Good News August 2014

August 2014 1 GOOD NEWS

paperServing the Greater portage and kalamazoo areas

Enjoy Old Fashioned Fun at the Local County Fairs

freeAugust

2014


Once upon a princess

Make believe comes alive with Once Upon a Princess. Whether your child fancies Cinderella, Rapunzel, Snow White, Belle, Little Mermaid, Tinker Bell, Frog Princess, Snow Princess, Snow Queen or any of their princes, Once Upon a Princess delivers.

Kathryn Morton-Parker, a Ka-lamazoo native, started this fairy tale character company five years ago. When Kathryn first began the business, she was the only princess performer. Once Upon a Princess now has 7 additional princess performers, and prince performers on call to keep up with the high demand. She and her hand selected, personally trained, staff are committed to making

special memories that will last a lifetime.

The Princesses and Princes at Once Upon a Princess not only

look authentic, their actions and underlying moral messages pro-mote the essence of being a true a role model to children of all ages.

Once Upon a Princess special-izes in performing for children’s birthday parties, special events, community activities and princess parties. A variety of party pack-ages are available, and can be cus-tomized with a choice of activities, including songs, dancing, princess school, face painting and more.

Invite Once Upon a Princess to attend your next special event, you’re sure to provide a great time for all your guests, and a party they sure won’t forget.

For additional information please visit their website at princesspar-tymichigan.com, or call 720-9999. Written by Jackie MerriamPhotographer: Bryan Frank Photography

inside- August 2014 Editor and Publisher: Jackie Merriam

Graphic Designer: Lauren Ellis

Good News Paper accepts advertising to defray the cost of production and distribution, and appreciates the support of its

advertisers. 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.

To advertise in an upcoming issue,please contact Jackie Merriam

269 [email protected]

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Once Upon a Princess…………………………………Gardening: Heavenly Hydrangeas…………………….. Remember When: The Capitol Theatre…………… . . .Pets: Fenced Yards Keep Pets Safe………………….….Book Reviews………………………………………......Golf: Golf is an Enjoyable & Frustrating Sport ….........Vintage: Man Men Style……………………………….A Mother & Daughter Adventure Series……………. . Local County Fairs………………………………. Eat: The Grainery Fresh Milled Oats……………… . .The Back to School Rush………………………………Relaxation: Breathe Like a Baby……………………......Health: Add Variety to Your Workout……………........Non-Profit Spotlight: First Day Shoe Fund……. . . . . .Day Trip: Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Association………………......Celebrate August……………………………………. .Calendar of FREE Events………………………………


Gardening The hardest part about growing hydrangeas is deciding which of the colors and varieties you like best. There is a size, flower form and color to match every outdoor space.

There are mainly four different families of hydrangeas but many varieties of each type. The most popular variety is the big leaf Hydrangea or Hydrangea macro-phylla. Their big leaves and large flower heads of pink or blue characterize hydrangea macrophylla varieties. Hydrangeas prefer a moist, acidic well-drained soil. They prefer partial sun. If they are planted in full sun, the leaves may develop sunburn. The most frequently asked ques-tion about hydrangeas is, “When I planted my hydrangea it had blue flowers, but why is it flowering pink now?” The flower color is affected by the pH (or the con-centration of aluminum ions) of the soil. To produce blue flowers you will need a soil pH of 5.0-5.5. To produce pink flowers you need a pH of 6.0-6.5 in your soil. Use Garden Iron to lower soil pH. The next most frequently asked question is “When do I prune my hydrangea?” Hydrangea macro-phylla blooms on the last year’s growth. Hydrangea macrophylla should be mulched around the base of the plant to protect last year’s growth from damaging winter weather. In the spring, if

you notice any branches that were damaged or died over the winter you can cut those back. There are many beautiful new varieties of hydrangea plants that are rebloomers, which bloom on both new wood and old, deliver-ing seasons of flowers and lots of WOW! Some new varieties you’ll want to be sure and check out are Let’s Dance and CityLine. Their large flowers with vivid colors, strong stems and dark glossy foli-age characterize these new Ger-man hybrids. Other varieties to look for are Annabelle, PeeGee, Oakleaf and Climbing Hydrangeas. Most varieties are in bloom now, and are a beautiful sight to see. Terrie SchwartzWedel’s Nursery, Florist & Garden Center

