Good News September 2021 by Good News Paper

September 2021

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September 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

September 2021

Remember When Bacchus Wine & Spirits was a staple in the Kalamazoo area for 45 years, serving thousands of customers, and was best described as a cheese and wine store in a winery. David Brandt, a wine connoisseur, selling wine, spirits, beer, snacks, deli items and gourmet treats, along with great advice on how to pair them, opened the store in 1971. Bacchus was located at 3112 Oakland Dr. in the former Oakwood Village, at the corner of Oakland Dr. and Parkview Ave., a popular corner over the years that was home to Beattie’s Drug Store, Oakwood Raceway slot cars, a dry cleaner, a car repair shop and an ISB, among other businesses prior to Bacchus. Many fondly remember their coffee beans and blends, especially the holiday blend that was shared on the Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page, as an equal blend three coffee bean flavors - 1/3 Irish Cream, 1/3 Amaretto and 1/3 Hazelnut beans. Other memories from the popular Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page include: “Miss that place. Used to spend a small fortune in there during the holidays so my coworkers could be in the seasonal spirit of things.” “They had great homemade caramels, great wine selection and an awesome selection of olives & deli meat.” “It was such a cool store. I miss it. And they always supported the Christmas tree lot too.” “My mother, who is from Austria, always enjoyed going there at Christmas time. She would get great German candy for our stockings. “They had the best cheese ball I have ever had. My family would be mad if I showed up for a holiday party without one.” “Miss the deli!” “Best Flipping Coffee.” The Oakland Dr. store served as the base of operations for the next brainchild of Brandt’s, the Tastevin Restaurant that opened in 1975. Both operated independent of each other. Tastevin was best described as a cheese and wine store and restaurant in a winery. It was located at the south end of the Southland Mall, 6216 S. Westnedge Ave. Brandt sought to fill a void in the area with Tastevin, by creating a place where a couple could have a glass of

GOOD NEWS

Bacchus Wine & Spirits Bacchus Tastevin (Tat-Van)

wine and relax with a snack or sandwich after a night out at a movie or a play. The popular sampler included 2 cheeses, 2 thin slices of summer sausage, apple, grapes and warm bread butter and the wine of the day. The impressive storefront, a huge wine keg and grape vines, drew many people inside to explore the cozy restaurant. The tables were made from cypress and oak wood pieces that were stained by years of winemaking. The salad press was actually a functional wine press that came from Ohio. The front and back of the restaurant were replicas of huge wine vats that were large enough for small parties to have some privacy. A circular staircase lead to the balcony, where patrons felt as if they were nestled in a wine cellar, surrounded by racks of wine bottles. Seating capacity was 109. Tastevin was open everyday, except Sunday and offered a lunch menu, dinner menu and after-hour selections after 9pm. A popular afterhours snack was the Sampler that included 2 cheeses, 2 thin slices of summer sausage, apple, grapes and warm bread butter and the wine of the day. Lunch specialties included the Reuben Sandwich, hot pastrami or a Canadian trio served on rye or pumpernickel bread. The cellar aged sirloin steak sandwich was a delicious concoction of thinly sliced, rare roast beef thinly sliced and stacked high on crusty French bread with red snapper. They had some fun specials such as The Cork & Cluck, a chicken sandwich served with a glass of wine. Their hearty Harvest Soup was prepared fresh daily and chocked full of vegetables, beef, herbs and cheeses. The Salad Press (salad bar) was like no other. Salad was served out of a functioning wine press from Ohio. Lettuce & greens were served along with an extensive choice of extensive fixings, including diced salami, cubed cheese and homemade dressings, accompanied by hard crusted loaves of fresh baked bread. The Tastevin dinner menu was in a league of its own…How about a pair of lamb chops or two thick and juicy pork chops, or some tasty choice cuts of beef including: fillet

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mignon, ¾ pound sirloin or a T-bone porterhouse. Fresh seafood favorites like Alaskan king crab legs and Australian lobster tails were in high demand. Entrees included soup and a trip or two to the salad press. Each entrée also included a tastevin (a small shallow silver wine tasting cup) of wine. The restaurant had an extensive selection of wine and cheeses, with more than 1000 bottles of wine, with 85 varieties (35 available by the glass) and 80 different cheeses. They operated much like a winery, with samplings and a scorecard to rate each wine was kept on site for you. Customers were only charged the retail price of the wine, not the inflated price (often double) that many other restaurants charged. Wines bought by the case in Chicago were lower priced than in Michigan and Brandt sought to match that price, encouraging people to buy wine locally. At some point, the Tastevin Res-

taurant was taken over by Bill Quinn and has since closed. Ownership of Bacchus Wine & Spirits changed hands in 1989 and was taken over by Brian Caplan. He sold it to Bud & Elsie’s in 2012. His son, Dean Caplan, became the manager and continued in that capacity as a vice president of Bud & Elsie’s LLC. The Bacchus license, building and land were purchased by a subsidiary of the owners of the D & W Fresh Market, located across from Bacchus. Neither D&W owner SpartanNash, nor its subsidiary Family Fare Supermarkets, has announced plans for the space and it has sat vacant for the past 5 years. Jackie Merriam Information gathered by a story in Encore Magazine, Nov./Dec. 1975, article by Al Jones in the Kalamazoo Gazette February 26, 2016 and the Vanished Kalamazoo website.

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Adding Eye-Catching Blooms to Your

Summer Gardens We all want to keep our gardens in the full-color stage. This summer’s unusually hot, unusually wet weather has given us some challenges this season though. It’s easy to fix up dull spots with perennials and shrubs that will provide late summer blooms year after year. Some favorite suggestions that are easy-care and bright colored include:

Native Elderberry Shrub

Dinner Plate Hibiscus

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When we think of Hibiscus, we often think of the stunning tropical flower. However, this variety is hardy even here in Michigan! With beautiful, brightly colored 7-9 inch blooms, Hibiscus is a great addition to your landscape! Wedel’s carries 8 different colors & varieties of Dinner Plate Hibiscus.

Vanilla & Strawberry Hydrangea

Candy Coralberry Shrub

Have you been avoiding hydrangea shrubs because you thought they were finicky? Vanilla & Strawberry hydrangea is extremely hardy and produces blooms that are up to 12 inches! Blooms start creamy white, then turn pink and finish the season deep red. This variety will thrive in a location that is drier than most other hydrangeas will put up with. It grows to about 6 feet tall and wide, so you will need to give it room to grow. Then stand back and watch the beautiful show!

Native Elderberry Shrub

Echinaceas, also called coneflowers have long lasting blooms in several shades of pink, red, orange, yellow and gold. If you are looking for something easy to grow, this is your perennial! It loves sun, doesn’t require as much water as many other summer plants and is heat & drought tolerant. Echinacea’s bonus is that it attracts butterflies and is a long bloomer. Some varieties bloom throughout the early, mid and late summer weeks.

Doesn’t this shrub look as yummy as candy? It’s Candy Coralberry, the new First Edition Shrub. Coralberry’s plump, candy-pink berries ripen in early fall, as the last of summer’s small pink flowers swell into pearls. As the leaves fall, each arching stem is adorned with berries which remain on through the winter. This compact plant will do great in full sun and will grow to approximately 2 1/2 - 3 feet. The York Elderberry is fruiting now. This native Elderberry has flowers and berries that are full of antioxidants. As you can see in the picture, it produces an exceptionally heavy set of superior blue-black colored fruit. The white flowers bloom in large clusters and are extremely showy. Mature growth is around 6-8 feet tall and wide.

