Lowell, MI-I am always inspired by the annual Earth Day which falls on April 22, although some countries observe this during the spring equinox.
It’s not just about planting trees around this time of the year. The celebration of Earth Day is a wholesome awareness and appreciation of where we live and how we live.
I live in the country in West Michigan and love every moment of it. I am surrounded by farmers and their love for the land. Living close to nature gives me the fuel to create. I do plant trees in honor of new life coming to this Earth.
Wittenbach Wege agriscience center on Earth Day 2014
It’s a Czech tradition to plant a tree for every newborn. We planted the royal purple smoke tree for Ella in 2010.
In 2014, we planted a flowering willow tree in honor of Josephine Marie Palova.
Later, that year we planted a magnolia for Samuel Chavent.
Sam’s magnolia
This year we will plant a flowering cherry blossom tree or any flowering tree or shrub that does well in clay soil to honor Dominic born in August of 2015.
Our favorite gardening place is near Fennville, the Huntree Nursery. Here we get our currant bushes, that are a great source of vitamin C.
Red currant bush. The berries are a great source of vitamin C.
I am always humbled by the sign in front of the Wittenbach Wege Agriscience Center in Lowell, Michigan that reads:
May Peace Prevail on Earth.
“Look deeper into the nature and you will understand everything better.”
Lowell, MI- On this day three years ago, I boarded the WordPress flight 101 to destination unknown.
I came across WordPress just by pure coincidence as I was doing research for my memoir “Greenwich Meridian” about the family immigration saga.
The Hawkins Chamber site had a WP like box. In order to like it, I had to get on the platform. So, I did because I needed Internet presence anyways according to the agents whom I approached about the book.
Inspiration: the spiral staircase at the Dali in St. Petersburg, FL
It was an easy pick compared to the other complex blog/web building sites. Plus it was free.
Looking back at those three years, there were definite milestones when I wanted to just plain quit without explaining anything to anyone. There was this strange voice that kept whispering into my ear, “Give it up, you can’t do it. Go back to the store.”
I actually even attempted going back to the store where I worked in the nineties, but the manager discouraged me.
“You can do better,” he said. “Keep trying what you’re doing. You will master it.”
Initially, there is a steep learning curve on WordPress, just like with anything new. I compare to a child learning to walk. All those bumps and falls and getting up, crawling along the walls for support, and then suddenly a bang. The child stands up and takes his or her first steps.
I spent hours behind the computer with tutorials and the support team as my wall. I was dealing with an avalanche of information trying to sort through it all.
Inspiration carved in rock.
“Why don’t you let someone else do it for you?” asked my husband Ludek shaking his head when he saw me crunching my teeth and pulling my hair out.
“Like who,” I said. “And mainly where am I going to get the money to pay a person for a decent job?”
No, answer.
My persistence prevailed. I finally had the first post ready “About” on Jan. 14th with a Jan. 15th date.
The WP team welcomed me along with other newcomers into the community graciously with the slogan, “Thanks for flying with Word Press.” I still didn’t know what to expect just like when you take off on a plane for a long journey across the ocean.
As time ticked away, more things became clear. Having a traditional publishing background with knowledge of QuarkXPress and InDesign, the real design on word press became easier.
I have to say that I never had serious trouble coming up with copy. And as serious, I mean not being able to pound out a story or a post every day. Traditional newspaper journalism was a lot like an army boot camp.
“A story and a photo a day will keep the editor away,” we used to say at the Ionia Sentinel-Standard newsroom.
Easier said than done and that goes for both worlds; ink and the grid.
I find it helpful to have the right mindset even before I get out of bed. The right mindset was, is and always will be that, “Content is the king.”
I always think about that before I sit behind the screen and as I look at the Stephen King calendars filed in my library, year after year, until they finally stopped publishing them in 2014.
“The scariest moment is always just before you start. After that things can only get better,” wrote King.
I agree. Whenever I have trouble coming up with ideas or writing, I start procrastinating. To avoid procrastinating further, I go for a ride, take a walk, and swim a few laps if I am lucky enough to find a pool or dip myself in a hot tub.
Once I physically exert the inner frustration, the writer in me is reborn. I shake everything off and step into a new world of creation. The destination remains unknown.
To be continued with “Milestones” and “If I could turn back time.”
It takes a lifetime to get to 13 seconds of winning a battle
By Emma Palova
Lowell, MI- This one rings close to home because it is such a strong theme for the challenge. It took me a lifetime to get to where I am now. I am doing what I love and hopefully other people appreciate it.
