FYI - SW Michigan's Family Magazine

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2015 Summer Camp Guide Day Camps, Residential Camps, Sports & More!

Mar /Apr 2015

Hungry?

Family-Friendly Stromboli Stuck?

We’ve Got a Hack for That Plus:

Are Grandparents Evil?

Create a Butterfly Diorama

Published by

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• Jan/Feb 2015

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g e r a lodr z t i F y Edit Tiffan

fyiswmichigan.com •

3•

WhAT are these KIDS DOING? See below.

Brian Lam

Tiffany, says she looked forward to spring as a kid because she couldn’t wait to wear shorts. Apparently, she was a pioneer in “short pants.” “Did you know they didn’t make long sizes in girls pants until like 2002?” says our rather leggy editor. “That’s a lot of years looking like I was waiting for the next great flood.” In addition to being FYI’s editor, Tiffany is also a staff writer at Encore magazine. A transplant from Colorado, where the weather will actually allow one to wear shorts in the spring, she lives in Kalamazoo with her husband and two children, ages 3 and 12.

Jef Otte

Day Camps, Residential Camps, Sports & More!

Mar /Apr 2015

Hungry?

Family-Friendly Stromboli Stuck?

We’ve Got a Hack for That Plus:

Are Grandparents Evil?

Create a Butterfly Diorama

Published by

Publisher Jef Otte, our Family Man, who describes the stealthy evil of grandparents this month, says he always looked forward to a spring tradition: his grandparents’ Easter egg hunt.

The hunt, he says, “involved neither eggs nor hunting, but rather a 2 pound mound of chocolate and only six minutes to eat it all.”

An event, he now understands, may not just have been about the fun of it all.

encore publications, inc.

Editor

tiffany fitzgerald

Contributing Editor marie lee

Graphic Designer alexis stubelt

Contributors

renae briggs, brian lam, melissa lam, jef otte

Melissa Lam

Tiffany Fitzgerald

SW Michigan’s best family resource

2015 Summer Camp Guide

Advertising Sales krieg lee celeste statler kurt todas

FYI is published 6 times a year by Encore Publications, Inc. Copyright 2015. All rights reserved.

Editorial, circulation and advertising correspondence should be sent to Encore Publications, 117 Cedar St. Suite A, Kalamazoo MI, 49007. Phone: 269 383-4433. General email correspondence to publisher@encorekalamazoo.com FYI is distributed free of charge at locations throughout Southwest Michigan; home delivery subscription rate is $18 per year. Advertising rates and specifications at fyiswmichigan.com or by request.

Those of you who loyally read Brian’s Last Laugh column know he’s not much on winter. Even as a kid he couldn’t wait for spring “mostly because I hated the snow, but also because of the start of outdoor soccer. But mostly hatred of snow.” But then, he waffles.

“Maybe it was mostly excitement for soccer. Maybe I actually liked the snow, but I definitely waited all winter for spring soccer leagues to start up. At a certain point, an indoor soccer facility opened. But it wasn’t the same and I had to head out into the snow — which I may or may not have hated.” When he’s not being so crystal clear on his convictions, he coaches improvisation and spends time with his wife and daughter.

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4 • Mar/Apr 2015

Melissa’s contribution to Creation Station this month shows her innate optimism that spring will arrive. And that all those recyclable containers we have sitting around are just waiting for a good project. She’s given us both: hope and a fun craft for our kids.

Melissa was a Montessori teacher in Colorado and Kalamazoo for several years before starting her own daycare, where designing fun and creative projects with household objects went from a hobby to a necessity.

Currently, she enjoys refurbishing furniture and sharing her love of art with her 5-yearold daughter, Sienna.

FYI does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors; articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect FYI’s opinions or those of the FYI staff.

To learn more about us visit fyiswmichigan.com

About the cover: Building

rockets at the Air Zoo is a perennial favorite summer camp activity. See our guide on Page 12 for info.

Photo courtesy of Air Zoo.

March/April 2015

In Every Issue 3

From the Editor

4

Our Contributors

7

Fun for Free

Family-friendly fun for no charge!

8

Make This!

Quick, easy stromboli from local chef Renae Briggs

9

Everyday Hacks

Stuck? We’ve got some tips for that

10 Creation Station

Bring on the butterflies in a green diorama

11 Is This Normal?

FEATURE

12 Summer Camp Guide

It’s easy to plan your kids’ summer activities with our 2015 Summer Camp Guide. From sports to science, art to aviation, horse riding to hiking, there is something for every kid and budget.

PARENT TO PARENT 23 Family Man

Is it revenge that motivates grandparents to do what they do?

30 Last Laugh

Ac tivities

Teen’s fear of the dark, snorting newborns: You ask, experts answer

He lost more than his glove in the snow…

24 Family Events A full slate of fun!

fyiswmichigan.com •

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Fun For Free FYI St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Break out the green and get ready to welcome spring the only way Irish know how — with a celebration. This St. Patrick’s Day Parade marks the 15th annual kickoff of the Irish Festival, sponsored by the Irish American Club of Kalamazoo.

With Irish dancing, pipers, folk music, bands, kilts and plenty of shamrock-bejeweled headbands, the parade celebrates Irish culture and community. A festival at the Arcadia

Creek Festival Place in Downtown Kalamazoo follows the parade and benefits Loaves and Fishes, so bring food donations to contribute to the nearly ton of food the festival collects for the local food drive.

Date: March 14, 11 a.m. kickoff Place: Burdick Street Mall, at Michigan Avenue Ages: All ages More info: KalamazooIrish.org

Drawing Made Easy with Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen Do you have a budding illustrator in the family? The Kalamazoo Public Library is offering a chance to meet and learn from local illustrator Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen.

Van Frankenhuyzen attended the Royal Academy of Arts in Arnheim, Holland, before immigrating to Michigan in 1976 and working as an art director for the Michigan Natural Resources Magazine for 17 years.

He’s the illustrator of The Legend of Sleeping Bear, a children’s book outlining the myth of the Sleeping Bear Dunes.

All children who attend will receive hands-on instruction and leave with three or four creations of their own.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

Date: March 19, 6:30–9:30 p.m.

Place: Kalamazoo Public Library, Central Branch, 315 S. Rose St. Ages: 6-11 More info: Registration required: KPL.org, 553-7800

Teen Murder Mystery Party Every teenager deserves a break — a chance to take their minds off the rigmarole of high school dramas and pressures. What more perfect way than a whodunit murder mystery?

The Portage District Library hosts this free event during which teens work side-by-side to test their wits and solve a murder. Food provided.

Date: April 23, 6:30–8 p.m.

Place: Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane Ages: T(w)eens, grades 6-12 More info: Registration required: PortageLibrary.org, 329-4544

fyiswmichigan.com •

7•

Make this! FYI

Family Dinner Quick and Easy

Family-Friendly Stromboli

Ingredients

1 can Pillsbury pizza crust 1 jar of your favorite pizza or marinara sauce 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 1 6-ounce package of pepperoni Favorite toppings of your choice 1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk (optional), whisked together How to

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, cooking spray or grease.

3. Roll out the crust, stretch or press to about 1/4 inch thickness.

4. Spread desired amount of sauce on half of the dough, leaving about 1 inch space around edges.

From the kitchen of local chef Renae Briggs As a dietary aide at Allegan General Hospital, Renae Briggs uses her culinary background to plan, design and create healthful and nourishing food for patients.

When she’s not working, Briggs, the mother of a 9-year-old Hamilton Elementary student, focuses on more immediate concerns: cooking easy-to-cook and convenient family dinners her daughter loves to gobble down.

Don’t worry, she’s not keeping all her secrets to herself — Briggs was happy to lend us a savory family dinner recipe. The fact that this stromboli is delicious is only part of the deal, says Briggs.

“This recipe is easy to make with the kiddo,” she says.

“My daughter helped make this and she loved eating it.

Super easy and quick!”

For Briggs’ kid-friendly mini stromboli recipe, visit FYISMICHIGAN.com.