Vanilla & Strawberry Hydrangea

three bonded. My granddaughter loved walking between her cousins holding each of their hands and would exclaim with joy each time the boys came into the room. The boys were very attentive and protective and enjoyed playing with her. The boys also shared their love of practical jokes by introducing their cousin to the Whoopee Cushion. In case you need a refresher, it produces a noise resembling flatulence (farts). This novelty item instantly closed the age gap and offered the cousins much fun and My grandsons ages 8 & 9 live locally and belly laughter. my granddaughter 15-months old who Of coarse, I couldn’t resist the urge lives in Denver, Colorado, were finally to learn more. The Whoopee Cushion able to meet this past summer. Before has also been referred to as a farting this visit, they had only seen pictures bag, pooting cushion, windy blastof each another, and shared occasional er and Razzberry Cushion. These names Facetime visits. alone are worth a good laugh! It was amazing to me how quickly the The Whoopee Cushion has reportedly

Dinner Plate Hibiscus

Echinacea

Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

Echinacea

been used since ancient times. However, the modern rubber version was invented in the 1920’s by the JEM Rubber Co. of Canada, by employees who were experimenting with scrap sheets of rubber. The company’s owner approached Samuel Sorenson Adams, inventor of numerous practical jokes and owner of S.S.Adams Co., with the newly invented item; however, Adams thought that it was too vulgar and would never sell. Boy was he wrong! JEM then offered the idea to the Johnson Smith Company that sold it with great success. Adams later released its own version, calling it the Razzberry Cushion. For some lighthearted fun for the whole family, the Whoopie Cushion is hard to beat! Jackie Merriam

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.

September 2021

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September 2021

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In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series

What did you learn?

Jane: As a kid, when I arrived home from school, my mom would not ask the typical parent question of “How was school?” She had eight children; she knew that the answer would be “Fine.” She also knew that school could not possibly be as fine as everyone reported. Instead, she would ask, “What did you learn to day?”

“Fine” didn’t work for that question. We had to actually think about it. Lately, I’ve been applying that wisdom when I finally meet up with my friends and family who I haven’t seen face to face since before Covid. I don’t ask, “How have you been?” Instead, I ask, “What did you learn?” The answers have been fascinating.

One person learned how to shop online— “I only order after reading the customer reviews.” Another friend became proficient at Zoom and has her own monthly account. I learned how to grow and can tomatoes. My youngest relative found a new job that paid more, is far more interesting, and he credits the shut-downs for giving him the opportunity. A couple of people told me that they realized that they liked being alone for most of the day. And some friends like working for home and others definitely do not. What did you learn? Ellen: There was one early bit of internet wisdom that has both soothed and motivated me throughout the past year and half: “It’s fine if you pick up a new hobby or write a book during lockdown,” this online advisee counseled, “but don’t feel like you have to. And no matter what, do NOT start a podcast.” I am happy to report that I did pick up a few non-ambitious skills and, as of writing this, I have not begun a podcast. Success! So what did I learn? I learned how to hula hoop. Really well, in fact. Hula hooping was a gym class skill that I never quite figured out and since it has started showing up in corporate team building events, I’ve felt vaguely threatened by the pos-

sibility that I might be asked to give the hoop a twirl. Check that anxiety off the list! I also learned some simple embroidery skills. I found following the patterns relaxing as I listened to my, decidedly not relaxing, true crime podcasts. I also learned that it’s possible that some hobbies are strictly seasonal (I haven’t touched my embroidery patterns since the nice weather hit). I didn’t write a book or change the world or even really go anywhere, but that’s okay. How have I been? Fine. Jane Knuth and Ellen Radke

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September 2021

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If the Shoe FFits its A Meant To Be Novel by Julie Murphy (Hyperion Avenue) “Low on job prospects, fashion school grad Cindy moves in with her stepmom, a reality show producer. When a spot opens up in the Bachelor-style series, Cindy seizes the chance to get nationwide exposure for her designs. The last thing she expects is to find love. A Cinderellainspired romance with a plus-sized heroine and a multicultural cast. For fans of Red, White, & Royal Blue, The Hating Game, and Dumplin’.” —Eva Thompson, Metropolitan Library System, Oklahoma City, OK NoveList read-alike: One to Watch by Kate Stayman-London

August - Thepublished top tten en booksthis published thisthat month that libraryacross staff across thecountry country love. The top 2021 books month librarians the love Battle RRo oyal A Novel by Lucy Parker

Dar Darkk RRoads oads A Novel by Chevy Stevens

(Avon) “Sylvie and Dominic met during a baking competition when her unicorn cake kicked him in the face. Now they’re both in the running to bake the royal wedding cake. A slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance with witty banter and fantastic secondary characters. For fans of 99 Percent Mine and The Ex Talk.”

(St. Martin's Press) “Stevens often writes about the outdoors, but this one is really steeped in survival. Vanishing travelers and serial murders along a wilderness highway bring the sister of one victim to town for a memorial. There are the requisite fast-paced thrills, and a small town packed with secrets and fear. For fans of The River and A Gathering of Secrets.”

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH NoveList read-alike: Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall

—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, OH NoveList read-alike: Survive the Night by Riley Sager

M Mrs rs.. M Mar arch ch A Novel by Virginia Feito

(Liveright) “Mrs. March has a lovely apartment, a famous author husband, and a life of luxury. Her husband's new novel features an unlikeable, sordid woman. Mrs. March is horrified when people assume the character is based on her. Her stability fractures, and the reader is caught between paranoia and reality. An excellent character study for fans of Tangerine and The Other Typist.”

N N

Now Open in —Sandra Heitzman, Forest Park Public Library, Forest Park, IL Richland! NoveList read-alike: The Wife by Alafair Burke

The RRo oyals Nex Nextt D Door oor by Karina Halle (Berkley Jove) "After a prince and princess move to her British Columbia town, a local teacher falls for their grumpy bodyguard. This charming romantic comedy is unexpectedly moving and features deep and layered characters. Perfect for fans of The Royal We and Royal Holiday." —Janet Schneider, Peninsula Public Library, Lawrence, NY NoveList read-alike: Incense and Sensibility by Sonali Dev

The Last Chance Librar Libraryy by Freya Sampson (Berkley) “June is stuck. After her mom dies, she continues to live quietly in her mother’s house and work in the library where her mother worked. When the library is threatened, she finds a new purpose, saving it and finding so much more. This one is full of heart, humor, and love of literature. For fans of The Authenticity Project and How To Find Love in a Bookshop.” —Shari Suarez, Genesee District Library-Johnson Branch, Genesee, MI NoveList read-alike: The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

My Hear Heartt is a Chainsa Chainsaw w by Stephen Graham Jones For book recommendations from your (Gallery/Saga Kalamazoo PublicPress) Library Staff go to "Jade's convinced her www.kpl.gov/blog/

The RReading eading List A Novel by Sara Nisha Adams (William Morrow)

passion for slasher films is not obsession, but preparation. When strange things start occurring in town, she’s sure a massacre is imminent--and she’s ready to play her role to perfection. A highly stylized delight for horror movie buffs and fans of The Final Girl Support Group."

—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, Huntington Station, NY NoveList read-alike: Final Girls by Riley Sager

"A list of recommended classics helps a widower spark a friendship with a teen librarian dealing with overwhelming family issues. An uplifting tearjerker about libraries and the books that touch our soul. For fans of Ellie and the Harpmaker and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine."

