FYI Oct/Nov 2015

Oc t/Nov 2015

Family-Friendly Fall Fun! Activities for all ages

Plus: Hacks for Holidays Single Skillet Dinner Events Galore And MORE! Published by

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from the Editor In Southwest Michigan, we are blessed with leaves. I know many of you, standing there with your rakes and leaf bags and leaf blowers, are not feeling particularly blessed.

I grew up in a high desert town in Idaho and, while we were blessed with sagebrush and lodgepole pines, deciduous trees with their bounty of leaves were few and far between.

In fact, my backyard had two leaf-bearing trees: an apple tree, which dropped more worm-eaten, half-developed apples than leaves, and a beautiful weeping birch with small serrated leaves that never grew larger than a half dollar. My brothers and I would wait patiently all autumn for the majority of the tree’s golden leaves to fall, anticipating a large leaf pile to jump into à la Charlie Brown. When the leaves finally came down, we would eagerly rake them together only to discover that all those leaves made a pile that barely came up to our ankles. Jump in that pile and you were asking for a cracked tailbone.

So my first fall in Southwest Michigan was astounding. I didn’t know trees came in that many colors of orange, red and gold.

And all the leaves! I raked and raked, got blisters on blisters and created an enormous pile of leaves to jump in. Only, I was in my 30s and jumping in that pile, no matter how enormous it was, was just asking for a cracked tailbone.

But, a few years later, when my small son made his first jump into the giant pile of leaves we had raked in our front yard, his squeal of delight was about the same decibel as mine. That fun lasted for a few more years but now, at 13, he is so over the whole leaf thing, especially since he is doing the raking. I told him the other day about the sad, small backyard pile of leaves from my childhood. “That sounds so great,” he said with a sigh.

Oc t/Nov 2015

Family-Friendly Fall Fun! Activities for all ages

Plus: Hacks for Holidays Single Skillet Dinner Events Galore And MORE! Published by

Publisher

encore publications, inc.

Editor

marie lee

Graphic Designer alexis stubelt

Contributors

ren briggs, brian lam, anne lape, kara norman, jef otte, brian powers

Advertising Sales

sophia jacobs, krieg lee, celeste statler

Office Manager hope smith

Distribution kama mitchell

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 W. 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.

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:

Marie Lee Editor

Carter Durlach, 1, shows mom, Tonya Durlach, his mad tractor-driving skills during a recent foray at Husted’s Farm Market in Kalamazoo. P.S. He wasn’t really driving.

Special thanks to Husted’s for allowing us access to the orchards for this shot.

Photo by Brian Powers

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anne lape Before Anne became our Everyday Hacks guru, she was a young lass growing up in Northern Michigan where she spent every Halloween trick-or-treating while wearing a coat over her costume. Her favorite costume ever was dressing as a blue crayon, even with the coat. Anne, the mother of a new high schooler, is a writer and teacher living in Kalamazoo.

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Jef ot te

brian lam With exactly 18 years of experience as a kid himself, Brian considers himself an expert on the subject of being a kid and surviving the rough and tumble world of pre-adulthood. He generously shares his wisdom with future generations in this issue.

When not instructing food-throwing techniques to toddlers or preaching the nuances of the word “whatever” to disengaged teens, Brian spends his time with his wife and daughter, the latter of whom ignores all his sage advice.

kara norman

ren briggs The woman behind the delicious and easy recipes for Make This!, Ren is an Allegan mom and a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College’s Secchia School of Culinary Arts. A creative genius when it comes to making cakes of all shape and forms, Ren is a former baker for Alpen Rose, Via Maria and deBoer Bakery. She is also very popular and invited to a lot of pot lucks.

Kara knows a lot about autumn activities in Southwest Michigan after researching our Family Friendly Fall Fun feature for this issue. A transplant from Colorado, Kara said her favorite discovery is the Blue Coast Artists Studio Tour. She is a sucker for all things art and pretty much has to lock up her wallet at art fairs. The Fall Migration Celebration is also calling her name. Kara lives in Kalamazoo and writes about family, books and wild Michigan adventures at sutnambonsai.blogspot.com.

Jef, who shares the joys of pregnancy (not his, his wife’s) in this month’s Family Man column, completed an MFA in creative writing at Western Michigan University in June. He is a writer and journalist whose work has appeared in Spin Magazine, Village Voice and our sister publication, Encore. And, we’re happy to announce, he is now the father of a new daughter and survived his wife’s pregnancy intact.

oct/nov 2015

In Every Issue 3

From the Editor

4

Our Contributors

9

Make This!

Got noodles, chicken and a skillet? Then you’ve got dinner

10 Everyday Hacks

Great tips for your holiday decorating

12 Is This Normal?

Severe separation anxiety at school and nakedness — you ask, experts answer

14 Creation Station

Creating stamps from toilet paper tubes is just half the fun

28 Activity Page

Games, coloring and other fun to keep little hands busy

FEATURE

16

Family-Friendly Fall Fun! Autumn is awash with awesome family activities.

From festivals feting apples and geese (yes, we said geese) to abundant art experiences, fall is family friendly all the way.

Ac tivities 6

Fun for Free

Family-friendly fun for no charge!

8

Playground Pick

Flesher Field is a fresh family experience

PARENT TO PARENT 21 Family Man

What to expect when your wife is expecting

30 Last Laugh

A guide to success as a kid from a former kid

24 Family Events

The area’s best calendar of family events

fyiswmichigan.com •

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Fun For Free FYI

Fossil Fun with Paleo Joe

Ever wonder what it’s like to find the bones of a triceratops or T-Rex? Well, dinosaur digger Paleo Joe can tell you when he talks about Fossil Fun at the Portage District Library. In a program open to elementary school students accompanied by an adult, paleontologist and author Paleo Joe talks about being a fossil digger, how fossils form and about fossils in the Midwest. And there will probably be a discussion or two about dinosaurs in there as well.

When: 6:30–7:30 pm Nov. 5 Place: Portage District Library 300 Library Lane Ages: Kindergarten–5th grade, accompanied by an adult More Info: portagelibrary.info, 329-4544

Digging the Dark

Here’s a way to make being in the dark a little less spooky. In the Dark, an exhibit at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, lets visitors immerse themselves in the world of darkness through learning about environments such as an underground cave and the deep sea. You can discover how plants, animals and even humans respond to being in the dark.

When: Oct. 10–Jan. 17, during open museum hours Place: K alamazoo Valley Museum 230 N. Rose St. Ages: All ages More Info: kalamazoovalley.org, 373-7990

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Check out our event calendar on page 24 for a complete list of family-friendly activities.

St. Luke’s Animal Fair

Here’s an event that is not only family friendly, but pet friendly, too! St. Luke’s says its Animal Fair is “a celebration of those animals we love and depend on” and includes a petting zoo, vendors and activities. Bring your pets and stop by the special station to get a blessing for your precious critter.

When: 2–6 pm, Oct. 4 Place: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 247 W. Lovell St. Ages: All ages More Info: 345-8553

Try a Trunk or Treat

If you didn’t know, Trunk or Treat is a thing. Folks decorate the trunks of their cars — and many are truly Pinterest worthy — and happy Halloweeners go from trunk to trunk gathering treats.

Centerpoint Church’s Trunk or Treat is a before-Halloween extravaganza promising 35 decorated trunks with candy outside in its parking lot. Inside the church there will be doughnuts, cotton candy, popcorn, two inflatable structures and socializing.

When: 6:30–8 pm, Oct. 28 Place: C enterpoint Church 2345 N. 10th St. Ages: Kindergarten–4th grade with adult More Info: centerpointkzoo.org, 375-4815

We believe in the

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Center for Change & Growth, PLC 3315 Greenleaf Blvd Kalamazoo (269) 657-5800 www.playtherapytoday.com

Dr. Susan M. Carter Child & Family Psychologist Dr. Watson, CGC Canine Play Therapy Assistant

fyiswmichigan.com •

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Playground Pick— Flesher Field Where: 3664 S. 9th St. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Best Age: All Ages Amenities: • Swings, including 2 for babies and 2 for disabled children • Climbing structures with slides • 2 picnic pavilions Oshtemo’s Flesher Field got a recent facelift and is an even better place for kids to play and run than before. The playground features all sorts of delights, including a modern-day teeter-totter that makes a wave motion and three climbing structures. There are two Wiffleball fields and large open sports fields that, when not hosting a soccer game, are ideal for just letting children move. In addition, a .17 mile paved loop trail surrounds the playground, letting parents push the littlest one’s stroller while keeping an eye on siblings.

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• Accessible restrooms • Paved loop trail • Wiffleball fields • Large, open sports fields • Gazebo

Make this! FYI

Family Dinner All in a Skillet by

Ren Briggs

Ingredients Raw chicken breast tenderloins (2–3 per person) 32 oz. chicken stock 1 lb. uncooked noodles or pasta of your choice 1 Tbsp. oregano 1/2 Tbsp. granulated garlic Veggies of your choice, such as mushrooms, peas, roasted red peppers, etc.

How To

Fall is here, school has started and many of us are still figuring out how to fit prepping, cooking and eating dinner amidst all the school and after-school activities we’ve got scheduled. What we need is a dinner that’s efficient and easy — and this recipe has all those qualities. Plus it’s made in one skillet so fewer pots and pans means less mess!

That’s a winner in our book.

1. In a large nonstick skillet, brown both sides of the chicken breast tenders.

2. Add chicken stock and vegetables (see hint below on when to add veggies).

3. Cook chicken in stock on low; simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add basil, oregano and garlic. Stir.

5. Add noodles and cook as directed on package (directions vary by brand).

Hints • You can use any noodle your family likes, but I suggest the 3-minute noodles for their quickness.

• Some veggies heat faster so keep that in mind as you prepare to add them.

