Community Voices- Spring/Summer 2013

Contents What’s Inside 6 Youth In Action 8 Good Foods B.C. 14 Feature: Area Authors Give Their Do’s/ Don’ts of Self Publishing

12 Eco-Friendly 23 Style: Fashion 26

Ultimate Track Meet Running in Australia

Backtalk with Harold Swift

MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE

Volume 03, Issue 02

Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010) Your Community, Your Vo Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief

Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Webmaster

Geoffrey Brege Contributing Writer

Harold Swift

Cover Photo: Jordan Baker, junior at Comstock High School.

Photo by Sonya Hollins

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PUBLISHER’S VOICE

Your Community Needs a Healthy You!

M

any of us have heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” However, to have a healthy community, we have to do so much more before the apple chomping can begin.

We need farmers. We can’t grow unless there is fertile soil and those willing to cultivate and work in the trenches. The leaders of Youth ChallenNGe Academy do just that. The military-style program for youth ages 16-18 who struggle with the issues of life find discipline, care, and an opportunity for a new start. They have helped provide the resources for more than 2,500 young people in Michigan to get a second chance at life (see page 6).

Sonya Bernard-Hollins Publisher

“We can’t grow unless there is fertile soil and those willing to cultivate and work in the trenches.”

We need pickers. What good is it to just look at a ripe apple which yearns to be picked? Jordan Baker reached for success in an international track meet, and succeeded. Many area authors who have had dreams of publishing their own book, have done just that, motivating others to get their own book published. They didn’t just gaze at a dream, they reached out and grabbed it!

We need distributors. How do we get the “apples” we all need to become healthy? Good Food Battle Creek has taken on the challenge of educating the community on healthy eating and its importance (see page 8). Others like the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership at Kalamazoo College is doing its part through a $25,000 Kalamazoo Global Prize for Collaborative Social Justice Leadership. Their dedication to the communities of the world help distribute the needed funds and educational resources needed for a healthy community (see page 5).

Everyone has a role in making a difference in our community and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Plant, pick, and give back!

See you online!

Sonya

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Justice for All: Kalamazoo Global Prize Honors Leaders of Change Winners of $10,000 each for the Global Prize:

1

Dalia Association: The Road toward Palestinian Self-Determination Language Partners Building Power for Restaurant Workers

Regional Prize Winner of Angela Davis encourages these leaders of social change to continue changing their communities. Learn more about these winners at: kzoo.edu/csjl/clprize Photo by Sean Hollins

On May 10-11, 2013 presenters from across the globe ventured onto the campus of Kalamazoo College in Michigan. The 15 finalists shared their presentations (either live or via Skype) with the community for a chance at the first ever $25,000 Kalamazoo Global Prize for Collaborative Social Justice Leadership.

The prize, funded by the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership would provide a cash prize for one person or group who addressed a human rights or social justice issue. Nearly 200 applicants sent in their 8-10-minute video application, which uniquely explained how they would use the funds. In addition to the grand prize a $5,000 regional winner would be awarded.

Jurors known for their own proactive accomplishments had the final say. They included: Angela Y. Davis (University of California-Santa Cruz), Cary Alan Johnson (former director of International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission), and Shea Howell (of the Grace Lee Boggs Center in Detroit).

The result...a deadlock tie between three entries. The panel voted to honor each of the winners with $10,000.

According to Jaime Grant, executive director of the ACSJL some of the competitors had been doing their work for years, while others simply had a dream they want funding to help fulfill. Unlike a grant, which holds various stipulations, this prize is open to any non-profit organization or individual. The mon-

$5,000:

Welcoming Michigan

ey is not monitored, and the winner can do as they choose with follow up reports on their progress.

Grant said they were impressed by the presentations which covered such issues as youth empowerment, food justice, racism, faith organizing, micro-lending, housing rights, and LGBTQ liberation and peace and conflict.

Entries were received from 25 states and the District of Columbia; including 14 of those from Southwest Michigan.

There were 27 entries from 22 countries such as Argentina, Canada, Pakistan, South Africa, and Switzerland.

