January 2016
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GOOD NEWS
January 2016
Wedding & Party Planning Feature Inside!
Monday-Friday 10-6pm Saturday 10-3pm
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Experts Q & A Health Food Q: What is the #1 natural product used for pain relief? A: Most pain is caused from inflammation in the body, for example arthritis. The most promising Mike product we have seen to Wunderlin aid in inflammation is Curcumin, the standardized active form of turmeric root. There are over 5,000 published papers on the benefits of curcumin. It’s currently the most studied herb in the world. Why shouldn’t you just add the spice turmeric to your next dinner? For medicinal effects it isn’t cost effective since turmeric contains only 2-5% curcumin. When purchasing Curcumin it is important to know that not all Curcumin products are the same. It’s best to find a source that is easily absorbed by the body. Solgar Vitamins makes a Full Spectrum Curcumin product with 185 times better bioavailability. This means that it will be better and faster absorbed in the body. Stop in this month and save - Solgar’s Full Spectum Curcumin is on sale!
Natural Health Center 4610 W Main St, Kalamazoo (269) 342-9459 www.naturalhealthfoodcenter.com
Insurance & Financial Services Q: What is the right amount of life insurance coverage for me? A: Every person’s situation is completely differRyan Smeader, ent, but a good rule of thumb is to have enough Agent life insurance to cover ALL of your debt plus 5X your annual income. Many people believe that the coverage provided by your employer is adequate, but rarely will it provide your family with the needed assets to maintain their lifestyle. When you insure your life, you are insuring your family’s ability continue pursuing their dreams even if you are not there to provide for them. What parent, spouse or grandparent would not want to do that for their family? State Farm Insurance 6930 Stadium Dr., Ste. 102 – Kalamazoo (269) 459-9119 www.smeadersf.com
Spa &Wellness Q: What services do you offer for brides & bridal parties? A: Our full-service salon and spa provides an extensive selection of Shayne Crocker, hair, nail, makeup Owner services, facial treatments, massage therapy and body treatments. Brides and bridal parties and other special-occasion guests can find complete styling and makeup services for their special day. Unwind and relax with a rejuvenating facial, massage or body treatment. Centre Spa and Wellness offers premium product lines such as Aveda, Bumble and bumble, MoroccanOil, Pevonia, DS Laboratories. Youngblood Makeup, and Opulent Blends Skin Care. Contact us for the latest Bridal Party Packages. Centre Spa & Wellness 2276 E. Centre Ave. - Portage 327-6772 Centrespa.com
Foot Health Q: I am only two hours into my workday, why are my feet hurting me? A: It may be due to the shoe structure - the ability of the footwear to provide the proper support. Keep in Steven Smith mind that buying a high C.Ped.,MC. price name brand shoe does not guarantee proper support. Here are 3 steps you can use to determine the level of support in a shoe: 1) Wrap your hand around heel counter (the upper area of the shoe, just above the heel). If you can easily close your thumb and fingers together, the heel counter probably isn’t firm enough to provide the comfort you need to wear this pair all day. 2) Using both hands, grab the bottom of the sole and the heel - twist slightly in opposite directions. If this is done easily, avoid. 3) Still holding the sole and the heel, try to bend the sole upward in a folding motion. If this is easily accomplished, avoid all together. Happy Shoe Hunting! Stop in and browse our great selection of comfort shoes.
The Shoe Smith 6210 S Westnedge Ave, Portage (269) 327-0204 www.theshoesmith.biz
Health Coach Q: How do I finally achieve my Resolution to lose weight this year? A: Do you know that only 8% of people keep their New Year’s Resolutions? Real change comes from Jennifer the small decisions you DeMaagd make every day. Instead of going in with an all-or-nothing attitude, try to make some small changes that will make a big impact over time. Try parking further away from the door at the grocery store to squeeze in some extra steps, eat a big salad before dinner and pass up the bread, don’t drink wine every night with dinner, instead of sitting on the couch watching TV at night, go for a nice walk or watch your favorite show while walking on a treadmill. This is just a small example of some easy changes you can make to lose weight. For more inspiration, tips, and delicious recipes please visit my website! Vibrant Core Health Coaching and Pilates
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Poinsettia Plant Fun Facts & Care Poinsettia plants add a bright spot of color into your Christmas home. They are the traditional gift to bring to Christmas gatherings that every hostess loves. The plant’s association with Christmas began in 16th-century Mexico, where legend tells of a girl, commonly called Pepita, who was too poor to provide a gift for the celebration of Jesus’ birthday and was inspired by an angel to gather flowers from the roadside and place them in front of the church altar. There is a common misconception that the poinsettia is highly toxic. POISINDEX, a major source for poison control centers, says a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 bracts to accumulate levels of toxins found to be harmful in experiments. An Ohio State University study showed no problems even with extremely large doses. An American Journal of Emergency Medicine study of 22,793 cases reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers showed no fatalities, and usually do not result in any type of medical treatment. To get the most enjoyment out of your poinsettia plant, you should give it a little attention. With these easy care steps, you will be able to enjoy it the whole winter!
*Place your plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day. If direct sunlight can’t be avoided, diffuse the light with a shade or sheer curtain.
bag to protect your plant when transporting it. At near freezing or freezing temperatures, normal for Christmas time, the plant is quite susceptible to cold injury.
*Water your plant when the soil feels dry to the touch. Don’t overwater your plant, or allow it to sit in standing water. Always remove standing water.
*Fertilize your plant AFTER THE BLOOMING SEASON with Bonide liquid houseplant 10-1010 fertilizer.
*Use a large, roomy shopping
*Don’t place plants near cold drafts or excessive heat. Avoid
placing plants near appliances, fireplaces or ventilating ducts. *Ideal temperature for poinsettia plants is 68 - 70 degrees. Don’t expose plants to temperatures below 50* F. Poinsettias are sensitive to cold. Terrie Schwartz Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center
Welcome to the Good News Paper When thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, many people think about making their own life better. They vow to loose weight, eat healthier, be more organized or accomplish a personal goal, etcetera. I have a thought, what about making a resolution to make other people’s lives better? Simple manners and common courtesy can go a long way towards making someone else’s day more pleasant. While driving, let others merge into your traffic lane, allow others the right of way at a four-way stop and be sure to give a hearty wave when others extend these common courtesies to you.
