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Spring 2012 edition of South West Michigan Community Voices

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Page 1: Community Voices-Spring 2012
Page 2: Community Voices-Spring 2012

12th Street ElementaryAlamo ElementaryAmberly ElementaryAngling Road ElementaryArcadia Elementary SchoolBoys & Girls ClubClimax-Scotts ElementaryComstock East ElementaryComstock Green Meadow ElementaryComstock North ElementaryComstock Northeast MiddleCooper ElementaryDix Street ElementaryEast Leroy ElementaryEdison Environmental Science AcademyEl Sol ElementaryForest AcademyGagie SchoolGaleburg Augusta MiddleGalesburg Augusta PrimaryGilkey ElementaryGreenwood ElementaryGull Lake MiddleGull Lake Ryan IntermediateHaverhill ElementaryHillside MiddleIndian Lake ElementaryIndian Prairie ElementaryKalamazoo Christian ElementaryKalamazoo Country Day SchoolKazoo SchoolKing Westwood ElementaryLake Center ElementaryLincoln International Studies SchoolLinden Grove MiddleMaple Street Magnet

Mattawan Later ElementaryMattawan Middle School

Milwood ElementaryMilwood Magnet

Montessori SchoolMount Zion Baptist Church

Northglade Montessori Magnet SchoolOakland Academy Moorsbridge Elementary

Otsego MiddleParamount Charter Academy

Parchment Central ElementaryParchment Middle

Parchment North ElementaryParchment Northwood Elementary

Parkwood Upjohn ElementaryPlainwell Middle

Portage Central ElementaryPortage North Middle

Portage YMCAPrairie Ridge Elementary

Schoolcraft Upper ElementarySpring Valley Center for Exploration

St. Augustine Cathedral SchoolSt. Margaret Catholic SchoolSt. Michael Lutheran SchoolSt. Monica Catholic School

Starr ElementarySunset Lake Elementary

Tobey ElementaryVicksburg Middle

Washington Street ElementaryWashington Writers Academy

Winchell ElementaryWoodland Elementary

Woods Lake ElementaryWoodward Elementary

Page 3: Community Voices-Spring 2012

3SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

Celebrating Life, Celebrating CommunitySpring is the season to celebrate. Community Voices celebrates seven years of providing a positive perspective, by highlighting those who contribute their talents and gifts to our communities. In this issue we celebrate Girls on the Run and their 10th year of inspiring girls through lessons of healthy living inside and out. We celebrate Pretty Lake Camp for 96 years of providing free camping experiences to more than 50,000 at-risk children. We celebrate local entrepreneurs who have followed their dreams. We celebrate Kalamazoo Public Schools for their literacy efforts. Let’s celebrate! See you Online!

Sonya Bernard-HollinsEditor-In-Chief

From the Publisher Your Community, Your Voice

MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE

Volume 01, Issue 05

Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010)Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-)Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-HollinsGraphic Design

Fortitude Graphic Design Webmaster Geoffrey BregeContributor Andrew Prout PhotographersEileen Meslar Sean Hollins

For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com

write: Community Voices

P.O. Box 51042Kalamazoo, MI 49005

or call:269-365-4019

Cover Art: Chad Sutton

Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Free issues are available throughout West Michigan. Subscriptions are available. No parts of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.

ContentsWhat’s Inside

4 Joining for Literacy KPS, Community Voices highlight literacy.

6 Pretty AmazingApproaching 100 years of kids at camp.

8 Hall of FameBattle Creek Central honors alumni.

11 On CanvasAlbion artist creates unique caricatures.

14 You Go, Girl! Girls on the Run--10 years of success.

See full stories and links at www.comvoicesonline.com/category/magazine

Page 4: Community Voices-Spring 2012

4 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com4 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

“Illiteracy can be eradicated.” Michael F. Rice, Ph.D., superintendent, Kalamazoo Public Schools

Provide children with a simple dose of reading, beginning when they are in the womb. That early language development, which will lead to a lifestyle of literacy, is something Michael F. Rice Ph.D., (superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools) said can be the start of making illiteracy a thing of the past.

