Good News October 2021

October 2021

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GOOD NEWS

october 2021

Everyone's Favorite

Paint & Wallpaper Store Providing Paint & Wallpaper Since 1943

A locally owned business with old fashioned professional service.

231 West Cedar Street, Kalamazoo • 269-344-2860 www.douglasandson.com www.douglasandson.com

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Remember When

Blockbuster Video was a staple while my kids were growing up. We had a Friday

night routine to celebrate the end of a busy week with a take-out pizza and a trip to Blockbuster to pick out a few movie videos and an occasional video game.

American-based, Blockbuster Video, provided home movie and video game rental services, offering a large quantity and selection of titles - stocking many copies of the most popular new-release titles. They charged a meager yearly membership fee (I recall $9.95) and an additional fee for each rental.

Blockbuster had the greater Kalamazoo area covered with three video rental locations. There was one on the west side at W. Main St. and Drake Rd., on the East side on Gull Rd. at Sprinkle and another centrally located on South Westnedge near Milham Rd. Blockbuster began in 1985 when its first store opened in Dallas, Texas

by David Cook in October 1985. It began with an inventory of 8,000 VHS and 2,000 Beta tapes.

Cook never set out to open a video store, the goal of his company Cook Data Services, was to provide

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software services to the oil and gas industries throughout Texas. Sandy Cook, David’s wife, was the one who wanted to get into the video business. They decided to buy into Video Works a video store franchise When Video Works wouldn’t allow him to decorate the interior of the store with a blue and yellow design, he left the franchise and opened Blockbuster Video. The Blockbuster name was derived from the Hollywood term for a successful film, and in literature, was the term for a best selling novel.

When Cook realized the potential of video rentals, he abandoned the oil industry and began franchising the Blockbuster store, which grew to 19 stores in 2 years.

In 1987, the Waste Management co-founder, Wayne Huizenga, agreed to purchase several of the Blockbuster stores. Additionally, John Melk, Huizenga’s associate became interested in the family-friendly no porn image and business model. Huizenga & Melk used techniques from their waste business and Ray Kroc’s model of expansion, which is credited for the McDonald’s global expansion, to rapidly expand Blockbuster, and soon they were opening a new store every 24 hours! They took over many of the existing Blockbuster franchise

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stores and spent much of the late 1980’s acquiring many of Blockbuster’s rivals, including Major Video.

Blockbuster expanded internationally throughout the 1990’s and continued to acquire many video chains and entertainment outlets as they expanded into music. During this time other video competitors came on the scene, such as Family Video and Dollar Video.

At their peak in 2004, Blockbuster had 9,094 stores and employed approximately 84,300 people. By 2010 Blockbuster experienced a major decline. Poor leadership, the impact of the Great Recession and the growing competition form Netflix’s mail-order service, Video on Demand and the Redbox automated kiosks. In 2010 they filed for bankruptcy protection and the following year, its remaining 1,700 stores were bought by Dish Network and by 2014, the last 300 company-owned stores were closed.

Dish retained a small number of franchise agreements, enabling some privately owned franchises to remain open.

Sadly, Blockbuster Video closed its final stores in this area in 2012. I continued the tradition of wandering the aisles of the local video store with my grandchildren, which they loved,

"Autumn Carries More Gold In Its Pocket ThanAny Other Seasons" Jim Bishop

until Family Video closed just last year. We now hit the local library to satisfy our video search, and you can’t beat the price - it’s free!

Be Kind, Rewind!

Jackie Merriam On a side note: At this time, there is only one Blockbuster store that remains and is located in Bend, Oregon. Last fall, the Bend Blockbuster store partnered with Airbnb to offer 3 separate sleepovers for local residents to register for a chance for their household of up to 4 to have free rein of the stores entire film collection, plus be treated to pizza, Pepsi and popcorn. The event was a “thank you” from longtime store manager, Sandi Harding, for local supporters who kept the store running despite competition from Netflix, Redbox and video on demand services, and now coronavirus. A 1990’s living room was re-creation within the video store, with a hide-a-bed sofa, beanbag chair and a Sony VHS player.

Some Information was gathered from Wikipedia, MLive.com (5/18/12) and OregonLive.com (8/17/20).

Jackie Merriam

Scrapbook/Card Making Supplies

Elizabeth Bohannon Shop my website creativememories.com /user/elizabethbohannon

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Bulbs Are A Bright Idea Soil prep

Good soil preparation is the first step to successful bulb gardening. Make sure the soil is loose and porous. Well-drained soil is a must or else bulbs will rot. The soil should be turned over and organic matter, peat moss or a bulb nutrient (such as Espoma Bone Meal) worked through to encourage root development.

How deep?

The depth of planting for bulbs depends on their size. A good rule of thumb is that the depth should be three times the diameter of the bulb. Small bulbs should be covered with 1-2 in. of soil while large bulbs should be planted 6-8-in. deep.

How far apart?

The spacing of bulbs depends largely on the effect you are trying

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GULL LAK E

F. Scott Fitzgerald

the lazy Susan that was a mainstay on the center of our kitchen table while I was growing up. For those not familiar with this helpful device, it’s simply a tray that revolves on a set of bearings and allows everyone around the table access to the food contents. With nine of us, the Lazy Susan got a lot of use - I’m surprised that it still works!

The Lazy Susan invention is credited to Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century and was referred to as a dumbwaiter at the time. It is said that Jefferson invented the Lazy Susan because his daughter complained she was always served last at the table and, as a result, never felt full when she left the table. Others believe that Thomas Edison was the inventor, as he is believed to have invented the turn-

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After planting...

Cover bulbs with soil, water well and mulch with shredded leaves. In the spring, when the first shoots appear, remove the mulch and sprinkle again with bulb food (all natural Espoma Bulb-tone). This encourages the flowering and helps rebuild the bulb for the next year.

If the weather is dry, water the bulbs during their growing period.

When the flowers begin to fade and before a seed pod forms, cut the flower head...but be careful to leave

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Storing bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs do not have to be dug and stored in most Hardiness Zones. To store summer flowering bulbs, dig the bulbs when the foliage has withered or turned brown by a light frost. Air dry in a well-ventilated area for a week. Then remove all soil from the bulbs. Bulbs must be dried before storing or they will rot. Dust the bulbs with a fungicide and store in dry peat moss or wood shavings in a brown paper bag, open crate, netted bag or even old pantyhose. Store at 50-55-degrees in a dry location until time to replant.

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table for his phonograph, which later evolved into the Lazy Susan In addition to the confusion surrounding the inventor, there are also questions as to where the name Lazy Susan came from. However, the term ‘Lazy Susan’ first made its written appearance in a Vanity Fair advertisement for a ‘Revolving Server or Lazy Susan’ in 1917. The advertisement described the Lazy Susan as “An impossibly low wage for a good servant and the cleverest waitress in the world.” The cost was just $8.50.

Since then, the revolving Lazy Susan concept has also been implemented into kitchen cabinet designs and continues to stand the test of time.

Jackie Merriam

the foliage to die back naturally.

FALL TREATS

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While going through some things at my parent’s house recently, I came upon

to achieve. The most effective planting technique is to plant most bulbs in clumps rather than in individual lines. Space bulbs according to color with the softer colors in the front and the more vibrant in the background.

Group bulbs according to height and in sequential bloom pattern for a long-lasting show of color.