• Try adding these veggie combinations to your pasta: — Ripe olives and whole button mushrooms — Peas and roasted red peppers — Roasted red peppers, ripe olives and red onion. Sprinkle with shredded parmesan cheese when serving.

• Add harder veggies like button mushrooms and ripe olives when you add the chicken stock. Add softer veggies like peas or roasted red peppers toward the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.

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Everyday Hacks FYI

Fall Decorating Hacks by

Anne Lape

Fall brings cooler weather, warm coats, hot drinks and some of our favorite holidays. Those helpful catalogs that show up in our mailboxes this time of year make holiday entertaining look so easy with their pictures of perfectly appointed, spotless rooms decorated in all white, which we all know is about as practical as, well, white carpet in a house with children. But, for those of us with crayontoting, juice-spilling offspring and about 15 minutes of free time, here are fall decorating hacks we can handle.

Delightful Jars You didn’t get around to canning this summer either, did you?

That’s OK, because it means we have extra Mason jars sitting around begging for something to do. So if you aren’t drinking out of them, put them to good use for holiday decorating.

•F ill a Mason jar with popcorn kernels, split peas or red lentils. Push a votive candle into the beans or corn kernels far enough so that half of it is still visible. Tie a ribbon or some raffia around the neck of the jar and you have a catalog-worthy candle!

•F or a fast and festive Thanksgiving table decoration, fill several Mason jars or clear vases about halfway full with water and add a handful of cranberries. Throw in some greenery such as sprigs of fern and float a tea light candle on the top. Place the jars down the center of your table and voila! Centerpiece!

•M ake your Mason jar centerpiece a little more Christmas-like with the addition of pinecones around the candles. If you gather pinecones from the great outdoors, make sure you haven’t brought any unwanted insects into the house: Bake the pinecones for 45 minutes in a 200-degree oven before displaying them.

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No-Carve Pumpkins Are your kids sooooo past the “it’s fun to carve our Jack O’Lantern” stage or maybe not old enough to handle knives? Here are two ideas to still enjoy decorating your gourd without the gouging: • Decorate your pumpkin with silver- or copper-colored metal pushpins. Use the pins to make a face, outline the contours of the pumpkin or let your kids create their own unique design.

• Go with a white pumpkin this year. Glue on a pair of googly eyes or draw a pair of eyes with a Sharpie and you have a ghost to guard your front porch.

Halloween Decorating Hacks Spooky is fun, but surprises put the treat in Halloween.

Try these hacks to give your party décor a spark without a lot of hassle:

Witchy table

Cover a four-legged table with a black tablecloth and then slide striped tights on the legs of the table. Secure the tops of the tights (if you don’t ever plan on wearing them again) to the underside of the table by using push pins or duct tape.

Place witchy-looking boots or pointy shoes (or ruby slippers if you’ve got ‘em) on the base of the legs. If you don’t have such things in your own wardrobe, check your older sister’s closet or a thrift store.

Icy hand

Put a latex glove on and wash your hands with dish soap. Rinse well, then turn the glove inside out so the justwashed side is on the inside. Next, fill the glove with water, tie the end and put it in your freezer. When it’s frozen, remove the glove and add the icy hand to your Halloween punch bowl.

Handy treat bags

Fill the fingers and palms of latex gloves with candy and tie a knot on the end. Place a spider ring on one finger. Scatter the candy-filled hands across your partyscape.

Make sure all the guests get a hand (another hand pun — just when you thought we would run out!) when they leave.

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fyiswmichigan.com •

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Is this normal? FYI

You Ask, Experts Answer Oh, kids and their little quirks! Whether our child is suddenly, mysteriously suffering from separation anxiety, or our kindergartner likes to strip down to his bare essentials at school, home or just about anywhere, the experts at Child and Family Psychological Services are there to answer questions from local parents wondering “Is this normal?”

Q:

My 3rd grader has started having severe separation anxiety at school. She won’t go into her school building unless I walk her to the door of her classroom and watch her get settled at her desk. Even after I think she’s settled, if she notices I am gone, she’ll run out after me and have a meltdown. The teacher has tried to help intervene and talk to her, but I have still had to bring her home a couple of times because we can’t calm her down.

She was not like this before. Help! I need a strategy!

— Kalamazoo Mom

A:

Since your daughter did not suffer from separation anxiety previously, it is helpful to consider any recent changes that coincide with the onset of these behaviors.

For example, changes in relationships in or outside of school, changes within the classroom, or experiencing or hearing of any losses (death, divorce, etc). Identifying these changes may help address and resolve the anxious feelings.

Though separation anxiety often is a phase and will most likely pass, in the meantime there are things that can be done to ease the school-time sorrows. Helpful strategies for making a smoother transition into the classroom include establishing morning routines that create predictability and consistency. Giving your child a comfort object, such as a locket, picture or small trinket that gives a sense of home and caregivers, can provide reassurance. Also, little notes or small reminders of love in her backpack or lunch box provide extra support throughout the day.

If establishing a routine and providing a comfort object aren’t decreasing her anxiety, positive reinforcement of small successes (decreasing intensity, frequency or duration of meltdown) can be helpful in creating a positive aspect of a difficult situation. Some ideas to use for re•

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inforcement may include earning stickers on a chart, a bead on a bracelet, choosing the family dinner and other small items or privileges. If separation anxiety is present in other areas of her day-to-day life, gradually exposing her to time apart from you in other ways may also be helpful, such as more time with her friends, other family members and independent activities.

Q:

My son, who is 5, seems to really like being naked. It started with him pulling his pants and underwear down at school, exposing himself to the rest of the class. When he was asked why, he said he wanted to show kids how loose his pants were. Then, a week later, he drew a naked picture of himself (which was anatomically correct) and showed it to all the other kids in his class. Now, he doesn’t want to wear clothing at home and will strip down to nothing as soon as he gets home from school. What’s up with that?

— Portage Mom

A:

Each family may view nudity and sexual expression differently. Clinically, however, sexual behaviors can range from age-appropriate curiosity and exploration to behaviors that are considered clinically significant and warrant further consideration.

For example, a child who has recently learned about private parts for the first time may initially be overly enthusiastic and like to show off and talk about his new

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knowledge of private parts. This would likely be considered age appropriate. To help reduce any likelihood of inappropriate talk, touch and exposure after an initial discussion, having a conversation with your child about safety and boundaries is important, while still allowing the child’s excitement about his body. These conversations can include identifying areas covered by a swimsuit as private areas, safe versus unsafe touch, as well as identifying appropriate actions of safe adults. These conversations should be done in an open and educational manner while avoiding any shameful undertones.

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If, after your conversations about safe and unsafe touch and boundaries, the sexual behaviors continue or escalate to your child trying to see or touch others’ private parts, then this would be considered clinically significant and should be addressed by a professional.

Something to consider when a child becomes curious about private parts is where his or her exposure to this topic may have come from. Exposure can come from observation of images (on TV, computers or books) or from discussion about or seeing private parts of others (accidental or intentional). It is important to remember small ears and eyes work overtime and are aware of much more than we may be aware of or want them to be.

Similar to child sexual behavior, drawings of a sexual nature can also range from age appropriate to clinically significant and can be evaluated by a professional. Though we don’t want to stifle your child’s artistic drive, it is not typical for children to add private parts to their artwork at this age. A conversation about appropriate drawings can be similar to the discussion regarding appropriate touch, exposure and talk, as previously mentioned. Based on what you have described, consultation may be helpful if you want support or guidance in addressing the behaviors he has demonstrated. Consultation is recommended if your son’s sexual behaviors continue or escalate.

Questions answered by Nichole Holliday, MA, LLPC, LLMFT, Private Practice at Child & Family Psychological Services Portage, and Alyssa Noonan, LLMSW, Private Practice at Child & Family Psychological Services Kalamazoo

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Kalamazoo Public Library Lower Level 315 South Rose Street 553.7820 friends@kpl.gov www.kpl.gov/friends

Hours: Weds: 12 - 7 Thurs, Fri & Sat: 10 - 4

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Creation station FYI

Toilet Paper Tube Stamp Art by

Marie Lee

Young artists Carter Gren, at left, and

Liam Crookston, create paintings with their toilet paper tube stamps.

We always try to come up with a craft that you can make with items you have on hand. And who doesn’t have a toilet paper tube in their house? In fact, it’s pretty much guaranteed you have one in your bathroom at this very moment.

So stockpile a few of those tubes and grab a little paint, and you’ve got a great fall day project for the urchins.

Materials Needed • Toilet paper roll • Paints / Paintbrush • Tape • Scissors • Glue • Small dishes or bowls to hold paint for dipping

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How To 1. Create your desired shape for your stamp. Suggestions for shapes are below.

2. Once you’ve created your shape, dip one end into the paint you have poured in a bowl or a small dish.

3. Stamp the design on the paper.

Shape Suggestions

You can make a number of patterns for your paintstamping project depending on how you shape your toilet paper tube. Here are a few ideas:

Leaf

Cut an empty toilet paper roll down the middle. To make a small leaf shape, bend the edges to get the corners pointy and tape across the cut to hold the shape.

Pumpkin

Press one side of the tube down to make an indent, and put a piece of tape across the space made by the indent to hold the shape.

Heart

Flatten a tube so it has a crease on two sides. Push one crease inward to make a heart. Wrap a piece of tape around the tube to hold the heart shape.

Shamrock

Tape four heart tubes with the pointy sides together to make a shamrock stamp.

Flower

Flatten a tube so it has a crease on two sides. Carefully cut 5 half-inch strips from the creased tubes to make the

petals. Arrange the petals to make a flower shape and glue the ends together where they meet. Let glue dry before using.

Be Creative

With scissors and their own pinching fingers, your kids can create unusual shapes to make stamps.

