Kalamazoo's Three Best 'Cozy' Bookstores

Like the feel of a cozy bookstore? Check out these options:

Bookbug, Kalamazoo’s first independent children’s bookstore, will open its doors to the community on February 25 in the Oakwood Plaza on Oakland Drive. To celebrate, Bookbug will feature daily story times, musical performances and free giveaways throughout opening week. The store aspires to be a community hub, where children and their families can read, play, volunteer and give input for book reviews, inventory and website blogs. Boasting over 2,500 titles, Bookbug will host weekly story times, workshops, special events and author visits. The store will attract even the most hesitant young reader as it offers a unique reading area and playhouse covered in a book-shingled roof. Special services include special ordering, book fairs, gift cards/baskets and discounts for schools and educators. To learn more, visit the Bookbug online.

The year 2008 is a milestone year for Kazoo Books - it marks 20 years in Kalamazoo as an independent, family-owned bookstore. Offering two locations (K1 at 407 N. Clarendon, off West Main hill, and K2 at 2413 Parkview with free parking in rear), Kazoo Books sells both gently used and new books -- and the staff ("self-proclaimed book geeks") is happy to order new and out-of-print books for customers. K2 also has an Antiquarian Annex for those who like rare and collectible books. Among the bargains one can find at Kazoo Books is their policy to accept Barnes & Noble, Best Buy and Meijer gift cards (with some restrictions). In addition, they discount for teachers who are stocking their classrooms. Kazoo Books also offers many activities for book lovers. Coming up: Science Fiction Book Group (2/19, 6:30 pm), Soup and Suspense Mystery Group (2/21, 5:30 pm), History Lovers (2/21, 7 pm), Foodie Fun (2/27, 2 pm at Sarkozy's) and Writer's Network (3/11, 6:30 pm). Look for details on the website: www.kazoobooks.com.

Located in the lower level of the Kalamazoo Public Library, The Friends Bookstore features “gently used books very gently priced.” The Friends Bookstore is operated by Friends of the Library, a dedicated group of volunteers who raise money to support literacy programs, help build collections and contribute to special events at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Their recent efforts have helped to sponsor author visits and purchase artwork, paperback collections, library supplies and computer software. In addition to selling used books, The Friends Bookstore also offers audio and videotapes, CDs and KPL logo items. The bookstore is open every Wednesday from 12 p.m. – 7p.m, and Thursday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit The Friends Bookstore for more information or to shop online. To learn about volunteer and donation opportunities, go to Friends of the Library.

Valentine’s Day: Where’s the love?!

My grandparents used to read each other the messages on those little candy hearts every Valentine’s Day. They would giggle and smile coyly like two teenagers before dropping the tiny confection into the other’s mouth. I was only 10 years old when I saw this and realized that I wanted “grandparent love” someday. “Grandparent love” is that unconditional, hold-hands, drink coffee together in the morning and tea at night, in-it-for-the-long-haul type of love. This love has the comfort of homemade bread and the warmth of a wood-burning stove.
But as I’ve gotten older I’ve realized how difficult “grandparent love” is to find. And as each lonely Valentine’s Day passes, I quit reading the messages on those tiny hearts and just devour the entire bag in protest. It seems that “grandparent love” is becoming obsolete. Why? Because making homemade bread takes too long and wood-burning stoves are considered dangerous.
“The good ones are already taken.” What a discouraging phrase for the single, twenty-something in Kalamazoo. As I was driving to work last week I was distracted by all the young, ambitious men downtown wearing suits and walking with purpose. Where were they going? I’m convinced that there is a secret destination in this town for men who dream as big as I do. And I’m determined to find them without having to ride a bull, embarrass myself in a karaoke contest or give my credit card number on-line.
As part of the post-college, young-professional crowd, I know many of my peers will agree when I say this town needs a place of refuge for our growing demographic. Until a venue exists that reflects our budding sophistication and creativity, I’m forced to spend another night at home hoping for “grandparent love” while polishing off the final piece of candy from a big, red, heart-shaped box of chocolates that I bought for myself.
My latest heartbreak may be categorized as one of my greater disappointments. It revealed to me even higher standards for “grandparent love” that could be challenging to find again. But I’m going to press on and believe there is hope in this town for those who believe in life-long love and passion and who won’t settle for less. I think I’ll pass up the pity party this Valentine’s Day in hopes that I’m one heartache closer to never being heartbroken again.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Take Care of Your Own Heart. Join The Heart Walk

