JULY 2014
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July 2014 Serving the Greater portage and kalamazoo areas
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GOOD NEWS
Big Banana Car
I originally spotted the Big Banana Car at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in downtown Kalamazoo. Just recently I’ve caught glimpses of the car driving about town, and was so intrigued that I decided to turn around and follow the car to take a picture. I got caught at a light and sadly lost track of it. I had given up trying to find the Big Banana Car and went on with my day, only to turn a corner and see it parked outside of a warehouse. I took a few pictures and went inside to find out more about the Big Banana Car. I was delighted to meet Steve Braithwaite, the fabricator of the
car and the idea man behind the Big Banana Car, and Tom Brown, the Banana Car promoter. They referred to themselves as the Ridiculous Brothers, which I quickly decided was very fitting. Steve decided to make the Big Banana Car originally because he said “There isn’t enough whimsy in the world.” He wanted to give people something to smile about while going about their busy days. This he has evidently accomplished. The short time that I was with them taking pictures with Steve and Tom outside with the car, several vehicles honked and waved, a little old lady even pulled
her car over to the side of the road to take it all in, with a wide grin on her face. The frame of the car is actually a recycled old pickup truck that has been converted into the 4-seater, open air, Big Banana Car that is 100% street legal. Steve’s plan is to drive the car around the world with his brother, Spade and then produce a documentary about building the Big Banana Car and the it’s journey around the world. He says the trip should take at least 3-4 months, but will most likely take about 6-7 months.
place in Houston Art Car Parade three years ago. The car travels far and wide for parades and events. If you are interested in finding out more about the car go to Big BananaCar.com. If you would like to rent the Big Banana Car for an upcoming event, contact Tom Brown at (269) 806-7063, tom@bigbananacar.com. Look for Steve’s next whimsical creation, a submarine sandwich car, which he hopes to debut this August! By Jackie Merriam
The Big Banana Car took first
inside- july 2014
Big Banana Car…………………………………..... ..2 Gardening – Plant With Your Child…………..........3 Gilmore Car Museum Cruise-Ins……………...........4 Pets – Treats For Your Furry Friends………...............5 Golf Tips- Putting is 50% of the Game……..............6 Remember When........................................................ 6 July Book Reviews......................................................7 The Evolution of the Sundress....................................8 A Mother & Daughter Adventure Series.................... 9 Creative Local Gardens.......................................10-11 Restaurant Feature – Julianna’s.................................12 Mindful Parenting....................................................13 4 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress..................................14 Health – Let’s Get Ready to be Active.....................15 St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store................................16 Day Trip: Pasture Dairy Center................................17 Quilts for Charity.....................................................18 Celebrate July............................................................18 Calendar of FREE Events........................................19
Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Good News Paper accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates the support of its advertisers. This publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.
To advertise in an upcoming issue, please contact Jackie Merriam 269 217-0977 goodnews.jackie@gmail.com
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GOOD NEWS
Gardening When I was growing up, we didn’t waste. We didn’t waste food, we didn’t waste water, paper, gas, heat, electricity or even baby food jars that my grandfather used to keep all the nuts & bolts organized in. My grandmother even washed out her sandwich bags and saved all her twist ties & bread wrappers – she saved every penny possible. Little did we know, how much she saved up until she passed away and we found out that she had a small jackpot saved up to pay for grandpa’s health care after she went on to heaven. We are a throw away society. Go to any gas station or drive through and see how many pennies & nickels are on the ground – people just drive over and don’t bother picking them up. I even see people throw away pop cans all the
plant with your child
time in the garbage. Why? Think of the pounds every day we throw away as a consumer. Where does it go? Oh, I know, into the landfill, but when will it break down? So, sustainability is on my mind because of my boys and all the other kids in the world. What will we be leaving them? I’ve planted trees for each of my kids, Zach and Caleb, over the years so they could say “that’s my tree” when they get older and can appreciate the benefits that a tree gives. Over the lifetime of the tree, we will benefit from its oxygen output, the intake of carbon dioxide, the cooling for energy savings in the summer, and the wind protection and screening in the winter. But we can do even more to help the next generation appreciate plants. Get your kids
