SUNDAY,
Remember When
Don Neal’s Mr. T-Bone Restaurant & Nightclub
Don Neal’s was a long-time staple in downtown Kalamazoo for fine dining, and live entertainment.
The reign of Don Neal’s began in 1969, when Don and his wife, Dottie, opened Don Neal’s Mr. T-Bone Restaurant & Nightclub. This was at a time when weekends were celebrated by dressing up to dine out and dancing the night away at the first nightclub in Kalamazoo. At some point, the facility began to specialize in banquets and Mr. T-Bone’s became Don Neal’s Banquet Center.
It was here that Don Neal and his band, the Neal Collection (originally named, Don Neal and His Orchestra, began. In addition to performances
from his own band, Don brought in big name entertainment like Count Basie, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra Jr., Four Freshman, Harry James Orchestra, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Woody Woodbury, Chubby Checker, Stan Kenton Orchestra, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Woody Herman, and the Thundering Herd, Peter Nero and Buddy Rich.
Don was the trombone player and lively MC for the Neal Collection that played not only at Don Neal’s, but at many other venues around the area. In addition, the band recorded three albums.
Neal was the first one in Kalamazoo to bring in Fast Freddie and the Playboys, a male strip tease revue, during the late 1970’s. This ladies’ only event sold out in an hour. The night of the event, and the doors were locked and no men were allowed in.
Don Neal’s was located at 521 East Michigan Avenue near the point where Michigan and Kalamazoo Avenues come together in downtown Kalamazoo – the property next to the Old Dog Tavern.
Many former patrons on the Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook Group, remember the steakhouse upstairs as a popular place for rehearsal dinners, prom nights, reunions, banquets, and other special occasions. There was
also small gentlemen’s bar downstairs, the Coal Bin, both hold a special place in the hearts of many, including: “Best dancing spot in Kalamazoo with a really great band- I sure miss the good dancing times.” “We saw Fast Freddy there about 1977 or so. My first experience with male strippers lol.” “I used to stop in the “Coal Bin” quite often….mid to lat 70’s.” “I worked there when I was 17 and 18 as a coat check girl.” “I liked working at the nightclub more that my full-time job as a stock broker, and made more per hour there too!” “I remember seeing the Velvelettes from Motown there.” “My Folks Loved going to the Places where the Don Neal Collection was Playing.” “I had a blast playing Don Neal’s. They were great to work with.” “I have 2 of the Neal Collection albums. There was a lot of talent in that group!” “If you knew Don, you loved him.”
Don’s music journey began as a young boy singing in the Children’s choir at St. Luke’s, and in 5th grade he took up the trombone. When he was in high school, he started a band, the Don Neal Dance Band. He also played basketball, ran track and cross country, and played tennis. By the time he graduated he had 9 varsity letters.
Don went to Knox College in Illinois to become a teacher, finishing his graduate studies at WMU. He
began teaching English and social studies at Portage Central Junior High School. This also marked the beginning of his long and successful career as a basketball and golf coach. Don also formed the middle school tennis program. His teaching career spanned 8 years, but he always had an additional two to three jobs including selling shoes at Bells, and of course, leading his band. When he left the teaching industry, he began selling textbooks for Holt Rinehart and Winston.
The iconic downtown Kalamazoo staple, Don Neal’s, sadly closed in early September 1998, after 31 years in business. The land was sold to Renal Care, a Tennessee-based outpatient kidney dialysis firm that tore the building down to put up a state-of-the-art dialysis center.
Don Neal continued his banquet business at the Moose Lodge at 9650 Portage Rd. for the rest of 1998, providing quality buffets, while looking for a new site to open a banquet hall.
Don’s music career spanned his entire lifetime, playing his last dance gig in December 2012, before his passing, just a few months later on March 15, 2013, at the age of 76.
Jackie Merriam Sources:
Year of the Monstera: The World’s Most Iconic Indoor Plant
Monstera has taken the houseplant world by storm, captivating plant enthusiasts with its dramatic foliage and unique growth habits. Belonging to the diverse Araceae family, Monstera offers various species and cultivars, ensuring a perfect fit for every plant lover. Found in tropical regions of the Americas, monsteras can grow to amazing heights—some up to 90 feet tall. As hemiepiphytes, monsteras grow roots in the soil, as well as air roots that attach to trees or other plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the air. In the wild, the plant begins its life on the forest floor, scrambling up trees and other plants in its quest for light. In Michigan they grow indoors as houseplants (but they can vacation outside in the summer.)
Basic Types of Monsteras
Monsteras range in size, as well as leaf shape. Some grow easily without much fuss, while others display a bit of a prima donna attitude. You’ll find highly fenestrated leaves, as well as some varieties without perforations or only tiny holes. Most notably, variegated forms frequently command attention and top dollar—if you can find them!
Some of the most popular monsteras that Wedel’s carries include: Monstera deliciosa
• Commonly known as a split-leaf philodendron—although not a philodendron at all—this evergreen perennial vine produces large, perforated leaves on thick plant stems.
• The heart-shaped, mature leaves are deep green, glossy, and distinctly cut and perforated. While it grows up to 66 feet tall in the wild, it usually reaches only 7 to 8 feet tall indoors.
• Mature plants may produce
arum-like flowers with a spadix surrounded by a white spathe. These flowers can produce an edible fruit that tastes like a combination of pineapple, banana, and mango. The fruit must be fully ripe before eating. (Indoor plants rarely flower and fruit, however.)
Monstera adansonii
• Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, this tropical ornamental grows quickly, reaching 13 feet in the wild but only 3 to 5 feet indoors.
• The leaves emerge oval, then take on a heart shape as they mature, with about 5 holes in each leaf.
Monstera Peru (M. karstenianum)
• A smaller monstera without fenestrations, this beauty needs more light than many other monsteras to produce its shiny, leathery, dark-green leaves with darker variegation.
• Low maintenance and good for beginners.
8 Tips on Growing Monstera
Generally, monsteras grow best with the following conditions:
Whew! We made It through two back-to-back major holidays and even a few major snow events, and can settle into the month of January, which is typically a welcome reprieve from non-stop flurry of activity in December.
I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to slowing down and enjoying a good book with a hot cup of cocoa by the fireplace and maybe even an occasional nap or two. In reality, I may enjoy a few calm
1. Light
• Bright, filtered, indirect sunlight
• Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves
• Grows well under plant grow lights
2. Soil
• Plant in well-draining, porous soil mix containing bark, peat moss, or coconut coir
• Use a container with drainage holes, as monsteras dislike wet feet
• 3. Support
• Support the plant with a moss pole or trellis as it climbs
4. Water
• Water consistently and allow the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Use terra-cotta or clay pots with drainage holes to avoid standing water that can lead to root rot
• Protect floors and furniture from water damage with a saucer underneath the pot
5. Fertilize
• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly
6. Humidity
• Place a humidifier near the plant to replicate its native humid
and peaceful indoor moments like those described above, but the winter outdoors is calling my name. Whether you enjoy skiing, ice skating, sledding, hiking, or just breathing in the clean, fresh air, go outside and take advantage of the winter season.
Happy New Year!
Jackie
climate
• Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves often if you don’t have a humidifier
7. Temperature
• Place in a warm location—65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit preferred
• Bring the plant inside before temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit if growing outdoors
8. Maintenance
• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust
• Check the plant for pests, such as spider mites, mealy bugs, aphids, or thrips
• Spray pests off the plant with water, or use an insecticidal soap for heavy infestations
• Repot when the plant outgrows its current container, about every 2 years
• Choose a slightly larger container when repotting, about 2 to 4 inches bigger in diameter
• Prune dead leaves as needed, or snip leaves to control the plant’s size
• Leave aerial roots to help absorb water and nutrients from the air, or tie them to the support pole
Article from National Garden Bureau (https://ngb.org/year-of-themonstera/)
Note: All Monstera species are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats when ingested in large amounts.
Wedel’s recommends feeding monstera plants with Fertilome All Purpose Water soluble Plant Food and growing in Fertilome Ultimate Potting Mix.
Terrie Schwartz
Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center
Cover photo and quilt by Katie Galler
Random Acts of Artness
Planting Bulbs for a New Year
Yesterday was unseasonably warm, a sunny day with abovefreezing temps that melted the remaining snow and softened the soil. In the next few days, we are supposed to get another snowstorm and freezing conditions; as you read this, we may be experiencing a winter wonderland.
