She Means Business - September 2019 by Moxie Magazine

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“

The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet.” – Mohadesa Najumi

ne of the things that makes Kalamazoo the very best place to live is the sheer number of talented women who enrich it with their tenacious commitment to their families, this community and the local business culture. As we do every year, we are dedicating our September edition to the celebration of the dynamic business women of southwest Michigan. On our front cover you’ll find a “power house” of some of these amazing women. Thank you for everything you bring to the table and for the ways in which you better our community with all you do.

No matter what stage of life women find themselves in, it remains true that each of us wants to be the best, truest versions of ourselves. With that in mind, we’ve included some great articles to help you be the “Best You” possible, both professionally and personally. Finding and living your best life can be a daunting task and, heaven knows, we can each use all the help we can get. So why not grab your favorite beverage and take a few minutes for yourself to read the inspiring stories and informative articles that are this September’s edition? You certainly deserve it! As summer comes to a close, I wish you the best fall ever!

See you in October - Darlene

“A strong woman loves, forgives, walks away, lets go, tries again and perseveres…no matter what life throws at her.” – Unknown “We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.” – Kavita Ramdas “A strong woman is one who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Her tears flow as abundantly as her laughter. A strong woman is both soft and powerful, she is both practical and spiritual. A strong woman in her essence is a gift to the world.” – Native American Saying

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September 2019 LIFE 6 The Lost Art of the Thank You Note 8 Hitting the Pause Button on Your Career 10 Let’s Do Lunch! 22 Michigan Women Forward 33 Reduce Workplace Stress 34 The Dangers of Being Small 41 Tips for Being More Assertive in the Workplace

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September 2019

The (Almost) Lost Art of the

Thank You Note T

here is no doubt that we are living in a digital world, but I am not a digital girl. I love the smell and feel of a good book as I flip the pages, the feel of smooth ink gliding across crisp paper and the joy of receiving cards and notes in the mail. On my tenth birthday, my grandmother gave me a beautiful set of stationery. It was white with a lace border, blue accents and beautiful monarch butterflies at the top. As I opened the box she explained that it was very important for a young lady to thank people for gifts, time given, kind words and thoughtful gestures. She helped me write thank you letters for all my birthday gifts that year and as we wrote those letters, the art and importance of gratitude was engrained in my life.

Unfortunately, as the world continues to speed up, people seem to be losing sense of importance that should be given to the written thank you. When someone goes out of their way to extend kindness or consideration, it is customary to send a written note of thanks in a timely manner. While many of us find this easy to practice in our personal life, it is very

September 2019

important to remember this practice in our professional lives as well. During a recent conversation, a friend mentioned that she was floored at the lack of thank you notes she received following a round of interviewing potential job candidates. She had over 40 applicants for the position and not one single thank you note. In an age where everyone is looking for something to set them apart, a simple thank you note would have made such an impact, yet it wasn’t on anyone’s to do list.

As a professional woman, make sure that the polished, timely thank you note is part of your toolbox. Here are some tips for crafting a memorable thank you note.

STATIONERY - Select a classic, simple pattern for your stationery. You don’t want your pattern to overshadow your message. GREETING – Make sure to personalize your greeting. Never start with sir or ma’am, use the name of the person.

THANK YOU – Personalize your thank you make it genuine, authentic and specific.

PERSONAL TOUCH – this is your chance to cultivate the personal relationship by showing the recipient that you listened to them. Add details from your conversation. CLOSING – End your note with an appropriate salutation such as; sincerely, best wishes, warm regards, etc. TIMELINESS – Make sure to follow up with a thank you note immediately. Aim to have your note in the mail no later than 48 hours after your meeting.

Many trends come and go, but politeness will always be a timeless classic. Heather Dombos is a Florida girl who brings a little sass & southern charm to everything she does. This wife, dog mom, & closet Trekkie loves reading, hiking, long days on the beach and exploring Michigan.

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September 2019

HERE’S A THOUGHT BY HEIDI MCCRARY

Hitting the

Pause Button on Your Career

“

I’m so done with the 9-5 career,” my friend explains, taking a stab at her salad. She sits back and sighs. “Staff meetings, sales calls, budgets…I just don’t care anymore about climbing the corporate ladder. I just want a job that I don’t have to bring home with me at the end of the day.”

She’s not alone in deciding that the next chapter in her life doesn’t necessarily include power-lunches and clothes that require dry cleaning. So what do you do for a living? is the question often asked at networking events. It defines us and is many times the first description used at our passing (“Kathy was a Defense Attorney with Shuster & Shuster and a mother to…”). But, is it professionally acceptable to bag the power-suit and just get a job that doesn’t define us? While Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg correctly stresses in her book, “Lean In,” that more women need to have a seat at the

September 2019

corporate table, it’s not the only option for achieving a professional balance in life. But there are many factors in deciding whether to chuck the heels and briefcase. The benefits for a simpler job as opposed to a more serious career are plenty, but do they outweigh the downside of working a job that that doesn’t increase stress and heartrates?

Let’s look at the downside of stepping off the corporate ladder… Most part-time jobs are hourly and pay substantially less than full-time jobs. While we might have a romantic vision of living a simpler life based on a lower income, are you really ready for fewer nights out on the town, and less trips to the café for $7 iced coffees?

Like it or not, jobs define us in our culture. Many people can’t fathom why a woman with a bachelor’s degree in Business is suddenly ringing up scarves at the local boutique. Something terrible must have happened, is often the thought that pops up.

Working a so-called regular job can sometimes come with a boss who is not only much younger, but also less knowledgeable in the world of business. The reality is, you may be taking orders from someone who has yet to get their first credit card. And YOU will have to suck it up, buttercup.

But there is an upside to noncareer / part-time employment,

and the benefits can make all the difference! At a regular job, the hamburgers don’t follow you home at night. That’s right, clocking out at 8:00 means you’re done, not just taking a break until you're home, & opening your laptop after dinner to continue working on your current project. The stress level goes way down. For the most part, a regular job is generally less stressful. Gone are the weekly budget meetings, sales sheets, and cold calls. That’s not to say that all part-time jobs come with less responsibility and goals, but the level is generally less. Designer Hours - OK, the downside of working part-time is that you will generally have to work hours that are less than ideal, like evenings and weekends, but owners and managers will also work with you in putting a schedule together that fits your lifestyle. This can allow for you to be home for your kids when they get out of school, or open up a 3-day weekend. It’s up to you.

At the end of the day, we all need to do what’s best for us. CAREER VS. JOB. It’s really about what looks best on you. Here’s a thought … let’s not worry about how our jobs define us. Heidi McCrary is a writer and a regular contributor to Women’s LifeStyle. Look for her debut novel to be published in the fall of 2020. Follow Heidi at heidimccrary.net and fb.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

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IS YOUR DOCTOR

Connecting WITH YOU? By Denise Bartz Director of Operations at Bronson Medical Group

oday’s technology is constantly improving and has become accessible to nearly everyone in the United States. In fact, according to Pew Research Center, 81 percent of people in the U.S. now have a smartphone and 90 percent actively use the internet.

Technology = Smarter Shoppers This has led to a change in how people interact with each other as well as with businesses, their communities and, consequently, how they shop. Most people are now very conscientious shoppers. You still ask your friends and family for their opinions, but you also seek out the opinions of others on the internet through star ratings and comments. You search on the internet to compare prices and find the best products or deals. You pursue and find information online, so you often buy online.

Many companies are shifting and changing how they do business to meet these needs. And healthcare is no exception. You want convenience, whether that’s from the mechanic, grocery store or doctor.

Should it Be Easy to See a Doctor? Yes! In NRC Health’s 2019 Healthcare Consumer Trends Report released in January, more than half of the 223,000 healthcare consumers surveyed said convenience and access to care are the most important factors in their decision making. This has led hospitals and doctors to find ways to help you easily find a doctor and quickly see them.

See a Doctor Online 24/7 One of the newest technologies available to patients is the ability to connect face-to-face with a doctor 24/7 using your smartphone, tablet or computer—all you need is an internet connection. During the confidential and secure visit, doctors ask questions, perform

an exam and offer treatment options just like an in-person visit. The video visit option typically treats minor health concerns like cold symptoms, eye irritation, infections, pink eye; flu symptoms; minor burns, skin infections, rashes, poison ivy; sinus infections; sore/strep throat; and upper respiratory infections.

Connect On Your Terms Using the power of the internet, you can choose the right provider for you based on star ratings and comments from patients; research same day care options based on your condition or injury; and even see a doctor in the middle of the night from the comfort of your own—or your kid’s—(sick) bed. Technology can be a wonderful thing! Denise Bartz is Director of Operations at Bronson Medical Group, specializing in connecting busy women with providers via Bronson Care Advisors and BronsonConnect Video Visits. To connect with a doctor, contact a Bronson Care Advisor at (269) 341-7788 or bronsonhealth.com/needcarenow.

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September 2019

Let’s Do Lunch BY RACHEL KIRTLEY, THE KALAMAZOO FOODIE

alamazoo is booming and full of local businesses, from family owned businesses, entrepreneurs following their dream, to Fortune 500 companies. No matter the business size, everyone needs a fun place outside of work to host a luncheon, dinner for client meetings, or team building session. Meeting for a meal with a potential client, investor, or business partner remains an excellent way to network and connect with people who could help further your career. In today’s world we often eat quickly at our desks or grab fast food on-the-go. A business meal removes distractions and requires us to focus on real conversation and building relationships. Not sure where to start, or what to look for when planning a business luncheon or dinner? Many of the same guidelines you use when

pitching an idea at someone’s office apply to the business lunch or dinner as well. First, determine the purpose of the business lunch or dinner you are planning. Keeping it causal? Lunch is probably the best option, as it is less formal and more laid back. Looking to step up your game? Dinner tends to be more formal, so a nice steakhouse or bistro is always a great option. Hosting at the office? There are many great restaurants in Kalamazoo that cater and deliver for any occasion.

Choosing where to host can be the most difficult, as many people have different palettes. Not everyone may love the California Roll at your favorite sushi restaurant as much as you do, so try to avoid anything too exotic for the first meeting.

Make sure to choose a restaurant that you have been to at least a few times. This way you know both the food and service will be top-notch. Choose a place that is conveniently located for everyone. If you decide to try a new restaurant, ensure the menu has a fairly wide variety of different foods, including one to two vegetarian options. It never hurts to scope out the restaurant before deciding so you can see if it has the right atmosphere and vibe for your meeting. Also browse the menu to see what items they offer, prices, and if private dining rooms are available to accommodate your needs. When hosting a formal lunch or dinner, keep in mind you want to select a restaurant that has a little more privacy without the background noise of a busy meal service. Most restaurants will have a private dining room to keep things

September 2019

professional yet fun. Those private dining rooms are also perfect for speeches and presentations. For larger parties, always reach out to the restaurant a week or two in advance to go over any special pre-set menu options, if you aren’t ordering off the standard menu. Depending on the restaurant and size of the party, not every establishment can accommodate a huge party ordering off the menu. If this situation arises, restaurants will usually give you three entrée options to choose from: fish, meat, pasta, or a vegetarian option, to ensure there is something everyone will like. Always communicate with your server about who gets the bill. It is often easier to give the server your credit card before guests arrive to avoid any awkward moments or interruptions at the end of the meal.

Plan your business meal from start to end accordingly. You never want to rush guests, so a time frame will help keep the flow of the meeting on track, especially if there’s a special speech, presentation, or toast.

No matter where you choose to go, Kalamazoo offers so many wonderful restaurants with many different styles to suite any of your business needs! Rachel Kirtley isTHE Kalamazoo Foodie. A former server turned food blogger and restaurant reviewer. You can find her at TheKalamazooFoodie on Facebook and Instagram!

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September 2019

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Women of Southwest Michigan

Who Mean Business

On a beautiful August morning, we sat down with some of Michigan’s most impressive businesswomen & asked them to offer their best career advice for the readers of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine.

Best piece of career advice you’ve ever been given: Lynn Chen-Zhang CFP, PFS, CPA, MBA Zhang Financial Partner, CCO

"You don’t have to act and dress like man to be successful in the business world. Keep your femininity."

