October 2026
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October 2026
Remember When
The threat of missing out on roller skating at the Long Lake Roller Rink with friends, was enough to get many homework assignments completed and attitudes adjusted, for many kids who grew up hanging out at the Long Lake Roller Rink each weekend. Long Lake Roller Rink acted as a “babysitter” for many parents who dropped their kids off on a Friday or Saturday evening, before heading out to enjoy dinner or some adult time. It was a safe (except for the occasional skinned knee), fun place for the kids to spend the evening. Many families enjoyed spending time together at the rink on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. We loved the place and even had my daughter’s 13th birthday there. I was able to invite her whole class and the kids had a blast! She won the limbo contest, as she often did, and was rewarded with a huge Charleston Chew candy bar. Roller skating was very popular in the United States in the 1950’s when Robert (Bertie) Carpenter and Alta (Al) Landes-Carpenter opened the Long Lake Roller Rink on June 20th, 1952. Bertie, enjoyed a myriad of jobs at the rink, playing organ music, teaching skating lessons, coaching the Long Lake Lakers Roller Hockey Team and the traveling dance team, in addition to driving the “Rink Bus” to pick up kids at local schools to skate and return them afterwards. Al managed many aspects of the front house of the business, and could often be found slinging snacks behind the snack bar. In the heydays
of skating (1952-1968) on a busy holiday weekend, over 1,000 people would skate at Long Lake Roller Rink. The rink, located at 4525 S. Long Lake Dr. in Portage, was opened in the former “Summer Home Park” dance pavilion that was owned by Chet and Carol Leathers, who leased the building to them. The building was originally built in the early 1920’s, as the former, Bucholz Resort, a lakeside pavilion with a beach house and dancing. Long Lake Roller Rink opened with a fairly small rink, but quickly added on a newer, large rink in 1958, which gained the distinction of being the only rink in the area with two skating floors. The original rink became the “practice rink,” which was a good place to learn, before braving the “big” rink, with seasoned skaters whizzing by. The Carpenters kept skaters engaged with 20 different skating options depicted on a light up board, announcing the skating move of the moment. Some of the options were: moonlight, trio, fox trot, reverse, corner game, boogie, couples, tango, the crowd favorite grand march and many others favorites. Their daughters, Colleen and Danette (Dani), grew up at the rink, having fun and helping out with the family business. In the late 1970’s, Bertie and Al were tired and ready to retire. The daughters weren’t interested in taking over the business, so they decided to sell it and retire. Karma had other ideas, in 1983 the federal courts handed back the keys,
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and the family started over under the name “The Rink.” Sadly, Bertie passed away in 1990 and Al passed in 1992. Colleen and Dani took over the rink, which became “The Rink of Long Lake Inc.,” and continued the “labor of love” that their parents started. This story came to light by happenstance, after meeting Dani’s daughter, Joanna Carpenter, one morning in August while enjoying breakfast at the counter at Greenhouse Cafe in Kalamazoo. Joanna was sitting next to us and my boyfriend immediately recognized her from the Long Lake Roller Rink, where as a teen she was working the snack bar and was often the “last girl standing” in the limbo contest. We had a lively chat, laughing about our memories of the rink and she shared some fun stories. Colleen and Dani were raised in the home under the Rink, which always seemed normal to them. Colleen and her husband Steve also lived in the basement home, while Joanna grew up in Vicksburg, attending Sunset Elementary, Vicksburg Middle and Vicksburg High. After our brief visit, Joanna was heading to the airport after breakfast to head back home to
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New York, where she is a Broadway and television actor and the founder of JMC Creative Communications, working as a speech coach and writer for progressive candidates and electeds across the country. She also continues to find time to skate! On the popular Vanished Kalamazoo Facebook page, there were so many comments about the Long Lake Roller Rink, that it was hard to narrow them down. Here are a handful of my favorites: “I met my husband there in 1970.” “I skated there 3 nights a week. Great place and great people ran it. I will never forget them or the rink.” “My childhood playground, I lived 3 houses east. So grateful for all the memories.” “If the rink was open, I was there!” “Lots of Great memories of my own. My kids loved it too.” “So many memories, did skating lessons with Girl Scouts, and it was also the place where my parents met.” “I remember all-night skating. I had a huge blister on my foot after a whole night of skating.” “! Broke my arm there and had my first kiss at Long Lake Roller Rink.” In 2018, the third generation, Joanna, Andrea and Courtney, were aligned on wanting to pursue their own futures and careers outside of the family business, the property was put up for sale. The property sold, the building was razed (1/11/19) and a private residence was built on the prime property, with 236 feet of lake frontage. Although the final skate at the beloved Long Lake Roller Rink was held on June 1, 2018, the memories created over their six-decade reign, will last a lifetime! Jackie Merriam
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
The Very Versatile Evergreen: How to Choose the Right Shrubs for Foundation Plantings & Hedges
Blue Point Juniper Upright
Canadian Hemlock
Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae
Gold Mop Cypress
Rhododendron. Arborvitae. Boxwood. Euonymus. Gone are the days of bland, meatball-shaped evergreen shrubs. Today’s evergreens not only offer practical solutions to garden challenges—but they look fabulous in the landscape, too. With hundreds of brilliant new varieties of evergreen shrubs available in all sizes, shapes, and—yes, even colors—you’ll find the perfect plants to dress up your garden.
a layered look, add taller plants in the back, closest to the house, or as anchors in the outer corners of the foundation. Place a focal point, narrow evergreen shrubs to frame the entrance, drawing the eye to the front door. But always check plant tags or online specifications for the mature size of the plants to ensure your shrubs won’t overwhelm the space. Here are 3 evergreens for foundation plantings recommended by Andy Wedel and Sharon, our Landscape Designer: • Mr. Bowling Ball Arborvitae • Tater Tot Arborvitae • Gold Mop Cypress
shrubs provide shelter for wildlife as well. And, depending on what shrubs you choose, you might delight in watching nesting birds raise their young in the spring, then feeding on berries throughout the winter. Evergreen privacy fences can also serve as windbreaks, helping protect your garden from harsh, cold gusts. And who wouldn’t prefer a pretty evergreen hedge instead of an uninspired chain-link fence? (Although, if you need to contain a pet, it’s easy to dress up a chain-link fence with a cover of evergreen shrubs.) When creating your evergreen hedge, decide whether you’d like a dense, tight row of foliage—or if you’d prefer a lighter, looser structure. Whichever style you prefer, planting an evergreen hedge adds color, beauty, and texture for your living fence. Before you create a living privacy fence with shrubs, consider the location. Make sure you’re planting within your property lines, and avoid planting shrubs near power lines or over underground utilities. Always read the plant tag for the mature size of the shrubs to ensure they’ll fit the
space as they grow. Check your shrubs often for any signs of pests or diseases to keep your privacy fence healthy and looking lush and lovely. Prune only lightly the first year. As the hedge grows, prune to shape the hedge to your aesthetic preference, while also cutting out any dead wood to keep the hedge looking its best. Andy Wedel and Sharon, our Landscape Designer recommend these 6 evergreen shrubs for hedges: • Green Pillar Boxwood • Hicks Yew • Techney Arborvitae • Spring Grove Arborvitae • Canadian Hemlock • Blue Point Juniper Upright Are you ready to add excellent evergreen color and interest to your garden? Whether you choose evergreen shrubs for foundation plants, hedges, or living privacy fences, you’ll love the four seasons of interest evergreens add to your garden.
Evergreen Shrubs for Foundation Plantings
We all crave swoon-worthy gardens, right? And creating curb appeal rates high on the garden project list for many homeowners, particularly with new construction. Whether you’re selecting plants for a newlybuilt home or renovating a garden, foundation plantings should frame the house, compliment the architecture, and anchor the home into the landscape. By choosing evergreen shrubs to add color and texture, foundation plantings can enhance the architectural style of the home— without overwhelming it. Select evergreen shrubs that enhance your home’s design. For
Evergreen Shrubs for Hedges and for Privacy
Are you looking to add a bit of privacy to your backyard? Maybe you’d like to block the view of a neighbor’s unsightly shed, or perhaps you’re hoping to create a buffer from a noisy street. A living privacy fence can help. Besides adding texture and color to your garden, hedges make the perfect backdrop for flower gardens. Creating a privacy hedge not only adds beauty to your garden and eliminates prying eyes, but evergreen
For 83 years, the event has been held at Kalamazoo College’s Stowe Stadium. This well-respected tournament presents the champion from both doubles and singles matches, the opportunity for an automatic bid to the main draw at the U.S. Open that begins later in August in Queens, New York City. Something I didn’t realize, is that 2026 marks fifty years of Wheelchair tennis and the 4th year of the WheelThis past August, I took my two chair division at the USTA Boys grandsons, who play on the Gull Lake Nationals in Kalamazoo! Tennis Team, to the USTA Boys 18 Kalamazoo’s own, Stowe Stadium, & 16 National Championships. Wow! has been the playing field for many We were in awe of the talent that we American tennis greats including witnessed that afternoon. Andre Agassi, Arthur Ashe, Michael
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Chang, Jimmy Connors, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, Pete Sampras, Stan Smith and many others who have played at the USTA Boys’ Nationals. In 1943, The first USTA boys’ tournament was conducted with 90 players on five synthetic turf courts. The event has grown to over 500 players on 11 lighted, hardcourt surfaces at Stowe Stadium, with some qualifying matches held at WMU. Attending the USTA 18 & 16 National Championship, raised the bar for my grandsons and inspired them to hit the courts that same day. Jackie Merriam
Article by National Garden Bureau with edits from Wedel’s
Photo of Jenette Schossau’s artwork.
Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam (269) 217-0977 - goodnews.jackie@gmail.com Like us on Facebook! This publication does not specifically endorse advertisers or their products or services. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the written permission from the publisher.
