Good News February 2024

February 2024

free

1

GOOD NEWS

february 2024

2

February 2024

Remember When

As promised in the January feature on the Oakland Pharmacy last month, here is a profile on Boogie Records, the popular music store in this area from 1972-1995.

Boogie Records sold records, 8-track and cassette tapes in a variety of genres (rock, jazz, soul, country, bluegrass, blues….). They were able to access imported music and fill special orders for their music fans.

Boogie Records was started by a group of local entrepreneurs, which began in a small section of the Oakland Pharmacy building at 773 W. Michigan Avenue (corner of Michigan Ave. and Academy St.). In 1976 they took over the barber shop space and expanded their product line to include clothing and waterbeds.

In 1977, when owner, John Spicer, closed the Oakland Pharmacy, Boogie Records purchased the building and renovated the larger portion

to accommodate music, waterbeds, clothing, posters, “smoking paraphernalia” and other “Boogie Stuff !” Their former space, next door, later opened

by Boogie as a much quieter classical music store that you may remember, called Bach to Bach.

The close proximity to both KCollege and WMU campuses, made it a popular destination for many students. Their long hours, daily from 10am-10pm and on Sunday from noon – 6pm, made it a convenient stop. Many shopped weekly and some even daily. Former patrons shared their love of Boogie Records on the popular Vanished Kalamazoo website: “I got my first vinyl there… exchanged some pop album I got for Christmas for Steely Dan’s, Can’t buy a thrill.” The clerk remarked, “good choice kid!” “I spent more time at Boogie Records than I did at the dinner table.” “I bought my first KISS

GOOD NEWS

album there.” “My dad bought all of his albums there and I still have all of them.” “One of the coolest stores in the student ghetto.” “I used to deliver the KMI hit list every week to Boogie Records in the late 70’s. “I went to WMU from 1975-78 and practically lived at Boogie Records!

I bought a ton of vinyl there…great memories.”

Boogie Records opened a second location in Portage at 5729 S. Westnedge Ave., (next to Bob Evans in that strip mall across from Kinko’s). The Westnedge location was called the Boogie General Store. Boogie grew into a chain of 7 retail music outlets, waterbed stores (Northwoods), a concert promoter and a wholesale music distributor by the end of their first decade in business.

In the 1980’s Boogie Records was listed among the top independent music stores in the country by Trouser Press Magazine, one of the most respected music publications at the time.

According to an article in the Kalamazoo Public Library History files, written by Keith Howard,

several big-name performers made public appearances at the store when they were passing through this area, including: Billy Cobham’s CBS All-Stars, Uriah Heep, Iron Maiden, The Romantics, The Isley Brothers, Asleep at the Wheel and New Edition, to name a few. Other big names stopped in just to look through the extensive vinyl selection, including: Rick Wakeman, Robert Plant, Joel Bernstein, Willie Dixon and Jason Newsted.

Boogie ownership changed a few times during its final years and independent record retailers were experiencing hard times, which sadly, led to the closing of our hometown iconic music mecca, Boogie Records in 1995.

On a side note: Boogie Record logo t-shirts are available at Kalamazoo Sportswear in downtown Kalamazoo.

Jackie Merriam References: Kalamazoo Public Library History Room files, KPL. gov, Kalamazoo Gazette – 9/29/26, 2/26/1935, 5/17/35, 2/24/77, Life Magazine 1946, WRKR.com.

Photos Couresy of Keith Howard

We can put your name on almost anything!

Varsity Jackets Team Logo & Event Shirts Uniforms & Corporate Wear Promotional Items Custom Design Ser vice Banners & Signs Trophies & Plaques Tanning Salon • Online Store FedEx & UPS Shipping • Copy & Fax Service

ML Screen Printing & Monogramming Katie & Christy’s Mid-Lakes

est. 1993

121 E. Orchard, Delton • Shop Online: mid-lakes.net 269-623-8340 • We’re just an email away! midlakes@mei.net

3

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

2024: The Year of the African Violet African Violet/Saintpaulina Lonantha

The National Garden Bureau has set 2024 as the year of the African violet. African violets are beautiful flowering houseplants that have vivid blooms in purple, white, blue or pink. The velvety leaves can be a deep green or variegated. They are native to the tropical rain forests in Africa, hence their name. They are a fun, beautiful plant that is non-toxic.

The African Violet is easier to care for that you might think!

Light requirements: medium to bright shaded light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and/or flowers.

Temperature: they do best and produce the most blooms in regular house temperatures (no lower than 55F at night nor above 75F during the day. Keep them away from drafty windows in the winter.

Soil: they grow best in well-drain-

February 29, 2024 is Leap Day! This happens just once every four years. A Leap Year is a year with an extra day, February 29, added to the calendar year.

The reason for adding an extra day every four years is to keep our calen-

ing light and slightly acidic soil like Fertilome African Violet soil.

Watering: Water once a week when the soil dries out. Bottom watering is best with this plant, so make sure your pot has drainable holes.

Feeding: Feed with African violet fertilizer every 4 weeks during their growing period, spring to fall. We recommend Schultz or Fertilome African violet fertilizer tailored for your blooming plant. Avoid fertilizing in the winter.

Fun African Violet facts: They are native to Eastern Africa, more specifically the high altitude cloud forests of Tanzania. They are lithophytes, meaning they grow on the surface of rocks.

While there are only about 20 species of African Violets, there have been over 20,000 varieties that have

been bred according to the African Violet Society of America.

If cared for correctly, and African violet can have a lifespan of up to 50 years, and can reach sizes of 16 inches in diameter, with the largest recorded diameter being 37 inches!

Jackson Distelrath and Rachel Blodgett, Wedel’s Houseplant Aficionados

dar aligned correctly with the astronomical seasons, since a year according to the Gregorian calendar (365 days) and a year according to Earth’s orbit around the Sun (approximately 365.25 days) are not the same length of time.

With this .25 difference, our calendar would gradually get out of sync with the seasons if we didn’t add the extra day (leap day) to the calendar every four years to bring the calendar in line and, therefore, realigns it with the seasons.

Without Leap Days, the calendar would be off by 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds more each year. This may not seem like much, but over 100 years, the seasons would be off by 25 days! Eventually, the months we call February and March would feel like summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

My first thought was how do those born on Leap Day celebrate their birthdays in

non-Leap Years? Leap Day babies, AKA: leaplings, leapers or leapsters can celebrate their birthdays on normal years February 28th, March 1st, or both. Chances of being born on Leap Day are very rare, less than 0.1 percent of the world’s population. Many feel that being born on Leap Day and becoming a “Leapling” is a sign of good luck.

A few celebrities were born on February 29, including: Dinah Shore hockey star Henri Richard, Tony Robbins and Jimmy Dorsey.

Leap Day ages ago became associated with Leap Day and was known as “Ladies Day,” the one day when woman were free to propose to men. Sadie Hawkins Day is a spin-off of the older Ladies Day tradition. In some cultures, getting married on leap day is considered a sign of bad luck. I probably wouldn’t tempt that fate.

WIT And Wisdom: Violets (Viola)—though unrelated to African violets—are one of the February birth flowers and symbolize loyalty, devotion, and faithfulness, so a potted African violet can make a bright gift for a February birthday or for a Valentine’s Day gift.

Almanac.com

Happy Leap Year!

Jackie Merriam

Photo taken at Lake Michigan, courtesy of Bridget Fox

20,000 Readers

Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook!

650 Locations

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.

Enjoy Good News Paper Each Month available at over and online at GoodNews-paper.com

4

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

be ART ful

Let’s go on a therapeutic collage journey together! This captivating artistic practice offers a wealth of benefits that positively impact various aspects of our lives. Our own unique perspective provides a means for selfexpression and reflection by giving us an opportunity to explore our emotions, memories and aspirations in a meaningful way. This symbolic release is a projective technique that is intuitive and can aid in revealing various aspects of our personality in visual form. Engaging in collage making promotes personal growth and emotional well-being through creativity and self-reflection.

An art collage does not need to make sense to anyone but ourselves.

It is our inner landscape that is being revealed. By creating with purpose, we bring focus and intentionality to the creative process. It opens our minds and acts as a guide for our choices with imagery, colors, textures and words. It also serves as a reminder of what we want to achieve, whether that is capturing a mood, exploring a concept or telling a story.

The definition of collage is a mere technique of creating a work of art by attaching various materials such as paper, fabric and photographs onto a surface. Some collagists gather

supplies they find discarded in public to recycle, while others use heartfelt objects and keepsakes to utilize. When gathering materials for your collage, look for items readily available in your home that are of interest to you. Consider magazines, newspapers, photographs, fabric scraps, postcards, ticket stubs, letters, cards, paper art, etc. Grant yourself permission to repurpose and incorporate materials that hold sentimental value. Take advantage of your imagination by gathering a diverse mix of materials to bring your collage to life.

Create a positive environment by finding a quiet and well-lit space where you can immerse yourself in the creative process without distraction. Ensure you have enough space to work with all your materials comfortably. Arrange your cutout and shaped pieces on a blank surface like a poster board, canvas or in my case, an oversized bulletin board. Play around with different configurations and compositions until you find a layout that speaks to your intention.

Once you are satisfied with your arrangement, glue everything in place.

Pause and reflect on what you just accomplished! Engage with this new

creation. Did this intentional and artful activity allow you to tap into your thoughts and feelings, enabling visual communication of your emotions? This type of methodical collage making can help you to meet and accept the inner parts of yourself that may be a verbal challenge and that you might not otherwise openly express.

The beneficial process of collage making serves as a therapeutic outlet, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By immersing ourselves in

Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

Romantic

Make this Valentine’s Day truly

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

xx

this organic and harmonious means of expression, we can find a sense of peace and calm. I hope you embrace the transformative power of this art form and unlock the potential it can bring to your life. xo -Bridget

DoN’T Go BrEAkING MY HEArT GIfT Box

A SMASH-ABLE cHocoLATE HEArT fILED wITH GooDIES!

