Hot Topics - June 2009

June 2009

GREATER KALAMAZOO

Free!

Sizzling Summer Styles

Ignite Your Landscape

Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining

Aaron Winters

Executive Director Kalamazoo Humane Society

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Skin Envy now has the anti-aging injection, Sermorelin, now available!

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June 30, 2009.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Summer is here – time for the annual ritual of shopping for beach-ready wear.

But before you spend endless hours in a fitting room with unflattering lighting, here are a few ideas to make this ritual a bit more fun:

By Sara Cosgrove

Ruffles add a flirty touch to any article of clothing, from tops to skirts to swimwear. For sunglasses, classic black and tortoise shell are always en vogue, but white is daring. White makes a statement, as do animal prints. And what better time to be a fashion plate than summer . . . with freshly polished toes peeking out from open-toe heels or sandals.

Miraclesuit Knockouts Camilla Bandeau Swimsuit, $140 This one-piece conceals the tummy area with feminine details, like a shirred front and cascading fabric. It also has hidden underwire support and detachable straps.

Miraclesuit Braidy Bunch Mulloy Swimsuit, $142 This slimming tank swimsuit has white braided trim along the neckline, with soft bra cups, highcut legs and a scoop back.

Croft & Barrow Crochet Cover-up Dress in Black Tie, $28 This casually stylish cover-up is the ultimate beach accessory. Also offered in New White. Comes in sizes small, medium, large and extra-large.

Naughty Monkey “Lace Up Wild” heels in Chocolate, $79.99 These open-toe heels are perfect for summer and will beautifully complement a sundress and your favorite straw tote or hat. The lace-up front, patent accents and a 2-1/2 inch leopard heel make these wildly unique. They are also available in Orange and Black, sizes 6 to 10.

Spitfire Debonair Sunglasses in White/Red, $35 These vintage-looking sunglasses are oh so chic, with a modest price. They have distortion-free lenses and 400 UVA and UVB protection. Also available in Black/Red and Rainbow/Black.

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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W o m e n ’ s

H e a l t h

I guess the most intriguing way to begin

an article on vaginal infections is to

admit that most of us

Robyn Hubbard, MD is a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist with Grand Rapids Women’s Health.

She has three children: 12-year-old Hailey, and 9-year-old twins, Christopher and Allison.

have had one.

by Robyn Hubbard, MD

N

early 75 percent of adult women have had a vaginal yeast infection in their lifetime. Plus, bacterial infections are even more common than yeast infections, so that just about covers all women.

Women after menopause may have symptoms from estrogen deficiency, which causes thinning of the vagina and less lubrication.

When should I see a doctor?

You can see that these different infections cause symptoms that are very similar.

This is why it is hard to diagnose yourself at home. If you have any questions about a vaginal discharge or pain, see your health care provider.

If you use an over-the-counter medication and your symptoms don’t go away, you should be examined. It is better to be seen for a quick and accurate exam, than to waste your money on inappropriate medications.

A lot of wasted money is being spent on over-the-counter products to treat vaginal infections.

Wasted because most of the time, women are buying the wrong products because they misdiagnose themselves.

Plus, using medication unnecessarily may increase the chance of resistance, which may make treating future infections more difficult.

It’s important to know that bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis will not go away without antibiotics.

What is a vaginal infection?

How do I prevent vaginal infections?

Vaginal infections or vaginitis is an inflammation of the vagina that causes discharge, odor, irritation or itching. It can be hard to diagnose because there are many causes of vaginitis.

In general it is important to keep your genital area clean and dry; yeast like warm, moist places.

Why do vaginal infections start?

The vagina actually has a delicate balance of normal bacteria and yeast that maintain a healthy environment by keeping the acid/base balance in check (pH). If something occurs that upsets the balance, then certain bacteria or fungi can overgrow and cause symptoms of an infection. Other causes of vaginitis are from outside infections like Chlamydia or Trichomoniasis that are transmitted by sexual contact.

What are the types of vaginal infections?

Vaginal yeast infection Caused by a fungus, usually Candida albicans.

Yeast infections are caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina. Yeast grow normally in the vagina but are kept under control by vaginal bacteria. If the balance of bacteria or yeast is disturbed, then the yeast can grow out of control and cause bothersome symptoms.

Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted.

Yeast infections can be triggered by antibiotic use, birth control pills, steroid use, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, use of douches or feminine hygiene sprays, or hormone changes.

Symptoms are typically a thick cottage cheese–like discharge with intense itching. May cause pain with intercourse or with urination.

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Bacterial vaginosis (BV) The most common vaginal infection, causing 50 percent of all vaginal infections. (Most people think yeast is the most common.) Caused by an overgrowth of bacteria normally found in the vagina.

Symptoms include an abnormal vaginal discharge (white or gray) with a strong fish like odor. There may be burning or itching. Some people have no symptoms at all.

Risk factors for BV are pregnancy, intrauterine device use and frequent douching. (Douching is not recommended by gynecologists!) BV is more common in people who are sexually active.

Trichomoniasis A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite.

“Trich” can affect men and women.

Symptoms include a frothy vaginal discharge that may be yellow-green or gray, itching and burning, pain with intercourse and bad odor. Men rarely have symptoms.

Non-infectious vaginitis Women may have symptoms of pain, itching or discharge without an infection. Common triggers are contact with chemicals in products like detergents, fabric softeners, soap, spermicides and vaginal hygiene products.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

• Avoid douching and feminine hygiene sprays and powders.

• Wear all-cotton underwear.

• Let the vagina clean itself. Avoid shower gels and limit soap to non-deodorant, non-perfumed soap like Neutrogena bath and body bar. This helps to maintain the delicate balance of the vagina.

• Wipe from front to back. Teach your daughters this when they are young so they don’t form bad habits.

• Avoid tight-fitting jeans or pantyhose.

• Avoid pads, tampons or toilet paper with deodorants in them.

• Change leotards and bathing suits after exercising.

• Practice safe sex, minimize the number of partners that you expose yourself to, and use condoms to reduce the risk of infections.

In conclusion, don’t be hesitant to see your health care provider if you have symptoms of a vaginal infection.

Two-thirds of all over-the-counter medications purchased by women for yeast infections were used by women who didn’t really have one. Over-the-counter yeast medications may be appropriate, but seek guidance for your first infection or if your symptoms don’t clear up right away.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Being Present for Our Children . . . a wonderful gift.

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by Janice Lynne Lundy y parents were good listeners. If any of us four kids ever had a problem, we knew that we could go to mom or dad and they would listen – really listen. Not react. Not yell or scream. Not respond with fingerpointing or “I told you so.” They would sit quietly, receive whatever we had to say, and respond calmly, thoughtfully.

This is how I knew I was unconditionally loved.

This is also how I have tried to parent my own children over the years, though, admittedly, I didn’t quite hold to their stellar standard. But I tried, still do, and know that, even in mid-life, I can still grow as a parent. I keep honing my parenting skills. Books can help.

When I was training to become a spiritual director, I discovered one such book. Its subject matter was how to “be present” with people, especially during times of duress: The Art of Being a Healing Presence: A Guide for Those in Caring Relationships by James Miller. I read it because I thought it would be helpful in my “work” of companioning others through difficult times through spiritual direction. What I didn’t realize was that the principles and techniques within would also enhance my parenting.

For example, Miller defines what he means by “being a healing presence” – the condition of being consciously and compassionately in the present moment with another . . . believing in and affirming their potential for wholeness, wherever they are in life.”

Upon reading this, I realized that this was precisely what my parents did for me. They were completely present. If I had a need to talk, the television was turned off, the newspaper set aside; I knew beyond a doubt that I had my parents’ undivided attention.