involved in some of your outdoor projects instead of watching TV or playing video games all day. Let them pick out some of the seeds for the vegetable garden. Plant a tree with them. Let them choose plants for part of a perennial garden with the colors they like. All these projects could be fun and rewarding with the kids. Start now by building some qual-
ity time and getting them involved in the world’s best hobby, gardening or other outdoor activities. Andrew Wedel, Wedel’s General Manager
Welcome to the Good News Paper
While having coffee with a friend of mine, who is always an inspiration to me, the topic came up about maintaining a positive attitude throughout each and every day. We both agreed how important it is for ourselves and to those we come in contact with. This conversation triggered my friend to mention a gentleman that she comes in contact with on a regular basis. His greeting to others isn’t the usual “How are you doing?” but instead he asks “What’s the good word?” My friend eagerly awaits the next encounter with this gentleman, and is prepared to share with him what the good word is for her on any given day. This simple greeting, “What’s the good word,” has made her think about gratitude and the many things she has to be thankful for each day. What’s the good word for you today? The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate. -Oprah Winfrey-
Jackie Merriam, Publisher
Like us on Facebook and view our website at www.goodnews-paper.com
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GOOD NEWS
gilmore car museum: Cruise-Ins Whether you’re a car buff, or just enjoy spending an evening outdoors, bring your family out to enjoy the Cruise-Ins at the Gilmore Car Museum. The CruiseIns take place every Wednesday evening from 5-8pm through September (weather permitting.) Grounds Are FREE ALL Vehicles are Welcome!
Show off your “Pride and Joy” vehicle, see over 100 restored vehicles and talk to their owners, hang out and enjoy oldies music or snap a photo in front of their 1930’s gas station and 1940’s diner. Come hungry and treat yourself to diner faire in the 1941’ restored historic roadside diner, George & Sally’s Blue Moon Diner. The décor and even the waitress uni-
forms replicate the 1940’s era. Be sure to save room for dessert, have a piece of homemade pie or enjoy some frozen custard under the shade of a nearby tree. The Gilmore Care Museum is located at the corner of 33rd
Street and Hickory Corners Road in Hickory Corners. For more information call 671-5089, or visit their website GilmoreCarMuseum.org.
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GOOD NEWS
pets Treats for your furry friends Pets adore treats. Some will do almost anything for a tasty morsel and learn new tricks or remember long ago training. We had a dog that passed doggy school, but failed police canine training (she was too nice). When she arrived at our home, she didn’t recall one single thing from all this training until a treat was offered. Then, she would sit, stay, and even roll over. There are many treats available in stores, but here are a couple simple recipes that you can make at home to provide a healthy option for your furry Friend to enjoy this summer.
Ingredient: Low Sodium Chicken Stock Directions: 1. Make the stock and let it cool 2. Pour liquid into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight 3. Take a cube from the freezer as needed 4. Optional: add some meat or a liver treat to each cube before Freezing
Dog: Frozen Chicken Cubes
Directions:
Cat Pancake Ingredients: 4 ounces ground sirloin 3 tablespoons oatmeal 1 egg 1-tablespoon catnip
1. Kneed the ingredients and form into a round ball 2. Place on a cookie sheet and flatten, but not too skinny 3. Broil under 425 degrees for 8 minutes (4 minutes on each side) 4. Let cool for 30 minutes 5. Cut into bite sized pieces for your cat 6. Optional: pair this treat with catnip tea There are many books available for making treats and cuisine your canine or feline will enjoy. If you enjoy cooking, this might be a way to pamper your pet even more. They can help in the kitchen by sampling the fare so you know which of their favorites to keep on
hand. By Kim Bourner,
KAR Friends June 2013 article reprinted with permission from Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
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GOOD NEWS
Golf putting is 50% of the Game Tips
The distance you swing the club determines the distance the ball travels. 2 inches back and 2 inches through, the ball will travel 3 feet 3 inches back and 3 inches through, the ball will travel 6 feet 4 inches back and 4 inches through, the ball will travel 9 feet. 5 inches back and 5 inches through, the ball will travel 12 feet, and so on. These distances are based on level ground. Downhill putts subtract a few inches. Uphill putts add a few inches There is no wrist action on a putting stroke
Many amateurs practice more on hitting the ball than on putting the ball. It should be the other way around. The grip for putting is important. Keep the thumbs on the flat part of the grip. There are many put-
ting grips and comfort is important. I encourage my students to have all fingers on the club. Bend over the ball so your eyes are over the ball, this allows your eyes to see the intended line you are trying to putt along.
