South Haven

Last leg of Van Buren Trail in sight

South Haven couple finds second career in bookstore

Beach bus shuttles sun worshipers around South Haven

South Haven City Marinas keep boaters connected to the Internet

South Haven’s shore, shopping and more attract attention

It's the time of year when publications are putting out their recommendations for summer getaways. This year the Chicago Tribune Travel section suggests South Haven, a place that lures families with its beaches and berries. Excerpt: There's little that can compare with traveling the world and exploring new places; the rewards are endless. But there's something comforting and nurturing in returning again and again to a familiar destination. Part of it is that the trip becomes easier: You know which restaurants you prefer, where to shop for necessities, what to do when it rains. There are fewer decisions to make. And there is the anticipation of being able to repeat, or share with others, the thing that you enjoyed most the last time around. Either way, South Haven is a winner. It has small-town charm with world-class beaches, a variety of attractions and decent restaurants. And there's just something about the sunsets. For advice on places to stay and where to eat, read the entire story. Source: Chicago Tribune

Increase in tourism expected to heat up summer business in South Haven

Last summer leasing agents in South Haven reduced rental rates in anticipation of a season slowed by harsh economics. Those days are gone, reports the Kalamazoo Gazette. Already, Shores Vacation Rental in South Haven has seen a 3 percent increase in bookings over last year. Other rental firms in the city also report bookings are up over last year. Statewide, tourism travel is expected to increase 2 percent over last year while spending is expected to rise 3 percent. Excerpt: The South Haven/Van Buren County Convention & Visitors Bureau also is encouraged by early season indicators, such as the 30 percent increase in traffic on the bureau's website this year over the same period in 2009, said Lisa Shanley, executive director of the bureau. "A lot of those turn into actual visitors," Shanley said. "We're very optimistic about this year."           The Southwest Michigan Tourist Council markets hotels, resorts and other tourist activities in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties.  The office has been flooded with calls from people from North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and other southern states inquiring about vacationing in Southwest Michigan, said Millicent Huminsky, the council's executive director. The reason? The massive oil slick lapping on the shores of several Gulf states that are home to popular tourists sites.  "We've gotten calls from all over," Huminsky said. "People are looking for clean water and clean beaches. I feel bad about the disaster down there, but it actually might help us." Information on vacancies at local marinas also is reported in the story. Source: Kalamazoo Gazette

Albemarle recognized by American Chemistry Council

Albemarle Corporation, a global leader in delivering innovative specialty chemicals and clean energy solutions, recently was recognized for acting with care when it comes to environmental stewardship -- and its facility in South Haven helped it earn the accolades. Albemarle received four awards from the American Chemistry Council for the company's contributions to the improved performance of the chemical sector.The company received the Responsible Care Performance Award, given to those that excel at helping the American Chemistry Council meet industry-wide safety and product stewardship targets. Since 1988, members of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) have significantly improved their environmental, health, safety and security performance through the Responsible Care initiative. Participation in Responsible Care is mandatory for ACC member companies.Albemarle is one of only 10 companies to receive the award, and also received a Responsible Care Facility Safety Certificate, presented to companies with particularly high-standard achievements in employee health and safety performance.Two Responsible Care Significant Improvement in Manufacturing awards also went to Albemarle for two plant projects. The Bayport Facility in Pasadena, Texas, and the South Haven facility were recognized for their continual efforts in energy conservation."For more than twenty years, Responsible Care has represented a common commitment of companies working together to continuously improve our industry's performance. The companies and individuals recognized today have distinguished themselves as leaders in our commitment to sustainability," ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley says.Niomi L. Krzystowczyk, Albemarle's Division Vice President of Health, Safety & Environment  said the awards "formally acknowledge our commitment to promoting sound sustainability practices throughout our organization and the communities in which we work and live."Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., employs approximately 4,000 people and serves customers in approximately 100 countries. Writer: Kathy JenningsSource: Stephanie Dixon, Albemarle

Magazine for boaters raves about South Haven

The June edition of Lakeland Boating Magazine has so many nice things to say about South Haven it devoted six pages to the city.Author Heather Steinberger writes: "Best known for its ample dockage, breathtaking sunsets and abundance of blueberries, the tiny community of South Haven, Michigan is a boater's paradise just waiting to be discovered."The magazine, which describes itself as the voice of the Sweetwater Seas for more than 50 years, offers in-depth boat tests to stories on weekend getaways, product roundups to features on colorful ports of call on the Great Lakes.  Excerpt:"All boaters must see a South Haven sunset off the lighthouse pier," Mayor Burr advised enthusiastically.That really is a must do. Local Ottawa, Miami and Potawatomi tribes called this area Ni-Ko-Kong or "beautiful sunsets." I can vouch for the sunsets; they are breathtaking.Visit the white-sand public beaches that are within a short walking distance from the city's transient dockage," the mayor continued. "Shop our well-established Farmer's Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. And the fishing is awesome, with salmon, steelhead, lake trout and perch from May through August."Both Mayor Burr and Robin Abshear encouraged boaters to enjoy the festival season as well.For pictures and more observations, read the entire story. Source: Lakeland Boating Magazine

Can you say vaccination in Spanish?

Vacuna is the word for shots in Spanish -- flu shots that is. It's one of the first Spanish words learned by Dr. Karen Janson in the Spanish club offered by South Haven Community Hospital for its staff and their spouses, reports the Herald-Palladium.The pediatrician has learned to use the word carefully so as not to set off tears among her young patients. Excerpt:The Spanish club has nearly 60 participants who meet weekly. It was the brainchild of Dr. Sylvia Mustonen, who works at the hospital's Covert clinic, said hospital President and CEO Joanne Urbanski. The meetings are led by Mustonen and Alex De La Cruz, the husband of another hospital physician, Jeanne Alvarado.At a recent class the group reviewed Spanish words that start with "ch."One of the words mentioned was chata, which means bedpan in Spanish. That's an example of a word that could be helpful for hospital staff.The story goes on to say the hospital has a number of translators but there never seem to be enough. So they decided to use a fun approach to get more people speaking Spanish.Source: Herald-Palladium