Good News April 2022

April 2022

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GOOD NEWS

april 2022

Everyone's Favorite

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

Remember When

Kalamazoo Playing card co.

I was shopping at Kalamazoo Sportswear recently, and I noticed a stack of t-shirts with the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. logo on them. I asked the staff member, Anthony, about the business and became intrigued to write a story. I had not heard of the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co., nor did I realize the role the company played in making Kalamazoo known around the world for playing cards.

At one time, there were two competing playing card companies in Kalamazoo, The American Playing Card Co. were first on the scene (1890), and the Kalamazoo Paper Box & Card Co. came later in 1903.

Both companies grew rapidly. In fact, the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. dropped manufacturing boxes in 1906 and devoted their entire efforts to playing cards, renaming the business, Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. The plant was located in downtown Kalamazoo at Henrietta St. (now John St.) and South Street. The first brands they produced included “Success,” “Strollers,” “Steamboats,” which were the least expensive card sets, and “Lily,” that was advertised as “the best home playing cards made,” in an attempt to counter the marketing being launched by their local competitor.

The Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. decks had a picture of the founder, S.N. Baker, in the center of the ace

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of spades that was later replaced with the companies’ initials. The card brand names appeared on the Jokers and on the boxes.

Other card brand names printed by the 145 workers at the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co, included: Aristocrat, Auction, Beauty, Chancellor, Cricket, Eureka, Hawk, Idle Hour, Strollers, Torpedo, along with several specialty cards.

One of the most popular specialty card brands was the “Smart Set 400,” that was introduced in 1906 and had a series of period card back designs featuring female beauties.

When the Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. merged with the Russell Playing Card Co. in around 1913, card production left the downtown area and went to New Jersey. The popular, “Smart Set 400” series continued to be published by the Russell Playing Card Company under its own name and with its own Ace of Spades.

They continued to publish the former Smart Set titles, along with the following new named back designs in the Series: New York Girl, Fan Tan Girl, Geisha Girl, Flying Girl, Cho Cho San, Sweet Tooth, Treasure, Day Dreams, Neptuna and Tennis Girl.

Decks were available with different tinted backs in hard slipcases, and usually had gold edges.

The “Smart 400” decks, whether by

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Kalamazoo or Russell, have the same dancing couple on the Joker, which adds a touch of romance and passion to the overall aesthetic feel of the deck and is a favorite of collectors.

In 1929 Russell Playing Card Co. merged with the United States Playing Card Company. Many of the early brands names were still produced under the new ownership and with the Russell Ace of Spades.

Playing cards have been around since the late 14th century (1370’s), arriving in Europe, which rapidly became a part of popular culture. Some early packs were hand painted works of art that were expensive and therefore only available to the wealthy.

But as demand increased, cheaper production methods were developed - making playing cards available for everyone.

Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes have been used for games, gambling, education, magic tricks, advertising, fortune telling, politics and other uses. All over the world the popularity of cards is universal, which has a lot to do with the artwork and graphic design.

Collector’s interests are as varied as playing card brands that can include themes, such as: advertising, ephemera, art & design, environment & nature, pop culture, sports and many others. Some collectors are only interested in jokers, while others are

Jackie Merriam Sources: The World of Playing Cards: wopc.co.uk/usa/kalamazoo/ Mlive. com, published July 2, 2008 by Al Jones, facebook.com: thevanishedkalamazoo, The Chronicle Sept./Oct. 1986

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Easter Treats!

Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

-Lady Bird Johnson

searching for full sets. A search on eBay for Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. shows a variety of cards available for purchase from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.

The former Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. building in downtown Kalamazoo was demolished to make room for the Upjohn Co. headquarters. The building was the Upjohn Companies world headquarters from 1936-1961. Upjohn Co. gave the building to Bronson and they began a lengthy $6.6 million renovation that was completed in 2008. The building at 301 John St. is named the Bronson Upjohn Building and is home to Bronson Corporate Offices, Bronson Health Foundation and Bronson Research. The Upjohn Company Silver lettering at the top of the building still remains intact.

The Kalamazoo Playing Card Co. had a 10-year run in this area before merging with a New Jersey firm and leaving the area. However, they put Kalamazoo on the map as a playing card mecca and their impact lives on in the hands of collectors.

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

Garden Mistakes

We all know the path to becoming an expert gardener is paved with learning opportunities that usually result in the loss of more than a few plants. Here are five of the most common mistakes we make in gardening and how we can avoid them according to the National Garden Bureau: 1) Underestimating Plant Size The most exciting thing in the world to a gardener is to find a shiny new plant you haven’t worked with yet. Especially when you’re newer to the game, it’s easy to ignore the lovely plant tags. The first, and arguably the most important, step of plant purchasing is to know what you’re getting. One of the most accessible ways to do that is by reading that little piece of paper popping out of the soil. It will tell you the name of the plant, watering/sun/spatial needs

There are many words in the English language that sound just plain funny! My 8-year old grandson has an innate appreciation for the sound of funny words,

and care tips. Plant tags are a handy info guide at your fingertips!

2} Misusing Fertilizers Fertilizers give much needed nutrients to the soil and help your plants grow big and strong. The scary part can be assuring the proper dosage and administration. Often, we look for a magic “One Size Fits All” type of fertilizer with the same application and cleanup process, and the result is frequently dead/burned plants.

Talk to a professional if you’re not sure, read the back of the container, do your research. It only takes a few extra moments to ask questions that could potentially save your plant and your efforts.

3) Poor Pruning Practices Pruning is an art form. It all comes down to knowing the needs of your plant. Much like fertilizing, plants may need different pruning schedules

which ignites his giggle reflex.

This sensitivity to funny word sounds began when he was a baby. Just hearing the word “zipper” would emit a full blown belly laugh. As you can imagine, we blurted out the word “zipper” on a regular basis to hear the sound of his laughter.

His love of these words has continued into his childhood. Recently, I picked him up after school and we were pelted with an unexpected rain downpour as we ran through the parking lot to my vehicle.

Once we were safely in the car, he not only got a kick out of the fact that we were drenched to the bone, but when I said, “It’s a monsoon out there,” he roared with laughter. He loved the sound of the word monsoon, which he continued to repeat on the way home.

Another example of my grandson’s

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than you’re previously used to. Look up your hardiness zone and pay attention to the signs your plant is giving you. Plants that grow from bulbs use extra time after blooming is done to soak up all the light they can to save up food for the coming winter.

Cutting the foliage down before they start yellowing lowers their photosynthesis time. The opposite can be just as problematic: not pruning at all. Some plant species need to be cut back at a certain point in the year to ensure they will bloom for the next season. Again, do your research or ask a professional when and how is the best to prune the specific plant.

4) Planting Too Soon Michigan is cold half of the year.

That is just our reality. So, when spring is just around the corner, often we’ll get such strong spring fever that all we want to do is go play in the

love of funny words is one my daughter shared with me. She was preparing him for the new school year after being home schooled the previous year due to Covid.

She explained what changes to expect and mentioned, “You probably won’t be mingling with kids from other classes at school.” The word “mingling” just cracked him up. I have to admit it does have a funny ring to it.

There are a plethora of words that tickle his funny bone, including hooligan, scat and wienerschnitzel.

My grandson’s love of words that sound funny, and the joy they bring to him, have made me more aware of fun word sounds - the words that cause me pause and crack a smile!