Rock your shoulders back and through, like a pendulum swings. Keep the tempo slow as you take the club back and try to accelerate as you start your through stroke, two miles per hour back and four miles an hour through.
Remember to relax and don’t grip the club too tight, relaxation is the key with putting. Putt for dough and drive for show Woodie Capron, PGA Golf and Teaching Professional
Remember When
The Iceberg Drive-In was located at 5248 Portage Rd, south of I-94, approximately where the Subway is now located. We do not know exactly who built it, but Ivan and Betty Holden bought it in 1947. After several years, the couple built the Ivanhoe Restaurant in the same area and
later started the Ivanhoe Carpet Shoppe. The Iceberg Drive-In, a local landmark in Portage for many years, burned down in 1967.
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Vintage
GOOD NEWS
The evolution of the sundress
After wondering if the seven months of snow and bitter cold would ever end in Michigan, we dress-lovers are ecstatic that the summer season has arrived and we can reach into our closets for the next few months to sport our favorite type of dress– the sundress. A sundress is a dress that is made of lightweight fabric such as cotton or linen and by definition should never cover the arms, shoulders, or neck of the wearer. Sundresses have been around for a long time in fashion history, but when did they originate? Sundresses became extremely popular due to two unique and accidental fashion designers who put out their own flair on dresses and sat back as they watched the consumers buy them all up, lining their pocketbooks. The first designer who is accredited with the creation of the sundress was born in New York and later married and moved to Palm Beach, Florida. Her name is Carolyn Schnurer. Carolyn fell into fashion quite by accident when she was employed as a teacher and then married a man who ran a bathing suit company. When he hired his wife to do
some design work for a Sportswear Collection during the late 1940s, her fashion-sense made an immediate impression on those in the world of design. She went on to release the first sundress collection in 1950. Schnurer’s designs for sundresses were all inspired by her world traveling that was sponsored by manufacturers such as Peck and Peck. After a trip to India and with much inspiration for something new in dresses,
she released a line of strapless dresses made from cotton tweed fabric and adorned with metallic embroidery. This was the first sundress. After divorcing in the late 1950’s Schnurer went on to become an industry leader in textiles. Although her jog with fashion was a short one, she left quite a legacy behind her. Another accidental designer, Lilly Pulitzer, was coming up for the decade of the 1960s. Lilly Pulitzer often gets credited with being the creator of the sundress, however, this is only a myth. Lilly Pulitzer originally ran a very popular fruit stand, which she put her own flair on by creating aprons and little dresses she would wear covered with fruit prints. How did this myth originate? When Jacklyn Kennedy
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happened across her fruit stand and fell in love with the bright and colorful print dress Lilly was wearing, she ordered one. First Lady Mrs. Kennedy was the one who really thrust Lilly Pulitzer into the limelight when she sported one of her sundresses on a trip to Italy with her family. The media published several photos of her wearing it and the rest as they say, was history. Pulitzer is still a popular sundress designer, known for her outrageously fun fruit prints, high quality fabrics and building dresses that were made to last. Today, sundresses come in a variety of cuts and styles. Enjoy the warm days of summer by wearing a sundress and channel your inner Jackie O. Janice Penny is an expert in Vintage clothing and styling. For 15 years she has partnered with her mother in operating The Clothing Connection Consignment Boutique in Kalamazoo. Photos by Amelia’s By Design
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GOOD NEWS
In Search of Super-Powers NO. 2: A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series
Ellen: Meeting up with my mother is remarkably easier since I moved back to the USA. No more 14+ hour flights and customs hassles, just a two hour car drive and a bit of planning are required. Today we are headed for Zingerman’s Roadhouse in Ann Arbor. Before leaving my apartment near Detroit, I text her; ‘Do you know how to get there?’ In the ensuing five minutes I can see the little dots which tell me she is composing a message. I wait... And answer my phone when it rings.
