By Nancy Brock

Late in WWI the United States sent over 5,000 soldiers to Archangel in northern Russia at the request of the British allies. Many believed their mission was to guard supplies, but the mission changed. What happened? Who was there? Nancy Brock will present a brief history of the 1918-1919 Polar Bear Expedition with bio sketches of area veterans who participated and to remember their contributions and experiences.

Nancy is a Mattawan native with a lifelong appreciation of local history. She has been researching WWI Polar Bears from southwest Michigan for more than eight years.

By Curt Tofteland, Founder, Shakespeare Behind Bars Program

The Mission of Shakespeare Behind Bars is to offer theatrical encounters with personal and social issues to incarcerated, post-incarcerated, marginalized, and at-risk communities, allowing them to develop and expand life skills that will support their reintegration into society. Founded in 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars is the oldest, continuously operating program of its kind in North America. Each year Shakespeare Behind Bars serves 200+ incarcerated adults and juveniles in thirteen SBB programs in Kentucky, Michigan, and Illinois.

Curt L. Tofteland, as the Founder of the internationally acclaimed Shakespeare Behind Bars program, produced and directed fourteen all-male Shakespeare plays. SBB is the subject of the multiple award-winning documentaries by Philomath Films. During his twenty-year tenure as the Producing Artistic Director of Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Curt produced fifty Shakespeare productions, directed twenty-five, and acted in eight. As a professional director and an Equity actor, he has 200+ professional productions to his credit. Additionally, he has presented 400+ performances of his one man show Shakespeare’s Clownes: A Foole’s Guide to Shakespeare.

The South Haven Scott Club is pleased to host the Community Soup Luncheon on Saturday, November 22nd from 11 am to 2 pm at their Michigan Historic Site at 652 Phoenix Street. All are welcome at this fun event that serves as a kickoff to the holiday season in concert with other local events. There will be something for everyone with a range of options including vegan and vegetarian; come early to choose your favorite. A beverage and dessert are also included, and a to-go option will be available. Come out and support the Scott Club and warm up with some hot soup and festive company.
The suggested donation is $10.