Simple Living - October 2018

R BE TO

8 EE 201 FR

C O

Remembering Victoria

Simple

LIVING

Essential • Entertaining • Enlightening WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Local Shopping: ChocolaTea & The Pantry on Tap

SO MANY REASONS TO HAVE A

MAMMOGRAM

Enjoying precious moments with those you love is one of the top reasons women get screening mammograms starting in their 40s. What’s your reason?

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women and is the second leading cause of cancer death. But, early detection by having a mammogram is proven to save lives.

Protect your health and life’s precious moments.

Schedule your appointment today: Kalamazoo and Paw Paw: (269) 341-8700 or (888) 741-6415 Battle Creek: (269) 245-8666 South Haven: (269) 639-2828 To learn more, visit bronsonhealth.com/mammogram.

OB-GYN P.C. 269.345.6197 2854 S 11th St Kalamazoo, MI www.obgynpc.com

Front row: Joseph Riethman, MD, FACOG Patti Zull, CNM, FNP-BC Back row: Lori Kellogg, CNM Brittany Post, WHNP-BC Carter Lomax, MD, FACOG Carly Davis, MD, FACOG Marcia Johnson, MD, FACOG Wendy Bauer, MD, FACOG

Did you know that… ♀ ♀ ♀ ♀

1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer?

An estimated 246,660 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S.?

Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in women?

The risk factor doubles for a woman if she has a first degree relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer?

As women, we can be proactive in our healthcare by doing monthly breast self-exams, scheduling annual visits with our providers for clinical breast exams and if you are 40 years of age, or older or have high risk factors, scheduling annual mammograms.

OB-GYN, P.C. and its providers have invested both professional and personal time in the cause of breast cancer awareness and prevention. We believe that together we can reach and educate more and more women to make their health a priority.

October 2018 LIFE

8 Local Shopping: ChocolaTea & The Pantry on Tap 11 The Benefits of Poise 14 Making History: Michigan’s All-Female Democratic Ticket 16 A Fish out of Water 30 Haunted Kalamazoo

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Mohr dcmohr@wlskazoo.com Editor: Erica Shier eshier@wlskazoo.com Contributing Writers: Kelly Duggan Heidi McCrary Erica Shier Ashley Carter Youngblood Mary Beth Lyons

STYLE

12 Performance Fabrics for Your Busy Home 20 Living In Color

Sales Manager: Suzannah Zerbe szerbe@wlskazoo.com

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Layout & Design: Alicia Carlston acarlston@wlskazoo.com

19 Eat Smart - Healthy for Life 20 Mad About Plaid

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Event Coordinator: Heather Dombos hdombos@wlskazoo.com

FOOD & DRINK

Photography: K. Redmond Photography fb/kredmondphotography

18 Mary Beth Thomas

10 Dip into Fun this October - Beer Cheese & Bacon Dip - Hissy Fit Dip - Pumpkin Cookie Butter Dip 22 Tastes from the Kitchen: La Cantina Ristorante Italiano - Pollo Da Vinci 24 Apple Recipes: - Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Meatballs - Sausage and Apple Tortellini - Easy Apple Cinnamon Roles

LEARN & DO

23 Recognizing and Addressing Domestic Abuse 28 Common Mistakes of Retirees 34 Reader’s Lounge

K N O W L E D G E µ S U C C E S S µ P O W

Administrative: Patty Clifford pclifford@wlskazoo.com Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-365-8254

By Mail: Greater Kalamazoo Women’s LifeStyle P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284

By Email: info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com Website: WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com WomensLifeStyleKazooExpo.com

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS

6 Remembering Victoria Upton 7 Good Deeds in the Neighborhood 32 Calendar

WLSK Proudly Supports

FRONT COVER CREDIT: WEST MICHIGAN PLASTIC SURGERY’S INTERIOR DESIGN: Flair Interiors/Draperies PHOTO CREDIT: K. Redmond Photography

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October 2018

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

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October 2018

5

FROMTHEPUBLISHER

One of my most vivid memories of childhood is getting off the bus in my raingear on a crisp fall day and running all the way home.

When I opened the back door our whole house smelled like cinnamon applesauce.

And there was my Mom just cooking away and working hard to preserve some of Michigan’s best apples. I can still smell the warmth that permeated my soul at that moment.

Those are the moments of fall in Michigan that most of us have and hold dear. There’s just something about the colors and textures of fall that inspire us to

draw close to home and nest once again in the sanctity of our own havens.

With that in mind, we have a lot of great articles that we hope will inspire all of us to dig in and get to those projects we’ve put off in favor of the summer fun we just enjoyed. Now it’s time to get to work preparing our homes for the long indoor adventure we call “The Holidays” and our (shudder) winter hiatus.

Wishing you a wonderful October and a totally Haunted Halloween,

~

Darlene

Remembering

It is with great sadness & much pride that we share this tribute to Victoria Upton, Publisher and Founder of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine.

Grand Rapids, MI —Victoria Upton, publisher

and founder of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, died of brain cancer on Wed., Sept. 5, 2018, at her home in Grand Rapids surrounded by family. She was 63.

Victoria founded Women’s LifeStyle Magazine, the Grand Rapid’s Edition, in 1998 as a positive force to uplift women and enhance her community and her experiences within in it. Through her publication, she was a passionate champion of the voiceless and elevated untold stories into the spotlight.

“I wanted the magazine to be engaging,” she said.

“Something you would be proud to have on your living room table. I wanted it to be colorful and vibrant with an uplifting and positive message. I wanted to lift women’s voices.”

On April 1, 1998 Upton’s tenacity was realized when the first edition of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine (then called Women’s Edition) hit the stands. For 20 years it has evolved with the advent of social media and revolutions in publishing technology, but the mission has remained the same.

Victoria Upton 6

October 2018

Victoria was a woman of immeasurable gifts, one of which was to give of herself entirely to whomever or whatever she encountered. She was an ardent supporter of local and women-owned businesses, the arts and social equity. She was fiercely dedicated to local institutions through her volunteer efforts and partnerships with the Community Media Center, Local First, ArtPrize, Spectrum Health Community Engagement, Grand Rapids Opportunities for

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“I’ve never known anyone yet who doesn’t suffer a certain restlessness when autumn rolls around.

We’re all eight years old again and anything is possible.”

Sue Grafton

“The kitchen is the heart of every home, for the most part. It evokes memories of your family history. ” Debi Mazar

Women, Gilda’s Club, American Heart Association, Grand JazzFest and many more. She was honored by numerous organizations, including the Van Andel Institute, the American Heart Association and the Grand Rapids Legacy Luncheon.

Through her robust vision, vigorous involvement and unfailing ability to carve the extraordinary out of the mundane, she was known as an insatiably positive and inimitable force of inspiration across West Michigan. Her boundless enthusiasm and support directly impacted many in the community.

Victoria was fearless in her battle with cancer and persisted as a radiant beacon of optimism and joy during her darkest hours.

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine will continue to be published on a monthly basis.

I wanted the magazine to be engaging, Something you would be proud to have on your living room table. I wanted it to be colorful and vibrant with an uplifting and positive message. I wanted to lift women’s voices.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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GOOD DEEDS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD This column’s purpose is to highlight special stories of everyday people, right here in southwest Michigan, doing good deeds. Women’s Lifestyle feels these stories are worth sharing because kindness has a ripple effect. When people hear the heart-warming stories, it encourages others and kindness multiplies.

NEW

T

his month we’re highlighting an August 3, 2018 Facebook story courtesy of Erin Meeks who posted a touching story and video of her husband, Bryan Meeks. After enjoying a nice dinner at Applebee’s on Gull Road, the couple decided to take the back roads home. While driving the Comstock Township country road in the dark, Bryan noticed something in a driveway. Upon further investigation he found an elderly man, Mr. J. Ward, in a motorized wheelchair that had run out of charge.

He was attempting to scoot himself along so that he wouldn’t get hit by passing vehicles. Limited in his efforts because he has only one leg, he was worried he might have to stay outside all night.

Luckily for Mr. Ward, Bryan has worked for Mulder’s Moving & Storage for ten years and had built up quite a bit of muscle strength.

Bryan pushed Larry in his wheelchair up the very steep and rough driveway where he was able to get Larry safely back into his home. Mr. Ward was very thankful to Bryan for his assistance.

Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

Bryan Meeks is known for his strong work ethic and kindness while working with customers and is professional and upbeat.

He and his wife, Erin are raising four children ages 15, 10, 5 and 1 1/2. Family is first and foremost for him. He enjoys golfing and loves fishing. He said he loves people and helping them out because it’s the

right thing to do. He notes that his father, a Baptist minister, and mother worked hard to raise the family and they always helped others. Since his random act of kindness has gone public Bryan said his Facebook account has “blown up” with lots of compliments from family, friends, co-workers and strangers. Even his kids are impressed and his son said, “Dad, you are our own neighborhood super-hero!”

Mary Beth Lyons is a writer and owner of A Single Ray of Hope LLC, A Personal Assistant & Concierge Service .Contact Mary Beth at marybeth@ asinglerayofhope.com and on Facebook at fb.com/ asinglerayofhope.

Greater-Kalamazoo Women’s Lifestyle would like to share more stories of our neighbors in southwest Michigan doing good deeds but we need your help. Please submit your stories or videos of everyday people displaying noteworthy acts of kindness to editor@wlskazoo.com.

We’re also seeking local businesses to donate gift cards for meals and services to thank our community super-heroes for their kindness and good deeds. Please let us know if your business would like to donate.

Comensoli’s has generously donated a $30 gift card to Bryan and Erin Meeks so they can enjoy another dinner out sometime soon.

Kindness does, indeed, have a ripple effect. Pass it on!