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
Random Acts of Artness “Why Not Me?” In the Good and Bad
It’s true. I needed a break. The demands of life put on by myself, and others caught up with me, and I ran out of time to write an article for my featured section in September. I am not sure if anyone noticed my written absence or if my musings were missed, but now refreshed, refocused, and full of creative flow, I am back to type out some quick thoughts and points I have had recently in life. Within the last 2 months I was able to explore an almost abandoned downtown Grand Rapids on one of those hazardous air quality days. Not perhaps the healthiest move, but an eventful evening nonetheless that was going from bar to restaurant to restaurant to bar sharing single plate meals with friends and ending with burpees and lunges on the sidewalk while waiting for an uber. Then there was the long weekend after an even longer drive ending
with a new phrase that applies to my life, “paddle and pray.” After kayaking and camping in the Sylvania Wilderness and thinking I and my party could outrun an impending storm, we ended up ditching the kayaks on the shore, soaked to the bone by a torrential downpour and bracing ourselves against vertical winds huddled next to pine trees breathing with the ground underneath. And then the invitation to join the 12-13-hour sail across Lake Michigan with the best of friends during the middle of the night, meteorites flying overhead courtesy of the Persoid Meteor Shower, arriving in Chicago to spend a day, and then do the 12–13-hour sail again. My land legs took about three days to return. To think this is what I’d be doing at 44, yet alone ever in my character, but they are part of who I am and who I am becoming. Be social, even
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when you want to stay behind. Be adventurous even if staying on shore is safe and protected. Be fearless and enter the dark unknown even when all parts of your being are terrified. Do it anyways. Do it scared. I did not have an article in September because I am living a life that sometimes lacks inspiration, truly, and yet sometimes is so full of it, I have no energy to write. I was reflecting on a truth, a statement that came up in one of my recent readings. It’s related to the blame game. When things go wrong, do we blame others? Do we blame our circumstances, our finances, our boss, our coworkers, our ex, our friends, our enemies, ourselves? The truth. When bad things happen, we can ask, “Why me?” How humble is it to flip that question and say, “Why not me?” There’s been many a moment in my
life, where it would have been ever so easy to say, “Why me?” There will likely be moments in my future that feel the same. I hope in those moments I remember the truth, “Why not me.” I am fortunate and blessed to have awesome highs in life with people I love so why would I be less deserving of the lows that are a part of this thing called living. In everything, I want to say, “Why not me.” A little “paddle and pray” goes a long way in a lightning storm on open water, air full of smoke when wildfires are burning, and darkness surrounding you with no control of the wind in the sails. 20 original prints are placed randomly in copies of this month’s edition of the Good News Paper. I hope you find one, ‘cause “Why not me?” Peace, Love, and Art. -Amy Instagram: @amylgieschen
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
“ The Gifts We Take for Granted” When Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, and Michelangelo carved David from a slab of marble before later painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, they probably weren’t worrying about whether they were capable of doing such things. They simply applied their imagination and talents to the task. The work required time, discipline, and persistence, but they completed it. I believe that for gifted artists like these, the work isn’t “hard”—at least not in the way we tend to think of it. By the age of five, Mozart was composing simple pieces, and at eight he wrote his first symphony. By eleven or twelve, he had created his first opera. When he died at thirtyfive, he had already amassed a body of work that many considered humanly impossible. Mark Twain drew heavily on his experiences growing up along the Mississippi River when writing The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. The people, places, and observations were already there in his memory. He simply gave them form on the page. Before turning twenty-five, Tiger Woods had already won the Masters, the PGA Championship, and the U.S. Open. It seemed almost impossible—especially considering that he was competing against the most seasoned professional golfers in the world. I saw a smaller version of this years ago while working with a local hospital to help market the hospital’s wellness services. A regional supermarket CEO insisted on personally testing a proposed fitness program before offering it to his employees. He was placed on a treadmill with a breathing mask and heart monitors attached. It began with a slow, gentle
stride, but both the speed and incline gradually increased. Most participants reached maximum stress fairly quickly. That was not the case with this man. He had never been an athlete. As a kid, he didn’t play sports. He worked after school and on weekends stocking shelves and running cash registers. Yet the Borgess staff were impressed when his testing revealed Olympian-level VO₂ uptake—the ability to sustain intense exertion that only a few people can manage. For that middle-aged grocer, carrying a case of cantaloupes up ten flights of stairs might have felt about as effortless as walking across the room to change the channel. Maybe the point is this: What looks extraordinary from the outside often feels ordinary from the inside. I’ve noticed that people all too often dismiss their strengths— whether easily talking with strangers, organizing multiple tasks, repairing
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a car engine, or handling accounting—because those abilities feel natural. “How could anyone not do this? It’s easy.” Yet, at the same time, they worry about their own perceived weaknesses. Two books I greatly enjoyed— What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles and Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton—make a similar point. Our talents rarely feel impressive to us because they come so naturally. The challenge is recognizing them and putting them to use. I recently came across a quote from Dr. Sherwin Nuland, a surgeon, Yale professor, and author: “The things that come most naturally to us are often the things we least appreciate about ourselves.” Both books argue that while improving weaknesses has value, people often achieve far more by identifying their strengths and developing them. Rather than simply searching for a job, they encourage people to find organizations that need what they do best—or even create opportunities that allow those talents to flourish. One of the most interesting books I have read was George Prince’s The Practice of Creativity. It describes how people from widely different backgrounds often solved problems outside their own fields of expertise. The book reinforced the idea that talent and insight frequently emerge in unexpected places when people are given the freedom to think creatively. One of the most watched TED Talks of all time is Sir Ken Robinson’s Do Schools Kill Creativity? Robinson argues that schools often place greater emphasis on traditional academic achievement and career preparation than on nurturing creativity and individual talents. He
suggests that true success comes from identifying our unique strengths and applying them in ways that bring both fulfillment and purpose. The most important abilities we possess may be the very ones we have never thought to notice—simply because they have always felt so natural. Too many of us go through life without recognizing our own talents. What comes most naturally to us is often precisely what makes us unique. I have always been fascinated by talking with people who dislike their careers, their current jobs, or their places of employment. Ask them about their hobbies or personal interests, however, and they light up. That is often where they derive fulfillment. Barron Hursch was an inspirational professor when I attended Saginaw Valley College. He taught printmaking and personally encouraged me to enroll in his class. I did, and I loved every minute of it. He told me that his parents had always wanted him to become a dentist, and he did. He established a practice in upstate New York and hated it. Eventually, he sold the practice and enrolled at Columbia University to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree. Barron Hursch remains one of the happiest and most engaging people I have ever met. Looking back, I think that is because he eventually found the place where his natural gifts belonged. Perhaps that is the challenge for all of us. The talents that matter most are often the ones we barely notice because they come so easily. What feels ordinary to us may be the very thing that makes us so unique. James D. Coppinger
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS Tempest Victoria Aveyard (Harper Voyager)
September 2026 The Top T Ten en Adult Fiction and Nonfiction Chosen Monthly by America's Library Staff
At twenty, Lady Rose is captured by marauding pirates and fights for her life. At thirty, bound for execution, her only chance at survival is her connection to the empire's most wanted man, Captain Kane. Fantasy readers will enjoy this new spin on pirate romance—especially because the two timelines don't meet in the middle, leaving readers anticipating what happens next.
Find out more at Forwww.LibraryReads.org book recommendations from
—Kady Bischmann, Lawrence Public Library, KS NoveList read-alike: The Crimson Sails series by
your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to www.kpl.gov/blog/
Under Story Chloe Benjamin (Putnam)
Mazyw Mazywood ood Tananarive Due (Saga Press)
Trad WIf WIfe e Sarah Langan (Atria Books)
Laurel, a mushroom scientist, is working as a seasonal dishwasher at a research base in Antarctica, trying to escape her past after a tragedy. What ensues is a wild, brain-bending story. The science is written in a way that makes sense to the general reader. Readers will be thinking about this one long after it's over.
From Old Hollywood to presentday, this sweeping tale follows generations of the Washington family working in the racist entertainment world and living with a deadly family secret. Told from multiple perspectives and with well-developed characters, this horror read is unputdownable and perfectly represents generational rage and its impact.
Reporter Jenny is sent to Black Swan Farm, where Mia rules the roost over her seven— soon to be eight—children. It doesn't take long for Jenny to realize something strange is going on, and as she ingratiates herself into their world, she is plagued by visions. This is a layered, creepy, and shocking read.
—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI NoveList read-alike: Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth
—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, OH NoveList read-alike: Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer
—Sydney Wirtz, Woodridge Public Library, IL NoveList read-alike: Lightbreakers by Aja Gabel
American Hagw Hagwon on Min Jin Lee (Grand Central)
An Immacul Immaculate ate Deception Isabela Livino (Dutton)
Sophie Sophie,, Standing T Ther here e Meg Mason (Harper)
This multi-generational book follows the Koh family throughout the decades. Lee writes effortlessly about multiple families navigating life in multiple locations. This is a powerful message about the struggles of not just immigrants, but of people finding their way in life. This book has captivating characters readers will care about, flaws and all.
Madalena is young, in love, and pregnant—but in 1870s Brazil, in her family's religious household, that is just not acceptable. Convinced her lover will do the right thing, she stays at his deteriorating family estate, where darkness permeates every room and even her beloved Leandro seems strange and disconnected. The gothic vibes are spot on in this debut novel, and the twisty plot just doesn't quit!
Sophie is going through a tough time after her husband leaves. To deal with her loneliness, she forms an imaginary relationship with her favorite author. The author's voice in her head offers friendship and advice, giving Sophie a way to work through her depression. A quiet and lonely story that will resonate with those of us who find solace in books and sometimes powerful connections to authors.
—Amy Tippett, North Beach, MD NoveList read-alike: American Han by Lisa Lee
—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY NoveList read-alike: The Hacienda by Isabel Canas
I Hope T This his Email Finds Y You ou in He Helll Mackenzie Reed (Berkley)
The Oxf Oxfor ord d Guide to Scandal and L Lies ies Kate Westbury (Minotaur Books)
Scharisse Freeman's moment has finally come: on stage in the First Lady USA pageant, the ultimate validation for the wives of pastors of Black megachurches. She’s an incredibly likable main character whose life verges on soap opera, but the author handles her story with the loving care it deserves. This blends the fun of soap and satire with genuine social critique and pathos.
