Good News January 2021

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January 2021

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January 2021 Wedding & Party Planning Feature Inside!


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January 2021

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RememberWhen

Eugene Worden and Grover Lutz opened a small bakery in 1920 in Jackson, MI, called the Century Bakery. This bakery was the beginning of the Dawn Food Products empire and the popular Michigan Dawn Donuts chain. Dawn Donuts was popular in this area during the 1960’s and 70’s. The Portage location was at 6225 S. Westnedge Avenue, in the parking lot of the former Miracle Mart and Family Foods, across from Southland Mall. The iconic multi-peaked steep roof architecture with floor to ceiling windows became the look of the Dawn Donuts stores built from 1960-1966. The Portage building is still standing today and has since housed Mackenzie’s Bakery and most recently Moe’s Southwest Grill. A second location on the Westside of Kalamazoo opened in the West Main Mall. Mike Roberts owned the local Dawn Donuts stores. His mother Shirley ran the front of the bakery and Mike’s twin sisters Dawn and Darlene worked alongside their mom. A former employee commented on the local Facebook site, Vanished Kalamazoo, “My very first job was at Dawn Donuts and I worked for the Roberts family. I remember I had to

wear an all white uniform with a little hat. Oh my! I believe my hourly wage was $2.35.” Another of the iconic Dawn Donuts buildings remains in Battle Creek in the Urbandale neighborhood at 1567 W. Michigan Avenue. The building still remains and has since been home to Dunkin Donuts and most recently Tom’s Donuts, which closed in 2018. The name “Dawn” Donuts is in reference to the time of day that bakers start working and the chain touted 101 doughnut varieties. Former customers shared their fond memories on Vanished Kalamazoo with comments like: “Dawn had the BEST glazed donuts! I used to go there with my Dad every Saturday morning at 6am, just the two of us most of the time – nice memories.” “Dawn Donuts had the very best Pershing rolls anywhere.” “My driver’s education teacher had us pull into Dawn Donuts and he bought us all donuts…he really needed the coffee too!” “I loved Dawn Donuts.” The history of Dawn Donuts is quite confusing because although the donut chain was derived from the Century Bakery in 1920, the next step was actually manufacturing the doughnut mixes, which began in

1925. It wasn’t until 1958 that the first Dawn Donuts shop opened in Flint, MI by Arthur Hurand. The Dawn Donuts chain was a separate retail business that began through licensing arrangements. The doughnut storeowners used the Dawn name and the Dawn mixes. Bakers recognized that Dawn had something special – a donut recipe that produced delicious, consistent, high performing donuts every time. At the height of the Dawn Donut craze, there were at least 60 Michigan locations in operation. In 1985, the chain unveiled a new store prototype for use at locations inside convenience stores, primarily Amoco gas stations. In 1991 most of the chain was sold

to Dunkin’ Donuts, which doubled their presence in Michigan. Most were converted to Dunkin’ Donuts, but individual franchises were allowed to keep the Dawn Donuts name and 8 stores kept the Dawn Donuts name. There are still a few remaining locations in Flint, that are still in operation. One Dawn Donuts location, on Cilo Rd., was rebuilt in 2013 and combined with a Subway. One hundred years after the popular donuts made their debut, Dawn Food Products continues to provide more than 4,000 products across 105 countries to inspire bakers around the world to create sweet moments. Jackie Merriam


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January 2021

GOOD NEWS

20 Best Houseplants for Low Light Plants brighten up any room, help clean the air and bring a bit of nature inside, but indoor spaces rarely have the same levels of bright, natural light many plants enjoy in their native habitats. Without adequate light, a plant’s foliage may be dull or turn yellow or brown, growth will be slow and flowers may fail to bloom. Choosing low light houseplants is an ideal solution for any indoor space, and there are many beautiful plants that can thrive in a dim environment. The exposure of any window affects the sunlight it brings indoors, with north and west windows generally having lower light than south and east windows. Changing seasons also changes how much sunlight comes through any window, with less light available to indoor plants in fall and winter. Fortunately, there are many outstanding houseplants that can grow well in lower light conditions. While the best plants for your home will also vary based on humidity conditions and the care you can provide, houseplants that don’t mind lower light include:

It’s not often I get a request for the content of my column, but I sure did this month. My grandson was so excited about a recent project that we built and upon completion in a hopeful voice he said, “Nana, maybe you could put this in your paper.” My response was, “I think that’s a great idea.” So here we go.

African Violets Begonia (Begonia) Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) Cyclamen Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena) Maindenhair Fern (Adiantum) Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii) Peperomia (Peperomia) Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) Snake Plant (Sansevieria) Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) These are just a few of the most widespread, popular indoor plants that can do well with lower light levels. Check Wedel’s garden center periodically for additional varieties that are adapted to your region’s climate. Caring for Low Light Houseplants It is important to note that whatever type of houseplant you choose, a designation as “low light” does not mean the plant can thrive in darkMy grandsons (ages 7 & 8) expressed an interest in building with wood and TOOLS! I told my boyfriend, Steve, about this and asked him to bring over some wood he had laying around. He suggested a birdhouse, but the boys quickly kiboshed that idea and agreed that they wanted to build houses (plural) for their little Lego ninja characters. After a few head scratches, we came up with a plan to make these houses with the meager supplies that were on hand. At first, they watched and enjoyed weighing down the board by standing on the opposite end while Steve sawed with a handsaw. The oldest asked to try sawing, and we decided with assistance it could be safe and gave it a whirl. He was very careful and meticulous. By the time the project was complete, they had both learned to measure, saw safely, use sandpaper, hammer nails and most importantly, to take pride in their handiwork. We were all quite impressed with how the

