REMINDER - KPL Mobile Library onsite Thursday 1/9/2025

KPL Mobile Library to be parked at the Turn-a-Round by Building M tomorrow

Thursday 1/9/2025 between 2:00-3:00pm.  

See below for more information before your first visit!

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WHO KNEW? When it is Time to Replace Household Items

For more information:  https://www.rd.com/article/when-to-replace-household-items/

 

SCAM ALERT: From the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office

SCAM ALERT  This notice was posted on Facebook this afternoon.

"The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has received information that a Continuation Scam is going out to our citizens indicating a member of the Sheriff's Office is contacting people soliciting money to pay for an outstanding warrant.  As an important reminder, no member from the Sheriff's Office would ever contact someone and provide warrant information.  If you receive contact like this, it is a scam and not a member of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office."

 

COMMUNITY - EPS (styrofoam) Recycling Event 12/28

 

Saturday December 28th

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Drop items off at:

Mayor's Riverfront Park

251 Mills St

Kalamazoo MI 49048

The Rusty Old Tractor - Christmas Story of 2024

THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST

Read story below⏬

Merry Christmas 2024

This year has brought a lot of changes to most of our lives.  Some changes have been good, some have tested us, and some were so difficult that we are still learning how to live with them.  Wishing you each a blessed Christmas and Holiday Season.  Each belief system has lessons to learn about how to cope, forgive, accept, celebrate, love and connect with each other.  Regardless of your beliefs, may your upcoming year and healing process bring you, your family and friends, Peace and healing!

BULLETIN BOARD - Housekeeping Services

Seeking cleaning services?  Current openings on Tuesdays and Sundays for general housekeeping services.  If interested, contact Angelina at 269-220-9745 for rates and scheduling.

BULLETIN BOARD - FREE Cement Planters

Cement decorative flower planters, FREE, must be picked up within the week. 

If interested call Diane at 269-385-3465

BULLETIN BOARD - Free Cement Border Blocks

I have 15 concrete blocks that can be used for borders.  They are approximately 4" deep and 12-14" wide. Previously used for garden border. FREE, must be moved within the week. 

If interested, please call Diane at 269-385-3465

CROSSWORD CHALLENGE - Halloween History

 

To enter the CROSSWORD CHALLENGE for October, turn in a completed Halloween History puzzle by Monday, October 28^th, to have your name entered into the drawing for a Halloween Surprise!  

Sign, date, and include your Address & Phone on back of completed puzzle. Additional paper copies of the puzzle can be picked up (there is a pocket of them on the door) and completed puzzles can be dropped off (in the N2N Mailbox) at 4958.

See below for Halloween History Crossword ⏬

REMINDER - Prepare your AC Unit for Winter

 DO IT YOURSELF

Check List for Winterizing Your HVAC System

Taking a bit of time to prepare your Air Conditioning for the winter months can save you from having problems in the spring.  It is not a complicated process but does take some time to complete each step.  So, if you do not have someone coming in to do it for you, here are the simple steps you can take to do it yourself. 

1. We will get a lot of falling debris from all the trees around our community spaces.  The units will still function with a bit of debris in them, but it is better for outdoor AC units if any leaves and dirt are cleared out and not left to sit in the unit all winter. 

a.  To do this, make sure that the power to the unit is turned off (and that it is not set to turn on with any change in temperature at the thermostat).

b.  Take the top cover off and use a vacuum to remove all the leaves and debris.

c.  Use a hose to wash off the fins (aka blades) that rotate around the compressor within the unit.

d.  Allow the unit to dry completely before replacing the top.

2. We have no idea what kind of winter we will have this year, but chances are we may encounter a power outage at some point.  Even with the power for the AC turned off at the thermostat, there is still a risk to the AC unit through power surges if we have any outages and then power is restored, along with low voltage leaks that can potentially impact the compressor.  To prevent a potential issue with the compressor it is recommended that you turn the power off to AC system for the winter.  Turn off the power to the compressor at the breaker box so that random power surges cannot cause damage to the unit.  It will be important to turn this breaker back on in the spring before you use it for the first time.

