Good News July 2022

July 2022

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GOOD NEWS

JuLY 2022

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Remember WhenFolding Boat Co. Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Folding Boat Co.AKA: King Folding Boat Co., Kalamazoo Canvas Boat Co., Duffel-Boat Inc.

Charles W. King designed a boat that was easy to carry, easy to store and safer than a conventional boat.

He Finished his first folding boat plans in the 1870’s and obtained his first patent in 1882. By 1886, King began manufacturing the folding canvas boat in the garage at his residence on South Rose Street.

King’s boat inspiration originated from the Inuit (Eskimo) skin boats he saw on a visit to Alaska. He designed his own version from wood and canvas and went a step further by making it collapsible.

The first boat was a sectional boat with removable panels inside the bottom of the boat to protect it from punctures and to provide a solid platform for standing or sitting.

King enjoyed inventing more that the idea of owning a business and decided to sell the plans to George Winans, an avid sailor who manufactured buggies, surries, wagons and more with A.L. Pratt at Winans, Pratt & Co. Winans was aware that the future in transportation was changing and he began manufacturing the folding boats in 1889, under the name King Folding Boat Company, in the old buggy factory at 430 Harrison Street, just off East Michigan.

The folding boats collapsed and folded into duffel bags, and could be carried anywhere. They were no longer than 5 ½ feet, weighing 85 pounds or less and each boat came with a patch kit in the unlikely event that the canvas was punctured; it could be fixed on the spot!

They offered square stern boats, double end boats and canoes in a variety of lengths from 10-20’. The standard width was 36” and the standard material was 21ounce, #6 duck canvas waterproofed both inside and out with two protective coats.

Prices in an early catalog showed 12’ canoes starting at just $64 and the most expensive folding boat was the 20’ double end boat that cost $150.

Sails, along with mast & fittings, and waterproof cabin covers were available for nominal additional charges Initially, the boats were sold mainly to hunters and fishermen, until King and Winans both hauled boats to Canada and Alaska, marketing them to gold seekers heading north. The

popularity of the boats took off in 1893 after winning an award at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police ordered a few boats each year, and during WWI, the Russian navy purchased four to use as landing boats on their warships. The business peak was during WWII, when the firm turned out nearly 400 boats a year for the military services in addition to canvas cots and coverings, used for river crossings.

In time the boats were marketed towards individuals, especially family campers living in urban areas who didn’t have enough storage space for a conventional boat.

The boats were mainly unchanged from Kings original design, until a man name Olie Evinrude came to Kalamazoo to discuss with Winans the idea of attaching his newly invented boat motor. Winans took one of his double-ended boats, chopped off one end and designed a flat mount for the motor, which created the world’s first rowboat.

The boats were 100% handmade to order - many sales were created from advertisements that ran in several national outdoor magazines. During a two year span of time, sales were tracked in the Great Lakes states, from Maine to Florida, Washington

state to California and in Colorado and Texas, as well as some scattered in Canada and even a few in Mexico.

Following George Winan’s death in 1927, his wife Pauline Winans ran the business, until their youngest son Paul, (born when his Dad was 68 years old), took over. She renamed it

modern materials. For the wood ribs he used spring steel, instead of a wooded keel he used aluminum tubing and in place of the wood floor and seats he used a rigid foam plastic (Ethafoam). All of these changes made the boat 50% lighter but stronger, unsinkable, more stable and

Kalamazoo Canvas Boat Company.

The business stayed in the family until 1974 when Jim Ash, an Elkhart advertising specialist who promoted the boats, began the process of buying the business.

Ash immediately started to improve his new product, using more

easier to assemble. He changed the name to Duffel-Boat, Inc. Ash had success in the beginning, but 5 years into ownership, he faced many challenges, including snow that collapsed the roof of the 90-year old manufacturing building. The business was moved to Second Street, but never really got off the ground.

The Kalamazoo Folding Boat Company and their quality folding boats put Kalamazoo on the map as the oldest folding boat company in the world for close to a century.

An exceptional boat example is on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. In addition, a catalog from 1923 can be seen at the Adirondack Experience museum in New York On a side note: The remains of a King Folding Boat were identified during the 2017 Hidden Kalamazoo tour in the Muleskinner Building and may be one of the only boats of its kind left.

Information gathered from Kalamazoo Magazine, April 1964, Kalamazoo Review, Jan. 1977, Kalamazoo Review January 7, 2007, MuseOn Summer 2020.

Jackie Merriam

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Do You Love Perennials, but Wish They Had a Longer Bloom Time?

coreopsis

Echinacea

“No, I don’t want my perennials to bloom longer” – said no one ever!

Perennials are great – they grow back every year so they only need to be planted once! But their blooming season isn’t always as long as you’d like. But wait – there are quite a few perennials that have longer blooming times. Here are a few of our favorite choices for loooong blooming summer perennials.

Coreopsis, commonly known as Tickseed, is one of the easiest and most rewarding gardenflowers. The thread leaf varieties can bloom from June through fall. They come in several shades of yellow and rosy-pink.

Echinacea (or Purple Coneflower) grows to 2-3 ft. in height and width.

Butterflies and birds love them, which make them even more appealing!

plumbago

Gallardia, or Blanket Flower, will give you a blanket of yellow, orange and/or red flowers. This extra-easy plant thrives in hot sun.

Plumbago has beautiful blooms from mid-summer to September.

This easy groundcover turns bright red in the fall. It can grow in sun or light shade.

Achillea, also known as Yarrow, is drought resistant once it’s estab-

achilea

On a recent impromptu visit to Robinson Scenic Gardens in Mancelona, my boyfriend insisted I have my picture taken with Humpty Dumpty. The

owner, Dennis Clark, came over and told us that Humpty Dumpty wasn’t really an egg, but was originally a cannon. All I could think of was the catchy little nursery rhyme and a vision of a large egg sitting on top of the wall. I pondered this and when I got home and did a bit of research.

It turns out that there are quite a few references to corroborate Dennis’ story.

According to a number of military historians, Humpty Dumpty was the name of a cannon that was used by the Royalists during the English Civil War. The conflict raged from 1642 to 1649, and in June of 1648, Humpty Dumpty was stationed on the walls of Colchester when one of the cannons from the attacking side managed to destroy the wall ‘Humpty Dumpty’ was positioned on.

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lished. The long-lasting blooms come in several colors and look great in dried flower arrangements.

Rudbeckia, more commonly known as Black-eyed Susan, is hardy and reliable and will bloom from July through fall. Butterflies love them; great for cut flowers too.

Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

rudbeckia

Humpty Dumpty came tumbling down and had a great fall.

Others have suggested that the rhyme of Humpty Dumpty was inspired by the tragic real-life events of King Richard III of England, who is supposed to have been large and humpbacked. He was defeated at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 and all the King’s horses and all the king’s men, couldn’t put humpty together again.

There certainly is more to the catchy little rhyme and the cute Humpty Dumpty egg figure sitting on top of a wall than meets the eye!

On a side note: Dennis Clark & his wife Debbie also own D & D Concrete Garden in Otsego.