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Plan ahead

Color and time of bloom are two of the most important elements to consider when planning your bulb and garden planting. It can be very helpful to make a sketch of your garden before planting. Consider which bulbs to plant and where based upon height, sunlight, color and blooming time. Remember, most of the bulbs you plant in fall are hardy and can remain undisturbed for years while most of the bulbs you plant in spring are tender and must be dug up and

stored before cold weather sets in.

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No other types of plants will give the gardener more beauty, or a wider range of variety, color and flowering times than flowering bulbs. They produce flowers of incredible colors from one end of the growing season to the other. Nothing else will reward you with so much pleasure for so little effort...at least in your garden.

Art & Photo Courtesy of Ann Murray

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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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Thrift, Vintage, Antiques, Repurposed, Artisan & Hand Made Become a FRIEND of the KALAMAZOO PUBLIC LIBRARY

OPEN HOUSE

Your membership will support the many programs that make our library exceptional. Join today!

Kpl.gov/category/friends-of-kpl/join-friends/

FARM DAYS

Friends Bookstore

SAT. & SUN. OCT. 9 & 10 2-5PM

Open: Wed noon – 7pm, Thu – Sat 10am to 4pm or shop online: https://shop.friendsofkpl.org/

Apple Cider Press, Kids’ Crafts, Games, Hay Ride, FOOD! Interact with Farm Animals Sheep, Chickens, Alpacas, Rabbits, walk the Goats!

SHALOM Woolery demonstrations & sales.

Farm entrance is 1.5 miles north of “G” Ave. Take N. Riverview Dr. to

Kalamazoo Public Library Lower Level 315 S. Rose Street • kpl.gov/friends • 269-553-7820

3191 Van Buren St., Kalamazoo • 382-3840 • shalomkazoo.org

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If you would like to share your unique business with thousands of readers please contact Jackie Merriam at goodnews.jackie@gmail.com or (269) 217-0977

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series make it easy to spell

Jane: When Ellen was small and I would take her to the doctor’s office for an appointment, the nurse often came to the waiting room and asked for “Ellen” looking at all the older grandma-type ladies around us. The nurse startled when I stood up holding the infant. The name “Ellen” did not fit her idea of a baby.

That was not without intention.

We chose our daughters’ names with the idea that they needed to use them their entire lives, not only when they were cute and tiny. As my cousin would say, “Think about how it will look on the tombstone if their name is Sweetiepie.”

Naming a pet bears a similar gravity. Whenever I meet a dog named “Princess” or “Queenie” or “Rex,” I

am wary. Obviously, this dog is leader of the pack and the owner decided this early-on. My friend owned a rabbit that he named “S.” It was a good name for a bunny. When my friend addressed their pet, no one in the room ever mistook who was being addressed—it wasn’t a human name, and it wasn’t a title of grandeur, either. “S” was a well-adjusted, house-broken rabbit, beloved by all. I credit his good name.

Choosing someone’s name is a big responsibility; it’s best to be kind and make it easy to spell then, stick with the original. When Ellen’s little sister was born, we named her Martha.

People would look at the curly-headed tike and say, “Is her name really Martha? What do you call her?”

“Martha,” I answered.

Ellen: Naming has always been an event in our family. Whether it is a stuffed animal, a doll, or a pet, the steps to getting the moniker right are carefully respected. Some names are obvious, such as “Bronco” for a beloved horse toy, and some are a bit more obscure: “Seven” for a pretty plush mouse in a blue dress. Martha and I never rushed it, always preferring to let the process take its course.

Some objects took longer. A year after purchasing my car, my dad idly inquired as to whether it had finally gained a name.

“Not yet,” I mused. “Nothing is really sticking.”

“It must be special,” he remarked.

It was a lightbulb moment. “You’re right!” I said, struck by the simplicity of it. “It IS ‘Special’.”

My dad belatedly realized what had just happened. “Oh, no.”

Even now, years after the naming ceremony, when I chauffeur people in Special, they will inquire about and then remark on the name. “That’s a new one,” they say. “How’d you choose that?”

“My dad picked it,” I say proudly.

“It’s aging well, isn’t it?”

Ellen Radke and Jane Knuth

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See the live raptors, birding activities, and more!

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Under the Whisper Whispering ing Door

by TJ(TorKlune Books) “After dying of a heart attack, Wallace ends up in Charon’s Crossing Tea and Treats, a shop run by Hugo the ferryman, whose job is to help people come to terms with their death and cross over. Wallace learns and grows, becoming better in death than in life. For readers who enjoy character-driven, humorous, and heartrending stories and fans of A Man Called Ove, This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance, and Less.”

—Andrea Roberts, Westhampton Free Library, Westhampton Beach, NY NoveList read-alike: Daisy Cooper's Rules for Living by Tamsin Keily

Sept eptember emberbooks 2021 - The top tten en books month that library staff across countrylove love.

The top published thispublished monththis that librarians across the the country The Char Charm mO Off ffensiv ensivee A Novel

by Alison Cochrun

Cloud C Cuck uckoo oo Land A Novel

by Anthony Doerr

(Atria Books) “Charlie signed up for the reality dating show to rebrand his image. Little did he know he would fall for his producer, Dev. Can Dev and Charlie create the picture-perfect romance on screen, or will their behind-the-scenes romance derail both of their career plans? For fans of reality romance, One To Watch, and Something to Talk About.”

(Scribner) “Several main storylines, all connected to a “lost” ancient Greek manuscript, are set in 15th century Constantinople, present day Idaho, and a spaceship in the future. Much of the beauty of this novel is in watching the pieces slowly come together to tell an eternal story that is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

For fans of All the Light We Cannot See, and Cloud Atlas.”

—Kari Bingham-Gutierrez, Olathe Public Library, Olathe, KS NoveList read-alike: Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Har Harlem lem Shuffle A Novel

by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday)

—Jenifer May, Secaucus Public Library, Secaucus, NJ NoveList read-alike: Crossings by Alex Landragin

Fuzz When Nature Breaks the Law

by Mary Roach (W. W. Norton & Company) “Roach once again proves that she is one of the best pop science writers out there.

From door knobs to divine intervention, with some lasers and effigies thrown in for fun, she chronicles the push and pull of the human/wildlife struggle for co-existence. You will laugh, you will likely cry, and you'll never look at Indian elephants quite the same way. For fans of Bill Bryson and Sarah Vowell.”

—Marianne Kruppa, Indianapolis Public Library, Indianapolis, IN NoveList read-alike: Poached: Inside the Dark World of Wildlife Trafficking by Rachel Love Nuwer

The Last House on Needless Str Street eet For book recommendations from your by Catriona Ward Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to (Tor Nightfire) www.kpl.gov/blog/ "In a boarded-up house on a remote street live recluse Ted, his daughter Lauren, Dee (sister of a long-missing girl), and Olivia, a Bible-quoting cat. Wonderfully eerie and twisted psychological horror, with an ending you’re sure you’ve read before (until you realize you haven’t). For fans of Stephen Graham Jones and Shirley Jackson."

“Read if you want a brilliantly plotted heist novel set in 1960s New York. The Harlem setting with its creeping gentrification is a significant part of the story.

For readers who enjoyed Deacon King Kong and Black Bottom Saints.”

The LLo ove H Hypothesis ypothesis

by Ali Hazelwood (Berkley Jove) “Stanford scientists Olive and Adam begin fakedating out of mutual convenience, but their relationship causes all sorts of issues on campus.

