Encore Master Story Pages-2005 (Page 1)

$3 • APRIL 2006

Ken Collard KALAMAZOO CITY MANAGER Maurice Evans PORTAGE CITY MANAGER

Pete Strazdas PORTAGE MAYOR

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“IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the One of the positive results of Ken Collard and Maurice age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of Evans having deflected the spotlight off of themselves was the belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, inclusion of stories about the two new mayors, Hannah it was the season of Darkness, it was the McKinney and Peter Strazdas. Being elected officials, both may- spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, ors readily agreed to share their lives, including a brief taste of we had everything before us, we had noth- their personal philosophies. ing before us …” In these articles, you’re not going to find a lot of preaching When Charles Dickens wrote “A Tale of about intergovernmental cooperation or whining about the Two Cities” in 1859, he was not predicting sometimes “sensitive” issues that have arisen over the past 40 the 21st century in Kalamazoo County, but years. Instead, we have brought to the surface with these stories somehow his words ring reasonably true the more personal side of four people who share a common goal today. We see exciting things happening — better overall quality of life for the community in which we Rick Briscoe around us; yet some residents are being left all reside. behind — and some business owners are running right on the These individuals aren’t in their respective roles for person- edge, hoping for the better times to include them. And while al gain: They are four dedicated public servants who reap their the community wants to support local leaders, stakeholders are rewards from having a part in the creation of a better communi- wary when they don’t really know or understand all there is to ty. After you read their stories, you might just want to call or know about their activities. send a note to one of them — to thank them for what they do. Such feelings are exactly what compelled us to commit so None would expect it, but each of them would, without a much of this issue to telling the stories of the new leaders of the doubt, appreciate it. area’s two largest cities. Last summer when it became clear that these cities were both going to have new managers, we thought it would be prudent to write their stories. Then, as we embarked on the crafting of these two profiles, it became clear that the managers were more interested in talking about their Rick Briscoe cities and others around them who have served the community. Publisher

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Editor woman, HANNAH Penny H. Briscoe McKINNEY hopes to

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Assistant to

the Publisher 33 Issue 8 April 2006 Volume 16 Ronald Dundon PETE STRAZDAS Senior Writer loves his city and knows Tom Thinnes it is an important part of Contributing Writers a larger region. Ed Kehoe Keith Langdon Ann Lindsay Larry B. Massie Patti L. Mindock Robert M. Weir 11 DEPARTMENTS Cartoonist For KEN COLLARD, Craig Bishop 7 FROM THE PUBLISHER serving the public is a very Feature Photographer satisfying profession. John Gilroy 12 TRIVIA PurZOOt Michigan Fun Facts Designer Brakeman 34 PLEASIN’ THE PALATE Appetizers — an Ancient Encore magazine is published nine times yearly, 17 Custom September through May. MAURICE EVANS Copyright 2006, Encore 35 STAY TUNED Publishing Group, Inc. All appreciates his new The Benefits of Taiji rights reserved. Editorial, hometown and his new job and Qi Gong circulation and advertising correspondence should be as Portage City Manager. sent to 350 S. Burdick, 36 GUESS WHO

Suite 316, Kalamazoo, MI Photo: Ann Lindsay 49007. Telephone: (269) 38 EVENTS OF NOTE 383-4433. Fax number: (269) 383-9767. E-mail: 24 Publisher@Encorekalamaz Edible landscapes come 48 CHANGING PLACES oo.com. The staff at Encore from KEN ASMUS’ welcomes written com- 52 MASSIE’S MICHIGAN ment from readers, and Oikos Tree Crops. Doctors of the Frontier articles and poems for sub- mission, with no obligation to print or return them. To learn more about us or to comment, you may visit www.encorekalamazoo.com 40 POETRY Encore subscription rates: one year $21.00, two years Bob Weir brings the 32 GAZING $41.00, three years $60.00. UNITED NATIONS’ Current single issue and newsstand $3.00, $8.00 by peace efforts closer to 51 PRIORITIES mail. Back issues $5.00, Kalamazoo. $10.00 by mail. Advertising rates on request. Closing date for space is 28 days prior to publication date. Final date for print-ready copy is 21 days prior to publication date. Cover and Guess Who photography by John Gilroy. APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 9 N.C. She attended college at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Mayor Hill and earned her doctorate in Hannah economics at the University of Pennsylvania. Her father was the president of a company that developed industrial coatings, while her mother McKinney was a homemaker who devoted herself full-time to raising Hannah and her brother, Chip. Wears After graduate school, McKinney’s first job was teaching economics courses at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. She located to Kalamazoo in 1989 when Many she accepted a position as an assistant Hats professor in Economics and Business at HE BARD once said, “All the mayor in November of last year, Kalamazoo College. world’s a stage” and on McKinney previously spent eight years (continued on page 56) Kalamazoo’s stage, Hannah J. on the city commission as vice mayor. McKinney plays many roles and She has taught economics and business With government Tdons many different hats. at Kalamazoo College for By Patti L. Mindock However, Kalamazoo is not over 16 years, and is an leadership in her genes, a theater, and Dr. McKinney is not an avid researcher in urban economics thanks to her paternal actress, but a real-life, well-educated, venues. She’s also a wife and mother of and soft-spoken yet strong woman in two children. grandmother, high school charge of the city. Hannah McKinney was born in experience on the youth McKinney is serious about her job Indianapolis and grew up in High Point, council, and a Ph.D. in as mayor, along with her other roles and Mayor Hannah McKinney and City Commissioner responsibilities as a college professor, Mary Balkema are spearheading a project to economics, it’s no wonder collect dry newspapers. They will be converted researcher, mother and wife. Elected as into insulation for residents who can neither that Hannah McKinney is afford their heating bills nor the cost of home insulation. Here they are sorting and rebagging leading Kalamazoo city a load they picked up from an elderly citizen. government these days.

Mary Balkema and Hannah McKinney take a momentary break to view the quantity of newspapers already donated, and to ponder how long it will take to completely fill the semi trailer parked at the Miller Street transfer station.

10 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 ENNETH P. COLLARD is a man Putting the that, whether it’s maintenance or new of few words, but when he has construction, and there have always something to say, he says it been opportunities in crisis situations to K from the heart. Not one for idle handle an urgent community need. chitchat, the new city manager of “ ” “Whether it was a storm that blew Kalamazoo is nevertheless personable Serve down trees to cause damage or deferred and friendly, albeit reserved. maintenance and heavy rains that Collard first arrived on the scene in caused flooding, I would always gravi- Kalamazoo in 1992 when he moved tate to those situations where I could from his hometown of Flint to take the in Public help.” position of city public-utilities director. Collard hopes to work more closely He moved up to deputy city manager in with Maurice Evans, his new counter- January 2004, served as acting city man- part in Portage, on activities to benefit ager from May to December of 2005, Servant both cities. He also plans to continue and was formally named to his new open dialogues with Kalamazoo County By Patti L. Mindock position in December. Administrator Don Gilmer and town- A native Michigander born in Ann cally and administratively, to do some- ship officials, to ensure good communi- Arbor, Collard grew up in blue-collar thing tangible,” he says. “I enjoyed see- cation among the local leaders. Flint as the eldest of five children. His ing a structure I helped to build or “It’s very important that we work great-grandparents lived in Fayette, a repair. Those things are very real, and together,” he states. “No one else is step- mining town on the shores of Lake you can deal with those problems or ping up in terms of the state or federal Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, prior design a fix. People seem to appreciate government to make things happen, so to moving downstate, and Collard is we have to find a way locally to do the proud of his roots. “They were honest, “This type of work energizes best we can with what we have. The the- strong, reserved people who did a good me. Whatever I’m doing, ory of intergovernmental cooperation has day’s work for their wages,” he says. been there for years, but the politics have Both of his grandparents worked in the I’m right there doing it. been there longer. It’s a matter of will and automotive sector in Flint. Ken’s father None of that looking backward constraints and what will be most palat- was an electrical engineer and his moth- or forward at what might able to the various communities.” er taught high school math and English, have been, or could-of-would- (continued on next page) so Ken says his interest in engineering of-should-of stuff.” resulted from the influences of both environment and genetics. He is a licensed professional engineer with a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Detroit. Collard’s undergraduate degree is in geology from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. He also attended Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills for prep work and lived briefly in Tucson when his mother and stepfather relocated there. Ken began his career in a consulting firm as a civil engineer and also held various public works or administrative positions within other governmental units, including Genesee County and the cities of Flint and Burton. “It always felt good to me, academi-

Ken Collard and Karen Suglia, assistant to the city manager, share a light moment while continuing the serious business of running the city.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 11 Collard

Topics under discussion include Metro Transit operations, joint purchasing options, the county’s overall growth plan, and joint governance of public sector utilities. “We have an excellent cadre of leaders in this county and they’re not limited to local government,” Collard adds. “Neighborhood advocates like Pastor Milton Wells and the Rev. J. Louis Felton, those in K-12 education like Janice Brown, Marilyn Schlack at KVCC and many more at Kalamazoo College and WMU mix with local phil- anthropists and businesspeople to create a rich culture of leadership. The challenge we all face is to agree on a focus, City Commission meetings in Kalamazoo are frequently well attended by members of the public. Seated rather than trying to change the struc- left to right above are: Commissioner Barbara Miller, Commissioner Dave Anderson, Vice Mayor Bobby Hopewell, City Manager Ken Collard, Mayor Hannah McKinney, City Attorney Lee Kirk, Commissioner ture. We need to move from a control Don Cooney, Commissioner Mary Balkema and Commissioner Sean McCann. model to an outcome model so we can all do good things for our community.” runs downhill,” he chuckles. in Portage and is a construction engi- Ken and his wife, Marion, have neer. His wife, Melissa, is a doctoral can- ertain incidents from childhood been married for 33 years and have didate in audiology at WMU. still loom large in Collard’s three adult children, all of whom are “I want people to know how much Cmemory and helped to shape his now married. Marion does not currently I love my wife and my family,” Collard career. “I remember hanging around as a work outside the home. says with deep emotion choking his kid, wasting time watching the crews “She provides all the essential nur- voice. “Having close siblings makes a build family houses,” he recalls. “I turing for this public servant,” Collard difference in your life. A loving spouse, would play in the standing water around says with an appreciative smile. “She did children and now grandchildren mean the foundations or in the clay in the an incredible job raising our children.” more to me than any title, and those unfinished yards, digging channels with Eldest son Geoff is a law enforcement relationships drive me more than any a shovel to see where the water would officer. He and his wife, Lannie, live career. A job can be challenging, com- go.” in the Grand Rapids area with their two petitive and problematic, but it’s just It was simple child’s play for a 7- children, 3-year-old Jackson and 8- work. Your life is something different. year-old, but it sparked his imagination month-old Caleigh. Daughter Jenelle Who I am doesn’t change markedly and a curiosity about the physical world works in the healthcare field in when I am at home or at work.” that would grow into a career path for Minneapolis, and her spouse, Dane As with most doting grandparents, Collard. “It was my first basic lesson in Boeckerman, is an accountant. Gregory, Collard waxes almost poetic when civil engineering, learning that water the youngest of the three Collards, lives speaking proudly of his grandchildren:

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12 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 “The parents are the main course and grandparents are the seasoning,” he says. “Having grandchildren is an incredible transition in life where you gain more perspective. I hope to help my grandchildren understand how important it is to strive for excellence and know yourself. Everything starts with you. If your relationship with yourself is solid, positive things will result. If it is flawed, there will be weaknesses in whatever structures or relationships you try to build. See? Even civil engineers can be a bit philosophical at times,” he says with a grin.

eisure pursuits for Ken Collard are “somewhat eclectic,” he says. LThey range from watching sports on TV while relaxing in his Winchell neighborhood home to enjoying the outdoors while fishing. Collard peruses reading material from a broad spectrum, including leadership theory and historical fiction. Hockey, though, is a prevailing pas- sion in the Collard family. Daughter-in- law Melissa is from the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the sport reigns supreme, so team rivalries become a topic of lively family discussion. Ken also enjoys watching the action — ama- teur, college and pro — on the ice. Ken Collard, at 57, is not making any specific plans for retirement. “No FINANCIAL SERVICES rocking chair or shawl for me, that’s for sure,” he quips. Collard also states firm- — an independent firm — ly that he believes in living in the moment. “This type of work energizes ® me. Whatever I’m doing, I’m right there Investment Thomas J. Gauntlett, CFP , CIMA doing it. None of that looking backward or forward at what might have been, or & Retirement 244 North Rose Street, Suite 150 could-of would-of-should-of stuff,” he Planning 269 552-9233 scoffs. 888 523-3131 “A very dear friend of mine once www.sledrunner.com told me that there are many worse things than dying. That leads me intel- Securities offered exclusively through lectually to realize that I want to enjoy RAYMOND JAMES FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. the balance of my life, whatever that Member NASD and SIPC balance may be. I’m not going to sit and worry about when I’m going to reach my end game. If I can contribute to a

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 13 Collard

Ken Collard calls the city attorney to discuss a matter of city business.

better quality of life in this community and enjoy doing that, then I feel I’ve done good.” In his interview with the Kalamazoo City Commission prior to his appointment as City Manager, Collard cited his core values as “equal opportunity, accountability, efficiency and integrity,” along with dedication to public service. “I believe in integrity above all,” he states. This particular administrator places a major emphasis on the word “serve.” He considers being a public employee a privilege and fully embraces the responsibility to be a “good steward” of the community’s resources and trust. “This job does not have a profit motive,” he says. “I consider this a higher calling. As a public servant, you try to help others, to provide the basics that only collective action can produce. When the day is done, you’ve either accomplished good things or you haven’t, instead of making money for stockholders.” One of Ken Collard’s favorite stories is how he and his brother learned a lesson from their mother about service to your fellow man. “Part of our regular chores was to shovel the snow and rake the leaves for a teacher who lived down the street,” Collard explains. “He was a Korean War veteran who had lost his leg in battle and had a prosthetic. We were absolutely forbidden to take any form of compensation from him for our efforts because he had given so much in service to his country. My mother set in place this ideal of ‘giving back’ that still reverberates in me today.” Collard believes in teamwork and is quick to point out that he fully appreciates all the supportive, adaptive, administrative staff and all the others who help to operate the many city departments he oversees. “I am most proud of watching the people who work with me grow and adopt a philosophy of public service,” he says. “Yeah, there’s a whole lot of physical stuff I’m proud of, too, but I am personally satisfied by being able to nurture that spirit of service in Kalamazoo.”

14 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Imagine how Including a charitable bequest in your will is a simple way to make a lasting gift to the greater Kalamazoo area. Even a small bequest to much good the Kalamazoo Community Foundation can endow a permanent charitable fund. That fund will then make gifts in your name . . . forever. And you can even choose the charities or causes you wish to could be done . . . support. It becomes your personal legacy.

To easily learn more about simple ways the Kalamazoo Community Foundation can help you make a big difference in our community, if each one of us call (269) 381-4416 or visit our Web site at www.kalfound.org remembered a favorite charity or cause in our will or estate plan.

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The Foundation offers this easy, secure option for giving to the causes you care about using your Mastercard or Visa. selves on small government,” he notes. “Our millage is one of the lowest for a An East Coast (Michigan) city this size. It goes back to a very conservative City Council, way back — one that focuses on effective- ness of government, quality services and economic development. It works Childhood because we grow.” But the new mayor isn’t satisfied Spawns with the status quo. He has several goals for his administration, among them “doing more to be perceived to be open as well as actually being open,” with the Midwest idea that if the city doesn’t appear recep- tive to citizens, progress is hampered. Another goal is increasing regional cooperation where it makes sense to do Leadership so, not just between Portage and Kalamazoo, but also between other HEN PORTAGE Township “I feel it’s an honor to be a public jurisdictions in Kalamazoo County and became a city in late 1963, servant,” he says. In fact, he is not con- (continued on page 62) Peter Strazdas was some vinced that local elected officials should 850 miles away, focusing be paid. While such officials in Portage Peter Strazdas, armed Won grade school and other By Ann Lindsay are nonpartisan, Strazdas with a WMU master’s in things of interest to a kid describes himself as a living in the working-class neighbor- moderate Republican. industrial education, hales hood of Dorchester, one of Boston’s old- He is well aware of Portage govern- from Boston and credits his est and largest, with a reputation as a bit mental traditions and shares in their working-class family back- of a rough place. overall philosophy. “We’ve prided our- Strazdas, 48, has long since made ground for his disciplined Portage his permanent home. His elec- Mayor Pete Strazdas listens intently while another member of the Portage City Council work ethic. The Boy Scouts, tion as mayor in November builds on speaks at a recent meeting. many years of public and private service. he says, gave him his leadership skills.

