From the Editor

While a lot can be accomplished by a group, it's often an individual who makes a big difference within a business or organization. This month we feature a number of individuals whose efforts create good for all. Remi Harrington, whom we feature in this month's cover story, is fighting for social justice and equity through her multiple nonprofit organizations — Zoo City Food and Farm Network, Urban Folk Art Exploratory, and Tegan's Hopeful Storybook Garden. Writer Jordan Bradley's profile of Harrington reveals her to be not only a fierce woman with endless energy but a nurturing, passionate and determined soul.

Writer Katie Houston writes about two individuals this month who also have deep passion for what they do. Chef Nidal Awad, owner of Shawarma King on Drake, began working at the restaurant as a dishwasher shortly after coming here from Palestine 20 years ago. Not only is his Middle Eastern restaurant a favorite in Kalamazoo, but Awad is generous with his time and success, utilizing his business to, as he says, "take care of my employees, my family and my community."

We also meet Alice Kemerling, who retired this fall as assistant director of the Gilmore International Piano Festival. While many people know her for her work with that organization, they may not realize that her efforts as the director of development at Kalamazoo Valley Community College were pivotal in giving us the Kalamazoo Valley Museum we all enjoy today. Katie's story about Kemerling is a great tribute to someone whose contributions have undoubtedly benefited the community.

Finally, we meet another individual — Brad Wong — who loves this community and chamber music enough that he came out of retirement to run one of the community’s signature arts organizations, Fontana Chamber Arts. In our Back Story interview, we learn what propelled Wong to take on this new role, after a 40-year career in Western Michigan University's School of Music, including his last six years overseeing the internationally known school.

We hope you are as intrigued and inspired as we are by all those we feature in Encore. This month's issue is just another testimony to the remarkable people who live among us in this place we call home.

Left to right: Tyler J. Stewart, Charles S. Ofstein, William B. Millard & Hannah M. Recknagel

A law firm focusing on estate planning, estate settlement, and the transfer of wealth.

211 East Water Street, Suite 401 Kalamazoo 269.343.2106 dementandmarquardt.com