Starry 99 K0217VanderSalm's.qxp_Layout 1 12/23/16 4:48 PM Page 1 4 fuN GIfT BoxES To cHooSE froM! Eyed $129.95

Starry Eyed $129.95

Love Squared $74.95

Romantic Make this Valentine’s Day truly...

Hypnotized $84.95

Make a Scene $139.95

Upgraded Orchid $84.95

valentine's day is wednesday, february 14th Dutch Flowering Garden $38.95, $48.94, or $58.95

Two Lips $45.95, $65.95

Valentine Blooming Plant Basket $69.95 to $89.95

Rose Petals $19.95 Sweets for my Sweet Love Squared $49.95Sweets for my Sweet

VALENTINE’S DAY IS TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

Bulb Garden $49.95, $59.95, or $69.95

$84.95

Voted Kalamazoo County’s #1 florist for 8 consecutive years

1120 S. Burdick At Crosstown 269-343-2671 www.kalamazooflorist.com

101 S. Kalamazoo Mall • cherrischocolart.com • 269-998-7339

$54.95

FREE Delivery

With any Valentine Order on on or or before beforeFebruary February11th 12th Excludes out of town orders.

Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Expires GDM Expires2/11/17.

2/12/24 GNP

1120 S. Burdick At Crosstown 269-343-2671 • www.kalamazooflorist.com

5

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

Where Age Meets Wisdom

A Journey Through Lifelong Learning

How often has it crossed your mind that you wished you would have paid more attention to a subject in school – a science, history, literature, or social studies class that has always remained of interest?

Perhaps that interest was sparked by natural early-childhood curiosity and the excitement of learning something new. Albert Einstein once said, “I have no special talents; I am only passionately curious.”

For many, especially after retirement and time to explore our interests, the pursuit of intellectual curiosity rekindles. One of the best ways for seniors to satisfy a reinvigorated desire for learning is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).

OLLI is an outstanding educational initiative that has gained popularity in recent years. Its unique approach to lifelong learning enriches lives through personal and intellectual development.

OLLI began in 1991 when it was established at the University of Southern Maine through the Bernard Osher Foundation. The foundation was created by philanthropist Bernard Osher whose vision was to create a program that catered to the intellectual curiosity and thirst for knowledge that remains throughout our lives.

The success of the OLLI program in Maine prompted the expansion of Osher-funded lifelong learning programs across the United States through universities and institutions.

It has grown into a network of over 120 institutes in 50 states, with more than 150,000 members.

In 2010, a group of faculty members from Western Michigan University formed a group called the Lifelong Learning Academy. The goal of the academy was a communitywide educational enrichment program for seniors 50 and above. It began offering non-degree courses at WMU in 2011. In 2014, this organization connected with Osher and

soon was officially invited to become an Osher Lifelong Institute.

Toni Woolfork-Barnes, Ed.D, Director of Western’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, says the program has been a remarkable success in our community, both in terms of the growing number of community members and the opportunity for people to share their expertise as course instructors. Members can explore new interests and revisit long-held passions through a variety of course offerings. Volunteer instructors (selected by a curriculum committee) are not required to have a formal degree—just the knowledge, passion, and experience to share with others.

Gillian Stoltman, PhD, an infectious disease epidemiologist, has been both an OLLI student and an OLLI instructor. In the fall of 2023, she took an OLLI class given by Jane Rooks Ross, a well-known local musician, on Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

Shortly afterwards, Gillian attended

ers!”

Leonard Ginsberg, PhD, a retired WMU biology professor, says, “OLLI is a wonderful asset to the Kalamazoo community. The courses are inexpensive and diverse, ranging from science and technology to cultural enrichment. Part of the fun is that students, mostly retired, often take a number of courses and meet others in the community.”

Len has taught several courses in the science area over the years. He adds, “Many instructors, like myself, are retired from the university or other occupations. OLLI gives them a chance to talk about their profession or hobby.” Len shares that preparing for a course is fun as well as a learning experience and he enjoys interacting with the enthusiastic students who ask a lot of questions.

One key factor contributing to OLLI’s growth is its inclusivity.

OLLI is open to people of all backgrounds, regardless of their previous

a Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra performance which included that piece. Gillian’s experience at the performance was greatly enriched by all she learned in the OLLI course.

Last October, Gillian led an OLLI course on Antarctica and its geology and biology of life there. She adds, “It was great fun and we had some folks in the class that had been there, some that were going this December and some that were just armchair travel-

educational experiences. This inclusive model fosters a diverse community of learners, creating an enriching environment where people from various walks of life come together to learn and engage in meaningful discussions. The good news is there’s no homework, tests, or grades—just pure learning. Lifelong learning is not only intellectually stimulating but also helps keep minds sharp and active.

It’s a marvelous way to meet

like-minded individuals, make new friends, and engage in stimulating discussions. Loneliness and isolation, common among retirees, can be significantly reduced through participation in OLLI programs. Likewise, engaging in learning, at any age, has been shown to have a positive impact on mental and emotional well-being and provides a sense of purpose and a feeling of accomplishment, contributing to overall happiness and fulfillment. Additionally, OLLI offers ways for members to volunteer and assist in facilitating the sustainability of OLLI. Looking ahead, Director Toni Woolfork-Barnes says plans are underway to expand OLLI at WMU’s current travel program for participants to include longer domestic and international trips and travel opportunities tied to OLLLI’s educational and enrichment principles.

A fresh schedule of courses is offered Winter/Spring, Summer, and Fall. Course registration for Winter/ Spring begins January 10, 2024. To learn more about becoming an OLLI member, taking a class, or becoming an instructor, call the OLLI office at (269) -87-4157, email Or visit the OLLI website at https://wmich/edu/ olli or inquire by email at wmu-olli@ wmich.edu So, if you long for satisfaction from learning anew, OLLI may be just the solution—enhanced by the reward of sharing the experience with likeminded friends.

James D. Coppinger

Buy 1 Pasty, Sandwich or Salad

Get one 1/2 off with purchase of a beverage.

Of equal or greater value, expires 3/31/24 not valid with other coupons or specials

Sandwich & Pasty Co.

Richland 8140 N. 32nd St. - 629-9902

6

February 2024

GOOD NEWS Emil Emily y Wil Wilde's de's Map of the Otherl Otherlands ands Heather Fawcett (Del Rey)

January 2024

After the events of the first book, Emily sets a new goal of creating the first Map of the Folk.

Her plans progress well until an attack from Wendell's stepmother forces Emily to embark on a quest for an elusive door. Will they find it this time? This fun series installment has fantastical new creatures and realms to discover, and the dynamic between Wendell and Emily is sweet and exciting.

Recommended for fans of cozy academia with a dash of magic.

The Top T Ten en Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Chosen Monthly by America's Library Staff For book recommendations from Find out more at www.LibraryReads.org your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/

—Lisa Leinhos, Marx Library, AL NoveList read-alike: A Marvelous Light

by Freya Marske

The Bus Busy y Body Kemper Donovan (Kensington)

First L Lie ie Wins: A No Nov vel Ashley Elston (Pamela Dorman Books)

Div Diva: a: A No Nov vel Daisy Goodwin (St. Martin's Press)

A very talented ghostwriter signs on to help a failed female presidential candidate (shades of you know who!) write her memoir. Their initial work weekend is going well until there is a mysterious drowning next door. The politician feels called upon to investigate, taking her ghostwriter along—a Watson to her Holmes. An enjoyable mystery tale ensues.

Nothing is ever as it seems in this fast-paced novel. All the reader knows is that nothing about Evie is true. It's her job to lie and wrangle her way into situations, gather info, and create situations that put others at risk. Yet this time, things are different. During a con, someone shows up with her actual birth name and history. Perfect for readers who enjoy books with twists and turns around every corner.

Readers get behind the scenes of Maria Callas's life and her complicated relationships. She’d hoped to marry Aristotle Onassis, but instead he wed Jackie Kennedy. Callas ended up alone, even with all the money and accolades for her phenomenal soprano voice.

This fictional portrait takes some creative license, but that doesn't detract from this well-researched portrait of an international superstar.

—Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, NJ NoveList read-alike: The Girl Who Took What She Wanted

by Stewart Hoag

—Larissa Porach, Jefferson County Public Library, CO NoveList read-alike: The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

The D Djinn jinn W Waits aits a Hundr Hundred ed Y Years: ears: A No Nov vel Shubnum Khan (Viking) Hoping for a fresh start after tragedy, Sana and her father move into a South African apartment building with a host of quirky neighbors. Sana becomes fascinated by the story of Meena, a former resident when it was the estate of a wealthy troubled family. A lonely girl, a heartbroken djinn, and long-buried secrets come together in this gorgeously gothic tale of love and grief.

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: The Last Dreamwalker by Rita Woods

The Cl Clinic inic Cate Quinn (Sourcebooks Landmark)

Come & Get It Kiley Reid (G.P. Putnam's Sons)

Meg enters an exclusive rehab facility undercover after the supposed suicide of her sister. In the process, she exposes some ugly truths about people who profess to have her best interests at heart. Quinn does a terrific job creating quirky characters and keeping readers guessing. The unexpected twists and eerie location make this a great pick for readers in the mood for atmospheric suspense!

Millie is a 24-year-old RA in a dorm of typical college girls.

All she wants is to get through her delayed senior year, start saving for a home to call her own, and find a good job for when she graduates. When she makes some increasingly bad choices, she puts all of that in jeopardy and has to face the fact that she may not like the person she is becoming.