Give Them All You’ve Got The first step in demonstrating to our children that we love them unconditionally is to be there when they need us; fully attentive, current activities halted, the potential for distraction eliminated. Giving our children our full and present attention is a tremendous gift. It says to them, “I am yours, no matter how long this takes.”

Zip the Lip A second act of unconditional love is being able to fully listen to another without a personal agenda. We all have a penchant for advice-giving. And, as you may well know from your own parenting experience, giving advice doesn’t always go well. It can raise another’s hackles in a nanosecond because it sends an unconscious message that says, “I know what’s best for you.” Putting aside our own agenda (keeping our mouth closed might be a more practical way to put it) enables the speaker to hear themselves speak; to gain clarity and insight on their own as their words emerge.

I don’t recall my parents ever giving me a lot of advice. If anything, I recall them gently asking me, “What do YOU think is right?” or “What do YOU think might be a good next step?” They’d patiently wait for my answer and, if one was not forthcoming, like a seasoned coach, they might lay out some options, faithfully holding space for me to find my own way.

Permission to Ponder A third indicator of their love and support was suggesting that I take all the time I needed to make a decision. They gave me permission to think about things, not jump into something quickly just to “get it handled.” My dad, especially, was a muller, and I seem to have inherited those genes. I usually take my time to figure something out, weigh the options, and “sit with it.” And, most importantly, to listen to my heart.

Acts of Faith The fourth indicator that I was unconditionally loved was that my parents honored my choices. They had faith that I had common sense; that my conscience would prevail.

They trusted that I needed to make my own mistakes and that I would learn from them.

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Mistakes Are for Learning My parents allowed me to fall down and pick myself back up again. And as I did, they were at my side, metaphorically dusting off my dirt-caked knees or helping me put bandages on bloody scrapes. They never judged or berated me for the choices I made. They lovingly welcomed me back into their embrace and we moved on. They encouraged me to grow from my mistakes.

When it comes right down to it, all our children want from us is to love them, to be there for them, to never give up, even when the terrain gets rough. No one ever said parenting would be a walk in the park. Well-equipped with a reservoir of unconditional love, the journey can be made more enjoyable. Our ability to be a healing presence to those we love may be all that is required.

(The Art of Being a Healing Presence: A Guide for Those in Caring Relationships by James E. Miller with Susan C. Cutshall is available from Willowgreen Publishing at www.willowgreen.org.)

Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker and retreat leader, spiritual director, and the author of “Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You are Meant to Be,” available in bookstores nationwide or at www.amazon.com. Visit www.awakenedliving.com to learn more about Jan, her writing and her events.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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courtesy National Pork Board

Fire-Cracker Pork Ribs Serves 4 4 pounds pork spareribs (St. Louis-style ribs) Rub: 1 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon chili powder 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a covered charcoal grill, prepare a medium-hot fire.

Bank coals on both sides of grill. Place drip pan in center. Place ribs, bone side down, in center of grill over drip pan. Cover and grill over indirect medium heat for 1 hour, adding more briquettes, if necessary, to maintain an even grill temperature.

3/4 cup buffalo-style wing sauce

Generously brush ribs with wing sauce. Continue to grill, covered, for 30 minutes more or until meat is very tender, generously brushing with sauce again after 15 minutes. Transfer ribs to cutting board.

Loosely cover with foil; let rest for 10-15 minutes.

To serve, brush ribs with sauce and cut into servingsize portions.

Pat ribs dry with paper towels. Mix together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano and pepper in small bowl. Rub mixture evenly over both sides of ribs. Wrap ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 hours, if desired.

Serving Suggestions Cool down these zesty, spicy-hot ribs with a dipping sauce of blue cheese salad dressing and serve with crisp celery sticks and baby carrots.

Memphis Dry Ribs Serves 4 4 pounds pork loin back ribs or meaty spareribs 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon paprika 1 tablespoon onion powder 3/4 teaspoon celery salt 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 cups wood chips (use hickory or oak chips for the best flavor)

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Cut ribs into 4 portions. Place ribs in shallow dish.

In small bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, onion powder, celery salt, cumin and black pepper; rub evenly over meaty side of ribs. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours. At least 1 hour before grilling, soak wood chips in enough water to cover. Drain before using.

In charcoal grill with a cover, place preheated coals around a drip pan for medium indirect heat.

Add 1/2-inch hot water to drip pan.

Sprinkle half of the drained wood chips over the coals.

Place ribs, bone side down, on grill rack over drip pan.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Cover and grill for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until ribs are tender. Add more preheated coals (use a hibachi or a metal chimney starter to preheat coals) and wood chips; turn ribs halfway through grilling. * Note: For gas grills, preheat and then turn off any burners directly below where the food will go. The heat circulates inside the grill, so turning the food is not necessary.

Serving Suggestions Complete the meal with fresh corn on the cob, coleslaw and hot cornbread with honeyed butter.

BBQ Baby Back Ribs with Spicy Girls’ Dry Rub and Mop Sauce Serves 6 to 8 3 racks pork baby back ribs (about 1-1/2 pounds each) 3 cups hickory or apple wood chips Vegetable oil for brushing 1/4 cup kosher salt 2 tablespoons coarsely ground pepper 1 tablespoon ground coriander 3 tablespoons ground cumin 2 tablespoons paprika 2 tablespoons dried thyme 2 tablespoons chili powder 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

Brush grill grate with vegetable oil. Arrange ribs, meaty-side down, on the side of the grill without hot coals. Cover the grill and smoke-cook the ribs for 45 minutes. Turn ribs and add remaining wood chips.

Cover and grill for another 45 minutes.

While ribs are grill-smoking, make Hickory Barbecue Mop Sauce. Combine store-bought hickory barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, maple syrup and molasses in a bowl. Stir well to combine.

When the ribs have cooked for a total of 1-1/2 hours, brush the ribs generously with the mop sauce. Using long-handled tongs, slide the ribs onto the grate directly over the hot coals. Grill, uncovered, 5 minutes. Turn the ribs over, baste again, and grill another 5 minutes. Cut between the bones, slicing the racks into individual ribs.

Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions Ribs have double the flavor with a dry rub and then a great doctored sauce. Serve with fresh sliced tomatoes, grilled potatoes and sliced icy cold watermelon.

Hickory Barbecue Mop Sauce 2 cups store-bought hickory barbecue sauce 1 tablespoon liquid smoke 2 tablespoons maple syrup 2 tablespoons dark molasses To make Spicy Girls’ Dry Rub, in medium bowl combine all ingredients for the rub and stir well to blend. Place ribs flat in a non-reactive roasting pan. Using 3/4 cup of the rub, sprinkle over both sides of each rack and rub in lightly. Set aside.

Soak wood chips in cold water to cover for at least 30 minutes. Set up grill for indirect cooking. Prepare a medium fire in a charcoal grill or preheat one side of a gas or electric grill on medium. Drain chips and sprinkle half over the coals or place half in the grill’s smoker box. Place a disposable foil pan under the grate to catch drippings.

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What’s Hot on the Barbecue This Summer Next Generation Grills, Smokers, Accessories and Outdoor Products Source: Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Assocation Grills, smokers and outdoor living products are expected to be in high demand this season, as families choose to eat more meals at home.

The Multi-Tasker

Look for grills ranging from two to 12 burners that allow for cooking different types of food at different temperatures at the same time. Many of today's grills come complete with everything from built-in infrared rotisseries to wok stations and side burners that enable consumers to prepare full meals at the grill - from meats to pies and side dishes, too. Many come equipped with storage drawers, built-in thermometers, removable ash catchers and lights for nighttime cooking.