Tips • Create your own greeting cards by stamping designs onto blank note cards.

• Try stamping onto transparencies to create a “glass mosaic” look.

• Swirl paint colors together before dipping your shapes into them for a multicolor effect.

• You can make multiple stamps from one tube. Just carefully cut the tubes into thirds.

• Use both ends of the shaped tube by dipping them in separate colors.

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y l d n e i r F y l i Fam l Fun Fal by

Kara Norman

Put down those rakes and harvest some quality time with your

family this fall. From hikes to enjoy the fall color to pumpkin picking and art tours, this guide gives you 34 awesome autumn activities from across Southwest Michigan.

Go Outside!

Get a breath of fresh air while you explore, pick fruit, celebrate and cut loose. Remember to dress accordingly.

Apples, Cider & Doughnuts (and Bison!)

You can pick your own apples or just go to soak up the farm atmosphere and buy apples from their fruit stand.

Be sure to stop by the Schultz Donut Depot for fresh treats and take home honey, maple syrup or apple cider.

The Schultz family also runs Gravel Canyon Bison Ranch. Call ahead about meat, but if it’s pumpkins you need, fret not. They sell them individ-

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ually or, for real zealots, by the pickup truckload.

Where: Schultz Fruitridge Farms, 60139 County Road 652, Mattawan

When: 9 am–6 pm Monday–Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm Sunday Cost: Apples sold by measurement: bushel, ½ bushel, peck and ½ peck

More Info: schultzfruitridgefarm.com, 668-3724

Art Hop Kalamazoo On the first Friday of every month, Kalamazoo artists invite the community to a citywide party. Join the fun and roam the halls of the Park Trades Center, explore local art in the businesses of Oakwood Plaza, watch live demonstrations of glass blowing, or bump into neighbors while wandering along the Kalamazoo Mall or Washington Square. A complete brochure with all participating Art Hop locations is available online.

Where: Various Kalamazoo locations When: 5–8 pm Oct. 2 & Nov. 6 Cost: Free

More Info: kalamazooarts.org

ArtPrize Whether you are a serious art critic or your kids’ crayon bucket is as close as you get to the stuff, this ambitious art competition has something to offer you. For three weeks every fall, ArtPrize spreads its wings across downtown Grand Rapids, inviting international and domestic artists to install their latest, greatest works to compete for a substantial money prize. This is a nice option for older kids with budding intellectual tastes, but the competition’s expansive nature and abundance of texture, color and shapes accommodates young children as well.

Where: Downtown Grand Rapids When: Through Oct. 11 Cost: Free

More Info: artprize.org

Arts & Crafts Fair at Stokes Homestead Local vendors display and sell their crafts at this event with activities like pumpkin painting, pumpkin bowling, U-pick apples, gem mining, a bounce house, live music and trick-or-treating on this family-owned farm. If this sounds too wholesome for your edgy, macabre teens, check out the Shadow Hollow Haunt, a nighttime wagon ride through a haunted forest and apple orchard offered every weekend in October.

Where: Stokes Homestead Farm Market, 13988 County Road 215, Grand Junction When: 10 am–4 pm Oct. 10

gan’s human and natural resources by visiting artists in their studios, meeting farmers and their animals, and savoring local fare in restaurants along the way.

Where: Allegan & Barry counties When: 10 am–5 pm Oct. 17–18 Cost: Free

More Info: artsandeats.org

Blue Coast Artists Fall Studio Tour View the studios of 12 working artists located between South Haven and Saugatuck. In its 27th year, this free tour offers art enthusiasts of every age the chance to see original paintings, jewelry, stoneware, pottery and restored furniture in beautiful settings, as well as glass blowing and welding demonstrations.

More Info: stokeshomestead.com, 427-7777

Where: Driving tour between South Haven and Saugatuck; map available online

Arts & Eats Tour

Cost: Free

Cost: Kids $7, adults $5

Arts & Eats is a free self-driving tour highlighting local art, food and working farms. Explore Southwest Michi-

Cow Train Every kid needs an adorable experience they will probably never remember (that’s what camera phones are for). Hit up Crane Orchards to pick apples and stay for the hayrides, corn maze and a train of barrels on wheels painted like cows that your kids — and everyone who sees your Facebook wall — will love.

Where: Crane Orchards, 6054 124th Ave., Fennville When: Noon–5 pm, Saturdays & Sundays in October Cost: Cow train $2, hayride $3

More Info: craneorchards.com, 561-8651

When: 10 am–6 pm Oct. 3–4

More Info: bluecoastartists.net, 236-9260

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Creatures of the Night

Fall Migration Celebration

On this nighttime nature walk, critters come to life while youngsters solve a non-scary wildlife mystery. At the walk’s end, join in crafts, music and snacks. Costumes are welcome at this event geared for children 12 years and younger.

Watch migrating waterfowl on their way to winter grounds rest at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s Wintergreen Lake.

There are games and activities along the trail to the lake and warm apple cider at the end.

Where: Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave.

When: 4–7 pm Oct. 24; tours leave every 15 minutes, last one at 6:30 pm Cost: $8 per child for nonmembers; $6 per child for members More Info: naturecenter.org, 381-1574

Dowagiac Under the Harvest Moon Festival Celebrate Michigan produce, art and antiques at this festival put on by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce. Sample Michigan wine and craft brews and barbecue and play children’s games or decorate pumpkins.

Where: Front & Beeson Streets, downtown Dowagiac When: 10 am–4 pm Oct. 10

Cost: Free admission, prices vary by activity More Info: dowagiacchamber.com, 782-8212

Fall Color Hike Enjoy scenic overlooks and fall splendor on a hike through the woods while learning about the science behind autumn leaf changes.

Where: Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. When: 2–3 pm Oct. 25

Cost: Adults $7, seniors $6, children & students $4, children under 3 free; members free

More Info: naturecenter.org, 381-1574 •

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Where: Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave., Augusta When: 1–4 pm Nov. 8

Cost: Adults $5, seniors $4, children $3, members free More Info: kbs.msu.edu, 671-2510

Family-Friendly Flashlight Maze Leave the littlest ones at home if you go to Gull Meadows Farm flashlight corn maze, which can be a safe and adventurous Halloween alternative.

If night games aren’t your thing, Gull Meadows also has a pumpkin patch, bakery, petting farm, an obstacle course, wagon rides and entry to the corn maze during their daytime hours (call ahead).

Where: Gull Meadows Farm, 8544 Gull Road, Richland

When: Night maze: 7 pm Friday & Saturday through Oct. 30, last admission at 9 pm Cost: $8 (children under 2 are free but the night maze is not recommended for them). Season passes are $23.50 & include the night maze.

More Info: gullmeadowfarms.com, 629-4214

Fennville Goose Festival Say what? A goose festival? Well, why not? The 31st annual Goose Festival is inspired by Fennville’s location along Canadian geese migration routes. Live music, the Wild Goose Chase 5K and Gosling Run, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and other offerings entice visitors to this fall festival, as well as a parade, unique food and carnival rides.

Where: Downtown Fennville

When: Oct. 9–11; check website for times

Cost: Free admission, prices vary by activity

More Info: fennvillegoosefestival.net

Gene the Pumpkin Man With a barn, a tractor and sign after sign painted orange, Gene the Pumpkin Man is surely BFFs with the Home Depot paint department. No trip between Kalamazoo and South Haven is complete in the fall without a

ride in the price of every corn maze ticket. They also have indoor barn activities, zip lines, a night maze, fire pit rentals and something called a Cattle Castle: a 40-foot slide flanked by hay bales. Yeehaw!

Where: Harvest Moon Acres Corn Maze & Fun Park, 18725 M-40 Hwy., Gobles When: 10 am–6 pm Saturday, 1–6 pm Sundays through Nov. 1 Cost: $8, children under 2 free

More Info: harvestmoonfun.com, 628-5401

Howl-a-Palooza An educational event promoting wolf advocacy, Howl-aPalooza is Binder Park Zoo’s homage to the endangered status and mixed understanding of these four-legged natives of North America. Taking place during National Wolf Awareness Week, this homage includes talks by wolfkeepers and other educational activities.

stop at Gene’s for his colorful brand of harvest enthusiasm or his pumpkins, winter squash, Indian corn and pumpkin butter.

Where: 22637 M-43 Hwy. West

When: 10 am–8 pm daily through Nov. 1

Cost: Free admission, goods priced seasonally

More Info: genethepumpkinman@ juno.com, 668-2952 & on Facebook: “Gene the Pumpkin Man”

Harvest Moon Acres Petting Zoo Get up close and personal with sheep, goats, chickens, bunnies and more. A place that bills itself as a corn maze and fun park has to smell a little bit like commerce but includes a hay-

Where: Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek When: Oct. 3; call for times

Cost: Adults $13.50, seniors $12.50, children $11.50, children under 2 free, members free (must show ID) More Info: binderparkzoo.org, 979-1351

Owl Prowl Take a nighttime walk at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and listen to the sounds of the woods. Call for owls along the way. Will they call back? At the start of the program, a Great Horned Owl will make an appearance. Dress for

outside and prepare for wildlife magic.

Where: Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave., Augusta When: 6–7:30 pm Nov. 20

Cost: Adults $7, seniors/students $6; members: adults $5, seniors/ students $4

More Info: kbs.msu.edu, 671-2015

Shadow Hollow Haunt at Stokes Homestead Price of admission to this haunted trail ride includes a free donut and apple cider. Other snacks and drinks available for purchase including popcorn, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, donuts, pies, muffins and more.