On three separate occasions within one day, I heard a similar comment from some local busi-ness owners. They said to me in jest, now that you own a business… you’re rich! One then just simply laughed, while the others continued to talk about the idea that people think that you’re

rich because you own a business.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what those business owners said that day, when I had been a busi-ness owner for all of two weeks at the time. It still makes me chuckle. I would, however, have to

say that business owners are rich…in their passion for their chosen business. How else could you explain the relentless time, energy and enthusiasm that they throw into their venture each and

every day, including weekends?

I now have a new appreciation for business owners. I have noticed that they are the hardest working, most dedicated individuals on the planet. There is not one aspect of their business that

they aren’t willing to do, and do with gusto. They often wake up thinking about the business, work all day on the business and then go to bed thinking about it some more.

The next time that you’re pleased with a business, their service, staff, etc., please make a point of letting the owner know. This small gesture will give the business owner a sense of richness far

greater than riches.

Welcome to the Good News Paper

Heavenly Hydrangeas

Jackie Merriam, Publisher


If you grew up in Kalamazoo area, you probably have fond memories of attending Saturday Matinees at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Kalamazoo. The Majestic Theater opened in

1907 at 138 East South Street, near the corner of South and Burdick. The theatre was quite large, hold-ing 1,248 seats. Unfortunately it was badly damaged by fire in 1923, and reopened in 1924 with a new

name, the Capi-tol Theatre. The Capitol was one of several popu-lar downtown theatres includ-ing the Uptown, Fuller and State.

In 1974 the Cap-itol was closed and the building was demolished to make way for a parking garage.

The picture of the theatre is from April 1935, which was determined when the photo was enlarged and the poster for a Max Baer fight on

the telephone pole to the left was noticed.

By Steve Ellis

Remember When The Capitol Theatre


We all have differing prefer-ences when it comes to our furry friends, and selecting a fencing option is no different! Here are five reasons why a fence could be a worthwhile investment for you and your pet. 1.Responsibly contained pets live safer, longer lives. Even with con-tainment, there is always a chance that Fido, no matter how well behaved, may escape your home or property. So it is a good idea to make sure yourdog is microchipped and wearing a collar with ID tags. Having your pet spayed or neutered will also minimize her or his tendency to escape in search of a mate. 2.A fenced yard provides a safe play area. Fencing all or part of your yard can be a great way to allow your dog off-leash freedom for relieving himself and play-ing. A fenced backyard, however, should not replace physical activ-ity or stimulation that comes from going on walks or playing fetch.

Dogs get bored and they will look to make their own fun if you are not providing it for them. Un-desirable traits like digging and barking might occur, and Fido may even try to escape to wreak havoc in the neighborhood. So keep up your 3.Fences keep out unwanted passersby. While fences provide a great way to keep your pets in their yard, they also keep out other humans and animals that you don’t want in your yard. In our area, coyotes are a threat and they prey upon domestic pets. You may also have other aggressive animals or wildlife in your neighborhood that can be kept out by a sturdy fence. 4.Reduce visual stimuli. If your pooch gets excited by watching people walk by, ride their bikes or skateboards, or upon seeing another dog, then a barrier that provides privacy as well as visual impairment may keep him from becoming overly aroused and

agitated, or evolv-ing into a nuisance barker. 5.Keep Fido from roaming. A solid or vertical fence at least four- feet high will keep most pets contained. How-ever, if you have a dog that jumps or climbs, a six foot or even taller fence might be needed. If Fido can scale six feet, there are options: install an overhang, roof or wire leaner that comes inward from the top of the fence, or at-tach coyote rollers along the top edge. If your pup is a digger, you may need to bury fencing material below grade or use paving materi-als to prevent him from digging his way out of your yard.There is an overwhelming amount of information and an infinite

number of fencing products and options to choose from. Our suggestion is to choose what will work best for your pets to ensure their safety as well as for your home. By Danielle Wallace, KAR Friends August 2013 article re-printed with permission from Kalamazoo Animal Rescue

