CommunityLink
Sturgis, MI
Culture"Culture And The Arts"
Sturgis has cultural advantages that other towns merely dream about. Its extensive possibilities for artistic expression rival those of much larger cities. With programs ranging from the Scouts to the Sturgis Council of the Arts, Sturgis residents have a myriad of opportunities to enjoy.
The St. Joseph County United Way is a significant source for fund raising. The monies collected are used to support a diverse group of cultural and community programs and organizations. The United Way raised more than $650,000 in 2004. A Board of Directors made up of 25 volunteers determines distribution of the funds.
Beautiful natural venues for gatherings make every event special. The Amigo Center is a beautiful park where retreats of all kinds, summer camps and special events for all ages are offered. Camp Fort Hill is a county campground offering picnic areas, camping cottages and youth activities.
Two of Michigan’s oldest media concerns are found in Sturgis. WMSH, at 99.3 FM and 1230 AM, is the oldest radio station in the Michiana area. The Sturgis Journal has been the main newspaper in Sturgis since 1859.
Virtually any type of club and organization can be found in the Sturgis area, including youth organizations, numerous fraternal organizations, hobby clubs, an assortment of civic and cultural groups, and much more. A group called Newcomers and Neighbors is designed to be an outreach to the neighborhood through group activities. The organization, which was formed in 1949, encourages friendly cooperation through entertaining programs, from craft nights to self-defense classes.
The Sturgis Senior Center offers good, wholesome meals on weekdays, along with many activities and informative programs about legal, financial and social issues.
The Sturgis Library is a lovely facility serving Sturgis and the surrounding townships. Its friendly staff is highly skilled and knowledgeable. The library is invaluable to Sturgis because of its services to the community. Throughout the year, all age groups can enjoy programs and activities. Programs specifically aimed toward children include Story Hour, Mother-Daughter Book Club, Summer Reading Program and art classes. Activities designed for adults include an annual chili cook-off; the mystery book of the month club, Lethal Lunches (it meets at noon); the Friends of the Library organization (gets the public involved with the life of the library); and a homebound program serving more than 250 seniors. Some of the special services that the library offers include interlibrary loans, large print books, the History Room, genealogy classes, and computers and Internet use.
The library features more than 65,000 volumes (including a Spanish collection), 230 periodicals and newspapers, audio and videotapes, and CDs and DVDs. The library regularly holds book and audio/video sales to raise money for the purchase of new materials.
A truly amazing feature in the Sturgis downtown area is the Open Door Art Gallery. It was formed by an alliance
of artists and is staffed by the artists themselves, who volunteer their time. The Open Door features the works of local and regional artists and authors. Many special events take place throughout the year at the Open Door. A wide variety of art classes, taught by the artists themselves, are offered for all ages. The gallery’s annual wine-tasting event is a huge draw, and “Art Bounce” is a strolling event in which visitors tour artwork displayed in various downtown businesses and are treated to finger foods and drinks. This Culture and Commerce event is a cooperative presentation with the Chamber of Commerce, Council of the Arts, and the DDA.
The Sturgis Council of the Arts was established in 1974 through an endowment from Flora Kirsch Beck. The council promotes the arts and humanities throughout the region by sponsoring various activities and events, including school programs, art exhibits, a permanent art collection and the performing arts. The Visiting Author Program brings authors and illustrators into local schools. The Great Art Program coordinates art presentations in elementary classes. There are creative writing and hands-on art projects for youth. Ballet, music and theater programs are also offered to children.
The extraordinary Sturgis Wind Symphony and the talented Sturgis Civic Players display their musical and acting talents to the appreciation of hundreds of area residents through various concerts and performances throughout the year.
One of the finest facilities in the Midwest is the Sturges-Young Civic Center and Auditorium. It is an incredible building that seats nearly 1,000 in the auditorium and provides seating for up to 300 in the dining room. The facility is used for a vast array of events, such as meetings, conventions, receptions, lectures, educational and social functions, and art exhibits. Many big-name stars of stage and screen have performed in this marvelous auditorium, including Riders in the Sky, Vicki Lawrence, Glen campbell, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and The Lettermen.
The Sturges-Young Auditorium provides wonderful meals for banquets and special occasions of all kinds, created by its first-class chef. Also offered at the Auditorium is Sunday Brunch, a breakfast buffet served between 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sturgis also has an international cultural partner: its “sister city,” Wieslock, Germany. Since 1966, these two cities have shared a friendship that includes a student and teacher exchange program and visits by each city’s delegations to each other.
To find out about all of the events going on in Sturgis, log on to the city’s Web site at www.2mm.com/sturgis.