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8 • Mar/Apr 2015

5. Add in desired toppings and cheese.

6. Carefully fold crust over filling, pinch or roll crust closed to form traditional stromboli.

7. Mix egg and milk together.

8. Brush crust with egg and milk mixture for golden brown crust.

9. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Hints

• For wet ingredients like olives or banana peppers, drain the toppings and dry them thoroughly before cooking to reduce excess moisture.

• Try filling with roast beef, provolone cheese and grilled peppers and onions for a Philly steak stromboli.

• Try filling with chili and Frito chips on a cold winter’s day.

• Try ham and cheese or even scrambled eggs, bacon bits and shredded cheddar for a hearty start to the day.

Everyday Hacks FYI

Stuck Up Hacks

We were going to come up with hacks for spring cleaning, but then we thought, “No! It’s much too early for spring cleaning!” (Not to mention, we procrastinate so much “spring” cleaning happens in the fall.)

In March and April, it is too early to reclaim our water sports, picnics and strolls in the sunshine, yet it’s too late to still be excited about winter. We’re stuck in the middle of the transition, and as a nod to our hardship, here are some hacks to help out in various situations in which you find yourself stuck. If only vinegar, floss and soap could help us unstick Spring.

Stuck Ring Did you know you can buy a ring cutter on Amazon for less than $20? Why would I want to, you might ask? Pregnancy, hand injuries, medical conditions and a change in the weather can cause fingers to bloat to the point of pain for ring wearers. Soap and baby oil doesn’t work for these extreme cases and the act of pulling a ring over the knuckle of a puffed up finger can cause tissue damage. But don’t reach for the ring cutter yet, there’s another option: 1. Take about 2 feet of dental floss or another type of glossy or elastic string and tuck one end through the ring, toward your palm, with a slender object, like tweezers or a blunt-ended tapestry needle. Pull the end through to make a short tail (3 or 4 inches).

2. With the long end, wind the floss or string continuously around your finger, starting right next to the ring and ending at least over the knuckle. Your finger above the ring is going to start looking very red or purple, but you’re almost done.

3. Gently pull on the short tail, unwinding the string from your finger one loop at a time. As you do this, the floss or string will move the ring up your finger and over the knuckle, making it possible to remove the ring.

Stuck Zippers There’s nothing worse than pulling a wardrobe favorite out of the closet, putting it on and attempting to zip it up only to have the zipper stop in its tracks.

Here’s a slick trick: rub one or more of these ordinary household products on the track of the zipper to get the pull to glide open and shut easily.

1. Soap 2. Lead pencil 3. A candle or crayon 4. Window cleaner 5. Petroleum jelly or lip balm

Stuck Price Tag While we can’t understand why a manufacturer or retailer puts a price tag right there on the glass of a picture frame instead of on the back where no one would see it or why every sticker on a new piece of flatware is designed to leave behind a trail of goo that just gets gross with washing attempts, thanks to Pinterest, we know how to get rid of any stuck tag easily: Vinegar.

1. Soak the sticker with vinegar.

2. Let the vinegar “do its thing” for five minutes.

3. Wipe away.

4. Want to see how this works? YouTube it – it’s a pretty cool trick.

fyiswmichigan.com •

9•

Creation station FYI

Butterfly Diorama by

MELISSA LAM

Melissa Lam

Spring is knocking at the door and the grays of the winter months are dispersing in favor of sunlit afternoons.

Use that spring sunshine to bring to life a colorful, easyto-create butterfly diorama to hang in a window.

Earth Day is April 22 and this craft lets you love the Earth by re-using your empty plastic bottles and containers while talking about the importance of recycling with your child. Here’s how to do it: Materials Needed •C lean, used clear plastic containers such as to-go containers, water bottles and 2-liter bottles • Scissors • A permanent black marker • Nail polish in different colors • Fishing line or thin string • A clear adhesive, like superglue or tape • Needle or pin •O ptional - Extra embellishments like glitter or rhinestones • Optional – Printer to print clip art Directions 1. Pick out several pieces of plastic; clean smooth pieces work best.

2. Find images of butterflies (or birds) that you would like to use in your diorama. A good website for this is OpenClipArt.com. Look for pictures with bold lines that are wide enough for your children to trace.

3. Print the image.

4. Place the plastic container over the image and trace the image on the plastic using a black marker.

5. Once the ink is dry, color your image on the plastic with nail polish.

6. Give your butterflies about 30 minutes to dry.

7. While the butterflies are drying, create a habitat for them. A large plastic container like a 2-liter bottle or salad bar container works best. You can cut colored plastic from other recyclable items to make leaves, grass or flowers, or you can add natural items, like sticks, grass and rocks.

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10 • Mar/apr 2015

8. Once the butterflies are dry, cut them out of the plastic.

9. Hang the butterflies on the inside of your diorama container by poking a hole with the needle in the butterfly and hanging it from the top of the diorama using the fishing line.

10. You can also glue butterflies or other decorations on the inside of your diorama container to create depth.

11. Hang or place the diorama in a window to catch the light. At night, place a battery-operated candle or glow stick in the diorama for dramatic effect.

Hints • Green bottles, like ginger ale or 7-Up soda bottles, are great for the leaf and grass embellishments.

• A little Goo-Gone can get pesky labels off plastic pieces. (Or, check out our hack on page 9.)

• Retrace the lines after the nail polish dries so the lines on the image are vivid.

• Make sure a parent supervises children for this project.

Using the needle to poke holes should be done by an adult or a child over 7 years old.

• A butterfly theme is just one idea. Any scene can be created with this method. For example, fish tank dioramas are beautiful too!

Is this normal? FYI

You Ask, Experts Answer If only someone had given us manuals instructing us to respond to those who laughingly tell us kids don’t come with manuals, right? Alas, these smug grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends have a point — every stage our children go through presents quandaries and challenges we don’t always have the innate knowledge to take on by ourselves.

Thankfully, local psychological, pediatric and child education experts agreed to take on your questions and provide some guidance. This issue, they answer questions about teenage fear of sleep and newborn snorting.

(If you have burning questions for our experts, please send them to editor@fyiswmichigan.com.)

Q:

I went into my 13-year-old daughter’s room the other night to turn down her radio, and noticed she’d fallen asleep with her covers pulled over her head. I asked her about it in the morning and she admitted that she’s afraid of the dark. I feel awful that she’s been so scared at night. Is it normal to be afraid of the dark at 14? — Parent in Kalamazoo Nichole Holliday MA, LLPC, LLMFT, Private Practice at Child and Family Psychological Services Portage and Alyssa Noonan LLMSW, Private Practice at Child and Family Psychological Services Kalamazoo: It seems your daughter has done some problem solving, identifying healthy and age-appropriate steps to comfort herself. It would be appropriate to revisit the topic of being afraid of the dark, asking how long the dark

has been bothering her and inquiring what you could do to help her feel more safe.

Helpful options may include using night lights and scanning her room together in the dark to see what looks scary and turning the lights back on to identify the object in the light. Also it could be helpful to discuss any negative thoughts or worries that occur and replacing them with positive selftalk or reminders of why she is safe in her room.

Encourage her to have a positive nighttime routine by imagining something positive or funny (i.e. her dream vacation or a fun memory of a time with friends), writing encouraging thoughts in a journal, coloring or drawing or reading a joke book. Also, limiting scary television or books before bed could prove to be helpful for reducing nighttime stress.

It could be cause to worry if her fear of the dark leads to a significant sleep disturbance, such as an inability to sleep through the night, avoiding or resisting going to bed, not wanting to sleep in her own room or sleep without a caregiver.

Signs of lack of sleep include increased moodiness or irritability, falling asleep in school, decreased abil-

ity to focus on tasks and general appearance of drowsiness.

Q:

My newborn son makes a really strange snorting sound when he cries. It happens pretty consistently, but mostly after feedings. There’s really no other way to describe it other than he kind of sounds like a little piglet. Is this something I should worry about? — Kalmazoo Mom Jacob Utash, MD, Bronson Family Medicine Downtown: Often newborns will have irregular breathing patterns and make many different noises. The “snorting” or “grunting” you hear is often a normal sound. Still, you’ll want to find out if the sounds may be associated with increased work for the baby to open his airway.

