Expert Advice
Finances
Q: I can choose a single life
annuity for my pension or a joint and survivor annuity. Which is better?
Health Food Q: When is your
annual NOW® Vitamin & Supplement Sale going to be this year?
A: It depends on your circumstances. If you’re not married, the single life annuity is clearly the best choice (and may be your only option). You’ll receive the maxiDouglas mum payout from your pension during Drenth your life, and all benefits will cease when you die. This option may even make sense if you’re married (assuming that you have other ways to take care of your surviving spouse, such as investments or retirement plan assets), and the difference between the higher-paying single life annuity and the joint and survivor annuity is very great. (The joint and survivor annuity benefits paid to you during your life will be smaller than if you elected a single life annuity, because they are payable as long as either person is alive.) One common strategy is to choose the single life annuity and buy life insurance to protect your spouse, using some or all of the difference in benefits between the higher-paying single life annuity and the joint and survivor annuity to pay the premiums. That way, you may maximize your pension benefits while you are alive, and your spouse will receive insurance proceeds when you die that may be more valuable than what he or she would get under the joint and survivor annuity option. You may need a financial professional to help you assess whether this strategy is right for you.
Sawall’s annual 25% Linda Sawall off NOW® Supplements Owner 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®!
5659 W. Michigan, Kalamazoo 269-978-0250 •
[email protected]
Sawall Health Food
Drenth Financial Services
Securities offered through FSC Securities Corporation, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through Drenth Financial Services and is not affiliated with FSC. HFG Financial Group is not affiliated with FSC or registered as a broker-dealer or a registered investment advisor. Individual situations will vary. Please contact a professional for specific advice. Entities listed here do not offer mortgage services. Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2013.
Transitions
Madeleine Socia
Q: I spend the winter in Arizona, so wouldn’t I be wasting money if I moved to a Life Care community in Kalamazoo that charges a monthly fee? A: Think of the monthly
fee as a sound investment in “assurance.” A Life Care contract not only provides a wonderful place to live and a host of other amenities, it also offers the peace-of-mind that comes with assured access to quality health care at a significant discount for life, if needed. Many communities will discount the monthly fee by waiving dining charges while residents are gone for extended periods of time. Don’t let your travel plans stop you from making a move toward a secure future.
Friendship Village
Senior Living Community 1400 North Drake, Kalamazoo (269) 381-0560 www.friendshipvillagemi.com
A:
Mon.-Sat. 9-8, Sun. 10-6
Funeral Services Q: How do costs com-
pare with pre-arrangement, vs. arrangements at the time of need?
A: There really isn’t much difference. If you were Linda McCarty pre-arranging our serPre-Need vices today for sometime Administrator in the future – or if you were arranging for services that were need- ed today – the cost would be the same, providing your choices were all the same. The first, and greatest benefit of prearrangement is having the right kind of information ready for whenever it’s needed. That’s invaluable. You can pay in full, or set up a plan for paying for it, and the effect can be one of not having to pay anything more in the future.
Langeland Family Funeral Homes
Oakwood Plaza • 2965 Oakland Dr. at Whites Rd. • 343-3619 • www.sawallhf.com
“Quiet dignity with compassion” has meant so much for many people... for many years. 6 locations to serve you 269-343-1508 • www.langelands.com
Roofing
Pharmacy
Q: Should we be concerned about the amount of snow and ice accumulating on our roof? A: Since the first week of January, our total amount of snowfall has been sigJustin Reynolds nificant. Since the weight of snow and Manager 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. Once spring weather arrives, we offer to inspect roofs for winter snow and ice damage free. Most new roofs show little or no effect from such a hard winter. Older shingles can be damaged quite easily from excessive snow and ice accumulations. Call us at (269) 342-0153 or visit us at worryfreeroof.com today to learn more.
Sherriff-Goslin Roofing Co. Since 1906 342-0153 800-950-1906
Member Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo
Q: WHY do people “catch cold” as the weather gets colder? A: As the weather keeps fluctuating between warm and Arun Tandon, R.Ph cold, the body can’t tolerate the sudden change in the temperature, which causes stress leading to a weaker immune system. Opportunistic viruses become stronger and the body starts producing phlegm. If we are not able to get rid of the phlegm, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. The faster you are able to remove phlegm, the sooner you will feel better. Some of the things we can do to feel better fast are: 1) Salt water gargles and use of a neti-pot. 2) A long, hot shower. 3) Drink warm/hot beverages. 4) Wear appropriate clothes. 5) Take appropriate OTC medications and talk to your pharmacist.
Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-1
Advanced Health Pharmacy 7916 Oakland Dr at Centre St 269 324-1100 • FREE DELIVERY advancedhealthpharmacymi.com
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ing in the mailroom, delivering mail on a bike to the various departments. This is where he met my mother. While continuing at GM, he enrolled in a trade school to learn the tool and die trade. Several years later he attended night school, earning an engineering degree. He was promoted to quality control, which enabled him to travel to GM suppliers and plants around the world. from the My dad has been retired for many years. He is in good health and can be found on the golf course almost every day in the summer, traveling with my step-mom or mentoring middle school kids with math problems. In planning a special celebration, I have been emailing family and friends, asking for a quick note or story about my dad.
EdITOR
1952 Graduation Pi cture
er. In Kalamazoo last Summ
A Happy and Successful Life My father, Richard “Dick” Ellis, is turning 80 this month. He lives in Clarkston, north of Detroit, only about five miles from where he was born. My dad and his three brothers, grew up in a household with very little means. My grandfather had health issues, which caused my grandmother to work out of the house and raise four boys. When we were young, we used to visit her at the Airport Diner on M-59, where she made 35 cents an hour. Their home was only 700sq feet. Upstairs was a tiny little room with a very low ceiling. It was hot and musty with bees buzzing around the windows. I asked my dad if he ever went up there when he was a kid and he said, “that was where my brothers and I slept.” Right out of high school, he started on the ground floor at General Motors, work-
All current and past issues can be read at swmspark.com
Inside |
february 2014
Lee Dean: Calling a New Generation of Giants...... 4 History: The “Castle”................................................ 6 Amazing Tales ...........................................................7 Volunteers: Ila Banner.............................................. 8 Artist Profile: Karie Ward...........................................9 Spark Recipe: Spectacular Stuffed Peppers ..........10 Business Profile: Kendall Auto Repair.................... 11 Healthy Living: Ballroom Dancing.......................... 12 Nature Center: Braving the Bitter Cold..................13 Cover Story: Confections with Convictions ...........14 Spark Movie Reviews.............................................. 16
Very few people mention his successful career, great speaking ability or his large collection of antique clocks. What they do mention is all of the great times they have had with him. Many have been friends for more than 50 years. The messages I am receiving from my father’ s life-long friends are hitting home loud and clear. A happy and successful life has little to do with your career or possessions but everything to do with your relationships with friends and relatives. My father exemplifies this better than anyone I know. Happy 80th Dad! Sincerely, Steve Ellis, SPARK Publisher
ON THE COVER:
Dale Anderson and his mother Amy Anderson of Confections with Convictions. Photo by Steve Ellis
[email protected]
n
Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/swmspark
Tuesday Toolmen: Winter Safety.............................17 Ninth Annual Charity Gumbo Cook-Off ................18 Spark Book Reviews ................................................19 Sage Advice: An Important Conversation .............20 Old House Expo.......................................................20 History: Our Trail of Tears.........................................21 Centra Care..............................................................22 The Purr-fect Heart for Unwanted Kittens .............23 Tales from the Road: Fenton, Michigan .................24 Michigan Pickers: Bottle Openers ..........................25 Girl Scout Bake-Off..................................................25 Community Calendar ..............................................26
Editor and Publisher: Steve Ellis Graphic Design: Jay Newmarch at CRE8 Design, LLC Creativity/Photography: Lauren Ellis Writers and Contributors Include: Area Agency on Aging, Steve Ellis, Lee Dean, Laura Kurella, Dave Person, Kalamazoo Nature Center, Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation, 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.
To advertise in upcoming SPARK publications, contact: Steve Ellis, 269.720.8157,
[email protected]
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february 2014
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Calling a new generation of giants Lee A. Dean
[email protected] When larger-than-life figures leave us, we have three ways to respond. One response is to cut these giants down to size by contending that they really weren’t worthy of their stature. Another response is to bemoan that the age of giants is over and that no one living today could possibly live up to their exploits. This second response contains a kernel of truth. Leaders such as those who passed on in 2013 are hard to come by and even harder to replace. Abraham Lincoln was a hard act to follow. If you don’t believe me, ask Andrew Johnson. Five people I consider to be giants departed in 2013. Two of them are world famous, while the other three did not make any national list of last year’s notable deaths (but should have). Nelson Mandela said: “We must use time wisely and forever realize that the time is always ripe to do right.” Mandela endured 26 years of prison, emerged to overturn an unjust system of racial inequality and guided South Africa’s transition to majority rule with a concept almost unheard of in statecraft: a formal process of forgiveness and reconciliation. Because of this wise course, his country was spared a bloodbath. Margaret Thatcher said: “If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman.” She did plenty, demonstrating the steely determination
required to turn a nation’s policies in a completely new direction. When Argentina seized the Falkland Islands, the “Iron Lady” promptly dispatched an army and a fleet of warships to reclaim the property. Three lesser-known figures left us in 2013. But to those of us who knew and loved them, they left lasting impressions. Brennan Manning said, “Define yourself radically as one beloved by God. This is the true self. Every other identity is illusion.” Brennan never lost sight of that truth even as he was engaged in physical and spiritual turmoil. Through books like “The Ragamuffin Gospel” and “Abba’s Child,” he taught us to keep the main thing the main thing, observing that most of today’s burning theological issues are neither burning nor theological. Dallas Willard said, “The way to get as many people into heaven as you can is to get heaven into as many people as you can.” Dallas, a philosophy professor at Southern California, was the church’s version of coach John Wooden of crosstown rival UCLA: serene, erudite, patient and dedicated to the truth. He stressed the importance of progressing in our faith, teaching that a rich life awaited the person who studied and practiced the classic spiritual disciplines. Sam Morehead said, “Hustle and harmony is the recipe of champions. Stars shine, but teams win.” As a coach, teacher and father figure, Sam was an enormous influence for good to generations of people in Fennville and beyond and became a mentor and friend to me over the years. If there was one person that I wanted to be like, it was Sam, and there is a great cloud of witnesses who
share that sentiment. The tributes on the funeral home website for Sam’s obituary take up 11 pages. They tell a story of someone who set an example, was generous, encouraging, caring and inspiring. One writer called him “Fennville’s George Bailey.” Every community needs a linchpin like Sam was to Fennville, that go-to person who adds value to the lives of everyone they encounter. The departure of brother Brennan, Dr. Willard and coach Sam marks a turning point in my life. Other than my mother, who is in a class by herself, all my mentors are gone from this earth. My giants have left the building. And that brings me to the third of those three choices I mentioned at the beginning of the column. We can say the giants weren’t actually all that tall. We can complain that there are no more giants left. We can also choose to step up and fill the gap left by their departure. Our heroes, mentors and influencers have taught us much and if we have been smart and alert, we have incorporated their lessons into our lives. When they are gone, then it becomes our turn. Now we’re the ones who push people in the right direction, befriend the new family that just moved to town and encourage others to be their best. Yes, it’s hard to replace people like these. Each of them was truly one of a kind. But the principles they taught can and should be duplicated. Are we up for the challenge?
