Good News April 2023

Remember When

Henry and Etta Wolbers opened Wolbers in Portage as a neighborhood general store in 1916; selling crackers out of a barrel, bulk flour and even button shoes.

The store was located at 106 E. Centre Street, an unpaved road at the time. Their home was located on the same property behind the store, as was popular at the time. They also offered a charge account on groceries with no interest or charges.

Wolbers became a local mainstay and went on to become Wolbers Shopping Center; the first shopping

center and the first Spartan store in the Portage area. They sold a variety of items from grocery to garden tools, auto supplies and even gasoline. In addition, they had a camera department and a fountain.

The soda fountain was a popular local treasure, known for their sodas, ice cream, malts and sundaes. They were also known for a fountain drink named Suicide, which included all 7 of their syrup flavors in one drink for just 6 cents.

Because of their location on the corner of S. Westnedge and E. Centre

Street, within walking distance from the Portage Township Public Schools Complex (now Portage Central), the soda fountain became a local hangout for many high school students at lunchtime and after school. In addition many high school students landed their first job in the Wolbers store, as clerks, cashiers and to help customers carry out their purchases.

Former patrons contributed their fond memories of Wolbers on the Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook site and I have include a few: “I walked there many times for a 5 cent ice

cream cone”. “As a young child, I would sneak with my nickel to Wolbers to buy candy, so many sweet memories.” “I went to Wolbers every school day for lunch in the 10th, 11th and 12th grades, until I graduated in 1965 from PHS. A hot dog, coke and a cigarette.” “We always went to Wolbers for groceries when I was a child. I also loved the soda fountain. I remember they let people charge their groceries too. Henry and Etta Wolbers, were wonderful people, as well as their son Bob.” “Was only place we could go in high school on lunch. Not allowed to leave in your car back then.” “Went there everyday for vanilla shake and 2 boxes of Jujubes.” “We used to ride our bikes up there for candy, ice cream bars, and comic books. A couple of quarters used to buy quite a bit back in the 60’s!”

The Wolbers son, Robert (Bob), joined the family business in 1953 and increased the size of the Portage store. Additionally, he opened a second location just four miles west of the Center Street business, in Texas Corners that he operated for 17 years. The owners cited “progress” as the reason they chose to close and offer the corner property for sale, which presently houses Muffler Man. Sadly, Wolbers Shopping Center closed their doors in Portage on June 30, 1967.

Jackie Merriam

Sources: KG 5/9/67, Facebook/Vanished Kalamazoo.lifestory.com

Photo courtesy of Portage District Library

Helping Birds Find a Nesting Place Where You can Observe Them

I know it’s hard to believe after recent winter storms, but there are signs that spring bird activity is cranking up a little early this year. That means it’s time to clean out your existing nest boxes and plan for any nesting sites for your feathered neighbors you choose to add. The good news is that after our relatively snowless winter, it’ll be easy this year. Since birds are beginning to return to nesting territories and looking for a safe place to raise a family, there’s no better time than now.

Many Michigan birds nest in holes in trees and fence posts. Although some birds, such as woodpeckers, can chisel their own holes with their heavy, sharp bills, other cavity-nesters must find suitable holes for nesting. Unfortunately, suitable nest cavities can be hard to find. One way to solve the nest-site shortage is to provide artificial cavities, like birdhouses and nest boxes. More than 50 species will use birdhouses and nest boxes. Some of these birds include Bluebirds, Kestrels, Owls, Titmice, Chickadees, Nuthatches, Wrens, Tree Swallows and Woodpeckers. Some of these had declining populations, but by providing suitable spots for these beautiful birds to build their nests, you are helping boost their populations. Two great examples are Eastern Bluebirds and Wood Ducks, which have both made dramatic comebacks.

When maintained correctly and monitored, nest boxes can be a huge help to birds.

Something to keep in mind as you head down this path; if you don’t have a horse pasture or a large open field, think about species other than bluebirds. A backyard is NOT enough space, not even a big one. That being said, a bluebird nest box

is truly a universal nest box since all smaller cavity nesters can get in through the opening. The downside is that house sparrows are included, and they are a vicious predator of these boxes. Nest boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the species that’s targeted. The size of the opening determines who can use it, so you need to know who your feathered neighbors are prior to picking a nest box. To further encourage nesting birds to your yard, provide nesting material like cotton and straw.

I’m certain you’ve heard the three most important things to consider when choosing real estate: location, location and location. It’s true with

discipline, social skills, patience, perseverance, teamwork, and how to accept defeat.

I was so impressed watching my grandson’s baseball team last spring with the camaraderie they created and the support they provided to one another during practices and games.

nest boxes too. Birds don’t nest randomly; they are actually quite picky about where they build their nests. If you want them to use it you’ve got to put it where a bird will see it, you’ve got to make it easy. If you see chickadees in the tree line in the back of your yard, then that would be where you want to put a chickadee box. Look for nest boxes that are screwed together and made out of thicker wood. Wedel’s carries some of the best wooden nest boxes and feeders available. The best part is they are made locally just up M-43 in Delton. Bill Stovall, the owner of Stovall Wood Products, has been a friend and knowledge source for nearly 30 years. You name it, any

species-specific nest box from wrens to Barred Owls and Wood Ducks, if it’s not in stock at Wedel’s, they can get it for you.

If you have nest box questions give Roger a holler: roger@wildbirdradio. com or stop to visit the bird experts at Wedel’s.

Putting a nest box on your property will not only provide a home for birds, but will also provide enjoyable bird watching for you.

Article by Roger Taylor, Birdwatch radio program host with Terrie Schwartz, Wedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center.

With spring sports just around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to remind spectators that children’s involvement in sports is about so much more than winning. It’s an opportunity to build their self-confidence and selfesteem, to learn to manage emotions,

It’s important to remember that many of the kids are often put into positions that they’ve never played. What courage it must take to walk out to the pitcher’s mound during a game and try pitching for the first time, because your team needs a relief pitcher.

The memory from last season that sticks with me the most, is about a boy on my grandson’s team that was afraid to go up to bat. The team took an out every time that he came up in the batting order. The kids never bothered him

about this. It was just accepted. Near the end of the season, the boy got up the courage to stand at the plate and swing. During one game when he was at bat against a very fast pitcher and chose not to swing, getting a walk. The team and the boy were elated as he got the chance to feel the excitement of running the bases. Before the season ended, the boys’ bat made contact with the ball. The team chanted his name and the spectators cheered wildly.

After the final game, his mom shared with me that her son was planning to quit baseball after the season, but with all the encouragement, he decided to play again next season. This, in my opinion, is the epitome of what kids sports is all about!

Jackie Merriam

good news neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Kalamazoo is unique. Some neighborhoods are young, some are old. Some have curvy streets while others are grid based, and all neighborhoods have different building types. Much of the variety in the character depends on when the neighborhood began - different styles of houses, streets and building types were in fashion at different points of history. Historic Preservation is a way to protect and promote the unique identity of each neighborhood. The City of Kalamazoo has dedicated both staff and resources to promote historic preservation. This year, the standards & guidelines for local historic districts will be updated and the city is looking for input from citizens at the neighborhood level.

People often ask, “what is historic preservation?” Historic preservation is a conversation with our past about our future. It gives us a chance to ask, “what is important to our history?” and “What parts of our past can we save for the future?” Historic preservation lets us look at history in different ways and learn new things about our local community and ourselves. In Kalamazoo, Historic Preservation deals with safeguarding the heritage of the city. This can take a physical form through the historic districts and an educational form

through tools like books, documents, and workshops.