October 2018

7

&

LOCAL SHOPPING

ChocolaTea | 7642 S Westnedge Ave, Portage Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30AM–9PM | Saturday 8AM–9PM | Sunday 9AM–7PM

Pantry on Tap | 7634 S Westnedge Ave, Portage Hours: Mon-Sat 10AM–7PM | Sunday 12PM–5PM

CHOCOLATEA has been in business since 2008, when Polly Kragt decided to retire from her career as a Registered Nurse to pursue her passion for “the art of the cup”. She combined her love of tea with a weakness for good chocolate and ChocolaTea was born. Buoyed by her success with ChocolaTea and inspired to honor her Italian heritage, Polly opened THE PANTRY ON TAP just a few doors down in 2015. Additionally, Polly will open a new retail store in Crossroads Mall called INFUSION. Opening in October, it will combine products from Chocolatea and Pantry on Tap and will offer a larger retail space. Keep an eye out for this exciting new addition!

CHOCOLATEA GOURMET CHOCOLATES

ChocolaTea sells a large selection of specialty chocolates that are locally sourced and sold by weight. Much of the selection is provided

by Patricia’s of South Haven, whose gourmet chocolates are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Customer favorites include almond bark, dark chocolate and sea salt chocolate.

LOOSE LEAF TEAS

ChocolaTea carries over 200 varieties of loose leaf tea, with an entire wall of black tea variations alone. Categories of teas include Oolong, green, fruit, herbal and Rooibos. They even offer PuErh teas, a complex fermented type of tea that is gaining in popularity. Sold in bulk, the teas are attractively displayed and allow customers to smell teas before buying.

CAFÉ

ChocolaTea sells a large variety of cookies, pastries and pies that can be enjoyed with a hot beverage on site or taken home to enjoy later. Favorites like Matcha cookies (and brownies) as well as cookie dough and peanut butter brownies are in stock at all times, while new, seasonal treats are rotated in to make for an ever-changing menu of options.

SPECIALTY DRINKS

The stores selection of hot beverages is vast, with coffee drinks, over a dozen tea lattes, boba tea and hot chocolates. With varieties like raspberry cheesecake, cinnamon sunset, butter brew and white chocolate, customers won’t soon run out of new drinks to try. The café also serves a small selection of sandwiches and soups for those looking for a quick bite.

TEA ACCESSORIES

ChocolaTea is the place to go to buy accessories for the tea lover in your life. From adorable tea pots and cups to single serving teas and tea over ice brewing systems, you’re sure to find something to add to your collection.

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October 2018

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

THE PANTRY ON TAP The Pantry on Tap offers customers high quality oils and vinegars in an amazing variety of flavors.

Over twenty vinegars, including flavors like summer peach and spicy sriracha, await customers who are welcome to sample each one to find a favorite. There is an equally large selection of oils carefully sourced from single estate producers from all over the world. Caramelized garlic, lavender, blood orange and peppered bacon are just a few of the flavors available and can be taken home in a refillable bottle.

SPICES

The Pantry on Tap also sells an impressive selection of bulk spices (both stand alone and blends) for home chefs to experiment with in the kitchen. The spices are fresh and most are organic.

Customers can purchase the exact amount that they need, ensuring that their cabinet doesn’t fill up with unused, aging spices. Familiar favorites like Italian seasoning and paprika share the shelves with more exotic choices like Piri Piri, chili lime and Za’atar blends. Customers can also buy specialty flavored salts and sugars to add interest to their cooking.

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

October 2018

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Dip into Fun this October Whether you are tailgating or trick-or-treating, October is prime time for get togethers. Here are some delicious dips that are quick to whip up and are sure to wow the crowd at your next fall fiesta.

Heather Dombos comes from a long, southern tradition of hospitality and hearty cooking. You can usually find her in the kitchen whipping up something special for family and friends.

BEER CHEESE & BACON DIP 6 to 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced 1 garlic clove, minced 2 ½ T. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. dry ground mustard 8 ounces India Pale Ale 8 ounces cream cheese 2 C. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 C. shredded Colby-jack cheese ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1 T. hot sauce Soft or hard pretzels for dipping Heat a large saucepot over medium-high heat.

Add the bacon and cook until crispy, stirring often, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease.

To the hot grease, add the garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

In a small bowl stir together the flour and dry ground mustard. Add the flour to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute.

Pour in the beer and stir. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add the cream cheese and cook until melted, stirring often to help break down the cheese. The beer will thicken up when you add the cheese; that’s a good thing. You’ll want to use your spoon to smush the cream cheese and get it incorporated into the sauce.

Add the cheddar and Colby-jack cheeses.

Stir to combine until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5-8 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the hot sauce and stir to combine.

Stir almost all of the bacon into the dip.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with the remaining bacon. Serve immediately with soft or hard pretzels.

HISSY FIT DIP 1 pound pork sausage (browned and drained) 16 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 8 ounces Velveeta, cut into small cubes 4 ounces Muenster cheese, grated 2 T. minced fresh chives 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. onion powder ½ tsp. dried ground sage

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Add the sausage and all remaining ingredients to a medium bowl and stir until well blended. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.

Bake for 1 hour, or until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers, veggies, bread or just eat it with a spoon.

PUMPKIN COOKIE BUTTER DIP 4 oz softened cream cheese (Neufchatel cream cheese is fine) ½ C. Cookie Butter (Biscoff or Trader Joe’s) 2 T. Packed brown sugar ¼ C. Pumpkin Puree 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. cinnamon dash nutmeg dash all spice

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October 2018

Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add all other ingredients and mix until well combined.

The mixture should be nice and whipped. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Serve with fresh apple slices, pretzels, biscotti or small cookies.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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The Importance of

Poise

WHAT IS “POISE”? Poise is defined as a

graceful and elegant bearing in a person.

This involves carefully cultivating and refining the manner in which you walk, speak, and present yourself. What it does not (and should not) mean is changing who you truly are or diminishing your inner strength.

IS POISE A LOST SKILL?

Some may wonder if poise is a virtue that is simply lost to the ages. But can’t we agree that we are fully aware when someone with grace or charisma steps into a room. These individuals carry themselves as if they are floating and seem self-assured, composed and never, ever ruffled. Their bodies and minds appear to work together to achieve complete, purposeful movement. The art, while rarer these days, is not lost and can indeed be cultivated if you want to achieve it.

Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

SIX QUALITIES TO DEVELOP AND CREATE POISE:

CONSISTENTLY LOOK THE PART (FROM HEAD TO TOE): Groomed, coordinated and well-fitting garments should be put together in a finished natural manner, whether you’re donning a suit, jeans or yoga wear.

CARRY AN AIR OF CONFIDENCE: Sit tall and enter a room with purpose.

CONTROL: Maintain a tight grip on your emotions and any nervous behaviors (such as fidgeting, prancing or flailing hands).

HONE YOUR SOCIAL GRACES: Small courtesies like

friendly hellos, refraining from loud or obnoxious speech and being willing to pitch in and help where needed are behaviors that are likely to get you included or invited back the next time. Focus on fostering relationships along the way.

BE A GOOD LISTENER AND THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK:

This means saying the right thing, in an appropriate tone and pace, at the right time.

MASTER YOUR MINDSET: Keep the self-talk and stories that you tell yourself positive, purposeful and directed toward the success you are looking to achieve.

WHY SHOULD YOU WANT IT?

Poise can help you gain credibility, give you charisma and elevate your presence, all of which contributes to greater professional and personal success. It allows talents to shine, wisdom to be heard and enables leaders to lead well. In short, poise provides the confidence and strength to get through any day or situation.

“Success doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design,” states etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore in her book Poised for Success. Have a personalized plan that is designed to support you and your dreams. Follow it daily and you can create a foundation for personal poise and presence that’s all your own.

Kelly Duggan is an Image Consultant specializing in executive & personal image development, etiquette & communication skills.

She is a certified member of the Association of Image Consultants International. Contact Kelly at: www.kellyduggan.com.

October 2018

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BY KAREN KLOOSTRA

Performance Fabrics for Your Busy Home

W

hat is it that makes a house a home?

Is it the fur baby that happily greets you at the door with wagging tail and wet nose or the squealing kids running through the yard? The smell of homemade mac and cheese bubbling in the oven or the sound of tires arriving in the driveway after a full day of work?

Our homes are a place where we make memories, cook for friends, wipe tears, give hugs, do laundry, clean toilets, and a host of other things. They are a place of comfort and security. We bring children, pets and guests in to share life with us. For many of us, our homes are a place where we have ultimate control of the environment: we choose everything from paint and rugs to toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Choosing the right fabrics for our homes is dependent on many variables. Do you have messy little kids, pets that sleep on the sofa, regular wine parties or Friday night pizza dinners in the family room? Performance fabrics are a new trend in home furnishings. Today’s homeowner wants a home that is comfy and low maintenance; durability, cleanability, fade and odor resistance, liquid repellency as well as a soft luxurious feel are a top priority to most shoppers when looking at fabric for bedding or furniture.

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What does the average consumer need to know about performance fabrics? There are plenty of them on the market, and some of the more common trade names for performance fabrics are Sunbrella, Crypton and Revolution.

Sunbrella fabrics are made of solution dyed acrylic and are fade resistant, very durable, bleach cleanable and liquid repellant. They resist mold and mildew and are often found on outdoor furniture.

Now they are using the same technology and making fabrics more suitable for indoor upholstery as well.

Patterns, textures and the overall feel of Sunbrella fabrics have improved greatly in the past couple of years.

For many of us, our homes are a place where we have ultimate control of the environment: we choose everything from paint and rugs to toilet paper and cleaning supplies.

Crypton is known to be resistant to stains and odor.

They too are very durable fabrics and are liquid repellant. Crypton is one of the best choices if you have pets because of the odor resistance. Crypton fabrics are dipped in a chemical bath, but don’t let that scare you; they are green guard certified which means they meet industry standards for low emissions.

Your greenest option would be to look for fabrics that are 100 percent Olefin, such as Revolution brand fabrics. They are inherently stain resistant and durable; however, they are typically not liquid repellent.

Revolution fabrics are resistant to sun fading and have the smallest carbon footprint of any upholstery fiber.

It requires very little land or water for its production.

For today's busy, fast-paced lifestyle, performance fabrics are a win-win. They are relatively maintenance free while extending the life of your furniture so you can focus on enjoying your home just as you intend to: with pizza, wine, kids, pets and all of the other messy joys of life!

