Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday, April 25, 2008
FRIDAY, APRIL 25
BORGESS HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
Chip Pick Up & Late Registration 4-8 p.m.
Sponsor Expo 4-8 p.m.
Warm up for Kids Fun Run 5:30 p.m.
Meijer Kids Fun Run 6 p.m.
Motivational Mile 6:05 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
BORGESS HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
Chip Pick Up & Late Registration 6:30 a.m.
Late registration closes 30 minutes prior to each race.
National City Half Marathon 8:15 a.m.
5K Run 8:35 a.m.
5K Judged Racewalk 8:40 a.m.
Participants must wear shorts or plain, non-patterned tights. USATF members also compete for Michigan Men’s and Women’s State Championship 5K Road Race.
Priority Health 5K Walk 8:45 a.m.
Strollers and wagons are welcome in this non-competitive event, but no pets.
Check back here after the races to get results.
BORGESS HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
Chip Pick Up & Late Registration 4-8 p.m.
Sponsor Expo 4-8 p.m.
Warm up for Kids Fun Run 5:30 p.m.
Meijer Kids Fun Run 6 p.m.
Motivational Mile 6:05 p.m.
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
BORGESS HEALTH & FITNESS CENTER
Chip Pick Up & Late Registration 6:30 a.m.
Late registration closes 30 minutes prior to each race.
National City Half Marathon 8:15 a.m.
5K Run 8:35 a.m.
5K Judged Racewalk 8:40 a.m.
Participants must wear shorts or plain, non-patterned tights. USATF members also compete for Michigan Men’s and Women’s State Championship 5K Road Race.
Priority Health 5K Walk 8:45 a.m.
Strollers and wagons are welcome in this non-competitive event, but no pets.
Check back here after the races to get results.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
You Can Have Your Cake...
I tightened my lips in frustration as I smoothed the bright white icing around the cake for the thirtieth time. How could two layers of moist cake, bound by a sweet fruit filling, look like something I pulled of out my plastic Easy-Bake Oven in the 1980’s? After my first day of cake-decorating class, I brought home an edible tribute to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. My face still contorts when I think about it.
When the same friend who talked me into running half-marathons convinced me to take up decorating cakes, we were beyond optimistic. We dreamt of all the possibilities: we could make cakes for weddings, then open our own bakery, move on to become wedding planners and finally inspire a new reality show for the Food Network. But by the time we boxed up our first confused creation, we bid our sky-high aspirations farewell and settled for the fact that we were just learning a new hobby.
Internet news sites are overloaded with articles claiming to give the secret to job satisfaction. Every article offers the same bottom line—job satisfaction is derived from doing what you love. Many recommend taking your hobby, or what makes you unique, and then selling it to the world. This is easier said than done, especially when your hobbies include collecting PEZ dispensers and speaking in a British accent.
My lopsided cake taught me that we all have inherent gifts and abilities—and icing cakes was not mine. Sure, the cake was delicious and I’ve gone on to make a few more creative and comedic desserts in my spare time. But the search for job satisfaction will continue until I can combine thoughtfulness, creativity and passion all in a day’s work...and excel at it. Because I refuse to settle, the process of trial and error keeps my life interesting. I now have a huge box of cake decorating supplies. I’m starting to realize that maybe all I need is a pen and paper.
What’s next? My friend and I are thinking dance lessons. Maybe we’ll get in some music videos, do a stint on Broadway followed by a few seasons on Dancing with the Stars. Or maybe we’ll just learn a few moves and be the life of the next party. We won’t know unless we try!
When the same friend who talked me into running half-marathons convinced me to take up decorating cakes, we were beyond optimistic. We dreamt of all the possibilities: we could make cakes for weddings, then open our own bakery, move on to become wedding planners and finally inspire a new reality show for the Food Network. But by the time we boxed up our first confused creation, we bid our sky-high aspirations farewell and settled for the fact that we were just learning a new hobby.
Internet news sites are overloaded with articles claiming to give the secret to job satisfaction. Every article offers the same bottom line—job satisfaction is derived from doing what you love. Many recommend taking your hobby, or what makes you unique, and then selling it to the world. This is easier said than done, especially when your hobbies include collecting PEZ dispensers and speaking in a British accent.