Affordable Infrared

Hotter, faster and the future of grilling, infrared burners are perfect for searing because they generate heat at a much higher and more persistent level than standard grills. Additionally, increased consumer demand for this high-temperature technology has made the infrared feature more affordable and can now be found in a variety of gas grills.

The Outdoor Oasis

The Evo Flattop Grill puts a professional 360 degree round professional kitchen right on your deck or patio. It’s certain to become the center of activity and focus because of its uniqueness and unmatched cooking method.

Grilling is one of the simplest and oldest cooking methods. Despite being simple in premise, grilling is actually a culinary art form in itself. Entire cuisines are built around the humble backyard grill, and every grillmaster has his or her opinion on what’s the best way to grill. There are certain techniques and tips that the pros use, and cooking appliance leader Evo shares them with you.

• Feeling hot, hot, hot: The secret to great-tasting food is an even cooking temperature that is high enough to sear food. This locks in and enhances the natural flavors. The outer caramelized "crust" on the food keeps in the juices and adds plenty of flavor. A flattop grill is very effective at achieving this type of seared cooking over a traditional grated barbecue grill, which could have an uneven temperature. Plus, if you desire other cooking methods for food, such as boiling, braising, poaching, steaming or frying, simply placing a pan or pot on the flattop grill makes those options

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possible. With cooking temperatures that range from 225F to 700F, the Evo Professional Outdoor Cart is a good appliance to consider.

• Experiment with food and flavor: The best barbecue chefs got to the top by thinking outside of the box and dreaming up beyond-the-ordinary foods to cook on the grill. With a flat-top grill, you have the added benefit that food, no matter how small or delicate, will not fall through below the open grates. So try your hand at grilled ham steaks, pizzas, shrimp – or even breakfast – right on the grill. You can even create your own Mongolian barbecue with prep and fixings right on the patio. The possibilities are endless.

For more information on the Evo Companion Outdoor Wheeled Cart flattop grill, or convenient tabletop version in the Evo Companion grill, visit www.evoamerica.com.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Outdoor kitchens are transforming backyards into modern utopias. With all the comforts of a traditional kitchen, outdoor kitchens offer the same in-home amenities, such as sinks, blenders, cocktail bars, spacious cooking and prep areas, dishwashers and refrigerators, that make cooking outdoors a new and enjoyable experience. Most outdoor kitchen designs are flexible and modular, allowing homeowners the opportunity to customize their version of the great outdoors just steps from their back door.

Accessories Galore

This year's must-have tools include handy baskets to cook minihamburgers or "sliders," potato grilling racks and non-stick grill toppers to steam or roast poultry, veggies and more. Also hot this year are accessories that help produce extra flavor, like smoker boxes for intense smoke flavor or grill plates that infuse convection oven taste into the food. To minimize clean-up time and maximize time spent with family and friends, cleaning tools come equipped with new advancements such as heavy-duty steam cleaning brushes for faster cleaning.

Portable Party

Easy, practical and durable, portable grills and smokers are key to getting the grill party started no matter the location. Whether at the beach, campsite or parking lot of a sporting event, today's portable grills and smokers are not only lightweight, but come equipped with new features and technologies, like infrared grilling, to make on-the-go outdoor cooking a category of its own. To add to the experience, portable heaters and lighting are ideal for heating and brightening up the tailgate party.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Spice Up Your Landscape with a Salsa Garden 1. Determine the location and size of your garden. Select an area that receives at least six hours of full sunlight every day and is close to a water source.

2. Take a soil sample and send it to be analyzed with the help of your County Extension Agent.

3. The shape of your garden may be a 4’x4’ square or whatever fits into your landscape scheme.

Food gardening will jump 19 percent this year over last year, according to the National Gardening Association (NGA). You'll get a half-pound of edibles from every square foot of ground devoted to backyard crops, NGA experts say. Even a modest garden (15 by 15 feet) can produce more than 100 pounds of garden-fresh tomatoes, salad greens, vegetables and herbs. Enjoying the outdoors and bragging rights come with the harvest.

Planting a vegetable plot and keeping it productive isn't that hard if you start small, keep the basics in mind and plant reliable varieties.

Take it step by step: Lead with Location: A sunny, well-drained spot close to a water spigot is ideal. Leafy greens tolerate some shade, but other crops want eight hours of sun daily.

Prepare Soil: Adding organic material is the key to an easy-care garden. It loosens stiff soil, helps retain moisture and nourishes important soil organisms. Good “ingredients” include manure, humus and chopped-up leaves. Spread a 4-inch layer of amendments on your plot and till into the top 9 to 12 inches.

Fertilize Faithfully: All edible plants remove some nutrients from the soil, and can quickly exhaust the soil without the help of a fertilizer. Always follow the rates given on the label when deciding how much to use.

Water Wisely: One inch of water weekly is adequate for most vegetables. Soaker hoses or drip systems deliver water efficiently and keep foliage dry, fending off leaf diseases.

Patrol for Pests: Monitor insect damage but try to keep your crops pesticide-free. Hand-pick pests or dislodge them with a jet of water, then let natural predators do the rest. If you must spray, do it late in the day when beneficial insects are less active.

Pick the Right Plants: Flower gardeners gravitate to the newest, showiest varieties, but smart food gardeners appreciate the triedand-true. Bonnie Plants, available coast to coast, are time-tested varieties selected to suit regional conditions. For best results you'll need to choose veggie and herb varieties suitable to your geographical location. Because Bonnie's varieties are distributed regionally, you will automatically have suitable varieties available to you at your favorite local retail location.

Bonnie Plants come in eco-friendly biodegradable pots that not only keep tons of plastic pots from ending up in landfills, but also reduce transplant shock. Just tear off the bottom, set the pot in the ground and water.

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courtesy ARA

Home Grown Grows in Popularity

4. Amend the soil according to soil test results. Using a tiller, work in a 3inch layer of organic matter (peat moss, manure, rotted compost, etc.) to improve the soil structure.

5. Select plants from a list of recommended varieties for your location.

Determine the best time to plant to avoid frost or freeze damage.

Ideas for plants for your salsa garden include: • Tomatoes (Celebrity, Better Boy, Roma) • Tomatillos (Husk Tomatoes) • Sweet Bell Peppers, Banana Peppers • Hot Peppers (Jalapeno, Habanero, Hungarian Wax) • Onion, Garlic 6. Water, weed, fertilize and harvest on a weekly basis throughout the growing season.

7. Enjoy your abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs.

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Easy Crops Try your hand at creating your own backyard grocery garden, here are 10 easy crops to plant: Basil: Perfect with tomatoes. Choose sweet basil or the compact “Spicy Globe.”

Beans: Bush beans like “Bush Blue Lake” are easier to pick, but tall “pole” beans have higher yields.

Bell peppers: Harvest green or red, when vitamin levels are higher. Try “Bonnie Bell” or the new, hot bell pepper “Mexibell.”

Chard: This leafy green tolerates cool temperatures well. Varieties like “Bright Lights” have brilliantly colored stems.

Cucumber: Plant after the weather warms.

Choose the mild Japanese cucumber or the old favorite “Burpless Bush Hybrid.”

Eggplant: A much-loved favorite, eggplant thrives in hot weather. Try “Black Beauty” or the white-skinned “Cloud Nine.”

Lettuce: Go for easy “leaf” lettuces like “Buttercrunch,” “Red Sails,” or Romaine.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Parsley: Pick curly types or flat Italian parsley. This herb is rich in vitamins and a breathsweetener, too.

Summer squash: Squash are very productive plants and easy to grow. Try zucchini “Black Beauty” or yellow crook-necked squash.