“We should be able to be a literate nation...but to what ex-tent do we want to push for it? We can start in our communities,” Rice said.

Community Voices will share the importance of literacy in our community through special edition inserts in the Kalamazoo Public Schools’ April, May, and June Excelsior.

Our inserts will highlight those who have benefited from early literacy efforts in the home, those working as a part of the Lift Up Through Literacy programs throughout the community, and the importance of having a community that reads.

Together, we can inspire others to make literacy a lifestyle, and create a Reading Community. View these inserts online at www.comvoicesonline.com/issues.

Page 5: Community Voices-Spring 2012

5SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

See more photos at www.comvoicesonline.com/

gallery

“The power of reading helps children expand their minds to a whole- wide world of careers and opportunities.” The Rev. Jesse Herron, pastor, New Life Fellowship Church.

Hortencia and Uriel Gomez pose with their children Jasmin, 6; and Lisette, 2, during the library event.

Andrea and Drew Rogers pose with their son, Chrishon, 6, at Kalamazoo Public Library.

“Parents and grand-parents want more for their children. As a community we want more for our children. Reading is the foundation they need.” The Rev. Denise Posey, president, Northside Ministerial Alliance

“We’ve got to open the eyes of our children to help them experience what they can, and must have to sur-

vive in the age of technology. Getting them into the library is the beginning.” Charles Warf-ield, president, NAACP-Kalama-zoo Chapter.

First Saturday@KPL

www.kvcc.edu/StayYou

STAY YOU.

Page 6: Community Voices-Spring 2012

6 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

MATTAWAN- Edward Desenberg ‘s name may not sound familiar to many. However, if you are one of the more than 50,000 students who have enjoyed the swimming, cabin life, and awesome counselors of Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, you are a part of his legacy.

In 1916, he started Pretty Lake Camp on five acres of land with one building, and 15 campers. Today, the camp sits on 250 acres at 9123 W. Q Ave., in Mattawan, and provides free camping experiences to 700 campers each summer. Along with free camping for children, (everything from clothing to food is provided) the facilities are available for family reunions, business retreats, and organization gatherings; all for less than the price of a hotel room. The Outdoor Experiential Learning Center allows students the opportunity to explore the woods, wetlands, wildflowers, and work the gardens, which provide food to the campers and the community’s needy. The Adventure Centre provides team-building challenges for youth and adults.

Pretty Lake Camp turns 100 in 2016. The Pretty Amazing campaign seeks to raise $2.3 million to improve camp facilities and allow more campers a free, memorable experience.

The impact Pretty Lake has on the lives of students is obvious. More than 40% of students return each year; former students become camp counselors, and alumni of the camp are active in raising funds for future campers. John Woollam has fond memories of Pretty Lake, and has offered a $500,000 match towards a permanent endowment for Pretty Lake Camp. Why? Because Pretty Lake is Pretty Amazing! Learn more about becoming a counselor, camper, campaign volunteer, or donor at www.comvoicesonline.com/category/magazine.

Photos provided by Pretty Lake

Page 7: Community Voices-Spring 2012

7SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

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Community Voices Congratulates the 2011-12

Battle Creek Hall of Fame Nominees

Jack Budrow

‘40

Cindy (Head) Cheyne

‘70

James Demarest

‘76

Elmer Eglekraut

‘53

Rev. Dr. James Gysel

‘64

James Nofs ‘43

William Pincoe

‘57

Pierce Roberts

‘48

Erick Stewart

‘87

Vernie Merze Tate

‘22

VirginiaWinship

Robert Wolfe

‘57

INDUCTEES WILL BE HONORED ON APRIL 21, 2012 AT THE BATTLE CREEK COUNTRY CLUB. FOR TICKETS, CALL 269-963-9136. Full profiles at:www.comvoicesonline.com/category/magazine

Page 9: Community Voices-Spring 2012

9SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

Zena Blake has found her groove. Transitioning to Kalamazoo

College from high school in Ypsilanti was a challenge for this self-described

reserved person. But she met her challenges head on and hasn’t looked back.

