Good News July 2020 by Good News Paper

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July 2020

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nazareth academy

The original ten Sisters of St. Joseph came from New York in 1889 to establish a new congregation in Kalamazoo. The founding sisters came to Kalamazoo at the request of The Diocese of Detroit and Monsignor Francis O’Brien for the purpose of establishing a hospital, now known as Ascension Borgess. The hospital began in a two-story mansion on Portage Street. Father O’Brien purchased a secluded spot of land to accommodate the sisters, located to the east of the city of Kalamazoo, which became known as Nazareth (located at the corner of Gull and Nazareth Roads). Within a few years of the sister’s arrival, the Motherhouse was established to house the sisters and to begin an orphanage and primary school to provide training for girls and young ladies. By 1897, Nazareth Academy began as an all-girl Catholic school for primary, intermediate and high school grades. In 1909, the academy expanded to include a primary school for boys. The school had 140 students - 80 girls in Roosevelt Hall and

70 boys in the new Barbour Hall. Nazareth was approved in 1899 to operate its own post office that was managed by the Sister’s of St. Joseph. The Nazareth Post Office, located in a small office inside the Motherhouse, is still in operation 120 years later. However, the post office will be moving up the street to 5073 Gull Rd. sometime this fall. A 1909 Kalamazoo Commercial Club publication states, “the grounds of the Academy are occupied with flowers, parks for recreation and contains about thirty-five acres.” It continues to report that the school “has a farm in the neighborhood of three hundred acres…and raises nearly all its own produce, eggs, poultry, vegetables and has an excellent dairy. It owns its electric light plant. There are several thousand fruit trees on the premises, also an abundance of berries.” In 1913, the Academy became Nazareth University when they began to offer junior-college level courses. Nazareth University’s first graduate was a woman who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1918.

The beautiful stone walls, designed by stone architect, A. A. Flach, were erected around 1927 to encompass the entire Nazareth campus. Several new buildings were added over the years as the college grew in popularity. A $7 million campus construction project began in the 1950’s, adding Abers Hall and Connors Hall. Followed later by and administration building and Dooley Hall. Dillon Hall and the Library were completed in 1967. The Athletic Center was the next addition and was completed in 1989. As university attendance dwindled, and the subsequent closing in 1992, they no longer needed all of the buildings and Dooley and Abers Halls were leased to the Kalamazoo County Human Services Department. Borgess Medical Center purchased the athletic center and converted it into the Borgess Health and Fitness Center, now known as Ascension Borgess Health and Fitness Center.

1995-1996. The Sisters of St. Joseph purchased Dillon Hall in 1976 and they petitioned the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for a loan for rehabilitation of rental housing for the elderly. The 2.1 million dollar loan was approved and the 76 apartment units were opened for business in February 1979. The one bedroom single and double occupancy apartment’s rent is based on each resident’s ability to pay. The Motherhouse most recently served as the residence for 80 aging sisters, which was costly to heat, cool, and maintain, according to Preservation Magazine, Winter 2016. A new assisted living facility adjacent to the existing structure was constructed and opened early in 2019 to house the aging sisters.

The administration building and the library were torn down between

Jackie Merriam

Sadly, Dooley and Abers Halls, along with the Motherhouse were just recently deconstructed (winter 2020.)

July 2020

GOOD NEWS

A Summer Full of Blooms Having a garden full of gorgeous flowers is easier than you think! The key is to pick the right perennials that have various bloom times. I’ve seen some perennial gardens start to fade out about mid-June, but with a little planning, you can have bright colored blooms all summer! Here are some of my favorite bloomers that are easy-care perennials, that you may want to add to your gardens.

SALVIA – Just walk through the garden in June and you will see a prolific display of spikes of flowers that are great for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Salvia is a great addition to any sunny garden. They are easy to care for and if you trim off the old flowers, you will be rewarded with another display of color in just of couple of weeks. SHASTA DAISIES – They are a favorite of many gardeners. In addition to attracting butterflies, they make great cut flowers and mix well with other flowers in a sunny garden. Shasta Daisies will continue to

Welcome back to Good News Paper. I am so happy to be publishing again to share the many good things happening in our area I could never have imagined that the

offer new blooms in the old flowers are removed. They come in different heights and varieties, as well.

EPIMEDIUM (BARRENWORT) – Barrenwort offer sprays of small flowers in the spring. They have tidy mounds of deer and rabbit resistant foliage throughout the summer and into the fall. They offer texture to shade gardens and work well with hostas and ferns. Epimediums are one the most drought tolerant shade plants!

DIANTHUS – A member of the carnation family, Dianthus varieties deliver loads of single, semidouble or double flowers. Dianthus flowers can have light fragrance and will re-bloom throughout the summer if the old flowers are removed. As well as attracting pollinators, they form mats of semi-evergreen foliage that are heat tolerant. Great addition for the front border of a sunny garden! GAILLARDIA (BLANnew normal this spring would be staying at home for almost three months. In the beginning, I had no compass and was kind of aimlessly going through my days. I quickly realized how important routine is to my well-being and created a” new normal” for life in quarantine that included exercise, virtual visits and some structure. People I am friends’ with on Facebook coped in many different ways and shared their “new normal” on social media. Early on, people’s posts seemed to focus on where to find toilet paper, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer. Families then moved on to entertaining themselves and others by posting funny quarantine family dance moves and routines.

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KET FLOWER) – These gems

are blooming machines that flower all summer long with the old flowers being removed. They will attract pollinators and are deer resistant. Blanket Flowers prefers well-drained soil, are heat tolerant and easy to care for once established.

ASTILBE – Good for shady gardens, Astilbe has coarsely textured foliage and spikes of blooms that come in white, pink, red or lavender. They prefer moist, well drained soils and offer color mid-June to July. They are deer and rabbit resistant and pair well with hosta and ferns. HELENIUM (HELEN’S FLOWER) – These native peren-

nials come in shades of yellow, orange or scarlet daisy-like blooms. Helen’s Flowers are a must in any garden to attract pollinators. Helen’s flowers bloom in the later summer time after other earlier bloomers have finished. They are easy to care for and can be used for cut flowers.

Before long, baking became the craze and many shared their favorite comfort food recipes, which made banana bread the most Googled recipe. Once the weather changed, along with our expanding waistlines, many got outside to enjoy the beautiful weather and do some manual labor in our yards and gardens. Gardening is on the rise during the pandemic, providing comfort and reducing the anxiety over the food supply chain. Through these challenging times, I’ve learned so much about the resilience of others and myself. I’m excited to share this exciting issue with you, it’s chocked full of Good News!

RUSSIAN SAGE - This drought-tolerant plant has huge bloom numbers, creating an attractive wispy look in the garden. This longblooming perennial is showy from July through October, with varieties that grow to 14” and others up to 5’. The bonus is that Sage attracts hummingbirds and butterflies but is not attractive to deer. STONECROP SEDUM – One of the easiest plants you can put in your garden! They will withstand drought and full sun. The Lemon Ball variety grows to 4” tall, making it the perfect plant for borders, in rock gardens and along walkways. You can also stop in and visit with one of Wedel’s perennial experts. This article only highlights a few of the 500 varieties we have to choose from! Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

Photo Courtesy of PFC Markets.

