She Means Business - September 2010

Sept. 2010

Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining

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Savory Seafood

Space for Your Home Office

Annual Kalamazoo SMB Guide

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Clifford dclifford@womenslifestylekazoo.com

Contributing Writers: Sandy Derby Kelly Duggan Mary Beth Esquibel Lauren Fitzmaurice Chloe Herakovic Emily Magyar Heidi McCrary Ann Mohr Jeff Murphy Judy Pearson Juli Wiseman The Kalamazoo Network

Sales: Sales Manager Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@womenslifestylekazoo.com

SHE MEANS BUSINESS Profiles of Kalamazoo Business Women.................................................................................................................23 BUSINESS & CAREER Creating a Roadmap for Your Business..............................................10 Staging Your Career Comeback.......................................................12 Networking with the Kalamazoo Network .........................................13 IMHO: Putting the “C” Back in Business..........................................18 Nine Top Jobs for More Power and Money...................................22 Professional Organizations & Resources ...........................................22 Financial Suave: Counting Down a Decade to Retirement? .................29 Management Tips.........................................................................34 Tips for Women Traveling Alone....................................................35 How to Make Social Media Work for You.......................................41 Prospective Employers Target Social Networking Sites........................44 Five Things Small Businesses Can do to Make Marketing Pay Off .......45

Sales Representatives: Brenda Murphy Pamela Nunley Maria Pavletic

AT HOME Work @ Home .................................................................................................14 Conquer Your Clutter: Home “Launch” Station .....................................................30

Layout & Design: jr4 designs JR Harper

Photography: Christopher McGuire Photography www.chrismcguirephoto.com

Office Manager: Patty Clifford

Contact Us

By Phone: 269-569-1647 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

By Email: wlskazoo@provide.net

website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com Check us out on Facebook

Coming In October Home Sweet Home

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Being You… For Real ..........................................................................................6 Women in History: Gwen Frostic ........................................................................45 Readers Lounge ................................................................................................50

LOOKING & FEELING GOOD Down to Business Fashion .......................................................................8 Secrets of the Trade .............................................................................10 Fall Beauty Trends ..................................................................................11 American Cancer Society ......................................................................16 An Hour of Exercise a Day ....................................................................19 American Diabetes Association.............................................................32 Reducing Stress...................................................................................38 Trying to Get Old: Health Screenings for Women...................................42

RECIPES Sandwiches for Lunch or Anytime Turkey Sandwich with Cranberries and Walnuts .........................................36 Cheddar, Bacon & Pear Sandwich ...........................................................36 Chocolate Brownie Wedges with Java Cream ..........................................................37 Shrimp Lemony Garlic Shrimp Cocktail...............................................................40 Shrimp & Scallop Fajitas..........................................................................40 COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS Buy Local..........................................................................................................................................................20 Calendar...........................................................................................................................................................46

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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From the Publisher She Means Business! Wow that sounds serious doesn’t it? Look out…woman doing business here. Get out of the way, she’s got things to do.

Focusing on women in business this month, I began to reflect on the changes I’ve been privileged to witness during my professional lifetime. I realized just how much the work place has evolved since I began. Many of you may be too young to recall a time where there was just a spattering of professional women to be found. Most women my age, had stay-at-home mothers who only went back to work after their children were in school “full time.” And those jobs were mostly part-time.

Please don’t misunderstand; there will always be a need for part time positions on both sides of the fence, employers and employees. What I’m talking about are women in professions requiring college education and/or significant specific training: accountants, lawyers, doctors and nurses, computer specialists, auto mechanics and more.

Back in the day, one might have been able to name a few women working in one of those capacities. Today I’m happy to note that I can name a woman (or two) for all of those professions and more. Now-a-days, it’s not a BIG DEAL when a professional woman is well known in the community and that fact is absolutely REMARKABLE! You’ve come a long way, baby! Congratulations!

So this month is for you Working Woman. Whether you work full time, part-time, are working from home to care for a child or elderly parent, or are looking to get (back) out into the work place. On the following pages, I think you’ll find lots of inspiring ideas to help you get started, stay strong and keep in balance.

And please remember…we need to support and encourage each other.

Have a great September,

Darlene

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Drive Carefully...

Schools In Session

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Being You . . . For Real

Janice Lynne Lundy

t hasn’t been easy being me… the real me. I suspect this may be true for you as well. Why do we struggle so with living as our true selves?

Jungian analyst and author of the landmark book, Women Who Run With the Wolves, Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, says it’s because the “over-culture” – the influence we see every day on television, in magazines or on the Internet – doesn’t encourage us to be our true selves.

“It often acts as a predator who is out to steal you away from everything that truly matters to you and to your soul; that is loyalty to the soul, inclusion of others, smart insights, intuitions which are deep knowings that just come to you . . .”

I agree with Dr. Estes. I’ve often allowed the over-culture to dominate my thinking, douse my inner wisdom or coerce my choices. Sometimes it has even kept me quiet and less astute. This isn’t easy to admit, yet it seems true for many women. We’ve “played small” to family and friends, bosses and co-workers, in our homes, neighborhoods, schools and religious institutions. We’ve done so to maintain the status quo, make others happy or keep a pseudo peace.

And by doing so, we negate our true self – the creative, confident and wise woman within. How can we put a stop to this? How can we throw off the soul-dampening effects of the over-culture and live with more vitality and light – not just for our own well-being, but for the greater good of all?

Simply put, know who you are: Cultivate self awareness, illuminate your gifts and live dangerously.

Cultivate Self Awareness

Illuminate Your Gifts

she’ll follow her own truth, based on her gifts of mercy, love, fierceness and creative fire.

Giftedness is not based upon training or what we do for a living (though it can be evidenced as that), but for how one is being in the world; how one expresses her soul.

“She says what she wishes and no one should try to stop her – or else. She’s very clearly one who says, ‘Come with me, be with me, but if not ... then stand out of my way – I have a destiny to meet.’ She is not willing to amputate parts of herself, or her gifts, in order to be accepted,” says Estes.

In reflecting upon my own giftedness, I see myself not only through the lens of my life choices, being a writer, teacher, wife, mother, and friend, but as a woman with heart and empathy, creativity and passion. When you reflect upon the real you, where does your giftedness lie?

Live Dangerously Next, we allow our gifts to rise up and be seen. Such is the calling and destiny of every woman.

Yet to some, living this giftedness may feel risky.

It often has for me. The notion of being “a dangerous old woman” sounds thrilling, even empowering, but . . . “dangerous?” Dr. Estés’ work over the years has helped me reshape my thinking about this. In truth, we are all creatively wild, wise and innately dangerous.

“Any woman is considered dangerous, that is, unpredictable, when she is in her right mind,” says Estes. “Being in her right mind means she is not the slave to society’s dictates, but rather (she) follows her soul’s advice. Thus, she may or may not unfold in ways the over-culture insists on. Rather,

“Know beyond a doubt that you are born gifted,” says Dr. Estés, “We have a birthright to live out our giftedness.”

When I came upon this thought of hers, revealed in an audio online world event of fireside storytelling based upon her forthcoming book, The Dangerous Old Woman: Myths and Stories of the Wise Woman Archetype, I was captivated. She spoke of a “psychology of women’s giftedness.” I asked her more about this.

She helped me understand that “being you” has everything to do with living “ensouled.”

“We are living with our soul intact . . . following the soul’s instructions to be kind, loving, fierce, creative . . . unleashing our inborn gifts to bring all those to this needful world, to be the exemplars of these in daily life,” says Estes.

She assures us that every person carries these gifts.

It’s simply a matter of working to uncover and claim them.

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Janice Lynne Lundy is an inspirational speaker and retreat leader, spiritual director and author. To learn more about Jan, her writing and her events, visit www.awakenedliving.com.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

To learn more about Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés, her books and online events, visit www.soundstrue.com.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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By Sara Cosgrove

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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What better time than 9 to 5 to showcase your personal style, your joie de vivre.

Professional attire doesn’t have to be ho-hum traditional; it can be a supreme style statement. Experiment with hats, scarves and eye-catching patterns. Get the look at your favorite boutique.

1. Spanner Shadows Ensemble Cape Cardigan with Pin. Mock Neck. Sizes XS-XXL Boot Cut Trouser. Sizes 2-18

2. Sweet Romance Jonette Pendant $32 This Art Nouveau-style pendant reflects the transition between summer and the first hint of autumn.

Completely hand wrought.

3. Urban Expressions Amelia Handbag in Blue, $80 This ladylike handbag with swirl designs is made from 100% man-made materials, and is offered in an array of office appropriate hues: Blue, Gray, Pink, Brown and Black.

19”W x 13”H x 5”D.

4. Spanner Urbanality Ensemble Multicolor Cardigan, Ribbed Mock Neck and Sport Slim Pants.

Sizes XS-XXL and Petite.

5. Poetic License School Girl pump in Brown, $99 This leather, oxford pump is a cure-all for cases of the Mondays. And the heel is 2.25,” an ideal, office-friendly height.

6. Spanner Montage Ensemble Cowl Neck Dolman, Mock Neck. Sizes XS-XXL Mesh Black Paneled Boot Cut Skirt.

Sizes 2-18 Belt. Sizes XS-M, L-XXL

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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SECRETS of the TRADE WLSK is pleased to introduce our new column about fashion and creating a professional image. Kelly Duggan, of Kelly Duggan Image Consulting, will provide insight and share her wisdom to help us look our best and build a professional wardrobe.

Do you have fashion questions and dilemmas of your own? It’s easy to ask our Image Consultant, just send your questions to Kelly at info@womenslifestylekazoo.com. Be sure to indicate Image Questions in the subject line.

How do I know if items in my wardrobe are outdated?

First consider how the garment came to be in your wardrobe: was it a fad, trend, or classic

Trend, Classic or not? Style ‘yes’….Color and fabric finish ‘no’

item? A fad will be out of style in 1-3 months, trends can be in style up to 2-3 years, whereas a classic design has the opportunity to be timeless. Watch out for items that masquerade as classic garments, but aren’t! Tell-tale signs that it isn’t a classic include: unusual colors, trendy patterns and color combinations, or an exaggerated fit.

My personal fashion style is very ‘natural’. What tips would you have for staying true to myself, yet look professional?

Look to color and elements of finishing in creating the professional edge you desire. Select classic business colors in navy, grey, brown and black for core garments – such as pants, skirts, and jackets. Stay true to yourself with an unstructured cut & line of jacket or shirt, as well as broad fabric weaves and textures that ring true to the natural. Additionally, give a professional boost to a more natural look by how you finish and groom. Invest in and maintain a great haircut, avoid ponytails….particularly with a ‘no’ make-up look, learn a simple, natural looking and feeling make-up routine, no knee highs with skirts or dresses, and make sure shoes remain traditional in style.

With Today’s Fashion Trends, in business how much cleavage is too much?

As fashion, designer creativity, and a de-structuring of dress code policy… or a fear to enforce a policy… have intersected; we as a

Creating a Road Map for Your Business “A Marketing Plan = Safer Travels” “We’re going on a trip!”

Whenever I hear those words, I get very excited. New places to explore, new people to meet and different cultures to discover. I also get anxious – there is planning that goes into making a so-so trip a GREAT one! There are many decisions to be made: Where to go, what is the budget, how to get there, where to stay and what to do once I get to the destination. Planning can alleviate a lot of tension and make my trip more enjoyable. Plus, once I get to the location and things don’t pan out as well as I thought (weather changes, find other things to do, discover different routes) I can change my plans and still get the full benefit of a fun vacation.

And that all happens with a little foresight and planning.

Putting together a marketing plan for your business can benefit you the same way. Many small businesses don’t think they need a marketing plan because their advertising budget is small, but no matter what size your business is, not having a marketing plan is like driving around without a map.

A marketing plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Before you begin, ask yourself some simple questions about your business through a SWOT analysis. The acronym SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, Answering these questions can help you achieve a stronger business model and marketing plan.

- Strengths: What does your company do better than its competitors? What is your competitive advantage?

- Weaknesses: What prevents your company from selling more of its product or services? What do the competitors do better than your company?

- Opportunities: What part of the market has not yet been reached? What group of consumers are your competitors not targeting?

- Threats: What is the biggest threat from the competition? What is the biggest threat from the economy or the evolving market?

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Cleavage and soft breast tissue exposed

Chest only

society have become confused on what guidelines still remain in professional dress. Use this simple thought to guide you in negotiating necklines. When considering business casual to traditional business dress… if more than ½ of an inch of breast is exposed (soft spongy tissue), or the division of breast cleavage is showing, you’ve breached the invisible ‘don’t cross’ line.

It’s simple… “Chest’s not breasts!” – professionally speaking.

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

Now that you have a better understanding of your company, evaluate the marketing portion of your business. Decide who you are trying to reach. Is it your current clientele or do you want to branch out? To figure that out, you need to know your target: - What is their household income?

- Gender?

- Age? - Where they live? (i.e. in a 3-mile radius from your business or within a 60-mile radius?)

- Do they rent or own?

- How do they currently find out about your products/services and what sources do they use to get their information? (i.e. newspaper, radio. Internet, etc.)

Have a goal of what you want to achieve through your marketing (i.e. Top of mind awareness, 10% increase in sales.) Decide what you can afford to spend on marketing. A rule of thumb is between 5 – 10% of your sales. Evaluate the various advertising mediums available that will reach your targets. There are marketing consultants who can help you put together a successful marketing plan that is well worth the cost With this plan, you will then have a road map for marketing your business. Planning a road trip and developing an effective marketing plan are similar endeavors. With proper preparation and knowing your destination, small detours and modifications along the way will still get you to where you need to be.