A fun part of the mayor’s job is participat- ing in ribbon cutting ceremonies for new businesses. Here Pete Strazdas helps open the new Sam’s Club in Portage.

16 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 ORTAGE’S fifth city manager, “Whoever did the planning needs to be Big Mac — in both directions. Born in Maurice Evans, would rather commended,” says Evans. “Having all Ishpeming, Evans, 54, grew up in the tell you about his new city and the services within a block or two is small, former iron-mining town of P its future than his own story. great for the citizens — city hall, library, Republic, about 35 miles southwest of Probe a little and you’ll end up in a con- senior center, city garages. I’ve not seen Marquette. From his early days there versation focusing as much on yourself anything like this before in my experi- through his varied work history, he can as your intended subject. Not surprising ence.” trace the key influences that guided his for a former newspaper reporter. That experience has taken him to path into public service and helped pre- On the job since October 2005, points around the state and across the pare him for a leadership role. Evans describes the learning curve for “My mother and father taught me a new city manager as “one big wave,” to be respectful and to work hard at where you start out treading water. But whatever I do and give it my best now, after only a few months, the A New Face effort. I had a wonderful upbringing — Upper Peninsula native says happily, hunting, fishing, sports.” Swimming, “I’m swimming and moving forward.” too, he says, noting the rule that in Learning the community is an Lake Superior, “You don’t take your ongoing priority for the new Portage in Portage time getting in the water — you ‘just resident. “That is one of the challenges By Ann Lindsay do it,’” the motto being familiar to — getting to know your co-workers, Northern swimmers well before it elected and appointed officials, and the Armed with a polical science became a slogan for a shoe company. stakeholders in the area, which is essen- major from Lake Superior State With summer employment hard to tially everyone. It’s a daunting task and come by in his hometown, Evans ven- it’s never-ending. It is exciting to me,” University, some training and tured to Chicago for two summers, living Evans says. experience in journalism, and a with an aunt and uncle in the near-west As an example of the city manager’s steady progression of city-hall suburb of Oak Park and working in a interactive approach, Portage Mayor employment, Maurice Evans restaurant as a bus boy and dishwasher. Peter Strazdas tells how Evans has been takes the helm as city manager (continued on next page) known to don work clothes and accom- pany a road crew on a job, part of an of the City of Portage. effort to gain first-hand familiarity with all aspects of the operation he directs. When not out in the community or at meetings on city and regional business, Evans works in his city hall office, at a suitably large oak desk situated next to a wall of windows. The view looks west through a scattering of pine trees down to Shaver Road and the railroad track beside it. He’s rearranged the office’s sofa and chair to a spot near the door, making a welcoming entrance. This location, he notes, is truly in the middle of things — meaning not just the action, but also the physical municipality. Portage’s past as a township, before its 1963 incorporation, explains the city’s essentially square shape, with city hall smack-dab in the geographic center, equidistant from the north, south, east, and west boundaries.

Maurice Evans, at his desk in Portage’s City Hall, enjoys a pleasant, outdoor view.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 17 The stock Evans market: In direct counterpoint to his rural life in Back at LSSU, the student athlete’s the U.P., he learned to contend with a regimen paid off in the form of school Should you be in – common urban management issue: traffic records in the one, two, three and six- or out? — though he was dealing with it as a mile races, as well as the 10,000-meter bicyclist at this point rather than as a dri- competition. In the latter event, Evans Get timely information on the ver of a motor vehicle. Getting off work finished fourth in the nation at the stockmarket,aswellasonother at midnight or later made the four-mile NCAA Division III National Track & pertinent investment topics, such as market conditions, industry trends, return a bit easier than the outbound Field Championships as a senior. The economic factors and special trip. university’s Athletic Hall of Fame noted situations nationwide, from the A real benefit of the job, Evans says, these and other track and cross-country LQYHVWPHQW ÀUP WKDW LV QDWLRQDOO\ was the chance to meet people from a achievements when it inducted him in acclaimed for quality research. variety of backgrounds. “I really got 2000. Please contact me today for free exposed to different cultures,” he copies of our current research explains, recalling co-workers from vans credits the sports with a reports. Mexico, the former Czechoslovakia, direct connection to his profes- Luxembourg and other places. sional life. “It makes you com- David J. McCarthy E First Vice President, Investments As a youth in Republic, Evans dis- petitive, in a good way. The discipline of covered running, an activity not nearly training has done me well. I learned as widespread then as it is today. It how to push myself.” 157 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 400 clicked with him in a serious, long-term Evans selected a major in political Kalamazoo, MI 49007 fashion. “I was not a jogger,” he says science after an outstanding professor 269-349-7744 • 800-842-0099 with a smile, describing an intense sparked an interest in the subject. He [email protected] workout as a one-mile warm up, fol- was introduced, in a general way, to the lowed by eight (fast) half-miles, with role of city management through a basic &RPPLWWHGWR\RXUÀQDQFLDOIXWXUH two-minute rests in between. government class that included local After high school, Evans enrolled at jurisdictions. And during this time, he Lake Superior State University in Sault met Susan, a fellow LSSU Laker, and Ste. Marie, bringing his training intensity now his wife and the love of his life for Fine Shows with him. For two years, however, he 31 years. and stepped into a different situation, serving Along the way, Evans also took a in the military in the central highlands of couple of journalism courses, discover- Fine Dining. South Vietnam from 1970 to 1972. ing an affinity and a talent — so much Tom Ihling from Residential Opportunities, Inc. thanks the Portage City Council after a vote to support an upcoming project. A great Kalamazoo tradition!

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18 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 so that his journalism instructor con- #LIENTSERVICE nected him up with a position as a reporter at the Soo Evening News, where he was employed when word WORTHYOF arrived that the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald had gone down in Lake Superior on the AN%NCORE evening of Nov. 10, 1975. As a cub reporter, he was not directly involved in 7EST#ROSSTOWN0ARKWAYQ3UITEQ+ALAMAZOO -) Q covering the story and says he was )NFORMATIVEWEBSITEWWWJVTRCOM Q&AX “probably getting coffee” for the reporters who were. He remembers the winds howling on the morning of Nov. 11 and says simply that it was very sad. After a year at the Evening News, Evans moved to west Michigan for a position as a general reporter at the Holland Sentinel. He wrote on a variety of topics — sports, government and general interest. Assigned to cover April 22 – May 7, 2006 Zeeland City Hall and its City Council, he got a close-up view of local government in action. www.thegilmore.com When an opening arose for Zeeland city clerk, Evans applied and got the job, which also included responsibilities ° Classical Greats as personnel director. This new role, and subsequent positions of increasing ° Jazz Giants scope, provided important learning ° Theatre opportunities. “As city clerk, you attend all the council meetings. You see the ° Morning Master Classes democratic process working to its fullest ° Afternoon Recitals extent. You also coordinate national, state and local elections,” he explains. ° Evening Concerts He was exposed to the budget process ° Elderhostels and, as personnel director, gained experience in labor negotiations, contracts ° Family Programs and benefits. Films After four years in Zeeland, Evans ° headed north for a position as Cadillac city clerk and purchasing agent. While MORE THAN 100 EVENTS there, he entered a master’s program in AWAIT YOU DURING public administration at Central Michigan University, commuting the 72 16 MUSIC-FILLED DAYS. miles each way for evening and weekend classes. “My boss and mentor, Bob Order your tickets now! Hamilton, suggested it. He thought I’d be a good city manager,” notes Evans. By this time, he and Susan were the parents of two children, so between family Miller Ticket Office · 269/387-2300 life and work, he often took only one class at a time, stretching the degree Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival process to about four years. 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, Michigan

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eflecting on Marquette, and having experienced the full cycle of Rseasons in both peninsulas, Evans notes that he is still impressed with the tremendous climatic differences within the state. And what it really comes down to is snow — or make that snow removal. He recalls that a not uncommon winter day in Marquette can involve shoveling or snow blowing in the morning, coming home at lunch to do some more, and then facing another round when you arrive back from work, with possibly even more before bed. In 1988 the family moved south. Three Rivers offered Evans its city man- 231 W. Cedar, Kalamazoo, MI 344-2860 www.douglasandson.com Serving Southwest Michigan Since 1943 ager position, which he held until 1992. He took on the same title in Benjamin Moore® calls

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20 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Marshall for 13 years, before traveling west to the larger city of Portage and his She’sa great Mom current top administrator role. Is there a difference between managing smaller cities and a larger munici- I mean really… pality like Portage? Evans explains that the core processes are similar — things like the budget and capital improvement a great Mom projects. “But the challenge here is the scope. The blessing is I get to delegate. We have an outstanding staff,” he says. He describes his management style as “participatory, coupled with delegation, and then holding personnel account- This Mother’sDay… able.” He sees his role as both leader and coach for his immediate staff and give her a gift from Portage’s 215 city employees. Evans is moving forward on a number of issues supporting the priorities set by the City Council. Among these are economic development, review of the special assessment policy, customer relations with city hall, and intergovern- 6033 S. Westnedge • Portage, MI mental cooperation. Regarding the latter, M – F 10 – 5:30, Sat 10 – 3 • 321-6100 a much-publicized topic with the recent turnover of both sets of mayors and city managers in Portage and Kalamazoo, Evans states, “It’s going to be interesting. There is genuine excitement for the idea of collaboration — but it is not easy. The litmus test for any kind of

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 21 Evans

collaboration is 1) are the services as good or improved, and 2) is it equal to or less expensive? There’s no harm in hav- Small Business Specialists ing good discussions. Some will be fruit- Individual Tax and Consultation ful. Only time will be the true judge.” Quickbooks Professional Advisors On a personal level, Evans finds Certified Fraud Examiners satisfaction in the service nature of the Jill E. Flipse, Ralph W. Mindy M. CPA, CFE Meyer, CPA Allwardt, CPA job. “I’m a people person,” he says. “ I enjoy working with people and want 269.343.9700 3244 S. Westnedge Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49008 people to enjoy life.” And while the hours can be long, that does not bother him. He says he draws support and gains his strength from his personal Ask us for help … faith in God, daily reading of scripture and prayer, and his family, church and we’ll hear you. friends. He notes that having a life outside of work “is paramount.” •Trusted by doctors and patients since 1942 The former track star continues to •Hearing tests, hearing aids for all ages make physical activity a priority, but •Certified, experienced audiologists now opts for the elliptical trainer and getting his “endorphin highs without Call 269.343.2601 the impact” several days a week. or visit www.cbrown.org The Evans’ children are all in 1634 Gull Road • 4855 W. Centre Ave. Michigan. Son Jeff, his wife Chrissy, and their three children live in Howell, where Jeff is a pastor. Oldest daughter April and her husband Brad Bigelow live in Auburn Hills. Youngest, Kara, is a freshman at Hope College. The city manager readily speaks with pride about his new hometown. “Portage enjoys a high quality of life: good housing stock, incredible commercial development, a strong industrial base and outstanding parks and recreation. I feel I am truly blessed, as the Tuned to your needs. mayor, City Council members, co-workers and community have been very kind to me. Because of how I have been treat- At Keystone Community Bank, we really shouldn’t ed, I just want to give it my all, on and brag about our ability to fine-tune our products and off the job, in doing my part to better services to meet the needs of our community. Portage.” Because while everyone at Keystone is committed to great service, the fact that we are a community bank And he’s now able to contribute to makes doing business on a personal level a lot easier. his city’s quality of life, not just profes- sionally but also as a private citizen.

Local loan decisions, local management, and a local Kalamazoo Office Mayor Strazdas clarified this point at board of directors allow Keystone Community Bank 269.553.9100 one of the recent City Council’s Portage Office to provide a level of service that can’t be matched by 269.321.9100 Saturday special work sessions when he a bank whose decision makers are in some other city. Drake Road Office announced, to applause from the citi- 269.544.9100 zens in attendance, that Evans had final- Woodbridge Hills Office It just goes to show that higher volumes don’t always 269.323.9100 ized a home purchase, making him offi- make it easier to listen. www.keystonebank.com cially a Portage resident — and a Member FDIC Portage tax payer.

22 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 23 EN ASMUS IS A “teacher” and will come if I include it in my diet? What diversity.” To Ken, it doesn’t matter if the “scientist.” His “classroom” and effect will it have on my home and me?” seeds come from one tree near a home or K“laboratory” is nature. He grows he writes in the “welcome” paragraph of a thousand in the wild. “The genetic base his own “educational” and “experimen- the annual catalog for his company, of agriculture lies in ‘unimproved’ tal” materials, learning, himself, in the Oikos Tree Crops. plants,” he says. “Each plant creates new process. And his suppliers are trees and Utilizing “observation, testing and opportunities for humans and for shrubs that produce native fruit and nuts contacts with customers and friends,” wildlife.” — paw paw, chestnut, oak and others. Ken cites statistics to illustrate nature’s The “orchard/forest” in which Ken From the seeds of these plants, he propa- enormous potential. “There are over employs his philosophy is located in the gates more trees and shrubs, some of 15,000 species of plants that have been vineyard area of east Van Buren County them hybrids, and sells them to home- used for food by man; only 150 of these on 26th Street between Lawton and owners and landowners who want to cre- are cultivated,” he points out. “There are Mattawan. In 1978 Ken bought 13 acres ate an “edible landscape.” over 10,000 apple varieties, but only a of treeless land that was well-drained, Ken also propagates his own “home- few dozen are commercially grown.” sandy and suitable for what he wanted to grown philosophy” through which he Then he addresses the origin of grow. advocates beauty and diversity in yards, diversity: “All new varieties come from On weekends, while freelancing in fields and diet. “All plants are ornamental seeds. If you are interested in creating, landscape design and maintenance, he in some way, but what I really want preserving and expanding new food planted trees as a future investment for everyone to know is: How can I eat this plants, then trees and shrubs grown from what would become his full-time busi- fruit, nut, tuber or vegetable? What good seed is the only way to increase genetic ness. Shortly after selling his first trees, Growing an Edible Landscape By Robert M. Weir

Photo: Robert M. Weir Ken Asmus identifies a Russian hawthorne growing on his property. The berries and leaves have pharmacological value as heart medicine.