Readers will grow to root for this brainy duo in neuroscientist Hazelwood’s romcom debut. For readers of The Kiss Quotient and The Rosie Project."

A World of Cheese

with a curated selection of A law firm on —Jennifer Schultz, Fauquier County Publicfocusing Library, Warrenton, VA estate wines &—Cari accompaniments Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, OH —Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX NoveList read-alike: Only the Strong by Jabari Asim planning, estate settlement, NoveList read-alike: The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay and the transfer of wealth.

Ne Nevver Sa Saw wM Mee C Coming oming A Novel

by Vera Kurlan

The M Man an Who Died TTwice wice A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

by Richard Osman

(Park Row) “A trio of psychopaths attending a Washington D.C. college take part in a study to see if they can be taught to live productively. When a murderer targets campus, they need to work together to determine if they’re among the hunted. This is a jawdropping, read-in-one-sitting thriller. For readers of Gillian Flynn and Caroline Kepnes.”

(Pamela Dorman Books) “The competent senior quartet of The Thursday Murder Club returns, this time tracking down stolen diamonds while dealing with a troublesome ex-husband, a local drug queenpin, the arrival of the mafia, and a growing number of murders. An utter delight.

For fans of The Postscript Murders and the Flavia de Luce mysteries.”

—Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libraries, Yakima, WA NoveList read-alike: An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten

—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD NoveList read-alike: I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

NoveList read-alike: A Princess in Theory by Alyssa Cole

No G Gods ods,, No M Monst onsters ers

by Cadwell Turnbull (Blackstone Publishing) “As creatures from myth and legend reveal themselves to be real, we’re reminded that people often are the actual monsters. Turnbull’s prose is gorgeous and lush, using contemporary fantasy as a lens to examine real-world oppression and injustice.

For fans of Victor LaValle, Tade Thompson and Marlon James.”

—Carol Ann Tack, Merrick Library, Merrick, N.Y. NoveList read-alike: The Devourers by Indra Das Made in Librar LibraryA yAwar waree - w ww ww.librar .librarya yawar waree.com

Find out mor moree at w ww ww.Librar .LibraryR yReads eads.or .org g

Michael D. Holmes, William B. Millard, Morgan L. Rogalke, Charles S. Ofstein & Tyler J. Stewart

211 East Water Street, Suite 401 Kalamazoo 269.343.2106 dementandmarquardt.com

Texas Corners 7035 West Q Ave (269) 353-3050 Kalamazoo at Salut Market 3112 S. Westnedge (at Whites Road) (269) 501-2836

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Vendor Round Up

Zoo Flea (It’s almost Holiday time!)

Good News Paper readers hope the warm days have treated you well!

As Fall sets in, it’s time to shift our minds to all things harvest, pumpkin, and HOLIDAY! Want to get an early jump on our gift shopping? We always try to – but never seem to! Let’s change that this year. Giving a gift that has a special handmade touch really resonates, and for this article we will highlight some amazing artisans from Zoo Flea Handmade Market. Find these folks selling their handcrafted treasures during the next Shop 2nd Saturday event on October 9th in Downtown Kalamazoo, or online. Support local this holiday and give a gift that they will truly cherish J Notions of Lovely - Marie Kappenman IG: www.instagram.com/notionsoflovely/ Website: www.notionsoflovely.com About me: Notions of Lovely was born in a pink bathtub. The idea come together from years of conversations about Marie’s making “pretty little things.” Jewelry, knitting, candles, lanterns, sculpture and a hundred other things. I loved the idea that any “pretty little thing” could be a Notion. A lovely Notion. It’s a creative company devoted to the little details that make a moment special. I’m Marie, the creator behind Notions of Lovely. After a decade making Notions on the West Coast, I’m back in the Midwest and excited to jump into the Kzoo makers community, selling my jewelry and getting to know my new town.

Tiptoe Candle Company - Kristen Pierce IG: www.tiptoecandleco.com/ Website: www.facebook.com/tiptoecandlecompany About me: Tiptoe Candle Co. was born from our love of candles, and our strong desire for earth-friendly options. So my husband and I rolled up our sleeves, did some research, and crafted our first candle. For a slower and cleaner burn, we chose all-natural soy wax made from the oil of American grown soybeans. To ease your worries, high-quality fragrance oils that are free of major hazardous toxins are used in our products. Our passion for quality doesn’t stop there!

Glass jars, metal tins, even lead and zinc free wicks make it easy when choosing environmentally friendly products for your home.

Mamemering - Madison Memering IG: www.instagram.com/ mamemering/?hl=en Website: www.madisonmemering. com About me: I am a self-proclaimed natural artist and have grown a sustainably conscious, small business out of various apartments throughout Southern Michigan since 2018.

I started my journey with watercolor just earlier that year & started posting my very first artworks to my Instagram page. Over a short amount of time, that page somehow grew into my own little shop. So now I am here, blossoming my little page into my very own website. My small business emphasizes the beauty in nature! I try to capture natural subjects such as

"The little treasure in downtown Plainwell"

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mushrooms, flowers, insects & more.

I like to bring attention to beautiful things that people may look over right in their backyard. I do this in my watercolor paintings & screen printed designs. I sell original paintings, prints, stickers, coloring books, ceramics, printed apparel, & printed tote bags.

Landmine Design - Kirsten Coryell IG: www.instagram.com/landminedesign/ website: https://www.landminedesign.org/ About me: Hey! My name is Kirsten and I’m the Director of Landmine Design. We’re a woman owned and run company using fashion and design to keep women in Cambodia out of the hands of traffickers. In 2013, we began working in a village along the border of Cambodia that happened to sit on a minefield. In this village, there was no opportunity for employment and a lack of basic resources, leaving women with no choice but to cross the border into neighboring Thailand in search of work -- risking being trafficked and exploited in an effort to survive.

Today, we employ 22 Cambodian women with dignified work as jewelry makers and seamstresses -- they create beautiful handmade products that we sell at markets just like this one. Their employment with us means access to education, stable work and the prevention of trafficking!

PsyanoForest Cyanotype Studio Amelia Volwiler-Stanley IG: www.instagram.com/psyanoforest/

website: www.etsy.com/shop/psyanoForest About me : PsyanoForest Cyanotype Studio crafts small-batch textile goods printed with the antique photographic process Cyanotype, both on a wearable scale and largescale. The imagery that comprises the fabric patterns are from many sources, often pulled from reimagined medical illustrations (both human and animal), pressed flowers/foliage, found objects, and photographs the artist has taken in the wilds of Michigan (including spider webs!). While most of the products are the signature blue proprietary to the cyanotype process, the artist also creates digital reproductions of the cyanotype prints and alters the colorings to then create yardage of colorful charmeuse silks with beautifully mirrored patterns.

PsyanoForest aims to be as ethically responsible as possible, and thus sources printing fabrics from small business artisans. Additionally, the cyanotype process is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. We provide all of our customers with instructions on how to care for their cyanotypeprinted goods; the washing method also has a low environmental impact.

The products that we produce include (but is not limited to): shawls, long silk craves, silk bandanas, cotton bandanas, four-layer masks, wraps, silk-cotton voile bandanas and long scarves, tapestries on salvaged textiles, and notecards.

You can catch Zoo Flea along the North Walking Mall from W. Michigan Ave to Eleanor St. and Vintage in the Zoo will be happening at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s beautiful Anna Whitten Hall Plaza (directly next to Zoo Flea) with the “Mallmart.” Mallmart is a true vintage, antique, and collectable market only Vintage in the Zoo can throw.

