June 2022
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June 2022
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June 2022
Remember When
Oakley’s Restaurant offered a unique fine dining experience, featuring French classical cuisine during the 1980’s in downtown Kalamazoo. Oakley’s offered a broad selection of entrees, including: Beef Wellington with burgundy truffle sauce, roast pork loin with apple-raisin stuffing and cider sauce, liver pate’ lobster on angel hair pasta and filet mignon with a perigueux truffle sauce. The menu was built around seasonal fruits and vegetables. Additionally, if there was a certain ingredient not available locally, it was flown in. Four business owners brought their ideas together to make Oakley’s special. Vince Continenza, the general manage & maître d’, Terry Hagen the chef, and Donald and Ann Parfet had the original idea of opening a dining spot. When Oakley’s first opened, Hagen followed the traditional French methods that he learned at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y, where he graduated in the top of his class. Hagen previously worked at several east coast
restaurants. He was an avid reader and traveler, keeping up on culinary developments around the country to incorporate into the menu. When dining trends moved towards healthier eating options, Hagen incorporated some lighter fare options with classical French cuisine undertones. Hagen followed the Pritikin guidelines, preparing dishes low in sugar and salt and incorporated whole-wheat products. The Chicken Pritikin dish was well received and quite popular. Oakley’s was often referred to Oakley’s at the Haymarket because they were located in the Haymarket building that was formerly an agricultural exchange. Oakley’s was located at 161 E. Michigan Avenue that still exists, is a renovated turn-of-the-century midwestern skyscraper (six stories tall). Trees and plants, along with glass and brass softened the effect of the sandblasted brick walls. The dining area had skylights 60 feet above the tables and in the lounge you could look through large picture windows to see the city below
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The green canopy at the front and back entrances welcomed guests before being transported to the restaurant in a glass-enclosed elevator. Inside, guests were greeted by classical music and fresh cut flowers on each table. Unique seating areas for the 165-patron capacity included the ambiance of a sidewalk café and cozy secluded options. The restaurant served as a constantly changing art gallery with an array of sculptures, paintings, prints and watercolors chosen by local art dealer and decorator, Karen Cooper. The month of July, Oakley’s Anniversary month, was celebrated all month long with several special events. Their 7th Anniversary Celebration included: Bastille Night, Clam Bake, Anniversary Celebration, American Cuisine, Oriental and Mexican dining nights. The Clam Bake summer entertainment event, featured music and food of a New England style beach party. The weekend event took place outdoors in the Haymarket parking lot,
behind Oakley’s. They were open for lunch and dinner and the party continued until 2am. Serving live lobster, fresh shrimp, grilled swordfish kebobs, steamer clams, BBQ ribs & chicken. Clam Bake sunglasses were part of the summer entertainment mailing and guests were encouraged to wear them to receive free admission to the beach party. After 7 ½ years in business, Oakley’s closed on January 1, 1990, the day after their annual New Year’s Eve Bash, because of the decline in downtown business activity. After the closing of Oakley’s, Hagen focused his energy on the more casual Bravo! Restaurant, which opened in 1987 with the Parfets and Continenza opened the Gull Lake Café the following June. Jackie Merriam Information was gathered from West Michigan 11/1984, Kalamazoo Collective 2/1985, Kalamazoo Gazette 7/12/2010.
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
HummingbirdsHave Arrived It must be spring, because the hummingbirds have arrived in Southwest Michigan! It is so fun to watch these colorful little birds, and it’s easy to attract them to your yard, too. Our birding experts at Wedel’s recommend the HummZinger Hummingbird feeder, especially as there are currently few flowers in bloom. The best way to watch hummingbirds is to plant flowers that attract them! Hummingbirds are more attracted to the color of flowers than the scent. Their favorite color is red, but pink, purple, blue, and yellow will also catch their eye. Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center
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Play Ball! While spending many spring evenings sitting on the bleachers watching my grandson’s play Little League Baseball, I became curious about the history of this great organization.
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The popularity of baseball became an American pastime for adults in 1856. It took over 80 years and the passion of Carl Stotz, Little League founder, to expand America’s pastime to include children. Stotz, a resident of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, had no sons of his own, but often played ball with his young nephews, and wanted a way to provide an organized program for them. Stotz began experimenting with the idea in the summer of 1938 with his nephews and their neighborhood friends. They tried different field dimensions over the course of the summer and played several informal games. The following summer, they were ready to establish what later became Little League Baseball. In 1974 Little League Baseball expanded to include girls and a Little League Soft-
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ball program was also created. Since then, millions of girls have joined the Little League ranks. Since its humble beginnings, Little League has become the world’s largest organized youth sports program. In the space of just six decades, Little League grew from three teams to nearly 200,000 teams, in all 50 U.S. states and more than 80 countries. The basic goal of Little League is the same today as it was in 1939 - to give the children of the world a game that provides fundamental principles (sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork) they can use later in life to become good citizens. Jackie Merriam
cover picture courtesy of Laura Kurella.
Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook! This publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.