At the grocery store, let someone with only a few items go ahead of you. Give some change to a shopper who comes up short. Strike up a conversation with others who are waiting in line to help pass the time. If there is a little one, engage them while their parents are trying to get their groceries loaded onto the conveyor belt. Don’t forget about the cashier, ask how their day is going, compliment their hard work and engage them, which is sure to make their day a little brighter too. Saying hello when passing strangers is also a nice touch. If you see an elderly person be sure to acknowledge them and take an interest in them. You may be the only human contact they have that day. These simple acts of kindness take only a few extra seconds of your time, but can make someone else’s day brighter, and yours too! Here’s to a Very Happy New Year! Jackie Merriam
January 2016
Home Decor
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GOOD NEWS
Decorate Away Your Winter Blues
After the excitement of the holidays has come and gone and the snow no longer melts away, the winter blues can take hold. Taking down the beautiful Christmas and Holiday decorations can feel a bit depressing and leave your home feeling empty. Take comfort in the New Year and what is yet to come! The New Year is full of potential and opportunity – making room for all types of resolutions, including sprucing up of your drab spaces. January Deals If you’ve grown tired of a room or just need a change, this is the best time of year to start planning. Also, if you’re ready to buy furnishings for you home, this is the month to do it! January is the month when retailers are trying to thin out inventory to make room for the new arrivals, which a great opportunity to find good prices on quality pieces. It Can Be Hard to Pass Up on a Good Deal Don’t make the mistake of making a purchase just because you think you’re getting a good deal. When you’re buying furniture or larger pieces to build a room around, it’s important to consider how long you’ll be living with this investment. A good deal on a pair
or shoes or a blouse that you later despise will be a lot easier to swallow than a sofa or dining table you regret. You’ll be living with these items in your daily life, so make sure they are not only a good fit for the bank account, but are a good fit for your lifestyle. Tread Delicately with Trends It can be easy to be swept up with emerging trends, but take care to be sure they are wise investments for the long haul. Trends are just that, trends – they come and they go. The new pantone colors for 2016 are pale shades of pink and blue. Purchasing a pale blue piece of furniture might be fun this year, but will you like it in the years to come? Be mindful of how you incorpo-
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rate the trends of the season. Buying toss pillows or throws, even a piece of pottery is by far an easier and less costly way of introducing a trend into your space. But, if it’s a great price and you don’t mind swapping it out in a few years – I say, go for it! Pattern Commitments Similarly to trends, patterns can go tired quickly. Be mindful to purchase a pattern piece you feel is timeless, and one you can live with for years to come. If it is not, then introduce that pattern in small doses or in pieces that are accents, like pillows, ottomans or rugs.
out a few key pieces, follow your instinct and let your home be a reflection of the new you in the New Year! Julie Hite-Neilitz of HITE HOUSE Couture Your chic home decor store of downtown Kzoo. www.hite-house.com | 210 S Kalamazoo Mall
Whether you are overhauling your home or just changing
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January 2016
remember when Bowser’s Saloon was a local favorite for a couple of decades in downtown Kalamazoo. They were known for their Sing-along “Gay 90’s” music and later, great country bands such as the legendary Four Wheel Drive. The saloon was located at 340 E. Michigan, which was originally the Arlington Hotel and later became the Columbia Hotel. The building was built at the turn of the century and was owned by a woman, Nettie (Stevens) Shear, which was quite rare during the time (1880’s). Robert Smilanich, a Minnesota
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Bowser’s saloon
native, was looking for a college town to serve up his specialty pizza, and chose Kalamazoo. He moved his wife Jennie and 5 children to Kalamazoo and opened Bimbo’s Pizza in December of 1959 - right next door to where they would open Bowser’s Saloon a few years later in 1961. Bowser’s Saloon and Bimbo’s pizza were the perfect companions. They shared an entryway that had one door leading to the restaurant and another leading to the saloon. There was a pizza window inside the saloon. Bowser’s, I am told,
was a relaxed place where you could eat pizza next to the band and gobble peanuts and throw the shells on the floor. If you were a patron of Bowser’s, you’re sure to have met Patty Peckhem, Bowser’s original dedicated bartender, “She was always there” said Ron Smilanich. They served beer by the glass or pitcher and also served simple highballs. An advertisement from 1971 touts “the finest pitcher beer for $1.25.” In addition to Sing-A-Long Rag Tyme music, Bowser’s showed
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1960’s old- time movies on a projection screen TV for a few years. In 1976 Robert and Jennie sold Bimbo’s Pizza to their son Ron and his wife Sue. Bowser’s liquor license was sold in 1983 and Club Soda took over the same space that Bowser’s occupied. Club Soda closed in the winter of 2007. The space is now the home of Newman’s Bookstore. Jackie Merriam
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Winter Activities for Pets It is January and that means SNOW. Not only can this induce the winter blues in humans but pets too! Here are some tips from for keeping your furry kids stimulated and active in the winter months, which can be fun for people too. Before you know it, it will be spring! Winter Fun for Dogs 1. Hide and Seek – Is a great way to entertain your pooch and get the whole family involved. You can either train your pet to stay on their own or with another family member whilst you hide or you can leave a trail of treats to help
them find you. 2. Doggy Day Care – If you are not able to get out and about with your pet as much as you would like during the day, then consider getting them into day care while you work. They get to play with other dogs and will be all tuckered out by the time you collect them. Play Dates – Not just for kids! Why not invite your friends over and have them bring their dog too. As long as the pets all get along, it can be a great experience for the animals to romp and play. 3. New Toys – Why not treat your dog to some new toys and treats for the New Year? . 4. Teach Fido Something New – Why not teach your dog something new to add to their repertoire of tricks and practice them every day? You can even play fetch (carefully) indoors or set up some agility obstacles in your front room or basement to challenge them. Winter Fun for Cats 1. Toys – Cats may not like toys as much as dogs do
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but they still like to chase a good mouse or a stick with a toy on the end. Set aside some time each night to play with your feline and their toys. Laser pointers and even bubbles are great fun for cats. 2. Cardboard Boxes – Something so simple can provide hours of entertainment for cats young and old, and there are usually a few lying around this time of the year. Cats love jumping in and out of them. You could even construct tunnels for your felines to run through. 3. Bird Feeders – Placed outside near a window are nice for cats to watch throughout the day and is a great source of entertainment. Plus there are plenty of birds in the winter months that would be
