Health & Happiness - March 2016

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WomensLifeStyleK azoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo Ideas for an “Avant-Garden”

EXPO - Tations!

Health &

Happiness Essential • Enlightening • Entertaining

Cool Beans

IT’S JUST SO EXCITING!!!

Did you know that OB-GYN, P.C. is now offering Childbirth and Newborn Education classes?

Our classes will give you a comprehensive look at the entire childbirth process from the beginning to the newborn.

Topics covered include: • What to expect during the third trimester and time prior to labor

• Stages of labor

• Natural comfort techniques and measures

• Medical Interventions and medications

• Postpartum care and information

• The Support Person’s role

• Breastfeeding

• What to expect from your newborn and early care information

• Tour of the Bronson Birthplace

The instructor for this course is Kristina Ledlow, Certified Childbirth Educator, Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula.

For more information or to register, email KLedlow@obgynpc.com or call 269-345-6197 ext 270.

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

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March 2016

OB-GYN P.C. 269.345.6197 2854 S 11th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009 www.obgynpc.com WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

The People Who Make It Happen...

Publisher: Darlene Mohr-Clifford dclifford@wlskazoo.com Editor & Events Manager: Michelle Morgan mmorgan@wlskazoo.com Contributing Writers: Heidi McCrary Kathleen Irish Kelly Duggan Sandy Derby Andrew Domino Erica Shier Sales Manager: Ruth Ann Dibert radibert@wlskazoo.com Account Executive: Brenda Murphy bmurphy@wlskazoo.com Layout & Design: Jennifer Chartier jchartier@wlskazoo.com Photography: K. Redmond Photography www.facebook.com/kredmondphotography Administrative: Patty Clifford pclifford@wlskazoo.com Contact Us: 269-350-5227 Sales Info: 269-271-1032

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

By Email: info@wlskazoo.com editor@wlskazoo.com sales@wlskazoo.com

LIFE

March 2016

5 8 Things to do in March (Just for the Luck of It) 32 Legends on Laughing 34 4 Tips for the Life of Your Bike 38 Reader’s Lounge & March Productions

STYLE & BEAUTY 6 13 14 24

The Alchemy of Mixology Spring Skin Check-Up Packed For Going Places “Avant-garden” Trends for 2016

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Magazine & Expo

Great EXPO-Tations

HEALTH

10 Yoga in the Office 28 Quickly Recover from Exercise Aches & Pains

LOOK WHO’S TALKING

8 Keeping Healthy & Happy In Kalamazoo

LEARN

18 Get Your Business in Motion 23 Tax Issues for Separated and Divorced Couples

FOOD & DRINK

16 Cool Beans Pigeon Pea Tacos al Pastor Caribbean Coconut & Pigeon Pea Rice Cranberry Bean, Sage and Orzo Soup 26 Dining Local – Martell’s 30 Irish Pork Stew

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS 4 Paws for Penny 15 WIN! A Make Over 35 Calendar

Website: www.womenslifestylekazoo.com

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

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FROMTHEPUBLISHER March is always an exciting month. It brings us some amazing things: the Women’s LifeStyle Expo, the first day of spring, the last day of snow (hopefully), crocuses and sometimes even daffodils. In short, it seems to bring us a sense of hope and life with hope is always good. After all, if we have “Health, Happiness & Hope”, what more do we need to be content?

On the following pages we think you’ll find lots of inspiration on those topics and more.

We have articles with tips for growing your garden or growing your business and there are recipes for healthy meals and healthy minds. If you are looking for some innovative ideas for fitness, check out our local gurus and their ideas on pages 8 & 9.

Our goal every month is to provide a wide variety of topics so that every reader finds something of interest. We always love to hear from you, letting us know what you love and what you’d like more of in our pages.

Any comments or ideas should be directed to editor@wlskazoo.com.

Wishing you an amazing March full of Health & Happiness & Hope.

Darlene Publisher

March 2016 Specials l

l

THERMAFRAX: 1 Thermage (face) 1 Fraxel (face) $230000 CLEANSERS: 15% OFF

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~ Charles Dickens

P

enny (Toornman) Major has been battling a brain tumor for almost 25 years, a fact that is both daunting and aweinspiring. Penny’s tumor, an astrocytoma, was diagnosed in May of 1991. Due to its location in her brain, the tumor was inoperable, leading doctors to treat it with Gamma Knife radiation later that year. The radiation successfully shrunk the tumor, but cysts soon began to form around the fluid produced by the dying tumor. These cysts were causing cognitive and physical problems, eventually requiring the placement of a shunt to drain the fluid from her brain.

In 2010 it was discovered that the shunt was no longer needed, leading to its removal. However, in the summer of 2015, a routine MRI revealed a new tumor, near Silver Paw Print the locationSterling of the previous one. A new shunt was placed($27.00) in Pendant/Charms January of 2016 and a treatment Hook Earrings ($37.00) plan that includes five weeks of radiation began in February. As she battlesAvailable this new at:brain tumor, those who love her (including her Sterling Silver Paw Print Tanyas.and . .The Girl Garage, Pendant/Charms ($27.00) twin sister Laurie her college(1987 VHS graduate) aged daughter Montana) are Pet Emporium & Vicksburg Cultural Hook Earrings ($37.00) rallying around to offer their medical and living exp Arts Center in Vicksburg support.

50% of sale goes to Penny Toornman M

Don’s Card Hut – Southland in Portage Available at: Penny’s friend from Kindergarten, Karla Piper, is the owner of Girl Garage, Siesta Silver Jewelry and is not one Tanyas. to sit idly. .The by as her friend faces another fight. Inspired by Penny’s courage & and wantingCultural Pet Emporium Vicksburg to support her in a tangible way, Karla decided to design Arts Center in Vicksburg and sell jewelry to help pay for Penny’s treatment and living Don’s for CardPenny”, Hut – Southland expenses. This special line, called “Paws features in Portage

www.SiestaSilverJewelry.

Karla Piper • 269.548.73

a paw print design on either a mini charm/pendant ($27 plus tax) or earrings ($37 plus tax). A full 50% of the purchase price will go directly to Penny.

Micro-needling,

Whether you’re an animal lover or simply someone who wants to get some great jewelry while supporting a great cause, you can find “Paws for Penny” pieces at a number of Kalamazoo area locations. You can visit Don's Card Hut at Southland in Portage, Pet Emporium & Textiles or Tanya's...The Girl Garage in Vicksburg. They can also be found at the Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center. To make the handling the donations easier, purchases should be made with cash or check only.

If you prefer, you can support Penny by donating at her GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/as5jy74j.

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March 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

www Ka

by Peaches McCahill

THINGS TO DO IN I

n addition to the four-leaf clover, there are all types of signs and symbols of luck. They can be found in nature, in almost every culture, myth and folklore.

JUST FOR THE LUCK OF IT

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Ladybugs. Wearing a ladybug or having one land on you is said to lessen your problems.

1 Horseshoes represent fertility and good fortune. Place one over your door with the “U” upward.

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Dreamcatcher.

A Native American keepsake crafted to ensure beautiful, restful dreams.

Pig. Consider wearing a pig charm to bring wealth and prosperity.

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Elephants. An elephant figurine placed near your doorway is intended to ensure longevity.

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Magazine & Expo

Stray eyelash. When you find one, place it on your finger and make a wish.

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Women’s LifeStyle Expo: March 4 from 12-6pm & March 5 from 9-4pm.

Coins. Dropping a coin in a fountain with a wish, or picking up a penny is said to be lucky in numerous ways.

Some people carry their lucky coin with their birth year in a pocket or purse.

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Pig charm by Tiffany

Exclusively brought to you by:

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

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THE ALCHEMY OF MIXOLOGY: TRANSFORMING SPACE WITH PATTERN

by Jan McCollum

O

ne of the grandest illusions we as human beings embrace is that we are in control, or at least partially in control of our world. We observe, think, formulate and strategize to manipulate events and circumstances, especially those that affect our present. We are hardwired for survival, reacting to emotional triggers that relate to our basic human needs for food, shelter, protection from danger, and reproduction. “Fight or flight” is not new terminology in today’s society where the study of neuroscience and how the brain works is central to our understanding of personal growth and development.

It also lays a fascinating foundation to understanding our reactions to our environment, both personal and global. Developing an awareness of the why behind our response to the things in our world and our homes is a powerful tool, as it gives us back, at least a little, of the control we think we have!

“

The presence and distribution of pattern or visual stimuli is directly related to the energy of the space. It can add life or amplify confusion.”

The reaction we have to visual stimuli is in great part visceral. We connect the things we see, including pattern, shapes, and color to places, things, and events we’ve experienced. The swirly design in the wallpaper that reminds you of your grandmother’s dining room

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March 2016

where the family gathered for memorable holiday dinners triggers a feeling of safety and identification with your tribe, if you will. If those holiday dinners were tense and not a highlight of the season, your home is probably devoid of swirls!

We are drawn to things that evoke the positive, pleasant memories we sift out of our experience. Depending on our wiring, we’ll draw a lot into our lives, or possibly feel the need to filter or edit out the extraneous. The presence and distribution of pattern or visual stimuli is directly related to the energy of the space. It can add life or amplify confusion. A little guidance in “connecting the dots” follows: Use a bold pattern as a focal point.

Apply to an accent wall or area of the space to create a statement.

Transition an elaborate pattern to a more modern style by combining with neutral furnishings. A light linen sofa will balance a bold floral wall covering, for example.

Create a more controlled energy and add warmth to a room by combining different patterns of the same color. Vary the scale of the patterns, juxtaposing large with medium, medium with small, or large with small.

Add neutral elements such as polka dots or a strategic splash of strong color for relief.

Don’t over-coordinate your space. Incorporate the things with which you resonate. A little design tension relaxes a space, making it feel

more inviting and livable. Magically, they will have a common thread that unifies the space.

A 2016 design trend note: The use of pattern, especially geometrics, is in for 2016. Layer patterns to create a cozy environment. Combine geometrics with florals to raise energy levels and add interest.

Hick’s Law states that the more choices we have, the more difficult it is to make a decision. Start with a few patterns you love and let the rest come later. The initial selections will provide a solid foundation for the patterns and colors to come.

The best spaces evolve over time.

We are usually reluctant to attempt the unfamiliar or exercise those skills with which we feel less confident.

Step out anyway! Therein lies the secret of alchemy: a transformation of matter. Taking action in itself is transformative. It returns a sense of control in an otherwise unpredictable, crazy world.

Exploring beyond our comfort zone broadens horizons and changes perspectives. It also stimulates new neuropathways in the brain! Most importantly, taking action energizes the soul. Pattern is poetry in motion, and movement is life. Get moving!