As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease has likely been a threat to you or a loved one. That’s why Borgess Health has teamed up with the American Heart Association to sponsor the 2008 Southwestern Michigan Start! Heart Walk.
On February 16, walkers across southwest Michigan are encouraged to meet at Wings Stadium from 8:30 a.m. to noon to take the first steps in fighting cardiovascular disease. Walkers are encouraged to organize teams of coworkers, friends or family members and are asked to raise both awareness and funds by collecting donations for the American Heart Association.
The Start! Heart Walk provides an opportunity to create hope, inspire change and celebrate success in fighting heart disease and stroke. Hope is created as participants walk as survivors of cardiovascular disease or in memory of loved ones lost to the disease. Change is inspired as some participants take their first steps towards a leading a healthier lifestyle and reducing their risk of heart disease and stroke. Success is celebrated as funds are raised to support life-saving research, educational programs and widespread awareness.
To learn more about the Start! Heart Walk, to make a donation to the AHA, or to register for this event click here.

Going Green and Clean . . .

It can be as simple as taking your own shopping bag into the grocery store or as complex as getting an energy audit at home or at your business, but to put Kalamazoo on the LEEDing edge of environmentally progressive communities, everyone's going to have to pitch in. The 20 and 30 somethings who will be moving back into this region will expect us. The good news: We have a lot of room for improvement. Stay tuned here for how Kalamazoo's doing and things you can do to help make Kalamazoo green and clean.

This week's tip: Go to 1 Bag At A Time to get a re-usable shopping bag. Or you can buy one at Meijer for 99 cents. Note that:

• The petroleum in 14 plastic bags could drive a car 1 mile.
• Americans use over 10 billion plastic bags annually, consuming 14 million trees.
• It takes 70% more global warming gasses to make a paper bag than a plastic bag.
• Paper bags to not biodegrade in landfills.
• Cities spend up to 17 cents per bag in disposal costs.
• These bags not only mar the beauty of our surroundings, but pose a real threat to wild life. One study estimates that 100,000 marine animals are killed annually by plastic bags.
• Four billion plastic bags get trashed annually. If you tied them end-to-end, they would circle the earth 63 times.

And, when you use your own bag at D&W, they take a nickel off your bill.

So, you're telling me there's a chance . . .

George Erickcek, Senior Regional Analysts for the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, hasn't signed up for the cheer leading squad (just not in his job description), but people love it when he says there's good news for the home team. Want a closer look at what George is saying about this local economy? Watch this presentation.

Valentine's Day Tips in Kalamazoo

If you’re not too busy whispering sweet nothings into the ear of that special someone this Valentine’s Day, consider igniting (or re-igniting) that romantic flame at a Valentine’s Day event in Kalamazoo:

Celebrate this Valentine’s Day with class at The Union. Enjoy a gourmet, three-course meal in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo on Sunday, February 10. This special event begins at noon and features live entertainment by ensembles from the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $37 per person for the meal and performance. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve your seats, call the Union at 269.384.6756.

Win a Valentine package from Millennium and The Gilmore! Millennium Restaurant Group and the Gilmore Keyboard Festival have partnered up to offer this outstanding giveaway. The prize includes 2 Gold Zone Tickets for the Richard Goode Festival Prelude Recital on Sunday, April 13, and a $100 gift certificate for Millennium Restaurant Group. Richard Goode was a favorite at the 2004 Gilmore Festival, and the prize is valued at $170. To enter, send your name, address, email address and telephone number to annedrummond@charter.net. The winner will be drawn on February 12, and no purchase is necessary to enter or win.

