September 2026
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september 2026
Soy-Ginger Marinated Flat Iron Steak with Scallions - see page 13
Everyone's Favorite
Paint & Wallcovering Store A Beacon in the community for paint and wallcovering since 1943 231 West Cedar Street, Kalamazoo • 269-344-2860 www.douglasandson.com
r e b m e m e R hen W September 2026
Ruby’s Apparel & Gift Shop’s slogan, We Invite “Just Looking,” was a welcoming gesture to bring people into the store. The welcome continued once you walked through their doors. The kind, friendly, and helpful staff were the reason for Ruby’s loyal customer following – they treated customers like family. Ruby Osborn opened Ruby’s in September 1959, selling fashionable, high quality women’s clothing and accessories. They sold coats & jackets, dresses, long dresses, special occasion wear, sportswear, sleepwear, robes, pant suits, sweaters & tops, pants & blouses, jewelry, lingerie, and more. Ruby’s offered clothing for all women. Sizes ranged from petite (1/2 sizes) to queen sizes and everything in between, including tall - offering fashions to make every woman look and feel their best. They carried a large selection of name brand merchandise, not just from the Midwest, but from around the county. Brands included Koret, Izod, Northern Isles, Gould, Vicky Vaughn, Misty Harbor, Katz, Playtex and many more. Community involvement was an important aspect of the business for Ruby and her husband, Pat. She sponsored a men’s bowling league. The men wore Highland Kilts and were named the Scotties Stars (1961). Rubys also sponsored a slow pitch softball team. A class B team that played at the Versluis Dickinson Softball Complex. Ruby also joined the community by hosting style (fashion) shows. Many organizations sponsored shows, including: Lioness Club, Lady Elks, Portage Senior Center, The Ameri-
can Christian Women’s Club of Kalamazoo, the Business Women’s Association, Encore Club of Kalamazoo Area Newcomers, the Historical Society, many local high schools and several other groups. The first Ruby’s store was located at 4003 Portage Street in Kalamazoo’s Milwood Plaza for 5 years, before moving to a new, larger location (5,500 sq. ft.) in the plaza, at 4205 Portage St. An additional location in the same plaza (4209 Portage St) was open, was the Queen Size Shop, devoted solely to queen size clothing (starting at size 18 ½). The term “queen size”, instead of “plus size,” resonated with her customers, with the tagline, “Look and feel like a queen!” The success of Ruby’s continued and they expanded, to keep up with the demand. In May of 1968, Ruby’s opened at 4610 W. Main St., in the Westwood Plaza. Not quite a year later (April 1969), they joined the Paw Paw Community. The town of Galesburg welcomed Ruby’s in November of 1972. They also ex-
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GOOD NEWS
panded into the Battle Creek market in September of 1974. In the late 1970’s Ruby and her husband, Pat Osborn, sold the business to Barbara and Gerald Weaver, who continued to expand the Ruby’s empire. They opened on 36 N. Main in Three Rivers in August of 1989. They opened a large store (4,500 sq. ft.) in Portage in the West Century Center that operated until 1995. In addition, Ruby’s expanded into the Lansing, Niles and Grand Rapids Markets. Many former customers shared their fond memories on the popular, Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook site, including: “Some of my favorite vintage items I’ve acquired over the years have been from Ruby’s and I’ve always been impressed by the quality!” “My grandmother shopped there. She dressed up every single day.” “I still have a very nice sweater I got from there, on sale even. Classic style and still looks pretty good!” “28 years ago, I bought my mother-ofthe-bride dress at Ruby’s. My son, who was 4 years old at the time,
picked it out for me. I kept that dress all these years and just this summer wore it to my son’s wedding. It still looks good and carries a special place in my heart.” “I bought my bridesmaid dresses at Ruby’s!” “My mother worked at the Ruby’s West Main locations for several years. She loved the job, staying there until she retired at the ripe old age of 84!” “I can remember my Dad buying almost all of Moms special gifts from Rubys, birthday, anniversary, Christmas.” “My mom and dad took me to Ruby’s (in Milwood) in the early 80’s to buy my first “business suit”. It helped me land the job that became my career, working at the downtown American National Bank.” “I remember playing in the round racks while my mom shopped.” “I loved the store when I could afford it, but my key for the Gazette building activated its alarm! Very embarrassing!” “I drove deliveries between the stores after high school. Ruby and all those gals were great.” “I have my late Mom’s velvet dress coat from Ruby’s, that I wear on occasion. A classy store.” “My honeymoon negligee came from Ruby’s in 1967. White w/blue trim. I loved that store.” “My Dad took me to Ruby’s to pick out my Mom’s Christmas present. Bought her a jewelry box. I loved looking through it. Wish I knew what happened to it?” “I have a robe that came from Ruby’s. Its’ still in nice condition.” For over 35 years, customers at Ruby’s were not only treated like family, many were family. Grandmothers, mothers and daughters shared time together, “Just Looking” at Ruby’s. Jackie Merriam
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS
Cuddle Up and Relax: How to Create a Cozy, Colorful Fall Garden The summer swelter turns into a distant memory as temperatures drop, letting you enjoy your most cozy cardigans, well-loved jeans, and favorite mug filled with pumpkin-spice everything. But as the daylight wanes and the thermometer drops, don’t retreat inside. Autumn offers a perfect time to relax and reflect in your favorite outdoor space. And, with a little tweaking and a few seasonal accessories, your autumn garden may become your new favorite hangout.
an attractive arrangement near the seating area to savor the season. Add gourds to a side table. Whatever your favorite fall interior decorating entails, extend it into your fall garden.
Step 3: Pick the Perfect Fall Plants
To truly enjoy your cozy fall garden, don’t forget the stars of the show: the plants! Consider mixing up your autumn garden plants for a long-lasting, interesting show. Traditional fall colors, like shades of orange and yellow, always look lovely. But plants in rich jewel tones—amethyst, citrine, ruby, and sapphire—add depth and create a lush palette in the garden, too. Add these fall annuals and perennials to pretty patio containers, or design a gorgeous, layered bed where autumn plants can shine.
Step 1: Create Great Seating Spaces
During summer, we tend to place outdoor furniture in the sunniest part of the garden. Perhaps adding an umbrella for shade, but typically, those sunny spaces are also exposed to the elements, such as chilly autumn winds and rain. As you create your cozy fall garden space, consider rearranging your seating area. Move outdoor furniture to areas that are protected from the elements. Place a seating space against the house, wall, or fence to offer shelter from biting breezes and chilly winds. Consider installing a patio shelter or adding a cover to an existing pergola so you can enjoy the garden even during drizzly days. (Is there anything nicer than listening to the patter of raindrops while wrapped in a warm, soft blanket, sipping a cup of tea, and reading a good book?) Position your cozy seating so that you can view the vibrant fall colors in your garden. Pictured above is the Amish made Walnut Lane furniture.
Step 2: Add Cozy Ambiance
Once you’ve positioned your furniture, it’s time to add your favorite fall accessories. Whether you want to go all-in by changing cushions to match the season or prefer to add a simple,
Like many of you, I’m beginning this fall with a full heart from gathering together with loved ones during the summer season. At the beginning of August, a year
warm throw for chilly days, accessorizing your fall garden space can be as elaborate or as easy as you choose. A few items to consider include: Firepit Nothing says autumn like roasting marshmallows on an October evening, while sharing spooky stories to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. There’s just something about a glowing firepit that makes a garden space feel both intimate and festive.
Lighting
Daylight dwindles as autumn arrives, with darkness creeping into the garden earlier every evening. By adding pretty and practical lighting to your fall garden space, you’ll turn a dreary, dark seating area into a warm, inviting space. Whether you choose
of planning a family reunion, came to fruition, which also encompassed my dad’s 93rd birthday celebration. Thirty family members ranging in age from 8 months-93 years, came from 5 states to spend a long weekend together in St. Louis. The weather wasn’t perfect, a few kids were a bit under the weather and some flights got delayed, but the reunion couldn’t have gone any better! There was so much fun, laughter and LOVE filling our hearts during each of those days. We played tennis, basketball, golf, shuffleboard, ping pong, billiards,
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fairy lights, LED path lights, lanterns, or candles, a softly lit autumn garden creates a perfectly cozy vibe. Make sure to turn off outdoor lights when you go indoors to protect migrating birds.
Textiles
Festive autumn throw pillows and chunky hand-knit blankets create terrific texture in the cozy fall garden—while also providing practical comfort and warmth. Whether you choose traditional fall colors in red, orange, and yellow or opt for equally stunning jewel tones, a pretty pop of color creates an inviting space.