—Michelle Meeks, Wetumpka Public Library, AL NoveList read-alike: I'll Be You by Janelle Brown

Ev Every eryone one on T This his Train Is a Suspect Benjamin Stevenson (Mariner Books)

Twenty-Se enty-Sev ven Minutes Ashley Tate (Poisoned Pen Press)

Ernest is struggling to write his second book. He hits the jackpot, so to speak, when a murder is committed on a train hosting the literary festival he is attending. He now has his new topic and narrates this murder mystery. Full of quick dialogue, clever clues, and odd characters, this off-beat offering will be much fun for the right reader.

A young woman died in a car accident while her brother Grant, who was driving, survived, along with another passenger. What really happened that evening is a mystery. Why did Grant wait so long to call for help—and what was his sister so angry about?

Readers looking for a pageturning narrative with a strong sense of place will find this compulsive thriller a great read.

—Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library, MO NoveList read-alike: There Should Have Been Eight

by Nalini Singh

Bonus pick:

—Carri Genovese, Indianapolis Public Library, IN NoveList read-alike: The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda

Famil amily yF Famil amily y Laurie Frankel (Henry Holt)

—Sandra Meyers, Frankford Public Library, DE NoveList read-alike: Jackie & Maria by Gill Paul

—Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador NoveList read-alike: Wahala by Nikki May

Al Alll Rhodes L Lead ead Her Here e Mariana Zapata (Avon) Rhodes, the ultimate silverfox grump, and bright ray of sunshine Aurora, are complete opposites in many ways. This gentle and sweet love story is built through action as the characters learn to trust each other.

Including Rhodes's son Amos in the story adds a level of care between the couple by being the first thing they bond over.

—Jordan Abitz, Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library, KS NoveList read-alike: Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding

Notable Nonfiction:

Who Owns T This his Sentence Sentence? ?

David Bellos and Alexandre Montagu (W.W. Norton & Company)

Be sure to check out our social media for the Bonus Pick annotations!

Read-alikes provided by NoveList and the LibraryReads Community. | Made in LibraryAware - www.libraryaware.com

7

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

heart of the home

Plant Advice From a Brown Thumb composition of your arrangement.

Place smaller plants next to taller plants, smaller leaves beside plants with larger leaves. Green plants look good next to plants that have more color in them. In short, choose variety while keeping in mind plant needs for sun and humidity and watering. Keeping the plant count to odd numbers can avoid looking overly symmetrical. Placing a larger plant that looks more like a small tree against a wall can make a dramatic statement all by itself.

Have some fun with the pots for your plants. A trip to an art gallery may land you colorful, interesting ceramic pots made by local artists. If you kill the plant, you will still have a beautiful pot.

Don’t forget your pets. Certain plants can be toxic to cats and dogs if they nibble a leaf. Same goes for little humans running around the house.

And don’t forget to water your plants. They like that.

An inspirational narrative of unconditional love and healed grief

L

?

Zinta Aistars

?

oxygen in its place. Studies have even shown that having plants in our home can reduce stress and increase productivity.

Plants give us clean air to breathe, but how do we help plants breathe and grow? Not all plants have the same needs—they are just like people that way. Some need water every few days. Some, like my little cactus, can survive for a long time without water.

Some need bright light while others prefer shade. When choosing plants for your home, take time to educate yourself about their needs and the spaces in your home where you wish to place them. Think about the time you wish to devote to their care.

Easy plants for homeowners with brown thumbs include yes, cacti, and another of my low-maintenance favorites—the philodendron. Spider plants propagate easily. Rubber trees have a clean look with their large, dark green leaves. Other choices that it took me longer to kill are jade plants, various ivy plants and fig trees. Don’t be shy about asking your greenhouse expert for advice.

Not only is the placement of your plants important, but making the plant display pleasing to the eye calls for some thought, too. Consider the

? ? ?? ?

I kill plants. Let me get that confession right out there in the open, first thing. If a plant can’t live without water for a few months or a few years, I’m done with it.

Some years ago, I took a small plant, a cactus of some kind, from my mother’s windowsill, thinking it was artificial. My mama loved plants and her home was filled with them, mostly grouped around the big, bright bay window in her living room. She had a green thumb that I did not inherit.

When she was no longer with us, I adopted that little cactus and put it on my patio table.

A friend who visited me about a year after that artificial cactus adoption, noted the little plant and asked how often I watered it. Water it?

What? It’s not real, I said. Oh yes, it is, my friend insisted. I quickly watered it and lo and behold, that little cactus started to grow. Forgive me, Mama.

I thought back to how my mama arranged her beautiful forest of plants in her home. There is an art to it.

There is, too, a health benefit to having plants in one’s home. Through a process called photosynthesis, plants can clean carbon dioxide from the air in our living space and produce

H

F For dog lovers, for those who’ve experienced PTSD, for anyone who seeks inspirational stories of hope and healing from pain, trauma, sorrow, despair, or grief

I

Available at Michigan News Agency, Kalamazoo On-line at Amazon.com or Barnes&Noble.com

L

For a signed copy to give to that special someone, contact that author at Christinehassing.com

Then stop by the southside bathrooms of the Visitor Center for activity sheets to learn more about Michigan’s mushrooms.

February 2024

It’s very easy to warm someone’s heart; you simply have to wrap them in a blanket of your love. – Robert Clancy Hello dear readers. May this month’s Piece by Piece find that 2024 is starting out well for you!

We have just left a month steeped in tradition. Like the family and friend gatherings that take place.

And the menus at those gatherings. (Our family particularly likes our traditional baked French toast recipe!) Indoor and outdoor decorating. Classic movies like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, It’s a Wonderful Life, and if you are like my family, The Christmas Story. (grin) Here it is January, so why reminisce about Christmas! This year my heart was especially touched during our family stockings tradition. Thanks to Santa’s wonderful elf, aka our mom,

8

Piece by Piece we can always count on a filled stocking awaiting the inner child in each of us. We don’t exchange presents anymore, opting instead to take a summer family vacation to make memories that will never wear out.

But the stockings remain our ritual year after year.

As each of us opened our stockings, finding the traditional orange, apple and pieces of chocolate, we also found either a cozy sweatshirt to wear or a warm and snuggly throw blanket. Once the stockings were opened, my mom shared that this year she was inspired by our aunt.

My great aunt Becky (my grandmother’s maternal sister) told my mom that throughout her life the one thing she always made sure she could provide for her family was that they would know warmth.

Knowing my Aunt Becky, this

meant not just the physical warmth of clothing, home, and a cooked meal.

This has also meant the warmth of her heart through such traits as her compassion, joyfulness, and her kindness.

After my mom’s words, I began rethinking the traditions passed down through the generations, applying one of my mantras “see and see again”. Like great grandmother’s sugar cookie recipe that became the cookies my grandmother made and that lucky recipients still yearn for twenty years since grandma’s passing.

The same recipe that my sister and my mom are teaching my niece to make, the great-great granddaughter.

I thought about my love of cooking and baking to share with others.

Now I see and see again that when my grandmother delivered support for someone in physical or emotional

GOOD NEWS

need, she was providing food to family, friends, and neighbors so that they would know warmth. The warmth of a full stomach and the warmth from my grandma’s caring heart.

When my mom would deliver food to a widowed neighbor, she was providing the same things my grandma provided (and I suspect my great and great-great grandmothers did, too).

She was also providing the warmth of homemade cooked smells to a home now absent of these routine kitchen scents.

Maybe traditions that get passed through the generations aren’t rituals and objects after all. Perhaps what gets passed down to pay forward is the warmth of love.

Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com

A law firm focusing on estate planning, estate settlement, and the transfer of wealth.

breakfast served all day Dine In & Drive Thru Service Serving Kalamazoo Home-Style Breakfast& Lunch for over 30 years!

Tyler J. Stewart, Charles S. Ofstein, William B. Millard & Hannah M. Recknagel

Open 7 Days a Week Mon.-Fri. 7am-2pm, Sat. 7am--1pm, Sun. 8am-2pm 2105 Lake St., Kalamazoo - 345-0220 Order online - drive thru - juliannas.get.eatbee.com

211 East Water Street, Suite 401 Kalamazoo 269.343.2106 dementandmarquardt.com

9

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

DOROTHY AYER GARDNER: An Act of Courage Dorothy Ayer Gardner left her abusive husband in Omaha in 1913, when such an act by a woman was considered socially unacceptable to many. In that day, many women stayed in such a relationship. By their inaction, some of their children also suffered. But within two years of Dorothy’s act, she would meet a good man in Michigan, and the two made a good life together.

Dorothy’s decision would have a far-reaching effect on the world 50 years ago this year.

February 27th marks the anniversary of Dorothy’s birth in 1892 in Harvard, Illinois, a small town near Rockford. She grew up in “a warm and loving home” with her parents and older sister who encouraged her to learn and find fulfillment. After high school, she attended a small women’s college, St. Mary’s School in Knoxville, Illinois. Her good friend at the school, Marietta King, introduced Dorothy to her brother, Leslie. Leslie was described as tall and handsome, though at age 30, he was 11 years Dorothy’s senior. The popular, energetic Dorothy and Leslie fell in love with each other and were married on September 7, 1912. The pair went on a long honeymoon on the west coast, from the Pacific Northwest and down the Caifornia coast.

But for Dorothy, the honeymoon was a nightmare.

During the trip, Leslie King abused his young bride, physically, verbally, and psychologically, multiple times.

He drank excessively. Dorothy was shocked by the behavior and didn’t know what to do. Leslie apologized, but the abuse continued after they returned home to Omaha and began living in his parents’ mansion.

Dorothy became pregnant, and ten months after their wedding, on July 14, 1913, Dorothy gave birth to a son, who they named Leslie King Jr. But the abuse only intensified.