Jackie Merriam

Cover photo Monster Shake courtesy of Cherri’s Chocol’art

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

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Thrift, Vintage, Antiques, Repurposed, Artisan & Hand Made

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series Jane: My superpower is the ability to swim in either type of water: lake or pool. This comes in handy for many reasons. Until I was a teenager, and invited my friends to our family lake cottage, I had no idea that some people were wary of lakes with sand bottoms and wild fish. “Do the turtles bite?” my friend Mary asked me while peering under the dock. “Not if you catch them by their tail,” I teased her.

Nowadays, Mary has a swimming pool in her backyard and she is the one who invites me over to enjoy the warm summer in the cool water. It is a circular, above ground pool that requires a ladder to climb into it.

I stepped up, peered over the wall, and sniffed. “This doesn’t smell like a public pool or a hotel pool,” I said.

“No chlorine?”

“We use a product that has silver mixed with a little chlorine. It keeps the water clean and it’s much easier on my skin.”

She was right about that. My skin was much happier and my hair smelled fine. With her daughter Kara, we paddled around a little while but there wasn’t much of anywhere to go except back and forth.

After a few minutes, Mary suggested that we create a current in order to get some exercise. I was baffled.

The three of us began by walk-

ing around the edge of the pool in the same direction, gradually picking up speed as the water swirled in our wake. After a few circuits, Mary called out, “Okay—now walk the other direction!” I turned around and it was as if I was trying to go upstream in a chest-deep river.

“This is great fun!” I shouted as we dug our toes into the pristine blue bottom and pushed against our homemade current. “Kara, is this your favorite part of having a pool?”

Kara shook her head, “There are lots of good things; the predictable depth, privacy of our own yard, it’s easy to keep track of little kids, and no crazy motor boats.”

“How about for you, Mary?”

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“The best part? Wild animals don’t like it—no turtles, no fish, and absolutely no goose-poop!”

Ellen: I, too, was raised with my toes on a sandy lake bottom. Fish hardly scare me, meeting a turtle underwater is charming, lake snakes… not my favorite, but I also know that it’s easy enough to leave their part of the bank alone. Lakes also bring with them a sense of undiscovered possibility. Who knows what is lurking in the depths (living creatures aside)?

My grandfather encouraged this sense of exploration in his grandchildren by sneaking out in the early mornings at the family lake house.

Digging into his always jingling pockets, he would stand on the dock

and throw coins into the shallow swimming areas. Old coins, new coins, American coins, foreign coins, even some fantastical mystery coins; all were swiftly concealed with a thin layer of sand, ready to be found later by curious little fingers. The origin of these mysterious coins was a wellkept secret until my grandpa’s death, and in the absence of the truth we spent years fantasizing about the long-lost ships, adventurous pirates, and brave heroes who might have brought such riches to the shores of our small inland lake.

I’ll swim anywhere, especially in this weather, but I think adventure can only be found in lakes.

Jane Knuth & Ellen Radtke

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

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

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

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Vintage

2nd Saturday Markets are back, now with Handmade!

It’s Summertime again, and with the warmer weather along comes our favorite activity- Market Season! We are so happy to be back in Downtown Kalamazoo offering vintage and handmade market events every second Saturday of the month, now through October. During the shutdown of 2020, we took the time off to grow our brand and have now expanded our market, by welcoming an additional market concept: Zoo Flea.

Vintage is still a staple of what we do, but with the creation of Zoo Flea we have a home for another key portion

of our market events- handmade, craft, and artisan small businesses.

This year our series of markets will be known as: Vintage in the Zoo Presents: Mallmart + Zoo Flea, Vintage and Handmade Marketplace.

Mallmart offers all the great local vintage and retro clothing, housewares, and knick-knacks you have known and loved for the past event seasons. Over the years though, we have offered a growing selection of handmade vendors- and after each event we would get the same questions: “we love your events, and see

handmade creators like myself selling there, but can I apply to your VINTAGE event too?” This spawned the idea for Zoo Flea to create a separate market concept (to run in tandem with the vintage event) that would give all of our creator and maker friends a place to call home. This also allows our marketing to work more directly to the public who so dearly want to support our local scene of handmade small businesses. The entrepreneurial spirit of these folks is incredible, we are continually wow’d by their creativity and the true love poured into each item on display at the events.

Zoo Flea is here to welcome innovative and independent creators, designers, and dreamers that hold a modern, handmade, DIY spirit.

Since we first launched the brand in 2021, the outpouring of support and growth in the vendor base has been truly amazing. We are shutting down a portion of Water St. for each of our events this year, just to help add space for all these great businesses to come

vend! Please join us this Summer on a second Saturday- we will have over 75 regional vendors selling the best vintage and handmade around, and now almost half of those are handmade offerings. We love to see it and are so proud of this community for the support they show these growing micro businesses, it means the world to them and we know their items will mean the world to yourself or somebody special in your life.

As always Vintage in the Zoo events are “free to all, come shop small” so join us in SUPPORTING LOCAL every second Saturday this Summer in Downtown Kalamazoo, you can keep the local love going after our event also by heading down the Kalamazoo Walking Mall to support all of Kalamazoo’s great small brick and mortar shops, and grab a bite from local restaurants.

See you on the mall!

Megan and Patrick |Owners, VintageintheZoo.com

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Recognizing Your

Relationship with Your Mental Health

Mental health is real, and it can be difficult for those struggling. Many people suffer in silence because they are afraid of other people judging them or feel weak themselves for not being able to handle the stress they are under. It is essential to understand the state of your mental health and how to cope with it.

The stigma placed on mental health has lessened in the last couple of years, but we have a long way to go to improve the state of our society’s mental health. Your body provides warning signs to let you know if you feel anxious or angry. Listen to your body’s warning signs and reach out to a mental health provider to help you navigate your mental health journey.

We are fortunate in this area to have a lot of very skilled mental health providers that are willing to

assist you. If you are unsure who to seek help from, go to psychology today and type in your area code. You can peruse the site until you find a therapist who is a good fit for you.

Also, keep in mind that it is vital for you to connect with your therapist. If you don’t feel a connection, continue searching until you find the right fit.

You get to choose to be in control of your mental health. Some people may benefit from medicines that a psychiatrist can assist with.

In contrast, other people may need cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, couple therapy, play therapy, music therapy, DBT, EMDR, or many different modalities to help them along their mental health journey. Therapy is not a one size fits all type of process, and you get to determine what therapeutic approach

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works best for you. Recognizing that you need assistance with your mental health is key to helping you strengthen your mental health.

There are critical components of mental health for you to recognize in yourself such as understanding when and why you are tired, what and how you react to your emotions, your sleep patterns, changes in behavior, changes in sex drive, inability to accomplish tasks you used to view as fun, and not wanting to hang out with friends.

Also critical is noting if you have suicidal thoughts or an increase in substance use or abuse. If you recognize any of these symptoms, it’s your job to advocate for yourself and love yourself enough to get help identifying your relationship with your mental health. Make sure to permit yourself to contact a local therapist,

go in with an open mind, and trust that professional with your life story to guide you in building a healthy relationship with yourself and your mental health. Remember, you are enough, and you are worth it. Also, the most important person’s opinion of you is your own. What are you waiting for? Help to stop the stigma and reach out to a local mental health provider to assist you in building your self-esteem, provide you tools to cope with your emotions, process your trauma, learn to communicate more effectively, cope with your anxiety or depression, or any other mental health disorders that you may be dealing with. The key to your mental health success begins with you.