Being able to interact with the houses and other buildings around us, is perhaps the best way to share a piece of history with future generations. Local Historic Districts are areas of historically significant buildings that are protected by a Historic District Ordinance. The City appoints a Historic District Commission to review work on the outside

of properties, to determine if the work meets Historic District Standards. In Kalamazoo, there are five Local Historic Districts: Haymarket (downtown), Rose Place, South Street – Vine Area, Stuart Area, and West Main Hill. These districts contain over 2,000 properties between them and display a wide variety of house styles.

Historic preservation guidelines are intended to provide the people

in Kalamazoo who live, work and play in Local Historic Districts with guidelines for rehabilitation, new construction, alteration, demolition, and repairs, which would affect the exteriors of historically designated buildings and neighborhoods. This year, these standards and guidelines will be revised to become a more user-friendly, effective, and current document. Some of the proposed changes include a new lay-out, renewable energy, and application process flowcharts.

The city would like public input on the revision process. Currently there is a survey that can be completed at http://www.imaginekalamazoo.com/ projects/historic-district-standards/. Additionally, there will be opportunities for in person input at the neighborhood level to discuss the first draft of revisions:

• Stuart | Tues. May 9

6:30 - 7:30 pm | Station #5

• West Main Hill | Wed. May 17 7:30 pm | Kalamazoo College, Olmsted Room in Mandelle Hall

• Vine | Sat. May 20

12 - 4 pm| Vine Neighborhood Assoc.

Luis Pena, Historic Preservation Coordinator

In Search of our Super-Powers A Mother and Daughter Adventure Series Kids Nowadays

Ellen: As a kid, I remember the joy a major storm would bring, rare enough to celebrate but regular enough to count on for a day or two off school. This year is different though. Every week a front moves through dumping snow or ice, knocking out power for a few days, and then everything melts before the next front announces it’s arrival. We’ve been lucky on the property damage front: only minor branches

have come down and we’ve had a few flickers in power; nothing to complain about. The snow has been heavy and in significant enough quantities that my Apple Watch has started registering my shoveling sessions as workouts. Hey, I don’t have to hit the elliptical afterwards.

Jane: Last month, when the ice storm bejeweled our fair city, we opened the window shades in the morning to see our neighbors outside picking up our branches. Pulling on our boots we joined them along with the kids across the street, the guy with the Sawzall, and the couple who own the camper. We were only working for a few minutes when someone brought a ladder and another neighbor handed out rakes. Dean has a gas-powered chain saw and his moment had arrived. This went on for two days straight. We learned each other’s names and, even better, each other’s smiles.

As the last log was rolled off the last fence, I looked at Cindy and asked if we could help in her yard. She said, “I hired mine done so I could help over here. A couple of

teenagers came by in a truck and I signed them up on the spot.”

“What luck!” I said.

She smiled. “Even better. When they were done, I asked how much I owed them, and they waved their hands and said, Nah, it’s okay. I said,

well, it’s not okay with me. I paid them cash and was glad to put in extra.”

I shook my head in amazement. “Kids nowadays!”

Ellen Radke and Jane Knuth

Hope IS: The Extraordinary Story of YOU

Hope Whispers; Nature Speaks: How Both can Aid us In Reframing our Life Stories

our Lives 6 W E E K S 1 0 W E E K S

The Puzzle Pieces of 5 W E E K S 1 H O U R

5 W E E K S

The Art of Hearing: A Course in Meaningful Relationships in Virtual Spaces

Hope Continues to Whisper Part II The Art of Hearing Webinar

E X P L O R I N G S T O R I E S O F L I F E C O N T A C T C H R I S T I N E @ H O P E W H I P S E R S N E T F O R D E T A I L S A L L C O U R S E S A R E F A C I L I T A T E D V I R T U A L L Y Y E T T E A C H I N G I S I N R E A L T I M E S T A R T D A T E S F O R S P R I N G C O U R S E S : M A Y 1 5 , 2 0 2 3

L Lone W one Women: A No omen: A Novvel el by Vic tor LaValle (One World)

A homestead far from pr ying eyes offers Adelaide a fresh star t in 1915 Montana. She makes a few female friends–after all, lone women need to stick together. But a secret that won’t be contained or silenced soon threatens her new life. Horror mixed with resilient characters in complex relationships make this a must-read for fans of A Dangerous Business and When Women Were Dragons”

M Mararch 2023: ch The top ten books published this month that librar y staff across the countr y love

" The Lark in siblings face years of sadness and questions after their mother disappears. Many speculate their father k illed her, but he s always maintained his innocence What is the truth?

The stor y spans several decades and features multiple narrators including the mother The characters are deftly explored and are ver y raw and real. For readers of suspenseful fiction and family dramas ”

Hang the M the Moon: A No oon: Novvel el

the grey areas of the law is set in Prohibition-era small-town Virginia. This is a must-read for anyone who craves fiction that has unforgettable characters, a relatively quick pace for literar y fiction, and a well-researched background For fans of Sue Monk K idd and K aye Gibbons ”

The top books published this month that librarians across the country love

Clyt Clytemnestra: emnestra: A No A Novvel el by Costanza

“ This triumphant retelling of Greek legend traces Clytemnestra's life through her childhood in warring Spar ta to her marriage and the end of the Trojan War. Casati fully fleshes out the mythical queen s character—fierce and unyielding but also soft and mournful For readers of Madeline M iller s historical fiction.”

Hello Beautiful: A No Hello Beautiful: A Novvel el by Ann Napolitano

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

T The G he Gospel of Or ospel of Orla la by

“Orla manages the best she can with a little sister and an alcoholic dad, but she misses her mother, who died too soon. When she meets a man who seems to have the power of resurrection, she plans to bring him to her mother s grave, beginning a hear tbreak ing journey into adulthood and acceptance Readers of this lyrical debut will wish spunk y Orla all the best.

A House W With ith ood Bones ood Bones y T. K ingfisher

( The Dial Press)

"A man's tragic past and the intersection of his relationship with the sisters of the Padavano family is at the hear t of this stor y. Napolitano sk illfully creates a believable narrative to show the effects of trauma, depression, and broken relationships on those around us The novel has a hopeful message that is full of love

T The L he London S ondon Séance éance S Societocietyy: A No : A Novvel el by Sarah Penner (Sourcebooks Casablanca)

"Lenna Wickes came to Paris in 1873 to apprentice for Vaudeline D'Allaire, a renowned spiritualist. Vaudeline is called back to the London Seance Society. Lenna joins her to find out who murdered her sister Evie. Can they figure out what happened before they wind up dead too?

Penner clearly researched the spiritualism movement of the Victorian era and spun a suspenseful tale "

T The S he Secrecret Liv et Lives of es C Countrountry G y Gentlemen entlemen by K J Charles

This poignant romance is an absolute joy! The stor y incorporates Joss's identity as a biracial Black man but doesn' t make it a hurdle that the romance has to surmount. Gareth's understanding of himself, and his honesty, was really refreshing to read in a Regenc y And it has been far too long since there was a landed gentr y/smuggler romance!

K imberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Librar y, Austin, T X NoveList read-alike: Devil's Call by Danielle J. Dorn M Made in

eaders should eagerly await this phenomenal book I t's deliciously creepy with a shock ing twist, but also has incredibly sweet family dynamics (not including the haunting grandmother), an excellent level of humor to balance the tension, and as a former archaeologist, I can say it has one of the best fictional por trayals of an archaeologist that I ' ve come across "

W Weeyywarward: A No d: A Novvel el by Emilia Har t

Men are always tr ying to dominate the Weyward women, but they always fail because the Weyward women can call birds to their aid This matriarchal clan of witches is almost broken until K ate, who stars in the most recent of the three timelines Practical Magic meets Margaret Atwood in an unflinching feminist fantasy that is boiling over with rage and loaded with empowerment.

ade in LibraryAyAwarware e - w wwwww.librar.libraryayawarwaree.com .com

All T That Is M hat Mine I C ine Cararrry y W With M ith Me: A No e: A Novvel el by William Landay (Ballantine)

Shari Suarez, GDL-Johnson Memorial, Genesee, MI NoveList read-alike: A Dreadful Splendor by B.R. Myers

(Sourcebooks Landmark) (Seven Stories Press)

or N ightfire) (St. Mar tin's Press)

Casati

Eoghan Walls

(Park Row)

—Dontaná McPherson-Joseph, Oak Park Public Librar y, Oak Park , IL NoveList read-alike:

News Paper readers! Warmer weather is on the way, and we couldn’t be happier. With the new season and sunnier days comes time for hobbies – whether you’re a kiddo or adult. Since the beginning of the pandemic there has been a sharp rise in many hobby interest and their participation by adults. Stuck inside for weeks on end? Working remote? No better time to get out that old baseball card collections, dust off the skateboard, or work on a puzzle or in the garden. Given the past few years, it’s safe to say we have all experienced this – and nationally data is showing we here in Southwest Michigan are not the only ones.

A hobby very close to our hearts (obviously) is collecting vintage / promoting secondhand shopping, and this is also on the rise nationally. From vintage markets and clothing swaps to pop-up sales and shopping the good old local thrift- the secondhand shopping market has been growing faster than the traditional retail market since 2021. We know a part of the goal is fashion and a youthful urge to harken back to a simpler and less abrasive past- but the big win here is for our environment. According to Earth.org “The Average US Consumer Throws Away

Every Year. In America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste – equivalent to 85% of all textiles – end up in landfills on a yearly basis.” So, shopping secondhand doesn’t just give us a cool throwback fashion, its helps protect our future.

These trends don’t just apply to secondhand clothing, with the rise of peer-to-peer selling platforms, reselling is just barely hitting its stride. Web-based platforms such as OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, and Whatnot have seen massive sales growth in categories like electronics, furniture, home goods, home improvement, sporting goods, outdoor equipment, and auto parts are also way up. This is great as well as reselling gives ANY product a second life and helps keep items out of landfills, helping create a circular economy.

We hope you try today to also support secondhand. Help your neighbor in saving a few dollars over buying new and don’t add that old item to the landfill! Society and the Earth thanks you - each little bit makes an impact whether we witness it or not.

As always Vintage in the Zoo events are “free to all, come shop small!” Join us in supporting SECONDHAND and LOCAL, from

May-October, every second Saturday at our vintage and handmade market events in Downtown Kalamazoo (full event details/schedule on our website). PLUS, you can keep the local love going after our events by heading down the Kalamazoo Walking

Mall to support all of Kalamazoo’s great small brick and mortar shops and grab a bite from local restaurants. Happy SPRING!

Patrick

Turner | VintageintheZoo.com

The Quintessential Family Restaurant Hotdogs N More

We are all familiar with the term “family restaurant” but what does that actually mean? Well, I believe I have found the answer and it’s located at the intersection of Delton and S. Norris Road in the tiny village of Prairieville, Michigan.

It also happens to be along the North Country Trail, the longest National Scenic Trail in the country that wanders from North Dakota to New York—4,800 miles. More on that story in a future article.

Those who know me, know I love to find special eateries not for a gourmet experience, but rather, for the spirit of community one finds in some of those locally-known, out-ofthe-way places.

In 1975, Gordon and Betty Irons, along with their daughter, Brenda Brigance, opened Prairieville Family Inn which became a community gathering place for the next forty-five years until it closed in 2020 – along with thousands of restaurants across the country hit by the COVID pandemic.

Prairieville Family Inn featured home-cooked breakfasts, lunches and dinners and its Broasted Chicken earned a huge reputation—along with real mashed potatoes, vegetables, and homemade biscuits.

But, it wasn’t just the food that people came for. The restaurant’s draw was its “family atmosphere”

and (whether one walked in the door for the first time, or “a as regular’) the soul-satisfying, heart-warming friendship that filled the place.

Talking with Brenda, who took over the operation with her mother after Gordon passed away in 1998, says, “It was fun! I enjoyed every minute of it and all our customers. I have so many wonderful stories I could tell; I should write a book.”

Brenda says the walls of Prairieville Family Inn were covered with photos of customers and their families. And yes, there was the iconic cup rack on the wall where many regulars hung their coffee mug. Community tables were always full where one just found an open seat to enjoy a meal and conversation. It was common for customers to refill their own coffee and to carry their dishes to the bus tray.

Brenda recalls a particular Sunday and a large family that came in every week after church. A woman seated nearby came up to Brenda to complain, “that table is being very loud.” Brenda told her she didn’t care how loud they were—that this was a family that genuinely enjoyed being together. The woman reflected on that comment and then stated she hadn’t seen her son and his family for twenty-some years. She got the point.

The restaurant was always open extended hours for the hunters in fall and for many years, well past the time

when bars and restaurants closed. Those bar patrons and others who worked night shifts came in droves.

Yes, to Brenda and her folks, that euphonious banter, boisterous talk and laughter that filled the place morning till night, was exactly what they always had in mind as a sign of success.

It might be a cliché but, Prairieville Inn was more than a meal; it was food for the soul. This quintessential family diner was a metaphor for that “wholesome life” we all wish one day to get back to as a society.

When the restaurant closed, Brenda was touched when people stopped by to acquire the signage on or in the building to keep as a memento. She realized the personal ties so many had to the place.

Brenda retired to take care of her loving and aging mother. But, she says, she quickly discovered she couldn’t retire and dearly missed the daily interactions with her customers and friends.

Brenda, along with her husband, purchased a construction trailer and, over a winter in a pole barn, converted it into a hotdog stand. It now sits next to the building that was once Prairieville Family Inn.

Before it opened in the spring of 2021, it had to pass a Health Department Inspection. Brenda was delighted to not only pass the inspection

with flying colors, but surprised when the inspector told her she should go into business building food stands.

The new place is called Hotdogs

N More. And by “more”, I think you now have an idea what that is. It’s well worth the country drive to Hotdogs N More for one of her great hotdog selections, fries, and a shake. Most of all, for the chance to meet Brenda with her enduring smile, kind heart, easy conversation, and marvelous sense of humor and outlook on life.

You’ll be glad you did and, no doubt, will be back many more times—she’ll remember you. Hotdogs N More is open every day (when it isn’t raining) from midMarch to the close of hunting season.

Our grandchildren thoroughly enjoy stopping for lunch at Hotdogs

N More and talking with Brenda. Our eleven year-old granddaughter, Julia, who lives in New York, says, “Delicious food and even nicer people. I can’t wait to go back.” How perceptive for Julia to recognize what matters most.

Ask Brenda to show you her framed diploma from Wiener State University where she earned her “Doctorate in Hotdogs.” That’s better than a coveted Michelin Star designation any day!

James D. Coppinger

“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.”

be ART ful

-Leonardo da Vinci

April marks my 5th year as a contributor for the beARTful section of this beloved monthly publication. As I reflect on the past 60 art inspired articles, it has always been my belief that art is for everyone and anyone can be an artist. When thinking about what I would like to share this month, I remembered an annual celebration for creatives, artists and art enthusiasts alike.

World Art Day is a universal celebration of the arts founded by the International Association of the Arts. Their mission is to promote unity in cultural diversity by the creation, sharing and enjoyment of art on both a local and global scale. The first World Art day began in 2012 on April 15 in honor of one of history’s most famous and influential artists and inventors, Leonardo da Vinci. His birthday was chosen as a symbol to represent world peace, tolerance and freedom of expression. World Art Day aims to bring people together to express themselves through creativity and expand their artistic interests.