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June 2022
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series
To Weed or Not to Weed
Ellen: As a youngster, when greeting relatives at family get-togethers, I always liked hearing the expression “You’re growing like a weed!” I would rise up on my tippy-toes to emphasize my growth spurt, reveling in the comments of how quickly I was shooting up. Now that I’m a home-owner, this phrase no longer holds the same attraction for me, especially when used regarding the state of my garden. Weeds do in fact grow extraordinarily fast. Way faster than the carefully planted flowers. Way faster than the vegetables we’re trying to establish in our little raised box. Way faster, even, than my desire to sit down and weed them out. I find some weeds undeserving of the scorn with which they’re met. I love the cheerfulness of dandelions, and the pretty blue of chicory flowers is lovely. I like finding little patches of clover in my yard and think that daisy weeds are charming. I generally give these a pass as I’m digging thistles out from between my tulips. Other weeds escape my attention simply because I have no clue what
they are. Did I plant that on purpose? Is it supposed to be there? Who knows! Jane: My sister-in-law, Gina, is a certified Master Gardener. She is so sweet when she walks around my garden mayhem complimenting the rock edges and shade trees. Every so often, she bends and pulls a particularly noxious weed—she can’t help it—but she doesn’t criticize. Last summer, I asked for her advice on how to tackle my unruly yard. “I know it has issues,” I apologized. “I think the flowers are depressed and the weeds are full of confidence. The trees kind of stay above it all, while the shrubbery waits patiently to be trimmed and tamed. We have always purposely avoided a monoculture
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lawn in order to encourage the butterflies and fireflies but, things have spiraled out of control and I’m not capable of pulling this many weeds. If you give me your advice, I promise to take it.” Gina looked at me in surprise. “Whoever heard of taking advice from an expert? What a novel plan.” We both laughed and I repeated my vow. “Okay,” she said, “Here’s my best advice when the wilderness has overcome domestication: Off With Their Heads!” “What? Whose heads?” “At this point in the summer, you really can’t weed your entire acre in a thorough way—impossible. So, every few days, take your garden shears
and stroll around looking for all the weeds that have seed pods forming. Lop off the seed pods, collect them, and throw them away—quick, easy, and no digging.” My mood brightened, then dimmed again. “But wait; I will still have weeds.” “Yes,” she said, “this year. But next year you will have far fewer weeds and that will put rigorous weeding back in the realm of possibility. And the year after that, civilization will be reborn.” With one simple phrase my life regained hope and order. I straightened my crown and hoisted my scepter. “Off with their heads!” I pronounced. Ellen Radke and Jane Knuth
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June 2022
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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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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Vintage & Vibes
Hello Vintage Lovers! Have you checked out the “new” spot in Downtown Kalamazoo called Vintage & Vibes by Great Lakes Thrift, located at 354 S. Kalamazoo mall? This new location is a fun and flared take on the original Great Lakes Thrift shop
which was located just a few doors over from the new location. The old and now new shop is owned and operated by Anika Johnson, with some help from her partner Dave. Anika also owns Kalamazoo Fashion House, located at 426 S. Burdick (same street, different name), just down the block from Vintage & Vibes by Great Lakes Thrift. I sat down with Anika recently to ask a few questions about her experience and love of vintage and about the two shops in Downtown Kalamazoo and how they are different from each other. As you might have guessed, Anika is busy and has a true talent and love of fashion and customer service. It shows in the organized and stylish décor of each shop, along with the inviting and fun atmospheres. Anika attended North Park University in Chicago, Ill from 2011-2013, while also playing soccer in Sweden and coaching in Texas for a few months. In 2013 she ended up back in Michigan and transferred to WMU to complete her degree in Textile and Apparel with a focus on merchandising, a creative approach to a business degree. Once graduated, she moved back to Chicago where she worked with Trunk Club, owned by Nordstrom’s. At this high end
by Great Lakes Thrift
fashion styling company Anika was able to gain valuable experience in inventory and customer service, learning about brands, stylists and how to style and accommodate customers based on their individual needs. Anika ended up having to move back to Kalamazoo around 2017 for family reasons but her love of fashion continued. She started finding incredible vintage and decided to open up a space in The Park Trades Center called Great Lakes Thrift, and so it all began… After about a year and a half she and some other Park Trade’s shops, Bee Joyful and Colors & Cocktails, made the big move to the Kalamazoo Mall. Anika ended up opening the downtown Great Lakes Thrift shop in June of 2020. Since then she has added a sister store, Kalamazoo Fashion House, and has relocated, renovated and renamed great Lakes Thrift, now Vintage & Vibes by Great Lakes Thrift. Btw, all of this while also teaching soccer to kids! So why two vintage stores a block from each other and why the recent update from Great Lakes Thrift to Vintage & Vibes by Great Lakes Thrift? Kalamazoo Fashion House tailors its vintage style to more of a professional feel, offering a spectrum
of neutrals and young professional vintage items, most ranging from 1970s to 1990s. Along with this are 6 vintage vendors that carry a wide variety of vintage through the decades. These vendors include, Golden Roller Skate, J-Bird Vintage, Love Charles Vintage, Public Eye Wear, Sizo & Peny and United Thrift, each offering their own unique style and take on vintage fashion. Just up the block, the new Vintage & Vibes by Great Lakes Thrift tailors to Gen Z and high school age customers, while still bringing along the original Great Lakes Thrift styles, but more and better and with a twist! This new space offers a variety of vintage items including pants, tops, dresses, shorts, skirts and more, so there’s something for everyone. I asked Anika what was next. Her response, More vintage for more people. She loves the hunt of vintage treasures, not just for herself but for shoppers, too, and wants to provide this experience for as many people as possible. She has a vision and the plan will follow, keep your eyes peeled, Kalamazoo Vintage Lovers… Jayne Gulliver J-Bird Vintage
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Senior Expo Downtown Plainwell Saturday, June 25th 10am-2pm
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Relationship with a narcissist?