Juli Wiseman & Heidi McCrary are Managing Partners with Ad Shop, etc., an advertising agency bringing big business success to small and medium size businesses. Have a marketing question? Email heidi@adshopetc.com or call (269) 978-8800.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Fall Trends

By Marianne Bockheim

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fter a long hot summer of little dresses, sparkly sandals and nude, sun-kissed faces, the cool temperatures blow in icy-rich color, heavy, textured fabrics and the need to nestle into many warm layers of style. This season we’re mad about plaid, loving leather and crazy for cableknit. The pant suit is hired for a long-term position while other trends have us kicking back in denim or looking to the future in a sleek, minimalist mystique. As for beauty, we know no boundries...

Eyes

From minimalist to extreme color, this season offers a little fun and funk!

Make eye contact in retro colors such as orange, vibrant purple or intense blue, and while one color is the most popular choice of application, layer with 2 or 3 shades of that color to create an amazing, intense effect. Lashes are always an important accessory so beef them up with or without a color accompaniment. Brows also continue to play an important role. Brows, absent or present, heavily or finely sculpted – it’s up to you to create your own effect. Tip: Try brushing a matte eyeshadow instead of a pencil through brows.

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Estee Lauder Pure Color Five Color Eyeshadow Palette in Blue Dahlia, $40. Available at Estee Lauder counters nationwide.

Rimmel The Max Volume Flash Bold Curves Mascara, $7.19.

Available at mass merchandisers nationwide.

Lips Pucker up with the perfect pout in pink, taking it from the runway to your handbag with ease. With many shades to choose from, anyone can strut a pink lip anytime. Tip: If you are told you have “warm” coloring (yellow based), cool shades of pink can become more dramatic in nature, and vice versa for those with “cool” coloring (blue based).

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Avon Glazewear in Darling Pink and Tickled Pink, $6. To locate an Avon Representative call 1-800-FOR-AVON.

Cheeks The blushing bombshell is ahead of the game when batting her eyelashes! A dash of color on the cheeks adds dimension and radiance to every face. Don’t powder up without glamming-up the cheeks.

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MAC Mineralized Blush in Pet Me from the Fabulous Felines Collection, $21. Available at MAC counters nationwide.

Hair Finally, those of us who have a hard time taming tresses are given a break! This season, the mane isn’t so tame and volume speaks volumes with a confident, disheveled look. To beehive or to behave is the question for the updo of the season but, for the most part, the look is a little unkempt, cool and carefree… all on purpose.

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Biosilk Finishing Spray in firm or natural hold, $10.99. To locate a retailer log on to www.biosilk.com.

Marianne Bockheim has been waving her magical mascara wand for more than eight years. Her makeup mission includes journalism, teaching, makeup artistry for the consumer as well as media, and providing marketing services to beauty and fashion businesses.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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comeback, but potentially an even better outcome than ever anticipated.

■ Understand that often it’s not about you. Professional setbacks often occur because a company is in the midst of a transition. A division may be closed down or pared back, which results in layoffs. Or a new CEO has been brought in who now wants her or his own team. Being let go may not be about you or your performance at all. Although the pain and disappointment are yours, you are not the only one who has endured this kind of setback.

Find the peace that comes with “I did my best;” learn whatever lessons there are to be learned, embrace change and move on.

■ Take some time off and think about what you want. This step is often the hardest for people, particularly because of financial worries or concerns about when the next job opportunity will come.

But if you try transitioning too fast you may be tempted to jump at the first opportunity coming along instead of choosing where you want to go.

Taking even a short break for discernment will help you stage a better and stronger comeback.

Even if the break has to be only overnight, make sure you take some time for some real self-reflection. What’s important to you now – time or money? Do you thrive in a large organization or small company? How have your goals changed?

Although this event was done to you, you are still the one who decides what’s next.

Staging Your Career

COmeBACk

On Your Own Terms

By Andrea Redmond and Patricia Crisafulli

In life,

no one gets off this planet unscathed. Whether personal or professional, setbacks happen. How well someone makes a comeback, however, depends upon several factors, from resilience to defining success according to your terms. The good news is these qualities and skills can be acquired and learned and, with a support system, become even more effective.

Job loss, whether due to layoffs or being fired or asked to resign, is an all-too-common reality in today’s workplace. It doesn’t matter whether you work in a small company, large corporation, on a factory line or in a corner office, leaving a job not of your own accord is among the most difficult challenges most people face.

Even some of the nation’s most well known CEOs who were asked to resign, often for reasons beyond their control, were caught completely off guard. Two such leaders are David Neelman, founder and former CEO of JetBlue Airways, and Jacques Nasser, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company. When Neelman was asked by his board to resign in May 2007, following weather-related delays stranding passengers on the tarmac – an unfortunate event beyond Neelman’s control, but for which he took responsibility as the CEO – he called the move “shocking.”

“I felt like I was sucker-punched,” Neelman describes.

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Nasser, who was president and CEO of Ford Motor Company from 1999 until 2001, was asked to step down as the auto industry faced challenges due to a souring economy. After thirty years with the company, his leadership suddenly came to an end. “It was a huge surprise,” he says simply.

Both executives, however, were able to make very successful comebacks. After JetBlue, Neelman decided to take his idea for a regional air carrier with a high degree of customer service to a new market – Brazil – where he founded the highly successful Azul Linhas Aéreas Brasileiras. In time, Nasser went on to become an executive partner in the highly successful private equity firm One Equity Partners and today is chairman of BHP Billiton, the world’s largest natural resources company.

How did they make their comebacks? Although all leaders have strategies and philosophies unique to them, common themes emerge leading not only to a

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

■ Rally your allies. Whether friends, family members or close associates, your allies will help you through the transition and find your way. It may very well be through them and their connections that you begin to network your way into a new position.

■ What made you successful before will make you successful again. Just as your unique talents led to your previous success, these abilities will help you achieve your career goals in the future. Know what these qualities are. Own your past accomplishments. This process will help you communicate the value you bring to your next employer.

■ Be open to new possibilities. Your next position after a setback may be on the same path, or you may see your transition as an opportunity to pursue another career track. What is it you’ve always wanted to do but never allowed yourself the opportunity to explore? Maybe now is the time to try something new. What do you want the next phase of your life to look like?

■ Don’t be limited by someone else’s definition of success. You are in charge of your own success.

What that looks and feels like is up to you. Don’t be limited by believing success is only achievable if you repeat the past. The future is wide open and it’s very possible that, even in spite of a setback, it’s in your comeback that the best is yet to be.

■ Even if you have faced a professional setback in the past year, whether or not it was in your control, you can take control of how you recover. Reflect on your next steps, build your support system of allies, remain open to new possibilities and define success for yourself. You might be surprised at the comeback you make.

Andrea Redmond and Patricia Crisafulli are the authors of “Comebacks: Powerful Lessons from Leaders who Suffered Setbacks and Recaptured Success on Their Terms” (Jossey-Bass, 2010).

to know what you can do for them, not what you are looking for.

This immediately gets their interest.

- Pollyann Nee

PO Box 50374 • Kalamazoo MI 49005 • voicemail: 269-343-7865 • www.kalamazoonetwork.org In a time when unemployment is at an all-time high, it’s more important than ever to set yourself from the rest when applying for a job. It’s time to look at your most powerful selling tool…your resume.

Have your resume reflect your personality. This is your 'marketing piece' and you only have one chance to make that impression.

- Maria Pavletic – Pavletic Consulting and Design, LLC

Five Tips for Bringing your Resume to the Top

The traditional layout of the resume may be a thing of the past. What tip(s) do you have for creating a professional resume that stands out from the rest?

1. Remove jobs and positions unrelated to the job you’re seeking – Employers don’t have time to find what they’re looking for in your resume. If a past job is irrelevant to a position you’re applying for, skip it.

If you are lacking recent work experience, list volunteer and other non-paid activities to show you can add value. A good resume shows how you spend your time and what you can bring to a new position.

- Pat Josey / Homewatch CareGivers

2. Use titles or headings that match the job you want – Instead of using general terms for positions you have held, customize your positions to fit the one you’re seeking. If you’re seeking a management position, Instead of using the listing of “Accounting / Recordkeeping,” use, “Management of A/R and A/P Accounts.”

Focus on how your future employer will benefit by hiring you. If you were hiring someone for this job, what would you be looking for? Then, describe your jobs and experience with words that help them understand how you provide them those benefits. Finding a job is about getting someone to “buy” you, not about “selling” yourself – make sure your resume is employer attractive!

- Karen Vogelmann – Business Success Coach I have two resumes. One is shorter a version which is only one page, and the second is a longer, more detailed version that is 3 pages long. The shorter one helps prospects quickly get an idea of your qualifications, and you’re not overloading them with too much information.

I no longer use "Objectives" to start off the resume, but rather, I start my resume with "Accomplishments." Businesses today want

3. Sell the benefits of your skills – Take your list of skills and explain how they will benefit the employer.

4. Identify and solve employer’s hidden needs – Anticipate the needs of the prospective employer and explain how you will solve them in your cover letter.

5. Prioritize the content of your resume – Past positions no longer need to be listed in chronological order. List them in order of importance and relevance to the job you’re seeking.

Maria Pavletic, Independent Marketing and Web Consultant with Pavletic Consulting and Design, LLC. She is currently serving as the President for Kalamazoo Network.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Work @ Home

By Ashley Cole

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n today’s home, nearly every house has a home office. From a home management station for a busy mom to space for a self-employed small business owner or a secondary workspace for an employee to work from home, personal workspace is relevant.

This area is often overlooked but with thoughtful consideration, something as simple as the kitchen counter that holds a pile of papers can be transformed into a functional workspace.

How can you transform an existing space in your home to an office, without adding on?

Guest Bedroom – Typically, the guest bedroom is only used 10-12 nights a year, so it’s a perfect place to accommodate an office. Replace a large bed with a Murphy bed or a nice pull-out sofa and bring in a desk and storage. When configuring this space, think workspace first, guest space second. You can always stow away work-related items and cozy up the guest space when needed.

Closet – Closets can function as a workspace when an extra room isn’t available. Since closet space is usually in short supply, contents can be moved to the basement or attic or someplace adequate for storage but not feasible for office space. A built-in desk and shelving can be added to any closet and closed off when not in use.

Sharing space – Depending on how much privacy you need to work, using a small corner, wall or counter of an existing room may be appropriate. If this is the case, sufficient hidden storage is key to keeping it organized. Combination work/shelving units are available through many furniture resources. In the kitchen, it’s nice to create a home management station with cabinetry outside of the main work triangle. Most

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cabinetry lines offer desk height cabinets, basic wall cabinets for storage and even file storage cabinets.

heaters can transform an undesirable space (including the basement) into a pleasing one.

Basement – Though this may be the most available space, there are disadvantages such as lack of natural light or dampness, so be sure to weigh out all other options. If this is the best option, bring in sufficient light, careful storage and art to brighten the environment.

Chair – If you spend a considerable amount of time in your chair, by all means treat yourself to a comfortable one. A couple hundred dollars may seem like a lot, but consider it an investment not only to your business (by making you more efficient) but to your body and health as well.

What every home office needs.

Window treatments – This small detail can make or break a workspace. If light coming in from surrounding windows creates glare, working on your computer can become nearly impossible. Moving the location of your desk may solve this problem, but when this isn’t the best solution, proper window treatments will block the glare and help insulate the room from outdoor weather conditions, maintaining a comfortable temperature in your workspace.

Even in the smallest of home offices, these important factors will make your space a productive space to work in: Lighting – Proper lighting is among the most important elements of any office. You’ll want ambient lighting that illuminates the entire space as well as task lighting directed at a specific area.

Electricity – Depending on how much electrical equipment you use, you may want a 20-amp circuit for a larger office. If you use a typical computer and printer, a standard outlet is sufficient. Consider using a surge protector/outlet strip for safety and additional plugs for charging cell phones, MP3 players, etc.

Heating/AC/Ventilation – You can work more efficiently if you’re comfortable. Fans and portable

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Ashley Cole is a professional interior designer based in Grand Rapids. Her work has been featured on HGTV as well as numerous publications, including Kitchen Trends and Home Magazine. Ashley’s passion is “creating environments that enliven the spirit.”

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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A Journey of

Hope

By Emily Coyle

At 36, Suzanne Rhoades Tidey was far too young to have breast cancer.

Or so she thought.

Suzanne remembers the very moment she noticed something wrong.

Rushing through her morning routine as the working mother of three always did, Suzanne noticed a lump in her breast.

“I thought, ‘This is strange. Does the other side feel like this? Maybe I strained a muscle during a workout,’” Suzanne said.

Nonetheless, Suzanne scheduled an appointment with her doctor. A mammogram and subsequent ultrasound confirmed the presence of a lump. A biopsy was ordered.

“I tried to convince myself it wasn’t cancer,” she said. “Women have benign fibroid lumps all the time. I mean, come on! Not at my age.”

Suzanne’s biopsy took place the following Tuesday -- March 3, 2009. Wednesday night, she received a phone call from the doctor, telling her she had Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma: breast cancer.

“I couldn’t have acted any faster,” Suzanne said. “I needed to be as aggressive as I could. I need to be here for my kids – I need to be here to have fun with them and for them to remember me.”

Suzanne was discharged from the hospital a day after surgery, and drove home two days later – stopping every couple hours to get out and move around in order to prevent blood clots. It had been more than a week since she’d seen her children.

“It was a very touching time,” she said. “I thought, ‘I hope I’m going to be here.’ I wanted to hold my children, but I was afraid to hold them because I was still sore from the surgery, but I also didn’t want them to lose me.”