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an irregularly shaped one on the edge of the celery fields. This was purchased by the board in 1923. Miss Roberts worked closely with local architect M. J. Billingham to design a building that would fit the lot, meet the requirements of good library architecture and serve both adults and children. That the building is still in use, essentially unchanged, more than three-quarters of a century later, is a tribute to their vision. The building, of old English design, is made of tapestry brick with limestone trim and two-toned slate on the gabled roof. The interior features oak woodwork, decorative panels, small-paned leaded glass windows, and three open fireplaces. Rough timbers outline its steep ceiling. The lower level provides a public meeting room and space for book storage. From the beginning it was praised locally as “a place of charm and delight,” and received national recognition for the efficiency of its design. The branch opened its doors on 29 August 1927. The first patron to check out a book there was Rev. J. R. T. Lathrop, who borrowed Girl Scout Short Stories for his visiting granddaughter.
“The Castle” Often people ask if the charming building on Portage Street was originally a church. Children call it “The Castle.” But the boy on the copper weathervane has been quietly reading his book atop the Washington Square Branch Library since the summer afternoon when it first opened in 1927. Library service to what was then known as the South Side began in 1910 when a branch library was opened in the basement of the old Portage Street School, between Lay and Lane Boulevards. When the school became overcrowded in 1919, the branch was moved to a store building at 1348 Portage Street. There the use of the library doubled, so a new building was planned. Some people wanted the new branch to be located near a school, others in a park, but Miss Flora Roberts, who was then director of Kalamazoo Public Library, prevailed upon the Kalamazoo Board of Education to select a site following the trend of locating libraries near shopping centers. The only lot that was available near the Washington Square business district was
In 1984 when the Board of Education purchased nearly 80,000 square feet of additional land surrounding the library. This has allowed for construction of a new parking lot, reconstruction of the site to eliminate flooding problems, and additional landscaping to enhance the building. In 1997, as part of an over-all effort to rebuild or refurbish all of Kalamazoo Public Library’s buildings, Washington Square Branch was restored to its original luster style. In its early years, the branch’s meeting room provided a venue for neighborhood wedding receptions, union meetings and church services. More recently it has hosted Girl Scout and Brownie troops, and neighborhood association meetings. Over the years, the area has become home to an increasing number of Spanish speaking residents, so the staff works closely with the Hispanic American Council to provide appropriate service to them. For more than 75 years, the branch has been a welcomed and welcoming fixture of the Edison Neighborhood. Story courtesy of Kalamazoo Public Library. More local history stories and photos at kpl.
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Not the The Smartest Thug in the Deck
{
I am fascinated with quirky old stories, and over the years, working in the newspaper industry, I have accumulated more than 500 of these little gems. This is the latest installment in a series, with more to come in future issues of Spark.
{
Thug, Afraid of Guns, holds up Candy Stores Detroit-The “bold” six foot, two inch who held up seven candy stores has admitted to being afraid of revolvers. Harry Ramsey, 27, the confessed bandit said, “I pick out candy stores because the sales girls are small and don’t offer any resistance.” He held up one candy store twice. He was arrested Saturday.
March 1, 1937
Boy Steals Auto and Horse Trying to Return home Boise, Idaho-Thomas Nelson, 19, did not have enough money to pay bus fare from Idaho, where he had been working for his uncle, to his home in Benton Harbor, so he stole a car. The car ran out of gas and he could not buy anymore, so he stole a horse. The horse bucked when he mounted from the wrong side and he fractured his knee. Arrested near here, he was sentenced to time in the state industrial school.
June 4, 1931
Nervous Holdup Man Nearly Shoots Self Grand Rapids-The nervousness of a bandit who held up Herbert Connor in his feed store Wednesday nearly ended badly for the holdup man. As the robber turned to open the door of the safe, he accidentally fired the pistol in his hand, narrowly missing his side. The thug and a masked companion escaped with only $45 after binding Connor with rope in the rear of his store.
June 4, 1931
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Sharing Talents Yields Friendly Connections group that supplies a number of the hand-crafted items to several community organizations.
Volunteering: By Bill Krasean, Senior Services RSVP Advisory Council Volunteer
The six-member group, down from more than 15 members a few years ago, makes scarves, hats, mittens, lap robes and other items for babies, people undergoing chemotherapy and others in need. Members knit and crochet on their own except when they get together two Tuesdays each month for knitting and chatting, coffee and occasionally home-made cookies.
If you, like Ila Banner, enjoy being active in your retirement years, she thinks that you might like to join her tight-knit group. Of knitters. Ila, an active volunteer who retired from Kalamazoo Public Schools in 2007, is a member of RSVP’s Helping Hands Happy People knitting and crocheting
“It’s my social club,” says Ila, who joined RSVP in 2010. RSVP - Your Invitation to Volunteer is a national service program of Senior Services of Southwest Michigan that connects older adult volunteers with area organizations. Ila also participates with RSVP’s Bulk Mailing program and has helped with the Senior Project Fresh registration that provides low-income seniors with access to fresh produce from farmers’ markets. And once a week she volunteers at the front desk for the American Red Cross. Each February to June she is
employed part-time at a nursery. Ila is a knitter while others in the group both knit and crochet. Senior Services provides yarn that is donated by the community, patterns and needles, and distributes the various items made by the group. “Right now we are making scarves, hats and mittens for the cold weather,” she said. “We also make tiny hats and quilts for the babies at the hospitals and we make lap robes for the VA and nursing homes.” One talented member makes teddy bears for hospital pediatric units. “I love to knit and there’s the satisfaction of making something that’s going to be worthwhile for someone -- a baby or even someone with cancer,” she said. “I make ‘chemo’ hats from a special fluffy yarn for the Cancer Center. Right now we really need more people to make things. Even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet we can teach you.” Ila typically makes 10 or 12 items each month. She often keeps her knitting bag with her and will knit while on road trip with husband Tom or while watching TV in the evening. “Like a lot of people, I find knitting relaxing,” she said. “I do projects that are simple and easy and get them to whomever needs them. Knitting is enjoyable but it’s even better because someone can benefit. We all find the work enjoyable and think others will too.” More information about volunteering is available by calling RSVP at 269-382-0515.
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Halloween Idea Leads to “Enchanted Art” Karie Ward grew up in Portage and now lives with her family (husband of 15 years, two kids, two dogs and two cats) out in the country in Van Buren County. She is currently attending graduate school at WMU, studying Social Work and will have her MSW. “Books Enchanted” began in late summer of 2011 when Karie was perusing Etsy for interesting Halloween decorating ideas. She had a booth at Grace’s Place in Paw Paw, selling vintage finds, and was thinking along those lines, when she stumbled across a “spell book” decoration. It was cute, but she thought she could do better and began looking up information about how to age paper with coffee and tea. Up to this point, she had never considered herself an artist but Karie had an idea and Books Enchanted has a blog and ended up with one really a Facebook page, and is sold at: great “spell book” prototype. She took in to Grace’s Place 927 E. Michigan, show Jessica, Paw Paw 269 657-7010 the owner at Lotsa Little Things Gallery 1305 S. Grace’s Place Westnedge 269 343-9133 who encouraged her to make more for the store. Karie later expanded into spell bottles, magic wands and fairy gardens. She found that once she started “flexing her creative muscles,” she could not stop coming up with ideas. Her process is multi-layered and involves aging all the paper separately, and then incorporating it into the work as she progresses. She never knows what the finished product is going to look like until the very end. Karie loves to find vintage buttons, silverware, teacups, and other “treasures” to incor-
porate into her work, and has quite a stash in her studio. She is really thankful to be a part of the Lotsa Little Things Art Coop. Karie says that, “The owners are committed to maintaining the integrity of the work and promoting each individual artist. The gallery offers such a wide range of art and there’s something for everyone!”
Comfort Cuisine
by Laura Kurella According to Wikipedia, the term comfort food refers to any food or drink to which one habitually turns to for temporary respite, security, or special reward.
Perk up the flavor of a stuffed pepper (or cabbage or porcupine ball) by adding a few flavor-boosting ingredients and you will be oh-so-glad you did!
When it comes to cooking comfort food, most of us have the, idea of “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” attitude, which causes us to never venture outside the parameters of the original recipe box, but I recently found out, after cleaning out my cupboard, that there is good reason.
I love the flavor of the meat in a stuffed pepper (or cabbage) but never cared for the outside container because my mom always made me naked ones, which she called porcupine balls. She later informed me that she fed me these because she could not afford to feed seven children peppers, too! That said, this meat filling can be stuffed into anything you like – peppers, leaves, squash, etc. – or cooked naked by being pressed into those porcupine balls my mother created as a comfort food for me. The recipe can also be altered to suit your comforts as well and you should because its not called comfort food for nothing – Enjoy! Stylist/photographer: Laura Kurella
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Spectacular Stuffed Peppers (Cabbage or Porcupine Balls) 1-pound ground round, or favorite 1/2 cup Jasmine rice 1 small onion, minced 1-cup low sodium chicken broth 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, low sodium
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce 1 tablespoon of ground ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice 15 ounces (or more) tomato sauce
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place rice in a bowl and cover with hot water. Stirring occasionally, let set while gathering and measuring out all the other ingredients needed to make this recipe. In the bowl of a mixer, combine meat, onion, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, pepper, ginger, orange juice, 1 cup chicken broth and pepper. Mix with the paddle attachment on low, until well combined. Drain water from rice and add to mixture. Stir on medium until completely mixed. Now your mixture is ready to be stuffed into a pepper, leaves, etc., or simply lightly pressed into porcupine balls. Using a casserole dish, place stuffed items in dish the pour tomato sauce evenly over them. Cover baking dish tightly with foil, trying to avoid touching food. Bake for 1 hour then uncover, add a little water to pan to reconstitute the sauce then bake an additional 15 minutes uncovered. Dish freezes well. so long as it’s packed in sauce. Servings per recipe: 6. Nutritional fact per serving: Calories 301; Fat 16g; Carbohydrates 22g; Fiber 1g; Sugar 6g; Protein 16g.