Maria Sorrentino – Always be building your brain trust. I am surrounded by wise, loving & intelligent people. I ask for help a lot! Jan Barker – Be honest & learn everything you can, while making sure you continue to be curious. Listen more than you speak. Dr. Turnera Croom – The best career advice I’ve been given during my entrepreneurial stage is, “Find what you love, and create a business around it.” I follow this sage advice as I market my stress-relieving pet CBD products. Kathy George – Enjoy what your passion is & stay true to who you are. I incorporate a quote by E M Statler, “Life is service, the one who progresses is the one who provides a little more, a little better service” into my life at work and home and it has served me well. I suggest everyone find that mantra that guides you through your passion both at work and at home & it will help to keep you in the right direction even when the road is long or dark or steep or scary.

What piece of advice would you give a young woman starting her career? Maria Sorrentino

Pest Pros of Michigan, President

Be yourself. The right people will like you for the right reasons. LCZ – Work very, very hard when you are young, set up a good foundation so you can afford work life balance when you need it later in life. JB – Your work environment will shape your being, so make sure you work at a place where you can become a better person. TC – “No matter how high you rise, always lead with humility.” My years as an officer in the Army Veterinary Corps allowed me to utilize and highly value every member of my team, no matter what rank. KG – Laugh daily, always treat others as you wish to be treated & don’t compare yourself to others as you are on different paths. You must compare yourself to who you were yesterday, last week, last month and past years and be comfortable with who you are when you look at you. If you aren’t, then you can change that.

September 2019

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What is your best advice for facing career challenges? Jan Barker

Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, CEO

Be courageous & bold and focus on moving the organization boldly toward its mission with boundless energy. If you build a team of great people, they will work through challenges with you in inspiring ways.

LCZ – Always remember that no matter how big the challenges seem currently, 20 yrs from now, looking back, they would be just little bumps on the way to your success. So keep calm, don't whine & move on to solve the issues! MS – Make sure you are taking care of yourself first, everything else stems from that. TC – My best advice for facing challenges in the Veterinary career field is “No matter what the issue, always keep the welfare of the

How do you balance your demanding career and your personal life? What do you do for self-care? Kathy George

FireKeepers Casino Hotel, CEO

My family & friends that are family are very important to me & I spend time with them living and enjoying life. I read, go to movies, time in the water, watch sports, travel, massages, sleep, laugh & smile a great deal while remembering to live a good life. LCZ – My Chief Executive Pawfficer, Sparky, and I share an office. He is my 17-pound Shih Tzu. He takes care of me. MS – My husband and my kids are extremely supportive. My partners and team are the best in the business. I have lots of help! I started boxing at Title Boxing club, that’s been a lot of fun! I read and spend time with my family and friends. TC – I balance my demanding career and my personal life by arising before 6 am, and devoting those peaceful morning hours to staying organized, fit, and meditative. JB – Balance for me means loving your family and working with people you love. Balance happens for me by focusing on the priorities instead of sweating the small stuff, and surrounding myself with caring, capable and committed people who are good at many things. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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animal first. Most problems can be solved once the animal is humanely cared for.” KG – Find a few mentors who have different strengths & talk to them and learn from their experience and tailor your responses & action plans to your situation. Listening to others will help you gather the guidance you need to make your decisions & then trust yourself to make the right decision. Challenges will occur to everyone, how you react to them is what separates you from your peers.

What are you reading/watching/ listening to? Dr. Turnera Croom DVM

Steadfast International LLC & Veterinarian, CEO

Lately I have been reading a listening to podcasts on the Black Vegan movement. This topic combines my love for learning about Black culture, animal rights, and clean eating. LCZ – I am not sharing my reading list as they are way too technical and might give people headache just by reading the titles. I am finishing the last episode of Chernobyl: absolutely one of the best that HBO has ever produced. MS – I love Rachel Hollis, Brene Brown, Cy Wakeman, Simon Sinek, Gary V and Dave Ramsey. I am obsessed with self-development. I believe you can learn anything you want to, if you are willing to put in the effort. JB – Radical Candor by Kim Scott, Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, The Influential Mind by Tali Sharot, The Balanced Scorecard by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton, English Roses by David Austin, and a book about the history, genetics and cultivation of lilacs. KG – Where the Crawdads Sing is one book I’m reading. I’m listening to a crime mystery by David Baldacci - One Good Deed

September 2019

Professional

Dress Tips for the

Millennial

ou’ve completed your education & training and you’re ready to jump start a career. Now, what to wear?

According to Pew Research Center, today’s young professional enters the job market with 56 million Millennials (those ages 21 to 36 in 2017) working or looking for work. With key social trends online interrupting our previous ideas of image and representation, how are we to make the best choices when it comes to dressing for the all-important interview, or selecting garments/outfits to build a workwear wardrobe from? Although the new “rules” appear to be becoming no rules, there remain a few constants to consider, and follow, as you plan a wardrobe and ‘look’ to support you in your plan for career success.

Be True to You – and the industry that you have chosen to work in. Many a time we have chosen a career that resonates with who we are, in our likes, talents, and desires. Define a style that is authentic to you personally, and that aligns with the level of dress for the industry.

Fit and Fabric – many a great look was spoiled by poor fit and too many wrinkles! Buy 14

September 2019

by fit, not size, and consider the qualities of the fabric that the garment is made from. Align care and prep needs with your personal interest, and tools (e.g. and iron) and time available.

The Details of Finishing – avoid colors that become the focus of attention vs. your face and eyes. Think Classic looks, until you are in the door and know the true dress standards of the company. Know that there is a difference between dressing up for the club/date night and dressing for a career. Also, know that the more skin shown, the more casual (or potentially in-appropriate) the look becomes. Build a Strong Foundation

– smart initial garment purchases can grow a base for a solid longterm use wardrobe. Purchase quality workmanship and use neutral base colors like navy and medium charcoal grey for suiting, pants, & jackets, in solid colors.

Implement these tips and you will positively set yourself apart as a professional to be considered for employment and career opportunity.

Kelly Duggan is an Image Consultant specializing in executive and personal image development, etiquette & communication skills. She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.

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September 2019

You’ve Got This! TIPS TO HELP YOU MEET YOUR FITNESS GOALS

nother Monday is in the books and as your head hits the pillow the weight of self-defeat and frustration perceived failure crashes on you. Today was supposed to be “The Day!” You know, the one you promised yourself (while finishing off the last pint of ice cream) would be the day that life would change and you would invest in yourself 100%! But, let’s be honest! This morning, while sipping your cold brew, you reviewed your daily agenda and you knew that the chance of actually fitting in a workout had the same probability of you climbing Mt. Everest. We are women and thanks to the genes passed on by our multi-tasking foremothers, we have the ability to talk on the phone, write an email, grocery shop, walk the dog, bathe a child, cook dinner and if we want, knit a sweater all at the same time. I have my clients run on a treadmill, answer emails and read a magazine at the same time which illustrates the fact that ability and performance are not the problem. It boils down to the struggle to put ourselves at the top of the agenda, invest in ourselves, and believe we deserve this spot of priority. Life altering changes aren’t made overnight, they are made one decision at a time. Make the choice to prioritize yourself and your

September 2019

health. Use this list as a guide to implement an exercise routine that you can easily start and sustain. Put yourself at the top of your to-do list and invest in your health, daily. WE DON'T FIND TIME. WE MAKE IT. Listen friend, there aren’t very many of us who have extra minutes just floating around in our day. A girl can only dream of a world where her pedicure is always fresh, her gels aren’t chipped, her legs are always smooth and she always has time for the gym. However, this is the real world, so sit down, pull out your calendar and schedule your workouts.

for excuses to build, and honestly, it's kind of refreshing to just get it checked off the list and out of the way. If you need one more reason to work out first thing in the morning, several studies have shown that early morning exercisers are significantly happier than those who workout later in the day. PLAN YOUR WORKOUTS While this may feel complex, it is actually very simple and of the upmost importance. Your fitness routine should not be left to chance. Before you begin each week, sit down, map your workouts, identify the areas you’d like to target that week, and the amount of time you have available. (It doesn’t have to be fancy. I keep my weekly workout plan in a

THE EARLY MORNING HUSTLE Workout first thing in the morning! No matter what you choose to do, workout while your brain is fresh. The load of the day hasn’t fully come into view, there has been no time

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completely about you. It is important to set a variety of goals, some short term and easily achievable and others with a higher level of difficulty that are long term. Whether the goal is achieving twenty squats in a row, jogging to the end of your street, back squatting a hundred pounds or completing a 5K, they all deserve a super sweet victory dance and call for a “treat yourself” celebration (which leads us to our final, and my favorite tip.)

cheap composition notebook.) Make sure you keep your plan where you can see it because, sometimes, crossing out the workouts you complete can be motivating. FIND A "FRIEND" Find a fitness partner or “a friend” who supports and encourages you , but will also hold you accountable. The kind of friend that on those days where you have decided to skip the gym and just go “home,” (translation: hit the bakery) will threaten to take your keys, duct tape your hands behind your back, put you in her trunk and take you to the gym. Some would call this friend-napping, I just call it good, solid accountability. Pick a partner who, on your bad days, will remind you of your goals and on their bad days, you can do the same. Don’t pick a friend who will dive off the deep end & indulge with you when you are in a weak moment. BE PREPARED I cannot emphasize how important it is to be prepared. Set your clothes out the night before so when the alarm rings you are ready to go. If you are meeting up for a run in the morning or hitting the gym after work, pack your gym bag the night before and throw it in your car. We all know that something as simple as fumbling around to find clothes in the dark or having to run home to grab your gym bag is a huge temptation to cash in that coupon for a cancellation. No matter how determined you are, there are going to be days that you just don’t feel like giving your all. If you are prepared it leaves you without an excuse to quit on yourself. LIFE HAPPENS We all dream of a perfect world where the day is planned and flawless, but life is real and so are our days. When life happens and your workout plans are completely wiped from the agenda, don’t throw in the towel. Take a few minutes, whatever you’ve got, and hit the main muscles of the body with movement. Pick a number and include each of the following, in a circuit, for three to four consecutive rounds: burpees, lunges, squats, push-ups and planks. These exercises target the larger muscle groups and give you more “bang for your buck” when you are pressed for time. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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TREAT YOURSELF

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE We like to believe that this “health stuff” is super complex, but it is really simple science - intake verses output. If our intake is sensible and our output is moderately intense, it will translate to weight loss. With that being said, we can’t ignore the fact that making little changes in your daily life can add up in a big way. Things like setting a daily step goal, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a little farther away, or walking a few blocks on your lunch break can easily add up to a significant amount of calories burned over the course of a week.

Simply stated, there has to be a prize for the pain, a reward for your hard work. Often a simple reward like a coffee from Starbucks or some bodywash from Lush will do. Other times it’s a larger reward is called for like a full body massage or a trip to Lululemon. A great way to set this in motion is to talk a look at your goals and assign a reward to a few of them or even all of them. Whether we like to admit it or not, the motivation will sky-rocket and we will hustle harder when our eyes are on the prize.

SEEING IS BELIEVING Let’s face it ladies, this isn’t our first voyage into the snail-paced adventure of health and fitness. The feeling is all too familiar for everyone of us. When we step onto that scale or take our daily glance into the mirror and convince ourselves nothing is happening. Nothing to celebrate here. The reflection is exactly the same today, so I will drown my defeat with a brownie the size of my face. Hold up, sister! Don’t go throwing yourself to the bottom of the mountain just yet. Seeing is believing. Measurements (like weight) are a good tool, but sometimes they prove to be a bit discouraging, especially if muscle gain is involved. The best way to track your progress is pictures. I know…the dread just surged through your body, but hear me out! The first set of pictures are always the hardest, especially the backside selfie. As you take these pictures every two weeks, rest assured that when you compare your first picture to your tenth, your mind will be blown. GOAL GETTER This one is easy! What do you want out of this? Your goals might not match someone else’s and that’s okay (you get to be selfish) this is

Aimee Hopkins is a certified personal trainer and fascial stretch therapist. She is a wife, girl mom, vintage boutique junkie and cold brew coffee lover with a passion for helping women achieve their fitness goals.

