Good News January 2019 by Good News Paper

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January 2019

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Remember When In 1967, Forbes-Cohen, a Detroit development corporation announced the plans for a mall on the west side of Kalamazoo. Originally the mall was to be called the Kalamazoo Mall, but was challenged by DKI, because it would be confused with the downtown Burdick mall. Forbes was open to suggestions from Kalamazooans for the name of the mall and asked for ideas. Nearly 3 years after the proposed mall was announced, the name Maple Hill Mall was selected. The name came from the old Maple Hill Golf Course that was located on West Main Street and went out of business during the depression in the 1930’s.

The ten million dollar, Maple Hill Mall, opened in 1971 on Kalamazoo’s west side, at the corner of W. Main St. and Drake Rd., just east of U.S. 131(formerly part of the farm of Mr. & Mrs. A.W. Frays). Originally anchoring the mall was Montgomery Ward, as well as three local department stores: Grand Rapids-based Steketee›s and Wurzburg’s, as well as Kalamazoo-based Gilmore Brothers.

A combination Turn Style/Jewel Food Stores was located next to Wurzburg’s, but was detached from the mall. Maple Hill Cinema, located behind the mall, was part of the original mall development plan and opened shortly after the mall. Maple Hill Cinema began as one large auditorium. Four smaller multiplex houses were added in 1981 and two additional smaller houses were added in 1983. Many locals, like myself, have fond memories of attending movies at the theater. They showed some the hottest first run titles of the time like Xanadu, The Shining, Coal Miners Daughter and the Blue Lagoon. Sadly, the theater closed in the mid 1990’s and sat vacant for several years before it was razed when the enclosed mall was converted to a strip mall.

Maple Hill Mall was the dominant mall in the Kalamazoo area for some time before the 1981 opening of Portage’s Crossroads Mall. In 1981, Maple Hill Mall went through an extensive, 40,000 expansion, adding its 4th anchor store, Meijer Square, which had an entrance into the mall. Gilmore’s Department store was renovated inside and out along with the mall expansion. Twelve new small stores were added, including: Budd’s Jewelers, Record Bar, Schaak Electronics, Casual Corner, County Seat, Hallmark Card Outlet & Things Remembered. The High Wheeler Ice Cream Parlor was located at the west end of the building near Meijer Square. The expansion completion coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Mall. RE-Opening ceremonies in August 1981 included special observances and entertainment for a week and basketball star, Magic Johnson, was on hand for the opening ceremonies. Additional businesses that joined the mall in 1982 included: Siegel Jewelers, Imperial Sports and Winkelman’s. I’m not sure when Ganto’s Boutique joined the mall, but it was one of my favorite haunts in the 1980’s. In the early 1900’s, Meijer relocated to West Main and 9th Street. The old Meijer Square location was demolished and replaced with Target. In 1995, Gilmore Brothers closed. Montgomery Ward and Steketee’s closed in 2000 and 2003, respec-

Santa’s Workshop, 1975 (Gazette Photo)

Circus World, 1977

tively. Without the draw of its anchor stores, the mall lost customer traffic and many tenants. Several big box tenants including Office Max and Marshalls, opened in the late 1990s and early 2000s to fill the increasing number of vacancies. Kimco Realty acquired the mall in 2003, with plans for renovation. Value City Furniture and Hobby Lobby opened in 2004, each taking half of the former Montgomery Ward. Prior to demolition, only four inside tenants remained - GNC, Dollar Tree, Regis Hairstylists and Glamour Nails. Over 100,000 sq. ft. of the building

was demolished in 2004’ for parking and revitalization efforts to the mall. The 30-year old mall was converted into an open air power center similar to Southland Mall. Power centers became a national trend – a shopper can enter a specific destination, make a purchase and leave. The large stores like Hobby Lobby and Value City Furniture, with their own drawing power, along with a new mix of national discount and specialty retailers made up the center. Maple Hill Mall became Maple Hill Pavilion and continues to be a success to this day! Jackie Merriam

January 2019

GOOD NEWS

houseplants

Refresh & Beautify Your Indoor Landscape Need a fresh look and some fresh air in your home or office? Now is a good time to green up your indoor landscape with new houseplants.

Fresh green plants are a welcome sight, especially after putting away Christmas decorations! Of course, you know houseplants are beautiful, and you probably know they help improve your well being, but did you know that scientists have found that houseplants greatly improve the air quality in your home? When you place growing plants in your home or office, you are scrubbing harmful gasses out of the air through the everyday process of photosynthesis. No matter which ones you choose, houseplants natu-

Polar Bear Plunge Day is January 1st Start off the year with an act of daredevilry. Celebrate Polar Plunge Day on January 1 by taking a dip in the cold,

rally and effectively clean the air you breathe through their recycling of the air around them. Have you noticed that odor when you get a new mattress or new carpet? Putting extra air-cleaning houseplants in the room will help get rid of it. Some plants are better than others in removing harmful household toxins, though. The following are some of the best air cleaners and can even remove up to 90% of the chemicals in the air. This could mean a decreased risk of allergies, cancers, asthma and other diseases. Some “air cleaners” you are sure to enjoy include pothos, palms, peace lilies, ferns and rubber plants. Want something that has blooms to brighten up your indoor living area? Get some orchids – their blooms can last 6-12 weeks or even longer! Want freezing waters of your local lake, river or pond. Although Polar Bear plunges take place throughout the colder months, the most popular day for them is on New Year’s Day. It is though to be the best day for this kind of swim, because as many participants have noted, after you’ve done that, no challenge the New Year could bring could possibly faze you. Polar Bear Swims have been around for well over a hundred years. The first recorded Polar Bear Swim took place in Boston 1904. The plunges are the most popular in Canada, The Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the United States. Sometimes it’s for charity and sometimes it’s just for a challenge, but either way, thousands of people worldwide take to the icy winter waters every year. Plungapalooza is the largest polar bear plunge in the United States, held

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something that you can hang up? Two of the best hanging “air cleaner” plants are Boston ferns and Spider plants. Want something that can grow in an area with low light? Try a zizi or pothos plant (notice, I said “low-light”, not “no-light”!). These two happen to be some of my favorites as well - Zizi plants are ultra-easy to care for and lemon-lime pothos have that super-fresh green color that brightens up any room. You may want to ask a houseplant expert to help you pick out plants that would do best in the lighting of your home of office. Any plants will clean carbon dioxide out and release oxygen into the air. Of course, the more vigorously your plants grow, the better job they will do for you. Schultz houseplant food has the micronutrients plants annually at Sandy Point State Park in Maryland. The event raises funds for the Special Olympics and has managed to collect millions of dollars. The largest Plungapalooza to date took place in 2008, with an estimated 12,000 participants. Celebrate Polar Bear Swim Day by taking part! Find out where the nearest Polar Bear Swim Day will be organized, and sign up. You can help raise money for those who need it, meet new friends and make some incredible memories! However, if you have any heart condition or have the tendency to panic, you may be better off standing on the shore in your nice warm coat, hat and scarf, cheering them on, taking pictures and enjoying the excitement. Either way, you will be able to be part of the fun!

need and is super easy to use - just add 7 drops per quart of water to feed all your air-cleaning plants. It’s also a good idea to dust the plant’s leaves off with a damp cloth to allow particles in the air to absorb well. Another benefit of houseplants is that they look much nicer than putting in an electrical air purifier! Look at the space you have available and then choose one 10-12 inch potted plant per 100 square feet to effectively purify your air. Breathe deep & enjoy some fresh green! Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

Photo taken at W.K. Kellogg Manor House.