Turn your Valentine’s Day into a fairytale with the help of Black River Carriage Company. Black River Carriage Company has offered horse drawn carriage rides to the Kalamazoo area for over twenty years. To make special reservations, call 269.657.9300.

Share the love at Bell’s Brewery on February 14. Sip on Bell’s Two Hearted Ale and enjoy a performance from the Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad in Bell’s Eccentric Café. The featured band has a reggae feel and will travel from Rochester, NY to spread some love. The show begins at 9:30 p.m. and cover is $5.

Sweeten the night with wine and dessert tasting at Vintner’s Cellar Winery. The winery will offer indulgent desserts made to complement six of their sweet wines. Vintner’s is hosting Valentine’s Night of Sweetness on February 14 from 6 -7:30 p.m. or from 7:30 - 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple. Call 269.342.9463 to make reservations.

Step into the past for a charming evening at a historic Kalamazoo landmark. Henderson Castle, built in 1895, sits high atop a Kalamazoo hill and offers a beautiful view of the city. The castle will host Valentine’s dinners in a warm, romantic setting on February 9, 14 and 16. Dinner will feature live music followed by a tour of the castle. The cost is $85 per couple. Call 269.344.1827 to make reservations.

Experience an eclectic, fresh flavor of music on Valentine’s Day. The Kalamazoo Valley Museum will host the Royal Garden Trio on February 14 as part of their Music at the Museum series. The Royal Garden Trio, a jazz ensemble from Ann Arbor, will play at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person. To order advance tickets, call 269.373.7990.

For some original Valentine’s Day excitement, head to Wings Stadium for the Borgess Pink Ice Game! Cheer on the K-Wings as they play the Flint Generals on a rink of pink on February 14 at 7 p.m. Black Diamond will perform the national anthem and sing a song for an on-ice wedding. Call 269.345.5101 for ticket information. After the game, strap on some skates and hold the hand of a loved-one for an hour of public skating. Admission to the open skate is $5. Skate rental is $3.

Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of Dating from a guest speaker at a single’s mixer! The Cheff Center is hosting a night of mingling and wine tasting for singles age 21 and up on Friday, February 15. The fun is from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and dress is casual. Tickets are $45 at the door and all proceeds benefit The Cheff. The Cheff Center is located at 8450 N. 43rd St in Augusta.

Tantalize every taste bud at Food Dance Café this Valentine’s Day. Food Dance offers “authentic, eclectic new American cuisine.” They serve, fresh, local foods in a unique, big-city atmosphere. On February 14, Food Dance will host a 3-course or 5-course meal for $30 per person or $45 per person, respectively. To make reservations, call 269.382.1888. To view the menu, visit http://www.fooddancecafe.com/pages_/events_.cfm?EVID=59&TYPE=3.

Livability for the Blind

Kalamazoo has many distinctions when it comes to livability, among them being rated the third-most livable city in the United States for people who are blind or visually impaired.

According to the American Foundation of the Blind, Kalamazoo stands out not only for the wide array of services available, but also because citizens are aware of blindness and people who are blind, friendly, helpful and accommodating.

Because of the university degree/certification programs in blindness located at Western Michigan University and the Commission for the Blind Training Center, people are accustomed to seeing blind or visually impaired people in the streets and in the community. On top of that, Kalamazoo has a record of hiring people with sensory disabilities. Kalamazoo offers cultural programs and cultural opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. Public transportation is also a plus. And, in addition to the Commission, the long-standing Michigan Foundation for the Bind and Visually Impaired, serving the greater Kalamazoo area, provides outreach to help seniors who are losing their eyesight. A therapist trains seniors and their families in adaptation skills.

Oh, the two cities judged more livable for the blind and visually impaired? Charlotte, N.C. and Berkeley, CA.