The Extras
If fall is your favorite season, extend your decorating to your cozy garden space. Pile pretty pumpkins in
swam, and shared all of our meals together. We even surprised the cousins by having “cousin crew” t-shirts printed. We recreated some cousin poses from the past and created new ones that included the newest members of the family. The weekend culminated on my dad’s 93rd birthday, the final day of four generations sharing their favorite memories and creating new ones. “It was the best birthday I’ve ever had,” exclaimed my dad. Jackie Merriam
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Some plants to consider that Wedel’s carries in the fall include:
“Mel’s Blue” Stoke’s Aster “Purple Dome”, Grape Crush” & “Wood’s Light Blue” Asters • Pansies • Ornamental Peppers • Purple Fountain Grass • Flowering Cabbage • Chrysanthemum or mums • Celosia • Echinacea or Coneflower Don’t rush to tidy your autumn garden. Many seedheads, like Rudbeckia and Echinacea, feed songbirds, while native bees nest in hollow plant stems. Instead of spending the weekends pruning and tidying the garden, cozy up with a good book and your favorite beverage and admire nature as it changes through the seasons. Article from National Garden Bureau with edits from Wedel’s Nursery Florist & Garden Center.
Cover Photo courtesy of Laura Kurella
Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook! This publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.
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September 2026
Jake Girolami
I originally met Jake at Plainwell Ice cream, one of my favorite haunts, and a loyal advertiser in Good News Paper. He is the third generation of the Gaylord family, that owns the ice cream shop, working alongside his grandparents, parents, uncle and cousins in the family business. Imagine my surprise, at seeing Jake at the KIA Arts Fair, a juried fine arts fair for artists across Michigan and the country, held in downtown Kalamazoo in June. He was showcasing and selling his awesome photography. I noticed a large blue ribbon on his
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A Kalamazoo Based Photographer, Filmmaker, and Audio Engineer
booth, that said Best in Category for Photography & Digital Media – very impressive! Jake describes his style of photography in this way, “I love exploring different ways to represent nature, and humanity’s relationship to our environment, especially with such a literal art form. I’m working to be more and more intentional when shooting and presenting my work, and learning to push further and further beyond just snapping a photo.” Jake specializes in analog photography, photographs taken the old-fashioned way, with film that is processed with chemicals. He has a darkroom in his home, where he processes black and white photos. “I love the handson and tangible nature of analog photos,” says Jake. Analog photography was the only method available to photographers for more than a century, prior to the invention of digital photography. Despite the steep decline since the advent of digital photography, film photography has seen a resurgence in the past decade. Jake didn’t start his creative journey as a photographer. He enjoyed TV production classes in high school, and studied audio production at Middle Tennessee State University. His focus shifted from music to sound for pictures. In 2018, he went to
Brazil for the first time to study film/ video abroad, where he fell in love with the camera and the visual side of filmmaking, which eventually led him into photography. “I don’t think there are right and wrong ways to do photography as a craft. I do it the way I want to,” says Jake. He is now a Two-time Blue Ribbon Winner in Photography and Digital Media at the KIA Arts Fair in 2025 and 2026. In addition to his photography, Jake’s film work has also received recognition. His 2024 film “Cyanotype” won best documentary at the 2026 Wolf Tree Film Fest! He also worked on “Nhakpoti” which has received multiple awards and was shown at the Mother Tongue Film Fest at the Smithsonian Museum. Besides spending time at art fairs, Jake can be found on film sets and documenting events and culture in Kalamazoo. He also spends a lot of time making photos and art with his friends and the community. Recently, Jake has been helping to organize the Kalamazoo Photo Collective, a group for photographers of all experience levels, to build community and enjoy photography together. In addition, Jake brings his technical savvy to running Plainwell Ice Cream’s social media. He also prompted his family to offer nondairy options, because he’s a vegan.
Jake figured that if one person in the family with dietary restrictions can get something really good at the ice cream shop, they’re going to bring their whole family in, over and over again. Jake was onto something and their non-dairy options continue to grow in variety and popularity. To see examples of Jake’s creative photography, visit jakegirolami.com, or unitzeromedia.com for his film work. Jackie Merriam
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS
The Unspoken Language of Kindness That Never Runs Dry A few years ago, my Amish friend, Joni, took me on a ride in his horse and buggy through the countryside near Shipshewana, where he lives. Along the way, he pointed toward an old watering trough beside the road. “That’s an artesian well that’s been here since I was a boy,” he said. We stopped next to the well and got out. A nonstop stream of cool, crystal-clear spring water flows from a pipe into a huge, weathered livestock trough. The water isn’t mechanically pumped. Instead, natural pressure within a deep underground aquifer forces it to the surface. What makes this story remarkable is how the Amish landowners chose to share this natural spring on their property as a gift from nature. Rather than placing the trough entirely inside their property, where only their horses and cattle could use it, they placed it directly beneath the fence so it was equally accessible from both sides. The family’s livestock could drink from one side, while anyone traveling that country road could enjoy the refreshing water from the other. They also placed an enameled mug on a large nail driven into one of the weathered fence posts. There is no sign, just a cup—an unspoken invitation. Whether you’re on foot, on a bicycle, horseback, in a buggy, or in a
car, you are welcome to stop, fill the mug, and quench your thirst. The longer I stood there, the more I realized I was looking at more than an artesian well. Like the unspoken message of the cup on the post, I wasn’t just looking at a spring-fed well; I was observing a way of thinking. Over the years, I’ve come to admire many things about the Amish—their devotion to family, their willingness to help neighbors without being asked, their quiet humility, and their remarkable sense of community. A few years ago, I pulled off the side of a similar country road in the same general area to take some photos. An Amish man approached on foot. It turned out he lived about a quarter mile up the road. He told me he had seen me standing there and thought I might have car trouble, so he came to help. They never proclaim their generosity because, to them, generosity isn’t an event; it’s simply part of everyday life. Barns are raised together. Families care for one another. Joni’s extended family gathers on a regular basis to simply be. Joni has often spoken about “connections” when we share conversations about life. This little roadside well personifies those same values and traditions. The Amish family who owns the property
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on which the well is located didn’t created the spring. They merely recognized that something given freely need not be kept for themselves. They and their livestock benefit, and so do complete strangers who stop to take a drink. Both man and beast are welcome to share the bounty of this God-given natural resource. Along the fence row, bull thistles grow wild beside the old fence posts. Their large, lavender-purple blooms add an unexpected touch of beauty to a plant most people know only for its thorns. These thistles weren’t planted or cultivated; they simply belonged to the landscape. Nothing there is designed to impress. It simply exists with humble purpose. I’ve thought about this roadside well many times since Joni first showed it
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to me. It is far more than a source of water—it’s a metaphor for a way of life. Kindness isn’t just reserved for family, friends, and neighbors. Generosity isn’t diminished by being shared. Like the artesian spring, it’s always effortlessly flowing. I never asked, but when Joni first showed it to me that summer morning as we shared a ride together and talked along the way, he probably held many of the same thoughts about the greater meaning of this artesian well and also understood that it needed neither signs, instructions, nor explanation. Everything is explained by its very presence. James D. Coppinger
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS Ma Majestic jestic Hil Hills ls Dawn Turner (Scribner)
August 2026 The Top T Ten en Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Chosen Monthly by America's Library Staff
Dr. Blaque just wants to live somewhere quiet, and his wife Josephine—wary of the suburbs—agrees to move on a one-year trial basis. At first, their predominantly white neighbors seem like the picture-perfect, friendly community, but after an awful crime, prejudice starts showing up in full force. As the year deadline creeps closer, the couple wonders: can they make it, or is their marriage—and safety—about to blow up?
Find out more at Forwww.LibraryReads.org book recommendations from
—Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL NoveList read-alike: Missing Sam by Thrity Umrigar
your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/
Dr Dreaml eamland and Olivie Blake (Tor Books)
You'l ou'lll Be Sorry Lisa Gardner (Grand Central)
When L Lemons emons Giv Give eY You ou L Lif ife e Anna Johnston (William Morrow)
Anya's an ambitious actress looking for her big break in L.A. At a Hollywood party, she catches the eye of famed Emmanuelle de Witt, who hires her as a personal assistant and invites her to the de Witt Villa. Anya quickly realizes the family’s image hides something sinister. As Anya gets involved in the family drama, the question becomes whether or not she'll be able to survive it.
In a small town, a new couple is restoring an abandoned estate where a family of six mysteriously disappeared decades ago. They find a body in an abandoned well, witches, pirate treasure, and a police chief who is desperate to solve this cold case. This is a book readers won’t be able to put down.
In this tender, heartwarming read, a former chef, now in a nursing home, faces some hard truths while trying to make things sweeter for the other residents. This story acknowledges hard realities about Alzheimer's and senior care, lovingly blending the sweet and cozy with the serious and sour, much like a lemon tart.
—Rachel Gable, Milanof-Schock Library, PA NoveList read-alike: Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
—Judy G. Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, MA NoveList read-alike: Buyer, Beware by Catherine Ryan Howard
Pl Plant ant L Lady ady Minyoung Kang; tr. Shanna Tan (Berkley)
Time T Trrav ave el ffor or Beginners Jaclyn Moriarty (Berkley)
This cozy, literary horror story, translated from the original Korean, is about a plant shop entrepreneur and former office worker. In addition to changing careers to something that makes her happiest, she helps change the lives of numerous female customers. This novella germinates quietly, blossoming into a garden of vengeance.
