Kalamazoo College is now Kalamazoo Promise eligible!
MoreMore ininFour. a Lifetime. For Admission information call 269.337.7166 or www.kzoo.edu
Contents What’s Inside Arts Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ new director shares hopes, visions for community partnerships
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Feature Story
Jessica Aguilera uses paper art to bring stories to life
Sports
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Vikings play at the championship in Texas
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Faith
Lutheran Social Services names new CEO
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Entertainment
Community media and music icons honored
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From the Publisher Honor the old, celebrate the new Each January 1, as Auld Lang Syne is sung at the stroke of Midnight, we reminisce on the year past. Then, suddenly we are energized to accomplish new goals of better health, bigger business ventures, higher education, extended travel or completed book projects. However, as the year begins we also must not forget how the year before has given us the motivation to believe we can rise to greater heights. The things we have worked so hard towards in the past year will give us the wind beneath our wings to fly to make 2015 a dynamic year. The issues that seemed to devastate us in 2014 can be used as fuel to make a difference in not only our own lives, but the lives of others. What happened in the past is our history. It makes us who we are. In this issue, we highlight History and the Arts as we celebrate those who have made contributions to their communities. It is the lessons we learn through them that will allow us to be stronger and more prosperous as we press towards our goals. We at Community Voices thank the advertisers, writers and faithful supporters who have allowed us to continue to highlight the positive news of our diverse West Michigan community. The notes of encouragement we get from you keeps us inspired.
See you Online! Sonya Bernard-Hollins Editor-In-Chief
*Buddy Hannah and I pose after the debut of the play, On the Edge of a Dream. I wrote the play with the help of Hannah who also directed and produced it for his HannBee Production company. Thanks Buddy, for believing in my dreams! 4
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MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE
Volume 04, Issue 01 Founders Your Community, Your Voice Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Photographers Aaron Cantrell Sean Hollins Guest Contributors Stephanie Moore Sharon Miller For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-365-4019 Cover: Author Jessica Aguilera by Sonya Bernard-Hollins Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.
In 2016, Pretty Lake Vacation Camp will celebrate 100 years of serving youth of the Kalamazoo area. The nonprofit has served more than 50,000 youth who have been able to experience summer camp on the more than 250 beautiful acres. Since the beginning, the camp has been offered at no charge. In addition, each camper is provided with everything needed for their time at camp – all clothing, toiletries, bedding, linens, food and transportation. In 1978, the Adventure Centre joined in as partners of Pretty Lake. The Adventure Centre has been a recognized leader in facilitated outdoor adventure programming which, challenges individuals, teams and organizations to expand their selfconfidence, trust and leadership skills through a variety of outdoor learning adventures. Those who take part in Adventure Centre programming are guided through activities which include low and high ropes courses, climbing walls and the camping experience. The staff of Pretty Lake is looking to highlight its amazing past during its 100th anniversary celebration in 2016. Those who have had experiences with Pretty Lake and would like to share amazing stories of how their stay at Pretty Lake played a role in their own lives. Photos and other memorabilia from camp also are sought for possible inclusion in the 100th anniversary celebration display. For more information on PLVC’s programming, how you can contribute to the 100th anniversary, or how you can help support the mission of PLVC, contact Pretty Lake Camp at (269) 375-1950 or visit the PLVC website: www.prettylakecamp.org. 6
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Kalamazoo History...Did you Know?
The Kalamazoo Community Foundation located at 402 E. Michigan Ave., is housed in the original Grand Rapids and Indiana Line Station. The former train station (on the corner of Pitcher and East Michigan) began as a weigh station in a plan to run rail lines from Ft. Wayne through Grand Rapids to Mackinac, and from there connect across the Upper Peninsula with the Northern Pacific. In 1870, tracks stretched from Ft. Wayne to Grand Rapids and a little north. This line ran until after World War I when it was leased to the Pennsylvania Line. In the late 1970s and mid 1980s, the building housed a night club known as The Warehouse and as a banquet hall. The Arcus Foundation took over the building in 2005 and renovated it to house their Kalamazoo offices along with office space for non-profit organizations. In 2014, the Arcus Foundation donated the building to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation along with $1 million. Today, the Kalamazoo Community Foundation opens their doors to the community not only as a grant-funding source, but also to provide free, quality meeting spaces for nonprofit agencies in the community. The building originally used to transport people and goods to various destinations is now a “station� for moving the community into a positive direction. Information from www.discoverkalamazoo.org/walking tours. Historic photo from www.KPL.gov/local-info.
What matters? You matter.
The Kalamazoo Vikings placed 3rd in the National Championship youth football competition held December 27-30, 2014, in Dallas, Texas. During the event, Cincear Lewis, 10 and Andre Tarver, Jr., 10, both received MVP trophies at the conclusion of the games where the Vikings were one of the first teams from Kalamazoo to compete in a national youth rocket football tournament. The opportunity was made possible through the contributions of community members who donated funds during an effort spearheaded by Kalamazoo commissioners Mary Balkema and
Stephanie Moore. The women used their political influence to garner the support of the community on behalf of the young men who Moore said, “have excelled through hard work and dedication while making homework and education their priority.” More than $13,000 was raised (with the help of a matching donation of $4,500) to send the players. “Be assured, the aspiring Promise seekers represented Kalamazoo with integrity, good sportsmanship and class on and off the field,” said Moore.