Founder and design principal of J Parker McCollum, Inc., Jan is a speaker, mentor, educator, and product designer with projects featured in several local publications. www.jparkermccollum.com

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

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Look Who’s

TALKING

Keeping Healthy &

Erin Carlson

Taking Their Turn

by Andrew Domino

Gardening, getting fit and gaining friends — one group in Kalamazoo offers all three to west Michigan women.

Your Turn, founded in 2010, is an organization for runners and others interested in learning more about health and wellness, said program director Melodie Holman. The group hosts running training from the beginner Couch-To-5K all the way to a springtime half-marathon program.

They’re preparing for Kalamazooarea runs, like the Kalamazoo Klassic, though one woman took her Your Turn training to the New Zealand Ironman race.

Fitness has been a part of Erin Carlson’s life from the beginning. She fell in love with soccer as a young girl and continued to play throughout her adolescent and college years at Michigan State University. Not only did Erin love the sport itself, she cherished the sense of support and community the players and coaches gave her. When her years as a soccer player were over, it didn’t take long for Erin to miss that feeling of being part of a close-knit community. When she discovered Cross Fit, she felt that some of what she’d been missing was returned to her. She fell in love all over again.

Erin is now Co-Owner and Coach at CrossFit AZO in her hometown of Portage. CrossFit is a training and conditioning program created by Greg Glassman that incorporates cardiovascular, calisthenics and weight training into daily workouts with the goal of attaining greater levels of physical fitness. Erin realizes that CrossFit can seem intimidating to some and encourages anyone with an interest to come in and watch a Workout of the Day (WOD) and talk to members about their experiences. They also offer a free friend’s class and a reminder that you don’t need to be in shape before starting CrossFit; you should come as you are. They’ll help you to get fit!

The sense of joy Erin receives from helping her members reach their fitness goals is one of the things Erin loves most about her chosen path. She explains, “I want to be able to give others the same sense of support that I once received. I want to make a difference in someone’s life by helping them get one step closer to their goals.” She loves that she is able to offer a sense of community and belonging to her members while they challenge themselves to reach new heights of fitness and health.

Many women return every year for another season of running, alongside women who have never run before.

Holman said each week, she makes sure runners are paired together in different combinations, so everyone has a chance to meet everyone else.

She introduces them by name: “Amy, this is Betty. Betty, this is Amy.” “They think it’s so corny,” Holman said. “It’s an intentional part of our program that you meet other women.

They may not be at the same skill level but they may be able to connect talking about health and wellness.”

Your Turn has hosted “Funzie Events,” social activities like roller skating and fashion shows for participants. The events are in response to requests for activities that weren’t about sitting down to a meal. When it is time to dig in, Your Turn also offers “Small Steps to Healthy Eating,” a healthy living instructional course, where attendees learn about nutrition and mental health. One recent class demonstrated juicers, and when it’s a good idea to get a juice drink.

Last summer, Your Turn worked with second- and third-graders in Constantine, planting a 45-footlong garden and giving students seeds to grow in their classrooms.

At the end of the summer, the crops were picked and given away to Constantine-area residents.

“It was a true community garden,” Holman said. Your Turn is expecting to set up another garden in 2016.

There are about 1,000 “supporting women” attending Your Turn events, Holman said. The organization is not an official 501(c)3 non-profit, but Holman said they are looking for people who can help with the legal part of the process. Each Your Turn activity has a small charge, with all of the money going back to women in the community.

“We buy running shoes and pay for race entry fees for women who can’t afford it,” Holman said.

That emphasis on one-on-one relationships is key to Your Turn, she said. From the start, the goal has been to help people get in shape physically and mentally, and to keep growing by encouraging others to do the same.

There’s no shortage of volunteers who help out with race training and nutrition classes; the courses themselves are deliberately limited to just a few people per session.

“We want to make sure we are meeting the needs of the women,” Holman said. “We want them to find the women they need to find.” www.yourturnwomen.org Facebook: YourTurnWomenKalamazoo

Erin credits her success to her parents and the many mentors who have guided her along the way. Her gratitude for the advice and support they have offered drives her to give the same to the members of CrossFit Azo. In fact, Erin says that family is the most important thing in her life and she is looking forward to becoming an aunt in this summer.

When she’s not motivating and supporting her members at CrossFit Azo, Erin volunteers as an Assistant Goalkeeping Coach for WMU Women’s Soccer.

She also loves to be outdoors and spends as much time as she can hiking with her dog, kayaking and enjoying the occasional bonfire.

Erin can be reached via email at erinc@crossfitazo.com or at (269)491-2557.

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March 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Happy in Kalamazoo Kimberly “Kim” Brockway Co-Owner of Veritas Fitness Certified Fitness Trainer & Specialist in Fitness Nutrition

WHERE WERE YOU BORN

Ford City, PA. I have lived in the Kalamazoo area since 2013 and currently reside in Oshtemo, MI. EDUCATION Studied Biology at

Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Certified Fitness Trainer & Specialist in Fitness Nutrition through ISSA (the International Sports Science Association.) I became a fitness trainer in the summer of 2006 and a nutrition coach since 2012.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania, and am the oldest of 10 children (yes, we are Irish Catholic). I met my husband, Brien while in college. We married in 2009 and jumped right into Army life. We moved to Kalamazoo when Brien got out of the Army in 2013. We have 3 children, ages 4, 2 and 6months.

WHAT STEERED YOU TOWARDS FITNESS AND NUTRITION TRAINING

After graduating from college I was planning to go to school to become a physical therapist. I interned with a physical therapist who suggested I work as a fitness trainer during the school year. I had been an avid runner since high school and started weight training my freshman year of college, so it was perfect for me. I fell in love with fitness training and never looked back.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING A PERSONAL TRAINER

Helping people make healthy changes to reach their fitness goals. Big goals or small, it doesn’t matter. It is so rewarding!

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST LEAP OF FAITH In 2013 when my husband

Brien got out of the Army we decided to move to Michigan and open a fitness boot camp business in Portage.

His family is from the area, but other than a few of his family friends I didn’t know a single person here. It was very scary starting from scratch.

But it was also the best decision we ever made.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS I am really good at baking

cakes and I’ve done several wedding cakes for family and friends. Not exactly a talent for a fitness trainer to be bragging about!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK I love to run

and bike with my family. I also enjoy gardening and cooking.

FAVORITE BOOK AND MOVIE

Book: The Secret Garden. Movie: Return to Me. WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN FIVE YEARS

I want Veritas Fitness to be the Go-To place for fitness and fat loss in Southwest Michigan.

Kim can be reached via email at info@veritasfitness.com or at (269) 743-7742 or www.veritas-fitess. com.

Greater Kalamazoo

Danielle Beller Owner of Back to Life Bodyworks Advanced MELT Method Instructor

TELL US ABOUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY I grew up in Battle Creek,

MI with hard-working self-employed parents. There must be something in the water! I'm the youngest of 3 girls.

I live in Portage, MI with my brand new husband, Richard and our two cats. We just got married in August.

EDUCATION Lifelong! Licensed

Massage Therapist, Professional Bowenwork Practitioner, Advanced MELT Method Instructor (Length and NeuroStrength.) Currently enrolled in a Restorative Exercise Specialist course.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS

My husband and I own and operate Back to Life Bodyworks. It is a bodywork business catering to Kalamazoo and Portage, where we specialize in two highly effective bodywork techniques, Bowenwork and the MELT Method, for helping the body heal, addressing stress, tension and pain, as well as injury treatment and prevention.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR PROFESSION I have always been

interested in health and fitness. My focus has shifted more towards living an active, healthy, pain-free life for my whole life, rather than perfect abs.

Having been a deep-tissue massage therapist for many years, I began to develop repetitive-use injuries to the point that I feared I had to give up my life as a bodyworker, as well as the active life I love. That's actually how I discovered the MELT Method.

Within 3 weeks, the pain I endured for almost 6 months was entirely gone when nothing else I tried had provided lasting relief. I am back to being able to work out as much as I want and MELT away any muscle tension or soreness in as little as 10 minutes. That's when I felt like I found the work I was meant to do--teaching others how to take a pro-active approach in their health

and well-being. I truly believe that self-care is the wave of the future in healthcare. Taking the same care and maintenance for our bodies as we do our cars or our homes, to not only address issues as they come up, but also as a preventative. Not just for pain-relief, but for enhancing the efficiency of how all of the body systems work.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU Learning.

Podcasts. Music. The resilient nature of the human body, mind and spirit.

Nature. Simple kindnesses shown by a stranger.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY My

perfect day is when I have had a great night's sleep and wake up feeling full of energy and focused. I especially love when my morning is open and I can take my time relaxing with my coffee and studying. Or, going for a hike and coming home to MELT my feet, which feels like a massage, as a reward. Or having lunch with my mom or a girlfriend. I'm a pretty simple person. Doing the work I love, helping others feel their best, connecting with those that I'm close with and making time to play is really all it takes to make me happy.

WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE YOUR BUSINESS IN 5 YEARS

I hope to work toward making Back to Life Bodyworks and the MELT Method synonymous with health, vitality and pain-relief. I just want to be of service and build on the foundation that we have been laying since 2010, when I took the leap from employee to self-employed. I am very excited about the future and know that we have a lot to offer.

Danielle can be reached via email at back2lifebodyworks@gmail. com or at (269) 788-8276 or www. backtolifebodyworks.com.

March 2016

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March 2016

269.375.1000

Yoga IN THE OFFICE

by Leannah Seese • photography by Two Eagles Marcus

L

ife is sometimes a whirlwind with a job, family and social life. For the majority of full-time employees, a 40hour workweek (or more!) is standard.

Many of these jobs require an extensive amount of sitting. Prolonged periods of sitting over time can create issues within the body. Not moving around makes it difficult for the body to lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and other toxic build up. Walking 10-15 minutes a day can help counteract some of the negative effects of sitting, but it’s also important to stretch, as long periods of little to no use can cause muscles to tighten over time. While it’s tricky, if not impossible, to roll out a yoga mat at any job, there are some yoga poses, or asanas, that can be done while at a desk. These poses aid flexibility and will get the blood circulating more which can give a boost of energy.

When in the sitting position, your hamstrings are contracted. The hamstring is the muscle that runs along the backside of the thigh and aids in bending the leg. It connects from the pelvis to the end of the femur by the knee. Tight hamstrings can often times go hand in hand with tight hip flexors, which is a set of muscles in the hip area that brings your leg toward the body and bend at the waist; tight hamstrings and hip flexors can cause lower back pain.

gaze backward. Inhale and return hands to heart center. During exhale, interlace fingers, turn palms away, and stretch arms down while rounding the back.

