Moxie Magazine - September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 • FREE

Women’s LifeStyle Magazine of Southwest Michigan is nowMoxie Magazine

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We Now Offer Telemedicine!

The following services are available via Telemedicine: • Discussion of birth control options: different types, side effects, benefits, what’s best for you

• Medication follow up or new requests

• Preconception or pre-pregnancy consultation for couples intending to start trying in the near future

• Decreased libido (sex drive)

• Menopause: what it means, what to expect, what you can do, what you should do • Peri-menopause: what to expect, how to manage it, what women should be doing • Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: what it is, why people develop PCOS, how to best manage it if you’re planning a pregnancy, what to do to prevent other complications of PCOS • Some post ops – physician will tell us or patient if Telehealth is appropriate

• Painful sex • UTI • Vaginitis • Painful or irregular periods • Review of abnormal lab results and imaging studies • Anxiety or concerns around the current Corona virus pandemic to get most recent updates from our office • Post-Partum follow-ups

Call our office to schedule an appointment - (269) 345-6197.

Please verify with your insurance company how Telemedicine is covered.

PROVIDERS: Carter O. Lomax, Jr., MD, FACOG Joseph L. Riethman, MD, FACOG Marcia L. Johnson, MD, FACOG Wendy L. Bauer, MD, FACOG Carly H. Davis, MD, FACOG Jennifer K. O’Neill, DO Brittany J. Post, WHNP-BC

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

MacKenzie L. Arnold, WHNP-BC Patricia R. Zull, CNM, FNP-BC

September 2020

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|

FROM THE PUBLISHER

|

T

he word “moxie” means a force of character, determination or nerve.

Our moxie is what fuels our community

as business owners. Opens doors. Builds websites. Dreams up promotions. And works tirelessly day in and day out to make their dreams come true. Our moxie gets us head back to work, take on additional roles, and learn to navigate this new normal.

It is with much moxie that I, too, am honored to take the legacy of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine Kalamazoo and transform it into my own dream:

Magazine will no doubt be

a force of character and determination. We will work tirelessly day in and day out to bring to you, our readers, the best of daily life, to foster a sense of community in our area, and to create a space where everyone in the area can create meaningful

check out the monthly edition on our social media pages, website, or our app, which is available in the Apple and Android stores. Whether you are a longtime reader or new to our publication, we are so grateful to join you among the strong and resilient women of Michigan

connections and say, “You’re invited!”

and are honored

In that same spirit of community and

encourage,

to be able to

connection, I invite you to join our

entertain, and

Moxie mission. You can find our printed

support you.

magazine in local businesses or you

Sincerely,

can become a subscriber and have your

Heather

monthly copy delivered directly into your mailbox for free. If you prefer paperless,

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contents

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SEPTEMBER 2020 |

LIFE 6 | She’s Got Moxie! 20 Things You Didn’t Know About Lalita Chemello 8 | Dress Strategies for Comfort, Style & Success 12 | Just to Be: Do You Know How To Do Nothing?

16 | Fostering Teen Dreams 18 | Michigan Women Forward Expands Impact into Kalamazoo Area 24 | Embrace Yourself Starting Now 27 | Mum’s the Word! Tips for Fall’s Favorite Flower 28 | A New Way to Approach Work 30 | Engage Virtually

STRATEGIES FOR COMFORT, STYLE AND SUCCESS 8 DRESS

HEALTH & FITNESS 10 | Upleveling Your Self-Care Routine 14 | Are You Wearing the Right Sports Bra?

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FOOD & DRINK

J UST TO BE: DO YOU KNOW HOW TO DO NOTHING?

20 | Restaurant Review: One Well Brewing 22 | Recipes: Comfort Foods

- Hamburger Pie

- Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken

- Chicken Pot Pie

- Granny Cake 26 | Brunch at 600 Bar & Kitchen

Front cover photography by: RE YOU WEARING THE 14 ARIGHT SPORTS BRA?

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN PUBLISHER: Heather Dombos hdombos@moxiemediagroup.net

LAYOUT & DESIGN: Alicia Pauwels apauwels@moxiemediagroup.net

EDITOR: Lalita Chemello lchemello@moxiemediagroup.net

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Emily Betros Ashley Carter-Youngblood Lalita Chemello Kelly Duggan Rachel Kirtley Heidi McCrary Jenny Opdycke Dr. Marti Peters-Sparling

THIS PUBLICATION PROUDLY SUPPORTS

Elizabeth Precopio Hannah Reuter WEBSITES: moxiemagazine.net moxiemediagroup.net moxiemastermind.net kzoofamilyexpo.com FOR SALES INFO: 269-350-5227

BY MAIL: Moxie Media Group, LLC P. O. Box 2284 Portage, MI 49081-2284

BY EMAIL: info@moxiemediagroup.net editor@moxiemediagroup.net sales@moxiemediagroup.net

{ SHE’ S GOT

}

20 Things You Didn’ t Know About

Lalita Chemello

Take some time to really get to know our new Editor at Moxie!

1

Even though I’m very Italian, Lalita is actually an Indian name.

Italian family tradition would have made me an Anita, after my father’s mother. My mother wasn’t a fan of my grandmother, or the name, so she sought out an Italian-sounding name. A little adjustment, and well, here we are.

2 I have three tattoos. A large Salvador Dali-inspired tree of life, a Lisa Frank-styled pink Yoshi, and “Jude”— my mother’s actual signature on her paintings.

