Good News December 2015 by Good News Paper

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December 2015

Home Decor

Christmas is such a magical time of year – twinkling lights, comforting smells of boughs of evergreen, burning wood and the

warmth of the spirit, spreading hope and joy. One of my particularly favorite parts of the season is transforming the home with festive decorations. One traditional decoration that we love is the Christmas Kissing Ball. They have a long history, steeped in tradition and if you’re familiar with mistletoe, than you know part of their story. The kissing ball has a rich history as a nostalgic symbol of goodwill and romance. Once named Holy Boughs in the Middle Ages, kissing balls began simply as sprigs of evergreen woven together into a sphere and adorned with a figurine of baby Jesus. They were hung by ribbon in passageways and doorways to bring good fortune and blessings to all who passed beneath them. In the Victorian era, they made a fashionable comeback. Victorians were known for their romanticized symbolism and lavish decorations. They adorned

GOOD NEWS

An Ancient Christmas Time Tradition

theirs with flowers, sweet herbs and holly. Each of which was thought to bring specific types of fortune and blessings, such as love, affection, charity, piety and more. Victorian ballrooms were filled with these boughs. Some of which were adorned with sprigs of mistletoe nestled beneath the boughs, thought to symbolize romantic love. Young maidens would stand beneath the boughs with mistletoe in hopes to be kissed by an unmarried suitor. The practice flourished and the Christmas Kissing Ball tradition was born.

feeling creative, you could make one for yourself or give as a gift! Merry Christmas! Julie Hite-Neilitz of HITE HOUSE Couture Your chic home decor store of downtown Kzoo. www.hite-house.com 210 S Kalamazoo Mall

Today’s Christmas Kissing Ball has evolved into beautiful spheres adorned with ribbons, lights, herbs, ornaments, mistletoe or any adornment of your liking. They make beautiful statement pieces over an entry, over a dining table, console table or even several in a series hung in hallways or windows and can be made in any size, large or small. If you’re

Home Decor - Gardening - Remember When - Book Reviews - Vintage Style - Health - pets Day trips - Parenting - Environment - Recipes - Non-Profits - relaxation - restaurants Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

enjoy a fresh christmas Often three seedlings are planted for every one tree harvested. So if making responsible and eco-friendly choices are important to you during this holiday season, a real tree as opposed to an artificial tree is the best choice – and one that offers many more residual benefits as well.

Have a Living Christmas Tree in Your Home this Year

they will be taken to landfill where they never break down and take up landfill space.

Families trying to be ecofriendly for the holidays, often have the question…which Christmas tree is more ecofriendly, real or artificial? The answer may be surprising, but the truth is that the most eco-friendly Christmas tree option is to buy a real tree instead of an artificial one.

By comparison, real trees are farmed and considered an agricultural resource, just like other agricultural products we rely on for food. Christmas trees are grown on farms using sustainable practices and are harvested on a regular basis.

The selection of real trees often provides economic benefits locally. Did you know bout 85% of all artificial trees sold in North America are made in China, Korea or Taiwan? By visiting your local garden center to select a tree for example, you support the efforts of local farmers. When it comes time to eventually replace an artificial tree, they cannot be recycled. Instead

Real growing Christmas trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife. As with all other trees, Christmas trees provide a valuable service to our atmosphere too as they absorb carbon dioxide and other gases while emitting oxygen. It’s been estimated that one acre of Christmas trees produces the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people. Once a tree is chopped down, seedlings are planted to replace it.

There is something very special about displaying a live and living Christmas tree that provides a tree for you to plant on your garden after the holidays. Planting a living Christmas tree yearly will commemorate each holiday as a special year. Looking back when the kids have grown, along with the tree, families can remember who celebrated the holidays with them each year and bring back cherished memories. The first thing to do is choose your tree: select a living Christmas tree as you’d choose plants for your garden―go with what you love, and have room for. Some choices that make good living Christmas trees and do well in our area include Colorado Spruce, Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir and White Pine.

Cover will not only reduce needle loss, it will contain the loss of valuable moisture in a climate controlled home. 3.) Keep the tree outdoors and well watered until one to two days before Christmas. 4.) Place tree in the coolest location possible, away from heaters and fireplaces. 5.) Decorate it, keep it moist, and enjoy! 6.) Keep the tree indoors no more than three days. Plant outside as soon as possible. Fill around root ball with mixture of 1/3 soil from the planting hole, 1/3-composted cow manure, and 1/3 sphagnum peat moss. Firm soil and water thoroughly. With care and planning, your Christmas tree will serve as a living memory for many years. Have a fun, green & Merry Christmas! Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

To give your live Christmas tree the best chance to survive, follow these simple steps. 1.) Dig a planting hole in your landscape. Hole should be twice the size of the tree’s root ball. Bring the soil that you dug out into the garage to prevent freezing. 2.) Spray tree with Cloud Cover, an antidesiccant chemical to minimize needle loss. Cloud