The College helped Zena in part by connecting

her to people in the community. She’s worked as a math aide at Kalamazoo Central High School and

as a counselor at a summer algebra camp for Kalamazoo Public Schools students held on

K’s campus.

Now a junior math major with an interest in criminal psychology, Zena

plans to complete a senior project on the effects, importance, and value

of math enrichment programs in Kalamazoo.

“The people here really

make it special,” Zena said about Kalamazoo.

“I’ve made good friends.”

More in Four. More in a lifetime.

www.kzoo.edu

Page 10: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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By Andrew Prout

KALAMAZOO – Tori Cobb is always ready to be unique when her customers walk through her door. She creates everything from one-of-a-kind key chains for family reunions, to personal-ized sports memorabilia for little leagues, pro teams, and everyone in between.

“We get new requests everyday and work with the customers to make sure what they want is special. I think that is the most fulfilling part of my job; seeing

the customer

come in with an idea, and make it into some-thing real,” said Cobb who has operated Amazing Acrylics since 1999.

The small business creates items to help their customers preserve memories with personalized photo plaques, display cases, event cake toppers, Greek col-lege organization paddles, and promotional trinkets for fairs or more formal events.

The store walls are decorated with her unique sports memo-rabilia; some of which has been

signed by coaches

and NFL players like Kalamazoo’s Green

Bay Packers’ star, Greg Jennings. Their ability to create exclusive items has led to Cobb being recognized by many art and business organizations. Giv-ing her customers what they want has been the secret to her success. And, it all started during the Beanie Baby craze.

“I specialized in creating TY Beanie Baby Retirement Homes from acrylic,” Cobb said laugh-ing. “You won’t believe how popular Beanie Babies were in the 90s.”

10 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

Photos by Eileen Meslar

Page 11: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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Capturing Faces for All Occasions ALBION-You can’t help but smile when Jerome Washington Sr., says, “Are you ready for this?” As he flips his giant sketch pad you see yourself transformed into a caricature fit for any cartoon series. He has a magic about himself that captivates kids and city officials alike, as they anticipate seeing how Mr. Washington will make their faces into art to be treasured.

Washington is a 1971 graduate of Albion High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, and took art classes at Calvin College after attending Grand Rapids School of Bible and Music in 1974. He left his job in a factory to become an artist and work with children. He has served as the principal artist commis-sioned to create a line of greeting cards for Right to Life of Michigan, and his unique work led to the City of Albion hiring him to created caricature posters of Albion leaders during its Discover Albion campaign. He was the artist-in-residence for a 18’x35’ city mural project in Albion, which exposed children of the Albion Youth Power and the Irish Hills Girl Scout council, to art.

Washington’s Brown Sugar Greeting Card line provides special cards and notes featuring chil-dren of color, and can also be customized with the images of real children for

unique family greetings.

His artistic style has led to him being commis-sioned to immortalize historic Michigan figures such as the Tuskegee Airmen of Albion, Battle Creek’s Sojourner Truth, and Detroit’s Aretha Franklin. His works are displayed in galleries, books, and on the walls of businesses and col-leges.

Washington is highly sought-after in Michigan schools, churches, and media such as Commu-nity Voices magazine, to create quick caricatures, profiles, and murals for unique fund-raising efforts.

“I enjoy drawing children in particular because it helps kids to focus on the positive part of their lives instead of the negative part,” Washington said. “With the influx of violence and unhappi-ness among so many people today, I try to bring a little sunshine in people’s lives when I draw them.”

Find out how Washington can help your school or organization fund raising efforts by visiting: www.washoriginals.com.

Photos by Sean Hollins

Page 12: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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With transition into the delightful spring season comes graduations, proms, wed-dings, and fancy soirees. While on a quest for the perfect ensemble, you must put your

best face forward. In creating your celebrated look, remember…less is more!

Getting the Look

*A splash of shimmering color on the lid brightens up the eyes.