You can also head down the Walking Mall and support all of Kalamazoo’s great small brick and mortar shops, and grab a bite from local restaurants.

In addition to great vendors, shops, and food, we have put together an experience and entertainment line up to help fill out your time on each 2nd Saturday. WIDR DJ Dan Steely and Friends will set the mood - all good vibes and only vinyl records to keep it moving! See you on October 9th!

M + P | VintageintheZoo.com

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Relationships The Importance of Human Connection

Many people are feeling the effects of isolation because of COVID and reporting feeling lonely and sad or depressed.

At certain ages, people feel that it is not as easy to connect with others.

The good news is that Kalamazoo has a wealth of areas where people can find ways to connect with others.

Humans are social, but everyone has a specific comfort level with connecting with others. Studies have shown that people feel happier when they have the ability to connect with others.

Quality relationships can allow you to have deeper, more satisfying

conversations which lead to an overall feeling of happiness. Increasing social interactions can improve your overall mood on a daily basis. Here are a few suggestions to find ways to increase your daily social interaction: chatting it up with your barista, putting down your mobile devices and interacting with those around you, creating a greeting ritual with your friends, and calling a friend to check up on them.

You could also volunteer in your community or join a gym. Another source of social interactions in the Kalamazoo area is meetupkalamazoo.

If you don’t live in the Kalamazoo area, chances are that your community has a meetup(insert your town

here).

Strong social connections are good for your health. It increases dopamine, a feel-good chemical in your brain that increases your overall mood. Lack of social interactions can affect your body and may leave you feeling ill. Face-to-face interaction has been known to decrease depression, however, having any kind of social interaction can make you feel more connected and less isolated.

Social interactions can cause some stress. Understanding your boundaries when interacting with your groups is important in taking care of you.

In addition to social connections, we need psychological connections,

both physical and emotional. Examples of physical connections are needing a hug from a friend when you are feeling anxious or stressed, or having your partner hold you after a difficult day. Physical connections can strengthen your emotional connections and are perceived as the most important interactions between people.

Emotional connections are reserved for more intimate connections with people that truly understand you, producing some of the most powerful relationships and allowing us to be completely ourselves, increasing one’s sense of self, value, and worth.

Emotional connections can lead to physical connections that allow you to feel safe and intertwined with your person in a way that may not be created with just a physical connection.

Regardless of what type of connection you need, go out there and find daily social connections to help improve your overall mood and sense of self. It may feel scary to get out there, but it will be worth finding a new connection, someone to laugh, cry, and create memories with. Finding connections will make you feel less isolated, lonely, or depressed. As always if you need assistance and are feeling lonely, anxious, or depressed, mental health providers are here to walk alongside you to find your path to success.

Julie Sorenson M.A.,L.P.C. A Fresh New Start Counseling Services L.L.C.

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Parenting And… Just Like That, They are Gone

They have flown the nest. It is a normal time for parents to go through an identity crisis. Some people feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that they have raised little humans into successful young adults, while others may feel anxious, sad, and lonely. Empty Nest Syndrome is not a diagnosis, but it can be a very difficult time in people’s lives as they transition from being a caregiver in a house, once full of noise and laughter, to all alone.

While some may be experiencing loss, loneliness, worry, or sadness, others may feel a sense of relief as this phase of life may open up doors of opportunities, time to do what they have always wanted to do but didn’t have the time for, fostering other relationships, or finding new

hobbies.

How do you prepare for the emotions that may arise as you are learning how to live with your child or children out on their own? Now that you are no longer running your child to sports or helping with homework, who are you now? Knowing that you have raised your child to adulthood may make you feel old and cause you to come to terms with your own mortality. A wave of overwhelming grief or depression may enter your veins. If you feel like you are crying a lot, having difficulties sleeping, or eating more or less than normal, it may be time for you to reach out to a therapist to help you process this new phase of your life.

Single parents may have a strong bond causing a deeper sense of loss or

purpose. However, it is possible that you feel a sense of relief and pride that your child was able to find her/ his independence and you feel like you raised them to fight the world.

Couples have more time to concentrate on each other and strengthen their relationship. However, some couples realize that their relationship isn’t as strong. They may want other things out of life than they once did causing the couples to separate.

This transition period allows time to think about what the family will look like now. Your time has been spent cultivating your child for decades. It is time to give back and invest in yourself. Go for that trip you always wanted, take up yoga, find what it is that makes you a better version of yourself and do that. You

will always be mom or dad, just in a different capacity and it is time to recognize what your new role is while taking care of you. The time you will spend with your child now will be quality time and not necessarily quantity time. Remember things will be different and the transition may come with some road bumps, but you’ve got this. If you feel like you are struggling longer than a couple of months, reach out to your local mental health professionals to have them walk alongside you during this transition.

Julie Sorenson M.A.,L.P.C. A Fresh New Start Counseling Services L.L.C.

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October 2021

Museum Hosts Michigan Button Society Exhibit A special exhibit featuring collections of local Michigan Button Society members will be on display at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum through December of this year. In 1938, the National Button Society was formed in Chicago to help butA

ton collectors organize, classify and share their collections, as well as to encourage the preservation and study of buttons. The Michigan Button Society was formed in 1940 in Detroit, distinguishing Michigan as the first state to form a button society.

Today, many button enthusiasts call Kalamazoo home. As commonplace

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GOOD NEWS

today as a writing pen or dinner plate, a button is defined as a small disk or knob used to fasten pieces of clothing by passing through a buttonhole. The history of buttons goes back thousands of years. Credit for the invention of the button is given to the people of the Indus Valley, which is now Pakistan. It is here that the oldest known button, made out of curved shell, was discovered. It is estimated to be 5,000 years old.

Throughout time, the button has been crafted out of numerous materials, such as bone, horn, shell, wood, china, textiles, glass, metal, rubber and various types of plastics.

In Victorian times, it was popular to wear buttons called “mourning buttons.” These buttons incorporated the braided or woven hair of a deceased family member.

Buttons were first worn as ornamentation and signified the social status of the wearer. During the 13th century, the noble class wore buttons

of gold, silver and precious stones, while lower classes wore bone, wood or fabric buttons. In the mid-1700s, servants often wore “livery” buttons with heraldry representing the family for whom they worked. Military and other organizations’ uniform buttons also signify the rank and specialization of the person wearing them.

Before buttons were widely available, clothing was fastened by ties, buckles, pins and brooches. Over time, the button also became more functional, as clothing started to become more formfitting in the Middle Ages. By 1250, the “button hole” was widely used and sewn into clothing.

During the Industrial Revolution, buttons became cheaper to produce, securing their place in our wardrobe.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.

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October 2021

Bridge Street Deli & Health Goods

Do you find it challenging to find healthy, clean eating options? Look no further than Bridge Street Deli & Health Goods (BSD) in downtown Plainwell – they have just what you need!

BSD is a one-stop health and wellness shop, offering a variety of fresh, frozen and local health foods for everyone, regardless of their dietary needs.

The BSD Deli offers delicious homemade options whether you’re looking for a snack or a meal on the go. Tasty sandwiches (breakfast & lunch varieties) are prepared with Boar’s Head meats & cheeses and the breads are fresh baked by Renzema’s Bakery. In addition, they offer fresh salads, bento boxes, flavorful soups, delicious chili and a case full of yummy gluten free treats that are sure to tempt you.