When Anna is offered a job at The Time Travel Agency, she expects to be promoting a scam. Instead, she finds friendly colleagues and a rich life in many pasts, all for her choosing. This charming story about ordinary people features well-rounded characters, a touch of romantic tension, suspenseful danger, and a satisfying ending. The lessons about quantum physics are also surprisingly understandable.
—Maggie Hurle, Anythink Library-Rangeview District, CO NoveList read-alike: Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
—Sally Leahey, McArthur Library (ret.), ME NoveList read-alike: The Second Chance Year by Melissa Weisner
—Stephanie Larkins, Westmont Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: Good Joy, Bad Joy by Mikki Brammer
Back ffor or Bl Blood: ood: Ne Nev ver Whistl Whistle e at Night P Part art II ed. by Shane Hawk and Theodore C. Van Alst Jr. (Vintage) This horror anthology delivers in spades. In fact, it's hard to decide whether to read just one story each night or binge the whole thing in one sitting. Featuring a mix of established horror authors and exciting new voices, this is an accomplished collection of creepy tales. —Jason Wells, Poquoson Library, VA NoveList read-alike: Out There Screaming ed. by Jordan Peele
You'l ou'lll L Lo ove It Her Here e Natalie Sue (William Morrow)
(Mostl (Mostly) y) Human Resour Resources ces Grace Viall (Crooked Lane)
Kitten: A No Nov vel Stacey Yu (Random House)
Becoming a reluctant building super pulls Mona into a cast of eccentric neighbors. A warm, grown-up version of The Breakfast Club: funny, tender, and quietly affirming, with sharp humor and found-family vibes. Perfect for readers feeling stuck, burnt out, or who just need a reminder that sometimes belonging shows up in the messiest places.
Alexys joins a corporation in the Appalachian Mountains that handles cryptic creatures, records sightings, and conducts missions to handle the most dangerous beings. This book starts out cozy with straightfrom-folklore tales, and slowly introduces horror aspects that will grab the reader's attention.
Katie is floundering in adulthood—no friends, no job, estranged mother, and soon, no apartment. A vacation with her boyfriend sparks an obsession with his elderly cat, Silver. With Katie's obsession growing deeper and her life and relationships unraveling, will she be able to pull herself back together?
YOUR LIBRARY CARD IS A GOOD PLACE TO START. —Robin F., Librarian, PA NoveList read-alike: The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Bonus pick:
—Marlene Robles Ortiz, Placer County Library, CA NoveList read-alike: Mothman is My Boyfriend by McKayla Coyle
Portr ortrait ait of a Witch Undone K.S. Shay (Erewhon Books)
—Kari Bingham-Gutierrez, Olathe Public Library, KS NoveList read-alike: Piglet by Lottie Hazell
Notable Nonfiction:
Instant Noodl Noodles es and Be Bey yond: A Comic Book with Recipes ffor or Souped-Up Ramen, Mac & Cheese Cheese,, and Mor More e Robin Ha (William Morrow)
Be sure to check out our social media for the Bonus Pick annotations! Made in LibraryAware - www.libraryaware.com
September is Library Card Sign-up Month. Get Your KPL Card today by signing up at any KPL location or online at kpl.gov/getcarded.
September 2026
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heart of the home
GOOD NEWS
Warm by the Fire
What can be cozier than a warm, crackling fire on a chilly winter evening? From the time I moved into my century-old farmhouse, I have been heating my home with wood. I had never had a woodstove before living here, but it soon became a best friend, attracting my pets as well as me when temperatures drop. It didn’t take long to learn the chores that came with heating with wood, but they soon became a favorite. I love the whole process. And yes, it’s true—heating with wood means getting warm several times before lighting the match. My acreage includes a sizeable area of forest, always providing dead wood. I will admit, however, that some years I take the shortcut of buying what I need. When my son is available, he gets out the big chainsaw and saws and splits while I stack. When ordering wood from my buddy Tim, however, he brings out his big dump truck and fills my driveway with three to four cords of hardwood, already split. A cord stacked measures 4 feet high, 8 feet wide, and 4 feet deep. My driveway is up a hill, and my home is in a valley below. That means I need to carry log after log after log after log down winding steps to
stack close to the house. It’s my gym membership all summer long. I begin those zillion trips up and down the stairs at close of spring, and by September I usually have all four cords stacked in rows a few steps from my door. In winter, those few steps from stack to door to stove are well worn. Stacking wood, I’ve learned, is an art. There are multiple ways to stack firewood, some better than others. Keeping the wood dry is key to an
easy burn. The initial row should have some layer below it to keep the wood from freezing to the ground or absorbing ground moisture that can bring on rot and mold. For that bottom layer, I use discarded pallets, pieces of lumber, or simply lay long branches the length of the stack for a bit of air flow. Choose a place in your yard that isn’t far from the house but still exposed to sun and breezes to keep
the wood dry and assist in seasoning. Stacking the logs in one direction works just fine, although other years I have used a crisscross pattern by putting three logs down in one direction, bark side up, then two logs in a perpendicular direction. Again, think air flow. Do not build the stack higher than four feet to avoid it from falling over. If you don’t have shelter for the wood, cover the top third, but no more than that, with tarps, for air flow. The beehive method is stacking firewood in a circle. Arrange logs in a circle of about six feet diameter. The opening in the middle of the circle can also be filled with logs. For those early mornings or late evenings, I also keep a metal firewood rack in my patio that holds about a quarter of a cord for quick and easy access. A bin holds twigs for kindling that I have gathered over the summer. Another bin holds old newspapers and toilet paper rolls stuffed with dryer lint as fire starters. Not to be forgotten—hire a professional chimney sweep to clean creosote out of the chimney and check on the wood stove to keep all in working order and safe. Zinta Aistars
September 2026
One of my professors offered me this wisdom. There are times in life when you realize you cannot not. No matter how challenging it may be. No matter how crazy it may seem to others, including oneself. Despite the list of “why nots,” something deeper and stronger says “must.” This was me in September 2015. Actually. It began 365 days earlier when I knew I could not not sign up to run a 50-mile ultra marathon the following year. I was familiar with the route. I had recently completed the marathon that weaved through the dirt, trees, hills and occasional bugs - for this annual race. What was one more lap around the course on the same day! Yes, I know. Crazy! (Smile) I sealed my “must” commitment by
Piece by Piece 8
paying my registration fee and telling others I was doing it. To me, both meant no backing out! I joined on-line running forums to learn how I needed to prepare for such an endeavor. Sifting through multiple perspectives, I chose the “expert” opinion that recommended “don’t run all fifty-miles prior; it is less about training to run 50 miles as it is training to be able to keep moving your body on your feet for the entire duration. My physical exercise became about moving twelve hours at one time. On race day, when my husband – who is not a runner - found me at the mile 25 water station and asked me how I was doing, I gave him a big smile as I told him, “Now it’s going to get great”!
