Programs and Events

By Gwen Botting

Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind Camps offers summer camps and select year-round programs for children and youth who are blind or have low vision. The programs emphasize essential independent living skills often overlooked in traditional settings, including personal organization, safe cooking techniques, and everyday problem-solving, while also fostering strong social connections. Through engaging and sometimes unexpected activities—such as kayaking, woodworking, ice fishing, and biking—participants build confidence, independence, and lasting friendships. These experiences help children develop skills naturally, in a supportive environment focused on mutual respect, capability, and fun.

Gwen Botting has served as Executive Director of Opportunities Unlimited for the Blind since 2012. Motivated by her experience raising a son who is totally blind and now lives and works independently, she identified gaps in blindness education and has dedicated her career to addressing them.

By Garry Lange

“Just a Little Baseball” offers a historical look at America’s national pastime. Along the way, attendees will learn about the game while enjoying opportunities to reminisce, reflect, and share their own memories and experiences.

Garry Lange operates the Biggest Little Baseball Museum in his hometown of Three Oaks Michigan. He played the game as a youngster, started coaching as a teen and loves the game, especially its history. The first Little League players that Garry coached turn 60 this year, a milestone in his lifelong love of baseball!

By Sara Schultz

If you’ve ever been to a beach in South Haven, then you’ve heard kids and adults alike exclaim, “Hey look! There’s a pirate ship!” Of course, the Friends Goodwill isn’t actually a pirate ship, but there’s a wealth of Michigan history behind the little sloop. Join us for a presentation on the history of the original Friends Goodwill and the story behind the Michigan Maritime Museum’s replica.

Sara Schultz is Head of Education at the Michigan Maritime Museum and has more than 18 years of experience working in museums throughout Michigan. She holds a B.A. in Public History and an M.A. in Socio-Cultural Studies of Education from Western Michigan University.

Save the date, October 20, for our first Reverse Raffle. Fifty tickets will be available for $25 each. Prizes will be awarded as the numbers are randomly chosen. The grand prize of $100 will be presented to the owner of the last number picked. There will be other prizes and cash awarded throughout the raffle. Tickets will be on sale later this summer.

By Alexandra Newman and Jess Kolbe

An estimated 12,000 people live with Dementia in Southwest Michigan. For each of those people there are one or more loved ones impacted by the disease. Join representatives from Area Agency on Aging and the Campus for Creative Aging for a presentation and discussion on what dementia is, how it affects the brain and tips for communicating with people with dementia. They will also discuss local resources and programs available to help families through their dementia journey.

Alexandra Newman has served as the Communications & Outreach Coordinator at Region IV Area Agency on Aging for nearly four years. She leads the Agency’s marketing efforts and regularly presents Agency resources to community groups and professionals across Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.

Jess Kolbe serves as the Campus for Creative Aging Coordinator, overseeing classes and other programming in-person, virtually, and around the community. She also serves as the Program Manager for the Older Adult Home Modification Program, supporting low-income adults over 60 years of age to provide non-medical modifications to their homes.

By Leo Flory

Leo Flory will share how he was first inspired to write and how that inspiration led to his first book, 101st Airborne Combat Medic: Transition to Duty, which tells the story of his tour with the Screaming Eagles in Vietnam. He will also explain how he came up with the idea for his novel, On the Slow Lam, which was published this year. He is now working on a book of short stories—and who knows where his writing journey will lead next.

Leo Flory was born in Decatur, Michigan, in 1948 and lived and worked there until his retirement in 2013. He served two years in the U.S. Army, including one year in Vietnam. He has been married to his wife, Ann, for 55 years, and together they have three adult daughters. Inspired to begin writing in 2010, he has continued to pursue that passion, and his second book, On the Slow Lam, was recently published.

The South Haven Scott Club is pleased to host the Community Soup Luncheon on Saturday, November 21st from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 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.

Reservations required.
Free and open to all.
Seatings at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

You can reserve your seating time by emailing info@scottclub.org or by phone, 269-449-0290.

Come to the Historic Scott Club to have brunch and visit Santa and Mrs. Claus. Families will have time to enjoy brunch and then head upstairs to spend time with Santa and take pictures to capture this fun experience. New this year is our elevator style lift to go to the second level so everyone can enjoy their visit with Santa! Children will receive a book, a gift bag and can make a craft to take home. Brunch made fresh by The Chalkboard Kitchen restaurant.