One of my favorite sandwiches is the Turkey Apple Cheddar that is chocked full of Boar’s Head turkey & cheddar cheese, cranberry mustard,

11

house-made mayo and topped with thinly sliced green apples. Sandwiches are served cold or toasted to perfection, which is the way I like it!

For a sweet ending, don’t forget to grab a cookie, an endurance ball, or another one of their gluten free sweets – yum!

Drink options are plentiful at BSD, including: premium coffee from Kalamazoo Coffee Company and Mud Penney, brewed iced tea, fresh squeezed lemonade, fresh pressed orange juice, protein shakes, 5 choices of fresh-pressed juice combinations, and 9 healthy smoothies to choose from.

Let the knowledgeable and helpful BSD staff know about your dietary needs and they will suggest the best options for you. Vegan - try a salad, smoothie or one of their freshpressed juices. Gluten-free check out their soups and baked goods. Keto – order a crustless quiche or try a delicious fatbomb. Lactose intolerant – enjoy a sandwich or salad with

GOOD NEWS

lactose-free cheese.

Besides their great deli and beverage selections, BSD offers a large variety of unique packaged snacks and drinks, alternative baking products, bulk herbs and spices, beer (including gluten-free), wine and premixed drinks.

For high quality hand-selected health products you can’t find everywhere else, BSD has got you covered.

They carry a wide variety of supplements and essential oils, along with CBD products by trusted brands that can help with a variety of issues, including insomnia, chronic pain and stress.

BSD is family owned and operated by Elyse Turley-Masters and her father, Jim Turley. She is proud of the wonderful BSD team: Karleigh manages social media and advertising, while Abby, Claire, Hailey, Jean, Jocelyn, Linda and Olivia are knowledgeable and passionate about health and providing delicious foods for everyone to enjoy and are ready to

assist you.

Point 2 Studio is located inside BSD, providing massage therapy.

Owner and Licensed Massage Therapist, Val Erlandson, is ready to help you go the extra mile to meet your health and wellness needs. She can be reached for appointment by phone at (269) 377-0627 or by email: valerlandson@hotmail.com For delicious healthy, clean eating options, stop into Bridge Street Deli & Health Goods today! Be sure to try some of their seasonal fall flavors.

BSD offers local delivery (for a slight fee) and catering options are available too.

They are located at137 E. Bridge St. in Plainwell and are open Mon. – Fri. 8am-6pm, Sat. 9am-3pm, closed Sunday. For more information and to check out the store video, visit their website: bridgestreetdeli.com and follow them on Facebook for the latest updates at BSDHealhGoods.

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GOOD NEWS

Everyone Loves a Mystery Life without mysteries would be a little boring, wouldn’t it. Exploring the great mysteries of the earth, its people, natural phenomena, and the sometimes out-of-the-ordinary events can be absorbing and educational.

Mysteries such as UFOs, medieval symbolism in art, and what happened to the lost colony of Roanoke, are just a few. I’ve learned that when someone thinks they’ve solved a great mystery, we often find out they were mistaken and another solution is said to be true. Then a new solution replaces the previous one, and so on. Some mysteries may never be solved. But as long as the challenge remains, someone will always make the attempt.

Being a list maker by nature, I’ve compiled a list of mysteries I’d like to spend time researching “someday.”

I’ve yet to find enough time to dive deeply into most of them but I have read a few books and articles about some. The one exception to this is the Voynich Manuscript, “the most mysterious manuscript in the

world.” I was obsessed with it at one time and filled a notebook with my theories and notes. Mysteries are like hunting for morel mushrooms once you’ve spotted one, others start popping up everywhere.

Some of the mysteries listed below aren’t true mysteries but are interesting events or things people have done that are out of the ordinary. Google any one and you might find yourself with mystery hunting fever. Before you know it, the lawn doesn’t get mowed, the dishes don’t get done, and you’ve lost hours when you swear you’ve only been on the internet for 15 minutes. * UFOs (unidentified flying objects) and USOs (unidentified submerged objects). I knew a big extended family and friends who had a reunion at the lake where they lived. Many of them saw a USO and all who saw it described it in a nearly identical way. * The Tunguska Event in Siberia in 1908. Meteorite? Maybe, maybe not. * Mirages. My husband and I saw an elaborate mirage due to atmospherics

on the beach at Lake Michigan. I no longer doubt that people and animals can see mirages. * The lost colony of Roanoke. Theories abound concerning what happened to this colonial New England settlement that disappeared without a trace. * The meaning of symbols in medieval art * Reincarnation * Who were the people behind the assassination of JFK, and who were the second and third shooters? * Modern objects and technology appearing in ancient art. How did flying machines with cockpits, space suits, and contrails show up in medieval paintings? * The Taos hum * Cases of prophetic dreams and precognition * The Antikythera Mechanism * The Voynich Manuscript. I’ve spent time researching this and believe I’ve solved a portion of it to my satisfaction, but definitely not all of it. * Synchronicity

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* Who and where is DB Cooper? * Near-death experiences * What wiped out the dinosaurs? I’ve heard at least three different theories: A meteor strike wiped them out; an over-abundance of small mammals ate all the dinosaurs’ eggs; and that the dinosaurs grew too big and depleted their own food supply.

I’m looking forward to hearing the next “solutions.”

Maybe this list will inspire you to explore a few of life’s many mysteries and find a few that interest you. Who knows? It could be you or I that finds a solution to one of them. It’s a good way to pass the time on a long, dark, and stormy Michigan winter night. :) Ann Murray is an award-winning commercial illustrator who has illustrated eight children’s books for local authors. Her stories, one of which was collaboration with her husband, have been in three anthologies.

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October 2021

be ART ful

Pumpkin spice and everything nice, welcome to October! The air is crisp, the light is poetic and the

colorful palette of the autumn leaves paint such a picturesque scene. This is the season to journey to a favored

GOOD NEWS farmstead to pick out your idyllic pumpkin. Family traditions and an ingrained desire keep me returning to the same place year after year. Since childhood, it has been such a magical experience; and oh so many memories have survived into adulthood. I have shared that same enthusiasm with my girls when they were growing up and hope they will continue to do the same. After all, we do love our pumpkins!

Having a fondness for handmade fall decor too, I’m always inspired to try to create something new. Do you recall from past beArtful articles that I have provided you with instructions on how to make your own leaf shaped trinket bowls, glittered acorns and paper turkey feathers? If not, you can access past Good News paper articles online…just in case you would like to remember how to make any of the above.

Lately I have been smitten with felt. With the beautiful variety of hues available, my favorites are ready and waiting to be utilized in an artistic fashion. With some of those enchanting autumn colors, I knew exactly what I was going to create this month. Pumpkins! Please join me in making your own indoor variety of these must-have adorable October staples.

Supplies needed: felt . stick . glue gun . sewing pin . scissors . pumpkin template Step 1. Hand draw or find and print a pumpkin template online. Cut it out and fold in half so the sides come together. Lay the closed side

of the folded template on top of the folded edge of a piece of felt and pin in place. Cut around the non folded section of it. Do this multiple times until you have enough pieces to attach to your stick. 12-15 felt cut-outs should be plenty for a small to medium sized shelf-sitting pumpkin.

Step 2. Using hot glue, run a line down the exterior of the folded crease on the pumpkin cut-out. Quickly adhere to the stick. Make sure your stick is long enough to be seen from the top of the pumpkin, but not the bottom. Keep doing this until all the felt covers the stick and the pumpkin is full.