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ness. All plants need some light, but low light plants can still thrive in indirect or filtered light rather than several hours of bright sunlight each day. To give your low light plant the very best indoor habitat, you will also need… A proper pot or other container. The pot will need to be the right size for the plant and its anticipated growth, without being too big or too small. Adequate drainage is also essential to prevent root rot and other care difficulties. Suitable soil or potting mix. Garden soil has too many contaminants to be good for houseplants. Choose a soil with good nutrition for the type of plant it will nurture. Add perlite, peat or other potting material if necessary to adjust the soil composition. Proper watering. Inadequate water or overwatering can both be deadly for houseplants. Know what water your plant needs and adjust the watering schedule based on the plant’s size and seasonal needs throughout the year. Regular feeding. Because houseplants rely on the same soil and can’t stretch their roots out to seek extra nutrition, regular houses turned out. But what can you do with a house with no furniture? They wanted beds, chairs and a table – oh sure, no problem, right? We got back to work and cobbled together some furniture. They boys were ecstatic. Now it was time for Nana’s decorating touches – we picked out old fabric for the floor as carpet, made some blankets for the beds, some cushions for the chairs and even added a welcome mat. On my next trip to the store, I purchased small strands of Christmas lights, miniature light up trees and battery operated candles to make their Lego ninja homes festive for the holidays. The moral of this story is simple - listen to the little ones in your life and try to expose them to the things that they are interested in. Who knows, they could become the next Frank Lloyd Wright. Jackie Merriam

fertilizing is essential. Use drops of Schultz liquid plant food each time you water to feed gently and regularly. Increased humidity. Indoor air is often much drier than the air outside, and houseplants can dry out more quickly. Adding a humidifier in a room with houseplants, grouping plants together, misting regularly and providing a humidity tray are all ways to help. Occasional dusting. With no regular breezes to blow away debris, houseplants can become dull and dingy without being dusted, and dust can clog their pores. Use a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe the foliage, or give plants an occasional shower to rinse away unwanted dust. Every home can be made brighter with houseplants, even in darker rooms. By choosing the right low light houseplants and caring for them appropriately, even a shadowy corner of your home can be a restful bit of nature. Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

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January 2021

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January 2021

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In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series Jane: I am not alone in my backyard. How do I know this? Tracks in the snow. Yep: clearly outlined footprints, right under my kitchen window. We have a birdfeeder in the garden but other nonwinged guests congregate amidst the fallen seeds and bread crumbs-nighttime guests, fourfooted, and hairy. Judging by the amount of food that is being consumed, my husband Dean suggests Bigfoot but these tracks are teeny, so I dismiss that. Instead, I call Kim, a longtime enthusiast of tracking lore and scat. Scat is what Kim calls poop. (I’m not sure why she calls it scat, but I think it sounds refined.) “Kim,” I say, “How do you tell the difference between the tracks of a racoon and an opossum?” “These are easy to distinguish,” she says calmly. “Their feet are different. Opossum’s have front feet tracks that look kind of like stars. Racoon’s front feet look like perfect little baby hands. What else do you want to know?”

Tracks and Scat: Backyard Adventuring

“Wait a second and I’ll go look again,” I tell her, then dash outside. When I return, I am still deep into the mystery. “What about squirrels? What do their tracks look like?” “Squirrels keep their toes together. If it’s a chipmunk, the prints are smaller and the pinky toes splay out from the other toes.”

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“Kim, you’re amazing,” I exclaim. “How did you learn all this?” “Simple curiosity: I wanted to know who else occupied our backyard and the areas we hike in. We also wanted to create a habitat on our property that made more space for animals and invite a relationship with them. If you want to I.D. tracks, a lot of other information needs to be observed. Look for scat to corroborate.” That may be a good plan. Ellen will probably be good at it... Ellen: Despite my mom’s newfound knowledge about scat and tracks, I’m not inspired enough to go search around our small backyard for signs of our nature neighbors. The animals in our suburban area can be rather aggressive. We’ve had to replace our garbage can after the squirrels chewed through the top, and the yearly disassembly of Halloween pumpkins in situ on people’s porches is expected. This year, ours was hollowed out by mid-December; seeds scattered every which way. You may think that concrete walkways and car lined streets aren’t the best nature watching spot, but not so. The other day a sugar cookie was

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spotted wedged 6 feet up in the crook of a tree, undoubtedly reserved as a delicious snack for later. There is also a neighborhood buck, whom everyone posted on social media until we began worrying that someone would come after his beautiful rack of antlers. Since then, the community has switched to hashtags only, rejoicing in sightings, but obscuring his location. We all sincerely hope he has a safe winter. There’s an old saying “make tracks” expressing the intention to get out, to leave a place and your trail behind you. Though many of us haven’t been able to do much of that in the past year, there is something comforting about becoming more aware of the little lives around us. I am far more acquainted with the squirrel pack, the robins, the backyard owl, and the neighborhood deer thanks to all this time at home. Following their tracks has assured me that, even when I feel very still, life keeps bustling about me and, when the time is right, I’ll again make tracks of my own. No scat though. I’ll leave that one to the wildlife.

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The term “So Fetch” has it’s roots in the Victorian Era and was prevalent in Jane Austen’s books. The term resurfaced again 16 years ago in the teen comedy film, Mean Girls, when the term was coined by character Gretchen Wieners, who was trying to make the term slang for cool, awesome or good! The term may not have totally caught on, but it’s responsible for the name of a new boutique in Kalamazoo, So Fetch Boutique. They are making “So Fetch” happen with trendy, classic and beautiful clothing and accessories at affordable prices. Owner, Kimberly Neer,

chooses items by hand to appeal to all ages and body types to make you feel unique and confident! Kimberly travels to the Dallas market to choose items for the store to see and feel them first hand, trying them on to make sure they look as good on as they do on the hanger. She prefers to support small designers whenever possible. Some brand favorites include: Grace in L.A. Jeans that look great on a variety of body types and hold their shape. Hem & Thread offer classic and trendy fashions. The POL brand has super soft sweaters and does a lot with chenille. Kinsley Armelle and Brenda Grands

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offer fashionable high quality plated jewelry. Prices are affordable ranging from: $19-$100 for camisoles, tops and sweaters, $55-$125 for jackets and coats, $59-$99 for denim, $29$75 for leggings and pants. They have a large selection of great gift items and offer gift certificates too! Loving fashion all her life, Kimberly poured over Vogue, Elle and other style magazines even as a young girl. She started her boutique because of her passion for beautiful, stylish clothing and accessories and the joy she feels in helping women put those pieces of clothing together to make outfits they feel special wearing. For the past several years, Kimberly has worked in clothing retail. She worked as a sales consultant, an assistant manager in a department store and as a personal shopper. Most recently, she held a bridal consultant position at Memories Bridal Salon, where she worked alongside the owner, Adrienne Wissner, who shared her business knowledge and buying experience and gave Kimberly the confidence she would need to open her own boutique. Just over a year ago, the opportunity to ease into opening a boutique presented itself when Stacy Jensen, owner of Refuge Salon in Mattawan, proposed the idea of a small boutique within her salon. Kimberly jumped at the idea and So Fetch Boutique was born. Kimberly acquired her own space