Kalamazoo Vikings Rocket Football 10 & under Team: Ce’jai Berry, Cornell Frank, Jymeer Wilkins, Andre Tarver, Rashawn Terrell, Dashawn Terrell, Vincent Snell, Taleak Lewis, Cincear Lewis, William Coleman, Cedric Huntley, Brian White, Khalil Spencer, John Lewis, Camron Atkin-Lewis, Carvon Hines, Shayne Mitchell, Ontario Morgan, Stephan Moore and Xavier Lamar.
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1.) Sharlee Jeter, president of the Turn 2 Foundation, led the efforts of the Jeter Leaders from Kalamazoo and New York in making an impact on the community. 2.) Doctors Sampson Davis, George Jenkins and Rameck Hunt were the keynote speakers in a community forum at Chenery Auditorium in Kalamazoo. At the end of the event, everyone in the audience received a free copy of the book, The Pact: Three Young Men Make a Promise and Fulfill a Dream. 3.) Mayor Bobby Hopewell stands with Kazoo Leaders after presenting the organization with a proclamation from the City of Kalamazoo, where Yankee Derek Jeter grew up. 4.) Dr. Michael F. Rice, superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools, receives advance copies of books from Jeter’s publishing company for KPS.
Each summer since 2013, area girls come together in the name of Merze Tate and Lucinda Hinsdale Stone for the Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy. The program, for girls in grades 4th-10th, provides the opportunity to become a travel writer while meeting amazing women who inspire them to explore college and careers. During the one-week residential academy on the campus of Kalamazoo College, the young reporters are on a mission to share their stories for the annual Community Voices’ Girls Can! Magazine. For more information visit: www.merzetate.com
1.) Sasha Hollins and Aliah Ward show off the 2014 magazine cover during the unveiling event at MLive’s Kalamazoo Gazette. 2.) Reporters Reyna Snell and Korryn DeGrote pose with their teacher, Dionna Roberts, who referred them to the academy. 3.) Jaye Johnson and Sandra Williams are honored for their support by reporter Sierra Ward. 4.)Mya Daniels shares how the program has inspired her. 5.) Kayla Raymond presents an award to her sponsor Tree of Life School, accepted by Adam Sterenberg (6); 7.) Ann Rohrbaugh of Kalamazoo Public Library accepts certificate for library’s sponsorship. 8.) Claire Khabeiry helps present awards to the dozens of sponsors. 9.) Syann Hollins presents MLive’s Tammy Mills with a plaque for the newspapers’ sponsorship . 10.) Editor Mickey Ciokajlo runs to accept his award while working on deadline for MLive. Photos by Sean Hollins www.comvoicesonline.com
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Photos and article contributed by Sharon Miller BATTLE CREEK (MICH.)- The first music Lou Wilson heard was his parents singing. It would be there singing that inspired him towards a life in music.
Born in Senatobia, MS in the 1930s, Wilson was the fourth of 10 children. When he was 12, his family moved to Memphis, TN. He joined the church choir where he wanted to be a bass singer, but admits that didn’t work out. Instead, he started making his own music using a comb and wax paper to make a harmonica. As he grew up, he admired the many great musicians of Memphis such as Elmore James, Howlin’ Wolf, B. B. King, Johnny Ace and Little Junior Parker. At age 18, he moved to Battle Creek, MI, and was soon drafted to serve in the army during the Korean War. During his two years of service he heard a singing group and it renewed his passion to want to sing. “That’s when I made up my mind that I would get into music when I got out of the service,” Wilson said.
As a performer, singer and song writer he started a group in the 1950s called Wade Flemons and 10
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1 the New Comers. The group had a top 10 hit on the R&B charts called, “Here I Stand,” with Vee-Jay Records in Chicago. That song featured Wade Flemons who would become a solo artist and leave the New Comers behind. In turn, Wilson too decided to go solo. “As a solo performer, I put out songs like, “This Love Is Getting Deeper,” on Kent Records, and “Got To Me,“ on Columbia Records,” Wilson said. “Then, Lou Wilson and Today’s People had three CD’s On Crew Records label.“
Wilson went on to create ALLO Records where he produced two CD’s, “Primetime Blues” and “Money Talk,” in addition to the singles, “Got To Let Them Know” and “We Ain’t Lyin.” He also works with other artists such as Billy Davis, whose current single is ”Standin’ up Again,” and the Battle Creekbased group, C.P.D. featuring Char Lou Wanzer, Patricia Ragland and Dolly (Bell) Clark. “It has been my life to write, produce and sing as well as support and help other artists,” Wilson said. “I myself am a balladeer and consummate Blues man who puts it down like no other.”