My lopsided cake taught me that we all have inherent gifts and abilities—and icing cakes was not mine. Sure, the cake was delicious and I’ve gone on to make a few more creative and comedic desserts in my spare time. But the search for job satisfaction will continue until I can combine thoughtfulness, creativity and passion all in a day’s work...and excel at it. Because I refuse to settle, the process of trial and error keeps my life interesting. I now have a huge box of cake decorating supplies. I’m starting to realize that maybe all I need is a pen and paper.
What’s next? My friend and I are thinking dance lessons. Maybe we’ll get in some music videos, do a stint on Broadway followed by a few seasons on Dancing with the Stars. Or maybe we’ll just learn a few moves and be the life of the next party. We won’t know unless we try!
Is The Promise Working?
The question has been posed all over the country, but it sounds the same at home: "Is the Kalamazoo Promise working?"
Mercifully, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research is working hard to wrestle the question to the ground. But, as suspected, the answer to the question is "too soon to tell."
As an economic development strategy, the Promise is aimed squarely at the number one issue facing Kalamazoo County -- although historically the problem has had other names -- and that's the survival of the urban core. With the Kalamazoo Public Schools district enjoying enrollment increases, there are some obvious short-term positives, but educators are also concerned about some win-lose scenarios among local school districts. Notably, districts like Portage and Parchment have answered the bell to make sure their residents support their own school systems.
There are also issues related to the achievement of under-prepared high school graduates struggling in colleges and universities. So, the mentoring and support systems, which have flourished since the announcement, are being expanded to help older students -- and younger ones, including pre-schoolers, too. But, talk with Promise Administrator Robert Jorth about some of the success stories he's already seen with students headed off to college, and he'll tell you it's more about data. "Very inspiring," he offers. "Very inspiring."
In the end, most likely, there will be too many variables to determine if it was downtown development, improved education, infusion of capital into the cultural infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, emphasis on healthy lifestyles, business incentives or some of the above that made the difference. Sure you can provide a link to leafy vegetables, or lack thereof, and cancer rates, but was that the only factor? No, just wait for the next study on exercise, air pollution, and so on. Cause and effect, at the community level, is a sticky wicket.
Just the same, the principles behind the Promise -- understanding the value of education and doing something about it -- continues, two and a half years after the announcement of the Promise. Leaders from other communities will visit Kalamazoo this summer to compare notes on their own efforts and a better understanding of the power of the Promise. For more information on that conference, go to PromiseNet.2008
Looking for data on what researchers know so far, and the types of things they're studying? Go to Scorecard.
Mercifully, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research is working hard to wrestle the question to the ground. But, as suspected, the answer to the question is "too soon to tell."
As an economic development strategy, the Promise is aimed squarely at the number one issue facing Kalamazoo County -- although historically the problem has had other names -- and that's the survival of the urban core. With the Kalamazoo Public Schools district enjoying enrollment increases, there are some obvious short-term positives, but educators are also concerned about some win-lose scenarios among local school districts. Notably, districts like Portage and Parchment have answered the bell to make sure their residents support their own school systems.
There are also issues related to the achievement of under-prepared high school graduates struggling in colleges and universities. So, the mentoring and support systems, which have flourished since the announcement, are being expanded to help older students -- and younger ones, including pre-schoolers, too. But, talk with Promise Administrator Robert Jorth about some of the success stories he's already seen with students headed off to college, and he'll tell you it's more about data. "Very inspiring," he offers. "Very inspiring."
In the end, most likely, there will be too many variables to determine if it was downtown development, improved education, infusion of capital into the cultural infrastructure, neighborhood revitalization, emphasis on healthy lifestyles, business incentives or some of the above that made the difference. Sure you can provide a link to leafy vegetables, or lack thereof, and cancer rates, but was that the only factor? No, just wait for the next study on exercise, air pollution, and so on. Cause and effect, at the community level, is a sticky wicket.
Just the same, the principles behind the Promise -- understanding the value of education and doing something about it -- continues, two and a half years after the announcement of the Promise. Leaders from other communities will visit Kalamazoo this summer to compare notes on their own efforts and a better understanding of the power of the Promise. For more information on that conference, go to PromiseNet.2008
Looking for data on what researchers know so far, and the types of things they're studying? Go to Scorecard.