Newborns that are grunting should be seen by the primary care provider for evaluation.

fyiswmichigan.com •

11 •

2015

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE What would childhood be like without an escape to summer camp? Sad, that’s what. No dirt behind the ears, no learning to start a campfire, no creating LEGO robots and no exploring impressionistic art — all sans parents and boredom.

Maybe your kid’s not the outdoorsy type, or maybe he or she isn’t keen on the idea of a resident camp or hates LEGOs (not

Day Camps

ATYP at WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., 269.387.3553, wmich.edu/atyp

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps ATYP offers several camps with the themes of art, nature, science, technology, digital media, poetry, graphic novels and more. Check out the schedule on our website!

Advanced Technology Experience at WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., 269.345.3239 wmich.edu/admissions/camps

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps The Advanced Technology Experience teaches students the current advancements in technology.

Art Bayou Summer Camp, 3306 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, 269.375.2600

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12 • mar/apr 2015

likely, but who knows?). Whatever she or he is into, there’s a camp just right for your budget and schedule and FYI has done the dirty work of compiling local options for you to peruse. Enjoy! And remember, every day of freedom for your child is also a day of freedom for you.

Aviation Summer Camp, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., 269.964.7846, aviation.wmich.edu/aviationsummercamp

Blast Off!, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, 269.350.2848, AirZoo.org

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps WMU’s College of Aviation partners with the Air Zoo to provide an interactive opportunity for high school students to learn about the field of flying.

Two levels of camps are offered.

Ignite your child’s love of science with cutting-edge astronomy experiences, rocket building and astronaut training!

Command space missions, discover new planets, safely observe sun spots Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Dr., and compete in Space Olympics! Questions/registration: events@airzoo.org Battle Creek, 269.979.1351 binderparkzoo.org/education Campus Kids Summer Program, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., 269.387.2277, wmich.edu/childcare/ campuskids.html

Children ages 2—17 can experience nature and wildlife in a variety of camps designed to specific age groups and interests. Explore the wonders of the natural world through exploration, crafts, observation and communication. Visit website for info.

See ad, page 14.

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps Campus Kids Summer Camp features 13 different themed camps. Choose from studying bugs, stargazing and archeology to studying art and many other exciting topics. The camps run June 8 — Sept. 4.

Camp Kidwell, 39000 1st Ave., Bloomingdale, 269.521.3623 campkidwell.org

Chess Camp, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553, wmich.edu/atyp

Climb Kalamazoo, 136 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, 269.385.9891 Comstock Community Center, 6330 King Hwy., Kalamazoo, 269.345.7243 Crescendo Academy, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, 269.345.6664, crescendoacademy.com

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps At Camp Kidwell, campers experience fun and exciting programs including horseback riding, swimming, archery, canoeing and so much more. We offer themed day and resident camps to children ages 4—16. Check out the website for details! See ad, page 14.

City of Kalamazoo Dept. of Parks & Recreation, 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, 269.337.8191

The Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP) offers a one-day chess camp.

The Civic Academy of Theatre Arts, 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, 269.343.2280, kazoocivic.com Educational opportunities for students of all ages. Whether you’re interested in performance or technical theatre, there’s something for you.

Summer programs for all ages and all musical interests, including musical theatre, fiddlers, guitar, chamber ensembles and more. Visit the website for detailed information. See ad, page 21.

From toddlers to teens, there’s fun for everyone at KNC Camp!

New features:

Giant Slip ‘n Slide • Farm Camps Zip Line • Nature’s Playground and more!

See program descriptions and register at

www.KNCCamp.org fyiswmichigan.com •

13 •

CSI Science: Mystery at the Museum!, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, 269.350.2848, AirZoo.org

Young detectives will encounter crime scenes, examine fingerprints, use microscopes to analyze trace evidence and more! Scientists will use authentic techniques and learn from experts in the forensics field. Questions/registration: events@airzoo.org Design Street, 115 West Bridge St., Plainwell, 269.615.0884

Eco-Explorers, Air Zoo Aerospace & Girl Scouts of America Heart of Science Experience, 6151 Portage Rd., Michigan, 601 W. Maple St., Kalamazoo, 269.532.7063 Portage, 269.350.2848, AirZoo.org Japanese Language and Culture, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553, wmich.edu/atyp

Permission to get dirty! Explorers will sample pond life, collect insects, make a terrarium and learn how to care for the environment. Daily games, nature crafts, and outdoor excursions are included. Questions/registration: events@airzoo.org Excel Dance Center, 6775 West Q Ave., Kalamazoo, 269. 568.0582 Fort St. Joseph Archaeology Camp, 508 E. Main St., Niles, 269.683.4700

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps Learn all about basic Japanese language, including writing and greetings using Manga/Anime, calligraphy, folding origami and Japanese food, songs, and more.

Kalamazoo Academy of Rock, 225 Parsons St., Kalamazoo, 269.342.7374

WELCOME TO 4-H CAMP KIDWELL Resident and Day Camp Children ages 4-16 Themes sessions Horseback riding camps Discount code for $25 off - FYI2015 www.campkidwell.org • campkidwell@btc-bci.com

(269) 521-3559

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14 • mar/apr 2015

fyiswmichigan.com •

15 •

Portage Public Schools

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YOU BELONG

Age 4 - Kindergarten: Half-day camps, 9 am - noon June 15-19 & 22-26, July 20-24 & 27-31

Grades 1 - 5: Full- and half-day camps

HERE!

June 15-19 & 22-26 July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, August 3-7

Ages 11 - 16: Multimedia camp

9 am - 4 pm, July 13-17 & August 3-7

Ages 9 - 12: Toy and Model Design Camp 3 – 5:30 pm, July 6-10

Ages 12 - 17: Teen Filmmaking Camp

10 am – 2:30 pm, June 22-26 & July 27-31

AYS VISIT Dpm CAMP ch 22 (2-4 ) Mar pm) April 19 (1-4 ROAR) May 17 (Kids

SHERMAN LAKE YMCA SUMMER CAMP ShermanLakeYMCA.org •

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Plus an 8-week summer term of classes Register @kiarts.org

RLY REGISTER EA ES! FOR BEST RAT

269-731-3000

314 South Park Street - Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (269) 349-7775 www.kiarts.org

Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 103A, Kalamazoo, 269.373.4938, kalbookarts.org

Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 hearsals and performances with proN. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, fessional rhythm sections, a vocalist, a horn player and a drum choir.

269.381.1574, KNCCamp.org Kids Being Scientists Camp at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave., Augusta, 269.671.2510 kbs.msu.edu/visit/birdsanctuary

Kids’ workshops at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center Thursdays, 10 a.m.— 12 p.m. in June, July and August. Experiment with papermaking, printmaking and book making. Visit our website for complete class descriptions and to register. Scholarships available.

See ad, page 16.

Kalamazoo Childrens’ Chorus, Father Bart Hall, St. Mary’s Church, 939 Charlotte Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.547.7183 kalamazoochildrenchorus.org Two-day choir camp Aug. 11-12 for children who love to sing, grades 2-8.

Performance Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.

Kalamazoo Creative Art Camp, 3681 Fawn Cove Lane #5, Portage, 269.569.0146 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Summer Camps, 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo, 269.349.7775, kiarts.org

There is adventure for everyone at KNC Camp! Ages 3—17 will enjoy age appropriate activities like the giant slip-n-slide, Nature’s Playground, challenge courses, zip line and campouts. Explore the earth, water or the sky in Register today online. See ad, page 13. a fun, natural surrounding during our KAMSC Sizzlin’ Summer Math & summer camp days! Camps for 1st— Science Program, Kalamazoo Area 8th graders. First camp begins week Math and Science Center, 600 W. of July 6th! See ad, page 21.

Vine St., Kalamazoo, 269.337.0004 Mad Science, 6811 W. KL Ave., kamsconline.com Kalamazoo, 269.978.8543 Fun and varied STEM experiences for students pre-K to high school since Mark Kistler Art Camp, P.O. Box 405, 1987. Brochures online or at school Otsego, 800.431.6829 3/25.

Marshall Music, 951 Mall Dr., Kazoo School Summer Session, 1401 Cherry St., Kalamazoo, 269.345.3239 kazooschool.org.

Kazoo School Summer Session enthusiastically celebrates every child’s extraordinary mind, providing opportunities for children to engage in unique learning experiences.

Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 201.406.5059 keithhallmusic.com/education/khsdi

One-week art camps for ages 4—17, plus an 8-week term of 12 art classes.

Call or go to our website for more information. See ad, page 16.

Kalamazoo Valley Museum Free Summer Hands-on Art Programs, 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo, 269.373.7990

Summer Camps

Portage, 269.321.0415

Math Problems & Competitions, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553, wmich.edu/atyp

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps This camp teaches students to use their creativity to unravel new problems. It incorporates several competition formats, including math relays, sprint and speed rounds. It will also cover math puzzles and games.

wmich.edu/admissions/camps Held on WMU’s campus, this weeklong camp focuses on jazz drumming for all ages and levels (11-60+ years).

Students learn new music during re-

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McGinnis Reading Center Young Ready, Set, Go!, Air Zoo Aerospace & Readers Summer Camps, WMU, Science Experience, 6151 Portage Rd., 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, Portage, 269.350.2848, AirZoo.org 269.387.3470 wmich.edu/readingcenter

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps Eight camps for children entering kindergarten through third grade and run weekly from July 6—July 31. They provide reading and writing help from certified teachers on topics such as math, science and social studies.

Opening Act Theatre Company, 61268 County Rd., Lawton, 714.757.4971 Paradise Ridge Ranch, 9886 West L Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.375.2823 Pierce Cedar Creek, 701 West Cloverdale Rd., Hastings, 269.721.4190 Portage Parks and Recreation, 7719 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.329.4522 Portage Public Schools, 8107 Mustang Dr., 269.323.6700, ppscommed.org

for serious, young musicians. It is organized to promote artistic, social, recreational, and cultural interaction among the participating young artists.

Sherman Lake YMCA, 6225 N. 39th St., Augusta, 269.731.3000 ShermanLakeYMCA.org

Build it, race it, fly it! Test your imagination and creativity in our state-of-theart laboratories! Build roller coasters, design solar-powered machines and fire a gigantic trebuchet that launches Give your child a summer of growth water balloons over 100 feet! Quesand lifelong memories. Fun activitions/registration: events@airzoo.org ties abound including swimming, Robin’s Nest Art Camps, 5115 Texas hiking, archery, canoeing, kayaking, Dr., Kalamazoo, 508.801.5242 arts, climbing, sports, horses and free-play. That’s why campers keep Science Fiction, WMU, 1903 W. Michicoming back to Sherman Lake YMCA. gan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553 See ad, page 16. wmich.edu/atyp Summer Youth Robotics Camp, Kellogg Community College, 405 Brady Hill Rd., Battle Creek, 269.965.4137

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps

Superhero Science!, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience, 6151 Portage Rd., Portage, 269.350.2848 AirZoo.org

This week-long camp is for students excited by the thought of alien civilizations, future technology and creative dystopias. Campers will engage in writing exercises, discussions and various hands-on activities.

SEMINAR Music Camp, WMU, 1903 Find a variety of day camps and ac- W. Michigan Ave., 269.387.4678 or tivities to beat summer boredom. 269.387.4660 Field trips, math and science explo- wmich.edu/music-camp ration and week-long sports camps all offered through Portage Schools.

See ad, page 16.

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps SEMINAR is designed to serve as an enjoyable, pre-college experience

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Defy the laws of nature during this extraordinary camp experience for boys and girls! Create secret identities, earn superpowers and lead rescue missions while testing your strength of body and mind! Questions/registration: events@airzoo.org

Nearly 50 summer camps offered Explore a wide variety of camps geared for students of all ages.

Academic Prep

Games

Art

Language

Aviation

Math

Career Planning

Music

Children

Reading

Computer Programming

Sports

Engineering

Writing

Third Coast Camp for Young Writers, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, (269) 387-2572 wmich.edu/admissions/camps

Summer Camps

West Michigan Glass Art Center YMCA Camp Eberhart, 10481 Summer Glass Camp, 326 W. Ka- Camp Eberhart Rd., Three Rivers, lamazoo Ave., Suite 100, Kalamazoo, 269.244.5125 269.552.9802

Sports Camps

YMCA Greater Kalamazoo, Maple & Portage branches, 269.345.9622 (Maple), City of Kalamazoo Dept. of Parks & Recreation, 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, 269.324.9622 (Portage), kzooymca.org 269.337.8191 Courthouse Athletic Center, 7365 S. Sprinkle Rd., Portage, 269.329.0033 Gull Lake Schools Sports Camps, 11775 East D Ave., Richland, 269. 488.5018

wmich.edu/admissions/camps Two different themed writing camp experiences are offered and each is two weeks in length. You’ll meet lots of other motivated, high-spirited young writers like yourself — people who love to write Web Design, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553 wmich.edu/atyp

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps The Web Design Camp helps students design web pages and learn more about computer programming.

Writing the College Admissions Essay, WMU, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.387.3553, wmich.edu/atyp

Summer Camps

wmich.edu/admissions/camps This class helps students entering grade 12 develop essay ideas and focus on a unique piece that lets them shine. High school juniors may attend as space is available.

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Fun-filled weeks for ages 3-14 at Maple and 6-14 at Portage. Portage starts June 8; Maple starts June 15. Member rate: $160/week. Non-member rate: $190/week. Scholarships available.

See ad, page 13.

Residential Camps

Junior Golf Association of SW Michigan, 4200 Lovers Lane, Kalamazoo, 269.447.1484 Kalamazoo Christian Sports Camps, 2121 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, 269. 381.2044 Kalamazoo College Boys Soccer Camp, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, 269.615.5682

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, 300 Kalamazoo College Girls Soccer E. Crystal Lake Rd., Twin Lake, Camp, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo 800.221.3796 269.615.5245 Bohemian Adventure Camp, 4143 Kalamazoo College Volleyball N. 10th St., Kalamazoo, 616.430.9750 Camp, 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo, 269.337.7086 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo, 915 Lake St., Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Growlers, 251 Mills St., 269.349.4485 Kalamazoo, 269.492.9966 Camp Henry, 5575 Gordon Ave., Newaygo, 616.459.2267

Kids Gym, 9027 Portage Industrial Dr., Portage, 269.323.7657

Camp Kidwell 4-H Camp, 39000 1st Kids Sports, 6712 Financial Parkway, Ave., Bloomingdale, 269.521.3623, Kalamazoo, 269.544.3000 campkidwell.org Kingdom Sports, 8151 Merchant See listing under Day Camps Place, Portage, 269.226.2000 Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 KVCC Baseball Camp, 6767 W. O N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.488.4781 269.381.1574, KNCCamp.org KVCC Basketball Camp, 6767 W. O See listing under Day Camps Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.488.4421 Lake of the Woods Camp, 84600 KVCC Sports Camps, 6767 W. O Ave., 47-1/2 St., Decatur, 269.423.3091 Kalamazoo, 269.488.4799 Miracle Camp, 25281 80th Ave., KVCC Volleyball Camp, 6767 W. O Lawton, 269.624.6161 Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.488.4780 Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, 9123 Q Ave., Mattawan, 269.375.1950

West Hills Athletic Club Tennis Camp, 2001 S. 11th St., Kalamazoo, Sherman Lake YMCA, 6225 N. 269.387.0437 39th St., Augusta, 269.731.3000, WMU Sports Camps, 1903 W. MichiShermanLakeYMCA.org gan Ave., Kalamazoo See listing in Day Camps wmich.edu/admissions/camps

Religious Camps

Camp Henry, 5575 Gordon Ave., Newaygo, 616.459.2267

St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 7211 Oakland Dr., Portage, 269.327.7832

Southridge Reformed Church, 6726 Texas Dr., Kalamazoo, 269.353.2700

Kalamazoo Christian Summer ProTrinity Lutheran Church, 504 grams, 3800 S. 12th St., Kalamazoo, S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.544.2332 269.344.6181 Miracle Camp, 25281 80th Ave., Valley Family Church, 2500 Vincent Lawton, 269.624.6161 Ave., Kalamazoo, 269.324.5599 Pine Ridge Bible Camp, 8415 17 Mile Victory Baptist Church, 308 W. Rd., Cedar Springs, 616.696.8675 Milham Ave., Portage, 269.344.0842