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INTRODUCTION - October 2024

 I cannot speak for everyone, but I am ready to say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. My only concern is that I have not seen a beautiful array of color transitions yet. What I have noticed is that many leaves are drying out and turning brown, then dropping off whenever we have a bit of wind. Hopefully, it is just my imagination, and we will start to see a display of glorious gold and orange leaves soon. 

If you are looking for something to do or would like to see changes within the community, please think about helping on the Leisure Pointe Condominium Association Board.  A position is open for the new year and the input and insights of other co-owners is welcome. Think about how you could make a difference (for example if you have a background in business or accounting, like the outdoors and gardening, or just want to help in general and get to know your community).  Please submit your application in time for the board elections coming next month!  

Also, consider some activities you would like to see organized by the Social Committee and let them know about your interests.  They are looking for ideas and participation to help keep us busy in the upcoming winter months and it will be nice to have some interaction with neighbors that have similar interests.  Want to start a monthly card game, solve a mystery together, join a book club, get together for quilting or needlework, or have an occasional progressive dinner (just to name a few ideas) then contact our property manager Lindsay Flynn at (lindsayflynn@bhhsmi.com or 269-488-0133). You can also contact Laurie Cronkhite, a social committee member (laurie.cronkhite@hotmail.com or 269-806-8533) to express your interest and share ideas.

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COMMUNITY: General Election Reminder & Absentee Voting

See below for information about how to obtain an absentee ballot.

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MUG RECIPE - Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Pair this cake with a large dollop of whipped cream or topping and it is a great fall treat !  I've even enjoyed it for breakfast with a hot mug of coffee.

MUG RECIPE - Meatloaf in a Mug

 

OUTREACH - Bottle & Can Deposits for Young Life

Young Life was started in 1941 by an associate pastor by the name of Jim Rayburn.  He was charged with the task of developing a program that ministered to the youth in his area.  His mission was to provide them with support and understanding, while sharing and modeling God’s love for them, as he related to them in their world.  

While sharing Jesus’ word and love for them, he provided a model of the love and ways that they could live their own lives, regardless of where they were or the circumstances, they found themselves in. The seeds planted in that program have since grown Young Life into an organization with roots in local areas all over the world.  The program serves diverse cultures, nationalities, and backgrounds in over 100 countries.  Young life leaders are working with over two million young people in their own communities, serving all age groups from childhood to adulthood (at 26 years of age) as well as with diverse needs and abilities.

The Greater Kalamazoo Young Life serves Kalamazoo County with a variety of age and purpose focused programs.  The activities, camps, and trips are made available to all participants. The Young Life Capernaum program gives teens and young adults with developmental disabilities the chance to make friends, while challenging their limits as they build self-esteem.  They experience the love of Jesus through clubs and camps, filled with fun activities and adventure.

One of our co-owners, Rick Kuipers, is a volunteer for the Capernaum program through Young Life. Rick and his wife Sue are members of the Welcoming Committee for new co-owners moving into our Leisure Pointe community.  One of the many ways Rick supports the Capernaum program is by collecting Returnable Bottles and Cans.  He turns them in for the bottle deposits and donates the proceeds to Capernaum for the purpose of helping with the costs of the camps, trips and activities offered throughout the year for those that cannot otherwise afford to participate.

If anyone would like to donate returnable bottles and cans throughout the year, Rick will happily accept them anytime you have them.  At this time, you can place them in plastic bags or shopping bags and drop them off to Rick at 4908 Weston.  You may leave them on his porch if he is not home.  He will then recycle them regularly and your donation will be passed onto the organization. As a back-up, they can also be dropped off to me at 4958 and I will pass them onto him.

Any bottle and can deposit donations are appreciated!

COMMUNITY - Critter Alert - Please Help Identify Culprits

In the past few days, we have seen a large increase in damaged areas to the lawns around the community.  See below for photos of the large disruptions in lawn areas from critters digging for food.  In addition, there has been an increase in holes found throughout lawn areas and around patio foundation areas where critters have dug holes and tunnels in preparation for fall and winter months. To help identify exactly what animal species are creating this damage, we would appreciate input from any co-owners that have had firsthand observations of the animals doing this damage.  Some of this is being done at night.  Being able to properly identify the culprits will help to determine the best course of action to stop the damage and prevent future episodes. If anyone has actually observed them in action, please comment below and the information will be passed onto the board and management company as they are looking at options for treating the issue.  Thank you for any assistance you can provide.  Below are more photos of some of the damage we found today around patio areas and backyard lawn spaces.

