Southwest Michigan Spark-February 2023

Expert Advice

Transitions

Q: Should I schedule an appointment or walk-in?

Roofing

Q: Should we be concerned about the amount of snow and ice accumulating on our roof?

Health Food

Q: When is your annual NOW® Vitamin & Supplement Sale going to be this year?

Diana Duncan Director

Marketing

A: Scheduling a visit allows a dedicated team member to provide up-to-date information including pricing, availability, and waitlist times and ensures apartment home showings. I suggest visiting only one community per day and allowing 90 minutes per visit. Most importantly, scheduling a visit protects resident privacy.

Friendship Village

“Where Connections Matter”

1400 North Drake, Kalamazoo 269-381-0560

www.friendshipvillagemi.com

Counseling

Q: When is the best time to participate in therapy?

A: Right now is the best time to engage in mental health counseling. Each day is an opportunity to pursue your best life. When you improve your mental health, other aspects of your life start to improve as well. Physical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health encompass holistic wellbeing. As we begin this new year, are you ready to challenge yourself to grow?

Kim Powers, Owner, Licensed Professional Counselor

Justin Reynolds Manager

A: Since the first week of January, our total amount of snowfall has been significant. Since the weight of snow and ice is substantial, we recommend removing as much of the snow and ice as possible. However, safety should be your foremost concern. Emergency room personnel can tell you many stories of unfortunate homeowners injured while climbing a ladder or getting onto their roofs to remove snow and ice. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a ‘snow rake’, a long handled shoveling device, designed to pull snow and ice off the roof while you stand safely on the ground. Please be aware, however, since a snow rake is made from aluminum, you must kept it away from any electrical power lines on your roof.

Sherriff-Goslin Roofing Co.

Since 1906 342-0153 800-950-1906

Heart Care

Q: Why is learning CPR important?

Atanas Iliev, DO

A. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. and according to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation, there are nearly 1,000 cases of cardiac arrest that occur each day. Fortunately, lives can be saved using basic life support measures like CPR and automated external defibrillators (AED) found in many public places. Bronson cardiologists recommend all adults be prepared to save a life by learning basic CPR. For more information about CPR and AED training visit classes & events at bronsonhealth.com.

Bronson Advanced Cardiac Healthcare

www.bronsonhealth.com/heart

(269) 373-1222

Mark Sawall Owner

A: Sawall’s annual 20% off NOW® Supplements SALE runs for the entire month of February.  Save on all your Favorite NOW® Supplements including: Vitamins, Herbs, Essential Oils, Flax Oils & Acidophilus (NOW® food products not included). Sawall’s also carries the largest selection of vitamins supplements & herbs in Michigan, with healthy choices in every aisle.  STOCK UP NOW®!

Mon-Sat. 8am-9pm, Sun. 10am-6pm

Sawall Health Foods

Oakwood Plaza • 2965 Oakland Dr. at Whites Rd. • 343-3619 • www.sawallhf.com

Funeral Services

Q: I am so thankful for the hospice care my husband received before he died. How can I express my gratitude to the person who provided his care?

Dana L. Naumann MSW Bereavement Care Coordinator

A: Langeland Family Funeral Home sponsors a Hospice Caregiver Award. Anyone who provides exceptional care as a professional or volunteer as a hospice worker is eligible to be nominated. Monthly, Langelands selects a Hospice Caregiver Award recipient. Those individuals are also eligible to be chosen as the Hospice Caregiver of the Year. All the Hospice Caregiver Award recipients are displayed on the Langeland website. Nominations are received at the Langeland Chapels or on the website. Langelands is very pleased to honor these individuals.

Langeland Family Funeral Homes

“Quiet dignity with compassion” has meant so much for many people... for many years. 4 locations to serve you 269-343-1508 • www.langelands.com

Member Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo

of Sales and

Getting there is half the fun!

When we were kids, before heading out on a long trip, my dad would head to AAA in Pontiac to get our TripTik. This was a detailed, mile-by-mile guide including every town and turn along the way, to help us get to our destination. The trip packet also included maps and lodging brochures. AAA also put out thick tour books by region, highlighting lodging and attractions. While at AAA, we browsed the wall of pamphlets, highlighting the great places we might see along the way: Rock City, Lookout Mountain, Mammoth Cave and many others.

I don’t have any of our old family TripTiks but have picked up a few recently at estate sales. One is from a February 1937 trip from Kalamazoo to New Orleans and another from an April 1939 trip from Kalamazoo to Memphis, TN.

Some oil companies and hotel

INDEX FEBRUARY 2023

chains also published travel guides, but they were mainly used to list all their locations across the country.

FROM THE EDITOR

During the 1930’s, Franklin Roosevelt hired 6,500 unemployed writers and artists for $20 a week as part of the Federal Writers Project to travel the country. A series of American Guide Books were published from the information they gathered. The books highlighted local attractions, culture and traditions, which became invaluable for travelers.

With today’s smart phones equipped with GPS, it’s hard to believe all of the guide books and maps it previously took to travel.

However, many of us back road travelers, who love to visit small towns and roadside attractions, would argue that the journey, not the destination, is much more exciting and still the best way to travel.

Steve Ellis, SPARK Publisher steve@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.

State Theatre.

Photo by Steve Ellis.