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Public Library, Austin, TX NoveList read-alike: The Missing Treasures of Amy Ashton by Eleanor Ray

A Slo Slow w FFiriree Bur Burning ning A Novel by Paula Hawkins

Yours Cheer Cheerfully fully A Novel by AJ Pearce

(Riverhead Books)

(Scribner)

“A brutal crime is committed on a London houseboat, and numerous friends, family, neighbors, and lovers seem to have a motive for the fatal stabbing. As the number of suspects grows, the lies begin to unravel in what promises to be a hit summer read. For fans of Shari Lapena and Mary Kubica.”

“Fans of Dear Mrs. Bird will cheer Emmy Lake’s return as a young advice columnist in wartime London. A chance meeting leads to Emmy visiting a munitions factory where she learns about the struggles of the women working there. A wonderful, well-told story for fans of Lissa Evans and Jojo Moyes.”

—KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Library, Fairfield, CT NoveList read-alike: Dark Tide by Elizabeth Haynes

M Big Tommy’s Mooville Ice Cream

—Brenda O’Brien, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, IL NoveList read-alike: The Chilbury Ladies' Choir by Jennifer L. Ryan

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Vintage

Estate Sales

Have you thought of having an estate sale, moving sale or downsizing sale? If so, you are probably a bit confused about what to do and who to call. After all, most of us don’t have multiple estate sales! A true estate sale happens when the family/estate representative of a deceased person contacts an estate sale company and wants to liquidate the belongings of the deceased. A moving sale is simply a sale where the homeowner is moving, and perhaps, downsizing. Generally, these sales are a bit different from an estate sale as the owner takes a large amount of their “stuff ”. A moving or downsizing sale conducted by an estate sale company

is different from a garage sale in that the owners do not have involvement in pricing or setting up the sale. The sale is often conducted in the home and is much more involved than a garage sale. Estate sale companies vary much like people. They often have their own personality, specialties and ways of conducting an estate sale. It is important for the estate representative to find someone who they trust and feel comfortable doing business with. Questions that someone interviewing an estate sale company should ask would be about their fees, percentages to conduct a sale (quite often it is a 40/60split with the higher percent

going to the family/estate) and time frame. Sale structure, insurance, business model and staffing are also important to consider when selecting someone to do your sale. Most importantly, a representative needs to find the right fit with a company in personality and demeanor. Questions and conversations should be unforced and invited by the estate company. Any items excepted from the sale should be noted at his point. Once a contract is signed, the estate sale company may deduct their fee from any items removed from the premises. Aside from the financial aspect, it is just good businesses to be clear about what items are being sold. This will save you and the estate sale company frustration. The last thing any company wants to have is a breach of contract and cancellation of a sale! So the contract is signed, now what? Stand back and watch the pros sort, organize, photograph, research and price the items! Estate representatives and family are not required to do more than take personal papers and family photos away. In fact, my most important piece of advice is, never throw anything away! Families try to clean and get rid of things they think are junk, but the old adage that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is quite true in the estate sale industry. People will buy half used boxes of wax paper, old school scissors, or spools of thread. Even if an item sells for fifty cents or a dollar that money adds up for both the es-

tate company and the family. It also keeps items out of landfills and saves the buyer a substantial amount over the retail cost of items. Of course, a sale is not made on wax paper or string sales. An estate sale company is excited to see highly collectible items, vintage and antique items, musical instruments, furniture, clothing, garden art, home decor, holiday items—-these are items that draw the buyers. Some sales have such excited buyers that they spend hours waiting to sign up for a sale! They want to be first in and they will memorize the wall color in pictures so as to get to their item first. Most regions or areas have regulars who make it to many, many estate sales. People find out about estate items from websites like estatesales.net. Estate companies promote the sale with photographs and written information. Sales often have 10,000+ views when advertised on these sites. Companies also send out emails to their clients, promote on marketplace sites and by word of mouth. Sites such as these allow people to search for a particular item they may want. They may be many states away and want to purchase the item via phone after a sale starts- or maybe they are the person in their car waiting to sign up at 6:00am! After a few weeks of organizing, staging and pricing a sale, the big day arrives! Sale day! The estate sale owner will arrive quite early, put on finishing touches including signs, safety tape, parking instructions, etc. Next, the sign up sheet goes out and then it is time to allow the shoppers in. Shoppers often put several items in the hold area and take another spin through the sale. More treasures are visible and found! Sales may run two or three days with the second and third day being discounted by whatever percentage the estate sale company and family decide upon. At the end of a sale, the family is free to remove items as they wish. They may want to have a donation service or removal/clean up company remove everything. Some estate companies offer clean out for an additional fee and an additional few days of time. Finally, an estate sale company will do the financials and cut a check for he home owner/family. Teri Standiford Owner of Vintage Gardens Estate Services

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September 2021

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Living in a Codependent Relationship? Tips to Help Change the Relationship Behaviors to Enhance Your Life. Are you struggling in your relationship because you are in a relationship with a codependent person? What is a codependent relationship? It is based on the idea that the codependent needs the other person and will plan their entire life around pleasing someone that enables them. Therefore, if someone in your relationship is codependent, the other person would be considered an enabler. The codependent person often sacrifices their self-esteem, self-worth, and perception of their self-image from their partner’s perception of them. The enabler will accept the sacrifice, and it becomes a never-ending circle creating the perfect storm for an unhealthy relationship. Many times physical and emotional abuse coincides with a codependent relationship. These relationships can be between romantic partners, friends, or family members. Most times, friends and family may recognize unhealthy behaviors in their loved one’s codependent relationship.

However, if a friend or family member expresses their concern to their loved one, the loved one often becomes defensive and may shut people out of their life. The good news is there is help. If you are in a codependent relationship, therapists are here to help you create healthy boundaries for yourself and your relationship. There are small steps that you can take to enhance your life. Find hobbies that you enjoy doing without your partner and start with baby steps. Find family and friends that are positive supports for you as you slowly navigate ways to enrich your life without constantly being with the codependent person.

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Often, those who are codependent have previous trauma or abuse in their past and would benefit from talking with a professional. Both people within the relationship should recognize old behavior patterns that were not healthy and work on steps to create new healthy habits, creating a more positive relationship. Each person needs to determine what is best for his/herself and determine if staying in the relationship is the best thing for the future. Making small steps to create positive change can allow for happier, more positive life experiences. Changes in relationship behaviors are not always easy. Most times, hard

work and dedication to change has to take place but can create a stronger, healthier sense of self and a closer relationship. It takes time and work from both parties, but it can be done. Relationships aren’t easy. The codependency may not have occurred overnight and won’t change overnight. Both parties must acknowledge their part in the relationship and strive to create a loving, healthy, rejuvenated relationship. As always, remember that therapists are here to help people navigate through difficult struggles as they strengthen themselves and their connections. Julie Sorenson M.A.,L.P.C.