Brie thought her biggest problem was surviving her boring office job, until she catches her boss performing an exorcism after hours. When her friend goes missing the next day, Brie gets pulled into a mission with her boss that leads straight to Hell. This is a chaotically fun mix of workplace humor and paranormal adventure.
Set in post-World War II Oxford, students Ginevra and Sidney are recruited by MI5 to ferret out a Soviet spy. They come from very different backgrounds and have different goals but end up being thrown together. With interesting characters and a compelling plot this is an enjoyable read.
hAndmAde Art & CrAft shoW —Samuel Buelow, Santa Fe Public Library, NM NoveList read-alike: Dominion by Addie Citchens
—Julia F., Upper Perkiomen Valley Library, PA NoveList read-alike: Dearly Departed by Chip Pons
The Birthing T Trree: A No Nov vel Amanda Peters (Catapult)
Sat. Dec. 5 9-4 & Sun. Dec. 6 10-4 th Bonus pick:
Wings r e Event Cenictk Dr. 3600 VanRazoo Kalam
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin
The T True rue Conf Confessions essions of First L Lady ady Fr Freeman eeman Deesha Philyaw (Mariner Books)
36 AnnuAl ChristmAs At Wings th
Katee Robert
th
—Deirdre Routt, Omaha Public Library, NE NoveList read-alike: A Botanist's Guide to Parties and Poisons by Kate Khavari
Notable Nonfiction:
Be sure to check out our social media for the Bonus Pick annotations! Made in LibraryAware - www.libraryaware.com
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Liv ive eL Laugh augh L Lo ove: The Secr Secret et History of White Christian W Women omen and the Worl orld dT The hey y Made Kristin Kobes Du Mez (W. W. Norton & Company)
October 2026
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heart of the home
GOOD NEWS
Tackling the Clean
Some jobs are just too big for little ol’ me. When I cried out for HELP! my daughter and son came through, sleeves rolled up. Extra treat: my daughter brought along her eightyear-old son, Lincoln, who (go figure) loves cleaning more than any human I know. Some years ago, my son made some extra cash by metal scrapping. It’s a risk, I suppose, of living on more expansive acreage. Country homes often seem to have a junk yard somewhere, and my place fell in line. Next to my barn was a pile of old lawnmowers, grills, snow blowers, cans, and other metal detritus. My son was long ago off in his own life, but the scrap pile he had collected here remained. Four truckloads later, we had added my pile to the metal mountain at the local scrapyard to be recycled. Lincoln received the check for the material, and his face glowed with deserved joy the rest of the day. All that clean-up got us started on a conversation about housecleaning routines and tips. Turns out we all had different ways of housecleaning, and all used different cleaning solutions to get the job done. My go-to tends to be vinegar, baking soda and lemon oil solutions, since I like to
avoid toxins around my pets (and myself ), and I try to buy products that don’t rely on animal testing. I do like Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser for bathroom enamel. My daughter, an elementary school special needs teacher, gave her cleaning-enthused son a nod. Children need to be involved in chores, she said. All three of hers have a list of expected chores to complete daily and weekly. Chores teach responsibil-
ity, organizational skills, and how to balance play and work. Kids want to feel part of the family team, and they appreciate being useful and needed. A chart of manageable tasks keeps all on track, and positive feedback is appreciated. As we moved on to other tasks around my farmhouse, including the daunting task of scraping and degreasing my vintage stove from the 1800s, we continued to trade ideas.
While one of us preferred to divide tasks over separate weekdays to avoid becoming overwhelmed with cleaning the whole house at once, another of us set that one day aside to clean top to bottom. Decluttering, we all agreed, and putting things away was a good place to start. Making a list of projects was deemed useful. A damp microfiber cloth is great for dusting while fluffy feather dusters mostly just move dust around. Working top to bottom makes sense, from cleaning out cobwebs in ceiling corners and dusting ceiling fans down to mopping floors at bottom—and all between. When cleaning walls, we are fans of Magic Eraser to easily wipe away paw prints and fingerprints and marks. Squeegees are great for windows and shower walls. “You’d be surprised what a ShopVac picks up,” my daughter recommended. “Especially with all these furry critters running around, steam cleaning works wonders.” “It’s easier to clean up than catch up,” my son concluded. He’s a fan of staying on top of tasks rather than letting things pile up. Except, perhaps, that scrap pile next to my barn … Zinta Aistars
Piece by Piece 8
October 2026
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. And then there is me. The apple that rolled across the grass and stopped somewhere about forty feet away when it comes to Halloween and the whole costume dress-up thing! My sister and my mom have gifted creativity for costume ideas and design. From traditional, such as a witch to favorite children’s movie characters like Mario and Princess Peach, and rock band groupies and a 60’s flower child in between. One time, thanks to my sister’s ingenuity, I joined her and my brother-in-law to complete the rock, paper, scissors trio. There are those like a dear friend who loves, and I do mean LOVES, Halloween. The costume planning, pumpkin carving, the hope to encounter a friendly ghost. I’ve been on
haunted house tours with my friend and much to her disappointment, we never got to talk with one of Casper’s kindred spirits. My enjoyment of Halloween tradition is the one I was able to pay forward from one of my favorite childhood experiences. When I was a little girl, my collection of treats didn’t come from a city block of houses where I could end up with a heaping bag of assorted candy. I trick-or-treated at our neighbors’ homes who lived down our country road. My bag held small treasures of homemade goodies, like Mrs. Blust’s popcorn balls. I am not sure who enjoyed us stopping more. Mrs. Blust or myself. An opened door greeted a costume I can no longer remember, though I have a faint recollection of one with a
B
B BB B
plastic face held on by an elastic band that rested on the top of my ears. An anticipatory face for what my childhood mind sees as this gigantic ball of sweet crunch wrapped in plastic that took both of my hands to hold. I can’t recall the taste of those popcorn balls, yet I still feel the specialness of having this one-of-a-kind treat. This dear neighbor was communicating to me with her language of love. She also planted seeds within me like appreciation for less being so much more (I didn’t need a large bag full of candy!). Gifts made from the heart are keepsakes, even if only in memory because the gift is perishable. And delicious. Fast forward many years to our home in the country and our trickor-treaters being nieces, nephews, and the children of my sister’s
GOOD NEWS
lifetime friend. Though I didn’t make popcorn balls, I enjoyed making homemade treats for the knocks on the door by tiny hands in costumes with masks, seeing the eager anticipation on faces as to what might fill up their outstretched bags. Our Halloween visitors are now grown or busy being a joyful grandma, so cheerleaders, dinosaurs, princesses, and a 60’s flower child don’t visit anymore. That’s ok. Some things are better being a treat for a brief time. They have this way of growing sweeter with age. Wishing you a wonderful October full of your favorite Fall treats! Christine Hassing https://christinehassing.com
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Explore how self-expression has been presented, shaped, and reimagined. Organized in conjunction with Barrett Barrera Projects. Made possible by generous support from: Diane & Randy Eberts Images clockwise from left: Maiko Takeda, Atmospheric Re-entry head piece, 2013. Photo: Barrett Barrera Projects. Courtesy of Barrett Barrera Projects. Jessica Stockholder, UNTITLED / IPCNY, 2001, relief print, wood engraving, embossment, fake fur, yellow Lake Como silk and uphostery. Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Gift of the International Print Center New York, 2010.7 Hung Liu, Lady Lotus, 2016, mixed media on panel. Collection of the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Joy Light East Asian Art Acquisition and Exhibition Fund, 2017.38
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October 2026
Harry Houdini
9
GOOD NEWS
100 Years Ago, Mesmerizing Magician Died in Detroit
A century after the death of Harry Houdini, he still fascinates. His remarkable skills as an illusionist and escape artist. His showmanship. That stare. One hundred years ago this October 31st—Halloween—Houdini died at Detroit’s Grace Hospital at age 52. But after all these years, Houdini remains the most famous of all illusionists and escape artists, his name synonymous with those skills. He was born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Austria-Hungary in 1874. At age four, his family moved to America to escape antisemitic discrimination, settling in Appleton, Wisconsin, then Milwaukee. In order to help support his family, he became a trapeze artist at age nine. When he was 12, the family moved to New York City, and by age 14, he had already decided on his calling as an illusionist and had changed his name to Harry Houdini, honoring renowned French magician Jean-Eugène RobertHoudin. At first, Houdini performed at small museums and circus sideshows, becoming adept at card tricks and other sleight of hand. He also began experimenting with escape acts, a specialty that would make him world-famous. In 1893, Houdini and his brother Theodore performed at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The following year, Harry met Bess Rahner, a Coney Island singerdancer, and the two were married a year later, with Bess also becoming Harry’s on-stage assistant for the rest of his career. Houdini’s stunts became increasingly complex and dangerous as he advanced from escaping from handcuffs to escaping from waterfilled milk cans and locked boxes which were lowered into rivers or his on-stage “Chinese Water Torture Cell,” still handcuffed and bound in a straightjacket. In January 1899, Houdini met vaudeville agent and theater owner Martin Beck, who became his manager. Beck used his contacts and skills to publicize Houdini and persuaded
A Houdini to focus on his escape acts, and by the end of that year, Houdini was performing at some of the top theaters in the country. The following year, 1900, Beck arranged for Houdini to tour Europe, and within months, Houdini thrilled people worldwide. Houdini performed in Michigan a number of times, including a reported 19 times in Detroit between 1894 and 1926. In the 1920s, Houdini began using his experience and expertise investigating and debunking “spiritualists” who claimed they were mediums or psychics that could put grieving customers in contact with departed loved ones—for a fee. On October 24, 1926, Houdini walked on stage at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit for what would be his final performance. He was in severe pain from an appendicitis and had a temperature of 104 degrees. He passed out twice, was revived, and continued his performance. The appendicitis was probably precipitated two days earlier, in a dressing room in Montreal, when Houdini, while relaxing, was unexpectedly and repeatedly punched in the abdomen by a man named Jocelyn Gordon Whitehead, with “some very hammer-like
B blows below the belt.” Whitehead was ostensibly a student at Montreal’s McGill University who wanted to test the strength of Houdini’s reputedly tough abdominal muscles, but did not warn Houdini beforehand of his impending blows. Later research by Canadian investigative journalist Don Bell looked into the possibility that Whitehead’s act was an intentional act on behalf of disgruntled spiritualists. Bell’s research was inconclusive, but he did write that he could find no evidence of Whitehead attending classes at McGill. Following his Detroit performance, Houdini was admitted to Grace Hospital where his sepsis worsened.