Art is important for many reasons. It plays a significant role in our everyday lives by nurturing originality,

diversity and innovation. Art never stops teaching us and creates a love of learning. It encourages curiosity and invites conversations as a way to share interests and knowledge with each other. Art entices us to look at things from different viewpoints and to be open to the possibilities. Art shows us how similar we are and also how very different our cultures can be. Art overcomes religious barriers and racial stereotypes and helps build community. Art is constantly evolving and doesn’t always fall into the category of Fine Arts, such as painting and sculpture. It can be anything in a visual form that has been created by someone using their imagination and creative skills. Photography, graphics, architecture, cinema, food, fashion, music, poetry, etc…we are all able to enjoy art 365 days a year. So how can you celebrate and participate locally in World Art Day? Visit an art gallery or a museum. Listen to live music or attend the theater. Enroll in an art class or hobby workshop. Visit the library or a book store. Go on an architectural tour. Support a non-profit by volunteering. Buy art from a local artist you like or help to promote their work by sharing on your socials. Donate art supplies to a daycare, elementary

school or even a retirement home. The ideas are endless and not intended to be limited to just one day, listen to your heart and do what you can to better the art community around you.

Thank you all for your feedback and support over these last 5 years. I am so grateful you have been on this art journey with me…peace and love

from my heart to yours! xo -Bridget

Email: bridgetfoxkzoo@gmail.com

Social: https://www.instagram.com/ bridgetfoxkzoo

Forgiveness is Essential for Our Mental Health

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 continuously 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.

Author: Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC

Explaining Versus Excusing Behaviors

My aunt recently posted a young boy being slapped: “When I was a kid, they didn’t take me to a psychologist…my mom was able to open my chakra, stabilize my karma and clean my aura with a single slap.” As a psychologist, I was offended. Then I used my skills to see another perspective; it brought to mind a theme discussed with parents for many years—Explaining versus Excusing. Explaining behavior is the process of understanding why a child (or adult) behaves in a certain way:

•Tantrum – hungry, tired, sleepy, I want something, I don’t want to do something

•Work for a paycheck – money to support life

•Sleep – mind and body require sleep

•The 2-year-old- whose favorite new word is “no” – developing independence

•Blurting comments, talking out of turn – difficulty inhibiting impulses?

•Getting out of seat, walking around the classroom – depends on age, could need more activity, learning style

•Hitting a parent – impulse control problems, harsh/authoritarian parenting, does parent hit?

•Child on the autism spectrum having a violent meltdown or eloping to see a fan

•Child who controls the household with their eating behaviors, demands attention

How we respond to the child behaviors listed above, is the job of parenting. But let’s be clear, explaining these behaviors does not excuse the behavior. Our jobs as parents are to teach, redirect, shape the behaviors into those that are more acceptable in very tiny steps. An excuse is “he acts like that because he has ADHD” or “she can’t change” without caring redirection toward the appropriate behavior.

Any behaviors taken out of context can seem alarming. As adults my sons told me one son regularly got a knife from the top of the refrigerator and chased his brother around. What! Psychotic killer! No, behavior out of context. If I had known about these incidents, I would have sat down the knife wielder and explained how dangerous and criminal that behavior was, and work with him to figure out what caused him to be so angry with his brother that he chased him with a knife. I would have figured out what older brother was doing to incite such behavior, too.

Behavior

From the above list of child behaviors, here are parenting strategies to address (not Excuse) the behaviors:

Parenting strategy

Tantrum keep child safe, do not talk or negotiate, wait for slowdown in tantrum and praise child for calming themselves

Sleep

The 2-year-oldwhose favorite new word is “no”

Blurting comments at school

Getting out of seat and walking around the classroom

Have routine for winding down at night, praise sleeping or giving the body rest

Incorporate “no” into a funny song, do not get angry or upset, this sets up a competition with a 2-yearold

Consider age, other behaviors, may be reinforced by peers, praise not blurting at home

Consider age, other behaviors, may be reinforced by peers, praise sitting at home

Hitting a parent Consider parenting style, remove yourself, go to bathroom or other place, under no circumstance is hitting acceptable, block the hit and do not hit the child

Child on the autism spectrum having a violent meltdown or eloping to see a fan

Child who controls the household with their eating behaviors, demanding parental attention

Remove child or keep safe; retrieve child from eloping, seek services for elopement, reinforce access to the fan-“if you stay with me, we can go see the fans” (immediately)

Provide two highly preferred foods and a challenge food, ignore whining, complaining, attempts to control situation and praise sibling for their appropriate eating behaviors. NOTE: do not directly compare siblings just praise prosocial behaviors

Notice none of these examples involve excessive talking, and there is never a behavior that warrants hitting a child, period. Hitting is lazy parenting. We have many more tools than hitting to deal with child behaviors. Seek understanding and provide respectful, corrective feedback, not excuses.

Sheryl Lozowski-Sullivan, mph, phd

Mango Tango! Recipes

us through our day!

Possessing unique flavor, uplifting aroma, and natural sweetness, it’s hard to believe that mango is also good for our bodies, too!

Fruit with tags CAPTION: Mangoes come in hundreds of varieties, but thanks to newer laws, they now come labeled with their variety and country of origin.

Using a sharp blade to pierce its tender, giving flesh, my kitchen was instantly flooded by the gentle release of an aromatic sweetness that was purely tropical, bright and fresh. “What a great way to speed the idea of warmer weather into your mind!” I thought.

It never ceases to amaze me how much power can be found in something as simple as a single piece of fruit. A power that has the ability to improve our health in oh so many ways, it’s as though they are little Supermans, always at the ready to help

Wandering through the produce section, as I often do, I was more than thrilled to see a sign for mangoes, any size as well as any variety, for only ninety-nine cents.

Recalling that my friend, Kathi Livermore, used to love them to no end, she taught me that you should always buy plenty when on sale, then puree and freeze them for future intent.

Because of her love for them, I came to learn that mangoes are often referred to as the “king of the fruits” because of the impressive nutrition they bring. Bundled with beneficial fiber and rich in vitamin C, mangoes are rich in Vitamin A, B and Vitamin B6, and offer the essential minerals selenium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.

These nutritional benefits translate into promoting beautiful skin, protecting us from certain cancers and even age-related disease. They also give a healthy boost to our immune

systems, help improve our eyes, skin, and hair; and help to regulate cholesterol and aid in solving digestion issues as well.

There are hundreds of varieties of mangoes, but only a few are considered truly sweet, beginning with the Alphonso, which is the most soughtafter variety in the world. Loved for its rich taste and fiber-less flesh, this variety carries the title “King” of the mango dynasty. The best time to find it is during peak season, which runs from March through June.

The “Queen” of mangoes is the Sindhri, which is well known for both its flavor and fragrance, but the Carabao variety earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the sweetest variety of mango available across the globe.

As blessed Americans, we don’t have to travel the globe to get a good mango because our Florida growers provide us with two special varieties. The Ataulfo, which is a buttery-sweet mango with an elegant texture when

its ripeness reaches full peak; and the Haden, which some consider among the best varieties of mangoes in the world. Easy to identify, because of its dominant red and hinted yellow skin, the Haden offers us a sweet, juicy fruit jacketed in an easy-to-peel skin that protects all its amazing goodness within!

Here now are some special ways to sip your way into a mango-tango of flavor and health- ENJOY!

Laura Kurella is an award-winning recipe developer, food columnist, and author of a new memoir/cookbook, “Midwest Morsels” that helps share even more delicious recipes with those who love good food!  She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@yahoo.com.

Story and photos by Laura Kurella

Simply Delicious Mango Smoothie

Prep time: 5 minutes. Yield: 1 Serving.