Karen is a fourth generation member involved in Stones Throw. She earned a Bachelors of Applied Arts in Interior Design from Central Michigan University and assists a broad array of both residential and commercial clients with their specific and unique design needs.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

October 2018

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History in the Making: Michigan’s All-Female Democratic Ticket

EDITOR'S NOTE: This article is not intended to be an endorsement of any particular candidate or party but is rather recognition of the historic moment this represents for the women of Michigan. No matter your political leanings, Women's LifeStyle Magazine of Greater Kalamazoo encourages you to go to the polls and vote your conscience this November.

W

hen Michigan voters headed to the polls in August, many did so with the express intention of sending a message to those who currently hold political power. Many women, in particular, were concerned with the direction the current administration and lawmakers have been headed and they intended to make their voices heard. Not only was voter turnout higher than in any previous Michigan August primary, for the first time in state history, the Democratic ticket features female candidates for every statewide office on the ballot for the mid-term elections. With GRETCHEN WHITMER running for Governor, DANA NESSEL for Attorney General, JOCELYN BENSON for Secretary of State and DEBBIE STABENOW for the U.S. Senate, the ticket for the blue party is decidedly pink.

GRETCHEN WHITMER, who leads the Democratic ticket for November, won the gubernatorial primary with more votes than her two males components combined. She is a lifelong Michigander who has served in the Michigan Legislature as a Senator and, more recently, as Ingham County Prosecutor. A former educator, Gretchen believes deeply in improving education and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live in Michigan, has access to a quality public education.

Gretchen has pledged to improve Michigan infrastructure which includes fixing the roads and ensuring clean water for all communities. She is a proponent of expanding coverage and lowering costs for healthcare for Michigan residents. Expanding Medicaid, providing access to care in rural Michigan and restoring funding to Planned Parenthood are among the specific goals she proposes.

She is committed to fighting income inequality in Michigan, where she notes that women are still only earning 74 cents for every dollar that a man earns for the same work. On her website she promises, “As Governor I will continue to fiercely defend the rights of every Michigan woman, including for women’s access to all forms of reproductive care, contraception and maternity care, paid family leave and equal pay.”

DANA NESSEL has almost

25 years of expertise in the field of law. She completed her

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October 2018

undergrad at the University of Michigan and earned her Juris Doctorate at Wayne State University. She spent over a decade with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, handling some of the county’s most difficult cases. She left the Prosecutor’s office in 2005 in order to open her own law practice and has built a reputation as a dedicated defender of constitutional rights. She is committed to civil rights, earning a number of awards including the “Champion of Justice” award from the Michigan State Bar Association and “Woman of the Year” from the Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Dana believes the office of Attorney General “should be used to protect Michigan residents, not hurt them.” She believes that her experience, both in the Prosecutor’s Office as well as a defense attorney, gives her unique perspective that will make her an effective Attorney General. Dana has been endorsed by the Michigan Democratic Black Caucus, the Michigan Association for Justice, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan and the Democratic Attorneys General Association, among many other organizations.

JOCELYN BENSON is currently CEO and Executive Director of the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE) and is seeking the office of Secretary of State for Michigan. She is the author of “Secretaries of State: Guardians of the Democratic Process” and, as such, has unique knowledge and insight into the role Secretaries of State play in enforcing election laws and ensuring fair, accessible and secure elections. Her passion for the topic was piqued when her veteran husband, then serving overseas, had a frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful experience trying to cast his

ballot in the 2012 election. Her commitment to making that every legitimate vote is counted can be traced back to this moment.

Jocelyn has been successful in her leadership of institutions and has experience in cutting costs and improving services. During her tenure as Dean of Wayne State University Law School she froze tuition, improved access to scholarship funds for students and improved rates of bar passage for its students. She has also been instrumental in establishing programs to provide free legal services for veterans and aid up and coming entrepreneurs in being part of Detroit’s economic revival.

DEBBIE STABENOW has

been serving Michigan in the United States Senate for the past 18 years and is currently seeking a fourth term in office. She has built a reputation as a fierce protector of Michigan’s waterways. In fact, the first bill she passed as a Senator banned oil and gas drilling in the Great Lakes. She is committed to increasing access to lands for hunting and fishing and has worked diligently to conserve and improve Michigan’s wildlife habitats.

Senator Stabenow believes Michigan’s greatest strengths lie in “making things and growing things” and has maintained a laser-focus on making these things her priorities. She has championed legislation that reduces tax burdens on Michigan families as well as small businesses and manufacturers. She currenty serves on the following Senate Committees; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, Budget, Energy and Natural Resources and Finance.

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THE QUALITY YOU DESIRE

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re-elect KALAMAZOO COUNTY COMMISSIONER 5th DISTRICT

• Julie co-authored a MacArthur Foundation grant with Kalamazoo County & City to reduce the number of young adults in our jail • Fiscally responsible, she has voted for a balanced budget each year and championed placing the budget online for citizen input • She has helped create over 1500 jobs with her 11 years of brownfield redevelopment committee service • She was chosen for the 2018 County Leadership Institute as one of only 23 county leaders selected nationwide by the National Association of Counties

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Julie M. Rogers for Kalamazoo County Commissioner 5th District Alamo Township precincts 1 & 2 Oshtemo Township precincts 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 & 10 Kalamazoo Township precincts 3, 6 & 9

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October 2018

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LIKE A FISH OUT OF WATER Fishing Weather Report SUNNY = Fishing WINDY = Go Fishing RAINY = Keep Fishing FREEZING COLD = Continue Fishing SNOWY = Still Fishing JUST PLAIN MISERABLE = You guessed it – JUST KEEP FISHING!

I

am a recent “convert” to fly fishing, so when I was asked if I’d like to travel to Alaska for the ultimate fly fishing trip, I quickly agreed. A few months later I was finally on a jet headed northbound. I “knew” I’d be the lone woman but I don’t think I realized what that would really mean. The reality was an extreme fishing experience with 14 die-hard fishermen, six hardcore, experienced guides and, of course, bears. Not sweet, cuddly “Teddy” bears but rather the kind that leave behind 12” paw prints!

My first clue that I might be in deeper than I knew was on the small airplane that took us from Anchorage to King Salmon (which boasts a population of about 400 during winter months). There are no roads in or out of King Salmon: You arrive by boat or airplane only.

I knew I was in for it when the steward welcomed me aboard this 30 seater plane by saying: “Oh good we’ve got a woman on this trip!” When I arrived at the airport and looked around a crowded room that had a zillion guys and about 4 women, I knew I was headed for an interesting week.

Our first stop after leaving the airport was the combination party and grocery store to purchase our choice of alcohol, pop and snacks for the week. The prices were shocking: $10 for a fresh pineapple that I suspected may have been left over from WWII.

To be honest, every guy there was wonderful. Yes, I could tell (some faces are just easier to read than others) that not everyone was exactly thrilled to have a woman in camp. But each and every one of them was (my favorite word): AMAZING. Most were thinking I wouldn’t last more than 2 days, but they never said that out loud until the end of the week.

We stayed at the Katmai Trophy Lodge, situated at the base of the rapids on the Naknek River. It’s a beautiful log lodge with five bedrooms with an additional two separate cabins that sleep up to 3 guests each. Rugged but charming, this location had so much wilderness I was thrilled to see a big, fat porcupine wandering the property! Our host for the week was Larry Risbridger from southwest Michigan. The lodge manager is James

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Johnson. For more information or pictures check out: www.Katmaitrophylodge.com!

Up every day by 5:30, seated at the breakfast table by 7 for a “man-sized” breakfast and on the boats by 8:00 am, we made sure to be completely dressed in layers of clothes, waders and boots. While five species of Pacific Salmon swim the river, we were only allowed to keep the silver salmon, 5 per person per day. The lodge dressed the fish, froze them and readied them to fly frozen and encased in freezer bubble wrap home with you. I arrived home with over 40 pounds of salmon – plus my clothes! Best $50 bucks I’ve ever spent.

Two guests were paired with each guide and we fished salmon all morning (or until we caught our limit). After a lunch grilled by our guide, we went back fishing, usually for trout. The largest trout I caught was 28” and the largest one I saw anyone catch was 30 ½” so I didn’t do too badly for being a “rookie”.

After exiting the river around 4 pm, with tired arms but excited spirits, we typically spent time relaxing (which usually meant napping) and telling fish tales. Dinner was always an incredible meal, complete with appetizers, main course and dessert. Chef Josh created some amazing (there’s that word again) dishes from scratch for us that always included meat with a delectable sauce, veggies and rice or potatoes. With full bellies, it was time for more fish tales and an early bedtime. 5:30 am seemed to come earlier each day and I don’t mind admitting that when my head hit the pillow, I was out for the count every night.

One Woman’s Observation of the Male Species: • Men talk just as much (if not more) as women do; only the topics are different.

• Fishing trips are really just a guy’s way of going shopping. They are looking for the biggest bargain (fish) the same way we do!

• They strike up friendships just as quickly, maybe even faster than we do. By the end of the week they were all “best buds.” It was an awesome thing to behold.

• After a hard day of fishing, even with no women around, they put in the effort to come to dinner all spruced up.

• Men mostly wear black, brown or camouflage clothing when fishing, so if you are the only one wearing a mint green jacket, they are going to know immediately who you are from way across the river.

We were all totally unplugged. This means no TV (other than with video player for movies) and no cell phone, texting or internet/computer of any kind. Past times were reading magazines and books, playing cards or just talking and it felt old fashioned and wonderful. Because the way I make my living involves using a good deal of technology, being so “detached” felt very relaxing.

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Day Trips: Just the Bear Facts Please!

Bush plane fly-out trips are available to a number of locations on a first-come first-served basis and start around $300 per person. On our second day of fishing we chose to take a day trip to Katmai National Park - Brooks Camp & Brooks Falls. You can go either by boat (which admittedly takes longer) or by bush plane.

Before being allowed to walk the pathways visitors are required to take a 20 minute long bear etiquette class.

BROOKS CAMP SCHOOL OF BEAR ETIQUETTE: • Stay 50 yards away from bears. Stay at least 100 yards away from Momma with cubs.

• Talk loudly as you walk along the paths.

• If a bear does come closer, don’t run. Instead, walk backwards slowly while talking in a firm voice.