“We want to lift that work up; make something possible that otherwise wasn’t without the prize,” said Grant.

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Since 1999, more than 2,500 Michigan young people with some of those same challenges have become cadets in the Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy, and it has changed their lives. For nearly six months cadets (compete in military gear) begin their day at 5:30 a.m. with physical military drills. They are responsible for daily duties, class work, tutoring, community service projects and more. Their day ends with “lights out” at 9:30 p.m.

“It's the best kept secret,” said Mike Krajnik who for the past 10 years has been a leader with the program based on the grounds of the historic VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Michigan.

The Youth ChalleNGe Academy is a nationwide program and a collaborative effort of the Michigan National Guard, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. While Michigan has only one site, other states have several, depending on the level of federal funding allotted to the program. Student live in military-style barracks, wear uniforms, and have their meals, room and board provided.

“When students are on the verge of dropping out of school and no one can get through to them, they may need a more disciplined environment. We are not a program for the courts, we work with students who are struggling and

want to be here,” Krajnik said.

The program is complete with teachers, counselors, mentors, social workers, and school partners working together for the success of the cadet's future. Michigan students ages 16-18 are eligible for participate in the program. They can not however, have felonies, or open court action.

Through the program students earn their GED or help toward credits for a high school diploma by taking vocational classes at Calhoun Area Career Center in Battle Creek.

After graduation cadets are paired with a mentor who keeps in touch with them and their families for a year or more; providing any follow-up assistance they may need. Historically nearly 30 percent of the graduates join the military. An average one-third of the academy students however, don't make it to graduation. But, all is not lost. (Continued on next page.)

“One young man attempted the academy twice without graduating,” Krajnik said. “However, he recently called and spoke to one of our staff about how the academy had an impact on his life. Today, he is managing a couple of Burger King restaurants and said he owes his skills to what he learned at the academy.”

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Captions: Within a militar y-like environment, cadets at the Michigan Youth ChalleNGe Academy lear n a range of skills while advancing their education.

Photos provided.

For more information or to begin the application process, call (800) 372-0523 or visit: www.ngycp.org/site/state/mi/

NOW I KNOW‌

NICOLE G. EDUCATION

www.kvcc.edu/register

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Good food Matters Come to the Table!

By J.R. Reynolds, contributor

BATTLE CREEK (MICH.) More than 100 Greater Battle Creek residents listened, learned, and munched their way through “Good Food Matters: Come to the Table!” hosted in March by Good Food Battle Creek. The group is comprised of organizations and individuals who promote healthy food choices through education, support of local producers, and creating access to good food for all people.

More than a dozen health and wellness exhibitors and farm vendors participated in the event held at the Calhoun Area Career Center.

Participants enjoyed the delectable cuisine prepared by the Center’s students under the leadership of Culinary Arts Instructor Steven Deal.

The inaugural conference provided an interesting and easy way to glimpse and understand some of work happening across the Battle Creek community.

“We intentionally started small to assess if there was a desire for a food conference on the part of residents,” said Good Food BC coordinator J.R. Reynolds. “We exceeded 8

both our target audience and vendor attendance numbers, so the desire seems to be there on all sides.”

Thawnghmung who discussed approaches to community gardening. Meredith Freeman, a consultant with Ann Arbor’s Fair Food Network, explained how often-invisible systems and barriers keep a lot of people from eating well. Retired dietician Carol A Barr shared how your budget can impact individual food choices.

Cheryl Danley of the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University provided the keynote address which encouraged conferencegoes to think about and participate in helping strengthen Battle Creek’s food Good Food BC is supported by system.

Fair Food Network, a national nonprofit that works at the intersection of food systems, sustainability and social equity to guarantee access to healthy, fresh and sustainably grown food, especially in underser ved communities.

Rita Klavinski, an educator with Michigan State University Extension.

Klavinski described what a Food System is, how to think about it, and how it affects our local economy as well as residents. Other session presenters included Kathy Antaya and Martha

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Pictured: Presenter Meredith Freeman, left, poses with Lela Squire, Calhoun Area Career Center instructor. Photo provided.