Recently I moved and sold my home. As part of that move, I transplanted many of my peren-
nial plants. Flowers are my favorite (among many favorite things). And, because a gardener never has enough flowers, my mom and I went shopping for more perennial bulbs. Specifically, alliums. If you know, you know. Here’s the problem, I ran out of time to get them into the ground before the first snowfall. I hoped to have a chance opportunity like yesterday, to be able to turn up the soil and get these remaining bulbs into the ground. And I did just that. I pulled into the driveway right after work, went directly to the shed, grabbed my little spade shovel, and dug a trench along the perimeter of my flower bed. I was losing sunlight as evening approached. While hurriedly dropping bulbs into their winter homes, the Amazon delivery guy showed up to deliver a package. He stopped, looked at me quizzi-
cally, and said, “What are you doing?” I replied, “Planting bulbs. I know it’s late, but it’s not too late, and the ground is perfectly thawed.” I got to thinking, here comes the New Year where many set goals and use renewed energies to focus on “resolutions.” I have my own goals, not necessarily profound statements for the New Year, but things I generally want to accomplish. Pretty standard expectations for myself: exercise, eat right, and spend more time with the ones I love. But this is not a quick, get ‘er done thing, like yesterday’s rushed planting session. These priorities take planning and patience and focus. Just like getting bulbs in the ground, steps need to be taken months before to hope to receive a beautiful, blooming spring. Healthy lifestyles, supportive and loving relationships—these take effort and planning and patience, and focus, not the day before, but months in advance. Yet, unlike bulbs, which is a plant-and-forget activity, we need to be conscious every day of what we want and what we need to do to make it happen. I talk to my kids, and remind myself, and others about “hard choices.” If I want greatness or beauty in the spring, I need
NEW TV?
to get in between the frost, muddy up my nice clothes and do the hard work.
I want so much, or maybe it’s so little, either way, it’s a lot of work, but there’s nothing like seeing crocus and snowdrops in the spring, and contentment and happiness in your home.
Happy New Year! I hope you work towards having a beautiful year. 20 original art prints have been randomly placed in this issue of the Good News Paper.
Peace, Love, and Art. -Amy Instagram: @amylgieschen
RECYCLE! We accept all types of televisions. Bring us your old ones, projection TVs, and flat screens.
HOURS: Tue. & Fri. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Wed. Noon - 6 p.m. 2nd Sat. 8 a.m. - Noon (closed Sat. in Aug. & Sept.) 1301 Lamont Ave. | Kalamazoo
New Year’s Resolutions: Small Steps for Big Change
As we enter another New Year, it’s the season to think about our aspirations. Many of us have made resolutions in the past, only to see them fizzle by February. Maybe it was an overly ambitious fitness plan or a commitment to a hobby that never quite got off the ground. The problem might be those overly ambitious goals. Resolutions don’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful; small steps often lead to the biggest changes.
So, what if this year, instead of going big, we set our sights on small, yet meaningful steps? It’s about manageable actions that fit naturally into our routines. By making achievable resolutions, we can create a year of growth and positive change.
Why go small with our resolutions? Well, there’s one pretty straightforward reason: people are more likely to stick with something when it doesn’t overwhelm them. Big goals sound exciting but are often the source of needless stress and guilt. “Microresolutions,” on the other hand, work because they’re less disruptive to our norm—they fit into daily life and don’t require massive lifestyle changes.
David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done” (one of my favorite books on productivity), said, “Much of the stress that people feel doesn’t come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they’ve started.” This sentiment, however, goes back much farther. Artist Vincent Van Gogh once stated, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
For example, let’s say you want to improve your health. Instead of resolving to go to the gym five days a week, what if you just added a daily 10-minute walk around the block? It’s doable and doesn’t require a drastic overhaul of your schedule. Or, if the aim is to save money, you could make coffee at home a few days a week instead of buying it at a coffee shop. These little habits make
a difference with far less sacrifice and hassle.
The overall objective isn’t to take on too many challenges at once but to choose a couple that feel right—small steps for big results. Add an extra serving of vegetables to one meal each day or switch one sugary drink for water. These may seem minor, but over a year, those small changes can add up to significant benefits.
For mental well-being, set aside five minutes each morning for reflection or journaling. This small practice can generate a genuine sense of calm, even on the busiest days. Or, if “connection” is your goal, make a point to call one friend or family member a week. This doesn’t need to be a long call; a regular check-in can go a long way in nurturing relationships.
Financial goals can be as simple as setting up a “spare change” savings jar, dropping in any extra cash or coins.
It’s amazing how quickly a little here and there can add up without feeling like a sacrifice.
And if you’re hoping to expand your knowledge, set aside ten to fifteen minutes daily to read or learn something new, whether through a book, an online article, or a podcast. It’s a small investment with a huge reward for keeping your mind sharp and active.
Another meaningful way to approach resolutions is by looking beyond ourselves. Instead of focusing on individual achievements, we can make goals that positively impact our community. Volunteering, for example, doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment. Maybe you spend an hour a month helping out at a local food bank or participating in a park clean-up day. Small actions like these support your neighbors and help your community thrive. And here’s the
bonus: when we make resolutions that extend beyond ourselves, we often feel a deeper sense of satisfaction. I hear that sentiment often when interviewing volunteers for local organizations.
A key element in keeping resolutions is accountability—but not the stressful kind. Try sharing your goals with a friend or family member, someone you trust to cheer you on. You could even set up a monthly “check-in” coffee date or call where you both update each other on your small steps. This way, accountability is casual and supportive—a great way to stay motivated.
Sometimes, resolutions feel like a chore, especially if we’re solely focused on the end goal. But when we enjoy the process, those small actions feel more like self-care than hard work. Find pleasure in the little things—whether it’s the satisfaction of finishing a good book or taking in nature’s beauty on a daily walk.
The real value isn’t in how quickly you reach your goal but in the ongoing growth you achieve along the way. The reward comes in the reassuring and reinforcing sense of self-esteem.
As the New Year approaches, consider ditching resolutions on a grand scale for a few small, meaningful goals. These “micro-resolutions” may be a more effective way to grow, connect, and create good habits with positive results. Every little step counts. You don’t need a huge transformation to make a big difference in your life. It’s the small, consistent efforts that often have the greatest impact over time.
Here’s to a New Year of small steps, steady progress, and some pretty amazing results. One of my favorite quotes from David Allen sums it up beautifully: “Small things done consistently, in strategic places, create major impact.”
James D. Coppinger
e at w w w.Librar yReads.org
I Might Be in T I Might in Trrouboublle e Daniel Aleman (Grand Central)
When struggling novelist David wakes up next to a dead body after a hookup with a stranger, he realizes inspiration for his next book may have finally struck. But he'll need his agent's help to move the body and avoid the blame first. This mystery thriller is funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly touching.
T The Resurr he Resurrectionist ectionist A. Rae Dunlap (Kensington)
This gothic novel is a delightfully atmospheric tale of a medical student turned grave robber, set amidst the dark alleyways of 19th-century Edinburgh. The combination of historical fiction and murder mystery with plenty of medical history will make this a crossover hit with several audiences. Readers will be looking for more from this author
T The Riv he Rivals: A No als: Novveel l Jane Pek (Vintage)
Claudia works for a company verifying information for online matchmaking programs. As she digs deeper into a possible A.I. conspiracy, danger rises. With the uncomfortable feeling that the people she's investigating are being eliminated, Claudia races to solve the case and to manage her complicated personal life Readers will enjoy the banter multifaceted characters, and interesting storyline
K Keep Me eep Sara Cate (Sourcebooks Casablanca)
Killian is a brute who let his past dictate his life until he met Sylvie. She's entitled and has a foul mouth according to Killian, but she is the only woman he'd consider entering into a fake marriage with. Sylvie agrees, knowing that 10 million dollars awaits at the finish line. What neither of them expected was to actually fall in love
A
Readers who follow this series will be happy to see Talasyn and Alaric work through their tension and angst and come together in order to save the world from being devoured. The slow burn of the enemies-tolovers romance really sets the pace for the entire book.