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For book recommendations from your Kalamazoo Public Library Staff go to

www.kpl.gov/blog/

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

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Golf

Golf is an enjoyable and frustrat-ing sport - one good shot keeps you coming back for more! Keep in mind that golf can be enjoyed even more (i.e. longer drives and lower scores) if you feel fit and healthy. Here are some simple tips to make you, and your golf game, better: •Always warm up! Putting the golf club over your shoulders and doing a couple of twists isn’t enough. Your body will perform better if the muscles and joints are actively warmed up. You don’t want to stretch when you are cold – that can damage tissue. So, go for a brisk walk to get the blood flowing. Move those arms and legs for about 5-10 minutes. After you walk, practice swinging without a

club – review the motion. When your joints and muscles start to feel fluid and less restricted, add a club and continue to move through the proper range of mo-tion. Remember, stiff muscles and joints restrict movement and shorten range of motion; conse-quently, shortening your swing and drives off the tee. •Practice standing up straight. Find your ‘neutral’ spine angle. Stand against the wall with the back of your head, shoulder blade area, and tailbone touching the wall. The neck and lumbar spine should be curved away from the wall - that’s neutral spine - it’s how you should stand and how your body performs best. We need to work on strengthening the

musculature in our core to stay in neutral as much as possible. •Which leads me to core strength…planks, planks, and more planks. That’s the answer I’d give if I had to pick one really good core exercise. Planks can be done in a variety of ways and with modifications to fit any fitness level. Planks engage a variety of muscles throughout the body and strengthen your core in a neutral position. Always remember to breathe when holding a plank po-sition - they are challenging, but very effective.

Remember, being healthy and fit doesn’t mean you have to spend two hours a day at the gym, or shop at special grocery stores.

Start with thirty minutes of exer-cise, most days of the week, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Small lifestyle changes do make a difference in your overall health. If you are unsure of how to get start-ed, check with your healthcare provider, a personal trainer and/or a registered dietician. Health and fitness professionals can put a program together to maximize your workout and give you great tips on eating healthy. Plus, it will help your golf game!

Trish Harrison, M.A. C-PFTCommunity Healthy Living Director YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

is an enjoyable and frustrating sport

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For those who don’t know about the TV series Mad Men from AMC, it just wrapped its seventh and final season and was notably recognized for its costume design among other things. The series takes place beginning in March 1960 and wrapped up in the year 1969. It is a drama based off the lives of a group of marketing ge-niuses who ran one of the first and largest ad agencies on Madison Avenue in New York City with the rising period of mass mar-keting during an era when con-suming new and recommended goods was prominent. The first six seasons of Mad Men is avail-able on Netflix for those curious enough to watch it from the start of the series.

The styles that broke forth dur-ing this series have done a number on anything and everything mid- century vintage. Since the series debut in 2007, business people who operate in vintage clothing, furniture, décor, or print media have seen a huge surge in business based off of the themed parties, weddings, Halloween parties, or a throwback decorating style ex-clusively based off the Mad Men show.

So, you want to dress Mad Men style? Here’s some quick tips to help you pull off a Don Draper or Joan Holloway (Harris) just perfectly:

1. Men wore suits and full dress coats with accessories. The styles of suits rotate throughout the show based off the movement of the timeline through the en-tire decade of the 60s. You may select a pinstripe suit with but-ton up shirt, vest, and matching sportscoat to portray early seasons while suits expanded to polyester trousers and wider collars in later seasons which approached the 1970s.

2. Good Girl: Dress like Betty Draper (later Francis) who was the infamous 1st wife of lead character Don Draper. Search early looks for Betty Draper on Pinterest or Etsy and you will find beautiful circle skirted dresses in delicate floral or swiss dot-ted patterns or a look that would copy Christian Dior’s New Look that burst onto the fashion scene in 1947. For Betty Francis (who remarried and changed character name later) look for shift styled dresses in bright colors and loud patterns, looks that copy a fashion icon from the Swinging Sixties, Twiggy.