3 At 21, I was diagnosed with serious food allergies. My peanut allergy is airborne. My body also will not do soy, wheat or gluten.

Or cantaloupe. Or honeydew melon.

Or caffeine...

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5 Heights and I do not get along. I

once cried my way out of going to the top of the Sears Tower in my teens. And the St. Louis Archway...

6

It took me nine years, many life hurtles and a few schools to finish my bachelor’s degree. I graduated in 2015 from Oakland University with a B.A. in Creative Writing: Screen and Television.

7

If I could spend more time in nature, I would. I feel so centered and at peace when I walk trails or ride my bike.

8 In my time at OU, I wrote a film

that was produced and won five awards at two different film festivals including Best Drama/Film Noir, Best Screenplay and Best Actress (which was me). I’ve since been involved in two other films.

9 I stay active by working out

every weekday with spinning, yoga and kettlebells.

10 I’m a HUGE motorsports fan.

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Formula E and IndyCar are on the top of the list. I love the feeling I get when I’m at the track. There’s nothing like it.

I drove an IndyCar around Michigan International Speedway at 137 mph. I also drove the electric Taycan Turbo S Porsche (below), at near the same speed.

I am an excellent cook and baker. I typically make gluten-, soy- and dairy-free items. Ask me about the canolli cupcakes. Those do have dairy, but are worth the sacrifice.

September 2020

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I do podcasts! My boyfriend and I produce the “MiMoto Podcast,” talking about cars, motorsports and motorcycles in a variety of capacities. I was also the co-host of a live motorsports radio show for three seasons, where I still make guest appearances.

13 I love to travel, and have quite the list of places to go. The furthest I’ve been is Montreal.

New York City is my second home for how much time I’ve spent there.

14

My boyfriend and I have known each other since we were 16. Granted we figured “us” out quite later, but we’re okay with that as we have been together near three years.

He’s my literal best friend, inspiration and other half.

15 I have a particular passion and ear for music.

I performed in the Macy’s Parade, auditioned for “ The Glee Project,” performed in a bar once and worked hundreds of live concerts. I still sing and play guitar.

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We have two dogs, a Pug-Pekingese small dog mix we call Luna, and our newest adopted addition, a terrier and Catahoula Leopard dog mix, Matty, short for Matisse. He’s slowly destroying everything like a true puppy.

17 I LOVE fashion. I even studied it

in college. Over the pandemic, I challenged myself to put together items that I had not worn together before. I have created some awesome outfits.

18

I have had a very small freelance business for the last eight years creating portfolio websites, photography, writing & logo designs.

19 I cannot stop watching B-list Christmas films.

They are terribly awful, especially having been a film major in college, but I still suffer my way through them nonetheless.

20

My dad and I are really close, and race buddies.

Instead of Christmas gifts, I get us tickets for our yearly pilgrimage to the Indy 500, and he gets us tickets for another race we haven’t done yet.

Lalita Chemello is a Detroit-born writer now living in west Michigan.

She’s written/edited for New Roads lifestyle magazine and Panorama. Her other passions are photography, motorsports & screenwriting. You can also occasionally find her around town on her vintage two wheels.

September 2020

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Dress Strategies for Comfort, Style and Success

BY KELLY DUGGAN

With professional dress trends becoming less formal, I’ve had more than one client seeking help to dress comfortably & have a personal style, while keeping their look professional and geared for success.

When I met Jan, a client that came to me in the early days of my business, she was beyond ready to be comfortable in her dress needs. Having returned to Kalamazoo to open her own company, she had just left the corporate world of required structured suits, heels, and the ‘all forbidden’ pair of pantyhose. She was ready to establish a style that worked for her in a relaxed and comfortable look, with the occasional need to step up her dress for a corporate meeting.

Jan was in a place that many professional women may find themselves today – with most days requiring a smart-casual to a business-casual look, and the occasional need to dress things up. Many professional women in management and leadership roles (or aspiring to them), the need to meet and grow trusted relationships, walk confidently into a boardroom or successfully manage those on their team, require dialing in and growing a confident professional style.

When working with Jan, services began as all of our style services do: by learning specifics about HER…a color analysis (yes, having your “colors done” still applies today!), a personal style assessment, and a closet audit consultation were completed. We salvaged some of her basic pieces, added a few new key garments and then showed her how to punch up/personalize her look with scarves and interesting jewelry.

Next, we looked at her appearance needs specific for growing and selecting garments for her new professional dressing needs.

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September 2020

Here are some of KDI Consulting’s top tips that helped Jan, and can help you too when dressing for comfort, style and success: Know and understand who you’re going to be working with, where, when and why — also what you want to achieve.

Determine what types of dress are appropriate for you professionally. (E.g., What is your corporate culture? What stage are you at in your career? How do you want to be perceived by others?)

Be true to yourself. Take the time to think about and understand your style traits, best colors, preferences and what clothes you actually feel most comfortable in.

Grow clusters of garments that work together, beginning with two or three core colors (e.g., navy, grey, brown/taupe or black) that can serve as a foundation to build from.

Decide how you’d like to finish your look: shoes, grooming, makeup, jewelry and other accessories.

Dressing for comfort might take only a few simple wardrobe tweaks or it might be your time for a big transformation. Which ever it may be, know that even big change doesn’t need to be expensive. Be strategic about it, know that change is good and consider enlisting the help of a professional. Jan will tell you she is glad that she took the time to discover a strategy to dressing well and hasn’t worn pantyhose since!