Vacation Bible School June

July Berean Baptist Church, 7813 S. 12th St., Portage, 269.375.0244

Cherry Creek Community Church, 10641 Shaver Rd., Portage, Chapel Hill UMC, 7028 Oakland Dr., Portage, 269.327.6643 269.327.9090 Kalamazoo First Assembly of Milwood United Methodist Church, Portage St., Kalamazoo, God, 5550 Oakland Dr., Portage, 3919 269.381.6720 269.329.1977 Haven Church, 5350 N Sprinkle Rd., Schoolcraft Community, 342 N. Grand St., Schoolcraft, 269.679.4845 Kalamazoo, 269.344.5871 Oakland Drive Christian Church, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic 7331 Oakland Dr., Portage, Church, 1150 W. Centre Ave., Portage, 269.327.5165 269.327.7602

August Hope Reformed Church, 910 Jenks Blvd., Kalamazoo, 269. 349.9788

Vicksburg United Methodist Church, 217 S. Main St., Vicksburg, 269.649.2343 Westwood United Methodist Church, 538 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, 269.344.7165

This guide is researched and compiled

by Encore Publications staff. Enhanced listing information provided by those entities. While every reasonable effort was made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, Encore assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Information contained here is subject to change without notice.

P.S. If you’re not in this listing, we didn’t do it on purpose, we promise. Email us and let us know we left you out – we’re happy to add your camp to the guide online and keep you on the list for next year’s guide!

Kids Being Scientists Camp

Music Instruction for All Ages & Abilities

Our mission is your musical growth and enjoyment!

Member

• Study & learn in a positive and supportive atmosphere with professional, enthusiastic, experienced, university-trained teaching artists including Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Artists-in-Residence • Private instruction on strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, percussion, voice, theory and composition • String and wind chamber ensembles • Crescendo Fiddlers • Community Voices ensemble for disabled teens and adults • Music Together® classes for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers • Orff Studio classes for grades K-5 & adults • Epic Broadway! musical theater camp starts in July Epic Center, Suite 12, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall information@crescendoacademy.com www.crescendoacademy.com 269/345-6664

at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary 2015 Day Camp sessions for 1st – 6th graders Earth Explorers – July 6-10, 2015 Set up experiments to study the animals that live at the Sanctuary. Each day will focus on a different group of animals: birds, amphibians and reptiles, insects, and more!

Aquatic Adventurers – July 20-24, 2015 Water is an important resource for people and animals. Each day learn about the animals that live in aquatic environments and set up experiments to learn about water quality and conservation.

Winged Wonders – July 27-31, 2015 Flight is an amazing super power that some animals have. Each day learn about birds, mammals and insects that can fly and set up experiments to learn more about how flight works.

2015 Leadership Camp for 7th – 8th graders Natural Leaders – July 13-17, 2015 This week of science exploration includes birding, macro-invertebrate sampling, fishing, swimming, canoeing and more! Includes an overnight campout on Thursday!

Contact information: (269) 671-2510 or birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu bit.ly/KBS2015Camp

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Businesses & Ser vices for Families

Resource KAMSC Sizzlin’ Summer Math & Science Program

Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus Eastside Choir

CHOIR CAMP 2-Day Choir Camp Free for children who love to sing, Grades 2 - 8

Aug 11 from 2:30 - 5:30 Aug 12 from 2:30 - 6:30* *6 PM performance on Aug. 12

St. Mary’s Church

Serious Music, Se

rious Fu

n!

Reservations

939 Charlotte in Kalamazoo 269.547.7183 www.kalamazoochildrenschorus.org

The Greta Berman Arbetter

K azoo School Summer Session Our programs challenge and develop the intellectual, physical, creative and artistic interests of students.

PK –12th grade

Experts in fun! kazooschool.org/summer-session

269-345-3239

A free program where grieving children and teens can belong, laugh, cry, share, remember, eat, play, sing, and heal.

269.345.0273 hospiceswmi.org/Journeys.php

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Fun and varied STEM experiences for students pre-K to high school www.kamsconline.com 269.337.0004

Family Man FYI

The Grandparent Trap by

Not long ago, my mom volunteered to watch our 3-year-old overnight so my wife and I could spend some time not saying things like “get down from there” and “don’t eat that” or scrubbing peanut butter out of hair. It was glorious. I don’t even remember what we did, but I’m pretty sure we just lay there, holding each other, like two survivors of some atrocity followed by a three-yearstint as prisoners of war. Which is pretty much what having a 3-yearold is like, if you think about it. The next day, full of brunch and flush with foreign relaxation, I drove to my mom’s house to pick him up.

It was chaos in there. My 3-yearold zinged past me dragging a full-sized quilt with two of my mom’s three wiener dogs perched atop it, barking at shattering volume. Toys were scattered everywhere like shrapnel from a festive grenade.

“How’d it go?” I asked, scanning the wreckage.

“I WANT YOGURT!” my son screamed from the living room, ca-

JEF OTTE

reening among countless brittle knickknacks.

“Okay,” Mom replied. “He ate five yogurts for dinner last night.”

“You fed him five yogurts?” I asked incredulously. “Why would you feed him five yogurts?”

Mom shrugged. “It’s all he wanted to eat.”

In his terrifying essay “Shipping Out,” David Foster Wallace recounts his experience on a week-long luxury cruise, during which he is exposed to what he calls “nearly lethal” levels of pampering — a verb, he notes, which carries weirdly appropriate infantile connotations. Wallace compares his cruiseliner, which he christens the Nadir, to a womb.

During six days in the Caribbean, he was relentlessly and almost ruthlessly catered to.

His every want was anticipated and met. And yet, as the days scroll smoothly by awash in azure, he becomes aware of a crushing despair of which the root is a persistent and growing unquenchable demand: “The source of all the dissatisfaction isn’t the Nadir at all,” he writes, “but I could have pointed out the obvi- rather that ur-American part of me ous flaw in her reasoning, but it would that craves pampering and passive have been futile. The blare Dopplered pleasure: the dissatisfied-infant part back to the kitchen, dogs trailing be- of me, the part of me that always and hind, and the 3-year-old made for indiscriminately WANTS.” Personally, I’ve never been aboard the fridge. I headed him off. “Buddy, a cruise ship, but I witness this pheI think you’ve had enough.”

Without hesitation, he collapsed to nomenon every time my parents and the floor, literally kicking and scream- my children meet. My children trans(continued on page 29) ing. “I hate you,” he wailed. “I hate you!”

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LEGEND Ages:

Infant

Toddler, ages 1-3 Preschool (up to 4) School Age 4-11 Tweens & teens, ages 12-17 All ages Indoor activity Outdoor activity

Cost is free, otherwise cost is indicated

WHERE IS? Comstock Library — Comstock Township Library, 6130 King Highway, 345-0136 KIA — Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S Park St, 349-7775 Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N Westnedge Ave, 381-1574 KPL-Alma Powell — Kalamazoo Public Library-Alma Powell, 1000 W Paterson Ave, 553-7960 KPL-Central — Kalamazoo Public Library-Central, 315 S Rose St, 342-9827 KPL-Eastwood — Kalamazoo Public Library-Eastwood, 1112 Gayle Ave, 553-7810

KPL-Oshtemo — Kalamazoo Public Library-Oshtemo, 7265 W Main St, 553-7980 KPL-Washington Square — Kalamazoo Public Library-Washington Square, 1244 Portage Rd, 553-7970 Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 230 N Rose St, 373-7990 Parchment Library — Parchment Community Library, 401 South Riverview Drive, 343-7747 Portage Library — Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane, 329-4544

WEEKLY Mondays

I’m a Big Kid Now Storytime, activities & stories for 4- & 5-year-olds, 10 am in April, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Baby & Toddler Time, stories & activities, 9:30 am & 10:30 am in March, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info 2-3 Year Olds Storytime, stories, songs & other activities, 10:30-11:15 am, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org Tuesdays