North is the Night North Emily Rath (Erewhon Books)
Finnish gods meet mortals in this journey to the underworld featuring two strong heroines one captured by the Witch Queen of Death and the other determined to rescue her. Aina and Siiri's bond intensifies even when they are separated. Rath's world is peppered with gods, shamans, and assorted witches, pushing the story into new territory and making this a unique and original tale
Not in My Book Not Katie Holt (Alcove Press)
If there's such a thing as "light academia" this book embodies it, with collegiate setting-fueled banter in a cute, enemies-tolovers romance. As Rosie and her nemesis, the uppity Aiden, are forced to write a book together, opposites attract as they produce each chapter. Readers will love the chemistry between the two writers in this debut novel.
Unexpected friendships and second chances come alive in this life-affirming story 90-year-old Eddie, a volunteer in a resale shop meets 24-year-old Bella, who brings in the things of her boy friend who died last year Through their friendship, Bella discovers Eddie has never been kissed. This read is hope and humanity in a book.
Book Booked f ed for Mur or Murder der P.J. Nelson (Minotaur Books)
Madelaine has to live in her late aunt’s home/bookstore for six months in order to inherit It’s only her first night and she’s already putting out fires getting threatening phone calls, and finding a body.Does she flee? Nope! She sets out to find the villain. Add in some eccentric women and small town characters for a great cozy mystery
Rental House: A No Novveel l Weike Wang (Riverhead)
Keru and Nate decide to rent a summer house, inviting their parents on different weekends of their vacation. She is the child of Chinese immigrants, and he is the son of working class Appalachians. The novel's dry humor focuses on how each family views Keru and Nate's marriage compared with their more traditional ideas, making this an interesting study of contemporary marriage
—Maddie Paul, Bartholomew County Public Library, IN NoveList read-alike: Love Story by Lindsey Kelk
—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: Who Is Maud Dixon? by Alexandra Andrews
—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS NoveList read-alike: Anatomy by Dana Schwartz
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library (Austin), TX
Eddie Winston Is L Winston Looking f ooking for or L Loovve e Marianne Cronin (Harper Perennial)
—Erica Moses, Genesee Area Library, PA NoveList read-alike: Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
—Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library, MO NoveList read-alike: Sophie Go's Lonely Hearts Club by Roselle Lim
—Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, NJ NoveList read-alike: Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney
—Ashley M., Morton Grove Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: Bridge Kingdom series by Danielle L. Jensen
Monsoon Rising A Monsoon Thea Guanzon (Harper Voyager)
—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, MD NoveList read-alike: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir —Michelle Morris, Fort Worth Public Library, TX NoveList read-alike: Long After We Are Gone by Terah Shelton Harris
Women Phy omen Physicists Escaped sicists Nazi Germany and Made Nazi Germany and Scientific History Scientific Olivia Campbell (Park Row)
NoveList read-alike: Swiped by L.M. Chilton
heart of the home Go Bold in 2025
When designers predicted the end of the open concept in home design, they were wrong. Dead wrong. Homeowners bucked predictions and stayed with their open spaces.
What may show more in the new year, however, is that spaces become designated for specific purposes. The reading nook with its cozy seating and bookshelves … the meditation space with its candles and floor pillows … the gathering place for meals rather than a formal dining room or simply gathering around the kitchen island. While all spaces may remain visually connected, they may be separated by colorful rugs or furniture settings.
And speaking of colors—it is the year to go bold. Yes, loud red. Deep and rich hues beckon. Seek out patterns, textures, brave shades. Those off-white walls of yesteryear may get repainted or wallpapered in shades of various colors, and the shades may reappear, a little darker, a little lighter, in furnishings, draperies, rugs, or other accessories. More vibrant colors may even go beyond the walls and outline window frames—or may coat all surfaces of the room, ceiling to floor all in one shade. Doorways,
nooks and niches, and other openings may be softened with arches rather than sharp angles.
Sustainable materials will take their place throughout the home. Look for accents of textured and patterned stone, richly grained wood, chunky brick, or handmade ceramic tile. Gold, bronze, and copper may reappear here and there for a hint of luxury.
The kitchen—surely every home’s
most inviting room—will invite the family in with an eating area in addition to the island at center. An alcove surrounding the range and cooking area has become more popular. Color enters the kitchen, too, and it is not shy. Touches of English-style country warm the room. Replacing the hard surfaces of granite and quartz will be butcher block and soapstone, often in dark hues. Wood accents show in the kitchen as well, perhaps with beams
across the ceiling.
With the sharing of meals creating family and social bonds, the kitchen also moves outdoors. Outdoor kitchens have grown in popularity, featuring grills, smokers, pizza ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, and bars.
Furnishings of choice lean to the cozy. Shapes are more rounded, softer. Vintage pieces add interest, and they can be mixed in with new pieces. Think farmhouse, think English cottage. Colors here are darker, too, and show off patterns. The goal is comfort.
Every year tends to have one big color, but 2025 offers more choices. Colors designers are talking about include crimson red, heathered plum, olive green, butter yellow. When the entire room is painted in one shade, the feeling is of entering a cocoon, a room that gives you a hug.
But you know what I always say— do something that never goes out of style. Do what pleases you. Your home is your oasis, your safe space away from the mad, mad world. Give it your personality, and it will always fit you.
Zinta Aistars
Piece by Piece
“The first duty of love is to listen” –Paul Tillich
In November’s edition, Piece by Piece paid tribute to the blessings in being students of three German Shorthairs who have taught unwavering determination, limitless exploration, and unbridled joy among all their teachings. These things, of course, pale in comparison to being the students - and receivers - of unconditional love.
As we near the close of another year and stand at the threshold of beginning what will mark our quarter century, I thought of the teacher who rescued us two days before 2015 said “welcome”.
Roo had passed away of cancer three months prior. My husband and I had declared at the peak of our
grief we wouldn’t get a dog for a year. Until it grew stronger in our hearts our home needed pawed footsteps again. Our home was too void of the sound of clicking toenails on a wood floor and remnants of a fur coat remaining on a piece of furniture or two.
We decided we wanted to open our home to a dog that didn’t know what it was like to have one, and so on the Saturday before New Year’s we met Pippi, a white and brown mixture of frightened, cautious, and ever so slow trust giver. Three days later, after confirmation that we would be worthy providers of her new home, we picked up who would become Ginger from the shelter, and she began the task of healing our hearts.
Though Ginger has a fierce deter-
mination like her shorthair siblings, and even though she isn’t one to make her own adventure like her oldest sister did, preferring instead to willingly follow along with whatever adventure we decide to embark on, she brings a very special gift. She teaches listening.
It is partly the nature of her guardianship to always have an ear raised, poised to hear whatever she believes she needs to before any of us do. Awake, sleeping, deeply sleeping. Her ear is always turned for listening. It is also innate in her and her purpose as teacher to model the way for how we can be present in our lives and with each other, attentive to surroundings, external noises, and to the rhythms of the hearts of those we love. Without condition.
More than once, I have looked up to Ginger’s gauging eyes in partnership with her turned ear at the sound of my voice, discerning if she needs to affirm or assist in redirecting a feeling I am having in the moment. I also marvel at how she listens intuitively, knowing when her “dad” (my husband) has turned onto our road coming home from work and will soon be in the driveway where she doesn’t have to listen to his heart’s rhythms from such a far distance away. “Soon,” her heart tells her ears and vice versa, “he will be home.” May your new year of 2025 bring you all good things, including loving teachers in the fine art of listening.
Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com
“Something”: The Best of the Best?
Last month, we looked at the short but brilliant partnership of the Beatles, which culminated in late 1969 with their album Abbey Road. Now, we’ll look at a particular song from that album, perhaps the most popular of all Beatles songs among other musicians and music critics. And the song was not one of those written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, one of the most successful songwriting teams ever.
Neither was it Ringo Starr’s “Octopus’s Garden,” which was inspired by a family trip to Sardinia aboard Peter Sellers’ yacht, even though that song—one of only two written by Ringo on any Beatles album—still provides fun listening.
That leaves the two songs written by George Harrison. “Here Comes
the Sun” wouldn’t be a bad guess, with its cheery lyrics and melody about light after a period of darkness, a tune that practically begs you to sing along.
But it was George’s other song on Abbey Road: “Something,” which I believe by consensus among musicians and critics is perhaps the best song ever written by a Beatle, and among the best songs of all time. This assessment is based on comments about the composition of the song as well as its performance by the Beatles.