Happy New Year! Jackie Merriam

Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook! This publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.

January 2019

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Will the new tax laws affect your return?

It’s a new year, which means it’s time to start thinking about taxes. This tax season will be the first time that filers will encounter changes to the tax law brought about by the Tax Cut and Jobs act, a bill passed in 2017, that brings with it the most significant changes in several decades. Many of the changes to the tax law may have an effect on how much filers get in returns or have the amount they have to pay to the IRS. Preparing for the new tax laws will help filers avoid additional confusion and stress related to filing their taxes. Most of the changes to the law only affect the federal portion of individuals tax returns; however, the

Michigan Legislator passed a bill in response to the repeal of the federal personal and dependent exemptions for 2018. The Michigan bill removes references to the exemptions allowed on a taxpayer’s federal return while also creating a stand-alone exception for Michigan residents. The Michigan bill allows filers to claim a personal exemption equal to either an amount adjusted for inflation or the states flat-rate of $4,050 for 2018. Fliers who aren’t sure if the legislature bill will affect their taxes should consult their tax or accounting professional prior to filing. The federal tax law changes are more substantial than the state-level changes. One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the personal and dependent exemptions as well as doing away with the penalty for not having health insurance. The law also lowers the amount of medical care costs filers can deduct from 10% to 7.5%. Limits on the amount of local property, sales tax, and income that can be deducted; filers will only be able to claim deductions up to $10,000 starting this year. The Tax Cut and Jobs Act does

increase some deductions and tax credits that filers maybe eligible for. The exception amount for the alternative minimum tax has been raised to $109,400 for married filers and $70,300 for single filers. Standard deduction amounts will nearly double this year; the amount single filers can deduct increases to $12,000 and $24,000 for married filers. Families will benefit from an increase in the Child Tax Credit. The credit increases to $2,000 per child for qualifying families. The law also adds a credit of $500 for any other dependents that aren’t children. The income cut-off amount for these benefits has been increased to $400,000;

meaning more families will likely qualify for them than in past years. These are just a few of the changes most likely to affect your tax returns this year, but the Tax Cut and Jobs Act makes significant changes for small business owners, contractors, and sole proprietorships. If your taxes involve complex circumstances like these then you will want to consult with a professional to ensure that your tax returns are accurate and upto-date. As Ben Franklin once said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Joshua Albright

January 2019

GOOD NEWS

home decor Making Room For New Beginnings

It can be hard to shake off the holiday blues after the celebrations are over, the cold of winter and doldrum days seem endless - but this is the time of year we look toward the future with a renewed sense of self, plans for self-improvement, both inward and outward with hope that with each passing year we learn to become better versions of ourselves. As a designer, I’ve learned that by making small changes in your environment, you can stir change in your behavior and habits, which cumulatively lead to significant improvements in daily life, leading to an emotionally healthier and happier you.

Unload Your Burden

Years of accumulation of “stuff ” not only overwhelm your closets, spare rooms and drawers, but also can cause a constant emotional burden when you’re burdened with cleaning around the clutter and shuffling through it.

Even simply looking at it can cause stress. I follow the rule; if you haven’t needed or used it in the past year, give it away. Plus, giving it away to someone that may actually use it is a wonderful feeling. Perhaps eliminating the clutter in our physical world opens up time to concentrate on cleaning up the clutter in our minds too!

Organize Closets & Drawers

Organization can be daunting for many and simple common sense for others. Either way, it can significantly impact your daily life. For those that struggle with it, imagine if every time you looked for something, you knew exactly where it was? You’d save so much time, especially when you’re in a rush to get out the door. I came to appreciate this after starting a family - when it felt like we never had enough time and I was

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always running behind, forgetting where things were and always forgetting something. Finally, after getting fed up with constant chaos, I applied the same methodologies I do with clients to my own life. I took every drawer in our house and systematically organized it, assigning homes for useful objects and placing like things together and of course, pitching or giving away things that were useless to us and taking up space. Of course, in order to do this, it was necessary to purchase a significant number of small trays, baskets and containers - which are readily available, even at the dollar store if you’re on a tight budget. Now, when anyone in my family or I need something, it’s easy to find. Also, when the house gets messy, which it does often, clean up is a breeze.

Be Bold, Take a Chance, Get Inspired

Paint a wall or even a room a color that scares you, but you secretly adore. Rearrange your furniture and exchange pieces from different rooms to create a new feeling. Purchase a few new furniture pieces or accessories that you love, but shy away from because they are outside your typical taste. The transformation you create in your home may just stir in you the confidence to make positive changes in other areas of your life - instead of just dreaming about the best version of you, it may awaken and inspire the best version of you! Wishing you blessings, hope and new beginnings for 2019. Happy New Year! ~ HITE HOUSE Julie Hite-Neilitz of HITE HOUSE Home Furnishings www.hite-house.com 6360 Stadium Drive

January 2019

pets it’s a new year: shape up!

Now that the holidays are over, our thoughts naturally turn to getting into shape for the New Year, to be healthier and ready to accomplish all our goals for 2018. Do you have a

tubby tabby or a portly pooch in need of better health and more energy? Our pets need our help to live their best lives, getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy weight that will promote a long and active life.

While we love spoiling our canine or feline family members with treats as we celebrate the holiday season, those health-challenging habits need to be discontinued so that each furry friend can feel great all year long. Here are some things to consider and suggestions for positive changes as you make New Year’s resolutions for your pets (and yourself ). We often use treats as a way of telling our pets “I love you” but there are other, healthier strategies for pampering our furry friends, which you might want to consider. Who can

resist a pair of pleading eyes in a precious dog or cat face when enticing food is abundantly available during the holidays? Unfortunately, many human foods are harmful or even deadly to pets, who are attracted by enticing aromas that they don’t recognize as being dangerous. Human food, and especially highly processed human food, should be kept off limits for your furry family members to avoid any potential tragedy. Remember that your pet is smaller than you are and has very different nutritional needs. It is easy to think of a “diet” as less than 2,000 calories a day, which is reasonable for a human. However, a fully grown cat or small dog may need as little as 200 calories a day for optimum health In This Issue It’s A New Year: Shape Up! Doggie Den Cat’s Corner Our Sponsors Pets of the Month and every additional treat, even if just a few calories, can be enough to trigger weight gain resulting in obesity. Be sure to consult with your veterinary health care provider for specific food and calorie recommendations to meet

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your pet’s daily needs. Now you may be scratching your head and wondering “how can I show my love to Fluffy or Fido if I can’t give treats and lots of food?” While your pet may thoroughly enjoy food treats, what s/he really craves is your time and attention. Select activities appropriate for the pet’s species, age, and state of health. Some good activities for your canine friend include longer and more frequent walks, playing with a ball, and chasing a frisbee. Cats can enjoy playing with a laser pointer, interacting with a “cat teaser” wand with a dangling feather toy, and any mechanical toy, which moves in a way that stimulates stalking behavior. The nationwide estimates of pet obesity provided by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention show that 54% of dogs and 59% of cats are

overweight or obese. These alarming statistics point to a future of shorter and less-healthy lives after many years of lifespan gains for domestic pets. Even the best medical care and a loving home are not enough to counteract the toll of obesity on your fur baby’s life. This year, let’s all resolve to ensure that our pets reach the best weight and healthiest lifestyle possible. The bonus, of course, is that you might find yourself exercising more and feeling better, too!

