March 2021
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GOOD NEWS
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March 2021
Remember When
For teens growing up in the 1980’s, Star World was the place to be. Well known for the video arcade, delicious pizza, birthday parties and teen dances, Star World entertained local teens and families alike. Star World was an arcade chocked full of video games from the era, including: Pac Man, Centipede, Track and Field, Tetris, Donkey Kong and many other classics. They also had many other exciting games including: Whack-a-mole, Skee-Ball, a variety of pinball games and a ball pit, which I’m told was a treasure trove for lost tokens. During the week and on weekend days, families gathered to play video games, eat pizza and enjoy a Coke, while watching a movie on the big screen in the dining room. A birthday party at Star World was every kid’s dream that included arcade games, pizza & pop, the iconic star cake and Lobo the clown was on hand to help sing “happy birthday.” Birthday parties were also a favorite for Moms - no set up, no mess and no clean up! Weekend nights were another story all together when it became a teen hangout and video dance party. Teens enjoyed dancing to music by Duran Duran and Tears for Fears, among other artists, on the illuminated dance floor remained intact from the previous business, The Light Factor (the kiddie version of The Light Factory). This was during a time when everyone watching
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MTV (music television). It was an age of many music and dance styles, including hip-hop, pop-locking, and break-dancing. Star World held Lip Sync and Break Dance competitions regularly. Many remember the specials that Star World offered, such as: 10¢ Thursdays – just ten cents for a hot dog, a slice of pizza, a pop or a token. Tuesday Extravaganza - Just $5 to get in and unlimited free play on all arcade games and the group Lockin’s - all games were on free play all night long.
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GOOD NEWS “Many great memories from there.” “Star World was the BOMB!!!” “Best pizza around.” “Way too much fun.” Some of my best times!!” “ I spent far too much of my youth there.” My granddad and Mr. Cekola were friends. He’d bring us Solo cups full!!!!!! of tokens. Man I miss being a kid.” I still have a few Star World Tokens.” “I broke my collarbone at Star World. First broken bone I ever had!” “ Always had a lot of fun. Then we went cruising down Westnedge.” “Jac’s Pizza…tastes like being a kid”
I couldn’t believe how many comments were posted on the popular Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page about Star World. Here are just a few of the hundreds of comments: “I had some of the greatest times there and miss those that I hung out with there!” “Used to get pizza every Sunday night.” “Star World was to arcades as Cedar Point is to amusement parks. It’s the standard you measure all others against.” “As a kid we cleaned Star World parking lot for pizza and tokens.” “That place was my favorite growing up.”
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Star World opened in 1980 in Portage at 6151 S. Westnedge Avenue, where Joann Fabrics and Crafts is presently located. Joe Cekola owned star World and Joey and Bill Cekola were involved in operations. Sadly, Star World closed its doors in 1991. Cekola’s pizza has held a place in the community since the 1950’s when it began on the corner of North St. and Gull Road. It was also available at Cekola’s Grocery, followed by being served at “The Doors” in downtown Kalamazoo until it was destroyed by the tornado in 1980. Cekola’s iconic pizza was the mainstay at Star World from 1980 – 1991, until Star World sadly closed its door, ending their reign as Portage’s first family fun entertainment venue. You can still enjoy the same great Cekola’s Pizza today at Jac’s Cekola’s Pizza located in Portage at 7640 S. Westnedge Ave. and in Kalamazoo at 3112 S. 9th Street. Those who loved Star World will be happy to know that there is a Facebook page to comment and stay up to date on future reunions: Star World Reunion (Back to the 80’s.)
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
The Year of the Peperomia
The National Garden Bureau chosen the Peperomia as the houseplant of the year. Peperomia was chosen because it is popular, easy-to-grow and versatile. They have been sold as houseplants since the 1930’s and can be found in trailing, upright, bushy and succulent varieties. None of the peperomia get overly large, so they are a nice choice for small spaces. Peperomia are a diverse group of plants in the pepper family, Piperaceae, but not the edible pepper family that gives us green and hot peppers. They come from the pepper family that provides us the pepper spice that gives our food flavor. It would seem then that peperomia might be edible, but they are not for human or pet consumption. Is it a Peperomia? If you aren’t sure if you are looking at a peperomia, their “rat-tail” inflorescence (group or cluster of flowers) helps with recognition if they are
Have you joined the Wordle craze? Wordle is the new web-based word game that it seems everyone is playing! If you’ve been on social media lately, you’re sure to have seen the grid of green, yellow and black squares. The approach to solving the word is dif-
blooming. The pale, thin, textured inflorescence does resemble a rat’s tail and if the plant is receiving enough light, you will witness its flowers. However, peperomias are not grown for the flowers, but for their amazing foliage. Peperomia Care Tips The care of peperomias depends on the species or cultivar you choose to grow. All of them are a bit succulent, either in their stems or leaves. The truly succulent types, such as P. incana and P. obtusifolia need to be treated as such. Wait until the potting medium is almost completely dry before watering again. The less succulent types including P. argyreia, P. caperata, and P. polybotrya, tread a fine line of wanting to dry out but also not wanting to be kept too wet. Check your plant frequently, using your finger to test the moisture, and water when the medium is dry a couple of inches down
ferent for each player, but the rules of the game are simple: Try to guess a five-letter word in six tries. The game tells you if the letters you picked are in the word, and if they’re in the right place. Initially the game reminded me of hangman, but is limited to 5-letter words. Because of this analogy, my approach is to choose a word that includes several vowels. We’ve shared the game with our 8 and 9-year old grandsons and they love it! In the beginning, we would use a separate device to solve the word ahead of time and then give them clues to solve the word, which is no longer necessary. Wordle is a great spelling tool for kids and is a “one and done” activity. There is only one word each day; a new word is posted at midnight each day. Josh Wardle, a software engineer in Brooklyn, developed this free online game for himself and his partner to play together. After months of playing and shar-
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into the container. A peperomia that is too wet will send you the message loud and clear by dropping its leaves because its stems have become mushy at the base. If yellow leaves appear that may be an indicator that you have kept it too moist. You may be able to save it by allowing it to dry out if you notice the yellow leaves soon enough. Clay pots will work better for the species of the Peperomia as they allow water to escape through the porous pot sides. Some of these Central and South American natives grow as epiphytes which indicates they don’t have extensive root systems. Keep them in a snug pot in a fastdraining potting medium for best results. After purchasing Fertilome potting mix, add a good amount of perlite and/or orchid bark. This will allow the water to drain quickly but it will retain enough moisture for the plant to thrive.
ing it with his family, he decided to share the fun with the world in October 2021. The popularity of the game increased in December 2021 after Wardle added the ability for players to copy their daily results as emoji squares without giving away the word, which has been widely shared on social media. The website built by Wardle himself has no ads or flashing banners, no pop ups asking for money. It’s merely a game on a black background that’s fun! The growth of Wordle has been astounding, growing from 90 players per day in November, 2021 to more than 300,000 players per day in late January 2022. As of the print date, The New York Times has purchased Wordl for in excess of 7 figures. Wordl continues to be free at this time. Join the Wordle craze at powerlanguage. co.uk/wordle/. -Jackie Merriam
Peperomia in general don’t need a high light situation, including the more succulent varieties. However, if you have a variegated form, the variegation will stay brighter in a higher light situation. If you watch the watering routine closely, keep your plant warm (above 50° F), and give it a medium to bright light, you should have a healthy, thriving peperomia in your plant collection. Feeding regularly with Schultz liquid plant food will encourage flowering and healthier leaf growth. Once you have one peperomia, the need to have more varieties will come naturally. It is a great group of plants! Information and pictures from the National Garden Bureau Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center
Cover photo courtesy of Bridget Fox, artist.