Welcome to the Good News Paper The world we live in has become much busier for adults and children alike. In addition, families have become much more transient, which adds to the challenge of keeping your closeknit family in place. However, with a little creativity and determination, your family can make the ties that bind you stronger than ever. Nothing binds a family together more than holiday traditions. The traditions don’t have to be lavish, just heartfelt and memorable. As an example, we love

to cut down our Christmas tree each year and bake frost & decorate Christmas cookies, while listening to Christmas music. There isn’t anything unusual about these traditions, but there is comfort and joy in keeping them. For families who can’t be together for the holidays, make the extra effort to pick up the phone, schedule a Skype session or use social media to keep the connections strong. A friend of mine has a son who lives in another state than his young niece. They plan Skype dates each month and he reads to her. Above all, keep your holiday spirit. It doesn’t matter if the table is set perfectly, if the dinner is a meal fit for a king, or even if you’re loved ones can’t be with you in person. Remember the true spirit of the season, and celebrate with the people you love, any way that you can. Happy Holidays! -Jackie Merriam

Photo taken Downtown Kalamazoo

December 2015

GOOD NEWS

remember when Malnight’s Bakery If you’ve lived in the Kalamazoo area within the last decade, you’re sure to have experienced the home baked goodness of Malnight’s Bakery. What most people don’t know is that they can still get some of the Malnight Bakery favorites today at Renzema’s Bakery in Parchment. At Malnight’s, everything was baked fresh from scratch. They specialized in breads, rolls, muffins, doughnuts, cookies and even wedding cakes. Many fondly remember the Malnight bran muffins with fresh fruit, cakes, Almond Banquette, frosted seasonal cookies and the puff pastry slices in a variety of flavors, including chocolate chip, Apple Cinnamon and raspberry Malnights was also a great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch, with: homemade soups, chili, sloppy joes and chicken salad sandwiches, among the favorites. Malnights was a local hangout; many visited on a daily basis and were treated like family. They had many customer birthday, anniversary and retirement celebrations there over the years. Kenneth Malnight and his grandfather, William Taylor, founded Malnights in 1919. The bakery’s first location was at the Burdick Hotel, which is now the site of the Radisson Plaza & Suites. During their 86 years in business, Malnights had many different homes, in or near downtown Kalamazoo.

school, and took over the family business when his father retired after WWII. Robert Malnight’s 3 daughters followed the same tradition, working in the family business once they were old enough to see over the counter. His daughter, Mary, took a special interest in the bakery and worked alongside her father for many years. In 1984 Robert Malnight hired Doug Knibbe, who had just graduated from high school at the time. Malnight was willing to train Knibbe as a baker and began sharing his baking secrets over the next several years. Around the same time, Robert hired Dawn Mejeur as a counter person and eventually trained her in the art of cake decorating. Mejeur said that Mr. Malnight was a very hard worker and wanted to work as long as he was able, which ended up being until he was 83 years old. In 2001 Malnight sold the business, along with his recipes, to his long-standing baker, Doug Knibbe. Knibbe purchased another bakery at the same time, Renzema’s Bakery, in Parchment.

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Knibbe sold Knibbe’s Bakery a few yeas later, and the new owners eventually closed the business. Knibbe still operates Renzema’s Bakery in Parchment, where you can still find the original Malnight recipe cakes, frostings, almond banquettes, puff pastry slices and more. All items are still

freshly made by hand each night. You will also find a familiar face, Dawn Mejeur, longtime counter person and cake decorator trained by Malnight at Renzema’s Bakery. Knibbe sells his special breads wholesale to many local businesses, including these fine establishments: Zeb’s, North 11, Lo Do’s, Olde Peninsula, Shakespeare’s Pub, studio Grill and at both Tap House restaurants. He wholesales some pastries as well at Java Joint in Mattawan and at some local organizations. Renzema’s Bakery, located at 214 Link Lane in Parchment is open Monday- Saturday from midnight – noon. Be sure to stop in when in the neighborhood if you happen to be awake at midnight and enjoy some fresh hot doughnuts!

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Due to the reduction in the downtown workforce at the time, which meant fewer & fewer customers, Knibbe moved the bakery business to 9th Street on the west side of town and renamed it Knibbe’s Bakery. The Malnight’s Bakery name was retired in May of 2005, along with their downtown presence.

For more information visit their website at renzemasbakery.com. Call 349-2086 or stop in today to place an order.

All 8 of Kenneth Malnight’s children worked in the bakery at one time or another. His son, Robert began working at the bakery when he was in grade

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He had enough space to bake all of the baked goods at his Parchment location and merged the two businesses. A few months later, he moved Malnight’s Bakery into a smaller space, just around the corner.