To My Person: I will wait until 6:01 a.m. before licking the tip of your nose and stepping on your face as a reminder to prepare my gourmet breakfast … now. I will attempt to wipe my feet on the doormat to clean them when they’re muddy instead of running into the living room and wiping them on your Turkish rug, although it is so very soft on my tender paws. I will try, really hard, not to break any more lamps when a fly is flitting around the light and begging me to attack and eat it. I will work on not screeching like a howler monkey for the first 30

seconds of our separation when you close the bathroom door. All bets are off at 31 seconds. I will not hold grudges against you for more than a day at a time when you don’t feed me things that might kill me, such as alcohol, avocados, chocolate, coffee, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, moldy foods, mushrooms, mustard, onions, raisins, rhubarb, salt, tea, walnuts, xylitol, and yeast dough. I know you love me, and I love you too!

January 2018 Newsletter reprinted with permission from KAR. Karren Jensen

new year’s resolutions from both sides To My Pet: I will not wrap you in Christmas tree lights for a photo shoot … again. And I will protect the cords from your teeth and you from electrocution. I will not make you wear booties, because I will only buy ice melt that is pet friendly (and in summer I will not put anything on the lawn that could hurt you). We will work together to remove all of the snowballs from your feet for more bonding time. I will not bring in the houseplants that can

hurt you, such as amaryllis, crocus, azalea, chrysanthemum, lilies, oleander, or tulips. It would be great if you would please consider tossing up any grass you eat outside and not inside on the rugs or in the laundry basket. I will provide you with heartworm and flea and tick prevention, according to the vet’s schedule. Like it or not, this is good for you. When I sing in the shower, I promise to no longer hit those notes that hurt your ears and give you a headache. I continue to love you to the moon and back!

December 2017 Newsletter reprinted with permission from KAR. Kim Bourner

January 2019

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Vintage

It’s the beginning of a new year, and what better time to mix it up than now? Here in Michigan the winter months can seem long and dark, and finding “new” things to do can be just what you need to get you through ‘til spring. And by “new”, I mean vintage. Why not take a look back and remember some of the things we loved to do as kids, and then do them? Or what about changing things up by adding a few vintage trends to your life? Now is the time! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1960s cat eyes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

*Visit a Diner*

O’Duffy’s Pub again. The costumes and characters never get old. Going back to the classics is always a good bet, and there are so many fantastic vintage movies available to watch. You can choose a romantic classic like “Casablanca” or a horror classic like “Psycho”, and everything in between. I love watching a great musical for a pick me up, something along the lines of “Westside Story” or “Singing in the Rain” will get you moving in the right direction.

*Amp Up Your Vintage Look* People, this is your chance to try something new, something out of the box that can add a twist to your routine day. How about perfecting the ‘60s Cat Eye look, just for fun? You might be inspired to add a vintage skirt or hat to go with your new look.

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*Do the Hustle*

Or any other dance that you love, and remember, dancing is exercise! Exercise can help get you through the winter months by pumping out endorphins when you need them the most, helping with weight loss and increased energy levels, and aiding in better sleep and relaxation. Kalamazoo offers classes in everything from Swing Dance to African Dance and more. Boheme Tribal Bellydance is located in the Park Trades Center and offers classes for all levels. The Kalamazoo Ballroom Academy offers adult classes and focuses on self-improvement, relationship building and living a passionate and healthy lifestyle. To me, nothing says vintage like swing dance and WMU has a wonderful Swing Dance Club. Classes are also offered in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids for non-students.

*Roller Skating*

One of my favorite childhood activities was roller skating at Roller World. We weren’t allowed to have dances at my school, so roller skating was where it was at. I remember the music, the lights, and taking laps around the rink as fast as we could. When the song “Kung Fu Fighting” came on we were always warned to slow down or get kicked off the rink. Here in Kalamazoo, Roller World is still in full swing and offers many different skates during the week. They’re located at 7491 Stadium Drive and you can check out their website for the various skate activities. *Watch Vintage Sitcoms and Movies* Remember shows like “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman”? Bet you didn’t know there are 325 episodes that were released on disc in 2013, so you can watch them all! Or if you don’t want to go that far back, but still want that vintage vibe, you can find “Mad Men” on Netflix and watch it

liquor and an assortment of games ranging from board games to arcade games to video games. LFG owner Amy Spalsbury is excited to offer a whole new vibrancy to Downtown Kalamazoo.

J-Bird Vintage in Kalamazoo has an array of vintage and is happy to help you find what you love to create the perfect outfit. Pick your favorite decade or era and add a few loved items that will take you back and move you forward at the same time. You can also check out the Kalamazoo Antique Market in Downtown Kalamazoo. They carry a variety of vintage treasures for the home along with some vintage clothing items.

*Go Back to Gaming*

Do you miss old school Gaming? Remember Packman, Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis? Well you can relive your Gaming glory days right here in Downtown Kalamazoo at LFG Gaming Bar, located at 116 Portage St. They serve amazing food,

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Everyone likes to eat, and there are lots of good spots for this in the Kalamazoo area. If you want a down home breakfast or diner style lunch, try Poor Richard’s Café. Open since 1985, they offer a child friendly, family oriented small town atmosphere with classic favorites like biscuits and gravy, pancakes and bacon, grilled cheese and burgers. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, but still with a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, stop into O’Duffy’s Pub, located in the Vine Neighborhood at 804 W. Vine St. O’Duffy’s is a neighborhood Irish Pub where you can meet old and new friends, with real beer and real food, and really wonderful people. They also have free weekly entertainment by local musicians, and who can beat that? Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the new year and spread your vintage love around like it’s free, because it is. Happy New Year to you all! Jayne Gulliver Owner of J-Bird Vintage, 511 W. Vine, Kalamazoo

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January 2019

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The top books published this year that librarians across the country love Educated: A Memoir

The Immortalists

“In her memoir, Westover recounts her childhood growing up in a strict Mormon family, ruled by an erratic father, and living off the grid in Idaho. Westover compellingly sketches her years growing up, her relationships with siblings, encounters in the town nearby, and the events that eventually drove her to leave and pursue formal education. For fans of Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle.”

“A thought-provoking, sweeping family saga set in New York City’s Lower East Side, 1969. Four siblings sneak out to visit a psychic who reveals to each, separately, the exact date of his or her death. The book goes on to recount five decades of experience shaped by the siblings’ attempts to control fate.”

by Tara Westover

by Chloe Benjamin

Andrea Gough, Seattle Public Library, Seattle, WA

Kelly Currie, Delphi Public Library, Delphi, IN

The Great Alone: A Novel

Circe

“Leni and her troubled family embark on a new way of life in Alaska’s wilderness in 1974 – hoping this is finally the solution for her troubled, POW father. In Alaska, Leni and her family are tested and when change comes to their small community her father’s anger threatens to explode and divide the town. This is a beautifully written novel, descriptive and engaging with well-developed characters and a strong sense of place.”