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HER CONDITION WAS AS RARE

AS THE TEAM OF DOCTORS WHO TREATED IT. When Marta Gagie felt a sudden and severe pain in her head, she had no idea how serious her condition was. Or how lucky she would be to have Dr. Jeffrey Miller, the only neurointerventional surgeon in the region, collaborate on her care. Turns out, Marta was suffering from an extremely rare type of brain aneurysm, with fewer than 150 cases like hers ever reported. Dr. Miller and the Bronson team worked closely with Marta’s family and decided on a minimally invasive procedure to treat her condition. The surgery was a success. And it’s one of the many reasons Bronson Methodist Hospital is rated best in Michigan for neurosurgery.* Thanks to the quality care she received, Marta has made a full recovery and is back to doing what she loves: teaching kindergarten.

Read Marta’s story and watch her video at bronsonhealth.com/patientstories *Healthgrades® 2013 www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer 2013 | 11 BRO120054_Gagie_CV 1

2/4/13 11:16 AM

By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, publisher COMSTOCK (MICH.)-Diane Baker had been on the track team while in high school. To share her enthusiasm for the sport she entered her triplet daughters Jordan, Morgan, and Justine in the Borgess Fun Run. As they got older, Jordan participated in Girls on the Run while attending Comstock Elementary School. Her love for running led to an amazing journey to Australia during the summer, where she received a bronze medal in the 4x4 relay.

“I usually anchor the race, but I was positioned to start,” said Jordan, a junior at Comstock High School. “I was the youngest member of the relay of girls ages 18 and 19. I met so many new friends from across the United States and the world. We exchanged (social media) connections and will keep in touch. Many of us traded our U.S. uniforms with others from different countries as souvenirs.”

Jordan’s Australian experience came through participation in International Sports Specialists, Inc.’s Down Under Sports (www. downundersports.com). New Zealander George O’Scanlon founded the organization in 1989 to provide athletes from around the world an opportunity to compete in Australia and enjoy his beautiful country at the same time. She is one of the tens of thousands of individuals from across the globe who has had the opportunity to compete and see another part of the world.

Jordan is one of the few representatives for the United States to ever participate from Southwest Michigan). She said it was an adventure of a lifetime that she will cherish for a lifetime. She was able to see the iconic Australia Opera House, hug snuggly Koalas, eating Vegemite, and go snorkeling. She was excited to learn that actor Jackie Chan has a home in Australia. She learned that besides the people of color who were a part of the tourist attractions (portraying natives) she didn’t see any people of African decent. As a part of the program they travel 10 hours from Australia to Hawaii for

three days before returning to the states.

Her hard work in track throughout the years had paid off. She has participated on track teams since junior high school where she broke the Comstock Middle School record by running the 400 in 1.01. Jordan also has broken various records in the 400 at various track invitational’s as well as receiving the bronze medal for state invitational during her freshman year at CHS. Her Australian experience has led to her U.S. team being

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ranked among the top in her signature 400 races and has since ranked among the top 10 in the United States in the 400 race category in Australia. She knows college scouts are already watching her and plans to continue making her mark in the field of sports.

Jordan realizes that her opportunities have come due to the support of many others.

The $5,000 needed to pay for the 10-day experience was raised with the help of family, friends, and members of her church, The Galilee Baptist Church. Support in training was provided by one of her former teammates Joe Krumske of Comstock High School, and Charles Parker provided her with a three-hour a day workout schedule to prepare her for the Australia event. “I would like to thank my mom for encouraging me from the beginning to run the 400 race in track. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to travel overseas for this event.�

Jordan Baker poses with a Koala bear while in Australia, and the U.S.A. team. On the opposite page she shows off the bronze medal she earned. Inset photo, Jordan during a Comstock track event.

more kids

ready for school

thelearningnetwork.org www.comvoicesonline.com

WINTER 2013 | 13

to break even.

I know. I’ve been there!

By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, publisher When a well-known children’s author visited the Kalamazoo Public Library his presentation opened almost immediately with a bang. He shared how he expected to earn more than $90,000 on his upcoming new release.