24 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 via mail order in 1985, he constructed a — for example, is the state’s largest native calcium, iron, magnesium and natural pole barn on the property. “I was harvest- fruit. Weighing up to one pound, it offers anticancer compounds. “Growing paw ing here; then taking trees to our house a rich, custard-like, strawberry-banana paws in a yard is easy and makes a nice in Kalamazoo and packing them and flavor with high amounts of potassium, ornamental,” Ken says of the shrub that shipping them from there. If I came out grows to 20 feet in height. “It doesn’t here and it was raining, I’d have to sit in The catalog for Ken require spraying, and people can pick the the truck,” he explained. Asmus’ Oikos Tree fruit at the peak of freshness.” From the beginning, Ken sought Crops contains names The Oikos catalog contains names of diversity. “I planted just about every- of fruits that will likely other fruits that will likely leave a typical thing, including a lot of trees that were leave a typical pro- produce clerk scratching his head — hard to find, like buckeyes and yellow- saskatoon, serviceberry, juneberry, choke- wood,” he says. Seeking uncommon duce clerk scratching berry, and buffaloberry — as well as trees, he decided to “grow a bunch and his head — saskatoon, unusual varieties of species that are see if others wanted them, too.” serviceberry, juneber- grown commercially, such as plum, cur- As those trees matured and began to ry, chokeberry, buf- rant, gooseberry, raspberry, cranberry, produce, Ken’s intuition proved to be blueberry, strawberry and grape. For each accurate. Sales of seedlings showed that a faloberry, and paw entry in the Oikos catalog, Ken suggests significant portion of the population, paw. He says these apropos climate and soil conditions, even though accustomed to certain tastes, varieties make great ornamental value, dietary applications seek ornamental plants and palatable fla- ornamentals for the and health benefits. Text for the beach vors they generally can’t find in a grocery plum, for example, describes it as an store. Especially popular are “native yard and provide ornamental plant with beautiful white plants.” some delicious eating flowers that can also serve as a hedgerow; The paw paw — “Michigan banana” to boot. the fruit makes great preserves, and if

Ken Asmus, daughter Kelly, and father Harold pose by the sign marking the Oikos Tree Crops property near Lawton. Harold carved the logo from a photograph that Ken took of a large, deeply lobed oak leaf.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 25 people don’t harvest the fruit, wildlife strain of that magnificent tree that once research shows acorns in your diet will will. graced much of the eastern United States; eliminate arthritis, and it adds a nice tex- Ken is also working with trees, he foresees a growing market for meal ture and flavor to bread.” Acknowledging cross-pollinating American and Chinese made from chestnuts. He has hican trees, that commercial production would chestnuts in search of a blight-resistant a cross between hickory and pecan, that require a reliable crop from year to year produce a thin-shelled hicko- as well as approval from the U.S. ry nut that, like a pecan, is Department of Agriculture, he cautions: easy to crack. Some hybrid “If you eat too much tannic acid acorns, trees are sterile, but even these you can get sick. So some elements of the have value. “Oak pollen is a nut have to be removed, but that’s possi- big problem for people with ble. There are elements in other plants hay fever,” Ken says. “We that are processed out to make them safe have one sterile oak, a cross to eat.” between a Michigan oak and In the food chain of edible land- an English oak, that doesn’t scape, Ken Asmus supplies trees and produce pollen, and we’re shrubs. He has about 800 different vari- propagating that for people eties on his property. From these, he and with allergy sensitivity who his staff harvest fruit and extract seeds, want a shade tree.” which they use to propagate more trees. Ken is particularly fond The trees they sell range in size from a of bebbs oak, a cross between few inches to four feet tall. They market bur oak and white oak, that to individuals, municipal parks depart- produces edible “sweet ments, grounds maintenance crews, the acorns” with low levels of tan- military, developers, professional land- nin that can be ground into scapers and other nurseries. Most plants flour. “We want to find or cre- are not commonly available from other ate an acorn that can be used commercial sources. This unique niche for meal, the way the Native pleases Ken. “We were ahead of the mar- Americans did,” Ken explains. ket with our edible native fruits, so peo- “They would leach the tannic ple came to us,” he says. “They found us acid out of the acorn and on the Internet or in books where we pound it into meal. It would were listed as a source of these plants.” Not waiting for acorns to drop naturally, Kelly Asmus ascends a ladder to harvest them from this bur oak. be a valuable nut because To be ahead of the market, Ken

26 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 defied experts who advise growers to Rare varieties of oak trees are one section of their grocer’s produce depart- plant according to consumer trends. In example of a product that met with ini- ment and pick out something they contrast, Ken grows trees he likes. “It’s tial market resistance, but with recent haven’t tried before. One of these might fun selling something you believe in,” he magazine articles about the benefit of be a Michigan paw paw, which Ken pre- says. “So, I figured I could create a mar- acorn mast as important foodstuff for dicts will become part of the standard ket by informing the customer about wildlife and farm animals such as hogs, American diet. how desirable these plants are, and that’s sales of trees that produce a bountiful what I did. Some plants flopped at first, harvest have improved. To motivate a en likes that his business com- but eventually they caught on, and, for change in consumer eating habits, Ken bines ecology and economy. In the most part, it’s worked out well.” encourages shoppers to visit the obscure Kfact, the name of his company — Photo: Robert M. Weir Photo: Robert

The paw paw fruit, known as the “Michigan banana,” is a pyramidal tree that grows to 20 feet. Its fruit, which ripens in October, can be Photo: Robert M. Weir Photo: Robert eaten raw or made into preserves and custard.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 27 Oikos — is a Greek word from which the persons and creatures live. While this ties, he encourages them to plant no terms “household,” “house ecology,” inherent link between ecology and econ- more than 10 percent of any one variety “house manager,” and “fiscal agent” orig- omy has become disassociated in the so that, if a tree disease strikes, it will inate. Thus, the Oikos name invokes minds of some who think the environ- have minimal impact on the community’s financial responsibility in sync with the ment must be sacrificed for the sake of tree population. He would like to see environment — “the house” in which all the economy, Ken disagrees. “A produc- parks and other commons areas, even in tive environment is good for the econo- apartment complexes, be planted with my,” he says. “You can definitely have shrubs that produce fruit for community both, and we must think about the long- consumption. In that regard, he is like a term management of the environment we Johnny Appleseed, a credit that he have. There are so many things we can accepts with reverence. do that we are not doing.” He also reveres others who plant When Ken drives along highways trees. “I find them fascinating,” he says. and rural roads, he sees places where “They cross the spectrum from profes- society could be planting trees. sionals to people in remote areas. They “Michigan is a pretty forested state,” he plant trees for so many reasons.” While says, “but there are still a lot of possibil- Oikos customers live primarily in North ities because we’re underutilizing the America, Ken has exported trees, includ- genetic variation in nature. We have ing paw paw, to China, Bhutan, The jack pine and aspen and larch for pulp, Netherlands and Germany. Specific cus- but there’s so much more fallow land tomers include land developers who pro- Photo: Robert M. Weir Ken Asmus proudly displays the fruit of an ECOS that can be used to create an edible vide plant diversity, a Jewish holocaust pear, genetically bred to attract wildlife, includ- landscape.” museum that used trees to create a sculp- ing song birds, turkeys and small mammals. When Ken sells trees to municipali- ture, nature artist Andrew Goldsworthy

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28 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 who hollowed out boulders as planters for dwarf chinquapin oak, and survival- ists who believe nature can provide all and, therefore, want “one or two of everything.” Regardless of the person or purpose, many customers often provide positive feedback. “They are happy and thrilled, like little kids, when their tree starts producing fruit and nuts.” To help his customers meet success, Ken keeps a record of each plant’s pedi- gree, citing the seed source. “Most come from this property,” he says, “but we also The Asmus family includes Briana, Ken, Kelly and Mary Jo. have collectors from throughout the U.S. and overseas.” These records help him business.” and butterflies. He loves to read tree direct the best possible product to each This love of trees stems from his books — not literature, but reference customer’s locale. “People want some- youth when his father bought 140, then manuals and field guides, some with thing they know will survive in their another 300, acres of land near Saginaw, photos and some without, which he area,” he says. “It’s not just the cost fac- Mich., and planted Scotch pine devours from cover to cover. tor; it’s the time factor. When a tree dies, Christmas trees. Ken worked there, prun- From Western Michigan University, you lose a year or more.” ing and harvesting, during his high Ken obtained a degree in biology in Ken, who is outside 75 percent school and college years. Before that, he 1977. His first job was at IRDC, a toxi- of his work day, says, “I plant trees was outside as much as possible, fishing, cology laboratory in Mattawan, where he because I love it. It’s the best part of my swimming, biking and collecting bugs met his wife Mary Jo. “I saw her in one

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 29 of those protective control outfits, covered from head to toe. All I saw was her face, but that was enough, and I thought: ‘Wow, she’s pretty.’” They married in 1978. Ken worked at IRDC for only a few months, then took a job at Lyons Nursery & Landscape in Vicksburg for one season. From there, he went to Wedel’s Nursery in Kalamazoo and managed the garden center. But when winter came, he decided he wanted his own company. “Even then, I was trying to promote the idea of edible landscaping, but I was having a hard time coming up with the plants. That’s when I started looking for my own property.” Ken is not alone in his endeavors at Oikos. His father, Harold, carved the company logo — a huge, deeply lobed white oak leaf. Brother Chris is involved with marketing and sales. Daughter Kelly, a student at Western Michigan University, helps with propagation — sometimes holding tiny trees with tweezers — order processing and computerized sales records. And daughter Briana worked at Oikos before recently 'HVLJQHU taking a teaching assignment in South )UDPH 6KRZ Korea. Susan Moore is full-time shop manager, and Oikos employs two or 4HURSn&RI-AY three others throughout the year and four or five more during harvest season. .OONnPM Ken, an excellent photographer, takes 0ORTAGE ,OCATION photos for the Oikos catalog. 4RY THE LATEST STYLES FROM THE HOTTEST DESIGNERS ary Jo, who worked for The Upjohn Company and Pfizer -ANUFACTURERS REPRESENTATIVES Mfrom 1979 until 2004, is now a ON HAND TO HELP YOU FIND THE business consultant who helps by provid- LOOK THATS JUST RIGHT FOR YOU ing Ken with the names of other business 2EFRESHMENTS SERVED consultants. “It’s sometimes hard to follow the advice of a family member,” Ken says, “but if someone outside the family says the same thing, you think it’s a great idea.” However, Mary Jo does join Ken with business decisions that impact family finances. “Oikos has not provided a huge income by any means,” Ken says, “but it’s always paid for certain bills in our personal life, and we’ve benefited from having the tree farm out here. But now, with one child in college and the

30 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 other wanting us to visit her in the Far East, the business has to do better.” Therefore, Oikos is expanding. A new, organic, biologically balanced soil mix that releases natural nutrients slowly will soon be added to the catalog, as will a free-standing greenhouse for homeown- ers and hobbyists. Ken is developing a line of food products from the fruits har- vested at Oikos. “I want to find a way for people to taste the fruit we grow,” he says. “It’s hard to describe flavors in a catalog, but if we sell the fruit or nuts, people will more likely grow it. I want to sell beach plum preserves and beach plum trees.” Similarly, he lauds black chokeberry because of its beautiful, dark- purple color, which makes it “excellent for combining with other berries in recipes.” He says chokeberry juice is now used in sports drinks because of its psy- chological effect. “It clears the mind and increases circulation, but it isn’t a caffeine drink,” he says. Ken would like to buy more property, and he wants to become involved with the state of Michigan, through the Department of Natural Resources and forestry management agencies, to exper- iment with large-scale tree farms on state land. “We already do this with tim- ber. Why can’t we have areas devoted just to food from trees?” he questions. He currently speaks to groups, primarily garden clubs, about propagation. “People want to know how to plant from local seeds and how to have genetic diversity. That’s a very popular topic right now,” he says. In season, he takes product samples for his audience to taste. In the future, Ken wants to provide tours to school groups and gardeners. People who visit Oikos will be treated to a vast array of plant life in an evolving early-growth forest. “When I started here, the quack grass was unbelievable. It was everywhere. It’s one heck of a plant with rhizomes that will penetrate through tree • Landscape Design roots,” he says. But as his trees matured, • Construction they cast larger areas of shade, which • Maintenance quack grass doesn’t tolerate. In its place, spotted knapweed grew, providing nutri-

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 31 ents to trees and shrubs. In addition, pol- linators and reptiles have moved in to naturally assist with propagation and rodent control Through experimentation and insight, Ken has observed biocompatibili- ty among certain tree and shrub species — walnuts and persimmons, pecans and paw paws, plums and oaks. Ken doesn’t mow, and Queen Anne’s lace and wild asparagus, with its colorful berries and distinct flavor that’s stronger than cultivated asparagus, grow wherever they choose. “This is an experimental tree crop farm,” Kens says. “I don’t want acres and acres of the same things. I want people to see different plants of different ages and maturity, with different types of nuts and fruits.” Dandelions, a cash crop at Oikos, also have free rein. While people who seek manicured monoculture lawns kill and pluck this yellow-capped plant, Ken sells a variety that makes a great salad. “Dandelions are an introduced species, brought to America by settlers who GAZING made coffee from its roots,” he says, expounding on his belief that “a ‘weed’ Parenthetical orange moon is merely a plant out of place.” Ken low on night’s carbon paper admits that occasionally a plant or two scrolling toward the horizon gets out of place at Oikos, but he and his staff rectify that situation by placing old fashioned in its fixity it elsewhere. big, little dippers, north star Even the Osage orange has a home at Oikos. “It’s a horrible looking tree, and shapes unnamed and the wood is rock hard,” Ken says, except in family “but people who grew up near lexicon: old ornament, hedgerows of Osage orange are very blue baby, the whirligig fond of them. It’s a unique species that was used as a living fence and it has that Dash of shooting star — random punctuation distinctive, hard, yellow-orange fruit. of aircraft and lightning We’ve sold quite a few because people ask for them.” Outside Chicago By seeking and accepting so many a beady colon of species and varieties of plants, Ken — the barefoot observation, teacher, scientist and philosopher — is sleepy semi-colon in its arms expanding his classroom and his world. He is following his own advice, which he Read the ancient noctuary: offers to readers of the Oikos catalog: we are alone “We are all students of ecology and will always remain so. All plants create a good Author Elizabeth Kerlikowske is a notable poet in southwest Michigan who teaches creative effect. Nature is so big. Expand your writing at Kellogg Community College. Several of her poems have been published in Encore. tastes and your life will follow.”

32 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Don’t ignore your heart.

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bronsonhealth.com Appetizers — an Ancient Custom

THE FRENCH call them hors d’oeuvres, filling a hungry belly, when people actu- main course would be consumed after- the Italians, antipasto, the Spanish, ally began to enjoy what was prepared wards. tapas, the Chinese, dimsum, and here in and consumed. Hieroglyphs in Egyptian The French elevated the idea by America, we call them appetizers. They tombs depict Pharaohs being entertained copying from the Russians and then are tidbits of food — or dishes — served and sharing food at elaborate banquets. making things, well, more French. At to whet the appetite before the main Early Greeks and Romans had rituals formal dinner parties or restaurants, a meal. and rules about first courses. Most tiny, bite-sized morsel is served before The great cuisines of the world derived from travels, trading and con- the first course and called “amuse have long known that leisurely sharing quest from the Middle East and China. bouche.” Literally translated as “mouth several small dishes passed among Sometimes this appetizer was as pleaser,” it often gives diners a glimpse friends not only stretches out a pleasant elaborate as a trolley brought to the of what is to follow and an idea of the social evening table, a Greek invention, or was served chef’s culinary thinking. The first but also bonds like a Swedish smorgasbord, simply laid course, called hors d’oeuvres, literally people together out on a table with diners helping them- translates as “outside the work” or “out- with the emo- selves to whatever they preferred. side the meal.” These elaborately pre- tional aspect of The Russians are, however, the pared morsels of food serve to whet the sharing food. In forefathers of what we now think of as appetite before the meal and sometimes fact, the word appetizers and courses. The Russians help sustain guests if there is a long “companion” served each course of the meal in turn waiting period between their arrival and originates from and cleared the table in between. when the meal is served — what we the Latin com- Zakuski was, and is, the appetizer commonly refer to as the cocktail hour. panis, or “with course in a Russian meal. The word The next time the waiter (or wait- bread,” meaning comes from the Russian for “piece” or ress) comes to your table and suggests Keith Langdon, the person with “morsel.” Zakuski was usually an an appetizer to begin the meal, he is owner of whom you share ornate plate filled with blini, caviar, or really asking if you would like to spend Full City Café meals. little portions of meat and vegetables more time enjoying the company of The idea of sharing food in courses attractively arranged to please the your friends. I would hope that your probably started when man began to diner’s eye. Sometimes Zakuski would answer would be a resounding: “Yes, we think of food as something more than be served before the theater, and the would!”

