Good News June 2024

Remember When

Redwood & Ross, was a fine menswear store in this area from 19531999, carrying the latest high-quality brands, including Joseph Aboud, Oliver, Hart Schaffner and Marx and Burberry. This popular store carried everything from tuxedos to suits, sport coats, dress shirts, dress pants, activewear and outerwear.

My late husband was a sharp dresser and a loyal customer of Redwood & Ross. We still have many of his Talbot ties specifically designed for Redwood & Ross. He shared his love of the store with my 8-year-old son, taking him to Redwood & Ross to purchase matching tuxedos for our wedding celebration. My son was so proud of that tuxedo and even wore it to his Christmas school performance that year. As you can imagine, he stole the show for being the best dressed! I still have the tux – it’s just too cute to part with!

Redwood & Ross provided topnotch service and were able to offer expert alterations on site, because they were owned by and shared space with, the Kalamazoo Pant Company. Kalamazoo Pant Company was started by Samuel Rosenbaum, a German immigrant, selling dry good and sewing notions that moved to town from Three Rivers in 1867 on Burdick Street. They began by manufacturing denim overalls and pants for boys and men. The business gave a small pair of pants to the parents of every boy born in Kalamazoo.

The company began dabbling in retail sales in 1929, and in 1953, Samuel’s great grandson’s, Jim and Walter Orwin started the Redwood & Ross retail store division, which went on to become a 24-store chain throughout the Midwest, including stores in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa.

The first Redwood & Ross store was launched near the Ohio State University campus in Columbus in

1953. Other stores followed at Big Ten campuses, including Michigan State and the University of Michigan. In 1956, the Kalamazoo Pant Co. separated into Kazoo Inc., wholesale, and Redwood & Ross retail. The retail end continued to flourish and in 1960 they opened in Battle Creek, which was the first Redwood & Ross store that was not located near a “Big Ten” campus.

A few years later, Tom Rosenbaum, a great-grandson of the founder, and the vice president of Redwood & Ross, opened a store in the Rosenbaum building in downtown Kalamazoo at 300-310 E, Michigan, at the corner of Edwards Street. Tom was the 4th generation of the family in the business.

The sixth story building, along with the attached four-story building to its east, comprised the Rosenbaum building. It was built in 1906 by Samuel and his sons, to house the Kalamazoo Pant Company. The ground level of the building was home to Redwood & Ross. The interior décor was traditional, featuring dark walnut fixtures, captain’s chairs and there were many antiques used to decorate the store. Many remember an antique piece of armor adorning one of the walls, which is now hanging inside Bell’s Eccentric Café.

The Rosenbaum Building was one of the tallest in town at that time. It was built in the same year as the Kalamazoo Building, which is a few blocks west in the 100 block of West Michigan Avenue. It is eight stories. The 15-story American National Bank Building (now the Fifth Third Bank Building) was built in 1929.

Many former customers share their fond memories of Redwood & Ross on the popular Vanished Kalamazoo website, here are some of their comments: “I miss Redwood and Ross SO much. Best Talbot ties and best tailors I have ever seen.” “Great store,

bought most of my clothing there.” “With my grandpa working there I was the best dressed kid in elementary school.” They were the first place that I could charge a purchase! Loved to shop there and always paid on time. Clothes were quality and stylish.” “I worked there. And it was classy place.” “I find many a well-made men’s suit from Redwood & Ross in the local theatres. Quality lasts.” “I still have sport coats in my closet from there.” “They had fabulous sales. I still have a Tommy Hilfiger down ski jacket I bought there! Yes. It’s old but still in great shape!!” “I drove truck for nine years for R &R delivered to 21 stores-great times- great employees-great people to work for-memories will stay with me forever.” “Excellent store and great people who worked there!” “That was a wonderful store!”

In 1968, Kalamazoo Pant Co. merged with the Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. of New York City. However, both Kalamazoo Pant Co., and Redwood & Ross were able to operate as an independent division of the corporation.

Redwood & Ross expanded in this area beyond their downtown store, opening stores in the Maple Hill Mall (1971) and at the Crossroads Mall (1981). The Crossroads store was relocated to the Carillon Center Plaza in 1991, to offer greater convenience for customers with a strip mall location.

In 1979, James Orwin, a greatgrandson of Louis Rosenbaum, purchased the 21 Redwood & Ross stores in existence at that time. In the early 1980’s Redwood & Ross expanded to offer a complete women’s wardrobe department, which became very successful.

In the early 1990’s, Gilmore Bros. Department Store acquired Redwood & Ross. Sadly, the stores closed in the late 1990’s.

The wholesale division continued to thrive. Having outgrown the 50,000 square foot location in the Rosenbaum building. Operations moved to a much larger, 160,000 square foot building on the west side of Kalamazoo.

The Rosenbaum building was sold to Ryan Reedy, who transformed the space into luxurious loft style apartments, reception halls, bars & restaurants, including Monaco Bay Piano Bar & Grill, The Sky Bar, Loft 310, and The Gatsby. Next door to the south were sister venues, the Wild Bull Saloon and District Square nightspots, which created downtown Kalamazoo’s Entertainment District. The Rosenbaum Building today is home to The U.S. Post Office(Arcadia Branch), luxury residences and office suites.

The company that Samuel Rosenbaum started in 1867 is celebrating 157 years in business, taking it from Sam Rosenbaum Wholesale Notions to Kalamazoo Overall Col, Kalamazoo Pant & Overall Co., Samuel Rosenbaum & Sons, Kalamazoo Pant Co., Kazoo Inc. and Redwood & Ross, and now known simply as Edwards (named after the original location at E. Michigan Ave. and Edwards St.). Selling uniforms (image apparel) throughout the United States, Canada, Central America and the Caribbean from its world headquarters at 4900 S. Ninth Street in Kalamazoo.

Jackie Merriam

Sources include: Spark March 2017, KG 6/30/2013, KG 8/14/2008, KG 6/9/91, KG 9/20/89, KG 6/10/61, KG 1/1/68, KG 4/10/69, Kalamazoo Pant Co., 100th year brochure, and Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page.

Must-Have Annuals, Perennials & Shrubs for Shade Gardens

Who says shade gardens aren’t interesting?

Shade gardens are a beautiful and serene place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. They can be designed to suit any style, from simple & elegant to bold & colorful. Gardens in the shade can be created using a variety of plants, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, & trees.

Shade gardens can provide a refuge from the heat and provide a place to cool off. First thing in starting a shade garden, you need to determine how much direct sun you have.

Basic Light Level Directions:

• Full sun - more than 6 hours of direct sun per day

• Part sun - 4-6 hours of direct sun per day, including afternoon sun.

• Part shade - 4 to 6 hours of direct

sun typically in the morning.

• Full shade - less than 4 hours of direct sun a day, may have filtered or dappled light throughout the day. Looking for some dreamy plants to brighten up some of the shadiest areas of your garden? Proven Winners has handpicked a selection of vibrant and stunning plants for containers and landscapes in partial to full shade. Wedel’s will be carrying all of these varieties from gorgeous annuals to beautiful perennials and shrubs, we have everything you need to transform your shady space into a glorious oasis.

Fill your containers & empty spaces in gardens with a rainbow of bling this spring with our must-have shade-loving annuals.

Party Catering

Have you ever attended a sporting event when everything comes together and it seems almost magical? I had such an

experience recently when I attended the final game of Gull Lake Youth Basketball season.

My grandsons, ages 10 ½ and 12 were lucky enough to play on the same team together this year. Their team doesn’t have the biggest, tallest or fastest kids, but what they do have is determination!

I’ve watched the team each week and was amazed how everything finally clicked in their final game. I’m not sure if this was because of the idea of playing as a team for the last time, their drive to give the other team a final fight or the promise of a Gatorade for the win, but they certainly left if all out on the floor.