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

Four Ways to Cope With The Loss Of A Pet We love our pets from their earliest puppy or kitten days to serene old age. They bring us joy every day and give us unconditional love in return for sharing our homes and lives. Our love for our pets always meets the greatest challenge, however, when the time arrives to say goodbye. Even with the best medical care and nutrition, a cat or dog will nearly always be outlived by his or her human family. The following suggestions will help you cope with losing a feline or canine companion. Euthanasia Ask your vet to give you advice on your pet’s health status. The doctor can suggest treatment options, telling you about the pet’s quality of life. When your beloved companion is in pain and further treatment will just delay the inevitable outcome at the cost of more suffering, the time has come to make the wrenching decision to “put them to sleep”. The process is painless to the pet and can be your last gesture of love for this dear creature. My 10-year-old cat Scamper recently faced a severely

painful illness from a fast growing cancer so we decided to give him the only relief we could. He had fought a valiant battle as we had attempted to treat his illness but to no avail. His death was peaceful and dignified as I held him while the doctor anesthetized him. It was a heart wrenching experience but also comforting, knowing that my beloved animal family member went gently from life feeling loved and not experiencing pain or fear. Allow Yourself to Mourn You would never consider ignoring the death of a beloved human and moving on without shedding a tear. The same is true for our feline or canine family members. Take time to remember and celebrate your pet’s life by sharing funny or touching stories and photos. If you enjoy writing or journaling, record your memories so that you can keep them fresh. The passing of time helps us heal but we don’t want to forget the dear pet who meant so much. Make a Positive Gesture You can honor your pet’s memory in a positive and uplifting way.

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Your love for this special animal might lead you to volunteer with a pet rescue organization, such as KAR, or to donate funds in your pet’s honor. Making a positive contribution to pets in need is a great way to celebrate your love for animals and honor your cherished companion’s memory. Consider Adopting Another Pet When the initial shock of losing your pet has passed, you might want to consider adopting another animal companion. A new pet is not a replacement for the loved one that died but a new friend. It can be comforting to fill the void in your life with another animal’s company, building a new relationship. If you are not ready to make a lifelong commitment to a new pet, consider offering foster care to a needy pet by joining an animal rescue group. Whether you adopt or foster to fill the need for a furry friend in your life, you will still be saving a life and giving love to an animal in need. That is a fitting tribute to your beloved

pet who was laid to rest. The companionship and unconditional love provided by a feline or canine companion gives our lives richness and keeps us healthy. Losing a pet is a stressful event but these suggestions can help you cope with the loss in a positive way. Our memories of our pets live on and give us happiness even when they are no longer with us. Let’s cherish our animal family members while they live and celebrate their memory after they are gone. Karren Jensen KAR Friends April 2011 reprinted by permission from Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

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

Dear Mr. You

“Irina is a young Moldavian immigrant with a troubled past. She works at an assisted living home where she meets Alma, a Holocaust survivor. Alma falls in love with Ichi, a young Japanese gardener, who survived Topaz, the Japanese internment camp. Despite man’s inhumanity to man, love, art and beauty can exist, as evidenced in their beautiful love story.”

“Parker has created a unique and poetic memoir through a series of letters–some of appreciation, some of apology, some simply of acknowledgement–to the men in her life. Ranging from a taxi driver to a grandfather she never knew, each man has left an imprint and shaped her into the person she has become. Full of feeling, growth, and self-discovery, Parker’s book has left me longing to write my own letters.”

by Isabel Allende

by Mary-Louise Parker

Ellen Firer, Merrick Library, Merrick, NY

PJ Gardiner, Wake County Public Libraries, Raleigh, NC

The Girl With Ghost Eyes

Along the Infinite Sea: A Novel

“In San Francisco during the late 1800s, a young Chinese widow tries to keep her father alive, and win a place in his heart she doesn’t realize she already owns. This story is filled with wonderful detail from Chinese folklore and mythology, and plenty of action as two tongs battle to control Chinatown. The very best fantasy employs strong characters who are real people with real problems. I enjoyed every page.”

“When Pepper Schuyler–on the run from a powerful politician and desperate to protect her unborn child–sells her newly restored classic car to an enigmatic and very wealthy woman, she not only finds unexpected refuge but also tantalizing hints of a mystery. With vivid European settings, colorful characters and intricate plotting that skillfully weaves past and present together, Along The Infinite Sea is a treat for fans of Beatriz Williams.”

Janet Martin, Southern Pines Public Library, Southern Pines, NC

Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle, NY

by M.H. Boroson

by Beatriz Williams

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

3 Ways to Mix Mod with Modern for a Vintage-Inspired Christmas

Yes, the holidays arrive this month! I don’t know about you, but I truly DO love this time of year. I love the spirit of giving, although receiving is nice too. But beyond that, it just feels like a magical time of year the way people take pride in their décor and add something a little extra special to their interior and exterior of their places and spaces to really emphasize the fantasy of it all. In recent years, much of the younger generation - like the “hipsters” - or even trendy interior decorators look for holiday inspiration into the years of times gone by. Right now, mid-century vintage items are so hot, the authentic pieces generally fly out of the marketplace rapidly and some items even sell for big bucks. If you are looking for a new way to

decorate your place for the upcoming season, let me help you go vintage with three ideas to decorate in an old-turned-cool-again way! 1. Aluminum Metal Trees Aluminum metal Christmas trees were all the rage during the 50s and 60s. If you were lucky, you even received the lit-up spinning “color wheel” that accompanied them to turn your tree a realm of different colors. This was obviously before strands of lights had become popular. To revive your room this holiday, do some hunting and replace your traditional green tree for a shiny metal one. This will be sure to not only be seen by all your neighbors but will certainly keep your company entertained while being lost in their own nostalgia. 2. Vintage Christmas Ornaments, Lights, and Tinsel If you can’t bear to replace your