grateful for some extra nutrition. 4. New Cat Tree – Cats love to climb up high and it will be a nice investment for your cat. You can spend anywhere between $50 and $300 depending on where you shop, or why not build your own. 5. Wheat Grass – Is not only a great source of nutrition for your cat but they love it too. You can buy it at most pet stores either fully grown or purchase seeds to plant yourself. Your cat will appreciate it! . Danielle Wallis KAR Friends January 2016 reprinted by permission from Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
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January 2016
VINTAGE 80’s
Yes! It’s unbelievable and sad but true - the 1980’s are indeed considered “vintage” these days and many authentic 1980’s items are making a huge comeback in the marketplace right now. From toys to throwback video game systems to resurrected fashions and even movies (Do I even have to note the new Star Wars movie? Yes, yes I do.) In mainstream media there is a resurgence to things like My Little Pony, the Smurfs, Plug n Play Intellivisions and Atari’s with the original games all on one little system that mimics their originals. Even in fashion, items like one piece jumpsuits, crocheted vests, and loud southwest prints are back in trend. But, being the vintage fashionista and clothing historian that I am I have to plead with the public at large to keep some of those 1980s trends back in the
80s. Seriously…I never want to see these things again: First, Shoulder Pads. The bigger the shoulder pads, the bigger and better the women wearing them. Shoulder pads came into their own, along with the rise of liberated working women. Thanks to movies like 9 to 5 with Dolly Parton that depicted women battling their counterparts in business whose difference wasn’t in their work ethic, brains, or know-how rather it was in their pants. Yes the 80s seemed to be filled with gender wars. It was men vs women and fashion arose to this society flip by making women’s wear echo men’s wear. Items like pinstriped pantsuits and double breasted jackets with huge shoulder pads along with bling sweaters filled with glitter, sequins, and huge shoulder pads were
GOOD NEWS
Fashion Fads That Should Never Come Back
all the rage. Shoulder pads are terrible. They were then. They are now. Keep them in the 80s clothes right where they belong! Secondly, “Pegged” or “Tight Rolled” Pants. Yes, even I myself was known to peg my jeans every morning before school. Pegged pants were the skinny jean of the 1980s. You would literally fold the hem of your jeans in half, roll them, and tuck them. BAM - your fashion was suddenly just IT! Thankfully, this is one of the fads that I haven’t seen ever return since its years of being trendy back in the day. Yet again, I plead, never peg your pants again! And finally - Jelly Shoes. In fashion land, it’s hard to deny what I believe is the “new” jelly shoe the Crocs; however, they indeed are not straps of polyvinyl chloride
glued together to a plastic bottom that cut into your feet when you wear them and by the end of the day you feel like you are walking on bloody stumps, not to mention the smell! Yes - it’s true - plastic shoes just don’t breathe! Therefore neither do your feet. Let’s turn away from ever bringing this fad back and you will save your feet (and nose) in the process. The 80’s were amazing - let’s keep the cool fads coming back (like Star Wars), but please, keep these three in your closet. 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.
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
The top books published this month that librarians across the country love The Muralist
Crimson Shore
by B.A. Shapiro
by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
“This art-filled story following the young life and disappearance of Alizee Benoit is heartbreaking and thoughtful. Not only does the novel give an entertaining education on the WPA and abstract artists, but it also gives eerily relevant commentary on refugees and the cold-heartedness of government. Alizee’s story will pull you along as you try to grasp how this bright light of the art community vanished.”
In the latest installment in the Special Agent Pendergast series, Pendergast and Constance Greene investigate a theft of a wine cellar in an ancient village on the coast north of Salem, only to discover during their investigation the entombed remains of a tortured man. “I always thoroughly enjoy the Pendergast novels, and the interaction between Pendergast and Constance in this book was very intriguing.”
Amanda Monson, Bartow County Library System, Cartersville, GA
Shari Brophy, Timberland Regional Library, Tumwater, WA
A Likely Story: A Library Lover’s Mystery
Little Victories: Perfect Rules for Imperfect Living
“A Likely Story is just as addictive as the rest of the Library Lover’s mysteries! McKinlay has written some of the most authentic library characters that I’ve come across in the cozy mystery genre. I can’t wait to find out what the employees and patrons of Briar Creek Public Library (especially Sully) are up to next!”
“This was a quick, enjoyable read that offers a refreshing perspective on some of the trivialities we all find ourselves caught up in. I enjoyed the tone and humor throughout. A standout for me was Gay’s list of recommendations for his child’s future baseball team. His open letter to this imagined future team envisions a team that can just let kids be kids. My only disappointment with this book was that there wasn’t more of it–it seemed to end all too soon.”
by Jenn McKinlay
by Jason Gay
Michelle Ross, Kanawha County Public Library, Charleston, WV
Lindley Homol, Chesterfield County Public Library, Chesterfield, VA
For book recommendations from your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series
Jane: The snow pile in front of my house is deep and solid and the wild creatures are walking across the top of it without leaving paw prints. It has a shiny crust and leaves imbedded in layers. I am not fond of mowing grass and this mound of icy snow is making me feel protected from that task. Sipping my tea, I rest my slipperclad feet on the windowsill and nod in satisfaction. Into my view appears a puttering squirrel, tale flicking and nose twitching as he makes his way across the shiny crust. He climbs the snow mound, gazes squarely at me in the window, sniffs the air and begins to dig. The tiny front paws work hard to crack the surface but once through the snow flies in all directions. Within minutes his body has disappeared in a squirrel-size hole with his tail poking up three inches, then two, then barely one, and the fluffy fur sinks out of sight. There is a pause in the ejected snow shower. I stand up to be closer to the window and the drama outside. I am mystified as to why this little creature would tunnel straight down into ice, but
enlightenment soon dawns. A squirrel head pops out of the hole with a large walnut clamped in its jaws. Ellen: The snow pile behind my car is high enough that my allwheel drive Subaru can’t handle backing out over it. Grumbling under my breath I dive into my back seat looking for something that will help remove the obstruction on a time scale that won’t also make me late for work. Thanks to the heavy snows of last winter, my old shovel is broken. Why I didn’t heed my Michigan instincts and buy a new one when they were on sale in March, I’m not sure. Now, I toss aside empty plastic bags and windshield scrapers in search of what I need. At the very bottom of the pile I find a flattened box. Not great, but it will work as a scoop. I set to work, struggling with the gradually collapsing cardboard and the increasing sense of lateness.