As us other inspiring best-selling authors salivated, one writer asked his advise on self publishing. He shunned the idea saying that self-published authors pay enormous amounts of money to vanity presses just to have hundreds of books collecting dust in their basements.

Well, Sir, I must disagree (although I dared not say that to a Newbery Award winner who was getting published before I was potty trained).

Times have changed. No longer do you have to order hundreds of books to become a self-published author.

No longer do you have to settle for chain stores not carrying your books.

Today’s self-published authors have the tenacity and drive to make their own book sell and even get it on the Best Seller’s List. If they took years to create it, then by golly they’ll do what it takes to make it sell…even if it’s just

While working as a journalist at the Battle Creek Enquirer, I stumbled across a gem of a story. I learned that musicians such as Motown’s Junior Walker and the All Stars, and duo Jackie (Beavers) and Johnnie (Bristol) started their careers in a little club in town called the El Grotto in the 1949. The club, owned by Snap and Helen Montgomery, was a place where musicians could go and hone their skills on the road to fame and fortune.

I was amazed to find out that so many musicians got their start in Battle Creek.

Even comedian Jimmie Lynch (sidekick of Rudy Ray Moore a.k.a. Dolomite) got his start there with the help of Kalamazoo promoter, Vic Taylor. Bobby Holley, an activist and former Stax recording artist introduced to me musicians in Battle Creek who offered to share their never-beforetold stories of the trials and triumphs of musicians who had ties to the city.

They brought out old photographs, gold records, and performance outfits that were collecting dust in their attics. Who wouldn’t want this story? After one publisher rejected the book for being, “too local,” I decided to self publish.

My husband, Sean had just opened his own graphic design company (Fortitude Graphic Design and Printing) and this would be our first book project. We collaborated with Heritage Battle Creek and organized a week of community

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events, which highlighted the area African-American music history. The week ended with the book release during a free concert at W.K. Kellogg Auditorium featuring Motown artists, the Velvelettes, Contours, and dozens of local artists.

We sold more than four hundred books in a month after area newspapers picked up on the rich, hidden history that had been shared. I was even invited by the Battle Creek Barnes and Noble Booksellers to host a book-signing event in their store.

Our triumph: We were able to find a local hook, use research, oral interviews, and amazing photographs to highlight an important, untold story in Battle Creek’s local history. What did we learn? How have we helped other? Keep reading!

For a copy of Here I Stand call 269-365-4019.

rd-Hollins is a mazoo, Michigan aduated with a rts degree from igan University.

ked for various and magazines e Midwest, and freelance writer.

also a native of owns Fortitude gn and Printing his love for art to of beauty which talents of others.

four children, miel, Syann and

ansen

“Jr. Walker would steal a show if he went on first or last. I hope one day someone recognizes Jr. Walker for the magician,

not just musician, that he was.”

Martha Reeves of Motown’s Martha Reeves and the Vandellas

stories of nd, shares the sic. Here I Sta world with histor y. The mu , nation, and e city Th . ir the city e e Th n record captur itioned betwee o planned to aphically pos musicians wh ng for stardom ble style. Geogr e of those vyi som go, their unforgetta ica Michigan.

Detroit and Ch Battle Creek, little town of companies in de for their ir skills in the wn world-wi kno are would hone the ists the stories of of those art the first time, never Today, many industry. For with dozens of to the music que collection uni contributions one in are shared ans sici mu se the ed photos. before publish

“I remember how dynamic Wade was on stage. I used

to call him, the Preacher,

b eca use he su n g l i ke a

preacher. He connected with the audience. Some of that rubbed off on me.”

This 5th anniversary edition is dedicated to all the musicians who began their careers in Battle Creek, Michigan and have contributed to the world of music as it is known today.

I

n 1993 famous musicians from the Do Wop era embarked upon the city to attend a funeral of a man named Wade Flemons.

Flemons was a musical icon in the city, and had recorded the song, Here I Stand, a popular hit in 1959.