Jackie Merriam

dirt and make our plants as happy as we are. This is such a common mistake in colder climates because zones 6 or below tend to get surprise frosts decently late into the spring. Wedel’s suggests waiting until May 15th or Mother’s day to plant your cold sensitive plants. No one wants to cuddle up in the frost all night, including your tomatoes.

There can be a lot of trial and error in learning how to garden. Let Wedel’s help take some of the guess work out. We always have plant experts on staff and give free advice and plant diagnostics in store. Happy planting!

National Garden Bureau, Jan. 2022 Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

Cover photo taken by Jackie Merriam

Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

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April 2022

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Thrift, Vintage, Antiques, Repurposed, Artisan & Hand Made FRIENDS BOOKSTORE Wed. Noon-6pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10-4pm Note Our New Wednesday Hours

In the store and online, you’ll find a wide variety of Adult, Youth, and Children’s Fiction and NonFiction.

Plus a large selection of DVDs $1.00 CDs 50¢, and Audio Books 50¢

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If you would like to share your unique business with thousands of readers please contact Jackie Merriam at goodnews.jackie@gmail.com or (269) 217-0977

Saving the rabbits Are you sitting there looking at an adorable bunny and thinking to yourself, “that would be the perfect gift for Easter”? Although I agree with you, yes, bunnies are one of the most adorable creatures on the planet; they are not an “easy” pet for a child. It is often thought that bunnies are an easy pet because they are sold in a cage. People assume they must be similar to a hamster or guinea pig. This is completely untrue. They

need lots of space to run and explore in your home, a cage is actually not enough space for them.

Did you know that Rabbits require as much care as a dog, and some have the attitude of cats? They need regular check ups with an exotic veterinarian. They have natural behaviors that you can’t train out of them, like digging and chewing. You have to “bunny proof ” your home so they don’t chew your electrical cords, shoes, or even baseboards. They dig in your carpet and can be extremely destructive. They also live up to 15 years with proper care. This is unlike a Hamster that may only live 1-3 years.

Their diets consist of pellets, unlimited hay and fresh greens daily. They eat more than their body weight in a day, which also creates a lot of poop.

A healthy rabbit will poop 200-250 times a day!

Some rabbits do not like being held, which is often the first thing someone wants to do when they see one.

Sadly, most children will also lose interest within a week or two, and you will have another chore on your hands. All of this contributes to why 95% of bunnies purchased for Easter don’t make it to their first birthday.

Rabbits are the third most frequently surrendered species at shelters and the third most euthanized. Luckily, there are some rabbit rescues, but nowhere near enough to meet the

need. Many rescues are full due to uninformed purchases, resulting in people deciding to dump or surrender rabbits when they become too difficult to manage.

Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue is a small, foster-based rescue in South West Michigan. When you make an educated pet selection, rabbits can make a wonderful pet. If you think a rabbit may be a good addition to your family, please visit Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue’s website, Facebook, or Tiktok for more information.

This Easter, please don’t choose a living animal on impulse. Stuffed or

chocolate ones are much better options for a basket!

Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue Kalamazoo, MI (269) 873-0311 email: RabbitAngelsRabbitRescue@yahoo.com rabbitangelsrabbitrescue.weebly. com facebook.com/RabbitAngelsRescue Heather Bradshaw, Director Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue of Kalamazoo

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series

Black is the New Black

Jane: Clothes shopping is such a mother-daughter thing to do that one would think Ellen and I would have a closetful of stories to tell. We don’t. I shop like I pull weeds: one looks much like another and the object is to get it done before the sun gets too hot. Ellen shops like she’s an undercover spy: your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find work slacks that fit.

During this pandemic, clothes shopping was the last thing on my mind. I tended to wear the same five outfits every week because they were comfortable and I wasn’t going anywhere. For Christmas 2021, Ellen

sent me two pairs of black leggings with pockets. They were sturdy, warm, and black goes with every sweater in my drawer. Perfect. I ordered two more (one in navy blue) along with some new socks (socks wear out faster when shoes aren’t involved).

Two years later and I need some new clothes. Desperately. I tried doing the Amazon thing for dresses and skirts but everything sold this way is either elastic waisted or shaped like a potato sack. I am ready for Aline cuts and belts. It’s time to put on a mask and go to the shops.

Three things quickly became apparent. 1. Elastic waists and potato sacks

are very much in vogue. 2. Black hasn’t gone away. 3. All the dresses look like each other and I will never get home before dark.

I need Ellen!

Ellen: Why my mom is resisting the current comfy, casual, might-bepajamas-but-surprise-they’re-pants fashion trends is beyond me. Sure, I was a little late to appreciate athleisure, but once the pandemic made “hard pants” an obscure and unnecessary item to own, I fully embraced a closet full of soft fabrics with which to drape myself. Yes, I am back in the office some days a week, but the “professional” portion of my wardrobe has been scaled way back from it’s previous dominance. Sure, my general look might be a bit less tailored and a bit more flowy, but this also suits my early spring level of fitness.

Then I received an invite to a professional event. “Black tie optional” the text read, “Let’s dress to impress and shake off the winter blues, bright colors only!”

This invite made me pause for several reasons: 1. The last black tie optional event I went to was a wedding pre-pandemic 2. The bright colors rule immediately disqualified my go-to black and dark blue gowns 3.

It’s professional, so no way were some of my fancier outfit options going to be ideal.

Did I panic? I could have, but luckily, this challenge suited my shopping style to a tee: I had been given a mission.

To be fair, this mission took many more targeted online searches than I would normally need. Yes, I did get a back-up dress. Sure, I almost scratched my whole idea when estimated shipping times had me rethinking everything, but in the end it all came together. There’s truly something satisfying about successfully achieving your shopping objective against all the odds.

I explained my triumph to my mom, she was supportive but perhaps uninspired. Maybe she needs a mission.

Jane Knuth and Ellen Radke

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April 2022

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April 2022

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Love Retro?

Kalamazoo Pickers Has Expanded!

Good News Paper readers, SPRING is here! That means getting out of the house, and under the Sun! What better way to kick off the warmer months that checking out new local businesses, and SUPPORTING LOCAL? We can think of NONE! With that in mind, for this month’s article we’d love to help introduce you to Downtown Kalamazoo’s newest vintage storefront: Kalamazoo Pickers.

Located at 119 W Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007, Kalamazoo Pickers (instagram.com/kalamazoo_pickers) specializes in 80’s and 90’s clothing- and let us tell you, the selection is AMAZING. Opened during the pandemic, the young entrepreneurial owners behind this shop are thriving. They’ve even recently expanded into the storefront adjacent to their original location, bringing in additional vintage vendors and local artists. LOVE to see it!

We sat down with the Vintage in the Zoo Market vendor alumnus, and owners of Kalamazoo Pickers, Aidan and Noah, to get a feeling of what inspired them toward vintage, their rarest pieces, and the challenges of owning a small brick-and-mortar.

Get the details below, then stop though their shop, and support their small business!

Aidan Robison | 23 years old Can you give a short bio about yourself, your interests / hobbies, and where you’re from?

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, son of a former Antique Dealer, Steve Robison. My interests are music, sports, art, antiques, and particularly Kalamazoo history.

What led you into the world of vintage, and how long have you been buying and collecting?

My interest in vintage clothing started as a fun hobby with a group of friends, then manifested into a passion with Noah’s help! He had the knowledge on vintage clothing far before me. Noah gave me the building blocks, and ability to know what is good, and not.