• Absolutely no food of any type, including my beloved gum, is allowed in the park. Everything must be left behind in a specially designed storage to keep it safe.

• Bears have the absolutely right of way in this place.

They are the Kings and Queens of Katmai National Park and the rangers make no apologies.

• If a bear approaches you as you fish and you have a fish on the hook, immediately cut your line and move away.

After the class we were all given a 100 year anniversary pin that must be worn while in the park. Keeping in mind that an adult male can weigh between 900 – 1400 pounds, I had no problem obeying those rules. In the class they kept calling these episodes with bears a “pop-up” and I thought it was an odd term. How can a 1000 lb. bear just pop up? Well, that’s exactly what they do. It’s like they aren’t there one moment and then next moment there they are. They love to stand on hind legs to get a better view into the river. Quite intimidating I can assure you.

We did have a great big male bear pop-up in the middle of our fishing expedition and he floated right down the middle in between our group of 6 fisherman and 3 guides. Other bears showed up on the banks near

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where we were fishing and it was heart-poundingly amazing. It was an experience I will never forget. I would be remiss if I didn’t thank our guide Austin, who took me under his wing and taught me some great techniques for casting and how to remain standing in the fast flowing deep river. He was a game changer for me that day or I might still be floating down the river somewhere in Alaska! Thanks Austin!

All of our guides were truly amazing! Tanner was the first day-guide who had the “opportunity” of taking this jittery gal fishing. After that day he was always shouting encouragements to the mint green coat as he buzzed by on his way to some great fishing spot. Then came Jake, who stopped the boat dead so we could observe Momma Bear and her two cubs. We were beyond happy. Next up was Jeremy, with his awesome dog Kimber. That dog would spend the day running from one end of the boat to the other, always ready

to assist in the landing of any fish on the end of your line! These knowledgeable and dedicated men who sincerely wanted all their guests to have a memorable week. We sure did.

Before we knew it, the week was over. But those memories will last forever – much longer than the more than 40 salmon fillets. Fish fry anyone?

Wonderful Take-Aways from this Vacation • Once in King Salmon, I never waited for the bathroom. All the guys did though. How fun is that? It did my heart good (not to mention my bladder)!

• When they gut the fish and save the filets, the rest is dumped back into the river to continue to feed the eco system.

Trout in particular will eat up the eggs.

Additionally, when the end of the fishing season is near, bears will travel downstream and scrounge the bottom of the river for fish carcasses. Nothing goes to waste in the Alaska wilderness.

• Even the trees have salmon DNA in them.

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LOOK WHO’S TALKING

Mary Beth Thomas TELL US ABOUT THE NAME “MBT YOGA”: When I realized that my initials, MBT, also stood for “Mind Body Transformation,” I knew that had to be the name.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?: Helping people find their own innate ability to heal…helping them find their path toward healing and wholeness.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY OFF: A perfect day for me is about connecting deeply with myself, my Source, my family and friends… and usually involves yoga, meditation, a shared meal or a quiet walk outdoors.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOOD?: I love dark chocolate.

M

ary Beth Thomas has been practicing yoga for twenty years now, but it wasn’t until the last decade that she realized that she wanted to make teaching yoga her full-time occupation. With this in mind, six years ago Mary Beth devised and implemented a 10 year plan to allow her transition from a career in Information Technologies onto her new path. Happily, she did not need the entire decade and instead found herself achieving her goal early with the founding of mbt yoga.

Initially, Mary Beth thought she would mostly be teaching people like herself, plagued with the hunched shoulders, stiff hips and mental stress that are part and parcel to an office job. In fact, her first class was called “Yoga for Deskbound Bodies”. Her mother, wanting to support her daughter in her new venture, starting attending some of her classes and trying to convince her friends to do the same. But it wasn’t until she started a separate class for older adults, with modifications for their specific needs, that she was able to open the door of its benefits for them. Her yoga class for seniors, which she teaches at Friendship Village, Heritage Community Center and Osher Life Long Learning, quickly became Mary Beth’s fastest growing offering.

Mary Beth delights in helping people of all ages access the benefits of yoga, but her truest joy lies in helping

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the survivors of trauma to reconnect to their bodies through its practice. Knowing that this was a deeply sensitive area, and committed to ensuring that she was truly part of the healing process, Mary Beth joined forces with Psychotherapist Dr. Phyllis Florian.

Together, these two women created a seven week program called “Moving toward Wholeness” based on Colin Ross, MD’s Trauma Model. The program combines aspects of group therapy with yoga postures, breath work and mindfulness to help women reconnect with their bodies after trauma.

Mary Beth is also a trained facilitator of a program called Trauma Informed Mind Body program that was developed by Yoga Hope (yhtimbo.org). TIMBo is a program, designed specifically to empower women to feel safe in their bodies, increase their self-awareness and self-compassion and build resiliency. Both “Moving toward Wholeness and TIMBo focus on how past trauma affects people in the present rather than focusing on the trauma itself. They use breath and movement to reduce the intensity of emotional reactions and make it safe to feel feelings without being overwhelmed by them. Mary Beth shares that “the beauty of combining traditional psychotherapy with yoga is the mind body connection which is critical to healing because trauma doesn’t happen just in the mind, it happens to the body as well”.

Mary Beth moved around a bit in her youth, but settled down in Kalamazoo when she was in her teens and considers it her hometown. She loves that fact that her twenty-one year old son went to school with many of the children of her former classmates (and the grandchildren of her mother’s childhood friends). Not too long ago, she moved in with her mother after the sale of her house. The original plan was to build and move into her own condo, but inter-generational living agreed with both mother and daughter so Mary Beth stayed. She loves living with her mother and near the people she loves, including her son and her sister’s family.

For more information about any of Mary Beth’s classes, including the 9 week TIMBo class that begins on October 19, contact her at marybeth@mbtyoga.com or visit her website at www.mbtyoga.com

Erica Shier is a married mother of four who loves reading, scrapbooking & thrift stores. When she’s not driving her small pack of children around, she spends her time volunteering, writing & trying to keep on top of the laundry.

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EAT SMART Healthy for Good I

n 2014, Gabriella De La Vega was working a shift as a part-time Spanish interpreter at a western Michigan hospital when an unexpected wave of dizziness surprised her.Her concern grew as Spanish and English words began escaping her memory and fatigue weighed in. She suspected her busy schedule accompanied by little rest and a diet of high sodium snacks and coffee played parts in these bizarre symptoms.

diagnosis heavily shifted her focus to her health.

“Sometimes, I feel like I’m doing okay, but my blood pressure is really high,” she said.

She was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Equipped with a heart monitor that she wore for a few days, De La Vega discovered her blood pressure was out of control.

Gabriella has made some great lifestyle decisions and it’s not always easy. Healthy food choices make up a large part of the American Heart Association’s Healthy For Good movement. Healthy For Good works to inspire you to create lasting change in your health and your life, one small step at a time.

“You can have high blood pressure and not feel anything,” De La Vega, now 48, said. She explained how the lack of noticeable symptoms earned high blood pressure the alternate title of “silent killer.” Her

THE APPROACH IS SIMPLE: EAT SMART. ADD COLOR. MOVE MORE. BE WELL. Messages are sent to area

companies to encourage their employees to incorporate some of these healthy habits. As fall settles in and the holidays approach, the emphasis with Healthy For Good in Southwest Michigan is to Eat Smart.

SNEAKING MORE VEGETABLES INTO MEALS – ESPECIALLY WITH PICKY EATERS

We all know we need to eat more veggies. Some of us love and eat them at every meal. And then there are those of us who can’t stomach the thought of them. If you’re the primary cook in your family, and pasta sauce and French fries are the only veggies going down at your home, you may want to get a bit sneakier. We’ve come up with some ways to help you add vegetables into meals.

WE’RE SALTY ABOUT SALT

Sodium is a mineral that’s essential for life. It’s regulated by your kidneys, and it helps control your body’s fluid balance. send nerve impulses and affects muscle function. Yet, on average, we eat more than two-times the recommended amount of sodium.

This can lead to serious health problems like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or even stroke.

More than 70 percent of the sodium we consume comes from packaged, prepared and restaurant foods. The rest of the sodium in the diet occurs naturally in food (about

The immediate solutions, a change in diet and a more active lifestyle, were simple enough for the mother of five to figure out; and she worked closely with her health provider to find the right balance of medication with her life.

15 percent) or is added when we’re cooking food or sitting down to eat (about 11 percent). So even if you never use the salt shaker, you’re probably getting too much sodium.

Because most of the sodium you eat is in your food before you buy it, it can be hard to limit how much you’re getting. Watch out for the Salty Six — the six common foods that add the most sodium to the diet. (See the graphic for details.) One estimate suggested that if the U.S. population dropped its sodium intake to 1,500 mg/day, overall blood pressure could decrease by 25.6%.

GET SHREDDED! Grab a box grater or the grating attachment on your food processor to shred zucchini, beets, carrots or parsnips to add to all sorts of recipes.

You can use them fresh or frozen. Add a vegetable serving to your favorite whole grain muffins and quick breads by mixing shredded zucchini into your batter before baking. You can also sauté shredded carrots, summer squash or butternut squash for about five minutes before adding them to pasta sauce for a quick, veggie-filled meal. Even your pickiest of eaters may not notice.

GET MUSHY! Some vegetables like cooked and blended sweet potato or pumpkin can be added to pancakes, waffles, muffins and more. Apple sauce is another great addition to various baked goods and can replace some of the fats or be used as a sweetener.

GET CHEESY! Cooked and pureed orange vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes and carrots can be blended, unnoticed, into cheesy dishes we all love like macaroni and cheese, lasagna, or baked enchiladas.

A SWEETER WAY TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH

Sometimes you crave something sweet. But satisfying that urge through processed foods with added sugars can be bad for your health. As women, our risk for type 2 diabetes increases 80 percent by drinking just one sugary drink a day! In Michigan, the American Heart Association teamed up with Delta Dental to raise awareness to the amount of sugar in our beverages.

Most Michiganders are surprised when they learn that

Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

a USDA statistic says that a 20 oz soda can equal 6 glazed donuts. Water and low-fat white milk are the healthiest replacements for sugary drinks. Carry a refillable water bottle with you so you always have a healthy drink on hand.