this past spring, during the height of the pandemic. She and her family (husband Greg and her sons) went to work transforming the space into an adorable boutique. So Fetch Boutique opened their doors on August 1st. “What I love most about the work I do is meeting and connecting with people. I also love the look of excitement and happiness in a woman’s face when they try something on that they feel good in and really love on themselves,” Kimberly exclaims. Private appointments are available for women who dislike shopping for themselves or are unsure what works well on their body type. They will have access to a personal stylist to help select their clothing in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Private appointments are also available for small groups of women to get together, have fun and shop without the distraction of outside shoppers. Make So Fetch happen! Stop into their new location or shop online at sofetchmi.com. – Curbside pick-up and shipping options are available. For more information call (269) 4596401 or email Kimberly at sofetchfashions@yahoo.com. They are open Tuesday 11am-4pm, Wednesday-Friday 11am -6pm and Saturday 10am3pm, or by appointment. Located at 6206 Stadium Dr. in Kalamazoo (between Erbelli’s & Tavani Salon). Jackie Merriam

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January 2021

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A new day in ‘21! Happy New Year, Good News Paper readers! 2020 was not what any of us expected, at times was scary, lonely, and generally uncomfortable as everyone began to understand the changes the world, as we knew it. But THIS is a New Year, and we all must press forward as we return to normal. Sadly, our vintage market business Vintage in the Zoo was on hold the entire year of 2020, and the changes that it brought to our family of 5 were varied and new. The slowed pace from hosting 11 events (and a 40 day pop-up store) in 2019 totaling many thousands of guests, over 200 vendors, in many locations, our largest year to date – to cancelling an entire season of events was surreal. We have never had this much time to just slow down and spend time on, well, everything. We know this is the ONE positive aside to the pandemic, and we have cherished this time with our children. We hope to begin hosting Vintage in the Zoo market events very soon! Work behind the scenes has continued throughout this time, and our conversations around how to safely bring VITZ to the public again are pretty well finalized. We miss seeing people just browse vendor’s clothing racks, grab a coffee or bite from the food trucks, dance with their kiddos to the DJ, or chat it up at the VITZ Info booth. Luckily thanks to social media, we have been able keep some connection with these wonderful folks, and our AMAZING vendors. In the meantime, until we see you again on a sunny VITZ day at the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market, or Bates Alley (or the SUPER surprise market we have been wanting/waiting to

announce for over 1 YEAR!) – we ask one thing: SHOP LOCAL! This pandemic has impacted our West Michigan small business community in a very deep way. Amazing brands that people have spent decades and savings on have closed for good, and many more hang in the balance. Below is a list of great locally owned and operated businesses we hope you will consider supporting through a purchase today. Happy 2021 friends, we hope to see you soon, IRL! Stay safe and wear a mask! M + P | VintageintheZoo.com Farmstead Vintage | etsy.com/ shop/FarmsteadVintage Golden Roller Skate | goldenrollerskate.com Good Soul Vintage | Goodsoulvintage.com Great Lakes Thrift Company | shopgreatlakesthrift.com Lionheart Grooming Company | lionheartgrooming.com Livin Vintage | Livinvintage.com Love Charles Vintage | lovecharlesvintage.com Mamaleelu Cold Brew | mamaleelucoldbrew.com Nostalgica Vintage | etsy.com/ shop/NostalgicaVintage Olivia Mendoza Illustration | oliviamendozaillustration.com Sudibear Art+Design | sudirouhi. com Slip the Label | etsy.com/shop/ slipthelabel Sizo + Peny Vintage | https:// depop.com/pleasant_lady

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January 2021

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The top books published this month that librarians across the country love

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January 2021

parents

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It is Never too Late for a Fresh Start:

Changing the Mindset of Virtual/Hybrid Learning Starts with Us!

Yes, we are in a pandemic, and yes, it is hard! School is different than it ever has been. We, as a society, have to change our mindset! If we want

our children to succeed, some of us need to change what we are doing to help them find their success.

It is never too late for a fresh start and if your child struggled during the first half of the school year, then guess what? We have another half to get through. After all, if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s flexibility, resilience, and giving ourselves grace. Allow yourself to grieve what you once knew school to be and then roll up your sleeves and get to work changing your mindset. Changing our perspective and getting children excited and engaged by offering choices and using their strengths can lead to a more prosperous, fulfilling year.

If we focus on using children’s strengths as a tool, they will feel safe; we can help regain their interests and keep them engaged. Feeling safe allows them to take risks while building their strengths. Feeling safe is one of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. When your child

feels safe, he/she takes chances or risks within their learning environment. If children don’t feel safe to

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take risks, they won’t. They might stop caring (on the surface) and get behind; then, it’s harder to get them back on track. When not caring emotions are attached to not feeling safe in the classroom or virtual learning, they start losing interest. When a child loses interest and engagement, they stop working. Higher self-esteem means a higher rate of success; when they use their strengths, it builds self-esteem. Once they feel that sense of accomplishment, they will be more confident and try harder. Provide choices! Explain to your child the different paths they can choose, remembering that our sense of belonging and safety are crucial to taking risks and chances. Explain to your child where each course may take them. Show them the possibilities of a positive or negative path. Allow your child to add to the conversation and their perception of each destination. Ask the ques-

tions, “What do you want? Where do you want to see yourself in five years? Where are your strengths? How can you get there? How will you take ownership of your future? Is what you are doing is helping them go down the path you want?” If not, ask them what they need to do to get back on track. Then together, help them make a plan or vision board that will give your child a visual of their goals. Parents, you are in a difficult situation this year. It has brought many challenges to parenthood. Role modeling for your child, asking the right questions, helping them set themselves up for success, knowing who to connect with at the school and how you can help your child find his/her strengths will provide a sense of calm. Remember, if nothing else, breathe. Julie Sorenson MA, LPC