Throughout the process, I reinvented myself several times. I went from being a civil engineer by default of returning to Czech Republic to a writer on the WordPress platform.
Dali’s clocks
In between, I did many different things. These included English instructor for French executives in Montreal, a factory worker packaging health aid boxes, a clerk in Women’s Department, a journalist for print media, a journalist for digital media, a journalist for Czech media and a social media marketer for Fallasburg Historical Society.
Then, I taught myself WordPress. Last year, I started my online business Emma Blogs, LLC. Now, I am doing the 30 Day Content Challenge.
What’s next? I don’t know. That’s the beauty of life.
I will definitely continue to write and run the business. But, I am thinking about going back into the regular work process. Whatever that means at the time of the Internet.
Any change is a good thing for all of us. I do love change. That’s why I like to watch water outdoors. It keeps constantly changing with light and motion.
I am glad that I took on the challenge. I’ve learned a lot about myself. On some days I did great, on other days not so well.
Some themes were inspiring, other ones not so much. So, on those not inspired theme days, I went on my own. As I always do.
Note: This is another installment in a feature series about Inspiring Women. It is dedicated to all women who are trying to make a difference and better other people’s lives, as well as their own. In putting together this feature series, I was inspired by several moments in life that in particular stand out.
No.1 A dedication of a Relax, mind, body & soul book by Barbara Heller from my son Jake: “I dedicate this to my inspiring and motivational mother.” Kuba
No. 2 While on a story prior to Mother’s Day, I dropped in at Ace Bernard Hardware to talk about the prizes with owner Charlie Bernard. We talked also about the Lowell Area Chamber and its director Liz Baker.
“You know what I like about Liz, she keeps re-inventing herself,” Bernard said.
No. 3 Again on a story prior to the International Women’s Day I talked to Sow Hope president Mary Dailey Brown.
“If you want to make a difference in this world, seriously consider helping impoverished women. Helping women is the key to unlocking poverty.”
No. 4 At a parents teacher conference at Cherry Creek Elementary in Lowell in mid 1990s: “Mrs. Pala, we do not give up,” teacher Karen Latva said.
Station Salon owner makes her dream come true
By Emma Palova
Lowell, MI- For Nancy DeBoer it has been a lifelong dream of having her own business.
After completing education at the Jordan College hair school, DeBoer started learning the ropes of the beauty business at the Artisan salon in Rockford in 1989. While still in school, DeBoer worked at the Artisan as a receptionist getting her feet wet.
Nancy DeBoer at Station Salon in Lowell.
“I learned from the older stylists techniques that I still use today,” she said. “It was a good first job experience.”
DeBoer worked there for seven years and then took a break to raise her children. She still did hair for friends and family and in late 1990s moved to Lowell.
DeBoer was hired at Salon 206 where she stayed for 13.5 years getting ready to open her own beauty shop.
“I’ve always wanted to own my business,” she said. “I had a large clientele build up that followed me. I was ready, it was the right time in my life.”
Children were grown up and husband Andrew, who owns Inside Movement indoor rock climbing gym in Byron Center, was encouraging all along. Andrew, a farrier or horse shoer, has been self-employed his entire life.
Nancy DeBoer at work styling.
DeBoer realized her dream on Nov. 3 of 2012. The chic Station Salon opened in the prime downtown area in a historical building located at 214 E. Main.
“I’ve always liked this building,” said DeBoer. “I saw a potential of a salon. I wanted something unique.”
She wasn’t sure about the name for a unique salon inside a unique building.
“It came to me in a dream,” she said.
Moreover there used to be a train station nearby, so the name fit like a glove. So, Station Salon was born out of hard work, persistence and determination.
“I work hard,” DeBoer said. “I am here a lot to make sure things stay positive.”
Being a client of both, first Salon 206 and then Station Salon, I’ve observed both salons over the years. In 2014, our bridal party had hair done at the Station Salon. It was perfect. Hairstylist Lynn Mitchell has always accommodated my unpredictable needs for beauty.
The atmosphere at Station Salon is genuine and without pretense. The bubbly stylists engage in conversations with clients.
“Have you been to the BBQ restaurant next door?” asked Mitchell. “It’s the talk of the town.”
We chat about our families or travel, and Station Salon feels like a big extended family.
The biggest challenge for DeBoer was bringing the historic building up to code.