“Circe follows the banished witch daughter of the Titans as she practices her powers for an inevitable conflict with one of Olympus’s most vindictive gods. I found myself pondering motherhood, mortality, and feminism. For readers of historical and mythological drama or anyone who loves a strong female lead.”

by Kristin Hannah

Alissa Williams, Morton Public Library, Morton, IL

by Madeline Miller

McKelle George, Salt Lake City Public Library, Salt Lake, UT

For book recommendations from your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/

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January 2019

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

Jane: Before and after photos are fascinating. The women’s hairstyle magazines have them. They show an average looking woman with straight bangs, shoulder-length hair, and no make-up. She usually isn’t smiling— probably because she has a toothache. The after photo reveals what was hiding underneath those dull tresses: highlights, luscious waves, blush, lipstick, eyeliner, and Chic-let teeth. It truly is amazing what a haircut will do. The other kind of before and after photos I enjoy are kitchen makeovers. The dark, greasy cabinets turn into white, open shelves. The almond appliances become stainless steel, the drawer pulls match the teakettle, and the countertop is something that came from a quarry. In the before picture,

there is a toaster and bad lighting. The after look sports an espresso machine and no curtains. It truly is amazing what $100,000 will do. Recently we renovated our kitchen. We didn’t replace any appliances or cabinets, but we used a lot of paint and the new lights make my cooking look better. Now, I’m going to get a haircut. Ellen: I’m a sucker for the comparison pictures of animals before and after adoption. Sure, there is sometimes a physical change, but what is most compelling (and usually causes me to tear up a bit) is the visible emotional change. The amount of happiness, contentment, and excitement that bursts out of the “after” shots is heart-

warming to say the very least. Need to pick up your mood? Search for pictures of some pups after adoption. There was a beautiful photo experiment of a similar sort done a year or so ago, where a photographer took pictures of random passersby before and after telling them they were beautiful. The after photos catch a range of emotions: surprise, gratitude, shyness, laughter…everyone takes the compliment in a slightly different way. My mom sent me pictures of the renovated the kitchen, and it looks great. However, the photos I was most drawn to are not the ones of the countertop or the fixtures, they were they ones of the family party she threw after the project was complete; a formerly empty space now filled with

aunts, uncles, and cousins enjoying their time together. The best kind of “after.” Jane & Ellen Knuth

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January 2019

Wedding & Party Planning

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January 2019

Engagement season is upon us, with approximately 40% of them occurring between the months of November and February, making this the perfect time to see what’s hot and what’s not for wedding and party planning for 2019. It should be no surprise that one of the biggest influences on bridal trends this year in bridal dresses is Meghan Markle. You’re sure to see hints of Meghan’s ceremony and reception dresses – especially the boat neck off the shoulder silhouette. Meghan can also be credited with the resurgence of the bridal tiara. Bridal jumpsuits and 2-piece dresses will also be on trend. Grooms will be opting for tailored fits and pops of color. Mix and match bridesmaid and even groomsmen attire is on the rise. Checkered, floral prints and polka dots are just a few styles popping up more and more. 2019 is expected to see a resurgence of bright, deeply colored flowers. Shades of purples from violet to periwinkle are gaining popularity. Lots of greenery will continue to be a big part of the décor, but will be combined with a more

colorful selection of flowers. Dahlias, with their jewel-tone hues make them a perfect choice. Peonies and ranunculus will also be popular in arrangements to give a natural and relaxed feel. Flower walls will be popular and provide a perfect photo backdrop for guests. The wedding décor follows the floral trends, with bright colors to create an elegant affair like burgundy, turquoise and emerald green with be seen in elements of the ceremony, reception, bridesmaid dresses, invitations, linens and accents. Copper and rose gold are quickly phasing out and the traditional silver and gold are coming back. Mix and match place settings are not only the trend for receptions, but it’s also gaining popularity for registries. 4 The rustic barn weddings are losing steam in popularity as well. Over the past several years, we’ve seen so many versions, it seems that we’re finally tired of burlap, wildflowers and mason 4 jars. For unique and relaxed venues, 4industrial spaces like old mills and factories with raw wood and metal accents have

SUNDAY, JANUARY 413th

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a much more modern feel. Invitations and event branding like signage, menus, napkins and more continue to grow in popularity as in the past several years. More unique features used on all paper things like geometric cutouts, custom drawings and watercolors, wax seals and color blocking. Save the dates and invitations are the first hint to guests what the event will be like. Custom monograms printed on napkins, koozies, the cake and even on the front of the bar – creating a custom and unique event. Traditional party favors are being replaced with personalized gift baskets or gift boxes – especially for destination weddings or celebrations where a majority of the guests are coming in from out of town. The baskets can include anything from an itinerary and map for the weekend to local treats and thoughtful gifts relevant to the couple or locale. For those who wish to offer party favors, think of edible wedding favors that represent something meaningful – artisan olive oils, custom hot sauces, and special spice blends, to

name a few. Seed packets are also a unique party favor and can double as a décor element when displayed creatively. The types of food being chosen for receptions are becoming more personal and inventive. While sit-down dinner will always be popular, food choices are getting more creative than the typical buffet selection. Small plates and added courses, allow guests the chance to enjoy lots of options on a smaller scale. Do-it-yourself and interactive themed food stations are trending like raw seafood bars, custom pizzas taco stands and more. Unique drink options and custom cocktails are also popular. Food pairings such as gourmet sliders with craft beer will also be quite popular. The choice becomes even more personal if the food and drink have a special significance to the guest(s) of honor or their families. Now you’re ready to start planning the perfect 2019 special event. Good Luck!

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January 2019

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Nothing says LOVE

Like Vintage

1940s practical wedding dress

1920s wedding dress

1960s Twiggy style

January 2019

1920s wedding dresses

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How do you find the perfect wedding dress? Where to start? Have you considered going vintage? The beauty of planning a wedding today is that you can do just about anything you want and have it be a success! Prior to the 20th century, wedding dresses were a variety of colors and would often be worn again, but when Queen Victoria was married in all white lace in 1840 and pictures were published worldwide, white became the standard for all wedding gowns. Let’s take a look at some of the defining decades of the 20th century for wedding gowns. The 1920’s were influenced by the flapper style of the day. Waistlines were often dropped low and hemlines could daringly be above the ankles. These shorter dresses were paired with a Juliet cap veil styled after the cloche hat. The ‘30’s style wedding dress was more traditional and often followed Hollywood and celebrity trends. Beautiful satin dresses with long, extravagant trains became popular in the 1930’s, partially due to the rise in media and the society weddings publicized across the world. The 1940’s fashion was very much effected by WW11 and rationing. The ‘Make Do & Mend’ government campaign motivated women to be creative and reduce, reuse and recycle. Women often made their own dresses out of easy to find fabric or reused entire dresses. This often brought about a more practical and tailored look, such as a proper skirt and blazer paired with a hat and accessories. Many men were married in their uniforms. By the late ‘40’s Christian Dior created the hourglass look with cinched