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January 2021

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Wedding &

The onset of the coronavirus has created the need for new wedding and party planning trends, new experiences and new design elements to celebrate in our “new normal” environment. This year, not only are the usual save-the-dates on trend, but the addition of change-the-dates and unsave-the-dates are also on the rise. The key is finding the humor through these uncertain times. It’s a great idea to create a website with an FAQ page for general updates, infused with anecdotes and small moments of humor to share the light during these emotional times. Not surprising, smaller events will be the norm in 2021. Reducing the guest list can allow you to spend more on the smaller details…incorporating untraditional components that seem spontaneous and give an element of surprise to your special day. An example of this is a welcome box to safely house all event necessities in one place, allowing guests to experience the warmth of being welcomed into the event. Boxes may include personalized hand sanitizers, masks, programs and details and can even include take home favors. Outdoor celebrations will be on trend as they’re safer for guests and vendors. “Tented wedding are the new ballroom,” noted event planner and designer Jove Meyer in the 2021 Trends article on theknot.com. Look to wedding planners and venues for options to help with elegant and whimsical tented options, as well as potential lighting technicians who can help create the ambiance you’re looking for. Pulling together drapery with proper lighting provides a fairytale environment, complete with the breeze and natural light. Look for Mini D’Oeuvres and desserts – smaller plates with individualized portions including charcuterie boards for one! Guests will love the convenience and be wowed by the presentation. Cakes will be smaller in size, but more dynamic in detail, including vibrant flowers in your color palette. Mini cakes are created for each guest and can double as a favor when created on a custom designed coaster.

Courtesy of Noteworthy in Richland

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Café or bistro-style entertainment will be on trend. Acoustic performers, or a DJ playing coffee shop songs during a coffee hour complete with baristas serving lattes is a perfect way to embrace a relaxed but formal atmosphere. Creating a living room atmosphere is not only safe, but also comfortable. A cozy farmhouse look is on trend this year. Choose lounge seating and comfortable chairs because guests will likely be seated longer. Be sure to incorporate greenery and natural elements into your outdoor destination. Technology has never been more important than in 2021. The rise in incorporating Zoom into celebrations and the need for providing ongoing communication to guests through an event website is a must to keep loved ones in the loop. An uptick in weekday celebrations will continue to gain in popularity. Weekday events can save money and can also open up particular venues or vendors that are typically booked. Many are also opting for a nontraditional time of day, such as brunch events to take advantage of the natural daylight for lush garden parties and airy tent dining. Boxed brunches or picnic baskets and prepackaged drinks or custom cocktails to go limit wait times and are fun options. Floral this year is comprised of voluminous arrangements that are breathtaking and sentimental. The flowers should have a direct correlation to the food you’ve chosen to serve and the music you play. Seasonality is also an important consideration for floral selection. Sentimentality also shines through on the tabletop. Custom linens, crystal glassware, layered china; lots of candles and personalized thank you notes to guests, complete the place setting. Fresh nature-driven color palettes with fun, bright and happy colors are also being incorporated into the stationary, décor and foods. Embrace some of these new trends, experiences and design elements into your milestone celebrations and create lasting memories this year. Information courtesy of theknot.com

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January 2021

Party Planning

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12

January 2021

GOOD NEWS

Make Your Wedding Your Own

One of the wonderful elements about a wedding today is that it can be exactly what you want it to be. There is no such thing as having to stick to traditions or work around a specific venue or attire. You have the joy and luxury of making it your own, true to who you are and your love for the person you’re choosing to share your life with. So where do you start with all this freedom of choice? The quick answer is “Anywhere you want!”, and it’s the truth! One way you can start narrowing it down is to take a look back in history, is there a certain decade you are drawn to? Is there a style that you love and it loves you back, where it flatters and speaks to you? Why not go vintage or consignment? Of course if you fall in love with a contemporary gown please follow your heart’s desire, but this day in age it’s such a benefit to practice the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. After all, in the world of fashion, what’s old is new again, because vintage style has never been more popular! Let’s get started and talk about some creative ways to incorporate vintage into your wedding theme. The classic styles of the early 1900s and midcentury can help create the perfect bridal look.

First, what to wear? The beautiful thing is you can wear a dress from any decade, or switch it up to a pantsuit or tux. It’s up to you! Look for lines and styles that work for you, maybe there’s a designer that you love from the 1950s, ‘60s, ‘70s or ‘80s that flatters you. The 1920s through 1940s displayed some of the most elegant and beautiful satin wedding gowns ever created. Even some of the evening wear from these decades can make one of a kind luxurious wedding gowns. There are some amazing 1950s Christian Dior styled dresses that are picture perfect for a wedding, and lately the 1960s and ‘70s prairie style dresses have often been used for the small, intimate weddings. If you want to switch things up, the 1980s and ‘90s offers up a great style with Yves Saint Laurent tuxes that are both formal and flattering. Why not bring a piece of history back to life and continue the love story? Next, accessories can go a long way. Jewelry that comes with a story adds a special touch and there’s the saying, ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue…’. If not a family ring, maybe there are brooches or earrings in your grandmother’s jewelry box. If you don’t have family items available,

check with a dear friend or even a vintage shop for that one of a kind vintage accessory. Earrings can add a bit of color and a beautiful vintage brooch can change the look of a veil or head piece, or can be worn on the lapel of a suit or bodice of a dress. If you have a collection of family brooches, they can be made into an elegant one of a kind bouquet. Veils can also be switched up and out. Trade the traditionally long veil for a birdcage style (one of our favorites). This is a small piece of netting worn draped over the top or side of the face, popular in the 1940s and ‘50s. What about a vintage hat? There are so many fabulous and beautiful vintage hats around, each with their own unique style and artistry. You can find a small and delicate fur, satin or velvet hat with feathers, rhinestones or gems, or you can opt for a large and glamorous hat that shouts high society. Whatever fits your style and

vision will work! And shoes! Keep in mind, these will most likely be worn for this one day only, so why spend a fortune, unless you want to? When I got married way back in 1992, I found the perfect pair of gold and silver flecked heels at a thrift store for $3.00. It rained that day and they were covered in mud after all was said and done, but at that point it didn’t matter! Again, think about the decade that you have in mind, the clothes you’re wearing and your wedding them and go from there. Whatever theme you decide for your wedding day, make it one that fits you and that has personal significance. Make it one that you and your partner LOVE, since that’s what this day is about. Vintage love to you all. Jayne Gulliver Owner of J-Bird Vintage 511 W. Vine, Kalamazoo


13

January 2021

GOOD NEWS

be ART ful 2021 is finally here! Dare I say we begin again as we journey forward into this new year? Filled with hopeful and optimistic possibilities. Month one brings new ideas, resolutions to be made and a fresh start. Maybe you are even feeling like a brand new you has been reborn. I do believe it’s time to re-envision what this year could dare to become for all of us.