*A stroke of heavy liner on top and bottom---a “cat eye” effect, takes our look from everyday to gala ready.

*Add a sweep of bronzer and blush to pop the cheeks.

*Add a lip color to flatter your pout and compliments the eye color.

*Flawless skin and lots of mascara is a must to make flirty natural or faux lashes stellar.

*Fresh, elegant, sophisticated, yet sexy and dreamy, is the look to be celebrated!

Cataanda James has represented L’Oreal at the Sundance Film Festival, Speaking of Women’s Health, and Essence Music Festival. She is a national consultant for L’Oreal Paris. Visit www.cataandaj.com, or email:[email protected] to schedule a consultation.

12 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

Model Vanessa Shields, face of Simply Chic Boutique, gets her finishing touches by Kalamazoo native and stylist to the stars, Cataanda James. Photos by Sean Hollins

Photos by Sean Hollins

Page 13: Community Voices-Spring 2012

13SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

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CareSource provides medically necessary, Medicaid-covered services, plus EXTRA benefits and services like:

n NO co-pays for office visits or prescription drugs n Free transportation options

n Babies First: a gift card wellness program for moms-to-be and their babies n CareSource 24: a 24-hour, 365 day nurse advice line for health issues

You should know you have a choice… choose CareSource.

To enroll in CareSource, please call Michigan ENROLLS at 1-888-367-6557 or 1-800-975-7630.

© 2012 CareSource. All Rights Reserved.MI-M-320 MDCH Approved 4/20/2011

Call CareSource to get more plan information:

1-800-390-7102 or (TTY for the hearing impaired at

1-800-649-3777 or 711). You can also view information on our

website at www.caresource.com

MI-M-320 ad3.indd 1 2/24/12 2:33 PM

Page 14: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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By Sonya Hollins The crowd goes wild as hundred of runners begin

making their trek back into Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University. The music blares as the mega monitors capture the determined faces of those pushing toward the finish line of the 5K run/walk. Moms scream, “You’re almost there!” Friends hold out their hands for a high-five congratulations along the track.

After 10 weeks of training, that’s what the thousands of girls who participate in the Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run program, will experience on May 24. However, the event is just

one part of what it means to be one of the Girls on the Run.

It’s more than just running.”

Sandy Barry-Loken- director, Greater Kalamazoo GOTR Chapter

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Page 15: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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For the past 10 years, the Greater Kalamazoo Chapter of Girls of the Run has been a part of the national program found-ed by Molly Barker in 1996.

According www.girlsontherun.org, Barker, a four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete, used her counseling and teaching exper-tise with research on adolescent issues, to develop the first curriculum for the organiza-tion.

With 13 girls in Charlotte, NC, the innovative, experiential program coupled training for a 5k-event, with life-changing,

confidence building lessons that enhance the physical and mental health of 8–12 year old girls.

Today, Kalamazoo is just one of the 150 cities in North America which offer the program to in-spire girls to be healthy, inside and out.

During the noncompetitive race girls finish in anywhere from 23 to 90 minutes.

“We encouraged girls to just get there; cross the finish line, and give credit to others for their accomplishment,” said Sandy Barry-Loken, director of the lo-cal chapter.

The praise from the race is just

the icing on the cake. During the weeks leading up to the event girls are coached at their school twice a week. Women in their communities volunteer to teach the structured after-school cur-riculum, which includes team-building, the importance of healthy eating, making the right choices in life, and how to treat others. Each lesson ends with exercise which prepares the girls for the 5K event.

Students also participates in a community service project they create.

What Barry-Loken stresses to her coaches is an atmosphere

(continued on next page)

15SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

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(continued from page 15)

where girls can encourage one another to reach their goals. After girls participate in Girls on the Run, students can continue in grades 6-8, with the opportunity to participate in Girls on Track each fall.“These (Girls on Track) girls talk about issues that may be facing them, and girls their age; such as eating disorders, relationships, and more mature subjects,” Barry-Loken said.