Return hands to heart center on the inhale. Exhale and repeat.

3. Forward Fold

Now that the blood is pumping and the muscles are warmed up, stretch the spine by doing a forward fold called ragdoll. Spread the feet and legs a little wider than hip distance. Inhale and raise the arms to the sky, reaching up. Exhale and bend forward, allowing the arms to drape over legs and the head to hang.

Hold here for several breaths.

4. Spinal Twist

A spine twist, which aids digestion, can be done by crossing the right leg over the left, and placing the left hand on the right knee. Use the resistance of the left arm on the right knee to gently twist to the right. Repeat on the other side.

5. Seated Pigeon

Seated pigeon is a great asana for tight hamstrings and hip flexors. Place the right ankle on the left knee. Relax and allow gravity to pull your right knee down without pushing it. If more stretch is needed, fold the torso over the leg.

Stay here for a few breaths, and repeat on the other side.

This following asanas are done in a chair 6. Seated Eagle and can be done in a sequence if there is To achieve eagle pose, cross the right enough time, or practiced individually leg over the left. Take the arms out in if specific areas are more bothersome front of the body, and place the right than others. under left. Bend arms and try to touch the right fingertips to the left palm. This 1. Cat/Cow helps open the shoulders. Try to keep the While sitting in a chair, ideally one that elbows out in front and eyes forward. isn’t too soft, straighten the back and Remain here for a few breaths and then place hands on knee. Begin breathing repeat on the left side. Add extra stretch slowly and deeply. After a few breaths, to by slightly arching the back while in begin a few rounds of cat and cow pose. the pose.

Raise your chest and slightly arch your back on an inhale sending the eyes up If completing the sequence, end with a and slightly back. Round the back on an few sun salutations and a forward fold. exhale lowering your gaze.

These movements are not meant to cause more pain. If something causes sharp pains, it is best to stop. These 2. Sun Salutations asanas are a great supplement to a To complete a sun salutation, place palms together in front of the heart, and workday and regular exercise schedule.

Practice these as many times throughout on an inhale, raise your arms up to the sky, palms slightly apart. On the exhale, the day as needed to help stretch and get put a slightly backbend in the spine and oxygen flowing!

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

1 Events Calendar March 2016

Borgess Events

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Borgess Better Breathers Group support for individuals with respiratory issues (COPD, emphysema, bronchitis) and their caregivers.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Thursday, March 3, 5 to 6 p.m.

Free. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

Bariatric Surgery Seminar For those considering bariatric surgery.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Wednesday, March 9, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 12, 10 a.m. to Noon Free. Registration required. Call (269) 226.6863 to register or visit bariatrics.borgess.com to watch our online bariatric seminar.

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Breastfeeding A lactation consultant will present the benefits of breastfeeding, practical techniques, breastfeeding after returning to work and more.

Borgess Medical Center, Lawrence Education Center Tuesday, March 15, 6 to 8:30 p.m. $23/couple. Registration required. Please call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

For a complete list and further information about what Borgess has to offer, please visit wellness.borgess.com. Want the latest classes, events and health screenings sent directly to your inbox? You can also sign up for the Borgess Bulletin e-newsletter there, as well.

These poses aid flexibility and will get the blood circulating more which can give a boost of energy.”

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Swim for Fitness This is a coached swim program for swimmers who want to build endurance, prepare for triathlons or develop stroke technique.

Participants should be able to swim a minimum of two pool lengths.

For ages 11 and older.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Thursdays, March 3-April 21, 7:30 to 8:15 p.m.

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$48. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

Prenatal Yoga A certified Prenatal/Postnatal YogaFit® instructor presents the benefits of yoga in a safe, supportive format. Yoga echoes breathing practices, improves focus and strengthens muscles used during delivery.

Borgess Health & Fitness Center Mondays, March 7-April 25, 7:15 to 8 p.m. $56. Registration required. Call (269) 226.8135 or (800) 828.8135 or visit wellness.borgess.com to register.

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For a complete list and further information about classes at Borgess Health & Fitness Center, visit fitness.borgess.com.

Leannah is the owner and founder of Green Gaia Essentials, LLC, a company that provides cruelty free, all-natural, organic health and beauty products. GreenGaiaEssentials.com

Greater Kalamazoo

A member of Ascension®

March 2016

11

ACUPUNCTURE HAPPY HOUR Stressed? Try the happy hour that makes you feel happy inside and out!

Learn more about the benefits of acupuncture by experiencing it firsthand.

It’s a great way to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy, and get acquainted with acupuncture.

How much

What

Group-style acupuncture for stress reduction.

20-minute mini acupuncture treatment Mini-massage (extra) Herbal Tea provided

Acupuncture Mini-Treatment $30 Mini-Massage $15 When

Where

Every Thursday, 4pm– 6pm 5080 Lover’s Lane Suite C Portage, MI 49002

Please call ahead

269-753-5591 wiseacupuncture.com

Cup of Soup & Half-Sandwich $6 Made fresh daily in our kitchen… naturally Kalamazoo (west) 4426 West Main

Downtown Kalamazoo 527 Harrison

Portage 7083 S. Westnedge

(269) 343-8440 • mackenziesbakery.com

Spring Ahead With Your New Smile!

10% OFF 4 or More Veneers MARCH O NLY

“Susan Dennis is not just a practitioner of dentistry, she’s a sculptor, an artist, and a visionary. She can look at her patient and see exactly what she needs to make their smile perfect.”

269.216.7106 -Lori Moore

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March 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Spring Skin

CHECK-UP courtesy MetroCreative

Using a daily moisturizer that has broad-spectrum sunscreen or sun protecting-properties is essential to protecting the skin.

W

ith the commencement of spring, being active outside is becoming more prominent. Before the sun gets scorching hot, it’s important to take proper precautions in protecting your skin. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer accounts for the largest number of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Each year, nearly 5 million Americans are treated for skin cancer, with most cases being non-melanoma skin cancer, typically diagnosed as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Skin cancer is not the only condition that can affect the skin. From rosacea to eczema to acne to psoriasis, the skin can be affected by numerous conditions, many of which can be both uncomfortable and embarrassing.

Keeping skin healthy requires effort, and there are many things men and women can do to protect their skin and reduce their risk for various conditions.

Routinely visit a dermatologist.

Dermatologists can treat and help prevent disorders of the skin, and men and women should make annual visits to their dermatologist to ensure their skin is healthy. Dermatologists can diagnose if a mark or

Greater Kalamazoo

a blemish is something benign or not, and provide information on various courses of treatment. As with any specialist, dermatologists are well versed in new and innovative care. If anything on your skin seems suspect, make an appointment right away.

Each year, nearly five million Americans are treated for skin cancer,

an SPF of at least 15. Apply it every two hours or more often. Make sunscreen a part of your daily regimen, using it as you would moisturizer or antiperspirant.

Quit the habit.

The Mayo Clinic says smoking narrows tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This robs the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Smoking also can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin, which promotes elasticity.

Be gentle to the skin.

Use mild cleansers and limit showers and baths to warm water. Moisturize dry skin if it is problematic.

Pat skin dry after washing and do not tug or rub skin excessively.

Inspect skin regularly.

Protect yourself from the sun.

The single best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from the sun. Not only can a lifetime of sun exposure cause wrinkles and age spots, but it can also lead to cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with

Routinely check your skin for any changes and share any concerns with your doctor. Schedule annual skin checks as part of yearly physical examinations.

Taking these steps can help you maintain healthy skin and prevent ailments in the years to come.

March 2016

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Packed for Looking Great & Going Places

by Kelly Duggan, AICI FLC

ith the onset of spring comes the potential for increased travel. Savvy fashionista’s, traveling for work or pleasure; don’t have time to wait for their bags to come off the carousel. It is possible to pack everything you will need into a carryon. Use these tips to learn how to pack your wardrobe so you are always ready to grab your carry-on and go.

Create a List

Make a master list of everything you may need for your trip, remembering that “less is more.” Refer to the list often as you pack – only taking with you what you will need – nothing more. Take time to consider what you will be doing and where & with whom you will be when listing your selections.

To Roll or To Bag

Packing can be done in different ways.

Top picks include rolling your clothes, which will take up much less space or by hanging complete outfits on wire hangers and cover them in dry cleaner plastic bags as long as the garments.

Fold and lay the garments flat in the suitcase, alternating the direction that the hanger lays with each set. Voila… wrinkling will be minimized and you will have fresh garments ready for wear.

Read the Label Consider the fabrics you are packing as well.

Typically synthetics are less likely to wrinkle when packed, and will not need ironing when you arrive at your destination.

Color Coordinate Build your wardrobe around one versatile neutral (navy, grey, black or stone) and one other color from your palette.

You can mix and match everything else around these colors. To save space, opt for two pairs

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March 2016

of shoes that meet the needs of your planned wardrobe, both coordinating with your color scheme.

Additional Space Savers Fill in the nooks and crannies of your suitcase with your socks, accessories, and underwear. Don’t forget to use yourself to pack. Wear a jacket on the plane so it does not take up critical space in your bag. Need an additional small purse or evening clutch on your trip? Carry it within your larger ‘carry all’ purse to your destination.

Prepare Your Accessories Select appropriate accessories for each outfit, and put them in a Ziploc™ type bag or travel jewelry bag. Getting dressed will be easy and efficient.

Do Your Laundry

Traveling light may mean recycling the outfits you have packed. Check out the hotel’s laundry facilities and use the clothesline in your room to dry delicate items.

Remember to make a list when you start and only pack what you need. Keep it simple, apply these tips and soon you will find packing everything into a carry-on will happen with ease.

Key Ingredients for a Sample Wardrobe •

•

•

•

•

Dark pant/skirt or suit – skip your sweats or jeans if traveling to Europe A twin sweater set – is great for layering and can be worn several ways T-shirts/tanks – cotton for day, silk for dressing up Evening-dressy pant – a drapey palazzo pant or shimmery straight leg Accessories – an assortment of jewelry…casual to dressy, a colorful print scarf and a great pair of sunglasses

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.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Enter ! n i W to

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL

MAKEOVER

If you’ve always wondered exactly how you could improve your image, this is your opportunity to win a free makeover with professional presence coach & consultant Kelly Duggan.

Take a moment NOW to enter the contest.

It’s simple really, just send us: Name | Age | Address | Phone Number(s) | Why You? Simply tell us how you think a makeover would improve your professional life. Please limit your response to 500 words or less.