Step 3. Form the individual felt pieces by cutting it more to your liking. Felt can be stretched too. I use my fingers to pull the top and bottom in opposite directions simultaneously after they have all been glued onto the stick. This will elongate it a bit and give it shape.

Trust me when I say these easy, inexpensive and handmade felt pumpkins are sure to add a bit of rustic charm to your autumn decor.

I also tend to think of the Anne of Green Gables quote during this time of year: “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” I’m glad too! Happy fall and happy October! xo-Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

4th Annual Happy Holidays

FREE Community Expo + LIVE Cooking Show

Returns Sunday, November 7, 2021!

Come and spend a fun and festive afternoon on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at Constantine High School to take part in the long-awaited return of the 4th Annual Happy Holidays FREE Community Expo + LIVE Cooking Show!

“This event, which is presented by The Constantine Township Library and Area Fitness Center, as an early Christmas gift to the public, will kick off at 11:30 a.m. with an awesome expo featuring an eye-catching assortment of ideas, crafts, items, products and treats from an array of local crafters and area businesses,” Kurella said.

“I am thrilled to once again be a part of it, most especially because it supports our local economy, and this year includes a voluntary donation of a non-perishable item for the local food bank and soup kitchen.”

A nationally-known, award-winning recipe developer, Food Channel contributor, and a local favorite magazine and newspaper food columnist, Kurella said this year’s fourth annual event is being planned to be bigger and better than ever!

“The expo, which is being planned

to feature both local crafters and area business as a way to help support and promote the local community, has booths available, and will be open for browsing from 11:30 a.m. to 2p.m.

Anyone interested in a booth should give us a call as soon as possible so we can still fit you in.”

The expo will be immediately followed by a special, FREE ADMISSION, “Happy Holidays” LIVE cooking show hosted by Laura Kurella.

“I am thrilled to be saying ‘4th annual’, at long last,” Kurella offered with a huge beaming smile, “because we weren’t sure we’d be allowed.”

The cooking show, which will take place in the high school’s barrier-free, theatre-styled LGI room, which is conveniently located right off the expo hall, will feature a full 60-minutes’ worth of food fun, samples, prizes, and giveaways.

“We are working with some local sponsors this year, as well as some great national brands,” Kurella said, “because we want to help support our local economy as much as we can with this event. Both area businesses and

residents have struggled to get by and through these trying times. For that reason, we are hoping to offer gift cards as prizes, * where we can, to help make the upcoming holidays a little happier for everyone!”

“I am so excited to be working with Laura again this year,” said event coordinator, Kathy Messner. “I appreciate that she is making herself available, and providing a healthy, fun, and free cooking show to partner with our community expo. We are thrilled to have Constantine Public Schools hold it on their grounds, a great venue that offers awesome space and accessibility for everyone, and it is a blessing to have the Constantine Fitness Center and the Constantine Township Library serve as underwriters, which makes it all possible, and turns it into a true gift to our community. We are grateful!”

With gifts, giveaways and prizes from local and national sponsors and brands alike, this event is sure to help put more “Happy” into the holidays for all who attend, according to the Constantine Township Library.

“Laura Kurella’s cooking shows are

always fun and informative,” said Janice Jones of the Constantine Township Library. “And the amazing door prizes that are given out are just the icing on the cake!”

For an afternoon of festive holiday fun that’s filled with shopping, prizes, food samples and more, the 4th Annual “Happy Holidays” Expo + Cooking Show is one event you won’t want to miss!

Constantine High School is located at 1 Falcon Dr., Constantine, MI. The school offers adjacent, barrier -free parking and easy access to its street level event.

For more information, or to reserve a booth space before they’re gone, call Kathy at (269) 435-8940. *=Winners of all Cooking Show prizes must be present in LGI room to win.

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

HEALTH Isn’t That NEAT! ACCELERATE YOUR FAT LOSS WITH N.E.A.T. (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis) Heads up! This article may be a bit technical, but if you stay with me this may be a life changer. And no worries, there’s no quiz at the end.

I may have mentioned that I’m in the process of re-certifying as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer. Every two years, I’m required to take 20 hours of continuing education to maintain my certification. I’m grateful for this requirement because it provides me with the latest research in servicing the people I work with.

One of the interesting new findings is the concept called NEAT. NEAT is the acronym for Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis. (Relax, this is as technical as this article will get.) It’s all about metabolism or the way you burn energy. Simply put, your body will burn more calories when you’re active than when you’re at rest.

But even at rest, your body is always expending energy. For example, your heart continues to beat,

your lungs continue to expand and contract, and your brain continues to function even when you’re sleeping.

All of these functions require energy.

For some, the term “exercise” conjures images of calisthenics and time spent sweating in a gym. While typical gym activities do burn calories, the good news is that other forms of physical activity can play a significant role in helping to maximize the total amount of calories burned in a single day.

Here are some examples of nonexercise activities: A growing body of evidence shows that sitting still for long periods can be hazardous to your health. Simply standing is one form of non-exercise that can help increase your daily caloric expenditure. (I’m aware that standing for long periods of time carries its own set of health issues, so it’s best to mix it up.)

The US Department of Health has been promoting 10,000 steps a day as

an achievable goal for daily physical activity. Even if you don’t make 10,000 steps, adding extra steps in your day is another form of non-exercise that contributes to calorie expenditure.

This can consist of taking one or two flights of stairs rather than waiting for the elevator. I see many lunchtime walking groups around town using the time to get in some extra steps.

How about cleaning the house?

There’s cleaning and then there’s getting-ready-for-company cleaning.

We all know the difference. Doing additional tasks around the house can be great for non-exercise activity. (Don’t get me started on robotic vacuum cleaners…a foreign power plot to turn us into marshmallows.)

Fidget. If you’re stuck in traffic, on a long flight, or sitting at work, try tapping your heels or bouncing your knees. Even two minutes for every 20 minutes of sitting can help burn fat.

How about playing with our kids or

grandkids? Playing catch or just going for a walk will burn more calories and have a great time with people you care about. An additional benefit to playing is that it can build neural activity and cognition, so you’re not only burning a few more calories; you’re actually building your brain function as well. What’s not to like about playing!

If losing weight is your primary reason for exercising, NEAT is an essential component of that objective.

So you really don’t have to join a gym to increase your calorie expenditure.

With some smart but modest changes in your diet (like eliminating one 12 ounce can of soda or one small bag of potato chips a day), your weight loss goals will be here before you know it.

Remember, MAKE it a good day and remember to be kind.

Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal Trainer

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October 2021

Recipes Add some goodness to your day with the aroma of pumpkin spice!

I find it so fascinating that the changing of seasons brings about such a change in the things we crave, most especially when autumn comes round.

That sweet smell and tantalizing taste of pumpkin spice triggers such a nostalgic, emotional response in most all of us, and according to scientists, especially men, that its almost impossible to resist anything pumpkin spiced this time of year.

I recall reading a piece many years ago that attributed our desire for such things to having had pleasant encounters with the pumpkin spice combination early in life. That the pumpkin spice combo wired our brains as children to equate its aroma to “good things” when we were very young, so its aroma now, whether real or a synthetic version from China,

GOOD NEWS

Pumpkin Potions can subconsciously trigger the happiness we felt when we were children eating Mom’s pumpkin pie.