Tomatoes: These crimson favorites are the most popular backyard vegetable. Choose disease-resistant “Better Boy,” “Bonnie Original” or the extra-easy cherry tomato “Sweet 100.”

In The Garden

Ign it e Your Summer Landscape with Sparkling Reds and Oranges

When it's time to plant out tomatoes, it's also the right time to plant summer bulbs.

Once the weather and soil have warmed up locally, tender plants will be raring to grow.

All tender bulbs are warm-weather lovers, including dahlias, begonias, cannas, gloriosa lilies, caladium, tuberose, tigridia, pineapple lilies, elephant ears, callas, nerines, oxalis and others. No nippy nights or frosty morns for these tender bulbs which tend to languish or die where cold air and cold soil inhibits growth. When soil has warmed to 60° F (15.5° C) or more, it’s primetime for bulb growing outdoors.

Gardeners can plant bare bulbs outdoors or buy them already pre-grown as bedding plants from garden retailers. Early birds who started up summer bulbs indoors in pots can put them in the garden now, too.

For more information on summer bulbs, see www.bulb.com.

From front to back clockwise: Asiatic lily ‘Orange Pixie’, red dahlias, orange crocosmia, red dahlia, ‘Bridgeview Aloha’ dahlia (orange/yellow)

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Dad's Grilled Pork Chops with Savory Steak Butter Serves 6 6 pork rib chops, about 1-inch thick Freshly ground black pepper 1 stick butter, softened 2 tablespoons steak sauce 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 1 teaspoon liquid smoke seasoning 1 crushed garlic clove 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce Season chops with pepper to taste. Grill over medium-hot coals until just done, about 12-15 minutes. Serve with Savory Steak Butter.

Savory Steak Butter In a small bowl, beat together butter, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, liquid smoke, garlic and hot pepper sauce. Cover and refrigerate.

Serving Suggestions Simple grilled chops topped with a savory flavored butter is a powerful flavor punch. Serve with grilled potato wedges, sliced tomatoes vinaigrette, garlic bread, and chocolate sundaes.

Smoke And Fire Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Onion Slaw Serves 6

For Slaw, combine coleslaw mix, onion and bell peppers in large bowl. Combine dressing, cilantro and lime juice in a small bowl; toss dressing mixture with coleslaw mixture just until all ingredients are well coated. Refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Sweet Onion Slaw: 4 cups packaged coleslaw mix with carrots 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1/2 yellow bell pepper, cut into thin strips 1/2 cup Ranch salad dressing 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lime juice

For pork, prepare grill with medium-hot fire. Combine barbecue sauce with chipotle chiles. Brush tenderloin with garlic-flavored oil. Grill 8 minutes per side, or until meat thermometer inserted in thickest part reads 150 degrees F. Brush tenderloin generously with barbecue sauce mixture and grill a couple more minutes, about one minute per side. Let tenderloin stand 5 minutes before slicing.

Pork Tenderloin: 1/2 cup hickory-flavored barbecue sauce 2 chipotle chiles packed in adobo sauce, minced* 2 pork tenderloins, about 2 pounds total 2 tablespoons garlic-flavored oil

To serve, place slaw in center of platter. Surround with sliced tenderloin. Remaining sauce can be served at the table.

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*Wear rubber gloves when handling hot chiles

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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✓ Pet Sitter Checklist

Summer vacation is here. Who will take care of your family pet while you’re away?

Paul Mann, CEO of FETCH! Pet Care notes that it’s best to know who you’re hiring and “… now more than ever pet owners should perform due diligence before leaving their beloved four-legged family member in anyone else's care."

Mann encourages traveling pet owners to keep their pets in a home setting so the animal can maintain normal activities and be nurtured in familiar surroundings. This will also help Fido or Felix avoid serious health concerns associated with kennel and group boarding, including anxiety, depression, kennel cough and the potentially deadly canine influenza virus.

To help you make informed decisions on behalf of your pet during this spring and summer travel season, ask these questions of your pet sitter or dog walker:

❐ Do they have good references that are amenable to being contacted? At least three should be voluntarily provided. ❐ Can the sitter accommodate both your pet's daily feeding and ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐ ❐

walking schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule, even during busy travel seasons?

Does the company keep regular office hours and offer 7-day per week telephone and email availability? Will calls be returned within 24 hours?

Does the company have established fees for pet care they can quote over the phone and/or in company literature?

Has the pet sitter or dog walker undergone a criminal background check and has he or she received proper training?

How much notice does the pet sitter need in order to schedule you request?

Will the professional conduct a no-cost pre-interview with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a "comfort level" for both you and the pet(s)?

How much experience does the pet sitter have in caring for your particular type or breed of pet?

Will the professional follow your instructions regarding how you would like his/her time allocated during each visit in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.?

Does the pet sitter have a disaster contingency plan and/or emergency medical procedures in place, and does he or she have experience with animal first aid training or with administering medications, if needed?

Does the company have "backup" measures in place should the sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment?

Does the company use a service contract that spells out services performed and fees for doing so?

Is the company or professional a current member of Pet Sitters International, the world's largest organization for professional pet sitters?

Are they fully licensed, bonded and insured?

–WL

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Spiced Shortcakes:

Spiced Triple Berry Shortcakes 6 servings

Berry Filling: 2 cups sliced strawberries 1 cup blueberries 1 cup raspberries 2 teaspoons vanilla Extract 1/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Mix berries and vanilla in large bowl. Mix sugar, cinnamon and ginger in small bowl.

Sprinkle over berries; toss to coat well.

Let stand 30 minutes to allow berries to release their juices, stirring occasionally.

1 1/2 cups reduced-fat baking mix 3 tablespoons sugar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 6 tablespoons fat-free milk 2 cups thawed fat-free whipped topping Combine baking mix, sugar, cinnamon and ginger in large bowl. Add milk; stir to form a soft dough. (If necessary, knead dough in bowl to incorporate dry ingredients.) Drop dough by 6 spoonfuls onto baking sheet sprayed with no stick cooking spray.

Bake in preheated 425°F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on wire rack.

To serve, split warm shortcakes.

Place 1 shortcake bottom on each plate.

Top each with 2/3 cup berry filling and 1/3 cup whipped topping. Cover with shortcake tops.

Cool and Refreshing Peach and Watermelon Salsa and Cool Strawberry Cucumber Salsa with Cinnamon Tortilla Chips 6 servings

Refreshing Peach Watermelon Salsa: 1 cup chopped peeled peaches 1 cup chopped seeded watermelon 3 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 1 tablespoon diced red onion 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® thyme leaves Mix all ingredients in medium bowl until well blended.

Cover. Refrigerate 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Cool Strawberry Cucumber Salsa: 1 cup chopped strawberries 1/2 cup chopped kiwi 1/2 cup chopped seeded cucumber 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons lime juice 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

For a change of pace, try this fresh fruit salsa duo with lightly sweetened tortilla chips at your next cookout.

Cinnamon flavors both the salsa and the quick-baked tortilla chips.

Mix all ingredients in medium bowl until well blended.

Cover. Refrigerate 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Cinnamon Tortilla Chips: 2 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon ground Cinnamon 6 flour tortillas (6-inch) Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl.

Spray tortillas lightly with no stick cooking spray. Cut each into 8 wedges.

Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with cinnamon sugar mixture.

Bake in preheated 375°F oven 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely on wire rack.

Serve with salsa.

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

courtesy of McCormick

out

WL

Be

There

Third Annual Great American

Backyard Campout

June 27, 2009

Here’s an idea for family fun, no further than your backdoor: The National Wildlife Federation’s (NWF) Third Annual Great American Backyard Campout.