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34 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 The Benefits of Taiji and Qi Gong

THE ORIGINS OF TAIJI date back thousands young in body and mind, and these that people can begin studying in their of years. There are many conflicting sto- techniques have worked for thousands 30s, 40s, 50s and even into the 60s and ries, but most agree that the first struc- of years. In parks all over China, people beyond without damaging their bodies. tured system of Taiji (Tai Chi) started in in their 60s, 70s and even 80s do their As a health system, Taiji produces a high the Chen family village in China, and morning exercises and display flexibility degree of relaxation, balance, flexibility most styles since then can be traced back unlikely to be seen in an American over and coordination. Like Qi Gong, it can to the Chen style. There are five main 30 years old. Like anything worth hav- be practiced by anyone, young or old, styles of Taiji: Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao, and ing, Taiji and Qi Gong require a certain athletes or the physically weak. Taiji is a Sun. Each style has its own unique quali- amount of effort and perseverance; how- more comprehensive exercise than Qi ties but all share the same philosophy, ever, they offer people a realistic way of Gong, and during mainly yielding to incoming force and maintaining and regaining their youth- each practice ses- redirecting it. This can be applied in mar- ful vigor and clarity of mind, while pre- sion, every muscle, tial arts and also to any aspect of life and venting senility. joint, ligament, how to deal with daily stress. Qi Gong and Taiji, like acupuncture tendon, lymph For most people, the first and fore- and Chinese medicine, are based on the node and internal most benefit of Qi Gong (Chi Gung) lies concept of “chi” — internal energy — organ is exercised. in helping to relieve or prevent chronic the life force. Both Taiji and Qi Gong Doctors in health problems. In China, Qi Gong is build chi, and this energy can be used to China regularly used to help relieve a range of maladies heal injuries and illnesses, and improve prescribe Qi Gong such as: diabetes, asthma, cancer, poor general health. and Taiji as therapy circulation, internal-organ problems, Qi Gong exercises are generally for high blood nerve pain, bad backs, joint problems, simpler and more specific than Taiji, pressure, poor cir- and general physical disease. with particular techniques for particular culation, asthma, Everyone, whatever their interest or health problems. Taiji is a series of nervous diseases, Ed Kehoe teaches Taiji and Qi Gong profession, wants to be healthy and have movements a little more complicated to impotence, arthritis locally. an old age free of illness and infirmity. learn than those of Qi Gong, and the and back, neck and joint problems. In China at least 60 or 70 million people moves are either done in slow motion These exercises loosen the joints and over the age of 60 practice Taiji and Qi for health and meditation, or fast for self make the spine stronger and more Gong specifically to keep themselves defense. It is one of the few martial arts (continued on page 68)

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 35 GuessWHO CLUES

• While Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical compositions are at the top of the charts, this phantom prefers disco Donna Summer’s “On the radio, wo-oh-oh-oh-oh, on the radio.” • Falling chandeliers may signal the end in film versions of the classic tale of revenge and love, but when our Guess Who phantom pounds the gavel, it’s over. • For his entire life, he’s been on the brink of something.

ANSWER ON PAGE 70.

Photography by John Gilroy Eventsof Performing Arts Note

Plays Musicals & Opera University Jazz Band — Get jazzy with WMU’s terrific Jazz Band. Dalton Recital “Vampires in the Night” — All Ears “The Phantom of the Opera” — Enjoy Hall, WMU. April 5, 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. Theatre’s very own version of Bram lavish sets, costumes and special effects in Annual Concerto Concert — Enjoy the Stoker’s well-known vampire story. All this Andrew Lloyd Webber tragic love sounds of WMU’s University Symphony Ears Theater, First Baptist Church, 315 W. story about a beautiful opera singer and a Orchestra. Miller Auditorium, WMU. April Michigan Ave. April 1, 6 p.m. 342-5059. young composer shamed by his physical 9, 3 p.m. 387-2300. “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” appearance into a shadowy existence Music Therapy Clinic Concert — A free — Alan Ball’s fresh-as-a-daisy comedy beneath the majestic Paris Opera House. WMU concert for the whole family. Dalton takes an irreverent and funny look at Miller Auditorium, WMU. April 19–May Center Multi-Media Room, WMU. April friendship. New Vic Theatre, 134 E. Vine 14, varying times. 387-2300. 10, 7 p.m. 387-2300. St. April 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 8:30 University Trombone Choir — Come p.m. 381-3328. Dance enjoy this “choir” of trombones! Dalton “The Foreigner” — Laugh out loud at this Center Recital Hall, WMU. April 11, 8:15 comedy about a lovable, socially inept Brit Spring Concert of Dance Open p.m. 387-2300. who escapes his stressful life by booking a Rehearsal — Take a sneak peek as the New Sounds Festival 2006 — Savor the holiday in the backwoods USA. The Civic, Wellspring Company rehearses for its new WMU sounds of 2006. Dalton Center 329 S. Park St. April 7 & 8, 13–15, 21 & annual Spring Concert of Dance. Epic Multi-Media Room, WMU. April 14 & 15, 22, 8 p.m.; April 9, 2 p.m. 343-1313. Center, 359 South Burdick St. May 5, 6–7 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. “Dan Turner, Hollywood Detective: p.m. 342-4354. Fontana Chamber Arts — Collaborating Crime Begins at Forty” — A detective with the Irving S. Gilmore Keyboard snoops on a direc- Symphony Festival: The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson tor’s wife in scan- Trio and Claremont Trio perform “So many of our dalous Tinseltown. Season Finale — The KSO’s principal vio- Beethoven, Bartok, Schumann and dreams at first All Ears Theater, linist, Igor Fedotov, takes center stage to Brahms. Dalton Center Recital Hall, seem impossible, First Baptist perform Berlioz’s “Harold in Italy.” The WMU. April 23, 8 p.m. 387-2300. then they seem Church, 315 W. familiar sounds of “The Sorcerer’s improbable, and Michigan Ave. Apprentice” close out the performance. Vocal then, when we April 15, 6 p.m. Miller Auditorium, WMU. April 8, 8 p.m. summon the will, 342-5059. 349-7759. The Michigan Bach Collegium — they soon become “Rapunzel” — A Presenting “Lo, the Full Final Sacrifice” in inevitable.” classic fairy tale Chamber, Jazz, Orchestra collaboration with the Ars Voce vocal about a girl, a & Bands ensemble from Battle Creek. Featuring — Christopher choral and instrumental music by Bach, Reeve tower, a prince and very long Spring Conference on Wind & Charpentier, Finzi and Schutz. First hair! All Ears Percussion Music — The WMU School of Congregation Church, 129 Park St. April Theater, First Baptist Church, 315 W. Music presents this annual concert. Miller 1, 8 p.m. 387-2300. Michigan Ave. April 29, Auditorium, WMU. March 31, 7:30 p.m. Concert Choir — Don’t miss this free 6 p.m. 342-5059. 387-4667. WMU concert. Dalton Center Recital Hall, “Life Begins at 40” — A must-see musi- Guest Artist Recital — Don’t miss this WMU. April 2, 5 p.m. 387-2300. cal celebration of 40 years at The New Vic. WMU guest performance by The Merling Gold Company II — The WMU choral New Vic Theatre, 134 E. Vine St. May 5 & Trio. Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. group ends the season with this evening 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20, 26 & 27, June 2 & March 31, 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. performance. Dalton Center Recital Hall, 3, 9 & 10, 8:30 p.m. 381-3328. University Concert Band — The band WMU. April 4, 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. “The Land of the Dragon” — A conniv- performs its final concert of the year. Women’s Chorus — The WMU Women’s ing aunt and her chancellor keep Princess Miller Auditorium, WMU. April 2, 3 p.m. Chorus performs. Dalton Center Recital Jade Pure prisoner in her own castle. A 387-2300. Hall, WMU. April 7, 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. minstrel with his pet dragon saves her. Guest Artist Recital — Featuring WMU Collegiate Singers — Enjoy the vocalists The Civic, 329 S. Park St. May 5 & 12, 7 guest artist Abbie Conant, trombone. from WMU. Dalton Center Recital Hall, p.m.; May 6 & 13, 2 & 4:30 p.m.; May 7, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU. April 3, WMU. April 9, 5 p.m. 387-2300. 2 p.m.; May 10 & 11, 10 a.m. & 12:30 8:15 p.m. 387-2300. p.m. 343-2313.

38 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Miscellaneous

Gilmore Keyboard Festival — Sixteen STEPPING BACK days of concerts, recitals, jazz clubs, films WITH THE ARTS and more. April 22–May 7. Visit www.thegilmore.com for complete information. For tickets call 387-2300. “Gone With the Wind” is one of the greatest movies of all time. One of the Academy Awards given to that film Visual Arts went to Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy. That 1940 award made her the first African American to win an WMU Department of Art Oscar. McDaniel began her career as a 387-2455: singer and songwriter for minstrel shows. She played parts on radio and “The Beulah Show.” Ironically, prior to Art Student Exhibition — Dalton Center found work in early films. In the McDaniel, the part had always been Multi-Media Room. Thru Apr. 5. 1930s, parts for blacks were stereotyp- played by white males. Eventually, Jewelry and Metals — Caroline Gore, ically maids and servants. It wasn’t Hattie McDaniel was hailed as a ground breaker in black entertainment, but she WMU. Thru Apr. 21. Gallery II, Sangren. until after the war years that she was able to find a part that showed her didn’t live long enough to bask in that WMU Student Art Gallery, true character. In 1950 she won the praise. Hattie McDaniel died in 1952, a East Hall: title role in a radio program called victim of breast cancer.

Ceramics — Eri Vlier and Britney Literary Bacchanal: Juggling Water, Lindstrom, April 3–7. Kristin Gargaro, Miscellaneous Dreaming Land — Lynn Pattison will April 10–14. B.F.A. degree shows. read selections from her recently released Painting — Rob Bartholomew, B.F.A. Art Hop — View the works of local artists chapbooks, and dancer, teacher and poet degree show. April 3–7. in a casual, fun atmosphere. Local Danna Ephland will read from her Graphic Design — Graphic design stu- venues/galleries in downtown Kalamazoo. University of Notre Dame M.F.A. thesis. dent show, April 10–14. Staci Daniel, April April 7, 5 p.m. 342-5059. KPL, April 24, 7:00 p.m. 17–21. B.F.A. degree shows. Kiwanis Travel Series Film — “Bringing Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Home Sardinia,” capturing the beauty and 349-7775: culture of this island situated 120 miles Museums west of Italy. Chenery Auditorium: April 7, 7:30 p.m.; Apr 8, 3:00 p.m. 345-8004. Young Artists of Kalamazoo County — Kalamazoo Valley Museum More than 2,000 young artists from 60 ele- 373-7990: mentary and middle schools throughout Kalamazoo County. Through Apr. 30. Musical Adventure — Create show mem- Kirk Newman: The Next Step — A retro- Literary Events orabilia, make instruments, learn about spective of Kirk Newman. Thru June 18. unique instruments and sounds from Art & All That Jazz — Combines great Kalamazoo Public Library around the world, and meet area musi- art with live music. Join The Northside 553-7809: cians. April 3–7; live music at 2 p.m. for Jazz Quartet, and take an inside look at families and 7:30 p.m. for teens and up. the featured exhibition, Kirk Newman: Healing the Wounds of War — Author The Next Step. April 14, 5–7 p.m. and psychotherapist Edward Tick on the (continued on page 68) Sunday Funday: “People are People” — moral, spiritual, and cultural dimensions Make your own Newman-esque sculptures of war. KVCC, Dale B. Lake Auditorium. and enjoy a performance by the Ballet Arts Please send notification of activities to: April 10, 7 p.m. RSVP by April 7 to Ensemble. April 23, 2–4 p.m. Encore “Events of Note” [email protected] or 1-888-849-4889. 6797 Orchard Meadow Drive Taste of the Art School — Join the KIA Novels At Noon — A book discussion on Portage, MI 49024 Art School for its annual party. Learning “Gilead: A Novel,” by Marilynne Phone: 383-4433 • Fax: 383-9767 more about the School, have fun and expe- Robinson. KPL, April 3, 12n. Bring a E-mail: [email protected] rience the wide range of art classes and brown-bag lunch. workshops offered. April 28, 6–9 p.m. APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 39 Photo: Robert M. Weir Photo: Robert

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan prepares to ring the Peace Bell at the U.N. Secretariat Building in New York City to signal the start of the current General Assembly session on September 21, 2005. ceremony’s principal function. The following year, in 2005, Aye Aye Thant, HE EARTH DAY ceremony each daughter of U Thant and spring at the United Nations is president of the U Thant Thosted by the Earth Society Institute, rang the Peace Bell Foundation, the nongovernmental orga- along with three U.N. nization (NGO) that John McConnell ambassadors. That ceremony created. The first ceremony occurred in occurred at 7:33 a.m., and I 1971; Secretary-General U Thant rang was privileged to meet Aye the Peace Bell, which resides in an ori- visited Aye and create an acquain- ental garden next to the U.N. Secretariat the United Nations, John tance through which she pro- Building in New York City. In that first McConnell rang the Peace Bell at 1:39 vided information for John McConnell’s year and again in 1972, when Secretary- a.m. It was cold in New York that night, biography. Afterward, many attendees General Kurt Waldheim rang the Peace and the few people who attended were adjourned to a nearby building for a Bell, the ceremony occurred at 2:00 p.m. bundled in winter coats and scarves. Yet, breakfast reception. There, standing on a EST. However, since then, the ceremony the mood was festive because, even dais with an Earth Flag draped on the has surrounded the moment of though John had initiated the Earth Day wall behind me, I told that international equipoise, as determined by the tilt of ceremony 33 years prior, it was the first audience of my project. It was a thrilling Planet Earth. In 2004, the first time I time he, at age 88, had performed the step in the journey of crafting John’s life

40 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 A Kalamazoo Perspective on the United Nations By Robert M. Weir Photo: Kristina Bonic Writer Robert Weir stands in the United Nations General Assemby hall prior to the start of the 58th annual conference on nongovernmental organizations. Weir attended the United Nations events as a correspondent for Encore Publishing Group.

guage, thrummed atop flag poles near the United Nations visitors entrance. words: “Long live absolute peace.” It Secretary-General Kofi Annan delivered was installed at the United Nations on brief remarks and then rang the bell. into text. June 8, 1954, but until the Earth Day I also reflected on ceremony in 1971, it was rung only y next trip to the United the Peace Bell, itself, and the twice: at the time of installation, and on Nations occurred in late May honor bestowed upon those privileged October 4, 1966, to commemorate the M2005. I had finished reading to ring it. The Peace Bell is a unique first anniversary of a historic visit to the thousands of John McConnell’s papers symbol. Standing a little over three feet United Nations by Pope Paul VI. John that he and his wife Anna donated to the tall, two feet wide and weighing 256 McConnell was instrumental in making Swarthmore College Peace Collection pounds, it was cast on United Nations the Peace Bell part of that event. archives near Philadelphia, Penn., and I Day, October 24, in 1952 by Japan, even On June 8, 2004, I observed a cere- wanted to treat myself to a casual trip to though that Pacific island nation had mony to mark the 50th anniversary of New York. not yet gained admission to the world the Peace Bell’s installation. The event At a U.N. forum on water, I heard, body. The metal in the bell consists of was in the middle of the afternoon on a through a translator, Dr. Masaru Emoto coins collected by children from dele- glorious sunny day. New York traffic speak in his native Japanese language gates of 60 countries at a U.N. confer- bustled by on First Avenue as the ban- about the impact of words on water — ence in Paris, France, in 1951. Inscribed ner of each nation, aligned in alphabeti- and consequently on human health. Dr. inside the bell, in Japanese, are the cal order according to the English lan- Emoto pointed out that the adult human

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 41 WEIR

body is 70 percent water; a newborn’s scope in his laboratory. Some were formed crystals came from water stored body is 90 percent water. “If the water exquisite and others were downright in bottles labeled “hate,” “war” and “you content in our body drops only a little, ugly. Dr. Emoto stated that the clear, fool.” Dr. Emoto emphasized the water in that’s dehydration, and we can die,” Dr. beautiful crystals formed from water that both sets originated from the same source Emoto declared. had been stored in bottles labeled with – purified spring water. His presentation Then, Dr. Emoto projected pho- words like “love,” “peace” and “thank revealed that the bottles had been labeled tographs of ice crystals taken via a micro- you.” In contrast, the discolored and mal- in various languages — Japanese, Pursuing Peace in the United States “Politics should be the part-time profession of every American.” — President Dwight Eisenhower

n the days between the United in Iraq, for example, costs U.S. taxpayers Nations Nongovernmental $1,000 per second, according to IOrganization (NGO) conference and Department of Defense budget state- the World Summit at the United Nations, ments. In addition, injury and death to I traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend soldiers and civilians cause grief and suf- a conference of “citizen lobbyists” who fering among families. want our government to establish a The cost of domestic violence within Department of Peace. The conference the United States is also astronomical. The took place September 10–13, 2005, con- World Health Organization estimates that interpersonal violence in the United States Part of the Michigan delegation (second in size cluding the day before Democratic only to the California delegation) to the U.S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio costs $300 billion a year. The Journal of Department of Peace conference pose in the introduced a legislative bill for that pur- the American Medical Association reports office of Senator Debbie Stabenow. pose in the U.S. House of that domestic violence is the single great- A most memorable speaker was Representatives. The legislation, when est cause of injury to women. And school Azim Khamisa, who told his story of for- passed, will create a cabinet-level entity personnel are seeing an increase in aggres- giveness and healing. Khamisa’s 20-year- with the same privilege to advise the sive behavior among elementary school old son was delivering pizzas when he President as that currently enjoyed by the children. To overcome these trends, the was murdered by a 14-year-old youth as departments of Defense, Education, Department of Peace will be a gathering part of the younger boy’s initiation into a Transportation, Housing and Urban place for peace professionals and a clear- gang. Rather than seeking revenge, Development and others. inghouse of information about successful Khamisa extended himself to the shoot- The Department of Peace, operating nonviolence programs. er’s grandfather and guardian, and the on a budget of only two percent of what- Speakers at the conference demon- two men shared the grief that comes with ever Congress allocates to the strated growing support for a Department murder and incarceration. They formed Department of Defense, will work with of Peace. They included: former CBS news an alliance and now travel the country government agencies to encourage nonvi- anchorman Walter Cronkite, who spoke speaking to elementary school children olent peacekeeping both overseas and against the Vietnam War in the late 1960s about gangland folly, thus effectively within the United States. In fact, while and recently denounced the War in Iraq; countering the “cool” appeal touted by the Department of Defense — originally former U.S. ambassador John McDonald, teens already entrenched in street crime. called the Department of War — is pri- who has implemented international peace- Currently, the Department of Peace marily concerned with military interven- keeping negotiations in numerous war- bill is co-sponsored by 62 members of tion on foreign soil, the Department of torn countries; physician and humorist Congress, and it has been introduced in Peace will provide council on alternatives Patch Adams, who was the subject of a the Senate. It has the support of Amnesty to war, peacemaking after war, and con- movie starring Robin Williams in 1998; International, the National Organization flict prevention and resolution within author, futurist and social architect of Women, Pax Christi, Physicians for U.S. schools, communities and families. Barbara Marx Hubbard, who, in 1984, Social Responsibility, Veterans for Peace The motivation to pursue peace can became the first woman nominated for the and others. be measured in both dollars and human U.S. vice presidency on the Democratic At the close of the Department of loss. Internationally, war is the ultimate ticket; and author and lecturer Marianne Peace conference, I joined Michigan “citi- form of human violence, financial waste Williamson, who has written several zen lobbyists” as we called upon repre- and environmental devastation. The War books on spirituality and peace. sentatives and senators on Capitol Hill.