For more great recipes, go to Laura’s website at laurakurella.com. Laura is host of Radio Recipes- a LIVE show that airs Tuesday mornings at 7:15 am (EST) at 99.3 FM - True Oldies radio
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{ Business Profile }
Kendall Auto Repair Kendall Auto Repair had its humble beginnings back in 1954 at the former Country Maid Bakery down the street from its current location. It was originally know as the 3B Garage for the three brother-in-laws: Frank Horning, Grant Whitcomb and Chuck Kendall. The business later became known as Whitcomb and Kendall after relocating to its present location in the 60’s. In the mid 80’s, the business again expanded, adding a motor home and alignment shop and eventually became known by its present name after Horning’s & Whitcomb’s retirement. Steve Kirk started working there in 1973 as a 16 year old, pumping gas, fixing tires and washing cars, eventually working his way up to a master technician position. He and his lovely hard working saint of a wife, Jane, purchased the business in 1994. Kendall Auto is a full service auto repair with vast experience in engine diagnostics, brakes, vehicle maintenance, tires , and specializing in alignment and driving issues. Customers like their business because they know that they can rely on their many years of experience, honesty and integrity. Their customers understand that real value is not in looking for the cheapest parts, but in having a dependable repair that lasts. Their staff takes pride in listening to customers concerns and helping them stay safe on the road. As business owners, it gives Steve and Jane great pride knowing that they are carrying on a 60-year legacy of quality and honesty.
Steve and Jane Kirk
8441 Portage Rd., Portage • 269-329-0442 Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm • Kendallautorepair.com
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HEALTHY LIVING
february 2014
Ballroom Dancing
The Near Perfect Exercise for Everyone
Matt Barrett, Active Older Adult Program Director YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo, 269-345-9622 x160 Remember dancing to the music of Benny Goodman in the ballroom, twisting to Chubby Checker at the high school sock hop, or disco dancing like John Travolta to “Staying Alive” at a party. Remember how much fun you had and how you felt tired but invigorated. Well we can’t boogie woogie like that anymore, but we can still enjoy the benefits of ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing not only gives a cardio boost but also strengthens bones and works all the major muscle groups. It also builds stamina, improves balance, coordination and flexibility. Ballroom dancing improves brain function by combining two elements of brain health: learning new things and socializing. The benefits of ballroom dancing include an improved cardiovascular system. It is low impact so the heart and lungs are worked but not at a high aerobic heart rate. Dancing can lead to a lower heart rate as well as lower blood pressure and more balanced levels of cholesterol by providing exercise for the entire body. Dancing can also prevent and treat osteoporosis by helping people stand taller thus improving their posture and relieving pressure on the lower back. Another benefit is that dancing strengthens bones and joints that can also help prevent osteoporosis.
Ballroom dancing is an effective way to burn calories. Dancing for one hour can burn as many as 800 calories depending on the intensity of the dancing. It is an effective alternative to cardio equipment or aerobic exercise classes and can be more fun. People who take up ballroom dancing also benefit from increased social interaction. After all, you have to dance with a partner and often with a group of other dancers. Attending a dance allows people to meet others, increasing contact with those who share the same interest. It is a great opportunity to meet other people of different backgrounds and start a social group outside of the dance studio. Dancing improves brain health by using the right and the left brain. Counting and remembering steps helps to increase mental sharpness. Learning new steps and routines helps creativity and concentration. It can also help alleviate depression because dancing raises endorphin levels and relieves stress. Ballroom dancing allows people to learn something new as they pursue a healthier life style. Other benefits of dancing include weight loss, improved body shape, lower blood pressure, and a healthier heart. Dancing is a great way to meet new people in a social setting. All these lead to a healthier, happier you. *The YMCA recommends that you check with your doctor or health care provider before beginning an exercise program.
february 2014
Braving the Bitter Cold
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not having to venture out and actively seek food. During this state there is an absence of food or water intake. The most familiar terms for this would be torpor and hibernation.
a time on daily basis- mostly overnight. Many birds, such as chickadees and hummingbirds use torpor. How is this different than sleep? In basic terms, it can be thought of as a more extreme form. Most mammals lower their body temperatures by about 1-2°C. Torpor however, is a more regulated reduction in body temperature, usually below 30°C. In addition, it requires a much longer period before the animal can “warm up” and begin normal activity again. Hibernation, the term most familiar to many of us, is more specific kind of torpor. Hibernation is a state of deep torpor often lasting several weeks at a time. The total period of hibernation can be months long, consisting of several periods of torpor, interspersed with periods of normal activity. Many mammals hibernate. Some of the classic examples would be bears (although there has been some discussion whether they are “true” hibernators), bats, raccoon, woodchucks (also known as ground hogs), squirrels, and small mammals such as eastern chipmunks and ground squirrels. In addition, certain species of bees hibernate as well, along with other insects.
Kyle Bibby, Conservation Research Coordinator The bitter cold settling over southwest Michigan can serve as a reminder to how vulnerable we can be to the elements. After just minutes, we begin to feel the sting – and imminent frostbite – of the frigid weather. This weather provides extremely harsh living conditions to the animals that inhabit our natural areas. As a result, wildlife have several options – they can migrate to a warmer climate, adapt to survive the cold, or enter dormancy. Many animals can migrate great distances or grow a dense coat. Smaller mammals however, may not have these options. Small mammals have a large surface area to volume ratio, and thus lose much of their energy from heat waste coming off their bodies. When food is scarce, there simply is not enough energy to maintain their high metabolic demands. So what is an animal to do? Give up. Because so much body heat is lost to the environment, the best strategy may be to simply let the body temperature fall. This can be done in a couple of different ways, which aim to reduce metabolic activity by lowering body temperature. As body temperature drops, the animal is “burning” less energy and is able to survive on stored fat,
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Photo provided by Jonathan Morgan
There are many tactics animals deploy to combat our bitter winters. Hibernation, torpor, and other physiological changes are some of the most interesting. Understanding how an animal’s body changes in response to the environment and how it fights off the deadly chill of winter is a widely researched subject and can still create debate amongst the scientists that study these interesting feats of biology.
Torpor is an umbrella term for the suppression of metabolic activity. Torpor most often refers to short periods of depressed metabolic activity. Typically this is for hours at
Lisa Panich, Kalamazoo Nature Center,
[email protected] (269) 381-1574 ext. 38, www.naturecenter.org
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Confections with Convictions Dale Anderson Offers Troubled Youth a Fresh Start in a Very Sweet Way! By Dave Person –
[email protected]
Puns usually don’t last long. They serve their purpose and, like an aging man’s pate, they are “hair today, gone tomorrow.”
undertaking, along with on-the-job experience in payroll and purchasing since he opened the shop in December 2010 — Anderson has a thriving business.
But for Dale Anderson, who admits liking plays on words, one that he came up with ended up sticking with him and, as a result, caused a major change in his life.
Confections with Convictions, at 116 W. Crosstown Parkway, employs four former scofflaws through Anderson’s commitment to hire workers with “barriers to regular employment,” according to his confectionswithconvictions.com website, and utilizes the services of many volunteers, of which Anderson is one and his mother, Amy, is another.
“It was just one of 100 stupid jokes in the back of my head,” he recalled recently. “Now my life is an outgrowth of a dumb joke, for better or worse.” Anderson, 60, a licensed residential builder since 1974 who works as a counselor in juvenile drug treatment court in Kalamazoo County, was thinking of ways he could help young people in trouble with the law to get a fresh start.
While continuing to make a living as a juvenile court counselor and as program coordinator for Western Michigan University’s Campus Employees Dispute Resolution Services, Anderson puts in seemingly endless hours as a “chocolatier.”
He had already ruled out the building trades because of child labor laws that prevent young people from using power tools, climbing ladders or working on roofs.
“I’ve been a licensed builder most of my life, but that’s different from running a shop,” Anderson said during a recent break from making chocolate truffles. “I’ve had a lot of things to muddle through and learn here.”
The thought that chocolate-making might be a more acceptable practice crossed his mind, and that’s when the name of such an enterprise popped into his head: “Confections with Convictions.” Seven or so years later — including a couple of years
Dale Anderson studying how to make chocolate treats and a couple more rehabilitating a building to house his new
He started out by taking a chocolate-making class online, but “it’s not a great way to learn to make chocolate,” he discovered. So he went to the French Pastry School in Chicago
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Now she has her own apartment and a car, has completed General Educational Development (GED) certificate requirements, and is a student at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. “She is using this as a platform to build an independent life,” Anderson said. Another employee, Quinton Mitchell, 19, has demonstrated a special talent for chocolate-making, developing a visual quality in truffles “in the way he rolls it (the ganache, or inside of the truffle) out on the tray.” “It gives the chocolate a different appearance the way he does them,” Anderson said.
A glass case of delectable delights
Amy Anderson
“He is just very diligent and committed to quality.” and then L.A. Burdick Chocolate in Walpole, N.H., to get hands-on instructions. When he opened his business in the building he shares with a tenant, The Victorian Bakery, Anderson got the chance to practice what he learned, but he also established some ground rules.
Anderson said he has hired employees as young as 15, and currently has an adult employee who came to work for him upon her release from a federal prison.
Anderson also is pleased with the end product. He usually has more than 60 different options for customers, primarily truffles, in his display case. He also makes foil-wrapped solid chocolate, bark (slabs of chocolate with nuts and fruits) and bites (chocolate-covered almonds), the latter two so customers can decide whether they prefer his “bark” or his “bite.”
“Our claim to fame is the chocolate we use is fair-trade certified,” he said. And it is organic.
For Valentine’s Day, he said, he will be making “a couple of truffles that have ingredients from love potions from around the world.”