Elton John said “Something” is “probably one of the best love songs ever, ever, ever written ...it’s like the song I’ve been chasing for the last 35 years.” Paul Simon called it “a masterpiece.” Frank Sinatra, who was not
a Beatles fan, called it “The greatest love song of the last 50 years.” Bandmate Lennon called “Something” the best song on Abbey Road, with Ringo adding that “Something” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” were “two of the finest love songs ever written.” McCartney agreed, adding “Here Comes the Sun” to Ringo’s choices. Numerous editors from publications including Time magazine, the New York Times, Saturday Review, Record Mirror and Melody Maker lauded the song as exceptionally beautiful.
Within two years, “Something” was covered by more than 150 artists, including Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Shirley Bassey, Ray Charles, Lena Horne, Liberace, Bert Kaempfert, James Brown, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and Peggy Lee. In 1970, it won the Ivor Novello Award as the “best song musically and lyrically” of 1969.
“Something” was inspired by George’s then-wife, Pattie Boyd. He also cited Boyd as inspiration for his songs “I Need You,” “If I Needed Someone” and “For You Blue.” The two divorced in 1977, and in 1979 she married Harrison’s good friend Eric Clapton, who said Boyd was inspiration for several of his own songs including “Layla,” “Wonderful Tonight” and “Bell Bottom Blues.”
Although Lennon and McCartney wrote the great majority of Beatles songs, many noted musicians and critics, including James E. Perone and Richie Unterberger, thought “Something” gave Harrison equal stature to Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter.
As with most of their songs, one or two Beatles would write it and the
others contributed their own skills and ideas. On “Something,” George sang lead vocal and performed “flawless” lead and rhythm guitars, playing lead on his Kalamazoo-made Gibson Les Paul, “Lucy.” Ringo played simple but varied drums, Paul added some of his best work on bass, John played subdued but dramatic piano, and Billy Preston provided additional rhythm on organ.
That’s my tuppence worth to start the new year. Play George’s song on your own hi-fi and see what you think.
Tony Ettwein HistoryZoo1837@gmail.com
A. George Harrison during Abbey Road recording sessions. Photo by Linda McCartney.
B. George’s bandmates, Paul, Ringo, and John. Photo by Iain Macmillan.
C.George Harrison and Pattie Boyd, 1965. Photo by Henry Grossman.
D. 45 RPM vinyl recording of “Something”
The wedding trends for 2025 continue to focus on personalization, with an added touch of surprise this year, embracing inventive and experiential ideas that will delight your guests and keep them guessing.
An unexpected surprise can be as simple as playing instrumental playlists from your favorite TV shows and movies (Wicked, Bridgerton & others) or serving a nostalgic late-night snack like Taco Bell, McDonald’s fries or Aunt Anne’s Pretzels.
One of the top wedding trends this year is bold and bright color schemes, especially unexpected reds, including juicy reds and corals across wedding décor and attire (accessories, shoes, lip color, etc.). Another color trend is using Monochromatic colors or shades in the same hue that offer the effect of colors or tones fading into one another.
Add a splash of creativity and fun to your wedding with the use of layers of texture, including leather,
linens, corduroy, velvet, jute and even fur. Creating textural harmony in your décor and in wedding attire by combining satin and velvet or lace and linen with pops of color.
Subtle shades for the bride are on the scene for 2025, either in pops of color or in full-color dresses in muted mauves, silvery grays, blue or sage shades instead of the traditional white. Vintage vibes are on trend with flattering cuts and romantic aesthetics. Asymmetrical touches add interest to the wedding gown and can make even the simples dress styles stand out, with draped necklines, slanted tiers, pleats and textures. A few other trends for the edgier bride include, see-through lace or sheer gowns. Corset dress tops will also be
popular.
A full suite of wedding attire is on trend for the wedding couple, with two or three wedding outfit changes. Multicultural couples use this as a way to convey their heritage or personal fashion choices. In addition, the reception dress is becoming a staple with many brides, opting for shorter, more playful styles to allow for easier movement for dancing.
The 2025 color trend for bridesmaid dresses is mix-and-match that creates an overall aesthetic. Think green in a variety of hues and styles. Some couples are even requesting guests dress aesthetically, including requests for “white-tie optional with greens and blacks” or “gold gilded white tie.”
Bring in your ideas, pictures & fabric swatches so we can help you choose the best flowers for •bouquets •crown or hair flowers •toss bouquet •boutonnieres •corsages •table arrangements •more!
TRENDS
Greens continue in popularity with the décor. Fruits and vegetable displays and wellness cocktails and mocktails, are among the latest wedding trends. Heirloom tomato centerpieces, mushroom bouquets and cabbage aisle markers can provide a farm vibe with local produce.
The latest era of wedding photography is all about candid behind the scene shots and less of the perfectly posed images we’ve seen for years. Couples are no longer concerned about everything looking perfect and are focusing more on having their photographers capture the day with minimal direction or interruptions.
Cake vignettes will be popular for 2025. Cake or sweets surrounded by a garden of flowers, fruits and veg-
etables. Peonies and hydrangeas create a beautiful vignette for late spring and summer weddings. Auburn and marigold leaves are nice touches for fall.
Draping is in as a wedding décor trend, which will be used for backdrops or to mask other parts of the venue. The effect paired with candles and dimly-lit reception décor add an element of luxury and intimacy to the venue space.
Wedding parties are being repositioned to either switch sides, so that their best friends can see their expressions. Some are being seated with other guests for a less formal wedding party experience.
Warm welcome parties and immersive events throughout the wed-
ding weekend are on trend. Guests are welcomed with welcome bags, thoughtful dinners and parties and curated events. In addition, they are invited to participate in pickleball tournaments, scavenger hunts, games, beach and pool parties and more.
Consider incorporating some of
these exciting new trends for 2025 into your special day to create personalized events that will surprise and delight your guests.
Jackie Merriam Sources: theknot.com, marthastewart.com
A premier Southwest Michigan venue specializing in full weekend weddings
Enjoy beautiful ceremony sites among seasonal flower gardens and wooded backdrops, receptions in the event barn, full weekend lodging in the historic home for the wedding party, and a secluded riverside honeymoon suite for the happy couple - all conveniently located in downtown Plainwell. 414 N Sherwood Ave - Plainwell (269) 512-5857 • sherwoodgardens.net
When you order catering from Walnut & Park, you help students develop their food preperation skills, nurture their pride in a job well done, and encourage their pursuit of a career in the hospitality arts. walnutandparkcafe.com/catering • catering@walnutandparkcafe.com
New and Next in Wedding Invitation Trends
An invitation is the first opportunity a couple has to express their style, create excitement and give guests a preview of the magical day they are about to experience.
We’ve pulled together existing and emerging trends we’re seeing couples explore for their wedding days, all beginning with the delivery of an invitation.
Delicate Florals
Flowers will always be one of our most popular requests, but this year we’re seeing a new twist on the bold standby.
Combining clean, modern layouts with delicate floral accents, this trend balances simplicity with sophistication. A few well-placed wildflowers paired with crisp typography creates a contemporary yet timeless look.
Custom, Custom, Custom!
Couples are infusing their wedding invitations with personal touches to make them uniquely reflective of their story and style. In 2025, this trend is all about creating keepsakes that resonate with their journey and personality. A few examples: Hand-painted or illustrated venues, monograms and custom crests, and personalized QR codes leading to playlists, engagement photos, or wedding websites.
Unique Color Combinations
Gone are the days of white and ivory! We still see our fair share of those timeless classics, but couples
Providing Delicious Food to Awesome People
are looking to add a little life to their invitations with a lot of color. Within a standard wedding suite you have five opportunities to add a splash of color through cardstock or envelopes. allowing couples to make a striking statement and set the tone for their vibrant celebration!
Texture and Layers
More is more! Vellum wraps, letterpressed details, big shiny bows, and mixed materials work together to create a luxurious and visually captivating experience.
With layers, you have to be really aware of postage and shipping requirements, but it’s totally worth it for the surprise and delight of your guests!
Whimsical Watercolor
Watercolor has long been the perfect medium for wedding invitations. With soft delicate brush strokes and washes of color, it can easily set a romantic scene.
What we’re seeing now is a more whimsical style. Paired with fun doodles and hand-drawn casual calligraphy, this new trend is all about letting loose and enjoying the big day!
Going in Blind
Blind embossing, letter pressed detailing and sculpted embossing are having a moment, and we’re here for it. The subtle addition of a non-printed accent is a beautiful textural addition to a classic invitation. From florals to mountainscapes, city skylines to delicate butterflies, we love the hint of something personal embedded directly into the paper.