Now jealous of the attention Dorothy was giving their son, Leslie Sr. threatened Dorothy and their infant

with a butcher knife a few days after the birth.

Less than two weeks later, Dorothy gathered up little Leslie and left in the middle of the night. She’d had enough of her husband’s abuse, and she wasn’t going to put her son or herself at further risk. She and Leslie Jr. took a taxi to her parents’ house in Iowa, then briefly moved in with her sister in Oak Park, near Chicago.

Dorothy filed for divorce, at a time when spousal abuse was not only seldom discussed, but was perceived as shameful for the woman. The judge granted the divorce and ordered her former husband to make payments, but he refused to pay. His father made the payments instead.

From Oak Park, Dorothy and Leslie Jr. moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where her parents had relocated. It was there, at a church social in 1915 that Dorothy met a kind man who owned a paint company. The two fell in love, married on February 1, 1917, and were both active in family and community activities.

Although Dorothy and her new husband didn’t legally change the name of Leslie Jr., they immediately began calling him by the name of his new father: Gerald Rudolff Ford. Everyone called the young lad Gerald Jr., though he didn’t legally change his name until 1935. Gerald R. Ford graduated from Grand Rapids South High School, played center on the B national champion University of Michigan football team, served in the South Pacific in World War II, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1949 to 1973.

Ford became vice president in

December 1973 after the resignation of Spiro Agnew, and became president less than a year later, on August 9, 1974, following the resignation of Richard M. Nixon. In Ford’s inaugural address, he assured Americans that “our

at

A that time, and that he never forgot where he came from. He thought of his stepfather, Gerald Ford Sr., as his real dad, and recognized the strength of his mother, Dorothy Ayer Gardner Ford, who died in 1967, five years after the passing of Gerald Sr. and eight years before her son became president.

As President Ford told biographer Bonnie Angelo, “My mother was a very strong person, from girlhood. The thing she did—to leave Omaha with me, not even a month old, in her arms—she literally escaped.

It’s hard to comprehend. That was a remarkable action for a mother.” long national nightmare [following Watergate was] over.”

Gerald R. Ford served as our 38th president for less than 30 months, but presidential critics tend to agree that he was the right person to lead

Tony Ettwein A. Dorothy Ayer Gardner at age 20 in 1912, the year she married Leslie King Sr. B. Dorothy with Leslie King Jr. in 1914 on his baptism day. Leslie would soon be named after his new stepfather, Gerald R. Ford.

Save on Heating Bills with the Cleanest EPA Certified Wood Furnace

SAVE

UP TO $2,000

CALL FOR DETAILS 269-484-YARD (9273) www.hettingersbackyard.com GREAT PRICES, REPAIRS, & SERVICE!

Follow us on Facebook

Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5pm Sat 8:30am-noon • 95 E. Michigan Avenue, Galesburg • info@hettingersbackyard.com

10

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

Bullying in Schools, the Impact it Has on Mental Health Bullying has been around for decades. However, the way children treat each other is getting worse.

The impact of the children who are bullied can be very damaging to their mental health. Many schools are implementing programs to help decrease bullying, but it is not always practical, even with their best efforts. Some programs, however, are research-based and used in schools, showing positive results in decreasing bullying. The following Antibullying Programs have strong results if appropriately implemented with consistency: · KiVa · Restorative Justice · PBIS · Second Step · Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) · The Good Behavior Game · Champs · Capturing Kid›s Hearts · The Leader in Me Parents also need to be held accountable for their child›s actions, remembering it is not «the school›s job to fix the problem.» It takes a village, and we must do better to help our kids grow into healthy adults.

The media has been reporting on the damaging impact bullying can have on mental health. Bullying is continuous physical or verbal aggression towards a person or group of people by a person or group of people that is unwanted.

Bullying can happen anywhere: in schools, work, friend groups, extracurricular activities, and online. Bullying doesn’t just happen to children, but this is the group this article will discuss. As a therapist and a previous school counselor, I have had the experience of working with both the victims and the bullies.

I have worked in small groups and large classrooms using curriculums to decrease bullying activities. Often, I would think outside the box and use techniques to educate children about their impact on their fellow students and how to stop the behavior. I have written a book on bullying that will be released this year to continue decreasing the issue.

Technology has helped us in many ways. However, it is an easier way to continue bullying after the school day. Cyberbullying is being bullied online through social media platforms, texts, gaming, and any platforms that share content digitally.

15.7% of high schools were bullied

electronically, according to the Centers for Disease Control, 2023. The pandemic has allowed youth to be more connected to their peers digitally, and for some children, it is one of the few ways they communicate.

L1ght is an organization that tracks online bullying and harassment and has indicated that online bullying has increased by 70%. Cyberbullying doesn’t allow children to get away from their bully. Back before phones and the internet, those who were bullied were able to escape it once they got home, but that type of harassment was still difficult to manage. Just think of the kids today. They are not able to escape their bully or bullies, as it can be in their face 24-7 with online forms of bullying.

The impact of bullying can have intense, severe, long-lasting adverse effects on overall well-being and mental health. Even being a witness to bullying can impact some-

one’s well-being. Often, people who have been bullied report feelings of, but not limited to: · Rejection · Exclusion · Isolation · Low self-esteem · Depression · Anxiety ·And possible PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) According to research, the longterm effects of bullying could lead to: · Violence · Substance Abuse · Risky Sexual Behavior · Poor Social Skills · School Anxiety · Poor Academic Achievement · Poor Attendance When a child is bullied at a young age, it can affect them well into adulthood if they don›t have the proper tools to assist them in

The beauty of nature only a few steps away

X SWEETS X

great lakes pondscapes

Cupcakes Cookie Pops •Cake Pops & More

29891 E. Red Arrow Hwy. at 30th - Paw Paw (269) 657-4577 • greatlakespondscapes.com

combating the lifelong psychological damage. Speaking with a therapist can be very helpful in building children›s self-esteem and processing through the effects of bullying. Being bullied as a child could lead to: · Difficulty trusting others. · Low self-esteem · Difficulty figuring out who they are. · Difficulty building and maintaining relationships. · Anger toward self or others · Irrational thoughts and negative cognitions.

As a parent, you are your child›s best advocate. You have the power to talk to the school and try to work together as a full circle to assist in decreasing the bullying for your child. Setting your child up with a therapist to allow them to talk about the feelings they are having related to the bullying or other issues in a space where they can feel safe and not judged. Additionally, setting screen time and parental restrictions.

Creating rules can be challenging.

However, children thrive on stability, rules, and routines and can create a balance, allowing children to engage in other activities with favorable, healthy social time. Allow for open communication so your child knows they can talk to you. If you are concerned your child is experiencing negative mental health impacts, you can reach out to Stomp Out Bullying Help Chat, which is a free, confidential online chat helping youth 13-24.

If you are interested in learning more about statistics related to bullying, you can look at this resource: Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to local therapists. They are here to help you. You could look at Psychology Today to find one who may be a good fit for you.

Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC References Gaffney H, 2021, Effectiveness of school-based programs to reduce bullying perpetration and victimization: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Cambelt System Review, 2021 Apr 5;17 (2) e1143. doi: 10.1002/cl2.1143. PMID: 37131921; PMCID: PMC8356322 Warner M, 2021, The impact of bullying on mental health, Psychiatric and Behavioral Sciences

WITH LXVE! •

•

Wed.-Fri., 3-6pm • laylascoolpops.com • 269-767-8499 Curbside pick-up: laylascoolpops.square.site New Location! 4213 S Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo

•Homemaking services Call today for a • Personal Care Services free assessment! •Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care 269-204-6537 •Respite Care •Transportation caringcompanionskalamazoo.com info@caringcompanionskalamazoo.com

11

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

Parenting

Connecting with Kids Ever feel bombarded by conflicting parenting information? There is so much information available… set firm limits, be flexible, follow your child’s lead, be a strong leader for your child… it is no wonder so many parents feel overwhelmed about how to meet their child needs. Each child is unique and there is no one size fits all solution for any family, however, the one thing that remains true is that a child’s developmental process is dependent on feeling connected to a safe adult. Here are some helpful tips on how to help your child feel a safe connection: Notice what they notice: Children are bombarded all day with demands to engage with the world around them all while trying to understand that complex world. One of the best ways to connect is to slow down and engage with the world from their

point of view. Take a moment to notice what they are noticing and describe it. Track and see if you got it right. If not, they will let you know.

Be curious about what you missed.

Let them teach you.

Set safe boundaries: Ever feel unclear about what is expected from you or like you’re playing a game but don’t understand the rules? It feels incredibly stressful and unsafe. Ensure you are communicating consistent verbal and non-verbal messages about what is okay and not okay. Struggling with consistency? Focus on one or two small limits and practice. Once it feels consistent you can add on the next important limit.

Share joy: We all function better when we have a piggy bank full of heartwarming experiences with a loved one. Surviving the day to day can easily lead to many interactions

that are focused on the task and not each other or activities that remind us we are alive. How full is your bank, your child’s? Feeling a little empty, drop the to do list and share in some playful laughter and creativity.

Acknowledge their needs, feelings, and opinions: When a child feels like they are seen and heard, they feel connected. Their feelings, needs, and thoughts are at the core of what needs to be seen and acknowledged.

Stop for a moment to notice and speak to what they are experiencing before moving on to gaining their compliance.

Empower them: When a child feels they have too many choices, the world can feel too big for them to manage. Having no choice at all can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration. Figure out your child’s comfort zone with how many choices

helps them engage without shutting down. Offer them choices throughout the day in age-appropriate ways so they feel seen, heard, and begin to learn how to drive their own decision-making process.

Connecting with your child doesn’t have to be complicated. When in doubt, keep it simple and go back to the basics. Be curious about your child! What they might be thinking or feeling? What they might be confused about? What might feel out of balance and need more time or attention? And most of all, just find a little time to play together.