September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Navigating the Parenting Maze

Ever wonder if you’re doing it right? Juggling work, relationships, friendships, personal interests, and meeting your child’s needs can be demanding. It is common to feel oversaturated with the amount of things to track and care for. There are no classes required or licenses to obtain providing confidence in parenting before bringing a new life into the world. Making it even more difficult can be the bombardment of information in books, on television, and the Internet with conflicting information about how to navigating raising a healthy child. Let’s break it down into some research-backed steps to

help simplify being a good enough parent. It all comes down to noticing simple needs that repeat throughout a child’s life… the need to feel safe, explore, and retreat. We all need to feel a secure base to be able to manage stress, face challenges, and explore new things. Ever have a moment of feeling scared or insecure… needing to retreat to someone or something to decide for you, intervene, take charge? This is even truer for children… they need a stable base to adventure from and a safety net that will catch them if things go wrong. This begins with having consistency in basics like food

and sleep, more often than not. Children are vulnerable in a big world until they develop the skills to protect themselves. They need a caregiver to feel bigger, stronger, and wiser than they are, delivered with a dash of kindness. Children need room to explore, grow, and feel challenged. When you notice your child showing interest leaving the safety of the secure base you provide for them, they are saying they need you to support their exploration and allow them to take the lead. Keep an eye from a distance as they explore and face new things. They will glance back every now and

then to ensure their safety net is still there. Find ways to delight in their courage. Help them if needed, but only enough to make the challenge obtainable. Find ways to enjoy their new adventures with them. Uh oh… something went wrong. Maybe the challenge was a little too tough, they didn’t succeed, or fell and got hurt. They are going to need that safety net to regain a sense of security and refill their emotional cup. In these moments, they need protection and comfort, for you to take the lead. They will often need help making sense of big emotions (e.g. fear, worry, anger). Once they feel secure in your safe haven, they will regain a sense of security and confidence to go back out and explore the world again. Round and round the cycle goes from an infant crawling away to a young adult leaving for college. Take a moment this week to notice where your child is; are they okay and ready for adventure or not okay and needing safety. Noticing and responding to your child in these moments about thirty percent of the time will allow them to grow up secure and ready to tackle the world as adults. Struggling with one part of the cycle or the other? Reach out for professional support to learn the skills needed to feel confident in your ability to parent in an emotionally healthy way. Christina Thomason, LMSW Acacia: A Place for Personal & Family Development

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Bee Friendly Nursery B

A Bee Friendly Nursery, located at 8341 N 12th Street, is fated to be your new favorite native plant nursery. Owner Noelle Caswell’s focus is on native plants at her home nursery, which just opened last year. Native plants are the most basic part of a naturally existing ecosystem. Noelle is passionate about learning about the many different insects, bees, birds, and butterflies that are attracted to her native plant gardens. “I am learning something new every day,” Noelle explains. Noelle has always taken an interest in watching butterflies, as this started when she planted a garden on the lot of her New Jersey home. She got her start with some Milkweed, plants that are home/food for monarch butterflies, and was told by her neighbors that passerby would always stop to take pictures of the butterflies that would pay visits to her garden. After spending time in the Kalamazoo area, however, Noelle took inspiration from Ilse Gebhard, from Kalamazoo Wild Ones (another native plant conservatory) who helped introduce her to the world of native plants. Ever since then, Noelle has slowly been expanding her knowledge about native plants, and the wildlife that benefit from their presence in her garden. Some of the native plants available at the nursery include: Swamp Milkweed, Butterfly Weed, Common Milkweed, Cardinal Flower, Great

Blue Lobelia, Ironweed, Joe Pye Weed, False Sunflower, Little Bluestem, Big Bluestem, Nodding Onion, and Prickly Pear Cactus. Noelle grows over 80 native plant species. Milkweed is great for attracting monarch butterflies, as the plant is the primary host and food source for monarch caterpillars. Cardinal flower is a beautiful red flowering plant that attracts hummingbirds. Just after being at the nursery for an hour, I could tell how much the native plants contribute to the presence and prevalence of wildlife in the area. The native plants truly allow for a unique and up-close experience with nature. Noelle explains that most people enjoy the instant gratification of going to a typical greenhouse, but she enjoys learning about plant propagation, and growing them herself ! Noelle starts many of her plants from seeds, or as cuttings from already existing plants. “As long as your neighbor has a plant you’re in!!” Noelle jokes. She has loved learning more about growing plants and experimenting with them! Customers have loved visiting Bee Friendly Nursery for all their native plant needs including education about native plants and the wildlife that is supported by them. Noelle loves that she can teach customers about the importance and the function of native plants in nature. She

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C hopes to keep growing her business and hopes to expand education opportunities to include foraging and native plant related workshops! For now however, the nursery loves being visited by its regular customers, and the occasional garden club, but would love to expand its reach! Just after spending some time out at Bee Friendly Nursery, I could instantly sense the passion that Noelle has for nature and the pure appreciation that she has for its beauty. “Native plants do not need pesticides, and not even a lot of water… They help to prevent erosion of the soil, provide shelter and food for wildlife, and they are beautiful,” Noelle explains are just some of the benefits of starting a native plant garden. It really is so simple and the benefits are well worth the effort! Folks that are interested in diving into the world of native plants and gardens are welcome to follow the

Bee Friendly Nursery Facebook page, where you can find pictures taken by Noelle, as well as periodic updates about the nursery. Make sure to stop by during their fall sale days, when Noelle will be selling the native fall blooms sure to offer color until the first frost.

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September 2021

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Southern Comfort Food also just $7. grown. They Lunch and dinner instilled in their are one in the same at Josie’s. family hard work - teaching In addition to full meals with choice them about survival through food of meat, 2 sides and cornbread, they stability. They grew many fruits and offer many of their savory meats on vegetables and would preserve the sandwiches, along with other tradiexcess through canning. Denise tional favorites, including: BLT’s, recalls being envious of other kids Lulu Burgers and Chicago dogs. out playing basketball, etc., while she Be sure to leave room for dessert at was snapping green beans or cleanJosie’s - you don’t want to miss their ing collard greens. She now realizes famous caramel cake, homemade pie that the work ethic she was taught as or peach cobbler! a child has ensured the family legacy I had the privilege of meeting for future generations. owner, Denise Hensley, in early The family has served food in August when I interviewed her for the community for several years. this story. It felt as if I was a visitor Josie worked at Holly’s Restauin Denise’s home, while enjoying our rant throughout her career and the TheShoeSmith1988.com conversation in her spotless kitchen, (269) 327-0204 mother/daughter duo also operated a while she whipped up6118 a few ordersPortage (Next food truck on evenings and weekends S. Westnedge, to Kohl’s) without missing a beat. Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 10am-1pm - cooking for many local festivals Denise learned her cooking skills including the Black Arts Festival. from her mother, Josephine ( Josie) The family legacy continues with the Moore. Many items on the menu are opening of Josie’s Restaurant, which dishes her Mom loved to make and opened in early April. others loved to eat! Denise fondly Stop in for some delicious southrecalls her mother cooking huge ern cooking and good old-fashioned quantities of food for her family as southern hospitality at Josie’s Restauthey gathered around the kitchen rant. They are open Tues.-Fri. 8amtable each evening. Denise often 5pm, Sat. 8am-4pm and Sun. from asked her mom, “Who is all this food 8am-3pm. They are located at 724 for?” Her response was always the Shoppers Lane in Parchment. You same, “You never know who’s going can contact them by phone at (269) to stop by.” Sounds like good old743-7117. Forofthe latest updates, incredibly comfortable, even after hours wear. fashioned southern hospitality to me! follow them on Facebook. kybun shoes support joints and provide excellent shock absorption and are Denise says her parents moved from the south to the South Jackie Merriam Westnedge area in the 1960’s, for the fertile soil where celery was once

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Explore The Global Language of Headwear

at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will host the exhibit The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality from June 15 to October 24, 2021. Perched atop the most prominent part of the body, hats announce where we live, who we are, what we believe and where we fit into our communities. This exhibition brings into brilliant focus the differences and similarities that define countries and cultures. The Global Language of Headwear:

Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality presents 89 hats and headdresses carefully selected from a private collection consisting of more than 1,300 pieces of international headwear. From beliefs and traditions to gender roles and social status, headwear is the guide. Beyond their aesthetic properties, the hats reinforce cultural ties and, in doing so, provide a sense of who we are and how we fit into the world. “This exhibit is a visually stunning and culturally rich gathering of hats

The beauty of nature only a few steps away Fire and Water just in time for those cooler evenings

and headdresses from 42 countries across Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America,” said Kalamazoo Valley Museum Director Bill McElhone. “The exhibit demonstrates how culture, creativity and skills went into the creation of each piece. Through these amazing pieces of art, visitors will explore many world cultures.” The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is now open for limited registered visitation. The museum has been working hard to make public visitation

safe. Go to the website at https:// www.kalamazoomuseum.org/plan/ to register or learn more about COVID19-related changes to operations at the museum. The Global Language of Headwear: Cultural Identity, Rites of Passage, and Spirituality is jointly organized and toured by Stacey W. Miller and International Arts & Artists. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.

Kalamazoo

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Music Line-up Friday 4pm – Old Laughing Ladies 6pm – The Tom Askey Band 8pm - Crossroads Resurrection 9:30pm – Skeletones

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Food Vendors include: Papa’s Italian Sausage, Jac’s Cekolas Pizza, Comensoli’s, Youz Guys Sausage, West MI Pasta Provisions, Motor Mouth Food & more! For more information email Carl.Rizzuto@yahoo.com or call (269) 720-7846.

September 2021

GOOD NEWS

be ART ful

Blackout poetry is new to me. It’s found poetry that I would compare to word search puzzles. A treasure hunt with secret meanings and hidden messages for you to discover from an already existing written piece of text. As a beginner myself, I have become captivated by creating blackout poetry through the deconstruction and recreation of found words. Inspiring and rewarding, this type of poetry is used as an unorthodox art form to reveal how you look at language, word choice, mood and theme as you create your own works of artistic imagery. And after all, poetry is art put into words! As a blackout poet, you are not writing words but erasing them from a previously printed source such as a magazine article, book page or newspaper story. As you discover which printed items you would like to use, try not to read the narrative but look at the individual words as raw material. That way, you aren’t overly influenced by the author’s original work and you can create something uniquely your own. Look for words or phrases that capture your interest and are significant or meaningful to you. See them as visual tools to repurpose. You may have an idea of the

direction you would like to go, but it is also good to be open-minded about the outcome since wording choices are limited. Using a pencil, lightly box in the word(s). Choose a pencil as you may change your mind later or print a copy of the page to practice on first. In my case, I just went for it and used a pen and a marker. It is actually quite invigorating and more challenging to make a permanent decision from the start. Read through your list of words and begin to see a poem in the works. This is where we refine our word choice by adding or subtracting. Does it flow and do you need connecting words like ‘to, a, or, and, is, if, etc’? Is it reading left to right and top to bottom? Your poem can be simple or complicated, there is no formula, it is yours to decide. Once you commit to the words in pencil, outline them in either pen or marker. Then black out all the rest. There is limitless creative freedom in this. As a novice, my examples are simple with the basic black marker lines. However, there are so many clever and artistic examples you can look up online; painting, drawing,

doodling and collage. Did you know that blackout poetry enhances our focus and decision making skills? It is also a great stress reliever and can be cathartic by helping to organize our thoughts and regulate our emotions. Blackout poetry can also restore or heighten creative energy by stimulating our mind to look at words closely and pair them in new and unique ways.

It also increases our vocabulary and strengthens our problem-solving abilities. And by the way, the expert in anything was once a beginner… just like us! xo ~Bridget Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

kalamazoo italian festival The first Italian Festival in Kalamazoo offers the community “e’ ora a sorridere di nuovo” (Time to Smile again) with Live Music, Local Food Vendors, Bocce Tournament and a weekend of fun for the whole family! The festival will take place at Mayors Riverfront Park in downtown Kalamazoo on Friday, September 10th through Sunday, September 12th. The Kalamazoo Italian American Club (KIAC) has joined Papa’s Italian Sausage to sponsor this event, which is being organized by Club member and Papa’s owner, Carl Rizzuto. KIAC began 10 years ago and has only one requirement - having an interest in Italian culture. Members enjoy monthly activities such as spaghetti cook-offs, family picnics and holiday parties, to name a few, for a modest $25 yearly fee. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also benefit KIAC. Two years ago, Carl hosted an anniversary party to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Papa’s Italian Sausage at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, which he says was practice for this festival. Planning for the festival began in January, securing commitments from popular local musicians for the event. Carl is thankful for local sponsors, Imperial Beverage and D & D Printing, along with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation

Out of Favor Boys that has bent over backwards to help bring this event to the community. Delicious Italian cuisine will be available for purchase by local food vendors, including: Papa’s Italian Sausage, Jac’s Cekolas Pizza, Comensoli’s, Youz Guys Sausage, Chef Michael Murray of West Michigan Pasta Provisions along with Motor Mouth food and more! Beer and wine is also available for purchase. Live music by popular local musicians will continue throughout the festival weekend. The line-up is as follows: Friday 4pm – Old Laughing Ladies, Playing Tribute to Neil Young 6pm – The Tom Askey Band, Rock, Country, Popular Music

8pm - Crossroads Resurrection, Blues, Jazz & Funk 9:30pm – Skeletones, Rock, Punk, Caribbean Reggae Saturday 11am – Academy of Rock, Rock, Acoustic, Lessons & More! 3:30pm – Paper Lanterns, Michigan Punk, Rock n’ Roll 5:30pm – Out of Favor Boys, Original Country Blues 7:30pm – Kanola Band, Midwest’s New Orleans Band 9:30pm – Matt Giraud, American Idol finalist Don’t miss the Bocce Ball Tournament and the opportunity to try the exciting sport that found its modern origins near Torino, Italy. Give it a try Friday and Saturday and watch

the bocce tournament on Sunday while enjoying food and drink from noon until 5pm. Come join in the FUN! The festival hours are Friday, September 10th from 4-11pm, Saturday, September 11th from 11am-11pm and Sunday the Bocce Tournament begins at Noon- 5pm. Admission is $7 each day on Friday & Saturday; Sunday is free to watch the Bocce Ball Tournament (Food, Beer & Wine will be available). Mayors Riverfront Park is located at 251 Mills Street in Kalamazoo. For more information, contact event coordinator, Carl Rizzuto: email: Carl. Rizzuto@yahoo.com or call (269) 720-7846. Jackie Merriam

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

HEALTH

DO I SMELL TOAST BURNING? One of the unusual side effects of COVID 19, at least to me, was how the virus affected our sense of smell. Other than the effects of the common cold and a stuffy nose resulting from allergies or from more serious head trauma, loss of smell was a strange byproduct of the illness. Losing something that we take for granted often makes us realize how important it is to our lives. (One sure way of inducing instant thirst is to announce that the water will be shut-off for a period of time.) Our sense of smell is a source of pleasure as well as protection. It also plays an important role in our memories. Aside from illness, the sense of smell can fade with age. This can lead to serious problems, such as the inability to smell burning items or to detect spoiled food. However, there is a simple treatment for temporary smell loss; it’s called olfactory training. It involves sniffing essential oils or plant extracts twice a day. The August 2021 issue of Consum-

ers Reports on Health cited an analysis of 16 studies conducted in 2020 and published in various medical journals. The studies found that people whose smell loss was thought to be associated with a virus and who tried olfactory training were about three times more likely to see their symptoms improve than those who didn’t use it. Other research suggests that most who lost their sense of smell with COVID-19 regain it within six months without treatment. However, for those who don’t recover their sense of smell, olfactory training may be worth a try. As to age-related loss of smell, there is hardly a medical procedure that’s as low risk and low cost as olfactory training. For example, you can set aside a few minutes in the morning and evening. Use at least four essential oils (eucalyptus, rose, lemon, and clove have often been used in the studies.) Hold the scent about an inch from your nose and take short, gentle sniffs.