A week later, Suzanne returned to the Mayo Clinic, and learned that the study she was going to enroll in was available in Kalamazoo. “It was the same follow-up treatment, so I could just do it here,” she said. She began a regimen of chemotherapy, and shortly thereafter, began to lose her hair. She called her closest support network of friends and let them know the treatment was working.

“You learn pretty quickly when you lose your hair that you’re not wearing wigs for yourself – you’re wearing a wig for the benefit of other people, so they feel more comfortable around you,” Suzanne said. “When people give you a compliment, you just want to say, ‘You know it’s not real!’ but I also got to wear hats – and I love hats.”

Beyond the physical side effects of cancer treatment, Suzanne also was forced to deal with the impact losing her hair and breasts had on her selfimage.

She recalls driving home from work one day, and a man in the car next to her was staring at her. For a moment, she forgot she was bald and was flattered by the attention.

“It’s really hard to be a bald female and feel attractive,” Suzanne said. “Here I am, a 36-year-old woman who should still be in her prime. Well, I haven’t even hit my prime yet, but I am bald, I have kids at home, and I have no boobs. Talk about looking weird! I always thought I was attractive before, but you just forget how you look to other people.”

The West Michigan Cancer Center (WMCC) referred Suzanne to the Look Good…Feel Better program. Offered by the American Cancer Society, Look Good…Feel Better is a program in which trained cosmetologists help cancer patients deal with the appearance-related side effects so common during cancer treatment. Women are provided with highquality cosmetics, including lotions and make-up, as well as lessons on proper wig application and styling.

“I started to break down,” she said. “I thought, ‘Oh my goodness, I’m gonna die and I’m too young!’”

The next day, Suzanne went into work as usual, but this time to announce she was taking time off. She had to come up with a plan. Her doctor had scheduled an appointment with a breast surgeon for the following Monday, but Suzanne couldn’t wait.

“I had to do something,” Suzanne said. “I couldn’t just sit around and wait over the weekend. I needed to know what to do, for my babies’ sake. I wanted them to know me.”

Suzanne called the Mayo Clinic.

“I told them I needed help,” she said. “I could be there whenever they could fit me in. I just needed a plan.”

Without waiting to hear back, Suzanne and her husband packed her bag. A short while later, the phone rang, and she was told she had an appointment scheduled for 7:45 a.m. the next day. Suzanne, her husband Lance, and her sister immediately left for Minnesota.

“I had no idea what I was doing – but I had to do something,” Suzanne said. “When you’re diagnosed with cancer, your world just stands still.”

Suzanne met with the head of the breast clinic and discussed family history, possibility of recurrence, and surgical options. Suzanne opted for the most aggressive option -- a double mastectomy, or the removal of both breasts. She was cleared for surgery the following Wednesday, less than a month from the day she first found the lump.

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“This was a wonderful class,” Suzanne said.

“I can’t tell enough people about it. Look Good…Feel Better helps prepare you a bit more for treatment. I even learned to draw on my eyebrows!”

Suzanne underwent six months of chemotherapy, but still, the thought she could have a recurrence was always there.

“I would wake up in the middle of the night with fears I wouldn’t want to tell my husband,” Suzanne said. “Somehow, I felt that by saying my fears out loud, it would make them become real. I couldn’t read because I was so scared I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t even watch television.”

Shortly after diagnosis, Suzanne’s treatment center referred her to the American Cancer Society. Suzanne was contacted by a woman from Reach to Recovery, a program that pairs newly-diagnosed breast cancer patients with breast cancer survivors who have undergone a similar experience. Because they are also survivors, Reach to Recovery volunteers are able to relate on a very personal level and offer support and guidance to newly diagnosed patients.

“It’s really important to have someone to talk to you’re comfortable with,” Suzanne said.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

“You think you’re strong and you’re ok – but you’re just inundated with so much information, it can be overwhelming.”

After six months of treatment, there was no sign of cancer and Suzanne was officially in remission. She and her husband threw a party to celebrate, and dozens of friends, family members, and colleagues attended, many of whom weren’t even aware she had cancer. For those who did, however, Suzanne and her family were touched by their support. The celebration was not just for Suzanne, but for all the people who had been by her side during her journey.

“Every day, you touch someone’s life, but you don’t realize just how much of an impact you have on people until you’re suffering,” Suzanne said.

“People started coming in to the bank just to see how I’m doing. One customer dropped off a full meal on one of my chemotherapy days. It was amazing to see how many people were concerned about me. You go through life and you’re nice to everybody, but you don’t realize the impact you have on them.”

But the battle wasn’t over yet.

Suzanne underwent genetic testing and tested positive for a genetic mutation in her BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Because this mutation can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by up to 80 percent and can also lead to ovarian cancer, in September 2009, Suzanne had a hysterectomy. Fortunately, no cancer was detected.

On October 9, 2010, Suzanne will join family, friends, and hundreds of other breast cancer survivors and their loved ones at the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in downtown Kalamazoo.

Making Strides is a non-competitive 5k walk to raise funds and awareness to support the American Cancer Society’s research, programs and services to fight breast cancer.

“I had aunts who had breast cancer, and my grandmother did, too,” Suzanne said. “But I dismissed it. I never thought it would happen to me.”

But it did, and Suzanne lives every day with the knowledge that the cancer could recur.

“You have hills and valleys throughout this journey, and it’s ok,” Suzanne said. “I’m living here right now in the moment that I’m in. Am I scared about cancer returning? Every day. But all you can do is not let those fears overcome your life. Surround yourself with positive people. There are people who are still here, who weren’t given the odds to be here. When you start talking to cancer survivors and you realize the power behind them, and the stories of how they’ve endured their journey, and they were told they wouldn’t be here a year later and they’re still here 20 years later – that’s going to be me. We need to reach out to people in the beginning time of diagnosis – when the worst fear is there – and say, ‘It’s ok to be scared, but let me tell you a story….’”

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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risk, seeking help from peers – is exactly what makes women successful in business. If you’ve got what it takes, why not use it, baby!

Putting the

“C”

Back in Business

I can hear you now - what on earth is she talking about? When was the word “business” ever spelled with the letter “c?” It wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean the “c” word shouldn’t be a huge part of business. I’m not talking about “corporation” or “contract” or even “CEOs.” The “c” word I’m referring to is courage. It’s vital to a successful career, company and society.

The first place courage enters the business picture is in understanding that men and women have a different kind of courage in business just as they do in other areas. In general, women are collaborative, inclusive nurturers. Likewise, men are aggressive, competitive team builders. These attributes are hard-wired into our brains and cannot be altered.

That doesn’t mean women are weak or men are bullies, but those differences are the source of office conflicts just the same. So why not see our differences as complimentary, similar to our physical differences (and we LOVE those differences!). Why not use them in harmony to achieve success for ourselves and our companies. It’s called the 50-50 principal. To be sure, suggesting and then putting that principal into action requires courage. As a business woman, are you up to the challenge?

We also need courage going after our goals. When a man is offered a position or promotion he doesn’t feel 100% qualified for, he goes after it anyway and then works to get up to speed. We, on the other hand, sell ourselves short because we don’t want to disappoint our superiors, another typically female response. Irene Dorner, CEO of HSBC bank said recently, “Women who aren’t moving forward might not be taking enough risk. They must tell their companies what they want – companies aren’t telepathic!” Need courage for that? Of course you do, but look at it this way. Much of what women did centuries ago – multi tasking, managing

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Companies are recognizing women’s value; more are seeking to improve the numbers of women in the C-Suites (CEO, CFO, etc.) and on their Boards of Directors. Catalyst, the organization that researches such statistics, reports that Fortune 500 organizations with women on their boards show 53% higher return on equity, and 66% higher return on invested capital. Plus, those who have women at the helm show a healthier profit and loss statement. Those facts ought to up your courage!

Women’s courage is also essential in business as a role model for others. Courage lacking corpses litter the corporate landscape à la Enron, WorldCom. Interestingly enough, in the last decade, three women stand as beacons for business courage. Former WorldCom vice president Cynthia Cooper informed her board that the company had covered up $3.8 billion in losses with phony bookkeeping. Coleen Rowley was the FBI staff attorney who sent a memo to the FBI director about how the bureau had ignored her pleas to investigate a 9/11 co-conspirator. And former Enron vice president Sherron Watkins wrote a memo to Chairman Ken Lay warning him that the company’s methods of accounting were improper. Imagine their fear, both professionally and personally. The three became Time Magazine’s 2002 persons of the year.

Why is being a role model important? Because as courageous women, we set examples for the girls and women who follow us, as well as for the boys and men who observe our courage. As courageous American women, we are also role models for our sisters in third world countries, living in the 21st century with 12th century discrimination.

Finally, courage in business is important for society as a whole. Think of the ramifications of a courage-lacking society. That scenario has been exemplified by those blindly following nefarious dictators, or who cheat for their own gains and are ultimately responsible for the housing or banking industries’ failures. Since women make up more than half the American population, we have a social responsibility to be courageous whenever we can.

It’s obvious that dressing for success should always include a cloak of courage!

Judy Pearson is the founder of Courage Concepts, an organization which fosters courage in women through seminars and Courage Conventions. Judy is also the author of magazine and newspaper articles, as well as two books about ordinary people who exhibited extraordinary courage. Her latest, Wolves at the Door, has been optioned for a movie.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

An Hour of exercise a Day . . .

. . . is what middle-aged women need to keep weight gain away, according to a new study.

Reprinted with permission from ACE FitnessMatters.

F

rom 1992 to 2007, researchers tracked the activity levels and body weight of more than 34,000 women who were, on average, 54 years old at the beginning of the study. Additional factors, such as cigarette smoking and menopausal status, were also considered.

Over the course of the study, the women gained an average of 5.7 pounds.

Not surprisingly, the women who exercised the most – and who were most likely to be of normal weight (defined as having a Body Mass Index of less than 25) at the start of the study – were the most successful at maintaining their weight over time. Rather than use extreme dieting measures, researchers found that these women participated in moderate-intensity exercise for approximately one hour, seven days per week.

Based on these findings, the authors of the study, which was published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, made the recommen-

dation that women who want to maintain their normal weight over the course of their lifetime should exercise 60 minutes per day, seven days a week. However, a few important details about this recommendation shouldn’t be overlooked.

First, these latest guidelines greatly exceed the Surgeon General’s recommendation to accumulate 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. Certainly, numerous health benefits can be derived from lower levels of activity, including reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension.

Second, this study looked specifically at middle-aged women. It’s still unclear how much exercise younger women need to maintain a healthy weight. (Most studies suggest that men require less exercise to maintain their weight.) Also, for the purposes of this study, moderate-intensity activity included things like walking, yoga and swimming, while activities like housework and gardening were not included. And finally, few would argue (or even dare to suggest) that 60 minutes of daily exercise is an easily achievable goal.

Rather, as lead author Dr. I-Min Lee, an epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and an associate professor of medicine at Harvard University, said, “It’s a large amount of activity. If you’re not willing to do a high amount of activity, you need to curtail your calories a lot.”

And that may be the most important point of all – this recombination is for those who do not want to alter or restrict their caloric intake. As most people over the age of 30 can attest to, one’s metabolism tends to slow down with each passing year. For those who consider 60 minutes of daily exercise an impossibility, moderate caloric restriction (coupled with moderate physical activity) may be a more manageable – and achievable – goal.

Source: Lee., I., et al. (2010). Physical activity and weight gain prevention. Journal of the American Medical Association 313, 12, 1173-1179.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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First Community Federal Credit Union “Putting You First” Helping the community with financial issues, First Community Federal Credit Union is a Kalamazoo area business specializing in local service-oriented resources. These resources can help their customers gain access to loans, fostering savings plans and provide access to convenience-oriented services. As a financial partner, First Community Federal Credit Union provides members with information and tips on how to avoid budget pitfalls, avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, how to build and maintain a good credit history, and much more.

Membership is open to anyone who lives or works within the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrian, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren in Michigan. Wayne and Monroe counties offer membership to educators, students, and family of current members, as well. The First Community Federal Credit Union requires a minimum of a $5.00 Share Savings Account to begin membership, and from there they offer countless financial aids and services to aid their customers.

While there are many different options for credit unions in the greater Kalamazoo area, First Community Federal Credit Union is committed to providing financial help. They value people and community above all else. They proudly provide corporate sponsorship for several local philanthropies such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Staff members are committed to volunteering time and giving resources back to their community.

For more information about First Community Federal Credit Union check out their website online at www.1stcomm.org or call (269) 382-9845.

Portage Glass and Mirror “Your Local Glass Service” Portage Glass and Mirror offers glass and mirror products for home, commercial and auto needs. When Johnny throws the preverbal baseball through the front window, Portage Glass and Mirror can help!

They offer a 24 hour board up service too. If you need new glass panels for your shower door or china cabinet, you can choose from their huge assortment of styles. Help is also available with mirrors, including beveled or framed styles.

For your commercial needs, they offer glass for store front windows, mirrors, screens and more. They specialize in malfunctioning doors that slam shut or are leaking oil. Again their 24 hour service is available for break-ins, etc. Portage Glass and Mirror offers full service auto glass repair (stone chips) and replacement.

They also sell “the best window cleaner in town” – Window Glo. You may purchase it by the spray bottle, gallon jug or 5 gallon jug. Customers from as far away as Indiana and local house cleaning services all swear by it. Stop buy, pick up a sample bottle ($2.50) and give it a try.

Portage Glass and Mirror, on Oakland Drive in Portage, is open daily from 8am to 5pm M-F and until 6 pm on Wednesdays. To meet with owner Steve Ferris, please call ahead for an appointment, otherwise Joyce is available and can help with catalogs or products on-line. More information is available at www.portageglassandmirror.com, or by calling (269) 532-1630.

