Category Archives: Did You Know

Did You Know, Gardening / Ministry of Gardening

Did You Know? Our Community Garden

It’s time to get started with our Community Garden in Vandalia! Community gardens are a great way to nourish your family and help the larger community. Would you like to be involved?

It’s a lot like the story of the Little Red Hen. We can work together to grow some food, then families who assist can harvest what they need for their family’s use. The extras will be donated to local food pantry programs.

Check out the flyer below for complete details and contact information for you to express your interest.

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4-H programming, Did You Know

Did You Know? Free Children’s Activity!

The Kids-N-Kids Club will host a workshop on Sunday, June 9 from 2 to 3:30 PM at the Vandalia Youth Center (18035 State Street, Vandalia, MI 49095)! Participants can enjoy a gift-wrapping and bow-making workshop facilitated by Cass Area Artists and designed to complement the 2024 Cass County Fair theme of “Let the Games Begin.” They will also have fun with creating a weather cloud poster using cotton balls.

This event is open to children ages 5 and up, and parents should plan to chaperone their children. No membership in 4-H is required, so please join us! The deadline to RSVP is May 31, 2024. Please text Ms. Ridenour at 574-215-6337 or email [email protected] as soon as possible if you wish to attend. There is no fee for this event.

Here is the flyer:

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Community Resources, Did You Know

Did You Know? Cass Co. Transportation Vote

Mark your calendar for Febraury 27, 2024…there is an important vote happening. The Cass County Transportation Authority is asking for a 0.25 mill levy to fund services such as Dowagiac Dial-A-Ride and Cass County Public Transit. These services are critical to many local residents, but there would also be a small property tax increase involved. You can get the complete details, including estimated impact on your taxes and service benefits in the flyer below, but don’t miss your opportunity to vote and make your voice heard!! Help us spread the word so everyone can have a say.

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Community Resources, Did You Know

Did You Know? Twelve Baskets Free Store

Twelve Baskets Free Store, located in Portage, Michigan, is welcoming anyone in need, regardless of residency. They offer not only clothing, but also over the counter medications, appliances, children’s toys, diapers of ALL SIZES, household decore, and much more. This is a fabulous resource that you should definitely check out. The address is 10330 Portage Road, Portage, MI 49002 and the contact phone number is 269-532-4912. Their Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/189136326666616. You can stay “in the know” about their offerings, how to make donations and other important information by joining their Facebook page.

Do you need help finding a ride to get to Twelve Baskets Free Store? Our Father’s Family Keeper may be able to help. Please send a message (with notice so we can plan) to us and we will try to help.

Community Resources, Did You Know

Did You Know? Free Help with Clothing!

CLOTHED IN COMPASSION is a free clothing room located at the corner of CR6 and CR19 in the Bristol/Elkhart area (in the former Zion Lutheran Church). They are open the first and third Saturdays of every month for you to get totally free men’s, women’s, teens’, children’s, and baby clothing. They also accept clothing donations.

There are no strings attached, no ID required, no paperwork or income questions, no appointment needed, and no residency requirement. Stop out and visit this dedicated program! You can also visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/817068349237437 to check hours, dates, and donation needs.

Community Resources, Did You Know

Did You Know? Free Thanksgiving Feast!

Stop by the Calvin Center SDA Church (19088 Brownsville Road, Cassopolis) from 2 to 4 PM on Nov. 18, 2023 for a FREE to-go Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings! Stay in your vehicle, and drive over past the trash dumpster to the east side of the building. They will stay open while supplies last.

Big thank you to the church for this generous program they are sharing with the community!! Get all the details from their flyer below.

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Community Resources, Did You Know

Did You Know? Grants for Homeowners!

This program from MI-Hope is designed to help homeowners living below 300% of the Federal poverty level with housing, home repairs, and related expenses. There are some qualifications, and you must be able to show hardship from Covid-19. Qualifying property owners can receive up to $25,000 to help with major home repairs and upgrades, like roof, insulation, windows, and heating systems.

This is a huge opportunity for property owners! Hope Anderson at the Cass County COA can help you with more information, or the website for the organization and application is at https://arp.michigan.gov/p/HOPE/ApplyNow/164944336352444612

Wondering if you are at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level? Check the chart for a guide.

Community Resources, Did You Know, Health & Wellness

Did You Know? Hazardous Waste Collection

Do you have old but hazardous items that are difficult to get rid of? The Cass County Road Commission is ready and waiting to accept many of those difficult-to-dispose-of items on September 6 from 3 to 6 PM. Load up your vehicle with those chemicals, cleaners, paints, automotive fluids, and more to get them disposed of safely and properly. Check the flyer below for the complete list of what will and will not be accepted, but here’s your chance to get rid of many kinds of old appliances, batteries, light bulbs, and more. It’s so much better than the landfill and your home will be much cleaner and safer.

Be sure to check the flier below for complete details about what can and cannot be accepted, and have a good clean up to get ready for winter!!

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Community Resources, Did You Know, Family Fun

Did You Know? BACK TO SCHOOL BASH is coming up!

The 5th Annual Dan Lee Back to School Bash is coming up soon! Come on over to Cassopolis Middle School from 10 AM to 5 PM on August 20th. You’ll be glad you did!

The event offers free clothing for kids, free haircuts, hair braiding, and more. There will be food and fun for everyone – a bounce house, a 5-K Run at 8 AM, games and giveaways, and even ice cream! It’s the perfect way to get all set for school to resume in just a few short days.

Here are the complete details. Hope to see YOU there!!

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