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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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series
Looking for a Hobby Without the Mess? Jane: Field guides are the clutter-less hobbies. The equipment consists of one authoritative book. The enthusiast takes this book, goes about the world, and simply checks off the found objects. Done. All you need is a pencil and, perhaps, binoculars. Birders do not bring birds home. Tree lovers don’t need to grow every species on their property. And wildflowers are specifically protected by law: no picking. My newest guide is the best yet: A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlester. This treasure provides all the helpful architectural clues of a search engine.
When the book arrived on our doorstep, I showed it to Dean and said, “Where shall we start looking?” He paged through the photographs and schematic drawings and said, “Constantine? Or maybe, Centreville? There are lots of big old houses in those towns, plus classic farm houses on the way there.” Constantine was where I nailed down exactly how to identify a Greek Revival. Centreville has an Italianate listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Next, we drove out Riverview Drive looking for Queen Anne, but discovered a classic example of Stick Style instead! My heart was beating so fast! Soon, we are going to Allegan and, after we’re comfortable with Victorians, the next level will be Marshall. Dean is thrilled with my new hobby. I haven’t bought a single house.
Ellen: Last weekend my parents visited our new home. Being new homeowners with multiple renovation projects going on there is always something new to see, and this time, I was excited to show my mom the new living room chair I’d acquired. “It’s perfect for a Minimal Traditional house!” she exclaimed. “Great choice--it suits the room lines.” This was not quite the reason I thought she’d approve. “Oh, uh, yeah. Actually, I bought it to match the couch.” My mom peered out our bay window. “Have you talked to your neighbors three doors down yet?” I joined her in looking down the street. “Not yet. Why?” She craned for a clearer view. “I think their house has the same
original footprint as yours before that extra bedroom was added. I bet if you went inside you’d see how your kitchen used to look.” I can’t picture introducing myself and asking to view their floor plans. “Maybe we’ll work up to that.” “You should.” She pulls out a book with a cover full of houses. “Now, let me tell you about your porch.” Jane Knuth and Ellen Radke
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March 2021
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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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
Vintage Going Green In the past several years, houseplants and the acquisition and tending of them has had a huge rise in popularity. Several stores in the Kalamazoo area have a houseplant area. One shop in downtown Kalamazoo is solely dedicated to houseplants. Perhaps you haven’t thought of the phrase “Everything old, is new again” outside of fashion. Like clothing and mid-century modern furniture in golds, avocado and rust, (trends of recent years) the 70’s are back with the plant industry. Houseplants were very popular in the era of the 1970’s. Plants tended to soften the décor that was very modern, earthy and hard with materials like glass, paneling and stone. Larger open floor plans needed some filling and balancing. Homeowners were embracing nature and wanted to bring that tropical, green feel into their living rooms. Plants in various sizes and shapes-some hangingbecame the hobby for millions of Americans. Businesses to support this growing plant culture sprung up (pun intended) in the 1970’s as well. Gardening services to keep public area plants looking shiny and robust were one type of business to start up. Some-
one had to take care of the lobby plants in the building. Another newer type of business in the 1970’s was, of course, an actual plant store. Plants and their accessories were found in these special shops. Classes teaching macramé were a popular and fun event hosted by stores and community centers. The plants that were popular in homes in the seventies are once again finding their way into homes of today. Prior to 2010, it would have been likely for someone under 40 to be able to name by sight plants such as Fiddle Leaf Figs, Dracaenas, Spider, or Snake Plants (also known as mother-in -law’s tongue). It would also have been odd to hear someone request these plants from a sales clerk. What has changed in more recent years is the new colors and new leaf shapes of old favorites. The names are familiar but often something has changed a bit on the plant. Much like everything in the past several years, some plants have been harder to come by from suppliers. One reason credited to this resurgence of plant keeping is the Internet. Instagram pictures of a green beauty or a Pinterest post of a special home plant area keeps the love of foliage
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alive and growing! Trends are easily passed along from one community to another with just a click. Specialty apps can be purchased to help a person identify the type of plant, care of the plant and more. Being a plant lover is something a person can do by themselves or with a group. In the era of Covid, people can interact with friends and like-minded individuals while staying out of crowds.
There are plant clubs locally for those that want interaction with other plant parents. People trade plants, start plants from a friend and help a person seeking a particular variety of houseplant. Before we go green this spring, take a stroll through your local plant retailer! Teri Standiford
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
Relationships
Love isn’t always easy.
Sometimes it’s messy Love isn’t always butterflies and rainbows. Sometimes there are dark clouds, anger and, dare I say, hatred. No one really knows how some people stay in love for years and feel like they married their best friend. Some people say they feel that their spiritual affiliations help to keep a relationship strong. However, other people struggle in their relationships causing stress in their lives. Lies, financial stress, and infidelity are the top reasons that lead to the destruction of a relationship. Lies can disrupt any type of relationship. People lie for a variety of reasons. Some lie because they don’t want to get caught or they fear hurting the other person’s feelings. Some lie because they believe the lie to be the truth. Yet others may lie because they want to feel like they haven’t made a mistake and admitting the lie, would admit a mistake has been made. Other people step out of the relationship looking for what they are missing in their current relationship. This deceit could happen when one or both people in the relationship fall out of love. Maybe they have lost
sexual desire for their partner and are looking for physical connection with someone that they feel sparks with. Others may be looking for positive affirmations to boost their self-esteem that may have been torn down by the negative comments made by their partner. Sometimes people step out of the relationship because of anger, boredom, or a need for variety. Infidelity can cause the demise of relationships. Financial stress is one of the leading causes that lead to the end of relationships. When people struggle with financial stress it affects their own self-worth, possible motivation, and work ethic. When partners can’t have healthy conversations about their money with shared responsibility, it can cause friction. One partner may feel that the other is trying to control the finances, while the other may be spending frivolously and depleting the savings. When a person doesn’t feel safe within the relationship they start to question what they are doing in the relationship. Some people decide that it is time to end the relationship.