The great illusionist and escape artist died at 1:26 a.m. on October 31, 1926 with his beloved Bess at his bedside. He’s buried in Queens, New York, and many of his artifacts can be seen at the Houdini Museum in Scranton and at the History Museum in Appleton, Wisconsin. Tony Ettwein HistoryZoo1837@gmail.com Photo Index A.Poster for Houdini’s final booking, at Detroit’s Garrick Theatre, October 1926 B. Houdini prepares to escape from chains, 1899
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October 2026
10
GOOD NEWS
The Vintage Collective at Park Trades Center of Kalamazoo
The Park Trade Center near downtown Kalamazoo has long been a place near and dear to our hearts. My husband, as a photographer, has often taken part in Art Hop, a free event created by the Arts Council of Kalamazoo as a way for local artist to display their creations. Local businesses open as venues/galleries for the artists, often offering snacks and beverages to the patrons. It gives one an opportunity to chat with the artist, gaining an understanding of their creative pieces. There is usually live music on the mall, lending a further feel of festivity to the evening. It has truly fostered a well-being in the community neighborhoods, weaving the cultural diversities in delightful ways! If you have not partaken in the Art Hop scene, the first Friday of each month March -December is worth checking out! Back to the Park Trades Center! It is truly a hub of activity during Art Hop! A historic building, located just west of downtown at 326 West Kalamazoo Avenue, built in 1887, it has housed peoples as dwellings, small businesses - from carriage building to chemical manufacturing (some blew up!), corset manufacturing and sewing (ouch! Can you imagine wearing
one?!), wax paper making (thus the Saniwax Building), paper binder company- SO many things! Now, you ask, “why, oh, why, did Crissy Lou and Julie go here?!” I guess it’s kinda vintage! Well, kids, we found out, it’s ALOT vintage! Our friend, Kim, passed along an AMAZING secret! There is vintage shops hiding out at the Park Trades Center! Who knew?! We did not! But, now we do! - and, you will, too! Our Jeep bravely navigated the construction barriers attempting to block our way. We unladylike straddled the hurdles blocking our Mecca. Whew. We knew that a bit of BoHo, bell bottoms, psychedelics, and glitter were going to make this journey all worthwhile. It did! Kim’s bright, happy smile greeted us in the parking lot. Kim Irving Doolittle deserves mention in our story if not just because we love her, but honestly, we would not have known of all these amazing wonderful businesses at the Center! Kim has an estate sale business as her main jam, but her vintage shop is her love. She just happened to mention it one day when we were discussing an art object. Yup, in her spare time, she has a vintage shop. What?! Happy Hippie Cat is a delight-
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Kim Irving Doolittle, proprietor of Happy Hippie Cat ful feast for one’s eyes. With Willa and Leesa at the helm, Kim seems to have the best of all her world’s. The shop is a culmination of old, new, and whatever falls into place. She says she loves mushrooms, 70’s clothes, and baby things. She has never ceased to amaze me. Willa has designed the very cool sign. That is going to be a story for another day! It’s a doozie of delight! Sizo & Peny is Jo Miller. As unique as the name of her shop, she loves the 90’s! She LOOKS like glitter and glam! I fell in love with this gal as soon as I met her! - and, she has a paper dress! Eeeeee! The Vintage Modern Shop is Heather Hilgart’s idea of delight! She always enjoyed cooking, and the eclectic housewares that could aide to its wonderment. Her shop reflects every moment of her collecting ideas since childhood. Emily Ashley of Scout curates only the finest designs for one’s home. Her shop clearly demonstrates a love of what she does, and how very good she is at it. There are seven vintage shops listed at the PTC directory. We were able to chat with only four of these lovely gals during Art Hop while
they were SO busy! They were so gracious to give us their time. As I sit to think about each gal, their perseverance, why they do what they do - I realize the common denominator heard so often. We all love our Junque. We all love what we do. We adore the thrill of the hunt - of going into the “wild” to find treasures, then re-homing them to someone who will be just as thrilled as we were to find them! I am not finished at the PTC. This is just a taste, a tidbit if you will. I want to do a complete article on each shop. Each gal is far too special. Their shop, and what they have made of it, their story needs to be told. To all of you, vintage shoppers, brave the construction! Hurdle those barriers! It’s good for the thighs! Leap over them! It’s totally worth it! Parking is on the corner of Church/Kalamazoo. Entry is at the front of the building. Directory is posted! The Vintage Collective at The Parks Trade Center - Happy Hippie Cat #117, Sizo & Peny #202, Vintage Modern Shop #206, Scout #405 Holler at me! I shall try to give directions! Cris Bronkema Mimi’s GigiMigi
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11
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
We’re Not That Different:
Bridging Generations at Work Through Mental Health, Communication, and Human Understanding Walk into almost any workplace right now and you can feel it. The tension. The miscommunication. The quiet exhaustion people don’t always say out loud. It sounds like: “They don’t work like we used to.” “They’re too sensitive.” “They don’t care enough.” “They expect too much.” And underneath all of that? Stress. Burnout. Disconnection. Because this isn’t just a generational issue. This is a mental health issue playing out in real time at work.
Because no matter how talented your team is… If people are overwhelmed, guarded, or disconnected? They won’t perform at their best.
The Shift That Changes Everything
Instead of asking: “Why are they like this?” Ask: “What might they be feeling— and what do they need right now?” That question moves you from: • frustration > understanding • conflict > connection • reaction > leadership
Let’s Be Honest: Work Doesn’t Happen Outside of Mental Health
People don’t leave their emotions at the door when they walk into work. They bring: • anxiety • pressure to perform • fear of failure • past experiences with authority • personal stress from life outside of work And then we put them in environments where: • communication is unclear • expectations are assumed • feedback feels personal • differences feel like threats Of course people react. Not because they’re difficult. But because: Their nervous system is trying to protect them.
Different Generations, Same Core Needs
We often talk about generational differences like they’re the problem. But when you strip it down, every generation wants the same thing: • to feel respected • to feel safe speaking up • to feel like they matter • to not feel judged or dismissed The difference is how they express those needs. • One generation may stay quiet and internalize stress • Another may speak up quickly and be labeled as “too much” • One may avoid conflict • Another may address it directly Neither is wrong. They’re just different coping strategies shaped by different environments.
Communication Isn’t Just a Skill—It’s a Mental Health Tool
The way we speak to each other at work directly impacts: • stress levels • confidence • engagement • emotional safety Let me say that again: Communication either regulates people… or dysregulates them.
•
What Dysregulating Communication Looks Like vague expectations
This Isn’t About Generations—It’s About Humanity
• • • •
harsh tone public criticism dismissive responses silence when feedback is needed This creates: • anxiety • self-doubt • shutdown or defensiveness • • • • •
What Regulating Communication Looks Like
clear expectations calm tone direct but respectful feedback space for questions consistency This creates: • confidence • trust • emotional safety
A Simple Shift That Changes Everything
Instead of: “Why didn’t you do this?” Say: “Help me understand what got in the way.” That one sentence lowers defensiveness and opens connection.
Listening: The Fastest Way to Improve Mental Health at Work
People don’t burn out just from workload. They burn out from: • not feeling heard • feeling misunderstood • feeling like they don’t matter And across generations, this shows up differently—but the impact is the same.
The Kind of Listening That Actually Helps
When someone talks, try this: “What I’m hearing is…” Then reflect it back. Follow with: “Did I get that right?” And then: “That makes sense.” You’re not agreeing. You’re saying: “You matter enough for me to understand you.” That alone can de-escalate stress in seconds (Korn Ferry, 2022).
Conflict Is Often Unprocessed Stress Colliding
Most workplace conflict is not about the surface issue. It’s about: • feeling disrespected • feeling dismissed • feeling overwhelmed And when those feelings go unspoken, they come out sideways: • irritation • withdrawal • passive-aggressive behavior • defensiveness
How to Handle Conflict Without Making It Worse
Try this: “I think we’re both coming at this from different places, and I want to understand yours so we can figure this out.” This does three things: • reduces threat • increases openness • shifts from blame to problemsolving
Psychological Safety: The Missing Piece in Most Workplaces
Psychological safety means: “I can speak up here without being shut down, judged, or punished.” And without it, people: • stop sharing ideas • stop asking questions • stop being honest They don’t disengage because they don’t care. They disengage because: It doesn’t feel safe to show up fully. Research shows that psychological safety is one of the strongest predictors of team performance and wellbeing (Edmondson & Lei, 2022).
If You Want to Make Big Things Happen in Business—Start Here
You don’t build successful teams by eliminating differences. You build them by creating environments where people can: regulate communicate repair and trust
When you remove the labels, what’s left is this: People want to feel: • safe • respected • understood • valued That’s not generational. That’s human.
Reflection
Where in your workplace are people reacting instead of being supported? Where is communication creating stress instead of clarity? Where could listening change someone’s entire experience? What would shift if mental health was seen as part of performance—not separate from it?
Conclusion
We don’t need better employees. We need better environments. Because when people feel emotionally safe and understood: They think more clearly. They communicate more effectively. They collaborate more easily. They perform at a higher level. And that’s how: • workplaces become healthier • teams become stronger • and businesses actually grow Dr. Julie Sorenson, DMFT, MA, LPC, LMHC References (APA 7th Edition) Costanza, D. P., Finkelstein, L. M., Imose, R., & Ravid, D. M. (2023). Generational differences in the workplace: A review and future research directions. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 44(2), 123–145. Deloitte. (2023). The Deloitte Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey. Deloitte Insights. Edmondson, A. C., & Lei, Z. (2022). Psychological safety: The history, renaissance, and future of an interpersonal construct. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9, 23–43. Korn Ferry. (2022). The power of listening in the workplace. Korn Ferry Institute.