Throughout the pandemic, I was and continue to be what has jokingly been called “in hibernation”. Being in isolation for so long is difficult but it can also be a source from which creativity can flourish.

off the new year in a creative way! Supplies needed: bottle caps . rubber mallet . awl . chain nose beading pliers . spray sealer . jump rings . jewelry clasps . cardboard . fine tip marker

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Step 1. Collect bottle caps. Would you believe all of mine came from grocery store parking lots! I thought they were all charmingly and grubbily aged to perfection. While washing your bottle caps thoroughly, pull off the plastic ring on the underside and discard. Allow caps to completely dry.

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Step 2. Lay out a thick piece of cardboard on any hard surface that will be ok to use. Put a bottle cap on the cardboard either face up or down. Taking the mallet, pound the bottle cap until flat, flipping over and doing the same to the other side. When all caps are flattened, spray both sides with a protective sealer. Step 3. Using a few layers of cardboard on a hard surface, prepare to use a little arm muscle for this next step. With the art side facing up on the bottle cap, ink where the two holes will be made (top and bottom) with a fine tip marker. Take the awl and poke through to the underside of

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Step 4. Arrange your bottle caps in a vertical row. My bracelets have six or seven caps each. Using chain nose pliers and jump rings, attach the top of one cap to the bottom of another. Do this until you get all your bottle caps hooked together. Once done, add a jewelry clasp to one end of your bracelet and a jump ring to the other end. Finally, shape and bend the bottle caps slightly to form to your wrist. And there you have it; a fun and funky bracelet. Cheers to 12 more months of daring to be different, daring to make a difference, daring to be creative and daring to let the world see you! xo ~Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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the bottle cap. You may need to practice on a few extras until you get the feel for it. Just the right amount of pressure is needed to poke through. Once you have the two holes, flip over to the back side and use the rubber mallet to flatten the cap again.

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January 2021

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: e l i F o r e H My k n a r F e n An Hero/heroine: A person who is admired for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Do you have a hero file? I do. My hero file is a manila folder where I keep articles and notes about people who’ve stepped up to do or say something that I greatly admire. I look through it when I need inspiration.

I started keeping a hero file in the early 90’s, but I’ve had personal heroes since I was a child. Heroes can be adults, kids, or animals. My unofficial organizing system is roughly divided into ordinary, personal, extraordinary, and animal heroes. They can be heroes for a minute or for their lifetime. Here are a few of my standouts: Anne Frank, Eleanor Roosevelt, Dian Fossey, Louis Zamperini, Kathleen Zellner, the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, and Traker the 911 rescue dog. I consider every fire-person, police-person, civilian, and animal who ran into the burning twin towers a hero. Hospital and clinical workers doing their jobs in the face of Covid-19 are heroes.

No one goes out in the morning intending to be a hero. It can happen in a split second. The person may never have been one before, but they made the decision to step out of their

comfort zone and take action to help.

cars and ran right in front of my car. your hero file. If you take a look If I had hit that dog, I never would around you, heroes are everywhere. have forgiven myself. When the dog While we are mostly sheltering in Some people become heroes by the finished crossing, the man lowered place this winter, it might be a good way they live their lives. Everyone’s his arms and walked back to his time to start your own hero file. hero list is probably different. perch. I flashed a peace sign of thanks *There is much more information My first hero, Anne Frank, still conwhich seemed a small gesture comabout Anne Frank’s life online. tinues to influence my life. I read pared to his big favor. I re-learned the “Diary of a Young Girl” by Otto lesson that you definitely can’t judge Ann Murray is an award-winning Frank and Miriam Pressler when I a book by its cover. Heroes come commercial illustrator who has was around 11. Anne was a Jewish in all types, including those who wear illustrated eight children’s books for local girl living in Germany whose family plenty of body decorations. authors. Her stories, one was forced to flee to Holland during I’m sure you’re keeping a hero list, if of which was collaboration with her WWII. They and four other people only in your memory. Right now husband, have been in three hid in the attic of a Dutch factory there may be people or animals who anthologies. during the holocaust. During their consider you to be a hero. Or there confinement, Anne never lost her faith in humanity. She and the people might be someone you need to add to who helped hide her family were heroes.* Once a friend invited me over to see her renovated studio. She emphatically warned me to be cautious because there had been a lot of drug activity in her neighborhood. When I arrived, I noticed a young man leaning against a fence a few doors down who wore an abundance of leather, chains, piercings, and tattoos. When it was time to leave, my friend repeated her warnings. She’d Our mission to serve ALL has never been more made me quite nervous! I noticed the important. We will be here for you when you same man still leaning against the are ready. Safely. Cautiously. Responsibly. fence when I left. I merged into the Scholarships available. street and got rolling when he ran at For a better you. my car waving his arms to stop. Far from trying to rob me, which I For a better community. had imagined, he was trying to stop For a better us. me from hitting a small dog who darted out from between two parked

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15

January 2021

GOOD NEWS

Health

Good News for Kind Deeds

What a year this has been! As I write this in anticipation of leaving 2020 behind, (with a good riddance) I’m hopeful of better things ahead, but anxious at the same time. Who knows how effective a new vaccine will be or how long will it be effective? Will the December holidays result in an enormous spike in Covid-19 cases and will our health care system be overwhelmed? I’m sure you have similar concerns. It’s easy to feel helpless in times like this. Recent data says that about 25% of Americans will have experienced depression symptoms during the pandemic. That’s triple the number prior the start of the pandemic. That in itself is a mental health crisis. But I do have a glimmer of good news. Some of you may know that I’m an exercise instructor and a personal trainer. At the end of each class I teach or client I train, I say, “Make it a good day and remember to be kind.” I’ve been ending my classes like this for years. Note that I use the verb “make” instead of the verb “have.” I believe that if we assume responsibility for “making” the day good, we may try a bit harder than waiting for something good to happen to us. Will this increase our chances for something good happening? Perhaps, but it’s like chicken soup, it can’t hurt. I was thrilled to read that recent

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? New Year's resolutions?

research has shown significant health benefits for doing simple acts of kindness. (Note the word “simple”; this isn’t heroic stuff.) In a study published by the American Psychological Association, researchers found benefits vary depending on the type of kindness, the giver’s age, gender,

sample). One of the more interesting findings was that random acts of kindness, such as helping an older neighbor carry groceries, were more closely associated with well-being than more formal kind behaviors such as regularly volunteering at a food bank.