The relationship with a narcissist can feel like you’re on an emotional train. Many narcissists promise you that they will change their behavior to keep you with them or say negative things about you. They may blame you for not having a successful relationship. When a narcissist feels like you’re ending the relationship, they may try new manipulation tactics to try to have you stay. It is difficult being in a relationship with someone who has narcissistic tendencies. One moment you may feel like you are on top of the world because you feel so much love, and the next, you may feel like you are falling apart. It is common for
narcissists to not recognize flaws or inconsistencies within themselves or take personal accountability for their behaviors. When a narcissist feels that the relationship is coming to an end, you may notice that they are more passive-aggressive, hostile, combative, and might start to be more controlling. You need to understand that it is not about you but that they are focused on their egos and not how it affects others. Recognizing behaviors that may come up when ending a relationship with a narcissist is going to assist you in taking care of yourself. The narcissist may blame you and make
you feel guilt and shame. Secondly, they may fight it and argue that they won’t accept the breakup or that you want to leave. They may try to make you jealous or find a new romance immediately after the breakup when they think they could be losing you. They will post their new romance all over social media to show that they are happier without you, make you want to question ending the relationship, or feel they never really cared about you. They may try to guilt you into staying with them, which is a key component in most abusive relationships. They may make promises to change. It is possible that they will start stalking you. They may tell you
that they have a crisis they can’t fix without you. Creating a crisis is a way to manipulate you and try to get you to stay with them. Finally, they may seek revenge to make you feel worse. Ending your relationship has possibly taken time for you to decide what is best for you. Understanding what ending a relationship with a narcissist may look like can assist and prepare you. Therapists are here to help you navigate through this process. You are not alone and always have people here to listen and provide coping tools through this process. Julie Sorenson, Doctoral Candidate., MA., LPC
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Parenting Homes of Addiction When children live in homes of addiction, they need to understand that they are not alone and that it is not their fault. They also need to realize that they can talk to people about their experiences, but sometimes they don’t know where to go or who to talk to. Many children can seek out people at school, church, friends’ parents, or other family members when dealing with living in an addicted family. These children may feel lonely, afraid, angry, and that they are dam-
aged. The feeling of not being worthy can come through their minds multiple times a day. When a child feels worthless, they can also feel damaged and not lovable when their parent chooses addiction over them. Addictions come in many forms, leaving children to feel less important than whatever they are addicted to. Children often act out at school because they are going to school to be loved. It may be their safe place. They may believe that there is something wrong with them, and they are
responsible for their parent not being there for them the way they deserve. Addiction can cause chaos within the family resulting in escalated behaviors, ineffective communication, uncertainty, and empty promises. Addiction can be a tornado of events that transpire within a child’s life and uproot relationships and families. Often, children feel robbed of their childhood because they think they are taking care of their parents instead of the other way around. They think they need to grow up faster and take on different roles to support
their parent. There are programs out there to help children, their families, and the person in the family struggling with addiction. Giving children the opportunity to share their stories and understand they aren’t alone is a therapeutic process. Please reach out to your local therapists to assist children and their families navigate through addiction. Julie Sorenson, Doctoral Candidate., MA., LPC
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
day trip Grand Rapids Public Museum
During spring break, we took my grandson’s on a field trip to the Grand Rapids Public Museum. We enjoyed several hours exploring the large variety of community collections and the Pterosaurs traveling exhibit. The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is a place of never-ending curiosity and inspiration focusing on science, history and culture. The museum, founded 1854, is the oldest museum in Michigan. As we entered the museum, we were greeted by Finny, an impressive 76 foot 1905 finback whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, This impressive artifact from 1905, is awe-inspiring and encourages visitors in to learn more about these large mammals through the accompanying exhibit. Finny was a mature adult weighing between 80 and 90 tons, which is equivalent to 12 large male elephants. Stroll the streets of Grand Rapids in the 1890’s. Learn about Egypt through artifacts, including mummies! See a wood lathe in action creating an item from start to finish. The day we visited, the wood turners produced wooden tops, allowing each patient family the chance to take one home at no charge. In addition, be sure to see and touch the Apollo Space Capsule, set to open July 4th. Explore the vast Community Collection with over 250,000 artifacts and specimens. The GRPM boasts one of Michigan’s largest collections of historical and cultural artifacts and scientific specimens that tell the
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stories of West Michigan and the world at large. A few exceptional traveling exhibits on display now include: Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs. Learn about these fascinating creatures that flew in the age of dinosaurs. Additionally, Fashion and Nature, which examines the relationship between the fashion industry and the natural world – don’t miss this experience, opened April 23rd. The Chaffee Planetarium offers shows with a newly installed hearing loop for the hearing impaired. This planetarium add-on experience costs $4 added to general admission, members are just $2 and the planetarium ticket only is $5. Another add-on experience is the 1928 iconic Spillman Carousel. However, when we visited, the
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carousel was closed for major renovations and necessary repairs, allowing the museum to continue offering the timeless Carousel experience to visitors of all ages for years to come. We enjoyed lunch at the Café at the museum. Mac & cheese, hot dogs and huge corn dogs were just $3. My grandkids loved the corn dog and mac & cheese. The Café is open 10am-3pm weekdays and 10am-5pm on weekends. The Museum is accessible to all visitors. An elevator allows guests to access all floors of the facility. They offer a special compensation for people who are blind or have low vision. A low sensory family friendly quiet room is available for anyone who needs to be away from crowds. In addition, sensory bags are provided for guests with sensory processing
disorders. GRPM offers a robust education program for schools that provide learners opportunities to explore culture, history and science through tours, hands-on activities, and guided exploration. You can even host A Birthday Party at the museum. Birthday party room rentals are available for a 4-hour time block for up to 20 people. General admission must be purchased for all guests in addition to the birthday party rental. Spark your curiosity with a trip to the GRPM soon. They are open Monday- Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm. On some Fridays and Saturdays, the museum has set up in its main galleria space for evening events beginning at 3:30pm Admission is as follows: adults $12, Seniors, $10, Students (with valid ID) & Children (ages 3-17) $5, ages 2 & under are free. For Kent County resident kids 17 & under are free and free parking, with reduced pricing for adults and seniors. Convenient covered parking & handicapped parking are available. Membership is available for $40/individual, $60/dual and $75 for family or grandparent membership. The museum is located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, on the west bank of the Grand River at 272 Pearl St NW. From US 131, take exit 85B Pearl Street. Located at the corner of Pearl & Front Street. Jackie Merriam
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June 2022
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the jampot A few years ago, I met a fellow who had retired earlier that year. As we chatted to get acquainted, he brought up a trip he and his wife recently took to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Neither of them had been there before and they decided to make it their first trip in retirement. Once they crossed the Mackinaw Bridge, they stopped for lunch and on the way out browsed a souvenir area in the restaurant where he came across a book about “out-of-the-way Upper Peninsula places” – which