No matter the trending colors or popular styles, your wedding day should reflect who you are as couple, and share your love story with those who love and support you.
Consider what matters most and do what makes you happy. These trends are a great place to start!
Kristina Scobie | Creative Director
Noteworthy Invitations by Design
As a Dr. of marriage and family therapy, I often hear people tell me they are lonely. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. Dating in 2023 requires you to get online and swipe to find the next potential relationship. The problem many people are finding is that only some on dating sites are looking for relationships but just hookups. Dating apps are frustrating many people to the point that they may delete the app and not try to find the perfect one. It is also causing many people to feel more alone and fear not being able to find a partner to share life with.
Studies have shown that online dating affects many people’s mental health (Travers, 2021). Travers, 2021 discusses an increase in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem that has been reported to be related to online dating. Many people have reported that online dating has not had positive results and would prefer in-person dating instead of finding a relationship online (Travers, 2021).
Is Dating Supposed to Feel Like Work?
Many people feel that dating websites are time-consuming and feel more like work than fun, and dating should not feel that way. Often people equate online dating to a part-time job, with swiping and messaging to find a connection can become exhausting and stressful, leaving people frustrated (Sharabi, 2023). Many connections do not lead to a relationship, conversations fade, or worse. People want to send nudes on day one, which people looking for meaningful relationships are not interested in (Sharabi, 2023). Other people may feel rejected when a connection does not respond to them or are ghosted when they think the connection is going somewhere, leading to higher rates of low self-esteem. Sarabi, 2023 suggests that many connections do not make it into meeting in person, which can create frustration, disappointment, and burnout,
causing people to shut down the app, ultimately leading to more feelings of loneliness.
The thought of rejection often makes people think twice before swiping. Having conversations, winks, or right swipes allow for opportunities to start a connection. However, the more you swipe, is potential for rejections. Instead of thinking about what would make this person a good partner, online dating people often ask themselves, “Why should I date this person” (Collisson, 2022). Collision, 2022 reports that rejection is more likely to occur when people are given too many opportunities for connections.
When people take their connection from online to in-person and make it to the next level and the first few dates go well, questions often occur, such as :
Will this connection become a relationship?
Are they being honest with me?
Are they seeing other people also?
Are they, or will they continue to use the dating site?
When do I know this is a commitment?
can decide how to make it work for you instead of how it does not work. According to Cantor 2021 making choices about your online dating can empower you if you shift your mindset, leading to better online dating experiences. Here are a few tips that can help you create a better experience and take control of your online experience.
Take your time with connections; message those you are interested in. Don’t let the app suck you in. Remember, your connection is about quality, not quantity. If you do not see someone you are interested in, do not waste time scrolling or talking to someone you are not interested in.
Refrain from wasting your time meeting someone you are not interested in.
Should I still look for other prospects?
People’s Reaction to Online Dating
If you are frustrated with online dating, you are not alone Collisson, 2022 conveys that many people have mixed feelings related to online dating, according to the 2019 American Trends Panel. Studies have shown that 47% of single people believe dating is harder today than it was ten years ago (Collisson, 2022). Those looking for meaningful connections feel online dating is impersonal and report that many users need to be more authentic. The lack of honesty creates higher levels of annoyance as people feel the need to do their research on someone to ensure they are not misrepresenting themselves online.
Relationships
Can Come out of Online Dating
Creating a space to shift your mindset can be helpful when dating online. You control your dating and
If you have an uneasy feeling that something is not right, trust your gut. If you feel like you are putting in all the effort and do not like that, imagine what the long-term relationship would be like if there was no effort online.
Remember, you are worth it, and the right person will be there; it might take time.
Set your boundaries and stick to them. You are in control of your boat.
Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC
References
Castor, C, 2021, The Online Dating World Is a Mess. Here’s what you need to know, Psychology Today Collisson, B, 2022, The Mindset That Could Doom Your Dating Life. The more people we evaluate, the more we reject, Psychology Today Sharabi, L, 2023, The Hidden Cost of Dating App Burnout, How to recognize and prevent dating app burnout, Psychology Today Travers, M, 2021 Why the Future of Online Dating Is “Anti-Superficial” New research suggest that online dating is changing. Here’s how. Psychology Today
Parenting
Forgiveness Releases Toxins
Forgiveness allows the ability to enhance our mood, release stress, decrease anxiety/depression, and process trauma. Allowing yourself to forgive releases anger you may have been harboring and enhances your mental health. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to repair the relationship but allows you to let go of unhealthy emtions. In some cases when you forgive someone it is a step towards building a stronger foundation within your relationship, leading to healthier communication. Forgiveness can empower you to allow yourself space and permission to heal.
Allowing Yourself to Forgive Someone
Sometimes the question isn’t “can I forgive this person, but how do I forgive them?” Forgiving someone can be difficult and may make you feel emotionally vulnerable or raw. It is important to take some time for self-reflection and identify if you are experiencing anger as a primary or secondary emotion. If anger is a secondary emotion what may be the primary emotion leading to the anger? Are you feeling hurt, lonely, guilty, sad, disappointed, or is it something entirely different? Identifying your key emotions is a healthy path to
healing. Secondly, you need to decide to forgive. Forgiveness may provide you with a path forward on your healing journey. Next, is important to develop a sense of compassion for the person you are forgiving. Remembering that you haven’t walked in their shoes or experienced things through their lenses can assist you in the forgiveness process. Finally, it is important to release any negative emotions attached to the person/issue. Taking into consideration what you or the other person has learned from these experiences can be helpful tool.
Sit with the discomfort. Reflect on what may have caused this person to behave in this manner. Forgiveness takes strength. It may be difficult to rebuild trust and may require openness to explore where there was a breakdown within the relationship. Remember sometimes the problem isn’t the problem but the problem is deeper than the problem. Analyzing
and reflecting on what happened to cause this issue may lead to uncomfortable conversations. When having these difficult conversations remember the keys to healthy conflict resolution and communication.
Forgive Yourself
Sometimes the problem was derived from your behaviors. Allowing yourself permission to recognize that you are human, and humans make mistakes is essential when forgiving yourself. Taking ownership and responsibility for your own mistakes takes courage. Holding on to shame and guilt isn’t a productive step to moving forward. It is valuable to challenge yourself to forgive. It takes a lot of deep reflection and acknowledging your faults. Identify where you went wrong and how you can be proactive in avoiding future mistakes. Recognizing that you are going to make mistakes in life but doesn’t mean that you need to continu-
ously participate in negative self-talk because of those mistakes. You need to learn to be your own best friend because you are the only person goes everywhere with you, so forgive yourself no matter how difficult it may be.
What Happens to
Our Mental State When We Forgive?
When we allow ourselves to forgive we are participating in a therapeutic process. Forgiveness can protect us from anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress. The act of forgiveness has been linked to benefit cardiac patients because it leads to potentially lowering blood pressure according to the CDC. Letting go of anger releases stress. Forgiveness has other positive benefits that contribute to healthier mental state such as repairing relationships, challenging/ promoting self-reflection, and personal growth. In addition to helping yourself, modeling forgiveness helps future generations and our communities.
If you are struggling with forgiveness and don’t know where to start, contact a local therapist. Therapist can assist in finding ways by providing tools to allow you to learn how to forgive.
Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC
Vintage in the Zoo’s 2025 Trend Report
Happy New Year, Good News Paper Readers! Hope this finds you safe and warm after a fantastic holiday. One thing is for sure as we enter a new year; it will come with changes. When looking back, it’s hard to imagine the shifting that occurs across our nation and world on a yearly basis. The best we all can do is move with the shift and, if capable, anticipate them as they come. All changes are not bad, as we (hopefully) learn a little with each one. At least that is my rosy point of view. Part of anticipating these changes is clueing ourselves’ into trends as they are occurring to read between the lines and understand the larger shift or change at hand. Today we will dive a bit into the trends we see from vintage lovers, based on our knowledge in the market. Maybe at the end of ’25 we can circle back here and see how wrong (or right ��) we were! So, first and foremost, lets get to the elephant in the room – vintage
in general has been a HUGE trend in the past few years. From clothing, to houseware, to collectables, and so far beyond; the youth are currently loving vintage. Aside from the desire to be sustainable and move away from fast-fashion brands, it seems the youth loves vintage as an opportunity to escape some of the stresses of modern life. Wearing vintage looks great and harkens back to a simpler time, while also keeping garments out of the landfill. The growth is reflected in the sharp rise in vintage sellers, pickers, events, and styles we see even in new clothing- many of which are returning to more retro looks. See those 10–14-year-olds wearing big baggy jeans? Yep, we do also (and love to see it). We see this trend continuing and hope it does. Every vintage piece given a new life is one less in the ground.