1 cup frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (reg. or unsweetened)

1/4 cup pure orange juice

1/4 cup milk (any kind)

1 tablespoon honey (or favorite sweetener)

In the bowl of a blender, combine all ingredients. Process until smooth, then pour into a glass, and serve immediately.

Mango Tango Tea /Cocktail

Mango-ritas

Prep time: 10 minutes. Yield: 4 Servings.

1 lime

1 tablespoon coarse sugar

20-ounces mango chunks, chilled Ice, for blending

6 ounces tequila, chilled*

6 ounces triple sec, chilled**

1/4 cup honey or preferred sweetener

Over a sheet of parchment paper, zest the lime. Pour the coarse sugar over the lime zest and lift edges of parchment paper to combine then set aside.

In the bowl of a blender combine mango chunks, with ice, tequila, triple sec, honey or preferred sweetener, and top off with the juice from the zested lime. Blend until completely smooth, adding more ice to reach desired consistency. Use squeezed lime to moisten the rims of four glasses then roll the rims in the lime-sugar mixture. Divide blended drink mixture among the four prepared glasses and serve immediately.

*=Can omit to make a non-alcoholic drink.

**= Can substitute pure orange juice for a non-alcoholic drink

Can Walk this Way!

APRIL 22-23

Prep time: 3 minutes. Yield: 2

Servings.

1 fresh mango, peeled and diced

1/2 cup honey, or preferred sweetener

1 cup filtered water

1 ounce mango rum (if making a cocktail)

Garnish (optional): Lemon wedge

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine peeled and diced mango with honey, or preferred

sweetener and water. Using a fork or mashing tool, mash mango while bringing contents up to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring and mashing occasionally. Remove mixture from heat and let cool then strain out solids. Fill two glasses with ice, add mango rum (if making a cocktail), then divide tea between the two glasses. Stir to blend then garnish, if desired, with a lemon wedge. Serve and enjoy.

We weren’t born in the wrong generation; we were born in this one to keep the spirit of the past generations alive.

– Author unknown

I knew I was going to love what I was about to do, which was read things my husband’s grandmother wrote when still alive. Her daily journal of a 1984 camping trip. The memories of marrying my husband’s grandfather, their first home, which of their children were born at home and which ones in a hospital, their house fire, her childhood growing up on a celery farm.. Oh, the life story writer in me was in love! (smile)

I began reading from when she was Chaplain with the Michigan State Grange. One cannot help but be amazed at the amount of written material which is available today. We

hurry through life at such a rapid pace nowadays. There is not enough time to do all the things that we would like to do. We all know too well that we are living in chaotic times. We have learned to care so much for the material things of life. There are many problems which face us today…we have the problems of wars…we have a terrific economic struggle…we have problems of civil rights, problems with the care of the aged…oh, there are so many problems!

More than once I found myself checking that it was sixty years ago, not now. Reading and feeling such reverence. For “hearing” perspective by someone I had been blessed to know and love, who so beautifully whistled the sound of songbirds! For witnessing the timelessness of wis-

dom for humanity. The little differences or divisions that you set up soon become walls of prejudice. They may start as a little division that you permit to remain, which becomes a mar to your day, and possibly to your whole life…that little division is like a mar in a fine smooth wood, or a crack in a large boulder…Don’t misunderstand me – I don’t mean that you must always agree with what others have to say or believe in…but do not let this difference divide you in your feelings, from others.

I didn’t believe that the author of this poem had only a structure of wood or cement in mind when he talks of the bridge that was built by the old man. I think he is talking of something greater than this…A bridge permits free passage, a free exchange from

one area to another…or one person to another. Let us not think then only of bridges which are built with the hands because our hearts build bridges too…bridges of friendship, of compassion for brotherhood.

It cannot be denied that we live in a different age than did our grandparents, and we change as the world changes, but the basic values are still the same…the neighbor who offers a helping hand when there is sickness in the house is still appreciated. The friend who remembers a birthday or brings a cake or bouquet of flowers for no other reason than just that she wants to show you her love for you –her friendship is like a precious gem.

Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com

It’s been a while since the goal of getting in 10,000 steps a day has been in vogue. Depending on the length of your stride, the goal of 10,000 steps translates into between four and five miles a day. The average walker covers a mile in about 20 minutes which translates into 90 minutes for a fivemile walk. Joggers can cover five miles in about an hour. Spending between 60-90 minutes either walking or jogging can be a challenge, especially coming home to a family after a day at work.

This is not to say that exercise isn’t important. It absolutely is! But are 10,000 steps per day necessary?

According to the March 2023 issue of Consumer Reports On Health, research is finding we might be able to take fewer steps as we age and still reap big benefits.

In one large analysis of research on this question scientists found that risk of premature death decreases as your daily step count increases. People who walked about 5,800 steps per day,

Ten Toes on the Go

for example, had a 40 percent lower risk of premature death compared with those who took the fewest steps, about 3,600 per day. In another 2022 study, taking just under 4,000 steps per day was linked with a lower risk of dementia. Still another study which tracked 70 year-olds, those who tallied 4,500 steps per day or more had a 59 percent lower risk of diabetes than those who were less active. High step counts may also be associated with lower risk for sleep apnea, reflux, depression, and obesity.

There is no minimum number of steps you need to boost your health. Each increase of 1,000 to 2,000 steps can lead to health benefits, particularly for those starting at lower activity levels. First try to figure out how many steps you get in a typical week. Your step count may surprise you, especially if you’re the one who does the weekly grocery shopping.

How do you keep track of your steps? Pedometers are really inexpensive and they can give you a rough number. There are also apps on your phone that can keep track of your steps. For those who have a little extra to spend, Apple, Garmin, and Fitbit do a great job of counting. But don’t worry if you can’t hit a certain target. Do what you feel are capable

of doing. As long as you’re moving, you’re reaping some benefits.

And speaking of toes, they need to be taken care of if there’s any stepping in your future. And it starts with toenails. If you’re physically able, keep your toenails trimmed. As we get older this task can become more challenging because our toenails may become thicker and misshapen, and thus harder to cut.

If trimming toenails is awkward, a few steps may make wielding a toenail clipper easier. One suggestion is to take a bath or shower, or just soak them in warm water before cutting toenails. The water helps soften thick nails, making them easier to cut. It’s also useful to regularly moisturize the skin around toenails. Wearing cotton socks after moisturizing your toes, will let the moisturizer do its job while you sleep. Also it is recommended,

when cutting the nail, to trim straight across, ensuring that the corners of the nail do not cut into the skin folds of the toe.

While thick or discolored nails might not mean that something isn’t right, anything that’s painful or new, or has you concerned, should be brought to the attention of a dermatologist or podiatrist. They can test for toenail fungus and advise you on the necessary treatments. Your toenails could be signaling anything from a local infection to a systemic disease.

Spring is in the air. Let’s go for a walk! And always remember to be kind which MAKES it a great day.

Till next time,

Ken Dettloff, ACE Certified Personal and Brain Health Trainer The

Fountains at Bronson Place

The first book I read was Coppertoed Boots; it was probably when I was in the third grade. By first book, I mean other than books to learn the mechanics of reading. I fondly recall Copper-toed Boots as my first experience reading a book for its story—and the accomplishment of completing an entire book on my own. My grandmother, Grandma Kaufmann, had the book and thought I would enjoy it. I loved it and the experience remains nostalgically tied to the memory of my affection for her.

In 1972, I came to Kalamazoo to attend Western Michigan University. Throughout those college days I also worked as youth and camping director for the Kalamazoo YMCA. One evening, the YMCA director, Herb Pifer, and his wife Margaret, held a dinner party at their home. Over dinner, the topic of favorite books came up and I mentioned my recollections of “Copper-toed Boots” as my first true reading encounter. Margaret delightedly blurted out, “Marguerite de Angeli!” She was familiar with the author and the book; I now had a name which I jotted down and put in my pocket.