“This is easier than texting,” she explains. “I think I know how to get there, but if I get lost, I’ll call you. Is your friend still coming?” I confirm that she will be joining us and we say goodbye. My friend and I arrive at the popular restaurant first, put our names in at the front desk, and go outside to wait on a bench near the door. I amuse myself with playing a game on my phone, and my friend checks Facebook on hers. I look up from the screen just in time to see my mom’s Subaru pull into the lot. Leaning forward I prepare to greet her and…wait... Five minutes pass and I pull out my phone. Better not try texting again. “Hey, Ma. Um, where are you?” “At Zingerman’s, in the parking lot—oh--are you here already? I didn’t see your car! I’ll be right there.” As we hang up I wonder: were we always this bad at connecting? Or have the smart phones made it worse?
Jane: When Ellen moved to Japan I learned a lot of new technological stuff. I learned about blogs, and Skype, and passport scanners at airports. Checking in to Facebook became a part of my daily routine. And I found out that I can talk on my phone through the steering wheel of my car. Now that Ellen is back in the country, I think that I shouldn’t have to use all this technology so much, but that isn’t what is happening. Even though my daughter has thrown aside air travel, Skype, and blogs, the primary way I get information from her is through the abbreviated phrases on the little screen of my phone. But I don’t do texting very well, which is why I end up waiting in the parking lot. I walk into Zingerman’s Roadhouse with Ellen and her friend and the waitress seats us. As I look over the menu, I realize that the superpower of this restaurant is bread. Our waitress has an exotic Russian accent which mesmerizes me, and so I ask for her advice on
the menu just to hear her speak. She recommends the pulled pork sandwich, but Ellen’s friend is avoiding gluten. “Thees is not a problem,” she assures us. “Ve have gluten-free bread, also. I vill bring it for you and you vill love it very much.” And we do love it very much. When the meal is finished I ask if I can purchase a loaf of the bread. “Absolutely,” the waitress answers. “Eet is only $18.00 per loaf.” Well, that’s not going to fly. It looks like I will not be eating that delicious gf bread again soon. But maybe… I ask Ellen and her friend, “Do you know if there is an app for that? By Jane and Ellen Knuth Dear Readers: Have you noticed anyone’s superpower? We would be happy to make them “the other person at the table” in a future column. Write to us at: goodnews.jackie@gmail.com.
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GOOD NEWS
creative
36th Annual Eastside Schools Reunion Former students/teachers from Roosevelt, Brucker, Wilson, Burke, Spring Valley, St. Mary’s and Northeastern
Sunday, Sept. 7th, 11:30am Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds, Room A Adults $6, Children $2
Bring a dish to pass, table service and photos/memorabilia to share RSVP to Ailene (Lind) Buchtrup, (269) 599-7702,
Lindytwin1@yahoo.com FB: “Annual Roosevelt Reunion”, facebook.com/ groups/235420766479632
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local gardens
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JULY 2014
GOOD NEWS
EAT Julianna’s whatever maintenance and repairs come up. On my last visit, he was up on the roof repairing the electric running to their business sign.
Julianna’s Restaurant is celebrating their 25th Anniversary, which is no small feat for a local family owned business. The owners, Jim and Sandy Bloomfield attribute their success to their amazing and long-standing employees and their loyal customer following. Many of their customers dine with them on a daily basis. Jim and Sandy are hard working hands-on restaurant owners. You can find Sandy in the kitchen cooking up meals, running out to pick up more bread, eggs… when needed and even mopping the floors. Jim can be found doing
Julianna’s Restaurant is named after Sandy’s mother, Julianna, who taught Sandy how to cook and bake. Julianna was always cooking for her ten children on the family farm. Julianna’s serves many comfort food selections, breakfast casseroles, biscuits and gravy, meatloaf and a customer all time favorite hot roast beef. They also serve many healthy salad options; chef, chopped chicken and buffalo chicken to name a few. The portion sizes are generous and the prices are very reasonable.