he purchased. They enthusiastically decided on the spot to follow the travel guide as their vacation. He said it was one of their best travel experiences ever. One example he shared was finding a place unknown to most tourists where a small community of monks make jams and jellies from wild fruit and sell their products to support the monastery. That story stuck with me ever since. Last October, my wife and I traveled to the U.P. to take in the scenery and fall color and shoot photography. We stayed a short distance from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We woke early the first day and it was rainy—but the weather report indicated the rain would stop mid-morning. I also searched for “monk jams UP” and found The Jampot in Eagle Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. So we headed out to that location nearly three hours away. Just after sunrise, traveling a road which follows the Lake Superior shoreline, we came across a waterfall on the side of the road and stopped to enjoy the falls cascading down a rocky outcrop set among deep pines and hardwoods in full autumn color. Just 100 yards down the road
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(M-26) was a small white building surrounded by large flower pots of still-blooming roses—the Jampot Bakery. The bakery sells homemade pastries and other daily baked goods. As we approached, the smell of cinnamon rolls baking in the ovens filled the morning air. The bakery also serves as the store for the monks’ now-famous jams, jellies, and preserves made from hand-picked wild fruit gathered all summer by the monks—wild strawberry, blueberry, raspberry and more. The jars are labeled Poorrock Abbey preserves. By far, their most popular item is Thimbleberry Jam. Thimbleberry resembles raspberry but are smaller, round and concentrated with flavor; Thimbleberry is native to northern temperate regions of North America and not commercially grown because
the fruit is so delicate and difficult to harvest. The Jampot opens each year in early May and closes mid-October. The rest of the year is given to devotion, meditation, and prayer. And while it may seem a long way to drive, every mile of that beautiful country is worth the trip. The Jampot is a marvelous treasure to visit and experience—its secluded forest and lakeshore setting, the sound of the birds and lapping waves, the spectacular color, the alluring bakery aromas, the warmth and friendliness of these gentle monks— and of course, the truly marvelous jams, to savor on warm toast, will carry one through the longest winter as well. James D. Coppinger
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s ‘Wonder Media’ Exhibit Boosts Media Literacy How do you know a news post is true? What is the difference between a fact and an opinion? The “Wonder Media: Ask the Questions!” exhibit provides a fun and hands-on way to help us better spot misleading news and information using 14 highly, interactive activity stations! The exhibition opened April 9, 2022, and will run through December 2023. Some highlights include: •“In Whack a Fact,” throw a ball at the fact and not the opinion
• “Escape the Fake” by answering questions to win Truth Clues in a digital news game • And you can help Wonder Media journalist Mia as she reports the real story behind a viral photo in “Fact Check This!” “Wonder Media” was designed by Western Michigan University professor Sue Ellen Christian through a collaboration with Kalamazoo Valley Community College and WMU. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley and is governed by its Board of
Trustees. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is located at 230 N. Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. It is Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Preregistration
at kalamazoomuseum.org is recommended. Walk-in slots are available, but entry is not guaranteed if capacity is reached. Face coverings required.
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13
June 2022
GOOD NEWS
be ART ful
I believe in second chances. Giving new life to something someone else has discarded and found to be of no use to them anymore. Sometimes I can visualize and find artistic possibilities in these familiar everyday objects. For example, you can find dozens of simple glass bud vases at any second hand shop, garage sale or even from the local dollar store. They are commonplace among us with availability in a rainbow of colors. This is what most of us would probably call boring, generic and market saturated. Yet somehow these vases
end up in our cupboards throughout our lifetime. We store them away, sometimes for years, until one day we wonder why we have so many. What in the world are we going to do with them now besides pack them up for a donation? One of my passions is creating art that I can later gift away and these bud vases are no exception. Looking through my own cupboards recently, I came across five of the typical style that I mentioned above. It didn’t take long to realize what I wanted to do with them. If you are ready to try it
out for yourself, let’s begin! Supplies needed: glass vase . acrylic paint . paper mâché . measuring cup . mixing bowl . wax paper . acrylic sealer Step 1. Purchase a one-pound bag of 100% pure white paper pulp from a local craft store. Covering your work surface with wax paper first, measure out three cups of the paper pulp into a mixing bowl. Thoroughly mix the dry contents before adding one cup of water, and then knead. This will be enough to cover one vase. Step 2. Keep kneading and add a
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drop or two of the acrylic paint color of your choice into the mixture. The more paint added, the more saturated the color will be. I chose to use green, blue, orange, peach and cream. Wanting a subtler palette, I added cream to soften the other colors. Keep kneading and mixing until the paint color is evenly distributed. Step 3. Begin covering your vase, starting at the top. Using your bare hands, position sections of the paper pulp around the vase, press and blend as you go. The goal is to unify the surface, making sure the layer is thick enough to cover and hide the glass. Rub the pulp and smooth out or leave it more organic like mine. I even added pulp on the inside lip of my vase and to the bottom underside. Once all covered, allow up to a week to completely dry. Have patience with the drying time as each vase may vary. Lastly spray with an acrylic sealer. You have now just gone from ordinary and forgettable to extraordinary and unforgettable! Fill these beautiful and summery looking vases with dried or fresh flowers to display or gift away. Discover for yourself, that some things are worth a second chance! xo -Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo
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June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Piece by Piece
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. – Nelson Henderson As I thought about what puzzle pieces to write about for June, I first thought about a theme related to Father’s Day. After all, I’ve been blessed to have not just one. Nor two. I have been fortunate to have three extraordinary fathers who have influenced the root system from which I now get taller with intention that I am growing my best branches of shade. One, since birth. One since I said “I do” on the first day of the best of my life.
And one who said, “I do” and gained three, my mom, my sister, and I. I thought about a theme related to teachers. June, a time of the last days of school, graduations, a much-earned summer break. I can think of many puzzle pieces in the form of teachers who influenced my life for the better. As a child, a teenager, a college student; both formal teachers and wise sages of life. And then I thought about one particular teacher. Someone who has been adding water to planted trees (preschool and third grade students)
for over thirty-years now. I was not blessed to be one of her students, but I was – and am – blessed to be one of her friends. A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to spend time in this amazing “forester’s” classroom. I was there to share pictures with the class of veterans and service dogs from my authored book Hope Has a Cold Nose. They had been hearing stories, and they were eager to see photos and talk about dogs. I was also there for a quest I have embarked on. I wanted to learn through the children what
hope is to them. They could share in picture or word form. Or both. To see what these exceptional artists had to share, visit https://christinehassing. com and the tab titled “Hope Is” for March 2022. Hope is? What would be your answer? Among the many things my teaching friend would say is that hope is in the seven and half hours / day she gets to water planted trees, trusting that she has played a positive part in the development of their root system for the shade they are meant to provide for the world. Hope to me is witnessing the beacons of light, like my lifetime “forester” friend, who are continually shining bright no matter how many storms brew and rage and challenge these young trees as they branch out and reach for the sun. And now I turn to you, dear readers, once again and I ask, what is hope to you? I would love to hear your thoughts. I would love to share {anonymously} in a future article. You can email me by reaching out through my website (christinehassing.com and the tab titled “Contact.”) For those who may not have email capability, prefer remaining anonymous, or like to use a good ole’ fashioned stamp {smile}, feel free to send a picture or words to: P.O Box 327, Gobles, MI, 49055 ATTN: Hope Is. I look forward to hearing from you! Christine Hassing Author, Coach, Life-Story Teacher
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June 2022
HEALTH
15
GOOD NEWS
I Came; I Saw; I Forgot What I Came For!