12
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
“…Chicken Dinner!” Recipes
I am so thrilled, almost beyond words, to share that my recipe won a GOLDEN TICKET to compete at the 2026 World Food Championships. As such, I am in the midst of preparing to head down to Indianapolis and thank God for granting me this incredibly awesome opportunity. This win is clear proof that He’s working overtime in this sixty-fiveyear-old lady’s life! The 2026 WFC will take place from October 15 to 18 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. While I’ve been a Michigan resident for over twenty years at this point, I am excited to return to my home state to compete on this global stage, which is set to draw participants from nearly 40 countries and every U.S. state. This event features more than 300 teams and over 1,500 culinary champions, as well as hosts numerous food and drink experiences for the public to enjoy. It’s a great event for anyone who loves food and/or enjoys watching people cook outstanding dishes. This year will mark my fourth time qualifying to compete at WFC. In 2015, I placed in the Top 20 in the Seafood category. In 2023, I tied for 3rd in the Soup category, and in 2025, I placed in the Top 10 in the Noodle category. In 2025, I was also
honored by being presented with the WFC “Volunteer of the Year” award, which was a total surprise. The people behind WFC are incredible, and its founder, Mike McCloud, continually strives to elevate this event’s already extraordinary culinary experience to make it awesome for everyone, so I can’t wait to get there. Unlike previous years, I am opting to take on the high-pressure environment of the WFC without my sisters’ assistance. Assisting me is incredibly stressful, and I’ve decided that I won’t put my elderly sisters through that ever again. With me being sixty-five, and them in their seventies, the last thing we need to do is add more stress to each other’s already full plates. It’s not good for our health, so I am going it alone! I personally feel it is an achievement for a home cook to place in the top ten at the WFC because you’re pitted against professional chefs who cook at that stress level every day. Being able to place gives me the confidence to believe that it’s not only possible for a home cook to make it into the finals but also win a category—especially when there’s help from above. I would not be doing any of this if not for God’s presence in my life and a loving husband, Richard—also an Indiana native—who cheers me on in all my pursuits. I also appreciate all the support I
Kurella with winning dish caption: Offering a peek inside her home greenhouse, Kurella strikes a happy pose with her 2026 WFC GOLDEN TICKET and the recipe that earned it. Photo courtesy of worldfoodchampionships.com receive from my readers and hope I can win one for all of us this year and we can all dive into a warm and wonderful chicken dinner! For more information on public food and drink opportunities, spectator tickets, and event details, visit the official World Food Championships
website at worldfoodchampionships. com. Laura Kurella is an award-winning home cook who loves to share recipes from her Michigan kitchen. She welcomes your comments or questions on anything at laurakurella@yahoo.com.
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
Fiesta Firecracker Shrimp Rollitos Fritos Recipe courtesy of Bolners Fiesta Brand and worldfoodchampionships. com Prep time: 15 minutes; Cook time: 8-10 minutes. Method: Air Fryer. Yield:12-16 rollitos MANGO HABANERO CREAM SAUCE 1 teaspoon Bolner’s Fiesta Mango Habanero Rub 1/2 cup egg-yolk-based mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce SHRIMP 1 teaspoon Bolner’s Fiesta Mango Habanero Rub 1 teaspoon Bolner’s Fiesta Garlic Pepper 1/2 teaspoon Bolner’s Fiesta Cinnamon 8 ounces medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
FILLING 2 cups raw shredded coleslaw mix 1/2 teaspoon of Bolner’s Fiesta Ground Cinnamon 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 green onion (white part), slivered 1 teaspoon oyster or fish sauce 1 teaspoon rice vinegar squeeze fresh lime juice 1 teaspoon honey 1/4 cup bamboo shoots 1 package lumpia wrappers (or spring roll) 1 egg white (beaten) cooking oil spray Sesame seed oil (optional) GARNISH (Optional) Microgreens Seared lime wedges Extra slaw
Kurella’s “Fiesta Firecracker Shrimp Rollitos Fritos” recipe earned a Golden Ticket in a national recipe contest sanctioned by World Food Championships and hosted by Bolner’s Fiesta Brand, which secures her a spot to compete at the nation’s largest food sport event this October at Indy. Photo courtesy of worldfoodchampionships.com
Laura’s Quick ‘n’ Crispy Chicken Cutlets My family calls this cutlet recipe “incredible chicken.” Don’t be afraid of all the pepper as pepper is excellent for cleansing the body of impurities and the majority of its flavor and spiciness is depleted in this cooking process. 1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/8 cup hot sauce
2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons fresh baking powder 1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika pepper 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt vegetable shortening, to fry in Mix all dry ingredients in a baking dish. Slice each chicken breast half (or thigh) into 3 thin fillets. Dredge
each slice through the dry mixture, coating pieces evenly. In a soup bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce. Dip dusted cutlets into milk mixture then roll the cutlet in dry mixture, coating evenly, before placing directly into a pan of 350 degree shortening. Cook till brown, about 5 minutes on each side. Drain. Hold cutlets in a 200-degree oven till serving. Serves 4-6
Laura’s Midwest Fried Chicken Old-fashioned flavor from way back when! 6 cups buttermilk 1/4 cup kosier salt 5 teaspoons salt 1/4 cup hot sauce 6 pounds chicken fryers 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons coarsely-ground pepper ½ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning 2 tablespoons fresh baking powder 2 pounds vegetable shortening In a covered container large enough
to hold all the chicken, combine buttermilk, salt, and Tabasco. Rinse chicken in cold water then place in the buttermilk bath. Cover tightly, and let soak (in fridge) for at least 4 hours or overnight. (Next day) In a bag, combine flour, coarsely-ground pepper, cayenne pepper, poultry seasoning, and baking powder, shaking bag to blend well. Set a wire rack over a jelly roll pan and set aside. Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on counter next to you. Dip each piece of chicken
into dry mixture, coating well on all sides, then set on paper. Repeat with remaining chicken pieces. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a deep pan, heat shortening to 375-degrees. Add chicken pieces in batches. Do not crowd pan. Cook till brown, about 10 to 14 minutes per side. Drain on rack over pan. Once all chicken is cooked, place pan in preheated oven. Hold chicken in 250-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Serves 8-10
14
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
Health Do Teeth and Gums Change As We Age?
I started to write an article on toothbrush hygiene when I came across another article from the Harvard Health publication that I found interesting. It addresses the broader issue of oral hygiene, namely how the interior of our mouth changes as we age. Perhaps you have noticed that your teeth appear to be getting longer or your teeth are shifting. Well, your teeth are not growing; your gums are receding. In some cases, these developments can be age-related and nothing to worry about. However, in other cases they may signal an underlying condition that needs attention. Receding gums can result from brushing your teeth too hard. This irritates the gums and the gums simply move away from the irritation. The simple solution is to go easy when you brush. Toothbrushing should be a gentle massage, not a vigorous scrub. Ideal dental hygiene calls for brushing and flossing twice a day, along with regular dental visits. More serious is tooth shifting, the kind that changes your appearance. This is likely caused by gum disease or bone loss. Gingivitis may be the cause. It can lead to red, swollen, or bleeding gums and, if left unchecked, it can advance to more serious periodontitis, which can lead to bone deterioration and tooth loss. This can
reduce the ability to speak and chew properly. Gum disease can increase the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia. Teeth may change color as we age. The gleaming white outer layer (enamel) changes over time. It can turn gray or yellow from smoking or consuming foods or drinks that stain teeth, such as coffee or tea. Tooth enamel can also become translucent from a change in water content or from tooth grinding which wears enamel down. One would think that reduced tooth pain, like from drinking some-
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thing cold, would be a good thing. But less sensitivity also has risks. Reduced dental pain is caused by the thickening of dentin, the porous yellow material beneath tooth enamel. As dentin thickens, nerves inside teeth shrink. You feel less pain, but you may miss the warning signs of a cavity or another problem that’s brewing and might go on so long that it gets to an advanced stage. So one of the best things you can do for your overall health as you age is a daily routine you’ve followed since childhood. Consider this a reminder.