To learn more about the Healthy For Good challenge, reach out to the American Heart Association Healthy For Good Director in southwest Michigan, Kimberly.

Earnshaw@heart.org.

October 2018

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Blouson Sleeve Fleece Knit Top (Bobeau)

Mixed Plaid Scarf (Sole Society) Plaid Faux Wrap Dress (Nordstroms) hion

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T U O B A D A M Ab-solution Plaid Slim Pants (Wit & Wisdom)

Betsy plaid wool jacket (Shrimps)

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Elsie embellished plaid pumps (J.Crew)

Plaid cotton-blend top Plaid cotton-blend skirt (Roland Mouret) (Roland Mouret)

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October 2018

21

TASTES FROM THE KITCHEN

BY ERICA SHIER

139 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw, MI • (269) 657-7033

Monday: Closed | Tuesday-Thursday 5-9 PM | Friday & Saturday 5-10 PM | Sunday 5-8 PM

Pollo Da Vinci RECIPE FROM LA CANTINA 2 oz. olive oil 4 oz. shredded, roasted chicken 1 tsp. minced garlic 1 tsp. salt (or to taste) ½ tsp. black ground pepper 1 tsp. ground nutmeg. ¼ C. Artichoke hearts ¼ C. broccoli 1 T. fresh or frozen peas ¼ C. fresh diced tomatoes ¼ C. sliced fresh green and red bell peppers

¼ C. sliced fresh purple onion ½ C. fresh baby Portobello mushrooms ¼ C. fresh sliced zucchini ¾ C. heavy cream ½ C. shredded Parmesan cheese ½ C. grated Romano cheese Cooked Fettucine noodles Truffle oil (optional)

Heat olive oil in a hot sauté pan and then add chicken, garlic, salt, pepper and nutmeg. When the garlic is soft add artichoke hearts, broccoli, peas, tomatoes, peppers, purple onion, mushrooms and zucchini and sauté until slightly golden brown. Slowly add heavy cream to the pan and let reduce until thickened and creamy. To finish and further thicken the sauce, add Parmesan and Romano cheeses. Let the sauce come to a soft, rolling boil. Vegetables should still be somewhat al dente. Remove from heat. Add cooked fettuccini noodles (lightly salted) and toss. If desired, add 2 tsp. of high quality Truffle oil, toss and serve. The truffle oil will add a wonderful earthiness to the sauce. Delicioso!

TIPS AND TRICKS: · Experiment with different spices and favor profiles. · Don’t be afraid to mix savory and sweet. · Use quality ingredients, local and in season when available. · Be creative; you don’t always have to follow a recipe. · If you make the people you’re feeding HAPPY, you know you’re doing it right!

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L

a Cantina Ristorante Italiano is a Kalamazoo institution. Family-owned and operated, this lively restaurant has been a part of the community for over eight decades. Ava Plaszczak, who co-owns the restaurant with Tony, Emilio and matriarch Norma Dacoba, proudly relates that they often host events for the grandchildren of some of their original customers. Being a part of the fabric of Kalamazoo’s dining landscape is incredibly important to this tight-knit family. So important, in fact, that Norma Dacoba (who is 95 years young) still makes her daily rounds at the restaurant. While most women who have made it to her age are enjoying some well-earned rest, Norma prefers to mingle with the guests who have become like extended family.

The family is proud of its Italian roots and the recipes, some of which date back to the 1936 opening of the restaurant, are inspired by the cuisine of Ava’s grandparents’ home regions of Naples, Campagna and Calabria in Italy. Many items on the menu feature her grandparents’ famous La Cantina Red Wine Vinegar…either to dress a salad or reduced to make the agrodolce sauce or glaze featured in their Chicken La Cantina or the Salmon Mediterranean.

Ava describes the restaurant as a friendly, family atmosphere in a lovely natural setting. Guests enjoy the festive, convivial feel of LaCantina and the beautiful, bustling patio overlooks scenic waterfalls for an ambience that’s hard to beat. While the food is excellent and the atmosphere welcoming, it’s the feeling of community that brings customers back year after year. The family and the staff try to treat each diner like a member of the extended Dacoba clan. This, and the fact that all the food is handmade with care, is what has allowed them to thrive for over 80 years in an industry famous for short-lived establishments.

Emilio Dacoba is typically in charge of recipe formulations and once he has perfected a dish the cooks are meticulously trained to recreate it to look, smell and taste the way it should be. The family is dedicated to staying true to the roots that has made La Cantina so successful but is always mindful to tweak and update items to suit the palates of today’s patrons. Ava and her family have graciously shared their recipe for Pollo Da Vinci for those who would like to recreate this popular dish for themselves.

Erica Shier is a married mother of four who loves reading, scrapbooking & thrift stores. When she’s not driving her small pack of children around, she spends her time volunteering, writing & trying to keep on top of the laundry.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

RECOGNIZING AND ADDRESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

BY ASHLEY CARTER YOUNGBLOOD, LMSW, LMFT, CADC

I

n honor of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I want to pay tribute with this article to all the survivors out there.

Let’s start by embracing the fact that domestic violence is a taboo subject. No one wants to talk about it. But, guess what? The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been victims of some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime. Additionally, around 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States every minute! No matter how much we would prefer not to discuss it, we must talk about something that affects more than 10 million people per year.

SIGNS OF ABUSE

Violence between intimate partners isn’t always physical.

Domestic violence can include emotional, sexual, financial and spiritual abuse. While all situations vary, warning signs of an abusive partner can include the following: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Isolation from loved ones Attempts to commit quickly (e.g. get married) Throwing or punching things when angry Preventing you from having access to money Forcing you (through manipulation or physical force) to engage in sexual activities Tracking or demanding knowledge about your travels or activities Preventing you from leaving a room, leaving your home or calling the police “Narcissistic” behaviors Repeatedly criticizing you, even in front of others Accusing you of having an affair Blaming you for the abuse Threatening to harm or kill you or those you love (e.g. pets)

This is not a comprehensive list and every situation is different. However, signs like the ones enumerated above correlate with abusive relationships, whether the partner is male or female.

Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

WHAT TO KNOW

If you observe some of these behaviors in your life or that of someone you know, please know that there is help available! First, it is important to understand that domestic violence is about the abuser creating an environment of power and control. There are even phases to domestic violence: The “honeymoon phase”: The abuser is overly caring, saying they will improve their behavior and that they are dedicated to the relationship.

The “tension building phase”: The abuser becomes more irritable and the victim of the violence makes efforts to calm and please them in order to avoid an explosion.

There may even be threats made during this time.

The “explosion phase”: The abuser inflicts the violence, whether physical sexual, or emotional. After this, there are often apologies and promises made to “never to do it again,” causing a return to the “honeymoon phase.”

Over time, research shows that this cycle of domestic violence becomes shorter and sometimes the “honeymoon phase” is eliminated altogether. Very rarely does a relationship that includes domestic violence improve without intervention, whether criminal or therapeutic (e.g. with a Batterer’s Intervention Program).

As maddening as it can be to either be involved in or to watch this cycle continue with a loved one and their partner, on average, it takes a victim seven times to leave such a relationship for good.

WHAT TO DO

“So, what can I do?” you may be asking.

Because domestic violence is about power and control, it is important to practice patience with yourself and the loved one. Factors like children, pets and finances influence why victims stay in abusive relationships for longer than they would like. You can start by asking gentle questions like “You seem stressed. Is there anything you would like to talk about?” or “I’ve noticed that your partner calls every hour to have you check in.

Are you feeling safe at home?”.

Such conversations may not be comfortable but a major factor to a victim leaving an abusive relationship is if they

feel like they have hope, options, a safe place and supports to help protect and encourage them. Let your loved one know you that are a safe place. Don’t badger or criticize their choices but consider gently expressing concern and reminding them that they have support in you.

If you are the one in the abusive relationship, the key is to have a safety plan. The reality is that the most dangerous time in a relationship that involves domestic violence is when the abuser believes the victim is leaving. The existing tension in the relationship escalates and, in extreme cases, the situation can end in murder.

Because we may be talking about life and death here, making a safety plan that includes finding a safe person to talk to, code words for children involved, determining safe places to go and deciding where to keep important documents are imperative. You can find wonderful templates for safety plans at the website of The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, www.ncadv.org, and the website of The National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.thehotline.org. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) is a 24 hour hotline that can even connect you with local safety shelters and agencies, like the Kalamazoo YWCA, whose crisis line is 269-385-3587. For those being tracked by their partner, be careful how you obtain such information.

Remember: the point is to escape domestic violence safely. Privately connect with resources, learn your options and create your safety plan. If nothing more, seek out the support of a trained professional, such as advocates at the local YWCA or a therapist who is wellversed with the dynamics of domestic violence. Keep persisting! Stay strong. You are worth more than the situation you are in.

Ashley Carter Youngblood is a Clinical Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist at Inner Peace Counseling, PLC in Kalamazoo. Her specialties include women’s issues, anxiety, holistic healing/mindfulness, and couples counseling. Find out more about her at her website, www.kalamazoo-counseling.com.

Citations: https://ncadv.org/statistics

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APPLES to APPLES

T

he orchards are abundant with apples! The harvest of this favorite fruit is in full swing, with some varieties ripening as early as late August while others continue to become available throughout October. This year, when you collect your delicious bounty, skip the applesauce and try your hand at these simple yet heavenly recipes staring Michigan apples.

Slow Cooker Apple BBQ Meatballs

1 cup applesauce

1 cup barbecue sauce

1 egg

1 Michigan apple, finely chopped

1 pound ground beef 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt pinch red pepper flakes chopped fresh parsley, for garnish In bowl of 3-quart slow cooker, stir together applesauce and barbecue sauce.

RECIPES COURTESY OF THE MICHIGAN APPLE COMMITTEE

Place egg in large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add apple, beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes. Mix with hands until just combined. Do Place egg in large mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Add apple, beef, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and red pepper flakes. Mix with hands until just combined. Do not overmix. Using hands, gently form mixture into meatballs just smaller than golf balls.