In addition to him, those such as Junior Walker and the All Stars, Al Green, Bill Dowdy of Blue Note Records, and Big Band composer, Sy Oliver, all had connections to this city.

Maurice White, founder of Earth, Wind and Fire 841 Gibson Street • Kalamazoo, Michigan

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By Sean Hollins While we had a measure of success in the publishing of Here I Stand, we learned a lot. We didn’t have a lot of capital and therefore had to utilize a small book binding service. Many of our book pages fell out after selling them to our customers! We also didn’t have adequate borders, cover appeal, or indexing to give the book the professional look it deserved.

Our experiences, good and bad, led others interested in self-publishing to our door. We have helped dozens of authors get their books published and learn something new with every experience.

Seeing the look on the author’s face when they hold their book for the first time is like a parent looking at their newborn child. Whether we assisted with a part of the project (editing, graphics, illustrations, etc.) or the entire project, our goal is to help you, get that book out of you…and get it sold!

A few of our self-published authors share what they have learned in order to help others have a smoother, more successful book release.

Tip #1 : James Ford

G

o to Fortitude Graphics. I’m responsible for the content of my book, but not the cover or the layout of the pages or the arrangement of the photographs.

What (Fortitude) gave me was a book that has a professional appearance equal to what any New York City publishing house could produce.

I worked on the book for about nine years before I had it ready to publish. I didn’t write my book for any commercial purpose. It is a multi-generational history of memoirs and letters that I compiled for the sake of my children and grandchildren. The satisfaction for me was having all of this history in one book so my descendants will know where they came from, and what life was like when Michigan was a wilderness. It’s just a bonus when others enjoy it.

I suppose that writing the book should be the most difficult, but with my limited computer skills the most difficult aspect was just formatting it all in book form after the transcript was written. Without Fortitude Graphics I would still be working on page one. I came with a completed transcript, but no idea how to convert over 500 pages into a finished book. (Fortitude) did that, and Sean produced a beautiful cover. I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. Order at: https://www.createspace.com/3437015 16 | Spring/Summer 2013 www.comvoicesonline.com

Mikael Lott was first drawn to Kalamazoo College for its academic prestige.

Now a junior, Mikael says he’s earning more than a degree.

“I’ve had the opportunity to expand my academic horizon both inside and outside of the classroom,” says the Business major from Lake Orion.

A wide receiver for K’s football team, Mikael studied abroad in Costa Rica as a sophomore.

He later landed a corporate internship in marketing. After graduation, he plans to pursue an MBA. “I’ve matured. I’m more openminded and adaptable to other people and beliefs,” he says.

“Coming to K is more than just a college decision, it’s a life choice.”

More in Four.

More in a Lifetime. www.kzoo.edu

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Tip #2 : James Smith Poetry, Memoir

H

ave in mind your blueprint for your book and where you want it to go. Who is your audience? What is your message to them? Once you know that, call Sean and Sonya!

I wanted to publish a book but didn’t know how to go about it. I used online publishers for my first two books after seeing their ad in a magazine. When I had issues, I didn’t know who to contact. That was a hard and expensive lesson to learn. I wish I had gone to Fortitude in the first place.

For one, they are local and are always there to talk to about any issues, in person. Second, they are much more reasonably priced!

Order books at: (Sunk by the Navy) https://www.createspace. com/4058973

Tip #3 : Doug Smith

M

ake sure to have more than enough specific documentation (individual statements and pictures) early in the project.

I worked on my project five years before I published.

Initially, there was only a plan to document historic moment and send it to those who were a part of the time period. The most challenging part of self-publishing was identifying someone who was dependable, trusted, and skilled in publishing a book, since I had no experience in this area.

I had a desire to tell the story of the founding of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on the campus of Western Michigan University in 1962. I came to Fortitude with a draft manuscript after being referred by Dr. Martha Warfield, vice president Diversity and Inclusion at WMU. The most rewarding aspect of self-publishing is the response from readers and the good feeling related to completing what was started. *Doug’s book became the focus of the fraternity’s 50th anniversary reunion in 2012 at WMU.