⏬(see below for more photos)

TRAVEL - Carry-on Luggage Size Guide

With the holidays approaching, many of us will be making airplane reservations.  After having the unfortunate experience of lost luggage for several days, I personally agonize about how to pack.  I ran across this recent guide regarding current carry-on luggage guidelines.  Hopefully, it will be helpful to someone!

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT LIMIT FOR CARRY-ON LUGGAGE?

The maximum weight for carry-on bags can vary by airline, but it generally falls in the range of 15 to 40 pounds. The TSA recommended carry-on weight limit is 35 pounds. This weight restriction aims to ensure that the bag is manageable both for you and for the airline staff handling it. Always make sure to check with your airline before flying.

See limitations by airline below:

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HEALTH & WELLNESS - Brain Fog

 HOW TO CLEAR UP BRAIN FOG

Mental cloudiness may arise with long COVID, but it can also be caused by meds, depression, trouble sleeping, and more.

Published by Consumer Reports

Written by Kevin Loria

(updated by Justin Krajeski) May 26, 2023

Brain fog, characterized by difficulty focusing, sluggish thinking, and memory lapses, is a common symptom of long COVID-the complex condition that sometimes emerges after a case of COVID-19.  But brain fog is not unique to long COVID.  Chronic insomnia and other consistent sleep troubles, as well as head injury, stroke, depression, cancer therapies, and drug side effects, can lead to a similar, often troubling mental cloudiness.

There is no perfect treatment for brain fog, but doctors may be able to treat some of the conditions that can cause it, says Zaldy Tan, MD, director of the Bernard and Maxine Platzer Lynn Family Memory and Healthy Aging Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.  It is unlikely you will be able to clear up brain fog instantly.  But here is what we know about it, and what experts say you should do if you are experiencing brain fog.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS - Chair Yoga (Level 2)

Hello,

I don’t know if anyone has used My Chair Yoga for Seniors, but I’ve moved on to level two and I thought I would share the link!

Neighbor - Julie Lee

COMMUNITY - Remembering our neighbor Marilyn Ufkes

THINGS-TO-DO - Clock Solitaire Card Game

CLOCK SOLITARE

Clock solitaire is easy to learn, but almost impossible to beat. 

If you're in for a challenge, this is the solo card game for you.

The Set-Up:

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WORD SCRAMBLE - Veggies That Contain Protein

 

BEAT THE CLOCK CHALLENGE - Congratulations to Our Two Winners!

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Congratulations Linda Carpenter, our Beat the Clock Challenge Winner for September! 

Four people entered the Word Search - Harvest Time puzzle challenge. The winner of the runner-up prize drawing is Sue Kuipers.  Sue will have to fill you in on what she won once she collects her prize 😊 

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My husband Mike didn't mind parting with the $20 he promised for the challenge winner.  However, eating vegetables and binge watching "Married at First Sight" with me for the rest of the month may have him knocking on doors to see "What's for Dinner?" and asking if he could watch a murder mystery or two with you!  

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COMMUNITY - Baskin Robbins (West Main) Grand Opening Saturday 9/14 11am-3pm

Calling all ice cream enthusiasts!  Baskin Robbins is opening on Saturday 9/14 (11am-3pm) in the West Century Center off of N. Drake Road (between the UPS Store and Blaze Pizza). In addition to cones, they offer sundaes, cakes, pies, and DIY kits for get-togethers and parties. Delivery is available. Order Online on the website or the Baskin Robbins phone app!