The coach, who played college basket-

These include:

• Surefire ® begonias

• Rockapulco® double impatiens

• Diamond Frost® Euphorbia

• ColorBlaze® Coleus

• Catalina® Wishbone Flower

Must have perennials to add dimension and color to your shade garden include:

• Dark Side of the Moon› Astilbe

• ‹Miss Piggy› Pigsqueak

• Shadowland® Hosta

• ‘Spot On’ or Pink-a-Blue’ Lungwort

• ‘Crested Surf’ Japanese Painted Fern

• Primo® ‹Black Pearl› Coral Bells

• Dolce® ‹Wildberry› & ‹Cherry Truffles› Coral Bells

Our top picks for landscapes shrubs are sure to steal the show with their dazzling blooms and fantastic foliage include:

• Tuff Stuff ™ Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea

• Tiny Tuff Stuff ™ Mountain Hydrangea Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha® Reblooming Mountain Hydrangea

• ‘Limelight’ Panicle Hydrangea

• Sprinter® Boxwood

• Fizzy Mizzy® Sweetspire

• Kodiak® Diervilla

These fan favorites will bring a kaleidoscope of color to shade-loving containers and landscapes. Pictures & Information from Proven Winner

Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

ball, patiently taught many of the firsttime players more than basketball skills. He taught them good sportsmanship and love of the game!

His calm, peaceful demeanor in explaining the plays during time outs, was just what the boys needed. After being down 15-2, near the end of the first half, the team ended with a flourish, coming up just 4 points short with the final score or 26-22.

Spring sports are well underway - get out and cheer on your favorite athlete and their teammates.

Jackie Merriam

Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.

‘diamond Frost’ euphorbia dolce ‘wildberry’ coral bells ‘miss piggy pigsqueak’ ‘tuff stuff ah-ha’ Hydrangea

Random Acts of Artness

This is only my second article, and my subject was going to be entirely different than what I’m about to present. Then a tornado touched down, then another. Portage and other Southwest Michigan communities are forever changed and impacted, lives grossly affected in a matter of minutes. The Good News, only minor injuries were sustained, no loss of life, and a community of people were pulled together to aid in the clean-up efforts and give generously. This is not a one and done moment that’ll be addressed, the gravity of the situation is far more serious. It will take weeks and months to recover from this and will never be fully forgotten. I overheard someone comparing it to the emotional impact of a mini pandemic. These are the experiences that affect generations and will live on in memories and through storytelling.

I’m not a Portage transplant. I grew up here. I graduated from high school here, it’s where I honed my art and was inclined to pursue my passion. I moved away, and then returned. I moved away again and in 2016 chose to permanently move back to Portage with my family because I know this community. I know the many opportunities available to help raise healthy and resilient families.

Most of us feel compelled to act, to

give, and to comfort others using the tools, skills, and resources available to us. I am no different. My strengths are not unique to me. Yes, I’m a do-er, a cleaner-up-er, and a worker bee, but this is not how I’m led to give at this time. My language of love, care, and peace is often art, and today is no different. I encourage you all to lean into your strengths and language of compassion. If you bake, make cookies; if you have the funds, donate; if you have two of something, give the better item to someone who has none. I challenge us all to be our best selves, not just in the immediate crisis response but continuing well beyond those days as we approach normalcy. One of my favorite ideas that often moves me is, “I may not have much to give, but I always have something to give.” I believe with my whole heart that you can positively affect one person each day if you just look for opportunities to do so. This is a huge opportunity to do both, give of yourself and positively affect others.

dom acts of kindness and equally love gifting art. As promised last month, my gift to you all will be found in 20 random copies of this month’s Good News Paper, but, also, I’d like to offer two original paintings to two Portage residents who may have lost their home in this tragedy. Go to my Instagram and privately DM me your nomination. The paintings are tied to my love and appreciation of Portage, “a natural place to move,” and where my family and I call home.

Peace, Love, and Art. -Amy Instagram: @amylgieschen

As I professed before, I love ran-

Thomas Brock and Serendipity Part 2

This is the story of the discovery of a bacterial microbe called Thermus aquaticus living in Yellowstone’s hot springs. It is an example of “serendipity”—discovering the unexpected. It’s also the story of the person who made that discovery…all because of a Christmas gift thirty years before.

In April, I wrote about “Serendipity”–finding something remarkable by accident.

Living cells are made of proteins which are damaged by excessive heat. In 1864, scientist, Louis Pasteur, utilized heat to kill food-borne bacteria and prevent sickness–“pasteurization.” At162˚F for 15 seconds, milk is pasteurized. 162˚F is 60˚ below the boiling-point of water (212˚F). At 212˚F, it only takes 1/10th of a seconds. This was believed to be the temperature limit beyond which life is no longer possible.

In July 1964, Thomas D. Brock, PhD, a microbiology professor at Indiana University, stopped at Yellowstone National Park on his way to the west coast to study bacteria in marine animals. At Yellowstone, he observed color patterns in hot springs at 180˚F water.

Brock recalled that day during an interview with me in January 2018 at his home in Madison, Wisconsin for a paper I was working on about the discovery. He said the color changes of this bio-matter followed what he called “temperature gradients”–as the water cooled flowing away from its source. He realized these patterns were colonies of organisms separated by temperature ranges.

The following July, Brock returned

to Yellowstone to study thermal outflows; I later stated, “the trip was one of the most exciting two weeks of my career.” In 1966, Brock isolated an unknown bacterium which Brock named Thermus aquaticus. So, how does Thermus aquaticus not only survive, but actually thrive, in extreme temperatures? One would assume these bacteria evolved to withstand extreme environments. Actually, they may have appeared soon after earth began to form and represent the earliest forms of life.

Thermus aquaticus has a specialized heat-resistant enzyme that allows it to replicate its DNA in a blistering environment. That enzyme is Taq polymerase.

In 1993, biochemist, Kary Mullis, PhD, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on DNA replication with a technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR); PRC depends entirely on Taq Polymerase. “Taq” is an acronym derived from the name bacteria Thermus aquaticus Brock discovered at Yellowstone.

PCR allows scientists to obtain quantities of DNA required for forensic analysis, evolutionary biology, and medical diagnostics. PCR enables a fast and reliable means to replicate DNA from even trace samples—such as saliva found on a cigarette butt.

PCR has led to astonishing contributions in medicine, biotechnology, genetics, and genetic engineering. It is used to identify pathogens and viruses, detect HIV antigens, screen blood donations and tissue-typing for

organ transplants, and more. PCR is the key to the availability of familiar ancestry DNA tests. PCR also has worldwide acceptance in forensics to help solve murder, rape, and other criminal cases—all thanks to Brock’s Yellowstone discovery.

Thomas Brock was born in 1926 and grew up in Ohio. When he was ten, he received a chemistry set for Christmas and his father set up a simple laboratory for him in their basement. That gift propelled Brock into a life of science and chemistry.

In 1943, after high school graduation, Brock enlisted in the Navy. Once discharged from the service, he enrolled at Ohio State University where he earned a bachelor’s in botany. Brock went on to receive a Master’s Degree in 1950 and a PhD in 1952 in mycology—studying mushrooms and yeast.

Brock came to Kalamazoo in 1952 as a bacteriologist in the Antibiotics Research Department of the Upjohn Company. He lived in Kalamazoo until 1957 when he took his first academic position at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland as a bacteriology and microbiology professor. He later completed postdoctoral studies at WRU’s medical school doing research on yeasts and antibiotics.

Brock published his first book, “Milestones in Microbiology” in 1958. That same year, Brock became a professor at Indiana University. In 1970, Brock published “Biology of Microorganisms”– still recognized as the standard college-level microbiology textbook.

In 1971, Brock joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and later became chair of the Department of Bacteriology from which he retired. Thomas Brock passed away at the age of 92 in April 2021.

While primary credit goes to Brock for his Yellowstone discovery and thermophile research, credit must also be given to his parents who bought him that chemistry set for Christmas encouraged their son’s educational aspirations.

Finally, one does not have to travel to Yellowstone to find Thermus aquaticus;

it is probably living in your water heater. Brock told me while washing lab equipment many years ago, he cultured a sample from the water heater–and there it was–Thermus aquaticus.

Yes, remarkable things are often revealed to an attentive observer–we call it serendipity.

Of the hundreds of thousands of visitors before him at Yellowstone and seeing the thermal pools, Thomas Brock, had the intuition and insight to recognize something remarkable in those scalding hot springs—a discovery which led to astonishing breakthroughs in science, medicine, and DNA research.

James D. Coppinger

A. Yellowstone Hot Springs

B. Tom Brock, age 92

C. Microscope image of the bacteria

w w.Librar yReads.org

Staff

For book recommendations from your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/

T The L he Last Mur ast Murder at the End of the W der at Worlorld d Stuart Turton (Sourcebooks Landmark)

After a deadly fog decimates most of humanity, the small population that’s left lives on an island. As one villager begins investigating a murder, what once seemed like utopia begins to reveal dark secrets that no one could have predicted. Turton raises tantalizing social questions, presents an inventive world structure, and keeps readers intrigued and surprised throughout the novel.