Order at: https://www.createspace.com/3965162

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Tip #4 Ask Question: I Tip #5 Don't Rush: Tip #6 Have Fun:

came to Fortitude with my manuscript and illustrations. I didn’t know how to put them together or any of the technical aspects of creating a book. I didn’t know that I should create illustrations to “bleed” off the page. Sean’s creativity and graphic expertise enhanced what I wanted to communicate. I appreciated his willingness to throw in some of his own ideas. Sonya’s encouragement, enthusiasm, knowledge about publishing and marketing, gave me confidence.

It’s wonderful to work with people who believe in your project.

The most challenging part of self-publishing was believing in myself. I had worked on the project for two years before coming to Fortitude. I loved that I was able to design the book exactly like I wanted.

Order at: https://www.createspace. com/3814503

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S

Tip #7 :

pend time with the artist. I needed an artist who could digest or understand the emotional hardship I underwent to bring the book (about the murder of my son by his father) to that point. I had worked on the book for seven years before approaching Sonya.

Christina McGrinson

I called Sonya after attending a self-publishing workshop she held at the Alma Powell Library.

Together Sonya and Sean guided me through many challenges as well as some very positive experiences. They had suggestions, which I followed; but on the other hand there were things that required compromise. They helped me secure an artist who we worked closely with.

Order at: https://www.createspace.com/3740716

Tip #8 :

Working with Fortitude allowed me to receive hands-on consultation. The storyline remained authentic.

Set deadlines

Tip #9 :

Be your book's best marketer

Talk to everyone you know about your book to keep it alive and relevant. Always keep a copy of the book with you, and always introduce the book in every setting possible...and make your sale!

Find people and organizations that have a common theme with your book and seek them out. They will lead you to others you would not otherwise meet. Be enthusiastic about your book, and be encouraging to people who dream of writing a book…they are encouraged to complete or carry out their dream of publishing.

During a book release party, Sean and Sonya didn’t allow me to see the book until we unveiled it at the end of the program. When they presented it to me, I became weaken at the knees and fainted. I was overcome with emotion. Yet, I was delighted that I had attained my goal.

Tip #10 :

After publishing you may find something you wish you could have done differently. We all do. Relish in your success, learn what Be proud of your to do better next time. accomplishments It’s not over. Publishing the book once does not mean you can’t go back later, make another anniversary edition, and add a DVD, CD, or workbook supplement to bring new life to your book. Just GET THAT BOOK OUT OF YOU! 20 | Spring/Summer 2013 www.comvoicesonline.com

Book Covers Designed By Fortitude

Christian Education is vital to any church’s growth. Although a church may have a great pastor, a sound curriculum, and people willing to learn, without trained teachers effective communication of the Word will not occur and the church’s growth can be stifled.

We have found at Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, MI, that Christian Education is the lifeblood of our Church. Christian Education undergirds everything that happens at our Church. Dr. Addis Moore, the Pastor of Mt. Zion, has been personally training his teachers since 1995 and because of this, he has seen phenomenal growth in Sunday School from 100 in attendance to more than 700 weekly and still striving for more.

This manual has developed over the past 16 years to help train teachers and is in use at Mt. Zion. Dr. Addis Moore and his son, Rev. Christopher M. Moore, Assistant to the Pastor of Mt. Zion, come together to give pastors and Christian Education leaders an effective resource for training Christian educators. Students will not only become good teachers but better students of the Word of God. This book is designed to achieve Kingdom results and church growth through biblical application, using the Teaching Methods of Jesus.

There is no greater calling than to purposely live your life in preparation of the second coming of our Lord Jesus. Many people, including Christians, don’t know how to plan for His return. With this in mind it is my sincere desire and prayer that the content of this book will enlighten you about the significance of making the best, conscientious decision of your life. Choose! Where will your soul and spirit go once it becomes Absent from the Body?

~ Author Evangelist Rita Bowman ~

“...We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord!”

II Corinthians 5:8

Rita Bowman is an ordained evangelist and retired school educator. For the past thirty-seven years she has worked diligently in many church ministries.

She earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees from Western Michigan University, along with a plethora of certificates and awards for training and excellence in education.