“There were quite a bit of renovations needed,” said DeBoer. “I did all the design and painting myself.”
Fogged up Bridal & Princess Boutique words.
DeBoer enjoyed the advantage of having an established clientele from Salon 206.
“The girls came from the previous salon with their clientele,” said DeBoer.
The crew went into the Grand Opening in 2012 strong with the economic downturn behind them, and a whole new future in front of them.
“We were ready to open,” she said.
The salon employs eight stylists including DeBoer and she plans to hire a new stylist. Massage therapist Myrtis Thut is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The biggest challenge for the salon crew are the holidays, although the salon stays steady busy year round.
“We get appointments pre-booked,” she said. “The first three years were good with continued growth.”
DeBoer learned how to run the business from seminars and from husband Andy.
As in any workplace, one of the major challenges remains stress.
“I focus on working hard to make it the best salon I can,” she said. “I am positive, easy going, and I am present as an owner.”
But, most of all DeBoer still loves her job.
“I love being able to connect with people every day,” she said.
Station Salon supports the performing arts at the Lowell Area Schools.
“We do the hair for musicals,” DeBoer said. “It is a fun creative outlet. We get to do crazy hair.”
Strange things happen at beauty salons, including this one. One Saturday, a bridal party was in the salon to get their hair done.
Suddenly, in the fogged up windows appeared the words Bridal & Princess Boutique in a neat font. The windows had fogged up before, but nothing was there, according to DeBoer.
“It’s a lot of work,” she said. “I feel very fortunate and blessed that I’ve been able to do what I’ve always wanted to do. I love being in the center of town and I love the character of the building.”
DeBoer plans continued growth and involvement in the community.
“We want to be a part of the community of Lowell,” she said.
Station Salon will be on Girls Night Out this fall on Oct. 15.
Note: This is the fourth installment in a feature series about Inspiring Women. It is dedicated to all women who are trying to make a difference and better other people’s lives, as well as their own. In putting together this feature series, I was inspired by several moments in life that in particular stand out.
No.1 A dedication of a Relax, mind, body & soul book by Barbara Heller from my son Jake: “I dedicate this to my inspiring and motivational mother.” Kuba
No. 2 While on a story before Mother’s Day, I dropped in at Ace Bernard Hardware to talk about the prizes with owner Charlie Bernard. We talked also about the Lowell Area Chamber and its director Liz Baker.
“You know what I like about Liz, she keeps re-inventing herself,” Bernard said.
No. 3 Again on a story for the International Women’s Day I talked to Sow Hope president Mary Dailey Brown.
“If you want to make a difference in this world, seriously consider helping impoverished women. Helping women is the key to unlocking poverty.”
No. 4 At a parents teacher conference at Cherry Creek Elementary in Lowell in mid 1990s: “Mrs. Pala, we do not give up,” teacher Karen Latva said.
Lowell woman completes North Country Trail to memorialize daughter
Name: Gail Lowe
Occupation: retired intensive care nurse
Residence: Lowell
Hobbies & Interests: hiking, reading, writing
By Emma Palova
EW Emma’s Writings
Lowell, MI – It’s never easy to lose a parent, but to lose a child is a traumatic event beyond imagination.
Gail Lowe calls herself “Hiker Babe”, and she truly is a veteran hiker of 10,000 miles with just one fear left. And that is she won’t be able to hike anymore because of aging and related health reasons.
Gail Lowe on a mission walk in memory of daughter.
On Thanksgiving of last year, Lowe completed the most difficult hike of her life. It was “Becka’s Hike” to memorialize her daughter Rebecca Carrie Lyons, 46, who died of breast cancer in May of 2013.
Lowe is working on a book “My Best for Becka” about the end of her daughter’s life.
“It’s like opening a scar and an old wound,” she said. “It’s very difficult.”
It is Lowe’s hope, that the book will help the grieving process and foster personal growth.
“Becka’s biggest fear was that she would be forgotten,” Lowe said. “I wanted to make sure that would never come true.”
Rebecca Carrie Lyons
So, Lowe embarked on a 4,600-mile long hike of the North Country Trail (NCT) on March 18, 2014. She wanted to complete it as a thru hike which means in one season.
“It was a hike with a mission,” she said.
Lowe had previously hiked twice the Appalachian Trail which is only half as long as the NCT.
One of the most difficult parts of the hike was in the western half of the Upper Peninsula, where the trail was overgrown.