Where: Stokes Homestead Farm Market, 13988 County Road 215, Grand Junction

When: Dusk–10 pm every weekend in October Cost: $10

More Info: stokeshomestead.com, 427-7777

South Haven Harvest Festival South Haven’s annual Harvest Festival features a Zombie 5K and stroll, polka bands, beer tent, pie-baking contest and pumpkin carving among other activities. Of course, all the usual eats and boutique experiences are yours for the taking, too. Bring your marauding spirit and plunge into this beach town’s party like the pirate your kid is insisting on being for Halloween this year.

Where: Downtown South Haven

When: Oct. 16–18; check website for times Cost: Free

More Info: southhavenmi.com, 637-5171

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we can help preserve their health and environment.

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library–Washington Square Branch, 1244 Portage Road

When: 6:30–7:30 pm Oct. 20 Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7970

Binder Park Zoomobile

Stroller Stroll

ZooBoo

Meet with friends, old and new, while exploring the woods with your little ones. This event is geared toward children 5 and under with an adult.

Binder Park Zoo’s annual fundraising event has trick-or-treating, a train, hayrides, carnival games with prizes and black-light mini golf. Animals on the east side of the zoo, including the black bears, snow leopard and the children’s zoo animals, will be out for viewing. Older kids will dig the haunted trail in the Wild Africa exhibit on Friday and Saturday nights.

Where: Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Meet in the Visitor Center parking lot by the sundial.

When: 10–11 am Oct. 6 & 20; check website for November dates Cost: Adults $7, seniors $6, ages 4–17 $4, children 3 and under free; members free More Info: naturecenter.org, 381-1574

Two-Fer Apple Picking At Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, pick a ½ bushel of apples and get the next ½ bushel free. Go ahead and get greedy; this is the family farm that brings you tree renting! Reservations for tree renting were due in July, so plan ahead for next year and enjoy all the other acres for your picking before the season closes.

Where: Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm, 9351 E. Eureka Road, Eau Claire

When: Oct. 16–30; check website for times

Cost: $10 minimum purchase to enter farm paid toward your U-pick produce More Info: treemendus-fruit.com, 782-7101 •

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Where: Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek

When: 8:30 am–5 pm Wednesday– Friday, 8:30 am–6 pm Saturday, 10:30 am–6 pm Sunday, closed Monday & Tuesday, Oct. 14–30 Cost: Reduced admission rate for this special event; see website for details More Info: binderparkzoo.org, 979-1351

Stay Inside!

Sometimes the weather on fall days can be kind of ick. You can still find plenty to do indoors: partake in some arts and crafts, study animals, read, dance or just stay cozy!

Bats in the Library This presentation for kids ages 6–11 covers how bats use sound to navigate through the world and how

This Creatures of the Night presentation welcomes families of every age and size but every person, even babies, must have a ticket. Pick up FREE tickets a week before the event at Kalamazoo Public Library’s Oshtemo Branch. Bring the tickets with you and arrive 15 minutes before the program begins.

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W. Main St. When: 5–6:15 pm & 6:30–7:15 pm Nov. 9 Cost: Free with ticket

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7804

Drop-In Gymnastics Get out the sillies while learning something new in this structured gymnastics class for all ages. Instructors guide the first hour and participants spend the second hour practicing what they’ve just learned. Forms required for first-time visitors, which can be downloaded from their website, and should be brought — signed — when you go.

Where: Greater Kalamazoo World of Gymnastics, 2723 Kersten Court When: 6–8 pm most Fridays (closed during Thanksgiving) Cost: $10 yearly membership or $10 cash at door More Info: gkwg.net, 381-5749

Halloween Crafts This all-ages, drop-in craft activity will get everyone in the mood for spooks while keeping crayons and glue off your living room rug.

When: 4–5 pm Oct. 26, Alma Powell; 4–5 pm Oct. 29, Eastwood Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7960 (Alma Powell); 553-7811 (Eastwood)

Jacqueline Woodson Reading

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library–Eastwood Branch, 1112 Gayle Ave.; Kalamazoo Public Library–Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W. Paterson Ave. When: 10 am–6 pm Oct. 29, Eastwood; 10 am–5 pm Oct. 30, Alma Powell Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7960 (Alma Powell) & 553-7811 (Eastwood)

Mary Poppins Based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, The Civic’s musical production is sure to be a memorable, eye-popping night out for the whole family.

Where: Kalamazoo Civic Auditorium, 329 S. Park St.

When: Nov. 20–Dec. 6; see website for times Cost: See website for ticket prices More Info: kazoocivic.com/marypoppins, 343-1313

Mask Making Ages 6–11 can flex creative their muscles making their own special masks for Halloween!

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Eastwood & Alma Powell branches

Thanksgiving Crafts Not ready to stay home and cook all day? Drop into the library for some holiday-themed crafts for all ages.

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Central, Eastwood and Alma Powell branches When: 1–6 pm Nov. 23, Central Library & Alma Powell; 1–8 pm Nov. 24, Eastwood Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7960 (Alma Powell), 553-7970 (Central); 553-7811 (Eastwood) Jacqueline Woodson’s memoir Brown Girl Dreaming won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2014 and was a Newberry Honor Book in 2015. Bring your tweens and teens to hear Woodson’s celebrated words as she reads. Be sure to get there early; space may be limited.

Wild About Turkeys Can you guess what this hour of storytelling, activities and crafts for ages 3–6 is about? If you guessed turkeys, you are a genius!

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Eastwood & Alma Powell branches

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Central Library

When: 10:30–11:30 am Nov. 20

Cost: Free

Yoga for Kids & Caregivers

When: 6:30–7:30 pm Nov. 5; doors open at 6 pm More Info: kpl.org, 553-7970

Princess Tea Party at Henderson Castle This historic inn doubles as a castlethemed event center. When you’re feeling lavish, take your little princess to meet Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming over tea, where kid-friendly, delicate snacks are served with storytelling and a tour of the castle.

Where: Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe St. When: 1–3 pm Oct. 18

Cost: $31.27 (includes tax and gratuity)

More Info: hendersoncastleinn.com, 344-1827

Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7960 (Alma Powell); 553-7811 (Eastwood)

Stretch out and breathe while stories are paired with yoga poses kids will love. For all ages and sizes; bring a mat if you’ve got one.

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Central Library When: 10:30–11:30 am Oct. 19 & 26, Nov. 2 More Info: kpl.org, 553-7970

Zumba for Kids Open to kids ages 6–11 and their adult caregivers, come wiggle, wriggle and get down to the beat!

Where: Kalamazoo Public Library– Central Library When: 10:30–11:30 am Oct. 12 & Nov. 16 Cost: Free

More Info: kpl.org, 553-7970

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Family Man FYI

Pregnancy Is All in the Family by

My 3-year-old is pregnant with

twins. Their names are Rocketshippy and Uterus, but the really unusual part is that Uterus is gestating in my son’s leg, and, according to my 3-year-old, “he keeps kicking me in the butt.” Update: Rocketshippy stole our car and is driving away.

My wife’s pregnancy is less sensational — it’s hard to compete with a 3-year-old — but when a person in your home has another person housed inside her, like some kind of crazy Russian nesting doll of persons and your household is preparing to increase by 20 percent, things get weird. And while I generally take an “act casual” approach to crisis management, that approach has become increasingly unfeasible.

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Jef Otte

First of all, let me just say that if I had to haul around a huge weight in my belly that hurt my back and required a 97-point turn just to roll over in bed, I would be crabby, too.

I would complain all day without end and eat only ice cream and make my wife buy me a Rascal Scooter so I wouldn’t have to walk from room to room. Not to mention the hormones.

My wife is basically a loose cannon of emotions. The other day I forgot to mail a letter and she threw a knife at me (note: a metaphorical knife forged from unkind words). She also, for some reason, is strangely enraged by my Michael Caine impersonation.

I keep reminding myself she has it worse: every day she suffers for the sake of our offspring while I walk

around all “lade-da, o-fiddlede-dee” without a thought in my head. I suffer by proxy only a fraction of the suffering she suffers, and I should just accept whatever her mood is and be grateful it’s not me experiencing it. In practice, however, it’s more like the scene from a war movie — one about the horror of war, not the heroism — where the protagonist abandons his buddies and cravenly runs, and they all get killed and he never forgives himself. Maybe it’s not much like that at all, but you know what I mean.

Weirdly, the most sympathetic person in the house is my 12-year-old, who’s experienced in dealing with serious feelings. “So it’s like puberty,” he concluded, “except at the end a baby comes out of your vagina.”

The weird part there is that sensitivity is not my 12-year-old’s strong suit, which is just his age. At least I hope it’s just his age, because otherwise I will be forced to annihilate him utterly from the face of the earth, such is his knack for offhandedly saying the most hurtful possible thing in

every situation. His latest jam is total indifference to his impending baby sister, since, due to his advanced — yea, decrepit — age, he’ll “hardly even know her.” Stonewalled when pressing him to discuss his feelings about it, my wife, in frustration, threw up her hands: “Don’t you even care?”

My 12-year-old appeared genuinely to consider this. “Huh,” he said, “I guess I don’t.”

Meanwhile, like a wee Velociraptor, my 3-year-old has tested the perimeter and learned that, in my wife’s laden state, he can outrun her. It’s dealt her authority a serious blow, since now every time he doesn’t want

to do what he’s told, he just takes off running. He’s surprisingly quick. The other day he made off with the car keys and it took me half a block to collar him. Then he told me he was going to cut my face off and throw it in the trash, because he’s, apparently, nursing fantasies of insane violence.

Needless to say, we’re scrapping our plans to have him babysit.

Change is rough, and a new baby brings major change. I can gripe all day about how everyone else in my family is dealing with it — I can devote a whole column to it, in fact, so in your face, world — but the truth is, I react to change just like everyone else:

I pretty much flip out and act like a butt. Even if it’s change I sought. Even if it’s change I wanted more than anything else.