“Do you need some help?” I pop up with the frenzied energy of a hungry squirrel. There stands one of my neighbors with his snowplow. “Give me 2 minutes and I’ll have you out.” “Thank you!” I thank my lucky stars that I have such kind neighbors with super power tools to help me out of these seasonal
messes. In a minute he has my car clear and I’m on my way to work. Life’s desperate moments can require digging to get out of (sometimes by multiple parties!), but often there is kindness (and walnuts) to be found at the bottom of the mess. Jane & Ellen Knuth
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Wedding & Party Planning Top Trends for 2016
Everyone who’s planning a wedding or an event wants it to be unique and something guests will remember for years to come. I’ve scoured the Internet for the most exciting new ideas for your special celebration. Choosing the color palette is typically decided early on and provides direction for your event. Darker deep jewel tones are in for every season and for indoor and outdoor events alike. Metallic is also in and can be used for fancy or casual affairs. Glitzy gold works well for a black tie affair, while copper works well for more casual rustic affairs. You can use metallic on the invitations, reception décor and even on the food and drinks. Shiny icings on desserts and hued cocktails are very 2016. One metallic that is on its way out this year is silver, but rose metallic has taken its place. Invitations follow this trend as well with foil writing not only on the invitation, but also on the menu, table cards and any other paper items. Opting for Creative seating plans is a great way to update your event. Round tables have been
the norm for many years. However, this year you will see many events moving to square tables, long rectangle tables and a mix of long tables and smaller square and round tables to get away from the conference room look and provide a more intimate atmosphere. Lucite and mirror tables are also in and add a touch of class. Lounge areas complete with comfortable seating are a nice touch for the cocktail hour and after party mingling. What to put on the tables is an interesting switch. The just picked free form centerpieces are in. They often include what’s in-season and local. Mixing big & small blos-
soms in more than one color and including some spikey flowers or fruiting vines for accent is a nice touch. For a rustic look, mismatched flower holders are in and can be picked up at antique stores. You should consult with your florist before you go on the hunt to be sure you pick the appropriate size of containers, etc. Non-floral centerpieces like potted trees, succulents, ferns, lavender sprigs and decorative leaves can become the focal point of the Décor. Flowering plants and blooming branches also work well as centerpieces. To adorn. More and more, events are getting away from the formality of
a traditional sit-down dinner and instead are opting for food stations dinner/cocktail style reception. It’s fun for your guests to have the cocktail hour feel for the entire reception. This encourages guests to move around and mingle. This option generally works best at venues where you hire your own caterer for the event. Caterers are likely to have more experience with this type of dining option. In regards to the music, having a D.J. and a live entertainer or two is topping the list for 2016. You could add singers, percussionists, pianists, and even trumpet players to enhance the experience. Guests enjoy seeing and hearing something different, and are sure to want to hit the dance floor. For more of the latest trends and unique ways to personalize your special event, just do a Google search and you will find more ideas than you could ever possibly use. Best of luck planning your magical event!
Jackie Merriam
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Wedding & Party Planning Vintage Wedding Inspirations
With the biggest bridal shows in the industry, taking place in January, for the blushing brides to be let’s take a look at a vintageinspired wedding. From the wedding gown to lawn ornaments, centerpieces, and bridesmaids’ dresses, it seems that brides have fallen in love with vintage.
3. THE DÉCOR – Popular vintage items that can be used to help decorate your space include birdcages, Mason jars, doilies, strands of Christmas lights, filament light bulbs or paper lanterns. These are all excellent items for decor. Some couples select vintage tea cups or place settings, old wornaway doors or decorated hanging salvaged windows. Always think outside the box and I’d suggest looking at old wedding photos or Pinterest for some real vintageinspiration.
What do you need to pull off a vintage wedding? It’s all in the details. Here are three ideas to help pull off a truly unique and one-ofa-kind vintage inspired wedding: 1. THE CLOTHING – Brides may enjoy selecting a new wedding gown from several designers who now offer a “vintage-inspired” line of bridal gowns. Designers such as Vera Wang and Alfred Angelo cater to the vintage wedding craze by offering up an entire line of gowns that are inspired from designs throughout the eras. The groom and his men may choose to don suspenders and straw hats paired with khaki trousers and the bridal party can easily show up in multiple colors of dresses that appear to foxtrot right
may save a bundle of money by eliminating the cost of locating authentic vintage items that can be high-priced.
out of the 1950’s dances. If planning a wedding with a theme in mind, such as The Great Gatsby, the bride and groom may choose to request that their guests come dressed in 1930’s styles to add to their special day. 2. THE VENUE – The selected venue for a vintage-inspired wedding shouldn’t be cookie-cutter.
It shouldn’t be like every other wedding venue, rather a big empty meadow, farm, barn, small chapel or outside park would be ideal for the big day. Some other venues to consider when planning your soiree may be renting out a big Victorian house with a fenced-in backyard, an old castle or a Bed and Breakfast. By selecting a space that already has antique décor you
By utilizing these few tips, you will be sure to create a vintageinspired affair to remember. Mrs. Janice Glasser is 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. Photography By Amelia’s by Design
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Relaxation 5 Foods for Stress Relief Spend more time with family? Binge-watch that new T.V. show everyone’s talking about? Spend less, save more? Each New Year’s resolution has its merits, but none is more beneficial for your health and wellbeing that staying fit and healthy. Losing weight and eating right are always among the top five New Year’s resolutions Americans strive for. So why is it that only about 8% actually achieves their goal at the end of the year? Twentyfive percent, according to the Washington Post, don’t even complete the first seven days! Most researchers agree that being specific (saying you’re “going to attend a weekly spin class” instead of stating you’re “going to start going to the gym regularly”) and making smaller, attainable goals throughout the year (like “no potato chips and ice cream for two months” vs. “no junk food ever again”) is the key to success. Dropping weight and eating healthy have a myriad of health benefits, including fighting stress but they will only work if you stick with them. Eating the right
foods can help you maintain your blood sugar, cut levels of adrenalin and cortisol (hormones directly related to stress), and boost levels of serotonin (a calming brain chemical). Here are a few to get you started:
Oranges: The natural sugar in oranges, and all fruit, is a quick and healthy pick-up if your blood sugar has dropped too low. The Vitamin C in oranges is also proven to lower cortisol and blood pressure.