“I had to do a lot of bushwhacking,” she said. “I was attacked by a raptor. I saw two wolves and bears.”
Lowe who has also hiked in Alaska, said, the UP part of the trail was much more remote than the one in Alaska.
On the other hand, probably the easiest part of the hike was through North Dakota.
“People welcomed me immediately,” she said. “I was dreading hiking there, but it was easy and it is a beautiful state.”
Victorious Gail Lowe at the end of 4,600 mile hike.
But, what was even more difficult than the length of the hike, was the extreme solitude. Lowe said that on the other trails people camp at night and share shelters together.
“I was it, there were no other hikers,” she said. “The loneliness was overwhelming.”
To fight the loneliness, Lowe went to as many towns as she could to meet with the locals and to reach out to them.
And that was mutual, because Lowe had the help of more than 100 “trail angels.” Trail angels are people who help hikers either with shelter, food or transportation from the trail to towns and back.
“The hike was truly blessed. People took me in for the night,” she said. “It was mind-boggling. Sometimes they did meet me along the way.”
Staying in a tent at 20 F would have been hard, if it wasn’t for the Methodists who opened their doors to Lowe.
“They truly practice their faith,” she said.
Lowe had planned her hike to start and to finish in Ohio. Three couples helped her by taking her back and forth between the trail and the town, so Lowe didn’t have to carry the “rock” or the big backpack.
“I could just use the day pack for four to five days,” she said.
Even though by now after thousands of miles of hiking, Lowe has it down to a science. She carries 26 to 28 pounds on her back.
She averaged 30 to 35 miles a day, before her health became an issue. Lowe came down with mononucleosis and had to make three trips to three different emergency rooms. Her average mileage was down to 15 miles.
“I was exhausted with respiratory infections,” she said. “There really is no treatment for it. I took massive doses of vitamin c.”
Mission accomplished
Against all odds including the nasty 2014 weather, Lowe finished the thru hike in one year as the only woman in the USA. She received major publicity including TV, NPR radio and 40 to 50 articles.
“It was a combination of being the first woman to do it in one hiking season and in memory of my daughter,” Lowe said. “I asked myself how do I want to finish this hike.”
Lowe wanted a quiet finish just between her and Becka. That’s why she planned the last two miles on Thanksgiving Day.
“I could sneak in under the radar and have the type of finish I wanted,” she said.
But, Lowe also wanted to know that Becka was with her all along.
“I told myself if I find a quarter on the ground I would know Becka was with me,” she said.
On the last two miles of the last day, Lowe looked down and found a quarter.
“That was a message she was with me,” Lowe said. “The outcome of the hike is that the entire nation is aware of Becka. The mission was accomplished.”
Her major motivation for a hike that took 8.5 months to complete remained Becka.
“I consider myself a bad ass in hiking,” Lowe said. “I almost drowned, had a surgery and encountered a man with a gun. But knowing that it was in Becka’s memory carried me all along.”
Lowe’s advice to those thinking about hiking the trail is not to tackle it in one season.
“The mileage is daunting,” she said. “There are unmarked areas and the solitude, it can be overwhelming. Give it at least two years.”
Because northern Michigan still had snow in May, Lowe had to turn back to Ohio and hike east and wait for Michigan to thaw.
How did Lowe succeed in spite of all the challenges?
She trained for two months before the hike walking 10 miles a day with an over weighted backpack.
Lowe turned 65 on the NCT hike on Sept. 4th, and she still wants to hike the Continental Divide trail to be the first woman with a quintuple crown award.
Gail Lowe shows a quarter as a message from her daughter
“Hiking is my passion, my church,” she said. “I feel closer to higher power. It has given me strength, freedom and confidence. It has come with tears, sorrow and joy. My trail name is Chosen. I am living out my destiny.”
Lowe said she will do the Continental Divide trail ASAP, before the aging process takes over and makes it impossible.
“My hiking days are numbered,” she said. “I have learned that it’s not the best motivator just pounding out miles, but the most inspirational was the kindness of the people and making lifelong friends. I could feel love coming over me like an ocean of love washing over me.”
Lowe says about herself that she is not religious, but she is spiritual.
“None of us does a hike like this alone,” she said. “I can picture a chain of people holding hands and those are the people who came out. I didn’t do it alone.”
Lowe calls her hikes pilgrimages.