Place meatballs in bowl of slow cooker and gently stir to cover meatballs with sauce. Cover and cook on high for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until meatballs are cooked through. Stir mixture well, then transfer to platter and serve garnished with parsley, if desired.

Sausage and Apple Tortellini

1 tablespoon olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 3/4 pound hot Italian sausage, casings removed if necessary

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken stock 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup apple juice

1 Michigan Gala apple, chopped

1 package (8 to 10 ounces) cheese tortellini

1 package (5 ounces) baby spinach 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley

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October 2018

Heat oil in large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sausage and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until sausage is cooked through, stirring occasionally and breaking up sausage with back of spoon.

Stir in flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in stock, cream and juice; heat to boiling over medium-high heat.

Reduce heat to medium; stir in apple and tortellini. Cook 3 minutes, Stirring frequently.

Stir in spinach and salt. Cook 2 to 3 minutes longer or until spinach is slightly wilted and tortellini is tender.

Serve tortellini garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Easy Apple Cinnamon Rolls

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, divided

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon pinch of kosher salt

1 tube (8 ounces) crescent dinner rolls

1 Michigan Braeburn apple, finely chopped

For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze 1/4 cup cream cheese

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons powdered sugar Make the Apple Cinnamon Rolls: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Brush 9-inch cake pan with 1 tablespoon butter. In small bowl, stir together brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.

Unroll crescent roll dough on work surface. Press and pinch all perforations to seal.

Evenly brush dough with remaining 1 tablespoon butter.

Sprinkle sugar mixture over butter.

Evenly spread chopped apple over dough, leaving 1/2-inch border at long edges of dough.

Starting from one long edge of dough, roll dough up into long tube; pinching edges to seal. If any perforations in dough have opened, pinch to seal before cutting rolls. Using sharp knife, cut dough into 9 pieces. Arrange pieces, cut side up, in prepared pan.

Flatten each roll slightly.

Transfer to oven and bake 20 to 22 minutes or until rolls are golden brown and dough is cooked through. Transfer to wire rack to cool 5 minutes before transferring rolls to serving platter.

Meanwhile, make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: In microwave safe bowl, heat cream cheese on high 20 seconds. Add maple syrup and powdered sugar; whisk until smooth. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and serve immediately.

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

October 2018

25

LIVING IN

COLOR

FAMILY FEATURES

W

hen picking a color for cabinetry, personality and lifestyle are essential considerations. Gray and white cabinets are options for the modern active living lifestyle, whereas green & blue tones may work better for a more eclectic existence.

Whichever way you go, colored cabinetry is more than just a trend: it’s a design approach that is here to stay.

That’s why careful planning is necessary when you set out to redesign the kitchen. After all, this essential living space is an area where you spend plenty of time, so it should feature visual elements & colors you find appealing.

color, an option like Mink Gray from Wellborn Cabinet trust consumers and we believe they have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry.” gives the feel of a much warmer space. Minimalists swoon over this classic yet clean gray because it isn't The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn overpowering, and the timeless color adds to the Cabinet’s latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to transitional styling of cabinetry. a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making IT ALL STARTED WITH WHITE way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, It’s true that white cabinetry set the pace for painted green and blue. cabinetry, and it’s likely to remain a popular option for homeowners. Remember, though, that not all whites A CALMING EFFECT Letting your personality show through with color in the are the same and different shades can elicit a different design motif entirely. Cabinets in shades of white are kitchen doesn’t have to mean going outlandishly bold.

Paint hues like aqua, mint and olive can all set the stage enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional and even modern kitchens. for a calm, inviting atmosphere. Each of these shades

White kitchen cabinets have dominated the market for many years. White cabinetry is constant, safe and classic. provides a mild taste of colored cabinetry, imparting However, reports from designers and data on market an effect that is subtle but bold enough to make its buying trends are showing a slight shift in painted presence known. cabinetry design from classic white to pops of color.

“We know kitchen cabinetry is an ever-evolving dynamic, but we also believe certain trends are more constant and everlasting,” said Angela O’Neill, director of marketing and advertising at Wellborn Cabinet. “We

MINK GRAY

Exploring shades of gray is another way to develop a unique look. Some shades result in a calm, tranquil effect. However, if you’re looking for a more dominant

Also remember that although it’s simple, there’s nothing dull about white cabinetry. Embrace the classic white spacious kitchen in your home but take it up a notch with brass lanterns, a round dining table and fabric-covered chairs.

Find more inspiration and planning tools to create the contemporary kitchen of your dreams at wellborn.com.

Choose the Right Cabinet Color Once you’ve made the decision to add colored cabinets to the kitchen, there’s an obvious next question: which color? With so many options to choose from, you may need to answer some basic questions to narrow down the field.

BOLD VS. SUBTLE

If you’re looking for a dramatic change, a bold approach may be the perfect solution. Just remember that a bold space can border on overly bold. It needs to be a color and shade that you will continue to enjoy over time. On the other hand, if you’re set on adding color but not sure something so vibrant will do, a softer shade of that color may offer a more subtle solution.

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October 2018

ALL OVER VS. ACCENT

Consider whether your vision calls for paint on all of your kitchen cabinetry, or if you’re simply looking to create a standout feature. A color that looks terrific as a focal point may overwhelm if it’s applied throughout the room, so evaluate which of the options you’re weighing is best suited to the use you have in mind.

FIT WITHIN THE HOME

In many homes, the design style flows from one room to the next. It’s important when making a major change like colored cabinets to understand how the new style will fit with the rest of the house. For example, whether it will complement or contrast, and if it contrasts, ensure that’s the look you’re truly going for.

COMPLETING THE DESIGN

Another often-overlooked consideration is how you’ll complete the room once the cabinetry is installed.

Think about the rest of the woodwork, other finishes like backsplash and flooring, and dining furniture in the space. Also consider your appliances and any decorative items you may wish to add. Ensure the color you’re considering will fit with the other elements. If it doesn’t, you may have to consider upgrading those features to achieve a cohesive look.

If you’re still having trouble narrowing down your selection, many designers recommend selecting an inspiration piece and designing the rest of the room, including the cabinetry, to complement it.

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

October 2018

27

Common Mistakes of Retirees A

BY SANDY K DERBY, ChFC, CASL, LUTCF | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ | VP Old National Investments

s baby boomers near their retirement years – the first boomer turned 60 on January 1, 2006 – they’re discovering what previous retirees have been complaining about for years.

There is a lot of information on how to plan for retirement but not enough on how to plan during retirement itself.

The stakes are perilously high. Errors made in the years surrounding retirement can haunt you for life. You can end up with less money, or less retirement, than you’d planned. Or you can face big tax bills that could have been avoided had you known better.

HERE, ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO POTENTIALLY AVOID THEM:

UNDERESTIMATING YOUR LIFE EXPECTANCY, AND/OR YOUR HEALTH. In the past, financial planners routinely created retirement plans that stopped at age 85, because the chances seemed pretty good their clients would be dead by then. (The average life expectancy at age 65 is 10.3 years for men, 12.4 years for women.)

But averages don’t tell the tale. You may be in better health than the average retiree, take better care of yourself, or have better genes.

Another concern among retirees is the cost of longterm care facilities. MetLife issued a survey saying that 1 out of 2 people will require some extended stay in a long-term care facility. With the cost of a longterm care stay approaching $64,000 per year as an average across the country, it would make a significant dent in a retiree’s nest egg.

By the way, the longer you live, the more you may benefit from delaying the start of your Social Security checks. Although you can start receiving checks as early as age 62, the amount of your checks increases by 8 percent per year, the longer you wait, up until age 70.

ASSUMING YOU’LL BE ABLE TO WORK AS LONG AS YOU WANT. Baby boomers are famous for proclaiming that they’ll work past retirement age; an AARP study last year found 79% predicted they would continue working at least part of the time during their retirement years.

Right now, the typical retirement age is 62, according to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, and 40% of retirees say they left the workplace earlier than they’d planned, often because of illness, disability or layoffs.

In fact, 42% of women over 65 and 38% of men in the same age group have disabilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Only 12% of people over 65 are still in the work force (16.9% of men, 8.9% of women). Many people find that even without chronic health problems, their energy begins declining in their late 60s and 70s, although a few are able to work into their 80s or even 90s.

So if you’re counting on part-time work to supplement your retirement income, don’t count on it for long. You may be the exception, but it’s smart to plan as if your working years won’t continue indefinitely.

LOCKING IN POOR RETURNS. There are numerous ways retirees do this, but two of the most common are certificates of deposit and immediate annuities.

*Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Old National Bank and Old National Investments are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial. Old National Bank, Old National Investments, and LPL Financial are separate entities.

Why Old National Investments?

Personal. Professional. Principled. Build the future you envision with a trusted advisor who listens to your goals and helps you create a suitable plan for your life. Sandy has 29 years of experience as a financial advisor and specializes in retirement and income planning.

Talk with Sandy Derby about your financial plan at 269-459-0474.

CDs typically offer interest rates that aren’t much higher than the rate of inflation. Add in taxes, and you’re often losing purchasing power.

While CDs can be a part of your investment strategy in retirement, most retirees will need the long-term growth potential offered by stocks. The proportion of your portfolio that should be in stocks depends on your age, your risk tolerance, and your growth needs.

Immediate annuities offer a similar pitfall. They’re great in concept – a way to lock in a lifetime stream of income in return for a lump-sum payment to an insurance company. The problem is that the payments you get typically reflect the prevailing interest rates at the time you purchase the annuity.

These are just a couple of the ways baby boomers can fumble before and during their retirement years.

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.

CD’s are FDIC insured and offer a fixed rate of return if held to maturity. Annuities are not FDIC insured. Annuities are long-term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax. Surrender charges apply.

Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company.

-Not FDIC Insured -Not Bank Guaranteed -May Lose Value -Not insured by any Federal Government Agency -Not a Bank Deposit

Sandy Derby, CFP®, ChFCTM LPL Financial Advisor, VP Southwest Michigan Region 5003 Century Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-459-0474 oldnational.investments

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Old National Bancorp and Old National Investments; not registered broker/dealers; not affiliated with LPL Financial.