T The Ministry of Time: A No he of Novveel l Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader Press)

An employee of the Ministry of Time becomes a "bridge," helping a Arctic explorer adjust to modern life after being rescued from the lost Franklin expedition of 1845. But as she begins to grow closer to him, she finds herself wondering who she can trust, what the real reason for pulling people out of time may be, and whether her life might be in danger. Totally gripping, with great character development

—Mara Bandy Fass Champaign Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar

T This Summer Wil his Will be Diff l Differerent ent Carley Fortune (Berkley)

Filled with emotional moments as well as fun and flirty scenes this wonderful story set in picturesque Prince Edward Island is about friendships and found family More than a love story this novel has a lot that readers will relate to, including friendship and family. A perfect steamy romance book for the summer

—Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador NoveList read-alike: How To Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson

L Long A ong After W fter We Ar e Are Gone e Terah Shelton Harris (Sourcebooks Landmark)

Daughters of Shandong of Eve J. Chung (Berkley)

At times both heartbreaking and uplifting, this novel follows the journey of the women of the Ang family from their farm in rural China to Taiwan during the horrific land reforms of 1948-1950. With this story based on Chung’s grandmother’s experience of a turbulent era, readers will be riveted from page one by the mother/daughter bonds and their will to survive

L Lies and W ies

Weddings: A No eddings: Novveel l Kevin Kwan

Arabella Leung is doing everything she can to match her son Rufus to a very wealthy titled woman in this romp around the world with controlling parents, one of whom is desperately matchmaking to save the family estate. Readers who love high entertainment and the bad behavior of the haves and the have-even-mores will devour this wild ride

or

This Pacific Northwest romcom has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-formed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment

This painful and fascinating (but ultimately hopeful) urban fantasy set in Chicago is a packed novella steeped in Slavic folklore. Dymitr is on a quest to retrieve a guarded plant that might relieve the demon Ala of a deadly curse so he can bargain with her for a hint on how to seek an audience with Baba Yaga herself

Can't Spe Spelll T l Trreason eason Without T Tea ea Rebecca

—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY NoveList read-alike: Clean Air by Sarah Blake

Sav Savor It

Tarah DeWitt (St. Martin's Griffin)

—Martha DiVittorio, Bellmore Memorial Library, NY NoveList read-alike: A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata

—Ebby Bowles, Hingham Public Library, MA NoveList read-alike: Chef's Choice by TJ Alexander

—Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, MI NoveList read-alike: Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott

—Kimberly McGee Lake Travis Community Library, TX NoveList read-alike: Family Trust by Kathy Wang

(Doubleday)

When Among Cr Croowws

Veronica Roth ( Tor Books)

T The Haz he Hazeelbourne L lbourne Ladies adies Motor Motorccyycclle and Fl e Flying Club ying Helen Simonson ( The Dial Press)

Thorne (Bramble)

heart of the home

Squatter in My Attic

An uninvited squatter has moved into my house and refuses to leave. She’s cute, but I don’t want her here. Not only has she moved in, but she has created a nest and is now raising babies. I can hear them squeaking through the wall.

I live in the country, tall trees encircling my house, and there is a healthy population of red squirrels living here. As long as the squirrels live in the trees, we all live in peace. This particular squirrel, however, has decided that my home should also be hers—and her family’s.

At first, the little creature invaded my attic. I set a live trap. She ate the peanut butter inside it but escaped unharmed. I sprayed copious amounts of a peppermint-scented rodent repellent into the attic, nontoxic but annoying to rodents. That worked for a few days at a time, until it wore off and I had to spray again. I could hear her scratching and scurrying just on the other side of my upstairs bedroom. She preferred the

break of dawn for her work hours (an indication that I was dealing with a squirrel, as mice and rats are nocturnal animals).

The peppermint spray finally moved her to the exterior wall of my house and out of the attic. Well, that wasn’t quite what I had in mind. Now I had no access to her at all. I searched the outside of my house for a squirrel entryway but found none. Perhaps there is an opening on the roof or along the eaves that I can’t see from far below. Finding and closing up an entryway would be a good first step, although with a nest of babies inside, I knew this could lead to more trouble. It would have to wait.

It was time to declare war. Squirrels can cause great damage to a house. They can tunnel and chew, destroying insulation, electrical wiring, and other materials. Since my spray could no longer reach her, I had to find other means, and I preferred humane ones. Research provided some answers. With an exterminator as a final and

arguably more expensive option, I was determined to try first on my own. Soaking rags in apple cider vinegar to place around the infested area is a scent squirrels find particularly irritating. Mothballs are also not a favorite. Bright lights or strobe lights, left on all day and night, annoy them. Devices that emit ultrasonic, high frequency sounds can chase them out.

In my case, since the squirrel was inside an exterior wall that I could not get inside, those options weren’t available to me. I found one option that was—making noise. Rapping my knuckles against the wall and even more than a little juicy cursing worked only for a matter of minutes before the skittering and chewing resumed.

Then I spotted it. A small radio I keep in my living room for emergency weather alerts. I brought it upstairs and plugged it in by the corner where I would hear most of the skittering noises. I found a classic rock and roll

to full blare, and let the walls rock.

Did it work? Do squirrels like rock and roll? This one did not. After long hours of hard rock reverberating against the walls, I pressed my ear to the corner she preferred. Silence.

Even the baby squeakers had gone quiet. I wanted to ensure, however, that there would be no more return trips. I removed my bird feeder from that side of the house, eliminating any tempting food sources. I would continue to hunt for entryways and seal them. And, if needed, I was open to befriending an exterminator. Rocking out regularly to a favorite rock station was an option, too.

Zinta Aistars

PiecePieceby

By the time you read this month’s Piece by Piece, we will be knocking on Summer’s door and Spring will have excitedly awakened us from our winter hibernation with the dogwood blossoms, daffodil blooms and. Mushrooms!

Oh, how I love to go on the “hunt” for these fungi gems. Now the crazy thing, and for those of you who love morels will definitely say “unbelievable! How is that possible?”, I am not able to eat them. But, oh, how I do relish finding them!

Why am I choosing to bring up morel mushrooms several weeks after they will hibernate while the rest of us bask in the long summer days and warm sunshine? Because it will soon be Father’s Day, and it was my dad who taught me how to find morels. At the mushroom capital, Mesick,

Michigan, the place where I spent weekends in April/ May camping with cousins, an aunt and uncle, and my parents.

I can still see my uncle carrying a cooler full of morels from one of our successful days traipsing through trillium, wild onions, and once fallen trees now the fertile ground for fungi!

I reflect on other things I learned from my dad. Not only in how good he was at finding morels! (smile) Not only in words he said or in his actions. But in how he modeled the way in following his heart doing what he loved.

Among those things was farming and construction. Being outside, animals, working with his hands and his body, creating something from nothing, designing and then implementing the ideas imagined and

envisioned in his mind, leading, helping people, bringing joy to people, leaving his mark from something that he originated.

One of the mantras I say often (and have probably written it in at least one Piece by Piece) is my perspective that life teaches us in opposites and that we are always dancing in grace between them. I think of my dad’s love for a farm, and the flexibility and temporariness that is farming. At the mercy of weather’s unpredictability, not only through seasons, but often daily especially during planting, growing, and harvesting! And very little is held on to in farming, at least not permanently.

I think of my dad’s love for building, and the sustainability and permanence that is construction. Sure, buildings don’t stand forever,

and need maintenance along the way. And yet, there is a lastingness, too. Decades later, I can still drive by buildings my dad built, the changing seasons and years only seeming to settle the foundation stronger at its base despite fading paint or less luster to the sheet metal.

Perhaps like the love of morel mushroom hunting as I dance with cold and warm temperatures and rainy and dry ground, willing these little fungi gems to show themselves to me. The love of hunting them sustained in me, growing stronger year over year even as I need to be flexible with what the weather brings.

Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com

GIANT LEAPS FOR MANKIND : Remembering Kalamazoo ’ s Jim McDivitt

June 10th marks the 95th birth anniversary of Kalamazoo’s pioneering astronaut Jim McDivitt, who passed away October 13, 2022. During his 93 years, McDivitt served our nation in the military, as a test pilot, and in space. The two spaceflights he commanded, Gemini 4 and Apollo 9, were critical in landing Americans on the Moon.