Had Julius Caesar lived long enough, perhaps these would have been the first lines in his description of defeating Rome’s enemy in the Gallic Wars. Maybe his narrative would have been more entertaining with examples of leaving his briefcase on top of his chariot. In case you’re not getting any of this, this article is about the normal cognitive decline associated with aging. Notice the word “normal” because as we age, we can expect some forgetfulness. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the June 2022 issue of Consumers Reports has devoted a large segment to “boosting your brain power at any age”. As an exercise professional who has entered his 8th decade, I find myself more prone to entering a room and finding I really did forget why I’m there. A couple of minutes later (ok, maybe more than a couple) I do remember. I’m aware that this is happening more frequently and recognize it is part of the aging process - Noth-
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ing to panic about. The issue has several suggestions about how we can keep our brains sharp. I’d like to share some with you. As you might imagine, exercise has been shown to be a significant factor in keeping our brains working well. What’s good for the heart is also good for the brain. A couple of findings did surprise me a bit. One is the role of coffee and tea in brain fitness. People who drank 2 to 3 cups of coffee plus the same amount of tea had about a 30 percent lower risk of dementia and stroke compared to those who drank neither. This may be due to the drinks’ plentiful antioxidants and flavonoids. However, US guidelines recommend no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. So what are flavonoids anyway? Flavonoids are found in foods like apples, berries, and pears. People who ate as little as a daily half-serving of flavonoid foods were 20% less likely to report thinking declines than those
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who rarely ate them. Flavonoids may curb inflammation and cell damage as well as aid artery blood flows. If you enjoy berries, which are now plentiful year-round, you’re in luck. Research found that older people who ate the equivalent of blueberries everyday for three months performed better on cognitive tests than those who were given a placebo. Also, a 20-year study of women ages 70 and older suggests that eating blueberries at least once each week or strawberries at least twice a week may delay brain aging up to 2 ½ years. Looks like blueberries are the boss, and don’t forget we live in a region of the country where fruit is plentiful. Van Buren County, immediately west of Kalamazoo County, is one of the most productive berry-growing regions in the country. Locally grown blueberries are plentiful while in season and can be frozen for use throughout the year. While on the subject of food, I
remember being told as a kid that fish is brain food. As with “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”, this has turned out to be true. (As to why my grandparents knew that, I have no idea. So, let’s leave that for another issue.) Studies have found that healthy people over 65 who ate two or more servings of fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, may have a lower risk of developing vascular brain disease which can cause dementia. So there you have it, a mini prescription for slowing the decline of cognitive impairment. There are many other factors too, like maintaining a circle of friends and dancing. Maybe I’ll follow-up with more next month. Now, if only I could find my keys. Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer The Fountains at Bronson Place
16
June 2022
Recipes Summer is so worth celebrating, and strawberries help us enjoy an explosion of summer fresh flavor in every bite! Nothing beats locally-grown strawberries, especially if you are blessed to live in Michigan! This is because locally-grown strawberries are more fully ripened while on the vine, which gives them a sweeter flavor, and brighter red color throughout the entire berry. Strawberries from other states are picked before they fully ripen to help extend their shelf life. However, once a strawberry has been picked it can ripen no more. Therefore, the only way to enjoy the very best, Godgiven taste in a strawberry is to buy them when they are in season locally,
GOOD NEWS
Michigan Strawberries which is right now throughout the entire state of Michigan! While we are all familiar with strawberries, many of us don’t know much more beyond the fact that they taste good, but there’s more to this incredible summer treat than meets the eye, or tongue. Being the only berry whose seeds appear on the outside of the fruit; strawberries were originally called strewberries for the way the berries appear to be strewn among their leaves. Hailing from the rose family, with a lengthy European history, strawberries were first cultivated in France in late 13th century for medicinal purposes because in folk medicine it has long been believed that eating fresh strawberries can prevent (or relieve) kidney stones, and a three-day fast of nothing but fresh strawberries
are thought to bring about a cure for gout. A famous botanist named Linnaeus said that strawberries had worked so well for his inflammatory conditions that he referred to them as “A blessing from God!” Since fresh berries do provide salicylates, the active ingredients of aspirin, headache sufferers can also benefit from eating them as well. Rubbing fresh strawberries on your gums is believed to heal sore gums, and rubbing berries on your teeth can remove tartar, stains, and discoloration without harming your enamel. With all the wonderful things a strawberry can do, it’s no wonder they’ve become one of the most important small fruits grown in the Western Hemisphere. When picking or purchasing, be sure to select only fully ripened ber-
ries because strawberries cannot ripen any further – only rot – once they are plucked from their vines. Strawberries also don’t have a long shelf life so wait to buy them until right up to the day you plan to use or store them. Here now are some simple yet special ways to indulge in this season’s best. Enjoy! Laura Kurella is an award-winning food columnist, recipe developer, and home cook who loves life in Michigan. She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@yahoo.com Photographer: Laura Kurella
Fabulous Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Prep Time: 5 mins; Total Time: 5 mins; Yield: 4 Servings. 3 cups ice 1/4 cup powdered sugar 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup rum 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda In the cup of a blender, combine ice with powdered sugar, strawberries, lime juice, lemon juice and rum. Blend until smooth. Stop blender and
add lemon-lime soda. Pulse blender just once to mix in then divide mixture among four glasses. Top with additional strawberries or citrus sliced for garnish, if desired. Special Hand-dipped Strawberries Prep Time: 5 min; Cook Time: 5 min; Total Time: 10 min; Yield: 12 berries. 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons heavy cream 12 long-stemmed fresh strawberries. In a bowl set over simmering water,
melt chocolate and cream together, until just melted. Stir then remove from heat. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate with a swirling motion then, using a skewer or similar, wipe excess from tip of strawberry then place on prepared sheet. Repeat with remaining strawberries then place tray in refrigerator to cool and set up. NOTE: Best if served on the same day they were made.