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8 Nearly 300 fans, friends and family from across the country showed up to honor Blues singer Lou Wilson, 81, during a special musical tribute event. Photos: 1.) Lou Wilson and his wife Alice, accept a proclamation from the City of Battle Creek by Commissioner Terris Todd and from the City of Kalamazoo by Mayor Bobby Hopewell; 2.) CPD Entertainers; 3.)Wilson and Butch Burch of Motown Crew Entertainment; 4.) performer Donita Ray; 5.) singer Patricia Ragland; 6.) Ragland, Alice, Wilson, and Char Lou Wanzer; 7.) Lou Wilson and his sons; 8.) Battle Creek music icon Bobby Holley performs during the event. 9.) Lou and wife, Alice accept an award from the Rev. Janice Farley of Jackson, MI.
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Others also performed and honored Wilson. They include those such as: Jim Cummings of Soundstage Productions in Climax, Michael Gee of Charlotte, the Airtight Band of Jackson, Old Skool Band with singer Angela McKinney, Dolly Bell Clark, Singing Sam, and Sonny Holley & Co.
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On the third floor of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum you may hear kids asking their adult “customers� what kind of ice cream cone they want. As soda jerks, they serve tasty pretend treats from the restaurant counter where images of the original Douglass Community Center loop in a video overhead. Across the room, you can find at least one child at a pretend news desk reading the news as images of Kalamazoo history flash on a screen in the background. Adjacent to that, another child works as a meteorologist, placing tornado symbols on a map and predicting the weather temperatures for the country. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum holds history and entertainment for all ages and most importantly entrance is FREE! As one of the most interactive museums in Southwest Michigan, it continues to offer traveling exhibitions, live performances and space challenger missions along with three floors of interactive, kid-proof fun. It all began in 1881 as a museum collection housed in the basement of the Kalamazoo Public Library. The collection eventually made it into the public eye in the library with its highlight being a mummy exhibit. 12
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In 1991, Kalamazoo Valley Community College merged the museum with their educational institution. With their leadership nearly $20 million was raised to create a stateof-the-art museum in downtown Kalamazoo which opened in 1996. Through the many transitions of the museum, its Mystery of the Mummy exhibit and the history behind it has continued to intrigue visitors. According to www.kvm.kvcc.edu, the mummy was brought to San Francisco in 1895, as part of an Egyptian exhibit for the California Mid-Winter Exposition. A private collector bought it and loaned it to the Golden Gate Park Museum until Kalamazoo businessman Donald O. Boudeman purchased it in 1910. He brought it back to Kalamazoo and kept it in his home on South Street until he donated it to the Kalamazoo Museum in 1928. Since then scientists have analyzed the mummy with modern technology through the means of Carbon-14 dating technology, CT scans and x-rays. As the mummy mystery continues to unfold, those who visit the museum have an opportunity to experience everything from the mysteries of space during planetarium programs, to cool local history. The 60,000 square-foot museum is packed with interactive educational adventures for all ages.
Find out the answers to these questions by visiting the second floor exhibitions. What vehicles were made on the north side of Kalamazoo that exported all over the country and world? What items were made to be used in the snow? What ingredients were used to make the first Kalamazoo paper products? What famous guitar company is based in Kalamazoo? Name three kids activities at the museum which are sponsored by the original Douglass Community Center. Who was the first African American mailman in Kalamazoo? When John F. Kennedy spoke at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo, what did he urge the citizens of Kalamazoo to do? Download the complete Self-Guided Tour activity sheets during your next visit to the museum at: wwww.http://kvm.kvcc.edu/education/
EVIDENCE FOUND EXPLORATIONS IN ARCHAEOLOGY It’s not what you find, but what you find out.
February 14 - August 30, 2015 The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees
kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990 www.comvoicesonline.com
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By Sonya Hollins, publisher Community Voices As a young aspiring writer, I sought those in the community who could motivate me and give me an opportunity to write. I didn’t ask for money–just a chance. Buddy Hannah was the first to provide that chance as a writer for The Other Side newspaper in Kalamazoo. Decades later he would remain a mentor and produce my first play, “On the Edge of a Dream,” a story about Motown’s Velvelettes. Buddy has been a faithful contributor to Community Voices even before I took over as publisher in 2010. He was celebrated for his contributions to the community in an event in December, 2014 and honored by many of those who he touched throughout his lifetime. I congratulate Buddy on being a mentor to not only me, but to the community of Kalamazoo.
Tribute photos by Aaron Cantrell 14
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Clockwise: Sonya Bernard-Hollins and Buddy Hannah, Hannah with Kalamazoo Police officers, The Touch radio crew, Mr. and Mrs. Von Washington Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Howard Robinson, Hannah with elected officials.
The Man Behind the Mic Buddy Hannah was raised by his grandparents on a farm in Georgia. He and his brother had been sent there from their home in Miami, FL after their mother died when he was just 10 years old. After graduating from high school, he desired to be near his father and moved back to Miami. However, the home he remembered was no longer the same. He set his sites North and came to Kalamazoo with a notion to enter Western Michigan University. Hannah found a new life and a new love named Freda. Before the honeymoon years were over, he was drafted into the military and sent to Vietnam. At age 21, he left the army after receiving the Silver and Bronze stars for valor and returned home to raise a family and pursue his education. Hannah attended both Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University while working at Upjohn pharmaceutical company. It was during his years at Upjohn that he was asked to DJ a friend’s birthday party at Mr. Presidents Lounge in downtown Kalamazoo. His style and flare with the crowd was such a hit that he was asked by the club’s owner to be a regular DJ.