Jackie Merriam

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July 2020

Local Volunteers Feeding the Fight against COVID-19 All Across Kalamazoo After two months, as restaurants start to reopen and Michigan seems to flatten the curve in phase one of the COVID-19 pandemic, Feed the Fight Kalamazoo (FTFK) has made 134 deliveries, totaling 5364 meals from 74 local restaurants to frontline healthcare workers and first responders. 75+ volunteers, who have served 1000 volunteer hours, all with the support of more than 250 individual donors, have delivered these meals. All funds go to delivery of meals to frontline workers. Drawing on the amazing experience of Feed the Fight DC, which emerged in midMarch as a neighborhood effort to patronize local restaurants and show support for healthcare workers at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, Feed The Fight Kalamazoo was launched by the combined efforts of local activists Sally Hadden, Jodi Hope Michaels, and Adam Strong-

Morse. Through individual taxdeductible contributions and with volunteer delivery drivers, FTFK purchases and delivers takeout meals from local restaurants for healthcare workers and other first responders across our region. 100% of donated

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funds go to purchase meals. Feed the Fight delivers the double impact of driving business to local restaurants working to stay operational while thanking and supporting healthcare workers and first responders fighting on the front lines of this unprecedented crisis. These meals have been delivered to units of the Family Health Center, Bronson Healthcare, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, 911 dispatchers, paramedics with Pride Care and Life EMS, Community Living Options, Residential Opportunities Incorporated and more. For example, on any given Tuesday in the past two months, FTFK has often made deliveries from eight different restaurants to our local healthcare heroes all across town. Louie’s Trophy House is one of the 74 restaurants that received FTFK orders, and gave back by hosting a fundraiser for FTFK. In the words of Joe Wolf of Louie’s: “We’ve always tried to be a big part of the community and give as much as we can. One of the biggest ways we do that is with our annual gumbo cook off that we do each February. “The Gumbo Cook-off Fundraiser for FTFK that took place on June 6, 2020 is something that we wanted to do ... To help the frontliners, the ones that are out there working day in day out. We can’t thank them enough. Feed the Fight is helping the restaurants as well. I think it benefits everybody, from the frontliners to a great nonprofit organization, and to the restaurants that are really hanging on to the thin thread of what business they have right now with the business model that we are stuck with for 85

days now.” (Interview given on June 6). FTF Kalamazoo’s first two months have been incredible thanks to the generosity of our local community, both through volunteer time and donations. They are 100% volunteer run. Their volunteers work behind the scenes in all manner of roles: building the website, managing logistics, delivering meals, managing social media, serving as translators, providing protective gear to volunteers, and more. Janis Clark, a Feed The Fight volunteer delivery driver, said her first delivery was: “Fantastic. It was great,” noting everyone was so excited to collaborate in the process from the Nina’s Cafe employees who loaded the meals into her car to the Bronson staffers waiting at the curb with a cart to bring the meals inside the hospital. “It almost felt like a guilty pleasure,” Clark said. “I actually got to go out (albeit in a mask and gloves) and feel like I was doing something to help my community.” Rosita Flores, a medical assistant at the Family Health Center, is one of those grateful front line workers who has received meals through Feed the Fight Kalamazoo. “Oh my goodness ... what a special treat,” she said. “It honestly means a lot to us knowing that we aren’t forgotten...knowing that the community is showing their support for us and for (our patients)...it’s everything.” To learn more and to help Feed the Fight Kalamazoo, please visit ftfkalamazoo.org, or follow the effort on Facebook (Feedthe fightkzoo), Twitter or Instagram (#FTFKalamazoo @FTFKalamazoo).

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July 2020

GOOD NEWS

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series Ordinary People; Extraordinary Super Powers Jane: Dear Readers, you must realize by now that Ellen and I do not actually have superpowers. If you have followed this column for the past five years, it is obvious that we merely have adventures that are the result of our pursuit of a little fun. The last four months have not been much fun—for anyone. The adventures have been happening all around us and all around the world, but here, at my house, things have been quiet. I am not complaining. Quiet is good. Yet, there are adventures, and here are a few of them: My youngest daughter’s best friend (who grew up in Kalamazoo) is an ICU nurse in New York City. She is my new hero. My high school classmate is a grocery store clerk. She has been at the center of making sure everyone can stay home and have food to eat. Early on, my neighborhood banded together to make a list of everyone’s phone and email information. We are keeping track of the elderly people on the street and those who live alone. I belong to a little group of church members that has kept charity going by helping people

sense that an ordinary hero would, too. How do we begin to be heroes? Like this: In a time of fear, we must resist despair. In a time of division, we must strive for unity. In a time where so many people need to be heard, we must listen. And, like the people marching for justice, we must seek justice in all we do and say. This is real life, and ordinary people are showing us how superpowers really work. Jane & Ellen Knuth over the phone who are in need. The scientists in town are researching this virus to find a vaccine or a treatment. And the teachers—what about those remarkable teachers? The ones I know are putting in longer hours than usual in order to keep track of each child’s progress. And now—what about those people all over the world marching for justice for minorities? Amazing! Ellen: Over the past few months I have wrestled with feeling isolated, emotionally and physically, from many I care about, while also being hyper aware of the how connected we all are. I’ve been able to recon-

nect virtually with people I haven’t seen for years. I know more about my coworker’s home lives and families than I ever would have expected. I am more conscientious of the people in my city as we stay safe together. I am confronted by how different my life is from that of my neighbors and how I can help them. As we go about the adventures of our lives we are rarely truly alone. As my mom pointed out, there are heroes all around us, people who go above and beyond to meet a need. Some do so in extraordinary ways, others are not as obvious. Every superhero has a backstory so it makes

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July 2020

GOOD NEWS

ARTIST Vicki VanAmeyden

I met Vicki VanAmeyden at the Richland Community Library where she is a Patron Services Assistant and Exhibits Coordinator. She enjoys curating shows with artists and is very passionate about sharing their works with the community. I discovered that Vicki is a very talented artist in her own right and interviewed her about her artistic journey. Vicki’s creative expression was encouraged by her parents. She recalls drawing frequently as a child and jokes that she must have been quite a handful because her mother kept her busy with all sorts of crafts. Her family visited museums often, sparking Vicki’s curiosity. She describes her mother as a creative person, a pianist, and accomplished seamstress who used her interior design talents within their homes. Her father built and repaired all matter of things. Vicki’s grandfather, a ceramicist, inspired her as well. Vicki began her college career at WMU in Business Administration, because it seemed like a ‘safe’ career path. She would return from classes or work each night and draw. She

left the business program, but learned a valuable lesson—her parents had required her to fully fund that entire first year of studies. With diminished savings, Vicki followed her passion and enrolled in Kellogg Community College’s Commercial Art program. An influential instructor took students to Kendall School of Design to view a Society of Illustrators’ exhibit, which impressed Vicki. She applied, was accepted and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration. She later earned a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from WMU with a concentration in printmaking. Vicki enjoys many forms of art including: mixed-media, installation, and fine art printmaking. She’s held a variety of positions: illustrator for the National Child Safety Council; designer for R.J. Michaels advertising agency; and, a signage designer. For ten years, she was sole proprietor of VV Graphics, a design and illustration business. Vicki taught art and humanities classes for 18 years at KCC and was their Gallery Director for six years. She also taught for six years in the School of Art at WMU.