3. Bad Girl: Joan Holloway who began in the series as the head of all of the secretaries on staff is known for her curvaceous figure that she dresses splendidly wicked on the show. For earlier sea-sons, look for late 1950s “wiggle” dresses, such as the pink dress in the photo. For later looks pair a tight fitting pencil skirt with a variety of romantic blouses with secretary ties (ties at the neck) or fitted cashmere sweaters and high heels – always high heels.

By utilizing these quick tips you will be sure to pull together a Mad Men look that will be timeless in matching the eloquent styles of this dominant series that made ev-eryone take a modern look at the throwback styles of the 1960s.

Photographer: Heinze Dezines Photography Janice Penny is an expert in Vintage clothing and styling. For 15 years she has partnered with her mother in operating The Clothing Connection Consignment Boutique in Kalamazoo. Follow her at facebook.com/TheVintageStylist.

Brenda Jellies, LMT

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

Ellen: Sunday is the best day to go to the park. For people watching, a public park is even better than an outdoor café, or a mall, or a summer festival.

Jane: I should have changed out of my open-toed sandals before com-ing here. The Canada geese are prolific and this boardwalk must belong to them. I don’t think any-one will notice if I scrape my soles on the rocks along the marina…

Ellen: Our group of four strolls down to the waterfront. On the grass around us, children in bath-ing suits shriek, ducks murmur, and fathers with grilling super powers make the air smell like a feast. At a picnic table, a smartly dressed family enjoys a post-church brunch. Under a nearby gazebo the festoons of balloons and flowers declare a celebration of some sort. The breeze off the lake is cool, and in the channel the boats chug past us, their fish-ing gear ready and eager for open water.

Jane: What is this web-like sub-stance sticking to the rocks? Now it’s sticking to my crudded-up sandals! I turn my foot sideways in an attempt to release my toes from the clear, stringy threads fol-lowing me along the trail.

Ellen: I glance at my companions and wonder if we fit in here. We saunter along in sun dresses and slacks, non-athletic shoes, two cameras, and without the comfort of sun glasses. We’re obviously not here for the volleyball pit. And now my mom seems to be limp-ing. I ask her if we should slow down?

Jane: Ellen turns and I see her lips move, but the boat with the huge bow reaches the end of the buoys in the channel and takes off like something is chasing it. I think she asked me if I “want to go down?” Go down where? I won-der. To the beach? I try to shout over the engine noise, “I DIDN’T BRING A SUIT!”

Ellen: My mom worries about the strangest things. It’s time to distract her. I point out a family who are enjoying their picnic on a Persian carpet stretched out under a cottonwood tree.

Jane: I look where Ellen is point-ing and can’t believe my eyes. “Why ever did those people bring a fountain to a picnic?”

Ellen: “That’s a hookah, Ma, not a fountain. No, no--don’t take a photo. I’ll explain later.”

Jane: People at a park sure are interesting. By Jane and Ellen Knuth

Dear Readers: Have you noticed anyone’s superpower? We would be happy to make them “the other person at the table” in a future column. Write to us at: [email protected].


Local

Kalamazoo County Fair August 4-9 Open 9am – 9pm General Admission: $6/adults, $2/ages 6-12, Free/kids 5 & under (with paid adult)Free ParkingKalamazoocountyfair.com373-5181

Allegan County FairSeptember 5-13Opens 9/5 at 2:30pm, 9/6-9/13 opens at 8am; Fair closes Sun. – Thurs. 11pm,Fri. - Sat. at midnight.General Admission: $5/adults, $2/youth (1st-12th grade), Free/Kids (Kindergarten & underParking $5Allegancountyfair.com673-6501

St. Joseph County Grange FairSeptember 14-20Open 8am-10pm$6/adults, Free/children (14 & under)Parking $2Centervillefair.info467-8935

Whether you enjoy the 4-H animals and exhibits, the midway games and rides, the entertainment, or just a good old-fashioned elephant ear treat,

get out and enjoy the upcoming local county fairs.


county fairs

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the grainery

Contrary to what you might think, not all oats are alike. The Grainery Fresh Milled Oats are flaked fresh on the spot, so the texture and flavor of the oat makes it to the bowl.