“It’s a time to reflect, it gives insight and introspection,” she said. “The greatest fun is succeeding at your goal, finishing what you start. It gives me incredible accomplishment and confidence.”
Lowe ignores negative people in order to accomplish her goals.
“It’s my responsibility to step over them and keeping my eye on the goal and not let them affect my ability of moving forward,” she said. “I’ve become strong mentally, physically and spiritually.”
Lowe’s final advice:
“Don’t quit, no matter what.”
However, as far as the grieving process itself, Lowe says there is no closure on grieving, ever.
“Becka was my best friend, and when all was said and done, we both forgave each other everything and loved each other dearly,” Lowe said. “I miss being able to do the simple things with her like talking on the phone, going out to eat together, going “thrifting” at thrift shops, travelling together, and listening to her sing at karaoke. She lived for music and had an amazing voice! I miss being able to touch her and kiss her face.”
NCT runs through Fallasburg Park in Kent County, Michigan.
Since the establishment of NCT in 1980, only five men have completed a thru hike of the trail and Lowe was the sixth person, and the only woman in the USA.
NCTA executive director Bruce Matthews said Lowe’s hike elevates the awareness of the North Country Trail.
“It fires people’s imagination and makes the trail more accessible to women,” he said. “It expands the horizon. It is unusual to complete it in one season.”
Matthews hopes that the experience Lowe has had will inspire other people to follow in her footsteps.
“You have to be prepared,” he said. “NCT is different from the Appalachian or the Pacific trails.”
What distinguishes NCT from the other trails is that it runs through different environments, and it does not follow a mountain range.
“Trail angels will be looking for you ready to help,” he said. “You can share experiences and volunteers make the routes more scenic.
On the theme of the extreme solitude on the trail, Matthews said:
“Solitude is part of the NCT experience,” he said.
On the psychology aspect of the strenuous hike, Dr. Daniel Ehnis, professor at Cornerstone University, said that taking on this challenge aids the healing process in a few ways:
“First of all, it helps the mother to do something extreme and distracting, rather than sitting by helplessly.
Second, the mother’s agony and suffering helps her transfer her psychological pain into physical pain. The physical discomfort can be easier to manage than the emotional turmoil from the loss.
Finally, her daughter’s wish to not be forgotten would take something extraordinary to honor that request.”
Note: This is the third installment in a feature series about Inspiring Women. It is dedicated to all women who are trying to make a difference and better other people’s lives, as well as their own. In putting together this feature series, I was inspired by several moments in life that in particular stand out.
No.1 A dedication of a Relax, mind, body & soul book by Barbara Heller from my son Jake: “I dedicate this to my inspiring and motivational mother.” Kuba
No. 2 While on a story prior to Mother’s Day, I dropped in at Ace Bernard Hardware to talk about the prizes with owner Charlie Bernard. We talked also about the Lowell Area Chamber and its director Liz Baker.
“You know what I like about Liz, she keeps re-inventing herself,” Bernard said.
No. 3 Again on a story prior to the International Women’s Day I talked to Sow Hope president Mary Dailey Brown.
“If you want to make a difference in this world, seriously consider helping impoverished women. Helping women is the key to unlocking poverty.”
No. 4 At a parents teacher conference at Cherry Creek Elementary in Lowell in mid 1990s: “Mrs. Pala, we do not give up,” teacher Karen Latva said.
IW Chamberdirector Liz Baker reinvents herself and Lowell events
Volunteer: Schneider Manor board, Lowell Community Wellness Board
By Emma Palova
EW Emma’s Writings
Lowell, MI – Lowell Area Chamber director started with a filing cabinet and a phone in the old white building on the east end of town in 1994 as a secretary. Most people don’t remember where the old chamber was.
“What did I get myself into,” she said.
Lowell Area Chamber director Liz Baker
Being behind most events in Lowell, Baker manages to keep low profile in her back office. Prior to becoming the director, she had her own cleaning business.
But aunt Betty said Baker had more in her than just doing an ordinary job.
The chamber was first established as a Board of Trade in 1906.
FMB president Jim Bosserd recommended Baker and the chamber hired her.
“I was the assistant director, and I didn’t know who was the director,” she laughed. “What should I do?”
At the time, the chamber did two events: Christmas parade and annual dinner. The Lowell Area Schools said somebody needs to be at the chamber.
“They took a leap of faith and hired me,” Baker said. “I became the executive director.”
Then came the big question.
“How are we going to pay for the Riverwalk?” said Baker.