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September 2020

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^Upleveling Your Self-Care Routine

It’s Paramount During the Pandemic First, please pause and Recommendations for take a deep breath. |llness Prevention & Prep

Aaaaahhh.....

Good. Now we know there is and has been a lot of fear and anxiety circulating in our community. Our intention is for you to stay grounded. Make solid decisions that are rooted in science, so that you can make good choices for you and your family, especially as we move into the school season.

Back to the Basics

Coronavirus is similar to influenza and spreads through respiratory droplets when coughing and sneezing or rubbing your nose, eyes or mouth. Good handwashing and hygiene can significantly decrease risk of transmission. Coronavirus is easily inactivated with standard soaps and disinfectants. (More info here). Wash your hands often with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Please remember to cleanse hands after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or coughing, and before eating. And remember to cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, or into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.

Due to the increase of domestic cases, if you think that you have been exposed and have a fever with cough or shortness of breath, please isolate yourself from healthy persons, start self-care listed below and contact your provider immediately. Like most viruses, coronavirus can last up to 14 days. The first 7 days are usually the worst and being that it is a virus, antibiotics do not work. Below are some key recommendations for daily selfcare that are paramount in illness prevention as we move into Autumn.

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September 2020

• Focus on SELF-CARE as much as possible. Your body’s immune system needs rest, quality sleep, good nutrition, gentle exercise, and stress management to function at its peak. These are our everyday recommendations. However, right now it is imperative to slow down and take good care of yourself and your children.

• Please make sure to have about 2 weeks of basic provisions at home if you fall ill and need to stay home to rest. This means having some basic food staples in your kitchen (soup, tea, crackers, veggies, eggs, etc.), pet supplies, some basic over the counter cold medicines, and tissues.

• Saltwater gargles and neti pots can break up mucus and soothe sore throats. Mix 1 tsp salt in 8 oz of warm water & use 3-5 times daily.

• Bone broth or veggie broth can bolster up your blood pressure and support the body’s increased need for fluids and electrolytes. Collagen is one of the building blocks of cellular repair & helps to feed the gut microbiome. Vegetable fibers also feed the microbiome and have some antibacterial/antiviral effects. Herbs like oregano & turmeric have antiviral/ antibacterial effects too.

• Raw honey is a natural cough suppressant and has antiviral/antibacterial effects.

Dosage is .5-1 tsp every 8 hours. Do not give honey to kids under 1 year of age.

• Elderberry syrup is an excellent antiviral and is currently in season here in Michigan! A daily dosage is 1 tsp every 8 hours when ill. It can be found at the farmers market as well as most health food stores and pharmacies.

Feeling Sick?

Additional Information for Symptom Relief

• Sleep and rest are paramount to a speedy recovery. Please listen to your body, rest as much as you can and avoid exposing your family and co-workers. STAY HOME! If need be, your PCP can provide your work and/or school documentation for your absence.

• We typically recommend Vicks chest rub, Flonase or Nasocort for nasal congestion, Robitussin or Mucinex for cough. Avoid oral decongestants if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition. Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen can be helpful for fever and body aches. As always, your provider can help you decide which over the counter medicine would work best for you given your medical history.

• If you have symptoms more than 7 days that localize to one side of your face or one ear and the fever comes back, you may have developed a secondary bacterial infection that would benefit from antibiotics. In that case, please contact your provider for a video visit.

• If you are having severe coughing that disrupts your sleep despite use of over the counter medications, please contact your provider for a virtual visit. Again, they can also provide documentation for time off work to fully recover.

• If you experience severe shortness of breath or profound weakness where you cannot care for yourself, this may require hospitalization.

Please contact your provider if you need help in deciding the level of care that you need.

Please continue to up level your self-care routine, take deep breaths and keep steady as we move through this pandemic, together.

Jenny Opdycke, PA-C has been practicing medicine for more than 16 years. Her specialties include holistic wellness, anxiety/depression, trauma recovery and intuitive, low carb eating strategies that promote self-awareness and healing. She loves spending time with her twin girls, friends, and fur babies. More info at integratedhealthmatters.com.

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September 2020

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JUST

To Be

Do you know how to do nothing?

When was the last time you did nothing? Or did something with simply no agenda? Nothing necessarily to be gained but pure enjoyment?

The last several months have afforded some individuals time to embark on this journey.

There has been more time than conceivable to really do just that: nothing. But perhaps you have felt it too. A steady guilt creeping in, warning you of your lack of doing or accomplishing. How dare we sit and binge a season of the newly released “Friends” on HBO Max and do nothing else!?

On the other side, there are many of you piled with extra responsibilities; caring for more than your share because school or daycare is closed, or work has ramped up because of the time at home (funny how that worked out).

With less time to accomplish all your new responsibilities, your personal time is now in the negative. Your workout or morning coffee might be the closest you have to down- or “me” time, let alone, pleasure.

No matter the degree of responsibility, there is an overwhelming set precedence of not allowing oneself to truly enjoy things without an agenda behind the action. To read because you like to read. To go for a walk just to be outside and experience the beautiful weather bestowed on us in Michigan this season.

I was in search of guides in calming my nerves stemming from anxiety of unemployment and guilt laying a foundation

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September 2020

stating I was not doing enough. In that search, I came across the quite literally titled book, How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell.

the film? You’re now doing something else, because that has “purpose”—you still feel like you’re accomplishing something rather than taking in the storied media.

Odell turns to philosophers to share lessons in how to exist in a more aware and delighted fashion. To take in moments beyond the constant notifications and needs the world demands of us. The problem is one cannot live only like this. Obviously, there are points where some responsibilities, like eating, are intrinsic to survival.