Bidding a fond farewell to royalty of all

Lee A. Dean screendoor@sbcglobal.net

Some of the most memorable people are considered to be “royalty” because of heredity or due to their achievements and character. A notable group of royal figures left this world for the next in 2022.

The obvious place to begin is Queen Elizabeth II. As a young girl, she had plenty of training to fulfill the official duties she would inherit, but she was also an ambulance driver during World War II. Her love for fast cars and horses endured, but her top priority was duty, a priority that never wavered.

Edson de Nascimento took on a new name as many Brazilian soccer players do and became famous as Pele.

To futbol fans worldwide, he was also known simply as “the King.” His flair on the pitch introduced many Americans to “the beautiful game.”

Popes are called “His Holiness,” and Joseph Ratzinger eventually was called something no other person had been called in 600 years: Pope Emeritus. As

Pope Benedict XVI, he had a tough act to follow, succeeding Pope John Paul II. “We need grace and forgiveness,” he said. Who could argue with that?

Mikhail Gorbachev was called “general secretary.” At first, we saw him as an enemy. As his personal bond with President Ronald Reagan deepened, Gorbachev became better known as a partner for peace. I believe he is one of the five most important figures during the last half of the 20th century. Spasibo, and do svidaniya, good sir.

Barbara Walters didn’t have an official title, but she can deservedly be called “pioneer.” Her interviews were mustsee television because she was adept at asking tough questions and getting honest answers. Best of all (as my female friends in journalism said after her passing) she blazed a trail for so many women in our profession. Only one baseball announcer could hold a candle to Ernie Harvell. His given first name was Vincent, but we all knew him as Vin – Vin Scully. His approach to broadcasting was perfect for baseball. He knew when to speak and when to let the game do the talking.

“In a year that has been so improbable the impossible has happened,” he said during Kirk Gibson’s wobbly home run trot in Game One of the 1988 World

Series. It was the perfect call for an iconic moment.

There are arguments over who should be called the GOAT (greatest of all time) player in NBA history. My vote goes to Bill Russell. He was the consummate team player as a force on both ends of the court. He played 13 years, during which his Boston Celtics won 11 titles. His memoir “Second Wind” is unequaled as a sports autobiography.

The music world lost two giants, both with unique nicknames. Jerry Lee Lewis, aka “The Killer,” may not have led the most exemplary lifestyle, but he was a rock trailblazer, belting out vocals and pounding the piano with fingers, arms and even feet. He even found country chart success for a few years.

Speaking of country, Loretta Lynn really was a “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” She sang country music in a different tone of voice than most other women of her era. She gave no quarter in her songs to men who were unfaithful, an entirely laudable attitude.

Madeline Albright was known as “Madame Secretary.” Her life journey from fleeing the Communist government of her native Czechoslovakia to being

the first female Secretary of State was remarkable and oh-so-American. Other people who left us in 2022 didn’t have an official title or nickname. We can simply call them “superb.”

The world of letters lost two giants. P. J. O’Rourke was the modern master of political satire, displaying a delightful sense of snark and a keen nose for BS. David McCullough was a brilliant historian and biographer. His massive biography of Harry Truman is an enthralling work (and makes me pine for leaders like the feisty little man from Missouri).

Along with Dave Bing, Bob Lanier was the first of the truly great players for the Detroit Pistons. At first, fans marveled at his huge feet (size 22). But he was a complete player from head to toe, having his uniform number retired by two NBA franchises and making eight All-Star games. He was an all-star off the court, working in charitable and youth work.

We must mention three other contributors to the performing arts. Sidney Poitier portrayed Mr. Tibbs, a noteworthy dinner guest and many other roles in a storied acting career. Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac was indeed a songbird, with her warm and soothing voice. As Lieutenant Uhura, Nichelle Nichols was a key part of the original “Star Trek” cast, breaking a few TV barriers along the way.

Deb Bauer

By Jim Coppinger, Milestone Senior Services Volunteer

A program for young women got its start in a New Jersey junior high school in 1944 and quickly spread across the country; that program became known as Candy Stripers—for the distinctive red and white striped uniforms worn by participant. Candy Stripers provided volunteer services to patients at local hospital patients.

One of those Candy Striper volunteers was Deb Bauer, who joined the organization when she was fourteen at nursing homes and Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. Deb fondly recalls visiting with patients—many of whom became like adopted grandparents.

Through the program, Deb recognized her passion for medical care and went on to became an RN (registered nurse). She later earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing at the University of Michigan.

Deb’s nursing career led her into obstetrics at both Borgess and Bronson Hospital as a Labor & Delivery nurse. Late in her profession, she took a position with General Electric’s electronic medical records division and helped medical centers across the country develop internal record and monitoring systems as well as ongoing training programs. Deb also volunteered for a program at Borgess

Hospital called “No One Dies Alone.” The program matched volunteers with terminally-ill patients who had no local family members for support.

Deb says volunteering has always been an important part of her life. She adds, when it comes to volunteer opportunities, “there are more needs than volunteers to fill them.”

For the past six years, Deb has been an active volunteer at the Discovery Store located on West Main in Kalamazoo. The Discovery Store is a non-profit retail-type store selling donated items to support the American Cancer Society’s 24-7 support line for cancer patients and family members. The Discovery Shop is a community partner agency with Milestone’s AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program.

The Discovery Store just celebrated its 30th anniversary. Deb says it is the perfect place to begin anyone’s volunteer experience. The store needs volunteers in all sorts of roles – to accept and process

donations, serve customers, help with pricing items, bookkeeping, stocking shelves, marketing, and everything in-between.