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Slightly concerned I had entered a delirium state (ha!) my husband couldn’t comprehend how having just run 25 miles with 25 to go could become great! Recognizing my “gotta go” mindset, he didn’t ask why then. I was given grace by the race director and crew to finish a few minutes after the twelve-hour cut-off time. When they saw me round the last turn under the radiance of the beautiful moonlight, they wanted to witness me finish as much as I wanted to cross that 50th mile line. Later, when my husband asked me what I meant about why it was going to get great, my answer was this. Running is a parallel to life for me. I knew what it was like to run 25 miles (my life lived up to that race). I didn’t know what it was like to run
36, 44, or 50 miles (the future). Yet, I knew I had all the tools I needed to complete the race. I was excited for the unknown ahead. When my husband asked me if I would ever run another 50-mile race again, I responded by saying “I can never say never, but I’m content to say I did it once and have that be enough”. I had no plans to run another 50-miler. Well, that was until life brought the next cannot not. (Smile). May your September be filled with the joy of sweatshirt weather, apple crisp, and touchdowns from your favorite team(s). Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com
The beauty of nature only a few steps away Fire and Water just in time for those cooler evenings
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS
DISPUTED ELECTION The Controversial 1876 Presidential Contest Changed America
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the historic events of 1876. Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, “Centennial State” Colorado became part of the Union, and baseball’s National League was founded. America marked its 100th birthday with the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. Another event that changed America forever was that year’s presidential election. It was one of the most controversial and contentious elections in American history and wasn’t decided for four months, the final decision not rendered until just two days before the inauguration of our 19th president. The result of the election has changed America to this day. After President Ulysses S. Grant decided not to seek a third term, the Republican Party selected Ohio Governor Rutherford B. Hayes as their nominee and the Democratic Party
selected New York Governor Samuel J. Tilden as theirs. Both nominees were considered statesmen and both had been pro-Union and anti-slavery during the Civil War. Hayes had been a Union Army major general and Tilden, as a lawyer, played a major role in removing William “Boss” Tweed from his corrupt role in New York City politics. The election took place on November 7, 1876. More than 10 years after the beginning of Reconstruction, paramilitary and white supremacist groups thrived. They were determined to make a difference in the election by suppressing Republican and African American votes, disrupting rallies and meetings, and threatening potential voters. In addition, there were numerous allegations, from both sides, of fraud by officials in the South. When the first vote count was taken, Tilden led Hayes in electoral
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A votes, 184-165, with Tilden just one electoral vote short of being president. However, the popular votes in South Carolina, Louisiana, and Florida were disputed and could not be resolved, leading to an unprecedented constitutional impasse. The 44th Congress, with a Republicancontrolled Senate and Democratcontrolled House, could not settle the dispute, so they established a special temporary Electoral Commission of 15 members, comprised of five from the House of Representatives, five from the Senate, and five justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The 15 original members of the commission were deemed evenly divided because Justice David Davis, who had been appointed to the court by friend and confidant Abraham Lincoln, was an independent. However, before the commission began its deliberations three months after the election, on February 1, 1877, Davis was elected to fill a vacant U.S. senate seat in Illinois, and his replacement, Justice Joseph P. Bradley, was a Republican. So eight members of the commission were Republicans and seven were Democrats, and in the end, that made the difference. The commission’s vote was 8-7, along
party lines, for Hayes. Despite Tilden winning the popular vote 50.9% to 47.9% and being just one electoral vote short of the presidency, the commission awarded all 20 disputed electoral votes to Hayes. Both houses of Congress formally elected Hayes on March 2, 1877, and two days later, he was sworn in as president. Importantly, in order to finally bring Congress to a vote, most historians agree that Democrats and Republicans reached an undocumented agreement, called the Compromise of 1877, which allowed Republican Hayes to become president but ended Reconstruction and removed federal enforcement troops from the South. Tragically, as a result, many advances achieved at great cost during the bloody Civil War to gain equal opportunity for African Americans were reversed. Tony Ettwein HistoryZoo1837@gmail.com A. Copies of the “1876 National Republican Chart” informed voters about the Republican candidates and platform
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September 2026
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2026 Resale Report Hello again, Good News Paper Readers! As we move through another busy year in the vintage world, one thing has become increasingly clear: second-hand fashion is no longer a small corner of the clothing industry. Vintage and resale have become part of the mainstream, and the way people discover, shop, sell, and even think about vintage clothing is changing right along with it. For those of us who have been watching this community grow for years, it’s exciting to see where things are headed next. According to the 2026 Resale Report from thredUP, the global secondhand apparel market is projected to reach $393 billion by 2030, growing twice as fast as the overall apparel market. Even more interesting to us is how shoppers are finding their next favorite pieces. Nearly half of secondhand shoppers now discover items through social media, creators, and influencer feeds rather than traditional search. That shift is something we’re seeing firsthand within the vintage community. The days of simply opening a
vintage shop and waiting for people to walk through the door are changing. Today’s vintage seller might be sourcing at an estate sale in the morning, photographing a new drop in the afternoon, and hosting a live sale or posting a styling video that evening. The storefront has become digital, social, and sometimes completely mobile. This has created some amazing opportunities for small vintage businesses. A seller in Kalamazoo can reach someone across the country with one great 90s sweatshirt, a perfectly faded work jacket, or a pair of 1970s jeans. At the same time, shop-
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pers can learn more about clothing than ever before. Information about labels, construction, materials, eras, and authenticity is just a few clicks away. Vintage shopping is becoming part retail, part education, and part entertainment. But with all this growth comes a new challenge: competition. As more people discover the value of vintage and secondhand, good pieces can be harder to find and prices can rise. Resellers are becoming more specialized, with many focusing on eras, brands, categories, or aesthetics. The days of knowing a good vintage piece simply because it “looks cool” are evolving into a much deeper knowledge of what makes a garment desirable. Technology is also becoming part of the conversation. AI-powered search and discovery tools are beginning to make it easier for shoppers to find specific styles and for sellers to organize and present their inventory. That could be especially interesting for vintage, where one-of-a-kind pieces don’t always fit neatly into traditional retail categories. The human side of vintage, however, remains difficult to replace. There is still something special about a seller knowing exactly why a jacket is worth grabbing, where it came from, or what makes its details unique. We’re also seeing a continued shift away from dressing entirely around one trend. Vintage shoppers seem
more interested in building a personal style from different decades. A 70s denim jacket might be worn with modern athletic pants, a 90s graphic tee might be paired with tailored trousers, or a vintage workwear piece might become part of an entirely unexpected outfit. Instead of recreating the past exactly, people are pulling pieces from the past and making them their own. And that may be the most exciting part of where vintage is heading. Vintage has always been about individuality, but today’s resale culture is making that idea accessible to more people than ever. Younger shoppers are discovering that the best way to stand out isn’t necessarily to buy something brand new; it might be finding something that has already had a life of its own. As the vintage and secondhand world continues to grow, we’re excited to see what the next chapter looks like. The platforms may change, the technology will certainly change, and the trends will come and go, but the excitement of finding that one perfect piece will always be the same. So, keep digging, keep supporting small businesses, and most importantly, keep wearing things your own way. We’ll see you out there! Patrick Turner / Megan Zielke Vintage in the Zoo | Vintageinthezoo.com
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September 2026
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The C OVI D Generation: Six Years Later, Are YoungAdults Truly Okay? In 2020, the world paused. Schools closed, campuses emptied, social lives moved online, and milestones disappeared almost overnight. Six years later, the question is no longer whether COVID affected young adults. We know it did. The question is whether they have fully recovered or whether we are still seeing the ripple effects. For those who were between 18 and 25 during the pandemic, COVID occurred during a critical developmental period. Emerging adulthood is when people begin establishing their identities, developing intimate relationships, building careers, becoming independent, and figuring out who they are outside of their families. COVID interrupted many of those experiences. Research continues to show increased anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, and emotional dysregulation among young people during and following the pandemic (Sayed, 2024). Prolonged uncertainty, isolation, and loss of control also affected opportunities to develop healthy emotional regulation skills (Cerutti et al., 2024). In other words, some young adults missed important opportunities to practice handling life while they were learning how to become adults. Social development was affected as
well. We learn how to interact with others by actually interacting with them. We have conversations. We experience conflict. We get rejected. We repair relationships. We learn to read a room and become comfortable being uncomfortable. During COVID, many of those everyday experiences disappeared. Research has linked pandemic isolation and decreased face-to-face interaction with challenges in social and communication development (Rodriguez Monge et al., 2023). Researchers have also documented increased loneliness and decreased social connection among young people (Magis Weinberg et al., 2024). Today, we may see this reflected in social anxiety, discomfort with faceto-face communication, and reduced confidence in relationships. The academic impact also went beyond missed lessons. Attention, emotional regulation, motivation, and cognitive flexibility all influence a person’s ability to learn. Pandemic disruptions affected these areas as well (Cerutti et al., 2024). Students were not simply missing academic content. Many were missing the experiences that helped them develop the skills necessary to learn effectively. COVID also interrupted major life transitions. More than 80% of young
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adults in one study reported significant disruptions involving education, employment, independence, or relationships (Cook et al., 2025). These are not small milestones. They help shape identity, confidence, and a person’s sense of direction. So, have young adults bounced back? For some, absolutely. Many demonstrated incredible resilience, adapted, found new ways to connect, and created meaning from an incredibly difficult experience (Bieniak et al., 2024). But recovery has not looked the same for everyone. Six years later, some young adults are still struggling with anxiety, emotional overwhelm, relationships, independence, and confidence. This does not mean we have a broken generation. We have a generation shaped by disruption. Instead of asking, “What is wrong with them?” perhaps we need to ask, “What did they go through?” Young adults do not need judgment for reaching milestones differently. They need opportunities to strengthen emotional regulation, practice real world social interaction, navigate delayed transitions, and understand how an extraordinary period of history affected their development. Six years later, the effects of
COVID are still unfolding in ways that may not always be obvious. We see them in how young adults think, feel, connect, learn, and move through the world. They are not behind. They are rebuilding. References Bieniak, K. H., Bedree, H., Geanous, N., Neff Greenley, R., Miller, S. A., Buscemi, J., & Tran, S. T. (2024). Thematic analysis of COVID 19 impacts on emerging adults. Cerutti, J., et al. (2024). Declines in social emotional skills in college students following COVID 19 lockdowns. Frontiers in Psychology. Cook, J. A., et al. (2025). Social determinants, mental well-being, and disrupted life transitions in young adults. Magis Weinberg, L., et al. (2024). COVID 19 and peer relationships in youth ages 10 to 25. Rodriguez Monge, M., et al. (2023). COVID 19 effects on social emotional development. Sayed, A. A. (2024). Mental health impacts of COVID 19 on youth and young adults. Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT., MA., LPC A Fresh New Start Counseling LLC „Don‘t Let Anyone Dull Your Sparkle“
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Recipes A flat iron steak offers a robust, meaty steak flavor at an economical price! With Labor Day marking the unofficial end to summer in Michigan many are planning to celebrate this holiday weekend outdoors because those kind of days in Michigan are definitely numbered, and what better way than by cooking up some steak! My father, God rest his soul, loved every single bite of every single steak he ever ate in his way-too-short life. I still remember how his steaks would perfume the entire air with meaty goodness whenever Mom would make one, which was a rare back in the 1960s because beef was so pricey. Today’s economy seems to be mirroring it but lucky for us, the beef industry has introduced innovative new cuts to help fit all our pocketbooks! Years ago, I had the pleasure of connecting with Bridget Wasser, the former Director of Meat Science and Technology at The Beef Checkoff. She indicated that the industry created these cuts for that very reason. To keep in step with the times, the beef industry looked for ways to add value to the consumer dollar while meeting taste expectations. This innovation resulted in a new tier of steak options, offering a premium beef-eating experience at a much more affordable
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Flat Iron Fun!
price. An old friend of mine, Bruce West, a meat specialist at Sand Lake Party Store in Nottawa, Michigan, noticed that his customers immediately embraced the new options. West noted that it is perfect for those who cannot afford top-dollar steaks. He believes it is awesome to enjoy that rich, meaty flavor at lower prices, and this new tier is what makes it possible. According to West, the flat iron is one of the most popular selections in this value category. Of all steaks, the flat iron is considered the third most tender. It delivers an outstandingly juicy and robust flavor profile. It is a great eating experience and a fantastic value to boot.