Christina Thomason, LMSW Acacia: A Place for Personal & Family Development

WINTER CLEARANCE

In Need of a Mental Health Professional?

l

Contact PCC

Independent mental health therapists guided by clinical knowledge, theory, research, and compassion

l

Helping individuals of all ages, couples and families

Professional Clinicians and Consultants, Inc. https://counselingpcc.com

EXPRESS BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Daily Senior Specials!

5852 Kings Hwy, Comstock • 269-365-0479 Sat. – Thurs. 6am - 2 pm, Fri. 6am-7pm

SANDALS, ATHLETIC SHOES AND DRESS SHOES

l

FROM JUST $19.88 TO $49.88 Shop now for the best selection of sale items!

l

l

Kalamazoo’s Only Children’s Shoe Specialist 1924 Whites Rd. - Portage (behind the Oakwood Plaza) 269.342.2024

February 2024

Recipes When we get to this time of the year, I can’t think of a better time to squeeze in all our favorite colder weather dishes, before the weather flips our taste buds into wanting lighter and cooler foods in spring.

Personally, I think that if food were to be designed specifically for our northern U.S. winters, chili would be a dish that ranks within the top ten.

However, what I find most amusing about this dish is that its origins, which are considered hotly debated at this point, all suggest that chili was born in the hot climate found near our southern U.S. border. Makes me wonder why they called it “Chili” because when I was a kid I thought it was named so because eating it made you feel less “Chilly!” While that may have been a clever childish thought, I was clearly wrong!

To me, chili has always been a cold weather dish because of the heat and comfort it provides. Plus, its heaviness makes it unsuitable (to me) for serving during the warmer, lighter food months.

That said, I do realize that my tale on chili is based entirely upon my own family’s routines, and that there

12

GOOD NEWS

A Tale of Two Chilis! are many households all over our great state (and country) that enjoy eating chili all year through, but just not me!

While I was traveling earlier this year to be near an ill family member, I was blessed with an opportunity to have an evening with my dear cousin Elizabeth, who kindly had a surprise supper waiting for us when my sister Margaret and I arrived.

We had spent the entire day in an I.C.U. unit, so getting hit with the aroma of something warm, earthy, and meaty cooking away felt nearly as soothing as the hugs that our cousin dispensed to us that day!

Handing us each a beer to drink (because she said it was the proper beverage to pair with what she was serving), my sister and I both raised our eyebrows with wonder and excitement over what she was about to serve.

“I made a chicken chili,” Elizabeth said smiling, “hoping its heat would help take that ‘chilly’ feeling away!

I’ve got some chips and cheese to help turn your bowls into their own little parties!”

Marg and I confessed to never having eaten a white chicken chili before because our mom only made the beefy, meaty red kind. A horse of

a different color (and flavors) indeed!

Feeling cautious because we had never had it before, our fear expressed itself quite visibly through the tiny portions we each drew.

Dipping our spoons in nervously, Marg and I both found its flavor to be quite pleasing. So much so that we quickly sprang up and beat feet back to the stove for proper-sized refills!

It was simply delicious, and unlike any I had before. Offering a flavor that danced somewhere between an amazing bowl of chicken soup and an ooey-gooey cheesy queso dip. I couldn’t get enough of it, and got to the point where I was using a corn chip to scoop the filling out of the bowl as if it were a dip- oh my!

Telling chili tales with cousin Elizabeth got us around to agreeing that spice blends are better when homespun because they add more flavor due to jar spices being fresher and higher in quality, as well as more economical if fully used.

Plus, chili and taco seasoning mixes tend to contain lots of flour and sodium, and just a small amount of chili powder, cumin, garlic, oregano, onion, (and cayenne if it is a spicier mix). Some add msg too, which my sister Marg and I cannot use because of the health issues it’s known to

trigger in us.

The flour is there for thickening, but you can sub arrowroot powder or potato starch, which will also skirt gluten issues, or not add any at all!

If you’ve always made chili using those packets of chili seasoning mix then you are going to be in for a real surprise to find the awesome fresh flavor that fresh spices bring to your chili.

Another surprise is that I am giving away a special chili spice set.

Look for details on this page.

Come and celebrate these final cold days of winter in northern Michigan with a nice bowl of chili (or two). I dare you to try a chili that’s new, and if nothing else you’ll end up with a tale to tell about two (or more) chilis, too!

Whether meaty, beany, chicken, or white, there’s a bowl of chili out there that’s calling you.

Here now is a sampling of some that sure do help make that “chilly” feeling go away, too. Enjoy!

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

Find out more at Laurakurella.com.

Laura’s Slow-stewed Meaty Chili Prep time: 5minutes; Cook time: 2 hours, 15 minutes; Total time: 2 hours, 20 minutes: Yield: 4 servings.

1 large sweet onion, chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1-pound lean ground or chunked meat, your favorite 1-quart organic chicken bone broth or vegetable broth 1 teaspoon unrefined mineral salt 3 tablespoons homemade chili seasoning mix (see recipe) 15 ounces kidney beans, drained 4 ounces tomato paste In a heavy-bottomed, oven-proof pot over high heat, combine oil and onion. Stir and cook until onions begin

to caramelize, about 5 minutes, then begin adding ground meat in small wads. Stir occasionally, and cook until meat begins to sear and gain crusty edges, about 7-10 minutes.

Add half the vegetable broth then use a spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen bits, then add the rest of broth, seasoning mix, beans, and tomato paste. Bring to boil then place pot, uncovered, in a 350-degree pre-heated oven, and stew for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream and chopped onion, if desired, that day, or wait a day to make it even better!

Self-made Chili Seasoning Mix 1/2 cup chili powder 1/4 cup garlic powder 1/4 cup cumin 1/4 cup onion powder 2 tablespoons oregano 2 tablespoons paprika 1 tablespoon thyme (optional) In a bowl, combine all ingredients then move to an airtight glass con-

tainer.

To use: Use 2-3 tablespoons of this mix to replace one packet of storebought chili seasoning mix. Add 1 teaspoon of a thickening agent (arrowroot powder, potato starch, cornstarch, or flour) to the tablespoons of spices just before blending into the chili pot, if desired.

13

February 2024

Recipes

GOOD NEWS

Classic Chicken Chili Prep time:15 minutes; Cook time: 35 minutes; Total time: 1 hour. Yield: 6 servings 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound of your favorite chicken meat, raw 2 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth 7 ounces diced green chilies 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper unrefined (colored) sea salt and black pepper, to taste 8 ounces Neufchatel cheese, cubed 1 1/4 cups frozen or fresh corn 30 ounces cannellini beans 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for serving Garnish (optional): Tortilla chips or strips, Monterey jack cheese, sliced avocado

In a Dutch oven or similar over medium-high heat, heat oil then add onion and saute for 5 minutes then add chicken meat. Cook until meat gets seared and onions begin to caramelize, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 minute longer, then add chicken broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, cayenne pepper and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring mixture just to a boil then reduce heat to mediumlow and simmer for 15 minutes.

Drain and rinse beans in a fine mesh strainer or colander then measure out 1 cup. Set whole beans aside, transfer 1 cup beans to a food processor along with 1/4 cup broth from soup, puree until nearly smooth.

Add Neufchatel cheese to soup along with corn, whole beans and pureed beans and stir well. Simmer 5 - 10 minutes longer.

Stir in chicken, fresh lime juice and cilantro.

Serve with garnishes (if using).

Shrimply Irresistible Chili Soup 15 ounces Hormel Chili, your favorite style 1/4 cup coarsely chopped onion 1/4 cup coarsely chopped green pepper 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon parsley 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon cayenne 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium 1/2 cup hearty red wine 14 ounces canned tomatoes, diced 1/4 cup steel-cut oats 1/4 cup wheat berries (or more oats) 1 pound medium peeled and deveined raw shrimp (or other seafood)

In a large Dutch oven, combine all ingredients except shrimp. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, rinse shrimp, drain then add to pot.

Cook only until shrimp are no longer translucent. Add more chicken broth or red wine if the mixture becomes too thick. Serve hot.

This dish is best if made one day before serving because it allows flavors to better develop and mingle. If you plan to do so, do not add shrimp until the day you plan to serve it.

To do so, bring soup to a boil, reduce to a simmer and then add shrimp (or other seafood) and simmer until shrimp is no longer translucent.

Approximate servings per recipe: 8.

Cincinnati Five-Way Chili 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 pounds ground beef 1/4 cup chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1 bay leaf 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate 1 quart beef broth, low sodium 15 ounces tomato sauce 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder Toppings Dark red kidney beans Minced sweet onion Hot, cooked spaghetti Shredded cheddar/ jack cheese Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender, about 7 minutes. Add beef, in batches, and cook until browned.

Add chili powder, cinnamon, cumin, allspice, cloves, bay leaf, chocolate, beef broth, tomato sauce, cider vin-

egar, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. It is best if refrigerated overnight and reheated gently the next day. Serve over hot spaghetti and top with Shredded cheddar/ jack cheese.

Approximate servings per recipe: 10.

Skyline Chili 2-1/2 pounds lean ground beef 15 ounces tomato sauce 8 ounces tomato paste 5 tablespoons chili powder 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon allspice 1 teaspoon natural fine sea salt 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 2 teaspoons steak sauce 1 quart water Brown meat. Place all ingredients in a crock-pot, mix well. Cook for 12 or more hours on low.

14

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

Sister Team Competes at World Food Championships!

Kurella’s Fantasy (Home version) French Onion Soup

A A self-taught home cook, Kurella said she exclaimed, “Thank you, Lord!” upon learning she had won.