James Alton McDivitt was born in Chicago on June 10, 1929, and his family moved to Kalamazoo soon thereafter. He became a Tenderfoot Scout, and in 1947, graduated from old Kalamazoo Central High School on Westnedge Avenue, where a plaque now honors him. McDivitt planned to attend college, but that wouldn’t happen for another year.

“I did it that way because I didn’t have any money!” McDivitt explained in a NASA oral history interview.

“When I got out of high school, I worked for a year before I even went to junior college,” said McDivitt, who repaired furnaces before he entered Jackson Junior College (later renamed Jackson College).

Soon after McDivitt graduated from Jackson, the Korean War broke out. He joined the Air Force, applying for aviation cadet training. He discovered a natural talent for flying

and became the first in his class to fly solo, receiving his wings and a commission as second lieutenant in 16 months.

In Korea, McDivitt flew 142 combat missions in F-80 and F-86 jet fighters. After the armistice, he returned to the States, remaining in the Air Force. In June 1957, McDivitt entered the University of Michigan, from which he received his Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering, graduating first in his class. In Ann Arbor, he met fellow future astronaut Ed White, who lived

a few blocks away, and who became McDivitt’s “best friend in the world.” McDivitt then traveled to Edwards Air Force Base in California, becoming “one of only nine or ten” fighter jet test pilots.

In 1962, McDivitt applied to become an astronaut, and that September, he was one of nine pilots selected for NASA’s second astronaut group, which also included Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, John Young, Jim Lovell, and Ed White.

McDivitt was the first rookie astronaut assigned as mission commander. Gemini 4, launched on June 3, 1965, orbited Earth 66 times in four days, during which crewmate White became the first American to venture outside a spacecraft, with a 23-minute “spacewalk.” (Nineteen months later, White died in the Apollo 1 fire, along with Gus Grissom and Grand Rapids native Roger Chaffee.)

In March 1969, McDivitt commanded his second and final flight, Apollo 9, a 10-day Earth-orbital mission which was the first to take the Lunar Module (LM) into space. Once in orbit, McDivitt and LM pilot Rusty Schweickart transferred into the LM and put it through its paces. The mission yielded important lessons, and four months later, Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the Moon.

In August 1969, McDivitt be-

came manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program, serving in that role for Apollo 12 through 16. He was promoted to brigadier general in February 1972 and left the Air Force and NASA in June of that year. He became an executive vice president at Consumers Power and later held the same position at Pullman, Inc. From 1981 until his retirement in 1995, McDivitt was a senior vice president at Rockwell International.

Today, more than 52 years after McDivitt’s missions, the United States remains the only nation to land humans on the Moon. The man from Kalamazoo played an important part in that effort.

Tony Ettwein

A. Gemini 4 astronauts Ed White and Jim McDivitt take phone call from President Lyndon Johnson after splashdown

B. The Lunar Module on Apollo 9 was the first to go into space

C. Official NASA Portrait of Jim McDivitt

D. Jim McDivitt clowns with a model rocket

Strike one, strike two, strike three…., and you’re out. So often in sports parents have the best of intentions for their children, however, they may be causing anxiety, depression, and the need to be “perfect.” Children want to make their parents proud and may even want to follow in their footsteps. It is crucial your child is playing the sport, instrument, or extracurricular activity they want to do and not the one they think you want them to do. They also hear everything you are saying to them even if it seems like they aren’t listening and watching everything you are doing.

Extracurricular activities can be a great experience for a child’s growth. They teach young people how to work as a team, motivation, and life lessons in losing or not performing at their best. Extracurricular activities can teach how to be humble, disappointed, proud, disciplined, dedicated, punctual, and how to work for something bigger than themselves.

However, sometimes parents think their child will be the next Alexander Ovechkin, Derrick Jeter, Van Gogh, Beethoven, or Taylor Swift. When parents have those expectations sometimes children can get overwhelmed, feel overscheduled, feel they aren’t living up to their parent’s expectations or they are a disappointment to themselves or their families.

Another thing that may occur is they may be watching their parents interact with other parents, coaches, or staff it may not always be the best lesson learned. Some things parents should never say to their children because even if you aren’t trying to hurt their mental health, you could

be making them question their selfesteem or self-worth.

• Telling your child, they will win before the event even starts. (that is a lot of pressure, and no one will know the results until the end of the game, competition, or event).

• Coaching your child before the event. You are not their coach, instructor, or in charge of the event. Let the people who oversee the event tell your child the expectations or their position on the event.

• Saying hurtful things to cause tears after a game, event, or competition. Remember your words matter to them and impact their self-esteem.

• Waiting for your child and immediately talking to them after a game, event, or competition about their performance. Allow them time to process how it went and how they did.

• Parents or caregivers looking at their phones and not paying attention to whatever activity their child is in makes an impact on them.

• Children become so anxious over a game, event, or competition that they become tearful or even vomit because they are nervous about how they will do it.

Parents/caregivers and peers can cause stress on young athletes, musicians, and artists causing painful reactions. There is a weight of expectations that can be putting so much stress on young people leading them to feel the need to be perfect. There could be a strong fear of failure which may cause them to quit, have lower self-esteem, and become anxious or depressed. These are the most common causes of fear of failure.

• Disappointing parents, siblings, or

caregivers with a thought if they don’t perform well.

• They could become concerned they will let their peers down.

• Some worry they won’t make it to the big leagues, the show, Julliard, Music City

• Other young people may believe it may be a waste of time because they can’t live up to their parent’s expectations.

When children have beliefs they aren›t performing up to expectations of them, it could cause internal damage and changes such as:

• Psychological (anxiety, depression, doubt, low self-esteem, need to be perfect)

• Emotional (fear, stress)

• Physical (muscle tension, racing heart, too much adrenaline, stomachaches, headaches, sleeping too much or not enough)

• Behavioral (avoidance, getting in trouble, self-sabotaging)

• Eating Disorders

• Performance (lower or higher, more intense)

Sports and extracurricular activities should be in place because children want to participate, and it is their passion. It is also extremely damaging when other parents complain about playing time, what chair a child sits in, or if a child gets a solo. When a child gets to a certain level it is about a child’s drive, dedication, talent, and passion. If your child is sitting on the bench don’t try to complain to the coach or director, have your child work harder and ask them if this is what they want. You need to be prepared for the answer they give you if you ask them what they want. Some children do not want to play

or perform at the level you want for them. Remember this is not about you but about them, their wants, their life, it is essential to stop living vicariously through your child. Support your child by:

• Listening

• Encouraging

• Allowing them to find the thing that drives them.

• Support their peers (these are only kids)

• Praise others for their work well done.

• Reward them.

• Remind yourself why they started.

• If you can’t control your emotions during an event stay back where they can›t see you.

• Smile and tell them you love them no matter the results.

• Don’t talk about the results unless your child asks or brings it up. Children are leaving organized activities by the dozens by the time they become a teenager. Research suggests the reason is it becomes too stressful. They may want to drop out because they don’t enjoy what they are doing anymore, and they aren’t gaining anything from the activity. They may feel unhappy because of the pressure causing low self-esteem. Help your child live the life they want by supporting them.

If you are struggling with the culture that is attached to extracurricular activities, contact a local therapist they are happy to assist you and provide you with coping tools to navigate through your stress.

Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC

Get ready to roll the dice and dive into the festivities! The Do-Dah Parade returns for its milestone 40th anniversary, promising a day filled with entertainment and laughter. This year’s theme, Board-Amazoo, Rolling the Dice of 40 years, encourages participants to unleash their creativity by incorporating their favorite board games into their parade entries. Whether it’s classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble or modern favorites like Catan and Ticket to Ride, the possibilities are endless. We’re eager to see the imaginative floats and costumes our participants will bring to life.

“We’re excited to mark four decades of laughter and fun with the Do-Dah Parade,” said Deb Droppers, Executive Director of KELC Events.

“With our Board-Amazoo theme, we’re not only honoring the parade’s tradition of parody but also inviting participants to reminisce about their beloved board games. It’s bound to be a memorable and entertaining event for everyone!”

The parade will follow the same route introduced last year, starting at the corner of Jasper and Lovell Street, oing down Lovell to Rose St and Rose St. to Michigan, and then Michigan to Portage. Partnering

with the Public Media Network, the parade will live streamed. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of Kalamazoo’s vibrant community celebration! Join us for JumpstART weekend, which kicks off with the Do-Dah Parade and features a myriad of events for the whole family to enjoy.