tural Center Outstanding Volunteer Award, as well as many other accolades. His service to the community has led to seats on various boards such at the BACC, which he is currently board president. It may be his role as weekly radio host of Talk it Up on 1560 AM The Touch that most know of him. His desire to allow a platform for the community to share the positive news as well as discuss pressing issues, was a hit. As he retired in 2007 from the Upjohn Company (renamed Pfzier) he made the transition into a community media celebrity and “talking it up,” each Saturday afternoon. After more than 20 years in media, Hannah was celebrated as he hung up his earphones as radio host to pursue his dream of writing and producing traveling plays. His partnership with Bee Bee White led to the Hann Bee Players. One of its first productions was On the Edge of a Dream, the story of the forming of Motown’s Velvelettes. He wrote and directed the play, Caught Up in the Circle of Life, and has been on a constant roll ever since. Hannah will continue to be a voice in the community—only this time his voice will be heard though the stories he shares on stage.
In the meantime, he was a basketball coach for Nazareth College and the Douglass Community Center. His love for poetry and the arts led him to becoming more active with the city’s newly formed Black Arts and Cultural Center (BACC) in the mid 1980s. It was that connection that helped cultivate him into an artist and community leader. He went on to perform in plays at the BACC, recite his edgy poetry and teach writing workshops for all ages. He served as editor for the community newspaper, The Other Side, and as writer/columnist for the Kalamazoo Gazette and Community Voices publications. His work in the community led to him receiving the Tony Griffin Golden Word Award, the Irving S. Gilmore Community Medal of Arts Award, the YMCA Black Achiever Award, the Black Arts and Cul-
Clockwise: Sid Ellis and son, Hannah with Velvelettes, Hannah with Edge of a Dream writer and cast, the Rev. Timothy Troxler and Anna Whitten, Dr. Charles Warfield, Dr. Michael Rice and Zhan Baraka-Love. www.comvoicesonline.com
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By Sonya Bernard-Hollins The place: 121 W. South St., just across the hall of Handmade Kalamazoo. The time: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. The purpose: The debut of Jessica Aguilera’s new book, Rose. The Question: Who would show up? Before the doors opened for Jessica Aguilera’s book signing, people were lined up outside. Many already had purchased their copy of Rose, on Amazon.com and wanted to get it signed for a Christmas gift. Some had known the author from her work at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and others from her walks with her dog, Milo. Not many knew of her passion to create paper art. So, when she stepped out to publish her first book, the response was something she would never forget. Aguilera, a native of Sebewaing, MI, created Rose with her hands—literally. The powerful, yet simple children’s story about a little girl’s decision to think outside the box, is one that will inspire children to be themselves. It was Aguilera’s own desire to find her own true purpose in life that led to her creating the story. With patience and a keen eye for detail, Aguilera used colorful, textured scraps of paper to create everything from the clothing Rose wears to the brush that sits upon a vanity in her character’s room. However, through the demands of her career and other hobbies, the project sat neatly in a binder for eight years. It wasn’t until she was referred to Season Press by Christina McGrinson (self published author of Forever Friends) that she decided to contact the area self publishing company to assist her. Two months after signing her contract, the book was on Amazon.com and she was signing books for everyone from Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell to children whose parent’s wanted their daughters to meet a local artist and author.
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The desire to become an artist was far from young Aguilera’s mind when she grew up in Sebewaing the daughter of an Hispanic father and Irish mother. The family came to Michigan to work as migrant workers where they farmed cucumbers and potatoes. At age 2, her parents divorced, leaving her mother to raise two daughters. As a single parent, her mother worked in restaurants, prepared taxes for neighbors, and did other odd jobs to take care of her family.
the story of this little girl and her desire to be unique—something Aguilera too wanted for herself.
“Growing up in a trailer park Sebewaing, I felt out of place,” Aguilera said. “One day I got off the school bus and hid behind it until the other kids were in class. I planned to run away, but I didn’t have a plan beyond that. I just walked for what seemed like a long way from the school and sat on someone’s porch. A woman from school found me and dragged me back to school. My mother never found out.”
“I was inspired by the talent that exists in our community on a grass roots level,” she said. “There are people who have overcome adversity who are inspired by compassion to lift up others.”
As she grew older, she started to rebel by dressing like a Punk Rocker and putting safety pins in her ears. She tried so many outrageous hairstyles that one day her mother just cried. To top it off, Aguilera joined a skateboard crew and fell in love. After high school she moved to Saginaw to be closer to the love she would later marry. She attended Delta College in Saginaw and worked as a waitress. She continued studying criminal justice at Western Michigan University and worked for Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program (KPEP). After graduating from WMU in 1996, she and her husband moved to Cadillac where she worked in a library. “Growing up poor we didn’t have much, but we always had books in our house,” Aguilera said. “My mother made sure we went to the library all the time. Teaching me to read was the greatest gift my mom ever gave me. So, when I got a job working at the library, it was a dream job.” She loved opening the cartons of new books to catalog and read what new authors had created. It inspired her to create her own story. Using any recycled paper she could find, she began cutting out her character, Rose, and all that would tell
After seven years her marriage ended and she moved to Kalamazoo with her car filled with clothes and her dog, Milo. She moved in with her sister and was later hired at the Kalamazoo Community Foundation; working her way from receptionist to Community Investment manager.