She says the great thing about working at the Discovery Store is the people who work and shop there—it is a warm and happy bunch of people. If you are interested in learning more, call the Discovery Store at (269) 345-0661. And if you would like to first try it out, stop by and the store would love to show you by shadowing one of the volunteers.

Deb has always has been an active person. When she’s not working or volunteering, you can find Deb bicycling somewhere around the state—she loves to ride her bike. She is also a quilter. When the pandemic hit, she sewed 250 masks for Bronson Hospital and pillowcases for the Pediatric unit. As Deb says, “Hobbies can be a means for volunteering–and from home. During COVID, Deb made and sold masks to raise funds for a meal program.

Milestone Senior Services (previously known as Senior Services of Southwest Michigan) is an AmeriCorps Seniors grantee. AmeriCorps Seniors empowers people age 55 and older to serve their communities. Milestone helps people find a volunteer opportunity that fits their passion. There are currently opportunities in Kalamazoo County and a few in Calhoun County. Volunteers are needed with Meals on Wheels, Companionship Calls or Visits, Transportation, Home Repair and Ramp Builds and more with area nonprofits. Regular, flexible schedules available. Contact Milestone’s Volunteer Services at 269-382-0515 or apply to volunteer at www.milestoneseniorservices.org.

“It all began with a pink and white-striped pinafore”–

Bella Biscotti!

by Laura Kurella

which is what I prefer. One that has a large serrated blade is ideal, but smaller serrated edged knives work too when you are cutting (sawing) the biscotti to ready it for its second trip in the oven. Also, remember to not over bake. Biscotti is difficult to judge doneness by eye because it will remain somewhat soft after the second baking, but it will continue to crisp up as it cools so be sure to stick to the baking instructions given in the recipe.

Finally, remember to store those precious biscotti in an airtight container. When stored properly, your fresh batch of biscotti will last you a few weeks.

Nutty Bella Berry Biscotti

3 extra-large eggs

1 cup granulated cane sugar

1 teaspoon grated orange zest

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1-teaspoon fresh baking soda

1-teaspoon unrefined mineral sea salt

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup hazelnuts or almonds (toasted, husked, coarsely chopped)

1 large egg white, beaten sugar for sprinkling

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a small bowl, beat the whole egg and 1 cup of sugar until thick. Beat in zest and vanilla. Slowly beat in flour, baking soda and salt. Add cranberries and nuts. Using floured hands move dough to the baking sheet and, using hands, form dough into a 2-inch-high loaf. Brush loaf with the beaten egg white then sprinkle with sugar.

Place in preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes on the pan.

Biscotti, which translates into “twice cooked,” best describes how these crispy cookies that are taking the world by storm, are made. Though traced back to Italy, these sweet, crisp cookies can now be found pretty near everywhere on the planet. Whether low in fat or sugar, frosted, full of fruits and nuts, or delicately flavored with lemon or spices, biscotti is a delicious treat that is easily home-made, and with all honesty, tastes far superior than store-bought, especially when made using high quality ingredients.

Though many may feel intimidated by them, anyone can have very good results when just a few simple tips are followed and the oven temperature and a timer is minded while cookies are baking along.

The first tip to making your biscotto its “bella” best is to never over-mix the dough. Mix it just until it sticks together. Next, make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or cooking spray to make removal and cleanup so much easier. Also be sure to have a sharp knife on hand. If not, you can turn to a good bread knife,

Reduce oven heat to 300 degrees. Using a sharp or serrated bread knife, cut the loaf into one-inch-thick slices.

Return slices to baking sheet and place cut side down, evenly spacing them.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes then flip slices over and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and place slices on a cooling rack to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

Approximate servings per recipe: 30. Per serving: Calories 82; Fat 3g; Carbohydrates 14g; Protein 2g.

Laura Kurella is an award-winning food columnist, recipe developer, and home cook who loves life in Michigan. She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@yahoo.com.

Lake Burger

By Richard Martinovich

We buy local products when we can. It helps our economy, and with food, it is a healthier choice. When produce doesn’t have to travel far, nutrients can stay intact. Relationships with local poultry and beef producers not only provide a reliable source, but a restaurant can know what animals are being fed and how they are treated.

Lake Burger has gone the extra mile to build strong and lasting relationships with area suppliers.

Carlson Farms in Lawton supplies Lake Burger with non-GMO, antibiotic and hormone-free beef from animals pastured and humanelyraised. Produce is from Crisp Country Acres Farm in Holland. Buns are made fresh by Renzema’s Bakery in Parchment.

Quality local ingredients really come out on the menu at Lake Burger. Taste it in the Lake Burger and Double Lake Burger; two pasture raised patties. Customers have taken

note! “Best burgers in town!” exclaimed one as he placed his order!

There is no mass production at Lake Burger. Fries are hand cut, and come with housemade ketchup and aioli -- mashed garlic, olive oil and salt! Shakes are hand spun with Plainwell Ice Cream! Malt your shake for free!

Lake Burger Tavern on Westnedge Avenue is their second location. The original owner sold Lake Burger on West Main to a friend, but both are committed to utilizing the same local producers. Lake Burger Tavern serves alcoholic beverages from Detroit City Distillery, which also uses locally sourced ingredients. There are weekly specials at each location and additional items are continually being added to the menus: Hotdogs, sandwiches, salads and desserts!