TO ENTER: Please respond by March 31, 2016. Please email your information to Women’s LifeStyle Magazine at editor@wlskazoo.com.

BEFORE

Specific age demographic: college graduate 20 - 30 year of age. Our team of professionals will review all entries and pick a winner. The winner will be announced in the May 2016 WLSK edition. The makeover will be documented in diary format and reported in upcoming WLSK editions. Contest sponsors: Women’s LifeStyle Magazine & Kelly Duggan Image Consulting.

Greater Kalamazoo

Kelly Duggan Image Consulting

AFTER

March 2016

15

Beans Cool

These recipes are dedicated to Lorie Kunkle who first shared the expression “Cool Beans” with me. I still miss Lorie!” ~ Darlene

Caribbean Coconut and Pigeon Pea Rice Makes 8 servings

A variation of the traditional Dominican dish known as Moro de Gandules con Coco, this creamy, risottolike coconut and pigeon pea entrée gets an added hit of flavor from sweet potatoes and a spicy topping of toasted coconut, chilies, green olives and cilantro.

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 2 cups) 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided 1/4 cup finely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives, divided

1 tablespoon finely chopped chilies, divided

2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Mediterranean oregano

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup medium grain white rice

1 can (15 to 16 ounces) pigeon peas, drained and rinsed

1 can (13.66 ounces) coconut milk 1 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup toasted flaked coconut Heat oil in 4-quart Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add sweet potatoes, bell pepper, onion and 1 tablespoon each of the cilantro and olives, and 1 teaspoon of the chilies; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until bell pepper and onion are softened and sweet potatoes are lightly browned. Add rice, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika and sea salt; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until rice begins to look translucent.

Stir in pigeon peas, coconut milk, water and tomato sauce. Bring to boil on medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Uncover and let stand another 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork. Mix toasted coconut, the remaining cilantro, olives and chilies in small bowl. Serve rice with coconut mixture.

Pigeon Pea Tacos al Pastor with Coconut Lime Slaw Makes 6 two-taco servings

This hearty, meat-free twist on classic tacos al pastor features a protein-packed filling of spiced pigeon peas, tomatoes and pineapple paired with a cooling coconut-lime cabbage slaw.

Coconut Lime Slaw:

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

2 cups shredded cabbage 1/4 cup flaked coconut

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro Pigeon Pea Tacos al Pastor:

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 cup finely chopped pineapple

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March 2016

1 can (15 to 16 ounces) brown pigeon peas, rinsed and drained

2 teaspoons Mediterranean oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika 12 taco shells, warmed For the slaw, mix lime juice, olive oil and honey in medium bowl until well blended. Add cabbage, coconut and cilantro; toss to coat.

Cover. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the tacos, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add tomatoes and pineapple; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until softened.

Add pigeon peas and seasonings; cook and stir until heated through. Serve pigeon pea mixture in warm taco shells topped with slaw.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

MARCH 23, 2016 12–4 p.m

NICOLE W. ASSOCIATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Texas Township Campus Meet face-to-face with more than 75 employers Free Parking

www.kvcc.edu/careerfair Sponsored by

Cranberry Bean, Sage and Orzo Soup Makes 7 servings

This rustic, satisfying Mediterranean-style soup gains texture and protein from creamy cranberry beans, also called borlotti beans, making it a hearty one-pot meal. The soup’s rich flavor starts with a sofrito base, then builds with sage and Albariño wine, a fruity and intensely aromatic Spanish varietal.

removed to let steam escape, purée 1 cup of the soup in blender on high speed until smooth. Return puréed mixture to pot. Stir kale into soup. Simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes or until kale is tender and soup is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. To serve, ladle into soup bowls. Garnish with thin twists of lemon peel, grated Asiago cheese and Asiago Crostini (recipe follows), if desired.

Asiago Crostini Preheat oven to 350 F. Place thinly sliced baguette in single layer on baking sheet. Brush lightly on both sides with olive oil. Bake for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with grated Asiago cheese. Bake 2 minutes longer or just until cheese is melted.

1 cup coarsely chopped pancetta

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrots 1/2 cup chopped celery

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup Albariño wine

4 cups (1 quart) chicken stock

1 can (14.28 ounces) cranberry beans, (also called borlotti beans), drained 1/3 cup orzo pasta, uncooked

2 thick strips lemon peel

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon sage 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups chopped kale Cook and stir pancetta in 5-quart saucepot or Dutch oven on medium heat 4 minutes or until browned. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook and stir 6 to 8 minutes or until vegetables soften. Stir in remaining ingredients, except the kale. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove and discard lemon peel. With center part of cover

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

17

peace, respect, comfort, dignity, this is hospice. hospiceswmi.org 269.345.0273

like us on facebook

find events, stories, & more • Home Hospice Care • Rose Arbor Hospice Residence • Grief Support • Adult Day Services at Oakland Centre

Get Your Business

I

t is critical for small business owners to keep their business in motion. If you own a business or are in a management role, there are numerous ways to keep your business on a growing path. Begin by ensuring the following aspects are fulfilled for continued growing success in your business venture.

Understand your financials.

Small business owners often leave the understanding of their financials to their accountant. This leaves the business owner or manager with limited opportunity to ensure the business maximizes its growing potential. The three biggest opportunities to keep a business financially in motion are proper budgeting and forecasting, knowing the break-even point and analyzing the company’s ratios.

These areas help the small business owner meet the challenge to not only maintain the business, but also propel the business into a solid financial growth strategy.

Budgets and forecasts help develop a business model, review key assumptions and identify resources and capital needs. They are also used as a management tool that establishes milestones and accountability.

Budgets and forecasts help identify risks and establish benchmarks. This will help the small business owner make the necessary adjustments to manage risks, reach milestones and measure up to benchmarks.

Many business owners use the break-even point as a tool to enable them to plan for the future with a solid foundation. A break-even point allows a business owner or manager a very accurate projection of how many sales are needed, what is needed to achieve that level of sales and how a business can increase profitability by cutting expenses.

Most small business owners focus on the growth of their business rather than profitability. It’s natural to focus on growth, but profits are essential for any small business.

Therefore, knowing the break-even point of a business is essential to the overall business operation and is the key to a strategic plan to increase long-term profitability.

Ratio analysis is a method to determine the overall financial condition of a small business. It puts the information from a financial statement into perspective and helps spot financial patterns that may threaten the health of a business.

Ratios are can be used to make comparisons between a business and other businesses in a given industry. For example, by comparing ratios, a business owner can indicate whether a business holds too much inventory or collects receivables too slowly. This comparison provides a window into ways a business can improve its operations. A variety of sources, including many trade

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March 2016

by Jennifer Deamud or business associations and organizations, provide data for comparison purposes. They are also available from commercial services.

Keep a business moving by planning.

Business owners hear often enough that every small and large business needs to have a plan. Instead of burying a business plan in an office drawer like many business owners, a business needs to view the plan as a working document and as a tool for growth. In other words, it’s never finished. A well-communicated business plan allows management and investors to get on the same page and be ready for action. The business plan evaluates the opportunity, quantifies the resources required and lays out a strategic road map for implementation. It integrates all the functional elements of a small business—finance, marketing, sales, human resources, and operations—into a single cohesive force.

Customers move, so should a business.

Many experienced small business owners do not have a solid understanding of who will buy from them, or they assume that everyone is their customer. Assumptions like this might lead to misguided marketing plans and poor decisions. Small business owners can build a better, stronger business by identifying and serving their respective target market.

Successful small businesses understand that only a limited number of people will buy their product or service. The task then becomes how to determine who this group is, how to communicate with this audience and how to monitor their preferences. Customer groups continue to change their preferences; by monitoring customer desires, a small business can stay one step ahead of the competition.

In summary, a business owner (or management) needs to monitor several aspects of a small business continually if they want to keep a business in motion and on a viable path. It is sometimes easy for business owners to work in their business instead of working on their business.

In order to succeed, business owners must find time to refine plans, understand financials, and target products/ services to the most relevant audiences.

Jennifer M. Deamud is the Associate State Director of the Small Business Development Center located at Seidman College of Business, Grand Valley State University.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

March 4 & 5, 2016 Friday 12 – 6 Saturday 9 – 4

Magazine & Expo

Blood Drive

Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake St Kalamazoo

Programs

WIN!

Friday, March 4 12:00 Lori Moore LIVE 1:30 On Stage Makeover: Mary Kay 2:00 Cluster/Capsule Dressing: Kelly Duggan, Image Consultant

Fabulous Door Prizes & Raffles

Saturday, March 5 11:00 FASHION SHOW featuring Style Encore 11:30 On Stage Makeover: BeautiControl 12:00 Everything You Need to Know About Flower Arranging: Ambati Flowers

2:30 Healthy Meal Planning: Wildtree

12:30 Healthy Meal Planning: Wildtree

3:00 Discover New Ways to Repurpose Your Home Décor: ACS Discovery Shop

1:00 Style Secrets FASHION SHOW featuring Chico’s

3:30 Boheme Tribal Belly Dance

2:00 Battle of the Mascots 2:30 Explore the Wonderful World of Cooking:

4:00 FASHION SHOW featuring Stein Mart

The Pantry on Tap

4:30 Explore the Wonderful World of Cooking: The Pantry on Tap

3:00 Boheme Tribal Belly Dance

3:30 Taoist Tai Chi Society

Please note: Actual times or scheduled presentations of events on the Main Stage may vary.

Program Descriptions & Presenters Cluster/Capsule Dressing Kelly Duggan will teach you how to create easy and unlimited options in your wardrobe with Cluster/Capsule Dressing. Learn how 8 key garments can create 30 plus unique looks, getting you out the door feeling credible, confident and attractive Explore the Wonderful World of Cooking Kat and Polly from the Pantry on Tap will dive into some delicious standards and new favorites with this one. Grilled Cheese Extravaganza! Cheese, bread, oil – Combine - Repeat.

Discover New Ways to Repurpose Your Home Decor.

Join the volunteers from the American Cancer Society’s Discover Shop to see amazing decorating ideas. New and un-thought-of uses for a basketful of treasures!

Boheme Tribal Belly Dance Sarah Schneider-Koning of Tribal Belly Dance will demonstrate the ancient art of Belly Dance!

Mystery. Grace. Strength. Flexibility.

Community. Join Boheme Tribal Belly Dance for a performance and mini-lesson! This is a social dance form that embraces all body types, genders, ages, and abilities.

Greater Kalamazoo

On Stage Makeover Tori Sides a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant will perform an onstage makeover.