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lovely green tree, you could mix it up by keeping your traditional ornaments tucked away this year. Scour the secondhand market for vintage glass ornaments, larger vintage strands of bigger primary colored bulbs or even use strands of tinsel to make your tree glisten this year in a mod-gone-modern style. 3. Hang and Handout Vintage Christmas Cards - Yes, you can still purchase older packs of vintage Christmas cards from years and years ago from certain dealers in antiquities and vintage items. Even shopping on Ebay you could locate a few packs of vintage cards to mail out to your loved ones this year. Many of the sayings and photos are crazy retro cool and will be sure to brighten anyone’s holiday. Don’t want to mail cards? Buy a vintage pack and string them up across your stairways, archways, or from the

ceiling and attach the cards - a long standing tradition that has stood test of time while adding a bit of vintage flare to your space. In decorating, it’s all in the details that can really transform a space. By using these tips for going vintage this year, you could add a bit more fantasy to your holiday celebrations while helping the environment by repurposing and recycling. From this Vintage Stylist to you - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Mrs. Janice Glasser is a vintage clothing and accessory expert and appraiser with over 16 years experience in the vintage marketplace. Follow her on Facebook at www.facebook. com/TheVintageStylist.

December 2015

GOOD NEWS

Protect our Waterways!

Bellandur Lake in Bangalore, India. Most people haven’t heard of this 22-mile wide lake, but it has been getting some press lately. Surprisingly, the water spontaneously combusts. That’s right. This lake is on fire, literally.

and detergents. These pollutants have been dumped in the lake for decades. The foam is smells bad is being carried by the wind to nearby cities. While the health hazards are not known, researchers are guessing that they aren’t good.

The water is rich in ammonia and phosphate and low in oxygen, which creates a very toxic mixture. The foam that sits on top of the water is a mixture of oil, grease,

This lake is an example of why we need to take care of our waterways and control our pollution. Minimize the amount of fertilizer you use. If you must

use fertilizer use it on a day with little to no wind and on a day that there won’t be rain for the next few days. This will allow the fertilizer to soak into the ground instead of being carried off by the wind or turning into runoff in the rain.

getting into our waterways. There are little things that everyone can do to prevent pollution in our waterways. Judy Smith High School Student Galesburg-Augusta/KAMSC

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series Years. I’m not a fan of yearround Christmas stores (sorry Frankenmuth) and I’ve never really bought into the whole “Christmas in July” thing. There is something about the fleetingness of this limited enjoyment period that makes them all the more precious. The Japanese call this idea “wabi-sabi”, which posits that the beauty of something relates closely to its impermanence. Japan is great at celebrating wabi-sabi, Ellen: I have a confession to whether it’s a full moon festival make: I love Christmas music. or a chance to drink beer with Secular or religious, it doesn’t friends under the falling cherry matter; I think holiday songs are petals. Wabi-sabi is the way I like the best. If the opening chords of “Angels We Have Heard on High” my Christmas music. cross my path I am ready with the Jane: My friends and I create first, second, and third verse. Some a new group in our fifties and people sing at the top of their sixties to recapture friendship lungs to Whitney Houston--give after empty-nests and retirement. me Edward Shippen Barnes. We gather at Pat’s house to bake Christmas cookies together Now it’s time for my second because we no longer have confession: I only love Christmas daughters and sons to roll out music in the very limited time dough and apply colored sprinkles. between Thanksgiving and New

This is not all bad. My friends are not nostalgic and lonely; instead of hot cocoa, we are sipping on Merlot and humming Christmas carols. “What shall we name our new group?” someone asks. “How about ‘Old friends?’” This is met with groans. “Try this: ‘Girls’ Night Out.’” We think about it, but shake our heads. We are not girls, nor do we wish to be. I suggest, ‘The Wabi-sabi Ladies,’ supplying Ellen’s definition of beauty relating to impermanence. It is acceptable.

This is us. We switch to Chardonnay with the gluten free pretzels and blue cheese. Everyone thinks about our wabi-sabi-ness and the mood of the party rises up to the level of the music. We sing, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” totally forgetting half the words, and burst into laughter. To all our lovely readers, from Ellen and Jane: Have yourself a wabi-sabi little Christmas! Jane & Ellen Knuth

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

quick breads make great gifts With all the holiday company coming and going, it’s nice to have something on hand for those last minute snacks, meals and, even gifts, and nothing is easier, cheaper and more delightful than something warm and comforting from your oven. I know you’re saying, “Is she kidding? The last thing I have the

time - or the inclination -for is to mess up my kitchen!” Well, hold on to your horses because I have the perfect answer to beat those holiday baking blues - quick breads! Quick breads improve with age and can be frozen from 1 to 2 months, but be sure to cool the