After leaving the Foundation she felt a renewed need to find her purpose in life. She decided to publish the book she had written nearly a decade earlier. She brought her story to Season Press where graphic designer Sean Hollins (of Fortitude Graphics) told her how he would take her pictures and put them into book form. The process was simple, yet, Aguilera had some apprehension to some design suggestions. After negotiations and education on the publishing process, Aguilera’s book was released. “I believe a good and meaningful piece of work should be a collaboration of different ideas; other eyes,” Aguilera said. “While I believe (authors) should stay true to their vision, align that with others who can help talk you through the parts you don’t know.” Her success continues as she has book signing events scheduled at Kalamazoo’s Book Bug (February 7) and other art workshops, which provide children a hands-on view of bringing their own paper art to life. “It is a glory and privilege to love something death can not touch,” she said. “Art has immortality to it. When you create something, even after you’re gone, it’s a beautiful gift to leave behind.”
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Before you write your book, you must be ready to sell it. Plan a strategy of how you will promote the book even before it is written.
5.) Author website: Once you get people to pay attention to you they are going to want to know more, read an excerpt or even buy the book. Having a one-stop site which can be a link from other sites, is a must.
Avenues to use to market your book:
6.) Video trailer: Movies aren’t the only form of media that want to quickly capture their audience’s attention. An exciting, captivating video trailer about your book will let your readers know you want their business.
1.) Social Media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are not just for sharing the latest updates in your life. Use those in your circle—those who know you as a “friend”— to garner support for your book sales. Use these avenues to advertise your book signings, special deals and speaking engagements. 2.) Crowd Sourcing sites: Many think of crowd sourcing sites as a way to make money for a good cause. Well, what better cause than for people to support than your book? Use this format to get funding to produce your book and even promise a free copy to those who donate at a certain financial level. Through this avenue, people will anticipate the completion of the book and be a part of making it happen.
7.) Targeted events: Is your book about history, the ozone layer or Abraham Lincoln? Whatever your topic there are people interested and most likely meet at some sort of platform. It may be an annual conference or online chat room that allows you to reach those interested in a new view or perspective of what they love. 8.) Become an expert: Will your book educate or inspire others? Host a workshop of some form to bring in the public to see how much you know and give them an autographed book as a bonus.
3.) Author/Reader sites: Sites like Goodreads. com and LibraryThing.com allow authors to get their books into an area where those seeking good books frequent.
9.) Promotionals: Everyone likes trinkets. Whether its a pen or T-shirt, having your book cover, logo or title in the public will lead to others asking about you.
4.) Old-fashion media: The local print, TV, radio, cable access and other news sources are still interested in good news. Area authors who have a unique story about themselves and their book have great feature-story potential.
10.) Support others: Authors all have at least one thing in common—they want to sell books. Join forces with other authors to see how you can work together to sell books and inspire others to WRITE THAT BOOK!
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Call 269-342-2367 to learn how to publish your book! www.comvoicesonline.com
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By Sonya Hollins, publisher Community Voices When two hands take a few stands of hair to create a beautifully braided hairstyle, that’s art. When two hands take simple ingredients to create a birthday cake that makes a child smile, that’s art. And when fabric, no longer useful as clothing, is preserved in a decorative quilt, that’s art. Belinda Tate said using these forms of art not only allowed her to gain the confidence in herself, but led to an appreciation of the arts. Today, Tate is the new executive director of the 91-yearold Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA). The native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina left her 15-year post at the Diggs Gallery at North Carolina State University to try her hand in a new community that too is dedicated to exploring various cultures, artistic styles and history. Her heart is in programs for youth who she feels benefit tremendously when exposed to the creativity art provides. “I participated in an arts program at a local community center (in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) and there was one woman who taught me how to make a ceramic pot and how to macramé,” Tate said at the reception for her at the Black Arts and Cultural Center (BACC) in Kalamazoo. “I was really able to express myself and gain confidence in myself because I knew I could make things, and that was hugely important to me.” Tate was hired for the position through a nationwide search. In September of 2014, 20
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she replaced KIA’s James Bridenstine who held the post for 24 years. Tate’s historic appointment has made her the first African American executive director of the KIA. In an interview with Community Voices, Tate said the KIA has more than 4,200 pieces of art in their permanent collection and she particularly wants to bring focus to the works of the African American artists such as Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Hughie LeeSmith and Lorna Simpson. She talks of artists in all eras and genres as if they are old friends. However, her aspirations were not always to have a career in the arts. Her native roots are thick with entrepreneurs who used their hands to succeed. Her maternal grandfather was one of the carpenters who helped build Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina. Her paternal grandfather was a commercial tobacco farmer who rented horses to other African Americans in his community. She enrolled at Yale University as a math major and while a student there she did research for the chief financial officer of the school’s museum. During that time, the museum’s new, yet confusing inventory system was introduced. That’s when Tate stepped up and created a
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newer, better system. She then caught the eye of the museum director who saw something in her that she didn’t see in herself. “The director was a British, Oxford Universityeducated man who said to me, ‘You are a curator,’” Tate recalled. “I had no interest in art in college. So, I took an art class. I fell in love with contemporary art! I was later sent to London to study art and architecture.”
those in the arts and history arenas and assured them that the doors of the KIA were open for collaborations. She feels collaborating with the schools and neighborhood organizations, is key. She feels Kalamazoo is an “open” place and willing to get people of all backgrounds together. She looks to this a motivation to bring the community together even more though the arts.