However, West added an important reminder. While value steaks are highly flavorful, they can sometimes lean on the tougher side. Cooking them minimally, letting them rest, and cutting them correctly against the grain is an absolute must. I was skeptical about these new cuts at first. Logic had me wondering how new cuts could suddenly appear from the same old cow. Once I learned that the secret lay in changing the butchering methods to portion out affordable cuts, it finally made sense. Still, I needed to taste the results for myself before weighing in. Taking an entire summer, I made sure to cook something from this
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new tier every single week. The flavor is absolutely there. When cooked correctly—avoiding overcooking, resting the meat for ten minutes, and slicing against the grain—the meat was moist, juicy, and remarkably close to pricier cuts. This experiment taught me to be more careful with cooking. Taking the time to cook and rest the meat properly makes a massive difference in both flavor and texture. The biggest takeaway I learned from flat irons, which are about the size of a flank steak, is to cook them only until rare. Then, let them coast in a warm environment for at least 10 minutes to finish cooking to your desired doneness. This ensures they reach their most tender, juiciest best. My father truly did love steak and if he were here today, I know he would enjoy dining on a flat iron, especially since they are more economically priced! Here now are some magnificent ways to indulge in the mouth-watering, meaty fun of a flat iron over the holiday or any day the mood for steak strikes you. Enjoy! Laura Kurella is an award-winning home cook who loves to share recipes from her Michigan kitchen. She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@ yahoo.com.
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September 2026
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Soy-Ginger Marinated Flat Iron with Scallions For the Steak & Marinade: 2 pounds flat iron steak 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon honey 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh ginger paste (or finely grated fresh ginger) 1 bunch whole scallions (green onions), roots trimmed Marinate: In a gallon-sized zip-top bag, combine the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, and ginger paste. Add the flat iron steak and the whole scallions. Seal tightly and massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Preheat the Grill: Bring your grill to medium-high heat.
Grill: Remove the steak and the scallions from the marinade (discard the remaining liquid). Place the steak on the grill. Lay the scallions next to it. Flip and Rotate: Grill the steak for about 5 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F. Turn the scallions frequently so they get lightly charred and softened without burning completely (they may finish a few minutes before the steak). Rest and Slice: Transfer the steak to a board and rest for 10 minutes. Slice the steak thinly on the bias (at a 45-degree angle) against the grain. Cut the grilled scallions into 2-inch pieces and scatter them over the sliced beef before serving.
Balsamic Rosemary Flat Iron with Grilled Corn Salsa
For the Steak & Marinade: 2 pounds flat iron steak 1/4 cup balsamic glaze 1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For the Grilled Corn Salsa: 3 ears fresh sweet corn, husks and silk removed 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped Juice of 1 lime 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Marinate the Steak: Whisk together the balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, Worcestershire, Dijon, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Add the steak and coat thoroughly. Marinate at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge). Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F– 400°F).
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Grill the Corn: Place the bare corn cobs directly on the grill grates. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are charred in spots. Remove and let cool. Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature hits 130°F–135°F. Rest the Meat: Place the steak on a plate, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Assemble the Salsa: Slice the charred corn kernels off the cobs into a bowl. Toss with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Serve: Slice the rested flat iron steak against the grain and serve alongside or topped with the warm corn salsa.
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS
So, What’s The Health Deal With Fiber?
Well, it turns out it’s a big deal. In fact, it’s regarded as essential in a healthy diet. If you follow this column, you read about the connection between our gut and our brain and the role that fiber plays in keeping us healthy. Fiber feeds healthy bacteria in our intestinal system. There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble. Soluble dissolves in water. It forms a gel-like substance in the stomach that slows down digestion. It can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. Insoluble doesn’t dissolve in water. It supports the movement of the material through the digestive tract. Most plants have both soluble and insoluble fiber. A good question arises when people ask, how much fiber do I need. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 21 grams daily for women over 50, 28 grams for women 50 and younger, 30 grams for men over 50, and 38 grams for men 50 and younger. Aside from promoting a healthy gut-brain relationship, there are several other benefits to a high fiber diet. One is there is less chance of constipation. Dietary fiber increases the weight of the stool and softens it. In
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general, bulky stools are easier to pass and lower the chance of constipation. If one has loose, watery stools, fiber may make them solid because fiber absorbs water. Fiber in beans and oats may keep the body from absorbing some of the cholesterol in other foods. This may lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. High fiber foods may have other effects on heart health, such as lowering blood pressure and lessening inflammation. For people with diabetes, fiber may
slow the absorption of sugar and help improve blood sugar levels. A healthy diet that includes both soluble and insoluble fiber may also lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. A high fiber diet also helps people maintain a healthy weight. Because high-fiber foods take longer to eat and are less calorie dense than lowfiber foods, people consume fewer calories for the same volume of food. Adding fiber to your diet is easier than you think. You can start by making sure that at least half of the grain
you consume is whole grain. Choose breads with at least two grams of fiber per serving. The label should have the word “whole” as the first ingredient for any flour. You can learn to like legumes, if you don’t already. These are beans, peas, lentils, and even peanuts. Adding beans to canned soup is an easy way of adding fiber to your diet. Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich in fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. If you can’t get fresh produce, frozen or canned fruit and vegetables can serve you well. Just watch the sodium on canned vegetables and added sugar on canned fruit. All this means that we must read the labels on packaged food and not necessarily believe the hype prominently displayed on the outside of the package. High fiber foods are good for our health, but adding too much too soon can lead to problems. These include gas, bloating, and cramping. Add fiber to your diet slowly over a few weeks. This allows natural bacteria in the digestive system to adjust to the change. Make it a great day. Ken Dettloff ACE Brain Health and Personal Trainer
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September 2026
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Where History meets the Horizon: Life as a Forty Mile Point Lighthouse Keeper My husband and I just completed our fourth, two-week stint as Lighthouse Keepers at Forty Mile Point in Rogers City, Michigan. This position is a volunteer one—we get to stay in our camper on the beautiful grounds of the lighthouse off the shore of Lake Huron. In exchange, we commit to about 20 hours of work each week. This type of camp/work situation is not unique; many lighthouses benefit from this type of trade. In a similar situation, some campgrounds utilize Campground Hosts with varying duties in exchange for a free campsite. At Forty Mile Point, there are normally four couples scheduled during the season. Our responsibilities encompass four main areas: staffing the gift shop and serving as docents in three locations—the lighthouse tower, the lighthouse museum, and the pilothouse of a decommissioned Great Lakes freighter. Because there is a full-time caretaker living on-site, there are no additional cleaning or maintenance duties. The commitment is a minimum of two weeks. This year, we shared our time with couples from Arkansas, Tennessee, and Florida. While one was here for the first time, another has been doing it for over 15 years! In addition to dividing lighthouse duties there is plenty of time to socialize with other hosts. There are natural friendships that form through these shared experiences and campfire time. As lighthouses in Michigan became automated and ship navigation systems modernized, ownership of these sites transferred to various entities, including private owners and government agencies. Given the costs to maintain these historical sites, most rely on volunteers to keep them operational, often in conjunction with local non-profit organizations. This support ranges from volunteers showing up to contribute their time
and expertise in the building and ground maintenance, to structured lighthouse keeper programs. Forty Mile Point is also able to maintain its free admission status through tourist support in the form of donations and gift shop purchases. To learn about other volunteer lighthouse positions, I talked to one of my neighbors, Jamie, who volunteered at a different location in
the Upper Pennisula, Crisp Point Lighthouse in Newberry, Michigan. Crisp Point is located 18 miles down an unpaved road and 27 miles from the nearest gas station or convenience store. Although we had similar titles and responsibilities, there were significant differences, this being one of them! Their application information states: “Keepers are expected to bring their own electrical power sup-