Jim and Sandy are also very involved in supporting the community, and are involved with several non-profit groups including the Comstock Learning Center and the Kalamazoo County Fair. Julianna’s is open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch. Hours Mon.-Fri., 5:30am – 2pm, Sat. 6am-2pm and Sun. 7am – 2pm.
They are located at 2105 Lake St. in Kalamazoo, and can be reached by phone at 345-0220. Julianna’s offers take-out and catering services as well. Stop in and see why Julianna’s is celebrating 25 years in business!
Each day, they have cooked from scratch lunch specials, made by Cathy Butler, who has been with them from the beginning. The daily specials are posted each week on juliannasrestaurant.blogspot. com, or you can join their weekly mailing list and have them emailed to you.
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Mindful Parenting Summer is for Slowing Down and Smelling the Flowers and more complex, overwhelming, and they cannot cope. When that happens, little ones just meltdown, and we My friend told me once that her all know where that goes. A little grandmother had a saying in her kitchen, “Children just need time.” preventative foundation goes a With toddlers and small children, long way in terms of building trust, understanding, and consisthey seem to need all of our time tency for them and that is what – taking care of all the details of mindful parenting is all about. life. But I think what grandma was saying is, “They need your Here are some tips about how to time.” Not all the doing of daily be mindful parents this summer existence, arranging of playdates, with our little ones (and bigger going to activities, but that they ones too). need you to go slow, at their pace 1. At least once each day, get once in a while, rather than pulldown on their level and see the ing them at our adult pace. world from their eyes – not just nature, but life itself. You will be That is what Mindful Parenting is all about. It is about seeing the amazed how different It is from world through your toddler’s eyes, your point of view. 2. Notice the everyday wonders – the wonder of a tiny new bug, a bug, a flower, a tree, a pet – and the joy of a new word, of a new sound, of the dark becoming light really notice everything you can about what they are sharing. again; in the moment, just now. 3. Play. Children process their For young children, life is both world and make sense of things simple and complex. When we through their play. When you play don’t pay attention to the simple things, their world becomes more with them their world will open
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up to you like a flower. Don’t organize, criticize, or correct during playtime, just join in the fun. 4. Cuddle. Pay attention to their hands, their feet, their faces, and notice how they change from day to day. 5. Listen. Your little child tells you more with their behavior than their words. Hear what they are telling you by attending to their behaviors as well. 6. Play something they suggest every day. You don’t have to always be the leader, let them lead your playtime together and see what magic unfolds. 7. Lay outside after dark and look at the stars, listen to the crickets, and notice the birds are sleeping. If your child is an early riser, sit outside and listen to the morning birdsong, teach them to notice how different birds communicate with each other. 8. Explain how you are feeling, using emotion words, to teach them to express how they are feeling. “This is such a happy day, I smile I’m so happy,” teaches them what happy is.
The more mindful you are, the more you attend to them in tiny ways in their tiny world, the more they will listen to you when you need them to, and summer in the out of doors is the best time to practice mindful parenting. Dr. Susan Carter is the owner and Clinical Director of Center for Change & Growth, PLC, in Parkview Hills, Kalamazoo. She and her canine assistant, ‘Dr. Watson,’ work with preschool and school-aged children and their parents to solve the overwhelming troubles of everyday life. Center for Change & Growth, PLC is a Play Therapy Center in which we engage the healing power of play to help children and their families. By Dr. Susan M. Carter, PhD LP
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relaxation Been chased by a Saber-Tooth Tiger lately? Probably not, but your body thinks you have been. Every time you see your boss’s name in your inbox late at night, your body reacts by initiating the “fight-or-flight” response and dumps cortisol into your system. Small amounts of this hormone are normal and actually good for you in stressful situations- allowing you to become more focused and help you complete tasks by giving you more energy. Once the task is complete, cortisol levels drop and the body returns to normal. The problem arises when stress has no outlet for the cortisol to be released and it remains in
the body. Scientists have known for years that stress and elevated cortisol levels: interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function, cause sleep problems, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease... The list goes on and on. So what can we do to lower cortisol levels and manage stress? Exercise: It doesn’t even have to be very strenuous or long. Just 20-30 min-
GOOD NEWS
4 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress
utes of walking the dog or riding your bike every day. Even Yoga has been proven to reduce cortisol. Get Social: Make an effort to spend real face-to-face time with friends or family- no Facebook or phone calls here. Recent studies have shown human connectivity helps your body to relax. Laugh More: It’s no joke! Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
Get a Massage: Ahh, the tried and true method to stress management. But there’s scientific backing to this too: physical touch relaxes your nervous system and increases oxytocin levels (promoting feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety and fear, and helping you to feel safe). Take these simple, easy steps and before you know it, you won’t even care if Mr. Saber-Tooth is chasing after you. Rebecca Byron; LMT, CAOBT Owner of Water’s Edge Day Spa
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GOOD NEWS
health Let’s get ready to be active!