Complex Carbs: Carbs prompt your brain to make more serotonin. Complex carbs- like whole grain breads, sweet potatoes, and old-fashioned oatmeal- take longer for your body to digest, giving you a steady supply of the feel-good hormone.
Leafy Greens: The darker the better. Magnesium in these vegetables helps to combat headaches and fatigue- leaving no excuse to avoid the gym.
Fatty Fish: Salmon and Tuna are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. The Omega-3s can prevent surges in stress hormones and help prevent depression and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Three times per week should give you the most benefits. Raw Veggies: Crunchy raw vegetables can help ease stress in a purely mechanical way. Munching celery or carrot sticks helps release a clenched jaw, and that can keep tension at bay. There is a personal training slogan that states: 80% nutrition, 10% training, and 10% genetics. The emphasis is placed on eating the correct foods. How you fuel your body allows you to reduce the stress in your life and gives you more energy to exercise and achieve your goals. Now make specific, attainable New Year’s resolutions and be part of the 8% who accomplish them! Good Luck! Rebecca Byron; LMT, CAOBT Owner of Water’s Edge Day Spa
Fun Facts about January
History
-January was named after the Roman god Janus. Janus is also the Roman word for door. The god Janus had two faces which allowed him to look forwards into the coming year and backwards into the past year. -The original Roman calendar only had 10 months. January and February were not included, but were added later.
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-On average, it is the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. -It is the second month of winter. -In the Southern Hemisphere January is a summer month the equivalent of July. -Sometimes the Saxons called January the wolf month because hungry wolves would come into their towns searching for food this time of year. -For a long period of European history, the start of the New Year occurred in March.
Symbols of January Birthstone: Garnet - Flower: Carnation Zodiac signs: Capricorn and Aquarius
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Mindful Parenting
AFter The Holidays
Have you ever noticed that after a big event, reaching a life goal, or celebrating a wedding or graduation you have felt down, listless, even sad? Articles in recent bridal magazines have highlighted “wedding blues” in the aftermath of all the wedding preparations and the wedding event. Colleges warn students to prepare for after graduation, to rebuild new long-term personal and professional goals to replace those that have now come to fruition. Without attention to what-about-after, people often become depressed. The holidays can be like that, too. It seems like each year the holiday season starts a little earlier: the radio plays carols in October, stores put up decorations, television commercials sell toys – long before Thanksgiving. And the first of December start the programs at school, holiday concerts, gatherings with extended family members, holiday plays, and the anticipation builds. After the holiday parties and festivities, there are the school vacations continuing, and then the New Year! It is the most celebrated time of the whole year.
So what happens to our little ones when the party is over?
Young children lack the ability to understand time, days, or dates or for that matter, when it is the holiday unless the grownups tell them. But they do internalize the emotions of anticipation, the excitement, the parties, family gatherings, and special food. As adults, we are often relieved when the holidays are over, celebrating a little peace and quiet and return to ‘normal’ life routines. But often children go through a period of really feeling a sense of loss and sadness after the activities are over. An adult perspective would be, “You just had all these presents and got everything you could ask for, and you are sad and bored?” It is probably not a lack of gratitude
that one is experiencing from their children, but rather depression adjusting to the end of the season. It is not disappointment with how the holiday turned out, but rather the absence of the anticipation of special plans and all the emotions that go with them. As aware parents some things can be put in place to help your children understand and perhaps better tolerate the ups and downs of the holiday experience, after the holidays are over. 1. Take stock of how much change in routine your children have been experiencing since Thanksgiving. Spend time in the early days of
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January rebuilding those previous routines slowing and consistently, rather than all at once. 2. Add some special activities into January, plans to visit family members again, have a special dinner, a game night/pizza party with friends, something that the children can anticipate. 3. Talk together, color together, play together sharing your feelings and emotions about the holidays and how they changed throughout the season. Identify your responses to certain activities (like, “I was so excited to see Uncle Joe again and I was sad when he went
home.”) and help them to share theirs. 4. Write a letter to yourself about what was a positive experience this holiday, what was overwhelming for your children, and what helped them to adjust back to ‘regular’ life. Put that letter in with your holiday decorations to read next year.
With a little mindful review and attention to what is really bothering your child, the January blues can be changed into a brighter frame of mind and more positive behavior. Dr. Susan Carter, Ph.D. LP RPT-S is the clinical director of Center for Change and Growth, PLC, a play therapy center offering psychological, counseling, and occupational therapy services for children and families in the Kalamazoo Area for over 20 years. Dr. Carter is a member of Professional Consultants and Clinicians of Kalamazoo.
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Spice of Life Is it possible for this nicely spiced, rich and creamy soup to make us feel better? It can if it’s infused with turmeric, a super spice loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that does our body good! With many of us starting off the year by cutting so many things out, I thought it best to begin 2016 by adding items that have the power to make us look, feel and be as healthy as we can be, like Turmeric. Well known for its flavor and color, turmeric is a traditional culinary spice of India. However, turmeric also possesses curcumin, which spins this spice into a super-powerful antioxidant and extraordinary anti-inflammatory,
too! In fact, I found that the advantages turmeric and curcumin are simply too numerous to mention here. However, I can tell you that in an overview published in Advanced Experimental Medical Biology it was stated that, “Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anticancer activities and thus has a potential against various malignant diseases, diabetes, allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic illnesses.” Here now are a few ways to add this terrific spice to your life – Enjoy! Laura Kurella
Nicely Spiced Creamy Potato-Carrot Soup
Golden-spiced Rice 2 tablespoons butter, divided use 1 small onion, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 cup Jasmine rice 1 tablespoon turmeric 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme pepper to taste In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, combine 1 tablespoon butter and onion and cook over medium
high heat, until onions are about to caramelize – about 6 minutes. Add garlic and rice; then stir mixture constantly for two minutes. Add turmeric, broth, bay leaf, thyme and pepper then bring to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, remove bay leaf, stir in remaining butter and serve.