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Recently, she was Head of Printmaking with the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Vicki explained that there are four categories of printmaking processes and she uses two of these. Relief – where the image to be printed is raised from the surface; and Intaglio, the direct opposite - the image is incised into the surface and the sunken areas holds the ink that will form the image. She describes her approach to art making as diverse and interdisciplinary, using text and nontraditional materials. Collaboration is an important part of Vicki’s artistic endeavors. In fact, she entered ArtPrize twice with large-scale installation collaborations. The first time in 2014, Vicki teamed up with ten of her students from KCC and entered the work, “Didactic Revolvers,” which was a visual record of their shared, sevenday experience of art in the Midwest. She entered again in 2015 with Ginger Owen-Murakami, who she has been collaborating with for 11 years. They exhibited “Grove” from their larger body of work, “Heritage Habitats”—a series of physical spaces

for contemplation and invocation of ancestry that emphasize commonalities that bind people, communities and cultures. She is a proud member of Southwest Michigan Printmakers (SWMP), whose members refer to it affectionately as ‘swamp.’ The group is scheduled to exhibit from May 22July 11 in the Padnos Gallery at the Holland Area Arts Council. Begun in 2015, Vicki is producing a body of work titled “OBJECTIONS” which interprets current political, social, racial, and cultural climates. “OBJECTIONS” will be exhibited from October 23-November 28 at the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan. To contact Vicki or to see more images of her work, visit her website at vickivanameyden.com. Jackie Merriam “Hells Bells” from “OBJECTIONS”. Relief print on used tea bags, and cord.

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July 2020

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Timeless Modern: Edward Wormley for Dunbar The Dunbar Furniture Company

Dunbar’s reputation for excellence extends from 1910. Dunbar Furniture of Berne, Indiana began by producing luxury horse-drawn buggies. With the advent of the automobile, the company tuned to hand-crafting home furnishings. Dunbar designed furniture to fit a variety of budgets. In the early part of the nineteenth century, its least expensive line was called “borax” because customers could purchase it with soap coupons. When Dunbar hired a young Edward Wormley, the “borax” line, and Dunbar itself, were forever transformed.

Edward Wormley

Born 31 December, 1907, Edward Wormley grew up in rural Illinois. As a teen, he studied—via correspondence courses—with the New York School of Interior Design. From 1926 until 1928 he attended the Art Institute of Chicago, but was unable to graduate due to lack of funds. In 1930 Marshall Field hired Wormley to create a line of 18th century English furniture. Wormley also worked briefly for Berkey & Gay of Grand Rapids, MI. That same year, on a trip to Paris, he met the deco designer Emile-Jaques Ruhlmann and modern architecture pioneer Le Corbusier. Both would influence Wormley’s approach.

next four decades, his unique stylistic perspective would make Dunbar one of the most respected and admired American furniture companies. Wormley designed two lines for Dunbar each year—one traditional and one modern. By 1944 he had dropped the traditional furniture to focus on the more popular modern line. During the 1940s Wormley left Dunbar for a time. After WWII he opened a private firm, Edward Wormley and Associates. He retained Dunbar as his primary client, while designing for others. Wormley’s notable creations of the decade include the Riemerschmid Chair in 1946, the Listen-To-Me Chaise in 1948, and the Precedent Collection for Drexel in 1947.

1. In 1950 the Museum of Modern Art and the Chicago Merchandise Mart co-sponsored the first Good Design Exhibition. Edward Wormley creations for Dunbar dominated the exhibition from 1950 to 1955. Thirty of his pieces garnered Good Design awards. Wormley’s work earned him a place along side cutting edge designers of the time: George Nelson, Harry Bertoia, Florence Knoll, Jens Risom, Eero Sarrinen, and Charles Eames. Wormley outdid himself in 1957 with the Janus Group for Dunbar. The line comprised 70 pieces, including the Janus wing chair, a coffee table incorporating Favrile Tiffany tiles, and a walnut-framed daybed/ sofa. Edward Wormley continued to

design for Dunbar until 1970. His appreciation for both traditional and modern aesthetics lent his pieces a timelessness that combined sophistication with universal appeal.

Collecting Wormley For Dunbar Dunbar furniture, hand-crafted from the highest quality materials, remains durable, and its designs stand the test of time. The pieces continue to hold their value. The 1950’s-era drop arm sofa and the Janus wing chair sell currently for $2500 to $6000. The Dunbar Furniture Company never abandoned its hand-made production standards. This choice unfortunately but inevitably led to financial failure. After a time, it was re-formed as DUNBAR Furniture, LLC. In 2002, DUNBAR revived several Wormley designs. New versions of the Tête-À-Tête Sofa, the Teardrop Chair, and the Listen-To-Me Chaise are now available for the appreciation of a new generation. Bridget Klusman Owner, Retro Estate Sales https://retroestatesales.wixsite. com/retroestatesales Images 1. Page from Dunbar furniture catalog, c. 1957. 2. Drop Arm Sofa, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1950s. 3. Janus Chair and Ottoman, Edward Wormley for Dunbar, 1957.

Wormley Joins Dunbar

In 1931 Dunbar Furniture hired Edward Wormley. Over the

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July 2020

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Mexican G Gothic othic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Rey) “A perfect gothic mystery with an updated sensibility that will appeal to the modern reader. Noemí is a Mexico City socialite in the 1950s. When her father receives a disturbing letter from his niece, he sends Noemí to check on her cousin at the remote house where she is living--a grotesque and rotting English-style mansion, built on dirt imported from England by the colonialist eugenicist family she has married into. Lush descriptions and the creepy atmosphere make this a good choice for readers who liked The Witch Elm, The Little Stranger, or The Haunting of Hill House.” —Lorena Neal, Evanston Public Library, Evanston, IL ---NoveList read-alike: The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero

June books 2020 - The top tten en books published thisthat month that librarians across the the country love.love The top published this month librarians across country Devolution A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

The Bo Boyfr yfriend iend PPrrojec ojectt by Farrah Rochon (Forever) “In this contemporary romance, three women who were two-timed by the same man become friends. The unique, funny premise cleverly serves as a catalyst for why the women are trying to make changes in their lives. The romance is lovely and finds ways in which the couple struggles to be together. Give this to fans of Mia Sosa and Alisha Rai.” —Ann Carpenter, Brooks Free Library, Harwich, MA NoveList read-alike: The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

—Amy Hall, Jefferson County Public Library, Wheat Ridge, CO NoveList read-alike: The Abominable by Dan Simmons

Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to (William Morrow) www.kpl.gov/blog/ "A wedding celebration on a remote island off the coast of Ireland turns eerie and nightmarish in this gothic atmospheric mystery. A good choice for fans of Ruth Ware."