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Other couples want to fight for their relationship and may decide to try couple counseling. In couple counseling, couples can find new ways to communicate. They can have someone there to mediate the conversation and assist with conflict resolution. The therapist can provide tools and techniques that the couples can use to assist in rebuilding their relationship and finding a deeper love. Some relationships can rebuild their foundation and become stronger than before because of couple counseling. Others
may decide that the best thing for their relationship is to start fresh independently of each other. Life can be messy. Not everything is always tied up in a little bow. If you and your partner are struggling, it may be time to explore the idea of couple counseling. Local therapists are happy to walk alongside you as you navigate through the muddy waters. Julie Sorenson, Doctoral Candidate., MA., LPC
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
Parenting Being Kind is Massively Underrated I know what you’re thinking another ho-hum piece about “be a nice person,” “smile,” “what goes around comes around” (sarcastic tone). Maybe this is a slightly different take on that. Not just because there is an overall lack of civility between Americans but being kind is actually good for your health and it is massively underrated. Consider the Buccaneer fan who returned the football from Tom Brady’s 600th Touchdown pass. On a radio show the next day Brady and other quarterbacks talked about how that guy could have held out for more than what the Bucs or Brady gave him (apparently season tickets and signed memorabilia). Think about this for a minute, if that guy had not returned that ball, absolutely everyone would be talking about what a selfish, money-grubbing guy he is not to give Brady back this football. The fan did the decent thing. At the risk of being sexist (which it is), Women, you know what I am talking about; the gossip, mean girls, being targeted by a boss or colleague. Bullying can be physical, verbal, relational, cyberbullying, sexual and prejudicial bullying ( https://www. verywellmind.com). We all experience it; I have experienced verbal bullying at the hands of another clinical psychologist and a Practice Director RN. What have you experienced? We know that chronic bullying leads to unfortunate effects in the bullied. Hundreds of women have depression, eating disorders, poor self-esteem and anxiety because of mean girls and bullying. Hundreds of people on the autism spectrum, learning disabilities, physical differences have anxiety and
You secretly relish being the hottest. If you do any one of these, you are the mean girl. Not only are you hurting other women, you are hurting yourself in terms of your health and mental health. One of my favorite books Man’s Search for Meaning suggests that people basically do decent things and not decent things. We are faced with these choices on a daily basis; your decisions affect your health and mental health. Viktor Frankl’s book is as pertinent currently as during its content period of World War II. Would you have been a German who gave pieces of bread to the Jews in Auschwitz or would you have been one who kept the bread? Are you sure? depression because of bullying. Let’s bring it back to individual interactions. If you start a sentence with “Did you hear about so and so?...” “I don’t want to gossip…” “Not to be caddy…” If those words come out of your mouth, STOP. You are the bully in this interaction. How would you feel if you were being talked about? Not good. So don’t say it. Keep it to yourself and focus on the things in life that matter. There are several quizzes online to find out if you are a mean girl; https://www. bolde.com). Do you call people out on their mistakes? People don’t say “no” to you. No one wants to confide in you. You are not great at secrets. You see everything as a competition. You consider yourself the ringleader in every situation.
You are the one with the resting b--face. You are judgmental but feel like everyone is. No men are off limits. Other people’s insecurities annoy you. You are not above giving the silent treatment. You are always the one to set and break the trends. You’ve ever purposely left anyone out. People ask if you are the “b--chy one.”
Resources: https://www.psychologytoday. com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/201711/why-random-actskindness-matter-your-well-being https://www.dartmouth.edu/wellness/emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search For Meaning, 1946. Sheryl Lozowski-Sullivan, mph, phd
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
Losing Our Marbles! An Epic Creation Story For All Ages
Losing Our Marbles is a little book with a big message. It takes an imaginative spin on the creation of our solar system that makes the inhabitants of each planet responsible for its continued existence,
with ultimate consequences. This is a tale for the times; reminding each of us that we need to take care of our planet and each other. The book takes a complex issue and simplifies it with fanciful illustrations that carry
the more sober message - each of us has an obligation of good stewardship. Looking at the incredible design of our solar system, the author and illustrator provide a unique and thought-provoking story of how a loving Creator breathed life into each of the planets, along with the same instructions each time for maintaining life. While this in no way is designed to be a scientific handbook, it is instead a hopeful reminder that our planets have limitations, and that celestial patience may be moving on. “Losing Our Marbles” is a nod to the incredible beauty of this Earth that is ours’ to preserve or to destroy. This fanciful tale is offered up as homage to all who are paying attention to the preservation of our planet. We thank you, and the Earth thanks you! Sue Ellen Nelson, who grew up on a small family farm in Cooper Township, is the author of the book. As the daughter of a Congregational minister and a classroom teacher, her roots grew deep in the rural soil, as well as in her faith. Sue Ellen is a retired educator from Martin Public Schools, who is deeply concerned about teaching children and adults to be mindful of their roles in the stewardship of our planet. As an educator, she experienced publishing first hand by helping each of her 5th grade students publish their own books. Little did she know at the time how valuable this exercise would be for her future. Sue Ellen’s daughter, Anastasia Lee, has taught her much about being a good caretaker of Mother Earth and is the talented illustrator of the book. Anastasia Lee is an animal lover and an Earth advocate. Spending time outdoors in the Pacific Northwest, biking or hiking with her camera is typically where
you’ll find her. Grateful to have been raised in an environment where creative expression was encouraged, she now aims to speak for those without a voice through her art, photography and music. Anastasia believes in raising awareness for the healing of our planet, and honoring all who live here. The creative mother and daughter duo have talked about collaborating on a project for years. However, the planets didn’t align until the story, Losing Our Marbles was born. A topic that resonated with both of them and the book became their shared passion. “The most rewarding part of working on this book is connecting with my daughter and others appreciating her talent.” Says Sue Ellen. The book is dedicated to Sue Ellen’s friend, Tim Roush, who was an exemplary educator at Plainwell Community Schools. “His spirit of creative storytelling inspired so many young learners to reach for the stars. His life truly showed us all how to take care of the Earth and each other with love, humor and humility,” said Sue Ellen. You can pre-order this little book with a big message, Losing Our Marbles, for $8.99 online at Bookbaby.com and Amazon.com. Feel free to contact the author at suenelson068@gmail.com. . Jackie Merriam
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March 2021
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GOOD NEWS
Fun in the Sun at Summer Camp is Calling your Child’s Name! Summertime is right around the corner. There are 140 days until the sun and fun hits Michigan as I write this article. Summer camp is the answer to your concerns about what to do with your child to keep them active and engaged when you are not available. I have spoken with several people in the community getting their views on summer camp to write this article, and this is what I have discovered from their perspective. Summer camp is an excellent opportunity for all children. If you are financially struggling and don’t believe that summer camp is within your budget, reach out to the camps. They may have scholarships. During summer camp, kids of all ages can connect with nature in a safe and fun atmosphere that allows them to have more exploration and discovery for their curious minds. The best part is that summer camp is great for the entire family. While the kids are taking sailing lessons, swimming lessons, playing capture the flag, or learning some new science experiments, the parents can work knowing their children are being cared for in
a fun, stimulating environment. One of the favorite camps mentioned by several local Michiganders was Camp Wakeshma. This is a rustic camp located in Three Rivers, Michigan, and fills up quickly. Some people shared that they came from small or rural communities with little or no diversity. Summer camp opened their eyes to more cultures and people with different life experiences than their own. Oth-
ers shared that they loved summer camp because they had never seen the country before. They were fenced in by concrete from the city. Summer camp allowed them to see wildlife, travel through nature trails, and learn new skills that they may not have been exposed to. I also had the opportunity to speak with some athletes that shared a different perspective. They mentioned that their world was traveling from
rink to rink, field to field, or court to court all over the state and, in some instances, multiple states. They reported that summer camp allowed them to slow down and interact with kids that played different sports or no sports at all. They looked forward to summer camp because it allowed them just to be a kid, which was a nice change of pace from the running from this practice to that practice or game to game. Attending a camp can be fun, and there is such a variety to choose from. Summer camps allow children to learn new skills to connect with others, which is a healthy element for their social, emotional learning. Our kids have been chained to technology the last few years. Pick up a computer and google what local summer camps are available for them to get out there, have fun, catch some rays, and explore. Isn’t that what kids are supposed to be doing? Don’t forget if finances are an obstacle for your family, look for scholarship opportunities. Julie Sorenson, Doctoral Candidate., MA., LPC
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
Take Me to Your Chocolate UFO’s have definitely been in the news recently. Who hasn’t sat around the campfire with friends at night speculating about those mysterious unidentified flying objects (UFO’s) seen by reliable people. Out of all the billions of stars and planets in our particular universe, can all of them be devoid of life including intelligent life? This discussion has come up between myself and my favorite x conversationalist, my husband. Since neither of us believes that other worldly beings would want to steal our stuff, we came up with our own ‘down to earth’ reasons. One of my theories is since humans are always curious about what’s around the next bend, why wouldn’t aliens be curious about what’s around the next bend in the galaxy? Another reason may be that they want to enjoy our art and music. I can imagine a conversation between two inter-planetary beings: “Hey Zork, have you heard the latest from the small blue planet? Those beings had an artist who made the most amazingly beautiful paintings of something called ‘sunflowers.’ And the blue planet is close by too, only a warp or two away. What are you, your hive-mates, and the kids doing during their millennium vacation? Want to take a ride and have your minds blown?”