GOOD NEWS waist that was all the rage. This look was paired with long, full skirts and lace that accentuated the small waist and made the wedding dress a formal event. This traditional and romantic fashion trend continued throughout the 1950’s and even into the early ’60’s with the help of famous women such as Queen Elizabeth and Grace Kelly. By the mid to late 1960’s the mini dress was the hot look and had a strong influence on wedding fashion. This decade mixed it up when it came to wedding style! Anything from the mini to ‘Baby doll’ dresses worn by Twiggy influenced the style. Long dresses were worn, but were often more simple and decorated with flowers instead of lace. This led into the 1970’s style wedding gowns that focused on the Hippy trend with long, simple flowing wedding gowns often accessorized with beads and flowers. In 1981 Princess Diana’s wedding dress designed by BLAH became the most famous and influential wedding gown in history! Brides wanted the extravagant, over the top dress with big sleeves, long trains, skirts and even large bouquets! Today, you have the luxury to pick and choose your wedding dress style, and J-Bird Vintage is happy to carry a wide array of vintage that might fit what you have in mind! Whatever you choose, follow your heart and don’t be afraid to LOVE what is right for you. May you find that perfect dress and best wishes for this special day and many more in the years to come! Jayne Gulliver Owner of J-Bird Vintage 511 W. Vine, Kalamazoo

January 2019

parenting Without endings, there are no beginnings. Without darkness, there is no dawn. Without work, leisure might not be quite so sweet. Without sadness, can we truly feel happiness? Paradoxes abound in life. So too, does the inevitable, irrefutable paradox of time. That is, if time could be stopped, there would be no pressure to live in the now, and there would be no motivation, no deadlines. All the paradoxes we can find have life lessons embedded in them. Let’s take endings and beginnings. January is the time for beginnings. Why is it that people make New Year’s resolutions? Maybe because January is the reset button, sluff off last year and last year’s habits. Without endings there would not be beginnings. Here’s another paradox: as parents we talk, talk, and talk at our kids— pick up your coat, did you get your homework done? Clean up this mess, feed the dog, get your shoes on. Less talking at your kids is more effective. Now, let me be clear, this typically applies to developing children over age 5. Set a firm boundary (after electronics are off ): “We leave in 2 minutes, with or without shoes.” Yes, you can

leave without shoes on your child’s feet. What? Your feet are cold? Huh, I wonder why. Now, actually leave in 2 minutes, not 5 or 10. If not, you just taught your children that 2 minutes doesn’t really mean 2 minutes. Set a timer for 2 minutes and if you aren’t ready, say “I’m not ready, two more minutes.” Set timer. “Clean up this mess” is vague. “Pick up those Legos.” “Where are my Legos?” I picked them up and put them away until tomorrow when you can have them back. Next time when I ask you to pick up your Legos, you know I will take them until the next day. DON’T take things away without a short timeframe to get it back (longer than a few days is ineffective), this makes kids feel like they are “so bad” they can’t do anything right, it makes you look arbitrary, and you strip yourself of authority and predictability. “Is your homework done?” What is your child going to say? “No, no I don’t have my homework done.” You set him up to lie to you, and then you blame him for lying. Very few children are able to manage their own homework before the end of middle school or high school. The alternative: “Can I help you with your homework?” If bringing homework home is a problem; contact the

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January Is The Time for New Beginnings teacher to see how you can check for homework assignments. If you had to bring work home and do it at home, would you want to do that? Neither does your child. Of course, she is going to avoid it. The benefits are that you talk less,

and teach your child to think and plan. Sheryl Lozowski-Sullivan, M.P.H., Ph.D

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health

January 2019

It’s that time of year again when one’s thoughts turn to making resolutions for the new year. Here is some exciting information that can help make the resolutions meaningful. Can drinking more fluids help prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s)? Until recently no one explored the possibility. Then scientists at Danone Research-(Danone sells bottled water)- randomly assigned 140 premenopausal women to drink either an extra 6 cups of water a day. (Six cups of water amount to about 1.5 liters) or drink no more than usual. All the women had been diagnosed with at least 3 UTI’s in the previous year and all typically drank less than 1.5 liters of fluids a day before the study started. Over the following year, those who drank no extra water averaged 3.1 UTI’s while those who drank extra water averaged only 1.7 UTI’s. Possible resolution: I will drink about 12 cups of water or unsweetened fluids a day. Could staying active lower your risk of Parkinson’s disease? Researchers looked at eight studies that tracked more than 544,000 adults for six to 22 years. Men who reported doing most physical activity had a 32% lower risk of Parkinson’s than those who did the least. There was no clear link in women. Possible resolution: I will be more physically active in 2019.

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food for thought in making new year resolutions Can eating organic foods lower your risk of cancer? French researchers tracked nearly 69,000 adults for five years. Those who reported eating the most organic foods were 76% less likely to be diagnosed with lymphoma and 34% less likely to be diagnosed with postmenopausal breast cancer than those who ate the least. According to the latest research, it’s too early to know if organic foods prevent cancer, but it’s good for the environment. Possible resolution: I will eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, organic or not. Is there a relationship between weight and colorectal cancer? Diagnoses and death rates for colorectal cancer have dropped by more than

45% since the 1980’s, partly because of early screening in people aged 50 and older. The question is: why are rates rising in people aged 29 to 49? Researchers tracked approximately 85,000 women aged 25 to 42 for 14 years. Each 11-pound weight gain after age 18 was linked to a 9% higher risk of colorectal cancer. Obese women had nearly twice the risk of those whose weight was in the lower half of the healthy range. Although this kind of study can’t prove that excess weight actually caused the higher risk of colorectal cancer in these younger women, increasing weight is a well-established risk factor in older people. Possible resolution: I will lose or not gain extra pounds in 2019.

Do sugary drinks make people gain weight? Researchers randomly assigned 641 mostly normal weight Dutch children who usually drank sugary beverages (including fruit juice, sports drinks, lemonade, and sweet tea) to get a daily 8 oz drink sweetened with either sugar (104 calories) or artificial sweeteners (0 calories) at each school day. Neither the children nor the researchers knew who got which drinks. After 18 months, the average child who got the sugary drinks had gained about two pounds more than the average child who got sugar free drinks. Also, among men and women with a genetic risk of obesity, those who drank at least one sugary drink a day were four times more likely to become obese than those who drank less than one sugary drink per month. Possible resolution: I will cut down on my daily intake of sugary drinks and substitute water. Making resolutions is risky because the rate of failure is high. So, try making very modest ones. Here’s another tip: don’t tell anyone. The success rate is much higher if you keep your resolution to yourself. Here’s wishing you the best year ever! Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal Trainer

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January 2019

Recipes Caption: A great step toward better health is to add more green food to your life, and a pleasing way to do so, especially with broccoli, is to use it to make a mouth-watering dish that is so good both you and your body will say, “Ah!” Food stylist and photographer: Laura Kurella With another year clicking by, and most of us resolving to start it off healthier, it won’t be long before most of us will be finding out which is stronger - our spirit or our flesh? This inner battle is mighty, often life defining and as such, mentioned often in the Bible, which is likely why I find Joyce Meyer’s take on it - in a