Has it always been your dream to be a business owner?

Passion in clothing ignited for me after a big solo pick I did in my early days of collecting. I bought an incredible collection of t-shirts from a person- most of my collection still remains. This would’ve been 2017-18, I bought t-shirts for ~$50 a piece, my buddies thought I was crazy paying that price. My gut feeling prevailed and those t-shirts are incredibly special.

What are the biggest challenges of owning & running your small business?

One of the biggest challenges in running the business is reminding ourselves that ‘you’ are the heartbeat of the business… a stressful mindset, but our drive for success is what gets us up in the morning!

Are there any decades that you love the most and why?

If I had a time machine, I’d live through the late 1960s to early 1980s.. the love shown at Woodstock would’ve been amazing to experience!

Along with the rock and roll generation in the 1970s.

Noah Silvey | 23 years old Can you give a short bio about

yourself, your interests / hobbies, and where you’re from?

I’m originally from Athens Georgia, and moved to Kalamazoo as a kid- now I am half of Kalamazoo Pickers. My interest are sports, vintage, and sneakers.

Has it always been your dream to be a business owner?

Definitely have wanted to be a business owner my whole life, and I think that stems from just spending hours in Zoo City Cyles & Sport looking at the skateboards, annoying the workers as a kid, and the feeling of how they treated me.

What ignited your passion, is there anyone who inspired you?

My passion for vintage comes from thrifting with my friend Mcclain early on, and meeting Kyle Chesser, who’s been collecting vintage in Kalamazoo for over 20 years.

How long has Kalamazoo Pickers been open, and what was it like opening a storefront during the pandemic?

Kalamazoo Pickers opened on 06/01/21, so a little over 9 months into the pandemic, at first it was scary. Aidan and I both decided we didn’t want to keep working restaurant jobs and thought we could do

it- we couldn’t be happier!

What is your favorite part of being involved in Kalamazoo’s vintage culture / community?

My favorite part of being in Kalamazoo’s vintage community is seeing how much it’s grown over the last 5 years! Amazing to see how much everyone enjoys dressing in vintage, and doing their part to help Kalamazoo be more sustainable through buying less new products.

Are there any decades that you love the most and why?

My favorite decade is definitely the 1990’s- I love everything about it: the music, clothing, and pop culture as a whole... it was just way better in my eyes.

What is the rarest item you have in your collection?

The rarest items in my collection would have to be the Tupac rap tees, or Powell Peralta “The Search for Animal Chin” items.

Will you be vending at any Vintage in the Zoo events this year?

Yes! We will be vending at all of the Vintage in the Zoo events this year, and look forward to another great VITZ season, starting this May in Downtown Kalamazoo!

Kalamazoo Pickers is located at 119 W Kalamazoo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

ALSO, as always, be sure to make it a day and head down the Kalamazoo Walking Mall to support all of Kalamazoo’s great small brick and mortar shops, and grab a bite from local restaurants. This is more important than ever- lets help keep ALL of our city’s dreamers and doers going, TODAY! M + P | Owners, VintageintheZoo. com

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April 2022

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Relationships

The Stress that Caretakers Face

When a loved one is ill, many times a family member or friend will step up to support their loved one that is suffering. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, there are 44 million people in the United States that take care of their ill spouse, parent, child, or friend. They are doing this selflessly and may be silently suffering from stress. Caregivers devote their time to others who cannot take care of themselves. Some of the tasks that a caretaker may experience each day include shopping, cleaning, transportation, feeding, bathing, dressing, walking, cooking, coordinating medical care, or managing a person’s finances.

Providing these tasks for another person shows love, but it can come with exhaustion as a price tag. Typi-

cally taking care of someone can be 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no breaks or pay. Caretakers tend to overlook their own needs and can burn out and have stress and anxiety. Potentially, caretakers may not spend time with other friends or family members, making them feel alone and isolated. However, some people think that taking care of a loved one is profoundly fulfilling. It is just as crucial for the caretaker to remember that they need to take care of their personal needs and wants.

Often caregivers will forget to take care of themselves. On top of this, they are exposed to other people’s trauma which can cause compassion fatigue. With compassion fatigue, you can experience feelings of exhaustion, irritability, decreased sense of personal purpose, and an emotion-

al disconnect. This is often followed by feelings of burnout. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is chronic stress which can cause a loss of identity and diminishing feelings of pleasure. If you are a caretaker, make sure to create a list of activities you enjoy doing. Schedule at least 20-60 minutes a day to do something for yourself. Take the opportunity to contact a counselor so they can provide you with healthy coping skills, meditations, breathing techniques, and even a list of activities for you to try to find daily enjoyment.

Many people that care for others feel that they have a loss of identity as they may have shifted their lifestyles overnight or over a period of time.

They may not be going into work or have quit their job or taken a leave of

absence. What made them feel like they had a purpose may have shifted, and they may be trying to figure out who they are now. It is okay not to be okay and not feel as strong as you appear. Reaching out to a professional for assistance may help navigate your new path and lifestyle.

Another thing that could help you is a caretaker support group. A small support group may allow you to feel as though you aren’t alone and that other people have the same feelings, which normalizes your own emotions. Your Dr. or counselor may have contact information about finding a support group.

Julie Sorenson MA, LPC, Doctoral Candidate

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April 2022

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Parenting Maybe You Should Talk To Someone Let’s face it. Life is hard! I know it and you know it. Your younger kids might not know it yet but your teenagers - they definitely know it.

We have all been teenagers so we know! The difference is that today’s stressors seem harder to navigate.

We had to wait until the rumor was spread by land line telephones and paper notes in class. There is instant access to social media with built-in social pressures to fit in. Sprinkle in a global pandemic and top it off with their brains not being fully formed yet and you have the perfect recipe for brain meltdown soup. Teen brains are dealing with A LOT right now.

Adolescent emotions are all over the place. I know it feels like there is nothing you can do. They don’t want to listen to our advice and they don’t think we can relate. They think they can just find a TikTok about it and things will be fine.

It might be a difficult discussion, but it is time to reduce the stigma of saying “I need help”. Because the teenage brain does not have the foresight to fully understand the longterm consequences of their actions today, we may need to be the catalyst for change. We can lead them to a safer road. One that lacks judgment but offers support and a listening ear.

One that says “it’s OK to feel the way you do. I hear you and it really does

suck.” Never hesitate to say that you need help too.

Seeking professional help for your child does NOT mean that you: Failed as a parent Have a seriously mentally ill child Are doomed for life Forcing them to “open up” to some random stranger What is DOES mean is that you: Love your child Hear their needs Recognize you may be out of your depth Want to learn how to support them

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Teenagers often bring up the subject of talking to a professional on their own. That’s a win-win for everyone. But if they aren’t there yet and you need to nudge them, here are some tips. Start with your own feelings. Be honest. Let them know that you love them and worry about how they are doing. Let them know that you recognize how hard it is to tell your parents about struggles you are having because they might be worried about repercussions or your judgement. Those are very understandable reservations. Explain

clearly that they are safe to talk to a professional in a confidential environment. The space they have with their therapist is theirs alone.

It is time to normalize that it is OK to say you are not OK. We are here for you, and your children.

And remember, you are doing a great job!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 www. suicidepreventionlifeline.org Arlene Giacona, LMSW Brightside Counseling www.brightsidecc.com

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

Partners in Housing Transition An Outreach Program of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

The mission of Partners in Housing Transition is to assist formerly homeless families and families living below the poverty line through the provision of essential furnishings and household items.