28

October 2018

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5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Arcadia Ballroom

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Presented by OCTOBER EVENTS 27 - Sunburst Pageant 28 - Trick or Treating

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October 2018

29

Haunted

Kalamazoo Whether you’re a true believer, convinced that ghosts are very real or a skeptic who doubts such a thing is possible, there is no better time to than October than to entertain the idea of the supernatural. Did you know that Kalamazoo is home to a number of places that are reputedly haunted? We did a little research to give you a leg up on the spookiest spaces in our hometown.

Investigate at your own risk!

Henderson Castle 100 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo History: Built in 1895 by one of Kalamazoo’s most successful businessmen of the day, Frank Henderson. This Queen Anne-style mansion was not Frank’s home for long, as he died in 1899. His wife, Mary, stayed in residence until she moved out in 1908. Since then, the Castle has been owned by nine parties, including Kalamazoo College. It is currently owned by Master Chef Francois Moyet and is a popular Bed & Breakfast with ten guest rooms. The Castle also boasts an in-house Chop style restaurant, day spa and vineyard as well as being a popular wedding and event venue.

Hauntings: This Kalamazoo landmark has long had a reputation for being haunted. It is reputedly home to not one or two…but four ghosts (five if you count the spirit of a dog). The 115 year old castle is supposedly haunted by the spirits of its original owners, Frank and Mary Henderson. Also in residence are said to be the ghosts of Clare Burleigh, a Spanish-American soldier who served with the Hendersons’ son as well as that of an unidentified young girl. Guests and staff have reported being touched by ghostly hands and hearing a female voice tell them to leave, hearing doors banging when no one is upstairs and seeing an apparition in period clothing in Mary Henderson’s former changing room.

The Southern Michigan ParaNormals (SMP) has investigated the property over a dozen times over the years and rates Henderson Castle as “very active”. Those who have experienced the phenomena describe them as having a “good energy” and almost never characterize them as scary or creepy.

Henderson Castle is offering a Haunted History Dinner and Gravesite Tour on October 12th. Tickets and more information can be found on their website at www.hendersoncastle.com.

Heritage Hall 625 Oakland Dr. Kalamazoo History: Opened in 1905, Heritage Hall was Western Michigan University’s first building and overlooks Kalamazoo from its perch atop Prospect Hill. It underwent a renovation in 2015, transforming WMU’s least energy efficient building into one of the most efficient in West Michigan. Heritage Hall now serves as the WMU Alumni Center.

Hauntings: The ashes of former WMU President Dwight B. Waldo were interred in the building after his death and remain there even after the renovations. Reports of lights turning on and off without cause, seeing a girl in a white dress appear in an upstairs window and unexplained voices and doors slamming are just some of the creepy tales attached to this building.

Whether the ghost is that of President Waldo or belongs to one of the two other people who have reportedly died on the property, many are convinced that Heritage Hall is indeed haunted.

30

October 2018

The Civic Theatre 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo History: The Civic Theatre of Kalamazoo was founded in 1929 when it began producing plays in the Lincoln School Auditorium. The company moved into its current location in 1931. Considered state of the art for its time, the beautiful building is a noteworthy Kalamazoo Landmark.

Hauntings: Rumors of a ghost at the Civic Theatre date back to at least the 1950s.

While most refer to the ghost as Thelma Mertz, there is little to lead to a positive identification of the ghost itself. From a piano playing in an unoccupied room and things moving inexplicably to reports of seeing the figure of a person in a monitor when no one stood on stage, the accounts of unexplained phenomena have led many to believe there is truly a ghost in residence at the Civic.

The Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick St. Kalamazoo History: The theatre was designed in 1927 by Architect John Eberson and was renovated in 1964. It operated until 1984, when it was closed down. A grass-roots movement to save the historic building resulted in the purchase of the theatre by the Hinman Company. Further renovations were completed in attempt to continue to preserve this integral part of Kalamazoo history.

Hauntings: Reports of supernatural happenings abound at the State Theatre.

Incidents include objects moving inexplicably from one place to another, being touched when no one else is in the room and a statue that seemingly changes position on its own. Paranormal investigators have reported recording a girl singing, circus sounds (circuses used to perform at the theatre) and a ghostly voice saying the name of the theatre’s manager, Tom.

McDowell Cemetery 930 Blue Star Highway, South Haven History: This cemetery, formerly known as Hawks Head Cemetery is allegedly the burial place of Al Capone’s mistress, Flora.

Hauntings: Visitors have reported seeing a ghost wearing a gauzy white dress. Some claim to hear wind chimes prior to her appearance. There have been additional reports of a dim red “ghostlight” appearing in the middle of the road or near her gravestone, marked only with the name “Flora”.

Interested in finding out more about Kalamazoo’s creepy past? Paranormal Michigan Tours offer a Haunted History of Kalamazoo Tour for $10 per person, with three dates available in October. For more details, go to www.paranormalmichigan.com.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

October 2018

31

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.

October 5 Plaidurday

Bell’s Eccentric Café. Upper Hand Tap takeover at 11 am. S’mores bar begins at 5 pm. It’s comfortable, it’s practical, it’s stylish, it’s cozy...It’s plaid! Fall is here in the Mitten state which means it’s time to ditch the shorts and t-shirts and start layering up with THE tried and true Michigander go-to. Come party as they honor this holiday the best way - with lots of delicious beer from their sister brewery in Escanaba, MI, Upper Hand Brewery, and a s’mores bar that evening. Free.

269-382-2332.

October 5 Art Hop at Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital

Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital. 5 – 7 pm.

Come join us on the KPH front lawn to support the creative talents of patients, staff, and friends! Some artwork will be featuring topics related to mental health, coping, and empowerment. Enjoy live music and refreshments while you walk around and connect with the artists of our community! Free. 269-337-4089.

October 5 Art Hop: College Night

Kalamazoo Institutes of Arts. 5 – 8 pm.

Students from Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, and Western Michigan University are welcome to come enjoy art-making, free food, and fun at the museum, including a chance to move your body with company members from Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers.

Adults $5 Students with ID: $2. 269-3497775. www.kiarts.org

celebrate the unifying power of the world’s music!

october 5 – november 25 over 17 events presented by

www.ccmusicfest.com

October 5 The Willis Clan WSG The Moxie Strings Kalamazoo State Theatre. 8 – 10:30 pm.

Discovered on “America’s Got Talent” and featured on the Today Show’s “Sound of Music,” The Willis Clan is one of the most gifted families you’ll ever see! For one night only see this talented family of 12 perform live. Supporting The Willis Clan is The Moxie Strings. $28 - $38.

269-345-6500.

October 5 Food Truck Rally

Water Street, between Church and Rose Street. 9 – 11:59 pm. The following Food Trucks will be attending: Babaturk, Coffee Rescue, Motor Mouth, Gorilla Gourmet, Island Noodles, Mangia Mangia, Singh Cruisin Cuisine, Smoked Down BBQ, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Weller BBQ, Dave’s Tacos and Chili Dogs, Urban Eats. Free. 269-388-2830. www.foodtruckrallykz.com www.facebook.com/KalamazooFoodTruckRally/

October 6 Recycled Art in the Park

Celery Flats Historical Area. 12 – 4 pm.

Outdoor artwork will be displayed October 6 – 13. Recycled Art in the Park is a sculpture contest and exhibit featuring sculptures using materials that would normally be thrown away but instead given new life in an original work of art! Enjoy exhibit openings and musical entertainment. Free. 269-329-4522. www.FriendsoftheParksPortage.com

October 9 WLSK MASTERMIND Meeting

Fetzer Center - WMU Campus. 11:30a - 1p - Join us for luncheon and learn.

Topic: Generational Differences $20.00 RSVP Only @ tinyurl.com/yb2cs7lq

32

October 2018

October 10 Project Connect

Kalamazoo County Expo Center – Main & North. 12 – 4 pm. Project Connect is a FREE day of services ranging from health/vision screenings, dental cleanings, family and child activities, legal assistance, budgeting, resume assistance, clothing giveaways, haircuts, veteran’s services, and much more available to all Kalamazoo County residents. A hot meal will be provided. There will be FREE shuttle rides to and from the event. Free.

269-373-5163. adande@kalcounty.com

October 10 Thriver – Health Talks

Borgess Health & Fitness Center. 5:30 – 7 pm. Thriver is a group of people who have had or having health issues and is also interested in being the best in Mind, Body, and Soul through health education. This is a positive and uplifting group which is focused on health for everyone including cancer patients. 269-381-1986. Mderuyter99@gmail.com

October 12 Sabor Latino

Join us for an evening of “Latin Flavor” with plenty of Latino style foods, music and dancing. McCamly Plaza Hotel Battle Creek 6 - 9 pm. Must be 18 + years of age. $40 at the door. More info: vocesbc.org

October 12 Comedian Anthony Jeselnik

Kalamazoo State Theatre. 7 – 10 pm. Due to popular demand, renowned comedian Anthony Jeselnik is performing! Jeselnik is a comedy industry veteran, wowing audiences for over 15 years. Shows will continue to feature new material from the comedy superstar! You don’t want to miss him. All ages welcome but recommended for a mature audience. $35.

269-345-6500.

October 13 Integrative Breathwork Workshop

Unwindings, 5466 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo 10/13: 2 pm - 5 pm. A musical meditation for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $40. Pre-registration is required. 269-388-2988. www.

AdamczAssociates.com.

October 13 Bonteboktoberfest

Binder Park Zoo. 6 – 10 pm. Set inside the zoo after hours, this popular beer tasting festival uniquely showcases over forty of Michigan’s finest craft microbreweries (ciders, meads and wines, too). Event– goers will enjoy a menu of “beer-centric” small bite food pairings included in the ticket price. As part of the admission price, each guest receives a souvenir Bonteboktoberfest tasting glass, 12 drink tickets and “small bite” food pairings. http://www. binderparkzoo.org/

October 15 Advance Care Planning Workshop

Comstock Community Center. 6 - 7:30 pm. Learn more about the importance of planning for your future healthcare by attending a free informative workshop.