ply including generator, food, heat, refrigeration, and supplies, etc., to sustain themselves during their keeping timeframe.” It also notes that it is a “…remote location with no camping services such as electricity, waste removal services, or refrigeration.” Jamie mentioned she first tried it after visiting the site with a friend who suggested the idea. She was ready to try something new and adventurous. The peacefulness, the beauty of the surroundings, and the wonderful people she met brought her back for a second year. When asked what type of person this position might appeal to, she said someone who is low-key, able to handle stress, is social, and comfortable roughing it. In contrast, I can’t say staying in my air-conditioned camper with its shower and microwave could be called roughing it! However, I agree on a social person being a good fit, as public interaction is a major part of the role. Additionally, an interest in history or lighthouses makes the experience even more rewarding. Some keepers arrive with a nautical background which allows them to share their personal experiences with tourists. Personally, my husband and I agree that we learn more each time we come, not only from the history we share as docents, but the stories exchanged with us by visitors with a connection to Forty Mile Point Lighthouse. If this has piqued your interest, you can find more information at: fortymilepointlighthouse.org/ keepers-program/ crisppointlighthouse.org/volunteerkeepers.html Additionally, searching online for “Michigan Lighthouse Keeper programs” or “work camping programs” will bring up a wide variety of opportunities. Deanna Mayo
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September 2026
GOOD NEWS
It’s Like Remembering How to Ride a Bike I’ve always wondered how true the phrase “it’s just like riding a bicycle” was. Would I, someone who hadn’t ridden a bike in something like ten years, actually be able to hop back on the saddle like zero time had passed? This was a thought that came in brief spurts over the last few years: something interesting to think about, yet not investable enough to warrant the energy needed to bring down the bike hanging in my garage, oil the chains, and fill the tires with air. That is until one of my friends began biking again. My friend Elena, in her postcollege graduation crisis, took up the hobbies of (half ) marathons and triathlons. The triathlon training was the most recent addition to her cardio workouts, wanting to add swimming and cycling to her running routines. Over the last few months Elena kept me updated on her journey of buying a used bike, learning bicycle maintenance, and mastering the use of cycling shoes that clip into the pedals. But most of all, she told me how much fun she was having riding a bike again, something she hadn’t done since childhood. I hadn’t been on my bike since I was a kid either. I have lots of fond
memories riding my bike with my friends around my neighborhood, eventually venturing to Treat Street in the Oakwood Plaza for an ice cream cone as a reward for being outside and active. I missed riding my bike. Elena encouraged me to join her for a ride out at the Kal-Haven Trail. So, I did. The Kal-Haven Trail spans 34 miles from Kalamazoo to South Haven and is popular for locals and tourists to enjoy a stroll through the woods, or for athletes to complete the entire stretch for a refreshing beach reward. I had been on its trail only twice before on leisurely walks, so I was excited to explore further than I’d seen before. The path is a restored railroad—how cool is that! The day before we were meeting for our ride, I got my bike down and fixed it up (to the best of my ability and tolerance). My last step was to make sure the seat was at the right height, which meant braving a test ride down the street. It was time to see if I remembered how to ride a bike. It was harder than I expected it to be. When pushing off, I couldn’t keep the front wheel as straight as I could as a kid, and trying to make a tight
turn on my street was scarier than I remembered (maybe because I wasn’t wearing a helmet and was more anxious about a head injury than my carefree younger self ). But after a minute of riding around, I felt like my old, young self again. Once I was on the Kal-Haven with Elena, it truly felt like I never stopped riding a bike. The one exception was that I remembered in my last year of riding, I had mastered the art of steering with one hand and was practicing the no-hands move, but I couldn’t ride one-handed on the trail due to my nervousness about being on dirt rather than a concrete road. Nonetheless, I had so much fun. It felt great to pump my legs and ride fast, and to explore much further into the trail that I couldn’t do just walking. I enjoyed being out in nature early in the morning when I otherwise wouldn’t have been outside, and found appreciation and beauty in the quiet county roads we passed. We ended up cycling 12 miles in total—6 out and 6 back—which I loved but was totally exhausted by the end. Yet as soon as I loaded up my car to go home, I yearned to ride again. I loved the scenery and exploring places I hadn’t seen before from a
perspective outside of a fast-moving car. Though we didn’t venture that far, I’ve learned that the trail goes through the woods, a glacial moraine, towns and villages, ghost towns, wetlands, and various farmlands before ending at Lake Michigan. I want to continue biking for the joy of the ride and to explore the scenery of the Kal-Haven trail; those ghost towns are so intriguing! It would also be fun to cycle the entirety of the path to South Haven— though I’d want a ride back home in a car! So, when someone says, “it’s just like riding a bike,” while they are probably referencing the abilities of our unconscious motor skills, maybe it can also allude to unearthing the emotions and joys that we may have long since forgotten. Carson Williams
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17
GOOD NEWS
Rare Butterfly Returns to Historic Habitat Through Unprecedented Conservation Partnership This summer, one of North America’s rarest butterflies returned to habitat where it has long been absent, marking a significant milestone in the recovery of an endangered species and demonstrating the power of long-term conservation partnerships. In late June and early July, approximately 300 federally endangered Mitchell’s satyr butterflies were released into a carefully restored prairie fen at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta, Michigan. The release represents years of collaborative work among the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Michigan Army National Guard, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Michigan State University, John Ball Zoo, and numerous other conservation partners dedicated to securing the future of one of the nation’s most imperiled butterflies. The inaugural release took place at Fort Custer Training Center on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Mitchell’s satyr depends on prairie fens—rare, groundwater-fed wetlands found primarily in southern Michigan and a handful of other Midwestern states. Over the last century, many of these unique ecosystems have been lost or degraded through
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development, drainage, hydrologic alteration, and invasive species encroachment, contributing to dramatic declines in the butterfly’s populations. Today, only a small number of populations remain, making habitat restoration and carefully planned reintroductions critical components of the species’ recovery.
The release site at Fort Custer Training Center contains one of the largest and highest-quality prairie fen complexes remaining in southwest Michigan. Protected within a large, undeveloped landscape, the fen provides the specialized hydrology, native vegetation, and ecological integrity that Mitchell’s satyr requires
to survive. For years, conservation partners have worked to restore and prepare this habitat for the butterfly’s return. The Kalamazoo Nature Center has played a significant role in habitat restoration, invasive species management, recovery planning, and support for captive rearing efforts that have made reintroductions possible throughout Michigan. The reintroduction is particularly noteworthy because Fort Custer Training Center is believed to be the first military installation in the nation to reintroduce a federally listed species that had previously been extirpated from the site. “Fort Custer Training Center demonstrates that military lands can serve as both premier training environments and important conservation landscapes,” said MAJ Ryan McCann, FCTC Commander. “We are proud to support the recovery of one of America’s rarest butterflies while continuing to provide the realistic training environment our Soldiers require.” For more information contact Jessica Simons, Kalamazoo Nature Center email/phone: jsimons@naturecenter. org / 269-978-2403 or 734-707-1949
18
September 2026
GOOD NEWS
For the People, By the People: America at 250 at KIA Through October 4, 2026 For the People, By the People: America at 250 looks to the nation’s milestone as an opportunity to reflect on America’s enduring ties to liberty, justice, and identity. For the People, By the People brings together artworks from the KIA’s permanent collection and loans of bold contemporary voices to examine the symbols, struggles, and aspirations that shaped, and continue to inform American life using themes such as: • Pursuit of liberty and fight for visibility • US iconography and historical events, patriotism and civic discourse • American land, labor, and ambition • Reckoning with U.S. history and
envisioning its future Spanning photography, printmaking, painting, sculpture, and installation-based works, this exhibition juxtaposes notable artists such as Dorothea Lange, Jacob Lawrence, Alfred Stieglitz, Hank Willis Thomas, and Andy Warhol with rising artists like Erica Lord, Julio Cesar Morales, and Cara Romero, among many others. “For the People, By the People: America at 250 showcases selections from the KIA’s outstanding collection with key loans from across the nation, highlighting the ingenuity of American civilization. This exhibition offers our community an opportunity to reflect on the fact that we are a nation that has been evolving since its inception.
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While we’ve experienced tragedies and triumphs, it’s been the people’s constant pursuit of equality, freedom, and justice that truly defines the nation,” says Rehema Barber, Director of Curatorial Affairs at the KIA. From iconic images of migration, progress, and protest, to poignant, yet declarative text works to portraits that center Indigenous, African American, and diasporic experiences, the artists featured in For the People, By the People form and challenge the rhetoric and visual language of patriotism, social consciousness, labor, representation, and belonging. Both celebratory and contemplative, For the People, By the People: America at 250 invites visitors to reflect on the United States of America’s founding principles, our current
lived realities, and who we aspire to be in our future. This exhibition is made possible by generous support from: Efroymson Family Fund, National Endowment for the Humanities, and Talsma Furniture.
36th AnnuAl ChristmAs At Wings
hAndmAde Art & CrAft shoW Sat. Dec. 5th 9-4 & Sun. Dec. 6th 10-4
Wings r e Event Cenictk Dr. 3600 VanRazoo Kalam
kalcounty.gov/hhw
Visit our website for accepted items, participation areas, and the most up-to-date hours, or call 269-373-5211.