Tate was then placed under the wing of Mimi Gardner Gates, a well-known art director of the Seattle Art Museum. She went on to work for the Diggs Museum where her dedication and forward thinking turned the museum into one of the nation’s top African American museums. Kalamazoo community leaders on the selection committee were impressed with Tate’s enthusiasm to not only increase collections and programs, but in her desire to connect with communities that rarely frequent the KIA. “Belinda is the right person in the right place to lead the KIA into the future,” said Williams U. Parfet. Ronda Stryker, also on the committee stated: “The KIA and the local arts have benefitted immensely from strong leaders over the past 90 years. Belinda will continue that legacy of leadership. The KIA is in good hands.” Tate’s hands already creating synergy in the community. During her first welcome reception to the area held at the BACC, she connected with www.comvoicesonline.com
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The Rev. McKenzie (shown here with his wife, Justine) was recently installed as pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Albion, MI. McKenzie, a former associate pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, took on his new role in the fall of 2014. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Ala. In 2009, he was named chairman of Mt. Zion Baptist Church’s Deacons ministry and was leader of the Security ministry. He also served as an instructor for Fulfillment Hour (Sunday School) before becoming an ordained minister under the leadership of Mt. Zion’s Rev. Dr. Addis Moore. As leader of the Albion church, the Rev. McKenzie is on a mission to not only increase church membership, but move the congregation towards leadership in the community in areas of youth and education. Those in the community are excited about the new pastor and his vision. On one Sunday, 25 new/renewed members joined the church. Visit Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at 1010 Chauncey St., Albion MI. For more information call: 517-629-2818.
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LSSM Welcomes Sam Beals as New CEO Contributed by Lynne Golodner DETROIT – Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM) recently appointed Sam Beals as their new CEO. Beals comes to LSSM from Wedgwood Christian Services in Grand Rapids where he served as CEO since 2006. He also headed Christian Counseling Center from 1993 to 2006, and served in senior leadership positions at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s, both in Grand Rapids. Vickie Thompson-Sandy, who served as Interim CEO, has been named president.
Beals is a certified fund raising executive and a licensed professional counselor. He has a Master of Management degree from Aquinas College, Mas- Sam Beals, CEO ter of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Wheaton College, is a graduate of Lutheran Social SerCalvin College and holds five certifications in management ranging from vices of Michigan executive leadership, business, social work and fund raising. His top priorities include ensuring the services that have been provided so competently by LSSM continue to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible.
“It is a great privilege to come alongside the Board, leadership staff and supporting constituency of LSSM to help enhance its mission and continuum of services to the most vulnerable among us, ranging from infants to senior care,” Beals said. ABOUT LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF MICHIGAN Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, established in 1934, is dedicated to creating communities of service that meet the needs of people, upholding human dignity, advocating equality and justice. LSSM serves the Lower Peninsula of Michigan with more than 80 programs in 44 cities. For information, visit www.lssm.org.
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Walk to Bring Awareness to Violence The mission of Saving Our Sisters (SOS) is to educate the community on sexual health, emotional abuse and violence against women and men. Their long-term goal is to heal survivors through counseling programs, education, promotional events about sexual assault and through world-wide awareness programs. The organization, founded in 2012, will host “A Walk of Freedom Event.� The event organizers hope the event will bring awareness to their mission through entertainment and education which highlights by promote healthy and positive music. Artists from throughout the state will perform and a fashion show through art will showcase many forms of abuse. Guest speakers and resource organizations will be a part of the event hosted by the Western Michigan University student organization. What: SOS 3rd Annual Walk of Freedom event When: 3 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2015 Where: The campus of Western Michigan University For more information, contact founder, Brianna Jenkins at: brianna.n.jenkins@wmich.edu
Community Voices Backchat
The work of Loreal makeup artist Cataanda James will be featured in the SOS fashion show.