Berries and champagne are a wonderful classic flavor combination perfect for brunch or celebrations. Servings: 4 1 bottle of champagne (or clear soda) a handful of strawberries 1.5 ounces Saint Germaine 1.5 ounces thyme-infused simple syrup 8 ounces water 1 cup sugar 5-10 sprigs of fresh thyme Begin by making thyme-infused simple syrup by dissolving sugar into
water on your stovetop. Once the sugar dissolves add 5 sprigs of thyme, and allow to barely simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. The longer the better! Pour into a glass jar and allow to cool. (You will have left over syrup for later use.) In a cocktail shaker, muddle 3-4 strawberries, then add Saint Germaine and 1.5 ounces of the simple syrup. Add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled glass. Top with champagne (or clear soda), garnish with a sprig of thyme, and enjoy!
BerryThyme Bubbles
17
June 2022
Recipes
GOOD NEWS
Michigan Strawberries Reviving StrawberryRhubarb Tea Servings: 6 4 cups water 2 cups rhubarb 1 cup quartered strawberries 6 tablespoons sugar, or to taste 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice Ice In a saucepan, combine water, rhubarb, strawberries, and sugar over medium heat. Once it begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and pour mixture into a heatproof bowl then place in the freezer for 30
Sweet Strawberry Lemon-lime Servings: 6 5 cups water 1-pint strawberries, hulled and halved 1 cup sugar, plus more if needed 4 lemons, juiced 2 limes, juiced In a blender or food processor,
puree the strawberries with 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1 cup of water. In a large container, pour 4 cups of water, then add the remaining sugar, the lemon and lime juice, and the strawberry mixture. Stir and taste, adding more sugar if you like. Refrigerate until well chilled.
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minutes to cool. Meanwhile, in a pitcher, place fresh lemon juice and set aside. Once 30 minutes has elapsed, strain rhubarb mixture through a fine sieve into the pitcher, pressing solids with the back of a wooden spoon, then squeezing with hands to release all the liquid into the pitcher. Compost solids or reserve for another use. Stir well to combine then serve over ice. Store unused portions in the refrigerator.
18
June 2022
By the Way... Recall the times you strolled a shoreline with rocks and pebbles of various colors and markings gently tumbling in the waves and sand. Always, there was one, out of thousands, that caught your attention and you bent down to examine it. A memory I have from my earlyelementary years was my grandfather Coppinger pulling from his pocket and giving me what he called a “bloodstone.” It was a greenish rock with blood-red streaks. I have no idea where or when he picked it up—but it was special to him and he wanted me to have it. On my desk, I have one such rock from the shore of Lake Huron near Cheboygan; it’s one of my favorite beach stones. The piece I picked up along Lake Huron a few years ago is Unikite. It is characteristically pinkishred and green. The pink color comes from orthoclase feldspar which is potassium, aluminum, and silicone and oxygen (quartz); the green material is the mineral Epidote (which is basically aluminum and iron). What caught my eye was the exposed areas of crystallization. While browsing the web about prehistoric archeological sites, I can across a fascinating find. In 1925, in the Makapan Valley of South Africa, a teacher, Wilfred Eitzman, exploring a cave which contained Australopithecus (humanoid) remains, found a small stone (just over 3”) with distinctive facial impressions. Again, an object that immediately drew his attention and he picked it up to carry it home. It wasn’t reported for nearly fifty years later by famed anthropologist Raymond Dart. Dart was the anthropologist who discovered Australopithecus africanus. The object Wilfred Eitzman found is now known as the “Makapansgat Pebble.” The facial impressions appear to be naturally formed and not carved. The stone is just over three inches. It is a piece of Jasperite. The closest deposits of Jasperite are about twenty miles from the cave where it was discovered and the only way to have made it into the cave was to be transported there. Archeologists call an artifact that is a natural material that has been transported to another location a “manu-
GOOD NEWS
"a face in time"
port.” What is remarkable, is that a humanoid, somewhere between 2.5 million and 2.9 million years ago, came across this stone on a streambed or other flowing water and apparently, recognized the facial features and carried it “home.” There’s been much speculation as to what an early hominoid would have read into this—but the implications are clear. Recognizing those simple facial-like features represents symbolic thinking—precursors of art and language. The human face plays a significant role in human communication—especially emotion. Today, we use emojis in emails and texts to communicate— happy faces, sad faces, angry faces. Emojis transcend language and are universally understood. There is debate about the Makapansqat Pebble in that when it was placed in the cave is unknown and its relationship to the Australopithecus site might be coincidental. Likewise, there is only speculation as to whether or not the object had any spiritual or artistic (decorative) significance. We will never know the answer.