42 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 FURNITURE

Information cards distributed by The Peace Alliance to promote the U.S. Department of Peace legislation depict images of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with the message “One Dream Can Change … Governor Everything.” Alston Chairs HARBOUR BAY FURNITURE CO. Stuart, FL and Holland, MI Downtown Holland · 212 S. River Ave., Holland · (616) 395-5554 Open Mon.–Sat. 10:00–5:30 www.harbourbayfurniture.com Photo: Robert M. Weir Photo: Robert

A lighted, three-dimensional display at the Department of Peace conference contains images and statements from children in the KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA United States and Iraq about war and peace. The display, which stands six feet tall, is the SEASON 2006-2007 creation of Stephen Walker of Warren, Mich. The responses we received ranged You’ll love the music! from friendly support to antagonistic Beethoven opposition, primarily along political Copland party lines. Stravinksy Yet, advocates of a Department of Gershwin Peace persist. They recognize that Joplin campaigns for social justice may require a lifetime. The Women’s Suffrage Movement, for example, last- ed 70 years. Blacks strove 100 years to earn voting rights. The Department of Keep an eye out for these great artists Peace initiative, in its current itera- An American Humorist tion, has been in existence since 2001 NY Philharmonic Concertmaster but the concept dates to 1792 and was A Jazz Drummer introduced in earlier versions in the A Van Cliburn Medalist mid-1900s. As Walter Cronkite told Dennis Kucinich at the conference: Season details beginning April 8, 2006 at “You’re speaking of an entire philosophical revolution.” KalamazooSymphony.com

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 43 WEIR

English, French and others — with com- We Make Custom Videos and Multimedia parable results. Fast & Affordable Dr. Emoto hypothesized the water Corporate Video Presentations wasn’t so much affected by static words Digital Video & Non-Linear Editing on the label as it was by active thoughts Interactive DVD & CD Creations of the person handling the water; that is, Historical Photo/Video Tributes a person reading “love” or “hate” con- www.absolute-video.com • PRICES ON-LINE! veyed vibrational thought energy to the 3101 S. WESTNEDGE AVE., KALAMAZOO, MI 49008 water. To exemplify that concept, he uti- Tom Sielatycki, owner MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M., (269) 343-1000 lized two tuning forks, both created to vibrate at Middle C. As he struck one with a mallet, both emitted sound — the second being set in motion by invisible vibrations from the first. As Dr. Emoto told of prayer circles he has convened around polluted lakes, I considered a phrase from my youth about “bad vibes” and “good vibes,” the concept that “every thought is a prayer,” and John McConnell’s oft-repeated phrase: “Oh, the faith that works by love will move mountains when we pray.” Then, in contrast, I reflected on adults who blaspheme children, spouses who exchange cruelties, and violence in entertainment, and I cringed at the evil power of angry, hateful words and images that maladjust our young, our families, our society. At that moment, I acquired greater appreciation for the United Nations. Your newsletters should Clearly, this forum, which was sponsored LOOK BETTER by NGOs involved with human values, than theirs. spirituality and religious initiatives, embodied a part of the world organ not reported by mainstream media, yet it was an integral element within the U.N. mission: “to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours.”

y greatest immersion into the United Nations occurred in September 2005 when I Visit M attended two major events: an annual PortagePrinting.com conference of nongovernmental organiza- to SEE HOW. Call tions and the World Summit. 323-9333 From a tour guide, I learned the United Nations was founded in 1945 in & ask how. San Francisco when China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the 1116 West Centre Avenue • Portage, MI 49024 United States came together at the end of World War II to establish a global gov-

44 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 COMERICA BUILDING ernmental organization to prevent future wars. At that time, the United Nation’s initial roll included 51 Member States. Today, the United Nations has its primary headquarters in the 39-story Secretariat Building along New York City’s East Premium River, with primary satellite offices in Geneva, Switzerland, and Vienna, Downtown Austria, plus secondary facilities in several other cities. In 60 years, the number of countries represented in the U.N. Office General Assembly has grown to 191 — all but three in the world — and national Space borders have changed significantly. However, the United Nation’s primary power unit, the Security Council, is still at comprised of the original five permanent countries plus 10 nonpermanent members. Affordable But some people want to change the MICHIGAN Uniyed Nation’s structure to better repre- Rates BUILDING sent the world’s current conditions. Among them is Kofi Annan, the seventh person to serve as Secretary-General. On March 21, 2005, he released a report about United Nations reform, titled “In Larger Freedom,” in which he wrote, in order to promote human rights, democ- racy and development: “We must reshape the Organization in ways not previously imagined and with a boldness and speed not previously known.” Telephone 381-3490 Uniform Street Lights for complete information a United Nations & immediate availability. Accomplishment Quality Assured Suites Because of the United Nations, the from 350 sq. ft. to configuration of street lights — red, 12,000 sq. ft. per floor yellow, green — is the same in all countries; people of all nations place stamps, sender’s address and recipient’s address in the same arrangement on postal envelopes; and packaged foods carry an expiration date. Sources of information: Dr. Masaru Emoto Jim Gilmore Enterprises (www.masaru-emoto.net); United 162 East Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 Nations (www.un.org); and U.S. (269) 381-3490 • gilmoreent.com Department of Peace (www.ThePeaceAlliance.org).

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 45 Robert Weir’s biography of John McConnell, “Star of Hope: The Life and Times of Earth Day Founder John McConnell,” was introduced in New York immediately following the International Earth Day ceremony at the United Nations on March 20. Robert will be selling and signing books at Kazoo Books, 406 N. Clarendon, near West Main on Tuesday, May 16, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; at Earth Day in Bronson Park on Saturday, May 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and at Barnes & Noble in Portage on Sunday, May 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Challenge: Voices for Peace, Partnerships and Renewal,” embodied their goal. And Global delegates and speakers expressed two Environmental concerns: the lack of cooperation among Action, Habitat a few Member States to implement for Humanity, change within the United Nations, if not Human Rights a move by some ambassadors to actually Watch, Humane weaken the United Nations; and the lack Society, Muslim of progress on eight initiatives known as World League, the Millennium Development Goals The Nature (MDGs) that the Member States, in 2000, Conservancy, The pledged to achieve by 2015. The message of United Nations Population Council, In general, the MDGs will reduce or reform is also being spoken by over Rotary International, The Salvation Army, eradicate poverty, hunger, child mortality 4,000 nongovernmental organizations. and Women’s International Network. and infectious diseases such as malaria NGOs, collectively known as “civil soci- Each NGO affiliated with the and HIV/AIDS. The MDGs will also ety,” are nonprofit, voluntary citizens’ United Nations must have been in exis- improve primary education, gender groups, created on a local, national or tence for at least three years and show equality, maternal health, the environ- international level to perform humanitar- signs of sustained activity. And, while ment and the fate of developing coun- ian functions and facilitate actions of most are not allowed to speak at U.N. tries. More specifically, MDG language public good. Some are organized around formal sessions, they provide informa- shows the dire straits of too many of the specific issues, such as children and dis- tion to ambassadors and monitor actions world’s people. Goal number one, for abled persons, crime prevention and drug by Member States. To that end, a record example, intends to “reduce by half the control, education and hunger, religion 1,800 representatives of 700 NGOs from proportion of people living on less than a and peace, trade and technology, and 86 countries gathered at the United dollar a day.” health and environment. Nations for their 58th annual conference Display boards in U.N. corridors A few NGOs, for example, are AARP, on September 7–9, 2005. Fifteen percent dynamically portrayed the degree of dis- Africa Action on AIDS, Asia Crime of the attendees traveled from develop- parity among the world’s peoples: The Prevention Foundation, Baptist World ing countries. percentage of babies delivered by health Alliance, Franciscans International, The title of the conference, “Our professionals is 99 percent in the United

46 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Watch for her “Ask the Expert” column in the Kalamazoo Gazette. Kingdom and only 22 percent in Yemen; the death rate of children under age 5 is JULIE K. PHILLIPS ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW 0.3 percent in Sweden and 28.4 percent Completed Certificate Program in in Sierra Leone; life expectancy at birth is Estate Planning and Probate 82 years in Japan and 38 years in Zambia; and the average years of school- Trusts • Wills • Estate Plans • Probate ing is 11.6 in Canada compared to 2.4 in Real Estate • Contracts • Forming Corporations Nepal. The display stated: “Halving 225 West Walnut Street, Kalamazoo, MI extreme poverty by 2015 is doable but Over A Decade of Experience (269) 382-1234 will not happen unless government and civil society act to close the ever-widen- ing disparity between countries and within countries.” This message of choice and action was most evident in a chart on the guided tour. An inverted triangle was divided into two portions. The larger top represented the amount of money spent by nations annually on military and weapons — $800 billion. The smaller Member New York Stock Exchange bottom showed the amount of money — Serving Kalamazoo Area Investors $212.5 billion — needed once to resolve world maladies as defined in the MDGs. Since 1904 I couldn’t help but think that too many William Barnes world leaders are obsessed with ill-fated INDIVIDUAL STOCK priorities, choosing to spend much more AND on death and destruction than on peace, BOND INVESTMENTS prosperity and human values. RETIREMENT In accord with that thought, the NGOs, in their plenary and seminar ses- PLANNING: Linda Barnes C. Paul Eckrich sions, took a vocal stance, claiming that ROTH IRA Member States, with few exceptions, ROLLOVERS have done little — or not enough — to IRA meet the MDGs in the five years since SIMPLE IRA they were agreed upon. The NGOs pro- SEP Joe Eckrich Dan George claimed: “2015 is NOW!” And they 401(k) approved a resolution: “We … urge 403(b) leaders at this crucial time in the world’s need for human security, peace and ASSET MANAGEMENT development, (to) embrace the larger vision of the United Nations to benefit MUNICIPAL BONDS Debra Kalleward Tom Kruse all the people of the world. We urge you MUTUAL FUNDS to yield narrow interests and to work with each other for real change INSURANCE expressed in concrete, practical terms. Please do not squander this important ANNUITIES opportunity.” Jim Montmorency Brant Shrimplin Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. nly five days later, on September 555 West Crosstown Parkway 14, the United Nations was pop- ulated by presidents, prime min- Toll-free: 1.800.332.5046 O Tel: 269.381.4800 isters and potentates of almost every Robert Shrimplin Gayle Witt Member State. And security around the

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 47 WEIR CelebrateCelebrate world headquarters was heightened LifeLife accordingly. In possession of my media onon the the badge as an Encore correspondent, I joined a throng of media personnel from WaterWater around the world as we stood in a 300- KOOPER’S foot line for three hours to pass through Cars and Marine, LLC metal detectors tuned to maximum sensi- 9790 East M-89 tivity. There, I met correspondents from Richland, MI 49083 Brazil, Argentina and the United 629.4979 Kingdom. Coming out the rear of the security tent, I found myself gazing upon the East River with an anchored U.S. Coast Changing Places Guard vessel and patrolling New York City police boats. Dressed in dark suit and tie and carrying my backpack with laptop, I found the sun bright and the temperature hot for September. Yet, I lingered to gaze at the scene, while noting again the absence of traffic on First Avenue, which was cordoned off with police barricades and cars with flashing blue lights. Passing the U.N. courtyard, I found unsettling irony in a bronze sculpture of a naked, muscled man with hammer raised to strike his sword and words carved into its stone base: “We shall beat our swords into plowshares.” I wondered what was happening inside the Secretariat Building. Conflict or cooperation? The answer to that question came by

This early 1900s postcard from the collection of William F. R. Briscoe Jr. shows a private room at Borgess Hospital at a time when the facility was located downtown on Portage St. The photo below is of a current private room This crystal was formed when water in a bot- at Borgess Medical Center. It was taken by Lew Tysman, who works in public tle labeled “love and gratitude” was frozen. relations there.

48 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 We’ll make your home watching speeches by world leaders on uniquely your own… closed-circuit monitors in the media Furniture • Carpet • Draperies room. Over the next three days, I Professional Design Service observed neither open conflict nor full cooperation, but diplomatic, yet adver- sarial, rhetoric. Developed countries in North America and Europe, for the most Fine Furniture and Interior Design part, advocated “free trade” that would allow further despoilment of natural 472 W. Michigan, Downtown Kalamazoo 269-343-4689 www.stewartclarkefurniture.com resources. In contrast, developing countries, primarily in Asia, Africa and South America, spoke of “fair trade” and “human rights” that would help poorer L@= E9JC=L @9K ;@9F?=<$ O@Q @9KFL QGMJ >AF9F;A9D HD9F7 people gain parity with the rest of the world’s population. Staying invested for the long term. It’s a solid strategy for reaching your This lack of common view was ÀQDQFLDO JRDOV %XW WKDW GRHVQ·W PHDQ James A. Hemenway, CRPC most apparent in a session of the your portfolio shouldn’t adjust with First Vice President, Investments Security Council. In a 90-minute meet- changes in the markets or your personal ing full of formality and prepared state- situation. To schedule a complimentary ments and, thus, devoid of discussion, portfolio review to help ensure your plan 157 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 400 the heads of state unanimously passed is designed to meet your needs no Kalamazoo, MI 49007 two resolutions: one on terrorism and matter the markets’ ups and downs, 269-349-7744 • 800-842-0099 the other on conflict in Africa. But while please contact me today. www.RaymondJames.com/JamesHemenway the men and women there spoke in favor of deeper cooperation among Member States, they proposed dissimilar solutions. U.S. President George W. Bush, England’s Prime Minister Tony Blair, Denmark’s Prime Minister Andres Fogh Rasmussen, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of The Philippines, for

This crystal was created when water from a bottle labeled “you fool” was frozen. The water in both bottles came from the same source. APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 49 WEIR

causes of terrorism. Their speeches advocated “preventing terror from breeding in hotbeds of hopelessness,” and taking “resolute action on everything that fuels terrorism.” The World Summit ended on September 16 with the General Assembly’s approval of a compromise plan to reorganize the United Nations. Dr. Masaru Emoto authored “The True While the decision was unanimous, state- Power of Water,” a ments after the vote revealed dissent, dis- topic he addressed at the 2005 U.N. Non- appointment and resigned acceptance Governmental that partial reform was better than no Organization’s conference. reform.

week after the World Summit concluded, on September 21, ASecretary-General Kofi Annan rang the Peace Bell, marking the beginning of the 60th annual session of the General Assembly; it was also the International Day of Peace. I was amazed at the absence of pomp and circumstance — the almost informality — of the event. As a correspondent, I had no greater privilege than any other attendee; yet, I obtained great, close-up example, used words like “extremism” photographs of Mr. Annan, his wife and “fanaticism” to state their belief that President Lula da Silva of Brazil, Nane, dignitaries and media celebrities. terrorism can only be defeated by killing Romanian President Traian Basescu, and As the Secretary-General milled about the terrorists. In contrast, French Prime Benin President Mathieu Kerekou con- garden, he passed within arms’ reach of Minister Dominique de Villepin, veyed their preference to focus on the where I was standing.