Nothing Between Me & Thee Ministries

Church and Ministry / Ministry Resources / General

Call for your FREE 1 hour Consultation

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How you can help

The Teen Club of the Kalamazoo Please, save your Girl Scouts are helping plastic dry cleaning to make bags. mats using plastic bags.

Make sure the bags The mats are: are made by cutting bags into loops, tyClean ing the loops together, and rolling it up Dry to form a “plarn ball” or plastic yarn ball.

The strips of plastic are then crocheted Not ripped into a 2’ x 6’ mat. The Girl Scouts will Invoices removed be making the “plarn balls” and ladies in the community are crocheting the mats.

They can be sent in They can be used as a mat, blanket or with delivery orders rain protection. The plastic mats made in Kalamazoo are being sent to an imor dropped off at poverished community 4 hours away one of our locations. from Nairobi, Kenya. There they will be used for people receiving hosIf you are interested in lear ning how pice care, to make a mat or “plarn ba and the peoll” for this ca us e co ntact Paris Cleaner’s office ple living in homes with at 269-343-1565. dirt floors.

508 W Crosstown Pkwy - Kalamazoo 269-388-4260

*

See Paris Cleaners Coupon on page 25)

5585 Gull Rd Kalamazoo 269-383-6160

8139 N 32nd St Richland

pariscleaners.com

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269-629-9869

In Style and Eco Friendly KikaPaprika

Ruth Cekola’s living room turned into a private dressing room for Janis Clark, membership director of Kalamazoo’s Beacon Club. As the flipped through the clothing racks she She whirled brightly colored scarves around her neck. Check out the latest Kika Paprika fashions and have your own private showing of the lastest fall eco-chic clothing for women.

Contact Ruth Cekola Fashion Consultant (269) 492-8014

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The Rainbow does not have enough curves To unbend the crookedness of my smile; I’ll Tell you what Happiness is... It’s finding the Silver lining of a grey cloud in a blue sky— Holdin’ the golden sunshine captive (H)— Is keeping track of the curses, losing count Of the blessings, it is collecting, whatever You have left, and making things right like They were before the world stopped revolving Around yours; you never know you have it until You no longer have it b/c (H) is invisible, like air. You know it’s there cuz you’re breathing easy...

I know it’s hard. To fight for things you don’t— Believe in but the race ain’t given to the swift. It goes to those w/enough sense to get back up. So what? If I lost, I’m not a failure. At least I— Failed in my attempt to build character; I built My faith on a shaky foundation. All of my worldly Possessions were taken but that’s what it took for Me to see how (H) is mind-bending and nerveracking And back-breaking but you have to take it, with stride. Point your chin up towards the sky.

You’ve got 99 problems. I’ve got 103. I’ve got more ?’s than the A.C.T.s but Life is a Test where all you can do is guess the answers. Some even Pass the class but we all have our lessons to learn. This is just One of them; so I can’t be bothered by my problems; the— Troubles can still humble me regardless of circumstance.

Even Cinderella had to walk on glass. I’m too thirsty to worry If the glass is half-empty. I found myself drinking a glass Halfway full; it cooled my mouth. It burned my throat. Like liquor. I’m inebriated. Intoxicated. I am punch-drunk. I am drunk enough to punch the weatherman for all this rain.

But yesterday, my face did that one thing again where my Cheekbones touch the bottom of my eyelids. Look at me. I’m smiling! God and I are finally back on speaking terms. He gave me the confidence to speak these words. I am NOT My burdens, I am NOT my past. I’m just a man. W/e that means. When Cupid unloosened my shoestrings, I tripped and fell in love With ME for a change. So if it’s true what they say, that laughter Is the best medicine, I must be the healthiest man alive. Sometimes I feel so, broken. But today, I’m rejoicing in the Disrepair of my own potential. Just a poet and his pencil. Saving the world, one word at a time.

www.comvoicesonline.com www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Sum 2013 2013 24 | Spring/Summer

Their future is what we do today.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has been investing in Michigan communities for more than 80 years.