Julie Sorenson, Doctoral Candidate, MA, LPC

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Parenting

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Digital Technology Blessing or curse?

If you were born in the thirties, you were warned that television could lead to “frying your brain,” “lowering your IQ,” or “damaging your health” from the television waves.

For those of us born after the Baby Boomers, the evil influence is digital technology—phones, computer, iPad, Chromebook, Xbox, PlayStation, Gameboy and the Internet. Families sit together at the dinner table not talking to one another, faces buried in their devices. Kids play videogames so long they don’t eat or can’t make it to the bathroom before they have an accident. Even toddlers have devices now.

The pediatrician tells us no more than an hour of screen time per day. Time at school on a screen far exceeds one hour! What’s a parent to do? Here are a few guidelines: •Be honest with yourself about how much time you are on your screen.

Do you check it every few minutes or every time it makes a noise? If you have your phone out at work, don’t, just don’t. Put it away and check only at lunchtime. Employers do not want to pay you for time on your phone whether you are in a professional job, clerical, government or a summer job.

You have to model the behavior you want in your children. Kids do what

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•If your child is spending so much time on devices that they do not go outside, talk to people in real life, ride bikes, play, swim, go to camp, etc. Do not just yell at them or make comments about their use, but plan events, do things with them and make it fun.

•If you are really concerned, there is an assessment instrument psychologists can administer called Problematic Media Use for children ages 4-11. In short, “problematic use” involves not being able to stop using technology, loss of interest in other activities, interference with daily life, interference with family life, frustration when not able to use technology, need for more screen time, sneaking screen time, screen time is the only soother of emotions.

•Toddlers under two do not need to use technology.

Research suggests that there are pros and cons regarding how the digital technology boom affects child development: Cons •Lowered attention span-immediate gratification from technology makes waiting really hard.

•Lowered privacy and risk for harassment, identify theft, and other criminal behaviors-the concept of privacy and risk to the child are foreign to the digital technology generations •Digital technology use is correlated with increased depressive symptoms and obesity and falling grades-research suggests more time on digital media may contribute to

WELCOME TO MY GARDEN TOUR I 2022

July 2022

lack of activity, negativity about the self, world and the future, and spending less time on schoolwork •Bullying at the hands of other children, called “cyberbullying”saying mean things on social media is much easier than saying the same thing face to face •Social skill delay-children who engage in fewer face to face interactions in favor of digital interactions are less adept at actual social interactions Pros •Learning opportunities-anything and everything we want to learn is at our fingertips •Improved visual-spatial skills, decision-making, problem-solving and multi-tasking-research shows improvements in these areas with digital technology use •Increased global social interactions, including extended family members, friends, •Increased access to other cultures, ideas, people with similar interests •Preparation for the jobs of the future-digital technology plays a role in many different jobs including those in IT, cybersecurity, manufacturing and so many other jobs Digital technology may be a blessing and a curse, who knows. Regardless, it is here to stay and we have to accept that fact. Make peace with it.

Learn to make it work for you and your family. Treat digital devices like everything else in the world—too much of anything is not good for anyone—except maybe broccoli.

Sheryl Lozowski-Sullivan, mph, phd

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

One on One time Who doesn’t love family gatherings—everyone together to celebrate a holiday, special occasion or just one another’s company…laughing, telling stories, playing, and, of course, eating.

These events strengthen familial bonds. They offer a safe environment in which every member is welcome and included which isn’t always the case in many social situations. There’s a place for every personality, gender and age.

Conversely, there is another aspect of familial bonding that may get bypassed, especially for children, in those large, boisterous events—building intimate relationships. Yet, these may be the strongest bonds we form with another person.

A story, I love to share, illustrates what I mean. My wife and I frequently travel to Indiana to see our three grandchildren—Kellan, Lydia (twins) and Alistair. From the time we arrive until we head home, it is continuous interaction involving all three kids at the same time.

But one evening, just before bedtime, Lydia, who was five or six at the time, came up to me and whispered in my ear, “Grandpa, when the boys are asleep, can I get up and we can color and draw and just hangout?”

That touched my heart—absolutely.

Not long after, Lydia joined me for our “one-on-one” time. We would color, do a puzzle, and “drawing games” where we challenged each other to draw an object, maybe sneak

a snack, and all the while, just talk.

It dawned on me that this wasn’t my idea—but, Lydia’s. Somewhere deep inside that sweet and loving little girl, was a desire to have an opportunity to be with her Grandpa without all the commotion, distractions, and competition for attention.

How insightful.

When their family comes here to visit, Lydia makes the same request and when everyone goes to bed, she silently waits till Kellan and Alistair are fast asleep before coming to find me for our time together.

One evening, we were just sitting together talking about friends and things we like to do, and Lydia paused and asked me in a sincere adult-like manner, “Grandpa, are you ever afraid of the dark?” “Yes, Lydia, I’ve been afraid of the dark lots of times.” I told her about the closet in

WRITING A STORY OF YOUR LIFE

my bedroom when I was her age and it gave me the willies; and the more I thought about the closet, the scarier it became. I told her my mother found out I was afraid to go into my closet, so she showed me there was nothing to be afraid of by walking in by herself, without the light on, and closing the door. Lydia and I talked quite a while about different things people are afraid of and what they do to be less afraid. I’m glad I had that conversation with her—it was obviously something on her mind.

Another thing I have learned from these one-on-one engagements with our children and grandchildren is that in those situations, the authentic character of those little people emerges. They are far more engaging and candid; I know I am as well.

I recall when our daughter was young, I would take her out for

dinner at a nice restaurant and then to see a performance–such as The Nutcracker Ballet. Again, it was an opportunity to spend time together and talk—talk that was much more enjoyable than any meal or show.

When our eldest son was in elementary, we had a “secret spot” (a local donut shop) that only he and I visited to enjoy a donut and conversation. As for my youngest son, we did a lot of hiking and backpacking and those times together were filled with one-on-one discussions.

Each time our twin grandkids from New York, Aaron and Julia, visit, I take them on “secret field trips” to explore nature and have a good time.

But like all twins, I think there is a tendency to see them as a matched set, a pair, a duo. So, from time to time, I make sure I have one short field trip with each of them separately. It is amazing to experience them as the unique individuals they are.

Thank you Lydia for making me aware that in addition to loving our entire family, a family is made up of very special individuals who are so worth getting to know.

So, as you plan your next family gathering, big or small, I suggest building in some one-on-one time with each of the young ones. It is some of the best “quality time” one could have with another human being.

James D. Coppinger

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Mike Ertner, Owner

Heroes Food & Spirits is proud to serve All American food and drink while honoring our countries military heroes! Celebrating Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veteran’s Day all year long!

Heroes offers a delicious, family friendly, dining experience. The menu offers a variety of appetizers, soups & chili, salads, several sandwiches and wraps, ten burgers to choose from and full dinners, including seafood, steak and chicken dishes - served with 2 of delicious side dishes.