September 2019

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September 2019

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Making Better Health Decisions T

he world is paying attention and looking for solutions to the underlying causes of poor health. With every health condition there are causes and it’s not okay to say that a health issue is just genetic when more than 95% of our health conditions today are from environmental exposures and lifestyle choices. I’m regularly asked to speak around the world on the causes of poor health as well as report current strategies of how to overcome health conditions as naturally as possible. Research continues to confirm the undeniable fact that our genes are influenced by our daily choices and exposure. The toxins in the food, air and water that we’re exposed to on a daily basis really do influence our health. If we alter our exposure and behavior then the genes for disease turn off and we can halt, reduce, and even reverse the course of illness. This is true for almost any condition you can imagine…anything from a headache, digestive issue or mood challenge to more alarming trends like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The best approach to achieving good health is to identify the specific triggers to your genes and modify your life accordingly. This approach is far superior to just taking a medication to cover up an ongoing symptom because the cause of the symptom will still be there creating other symptoms. As a rule, an increased need for medications to cover

BY DR. OSTERHOUT, FOUNDER OF VITALITY HEALTHCARE

up symptoms will only contribute to the cycle of the need for more medication. It’s a very slippery slope to medicate without identifying, detoxifying, and healing the underlying causes of poor health. Globally, the public, as well as doctors, are becoming increasingly frustrated with a healthcare system focused on medication and management. There are truly viable options that are safe, empowering, and healing. The challenge is that most healthcare models aren’t set up for identifying the underlying or root causes of poor health. Programs need to be put in place to identify, detoxify and heal those causes of poor health. This should be the way to address any health condition, especially because we are now seeing the extreme side effects of living a life that is focused on medication. Ultimately, it’s up to us to make better decisions that promote a healthier life. This is Vitality Healthcare’s mission. We are an integrative medical and natural healing center that provides the tools, technologies and resources to help as many people as we can to overcome their health issues. We use medicine when needed but we always look for the underlying causes of any health condition. Our goal is to identify, detoxify, and heal the causes of poor health. The only side effect of this is a happier, healthier life.

Dr. Osterhout, Founder of Vitality Healthcare 5717 Oakland Drive | Portage, MI 49024 www.DrOchiro.com

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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September 2019

Why Should I Care About The Ketogenic Lifestyle By Jenny Opdycke, PA-C

The Ketogenic Diet. It keeps popping up everywhere. You may have many questions: What is it? Is it right for me? How do I do it? Is it just another fad diet? Can I really go without bread and potatoes FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?! Is it safe? What about my cholesterol? Is eating all that fat going to give me a heart attack?! We can sort through all these questions and more. You are standing at the edge of a deep rabbit hole. One that will likely change your perspective surrounding food and healthy eating. These articles will explain why you may have been gaining weight and feeling sluggish despite eating clean, counting calories and exercising. Over the next 3 installments, you’re going to learn how wrong the medical and nutritional establishments have been over the last few decades when it comes to nutritional guidelines. But take heart, it’s not too late. The Ketogenic Diet has been around for almost 100 years. It was initially developed in the 1920’s to help control drug resistant epileptic seizures in children after researchers noted that children who fasted had a much lower incidence of seizures. This is theorized to be because the body runs on stored fat during times of extended fasting. The energy unit for fat burning are substances called ketones. Modern medicine is starting to understand how special ketones really are. They are so much more than fuel. However, the body often won’t use fat if other fuels sources are available. As nephrologist, Dr. Jason Fung explains in his book, The Obesity Code, the body isn’t stupid. It burns fuel sources in order of potential toxicity. If any alcohol, like ethanol, is in the body,

September 2019

the body know that it needs to be processed to minimize any toxic effects. Alcohols are primarily broken down into sugars, largely fructose and glucose. These sugars are like rocket fuel. They burn hot and fast and often have toxic by-products that promote inflammation. Carbohydrates are a “dirty fuel” when compared to other fuel sources that the body can use. If carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are in excess, they get converted into particles called triglycerides and stored as body fat. However, it is not a simple calories in, calories out equation. If we look at the 3 types of macronutrients that foods are made of, 100 calories of carbohydrates, 100 calories of protein and 100 calories of fat each have dramatically different effects on the body. More about that later. A typical adult has approximately 2,000 calories of stored sugar (called glycogen) in the muscles and liver. This lasts approximately 3 days if a person were to fast or eat a very low carbohydrate diet and have moderate activity. Because the body desires homeostasis or stability, it has innate intelligence and utilizes sophisticated sensors that can detect blood sugar levels and keep them in balance. It accomplishes this through an intricate interplay between numerous hormones. These hormones control things like hunger,

feelings of fullness, cravings and energy level. They also affect fluid balance which involves the amount of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) in the blood stream which translates into things like blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and muscular function (exercise performance). One of these stability processes is called gluconeogenesis. The body can take protein, break it down into amino acids and convert those amino acids into glucose (sugar) molecules. This means that the body can learn to efficiently synthesize carbohydrates (sugars) to satisfy the body’s needs for glucose. Glucagon is an important hormone secreted by the liver that helps to keep blood sugar levels stable during fasting periods and when a person eats a low carb diet. Simply put,

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dementia, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc. Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance include frequent hunger with cravings for sweets/starches (comfort foods—bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, cereals, chocolate, sweets, etc), weight gain around the waist, swelling/ puffiness, fatigue and brain fog, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, mood swings/ irritability, depression/anxiety, joint pains, burning pains in the feet/hands, headaches, irregular or heavy periods, infertility, triglycerides above 150, fasting glucose above 100 and hemoglobin A1c above 5.6 mg/dl.

glucagon makes blood sugar go up. It is through the action of glucagon that most people are able to routinely sleep 6-8 hrs a night with no symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) or can comfortably avoid sugars and starches in their diet. When a person is healthy, glucagon is balanced by insulin which is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin helps to balance the effects of glucagon so that blood sugars do not spike into the stratosphere when sugars, starches, alcohol are consumed or other hormones like the stress chemicals adrenaline and cortisol raise blood sugar. Insulin makes blood sugar go down. However, most people aren’t healthy. The modern day life experience for most people is riddled with chronic stress, sleep deprivation, unprocessed emotional trauma and a diet full of processed Frankenfoods that are high in inflammatory refined sugars, refined flour and vegetable oils. All of these factors affect the body’s ability to process carbohydrates. When a person is healthy, their body is metabolically flexible. This means that their body can use whatever fuel is available. This is becoming a rare phenomena. Most people have become insulin resistant, glucose intolerant and metabolically deranged. In otherwords, most people are grossly OUT OF BALANCE, CHRONICALLY INFLAMED and SICK. Chronic stress, sleep deprivation, a history of emotional/physical trauma, chronic pain, a diet full of refined sugar/ flour and processed food all cause blood sugars to rise. This causes the pancreas to work overtime secreting insulin to correct SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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the blood sugars. When insulin is working normally, it causes blood sugars to fall within seconds to minutes. However, it often takes 10-12 hours for the body to clear insulin. Therefore, a stacking phenomena occurs and the body builds tolerance to the insulin in the bloodstream. More and more insulin is needed to have an effect on blood sugars. This explains why people often experience an unpredictable response to sugars and starches during times of chronic stress. Think “hangriness”—emotional irritability/ instability, sweating, headaches, nausea and tremor. Many diseases of the civilized world are based on this metabolic derangement with insulin resistance and the resultant damage to body tissues (inflammation): diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, cancer, addiction, chronic pain, mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, Alzheimer’s/

Almost everyone has periods of insulin resistance. Just one night of poor sleep can drastically increase insulin resistance. Think of the last time you pulled an all-nighter for work or stayed up with a sick loved one— odds are you weren’t craving salad the next day. Carb cravings are a good indicator that you’re in a state of insulin resistance. Insulin acts as the bridge that moves sugars from the blood stream into the cells. When insulin isn’t working properly, your cells are HUNGRY. Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink. As you’ll soon learn, when you build awareness around your body’s language, you will see that this is the ideal time to offer another fuel source---KETONES. So how do I do that? How do I use fat as fuel? Stay tuned for Part 2—How do I Implement a Ketogenic Lifestyle That Works for Me? Jenny Opdycke, PA-C has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her specialties include holistic wellness, anxiety/depression, trauma recovery and intuitive, low carb eating strategies that promote self-awareness and healing. She loves spending time with her twin girls, friends, and fur babies. More info at www.integratedhealthmatters.com.

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In 1986, a group of incredible women from across Michigan

set their political ideologies and social statues aside to address a common American message, “women don’t help other women.” At the time, only three percent of philanthropic dollars supported female gender-specific programs across the United States. In response to this serious inequity, the Michigan Women’s Foundation, the only public, statewide foundation devoted to the economic selfsufficiency and personal well-being of the state’s women and girls was born.

During the Foundation’s first twenty years as a small granting organization $3.5 million was awarded to 520 nonprofits serving women and girls. Following a review of past practices concern arose that the tradition of spreading small amounts of money over many programs had failed to make a significant impact for the women and girls of Michigan. The decision was made to focus on the creation and support of high-impact programs focusing on just three areas: accelerating women’s entrepreneurship, developing the next generation of women leaders and advancing Michigan’s women’s agenda. To bring more recognition to Michigan Women’s Foundation to balance the equation and help women succeed, months of research and exploration resulted in the creation of a new brand. On April 23, 2018 MWF Michigan Women Forward was launched. The results and impact of MWF has increased dramatically and the Foundation is changing the lives of women

September 2019

and girls across Michigan, disproving the antiquated notion “women don’t help women” for good.

The vision of MWF is a Michigan where women are recognized leaders who thrive, contribute and uplift the state’s future. To help ensure the groups vision, focus is placed on four primary initiatives:

#WomanUp - Today, less than 10% of

investment capital goes to women in the U.S., with even less going to women of color and low-to-moderate income women. Through their #WomanUp initiative, MWF creates opportunity for previously underserved women to start and grow successful businesses, with both education and financing programs. To date $3.3 million of investment has helped over 200 women start businesses, with 79% of their entrepreneurial clients being low to moderate income and 61% of clients being women of color.

#UGOGirls (Unstoppable Generation of Girls) For Change – Partnering with Kalamazoo

Chapter of the Links, MWF provides a leadership development program targeting young ladies in grades 9 – 12. This partnership helps young women navigate the often-treacherous path from middle to high school and on into college and career. Empowering the next generation of women is at the very heart of what MWF does and they are always looking for volunteers to share their talents and experience.

thousands of hours of their expertise and provide connections to ensure the entrepreneurs MWF serves have access to their experience and networks.

#HERStory – In 2018, MWF assumed responsibility of the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame and Historical Center. Together, they honor Michigan’s female trailblazers by telling their stories of brilliance, talent, perseverance and achievement. To date, 323 superstars have been inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. Last year, MWF launched the Women of Achievement and Courage Award. The 2018 recipients were Janice Brown, Betty Upjohn Mason and LaJune Montgomery Tabron. On Thursday, September 26, 2019 MWF will honor the 2019 recipients of the Women of Achievement and Courage Award, the Honorable Carolyn H. Williams, retired probate judge and Chairperson of the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and Lynn Chen-Zhang, Chief Operating Officer of Zhang Financial. The event will be held at the Radisson Plaza Hotel, downtown Kalamazoo at 5:30 PM. Tickets for the dinner are available at miwf.org/events1/ womanupandcelebrate

#BehindEveryWoman – Hundreds of women, and a few good men, donate

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means

Welcome to the 2019 SHE MEANS BUSINESS section. The following profiles of local women and their businesses give a glimpse of the dynamic & profound impact they have in Southwest Michigan. Contact any one of these women or businesses. For those who participate, we hold a networking event every year. If you are interested in being one of our profiles the 2020 edition, our contact info is below.

269.350.5227 | WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com | info@wlskazoo.com

From left to right: Johanna Nabozny – Commercial and Private Banker; Jaime Flees – Private Banker; Toija Williams – Assistant Manager – Centre Ave; Debbie Mahabir-Poon – Relationship Banker – Gull Road; Tami Pitale – Banking Center Manager – Battle Creek

With products ranging from personal and business banking to investments and wealth management, Old National Bank is Your Bank. For Life.