We are committed to creating an environment of racial equity that results in healthy, educated kids and economically secure families — where all children can thrive.

Learn more at www.wkkf.org/Michigan

A beautiful mind bright ideas and colors Colors that reflect sorrow and joy Sorrows greatest enemy, refuses to lose the war The enemy with a smile, all the teeth showing Teeth with gaps, some stained but still strong Gaps of the mind, clear thoughts Still mind over matter The matter can always change; Gas, solid, liquid Thoughts become gas molecules bouncing off the walls, staying in the box I cannot be tamed so out of the box I go Go, going, gone A different planet I am now on Planet Mercury hot thought, small physique Small, but the closest to the Son. Thank God the Son renewed my mind My beautiful mind with bright ideas and colors.

www.comvoicesonline.com www.comvoicesonline.com Spring/Summer Spring/Sum2013 2013 | | 25

The word “bullying” means the use of force or coercion to abuse or intimidate others. The definition of “coaching” means a teaching, training or development process in which an individual gets support while learning to achieve a specific personal or professional result or goal.

So I guess Mike Rice, exRutgers’s Men’s basketball coach, was trying to teach his players to perform basketball strategies and skills by coercing them with physical and verbal abuse in hopes they would produce on the basketball court. Obviously, his approach didn’t work and finally led to his dismal from Rutgers.

But what I’m most baffled about (besides why no player knocked out him or assistant coach, Jimmy Martelli) is how former Rutgers’s Athletic Director, Tim Pernetti, thought a suspension was a sufficient reprimand for Rice’s behavior?

Must Have Bullying Experience A few years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing 10 Division I-A athletic directors on their career paths to obtaining their position.

They shared with me some valuable advice on the necessary skills needed to become a potential Div. I-A athletic director candidate.

Business acumen was without a doubt the must have credential, because we all know that college athletics is big business. But another important criterion to have experience in was the ability to manage personnel; in other words, the ability to hire and fire coaches.

I’m not sure if Pernetti had experience in firing coaches, but this should not have been a complicated decision to make, especially with the video and audio evidence as proof of guilt.

I guess the questions remain. How should have this unfortunate situation been handled? Who were the par-

Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan.

Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission. For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.

com or write: Community Voices, P.O. Box 51042, Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-365-4019. www.comvoicesonline.com www.comvoicesonline.com 2013 26 | Spring/Summer Spring/Sum 2013

ties involved in the initial decision making process on putting Coach Rice on suspension and in rehabilitation?

Was Pernetti a scapegoat for the Rutgers’s president’s derelict of duty?

Who else should have been fired?

I’m sure as the money stops flowing in from the donors more of the story will come out and more people will silently resign. Odds are all individuals that were fired will land on their feet thanks to the “Good Ole Boy” network. And when they do, time will tell if they have been truly rehabilitated.

Harold Swife, Ph.D. is a regular column writer for Community Voices.

Send your opinion column to:editor@comvoicesonline.com

s l o o h c S c i l b u P o o z a Kalam ! r e h g i h g n are reachi ent m ll o r n e g in is r f • 7 years o and y r a t n e m e l e ing • 4 years of ris cores s t s e t l o o h c s middle ls o o h c s d e t c u r t • 2 newly cons king a t s t n e d u t s f o ber m u n e h t le b u in • Do s e s r u o c t n e em Advanced Plac s r a e y 4 t s a l e h t ac fi i t r e C l a t n e nm o r i v n E d l o G D d n a y • LEE r a t n e m e l ge E d i R e i r i a r P t a tion l o o h c S e l d d i M Linden Grove ise® m o r P o o z a m a • The Kal

www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

The Young Women of the

Tate-Stone Travel Writers Academy

invite you to the

Unveiling Reception of their student-produced

Girls Can! Magazine Art Hop

Friday, October 4, 2013 5 to 8 p.m.

The Ladies Library Association

333 South Park Street • Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007

Reception sponsored by The Links, Inc. Program and Awards Presentation begin at 6 p.m.

Western Michigan University

Taylor Wilson Thompson F A M I L Y

F U N D