I recently read about other theories regarding why other worldly visitors might want to travel here. My favorite is that they might want to indulge in something they can’t get on their planet - chocolate! That sounded like the most logical reason for coming here to me! Another popular reason was Earth might be a good location for a rest area along the intergalactic highway. Ok, so my husband doesn’t quite buy my reasons for opening an intergalactic B&B just yet. Hollywood pumps out many theories about why other worldly beings would land here, such as war, conquest, or living space. I wonder, would intelligent beings really invest their resources to make the treacherous expensive trip here just to bump off a bunch of puny humans? Rick postulates, “If they’ve got the smarts to get here, I’m betting they’re probably not in need of any new real estate.” A friend admitted she is concerned about what might happen when other worldly beings visit our planet. Her thoughts are of the “War of the Worlds” variety. We’ve tried to dissuade her with our best argument: If aliens had enough gas in the tank, would they really need to travel light years to steal our natural resources? Nope. If they could come
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this far, they would certainly have long surpassed us in the resources department. Our friend didn’t buy it and preferred her tin-foil helmet outlook. My dad, who won the award for World’s Most Conservative Dad, was a military man who didn’t believe in much beyond his five senses. One thing he did believe in were the many pilots reporting their sightings of unknown flying aircraft. His personal beliefs, and his training in the medical corps during WWII, were that not all pilots who saw unidentified flying objects were suffering from ‘pilot fatigue.’ There was something unexplained up there and my uber-conservative father was willing to accept the probability of intelligent life on other planets. I’m sure you’ve got your own guesses
as to why these impossible craft stubbornly keep appearing in our skies. Michigan ranks #11 in the country for the number of UFO’s reported*. But don’t forget, if one of these visitors lands in your backyard one night, grab the bag of M&M’s to offer to them. That may be all they’re after and they’ll leave you in peace. :) *Source: Stacker.com Ann Murray is an award-winning commercial illustrator. Among her many illustration projects she has illustrated eight children’s books for authors. Her stories, one of which was collaboration with her husband, have been published in three anthologies.
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
be ART ful BOHO
Boho, short for Bohemian, is defined as someone who is socially unconventional with creative and artistic interests. Meant for a freespirited individualist but adaptable for all. Bohemian design consists of a carefree and eclectic mix mimicking the artistry of colors, textures, patterns and motifs found in nature. With cozied combinations of earthy and neutral layered textiles, artsy expression is encouraged for a comfortable style. The first bohemian reference (as a way of life) dates back to the French Revolution. Today, with an updated and upscale name like “Boho-Chic”, this trend towards
nonconformist and visionary freedom continues to remain relevant in fashion and home decor. It goes without saying that I enjoy and benefit from using items that I already have in my studio. Repurposing left over materials from other projects is always rewarding. For these stylish boho yarn wreaths and wall hangings, everything that was used was already on hand. However, the materials can be found rather inexpensively from thrift shops, craft stores, estate and garage sales or passed on from family and friends. Materials needed: various yarns . embroidery hoop . scissors
Gather your supplies. Separate the inside from the outside of the embroidery hoop and you now have two that you can use. Choosing your yarn, cut long lengths of strands that will be doubled up (folded in half ). A long or short yarn wall hanging is up to you. No worries about exact measurements as all of it will be given a final trim at the end. A larks head knot will be used to attach the yarn to the embroidery hoop. This is formed by placing the looped end of the yarn under the hoop and putting the ends of the yarn over the hoop and through the loop in the middle and pulling taut. You can also use more than one piece of yarn and bundle, up to five at a time. Repeat this until you get about a third of the hoop wrapped or are satisfied with the amount. For the wreath, wrap the entire hoop. Keep it monochromatic or use different colored yarns with varying thicknesses and textures for a unique look. In addition to yarn,
add beads, feathers, ribbon or pompoms for a variation. Lastly, trim the bottom of the yarn straight across or into a V shape. The wreath is cut the same length all the way around. I added a ribbon bow to the large wreath and for the small one, two different sized hoops were made and attached together with additional yarn. For one of the wallhangings, I added a bundled yarn larks head knot on the top of the embroidery hoop and tied the ends to the bottom and evenly spaced them out. These are great and so many options to be original and clever…your imagination awaits! Experiment, have fun and be trendy with these oh-sochic boho wreaths and wall hangings. xo-Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo
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March 2021
Piece by Piece
It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot, and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade. – Charles Dickens from Great Expectations March. In like a lion and out like a lamb. Or perhaps in like a lamb and out like a lion. I don’t remember who planted the seed within me to think of this every March since I was a little girl. I’m highly certain it was a teacher, and I have a vague memory of coloring pictures of lambs in class. I don’t remember coloring the lions. But I do remember going to the Brookfield Zoo in Illinois with my paternal grandpa to see the lions, elephants, and rhinoceroses. I’m not sure what it was about the rhinoceros that I loved. When we would leave
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the zoo, grandpa would let my cousin and I pick out our souvenir – a melted wax figurine of an animal. Put coins in a machine and out would come an animal approximately 4 inches tall by 4 inches wide with Brookfield Zoo in raised letters at the base. I don’t remember all the wax animals I once had, but I remember the rhinoceros. I don’t remember having a lion. I think I preferred a lion’s majestic presence in person instead. Partly because I was still of an age when innocence is in the lead and appreciation for the wisdom a grandparent has is not front of mind. Partly because I was a quiet child. And my grandpa was a quiet man. I don’t remember conversations with him. But I do remember the joy of going to the zoo with my grandpa. In the words
he didn’t say, he taught me to appreciate, respect, and love animals. In the words he didn’t say, I still learned the feeling of being loved. I do wish I could go to the zoo with my grandpa now and see the animals through his eyes. I wish I could ask him his life story and learn his perspectives about such things as hope, compassion, and community. I wish as a child I had understood enough about wisdom, so that I could seek grandpa’s and then tuck what he shared into the future pages of life when I would be old enough to read, and re-read, his sage insights. I wish I could ask grandpa what he thinks of rhinoceroses (smile). My grandpa and I share March as our birthday month. His, the end of the month, holding the exit door
GOOD NEWS
in anticipation if March will close like a lamb or like a lion. Mine, the beginning, holding onto the recently opened door handle that ushers in the month like a lion or a lamb. I sometimes wonder if grandpa felt like I did the year one of our nieces was due to arrive in March. Would it happen on my birthday? If my grandpa could share, I believe he would say what mattered most is that I would become grandpa for the first time when you were born, and one day I’d get to hold your hand at the zoo. While we went to find that rhinoceros. Christine Hassing Author, Life-Story Writer/Mentor, Speaker
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March 2021
HEALTH
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GOOD NEWS
“Take Two Aspirin and Call Me in the Morning.”