Many of the trends we are seeing now in newly produced clothing are also trends we are seeing in the
vintage market. Oversized silhouettes reminiscent of the 70’s and 80’s, bold patterns and bright colors reminding us of the 60’s psychedelic era, and textured fabrics such as corduroy, velvet, or faux fur give us vibes of the 90’s. These are all great and in-trend now, we hope if you are chasing these looks to please consider those sweet 1994 Bugle Boy straight leg cords over the 2025 Zara version.
Another trend we are seeing at the vintage market we expect to go even larger in 2025 – padded shoulders are back! The power of the padded shoulder blazer is real and stands TALLER than ever. Pair that with some vintage jewelry, and a modern cut pair of jeans for energy to match. We have seen these grow in popularity and expect even more soon. Business casual can have flair and style from the vintage era today - if Murphy Brown could pull it off in the 80’s, you can today!
And finally, to wrap it up, as men-
tioned in our last Good News Paper article – vintage sports memorabilia is holding strong. We see more and more of these items in volume on the market, to the prices people are willing to pay. We even have seen some current national teams start to embrace their own vintage-past on their players and in the merchandise they offer. We must ask though as Kalamazoo locals: would anyone else love to see some vintage K-Wings styles out there??
No matter what you wear or plan to wear in 2025, we hope your year is starting out well and wish nothing but continual successe. Please consider shopping small and supporting our local economy, we know for sure that it will be needed this year!
Patrick Turner / Megan Zielke VintageintheZoo.com
Recipes easy meaty meals!
Winter seems to turn up my curiosity about strange things, prompting me to look up the history of things, like ground meat. I was surprised to learn that the practice of grinding meat can be traced all the way back to Roman times.
Done for the same reasons it’s still done to this day, because it’s an efficient and effective way to use all the God-given parts of animals, while this may not sound appetizing, we can thank its use for giving birth to some of our most beloved foods like sausages, bologna and other ground deli meats, as well as hot dogs, pate, liverwurst, hamburgers, and more! Grinding or chopping meat does improve its texture, especially when you have a tougher cut. Grinding meat also makes it far easier to chew, which we tend to care more about as we age, and being able to both tenderize and combine other ingredients helps us to elevate both the flavor and the texture of meat in ways that plain, un-ground meat never could.
Growing up in the 1960s, ground meat (beef, pork, and sometimes veal) were a constant on our plate. The poultry industry had yet to fly into the mass production it enjoys today, so it was rare that chicken let alone turkey would ever cross our plates. In fact, Mom used to buy her poultry from a neighbor near the end of our block.
I was so young at the time that Mom held my hand as I accompanied her there.
Owned and operated by Mr. Wazinski, who ran the poultry operation, he has various coops that offered access in and out of his three-car brick garage that was surrounded by a small fenced-in yard.
Dedicating about a third of the garage space exclusively to poultry, Mr. Wazinski built the cutest little doorways for his birds to venture outdoors if they wanted to.
A tall, slender, but strongly-built man, Mr. Wazinski was quick-witted and sharp-tongued, which paired well with his abrupt disposition.
Noticing our presence the moment we walked up to his gate, Mr. Wazinski quickly barked, “Pick out the one you want,” as he reached for his butcher’s apron.
Scanning his yard quickly, Mom quickly spotted the biggest, cleanest, healthiest, and I might add prettiest one. Looking at him while pointing directly at the finest one we could see, Mom said, “I’ll take that one.” Quickly swooping up Mom’s choice with stealth-like action, Mr. Wazinski placed the chicken face down on an old tree stump that had two nails hammered closely together. Setting the bird’s neck between these two points to steady it, Mr. Wazinski swung his axe with such great precision that its sharp edge landed perfectly next to the nails in the stump. Suddenly a long moment of silence was broken by a wild squawking sound, and to my surprise, it was coming from the now headless bird who was also running around the yard!
Its calamity set off all the other
chickens, who joined in the headless chicken’s chorus.
I was so stunned that I could not help but ask, “How on Earth can a chicken be crowing and running around without its head?”
Explaining calmly that chickens have a built in “noisemaker” that can still squawk, bock, and make other chicken sounds even without a head, and that chickens have nervous systems that work like a transistor radio with a battery. Enabling them to run on stored energy until it’s gone. Finding myself swept up in awe of these marvels, and began counting out time silently in my head to see just how long that chicken’s battery would last. How stunning it was, indeed. Ah, childhood!
That chicken experience is one I will never forget, and since chicken was more expensive than ground meat, Mom tended to save chicken for special Sunday roasting, or her annual winter pot of chicken soup, which you will read about next month! Mom tended to cook with ground meat because not only did it bend in any flavor direction she wanted, but also (and more importantly) was able to be stretched to feed seven hungry kids by adding loads of complimentary ingredients.
There was meatloaf, stuffed peppers (or cabbage), spaghetti with meatballs, and it always seemed like a special occasion whenever Mom would make her Salisbury steak, which she served with a huge amount of buttery, freshly-mashed potatoes.
A dish that’s named to honor an American physician, James H. Salis-
bury (1823–1905), who authored, “The Relation of Alimentation and Disease.” Dr. Salisbury believed that scraped lean beef (flattened and broiled) was among the best foods for people who were ill.
Since scraping was labor-intensive, many recipes simply called for fine mincing or even grinding. Mom left that to the butcher and bought ground round instead. She also turned to assistance from canned mushroom gravy and canned French onion soup, which helped easily elevate her flavor, which she further enhanced with pan drippings. Serving it dripping with gravy, and plenty of mashed potatoes and string beans on the side, Mom would occasionally place a slice of toast on the plate then cover it with a ladle of gravy before crowning it with a meat patty. When she served it this way she called it, “open-faced.”
Now that chicken is so competitively-priced, (and already butchered), ground chicken would likely taste just as good in this dish as would venison, or bear, or anything else you have handy.
To celebrate the marvel of ground meat, here are some recipes to help you indulge in the fine, old-fashioned flavor found in easy, meaty meals that freeze well, too. 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.
Hearty-spiced
Stuffed Peppers
Full of favors that dance across your tongue!
Yield: 6 servings
2 tablespoons favorite fat
1 yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground meat (your favorite)
2 to 3 cloves of garlic, minced (or pressed)
1 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (helps flavors bloom)
16 ounces tomato sauce, divided use
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground paprika (reg or smoked)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon unrefined (colored) sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
15 ounces canned black beans, rinsed and drained
3 large bell peppers (favorite color)
6 ounces (brick) of Colby, Monterey, or Pepper Jack cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment, if desired, and set aside.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil. Once hot, add onion and brown for 5 minutes, stirring and scraping bottom of pan to help them
caramelize. Add meat and continue to cook, using spatula to crumble meat into chunks, for 5 minutes. Add minced (or pressed) garlic. Let cook for 1 minute, then add chicken broth (or water), vinegar, and half (8 ounces) of the tomato sauce. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper, oregano, salt, black pepper, and beans. Blend with spatula then let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, prepare bell peppers by scrubbing with dish soap and water and rinsing well. Cut peppers in half lengthwise, removing stems if desired, then remove any excess membranes, cores, and seeds.
For extra tender peppers, place peppers cut side down in the prepared pan and place in a preheated oven to par cook for 10 minutes. For a crisper pepper, omit this step.
Once filling has finished simmering, divide filling among pepper halves. Spoon the remaining 8 ounces of tomato sauce evenly over the peppers then shred or slice cheese and divide it evenly among peppers. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until desired doneness.
