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 In Michigan, the Blue Star Memorial Highway is Route 31 reaching from the Indiana border up to the straits of Mackinac with a brief interruption in southwest Michigan caused by a fen and a butterfly. The highway is dedicated to America’s veterans. A “blue star” was originally used in World War I as a symbol that families placed in windows to commemorate their service personnel.
In 1945, the National Garden Club launched the concept of dedicating a highway in each state after America’s vets. The system covers thousands of miles across the U.S., including Alaska and Hawaii. In southwest Michigan, an official Blue Star Highway Memorial Marker can be spotted in Saugatuck.
When the divided freeway suddenly stops at Napier Road in Benton Township, it’s because construction was stopped in 1972 “for lack of environmental clearance.” The Mitchell’s Satyr Butterfly, an endangered species, was found in the Blue Creek Fen (between Benton Center and Millburg), which took precedence over traffic.
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The Blue Star Highway Staff Favorites and Top-Reviewed Businesses!
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 Peter Lamberta, Founder of Blue Star Highway, is passionate about being involved in the community. He focuses on expanding the cultural and social opportunities that Southwest Michigan offers as a means of networking individuals in the community. Peter believes that making the area a more attractive place to live and work will ensure the future success of the individuals, as well as the area. Facebook me!
Lisa Hubbs, Editor of Blue Star Highway, relocated to Southwest Michigan two years ago and has found new meaning to the phrase “Michigan’s Great Southwest” while living here. She is amazed that Lake Michigan looks like the ocean and watching the daily spectacular sunsets into the water reminds her of growing up in San Diego. Lisa loves living here and wants to share her enthusiasm for the area with others.
Cassandra Lopez, Sales and Marketing for Blue Star Highway, moved to St. Joseph a few years ago and has found a remarkable similarity to her native Southern California…at least a few months out of the year! An aspiring chef and photographer, Cassandra enjoys capturing the local flavors and landscapes along the Blue Star Highway.
Gregg Rizzo, Blue Star Highway “Paparazzi,” is a local professional freelance photographer whose photos can be seen in publications such as Shore Magazine. He is known for being at the right time and place at all the top parties and events in the REAL Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
Pat Moody is a contributing writer for Blue Star Highway. In addition, Pat has been Executive Vice President of Cornerstone Chamber of Commerce since mid 1994. Pat has the pulse of our community, hosting the Moody in the Morning radio broadcast every weekday morning from 6-9am. He also authors a weekly business column, Moody on the Market, in an area publication called MailMax.
Robin Van Dyke is a contributing writer and reviewer for Blue Star Highway, in addition to a broadcast career that has spanned over 15 years in both television and radio, and over 10 years experience in the restaurant industry. A confessed “foodie,” Robin enjoys new restaurant experiences and according to her husband Dan, spends too much time watching the Food Channel! She currently is an on-air radio personality for 98.3 the Coast in Benton Harbor, Michigan and can be heard weekdays from 3-8pm and streaming online at www.thecoast.fm.
Josephine Marcus is a contributing writer for Blue Star Highway. Upon graduation from college she knew that she wanted to return to her native Southwest Michigan, and contribute to the community in which she was raised. Her university studies gave her the opportunity to study abroad in France, where the program included courses in wine appreciation. Josephine continues her international travels in search of the most elite wines, however, she is most proud of what the local wineries have to offer and takes every opportunity to enjoy their many events.
Denise Perry Donavin, contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, works as a librarian, author, and freelance writer. Most recently, she edited World War II Memoirs by Southwestern Michigan Veterans. She is also a regular contributor to the South Bend Tribune and Audiofile (the guide to audio books).
Jean Conklin is a contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, who retired from her position as an elementary teacher four years ago. Since that time, she has focused on writing about and researching local history. She is a member of the daytime writers' group at the Box Factory in St. Joseph. She recently completed her first book.
Erin Gerard, New Buffalo resident and contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, is responsible for media relations at Lakeland HealthCare, which includes hospitals in St. Joseph, Niles, and Berrien Center, as well as outpatient, home health, rehabilitation, and long-term care operations. She also edits the organization's quarterly HealthCurrents publication, which is distributed to Southwest Michigan households and contains articles on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Stephanie Brooks is a contributing writer for Blue Star Highway.
 Julee Laurent, contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, has also written for Gannett Press, Village Voice Media, The South Bend Tribune, Redbook, and Teen People and is a sometime guest on the Jason Lee Show on WIRX. She is a Los Angeles native that truly loves living in Michigan’s Great Southwest. “What I love about this area is that it can be cosmopolitan, peaceful, outdoorsy or modern. Whatever your mood is, there is an event, a restaurant, a beach or a great venue to suit any frame of mind.
Kathleen Curtis Wolf, a contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, is passionate about creating networking, learning and promotional opportunities for women-owned businesses and women leaders within the area. Kathleen is a board member and active supporter of the Women's Business Center. Having lived in Chicago and Minneapolis, Kathleen is proud to live in Michigan's Great Southwest with her husband Jim and two children, Brock and Kelsey.
Kristin Armstrong, contributing writer for Blue Star Highway, is the Executive Director at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, a non-profit serving up distinctive arts and cultural programming for the lakeshore region. Her articles have appeared in Michigan History, Lake, and the Valparaiso University and Valpo School of Law alumni magazines. She and her family live in St. Joseph.
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