Their mills, many of them hand-made by the owner, Scott Below, hold the oat groats (hulled oat seeds) and mills them fresh in-store. Nutrients begin to break down as soon as oats are pro-cessed. Which is why fresh milled oats are nutrient rich.

The Grainery is a local fam-ily owned business. All family members contribute to the success of their fresh milled oats business.

Scott manages the business full time, making the mills, connecting with business owners to carry the prod-ucts, managing customer service, etcetera. His wife Christine, son Donovan and daughter Kenna sell the oats at the Kalama-zoo Farmers’ Market each week, and participate in

many other ways. Besides the Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market, several local businesses carry The Grainery Fresh Milled Oats, including Harding’s on West Main St., Irving’s, Horrocks and the Richland Meat Market. The oats are also served at Bron-son, Allegan General Hospital, Food Dance Café, Irving’s and Kalamazoo College.

Try it and taste the difference! The 1.8# bag sells for $4. For more information and recipes, go to their website at factoryfreeoats.com. You can also call them at 352-0860.

1 cup Grainery oatmeal2/3 c toasted coconut flakes1/2 c peanut butter (or other nut butter)1/2 c ground flax seed (or wheat germ)1/2 c chocolate chips (or cacao nibs)1/3 c honey (or maple syrup)1 Tbsp chia seeds- OPTIONAL1 tsp vanilla

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed. Cover and let shill in the refrigerator for 1/2 to 1 hour. Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you’d like. You can be creative with the dry ingredi-ents!Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

EAT

Enjoy The Grainery’s most requested recipe for No-Bake Energy Bites.


Mindful Parenting The back to school rush

In the middle of August every year, the calls into my office pick up. Parents I haven’t heard from in months report that their child or teen is suddenly not sleeping well, experiencing stomach aches on and off, or those bouts of irrita-bility and fights between siblings are increasing. Does this sound like your child?

Although many families are taking their last summer vacation, kids know that school is com-ing. The sound of the cicadas, the August heat, and back to school sales are all reminders that a new academic year is about to start. This generates anxiety for many children. As therapists, we help children and their families begin to face this transition. In play therapy children feel safe to express their fears and feelings. Parents can help children weather the transi-tion to school by: 1. arranging several play dates or

sleep overs with a friend from school.2. visiting the school playground or touring the building, especially if it is a new school.3. mastering how to open a locker (this is a special stress for many tweens beginning middle school).4. supporting attendance at band camp, cross country conditioning or fall preseason training is won-derful exposure to school friends and structure.5. recognizing that your tween or teen’s sudden need to diet and lose significant amounts of weight before beginning middle or high school may be a symptom of social worries or other problems.6. meeting with a school counselor or teacher to discuss special needs that your child might have (food allergies, learning difficulties).7. having your child or teen be in charge of picking out his or her own, unique school supplies (a new box of crayons, a special pen, or a brightly colored binder goes a long way!).

8. establishing a reading time each day and reviewing math facts the fun way via game play.Finally, all children and teens benefit from getting on a regu-lar sleep cycle that is geared to school hours. Begin to adjust the clock and get children to bed a bit earlier each week. This is especially important for teens that may be night owls and are used to sleeping in until noon. Encourage breakfast upon wakening even if your child isn’t hungry.

As you help prepare your child for the rhythm shift from summer to fall, you are assisting your entire family in remaining on an even keel. When school actually starts, you will probably find that many of your child’s end of summer difficulties have resolved with the return of a predictable, academic routine.

By Lindsay P. South, MA/LPCRegistered Play Therapist

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relaxation

Most of us know how to breathe… right? According to many experts we don’t. If you watch a baby take a breath, they automatically expand their belly first and then their chest rises- this is called diaphrag-matic breathing or belly breath-ing. Watching an adult breathe is almost the exact opposite: the chest moves and- if you look really closely- you can see their belly expand slightly.