Featured Leader: Bill Parfet
It won't escape people's attention that William Upjohn Parfet is the great-grandson of William Erastus Upjohn when news of MPI Research expansion into downtown Kalamazoo is announced.But few people will know what was on Bill Parfet's mind when he bought the troubled labs in 1995, a company beset with financial and public relations problems, a firm worth arguably $6 million.
Fewer still might have forecast success. But a career manager at Upjohn at the time, where Parfet had risen to President and Vice Chairman -- but where he was told he could go no higher -- predicted the "young" Parfet, son of long-time CEO R.T. Parfet, would make good.
"I've worked for 26 different managers at Upjohn in my career," the manager said in 1995, "and Bill was the most dynamic, most transformational of any, and believe me, there were a lot of good ones."
Parfet is too positive to view a return to the old Upjohn buildings downtown with a full head of steam as revenge for not being tapped for the top job. Additionally, he didn't lament that Kalamazoo was going to hell in a handbasket when big corporations, including Upjohn successor organizations, began their exit.
Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and built something that W.E. Upjohn would have been proud of.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Mother's Day in Kalamazoo
Mother’s Day Weekend at Henderson Castle
Kalamazoo’s historic Henderson Castle will host a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 10 at 12:00-2:15 p.m. or 3:00-5:15 p.m. The tea will include a ballet in the castle’s ballroom and a tour of the building. Price is $40 per person and advance reservations are required. For further questions or to make reservations, call 269.343.9242.
Henderson Castle will host a Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 11 from 12:00-2:15 p.m. and a dinner buffet from 3:00-5:15 p.m. The cost is $46 per person and includes the buffet, a ballet in the castle’s ballroom and a tour of the building. Advance reservations are required. For reservations or inquiries, call 269.343.9242.
Mother’s Day Buffet at Full City Café
For over 15 years, the Full City Café has featured some Kalamazoo’s most unique and seasonally changing menus. The café features foods prepared fresh from whole foods at two locations: 7878 Oakland Drive and 2026 Parkview Avenue.
The 2026 Parkview location will feature a Mother’s Day Buffet on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For pricing details and to preview the menu, visit Full City Café.
Mother’s Day with Mother Nature
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is holding a special golf cart tour on Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. The Mother’s Day tour will chauffer participants through the Pioneer Woods to observe wildflowers. In addition to regular admission (if applicable), the cost is $5 per person. Participants are asked to park in the DeLano Homestead parking lot, located at 555 W. E Avenue. Registration and payment for this event is required by May 7. To register, call 269.381.1574 ext. 0. For more information, visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center online.
Happy Mother’s Day from Millennium Group
Millennium Group Restaurants will feature special holiday menus throughout the day on May 11.
Black Swan
Located at 3501 Greenleaf Boulevard in Kalamazoo, the Black Swan will feature a Mother’s Day Menu from noon to 6 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 269.375.2105.
Epic Bistro
Located at 359 S. Burdick in downtown Kalamazoo, Epic Bistro will add a special “pick three” feature, which offers Chef’s selection and wine pairings, to their a la carte menu. To make reservations call 269.342.1300.
The Union
Located at 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, The Union will feature live jazz and a holiday menu from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 269.384.6756.
Fieldstone Grill
Located at 3970 W. Centre Street, Fieldstone Grill will offer a Mother’s Day buffet brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $24.99 per person and $7.99 for children ages 2-10. Call 269.321.8480 for reservations and questions.
Mother’s Day during The Gilmore Keyboard Festival
Treat mom to a world-class jazz performance during The Gilmore Keyboard Festival on Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. Featured performer and jazz-vocalist Kurt Elling has been highlighted on CNN, NPR and CBS Sunday Morning. Down Beat Critic’s Poll named him Male Vocalist of the Year 8 times and according to Jazz Review, “Elling may be the greatest male jazz singer of all time.” Elling will perform with his trio at Williams Theatre in the Gilmore Theatre Complex, located on the campus of WMU. To purchase tickets or to learn about additional Gilmore events scheduled for May 11, visit The Gilmore Keyboard Festival online.