Baskin Robbins

5350 West Main Street

Kalamazoo MI 49009

Phone:  269-270-3557

htttps://www.baskinrobbins.com

Hours:

Monday-Sunday - 11:00am-10:00pm

See below for a list of their current flavors:

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HOW TO - Make Your Own Nectars for Bird Feeders

There are many options on the market for bird feeders and they are available at large chain stores as well as farm and feed stores.  Making your own nectars for hummingbirds and other native birds is easy to do.  Recipes should utilize beet sugar when making them at home, as beet sugar comes the closest to the natural sugar in foods birds thrive on.  

Artificial sweeteners, brown sugars, honey, agave nectar, caster or confectioner's sugar, maple and corn syrups, and/or molasses should never be substituted for sugar in recipes for making your own nectars.  Use of these substitutes can create health issues for birds as the sugars are harder to digest.  In addition, fermentation during storage can create fungal and mold contamination in the feeders and storage containers. In addition, the syrups can change the consistency of the nectar making it difficult for the birds to consume and make their beaks sticky and difficult to open after eating.

See below for recipes to make your own food for Oriole & Hummingbird feeders:

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WHO KNEW? Purchase, Placement & Care of Non-seed Feeders

In addition to the popular Orioles, the most common birds attracted to oriole feeders are Tanagers, Northern Mockingbirds, Finches, Grosbeaks, and Woodpeckers. One way to help attract various species is by making sure that your feeder is orange. Orange is an easily visible color for attracting birds and it naturally draws their attention. 

There are many variations of feeders available at a relatively low cost and are specifically designed for jelly, nectars and/or fruit.  Kept stocked with fresh food options, they will draw many well-known varieties in Michigan. 

Look for a feeder that is specifically designed for jelly or fruit so that the containers are the right size and shape to hold the jelly without spilling. Nectar feeders should come equipped with an ant moat feature to prevent ants from accessing the nectar and taking over the feeder.  Preferred feeders should be made of easy-to-clean materials like plastic or glass so that leftover jelly or nectar can be easily removed and cleaned.

See Below for Placement, Cleaning, and How-to Ideas:

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WORD SEARCH CHALLENGE - Last Day to Submit Your Entry!

The Word Search Challenge closes at noon on September 16th.  

At that time the winner will be announced.  The names of all that participated will be put into a drawing for a Runner-Up prize so there is still time to participate.  

I will have additional paper copies in a pocket on our storm door (above the N2N Mailbox), until 9:00pm on Sunday 9/15 (if you did not get one or don't have a printer for the electronic version). Completed entries can be placed in the N2N Mailbox mounted on the storm door at 4958.

Any co-owner up for this challenge is bound by the following 

"Code of Honor":

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COMMUNITY - Alternative Ideas for Feeding Yard Birds

Who knew birds have such a sweet tooth? Birds love grape jelly!  Grape jelly is attractive to them because of its high sugar content.  It has a texture similar to fruit flies and the other insects they like to eat.  The deep bright color of grape jelly makes it easier for birds to see when daylight is low or there are poor weather conditions.

Drawn to jelly, they are attracted to the sugar for the energy it provides them. The sweetness of grape jelly provides energy boosters that help them survive for lengthy periods of time without eating. The ideal time to put out jelly is during spring and fall migration periods, when the birds need extra energy. Like humans though, too much sugar for birds can create health problems for them. Jelly should be reserved for use as an occasional treat or to initially attract them to your yard. To cut down on the sugar content, you can also substitute pureed fruit for the jelly or try making your own.  For overall health once they are attracted to your feeders, switch to regular feeding that includes foods that provide them with more sustenance for their everyday existence. 

Birds also like to eat grapes and berries from feeders or leftovers on the vines after harvesting.  For food with more substance, especially during winter months, include apples and oranges on a feeder or plate and include foods with less sugar, like mealworms, crickets or other dried insects.

Often overlooked food sources include bananas and melons.  You can put melon pieces out as-is or include the seeds. They will eat pumpkin and squash seeds fresh with the flesh or baked in the oven until they are dried out.  Akin to their fresh food counterparts, they will also eat raisins and cranberries. Eat your vegetables does not necessarily apply to birds.  They have trouble digesting raw vegetables, but will eat peas, sweet corn and potatoes (if the skin has been removed).