Please visit any of our Southwest Michigan locations including our new Regional Headquarters at the Corner@Drake.

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means

JACQUE JENNINGS- CARTER

Anti-Aging Specialist, International Business Developer

Each day is a new opportunity for Jacque to fulfill her passion for educating others about Redox Signaling Molecules, the Technology behind them and why prioritizing our health is important. “I love showing people how to achieve optimal health, helping them understand that working toward improved and/ or optimal health is an investment in themselves, rather than an expense,” she says. “One of the most important items to include in a personal wellness plan is Redox Signaling Molecules. The health choices we make today will affect us years from now. It’s up to us whether we want the effect to be positive or negative

long-term. The reality is that being healthy does cost money; and the older we get, the more costly it is to maintain optimal health. However, being sick costs significantly more and affects everyone, not just the family member who is sick.” Jacque is a passionate, life-long community volunteer, donor and sponsor who works with organizations for the benefit of children, animals, social justice, gender equality, victims of abuse, veterans, mental health awareness and the elderly. She is most proud of her daughter, Ashley, son-in-law Jake, and loves spending time with them and their two dogs, Max and Sunny.

ASEA - Jacque Jennings-Carter 269.779.2900 | Jacque@AdvancingLives.biz | www.AdvancingLives.TeamASEA.com

HEIDI McCRARY Author of CHASING CRAZY

Germany — 1940. While struggling to survive at an orphanage, young Didi crosses paths with a rebellious quirky girl who will either help her escape a life of abuse & uncertainty or lead her down an even darker path. Fast-forward to 1970. With help from a worn leather journal, another young girl learns the story of Didi, who escaped war-torn Germany for a better life in America, except her life didn’t turn out as expected. The stories of these two girls intertwine, eventually colliding on one Christmas night when Didi, all grown up, finally remembers the secret she buried long ago.

CHASING CRAZY, the novel - Coming fall of 2020 heidimccrary.net | fb.com/HeidiMcCraryAuthor

AMELIA LIETZAU

Commercial Real Estate & Construction Consultant

With 11 years in the real estate industry, Amelia Lietzau loves helping business owners make great property decisions whether that is hunting for a business location or helping to construct a new building. She specializes in helping other women owned businesses and enjoys learning about every industry. Some of her favorite industries to work with include wellness, daycare, and professional office users. Amelia and her husband, Derek, live in Decatur with their two dogs and two cats. She loves coaching softball, as well as growing and cooking food.

The Barton Group | 269-823-3572 | www.bartongroupllc.com

ABK@thebartongroupofmich.com | 8750 Portage Industrial Dr., Portage

JULIE POWELL

| Skin Care Specialist

Julie Powell is a licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Medical Skin Care Specialist and Certified Laser Technician in practice for 30 years. She creates personally designed treatments aimed at providing healthy, aesthetically pleasing solutions for her patients. Developing an on-going relationship with each patient is important to Julie. Through that relationship, she is able to understand and address her patient’s needs and concerns. Working under the supervision of Dr. Steven Nitsch, a board certified Plastic Surgeon, Julie is able to offer advanced skin care techniques, including Coolsculpting, an innovative, non-invasive way to contour your body by freezing unwanted fat away. Julie also provides the following services: Fraxel Restore, Thermage, Micro-Needling, Intense Pulse Light, Chemical Peels and Speciality Skin Care treatments.

Parkway Plastic Surgery 269.343.5750 www.parkwayps.com | 575 W Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo

SE PT E M B E R 2 0 1 9 We are proud to announce the promotions of

Jaime Wilfong, CPA & Jaclyn Schmidt, CPA

to Partner 1300 W Centre Avenue, Suite 200 Portage, MI 49024

(269) 321-9200 www.bkccpa.com

BONITA O’REILLY

FNP-BC

Bonita O’Reilly is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in Primary Family Medicine. She has practiced primary care in multiple settings, treating patients from newborn to the elderly. Her experience includes urgent care, acute care, chronic disease management, diabetic teaching, women’s health, and pediatric well child and sick care. Bonita O’Reilly’s expertise is in patient education as well as in wellness promotion to empower patients to take charge of their health. She is a graduate of Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in South Bend and she earned her Master’s in Public Administration with a Minor in Gerontology from WMU. O’Reilly also taught Pediatric Nursing for KVCC for 5 years and completed her Master’s in Nursing Practitioner at GVSU.

MOORSBRIDGE FAMILY HEALTH

8191 Moorsbridge Rd | Portage 269.312.8170

SUSAN M. DENNIS D.D.S.

Dr. Susan Dennis is the Founder and C.E.O. of the dental practice Susan M. Dennis, D.D.S. She is an authority on Cosmetic Dentistry and Smile Makeovers, which help people of all ages, achieve the smile of their dreams. Hundreds of her patients have experienced the life-changing beauty of a more youthful, healthy and powerful smile. Her patients come to her state-of-the-art office from all over the United States. Dr. Dennis has achieved mastery level in Dental Implant Restoration and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Therapy and has helped cure headaches for hundreds of people with her treatment therapies. She is a very compassionate and empathetic professional that understands dental fear and has perfected the “recipe” to get all of her patients profoundly numb and comfortable. The University of Michigan, which is the top dental school in the world, awarded The Vedder Society Crown and Bridge Prosthetics Award to Dr. Dennis as the number one outstanding achievement as a senior dental student in Prosthetic Restoration. She is the Team Dentist for several Western Michigan University sports teams and is very active in her community. Dr. Dennis has made several television appearances on The Lori Moore Show and WWMT. She is a regular contributor to the online site, The Practice Solution, and has been published in the Kalamazoo Gazette and several articles in The Heart of Texas Corners, Gull Lake Living and Women’s Lifestyle Magazine of Greater Kalamazoo. Dr. Dennis is the originator of “The Dental Prescription”, the specific, detailed analysis and prescription for each patient’s needs and wants. She and her team sponsor at least one charitable event every quarter which include; “The $10,000 Smile Makeover Contest”, Dentistry From the Heart®, Halloween Candy Buyback for Operation Gratitude, American Heart Association, Kalamazoo Humane Society Dog Walk and is a major contributor to their new Veterinary Clinic to open in the Fall of 2019. Dr. Dennis is happily married to Jim Murray and together they have three wonderful sons & daughters-in-law & seven grandchildren with an eighth on the way. They chose to live in southwest Michigan many years ago when they fell in love with this family-oriented community.

Susan M. Dennis, DDS | 269.216.7106 | MyDrDennis.com

8150 Moorsbridge Rd, Suite A, Portage, MI 49024

SHE

means 4154 Jennings Dr. Kalamazoo, MI 49048

Stacy Lindner-Travis, Connie Peruchietti, Shannon Landis, Mary Zoeller

WOMEN OF FETZER CENTER Connie Peruchietti, Shannon Landis, Mary Zoeller, & Stacy Lindner-Travis are the women of the Fetzer Center,a facility that offers professional conference services and meeting, catering, and social event services. Connie, Fetzer’s Director, is a Certified Meeting Planner with over twenty years’ experience who loves biking and practicing yoga. Shannon, who loves reading and watching sports, is the Conference Services Manager and Wedding Coordinator. Mary is an Outside Sales representative who serves as a Chamber Ambassador and loves camping. Stacy, who exercises to counteract her sweet tooth, serves the team as an Event and Wedding Planner. These ladies work tirelessly to ensure events, including corporate meetings, banquets and weddings, run smoothly.

FETZER CENTER | Connie Peruchietti, Director Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo, MI | 269-387-3232

SABRINA PRITCHETT-EVANS State Farm Agent

Sabrina Pritchett-Evans is one of the top 50 State Farm Insurance agents in the country. A member of State Farm’s prestigious Million Dollar Round Table, she is a dynamic business owner with insurance and financial services operations in Kalamazoo and South Haven. Sabrina has a passion for helping clients develop a strong financial foundation by finding out what’s important to them and then helping them protect it with competitive insurance and financial service products backed by a strong company. Sabrina is a passionate community advocate, wife, mother and lover of fine dining. She is also the co-founder of Tendaji, a philanthropic group for women of color who support cultural, educational and human service initiatives in greater Kalamazoo.

STATE FARM AGENT – SABRINA PRITCHETT-EVANS (269) 342-0204 | 2618 Portage Street | Kalamazoo, MI

Townsquare Media is a diversified media, entertainment, and digital marketing company that owns and operates market-leading radio, digital and live event properties in 67 markets across the U.S. It owns and operates four radio stations in Kalamazoo (103.3 WKFR, 107.7 WRKR, 1360 WKMI and K102.5) and is proud to manage more than 7 annual community events, including Kalamazoo Ribfest and Wine Not.

HEATHER McGREGOR 103.3 WKFR Morning Co-Host

Heather McGregor is grateful to be working in radio, a medium that “can touch hearts, inform minds & take people out of their own backyards to faraway lands”. Her motto in life & work is, “Make them love you, make them love you. Just make them FEEL something.”

heather.mcgregor@townsquaremedia.com (269) 344-0111

KELLY TROFF Director of Sales

Kelly’s motto, “It’s not about ideas; it’s about making ideas happen” has been an excellent guide for her work helping clients make their businesses grow. Her passion for marketing has spanned decades, from her childhood days spent creating her own commercials to her current career as Director of Sales for Townsquare Media.

kelly.troff@townsquaremedia.com (269) 978-2141

KATE MORTON Market President & Chief Revenue Officer It didn’t take long for Kate Morton to realize that Marketing might be the perfect place to blend her passion for creativity and her love of people. Kate is thrilled to have a career that allows her to work with people at every level in all industries to develop strategic solutions to help their businesses grow.

kate.morton@townsquaremedia.com (269) 344-0111

MAYA MOKRZAN Live Events Manager & Promotions Director

Maya Mokrzan knew she had a love for event planning when her and her grandma planned themed birthday parties every year. After discovering that Western Michigan University had an Event Management minor, she knew that she found the school for her. Maya graduated from WMU in 2017, and is thrilled to be working in a position where she gets to express her passion every day.

maya.mokrzan@townsquaremedia.com (269) 978-2167

SE PT E M B E R 2 0 1 9 MALORIE KWIATKOWSKI

Malorie Kwiatkowski, PA-C is West Michigan Plastic Surgery’s lead provider for their Women’s Health division. Her work within the specialty of aesthetics and plastic surgery with a focus on women’s health truly is her dream career.

LEAD PROVIDER FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

Malorie loves her work as a Physician Assistant because it allows her to practice medicine in a hands-on way and she finds great satisfaction in being able to improve women’s lives in a meaningful way. West Michigan Plastic Surgery’s core belief that women deserve to thrive meshes beautifully with Malorie’s desire to help women become the best possible versions of themselves.

PA-C

Malorie provides clinical patient care as well as specialized cosmetic services including Coolsculpting, injections and fillers. She is especially enthusiastic about using the diVa laser to address women’s vaginal health concerns. The procedure takes only 10 minutes, with three treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, with minimal to no discomfort. Malorie spends most of her free time in the gym training in the sport of Olympic Weightlifting. She earned the title of University National Champion in 2017, medaled at both the 2018 American Open Finals and 2019 National Championships, and has been lifting at the national level since 2016.

West Michigan Plastic Surgery 8175 Creekside Drive | Portage, MI | 269-222-1611 | www.wmips.com | info@wmips.com

LICENSED MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING

Debra Murrey: North Woods Village Executive Director Debra is a seasoned memory care Executive Director bringing over 20 plus years of leadership and healthcare experience to our new community.

North Woods

Village

Kalamazoo

Guiding. Caring. Inspiring.

Debra is a Certified Dementia Practitioner with extensive experience, both personally and professionally, in handling all stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia-based illnesses. She is a compassionate, caring executive leader and educator. Passionate about developing staff to enrich the lives of residents while guiding families through their loved ones’ journeys.