GOOD NEWS

It’s Not Easy Being Green! YouTube video sermon titled, “How to be led by the Holy Spirit” - so eyeopening! In it Meyer demonstrates that we all have three separate entities within us – spirit, soul and body, which explains why we can want to do something good and something bad at the very same time. “I don’t want to eat that hot fudge sundae! I do want to eat that hot fudge sundae!” she stammers then grins. This inner conflict occurs whenever our soul, spirit and or body are at odds and then she said, “And the body part of us is well, stupid. It’s only able to do what we train it to do.” She’s right. The body part of us would rather eat doughnuts! To have a chance at health we need to tune in to our wiser soul and tune

out our stupid flesh, especially when it comes to eating better food, like broccoli! Ranked as the world›s fifth most popular vegetable, broccoli is one of the most nutritious vegetables that offer us a complete powerhouse of nutrition in one single serving! Known to be rich in a compound called sulfophane, which is known to fight cartilage-destroying enzymes, broccoli works as an anti-inflammatory, which also helps protect blood vessels in the heart and keep it healthy, too. Broccoli is extremely rich in Vitamin C, which builds collagen, helps heal wounds and cuts faster, protects the body from damaging free radicals and helps our skin repair itself. Broccoli also possesses the compounds

lutein and zeaxanthin, which help improve eyesight and, it has certain antioxidants that have the ability to fight off cancer cells, especially the ones that cause melanoma, certain types of leukemia, prostate cancer and stomach and intestinal cancer. Broccoli is also high in fiber so, it can help lower cholesterol, aid digestion and also help us feel fuller so we eat less! Here now are some mouth-watering ways to make it easier being green – ENJOY! Story, recipes and photos By Laura Kurella

Bloomin’ Broccoli Soup 2 large yellow onions chopped 3 tablespoons avocado oil 1 hearts of celery 3 heads of Broccoli with stem 1 quart organic vegetable broth, low sodium 3 scoops powdered Goat milk 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Goat Cheese 1 teaspoon sweet paprika 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste In a large Dutch oven or large, deep skillet, combine onion and oil. Saute over medium-high heat, stirring until caramelized. Meanwhile, trim then chop up celery, discarding only the very top and very bottom of stalks. Once onions are starting to brown, add chopped celery. Trim florets from stem and set aside. Chop up remaining stem and add to pan, stirring in. Once mixture is looking well caramel-

Bold Broccoli & Shrimp Bake 2 pounds broccoli 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (or 1/2 teaspoon ground) 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (or 1/2 teaspoon ground) 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/8 teaspoon hot chili powder 1 pound shrimp, large, shelled and de-veined 2 tablespoons olive oil Zest from one lemon 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut broccoli into florets then, on a cookie sheet, toss together with olive oil,

coriander, cumin, salt, pepper and chili powder. Spread into a single layer then bake for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, toss together shrimp with olive oil, lemon zest, salt and pepper. When the broccoli has been in the oven 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the broccoli and toss gently. Roast another five minutes, toss gently again, then roast five more minutes or until broccoli is tender and shrimp is pink and no longer opaque. Approximate servings per recipe: 4. Nutrition per serving: Calories 336; Fat 16g; Sodium 806 mg; Carbohydrate 17g; Fiber 6g; Sugars 4g; Protein 32g.

ized add broth. Stir, scraping bottom of pan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer. Allow to simmer for one hour, half covered. Remove pan from heat and let rest for 15 minutes then place contents, in batches, into a blender to puree or use immersion blender. In the final batch, add goat milk powder. Once all is pureed, return to pan then place over medium low heat and add cheddar, paprika, pepper and reserved broccoli florets. Continue heating until broccoli florets turn a bright green, about 5 to 7 minutes. Serve with artisan bread for dipping, if desired. Approximate servings per recipe: 8. Nutrition per serving: Calories 305; Fat 20g. (sat 11g.); Sodium 280 mg; Potassium 301 mg; Carbohydrates 11g; Fiber 2g; Sugar 2g; Protein 12g.

January 2019

Recipes

GOOD NEWS

It’s Not Easy Being Green! Broccoli Bites Prep Time 10 minutes; Cook Time 5 minutes; Total Time 15 minutes 1/2 cup flour 1/2 cup milk 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon sriracha (optional) 1/2 head broccoli 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons cooking oil Trim the broccoli stalks and cut the broccoli into small florets. Mix the flour, milk, garlic powder and paprika into a bowl. You want it to form a

batter. You can adjust the consistency with more milk. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Dip the tops of the broccoli florets into the batter. Make sure the whole top of the broccoli is covered in batter. Dip the broccoli into the breadcrumbs. Repeat with all the broccoli. Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Cook broccoli in batches until golden brown- about 5 minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

garden and raised pigs, chickens and cows. She always enjoyed cooking and was taught to cook from scratch the foods they tended. When you dine at Kare’s, you will feel like you’re part of the Kare’s family. Her small diner is the perfect atmosphere to strike up conversations with others and enjoy the family environment. In fact, many of her customers have become so close they are like family. One regular customer thought the sign would be more noticeable if it had brighter colors and a new logo. Before long she and her family showed up with paint and a banner design and updated the sign for Kare. A few other regular customers show up each week to make a run to Harding’s and Gordon Food Service for anything she might need. Kare feels strongly that everyone should have a place to go for the holi-

days - she is open on all holidays from 7am-1pm. Kare’s Village Diner is available for private parties and gatherings for any occasion. The dining room comfortably seats 50 people. Kare can work with you on planning the perfect menu for your group. Call 629-5271, message on Facebook: Karesvillagediner, or email karesdiner@gmail.com. They are open Tues., Wed., Sat. & Sun. from 7am-3pm, and Thursday & Friday from 7am-8pm. Breakfast is served all day. Kare’s is located on M-89 just east of the village, across from Gull Lake Schools at 9678 East D Ave. Stop in and join the Kare’s family and enjoy the hometown home cooking.

EAT

It truly is a family affair at Kare’s Village Diner in Richland. Owner, Karen (Kare) Wilson, who was born into a family with a long history of great cooks, including her mother and grandmother, has employed the help of her family since she began her business 14 years ago. Kare’s Village Diner is known for their homemade comfort food made from scratch. A few favorites include meatloaf, scalloped potatoes and ham, pan-fried tilapia and her homemade soups - especially the split pea and ham and bean and ham. “Just like grandma makes,” commented a recent patron. The two soups she always has on hand are: stuffed green pepper and chili. A kid’s menu is available with children’s favorites like Hamburgers, chicken tenders, hot dogs, PB& J, grilled cheese sandwiches and a favorite with the kids - homemade macaroni and cheese. Kids meals are jut $4.25 and are served with applesauce, fries & a small drink. Breakfast can be ordered all day. Customers rave over the biscuits and gravy, breakfast burrito and the chili stacker (which consists of hash browns, hamburger, eggs, chili and cheddar cheese). The kids delight in the Mickey Mouse and snowman

pancakes, served with a choice of meat for $5. Kare’s eyes lit up when she was describing the special way she decorates each one of them. Gluten free dining options are available, along with homemade breads, including some specialty breads like cheddar & herb, caramel apple, cranberry and banana nut. The breads are also available for take out – pre-order preferred. She likes to support local businesses by making purchases at the Richland Harding’s store and the Richland Meat Market. Kare does most of the cooking at her restaurant, while her mother, Patsy Wilson, bakes the homemade breads. Her sister, Susan Kloosterman, makes her specialty, carrot cake, and waits tables a few days a week. Gerrie Wilson, Kare’s youngest sister, waits tables most days and is likely to be the friendly face that greets you. Her father, Gerald, would often come into the restaurant and lend a hand washing dishes before his passing. Kare’s nieces and nephew have learned the restaurant trade over the years and often share their ideas with her. Recently, her nephew added the rope lighting to make the sign stand out better at nighttime. Kare grew up on a farm in the area with four siblings. They had a huge