The Do-Dah parade flourishes thanks to the invaluable support of sponsors. The organizing committee expresses heartfelt gratitude to Ibison Concessions, WWMT – Channel 3, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Advia Credit Union, Bronson Health Group, and Kalamazoo County Pre-K. Their dedication ensures that laughter fills the streets and fosters community unity through transformative power of the arts.

For more information and to sign up for the Do-Dah Parade, visit www.dodahkzoo.com or follow DoDah Kzoo on Facebook. To learn more about JumpstART weekend, visit www.jumpstartkzoo.com.

At KELC Events, we are not just event planners; we are community catalysts. We seamlessly blend creativity with workforce development, empowering a team of college interns to lead, innovate, and execute events flawlessly. From concept to execution, we curate unforgettable experiences that not only dazzle but also prepare the next generation of event professionals. Welcome to KELC Events, where passion meets purpose, and every occasion is an opportunity for growth and excellence.

Here’s a fun one for June!

Originally called “Strewberries” for the way the berries appear to be “strewn” among their leaves, I was surprised to learn that strawberries are a species that hails from the rose family, and has a lengthy European history.

Another surprise was to learn that France has been busy cultivating strawberries for medicinal purposes since the late 13th Century.  America, on the other hand, was a late comer, and didn’t get a chance to dig into the treasure these berries bring until around the 1800s.

In folk medicine, it has long been believed that eating fresh strawberries can help prevent or relieve kidney

stones. A three-day fast of just fresh strawberries alone is thought to cure gout, but do not do this without your own doctor’s consent.

A botanist named Linnaeus once said that strawberries worked so well for his inflammatory conditions that he referred to them as “A blessing from God!”

For headache sufferers, eating a few fresh strawberries can help relieve your plight because they contain salicylates, which is the active ingredient in aspirin.

Rubbing fresh strawberries on your gums can help heal sore gums, and rubbing them on your teeth can help remove tartar, stains, and discoloration without harming enamel.  Strawberries are also wonderful for

the complexion. Making a mask out of fresh strawberries is said to relieve skin problems and blemishes, too.  Today, the strawberry is considered to be one of the most important small fruits grown in the western hemisphere. So much so that it now grows in every state in the United States, and every province of Canada, too!

When picking or buying strawberries, do be sure to select only fully ripened strawberries because once strawberries are picked the ripening process stops. This is why I highly recommend finding a local strawberry patch to go pick some yourself. Even if you can’t pick them by hand yourself, local stands are usually guaranteed to have some ready for purchase

(call ahead to be safe) and they will always be fresher, riper, better-tasting, and better priced than what you will find in a supermarket.

Another bonus to shopping “small” in addition to supporting locally-owned farms, grocery stores, and businesses, is that you also help to support the community you live in!

Here now are some of my fun and favorite ways to reap the oh-sorewarding joys we are blessed to find in one of Michigan’s sweetest berried treasures. Enjoy!

Laura Kurella is an award-winning home cook who loves to share recipes from her Michigan kitchen. She welcomes comments at laurakurella @yahoo.com.

Prep Time: 30 minutes. Yield: 4 to 6 servings.

1–8-ounce package Neufchatel cheese, softened

1tablespoon pure vanilla extract

3 tablespoons powdered sugar (or substitute)

1 to 2 quarts fresh strawberries*

Garnish (optional): Melted dark chocolate

Rinse and drain strawberries well.

Remove the crown and shave enough off the bottom of the berry so that it will stand up by itself.

Arrange the berries on a serving dish, crown side up, then set aside. In a bowl, combine cheese, vanilla, and sugar. Using a balloon whisk, mix well. Fill a piping or plastic bag with the cheese filling then carefully pipe/squeeze mixture into the berries, dividing the filling equally among

them.

Garnish (if desired) with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate just before serving.

NOTE: Only assemble the strawberries you plan to eat within 24 hours. Filling may be kept in the bag, and refrigerated, so you are ready to fill the strawberries right before you plan on serving them so they are their freshest best.

Recipes

Prep Time: 35 minutes; Cook Time:

12 minutes; Total time: 47 minutes.

Yield: 4 servings

1 1/2 cups Caesar Dressing

1 1/2 cups chopped fresh strawberries (for dressing)

2 tablespoons strawberry fresh filling (or jam)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 cup shaved or shredded fresh Parmesan

1 cup chopped fresh strawberries (for salad)

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Combine the Caesar dressing and strawberries in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Spoon 3/4 cup out of the blender/processor and place into a large zip bag with the chicken. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Add fresh filling (or jam) to the remaining mixture in the blender/processor, and process again to blend in. Pour dressing into a container, cover

and refrigerate until use.

Preheat the grill/pan over mediumhigh heat. Grill/cook chicken on both sides until cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool, then place chicken in a plastic bag with enough dressing to coat the pieces. Close the bag and refrigerate until ready to serve.

To serve, sprinkle the bottom and sides of a large bowl with the lettuce. Stir in the Parmesan and strawberries. Divide salad onto 4 dinner plates then top with a chicken breast and drizzle with dressing. Serve additional dressing on the side, if desired.

ALTERNATE SERVING IDEA:

Chop the chicken into chunks. Place chicken chunks into a bag with enough of the strawberry Caesar dressing to coat the pieces. Close the bag and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve by adding chicken pieces to salad, tossing then plating.

‘n’ Sassy Balsamic Strawberry Basil Dip

Total prep time: 35 minutes. Yield: 8 servings.

1 1/2 cups frozen, thawed then mashed strawberries

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

8 ounces Neufchatel cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons In a medium bowl, combine straw-

berries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Using a fork, mash ingredients together well until completely blended. Remove cheese from the package and place on a serving plate then spoon berry mixture over the cheese. Sprinkle with the ribbons of basil then serve with your favorite crackers. Store in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Bake time: 1 hour; Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes.

Yield: 12 servings.2 heaping cups egg whites*, room temperature

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 cups cake flour

2 cups white sugar

1 teaspoon natural fine sea salt

1 8-ounce container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Garnish (optional) Fresh strawberries

In the bowl of a mixer, beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks, and then add cream of tartar, and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, blend flour, sugar, and salt.

Reduce mixer speed to slowest setting then add dry ingredients a 1/2

cup at a time, then pour batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.

Place the cake in a COLD oven.

Turn the oven on; and set the temperature to 325 degrees.

Set a time for 1 hour, or until the cake is golden brown.

Remove from the oven and invert the cake (flip cake over -whilst still in pan- onto the stem of a wine bottle) and allow it to cool like this in the pan. This keeps the cake risen and airy.

Once thoroughly cooled, remove cake from pan.

Using a cake saw (or serrated bread knife) cut cake horizontally into three separate layers then divide Fabulous Fresh Strawberry Dessert Filling

Charles Bowden, Writer

between the two layers, keeping it slightly shy of the outer edge of the cake so it doesn’t bleed through the whipped topping.

Using a rubber spatula or knife, spread whipped topping all over the cake.

Garnish (if desired) with fresh strawberries then serve. Refrigerate unused portions.

*= Cake can be adjusted to accommodate as many egg whites as you want to use. Simply measure them in a glass measuring cup and use an equal amount of sugar and flour in this recipe. Adjust tartar and vanilla to match the portion of egg whites being used.

The Magic City Grill Fest is returning on June 22, 2024 to downtown Colon, MI for its fifth year.

Event organizer, Tim Taylor, is thrilled that this charity event held for the benefit of the American Legion is continuing to grow every year.

“The Magic City GrillFest is an awesome festival for both those who love to grill and those who love to eat barbecue,” chuckled event chair, Tim Talyor. “And it promises to offer all kinds of barbecue flavor through various barbecue techniques being utilized, such as charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, and even hardwood over an open flame.”

Grilling competitors will work in teams of 4 or less and utilize various styles of grills and smokers including

sic Weber Grills, kamado-style grills

like the Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe, barrel smokers, and cooking over a hardwood open flame.

“The cooking techniques that will be

of the day’s competitions.

“Entries will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed culinary judges (that will include Good News Food

directly with competitors and fellow grill enthusiasts, exchange secrets, discover new grilling techniques, and gather tips to help elevate their own backyard barbecue at home.”

With this year’s fest promising to be nothing short of magical, Taylor said with a smile, “It’s going to be an unforgettable day of fun, friendship, and food your taste buds won’t soon forget!”

on display at this competition are as varied as the foods they prepare,” Taylor said.