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Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail “Easy printing… Easier day at the office!”

Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail of Portage seeks to provide high quality business communication materials, at affordable prices, to businesses in the Kalamazoo and Portage area. They understand the need for advertising and marketing in the business world today, and help local companies utilize print, data, mail, display, and response tracking to help businesses reach their goals. Allegra specializes in helping small to medium sized businesses communicate with their clients through offset, digital, and inkjet printing.

Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail has been serving the Kalamazoo area for over 20 years. They have clients from all over the world including Great Britain and the Caribbean. Founded in the 1980’s as part of the quick-print industry, the company has evolved into a high-quality turnaround producer of business imaging and materials. Allegra’s goal is to assist each of their clients by helping to promote business image and appearance in the marketplace to potential customers.

In addition, Allegra Print & Imaging is a member of the Allegra Network, which is an international franchise designed to aid in providing businesses with finding a working model for professional image. To find out of Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail can help with the distribution of materials for your business, or for more information about the company and its services, check out www.allegraportage.com or call (269) 324-0040.

The Mercantile Kitchenware & Gift "Southwest Michigan's Kitchen Gadget Source" At The Mercantile Kitchenware & Gift you will find the latest in kitchenware, gadgets, cookware, bake ware, wine and bar accessories, and BBQ/smoker items,. They are the exclusive area dealer for Viking Culinary Products. The Mercantile offers the area’s largest selection of Fiestaware, stocking all current colors.

Their promise: “We have more products than you can even imagine.”

It’s a “must see and experience” kind of establishment. If you enjoy anything culinary, you won’t want to miss their store.

Looking for a quick gift? Check out their specialty foods loaded with ready to make mixes, dips, and rubs, spices, vinegars, and oils. They also offer marinades, sauces and salsas. Brand names include: Stonewall Kitchen, Barefoot Contessa, Paula Deen, and others.

They also have one of the largest selections of decorative sugars, and sprinkles in the area for those cake and cookie fans! Also try the very best in vanilla from Neilsen-Massey.

The Mercantile’s new location is in Oakwood Plaza (3017 Oakland Drive). Their hours are M-F 10am to 7pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm. They are closed on Sunday and all major holidays. For more information, visit their website at: info@lakesidemercantile.com or call (269)-492-3440.

Emily Magyar is a recent graduate of Albion College. She has a Bachelor's degree in English with Creative Writing and a minor in Journalism.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Nine Top Jobs for More

POWER MONEY

Women’s LifeStyle Annual List of Professional Organizations & Resources

and

If you’ve been in a job for a while and are looking for more responsibility and a bigger salary, it might be time for a change.

Here are some careers from Money Magazine and Salary.com’s “Top 20 Jobs for the Young and Restless,” and their median salaries.

Kalamazoo Community Foundation 151 South Rose Street, Suite 332 Kalamazoo, MI 49007-4712 Phone: 269-381-4416 www.kalfound.org The Kalamazoo Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the Spirit of Community and quality of life in the greater Kalamazoo area through its stewardship of permanently endowed funds. The Community Foundation has provided essential funding to programs that encourage individuals and families to succeed, engage residents and youths in community activities, enrich education and learning, and foster economic and community growth.

Kalamazoo Jaycees PO Box 50184 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 269-343-2355 www.kalamazoojaycees.org

●

Product/Brand Manager - Manages, develops, and implements product marketing activities to maximize sales of an assigned product line. $90,100

● Staff Nurse (RN) - Evaluates, plans, implements, and documents nursing care for an assigned patient population.

Assists physician during examinations and procedures. $59,800 ● Property Manager - Maintains a group of commercial, industrial or residential properties. $81,400 ●

Public Accountant - Does everything from auditing financial statements to advising companies on tax strategies and other business costs. $50,100

●

Information Technology Generalist - The gateway for more technical IT jobs. Handles routine maintenance and trouble shooting of PCs. $47,800

●

Engineer I - Responsible for design, development, implementation and analysis of technical products and systems. $53,600

●

Meeting/Event Planner - Responsible for all aspects of planning a meeting or special event for an organization. $52,600

●

Financial Adviser - Advises individual customers on activities regarding financial plans. $66,800

●

Marketing Specialist - Develops sales presentations and provides reports based on information collected such as marketing trends, competition, new products and pricing. $52,400

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The Kalamazoo Jaycees are a collection of young men and women between the ages of 21 and 40, focused on professional development, personal growth and community service.

Kalamazoo Network 6250 Proctor Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Phone: (269) 343-7865 www.kalamazoonetwork.org The objectives of this organization are to facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas to advance the self growth and success of women in their roles within the community.

Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce 346 W. Michigan Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Phone: (269) 381-4000 www.kazoochamber.com The Chamber serves as the collective voice for business on issues affecting business and the Kalamazoo community. About 85 percent of all Chamber members are small businesses with 25 or fewer employees.

Many Chamber programs are specifically designed with the needs and problems of a small business in mind.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center Haworth College of Business 3110 Schneider Hall Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5416 Phone: (269) 387-6004 www.misbtdc.org/region11

TM

Provides services and support to the Michigan small business community in the areas of counsel, training, research and advocacy. Services cover: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Counties.

Minority Business Alliance of Southwest Michigan 435 Whitcomb Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Phone: (269) 388-3853 www.minoritybusinessalliance.ws Their mission is to advance minority and women-owned businesses to successfully compete in all market sectors through networking, resource development and education with cultural sensitivity, identifying hidden potential.

Professional Development & Training Center of SW Michigan 225 Parsons Street Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Phone: 269-492-1460 www.pdtc.biz Our mission is to assist in raising individuals’ earning potential through training in professional office skills. Upon completion of this program, students will have the confidence and ability to compete for entry-level positions in the employment market.

Women's Education Coalition www.kalfound.org WEC is a cooperative venture of the Kalamazoo Network, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the YWCA of Kalamazoo. Since it was established in 1995, the fund has granted approximately $563,000 for educational purposes and approximately $59,600 in emergency grants. For more information or to apply go to: www.kalfound.org.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Counting Down a Decade to Retirement?

Seven Moves to Make Now Give yourself a pat on the back. You thought the day would never come, but here you are – just a decade away from retirement. Sure, you’ve been saving and planning all along, but there are a number of steps you can take today to help you transition easily and stress-free to the next stage of your life.

Step 1. Visualize retirement. Experts say it is better to “retire to” than to “retire from.” So, prior to checking out from your 9 to 5, spend some time thinking about what you want to do in retirement. Of course there are a few great dream vacations you want to take, but what will your everyday life look like? Is there a hobby you want to pursue? Will you volunteer in your community? Will you work part-time? Some pre-retirees take a vacation week and stay at home and live as if they were retired in order to get a real sense of the rhythm of retirement.

Keep in mind that you and your spouse may have conflicting timetables or different definitions of the ideal retirement, so make some time to discuss your dreams and resolve any differences that may arise.

Step 2. Take field trips. If you’re considering a major move in retirement, plan on a little travel to check out potential new homes. Remember, it’s a lot different to live in a location than it is to vacation there. So, if you’re visiting a sun and fun destination, you need to think about more than great restaurants and golf courses.

Your checklist for evaluating a new community should include everything from a suitable yearround climate, cost of living, and quality medical facilities to access to cultural and sporting events, outdoor recreation, continuing education programs, and retail services. Most importantly, don’t underestimate the importance of keeping your family and friends within reach.

Step 3. Save more. Although you may have always been a disciplined saver, your peak earning years afford you a valuable opportunity to boost your retirement contributions significantly. Especially if your children are out of college and living on their own, or if you’re lucky enough to have paid off your mortgage,

you may have surplus cash that you could invest. Remember, if you’re over 50 years of age, there’s a federal catch-up provision that enables you to contribute extra money into your Roth/IRA and employer’s retirement savings plan. Ask about that at work.

Anything extra you sock away in these last few years of your working life could have a positive impact on how you will live for the rest of your life. Accordingly, if you think you may launch a part-time business in retirement, try to get it off the ground while you are still working. That way, you may be able to sock away any earnings into one of the many tax-deferred plans for the self-employed where those savings, too, will have more time to compound tax-deferred.

Step 4. Double-check your retirement funding calculations. The traditional rule of thumb has been that you need 70 to 80% of your pre-retirement income to live on during retirement.

However, recent studies suggest that people tend to underestimate retirement expenses.

Healthcare costs continue to rise dramatically and what’s more, all that leisure time leads to more spending and people are living increasingly longer lives. It’s possible you’ll spend just as much time retired as you did working!

With all that as a backdrop, it’s now considered safer to use 100% of your current expenses to figure retirement funding. That way, your nest egg can weather any major curve balls retirement throws your way, such as unexpected medical expenses, changes in the tax law, a period of high inflation, or consecutive years of a down market.

Step 5. Spend mindfully. With your income at a maximum and many of your major expenses such as college tuition and mortgages waning or gone, you may find yourself with a budget surplus. While it’s okay to splurge occationally, just make sure those one-time special treats don’t become part of your regular routine.

Keep in mind that getting too comfortable with a higher pre-retirement lifestyle could pave the road for a tough transition to retirement. On the flip side, if you know you’ll need to scale down your present lifestyle in retirement, now’s a

good time to begin the cost-cutting process.

Weaning yourself off of those fancy coffee shop lattes or expensive dinners out will be less painful the sooner you start. Also, evaluate your debt. While monthly credit card bills are a noticeable drain during your working years, debt is a real danger during retirement.

Step 6. Control risk. At your age, the negative impact of an investment mistake is magnified because you have less time to recover. That’s why diversification and careful portfolio monitoring become even more important as retirement approaches. In addition to reviewing your total asset allocation picture on an annual basis with an eye toward minimizing risk, you might consider diversifying into real estate or commodities that tend to perform differently than stocks or bonds, or in an asset that could afford your portfolio some protection in a period of inflation. Note, too, that a potentially problematic risk many pre-retirees share is a portfolio that is overexposed to company stock.

Step 7. Talk to your advisor. There’s no substitute for personalized, professional financial advice tailored to your specific situation and concerns. Not only can an advisor steer you clear of investment blunders that are difficult to recover from just a decade away from retirement and help to control overall risk, he or she can lay the foundation for a comprehensive retirement distribution plan that both identifies which sources of retirement income would be best to tap first and factors in the tax consequences of your withdrawals. That way, you’ll keep more of the money you worked so hard to save for retirement.

For a free copy of “Riskology – Studying the Elements of Risk in Retirement” call our office at 269-321-5047 or go to our website at www.derbyfinancial.net.

Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC™ has been in the financial services industry since 1989. She is President of Derby Financial & Associates LLC, where our goal is to help women become financially secure and independent, through comprehensive financial planning. Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. PO Box 64284, St Paul, MN 55164-0284, 800-800-2638, Member FINRA/SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor, Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. is not affiliated with Derby Financial & Associates, LLC. Neither Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. nor its registered representative or employees provide tax or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult with your tax or legal counsel for advice.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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c o n q u e r

y o u r

c l u t t e r

Home “Launch” Station

A

utumn always works its magic.

With crisp cool nights and golden sunny days, the season brings with it the urge to restore a sense of order after a summer of loose schedules. Organizations and activities are in full swing once again, and if you have children the school year is well underway. Day by day it becomes clearer that a plan and a place are needed to keep activities on track. Every home deserves a designated spot where we gather the things we need to launch our days. This is the place for a lastminute stop before walking out the door. Here is where we find charging stations for phones, hooks for keys and a large family calendar.

This is the place where mail comes in and goes out, and school papers enter and exit. It’s where the errands of everyday life begin – banking, dry cleaning, grocery lists, library books and DVD rentals.

Location, location, location While you might have a nice neat home office or a desk in a quiet alcove, these are not going to work as the “home launch station.” This spot must be in the heart of the household. The word “launch” is key. Where in your home do all gather or stop before dispersal each day? Most likely it’s the kitchen – whether to eat breakfast, grab a cup of coffee, take a lunch bag out of the refrigerator or pocket a freshly recharged cell

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By Alexandra Fix

phone. Find that spot, stand there and look around. Is there counter space or a cupboard that can be devoted to this need? Is there a built-in desk or an area for a freestanding desk or narrow table? Does a wall space lend itself to a console table that can hold some essential items?

Outfitting the home launch station Once your launch space is identified, determine what’s important there. You need an electrical outlet and might want a charging station for electronics. My space is a kitchen counter and a cupboard directly above that counter space. I chose not to fill the counter with a bulky charging station. Instead, I have a small leather box that isolates charging cell phones from potential liquid spills on the ledge.

Wall hooks keep keys handy. A space for your purse is wise. If your husband simply dumps his pants pocket contents somewhere each evening, a small bowl here is ideal. Two oblong baskets or a double stacked desk bin find uses as “in” and “out” baskets, where school papers requiring a response should be received, dealt with and ready to return. A bin on the floor beside or beneath the desk can hold library books to return, a friend’s loaned cake pan and such. Post-it notes kept on one particular corner of the surface can flag a reminder to take out recycling, dry cleaning or any to-dos for that day.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Keeping on top of things We keep our Rolodex and any bills due at our launch station. Whether paid by check or online, this space serves as the reminder to handle them in a timely manner. When a bill comes, note a date seven days before the due date on the corner where the stamp would go. Keep these bills in an upright, slotted bin with the soonest due bill in front. You’ll know when action is necessary.

Life goes more smoothly with a family calendar.