Call today for more information and to schedule a personal tour. 269-397-2200

6203 Stadium Drive | Kalamazoo, MI 49009

www.NorthWoodsMemoryCare.com

SHE BRITTNEY BUNDLES

means

Owner

Brittney Bundles is the founder and owner of BadChickHair, a business that offers quality hair extensions, as well as website design and mentoring for entrepreneurs. She has over ten years in the Customer Service/Sales field and three years in the financial industry and is skilled in teaching solutions that help strengthen financial stability, while simultaneously growing community and business relationships. Brittney can be booked for a public speaking event, workshop, or presentation, by emailing btalks@yahoo.com.

BADCHICKHAIR | (269)888-6600 | sales@badchickhair.com

KIMBERLY EARNSHAW

Director of Southwest Michigan American Heart Association & American Stroke Association Kimberly works in the community with organizations, volunteers, and leaders to help create a culture of health through successful activities like Go Red for Women, Healthy for Good, Heart Walk, Worksite Wellness and more. Her goal is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, focusing around the Healthy For Good movement to inspire individuals to create healthy lasting changes in their lives. She is passionate about the survivors and their families and friends and helping them also find a place to share their stories in the hopes of helping others.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION Kimberly.Earnshaw@heart.org

MARY BETH LYONS Owner A Single Ray of Hope, LLC is a trusted and insured Personal Assistant & Concierge Service that has been serving southwest Michigan for 13 years. Do you ever wish you could wave a magic wand and all tasks on your TO DO LIST were already done? Wait no more! Schedule a consultation with Mary Beth to learn how you can Reclaim Your Time Today! Warning: Benefits include breathing easier, having peace of mind, and living longer and happier lives.

A SINGLE RAY OF HOPE | 269-720-7605 | MaryBeth@ASingleRayOfHope.com

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF MICHIGAN

If you look around a room of female business leaders, the vast majority are Girl Scout alumnae. Girl Scouting has been preparing girls for leadership success for 107 years. At Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, 18,000 girls in 34 counties throughout Michigan participate in bold Girl Scout adventures designed to give them the leadership skills needed to make the world a better place. Volunteer today to help fill the leadership pipeline and give girls in your community the academic, social, and civic advantages of Girl Scouting. Girls are worth every bit of grit and gumption we can give them. You can pay it forward to the leaders of our future.

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF MICHIGAN

601 W. Maple St | Kalamazoo, MI 269.343.1516 | gshom.org

KATIE REDMOND Owner

Katie is a boutique photographer specializing in couture portraits for high school seniors, families, and women of all ages. She has a passion for empowering women through photography and enjoys helping them to discover their confidence and beauty. Katie provides a boutique experience from start to finish. At the consultation, she gets to know each client so that she can work with them to plan their dream session. Sessions are stylized to blend Katie’s artistic style with her client’s personalities and passions. Sessions may include hair and make-up; but always include a good bit of pampering. Then, just when you think the experience can’t get any better, it’s time for Katie’s favorite part… watching her clients fall in love with their signature artwork.

K.REDMOND PHOTOGRAPHY | 313.318.4274 | Serving Southwest Michigan www.Kredmondphotography.com | Katie@KRedmondPhotography.com

SE PT E M B E R 2 0 1 9 JULIE JACKSON CHENERY Co-Owner

You could say that collision repair is in Julie Jackson Chenery ‘s blood. Her father, Craig Jackson, started the business in 1978 with the first shop on Stadium Drive. The business grew alongside Julie and her brother, Rob, and there are now eight locations in Southwest Michigan. When Craig decided it was time to retire, Julie, Rob and Pete Springett bought the business from him. Julie has a deep respect for the talent required to provide an invisible fix to a damaged vehicle and being able to help people in a moment of need. A Mattawan native, Julie now lives in Vicksburg with her husband Mark and their newest rescue dog, Moose. She’s a big supporter of the SPCA of Southwest Michigan & The Community Healing Center of Kalamazoo.

AUTOBODY USA | 269.375.9050 jchenery@autobodyusa.biz autobodyusa.biz

POLLY KRAGT Owner

When Polly Kragt retired from her career as a Registered Nurse after 31 years, she decided to go into business for herself. She combined her passion for the “art of the cup” and her love of quality chocolate and opened ChocolaTea in 2008. ChocolaTea is a loose leaf tea and gourmet chocolate store with a small service café. The shop’s signature beverage is the delicious tea lattes made from their loose leaf tea. The store also offers a large retail section, featuring teathemed gifts and accessories. Polly’s Italian heritage and love for cooking & food led her to open a second retail stores a few doors down from ChocolaTea in 2015. The Pantry On Tap sells gourmet spices and highquality Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars in a variety of unique flavors.

CHOCOLATEA & THE PANTRY ON TAP (269) 903-2447 7642 S. Westnedge Ave | Portage, MI

GLORIA TILLER Owner, Kazoo Books

29 I have been in the people business all my life. For the last 31 years books have been my inventory. I enjoy discussions with customers and seeing their passion for reading. Kazoo Books is consistently growing to fill the needs of the reading public. It’s a fun business. If you love what you are doing it reflects to the people around you. Sure, I love taking time to travel or drive my car, but coming back to work is fun too.

KAZOO BOOKS 269-553-6506 | 2413 Parkview Ave. | kazoobooks.com

BECKY JOHNSON Business Manager

When people walk through the doors at Vandenberg Furniture, they immediately see the beautiful sofas, recliners and more. What they might miss, is the incredible woman who helps make it all happen because she’s probably checking numbers, working with staff members, keeping the website updated, solving IT issues, and a plethora of other duties. This working dynamo is Becky Johnson, who has been making everything run smoothly at Vandenberg Furniture for over twenty years. Here’s to you, Becky! VANDENBERG FURNITURE 12000 N US 131, Schoolcraft (269) 679-4055 | vandenbergfurniture.com

She’s Strong. She’s Hardworking. She’s Empowered.

Celebrating our women in business.

SHE

TAMARA CARTER Coffee & Water Specialist

GORDON WATER SYSTEMS 269.217.3587 tamarac@gordonwater.com 618 East Crosstown Parkway Kalamazoo, MI 49001

means

As a Coffee and Water Specialist with Gordon Water Systems, it is Tamara Carter’s enviable job to bring clean and safe drinking water into the homes and businesses of Kalamazoo area residents. She loves working for a small, family-owned local business that daily improves the lives of its customers by meeting one of life’s essential needs: access to clean and safe drinking water. Tamara prides herself on her ability to find affordable water treatment solutions for all her customers, whether they need bottled water, office coffee, water coolers or water softeners. Tamara is a proud mother and grandmother whose goal is to earn enough that her husband, Paul, can retire and become her personal chef.

KELLY DUGGAN Image Consulting, LLC offers a total image service, including professional presence development and personal brand strategy, through coaching, speaking & consulting. Additional services include appearance and wardrobe development and organization, personal shopping, and eyewear selection services for men and women.

KELLY DUGGAN

Founder & President

Kelly is an award-winning image coach, speaker, and consultant. She enjoys helping her clients improve their personal and executive presence, communication skills, & manners. “To better serve our clients KDIC offers J. Hilburn Menswear services.” J. Hilburn offers great fit and styling, through a convenient onsite consultation for ready wear to custom garments and accessories.

KELLY DUGGAN IMAGE CONSULTING | 269.873.1598 kd@kellyduggan.com | kellyduggan.jhilburn.com | kellyduggan.com

PEST PROS OF MICHGIAN

KIRSTIN SIMONS-VALENZUELA - Business Operations Manager, MARIA SORRENTINO - President of Pest Pros, AMBER BYARS - Certified Field Specialist

The women of Pest Pros are passionate about making life better for the residents of Kalamazoo. Maria started the company in 2018 with the dual goals of helping people solve their pest problems and being voted the best place to work in Kalamazoo. Pest Pros empowers every member of their team to help enrich the lives of our community through service, education, and dignity. Pest Pros’ guiding principle “treat your staff well and they will treat your customers well” has allowed them to recruit an incredible staff dedicated to stellar service. Kirstin SimonsValenzuela, who serves as Business

Operations Manager, was drawn to the team by the opportunity to help grow a new local business. A WMU graduate, she loves reading, running and spending time with her new husband and their Bernese Mountain Dog. Maria recruited Amber Byars to be a Certified Field Specialist, knowing she would be a perfect addition to the staff. Amber is a lifelong Kalamazoo resident who loves running, art and her English Mastiff, Eleven. When Maria isn’t leading the Pest Pros team, she’s busy wrangling six children, six cats and a dog with her wonderful husband. In her rare time off she enjoys reading and socializing.

PEST PROS OF MICHIGAN 2520 Azo Dr. | Kalamazoo, MI | (269) 993-0051 | info@pestprosmi.com

When it comes to the value of your home, curb appeal is just as important as performance. Upgrade the aesthetic appeal and durability of your home with new rooďŹ ng from Tyler Home Improvement. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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September 2019

A Happier and Healthier Life

The Nature Way W

hat if you were told that there was an extensively researched, evidencebased treatment that would make you happier, healthier and didn’t require a doctor's appointment, money, or have any side effects? You wouldn’t have to restrict what you eat, adhere to a diet, take a pill, or go to the gym and it would only take 5 hours of your time a month to see the benefits. Interested? We all should be! The magic prescription that’s been around since the beginning of time is none other than Mother Earth herself, Nature!

More and more research is pointing to the positive short and long term physical and mental health impact of spending time in nature. It has a profound impact on our mood, creativity, and major health indicators like blood pressure and cortisol levels, lowering both. Here’s just a snapshot of some of the data that was collected in a meta-analysis in the journal Environmental Research, as a result of spending more time in green spaces: • • • • • • •

reduced levels of the stress hormone cortisol lower heart rate

reduced risk of coronary heart disease lower blood pressure lower cholesterol

reduced risk of type II diabetes

reduced all-cause mortality and death from heart disease

For women who were pregnant, reduced risk of “small size for gestational age” in the baby as well as preterm birth.

Korean researchers are finding similar results: “Immune-boosting killer T cells in women with breast cancer increased after a two-week forest visit and stayed elevated for fourteen days and people who exercise in nature (as opposed to the city) achieved better fitness levels and were more likely to keep exercising.” (The Nature Fix, p. 71) So, what exactly does spending time in nature, or “green spaces” look like? Does walking around downtown or your neighborhood count, and how do you get the best (health) bang for your buck? The best way to think about this is

September 2019

to consider all five of your senses. The more you can saturate all of them in nature, the more impactful your time in nature will be.

Sight

Are you seeing nature all around you? Is there a horizon, tree line, interesting plants, colorful flowers, green as far as your eye can see? The more your eyes can relax and take in the sights of nature, the better. Our eyes are trained to look for naturally occurring patterns in nature: symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders, waves, tessellations, cracks and stripes. They are relaxing and reassuring to our brain.

Sound

City sounds such as traffic and sirens have been shown to increase blood pressure and stress. These sounds put our bodies on high alert and tap into our “fight, flight, or freeze” reaction which is taxing on our bodies, physically and mentally. Try to minimize these sounds as much as possible. Look for spaces that have a creek or river. The sound of water is very relaxing and boosts your health benefits in nature. Other sounds to listen for include: birds, leaves, and wind. The sound of birds in particular indicate to the human brain that everything is OK.

Touch

Unless you are an avid gardener, you probably aren’t touching nature a whole lot. Get curious about textures and surfaces. Take your shoes off as often as possible when you’re outside. Lay down and feel the grass on your skin. Play or swim in water whenever you can. The beach is a great place to incorporate touch.

Smell

There is a reason aromatherapy exists. Smells can transport us and heal us. The smell of Cypress trees (think piney and spicy) have been shown to reduce stress 53% and lower blood pressure 5-7% (The Nature Fix, p. 77). People have reported significantly less “life satisfaction” the closer they live to air

pollutants. When spending time in nature, be mindful of the smells around you. Take deep intentional breaths to fully engage your whole body in the experience.