Really hungry and up for a challenge? The Hungry Boi Challenge on the Lake Burger West Main menu might be for you!

American cheese and burger sauce

two grilled cheese sandwiches could get

Three ¼-lb beef patties,

stuffed between

your photo on the Lake Burger “Wall of Fame!”

Lake Burger Tavern - 6800 S. Westnedge Avenue

Lake Burger - 4404 W. Main Street

The North Country Trail

United States is home to 11 National Scenic Hiking Trails totaling 24,600 miles. Of these 11, North Country National Scenic Trail has the most hiking trail miles. It stretches 4,800 miles across eight states, MI, MN, ND, NY, OH, PA, VT, and WI. Lowell, located midpoint, is National Headquarters to the North Country Trail Association. Michigan alone has 1,150 trail miles to explore, the most of all eight states.

North Country Trail Association/Chief Noonday Chapter’s mission is to build, maintain, protect and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail. Volunteers have poured thousands of hours into these trails maintaining and protecting 58 miles in Calhoun County, 13 in Kalamazoo County and 48 in Barry County. We welcome you to join our Chapter by signing up at northcountrytrail.org/trail/michigan/cnd/.

Take the “Hike the County Challenge” and hike one, two or all three counties during a calendar year by registering at hikethecounty@gmail.com. Email when you complete a county and receive a patch. Simultaneously complete the “Hike 100 Challenge” within that same calendar year by registering at northcountrytrail.org/hike-100-challenge/signup/. Receive a commemorative patch and certificate upon completion. Join us and discover the North Country Trail Association/Chief Noonday Chapter trails.

Amy Seymour, Volunteer

NCTA/CND North Country Trail Association/Chief Noonday Chapter

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” John Muir

Birding as a Hobby or a Passion

By Kimberly Zewatsky Kalamazoo Nature Center

If you simply bought bird seed for your backyard feeder, you contributed to the 20 billion dollar a year eco-tourism industry. Active birders spend on the average between $1,500 and $3.400 a year with travel being the major expenditure. Some ardent birders will head out to various parts of the country with southeastern Arizona being a highly favored hot spot.

But locally, you can go birding and discover a great variety of species at little cost and minimal effort. The best time for bird watching is during migration in the spring or fall. “If you live in Kalamazoo, try the Kalamazoo Nature Center or Kleinstuck Preserve.” said Kalamazoo Nature Center’s Research Project Coordinator John Brenneman, who conducts a daily bird survey at Kleinstuck Preserve.

“The best way to get started is to go on local bird walks with Kalamazoo Audubon Society or other birding groups. Binoculars are a good first step in equipment and even the cheaper ones are better than they used to be.” said John Brenneman. Technology is a game changer for birders everywhere with free online app’s that assist bird enthusiasts with access to the Internet. eBird is an online database of bird observations from around the world. The information gathered is helpful for scientists, researchers and citizen scientists. Merlin is another app that birders use that gets into more detailed species information based on data from eBird.

Brenneman said 20 years ago, when he started out, birders relied on bird books and used a rare bird alert telephone hotline to report rare sightings. He said information would be three or four days old. Now, the word

would get out to fellow birders almost immediately.

Birding is for everyone. The latest survey on birdwatching, conducted in 2016 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, indicated that the average age for ‘Away-From-Home’ birders was 49 with 47 percent under the age of 45. The average age for ‘Around-The-Home’ birdwatcher was 54, with 33 percent under the age of 45. Brenneman indicated younger folks are becoming more interested in part, because of the competition element, and the fact that almost everyone carries a computer, (cell phone) with them, in their pocket or purse. Birds are practically everywhere. In every type of habitat, there’s some sort of bird in there. They fill every niche, said Brenneman. It’s how and

where you find them and what extent. He also offers this wardrobe suggestion for birders, “I never wear what I call swishy clothes like down vests. I usually wear a hooded sweatshirt with layers underneath. You know, quieter clothes.” He does a lot of bird identification by sound and walking is noisy enough he added.

“Birding is as challenging as you want it to be. It’s how far you want to go. Go out and enjoy the songs and identify a few things. You don’t have to be hardcore about it. Or, you can go out and try to find every single species and learn the nuances or the differences,” Brenneman said, “It is part of the passion or obsession or just a hobby.”

Learn more about birding and get involved at NatureCenter.org

Are you a passionate birder, a novice, or an enthusiastic bird-lover? Let’s find out.

By Dave Person david.r.person@gmail.com

The skies are always blue at Kalamazoo’s iconic State Theatre.

Sure, the 96-year-old entertainment venue has seen its dark days, but designer John Eberson wanted to make sure it wasn’t because of the theater-goer’s surroundings, so he created a theater that resembles a Spanish courtyard.

With a sky blue ceiling and “stars” that appear when the lights go dim in the “atmospheric theater,” as it is called, visitors have the sensation of being outside during performances.

AFTER 96 YEARS, THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THIS KALAMAZOO TREASURE

says. “We need this community to let us know, ‘What do you want in this space?’”

That’s the way it felt 30-some years ago to Stephanie Hinman when she first visited the State as a child.

That memory remains with her, and today, Hinman, the executive director in charge of the theater, is still in love with the atmosphere of the building and sees it as her responsibility to the community to maintain it to the best of her ability.