NWF encourages parents and kids alike to trade their Web site for a campsite and screen time for green time. That’s right: Turn off computers, TVs, iPods, Wiis, MP3 players, cell phones and all things high tech, to experience a night with Mother Nature. Listen for nocturnal wildlife (maybe even see a few), star-gaze, cook outdoors, tell stories about Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, and explore a whole other world right in your own backyard.

Strawberry – “Super Fruit” For millions of Americans now in hot pursuit of super foods that improve health and longevity, the latest research results on strawberries is good news. A new study published in the scientific journal, Metabolism, found that antioxidants in strawberries help lower "bad" cholesterol.

The study, conducted by David J.A. Jenkins, MD, PhD, backs existing evidence that touts strawberries as one of the world's most nutrient-rich foods. It showed that the antioxidant power in strawberries can improve and maintain the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering diets. High cholesterol is known to contribute to heart disease – the leading cause of death for women and men.

Antioxidants are the body's internal heroes that go to battle with harmful "free radicals" known to contribute to diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. According to a US Department of Agriculture study, strawberries rank third when compared to the top fresh fruits and vegetables.

Need more reasons to eat strawberries this summer? They contain a powerful mix of antioxidants which are critical to warding off chronic diseases and promoting optimum health, they’re low in sugar – one serving, about eight strawberries (or one cup), has only 50 calories. Just one serving also packs a punch with Vitamin C – more than one orange!

Hot Fun (and Safety) in the Summertime With the advent of summer comes fun with cooking outdoors and fireworks, but be safe!

Fireworks: Last year, approximately 6,400 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Despite warnings to consumers on the dangers of fireworks, the number of injuries every year has remained relatively steady. But, the long-term effects of these injuries can be severe. In fact, the American Society of Ocular Trauma states that an average of 400 Americans permanently lose vision in one or both eyes due to fireworks injuries annually.

Sadly, 36 percent of those victims are children ages 15 and younger. For children under the age of five, a third of the total injuries were from sparklers.

(Sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit).

Prevent Blindness America offers some alternatives to consumer fireworks such as letting kids decorate t-shirts or hats with paint and glow-in-thedark decals.

You can also create your own noisemakers by using bi-

Last year thousands of people from around the country participated in the Great American Backyard Campout. You don’t need to travel afar to experience the great outdoors and the wonders it has to offer. Just open up your backdoor! June has been officially designated Great Outdoors Month by the White House and more than half of America’s governors. What better way to celebrate.

This initiative is part of the National Wildlife Federation’s “Be Out There” campaign that encourages young and old alike to get outside and connect with the natural world. It’s especially important for children because for the first time in our country’s history, we have an entire generation that is growing up disconnected from nature.

This can lead to a weaker immune system, increased childhood obesity, greater dependency on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) drugs, lost creativity, less self-sufficiency, and lack of interest (and knowledge) in maintaining the wildlife legacy they have inherited. To say nothing of the good old fashioned fun they are missing.

NWF is providing everything you need to head out into the great outdoors in your backyard. Visit www.backyardcampout.org for packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, nature guides and more.

cycle horns, whistles, bells, cymbals or pots and pans.

An alternative to sparklers include glo-sticks, glo-ropes and glo-jewelry.

Barbecue Grills: In 2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,300 home fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues, including 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outside fires. These 8,300 fires caused nearly 10 deaths, 110 reported injuries and $137 million in direct property damage (source: www.nfpa.org). If you do grill, practice these safety tips, courtesy of the Home Safety Council. ● Designate the grilling area a “No Play Zone.” ● Before using, position your grill at least 10 feet away from other objects, including the house and any shrubs or bushes. ● Always stay by the grill while cooking. ● Only use starter fluid made for barbecue grills when starting a fire in a charcoal grill. ● Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line to be sure it is working properly and not leaking. ● Never use a match to check for leaks. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don’t attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. ● Never bring a barbecue grill indoors, or into any unventilated space. This is both a fire and a carbon monoxide poisoning hazard.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Photography by Hagman PhotoGraphic Art.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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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. Or you may mail your info to P. O. Box 2284, Portage MI 49081-2284 June 1 - 13 New Vic Theatre "Remember When". Musical tribute to the USO. Fri. & Sat. 8:30 pm. $25. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org June 1 - 30 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts "Georgia O'Keeffe and Her Times: American Modernism from the Lane Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts.”

Features works by O'Keeffe, Charles Sheeler, Arthur Dove, Stuart Davis, Marsden Hartley and others. $8, $6 Students & Seniors, $4 KIA members. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org June 1 - 30 Kalamazoo Valley Museum "Jump to Japan". Discover aspects of Japanese culture through hands-on activities and environments based on the art forms of animation, manga, wood block prints and traditional scrolls. Free.

269-373-7990. www.kalamazoomuseum.org.

June 1 - 30 Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Girl Scouts Summer Camp. Exciting summer camp opportunities available to all girls entering grades K-12.

It is a great value and you don’t even have to be a Girl Scout to attend. Camp scholarships are also available.

Check out www.GSHOM.org or call 1-800-49-SCOUT for more information.

June 2 - 14 Barn Theatre, Augusta and Marvin, who keep us warm with their hysterical jokes, their mutual appreciation for good bait, women, cold beer and the Green Bay Packers, while giving a haphazard tug on the line as they sort out life’s baffling events. With songs like “Ode to a Snowmobile Suit” and “Fish is de Miracle Food,” this sure-fire hit is sure to charm your wool socks off! Tues. -Fri. 8:30pm; Sat. 6 & 9 pm; Sun. 5 pm. $29. 269-731-4121. www.barntheatre.com June 3 Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Massage as a Profession Workshop; This workshop is a great opportunity to sit with us and talk about the rewards and realities of our industry. 6 - 8 p.m. Free.

Contact us at 269-373-0910 or admissions@kcha.com. www.kcha.com June 4 - 6 Arcadia Creek Festival Place Dionysos Greekfest. Celebrate everything Greek with this annual event. There is a full slate of food, song and dance planned. 11:30 am - 1 am. 269-345-1830.

June 4, 5 & 6th Arcadia Creek Festival Place Theo & Stacy's 33rd Annual Greek Festival 2009 – Come and Enjoy! www. kalamazoogreekfest.com June 5 Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce “The New Rules Series: Leveraging Social Media Tools for Your Business”, given by WOW Webworks. Covers LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter in give you insights on how companies have used them to greatly enhance their business. 9 am-12 pm. RSVP to 269381-4000.

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June 5 Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center Best Astronomy Images of 2009. Dr. Robert Nemiroff, co-editor of the popular Astronomy Picture of the Day web site, will show some of his favorite images thus far in 2009. 7 pm. Free.