Inevitably, the task so often falls on mom to keep track of what’s going on in the household, but with all that dumped responsibility comes opportunity: Mom gets to set up the system! Everyone in the family needs to know that system and, like it or not, do their part to make it work. While I couldn’t be without my own pocket planner available anywhere at a glance, a shared calendar on the desk or wall of the launch station is critical.

Everything needs to go onto that master calendar so everyone knows who is where and when.

Whether you use a whiteboard or paper calendar, assign each family member a different colored pen. Sunday has been my family’s best day to coordinate the week ahead. We pull out our schedules and share what’s going on. This is the time to figure out any conflicts with transportation, attendance, participation or supervision of family members. This is the time to get ready to launch the week ahead.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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2010 Youth Ambassador Tristin Decker is 7 years old and lives in Vicksburg with his parents; BJ and Michelle Decker, his 5 year old sister, Tehya and his 3 year old brother, Jackson. He was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes on February 6, 2005. His symptoms were typical, he had been losing weight, constantly thirsty and using the

bathroom. He was taken to his family doctor, diagnosed and then sent to Bronson Children’s Hospital for two days to get is blood sugar under control and to train his family on how to care for him on a daily basis.

He is a typical active 1st grader, except that every year, he must endure over 2,200 finger pricks to monitor his blood sugar level. His mom and dad even check his blood sugar in the middle of the night, every night. Everything he eats must be weighed and measured to accurately account for all of the carbohydrates he eats. Tristin and his family enjoy the freedom that his insulin pump has given them; but the pump is not a cure it just makes diabetes more manageable.

He enjoys flag football, riding his bike, playing outside, and spending time with family and friends. He is so fortunate to be supported by his extended family, friends, and everyone at his school. He continually amazes his family and friends by being so strong and working to stay positive about his diabetes. He is very excited to be the Youth Ambassador for the 2010 Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes and looks forward to getting a team of friends and family together to walk again this year!

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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• Be courteous: Managers typically don’t want to be told what to do, and the people they manage are no exception to those feelings. While some cases call for instruction and prioritizing, always be courteous when asking employees to do something. Most workers know what their job entails and what needs to get done, so instruction is often not even necessary. On the occasions where instruction is necessary, a “please” or “thank you” can go a long way to keeping morale high.

• Be careful if creating a competitive environment:

management Tips Courtesy of Metro Services

Managers can take several steps to encourage employees and boost morale.

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ver the last 20 years, more and more workers have grown dissatisfied with their jobs. According to the Conference Board, a business research organization, the number of dissatisfied workers has grown consistently over the last two decades.

In the late 1980s, 61 percent of workers said they were satisfied with their jobs. Today, that figure is less than 50 percent. For managers, this can be an alarming figure, particularly when considering recent research suggests a direct link between profits and worker satisfaction. The more satisfied workers are, the research supports, the better the company does.

So what’s a manager to do? There’s no magic wand to wave that can make an employee satisfied at work. Because each employee is different and companies both large and small tend to boast a diverse group of workers, it’s almost impossible to make everyone happy. However, there are steps managers can take in an effort to boost morale around the office.

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• Set a good example: Managers are often in a difficult spot.

A middle manager, for example, might not be involved in big decisions, but is involved in dealing with the people affected by those decisions.

To make things go smoothly, a manager must set a good example. For instance, many offices boast summer Fridays, wherein Fridays during the summertime are half days. However, if the company recently had to lay workers off as a result of the economic crisis, perks such as summer Fridays might no longer be offered because there’s simply too much work and too few people to do it. Managers can set a good example by adhering to these rules, giving the impression that they’re part of the team, too, regardless of their job title. Workers often feel alienated when asked to adhere to rules their bosses get to ignore.

Keep spirits high by following the same rules as those working under you.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Many managers tend to feel a little competition never hurt anyone, and that’s true more often than not. However, competition and comparison are two different things. If you put two employees in a competition and both perform well, congratulate both, regardless of whose work might have been better. While it’s OK to recognize the one whose efforts proved extraordinary, it’s counterproductive to turn a competitive environment into one where employees feel as if they’re always being compared to one another. Managers are supposed to put workers into situations where they can thrive. Routinely comparing one worker to another is more likely to create animosity between coworkers than a positive environment where each person contributes positively in their own way.

• Respect a vacation or off day as just that: Thanks to cell phones, the Internet and a host of other technological advancements, it’s now easier than ever to get in touch with employees who are out of the office. However, that doesn’t mean this should be the norm, especially when workers are on vacation or simply taking a personal day. Even for employees who are satisfied at work, being contacted on scheduled time away can give the impression that their time isn’t as valued as the company’s bottom line. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, let employees enjoy their time away from the office.

5 Morale Building Ideas: • Get into giving. Giving helpful expertise, acknowledgement, care, compliments, and service to each other.

• Hold regular meetings as a team and to help build relationships.

• Set up a resource area with books, articles, a bulletin board and maybe even a computer station.

• Lighten up the mood with food.

Gather for lunch, pick up donuts for everyone unexpectedly. Have a potluck for special events.

• Add style/color to the office. Brighten drab areas. Add plants and light.

Tips for Women

Traveling Alone

ow more than ever women are traveling by themselves for business and pleasure.

And although their reasons for traveling are similar to their male counterparts, women traveling alone have very different concerns. From safety issues to cultural variations, women travelers encounter a variety of difficulties that can be avoided if the necessary precautions are taken.

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• If renting a car, carefully examine maps, or rent a GPS to help you navigate unfamiliar roads.

To learn how you can travel safer, ASTA has provided the following tips:

• Avoid expensive looking baggage and clothing, lock all suitcases and only use covered luggage tags with your office address on it, rather than your home address.

Packing Smart • Pack light so you won’t be weighted down and look weighted down, both of which could make you an ideal target for pickpockets.

Before You Go Learn as much about the destination as possible, especially when traveling to a foreign country. An area’s religious or cultural beliefs can directly impact you, compelling you to adapt your dress and demeanor to comply with local customs.

At the Hotel • Get to know the staff, who will be familiar with guests and can effectively monitor who enters and exits the building.

• Ask for a room on a higher floor near the elevator but away from emergency exits, stairwells and any renovation work.

• Never accept a room if the clerk loudly calls out your name and room number.

• Carry only one credit card and don’t keep all your money in one place.

know Your Surroundings Around Town • While at the front desk, grab a card or matchbook from the front desk with the hotel’s name, address and phone number on it, and keep this card on you at all times.

This is especially helpful in foreign countries where your taxi driver might not speak English, or in case several hotels with similar names are in the area.

• Explore transportation options available at your destination ahead of time, especially if you’re arriving late in the evening. Travel agents can help determine the safest choice and make the necessary arrangements.

• Study a map of the area you’re visiting. If available, consider downloading area maps to your phone.

• Learn as much as possible about getting around the streets to avoid looking like a lost tourist.

• Ask the concierge about where and, more importantly, where not to go.

There may be safety in numbers, but there is also safety in knowledge. With some advance planning and the advice of a professional travel agent, your vacation or business trip can be safe, hassle-free and memorable.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Sandwiches

for lunch or anytime

Turkey Sandwich with Cranberries and Walnuts

Cheddar, Bacon & Pear Sandwich courtesy of Grey Poupon Makes 1 serving 2 2 1 1 1/4

Heat bacon as directed on package.

Spread bread slices with mustard. Top 1 of the bread slices with cheese, pears and bacon.

courtesy of Butterball Makes 4 sandwiches 1/2 4 1/2 1/4 8 4 3/4 1

cup low fat cream cheese, softened teaspoons spicy brown mustard cup dried cranberries cup chopped walnuts (optional) Dash ground cinnamon slices whole wheat bread, toasted if desired leaves green leaf lettuce pound thinly sliced Butterball Deli American Tradition turkey breast large apple, cored and cut into 8 rings

To make spread: In small bowl, stir together cream cheese, mustard, dried cranberries, walnuts and cinnamon.

To assemble sandwiches: Spread each bread slice with cream cheese spread. Top 4 slices with lettuce leaves, turkey and apple rings. Top with remaining bread.

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slices fully cooked bacon slices French bread teaspoon Grey Poupon Harvest Coarse Ground Mustard slice (1 ounce) sharp cheddar cheese of a medium pear, thinly sliced

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

1 cup raspberries 1 cup blackberries or blueberries Preheat oven to 325°F. Coat 9-inch, nonstick springform pan or cake pan with canola oil cooking spray.

Combine flours, cocoa and baking powders, 1 tablespoon coffee granules and salt in medium bowl.

Combine sugar, canola oil, egg substitute and vanilla in another medium bowl; mix well. Add sugar mixture to flour mixture and stir until just blended. Batter will be very thick. Spoon into bottom of pan; spread evenly by coating the back of a spoon with cooking spray. Bake for 11 minutes or until slightly puffed. (Mixture will not be completely cooked at this point, but it will continue to cook while standing without overcooking and drying out.)

Place pan on a wire rack and let cool for 5 minutes. Remove sides of the pan and gently remove from bottom or leave on bottom and place on a serving plate. Serve warm or at room temperature. When cooled completely, store in an airtight container at room temperature.

CHOCOLATE Brownie Wedges With Java Cream Yield: 8 servings Serving size: 1/8 brownie, 2 tablespoons cream and 1/4 cup berries Wedges Canola oil cooking spray 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled 1/3 cup white whole-wheat flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled

1/2 1 1/2 1 1/8 1/2 1/3 1/2 2

cup cocoa powder teaspoons baking powder tablespoon instant coffee granules teaspoon salt cup packed brown sugar substitute blend cup canola oil cup egg substitute teaspoons vanilla extract

Cream 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules 4 ounces fat-free whipped topping

To make cream, combine water with 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules in a medium bowl and stir until dissolved.

Add whipped topping; whisk until a sauce consistency is reached. For thinner sauce, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or milk. Refrigerate until needed. To serve, cut into wedges, spoon mocha cream on top, and sprinkle with berries.

Exchanges: 2 1/2 carbohydrate, 2 fat Nutritional Information (per serving): 260 calories, 90 calories from fat, 10 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 145 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 16 g sugar, 5 g protein

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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“The best time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.”

– Author Unkown

Once you've reorganized those priorities, you can begin to positively change your behaviors so you're spending more time doing what matters most to you.

examine your daily routine: Many of us are stretched for time, and that only increases our stress levels. While you add hours to the day, you can look at your daily routine and probably find a commitment or two you can drop that will give you more time and reduce stress.

STReSS courtesy Metro Services

reducing

For most people, reducing stress can be as simple as finding a better way to balance work and life.

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or many people, work dominates life.

Long hours and high stress may be part of the scenario but comes with the territory of a demanding career, enabling them to pay their bills and feed their families.

While that’s an understandable concession to make, for many it’s coming at a steep physical price. In a recent survey from Yale University, 29 percent of workers reported feeling “quite a bit or extremely stressed at work.” When considering the roughly 146 million workers across the country, that translates to around 40 million stressed out people. That’s a sobering statistic, especially when uncontrolled stress greatly increases one’s risk for heart disease and can weaken the body’s immune system. For the 40 million workers across the country feeling overly stressed, reduc-

ing stress is not a question of if it can be done, but how it can be done.

Determine your priorities: It’s easy to get trapped in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But what’s the point of that hustle and bustle if you can't enjoy the things that matter most? While a life of leisure is probably not realistic until you retire, make a list of what your priorities truly are.

A key element is determining what your current priorities are versus what you feel they should be.

If you're working longer hours to pay for luxury items you don't need, chances are that's costing you time with your family. But when writing down your priorities, you'd almost certainly list family ahead of material things.

While it can be tough to detach yourself from some of these commitments, remember the negative and potentially lethal consequences of stress.

Once you have extra time, you can always volunteer your time. Volunteer opportunities are often noncommittal, so you won't be stretching yourself too thin.

Approach personal time like you do your job: Lots of people are skeptical about calling out sick from work. However, those same people typically aren’t averse to cancelling personal plans outside of the office. Personal time, whether on a boat fishing, exercising at the gym or spending time with the kids, is a big part of reducing stress.

Approach your personal time like you do your job, and don’t be quick to place personal time a distant second behind work. Balancing work and life involves putting a proper emphasis on work and life, so value down time as much as you would your time at work.

Accept others’ help: For those whose professional lives include constant decision making, it can be tough to accept others’ help. However, relying on someone else is necessary for reducing stress. This can include your spouse as well as a business partner or coworker. As much as you might be capable of handling everything when push comes to shove, it’s very unhealthy and often unnecessary to go it alone. Accept the help of others and watch your quality of life improve.

“I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”

John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

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Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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recipes

Shrimp courtesy of The Shrimp Council

Lemony Garlic Shrimp Cocktail 4 servings

Ingredients 2 2 3 3 1

tablespoons extra virgin olive oil tablespoons minced elephant garlic tablespoons fresh lemon juice tablespoons minced fresh parsley pound large cooked shrimp, fresh or frozen, thawed Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly until barely golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, parsley and shrimp. Season with pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve, either plain (no cocktail sauce needed), or on top of a salad.

Recipe Courtesy Of: The Shrimp Council and Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD & Liz Weiss, MS, RD Cofounders, www.mealmakeovermoms.com.

Shrimp & Scallop Fajitas

4 servings (two fajitas per serving)

Ingredients

Instructions

Fajitas:

Thread the shrimp, red pepper and half the onion onto four 12-inch skewers, running the skewer through each shrimp twice. Thread the scallops, green pepper and remaining onion onto 4 more skewers. Place on a large shallow platter. Combine the lime peel, lime juice, oil, honey, garlic, pepper and salt. Pour over the skewers and marinate, turning occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes.