The Italians have a word, asolare, which means “to spend time in a delightful, but meaningless manner.” Oddly enough, the country known for its large, multiple course meals and midday closing hours to have supper with their families, lay claim to the unique word… it’s not something found translatable in other languages. And understandably, because in many cultures, if you’re not doing something, your worth is, well…less.

In many of her referred cases, she appears to continually reinforce the idea of being in the moment. How many things do we miss when we’re focused on the laundry list of things we need to attend to constantly? When we left the office today, that was supposed to be the “turning off” point. But many of us can’t even do that anymore. We constantly have our attention grabbed by notifications on our phones and laptops of work emails that need attending to. Or someone just posted something on Facebook (maybe not even on your wall, they just shared something in general). And everything needs a purpose in doing it. Now with the pandemic and many working from home, how do you separate that life?

Here’s a fun question. When was the last time you watched something on TV (whether streaming, television, film, etc.), and didn’t look at your phone once? What are you missing by staring at the screen and not watching

Think back to your day today. What did you do? And what was the purpose of said thing(s)?

Did you work out? Eat breakfast? Go for a walk? Read? Run errands?

Continue through that list. Does every item on the agenda have a reason? Is there anything that didn’t? And if not, when was the last thing you did “just because?” Find some time for asolare.

Get out there and do nothing!

Lalita Chemello is a Detroit-born writer now living in west Michigan.

She’s written/edited for New Roads lifestyle magazine and Panorama.

Her other passions are photography, motorsports & screenwriting. You can also occasionally find her around town on her vintage two wheels.

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September 2020

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ARE YOU WEARING THE RIGHT

Sports Bra? A

s I have recently discovered one of the most important pieces of “gear” you can purchase when starting a fitness journey is a quality sports bra that is made for your body and activity level. Once you find a bra that is comfortable and provides adequate support you will be much more likely to crush your fitness goals. Here are my tips for picking the best bra for you.

Measure

Most companies have unique sizes and sizing guidelines. No matter how well you think you know your size, follow the bra fit instructions provided by the company’s website. My favorite sports bra comes in sizes like 2LUXE, so knowing your band and cup size won’t be much help in selecting the perfect fit. Get your handy measuring tape and follow the instructions. It will take a few extra minutes out of your day, but you will be glad you took the time to complete this step.

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September 2020

Know Your Impact Level

Are you a runner? Is walking at a brisk pace more your style? Do you participate in HIIT classes? Obviously running requires a greater level of support than walking. HITT classes move your body in much different ways than a yoga or pilates class. If you don’t want a bra for every different activity, select the most strenuous activity you do and select a bra support level that matches that activity. I tend to buy high impact support because I know it will cover any activity I choose.

Express Yourself

While I love a basic black sports bra, gone are the days of the limited white, black and tan selection.

Now you can find a great sports bra in just about any color or pattern that you can imagine. The better you feel in your workout gear, the more motivated you will be. Have fun with it!

Picks Pay Attention to Small Details My After much trial and error, I have found two bras Here is an embarrassing tidbit, I can’t stand to pull sports bras off over my head. It gives me a feeling of claustrophobia and causes a mini panic attack. Knowing this quirk about myself, I only buy sports bras with traditional bra closures or zippers. It is important to know these small things about yourself and make those a part of your purchasing decision.

Have a Back-up

A sports bra is really a one (wear) and done garment. After an intense, sweaty workout, you don’t want to hang your bra up to air dry. Make sure you have a few sports bras so you can launder them after each use.

that are perfect and excitingly, one is actually made by a Michigan company. My first choice is the Ultimate Sports Bra by SheFit (located in Hudsonville, MI) and you can browse their selection at www.shefit.com. My runner-up is the Nike Rival which you can find online at www.nike.com.

Now, gear up & get out there!

Heather Dombos is a Florida girl who brings a little sass & southern charm to everything she does. This wife, dog mom, and closet Trekkie loves reading, hiking, long days on the beach and exploring Michigan.

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15

Fostering Teen Dreams

YOU can raise hope and foster dreams by becoming a foster parent to a teen.

Michigan has approximately 3,000 teens in foster care at any given time. Many of these individuals will leave foster care without a family, leaving them with no one to call for help, advice, or guidance. As of July 2020, Kalamazoo county alone has 115 teens in care ages 14-21. We need foster families here and around the state to show these individuals unconditional love and support as well as help guide them into the next chapters of their lives.

Foster care teens come from many backgrounds and need a positive adult role model to help guide through the transitions of life. They need to feel the joy of knowing a

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September 2020

respected adult cares for them and understands their feelings and emotions.

 C HECK OUT THIS VIDEO BY MICHIGAN DHHS! More Joy :30

There are many programs to help our foster teens move through childhood and into young adult life. Youth in Transition provides funding for services and resources for youth transitioning out of foster care.

These funds are intended to help youth become successful adults. Youth in Transition funds can be used for things like education, employment, or health.

Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative is a program that focuses on financial literacy and youth advocacy. The program provides training on money management, and skills that help foster youth become successful adults. Local youth boards serve as a support network and are a way to share teens’ voices and thoughts on making the child welfare system better.

The Young Adult Voluntary Foster Care Program provides continued support for youth until age 21. Extending foster care to age 21 offers a safety net of supportive services and financial benefits during critical transition to adulthood including extension of foster care payments, continued oversight by a case worker for additional support, counseling services, continued health care coverage, training in independent living skills, more time to finish high school and pursue vocational or secondary education.