269-337-0023. www.kasonline.org

June 9 Radisson Plaza Hotel Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce – Presents Going Green – A Green Choice Event 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Member: $25.00 Others: $35.00 Contact: Jamie Wierenga (269) 381-4000, ext. 3239 email: jwierenga@kazoochamber.com

June 5 & 6 The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts KIA is hosting a Beer Garden to kick off one of Michigan’s premiere weekend festivals – Art Fair. The Beer Garden will feature Bell’s Oberon. Guests will enjoy live music, snacks & an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid from Seelye-Wright Automotive Group. The beer garden is a great place to stop and relax after visiting the KIA Art Fair. Friday: 5-9 pm & Saturday: 12-5 pm. Admission is free – proceeds from beverage sales will benefit KIA operations. www.kiarts.org

June 10 - August 26 North Kalamazoo Mall Mixer on the Mall. It's an after-work party that feautres, unique, and up-and-coming musicians along with great beverages; and the opportunity to network and meet new people. The schedule includes Afro-Latin jazz, alternative, rhythm and blues, blues, rockabilly, and great Motown covers. Wednesdays, 5 - 7:30 pm. Free. 269388-2830. www.central-city.net

June 5 & 6 Kalamazoo Mall Art On the Mall. Over 70 artists will sell original works of art and fine crafts. From jewelry to pottery, unique garden art to incredible sculptures, this event produces the best shopping in Kalamazoo. Fri. 12-9 pm, Sat. 10 am - 5 pm. Free. 269-388-2830. www.central-city.net June 5 & 6 Bronson Park 58th Annual KIA Art Fair. High-quality paintings, ceramics, fiber wares, sculpture, photography and more are available for purchase. The KIA Art Fair also has activities for kids of all ages, including a Children's Art Yard, a Face Painting Booth, a Button Factory and other family-oriented activities. Live music fills the air throughout the day, and more than a dozen food vendors offer treats for every taste.Friday, 5-8 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 5 pm. Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org June 5 -6th Annunciation Parish GREEK BAKE SALE Westnedge/Cedar Ave in Kalamazoo. email: orders-ststamos0731@att.net or call Julie Stamos 349-4612 June 6 Downtown Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade. It's the official parody of anything and everything. This is the one time where silly and satire rules the streets of downtown Kalamazoo. Join over 80 businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community individuals as we enjoy the absurd, the goofy, and the downright un-political nature of a parody. 11 am. Free.

269-388-2830. www.central-city.net June 6 Transformations Spirituality Center Gardens & Gardening – Images for the Spiritual Life 9 am to 12:30 pm. Come & explore the metaphor of tilling the soil, planting seed, nurturing growth & harvest using sacred writings, poetry, photography, your own experiences, & the earth garden that is our home.

Comfortable shoes/clothes & bring a journal, writing/drawing materials &/or camera. RSVP by June 5 $35 Info/RSVP @ 269.381.6290 ext. 310 or www.transformationscenter.org June 8 Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center Dr. Roger Beyer, MD, MA, FACOG will discuss cryoablation, an in-office alternative procedure to hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding and answer any questions you may have. Refreshments served. 6:30 p.m.

Call (269)-657-6058 to reserve a seat.

June 8 Art Bayou 6 - 9 pm Diva Night and Silpada Jewelry 6 – 9 pm Ladies Only.

Adults Only. Girls Night Out. Feel free to bring your favorite snacks and beverages. Door prizes. Silpada Jewelry will also be available tonight! Limited space RSVP 269-217-6986 www.artbayoustudio.com

June 11 Gull Lake View Golf Club American Diabetes Association -Annual Golf Scramble in Augusta. Day of golf, food, & fun.Open to everyone wanting to make a difference. All funds support the ADA. Register: 10AM, Start: 11AM, Dinner: 5-8PM. Info & Registration: Tiana at #888-342-2383 ext 6712.

June 11 - 14 Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds 2009 UKC Premier Dog Show. 16th annual event that is one of Michigan' largest featuring registered dogs from across the Nation and Canada being showcased in a variety of events. 9am - 5pm. Admission $5 per car per day or $10 for weekend pass. 269-343-9020. www.ukcdogs.com June 12 & 13 Chenery Auditorium, Farrell Ballet Theatre An evening of ballet: "Homage to the Sylph" 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $15 adults, $12 students Tickets may be purchased at the door. 269-381-1058 http://farrellballettheatre.com June 12-28 Farmers Alley Theatre “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”.

Agoraphobic Jeannie hasn't stepped out of her trailer in twenty years, and her tollcollecting husband Norbert is catching the eye of Pippi, the stripper who just moved in next door. It's getting about as tense as a Lifetime Movie of the Week starring Judith Light! The music and laughs never stop in this rollicking new musical. Fri. & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm. 269-343-2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com.

June 12 Unwindings Integrative Breathwork, a musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. 7 pm - 9 pm.

5464 Holiday Terrace $30. Pre-registration (269) 388-2988 or adamczassociates.com June 12 & 13 Downtown Vicksburg Vicksburg Old Car Festival. Live entertainment, swap meet and flea market, Clark Park arts & craft show, library book sale, gas & steam engine show. Special events at the Vicksburg Historic Museum grounds.

Fri. 6-10 pm, Sat. 7 am-4 pm. Free. 269-649-0562.

June 13 Scotts Mill County Park Cornstock Music & Arts Festival. 5th annual event of its kind to appreciate art and enjoy live music performed on-stage in an outdoor rural park setting "Because music sounds better out here." 269-626-8227.

June 14 Gilmore Car Museum 14th Annual "Vintage Motorcycle Show", with swap meet. Held Rain or Shine. 8 am-4 pm. $8.

269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org June 14 Bronson Park Sunday Concerts in the Park: “The Mickeys”, identical twins, blend Americana, country and folk music. Rain location - First Baptist Church. 4 pm. Free. 269-3425059. www.KalamazooArts.com

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

June 14 The Stage at Kindleberger Park in Parchment Crossroads Blues Band. Come hear them deliver rock and blues favorites with their own special flair. 6:30 pm.

Free. 269-349-3785. www.kindleberger.org June 14 & June 28 Art Bayou Intro to glass fusing 6:-9 PM Layers of glass are melted together to make sun catchers, pendants, tiles, plates, bowls, etc. Prices start at $17. Registration and deposit required - limited to the first 20 people. RSVP 269-217-6986 www.artbayoustudio.com June 16 The Beacon Club The Kalamazoo MI After Five Women's Connection.

Please join us for an evening of fun and inspiration.

6:30-8 p.m. The program cost: $17.00. Please RSVP

by June 11 by calling Christa at 269-323-7311.

June 16-28 Barn Theatre, Augusta Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This colorful retelling of the Biblical story of Joseph and his ‘coat of many colors’ is the perfect show for the whole family! This extravaganza is wrapped in musical styles from the 60's with modern hints of pop culture, creating one of the most playful, fun, family musicals of all time! Tues. - Fri. 8:30 pm; Sat. 6 7 9 pm; Sun. 5 pm. $29. 269-731-4121. www.barntheatre.com June 17 Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Massage as a Profession Workshop; This workshop is a great opportunity to sit with us and talk about the rewards and realities of our industry. 6 - 8 p.m. Free.

Contact us at 269-373-0910 or admissions@kcha.com. www.kcha.com June 18 Tiffany’s Wine & Spirit Shop Burbon Taste Testing – Over 300 Malt Scotches 6:30 – 8 pm $45.00 per person 269-381-1414 or www.aatiffany.com June 19 Henderson Castle Murder Mystery Dinner, “Father of the Year” Prepare for an evening of intrigue, lies, and deception as you try to unravel all the clues and solve a case of murder. All this while enjoying dinner with friends, loved ones and...hey, why does that waiter have a gun? 5 - 9 pm. $65 per person, $120 per couple 269-343-9242. www.hendersoncastle.com June 19 Haven Church “An evening with FFH”. Dove award winning artist FFH will be in concert along with special guest Newfire.

Doors open at 7:00 PM, post concert fireworks and ice cream is planned, weather permitting. 7:30 pm - 10:15 pm. $5.00 advance, $8.00 at the door. 269-344-5871. www.haven-church.org June 19 YMCA, Hudson Street Kids' Klassic. A family friendly 1K run for kids 12 and under. Parents run free. Strollers are welcome.

6:30 pm. $3. 269-343-0747 ext. 225.