and other factors. While other studies have linked kind behavior with better mental and physical health, this research was the first to gauge the strength of the rewards that come from doing good for others. Researchers analyzed more than 200 previous studies involving nearly 200,000 people (that’s quite a

Researchers suggest that more informal giving may be more likely to lead to forming social connections and, because it’s spontaneous, may be less likely to become stale. Other findings suggest that women reported stronger connections between kindness and several measures of wellbeing. This may be partly explained

by the traditional roles many women have played as caregivers. Older people who performed random acts of kindness also reported higher levels of physical health compared to younger adults. This may be due in part to having more time in retirement to volunteer or to give back in simpler ways. So, the research is clear, being kind provides YOU with mental and physical health benefits. As far as I know, you don’t have to have a prescription to be kind and you don’t have to fight with your health insurance provider to get the benefits. It’s free!! It’s likely that the start of 2021 will be challenging. But taking some responsibility for making our day good and being aware of our surroundings will likely provide opportunities for random acts of kindness. (I knew a guy who would put coins in all the expired parking meters he saw while he was out for a walk. That’s hitting the daily double of physical exercise and random acts of kindness.) I wish all of you a very happy and healthy new year. Make it a good day and remember to be kind. Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal Trainer

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January 2021

Recipes

Blending old-fashioned, from-scratch cooking with new-fangled, kitchen gadgets make it easier than ever for all cooking levels to achieve, “insta-health”

GOOD NEWS

Insta-health! deliciously! Recipes and photos excerpted from the “I Love My Instant Pot®” AntiInflammatory Diet Recipe Book by Maryea Flaherty. Copyright © 2019 by Simon & Schuster, Inc. Used with permission of the publisher, Adams Media, an imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved. With a fresh, new decade stretching out in front of us, many of us choose this time of year to resolve to improve our health, which helps us look and feel better, too! With chronic inflammation being a major health risk today that wreaks havoc on the body, and contributing to many diseases, many diet experts agree that diet—particularly one high in processed, fatty, and sugary foods—is one of the main triggers of chronic inflammation. However, by cooking anti-inflammatory meals at

home you can reduce inflammation and enjoy a healthier lifestyle the moment you start eating better. While we all start out trying to make changes to improve our health, it can become difficult to stick with, which cause many of us to try those too-good-to-be-true fad diets that promise amazing results with little time or effort. Reminiscent of those Johnnycome-lately kitchen gadgets, that make such stellar promises then fail so miserably that the only shelf we see fit to store them on are ones located inside a Salvation Army! Wading through this diet - and kitchen gadget - quagmire, I found it both ironic and refreshing that these two worlds would finally come together to craft an honest-to-goodness way for all cooking levels to master marvelous meal-making in, dare I say it, an instant! Retooling the old-fashioned, stovetop pressure cooker, which comes with the possibility of exploding when misused, the new “Instant” pots take such scary mishaps out of the cooking equation.

Doing the work of several appliances in one, “insta” pots, as they are also called, tout many abilities, including baking, roasting, pressure-cooking, and even sterilizing! Partnering with the makers of the Instant Pot, The “I Love My Instant Pot®” Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recipe Book by Maryea Flaherty (2019) Simon & Schuster, Inc., is the first book of anti-inflammatory recipes for the Instant Pot from a major publisher. Featuring 175 inflammationbusting, whole food recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly delicious, and cover everything from breakfast to dinner, and from snacks to dessert, this cookbook can be used by anyone who wants to enjoy better health and better weight! Designed make cooking “insta” healthier and easier, here now is a sampling from this. CookbookEnjoy! By Laura Kurella

Halibut with Pineapple Avocado Salsa Simple halibut is treated with a creamy, sweet and spicy Pineapple Avocado Salsa for a flavorful and beautiful contrast to its mild taste. Bromelain, the mixture of enzymes present in pineapple, make it a strong anti-inflammatory food so don’t skip the pineapple salsa in this dish! Serve this dinner with a vegetable side of your choice and either rice or quinoa for a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Hands-On Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 3 minutes. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced 1 cup diced pineapple 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced 1/2 cup chopped cilantro 1 medium lime, juiced 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 4 (4-ounce) halibut filets 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

A

DIRECTIONS 1 In a medium bowl, combine the avocado, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Place in the refrigerator while the halibut cooks. 2 Season the halibut with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. 3 Place 1 cup water in the inner pot of the Instant Pot® and place the steam rack inside. Place the halibut on top of the steam rack. Secure the lid. 4 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 3 minutes. 5 When the timer beeps, let pressure release naturally until float valve drops and then unlock lid. 6 Transfer the halibut filets to plates and top each filet with a portion of the Pineapple Avocado Salsa. CALORIES: 250 | FAT: 11g | PROTEIN: 23g | SODIUM: 667mg | FIBER: 6g | CARBOHYDRATES: 14g | SUGAR: 6g.

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January 2021

GOOD NEWS

Insta-health! Recipes Orange Walnut Coffee Cake (Gluten Free!)

Creating gluten-free cakes with different flours can be frustrating because the result is often a dry, crumbly cake. Cakes cooked in the Instant Pot®, however, stay unbelievably moist, even when they’re made without wheat flour. This coffee cake, with its orange flavor and crunchy walnut topping, is one you’ll want to make over and over! Hands-On Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 40 minutes. Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 3 large eggs 4 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided Zest from 1 medium orange 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 1/3 cups almond flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup walnut pieces DIRECTIONS 1 In a medium bowl, whisk together

1. All Dreams Can Come True If We Have The Courage to Pursue Them. - Walt Disney

Coconut Curry

Sweet Potato Soup Coconut and curry is a match made in heaven in this creamy vegan soup. Full-fat canned coconut milk gives this delicious soup its rich and creamy texture without adding any dairy. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins C and A and are known to help stabilize blood sugar levels, making them perfect for an anti-inflammatory diet. Hands-On Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 4 minutes, Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1 medium onion, peeled and diced 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons mild curry powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 (13.25-ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk 4 cups vegetable broth

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the eggs, 4 tablespoons maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Add in the flour, baking powder, 1/2-teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. 2 Transfer the mixture to a 6” cake pan. 3 In a small bowl, mix together the walnuts, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup. Sprinkle on the top of the cake and cover it with aluminum foil. 4 Pour 1 cup water into the inner pot and place a steam rack inside. Place the cake pan on top of the steam rack. Secure the lid. 5 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 40 minutes. 6 When the timer beeps, quick-release pressure until float valve drops and then unlock lid. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. CALORIES: 430 | FAT: 31g | PROTEIN: 15g | SODIUM: 468mg | FIBER: 6g | CARBOHYDRATES: 27g | SUGAR: 16g.