Sensational Cinnamon Swirl loaf

loaves completely before wrapping and freezing. Otherwise, condensation could spoil your loaf. Yeast-based specialty breads can also be made to be quick – if you start with frozen dough. The basic white bread dough found in most grocer freezers can be swirled from savory to sweet - simply by adding your favorite 1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed 1 1/2 tablespoons water 1/4-cup sugar 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1-tablespoon cinnamon 1/2-cup raisins (optional) On a lightly floured surface, roll thawed bread dough into a 10 x 12-inch rectangle. With a pastry brush, paint the dough with 1-1/2 tablespoon water. Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon evenly over the dough; top with raisins, if desired. Roll up jellyroll fashion, be-

unbelievable banana bread 5 tablespoons butter 1/2-cup sugar 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed 1 large egg 2 egg whites 1-teaspoon pure vanilla 1 1/2 cups mashed, overripe bananas 1-teaspoon salt 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1-teaspoon baking soda 1/4-teaspoon baking powder 1/2-cup heavy cream 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat the bottom of a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. In a mixer bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add both sugars and beat well. Add egg, egg whites and vanilla, beating until well blended. Add mashed banana and beat on high speed for 30 seconds. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt,

baking soda and baking powder. Add flour mixture to banana mixture alternately while adding cream. Fold in nuts, if using. Pour batter into loaf pa, spreading out evenly. Bake until browned and toothpick when inserted in center comes out clean, about 70 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. Flavor improves if allowed to sit at room temperature overnight before eating. Servings per recipe: 16. Nutritional facts per serving: Calories 186; Fat 7g; Carbohydrates 29g; Fiber 1g; Sugar 15.6g; Protein 3g. another 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture thickens. Serve over pancakes. Nutrition Info: Each serving contains 500 calories, 89 g carbohydrate, (5 g fiber), 9 g protein, 14g fat, (8 g saturated fat), 85 mg cholesterol, and 1490 mg sodium.

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ingredients. Here now are some fast-as-lightning ways to make some special bread for the holidays that are sure to leave you plenty of time for loafing around! Laura Kurella

ginning on the 12-inch side. Seal all seams and ends. Place the loaf into greased 8x4-inch loaf pan. Let the dough rise until it doubles in size. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from pan to cool. When the bread is cool, brush dough with melted butter. Servings per recipe: 16. Nutritional facts per serving: Calories 158.7; Fat 3.5g; Carbohydrates 29.7g; Fiber 0.66g; Sugar 17.4g; Protein 2.56g.

Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4-cup sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4-teaspoon salt 1/2-teaspoon baking soda 1/4-cup butter, softened 1 tablespoon orange zest 3/4 cup orange juice 1 egg 1-cup cranberries, chopped 1 tablespoon orange juice 1 cup sifted powdered sugar Orange juice, enough to make it drizzle. Spray bottom only of a loaf pan.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda Add margarine and mix until crumbly. Add peel, 3/4 cup orange juice and egg; stir until moistened Add cranberries. Pour batter (it will be thick) into pan and bake until a knife comes clean from the center, about 55-65 minutes. When cool, drizzle glaze over top of loaf. Servings per recipe: 16. Nutritional facts per serving: Calories 161; Fat 4.87g; Carbohydrates 30g; Fiber 0.75g; Sugar 18.06g; Protein 2.12g.

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

EAT Have you ever wondered what the “EMA” in EMA Restaurants and Catering means? It stands for Elizabeth, Michelle, and Andrea, the three daughters of Mike and Jane Leeuw, owners of EMA Enterprises. EMA is comprised of three divisions – restaurants, catering and concessions.

EMA’s catering company will cater to any size group, from company picnics to weddings and even last minute gatherings serving from 4 to 40,000 people. For the concession sector of their business, EMA provides quality and convenient options for all athletic events at WMU Campus Concessions. They also provide concessions at the Kalamazoo Expo Center, where several events are held each week. In addition EMA manages the concessions at the Lansing Airport, along with a Biggby Coffee franchise.

Mike Leeuw began the company in 2006 with one restaurant, the Village Inn in Gobles. He sold this restaurant to his first employee 1½ year’s ago. He has continued to grow the company into what EMA is today. His wife has also been heavily involved in the growing of the company. Leeuw attributes the businesses success to the employees. “They’re what make the difference and keep the customer’s coming back. We’re only as good as our employees and the last meal a customer had with us,” says Leeuw. He seeks employee input when changing the menu, updating the restaurant and other important matters. On the day that I met with Mike at the Gull Road Michelle’s, a gentleman stopped in to pick up a take-out order. Mike took the time to chat with him, offer him a seat while he waited and added 4-pieces of broasted chicken to his

order, asking him to try this new menu item. Mike mentioned that he was the very first customer at this location. Giving back and supporting community charities is a big part of their culture. They’re involved in the walk for Cystic Fibrosis, the Cole Gilmore Touchdown for American Diabetes, Right to Life Dinner and fulfill many local church and charity event requests. EMA owns and operates eight restaurants, specializing in casual, family friendly dining with home

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cooked meals at reasonably prices. Many of the restaurants are also named for their daughters. Presently there are four Michelle’s restaurants (Portage, Mattawan & 2 in Kalamazoo). Andrea’s is located in Galesburg and Liz’s in Richland. Treat Street is in the Oakwood Plaza and the Ale House in Battle Creek, which has recently been renamed Liz’s Grill House.