12 large (16 to 20 count) shrimp, peeled and deveined, about 3/4 lb 1 large red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 20 squares 1 large sweet onion, quartered and each quarter cut into half pieces separated 12 sea scallops, about 3/4 lb 1 large green bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and cut into 20 squares 1/2 teaspoon lime peel, grated 1/4 cup fresh lime juice 2 Tbsp vegetable oil 2 tsp honey 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 tsp pepper 1/8 tsp salt 8 (7- to 9-inch) flour tortillas, warmed

To make the salsa, toss the avocado with the lime juice and gently stir into the prepared salsa. Let stand 20 minutes or refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Coat the grill rack with vegetable cooking spray. Place kebobs on grill rack 4 to 6 inches over medium-hot coals. Grill, turning once, just until the seafood is opaque, allowing about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and heat them on the grill.

Red and Green Salsa: 2 firm-ripe avocados, peeled, seeded and chopped into small squares 2 tsp lime juice 1-1/2 cup prepared salsa

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To make the fajitas, slide the seafood and vegetables off of each skewer into a warm tortilla.

Add “red and green salsa” to taste. Roll up tortilla to enclose the filling. Eat fajitas out of hand. Serve with refried beans or Mexican rice, if desired.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

How to make Social

media Work for You

courtesy ARA

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Vanessa Jackson, assistant director of career services at The Illinois Institute of Art - Schaumburg, reminds users that social media should always be appropriate for a professional setting.

ocial media encompasses blogs, social networks (such as Twitter, Facebook and MySpace), professional networking avenues such as LinkedIn, and creative sites like Flickr, a photography-sharing website. People such as the teenager next door, grandma and celebrities are using social media outlets.

“Social networking sites are like the invention of fire for the 21st century.

There is great power, possibility and functionality, but use it improperly and you can burn yourself,” cautions Jackson.

Here’s how to make social media work for you:

Jackson advises: • You can lock your profile, but remember that a lot of information can be derived simply by looking at your profile picture.

• Know what you’re talking about. If you’re going to work with social media, be involved in social media.

Start your own Twitter account, Facebook page, read blogs and get engaged.

That’s the best way to understand the culture, tone, best practices and protocol.

• Always be transparent. When you’re communicating in social media. say who you are and who you work for.

Don’t try to be sneaky and plant comments, don’t hire people to go out and say nice things about you, and stay away from ghost writing. Be genuine and be real.

• Keep one clean profile per social media site. Don’t bother having two profiles, one for friends and one professional.

“Social media is about sociology and psychology more than technology.”

– Brian Solis

• Post frequently. It’s a lot of work, but don’t post to your blog then leave it for two weeks. Readers won’t have a reason to follow you on Twitter or check your blog if they can’t expect new content regularly.

• Add value. Share tips, tricks and insights. People’s time is precious, and they need to get something out of the time they spend with you. Make listening to you worth their time.

• LinkedIn is for professional networking and shouldn’t be used in the same manner that you use Facebook or MySpace, unless all of your social media profiles are business appropriate.

• Employers (and potential employers) really do check your social networking sites. Spell correctly, use proper grammar and don’t be vulgar or degrading to others.

• Respond. Answer questions, thank people even if it’s just a few words. Make it a two-way conversation.

• Have fun. If you don’t like what you’re doing, others will notice it and won’t enjoy interacting with you.

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, leaving many who don’t use it feeling out of touch. To begin, start slow, learn as you go, and remember to represent yourself in a way that’s appropriate for the world to see. Then you too can experience the benefits of being more connected than ever before.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Trying To Get Old Which Screening Tests Do I Need and When?

by Jeffrey Frank, M.D. Grand Rapids Women’s Health

3) Bone Density Bone density screening by means of a DEXA scan has been variously recommended at age 50, at menopause or not until age 65. However, the variability depends strongly on risk factors such as family history, personal fracture history, presence of other chronic diseases, use of medication such as steroids, and use of estrogen hormone replacement therapy.

We need to keep in mind that while we can measure the density of the bone, it’s only one factor in bone strength and fracture risk. Since most women with osteoporosis (low density) will not fracture a bone, and other women with normal findings may fracture a bone, there are other as yet unmeasurable factors involved.

After the first evaluation, it’s generally recommended to repeat the study every one to three years depending on the initial results and any treatment recommended.

A variety of drugs are used both orally and intravenously to treat osteoporosis and reduce fracture risk.

4) Blood Tests

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here I was pounding along the treadmill at the gym, music blaring through my iPhone, when I felt a tap on my arm. As I paused the music and slowed the treadmill, my old friend asked me, “What are you doing – trying to get young?” I answered, “No, I’m trying to get old.”

It’s one thing to live a long life – it’s another to live it with good quality. We can’t stop the aging process, but we can influence it for better or worse by how we live our lives. Certainly genetic factors, accidents, injuries and plain bad luck will make a difference, but there are many ways we can take control.

The two main factors we can control are diet and exercise. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, lean meat and low-fat dairy are much healthier than the more typical Western diet of fast and prepared foods high in salt, fat and calories. A regular exercise program helps maintain a healthy weight and directly affects the aging process of our organ systems – our heart, lungs and muscles – right down to the cellular level.

Exercise also stimulates brain function and our sense of well-being.

As we age, our bodies also benefit from regular health screenings. There has been controversy as to when and how often women should be screened for different diseases. The goal of this article is to address the main health screenings for women – mammography, colonoscopy, bone density, blood tests and Pap smear.

1) Mammography The American Cancer Society made it easy. It recommended a baseline screening mammogram at age 40 with mammography every year after that. Recently, however, the United States Preventative Services Task Force – a panel of experts appointed by the government to evaluate evidence on a given question and make recommendations – suggested a change in these guidelines. Because these recommendations came out coincidentally with the heated debate in Congress on healthcare reform and controlling costs, major contro-

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versy followed. The changes recommended by the Task Force included waiting until age 50 to screen women and to then follow up on an every-other-year basis rather than yearly.

While mammography has been vigorously promoted and certainly has saved lives, it is actually a fairly poor way to screen for breast cancer, with false negatives (missing cancers up to fifteen percent of the time) and false positives (leading to more studies and unnecessary biopsies).

There still isn’t a way to figure out which cancers detected early won’t cause problems vs. those that will be very aggressive, spreading rapidly and be resistant to treatment. Right now the only plan is to treat each early detection aggressively as most women choose not to take a wait-and-see approach.

The American Cancer Society is sticking to its recommendation of annual screening starting at age 40, and the government and insurance companies presently state they will follow this policy and not make any changes based on the Task Force findings.

Basically, we need better ways to screen for breast cancer and a way to determine the potential aggressiveness of the cancer which will then direct proper treatment.

My personal choice is to recommend screening at age 40, with mammography every other year until age 50 and then yearly after that. Adjustments in that recommendation are based on family history and findings on each exam.

2) Colonoscopy Colonoscopy has been recommended for the general population starting at age 50, with 10-year intervals with normal findings. Family history of colon disease and cancer may dictate earlier and more frequent screening. Yearly testing for blood in the stool by means of a simple, low-cost Hemoccult kit done at home is a screening test that, while not 100 percent accurate, can pick up those at-risk requiring further evaluation.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Basic testing for thyroid function, cholesterol and other lipid factors, liver and kidney function, and anemia will vary after age 50 from yearly to every five years. This depends on one’s general health, results of initial screening, and the use of various medications.

This testing should be individualized by your healthcare provider.

5) The Pap Smear Like everything else I’ve discussed, the recommendations for frequency of a Pap smear have gone through major changes. One nice thing about the annual Pap smear is it brings women in for an annual exam where their general health can be evaluated and health issues addressed in a timely manner. Newer recommendations suggest women with years of negative Pap smears and no change in their sexual partner can adjust their Pap smear frequency to every three years. Women with many years of normal Pap smears and hysterectomies for benign disease no longer need to have Pap smears at all.

I still recommend women have annual exams for the reasons listed above, even if a Pap smear isn’t necessary for that particular year. Remember, the Pap smear is only a screen for cancer of the cervix, while a yearly exam allows for pick-up of other health issues.

Recommendations for screening tests continue to change. It’s important to understand scientific information is a work in progress, where we continually add new information in our search to find the “best” ways to evaluate our health.

While healthy aging can be enhanced by screening tests, the basics still involve a healthy diet, regular exercise and a positive attitude about the aging process.

Above all, while we strive to make our future better, we must remember to embrace and find joy in the present.

Dr. Frank has been in practice for more than 30 years. He specializes in gynecology including treating PMS, menopause issues and office-based women’s health. Dr. Frank is actively involved in local community theatre, both on and off stage; he also enjoys physical fitness, reading, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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Prospective employers Target Social Networking Sites courtesy CareerBuilder

should not be broadcast to the world. In general, the grandmother rule is a great way to gauge whether or not information should be shared online. If it’s something your grandmother wouldn’t approve of, it’s something prospective employers would likely frown on as well. If Grandma would give the go-ahead, then go for it.

● Use it to promote yourself. As damaging as

When posting items to social networking sites, job seekers need to remember that such sites are accessible to prospective employers.

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othing has revolutionized the way people interact with one another more than the Internet.

Hundreds of millions of people log on to the Internet each day, and most of those people aren’t there to work, but to network, mainly with friends and family.

While e-mail is as popular as ever, more and more families and friends are using social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace to keep in touch. But fans of social networking sites could pay a price.

While these sites continue to grow in popularity, many job seekers are finding a downside to uploading your life for all the world to see. In fact, job seekers aren’t the only ones paying a price.

In March 2009, Dan Leone, a longtime employee and lifelong fan of the National Football League’s Philadelphia Eagles, was fired over a Facebook posting in which he criticized the team for not re-signing a popular player. Despite his long history of employment with the team, Leone’s post was enough to get him fired.

While the Eagles’ decision to fire a longstanding employee and fan might seem harsh, the Eagles certainly aren’t alone in scanning social networking sites to check up on current or prospective

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employees. In a recent survey of hiring managers, employment website CareerBuilder found that nearly one in four hiring managers (22 percent) are checking social media pages to help determine if prospective employees are up to snuff. The hiring managers admitted scanning the pages for signs of excessive drinking, drug use, whether or not applicants have spoken ill of past employers or coworkers, and a host of other behaviors that would raise red flags. While 22 percent might not seem too prevalent, consider that the figure from a year earlier was just 11 percent, indicating that prospective employers are increasingly looking to social networking sites as a way to judge applicants’ character. This trend is expected to increase.

While social networking sites can be detrimental, they can also be beneficial to applicants. In essence, users will determine how valuable or damaging a social networking site can be, and certain guidelines should be followed to get the most out of such sites.

● Employ the grandmother rule. No one is on their best behavior 24/7. College students, in particular, many of whom grew up with MySpace and Facebook as part of their lives, are more inclined to share anything and everything about their lives on these sites. Unfortunately, certain material is inappropriate and

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

social networking sites can be to a person’s image, they can be equally beneficial if used correctly. Instead of posting pictures of yourself from the weekend beer bash, post images of you doing positive things. If you’ve done charity work, post images of you participating in such activities.

● Don’t mug for the cameras if you’re concerned about your reputation being compromised. Even if you’re not posting images of yourself online, images of you can pop up on other people’s sites. Remember the the scandal surrounding record-setting Olympian Michael Phelps (who lost lucrative sponsorships after photos of him smoking marijuana were posted online in late 2008)? One can never know when photos or videos will come back to haunt you. Ask friends and family members to limit photo postings of you on their pages and be sure to untag yourself in unflattering or compromising photos or videos.

● Keep your opinions to yourself. Even if you manage to keep images of yourself off these sites, your opinions, as Leone learned, can be equally as damaging. While Leone was simply stating an opinion many of his fellow fans agreed with, that didn’t make it right, at least from his employers’ perspective. Regardless of how strongly you feel about politics, religion or any other topics that might invite controversy, keep these opinions to yourself, or at least off the Internet while you’re looking for a job or seeking a promotion.

Five things small businesses can do to make marketing pay off Courtesy of ARAcontent

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n shaky economies, companies that invest in their marketing often come out on top. But for small businesses, making these investments often feels risky. Not only are time and resources tight, many small business owners feel they lack the knowledge to make the marketing choices that provide a return.

In fact, figuring out “what works” is the top marketing concern for nearly 80 percent of small business owners, according to a recent survey by Deluxe Corporation.

“Most small business owners are talented at their trade, but not at promoting their businesses,” says Stephanie Chandler, entrepreneur, speaker and author of “LEAP! 101 Ways to Grow Your Business.”

“They’re willing to work long hours and invest whatever is necessary to grow their businesses, but demystifying the marketing process and having the confidence to try new approaches can be daunting, especially if they have tried something in the past and were burned.”

The survey also showed more than 60 percent of small business owners would be more confident investing in marketing if there was a way to guarantee return on investment.

Chandler says there are five things all small business owners can do to rev up their marketing and see better results:

1.

Plan the work, then work the plan: Decide specifically what you want your marketing to do - raise awareness, generate leads, retain customers - then choose the marketing elements that will accomplish your goals. Stick to the plan and give your efforts time to work. If you are not sure where to begin, SCORE, counselors to America’s small businesses, offers free advice.

2.

Let leads lead you: Look at the leads you’re already generating, or the ones most often converting to actual customers. Ask them how they found you so you can efficiently invest in those areas to increase your likelihood of success.

3.

4.

Ask an expert: If you have a specific marketing need, like designing a logo or writing Web copy, ask an expert for help. Look for resources among your peers.

5.

Know what success looks like: Decide what indicates success for your business – new customers, leads, website visits, coupon redemption – and track your progress over time.