All Dreams Can Come True If We Have The Courage to Pursue Them. -Walt Disney

DIRECTIONS 1 Press the Sauté button and heat the oil in the inner pot 1 minute. Add the onion and sauté 5 minutes. 2 Add the sweet potato, garlic, curry powder, salt, and pepper to the inner pot and sauté 1 minute more. 3 Add the coconut milk and broth and stir to combine. Secure the lid. 4 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 4 minutes. 5 When the timer beeps, let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure until float valve drops, then unlock lid. 6 Allow to cool slightly before ladling into bowls to serve. CALORIES: 289 | FAT: 23g | PROTEIN: 3g | SODIUM: 712mg | FIBER: 4g | CARBOHYDRATES: 19g | SUGAR: 5g.

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January 2021

In 1978, a group of parents, concerned about the future of their children diagnosed with a developmental disability came together to seek a solution. At this time, large state-funded institutions were the prevalent choice for treatment and residential placement for such children. This was at the dawn of what is called the “deinstitutionalization” movement. Michigan was at the forefront of

this initiative and the founders of MOKA, seeking answers and better options, were approached by the placement director of the Muskegon Regional Center to form a nonprofit organization for this expressed purpose. MOKA’s initial and primary mission was to open community-based homes licensed as adult foster care by the State of Michigan and assist children and adults living at the State’s large institutions to become

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physically and socially included in our local communities. After one home opened in May of 1979, MOKA expanded rapidly opening 13 more homes throughout West Michigan by April 1981. The acronym “MOKA” emerged due to the geographic area they serve–the four counties, which make up the acronym:Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent and Allegan. MOKA has steadily expanded since those early days including: -Facilitating the acquisition of community-based jobs through “supported employment” starting in 1988. – Successful grant demonstration that people with developmental disabilities could purchase their own home through the “Home of My Own” grant awarded by the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council from 1991 to 1992; – Expanded “community living supports” through the 1990’s assisting people to live independently in the community. – Expanded skill-building options in the early 2000’s creating “launch pads” for community-based programming. – Expanded treatment options for children and young adults with autism by providing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) treatment through the Michigan Medicaid mandate

for autism coverage; expanded into private pay ABA Treatment in 2016. Presently, MOKA supports over 800 children and adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including autism. Many of the people supported by MOKA have multiple diagnoses, complex and co-occurring disorders. They currently employ approximately 400 employees including 355 frontline employees in roles of Residential Support Staff, Skill Building Mentors and Youth Autism Specialists. MOKA is hiring for Residential Support to provide essential services to adults living in residential settings. All interviews will be conducted by a virtual method or by phone. Applications accepted online at https:// moka.org/careers. You can help make a brighter future for children and adults with disabilities by supporting MOKA with a financial gift - no matter how small or large. For more information about the MOKA Foundation, visit https://moka.org/moka-foundation/ Those interested in employment, offering support, or in any of their programs, can contact MOKA directly with questions. For more information visit the website: moka. org/careers, email: info@moka.org or call (800) 644-2434.

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19

January 2021

GOOD NEWS

The Science of Special

Snowflakes

Welcome, 2021! Last year seemed like a long, slow slog through time. I’m not alone in wishing for much better days ahead. I miss seeing friends in person, going to dinner and a movie, and not masking up everywhere I go. I am, however, grateful for the many blessings I still have and continued health. I hope the same is true for you. My friends will tell you that, in conversation, I frequently utter the phrase “special snowflake.” It may be in admiration or not, but I recognize that each of us wants to be seen and appreciated as unique. My fondness for the phrase made me decide to do a shallow scientific dive to discover just how “special” snowflakes really are. Is it true that no two snowflakes are identical? How do scientists know this? What’s the data? Surely it can’t be known absolutely. It would be impossible to locate and examine every flake. What about snow located at the bottom of icebergs? Our understanding must come from science! Snowflakes are a form of my favorite chemical compound, water. Water is a remarkable substance and without it, life on Earth could not exist. Our bodies are awash (pun intended!) in water – we are soggy to the core. Water is, of course, just two atoms of hydrogen attached to an

oxygen atom. Simple, eh? But its simplicity is elegant. Water molecules are attracted to each other. Without these interactions, water could not exist as a liquid at room temperature. Because of the weak attractions, water freezes into complex crystals. Simple ice cubes are lighter than water to accommodate air trapped inside as the frozen water solidifies. If it weren’t for these crystals surrounded by air, making ice less dense than liquid water, ice fishing would be pretty boring. Fish couldn’t go deep into a pond and stay in liquid water. We could just walk to the frozen lake and pick fish off the top! How unsporting is that! Frozen water precipitation comes in several forms. Sleet, formed when snow partially melts as it falls and then refreezes, differs from hail, which forms similarly but comes to Earth in spring and summer. Graupel, little white beads of snow/ice that look like tiny Styrofoam spheres, is also common and consists of snow that landed on miniature ice pellets, disrupting the shape of a potential flake and causing it to freeze into the tiniest of snowballs. But snowflakes – those big, beautiful hexagons! They are breathtaking! It takes the right mix of temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure

to build those intricate structures. Each potential flake must first form around the tiniest mote of dust or pollen to act as a center for the crystal. Once many molecules of water begin to freeze around this nucleus, given time and distance from Earth, they attract other water particles and begin to form those beautiful shapes we treasure. There are several classification systems for snowflake shapes and scientists know certain weather conditions will produce different primary shapes. The “flakes” we usually associate with snowflakes: large, elaborate, six-sided, symmetrical plates are more commonly formed when the temperature is very cold, whereas hexagonal needles, not terribly unique, are more common at temperatures closer to freezing. To form the exquisite, frilly forms like those we folded and cut from paper in elementary school requires specific conditions. First, the frigid air in which they form cannot be too windy and must have enough humidity to allow extra water molecules the opportunity to form side crystals on its six arms. The potential beauties must be formed high enough in the atmosphere to ensure a long fall, allowing sufficient time for freezing to take place slowly. So, that leaves the question. Are

they all different? From the standpoint of the naked eye, probably not. If we were patient and willing to remain in the cold and look at enough flakes under similar conditions, we would probably find some to categorize as being “the same.” BUT- on a molecular level, they are certainly unique. Researchers claim the likelihood of any two flakes, each attached to a tiny bit of dust, are mathematically quite unlikely to be identical. Given estimates that the number of water molecules in a “flake” can be as many as 10 x 1018 - that’s 10 with eighteen zeroes after it - the number of possibilities is endless. I now have extra appreciation for winter. If there are “only” seven and a half billion or so humans on the planet at the moment, we are seriously outnumbered by snowflakes and each one is as unique as any one of us! Isn’t nature wonderful?! Ref: https://www.thoughtco. com/why-all-snowflakes-are-different-609167 http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/ snowcrystals/class/class-old.htm Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center