Most of us are aware of the benefits of regular physical activity (lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, preventing osteoporosis, promoting brain health and reducing risk of heart disease just to name a few) and think it may be a good idea to take some steps to get in better shape. However,
if you have been inactive, there are some safety precautions we’d like you to consider before jumping in to an exercise routine. The American Counsel of Exercise (ACE) recommends asking yourself the following questions if you are planning to start an exercise program.
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1. Have you been told you have a heart condition and should only participate in physical activity recommended by a doctor? 2. Do you feel pain (or discomfort) in your chest when you do physical activity? When you are not participating in physical activity? While at rest, do you frequently experience fast, irregular heartbeats or very slow beats? 3. Do you ever become dizzy and lose your balance, or lose consciousness? Have you fallen more than twice in the past year (no matter what the reason)? 4. Do you have a bone or joint problem that could worsen as a result of physical activity? Do you have pain in your legs or buttocks when you walk? 5. Do you take blood pressure or heart medications? 6. Do you have any cuts or wounds on your feet that don’t seem to heal? 7. Have you experienced unexplained weight loss in the past six months? 8. Are you aware of any reason
why you should not participate in physical activity? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions you should see a physician before starting an exercise program. If you answered “no” to all of these questions, you passed the first round and can be reasonably sure that you can safely take part in at least a moderate physical activity program. If you want to exercise more vigorously, and you are a man over 40 or a woman over 50, you should check with your physician before getting started. John Howson, M.A., ACE Personal Trainer Fitness Director-Portage Kalamazoo County Family YMCA
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GOOD NEWS
non-profit society of st. vincent de paul thrift store spotlight Since 1964 the little thrift shop has been hiding in a pocket neighborhood in downtown Kalamazoo at 513 Eleanor Street—the best kept secret in town. St. Vincent de Paul is run by ordinary volunteers who offer re-sale clothing and house wares at rock-bottom prices to top-notch customers. What do you have to do to become one of these fabulous customers? Three things: show up between 9 AM and 3 PM Tuesday through Friday, or 9 to 1:00 on Saturday; bring a load of hard-learned wisdom to share; and leave with a heart full of love. The volunteers have been taught to look for the face of Christ in every person who walks through the door. So be ready to be greeted by, “What can we do for you today?” or “Good morning! Thank you for shopping here.” But the true gemstones are the other customers in the shop. Keep your heart open as you mingle with the finest people in town. Here’s an example: An older gentleman was seeking assistance to keep his electricity turned on. The store is run by volunteers so that the profits can be given away to people in the neighborhood who
are in financial distress, like this man. After he told his story and a promise was made to help with his bill, he let out a big sigh. “I appreciate this,” he said. “Myself, I like to take care of the children and the older folks, but I don’t have nothin’ to do with the ablebodies—they’re hard to deal with. That’s why I’m grateful to you all for helping me out even though I mostly can take care of my own business.” He grinned, shook hands, and said, “God blesses you, and so do I—and there ain’t nothing you can do about that.” If you are looking for bargain prices, go to any thrift store in
town. If you are looking for joy By Jane F. Knuth and wisdom, bother to seek out St. Vincent de Paul. You won’t regret it.
EXPRESS BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER
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Day Trip
I recently attended an open house event with my daughter and grandsons at the MSU W.K, Kellogg Biological Station Pasture Dairy Center. It was a great way to expose my grandsons to the technologically advanced dairy farms of the 21st century. The complimentary homemade ice cream and the tractor pulled wagon tour were an added bonus for my grandsons! Who am I kidding; my daughter and I enjoyed these just as much as they did, especially the real cream ice cream!