“This year the teams will compete in three different unique categories and one with a twist: Ribs, Chicken, and Wagyu beef sliders, or an Open Category, which is Griller’s Choice.”

Teams of no more than four cooks will compete in each of the rounds, and for a small entry fee, ‘Tasters’ will get to enjoy samples from every team in every round

Columnist, Laura Kurella), and the highest scoring entries will win prizes, trophies, and bragging rights for the year.”

Taylor said that this fest is drawing more interest every year and it’s fast-becoming a haven for those who appreciate the art of superior highquality barbecue.

“It’s a great event for anyone who likes to sample great barbecue, and a great grilling competition to enter no matter your level of grilling expertise. It really is an extraordinary culinary festival because in addition to food sampling, Tasters get opportunities to

This “adult-geared” fest includes a cooling, tent-covered beer garden, music, a cornhole tournament, specialty vendors, and a special raffle with awesome prizes all for the benefit of the American Legion, which also serves as host for the fest’s “after” party.

Don’t miss out on this sizzling opportunity! Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 22nd, 2024.  Gates open to the public at 11:00 AM in the OMNI Community Credit Union Parking Lot.

For a full list of details, to sign up your grilling team, a corn hole team, and purchase Tasting tickets, which are $20 pre-event and $30 at the gate, visit magiccitygrillfest.com.

Laura Kurella

A. Laura Kurella judging Chicken at 2023 Fest

B. A ring of baby back ribs as prepared by the Smokin’s Stros team.

C. Judges Laura Kurella and David Lorenz with Event Chair (rear) Tim Taylor

Fill your bags with books, CDs, DVDs, and audio books. Pay $3 per bag or 25¢ per item. Cash or Check Only

HEALTH Saving Face

Well, this is more about saving your face, as in the skin on your face. It’s amazing to see all of the cosmetic products available for facial skin care for both women and men. And here we are at the beginning of summer which means more time in the sun and more potential damage to the skin on our face.

So let’s start with some skin care basics, recommended for a daily routine.

• Wash your skin with a mild cleanser

• Use a physical or chemical exfoli-

ant to rid your skin of debris and dead skin cells; if you have sensitive skin, do this step only a few times a week.

• Apply skin toner, a water-based lotion to clean and tighten your pores.

• Moisturize to hydrate your skin and temporarily fill in the little creases.

• Apply sun protection to exposed areas, such as your face and neck. Some moisturizers include sunscreen, combining steps 4 and 5. Even sun that shines through windows can age skin, so using sun screen every day all year round is recommended. Zinc oxide or titanium oxide or are the ingredients to look for when looking to purchase sunscreen. These ingredients actually form a physical barrier against UV rays. Here are a few more steps for fresher-looking skin without surgery.

Moisturizers and creams are the first step in reducing existing wrinkles. You can get products with retinol, antioxidants, and peptides

at drugstores or any place you buy cosmetics. Retinol is a form of vitamin A. It is the cornerstone of anti-wrinkle products. These products are rubbed into the skin to reduce fine wrinkles, splotches, and roughness. However these products can make your skin more sensitive. Retinol products are best used at night because they can be inactivated by sunlight.

Peeling is proof that the cream is helping the skin to exfoliate properly. Continued use will usually result in skin that has better color and luster. There are also wrinkle-releasing procedures. These are done by a dermatologist or licensed aesthetician. There’s a big advantage to seeking this type of care. As they do the peel, they can assess the skin in general. If they notice something potentially worrisome, perhaps needing a biopsy, there’s an advantage to having someone skilled in medicine taking care of those things.

Other nonsurgical skin procedures to consider are laser resurfacing,

chemical peels, and fillers. Laser resurfacing helps manage the fine lines and mild discoloration but is less effective for deep wrinkles. Chemical peels are applied to remove the outer layer of skin. Just as with laser resurfacing, the skin tightens and smooths as it heals, but they’re less precise than laser resurfacing. Fillers are a type of injectable usually made of hyaluronic acid which plumps the tissue and smooths out the “hills and valleys” of the face. This process can last for six months to a year.

In a culture driven by the appearance of looking young, fine lines and wrinkles may be an unwelcome arrival. But many people learn to accept and even embrace the signs of aging. I hope this finds you well. Remember to MAKE your day great and be kind.

Till next time,

Ken Dettloff ACE

Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer

Christy Elluru, BSN, RN-C Aesthetic Nurse Aubrey Kohn, Licensed Medical Aesthetician

D-

Kalamazoo and Michigan Played Role in Invasion of Europe

This June 6th marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, one of the most consequential days in history. That day, June 6, 1944, Allied “Soldiers, sailors, and airmen,” as Supreme Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower called them, invaded Europe, most of which had been occupied by Nazi Germany since 1940. They landed in Normandy, in northern France, by parachutes, gliders and boats. Newspaper headlines and radio bulletins exclaimed “Invasion!”

The invasion, Operation Overlord, primarily involved troops from the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. They liberated France and then the rest of Europe, eventually crossing the Rhine River into Germany, which surrendered 11 months later. Overlord remains the largest Seaborne invasion in history, bringing 160,000 troops, 7,000 ships and landing craft, hundreds of tanks, jeeps, howitzers, and other equipment to Normandy that day, despite “withering fire” from German machine guns. But courage and perseverance won out, and by the end of June 1944, 875,000 troops and 140,000 vehicles landed in Normandy.

Michigan, including the Kalamazoo area, played a big role in D-Day. In addition to thousands of soldiers involved in the landing, Michigan’s “Arsenal of Democracy” built much of the equipment used that day, including vehicles, ships, landing craft, aircraft, weapons, and ammunition.

The first Allied troops in France were paratroopers who established positions behind enemy lines shortly

after midnight. Next to arrive were unpowered troop gliders, towed over France by cargo planes and then gliding silently to their targets. One of the lead gliders was the Fighting Falcon, a Waco CG-4-A glider built by Gibson Refrigeration Company of Greenville. The Fighting Falcon and two other gliders were funded by Greenville High School students who raised $72,000 (equivalent to $1.3 million today) in a war bond drive. The glider’s frame was built by Kalamazoo’s Shakespeare Company, with Gibson Guitar making other components for it, as well as parts for radar and other materiel. The Fighting Falcon Military Museum in Greenville pays tribute to the glider, its crew of 13 paratroopers, and the students and workers who funded and built it.

In America’s homeland during the

war, women and men built tens of thousands of airplanes, tanks, ships, and vehicles, including nearly 50,000 M-4 Sherman tanks, America’s primary armored vehicle. Numerous Michigan companies were involved in making them, including Ford, Chrysler, and the Detroit and Fisher tank arsenals.

Hundreds of Sherman tanks arrived in Normandy in June 1944, most of them via tank landing ships (LSTs). One of the LSTs that landed at Normandy on D-Day, USS LST 393, is today docked in Muskegon as a floating military museum. Of 1,051 LSTs built, LST 393 is one of only two remaining in original configuration. Its big diesel engines and guns were made by General Motors. This year, an 80th anniversary commemoration is scheduled for May 31st and June 1st.

Detroit’s Packard Motor Car Company made engines for American and British aircraft and patrol torpedo (PT) boats used on D-Day. Kalamazoo’s Checker Motors made truck parts, and Ingersoll Steel and Disc made big LVTP-5 amphibious vehicles and tested them in Campbell Lake in Comstock. Kalamazoo Stove and Furnace Company made armor plating for tanks.

Prior to their departure from England, a group of 101st Airborne Division paratroopers met with Gen. Eisenhower. At one point, Ike spoke directly with Wallace Strobel from Saginaw. When Strobel told Ike he was from Michigan, Eisenhower replied how much he enjoyed fishing in Michigan.

A number of southwest Michigan communities will host 80th anniversary commemoration events.

Tony Ettwein

A. Glider frames that were built at Kalamazoo’s Shakespeare Company were assembled at Gibson Refrigerator Company in Greenville

B. Men of the 1st Infantry Division exit their landing craft in the face of devastating enemy fire

C. USS LST 393 landed troops and tanks at Normandy; it’s now a floating museum in Muskegon

D.Gen. Dwight Eisenhower talks with 101st Airborne paratroopers as they prepare for D-Day, including Saginaw’s Wallace Strobel, wearing the number 23

Museum shares Comstock native’s inspirations, accomplishments until June 30

Award-winning local author Bonnie Jo Campbell brings her history, as well as many personal items from her writing world, to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum in a Mini exhibit that showcases “What It Means to Be a Hometown Writer.”