2 tablespoons olive oil 4 whole carrots, peeled, cubed 2 medium potatoes, peeled, cubed 1 medium onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, chopped 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred 1 teaspoon turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/3 cup sour cream
In a large, heavy bottomed skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add prepped carrots, potatoes and onions and then stir occasionally over heat for 7 to 10 minutes or until onions begin to caramelize. Add Approximate servings per garlic and stir for one minute then recipe: 4. Nutrition per serving: Calories 255; Fat 7g; Sodium 335 add broth. Bring to a simmer, mg. Carbohydrate 40g; Fiber 3g; cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until vegetables are Sugars 1g; Protein 6g. NOTE: Feel free to omit or add ingredients as desired. However, do be sure to keep pepper in, as turmeric is difficult to absorb without it.
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tender - approximately 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add one ice cube to it to help it cool. Pour soup into a blender then puree until smooth. Return to pan, add turmeric, cumin, pepper and sour cream. NOTE: Feel free to omit or add ingredients as desired. However, do be sure to keep pepper in, as turmeric is difficult to absorb without it. Approximate servings per recipe: 4. Nutrition per serving: Calories 245; Fat 12g; Sodium 432 mg; Potassium 876 mg; Carbohydrate 27g; Fiber 5g. Sugars 6g; Protein 7g.
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January 2016
health
50 Shades of Grey (And a hint for New Year’s Resolutions) grey hair will cause two to grow in. It may only seem that way.
Now there’s a headline that sure to capture some attention, only this time it’s referring to hair. That’s right, grey hair. Have you ever thought of what makes hair turn grey or asked questions like “can stress play a role in going grey or what actually makes hair turn grey”? I’ll try to answer some of these questions and perhaps a few more. According to the Wellness Letter from the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley, a 19th century French dermatologist blamed grey hair on all sorts of things including fits of rage, unwelcome news, habitual headaches, overactive libido, and anxiety. Modern medicine now has a better understanding of what makes our hair grey, although I’ve heard of cases of many hairs turning grey when one notices the first one. (I guess that would qualify as unwelcome news.) What makes hair grey? It’s really not a matter of hair turning grey, but as one ages and new hair grows in, it comes with less melanin or pigment, resulting in a range of colors from grey to silver to white. White hair has no melanin but looks grey against a backdrop of darker hair. By the way, it’s a myth that plucking one
GOOD NEWS
Does everyone go grey the same way? No. Greying varies by gender and race. In a 2012 study of people all over the world, 74% of people between the ages of 45 to 65 had grey hair with more men affected than women. People of Asian and African descent had less grey hair at any given age than Caucasians. As you may have noticed beard hair often goes grey sooner than head hair while body hair sometimes stays dark till old age. Does stress play a role in greying? Even though greying has a genetic basis, it’s possible that stress can hasten its arrival. One hypothesis is that stress hormones lead to free-radical production, which in turn affects the bleaching of melanin. (By the way, why are these radicals free? For the damage they do, shouldn’t they pay some kind of fine?) There are anecdotal and historical reports of dramatic changes in the color of hair during stressful situations. For example, Marie Antoinette was said to have turned completely white the night before her beheading. A more plausible explanation is that stress brings on hair loss that specifically targets pigmented hair, thereby leaving only the white hair already present, but that’s not as interesting a story. Can smoking cause grey hair?
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Smoking has consistently been linked to premature greying. The mechanism is similar to the one proposed for stress, in that smoking may cause the production of free- radicals and may damage the cells that produce melanin. Can grey hair be brought on by illness or be a marker for illness? Maybe. Conditions like chronic protein deficiency, severe iron or copper deficiency, and obesity may increase the risk of premature greying. Some observational studies have linked premature grey hair to increased risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis but there has been no conclusive evidence. Can any dietary supplement banish grey hair? Don’t count on it. Despite supplement manufacturers filling the market place with ads, there is no evidence that any supplement, including those containing the enzyme catalase, can affect the hair follicle. The same goes for human growth hormone, yoga, removing mercury fillings from your teeth, or drinking carrot juice.
of the hottest fashion trends this past year, being worn by younger and older celebrities. And don’t forget that there are plenty out there that wish they had hair to go grey! Maybe for 2016 we’ll find ourselves welcoming grey hair. And that, of course, leads me to the topic of New Year’s resolutions. (How’s that for a non-sequitur!) Nevertheless, this is the time of year that more resolutions are made than any other time. And I have some scientific evidence (seriously) to help those of you who make them to keep them. Ready? Don’t tell anyone. That’s right; stop telling people what your resolution is. The pressure to tell people what you’re planning on doing is strong, but resist it. It’s not that they will sabotage you, you will. Talking about the person you want to be gives you a premature sense of accomplishment, which hampers your desire to work hard. So, to coin a phrase, “Just Do it!” Ken Dettloff ACE CPT Wellness Coach YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, Maple Branch
So what’s a person to do? Some scientists have stimulated hair follicle cells to produce pigment again and are hopeful that there eventually will be a “cure” for greying hair. In the meantime there’s always the hair salon. But what’s wrong with going natural? “Granny hair” has been one
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January 2016
EAT
GOOD NEWS
U.P. North Pasty
Authentic Upper Peninsula Finnish Pasties are available right here in Southwest Michigan. U.P. North Sandwich & Pasty Company (U.P. North) handmakes these delicious and hearty self-contained meals each and every day. Mike Kowalski moved from Marquette in the Upper Peninsula to this area in 2009 for his wife Jessica’s military assignment at the Fort Custer Training Center. He and his brother Ben brought their great grandmother’s pasty recipe with them, and opened the original U.P. North Sandwich & Pasty Company in Allegan. The Kowalski brothers grew up eating pasties and began making them to sell in gas stations and liquor stores while living in Marquette – “Pasties are sold everywhere in the Upper Peninsula, much like pizza is here in the Lower Peninsula,” says Mike. The Pasty was the mainstay of the copper miner’s lunch diet in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They were popular with the miners because they were easy to transport, filling, affordable and would stay warm for hours. There is much speculation as to the exact origin of the pasty, as to whether it had its roots in England or Finland. The English pasty was simply crust over sliced potatoes, The Finnish pasty, which we are most accustomed to in Michigan, includes beef, potatoes, onion & rutabaga inside the crust. Some of the earlier Finnish pasty’s even had jelly inside the crust roll, which would be the miner’s
dessert. The U.P. North expanded to Richland in 2012. Mike and his sister Kyu operate the Richland location, while his brother Ben continues to manage in Allegan. They offer three kinds of pasties beef (the original), chicken and a breakfast pasty filled with sausage, egg, cheese and potatoes. You can purchase them ready to eat, or buy them frozen and bake yourself. Frozen pasties are sold for only $4.99 each, or $44.99 for a dozen. Homemade gravy for dipping is