Look for times when your marketing efforts overlap with increased performance.

Polish your social skills: Social media is here to stay. Look at sites like Facebook and LinkedIn. See where your customers are engaged and join the conversation. Start with one tool. If it’s working, keep building your social media connections.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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CALENDAR

of Events

September 1 Orientation for Group Spiritual Direction Transformations Spirituality Center on Gull Road. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Spiritual Direction is a way to become more aware of the many ways God is present and reaches out to you in your daily life. The group practice shares these insights in a small group setting.

Registration is $10. Register by August 27.

September 1, 15 Massage as a Profession Workshop Institute for Massage Education at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts. 6 – 8 pm.

Learn about the realities and rewards of a career in massage therapy. This FREE workshop answers questions about massage and is the first step in beginning our 600-hour educational program. 269-373-0910. www.kcha.com

September 1 - 30 Eat Local, Kalamazoo - Scavenger Hunt Various Locations. Celebrate local food with this month-long scavenger hunt - sponsored

by Eat Local, Kalamazoo. Pick up a game card from participating vendors, then visit local restaurants, markets, farms, bakeries and wineries to find answers to fun, food-related questions. Free. 269-492-1270. www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org or paul@fairfoodmatters.org

September 10 – 12 NSRA Street Rod Nationals NORTH plus Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground. Friday & Saturday 8:30 am – 5 pm, Sunday 8:30 am – 2 pm. Annual event that brings Street Rods to Kalamazoo from across the Nation. New this year, the event is now open to 1980 and earlier manufactured vehicles. Admission is $14, $5 for children 6 – 12, 5 and under free. More info: 901-452-4030 or www.nsra-usa.com

September 1 – 30 White Lightnin’ & Rollin’ Thunder Gilmore Car Museum. 9am – 5pm; Sat & Sun til 6 pm. The History of Stock Car Racing. Featuring 24 Stock Cars from all eras on display. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students 7 – 15 $8, 6 and under free. 269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org

September 11 IPMS Annual Air Zoo Model Contest Air Zoo. Come join the International Plastic Modelers Society during its 12th Annual Air Zoo Model Contest. Free. 269-353-6302. www.airzoo.org

September 1 – 12 Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Mon. - Thu. 9 am - 5 pm, Fri. 9 am - 10 pm, Sat. 9. Famous original costumes are featured from some of the most popular science fiction and fantasy films and television shows of all time. Indiana Jones's leather jacket and whip, Darth Vader's cape and helmet, and the Wicked Witch of the West's hat are a few of the cultural icons that explore the role of costume in defining characters. Free. 269-373-7990. www.kalamazoomuseum.org

September 7 “Serving On a Nonprofit Board” WorkshopBoard Connect Southwest Michigan Greater Kalamazoo United Way. 8:30 – 11 am. Are you new to board service, or perhaps interested in serving on a nonprofit board? This workshop will teach you about the five main responsibilities of nonprofit board governance and how to find a board position with an area nonprofit. Develop your leadership skills and share them with a nonprofit that needs your help. More info: www.volunteerkalamazoo.org, 269-382-8350.

September 1 - 12 Flowers in Art: Selections from the Collection Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 12 - 5 pm. They can be objects of beauty, a reference to the natural world, a symbol of rebirth, or even a reminder of our mortality. Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org

September 7 Gazelle Sports Walkin’ On the Wild Side State Land off Centre St, Trail #2. 10:30 am.

Free 60-90 minute walks designed to promote overall wellness through engagement with the natural environment of the Kalamazoo area. These free walks are not necessarily “fitness” walks, but they do move at a reasonable pace. Bring water, mosquito repellent, binoculars and/or a field guide, if desired. No registration required. Free. More info: 269-342-5996. www.gazellesports.com

September 1 - 25 “Wish List….”

New Vic Theatre. Please call as times vary.

An original New Vic musical revue. A change to hear some of the great moments in our wish list of favorites. $25. 269-381-3328. www.newvictheatre.org

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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

September 9 - 11 2010 Kingdom Entrepreneurial Summit & Expo 995 Romence Road, Portage. This event will teach you how to get your ideas on paper and coach you through the process of starting your business. With the high unemployment rate, It is causing many to pursue their REAL passion in life! Vendor Booths are also available. REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! http://www.kese2010.org/

September 11 Integrative Breathwork Unwindings, 5464 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo. 10 am - 6 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. $80. Some partial scholarships are available. Pre-registration is needed.

(269) 388-2988 or www.adamczasociates.com.

September 11 4th Annual KIA Benefit Appraisal Day Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 10:15 am – 3 pm. Enjoy this chance to learn more about your treasures and help support the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts! Professional appraisers from DuMouchelle's auction house in Detroit donate their time to provide verbal appraisals (No coins, stamps, or firearms, please.) A maximum of 3 items may be brought for verbal appraisal. $15 for members $18 for non-members. KIA member registration opens August 2 and non-member starts on August 16. Call 269-349-7775 to register. www.kiarts.org September 11, 18 Ken Burns’ Mark Twain Kalamazoo Valley Museum. 2 pm.

Considered the funniest man of his time, Mark Twain was a critic of human nature who used his humor to attack hypocrisy, greed, and racism. As America's best-loved author, he created some of its most memorable characters and quoted sayings.

Director Ken Burns digs beneath the legend to discover the true Twain and reveals his extraordinary life. 269-373-7965. www.kalamazoomuseum.org

September 10 Art Hop Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 - 8 pm. Free event featuring new art exhibits at numerous locations. "Hop" from one exhibit to the other.

Perhaps meet the artist. More Info: 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooart.org

September 12 West Michigan Muscle Car “Plus” Show and Swap Meet Gilmore Car Museum. 9 am – 4 pm. This 16th Annual event is the area’s largest gathering of muscle cars. The car show and swap meet features hundreds of muscle cars, antiques and special interest vehicles. $9, under 11 free. 269-671-5089. www.gilmoremuseum.org

September 10 Integrative Breathwork Unwindings, 5464 Holiday Terrace, Kalamazoo. 7 pm - 9 pm. A musical journey for insight, emotional healing & creativity. $30.

Pre-registration is needed. (269) 388-2988 or www.adamczasociates.com.

September 12 Annual Harvest Benefit Dinner Kirklin Farm. 5 – 8 pm. Come slow down, celebrate the season’s harvest and share a meal with your community. Dine outside under tents on the centennial Kirklin Farm, just outside Kalamazoo while helping protect

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

the stewardship of our land and strengthen our local economy. Area chefs come together to prepare a five course meal and celebrate the best of the season’s offerings. $75.

269-382-1888. www.fooddance.net September 12 - October 3 "Divine Feminine" Art Exhibit Parish Church of Christ the King. Featuring the multimedia work of artists from SW Michigan. Sept. 12 Outdoor Labyrinth Walk, 1 pm and Reception, 1:30 pm - 3 pm. Exhibit open Sundays 12 pm - 2 pm and Wednesdays 6 pm - 8 pm. Free. (269) 388-2988 or www.parishchurch.org.

September 14 Stroller Stroll Kalamazoo Nature Center. 10 am. Bring your little one to explore the wonders of nature in an engaging, hands-on environment.

Join the Nature Center staff for the last stroller stroll of the season! Regular admission. 269-381-1574. www.naturecenter.org September 14 Kalamazoo Network Fetzer Center, WMU. 5:15 pm Dinner & Program; Networking for business women.

Cost $20. RSVP to www.kalamazoonetwork.org September 14 Salsa Dancing Parchment Community Library. 6:30 pm.

Grab your partner and join Sarah Stuart & Scott Ayotte for a couples only evening.

Registration required at 269-343-7747 or www.parchmentlibrary.org September 15 Beadmaking Workshop Parchment Community Library. 6 – 8 pm.

Local paper and fiber artist, Barb Stewart, will show you how to make beads using scrapbook paper. Ages 16 & over. Space for 12 participants! Registration required. Call 269-343-7747 or www.parchmentlibrary.org.

September 15 Shamanic Study Group 6-10 pm. The Star Maidens Circle: a bridge to our higher self. Light Warrior Clan will gather for a ceremony and potluck. RSVP is required at mlapearl@aol.com or call 269-966-3116 September 16 Borgess Diabetes Center Discussion Group North Professional Building on the Borgess Medical Center Campus. 6 – 7 pm. Do you have diabetes? Do you have questions about how to optimize your health? The Borgess Diabetes Center is now offering a diabetes topic discussion and question/answer session with local medical providers. The September topic is “Lab Language: What your results mean.” Free. Call (269) 226.8321 to pre-register for this free session or visit diabetes.borgess.com for more information.

Happy Labor Day

September 16 Glass Fusing Jewelry Making Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Spruce up your Fall wardrobe with sparkly dichroic glass jewelry! Silver Sue will be teaching this class on how to design and create a pendant and a pair of earrings. The class is $50 including all tools, supplies and instruction for your completed project. Registration and $10 deposit required as this is limited to the first 20 people. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com September 16 Mosaics Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Learn the art of mosaics by making picture frames, boxes, mirrors or vases. You'll get grouting instructions too. All materials and instructions included in your fee. Prices start at $40. 269-375-2600. www.artbayoustudio.com September 16 Free Talk on Urinary Incontinence in Women Borgess Hospital – Lawrence Education Center, Room 122. 6:30 pm. 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. Call (269) 657-6058 to reserve a seat. www.drrogerbeyer.com September 17 A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline Farmers Alley Theatre. 8 – 10 pm. Farmers Alley kicks off its third season with the works of one of the most beloved female singers of all time. A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline is a wonderful blend of theater and music that audiences of all ages will enjoy. Twenty of her best-known songs make this show a treat for the young and old alike.

269-343-2727. www.farmersalleytheatre.com September 18 Watercolors Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road. Come let go with an art form that defies control, yet yields wonderful results when you’re able to let go. RSVP by 9/7 269-381-6290 ext. 249 or www.TransformationsCenter.org September 18 Praying with Jesus & “The Lord’s Prayer” Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road. Come let go with art that defies control, yet yields wonderful results when you’re able to let go. RSVP by 9/13 269-381-6290 ext. 249 or www.TransformationsCenter.org September 18 Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Room A. 10 am – 3 pm. Buy, sell or trade a variety of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and other exotic pets. Adults $4, Children $2, Children under 6 free. Family max $15. More info: Tony or Kari 269-779-9851. info@kalamazooreptileshow.com or www.kalamazooreptileshow.com September 19 Family Tours – Strong Women, Beautiful Men Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 2 pm. Family tours of the exhibit Strong Women, Beautiful Men during Sunday Funday. Free.

269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

47

Style Stroll in Kalamazoo Date: Thursday, October 7th Time: 7 – 10 PM

Charity: Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Downtown Eateries Epic Bistro Mangia Mangia The Union Webster's Wine Loft Zazios Pink Drink Specials Featured Restaurants will feature Fashion Shows on the ½ hour Fashion Show Participants Cakes Earthly Delights Lana’s Couture Memories Bridal Sydney Gazelle Retail Participants (Offering Event Discounts & Specials) Irving's Market Michigan News Agency Nature Connection Plata y Oro Sticks N Stones Tempo Vino Winery V&A Bootery

Event Happenings WEAR PINK DRINK PINK BUY PINK Check It Out At: facebook.com/stylestrollkz

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September 19 The Gilmore’s Rising Stars Recital Series: Mariangela Vacatello Wellspring Theater. 4 pm. A graduate of London’s Royal Academy of Music, Italian pianist Vacatello was a finalist in the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and first-prize winner in the 2009 Top of the World Piano Competition in Norway. $22, $5 students. 269-342-1166. www.thegilmore.org September 19 8th Annual Southwest Michigan Harvest Festival Tillers International, Scotts, MI. 11:30 am – 6:30 pm. An autumn celebration of local food and sustainable living, filled with music, family activities, demonstrations and food. This year’s keynote speaker: Richard Heinberg.

269-492-1270. www.eatlocalkalamazoo.org or paul@fairfoodmatters.org September 20 Women In Networking Meeting Richland Area Community Center. 6 - 8 pm.

You're Invited! Networking, beverages & light buffet. Cost is $7 (cash please). RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before.

More Info: http://win.richland.tripod.com September 21 Free Talk on Urinary Incontinence in Women Griswold Auditorium in Allegan, 401 Hubbard St. 6:30 pm. 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.

Call (269) 657-6058 to reserve a seat. www.drrogerbeyer.com September 21 Centering Prayer Introduction Transformations Spirituality Center, 3427 Gull Road. 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Drawing on the Psalmists invitation to “Be still and know that I am God”, centering prayer is a spiritual practice grounded in Christian tradition. This prayer form can help us enter into God’s silence which then enters us. Registration is $15 when paid by Sept. 1, $20 after. RSVP by 9/7 269-381-6290 ext. 249 or www.TransformationsCenter.org September 21 The Kalamazoo MI After 5 Women's Connection Richland Area Community Center. 6:30-8 pm.

You’re invited! Networking, beverages &: light buffet. Reservations due by Thursday, September 16 by calling Karen at 269-2902216. Cost of the dinner/program is $17.

RSVP: win.richland@yahoo.com by Thurs. before. More Info: win.richland.tripod.com

piano, using all ten fingers. Rather than using a whole band for melody, rhythm, bass, and drum parts, Tommy plays all that (and more) on one guitar. $28.50 Reserved seating; $30 Day of show. 269-345-6500. www.kazoostate.com September 22 “Serving On a Nonprofit Board” WorkshopBoard Connect Southwest Michigan United Way of Greater Battle Creek. 7:3010am. Are you new to board service, or perhaps interested in serving on a nonprofit board? This workshop will teach you about the five main responsibilities of nonprofit board governance and how to find a board position with an area nonprofit. Develop your leadership skills and share them with a nonprofit that needs your help. More info: www.volunteerkalamazoo.org, 269-382-8350.