The two day festival started originally on Labor Day with arts & crafts, entertainment, duck race and a pig roast.
“It just started and we made money,” she said. “From then on I was free to create festival that I wanted to.”
Baker started going to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to get money.
Lowell Area Chamber director with conceptual plan.
Her biggest accomplishment was the partnership with Lowell Area Schools for the annual March Expo 19 years ago. At the time it was the only community expo in the area.
Sizzlin’ Concerts with Lowell Arts are a big hit, as well as two Girls Nights Out, one in the spring, one in the fall. In the early years, Riverwalk was still on Labor Day.
Since, people leave for the holidays, the chamber moved the Riverwalk to the second weekend in July.
“It made world of difference,” she said. “It has evolved with corporate ducks and sponsorships and we went back to a two-day event, well three with the concerts.”
The fireworks are not cheap. The show costs $6,000 to put on. It is sponsored by Laurels of Kent.
The Riverwalk Festival is the biggest fundraiser for the chamber. It brings in between $18,000 to $25,000.
“Most of these events depend on the weather,” she said.
Harvest Celebration is in the fall, and it has been going on for 15 years.
“It is a community event organized by the chamber with marketing funds,” Baker said.
Jodie Haybarker started Christmas through Lowell, a three-day event.
“How can we get businesses involved?” Baker said. “What better event for the chamber. It has been running beautifully.”
DDA sponsors Christmas activities like Santa visits on the Showboat. The Christmas parade route changed and it went to a night parade five years ago.
“Changing the route was good, it was hard on the little ones,” she said.
With this huge output Baker relies on 200 volunteers.
The secret to successful events is early preparation. Volunteers start getting ready for Expo in November, while preparations for Riverwalk start in February.
“We’re very diligent about technology, our marketing is going to the website,” she said.
The concert line-up starts in January/February. Then there also member events such Breakfast Clubs (12) and Lunch & Learn (4), as well as business after hours (2).
Because Lowell is a family community, when the school is out not much happens.
And Baker moved to a new office in the back of the building on the Riverwalk. The general contractor was Evert Bek.
Baker has a part-time person on staff, Catherine Bek, and twice a week Carol Briggs and Peggy Idyma help out, and Barb Zandstra will be back.
As far as weaknesses, Baker says about herself that she gets easily attached to people and things.
“I am getting bigger shoulders now, but I am an emotional sap,” she said. “I love my job. There’s always enough variety and excitement.”
That is why Charlie Bernard of Ace Hardware said about Baker that she keeps reinventing herself.
She was also chair for the Riverwalk Showboat Development plan in 2014. Baker is motivated by Lowell’s vision.
“I want Lowell to be the best there is,” she said. “I go to other communities for inspiration.”
West Michigan Chamber Network does round tables.
“We take ideas from each other,” she said. “But we get robbed quite a bit. We’ve been a role model for MDOT for outside the box thinking.”
Lowell enjoys an amazing camaraderie, according to Baker. “We pull together.”
For two years, the bridge project was the biggest challenge, and then of course the economic downturn.
“The economy just tanked in 2004-2005,” she said. “The big box stores are hard for retail. But, I can’t stop them. I’d like to see a better balance, see more restaurants, small boutique shops and sports kayak shop. I don’t know if we have the right demographics.”
Trail projects are moving ahead, Lowell is in their center.
“It will bring us, business, visitors and tourists,” she said. “We have a designated water trail. And the national headquarters of the North Country Trail (NCT) are located here.
How about plans and visions for Baker and Lowell?
Baker would like to see the Showboat rebuilt and a permanent stage on the Riverwalk.
There are conceptual plans for a permanent stage.
“We want to grow to be sustainable and to be here for years to come,” she said.
And Expo is coming up on March 28th at the Lowell High School. The Expo covers the area of the Lowell Area schools, this include seven townships and the city of Lowell.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Baker said. “I’ve never had a problem finding an exclusive sponsor. If you’re not at the Expo you should be.”
The board sets goals such as getting out more into the community, how to sell yourself and to be the best you can be.
“The businesses need to be taught that too,” she said. “You keep pressing forward, motivating businesses and being their cheerleader. They have to reinvent themselves too. They have to take that first step and become members.”
There are approximately 300 members, and people call for referrals.
“It gives them credibility,” she said. “We don’t have a lot of vacant buildings.”