A Michigan foster youth needs your unconditional love and support. If you are considering becoming a foster parent or have any questions, call a Foster Care Navigator at 855-MICHKIDS.

 Y OU CAN ALSO LEARN MORE ON OUR WEBSITE: www.michigan.gov/hopeforahome

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Top 10 Reasons to Foster a Teenager We are able to tell you what we feel,

We have so many gifts and talents. You

want, need, fear, and think. You don't

may learn new things from us too — like

have to guess...or change diapers!

technology, fashion and slang!

We deserve love and security.

We may be sensitive, but we are resilient.

We want a family and we are

We appreciate the small things —

choosing you just as much as you are

family dinners, movie nights, one-on-

choosing us.

one attention.

You can teach us all kinds of fun

You can show us what is important in

and valuable things, like driving,

life, help us gain independence and

budgeting, cooking, and cleaning.

start adulthood with hope.

You can form lifelong relationships

We need a champion. You can be a

with us.

part of the reason one of us goes to college or achieves something great.

Dispelling Three Common Myths About Foster Care

You don't have to be married.

You don't have to live in or own a house.

Children in foster care are just regular kids.

For more information, speak to a Licensing Specialist at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Local County Office Name Local County Street Address, City, MI Zip Code Phone Number MDHHS-Pub-1265

September 2020

17

Michigan Women Forward Expands Impact into Kalamazoo Area

On September 30, Michigan Women Forward (MWF) will host the 4th Annual WomanUp & Celebrate Women of Achievement and Courage Awards event honoring three movers and shakers in the Kalamazoo area: Kathy Beauregard, Denise Crawford, and Judy Jolliffe. This year, for the first time, the event will be livestreamed on MWF’s Facebook page.

“The WomanUp & Celebrate Kalamazoo event is one of our absolute favorites and we are delighted to honor three incredible women this year. People always walk away from this event feeling inspired and energized by the honorees’ courage and achievements, and we’re excited to extend our audience this year by making the event virtual” says Judy Welch, executive director West Michigan of Michigan Women Forward. Funds raised from the annual event support the work of Michigan Women Forward with high school girls and women and minority entrepreneurs. This year’s fundraiser is more important than ever because of MWF’s expanded work in Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas in the wake of the pandemic.

MWF is not a stranger to making an impact in Kalamazoo. For the past five years, MWF has partnered with the Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. to deliver extraordinary leadership programming and renewable scholarship opportunities for high school students in Battle Creek and

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September 2020

Kalamazoo. The program, called #UGOGirls for Change, encourages young women to see themselves as leaders for social good and challenges them to make the changes they wish to see in their community, cultivate their networks of peers and mentors, and develop their leadership potential.

“Young women today are more connected to their communities than ever and have great ideas and energy to make the world better, and this unique program really taps into their potential. Our program shows these girls how to take their dreams and put them into action” said Viveca Fairbanks-Henderson, president of the Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of the Links, Inc. “We are so proud of our partnership with Michigan Women Forward who make it possible for us to make an impact with this dynamic group of girls— our future leaders of Michigan.”

MWF continues its work not only to support the youth, but also to support entrepreneurs.

In May, MWF launched its $1.5 million Michigan Entrepreneur Resilience Fund to help businesses in the state that were significantly impacted by the pandemic who were unable to receive traditional funding. This relief effort is unique because of its wide reach across the entire state of Michigan, including right here in Southwest Michigan.

and those from marginalized communities,” says Judy Welch. “We are proud to share that several small businesses in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Battle Creek have received Resilience Fund grants”. The businesses the Resilience Fund have helped include hair salons, construction companies, manufacturers, spas, restaurants, graphic designers, florists, coffee shops, and more.

The Organic Gypsy, a catering company in Kalamazoo, is one of many examples of businesses facing hardship due to the pandemic who applied for a Resilience Fund grant. “Our food truck is just sitting in the parking lot and has not been used once in 2020. The [COVID-19] situation is not only detrimental to our cashflow, but to our livelihood,” said Bridgett Blough, owner of the company. Bridgett was awarded a Resilience Fund grant in July and was flooded with relief.

“This opportunity is allowing bills to be paid and orders to be filled. We are working as creatively as we can to pivot our business and this grant is making it all possible.”

The September 30 virtual event is free to watch on the Michigan Women Forward Facebook page and sponsorships are still available! You can make a donation to Michigan Women Forward and the WomanUp & Celebrate event by visiting their website: www.miwf.org.

“The goal of this fund is to be able to service individuals who are low to moderate income

moxiemagazine.net

WOMANUP

& CELEBRATE

JOIN US FOR A LIVESTREAM EVENT! WHEN SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE ONLINE! You can watch the livestream on our Facebook page or by visiting miwf.org

PLEASE JOIN US IN HONORING EXEMPLARY WOMEN LEADERS 2020 WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT & COURAGE AWARD RECIPIENTS

KATHY BEAUREGARD

DENISE CRAWFORD

JUDY JOLLIFFE

Join us as we continue our unique partnership with the Kalamazoo (MI) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated.

For information or to register, please visit: miwf.org.

Questions? Contact Judy Welch at jwelch@miwf.org.

September 2020

19

|

RESTAURANT REVIEW

D

|

One Well Brewing

ining out in the middle of a Global Pandemic presents some challenges. Thankfully, here in Southwest Michigan we still have weather warm enough where we can sit outdoors on patios to feel just that much safer. I was trying to think of a good patio to visit to meet up with a friend for dinner, and ONE WELL BREWING fit the bill.