1972 was well before the advent

of computers and online searches. However, there was an “old book” store in the Vine Neighborhood and having both a title and author, I went there to see if I could find a copy. The store owner did not have it but offered to do a search with other book sellers. Within a couple of weeks, he contacted me to say he found a copy—a hardcover first edition, published by Doubleday in 1938. Without hesitation, I paid him his small search fee and the cost of the book.

I read that book from cover to back as soon as it was in my possession and relived that marvelous childhood memory. I have kept the book ever since.

Copper-toed Boots is the story of a nine year-old boy named Shad who lived in Lapeer, Michigan on a quest to purchase a pair of copper-toed boots he saw in a store window and had to earn and save money to buy them. Lapeer is only about fifty miles from my childhood home in Saginaw. Yes, the young protagonist buying a pair of boots had conflicts, obstacles to overcome, suspense, disappointment and joy, and resolution—the classic story arc.

You might ask: why would an

author choose to write a story about a kid from Lapeer buying a pair of boots? Well, it turns out one of Marguerite de Angeli’s favorite tales her father, also named Shad, would tell was of his tale as a boy growing up in northern Michigan buying such boots. The story was her father’s boyhood story and his other adventures with his best friend, Ash (another character in the book). And the Lapeer connection? Marguerite was born in Lapeer.

Marguerite de Angeli not only wrote the story but did all the illustrations as well. She went on to write nearly thirty books and won the Newbery Award in 1950 for her book, The Door in the Wall. She also earned two Caldecott Awards for her illustrations. In addition to her books, she wrote and/or illustrated numerous magazine articles and other pieces.

She was born in 1888 and died in 1987 at the age of 98. She wrote her last book (poetry) at the age of 92.

In 1977, The Lapeer District Library named a branch after de Angeli which houses a collection of some of her published and unpublished works along with photos, illustrations, and other artifacts.

Indirectly, my life has been all about

Marguerite de Angeli, author

words and pictures—through marketing, advertising, and public relations. It is telling a different type of story–“stories” meant to evoke emotion and spur motivation. Perhaps I would have been the person to produce an ad for those copper-toed boots for that shoe store. Displaying those special boots in the store window was sheer marketing. In high school I worked at a Noble’s Shoe Store and the manager was a perfectionist at displaying shoes in the store’s lighted, seasonallythemed, main street window. It lured in a lot of Shads and Shadras!

James D. Coppinger

The other image is from a page of the book, which she illustrated.

Lauren and Brian Bodamer’s dream of opening a fun, welcoming place for the Portage community to gather has come true with the opening of 468 Urban Winery.

Wine has been a passion for the husband and wife team. What began simply as tasting and learning to make wine, evolved into creating their own Moscato and Riesling, which are made in house. The other wine varietals they carry are shipped in bulk or shiners from California and Washington and bottled on site. Eleven wine varietals are offered at this time. Wine can be ordered by the glass, flight of four, 2-oz. pours are only $10 and bottles start at just $11.99.

Artisan hors d’oeuvres and sharable foods are available, including warm

brie with your choice of jam and crackers, chicken parmesan dip, hot bacon dip, bruschetta and charcuterie.

Personalized labels for the wine bottles are available at no additional charge. They will make a custom label with a picture or saying of your choosing or you can use one of their designs to celebrate life’s occasions and events, which is sure to make someone smile!

When I asked how they came up with the business name, Lauren said, “Brian & I have three sweet kids together. When naming our winery business we decided we wanted to tribute a piece of it to each of them! Our children were born in April (4), June (6) and August (8). Hence, the name 468 Wine!”

The atmosphere inside 468 Wine has an urban flair, with plenty of windows and dark wood, along with teal and gold accents of color. “It has been a tremendous labor of love and a family effort to get the new space to where it is today. But worth every minute of it,” says Lauren. There is a bar area with seating as well as lounge and table seating to suit your mood.

Curated gift boxes and gift items by local artisans are also available at 468 Wine, which incorporates Lauren’s “Truly Kind” gift box business. A venture she began during Covid to help make gifting easy and fun with gifts to leave a lasting memory. She began including wine with personalized labels in her gift boxes, which led to opening an urban winery. Customers can purchase local chocolates, robes, wine holders, coffee, macramé plant hangers and more to create a personalized gift box.

They offer wine pairings and work-

shops, such as: charcuterie, candle making, painting and more. Updates will be posted on social media (@468wine) and on their website. The space can also be rented for private events outside of normal business hours.

If you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind and have some fun, stop into 468 Urban Winery. Located in Portage at 8842 Portage Rd. (West Lake area). 468 Wine is a cashless business. They are open Tues. 4-8pm, Fri. 4-9pm, Sat. 12-5.

Look for the 468 Wine tasting room opening inside The Grazing Table in downtown Kalamazoo, providing wine to go along with their amazing charcuterie.

For more information visit the website 468wine.com, Facebook/468wine, email cheers@468wine.com or call (269) 365-9021.

Jackie Merriam

Michael D. Holmes, William B. Millard, Morgan L. Rogalke, Charles S. Ofstein & Tyler J. Stewart

TOPS Club is a support group dealing with many health issues in addition to weight loss. The group has encouraged and supported people interested in taking off pounds sensibly for 75 years!

I wasn’t familiar with the group until I received a phone call from Joanne DeKoekkoek, an avid Good News Paper reader, who asked if I would be interested in writing a story about TOPS celebrating their 75th anniversary nationally and the local Kalamazoo chapter celebrating 66 years! This got my attention and I started to do some research.

The founder, Esther Manz, a teacher who knew the power of knowledge and support to encourage students to learn, surmised that the same would hold true for people interested in losing weight.

Esther talked with her daughter’s doctor, who was working to help women lose weigh post partum. He agreed that the simple psychology of group support to help people follow a plan provided by their doctor would be effective. This confirmation marked the beginning of TOPS Club.

Lenten and Spring Specials

Blueberry and Peach

Cinnamon Pecan Oatmeal:

Oatmeal topped with fresh blueberries and peaches, crushed pecans and dusted with cinnamon sugar. $5.75

Peach Cobbler

Cinnamon Roll:

Start off with a Teaser! A warm cinnamon roll topped with peaches and brown sugar. $6.25

Crab Cake Breakfast Handheld:

Grilled English muffin with a fried crab cake, sauteed spinach and tomatoes, fried egg, slathered with apricot jam and jalapeno cheese. Served with fresh fruit and Cajun tater tots. $12.75

Spring French Toast:

House made French toast topped with strawberries, blueberries, peaches and sliced almonds. Finish off with a dusting of powdered sugar and strawberry glaze. $13.25

CCB:

Fried crab cakes on top of an English muffin with sauteed spinach and tomatoes. Served with two eggs any style and our house made hollandaise sauce. Served with a side of Cajun tater tots. $15.50

Take Off Pounds Sensibly

Esther got permission to hold meetings at a local social center in the kitchen area that held a large table where she held the first meeting. Meetings consisted of sharing information about weight loss/health and members providing support to one another and weighing in on a scale Esther carried to the meeting in her tote bag. As members lost weight, they celebrated. The members’ doctors determined their goal weight.

At that time, no one had heard of losing weigh as a collective group effort, but as the group began to drop pounds, they gained attention and the need to form more chapters became necessary. Manz shared information about TOPS with the help of radio, newspapers and television. She wrote her own copy and appeared weekly on the radio.