Ok, that’s great but breathing is breathing, right? Wrong. When you breathe shallowly, it increases your heart rate and blood pres-sure activating the body’s stress response. This causes chest breath-ers to experience more anxiety and stress related conditions like hypertension, headaches, insom-nia, and muscle tension. When you shallow or chest breathe only about two cups of oxygen enter the lungs, while taking a deep

belly breath allows three or more liters of air into your system. So how can we revert back to breathing like a baby? Simple. Take 5 to 10 minutes every day and follow these instructions. Before you know it you will feel more relaxed and balanced.

1: Sit comfortably in an upright chair. (When you are first learn-ing, it may be helpful to lie down on the floor or a bed, which makes it easier for your abdomen to expand and contract with each breath.)2: Rest your hand lightly on your abdomen, about one inch above your navel.3: Begin by exhaling deeply and fully.

4: Inhale gently, expanding your belly as you do so. You should feel your belly expanding beneath your hand.5: Exhale softly, contracting your belly as you do so, feeling it con-tract.6: Now inhale slowly while count-ing five slow seconds. (Like when you were a kid: one-one thousand, two-one thousand, etc…)7: Pause for a count of two sec-onds then exhale slowly for a count of five slow seconds.8: Pause for a count of two sec-onds.9: Repeat the breathing pattern: IN for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…PAUSE…. OUT for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…PAUSE.

Rebecca Byron; LMT, CAOBTOwner of Water’s Edge Day Spa

breathe like a baby

Kalamazoo Pediatric DentistryRyan Basler, DDS

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We are pleased to announce Dr. Nathan van Hofwegen

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health add variety to your workout

I walk a lot. I lift weights occa-sionally. What else should I do? If you’re already moderately ac-tive, congrats! You are doing more for your body, and quality of life, than you realize. Your risk of de-veloping or delaying the onset of chronic disease is reduced signifi-

cantly by being active and eating a healthy diet. As you may know, the CDC recommends moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (150 minutes per week) and muscle-strengthening exercises (at least 2 times per week). If you do the math, it is possible to accomplish this without living in the gym -

just 30 minutes a day, most days of the week - is one of many options. Now, if you’re a regular exerciser, doing the same routine week after week, it’s probably time to add some variety. What are you doing to challenge your cardiorespiratory system and/or muscles in a dif-ferent way? Maybe you should try High-Intensity Interval Training (aka HIIT). Don’t let the title scare you. HIIT workouts are shorter, higher-intensity bursts of exercise. You can turn your daily walk into a HIIT workout. For example, walk at a moderate pace for 60 seconds, and then walk as fast as you can for 30 seconds followed by a low/moderate pace for 30-60 seconds. Repeat. With HIIT training you increase the intensity for short periods of time, but you get active-recovery time after the “hard” part. Also, if you’re outside, you can use mail-boxes, trees, driveways, etc., as target goals - no timer required. Another advantage of HIIT training is you get a great workout

in a shorter period of time. If your regular walk is steady-state (same pace and heart rate) for 45 min-utes, you can do a HIIT workout for 25-30 minutes instead. The varying level of intensity makes all the difference. If you are interested in HIIT workouts, please check with your healthcare provider to make sure this type of training is right for you. Also, I recommend reading a few articles on HIIT so you un-derstand the pros/cons of this type of training – it’s not something you need to do every day. Remember, your body loves to be challenged. Make it a goal to try a new exercise or activity at least once a week. Your heart, lungs, muscles and joints will appreciate it. Trish Harrison, MA, C-PFTCommunity Healthy Living DirectorYMCA of Greater Kalamazoo

Monday-Friday 10-6pm Saturday 10-3pm

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626 Romence Road Suite 102, Portage

"The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed.”