Te exhibit features photos, awards, souvenirs from her travels, personal items from her writing world and an extended video interview with Campbell, all to illuminate her work and inspirations for writing. It ends June 30. Admission is free to the exhibit and the museum.

Campbell was born in 1962 in Comstock Township, Michigan, and grew up on a small farm with her mother, Susanna, and four siblings (and neighbors and cousins) in a house her grandfather Herlihy built in the shape of an H. Her way with words in crafting stories about small towns, nature and strong women continues to find appreciation nationally and in her hometown. Her appearance at Ka-

lamazoo Valley Community College’s Dale B. Lake Auditorium, a Visiting Writers series event co-sponsored by the college, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and the Kalamazoo Film Society, sold out on Feb. 2. In all, more than 450 people attended.

Campbell is a 2011 Guggenheim Fellow. She has penned three nov-

els and three books of short stories, which have earned literary accolades. Her second short-story collection, “American Salvage,” was a finalist for both the National Book Award and National Critic’s Circle Award. “Once Upon a River,” her second novel, published in 2011, a tale of a Native American girl’s survival and

adventure as she searches for her estranged mother, was made into a full-length feature film. The movie was released to international critical acclaim in 2020.

Although just released on Jan. 9, 2024, Campbell’s third and latest novel, “The Waters,” is receiving rave reviews in major publications, including the Washington Post and the New York Times, the latter calling it “pure magic.” “The Waters” is set on an island in the Great Massasauga Swamp — an area known as “The Waters” to the residents of nearby Whiteheart, Michigan, where herbalist Hermine “Herself” Zook has healed the local women of their ailments for generations. It was chosen for Oprah’s list of Most Anticipated Books of 2024, the Saturday Evening Post Ten Reads for the New Year and the Apple Books List. Campbell’s other novel is “Q Road” (2002). Her books of short stories are “Women & Other Animals” (1999), “American Salvage” (2009) and “Mothers, Tell Your Daughters” (2015).

Learn more about the exhibit at kalamazoomuseum.org. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees.

environment What’s In a Name?

Spring is bursting out all over! Greenery is everywhere, and I use my plant identification app multiple times daily. I have plenty of what might be weeds that need pulling, but over the long fall and winter seasons, I have forgotten what some of my perennials look like as they first emerge in the spring. I don’t want to pluck out something I purposely planted, so my work is cut out for me, to use a pun!

I’ve developed a habit of scratching the soil and sprinkling generous handfuls of mixed perennial and annual seeds into a portion of my backyard garden. It is a delight to witness the emergence of new species. Many of these are unfamiliar to me and grow up to take turns in the limelight with blossoms that provide color, attract pollinators, set seed, and then die back, only to yield the stage for the next wave of seasonal blooms.

It’s fascinating to delve into the origins of common garden and wildflower names. Many of the species we cultivate have “common” names derived from their botanical family groupings. For instance, daylilies are part of the Liliaceae family, like other lilies. But why the association with day? The answer is intriguing. Each flowering stem of the plant (called a scape) can produce a dozen or so buds that will flower. Each of those buds, however, will produce a flower that will only live for one day – opening early in the morning and wilting back by nightfall.

The term “wort” for a plant is a sort of old-fashioned term common to plants grown or gathered for their medicinal effects. Sneezewort is a member of the yarrow family, with clusters of tiny white flowers. The plant itself can be cooked or eaten raw, but chewing produces a numbing effect that has been used to treat toothache and mouth sores. Groundup, dried leaves were used in colonial times, like snuff, to treat sinus inflammation since sniffing the powder induces sneezing, which clears up congestion and provides some relief from the itch through its anesthetic properties.

Another common wort in my roughly tended natural space is

motherwort. Its square stem quickly identifies it as a member of the mint family and grows prolifically with tiny pinkish-purple flowers clustered along a prickly stem at nodes. A favorite of bumblebees, this non-native was brought to the colonial Americas specifically as a gift to young mothers, where midwives used it to reduce bleeding after childbirth, and it was reported to “improve cheerfulness” in the early post-partum days. It is still widely available as an herb and is described in one YouTube video as the “gift of CALM.”  Extracts of the dried plant do contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant chemicals, so who knows?

While many plants are named for their floral displays, Solomon’s seal, surprisingly a member of the asparagus family, is so-called because of the patterning of scars on the underground stem system (rhizome) that sends new shoots up each spring.  Its name refers to bygone days when sealing wax provided a tamper-proof closure to official documents. Close examination of the rhizome of a dug-up Solomon’s seal shows bulges where previous years’ above-ground growth was initiated. A scar remains when the leaves die back at the end of the season. This remnant shows a lovely round, intricately patterned impression, like it was pressed into the tissue by a metal seal, such as biblical King Solomon might have used. Dusty miller, grown here in

Michigan as an annual, is most easily recognized for its whitish-silvery foliage with bright yellow blossoms. Like many other favorite wild and cultivated flowers, it is a member of the aster family, which includes daisies, coneflowers, and sunflowers. Although we call each blossom a flower, it is actually a composite consisting of a tight center with hundreds of closely arranged individual flowers surrounded by a distinctive array of outer petals. As a bedding plant, dusty miller is a unique color contrast in beds with lots of greenery. Its common name connection is to the historical occupation of a miller – someone who ran a grain mill and consequently was covered with flour dust. Hence, the reference to a “dusty miller,” although the white color is not a powder, but a fine, dense white fuzz covering the leaf tissue. I want to say that I have a soft spot for almost all plants, but lamb’s quarter is the bane of my summer existence. It propagates overnight, grows inches daily, and is most prolific in inconvenient places. Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, “Weeds are (sic) a plant whose virtues have yet to be discovered.” Many humans have found the merits of this invasive –just not me. The entire plant is edible, and its seeds are milled into flour for brown bread, packed with nutrients. As a relative of chard, quinoa, and spinach, I should be more generous in my appreciation. It’s just so

prolific!  Each plant can produce tens of thousands of seeds, and each will produce multiple generations in one season. Grown agriculturally in some parts of Asia, it is a valuable source of vitamins A and C. The name lamb’s quarter is reportedly a testament to its abundance, being most plentiful in August when the ancient British festival of “Lammas quarter” celebrates a bountiful harvest at the third term of the annual calendar.

As a plant lover, I find this time of year particularly delightful. I highly recommend investing in a plant identification app for your phone. These apps, such as “Picture This,” are handy tools to enhance your gardening experience. They allow you to snap images of plants you come across, helping you learn more about the flora around you. You’ll be amazed at what you discover with just a little curiosity!

Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher

Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

References: (n.d.). Sneezewort. Harry Potter Wiki. Retrieved May 8, 2024, from https://harrypotter.fandom.com/ wiki/Sneezewort

McGrane, K. (2019, October 16). What Is Motherwort? Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage. Nutrition. Retrieved May 9, 2024, from https:// www.healthline.com/nutrition/motherwort

[YouTube]. Hello MOTHERWORT: The gift of CALM [Video]. Wild Food Health Boosters & Herbal Remedies - Dina Falconi. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=81oxE1Qqep8

Missouri Department of Conservation (n.d.). Solomon’s Seal. Discover Nature Field Guide. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://mdc.mo.gov/ discover-nature/field-guide/solomons-seal

Nafici, S. (2018, May 4). Weed of the Month: Lambsquarters. Urban Gardening and Ecology. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://www.bbg. org/article/weed_of_the_month_ lambsquarters

FREE june Events

Through, June 30

Museum to Host March 6 virtual

Exhibit: Bonnie Jo Campbell Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Through Sunday Jan. 19, 2025

Exhibit: Kalamazoo State Hospital: 165 Years of Psychiatric Care, Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Saturdays, June 1,8,15,22,29

Kalamazoo Farmers Market

7am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.

Saturday, June 1

Adventure Begins at Your Library Summer Reading Kickoff: Hot Air Balloon demo’s (weather permitting, 9-10am Parchment Community Library

Saturday, June 1

Westminster Art Festival, 10-Noon, Westminster Church, Ptg.