Taoist Tai Chi Society The Taoist Tai Chi Society members will demonstrate a graceful, serene set of Tai Chi movements and other related health improvement arts. Frequent practice of the arts will help reduce stress, improve balance, increase flexibility, boost immunity and realign skeletal structure.

Everything You Need to Know About Flower Arranging Ambati Flowers owner Ardis Lielzuika will give you simple tips and techniques on flower preparation and arrangement.

Learn his insider tricks and you’ll be comfortable going to a flower shop, choosing a variety of flowers, and arranging a show stopper floral bouquet!

Are You Ready to Update Your Closet for Spring?

Madeline, Lori, and Emily from Style Encore present spring outfits that fit your life, as well as tips on starting a capsule wardrobe. Style Encore is the hottest new women’s resale shop in the Kalamazoo area.

Stylish Spring Fashion Show Stein Mart’s Store Manager Lisa Chapman demonstrates how to build a stylish spring fashion wardrobe. (Special thanks to Madeline’s Modeling Agency) On Stage Makeover Amy Cooper, BeautiControl Executive Director, has been a Makeup Artist for 28 years will perform an on stage makeover.

Amy’s advice ensures you are presenting the very best of yourself in addition to building your confidence!

Style Secrets Fashion Show Chico’s Store Manager Kellie Miller will demonstrate how to create a chic appearance from head to toe utilizing scarfs, jewelry, belts and bags!

Healthy Meal Planning Dana Eisinger with help you find simple but healthy meal options for your family. Do you need meal options for a special diet (gluten free, low sugar, low sodium, vegetarian)? No time to cook healthy meals? If you said “yes” to any of these you don’t want to miss this presentation by Dana Eisinger featuring Wildtree food products.

March 2016

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Main Room OBGYN

101 102

Concession Area 129 131

LifeStyle Room

Exit to Lobby Magazine & Expo

WLS Info

Wine & Beer Tickets

Hiemstra Optical 159 160

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Borgess

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152 Hardings

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150 168

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Stage

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Connector to Main Room

WE Vendor Break Room

190

Exit to Lobby

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Wine & Beer Garden

260 208 210

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Blood Drive

VENDOR LIST 174 1 800 Hansons 205 D&R Sports Center 253 LeafFilter North of Michigan, Inc 120 Academies and Child 223 Dancy’s Fancy Butter 255 LettersToSarah Metalsmithing Development Centers 217 DogAmerica LLC 240 LE-VEL 149 ACS Discovery Shop 187 Emerald eCycling 170 Lisa LTD 185 Affordable Mattress Kalamazoo 201 Essential Bodywear - The Bra Lady 114 Little Angel Gowns S.W. Michigan 141 Airway Fun Center 142 Everydry Waterproofing of 117 Locket Lady, The Michiana 175 Aligned Care Chiropractic 243 Lorie’s Events 208 American Air Duct Cleaners 138 Family Surgical 230 Lori’s Cupcakes N More 164 American Heart Association 173 Food Addicts in Recovery (FA) 207 LuLaRoe 135 Annabella’s Closet 245 Fudge Galore 196 Lutheran Social Services 224 Arbor Chiropractic & Massage 129 Galesburg Meat Company 191 Lyster Exteriors 140 Arcadia Brewery 145 Gemosity 163 Mary Kay Cosmetics 109 ASEA 213 Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan 211 MedExpress Urgent Care 210 Avon 193 Great Deals Magazine 260 Metro Toyota 121 Ayers Basement Systems 235 H&R Block 153 Miche Interchangeable Handbags & Dr. Energy Saver 118 Habitat for Humanity Sponsored 144 Miracle Ear

by Old National Bank 104 Bailtek Carpet Cleaning & 212 Modern Woodmen Financial Water Damage 152 Hardings 226 Mosquito Shield of West Michigan 155 Bath Fitter 243 Hidden Treasures 161 New Horizon Clinic 195 BeautiControl 159 Hiemstra Optical Company 237 New York Life 231 Beautifully Unique LLC 206 Hydro Air 148 Norwex 222 Bent 9 Hot Yoga 214 IHSI Institute of Massage 101 OB-GYN P.C. 187 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices 166 It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator 111 Okun Insurance 150 Beyer Research 127 Jaqua Realtors 202 Origami Owl 123 Binder Park Zoo 165 K. Redmond Photography 103 Pampered Chef 115 Bodywork by Sandra 254 Kalamazoo Candle Company 203 Pedal 225 BookMedic Financial 183 Kalamazoo County Parks 218 Pennings Handyman Solutions - Primerica & Expo Center 119 Pink Zebra 181 Borgess Health 126 Kalamazoo Growlers 248 Poppies Lashery & Salon 112 Buy Local Greater Kalamazoo 137 Kalamazoo Safari Company 108 Premier Designs Jewelry 220 Celtic Seasons 124 Kalamazoo Valley 190 Printmill Printing & Graphics Community College 156 Center for Vein Restoration 223 Pure Romance 128 Chaubrei Gardens 147 Kalamazoo Wings 242 PUR-IFY 241 Chocolatea & The Pantry on Tap 238 Kathies Roadshow 216 Rascal Removal Services 255 Chosen PLLC 204 Kazoo Books 131 Reynolds Chiropractic 189 Clean by Design 192 Kneading Serenity 176 Ridge NAPA Auto Parts and Paint Massage and Wellness 143 Cornerstone Christian Counseling 133 Right at Home 184 Costco Wholesale 236 Kodiak Construction 169 Rodan & Fields 256 Cutco Cutlery 239 Langeland Family Funeral Home 157 Round Barn Wine

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March 2016

263 Save Our Strays 139 Scentsy 208 ServiceMaster of Kalamazoo 189 Shoreline Cleaning Services 102 Siesta Silver Jewelry 187 Signature Painting 210 Silpada 257 Spine Physical Therapy 158 Stanley Steemer 115 Stitches by Design 168 Style Encore 113 Sue’s Loving Care 125 Susan G Komen Michigan 170 Sweet Spot 134 Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA 186 Tapistry 106 Tastefully Simple 244 The Repairman 106 Thirty One Gifts 227 Two Sisters Dips 194 United Party & Event 171 Vitality Healthcare 146 Warner Vineyard 110 West Michigan Chiropractic 247 Wildtree 154 Wise Wellness Center 196 WKZO 221 YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo 232 Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt 105 Young Living Essential Oils 136 Younique Wine & Beer Garden Sponsored

by Imperial Beverage 219 Gonzo’s Bigg Dogg 228 Fenn Valley Vineyards 229 Bowers Harbor 246 Short’s Breweing & Starcut Ciders 264 Wedel’s WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS Gold Sponsors

Care When You Want It Online Check-in for Treatment

We understand you don’t have time for sickness, let alone waiting forever in some waiting room to see a doctor. That’s why we give you care when you want it.

Borgess ER and urgent care patients can check-in for treatment times—anytime, anywhere. Women who need a mammogram can schedule one whenever and wherever they choose, too. Just visit schedule.borgess.com to find a location and time that work for you.

* This service is only available for patients who do not have a life-threatening emergency. In a life-threatening emergency, always dial 9-1-1 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room.

A member of Ascension®

HELPING PEOPLE SUCCEED SINCE 1933

Expect Great Taste from Us!

Imperial Beverage is a long-standing member of the Michigan beverage distribution community. With 280 employees and three locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, and Traverse City, Imperial provides statewide coverage that serves every Michigan County, every week, all year long.

Harding’s Bakery

Harding’s Deli

Natural. Organic.

We are proud to work with local breweries and wineries and to support the communities we serve. We are excited to be a sponsor of the 2016 Women’s Lifestyle Expo.

SpartanNash

Country �esh

!

See You at the W L SK Expo imperialbeverage.com

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ickets EXPO T le at Availab Select s Harding’s! n Locatio

March 2016

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THANK YOU TO OUR DEDICATED SPONSORS

Lori Moore WWMT (CBS) CW7

@ the Expo

Marci Kobriger Kalamazoo Growlers Kalamazoo Wings WWMT (CBS) CW7

New! 2016 Wine & Beer Tasting Tickets sold at Humane Society Booth at front of Main Room. ID information required to purchase.

22

March 2016

Killamazoo Derby Darlins

TICKETS $100 EACH

1 Ticket = 1 Sample Taste 4 Tickets = 1 Glass You’ll find two wineries and two breweries throughout the Main Room and our Wine & Beer Garden in the center of LifeStyle Room.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Example, Charlie is ordered to pay his ex-wife, Susan, $3,000 per month until she dies. (Note that the words “child support” are not specifically mentioned.) Susan has custody of their child, Sam. The divorce agreement states that upon a certain date, Sam’s graduation or age 18, Charlie’s required payment to Susan will decrease by $900. Therefore, the $900 per month reduction is treated as child support, regardless of the parties’ intent.

TAX

Separated & Divorced Couples

Issues for

By Sandy K. Derby, CFP®, ChFC™

Alimony is taxable income to the one who receives it, and tax deductible to the one who pays it.

From a tax perspective, being a custodial parent can be advantageous in terms of claiming the child dependency exemption and the child-care credit. In addition, the custodial parent can potentially qualify for head of household filing status.

For a clearer picture of your specific situation, you should consult a tax professional.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Voya Financial Advisors, Member SIPC. Derby Financial & Associates, LLC, is not a subsidiary of nor controlled by Voya Financial Advisors.

W

hen spouses file separate returns, both must use the same

method of claiming deductions. Either both parties must itemize, or both must take the standard deduction. If you choose to itemize, it’s important to know how to divide your deductions.

Sandy K Derby, CFP®, ChFC™ has specialized in helping women establish financial security since 1989. The majority of her clients are women who need a sound financial strategy, and want professional help to develop a plan for financial independence and security. For more resources please go to www.derbyfinancial.net. Sandy can be reached at sandykderby@derbyfinancial.net or 269-321-5047.

If your filing status is “married filing separately”, you typically report only your own income, expenses, credits, and deductions. If you pay for expenses out of your own checking account, you would claim that deduction on your return. Any expenses paid out of a joint account, are considered to have been paid equally by each of you, unless you can prove otherwise. The amount of your total itemized deductions will be limited or phased out, if your adjusted gross income exceeds certain levels.

Alimony is a support payment made to a former (or separated) spouse

under a divorce decree or separation instrument in an attempt to maintain the predivorce lifestyle. Alimony is sometimes called spousal support or maintenance.