also available for purchase. I’ve had their original beef pasty and was very impressed with the size, quality ingredients and the flavor. The menu at U.P. North also includes many sandwiches, soups, chili and salads, which are just as popular as the pasty’s. You can also find Trenary Toast, a cinnamon and sugar treat from Trenary - great for dunking in coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Desserts at U.P. North are delicious too – choose from an assortment of cheesecakes or their homemade cream puff, which is
filled with a delicious mixture of buttercream and Bavarian custardthis I highly recommend! Another Upper Peninsula favorite you will find at U.P. North Pasty is Sayklly’s Candy, who has been making delicious fudge, chocolates, peanut brittle and salt water toffee since 1906. For Easter, stop in for the delicious Sayklly’s fudge eggs for holiday giving. U.P. North is available for catering any event. You could also hold your event inside the Richland location that seats 65 people. Stop in to Dine-in or Take-out a delicious meal. The Allegan location is at 1256 Lincoln Road and is open Monday – Saturday 10am – 8pm, the phone is 3551344. The Richland location is at 8140 N. 32nd Street is open Monday – Saturday 10am - 8pm and Sunday 11am-3pm, the phone is 629-9902. Delivery from either location is also available. Jackie Merriam
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January 2016
crybaby concerts
Fontana Chamber Arts is proud to continue the Crybaby Concert Series into the 2015-2016 season!
snacks are also provided after each performance, and coffee for adults too!
Crybaby Concerts are FREE 45-minute mini-concerts that give children under the age of five and their parents, grandparents and siblings a performance of beautiful music in an open and flexible environment – even if your little ones feel like crying!
We attended the October Crybaby Concert held at the Kalamazoo Public Library with my grandsons, ages 2 ½ and 3 ½. They enjoyed running around and dancing with other equally enthusiastic children. We all enjoyed the music of the Park Street Saxophone Quartet, while allowing the kids to be kids.
There is room to move around and plenty of space for stroller parking. Nutritious, kid-friendly
Since life with little ones can be
unpre-
dictable, there are no reservations necessary. Performances take place throughout the year. Mark you calendar for these upcoming Crybaby Concert Performances and locations: Saturday, February 13, 2016 – 11:00 am, Bronson HospitalGilmore Center for Health Education Saturday, March 12, 2016 – 11:00 am, Kalamazoo Public Library – Oshtemo Branch Saturday, April 9, 2016 – 11:00 am, Bronson HospitalGilmore Center for Health Education
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The following sponsors have made this unique family concert
GOOD NEWS
series possible in our
community: Bronson Children’s Hospital, Pfizer, Kalamazoo Public Library, Portage District Library, Kzoo Kids, The John E. Fetzer Institute Fund of The Kalamazoo Community Foundation, The Burdick-Thorne Foundation, The H.P. and Genevieve Connable Fund and Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation. Please check the Fontana website, sign up for their mailing list or find them on Facebook for the latest information! The Fontana office is located inside The Epic Center at 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 200 in Downtown Kalamazoo. For any questions please feel free to call them at 382-7774.
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January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Preserve Our Water Sources
With an exponentially growing world population, we need to preserve our water sources. A group of researchers have created an atlas for the groundwater reserves (aquifers) around the world. This map will help us keep track of our groundwater supplies: how much water there is, how fast we are using it, and where they are located. Through their study, researchers have found that the
Earth’s upper crust contains 5.42 million square miles of groundwater (4,600 Lake Michigan’s worth of water). Unfortunately, only about 6% is available for us to use, and
we’re using it faster than it can be replenished. Aquifers are underground rock formations that contain water. This water is brought to the surface or made accessible by
long geologic processes that bring the rock to the surface. These aquifers are replenished by water percolating through the rock into the aquifer. All of these processes take a long time, and we are using the water from these aquifers faster than they can replenish themselves. Since only 6% of these aquifers are accessible, we need to conserve our groundwater for future generations.
To conserve water, you can do simple things in your own home. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth or scrub your hands. Always wash a full load of laundry and a full load of dishes so you aren’t using excess water. There are many ways that you can help conserve water! Judy Smith High School Student Galesburg-Augusta/KAMSC
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19
January 2016
GOOD NEWS
Martin Luther King Jr - Day of service MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
off. Participants will join thousands of volunteers across the country as we celebrate the life and work of the slain leader by participating in various outreach activities throughout the county. Volunteers are the backbone of the Community-Wide Day of Service.
In recognition of Dr. King’s incredible legacy of service to all, Congress designated the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday as a national day of service in 1994 and charged the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort. Taking place each year on the third Monday in January, the MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiLast year 250 local volunteers day observed as a national day of came together and completed 18 service. If you’re given the day off projects for 15 different non-profit work at your place of employment, you may want to consider giving back in the community by volunteering at one of the many nonprofits participating in Martin Luther King Day of Service. The City of Kalamazoo, Volunteer Kalamazoo and the Western Michigan University Office of Diversity & Inclusion alongside Kalamazoo College and Northside Ministerial Alliance are sponsoring this year’s community-wide day of service in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social service organizations around Kalamazoo County provide opportunities for community volunteers to take a day-on rather than a day-
sites across Kalamazoo. In total, 600 hours were served. Projects ranged from cleaning and cooking at the Hospitality House to doing some demolition work for the Department of Human Services, where volunteers cleaned and demolished “The Corner Bar” for a new youth center. Their efforts helped the process of creating a safe and fun space for at-risk youth to attend enrichment programming. Proj-
ects are available each year for volunteers of all ages and abilities. Join Volunteer Kalamazoo and the City of Kalamazoo in this annual day of service, January 18, 2016. 8 am - Event Kick-off at City Hall, 241 W. South St., continental breakfast Served. 9 am - Service begins at the various sites in Kalamazoo. Noon - Lunch Served to volunteers at the sites. 3:30 pm - March to MLK Park meet at the flagpole at Kanley Chapel, WMU; to Kalamazoo College Red Square (corner of Thompson and Academy Street) at 4 p.m.; to MLK Park (corner of Rose Street and West Michigan Avenue) at 4:30pm 5-6pm – Radisson Hotel for light refreshments and slideshow of the days’ events brought to you in part by Bronson Hospital. Individuals and groups interested in being a part of this year’s Day of Service event, please contact Volunteer Kalamazoo at (269) 382-8350. For non-profits interested in becoming a project site, sign up at volunteerkalamazoo.org.