Almost 13 years ago, my first son was conceived as a total fluke and my wife got pregnant with my second son with no effort whatsoever. But this baby’s birth follows a long, public process of trying and failing and trying again. For the first time, I realize what a privilege it is to bring a life into a family and into the world. So I’ll batten down the hatches for the long adjustment.

After all, I asked for it.

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fyiswmichigan.com •

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WEEKLY Mondays

WHERE IS?

Addresses, phone numbers & websites of venues frequently appearing in the calendar: Bounceland — 6255 Technology Ave, 353-0940, bounceland.com Comstock Township Library — 6130 King Highway, 345-0136, comstocklibrary.org Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center — 7255 S Sprinkle Rd, 324-1992, junglejoesffc.com Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake St, 383-8778, kalcounty.com/parks/expo Kalamazoo Institute of Arts — 314 S Park St, 349-7775, kiarts.com Kalamazoo Nature Center — 7000 N Westnedge Ave, 381-1574, naturecenter.org KPL-Alma Powell — Kalamazoo Public Library-Alma Powell, 1000 W Paterson Ave, 553-7960, kpl.gov KPL-Central — Kalamazoo Public Library-Central, 315 S Rose St, 342-9827, kpl.gov KPL-Eastwood — Kalamazoo Public Library-Eastwood, 1112 Gayle Ave, 553-7810, kpl.gov KPL-Oshtemo — Kalamazoo Public Library-Oshtemo, 7265 W Main St, 553-7980, kpl.gov KPL-Washington Square — Kalamazoo Public Library-Washington Square, 1244 Portage Rd, 553-7970, kpl.gov Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 230 N Rose St, 373-7990, kalamazoomuseum.org Parchment Library — Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Drive, 343-7747, parchmentlibrary.org Portage Library — Portage District Library, 300 Library Lane, 3294544, portagelibrary.info Richland Library — 8951 Park St, 629-9085, richlandlibrary.org Sky Zone — 5103 Portage Rd, 459-9243, skyzone.com/kalamazoo

Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–8 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, $10 unlimited play, adults with child $3, 23 mo & under $2 Family Storytime, stories, music & a mystery letter, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 3–5, FREE Storytime, story, coloring & treat, 10:30 am, Barnes & Noble, 6134 S Westnedge Ave, barnesandnoble. com, FREE 1–3-Year-Old Story Time, stories, songs & craft (registration required), 10:30 am, Comstock Library, ages 1–3, FREE

Tuesdays

Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market, (Oct only), produce & other goods, 7 am–2 pm, 1204 Bank St, 337-8191, kalamazoocity.org, all ages, outdoors, food & retail for purchase Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–8 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Mondays listing for cost Baby Lapsit, (Nov only), songs, bounces & rhymes, 9:30 am, KPLCentral, ages birth to walking, FREE Family Storytime, (Nov only), stories, music & a mystery letter, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 3–5, FREE 2- & 3-Year-Old Storytime, (Oct only), stories, songs & movement, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 2–3, FREE Toddler Time @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 10 am–noon, Sky Zone, ages 1–5, $7/hour Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 10 am–8 pm, Bounceland, all ages, $8 ages 2 & older, $4 under 2, adults vary Toddler Tales Storytime, (except Oct 27), songs, movement & story, 10:15 am, Parchment Library, ages 2–3, FREE Baby Steps, (Nov only), rhymes, songs & books, 10:30 am, KPLCentral, ages walking to 24 mo, FREE Toddler Storytime, songs, movement & stories, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 1–3, FREE Gentle Water Exercise, class for prenatal & postpartum women, 11 am, YMCA, 1001 W Maple St, 3459622, kzooymca.org, adults, FREE Baby & Me, (except Oct 27), songs, fingerplays & language enrichment, 11:15 am, Parchment Library, ages 6–18 mo, FREE Preschool Story Time, book & a craft, 1 pm, Richland Library, ages 3–5, FREE Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 4–8 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min, $14/60 min

Wednesdays

Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–8 pm,

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24 • oc t/nov 2015

Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Mondays listing for cost Baby & Toddler Storytime, (Oct only), stories, fingerplays & movement, 9:30 & 10:30 am, Portage Library, ages 0–23 mo, FREE Animal Encounters, story, coloring & a live animal, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, ages 0–5, regular admission plus $2/child 2- & 3-Year-Old Storytime, (Nov only), stories, songs & movement, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 2–3, FREE Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 10 am–8 pm, Bounceland, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Preschool Pals Storytime, (except Oct 28), stories, songs, fingerplays & a craft, 10:15 am, Parchment Library, ages 3–5, FREE Wednesday Wigglers, books, singing & swinging, 10:15 & 11 am, Richland Library, ages 0–3, FREE Toddler Talk, toddlers play & adults share with a parent educator, 10:15 am–12:15 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, ages 1–3, FREE Baby Talk, talk infant care with Connie Koning, RN, 1:30–3:30 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, ages 0–12 mo, FREE Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 4–8 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min, $14/60 min

Thursdays

Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market, (Oct only), produce & other goods, 7 am–2 pm, 337-8191, kalamazoocity.org, all ages, outdoors, food & retail for purchase Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–8 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Mondays listing for cost Baby & Toddler Storytime, (Nov only), stories, fingerplays & movement, 9:30 & 10:30 am, Portage Library, ages 0–23 mo, FREE Family Storytime, (Oct only), stories, music & a mystery letter, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 3–5, FREE Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 10 am–8 pm, Bounceland, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Preschool Pals Storytime, (except Oct 29), stories, songs, fingerplays & a craft, 10:15 am, Parchment Library, ages 3–5, FREE Family Storytime, stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Eastwood & KPL-Oshtemo, ages 0–5, FREE Storytime, story, coloring & treat, 10:30 am, Barnes & Noble, barnesandnoble.com, all ages, FREE Gentle Water Exercise, class for prenatal & postpartum women, 11 am, YMCA, 345-9622, kzooymca. org, adults, FREE Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 4–8 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min; $14/60 min

Fridays

Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–9 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Toddler Time @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 10 am–noon, Sky Zone, ages 1–5, $7/hour Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 10 am–9 pm, Bounceland, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Preschool Story Time, book & a craft, 10:15 am, Richland Library, ages 3–5, FREE Family Storytime (Oct only), stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Alma Powell, ages 0–5, FREE Family Storytime, (except Nov 6 & 27), stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 0–5, FREE Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 3–10 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min; $14/60 min Drop-In Gymnastics, supervised, structured gymnastics, 6 pm, Greater Kalamazoo World of Gymnastics, 2723 Kersten Ct, 381-5749, gkwg. net, ages 6 & up, $10 membership fee Jumpapalooza, 2 hours of jumping, 8–10 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $15/jumper

Saturdays

Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market, produce & other goods, 7 am–2 pm, 337-8191, kalamazoocity.org, all ages, outdoors, food & retail for purchase Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, 9 am–8 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Mondays listing for cost BenJammin Educational Music with BenJammin & Analisa, move, play, sing & learn about health, safety, respect & science, 10 am, Old Dog Tavern, 402 E Kalamazoo Ave, 267-1812, BenJammin. biz, all ages, FREE Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 10 am–6 pm, Bounceland, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, 10 am–10 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min; $14/60 min

Sundays

Open Jump @ Bounceland, bounce park, 11 am–6 pm, Bounceland, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Open Bounce @ Jungle Joe’s, indoor inflatable park, noon–6 pm, Jungle Joe’s Family Fun Center, all ages, see Tuesdays listing for cost Open Jump @ Sky Zone, trampoline park, noon–6 pm, Sky Zone, all ages, $10/30 min; $14/60 min

ONGOING Thru Oct 4, Da Vinci: The Exhibition, hands-on journey through da Vinci’s life, innovations & art, Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd, 866-5247966, airzoo.org, all ages, regular admission Opening Oct 10, In the Dark, how plants & animals adapt to dark, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, all ages, FREE Thru Oct 11, Art Prize, international art competition, various venues in Grand Rapids, artprize.org, all ages, outdoors, FREE

Oct 14–30, ZooBoo, trick or treat among the animals, 5–8 pm Wed– Fri, 1–8 pm Sat & Sun, Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, 979-1351, binderparkzoo. org, outdoors, regular admission Oct 16–24, Sherlock Holmes & the Mystery of the Crown Jewel, Civic Youth Theatre musical, 7:30 pm Oct 16 & 23, 1 pm & 4 pm Oct 17 & 24, 2 pm Oct 18, 9:30 am & noon Oct 21 & 22, Parish Theatre, 426 S Park St, 343-1313, kazoocivic.com, all ages, call for ticket prices

Oct 30–Nov 1, The Great American Songbook, reader’s theatre review of 1920s–60s music, 2 pm Oct 30 & Nov 1, 7:30 pm Oct 31, Civic Auditorium, 329 S Park St, 343-1313, kazoocivic.com, call for ticket prices Nov 5–15, Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, music of diverse religious traditions, times & venues vary, 382-2910, mfsm.us, all ages, $120 pass to 8 ticketed events; some events free

Nov 20–Dec 6, Mary Poppins, musical about a “practically perfect” nanny, 7:30 pm Nov 20–21, 27–28 & Dec 3–5; 2 pm Nov 22 & 29 & Dec 6; Civic Auditorium, 329 S Park St, 343-1313, kazoocivic.com, all ages, call for ticket prices Opening Nov 20, A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ holiday classic, 8 pm, New Vic Theatre, 134 E Vine St, 381-3328, thenewvictheatre.org, all ages, $25

OCTOBER

LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 10:30 am, KPL-Oshtemo, kpl.gov, all ages, FREE Creature Feature: Snake, see animals up close & ask questions, 11 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, all ages, regular admission First Saturday @ KPL, stories, activities & door prizes, 2–3:30 pm, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE

The Illusionists, showcasing illusionist acts, 7:30 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium. org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Kalamazoo Nature Center, ages 0–5, regular admission plus $4/ child Tech Club, play with technology, 4–6 pm, KPL-Central, ages 6–11, FREE