What’s funny about this is that pumpkin by itself will render no such response because it does not offer up that magically-spiced plume that enchants us, but rather, according to nursery rhymes, what little girls are made of: Sugar and spice, and everything nice!

Typically, the magic mix that goes into pumpkin is cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove (or allspice).

From what I’ve been told by insiders in the food industry, food companies often develop a synthetic version with various compounds and aromas designed to trick your brain into thinking you are consuming a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and other spices. They often include “top notes” that mimic the aroma of butter browning with sugar to help create an olfactory illusion of a freshly baked pumpkin pie, as well.

Likewise, similar mixtures of these

same spices can be found in Indian masala chai and Middle Eastern baklava, which were often used for special occasions because this spice blend also help ease the gastric distress that comes with overindulgence.

This might help explain why, with such a table full of food, we have pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving, too!

Offering eugenol, cloves are an antioxidant, and an anti-inflammatory that also possess anti-cancer effects, including skin, bone, blood, and stomach cancers.

Allspice is also a robust antioxidant with detoxifying benefits because of its strong metal-binding ability, making it useful for removing toxic metals, such as mercury and lead from the body.

Nutmeg offers anti-aging benefits because of a compound called macelignan, which protects cells against damage from ultraviolet radiation by inhibiting tissue-damaging enzymes and increasing collagen production.

Cinnamon improves blood sugar

management in patients with Type 2 diabetes, making it well-worth adding in where we can all by itself, and ginger’s anti-inflammatory effects can help alleviate muscle and joint aches and pains, as well as calm digestive upset.

Given that the pumpkin spice blend can help us to feel good both mentally and physically, and that we learn odors through associations and experience, there is absolutely nothing but positive things that can come from a whiff of anything that is make, stirred or even shaken that is also pumpkin spiced!

Here now are some seasonallyinspired ways for you to stir in more pleasing and positive moments to your day- ENJOY!

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Pumpkin Prep Time: 5 minutes; Yield: 2 cocktails 3 ounces bourbon 1-ounce Grand Marnier 4 tablespoons pumpkin puree 2 ounces maple syrup GARNISH orange peel twist or rosemary spring

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In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine pumpkin puree, bourbon, syrup, Grand Marnier, and syrup.

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

Recipes Dirty Pumpkin Martini Prep Time: 5 minutes; Yield: 2 cocktails 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree 3 ounces vodka 1/2 cup fresh orange juice 2 dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg GLASS GARNISH Caramel sauce Graham cracker crumbs In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine all the drink ingredients then shake for two minutes. Dip the rim of two martini glasses into melted caramel then into graham cracker crumbs. Carefully pour martini into prepared glasses and serve

Drunken Pumpkin Prep Time: 5 minutes; Yield: 2 cocktails 7 ounces pineapple juice 3 tablespoons pumpkin purée 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup 1lemon, juiced 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Pinch of ground ginger

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October 2021

The Gull Lake Area Rotary Club (GLARC) is pleased to announce their 31st annual all-you-can eat Spaghetti Dinner at the Gull Lake High School on Monday, October 4th from 4:30pm – 7pm for dine-in. Take-out is available from 3:30pm – 7pm.

Bring the whole family for a delicious spaghetti dinner including drinks and dessert, video films, booths and more. Kids under 5 eat free, children (5-12 yrs.) are just $5 and the adult minimum donation is $10.

“The community really gets behind this event,” said, Don Deibler, President of the GLARC Rotary. GLARC receives several community contribu-

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tions in support of this annual event.

In addition, the Gull Lake High School donates the cafeteria space, use of the kitchen, dishwashing and coolers. The cafeteria and maintenance staff support the evening event as well.

All leftover prepared food is donated to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission the day following the event.

Gull Lake High School student Volunteen volunteers work in the dining room bussing tables, refilling drinks, etc. and work alongside the GLARC members and participating spouses.

“This is one of our main fundraisers that allows GLARC to make a difference in the community,” says

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Marketing Chairman, Donna Tellam. Unfortunately, last year’s event was cancelled due to Covid 19, which makes this year’s fundraising event even more important to continue to make a local impact.

GLARC donates money to the local food pantry and provides backpack food for students. In addition, they sponsor four $1,000 scholarships, two for college bound high school seniors and two for those going into the trades. They have also recently provided funding and assembly labor for the new playground at Ross Township Park and replaced all of the picnic tables in the Richland Township Park, to name a few of the ways they make the community a better place to live.

Tickets for the Spaghetti dinner can be purchased at the door or are available at the Richland Community

Center or from any member of the GLARC Rotary.

The Spaghetti dinner is held at the Gull Lake High School, located at 7753 North 34th St. Golf cart service is available from the ample parking lot to the cafeteria.

GLARC will be sponsoring their 2nd Annual Holiday Pie Sale. The dates for the pie sale are from October 29th – November 9th. Rotarians will deliver your pies on November 22nd & 23rd, just in time for Thanksgiving!

If you would like to help with this community event or learn more about becoming a Rotarian, visit their website at gulllakearearotary.org, or contact Don Deibler at donalddeibler@yahoo.com Jackie Merriam Photos courtesy of Jilisa Williams, local Rotarian

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

H00ray f0r Fall !

What can I say about the summer that is just past? I miss it already! It seems there were a lot of extremes.

Early heat and unusual dryness gave way to more heat and substantial rain. But that doesn’t really paint an accurate picture, does it? Meteorological averages place this past season as slightly above usual for temperature and rainfall, but that is based on climate averages. In these crazy times, we seem to have lost the concept of average. My water bill was unusually high this quarter from the endless watering needed to maintain my gardening efforts. When we did get rain, it was a deluge – for about fifteen minutes! My Consumers Energy account tells me that I am using more electricity this year than last, even though I have signed up for the “Energy Rush Hour” plan. Once again, hidden in the “averages,” I’m finding that the weather is fraught with extremes.

Once Labor Day is over, like many of you, I begin to think about autumn.

Will recent weather fluctuations distort the fabulous fall colors we’ve come to love? To understand how weather affects autumnal color, we need to think about the biology of the tree.

The green pigment that we associate with leaves is, of course, chlorophyll.

It is the most efficient of the leaf pigments responsible for photosynthesis, allowing plants to capture sunlight’s energy and convert it into carbohydrates that provide the plant with the chemical energy needed to survive and thrive. But there are other accessory

pigments at work as well. Carotenoids and xanthophylls access wavelengths of visible light different from chlorophyll to produce photosynthetic products and provide the yellows, golds, and oranges typical of some deciduous trees such as birches, aspens, and some maples. These compounds are always present in leaf structures, but their colors are hidden by the abundance of chlorophyll during the active growing season. As daylight and temperatures wane and plants prepare for dormancy, the veins in their leaves begin to constrict to provide a more efficient transfer of carbohydrates to storage structures. The rate of production of chlorophyll begins to dwindle, and the other photosynthetic pigments become more evident. Although the plant’s significant energy production “season” has ended, it will continue to produce sugars and convert them into storage compounds to sustain it during the coming winter months.

The intense reds evident in sugar maples, oaks, and sumacs are due to another group of pigments, anthocyanins. These same pigments give us the reds and purples of grapes, cherries, blueberries, as well as many flower colors. They are also important nutritionally as powerful antioxidants.