Therefore, alimony is taxable income to the one who receives it, and tax deductible to the one who pays it. To be considered alimony under present tax rules, however, the payments must meet several requirements. Requirements include (but are not limited to) the following:

• All payments must be made in cash, check, or money order

• A written court order or separation agreement must exist regarding the alimony and must not designate the payment as not being alimony (child support)

• The couple generally cannot live in the same household while alimony is being paid (although an exception applies in the case of payments to a separated spouse living in the same household, if the payments are made under a written separation agreement, support decree, or other court order)

• The obligation to pay alimony must end at the death of the payer-spouse

• The former spouses cannot file a joint tax return

When the couple involved has children, the noncustodial parent is

usually ordered to pay some child support to the custodial parent. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, you should be aware of the federal income tax consequences. You are not taxed on child support that you receive, and you cannot deduct child support that you pay.

Payments will be classified as “child support” for federal income tax purposes, if the divorce decree or separation agreement:

• Establishes a sum that is payable for the support of a child (this can be either a dollar amount or a specific fraction of a payment), or • Provides that the amount payable by the payer-spouse to the receiving spouse will be reduced when a contingency relating to a child actually happens, or at a time that can clearly be associated with a contingency relating to a child

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

23

“Avant-garden”

I

Trends for 2016

by Rick Vuyst

f avant-garde is the act of new and unusual or experimental ideas, then the month of March is filled with “avant-garden” or “avant-yard” ideas as we anxiously await the arrival of spring. After the cold winter, we look forward to getting active outdoors and getting our hands in the dirt. Home and Garden shows whet our appetite for what is new and interesting for our outdoor living space in 2016. A season of promise and renewal awaits our foray into the landscape of great potential.

Dogscaping

Among the 2016 trends is “dogscaping.” That’s right, you’ll be barking up the right tree with this trend because it is estimated 65 percent of households have some kind of pet. Toxin-free spaces to roam and explore are in demand.

Join the “Makers”

The wellness connection and health benefits of a landscape and vegetation is well noted and a continuing trend. Within the trend is an innovative group of people called “makers.” This group of growers goes beyond the fresh air and exercise benefits of wellness, and harvests everything from hops to tomatoes to berries. Makers are interested in plants that go beyond aesthetics and provide healing benefits.

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March 2016

Outdoor Enhancements

Making the outdoors a part of the home’s living space is a rising trend. Creating function and form to porches, patios, backyards and more is becoming the norm. This includes LED lights, outdoor sound systems, furniture and cooking areas that create multisensory opportunities in the landscape beyond what the typical yard has previously encompassed.

Flashback

There is also a trend to go back, a trend for nostalgia to invoke pleasant childhood memories. Enhance the garden with Grandma’s plants, Mom’s vegetable garden or summer holiday memories of lounge chairs and grilling.

Legacy Gardening

Hardy gardens are a definite trend, especially in areas of the country where water is scarce. Legacy gardens comprise of plant material intended not just for a family’s current benefit, but also for future generations.

This requires dedicated attention, ritualized care and continuous improvement to soil and harvest.

Keeping it Small

Small space or container gardens continue as a trend for both aesthetic and edible plants. Small space gardens can brighten a corner of the world, yet are easy to control or maintain with a busy lifestyle. Try vertical gardening, where plants are hung at various levels on a fence or side of the home. Container growing is perfect for anything from herbs to tomatoes to annual flowers.

Dare to dream during the month of March and plan for something simply “avant-garden” this year.

Rick Vuyst is CEO of Flowerland, host of the Flowerland Show on NewsRadio WOOD 1300 and 106.9 FM as well as Mr. Green Thumb on WZZM TV 13.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Vertical Gardening Ideas

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Upside-down gardening Hang mailboxes on wall or fence

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Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

25

Tastes from the Kitchen

by Erica Shier

3501 Greenleaf Blvd Kalamazoo, MI 49008

269.375.2105

For further information about Martell’s, www.millenniumrestaurants.com/martells

Martell’s

ucked back in a residential neighborhood and scenically located on the shores of a small lake, Martell’s (located at 3501 Greenleaf Boulevard in Kalamazoo) is the perfect choice for either a romantic dinner for two or a casual gathering of friends. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, offering seating overlooking the water or nestled fireside. The Italian-American inspired cuisine is both adventurous and approachable. Whether you’re in the mood for Great Lakes Walleye Amandine, Pot Roast Slow Braised Italian Beef or a nice bowl of Lobster Penne and Cheese, there is something on the menu for every palate.

Executive Chef Thomas Space has specialized in Italian Cuisine since his days as a chef in San Francisco in the 1980’s, expertise he puts to work at Martell’s. He’s been preparing his particular brand of rustic Italian cuisine here since March of 2014. He prides himself on the attention to detail that goes into any entrée he prepares and believes that Martell’s focus on personal service is a key to its success.

Chef Space’s passion for Italian food follows him home, where he loves to grill and create new pasta dishes. He focuses on keeping his cooking simple, fresh and as local as possible, advice that is perfect for any home cook. Chef Space says that pasta is the one food he cannot imagine living without. In fact, his Spaghetti Picchi Pacchi was created for the menu with his wife, Kathy, in mind.

It’s a gluten-free, vegan dish that even the most devout carnivore will love. Enjoy!

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March 2016

Spaghetti “Picchi Pacchi” (spaghetti with a little of this and a little of that) serves 4

16

4 oz

2 T

2 T ¼ cup 12 oz

Roma tomatoes, peeled and chopped olive oil garlic, slivered fresh basil, chopped pesto (recipe below) pasta, uncooked (gluten-free, if desired) pinch salt and pepper

Method: To peel the tomatoes, remove the cores and cut an x in the opposite end. Addthe tomatoes to 4 quarts of boiling water for 1 minute to loosen the skin. Shock and cool the tomatoes in an ice bath.

Remove the skins and roughly chop the tomatoes into large cubes.

In a large sauce pot, add 4 quarts of water and 4 tablespoons of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring, until pasta is firm to the bite.

In a large sauce pan add the olive oil and heat. Add the garlic and allow it to brown on edges. This will give off a nutty flavor. Add the chopped tomatoes and allow them to heat and release their juices. Using a potato masher or slotted spoon, crush the tomatoes to create a rustic sauce. Add basil, salt and pepper to taste.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and combine well. Turn the pasta out into a large serving bowl and top with additional sauce. Garnish with a large dollop of pesto on top.

Pesto Prep:

1 C fresh basil leaves

1 C fresh Italian leaf parsley

1 large garlic clove

2 T toasted pine nuts

2 C olive oil salt and pepper to taste

Method: Combine the basil, parsley, garlic, pine nuts in a food processor and blend while adding oil to mixture in a slow stream to emulsify. Add salt and pepper to taste.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

27

Quickly recover from exercise

courtesy MetroCreative

T

he old saying, “no pain, no gain,” is not without its grains of truth. Moderate soreness in the muscles may indicate that time spent in the gym is working, but sharp pains may be indicative of injury.

Workout soreness that persists can derail workout plans and may deter some people from exercise. As the body becomes acclimated to certain exercises, soreness may be less prevalent, and there are ways for people to speed up their rates of recovery.

Why do muscles get sore?

Muscle soreness can occur a day or two after exercising.

Doctors used to think it resulted from a buildup of lactic acid in muscles, but now they say that it is actually muscle damage that is taking place. Exercise that pushes the muscles affects the fibers in muscle tissue, especially specialized structures that hold the fibers together. When you exercise, you are breaking down or tearing muscle, and the body produces swelling and soreness as part of the healing process that increases muscle strength.

Warm up and cool down.

One way to prevent extreme soreness is to follow proper guidelines before and after a workout. Stretching and gradually building to your peak workout can help.

This acclimates the body incrementally to the workout.

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March 2016

Afterward, stretching and a cool-down period can help lengthen the muscles once more and ease any discomfort that might follow.

Consume post-workout protein.

Before retiring after a tough workout, consume a light, protein-rich snack. The protein will help the body repair muscles overnight. Extra protein at breakfast also can give muscles the necessary fuel to start rebuilding.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods and beverages.

Consuming foods and beverages that are known to limit swelling may help your body recover. Such foods and beverages include tart cherry juice, leafy greens, whole grains, fatty fish, turmeric and beets.

Know your limits.

It’s good to push yourself to improve fitness goals.

However, overdoing it may mean extreme soreness, or worse, an injury that is difficult to recover from. Experts recommend heavy exercising every other day to give muscles the chance to heal. If you choose to hit the gym daily, try to rotate working different muscle groups each day. If you feel muscles twitching during workouts, reduce the weight.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

269.366.4325 LittleSproutBoutique.com 3009 Oakland Drive Kalamazoo 49008

We're located in Oakwood Plaza and specialize in wonderful gifts and clothing for children newborn to age seven.

Sterling Silver Paw Print Pendant/Charms ($27.00) Hook Earrings ($37.00) Available at: Tanyas. . .The Girl Garage, Pet Emporium & Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center in Vicksburg Don’s Card Hut – Southland in Portage

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courtesy McCormick

Irish Pork Stew

“Laughter is brightest where food is best.” - Irish Proverb

Irish Pork Stew Makes 8 servings

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this hearty and flavorful stew that changes flavor depending on what type of beer or stout you choose.

Serve with samples of imported beers and a loaf of Irish soda bread.

2 pound boneless blade pork roast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 1/3 cup flour 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon vegetable oil

8 baby red potatoes, quartered

4 carrots, peeled and chopped

4 large onions, peeled and sliced 1/2-inch thick

1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon caraway seed

1 bay leaf

1 can (10 1/2 ounces) chicken broth

1 bottle (12 ounces) favorite stout or beer

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar In a bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper. Coat pork cubes. Heat oil in Dutch oven; brown meat over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Bring to a boil. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 1 to 1 1/4 hours or until meat is very tender. Stir occasionally.

30

March 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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December 2015 March 2016

19 31

Nothing is worth more than laughter. It is strength to laugh and to abandon oneself, to be light. Tragedy is the most ridiculous thing.”

– Frida Kahlo

Laughter is carbonated holiness.”

Legends On Laughing

– Anne Lammott

If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy. ~Proverb

I’m happy that I have brought laughter because I have been shown by many the value of it in so many lives, in so many ways.”

– Lucille Ball 32

March 2016

At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.”

– Jean Houston

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

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Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

33

Letterpress: Why a 600-Year-Old Technology Still Gets So Much Attention

tips for the

Many businesses feel the pressure to be edgy and modern. So why do designers keep going back to something from the 15th century to make an impression on people today?

Letterpress changes business cards, stationery, and other print material into something more. No longer just objects passing information along, each piece becomes an experience, a joy to look at, and a truly unique statement.