The program has spread like wildfire throughout schools and churches, however one challenge is for more women of color to participate as mentors and coaches during the program. With child-hood obesity rates escalating, particularly in the minority communities, organizers feel it is vital that women of diverse backgrounds participate to inspire girls during a crucial time in their lives. Search for the story on former coach and retired judge, Carolyn Williams, at: www.comvoicesonline.com. At the completion of the event, New Balance gives the girls the brand new shoes fitted for them by Gazelle Sports at the beginning of their season. With new shoes in hand, new friendships, and new lessons learned, the program continues to be a success in their mission to, “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident.” *See more on the local Girls on the Run at: girlsontherunkzoo.org

Eat Healthy Foods

Exercise your body

Energize your mind

Do 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day. Those who are not physically active are more likely to: * Get heart disease * Get type 2 diabetes * Have high blood pressure * Have high cholesterol * Have a stroke

Health information from www.choosemyplate.gov

Read at least 30 minutes each day and you will be more creative, and do better in school and college. Reading helps in mental development and is known to stimulate the muscles of the eyes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/354498

1 2 3

Photos provided by Girls on the Run

16 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

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17SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

familyhealthcenter

Growing to meet the needs of our Community with comprehensive quality care in a welcoming environment.

Page 18: Community Voices-Spring 2012

18 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

KALAMAZOO – In 1998, Clarence Gardner’s wife, Do-reen, had an idea. She wanted to open a shop, which catered to church-going women who wanted to look their best. A year later she, and partner, Gwen Moore (first lady of Mt. Zion Baptist Church) opened First Lady Hats & Accessories, on 414 N. Rose St.

“We had two sides to our original store when we first opened. My wife suggested to me that I start selling men’s apparel on the other side of the store,” said Gardner.

The location, (next to the downtown train/bus depot) was prime for traffic and provided an opportunity for train and bus passengers, to browse and purchase stylish clothing and accessories.

The rest is history. Today, while his wife is no longer in business, he has continues to own and operate C’s Perfect Ties & Accessories, now located at 117 W. South St., downtown Kalamazoo.

The entrepreneur has a long history in the Kalamazoo area. After 39 years, he retired from Kalamazoo Public Schools as a teacher and basket-ball coach. He is proud to have coached many students, including New York Yankee’ Derek Jeter, and NFL players Greg Jennings, and Duane Young (former San Diego Chargers player). Unlike most conventional men’s suit stores, C’s Perfect Tie & Accessories doesn’t wait for the spring wedding season to come around. His customers seek sleek suits for everything from school functions to formals.

“Tuxedos are a waste to me,” Gardner said. “They (typically) are rented and you give them back right away. I sell suits that young men can put in their wardrobe and wear on many different occasions.

He also offers tailoring, cuff links, ties, casual or dress shirts, and even undergarments. “I dress men head to toe,” he said. “When we started off, church hats and embellished suits were not common in Kalamazoo. I had items and selections unique in Kalamazoo.”

By Andrew Prout

Clarence Gardner poses with some of the exquisite

accessories he sells for men. Photo by Eileen Meslar

18 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

See C’s Perfect Ties business card on page 26.

Page 19: Community Voices-Spring 2012

19SPRING 2012 |www.comvoicesonline.com

CHEMICALBANKMI.COM/ROADTOHOME

Chemical Bank has been helping families get into the home of their dreams for over 90 years, and is committed to making home ownership a reality.

Our Road to Home Program will provide you with a solid foundation of financial skills necessary to own your own home. To learn more about the program or the steps to becoming a homeowner, visit us online or stop by one of our 142 locations.

ROAD TO HOMEPROGRAM.

Page 20: Community Voices-Spring 2012

20 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

Story and photos by Elieen Meslar

Kalamazoo resident, Lynette Dunigan, believes that if a person possesses a God-given gift, he or she should try to use it. In 2011, Dunigan did just that when she started her own sweet success through Lynn’s Cake.