You can also put out common breakfast items found in many kitchens. Bran flakes, toasted oats, plain Cheerios, corn flakes or plain sugar-free cereals with fruit and nuts. Be mindful that birds will have trouble swallowing large chunks, so crush them with a rolling pin before putting them in a feeder or on a plate. For their health, do not feed them sugar-coated cereals or ones containing marshmallows.

During cooler months, unsalted and unsweetened all-natural nut butters without additives are a good source of protein and fats for birds.  Chunky peanut butter is a common favorite.  It is important that the butters used do not include any added sugar or fats. The butters should be reserved for cooler months and winter and not in warmer months when the birds have natural food sources available to them.  Butters should not be left out long enough to turn rancid due to the health risks for the birds. To prevent the butter from becoming too sticky, you can mix it with cornmeal or oats for easier eating.  If it is too sticky there is a risk of choking for the birds when they try to swallow it.

Last, but not least, birds can eat dog biscuits and dry organic dog foods (avoid those made for special canine diets due to specialty additives)!  They should be broken up into small pieces and soaked in water to soften them first.  The nutrients can benefit birds as long as the biscuits or food are not taken from the same bowl or dispenser that is used to feed the pets.  Contamination with parasites normal for canines is detrimental to birds' health and should be avoided.

To first attract birds to your yard, make sure there are no other food sources available in the yard like seed or corn feeders, or suet.  Then add jelly to your feeder, along with slices of apples or oranges for added appeal. Place this in the middle of your yard area for easy visibility. Once they start visiting you can easily add other feeders and allowable food sources.  Enjoy them throughout most of the year but avoid leaving out jelly or high sugar content fruits during the warm summer months when their natural environment will provide them with native food sources that don't have high sugar contents.

Below are a few feeder styles that will accommodate jelly, nectar, fruit, and other treats:

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WHO KNEW? All About Watermelon

WATERMELON HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL:

Native to northeastern areas of Africa, since ancient times watermelon seeds have been transported to areas around the world, where easy planting and propagation has made this fruit popular.  Watermelons were originally not sweet like the versions we enjoy today and are also referred to as the berry of the vine, despite the hard exterior shell referred to as the rind. Early versions were bitter with a yellowish white flesh and difficult to open.  Many varieties were cultivated, with the sweeter versions becoming popular in Roman times in the Mediterranean areas of the world.

Selective breeding over time has developed sweeter varieties that are easier to open.  There are now over 1,000 varieties, including seedless that was first developed in Japan by scientists. Seedless watermelons were rarely available in the early years of their development due to their poor resistance to diseases.  Seedless varieties did not become popular until the 21^st Century and make up about 85% of those sold in the US today.   Once planted the seeds will produce mature fruit within 100 days of planting.  They were originally grown because of their high content of water and stored to be eaten during dry seasons for their water and nutrients.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

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HOW TO: Make Watermelon Pickles

Who knew it was so easy to make watermelon pickles?  

Check out Shotgun Red's entertaining how to video:

See below for Shotgun Red's Watermelon Pickles recipe!

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CO-OWNER RECOMMENDATION - La Familia R.T. (painting & powerwashing)

Trini Ramirez has done other work for us in the past.  He is hard working, friendly, and methodically works through the jobs that he does.  He and his manager are working hard to build their new business La Familia R.T. (RT for Ramirez-Trevino😊).  I highly recommend Trini's work and respect his honesty.  If you need any painting or power washing done, give Trini a try! - Sharon Merrick

Trini Ramirez & Maria Trevino

Phone:  269-348-6977 (Trini)

Phone:  269-290-9292 (Maria)

Email:  lafamiliart2@gmail.com

BULLETIN BOARD - Co-owner in search of chess players!

  Seeking people who play chess!
       Please call 269-692-5264
                Thank you!

                 TL Adamson

             zion.8491@gmail.com

COMMUNITY - Chairs Found in the Recycling Bin

Unfortunately, someone driving a black SUV and pulling a trailer stopped by our recycling bin today.  They threw three wooden chairs with padded seats into the recycling dumpster--that is clearly marked "For Recycling Only".  A couple of our co-owners were out by Building M and saw them and pulled the chairs out of the dumpster.  They then put them in a garage until they find someone to take them to Goodwill to donate.  