“There is so much that has happened within these walls that are part of people’s memories,” she says.

“We’re working on a good plan for the sustainability of this (facility),” she

So far, Hinman, who has been in her current position since 2014, seems to have struck the right chord with the community. Many of the venue’s music and comedy shows and films are sold out well in advance.

It looks like that will be the case again this year with such acts as Gregory Alan Isakov on Feb. 1; “Weird Al” Yankovic, with special guest Emo Phillips, on Feb. 2; Snarky Puppy on April 2; and the “Bored Teachers: We Can’t Make This Stuff Up!” comedy show on April 13.

The State, a member of the League of Historic American Theaters and recipient in 2021 of National Register of Historic Places status, was built at the

close of the silent-film and vaudeville era by W.S. Butterfield, whose company ran it until 1982.

Its Barton organ accompanied silent films there for 10 years, until 1937 when “talkies” took over.

PHOTO BY DEREK KETCHUM

The organ was played sporadically after that and was restored in the 1960s, but is currently dormant, though Hinman says it may someday be playable again.

The first entertainment when the theater opened July 14, 1927 was the film, “Frisco Sally Levy,” starring Sally O’Neil and Roy D’Arcy; Austin Mack’s Century Serenaders; and Ned Worth and His Talking Piano.

Many local attendees got in free with tickets dropped over the city from an airplane, while others had to pay 50 cents for admittance.

Vaudeville gave way to the big bands of the 1940s and the likes of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Ted Weems performed there.

Among the other performers to take the stage were entertainer Victor Borge, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen & Co., the Three Stooges and magician Harry Blackstone Sr.

For much of its existence the theater has been primarily a movie venue, with a new enlarged screen added in 1953 for the showing of “The Robe,” and an even larger screen installed in 1957 for “Around the World in 80 Days.”

A major overhaul of the building was undertaken in 1964, the year the 45-foot vertical “State” sign at the corner of Burdick and Lovell streets rusted out and crashed to the ground. It was re-

placed by the current marquee. During the remodeling project, seating was reduced from 1,800 to 1,400, and 10 years later, when the balcony was closed to save money, seating was further reduced to 870 seats.

The balcony later was reopened and Hinman says ticketed seating capacity is now 1,524.

When Butterfield pulled out in 1982, there were concerns for the future of the theater. Local arts groups and city officials launched a “Save the State” committee to keep it alive.

In 1985, it was purchased by the Hinman Co., a real estate development, management and leasing company run by Hinman’s father, Roger.

“We’ve tried to act as a landlord and have people come in and rent it from us; that didn’t work,” Roger Hinman said in a 2014 Kalamazoo Gazette article. “Ultimately, we had to take it over. We had to run it ourselves.”

That’s what Stephanie Hinman has been doing ever since. Previously the Hinman Co.’s director of sustainability, she began with a major backstage painting and carpeting project. More recently, the theater has added air conditioning,

and has new carpeting throughout the theater area, itself, and the renovated ticket offices.

She has expanded the staff from two to 10 full-timers in marketing, ticketing, sales and production. “It was hard just managing the phones,” she says of the small staff she inherited.

With a corps of part-timers standing by, the number of workers on concert nights can go as high as 78, depending on who is touring, she says.

In addition to concerts, the venue serves the community in many ways, Hinman says, from hosting weddings to participating in events such as the Bell’s Brewery “Snow Jog,” the National Day of Racial Healing and the annual Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook Off, all of which are held in January.

Hinman says the goals of the State Theatre are to preserve the historic building and to offer diverse programming to the community.

With a steady stream of performers taking the stage over the last several years, Hinman enjoys reminiscing about the acts.

“My all-time favorite is Greensky Bluegrass,” she says of the band that performs there frequently, and “Kalamzoo loves, Anthony Hamilton.”

Hinman gives credit to the community for the staying power of the theater, and to her staff for their dedication.

“We’ve got a good team of people who care about what they’re doing. They care about our patrons, each other and this building,” she says. “That’s really cool.”

HEALTHYLIVING:

Matters of the Heart

Make a vow to yourself and for the ones you love to lower blood pressure and reduce sodium intake during American Heart Month

February is American Heart Month and as a leading community-based organization committed to improving the nation’s health, the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo urges everyone in southwest Michigan to help prevent heart disease by lowering your blood pressure. Two ways to keep the pressure off your heart are by monitoring your blood pressure and reducing sodium intake.

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the nation’s number one killer, responsible for 1 in 3 deaths each year in the United States. Additionally, 32.6 percent—about 80 million adults—have high blood pressure with less than half having it under control. High blood pressure is most prevalent in minority communities, and is often referred to as “The Silent Killer” because there are typically no warning signs or symptoms.

The Y at Maple Street offers free blood pressure checks to the community:

Maple Y - 1001 W. Maple St.:

2nd and 4th Thursday 11:00am – noon with Cynthia Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a four-month period, along with regular physical activity,

proper nutrition and reducing sodium intake, may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Besides monitoring your blood pressure, reducing sodium intake is a great way to keep your heart healthy. Per the American Heart Association (AHA), too much sodium in your system puts an extra burden on your heart and blood vessels. In some people, this may lead to or raise high blood pressure. Everyone, including kids, should reduce their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day (about 1 teaspoon of salt). Having less sodium in your diet may help you lower or avoid high blood pressure.