Texture stays in people’s minds. When you want people to do more than just read your business card, your proposal, or your offer, consider the unique value expressed by the texture of your print assets. Something as old-fashioned as letterpress printing could make the difference.

Courtesy MetroCreative

The reason is texture. We don’t just feel texture. We see it. Letterpress printing involves physically pressing a design plate or arrangement of text into paper. This creates more than just a mere copy. The process creates texture between the ink and the paper that can be felt and seen.

Felt Bicycle’s Bixby Women’s 7 speed bicycle in Aquamarine

icycle riding is one of the greatest efforts a person can do for the environment and his or her personal health. Riding a bike requires only the power of the body and does not produce any noxious emissions. It’s quiet, and bikes can gain access to places where cars are not permitted.

1116 W Centre Avenue ☎ 323-9333 PortagePrinting.com

Bicycles are most useful and efficient with proper maintenance. To keep bikes in ideal working order, consider these bike maintenance tips.

1. Keep the bike clean.

A bicycle is a collection of moving parts. Over time, mud and debris can get lodged in gears, tires and other components, impacting the performance of the bike. Regular washing ensures that the bike will operate at peak capacity whenever you decide to go for a ride. High-pressure hoses may damage sensitive bearing systems, so it’s better to use a damp rag to clean the bike. Brushing or buffing away debris can be handy as well. Consider how frequently you ride the bike and where you ride it when determining how often to clean the bike.

2. Maintain proper tire pressure.

Much like with car tires, the air pressure in bicycle tires can impact the ride and likelihood of damage. Low air pressure can put more pressure on bike components and accelerate wear and tear. Plus, it can make for an uncomfortable ride. Similarly, too much pressure can cause the tires to blow out or provide a less enjoyable ride. Always keep tires at the pressure rating listed on the tire’s sidewall.

3. Keep the chain well lubricated.

One of the most crucial steps in maintaining a bicycle is to keep the bike chain and other moving parts lubricated; this reduces excessive wear caused by friction and can prevent gears from ceasing up. Lubricants also can help prevent rust and corrosion. Apply lubricant to the chain, brake and derailleur levers and cables; but too much lubricant can be a bad thing, attracting dirt and reducing performance. Use only as much as the bike needs and wipe away the excess.

4. Get a tune-up.

Have an experienced bike mechanic look over your bicycle. Bearings may loosen slightly, and brake and gear cables can stretch. Take the bicycle to a bike shop so the staff can give it an overhaul, addressing any areas that may need a little fine-tuning. Bike shop employees typically are knowledgeable in bicycle maintenance, and they can provide a wealth of information on other cyclingrelated subjects.

Bike riding is a popular pastime and an activity that is beneficial to personal health and the environment. Maintaining a bicycle is the best way to ensure it operates as efficiently as possible for the next ride!

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March 2016

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Calendar of Events

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

Please type Calendar in the subject line.

March 1 Retired School Personnel Meeting WMU Fetzer Center. 11:30 am. The Kalamazoo County Association of Retired School Personnel will meet. Maryann191@ aol.com March 1 - 5 Millennium Park Ice Rink Millennium Park. This large outdoor refrigerated rink features skate rental, skate sharpening, snack concessions, restrooms, warming house, lockers and an excellent skating surface! 269-324-9200.

March 1 - 5 Steel Magnolias Civic Theatre. Call for times. Bless your heart, what could be more important than family, friends and good hair? Welcome to Truvy’s Beauty Salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana; where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. 269-343-1313. www.kazoocivic.com March 2 Living Well as a Family St. Thomas More Church. 6:30-8 pm Staff from Just Move Fitness will lead an evening of games, activities, and healthy diets for parents and kids. All family members are encouraged to attend this interactive class and be ready to Just Move! Free. Free child care will be provided. (269) 381-8917.

March 4 & 5 Women’s LifeStyle Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Friday 12 - 6 pm; Saturday 9 am – 4 pm. 7th Annual extravaganza created for women by women! You won’t want to miss this weekend of shopping, entertaining events, food, and new this year – beer and wine sampling! 269-488-9780. www. womenslifestylekazooexpo.com March 4 - 30 Willow Lake Gallery Willow Lake Clubhouse, Parkview Hills, 3707 Greenleaf Circle, Kalamazoo. 9 am – 6 pm.

Reception is March 10th from 6 to 8 pm. Art Minders presents the fiber artistry of Nancy Crampton. Free. 269-372-4444 March 4 – 19 Of Mice and Men Parish Theatre. Call for times. Dramatic and touching in equal measure, this American classic follows two friends, George and Lennie, as they drift from job to job across the fields and farms of California during the hardship of the 1920s. $12 - $25. 269-343-1313. www. kazoocivic.com

March 6 Kalamazoo Wings Slappy’s Birthday Wings Event Center. 4 – 6:30 pm. The K-Wings play against the Utah Grizzlies as they host their first of two celebrations for Slappy’s Birthday – brought to you by Binder Park Zoo. First 500 fans receive a Binder Park Zoo. $10. 269-743-6011. www.kwings.com March 6 & 7 Improv Classes Crawlspace Theatre Training Center. This Improv Training Program is the only one of its kind in the area, providing four levels of improv instruction. The program welcomes all experience levels. Details about the new Crawlspace Theatre Improv Training Program are available at CrawlspaceTheatre.com

April 9 8:00 pm MOZART REQUIEM Saturday Chenery Auditorium Bach Festival Chorus Arcato Chamber Ensemble James Turner, Conductor

BACH FESTIVAL CHORUS SPONSOR

Kathryn Stieler, soprano Phyllis Pancella, mezzo-soprano Jeffrey Picon, tenor Nathaniel Olsen, baritone

Steven Woloszyk

Join us for a pre-concert presentation at 7pm in the reception room.

Be transported by the genius and emotional power of Mozart’s glorious Requiem.

Order Tickets (269)337-7407 KalamazooBachFestival.org Bach Festival Week is April 9-16!

SAVE THE DATE 32nd Annual Dog Walk & K-9 Festival May 7, 2016 | 9 am to 2 pm Prairie View Park, Vicksburg

March 7 Kalamazoo Wings Slappy’s Birthday Wings Event Center. 7 – 9:30 pm. The K-Wings play against the Utah Grizzlies as they host their second of two celebrations for Slappy’s Birthday – brought to you by Binder Park Zoo. First 500 fans receive a Binder Park Zoo. $10. 269-743-6011. www.kwings.com March 8 Come & Go Brown Bag Lunch for Adults Vicksburg District Library. 12:30. Bring your own lunch and we provide drinks and dessert and an afternoon for games, puzzles, adult coloring pages and socializing. 269-649-1648.

March 8 & 22 Free Vein Screenings Premier Vein Center, treating the entire spectrum of vein disorders through minimally invasive techniques, offers FREE screenings for non-Medicare patients. 269-585-8346. www. premierveincenter.com/vein-screening

www.KazooHumane.org/dogwalk

March 10 Butchering Class – Small Animal Food Dance. 6 – 8 pm. In this class, Chef Brad McKenzie and our in-house butchers demonstrate butchering techniques with small animals including chicken, lamb and more.

Each guest will take home a delicious goodie bag. $75. 269-382-1888. info@fooddance.net March 10 – 13 Kalamazoo Home Expo & Garden Show Kalamazoo County Expo Center. Times vary.

Southwest Michigan’s premier home and garden event showcasing new building trends, products, ideas and inspiration! Held in the entire Expo Center. Adults $10, $8 at LMCU, kids 12 and under free. 269-375-4225. www. kalamazoohomeexpo.com

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

35

March 11 Aging in America St. Thomas More Church. 2 - 4 pm. Patti Stratton from the Area Agency on Aging will examine several issues including caregiving and self-care, dementia, and community resources. All family members are encouraged to attend this interactive class and be ready to Just Move! Free. Free child care will be provided. 269.381.8917.

March 11 Friday Teen Night Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 6 – 8 pm. So much fun for art geeks -- we’ll check out the galleries, get our hands dirty, and share pizza and pop with friends at this monthly get together. Free for all - thanks to sponsor James & Springgate, PLC. Free. 269-349-7775.

March 11 Lucky Paws Dinner & Silent Auction Fetzer Center. 6:00-9:00 pm. Join us for Animal Rescue Project’s signature charity event! All proceeds benefit our local Kalamazoo based no-kill shelter and help to save pets one at a time. Tickets are available at ARP’s shelter. $30 per person. amysusan@ animalrescueproject.org March 12 – 13 Maple Sugar Festival Kalamazoo Nature Center. 9 am – 5 pm. Join us for the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Annual Maple Sugar Festival! 269-381-1574. www. naturecenter.org

36

March 2016

Lord of Life Church, 9420 Portage Rd. Portage. 3/18: 7- 9 pm. A musical meditation for insight, emotional healing, creativity & renewal. $30. 3/19: 10 am – 5 pm $70. Preregistration is needed for both days. 269-3882988. www.adamczassociates.com

Hits with the spectacular, critically acclaimed Dancing in the Streets. Experience the energy and electricity of the Motor City in a stunning production packed with hit after hit, all killer, no filler! 269-387-2309. http://millerauditorium. com/dancing-streets-motown-revue

March 16 Everyone’s Irish at the Pub Run Bell’s Eccentric Café. 6 pm. Get your running shoes and leprechaun wear ready and kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The run benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters, A Community of Caring. $20. GazelleSports.com/wp/pub-run/

March 18 - 20 Marmalade Dog 21 Bernhard Center. 2:30 – 11:30 pm. A gaming convention held each year by the Western Michigan Gamers Guild (WMGG). This convention features tabletop role-playing games, miniature wargames, collectible card games, board games, and many other events. $3 $20. 269-350-4263. www.marmaladedog.org

March 21 Kalamazoo County 4-H Horse Leaders Tack Sale County Expo Center -The largest tack sale in Michigan-over 300 vendors. Everything you need for your horse & farm! Admission: $1 pp donation,5 & under free. Info: msue.anr.msu. edu/county/kalamazoo/kalamazoo_county_4_h

March 16 Human Development Across the Lifespan St. Thomas More Church. 6:30 – 8 pm. WMU Professor Der. Gary Bischof, will speak about the key stages and tasks for the various levels of individual and family development. Free. Free child care will be provided. (269) 381-8917.

March 19 Maple Syrup Day Open House W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest. 12 – 5 pm.

Volunteers will host special activities from noon until 5 pm. Visitors can enjoy a wagon ride to the sugar bush, children’s activities, taste a fresh syrup sample and more. $1. 269-7314597. kbs.msu.edu

March 16 Live Music Arcadia Brewing Company Kalamazoo Riverfront Tavern. Come on down as we host live music from The Sam Pilnick Project!