Taste

This one can be tricky, but if you can get 4 out of 5, you’ll be doing alright! In places like Japan and Korea, forest bathing is very popular. It is the practice of fully immersing yourself in nature using all five of your senses (not exercising, just being in nature). One way they have included taste into this practice is to drink tea made with local herbs while spending time in nature. Try taking some mint or lavender tea with you the next time you head outdoors. Picking berries, apples, or other fruits and vegetables and snacking on them is another great way to incorporate this sense.

Now that you know how to do this, you’re probably wondering how often you should do it to see the benefits. Research tells us that that it follows a dose curve. This means that getting outside for a walk in a local park is great, but really immersing yourself in a weekend hike or camping trip a few times a year is better. The minimum recommended time for time in nature is five hours a month (not all at the same time), more being better. In a nutshell, go outside often, whenever you get the chance, sometimes in deeper wilderness. Engage all five of your senses as much as possible. Our planet is really our best healer, and we cannot continue to disconnect from it by staying inside. We are meant to be outside experiencing and appreciating all the natural health and beauty our home has to offer. Maybe our parents were just looking out for our well-being when they would yell, “Get outside!” Emily Betros is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and owner of Reclaiming Health, LLC. She helps clients put together an individualized plan to meet their health goals. Emily enjoys hiking, traveling, vegan-izing recipes, and spending time with her husband and daughter.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

EXPERT TIPS TO REDUCE

Workplace Stress FOR BETTER HEALTH

FEELING STRESSED AT WORK? If so, you’re not alone. A recent Gallup Poll on stress, worry and anger revealed that 55% of Americans said they experienced stress “a lot” during the day, up from 46% in 2006. In the workplace, stress can affect your attitude, relationships with colleagues and work performance. Although a modest amount of stress is normal, high levels of stress can be dangerous to your health and may contribute to serious health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, anxiety and depression. But there are ways to help manage stress. Ann Marie O’Brien, R.N., national director of health strategies, UnitedHealthcare, shares the following tips that may reduce your workplace stress and get you back on a healthy track performing at your usual best.

Talk to your boss. Consider having an open discussion with your boss about the stressors associated with your work responsibilities. Ask if there is an opportunity for additional skills training, or possibly even restructure your job to make it more manageable and better aligned with your interests and skills. Also, check if your company has an employee assistance SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

MAGAZINE | EXPO

program (EAP), which may provide available counseling and online resources.

Brush up on your time-management skills. We’ve all had days when it seems impossible to get everything done. In some cases, poor time management is the reason we feel this way, which then may trigger stress. For your next work assignment, talk with your supervisor before getting started to plan realistic goals, priorities and deadlines.

Take advantage of workplace well-being programs. An increasing number of employers are offering well-being programs through their health plan and are making healthier food options available in the workplace. Some employers offer gym reimbursement programs such as UnitedHealthcare’s Gym Check-In, have onsite workout rooms, offer stand-up desks, and encourage walking meetings and well-being challenges like taking the stairs. For your physical and mental health, combine exercise with a wellbalanced diet, O’Brien said.

possible solutions. If you don’t, then reach out to friends and loved ones. It’s important that you don’t isolate yourself after a stressful event.

Focus on yourself. If you’re feeling stress, a simple treat such as going to a movie, enjoying your favorite meal or just getting away to take a brief walk can give you time to unwind and recharge. If you cannot get a handle on your stress, talk to your doctor. She or he may recommend a counselor who could help you find other ways to help reduce or manage the unhealthy stress in your life.

(BPT)

Grow your support network. If you have a close colleague at work, talk with that person and explain your work stressors and brainstorm

September 2019

The Dangers of Being Small

don’t have to tell you that we live in a society where “diet culture” is the norm. We are taught to count calories, not eat more than a certain amount of cookies, or strive to fit into a dress that is a specific size. But, what if our goal, as women, to always be smaller is reflective of something more? And, what implications does being smaller actually have in our every day lives?

What "Being Small" Means

To be small means to take up less space. Literally. As women, this is not something that is limited to body size. Whereas assertive men are seen as “leaders,” women with presence are “bossy.” As a child, we may have lived by the unspoken rule to be “seen and not heard.” Our opinions can often feel less respected. Women don’t enjoy the same level of representation in the workforce that men enjoy. In politics, for example, women are outnumbered 1 to 5. We quickly take on the role of “caregiver” or “hostess” for others, putting our needs aside.

September 2019

My Message to You

But, my dear, let me tell you: you have a right to take up space! You SHOULD take up space! Don’t get sucked into the culture that asks you to be smaller than you really are; to lose your voice; your presence. To feel unsatisfied with your body or your being just because someone else tells you that you are not how you “should” be is compliance with the expectation to make yourself smaller. Embrace your confidence. Be fully present in your body. Practice an act of self-love every day. Remind yourself that you have permission to be on this earth and literally take up space. If you want to wear that outfit, wear it! Recognize that the tendency for you to apologize for who you are, what body you have, or what you are offering to the world has nothing to do with you but is simply a clash with the expectation our society has for you, as a woman, to take up less space.

Radical Self-Love

You may have heard of the saying, “In a society that profits from your self doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act.” I’m going to take it a step further: There is no greater act of rebellion than radical self-love. It’s hard, I know. But, take one practice opportunity at a time. After all, in order for others to begin to give you permission to take up space, you have to first give yourself permission to take up space; to not be small; to exist in all your glory. Do it, sister! Ashley Carter Youngblood owns two businesses: one as a psychotherapist and the other as a life coach for those looking for a more intimate approach to growth. Her passions are in helping support female empowerment. More info: www.kalamazoo-counseling.com and www.lotuslifestylecoaching.com.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Bringing Reverence to you and your home! We offer comprehensive, home-based hospice care and support for terminally ill patients.

We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Our team of caring specialists focuses on providing support, quality care and helping patients maintain dignity, while they live their remaining time as fully as possible.

Hospice is all about living! 5220 Lovers Lane Portage, MI 1(800) 343-1396 reverencehomehealth.org

4950 Wilson Avenue SW (616) 538-8885

your community music school

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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www.FAMILYSEWING.com COUPON

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Epic Center, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 12, Kalamazoo information@crescendoacademy.com www.crescendoacademy.com 269/345-6664

South of Rivertown Crossings Across from Costco

CLIP & SAVE

Study and learn in a positive and supportive atmosphere with professional, enthusiastic, experienced, university-trained teaching artists. Music instruction for all ages and abilities. Monthly performance opportunities. Need-based financial assistance available. • Private instruction on strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, mandolin, ukulele, percussion, voice, theory and composition • Crescendo Fiddlers & Chamber Ensembles • Crescendo Community Voices for teens and adults with mental and/or physical challenges • Music Together® Babies & Mixed Ages classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers • Music Together® Rhythm Kids for ages 4-6 and their caregivers • Orff Studio group classes for ages 5 and up

- Benton Harbor - Battle Creek

September 2019

Food Dance RESTAURANT REVIEW

Elizabeth Buckley is a hairstylist by day and 24/7 food enthusiast. She visits restaurants in the Kalamazoo area and blogs about her experience at feedmekzoo.com

401 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo | HOURS: M–Th 7A–9P • F 7A–10P • Sat 8A–10P • Sun 8A–4P

This month, my best friend and I decided to enjoy girls’ night out with a great dinner. After discussing several options, we decided on one of our favorites, FOOD DANCE CAFÉ. Food Dance has had a strong presence in downtown Kalamazoo for 25 years. The restaurant was opened in 1994 by Julie Stanley with the idea that “Eating well, just makes life better.” She and her talented chefs do an excellent job of sourcing fresh, local food to make incredible plates. They also have a small market in the restaurant which has meats, cheeses, baked goods and so much more. Browsing the market is my favorite thing to do while waiting for a table or after I’ve finished a meal. Breakfast at Food Dance Café is my favorite in town. Their French toast is the best I’ve ever had and the mimosas are amazing (try adding mango for something really special). I also adore their home fries served with house made

PAD THAI

NY STRIP STEAK

September 2019

ketchup. It is the only ketchup (in the world) that I like and it is available for purchase in their market. I’m such a fan of Food Dance’s breakfast, it had been quite some time since I had enjoyed their dinner service, so I was very excited for this meal. We started our meal by ordering sharable plates. My friend ordered the OLIVE SAMPLER and I ordered the CRISPY RICE TOTS. The Olive Plate was a nice, light treat with four varieties of olives to choose from, two giant, crispy crackers and a small dish to discard the olive pits. The Kalamata olives were my favorite, absolutely delicious! The crispy rice tots were to die for! They looked like large tater tots, but the inside was fluffy white rice. The outside was brown, crispy and the perfect mix of salty and sweet. The Tamarind Ketchup was an excellent accompaniment. I could eat this dish every day! After much debate my friend settled on PAD THAI and I selected the NY STRIP STEAK WITH RATATOUILLE. It was a tough decision between the steak and the Summer Duck, so I asked our wonderful server for his advice. He assured me that I couldn’t go wrong with either, but he loved the NY Strip, so I decided to follow his advice. The steak was large, seasoned beautifully and cooked to a perfect medium rare. I LOVED the ratatouille that was served with the steak. The veggies had a perfect sear to them. I was only able to eat half of this delicious meal, so our server bagged up the remainder and my husband happily enjoyed it for dinner. My friend’s Pad Thai was a beautiful, large dish with rice noodles, bok choy, onion, ginger, carrot, egg, tamarind sauce, peanuts, cilantro and tofu. It had a wonderful, spicy kick to it, but not so spicy that it was hard to eat. She loved it and was easily able to make two meals out to the generous portion.

OLIVE SAMPLER

CRISPY RICE TOTS Food Dance has a large variety of options on their menu and very clearly mark all meals for dietary needs. The menu changes seasonally to make sure all items are fresh. They also have a full bar featuring creative cocktails and are proud supporters of Michigan Craft Brewers. If wine is your drink, they have an extensive wine list with many different varieties. The service, every single time I’ve visited, has been exceptional. The severs are incredibly knowledgeable and are more than happy to make suggestions for beer or wine pairings with your meals. I am always delighted with the wonderful service at Food Dance Café. I will definitely be back for more amazing eats at Food Dance. I would highly recommend any meal; breakfast, lunch or dinner. You really can’t go wrong. Call up your best gal pal, have a great meal and catch up!

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Charles, Lynn & Sparky Zhang

Friday, October 18, 2019 The Fetzer Center | WMU

5 PM | Happy Hour 6 PM | Dinner 7 PM | Raffle Begins

Musical Guest

KAITLIN ROSE Performing 5-6 PM

For tickets and info call (269) 345-1181 or visit khsraffle.org SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

MAGAZINE | EXPO

September 2019

Tulips Members of the lily family, tulips are native to central and western Asia. In the 16th century, they were introduced to the Netherlands where most tulip bulbs are grown today. With over 100 species and nearly 3,000 varieties, tulips have been divided into 14 groups, including Darwin hybrids, Triumph, Lily-flowering, Double early, Rembrandt, Scheepers’ Hybrids (or French) and Parrot variations. Their classification is based on form and habit. A 15th group includes species tulips with the smallest plants growing to just 3 inches.

Tips for Planting Tulips

Tulips are an easy care addition to any landscape, and they are easier to plant than many gardeners realize. • Choose only top-sized bulbs without any bruises or obvious damage. Bigger bulbs generally indicate better quality and bigger flowers.

• Plant bulbs as soon as purchased or store in a cool, dry location. • Choose a sunny (or part sun) location with well-drained, rich soil.

• Plant 2 inches deeper than recommended to promote re-blooming each year. • Apply Espoma Bulb Tone twice a year – in fall when you plant, in spring after the blooms have faded. This will provide food

September 2019

SPRING STARTS NOW! BY TERRI SCHWARTZ OF WEDEL’S NURSERY, FLORIST & GARDEN CENTER

for the foliage and bulb growth for next year’s flowers.

• Protect tulip bulbs from pest damage by laying wire mesh on top of your bed just beneath the soil. Placing Repellex Systemic tablets in the holes when planting is also helpful. • Water the bed thoroughly after planting. • Plant before the ground freezes.

• Deadhead flowers after they have faded, but leave the foliage to die back naturally. Do not cut off the leaves until they have turned brown, or else they will not develop large enough bulbs for a good show the next year.