Here are a few tips from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help reduce sodium in your diet.

1. Think fresh: Eat highly processed foods less often and in smaller portions. Fresh foods are generally lower in sodium.

2. Enjoy home-prepared foods: Cook more often at home—where you are in control of what’s in your food.

3. Fill up on veggies and fruits—they are naturally low in sodium: Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits—fresh or frozen. Eat a vegetable or fruit at every meal.

4. Adjust your taste buds: Cut back on salt little by little—and pay attention to the natural tastes of various foods. Your taste for salt will lessen over time.

5. Boost your potassium intake: Choose foods with potassium, which may help to lower your blood pressure.

The YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo offers a community of diverse individuals who can support all people in meeting their health and well-being goals. Learn more by visiting kzooymca.org or stop at a Y that is closest to you.

Vicky Kettner is the Association Director of Marketing, Community Relations, and Member Engagement for the YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo.

Book Reviews

Before We Were Yours

Lisa Wingate

Iinspired by true events. Avery Stafford is a successful federal prosecutor with a bright future unfolding. She returns home to help her father who is battling cancer.One day, while visiting a nursing home, she meets an elderly woman and knows, that somehow, there is a connection, between this woman and her grandmother. Thus begins her journey to uncover the truth. The book is written from two viewpoints, Avery’s, in the present and the other twelve-year-old Rill, set in 1939 Tennessee. Beware, this is a book that will steal your heart and stir up your emotions.

Once Upon a Wardrobe

Patti Callahan

Patti Callahan ponders how the events in C. S. Lewis’ life, particularly his childhood, inspired him to create the magical and mythical world of Narnia and the cast of characters inhabiting it. Set in 1950, we follow 19-yearold Megs Devonshire and her eight-year-old brother, George. Megs studies math and science at Oxford and relies on facts versus intuition; stories have never held much interest for her. When terminally ill and bedridden George becomes infatuated with the newly published The Lion,

The Witch and The Wardrobe and implores her to find out more about the source for Narnia, Megs finds herself visiting C. S. Lewis, an Oxford don who goes by Jack, and his brother, Warnie, in hopes of answering George’s questions about the fantastical world. Readers will reach for it again and again, eager to be reminded that love will prevail and imagination leads people down fantastical paths.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hug

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Evelyn Hugo, an aging, reclusive movie star, decides she wants to tell her life story, and she wants only one person to write it: a young journalist named Monique Grant. Monique is excited as this could launch her career but also confused. Why her? Evelyn promises all will be revealed in time and begins to tell her story. So begins her recount of her life: how she made it big in Hollywood, the sacrifices and compromises she made for her success, and of course each of the seven men she married. They were sometimes awful and sometimes sympathetic and sometimes somewhere in between, but they were each fascinating in their own way. There was one, of course, that was her great love. The most interesting of all is Evelyn. Beautiful, proud, lovable, complex, and pragmatic, she leaps off the page. She is the heart and soul of this wonderful book.

Book Reviews by the Portage District Library staff

Wednesday

WARRIORS

What’s in Your Trunk?

When the Wednesday Warriors pull up to a preserve, we pop open our trunks, and amazing things appear. When we volunteer for the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, we are privileged to see a lot of different preserves needing all kinds of habitat restoration. So we need all kinds of gear, depending on the job at hand, and our own personal passions/tastes

Some Warriors are specialists, with bags for collecting seeds in season. Some are really into gear, engineering a perfect 3D-printed herbicide applicator. We even have a hospitality specialist who dazzles us with hot chocolate at the end of a snowy workday.

My favorite is the chainsaw brigade, a growing cadre of enthusiasts who bring their own assortment of blade sizes, fuel choices, and all the accou-

trements. Joe brings a sled to haul all his gear. My other favorite is the new person who shows up with a whole trunk full of well-used gear, ready for action. No orientation or training required. And then there’s the botanical enthusiasts who have replaced their backpacks full of field guides with apps on their phone. They can steer the rest of us on whether a leafless tree is friend or foe as we clear the understory on a winter day.

I seem to be famous for all the duct tape I keep applying to my favorite jacket after emerging from a multiflora rose thicket with a new battle scar. We bring buckets, loppers, pruners, hedge trimmers, holsters, floppy hats, chaps, bug spray, kneehigh rubber boots, heavy gloves, and enthusiasm! You might also find a hand saw, daypack, flagging tape, water bottle, trash bags, extra work gloves, cell phone, snack bars, hand lens, bandanna, a change of clothes, a pack or two of toe warmers.

And a cup, for post-workday gathering. We don’t greet someone with “what’s your sign?” but rather, “where did you get those loppers?”

If your trunk looks a little empty, why don’t you throw in a pair of work gloves, and join us some Wednesday? We also have a spin-off group that works on Mondays. Email conserveland@swmlc. org to get on our mailing list or check out the website for details. Attendance is week-by-week as your schedule permits. And, about all that other gear – don’t worry, it’ll just happen.

