A Place to Grow

A production by the Berrien Film Project

The Berrien Film Project invites the public to attend a special screening of its film, “A Place to Grow,” a documentary about the community of Berrien Springs-Oronoko Township and Berrien Township. The event will take place on two separate occasions: Sunday, April 17, and Monday, April 18, both at 7 p.m. in the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University. Admission is free, but tickets are required.

“Several years ago we did something similar to this using a slideshow, and it was a huge hit,” says project committee chair Dave Faehner. “We filled the Berrien Springs High School gymnasium and the whole community came out for the event. It was fantastic. We want to recreate that sense of pride in our community—we’re just using a slightly different medium this time.”

The film’s producer is Pieter Damsteegt, long-time resident of Oronoko Township and a 2013 graduate of the documentary film program at Andrews University. He has spent hundreds of hours over the last several months capturing iconic, everyday images from around the area over the course of all four seasons.

“He spent hours on a fishing boat talking to the fishermen and capturing footage of what it’s like to enjoy the famous fishing area we have here in Berrien Springs,” says Faehner. “He’s put a lot of work into this and it’s going to be a great film.”

Milt Richter, village president, has lived in Berrien Springs for over 50 years. He raised his daughters here and proudly welcomes his six grandchildren to his hometown when they visit.

“My favorite thing about Berrien Springs is the friendly people,” says Richter. “I walk around town and people always say hi and ask how I’m doing. We’re a close-knit community, but we’re also friendly and open to everyone. We want to help people and share our community with them.”

Mike Hildebrand, supervisor at Oronoko Charter Township, feels similarly. He hopes that this film project will rekindle the community pride many experience on a regular basis, giving residents the opportunity to enjoy that pride together.

“When people are proud of the place they call home, they feel better, they look for ways to contribute to their community, and their attitude is contagious,” he says. “The Berrien Film Project will showcase various segments of the community that may not be stitched together by anything other than the community itself. That will bring an unrivaled sense of togetherness.”

“I have a great sense of pride living here and owning a family farm in the Berrien Springs community,” says Bryan Bixby, supervisor at Berrien Township. “This is a special place to live and work; sense of family, community and pride runs deep in Berrien Springs.”

Richter shares that in his experience, long-time residents as well as newcomers agree that Berrien Springs has a lot to offer, from quality parks to top-notch schools to beautiful tree-lined streets to the international aspect brought by Andrews University and everything in-between.

“There’s a lot about Berrien Springs to capture, and I think Pieter has done an excellent job,” he says. “I’m looking forward to these events and the chance to reconnect with my fellow villagers and acknowledge that community pride together again.”

“I love our community and how unique it is,” says Hildebrand. “Diversity works here—from the international and educational aspects of the University, to the wineries, breweries and fruit farms, to the world-class fishing on the river, to the focus on youth at the County Fair, to the award-winning schools. Berrien Springs truly is a place to grow.”

One evening will feature the Berrien Springs High School choir and the Andrews Academy string ensemble will perform for the second evening. All are welcome to attend. To reserve tickets, visit howard.andrews.edu or contact the Howard Performing Arts Center box office at 269-471-3560.

Sponsors of the film-screening event include:

Andrews University
Apple Valley
Berrien Springs Public Schools
Berrien Township
Chemical Bank
E.C. Moore of Berrien Co. Inc.
David & Frances Faehner
Phil & Chris Hecht
Hardings Friendly Market
Hildebrand Fruit Farms
Honor Credit Union
Ron & Esther Knott
Lake Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Lemon Creek Winery & Fruit Farm
McLauchlin Realty
Oronoko Township
Schalk & Associates
Dan Stacey
Stover’s Farm Market
United Credit Union
Village of Berrien Springs
Wales & Associates
Wightman & Associates, Inc.