Remember that line? It was often used as the punch line in jokes that gave it as a doctor’s universal answer to every medical issue. We don’t hear much about aspirin anymore, given the entry of medications like Motrin and Tylenol into the pharmaceutical market. The aspirin we know today was formulated in 1897 in Germany. It was regarded as a wonder drug for its ability to relieve pain. But its primary ingredient came from willow bark and was known to the Sumerians and Egyptians more than 3,500 years ago. Aspirin is very much with us today, not so much as a pain reliever as it is as a blood thinner. According to a 2019 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 28 percent of U.S. adults 40 and older who had not had a heart attack or stroke were taking a daily aspirin to prevent it. More recent data has prompted a reexamination of the practice, suggesting that for many people the risks of daily aspirin may actually outweigh the benefits, such as causing internal bleeding and stomach irritation. So, who should take it? For people
with established cardiovascular disease, especially those who already had a heart attack, there’s strong evidence that taking a daily low-dose aspirin significantly lowers the risk of a second cardiovascular event. The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology say people 40-70 at an increased risk of heart attack or stroke may want to consider a daily aspirin. Of course these types of decisions should be made in consultation with one’s physician. Who should skip it? People who are 60 and older, without established cardiovascular disease and who do not currently take a daily aspirin to prevent heart disease, should not start now. The current thinking by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a widely respected independent panel that develops recommendations on preventive health care. If this age group is currently taking daily aspirin, they should consult with their physician as to how to proceed, because there may be serious risks to suddenly stopping. However, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology advise against
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daily use of aspirin to prevent a first heart attack or stroke in people older than 70 and adults at any age who are risk of internal bleeding. According to Samia Mora MD, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, “The best approach is to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits of aspirin therapy for you specifically. Based on your personal factors and if aspirin is advised, take the lowest dosage available. That’s typically an 81 mg baby aspirin. If you experience any stomach pain, talk to your doctor.” Information like this reminds us
that medicine, like other disciplines, is constantly changing and we should be grateful for it. Wisdom that was prevalent just a few years ago may be outdated. We are exposed to an overload of information, some downright dangerous. Knowing what to do and what not to do is often challenging. Keeping vigilant and trusting credible sources are critical to knowing what’s right for you. Remember! MAKE it a good day and remember to be kind. Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer
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March 2021
Recipes With the new, heightened awareness we have on plant fiber being such a crucial component for our body’s micro biome - the seat of our immune system’s soul - I’ve been finding myself thinking of ways to work more varieties of winter squash into the foods we like to eat. However, with so many fussy eaters out there, I figured that its best to focus on the one that is the easiest to eat, and sneak into recipes: Butternut squash! Native to North America, the butternut squash is richly concentrated with not only fiber, but also many nutrients like vitamin A and C, zinc,
GOOD NEWS
Butter me up! protein, folate, potassium, and other health-promoting compounds. With its flesh dressed in a glowing shade of orange, its attractive color is eye-appealing literally and figuratively because the compounds that cause this highlighting hue, lutein and zeaxanthin, work directly in the retina of our eyes to prevent oxidative stress, and macular degeneration; and the beta-carotene and alpha-carotene it possesses, which convert to retinol, help many body systems including eyes, hair, skin and lungs. Beta-carotene also harnesses the potential to block the harmful effects of UV radiation as well, making it very beneficial for anyone who has long exposure to the sun, and wants protection from sun-related aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes.
Offering us a nutty, buttery, oh-sosoft textured flavor, butternut squash has seeds that are edible, just like a pumpkin, as well! When selecting, be sure to look for a squash that has a matte - not glossy - skin because shiny means it was picked too early. Also look for one that is heavy, and has a hard, smooth rind that’s free from blemishes. Able to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, the longer a butternut is allowed to ripen, the more intense its orange color and sweetness will be! Pairing well with many flavors - cinnamon, maple syrup, walnuts, pecans, balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika – a butternut squash can also make for a great ingredient that you can add to things you wouldn’t
normally do, like biscuits! In fact, I recommend trying pureed butternut squash in place of pureed pumpkin in one of your own favorite recipes, especially if you like buttery surprises! Here now are some bright and beneficial ways to get yourself all buttered up - ENJOY! Laura Kurella is an award-winning journalist, recipe developer, and selfsyndicated newspaper food columnist who enjoys living in Michigan. She welcomes questions and comments at laurakurella@yahoo.com. Laura Kurella Food Stylist and Photographer: Laura Kurella
Melt-in-your-mouth Butternut Mash 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash 1 tablespoon avocado oil 3 ounces goat cheese 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary Salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash, seed, and peel squash then cut into small cubes. In a medium mixing bowl, combine squash with oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat, and
then spread out onto a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until squash is golden, and easily pierced with a fork. Returning to mixing bowl, combine cooked squash with milk, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary and, using a potato masher or immersion blender, blend to a desired consistency, chunky to smooth. For an extra pop of flavor, add a soft herbed goat cheese. Approximate servings per recipe: 4.