As always the Tavern will be stocked full of Arcadia Ales and delicious barbecue to enjoy while taking in the music! 269-276-0440. www. arcadiaales.com

March 19 Mangia Mangia Jazz & Blues Concert Series Mangia Mangia (downtown Kazoo Mall), 6:30 9:00pm Blue Train Organ Trio to perform. $12.

269-731-5388. www.pattiflemingmusic.com

March 24 Cooking Meat Class Food Dance. 6 – 8 pm. Finish our month long celebration of meat with this demonstration style cooking class. Chef Brad will demonstrate techniques of cooking meat including pork, beef, chicken and lamb. Learn real kitchen skills, taste and take recipes home. $75. 269382-1888. info@fooddance.net

March 19 Dancing in the Streets Motown Revue Miller Auditorium. 8 pm. Join the original and the best celebration of Motown’s Greatest

March 25 Kalamazoo Wings Lego Celebration Night Wings Event Center. 7 – 9:30 pm. The Kalamazoo Wings play against the Wheeling

March 13 Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live Miller Auditorium. 3 pm. The legacy of the beloved “Mister Rogers” lives on with the hit television series, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, from The Fred Rogers Company and airing daily on PBS KIDS. 269-387-2309. http://millerauditorium.com/daniel-tigers-neighborhood-live

March 18 & 19 Integrative Breathwork Workshop

March 24 Opening Reception for High School Area Show Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. 5:30 pm. Join us at the Opening reception for the High School Area Show, with awards ceremony at 6:30 pm.

Free. 269-349-7775. www.kiarts.org/events

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

Nailers as they host Lego Night with a first ever appearance by the Fur Circus, who will perform during both intermissions! $10 and up.

269-743-6011. www.kwings.com March 26 Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo Buy, sell or trade a variety of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals & other exotic pets, supplies & food. Kzoo Co. Expo Center Adults $5, Children $2, Under 6 free, Family Max - $20.

Information @Tony 269-779-9851 or tonygcollison@gmail.com.

March 26 Easter Craft & Vendor Show Kalamazoo Expo Center Get ready for spring at the Easter craft & vendor show. Free admission Info: Ann DeRuyscher at 269-217-8704 or email craftvendorshowann@gmail.com

April 1 Art Hop Various Locations throughout Downtown Kalamazoo. 5 – 9 pm. Art Hop is a free event that features new art exhibits in a fun, casual atmosphere. Numerous galleries and businesses in the downtown area host a variety of artwork. Free. 269-342-5059. www.kalamazooarts.com

Go to: www.KomenMichigan.org/SWRace16

April 2 All Ears Theater: All Ears Variety Review First Baptist Church. 6 pm. All Ears Theatre is proud to perform its first ever variety review show featuring comedy skits and musical numbers. Designed, directed and produced by Donald Ramlow. Free. 269-345-2195. www. kalamazooarts.org

March 27 Easter Brunch W.K. Kellogg Manor House. 10:15 am – 1:30 pm. Hop into spring by joining us at the W.K. Kellogg Manor House for our Easter Brunch.

Reservations required. $29 adults, $16 children. 269-671-2400. http://kbs.msu.edu

April 2 – 3 Spring into Wings Wings Event Center. 9 am – 4 pm. 18th Annual Art & Craft Show mostly artists and crafter’s from all over Michigan, metal, pottery, jewelry, wood working, hand quilting, bird feeders.

With so many different unique idea’s and hand crafted crafts. Free. 269-349-1185. http:// EagleTakeFlight.com

March 29 Riverdance: the 20th Anniversary World Tour Miller Auditorium. 7:30 pm. The 20th Anniversary World Tour, composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan. 269-387-2309. http://millerauditorium.com/riverdance-20th-anniversary-world-tour

April 3 Eddie Money State Theatre. 7:30 pm. Join us for rock music legend & natural performer EDDIE MONEY April 3rd at Kalamazoo State Theatre! Eddie Money is known for his top hits from the 70’s and 80’s and is recognized for having 16 of his hits in the top 20 charts. $20 and up. 269-3456500. www.kazoostate.com

WHEN YOU RACE FOR THE CURE®, EVERYONE WINS!

5.14.16 • 9 AM *NEW LOCATION* Homer Stryker Field Kalamazoo, MI

www.KomenMichigan.org • 269.341.4209

APRIL 26 TO MAY 14, 2016 TICKETS ON SALE NOW in person: Box Office in the Epic Center 11 am to 6 pm, M-F 11 am to 3 pm, SAT by phone: 269.359.7311 online: thegilmore.org

Greater Kalamazoo

March 2016

37

Lounge Reader’s

I

by Andrea Mantakounis

f cabin fever has you feeling loopy and spring break is too far away for relief, these travel titles will help you mentally thaw until you can feel the warmth of the sun on your face again.

Andrea Mantakounis, a Communications Assistant at Kent District Library, falls for every “easy” DIY project, unfailingly reads past her bedtime and is an adopted mother to an unenthusiastic cat.

What I Was Doing While You Were Breeding: A Memoir

The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World

If Bridget Jones was on uppers and Chelsea Handler traded vodka for boarding passes, you’d have Kristin Newman. Bouncing back from heartbreak with a trip to Paris and Amsterdam, we meet our crushed author. Believing marriage is a dead end in life, Newman follows her love of travel and “doing the thing to do in the place” across the globe. While settling down is the last thing she wants, falling in love happens with relative ease, which equals plentiful breakups in multiple countries, over several language barriers. Newman, a sitcom writer, feeds you polished one-liners as her self-deprecating sense of humor bounds through the retelling of her tales, offering reassurance that she does survive the impulsive, cringe worthy decisions she makes.

Globe-trotting grump Eric Weiner is on a mission: la chasse au bonheur, the hunt for happiness. Spending a year circling the planet, Weiner visits countries that are flush with happiness ingredients: money, pleasure, spirituality, family, freedom and chocolate, among others. Starting in Rotterdam, home of the World Database of Happiness and coincidently legalized prostitution and hashish, he kicks off his search. Getting high doesn’t lead to pure joy for Weiner, and neither do the clean toilets and efficient public transit of Switzerland. The isolated Bhutanese with their low expectations show the author that a simple life may be the key to a happy one while the Qataris, in their luxuryladen, cement kingdom prove that money can buy happiness but only to a certain degree.

This scavenger hunt will draw you in as Weiner crosses oceans and continents in quest of the exact latitude and longitude of something that might not be too far from home.

by Kristin Newman

by Eric Weiner

MARCH Productions RIVERDANCE The 20th Anniversary World Tour Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30 pm

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance-The 20th Anniversary Tour. Composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed

by John McColgan, Riverdance captures the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures with an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. “As for the flaws?

Well, there simply aren’t any. Here’s to another 20 years!”

- The Edinburgh Evening News

“The show is quite simply incredible. A phenomenon of historic proportions” - The Washington Times

MIL L ER A U D I T O RI U M

To enlighten, entertain and educate.

www.millerauditorium.com

38

March 2016

Pick of the Month: My Big Fat Wedding 2 (March 25)

The surprise hit comes back with an even bigger sequel. Returning the original cast, My Big Fat Wedding 2 stars familiar characters and reveals bigger secrets that promise to make this next chapter unforgettable. The movie seems to recapture the playful tone and intimacy that made the first a runaway hit. This is the perfect movie to take your date, family, or friends too.

WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com

live. work. play.

BUSINESS SERVICES

Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt Portage Center Plaza-165 W. Centre

www.A1PrintingCopyCenter.com (269) 381-0093

MEDIA, MARKETING & TECHNOLOGY

Bee Clean Building Services (269) 381-3745 ForensicFluids.com (269) 492-7700

www.wenkegardencenter.com

www.GreatDealsMagazine.com (269) 321-0612

HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLNESS

Solutions NOW Kazoopons.com

www.advantageprivatenursing.com (269) 324-1180 NaturalHealthFoodCenter.com (269) 342-9459

(269) 342-0123

www.WMUK.org 102.1 FM WomensLifeStyleKazoo.com (269) 569-1647

Sawall Health Foods sawallhf.com

RECREATION

Westside Medical Pharmacy (269) 375-1700

Kalamazoo Nature Center naturecenter.org

HOME SERVICES

RETAIL

gordonwater.com (269) 382-0068 Jaqua Realtors – Audrey DeVault (269) 207-3411

Ad Shop, Etc. (269) 207-0103

www.wenkegardencenter.com

fb.com/DiscoveryShopKalamazoo 269-345-0661 www.douglasandson.com (269) 344-2860

Loedeman's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

loedeman.com

Kazoo Books kazoobooks.com

MigalaCarpetOne.com INSPIRATION TO INSTALLATION

www.leesadventuresports.com 311 W. Kilgore, Kalamazoo

HOSPITALITY/ RESTAURANTS

Neighborhood Cleaners Kalamazoo – Portage – Mattawan

theAmplePantry.com (269) 375-8300

RomenceGardensonline.com 9660 Shaver Rd. Por tage

www.Chocola-Tea.com 7642 S. Westnedge Prtg.

vashoesfit.com

V & A Bootery vabootery.com

Comensolis.com (269) 345-6755

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

The Right Place for Hosting Your Event FetzerCenter.com

Vandenberg Furniture 12000 N US 131 Hwy, Schoolcraft

HendersonCastle.com (269) 344-1827

VanderSalm’s Flower Shop & Garden (269) 342-0123

LawtonRidgeWinery.com (269) 372-9463

Wenke Greenhouses Corner of Sprinkle & Market - Comstock

MacKenzies’ Café & Bakery Kalamazoo (2 Locations) & Portage

Greater Kalamazoo

www.advantageprivatenursing.com 269-324-1180

Wyndy Pynes Alpaca Farm 269-668-8149 March 2016

39

Celebrating 80 Years!

America’s oldest family owned natural food store.

Amorino Gelato al Naturale from Paris

European Pastries

Italian Panini

Sawall Health Foods Market & Cafe

2965 Oakland Dr at Whites Rd Oakwood Plaza • Kalamazoo One mile north at exit 75 off I-94 Monday - Saturday 8am - 9pm Sunday 10am - 6pm

g n i Com ! n o o S MARCH SPECIAL

Entire Stock of SOLARAY Products

Probiotics, Vitamins, Herbs & More

25% OFF Exp. March 31, 2016.

Italian Brick-Fired Pizza

Register in store each month for an

80 Gift Card $

GIVEAWAY

Our Wine & Craft Beer Bar, Full Service Deli & Coffee Bar will be Opening Soon!!