There are a few concerns about this situation.  The first being that someone that doesn't live here may be using our dumpster to get rid of their personal items and trash. As a co-owner, if you see this in the future, please report the details to a board member or Berkshire Hathaway to handle it further.

If these chairs were picked up by someone for a co-owner, why didn't they use the SUV or trailer to take them to a donation center? The chairs appear to be in good shape and would be appreciated by someone else if they are donated. We have several organizations in Kalamazoo that would gladly accept them and would have picked them up if they had been contacted.  

Lastly, if the chairs were owned and/or discarded by a co-owner, the co-owner could have easily communicated a "For Sale or Free" post to put on the Bulletin Board in the Newsletter before discarding them. Please keep that in mind in the future if anyone has items to get rid of.

Thank you to the co-owners that helped to remove them from the recycling dumpster and are making arrangements to have them taken somewhere to be donated. We will all at some point have something to get rid of or donate. For future reference I have posted a list of some donation sites in our area (listed under "Donation" in the left-hand column on the blog, part way down the column). 

COMMUNITY - Republic and Random Acts of Kindness

Some of us have had occasional frustrations with Republic Services since they first started picking up our trash and recycling.  The services have gotten better and more dependable, which I think we all appreciate.  If you had concerns Tuesday about missed pick-ups, it was due to the Labor Day Holiday on Monday.  A holiday will always shift their schedule by a day, they work to catch up, and then the following week they will be back on schedule.  

That said, I overheard a conversation today between one of the Republic drivers and another vendor working outside in the community.  The other vendor had been working for a few hours in and out of the sun. I had seen him earlier and by the end of his project he was noticeably flushed and tired.  When the Republic truck pulled up, the vendor was still picking up his equipment and loading it into his truck.  

I was unloading groceries from my van when the Republic driver came up and pulled our dumpsters to his truck.  I saw him glance over his shoulder as he repositioned the containers to lift them up to empty.  On his walk back with the empty dumpsters, he put them into place and walked over to the other vendor.  I heard him tell the man he had seen him out working and then asked him if he was doing okay.  The man nodded and the Republic driver handed him an unopened bottle of drinking water and said "this might help, take care of yourself man" as he walked back to his truck. The vendor thanked him and turned to watch him climb back into his truck.  I noticed a few moments later the vendor took a quick drink of the water that had been so graciously handed to him.

This was a young man, working hard to catch up on his pick-ups from yesterday. He could have easily just gotten back into his truck and driven away.  Instead, he took an extra few minutes to check on a stranger before he moved on to the next building. That instinctive act of kindness helps restore my faith in people. It is also a reminder that our vendors are most often doing the best they can, often under circumstances we may not be aware of.

COMMUNITY - Memories & Bird Feeders

We all know by now, as of September 1^st, we will not be able to use seed, corn, suet, or ground feeders within the community.  Birdwatching is a relaxing pastime after a stressful day and in retirement.  Even though I am a new co-owner, at the time of the discussion for the decision, it brought to my mind many experiences I had in my own life out of my father’s love of bird feeding. At the time of the board meeting, I had not lived in Leisure Pointe to see the destruction personally.  I trusted the experience and concerns being expressed by board members, along with the background information that was presented, as I considered my decision in the board voting.

Some of my fondest memories growing up were of my dad faithfully tending to his bird and squirrel feeders in our fenced back yard. In our suburban neighborhood our backyard butted up against sixteen others around our block.  Lot sizes and shapes varied with the location of the homes on the block, but the only thing separating our property lines were periodic fences erected to keep the neighborhood dogs and kids contained.   I would periodically hear one of our neighbors cussing out my dad because of all the critters destroying his large vegetable garden every summer.  His neighbor on the other side rarely spoke to my dad because of the damage regularly done to their exotic flowers and koi pond, by squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, and gophers. This went on for years, back and forth they would argue and complain about my father’s bird and squirrel obsession. My dad would just chuckle and ignore them and sometimes put up another feeder or corn wheel in response. 

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