SHOUT initiates projects to enhance our community.
Do not go where the path may lead
Go instead where there is no path
And leave a trail ” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
See What We Do
Click below to watch the video “See What We Do”.
The SHOUT organization walks in the steps of Emerson’s suggestion. SHOUT works to go where there is no path. Simply put, SHOUT feels that it can best serve by initiating new paths in the community, useful new paths or projects that otherwise might not see the light of day.
You are invited to attend the 2025 SHOUT Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 18, beginning at 10 a.m. at the South Haven Yacht Club. We will be sharing an update on the status of SHOUT and our vision for the future. See the 2025 Annual Report
Tickets are on sale for the 28th annual Cottage Walk to be held Saturday, June 28.
Co-sponsored this year by SHOUT for South Haven and the Scott Club, the event will feature tours of four unique cottages, concluding with a tour of the historic Scott Club.
“This year’s lineup is perhaps the most varied in the event’s history,” said spokesperson Patti Sheppard. “The cottages range from one with a storied history to a just-constructed river front condominium to traditional cottages in the city’s south shoreline district. Topping it off with a visit to the Michigan Historic Site Scott Club is going to make for a memorable afternoon.”
The Scott Club building is a stately Queen Anne style structure of sandstone capped by a cupola of carved oak. Two historic windows of Austrian stained glass are featured on the second floor.
Event attendees visit the cottages at their leisure from 12-5 p.m. Volunteers at each cottage will provide an historical perspective of the site. Tours of the Scott Club will run from 4-5 p.m.
Tickets are $20 person. The advance purchase of tickets is encouraged as a capacity sale is anticipated.
Tickets are on sale during normal business thru June 27th at the South Haven Chamber of Commerce, 606 Phillips St., and the South Haven Visitors Bureau, 546 Phoenix St. They will also be sold on the morning of the Cottage Walk at the Farmers Market in downtown Dyckman Park.
SHOUT for South Haven invited the Scott Club to partner in this year’s Cottage Walk as a means of bringing to the community’s attention two active civic-minded organizations.
“It is a natural partnership,” said SHOUT President Robert Copping. “SHOUT since its founding has focused on projects aimed at making a great community even greater while the Scott Club’s rich legacy dating back to the 1880s blesses South Haven with volunteers committed to maintaining its historic trust.”
The shared proceeds from this year’s Cottage Walk will support a current initiative by the Scott Club to make their building more accessible through the installation of a lift (elevator) between the first and second floors.
“Our building has been meticulously maintained, especially in recent years, but the lack of a convenient access between floors has been an impediment for many of our patrons,” said Scott Club President Carol Anderson Kunze. “Partnering with SHOUT has enhanced our fundraising efforts for this ambitious project.”
The motto of SHOUT for South Haven, the organization he founded more than 30 years ago, summarizes the man’s tireless endeavors –- “working to make a great community even better”.
He frequently quotes Ralph Waldo Emerson when talking of the next SHOUT project: “Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path. And leave a trail.”
In recognition of his community advocacy Copping is being honored as one of West Michigan’s Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders by the publication Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
“Good board members support nonprofits with their time, talents and treasures. Great board members do all of that and more,” the publication wrote in its November 2024 issue which honored 22 persons from throughout western Michigan.
South Haven celebrated the opening of its new Winter Gathering Place in downtown Dyckman Park in 2024.
To the delight of more than 100 guests, Mayor Annie Brown joined community advocate and SHOUT president Bob Copping in cutting the ribbon at the entrance to the area which features an outdoor fireplace. The area is near the Huron Street pavilion which in the winter features an ice skating rink.
The project was supported by more than 100 donors contributed to the $110,000 project which was also the recipient of a $40,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Fund.
The ribbon cutting was the closing event for the 30th annual Ice Breaker Festival. Those in attendance were treated to hot chocolate courtesy of Cafe Julia.
Bridge Flowers
For over 20 years SHOUT volunteers have been placing flower plantings and Christmas bows and greens on the bridge every spring and winter. Just one of SHOUT’s downtown beautification efforts.
Cottage Walk
One of the summers most popular events. Spend an afternoon visiting five or more homes in the South Haven area. The 2025 Cottage Walk will be held Saturday, June 28. A lovely adventure viewing these most interesting & attractive homes. The proceeds from the Cottage Walk benefit community enhancement projects throughout South Haven.
Clocks
SHOUT’s spearheading and funding of community enhancement projects throughout South Haven have included the donation of two antique-style clocks – One in the park across from City Hall. Another along the River Walk.
Sculpture
As part of its downtown initiative SHOUT has commissioned three sculptures and donated them to the City of South Haven. This little girl sculpture can be found by City Hall, located next to the water garden.
SHOUT DATES
Volunteers are needed for SHOUT service projects such as our annual Dyckman Bridge flower plantings and the Cottage Walk. If you would like to be notified when projects are scheduled please email us at info@shoutforsouthhaven.org and we’ll gladly add you to our mail list.
Thank You for supporting SHOUT.
THINGS WE DO
- Four Seasons at Dyckman – Fireplace in South Haven’s Downtown Dyckman Park
- Initiated – SHOUT South Haven Theatre Series – (Now a separate non-profit)
- Initiated – SHOUT South Haven Performance Series – (Now a separate non-profit)
- Initiated – SHOUT South Haven Speakers Series – (Now a separate non-profit)
- Drawbridge Flowers – Plant & Maintain each year
- Drawbridge Holiday Greens & Bows – Decorate each year
- SHOUT Cottage Walk – Sponsor Each Year
- Harbor Walk Antique Style Street Clock at Ellen Avery Park – Donated
- Downtown Antique Style Street Clock – Donated
- Initiated – Political Candidates Forums – (Now turned over to AAUW)
- Initiated / Provided Anchor Funding for American Wind Symphony Ship Visit in 2009
- Initiated – Thursday Night Waterfront Concerts – (Later turned over to the City)
- Street Lamp at Monroe Circle Park – Donated
- Antique Style Street Lamps (13) at North and South Beaches – Donated
- Rain Garden at Huron & Kalamazoo Streets Corner – Donated
- Benches at the beaches (26) – Donated
- Dyckman / Drawbridge Historic Marker – Donated
- “Little Girl with Sand Pail” sculpture in front of City Hall – Donated
- “Seagull” sculpture at west side of City Hall – Donated
- Kiosk for Posting Events in front of Chemical Bank – Donated
- Initiated – SHOUT Yearly Events Calendar – (Now turned over to Chamber of Commerce)
- Free Grant Writing Class for non-profits at LMC – Sponsored
- “Summer Breeze” Street Sculpture on Phoenix Street – Donated in 2016
- “The Wilhelm Baum” historic tug boat – Donated to the Michigan Maritime Museum in 2016
- Scenic Footbridge for the new SHOUT City Park – Donated to the City of South Haven in 2017
- Newcome Beach Stairs – Organized tax deductible donations enabling building first stairs.