with Save Our Sisters founder, Brianna Jenkins
CV: What led you to creating this organization? Brianna: I struggled with understanding who I was because of my encounter with sexual assault. I had no understanding of how I was reacting to the things in my life...even understanding my emotions were overwhelming. I started SOS to help me deal with it as well as to help other women overcome. Later I expressed to some family members what I went through and they shared similar experiences. I found out how reoccurring sexual assault is in families if the issue is not talked about. CV: Is your focus students on campus or in the community? Brianna: Our focus is on campus as well as in the community. One in 4 women, 1 in 5 black women, and 1 in 7 men have experienced sexual assault. I believe these numbers are based on the fact that sexual assault is still a taboo topic. We do not talk about ways to prevent sexual assault and what is considered sexual assault. A total of 87 percent of attacks happen on college campuses. Many people assume and associate sexual assault with strangers, but in reality most assailants happen to have known the survivor for a length of time. 24
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Top Boys’ Names 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Mason Logan Carter / Landon (tie) Conner Alexander / Elijah / Henry / Liam / Michael (tie) 6. Benjamin / Jacob / Lucas / William (tie)
Top Girls’ Names
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Amelia / Emma (tie) Isabella Abigail / Ava / Sophia (tie) Olivia Aria / Addison / Chloe (tie) 6. Ella / Charlotte / Grace / Hannah / Harper (tie)
Bronson Methodist Hospital is southwest Michigan’s largest and most advanced birthing center. Of the more than 3,500 babies born at the Bronson BirthPlace in Kalamazoo in 2014, these were the most popular baby names. For more information about Bronson or to find a healthcare provider who specializes in pregnancy care or pediatrics, call Bronson HealthAnswers at (269) 341-7723 or visit bronsonhealth.com.
Bronson Gives Daisies to Outstanding Employees Contributed by Carolyn Wyllie SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN- Three nurses from Bronson Methodist Hospital are recent recipients of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in the third quarter of 2014. Nurses are nominated for the DAISY awards by patients, family members and colleagues. To nominate a nurse who cared for you, go to www.bronsonhealth.com/DAISY.
Bethany Campbell, BSN, RN, is a nurse from the Labor and Delivery Unit, who was awarded for her expertise and caring beyond expectation. The nomination read: “Words cannot express our appreciation for the care, comfort, dignity and support given to Gabriel during his brief life. It is clear that you believe in your mission and practice it 24/7.”
Kristen DeGroff, MSN, RN, is a nurse from the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. She was nominated by the sister of a patient being treated for a traumatic brain injury. “The road to recovery looked long and doubtful, this is when we met Kristen. She was so caring, knowledgeable, compassionate and a true advocate for my brother when he couldn’t be for himself.”
Charmaine Kwei, MSN, RN, is a nurse from the Orthopedic Surgical Unit. Kwei was nominated by a fellow Bronson employee, who credits her communication skills for helping to calm a particularly difficult patient. “She made such a connection,” wrote Kwei’s coworker, “it made it so much easier not only for the patient, but also the staff. She shows grace and poise in her nursing and it shows through and through.”
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President Barack Obama Dedicated to Making Education Available Contributed by David Hudson- White House Blog WASHINGTON D.C.– The President (January 8) unveiled a new proposal: Make two years of community college free for responsible students across America. In our growing global economy, Americans need to have more knowledge and more skills to compete. By 2020, an estimated 35% of job openings will require at least a bachelor’s degree, and 30% will require some college or an associate’s degree. Students should be able to get the knowledge and the skills they need without taking on decades’ worth of student debt. If all 50 states choose to implement the President’s new community college proposal, it could: * Save a full-time community college student $3,800 in tuition per year on average; * Benefit roughly 9 million students each year. Under President Obama’s new proposal, students would be able to earn the first half of a bachelor’s degree, or earn the technical skills needed in the workforce—all at no cost to them. What students have to do: *Attend community college at least half-time, maintain a 2.5 GPA, and make steady progress toward completing their program. What community colleges have to do: *Offer programs that are either 1) academic programs that fully transfer credits to local public fouryear colleges and universities, or 2) occupational training programs with high graduation rates and lead to in-demand degrees and certificates. Community colleges must also adopt promising and evidence-based institutional reforms to improve student outcomes. What the federal government has to do: *Federal funding will cover three-quarters of the average cost of community college. Participating states will be expected to contribute the remaining funds necessary to eliminate the tuition for eligible students. President Obama also proposed the new American Technical Training Fund, which will expand innovative, high-quality technical training programs across the country. Specifically, the fund will award programs that: * Have strong employer partnerships and include work-based learning opportunities, * Provide accelerated training, and * Accommodate part-time work.
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Cell Tower Academy Begins in March Contributed by Dawn Kemp WEST MICHIGAN- As cellular telephone networks continue to expand, so do the employment opportunities for cell tower technicians. Currently there is a critical shortage of cell tower technicians and demand is expected to remain high for the next six to 10 years. To meet this demand, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is launching the area’s first training academy for cell tower technicians. The first class at the Cell Tower Technician Academy will begin on March 10, 2015. Classes will run full-time, Monday through Friday for six weeks at the Groves Campus. The $3,200 registration fee includes a tool set valued at $1,400 that graduates will take with them when they leave the program. The Cell Tower Technician Academy was developed by industry employers who are eager to hire graduates. Representatives from Newkirk Electric, a 52-year-old electrical construction and engineering firm headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan gave input about the curriculum and also donated a cell tower that will be used for training in the Academy. “Newkirk Electric is excited to be involved with the Cell Tower Technician Academy at Kalamazoo Valley Community College,” said Mary Carter, development director and co-owner of Newkirk Electric. “This program will allow new candidates to start a job with the fundamental skills needed to work in this industry.” For more information or to apply to the program, call Phone: 269.353.1286, email careeracademies@ kvcc.edu or go to www.kvcc.edu/celltech.