1-2 Year Olds Storytime, stories, songs & activities, 9:45-10:15 am, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org 2’s & 3’s Storytime, stories & activities, 10 am in March, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Toddler Tales Storytime, songs, rhymes, movement & story (must have caregiver), 10:15-11 am, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org 2-3 Year Olds Storytime, stories, songs & activities, 10:30-11 am, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org Preschool Pals Storytime, stories, songs, fingerplay & crafts, 1-2 pm, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org Wednesdays

I’m a Big Kid Now Storytime, activities & stories for 4- & 5-year-olds, 10 am in March, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Knee-High Naturalists, hands-on education about the natural world (registration required), 9:30-11:30 am, Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, 979-1351; $10 1 child

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& 1 adult, $6 each extra child; $7 extra adults; children under 2 free 2’s & 3’s Storytime, stories & activities, 10 am in April, Portage Library, portagelibrary. info Great Start Playgroup, stories, activities & play, 10 am (no event April 7), KRESA West Campus, 4606 Croyden Ave, 250-9640 Toddler Talk, toddlers play, parents chat, 10:15 am, KPL-Oshtemo, kpl.gov Family Storytime, stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Alma-Powell, kpl.gov Preschool Pals Storytime, stories, songs, fingerplay & crafts, 10:15-11 am, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org 3-5-Year-Olds Storytime, stories, songs, activities & crafts, 10:30-11:15 am (no event Jan 7), Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org Baby & Me Time, 20 minutes of fun for you & your baby, 11:15-11:35 am, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org Baby Talk, parents talk about infant care with facilitator Connie Koning, RN, 1:30 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, kpl.gov Thursdays

Family Storytime, stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Oshtemo & KPL Eastwood, kpl.gov Knee-High Naturalists, hands-on education about the natural world (registration required), 9:30-11:30 am (no event Jan 1),

Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, 9791351, $10 1 child & 1 adult, $6 each extra child; $7 extra adults; children under 2 free Baby & Toddler Time, stories & activities, 9:30 am & 10:30 am in April, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Great Start Playgroup, stories, activities & play, 10 am (no event April 8), KRESA West Campus, 4606 Croyden Ave, 250-9640 Family Storytime, stories/activities, 10 am in March, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info 3-5-Year-Olds Storytime, stories, songs, activities & crafts, 10:30-11:15 am (no event Jan 1 & 7), Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org Fridays Family tivities, kpl.gov

Storytime, stories & ac10:30 am, KPL-Central,

Saturdays

Home Depot Kids’ Workshop, weekly projects, call for scheduled project, 9 amnoon, Home Depot, 6685 S Westnedge Ave, 324-8100 Build & Grow Workshop, weekly clinics (registration required), 10 am, Lowe’s Home Improvement-Kalamazoo, 5125 W Main St, 345-2110; Lowe’s Home Improvement-Portage, 5108 S Westnedge Ave, 276-0215

ONGOING Thru May 17 — Kalamazoo for the Union!

An Exhibit of Civil War, Civil War through the eyes of Kalamazoo County residents, 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat; 1-5 pm Sun, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum.org Thru Aug. 30 — Evidence Found, handson exploration of modern archaelogy, 9 am-5 pm Mon-Sat; 1-5 pm Sun, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum.org Thru March 19 — Orion Nights, learn to find stars within the constellation & about their cycle of life, 3 pm Tues & Thurs, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, $3, kalamazoomuseum.org

Thru March 8 — How to Return? Contemporary Chinese Photography, visual examination of post-boom China, 11 am-5 pm, Tues-Fri, KIA, free to members, youth under 12, $5, kiarts.org Thru April 26 — Redefining the Multiple, visual examination of Japanese printmaking, 11 am-5 pm, Tues-Fri, KIA, free to members, youth under 12, $5, kiarts.org

Thru May 10 — Second Sight/Insight II, poetic literary interpretations of curated works, 11 am-5 pm, Tues-Fri, KIA, free to members, youth under 12, $5, kiarts.org Thru March 15 — Sky Legends of the Three Fires, three stories about the night ski, 1 pm Sat, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, $3 kalamazoomuseum.org

Thru March 20 — Back to the Moon for Good, chronicles teams completing for Google Lunar XPRIZE,3 pm Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, $3 kalamazoomuseum.org

March 19–22 — Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival, featuring 250+ dance artists from the Midwest, 6:30-8:30 pm March 19; 2-9 pm March 20; 10 am10 pm March 21; 10 am-3 pm March 22; Wellspring Theatre, 349 S Kalamazoo Mall, midwestradfest.org, $12 per show, $20 evening pass, $35 festival pass March 21–June 19 — Midwest Weather in the Solar System, explore atmospheres on other planets, magnetic storms on the sun & anticycles, 3 pm Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum.org, $3

Thru March 15 — Wired & Wrapped: Sculpture of Seungmo Park, contemporary Korean sculptor, 11 am-7 pm Tues-Fri; 11 am-5 pm Sat & Sun; KIA, free to members & kids under 12; $5, kiarts.org

March 22–June 19 — Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, a story of two children who build a cardboard rocket to explore space, 11 am Mon-Fri, 1 pm Sat, 2 pm Sun, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum. org, $3

March 13–22 — Goodnight Moon, musical retelling of this classic children’s book, 7 pm March 13 & 2; 11 am & 2 pm March 14 & 21; 2 pm March 15 & 22; Farmer’s Alley, 221 Farmers Alley, farmersalleytheatre. com, $15

April 6–10 — Spring Break Hands-On Happenings: Down on the Farm, full week of arts & crafts, books & activities, 1-4 pm, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum.org

string quartet, 9:30 & 10:30 am, KPL-Central, register at kpl.gov Wednesday, March 4 Musical Storybooks: The Perfect Purple Feather, story, craft & music by the KSO’s string quartet, 9:30 & 10:30 am, KPL-Central, register at kpl.gov Thursday, March 5 Owl Prowl: Screech Owls, meet a live owl & learn about owl calls, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4-$7 non-members Teen LEGO Club, Shake off the stress of middle & high school, 4 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Friday, March 6 Art Hop, art at locations in downtown Kalamazoo, 5-9 pm, kalamazooarts.org

zoo Nature Center, free for members; $4$7 non-members

Saturday, March 7 Festival of Health, free services, hands-on demostrations & crafts, noon-4 pm, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum. org Maple Sugar Tours, 45-minute maple sugaring hiking tours, 1 pm & 3 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4$7 non-members LEGO@ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 10:30-11:30 am, KPL-Oshtemo, kpl.gov First Saturday@KPL, stories, activities & door prizes, 2:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov

Thursday, March 12

Sunday, March 8

Friday Teen Night, check out the galleries, share pizza & enjoy hands-on activities, 6-8 pm, KIA, free to members & kids under 12; $5, kiarts.org

MARCH Sunday, March 1 Ivy + Bean, The Musical, adaption of bestselling children’s book series, 3 pm, Miller Auditorium, millerauditorium.com $25 Portage Winterblast Half Marathon & 5K, community celebration of health & wellness, 8 am, Portage Northern High School, 8135 W Westnedge Ave, 270-5641 to register, $35-$65 registration to race; free to attend

Open Cockpit, sit in the cockpit of the P-47 & the Mig 21, noon-5 pm, Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Road, airzoo.org, $10 Monday, March 2

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess, celebration with take-home craft, 10 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Put Me in the Zoo, a reading of the popular book & visit from John Ball Zoo, 2 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info I’m Bored!, Fun, hands-on activities, 10 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Teen Advisory Board, plan programs & service projects, discuss books, movies, music & websites, eat snacks, play games, 3:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov

Anime Club, watch anime, check out manga, share fan art, swap books, cosplay & snacks from Japan & Asia, 4:30-6 pm, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org Tuesday, March 3

Musical Storybooks: The Perfect Purple Feather, story, craft & music by the KSO’s

Maple Sugar Tours, 45-minute maple sugaring hiking tours, 1 pm & 3 pm, Kalama-

Monday, March 9

T(w)een Advisory Board, earn community service hours planning teen events, snacks provided, registration required, 5-6 pm, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org Tuesday, March 10

Story Corner: Maple Sugar, stories about nature & a visit from a live animal, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4-$7 non-members Wednesday, March 11

Preschool Explorers: Snakes, experience nature with your toddler, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4-$7 non-members