The other part, employing young people with criminal backgrounds, was a little more difficult because once he started the business he did not have the financial resources to hire them. The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency’s Youth Opportunities Unlimited program resolved that problem, however, by compensating a couple of its students while they worked for Anderson as he got the business off the ground. One of those YOU students, Livia Worley, 21, was one of the first employees Anderson hired once he could afford to pay them, and she continues to work there.
You can buy a chocolate truffle for $1.75, a box of 28 for $40, or several alternatives in between. “All the recipes are my own creation,” Anderson said proudly.
“Every day I look at myself as a chocolatier and I wonder, ‘How did I get here?’” - Dale Anderson , Confections with Convictions
“When she came she was staying at the Gospel Mission and had not completed her high school education,” Anderson said.
“I’ve been honored by how much commitment and care people hired here have given to their work,” he said. “They take pride in their work; they work hard and are diligent. That part has been really satisfying.”
“Most of what I’ve learned of chocolate has come from trialand-error, and hopefully not too many egregious errors.” Anderson couldn’t be happier with his new affection for confections.
“Every day I look at myself as a chocolatier and I wonder, ‘How did I get here?’” he said. Confections with Convictions os located at 116 West Crosstown Parkway in Kalamazoo.
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Movie Reviews Kon-Tiki Kon-Tiki is the true story of how one dedicated scientist overcame enormous odds to traverse the Pacific Ocean with five other crewmen in a wooden raft, constructed out of pre-modern, natural materials. The goal of the expedition was to prove to a skeptical anthropological community that Polynesia was settled by people from ancient South America and not from Asia, as was the commonly held theory. Such a notion was scoffed at by Thor Heyerdahl’s fellow scientists and so he decided to set out from Peru in 1947 with little more than a poorly operating radio, a life boat, food rations, a
hand held camera and an unshakable faith in their mission. The film chronicles the Norwegian and his Scandinavian band of fellow adventurers as they set out against both expectations and the probability of survival to prove the world wrong, encountering a few obstacles and sharks along the way.
Shepard & Dark Friendship as a documentary subject is rare thing and with this affecting and poignant account of the longterm bond between Pulitzer Prize-winning author/actor Sam Shepard and Johnny Dark, viewers may feel as though they are listening in on a personal conversation between two old mates. Fused by both affinity and family, these two friends, entangled within the complicated web of history, not to mention their very different views on life and living, join together to work on an University project regarding their correspondence and ephemera that may result in a book deal. Full of tenderness, humor and sadness, these two old compatriots
open up and bare their lifetime of memories, laments and affection for one another before the camera’s eye, offering up fascinating insights about both the limits of male closeness and its lasting durability.
Charulata Any sort of discussion of historically significant directors must include the work of the great Satyajit Ray. Ray’s visually brilliant and emotionally moving Charulata (1964) tackles the subject of desire; specifically that of a lonely and bored housewife imprisoned by limited social expectations and later on by romantic feelings for her husband’s cousin. Her newspaperrunning husband’s responses to her veiled longing and artistic aspirations come off as glib or paternalistic. It’s only when his wayward, free spirited, poetry-composing cousin arrives to live at their home that Charulata begins to self-actualize and to allow her creative passion for writing to become more pronounced and acknowledged. Ray’s talent was in mixing the styles and
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tone of European and American films with the local, cultural nuances of Indian society. Always sensitive to develop multifaceted characters that are easy to sympathize with, Ray’s films feel like visual diaries of emotionally repressed or socially oppressed persons struggling to reconcile the old with the new, the traditional with the modern.
Cutie and the Boxer A beautifully made documentary exploring the intertwined social and artistic lives of eccentric 80-year-old painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife/critic/assistant, illustrator Noriko. The film offers a glimpse into the couples complex and chaotic marriage and focuses on the sacrifice and dedication that is required to live a creative life. Reviews by Ryan Gage, Kalamazoo Public Library. These great titles are available from the Kalamazoo Public Library.
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Cold Weather Kit
toolmen By Ken VanEseltine
In case a winter power outage leaves you without heat or electricity. • Plenty of warm blankets. • Candles and working flashlights. • Emergency supply of canned goods and necessities. • Bottled water. • Battery powered/portable radio. • Cell phone. • Stock up on medications you may need. • Extra warm clothing, including boots, mitten and a hat.
Snow Shoveling
Winter Safety for Seniors When the weather outside is frightful…. During the winter months, ice, snow and cold temperatures can make life challenging for everyone. Slippery sidewalks and cold weather can cause a wide range of injuries and illnesses- especially for seniors or individuals with a disability. It is important to safeguard against the common causes of cold weather. • Offer your phone number for emergency calls and check on the elderly regularly to make sure they are safe. • Arrange for someone to shovel and de-ice their walkways and steps. • During extreme conditions, inquire if they need transportation to and from medical appointments or to the grocery store. • Make sure they have emergency supplies on hand.
Avoid Fatal Mistakes That Could Cause Home Fires Home fires are one of the most common causes of winter fatalities among seniors. • Keep curtains, clothing, blankets and other combustible materials at least three feet away from space heaters. • NEVER use kerosene heaters or stoves to heat your home. • Make sure all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order and check the batteries throughout the home.
If you need to shovel driveways and walkways, take special precautions. The easiest option is to hire someone to do the work. If this is not an option, seniors should go slow, lift small amounts of snow and take frequent breaks. A sturdy lightweight shovel can be used to “push” rather than lift the snow. Individuals with compromised health or heart conditions should not shovel snow. If you feel dizzy or heavy in the chest stop shoveling immediately and seek medical attention. Falling is one of the biggest health hazards that seniors face in the winter months. When venturing out in the winter months dress in layers and wear gloves. Make sure to wear sturdy, low heeled shoes with non-skid rubber soles. Stay clear of unshoveled sidewalks and hilly terrain. If you are unsure if a walkway is slippery, proceed cautiously and walk with your toes pointed outward, taking short, flat steps (like a penguin.) Remove your shoes immediately upon entering your home to avoid indoor falls caused by slippery, wet soles.
Stay dry: Immediately change out of wet clothes to avoid feeling chilled. Drink wisely: Stay hydrated, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, which can alter perceptions of actual body warmth.
Have phone handy: Cell or cordless house phone when doing any activity outside around the house, i.e. shoveling, getting the mail or taking your pet out. Ken VanEseltine is a member of Tuesday Toolmen. The group of volunteers at Senior Services of Southwest Michigan provide home services to area senior citizens, allowing them to stay safely in their own homes.
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february 2014
Ninth Annual Charity Gumbo Cook-Off to be held at
Wild Bull/Monaco Bay on March 2, 2014 This year ‘s event has for more space, more food, and more music. All this means more fun! And the 30-chef entrant list reads like a “who’s who” of West Michigan Culinary Arts. Don’t worry about the weather… even the outdoor space is heated. Preparing 12 quarts of gumbo is no idle task......Most of these generous chefs are all “return engagements” and have stepped up once again to display their overwhelming generosity and community spirit. You don’t have to ask these people to give back to their community.....to them it is second nature. This is THE Mardi Gras culinary event of the year. Come on down to the Entertainment District and sample the raw bar, oysters, shrimp and specialty appetizers. Keep the spirit alive with the finest selection of Jambalaya, Gumbo, Etouffee, and other Cajun and Creole creations you’ll find anywhere north of Louisiana. And rest easy knowing that ALL of the proceeds are donated to Ministry With Community to help Kalamazoo’s homeless population. Where are you going to find a more capable and talented group of cooks together in one location? They’ll be cooking everything from alligator and blackened duck gumbo to emu, ostrich, and kangaroo gumbo, and everything in between. Come and sample the outrageous entrees these chefs have prepared. Visit our web site at www.gotokra.com for more details and late breaking news.
For more information, contact William Sarkozy (269) 217-3455 •
[email protected]
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Book Reviews Book Reviews by the Portage District Library staff
The Daedalus Incident by Michael J. Martinez Science and alternative history combine to give us a story that echoes classic Science Fiction literature. The reader bounces back and forth from the years 2132 and 1779, and even though these stories are separated by 353 years, the characters will need to combine their efforts to save the universe. In 2132 we follow Lt. Jain and her JSC team as they realize that their routine geological survey of a Martian cave system is anything but. Mars-quakes and rocks that roll up hill are just a hint of the mystery that the team needs to solve. In 1779 Lt. Thomas Weatherby of His Majesty’s Royal Navy sails aboard the HMS Daedalus but not on the sea as we think of it. Along with his captain, alchemist, and a servant girl with a remarkable past, Weatherby must track a great and powerful mystic, who has embarked upon a sinister quest to upset the balance of the planets. Martinez expertly weaves his narrative giving the reader an entertaining story that is hard to put down.
The Light between Oceans by M.L. Stedman In this debut novel by M.L. Stedman, Tom Sherbourne and his wife Isabel are sent to Janus Rock, an island off the coast of Australia, to be lighthouse keepers. After Isabel suffers several miscarriages a boat mysteriously washes up onshore carrying a baby. Isabel sees this child, whom she names Lucy, as a “gift from God.” She convinces Tom that they were meant to keep her. Isabel does not acknowledge that by keeping Lucy she may be denying her real mother the chance to have her daughter back. Tom struggles with the decision to present Lucy as their daughter. When they return to visit family they are confronted with the consequences of their choice. As time passes Tom and Isabel come to
different conclusions about how to go forward with the choice they’ve made. M.L. Stedman takes us on an emotional journey where we witness what this does to their marriage. We also witness what this does to the birth mother of Lucy, to the rest of the family members and to the community as a whole. A powerful and thoughtful read.
An Irish Country Courtship by Patrick Taylor The Ulster village of Ballybucklebo is full of colorful characters each with stories of their own. Barry Laverty, a young general practitioner, is working under Doctor Fingal Flahertie O Reilly. He is becoming a respected member of the village and is looking forward to becoming a full partner in the practice. Then he is unexpectedly jilted by his girlfriend, who left him for a more exciting life in Cambridge. Now he wonders if he will truly be happy tending to routine coughs and colds and living in this small closely knit village for the rest of his career. Barry’s mentor, O’Reilly, is going through some personal upheavals as well. After mourning his deceased wife for decades, he’s finally met a new woman with whom he feels blissfully comfortable. But his faithful and valued housekeeper, Kinky Kincaid, fears losing her position to a new woman in the house. Tact, diplomacy, and a fair amount of blarney may be required to restore peace to the household. Meanwhile, there is a mysterious outbreak of ringworm at the local school, a complicated swindle by a conniving Councilman involving a racehorse and a complicated diagnosis of a resident who lived in India much of her earlier years. Barry and O’Reilly combine their wit and compassion to put things right again--just in time for their lives to change forever. Descriptions of the countryside and the tumultuous Irish weather draw the reader into the setting and linger after the last page. All these titles are available at the Portage District Library. For more information about programs and services available at PDL, go to www.portagelibrary.info.