FREE JANUARY EVENTS 20
January 2016
Through January 10 Child in a Strange Country: Helen Keller and the History of Education for People Who are Blind Or Visually Impaired Exhibit Kalamazoo Valley Museum 373-7990 Through January 17 In The Dark Discover how plants and animals have adapted to dark environments. Kalamazoo Valley Museum 1 – 4pm 373-7990 Jan. 1,2,8,9,15,21,22,29 Main & Drake Kalamazoo Makers Market In the Westwood Plaza Hours: Fri. 4-8pm, Sat. 10-6pm Sat.-10-1-Live Music & Bruch Available by Crepes by the Lakes Facebook: mainanddrake January 2,9,16,23,30 Bank Street Winter Market 1157 Bank St., Kalamazoo 8am – 1pm 720-7846 January 2, 9,16,23,30 Music: BenJammin’ and Analisa Educational entertainers & Kids breakfast Old Dog Tavern 10 – 11am 381-5677 January 2 First Saturday Stories, activities, guests & prizes Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch 2-3:30pm 342-9837 January 2,9,16,23,30 Music: The Duffield/Carron Project Soulful piano and sultry songstress Old Dog Tavern 5-8pm 381-5677 January 2 Music: Tom McCoy Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-9:30pm 226-0300 January 3 Paint the Ice Returns Paint the ice with KIA staff Be part of the coolest work of art Wings Event Center Noon – 4pm 349-7775 January 3,10,17,24,31 Bell’s Eccentric Café Sunday Team Trivia Doors open at 5pm Trivia 6-8pm 382-2332 January 3,10,17,24,31 Blues Jams Old Dog Tavern 6-9pm 381-5677
January 5,6,12,13,16,18,19,25,26 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market Kalamazoo County Expo Center 8am-2pm 383-8761 January 5 & 12 ARTBreak: Film: Tim’s Vermeer, Parts 1&2 Kalamazoo Institute of Art Noon 349-7775 January 5 Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House Demonstrations & discussions Hillside Center, Portage (upper level) 5-6:30pm 323-1974 January 6 Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House Demonstrations & discussions Hillside Center, Portage (upper level) 1-2:30pm & 6:30-8pm 323-1974 January 6 Music: Whisky Before Breakfast O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666 January 7,14,21,28 Open Mic Jam Night Koffee Klutch in Galesburg 6:30pm 370-8144
GOOD NEWS
January 9 Music: The Hershey Band Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-9:30pm 226-0300
January 20 Music: Out of Favor Boys O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666
January 13 Music: Carrie McFerrin O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666
January 21 Music: Megan Dooley O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666
January 14, 28 Crafty Needles - Knitting Night Boatyard Brewing Co. 4-9pm 226-0300
January 22 Music: Joe Wang & The Test Pilots Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-10pm 226-0300
January 14 Music: Tom Duffield O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666
January 23 – April 9 Kalamazoo Gals A story of women & Gibson’s banner guitars of WWII Kalamazoo Valley Museum 373-7990
January 15 Teen Night: Check out the galleries Make art & enjoy pizza & pop Kalamazoo Institute of Art 6-8pm 349-7775 January 15 Music: Joe Wang & The Test Pilots Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-10pm 226-0300
January 7,14,21,28 Singer/Songwriter Night Boatyard Brewing Co. Sign up at 6pm Performances 7-11pm
January 16 Snowshoe Nature Hike West Lake Nature Preserve Snowshoe demos available (limited quantity) 2pm 329-4522
January 8 Art Hop Downtown Kalamazoo & In Park Trades Center 5-8pm 342-5059
January 16 Southwest MI Family Wellness Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center 10am – 3pm jeff@gingerbearevents.com
January 8 Fretboard Festival Play-in Contest Sign up now for a chance to play at the 2016 Fretboard Festival Kalamazoo Valley Museum 6 – 8pm 373-7990
January 16 Music: The Benedict Dolly Rockers Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-9:30pm 226-0300
January 9 Taoist Tai Chi Society Open House Demonstrations & discussions Hillside Center, Portage (upper level) 9-10:30am 323-1974 January 9 Art Detectives: Art uses everyday things in creative ways Children 4-8 & their adult Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 11am – 12pm 349-7775 January 9 The Great Freeze! Snow & cold weather crafts & more for all ages Kalamazoo Valley Museum 1 – 4pm 373-7990
January 19 ARTBreak: Golf & Graves Learn about Pre-Columbian gold Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Noon 349-7775 January 20 KIA Library: Book Discussion: The Sculptor, graphic novel Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 2pm 349-7775 January 20 Kalamadoodle: Kal. Beer Week Comes to KIA Enjoy craft beer & doodling Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 6-8pm 349-7775
January 23 Festival of Health: Discover how You can be a healthier you! Kalamazoo Valley Museum 12 – 4pm 373-7990 January 23 Music: Tom McCoy Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-9:30pm 226-0300 January 25 Multimedia Works WMU Dalton Recital Hall 7:30pm 387-4667 January 26 ARTBreak Making art Accessible to the blind Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Noon 349-7775 January 27 Music: Joe Wang and The Test Pilots O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666 January 28 Music: Bog Road O’Duffy’s Pub 8-10pm 344-5666 January 29 Music: Steve Pesch Boatyard Brewing Co. 7-9:30pm 226-0300 January 30 Winter Snow Party Enjoy many winter activities Oakland Drive Park Noon – 3:30pm 329-4522 January 31 Faculty Recital: Lori Sims, Piano Dalton Receital Center Recital Hall 3pm 387-4667