Our work focuses on providing beds and bedding for each family member who lacks a bed and the other furniture and household essentials needed to turn an empty space into a liveable home.

Our priority is serving families

with children under the age of 18 residing in Kalamazoo County.

Our goal is to provide families with the essential physical tools to attain self-sufficiency that will end the cycle of poverty with time and diligence.

Our hope is that by serving these families, they will begin to transform their lives, and as a result, their children may have an improved chance of success in the future.

Second Saturday Drop-Off Saturday, April 9 Partners in Housing Transition Donation Drop Off

bedding, housewares, furniture, etc.

St. Luke’s Church, 9:30-11:30am 247 W. Lovell St., Kalamazoo https://www.partnersinhousingtransition.com/

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April 2022

The Bellflower is a historic oneroom school turned event space that promises to take guests back in time.

The event possibilities are endless from intimate weddings, showers, corporate events, fundraising efforts, birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation open houses and reunions.

The restored schoolhouse is located in Cooper Township, Kalamazoo at 4700 West “D” Avenue at North 12th Street.

Celebrating 151 years, built in 1871 and restored with love, the event center sits on one beautifully landscaped countryside acre with mature trees and private fencing, just minutes from Kalamazoo. The interior is 20’ x 30’, is handicapped accessible and seats 50 guests comfortably in a personal and intimate setting.

The Bellflower is equipped with a full kitchen, along with tables and chairs, tableware, stemware, tiered serving trays, ivory and white tablecloths, a wedding arch and even 22 colors of chair ties. Everything on site is included when you rent The Bellflower.

Renting The Bellflower is very reasonable, $85/hour Friday – Sunday and $50/hour Monday – Thursday, with a 3-hour minimum. Weekdays are available for 24-hour rental for just $400 (great for group crafting, etc.). Police officers and their parents receive a 20% Blue Line discount.

As parents of a police officer in Kentwood, they know first hand the sacrifices officers and their families make every day.

The schoolhouse is not only an ideal event space; it’s a perfect place to hold workshops, classes and meetings. The space is used regularly for tap dance and yoga classes along with other unique offerings. The complete schedule can be found on their website thebellflowerkzoo.com. The Bellflower hosts a Michigan Made Artisan Market twice a year - one for the holiday season in December and another each spring. Don’t miss the spring event on Sunday, May 22nd, from 11am – 4pm. Admission is free and a food truck will be on site.

The Bellflower History: The Bellflower space has a rich history of serving the community, originally a one-room schoolhouse, followed by a church and a variety of unique stores. With the opening of

The Bellflower, the building continues to serve its original mission, as a gathering place for the community.

The Jug Corners Schoolhouse opened in 1871 and was named after the 4-corner area where it was located that got its name simply because of the proximity to a jug factory in the area.

Although the Jugs Corner Schoolhouse was decommissioned in 1954, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many local residents.

In 1955, the Church of the Nazarene took over the space and operated until 1980.

The schoolhouse was then purchased by Ronald & Ellen Haskell.

This was the schoolhouse that Ellen had attended. Her daughter, Sue Ellen, recalls that her mother took a horse and cart to school each day.

They intended to open a small store in the space. After Ronald’s untimely death, Ellen and her daughter put their energies into opening the store, operating the Hickory Stick consignment store from 1981-1995. The space was rented out to a handful of other entrepreneurs until 2017 when sadly, Ellen passed away. The schoolhouse was in need of extensive restoration and her family made the tough decision to sell the schoolhouse to a buyer interested in preserving its history.

Barb and Mike Schudel fit that bill.

Like treasured photographs, the stories of your life deserve to be preserved on paper.

For more information visit christinehassing.com or contact Christine at ckhred30@gmail.com.

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They saw boundless potential in the schoolhouse and were determined to honor its past and pass it on to future generations. The couple had their sights on the schoolhouse for years, driving by daily as residents of Cooper Township for nearly 3 decades.

As luck would have it, their daughter was driving by when the “For Sale” sign was being placed in the yard, and she quickly called her mom. “I made a phone call to the realtor before they finished hammering the sign into the ground,” says Barb. They purchased the building in 2017 and immediately began the restoration process, which included replacing the foundation,

Spring: A lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be.

adding a furnace and air conditioner, along with repairs and maintenance to return the schoolhouse to its original grandeur.

Plan your next gathering at The Bellflower and take your guests back in time. Barb is especially excited about providing a sense of comfort and belonging by delivering unique experiences with top-level service.

For more information visit their website at www.thebellflowerkzoo. com, email thebellflowerkzoo@gmail. com or call Barb at (269) 377-2852.

Jackie Merriam

We Make Scrapbooking Fun!

Elizabeth Bohannon Shop my website creativememories.com /user/elizabethbohannon

Email me at: Lov2scrap49079@gmail.com

April 2022

Experience slow smoked barbeque and mouth-watering sides at Skinny Kenny’s Barbeque. “We put our heart and soul into the food we’re making and we know you’ll be able to taste the difference,” says owner, Ken Smeader.

Premium meats are smoked with real wood, using a combination of oak, cherry, hickory and apple woods.

You will find delicious pulled pork, pulled chicken and brisket on the menu daily and are available while supplies last! Additional meats are often available based on what they choose to smoke each day. Saturday’s smoked meat tradition is full and ½ racks of ribs! Yum! Enjoy your favorite smoked meat on a brioche bun or on its own, paired with Kenny’s sides, including Macaroni & Cheese, Coleslaw (with a surprising crunch), Cornbread (just corn & bread), Cheesy Hash (hash browns, cheese & spices) and Skinny Beans (3 meats, pulled pork, sausage and bacon!), just to name a few.

The Skinny Kenny menu is anything but traditional and includes some uncommon creations, such as: The Monster Bowl with cornbread, Spicy Mac & Cheese and choice of meat, topped with Spicy BBQ sauce ($13). Another interesting menu item is The Skinny Moose, which includes Kenny’s Cheesy Hash; choice of meat, smothered is spicy BBQ sauce and topped off with pineapple pico ($13). For a complete meal deal, try The Skinny Deal that includes your choice of sandwich, one regular side, cornbread & pop for just $12. Non-meat options, such as Mac & Cheese, Kenny’s Nachos and the Fiesta Salad are also very flavorful.

Ken never intended to open a restaurant when he retired as a pastor at Kalamazoo Missionary Church in June 2019. However, he often used the analogy of smoking meats (a hobby of his), in his sermons and on

12

Ken’s final day, he was presented with a commercial smoker as a retirement gift.

Initially, Ken smoked meat in his driveway for neighbors, before embarking upon a food truck purchase and taking his gig on the road.

The timing couldn’t have been better because about that time, indoor dining at restaurants had ceased due to Covid and the food truck business soared. The need for a commercial kitchen became a necessity and he rented a small former restaurant in Mattawan and eventually opened to the public 3 days a week for a year, before moving his business into a larger building on South Westnedge in Portage. The community has embraced Skinny Kenny’s and he’s opened another, even larger location on Stadium Dr., near 9th Street that has a much larger kitchen prep area.