Sweet Butternut Squash Biscuits 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon cane sugar 1 Pinch natural sea salt 2 tablespoons butter, cold 1/2 cup butternut squash puree (roasted and pureed) 1/2 cup milk Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Using a wire cheese slicer or similar, cut butter into slivers and sprinkle over flour mixture then, using a fork or pastry blender, blend
butter into mixture until it is well distributed and creates a coarse meal. Add squash puree and blend in just as you blended in butter. Mixture will be a bit lumpy. Sprinkle with milk and then, using a rubber spatula, fold wet into dry gently to create a wet, loose dough. Divide dough into greased muffin tins, filling each well 3/4 full. Bake in preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Approximate servings per recipe: 6.
Sweet Butternut Squash Biscuits
Flavorful Butternut Fries 1 medium butternut squash, cut into 1-inch sticks 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary 1 teaspoon natural fine grind sea salt Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare squash by peeling, seeding and then slicing into one-inch
sticks. In a bowl, toss all ingredients together then spread out on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Shake pan to loosen fries and toss slightly then return to oven to bake for an additional 7-10 minutes or until crispy. Remove and serve immediately. Approximate servings per recipe: 4.
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
award winning Recipe Kurella recipe named “Most Innovative” in national contest Taste of Home magazine recently announced the winners of its nationwide, “Recipes Across America” contest, revealing that local food columnist, Laura Kurella, is among the winners. Receiving the “Most Innovative” award for development of a special Japanese dessert featuring Michigan cherries, Kurella said she was elated when she heard the news. “I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this recipe won,” Kurella sighed. “I had just gotten a bunch of fresh cherries from the farmers market, and was experimenting with Japanese cuisine, so it was kismet that they
collided into this winning combination!” TOH Deputy Culinary Editor, James Schend, noted that the “Recipes Across America” contest was designed to seek out the most unique and fun recipes iconic to certain areas of the U.S. “In total we received three hundred and fifty (350) recipes entries in this contest. Kurella’s recipe was a unique standout because we loved how light and airy this cheesecake was. It was almost soufflé-like in its texture. It also wasn’t overly sweet and had a lovely lemon flavor, which we all enjoyed as well.” Explaining that her cheesecake was made following Japanese principles, Kurella suspects that this is what gave her recipe the strikingly different twist that gave her the win. “It’s not like your typical New York style cheesecake,” she said. “It has just four ounces of cheese, and is lighter, less sweet, and delightfully lower in calories than its American counterpart. Its soft, chiffon-like consistency
is truly a delight. It’s what makes it something special.” First debuting in 1993, Taste of Home magazine has gone on to become one of America’s most popular sources for food, cooking and entertaining. “Each year, Taste of Home shares thousands of recipes and tips submitted by real home cooks across the United States and Canada,” said Deputy Editor, Rachel Seis. “Each recipe is selected, tested, and approved by our experts here in our Taste of Home Test Kitchen before it is released to readers.” This level of collecting and testing recipes nationwide provides a continually refreshed resource for everything that’s cooking across the U.S.A. “I truly feel blessed by God,” Kurella said, “and I am so grateful that this win helps ascend a recipe with marvelous Michigan cherries into a national magazine where the whole country gets to read it. That is
a reward in and of itself !” Kurella’s winning Michigan Cherry Japanese-style Cheesecake recipe, along with other prize-winning recipes, appears in the Feb/Mar 2022 edition of Taste of Home magazine, on newsstands now. For more information, or to see the winning recipes online, visit tasteofhome.com.
Michigan Cherry Japanese-Style Cheesecake Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Total Time Prep: 1 hour Bake: 1 hour 20 min. Makes 12 servings Michigan is known for its amazing cherries, especially the tart ones, so we have plenty of opportunities to find new ways to try and use them. They became my muse for this recipe—a twist on the traditional American cheesecake recipe. I decided to make use of the extraordinary texture and unique taste found in a Japanese-style cheesecake, which is light and melts in your mouth. — Laura Kurella, Wellston, Michigan 6 tablespoons butter, cubed 4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup cornstarch 6 large egg yolks, room temperature 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 12 large egg whites, room temperature 3/4 cup sugar TOPPING: 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cornstarch 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional 1/2 cup water 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted tart cherries 1 tablespoon butter Confectioners’ sugar Directions Preheat oven to 325°. Place a 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Wrap foil securely around pan. Line bottom and inside of pan with parchment; set aside.
In a small saucepan, cook and stir butter and cream cheese over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat; whisk in cream until smooth. Let cool completely. Sift flour and cornstarch together twice; place in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks, vanilla, zest and cooled cream cheese mixture until smooth. Add to flour mixture; beat until well blended. In a large bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Fold a fourth of the whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites. Gently transfer to prepared pan. Place springform pan in a larger baking pan; add 1 in. hot water to larger pan. Bake for 25 minutes. Reduce oven setting to 280°. Bake until top is puffed and springs back when lightly touched and the center appears set, 55-65 minutes longer. Meanwhile, for topping, in a small saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch and, if desired, cayenne. Whisk in water until smooth. Add cherries; cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in butter. Cool completely. Remove springform pan from water bath. Loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove foil. Remove rim from pan; remove paper. Serve cheesecake warm with confectioners’ sugar and cherry topping. Refrigerate leftovers. JAPANESE-STYLE CHEESECAKE TIPS What can I use instead of fresh or frozen cherries? Canned tart cherry pie filling may be used in place of fresh or frozen cherries. Simply add butter to the filling, and heat just until the butter
melts. How can I add extra spice to my cherry topping? Adding cayenne to the cherry topping gives it an extra zing. Or, try minced fresh gingerroot instead. What other fruit toppings can I put on Japanese-style cheesecake? Instead of cherries, we suggest topping your cheesecake with lemon curd, peaches, glazed strawberries (get the recipe from this glazed strawberry cheesecake), or even a simple scattering of colorful fresh fruits or berries, like on this triple berry no-bake cheesecake. How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking or deflating? The best way to prevent cracks in your cheesecake is to bake it in a water bath, which provides a moist environment in your oven for the cheesecake to bake slowly and evenly. Learn more about water baths for cheesecakes! To minimize cheesecake
deflation, try letting it cool slowly and gradually. Prop the door of your oven open after turning off the heat, leaving the cheesecake in the oven for up to 1 hour before carefully removing it to completely cool at room temperature. How long will Japanese-style cheesecake last? Kept lightly wrapped or in an airtight, lidded container, your cheesecake should last for up to 5 days in your refrigerator. Nutrition Facts 1 piece: 294 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 132mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein. You can find the recipe at:: https:// www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/ michigan-cherry-japanese-stylecheesecake/ Michigan Cherry Japanese-Style Cheesecake Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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March 2021
By the Way...