HOURS: Tue. & Fri. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. Noon - 6 p.m. 2nd Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon (closed Sat. in Aug. & Sept.) 1301 Lamont Ave. | Kalamazoo KALAMAZOO
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Health & Community Services Department
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6/30/26 9:00 AM
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19
September 2026
GOOD NEWS
Corn Sweat?
Just a week or so ago, I received my quarterly water bill. What a shock! I guess I wasn’t entirely surprised since I’ve spent many an hour moving the sprinkler from spot to spot in an effort to keep my flower beds from becoming too parched. And don’t get me wrong. I’m ever so grateful that I live in a place where I can turn on the tap and be reasonably assured that clean water will flow - treated for bacterial contamination, toxins, and chemical adulterants. For much of human history, and in many places around the world to this day, access to clean water is a luxury beyond imagination. Furthermore, living in the Midwest, in a state surrounded by freshwater, makes me doubly blessed. That said, and maybe because it’s time for school to start and part of my brain still thinks like a teacher, it got me thinking about the water cycle. Back when I was working, whether it was teaching freshman biology or AP Environmental Science, we discussed the various cycles that move nutrients through ecosystems early in the year. The easiest of them all is the water cycle. It’s pretty straightforward to track the various pathways that water takes to move through an ecosystem, and students rarely have difficulty understanding the various routes that a molecule of H2O can follow - from the air as precipitation to the soil, then percolating down to a river or an aquifer. From there, animals drink, eat, and eliminate excess water. The part of the water cycle that sometimes caused a little confusion was transpiration. I think the process is a little puzzling because we don’t see direct evidence of it. It’s difficult to track. Transpiration is the process by which water moves from the roots of a growing plant up through the stem to the leaves. Photosynthesis uses water and carbon dioxide to produce carbohydrates (and oxygen). Transpiration refers to the loss of water not used in photosynthesis. On the underside of
most leaves, there are small openings called stomata in the plant tissues that allow water vapor to be released, usually during the daytime, into the atmosphere. If water is abundant in the tissues, water will be released as vapor. In times of water scarcity, the stomata close to conserve the water available to the plant. It’s fairly easy to see the process if you’re interested. Take a plastic bag and use a twist tie to secure it around the branch of a plant that’s actively growing on a sunny afternoon. When you come back the next day, you will find droplets of water in the bag, representing condensation of water vapor released through transpiration beneath the plant’s leaf surface. It sounds simple, and it is. I think it’s a useful exercise to show that just as water is cycling through the air, bodies of water, and animals, it’s also cycling through plants. All this pondering about water, plus the fact that it’s been a fairly hot, humid summer, reminded me of a term that was new to me before the last year or so: “corn sweat”. What a great word! Corn sweat, in case you haven’t heard of it before, describes the transpirational movement of water through agricultural fields. Primarily referring to corn, but including soybeans and other row crops as well, the term describes evapotranspiration, combining the processes of evaporation of water from shallow soil along with its movement through living plant tissue. The US Geological Survey estimates that a single acre of actively growing corn releases 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water into the atmosphere as water vapor. Per day! That figure represents volume on a scale that’s almost incomprehensible to me. Even after all my years of teaching science, very big numbers, and very small numbers for that matter, are just hard to imagine. “Doctor Google” helped me out by providing some visualizations of what 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water would look
like: a 15-foot swimming pool filled to the brim, roughly 100 bathtubs filled all the way up, and approximately 30,000 bottles of water. 3,000 to 4,000 gallons of water weighs about 14-ish tons. Yikes! And that’s just one acre of corn. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Michigan grows approximately 2.5 million acres of corn alone. That doesn’t include other row crops like soybeans and wheat. That’s a lot of water moving through crops, and a huge amount of water vapor pumped into the atmosphere during warm summer days. To be absolutely correct, not all of that water is lost directly through transpiration. Some of it is the result of water evaporating from the shallow soil. But most of the water is moving from the roots to the stem, then to the leaves, and finally into the atmosphere. It’s estimated that in the farming regions of the Midwest, the addition of this water vapor on a warm summer day is enough to raise the dew point to near-tropical levels. A dew point of 65 degrees F or higher indicates a humid, uncomfortable day. A dew point of 75 degrees F is considered tropical, oppressively muggy, and dangerous for people at risk of heat stroke. It is not unusual for dew points in agricultural areas to reach up to 10 degrees higher than in adjacent areas away from the fields. Does this increased moisture drive weather patterns? Perhaps locally, according to the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Since warm air can hold more moisture than cooler air, a passing shower can drench the soil, promoting evaporation, which, along with transpiration, can supersaturate the atmosphere. When this warm, wet air rises, it can collide with cooler air patterns in the upper atmosphere, and the resulting instability can drive thunderstorms and heavy local downpours. If your farm happens to be located in Tornado Alley - the
geographic region that extends from roughly Arkansas and Oklahoma to southern Illinois and Indiana- the instability can feed the development of damaging tornadoes. Of course, in drought conditions transpiration slows to a virtual standstill. Leaves curl up to conserve the precious moisture that remains within the leaf tissues. Even the leaves themselves may shrivel and fall, sending the plant into premature dormancy. If it happens to a farmer’s crop, the losses can be catastrophic; hence the absolute need for an irrigation strategy at whatever cost. This summer’s local dry spell has resulted in plenty of dry grass and prematurely lost leaves. I’m not one to water my lawn much, but I do try to keep the flower beds happy with frequent “drinks”. There’s certainly not much corn sweating going on around here. Thankfully, our groundwater supplies are plentiful, and the soil is rich. What I know for sure is that I’m grateful for the efforts of farmers and farm workers who work tirelessly, and under all manner of extreme weather conditions every single day, to maintain the food supply that not only feeds and powers this country but much of the world. If you happen to meet up with a farmer, pass on a high-five. And, if you typically offer a before-meal blessing, remember their efforts. Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center To view references for this article, please scan the QR code.
20
September 2026
GOOD NEWS
FREE september Events Through Sept. 6 Exhibit: Dinosaur Explorer Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Fridays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Family Story Time, 10:15am, All ages, Richland Library
Tuesdays, Sept. 1,8,15,22,29 Kalamazoo Farmer Market, 8am-4pm, 1204 Bank St.
Friday, Sept. 4 Memory Café- for people with mild dementia & care partners, 10:30am-Noon, Paw Paw Library
Tuesday, September 1, 1-4pm Adult Craft Stitching,Bring your own project, Parchment Library Tuesdays, Sept. 1,8,15,22,29 Weekly Gaming, ages 11-17, 3-5pm, Register: Richland Library Tuesday, September 1 Teens/tweens Dungeons & Dragons, 4-6pm, Vicksburg Library Tuesday, September 1 Doing 100 on Route 66 6-7pm, Richland Library Wednesdays, Sept. 2 & 16 Mugs & Hugs, stories, playtime.. 10-11am, Vicksburg Library