Kalamazoo’s historic Henderson Castle will host a Mother’s Day Tea on Saturday, May 10 at 12:00-2:15 p.m. or 3:00-5:15 p.m. The tea will include a ballet in the castle’s ballroom and a tour of the building. Price is $40 per person and advance reservations are required. For further questions or to make reservations, call 269.343.9242.
Henderson Castle will host a Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 11 from 12:00-2:15 p.m. and a dinner buffet from 3:00-5:15 p.m. The cost is $46 per person and includes the buffet, a ballet in the castle’s ballroom and a tour of the building. Advance reservations are required. For reservations or inquiries, call 269.343.9242.
Mother’s Day Buffet at Full City Café
For over 15 years, the Full City Café has featured some Kalamazoo’s most unique and seasonally changing menus. The café features foods prepared fresh from whole foods at two locations: 7878 Oakland Drive and 2026 Parkview Avenue.
The 2026 Parkview location will feature a Mother’s Day Buffet on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For pricing details and to preview the menu, visit Full City Café.
Mother’s Day with Mother Nature
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is holding a special golf cart tour on Sunday, May 11 at 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. The Mother’s Day tour will chauffer participants through the Pioneer Woods to observe wildflowers. In addition to regular admission (if applicable), the cost is $5 per person. Participants are asked to park in the DeLano Homestead parking lot, located at 555 W. E Avenue. Registration and payment for this event is required by May 7. To register, call 269.381.1574 ext. 0. For more information, visit the Kalamazoo Nature Center online.
Happy Mother’s Day from Millennium Group
Millennium Group Restaurants will feature special holiday menus throughout the day on May 11.
Black Swan
Located at 3501 Greenleaf Boulevard in Kalamazoo, the Black Swan will feature a Mother’s Day Menu from noon to 6 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 269.375.2105.
Epic Bistro
Located at 359 S. Burdick in downtown Kalamazoo, Epic Bistro will add a special “pick three” feature, which offers Chef’s selection and wine pairings, to their a la carte menu. To make reservations call 269.342.1300.
The Union
Located at 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, The Union will feature live jazz and a holiday menu from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information or to make reservations, call 269.384.6756.
Fieldstone Grill
Located at 3970 W. Centre Street, Fieldstone Grill will offer a Mother’s Day buffet brunch from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. The cost is $24.99 per person and $7.99 for children ages 2-10. Call 269.321.8480 for reservations and questions.
Mother’s Day during The Gilmore Keyboard Festival
Treat mom to a world-class jazz performance during The Gilmore Keyboard Festival on Sunday, May 11 at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. Featured performer and jazz-vocalist Kurt Elling has been highlighted on CNN, NPR and CBS Sunday Morning. Down Beat Critic’s Poll named him Male Vocalist of the Year 8 times and according to Jazz Review, “Elling may be the greatest male jazz singer of all time.” Elling will perform with his trio at Williams Theatre in the Gilmore Theatre Complex, located on the campus of WMU. To purchase tickets or to learn about additional Gilmore events scheduled for May 11, visit The Gilmore Keyboard Festival online.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Green Clean
This week’s tip: Reduce your use of packaging materials.
• Limit your use of bottled water. Research shows that the quality is not necessarily better than tap water. Furthermore, America’s use of plastic water bottles requires the use of more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel approximately 100,000 US cars for a year.
• Buy bulk products. It saves CO2 and money that would be wasted in the packaging process. If everyone bought 15% of their groceries in bulk, it would be equivalent to taking more than 850,000 cars off the road for a year.
• Buy concentrated products – they require less packaging and less energy to transport.
• When it’s time for gifts, consider a gift of an activity, class, or service. There’s no packaging involved at all!
• Limit your use of bottled water. Research shows that the quality is not necessarily better than tap water. Furthermore, America’s use of plastic water bottles requires the use of more than 1.5 million barrels of oil annually, enough to fuel approximately 100,000 US cars for a year.
• Buy bulk products. It saves CO2 and money that would be wasted in the packaging process. If everyone bought 15% of their groceries in bulk, it would be equivalent to taking more than 850,000 cars off the road for a year.
• Buy concentrated products – they require less packaging and less energy to transport.
• When it’s time for gifts, consider a gift of an activity, class, or service. There’s no packaging involved at all!
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