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Rinsing your mouth. Before you brush, dislodge food particles by thoroughly swishing and rinsing your mouth with plain water. Brush at least twice a day. Focus on quality rather than quantity. Focusing on how well you brush the front and the back of the tooth can help remove most bacteria. When considering whether to invest in an electric toothbrush instead of a manual one, the general recommendation is to use an electric. Studies have shown that electric models are better at removing plaque because you get more strokes from the brush’s vibrations than from your hand motion. Use a brush head with a soft or extra soft bristles and replace it every three to four months. Any toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal is acceptable Rinse again using an over-thecounter alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay. There you have it! And it all started with looking into toothbrushes. MAKE your day great and remember to be kind (with a smile)! Till next time,
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15
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
From Books to the Barn: Building Confidence with Read and Ride Round Up
Educators have various reasons to continue their teaching efforts by completing a Master’s Program – financial gain, increased opportunities, or to focus on a niche skill area. When Karen Koets did a Masters project in 2010, she combined her passion for elementary teaching with an area she realized needed improvement – reaching out to the young struggling readers. Based on proven research, her first-grade students were already reading to therapy dogs in her classroom to improve both their fluency and their confidence. Starting with this foundation, she talked to staff at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Karen’s teaching background and passion for reaching struggling readers aligned with their expertise in using horses to work with those who have other challenges - physical, emotional or cognitive. Adding the brain and body work of equine therapy to the equation proved to be an integral part of the solution. The result was her now trademarked program, Read and Ride Round Up. The following summary by Karen only begins to touch on the impact of the program, “This unique and innovative therapeutic approach to reading and learning is designed
to increase oral reading fluency scores and improve self-confidence in reading fluency.” So how does this unique approach work? 1st and 2nd graders must qualify for the program by showing a need for extra support in reading. What started as a single summer session has now expanded to 2 summer sessions as well as both a fall and winter session that take place during part of the school day. During a typical session, participants rotate through several areas, including one on one tutoring provided by an amazing group of retired teachers. They also read to a dog, play arena games on horseback that quietly sneak in some phonics lessons, and integrate some movement exercises. If this sounds like a lot to coordinate, you are correct! The program relies on a host of volunteers – between 30 and 40 for the classroom portion that includes tutors, therapy dog handlers, other instructors, and various leaders, and another 30 in the arena – each horse has a lead walker as well as two side walkers. The cost is also a factor. Although there are only a few paid staff, the facilities have costs as well as items like t-shirts, books, and handouts. As a result, the cost
per student can be $1,000. Families are asked to pay $300 but if this is a prohibiting factor, scholarships are available. Fortunately, the community recognizes the positive impact of Read and Ride and the program is supported by grants, community organizations and donations to cover the cost difference. How do you measure the success of a program? There is significant research on a national basis to support the work Karen is doing, but the best support may come from parent feedback. Every parent is given a survey at the end of the program, and the positive comments are overwhelming. As a volunteer with my therapy dog, I get to see the excitement and confidence boost of the kids in person, but we also share the surveys at the volunteer luncheon. A few of the comments from the most recent camp include, “…she has become so confident and fluent in her reading.” Another said, “Her confidence in reading has already improved so much. She has even sat with her brother to help him when he has needed it.” And, “The confidence boost he gains from camp towards reading is remarkable.” Of course, the survey also has a section for things to
improve. It is usually left blank, but the few comments are “I wish it was longer!” and “More kids” and many remarks that it is great as it is. Karen recently retired from classroom teaching but as much as her skills are missed in the classroom, she hasn’t rested on her laurels. Even though in the prior years the program was limited to Gull Lake classroom students, it still has positively impacted over 900 families. This year it has expanded to include the Gull Lake Virtual Partnership and discussions are being held to explore other school districts. With Karen’s vision, the dedication of volunteers, and a community willing to invest in its young readers, Read and Ride Round Up continues its mission of not just building reading skills but building self-confidence. For more information on Read and Ride visit readandride.net If you would like to support the Read and Ride program, donations can be made to Gull Lake Community Schools/Read and Ride, 10100 East D Avenue Richland, MI 49083 Deanna Mayo
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16
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
Tales from the
Rare Book Room: Unique Works of Art One of the more eccentric finds in Kalamazoo College’s Rare Book Room is a book that is bound in fish scales. Upon first look, I thought the cover resembled snake or even alligator skin, but perhaps I was biased from my mother’s love for snake-skin patterned clothing and shoes. The colors on the book cover start with a darker gray near the binding then blend into shades of tan. The colors and individual scales are complete with gold shimmer. “This was a more recent addition to our collection, bought by the previous curator Mallory Heslinger,” curator Elena Pulliam told me. “The original book was published in 1826, but the fish binding was created by Chicagoan artist Karen Hanmer in 2020 during the COVID-19 quarantine. When everyone was locked in their homes, getting materials like leather and quality cloth for book binding was difficult. However, it was easier and cheaper to go to the store, buy a fish, and make parchment out of the fish scales. Since the world essentially stopped functioning during
the pandemic, bookbinding suppliers couldn’t get material so many made their own parchment. This became a trend among bookbinders to create fun bindings made from fish. The book is titled A Natural History of the Most Remarkable Quadrupeds, Birds, Fishes, Serpents, Reptiles, and Insects by Mary Trimmer—fitting for the cover material, which is made out of full gilt (gold shimmer) Atlantic Salmon parchment. This was the first fish scale book that the artist created, which was why Kalamazoo College bought it. The process for creating this binding was as follows: first the fish would be rehydrated if needed, cleaned, descaled, then dried and treated (skinned and soaked in isopropyl alcohol, dish soap, and water, then stretched and dried) so that it was shelf-stable. There is another piece in the Rare Book Room collection that first appears to be plain and unassuming but instead holds an illuminated and beautifully illustrated manuscript of one of the world’s most famous stories: Edgar Allan Poe’s The Raven.
The manuscript was a gift from Augusta Todd to her husband Albert May Todd, founder of K’s Rare Book Room, for his seventieth birthday. Pulliam thinks that the illustrations within were created with colored pencil. “Everything inside was completely handwritten and hand drawn on vellum, imitating illuminated medieval manuscripts,” Pulliam said. “We are uncertain of the completion date, although there is a lovely handwritten note from A.M. Todd stating the provenance information. Inside the manuscript are a variety of illustrations depicting scenes and characters from the poem, alongside the poem itself, written in beautiful calligraphy. One of the most striking aspects of these drawings are the bright spots of gold that appear to have been added through applying a
gold leaf to the intended areas. Both of these pieces show the varying ways that physical books can be works of art, whether it be colorful illustrations that bring a famous poem to life, or the creativity that inspires and entertains us through demanding times. May any and all imaginations continue to encourage new expeditions. The Rare Book Room’s Fall exhibit, “Shopping Through Time: Advertisements in Books, Newspapers, and Magazines” is now open with hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30-4:30. The exhibit will remain open until November 20.. For further inquiries or to request a tour, contact rarebookroom@kzoo.edu or elena. pulliam@kzoo.edu. Carson Williams
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
“All good things must end someday…” Chad & Jeremy “Summer Song” Recently I learned the print version (paper version) of the Kalamazoo Gazette will cease on December 6. However, the Gazette will still be available online as it has been. We switched from the paper Gazette to online several years ago. Some of my favorite childhood memories involve the Kalamazoo Gazette, paper version. When I was a kid, I loved the brightly colored Sunday comics that the press operators did a great job printing. I still have some of them! The Sunday Kalamazoo Gazette and the Chicago Tribune were important parts of my family’s routine. Here’s how Sunday unfolded in our house in the day: Church. Dad would stealthily maneuver into position, trying to beat several other dads in the Race to be First Out of the Church Doors. Usually, 4 or 5 fathers competed in this contest. Almost before the last “Peace be with y----” was over, RUN for it! The dads hustle their families out of the church at a sprint. Dad bangs the Chevy into gear and peels out of the parking lot, racing east toward Michigan News. He squeals to a stop in front. Kids shoot out of the backseat as if fired from a cannon and
race inside. The Sunday Kalamazoo Gazette and the Chicago Trib are paid for with the exact change. The kids dive into the back seat and hang on. Almost before the door is shut, dad lays rubber and squeals around the corner and races up Rose Street, then roars left onto Kalamazoo Avenue. He floors it up West Main hill. The family, panting for breath, arrives safely home. Dad smugly marches in and declares himself winner, once again, of the Sunday Race to Get Home with the Papers. But wait… there’s an after party! It’s called The Scramble for Who Gets Which Sec-
tion of the Gazette. The comics are almost torn in half in The Grab until referee mom splits them up. Mom grabs the Sunday Magazine. Dad gets the rest of the paper, the consolation prize in our childish opinions. As dad finishes each section, he lays them on the end table where they’re up for grabs, and grab them we did. To this day I remember a Gazette article about drummer boy Albert Henry Woolson, the last Civil War soldier to die. To make sure this wasn’t a manufactured memory, I found the article in the archives and calculated I was able to read the articles when I
was very young. Today I read the Gazette on my handy tablet. There are no more arguments about who gets which section because everybody can get all the sections all the time online. I’ve always liked having my news curated by a great editorial staff at the Gazette which presented both sides of an issue. I may not always agree with them, but for the most part, they allowed me to see different perspectives on issues. I still follow my favorite journalists online too, especially the investigative journalists who have been very effective in their investigations over the years. So, I’ll miss the wonderful smell of printers’ ink on fresh newsprint paper. In a covered bin in the garage, I’ve kept many paper issues of the Gazette. Sometimes when I pass by that bin, I’ll pull out a copy and see what was happening on that date. I’ve planted a lot of trees in my yard. My trees thank me for going paperless and that’s what really counts in the end. Ann Murray is an award-winning commercial illustrator and published author. She has illustrated eight children’s books.
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October 2026
GOOD NEWS
Little Black Boutique I have been biking and driving by the Little Black Boutique, a roadside boutique filled with marvelous new, used and repurposed items for years. I stopped a few times to marvel at the festive lights and holiday décor each season, but I always seemed to be on a time constraint when passing by. I’ve wanted to learn more about the Little Black Boutique, and finally Facebook messaged, Amber Bly, the owner and master behind this adorable boutique, about doing a story. She replied right away, “Wow! Thank you so much,” and we met the very next day. The Little Black Boutique is a unique shopping experience. No crowds, no salespeople bothering you - just soft music playing, creating a relaxing vibe and a boutique chocked full of wonderful items, expertly displayed. Including: home & holiday décor, clothing & accessories, gifts & hostess gifts, and so much more. She purposely looks for items in neutral colors, especially for clothing. I couldn’t pass up a cozy Patagonia vest, in a soft gray hue, for just $18. “Having a boutique has always been my dream,” said Amber. She decided to follow her dream three years ago, when she retired from nursing, at the age 49, to open the Little Black Boutique on July 1, 2023. Since then, Amber is living her dream and enjoying using her artistic talents. She has an eye for finding
unique items and is skilled at making them look new by refurbishing or repurposing them. Amber is very proud of her family and is thankful for their support with her venture. Her husband, Bryan, built the inviting space for her boutique. “He also trusts my instincts, and supports me and my ideas,” says Amber. Their 26-year-old daughter, Loren, helps Amber keep the merchandise trendy. Their oldest daughter, Taylor, presently living in Hawaii, is just a phone call away and is a great sounding board for business ideas. She credits her artsy mom, who draws, paints and creates pieces from miniatures to full size, for her artistic talent. Her father, who sadly passed away from cancer a few years ago, provided her encouragement and regularly said, “I’m proud of you!” She is often reminded of her dad’s simple advice, “Sell nice, quality items and you will do good.” She mentioned, that at the moment that I messaged her, about this feature, she was thinking about her business and her dad’s words of wisdom. Such perfect timing! Here are what customers are saying about the Little Black Boutique: “I love stopping in. It’s the cutest little shop with so many goodies!” “The Best.” “One of my favorite stops.” “I’ve been there several times, love it.” “Love her stuff. Always Unique items, great for gifts.”