Heroes is truly a unique dining experience, which you’ll notice the moment you walk through the front door. The entryway is referred to as the corner of freedom, with pictures depicting the victories of service members protecting our freedom. The display begins with the revolutionary war, where fighting to our freedom began, the large focal point of the display features the iconic picture of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima.

The walls of heroes are adorned with photographs of military members and would love to honor your loved one(s) in uniform too. Bring a picture of your loved one and they will gladly hang it in your service member’s honor. Include any information you have, such as, where the picture was taken, years of service

and the service member’s name. If you want to share more of their story, they would love to hear it too!

Children are special at Heroes and are sure to learn important messages about our troops and the important role they play in protecting our freedom. Kids can enjoy coloring military pictures and are encouraged to choose a toy soldier to take home and set in a special place as a reminder to pray for our military service members. Kids are sure to love the six kid-friendly meal choices, and parents love the $5.99 price.

Heroes offers nine different lunch basket specials to choose from – burgers, brats, pulled pork, pollock and more for just $5.99. Lunch spe-

cials are available Monday through Friday from 11am – 4pm.

The dream of opening a restaurant was realized for Mike Ertner and his wife Shannon in 2017 with a handshake. Since then it’s been a labor of love getting the restaurant up and running, including weathering a pandemic. Heroes opened their doors at the end of January and have been given a warm welcome by the community since then. The Ertner’s son, Skyler, a recent veteran, was the inspiration for the restaurant’s theme.

“Because of the veterans, we can live,” said Mike with a tear in his eye.

Paying homage to fallen, missing and imprisoned U.S. Military service members is a table set for those who

did not come home, known as the “missing man table,” or the “fallen comrade table”. The small table is set for one and each item on the table symbolizes the emotions and feelings of the absent service member. A few examples: The white tablecloth is a symbol of the pure intentions of the service members who responded to the country’s call to arms. A single red rose in the vase is a symbol of the blood that service members have shed in sacrifice to ensure our freedom. This rose also represents the family and friends who keep the faith while awaiting the return of the missing service members.

The Heroes staff wears red on Fridays and encourages everyone to do so. RED is an acronym that stands for Remember Everyone Deployed to show American service members know that their sacrifices are recognized and appreciated, and the grateful nation hasn’t forgotten what service members do for us on a daily basis. So spread the word and get your red on!

Celebrate freedom everyday at Heroes Food & Spirits, located at 121 S. Grove Street in Delton. They are open Sunday through Thursday from11am-9pm and Friday & Saturday from 11am-10pm. For more information visit their website at HeroesFoodAndSpirits.com, follow them on Facebook or feel free to call (269) 623-2399.

Jackie Merriam

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July 2022

Floweret Farm is a small family farm that grows seasonal high quality, fresh cut flowers in Kalamazoo, perfect for weddings, special events or to simply liven up your home.

What’s unique about Floweret Farm is that owners, Carey & Rich Schoolmaster, welcome visitors to gather, pick and arrange flowers, as well as wander, relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. They encourage you to bring food or beverages if you wish. Make it a celebration for yourself or for friends and family.

Bring your book club, celebrate girl’s night out, plan a baby/wedding shower, make wedding bouquets or visit just because. Be sure to bring the kids along to search for kindness rocks that can be redeemed for a special treat.

When you arrive at the farm, Carey will greet you at the garden trellis, show you around and provide you with cutting sheers and a vase filled with water and flower food and will show you how to cut flowers. A large you-pick vase is just $20; a large bucket is $60. Dalia’s are sold from mid-August through September by the stem for $1-$4. U-pick hours are Tuesdays 6-8:30pm, Thursdays

from 8:30-10am & 6-8:30pm and Saturdays from 8:30am-Noon. If you would like to reserve a table, call ahead and Carey will accommodate your group no matter what size.

If you prefer to grab a quick bunch of fresh cut flowers, stop at their roadside stand. Large wrapped bunches are available for just $10, and arranged vases are just $15. They use the honor system at the flower stand. The roadside stand is open in season Tuesday through Sunday 9am to dusk. You can pay with cash; check (to Floweret Farm) Venmo @floweretfarm or PayPal. Bouquet subscriptions are available and make a perfect gift! Each subscription includes a special bouquet to pick up on 5 consecutive Tuesdays for just $100. Gift certificates are also available. “ I enjoy the flowers, but it’s the people that bring me such joy,” says Carey. She enjoys meeting new people and cherishes the friendships that have evolved since opening three years ago. Carey affectionately refers to her husband, Rich, as the groundskeeper. “He does the heavy lifting, irrigation and maintenance and is very neat and particular with the grounds,”

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says Carey. They use only sustainable, natural practices in growing their flowers.

Floweret Farm’s seasonal flowers are dependent on Mother Nature, who can be unpredictable. Carey expects that this year’s season will be delayed by a few weeks due to the cool spring. The season should begin the last week of July and be in full swing by the first week of August.

Flowers will likely continue to bloom through the end of September or into October.

If you enjoy seasonal fresh cut flow-

Jackie Merriam

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July 2022

be ART ful

We are so incredibly fortunate to live in the picturesque Great Lakes State of Michigan. Summer days at the lake are definitely occasions to be treasured. Michigan beach adventures with friends and family are fun-filled and beloved. Up until the pandemic I can’t recall spending any alone time on the lake but these past two summers have given me an opportunity to enjoy a bit of solitude. So good for the soul and much more needed than I would have ever imagined.

Strolling along the shoreline, I have aquired dozens of old coins, hundreds of heart shaped rocks and countless other miscellaneous oddities. This past summer something else captured my attention as well; driftwood.

Noticing the bleached color created from the sun and the smooth surface from tumbling in the water, became quickly enamored and picked up a few for keeps. Loving the organic shapes, I contemplated putting them as-is in a vase for display. They sure are naturally beautiful, but the artist in me wanted more. So this is what I did and what I think you will have fun doing too!

Supplies needed: driftwood sticks . painters tape . acrylic paint . gloss mod podge . paint brush . vase Step 1. Collect your beach driftwood sticks and don’t cheat (winkwink). As tempting as it may be to gather fallen branches off of the trees in your yard, it wouldn’t be the same.

I really encourage you to spend some time combing the lakeshore and enjoying this part of the process. And I promise, I didn’t grab and hoard them all for myself, there are always-

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always plenty to be found.

Step 2. Clean your sticks to remove any clinging sand. This could be as simple as taking a wet or dry rag and wiping them. Create the variegated stripes by using painters tape wrapped around sections on the stick.

If you don’t have tape readily available, you can always draw chalk lines to help create the stripe pattern and use as your guide.

Step 3. Choose an assortment of paint colors that you would like to use. My palette preference was an array of bright and cheerful summery hues. Paint your stripes on the parts of the driftwood that are not tape protected. Once the paint is dry, peel off the tape to expose the raw color of the driftwood. Seal the entire stick with gloss mod podge for added shine and longevity. Lastly, find a vase in which to display these beautiful hand painted driftwood sticks in. You are always welcome to keep a few sticks untouched to mix into your arrangement as well…Oh So Pretty!