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An Important Conversation Judy Sivak, MSW Director, Area Agency on Aging IIIA, 3299 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49048 Phone: 269-373-5173 (Info & Assistance Line) www.Kalcounty.com/aaa
Have you had “that” conversation with loved ones yet? The one about your end-of-life wishes and preparations for taking over your legal, financial and health decision making if you are incapacitated? A national survey by The Conversation Project found that 9 in 10 Americans want to discuss these issues, but only about 3 in 10 Americans have actually had the conversation. For many people, conversations about these issues are hard to start and difficult to keep going with everyone’s emotions and sometimes differing ideas involved. The good news is that help is available via a Conversation Starter Kit found at theconversationproject.org. This project is co-founded by Pulitzer Prize winner Ellen Goodman in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and supported by the Cambia Health Foundation. Its goal is transformative: to have every person’s end-of-life wishes expressed and respected. The kit also helps you think about what you are comfortable with, before involving loved ones. Some tips to get the conversation started include referencing what happened to a friend or family member and how you want to be more prepared; asking for help in planning the future; asking your loved one to listen without comment until you are finished with your thoughts. It’s also helpful to have a list of topics to discuss and to select the location and time of the conversation as one that is comfortable. For those of you with loved ones far away, a letter might help to start the conversation, followed by a phone call or video chat. What are some of the topics to cover? Having a healthcare power of attorney, health care advanced directive, durable power of attorney for finances, a will, determine if a trust is useful, having a place where your medical records, list of doctors and pharmacy contacts, and insurance information is easily accessed. The best advice is to have these conversations before there is a crisis! The Conversation Project has many resources on the website that will help in understanding all that needs to be done.
In February when cabin fever sets in, take a day and join us at the 9th annual Old House Expo. If you have your dream old house – and if you are mid-project, it could be a nightmare – you may be having a hard time getting started on summer plans for the house. Take it easy through the first of the year and join us in February – the Old House Network will get you up and running for next summer!! Come by for ideas, inspiration and a chance to beat the winter cold basking in the warmth of other old house fans.
The Old House Expo gets old house owners – and people who dream of owning an old house together with contractors, tradespeople, suppliers and experts. If you want to learn the easiest way to strip antique hardware, pick interior wall coverings, or decide if that foundation crack is serious – come to the Expo! Learn about windows, paint, house history and much, much more. Organized by the Old House Network, each Expo features instructional – and fun – programming, live demonstrations and a vendors’ hall.
OLD HOUSE EXPO Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 9:00 am to 5:00pm St. Augustine’s – Crowley Center in downtown Kalamazoo Admission: $7/adults; $5/seniors and students Tickets are on sale at Douglas and Son at 231 West Cedar in downtown Kalamazoo. PLENTY of free parking. For more info (and we still have a few vendors spaces) contact Sharon Ferraro at: 269-720-0403 or
[email protected] www.oldhousenetwork.org
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The Removal of the Anishnabek:
Our Trail of Tears.
For centuries, as with other native peoples, they had tried to maintain their traditional culture and lifestyle on the lands that had been their home for generations. The Potawatomi had sided first with the French against the English, then with the English against the rapidly expanding number of American settlers. When the War of 1812 ended, British Canada eliminated its clandestine support of the Potawatomi once and for all.
one larger region, Nottawaseepe, in southern Kalamazoo and northern St. Joseph counties. The 1833 Treaty of Chicago eliminated all Potawatomi land in Southwest Michigan and required the natives to move to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. The deadline for removal was eventually extended until 1840. The Potawatomi had generally maintained good relations with the American settlers pouring into the area beginning in the late 1820s.
On Oct. 10, 1840, some 750 Anishnabek, also known as the Potawatomi, began walking south on Burdick Street on the first leg of their journey to new homes west of the Mississippi River. For several weeks they had been gathering north of where the Amtrak railroad station now stands. As chilly autumn air settled in and, with their belongings packed, they began the long march from their native lands.
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Early settler accounts recalled that the natives had shared information on the location of land, water, and hunting grounds. They had assisted in raising houses and barns. And the settlers benefitted from trade in fish, maple sugar, and other goods.
Above: Two elders rest under a tree near Athens, Mich., around 1905. Despite government efforts to remove Native Americans from the region, some were able to remain in southwestern Michigan. Right: Gladys Whitepigeon Sands wears a traditional dress made by her daughter, Sydney Martin. Martin is Potowatomi, Wolf Clan, and her memories and experiences are rich with ties to this part of the land in Southwest Michigan.
The Potawatomi were forced to accept a series of treaties yielding their land in Michigan to the federal government on terms that were hardly fair and equitable. An 1821 treaty required them to give up most of their land in southern Michigan and to live on reservations such as the Matchebenashewish Reserve that covered most of what is now Kalamazoo. A later treaty in 1827 consolidated those reservations into
The American hunger for land was insatiable, however. The national government had adopted a policy that called for the removal of all eastern Indians to the West. In the spring of 1840, U.S. Army troops under the command of Gen. Hugh Brady were dispatched to southwestern Michigan to round up the Potawatomi. Some of the Indians came in voluntarily. Others had to be forcibly herded by the troops. Of an estimated 7,000 Potawatomi then living in Michigan, about one-third were eventually resettled in Kansas and later Oklahoma. Not all went west, however. Another third moved east to British ruled Ontario. The remainder either moved further north, away from the main areas of settlement, while a smaller number managed to stay in the area by converting to Christianity and living at various missions. The Anishnabek are still with us. Despite efforts at removal, they are our neighbors, reminding us that we are relative newcomers to a land that was home to Native Americans for centuries. Museography. Reprinted with permission from the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. The museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees. For more information about the museum visit www.kalamazoomuseum.org.
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CentraCare’s goal is to keep older adults at home! dom and provide safe exercise and activity • Transportation by Life EMS to the day health center and medical specialty appointments • On-site audiology, dentistry, optometry, podiatry, and speech therapy • Durable medical equipment, supplies and lab tests (as needed) • Meals provided by Senior Services of Southwest Michigan at the Day Health Center and/or in homes (as needed) • Respite care
Providing high quality medical care and social support for low-income elderly patients living at home is the objective of this Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), serving, individuals 55 years of age or older, living in Kalamazoo County. PACE is a unique managed care program that provides community-based care and services for frail older adults who may otherwise need nursing home care. PACE provides comprehensive medical and social services for persons eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits in an adult day health center setting, supplemented by in-home services in accordance with each individual’s needs. Currently, there are about 90 PACE programs in the United States. Six are based in Michigan cities including Battle Creek, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, St. Joseph and Ypsilanti with more on the way. CentraCare, Inc., is a a non-profit community corporation that has successfully managed a PACE program in Battle Creek since 2009. Likely candidates who could benefit from the PACE model of care include those who are having difficulty managing appointments, finances, medications and health conditions. Often, PACE participants have declining ability to perform duties, such as meal preparation, housework, or transportation, and an increased need for assistance with bathing, dressing and moving around their home. They often also experience an increase in falls and visits to the ER or urgent care.
Carolyn Taylor, a CentraCare participant says, “I’m glad I came here because I didn’t know what else to do. I have 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 5 greatgrandchildren – but they work and are busy. I kept getting reports from my doctor that more and more was wrong with me. So, I really enjoy being here. It keeps my mind busy and I can be as active as possible. Everybody is so good to me and I’ve made a lot of good friends here.”
CentraCare services include: • Adult care with nursing; physical, occupational and recreational therapies; nutritional counseling; and social work • Medical care provided by a PACE physician who is familiar with the history, needs and preferences of each participant • Home health care and personal care/chore service • Pharmacy medication management and disbursement (as a Medicare Part D provider) • Socialization at the center to decrease isolation/bore-
Physical Therapy Assistant, Nicole Hunter, PTA works to help make participants stronger and more agile.
PACE providers receive monthly Medicare and Medicaid capitation payments for each eligible enrollee, and they assume full financial risk for participants’ care without limits on amount, duration, or scope of services. In short, PACE treats the whole patient, not just the episode that puts someone in the hospital or pushes them beyond the limits of what their caregivers can provide.
CentraCare is located at 445 W. Michigan in Downtown Kalamazoo. Their phone number is (269) 488-5460
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The Purr-fect Heart for Unwanted Kittens euthanized in west Michigan animal shelters every year. So the main message of ABF is “Please spay/ neuter your pets.”
If you have ever been to Lana’s Boutique in downtown Kalamazoo, you’ve probably noticed a couple comfortable looking cats, curled up on a pair of designer jeans.
Providing a subsidy for spay or neuter surgery is their main function.
Besides being a storeowner, Lana is a very talented singer performing all over town (go see her performing Patsy Cline songs if you ever get the chance) and is also a big advocate for helping animals in need.
Donations to Animal’s Best Friend are tax deductible and can be sent to P.O. Box 443, Oshtemo, MI 49077. At least 90% of your donation goes to fund spay/neuter surgeries.