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As you do, focus on memories related to that aroma. Repeat two or three times and rest for a few minutes between scents. Be patient. You may need to train weeks or months. The 2020 studies indicated that results ranged from three to 14 months. Whether your smell loss is temporary or permanent, here a few tips that can help you cope: Pay attention to what you’re eating. Foods may have less flavor because smell is a huge component of taste. Plan meals so that you don’t undereat or overeat because you don’t feel satisfied. You may find yourself craving more sweet or salty food, usually less healthy, because these flavors can be tasted without relying on smell. Boost food flavors. Lemon juice can give a sensation saltiness without

adding salt. Cooking with ginger and fresh herbs can boost flavors, too. Your nose is key to detecting potential dangers, such as fires, so place smoke detectors in every room and change the batteries regularly. If your home uses natural gas, consider purchasing a gas detector to alert you to gas leaks. And don’t forget to check the use-by dates on perishable foods. Make it a good day, remember to be kind, and don’t forget to smell the flowers! Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal Trainer.

September 2021

Recipes There’s no better time to grab a pole and catch some salmon that is sure to make you drool! Food stylist/photographer: Laura Kurella Salmon season got off to an extra early start in my kitchen this year because I was selected (by the grace of God) from six hundred entries to be one of the fifty finalists to compete in The Fjord-to-Fork Chef Challenge, a national cooking competition presented by Chef ’s Roll and the Norwegian Seafood Council. Having entered many a cooking contest over the years, I quickly realized this was not your ordinary cooking challenge when a huge, twenty-six-inch-long (yes, I measured it) fresh-caught Norwegian salmon showed up on my doorstep- a new one on me, indeed!

GOOD NEWS

Salmon Run! Upon seeing the contents of the cooler, my husband smiled then sighed, “I better set up my fish cleaning station in the yard for you!” Feeling like I may have paddled into waters a little deeper than my chef skills might be able to tread, I soon found myself quickly distracted by the absolute beauty of this freshcaught salmon, and how richly-colored, meaty, and even hefty the fillets were becoming as my sharp knife separated it from its bones. After making the fish into some fabulous meals I can say that having a fresh-caught Norwegian salmon delivered right to my door did make me feel like a winner, even though the actual contest I did not win. It also spurred my husband to gear up for our local salmon season because now he can’t get that fresh-caught salmon flavor off his mind! As anyone who likes to fish knows, each year is different, and there

are many factors that determine when the Kings and Coho will start entering the rivers. Once they’ve begun, they work their way upstream through holes and pools until conditions and locations are just right for them to begin their spawn. Because of these variables, predicting how long the fish will remain is challenging, but many expect that if we are lucky, we may get to fish for these beauties all the way into October! Offered some advice from some serious anglers in northern Michigan where we reside, I’ve been told that area salmon seldom pay any attention to surface flies, so it is best to use subsurface nymphs with either a floating line or mono chuck & duck types. Given their heft, nine and ten weight fly rods and a reel with a respectable drag was recommended as a way to up my chances of landing

a beautiful and delicious fish, and I also got a tip that the Betsie river in Benzie county tends to offer one of the earliest run of Salmon, followed by the Platte River, Big Manistee (below tippy dam), and Traverse City’s Boardman River. In the hopes that you or a loved one, or a generous friend gets their hooks into one or more of these beauties, here now is a nice assortment of ways to indulge in the awesome flavors you can only find in a fresh-caught salmon- ENJOY! For those of you who may be interested to learn more about Norwegian salmon, please visit: seafoodfromnorway.us By Laura Kurella

Awesome Asian Salmon

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center. Combine vegetables in a large bowl along with oil. Toss to coat. Transfer to baking sheet arranging the vegetables so that they are around but not on top of the salmon. Season vegetables and salmon with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle 2/3 of the

2 cups broccoli florets salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups of favorite teriyaki sauce Preheat grill (or oven) to 400 degrees. Grease large heat-proof baking sheet, and arrange salmon in the

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Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Total time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 servings. 1 large salmon fillet 2 bell peppers, chopped 1 white or red onion, chopped 1 cup chopped or sliced carrots

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sauce over the salmon and veggies. Place on covered grill (or oven) for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is flaky and tender and veggies easily pierced with a fork. Drizzle with remaining sauce and serve immediately

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September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Recipes Berry Bold Northern Michigan Salmon

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time:20 minutes; Total time: 30minutes; Yield: 6 servings. 1 cup blue or black berries, fresh or frozen 1 cup ketchup 1 teaspoon garlic powder 2tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 1/2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1/2 tablespoon fresh ground black pepper 1pinch cayenne powder (optional) 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon molasses 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 salmon fillet Unrefined sea salt and black pepper, to taste Rosemary to garnish

Fresh/frozen blue or black berries to garnish (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium sauce pan, heat blue or black berries over low heat. Add ketchup, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, pepper, cayenne (if using), lemon juice, molasses, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir together, and continue to cook until berries

Tempting Thai Salmon

have softened and begin to fall apart in the sauce, about 10 minutes. Wash and dry salmon fillet, then place on parchment paper (or foil). Salt and pepper the salmon then spread berry barbecue sauce on top of it. Bake in oven for 10-12 minutes, or check center for doneness by flaking with a fork. Garnish with rosemary and berries, if desired. Serve immediately!

Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 20 minutes; Total time: 25 minutes; Yield: 6 servings. 1 large salmon fillet unrefined sea salt and black pepper, to taste 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 can Slices (drained except for 1/4 cup of juice) 3 tablespoons peanuts, roughly chopped Parsley, roughly chopped Preheat grill (or oven) to 375 degrees. Line a heat-proof sheet with nonstick foil. Lay salmon in the center and season with salt and pepper. Slip pineapple slices underneath the edges of the salmon. Whisk together sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup pineapple juice. Pour mixture over salmon. Fold edges of foil up around the salmon. Bake for 15 minutes. Pull back the edges of the foil to expose the salmon, (switch to broil if using oven) and cook another 5-10 minutes until edges just barely begin to blacken. Sprinkle chopped parsley and peanuts over the top and serve.

September 2021

GOOD NEWS

Tracy is working on lettering a tote bag

SHALOM, a wonderful local non-profit, is enriching the lives of adults with developmental, physical, emotional and mental disabilities in our community.