20

January 2021

GOOD NEWS

FREE january Events

Due to Corona virus be sure to call or look online for possible event changes or cancellations. Through, February 26 Winter Reading Bingo Ages 18+, Grab a paper bingo Card or log on to ReadSquare APP to win prizes, 629-9085 Richlandlibrary.org Sat., Jan. 2,9,16,23,30 Bank Street Outdoor Mini Market, 8am-Noon 1157 Bank St., Kalamazoo Monday, January 4 Monthly Youth Craft & Storytime Kits, 345-0136 Comstock Library Monday, January 4 Monthly Teen DIY Project & Biblio Boxes, (6-12th grade) 345-0136, Comstock Library Tuesday, January 5 Teen Craft-To-Go, Ages 11-17 Snow Globe Ornament Register ahead to pick up kit Richlandlibrary.org, 10am Tues., Jan. 5,12,19,26 Preschool Story Time, Ages 3-5, 10am, Richlandlibrary.org Tues. January 5,12,19,26 Reminiscence Writing. Register Ahead: 343-0136, comstocklibrary.org Tuesday, January 5 Be Food Safe & Ready for Emergencies: Sanitizing Disinfecting on Zoom, Noon, Events.anr.msu.edu/ EmergencyPreparednessFS20

Thurs., Jan. 7,14,21,28 Chapter Book Thursdays Ages 6-12, 10am Richlandlibrary.org Thurs., Jan. 7,14,21,28 Storytime on Facebook 10:30am, Comstock Library Facebook page Thursday, January 7 Ask-a-Lawyer on Zoom, Register ahead 345-0136, Comstocklibrary.org Thursday, January 7 Facebook Live Trivia: January General Knowledge Ages 18+, 7pm, Live stream: Richland Library Facebook Friday, January 8 Memory Café on Zoom for those with Mild dementia & caregivers, 10:30-11:30am Paw Paw Library, 657-3800 Friday, January 8 Teen Book Club, Ages 11-17 Register & pick up ahead Richlandlibrary.org, 3pm Saturday, January 9 Internet Users Group on Zoom: BestMobile Apps Pawpaw.lib.mi.us Mon., Jan. 11 – Fri., Jan 15 Adult Trivia Contest, Comstocklibrary.org

Tuesday, January 12 Monday, January 18 Heartbreak Book Club On Zoom, Winter Food Safety Q & A: 10:30am, Pawpaw.lib.mi.us Electric Pressure Cookers Webinar, 1pm, Events.anr. Tuesday, January 12 msu.edu/Winter QandA2021 Pantry Food Safety – It’s Your Job, Register: events. Monday, January 18 anr.msu.edu/WinterPantry Adult Pick-up Craft: Fat FoodSafety2021, Noon Quarter Valentine Wreath Register 1/18 @ 345-0136, Tuesday, January 12 Craft pick-up week of 1/25 Tribal History of the Comstocklibrary.org Kalamazoo River, presented by Lakota Pochedley, 7pm Tuesday, January 19 Parchment Library on Zoom, Take-And-Make Craft: Register: parchmentlibrary.org Finger Knit Bracelets, Ages 14+, Register ahead: Wed., Jan. 13,20,27 Richlandlibrary.org, 10am Wednesday Wigglers, Ages 0-5, 10am, Richlandlibrary.org Tuesday, January 19 Be Food Safe & Ready for Wednesday, January 13 Emergencies: Being Mindful Birds & Coffee chats on Zoom In Emergencies on Zoom, Noon Year Round Waterfowl, Events.anr.msu.edu/ 10am, Register 671-2510, EmergencyPreparednessFS20 birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, January 20 Thursday, January 14 MI Cottage Food Law Workshop Winter Food Preservation 10am-12pm, register: events.anr. Classes: Selecting Your Seeds msu.edu/MichiganCottageFood/ For the Garden, 1pm & 6pm Events.anr.msu.edu/Winter Wednesday, January 20 FoodPreservation2021 Investigating Food W/ Science Secret Recipes for Invisible Ink! Friday, January 15 4pm Webinar: events.anr.msu.edu/ Author Edward Balian Of book: InvestigatingFoodwithscience2021 Turn the Page on Zoom, 6pm pawpaw.lib.mi.us Thursday, January 21 Winter Food Preservation Friday, January 15 Classes: Using your Frozen Fruit Online Art Classes, to Make Jam or Jelly, 1pm & 6pm Ages 6-12, 10am, events.anr.msu.edu/WinterFood Richlandlibrary.org Preservation2021

Thursday, January 21 Books with Friends Book Club: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek on Zoom, Ages 18+, Register ahead Richlandlibrary.org, 629-9085, 6-7pm Saturday, January 23 S.T.E.A.M. Saturday Ages 5-10, register ahead, Kits available for pick-up 10am, Richlandlibrary.org Monday, January 25 Winter Food Safety Q & A: Freezer Jam Webinar Events.anr.msu.edu/Winter QandA2021, 1pm Tuesday, January 26 Safe Food = Healthy Kids 6-9pm (2-part class) events.anr.msu.edu/ SFHKWinter21/ Wednesday, January 27 Investigating Food W/Science Milk comes to life! 4pm Events.anr.msu.edu/Investigatingfoodwithscience2021/ Thursday, January 28 Winter Food Preservation All about beans, 1 & 6pm events.anr.msu.edu/Winter FoodPreservation2021 Thursday, January 28 Facebook Live Trivia: 20th Century Music, Ages 18+ Live Stream on Facebook Page: Richland Library, 7pm


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