Thursday, Oct. 1

Kids Read: Peace, Locomotion

by Jacqueline Woodson, middlegrade family book club, 6:30 pm, KPL-Central, middle grades, FREE

Friday, Oct. 2

Family Book Club: Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets, book discussion, activities & snack (registration required), 4:30 pm, Comstock Township Library, grade 3 & up, FREE Art Hop, art @ locations around Kalamazoo, 5–8 pm, kalamazooarts. org, all ages, FREE Art Hop @ the West Michigan Glass Art Center, seasonal, spooky glass & glass-blowing demonstrations, 5–9 pm, West Michigan Glass Art Center, 326 W Kalamazoo Ave, 552-9802, wmglass.org, all ages, FREE

Saturday, Oct. 3

Giant Book Sale, books for adults and children, 9 am–3:30 pm, KPL– Central, kpl.gov/friends, 5537820, 10¢ a book, $2 a bag Howl-a-Palooza, educational activities promoting wolf advocacy, call for times, Binder Park Zoo, 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, 9791351, binderparkzoo.org, all ages, outdoors, $13.50 adults, $11.50 children, under 2 free Olde Tyme Harvest Festival, hayrides, pumpkin patch & flea market, 9 am–5 pm, Scotts Mill County Park, 8451 S 35th, Scotts, all ages, outdoors, FREE Tree Identification Hike, identify species through leaves & bark, 9–11:30 am, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 701 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, cedarcreekinstitute.org, all ages, outdoors, $6 adults, $3 children Mom to Mom Sale, gently used children’s items, 9 am–1 pm, Wings Event Center, The Annex, 3600 Vanrick Drive, 345-1125, wingseventcenter.com, all ages, $2 adults, 12 & under free Fall Stamp & Cover Show, buy & sell stamps, covers & postcards, 10 am–5:30 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center North, 375-6188, all ages, FREE

Sunday, Oct. 4

Olde Tyme Harvest Festival, hayrides, pumpkin patch & flea market, 9 am–3 pm Scotts Mill County Park, 8451 S 35th, Scotts, all ages, outdoors, FREE Animal Fair, petting zoo & blessing of pets, 2–6 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 247 W Lovell, all ages, outdoors, FREE Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s story of young Christoph & the “madman” upstairs, 3 pm, Chenery Auditorium, 714 S Westnedge Ave, 3497759, kalamazoosymphony.com, all ages, call for ticket prices

Monday, Oct. 5

Maker Mondays, create with different materials & tools, 4–6 pm, KPLCentral, ages 6–11, FREE Small Sounds Concert, music, movement & imagination, 6:30 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, ages 3–6, FREE

Tuesday, Oct. 6

Stroller Stroll, explore nature along stroller-friendly paths, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, ages 0–5, outdoors, regular admission Teen LEGO Club, build with LEGOs, 4 pm, Portage Library, teens, FREE Magnus Chase Party, celebrate Norse mythology & a new series by Rick Riordan, 6:30 pm, KPL-Washington Square, grades 5–12, FREE

Wednesday, Oct. 7

The Illusionists, showcasing illusionist acts, 7:30 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium. org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Thursday, Oct. 8

Dance with Miss Lisa, stories & dance (registration required), 10:30 am, KPL-Alma Powell, ages 3–8, FREE

Friday, Oct. 9

Friday Teen Night, view the galleries & have pizza & pop, 6–8 pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, teens, $2 teens, members free

Saturday, Oct. 10

Fennville Goose Festival, Wild Goose Chase 5K, Gosling Run, parade, & competitions, downtown Fennville, fennvillegoosefestival. net, all ages, cost varies Fall Expo & Craft Show, vendors & crafters from across Michigan, 9 am–4 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center South, all ages, FREE Mattawan Pumpkin Trail, pumpkin competition, crafts & a spooky science creation station, 10 am–2 pm, downtown Mattawan, all ages, outdoors, cost varies Homestead Fall Festival, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling & face painting, 10 am–4 pm, Stokes Homestead Farm Market, 13988 County Road 215, Grand Junction, all ages, outdoors, cost varies SW Michigan Postcard Club Show & Sale, postcards from 1890s–present, 10 am–5 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center North, 517-230-0734, all ages, $2 adults, 16 & under free Drop-in Story Time, stories, music & parachute play, 10:30 am, Comstock Township Library, ages 1–3, FREE Art Detectives: Tell Me a Story, story & activity with art focus, 11 am, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, all ages, FREE Livia the Library Dog, read to a certified therapy dog (registration required), 11 am, Comstock Township Library, all ages, FREE Fall Fest @ Oshtemo, activities & treats, 1–4 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, all ages, FREE

Monday, Oct. 12

Zumba for Kids, learn Zumba, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 6–11, FREE

Tuesday, Oct. 13

Small Wonders: Fantastic Frogs, interactive nature stations, 10 am,

Wednesday, Oct. 14

Project Connect, health & vision screenings, dental cleanings & family activities, 12–4 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Main & North Expo Center, 3735163, all ages, FREE LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 4 pm, KPL-Alma Powell, all ages, FREE Pizza & Pages, discussion of When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds, 4:30 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, grades 5–12, FREE

Thursday, Oct. 15

Preschool Explorers: Autumn Leaves, learn about nature & enjoy a hike, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, ages 3–5, regular admission Canvases with Kara—Teen, paint a masterpiece (registration required), 6:30 pm, Portage Library, grades 6–12, FREE

Friday, Oct. 16

Maker Spaces: LEGO Creations, play & create with LEGOS, 3:30–5 pm, Comstock Township Library, all ages, FREE The Texas Tenors, the trio performs country, classical & Broadway, 8 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium.org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Saturday, Oct. 17

Sensory Showtime, The Jungle Book, welcoming environment for guests with special needs, 10:30 am, Celebration! Cinema, 6600 Ring Rd, 324-7469, celebrationcinema.com, all ages, regular admission Small Wonders: Fantastic Frogs, interactive nature stations, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature, ages 0–5, regular admission plus $4/child SW Michigan Reptile & Exotic Pet Show, reptiles, amphibians & exotic pets, 10 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center North, 779-9851, kalamazooreptileshow.com, all ages, $5 adult, $2 children, under 6 free, $20 family max

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LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE Zipline Adventures: Fly Like a Bird, educational program & zipline flight, starting @ 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm & 4 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, grade 4 & up, outdoors, regular admission plus $10 for first zip Crescendo Café & Open House, music, games, KSO petting zoo & demonstration classes, 1–4 pm, Crescendo Academy, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, 345-6664, crescendoacademy.com, all ages, FREE Crescendo Fiddlers in Concert, folk fiddle music spanning multiple generations, 1–4 pm, James C. Westin Gallery, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, 345-6664, crescendoacademy. com, all ages, FREE

Sunday, Oct. 18

South Haven Harvest Festival, Zombie 5K & Stroll, hayrides, polka bands & pumpkin carving, downtown South Haven, southhaven.org, all ages, outdoors, cost varies Zipline Adventures: Extreme Fall Color Tour, fall color zipline canopy tour, 9 am–1 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, grade 9 & up, outdoors, $100 members, $125 non-members Boo on Your Bike!, ride the KalHaven Trail & find treats & scary surprises, noon–3 pm, corner of Wells & Bailey, South Haven, 639-0003, all ages, outdoors, FREE Princess Tea Party, fairy tale characters entertain over tea, storytelling & dancing, 1 pm, Henderson Castle, 100 Monroe St, 344-1827, hendersoncastleinn.com, $31.27 per ticket

Monday, Oct. 19

Yoga for Kids & Caregivers, stories paired with yoga poses, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 3–11, FREE Sensational Science, games, experiments & activities, 4–5 pm, KPLAlma Powell, ages 6–11, FREE

Tuesday, Oct. 20

Stroller Stroll, explore nature along stroller-friendly paths, 10 am, Kalamazoo Nature, ages 0–5, outdoors, regular admission LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 4 pm, KPL-Eastwood, all ages, FREE Teen Game Club, video, board & card games, 4 pm, Portage Library, grades 6–12, FREE Teen Halloween Party, dress in costume for games, pizza & a movie (registration required), 5–7 pm, Comstock Township Library, grades 6–12, FREE Bats in the Library, meet & learn about live bats, 6:30 pm, KPL-Washington Square, ages 6–11, FREE

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Pumpkin Carving Party, carve for the Creatures of the Night event, 5–7 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, all ages, regular admission

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26 • oc t/nov 2015

Thursday, Oct. 22

Dance with Miss Lisa, stories & dance (registration required), 10:30 am, KPL-Eastwood, ages 3–8, FREE Bookworms, discussion of Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, 4:30 pm, KPL-Central, FREE Pizza & Pages, discussion of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson, 4:30 pm, KPL-Eastwood, grades 5–12, FREE

Friday, Oct. 23

Fresh Food Fairy, enjoy a smoothie made with a bike blender, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 3–6, FREE

Saturday, Oct. 24

Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Show, shop for wares from artisans & crafters, 9 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center Room A, 3275373, all ages, FREE Safe Halloween, pumpkin decorating, costume contests & bouncer, 10 am–1 pm, Bronson Park, families with children 12 & under, outdoors, FREE Fall Festival, dress in costume for crafts, games & food (registration required), 10:30 am, Comstock Township Library, all ages, FREE Creature Feature: Box Turtle, see KNC’s animals up close & ask questions, 11 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, all ages, regular admission Crybaby Concert, a concert for little ones in an open environment, 11 am, KPL-Central, ages 0–5, FREE Star Wars Day, trivia, crafts, costume contest & photo ops, 11 am, Portage Library, all ages, FREE Making a Difference @ Spooky Science Saturday, science experiments & fun, 11 am–3 pm, Leila Arboretum, 928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, 969-0270, ext. 120, lasgarden.org, all ages, call for cost Creatures of the Night: Whoooo Dun It?, a non-scary mystery walk, crafts, music & snack, 4–7 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, ages 12 & under, outdoors, $6 members, $8 non-members/child Russian Grand Ballet Presents Swan Lake, Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in three acts, 7:30 pm, State Theatre, 404 S Burdick, 345-6500, kazoostate.com, all ages, $30–56 per ticket Smitten with Britain, Kalamazoo Concert Band performs, 7:30 pm, Chenery Auditorium, 337-0440, kalamazooconcertband.org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Sunday, Oct. 25