-Richard Brinsley Sheridan


non-profit spotlight first day shoe fund

First Day Shoe Fund is a local grassroots initiative, founded in 2004 by Valerie Denghel. Valerie was inspired to step up and do something in response to what she witnessed during her volun-teer work in Kalamazoo Public Schools. On a daily basis, she encountered many students who did not have appropriate shoes for school. Many low income families are unable to purchase new shoes because of rising costs, and, as a result, numerous children come to school in shoes that are the incor-rect size, worn out, and thread-bare. In an effort to support these families, Valerie began purchasing new shoes for children and stor-ing them in her basement to be distributed by the schools at the beginning of the new school year. The needs of children and fami-lies didn’t diminish from year to

year, and expansion of the shoe pro-gram began in 2006, when First Day Shoe Fund became an official 501c3 non-profit organi-zation and estab-lished a Board of Directors. During this first year, 307 new pairs of shoes were distributed. In 2012, we expanded to serve students in Comstock Publics Schools who finan-cially qualify, and, in 2013, a record of nearly 2,900 pairs of shoes were distrib-uted in Kalamazoo and Comstock schools. The mission of First Day Shoe Fund is to provide a brand new pair of athletic shoes to children in grades K-3 in Kalamazoo

County who qualify for free and reduced lunch. New athletic shoes not only provide a basic necessity but also foster self-esteem and al-low students to fully participate in fitness activities, physical educa-tion class, and recess. Our goal is to support low income families that qualify by ensuring their children have adequate footwear to begin each new school year and to help them run, jump, and play both inside and outside of school. We hope to improve the lives of our young students, one pair of shoes at a time.

First Day Shoe Fund runs on the time, energy, and hearts of its volunteers. Our Executive Direc-tor is the only part-time paid staff; all other work is completed by the Board of Directors, committee members, and seasonal volun-teers. Our largest shoe distribu-

tion occurs each year in July, where we work directly with Kalamazoo Public Schools’ summer school program, fitting children for new shoes over five different distribution sessions. Each fall, we begin connect-ing with Kalamazoo Communities in Schools to distribute shoes to those who did not receive any during the summer school program. Our Comstock outreach is made possible with the volunteer help of the Comstock Community Center and Comstock Elemen-tary schools so that its students also receive shoes at the beginning of each new school year. First Day Shoe Fund’s ulti-mate vision for the future is to distribute new athletic shoes to every student in financial need in Kalamazoo County. To make this vision a reality, we’ll need the

help of the community. If you are interested in more information or would like to volunteer your time, host a new shoe drive, or support our program with a tax deductible donation, please follow our Face-book page or email us at [email protected] or via our website (www.firstdayshoefund.org). Join us in making sure that every child in Kalamazoo County starts school on equal footing!

By: Heather Haigh, Executive Director

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Critchlow alligatorsDay Trip

David Critchlow (Mr. C) spends the summer months traveling with his alligators, toads, lizards, snakes and a very large turtle to intro-duce and educate children about reptiles and amphibians. David rescues these critters, especially American Alligators, and is the owner of the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Associa-tion located in Athens.

The alligators and other reptiles and amphibians in the Sanctuary are rescued from previous owners, police departments, animal con-trol and other zoos or institutions throughout the Midwest. They have animals from sixteen differ-ent states and do not buy or sell any of their animals.

Mr. C is a very energetic speaker, joking with the kids and en-gaging them, while teaching them all kinds of interesting facts about his travel compan-ions. He counted with the audience 13 bumps (scutes) on the back of tortoise, Sweet Pea, and pointed out that every tortoise has 13 bumps (scutes.) This is just one of many facts I learned that I wasn’t previously aware of.

Before allowing the audience to touch his companions, Mr. C taught them safe handling practices. He said to never yell at the animals, touch

them by using two fingers on their belly, back, tail or legs, and never to touch any animal in the face, because they bite when scared.

Since attending one of Mr. C’s entertaining talks, and meeting his travel companions at the Allegan Library, I can hardly wait to visit the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary and see the expansive collection of alligators, reptiles and amphibians in their replicated natural environ-ments. Mr. C will be on the road for the rest of the summer. Come and enjoy meeting him and his reptiles locally at the following locations:

August 2, 11am-2pm, Live animals in the Children’s Garden, noon – 1pm show Leila Arboretum, Battle Creek.August 2, 1pm & 3pm, Deer Forest, ColomaAugust 9, Delton Founder’s DayAugust 15 & 16, 3pm, Mendon River Fest at Reed’s Riverside ParkAugust 20, 6pm, Portage LibrarySeptember 28, 11am-3pm, Vicksburg Harvest Fest

By Jackie Merriam


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Friendship Day – August 3rdFriendship Day is to honor the special meaning of

friendship. We should all take the time to appreciate our friends!