Our Michigan summer is something not to be taken for granted but to be enjoyed daily in any capacity. I hope you find yourself on the beach soon, either spending time alone or with others along the shores of one of the greatest of all the Great Lakes, Lake Michigan! xo - Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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GOOD NEWS

Piece by Piece

July 2022

There isn’t a person you wouldn’t love if you could read their story. – Marjorie P. Hinkley It was the weekend before I would be traveling to a fund-raising event in Washington (state), hosted by an organization near and dear to my heart whose mission is to provide service dogs to military veterans. On this weekend prior, I was attending a ceremony honoring four therapy dogs who had crossed the rainbow bridge after each had “careers” serving victims and first responders during crises from natural and human disasters.

I had not heard of the K9 War Dog Memorial in South Lyon, Michigan before this ceremony. Only one of two in the United States, this cemetery is the final resting place for canine heroes who served in the military and

on police forces.

Among the special tributes in this cemetery is a Vietnam Memorial Wall honoring nearly four thousand dogs who served and did not return home.

I was not familiar with this K9 wall, but I was familiar with one story of a veteran who was not able to bring his teammate in fur home with him. His story is in my book Hope Has a Cold Nose. After taking pictures including the three columns of King names in the hope that this veteran from the book would be able to find his King’s name, the tribute ceremony began.

Next to me stood a gentleman with his German Shephard. As I observed the ceremony, I also observed this dear gentleman periodically taking pictures. After the ceremony I offered to this gentleman that I felt

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GOOD NEWS

he was missing one more picture and asked if he would like one with his dog. Excitedly he handed me his phone as he shared that he had just adopted her four days before, and he did not yet have a picture with her.

After he shared this nearly 9-year-old shepherd’s story with me, he began to share his. He was a Vietnam veteran, and his teammate in fur had been Chief. Chief had saved his life seven times. He was not able to bring Chief home.

After he shared his story, and I shared about another gentleman I had the sacred honor of listening to and authoring his story, both of us expressed our certainty that this German Shepherd now at his feet was sent to him by Chief. This humble, kind, wise gentleman gave me many gifts that day including one filled with the highest honor and respect when

his extended hand put into mine a challenge coin, he had made that represented his time with Chief. I can only trust that my listening ear gave back to this extraordinary and dear individual the respect, gratitude, and dignity that he so deserves.

Hope is. The privilege of listening to another’s story. After all, people just want to be seen and heard.

As a reminder, I welcome hearing your thoughts on what hope is to you.

You can contact me via email thru my website (christinehassing.com and the tab titled “Contact.”) or by mailing to P.O Box 327, Gobles, MI, 49055 ATTN: Hope Is. Words and/or drawings are welcome!

Christine Hassing Author, Life and Leadership Coach, Life-Story Teacher

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July 2022

HEALTH

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for...

Mushrooms!!

Well, maybe not. But I do know people who really like mushrooms, those delightfully, diverse fungi.

(Count me in!) However, I didn’t realize the diversity of mushrooms until I read a recent article in Consumers Reports on Health. Once you can wrap your head around the fact that they’re really fungi, there appears to be some benefits to your health as well as adding flavor to your food.

Whether it’s due to the rich, savory flavor or claims about their healing properties, mushrooms seem to be having their day in the spotlight.

(That’s ironic because mushrooms depend on darkness to flourish.) Some varieties are staples in the produce section of supermarkets while others are only available in specialty or ethnic food stores. Mushrooms are even available in supplements, coming in capsule form, powder, liquid extract, and even tea. So what’s the deal?

Different types of mushrooms have different amounts of nutrients, but overall they’re sources of potas-

15

sium and selenium. Potassium can help lower high blood pressure while selenium is an antioxidant that protects your cells from free radicals. If free radicals accumulate faster than your body can neutralize them, their damaging effects can contribute to chronic diseases such as heart disease and age-related macular degeneration.

Mushrooms are also a leading dietary source of ergothioneine, antioxidant known for its role in supporting the immune system, Certain mushrooms, particularly white, baby bellas, and portobellos, can supply vitamin D. Some growers expose mushrooms to ultraviolet light, which prompts them to make the vitamin, similar to the way sunlight on the skin triggers vitamin D production in the body.

As to varieties, let me count the ways. The most familiar are those, which were already mentioned, white, baby bellas, and portobellos. The latter are known for their meaty texture.

Specialty mushrooms include maitake,

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shitake, enoki, porcini, oyster, chaga, cordyceps, reishi, turkey tail, and morels. As to morels, I happen to know several morel mushroom hunters who scour the woods in early spring for their precious treasures. Never ask a morel hunter where they go because you’ll be met with a cold stare. They’re worse than fishermen.

Mushrooms have been part of Eastern medicine for thousands of years.

Today, people who want to use them to address health issues typically turn to supplements. Preliminary research suggests that some varieties may complement the treatment of certain types of cancers. However, claims that mushrooms boost immunity, help with anxiety, or improve concentration have only laboratory or animal studies to support them. There is no proof that such claims include humans.

If you want to try mushroom supplements, check with your medical professional first, particularly if you have a medical condition. Some supplements can lower blood pressure

and blood sugar, but may also interfere with medications.

If you’re looking for a way to stretch your food dollar, you can add them as an extender in ground meat. For example, if you’re making burgers (and tis the season for burgers on the grill), try adding one cup of chopped mushrooms to one pound of ground meat.

This let’s you increase the number of burgers you can make and reduce the amount of saturated fat. There’s a climatological benefit too. Mushrooms grow with minimal water and produce high yields on small plots of land, while livestock requires large amounts of water and land.

I say, “Fire up the barbie!” Remember to MAKE it a good day and be kind.

Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer The Fountains at Bronson Place

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July 2022

Recipes Holidays are special and they call for special treats, like those decked out in our nation’s colors, which is sure to add even more sparkle to your holiday feast!

Photographer: Laura Kurella Erma Bombeck once wrote that you have to love a nation that celebrates its independence every July 4, not with a parade of guns, tanks and soldiers, but with family picnics where kids throw Frisbees, potato salad gets iffy, and the flies die from happiness!

Even though Erma uttered this sentiment oh-so-many decades ago, God bless her soul, her words are still spot on this year, most especially!

This holiday gives us all a chance to take a moment to acknowledge our love of freedom and with patriotic

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Flavors of Freedom hearts that beat red, white, and blue there is no better way to celebrate all our inalienable rights than by rolling out some special food dressed up in our nation’s colors!

God has blessed us with an abundant crop of berries this year that make celebrating the 4th that much easier.

The rich redness of a raspberry not only helps create an eye-catching creation but it will also make desserts healthier too, because raspberries contain quercetin, which is an anti-carcinogen and antioxidant that has shown to reduce the release of histamine, making it effective against allergies.

Raspberries also contain salicylic acid - the main ingredient in aspirin - which is thought to not only provide headache relief but also protection against heart disease.

Blueberries are also a great way to

decorate food in our nation’s colors and they are high in antioxidants and anthocyanidins, which slow aging and guard against cancer and heart disease.

A great way to tie these berries nicely together is in a charlotte, which is a special, eye-catching French dessert that is very pleasing to the palate, too.