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50 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Priorities

Security? Well, yes, my laptop case Out in Kansas and Nebraska and I had passed through metal detectors they’re converting corn to fuel and feeding it to SUVs at the visitors entrance earlier, but still … to be this close to the Secretary-General of Up in North and South Dakota the United Nations amazed me. Yet, my they’re harvesting vast fields eyes were opened further two days later Of beans to make soydiesel on Friday, September 23, in Washington, to run the big tractors D.C. I had gone to the U.S. capital to par- that till the soil to ticipate in the demonstration against the grow more fuel. War in Iraq to be held on Saturday. Here in Michigan they’re paying With an extra day at my disposal, I the farmers not to grow attended an annual legislative confer- crops so the price won’t drop. ence, hosted by the Congressional Black Caucus about Africa at which Kofi Over in Africa and Pakistan and Annan was the keynote speaker. I Korea and Iraq and a dozen entered the Washington Convention other wretched nations Center along with hundreds of govern- little children starve to death, ment personnel and members of the their sunken eyes pleading for a mouthful of corn meal or public. I walked into the conference tofu. room and sat in the third row. With Mr. Annan at the head table, he was no By Larry Massie more than 20 feet away. And I realized there was no security check here — or Specializing in researching and writing of Michigan history, Larry has, within the last cou- at the convention center entrance or the ple of years, been experimenting with poetry. He crafted “Priorities” during the past winter. conference room door. I, or anyone, could have been carrying a bomb. It was as though Kofi Annan, this man of peace, emitted an energy of peace Experience life to the fullest— greater than that attained by security Enrich your retirement at The Fountains. personnel and technology. As the Secretary-General spoke of THE FOUNTAINS offers so much more than a service- the need for humanitarian care in Africa, enriched retirement living environment. From our Dr. Emoto’s message about love and delicious meals and wide variety of social activities healing became clearer, and I realized SNF#394050 to our friendly staff, our residents find they have the we can learn much from people like time to enjoy what’s important to them while living Kofi Annan, Masaru Emoto, and John amidst beautiful surroundings. McConnell. We can learn that under- Visit today or call (269) 382-3546. standing and strength comes through 1700 Bronson Way • Kalamazoo, MI 49009 • www.sunriseseniorliving.com pursuit of peace.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 51 From Michigan Voyageur to Minnesota Statesman By Larry B. Massie

he great birch-bark canoe they could find a safe landing place on mous quantities of food, Sibley admired skimmed over the water “in that treacherous coast. those workhorses of the fur trade. He Tmagnificent style” as Henry Suddenly, disaster struck. The heavy described the French/Indian voyageurs in Hastings Sibley and crew of nine swells of the storm dashed the canoe fragments of an autobiography penned as voyageurs dipped their red-tipped paddles upon a submerged rock, staving a large an old man in the 1880s: at the rate of 50 strokes per minute while hole through the frail bark near the center “They were divided into two district chanting merry French songs to maintain of the craft. Sibley quickly thrust his over- classes, the ‘hivernants’ or ‘winterers,’ who their rhythm. Enroute from Mackinac coat into the opening and yelled for the had completed their terms of enlistment Island to Detroit in the summer of 1832, steersman to make for land at all possible of three years, when they were re-engaged 21-year-old Sibley carried important dis- speed. Nearly submerged, the voyageurs at higher wages, and the ‘mangeurs-de patches to be delivered to Michigan “providently” made it to a sand beach. lard,’ porkeaters or greenhorns, who were Territorial Governor George B. Porter. Quickly wading the contents of the held in contempt by the old stagers, and Partway across the dangerous tra- vessel through the surf, the men then were subjected to many cruel jokes by verse of Saginaw Bay a severe storm bore the canoe on their shoulders to safe- them. The Canadians were especially struck. The voyageurs succeeded in ty. After making camp and starting a fire adapted to the requirements of the fur rounding the tip of the Thumb past to attempt to dry off, Sibley “learned the trade. They were a hardy, cheerful and dreaded Pointe Aux Barques, so named lesson, which stood me in good stead in courageous race, submitting uncomplain- because the ragged rock formations jut- after years, of not trusting a scanty stock ingly to labors and exposures, which no ting into Lake Huron resembled boats of provisions, to the custody of careless other people could have endured.” moored along the shore. Night fell before improvident, and voracious voyageurs.” Unrivaled as canoemen, able to navi- Ample rations for gate the stormy waters of the Great Lakes, the six-day journey, the voyageurs impressed Sibley, in partic- it seems, had been ular, with their strength in conveying devoured by the heavy weights over long portages around voyageurs in just impassable rapids. Trade goods or furs four days. A little were bundled into 90-pound packages bread and pork, known as “pieces.” Normally the short, enough for one sinewy men would carry two pieces at small meal, once over portages sometimes several remained. During miles in length. “But instances were not the succeeding rare,” Sibley wrote, “when individual three days the men voyageurs of exceptional strength bore were marooned on three and even four pieces on their backs, the bleak coast for considerable distances without stop- waiting for the ping.” Despite those Herculean demands, storm to subside, Sibley found the men, as a rule, merry, they subsisted only good natured, obedient and honest. on the bark of trees. By the time he was 21, Sibley had Setting aside ample opportunity to form these opinions their ravenous of voyageurs. Born in Detroit on February hunger, satisfied 20, 1810, one of eight children of only when they Solomon and Sarah Sibley, Henry grew to Henry Hastings Sibley. could procure enor- manhood in that ancient frontier commu-

52 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Suddenly, disaster struck ... Sibley quickly thrust his overcoat into the opening and yelled for the steersman to make for land at all possible speed.

nity where more inhabitants spoke French than English. His father had come to Detroit in 1796 immediately after the British had evacuated the fort there under the provisions of the Jay Treaty. Solomon Sibley commanded a Michigan territorial military company during the War of 1812 when Detroit again passed to British hands as a result of Gen. Isaac Hull’s controver- sial surrender of the post. An attorney, the elder Sibley later served as a congressional delegate from the territory and chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Young Sibley’s father had intended for his son to follow in his own profession, but Sibley found the study of law irksome. Seeking a more adventurous This large canoe is typical of the type used by Sibley and his contemporaries. occupation, at the age of 18 Sibley initial- ardous canoe voyage from the Sault in charge of that far flung and extremely ly took a job as store clerk at Sault Ste. through the ice fields of Lake George to profitable trading empire. Capable and Marie. When that, too, proved not to his Mackinac Island where he had been hired hard working, Sibley advanced to ever fancy, he became a fur-trading agent for as a clerk for John Jacob Astor’s American more responsible duties, including the John Johnson’s Indian widow, Susan. In Fur Company. He found lodging in the delivery of important communications to the spring of 1830, Sibley made a haz- home of Robert Stuart, the resident agent Gov. Porter in 1832.

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APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 53 Portaging canoes was necessary when the waters were not navigable through an area. hen the storm that stranded the “Black Hawk War” had carried the him on the shore of the cholera from the east. Scores of troops WThumb had abated but slightly perished and the disease took its toll on after three days, Sibley announced to his the civilian population in Detroit as well. men “that although the attempt would be Having convinced the sawyer to sell fraught with danger we might as well at an exorbitant price a few pounds of perish by drowning, as to remain and flour and pork, the voyageurs quickly starve to death.” Having patched the mixed up the flour into a “galette,” a canoe with the extra bark and spruce shortcake baked on an open fire, and gum always carried for such emergencies, wolfed that and the half-raw pork down. the men waded into the surf up to their At Ethan “Ward’s Landing,” now the site of waists while carrying the craft to protect Marine City, Sibley managed to procure addi- it from the jagged rocks. Then springing tional provisions that gave them their first into place “and plying their paddles with decent meal in more than three arduous days. vigor” the voyageurs gained the open The following morning Sibley told lake. Raising a small sail and trailing the men that as they had families and he their paddles alongside the canoe to had none, he would travel alone by horse- steady it, the “noble vessel flew over the back the 60 miles to Detroit and preserve tremendous billows like a bird.” them from contracting the disease. The They made an 80-mile run, to just loyal voyageurs would hear none of it — they north of the entrance of the St. Clair had survived the dangers of the trip together River, in one day’s time. Spotting a cabin so far and “they did not propose I should run and sawmill at the entrance to a small any risks which they did not share.” stream, the starving voyageurs made for Another day’s paddling brought them shore expecting to procure provisions. to the outskirts of Detroit. Early the next They soon discovered their troubles morning, the voyageurs shaved and were not over. The sawmill operator told donned their finest apparel — high- them that the dreaded cholera was rag- crowned hats with twisted cords and ing to the south. Fearing to travel there black plumes and bright calico shirts with to replenish his supplies, he could not broad worsted belts around their spare any food. waists — for the grand entrance into Sibley doubted the man’s description Detroit. The big gaily painted canoe fitted of the state of affairs in Detroit where he with black and red plumes in the bow and claimed “the shores were lined with dead stern and manned by the colorful voyageurs bodies.” Though exaggerated, the situa- singing a rousing French boat song attracted a tion in Detroit was indeed serious. Gen. crowd along the city wharves. Winfield Scott and a force of soldiers Sibley completed the business with enroute to bolster Chicago area forces in Porter and spent a night with his family —

54 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 and then rejoined his voyageurs’ encamp- ment. The return voyage to the north passed uneventfully, but at Mackinac Island an angry throng fearing they brought the epidemic kept them from landing. Sibley’s crew were all for fighting their way ashore, but out of respect for the law, he ordered them to paddle to quarantine on Round Island. Convinced by their vigorous appearances that they had not been infected, the Mackinac mag- istrates relented and allowed Sibley and men to return to the island later that day. As had long been the Mackinac Island tradition, the voyageur’s safe return inspired an island-wide round of merrymaking. In 1834, Astor sold his entire interest in the northwest fur trade to a New York corporation headed by Ramsey Crooks, a long-time and trusted employee. Crooks had an important position in mind for Sibley. He would be placed in charge of fur-trading operations “from and above Lake Pepin to the distant British bound- ary line, and to the head waters of the numerous tributaries of the upper Missouri River.” In October 1834, Sibley sailed for Green Bay and via Prairie du Chien to his new headquarters near Fort Snelling at the junction of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. During his subsequent long career he would return to Michigan only occasionally to visit his family. But Michigan’s loss was Minnesota’s gain. As a delegate to congress elected in 1848, he promoted the creation of the Minnesota Territory the following year. In 1858 he won election as the new state’s first governor. During the Sioux uprising in 1862 he led the state’s military forces. He defeated the Indians he had long trad- ed with in the Battle of Wood Lake and conducted further punitive expeditions against the Sioux in 1863 and 1864. Following the Civil War, he moved to St. Paul where he remained an influen- tial figure in the state until his death in 1891. Historian Solon Buck called Sibley “the most striking figure among his contemporaries in Minnesota.” In that state a county, town, lake and state park com- Grandpa – I learned this in school. Download those pictures, memorate his name. scan the others, and burn them onto a CD for Mom.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 55 McKinney (continued from page 10)

“It was a two-day drive from national and state economies drive the Connecticut to see my mother and the “It’s not enough future and whether city government and rest of my family, who were in Northern to bring people local actors can make a difference,” she Michigan,” she remembers. “I missed explains. McKinney is also researching a my family, so I drew a circle on the map together, give them book of case studies for the National to find somewhere closer to live, and League of Cities, with a focus on the Kalamazoo was within the circle. some money, and efficacy of urban poverty reduction pro- “K was a good liberal arts school grams given continual reductions in within a half-day drive from Mackinaw, ask them to make state and federal funding. She’s tackling so that helped me make the decision. I that project with partner Kiran didn’t plan on settling down here but I changes.” Cunningham, a K-College anthropology fell in love with the area and really professor and a Washington-based enjoyed working with the students.” League partner. “That’s been the most Since beginning her tenure at tistics for economists, Public Finance, challenging aspect of time management Kalamazoo College 16 years ago, and Urban Economics. McKinney has for me with my new position as mayor,” McKinney has published numerous arti- been partnering in an economic-growth McKinney notes. “This project has to be cles on urban public finance, urban series with Dr. George Erickcek of the done on a certain time schedule, and planning and urban economic history. W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment trying to coordinate with three people’s Her typical course listings include Research, entitled Small City Blues. schedules so we can all be working Econometrics — the application of sta- “We keep questioning how the together is difficult.”

The McKinney family (Charlie’s longtime girlfriend, Katie Bennett, Jim, Charlie, Hannah and Maggie) posed for a family photo in their matching Mackinac Bridge Christmas sweatshirts.

56 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Mayor Hannah McKinney presides over a meeting of the Kalamazoo City Commission.

So far, the mayoral position hasn’t and attending city meetings with her. interfered with her duties as a college She was a good role model.” professor. “Kalamazoo College has been Grandmother clerk/treasurer also absolutely fantastic in their support of made an impact on another youngster in my efforts,” she states. “This past year, I the family. McKinney’s first cousin, knew there was a chance I would be Kevin Hiles, is the mayor of Rio Grande elected mayor, so I met with our new City in Texas. On the maternal side of president, Dr. Eileen Wilson-Oyelaran, the family, McKinney’s mother has and she said it wouldn’t be a problem.” served as the treasurer for four of her Following the election, McKinney met five city-commission campaigns. again with Wilson-Oyelaran and Provost Growing up in High Point, which Greg Mahler to discuss her duties. “The she notes was “then the furniture and only changes for me so far have been hosiery capital of the world, “McKinney curtailing my open office hours, an also recalls being on the high-school occasional late start to a class, or a rare youth council for that small southern cancellation,” she says. “I still find many city. She became their representative for other ways to be available for my stu- the federal government’s Model Cities dents when they need me.” program, which was aimed at revitaliz- ing poor urban neighborhoods. “Here I nspiration and the love of local gov- was, this 16-year-old kid and I had ernment came at an early age for never seen anything like what I experi- IHannah McKinney. Her paternal enced working with that program,” she grandmother was the elected clerk/trea- says. “Only one mile from my home, the surer of Dunkirk, Ind., for 25 years. “My city went from beautiful, well-kept brother, Chip and I would stay with her homes with flowers and trees to for extended vacations in the summer, unpaved streets, no sidewalks, trash and we literally lived at city hall,” everywhere, and little shanties. It was McKinney notes. “Our cousins would absolutely shocking to me.” also visit. All of us grew up running in The Model Cities program was and out of city hall, playing in the jail, intended to spur changes, but McKinney