However, speculating on such a find as the Makapunsgat Pebble is intriguing. To have a solid reason to contemplate the fact that early-humans (with nearly three million years of brain evolution to follow) suggests we have long had the ability for symbolic
OTSEGO
thinking which is the root of finding meaning. The fact this hominoid stopped and examined this pebble is clear evidence that capability was in place. Yes, perhaps recognizing a face in an inanimate object led to a spiritual connection with the earth or even a
deity—I hope so. I also imagine that this early human being shared the mysterious pebble with others in the group including offspring. Or kept it with them as a token of “good luck” or “fortune.” Perhaps the experience of finding the stone with a face prompted a more purposeful search over his or her lifetime for other symbols or patterns–translating them for “meaning.” Such “meaning” is cognition – the definition of which is “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.” So, this summer, as you’re walking a shoreline or watching clouds float by and seeing the pigs and turtles in their puffy shapes—consider that experience the Makapunsgat hominoid made one sunny morning walking that pebblestrewn streambed and recognized a face looking back at them from a stone. James D. Coppinger
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19
June 2022
GOOD NEWS
Tick Tock! The title refers, of course, to the passage of time. Time plays a role in my musings for this month’s article about ticks. Ticks and time –and how they have come to be related over recent years. As a young hiker, ticks were definitely not a “thing.” I never thought about them, never saw them, and certainly, no one ever suggested a tick check when I returned from a woodland outing. How times have changed! My friends report going through elaborate precautions when they garden to avoid becoming a blood meal for the ticks in their yards. If you’re lucky enough to have a dog or two, warnings abound about the need to check for ticks when they come in from a romp and a recommendation to dose them monthly with flea and tick medication. These warnings made me wonder when ticks became such a problem in southwest Michigan and what factors have influenced their spread. Ticks are members of the arachnid family. Yes, the same class in biological taxonomy that houses spiders. Like spiders, a tick has eight legs and three body segments, with a smallish head, thorax, and large abdomen. The better to store their blood meals, my dear! A female tick can lay over a thousand fertilized eggs and each one, if it survives, goes through three additional life stages. A newly hatched larva attaches to a host species and requires a supply of blood to continue its lifecycle. After roughly a year, the larva will develop into a nymph, attaching itself to another host species, frequently a mouse, and continue to develop and feed. Finally, it matures into an adult and takes another host species to feed on in maturity. These host species are usually, but not always warm-blooded. Ticks are tiny in all their life stages and can’t fly or jump but catch a host by simply attaching as the unsuspecting victim wanders by. Once they have climbed on, it takes several hours for the tick’s mouthparts to bore into the skin and it then begins to engorge
with fresh blood for two or three days, until it drops off to await the next host. It’s hard to find any redeeming reason to root for ticks. They seem to be a scourge, but they are a food source for ground birds, like turkeys, chickens, and guinea fowl. Ticks provide meals for frogs, squirrels, and opossums. Could we do without them? Possibly, but likely at the cost of introducing more synthetic chemicals into the environment. And that remedy could likely have other negative, unintended consequences. Roughly 95% of the ticks found in Michigan are one of three species. The most common is the American dog tick, sometimes called a wood tick, followed by the black-legged tick, or deer tick, and, much less often, the lone star tick – not named after Texas! Ticks carry a variety of diseases that can be passed on to the unwitting host. Lyme disease, the most often referenced and the most troublesome for human victims, is transmitted by the black-legged tick, but other species of the arachnids can pass on diseases to hosts as well. Suffice it to say that ticks are a substantial public health problem, at least in this part of the country. When did this happen? Documentation of significant deer tick populations shows that, as recently as 2004, ticks
were endemic to Menominee County. By 2009, there were isolated but significant groups along the southwest Michigan coastline. Since 2013, their populations have soared, such that much of the entire west Michigan shore has a considerable infestation. Scientists suspect the “uptick” in ticks is related to changing migratory pathways of birds as they move to warmer climates. As Michigan winters continue to be warmer and wetter, birds can transmit the larval and nymph life stages of ticks into areas that were once much less habitable. This tells scientists that, over time, the presence of ticks and tick-borne diseases will continue to rise. Historically most active from April until September, their numbers peak in June. Still, as our climate continues to warm, ticks are predicted to be more active, in more significant numbers, for a longer time. The species prevalence is also changing. A recent report on tick activity from Oscoda County indicates that deer tick numbers have risen in abundance, overtaking wood ticks as the most populous. So, where’s the “good news?” Science has developed effective topical repellents. DEET is widely available, inexpensive, and provides reliable results. Evidence shows that mixtures containing lemongrass, thyme, and peppermint essential oils are
also effective, although perhaps more expensive. While not cheap for pets, monthly oral and topical treatments are available and provide desired results. Simply adopting safer practices in tick-laden areas is an excellent prevention strategy. Cover up bare skin with light-colored clothing, wear a hat, and get a friend to help with a tick check. Free and useful! Since we know that science has become very skilled at designing and manufacturing vaccines, could there be one on the way for Lyme disease? Already done, my friends! According to an article in Time Magazine from last year, a vaccine was developed over twenty years ago that was effective against Lyme disease. It wasn’t a perfect vaccine – no vaccine is - but after approval by the FDA, it was withdrawn due to insufficient demand. Perhaps current scientific advancements could yield a better product. Recently, Yale scientists used mRNA to devise a Lyme vaccine that shows promise. Since Lyme is the most common vector-borne disease in the country, it may be time to bring such a product back to the drawing board. In the meantime, cover up and go for a nice hike! Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center REFERENCES: Oaklander, Mandy. “We Used to Have a Lyme Disease Vaccine. Are We Ready to Bring One Back?” Time, June 17, 2021. https:// time.com/6073576/lyme-disease-vaccine/ Nalbantoglu, Selin. “ Yale researchers develop mRNA-based Lyme disease vaccine.” Yale News, December 2, 2021. https://yaledailynews.com/blog/2021/12/02/ yale-researchers-develop-mrna-basedlyme-disease-vaccine/
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20
June 2022
GOOD NEWS
FREE june 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
Sunday, June 5 Concerts in the Park 4-5pm, Bronson Park, Kal.
Through, Sun. Sept. 18 Exhibit: The Forgotten Fighters of the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Monday, June 6 Summer Reading Program Begins Parchment Library
Wednesday, June 1 Summer Reading Program Begins, Comstock Library Wed., June 1- Thurs. June 30 Youth Take Home Craft: Under The Sea Stained Glass, Comstock Library Wednesday, June 1 Beats on Bates: Capt. Cat, 5:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Downtown Kalamazoo Wednesdays, June 1,8,15,22,29 Cruise-In, 5-8pm, Gilmore Car Museum Thursdays, June 2,9,16,23,30 Open Mic on the Vine, 5:30-6:45pm Satellite Records, Kalamazoo Thursday, June 2 Adult: Bottled Goodbyes: Messages From Shipwreck & Aviation Disasters 7-8pm, Ransom District Library Thursdays, June 2,9,16,23,30 Open Mic Night, 7-9pm Final Gravity Brewing, Kal. Friday, June 3 Memory Café- in person, for those with mild dementia & care partners, 10:30am-Noon Paw Paw District Library Fri, June 3 – Sat., June 4 Kalamazoo Pride, Arcadia Festival Place, Downtown, Kalamazoo Fri., June 3 – Sat. June 4 KIA Arts Fair & Art On The Mall 6/3 Noon-8pm, 6/4 9am-5pm Downtown Kalamazoo Friday, June 3 Art Hop, Downtown Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Friday, June 3 Kalamazoo State Theatre on the Street, Live Music: Lisa Can’t Sing, 5pm-8:30pm Friday, June 3 Live Music: Doug Buscemi, 8-10pm, Final Gravity Brewing, Dwtn. Kal. Saturdays, June 4,11,18,25 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am-2pm, 1204 Bank St. Saturday, June 4 Ugly Doodles (kids), 10-4pm KIA tent in Bronson Park, Kal. Saturday, June 4 Do-Dah Parade, 11am, Begins at the corner of Jasper & Lovell St. Downtown Kalamazoo Saturday, June 4 8th Annual Bikers’ Blessing, 11-2 Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Kal.