Jackie Merriam

January 2019

GOOD NEWS

ARTFULy styled

“Note to self: If it’s worth putting pen to paper, it’s worth doing it in style.” I read that quote in the J. Peterman Owners Manual quite some time ago and it still continues to make a creative impression on me. January, the month of new beginnings, clean slates and fresh starts. Today begins the first day of the rest of our lives. It’s 2019 and time for a new chapter. Why not make it unforgettable…after all; we are individually perfected and unique in every way. Shouldn’t our memories be given the same consideration? We should explore more, imagine more, discover more, dream more and maybe even write more. But how, where do we start? A simple yet creative solution awaits! Good old-fashion pen to paper. I keep a feel good journal where I jot down little things like compliments, happy observations…anything that tugs at my heartstrings. On January 1, I go through and read everything I wrote down over the past year. It’s always such a great reminder that it’s the little things in life that are worthy of remembrance! I love these floral pens; they are so pretty and utilitarian. I know you’ll enjoy writing with them too, so let’s get you creating! Materials needed: coffee filters, white floral stem wrapping tape, food coloring, tea and/or coffee, water, glue gun, glue sticks, white seam binding, disposable ink pens. Step 1: soak your ribbon and your coffee filters in a coloring mix water bath of your choice. Use tea or coffee to help give an antiqued look and

add a few drops of food coloring. It’s all about experimentation and there is no right or wrong way. Once you have achieved the color look you like, lay coffee filters flat to dry on paper towels or a protective plastic surface so the dye won’t transfer and stain any other area. The ribbon can be crinkled and left to dry or you can use a hair dryer to speed up the process. Step 2: using 6 coffee filters, poke a hole in the middle and put the pen through them. Starting with the coffee filter closest to the back end of the pen, dab hot glue on the end as well as a half inch down and secure the coffee filter by pinching it like a rose bud. Do this to the remaining 5 filters, layer by layer.

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Step 3: starting at the base of the last exposed coffee filter, wrap the floral stem tape all the way to the bottom of the pen making sure to stop before you get to the disposable ink insert. Taking the ribbon, leave about 6-8 inches of a tail and wrap the pen all the way down and then back up to the start, making sure to cover all the floral tape and overlapping the ribbon. Tie a bow at top and secure under the knot with a little hot glue, if you’d like. Tips: I like to use Bic Cristal XtraSmooth disposable pens. Once the ink runs out you can replace the ink insert from another new pen. The seam-binding brand I use is called Hug Snug. It’s super thin and perfect for wrapping the pens.

You now have a beautiful writing instrument that can be used over and over again and if you make more than one, they look very pretty arranged in a vase while not in use. Email me at: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Or find me on: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo https://www.facebook.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo Your comments, questions and photos are always welcomed and greatly appreciated!

January 2019

environment

It’s a new year and I decided to look at climate change from a different perspective. I read an article from the Wall Street Journal entitled “Climate Change Is Affordable” by Holman W. Jenkins, Jr. He wrote about the recent government report assessing the economic impacts of climate change over the next century. The research, supported by thirteen government agencies and three

hundred scientists, predicts a 10% reduction in economic growth, or $510 billion...over a century. The average annual growth rate of the economy from 1948 to 2018 has been 3.20%. As Jenkins calculated, even if the economy averaged only 1.6% in the next 72 years, we would have a GDP of $61 trillion in 2090. In addition, the model those researchers used for these estimates

employ a “worst case scenario”. That scenario included a global population increase higher than projected, few technological improvements (including efficiency), and the extraction of more fossil fuels than are currently available. This seems to make a case for not doing anything about climate change. Our government could afford to fix the economic damage it would cause.

GOOD NEWS However, I would like to make the argument that climate change and environmental conservation isn’t just about economics. I think the conservationist, Aldo Leopold said it best, “A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise,” and “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” We share the planet with other organisms. Even if you are one to believe in the superiority of man, why deprive future generations of the splendors of nature? Why use mankind’s supposed superiority to mar the planet? Wouldn’t it be much more becoming of a superior being to treat the planet with respect? For your New Year’s resolution, I challenge you to think about the role of yourself and mankind in the epic that is Earth’s history. Judy Smith , Heidelberg University Student

MUSEUM EXHIBIT RECALLS AN ERA WHEN “GREEN BOOK” HELPED EASE THE WAY FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRAVELERS

· “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book” was compiled by a New York City postman with help from postal carriers around the country · Black travelers faced “whites only” lodging, restaurants, even gas stations · Rockefeller’s Esso brand sold gas, franchises to African-Americans In the spring of 1946, Jack Roosevelt Robinson, former multi-sport standout at UCLA and a U.S. Army veteran, and his bride of two weeks Rachel, were flying from Los Angeles to Florida for baseball’s spring training season. Yet twice along the route they were bumped from flights so passengers with white skin could occupy their seats. During a stopover in New Orleans, they were not allowed to eat in the “whites only” airport restaurant. After arriving in Florida, the driver ordered them— yes—to the back of the bus. The Robinsons, Jackie — soon to wear the Brooklyn Dodgers’ No. 42 on his back — and Rachel, were not

alone. African-Americans faced discrimination in many aspects of life - including: finding lodging, dining, a drinking fountain, a restroom or even when trying to buy gasoline for their cars. To ease their way, Victor Hugo Green, an African-American mail carrier, published “The Negro Travelers’ Green Book” with a listing of places — some commercial, some private homes — where dark-skinned people could stay and eat, where they could buy gas and even which towns to avoid for their own safety. His annual book outlived Green. He started it in the mid-1930s and his company kept it going until passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s. No doubt many people first learned of the Green Book in August 2015 when The New York Times did a feature story about the book, or seeing previews for the upcoming film, Green Book. However, visitors to the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, Michigan have been exposed to the book and its role on black travel since late in 2014 when the museum opened its Green Book exhibit. The exhibit includes the life-like museum figures of a mother and daughter and a two-tone 1948 Buick sedan parked at an Esso filing station. Information panels provide details, a large video plays interviews

with African-Americans who experienced discrimination while traveling and a copy of the spring 1956 edition of a Green Book is there for museum visitors to examine. “It’s a story that had been pretty much forgotten,” said museum spokesperson Jay Follis. “We’ve had a tremendous number of people seeing it and saying, ‘I’ve never heard of this’.” Victor Hugo Green was a native of Hackensack, New Jersey and a mail carrier in New York City. His wife was from Virginia and as they traveled to visit family, they encountered Jim Crow restrictions. A Jewish friend showed Green a guidebook used to avoid “gentile-only” establishments and Green started his Green Book. He enlisted mail carriers across the country to help him compile and update the listings. There’s a reason the gas station in the Gilmore museum diorama has an Esso pump. Esso was a brand of John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company. Follis explained that Esso had a program to help African-Americans buy and operate its service stations. Esso also provided offices and support for the staff that helped Green produce and publish his guides. Rockefeller was married to Laura “Cettie” Spelman, a daughter of abolitionists. The Spelman home had been part of the Underground Railroad. Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary, founded late in the 19th century to educate young black women,

would become Spelman Seminary and later Spelman College in honor of Cettie’s family’s work and contributions. The Green Book diorama is one of two that are a permanent part of the Gilmore museum’s display. The other — The American Exodus — focuses on the hardships of the Depressionera migration from the Midwestern “Dust Bowl” to the Promised Land on the West Coast. Both have had profound impacts on guests and are regularly used by the Museum’s education team. The Gilmore Car Museum—North America’s Largest Auto Museum—is located midway between Chicago and Detroit. In addition to nearly 400 vehicles, many of them housed in historic buildings and re-created automobile dealerships, its 90-acre campus include a vintage gasoline station and authentic 1941 Blue Moon Diner that serves lunch daily. The museum is open daily except Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. To learn more about the Gilmore Car Museum visit: www.GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call the Museum at 269-671-5089.