This new location also offered the space to add an ice cream bar. Serving premium ice cream from Ice Cream Club, produced in Boynton Beach Florida. The family fell in love with their unique flavors while vacationing in Hilton Head Island over the years. Some favorites include: C is for Cookie, Stellar Coffee, Garbage Can, Bear Claw and Ken’s favorite, Chocolate Almond. They serve waffle and regular cones, shakes, sundaes, banana splits and floats. Sugar free & dairy free options are also available.

Ken’s family has been very supportive of his venture and his wife, Connie, will often make her famous Banana Pudding or Apple Pie for the restaurant, when she’s not busy helping their 3 children ( Josh, Shannon & Ryan) care for their nine grandchildren, ranging in age from 1-12 years old. The grandkids take pride in the business. You may meet them wiping down tables, working in the food truck or serving as ice cream taste testers.

Ken’s love of family extends to cus-

GOOD NEWS

tomers, whom are his extended family. Interaction with the customers is his favorite part of operating the business. “There’s always room at our table for one more, and even on the busiest days we want to make time to take care of you,” says Ken. Skinny Kenny’s Barbecue in Portage is located at 6005 S. Westnedge, on the corner of S. Westnedge and Milham. Open Tuesday 4-7:30pm, Wed.-Thur. 11am-7: 30pm and Friday and Saturdays 11-8:00 PM. Contact them by phone at 269-8882777.

Skinny Kenny’s Barbecue & Ice Cream in Kalamazoo is located at

Maple 1001 W. Maple St. Kalamazoo MI 49008 269-345-9622

7000 Stadium Dr., at the corner of Stadium Dr. & 8th St.. Open Tues.

4-7:30pm, Wed.-Thurs 11am-7: 30pm and Friday and Saturdays 11-8:00pm. They can be reached by phone all 269-270-3530.

Request their little red food Truck and a smoker for corporate catering, weddings, graduations and backyard parties. Contact skinnykennyscatering@gmail.com For more information visit their website at skinnykennysbbq.com and follow them on Facebook at SkinnyKennysBBQ. Jackie Merriam

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April 2022

be ART ful

These fabric bowls have been on my DIY list for a while.

After finally creating them, I couldn’t be happier with how they turned out

and can now share the how-to with you! If you are looking for a unique and gratifying way to recycle fabric into a functional and decorative bowl,

GOOD NEWS

why not give this tutorial a try.

Supplies needed: fabric scraps . mod podge . scissors . plastic wrap . bowls . paint brush . wax paper . clear acrylic sealer Step 1: Find lightweight fabric and cut into rectangles and squares in various three to six inch sizes. Start with about thirty pieces and add more as needed. I repurposed fabric from (in my opinion) outdated mens dress shirts and used bowls that were borrowed right out of my kitchen cupboard. I chose six inch diameter bowls that would make a good mold for a beginner, like me. Cover the entirety of the backside of the bowl tightly with plastic wrap to protect it.

Set on wax paper with bottom facing up.

Step 2: Paint a layer of mod podge over the plastic wrap and add your first piece of fabric. If your fabric has a noticeable front and back side, the front should be face down on the bowl for the first layer. Once placed, add more mod podge over the fabric and smooth it out. Do this over the whole back of the bowl until the plastic wrap is completely covered.

When the bowl is finished, the good side of the fabric will be facing out on the inside of the bowl. Being very generous with the mod podge, build up the layers, making sure every piece added over the first layer will now be front side up. Most of my bowls have a pretty even distribution of five layers. I never did count exactly how

many pieces of fabric were used after the initial thirty but just kept adding until satisfied with the look and thickness.

Step 3. Let the fabric dry for approximately six to eight hours before peeling the bowl off of the mold.

Keep an eye on dry times as it may vary depending on the thickness of fabric and layers. The fabric shouldn’t be completely dry yet, otherwise it will be more difficult to get off the mold. You can also choose to shape the bowl a little more at this time by trimming the edges of the fabric. I personally did not do this as I found the look of the unstructured rim attractive. Finally, let completely dry for another twenty-four hours and then spray with a clear acrylic sealer. Your bowl will be very durable, water-resistant and long lasting.

These fabric bowls would make an adorable goodie basket filled with sweet little trinkets for Easter, Mother’s Day, a bridal shower, hostess gift, birthday present or party favor. They are also the perfect size for holding jewelry, keys and other miscellaneous minis. I know you will love making these as much as I have. Enjoy! xo ~Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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April 2022

Piece by Piece 14

Where flowers bloom, so does hope.

– Lady Bird Johnson Last month I wrote about a puzzle piece of my life that was my paternal grandfather. This month I wish to share a story about my maternal grandfather.

I still remember what a gentleman who spoke at my grandfather’s funeral remembered most. How my grandfather was always lending a hand to someone in need and how he was always smiling.

Sometimes I ponder if the past few years would have negatively influenced my grandpa’s smile.

I don’t think so.

I think my grandpa would be casting ripples of compassion as he always did, trying to increase smiles on the faces of those who might find it harder to find their own. I believe he would greet each day with a hopeful

heart.

May this month’s article continue his legacy.

My grandpa was a master gardener.

Not officially by certification, but naturally through his years tending the land. We began a tradition in the later years of my grandpa’s life.

On his birthday and on Father’s Day we would give him a rose bush. The bushes held position beside my grandparents’ porch like queens and kings.

My grandpa passed away in a September, and an auction was held late October as my grandma prepared to relocate to an apartment. It was held in northern Michigan, on a snowy day, with temps barely reaching a high of 30 degrees for about five minutes of the day. My mom had stayed over the night prior. On the sale morning, my mom went outside, started down the porch steps, looked to her left, and in

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full bloom was a rose bush.

My mom felt my grandpa was whispering all is well. That this sale is happening is ok. All is well.

Fast forward two years, in September, and I am walking around the yard of our home we had just recently moved into, deeply missing my grandpa. We are blessed to live on a lake. My grandpa had taught me to fish when I was a little girl. I knew he would love the lake we now lived on.

I wished he could see the lake.

As I walked around an outbuilding, I was met with a hello.

A rose bush in full bloom.

Well, grandpa. I guess this means you like the lake.

I continued my exploration of a yard I was only just getting to know with the grace of Peace.

And a smile.

It’s a puzzle piece moment I still

GOOD NEWS

gently touch twenty-one years later.

I wrote in my first book that there are certain things that are Universal…

Loss…doesn’t have to be death in the sense of a loved one—two legged or four. Loss is being separated from the safe haven you knew…whatever you loved, needed, or associated with as part of your identity is now absent from your life.

My wish as we enter a season of new beginnings (Spring) is that if you are missing something – or someone – may you find your own rose bush in bloom. Translation – may you receive a sign that whispers to you all is well.

And may it make you smile.

Christine Hassing Author, Life-Story Writer/Mentor, Speaker

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

HEALTH Zzzzzzzzzz.

Well here we are two weeks after we have set our clocks forward an hour and, I’ll wager, our bodies haven’t adjusted to the difference. At least I haven’t. Who knew that a one-hour difference in our waking and sleeping patterns could make such a difference in how we feel during the day? That’s why, when a friend of mine gave me a research article on the rhythm of sleep, I decided to share its findings with you.

The article comes from Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and it explains the critical role circadian rhythms play in our overall health.

Sleep is controlled by the circadian clock, a 24-hour pattern naturally synchronized to the cycle of daylight and darkness. The central circadian clock is in the hypothalamus region of the brain. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle as well as our pattern of hunger and fullness.