Tulip Timesaving Tip

Don’t have much time to plant a large, luxurious tulip bed? Plant 100 tulips in just 1 hour! • Choose a part to full sun location and dig a hole 6’ x 6’ to a depth of 6”, placing the displaced soil on plywood or cardboard.

• Place 100 tulips, pointed end up, evenly over the area. • Gently slide the soil from the plywood or cardboard onto the tulip bulbs. Tamp the soil lightly, sprinkle the bed with Espoma Bulb Tone and water well. In spring, the entire area will bloom! • Another easy option is to use an auger. Just

drill down 6”, drop in a tablespoon of Bulb tone and put your bulb in, pointed end up.

Tried & True Tulip Selections Tulips can last from 2-4 years with the proper care. The following selections are some of the most reliable and promise trouble-free blooms for years! ‘DAYDREAM’ – Darwin tulip, changing colors while in bloom to vibrant apricotorange, blooms mid-April into May, Ht: 22”. Fragrant.

‘LILAC WONDER’ – Species tulip, large roselilac flowers with yellow bases and anthers, blooms May, Ht: 7”. Prefers full sun. T. CLUSIANA VAR. CHRYSANTHA – Species tulip, good naturalizing tetraploid, deep yellow flushed with rose toward the edges, blooms April, Ht: 8”.

‘PRIDE OF MICHIGAN’– Darwin tulip, huge flower with strong, clear pink flowers, blooms mid-April to May, Ht: 22”. PARROT TULIP VARIETIES – Frilly, large blooms on sturdy stems. Many different colors to choose from, blooms in May, 24”.

'RED RIDING HOOD’– Short-stemmed tulips with bright red flowers that have pretty mottled foliage, Ht: 10-12”.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

What’ll you have?

Printing 1116 W Centre Avenue 323-9333 PortagePrinting.com

☎

Spring Blooming Bulbs arrive from the Netherlands approx. Sept. 10

Enjoy your outdoor living area with no-fuss plants that take you from flip-flop days through sweater season

Petting Zoo & Kids Days

Pumpkin & Apple Days

Watch for info at wedels.com

More info at wedels.com

Sept 27 & 28

Oct 11 & 12

5020 Texas Dr (Corner of Milham & 12th) · 269-345-1195 · wedels.com · OPEN Mon-Sat 9am-7pm SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

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September 2019

Fall Supper Solutions

As the lazy days of summer fade into the fast pace of fall, we all long for easy meal solutions to feed hungry, on-the-go families.

THE BEST FUDGE BROWNIES 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 Tbsp cooking oil

2 large eggs

1 1/8 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Lightly grease an 8â&#x20AC;? baking pan and set aside. Combine melted butter, oil and sugar in a medium bowl.

BAKED POTATO SOUP

1 (30 oz) bag frozen hash browns

1 (14 oz) chicken can broth

1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/3 tsp black pepper

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese

Green onions (optional)

Shredded cheddar (optional) Cooked bacon, diced (optional)

browns, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion and black pepper in a 6 quart slow cooker.

Top with chopped green onion, shredded cheese and cooked bacon (diced). Serve with a green salad and crusty bread for a great fall supper.

Combine frozen hash

September 2019

Sift cocoa powder, flour and salt into the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing out top evenly.

Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center of the brownies no longer jiggle and are just set to the touch. Remove and allow to cool.

Good luck eating only one!

PERFECT POT ROAST

3 - 5 pound chuck roast 1/2 cup salted butter

Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 5 hours.

Stir in cream cheese, cook for 30 minutes, stir occasionally.

Beat well for one minute, then add eggs and vanilla and continue to beat for another minute.

1 packet Au Jus gravy mix 1 packet Ranch dressing mix 8 Pepperoncini peppers

Place chuck roast in 6 Qt slow cooker.

Sprinkle packets of Au Jus gravy mix and Ranch dressing mix over the roast.

Top with stick of butter. (Lay whole stick on top of seasoned roast.) Place

peppers on & around roast.

Cover crockpot with lid and cook on low for 8 hours. Shred meat with 2 forks & serve.

I like to serve this roast with Bob Evans mashed potatoes (available in refrigerated section of grocery store) and steam fresh vegetables for a fast and easy meal.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

TIPS FOR BEING MORE ASSERTIVE IN THE WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE PROFESSIONAL ARENA has come a long way in the 21st century. But while great strides have been made over the last two decades, women still face unique challenges as they look to establish themselves professionally and advance their careers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, women still earn roughly 80 percent of what men are paid in the same positions. Professional women often must walk the thin line between being too nice or too aggressive, a pressure not often faced by men. Assertiveness is an art for both genders, and women can take steps to be more assertive without giving the impression they’re ruffling feathers.

Be confident in your speech. It is easy to fall into “weaker language” habits when advocating for an idea. If unsure about the reaction to a proposal, you might say, “I think this is a good idea” or “I believe this will impart change.” More assertive language is to simply stand behind the point: “This is a good idea.” Confidence can go a long way.

Allow people to disagree. It is acceptable for others to disagree with you. This can lead to discussion and an opportunity to present evidence why something should be done in a certain way. It also enables you to point out the strong points in their argument. Listening to all ideas can sway people in your favor, even if they don’t necessarily agree with all you believe in.

Be proactive and future-oriented. This is especially pertinent when asking for raises or promotions. Explain to a boss how you respect yourself and that your work merits the right compensation. Point out clearly defined future goals and successes you’ve had that warrant consideration for higher pay. Don’t fear conflict. Conflict doesn’t have to be confrontational, especially when respectable language is used and everyone is allowed to voice their opinions. Conflict can inspire great change. And remember, while you need to have solid relationships with coworkers, they do not have to be your best friends.

COURTESY OF MCC

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MAGAZINE | EXPO

Conveniently located in Parkview Hills For appts, call

(269) 615-0860 | elizabethforestmassage.com September 2019

s ' r e d Rea Lounge Elderhood

Big Little Lies

by Louise Aronson

by Liane Moriarty

“Old age” is something of a disease in today’s society, even as the human life expectancy continues to grow. Physician and Harvard-trained scientist Louise Aronson introduces a new perspective on “Elderhood” that provides a reality that many younger generations lack. Aronson discusses the joys, hardships, and hopes of her actual patients, and how the advancements in medicine affect them. Elderhood brings to light the reality of aging and how it’s a natural process not to be feared or detested.

This book could be your next read, but be prepared to be on the edge of your seat and biting your nails. In this intense novel revolving around a murder, three women are trying their best to survive by any means possible. Whether that means whispering lies amongst themselves or attempting something more dangerous, you will have to find out for yourself. This is a story of strong women, ex-husbands, new wives, and the drama involved in the everyday lives of the average women.

Suggestions brought to you by Gloria Tiller, owner of Kazoo Books. Kazoo Books features used and new titles. The staff is experienced & can help you with suggestions. Come visit them at 2413 Parkview. There is plenty of parking in the back.

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Lost Roses

101 Ways to Go Zero Waste

by Sarah J. Maas

by Martha Hall Kelly

by Kathryn Kellog

Another brilliant fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas, author of Throne of Glass, leaves readers breathless. In this world of rivalry between fairies and humans, we follow a young woman of a once-rich family as she tries to feed her starving father and sisters. Then, her world and life are ripped from beneath her feet as she is taken to the land of the Fae Prythian to witness the prosperity and despair of her sworn rivals.

In this extension of Lilac Girls, Kelly provides a background on the main character, Caroline, inspired by true events in history. Lost Roses gracefully illustrates the strength of women during a most difficult time in history. Three women are “anonymous” heroes as they embark on the quest of their lives during the dangerous times of World War I. This book brings to light the importance of friendship and integrity during times of survival.

If you’re wondering what the zero-waste trend is about, or you want to try it yourself, then this is a perfect book for you. Kellog explains the cultural and scientific importance of going zero-waste and what it entails every day. She breaks down this monumental task in understandable ways that can be incorporated into your busy schedule. This book offers a great lesson in becoming aware of the world around you.

September 2019

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Calendar of Events

It’s easy to get listed in our Events Calendar. Our deadline is the 10th of the month prior to publication. Email us at: calendar@ womenslifestylekazoo.com. Please type CALENDAR in the subject line.

September 1 Concert at Klines

Klines Resort. 6:30 pm. Concert with the Foresters outdoors if possible, bring lawn chairs and finger foods to share afterwards for fellowship. A love offering will be taken. Rain location West Mendon Community church 22994 Portage Lake rd. Jeanine Helmer 269-649-3414

September 6 Art Hop

Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free. 269-342-5059. www. kalamazooarts.com.

September 6 Late Night Food Truck Rally Water Street, Between Rose and Church St. 9 pm – 12 am. There are many different delicious food options available, all thanks to participating local food truck vendors. Along with that comes family friendly activities and awesome musical entertainment! 269-388-2830. www. foodtruckrallykz.com

September 7th Kalamazoo Singers Auditions Singing is good for you! The Kalamazoo Singers will be adding experienced singers for its 43rd season. Auditions Saturday, September 7th, 10 am - 12 noon at Portage United Church of Christ (or by appointment). Please visit kalamazoosingers.org or call 269-569-3189 for more info.

September 7 Daylight & Darkness Unthinking Mortality

Bronson Athletic Club, 6789 Elm Valley Drive. 10 am - 2 pm; lunch provided. Some of us think about mortality often while others avoid thinking about it entirely. No

matter your approach or point of view, the fact remains that death shapes our lives by limiting our time. Through art and guided conversation, this informal program explores our human experiences of life and death. 269-341-8778. RSVPDayAndDarkCollective@ gmail.com

September 7 Portage Heritage Fest

Portage Celery Flats Historical Area. 2 – 5 pm. Heritage Festival is a celebration of dance, crafts, traditions, and food representing the various ethnic groups that call Portage home! Learn about other traditions and customs. Watch, maybe even participate, in various traditions and cultural dances. Enjoy delicious food. And so much more! info@ friendsoftheparksportage.com

September 8 2nd Sundays Live!

Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr. 2:00 p.m. Coffee with Friends will perform acoustic hits plus soulful originals as part of our monthly concert series. Free. 269-343-7747. Parchmentlibrary.org

Sept. 10 MASTERMIND

Please join us for a lunch buffet with guest speaker Kathy George CEO of FireKeepers Casino Hotel. TOPIC: Leadership & Philanthropy. 11:30 – 1 PM Fetzer Center WMU. Reservations at: tinyurl.com/ y5adekxr

September 11 Thriver- Health Talks

Ascension Borgess Health Club 3025 Gull Rd. 5:30 - 7:00 pm. “Thriver – Health Talks” – “Improving Your Quality of Life” is a group of people who have had or having health issues and focusing on health for everyone through education. Ascension Borgess Health Club Sponsored. Free and all are welcome. 269-381-1986. ThriverTalks@gmail.com

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

MAGAZINE | EXPO

2019 FALL WALK Saturday, September 28, 2019

Binder Park Zoo 7400 Division Drive Battle Creek, MI 49014 HOW DO I GET STARTED? REGISTER EARLY! • Online – Visit www.parkinsonsmi.org • By Phone – Call us at 248-433-1011. All participants are required to sign a waiver prior to or at the event. FORM A TEAM! • Recruit family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to join you at the Walk. • Raise $2,500 or more, you’ll get your own VIP TENT! RAISE FUNDS FOR MPF! • Register online and receive your own Individual or Team Fundraising Web Page. • Collect donations using the MPF Donation Envelope (which will be mailed to you upon receipt of your registration) or refer people to your Web Page to donate in your name.