June 19 Arcadia Creek Festival Place Island Festival. Local and regional artists provide arts, crafts, music and dance. Food and beverages provided by local vendors in a Caribbean Island theme featured throughout the event. 11 am - 1:30 am. 269-385-6200. www.islandfestkalamazoo.com June 19 Art Bayou Handprint/Footprint Workshop 4 – 6 PM Capture the handprint and footprints of your little ones. You provide the kids and we will finish off the rest of your plates/platters. Prices start at $24. Discount given for three or more plates/platters. RSVP 269-217-6986 www.artbayoustudio.com

June 20 Sol's World Cafe - Radisson The Women's Breakfast Club - Breakfast and networking. 7:30. Get inspired to take your personal and professional life to the next level. RSVP: info@womensbreakfastclub.com or call (269) 352-0247 June 20 Kzoo County Expo Center & Fairground, Rm A Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Animal Show. Vendors will have interesting reptiles, amphibians and other exotic animals.. 10 am – 3pm. Adults $4, Children 6-10 $2, Under 5 are free. 269-779-9851. www.KalamazooReptileShow.com June 20 Maple Street Kalamazoo Klassic. The best 10K run, 5K walk, and new this year - the 5K pump & run. 7:30- 10 am.

269-343-0747. www.KalamazooKlassic.org June 20 Art Bayou Kika Trunk Show 12-2 and 5-8 RSVP Spring Trunk Show. Fashion & fun. Kika Paprika Spring and Summer 2009. Eco-friendly clothing made in the USA in sizes from 2-18. RSVP 269-217-6986 www.artbayoustudio.com June 21 W. K. Kellogg Manor House Garden Tea. Join us for an elegant and relaxing afternoon of tea, sandwiches, scones and other delicious tea treats. After the tea and a short program, a tour of the Manor House and garden is offered. Pre-paid reservations are requested. 2 pm. $22 Adults, $14 for children 5-12. 269-671-2400. www.kbs.msu.edu June 21 Downtown Kalamazoo Fete de la Musique. Musicians of all backgrounds and genres will take to the streets of downtown and share their gifts. The music performed by amateurs, students, and professionals - range from alternative rock and blues to interactive drum circles. 12-10 pm. Free.

269-342-5059. www.kalamazoofete.com June 21 Bronson Park Sunday Concerts in the Park. Tri-Fi, Phenomenal musical chemistry in a classic jazz piano trio. Rain location - First Baptist Church. 4 pm. Free.

269-342-5059. www.KalamazooArts.com

June 25th Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center Dr. Roger Beyer M.D., M.A., F.A.C.O.G, will give a FREE informal talk on Urinary Incontinence. Come ask the doctor your questions. Refreshments will be served.

6:30 p.m. Call (269) 657-6058 to reserve a seat.

June 25 Amphitheatre at Celery Flats Last Call Thursday Amphitheatre Concert Series : “Go 4 It”. Enjoy an evening filled with the songs of close harmony and beautiful voices as Go 4 It one of Michigan's premier barbershop quartets headlines this special evening of song. 7 pm. $5 per person. 269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov June 26 - 28 Gilmore Car Museum 30th Annual "Kalamazoo Valley Antique Tractor, Engine & Machinery Show". Feature Tractor is Massey-Harris and Furguson Tractors. See a Saw Mill, steam engines, daily tractor parade, kid's pedal tractor pull, antiques & crafts market, and more. 8 am - 5 pm. $8, children under 11 are free. 269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org June 26 - 28 Tillers International, Scotts, MI Mid-West Ox Drovers Association Annual Gathering.

See the Tillers ox teams and a number of guest teams at work in obstacle courses, field work, and a wagon parade! Learn about the history of working cattle and their future in small-scale farming and international rural development. 9 am - 5 pm. Free. 800-498-2700. www.tillersinternational.org June 26-28 Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan For girls entering grades 9-12, you have the opportunity to tour two college campuses! Call the Kalamazoo Program and Training Center at 269-343-1516 to learn more.

June 26 Unwindings Integrative Breathwork, a musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. 7 pm - 9 pm. 5464 Holiday Terrace $30. Pre-registration (269) 388-2988 or adamczassociates.com

June 27 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Redefined: A fashion show-Collections by Liza Nay. Fabulous fashion, food & music.Hors d'oeuvre & wine served. Proceeds to Project MODA & WMU Fashion Design Dept. Sponsors: Alano from Alano Salon & Brig Companies. 2 Shows - Doors Open: 5:30 & 8 pm $20.00 269-303-0405 June 27 Overlander Bandshell Taste of Portage. Great Food, Great Fun, and Great Entertainment are what community members can expect at the 4th annual Taste of Portage. 4 - 9 pm. $2 per person, children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult. Food tickets $1 each.

269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov June 27 Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Sanctuary Tour. The Sanctuary's expert volunteer interpreters will lead a walking tour of the sanctuary grounds, talking about the history and birds and answering all of your questions. The distance of the walking tour is approximately 1 mile and the path is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Dress appropriately for the weather. 10 - 11:30 am. 269-671-2510. www.kbs.msu.edu/birdsanctuary June 27 Milham Park Art in the Park at Milham Park. Over 200 Art & Craft Exhibitors come from all over the US to sell their great pieces of art and craft work homemade with care.

Wood, stained glass, metal art, painting, sculpture, jewelry along with activities for children. The Kalamazoo Sheriff Reserves do Child ID and face painting. Hospice and their duck race along the river beds. Higley Custom Fishing Rods. Food concessions include hot dogs, ice cream, lemon-aid and have you ever tried a deep fried candy bar? 10 am - 5 pm. Free. 269-349-1185.

June 27 Art Bayou Date Night 6 – 9 PM RSVP Adults Only. You can do your own thing as you catch up with each other…without the kids. If your significant other is busy, grab some friends. Groups of six or more receive a discount.

Doorprizes. RSVP We will do door prizes 269-217-6986 www.artbayoustudio.com

June 28 Bronson Park Sunday Concerts in the Park. Kalamazoo Concert Band, One of Michigan's oldest adult metropolitan bands.

Rain location - First Baptist Church. 4 pm. Free. 269342-5059. www.KalamazooArts.com June 30 - July 12 Barn Theatre 13351 West Highway M-96; Augusta, MI 49012 “The Full Monty”. This raucous and heartfelt musical is centered on six unemployed steelworkers who go to great lengths to make some cash and help out a friend in trouble. The cash-strapped factory workers figure they can cash in big time if they perform their own strip show and go the ‘full monty!’ Tues. - Fri. 8:30pm; Sat. 6 & 9 pm; Sun. 5 pm. $29. 269-731-4121. www.barntheatre.com June 30 Overlander Bandshell Army Field Band, “ The Volunteers”. The Volunteers is the United States Army's premier touring show band.

The entire family will enjoy their exciting blend of popular American music, including rock 'n' roll, standards, country, jazz and patriotic. 7:30 pm. Free. 269-3294522. www.portagemi.gov June 30 Amphitheatre at Celery Flats “Leonardo”. Leonardo offers a fun-filled, energetic musical show with singing, dancing and clever ideas that tickle the whole family's musical funny bones.

"Showtime" is a high energy interactive music concert where kids become part of the show with props, costumes, and dance steps while learning that their creativity has no limits, and the library has the resources (books) to help them "Be Creative!" Rain Site: The Hayloft Theatre. 6:30 pm. Free. 269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov July 5 Bronson Park Sunday Concerts in the Park. Local Motive, New country sound with soulful harmonies. Rain location - First Baptist Church. 4 pm. Free.

269-342-5059. www.KalamazooArts.com. country sound with soulful harmonies. Rain location - First Baptist Church. 4 pm. Free. 269-342-5059. www.KalamazooArts.com

June 21 The Stage at Kindleberger Park in Parchment Kalamazoo Concert Band. Now in its 48th season, the Kalamazoo Concert Band is one of Michigan's best adult metropolitan bands. More than 100 area residents form the KCB, which will perform a broad selection of entertaining concert band music, old and new. 6:30 pm.