Mondays, June 6,13,20,27 Parchment Update Interviews Parchmentlibrary.org Mondays, June 6,13,20,27 Cruise-In at Dean’s Ice Cream, Plainwell, 5pm Mondays, June 6,13,20,27 Adult Walkers & Runners 7-8pm, Ransom Library Tuesdays, June 7,14,21,28 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St. Tuesday, June 7 ARTbreak: The “Fertile Soil” Project, Noon-1pm, KIA Wednesday, June 8 Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom: Cardinals & Ally Birdsa, 10-11am, Register: birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, June 8 Adult Craft: Watercolor Clocks 6-7:30pm, Comstock Library Wednesday, June 8 Beats on Bates: BlueBack, 5:308:30pm, Bates Alley, Kalamazoo Thursdays, June 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St. Thursday, June 9 Richland Community Library Open House, 5:30-7pm Thursday, June 9 Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations, 7-9pm, Overland Bandshell, Portage Saturday, July 11 Vicksburg Car Festival, 9-3 Saturday, June 11 Scalin up for Summer, 10-1 Celery Flats Historical Area Saturday, June 11 Art Detectives: Ish, 10:30-Noon, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, June 11 Mallmart + Zoo Flea Vintage & Handmade Marketplace, 12-7pm Anna Whitten Hall Plaza, Kal.
Ransom District Library
(& Families), 11am, Richland Library
Tuesdays, June 14,21 Preschool Story time, 10:3011:30, Ransom District Library
Tuesday, June 21, 28 Summer Reading Kick-off In the Square, 3-4pm, Richland Library
Tuesday, June 14, 21, 28 Wee Ones Storytime, 11-11:30am Ages 2 & under, Comstock Library
Wednesday, June 22 T(w)een Tie Dye, ages 13+ 2-3:30pm, Comstock Library
Tuesday, June 14 Adult Crafternoon, Bring your craft, 1-2:30pm, Comstock Library
Wednesday, June 22 Beats on Bates: I Cam G & Flizz-E 5:30-8:30pm, Bates Alley, Kal.
Wednesdays, June 15, 22, 29 Family Storytime at Merrill Park 10:30-11am, Comstock Library
Wednesday, June 22 Adult Watercolor Painting Class 7-8pm, Richland Library
Wednesday, June 15 Book Discussion: Clara and Mr. Tiffany, 2-3pm, KIA
Thurs., June 23 – Sun., June 26 The Hot Tub & Swim Spa Sale Thurs.-Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 11-4 Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Wednesday, June 15 T(w)een Luau Party, ages 11-18, 2-3:30pm, Comstock Library Wednesday, June 15 Beats on Bates: The Incantations 4:30-8:30, Bates Alley, Kalamazoo Thursday, June 16 Kalamazoo Night Farmers Market 5-10pm, 1204 Bank St. Thursday, June 16 Dianna Stampfier: Circling Lake Michigan, 6pm, Parchment Library Thursday, June 16 John Wemlinger: Michigan Notable Author, 7pm Richland Community Library Fri., June 17 – Sun. June 19 UKC Premier Dog Show, 8am4pm, Kal. County Expo Center Friday, June 17 Kids Craft: Finger Puppets 10:30-11 & 1:30-2:30pm Register: Comstock Library Friday, June 17 Queer the Block, 3-8:30pm, Chalk the Block 3-5pm, Patio/Bar 5pm, Live Entertainment 5:30pm State Theatre outdoors Friday, June 17 Music: The Incantations, Final Gravity Brewing, 8-10:30pm Saturday, June 18 Meet a Mermaid!, 11am-1pm, Comstock Township Library Saturday, June 18 Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight Welcome, 6-9pm, Wings Event Center
Sunday, June 12 Summer Concert in Bronson Park, 4-5:30pm
Sunday, June 19 Vicksburg Vintage Market 8am-3pm, Vicksburg Pavillion
Monday, June 13 Parchment Book Group: All Quiet On the Western Front, 6pm Parchment Library
Monday, June 20-Sat. June 25 Adult Take Home Craft: No-Sew Bowl Covers, Register:Comstock Library
Tues., June 14 - Fri., June 17 Friends of the Library Book Sale Richland Community Library
Monday, June 20 Mystery Book club: The Devotion of Suspect X, 4pm, Parchment Library
Tuesday, June 14 Adult Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30am
Tuesday, June 21 Family StoryTime, ages 0-8
Thursday, June 23, 30 Author & Illustrator Class, ages 8-12, 3pm, Register: Richland Library Thursday, June 23 Team Trivia on the Patio 7-8pm, Register: 629-9085 Richland Community Library Friday, June 24 Friday at the Flats, 4:30-8:30pm, Celery Flats, Portage Friday, June 24 Movies in the Park: Jumanji: The Next Level, 9-10:30pm Celery Flats, Portage Saturday, June 25 Friends of the Library Book Sale, 10am-3pm, Ransom Library Saturday, June 25 Community Steam Day: Engineering, 11am-3pm, Air Zoo Saturday, June 25 Kids & Canvas, ages 6-12, 10:30am Register: Richland Library Saturday, June 25 Artist & Crafters Summer Market 1-6pm, Holiday Inn & Express, Kal. Saturday, June 25 Eric Carle Birthday Party! 1-2:30pm, Comstock Library Tuesday, June 28 ArtBreak: Profound Possibilities of Papeir-Mache’, Noon-1pm, KIA Wednesday, June 29 KIA Art Detectives on the Road, 10:30-Noon, Ransom District Library Wednesday, June 29 Palamazoo Puppet Show, 3pm Richland Community Library Wednesday, June 29 Beats on Bates: Zion Lion, 5:308:30pm, Bates Alley, Kal. Thursday, June 30 Adult Book club: Deacon King Kong, 6pm, Comstock Library Thursday, June 30 Summer Concert Series: 126th Army Band Concert, 7-9pm Overlander Bandshell