The TOPS Club offers support, praise, recognition and rewards for progress for members. The main session in a chapter meeting is education (and/or) special recognition. The meeting begins with a report on total losses or gains, in pounds for the week, as tabulated from the just-completed weigh-ins. Individual members are recognized for such things as losing the most pounds in one week among all members. Small prizes are

awarded to “losers.” Prizes are funded from the monthly dues ($5) collected from the members. Special recognition involves more elaborate award ceremonies for “losers” based on several criteria such as most pounds lost in a month or year, best overall improvement, steady “losers,” and maintaining goal-weight for a KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly).

TOPS Club, Inc. founded in 1948, is a non-profit charitable corporation based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, having members in chapters located worldwide, the majority of them in the U.S. and Canada. It’s objective is to sponsor research and foster support groups in human body weight control.

TOPS Club, Inc. has been actively involved in the clinical study of obesity and metabolic research since 1966 and has contributed almost $9 million to the Medical College of Wisconsin in support of these efforts.

Manz has refused to make TOPS commercial - even declining a million dollar offer to take the organization public.

The Kalamazoo chapter is the oldest chapter in Michigan that has met continuously, with the exception of the Covid years, since 1957. Many members have been able to meet their doctor appointed goal weight and continue to keep off their weight sensibly.

The Kalamazoo meeting locations throughout their history, have included: the American Red Cross building on South Street, Senior Services, and currently at the North Park Reformed Church at the corner of Barney Road and Douglas Ave. Visitors are invited to attend one free meeting before deciding to join. This chapter meets every Monday at noon at the North Park Reformed Church and welcomes new members. For more information you can contact the leader, Joanne, at (269) 375-5562.

Other TOPS chapters in the Kalamazoo area are: Comstock, which meets on Fridays at 9:30 AM at 6330 Kings Highway. Plainwell meets at Church of Christ, 911 James Street, on Mondays at 10:00 AM. Otsego meets at the VFW Post 3030, 124 North Farmer Street, on Wednesdays at 8 AM. Another Kalamazoo chapter meets at Milwood United Methodist Church, 3919 Portage, on Thursdays at 9 AM. Portage meets at Centre Avenue Church of God, 1917 East Centre on Thursdays at 2:15 PM.

Today TOPS has 10,000 chapters with 180,000 members. For more information visit tops.org. Dues are $49/year and $5/chapter monthly dues.

Jackie Merriam

Low Country Fried Bird: Chicken Tenders on top of a buttermilk biscuit with two eggs any style and house made sausage gravy. Served with a side of loaded hash brownsbacon, cheese and onion. $15.50

EMA Omelette: Egg white omelette with Brussels sprouts, tomato, mushrooms, spinach, Swiss cheese. Served with fresh fruit and an English muffin. $15.25

New Mexico Bowl: Sauteed spinach, Brussels sprouts, jalapenos, tomato, green peppers, and onions with our Hormel Chorizo mixed with Cajun tater tots, shredded cheddar cheese and jalapeno cheese and two eggs, any style $15.75

Hilton Head Salad: Fresh spinach blended with fresh strawberries, peaches, pecans, feta cheese and served with 2 fried green tomatoes and choice of dressing. Recommended is Poppy Seed. $11.75

Crab Cake Tacos: 3 flour tortillas with crab, sauteed spinach, tomato, onion and topped with cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos and sliced avocado. Served with a side of Cajun aioli and a cup of soup. $13.25

One of the blessings of getting older (besides the obvious – being alive) is that I can put current events into context. Our recent ice storm is a good example. I’ve lived in my house for almost forty years, and until February 22nd of this year, I only experienced one other major ice storm event. That storm occurred on New Year’s Day 1985 when we awoke to a cold house with no power. It was so quiet outside, except for the snap of tree limbs crashing to the ground. And everything was so beautiful, with a thick layer of clear ice shimmering in the cold sunshine. As the hours passed, the sound of chainsaws and occasional emergency sirens interrupted the silence. Power was restored later the same day.

Our most recent ice storm was similar in many ways, however with a few differences. It, too, was beautiful, and it looked as though it was raining ice cubes the next day as the temperature warmed and ice fell from the trees. This storm came earlier in the evening in pitch blackness. Many large limbs and power lines blocked driveways and entire streets in my neighborhood. I was fortunate to keep electricity, although many neighbors did not. I have been a Michigander long enough to be prepared: extra water, plenty of non-perishable food (including snacks) for humans and pets, a battery-powered lantern ready to go, brick-sized accessory power source to either start the car or charge my cell phone many times. Since I was “energized,” welcoming a friend and her dog to my warm, bright, furry home was a pleasure. We had a pajama party for a few nights. Who knows – it could be me bunking at her place next time! Her power returned in three days, but I had other friends

Round Up!

Let

Ice Ahead!

in darkness for five.

Although the event was memorable, I’m not in a hurry for a repeat. However, Michigan climate scientists tell us to expect equally perilous storms to become more frequent.

Just two weeks before the storm, Consumers Energy proudly announced that there were approximately 20% fewer customer outages in 2022 than in 2021, due to significant upgrades in the electric grid. They further boasted that 96% of outages were restored in less than 24 hours. These results were due to improved trimmed vegetation, new equipment and technology, and extensive inspection of existing power lines. While the company certainly deserves a pat on the back for its efforts, Michigan’s power grid has earned the distinction of being the worst in the nation according to Climate Central, an independent group of scientists and communicators studying climate, big data, and technology.

A significant factor influencing the fragility of the electric grid in our state is one of the features many of us thoroughly enjoy – trees. We love our trees, both hardwoods, and conifers alike. Climate scientists tell us we should love them. Trees remove carbon from the atmosphere, reduce the heat of summer days by producing shade, help conserve groundwater, shelter our homes from whipping winter winds, and provide nutrients for essential pollinators. A beautiful tree can improve the value of our property by hundreds of dollars. As a tree lover, I could go on and on.

The problem is that as our climate becomes warmer and wetter, trees are increasingly subjected to stressors that weaken them and make them subject to storm damage much like we

experienced several weeks ago. Brian Wheeler, a spokesman for Consumers Energy, reported to the Detroit Free Press that a half-inch of ice could create the equivalent weight of a baby grand piano on the span of an electrical power line. Just imagine the weight that accumulates on the limbs of a backyard tree. If it is older and already stressed by drought, insect infestation, or disease, it will likely fall in a strong wind or ice storm.

So where is the good news in all of this? The best way to mitigate the dangers of tree fall is to care for them, much like we do for other important structures in and around our homes. Schedule an inspection by a certified and insured arborist from a tree service every few years. A knowledgeable professional can look at the tree’s structure and suggest pruning out old, dead growth and limbs that add weight but not beauty to the tree. They will estimate the size of the root system and propose a solution if overcrowding exists. It may cost a few hundred dollars, but if the tree is damaged, the potential for more expensive measures is likely in the future, probably at an inconvenient time and perhaps involving property damage, either to your home or a neighbor’s property.

I love talking to the arborist. I had two service calls just last summer. One was routine, to inspect and trim the sugar maple’s limbs from near my roof and the attached power lines. The second was in response to a windstorm that snapped a large branch from the birch in the backyard. I’m so glad I did the work then, in the summer, rather than waiting for the damage I’m sure would have happened several weeks ago if I’d waited.

Make no mistake.

Richard Rood,

a University of Michigan professor of Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering, warns that our most recent ice storm was not a one-off. Ice storms, once rare here, are another byproduct of our increasingly warmer, wetter winters. The difference between several inches of wet, heavy snow and a half-inch of ice is just a few degrees. Although Consumers Energy and other providers are pledging to continue to shore up the power grid, these efforts are expensive and labor-intensive. (Read that to mean that our bills are going to increase.) In the meantime, we need to practice readiness for weather extremes that are sure to continue. I would never have thought I’d consider adding a generator to my home climate control system, but I am giving it some consideration…..

