From the Editor

We produce the content of each monthly issue of Encore several weeks before the magazine’s publication date, so it can be challenging sometimes to write an Editor’s Note that is relevant and timely. This month is the best example of that by far. By the time you read this, the world may be a very different place. The pandemic may be back in full swing, we all may be isolating at home again or we may see an emergency release of a coronavirus vaccine. We might have re-elected the president or elected a new one. If ever there were a time when a crystal ball would have come in handy, it was in October.

But here’s a constant to celebrate: During these times of uncertainty, Encore can still be counted on to provide informative content that celebrates the great people, places and organizations in our community. We have heard from many readers that during times of social distancing and isolation, reading Encore has given them a sense of connection to the community that they have been missing.

And we keep on doing just that with this month’s issue. Our cover feature looks at a new “pocket neighborhood” In Texas Township — an innovative housing development that puts the neighbor back in neighborhood. It’s being created by Dave and Shari Groendyk, of Dave’s Glass, along with several partners.

We also introduce you to Emily and Matt Deering-Caruso, the entrepreneurs behind the craft-cocktail haven The Stamped Robin. They and their partners, Mack and Walker Chrisman, were in the midst of a major expansion when Covid-19 shut the world down, but instead of facing catastrophe, they found opportunity.

You’ll also meet Emmy Kastner, who writes and illustrates the Nerdy Babies book series, and Sid Ellis, a longtime fixture on the local arts scene who is heading the 100-year-old Douglass Community Association at a critical time for this organization that serves the residents of Kalamazoo’s Northside neighborhood.

And since November is a month for gratitude, I want to say this emphatically and often: All of us at Encore are so grateful to all our advertisers who have stuck with us and allowed us to publish each month, and to our loyal readers, who give us a reason to keep doing so. If these uncertain and odd times have given us nothing else, it is a heightened awareness of the important connections between us all.

Stay healthy, stay safe, and be kind to one another.

From left to right: Michael D. Holmes, William B. Millard, Morgan L. Rogalke, Michele C. Marquardt, Charles S. Ofstein, Tyler J. Stewart

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

Hail to the Chief Financial Offi cer.

Steve McKiddy listened attentively as the president of Greenleaf Trust conveyed the wealth management fi rm’s core values. Steve’s phone pressed closely to his ear, yet what he heard spoke directly to his heart. Being honest and honorable; putting clients’ interests fi rst; doing the right thing always, and setting things right if we err; prizing continuous improvement; and so on. These were the very principals Steve had long strived to uphold. His fast track executive experience with large corporations had been enormously valuable, but he wrestled with the fact that an inviolable rule of publicly traded companies—shareholder interests precede all others—was sometimes out of step with the true north of client needs, commitment to long-term strategy, and his own sensibilities.

In the process of leaving one large company for a better position with another, Steve paused when a friend told him about Greenleaf Trust, and how our values were not merely written but purposefully lived. Introductions were made, conversations ensued, interest was expressed, assessments were conducted, and a shared realization set in that the fi t was good. In Steve’s heart, he had accepted our off er even before we’d made it. Today, just a few months into his role as Chief Financial Offi cer, Steve is already managing our growth, assessing new markets, and exploring ways in which we can ever better meet the needs of our esteemed clients. Hail, and welcome, to Steve McKiddy.

CONTENTSNovember 2020

FEATURE

‘It’s All About the Porch’ 20

New Texas Township 'pocket development' emphasizes neighborliness

Meet the Groendyks: The enterprising family behind Belle Meade and Dave’s Glass 25

On the cover: Sue Visser pokes her head outside to greet visitors on the porch of her home in the new ‘pocket neighborhood’ of Belle Meade in Texas Township. Photo by Brian K. Powers. Above: An illustration by Emmy Kastner from one of her Nerdy Babies books.

DEPARTMENTS

5 From the Editor

8 Contributors

9

12

16

38 Up Front

First Things — A round-up of things happening in SW Michigan this month Five Faves — History and building details that will make you actually like school

Savor Unmasking Opportunity — When the pandemic crashed its expansion plans, The Stamped Robin ‘pivoted’ to new enterprises

Back Story Meet Sid Ellis — After a long career in the arts, he’s ‘where I’m supposed to be’ at the Douglass Community Association

ARTS

27

Artistic Author — Writing and illustrating feed the soul of Nerdy Babies creator Emmy Kastner

32

35 Events of Note

Poetry