Come to the Fall Farm Days and celebrate the opening of the new SHALOM Woolery Sheep Barn and meet the new Executive Director, Lon Bouma. Bouma is no stranger to SHALOM, he has been a volunteer for the past nine years, often working alongside his friend and former Executive Director, Keith Lohman, who recommended him years ago as his eventual successor. Bouma had 5 years to consider a career change and ultimately decided to leave another position he loved, a Chaplain with Kindred Hospice, to join SHALOM. “I am pleased to be working with such a top-notch team. I enjoy the diversity that the position offers - I’ve even unleashed the inner farmer within me. “SHALOM is where I’m supposed to be,” says Bouma. The SHALOM Woolery has been a bustling hub for many participants and their coaches, since its inception in 2012. They work hard on a variety of tasks and create beautiful art and woolen wares including rugs, purses, wall hangings, dryer balls and much more. The SHALOM Woolery is an exciting place for work and fun - enabling participants to grow as a whole person physically, emotionally, mentally, relationally and spiritually. The success of the SHALOM Woolery has been remarkable, quickly outgrowing their facility within the Shepherd’s Barn. They were no longer able to accept new members and were compiling quite a waiting list. In 2018, a capital campaign began with the intent to raise funds to build a separate facility and allow for the growing need in the community. The new SHALOM Woolery barn was 100% funded by donations and opened on July 5, 2021. The participants I spoke with when I visited are proud of the new SHALOM Woolery barn and couldn’t wait to show me around. “It has two floors,” one participant exclaimed! The new building has allowed them

to increase the number of participants and has enabled them to offer many additional project options based on the participants passions. One participant, Rose, loves making wooden benches (she’s sold over 100 of them), and has recently expanded her skills by making a wheelchair accessible picnic table. The SHALOM network includes 7 homes, serving 40 residents, plus care providers and their families. Three homes are licensed AFC (Adult Foster Care) homes and four are selfdetermined, supported living homes. The homes are each managed by Christian care providers and operate as an extended family, giving residents a place to call home with the support they need. They envision adding to the network as like-minded homes and individuals connect. SHALOM is people focused and community supported. The SHALOM Woolery, Shepherd’s Barn, Connection Depot Thrift Store and the Farm are all a means to provide opportunities to those that they serve. The SHALOM Farm is another busy place where participants help with animal care, gardening, maple syrup and fruit. The farm has sheep, chickens, goats, rabbits and alpaca, plus a farm cat, named Moses. The Connection Depot Thrift Store enables many network residents, friends and community folks to work together and become friends – which is entirely the point! The store is also a place to sell the goods they produce through the SHALOM Woolery and farm products. The store is open every Friday and Saturday from 9am-3pm and is located at 6276 N. Riverview Drive, just North of Parchment. SHALOM is volunteer driven and depends on the interest and generosity of the community. They are thankful to the many people that invest in their mission each week. They do so though many hours of work along with lots of fun working in the thrift store, the SHALOM Woolery and on the farm. Others give financially or through donations to the store. The name SHALOM comes from the Hebrew word Peace and is the acronym for Self Help Alternative

Living Opportunities of Michigan. The SHALOM mission is: Christian people working with caring communities to provide housing, along with social and educational opportunities. Come and visit SHALOM during their Fall Farm Days on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday October 10th from 2-5pm, with hayrides, animal interaction, live music, a bounce house, making apple cider and much more fun for the whole family! The Open house will take place at the new SHALOM Woolery barn and farm,

and the building dedication will take place on Sunday, October 10th at 4:30pm. For more information visit their website at shalomkazoo.org. They are located at 3191 Van Buren ST. in Kalamazoo – feel free to stop in anytime. They can be reached by phone at (269) 382-3840 or by emailing shalomkazoo@aol.com. Jackie Merriam

A World of Cheese with a curated selection of wines & accompaniments

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

A World Without Mosquitos? 19

September 2021

It has been a summer of extremes. Too little rain, then too much. Frost, then hot, humid days. These conditions produced a ferocious, bumper crop of mosquitos. Enjoying my morning coffee on the porch has led to a new upper body exercise regimenflailing my arms and swatting the pests as they attack me as a snack! Surely the lives of humans would be improved in a world without mosquitos. Even scientists studying them agree. According to several sources, mosquitos are responsible for more human deaths annually than any other peril, including other humans! In Michigan, the pests leave us with red, itchy welts, but even here they can serve as vectors of severe diseases, like West Nile and Zika viruses, as

well as Eastern equine encephalitis. In other parts of the country and the world, they are killers responsible for the transmission of human diseases including malaria, dengue, and yellow fever, as well as many diseases of livestock. Pathogens arise from female mosquitos infected by a blood meal from an afflicted host. She incubates the pathogen and passes it through mosquito-borne saliva (yes – mosquitos have saliva!) when she bites her next victim to gather the blood necessary to develop eggs for the next generation. There are over 3500 species of mosquito, but only several hundred feast on humans. And only the females. And only during their egg-laying life stage. Most species are vegetar-

ian, consuming nectars, sap, and fruit juices for their entire lives. After being inseminated midair by a single male, females lay fertilized eggs in the still water of ponds, seasonal pools, or even discarded drinking cups and plastic bags. Eggs hatch into larval forms after several days but can persist longer in unsuitable environmental conditions. The larvae eat aquatic microbes, bits of algae, and other organic debris before undergoing a pupal stage and emerging as flying mosquitos within about a week. Males die within several days of mating, but females may live for several months under favorable conditions. When contemplating the deliberate extinction of a species, it’s essential to consider the unintended consequences of such actions on the ecosystem at large. Here’s where the situation gets complicated. Every organism has a role, or niche, in its natural system. In the larval stage, immature mosquitos are a plentiful and vital source of food for aquatic insects, fish, turtles, and tadpoles. Since they are so abundant in pond habitats, they are gobbled up by the millions as a valuable protein resource. Adult mosquitos are, likewise, an important food source for birds, bats, and many of the same aquatic species that consume larvae. Would the loss of mosquitos cause changes in the delicate balance of life among the species’ predators? We aren’t sure, but since most of their predators eat a wide variety of prey in addition to mosquitos, the loss of one food source would be quickly replaced by increased predation of another. Mosquitos are important pollinators of plants, most notably goldenrod, in addition to other native and ornamental species. But again, other pollinators would take over if mosquitos were removed from the environment. No agriculturally important food crops are pollinated primarily by mosquitos, so their loss to farming ecosystems would not threaten human survival. It is tempting to agree that the loss of mosquitos presents a fair trade-off when considering the staggering cost to human health worldwide, not only in monetary cost but also in human suffering. Currently, several strategies are being researched and tested, both in laboratory settings and controlled field studies. These insect eradication strategies aim to develop treatments that compel pests to participate in their own deaths. Two approaches showing

GOOD NEWS

promise are Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and Release of Insects carrying Dominant Lethals (RIDL). Both make use of genetically modified organism (GMO) technology. The first, SIT, uses radiation to sterilize male mosquitos. When they mate, the resulting eggs fail to develop, leading to a steep drop in populations containing these GM individuals. Of course, we must employ other management strategies to reduce the wild population to a point where enough sterile males can be released to compete successfully against “natural” males. Unfortunately, in field trials, the irradiated males tend to have shorter lifespans and are generally weaker, failing to attract mates. The second strategy, RIDL, was subject to considerable scrutiny recently when tens of thousands of genetically modified male mosquitos were released in the Florida Keys. These males carry a gene that will render their female offspring dependent on tetracycline, a common antibiotic. Since the drug is absent in the environment, the female offspring perish in the wild. Their brothers are unaffected and continue to produce successive generations of females that will not develop. I admit to being on the fence with the idea of ridding the world, or even North America, of mosquitos. I admit to being seasonally annoyed and am not a fan of coating myself in insect repellent to enjoy time outdoors. I realize these are “first world problems.” I applaud efforts to eradicate species causing misery and death to hundreds of thousands of humans through malarial, yellow fever, and other infections. I am less concerned with the release of GM species into wild populations in this instance, although horizontal gene transfer among other closely related insect species is, I suppose, possible. When faced with increasing pesticide use and the resultant resistance that will surely develop over time, I’m inclined to look favorably at other means of insect control. I will continue to follow research in mosquito eradication closely and hope science can solve, or at least mediate, the terrible effects of these destructive pests. Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