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 57 McKinney said it did not accomplish much in High Balancing two careers and raising Point and many other cities. “It’s not “I try to ensure that kids is no easy task. Getting up before enough to bring people together, give I’m speaking for dawn at 4:30 a.m. to head to a 6 –10:00 them some money and ask them to a.m. on-air radio shift could be per- make changes,” she stresses. the majority of the ceived as disruptive to what many think “With Model Cities, we didn’t make of as a normal life, but Kalamazoo’s any lasting impact, even with the commission yet “first gentleman,” Jim McKinney, fondly resources, the enthusiasm and the gov- known as “Mac,” takes it in stride. ernmental support. The question that I acknowledging the As morning host on WQXC- had then and that I still have now is, FM/Cool 101 in Otsego, Jim is a sea- ‘Why not?’ Why couldn’t we do more minority points as well. soned veteran of the airwaves, having than merely move the rats from one worked in radio as an announcer or vacant yard to another? The experience It’s more challenging, news reporter since 1984. In his career, I had down South with that urban core but I feel if you can he also was involved as an educator, neighborhood project in high school something he and the mayor have in changed my life.” articulate the city common. Jim’s contribution was as a high-school English teacher in Gobles he tale of how Hannah met her policies as they’re and five years as the adult alternative- husband, Jim, begins with a education coordinator for Plainwell Tnext-door neighbor. Divorced being made, you can Community Schools. “I loved working and raising a child alone, she suddenly with those kids,” Jim says. “It was an decided it was time that Hannah started really build on them.” amazing experience.” dating. “You notice I said, ‘she Jim McKinney has also operated a decided,’” McKinney laughs, “because I DJ and music service for weddings and was definitely not interested at the time. That nice man Hannah’s friend rec- other special events for over 20 years. My friend took me with her to Mi ommended was Jim. “We always joke His agent, Curt Wiser of Wiser Ranchito restaurant to discuss HER that she kept one of the guys and gave Productions, provides regular evening decision over margaritas. She had met me the other,” Hannah chuckles. “My and weekend bookings. and briefly dated two nice men and neighbor went on to marry her first Jim and Hannah seem to juggle wanted me to date one of them. She choice, and I married Jim. I still remem- quite nicely the ongoing demands of thought I’d like him. I was reluctant at ber to thank my friend whenever I can their careers and parental duties, even first, but by the end of the evening, I for that connection because we’ve been with the added layer of the mayoral had agreed.” married for 14 years now.” obligations thrown into the mix. Their

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58 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 clothes dryer or put away the groceries. “Mostly we just pitch in or ignore it, but there’s this whole marital passive-aggres- sive thing going on,” she laughs. “It helps when your children are very task- oriented, help out on household chores and get their homework done, at least most of the time,” Jim adds with a grin in the general direction of the kids. Having both extended families nearby also gives them what Hannah calls “an incredible support network.” While walking together with their dog, Chico, the world’s most adorable Pomeranian, Jim and Hannah enjoy taking the time to talk. Usually, they also hook up a leash to Chico’s canine sibling, Sissy, the world’s second most adorable Pom who lives nearby with Professor Hannah McKinney reviews a final exam study guide with an ecomonics class at Hannah’s 80-year-old mother. Kalamazoo College. The McKinneys also have four resi- two children, Charlie, age 17, and taxi” due to city or college priorities, dent cats in their historic early 1900s Maggie, age 12, spend plenty of time on Jim steps in. “Jim is an incredible father, foursquare colonial-style home in the the computer and telephone. Maggie and we communicate well about who’s West Main Hill neighborhood. (No one plays bass guitar but also joins her doing what and when with the kids,” mentioned who gets stuck with the daily bookworm family in that much quieter she says. “He always goes the extra mile, litter-box cleaning duties.) The only pursuit. Jim quips that she is “genetical- and we have rarely ever left our kids bone of contention in the McKinney ly predisposed toward reading vora- with a sitter.” household isn’t Chico chasing the cats. ciously.” Charlie is busy focusing on life This couple claims to share most of It seems to be the same complaint you’ll after his 2006 graduation, with plans to the household duties, except Jim hates find in most dual-career family homes in attend WMU’s College of Engineering taking out the garbage and never emp- the year 2006. Not enough time togeth- next year, majoring in computer science. ties the dishwasher. Mrs. McKinney sim- er as a couple. Whenever the When Hannah can’t play “mom ply refuses to clean the lint filter in the McKinneys want to celebrate special

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APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 59 McKinney

occasions, they head back to the place where it all began. They book a quiet, romantic table and order a fruity bever- age at Mi Ranchito in Oshtemo.

nce she stopped laughing about the prospect of hobbies in her Ospare time, Hannah managed to eke out: “I quilt.” Batiks are her patterns of choice and she somehow manages to complete two or three machine-quilted projects a year. Regular exercise also helps McKinney stay on track. She lifts A young Hannah and brother Chip weights, jogs outdoors in good weather, enjoyed many and runs on a treadmill at home. “I’m extended summer not even close to being a marathon run- visits with their grandmother, ner,” she says. “I just try to stay healthy. Clara Hiles, in As for work, I try to never over-commit. Dunkirk, Ind., where she Once in a while a day gets overloaded served as city and I simply apologize. I can only do a clerk/treasurer. certain amount in any given day. I do it as well as I can and I don’t expect per- counterpart in Portage, Peter Strazdas, mayor. “While being vice mayor is an fection of myself.” have already inked an agreement on important leadership position with a lot Most of the McKinney family vaca- mutual “first response” protocol for local of work done in the background, being tions center around heading “up north” fire departments. “We’ve also agreed in mayor means that you have to speak to the family summer cottage on principal to look for ways to lower the publicly for the commission,” she notes. Douglas Lake near Cheboygan. The cost of providing services to the residents “That’s one of the biggest changes in my treks have been a tradition for years, of both cities, or to increase the quality of city role, figuring out how and when to and Hannah recalls romping with all of the services we currently provide to do that. The commission sets policy as a her cousins and friends, hiking, swim- them, at the same cost,” she stresses. Also body, and when a reporter calls me and ming, boating and fishing throughout on the table will be discussions on asks: ‘What did you do last night?’ I her childhood. economies of scale in contracting, pur- know they’re not interested in what “There are several cottages in a row chasing, or providing services, and the Hannah McKinney did. They need to on the lake, and we all tend to gather correlation of each city’s tax abatement know what the entire commission there with the extended family,” she policies. “We’re setting aside the old decided on a particular issue. says. The ultimate in relaxation for the rivalry to consider new avenues, which “I try to ensure that I’m speaking busy Kalamazoo mayor is being around will make life better for people in for the majority of the commission yet water. “If I’m feeling energetic, I’ll swim Kalamazoo and Portage,” she adds. acknowledging the minority points as or sail. If I’m relaxing, it’s with a good McKinney sees a distinct difference well. It’s more challenging, but I feel if book on the end of the dock, and hope- between the position of vice mayor and you can articulate the city policies as fully my husband will bring me some- they’re being made, you can really build thing cool to drink,” she laughs. The on them.” kids enjoy canoeing, swimming or Mayor McKinney is confident that revving up the motors of a small boat or “This is a pivotal time she can offer more of her expertise to jet ski. Chip, McKinney’s brother, settled the city from a leadership position and nearby in Cheboygan. He’s a woodwork- in Kalamazoo’s history, via the required direct and constant er, crafting custom tables or other furni- and I look forward to communication between the mayor and ture pieces, and he works at a recre- the city manager. “This is a pivotal time ational vehicle outlet. using my skills and in Kalamazoo’s history, and I look forward to using my skills and knowledge nder Mayor McKinney’s watch, knowledge on behalf on behalf of this community.” intergovernmental cooperation Personally, for the McKinney family, Umay get a boost, as she and her of this community.” the topic of intergovernmental coopera- 60 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 ENHANCING tion has turned into ongoing friendly YOUR banter now that “the mayor” is in the CORPORATE house. Jim, originally from Portage with IMAGE his parents charter residents of the city when it was founded, makes going to see the in-laws an often amicable running dialogue on new cooperative ideas. “Hannah has always been in the

niversity Kalamazoo city political arena,” Jim o ichigan U Prom 349-6805 :Western M eb & CLIENT iewbook, W notes. “She was a planning commission- USE:V er when we got married, eventually elected to the commission and served as vice mayor from 1997 to 2005, so we often have lively discussions regarding the Portage-Kalamazoo connections.” Mayor McKinney sees her “inside family information and perspective” as a plus. “Interacting with Jim’s family has helped me understand why people make the choice to either live in Kalamazoo or Portage,” she notes. “His parents grew up in Kalamazoo but ended up as char- tered Portagers. Two of his three broth- ers have moved to other parts of Kalamazoo County, outside of the city. Talking with them on a personal level has allowed me to gain more insight into the history and conflicts of this region. That makes the issues I deal South Street Cigar and Spirits with at city hall even more immediate and understandable.” Many hats: professor — mom — mayor — wife — daughter, et. al., and those are not necessarily listed in order of importance. If Shakespeare was cor- rect and “all the world” is indeed a stage, then this leading lady deserves a standing ovation. “She’s amazing,” says Jim. “I don’t know anyone else who could handle all this the way she does.” As for Hannah, she firmly states: “I love being involved in the city as mayor, but I would not do it if I felt it was neg- atively impacting my kids.” Her husband, children and family are certainly there to support McKinney in an ador- ing audience that applauds in tandem The Finest in Wines and Spirits with her political proponents. And while Riedel Stemware many of her opponents also shine a A Great Selection of Cigars and Smokers Accessories spotlight on her performance, some may join in the applause or politely watch 116 West South Street, Kalamazoo, MI from the wings. There are even bound 269.385.8188 to be a few fans from Portage.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 61 Strazdas (continued from page 16) the region. “We will continue to do a of early morning meetings, daytime potato pancake. “There was always a tub good job in Portage,” he says, “but we events, evening City Council sessions of lard with something cooking in it,” need to be more regional in focus.” and ongoing interaction with citizens. he laughs. Regarding the much-reported “con- The obvious question is: How does The family “had a very strong work flict” between the county’s two biggest he do it? The primary methods seem to ethic,” he says. “Everyone did chores. cities, Strazdas says, “Too much has be a strategic use of technology, includ- There was always something going on been written about it and read into it.” ing a notorious e-mail habit, and a for- — schoolwork, yard work and crafts Still, he has worked steadily to develop mer-professor’s skill in empowering oth- from woodworking to sewing. There positive relationships, including on elec- ers. His wife, Sharon, coordinates house- was more stuff made in that house ...” tion night when he met newly elected hold activities and the family schedule, The youngest of four, Strazdas is Kalamazoo Mayor Hannah McKinney in addition to her own job as an instruc- the only sibling to have left the Boston for the first time. Describing her as one tor at Kids’ Gym. area. His oldest brother works for the of his “newest best friends,” Strazdas Growing up on the East Coast, post office there while another brother says the two “have seen more of each Strazdas says he was “an inner-city type is a software engineer, and his sister is a other in the past two months than the kid.” His family lived in a three-flat, nurse. “Any one of us has more now cities’ mayors had in previous years.” where he spent a lot of time after school than we all had together growing up,” “A dedicated leader,” “forward- with his grandparents, who lived on the he says, the American dream a reality looking,” “multitasking,” and “endlessly second floor. His father worked as a tool for this family. energetic” are terms commonly heard and die maker and his mother was a The disciplined approach to work from those who know and work with retail clerk downtown. he learned from his family is comple- Strazdas. These characteristics serve well Both sets of grandparents had mented by leadership skills he gained in considering his day job as director of immigrated to Boston from Lithuania. the Boy Scouts. As a youngster, though, maintenance services at WMU oversees The family attended Lithuanian cultural he had no thoughts of a future leader- a 24/7 operation involving 151 struc- events and the language was spoken by ship role as an elected official or any- tures, almost nine million square feet of the older generations. Food traditions thing similar. Instead, scouting served as building space and a staff of 150, while were also part of the mix, including “the only thing that got me out of the Portage city business can take the form latkes, the traditional Eastern European city,” he says. Camping trips took his troop to New Hampshire, Vermont and Over the past 10 years, Pete Strazdas has modernized the physical plant command center at WMU spots in Massachusetts. He held a vari- where he works, allowing many of the buildings on campus to be controlled from the central location. ety of ranks in a troop of 150 scouts, culminating in the achievement of Eagle Scout. Strazdas attended public school, graduating from Boston Technical High School in 1975. He participated in many sports and served as captain of the school’s track team. During his senior year, court- ordered busing was initiated to desegre- gate the Boston district. It was a tumul- tuous time, with police escorts for buses and rocks being thrown at them. What’s interesting, he says, is that his high school already had a good mix of black and white students, as its technical spe- cialty drew pupils from the entire city.

he graduate moved on to Fitchburg State College in TFitchburg, Mass., about an hour from Boston, on the recommendation of high-school instructors who had

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The Strazdas family includes Kallie, Sharon, Shannon, Pete and Michael, with Skittles sitting on Sharon’s lap. 343-2671 1120 S. Burdick St. • Kalamazoo observed a potential for teaching. Their from an observant instructor. Dr. Jack suggestion suited him — he studied Wescott, a WMU graduate and then a industrial education, getting a bachelor’s young professor at Fitchburg, told his degree in 1979. protégé: “You can go teach in any high While at Fitchburg, Strazdas school in Massachusetts, but you are a became involved in student organiza- good leader and should go to graduate tions and honor fraternities. In a pattern school.” Strazdas took the advice, not Convenience that has repeated itself many times only to continue in school, but also to &Value. since, he joined the industrial arts club do it at WMU. and ended up its president. As a senior, Traveling to southwest Michigan For various size ● Seating up to gatherings– he was selected as the top student in his was an adventure in itself for the young 200 guests field. He did construction work during man. He packed his belongings in his Meetings–Banquets Small or large. the summers, starting a small business Ford pickup and headed west, routing with a friend during his last year in col- himself through Canada with a stop at lege. “It was a huge learning experience, Niagara Falls on the way. but we didn’t make a lot,” he says. As a graduate assistant at Western, His own academic accomplishments Strazdas taught industrial subjects to notwithstanding, Strazdas says it is his undergraduates during the day and next oldest brother who is the “genius” focused on his own studies in the in the family, attending the well-known evenings and during summer school. He ● A/V equipment ● Accomodation discounts for your Boston Latin School before being accept- earned his master’s degree on a fast ● Free DSL high speed internet hotel rooms! ed to the Massachusetts Institute of track, taking just a year to finish. Technology on a full scholarship. Luckily, he found time to be Strazdas visited him at MIT various involved in the student industrial arts times in the mid-1970s, getting a organization that served as both an glimpse of the massive computers on honor society and a social club. At one campus and hearing for the first time of the group’s events, he met a fellow about a thing called “e-mail.” industrial education student, Sharon An industrial education degree Colella. A Muskegon native, Sharon was Banquet & Conference Center qualified Strazdas to teach at middle and preparing to become a drafting teacher. US-131 & M-89 ● 269.685.4015 high-school levels. His plans to do so, She liked the Bostonian’s accent, which comfortinn-banquet.com however, were detoured by more advice she says “was extremely thick” (though

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 63 Strazdas now is only noticeable in a word here or “all-but-dissertation”). When their first there). The two shared a ride home and “One of his strengths is child was born in 1983, they were living hit it off. he facilitates; he brings in a mobile home in Kalamazoo. They Sharon also earned a master’s in made a conscious decision that Sharon industrial education and landed a long- people together to make would be a stay-at-home mom with term substitute teaching position at young Shannon and the two little ones Kalamazoo’s South Junior High School. things happen. You that followed. “We did not have a lot of The job’s focus, however, was wood- money,” says Strazdas, who took on working, quite different from her draft- don’t have to have all construction jobs in addition to his aca- ing background. Looking back, she and demic pursuits. her husband laugh when they describe the answers. You can go Michael was born three years later, how he paid some unofficial “guest and the family became Portage resi- instructor” visits to her classroom to to him with an idea and dents, buying a house on Westchester help out. a thought process.” Street. Their youngest, daughter Strazdas’ original intentions had Kallerine, came along while they were been to return to Massachusetts after building their current home on Crown getting a degree. Once graduated, how- he says opting to raise their family here Pointe Circle. The house is an expres- ever, he had two new factors to consid- was “without a doubt, the right decision of the couple’s training and talents. er: his relationship with Sharon and an sion.” Sharon did all the design and drafting, offer to teach full time at Western. while her husband did the construction, They considered moving east but in he couple married in August getting help from some of his Western the end decided against it. “I enjoy the 1981. Strazdas accepted the students. “I also filled all the nail pace and the environment in the Portage Tteaching position at Western and holds,” Sharon points out with a gri- area,” Strazdas says. And recalling the also started work toward a doctorate in mace. tough community in which he grew up, educational leadership (in which he is After 10 years as a university

64 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Center, the remodeling of Waldo Library, and the Student Recreation Center. Five years later, he was tapped for his current role as director of maintenance services, part of the WMU Physical Plant. “Pete was on my radar screen,” says Physical Plant Director L. John Goes, explaining that he targeted Strazdas for the position. “He’s an unbelievable person. He inherited a traditional maintenance services operation 10 years ago. He’s turned it into a state of the art — one of the best in the Midwest and maybe the nation.” Strazdas says the new position “was the hugest challenge I ever had.” As construction manager, he’d dealt with con- Olympic Gold Medalist and Portage native Lindsey Tarpley receives a Portage Soccer Club jersey tracts and multimillion-dollar budgets, from Mayor Pete Strazdas during a 2005 celebration recognizing Tarpley’s accomplishments on the soccer field. but had no employees. The new position presented a staff of 150, including many instructor, Strazdas learned of “an istrator in 1990, during the tenure of unionized, skilled-trades people, along opportunity to do something else I real- President Diether Haenicke. Projects he with a number of professionals. The test ly enjoyed — managing construction.” directed include the Lee Honors College was not so much the technical side of the He became WMU’s construction admin- facility, the University Computing job but the leadership it demanded.