Southwest Michigan Train Show & Sale, operating layouts, clinics, demonstrations, vendors & prizes, 10 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Main Expo Center, 344-0906, all ages, $5 adult, under 10 free Fall Color Hike, hike & learn about fall leaf changes, 2 pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center, all ages, $7 adults, $4 children, under 3 free

Monday, Oct. 26

Yoga for Kids & Caregivers, stories paired with yoga poses, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 3–11, FREE J-Pop Club, latest media & food from Japan, 4 pm, KPL-Central, grades 6–12, FREE Mask Making, create a spooky Halloween mask, 4 pm, KPL-Alma Powell, ages 6–11, FREE Musical Storytime, songs, stories & special guests, 6:30 pm, KPLCentral, all ages, FREE

Tuesday, Oct. 27

Musical Storybooks: Berlioz the Bear, story, craft & music by the KSO’s string quartet (registration required), 9:30 & 10:30 am, KPLCentral, ages 3–6, FREE Mask Making, create a spooky Halloween mask, 4 pm, KPL-Washington Square, ages 6–11, FREE Sweet & Spooky Houses, create & decorate a creepy house (registration required), 5:15 & 6:30 pm, KPLOshtemo, ages 6–11, FREE Teen Halloween Extravaganza, costumes, candy, crafts & a movie (registration required), 6:30 pm, Portage Library, grades 6–12, FREE

Wednesday, Oct. 28

Musical Storybooks: Berlioz the Bear, story, craft & music by the KSO’s string quartet (registration required), 9:30 & 10:30 am, KPLCentral, ages 3–6, FREE Preschool Trick-or-Treat Parade, trick or trick among library staff (registration required), 10:30 am, Parchment Library, ages 3–5, FREE Trunk or Treat, Halloween trick-ortreating, 6:30–8 pm, Centerpoint Church, 2345 N 10th St, 375-4815, centerpointkzoo.org, ages 5-10, outdoors, FREE

Thursday, Oct. 29

Halloween Craft, create a spooky craft, 10 am–6 pm, KPL-Eastwood, all ages, FREE Musical Storybooks: Berlioz the Bear, story, craft & music by the KSO’s string quartet (registration required), 10:30 am, KPL-Washington Square, ages 3–6, FREE Mask Making, create a spooky Halloween mask, 4 pm, KPL-Eastwood, ages 6–11, FREE Teen & Tween Halloween Bash, costumes, craft & Hocus Pocus, 6–8 pm, Parchment Library, ages 11 & up, FREE

Friday, Oct. 30

Halloween Craft, create a spooky craft, 10 am–5 pm, KPL-Alma Powell, all ages, FREE Family Book Club: Meet Molly, discussion, activities & snack (registration required), 4:30 pm, Comstock Township Library, grade 3 & up, FREE Nancy Kerrigan’s Halloween on Ice, figure skating champions, 7 pm, Van Andel Arena, 130 W Fulton, Grand Rapids, 800-745-3000, vanandelarena.com, all ages, call for ticket prices

Saturday, Oct. 31

Kalamazoo Numismatic Club Annual Fall Coin Show, coins, paper money & memorabilia, 9 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center North, 381-8669, all ages, FREE Kids’ Pumpkin Patch Trick-orTreat Fun Run, 5K & 10K Trail Run & kids’ 1/2 mile & 1 mile Fun Run, 10:30 am, South Westnedge Park, 9010 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, all ages, outdoors, 12 & under free Creature Feature: Owl, see KNC’s animals up close & ask questions, 11 am, Kalamazoo Nature Center, all ages, regular admission

NOVEMBER

Sunday, Nov. 1 Cirque Mechanics: Pedal Punk, Steampunk-inspired acrobatics, 3 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium.org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Monday, Nov. 2

Yoga for Kids & Caregivers, stories paired with yoga poses, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 3–11, FREE Maker Mondays, create with different materials & tools, 4–6 pm, KPL-Central, ages 6–11, FREE

Tuesday, Nov. 3

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Celebration, celebrate the release of Book 10, 4 pm, KPL-Eastwood, grades 5–12, FREE Teen LEGO Club, build with LEGOs, 4 pm, Portage Library, teens, FREE

Thursday, Nov. 5

West Michigan Harvest Cluster AKC Dog Show, all breeds obedience & rally trials, 9 am–5 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center, 616-7062314, midogshows.com, all ages, $5 per vehicle, $15 for 4-day pass Sensational Science, games, experiments & activities, 4 pm, KPLEastwood, ages 6–11, FREE Fossil Fun with Paleo Joe, learn what fossils reveal about dinosaurs, 6:30 pm, Portage Library, grades K–5, FREE Meet the Author: Jacqueline Woodson, author of Brown Girl Dreaming, 6:30 pm, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE

Friday, Nov. 6

West Michigan Harvest Cluster AKC Dog Show, all breeds obedience & rally trials, 9 am–5 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center, all ages, see Nov. 5 listing for cost Art Hop, art @ locations around Kalamazoo, 5–8 pm, kalamazooarts. org, all ages, FREE

Saturday, Nov. 7

West Michigan Harvest Cluster AKC Dog Show, all breeds obedience & rally trials, 8 am–6 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center, all ages, see Nov. 5 listing for cost LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 10:30 am, KPL-Oshtemo, all ages, FREE

First Saturday @ KPL, stories, activities & door prizes, 2–3:30 pm, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band, the symphonic world premiere, 8 pm, Miller Auditorium, 349-7759, kalamazoosymphony.com, all ages, call for ticket prices

Sunday, Nov. 8

West Michigan Harvest Cluster AKC Dog Show, all breeds obedience & rally trials, 8 am–6 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center, all ages, see Nov. 5 listing for cost Holiday Gift Show & Lunch, handcrafted & creative gifts, 11 am–3 pm, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 701 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, cedarcreekinstitute.org, all ages, lunch $13 adults, $7 ages 4–10; gift show free Fall Migration Celebration, view migrating waterfowl at Wintergreen Lake, 1–4 pm, W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave, Augusta, 671-2510, kbs.msu.edu, all ages, outdoors, FREE

Monday, Nov. 9

Binder Park Zoomobile, Creatures of the Night up close & personal (free ticket required), 5 & 6:30 pm, KPL-Oshtemo, all ages, FREE

Tuesday, Nov. 10

Tech Club, play with technology, 4–6 pm, KPL-Central, ages 6–11, FREE

Thursday, Nov. 12

Dance with Miss Lisa, stories & dance (registration required), 10:30 am, KPL-Washington Square, ages 3–8, FREE LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 4 pm, KPL-Eastwood, all ages, FREE

Friday, Nov. 13

Preschool Play & Learn, playcentered learning, 10 am, Portage Library, ages 2–5, FREE Family Storytime, stories & activities, 10:30 am, KPL-Alma Powell, ages 0–5, FREE

Saturday, Nov. 14

Sensory Showtime, The Peanuts Movie, welcoming environment for guests with special needs, 10:30 am, Celebration! Cinema, 3247469, celebrationcinema.com, all ages, regular admission Kalamazoo Holiday Parade, giant balloons, floats, bands & Santa, 11 am, downtown Kalamazoo, all ages, outdoors, FREE Preschool Concert, Fontana Crybaby Concert series, 11 am, Portage Library, ages 2–5, FREE Art Detectives: What’s My Line?, story & activity with art focus, 11 am–noon, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, all ages, FREE Drop-in Holiday Crafts, make crafts after the holiday parade, 11 am–1 pm, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE Owl Prowl, learn about owls in an entertaining demonstration, 6:30–8 pm, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 701 W Cloverdale Rd, Hastings, ce-

darcreekinstitute.org, all ages, $10 adults, $6 children Chris Young, country music singer & songwriter, 7:30 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium. org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Sunday, Nov. 15

All Hands on Deck! The Musical, based on Bob Hope’s 1942 USO tour, 3 pm, Miller Auditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium.org, all ages, call for ticket prices Rachel Barton Pine, award-winning violinist performs with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, 4 pm, Chenery Auditorium, 349-7557, mfsm.us, all ages, $15 adults, $10 seniors, $5 students

Monday, Nov. 16

Little Scientists, stories & science (registration required), 10:30 am, KPLOshtemo, ages 3–6, FREE Zumba for Kids, learn Zumba, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, ages 6–11, FREE LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 4 pm, KPL-Alma Powell, all ages, FREE J-Pop Club, latest media & food from Japan, 4 pm, KPL-Central, grades 6–12, FREE

Tuesday, Nov. 17

LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 6:30 pm, KPL-Washington Square, all ages, FREE Teen Mockingjay Part 2 Release Party, the final Hunger Games movie with costumes & competitions (registration required), 6:30 pm, Portage Library, grades 6–12, FREE

Wednesday, Nov. 18

Manners at the Manor, etiquette training from a professional (preregistration required), 4:30–6 pm, W.K. Kellogg Manor House, 3700 Gull Lake Drive E, Hickory Corners, 671-2160, kbs.msu.edu, ages 5–13, $13/student