September 22 Indoor Labyrinth Walk Parish Church of Christ the King. 6 pm - 8 pm. Walking a circular path in prayer & meditation to release emotions, receive inspiration and become strengthened for daily activities. Open to people of all faith traditions.

Orientation is offered to first time walkers.

For more info: (269) 388-2988 or www.parishchurch.org.

September 23 Stay Balanced Portage District Library. 6 – 7:30 pm. Wonder how to stay connected with you contacts and clients? Do you want to learn ways to market yourself or find out how to use “partnership marketing’? Come find answers to your questions from a group of local specialists. No registration necessary. More info: 269-329-4542.

September 23 Silver Jewelry Art Bayou. 6 – 9 pm. Who doesn’t love jewelry? You’ll be able to make necklaces, earrings, pendants, bookmarks, wine charms, mobile phone dangles, luggage tags, key chains and more out of pure silver. Silver Sue will be the instructor. No experience necessary. Prices start at $50 which includes clay, tools and finishing instructions needed to complete your. Space is so please register and reserve your seat. Feel free to browse www.lillyollo.com for more info.

September 23-26 2010 Warrior Bike Ride Traverse City. 240 mile bike ride from Traverse City. Bike Ride for a Cause - Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation. Funding scholarships for children who have lost a parent in combat. More info: 269-492-1040. www.willisfoundation.net

September 21 The Color Purple Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. The Color Purple, s soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. $18 - $46. www.millerauditorium.com

September 24 Borgess Health Farmers Market Borgess Medical Center. 11 am – 2 pm.

There’s never been a better time to eat local and experience fresh eating. While you shop, enjoy music from local schools. Registered dietitians are also often on hand to provide counseling and meal suggestions and our Light Hearted Living Cookbook will be for sale for only $19.95. Free. Visit dietary.borgess.com for more information.

September 21 Tommy Emmanuel State Theatre. 8 pm. Tommy's unique style he calls it simply 'finger style' - is akin to playing the guitar the way a pianist plays

September 24 – 25 Scrapbooking & Stamping Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground. 9 am – 6 pm. Presented by Great Scrapbook Events. Shop a huge selection of

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

scrapbook, stamping and papercraft products. $5 shopping, $25 Fri. crop, $45 Sat. crop, $60 Fri. & Sat. 810-287-7711. www.greatscrapbookevents.com or info@greatscrapbookevents.com September 24 – 25 Irish Fest Arcadia Creek Festival Place. Friday 4:30 pm – midnight; Saturday 10:30 am – midnight.

Come join this two-day celebration of all things Irish! $7; student $3; children 13 and under are free (with adult). www.kalamazooirish.org/fest.php September 25 Super Science Saturday: To Space & Back Air Zoo. This 30-minute presentation will occur at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.

Come join the Air Zoo staff and learn all about space flights! Kids will even get a chance to build comets! The Air Zoo's Super Science Saturday, "To Space & Back," will take place throughout the day. 269-3826555. www.airzoo.org September 25 Wyndham Open House Heritage Community of Kalamazoo, 2300 Portage Street. 1 – 4 PM. Tour Our Newly Remodeled Apartments! Come and enjoy a special musical performance and tour our newly remodeled Wyndham apartments.

Refreshments will be served! Please call 269.276.4055 and let us know you’re coming.

September 25 22nd Annual Apple Festival at Schrier Park Schrier Park, Portage. 2 – 6 pm. The entire family will enjoy a fun-filled day, including giant inflatables, soccer kick, pony rides, great food, music, magicians, clowns, face painting, kids' crafts, equipment displays, community groups and many more attractions. Please note admission fee includes parking at South Westnedge Park and round trip school bus transportation from 1:45 to 6:30 pm. $6. 269-324-9271. www.portagemi.gov September 25 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Miller Auditorium. 8 pm. Garrick Ohlsson performs Brahms Second Piano Concerto with Raymond Harvey and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Since his triumph as winner of the 1970 Chopin International Piano Competition, pianist Ohlsson has established himself worldwide as a musician of magisterial interpretive and technical prowess. 269-349-7759. www.KalamazooSymphony.com September 25 – 29 American Association of Petroleum Geologist (AAPG) Eastern Section Meeting Radisson Hotel, Western Michigan University.

Mon. & Tue. 8 am – 5:30 pm; Mon. 6 pm (Air Zoo). Geologists attending the 2010 AAPGEastern Section Meeting will be discussing and debating topics such as Power Plants and CO2 Sequestration, Hydrocarbon Exploration Trends, Renewable Energy Resources,GIS and Computer Applications for mapping, along with numerous other geological issues. Cost vary depending upon sessions you may wish to attend, Basic one-day walk-on registration $125. 269-387-5364. www.geology.wmich.edu

September 26 2010 Warrior Bike Ride - "Last Leg" Bronson Park. 15 mile bike ride from Kalamazoo to Battle Creek. Bike Ride for a Cause - Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation. Funding scholarships for children who have lost a parent in combat. More info: 269-492-1040. www.willisfoundation.net September 26 2nd Annual “Traditional Hot Rods, Customs and Pre-1965 Motorcycles Show” Gilmore Car Museum. 9 am – 6 pm. Join us for the 2nd Annual “Traditional Hot Rods, Customs and Pre-1965 Motorcycles Show”.

269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org September 26 Shamanic Study Group 10 am – 4 pm. Actualizing your Luminous Potential. Light Warrior Clan will gather for a teaching, ceremony and potluck. RSVP is required: mlapearl@aol.com or 269-9663116 September 29 Kellogg Dairy Center Tour Kellogg Farm Pasture Dairy Center. 3 – 8 pm. How do robots milk cows? Why do cows eat grass? Learn the answers to these questions and more during a tour of the new pasture dairy facility at the Kellogg Biological Station. Guided tours are offered from 3 to 8 pm. Anyone interested in learning about the new facility is welcome. Free. 269-671-2360. www.kbs.msu.edu or ham@kbs.msu.edu September 30 Redesigning Your Space Portage District Library. 6 – 7:30 pm. Do you need to realign your space to fit you budget, lifestyle, or changing family size? Attend this program to learn everything from barrier free makeovers to making you home more cost, energy, and maintenance efficient.

No registration is necessary. More info: 269-329-4542.

October 1 Banned Books Week Celebration – Reception and Readout Kalamazoo Public Library – Central Library.

5 – 8 pm. Harry Potter, Huckleberry Finn, The Catcher in the Rye, and To Kill a Mockingbird - these are just a few of the thousands of books that have been challenged or banned in the United States. View Banned Books Art Contest entries during an art reception from 5-8 pm and then, from 6 - 7:30 pm, listen to local personalities "readout" from the following five frequently challenged or banned books - Uncle Bobby's Wedding, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twilight and TTYL. 269-553-7880. www.kpl.gov/events/banned-books.aspx October 1 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 8 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 which makes it easy to hop around from one exhibit to the next. You also have the opportunity to meet the artists!

Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com

October 1 Anagama Pot Luck and Poetry Slam Anagama Site (1/4 mile North of Westnedge and D Avenue). 5 – 8 pm. Come and celebrate the tenth anniversary of the firing of our Anagama kiln with The Kirk Newman Art School. A potluck meal will be followed by a poetry slam. With a cooling kiln as a backdrop, a spontaneous evening should be expected. All are welcome! Free.

269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org October 1 – 2 21st Annual Main Street Revue Vicksburg High School. 8 pm. Variety show set in a 1950’s beauty shop with uproarious characters, employees and townspeople! $8 & $10. 269-649-2901. sewjo64@aol.com October 1 – 3 Living From Within 2010-11 Circle of Trust Transformations Spirituality Center. 7 am – 3 pm. This series, led in the spirit of the work of Parker Palmer, is open to those interested in participating in the four seasonal retreats and forming a “courage community”. This approach has proven transformational for numerous participants in circles throughout the world. Registration deadline Sept. 17.

Save by registering and paying non-refundable deposit of $240 by Sept. 1; $360 after. www.transformationscenter.org or program@transformationscenter.org October 1 – 31 White Lightnin’ & Rollin’ Thunder Gilmore Car Museum. 9am – 5pm; Sat & Sun til 6 pm. The History of Stock Car Racing. Featuring 24 Stock Cars from all eras on display. Adults $10, Seniors $9, Students 7 – 15 $8, 6 and under free. 269-671-5089. www.gilmorecarmuseum.org October 1 – 31 Fly Girls of World War II Air Zoo. 9 am – 5 pm Monday – Saturday; 12 – 5 pm Sunday. An inspirational traveling exhibit showcasing the history of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs).

Free. 269-382-6555. www.airzoo.org October 2 – 3 Olde Tyme Harvest Festival Scotts Mill County Park. Featuring hayrides to the pumpkin patch, corn shocks for sale, pumpkins for sale, husker shredder, antique tractors, blacksmithing, flour demonstrations, kids activities and much more. $5, kids 12 and under free. 269626-8503. www.sotpea.org October 3 Free Public Tour Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 2 pm. Free Public Tour of the exhibit The Figure in Beauty amid Thunder: The Past Two Centuries of Chinese Art. Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org October 5 Senior Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground. 9 am – 3 pm. 14th annual event presented by the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging. This expo features information and displays from many community resources. Free health screenings will be available. Free. 269-373-1547. jgboni@kalcounty.com

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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by Alexandra Fix Alexandra Fix is the author of ten nonfiction children’s books, including the series Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (Heinemann Library). She is a former children’s librarian, registered nurse, freelance writer and avid reader.

Conversation Starter: The Handmade Marketplace, How to Sell your Crafts Locally, Globally, and Online

By Kari Chapin Storey Publishing, 2010, $14.95 If you’ve begun to explore the idea of selling your handcrafted items, The Handmade Marketplace will inspire and guide you. Kari Chapin has pulled together a wealth of ideas to get you on your way.

The basics of building your business image, also known as branding, is her first stop. Exciting ideas help you bring together your look, logo, creative style, materials and company name as you embark on this adventure. Not only does Chapin share her valuable insights, but she has also tapped into the community of crafters, particularly those who are connected via the Internet. Contributions and comments come from a wide variety of artists, many of whom you will recognize if you explore any crafting websites or blogs. Even west Michigan crafter, Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, has earned a significant moment of recognition for her CraftSanity podcasts.

A point well made by Chapin is that strength can be found in making connections with crafters in person and online. This is my reason for calling this a conversation starter this month. One of the first things you’ll do is get yourself out there in conversation with others who are already part of the “handmade marketplace.”

The author also places strong emphasis on creating a web presence to showcase and sell your wares. In detail, Chapin discusses Etsy sites, websites and blogs, as well as simple basics like how to price your work, how much change to take to a craft fair, how much stock on hand is critical to begin, how to find out about tax regulations and licensing requirements, and how to get your products into a retail store.

So often, handcrafting brings tremendous personal satisfaction to the artist, but if one is so inclined, now is definitely the time to take action beyond the personal pleasure level. Selling your crafts can be an empowering and money-making experience and Chapin helps you get it right from the start. Chapin has worked in marketing and publicity for a variety of arts and nonprofit organizations and has managed a retail store featuring artisan goods and now shares from her considerable storehouse of knowledge and experience.

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BoomerPreneurs How Baby Boomers Can Start Their Own Business, Make Money and Enjoy Life

By M. B. Izard Acheve Consulting Inc., 2010, $25.95 This book is written especially for those who have reached or nearly reached the age of 55, an age chosen because, in many companies, it’s the minimum retirement age. Author Mary Beth Izard urges readers to consider what role work holds for them in the next third of their lives. Will you choose to retire, to work for others or to be your own boss?

Have you held a dream in your heart of owning your own business? Izard will help you look at your options with eyes wide open. The key is selecting a business suiting one’s interest and fitting the current marketplace.

Izard recognizes that essential to pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams at this age is keeping the financial risk to a minimum. A guided format will help you consider your strengths and skills and lead you through several steps of careful planning and research. Each chapter includes an entrepreneurial vignette illustrating how Baby Boomers started successful and satisfying businesses at this point in their lives. Some of those new work paths spotlighted include online sales, life coaching, video keepsake preservation, healing hypnotherapy, classic car restoration, eco-friendly cottage rental and environmental counseling. Izard will help you identify your passion, consider your resources, and set up your business plan so you can embark on your new venture with confidence.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

Getting Organized in the Google Era

By Douglas C. Merrill with James A. Martin Broadway Books, 2010, $23 Douglas C. Merrill, former chief information officer of Google, suggests our brains are not equipped to handle the massive overload of online information we face today. Technology has created its own unique organization nightmare, but technology also holds solutions to the problem. With a few radical principles, Merrill helps us determine how to get a handle on the situation.

“Don’t file your information; search for it” is part of his credo. In this book, he explains precisely how an Internet search happens and how we can use that tool most efficiently. He teaches us how to tag information we want to save from any particular posting. We are encouraged to use filtering to get rid of clutter. Before and as we read material in any form, we must decide our anticipated goals for the information contained within that book, article, blog or email. Merrill shows how to use labels in Gmail to organize information and speed access. Merrill goes beyond digital organization though as he struggles with the reality of paper vs. electronic in our never-ending quest to be paperless. He shares some great tips on what to keep in paper form and what to store electronically in “the cloud” where it can be accessed anywhere, anytime.

This guide is a fascinating new take on “getting organized” in today’s technological world at work and at home.

Greater Kalamazoo Edition • September 2010

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