January 2019

GOOD NEWS

FREE january EVENTS Through December 9 Exhibit: Frank Lloyd Wright: Architecture Of The Interior 373-7990 Kalamazoo Valley Museum Through January 6 Exhibit: Bikes: Science On Two Wheels Kalamazoo Valley Museum 373-7990 Through April 15 Exhibit: What We Carried: Fragments And Memories from Iraq and Syria Kalamazoo Valley Museum 1:30pm, 373-7990 Tues. & Wed., Jan. 2,8,9,15,16,22, 23,29,30 Indoor Flea Market, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 9am-3pm, 373-5147 Tuesdays, January 1,8,15,22,29 Music Bingo at Old Burdick’s Wings West Bar & Grill, Noon-7pm, 343-0032 Wednesdays, January 2,9,16,23,30 Music: Potter’s Lounge, 5:30-8:30 Wednesdays, January 2,9,16,23,30 Meditation at Unity of Kalamazoo Church 6pm, 385-2239 Wednesday, January 2 Music: Whiskey Before Breakfast O’Duffy’s Pub, 8-10pm, 344-5666 Wednesdays, January 2,9,16,23,30 Weekly Comedy Show - Open microphone Harvey’s, 9-11pm (ages 21+), 7606251

Fridays, January 4,11,18,25 Music: Potter’s Lounge, 7-10pm Saturdays, January 5,12,19,26 Bank Street Winter Market, 8am-1pm, 1157 Bank St., Kal. Saturdays, January 5,12,19,26 Music: BenJammin’ and Analisa Educational entertainers & Kids breakfast Old Dog Tavern, 10-11am, 381-5677 Saturday, January 5 Stories, activities, guests & prizes Kalamazoo Public Library - Central 2-3:30pm, 342-9837 Saturdays, January 5,12,19,26 Music: Potter’s Lounge, 7-10pm Sundays, January 6,13,20,27 Irish Jam Boatyard Brewing 4-7pm, 226-0300 Sundays, January 6,13,20,27 Bell’s Eccentric Café - Team Trivia Doors open 5, Trivia 6-8pm Sundays, January 6,13,20,27 Professional Blues Jam Old Dog Tavern, 6-9pm, 381-5677 Monday, January 7 Book Group @ Parchment Library First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen 6:30pm, 343-7747 Tuesday, January 8 Video: Art of the Game, Ukiyo-e Heroes, Part 1, Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Thursdays, January 3,10,17,24,31 Quizzo Trivia-Boatyard Brewing 7-9pm, 226-0300

Tuesdays, January 8,15,22,29 Learn Tibetan Buddhist Meditation The People’s Church, Kalamazoo 7-8:30pm, 944-1575

Thursday, January 3 Music: Tom Duffield O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm, 344-5566

Wednesday, January 9 Thriver - Health Talks Borgess Health Club 5:30-7pm, 381-1986

Friday, January 4 Memory Café-Gathering of individuals With memory loss & their caretakers Paw Paw District Library 10:30am-Noon, 657-3800

Wednesday, January 9 Music: Carrie McFerrin O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm, 344-5666

Friday, January 4 Art Hop – Downtown Kalamazoo & in the Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Friday, January 4 Fretboard Festival Play-In Contest Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 5-9pm Friday, January 4 Music: Dillon Tolbert, 6-9pm Boatyard Brewing, 226-0300

Thursday, January 10 Music: Megan Dooley O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm, 344-5666

Saturday, January 12 Art Detectives: Be Still, Life For kids ages 4-8 / with adult Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 10:30am-Noon, 349-7775 Saturday, January 12 Music: Shelby Lentz, 5-8pm Boatyard Brewing, 226-0300 Sunday, January 13 Light in the Darkness Benje Daneman’s SearchParty Kalamazoo Valley Museum 1:30pm, 373-7990 Sunday, January 13 Music: Cabtown Checkers (Jazz) Parchment Community Library 2pm, 343-7747 Tuesday, January 15 Lunch & Learn: Challenge Conventional Ideas to Build Your Optimal Team Fetzer Center, 11:30am – 1pm Registration Required - 387-3232

Sat., Jan. 19 – Sun. Jan. 20 Winter Craft Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center Sat., 9am-3pm Sun., 10am-3pm Sat., Jan. 19 – Sun. Jan. 20 Kalamazoo’s Vintage Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center Sat. 9am-4pm, Sun. 10am-4pm Saturday, January 19 Front Page Discussion: Decoding the Weather Machine, 10:30am Parchment Community Library Saturday, January 19 Sensory Saturdays: Reinforcement: How Can I Help Make This More Fun? (for families with children on the autism spectrum) Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 11am Sunday, January 20 Mindfulness Meditation Down Dog Yoga Center, 1-3pm, 993-2486

Tuesday, January 15 Video: Art of the Game, Ukiyo-e Heroes, Part 2, Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesday, January 22 Talk: No Dark in Sight: Light and the Night it Transforms, Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesday, January 15 WMU Connect Business Expo 2019 Fetzer Center, 1-5pm, 599-5334

Friday, January 25 Music: Don Savoie, 6-9pm Boatyard Brewing, 226-0300

Tuesday, January 15 Thread & Yarn Club, 3:30-5pm Parchment Community Library Wednesday, January 16 Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMU January Thaw Centerpoint Church, 10th St., Kal. 1-3pm, Registration Req’d 387-4200 Wednesday, January 16 Book Discussion: The Lives of Surrealists, 2pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, January 16 Music: Out of Favor Boys O’Duffy’s Pub, 8-10pm, 344-5666 Thursday, January 17 Parchment Town Hall Meeting Parchment Community Library 7pm, 343-7747 Thursday, January 17 Music: Bog Road O’Duffy’s Pub, 8-10pm, 344-5666

Friday, January 11 Music: St. Joe Jack, 6-9pm Boatyard Brewing, 226-0300

Thursday, January 17 Joseph Heywood on Readers & Writers Richland Community Library 7pm, 629-9085

Saturday, January 12 Weekend Indoor Flea Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center 8am-3pm, 383-8778

Friday, January 18 Music: David Flanagan, Boatyard Brewing 5:30-7:30pm, 226-0300

Friday, January 25 Chamber Music Concert Kalamazoo Ladies’ Library 7:30-9pm, 344-3710 Saturday, January 26 Friends of the Kalamazoo Library Bag of Books Sale, 9am-3:30pm Kalamazoo Public Library Saturday, January 26 Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-off 11am – 2pm, 488-1787 Saturday, January 26 Chili Cook-off: Come in and taste the Vegan Black Bean /Corn Chili Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 11-2 Sunday, January 27 The K-Wings in the International Hockey League, 1:30pm Kalamazoo Valley Museum Tuesday, January 29 Talk: Watanabe Shozaburo: Reinventing the Japanese Print Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Noon Wednesday, January 30 GLAMA Jam, 7pm Boatyard Brewing, 226-0300