Recipes
1960’s-style Italian Spaghetti with Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
3 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
3 tablespoons grated Italian cheese
1 egg
1 clove garlic, minced unrefined (colored) sea salt and black pepper, to taste
16 ounces canned tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
1 cup water (or beef/chicken bone broth)
1 pound spaghetti, cooked al dente
In a bowl, combine beef, bread crumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine then shape into meatballs, or chunks. In a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat, cook meatballs until brown on all sides, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste and water. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook, almost covered, for an hour, adding more water/broth if necessary. Place cooked spaghe
Savory Beef Stew
Yield: 4 servings
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon unrefined (colored) sea salt
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1-pound lean beef, cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup beef broth
1 chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
2 diced potatoes
4 chopped carrots
1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
2 bay leaves salt and pepper
Mix flour, salt, and dry mustard in a bag. Add beef and shake to coat. Heat oil in pan; brown beef pieces. Add broth; bring to a boil. Add all remaining ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for two hours, covered. Remove bay leaf before serving.
Marvelous Meatball Casserole
Yield: 8 servings
3/4 cup Parmesan and Romano cheese, grated
1/4 cup half & half
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 eggs
1/2 cup fresh oregano
3 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
1 tablespoon unrefined (colored) sea salt
1 tablespoon coarsely ground pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
2 pounds ground Angus or Bison
1 quart of your favorite marinara
1 pound Mozzarella or Scamorza cheese, sliced thick
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In a food processor, combine spices and garlic. Pulse machine until finely
chopped, about 30 seconds. Add egg, cheese, milk, and chicken broth then pulse again until well blended. Place meat in a large bowl and combine with the contents of the food processor, mixing very well. Using a scoop or a spoon, portion out meat into 2” balls (about the size of a golf ball). Coat the bottom of a casserole with a thin layer of marinara then space meatballs so they do not touch. Pour remaining marinara over meatballs then place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling in the center of the pan. Remove from the oven and place an even layer of cheese over top, return to the oven to melt and slightly toast the cheese. Remove and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Makes 30 meatballs
Health Pounds Off!
If springtime turns a young man’s thoughts to love, January turns everyone’s thoughts to losing weight. That’s when you see prominent displays of weight loss products in supermarkets at the same time gym memberships increase. So, I believe an article on weight loss is timely, only this time it deals with weight loss drugs. There are a number of drugs approved for weight loss or treating diabetes with weight loss as a secondary effect. But the drug most often named is Ozempic.
Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. Drug companies that manufacture these drugs blanketed the airways with advertisements about their potential benefits. Celebrities contributed to the hype, resulting in rise in prescriptions for these drugs of 442% from 2021 to 2023.
However, these drugs are not “miracle drugs” or a long-term solution by themselves. They work by slowing the emptying of the stomach, increasing the feeling of fullness, while also influencing the sensation of fullness in the central nervous system. The drugs are delivered by self-injection,
meaning you have to be comfortable injecting yourself in the stomach on a daily or weekly basis. Plus, the drugs are expensive and not always covered by insurance. And once the drugs are stopped, a large percentage of the lost weight tends to be gained back. So the drugs are only one part of an overall program that also includes a healthy diet and regular exercise. In other words, there ain’t no free lunch!
As to side effects, the drugs don’t cause side effects that are serious enough to stop taking them. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
A British study found that a small percentage of participants experienced mental health concerns, with depression the main side effect.
It’s important to note that not all weight lost with these drugs comes from fat. Some muscle mass is also lost. This may be a concern for older adults, who often experience a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength with age. Therefore, regular weight-bearing exercise is prescribed when taking the drug.
There are some interesting correlations with other conditions that
warrant further study. For example, people with early-stage Parkinson’s disease, who were taking a drug which is part of the GLP-1 group, had dramatically reduced loss of motor control after a year compared with those taking a placebo. Also, people who were taking these drugs for diabetes, had less severe symptoms during the outbreak of COVID-19. Many other potential benefits, such as treating addiction disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and obstructive sleep apnea, are being studied.
This class of drugs already is changing medicine, with the possibility of many more changes ahead. One
challenge may simply be producing enough to keep up with the demand. Another will be discovering how the drugs affect people over decades, since early research covers only a decade or so. Of course, the least intrusive strategy is to adopt a lifestyle that includes plenty of exercise, a wholesome diet, and abundant time with friends and family.
I wish you the happiest and healthiest year ever.
Till next time,
Ken
Dettloff
ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer
environment
Wild Weather Worries?
Kids today are so lucky! Why, back in my youth, all we had was weather. You know, cold and snowy, hot and humid, sunny, cloudy - maybe an occasional blizzard or thunderstorm. Nowadays, we are treated (?) to such phenomena as “bomb cyclones” and “atmospheric rivers.” How exotic (and potentially perilous) these events sound! I suspect there are several factors influencing the changes in vocabulary regarding weather events.
I hope that, as a population, we are becoming more educated about our environment. In just the past few years, there has been increased acceptance that our climate is changing, although there remain sometimesconflicting ideas about the causes, remediations, and remedies that should be pursued and what cost-to-benefit financial considerations are appropriate. I’m alarmed by the nonchalant pace of concrete steps to address the issue, but am heartened that, finally at least, there is some acceptance (especially in many corporate sectors) that there must be action, regardless of the slow slog of legislative movement. Another thought that creeps into my cynical mind is that we just have too much media that needs to be constantly fed. How easy it is to tune in and find reasons to be alarmed about all sorts of possible catastrophes. Who doesn’t need to stock up on bread, water, and toilet paper just in case of a weather Armageddon?
The time seems right for a short discussion of some of the weather terms I hear on my nightly newscasts. Are these new phenomena? What, if any, is their relationship to climate change? Are they cause for concern? Or do the terms just pique our interest (and anxiety?)
We must begin with a brief review of our atmosphere and how weather in the northern hemisphere operates. The conditions we experience are almost exclusively the result of air movement in the troposphere, the layer of air directly above us. Earth’s surface temperature warms this region as it absorbs the heat reflecting off the surface. Variations in the temperature profile from solar input, including seasonality, and topo-
graphic differences due to altitude and exposure to wind currents, are responsible for almost all of the dayto-day, season-to-season weather we experience. In North America, the prevailing winds (jet streams) cross the continent from west to east.
Atmospheric rivers are a feature of these jet streams and have long been part of the meteorological lexicon, especially as they relate to weather along the West Coast. Strong air currents passing over warm Pacific Ocean waters pick up moisture that sometimes results in a moist, concentrated band of air (up to 300 miles in width and thousands of miles long) with abundant water vapor. The amount of water carried in these currents are estimated to be similar to the water volume exiting the mouth of the Mississippi River! As these “rivers” travel over the ocean, they continue to pick up additional moisture until they pass over a land mass. If these land masses are cooler than the prevailing winds, the atmospheric river releases its water vapor as rain or snow (sometimes both). A famous and important example is the “Pineapple Express,” which is known for its origins in the Hawaiian tropics. These rivers are both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because the precipitation they release provides much needed fresh water to California’s interior valleys, recharging needed aquifers and surface water resources. But they are also sometimes responsible for flooding and landslides, disrupting ecosystems and costing many millions of dollars in environmental and residential damage. Far from a new phenomenon, several atmospheric rivers are active in the north Pacific Ocean at any given time, mostly in autumn or winter. As we refine our ability to gather data from satellite images and can predict using increasingly accurate modeling software, we hear about them more. We can track and easily observe their “flow” using computerized images in real time on TV.
These rivers sometimes change the weather of the inner continental U.S. As weather patterns shift toward warmer winters in the Midwest,
atmospheric rivers travel farther into the heartland before dropping their precipitation. These extreme events are becoming more pronounced, resulting in rainier winters due to increased temperatures with less snowfall and perhaps more ice.
Polar vortexes (or, more correctly, vortices) are another potentially scary sounding weather situation that is receiving increased press coverage. Like atmospheric rivers, there’s nothing new about their occurrence. These air masses are a regular, permanent feature of the next higher level of the atmosphere (the stratosphere) and are typically isolated to the northern and southern polar regions. Although the vortices are in place all year round, their regular, tight patterns of currents, driven by the Polar jet stream, weaken in summer and strengthen in winter as the Sun sets in the Arctic Circle. So why are they a topic of discussion?