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 65 Strazdas

The position seems to draw on all of Strazdas’ past experience and formal training. The perennial advocate of education says he’s applied what he learned and credits Goes as a teacher and “real role model.” All indications are that his efforts have been highly successful. A key part of that success has been integrating people and technology in innovative ways. “Pete’s moved this organization into the next century with technology,” says Cathi Walter, administrative assistant to Director Goes. “Getting more square footage without additional staffing means you have to work smarter,” she adds, referring especially to the university’s new Parkview Campus and its College of Engineering buildings. Working smarter has involved a whirlwind of new initiatives led by While fishing on a family vacation, Pete Strazdas shows off his catch. Strazdas, including a computerized maintenance management system that his outlook, stating, “We’ve got great good preparation, but the transition to enables electronic work orders (not a people here. We want to continue climb- City Council required a shift in thinking trivial pursuit when you deal with more ing that ladder — the sky’s the limit.” — from dealing with tangibles like land than 50,000 of them per year). An and structures to the more abstract extensive deferred and preventative hile Strazdas’ transition notion of policy, he says. maintenance plan has drastically from classroom to mainte- As the end of his first council term reduced facilities emergencies. Many Wnance administrator is per- drew near, Strazdas was again campus buildings are now controlled haps not the most common, his public approached for a new role. Then-mayor electronically from the Starship service in Portage has followed a more James Graham and others asked him to Enterprise-like command center located traditional path. Guided by early advice run for mayor, a two-year slot. “It was near Strazdas’ Physical Plant office. from his parents to participate and give not a hard decision. I was interested and The new technologies, and particu- back, he became involved in some of the up for the challenge,” he says. The larly the way they are applied by city’s volunteer citizen boards in the late result was one of the larger victories in Strazdas’ team, have brought the opera- 1980s. He was appointed to Portage’s recent Portage mayoral elections. tion to the attention of peers at institu- 2020 initiative, a visioning process that, Along the way, Strazdas has been tions like the University of Michigan, in 1990, looked 30 years into the city’s active in other community and profes- Yale and Notre Dame. future. A highlight, he says, was meeting sional activities. He was president of the Anand Sankey, a mechanical engi- fellow participant Betty Lee Ongley, who Kalamazoo Home Builders Association neer who works for Strazdas, explains had been elected Portage’s first woman and helped that group initiate an annual some of his boss’s traits: “One of his mayor in 1973. “She encouraged me to building event with Habitat for strengths is he facilitates; he brings peo- participate in something significant,” he Humanity. Governor Engler appointed ple together to make things happen. You says, adding respectfully, “When I think him to the MiOSHA Construction Safety don’t have to have all the answers. You I’m tired or busy, I just look at her.” Standards Commission, where he is in can go to him with an idea and a Next he served on the city’s his third term. thought process.” He adds that, in the Planning Commission for seven years, Currently finishing up a three-year fast-paced environment, Strazdas will chairing it during the last two. Around stint as president of the Portage Soccer take a moment to remind his colleagues this time, several people approached Club, Strazdas admits, “This is probably of all that they’ve accomplished, before him about running for City Council. He the busiest thing I’ve done.” The returning his focus to the road ahead agreed and was elected to a four-year Strazdas children all played soccer with and asking, “What’s next?” term. the club, which is run by volunteers. The maintenance director sums up The Planning Commission was The year 2004 was a special time

66 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 for the club. The summer Olympics were on and the U.S. women’s soccer team included former club member and Portage Central standout Lindsay Tarpley. When the team won the gold, Strazdas realized “we’ve got to do something special.” The result was “Lindsay Tarpley Day,” featuring the “pure crazi- ness of closing down Westnedge Avenue at dinner time on a Friday” for a parade of 1,000 soccer kids. Tarpley, who had just broken her leg, still made the trip back and was honored at a ceremony the next day. “She was so humble. What a first-class individual. She was so appreciative of what we did,” he says in a tone that reveals the meaning the special event had for him as well. On the home front, life has changed a bit for the family in recent years. The two oldest children are both WMU students. Shannon graduates this year and may move west, as her father did at the same point in his life. Michael is a sophomore with an interest in business and computers. Kallerine, 14, has appar- ently taken some time-management lessons from her dad. She’s involved in her church youth group, soccer, volley- ball, and is a level-8 gymnast. Skittles, a friendly Maltese, is the smallest member of the family. The mayor and his wife find time for an occasional break. They bowl in a couple’s league and, when possible, spend Saturday evenings with close friends at a restaurant. “We have fun,” says Sharon, describing how the bunch will drift into separate groups of men and women. And the conversation at the men’s table? “We don’t want to know,” she confirms with a smile. For now, Strazdas seems to have his plate full, a situation that pleases him. He has plenty of opportunities to exercise a skill that brings personal satisfaction — dealing with tough issues head- on. He’s well aware that his mayoral tenure will be judged two years from now. “If we did make positive change, I will be very gratified,” he says. In the meantime, he notes, “I’m having the time of my life.”

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 67 Stay Tuned (cont. from page 35) Eventsof flexible. Taiji and Qi Gong are probably Note two of the finest heart and lung exercises for people — especially for those who are not capable of strenuous exercise. Taiji and Qi Gong both include medita- (continued from page 39) tion techniques and are extremely effective for calming and stilling the mind, Spring Break Hands-on Happenings — releasing stress and retarding the aging Create show memorabilia, make percus- process. sion, string, and wind instruments, learn about unique instruments from around the world, meet area musicians. Programs: “In Classes in Taiji and Qi Gong are the Wind,” April 3; “Feel the Beat,” April offered in Kalamazoo, Portage, Vicksburg, 4; “International Sounds,” April 5; “Listen and Plainwell by Ed Kehoe, who is certi- to the Stories,” April 6; “Strings and fied to teach the Sun style short form, Things,” April 7. Programs 1–4 p.m. which has been adopted by the Arthritis Music at the Museum — Kalamazoo Foundation. Ed has studied martial arts Songwriters II — Allow yourself to be for close to 30 years and Taiji for close to astounded by the diversity of songwriting 20 years. His classes include all age and performing talent in Kalamazoo. April 13, 7:30 p.m. Call for tickets. groups, young and old. There are over 20 Sunday History Series — Kalamazoo has classes a week offered locally, and most been home to many fine musical instru- can be observed free of charge. For more ment manufacturers and musical publish- information regarding class schedules and ers. Learn the history of organ manufac- rates, please call (269) 217-2932 or email turer Delos Philips, mandolin maker [email protected] Orville Gibson, publisher Burton Fischer and those who carry on that tradition today. April 23, 1:30 p.m.

Air Zoo 382-6555:

(continued from page 12) Event: Vietnam: Journey of the Heart — This Smithsonian Institution traveling The brightly marked “painted turtle” is exhibit presents 52 images of post-war often seen in Michigan’s lakes, rivers, ponds Vietnam taken by Vietnam veteran Geoffrey Clifford; descriptive text accom- and streams. Its flat upper shell is easily identifi- panies each photograph. Through April 8. able with yellow and red markings on a black or Cub Scout Day — Cub Scouts learn about greenish-brown background. Known to live for aviation, science and space for their several decades, the turtles bask in the sun in badges. Professionals from the aerospace large groups on logs, fallen trees, and other world join museum volunteers in creating a number of fun, interactive learning expe- objects, ridding themselves of parasitic leeches. riences. April 8, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. They hibernate in the mud during winter and re- emerge in early spring to mate. In the early summer, females lay 4–15 oval, soft-shelled eggs in a Nature hole in soft, sandy soil exposed to the sun. Once hatched, the young dig out of the nest on their Kalamazoo Nature Center own and are immediately independent. Take time 381-1574 in your Michigan travels to look for these colorful turtles enjoying the sun — you could see as many Coyotes, the Untamed Dogs of Our Neighborhoods — Meet Kalamazoo as 50 on one log, sometimes stacked on top of County’s largest predator. Study their skins one another! and skulls; walk outdoors to look for signs of coyotes. April 7, 1–2:30 p.m.

68 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 Great Lakes Acoustic Music Association — Jam Session — Stop in to enjoy the music or bring your instrument and join in on the fun! April 8, 2–5 p.m. Egg-citing Natural Dyes — Make beautiful, unique eggs using dyes made from cabbages, onionskins, and other common kitchen ingredients. Bring enough hard- boiled eggs for your whole family to participate. April 9, 2 p.m. Wildflower Walks — Take golf cart tour of the Beech Maple forest in search of native Michigan wildflowers. April 15, 2 p.m. Hit the trails and enjoy the beautiful native wildflowers in the Beech Maple woods. April 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m. Spring Hikes — Look for blooming wildflowers, budding trees, active insects, and frogs and turtles. April 16, 2 p.m. Come see and hear the birds that have migrated back to the area. April 17 & 24, 8–9:30 a.m.

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy 324-1600

Earth Day with the Stewardship Network — A Kalamazoo community gar- lic-mustard pull will be held at Kleinstuck Preserve. April 22. Call for details. Annual Meeting and Conservation Celebration — Celebrate our 2005 suc- INDEX TO ADVERTISERS cesses and see what’s planned in 2006. Absolute Video Productions...... 44 Irwin Union Bank ...... 70 George Burgoyne speaks on the steward- Alfieri Jewelers ...... 21 Jansen Valk Thompson & Reahm...... 19 ship and land ethic. KVCC, Student Allen Edwin Homes ...... 13 Just Good Food...... 69 Commons Theater. April 27, 6:30 p.m. Arcadia Investment Management Corp ...... 28 Kalamazoo/BC Airport ...... 26 Borgess Medical Center...... 5 Kalamazoo Community Foundation ...... 15 reception, 7:00 meeting. Bravo! ...... 18 Kalamazoo Custom Kitchens...... 58 Wau-Ke-Na Workday — Mark bound- Bronson Healthcare Group ...... 33 Kalamazoo Foot Surgery...... 59 aries, map trails, and inventory plants and Comfort Inn & Banquet Center...... 63 Kalamazoo Neuro Institute ...... 72 Constance Brown Hearing Center ...... 22 Kalamazoo Singers ...... 31 animals in this new preserve north of Cornerstone Office Systems...... 21 Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra...... 43 Glenn. All ages are welcome! April 29, Creekside Business Center...... 20 Kalamazoo Valley Museum...... 67 9 a.m.–noon. CSM Group ...... 7 Keystone Community Bank ...... 22 CTS Communications, Inc...... 34 Kirshman & Associates...... 2 Kesling Nature Preserve Dedication — Data Constructs ...... 49 Kooper’s Marine ...... 48 Join us in dedicating this spectacular bird- Dave’s Glass Service ...... 35 K-Valley Orthopedics ...... 50 ing preserve donated by Peter and DeHaan Remodeling ...... 54 Langeland Family Funeral Homes...... 44 DeMent & Marquardt, P.L.C...... 53 Lawrence Productions...... 64 Charlene Kesling in Three Oaks, Berrien Susan Dennis, DDS ...... 51 MacKenzies’ Bakery...... 68 County. April 30, 1–3 p.m. Call for details. DeYoung Landscape ...... 31 Magnuson Leonard Dental...... 27 Dobbs Optical ...... 55 Millbrook Printing ...... 3 Douglas & Son...... 20 Millennium Restaurant Group...... 29 A. G. Edwards ...... 8 Miller Auditorium...... 23 We publish the work of local poets in Fifth/Third Bank ...... 4 Miller Davis...... 12 each issue. Please submit poetry to Flipse, Meyer, Allwardt ...... 22 Oppenheimer ...... 47 Food Dance Cafe...... 54 The Park Club...... 71 Encore Magazine for consideration. Fountains at Bronson Place ...... 51 Parkway Plastic Surgery...... 67 Include a short personal profile and Framemaker ...... 32 Julie K. Phillips, Attorney ...... 47 phone number. You will be contacted Gilmore Enterprises ...... 45 Plastic Surgery of Kalamazoo, P.C...... 30 Gilmore Keyboard Festival ...... 19 Portage Printing ...... 44 before poetry is published. John Gilroy Photography...... 61 Radisson Plaza Hotel...... 65 Greenleaf Trust...... 6 Raymond James & Associates...... 18 Encore Magazine Griffin Pest Control...... 32 Raymond James & Associates...... 49 Harbour Bay Furniture...... 43 Salut Fine Wine & Spirits...... 57 c/o Poetry Editor M. Harrell & Company...... 20 J. Peter Schma ...... 7 350 S. Burdick St., Suite 316 Heilman’s...... 61 Sledrunner Financial...... 13 Heritage Community ...... 14 South Street Cigar & Wine ...... 61 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Hiemstra Optical ...... 30 Stewart Clarke Furniture ...... 49 [email protected] IdUN Spa & Salon ...... 57 VanderSalm’s Flower Shop ...... 63

APRIL 2006 • ENCORE 69 Answer to GuessWHO Bob Brink

Lifetime Kalamazooan Bob Brink likes to shape his actions as an elected public official and a broadcasting entrepreneur with this saying: “Those who can … find a way. Those who can’t … find an excuse.” The 1966 graduate of Loy Norrix High School is the reigning Costume courtesy of Tony Gerard, Timid Rabbit Costume Shop chairman of the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners, find- ing time for public service in between his duties as the president including the minutes of county board meetings, and spends as of Forum Communications, which operates WQXC-FM “Cool 101 much time out of doors as leisure time allows. – The Oldies Station” and WZUU-FM “The Zoo 92.3 The Real The father of two attended Kalamazoo Valley Community Rock Station.” College and served a two-year hitch in the Army from 1967 to He was elected to head the county board after voters gave 1969. He came back from Vietnam with a Bronze Star, Purple him a second two-year term as a commissioner. He prepped for Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. county-wide elected public service as a 10-year member of the citi- Son Justin David (J.D.) trained for his career in Chicago zen advisory board of the Kalamazoo Metro Transit System. advertising at Western Michigan University. Daughter Bethany, Other community service includes the governing boards of who graduated from Grand Valley State University, is closer to the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce and the home as the proprietor of Something’s Brewing at 120 W. South St. Westwood Little League. He plays golf, enjoys all kinds of reading, in downtown Kalamazoo.

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For the past six years, José Santamaria and the rest of the Kalamazoo banking team have been providing area businesses and professionals with a wealth of experience and knowledge for their banking and finance needs.

Together, we are carrying forward a tradition that dates back to 1871, the year we were founded, offering personalized financial services delivered by experienced and talented local banking professionals.

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Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC.

70 ENCORE • APRIL 2006 JOHN GILROY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Park Club building and cityscape, 2004

We invite you to join The Park Club and discover its unique history and rich tradition;where business and culture meet in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo.

HISTORY The Park Club of Kalamazoo celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2004.The Club was originally located in the Balch home on the corner of Rose and South Streets. In the late 1920s, the growing club purchased the William S. Lawrence Queen Anne style mansion. Located right next door, it was built in 1898 and remains the Club’s home today.

SERVICES The Park Club is a private, social dining club serving lunch and dinner daily, as well as providing meeting space, banquets and catering for its members.The twelve unique dining rooms offer a variety of settings to suit any occasion, from small and intimate personal affairs to corporate meetings and large gatherings of all kinds.

MEMBERSHIP Our members and guests enjoy the finest in hand-crafted food, select wines and personalized service in an historic setting.The Park Club offers several membership categories to suit various personal and professional levels of Club use and activity. Membership is open to men and women 21 years of age and over.

We hope you will join us today. The Park Club A SECOND CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE

www.parkclub.net (269) 381-0876 • 219 West South Street, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49007 The one and only...

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