September 2021

GOOD NEWS

FREE september 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 Sunday, Sept. 12 Exhibit: Giants, Dragons & Unicorns, 373-7990 Kalamazoo Valley Museum Through October 24 Exhibit: The Global Language of Headwear, 373-7990 Kalamazoo Valley Museum Wed., Sept.1 – Thurs. Sept. 30 Banned Book Bingo, Teens/adults Richland Community Library Wednesday, September 1 Mystery Club Take-And-Solve Teens/adults, Richland Library Wednesday, September 1 Welcome Week Wednesday for Teens, 1:45-4pm, Paw Paw Library

Saturdays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Otsego Farmer’s Market 9am-2pm, 112 Kalamazoo St. Saturday, September 4 Music on S. Kalamazoo Mall: Airtight, 3-6pm Thursdays, August 5,12,19,26 Plainwell Farmers’ Market 3:30-6:30pm, 554 Allegan St. Mondays, Sept. 6,13,20,27 Cruise-In at Dean’s Ice Cream In Plainwell, 4:30pm – Dusk Mondays, Sept. 6,13,20,27 Parchment Update Interview Series, parchmentlibrary.org Tuesday, September 7 Preschool Curiosity Bag, Ages 3-5, Paw Paw Library

Wednesdays, Sept. 1,8,15,22,29 Richland Farmers’ Market 3-6pm, Richland Comm. Ctr.

Tuesdays, Sept. 7,14,21,28 Kalamazoo Farmers Market At Mayors’ Riverfront Park 8am-1pm, 342-5686

Wednesdays, Sept. 1,18,15,22,29 Cruise-In’s, 5-8pm Gilmore Car Museum

Tuesday, September 7 ArtBreak: Local Sustainability Noon, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Wednesday, September 1 Workout Wednesdays: Guess Who’s Dancing, 5:30pm, Bronson Park

Wednesday, September 8 Birds & Coffee Chats on Zoom: Sparrows, 10-11am Birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu

Wednesday, September 1 Beats on Bates : Jazz Creative Institute, 5:30-8:30pm Bates Alley, Kalamazoo

Wednesdays, Sept. 8, 15, 22 Whatever Wednesdays for Teens 1:45-4pm, Paw Paw Library

Wednesdays, Sept. 1,8,15,22,29 Bike Night, 6-8pm, Big Tommy’s Pizza & Ice Cream in Richland Thursdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Kalamazoo Farmers Market At Mayors Riverfront Park Noon-5pm, 342-5686 Friday, September 3 Memory Café on Zoom for those with Mild dementia & caregivers, 10:30-Noon pawpaw.lib.mi.us, 657-3800 Friday, September 3 Art Hop – Dwtn. Kalamazoo & Vine Neighborhood, 5-8pm Saturdays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am – 2pm, New Location: Mayors Riverfront Park Saturdays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Texas Corners Farmers Market 8am-Noon, 375-1591

Wednesday, September 8 Beats on Bates: Grayson Nye Experiment, 5:30-8:30pm Bates Alley, Dwtn. Kalamazoo Wednesday, September 8 Workout Wednesdays: Bronson Athletic Club, 5:30-6:30pm Bronson Park, Kalamazoo Friday, September 10 Teen Advisory Board Meeting, 3-4pm, ages 11-18, Richland Library Friday, September 10 Kalamazoo Food Truck Rally 3406 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo 5:30pm – 8:30pm Saturday, September 11 Kalamazoo Scottish Festival & Highland Games, 9am-4pm Kindleberger Park, Parchment Saturday, September 11 Internet Users Group on Zoom: Smartphone tips & Tricks, 10am-Noon Pawpaw.lib.mi.us

Saturday, September 11 Art Detectives: The Quiet Place. 11-11:45am, for children ages 4-8 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, September 11 Vintage in the Zoo & Zoo Flea Handmade Market on the Kzoo walking mall 12-7pm, VintageInTheZoo.com Saturday, September 11 Music on S. Kalamazoo Mall: Dog Patch, 3-6pm Mondays, September 13, 20, 27 Outdoor Story Time 10-10:30am, Paw Paw Library, 657-3800 Tuesday, September 14 Science Adventures – Make a Solar Bug, Register 657-3800, 4:30-5:15pmPaw Paw Library Wednesday, September 15 Book Discussion: The Whole Picture: The Colonial Story of the Art & Museums & Why We Need to Talk About It, 2-3pm, Virtual Kiarts.org Wednesday, September 15 Adult Craft: Autumn Wreath, 5:30pm, Comstock Library Register 9/7, 345-0136 Wednesday, September 15 Transforming Art w/Digital Technology Virtual Event 6-7pm, kiarts.org Wednesday, September 15 Beats on Bates, 5:30-8:30pm Bates Alley, Dwtn. Kalamazoo Thursday, September 16 Transforming Art with Digital Technology, 6-7pm Virtual Event, Kiarts.org Thursday, September 16 Books With Friends Book Club: The Personal Librarian, by Marie Benedict, Adults, 7pm, Richland Library

Tuesday, September 21 ArtBreak: Illustrating the Natural World: Olivia Mendoza, Noon-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, September 21 Teen Manga Mania, 3-4pm Paw Paw Library, 657-3800 Tuesday, September 21 Kindleberger Park History Walk Parchment Library, 6pm Wednesday, September 22 Cruise-In @ Great Lakes Pondscapes, Paw Paw, 5-7pm Wednesday, September 22 Beats on Bates: Academy of Rock, 5:30-8:30pm, Bates Alley Downtown Kalamazoo Wednesday, September 22 Fitness Wednesdays: Just Move Fitness & More, 5:30-6:30pm Bronson Park, Kalamazoo Thursday, September 23 Kalamazoo’s Night Farmers Market, 5-10pm At Mayors Riverfront Park Friday, September 24 TAB & Teen Book Group Mtg., 3-5pm, Richland Library Saturday, September 25 Outdoor Alternative Mini-Bazaar/ Art Fair at People’s Church in Kalamazoo, 10am-3pm Saturday, September 25 Music on the S. Kalamazoo Mall: Trio Desino, 3-6pm Monday, September 27 Parchment City Commission Candidate Forum, 6:30pm Parchment Library Wednesday, September 29 Beats on Bates: Academy of Rock,5:30-8:30pm, Bates Alley, Kalamazoo

Thursday, Septemer 16 The Heartbreak Book Club: The Witness by Nora Roberts, 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Wednesday, September 29 Workout Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30pm, Bronson Park, Kalamazoo

Saturday, September 18 Kalamazoo’s Vintage Market 9am-3pm, Kal. County Expo Ctr.

Wednesday, September 29 Adult Craft: Needle Felted Succulents, 6pm. Register 9/1, 345-0136, Comstock Library

Saturday, September 18 Music on S. Kalamazoo Mall: Pinter Whitnick, 3-6pm Saturday, September 18 Fall Craft Show & Vintage Market, 9am-3pm Kalamazoo County Expo Ctr.