The air in the stratospheric region of the atmosphere is much colder than the more seasonal temperatures of the troposphere due to the absorption of solar ultraviolet radiation by a thick layer of ozone and permanent low-pressure regions; these patterns of frigid air typically remain in place above the Arctic Circle. Additionally, glaciers of permanent ice and snow have historically been present, keeping the polar regions frigid. These glaciers, however, are melting at an alarming rate due to increases in ocean temperature and reduced ozone at the poles due to man-made chemical pollution. As water temperatures rise, air current patterns are interrupted and the usually stable Polar jet stream deflects from it’s usual pattern. When this occurs, frigid Arctic air can migrate in a southerly direction, bringing high winds and bone-chilling temperatures in our direction. Rarely, when this instability occurs very rapidly, the resulting drop in air pressure can cause an event called a “bomb cyclone” – which is not a bomb, but it is a low-pressure storm. They are not related to hurricanes, another low-pressure phenomenon, but they are truly fierce storms, driven by disruptions in Polar
atmospheric currents.
Like some of you, I have become a weather geek. I certainly don’t enjoy the destruction and decry the loss of life and livelihoods, but there’s something exciting about the drama of Earth’s processes. Mother Nature seems to be a tough old bird that pecks back sharply when agitated, and I admire her power. That said, I’ll keep my gas tank full, have an extra package of toilet paper on the shelf, and at least a few extra jars of peanut butter and jelly – just in case!
Cheryl Hach
Retired Science Teacher
Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center
References:
Rutgers University (2024, February 7). How Climate Change May Be Affecting the Polar Vortex. New Jersey Experimental Agricultural Station College of Environmental and Biological Sciences Newsroom. Retrieved December 8, 2024, from https://sebsnjaesnews.rutgers. edu/2024/02/how-climate-changemay-be-affecting-the-polar-vortex/ U.S Department of Commerce (2023, March 31). What are atmospheric rivers? National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.noaa.gov/stories/whatare-atmospheric-rivers Toohey, G. (2023, March 31). Bomb cyclone, atmospheric river, polar vortex: How our weather terminology has grown with recent storms. California. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.latimes.com/ california/story/2023-03-31/wildweather-terminology-explained Shepherd, M. (2023, January 7). Like Polar Vortex, Atmospheric Rivers Are Being Mischaracterized. Forbes Science. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https:// www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2023/01/07/ like-polar-vortex-atmospheric-riversare-being-mischaracterized/
FREE january Events
Through Sunday Jan. 19, 2025
Exhibit: Kalamazoo State Hospital: 165 Years of Psychiatric Care, Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
Exhibit: Secret Societies Illuminated In Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Through January 9
Duck-orating Contest – Pick up a rubber duck & decorate In a winter theme, drop off by 1/9. Vicksburg Library
Wed., Jan. 1 – Tues. Jan. 14
Book Boxes Personalized book recommendations & treats. Vicksburg Library
Wednesday, January 1
Chief Noonday Chapter 13th Annual Shoe Year’s Day Hike, 10:30am registration, 11am hike, come early and enjoy the roaring fire short hike 2 miles, long hike 4 miles, Long Lake Outdoor Center, 10370 Gun Lake Rd., Middleville
Thursday, January 2
Centennial Free Day,11am-8pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Friday, January 2
Adult Book Club: The Human Cosmos by Jo Marchant, 9:30 10:30am, Vicksburg Library
Fridays, Jan. 3,10,17,24,31
Family Story Time, 10:15 All ages, Richland Library
Friday, January 3
Memory Café – for people with Mild dementia and their care Partners, 10:30am – Noon Paw Paw District Library
Friday, January 2
Movies for elementary age, 2-4pm, we provide popcorn, You bring a drink & blanket Vicksburg Library
Fridays, Jan. 3,10,17,24,31 Quickdraw Trivia, 7-8:30pm Valhalla/Norse Nectar Meadery
Fridays, Jan. 3,10,17,24,31 Live Music, The Dock at Bayview in Richland
Saturdays, Jan. 4,11,18,25
Kalamazoo Winter Market, 8am-1pm, 936 Lake St. (St. Joe’s Church gym.
Saturdays, Jan. 4,11,18,25 Live Music, The Dock
Sundays, Jan. 5,12,19,26
Portage Farmer’s Market 9am-1pm, Portage City Hall
Mondays, Jan. 6,13,20,27
Parchment Update Interviews Parchmentlibrary.org
Mondays, Jan. 6,13,20,27 Family Storytime, 10-10:45am Books, songs. Vicksburg Library
Mondays, Jan. 6,13,20,27
Jazz Night, 6-9pm Apoptosis Brewing Co., Kal.
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5) 10:15, Richland Library
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Drop in Gaming, 3-5pm Richland Library
Tuesday, January 7
Art Club for Adults, 6-7pm Pre-register, Richland Library
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Trivia at Sit & Stay Winery, 6-8pm, 260 E. Michigan Ave., Kal.
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Trivia @ 468 Wine, 6:30-8:30, 8842 Portage Rd., Portage
Tuesday, January 7, 21
Laugh Draft stand-up comedy, 7-9pm Apoptosis Brewing Co., Kal.
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Theme Trivia Tuesdays, 7-9pm, Revel and Roll West
Tuesdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28
Trivia Night, 7-9pm Louie’s Trophy House
Wednesdays, Jan. 8, 15,22,29
Wednesday Wigglers, 10:15am (Infant-Toddler) Richland Library
Wednesday, January 8
Birds & Coffee Chat on Zoom 10-11am-Mindfulness & Birding birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu
Thursdays, January 9 & 23
Teen Break & Bulldog Break, For teens & tweens, Hands-on Activities & tasty treats, 2:455:45pm, Vicksburg Library
Thursday, January 9
Gallery Gathering: Rosco Hall’s With Great Intent to Leave It All for You and Tylonn Sawyer’s American Woman: Columbia, 5:30-6pm, Pre-register Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Saturday, January 11
Internet Users Group, 10am12pm, Paw Paw Library
Saturday, January 11
Art Detectives-My Hands
Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey, 10:30am--Noon Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Sunday, January 12
2nd Sundays Live! The Bird-Seed Salesmen, 2pm Parchment Library
Sunday, January 12
WMU Tuba and Euphonium Day 5:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall
Monday, January 13
Parchment Book Club: Table for Two by Amor Towles, 6pm, Parchment Library
Tuesday, January 14
Cookbook Club: Piecemeal By Kathryn Pauline, 6-7pm
Select a recipe, make it & Bring to the meet up. Richland Library
Wednesday, January 15
Mugs & Hugs – Stories, Activities & Interaction, 10-11am, Vicksburg Library
Wednesday, January 15
ArtBreak: Exphrastic Showdown, Noon-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesday, January 15
Book Discussion: Get the Picture by Bianca Bosker, 2-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesday, January 15
Open Mic Night, 8pm Louie’s Trophy House
Thursday, January 16
Artful Evening: Movement In the Museum, 6-7pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Thursday, January 16
STEAM-hands-on-activities & problem-solving skills, 6-7pm, Vicksburg Library
Thursday, January 16
The Heartbreak Book club: Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle, 6:30-7:30pm Paw Paw Library
Thursday, January 16
Slaptail Nation Presents: Slap Your Tail Comedy- Open Mic Doors open 7am, show 7:30pm Dormouse Theatre, Kalamazoo
Sunday, January 19
WMU Horn Day, 6:30pm Dalton Center Recital Hall
Monday, January 20
STEAM-hands-on-activities & problem-solving skills, 11am-12pm, Vicksburg Library
Tuesday, January 21
LEGO & DUPLO Club, 1-2pm & 5:30-6:30pm Vicksburg Library
Tuesday, January 21
Mystery Book club: The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz, 6:30pm Parchment Library
Wednesday, January 22
Silent Book Club, 1:15pm Parchment Library
Wednesday, January 22
Craft Your Own Meditation Box, 6-7pm, Pre-register Richland Library
Wednesday, January 22
Up Close and Wild: Michigan Wildlife, Presented by the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland, 6-7pm, Paw Paw Library
Thursday, January 23
Writer’s Motivational Group 4:30-5:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Thursday, January 23
Fun for the Whole Family! Let’s Laugh Together Comedy Workshop 6-7pm, Richland Library
Saturday, January 25 Grief Circle, 10am-Noon Rootead Kalamazoo
Monday, January 27
Silent Book Club, 5:15 Parchment Library
Wednesday, January 29
ArtBreak: Black Ash Basketry: A Story of Cultural Resilience Noon-1pm, KIA, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, January 29
Team Trivia Night, 6:307:30pm, Pre-register Richland Library
Thursday, January 30
Between the Lines Book Club: The Book of Delights By Ross Gay, 6:30-7:30pm Paw Paw Library
Photo Taken at Prairie View Park. Photo courtesy of Kalamazoo County Parks.