DECEMBER 2023
3
SPARK
Give Things a Chance As we get older, it’s easy to get set in our ways. We tend to follow the same routines, drive the same routes and if we dine out, go to the same restaurants.
FROM THE
EDITOR
It is easy to go to our favorite places. We know their hours, their menu, where to park, where to sit and what to order. There is comfort in this, but why not take a risk and consider trying something new. Our old haunts are not always perfect; the food may be too cold or overdone, they may be out of soap in the bathroom, the parking may be a hassle, etc., but it is a comfortable and familiar place with no risk involved. If you decide to try something new, ask your close friends their opinion and Google reviews are also a good resource. When you try a new place, if it’s not perfect, consider giving it another chance before you write it off for life. When I worked at the Kalamazoo Gazette, reviewers typically tried a new place three times to give it a fair chance. Very rarely is a place given a 100% in all categories.
ON THE COVER:
In fact, I have an old friend, who had a “Secret Shopper” business and would send individuals out to eat or shop at a particular business. He would have them fill out a long form of questions and answers about the service, selection, prices, cleanliness, etc. Some business owners wanted to know what customers were experiencing and were willing to pay to find out. By trying something new, you just might find a new favorite place! Be brave and take some advice from Robert Frost and “take the road less traveled!” Steve Ellis, SPARK Publisher steve@swmspark.com
Doug and Kathy Knibbe serving up tasty donuts at their Renzema’s Bakery. Photo by Steve Ellis
To advertise in upcoming SPARK publications, contact: Steve Ellis, 269.720.8157, steve@swmspark.com
INDEX DECEMBER 2023
Healthy Living....................................................12
Lee Dean: Over the river
For the Love of Fruitcake.................................13
and through the drifts ...................................... 4
History: Humphrey Manufacturing.................15
Wednesday Warriors..........................................6
Spark Book Reviews..........................................16
Business Profile: Sew Fabulous .........................7
Volunteer: Susan Boele....................................17
Spark Movie Reviews.........................................8
Tales from the Road.........................................18
Nature: Creature Comfort................................9
Signature Artists Holiday Exhibit .....................19
Cover Story........................................................10
Langeland Honors Hospice Caregivers ......19
20,000 readers, 650 locations and online at swmspark.com
Editor and Publisher: Steve Ellis Graphic & Page Development: CRE8 Design, Kalamazoo Content/Photography: Lauren Ellis Writers and Contributors Include: Area Agency on Aging, Steve Ellis, Lee Dean, Laura Kurella, Richard Martinovich Dave Person, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Public Library, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, Portage Public Library, Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, YMCA SPARK accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates the support of its advertisers. The publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. Spark is a publication of Ellis Strategies, LLC. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
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