Past Programs

By Michael McCarthy

Michael McCarthy, a former reporter and editor for The Wall Street Journal, will discuss his national bestseller, Ashes Under Water: The SS Eastland and the Shipwreck That Shook America. The book brought to life a tragedy in which more than 800 people, mostly poor women and children, perished in a steamship capsize in 1915. It hit the New York Times bestseller list in 2015 and inspired a documentary film, forthcoming on PBS, titled Eastland: Chicago’s Deadliest Day.

Presented by Connie Schaffer

Connie Schaffer will describe her experiences working with her husband on construction of dormitories and other necessary buildings for rescued girls in Kajiado, Kenya. She will also share stories from the girls who attend the school and of a drilling rig that hit water. The project was organized by Maranatha Volunteers International, a group started in Michigan over 50 years ago. This will be a compelling program. Membership meeting will follow program.

Presented by Doug Peterson

Doug will entertain us with Irish music to get us into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit.

Presented by Dr. Pamela Cook Miller

Storytelling is at the root of who we are, where we came from, and how we live. In the 1980s a National Storytelling Revival was begun in Jonesborough, TN with echoes which have resonated around the world. The National Storytelling Festival is in its 48th year, and Jonesborough is considered THE WORLD CAPITAL OF STORYTELLING.

Dr. Miller, is a performing member of the Jonesborough Storytellers’ Guild and founder of the Storytelling Resource Center, the only museum/library of storytelling in the world, which contains thousands of books, recordings, art and artifacts. Dr. Miller will present some of the many important uses of storytelling for adults in education, psychology, healing, literature, and entertainment.

Presented by Jim France

If you’ve ever been interested in honeybees and what it takes to raise them, this program is for you. It will cover the basics of beekeeping, and will give some insights into this hobby, and the fascinating insects at the center of it. The benefits that honeybees provide as pollinators and the delicious honey they produce will be highlighted.

Presented by Bishop Dorothy Sherrod

This year marks the 48th Annual Black History Leadership Society’s program held each year at Lily of the Valley Church in Covert. The mission of the BHLS is to bring awareness to the rich history of African Americans here in South Haven and the surrounding areas as well as highlighting the many contributions made by African Americans in the development of the city. Equally important, the Society endeavors to continue to support our youth through the Youth on The Rise Scholarship and Mentoring. As one of the founders and leaders, Bishop Dorothy Sherrod will bring us the rich history of this Society to the Scott Club.

Presentation by Lana DeFrancesco

PechaKucha (Japanese for “chit-chat”) is a storytelling format where a presenter shows 20 slides for 20 seconds with commentary for each slide. Lana DeFrancesco is an organizer for the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor PechaKucha presentations. She will give an introduction to the platform and show some favorite past presentations.

Presented by Ann Habicht

Ann Habicht brings handbells and holiday songs to celebrate the festive season.
Membership meeting will follow program.