When we arrived (masked up) we were greeted by a host who explained how things were going to work. I loved this because with everything going on, each restaurant has different procedures. It was so nice that someone was able to fill us in right away.

My friend and I decided to share some of their Bip’s Family Recipe, which is TEXAS CAVIAR. If you have not had Texas Caviar before, it is a dip with black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, chillies, tomato, red onion, and cilantro tossed with olive oil and red wine vinegar and served with tortilla chips.

A server brought it out shortly after we placed our order. It was light and tasty! A perfect snack for the hot day that it was! We munched on it as we sipped our beers (STATE OF BEAN for me and XALAPA for my friend) as we decided on what to get for dinner.

One Well doesn’t have traditional servers.

You order your food and drink at the bar and they bring it out to your table when it’s ready.

What was nice about this, was that there

20

September 2020

wasn’t anyone coming to our table to check in constantly. It made me feel as if we did not need to rush to be done. It was nice to be able to have a snack and some beer, and really take our time with figuring out what we wanted.

There were plenty of servers around to ask any questions, but we knew that when we were ready to order, we could simply step inside to the bar to place our order.

But don’t be mistaken, the staff was definitely still busy. Only they were spending their time running food to tables and spending extra time clearing tables to do proper sanitation of them, which I saw them do thoroughly throughout our evening there.

I decided on the GRILLED CHEESE INCIDENT for my dinner. It was a grilled cheese sandwich on naan bread with smoked cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, sautéed spinach, and artichoke. I also added pulled pork to it. It was served with a side of kettle chips and a pickle.

My friend got the GO CLUCK YOURSELF! SANDWICH, which was a pulled chicken sandwich on Panini bread with bacon, pico de gallo, guacamole, monterey jack cheeses and chipotle aioli. It was served with salt & pepper kettle chips and a pickle. She ordered hers sans bacon and with vegan chicken and vegan cheese. She was super excited to see that it was

an option to have her meal meet her vegan diet requirements, along with many other options on their menu for her!

Both of our sandwiches were delicious!

My grilled cheese was PACKED with pulled pork and oozing with yummy cheese. I only at half and saved the rest for later. Although my chips were tasty, I would say a handful of them were a tad on the stale side.

My friend’s sandwich was delightful!

Although I am a carnivore, I really enjoyed her vegan chicken. It was pretty darn close to the real thing! The flavors all worked wonderfully together.

I loved my experience at One Well Brewing!

The staff was incredibly helpful, friendly and they made me feel super comfortable with all their cleaning.

The food was very good! They are very creative with their menu and have so many options for people of all dietary needs.

You can help support this incredible locally owned restaurant and devour some delicious food and beer by either dining in or with carryout!

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

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September 2020

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Comfort Foods

The temperatures are starting to mellow, the kids are back to schoolwork, and we are easing into fall. Around our house, fall is the season to enjoy simple, comfort food. Try one of these delicious dishes that are sure to please everyone in your family.

Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken

4 large chicken breasts 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese 2 (1 oz) packets ranch dressing mix 1 (8 oz) package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.

Top with cream cheese, ranch packets, and shredded cheese.

Cook on low heat for 8 hours or high heat for 4 hours.

Shred chicken and stir well to combine with sauce.

Hamburger Pie

TIP: For an easy dinner, we use Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes which can be found in the refrigerated section at your grocery store.

Serve on top of steamed broccoli, cooked rice, or serve as sandwiches on buns.

2 pounds ground beef, browned and drained 1 (29 oz) can tomato sauce 2 (14.5 oz) cans green beans, drained 6 cups mashed potatoes 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large skillet, combine ground beef, tomato sauce, and green beans.

Heat over medium heat until mixture begins to bubble.

Pour ground beef mixture into a 9� x 13� baking pan.

Top beef mixture with mashed potatoes.

Top mashed potatoes with shredded cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

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September 2020

moxiemagazine.net

Chicken Pot Pie

Granny Cake

Cake:

1 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapples, with juice 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup pecans, chopped

Icing:

1 cup evaporated milk 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a 9” ×13” baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking soda and salt, then mix in eggs and pineapple.

4 cups cooked chicken, shredded 1 (32 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables 2 (10.75 oz) cans condensed cheddar cheese soup 1 (8 oz) container sour cream ¼ cup milk 4 sheets frozen puff pastry 1/3 cup butter, melted

TIP: Rotisserie chicken works great!

Thaw puff pastry sheets for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large soup pot, over medium heat, combine chicken, vegetables, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir well to combine all ingredients and continue heating over medium heat for 10 minutes.

Pour chicken mixture into a 9” x 13” baking dish and set aside.

Cut the puff pastry into 8” strips.

Weave the puff pastry strips together on top of the chicken mixture and lightly brush on melted butter.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.

Pour batter into pan and top with an even layer of pecans and brown sugar.

Place baking dish in oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

While cake cooks, combine evaporated milk, sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, then pour over hot cake.

Let cake cool so it absorbs icing, then slice, serve and enjoy. Take it up a notch with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

September 2020

23

Embrace Yourself S TA R T I N G N O W

It is easy to lose yourself in today’s expectations and forget that it is okay to just be. With social media at our fingertips, we compare ourselves to others all day – with or without realizing it. This can cause us to feel stressed or anxious, wanting to live up to this unrealistic standard.