According to internet sources, its name appears to be a corruption of the Old English word charlyt, which means «a dish of custard.» However, other historians claim it was named after Queen Charlotte (1744–1818), wife of George III of the United Kingdom.

Of course, it’s also quite possible that the dessert takes its name from Alexander I›s sister-in-law, Charlotte of Prussia.

Though looking quite sophisticated, a charlotte is quite simple to

make and just as easy to vary to suit your individual tastes. However, at its classic best, a charlotte is simply a cold dessert of freshly made Bavarian cream set in a mold or a springform pan lined with ladyfingers, which then can be topped anyway you like!

Here now are some fun ways to taste the flavors of our oh-so-precious freedom- ENJOY! Laura Kurella is an award-winning recipe developer and food columnist who loves sharing what she’s cooking up in her Michigan kitchen. She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@yahoo.com.

1 (7-ounce) package ladyfingers 1 (1/2-pint) container raspberries Bavarian Cream 4 cups whole milk 1 vanilla bean, halved lengthwise 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin 2 tablespoons cold water 12 large egg yolks 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar Topping 1 (1/2-pint) container raspberries 1 (1/2-pint) container blueberries Whipped topping Coat a 8-inch springform pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom and sides with parchment paper then spray paper with cooking spray before standing ladyfingers up around the inside of the outer edge of the pan.

Fill a large bowl with ice water and set aside. In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring milk and vanilla bean to a boil. As soon as it comes to a boil, turn off heat and let the covered pot steep for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small

bowl, sprinkle gelatin over2 tablespoons of cold water and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks with granulated sugar until well blended then while continuously whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Return mixture to saucepan and, over medium heat, cook until sauce has thickened and reaches 180 degrees, be careful not to overcook or you will end up with scrambled eggs! Remove from heat, stir in gelatin then remove vanilla bean. Place custard pot into the bowl of ice water and stir frequently until custard starts to cool and thicken. Once cooled and thickened, fold in 1 container of raspberries then pour into the ladyfinger-lined pan. Smooth top of custard and cover with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. To serve, arrange remaining berries and whipped topping across the top.

Approximate servings pre recipe: 16.

Recipes and photos by Laura Kurella

Charlotte goes Patriotic

Grand Old Flag Dessert 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 3 strawberries, hulled and sliced 1/2 cup fresh blueberries.

Line the walls of a dessert glass

with strawberry slices then spoon in yogurt. Top with blueberries then cover and refrigerate until serving.

Yield: 1 serving.

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July 2022

Recipes

GOOD NEWS

Flavors of Freedom

Red, White and Blue Shooter 1/3 ounce blue Curacao 1/3 ounce grenadine 1/3 ounce peach schnapps This is a layered shot so each ingredient is gently poured on top of the previous.

Pour the grenadine into the bottom of a shot glass.

Gently float the peach schnapps on top of the grenadine, and then carefully float the blue Curacao on top of the peach schnapps.

NOTE: Drink separates best if all ingredients, including glass, are ice cold.

Servings per recipe: 1.

Red Champagne Sparkler

1 ounce orange-flavored liqueur 1 ounce orange juice 3 ounce Champagne Mix the first three ingredients in

a tumbler with ice. Slowly add the Champagne, stirring gently. Strain into a Champagne flute.

Servings per recipe: 1.

Old Blue Martini

1 1/2 ounce silver tequila 1/2 ounce blue Curacao Pineapple juice Maraschino cherry for garnish Pour the tequila into a martini

glass. Fill the glass with ice cubes then add pineapple juice. Stir well then top with blue Curacao and stir lightly again. Garnish with a cherry.

Servings per recipe: 1.

Berried Treasure 1 (8 inch) prepared graham cracker crust 8 ounces Neufchatel or cream cheese 1/2 cup sugar 8 ounces frozen dessert topping 1-pound fresh berries In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until well blended.

Fold in frozen dessert topping then

pour into graham cracker crust. Chill for at least 3 hours. Slice and serve with berries on top, if desired.

Berry note: If desired, berries can be rendered into a syrupy consistency by combining them with a small amount of sugar and or by heating them slightly Approximate servings per recipe: 8

Red, White and Blueberry Freeze 1 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup frozen blueberries 1 teaspoon lemon juice Sugar to taste Strawberries for garnish Mix the whipping cream, blueberries, lemon juice and sugar in a blender.

Top with a few strawberries. This refreshing drink is great on a hot day.

Juice, grenadine, sugar and ice cubes into a blender. Blend until ice is dissolved. Serve immediately.

Servings per recipe: 2.

Independence Day Punch 6 cup orange juice 20 ounces Frozen strawberries in syrup 2 cups Cranberry juice cocktail 3 cups Ginger ale Blend the orange juice, strawberries, and cranberry juice cocktail.

Add ginger ale immediately before serving drinks.

Servings per recipe: 16.

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

By the Way... "aunt chot's world" One of my fond childhood memories was going to my Aunt Charlotte’s home for the 4th of July. We called her Aunt Chot. She and my uncle Gale live just a couple of blocks from Saginaw’s historic Hoyt Park where the annual fireworks display took place.

Our family and close relatives gathered at their home with blankets, folding chairs, large bags filled with popcorn, and our own boxes of sparklers. We were at the peak of any kid’s level of happiness and excited anticipation. Waiting for dark was the hard part and seemed to take forever.

When time came to walk to the park and find a spot on the hillside, everyone headed out—everyone except my Aunt Chot. I recall asking and cajoling her to come along. Each July 4th, she would say, “No, you guys go and have a great time.” When we returned from the fireworks, she reveled in our excitement and asked us to tell her all about it.

Over the years I learned she didn’t just stay home from fireworks. She didn’t go anywhere where people (other than family), strangers, and

groups would be—she didn’t go shopping, to the beauty shop, see a movie, attend a party or social gathering, or even go to the store to buy groceries.

Uncle Gale did all the household errands and grocery shopping.

Turns out what kept Aunt Chot at home wasn’t a personal quirk but something called Agoraphobia. Translated from its Greek origin, agoraphobia means “fear of the marketplace.”

The term agoraphobia was first cited by a German phycologist, Westphal, in 1871. A century later, in the 1970s, it was officially recognized as a distinct mental condition.

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder where people avoid, and actually fear, places where they may experience a sense of panic from feeling trapped, vulnerable, or embarrassed by their terrified response. Many express the anticipation of having a panic attack causes severe emotional distress.

Women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from the condition.

While she never recovered from agoraphobia, Aunt Chot made the most of her isolation and self-confinement.

My other recollections of her gave

me the impression of a happy and loving person—and very creative. She had a quick wit and a quicker smile.

Her home was filled with paint-bynumber canvases—especially birds and nature scenes she meticulously painted. Paint by number kits were very popular then.

But the majority of her creative skills and talents involved sewing, needlepoint, and quilting. When our youngest son was born, we received a beautiful handmade baby quilt. It must have taken hours to make and I know each stitch was an expression of love.

Not having children of her own, Aunt Chot used her talents to bring joy and happiness to many. Her obituary included the following statement, “She was an excellent seamstress and would make clothing for used dolls that she rescued. These dolls would then go to needy children in the neighborhood. She also made sure that the neighbor kids had the school supplies they needed before school started. She spent time tutoring the children in the area.”