Anthocyanins are not always present in deciduous tree leaves but are produced in response to warm days with cool evening temperatures. Daytime temperatures result in a buildup of sugars in the leaf. Nighttime coolness promotes the constriction of veins in the leaves. These conditions bring

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together the sugars necessary for the biochemical pathways that produce anthocyanins. The result is brilliant scarlets that are amazing!

Rainfall and temperature are critical to a tree’s color change dynamics. If drought has stressed the tree during the growing season, it is likely shut down early, reserving whatever has been stored and dropping leaves, perhaps even before they change colors.

Fall storms featuring heavy rain and strong winds will, of course, cause leaves to drop prematurely since they are already in the process of being shed. The “best” recipe for fall color is adequate rainfall, warm days, and cool nights.

So, can we expect a colorful autumn? Like so much else about the

environment, it depends… Meteorologists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict that our temperatures will continue to be above average through the end of November. They also expect that our rainfall will be “normal”. These factors bode well for a beautiful color season. Of course, only time and Mother Nature will tell, and by the time you are reading this, we should be well into our (hopefully) beautiful fall season.

Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

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October 2021

GOOD NEWS

FREE october 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 October 24 Exhibit: The Global Language of Headwear, 373-7990 Kalamazoo Valley Museum Fri., Oct. 1 – Sun., Oct. 31 Skeletour – 65+ skeletons Downtown Kalamazoo Friday, October 1 Memory Café on Zoom for those with Mild dementia & caregivers, 10am-Noon pawpaw.lib.mi.us, 657-3800 Friday, October 1 Art Hop – Dwtn. Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Saturdays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am – 2pm, New Location: Mayors Riverfront Park

Wednesday, October 6 Mystery Club- Take & Solve Kits, ages 16+, Richland Library Wednesdays, Oct. 6,13,20,27 Wednesday Wigglers, ages 3-5, Stories, songs & dancing, 10am Register ahead, Richland Library Wednesdays, Oct. 6,13,20,27 Toddler Storytime 10:30am, Comstock Library Wednesdays, Oct. 6,13,20,27 Bike Night, 6-8pm, Big Tommy’s Pizza & Ice Cream in Richland Thursdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Musical Mayhem Storytime 10:30am, Comstock Library Thursdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market at Mayors Riverfront Park, 12-5

Saturdays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Texas Corners Farmers Market 8am-Noon, 375-1591

Thursdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 STEAM Storytime, Register ahead, 1pm, Comstock Library

Saturdays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Otsego Farmer’s Market 9am-2pm, 112 Kalamazoo St.

Thursdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Preschool StoryTime, Ages 0-4 1pm, Richland Library

Saturday, October 2 Guest Artist Recital: Dan Mattson, Trombone, 8pm,WMU Dalton Center Recital Hall

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

Mon., Oct. 4 – Mon. Nov. 1 Spooky Treats & How to Make Them, comstocklibrary.org Mondays, Oct. 4,11,18,25 Outdoor Story Time for Children With an adult, Paw Paw Library Mondays, Oct. 4,11,18,25 Preschool Storytime 10:30am, Comstock Library Mondays, Oct. 4,11,18,25 Parchment Interview Series Parchmentlibrary.org Mondays, Oct. 4,11,18,25 Drop-in Youth Gaming 5:30-7:30, Comstock Library Monday, October 4 Parchment Book Group 6:30pm, Parchment Library Tuesdays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Wee Ones Storytime (0-24 mos.)

10:30am, Comstock Library Tuesday, October 5 Visual Thinking Strategies Noon-1pm, Kalamazoo Institute Of Arts Tuesday, October 5 WMU University Jazz Lab Band 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Thursday, October 7 The History of Faygo, ages 12+ 7-8pm, Richland Library, register ahead 629-9085 Friday, October 8 Kids Craft: Spooky Ceramics 11am & 2pm, register ahead Comstock Library Fri., Oct. 8 – Sat. Oct. 9 Friends Book Sale 9am-5pm, Paw Paw Library Saturday, October 9 Internet Users Group on Zoom, 10am-Noon Pawpaw.lib.mi.us Sat., Oct. 9 – Sun. Oct. 10 Fall Stamp & cover Show Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-3 Kalamazoo County Expo Ctr. Saturday, October 9 Art Detectives: Have You Ever Seen a Flower? 11-11:45am, for children ages 4-8 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, October 9 John Angevine’s Pumpkin Carving, Kalamazoo Mall, 12-4 Saturday, October 9 University Symphony Orchestra 8pm, Miller Auditorium

Saturday, October 9 Vintage in the Zoo & Zoo Flea Handmade Market on the Kzoo walking mall 12-7pm, VintageInTheZoo.com Sat., Oct. 9 – Sun., Oct. 10 Farm Days Open House 2-5pm, Shalom Woolery 3191 Van Buren St., Kal. Sunday, October 10 Record & CD Show, 11am-4pm Kalamazoo County Expo. Ctr. Sunday, October 10 WMU University Wind Symphony 3pm, Miller Auditorium Monday, October 11 WMU University Symphonic & Concert Bands 7:30pm, Miller Auditorium Wednesday, October 13 Birds & Coffee Chats on Zoom: Waterbirds, 10-11am, register: Birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, October 13 Adult Craft: Paint Scrape Canvas, 5:30pm, register 10/4, Comstock Library Thursday, October 14 Chinese Art: Rock, Paper, Scissors 6-7pm, Register 349-7775 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursday, October 14 Team Game Night:, The Price Is Right, ages 18+, 7-8pm, Richland Library, Register 629-9085 Friday, October 15 Ladies Leaves & Laughter Night 3-8pm Downtown Plainwell, Gift bags, specials, market in park, more!

Friday, October 15 Spooktacular Fall Festival Stories, games, crafts & more!

6-8pm, Paw Paw Library Sunday, October 17 WMU Choral Showcase 3pm, Miller Auditorium Monday, October 18 Mystery Book Club 4pm, Parchment Library Tues. Oct. 19- Thurs. Oct. 23 Pumpkin Contest, drop off your Decorated pumpkin, pumpkins Displayed on lower level patio.

Oct. 26-28 Vote on Pumpkins Oct. 28, 6pm, winners announced, Hot chocolate & treats too!

Richland Library, 629-9085

Tuesday, October 19 Chinese Decorated Letter Papers Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Noon Tuesday, October 19 Teens: Manga Mania, 3-4pm, Paw Paw Library Wednesday, October 20 Book Discussion: Braiding Sweetgrass, 2-3pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, October 20 Astrology Program, Ruth Nodel 6-7pm, Paw Paw Library Thurs., Oct. 21 – Sun., Oct. 24 Hot Tub & Swim Spa Sale Thurs. 11-7, Fri.-Sat.10-7, Sun.11-4 Kalamazoo County Expo Ctr. Thursday, October 21 The Heartbreak Book Club, 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library Thursday, October 21 Books With Friends Book Club 7-8pm on Zoom, ages 18+, Register: Richlandlibrary.org Wednesday, October 27 Cruise-In @ Great Lakes Pondscapes, Paw Paw, 4-6pm Mon., Oct. 25 – Fri., Oct. 29 Adult Pop Up craft: Styrofoam Chalk-Painted Pumpkin Comstock Library Mon., Oct. 25 – Sat., Oct. 30 Trick or Treat at the Library Comstock Library Thursday, October 28 Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses With Dianna Stampfler 7pm, Parchment Library Sunday, October 31 Kzoo Baby & Family Expo 10am-3pm, Kal. Expo Ctr.