Thursday, Nov. 19

Bookworms, discussion of The Earth Dragon Awakes, 4:30 pm, KPL-Central, FREE Holiday Art Sale, art by Kalamazoo Valley Potters, Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo & Art Etc., 5 pm–8 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center South, 873-0537, kazooartsale.com, all ages, FREE

Friday, Nov. 20

Holiday Art Sale, art by Kalamazoo Valley Potters, Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo & Art Etc., 9 am–8 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center South, 873-0537, kazooartsale.com, all ages, FREE Wild About Turkeys, stories, activities & crafts, 10:30 am, KPL-Eastwood & KPL-Alma Powell, ages 3–6, FREE Owl Prowl, nighttime walk to listen for owls, 6 pm, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, 12685 East C Ave, 671-2510, kbs.msu.edu, all ages, $7 adults, $5 ages 2–17 The Perrys, a Chenery Gospel Series presentation, 7 pm, Chenery Audito-

rium, 800-965-9324, cheneryaud. com, all ages, call for ticket prices

Saturday, Nov. 21

SW Michigan Reptile & Exotic Pet Show, reptiles, amphibians & exotic pets, 10 am–3 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center Room A, 779-9851, kalamazooreptileshow.com, all ages, $5 adult, $2 children, under 6 free, $20 family max LEGO @ the Library, build, race & imagine, 10:30 am, KPL-Central, all ages, FREE Holiday Art Sale, art by Kalamazoo Valley Potters, Weavers Guild of Kalamazoo & Art Etc., 9 am–4 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Expo Center South, 873-0537, kazooartsale.com, all ages, FREE Holiday Expo & Craft Show, Michigan vendors & crafters, 9 am–4 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Main Expo Center, all ages, FREE

Monday, Nov. 23

Thanksgiving Crafts, create Thanksgiving-themed items, 1–6 pm, KPL-Central & KPL-Alma Powell, all ages, FREE

Tuesday, Nov. 24

Thanksgiving Crafts, create Thanksgiving-themed items, 1–8 pm, KPL-Eastwood, all ages, FREE Teen Game Club, video, board & card games, 4 pm, Portage Library, grades 6–12, FREE

Wednesday, Nov. 25

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, the classic Christmas tale, 7:30 pm, Miller Au-

ditorium, 387-2311, millerauditorium.org, all ages, call for ticket prices

Friday, Nov. 27

Friends of KPL Gift Book Sale, giftquality books at greatly reduced prices, 10 am, KPL-Central, kpl.gov/ friends, 553-7820, Holiday Walk & Market, tour the Manor House & view handcrafted items, noon–5 pm, W.K. Kellogg Manor House, 3700 Gull Lake Drive E, Hickory Corners, 671-2160, manorhouse@kbs.msu.edu, all ages, $8 adults, $5 ages 5–12, 4 & under free

Saturday, Nov. 28

Circus Maximus Antique Toy Show, antique, vintage & collectible toys, 9 am–2 pm, Kalamazoo Co. Main & South Expo Center, 262246-7171, circusmaximustoyshow. com, all ages, $7, after 1 pm free Holiday Walk & Market, tour the Manor House & view handcrafted items, noon–5 pm, W.K. Kellogg Manor House, 3700 Gull Lake Drive E, Hickory Corners, 671-2160, manorhouse@kbs.msu.edu, all ages, $8 adults, $5 ages 5–12, 4 & under free

Sunday, Nov. 29

Messiah Sing, sing along or listen to portions of Handel’s oratorio, 4 pm, First Congregational Church, 382-2910, mfsm.us, all ages, FREE

Monday, Nov. 30

Musical Storytime, songs, stories & special guests, 6:30 pm, KPLCentral, all ages, FREE

S t R E C N O C Y B a B Y CR n SATURDAYS 11 AM o

under the allow children rts ce on i-c in m e These FREE enjoy a 45-minut their families to xible fle d an age of five and in an open beautiful music of ce an g! rm yin cr rfo pe feels like if your little one en ev t— en ller m ro on st envir space for e and plenty of ov m to om ro ed is id There snacks are prov us, kid-friendly parking. Nutritio rmance. after each perfo

Sep 19 Oct 24 Nov 14 Feb 13 Mar 12 Apr 9

Branch KPL Eastwood anch KPL Central Br t Library ic Portage Distr e Center Bronson Gilmor Branch KPL Oshtemo e Center Bronson Gilmor

fontanamusic.org 269.382.7774

fyiswmichigan.com •

27 •

Kids’ Corner FYI

Activity Page

Fall Crossword Red Rake Acorn Leaves Autumn Scarecrow

Find the matching leaves

•

28 • oc t/nov 2015

Last Laugh (continued from page 30)

Junior High & Early Puberty Years In these years, there is absolutely nothing more important than being cool, but unfortunately for you, there are two people who will do everything in their power to make sure you are not: Your parents.

Were it not for these biggest dork-wads on the planet, the other kids would cheer and chant your name as you stroll down the hallways of school. And all the “Check one. Do you like me as:” notes you pass in class would come back with the “more than a friend” box checked every time.

But no! Your geek-ball parents do things like drop you off right in front of school when they take time out of their day to give you a ride. Or they start conversations with your friends, asking about their interests and explaining how they know your friend’s parents from the neighborhood committee. I mean, are you kidding me? It’s just sick and wrong.

These are tough years, but the best way to be successful is to double-down on the acne cream and respond to everything by shrugging sheepishly and muttering, “Whatever.”

Later, when your parents let you move back in with them after your book I Forgot Everything I Learned in Kin-

dergarten Immediately After Kindergarten tanks, they will seem cool again.

The High School Years You will spend all of your high school years wishing you were older. As a freshman, you’ll wish you were old enough to drive. As a junior and senior, you’ll wish you were old enough to get your own place, buy booze and impress your best friend’s hot older sibling.

The key to success at this age is to suppress those wishful desires with the knowledge that the second you become an adult, you’ll spend the next 70 years wishing you were younger. So just enjoy the ride! As long as you humiliate yourself less than three or four times with a social media gaffe, it’ll be fairly smooth sailing. And if you screw up on social media a lot more than that, you’re setting yourself up for a pretty strong future in Congress.

Now that you have read this essential guidebook, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing time being a kid.

Someday soon, you may even have a kid of your own, and trust me when I say that nothing can prepare you for that. Though if you can get Dr. Bradford over at Pediatric Partners, it’ll make things a lot easier. She’s great!

I’m off for a chardonnay refill. Good luck!

Why do families

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Guide to Area Schools

February/March

Ultimate Summer Camp Guide

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fyiswmichigan.com •

29 •

LAST LAUGH FYI

How to be a Successful Kid

By Brian Lam

T

hey say that nothing can prepare you for being a parent. But “they” must have been hitting the chardonnay a little heavy, because “they” clearly have never been in a bookstore, spent time with older relatives or read FYI. There are entire industries built around preparing people for being parents. In fact, wasn’t it “they” who recommended your pediatrician?

But what about the children? Won’t someone think of the children? Who is preparing them to be a kid?

Since no one else is stepping forward, I will. Here is the official guidebook for experiencing success as a kid.

Women, please read this guidebook out loud in the direction of your belly if you are pregnant. Men, read this guidebook out loud in the direction of a woman’s belly if you suspect she is pregnant. If you’re unsure, you can always ask.

Just Kid-ding: The Official Guidebook for Success as a Kid Hello, future kid! Soon you will be here and the world can’t wait to meet you. And by the world, I mean your parents, 60 percent of their relatives and about 20 percent of their Facebook friends. You may be wondering how you came to be. Your parents will be happy to explain that to you, so be sure to start asking them frequently about it around the time you turn 5. Be relentless and demand specifics!

Your Early Years The first few years are a great time to chill, as there’s not a lot to put on the resumé at this point. Your language and gross motor skills are still being developed, so the only thing you’re really qualified for is U.S. Congress, but if you’re just going to sit around senselessly babbling all day, you’re better off not doing it in the public eye.

To experience success in these years, remember this simple rule: Food that your parents give you belongs on the floor, and things found on the floor belong in your mouth. Your parents will get angry when you toss your pureed yams to the ground and gobble up a cigarette butt at the park, but they are just testing you. Look around.

What do you see the adults putting in their mouths? Yam puree or cigarettes? I rest my case.

•

30 • oc t/nov 2015

Kindergarten & Early Elementary There’s a book called All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. The author of that book must be unable to drive a car and is terrible with finances. Honestly, how did he even write the book? With crayons? I think a more accurate book title would be I Forgot Everything I Learned in Kindergarten Immediately After Kindergarten.

In your early school days you will learn many interesting facts, like the names of the three sections of an insect, cloud types, state capitals and U.S. presidents. Your brain will replace all these facts with song lyrics when you reach fifth grade and you won’t have to recall any facts for the rest of your life except if one of the presidents’ birthdays gets you a day off from work.

The key to success in these years is to learn the art of negotiating to trade your crappy apple for a friend’s Twinkie at lunch. This important life skill will set the stage for your lucrative career in business, where you will destroy rival businesses run by the grown-up kids who remember what part of an insect the thorax is and traded their Twinkies. (continued on page 29)

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Kalamazoo Public Schools

are reaching higher! e tuition for g e ll o c e e fr : e is m ro  The Kalamazoo P idency & attendance requirements apply) KPS graduates (res e been or v a h ts n e d u st S P K  More than 3,800of The Kalamazoo Promise are beneficiaries students in 0 0 ,0 2 n a th re o m f  Growth o the last 10 years ool and h sc le d id m , ry ta n e  Rising elem res high school test sco dents taking u st f o r e b m u n e th last 7 years  More than double e th in s e rs u o c t n e Advanced Placem

For enrollment or more information please contact Kalamazoo Public Schools at

269.337.1572