Dunigan, a married mother of two, became interested in creating cakes when she visited, The Candy Lady, located at 4235 S. Westnedge Ave. in Kalamazoo. She had come to buy baking supplies for a birthday party when the owner, Betty Walker, informed her that she was beginning a cake decorating class. Dunigan signed up for the first class and took three more consecutive Wilton cake decorating classes at various locations throughout town.

Those who came to her children’s birthdays or for family functions, began complimenting her about her beautiful, tasty cakes.

“Family and friends started saying, ‘Hey, could you do a cake for me?’” said Dunigan who loved making box-packaged cakes as a child.

After taking a course at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on how to development a business plan, her hobby evolved into the business venture, Lynn’s Cake. While Dunigan succeeded in creating her own small business, she still finds it very challenging to profit in this economy. “A lot of times when I’ve done cakes for occasions, someone will say, ‘Oh God, I really want that.’ But then they realize the cost and the time that’s involved,” Dunigan said.

Dunigan admits cakes can become fairly expensive, however, she has found ways to offset the cost by using tasty alternatives to fondant, and creating her own homemade rolled buttercream. However, she doesn’t scrimp on flavor, time or style when it comes to pleasing her customers, and says she provides them with a cake that could cost twice as much as her competitors’.

Dunigan trades high price tags for the pleasure of making her customers happy and living out her dream. She has obtained an instructor’s license through Wilton and is currently the instructor at The Candy Lady. “You’ve got to be creative. Invent your own job. It’s just a matter of getting your name out there and going for it,” Dunigan said.

See Lynn’s Cake business card on page 26!

Page 21: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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He said, “Will you marry me?” You said, “Yes, yes, yes!”

Now what? A high price tag does not equate to a beautiful and memorable day. Think smart and remember the wedding is just ONE DAY in the rest of your lives together. Invest in your future, not a high-priced wedding.

In planning a wedding on a budget ask yourself:

#1-Who? Inviting and feeding everyone you’ve ever met could get expensive. If you want a large wedding ceremony, have a strolling buffet with finger foods and cake, during a quaint

reception. If you want a china and tablecloth reception, band and champaign fountain, tone down the ceremony. Use e-mail RSVP sites like www.theknot.com, and mail fewer invites---stamps are expensive!

#2-What? What’s important? The wedding is to celebrate the beginning of your lives together, not to make an impression on others. Buy what you can afford without credit (you can always upgrade your rings). Rent what you won’t need after that day. Sell purchased items to consignment shops for other thrifty couples to use later. Family and friends can do some video and photos; use professionals for special moments only.

#3-When? Wedding season leads to high prices for everything from dresses to flowers. Do you have to be a June bride? The fall and even winter are less hectic and less expensive for everything from photographers to videographers. And, does everyone in your party have to wear the same dress?

#4-Where? Can the wedding and reception be held under a tent in a beautiful park? Does the church have a room for reception? Is there a family member of friend who would let you deck out their yard for a day? Can you get married at your honeymoon location and have a reception when you return?

#5-Why? You plan a wedding to invite those you love to celebrate with you. Don’t put you, your future spouse, family or friends in debt.

Remember yourwedding for a long time...

not the bill!

Page 22: Community Voices-Spring 2012

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By Octavia Crawford Turner

ALBION-Although we have no problem asking someone what kind of birthday party they want, or how they want their wedding dress designed, there is one subject many do not care to discuss.

I want you to ask someone you care about this question: “What are your final wishes?”

I raise this question because I have learned the importance of its answer.

Many years ago, my mother was told by medical professionals that she had cancer in her gallbladder, and had one to six months to live. After receiving that news, my mother took it upon herself to make a list of her final wishes and place them in a bible. The complete list noted the name of the funeral home of her choice, the names of pallbearers she wanted us to

request to carry her remains, a list of her favorite songs, and even the name of the requested soloist.

She died 30 days after her diagnosis. As we prepared for our mothers funeral, the list that was in her own handwriting, guided my brother and I during a very emotional time. No one knew us better than our dear mother. Even in her death she wanted to take care of us; the notes placed on paper supported the fact that we were doing the right thing.