Cheryl Hach

Retired Science Teacher

Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center

References:

Metheny, K. (2023, February 25). Huge winter ice storm uncommon in Michigan. That’s likely to change, scientist says. Detroit Free Press. https://www.freep.com/story/ news/local/michigan/2023/02/25/ ice-storms-michigan-warm-winterclimate-change/69940708007/

McWhirter, S. (2023, February 26). Ice storm showcased Michigan’s fragile electric grid. Here’s what could be done to bolster it. MLive. https://www.mlive. com/public-interest/2023/02/ ice-storm-showcased-michigansfragile-electric-grid-heres-whatcould-be-done-to-bolster-it.html

The small change from your daily purchases can add up to a meaningful impact for older adults in our community. When you connect a credit or debit card to our Round Up donation program, your change from each purchase is automatically donated to Milestone Senior Services to support older adults and adults with disabilities in living independently at home.

www.MilestoneSeniorServices.org

(click on the donate button)

269-382-0515 x114

your change create change for older adults in need of support in our community.

Museum to Host March 6 virtual

FREE april Events

Through June 4 Exhibit: Moments in Time: The Kalamazoo County Photo Documentary Project Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturdays, Apr. 1,8,15,22,29 Kalamazoo Winter Market

8am-1pm, St. Joseph’s Church

Saturday, April 1 Spring Craft Show

8:30am-3pm, Spring Manor 610 Mall Dr., Portage

Saturday, April 1 Coin Show, 9am-3pm Kalamazoo Expo Center

Sunday, April 2 Valhalla Music Open Mic Night, 7-11pm, Valhalla NorseNectr Meadery

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

Mondays, Apr 3,10,17,24 Family Story Time (18mos.-4yr.) 10-10:30am, Vicksburg Library

Monday, April 3 Team Trivia at Old Burdick’s Wings West, Kalamazoo, 7-9pm

Tuesday, April 4

ARTbreakKirk Newman Art School Residents – Part II,12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Tuesdays, April 4,11,18,25

Big Furry Friends: Visit with a Therapy Dog, all ages, 4:306:30pm, Parchment Library

Tuesday, April 4

WMU University Jazz Lab Band 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Wednesdays, April 5, 19

Mugs & Hugs StoryTime (18mos.- 4yr.), 10-30-11:15 Vicksburg Library

Wednesday, April 5

Comedy Movie Club, 6-8pm Watch Movie & eat popcorn Vicksburg Library

Wednesday, April 5

WMU Guest Artist Recital: David Berkman, Jazz Piano 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Wednesday, April 5 Final Goofery Comedy Night 8-10pm, Final Gravity Kal.

Thursday, April 6

Book Club for Adults, 9:3010:30am, read any book & share w/group,Vicksburg Library

Thursday, April 6

The Joel Tacey Magic Show 4-4:45pm, Paw Paw Library

Thursdays, Apr. 6,13,20,27

Trivia Night, 7pm, Gull Lake Distilling Company, Galesburg

Thursday, April 6

WMU Gold Company II 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Fridays, Apr. 7,14,21,28

Bouncing Babies StoryTime (Babies-2yr.), 10-10:30am Vicksburg Library

Friday, April 7

Memory Café for people with mild Dementia & their care partners, Paw Paw Library, 10:30am-Noon

Fridays, Apr. 7,14,21,28

Trivia Fridays, 7-8:30pm Valhalla Horse Nectar Meadery

Saturday, April 8 Kalamazoo Indoor Flea Market 8am-3pm, Kal. Expo Center

Saturday, April 8 Your Story! Create a TV show w/1 other person, 10am-Noon Epic Center Complex, Kal.

Saturday, April 8 Internet Users Group, Bring smart phones & mobile devices 10am -12pm, Paw Paw Library

Saturday, April 8

Art Detectives: Through Georgia’s Eyes, 10:30-Noon, ages 4-8 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Saturday, April 8 Birds on a Wire, 1pm WMU Dalton Recital Hall

Saturday April 8 WMU Percussion Ensemble 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Saturday, April 8 K-Wings Watch Party @ Old Burdick’s Wings West 7:30-10:30 pm, must RSVP: kekola@kwings.com

Monday, April 10 Book Group: What the FireFlies Knew by Kai Harris 6pm, Parchment Library

Tuesday, April 11

Team Game Night: Family Feud, 6pm, Richland Library

Tuesday, April 11

Genealogy Basics, 6-7:30pm Learn how to create a family tree Paw Paw District Library

Wednesday, April 12 Parchment School District Art Show Opening Celebration, 5-7pm, Parchment Library

Wednesday, April 12 Bird & Coffee Chat: Planting Native Plants For Birds in Your Garden, 10am on Zoom, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Thursdays, April 13, 27

Bulldog/Eagle Break Time (Grades 6-12), 2:45-4:15 Vicksburg Library

Thursdays, April 13, 27

Teen Space/Game Time (Grades 6-12), 4:15-5:45pm Vicksburg Library

Thursday, April 13

Classics Film Club: The Public (2018), 7pm Richland Library

Thursday, April 13

Live Music: Keith Scott Blues, 6:30-9:30pm Green Door Distilling

Thursday, April 13

WMU Spring Conference on Wind & Percussion Music 7:30pm, Miller Auditorium

Thursday, April 13

Comedy Open Mic Night 9-11pm, Valalla Norse Nectar Meadery, Kal.

Sunday, April 16

WMU Symphonic Band & Concert Band, 3pm Miller Auditorium

Sunday, April 16

WMU Choral Showcase 5pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Monday, April 17 STEAM Event, 11am-Noon Vicksburg Library

Monday, April 17

WMU Student Showcase: Chamber Music Ensembles 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Tuesday, April 18

Crafts for Adults: Scented soap 1-3pm, Vicksburg Library

Tuesday, April 18

Mystery Book Club – The Maris Soule Series: The Crows 6:30pm, Parchment Library

Wednesday, April 19

Book Discussion: Fierce Poise: Helen Frankenthaler & 1950’s New York, 2-3pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Wednesday, April 19

WMU Campus Choir 7:30pm, Dalton Recital Hall

Thursday, April 20 Books with Friends 7-8pm, Richland Library

Thursday, April 20

Anime & Gaming Social Group (18+), Socialize,discuss games, eat snacks, 5-5:45, Vicksburg Library

Thursday, April 20

The Heartbreak Book Club It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber, 6:30-7:30 Paw Paw District Library

Thursday, April 20

Live Music: Neil Jansen 6:30-8:30pm, Green Door Distilling

Fri., & Sat., April 21, 22

Stamp & Cover Show, 10am 5pm, Kal. Expo Center

Friday, April 21 Craft & Chat for Adults Bring your craft, 12:301:30pm, Vicksburg Library

Saturday, April 22 Polystyrene foam recycling 10am-1pm, Mayors’ Riverfront Park and KVCC Oshtemo campus

Sunday, April 23

WMU Annual Concerto Concert: Symphony Orchestra, 3pm, Miller Auditorium

Monday, April 24

Movie Club for Adults, 1pm3:30pm, Vicksburg Library

Tuesday, April 25

ARTbreak: Girls in 1950’s Media, 12-1pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

Wednesday, April 26 Soup Supper at Hope Lutheran Church, Plainwell 5-7pm, (269)685-4166

Wednesday, April 26 Pizza Night for Everyone & Games too! 5:30-7pm Vicksburg Library

Thursday, April 27 Team Trivia, 6pm Richland Library

Tuesday, April 27 Tidy Up and Spark Joy! 6pm, Parchment Library

Thursday, April 27

Live Music: Charlie Mench 6:30-8:30pm Green Door Distilling

Saturday, April 29 The Spring Craft Show 9am-3pm, Kal. Expo Center