Fortunately, she and my uncle had

one other safe haven. They owned a small cottage in northern Michigan and loved to spend summers there with family.

Charlotte was my father’s sister— one of eleven siblings–all of whom predeceased her. She passed away in June 2015 at the age of eighty-five.

And while her physical world was probably no bigger than 1,000 square feet, her life was boundless in terms of the simple joys which surrounded her and gave her life purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

James D. Coppinger

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July 2022

GOOD NEWS

Bees as Fish?

The most recent computer wallpaper attached to my PC screen, those pictures that elicit a little smile when starting the machine for a hard day’s work, is a closeup of a honeybee poised on the edge of a yellow mustard blossom. It delights me every time I see it! So, you might imagine my dismay when I recently heard that an Appeals Court for the State of California has classified bees as fish for legal purposes. As a retired science teacher with a master’s degree in Biology from a Big 10 university, you can only imagine my dismay. I immediately wanted to cry out, “Who was your teacher?” “What were you doing in science class?” Then, like so many Midwesterners, I just shrugged. Of course, it could only be a “California thing.”

The notion of bees as fish seemed so absurd that I had to dig deeper. Here’s what I found and why I applaud the ruling.

In 1969, a section of the Fish and Game Code for California was expanded in response to increased harvesting of aquatic wildlife from tidepools. This practice is the literal scooping up of marine wildlife trapped in shallows left behind when seawater recedes at low tide. Kind of like shooting fish in a barrel. These animals and plants would typically be washed back to sea when the tide rises again. In 1969, this harvesting was addressed legally in California’s Fish and Game law when the legislature passed a statute that defined “fish” as “wild fish, mollusk, crustacean, invertebrate, (or) amphibian.”

I hope the lawmakers knew that fish (and amphibians) are vertebrates.

Mollusks and crustaceans are invertebrates, usually with shells, although the shells of mollusks and crustaceans are made of different materials. Here ends the science lesson! The legislation, I assume, was written to be con-

fusingly broad to provide protection to whatever might be poached from the tidepools. Notably, nowhere in the bill was the idea that the statute was limited to only aquatic “fish.”

Now let’s fast-forward to 2018.

Several organizations concerned with wildlife conservation petitioned the state to provide protection to four species of native bumblebees that have faced severe population declines, primarily due to habitat destruction, diseases, and the use of pesticide chemicals. Their attorneys argued successfully that since the statute used the term “invertebrate” and did not specify only aquatic species, native bees, in this case, bumblebees, could be included as needing legal protection.

The decision was appealed by the Almond Alliance of California. Their side argued that it was economically critical that almond farmers be able to use chemical means to protect their agricultural interests. California supports approximately a million acres of almond orchards, producing almost a million tons of almonds worth over $10 billion in revenue to the state economy. That is big business, folks!

And it’s really not even about the bumblebees. Although they certainly are responsible for some pollination of the almond trees, the service is mainly provided by commercial honeybee apiarists that contract to truck their hives from all parts of the country to California when it’s time for the trees to be pollinated. Those contracted honeybees are subjected to high doses of pesticides that farmers use on their trees to eliminate pests. These pesticides kill many bees outright, and numerous survivors face shortened lifespans because of weakened immune systems from chemical exposure. It is estimated that approximately thirty percent fewer bees return to their home areas after their

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California vacation. Since the almond farmers aren’t concerned with the bumblebees, their loss is inconsequential to the almond business. However, if they cannot spray for pests in a quest to save the bumblebees, the damages from other non-wanted species would be economically costly.

In the appellate court ruling on May 31st of this year, the court ruled against the almond farmers’ argument that bees are not “fish” under the statute and established a precedent for the inclusion of any invertebrate considered worthy of protection under state law. It is unclear at this time whether the plaintiffs will take further legal action.

I am so glad that I took the time to look more deeply into what, at first glance, appears to be a news story that is just silly. My original inclination to chide the lawmakers who didn’t know a vertebrate from an invertebrate has been replaced by respect for what I now hope was crafty legal thinking.

Were those legislation writers intentionally vague so that the law could be broadly interpreted? I hope so! Even fifty years ago, did environmentalists foresee that the tension between economic growth and wildlife protection would be an ongoing and growing concern?

In the legal arena, we often hear about the war between the language of statutes and their intention. Some of us ask courts to use a strict interpretation of the language of the law when considering which side will be favored, whereas others want our judges to take a broader view of the intent of the legislation. These concerns are pertinent to environmental issues but also carry heavy weight in the societal troubles we read and hear about daily.

I’m sure glad I became a biology teacher instead of a lawyer! I take back my disdain for those law students as biologists. They may have been

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the best students in class! Finally, I’m reminded of the Joni Mitchell lyric when she asks for “spots on her apples” in return for “leaving the birds and the bees.” Here’s to a bit of imperfection!

Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center Ref: Wallenbrock, Emma, “The Completely Logical Reason Why a Bee Can Be Considered a Fish Now,” Slate.com, June 4th, 2022. Retrieved June 7th, 2022. https://slate. com/technology/2022/06/californiaendangered-species-bees-fish.html Earls, Maya, “’ Bees are Fish’ Criticism Mostly Misguided, Law Scholars Say,” Bloomberglaw.com, June 6th, 2022. Retrieved June 7th, 2022. https://news.bloomberglaw. com/us-law-week/bees-are-fish-criticism-mostly-misguided-law-scholarssay Greene, Jenna, “Who Knew? Bees are fish.” Reuters.com, June 9th, 2022.

Retrieved June 9th, 2022. https:// www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/ who-knew-bees-are-fish-2022-06-02/ Charboneau, Michael, “The World’s Almond Milk Craze is Killing Bees at a Staggering Rate,” Mensjournal.com.

Retrieved June 7th, 2022. https:// www.mensjournal.com/food-drink/industrial-almond-farming-killing-bees/ Armstrong, Lewis, “California’s almond trade is exploiting one of nature’s most essential workers,” Thought for Food Blog/IFIS, IFIS. com, June 5th, 2022. Retrieved June 7th, 2022. https://www.ifis.org/blog/ californias-almond-trade-exploitingbee-population

A

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20

July 2022

GOOD NEWS

FREE july Events virtual

Museum to Host March 6

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

Through December Wonder Media: Ask the Questions, Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Thursdays, July 7,14,21,28 Plainwell Farmers’ Market 3:30-6:30pm, 554 Allegan St.