Here are a few comments from the chamber’s facebook page:
“I’ve always been amazed at how much our Lowell Chamber of Commerce achieves and is involved in our community,” wrote Tina Maire Greene. “I can always count on the chamber for suggestions and recommendations when I need them for particular services.”
“Best Chamber of Commerce ever. They go above and beyond to provide residents and businesses with fun, family friendly activities and events,” wrote Ella K. St. Germain.
Liz Baker-the woman behind the superwoman
1-What makes you feel good about yourself?
I exercise, eat right and healthy.
2-How do you strike a balance between work and family?
Family has to come first. Sometimes they take the back seat. That’s the honesty.
3-What do you do for yourself?
First family, spiritual wellbeing and work. That’s how it plays out for me.
Lowell, MI -I must say I am at a loss with today’s blogging assignment #7 to create an event, whether virtual or real.
I’ve been thinking about WordPress Camps for some time. But, I live in the Midwest, and other than Chicago, I can’t seem to find a hub for bloggers.
Come on fellow bloggers step up. Where are you?
A dam in Czech Republic to me resembles a surge of ideas.
I know I can create an event with a long stretch of imagination. I am inclining towards a virtual blogging event, maybe a weekly or biweekly discussion on a theme that will attract attention and not disputes and complaints.
I have some friends around here who are on Goodreads. That’s it. Of course I haven’t searched high and low either.
I tried the Coffee Cake Internet Discussions page on my EW Emma’s Writings and I did not get a lot of response. But, I wasn’t advertising or marketing it either, and as a new blogger I didn’t have that much time.
All of the above seem like excuses for not creating an event. This is my goal. After the virtual event weekly or biweekly depending on interest, I would like to create a “reality blogging” event in a manageable dimension. That is with or without an avocado dip, on the couch or at Ella’s Coffee & Cuisine with or without the Kardashians.
Any ideas on either the format of the event or the subject?
Note: This is the second installment in a feature series about Inspiring Women. It is dedicated to all women who are trying to make a difference and better other people’s lives, as well as their own. In putting together this feature series, I was inspired by several moments in life that in particular stand out.
No.1 A dedication of a Relax, mind, body & soul book by Barbara Heller from my son Jake: “I dedicate this to my inspiring and motivational mother.” Kuba
No. 2 While on a story prior to Mother’s Day, I dropped in at Ace Bernard Hardware to talk about the prizes with owner Charlie Bernard. We talked also about the Lowell Area Chamber and its director Liz Baker.
“You know what I like about Liz, she keeps re-inventing herself,” Bernard said.
No. 3 Again on a story prior to the International Women’s Day I talked to Sow Hope president Mary Dailey Brown.
“If you want to make a difference in this world, seriously consider helping impoverished women. Helping women is the key to unlocking poverty.”
No. 4 At a parents teacher conference at Cherry Creek Elementary in Lowell in mid 1990s: “Mrs. Pala, we do not give up,” teacher Karen Latva said.
Lowell city clerk battled cancer with positive attitude
Name: Betty Renfro Morlock
Position: city clerk
Residence: Lowell Township
Family: husband Sam, daughter Jamie and four grandsons
Hobbies and interests: wrestling, soccer, football and camping
Betty’s story
By Emma Palova
Lowell, MI- “I’ve had a few bumps in my life.”
Now, that’s Betty Morlock’s way of looking at life’s blocks, setbacks or just pure tragedies.
Lowell city clerk Betty Morlock
As the Lowell city clerk since 1988, Morlock has been through highs and lows, mostly in her personal life. She is also a highly visible and accessible person, and that’s not just during the elections.
Two major tragedies early on have pulled the family together. Adopted grandson Tyler Morlock, 4, was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2000. That same year on April 28th, son Steven was killed in an accident on a quad.
“I have that silver lining,” she said. “I am a people person. I love my residents and my community.”
Always vibrant, equipped with enormous energy, Morlock has navigated the city politics well. Twice, she was the president of the Rotary, and she traveled to the Dominican Republic, as part of a program to ship ambulances to the country.
Morlock has enjoyed a successful career, by the side of only two city managers, current Mark Howe and past Dave Pasquale, until the biggest challenge of her life hit hard.
While visiting her sick mother-in-law in Reed City on Dec. 29, 2013, Morlock started feeling increasingly sick herself. After throwing up due to an internal bleeding, Morlock was transported to the Reed City Hospital, and then transferred to Blodgett in Grand Rapids. She was diagnosed with cancer in her ulcer.