Stop into your local EMA Restaurant – enjoy a meal and the exceptional service! For more information about EMA, please visit their website at emaenterprises.com, visit them on Facebook at ema.enterprises, or call to book an event at 269-2079381 / 269-254-5388. Jackie Merriam

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December 2015

GOOD NEWS

Robin’s Wood Crafts

There are people we encounter along our paths every single day. Paul Bashaw of Robin’s Wood Crafts is one of them. I met him through his wife, Robin (the namesake of the business). Through conversation I learned that Paul has a talent for woodworking, crafting wood into amazing pieces of art. I recently had the opportunity to meet at their home to see his work. Talent is an understatement here. Paul not only has the talent to create masterful pieces of art, but he designs out of love of the craft first and foremost. Paul has always enjoyed working with wood and says three years ago he started making bottle

openers for his friends. “We enjoy craft beer, occasionally brew some really good tasting beer that we like to drink and share. The openers just became an extension of that - handcrafting a good quality usable item”. He appreciates working with woods that have interesting grain patters and has found some local Ambrosia Maple that he really likes. “ I get the most interest and comments from pieces made with that wood”. Many artists have a favorite piece and for Paul it is his wooden fishing lures. He loves to fish! “They take a while to make and there is a lot of hand sanding involved, but when they are done,

wow!” He also enjoys making the teardrop shaped bottle opener, it is comfortable to hold and easy to use. One of the projects I saw firsthand was a beer flight holder; a beautiful piece used to sample beers or drinks. It holds the glass within the flight and contains a small area in front of each glass to display the cap of the selected brew.

and sanded, not formed from a laser cutter. It helps me bring out the best from a piece of wood. All of my pieces are the wood’s natural colors. I don’t use any stains or dyes, just a clear shellac or urethane to preserve the wood. I want you to enjoy using anything that you get from me, and know that I enjoyed making it,” said Paul.

Robin’s Wood Crafts has been in business for about a year and started with an Etsy site featuring most of Paul’s work - Robinswoodcraft.etsy. com. Products range $8-$35 depending on the piece and the amount of time it takes to create. Beer and Skittles on Gull Lake carries many items, along with Barrett’s Smokehouse on Shaver Road, as well as D&R Sports.

Shannon Andrews ILYS

“I like making an item that is a cross between art and function where people say the piece is really cool or different. It may be just a simple bottle opener or candleholder, but one that people like to show off when they use it. Each item is unique, hand cut

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December 2015

Mindful Parenting

GOOD NEWS

Helping Teens Capture the Spirit of the Season

Let’s face it, the holidays can be ……complicated. We sing about them being happy, merry, filled with comfort and joy. This may be true some of the time, but other times we may feel stress, anxiety, and are filled with disappointment and frustration. Your teen may also start feeling this burden as the “magic” of childhood fades away and the realities of adult life slowly creep in. If this is true for you and your kin, there is still a chance to get back to good tidings. Focusing on gratitude is one way to help you and your kids find the spirit of the season. According to research by Dr. Robert Emmerson, the world’s leading expert on gratitude, practicing gratitude regularly has positive effects on physical, psychological and social well-being. Feelings of gratitude help us be mindful of the present and make us more resistant to stress. So how can you and your teen “practice” gratitude? Here is a summary of Dr. Emmerson’s ideas: 1. Do things for others. The holidays present many opportunities to brighten someone else’s day. Helping others actually boosts our own feelings of gratitude and happiness. Not to mention, teens are just getting to an age where they are capable of doing things that could make

a big difference to someone else, and successfully pulling this off will give them more confidence. Bonus! 2. Let your teen take the lead. Your ideas for practicing gratitude may be different than theirs and that is ok. Gratitude practice can take many different forms. Another confidence boost can come from assigning your teen the task of creating a gratefulness practice for the family. 3. Teens may be inclined to incorporate sarcasm, humor, or teasing in their expressions of gratitude. Remember that even small steps are good as long as they are steps in the right direction.

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4. Bad experiences will happen, but we can always learn from them. Make sure you share with your teen what good lessons came out of your bad experiences and encourage them to share the same with you. 5. Remember the old adage – “If at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again.” If you try a gratitude practice and it doesn’t ring true for you or your teen, then try something else. Gratitude doesn’t have to be a practice reserved for the holidays; it can lift our spirits year round. Feeling grateful and feeling the true spirit of the season may seem far away at

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times. Sometimes it takes making the choice to practice to get into it (or get back into it). For more information on gratitude and its positive effects, visit http:// greatergood.berkeley.edu/ to read Dr. Emmerson’s research. Hilary Snyder, MA, LLP is a psychologist specializing in behavioral and family therapy. She practices at Integrated Behavioral Health Psychological Services, a private practice offering psychologists providing treatments with proven effectiveness. (269) 4591512

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR December 5th 9am -3pm (Lunch available) Please join us for some unique gift shopping Custom Jewelry, Baked Goods & Hand-Crafted Items St. Andrew Community Church – 349-1173 3631 Covington Rd., Kalamazoo (across from Wings Stadium)

December 2015

GOOD NEWS

Relaxation go enjoy a michigan winter fatiguing. Nature is restorative in its ability to catch your attention in a passive manner, stopping you from draining your brain, and allowing the energy supply to recover. It’s like recharging your battery.