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Amber has always loved interior decorating and is available to provide design consultation. The Little Black Boutique is open year-round daily from 9am-8pm. They are located at 15765 Williams Rd. in Hickory Corners, on the east side of Gull Lake. She accepts mobile payment on Venmo or the Cash app. She also accepts cash that can be placed in a lock box secured to the
wall. For more information visit Facebook/Little Black Boutique or Gull Lake Area Discussion/Amber Bly. I became the 342nd follower. Hurry into the Little Black Boutique! You don’t want to miss the wonderful Halloween decorations and unique fall items. Jackie Merriam
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October 2026
19
Apples to Apples
I’m not sure about anyone else, but I’m bewildered by too many choices. Maybe I’m stuck on the idea that there is a “right” choice and the others are “bad.” Maybe my expectations are too high. Or maybe not high enough. Too many options make me anxious. This is relevant because last week I went to the orchard to pick up the last of the local peaches. It will be almost a year before I enjoy them again. While there, the apples beckoned me. Holy cow! So many different kinds of apples, and it’s early in the growing season. I was reminded of my childhood, when my mother would buy a bag of Red Delicious apples, and that was that! Were they great? No, but I would slice them, put peanut butter on top, and they were a fine snack. That was all I ever knew. Somewhere along the way came Granny Smiths, with green color and tart, crispy flesh. Very different from the apples that I was used to. How times have changed! Last year I made applesauce, but I was so confused by all the different varieties of apples that I asked a stand worker to select a half-bushel of assorted varieties that would suit my purpose. He did a great job - last year’s applesauce was phenomenal! I enjoy going to the farm and picking out apples, but I’m more comfortable simply going to the grocery store and choosing from their much smaller selection. Buying produce at the supermarket is uncomplicated. Want a banana? There’s one kind to choose from, and Dole or Chiquita will market it. Blueberries and strawberries – same thing. When did all these different apples get to be such a thing? Michigan’s $300 million market ranks third in U.S. apple production, behind Washington and New York. Our temperate, seasonal climate, abundant rain, and fertile soils make us an ideal site for many fruit crops. Centuries ago, when most people lived on farms, every property had an orchard. Those apples were not espe-
cially tasty, but it didn’t matter. They were useful for making cider, which could be fermented into applejack and used for drinking instead of nonpotable surface or well water. When our ancestors left farming behind, they traded farm-fresh produce for less labor-intensive options found in modern supermarkets. This shift made growers more mindful of food transport and storage. The trick became how far food could be shipped and still maintain, at least, the appearance of freshness. Red Delicious apples, propagated from wild stock in Iowa, became synonymous with how apples should taste and look. Over time, horticulturists “tweaked” those original stock trees, producing thicker skin to protect the flesh from bruising, uniform shape to facilitate packaging for shipment, and deep, dark red color to hide blemishes. Red Delicious withstood cold storage for many months, providing nearly year-round access. Over time, other varieties would come to market, but Red Delicious remained, by far, the most widely purchased apple until about 20 years ago. Enter the Honeycrisp. This gamechanging apple was cultivated through a breeding program at the University of Minnesota in the late 1990s, resulting from a cross between the Keepsake apple variety, known for its cold-hardiness and crisp texture, and a “mutt” apple of unknown lineage whose variety was not even noted. What set Honeycrisps apart was their thin skin and extra-large sweet juice vacuoles that literally burst open when bitten. These characteristics changed the apple world forever, and the newcomer took the market by storm! While still popular, Honeycrisps have lost some of their luster in recent years. The problem is that they aren’t well suited to the warmer growing conditions in Washington state, which produces most massmarket apples. They don’t store well, resulting in a mealy, unappealing texture. Prized for their thin skin, they
bruise easily and can be punctured, so they require slower, more careful picking because of their fragility. Originally bred for cultivation in the upper Midwest and a short eating season, they simply aren’t a good fit for supermarket produce. They are frequently no better, but certainly more expensive, than their Red Delicious cousins. Is there hope for a better apple? Absolutely! Breeding them, however, requires extraordinary care and time. Apples, like many commodity crops, don’t breed true. If you take a seed from an apple that you love, plant it, and wait for it to grow into a tree and bear fruit, that apple will almost certainly not represent the parent from which it came. Apples, as a species, have twice as many genes as humans, allowing for tremendous variation. Blossoms must be fertilized by pollen from trees of another variety to develop edible fruit. Horticulturists develop new cultivars by carefully selecting each parent and using mechanical fertilization, sometimes by hand. Horticulturists collect, label, and plant seeds. No one knows what the fruit will taste like until each seed becomes a mature tree bearing fruit. More than 99% are not suitable for commercial production. They remove those trees and plant new seeds in their place. The entire process can take 20 years. Once a promising fruit-bearing tree is identified, however, it can be cultivated en masse by grafting the new stock onto an older trunk, significantly decreasing the time it takes to bear fruit. Virtually all commercial apples are developed in this way. Most new, promising apple varieties grown in modern orchards are direct relatives of Honeycrisp and another varietal. As we chase the dream of a perfect apple, the bar is set high. Crisp, juicy, white flesh that doesn’t brown, thin skin (but not too thin), able to withstand heat and freezing temperatures, and capable of being stored for six to nine months with no loss of quality. How hard could that
GOOD NEWS
be? Oh yes – and remember we’re working about 10-15 years ahead of marketability! The abundance of choices is a problem for consumers. According to a spokesman for the Washington apple industry, 75% of apples sold in the United States come from four varieties: Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp. The remaining 50-ish options make up 25% of the market. Presently, contenders to capture the fickle eating-apple market are Cosmic Crisp (a cross between Enterprise and Honeycrisp) and EverCrisp, an up-and-coming varietal from the cross of Honeycrisp with Fuji. Zestar!, from the breeding program in Minnesota responsible for the original Honeycrisp, is super crispy, an early-season apple proving especially popular locally. From too few apple varieties 20 years ago to too many now, marketing statistics show that, like me, people are bewildered by the many choices. Randy Riley, a former produce director for the giant Kroger grocery chain, states that too many alternatives cause shoppers to “turn to grapes, berries, and citrus” - foregoing apples entirely. I guess I’m not alone in suffering from choice paralysis. As consumers, we face a trade-off. We can either have fresh, perishable, inseason fruits that are superb to eat, or the convenience of year-long availability with greatly diminished flavor, as we already see with off-season tomatoes and strawberries… I think you can guess how I’ll cast my vote. I might not be fussy about where I eat, or what I eat, but whatever I choose should be fresh and flavorful! Cheryl Hach Retired Science Teacher Kalamazoo Area Math a nd Science Center To view references for this article, please scan the QR code.
20
October 2026
GOOD NEWS
FREE october Events Through Sept. 6 Exhibit: Dinosaur Explorer Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Sundays, October 4, 11 Portage Farmers Market, 9am1pn, 203 East Centre Ave., Ptg.
Through Jan. 3, 2026 Exhibit: Toytopia Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Sunday, October 4 Sip & Spelling Bee, 2-4pm Alley Cat, Kalamazoo
Thursday, October 1 Kalamazoo Farmer Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.