Lana has used her stores to help unwanted and abused kittens and cats find “forever homes” and, to date, has fostered and placed over 300 cats in loving homes. A few weeks back, at Art Hop, I ran into Kathy Dilsaver and she told me about Lana’s new kittens. Folks were dropping off kittens as young as 2 1/2 weeks old at the Animal Shelter without their moms. At one point, they had three litters without moms totaling some 15 kittens - all of which won’t survive as they just didn’t have the ability to keep them feed, sheltered, etc. Lana currently has at her home, two little ones brought in at 2 1/2 weeks old that she and her husband Fred removed from the shelter and have been bottle-feeding every two hours so they would survive and hopefully be returned to the shelter for placement into loving homes. She says folks are dropping them off there as “strays” rather than “owner owned” which means the shelter has to hold on to them for 7 days in the event the “real” owners come to claim. She suspects, as does
Upcoming bake sales at Pet Supplies Plus, 5230 S. Westnedge are one of the main fundraisers for ABF and all proceeds benefit the animals. Upcoming dates are :
the shelter, that these little ones are being brought in by “real owners” and they just aren’t taking the time nor money to get their adult females fixed. A local organization that is helping with this difficult problem is Animal’s Best Friend Fund, Inc.- an all volunteer, non-profit animal welfare group dedicated to reducing animal overpopulation in Kalamazoo and Van Buren Counties. Since ABF was founded in 1981, they have helped spay and neuter over 42,849 cats and dogs. Their efforts have saved thousands of unwanted kittens and puppies from being born. Thousands of animals are
Valentine Bake Sale: February 8, 9am-3pm St. Patrick’s Day Bake Sale: March 15, 9am-3pm Easter Bake Sale: April 19, 9am-3pm Each month ABF works with certain area vet clinics by authorizing the clinic to provide a certain amount in subsidies. Call 269-624-1090 and listen to the recording to find out what vets have been selected and then make an appointment with one of them. Ask when you schedule the appointment if there is any ABF money left to apply to your pet’s surgery. Animals Best Friend Fund, Inc. 269-624-1090 email:
[email protected] animalsbestfriendfund.org
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Tales
from the
road
~ Small Town America ~
Fenton, Holly and Clarkston By Steve Ellis I grew up in Pontiac, and over the holidays while visiting relatives, spent a day visiting some of the small towns north of there. We first drove to Fenton, which I had not been to in 40 years and found it to be a charming little village with many historic buildings and houses. We had breakfast at the French Laundry (laundryandbeyond.com) , a very eclectic restaurant in an old laundry building. The décor is fun and funky with the tables and chairs made up of a colorful collection of old 1950’s dinette sets. We all ordered the daily special-a very tasty egg scramble with loads of vegetables and sausage ($6.50) and were very happy. Water is left on your table in tall, clear wine bottles. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner, and specializes in Michigan craft beers. My girlfriend Jackie and daughter Lauren, loved a store a few doors down called the Iron Grate. It is housed in an old brick building and with two floors of very unique jewelry, clothing, handbags, home décor, books, toys and clothing for children. The Iron Grate was established in 1980 and brings “big city chic to small town America.” It is owned by Londoner Elizabeth Dickens and her daughters Tara and Kirsty We also stopped into Yesterdays Treasures, a fun antique store in a colorful old building. I noticed the large safe and asked what the building was originally used for and the owners told us that it was once the office for a very old lumberyard that, among other things, once built screen doors for the White House. They also told us to take a look at the famous “mouse-proof” house that is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having a foundation several feet thick to keep out mice. One of original reasons for visiting Fenton was to check out the new brewery in the old firehouse (The Clarkston Union and Woodshop folks new venture) that had just opened. Unfortunately it was not open until later in the day. Our next stop was Holly. Holly’s historic downtown streets are lined with antique stores, restaurants and the Detroit Model Railroad Club – located in an old movie theater. Carrie Nation, who during prohibition days, traveled the country with an axe, smashing up bars, once came to Holly (August 29, 1908) and did her damage. This is now celebrated in an annual Carrie Nation event at the historic Holly Hotel, a funky old building full of antiques. George and Barbara Bush once dined here. With so many trains stopping in Holly each day, the bars and saloons that lined Martha Street were the scenes of lusty brawls and battles almost daily. So many people were injured in the fights in front of the Holly Hotel that the locals nicknamed Martha Street “Battle Alley,” the name that is still used today. Our last stop was Clarkston. When I was growing up, this was a sleepy, little town off Dixie Highway that we passed through on the way to I-75. Over the last several years, it has been transformed into a very prosperous, busy community. Clarkston High School just won the Class A, State Football Championship. However, Clarkston has retained its small town charm and the picturesque downtown has a handful of great stores and restaurants. Two very popular eating and drinking establishments, the Union Woodshop and The Clarkston Union (in an old church) , draw folks from quite a distance. Rudy’s Market, with its old stone façade, has a huge deli and one of the largest beer and wine selections anywhere. Essence on Main is a popular gourmet food and gift store and the Olde Village Café” serves a great breakfast. So the next time you are over in the Detroit area, head north on I-75, get off the highway and experience some great “Small Town America.”
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Bottle Openers Tom Minnie is a retired from General Motors, where he was an insurance representative for the union. About 20 years ago he started collecting bottle openers and has now amassed a collection of over 3000. In today’s day and age of screw off tops and plastic bottles, bottle openers are not as popular as they once were. At one time, openers were a mainstay in every kitchen, restaurant, bar or anywhere else beverages were served. Many beverage brands used them for advertising and as giveaways. This created a large number of styles, shapes and varieties. Many openers in Tom’s collection are multiple-
use tools such as letter openers, scissors, ice picks, letter openers or plastic Telephone dialers.
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PICKERS
One of Tom’s favorite openers (that he features on his business card) has a key to turn on the gas headlamps of a 1920’s automobile. Tom and his wife Carol (who collects paper silhouettes and is worthy of a collector story on her own) enjoy going to flea markets, estate sales and garage sales, looking for new ”treasures” for their collections. Although they collect for the enjoyment of the people they meet and the one-of-a kind items they stumble across, Tom and Carol sometimes find a rare item that surprises them. Tom once put an opener on EBay with a beginning price of $6 and ended up selling the opener for almost $1600. If you would like to contact Tom about bottle openers, he can be reached at 269 349-8505 or
[email protected]
The recipe for making sure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout gets that opportunity: n One large crowd of people who appreciate sampling one-of-a-kind desserts. n One dozen (plus one) local chefs. n More than 50 live and silent auction items to bid on. n One huge bunch of commitment to a great cause. Mix the crowd and their commitment together. Spread that out among the chefs and the live and silent auctions and you’ve got the Girl Scout Cookie Bake-off Benefit which raises money to serve hundreds of low-income and at-risk girls in the Kalamazoo area. The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan invite you to join them on Thursday, February 27 for an evening of food and fun at their Kalamazoo Regional Center at 601 West Maple Street. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 each or $325 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or get more information call 800-49-SCOUT or visit our website at girlscoutbakeoff.com