Sundays, June 1,8,15,22,29 Portage Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm, Portage City Hall

Sunday, June 2

Oshtemo Music in the Park: Blue Water Ramblers, 6-7:30pm Flesher Field Park Gazebo

Mondays, June 3,10,17,24 Parchment Update Interviews Parchmentlibrary.org

Mondays, June 3,10,17,24

Family Storytime, 10-10:45am Books, songs @ Clark Park

Mondays, June 3,10,17,24 Cruz in at Dean’s Ice Cream, Plainwell, 4-8pm

Monday, June 3

Concert: Bach Around the Block, sponsored by the SWMI Chapter,Guild of Organists, 7pm, Starts at St. Luke’s Episcopal, Continues to First Presbyterian And then First Congregational

Monday, June 3

Early Bird Comedy Open Mic, 7:30-9:30, Crawlspace Comedy Theatre, Kalamazoo

Tuesdays, June 4,11,18,25

Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.

Tuesday, June 4

Outfront Kalamazoo Career Services - help with resumes, jobs Applications, scholarships & more! walk-in 4-5pm, 340 S. Rose St.

Tuesday, June 4

Tuesdays on the Road, 5-7:30pm Food trucks, entertainment & Yard games, Parchment Save-A-lot

Tuesday, June 4

The Salvation Army Sprinkle Spectacular: A Donut Day Event for the family- donut eating contest, donut decorating, live muisic, face painting & more! 5:30-7pm, 1700 S. Burdick St.

Tuesdays, June 4,11,18,25

Theme Trivia Tuesdays, 7-9pm, Revel and Roll West

Wednesdays, June 5, 19

Mugs & Hugs, stories & more 10-11am, Vicksburg Library

Wednesdays, June 5,12,19,26

Richland Farmers Market, 3-6pm Richland Community Center

Wednesdays, June 5,12,16,26

Cruise-In, 5-8pm, Gilmore Car Museum

Wednesdays, June 5,12,19,26

Karaoke Bingo, 7-10pm Presidential Brewing Co.

Thursdays, June 6,13,20,27

Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market

8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.

Thursdays, June 6,13,20,27

Plainwell Farmer’s Market

3-6:30pm, 200 Allegan St.

Thursdays, June 6,13,20,27

Triple Threat Trivia, 6:30pm, must Register, Presidential Brewing Co.

Thursdays, June 6,13,20,27

Live Music, 6:30-8:30pm Saugatuck Brewing Co., Kal.

Thursdays, June 6,13,20,27

King Trivia, 7-9pm, Gull Lake Distilling Company

Friday, June 7

Memory Café – for people with Mild dementia and their care Partners, 10:30am – Noon, Paw Paw Library

Fri., June 7 – Sat., June 8

Art on the Mall, Fri.- Noon-8pm, Sat., 9am-5pm, Downtown Kalamazoo

Fri., June 7 – Sat., June 8

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair Fri.- 3-8pm, Sat. – 9am-5pm Bronson Park, Kalamazoo

Friday, June 7

State on the Street: Nathan Walton & Remedy Trio, Bar-5:30pm, Music 6pm, State Theatre

Fridays, June 7,14,21,28

Quickdraw Trivia, 7-8:30pm Valhalla/Norse Nectar Meadery

Saturday, June 8

Internet Users Group, 10amNoon, Bring your smart phones & Mobile devises, Paw Paw Library

Saturday, June 8

Do-Dah Parade, 11am Downtown Kalamazoo

Sunday, June 9

Vintage & Handmade Marketplace, 10am-4pm, 1204 Bank St., Kalamazoo

Monday, June 10

Parchment Book Group: Remarkable Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt 6pm, Parchment Library

Tuesday, June 11

ARTBreak: Simon Pokagon’s Birch Bark Stories, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesday, June 11

Tuesdays on the Road, 5-7:30pm Food trucks, entertainment & Yard games, Linden Grove Middle School, Kalamazoo

Wednesday, June 12

Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom: The benefits of incorporating native Plants into our landscape, 1011am, birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu

Wednesday, June 12

Movies @ the Vicksburg Library, 1-3pm: Elementary, 3-5pm- Teen, we make the Popcorn, you bring a drink!

Wednesday, June 12

The First Six Week of Beekeeping with Robert Candido, 6:30-8:30pm, Schrier Park, Portage

Thursday, June 13

Bingo Beyond Barriers, 1-2pm, Richland Library @ the Richland Presbyterian Church, next door.

Thursday, June 13, 27

Teen Break & Bulldog Break, A safe place for teens & tweens To get together & have fun, 2:45-5:45, Vicksburg Library

Thursday, June 13

Westminster Art Festival Closing Ceremony, 5-7pm Westminster Church, Portage

Thursday, June 13

Blue Landscapes, 6-7pm, MI

Photographer Emily J. Gomez Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Thursday, June 13

Geocaching 101, 6-7pm Richland Community Library

Saturday, June 15

Juneteenth Community Day 11am – 5pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, June 15

Art Detectives: Tar Beach: From Here to Infinity 11:15am-12:15pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, June 15

Author Visit-Vincent Sturgis Reads Lunch Ladies, his fun Book about getting children To try different foods, 11amNoon, autographs afterwards Vicksburg District Library

Monday, June 17

STEAM, activities & more 11am-12pm, Vicksburg Library

Tuesday, June 18

KSO Instrument Petting Zoo Try woodwind and brass Instruments, 10-11am, Paw Paw District Library

Tuesday, June 18

ARTBreak: West Michigan Area Show Artist Highlight 12-1pm, Kalamazoo Institute Of Arts

Tuesday, June 18

Tuesdays on the Road, 5-7:30 Plainwell Fannie Pell Park

Tuesday, June 18

Lego club, 1-2pm & 5:30-6:30pm, Vicksburg Library

Tuesday, June 18

Mystery Book Club-Cara Black Series: Murder at the Porte deVersailles with a virtual author visit, 6:30pm, Parchment Library

Wednesday, June 19

Book Discussion: Poet Warrior By Joy Harjo 2-3pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Thursday, June 20

Kalamazoo Night Market 5-10pm, 1204 Bank St.

Thursday, June 20

MI Notable Book Author- RS Deeren, author of Enough To Lose, 6-7:30pm Vicksburg District Library

Thursday, June 20

Monthly Euchre Tournament 6pm, Crafted Copper, Kalamazoo

Thursday, June 20

The Heartbreak Book Club: Meet Me at the Lake by Carley Fortune, 6:30 -7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Friday, June 21

Movie & giveaway (children’s Movie), bring a blanket & Picnic, movie starts at dusk, Vicksburg Historic Village

Saturday, June 22

Grief Circle, 10am-Noon Rootead Kalamazoo

Saturday, June 22

Summer STEAM Days! Engineering, 10am-2pm, Air Zoo, 6151 Portage Rd.

Saturday, June 22

Jerico Faire, 2-8pm 1501 Fulford St., Kal.

Monday, June 24

Silent Book Club, 5:15pm Parchment Library

Tuesday, June 25

ARTBreak: The Anniversary Show: Exploring Works from the Joy and Timothy Light Collection, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesday, June 25

Movies @ the Vicksburg Library, 1-3pm: Elementary, 3-5pm- Teens, we make the Popcorn, you bring a drink!

Tuesday, June 25

Tuesdays on the Road, 5-7:30pm Food trucks, entertainment & Yard games, Midtown Fresh, Kal.

Tuesday, June 25

Wo Would Win: Pirates vs. Vikings, Presented by the Swordsmanship Museum And Academy, 6-7:30pm Paw Paw District Library

Wednesday, June 26

Silent Book Club, 1:15pm Parchment Library

Wednesday, June 26

Vicksburg High School Musical quintet, 2-4pm Vicksburg District Library

Wednesday, June 26

Reading Rocks! Fun, entertaining, feel-good special program! A delight for all ages! 7-8pm, Vicksburg District Library

Thursday, June 27

STEAM, activities & more 6-7pm, Vicksburg Library

Thursday, June 27

Strange Automotive Tales, 6:30-7:30pm, Presented By Jay Follis, Historian of the Gilmore Car Museum Paw Paw District Library

Thursday, June 27

The Heartbreak Book Club: I Do Not Come to You by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani, 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Friday, June 28

Vicksburg Library at the Vicksburg Farmer’s Market All ages, crafts, etc.,2-6pm

Fri., June 28-Sun., June 30

The Hot Tub & Swim Spa Sale

Fri.-Sat. 11am-7pm, Sun. 11am4pm, Kalamazoo Expo Center

Friday, June 28

Lunchtime Live & music by The Iconix, 11:30-1;30 Bronson Park, Kalamazoo

Sat., June 29-Sun. June 30

Kalamazoo 4-H Open Horse Show, 9am, Kalamazoo County Expo Center