DAY OF EVENT 10:00 – 11:00 am Registration 11:15 am Opening Ceremony 11:30 am Walk Begins 12:30 pm Closing Ceremony 1:00 pm Event Concludes • Participants are welcome to walk the marked route, then enjoy spending time at Binder Park Zoo • Zoo admission is included in Walk Registration Fee. • Event is stroller and wheelchair friendly. SORRY… NO DOGS

www.parkinsonsmi.org 248-433-1011 September 2019

tibetaN moNks drepuNg loseliNg moNastery

SEPT. 13

District Square in Downtown Kalamazoo

N TO

LISTE November 6–10

November 8

maNdala saNdpaiNtiNg at kalamazoo valley museum

coNcert of soNg & daNce at comstock auditorium

other festival eveNts iNclude:

rahim alhaj & sahba motallebi . leahaliza lee . schola aNtiqua taiko drummiNg . music of japaN . samite . aNd maNy more! presented by

october 18 – december 1 for tickets: ccmusicfest.com or 269-382-2910

September 12 Ladies’ Night

Dragonfly Gardens. 5 – 8 pm. Come take an evening stroll through our gardens, enjoy free snacks and beverages, and look for the hidden eggs throughout the store to win some fabulous prizes!! Ladies get 50% off pottery, fountains, and trees, and 30% off everything else in the store! 269-668-2600.

September 13 - 15 40th Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals North

Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Friday & Saturday 8 am – 5 pm, Sunday 8 am – 1 pm. See more than 2,500 street rods, muscle cars, custom cars, trucks and specialty vehicles all thirty years old and older. Plus, manufacturer exhibits, arts & crafts, vintage parts, swap meet, live entertainment, good food and a whole lot more! $19, Children ages 6-12 $6, 5 & under free. Parking is $3 per vehicle. 864-663-7353. www. nsra-usa.com

September 14 Integrative Breathwork Workshop

Unwindings, 5466 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo 9/14: 3 pm - 6 pm. A musical meditation for insight,

emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $40. Pre-registration is required. 269-388-2988. www. AdamczAssociates.com

September 15 Downtown Abbey Tea

Ladies Library Association Building. 2 – 4 pm. The PBS series Downton Abbey captivated audiences on both sides of the big pond. The LLA plans this Downton Abbey-themed tea with tasty tea and “crumpets,” as well as fun surprises worthy of an afternoon spent at Highclere Castle. $25 per person. 269-344-3710. www. ladieslibrarykzoo.org

September 15 Binder Park Zoomobile

Schrier Park. 2 – 3 pm. Free. 269324-9271. Live animal ambassadors help you experience the wonders of nature firsthand. The Zoomobile visits us at Schrier Park (850 West Osterhout). These programs are free and no registration is required. On September 15th, The Zoomobile will be presenting "Wild vs. Pet". While many animals seem cute and cuddly, very few make good pets. Visit with live animal ambassadors and uncover what makes them different from your average cat or dog! mypark.portagemi.gov

September 2019

for your chance to win passes to the exclusive party! September 16 Mystery Book Club

Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Featured book is How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny. All are welcome. Free. 269-343-7747. Parchmentlibrary.org

September 17 Kalamazoo Log Cabin Quilters Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo. Doors Open 6:15. 7 – 9 pm. “Let’s Get Hexed” a presentation by special guest speaker/quilter Mickey Depre. Please join our non-profit organization as we enjoy an amazing presentation by this authored quilter. The program cost this evening is $5. Find us on Facebook or klcq.org.

September 18 Yum’s the Word: Cooking with Lavender Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Janene Rawlinson from Shades of Lavender Farm will demonstrate how to incorporate lavender into your cooking. Includes scrumptious samples for everyone! $5 registration required in advance.

Limit of 30 attendees. 269-343-7747. Parchmentlibrary.org

September 19 Kalamazoo Wellness and Recovery Fair

Arcadia Festival Place. 11 am – 3 pm. This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month and Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Recovery Institute, ASK Family Services and #LookBeyond campaign are joining forces in order to host the fair. 269-343-6725.

September 19 Free Vein Screening

Center for Vein Restoration. 5 pm – 7:30 pm. 3810 West Center Ave, Suite A, Portage. Free.

September 19 Team Trivia Night!

Richland Community Library. 7 – 8 pm. RCL's Team Trivia Nights are back! Test your team's general knowledge & see if you have what it takes to be champions. Teams must register before the event by calling or stopping into the library. Teams can consist of 2-6 players. Free. 269-629-9085.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

September 20 Fall In-to Magic

Hayloft Theatre. 6 pm. Along with Brian Penny's magic show, there will also be visits from the Kalamazoo Ghost Busters and a couple friends from a galaxy far, far away. Every child will receive a chance to win a private magic lesson for one. Each child will also receive a FREE magic trick. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Portage Community Center. Tickets can be obtained at Portage Parks & Recreation. Free. 269-3249271. mypark.portagemi.gov

September 21 Bag-of-Books Sale

Central Library, Van Deusen Room. 9 am – 3:30 pm. We have a giant inventory of books for adults, teens, and children. Thousands of books at bargain prices. Bring your own sturdy bags. CASH or CHECK only. $3 per bag or 20 cents per book. 269-553-7800. Kpl.gov

September 21 Chief Noonday North Country Nat’l Scenic Trail Day Hike

Middleville Gazebo, 100 E Main St. 10 am. Come explore and learn about the North Country Trail with Chief Noonday Hiking on North Country National Trail Day. Wear clothing and footwear appropriate for a combination of natural and paved surfaces. Post-hike meet at the River Dog Tavern, 117 W Main St, Middleville, MI 49333. 269-8087334. Jane_a_norton@yahoo.com northcountrytrail.org/cnd/index.htm.

September 21 The Mom to Mom Sale

Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Early Bird 8 am – 9 am $5, general admission 9 am – 1 pm $2. THE Mom to Mom Sale over 120 booths to shop. All kids are free. Please email lorie.money123@gmail.com for more information

September 21 The Fall Craft Show

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo South. 9 am – 3 pm. Free admission. Please email lorie. money123@gmail.com for more information

September 21 Kalamazoo Vintage Mini Market

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. 9 am – 3 pm. Free admission. Please email lorie. money123@gmail.com for more information

September 21 Crafter-noons

Richland Community Library. 11 am – 12:30 pm. Stop in for a makeand-take craft. This month's craft is a Sharpie Mug. All materials are provided. No registration needed. One craft per person. The program starts at 11 AM and ends at 12:30 or when supplies run out! This craft is intended for adults & teens. Free. 269-629-9085.

September 21 Donuts & Discussion: Working as a Community to Help Babies Survive and Thrive

Invite you to Audition! The Kalamazoo Singers will be holding auditions on Saturday, September 7, 10 am-12:30 pm for singers of all voice parts Be prepared to: Sing a song of your choosing (accompanist provided) Vocalize to demonstrate your voice range Sight read a fairly simple passage For more information & to reserve a time, call 269-569-3189 or visit our website: kalamazoosingers.org auditions also available by appointment

Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr. 10:30 a.m. Terra Bautista and June Scarberry from Healthy Babies Healthy Start and Derek Miller from the 4Dad Kalamazoo County Fatherhood Program will discuss infant mortality in Kalamazoo County and how we can be a part of efforts to help babies survive and thrive. 269343-7747. Parchmentlibrary.org

September 22 Mom & Baby Yoga Workshop

Down Dog Yoga Center. 12:30 – 2 pm. Enjoy Yoga with your baby in this fun postnatal class! The first half of class focuses on mom, stretching and strengthening with baby, and the last half focuses on baby stretches and massage. This workshop is designed for babies under 12 months or before walking. 269-993-2486.

September 24 Four Pillars of Planning; How to Stand Strong for a More Secure Future

Vicksburg United Methodist Church; 217 S Main Street. 3 - 5 pm. Life’s circumstances can change suddenly, and your loved ones may have to make decisions in difficult circumstances. The SW Mi Advocacy Advisors offer this free informative workshop with the topics of planning for healthcare, safe aging, financial planning and funeral planning so you have the tools to create a legacy file outlining your specific wishes. Please RSVP by texting 269-217-9039 or e-mailing swmadvocacyadvisors@ gmail.com

September 28 Super Hero 5K Run/Walk

Celery Flats. 9 am – 12 pm. Grab your sidekick and cape for the annual Super Hero 5K Run/ Walk. Additionally, a 1K fun run for children will take place prior to

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

MAGAZINE | EXPO

September 2019

SEPTEMBER 19, 2019

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites For information and tickets:

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of ALL moms and babies.

Presented by

the 5K. This family-friendly event helps raise awareness about child abuse and neglect prevention throughout Kalamazoo County. All proceeds benefit the Kalamazoo County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Council (KCAN). $10 - $25. 269-552-4430. https:// runsignup.com/Race/MI/Portage/ KCANSuperHero5KRunWalk

September 28 Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 10 am – 3 pm. Buy, sell or trade a variety of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and other exotic pets, supplies & food. Admission: Adults $5, Children $2, Children under 6 free, Family Max - $20. 269-779-9851. tonygcollison@gmail.com www. kalamazooreptileexpo.com.

September 28 Douglass Community Association Dinner

The Douglass Community Association is celebrating 100 Years of serving the community at a Formal Dinner on September 28,

2019 at WMU's Bernhard Center at 6:30 p.m. The Keynote Speaker is Emmy award winning broadcaster Ed Gordon and the theme: Shaking the hand of the past and welcoming the hand of the future. https://www. dcakalamazoo.com/events/

September 28 & 29 Fall Stamp & Cover Show

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Expo North. Sat. 10 am – 5 pm, Sun. 10 am – 3 pm. Stamp show with dealers buying and selling stamps, covers, postcards, and supplies from around the world. Plus, stamp exhibits and a youth booth with free stamps for kids - fun for the whole family. Free. 269-375-6188.

October 1 23rd Annual Senior and Caregiver Expo

Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 9 am – 3 pm. 23rd annual event presented by the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging. This expo features information and displays from many community resources. Free health screenings will be available. Held in Main Expo & Expo South. 269-373-5147.

September 2019

October 1 Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: The Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour

Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. Join show creator and original host, Joel Hodgson, and the world’s greatest – and only – movie riffing robots, Tom Servo, Crow, and Gypsy, as they take you on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through some of the cheesiest films ever made. www.millerauditorium.com/welcomemiller-auditorium

October 4 Art Hop

October 4 Comedian Deanne Smith

Kalamazoo State Theatre. Doors: 7pm, Show: 8pm. Tickets $25. Find out more at wkrk.com

October 6 Late Night Food Truck Rally

Water Street, Between Rose and Church St. 9 pm – 12 am. We welcome you to all stop in and visit our Late-Night Food Truck Rallies that take place one night a month following Art Hop. There are many different delicious food options available, all thanks to participating local food truck vendors. Along with that comes family friendly activities and awesome musical entertainment! 269-388-2830. www. foodtruckrallykz.com

October 5 Chapel Hill 40th Arts & Crafts Show

Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds. 8 am – 4 pm. Known for its high quality, this show maintains its reputation as “best” craft show in the area, filling four commercial buildings at the Fairgrounds. Included is an outdoor vendor/farmers’ market, plus an indoor lunch area where you can purchase homemade baked goods, food, drinks, and snacks. Get a head- start on you holiday shopping while helping a good cause. $3. www.fb.com/chapelhillcraftshow/

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Schedule Today! (269) 873-4600

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS BARTER SERVING SWMI FOR OVER 40 YEARS

1011 W. Maple St | Kalamazoo www.kzooacupuncture.com

(269) 344-8800

www.douglasandson.com

269-344-2860

Here’s your connection to the local businesses we know you love to support. Independent businesses & the people they serve are what makes our community so strong.

A/C, HEATING & COOLING SOLUTIONS www.mattawanmechanical.com

12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft Vandenbergfurniture.com

269-668-5415

Kalamazoo WOMEN’S 269-993-0051 PESTPR SMI.C M

Kalamazoo (west) Downtown Kalamazoo

mackenziesbakery.com

Home Delivered Meals 269.375.8300 | theamplepantry.com 4325 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo

EXPO

March 6 & 7, 2020

WomensLifeStyleKazooEXPO.com

(269) 382-0068

GordonWater.com

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curves.com 600 Romence Rd #130, Portage, MI

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Elizabeth Forest, CMT Conveniently located in Parkview Hills For appts, call (269) 615-0860 elizabethforestmassage.com

SAME FACES... SAME CHAMBER... NEW NAME

SOUTHWEST

M IC HI GA N

811 SHIP STREET | SUITE 303 | ST. JOSEPH | 269-932-4042