(Ballantine Books)

We’re Open! "Cecily is fresh off a break up and meets a “too good to be true” stranger in a local dive bar. For fans of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes."

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The Last FFlight light A Novel by Julie Clark (Sourcebooks Landmark) “Claire and Eva both have reasons for wanting to disappear, so when they happen upon each other at the airport, they decide to take the other person's flight. However, when one of the planes crashes, the danger they thought they were leaving isn't far behind. For readers who enjoyed The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine and The Passenger by Lisa Lutz.”

A law firm focusing on estate —Lora Bruggeman, Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien, IL planning, estateLayover settlement, by David Bell NoveList read-alike: and the transfer of wealth. Tak akee a H Hint, int, Dani Br Bro own

—Bill Anderson, Scott CountyPublic Library, Scottsburg, IN NoveList read-alike: Go To My Grave by Catriona McPherson

The Lies TThat hat Bind A Novel by Emily Giffin

—Lauren Mitchell, Neenah Public Library, Neenah, WI NoveList read-alike: Books of Ambha by Tasha Suri

The Guest List A Novel For book recommendations from your by Lucy Foley

(Simon & Schuster) “Miranda returns with another engrossing psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is primarily told from Olivia's unreliable perspective. News reports, book excerpts, and other media are also used to fill out the story, which keeps the plot moving. For fans of Conviction (Mina) and The Other Mrs. (Kubica).”

(Harper Voyager) "This is a story about colonialism and cycles of trauma, giving an in depth look at the politics and psychology of a land warred over by ethnic factions for centuries. Highly recommended to anyone looking for an imaginative fantasy with complex characters, well developed relationships, and insightful social commentary. For readers who enjoy N.K. Jemisin and Tasha Suri.”

(Del Rey) “Nobody imagines the end of the world quite like Brooks! Here he takes a group of privileged idealists, sets them in a beautiful utopia where they can escape the headaches of the city but suffer none of the inconveniences, and then brutally removes all the comforts they expect to be delivered. Throw in some hungry Sasquatch and things get really interesting. For fans of Blake Crouch and Jeff VanderMeer.”

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—Megan Coleman, Cecil County Public Library, Elkton, MD NoveList read-alike: Are You Sleeping by Kathleen Barber

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(Avon) "Dani and Zaf have been low-key flirting forever when a gallant moment is turned into a viral video and the pressure is on for these two to become a couple. This is a fabulously fun and meta take on a classic romance trope, the fake relationship. For fans of The Wedding Date and The Kiss Quotient."

(Riverhead Books) "Centering on two twin light-skinned black girls who grew up in a strange town in the Jim Crow south, this book explores racism, colorism, sexism, and familial relationships through the interweaving storylines of vivid and complicated characters. For fans of Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson."

—Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, Lansing, MI NoveList read-alike: A Prince on Paper by Alyssa Cole

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July 2020

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parents humbled by the pandemic There are very few good things that came from the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19. Being isolated at home, life became simpler. We learned to reduce the complexity in our lives because school was cancelled, our jobs were cancelled or we moved our work to home. For those of us able to continue to work instead of being frustrated with the minor hassles & frustrations, we had more gratitude for that job and paycheck. Many of our families and friends were furloughed, desperately tried to phone the unemployment office, risked our health on the front lines or were out of work. We enjoyed simple games of Uno, Jenga, Rummy, basketball in the street, catch, biking and walking to neighbor’s house to meet their new puppy on the front lawn (six feet between humans, of course). We made sunbursts, hop scotch, turtles, elephants in rainbow chalk colors on our sidewalks. The two young brothers across from my house read the numbers, letters and sight words on their driveway. We got creative. One child built a four-blanket tent under his loft bed with soft strip lights above his head. His green nightlight sits on one of his board game boxes that make the walls of the fort. For the first time ever, he slept in his own room inside his four blanket fort five nights in

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a row! Three girls had a tea party together each in their own homes, chatting and laughing with one another over Zoom. We got clean. Cupboards, walls, drawers, closets, garages, windows got cleaned out and organized. Moms taught their sons and daughter how to clean baseboards after learning what a baseboard is. Glass portions of light fixtures were taken down to be washed in water and vinegar.

Of course, with everyone home we cleaned often. We baked, we cooked and we reached out. Two brothers make Kraft macaroni & cheese and cut hot dogs, green beans (“Mom said we needed a vegetable!”) and brownies with sprinkles for their delighted parents. One woman picked up and delivered a friend’s prescriptions because her friend has fibromyalgia, an autoimmune disease, and does not have a car. Strawberries, bananas,

carrots, cauliflower and broccoli were dropped off to a 2-year old whose father asked for food on helpkalamazoo.com. We got humbled by the fragility of life. The priorities of our life are distilled down to staying connected with each other and virtually holding each other close. Sheryl Lozowski-Sullivan, M.P.H., Ph. D

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July 2020

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THE OLD MAGICIANS ' GRAVEYARD While still keeping us and everyone else safe during lockdown, I wanted to take a day trip to somewhere I hadn’t been before. I’d heard rumors about a place called the Old Magicians’ Graveyard and wondered if it was a real place or an urban myth. I discovered it is most definitely a real place but its official name is the Lakeside Cemetery in the Magic Capital of the World, Colon, Michigan. Many famous magicians are buried there and It’s just down the road from the Abbott Magic Company. With Ella Fitzgerald singing “Summertime” in the background, we headed out on the almost empty two-lane toward Colon. I like to go for walks in cemeteries, read the gravestones, and say hello to whoever is resting there as a sign of respect to the deceased. It’s surprising how much history you can deduce from reading stones. In Lakeside Cemetery, aka The Magician’s Graveyard, the headstones are quite amazing. Since magicians are showpeople, they’ve each commissioned the showiest unique stones I’ve ever seen. Many have the entertainer’s portraits and their magic specialties engraved in illustrations and in wording. Here are examples of the epitaphs the magicians have chosen for themselves: “The Magnificent Fraud,” “World’s Greatest Pickpocket,” “The Royal Family of Magic,” and “Dr. Sigmund Fraud.” The epitaphs proved that magicians still have a sense of humor even in the great beyond. There are stones with crystal balls, decks of cards in expert hands, magic wands, and more. Many visitors still must come to the magicians’ gravesites judging by the amount of coins and other objects that have been left on