Real Careers. Real People. wednesday / maRch 18, 2015 2–6 p.m. / Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus
kalamazoocareerfair.com sponsored by
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SOCCER
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1 Money paid to a soccer professional Protection worn under socks 2 Square _____ is a lateral pass Played for his country at age 16 3 Player allowed to use their hands Kick the ball towards the goal 4 Using hand or feet to prevent a goal An indoor soccer league (acronym) 5 Forward that scores goals Vehicle transporting the players 6 Soccer riots cause this tragedy Using your feet to steal the ball 7 Guarding an opponent during play The all-time greatest soccer player 12 Provides defensive cover Awarded when ball’s out of play 15 Another name for a midfielder A tie score at the end of a game 16 Feint with ball to deceive an opponent They officiate the game 17 An outside forward Soccer’s governing body (acronym) 19 Free kick for this violation Football allowing use of hands 21 Institution of higher learning League in the Western hemisphere 22 _____ Cup, final game at Wimbley Corner _____, for defensive violation 25 Starts play at beginning of a period To advance the ball on the ground 28 Number of halves in a game Stanley _____, played until age 50 31 Moisture that may collect on the field Forward pass violation Advancing the ball with the head This crossword puzzle is from Sports Crossword Puzzles Ball travels through for a score (Volume 1) by John Davis. Order at: http://www.amazon.com/ Sports-Crossword-Puzzles-Volume-1/dp/0985809701
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What area youth team made history in the national youth football arena?
Lou Wilson is a music icon in Battle Miami, Fl. Creek best is the home- known for town of what type of what music? recently retired radio host?
Belinda Tate is the first African American director of what area arts museum?
Jessica Aguilera’s new book, Rose, is created from what art media?
What name made the Top 10 list of boys born at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo?
SOS stands for what WMU student-led organization?
3 1 2 45 What technology was used to learn about the mummy on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum?
What important strategy should authors consider as they write their book?
The Rev. Bobby McKenzie is the new pastor of what Albion church?
9 7 10 8 6 1. Kalamazoo Vikings; 2. Buddy Hannah; 3. Blues; 4. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; 5. Paper art; 6. CT-scans, x-rays and carbon-14 dating technology; 7. Marketing; 8. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church; 9. Mason; 10. Save our Sisters. www.comvoicesonline.com
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Out with the Old, In with the New By Dr. Michael F. Rice, Superintendent- Kalamazoo Public Schools Every calendar year brings new issues and challenges. 2015 is no exception. Two areas that will receive considerable attention are school finance and state testing. School finance. Since 1994, when Proposal A changed school finance in Michigan, the significant majority of funding to educate Michigan’s 1.5 million public school children comes from the state. In the last ten years, and particularly in the last four, state aid to local school districts has failed to keep up with inflation, and school districts across the state, from the Upper Peninsula to the Indiana border, from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, have had to cut considerably. Children’s education has been substantially hurt by these cuts. Increasingly, there is a recognition of a need to create a better state school finance system. The KPS board of education has advocated for a needs-based funding system for the last few years, one that would provide more funding to educate those students with greater needs: poor children, special needs children, and English language learners. In addition, the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) and the nine local school districts in Kalamazoo County, including KPS, have begun to discuss the need to put a voter question on the May ballot to better fund special education and, by extension, general education as well. State testing. Four major changes to state testing will take place this year: (1) a move from fall to spring testing for grades 3 through 8, (2) a move to a larger testing window, (3) a move to online testing, at least in pilot form, and (4) a move away from MEAP, after more than four decades in the state, to a test called M-STEP. The move to spring testing has pros and cons for students and staff. Generally, though, spring testing, all else being equal, is preferable to fall testing. All else, however, is not going to be equal in this movement of testing from fall to spring. The state is expanding its testing window, which will chip away at student instructional time. The move to online testing, at least in pilot form, will challenge districts across the state. In KPS, online testing will take place in the high schools and in pilot form at King-Westwood Elementary School and Linden Grove Middle School. Finally, the move away from the long-time MEAP to M-STEP adds to, and in many ways is the largest part of, the sea change in state testing this year. The state legislature objected to the choice of Smarter Balanced, an assessment linked to Common Core and the pick of a number of states across the country. Though the state superintendent and state board of education are clearly responsible for the selection of state tests, the state legislature indicated that it would not fund Smarter Balanced. Every year brings with it all sorts of possibilities. If solely in school finance and state testing, 2015 is shaping up to be an interesting year in the state of Michigan and in Kalamazoo County. Best wishes to all of you for a happy and healthy new year!
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“Four months ago, I had anterior hip replacement surgery at Bronson Methodist Hospital. And it was the best thing I ever did. I put off the surgery for three years — until I could hardly walk at all. Thanks to Bronson, I started feeling better before anything was even scheduled. My doctor did a great job of explaining what to expect and what would be done. My pain was minimal and I could move around better than I ever expected. In just four weeks, I was back doing the things I used to do — camping, walking the dog, golfing with my buddies and so on. The best testament to my outcome: forgetting that I ever had a hip problem. And for that, I’m so thankful.” Don Osterhout, Portage, Michigan, May 17, 2014
When one person shares their positivity, we all share in it. To share how Bronson Positivity has impacted your life, or to watch a video of Don’s story, visit bronsonpositivity.com.
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