Owl Prowl: Screech Owls, meet a live owl & learn about owl calls, 7 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4-$7 non-members Teen Advisory Group, enjoy a pizza slice & talk books, make crafts & discuss the library, 6:30 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary. info Friday, March 13

Just Move Storytime, by Just Move Fitness & More, 10:30 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

fyiswmichigan.com •

25 •

Great Start Playgroup, stories, activities & play, 10 am, Woodland Elementary, 1401 Woodland Ave, Portage., 250-9640

Great Start Playgroup, stories, activities & play, 10 am, Comstock North Elementary, 3100 N 26th St, 250-9640

Saturday, March 14

Saturday, March 21

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, parade & festival celebrating Irish heritage, downtown Kalamazoo Young Vocalists Competition, young singers from across the Midwest compete, 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Light Fine Arts Center, 1200 Academy St, kalamazoobachfestival.org, Maple Sugar Festival, 50th Annual Maple Sugar Festival, 9 am-5 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4$7 non-members; free for children under 3

Kalamazoo Living History Show, historical activities, dances, exhibits and demonstrations, 9 am-5 pm, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., KalamazooShow.com, free age 12 and under, $7 adults; $10 adult weekend pass Blue Man Group, comedy, music & technology theatricals, 3 pm & 8 pm, Miller Auditorium, millerauditorium.com $43-$63 LEGO @ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, kpl.gov

Fancy Pants Theatre, songs, stories & games with elements of script writing & producing, 1 & 2 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, an All Ears Theatre Production, 6 pm, First Baptist Church, 315 W Michigan Ave, kalamazooarts.org

Sunday, March 15

Maple Syrup Day, wagon ride through the sugar bush & a guided tour, cookies & games, noon-5 pm, Kellogg Forest, 7060 N 42nd St, Augusta, 7314597, $1 per person; free age 2 & under

Maple Sugar Festival, 50th Annual Maple Sugar Festival, 9 am-5 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4$7 non-members; free for children under 3 Princess Tea Party, tea, petit fours, savories, pictures, storytelling, dancing & a castle tour, 1-3 pm, Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe St, 344-1827, $25 Monday, March 16

J-Pop Club, Japanese anime, manga, Pocky & food, 3:30-4:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov Tuesday, March 17

Teen Game Club, video games, board games, card games, 4 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Thursday, March 19

LEGO Brick League, create, build & collaborate, 4:30-5:30 pm, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org Friday, March 20

Blue Man Group, comedy, music & technology theatricals, 8 pm, Miller Auditorium, millerauditorium.com $43-$63 ABC Activity Time, drop-in playtime with sensory activities, 10:30 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

•

26 • Mar/apr 2015

Sunday, March 22

Kalamazoo Living History Show, historical activities, dances, exhibits and demonstrations, 9 am-4 pm, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., KalamazooShow.com, free age 12 and under, $7 adults; $10 adult weekend pass Monday, March 23

Friday, March 27

Just Move Zumba, by Just Move Fitness & More, 10:30 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Saturday, March 28

Easter/Spring Drop-In, books, & activities, 10:30 am-3:30pm, registration required, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary. org The Adventures of Johnny Forrest & His Gal Pal Sue, vintage live radio broadcast

by All Ears, 3:15 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Sunday, March 29

Peter & the Starcatcher, stage presentation of this Peter Pan spinoff, 3 pm, Miller Auditorium, millerauditorium.com $35$58 Tuesday, March 31

Ballerina Storytime, stories & dance, 10 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

APRIL

Teen Advisory Board, plan programs & service projects, discuss books, movies, music & websites, eat snacks, play games, 3:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov Super Hilarious Puppet Show, laughter, comedy, singing, imagination & movement, 2 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Anime Club, watch anime, check out manga, share fan art, swap books, cosplay & enjoy snacks from Japan & Asia, 4:30-6 pm, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org Tuesday, April 7

LEGO@ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 6:30 pm, KPL-Washington, kpl.gov Thursday, April 9

Just Move Zumba, by Just Move Fitness & More, 10:30 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Friday, April 10

Teen LEGO Club, shake off the stress of middle & high school, 4 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Friday, April 3

LEGOS! LEGOS! & More LEGOS!, all-ages LEGO creation time, 10 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info ABC Activity Time, Drop-in playtime with sensory activities, 10:30 am, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Teen/Tween Book Club, read & discuss a new book each month, enjoy activities & snacks, 5-6 pm, Comstock Library, comstocklibrary.org

LEGO@ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 10:30-11:30 am, KPL-Oshtemo, kpl.gov

Teen Secret Agent Training, navigate obstacles, solve puzzles, shoot NERF targets, enjoy snacks, 6:30 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Monday, April 6

Thursday, April 2

Musical Storytime, story, craft & songs with special guest Mr. Bill, 6:30 pm, KPL-Central, register at kpl.gov

Thursday, March 26

Ananse’s Return, an All Ears Theatre Production of an African folktale adaptation, 6 pm, First Baptist Church, 315 W Michigan Ave, KalamazooArts.org

Saturday, April 4

First Saturday@KPL, stories, activities & door prizes, 2:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov Art Reception, meet children’s book illustrator Jo Peterson, 2 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info

Teen Advisory Group Meeting, talk books, make crafts & give the library a piece of your mind while enjoying a piece of pizza, 6:30 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Art Hop, art at locations in downtown Kalamazoo, 5-9 pm, kalamazooarts.org Art Hop: Zeemo the Yo-Yo Man, history of the yo-yo & live yo-yo performance, 6-8 pm, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, KalamazooMuseum.org, Sunday, April 12

Princess Tea Party, tea, petit fours, savories, pictures, storytelling, dancing & a castle tour, 1-3 pm, Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe St, 344-1827, $25 Wednesday, April 15

Preschool Explorers: Turtles, experience nature with your toddler, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for members; $4$7 non-members Thursday,April 16

LEGO Brick League, create, build & collaborate, 4:30-5:30 pm, Parchment Library, parchmentlibrary.org

planning teen events, snacks provided, registration reJust Move Storytime, by Just quired, 5-6 pm, Comstock Move Fitness & More, 10:30 Library, comstocklibrary.org am Portage District Library, portagelibrary.info Tuesday, April 21 Campus to Community, a visual & performing arts showcase Teen Game Club, video, board sponsored by the Black Arts & & card games, 4-5:30 pm, PorCultural Center, 7 pm, Kalama- tage Library, portagelibrary.info zoo Valley Museum, kalamazoomuseum.org, $5, Diavolo, Architecture in Motion, dancing, acrobatics, gymSaturday, April 18 nastics, 7:30 pm Miller audiThe Odyssey of Runyon torium, millerauditorium.com Jones, an All Ears Theatre $35-$45 Production of the tale of Runyon Jones’ journey to find Wednesday, April 22 his dog, 6 pm, First Bap- Earth Day, free admission all tist Church, 315 W Michi- day, 9 am-5 pm, Kellogg Bird gan Ave, kalamazooarts.org Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave, Friday, April 17

671-2510 Earth Day 1K Run for Kids, 1K Thursday, April 23 run/walk on the Habitat Haven trail (age 8 & under), 10 am, Teen Murder Mystery Party, Kalamazoo Nature Center, $10 examine evidence to crack the case & enjoy food, 6:30 pm, Portage Library, portagelibrary.info Earth Day 5K Trail Run, 5K walk/run on the center’s trails, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature Cen- LEGO@ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 4:30 ter, $25 pm, KPL-Eastwood, kpl.gov Earth Day Celebration, activities all day & free admission, 9 am-5 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Friday, April 24 Center Great Start Playgroup, stoLEGO@ the Library, build, ries, activities & play, 10 am, race, inspire & imagine, 10:30 Comstock North Elementary, am, KPL-Central, kpl.gov 3100 N. 26th St., 250-9640