Competing at the WFC for the first time in 2015 (in the seafood category), Laura finds food sport to be informative, entertaining, and invigorating.”It’s fast-paced and high stakes, so it definitely requires you bring your above ‘A’ game!”

Winning her way into the WFC four times, but not able to attend to compete again until this fall, Laura was excited to return to this global competition’s heat.

Recently losing three siblings in almost as many years, Laura asked her remaining sisters to assist her for positive reasons.

“It was nice to have an uplifting reason to come together for a change.”

Winning MCWRC’s 2023 “Golden Ticket” with her Wild Rice Nitro Stout Beer Bread & Maple Spread, Kurella noted, “Everyone who has tasted it seems to moan!”

Slotted in the WFC’s Soup category, Laura needed to develop a signature slant on a classic soup.

Choosing to add a fantasy infusion to her French onion soup, Laura adapted her award-winning wild rice beer bread recipe to further elevate her soup’s flavorful fantasy build.

“I sourced only the finest beef and stock bones from Orchard Hill’s Wagyu Beef in Allegan, and farm-fresh onions from Corey Lake Orchards in Three Rivers to make it totally from scratch. Then I enlisted a bubble waffle iron to make the wild rice bread fresh!”

Layering her wild rice bread with Gruyere, onion soup, Provolone, and more wild rice bread, Kurella finished the soup with aged Parmesan, Mozzarella pearls, a petite skewer of Wagyu filet medallions, and petite, crispy-thin onion rings that nested a buttery Morel that was then crowned with 24K gold flakes.

Describing the WFC as loud, chaotic, uplifting, and festive, Kurella said it required lots of planning and expense. “The WFC provides an

electric home-grade stove and microwave, some pans, but very little else.

You must pack well, cook fast, and be able to walk your entry to the judges table in under 1.5 hours’ time.”

Making everything from scratch is time-consuming, but Kurella said it was key to elevating flavor.

“Scratch cooking is a must along with top shelf ingredients, like those I brought from Michigan, which I paired with that amazingly-flavorful Minnesota Wild Rice.”

Receiving a perfect score (40) in Execution, a perfect score (40) in Appearance, an almost perfect score (39) in Taste, Team Kurella’ s Overall Score totaled a 98.75, which landed them in the middle of a multi-competitor tie.

“We were selected to go head-tohead against another competitor in a ‘Bite Club,’ which gave the public the option of voting to advance someone into the finals.”

Serving one hundred paying guests over the course of four hours’ time, Kurella said it was non-stop action from beginning to end.

“The Bite Club was intense, and demanded continual cooking, plating, and serving, but the public served up many uplifting comments about our presentation and its incredible taste, which kept us energized all throughout that long-time-on-your-feet afternoon.”

Though not advancing into the finals, Team Kurella left feeling like winners.

“Seeing that we scored higher than previous champions, restaurateurs, and even professional chefs gave us all quite the lift. After all, my sisters and I are nothing more than selftaught home cooks, and we are all in our golden years to boot. To be out running with the big dogs in Dallas, and scoring well above the top half of this globally polished and professional pack was a feat we will never forget. However, the best prize was that God gifted me with the chance to share this incredible experience with my siblings. In my book, that’s priceless!”

Less fancy but still loads of flavor!

SOUP Yield: 4 servings 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 5 large yellow onions, thinly sliced 1 clove elephant garlic, minced 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons sherry 2 cups (homemade) beef bone broth 2 cups (homemade) chicken bone broth 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce or Gravy Master 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper, or to taste

WILD RICE BREAD BALLS

1 cup cooked Wild Rice 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons Montreal style seasoning 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt 1/2 cup (1 stick) Irish style garlicchive butter TOPPING: 1 cup favorite cheeses (Gruyere, Provolone, Parmesan, Mozzarella) GARNISH: Onion ring, Morel, Grilled steak bits SOUP: Remove outer skins of onion then slice off root and sprout ends. Cut onions in half, lengthwise, pole to pole, then place flat side down on flat surface. Using knife or mandolin, cut onions lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices. In a large, wide (preferably stainless) and deep skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.

Add sliced onions and sauté covered, stirring often, until softened, about 15 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium, stir in salt (to taste) and cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until onions caramelize. While onions cook down, peel and chop garlic into a mince and set aside.

Once onions have caramelized, add prepared garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes.

Add the white wine, sherry, stirring until almost absorbed. Add broth, Worcestershire, thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover. Cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, make Wild Rice Bread Balls.

BREAD: Using a knife or food processor, mince cooked rice until fine. Place into a sturdy 1-quart plas-

tic bag then add flour, baking powder, and Montreal style seasoning. Close the bag and shake until well blended then add the yogurt to the bag. Seal bag, being sure to remove all air as you close it. Using your hands, knead the bag well until all ingredients are well blended and moistened.

If using a skillet, heat butter in the bottom of a 6-inch skillet over medium heat. Using scissors, cut a tiny bot- tom corner section from bag to enable you to pipe bread dough out into 1/2 teaspoon size portions, then use scissors to cut section free from end of bag while holding over pan of hot butter so that the bread ball falls directly into the hot butter. Move quickly to fill the pan with balls.

Use a fork to roll and brown evenly.

Remove, hold warm.

Alternate (bubble waffle iron) method: Heat iron then use butter to generously baste iron wells before adding dollops of bread dough into them. Cook for five minutes in the iron then repeat until all dough is cooked. Hold warm.

To Finish: Once soup is ready, remove and discard herb solids. Add vinegar, taste, and season, if necessary. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Place 4 ovenproof soup bowls on a rimmed pan.

Divide bread balls in half then place one half of them (evenly divided) into the bottom of 4 bowls.

Sprinkle bread with half of the Gruyere then fill each bowl with soup 2/3 full.

Top each bowl with some cheese, add remaining bread balls evenly among all soup bowls then sprinkle with remaining cheeses. Place pan with bowls in preheated oven and allow cheeses to melt, bubble and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

Remove carefully, serve, enjoy!

A. SISTERS WITH GOLDEN TICKET :Winning back-to-back People’s Choice awards in the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council’s (MCWRC) ‘Get Wild with Wild Rice’ recipe contest, Michigan resident, Laura Kurella also earned a “Golden Ticket” to compete at the 2023 World Food Championships (WFC) in Dallas. Enlisting the help of her sisters, she dedicated their efforts at WFC to all their departed family members.

Pictured from left to right: Linda Okamura (68), Laura Kurella (62), Margaret Tierney (70), and Diane Slusarczyk (67).

February 2024

15

HEALTH

GOOD NEWS

Where Did I Leave Those Keys?

It seems that last year, I wrote an article on memory loss. (I really can’t remember. Ha!) I have a keen interest in memory loss. I have several clients that are dealing with it. So, articles on the latest research always draw my attention. The current issue of Nutrition Action published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest features information what seems to work and what doesn’t.

There are new drugs on the market that slow memory loss, but the results are very modest. In January 2023, the FDA approved lecanemab to treat people with early Alzheimer’s disease. It is expected to approve donanemab, a similar drug shortly. In an 18 month trial, people were given one of these drugs intravenously for 18 months. They had better scores on dementia rating scales than those that got a placebo. However, both groups got worse during the trials

and the drug’s benefit was imperceptible to the patient and their family, meaning those getting the drug declined at a slower rate than those on the placebo, but still declined. The good news is that the drugs were successful in removing amyloid plaque in the brain, but the practical result is very modest, at best.

Another piece of news is that a multivitamin taken daily may slow normal memory decline. A trial of 3,562 older people took a daily multivitamin (Centrum Silver) or a placebo. After one year memory improved significantly more in people who were taking the vitamin than those who were taking the placebo.

The difference was sustained over the three years the study took place. The vitamin takers could recall 7.10 out of 20 words when the study began and 7.81 words three years later. Those on the placebo went from 7.21 to 7.65

words over the same period. These results were consistent with another study that also used Centrum Silver.

The conclusion is there’s emerging evidence that multivitamins may help in the normal loss of memory as we age.

The MIND diet seems to have come up empty. The MIND diet curbs saturated fats and added sugars by limiting red and processed meats, full-fat cheese, butter, margarine, pastries, sweets, and fried foods. The diet emphasized blueberries, nuts, and extra-virgin olive oil, along with leafy greens, and fish. However, after three years cognitive test scores were the same for those on the MIND diet and those in the control group.

It’s unclear if hearing aids help protect memory. In a research test called the ACHIEVE trial. There were 977 individuals recruited for the study ranging between 70 and 84 with untreated mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They were randomly assigned to get fitted for hearing aids. The control

group got personal advice from a health educator. The result was that cognitive decline was the same for both groups.

The latest research seems to be a mixed bag on cognitive decline.

However, here are some ways you can protect your brain. 1. Aim for a systolic blood pressure of 120 or lower.

2. Don’t smoke. 3. Get 7-9 hours of sleep. 4. Don’t bother taking DHA, ginkgo, or Prevagen. 5. Consider taking a multivitamin. 6. Stay mentally and socially active. 7. Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. 8. Keep a lid on blood sugar. 9. Lose or don’t gain excess weight.

I don’t know if being kind is good for the brain or not, but let’s try and see if it works.

Remember, MAKE it a good day.

Till next time, Ken Dettloff ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer

Small Town Café e Tasteful Breakfast & Lunch Choices

10% OFF

Fine fabrics and patterns

for fashion and craft sewing Authorized Bernina Sales/Service Center (269) 385-3100 3933 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo Shop.kzooSeamsfabric.com

With This Coupon - Expires 2//29/24

Open Wed.-Sun. 6am-1pm 4023 Douglas Ave., Kalamazoo - (269) 459-6160

16

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

Vintage What Works, Lasts Charles And Ray Eames

Eames LCM (Lounge Chair Metal base) “What works good is better than what looks good, because what works good lasts.” ~ Ray Eames Born in 1907, Charles Eames studied architecture at Washington University in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. After collaborating on the designs of various homes and churches, his work caught the attention of noted architect, Eliel Saarinen.