the tombstones as mementoes. We saw a real magic wand left on one stone and on another someone had left a wristwatch. I can easily imagine that particular magician was probably adept at removing watches from unsuspecting volunteers wrists during their performances. The visitor who left the watch must have wanted to keep their magician supplied with watches even in the afterlife! Another section of Lakeside Cemetery contains very old tombstones. I was surprised that some markers in that section were for people born in the 1700’s and the wording on their headstones is still surprisingly intact. There is one beautiful monument in the shape of a tree with a carved detailed rifle clearly visible on one side. There were Mason’s symbols and military stars from past wars. The saddest grave markers were the tiny stones for infants who lived only days or weeks during an era when maternity care was primitive and lifespans were short. Day trips around SW Michigan are fun because there are so many things to see. We Michiganders know that the beauty of our lush and watery countryside can’t be beat anywhere in the world. I’m glad to have gotten the opportunity to explore the Magician’s Graveyard. I hope someday when I’m six feet under, people might stop by to say hello to me. I think I’d like a visit from anyone who’d like to keep me company for a while. Abbott Magic Company in Colon is now selling its magical wares online at abbottmagic.com. They sell beautifully handcrafted magic paraphernalia of all types. Even though I don’t intend to impress my friends with sleight of hand tricks any time soon, I plan to purchase a magical

item that will look great in my Cabinet of Curiosities. If you’d like to know more about the Magician’s Graveyard or Abbott Magic Company, call 269-432-3235. And don’t forget to support all of our very unique local Michigan shops to enable our friends and neighbors to make a living. Ann Murray is an awardwinning commercial illustrator who has illustrated eight children’s books for local authors. Her stories, one of which was collaboration with her husband, have been in three anthologies.

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July 2020

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PLAINWELL ICE CREAM

One of the joys of summer is a trip to Plainwell Ice cream, a tradition for over 42 years! Plainwell Ice Cream serves delicious cones, shakes, malts, sundaes and old-fashioned sodas. You can also buy your favorite flavor by the half gallon. With over 60 flavors, there’s something everyone’s sure to enjoy. They offer seasonal flavors including Blueberry Marble available in the summer and Pumpkin and Cinnamon are available in the fall. All of are homemade on-site except the no sugar added ice creams and non-dairy sorbet options, for those with dietary restrictions. They have been voted “Best Ice Cream in West Michigan” for several years in WWMT’s annual competition. Their loyal customers say it best: “The friendliest place on earth, as well as the best ice cream!” “I’ve been a loyal customer for 37 years!” “Folks, if you’ve never been there, I promise you it’s worth the trip!” “Plainwell Ice Cream is the best ice cream in Michigan. What makes it the best is the owners heart and soul go into

their ice cream.” Owner, Art Gaylord, learned the

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Kalamazoo, beginning at the age of 14 until attending college at WMU. Art always knew he wanted to start his own business. When the building that formerly housed Newman’s Ice Cream in Plainwell was up for sale, he and his wife Judy took the plunge. At that time, their children were in elementary school. Their son David thought they were crazy. He thought he was going to have to spend hour’s hand churning ice cream like the family did at home. Their daughter Laura just imagined all the ice cream she would get to eat! Today, Art, Judy, David and Laura are still involved in the business, along with the third generation of the Gaylord family. They attribute much of their success to the wonderful group of employees that have worked along side them over the years. Plainwell Ice Cream is located at 621 E. Bridge Street in Plainwell. Their ice cream can also be found at many stores and restaurants in the area. For more information call (269) 685-8586, or visit their website plainwellicecreamco.com. Call for current hours at this time. Their season runs through Halloween Night. Jackie Merriam

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July 2020

Small Budget, Big Yields I often get questions from friends and family about how I manage to do so much gardening without draining my wallet. To best honest, my passion for getting my hands in the dirt started when I was a broke college student who wanted to eat organic produce but couldn’t justify the cost. Plunking enormous amounts of money into gardening has never been an option, and over the years I’ve learned a few things that have provided large yields and beautiful blooms without the buyer’s remorse.

Here are my tips for getting started on the cheap: Save On Plants: Now is a great time stock up on plants. Greenhouses all over Southwest Michigan have slashed prices, and don’t forget to scour the unwanted plant racks that are often full of vegetation that only needs a larger pot and a little love. I also encourage starting plants from seeds whenever possible utilizing recycled food or plant containers, toilet paper rolls, or DIY newspaper planters. Choose Perennials: From food to flowers, perennials will save you a lot of time and money because they come back each year. A few of my favorites include asparagus, raspberries, blueberries, mint, chives, Greek oregano, yarrow, sedum, and peonies. Make Your Own Fertilizer: Turn your food and yard scraps (fruit, veggies, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, leaves, small sticks, etc.) into food that will feed your plants! Some people create compost receptacles from pallets or old trash cans, but you can also designate a bare spot in your yard as your compost site (keep Fido away from the site). Layer your compost materials and turn it

over with a shovel or pitchfork once per week. I have three piles in various states of decomposition and I typically wait 6-12 months before adding my finished material to plants. Stock Up on Free Pallets: From constructing compost bins and vertical planters to raised beds and garden furniture, pallets can save you a lot of money. Just be sure to grab pallets that haven’t been treated with chemicals (see in-depth pallet safety info at www.1001pallets.com/pallet-safety). Mulch: Stop leaving your grass clippings and dead leaves out by the road and start turning them into mulch (or compost). These natural forms of mulch are great for keeping weeds at bay when layered at the bases of plants. They also add nutrients to your garden soil as they break down over time. Save Some Rain: Did you know that up to 40% of summer household water use can be attributed to lawn and garden watering? My 55-gallon rain barrel has been one of my best garden investments to date. Plus, the plants much prefer the stuff from the clouds to the stuff from the tap. I always urge new gardeners to start small. I’ve been at this for over 10 years now and what started with a few pots on an apartment balcony has turned into nearly a full acre (with a lot of trial and error in between). Now, go get some dirt on your hands! Meg Gernaat is an avid gardener, mom of two, and owner of a small marketing business (Kith and Company Creative). She currently calls the Kalamazoo/Plainwell area home. Caption for Compost Photo: Gather kitchen compost scraps in a recycled container like a large pickle jar or plastic coffee container. Caption for Tools Photo: You don’t need fancy tools or equipment to get a garden plot started. Chances are you already have what you need (or perhaps your neighbor has some you can borrow).