“ 100 word story contest ” winning entry In the January 2022 issue of Good News, I published a column about 100-Word Stories and announced a contest for readers to write and sub-
mit their own 100-words story. One would be chosen for publication in an upcoming issue and that writer would receive a dozen donuts from Sweetwa-
GOOD NEWS ter’s Donut Mill. We received several delightful and well-written entries for this contest and it was not an easy task to select one as “the best.” I should have been clearer in letting readers know that 100-word stories should be exactly 100 words— not more or not less. It’s part of the mystique of this popular and growing genre. None of our entries were exactly 100 words—all just a few words short. Again, it was my error not making this more clear. We are happy to announce Dianne Martin from Three Rivers as the winner for her entry “The Grand Entrance of a True Princess.” Here is Dianne’s story: Wobbling, she traipsed down the stairs. Her high heels were too big for her feet. The long train of her dress trailed behind her. She held her head high as the too large vintage hat she wore, lifted significantly to the left. Reaching the bottom of the staircase, she clutched the rail with each shaky step. Teetering, she made exaggerated attempts to straighten her posture. Suppressing our smiles, we applauded. Steadying herself, she straightened, placing a shushing finger to her lips, regally announcing, “The Great Princess Arrianna has arrived.” And then we applauded. I spoke with Dianne about her entry and what inspired her to write it. Diane says she has nine grandchildren and they are her inspiration to write. Her story was a tale about her youngest granddaughter. Dianne is also a member of a local writers group which meets once a
month to talk about writing. And, Dianne doesn’t just “talk” about writing; she has published two illustrated children’s books and is working on her third. The first is titled “A Fishy Story” about a frog and fish; the second is “D.C. Duck & the Adventure Twins” (Dianne has twin grandsons); and the book she is currently working on is “Cheetos’ Surprise.” Cheeto’s Surprise is the story of an orange cat and a little bird, Tweetie.” Diane says she writes because she loves to share stories. Writing isn’t an occupation for her—it’s pure enjoyment. If you are interested in picking up a copy of any of Dianne’s books, they are available at Refresh Thrifty Store at 8700 Shaver Road in Portage. Thank you and “well done!” to all our writers for their submissions. And thank you to Sweetwater’s Donut Mill for their donation of a dozen donuts for our winning entry. Finally, one of our participants wrote a note at the bottom of her submission, “Thank you for encouraging local writers!” That was indeed the goal. We hope this encouragement inspires you to put your story to paper and share it with family and friends. We just may do this again… In the meantime, we encourage you to write your own 100-word story and either submit it to 100-Word Story at http://100wordstory.org/submit/, or Reader’s Digest at https://www. rd.com/100-word-stories-submissions/ Good luck and good writing! Congratulations Dianne! James D. Coppinger
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March 2021
GOOD NEWS
The Beauty of Spring Bulbs
Ahhh, March! Now is the time of year when I begin to think about spring. I’m fed up with the cold and snow and crave a burst of color. I am attracted to displays of spring blossoms, tempting me as I enter the grocery store. The tall, resolute tulips, described by Michael Pollan in his book, The Botany of Desire, as the most masculine flower, mingle with the frilly, super-fragrant hyacinths, my personal favorite. I think the reason I like them so much is that I don’t even have to be in the same room to know they’re in the house. What some find cloying about their scent, I find delightful! This sudden availability of bulbs as a harbinger of spring got me questioning why bulbs exist at all. They are flowering plants, after all. How are they different from plants that grow from seed? How have they evolved to flower from a different structure, and does this advantage them over other plants? Bulbs differ from seeds in several significant ways. A seed holds an embryonic plant that will only mature after it is planted, and its primary, first leaves begin to nurture the plant through photosynthesis. A bulb, however, contains, at its very center, a fully viable plant with leaves, stem, and even the bud of its eventual flower in miniature. Multiple layers of storage leaves, rich in carbohydrates, surround the encased plant, and it sits on a bottom, plate-like structure from which roots will grow. Plants need pollination to produce seeds. It requires moving male repro-
ductive material (pollen) from a male flower structure to a female organ containing an egg, known in biological terms as an ovule. In other words, sex. Pollination creates the beautiful variability of height, color, and weather tolerance in plants grown from seed. Taking place by wind, water, insect, or other animal transfer, each resulting seed has its own unique blend of genetic traits inherited from its plant parents. Suffice it to say that the process is essential to plant reproduction, but it can be chancy. Flower buds may freeze in a cold snap, and the plant can lose the opportunity to set seed. We are all familiar with the legacy of perilous late-season frosts and the loss of fruit crops. In another scenario, if the suitable pollinators are not around, the opportunity can be missed. It is fraught with peril to be a seed-bearer. Bulbs have a different approach. We plant cold-hardy bulbs in the fall, set into the soil as rootless orbs. As the weather cools in late autumn, they put down roots that anchor the plant into the ground. Under a bed of insulating snow and mulch during winter months, the bulb will use much of the starch stored in those leaves, packed tightly around the dormant plant, to extend its roots further and prepare the plant inside for its big show. This long period of underground growth is critical preparation for blossoming in April and May. Just what signals the plant inside to push its way out of the bulb and into the light is not completely understood,
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but apparently is the result of two environmental factors: temperature and light. As spring approaches, the earth warms – imperceptibly to us, but enough to signal the plant inside the bulb to grow toward the top of the soil. As the plant emerges from the ground, unique molecules in the leaf cells are activated by light and promote their continued growth and the emergence of the bud-bearing stem. The roots of the bulb, grown over the wintering period, channel all the nourishment needed for the plant to continue to grow and bloom. After the flower has faded, the roots die off, but the leaves should be left intact, even if they appear ragged. By continuing to undergo photosynthesis, they produce the “food” that will make up the reserve stored within the bulb. These materials are critical to the bulb’s success in overwintering for next year’s bloom. What doesn’t happen in bulbs, typically, is sex. Since the blossom inside the bulb is formed, its genetic makeup is already defined, even if it is dormant. Bulbs can be reliably expected to look the same year after year. When you purchase a bag of colored tulips that are supposed to grow to a certain height, rest assured that they will perform as advertised. Hence the regimented beauty that we see in beds of spring bulb blossoms. Here lies their advantage over seed-bearing plant species. Bulbs are dependable and fast, botanically speaking. They grow and blossom, independent of freakish weather events and pollinators who are frequently