Free. 269-349-3785. www.kindleberger.org June 22 - July 24 Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Summer Day Camp Science Adventure at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Sanctuary staff, working in collaboration with MSU faculty, staff and graduate students, will lead four one-week Summer Day Camp Adventures.Campers will participate in engaging, hands-on activities and explore the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kellogg Biological Station and Kellogg Forest. Camp is open for children ages 6 to 12 years (6 year old campers must have completed kindergarten). Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 3 pm. $120 per session. 269-671-2510. www.kbs.msu.edu/birdsanctuary June 23 Kellogg Manor House Little House in the Big Woods Tea. Join us for an elegant and relaxing afternoon of tea, sandwiches, scones and other delicious tea treats. Take in the picturesque view of Gull Lake while seated in the Manor House living room at tables set with vintage china and silver. After the tea and a short program, a tour of the Manor House is offered. Pre-paid reservations are requested. 3-5 pm. $22 Adults, $14 for children 5-12.

269-671-2400. www.kbs.msu.edu June 24-26 Portage Northern High School Celery City Showcase IV Talent Competition. The Celery City Showcase IV Talent Competition will feature local performers of all ages and talents. Enjoy singing, dancing, live music, variety acts, and more! 6:30 pm.

269-329-4522. www.portagemi.gov

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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By Alexandra Fix

Sister’s Choice

By Emilie Richards Mira Books, 2008, $24.95

The Beach Club

By Elin Hilderbrand St. Martin’s Paperbacks, 2000, $6.99 Author Elin Hilderbrand has once again created a beach read with characters and complexities that will linger long after the sun goes down on your warm summer afternoon. Inviting descriptions of people and places bring the island of Nantucket alive. The Nantucket Beach Club and Hotel is central to the community and has been manager Mack Petersen’s summer life for many years.

This is the year and the season he must make some tough decisions about his future and the directions and distances it might take him.

Maribel Cox is ready for marriage and believes Mack is the one for her. The owners of the hotel are convinced that their daughter, Cecily Elliott, is the one for Mack. Vance Robbins, one of Mack’s lead employees, holds a bitter grudge against him and is determined to do something about his troubles this summer.

Love O’Donnell comes on the scene from an Aspen ski lodge, looking for a man to father her baby. Co-workers and rivals, friends and lovers, parents and children are all part of the dynamics of the summer months among staff and guests.

Well written, with beautiful descriptions, The Beach Club is only one of Hilderbrand’s fine summer setting novels.

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Kendra and Jamie have weathered some tough years as sisters in a rocky home life. Forced early on into a role as “mother” to her younger, wayward sister, Kendra is struggling to trust Jamie once again and to enjoy a new bond of friendship. Kendra and Isaac Taylor are building their dream home in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. The house plans have been a gift from Jamie, an aspiring architect. But Jamie has an even greater gift that she hopes to offer to her sister. Because of an injury earlier in her life, Kendra is unable to carry a child. A single mother of two, Jamie offers to be a gestational surrogate so Kendra and Isaac’s complete dream can come true.

Living in a small cabin on the property, Jamie plans to oversee the house construction, give her two young daughters some fresh mountain air and share this pregnancy experience closely with Kendra and Isaac.

As time rolls along, a stormy relationship develops between Cash Rosslyn, the builder, and Jamie. Jamie grows close to Cash’s grandmother, Grace, and shares her love of the land and her fight to save her orchard from ruthless land developers. Jamie learns the joys of Grace’s quilting heritage as she stitches a baby comforter. Before the pregnancy reaches its closure, Jamie experiences a medical situation that threatens to change the whole plan. Faced with a difficult decision, she must find the strength to make a necessary choice.

Conversation Starter Beach Trip

By Cathy Holton Ballantine Books, 2009, $25 Twenty three years after they’ve each gone their own way in life, four former college roommates meet up for a summer week at a beach “cottage” on Whale Head Island, North Carolina. Their Outer Banks vacation spot is actually the magnificent summer home of one of the women of the group, Lola. Joining her are Mel, Sara and Annie. These women met at a small Southern women’s college in the early 1980s. Just as they did in their college years, each one comes to this event with her own life full of issues and satisfactions. Relationships with the men in their lives collide once again, as they did in college. Once the week gets underway, Mel proposes a game. Each secretly drops into a box a little note, listing something she would like to do if she had the nerve. By the end of their week together the little box will be opened and each will see how far she’s come. Lola is rich but lost, caught up in a life that does not bring her happiness. Mel is a successful novelist, living in Manhattan. Always the bold one of the group, she still speaks her mind freely. Sara, a child advocacy attorney, has deep concerns about her own son. Annie, picture-perfectly organized, is afraid to share her deepest desire with her husband. The week of “girl time” is filled with opportunities to talk, laugh and cry together.

Cautiously each opens up to these friends for comfort, encouragement and guidance. This novel explores the many factors that weave their way into their lives as women, wives and mothers.

Any time you find a well-written girls’ getaway novel, there will be conversation opportunities about the many choices women make every day.

Alexandra Fix is the author of ten non-fiction children’s book, including the series “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” (Heinemann Library). She is a registered nurse, freelance writer, former children’s librarian and avid reader. Enjoying college one class at a time while her children were growing up fed her love of literature and creative writing. She and her husband have five grown children and multiple grandchildren living all over the country.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

Do you have high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels?

We are currently enrolling patients in clinical trials for:

INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS Over 9 million women and 6 million men suffer from chronic pelvic pain – DO YOU? If you are at least 18 years of age and experience bladder pain, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency (not related to a urinary tract infection) for at least the past 6 months, and urinate 10 or more times a day, you may be eligible to participate in a research trial for the treatment of INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS. Those who qualify and enroll will receive compensation and all study-related care at no cost.

For more information, call Beyer Research at 269-657-6189.

If so, you may be able to participate in a clinical research study testing the safety and eeffects of an investigational ational me medi medication dica cation for the treatment of high bl blood pressure high bloo ood d pr pres essu sure aand nd h hig igh blood sugar levels. vels.

You must: • Not be a diabetic • Be 18 to 70 years old • Have high blood pressure • Have high blood sugar levels

If eligible, you will receive study related: • Physical exams • Lab tests • Investigational medication or placebo • Compensation for time and travel expenses For more information, please contact:

Beyer Research at 269-657-6189.

If you are experiencing unusual menstrual bleeding, urinary incontinence, or are considering a hysterectomy there are new treatments that may help you! Come learn more about your options and have your questions answered by Dr. Roger Beyer at these FREE HEALTH TALKS:

Free Talk on Alternative to Hysterectomy June 8th – Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center Dr. Roger Beyer, MD, MA, FACOG will discuss cryoablation, an in-office alternative procedure to hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding and answer any questions you may have.

Refreshments served. Call (269)-657-6058 to reserve a seat.

Free Talk on Urinary Incontinence in Women June 25th – Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center Dr. Roger Beyer M.D., M.A., F.A.C.O.G, will give a FREE informal talk on Urinary Incontinence in women. Come ask the doctor your questions. Refreshments will be served. Call (269) 657-6058 to reserve a seat.

Dr. Roger D. Beyer Beyer, M.D., M.A., F.A.C.O.G. Specializing in incontinence and pelvic floor disorders Women’s Health Care Specialists, PC 269-657-6058 505 Hazen St. Suite 204 Paw Paw, MI 49079 5555 Gull Road Kalamazoo MI 49001

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • June 2009

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