National Aviation Day – August 19th

National Aviation Day is celebrated every year on the anniversary of Orville Wright’s Birthday, American Co-Inventor of the First Successful

Airplane - August 19, 1871.

Women’s Equality Day – August 26th

Women’s Equality Day is observed to remember the day women gained the

right to equality. U.S. 19th Amendment - Women’s Right

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Celebrate August

"Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming

attrations.” -Albert Einstein


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Cold Beer - Live Music - Fun Times

Through Aug. 7Kelli Sweet: Solo GalleryOil on canvas/multi-mediaPortage Library329-4544

Through Aug. 31Robot Zoo -explore animal robotsKalamazoo Valley Museum373-7990

Through Sept. 21Speed Bump – single panel cartoonistKalamazoo Valley Museum373-7990

August 1Gazelle Sports Historic Walks“Parchment”Meet at the Parchment Library8am342-5996

August 1,8,15,22,29Lunchtime LiveLive music, activities, food & moreBronson Park11:30am – 1:30pm337-8295

August 1Art HopDowntown Kalamazoo5-9pm342-5059

August 1Art Hop Ice Cream SocialWest Michigan Glass ArtFree ice cream5-9pm552-9802

August 1Movies in the ParkRiverview Launch“The Lego Movie”7:30-11pmFamily fun, movie at sunsetKalamazoocity.org

August 3Concert in Bronson Park“Metropolitan Transit Authority”Musical tribute to the folk music of 1960’s4-5pm342-5059

August 3Concert in Kindleberger Park“33rd Street Band”Share their love of horn-rock bands6:30pmRain Site Haven Churchkindleberger.org

August 4,11,18,25Fixapalooza neighborhood bike eventRiverview Launch1523 Riverview Dr.openroadsbike.org6-8pm

August 5,12,19,26Fixapalooza neighborhood bike eventThe Edison Neighborhood1357 Portage Rd.openroadsbike.org6-8pm

August 6,13,20,27Wed. night Cruise InsGilmore Car Museum 5-8pm671-5089

August 7Gazelle Sports Historic Walks“Vine Historic District”Meet at Wheaton & Merrill6:30pm342-5996

August 7-9RibfestFood, entertainment & funFree admission everyday 11am-4pmKalamazooribfest.com

August 8Junior Tennis ClinicAges 5-14Stowe Stadium – Kalamazoo Col-lege5-6pm337-7343

August 10Concert in Bronson Park“Seventh Son” Blues music4-5pm342-5059

August 12Open House in Hickory CornersKellogg -Pasture Dairy Center Pasture Mgmt. & Plant Identifica-tionEnjoy MSU Dairy Store ice cream4-8pm671-2402

August 14Gazelle Sports Historic Walk“Riverside Cemetery”Meet at Gull & Riverview6:30pm342-5996

August 17Concert in Bronson ParkLake Effect Jazz Big Band4-5pm342-5059

August 17Concert in Kindleberger Park“Michigan Hiryu Daiko - Flying Dragon Drummers”6:30pmRain Site: Haven ChurchKindleberger.org

August 21Movie Under the StarsOshtemo Township Park“Ghostbusters”at Dusk553-7980

August 22Movie in the ParkDisney’s” Frozen”South Westnedge Park,In the Vine neighborhood7:30pm – 11pmFamily fun, movie at sunset337-8295

August 24Concert in Bronson Park“The Verve Pipe”Inventive music to memorable melodies4-5:30pm342-5059

August 24Lakeside Concert“Cereal City Concert Band”Kellogg Biological Station,Academic Campus lawn3-5pmTours of the Kellogg Manor Housefollowing the concert, last tour 6pm671-2160

August Calendar of Free Events


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Documents

Good News August 2014