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community calendar SPECIAL EVENTS Art Hop-Downtown Kalamazoo, Feb 7 Kal Indoor Flea Market, Tuesdays and Wednesdays , (and Sat Feb 8) Kal County Expo Center Led Zeppelin Laser show, Kal Valley Museum Planetarium, Friday’s thru March 21, 8pm-9:30pm $3 2nd Annual Storytelling Festival, Kal Valley Museum, Sat, Feb 1 10am-5pm FREE Kal Antique Auto Restores Club Swap Meet, Sat, Feb 1 8am-4pm, Sun 8am-1pm Kal County Expo Center $5 Midori in Concert Miller Auditorium , Sat Feb 1, Sun Feb 2 349-7759 for info Winter Snow Party - Feb. 1., Oakland Drive Park, 7650 Oakland Dr., 12pm-3pm FREE Clybourne Park, Farmers Alley Theatre, Feb 7-23 3432727 for info Ladysmith Black Mambo in concert, Feb 7, 7:30pm Dale B, Lake Aud, KVCC, 488-4030 for ticket info Michigan’s Heritage Barns-Kal Valley Museum –Photo Exhibit, ongoing Kalamazoo Male Chorus performs A Valentine AffairLove is still in the air”, Union Cabaret and Grill, Feb 16, 5pm Parchment Community Library, Thrift Store Saints, -Author Jane Knuth on working at St Vincent de Paul store, Jan 14, 6:30pm 343-7747 to reg The Remarkable Farkle McBride-Chenery Aud, Feb 9, 3pm 387-2300 for ticket info Memphis-Miller Aud, Feb 11-12 7:30pm contact Miller for ticket info Chris Botti and KSO, Feb 14 Miller Aud, 349-7759 for tickets The Miracle Worker, The Civic, Feb 14-March 1, 3431313 for info A Pint With the Past, Gilmore Car Museum, Feb 15, 7pm-10pm 671-5089 for info Singing Valentines 2014, Mall City Harmonizers, 269 350-4085 for info Come Unto Me: The Faces of Tyree Guytan-KIA Feb 18 12pm-1pm FREE 1964 Tribute-State Theatre, Feb 22 8pm 345-6500 for ticket info Kalamazoo Area Newcomers Club -For upcoming luncheons and more info call Kathleen at 269-615-7054 kazoonewcomers.com 18th Annual Garage Sale Art Fair, Feb 22 9:30am4:00pm $5, Kal County Expo Center Kalamazoo Record and CD Show, Feb 23, 11am-4pm, Kal County Expo Center FREE KCASI, “Why Kalamazoo Needs a Senior Millage” Feb 17, 1:15pm-2:45 pm Senior Services, FREE Cooper’s Glen Music Festival, Feb 14-15, Radisson greatlakesacoustic.org for info Taoist Tai Chi Society USA Open Houses, Feb 10, 5:30pm-7pm, Feb 13 10am-11:30am 614 Romence RdPortage 323-1974 Murder By Design-Henderson Castle , Feb 22 call 3441827 for info Lake Michigan Railroad Ferries, Feb 11, 6-8pm, Parchment Community Library, call 343-7747 to reg Kalamazoo County Association of Retired School Personnel, “A Look Back at History” Feb 4, 11am Birches in Oshtemo 375-0576 Salute to Seniors, Looking for Outstanding Senior volunteers, go to www.SalutetoSeniorService.com. For more info WMU Men’s Basketball, Feb 1, 2pm, Feb 9, 4:30pm, Feb 15, 4:30pm, Feb 23, 2:00pm WMU Women’s Basketball Feb 1, 4:30pm, Feb 8, 1pm, Feb 19, 7pm, Feb 26, 7pm K College Men’s Basketball Feb 5, 8pm, Feb 8, 3pm, Feb 15, 3pm, Feb 19, 7:30pm K College Women’s Basketball Feb 5, 6pm, Feb 15, 1pm, Feb 22, 3pm
South Haven Ice Breaker Festival, Jan 31-Feb 2 Downtown South Haven Craft Day-Alcohol inked Vase, Feb 5, 5:30pm Comstock Community Library 345-0136 Tuesday, Feb 4th at 2:00 in the KIVA (Friendship Village) Charles Stroh Canyon Talks Session 5 Wednesday, Feb 5th, 12th, 19th at 1:00, Life Long Learning Flowers from Literature in the Kiva Thursday, Feb 6th at 3:00 ,Randy Adam’s Piano Concert in the Kiva Monday, Feb 10th at 2:00, Dynamo Show with Paul in the Kiva Tuesday, Feb 11th at 2:00, Charles Stroh Canyon Talks Session 6 in the Kiva Thursday, Feb 13th at 3:00, Mark Elkhart Gospel Singer in the Kiva Tuesday, Feb 18th at 2:00, Henrik Solo Violin Concert in the Kiva Wednesday, Feb 19th at 7:15, Bronson Health Talk in the Kiva
YMCA OF GREATER KALAMAZOO 1001 W. Maple St., 269-345-9622 Blood Pressure Clinics: Tues, Feb 4, 3p-5p, Wed, Feb 19, 11am-1:30pm, Fri, Feb 14, 10am-12pm, Thu, Feb 27 1pm-3pm Diabetes Support Group Monday, Feb 10 ,1:30p2:30p,. Learn information about living with diabetes, exchange recipes, and meet new friends Chapel “Y” Book Read Group, Fri, Feb 21, 1:30-3pm, “Farm City-An Education of the Urban Farmer” by Novella Carpenter, Chapel SilverSneakers Yoga (formerly YogaStretch), Wed. 9:30am-10:30am. Members free/ $30 Community. SilverSneakers Classic (formerly Muscular Strength and Range of Movement), T/Th 11a-12p. Members free/ $58 Community. SilverSneakers Splash (formerly SilverSplash), M/W/ TH 3p-4p. Members free/ $87 Community, 2 times a week, $75 Community. Tai Chi for Arthritis, T/TH 10a-11a, $32 Mbr/$48 Community. Instr: Glenda Van Stratton. 345-9622 x127. SilverSneakers Circuit (formerly CardioCircuit), M/W 11a-12p, Members free/$58 Community SilverSneakers Cardio (formerly CardioFit) New class, T/Th, 1:30p-2:30p Members free/$58 Community Drums Alive, Wed 3pm-5pm, Member free/$24 Community Wii Game Time Thu, Feb 13, 12:30p-1:30p Have fun and exercise at the same time by playing Wii Games like bowling, tennis, dancing and more! Room 115 Coffee and Chat Wed, Feb 19 10am-2pm
YMCA OF GREATER KALAMAZOO Portage Branch 2900 West Centre Ave. 269-324-9622 Blood Pressure Clinics, Feb 3, 10:30a-12:30p. YogaStretch, Friday 11:45a-12:30p Members Free, Community $23. Muscular Strength and Range of Movement, Monday 1p-2p, Members Free, Community $30, Wednesday/ Friday 10:30a-11:30p, Members Free/ $60 Community Soothing Yoga, Friday 9:30a-10:30a, Members $27, Community $42
Kalamazoo Air Zoo Trips Chicago Car Show or Shopping Trip, Feb 11, 2014: Contact Tamra Stafford at 269-382-6555 or
[email protected]
COMSTOCK COMMUNITY CENTER
PORTAGE SENIOR CENTER
269-345-8556
269-329-4555
Bell Ringer’s Choir, Mon 10am-12pm, all levels welcome Bingo: Every Thursday at 1pm. Bring a $1.00 value item in a paper sack. Free. Birthday Party: Join us the 3rd Thursday each month at 11:30am to celebrate that month’s birthdays. $5.00. To celebrate your birthday reserve one week in advance, and all others by noon one day in advance. Bridge: 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month, 1pm. This is a group of experienced players. 324-2404 to sign up to play. 50 cents to play. Ceramics: Tuesdays, 1-3pm, $5 per week includes supplies Conversation Cafe: Every Tues, Wed, Thur. at 11:30am. Enjoy a home cooked meal. Call by noon the day before to order. Cost is $5 and includes beverage. Exercise: Tuesday & Thursday at 10:30-11:30am . $2 per class, can use your punch card. Foot Care Clinic: 2nd Monday of the month. Please call 345-8556 to make an appt. Cost is $25 per visit. Line Dance: Wednesdays at 9-10:30am. Cost is $2. Mystery Lunch: 3rd Wednesday of month, 11am-3pm. Must be able to walk. Call to register. Cost is $3 and lunch cost in on your own. Out to Breakfast: 8:30am. Meal cost is on your own. Feb 4 @ Corner View on N. Riverview. Feb 18 @ Blue Dolphin on S. Burdick Out to Lunch: 11:30am. Lunch cost is on your own. Feb 28 @ Main St Pub on Gull Rd Potluck: 3rd Monday of each month at noon. Bring a dish to pass and your own tableware. Free . Tai Chi , Mondays at 5:30pm-6:30pm $5 Texas Hold ‘em Poker: Tuesdays at 12:30 pm. Beginner’s welcome. Free. Therapeutic Swim Class: Comstock Community Center Water Class‚ meets every Tues and Thur from 1011am. (269) 552-2358. Cost is $40 for 8 week class. TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): Every Tuesday 5pm-7pm. 383-0312. Membership is $26 annually. Yoga Every Fri 9:30-10:30am $5 per class Game Day, Feb 21, 1-4pm get out of the house and bring a game , Free Valentines Day Lunch, Feb 13, 11:30am-1pm Reg. by Feb 10, $6
Alzheimer’s Assoc. Support Group, 7-8:30pm 3rd Tues Art Club, 1:00 p.m., Mon, PSC Members only. Bid Euchre & Other Cards, 6:30 p.m. Tues. New players welcome. PSC members only. Big Screen Movie: Monday, Feb 10, 1:15 p.m. “Love’s Abiding Joy”. View the movie for free; popcorn 50 cents. Billiards – 12:30 – 4:45 p.m., Tue, Thur, Fri. Mem only. Blood Pressure Clinic, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., 2nd Thur Body Rebound, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Mon, Wed, & Fri all month. Non-aerobic exercise class. 8-weeks: $42/$52 non-mem. Register at PSC. Book club, 2nd Mon, 10am Bridge – Relaxed Pace, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Mon and Wed all month. Relaxed pace, won’t you join our group? PSC members only. Bridge, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tues and Fri all month. Experienced players welcome. PSC Members only. Canasta Club, 1:15 p.m., Mon. Exp and beginning players welcome. Lessons available. PSC Mbrs only. Chair Volleyball Drop-in Play: 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Tues The PSC offers free, drop-in play come and try it out. PSC Members only. Choir Practice, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Chronic Pain PATH Workshop, Oct 4 – Nov 8. Fri 9:30 a.m., Free, Reg 329-4555. Community Service Van (CSV) Program Transportation, 8:30 – 1:00 p.m., Mon - Fri. Trans. available for PSC programs or PSC lunch. Call 329-4555 for apptmt Computer Tutoring: Paul S., 12:00 -1:00 p.m., Mon and Wed and Gordon H., 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Mon & Fri Reg at PSC, members only. Fee $5/hr. Cribbage, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m., Mon, no fee. You’re welcome to join our group. PSC Members only. Dining Out Club - Dinner, 5:00 p.m. Mon, Feb 3 Brann’s Steak House & Grill, 700MLK Blvd, Portage Hosted by Hal & Shirley Ray. Advance reg PSC 329-4555 by prev bus day is required. Self-pay. Dining Out Club - Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. Tue, Feb 11 Julianna’s 2105 Lake St, Kalamazoo Hosted by Hal & Shirley Ray. Advance reservation at PSC 329-4555 by prev bus day is required. Self-pay. Dining Out Club -Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Thur, Feb 20 Bennucci’s 3717 E. Cork, Kalamazoo, Hosted by Hal & Shirley Ray. Advance reservation at PSC 329-4555 by previous bus day is required. Self-pay. Dominoes, 1:00 p.m. 2nd and 4th Fri. New players welcome. PSC members only. Enhance Fitness, 8:10 – 9:10 a.m., Mon, Wed, and Fri. Improve fitness, muscle strength, & balance. 8-week: $42/$52 non-member, . Register at the PSC. Euchre, 1:45 – 4:45 p.m. Wednesdays. New PSC members/players welcome. Foot Clinic, 12:15 – 4:00 p.m. Thur by appointment Laptop Intro to Office, 10:00 – noon, Wed. 7 weeks. Royce Bland teaches Microsoft Office. $20/Mem only. Register at PSC. Loaves & Fishes Bag Recycling – Bring your plastic & paper bags to the Center the first week of the month. Lunch, 11:45 a.m. (Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Fri) Reservations required, call Senior Services at 382-0515. Mah Jongg, 1:00 p.m. Tues. New PSC members welcome. Ping-Pong, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m., Mon and Thur. Have fun and exercise at this drop-in event. Equipment provided. Members only. Pinochle Single Deck, 1:00 p.m. Thur, PSC mbrs only. Poker Night – Just for Fun, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on 2nd Tuesday. Free. Dealer’s choice poker game, call PSC for more information. PSC Members only. Portage Rotary, Noon on Wed. PSC Band Practice, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m., Tues. New players welcome! For schedule or more info call 329-4555. PSC Members only.