Friday, September 4, 3pm Teen Advisory board, ages 11-17, Richland Library Fridays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Artist Meet Up in the Vine, 5:30-8pm, 806 S. Westnedge Fridays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Vicksburg Farmers Market, 2-6pm, Vicksburg Historic Village Friday, September 4 First Friday: Journey, 5-8pm Downtown Kalamazoo Friday, September 4 Collage Crew Kzoo, 5-8pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Wednesday Wigglers (6 mos. Friday, September 4 Toddlers), 10:15am, Richland Library Live Music: Jon Hayes, 6:30pm The Backyard of Kalamazoo Wednesdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Teen Dungeons & Dragons, Ages Fridays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 11-17, 3-5pm, Richland Library Live Music @ The Dock at Bayview, 8pm-12am Wednesdays, Sept. 2,9,16 Richland Farmers Market, 3-6pm, Saturdays, Sept. 5,12,19,26 Richland Area Community Center Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am-1pm, 1204 Bank St. Wednesdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Wednesday Night Cruise-In, Saturdays, Sept. 5,12,19,26 5-8pm, Gilmore Car Museum Texas Township Farmers Market Farmers Market Pavilion, 8am-noon Wednesdays, Sept. 2,9,16,23,30 Beats on Bates Alley, 5:30-8:30pm Saturday, September 5 Bates Alley, Kalamazoo Beginning Birding Walks, 9am11am, Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Wednesday, September 2 Doing 100 on Route 66, Saturday, September 5, 19 6pm, Richland Library Climax Farmers Market, 9am2pm, 4377 O-N Ave., Climax Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6pm Meet MI Author: James Saturday, September 5 Elsener, Richland Library Internet Users group, 10am-noon, Paw Paw Library Wednesday, Sept. 2, 7pm Author, Amy Piper, Small Town Saturday, September 5 MI, Vicksburg Historical Village Collage Crew Kzoo, 11am-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursdays, Sept. 3,10,17,24 Kalamazoo Farmers Market, Saturdays, Sept. 5,12,19,26 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St. Live Music @ The Dock at Bayview, 8pm-12am Thursday, September 3 Adult Book Club: The World Sundays, Sept. 6,13,20,27 Played Chess by Robert Dugoni, Portage Farmers Market, 9:30-10:30am, Vicksburg Library 9am-1pm, 203 E. Centre Ave. Thursdays, Sept. 3,10,17,24 Free Thursdays, 11am-8pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Mondays, Sept. 7,14,21,28 Baby Time (Infant-6 mos.), 10:15am, Richland Library
Thursdays, Sept. 3,10,17,24 Teen Dungeons & Dragons, ages 11-17, 4:30-6:30, Richland Library
Mondays, Sept. 7,14,21,28 Homeschool Meet Up (all ages), 1-2:30, Richland Library
Thursday, September 3 Gallery Gathering: Roger Shimomura and Works of Resilience, 5:30-6pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Mondays, Sept. 7,14,21,28 Maker Mondays: Watercolor Paint, ages 11-17, 3-5pm, Register: Richland Library
Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 Mountain Bike Group Ride, 6-8pm, Fort Custer Trailhead Thursday, September Forest Bathing 101, 7pm, Richland Library Thursday, September 3 Kody Bryant Concert, 6:307:30pm, Paw Paw Library Thursday, September 3, 7-8pm Forest Bathing: The Science of How nature helps us Heal, Restore& Reconnect, Richland Library Fridays, Sept. 4,11,18,25 Sit N’ Stitch, work on your project, 10am- 12pm, Richland Library
Mondays, Sept. 7,24,21 Comstock Farmers Market, 3-6pm, Merrill Park Mondays, Sept. 7,14,21,28 Support Group: depression, Bipolar disorder & mental health challenges, 7-8:30pm, Portage Chapel Hill United Method. Church
Wednesday, September 9 Bird & Coffee Chat Online: Plants that Feed Birds, 10am birdsanctuary@kbs.mse.edu Wednesday, Sept. 9, 12-1pm ArtBreak: American Legacy: Lange’s Portrait of a Mother, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, September 9 Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Bravo Team, 3-6pm, Register: Richland Library Wednesday, September 9 Vinyasa Yoga with Alla (adults) 5:15pm, Parchment Library Wednesday, September 9 Craft & Jam: Yarn Art Canvas, 6-7pm, Richland Library
Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6pm Meet MI Author: John WemLinger, Richland Library
Saturday, Sept. 12, 9am-5pm Kalamazoo Scottish Festival, 650 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment
Tuesday, September 15 Michigan’s Shifting Borders, 6-7pm, Paw Paw Library Tuesday, Sept. 15, 6:30pm Mystery Book Club: (adults): Comic Sans Murder by Paige Shelton, Parchment Library
Wednesday, September 23 Peace of Mind: Creating a Life Planning Book, 6-8pm, Register: Richland Library
Wednesday, September 16 Book Discussion: Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Murray, 2-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Thursday, Sept. 24, 4pm Kids & Canvas Pointillism Register: Richland Library
Thursday, Sept.17, 6:30-7:30pm The Heartbreak Book Club: If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia, Paw Paw Library
Saturday, Sept. 12, 10am Book Chat Café’ @ Java Jones in Friday, September 18, 5:30pm Richland, Discuss what you’re Reduce, Re-Use, Upcycle (ages reading, sponsored by Richland Library 10-16), Register: Parchment Library Saturday, September 12 Art Detectives: Her Right Foot By Dave Eggers, 10:30am-12pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Saturday, September 12 Emancipation Jubilee, 11am5pm, 313 N. Burdick St., Kal. Saturday, Sept. 12, 12-2:30pm Beyond Books: Musical Instrument Extravaganza, Test musical instruments, Richland Library Saturday, Sept. 12, 12-2:30pm Beyond Books: Sewing & MendIng How-Tos, Richland Library Saturday, September 12 Dogs in the Zoo, 12-4pm, Downtown Kalamazoo Mall Sunday, September 13 NAMIWalks Southwest MI 10am-12pm, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Twsp. Campus. Sunday, Sept. 13, 11am-2pm Portage Parks Poker Pedal, S. Westnedge Park, Portage Sunday, September 13 Migratory Music, 2-4pm, Kalamazoo Nature Center Mondays, Sept. 14,21,28 Family Storytime, 10-11am (Ages 0-5), Vicksburg Library
Tuesday, September 8 Cookbook Club: The Pioneer Woman Cooks, by Ree Drummond, make it, bring it, 6pn, Richland Library
Monday, September 14 LEGO Club for all Kids 5:30pm, Parchment Library Monday, September 14 Parchment Book Group (adults): The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, 6pm, Parchment Library
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 12-1pm ArtBreak: “Kalamazoo and how It Grew!”: A Model American City Tours Europe at Mid-Century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Wednesday, September 23 Between the Pages: Romance Book Club: Lady Chatterly’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence, 6pm, Richland Library
Thursdays, Sept. 17, 24 Thursday, Sept. 10, 3:30-6pm Teen Break & Bulldog Break Elementary “Drive-in” Movie night Crafts, games, activities, treats, With popcorn, you bring, drink, 2:45-4:45, Vicksburg Library blanket & cardboard box, Vicksburg Library Thursday, September 17 Kalamazoo Night Market, 5Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30-7:30pm 10pm, 1204 Bank St., Kal. Friends Read Book Club, discuss what you’re reading, Paw Paw Library Thursday, September 17 RCL Book Club: Lilac Girls by Friday, Sept. 11, 3pm Martha Hall Kelly, 6pm, International Cheese Taste Richland Library Test, Register: Richland Library Thursday, September 17 Friday, Sept. 11, 6:3pm Family STEAM Night, 6-7pm Live Music: Jeremy Allison, Vicksburg District Library The Backyard of Kalamazoo Thursday, September 17 Saturday, September 12 “I, Too, Sing America”: The Church Garage & Bake Sale Harlem Renaissance in Art, 9am-2pm, Scotts UM Church Music, and Theatre, 6-7pm 8458 Wallene, Scotts, MI Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Tuesday, September 8 Scrabble Club for Adults, 1-2:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Tuesdays, Sept. 8, 22 Craft Night, BYOC, 6-8pm, Alley Cat, Kalamazoo
Tuesday, September 15 Lego & Duplo Club, 1-2pm & 5:30 – 6:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Friday, September 18 One Well Block Party, 11am10 pm, One Well Brewing Saturday, September 19 Once Upon a Storytime, 10:15am, Richland Library Saturday, September 19 Fall Fest, 10am – 1pm, Celery Flats Historical Area Saturday, September 19 Kids Helmet & Bike Tune-up Bring kids current bike & helmet First 25 kids get new helmet free, 11am-1pm, Vicksburg Library Saturday, September 19 Kalamazoo Roper Romp 2026, 2pm, Bates Alley, Kalamazoo Sunday, September 20 Spelling Bee @ Alley Cat, Kalamazoo, 2-4pm. Monday, Sept. 21, 3-6pm Kal. County ID Mobile Unit, (adults & ages 11+), Parchment Library Mon., Sept. 21 – Sun., Sept. 27 Sounds of the Zoo FREE Music Festival, soundsofthezoo.com
Thursday, September 24 Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Bravo Team, 5-8pm, Register: Richland Library Thursday, September 24 Teen Survey Social with snacks, 5:30-6:30pm, Vicksburg Library Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-7pm John James Audubon: Entrepreneur, Naturalist, Patriot, Fraud, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursday, Aug. Sept. 24 Between the Lines Book Club: The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier, 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library Thursday, September 24 Songs & Stories of Ireland, 7pm, Richland Library Thursday, September 24 Songs & Stories of Ireland, 7-8pm, Richland Library Friday, Sept. 25, 10am Play-Learn-Connect (ages 0-5 & caregivers, Parchment Library Friday, September 25 Listen Up Audiobook Club: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, 10:30-11:30am, Paw Paw Library Friday, Sept. 25, 5pm Blood on the Clocktower: Better Together, ages 11-17, Register: Richland Library Saturday, Sept. 26, 10am-2pm Kalamazoo Airport Air Fair, Kal./Battle Creek Intl. Airport Saturday, September 26 Chair Yoga (adults), 11am, Parchment Library Saturday, September 26 Oktoberfest, South Westnedge Park, Portage, 1-7pm. Sunday, September 27 The Vine Barn Local Market 12-4pm, 311 Wall St., Kal. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2:30-3:30pm Drake Farm Pioneer History Walk, 927 N. Drake Rd.
Monday, September 28, 12pm Medicare 101 (adults) with Priority Health Navigator Jay Monday, Sept. 21, 6pm Simon, bring your own lunch (drink/ Brain-Body-Forest: Experience the dessert provided), Connection (adults) Parchment Parchment Library Library Monday, Sept. 28, 4pm Tuesday, September 22 F.A.R.M. Tween Book club: Walk with A Doc., 6:30-7:30pm The Miscalculations of Vicksburg Trail @Richardson St. Lightening Girl By Stacy McAnulty, Tuesday, September 22 ages, 10-14), Register: Retro Trivia Night, 7-8:30pm, Parchment Library Register: Richland Library Wednesday, September 30 Wednesday, September 23 Take Control of Your LEGO Challenge, all ages, Financial Future, 6pm, 2-5:30pm, Richland Library Richland Library