Saarinen, president of the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, offered Charles a fellowship in 1938. In 1940, after winning the Industrial Design Competition with Eliel’s son, Eero, Charles became head of the industrial design department of Cranbrook.

Born in 1912 in Sacramento, California, Ray Kaiser went on to attend Bennett College in New York. From there she continued painting lessons at the Hans Hofman School of Fine Arts. In 1940 Ray moved to Michigan to study at Cranbrook. There she met future husband, Charles Eames.

Charles and Ray married in 1941 and moved to Los Angeles. Archi-

Eames Radios

tect Richard Neutra befriended the couple and found them a home in his recently built Strathmore Apartments. At Strathmore Charles and Ray planted the seed that would grow to become the Eames Office.

Using a device of their own invention that they called the “Kazam! Machine”, Charles and Ray developed a process for bending molded plywood.

The intention was to create affordable and comfortable chairs for mass consumption.

World War Two disrupted the couple’s efforts and Charles and Ray switched their attentions to the war effort. Metal leg splints had been causing soldiers further injury. Using their molded plywood technique, Charles and Ray developed a more comfortable splint. Today, collectors might pay close to $1000 for this invention. The leg splint led to other war-time work for Charles and Ray, including an arm splint, body litter, and various airplane parts.

The Eames Office relocated to 901 W. Washington Boulevard in 1943.

A World of Cheese

with a curated selection of wines & accompaniments

Texas Corners 7035 West Q Ave (269) 353-3050

Known simply as “901” this location would house the Eames Office for the next four decades. Here Charles and Ray would design furniture, radios, toys, and branch into filmmaking. Here, too, they would design their house, the famous “Case Study House No. 8” in the Pacific Palisades.

In 1946, Charles and Ray exhibited a selection of groundbreaking designs at the Museum of Modern Art. Not long after, the Herman Miller Company of Zeeland Michigan began manufacture of Eames furniture.

1950 saw the Eames Office marketing the first chair with a seat and backrest fashioned from a single shell.

Made of fiberglass—a relatively new material at the time—the chair was lightweight, sturdy, and easy to clean.

Buyers could choose an armchair or side chair in combination with an assortment of bases, including a rocker.

A vintage Eames Rocker now goes for $600 to $800.

The iconic Lounge Chair and Ottoman debuted in 1956. Built from molded plywood and upholstered

Eames LTR (Low Table Rod base) in leather, the set was designed, in Charles’ words, to have “the warm receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt.” A vintage Lounge Chair and Ottoman can fetch as much as $4000.

Charles Eames died in 1978 and Ray followed ten years later. Their legacy, as well as the Eames Office, remains. Along with a small staff, the Eames family preserves and disseminates Charles and Ray’s work.

Today, two furniture companies have authorization to produce Eames designs. Vitra International distributes outside of the United States and Herman Miller, Inc. distributes within the U.S. The dynamic design duo of Charles and Ray Eames left a body of work that millions continue to appreciate and enjoy.

Bridget Klusman Owner, Retro Estate Sales https://retroestatesales.wixsite.com/retroestatesales

Love What You Do. Love Where You Work.

• Residential Support Staff • Full and Part Time • Flexible Hours • Tuition Reimbusement • Training and Support Provided Starting at $16.85/hr

February 2024

17

Vrooooooom!

Flash back to 1966.... Schwarz’s Drive-in on King Highway was the place for teenagers to ogle muscle cars cruising around the circular drive. You could see Mustangs, Goats, cut downs, El Caminos, and maybe the piece de resistance, a Corvette. A wise person once said, “Where there are muscle cars, there are boys,” and they were right. We ogled the boys driving the cars too.

When homework and housework were done, what occupied this teenage girl’s time in the evenings?

Living on a corner lot on one of the

main streets in town gave me a front row seat for cool car watching. Oh, alright. Boy watching too.

This summer we had a visit from Dennis Wheat, the big brother of a friend of mine from high school, who stopped by with his amazing fully restored 1936 Plymouth coupe.

When he was in high school, he and his dad spotted a local farmer who had an old coupe sitting in his yard.

Dennis needed a car, so his dad paid the farmer $225 for a new table saw in exchange for the Plymouth. Dennis and his dad shared many great

Nothing says

Happy Valentine’s Day

like a promise to love her forever.

times working on the car.

As life sagas go, Dennis married, had children, and worked, so fixing up his old car sat on the back burner for 25 years before he began work on his dream car again. Fixing up an old car isn’t easy or cheap. You can’t walk into an auto supply store and buy parts off the shelf. He searched for companies who could manufacture parts for the old car. In some cases, parts had to be fabricated from scratch which could take months.

The paint job was a special color, Brandywine, very similar to the original color and very expensive.

Dennis installed a HEMI* engine (boys really need these in their cars!).

The result is his beautifully restored car won Best of Show at the Rockford Harvest Fest and got a two-page photo spread in the April 2023 “Street Scene Magazine!”

A favorite story Dennis’s told was about his giving his sister a ride home from high school. In the old coupes the front windshield had a hand crank and opened outward to let in the open air - that era’s version of air conditioning. When he drove under some trees, a little green worm was hanging down into the roadway on its silk thread. When the windshield opened, the worm flew inside and right into his sister’s mouth! He thought it was hilarious! ;) We all talked about how we loved

GOOD NEWS

muscle cars and other well-designed cars of the past. We agreed that we felt most new American vehicles are, well, boring. When encountering a long line of traffic, it’s hard to distinguish one make and model from the next, or an expensive car from a cheaper car, and most of the colors are white, charcoal, or light gray (yawn). We wondered what happened to Americans. Did we lose our sense of how much fun it is to drive a flashy car with a mean rumbling muffler?

Times do change.

What are Dennis’s future plans for the car? He intends to leave it to his son while his two daughters inherit his other two classic cars. When Dennis left, he treated us to a show of revving the engine, squealing the tires, and spraying gravel behind.

Fun! I’ll be signing off now and thinking up an errand to run so I can drive our muscle car, a bright green Dodge Charger with a HEMI. Enjoy the ride! Life is too short not to. *Hemi engine: https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/hemi-enginepros-cons/ Ann Murray is an award-winning commercial illustrator and author. She has illustrated 8 children’s books and her stories have been in three published anthologies.

Pennfield performing arts center Sun. Feb. 25th 3pm 50/50 Raffle!

HartsJewelry.org 124 N. Main St. Plainwell • (269) 685-5274 Tues. - Fri. 10-5pm, Sat. 10-1pm, Closed Sun. and Mon.

Tickets at the door: $10 Adults $5 students seniors & veterans -or- use QR code to purchase in advance from eventbrite

18

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

INVITED TO PERFORM IN AUSTRIA IN JULY 2025!

The Cereal City Concert Band has been invited to perform in the 26th Mid-EUROPE Wind Band Music Festival from July 5-13, 2025 in Schladming, Austria. This prestigious festival last year brought together 22 countries, about 1800 foreign participants, with more than 10,000 spectators.

This performance tour includes a performance in Prague (Czech Republic) and two performances at the Mid-EUROPE Festival in Schladming (Austria). This annual festival includes indoor/outdoor concerts in the Schladming region, competitions, workshops, and master classes for

conductors, the Mid-Instruments & More Music Fair and the Long Night of Music.

In addition to performances in Prague and Austria, the band’s itinerary includes guided sight-seeing tours of world-renowned castles and cathedrals, museums dedicated to famous composers, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in both Salzburg and Munich.

Now in its 37th season, the Cereal City Concert Band, led by conductor Dr. Stephen White and assistant conductor Amanda Burdette, continues to delight audiences with its talented musicians and interesting repertoire.

They are honored by this invitation to perform on the world stage.

Fundraising to cover expenses will begin immediately. If you would like to help the band realize this once-ina-lifetime opportunity, please contact

h Quality flowers that are as unique as your valentine!

Heather Lane-Fowler at 269-9622153 or email hklf49017@att.net.

For more information about the band, please visit its website at www. cerealcityconcertband.org or email at cccb@cerealcityconcertband.org.

Coming to Kalamazoo!

Order now! See Wedels.com or call 345-1195 to talk to one of our designers It Unique! Add balloons, We deliver! Make s candy or a stuffed animal

Sat. Feb. 17th 9-6 Sun. Feb 18th 10-5

JEWELRY - CRAFTS - TOYS - CLOTHING NEW MERCHANDIsE - FOODS & MORE Oh Darling Bouquet $54.99

Dozen Red Roses Bouquet $79.99

Children 12 & under FREE all others $5 - FREE PARKING

S First 100 adults each day will get ShipShe Bucks to spend at the show!

Fields of Europe Romance Bouquet $119.99

Classes will run Saturday mornings Jan. 20- March 2

KALAMAZOO COUNTY EXPO CENTER & FAIRGROUNDS 2900 LAKE ST., KALAMAZOO For more information, call (269) 979-8888

for $5 each. See Wedels.com for class descriptions and times and to sign up.

Attend at least 6 out of the 12 classes and receive a $25 Wedel’s gift card!

CLASSES

345-1195 Corner of Milham & 12th Street M-F 9-6, Sat. 9-5pm, Sun. Closed

GET $1 OFF YOUR ADMISSION AT www.shipshewanaontheroad.com

19

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

When Does Weather Become Climate?

It doesn’t take a seasoned Midwesterner to know that our weather in December was wonky.

The fact that bees were out flying on Christmas day alone attests to the unusual weather pattern we are experiencing. But as I look back on weather events of 2023, compiled by WWMT’s Will Haenni, it is apparent that the year just past had more than a few uncommon weather events.