GOOD NEWS
pasture dairy center
People don’t milk the cows at the Pasture Dairy Center, robots do. The robotic milking system, also referred to as an automatic milking system, allows cows to set their own milking schedule. I wondered why the cows would ever come in from the pasture to get milked, and then learned that the robot doles out a treat when they come in to get milked. The treat will not be dispensed if the cow has been milked too recently. I saw a cow get turned away, because he was a little overzealous about his treats. Not only does the robot know when each cow should be milked, it also knows the exact placement of each cows teats and can collect information on the milk quantity and quality, and the cows health, which helps farmers better manage their herd. If there is something unusual with the milk, it will alert the farmer and won’t
allow the milk to be sent on for processing. Open House events are the best time for the public to visit the Pasture Dairy Center and observe the automatic milking system. Visitors can come in small groups of 5 or less, during daylight hours Monday through Friday only. Call ahead for more information. The next open house events are from 4-8pm and the descriptions are listed below. Tuesday, July 8th, Pasture-based Cheese. Sample and purchase delicious cheese produced from pasture-based cows. Chat with the Pasture Dairy staff about cheese making and their sustainable diary practices.
269-343-5386
Children are our top priority We provide comprehensive dental care for children ages 1-12 including special needs patients We are accepting new patients Kalamazoo Pediatric Dentistry Ryan Basler, DDS 1900 Whites Road Kalamazoo, MI 49008 kzoopd@gmail.com Check out our website at www.kzoopd.com for more information.
Tuesday, August 12, Pasture Management & Plant Identification. Take a wagon tour of their pastures, with tours departing at 5 & 6:30pm (limit 30 folks per wagon – arrive early!) Stroll through
the Michigan Agricultural Garden with a naturalist, cool off with MSU Dairy Store ice cream! The Pasture Dairy Center is located at 10461 North 40th Street in Hickory Corners, entrance on North 39th Street. For additional information call 671-2402, or check out their website at pasturedairy.kbs.msu.edu. Back to the awesome ice cream, you can get it at The MSU Dairy Store at Michigan State University in Lansing. They make 40 different flavors, and serve 32 flavors at the Anthony Hall location and 20 flavors at the Union Building location. Their prices are very affordable, only $2.25/single, $3/double and $3.75/triple. The MSU Dairy Stores are open Mon. – Fri. noon – 8pm, Sat.-Sun. noon – 6pm. You can also purchase several different cheeses at the stores and online at shop.mus.edu. Story & photos by Jackie Merriam
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JULY 2014
GOOD NEWS
Quilts for Charity
Celebrate Each year the Southwest Michigan Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.), Kalamazoo Chapter #2277, raffles off a handmade Harley Davidson Quilt. All of the proceeds from the Quilt raffle are then donated to a local charity. Randy Felch, Director of the chapter, lost his girlfriend of 14 years to cancer. She spent her final days at Kairos Dwelling, a home in Kalamazoo that cares for terminally ill people free of charge. Randy was so impressed with the care and support that they provided, he decided that when H.O.G. did a quilt for charity this year, that
Kairos Dwelling would be the recipient. The quilt is on Display at Perry Harley Davidson, 5331 S. Sprinkle Rd. in Portage. Raffle tickets can be purchased for $5 at Perry Harley Davidson and at the Bike Night events posted on their website. The Drawing will be held at the Perry Harley Davidson Bike Night On August 22nd. Stop in for a chance at winning a beautiful handmade quilt, and in turn you will be supporting an amazing local charity, Kairos Dwelling.
J
uly
July 4th Independence Day
U.S. Independence Day also known as the “4th of July” that commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. It is a Legal U.S. Holiday that is celebrated with picnics and fireworks.