Imagine the central circadian clock in the brain as a conductor, similar to the conductor in an orchestra. Just as the orchestra conductor wants the violins coordinated with trombones during a symphony, the circadian clock gives cues throughout the body to stay in sync as much as possible. When the clocks are misaligned, circadian disruption can lead to negative health outcomes. For those of you who have experienced jet lag and its effect on

sleep patterns, you know what I mean.

Continued disruption of sleep patterns, such as insufficient sleep and poor quality of sleep are risk factors for a whole host of ailments from hypertension to depression.

Researchers linked short sleep patterns and poor-quality sleep to higher blood pressure. Being a short sleeper was associated with a build-up of calcium in the coronary arteries, and, in men, a thickening of some arteries.

These are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Poor quality sleep often results in stress which further disrupts sleep quality sleep. This ends up being a total feedback loop.

What’s even more shocking is we may not notice sleep deficits or we may think we’re outsmarting our physiology. There’s a phenomenon where, if you’re not getting enough long-term sleep, you start to feel used to it and you don’t feel sleep deprived. But if you do some sort of performance test, you are experiencing detriments from long term sleep debt even though you’re not feeling sleepy.

These are important factors for those who are called upon to work 12-hour shifts, often common in health care.

If you’re wondering how to get your seven to eight hours of sleep if you have to work 18-hour days, the answer is not much. However, you can work to get back to the seven-to-eight-hour

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sleep pattern in an incremental step pattern in the right direction.

Apart from adjusting to our one hour of time shift twice a year, here are some tips for improving your sleep starting tonight.

Be consistent. As much as your schedule allows, try to go to bed around the same time every night.

Seize the sunshine. Getting light during the day can help you sleep deeply during the night. But at bedtime, make sure the room is as dark as possible, with black-out curtains or wear an eye mask.

Get Quiet. Drown out noise beyond

your bedroom with earplugs or a white noise machine. Running a box fan may also help.

Move around. People who exercise are more likely to sleep better.

Time your meals. Consuming a heavy or high fat meal just before going to sleep will likely disrupt your sleep pattern.

Nighty night. Remember to MAKE it a good day and be kind.

Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer

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April 2022

Recipes Mini but mighty, garlic is a glorious, “Good for us” food!

When I was a child, I hated the way raw garlic smelled. As a result, it was immediately placed on my “I don’t like it” list. However, as time marched on I crossed paths with a slice of toasted French bread slathered with an incredibly butteryspiced topping that was so good it stopped me in my tracks.

Nevertheless, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I heard it was none other than roasted garlic!

My goodness! I was as shocked as I was surprised at how sweet and delicious garlic, when roasted, could be. Granted, while I still don’t care for the smell, or taste, of freshly-cut raw garlic, I do indeed relish garlic when cooked, and especially when it’s roasted- oh my!

I have to thank GOD for giving

GOOD NEWS

National Garlic Day! garlic that opportunity to cross my path in such a delicious way (thank you, Lord) because it opened my eyes to just how wonderful garlic can be, which has enabled me to enjoy all the incredible health benefits that garlic also brings!

A study done at St. Joseph Family Medicine Residency in Mishawaka, Indiana, found that regular use of garlic may decrease the frequency of colds in adults, which is encouraging because it will likely help us with other ills, too. In fact, a study done by the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China found that people who ate raw garlic at least twice a week had a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer.

And scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified three pure organo-sulfur compounds in garlic, DAS, DADS and DATS, which are effective in destroying cells in a deadly type of brain tumor.

A study from Washington State University showed that a garlic com-

pound, diallyl sulfide, was 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics in fighting Campylobacter bacterium, which is a common cause of intestinal infections.

Garlic compounds appear to be a healthy choice for our hearts, as well.

Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that diallyl trisulfide in garlic oil helps protect the heart during cardiac surgery, and after a heart attack, and it may also be useful in treatment for heart failure, too!

Studies show that garlic can help lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help lower the risk of prostate cancer, aid in respiratory problems and poor digestion, help expel parasites, and reduce fatigue.

Garlic also provides us with micronutrients including magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, and manganese, and if you don’t care for garlic raw, cooked or otherwise, you can still enjoy its benefits by simply cutting a fresh clove into smaller pieces and swallowing it like a pill. In

fact, fresh cut garlic is the optimum way to intake its benefits because once exposed to oxygen, the beneficial enzymes in garlic begin to fade in minutes.

Whenever you cook with garlic, it’s always a good idea to use a garlic press to add some fresh-pressed into the dish just before you serve it too, if you can get away with sneaking some in, that is!

Here now are some great ways to gain better health, and earthy, aromatic flavors on National Garlic Day. ENJOY! Laura Kurella is an award-winning recipe developer, journalist, and selfsyndicated newspaper food columnist who enjoys living in Michigan. She welcomes comments at laurakurella@ yahoo.com.

Stylist and Photographer: Laura Kurella

Velvety Roasted Garlic Vichyssoise

Garlic Butter Yield: 1 cup 1 cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, minced 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon garlic salt

1 teaspoon dry Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika In a small bowl, using a fork, combine all ingredients until well blended.

Pronounced, “Vishi-swazz,” this classic American-French soup is easy to make, oh-so-elegant to eat, and the perfect spring and summer soup because it can be served hot or cold!

Yield: 8 servings 1 large bulb of garlic (12 cloves) 2 tablespoons butter 3 potatoes, peeled and cubed 3 leeks, or 1 large sweet onion, trimmed and chopped 4 cups vegetable stock Chopped chives 1/2 cup heavy or sour cream Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Wrap garlic in foil, place on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until garlic is tender and feels soft when pressed.

While garlic roasts, in a large pot

over medium-high heat, melt butter.

Add potato cubes and chopped onion.

Cook, stirring, until onions softened and begin to caramelize, about 8 minutes. Add stock and bring the pot to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook, simmering gently, until all vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.

While the soup finishes simmering, remove garlic from the oven and foil, and let cool down a bit before handling. Carefully cut the very top off the garlic bulb then, using hands or a spatula, squeeze/press garlic out of its skins and add to the soup pot.

Once soup is done simmering puree with a blender or food processor. Stir in cream and serve hot, or chill and serve cold!

17

April 2022

Recipes

GOOD NEWS

National Garlic Day! Incredible Creamy Garlic Dressing + Dip Yield: 2 2/3 cups of dressing+Dip 2 cups sour cream 2/3 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or table spoon fresh) or to taste 1/8 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 2-1/2 tablespoons cane sugar Unrefined mineral salt, to taste Black pepper, to taste Mix all ingredients together in an appropriate size bowl, stirring well.

The dressing’s flavor improves with age. Do NOT use it for at least 3 days! Keep for a month if refrigerated in a covered, preferably glass (mason) jar.

Glorious Fresh Garlic Pesto Yield: 12 servings 3 cups chopped fresh basil 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup pine nuts 1/8 cup Brazil nuts 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4 cloves freshly minced garlic 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

Place the basil in a blender. Pour in about 1 tablespoon of the oil, and blend basil into a paste. Gradually add pine nuts, Brazil nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chili powder, and remaining oil. Continue to blend until smooth.

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GOOD NEWS

By the Way... “ Birds or a different feath er" The indigenous people who inhabited the land we call North America were exceptionally familiar with the native plants and animals they lived among for thousands of years. The Ojibway and Chippewa called the Robin “Opechee’” (Opichi) and the Tree Swallow “Shaw-Shaw” (Zhaashaawanibish)* But there are two birds, so common and familiar to us today, that were never seen by early native Americans— the English (or House) Sparrow and the Starling. No Starling or English Sparrow existed in North America until the mid-1800s.