Through, Sun. Sept. 18 Exhibit: The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Thursdays, July 7,14,21,28 Open Mic on the Vine, 5:30-6:45pm Satellite Records, Kalamazoo

Friday, July 1 Memory Café- in person, for those with mild dementia & care partners, 10:30am-Noon, Paw Paw District Library Friday, July 1 Live Dance Performance 2-2:30pm, Richland Library Friday, July 1 Live Music: Charlie Mench Final GravityBrewing, 8-10:30pm Saturdays, July 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am-2pm, 1204 Bank St. Saturdays, July 2,9,16,23,30 Texas Corners Farmers Market 8am-Noon, 375-1591 Saturdays, July 2,9,16,23,30 Otsego Farmer’s Market 9am-2pm, 112 Kalamazoo St. Saturday, July 2 Hands-on-History: Print Shop 12-2pm, Vicksburg Historic Village Saturday, July 2 Music: Barbara Follis, 7-9pm Allegan Folklife @Mahan Park Saturday, July 2 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra 7:30-9:30pm, Bronson Park Mondays, July 4,11,18,25 Parchment Update Interviews Parchmentlibrary.org Mondays, July 4,11,18,25 Cruise-In at Dean’s Ice Cream, Plainwell, 5pm Tuesdays, July 5,12,19,26 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St. Wednesdays, July 7,14,21,28 Richland Farmers’ Market 3-6pm, Richland Comm. Ctr. Wednesdays, July 6,13,20,27 Cruise-In, 5-8pm, Gilmore Car Museum Wednesday, July 6 Beats on Bates: Luna Band, 5:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Downtown Kalamazoo Wednesdays, July 6,13,20,27 Workout Wednesdays, 5:306:30pm, Bronson Park, Kal. Wed, July 6 - Sun, July 10 Bedtime Stories, The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment Wed -Fri, 5:30pm, Sat-Sun, 3:30pm Wed, July 6-Sun, July 10 The Wizard Of Oz, The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment, Wed.Fri, 7pm, Sat, 12pm & 5pm, Sun, 5pm Thursdays, July 7,14,21.28 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.

Thursday, July 7 Team Trivia on the Patio, 7-8pm Richland Library, register 629-9085 Thursdays, July 7,14,21,28 Open Mic Night, 7-9pm Final Gravity Brewing, Kal. Thursday, July 7 Team Trivia on the Patio, 7-8pm, Richland Library Friday, July 8 Historic Walk: Edison Neighborhood 8-9am, meet @ Washington Sq. Library Friday, July 8 Art Hop, Downtown Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Friday, July 8 Live Music: Matt Landon Trio Final Gravity, Kal., 8-10:30pm Friday, July 8 Backyard Social Cornhole Tournament Lower Kindleberger Park ball diamonds, Parchment, 7pm-10pm, Register: .kindlebergerarts.org Saturday, July 9 Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts, Parchment 9am-3pm, kindlebergerarts.org

Learn the Ukulele, Adults & teens 13+, Richland Library, 6-7pm

Wednesday, July 13 Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom: Insect Eating Birds, 10-11am, Register: birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, July 13 Beats on Bates: Samuel Nalangira’s Trio, 5:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Dwtn. Kalamazoo Thursday, July 14 Historic Walk: Parkwyn Village Meet at Winchell & Parkwyn 6:30-8pm Thursday, July 14 Live Music: Hair Mania, 7-9pm Overlander Bandshell, Portage Friday, July 15 Kal. State Theatre on the Street: Music: The Insiders, 5:30-8:30pm Friday, July 15 Live Music: Out of Favor Boys Final Gravity Brewing, 8-10:30pm Saturday, July 16 Richland Art Fair, 9am-4pm Gull Meadow Farms, Richland Saturday, July 16 Saturday Morning Jazz: Grayson & Kirsten, 10amNoon, Start Here Coffee, Kal. Saturday, July 16 Hands-on-History: General Store 12-2pm, Vicksburg Historic Village

Saturday, July 9 Friends of the Library Book Sale 9am-1pm, Parchment Library

Saturday, July 16 Music: The Adams Family, 7-9pm Allegan Folklife @ Mahan Park

Sat., July 9 – Sun. July 10 Vintage Garden Market 10am-5pm, 108 N. Park Ave. Near the Fountain Circle

Sunday, July 17 Vicksburg Vintage Market 8am-3pm, Vicksburg Pavillion

Saturday, July 9 Mallmart + Zoo Flea Vintage & Handmade Marketplace, 12-7pm Anna Whitten Hall Plaza, Kal. Saturday, July 9 Art Detectives: Out of this World 10:30-Noon, ages 4-8, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, July 9 Music: Blue Water Ramblers, 7-9pm Allegan Folklife @ Mahan Park Sunday, July 10 Kindleberger Summer Festival Professional Cornhole Tournament Parchment High School, 11am-2pm.

Register kindlebergerarts.org Monday, July 11 Parchment Book Group: The Splendid & the Vile, 6pm, Parchment Library Monday, July 11 Matt Giraud, 6:30pm, The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment Tuesday, July 12 Mary Hatch: How I Found My Muse Hiding in Plain Sigh, Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, July 12

Sunday, July 17 Matt Gabriel, 6:30pm, The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment Monday, July 18 Mystery Book Club: Saint Brigid’s Bones, 4pm, Parchment Library Tuesday, July 19 Oceans of Possibilities Painting Event, 6pm, Parchment Library Reservations Required: 343-7747 Tuesday, July 19 Mythical Monsters of Michigan, 7-8pm, Richland Library Wednesday, July 20 Learn About Wine, 7-8pm Ages 21+, Richland Library Register: 629-9085 Wednesday, July 20 Beats on Bates: FlyLiteGemini 5:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Downtown Kalamazoo Thursday, July 21 Kalamazoo County Free Scrap Tire Recycling, 3-7pm, Set appt: kalamazooconservation.org Richland Township Office Thursday, July 21 Kalamazoo Night Farmers Market 5-10pm, 1204 Bank St.

Thursday, July 21 Team Trivia on the Patio, 7-8pm, Richland Library Friday, July 22 Historic Walk: Haymarket Historic District, 8-9:30am Meet at Gazelle Sports Friday, July 22 Friday at the Flats live music, food trucks, more!

4:30-8:30pm, Celery Flats, Portage Friday, July 22 Live Music: Country Dirt 8-10:30pm, Final Gravity, Kal. Friday, July 22 Movies in the Park: Raya & the Last Dragon, 9-10:30pm Celery Flats, Portage Saturday, July 23 Community Steam Days 11am-3pm, Air Zoo, Portage Saturday, July 23 MI Mafia String Band, 7-9pm Allegan Folklife @ Mahan Park Sunday, July 24 Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, 6:30pm The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment Tuesday, July 26 Kalamazoo County Free Scrap Tire Recycling, Set Appt.: kalamazooconservation.org 9am-2pm,Swan Park, Vicksburg Tuesday, July 26 The Art of Healing – Using Art Therapeutically Noon-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, July 27 Beats on Bates: Chick & The Boomers 5:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Downtown Kalamazoo Thursday, July 28 Historic Walk: Street Names In Kalamazoo, 6:30-8pm Meet at Gazelle Sports Friday, July 29 12 String Memories/Tom Noak Final Gravity, Kal, 8-10:30pm Saturday, July 30 Styrofoam/Polystyrene Recycling, Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 10am-1pm Saturday, July 30 Water Party in the Square 10am-Noon, Richland Library Saturday, July 30 Hands-on-History: Schoolhouse 12-2pm, Vicksburg Historic Village Saturday, July 30 Zion Lion Reggae Band, 7-9pm Allegan Location TBD: 993-7678 Sunday, July 31 Speaker Series, 2pm, Vicksburg Historic Village Township Hall Sunday, July 31 Blue Water Ramblers, 6:30pm The Stage at Kindleberger, Parchment