Columns
Life as Performance Art
I always find it a bit amusing when someone, especially one of the talking heads from almost any news station has a hissy fit about what they call ‘revisionist history.’ They change their tone of voice to make it…
Mike’s Musings: Time to Abolish MEDC
For decades, politicians from both parties have defended the Michigan Economic Development Corporation with the same promise: targeted incentives and subsidies will attract jobs, revive communities, and create prosperity. It sounds appealing. If government can selectively help businesses expand, why…
Out and About: Joint Venture, aging, and things to know
“You can not push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb a little.” -Andrew CarnegieThis June I’ll be starting a new adventure at Beacon Health Care. I mentioned several weeks ago about the “Heart Healthy” program I…
May I Walk with You? HEAVEN WITHOUT YOU
I was recently talking with the daughter of a good friend who has passed and she indicated that she was looking forward to seeing her dad again in heaven when she got there. It reminded me of the belief that…
Life as Performance Art
I recall straight news; newscasters survived only if they were deemed trustworthy and reliable es. That’s why we loved Walter Cronkite plus the pair Chet Huntley and David Brinkley.Even Paul Harvey billed his daily radio show as news and commentary.“All…
Mike’s Musings: Rules to live by
I often seek out thought provoking words of wisdom on the internet. Just last week I came across this (by anonymous) and thought I would share it with you. It might not mean much to those that are in their…
Out and About: Memorial Day, regrets, and summer
“Luck is the residue of design.” -Branch RickeyBuddha was not a Buddhist….Jesus was not a Christian….Muhammad was not a Muslim….They were teachers who taught Love….Love was their Religion.This next Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day. On this day we honor…
May I Walk with You? WHICH DIRECTION?
It seems part of Christian faith that all men and women, sooner or later must make a choice to follow Jesus or not to follow Jesus, to do our best to conform to his teaching the best we can or…
Blue Star
By Scott Sullivan,EditorWater MusicLast week’s Part 3 of our tentatively-titled “Tangram/Canary” series left off with developers Johnny Walker, of Tangram LLC, and his Enclave project near-neighbor Joe Novakowski, COO of Elzinga & Volkers builders, sharing differences near the end of…
Life as Performance Art
Memorial Day Monday, May 25 this year, is nigh upon us. Don’t mistake it for the Fourth of July, when our nation’s 250th birthday will deservedly be feted later in 2026, or Veterans Day Nov. 11 each year.Memorial Day began…
Mike’s Musings: On this Memorial Day
Editor’s Note: I thought I would use my space to sometimes contributor, Jeffrey Brasie. As a Vietnam veteran, he offers a movie, book and TV show that honor best those that served. By: Jeffrey D. Brasie, M.A,This coming Monday, May…
Out and About: Pickleball, men, and dogs
“Show me a thoroughly satisfied man, and I will show you a failure.” -Thomas EdisonIt’s still a month away, but this is something you’ll want to mark down on your kitchen calendar, especially if you are into Pickleball. The Three…
May I Walk with You? ETERNAL THINKING
One of the things successful people do is to set long term goals. Even nations set five- or ten-year goals and then make plans to make them happen. Everyone from huge corporations to governments to individuals set long term goals…
Life as Performance Art
Conspiracy theorists have taken time off from party, gender and the usual run of politics to resummon and oldie-but-goodie, UFOs.Given the rancor and stridency such said-hot-buttonConsidering some of the other hot-button topics of sure to generate ranting and rancor, flying…
Mike’s Musings: One Vote Can Change Everything – remember the tie vote in Hopkins
If anyone still doubts whether one vote matters, they need only look to what happened last Tuesday in Hopkins, a school district in Allegan County. In what some say was a record turnout, a bond issue did not pass because…
Out and About: True words, mobile markets, and dog love
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.” -Daniel Patrick MaynihanSOME VERY TRUE WORDS:
May I Walk with You? HARD TRUTHS
As I was reading a meditation by St. Catherin of Siena in the Magnificat prayer aid for April 29th, I was struck by the fact that we “are convinced by lively faith that whatever God gives and permits us is…
Blue Star
By Scott SullivanEditorCracking CodesThe mugger who demanded “What’s the frequency, Kenneth?” while assaulting CBS News Anchor Dan Rather Oct. 4, 1986, was only identified eight years later as William Tager.Rather, having wrapped up another broadcast, was walking to his Manhattan…
Life as Performance Art
It turns out I’m a rarity: of all the last or surnames in the U.S., Stoppel ranks at 52,970th from the top of the charts. Still, with some 6.2 million Stoppels, it’s not surprising to discover at least two more…
Mike’s Musings: RIP Spirit, you were mocked by many, but this frequent traveler loved you
The news that Spirit Airlines has shut down operations after more than three decades in the sky feels like the end of an era—and not just for bargain travelers. For this frequent Spirit traveler, the news was devastating. I woke…
HOME FOR SALE
1984 Victorian manufactured home. 2 Bd, 2bth, 2 outdoor porches, 10'x12' 3 season room. All appliances and some furniture included. New flooring throughout, new window coverings, new interior paint throughout, 2 new toilets, generally good condition.
Royal Estates Mobile Home Park. 6253 Overdale Manor Rd., Kalamazoo, MI
Asking price- $55,000
Please call: 925-775-8315
VEHICLE FOR SALE
2017 Ford Escape, Titanium w/EcoBoost/AWD. 90,300 mi, Grey, all 4 new tires.
Asking $13,990
Call Steve at 925-775-8315
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging (COA) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified and licensed architectural firms to provide comprehensive architectural and engineering services for an interior renovation project at the Rivers Enrichment Center located at 1200 W. Broadway Street Three Rivers, MI 49093.
The selected firm shall provide full professional services necessary to produce complete, coordinated, permit-ready and bid-ready construction documents, and to support the COA through permitting and construction bidding phases.
Proposals must be received by Wednesday, June 26, 2026 by 2:00pm EDT. Bid documents may be obtained by contacting the St. Joseph County Commission on Aging. The COA reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
All communications regarding this RFP shall be directed to:
Pamela Riley
Executive Director, St. Joseph County Commission on Aging
Phone: (269)279-8083 Email: priley@sjccoa.com