Kristi Chapman, volunteer, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy

Movie Reviews

Considered both a religious allegory, and a moving coming of age drama, French director Robert Bresson’s masterful Au Hassard Balthazar (1966) is a story that unhurriedly builds to its poignant conclusion—one that is as poetic as it is imbued with symbolic meaning. The titular character is a donkey whose trials and tribulations are depicted from the beginning of his life, when he is born to a family in provincial France, to when he frees himself from the bondage of humans. The donkey’s life is one governed by chance, and mostly shown in unsentimental terms as Balthazar travels from one owner to another. An early scene in the film shows children baptizing the animal, giving critics plenty of reason to suggest that Bresson sees in the suffering, dignified animal, a spiritual quality—a symbol for humanity trapped in a world of chaos, inhumanity and imperfection. Like many of his films before and after, Bresson often cast untrained actors as a way of shrinking the influence of performative mannerisms, giving his films an austere, naturalistic look and feel. Bresson’s exploration of the themes of redemption, compassion and grace, through the eyes of an animal, may leave some audiences sapped, but the art house connoisseur will want to seek out this highly influential film. – Submitted by Ryan

Gage

The Banshees of Inisherin

It’s 1923 and while Free State forces clash with the Irish Republican Army on the mainland, life on the fictional western Irish island of Inisherin moves at a very different pace. Pádraic (Colin Farrell) is a milk farmer and a man of habit, which involves calling on his old friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson) every day at about 2pm for a pint at the pub. Pádraic’s routine is thwarted when Colm brusquely informs him that he finds him dull and no longer wishes to see or speak to him – so much so that Colm threatens to cut off one of his own fingers for each attempt on

tion. Pádraic responds with a degree of understandable incredulity while Colm focuses on nonchalantly completing the composition of a violin piece. When Pádraic presses him to reconsider, we find out that his threat is anything but hyperbolic. Farrell and Gleeson have undeniable chemistry in general, but in the hands of director Martin McDonagh, it becomes impossible to imagine casting anyone else. Filmed principally on Inishmore and Achill Island, the bucolic landscape intertwines beautifully with the bleak prospects of the island’s residents, serving to bring ever more into focus both the humor and despair at the film’s core. – Submitted by Patrick Jouppi

The Velvet Underground

Todd Haynes’ documentary on The Velvet Underground is at its best in its opening hour, which provides an overview of the New York avant-garde art scene in the 1960’s while exploring the formation of the group. Already immersed in that scene as a classically trained violist and keyboardist, Welsh transplant and founding member John Cale (interviewed extensively) makes his mark performing pieces by John Cage and collaborating with La Monte Young. These avant-garde tendencies meet Lou Reed’s brutally honest rock and roll heart head-on when the Velvet Underground is formed in 1965. Reed’s voiceovers join Cale’s remembrances (along with drummer Maureen Tucker’s, and other members of Andy Warhol’s Factory scene) to illuminate the push and pull dynamic of a rock band with an avantgarde bent, unexplored on record at the time the VU connects with Warhol (who adds vocalist Nico to the band), leading to the release of their now-legendary 1st LP. The artifice of the scene is in sharp contrast to the emotional wallop the VU could produce on stage and vinyl. The short shrift given to the post-Cale VU lineup leaves this documentary with a dispassionate tone. The Velvet Underground is most enlightening for the uninitiated, who should give their original recordings a listen for best effect. – Submitted by Karl

Knack

Reviews submitted by Ryan Gage. These great titles and others are available at the Kalamazoo Public Library.

L.G. Bragg & Co. Union Nurseries

by Keith Howard, Kalamazoo Public Library

After the Michigan Asylum for the Insane (Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital) opened in 1859, the “road to Genesee Prairie” south of Kalamazoo became known as Asylum Road and remained as such for decades. Today, it’s difficult to imagine how the busy thoroughfare now called Oakland Drive was once little more than a muddy rural road. Yet long before it became a modern residential community, there was big business growing (quite literally) along that old dirt trail. During the 1860s, an enterprising grower from Paw Paw named Leonard Bragg purchased a farm on the west side of Asylum Road near Woods Lake and established a prosperous fruit and ornamental tree nursery. Bragg’s Union Nurseries employed hundreds and grew to be among the oldest and largest fruit and ornamental tree nurseries in the country. Bragg supplied growers throughout the Midwest and along the Eastern Seaboard with prime seedlings and quality nursery stock for more than half a century.

Leonard Gilmore Bragg was born in 1830 in Monroe County, New York. In 1857, he moved to Michigan and began a nursery business near Paw Paw with his older brother P.I. Bragg. After nearly a decade in operation, the brothers parted ways. P.I. Bragg remained in Antwerp Township, while Leonard purchased 83 acres of land south of Kalamazoo from pioneer Smith Wood and established

the Union Nurseries with partner Edgar M. Potter. Bragg and Potter soon went their separate ways, but the Union Nurseries flourished and eventually covered most of the land between Woods Lake and the Michigan Asylum with headquarters along the west side of Asylum Road, about where Winchell Avenue is now located. Bragg also leased additional property south of Woods Lake, where he removed the oak timber and planted extensive orchards on the land that would later become the Oakwood Neighborhood.

At its peak, Bragg’s Union Nurseries encompassed more than 300 acres with millions of trees under cultivation, from ornamental hardwoods and evergreens to fruit trees and berry bushes. The

company employed more than 100 workers on the nursery grounds and maintained a 150-member sales force that canvassed a dozen states across the Midwest and portions of Canada. The company’s exhibit of fruit trees and evergreens at the 1877 State Fair was called “the smoothest, hardiest, and most healthful ever seen.” To help streamline the transplanting process, Bragg patented a laborsaving “tree-digger” device that when hitched to a team of his prized Clydesdale horses could extract trees from the ground by the row.