Mondays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Family Storytime, 10-11am (Ages 0-5), Vicksburg Library
Thursday, Oct. 1, 9:30-10:30am Adult Book Club: The BorrowEd Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnson, Vicksburg Library
Mondays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Baby Time (Infant-6 mos.), 10:15am, Richland Library
Thursdays, Oct. 1,8,15,22,29 Storytime (ages 0-5), 10am, Parchment Library Thursdays, Oct. 1,8,15,22,29 Story Time, 10:30am, This is a Bookstore & Bookbug Thursdays, Oct. 1,8,15,22,29 Free Thursdays, 11am-8pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursday, Oct. 1, 3:30-6pm Elementary “Drive-in” Movie night With popcorn, you bring, drink, blanket & cardboard box, Vicksburg Library Thursdays, Oct.1,8,15,22,29 Teen Dungeons & Dragons, ages 11-17, 4:30-6:30, Richland Library Thursday, October 1 Gallery Gathering: Sheila Pree Bright’s Cotton and Dulce Pinzon’s Catwoman, 5:30-6pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursday, October 1, 6pm Medicare 101: Understanding Your Options, Richland Library Fridays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Sit N’ Stitch, work on your project, 10am- 12pm, Richland Library Fridays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Family Story Time, 10:15am, All ages, Richland Library Friday, October 2 Memory Café- for people with mild dementia & care partners, 10:30am-Noon, Paw Paw Library Friday, October 2, 3pm Teen Advisory board, ages 11-17, Richland Library Friday, October 2 Vicksburg Farmers Market, 2-6pm, Vicksburg Historic Village
Mondays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Homeschool Meet Up (all ages), 1-2:30, Richland Library Mondays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Maker Mondays: Acrylic Paint, ages 11-17, 3-5pm, Register: Richland Library Mon., Oct. 5 & Tues., Oct. 6 Vintage-Inspired Halloween Bucket D.I.Y., ages 16+, 6pm, Register: Richland Library Mondays, Oct.5,12,19,26 Support Group: depression, Bi-polar disorder & mental healthchallenges, 7-8:30pm, Portage Chapel Hill United Method. Church
Wednesday, October 14 Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Bravo Team, 3-6pm, Register: Richland Library
Thursday, October 8, 6:30pm Pizza & Perspectives presents Great Michigan Gathering Kickoff Watch Party Featuring Priya Parker, (adults), Register: Parchment Library Thursday, October 8, 7-8pm Michigan’s Haunted LightHouses, Richland Library Fri., Oct. 9 & Sat., Oct. 10 Fall Stamp & Cover Show, 10am5pm, Kalamazoo County Expo Ctr. Friday, October 9, 5:30pm A Halloween Extravaganza (ages 10-16), Register Parchment Library Saturday, October 10 Art Detectives: Write to Me: Letters from Japanese Children To the Librarian Left Behind By Cynthia Grady, 10:30am-12pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 5-6pm Oregon Trail for Adults + Teens, Vicksburg Library
Friday, October 23 Spooktacular Family Carnival, 6-7:30pm, Paw Paw Library
Thursday, October 15 3rd Thursdays with Queen Saige (ages, 10-16), 4pm Register: Parchment Library
Sat., Oct. 24- Sun., Oct. 25 Harvest Craft Show, 9am – 3pm, Kalamazoo Expo Center
Thursday, October 15 Film Screening: The Cats of Mirikitani, 6-7pm, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Thursday, October 15 Family STEAM Night, 6-7pm Vicksburg District Library
Tuesdays, Oct. 6,13,20,27 Preschool Workshop, ages 3-5, 10:15am, Richland Library
Saturday, Oct 10. 11am-2pm Community Day: ResilienceA Sansei Sense of Legacy, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Friday, October 16 Fiber Friends (adults), BYOP & lunch, 10am-2pm, Parchment Library
Tuesday, October 6 Fire Truck Day (ages 0-5), 10:30am, Parchment Library
Saturday, October 10 Gook Fest, 11am-3pm Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1-4pm Adult Craft Stitching. Bring your own project, Parchment Library
Saturday, Oct. 10, 12-2:30pm Beyond Books: Outdoor Game All ages, Richland Library
Tuesday, October 6 Teens/tweens Dungeons & Dragons, 4-6pm, Vicksburg Library Tuesday, October 6, 6pm MI Author: Toni Will, Delton Library
Wednesdays, Oct. 7 & 21 Mugs & Hugs, stories, playtime, 10-11am, Vicksburg Library
Friday, October 2, 5:30-8pm “Evolution of an Artist:’ A Solo Exhibition by Artist Nicci Fields KVCC Center for New Media
Wednesdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Wednesday Wigglers (6 mos-toddler), 10:15am, Richland Library Wednesdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Teen Dungeons & Dragons, Ages 11-17, 3-5pm, Richland Library Wednesdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Free ½ hour Bowling, 4-8pm Crafted Copper, Kalamazoo Wednesdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Wednesday Night Cruise-In, 5-8pm, Gilmore Car Museum
Saturday, October 3 Beginning Birding Walks, 9am11am, Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7-8pm Author Event: Amy Piper, Small Town Michigan, Vicksburg Historical Village
Saturday, October 3, 9am-1pm Kalamazoo River Guardians, ages 8+ w/guardian, Kal. Nature Center
Wednesday, October 7 Open Mic Night, 8-10pm Alley Cat, Kalamazoo
Saturday, October 3, 3-6pm I Love the 80’s…to Death! Murder Mystery, Register: Richland Library
Thursdays, Oct. 8 & 15 Teen Break & Bulldog Break Crafts, games, activities, treats, 2:45-4:45, Vicksburg Library
Saturdays, Oct. 5,12,19,26 Live Music @ The Dock at Bayview, 8pm-12am
Thursday, October 8, 4-5pm Writers’ Motivational Group (adults), Vicksburg Library
Saturday, October 10 Washington Ave. Arts & Culture Crawl, 12-4pm Edison Neighborhood, Kal. Sunday, Oct. 11, 10am-5pm West Michigan Oddfest, Kalamazoo County Expo Center Sunday, October 11 2nd Sundays Live: Norse Code, 2pm, Parchment Library Monday, October 12 LEGO Club for all Kids 5:30pm, Parchment Library Monday, October 12 Book Group (adults): The Edge Of Lost by Kristina McMorris 6pm, Parchment Library
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-7:30pm Explore & Create: Gallery Game Night, Register: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 6-7pm Craft & Jam, adults & 12+ w/Adult, Richland Library
Saturday, October 10 Internet Users group, 10am-noon, Paw Paw Library
Saturday, October 10 Boos in the Zoo, Downtown Kalamazoo Mall, 12-4pm
Thursday, October 22, 6pm MI Author: RJ Erskine, Delton Library
Friday, Oct.25, 5pm Blood on the Clocktower: Better Together, ages 11-17, Register: Richland Library
Tuesday, October 6, 9am-3pm Kalamazoo County Senior Expo, Kalamazoo County Expo Center
Tuesdays, Oct. 6,13,20,27 Weekly Gaming, ages 11-17, 3-5pm, Register: Richland Library
Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30pm Write Out in the Park (adults) Register: Parchment Library
Wednesday, October 14 Vinyasa Yoga with Alla (adults) 5:15pm, Parchment Library
Tuesday, October 6 Kalamazoo Farmer Market, 8am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.
Fridays, Oct. 2,9,16,23,30 Artist Meet Up in the Vine, 5:30-8pm, 806 S. Westnedge
Saturdays, Oct. 3,10,17 Texas Township Farmers Market Farmers Market Pavilion, 8am-noon
Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:30-7:30pm Friends Read Book Club, discuss what you’re reading, Paw Paw Library
Thurs., Oct. 15, 6:30-7:30pm The Heartbreak Book Club: If It Makes You Happy by Julie Olivia, Paw Paw Library
Wednesdays, Oct. 7,14,21,28 Storytime (ages 0-5), 10am, Parchment Library
Saturdays, Oct. 3,10,17,24,31 Kalamazoo Farmers Market 7am-1pm, 1204 Bank St.
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2-3pm Book Discussion: They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10am Book Chat Café’ @ Java Jones in Richland, Discuss what you’re reading, sponsored by Richland Library
Friday, October 2 First Friday in Downtown Kalamazoo, 5-8pm
Friday, October 2 iNoche de Familia!, 6-8pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Thursday, October 8 Adult Dungeons & Dragons: Bravo Team, 5-8pm, Register: Richland Library
Saturday, October 24 Music Medicine Collective, Kalamazoo Public Library, Central, 2-3pm Saturday, October 24 Halloween Forest, 2-4pm Milham Park, Kalamazoo Sunday, October 25 The Vine Barn Local Market 12-4pm, 311 Wall St., Kal. Monday, Oct. 26 4pm F.A.R.M. Tween Book club: Holes by Louis Sachar, ages, 10-14), Register: Parchment Library
Fri., Oct 16- Sun., Oct. 18 Hot Tub & Swim Spa Sale, Fri.-11am-6pm, Sat. 10am-6pm, Sun. 11am-4pm, Kal. Expo Center
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6-7pm A Prairie That Provides, Tips for planting a pollinator Garden by Janice Wick, Master Gardener, Paw Paw Library
Sat., Oct. 17 & Sun. Oct. 18 Arts & Eats, 10am-5pm, W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Tuesday, October 27 Walk with A Doc., 6:30-7:30pm Vicksburg Trail @ Richardson St.
Saturday, October 17 Chair Yoga (adults), 11am, Parchment Library
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7-8:30pm Fandom Team Trivia, Register: Richland Library
Saturday, Oct. 17, 11:30-1:30pm Teen Dirty Soda Bar, ages 12-18, Vicksburg Library
Wednesday Oct. 28, 1-2pm ArtBreak: Film Screening: The First Circle, Register: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Saturday, October 17 “Fall Comes to the Forest” – Guided Nature Walk, 1-2pm Oshtemo Township Park
Wednesday, October 28 LEGO Challenge, all ages, 2-5:30pm, Richland Library
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1-3pm Trunk or Treat, Cryptid CrossFit, 5070 E. Main, Kalamazoo
Wednesday, October 28 Teen’s Chill Study Hall, 3-4pm, Vicksburg Library
Saturday, October 17 Once Upon a Storytime, 10:15am, Richland Library
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6pm Between the Pages: Romance Book Club: First Witches Club By Maisey Yates, Richland Library
Monday, Oct. 19, 10:30am-12pm Silent Reading Group (adults), Vicksburg Library Tuesday, October 20 Lego & Duplo Club, 1-2pm & 5:30 – 6:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Thursday, October 29 Halloween Party, 5:307:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Tuesday, October 13 Scrabble Club for Adults, 1-2:30pm, Vicksburg Library
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6-7:30pm Horror Movie Trivia Night (adults) Register: Richland Library
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6-7pm Artful Evening: Intergenerational Impacts of the Japanese American Wartime Incarceration, Register: Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Tuesday, October 13 Cookbook Club: Indian(-ish) By Priya Krishna make it, bring it, 6pm, Richland Library
Tuesday, Oct. 20 6:30pm Mystery Book Club: (adults): Mrs. Claus & the Santaland Slayings by Liz Ireland, Parchment Library
Thursday, Oct. 29, 6:30-7:30pm Between the Lines Book Club: The Island of Missing Trees By Elif Shafak, Paw Paw Library
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 5:30pm Write Out in the Park (adults) Register: Parchment Library
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1pm OLLI at WMU Senior Readers Theater, short/funny plays on aging, Register-Parchment Library
Friday, Oct. 30, 10:30-11:30am Listen Up Audiobook Club (designed for people with low vision), Girl Waits with Gun By Amy Stewart, Paw Paw Library
Tuesdays, October 13, 27 Craft Night, BYOC, 6-8pm, Alley Cat, Kalamazoo Wednesday, October 14 Bird & Coffee Chat Online: Avian Evolution – Dinosaurs At your Feeder? 10am birdsanctuary@kbs.mse.edu Wednesday, Oct. 14, 12-1pm ArtBreak: Remembering World War II in Japanese Voices, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
Wednesday, Oct. 21, 6pm Meet MI Author: Nicole Lintemuth, Richland Library Thursday, Oct. 22, 5-7pm Dr. Frankenstein’s Toy Laboratory, Vicksburg Library Thursday, October 22 Book Cover Creation, ages 11-17, Register: Richland Library
Friday, October 30 Dia de los Muertos, 5:30-9pm Kalamazoo County Expo Center Saturday, October 31, 9am-3pm Indoor Flea Market & Kalamazoo Numismatic Coin Show, Kalamazoo County Expo Center