December seems like a strange time to discuss the benefits of spending time in nature. The temperature is hovering in the low- to mid-thirties and we get 30% cloud cover on average. But nature, in any form, has noticeable health benefits. This time of year puts major stress on our cognitive functions. Parties, family get-togethers, radio ads, traffic jams, crowds of people—all incredibly mentally

Being outside also increases your natural Vitamin D levels. Sunlight hits your exposed skin and starts a chemical reaction of creating and using Vitamin D. The vitamin (which is actually a hormone) has been found to increase your mood and fight depression. In addition, nature helps us cope with pain. We are genetically preprogrammed to find nature; trees, water, plants, etc… engrossing. We are absorbed by nature and are, therefore, distracted from our pain and discomfort.

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There is a study of patients who underwent gall bladder surgery that supports this. Half had a view of trees and half had a view of a wall. According to the physician who conducted the study, Robert Ulrich, the patients with the view of trees tolerated pain better, appeared to nurses to have fewer negative effects, and spent less time in a hospital (Journal of Environmental Psychology, 1991).

December screams ‘stay inside’ for many, but remember to get out and enjoy nature at times too. Grab your mittens and a cup of hot chocolate and get outside! Check out the back of this newspaper for a list of events and activities to get you started. Rebecca Byron; LMT, CAOBT Owner of Water’s Edge Day Spa

December 2015

health

PROTEIN, PROTEIN, WE ALL SCREAM FOR PROTEIN!

Or was that ice cream? Anyway, if you pay any attention when you do your grocery shopping, you can’t help but be blasted by food labels touting the advantages of protein. Walk down any supermarket aisle and you’ll see products ranging from breakfast cereals, granola bars, cookies, frozen entrees, shakes, chips, milks, and yes - even ice cream - all featuring natural or added protein on the label. So what gives? It used to be, that only body builders and athletes were focused on getting extra protein in their diets for enhanced performance. But alas, protein has been connected with weight loss strategies, some legitimate and some not. Health care professionals are now concerned that even junk food with a “protein” label on it can be viewed as healthy. This is ironic, because there is ample scientific evidence that excessive protein can cause kidney problems and other adverse effects. Let me repeat: excessive protein can cause kidney problems and other adverse effects. What’s a person to do? There is no easy answer to this question because it’s hard to generalize about potential health benefits of high protein intake because diets and foods vary so much. It can be misleading to base dietary advice only on one nutrient. The origin of nutrients and the compounds that accompany them make a big difference. For instance, protein from fish and dairy may have different effects than that of red meat, either because of amino acid profiles or because of other substances that accompany these

GOOD NEWS

we’re already up to 86 grams! However, people over 65 are often exceptions with an estimate 40% not getting sufficient protein. Sometimes it’s because they simply eat less or have trouble chewing, especially meat. On top of that, they need more just to combat age related muscle loss which contributes to impaired mobility or frailty. Their recommended daily allowance may increase to 1.0 or 1.2 grams per kg of body weight. However, this must be balanced by concerns with impaired kidney function which may be worsened by a higher protein consumption.

foods. Add to this protein fortified foods, and it’s understandable why researchers haven’t come up with a “protein elevator speech.” If you know how much protein you need on a daily basis, you are very rare. Most people don’t. The general rule of thumb is: 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight. (The formula for determining your body weight in kilograms is your body weight in pounds divided by 2.2.) For example, a 200 pound man weighs 91 kilograms; 140 pound woman weighs 63.3 kilograms. Multiplying each weight by 0.8 means that the man should

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consume 72 grams of protein daily and the woman 50.4 grams. The reality is that most people easily consume the daily requirement; and it’s not at all unusual for a person to consume almost twice the daily requirement. Let’s see how that can happen. A 4 oz. serving of chicken or turkey breast has 35 grams of protein, a 6 oz. serving of Greek yogurt has 17 grams (regular yogurt has 8 grams), two eggs have 14 grams, a 12 oz. non-fat latte has 10 grams. Throw in a 2 oz. handful of mixed nuts and you can add 10 more grams. There’s nothing out the ordinary here and

The bottom line is that, when it comes to protein consumption, most of us are doing just fine. Remember that 4 oz. piece of chicken with 35 grams of protein? That’s the size of a deck of cards. I venture to say that the serving we actually sit down and eat for dinner is larger than that. Throw in a turkey sandwich for lunch, and you get my point. So don’t lose sleep wondering if your diet is protein deficient. If anything, do consider adding some light-to-moderate weight training to your weekly regimen to go along with your protein consumption. There are so many benefits to weight training two or three times a week, ranging from increasing bone density to building and toning muscle. And on that note, allow me to go pull the door off of the refrigerator. Ken Dettloff, ACE CPT, Wellness Coach, YMCA Maple Branch.