Now don’t get me wrong, it is okay to strive for more, especially in this fast-paced society of ours. Just don’t forget that we are all more similar than we are different. Social media typically portrays the best parts of people’s lives and aren’t we all just trying to be the best version of ourselves that we can be? Embrace who you are and together, we can embrace one another.

TO JUMPSTART THAT SELF-LOVE FOR THE DAY, TRY THESE

1

Look in the mirror and say something motivational (as cheesy as it sounds).

Thinking positively first thing in the morning is a great way to get in the right mindset for the day and can help shake off those “not a morning person” blues.

2 Not checking your

phone right away. Give yourself some “me-time” before stepping out into the world of others. It helps you concentrate on yourself before worrying about anything else that may come at you that day.

3 THINGS!

3 Talk to someone who

loves you. Whether it be a pet, a significant other, friend, or family member! It is a great reminder of our connection to others and why we should embrace one another.

Hannah Reuter graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a bachelor degree in Economics and currently resides in Portage, MI. In her free time she enjoys strumming the guitar and painting. She is the author of two YA books under the pseudonym, H.B. Catherine. You can find information on her books and writing at hbcatherinewriting.com.

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|

THE KALAMAZOO FOODIE

|

Brunch at 600 Kitchen & Bar Brunch is considered a wonderful combination of breakfast and lunch, most commonly served with bottomless Bloody Mary’s or Mimosas! What gets better than that? Sleeping in on the weekend and enjoying a late breakfast with friends or family.

The bottomless mimosas are also a bonus. While Kalamazoo is packed full of amazing places for brunch, one sets itself apart by the unique style of food alone! Where might that be, you ask? One of my recent favorite spots to frequent, 600 KITCHEN & BAR located downtown Kalamazoo.

600 Kitchen & Bar has been an amazing addition to the downtown Kalamazoo area for few years now, but recently started serving brunch on Saturday’s and Sunday’s. Their brunch is unlike any other. I love their ‘Farm to Table’ concept sourcing all of their ingredients locally. They take everyday brunch items and bring it next level! We started off with a cocktail, of course. All of their brunch cocktails are served as a single or you can opt for sharable options. We opted to share for this one. The STRAWBERRY VODKA SMASH sounded refreshing a delicious at 32oz. They also offer Bloody Mary’s in a 32oz, and Sangria.

I absolutely love traditional BISCUITS AND GRAVY. I was a little hesitant to try anything new because I like what I like. HOLY. YUM. The chorizo gravy on the bottom, cheddar & green onion biscuits with an egg in the middle what just what the doctor ordered. I would 10/10 order it again! I also love a little spice, and chorizo just so happens to be my favorite! So be prepared for a subtle spice.

Next up, I HAD to have that PANCAKE CEREAL! I mean, my childhood dreams just came true as and

26

September 2020

adult in brunch form. Mini hand flipped pancakes, yes cereal size pancakes, hand flipped by chef and put into a bowl. Mixed with fresh fruit, granola, walnuts and served with syrup & almond milk, it was beyond amazing. Now I want to eat that on the daily. If you aren’t into the pancake cereal, they also offer a Pancake Charcuterie Board. Pancakes, Nutella, fresh fruit, crème fraiche, and bacon to share. I can’t think of a better version of charcuterie than breakfast items!

Calling all STEAK AND EGGS fans. 600 Kitchen & Bar offers up a Michigan cup steak, mushroom sauce, potatoes, 2 farm eggs, and choice of toast. This fits all of your hearty breakfast needs. The steak was tender and absolutely enough to share for two. We also ordered the POUTINE. I always have to order it anytime I see it on the menu. Fries smothered in chorizo gravy, melted raclette, and chives. Highly recommend ordering with eggs! We forgot but it was just as amazing, but will order with eggs the next time around.

Outside of your typical brunch items, they also offer sandwiches. I highly recommend their Lobster BLT topped mile high with greens, tomatoes, bacon, lobster, and lemon aioli on top a brioche bun. They also offer salads, omelets, quiche, Classic breakfast, French toast and much more! I highly recommend you try it for yourself, you will not be disappointed!

600 Kitchen & Bar also offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. There is something for everyone here! Bring your friends to your next brunch outing.

» VIEWTHEIR MENU: 600kitchenandbar.com Rachel Kirtley has worked in all levels of the food industry for over a decade. She is currently a Social Media Influencer, Content Creator and Restaurant Reviewer.

You can visit her at thekalamazoofoodie.com

moxiemagazine.net

Mums the Word!

TIPS FOR FALL'S FAVORITE FLOWER Picking

When choosing mums, make sure to pick plants with mostly closed buds. This will ensure maximum bloom time in your home.

Replanting

Resist the urge to just place the mums in a decorative planter (as potted.) Carefully transfer the mums to a new container or plant in your yard.

Caring

Mums LOVE water! Established plants need about one inch of water per week to maintain their blooms.

Make sure to check your mums for insects, mildew, and disease. To avoid mildew, place your mums into a tray of water and let them absorb water from the root. If you do notice mildew, remove the mildewed portions of the plant to control the spread.

Maintaining

Don't forget to pinch the buds for optimal flowering.

Pinch off dead growth throughout the fall to ensure your plant stays beautiful. Take a few minutes every few days to cut off dead flowers and leaves to make your plant look cleaner, prevent disease, and make room for new buds.