In 1886, Bragg formed a partnership with former village treasurer William C. Hoyt and moved his residence and offices to the corner of Main and Elm streets. Although semi-retired by then, Bragg continued to raise his prizewinning Clydesdales while keeping close watch over his nursery operation. Leonard Bragg passed away in April 1907 at the age of 76. Bragg’s orchards eventually became family neighborhoods. Bragg’s home and offices on Main Street were later replaced by a grocery store, which now houses Comensoli’s Italian Restaurant. And if you look carefully, you might still see scattered remnants of Leonard Bragg’s Union Nurseries in the form of the aging apple trees and evergreens that dot the Winchell and Oakwood neighborhoods.

More at kpl.gov

Every so often, Jackie and I will head up to Grand Rapids for the day. If it is warm weather, we sometimes bring bikes and ride around the Heritage Hill Historic District. The neighborhood is chocked full of gorgeous old houses. The District, located Northeast of downtown, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the largest urban historic districts in the U.S. After admiring the beautiful homes, we enjoy a stop at Martha’s Pizza for a delicious slice of pizza or two and grab a scone at the Nantucket Baking Company. Both are located at the corner of Lyon St. NE and Union Ave.

Nearby on Fulton St. East, there are a handful of great stores and another great Bakery-Van’s Pastry Shoppe.

Van’s originally opened in the 1930’s and is the oldest bakery In Grand Rapids. Their display cases are overflowing with dozens varieties of donuts and cookies. The walls are lined with a huge toy and colorful cookie jar collection. The donuts are very reasonably priced from $1.25 to $1.75 for their tasty glazed cinnamon rolls.

Tales road FROM THE ~

Grand Rapids ~

By Steve Ellis

north of 28th St. The unassuming exterior does not do justice to the warm and cozy feeling inside. The brightly colored walls are adorned with vintage National Park Posters. We share the large and delicious Westside Scramble (eggs, thick sliced polish sausage , onions, tomato, home fries, green peppers, and cheddar cheese) and two buttermilk pancakes. We enjoy sitting at the counter and chat with cooks in the open kitchen area while watching our food being prepared. They have another location north of downtown on Plainfield.

belly up to the counter and are quickly drawn into the lively conversation. Jackie and I split the delicious Gumshoe Omelette: Ham, Cheese, Onions and Mushrooms, served with toastwe add on a side order of pancakes.

The John Ball Zoo is a favorite summer destination and Jackie’s grandkids love it.

The zoo began when, upon his death in 1884, John Ball left 40 acres of land to the City of Grand Rapids to be used as a park. At the time of the gift, the city fathers were skeptical of its value. However by the 1890’s, what was then known as the Ball 40 had become the “Central Park” of Grand Rapids. Animals were added and it it did well until the Depression caused the zoo to fall on hard times and most of the animals were given to other zoos.

This past fall, we had a fun trip to the zoo. The grandkids loved the grizzly bear and the pandas, however pandas sleep 20 hours per day so they are hard to catch awake. After leaving, we stopped at the Rise Authentic Baking Co. around the corner for some yummy cupcakes. They are a little pricey, but the pastries are gluten free, vegan, soy free and free of all artificial flavors and colors.

Grand Rapids is also home to a few dozen breweries. Two of our favorite include: Brewery Vivant (they specialize in European beers), located in a refurbished funeral home at 925 Cherry St. The Mitten Brewing Co. is on Fulton St., located in the historic Engine House #9. It’s a vintage baseball themed microbrewery that pairs handcrafted beers with gourmet pizza.

For years, our favorite place for breakfast has been the Real Food Cafe at 2419 Eastern Ave SE a few blocks

Another great breakfast choice that we enjoy when we’re heading up north each month to visit Jackie’s Mom, is the Choo Choo Grill. It is right off of 131-take the Leonard St exit east to Plainfield.

The building was built in 1924 as the yard office for Shipman Coal Company and became The Choo Choo Grill in 1946.

The small red brick building holds only 20 customers. There are a few booths and an L shaped counter with stools and the walls are adorned with railroad history. Customers are jovial and enjoy visiting with the cook, Cathy, who doesn’t miss a beat with the conversation while preparing several breakfast dishes all at once. We

In 1949, Katherine Whinery, a resident of Grand Rapids and a zoo lover, became determined to form a Zoo Society and resurrect the John Ball Zoo. She met with the mayor and asked for help and guidance. An invitation was sent to every service club in Grand Rapids asking for one member to attend a meeting to discuss rebuilding the Zoo. The result of this meeting was the formation of the John Ball Zoological Society, which raised money to build a new zoo.

Grand Rapids has a lot to offer and we always find something new. I’ve recently heard about a great new bakery, Chartreuse Sisters French Patisserie, on Wealthy Street that we need to check out on out next visit!

Downtown Kalamazoo Theaters

With the cover feature on the State Theatre, it is worth noting that downtown Kalamazoo has had many other theaters over the years.

Here are a few:

Capitol- It was located on South Street, East of Burdick and originally opened as the Majestic in 1907. It reopened as the Capitol in 1924 and closed in 1976.

FullerIt was located on South Burdick, north of South Street and operated from 1909 to 1953.

Michigan-It was located on Michigan Ave, East of Burdick and operated from 1934 to 1961.

Uptown-It was located at 247 North Burdick and operated from 1938-1959.