Schmidtman, Ph.D., Director of Oncology Services, Samantha (Sami) Witt Crosby, Certified Genetic Counselor and Kathryn Vera, Nurse Practitioner.

The historic First Congregational UCC on Bellview Avenue in Benton Harbor is being restored by The Legacy Group of Benton Harbor. Hear the story from Founder & President, Michael Hoyh, in this episode.

Discover the charming, unique downtown district of Niles in this episode with Lisa Croteau. Her 20 years as Program Manager of Niles DDA Main Street has showcased events, festivals, shopping, services and restaurants - this year keeping the faith despite coronavirus.

Senior Nutrition Services/Meals on Wheels of Southwest Michigan continues to serve over 600 meals per day during the coronavirus pandemic. Executive Director, Linda K. Strohl, talks about the organization and shares the details of their holiday fudge fundraiser.

Linda Mantke-Dolezan of Benton Harbor is a warrior who's been fighting breast cancer for over a decade. A self-titled #momcologist, she's currently undergoing chemotherapy for Stage IV MBC (Metastatic Breast Cancer.) She recounts her personal story in this episode, concluding Pinktober 2020.

In-store take-out counter to the popular Werk It! Food Truck to the new Werk It! Cafe and Market opening in November 2020 - hear the story of Benton Harbor native Audrey S. Peeples on this episode. Chef Audy also discusses her work with the NOBO marijuana dispensary in the city.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is this week's topic. Guests are from the Marie Yaeger Cancer Center at Spectrum Health Lakeland: -Dr. Edmund Paloyan, Medical Oncologist/Medical Director of Oncology Services -Shelley Wilkinson, Nurse Navigator- High Risk Cancer Program/Oncology.

Apples & pumpkins& grapes- oh, my! Dr. Ron Goldy, Senior Extension Educator, MSU Extension, talks a cornucopia of fall produce, wine making, and the upcoming Christmas Tree crop in Michigan in this edition.

Coloma native turned visionary, Blair Struble plans to form a 501c3 not-for-profit to purchase, return to glory and reopen Deer Forest Adventure Park in Coloma as soon as possible. His plans are featured in this episode.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This episode features Bella Nichols, Chair, Berrien County Suicide Prevention Coalition. She shares her personal loss of her 17-year old daughter to suicide, and current strategies of the Coalition.

Doesn't 105 virus-safe acres of beauty, peace and nature sound good right about now? Hear about one of Southwest Michigan's hidden gems - Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles/Buchanan - from Executive Director, Carol Line and Elaine Rowland. Director of Development & External Relations.

The NTAA (New Territory Arts Association) is now the BHAA (Benton Harbor Arts Association.) This episode features current president, Tammi Phillippe, on the organization and an invitation to upcoming safe-distance outdoor events!

On this episode, Dr. Ron Goldy, Sr. Extension Educator, MSU Extension, discusses the economic situation facing local growers as the pandemic continues. He also outlines the late summer/early fall harvest in SW MI.

Trenton Bowens, community activist and justice advocate, discusses the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph Unity Rally he's hosting on 8/29/2020. The significance of this date is the 57th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's 'I Have a Dream' speech. The rally starts at 3pm at Dwight Pete Mitchell Park in Benton Harbor.

The new Superintendant of Benton Harbor Area Schools, Dr. Andrae' Townsel, started in February...only to face the crisis of Coronavirus almost immediately. Listen to his story and plans for moving the largest public school district in Southwest Michigan forward.

On this week's podcast: Isolation from coronavirus can get you down, whether you're 3 or 103. Dr. Gale Hackworth, psychologist from Lighthouse Behavioral Health in St. Joseph, offers coping strategies. Also...learn about covid-19 scam calls.

The Krasl Art Fair was canceled for this year, but Saturdays in August will feature Summer Art Markets on the Green. Executive Director Julia Gourley Donohue talks art and running the Krasl Art Center during coronavirus in this edition.

Senior Extension Educator, Dr. Ron Goldy, MSU Extension discusses all things agriculture in the heart of a Southwest Michigan summer. Also - info on the 7/31 Unity Service at the John E.N. Howard Bandshell in St. Joseph in this edition.