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July 2020

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be ART ful

Flowers are the hallmark of grace and beauty. They optimistically fulfill our lives with happiness and joy and remind us of the abundance of good in our world. Having flowers in our lives is a supportive way to reduce stress and help boost our mood. When we are amongst flowers, at home or in nature, we feel a connection to positivity and experience

feel-good thoughts. Research has found that being in the presence of flowers has been known to increase our compassion for one another and we tend to enjoy more meaningful relationships in our lives. With this kind of knowledge, who wouldn’t want to make such a significant impact and express love in a small but relevant way. I know I

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am not alone when I say I am ready to live life in full bloom! So join me and let’s get you creating your own everlasting flowers at home. Materials Needed: Crepe Paper Streamer . Scissors . Hot Glue . Wire Step 1. Choose a solid color crepe paper that you would like to use for your flower. Create a template or free hand cut your petals. Each flower can have as many or as few petals as you like, most of mine have between 20-35 petals. Once the petals are all cut, gently give a little tug with your fingers across the top of each one to stretch and create shape. Then pinch the base to give a little accordion pleat. Step 2. Cut wire to desired length. I had copper jewelry wire left over from another project that I thought would be great to use for these floral stems. Bend one of the ends of the wire to form a closed loop. Take a square of cut crepe paper, fold in fourths and poke a hole through the center. Put the bottom of the wire through and bring the paper to the top of the loop. Add a dab of hot glue and cover the loop with crepe paper. This creates the tiny bud. Step 3. Each petal needs to be indi-

vidually glued around the bud, building layers and evenly distributing. Keep adding and gluing petals until you achieve your desired look. You now have your beautiful flower. Make as many to put in a vase or to give away. You can also cut the stems off to create package toppers or to scatter on the table for decor. So pretty and so many ideas! Lastly, as found online, here is some wonderful advice to us all from a flower: Be at home in nature. Live a colorful life. Bloom where you are planted. Delight in simple pleasures. Celebrate your natural beauty. It’s ok to be a late bloomer. Spread seeds of joy. Open up. Show your true colors. Remember your beauty stems from within. Cheers to living life in full bloom! ~xo Bridget Fox Email me at: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Find me on: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo https://www.facebook.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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July 2020

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Odyssey Games

Odyssey Games is one of Southwest Michigan’s premier venues for the play of card games, miniature games and more! Whether you enjoy Magic: The Gathering card game in which wizards cast spells, summon creatures, and exploit magic objects to defeat their opponents, Pokémon the role-playing game based around building a small team of monsters to battle other monsters in a quest to become the best or Warhammer the tabletop battle game that puts players in command of armies of valiant humans, noble elves, savage orcs or a variety of twisted and monstrous creatures, Odyssey Games is the place for you. Every odyssey has a beginning, and Odyssey Games began in the former Rocket Café, across from the Western Michigan University track in 2015. Elliot Parkhurst, a young entrepreneur, purchased the business that he was managing and set his sights on qualifying for a premium designation with Wizards of the Coast, one of the largest game sales and development

companies in the world. Shortly after purchasing the business, Elliot saw the need for additional gaming space, a more visible location and additional parking. He moved the business to the West Century Center on W. Main Street. In 2019 when Payless Shoes went out of business, in the same plaza, he jumped at the opportunity to double his store space. He also upgraded the gaming chairs and tables and obtained a grant from Wizards of the Coast to help additional improvements, including, an additional Big Screen TV to enhance the players experience and more signage. These changes allowed him to achieve the prestigious WPN Premium designation. Elliot’s love of gaming began when he was just 5 years old when a friend’s family introduced him to the game of Magic - he was instantly hooked and continued gaming from that day on. His mom, Shelly Parkhurst, said Elliot would often say, “I want to own a game store when I grow up.” When I mentioned this

to Elliot, he laughed and said, “ I thought owning a game store meant that I would get to play games all day long, which is certainly not the case.” He went on to say his favorite part of owning a business is having the autonomy to change the business as he sees fit, which has definitely come in handy during the latest Covid 19 crisis. He quickly changed the business model to offer a larger selection of items that can be purchased on their website, added online gaming tournaments and offers curbside pick-up. Elliot is so thankful for the support of the local gaming community, who have adapted to these challenging times along with Elliott. He gives credit to his parents for their support and encouragement to follow his dreams. His mom, Shelly, a graphic designer, helps with the marketing and promotions. Elliot’s dad, Kirk, is a shareholder and whiz at maintenance issues and anything else that is needed. He also recognized the support and expertise offered from Dan Callaghan, the businesses CPA and a shareholder,

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who goes above and beyond CPA assistance to ensure the business thrives. Odyssey Games is one of the cleanest, user-friendly homes for gamers between Detroit and Chicago. It is the preferred place for a growing community of gamers to play Magic, Pokémon, Warhammer and more. For more information about Odyssey Games visit their website: odysseygamesllc.tcgplayerpro.com email: odysseygameskzoo@gmail.com, call: (269) 459-9535 or stop in today. Help them stay in the game by purchasing gift cards, shopping online or visiting the store at 5029 West Main Street. Store hours are typically Monday – Saturday Noon – 10pm and Sunday Noon-6pm. However, hours have been reduced during the Covid19 lockdown to 2-8pm daily. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for the latest updates at: odysseygameskzoo. Jackie Merriam

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July 2020

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health What can i say! When I wrote my column for April, I felt that the topic of “stress”, was fitting. Afterall, we continue to deal with issues relating to healthcare, climate, and mass shootings. Ironically, employment and joblessness were issues that people were LEAST stressed about. Oh my, how things have changed. I’ve been searching for something appropriate to say in these extraordinarily difficult times. Anything that comes to mind pales in comparison to our national and global crisis. Nevertheless, let me try. It’s about positivity. Positivity is not about just being happy, which is often a misconception. Positivity is acknowledging a range of emotions. It is sitting with your feelings; it’s acceptance of what is; it is holding on to what does make you happy; it’s finding purpose in pain. But fundamentally, positivity is all about choice. You get what you give; you receive what you believe. When you choose positivity as your attitude, you select an attitude far more destined for resilient behavior than the alternative. When you have a negative attitude, your brain gives itself permission to develop negative thinking patterns and, in turn, difficult and dark emotions. You may spend all your time worrying about the same thing over and over again, thinking that will solve it. Doing this

will cause you to miss the answers rather than make the most of moments in front of you. In fact, the first thing you need to do is calm yourself. It may feel counterintuitive. When you release what is bothering you, you choose a safer attitude, one that helps you accept your emotions, accept what is happening, and accept that you don’t have all the answers. Attitude is everything. It’s how we heal ourselves. A positive attitude denotes will power, and it’s will power that generates perseverance. Each one

of us has an inner warrior; all we have to do is look inside and find him or her. In life, you have control over your ability to be present in the moment, even if you don’t feel in control over everything. In fact, recognizing how little we do control, often times can be liberating. But you do have the moment. Positivity is telling yourself is what matters to you now. You can’t regret the past or see the future. What you do have is now, that which is right in front of you. Often this leads to a sense of gratitude.