Her notes prevented any and all second guessing, bickering, and confusion between her offspring during the funeral planning process. In our mother’s own way, she made her wishes known to those she loved and left behind.

What are your final wishes? Please share them with someone today. You have earned this right. Even if you choose the strategy selected by my mother by placing your list where you know it will be found, at least your wishes will be made known to those who love you.

Yes, this is a subject many individuals do not care to discuss, however, if you have not done so already, I encourage you to have this discussion today.

Octavia is a lifelong resident of Albion, an author, photographer, and public speaker. She is currently employed at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home in Albion.

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I’ve had to tell my mother a number of things. “Mom, about the car …” “Mom, how do you like the sound of the word ‘Grandma’?” But at 46, I never imagined saying, “Mom, I had a stroke.” There I was, fi ghting for my life. Luckily I had Bronson fi ghting with me. Their specialized team of stroke nurses and physicians were amazing. Their speed and expertise not only saved my life, it saved my quality of life. Now, months later, things are pretty much normal. Except for those more frequent phone calls to my mom … to tell her I love her.

HOW TO TELL YOUR

MOTHER YOU’VE HAD A STROKE.

bronsonhealth.com/stroke

C

2

POSITIVITY STROKE AD_COMMUNITY

VOICES SIZE

M Y K

INITIALS DATEJOB # BRO110069 DATE 2/29/12CLIENT Bronson

HEADLINE How To Tell Your Mother You’ve Had a Stroke

LIVE TRIM 6.5" x 9.5"BLEED MEDIA NEWSPAPER

COLOR CMYK

CD

AD/DS Kym O.

CW Beth K.

AM Jenny I.

PM Danielle I.

STAGE: FINAL

BRO110069_Stroke_CommVoice 1 2/29/12 1:54 PM

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KALAMAZOO-Fair Food Matters works to improve the physical, economic, and social health of the communities it serves through local food.

In 2011, they became partners with the Douglass Community Association and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to offer The Douglass Farmers’ Market. Last year, an estimated 500 customers attended the market’s four event dates. Vendors featured locally-grown vegetables and plants, homemade baked goods, sustainably raised meat, eggs, and handmade art and craft items.

Sheila Anderson-Knox and Marilyn Hubbard, who operate, “Iboni Rootz,” were vendors at last year’s market. They featured homemade cookies and colored pencil drawings, and will return this year with fresh vegetables, cut flowers, and ready-made cookie mix.

“I’m looking forward to selling my homegrown vegetables to earn some extra income this summer, and I’m proud to participate in a market that brings the north-side neighborhood together,” Hubbard said.

Vendor applications are due May 1, and are available for download at http://doug-lassfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/vendors or by calling Fair Food Matters at (269) 492-1270. The market is located at the Douglass Community Center, 1000 W. Paterson St. from 3-5 p.m. every Tuesday, June 5- August 28. Bridge cards, Double Up Food Bucks, and WIC/Senior Project FRESH are accepted.

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F(269)345-0273

Facing aserious illnessis never easy.We understand.

Talk to us.

Serving our community since 1981

www.hospiceswmi.org

CV_10-11.qxd:Layout 1 9/13/11 3:55 PM Page 1

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Deborah White

Current Jobopportunities areannounced dailyon the Human Resources websiteat:www.wmich.edu/hr/careers-at-wmu.html

26 | SPRING 2012 www.comvoicesonline.com

Advertise your business or organization to Community

Voices readers! Call(269) 365-4019

Page 27: Community Voices-Spring 2012

Kalamazoo Public Schools

are reaching higher!

www.kalamazoopublicschools.com

• 5 years of rising enrollment

• 4 years of rising elementary

and middle school test scores

• 2 newly constructed schools

• Double the number of students

taking Advanced Placement

courses in the last 3 years

• LEED Gold Environmental

Certifi cation at Prairie Ridge

Elementary

• The Kalamazoo Promise®

Page 28: Community Voices-Spring 2012