During a small-group guided discussion, techniques will be shared on how to document ant discuss your preferences with loved ones. A Medical Preferences Care Planning Workbook will be provided as a resource as well as a free advance directive document. (269)345-8556

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

October 17 Advance Care Planning Presentation

Ecumenical Senior Center. 12 – 1 pm. Learn more about the importance of planning for your future healthcare by attending a free informative workshop. During this lunchtime presentation, techniques will be shared on how to document ant discuss your preferences with loved ones. A Medical Preferences Care Planning Workbook will be provided as a resource as well as a free advance directive document. 269-381-9750.

October 17 The Choir of Man

Miller Auditorium. 7:30 – 9:30 pm. The runaway hit of numerous international music festivals is hitting the road for its first U.S. tour! The multi-talented cast of nine handsome blokes sings everything—pub tunes, folk, Broadway, classic rock—all to roof-raising heights. It’s the best singing, dancing, stomping, pub crawl of a concert you’ll ever attend! CHEERS! (269) 387-2300. millerauditorium.com/choir-man

October 18 – 28 ZooBoo

Binder Park Zoo. Thurs & Fri – 4 – 8 pm. Sat & Sun – 1 – 8 pm. ZooBoo 2018 kicks off with the annual Pumpkin Carve on Oct 16, 4-7 pm. Carving is free to the public, pumpkins, carving tools and refreshments are all provided! Admission includes unlimited train, carousel and hayrides, the Trick-or-Treat Trail, life-size games, and the Wild Science Zone with six spooky learning themes. Guests can also enjoy a series of exciting stage shows. The Boo-ville Carnival is back. $9 members, $10 non-members. 269-979-1351. http://www.binderparkzoo.org/

October 19 Kalamazoo Improv Festival

Crawlspace Comedy Theatre. The 10th Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival will be held October 19 and 20, with the hope of making the event--now measured in double digits--special, by offering even more of what its audiences enjoy. Presale tickets are currently available in 3 forms. $50 - $90.

269-599-7390.

October 20 CND Oktoberfest Hike

North Country Trail Yankee Springs. 9 am – 2 pm. The group will sponsor two free, guided hikes, one 10 miles and the other 4 miles.

Hikers meet at the YSRA M-179 Trailhead on Chief Noonday Road/M-179, Middleville, MI (0.4 miles west of Yankee Springs Road).

Hikers should wear a piece of orange clothing (hunting season). Michigan Recreation Passport is required. 269-808-7334. jane_a_norton@yahoo.com. http://www.northcountrytrail. org/cnd/index.htm.

October 20 Rocky Horror Picture Show

Kalamazoo State Theatre. 10:30 pm – 12:30 am. We’re bringing this 1975 musical horror comedy film to life with the enhancement of a live shadow cast! You can come as a spectator or you can give yourself over to absolute pleasure by upgrading to the full VIP experience! Recommended for a mature audience ages 16+. $12.50 - $40. 269-345-6500.

October 21 36th Annual Kalamazoo Hamfest

Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 8 am – 12 pm. For those who are interested in Ham Radio or Electronics, this is an excellent opportunity to network with other Hams and

catch up on the latest innovations. Door prizes, forums, trunk sales. Amateur radio license testing at 10am. Also features the Kalamazoo Makers Guild. Adults $6, children 14 & under and scouts in uniform are free.

269-205-3560. info@kalamazoohamfest. org www.kalamazoohamfest.org

Oct 23rd Advance Care Planning Workshop

October 28 White Tara for Healing and Longevity

People’s Church. 12:30 – 4:30 pm. A workshop to provide meditative visualization techniques to promote healing and longevity through the practice of White Tara, a Buddhist Deity that embodies compassion in action. 269-944-1575. 734-368-8701. westmi@jewelheart.org

Portage Senior Center. 6 – 7 pm. Learn more about the importance of planning for your future healthcare by attending a free informative workshop. During a small-group guided discussion, techniques will be shared on how to document ant discuss your preferences with loved ones. A Medical Preferences Care Planning Workbook will be provided as a resource as well as a free advance directive document. 269-329-4555

October 30 Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Community Meeting

October 26 Kansas – The Point of No Return Tour

November 2 Art Hop

Kalamazoo State Theatre. 8 – 10 pm. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, for the first time in history, the band will be performing the album in its entirety. The tour will showcase more than two hours of classic Kansas music including hit songs, deep cuts, and fan favorites. $59.50 - $99.50. 269-345-6500.

October 27 Safe Halloween

Bronson Park. 11 am – 1 pm. Grab your family, throw on your best costumes, and head down to Bronson Park for Safe Halloween! This family event features a pumpkin carver, costume contests, food and drink, and candy galore! The park will be chock full of fall themed activities and games, including pumpkin derby racing. Free. 269-337-8191. http://kzooparks.org/events

WMU Miller Auditorium. 6 – 7:30 pm, featuring New York Times staff writer Nikole Hannah-Jones on “Race, Education and Housing in America,” at WMU’s Miller Auditorium.

Free and open to the public, and free parking at the Miller ramp. RSVP at https://kzcf. eventbrite.com.

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

November 3 21st Annual Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Show

Kalamazoo County Expo Center. 9 am – 3 pm. Free. Come and visit the unique & talented artisans and crafters from cities throughout the Midwest for an extravaganza day of shopping for gifts. Held in Expo South.

269-327-5373.

KALAMAZOO HAPPENINGS

Our guest speaker, Paula Manley, from the League of Women Voters provided members and guests with wonderful information about the history of the women’s suffrage movement, the emergence of women in politics, and reviewed voting policies and procedures.

We would like to thank our September sponsor, Wraps N Signs.

October’s meeting will feature a tabletop workshop focusing on generational differences in the workplace. Our October luncheon is sponsored by Promotion Concepts.

7 & 18 Nov. 1 ery Chen

Greater Kalamazoo MAGAZINE | EXPO

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OUR NEXT EVENT WHERE: Fetzer Center – WMU DATE: Tues, October 9 TIME: 11:30a – 1:00p COST: $20.00 Register by October 3 at: tinyurl.com/yb2cs7lq

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October 2018

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READER’S

The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World

by Simon Winchester This selection is perfect for those who love exploring the fascinating and often obscure details of history. The author maps the origins of the Industrial Age and the people who forged the innovations we depend on (and take for granted) today. Without the commitment to precision and attention to detail displayed by early engineers we would not be living in the wonderful Modern Age we enjoy today. The book then asks the question: How important is this exactness for the future?

Desolation Mountain: A Novel

Barons of the Sea: And Their Race

by William Kent Krueger

by Steven Ujifusa

Another Cork O’Connor tale, this novel is a blend of detective story and thriller set in the Northern areas of Minnesota. Cork and his son Stephen are called in to investigate the plane crash that kills a U.S. Senator and her family.

The FBI quickly takes over, but Cork and Stephen continue with their own investigation.

Filled with suspense, with a bit of Ojibwe Indian mysticism added in, this book is a fun and suspenseful addition to Krueger’s series.

This is a true adventure story of the first robber barons to import goods from China. It was a time when teas, silks and opium were beginning to filter into the cultures of the world and competitors were in a cutthroat race to build the fastest clipper ships to gain the most profit. These men became famous and very wealthy in a time of decadence, spanning Gold Rush-era San Francisco to the Boston shipyards. This epic tale, buoyed by exhaustive research, brings us an accurate picture of this exciting era in America.

Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave

by Joanna Gaines Following up on her first cookbook, Joanna is taking on the home front.

This book gives us ideas on how we can make our house a real home by creating comfortable spaces we can call our own. It even gives you a hands on guide to map out your plans and pick your favorite ideas from the book. It’s a perfect holiday gift.

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October 2018

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.

to Build the World’s Fastest Clipper Ship

More Together Than Alone:

Discovering the Power and Spirit of Community in Our Lives and in the World

by Mark Nepo Mark Nepo has written a number of timeless books that make us look at life, ourselves and the world through a special lens. He has a way of drawing us out of ourselves so we can really see the world that surrounds us. This new book focuses on the power of community. The people near us, and the people that ripple past our perimeter. Set up with short chapters that read like simple meditations, making the reader want to read them over and over in an attempt to ferret out the deeper meanings. This must-have read is the perfect book to keep on your bedside table.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

269-993-0051 PESTPR SMI.C M

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5827 Oakland Dr, Suite B | Portage, MI 269-353-3529 | kzooacupuncture.com

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.

www.wlskmastermind.com 269-350-5227 | info@WLSKMastermind.com

Golden Star Realty, Inc. - Dawn Beltz (269) 720-1682

Kalamazoo (2 Locations) mackenziesbakery.com

www.Hardings.com (269) 685-5883

ForensicFluids.com (269) 492-7700

www.LeesAdventureSports.com 311 W Kilgore, Kalamazoo

www.Libins.com (269) 381-0746

www.pestprosmi.com www.leesadventuresports.com 311 W. Kilgore, Portage (269) 993-0051

LawtonRidgeWinery.com (269) 372-9463

Chocola-Tea.com 7642 S. Westnedge, Portage

www.mattawanmechanical.com (269) 668-5415

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com (269) 350-5227 www.WMUK.org 102.1 FM

Sawall Health Foods sawallhf.com

Kazoo Books kazoobooks.com

www.looksharponline.com 269-657-5646

Comensolis.com (269) 345-6755

Midwest Business Exchange (269) 344-8800

Ad Shop, Etc. (269) 207-0103

www.printmill.com (269) 382-0428

Kalamazoo Wings Kwings.com

theAmplePantry.com (269) 375-8300

12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft

www.kzooacupuncture.com (269) 873-4600 vashoesfit.com

SHOES THAT FIT YOUR LIFE K A L A M A Z O O • P O R TA G E • G R A N D R A P I D S • S T. J O S E P H

boatyardbrewing.com

www.boatyardbrewing.com (269) 226-0300 jack@UnitedRental.biz (269) 324-0999

RomenceGardensonline.com 9660 Shaver Rd. Portage

432 E. Paterson St. | Kalamazoo theBetterWorldBuilders.com (269) 383-7862

fb.com/DiscoveryShopKalamazoo (269) 345-0661

V & A Bootery vabootery.com

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com (269) 569-1647

www.douglasandson.com 269-344-2860