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Gratitude serves us in letting go of what we do not need. Listing what brings you contentment is one way of staying present. Being mindful of the present is a technique that people have used for centuries. It could be a mantra or concentrating on your breathing. Even seven minutes a day spent in mindful meditation has been shown to reduce stress. One of the big misconceptions about being positive is assuming that you do not have to “feel” in order to change. Toxic positivity is denial of genuine emotions like anger, grief, sadness, and all the emotions associated with negative thinking. It suggests putting on a smiling face and acting fine when you’re not. In fact, that’s denial which will create its own set issues later. Healthy positivity is about showing up when you’re tired; loving when you are feeling loss, healing when you want to cling to your hurt. It about acknowledging the dark side of life as well as the light. So, in these dark and uncertain times, keep your candle burning. Remember positivity is contagious. Positivity spreads like sunlight over the darkness. You can be a source of that light. Just believe you can. Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal Trainer

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July 2020

Recipes Healthy enough for breakfast, and sweet enough for dessert, watermelon is perfect for celebrating any hour, day, week, or month of summer! I couldn’t think of a better topic to visit this month than watermelon! Remembering the summer watermelons of my childhood, I can’t help but recall the big deal that my mother would make over having one in the house. However, given that she was also dealing with seven kids, her big productions back then now make sense to me today! It always began with us kids cleaning up the entire kitchen, and making

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Watermelon Wonderful sure all clean dishes were put away. After this was accomplished, Mom would take the day’s newspaper and spread it out, sheet by sheet, all over the table, and then do it again so there was at least a double layer to absorb all the drippings from the oh-so-juicy melon that she was still keeping hid. While Mom was doing this, my sisters would often snatch pieces of newspaper to make paper hats for us to wear. In fact, I think there may even be a photo of me in a paper hat circulating out there! Sharpening her favorite knife with a stone, Mom would then order us all to keep our hands off the table and

in our laps to keep our fingers safe should her knife happen slip. After all of this build up the watermelon would finally appear. Placing carefully on the table then checking to find its best balance point, I can still the crisp crack of the melon’s rind as her knife pierced its skin. Releasing a plume of sweetness that would quickly envelope the room, I remember that sweet and oh-so-fresh watermelon aroma making all of us drool! One evening, just as we were being served, the bug sprayer (truck) unexpectedly ambled down our alley, causing its plume of white bug spray to permeate the entire room!

Acting fast, Mom ordered us to the living room while she slammed the windows, and kicked the exhaust fan over the stove to “High.” I don’t recall if we ever ate any watermelon that night, but if we did, I bet my mom made us wash it first. Ah, the 1960s! Here now are some fun and flavorful ways to help you celebrate summer with watermelon-ENJOY! Laura Kurella Photos and recipes courtesy of Watermelon.org

Sweet Watermelon

Pizza

1 watermelon round cut into 1” (for crust) varied amount shredded coconut varied amount Greek yogurt of choice varied amount Mint varied amount Berries of choice (blueberries, strawberries, blackberries) varied amount Slivered almonds Spread yogurt to cover watermelon leaving room to hold the rind. Sprinkle watermelon pizza with coconut through almond toppings as desired.

Watermelon Feta Skewers

2 cups cubed watermelon 1 cup cubed feta Basil leaves Mint leaves Balsamic dressing of choice Toothpicks, bamboo skewers or

similar Skewer kabobs starting with watermelon, then cheese, herb of choice and then watermelon again. Plate before dousing with your favorite balsamic dressing.

Watermelon Cake

Celebrate guilt-free with this allergy friendly no-bake cake! 1/2 watermelon 1 container Cool Whip Strawberries, Blueberries and Blackberries for decorating Cut watermelon with a flat side for the bottom of the cake. Blot water-

melon repeatedly to remove access moisture and to allow whipped topping to stick (otherwise topping may slide). “Frost” your cake with cool whip. Decorate with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries as desired.

July 2020

Recipes

Watermelon Wonderful

Watermelon Juice YIELDS: 36 1 cup servings (dependent on size of watermelon) 1Â watermelon, washed and cut into chunks. Blend 2-3 cups watermelon at a time until smooth.

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Grilled Spicy Watermelon

Strain into serving pitcher (optional). Note: If you decide not to strain, juice will need to be stirred until blended prior to serving.

1 tablespoon lime zest 1/4 cup lime juice 1/4 cup honey 2 teaspoons garlic chili sauce pinch salt 1watermelon, medium sized 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro Preheat grill to high. In bowl, whisk together lime zest, juice, 3 tbsp (45

mL) of the honey, garlic chili sauce and salt. Cut watermelon into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick wedges. Lightly drizzle each side with remaining honey and place on grill. Grill until just browned, about 2 minutes per side. Place watermelon slices on a plate and drizzle with lime dressing. Garnish with cilantro.

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July 2020

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Change Your Environmental Impact The story below was actually written in April, which explains the reference to the stay-at-home order. I decided to keep this story as is knowing that many people are still practicing social distancing and continuing to quarantine themselves. So, here it is... As I write this, I’m sitting at home under a “stay-at-home” order from the state government of Ohio. Perhaps when this issue is distributed, the order will be lifted, but that’s not a guarantee. I’ve been preparing for the transition to online college classes while my boyfriend, Sean, a school teacher, has been formulating math homework to send to his students digitally and physically and calling parents to answer their many questions. The transition has been difficult for both of us. Within just the first couple days, I noticed that Sean had a bad habit that itched at my environmentally conscious brain. While he was talking to parents he would pace around the apartment and randomly turn on lamps and light switches. After he hung up, he would sit back down at his desk and leave the lights on. Thankfully, after pointing this out to him he stopped turning on lights while pacing, but it sparked my imagination on how the outbreak of COVID-19 and changes in our behavior might be an opportunity to improve the environment. Taking a large-scale view, you might have heard about how the quarantines in China have drastically improved air quality, while fish have returned to some rivers that flow through major cities in Italy. Changes in human behavior during this pandemic are negatively affecting

the economy, but the silver lining is environmental improvements.

What can you do as an individual to help the environment during this crisis? First,

I’m sure you have noticed the toilet paper shortage. This is the perfect time to adjust your toilet paper usage, permanently. According to earth911.com, Americans use an average of 141 rolls of toilet paper per person per year. Comparatively, the French use about 71 rolls, while Brazilians use 38. The most effective way to reduce your toilet paper usage is to count the number of sheets you use per wipe. Just being conscious of how many sheets you use can help you cut back. Not only will reducing toilet paper usage help the environment and help your stash survive the pandemic, but it will save you money too. Earth911.com uses the example of buying an 18-roll Charmin package on Amazon for $20.91. By reducing your toilet paper usage to 72 rolls a year, you would save $83.64. For a family of four the savings would be more than $320 annually. Have you noticed that large grocery stores are running out of food too? Perhaps you may be surprised to find that the small, local grocery stores near you are fully stocked. Many small grocery stores get their

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merchandise from local farms and distributors, which means that they can easily restock their shelves, instead of waiting on shipments from semi-trucks. Buying local food cuts down on the carbon dioxide released during shipping. Make the switch to shopping local to reduce the carbon footprint of your food. When it comes to work, many people are now working from home and conducting meetings through videoconferences. If businesses decided to

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offer telecommuting options to their employees on a permanent basis, carbon dioxide emissions from commuters would decrease. Can you think of other ways to change your behavior and permanently reduce your environmental impact? Above all, stay safe and be healthy. We will get through this.