December 2015

GOOD NEWS

non-Profit

The vision for the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) is simply: A world where everyone has a decent place to live, but their enterprise is anything but simple. They are involved in property acquisition, mortgage financing, home design, construction, marketing, volunteerism, community engagement, retail, human service for low-income families and supporting services.

heavy load – they’re not alone, they have 1,600 amazing and dedicated volunteers annually!

You might wonder how only 16 employees, (8 full-time and 8 part-time) are able to manage this

Habitat homes are sold without profit and are financed by Habitat with affordable interest mortgage

Habitat is a non-profit housing organization that works with low-income families to help them build and buy homes or repair homes they already own. Habitat builds or renovates four simple, decent, affordable homes annually and repairs sixteen more.

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loans for approximately $500 per month, including principal, taxes and insurance. Similarly, home repairs are completed without profit and financed by Habitat with affordable home repair loans. Habitat homeowner mortgage payments and repair payments are recycled to build more Habitat homes. Habitat Partner Families are chosen with the following criteria: Need simple, affordable housing. Unable to secure conventional financing. Able to repay the no-interest Habitat loan with income between 30-60% of median income for county of residence. Willing to work a required number of volunteer or “sweat equity” hours on their home and other Habitat projects. Complete budgeting, financial literacy and home maintenance classes. Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976. Carl Walker, a Kalamazoo businessman, was inspired by Millard’s book, “Love in the Mortar Joints,” that tells the story of how Millard and his wife Linda founded Habitat for Humanity International. Carl called Millard and later traveled with other area residents to Americus, Georgia, to meet the Fullers and learn more. Within months, Millard returned the visit, met with a small group at First United Methodist Church and the seeds of Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity were sown. In 1983, the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity became the 17th affiliate in the world, with over 2,000 affiliates to date. The first home, a rehabilitation project on Kalamazoo’s north side, was completed in December 1984. Today, Habitat has helped more

than 200 motivated, low-income families build and buy homes in partnership with the community. The Habitat ReStore helps to raise additional funds to repair and build Habitat homes in our community. The Habitat ReStore sells new, used, and overstocked home improvement materials donated by stores, manufacturers, contractors, and individuals. These items are sold to the public at greatly reduced prices. Last year the store generated $60,000. The Habitat ReStore is eco-friendly as well, saving the planet, while helping our neighbors; keeping over 3 ½ million pounds from going into landfills over the past 10 years. The Habitat ReStore moved from Lake Street to 7612 Westnedge Avenue, Portage. The Portage location opened in early June to provide a more accessible retail experience to customers and donors. Please shop the Habitat ReStore and donate your lightly used household items and furnishings. Support Habitat and have some fun by attending their annual fundraiser, Habi Hour, on Tuesday, February 23rd at Bell’s Brewery. Enjoy an evening of music, food and beer - along with live & silent auctions. Tickets are available on their website for only $35 or at the Habitat office. If you are interested in becoming a home buyer or home repair partner family, volunteering, donating or learning more about Habitat, please visit their website at habitatkalamazoo.org, stop in their office at 1126 Gull Road in Kalamazoo or give them a call at 344-2443. Jackie Merriam

December 2015

GOOD NEWS

day trip santa’s workshop

It’s that time of year again, when kids can mingle with Kris Kringle at Santa’s Workshop in downtown Kalamazoo.

Santa’s Workshop is a place where families can whisper their wish lists in Santa’s ear and spend some time with the jolly ole’ sole, decorate a shopping bag, make a craft and write letters to Santa (yes, he writes back). It’s the perfect place to take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle and celebrate the season the little ones in your life. Saturday’s are special at Santa’s Workshop; Mrs. Clause joins Santa from 11am – 2pm and

Santa’s Workshop Schedule

Special Events at Santa’s Workshop:

November 28 Saturday - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. December 4 -December 19 Fridays - 4 - 8 p.m. Saturdays - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sundays - noon - 4 p.m. December 20-24 Sunday - noon - 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday – 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday - 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

November 27 - Tree Lighting Ceremony | 6 p.m. activities begin, ceremony at 7 p.m. December 12 - Pet’s with Santa Dog and Cat Treats – Make a gift for your pet December 19 - Family Scavenger Hunt For more information please contact: Deb Droppers 269-388-2830, deb@eventkalamazoo.com.

Fresh, Fragrant & Festive

children can decorate cookies from noon – 2pm. Santa’s Workshop is a free activity thanks to the generosity of the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Spirit of Kalamazoo, Stewart & Company, and is hosted by Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc. WMU students who are part of the Nonprofit Student Leadership Association operate Santa’s Workshop. The workshop features a quaint

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Santa’s Workshop is located at 157 Mall Plaza in downtown Kalamazoo from November 28th through December 24th. Event days and hours are listed below:

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