The year started with a Christmas (2022) blizzard; many of us faced several days without power due to a February (2023) ice storm; a warm, dry spring was interrupted by bouts of unseasonal coldness.

Trick-or-treaters wore Halloween costumes in the snow, and then in December, we experienced temperatures in the upper 50s - close to 10 degrees warmer than the seasonal average.

Statistically, in the past 133 years, two of the ten warmest winters occurred in the late 1800s, three were in the 1900s, and five occurred in the years since 2000. Many factors must be considered, but the trend favors warmer winters. It’s easy to think about this and conclude that “global warming” is at hand. Yet, does data bear that out? Consider that the warmest winter in the Kalamazoo area was the 1889-90 season. Its average

temperature was almost a full degree warmer than the next warmest on record. Was that a one-off ? Meteorologists would say yes. It was a decade before another warm winter arrived.

As I used to be quick to tell my students, weather and climate are two different things. Weather is fleeting; climate is slow and predictable.

Recent seasons have got me thinking, though, about how weather affects climate and just when we can point, with some scientific credibility, to validate that Earth’s climate is indeed changing.

According to NASA, at least 30 years of data are necessary to redefine

climate and make predictions based on temperature, precipitation patterns, and relative humidity with any precision. Are we there yet? Data shows that average global temperature is rising at a faster rate than has ever been experienced in the past.

The Paris Agreement, a treaty signed by 196 countries in 2015, pledged to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5°C. It’s worth noting that the unit is in degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit. In Fahrenheit, that’s roughly 3 degrees (9/5 x °C to be more exact). Most climate scientists now realize that keeping the rise to that goal is unlikely, primarily because we’re already there. As of last November, in 2023 alone, the global temperature increased by 1.46°C, making it the hottest year on record.

And temperatures continue to rise.

Current predictions conservatively place the cumulative increase, without drastic changes in energy consumption, to between 2 and 5°C for future generations.

This is the Good News Paper, and I’m trying to find the good news.

Alternative energy resources are more widely available than ever before. In November 2023, Governor Whitmer signed legislation to create thousands of good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector. Our proximity to fresh water insulates us, to some extent, from the scourge of drought.

Warmer, drier atmospheric currents passing over Lake Michigan will

likely provide adequate rainfall in the coming years. If we make wise choices with infrastructure planning, Jonathan Overpeck, a climate scientist from the University of Michigan, foresees that Michigan may become a “climate refuge.” That’s excellent news!

By the time you read this, I hope we are experiencing a “normal” Michigan winter – complete with snow (but not too much) and cold temperatures (but not too frigid), and no crippling ice storms. Throw in a few snow days for the kids to visit the ski slopes and sledding hills, and we can all be grateful for our Michigan blessings.

Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center References: Ramirez, R. (2023, December 6).

2023 will officially be the hottest year on record, scientists report. CNN. com. Retrieved January 7, 2024, from https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/06/ climate/2023-hottest-year-climate/ index.html Cleland, I. (2023, March 22).

Southwest Michigan just had a Top 10 warmest winter. MLive.com.

Retrieved January 6, 2024, from https://www.mlive.com/news/annarbor/2023/03/southwest-michiganjust-had-a-top-10-warmest-winter. html Love, C. (2022, April 18). Climate change and Michigan: Challenges and opportunities. Michigan News. Retrieved January 7, 2024, from https:// news.umich.edu/climate-change-andmichigan-challenges-and-opportunities/ Haenni, W. (2023, December 29).

Major ice storm, wildfire smoke, tornadoes: Recapping 2023’s biggest weather stories. WWMT. Retrieved January 7, 2024, from https://wwmt. com/news/local/ice-storm-michigansummer-drought-air-quality-wildfiresmoke-tornadoes-2023-weatherevents-meteorologist-will-haenni

s l a i c e p S y a d k e e W • Burrito Monday

• Taco Tuesday • Kids Day Wednes day Free Kids Meal w/A d ult Meal purchase • Nacho Thursday $ 2 O ff Any Nachos • Fajita Friday - $ 2 Off Dinner Fajita s

Open Daily 11am-10pm - Dine In – Take Out – Catering

PureMexicanCuisine 8880 N. 32nd St. – Richland 203-7270

20

February 2024

GOOD NEWS

FREE february Events virtual

Museum to Host March 6 Thursdays, Feb. 1,8,15,22,29 Triple Threat Trivia LIVE! 6:30pm, Presidential Brewing Company (register ahead) Thursdays, Feb. 1,8,15,22,29 Trivia Night, 7pm, Gull Lake Distilling Company, Galesburg Friday, February 2 Memory Café for people w/mild Dementia & their care partners 10:30am-Noon, Paw Paw Library Friday, February 2 Relic Early Music Ensemble’s Enchanted Forest, children’s Concert,4:30pm, First Congregational Church, Kalamazoo Friday, February 2 First Friday, 5-8pm, downtown Kalamazoo - late hours, store specials, music, artists and more!

Fridays, Feb. 2,9,16,23 Trivia Fridays, 7-8:30pm Valhalla Horse Nectar Meadery Friday, February 2 WMU Guest Artist Recital : Dennis Parker, Cello, and Greg Sioles, Piano, 7:30pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall Sat. Feb. 3, 2024– Sun. Jan. 19, 2025 Exhibit: Kalamazoo State Hospital:165 Years of Psychiatric Care, Kalamazoo Valley Museum Saturday, February 3 Portage YAC Snow Party, Noon2pm, bring cardboard sled for contest, sledding, snowman contest & more, Oakland Drive Park Mondays, Feb. 5,12,19,26 Parchment Update Interviews Parchmentlibrary.org

Wednesday, February 7 Karaoke Bingo, 7-10pm Presidential Brewing Co. Friday, February 9 WMU Sudent Composers II, 2pm, Dalton Center Recital Hall Fri., Feb. 10 – Sun., June 2 Exhibit: Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity Kalamazoo Valley Museum Fri., Feb. 10 – Sat. Feb. 11 Young Artists of Kalamazoo County, Free Admission, 11am5pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Friday, February 10 Internet Users Group, 10amNoon, Bring your devices & questions, Paw Paw Library Sunday, February 11 2nd Sundays Live! Concert: Coffee With Friends, 2pm Parchment Library Sunday, February 11 WMU Symphony Orchestra 3pm, Miller Auditorium Sunday, February 11 WMU Faculty Recital: Lori Sims, Piano, 4pm, Dalton Recital Hall Monday, January 12 Great Michigan Read –Parchment Book Group: Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, 4-5:45, Parchment Library Tuesday, February 13 Talk: Threads of History, 2-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, February 13 Big Furry Friends Therapy Dog 4:30-6:30pm Parchment Library

Tuesday, February 13 Art Detectives: Black History Month at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Oshtemo Branch, 4-5pm Tuesday, February 13 Cookbook Club, 6-7pm, Stop Into library ahead to choose a Recipe to make & share, Richland Community Library Wednesday, February 14 Birds and Coffee Chat on Zoom: How Birds Fall in Love, 10-11am birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu Wednesday, February 14 Film Club: The Truman Show (1998) 6pm, Richland Community Library Thursday, February 15 Book Club: Yellowface by R.F. Kuang, 6-7pm, Richland Library Friday, February 15 The Heartbreak Book Club: Exes and O’s by Amy Lea, 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Sunday, February 18 WMU University Bands Spectacular Concert Band, Symphonic Band & Wind Symphony,2pm, Miller Auditorium Tuesday, February 20 The Obliterating Whiteness of The Ashcan Circle & the U.S Visual. Culture, Noon – 1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, February 20 Art Detectives: Black History Month at the Kalamazoo Public Library, Alma Powell Branch:, 4-5pm Tuesday, February 20 Mystery Book Club – Elsa Hart Series: The White Mirror, 6:30pm, Parchment Library Wednesday, February 21 Book Discussion Club of Light,

by Nicole Mones, 4-5pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, February 17 WMU Phyllis Rappeport Piano Competition, 10am, Dalton Center Recital Hall

Wednesday, February 21 Art Detectives: Black History Month at the Kalamazoo Public Library Central Branch, 4-5pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, February 17 Art Detectives at the Kalamazoo Public Library Eastwood Branch 11am - Noon

Wednesday, February 21 Richard Bell: The Great North American Eclipse, 6:30pm, Parchment Library

Saturday, February 17 2024 Polar Plunge – for Special Olympics Michigan, 11am-2pm, Shakespeare’s Pub

Sunday, February 25 Black Art: In the Absence of Light, film screening 2:30-4:30, preregister, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, February 17 Be my Tagalong for GalentinesGirls of all ages can join in for an Afternoon of fun, 4-7pm Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

Tuesday, February 6 Artist’s Talk with Denise Miller, 12-1pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesday, February 27 Listen, Feel, Imagine: Discovering Nuestra Tierra through Musical And Somatic Research, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Tuesday, February 27 Meet Michigan Authors Series: An Evening with Tom Springer, Collection of essays, “The Star In the Sycamore & “Looking For Hickories,” 6-7pm, Richland Community Library

Tuesday, February 6 Adult Art Club, 6-7pm, Register ahead, Richland Library Tuesday, February 6 National Parks Photography Presented by Chuck Lund, 6-7pm, Paw Paw Library

Wednesday, February 28 Trivial Pursuit Trivia Night, 6:30-7:30pm, Register ahead 2-6 people/team, Richland Library

Tuesdays, Feb. 6,13,20,27 Theme Trivia Tuesdays, 7-9pm Revel and Roll West, Register: (269) 488-3800

Thursday, February 29 Between the Lines Book Club: Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid 6:30-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library

Wednesday, February 7 Adult Art Club, 6-7pm, register ahead, Richland Library Photo taken at Milham Park courtesy of Steve Ellis