ECUMENICAL SENIOR CENTER 702 N. Burdick Street, 381-9750 Monday - Exercise, Free Blood pressure 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. • Bible Study 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday – Craft (knitting) Ceramic Class Instructor: Tina Krum Cost $4.00 per class Trip to Beauty School – 3rd Tuesdays of each month Wednesday– Bible Study 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Medicine Check 12:30 p.m. - Book Reading Thursday – Scrapbooking 10:00, Spanish Class, (six week class) and Community Prayer Circle @ 2p.m. Friday – Computer classes @10:00, Bingo @ 10:30 a.m. Lunch 12:00; 1:30 p.m. - Wii Bowling, games, and movies. Grocery Bingo- 2nd Friday in each month Monthly Birthday Celebration, Bible Study Monday - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wed. 10:30 to 11:30
PLAINWELL COMMUNITY CENTER EUCHRE Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. singles or couples. ENHANCE FITNESS Mon, Wed, Fri, 1-2pm Jazzercise M 6:15-7:15pm & T & Th 6-7pm $ Zumba M-W-F 6-7pm $
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PSC Needlers, 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon, Thursdays. Knitting and crocheting. Items made are donated to charities. New needlers welcome. PSC Trip Office, open for res (324-9239), Tues and Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. QiGong, 7:00 p.m., Wed. Ancient Five Element QiGong routines build/strengthen internal health. Taught by Ed Kehoe. 7 weeks - $38/48 non-member. Quilting, 1:00-4:00p.m., Fri all month. Bring quilting supplies. New quilters welcome. Readers’ Theatre, 2nd and 4th Wed , Recycled Card Project, 10:30 a.m. – noon, Tues. New PSC participants welcome, members only. Make new greeting cards from used cards. Red Hat Society, if you are interested in joining this group, contact Marie Tucker at 375-2104. Reminiscence Writing, 10:30 a.m. Wed Write and share essays/poems, family history, travels, etc Instructor: Wilma Kahn, MFA, DA. 7 wks, Fee: $32/$42 non-member, register at PSC. Scrabble, 1:00 to 4:45 p.m. 1st and 3rd Frid. New members welcome. Silver Sneakers Splash, 11:00 – 12 noon. Tues and Thurs. Aquatics based exercise program held at YMCA Portage, designed to build strength, increase range of movement. Fee: Pay at YMCA Portage, $60/7 wks. PSC or “Y” Members only. Sisterhood Group, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 2nd Fridays. Sisterhood is a women’s social group that meets the second Friday of each month. Welcome new “sisters”. Stay Independent – Prevent Memory Loss, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., 2nd Thursday. Instr: Suzanne Gernaat, fee $7/$9non-member per ses. A discussion/activity group Strength & Stretch 9:20 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., Monday and Wednesday at PSC.$42/$52 (7 weeks) Instructor: Joy Morris Super Books Fundraiser, $40 coupon books available at PSC T’ai Ji, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m., Tuesdays. Instructor, Ed Kehoe, 7-weeks. Fee: $42/$52 non-member. Register at the PSC. Three C’s: Coffee · Cards · Conversation, 2:00 p.m., 1st and 3rd Saturday. Bring a snack to pass. Information: 329-4555. Members welcome. Valentine’s Lunch, Tuesday, February 11, 11:45 am, $1 reservation fee. Walkers with Walkers, 9:30 a.m. Crossroads Mall Tues. and Thurs. PSC Members only. Walking - Daily, 8:30 a.m., Mon – Sat at Crossroads Mall, Food Court entrance. Wii Bowling, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Tues. Have fun with this video game bowling league without spending $$ at an alley. PSC Members only. Woodcarving, 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Tues. PSC member’s free/non-members $3.00/wk. Yoga, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m., Mon. 8 weeks. Christine Peckels, Location: St. Catherine’s of Siena – Stanley Center. $72/82Non-members. Zumba Gold, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mon, 8 weeks. Instructor, Gretchen Pouliot, $26/$36 Non-members.
SENIOR SERVICES OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 269-382-0515 Lunch M-W at 11:45am. Reservations must be made by noon, one day in advance. 382-0515. Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program: Mon-Fri, call 1-800-803-7174 to make an appointment. “Swinging with Susan” Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, M & W, ALL fitness levels. 10:00am-11:00am. Susan Iervolina. $30/7wks (14 classes) Wii Tournament M 11am-1pm, TOPS for Seniors. Mon. Lose weight with support and encouragement ($3 per month) 12:00-2:30pm Ballroom Dance. MON. (basic and intermediate) $25/8 weeks. 3:15-4:45pm Art Painting. Tue. Bring your own supplies and enjoy the fellowship. No fee. 9:30-11:30am TimeSteppers. Senior tap class with Sue Forrester. Beginners welcome. Tues. & Thurs. 9:30-10:30am Helping Hands. Tue (Feb 11 & 25) Knit/crochet items to distribute to community agencies. 1:00pm-4:00pm Visually Impaired Group. WED (Feb 5 & 19), Support for the visually impaired. 10:30am-12:00pm
27 Senior Foot Clinic Wed ($25, & bring bath towel). 344-4410 for appt. 10:30am-4:00pm Tai Chi with instructor Ed Kehoe. $5/week, 1:30pm2:30pm Intermediate/Advanced Ballroom Dance. W 3:154:45pm Don and Ann Douglass instruct advanced steps of this popular dance style. $25/8 weeks Bridge TH 12:30-4:00pm Coover Dance ($5.00 per person) Live entertainment. Thurs.(Feb 13) 7:00pm - 9:30pm Therapeutic Massage F 9:00am-4:00pm. Provided by certified therapist. $12/20 minute by appointment. Line Dance Fri 10:00-11:00am . Susan Iervolina leads this advanced class. $35/7weeks. Prime Time Players Rehearsal. Talented seniors perform for the community. –Fri. 1:30pm-3:00pm Blood Pressure Clinic (Last Wed only-Feb 26). Free check and monitoring. 11am-12pm
RICHLAND AREA COMMUNITY CENTER 629-9439 Free Lunch & Learn: Stay at Stronger, Stay at Home Longer: 2nd Thurs through April. 11:30-12:30 Must RSVP. Senior Ballroom Dance-3rd Sun of the Month, 2-5pm Tai Chi Weds. Beg class 4:30-5:30/Intermediate 5:306:30 ,$5 Yoga w/Sherry King: Mondays 12-1, Wed, 9:45-10:45 $10 per session Gentle Yoga w/Cathy Tucci: Tues/Thurs. 10:15-11:15am Sliding fee for Gentle Yoga: 49-under $10, age 50-59 $8, age 60-69 $6, 70 and above $3 per class. Buy 10 classes and receive the 11th free! Swingin/Exercising with Susan (sponsors: Laurels of Galesburg)Tues/Thurs. 10:30-11:30, $3 per class Euchre: Weds. 12:30-3:00 Bridge: Mondays: 12:30-3:30 Hand and Foot (cards): Weds. 12:30-3:30 Book Discussion Group: 3rd Thursday, 9:30-11 RACC Drop-in Coffee Hour: every Tues/Thurs. 9:3010:30 Senior Dining Coupons sold on Tue 9-1, Weds, 9-5 Square Dancing/Line Dancing/Round Dancing: 3rd Sat. 7:30-10 pm Painted Lady Studios Art Class: Wed. 9:00 am-12:00 pm. $30
SOUTH COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES Weekly Fitness classes, Out-to-eat, Matter of Balance Class, Line Dancing Class, Tai Chi, flu shot Clinics 6492901 for info
THREE RIVERS SENIOR CENTER Photography, Calligraphy, Polymer Clay Beading, Open Art Studio, Bridge Club, Hooping, Arthritis Exercise, Balance Exercise, Bingo, bunco, Book Club, Breakfast club, massage, hair cuts, computer classes, wifi, wii. Call the COA for dates and times at 269 2798083.
Plan Your Trip HEARTBEAT OF HOME, March 12, Chicago, Illinois. A music and dance spectacular featuring the dynamic traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. With world-class dancers Italy, Mexico and Spain, the production will create a dream world of joyous, heart-stopping, high-energy music and dance. $128 members, $138 others. Portage Senior Center, 269-324-9239. FORD-O-RAMA, March 25, Detroit. We will arrive at the Ford Assembly Plant in Dearborn to see a production line. This will be followed by a luncheon and tour of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford Mansion built in 1926 and located in Grosse Pointe Shores. $98 members, $108 others. Portage Senior Center, 269-324-9239.
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LOCAL TREASURES, March 31, Kalamazoo area. Step back in history with a day out as we visit some of our beautiful historic buildings in downtown Kalamazoo, some of which are not accessible to the general public. Our tour will include lunch at the recently renovated Ladies Library and features a special guest speaker. $45 members, $55 others. Portage Senior Center, 269-324-9239. “BOOGIE WOOGIE SWINGTIME”! April 24, Cornwell’s Turkeyville, Marshall. A musical comedy Tribute to our military forces of today and yesterday. Three ladies do their best to nurse a valiant war hero back to health by cheering him up with a little USO show. Show includes songs like Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Star Spangled Banner and many more! $75 members, $85 others. Portage Senior Center, 269-324-9239. MAGNIFICENT M AND Ms, April 28, Grand Rapids. Melodic music, myriads of color and modern marketing are just a few of the exciting adventures to be had on this trip. Organ concert at Dale & Gail’s. Meijer Gardens to view the butterfly exhibit is also included, followed by a stop at Horrocks indoor farmers market. $73 members, $83 others. Portage Senior Center, 269324-9239.
KALAMAZOO COUNTY MEAL SITES Nutritious hot lunches are served by Senior Services Inc. to people 60 and older at Kalamazoo County meal sites. To reserve a lunch, call the Nutrition Center at 269-382-0515 by 1 p.m. the day before you plan to visit. A cost-sharing donation is suggested for each lunch. Here are the meal sites, their addresses and the days they are open: Coover Center, 918 Jasper St., 11:45 a.m. Mon-Wed. Crossroads Village, 6600 Constitution Blvd., 11:30 a.m. Mon-Fri. Dillon Hall, 3299 Gull Rd, 11:30 a.m. Mon, Tues., Wed. Ecumenical Senior Center, 702 N. Burdick St., 11:45
a.m. Mon-Fri. Evergreen Community Room, Evergreen North Complex, 5700 Vintage Lane, noon Mon-Fri. Northwind Place Apartments, 1004 Douglas Ave., noon Mon-Fri. Portage Senior Center, 320 Library Lane, 11:45 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. River Manor Friendship Center, 1000 Shadow Lane, Galesburg, 11:45 a.m. Mon-Fri. Spring Manor Friendship Center, Spring Manor Apts, 610 Mall Drive, Portage, noon, Mon-Fri. Spring Valley Crossing, 2535 Mount Olivet Road, Parchment, noon Mondays-Fridays. Washington Square Friendship Center, Washington Square Apartments, 710 Collins St., noon. Mon-Fri.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY MEAL SITES The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging helps coordinate lunches for people age 60 and older at three meal sites and 11 participating restaurants. Call 800-641-9899 or 269-279-8083 for information on how to make reservations, which are required by 10 a.m. the day before you plan to visit. A cost-sharing contribution of $2 at meal sites and $3.50 for restaurant vouchers is requested for each lunch. Meal sites, their location and the days they are open are: Constantine Senior Center, Monday -Friday Sturgis Senior Center, 304 N. Jefferson St., MondayFriday. Three Rivers Senior Center, 103 S. Douglas Ave., Monday-Friday.
New Residents Welcome! Crosstown Parkway Senior Apartments
Apartments - 1 Bedroom Apartments for 62 years and up. - Gas and electric included. - New countertops and oak cabinets, plus new appliances. - Rent based on 30% of income. - In-house medical alert system. Community Health Directions services on site. - Small Pets welcome with deposit. - Free heat
RENT BASED
ON INCOME 550 W. Crosstown Pkwy. Kalamazoo 344-3968 Professionally Managed by Medallion Management, Inc. TTY 800-649-3777