September 2020

27

A New Way to Approach

I

f balancing work and life was hard before, it’s been even harder in 2020. Many of us are working from home now, often with kids around. We try to find tiny pockets of time in the day to check email, send a quick text message, or return a phone call. It can feel like you’re working all day because in a sense you are. Our normal designated work time and personal time are incredibly blurred, and it’s taking a toll on us.

So how do we regain some balance between work and personal life? There’s no simple answer to this. We are all dealing with this in our own way, and everyday has its own unique challenges. That being said, there are some ways you may be able to recoup a little bit of your normal balance during these uncertain times.

The first thing to get really clear about is: WHAT IS WORK FOR YOU?

What feels like work for you? How do you know when you’re working? Is working the same thing as your job? Do you need to be getting paid to consider yourself working?

Going through these questions is especially helpful if you aren’t getting paid in the traditional sense for your work (i.e., stay at home parent). If we’re on the clock with a paid position, it can be easier to know or quantify when we’re working. However, what does work look and feel like for you when your role is to be with your children all day?

A good way to think about this may be to consider– is what I’m doing difficult, challenging, or have to get done? If your answer is yes, then those things might be considered work for you. Try making a list of what work is for you. The purpose of these questions will become more clear in a minute when we consider the opposite–what does not working feel or look like?

Next consider, WHERE DO YOU WORK? Or even take it one step forward, where do you do

28

September 2020

{Work{

your best work? Is it an office, the kitchen table, in the backyard, or at a coffee shop? If you can identify and designate places or spaces where you do work, you can more quickly check yourself when you find yourself trying to do work elsewhere (read: getting lunch ready for your kids while music is playing and trying to read an email on your phone!)

I’m 100% guilty of this, and honestly it’s sometimes completely necessary. The point is that when I can feel myself getting frustrated that I can’t respond to an email during that time, I can have a little more compassion for myself about why it’s so challenging - I’m not in my work space so this is going to be harder.

Now that you know what work is for you and where you do it, WHAT IS NOT WORK FOR YOU? Make a list of the things that don’t feel like work. These might be hobbies or even things around the house. Both your list of work and not work are completely unique to you.

Making dinner may feel like a lot of work to one person, but to another it’s an enjoyable, relaxing experience. Having a work lunch with a colleague over Zoom also might not feel like work even though you’re getting paid for it.

You have to make the distinction for yourself so you can begin to turn work mode on or off accordingly. There’s a very different way to look at your day and organize it when you can identify when you’re working and when you’re not.

Lastly, consider where you can set boundaries and ask for help to establish this balance. Do

you work best in the morning or at night?

If you need time to relax and wind down at night, then perhaps your boundary is I don’t do work after 9pm. Your partner can help you

with this by reminding you if they see you working after 9pm or offering to help with the morning routine so you have an hour to do work in the morning.

If you are primarily with your kids, try to balance activities with them that don’t feel like work. For example, taking your kids for a hike might be enjoyable and relaxing for you (not work), while an art project might feel exhausting and hard. Spread these out throughout your day or week so you’re less likely to feel so burned out. It’s not selfish to do some of the things you enjoy with your kids- it’s self preservation! And if they see that you’re enjoying it, there’s a really good chance they will like it too.

Talk to your support system, partner, older kids, grandmother, to see what does and doesn’t feel like work to them. Instead of assuming or getting stuck with a task that you consider work (making dinner), you may find the other person would enjoy doing that and you can do something else that doesn’t feel like work (play a game with the kids).

Discuss, negotiate, and delegate and you might find the perfect balance for your work and personal life even in the midst of a pandemic.

Emily Betros is a licensed clinical social worker, certified health coach, and owner of Reclaiming Health, LLC. She specializes in body image support, eating disorders, anxiety, life transitions, mindfulness, and women’s issues. More info: www.reclaiminghealth.net.

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September 2020

29

TIPS FOR KEEPING OLDER ADULTS CONNECTED

Connect

 Use social media to stay in touch with friends and loved ones or reconnect with people you haven’t seen in a while.

 Take advantage of video call platforms

to see faces of family and friends while you talk to them.

Engage Virtually Courtesy of Family Features

C

onnection and a sense of community can be critical to well-being as people continue to distance and isolate. It can be challenging, especially for older adults, but there are ways to engage, explore and unwind.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, so choose a few things that suit you and commit to them. Remember to pay attention to your social and mental health while taking care of your physical health, and consider these ideas from the Administration for Community Living.

 Write letters to friends and reminisce

about some of your favorite memories.

Ask them to write back and share their own favorite memories.

 Keep up to date with current events and stay connected to neighbors by reading local newspapers and community bulletins.

Explore

 Take free courses online. With subjects

ranging from computers and cooking to studio arts and foreign languages, there is something for nearly everyone.

 E xplore zoos and aquariums across the

country through virtual tours and lessons.

Many have live webcams that allow you to watch the animals in real time.

 Enjoy artwork from around the world.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Thousands of museums and galleries are currently displaying their collections online through virtual tours.

 Tour one of the many national parks offering

digital tours and experiences you can access anytime from the comfort of home.

Unwind

 Check your library’s free e-books and

audiobooks you can borrow without leaving home. Consider joining a virtual book club to connect with others enjoying the same book.

 Host dinner or a game night with friends over a video chat. Word, trivia and acting games tend to work well virtually.

 Catch free performances online. Some opera

houses and theaters are streaming plays and performances for digital audiences.

 Watch a TV show or movie while talking to a

friend on the phone or over video chat. Many streaming services offer free trials and some even have a way to watch together online.

30

September 2020

For information on services for older adults in your community, contact the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov. moxiemagazine.net

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