July 27th Parents’ Day
Parents’ Day is an American Holiday celebrating parents who provide for strong families to make a strong America. Courtesy of HolidaySMART.com
10,000 Copies of the Good News Paper are delivered to over
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JULY 2014
GOOD NEWS
July Calendar of Free Events
July – Aug. 7 Kelli Sweet: Solo Gallery Oil on canvas/multi-media Portage Library 329-4544
Plein Air Landscape artist documentary Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 12pm 349-7775
July – Aug. 31 Robot Zoo – Explore animal robots Kalamazoo Valley Museum 373-7990
July 8 Open House: Pasture Based Cheese Kellogg Farm Pasture Dairy Center 4-8pm 671-2402
July – Sept. 21 Speed Bump – Single-panel cartoonist Kalamazoo Valley Museum 373-7990 July 1 Art Break: Up Close & Personal With West Michigan Artists Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 12pm 349-7775 July 2 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 90th Birthday Party Cake, art activities & main floor gallery admission 5-7pm 349-7775 July 2,9,16,23, 30 Wed. night Cruise-Ins Gilmore Car Museum 5-8pm 671-5089 July 7,14,21,28 Fixapalooza neighborhood bike event Riverview Launch 1523 Riverview Dr. openroadsbike.org 6-8pm July 1,8,15,22,29 Fixapalooza neighborhood bike event The Edison Neighborhood 1357 Portage Rd. openroadsbike.org 6-8pm July 8, 15 Art Break: Hockney: A Bigger Picture
July 11 Gazelle Sports Historic Walk “Vine Historic District” Meet at S. Westnedge & Vine 8am 342-5996 July 11 Art Hop Downtown Kalamazoo 5-9pm 342-5059 July 11,18, 25 Lunchtime Live Live music, food, activities & more Bronson Park 11:30am – 1:30pm 337-8295 July 12 Kindleberger Festival Check out the schedule At Kindleberger.org 7am – 9pm July 12 Art in the Garden & More Stuart Avenue Inn Gardens 9am-4pm 342-0230 July 13 Celery Flats Music Fest Bluegrass & Americana Donations requested for The Friends of the Park Noon – 4:30pm 329-4522 July 14 Concert in Kindleberger Park Shout! Beatles Tribute Band Kindleberger.org 6:30pm
July 17 Gazelle Sports Historic Walk Kalamazoo State Hospital Meet at: Zhang Legacy Collection Ctr. 1650 Oakland Dr. 6:30pm 342-5996 July 17 Movies under the Stars “His Girl Friday” Oshtemo Township Park At dusk 553-7980 July 17 Third Thursday Jazz Concert In Bronson Park 6pm 382-7774 July 18 Movie at Homer Stryker Field “Field of Dreams” 7:30pm – 11pm Family fun, movie at sunset 337-8295
July 19 Family Reunion Planning Seminar Discover Kalamazoo 9:30am – noon 488-0056 July 19 Taste of Portage Overlander Bandshell Noon – 10pm Free until 4pm Free after 4pm on bike 388-2830 July 20 Concert in Bronson Park Schltiz Creek Bluegrass Band 4-5pm 342-5059 July 20 Concert in Kindleberger Park “Voices of Freedom” acappella voice ensemble kindleberger.org 6:30pm
July 22 Art Break: Gold in the Klondike! Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Noon 349-7775 July 24 – 26 Summer Sidewalk Sales Downtown Kalamazoo 10am – 6pm 388-2830 July 24 - 27 Black Arts Festival Many free events & activities blackartskalamazoo.org 349-1035 July 25 Gazelle Sports Historic Walk “Milwood” Meet at Miles & Portage 342-5996 July 26 Crybaby Concert Series (For children under 5 & their families) Jazz Jamboree with the Hot Club of Detroit Epic Theater 11 – 11:45am 342-5059 July 27 Concert in Kindleberger Park David Gerald Blues Kindleberger.org 6:30pm July 29 The Most Expensive Paintings in the World Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Noon 349-7775 July 31 Gazelle Sports Historic Walk “Kalamazoo Brew Pubs” Meet at Gazelle Sports 6:30pm 342-5996
Golf Ridgeview Player Friendly, Fun Golf
Competitive Rates Senior/Junior/College Rates Full Bar Service Ridgeviewgolf.com (Book Online) 10360 W. Main St., Kalamazoo Golf Course 375-8821
JULY 2014
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GOOD NEWS
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