We do know the exact locations and dates these two species of birds were introduced into America and spread across the continent.

Around 1850, an amateur ornithologist from Brooklyn, New York, Nicholas Pike, had an idea to control a massive invasion of Linden Moth caterpillars that were destroying the city’s trees. He imported fifty sparrows from England and release them. His goal to control the Linden moth was a huge success—at least in the short term.

In March of 1890, another New Yorker, Eugene Scheiffelin, had his own thoughts about introducing new species into the new world. Scheiffelin acquired forty Starlings from Europe and released them into Central Park in New York. The following year, he released an additional sixty Starlings.

Some say Scheiffelin’s ambition was to establish birds mentioned in the plays of William Shakespeare to America—to be admired year-round by fellow citizens of New York in their

famous park. By 1930, Starlings had crossed the Mississippi and just twenty years later—spread all the way to the west coast.

That tiny introduction of 100 Starlings didn’t remain tiny—it is estimated the Starling population in American now exceeds 200 million. As for Pike’s fifty house sparrows—there are now about 550 million worldwide. The estimated population of the American Robin, a long-established native species, is just over 300 million.

Interestingly, the Robin’s name is an import from England as well. Our native species is a Thrush. Immigrants to the United States from Great Britain who saw this bird in their newly settled land called it a “robin” since it looked like a bird from England—the European Robin or Robin Redbreast– England’s National Bird (a flycatcher).

There are slight similarities in appearance with the rust-colored breast, but that is all.

In 1871, Scheiffelin founded the American Acclimatization Society in New York. Its purpose was the introduction to the new world of other “foreign varieties of the animal and vegetable kingdom as may be useful or interesting.” Little was known, or considered, about the potential environmental and commercial risks of such well-intentioned ventures.

Sparrows and starlings, which reproduce quickly, compete with native species for food and nest sites. And with such large numbers and appetites, cause extensive damage to crop production.

A classic case of the well-intentioned importation of exotic animals gone wrong is the Cane Toad in Australia. In the early-30’s sugar cane growers in Australia released about 2,500 Cane Toads to combat the crop devastation by Cane Beetles.

The Cane Toad, native to central and south America, secretes a poison when threatened. It proved deadly to native predators and other wildlife—including dogs and cats. Worse, the Cane Toad doesn’t just eat Cane Beetles; it eats anything it can get in its mouth including small rodents, reptiles and other creatures. Its impact on the natural environment of Australia has been devastating. Cane Toads can live up to ten plus years—thus, generations

of these deadly creatures have caused an environmental catastrophe.

So, as you watch the flocks of house sparrows and starlings gather at your birdfeeder or in your yard, you can thank, or scorn, Nicholas Pike and Eugene Scheiffelin who set them free in Central Park and the streets in New York never knowing how large or widespread their projects would become.

James D. Coppinger * Henry Wadsworth Longfellow referenced these birds in his epic poem “Hiawatha” using their names in the native language of these two tribes.

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

Spring Cleanup - Delayed

As I write this in early March, we’ve already had our first 70° day, three plus weeks ahead of the average date of March 30th. It’s enough to convince me to store my winter woolens and open the windows. But not so fast, friends! Just two days later, snow showers returned! Occasional lovely days are, however, a promise of the beautiful, warm spring ahead, and we can be forgiven for wanting to jump into them ASAP. Everything outside seems unsightly – black, crusty snow mounds, lawns full of dead, stringy grasses, leftover leaves in the flower beds. Haven’t we been taught to aspire to English gardens? Clean lines, verdant symmetry, blooms all in a row? I’m going to ask readers to consider another strategy, one more in line with the aspirations of many gardeners to support local pollinators.

According to the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation (xerces. org), many gardeners spend considerable time and resources in spring and summer promoting pollinators. They choose native wildflowers and shrubs, reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides, and provide birdhouses and feeders, only to negate many of their efforts in the fall and early spring by elaborate pruning and raking. Through a campaign titled, Leave the Leaves, the group encourages us to restrain our efforts in those transition times to allow the pollinators we welcomed to

enjoy safe overwintering habitats.

Although species like robins and sparrows leave Michigan for warm winter vacations, most don’t. Cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees hunker down right here and wait out the frigid months, sustaining themselves on what they can find by foraging.

They nest in cavities or dense patches of foliage to stay warm and out of the icy wind. Finches, sparrows, and chickadees can be seen sampling dead vegetation for tasty morsels, high in fats and carbohydrates, from the spent seed heads of coneflowers and sunflowers. As soon as the ground thaws, it is common to find overwintering robins rooting in the dried grass for earthworms that have come to the surface to get warm. Those grasses will become doubly important in the coming weeks when it’s time to build nests to rear their young.

We usually fail to notice what is happening to the insects, critical as pollinators of flower and food crops.

Most native bees hibernate, beneath the soil in shallow nests, protected by insulating leaf litter, emerging only when the weather is warm enough to support their need for pollen and nectar. Some gardeners, including me, have purchased native bee hotels with cardboard straws inside for masonry and leaf-cutter bees to deposit their eggs for overwintering. These structures mimic the open cavity stems of many plants, more commonly used by

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these essential insects.

Bumblebees, a personal favorite, die off in the fall, except for a queen that mates in late summer and burrows only a couple of inches into the soil to overwinter. When spring arrives, she emerges from hibernation, all alone, seeking resources to support the new underground nest where she will lay her eggs and rear the brood.

Unlike monarchs, who famously migrate south and west, many butterflies and moths overwinter by laying eggs in leaf litter and dried twigs.

Newly hatched larvae will then eat this vegetation.

Some species spend the winter months in chrysalids, so well camouflaged that we miss seeing them altogether, but rest assured they are snuggled in and waiting for springtime warmth to emerge as butterflies.

According to the Xerces Society, we can support and encourage our VIPs (Very Important Pollinators) by exercising restraint in our desire to clean up the yard during those first warm weeks. I hate to think that these helpers have managed to survive the harshest part of the year, only to be decimated in those last few weeks, simply because we don’t know that they are there.

So, when can we get out and start our gardening efforts? These are some of their suggestions: Don’t bring out the clean-up tools until you’ve put away the snow shovel

and winter coats.

Don’t start until after Tax Day (April 18th this year).

Is it time to plant tomatoes? If so, evening temperatures are probably in the 50s. Great for emerging pollinators!

Does the lawn need mowing regularly? Again, if so, it’s likely reliably in the 50s.

Are the ornamental pear trees that line many of our streets done blooming? This usually occurs from midApril to mid-May. I realize that the changes I›m suggesting will be difficult for many readers. Instead of disrupting the leaf litter and placing it in the street for pickup, wait a bit and start a compost pile. The mulch will be great – high in nutrients and much better than those wood chips! If you worry about the scorn of neighbors, purchase a signpost that advertises your pollinator garden and hold your head high!

And, if you just can›t resist the urge to tidy up, consider only working on the front yard and letting the backyard serve as a pollinator habitat. It reminds me of the old saying about mullet hairstyles – «Business in the front; party in the back.» I vote for the party!

Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

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April 2022

GOOD NEWS

FREE April Events virtual

Museum to Host March 6

Due to Corona virus be sure to call or look online for possible event changes or cancellations.