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July 2020

Facing the prospect of bankruptcy, Kalamazoo brewery ‘overwhelmed by the love’ from community during pandemic Jake and Kayleigh Lohse didn’t really have an option: Revamp their business in a matter of hours or file for bankruptcy within two months. This was the couple’s new reality as their barely one-year-old brewery flipped into “survival” mode when the coronavirus pandemic arrived and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced bars and restaurants must close at 3 p.m. on March 16. Presidential Brewing Co., which opened on March 26, 2019, did not have the advantage of being a widely known entity in the community. The Lohses carved out a strong reputation in the local beer industry and developed a core of regular customers. Its tongue-in-cheek political themed taproom — with clever beer names to match — resonated. In short order, it was all at risk. “We had to change our entire business model quite literally overnight,

which means there wasn’t a ton of time for conversations. … I think we both knew that closing down entirely just wasn’t an option. If we did, we would lose our business,” said Kayleigh Lohse, who handles the brewery’s marketing and communications. “We decided to give takeout a try and see how it went, in an effort to continue serving our customers the best we could — and honestly, to make sure we didn’t end up filing for bankruptcy by May.” The brewery located at 8302 Portage Road mostly sells beer in-house and provides to-go beer in cans. Presidential provides food from its full-service kitchen — most notably a series of shareable tater tot options — but that portion of the business is not its calling card. The Lohses needed to educate the public, entice new customers and execute a revolutionary way of operating, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 looming. The couple relied on their personalities, instincts, faith and social media savvy to flip the story from one of desperation to

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one of success. On the last weekend of April, Presidential sold out of its allotment of food and beer. The momentum continues and the reaction provided a degree of comfort for the brewery. “It (has) completely blown our minds! Knowing that we have this incredible support from our community makes us optimistic and confident about what’s ahead of us right now,” Kayleigh Lohse said. Presidential has online takeout ordering from 4-7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Online ordering opens at 11 a.m. and sells out quickly with customers selecting their desired pickup time for that night. It also offers beer delivery on Tuesdays within a 15-mile radius of its location, a distance the brewery more than doubled to meet growing demand. Kayleigh said she’s used the new Facebook group, Kalamazoo Menu, with its audience of more than 31,500 locals looking for ways to best support local businesses, to reach new customers and support other nearby local businesses.

“I think my favorite was when I brought food out to a takeout customer, and she asked if I was the person who posted on our social media. She drove all the way across town to come try our food special; because of the obnoxious way I described it in a Facebook post. I loved it!” Kayleigh Lohse said. “Also, I have a delivery customer who has been on my route EVERY week since we started doing deliveries. She commented the other day that she may forget what day it is 90 percent of the time right now, but she ALWAYS knows when it’s Tuesday, because that’s her beer delivery day!” Jake Lohse said the brewery continues to operate with a limited staff and does its best to keep the food and beer menu updated. The brewing is done between and around takeout ordering. Stocking the kitchen and getting brewing supplies remains a frequent hurdle, as delivery services tend to be unpredictable and the certain items just aren’t available. “Honestly, we are just overwhelmed by the love right now. This is the most stressful and frustrating time to own our type of business. With new regulations every day, changes at light speed, new systems, reduced revenues, less help, challenging supply chain, etc. … I constantly come back to a feeling of being loved right now. I have never had to rely on a community before. Nothing can compare to the feeling of hundreds of people showing you love without being obligated to do it. I am so humbled by our support from this community,” Jake Lohse said. John Liberty Kalamazoo Beer Tours

For details on Presidential Brewing Co.’s takeout schedule and menu, go here: https://www.presidentialbrewing.com/takeout

FREE july EVENTS Due to Caronavirus be sure to call or look online for possible event changes or cancellations. Through Thursday, July 2 Story Time with Dewey the Dragon, Richland Library website or Youtube page Wednesdays, July 1,8,15,22,29 Children & Family Live Story Time Richland Library, 11am

Mondays, July 6,13,20,27 Cruise-In’s, 4:30-8pm Dean’s Ice Cream, Plainwell Mondays, July 6,13,20,27 Let’s Talk Baking, 7pm Parchment Library on Zoom

Wednesdays, July 1,8,15,22,29 Richland Farmers Market, 3-6pm Richland Community Center

Tuesdays, July 6,13,20,27 Authors & Illustrators Group 3rd-5th graders, register ahead 629-9085, Zoom meeting, 4pm

Wednesdays, July 1,8,15,22,29 Gardening Questions Answered Parchment Library on Zoom, 7pm

Tuesdays, July 7,14,21,28 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 8am-1pm, 342-5686

Thursdays, July 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 2-6pm, 342-5686

Tuesday, July 7 Food Truck Rally, 5-8pm Flesher Field, Oshtemo Twsp.

Fridays, July 3,10,17,24,31 Lunchtime Live, food Trucks Bronson Park, Kalamazoo 11:30am-1:30pm

Friday, July 10 – Friday July 17 The Bubbleman - bubble tricks, make your own bubbles & play along! Richland Library website or Youtube page, 629-9085

Fridays, July 10,17,24,31 Kalamazoo Mall Market Downtown Kalamazoo, Noon Saturdays, July 4,11,18,25 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am-2pm, 342-5686

Friday, July 10 Drive-in Movie, 9pm “Jumanji the Next Level” Food Trucks 5-8pm, Drive-in parking closes at 8:30pm Ramona Park, Portage

Friday, July 10 Late Night Food Truck Rally Water St., between Church/Rose Downtown Kalamazoo, 8-11pm Friday, July 10 Live Music: The Rotations The Dock at Bayview in Richland, 731-4911, 9pm Tuesday, July 14 Food Truck Rally, 5-8pm Midtown Fresh, Kalamazoo Thursday, July 16 Make a Fairy Garden Online 1st-5th graders pick up kit, then log into Zoom at 6pm Richland Library, Register ahead 629-9085 Thursday, July 16 Parchment Action Team, 7pm Parchment Library on Zoom Friday, July 17 Drive-in Movie, 9pm “Detective Pikachu” Food trucks 5-8pm, Drive in parking area closes at 8:30pm Ramona Park, Portage Saturday, July 18 47th Richland Art Fair Richland Village Square 9am-4pm

Monday, July 20 Mystery Book Club, 4pm Parchment Library on Zoom Tuesday, July 21 Food Truck Rally Antwerp Community Center, Mattawan, 5-8pm Thursday, July 23 Stories of the Sky, Presented By Air Zoo, Ages 8+, 10am Richland Library, 629-9085 Live on Zoom, register ahead Friday, July 24 Live Music: Klay N The Mud The Dock at Bayview in Richland, 731-4911, 9pm Tuesday, July 28 Food Truck Rally, 5-8pm Chem Link, Inc., Schoolcraft Thursday, July 30 Unicorn Painting Class Online 1st-5th graders pick up a kit, then log into Zoom at 6pm. Register ahead at 629-9085 Friday, July 31 Live Music: Funkle Jesse The Dock at Bayview in Richland, 731-4911, 9pm

July 2020

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