MARCH 20 - 29

adapted by

Production Sponsor:

based on the book by E.B. WHITE

GILMORE THEATRE COMPLEX For tickets call: 269-387-6222 www.wmutheatre.com

Free Upcoming Shows

Crybaby Concert, 45-minute Saturday, April 25 concert for children under 5 & Small Wonders: Fantastic their caregivers, 11 am, KPLFlowers, experience nature Central, kpl.gov with your child, Kalamazoo Nature Center, free for memMonday, April 20 bers; $4-$7 non-members Princess Tea Party, tea, petit fours, savories, pictures, storytelling, dancing & a castle tour, Monday, April 27 1-3 pm, Henderson Castle, 100 Musical Storytime, story, craft Monroe St, 344-1827, $25 & songs with special guest Mr. J-Pop Club, Japanese anime, Bill, 6:30 pm, KPL-Central, regmanga, Pocky & food, 3:30- ister at kpl.gov 4:30 pm, KPL-Central, kpl.gov LEGO@ the Library, build, race, inspire & imagine, 4:30 Teen/Tween Advisory Board, pm, KPL-Alma Powell, kpl.gov earn community service hours

MAR 7 - The Ventriloquist Curse MAR 21 - The Wonderful Wizard of Oz MAR 28 - The Adventures of Johnny Forrest and Sue Magee in Pirates' Gold - Special 4:00 pm performance at the Portage District Library

APR 4 - Ananse’s Return APR 18 - The Odyssey of Runyon Jones

All Ears Theatre performs newly scripted radio programs for live audiences, complete with old school sound effects, from January through May. Shows are later broadcast on 102.1 WMUK-FM. Performances are at 6:00 pm at the First Baptist Church and are FREE to the public.

Do you have a family-friendly event to list in FYI’s calendar?

Email your information to edtior@fyiswmichigan.com

JOSEPH ROBINETTE

For a complete schedule of shows, visit Kalamazooarts.org Funding provided by

Find these events and more online at fyiswmichigan.com

fyiswmichigan.com •

27 •

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!

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April 7–April 10

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Come for a full week of arts and crafts focused on fun sports and some creative books. Enjoy ten different crafts each day and story times throughout the program.

April 6 A Splashing Time! Hear Red Rubber Boot Day by Mary Lyn Ray April 7 Punches, Kicks, and Crashes! Enjoy The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz April 8 Up, Up, and Away! Take off with Kite Flying

by Grace Lin April 9 Picking Sides! Prepare for Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare by Patricia Polacco April 10 Batter Up! Vegetarians and Meat Eaters compete in Dino-Baseball by Lisa Wheeler

kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990 The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees

•

28 • Mar/Apr 2015

Southwest Michigan’s Magazine www.encorekalamazoo.com

The Last Laugh (continued from page 30) made a mental note to begin a suspect list anyway and add my neighbors to it.

I reached the playground and pulled out the map. Where exactly had I been earlier that day? Kid memory made it impossible to recall, so I put the map back and continued plodding around with my detectivehunched walk.

After what seemed like hours, but was realistically closer to 12 minutes, I stopped to reassess the case. I had nothing. Hunger was setting in. Good thing I had the granola bar. Doubt was setting in. Had I even worn those mittens to school? Anger was setting in. Why hadn’t I found them? I brought the magnifying glass!

Finally, resignation set in and I headed home.

I had watched Dr. Bunson Honeydew and Beaker make things explode in the Muppet Lab with only household liquids, and I had watched Inspector Gadget save the world using nothing but his magnifying glass. “Hmph! Doesn’t work like that,” I thought. Again, the lies.

I should have looked into that Truth in Children’s Television Commission then.

In the spring, when the snow melts, school staff members go out and pick up the things kids lose in the snow during the winter. I imagine they keep them in a Lost & Found until the end of the year and then throw them away.

There are some things that are lost in the snow, however, that can never be found.

I never did ask about my mitten in the spring, on account of the kid memory. I also didn’t go back to watching cartoons and puppet shows. It was time to grow out of those; new seasons were starting of more mature shows. Instead, I started watching the A-Team and MacGyver, taking careful notes on how to create two-way radios with a sardine can, clothes hangers, a wire brush and a wad of chewed gum.

ents anymore — for last year’s Christmas he got summer camp; this year, a trip to the arcade and a milkshake.

Back at my mom’s, as the 3-yearold thrashed, she rationalized: “I always hated taking you to Grandma Otte’s. I don’t know what she fed you, but it gave you the worst farts.”

This was true. My Grandma Otte was a health-food enthusiast with a serious passion for bran, although she also liked to feed us an approximation of ice cream she made from plain yogurt and frozen orange juice concentrate. It was so bad one time I even tried not eating anything, and I still got farts — gross, uncomfortable hot ones — as if the very atmosphere of her apartment carried some compound that catalyzed them in my gut.

And suddenly, it dawned on me: grandparenting is a generational

hazing — and a particularly sweet one, since it involves direct vengeance.

Children famously don’t appreciate being parented well; thus, grandparents are there to show their children, via their grandchildren, what terrible people they could have become had they, the grandparents, not being willing to suffer their children’s ingratitude for doing it right.

I laughed. I had to hand it to her.

“Plus Grandpa Start’s bottomless candy dish.”

“Exactly.”

The 3-year-old yet howled and moaned, yogurt-less, and I imagined him grown, with children of his own and how, on that day, I will exact my revenge.

Family Man (continued from page 23) form from mildly annoying but generally companionable little rascals into despotic hell-demons capable of emitting ghastly shrieks at the slightest provocation.

My mom isn’t even the spoiling-est grandparent. At the in-laws in Denver over Christmas, I stood helplessly by as my normally sweet-natured 3-yearold son, drunk on power and unlimited cookies, tossed each opened present aside with a combination of indifference and outright contempt, loudly demanding “more, more!” It was basically a two-week tantrum.

My 12-year-old is less prone to conniptions, but he’s hardly any easier to impress. Each “Thank You” he utters is like an extracted tooth, offered with equal enthusiasm. He has presents he’s never removed from their cellophane. We don’t even give him pres-

fyiswmichigan.com •

29 •

LAST LAUGH FYI

Things We Lose in the Snow

BY BRIAN LAM I don’t know if there’s a Truth in Children’s Television Commission, but if so I have some serious grievances.

Grievance #1: Throwing a bunch of common household liquids into a jar and stirring it up does not result in explosive plumes of colored smoke. In fact, it doesn’t even constitute a science experiment, even if you wear those plastic protective glasses.

I learned this lesson in fourth grade when my teacher, Mr. Nichols, asked me and a classmate exactly what our hypothesis was supposed to be in our mad scientist experiment. What was our intended outcome? What were trying to prove or disprove?

We peered into our amalgamation of mayonnaise, hand soap, syrup and vinegar and then looked back to him.

“See what happens,” we answered, giving the jar one last stir in the hopes of it starting to glow or something.

As it turns out, nothing happens when you combine those rare scientific materials, although I imagine you could make the case for it being a fairly effective exfoliate.

But my Muppet scientist made it look like that’s how it was supposed to work. It’s doesn’t!

You hear that, Truth in Children’s Television Commission? Lies!

The same goes for detective work.

Grievance #2: Around the time of my groundbreaking See What Happens experiment, I found myself prepping for the detective caper of the century: The Case of the Missing Mitten. When I arrived home from school one winter day with only one mitten, I put myself on the case to retrieve its lost counterpart.

Using my innate detective instincts, I deduced that the mitten must be back at school, since I vaguely remembered wearing it to school that morning and now I was home from school and it was gone. Remembering that we had gone outside after lunch, I figured that there was a good chance it was on the playground.

•

30 • Mar/Apr 2015

Drawing from everything I had learned from cartoons about detective work, I gathered all the necessary tools for my search. Magnifying glass? Check. There might be important clues to examine. Granola bar? Check!. What if hunger set in on my one-block walk to the school and I had to abandon the mission? Map of the school? Check.

Well, kind of. I had to draw one on the same graph paper that I used to create Dungeons & Dragons dungeons.

Still, it was better than nothing.

The only thing missing was my Sherlock Holmes-esque curved pipe, but the Snoopy poster at school insists that smoking is not cool, so I decided to forego that.

I walked back to school hunched over, with one hand behind my back and the other staring at the sidewalk through my mom’s expensive magnifying glass. Clues were everywhere! Footprints in the snow heading away from the school meant someone had come from the school recently. Did they know anything? Had they seen anything?

Did they have the mitten?

Closer inspection revealed that most of the footprints were mine from my initial walk home, but I

(continued on page 29)

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