Through Sun., May 1 Exhibit: Toys: The Inside Story Kalamazoo Valley Museum Friday, April 1 Memory Café- in person, for those with mild dementia & care partners, 1030am-Noon Paw Paw District Library Friday, April 1 Bingo for Books, 2-3pm Ransom District Library Friday, April 1 Performance: A Play in a Day 4pm, Parchment Library Friday, April 1 Art Hop, Downtown Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Saturday, April 2 Kalamazoo Coin Show, 9-3pm Kalamazoo County Expo Center Saturday, April 2 Family Storytime, 11am Comstock Community Library Mondays, Apr. 4,11,18,25 Parchment Interview Series Parchmentlibrary.org Mondays, Apr. 4,11,18,25 Toddler Storytime,10-10:45am Paw Paw District Library Mondays, Apr. 4,11,18,25 Family Storytime, 10:30am Comstock Community Library Monday, April 4 Watercolor Pencil Art, 2-3pm Register: 685-8024 Ransom District Library Mondays, Apr. 4,11,18,25 Drop-In Video Gaming, ages 6+, 5:30-7:30pm, Comstock Library Tuesday, April 5 Kids and Canvas, 10-11:30am Paw Paw District Library Tuesdays, Apr. 5,12,19,26 Family Storytime, 10:30am Comstock Community Library Tuesday, April 5 ARTbreak: Kirk Newman Art School Reisdients, Part 1, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesdays, Apr. 5,12,19,26 Drop In Gaming, ages 11-17 3pm, Richland Library

Tuesday, April 5 Ask-a-Lawyer, 5-7pm Registration begins 3/21: 345-0136, Comstock Library Wednesdays, Apr. 6,13,20,27 Wednesday Wigglers, ages 3-5, Stories, songs & dancing, 10am Wednesday, April 6 Party Games for Teens, 2-4pm Ransom District Library Thursdays, Apr. 7,14,21,28 Mother Goose On The Loose, 10-10:45am, Paw Paw Library Thursdays, Apr. 7,14,21,28 Musical Mayhem Storytime, 10:30 & 11:30am, Comstock Library Thursdays, Apr. 7,14,21,28 Preschool StoryTime, ages 0-4 1pm, Richland Library Thursday, April 7 Smash Bros Tournament 2-4pm, Ransom Library

Tuesday, April 12 Crafternoon, 1 -2:30pm Comstock Library

Thursday, April 21 The Heartbreak Book Club 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Tuesday, April 12 Parchment Student Art Show Opening Reception 5-7pm, Parchment Library

Thursday, April 21 Meet MI Authors: Stephen Mack, 7pm, Richland Library

Tuesday April 12 Death & Lighthouse of the Great Lakes, 6-7pm Paw Paw District Library Wednesday, April 13 Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom: Swallows, 10-11am,Register: birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, April 13 Duo Diorama-MingHuan Xu, Violin, Winston Choi, Piano WMU Dalton Hall, 2pm Wednesday, April 13 Bill Mitchell: Rocks in Your Backyard, 6pm, Parchment Library

Thursdays, Apr. 7,14,21,28 After school fun: science, art & Games, 4-5pm, Ransom Library

Thursday, April 14 WMU Spring Conference for Wind & Percussion Music Miller Auditorium, 7:30pm

Friday, April 8 Inconcievable! Interactive Movie Ages 12+, Ransom Library

Saturday, April 16 Easter Egg Hunt, 2-4pm Mayors’ Riverfront Park

Saturday, April 9 Spring Craft Show, 9-3pm Kalamazoo County Expo Center

Monday, April 18 Mystery Book Club, 4pm Parchment Library

Saturday, April 9 Seed Swap, 10am-Noon Start Here Coffee, Kalamazoo

Monday, April 18 Adult Craft: Plaster Flower Decorated Jar Lids, 5:30pm Comstock Library

Saturday, April 9 Internet Users Group, 10amNoon, Paw Paw Library Saturday, April 9 Partners in Housing Transition Donation Drop Off - beds, bedding, housewares, furniture, etc.

St. Luke’s Church, 9:30-11:30am 247 W. Lovell St., Kalamazoo Saturday, April 9 Art Detectives: Opposites Abstract, ages 4-8, 10:30-12pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, April 9 WMU Choral Showcase Featuring Amphion, Anima & University Choral, 8pm Miller Auditorium

Tuesdays, Apr. 5,12,19,26 Teen Tuesdays, 3-4pm Ransom District Library

Sunday, April 10 WMU University Symphonic & Concert Bands, 3pm Miller Auditorium

Tuesday, April 5 Kalamazoo County ID Mobile Unit, 3-6pm Parchment Library

Monday, April 11 Parchment Book Group 6pm, Parchment Library

Tuesday, April 5 Youtube How-to, 4-5pm Register ahead: 685-8024 Ransom District Library

Tuesdays, April 12, 26 Color Me Happy Adult Coloring Group 10:30-Noon Drop-in Paw Paw District Library

Tuesday, April 19 Earth Day Seed Paper (kids) 4-5pm, Paw Paw Library Tuesday, April 19 Teen Advisory Group Mtg., 6pm, Comstock Library Wednesday, April 20 WMU Pi Kappa Lambda Honors Convocation, 1pm Dalton Center Recital Hall Wednesday, April 20 Teen Advisory Group 2pm, Comstock Library Wednesday, April 20 Book Discussion: Concentric Circles, 2-3pm, tickets: events@kiarts.org Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, April 20 Pokemon Club, Ages 6-11 3pm, Richland Library Wednesday, April 20 WMU Campus Choir, 7:30pm Dalton Center Recital Hall Thursday, April 21 Play & Learn Playgroup 10-11am, Ransom Library

Saturday, April 23 Take Home Craft – Washi Tape Bookmarks, 10am-4pm, Register 4/18, Comstock Library Sat., Feb. 23 – Sun., Feb. 24 Stamp & Cover Show, Sat. 10-5, Sun., 10-3, Kalamazoo Expo Center Saturday, April 23 Earth Day Celebration, 4-5pm Paw Paw District Library Saturday, April 23 Organizing 101, 1-2pm Register: 345-0136 Comstock Library Saturday, April 23 WMU University Symphony Orchestra, 8pm, Miller Auditorium Tuesday, April 26 ARTbreak: Kirk Newman Art School Residents - Pt. 2 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, April 27 Build-o-Rama, 4-5pm Ransom District Library Wednesday, April 27 Adult Book club: The Women Of Copper Country, 6pm Register 3/28: 345-0136 Comstock Library Thursday, April 28 Trivial Pursuit Trivia Nights Theme: Sports & Leisure, 7-8pm, Register ahead: 629-9085, Richland Library Thursday, April 28 Books with Friends on Zoom August Snow by Stephen Mack Jones, 7-8pm, RichlandlLirary.org Fri., Apr. 29 – Sat., Apr. 30 Once In A Blue Moon Garage Sale St. Augustine School, Kalamazoo 4/29: 4-8pm, 4/30: 8am-2pm Saturday, April 30 Styrofoam/Polystyrene Recycling, Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 10am-1pm Saturday, April 30 Adult Book Club – The Women of Copper Country, 10:30am-Noon, Comstock Library Saturday, April 30 Plow Day, 11am-4pm Tillers International, Scotts Saturday, April 30 Opening Concert: Joel Mabus Westminster Art Festival, 1pm Westminster Presbyterian Church