absent in early spring. They trade off genetic variety for the reliability of successful flowering in non-ideal conditions. Snowdrops, one of the earliest flowering bulbs, regularly bloom while snow is still on the ground, and it is common to see tulips in mid-April snows that would surely kill less hardy plants. You’re probably thinking about the reproductive structures seen in bulb blossoms. Indeed, they have male and female flower parts, and plants growing from bulbs produce seeds if they are lucky enough to be pollinated. These seeds, however, are very slow to mature and, if planted, may not create a new bulb for up to four or five years. In the meantime, the plant will continue to survive and flower. Because of genetic variation, the new bulb, if it forms, will have different physical traits than its parent flower. This explains our spring flowers’ wide variety of heights, bloom times, and colors, but breeding bulbs is not a hobby for the impatient gardener. For now, treat yourself to some spring color and fragrance! It won’t be long before we begin planning our outdoor planting, or perhaps you’ve started that already. Gather up those gardening catalogs and get your orders in early! Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center
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GOOD NEWS
FREE march 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 Tues., Mar. 1 Family Winter Reading Program, Comstock Library Through March 15 Ekphrastic Poetry Exhibit Submissions, Ages, 12-18 Richland Library, 629-9085 Through Sun., May 1 Exhibit: Toys: The Inside Story Kalamazoo Valley Museum Tues., Mar. 1 – Thurs. Mar. 30 Poster Exhibit: Picturing Women Investors, Parchment Library Tuesday, March 1 Kids & Canvas Online, 10am Ages 6-11, richlandlibrary.org Tuesday, March 1 Monthly Kids Craft, All ages Richland Community Library Tuesdays, Mar. 1,8,15,22 Family Storytime, 10:30am Comstock Community Library Tuesday, March 1 Chair Yoga, 10:30-11:30am Register 685-8024 Ransom District Library Tuesday, March 1 ARTbreak: The Dance of Social Justice, Noon – 1:30pm Kalamazoo Institute of Art Tuesdays, Mar. 1,8,15,22 Drop In Gaming, ages 11-17 3pm, Richland Library Tuesdays, Mar. 1,8,15,22 Teen Tuesdays, 3-4pm Ransom District Library Tuesday, March 1 WMU Master Class: Yu Tamaki, Trombone, 7pm, Dalton Hall Wednesdays, Mar. 2,9,16,23 Wednesday Wigglers, ages 3-5, Stories, songs & dancing, 10am Wednesdays, March 2, 9 Family Storytime, 10:30am Comstock Community Library Wednesdays, Mar. 2,16,23 Story Time, 10:30-11:30am Ransom District Library Wednesday, March 2 WMU Convocation Series; Yu Tamaki, Trombone, 1pm Dalton Center Recital Hall Wednesday, March 2 Writing Your Memoir: How To Get Started on Zoom, 7-8pm Register: Richlandlibrary.org Thursdays, Mar. 3,10,17,24 Musical Mayhem Storytime, 10:30 & 11:30am, Comstock Library Thursday, March 3 Grandparents Read! Grandparent Surrogates on hand for children, 11-11:30am, Ransom Library
Thursdays, Mar.. 3,10,17,24 Preschool StoryTime, ages 0-4, 1pm, Richland Library
Saturday, March 12 Art Detectives: The Dot, ages 4-8, 10:30-Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Monday, March 21 WMU Flute Choir – Martha Councell-Vargas, Director, 7:30pm Dalton Recital Hall - Livestream
Thursdays, Mar. 3,10,17,24 After school fun: science, art & Games, 4-5pm, Ransom Library
Monday, March 14 Master Class: Euclid Quartet 2pm, WMU Dalton Center
Tuesday, March 22 Craft & Company: Canvas Puzzle Art, 10:30-11:30am Ransom District Library
Thursday, March 4 Budgeting 101, 7-8pm Ransom District Library Friday, March 4 Memory Café- in person, for those with mild dementia & care partners, 1030am-Noon Paw Paw District Library Friday, March 4 Art Hop, Downtown Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Saturday, March 5 Craft Show, 9am-3pm Kalamazoo County Expo Center Saturdays, March 5, 19 Pokemon Club, ages 6-11 10am, Richland Library Saturday, March 5 Kalamazoo Fretboard Fest, 11am Online: KalamazooMuceum.org Saturday, March 5 Family Storytime, 11am Comstock Community Library Mondays, March 7,14,21,28 Parchment Update Interview Series, parchmentlibrary.org Monday, March 7 Michigan Asta Presents: Chamber Music Festival, WMU Dalton Center, 8am Mondays, Mar. 7,14,21,28 Family Storytime, 10:30am Comstock Community Library Mondays Mar. 7,14,28 Drop-In Video Gaming, ages 6+, 5:30-7:30pm, Comstock Library Monday, March 7 Yoga at the Library, 7-8pm Ransom District Library Tuesday, March 8 Dr. Seuss Night, 7-8pm Ransom District Library Wednesday, March 9 Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom, Thrushes and Allies – Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Veery, Swaison’s & Wood Thrush, 10-11am Register:birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, March 9, 23 Sew What? Stitching Group 1-3pm, Ransom District Library Thursday, March 10 Thursday Night Trivia, 7-8pm Register 684-8024, Ransom Library
Monday, March 14 Reading Together Book Discussion, 6pm Parchment Library Monday, March 14 WMU Guest Artist Recital: Euclid String Quartet, 7:30pm Dalton Recital Hall - Livestream Tuesday, March 15 ARTbreak: Centering Diverse & Authentic Cultural Voices in a Museum Gallery, Noon-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, March 15 Teen Advisory Group, 6pm Comstock Community Library Tuesday, March 15 WMU Guest Artist Recital: Jason Hausback, Bass Trombone, 7:30pm Dalton Recital Hall - Livestream Wednesday, March 16 Book Discussion: The Best We Could Do, 2-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, March 16 Pokemon Club, Ages 6-11 3pm, Richland Library Thursday, March 17 Books with Friends on Zoom: The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui 7-8pm, richlandlibrary.org Thursday, March 17 With a Twist Book Club, 7-8pm, Ransom Library Thursday, March 17 Southwest Michigan Vocal Festival, WMU University Chorale – Kimberly Dunn Adams, Director With Jonathan Talberg, Guest Conductor, 7pm, Miller Auditorium Friday, March 18 Movie Mornings, 10:30am-1pm Ransom District Library Friday, March 18 T.A.B After Hours Movie & Game Night, ages 11-17, 5pm Register ahead 629-9085 Richland Community Library Friday, March 18 Teen Game Night w/Fortress Of Solitude, grades 8-12 6-8pm, Ransom Library Monday, March 21 WMU Drum Choir – Keith Hall, Director, 5pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall Livestream
Wednesday, March 23 Build-o-Rama, 4-5pm Ransom District Library Thursday, March 24 Toddler Zip & Zoom, 10:3011:30am, Ransom Library Thursday, March 24 Trivial Pursuit Trivia Night: Geography & History, 7-8pm, Register: Richlandlibrary.org Friday, March 24 Crafty Night Out: Canvas Puzzle Art, 7-8pm, Register: 685-8024, Ransom Library Friday, March 25 Teen Advisory Board, ages 11-17, 3pm, Richland Library Friday, March 25 Tween Murder Mystery Party 6pm, Register:Ransom Library Saturday, March 26 S.T.E.A.M. Saturdays, ages 6-11 10am, Richland Library Monday, March 28 Brain Boosters: Improve Your Mind, 3-4pm, Ransom Library Tuesday, March 29 Teen Spring Take & Make Kit Ages 16+, Richland Library Tuesday, March 29 Handmade Bone Folder Tools W/Rachel Stickney, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, March 29 Computer Class for Beginners, 1-2pm, Ransom Library Wednesday, March 30 Kids & Canvas PreSchool 10:30am, Register ahead: richlandlibrary.org Wednesday, March 30 Kids & Canvas Elementary 1pm, register ahead: richlandlibrary.org Monday, March 30 Mystery Book club, 4pm Parchment Library Wednesday, March 30 Author Visit: Turn the page – The Bob Seger Story, 6:30pm Parchment Library Thursday, March 31 The Art of Downsizing, 7-8pm, Ransom Library