Morlock lost weight the hard way. To date, Morlock lost 68 pounds. She had to undergo a surgery that took away one third of her stomach much like in the bariatric bypass surgery.
“I had to have both chemo and radiation because I had cancer in the lymph nodes,” she said.
Betty Renfro Morlock
At the time, Morlock posted enthusiastically on facebook:
“Okay here’s the game plan: Twice a week chemo and then radiation.”
It was really more than that, but her optimistic outlook carried her through the serious illness.
“I’ve never been sick,” she said. “I’ve only been to the hospital to have babies.”
She underwent the treatments at the Lemmen Holton Cancer Center under Spectrum Hospital.
But, Morlock was no stranger to cancer.
“Cancer has been prevalent in our family,” she said.
Morlock lost both her parents to cancer, as well as her sister and brother, aunts and uncles.
She bought a wig, and never had to use it.
“My hair just got thinner,” she said. “I don’t think I was as sick as most people are. I got very emotional.”
The whole time during the treatments, Morlock stayed at her daughter Jamie’s house. She had a feeding tube in the stomach and it took 12 hours to feed six cans of Ensure. Morlock started dropping weight rapidly.
“Thanks God, I had a lot of weight to drop,” she joked.
Morlock received enormous support from the family and the community.
“If you’re going to get sick, Lowell is the place to be,” she said.
Morlock had to go a few times to ER because of anxiety attacks. She started feeling better once the feeding tube was out.
Now, all done with the treatments and back at the city hall, Morlock admits that the chemo and the radiation took a lot of strength out of her.
“It slowed me down a bit,” she said in a recent interview. “I continue to focus on being healthy and starting the next phase of my life, which is retirement.”
Currently, she is working on the cemetery program and the upcoming special election on May 5 for the sales tax increase.
What really gets to Morlock is the actual aftermath of the chemotherapy.
“I have something they call a chemo mind,” she said. “I forget things, I can’t focus or concentrate.
“How long can I claim this chemo mind?”
“As long as you want to, you deserve it,” said the doctor.
For Morlock, always surrounded by stacks of documents at the city hall, the inability to focus is really frustrating
And her biggest fear is that the cancer may come back. Morlock didn’t drive at all during the chemo and the radiation due to lack of concentration.
But, there were many positive outcomes from whole treatment process.
“Cancer made me a stronger person, more understanding and it taught me to value my community and family more.”
Betty Morlock
Cured, driving and working, Morlock says she was very fortunate.
“I had good doctors and support,” she said. “We’re lucky that we have the Medical Mile.”
She did have her pity parties when the feeding tube started acting up.
“I would feel sorry for Betty,” she said.
Throughout her career, Morlock had her role models like election specialist for Kent County, Sue de Steiguer.
“She is phenomenal,” she said. “All our elections run smooth, we’re lucky to have her.”
Morlock is looking to retire mid-year in June/July.
“I will miss the people, the staff and the community,” she said, “but I am looking forward to volunteering with Lizzie at the chamber.”
Morlock can’t wait to get to Tyler Creek Golf Course area to stay at the summer trailer.
And of course her no.1 love after the family is wrestling.
“I am their number one fan,” she said. “We’ve created bond ship through wrestling. The wrestling families are so tight, they made food for us when I was sick. We help each other.”
Betty Renfro Morlock- the woman behind the superwoman
Emma: What makes you feel good about yourself?
Betty: The fact that I kicked it and made the best of it. It may come back but I am ready for it.
Emma: What do you do for yourself?
Betty: I pray daily. I know God has a plan for me, and if it is to survive, I will survive. Don’t ever lose your faith.”
Emma: How do you balance all this out?
Betty: I continue to focus on my health and I want to start journalling.
Emma: Your plans?
Betty: Get well is my number one plan. Before I got sick, I overworked that might have brought it on.
Emma: Your tips and advice to other women?
Betty: It’s very important to talk to someone to get support. I love facebook. Between the family, community and facebook I kept connected.It’s good to be back. Call me if you need to talk to someone at 897-8457.
About the cover photo: Kathleen Mooney’s abstract inspired by Gee’s Bend quilting.
About the orchid logo: Photograph from the group “I love Czech Republic” on facebook.
Editorial/marketing calendar quarterly for Emma Blogs LLC
By Emma Palova
EW Emma’s Writings
In response to Blogging 201 assignment Day 4, add a new feature and /or editorial calendar. I’ve already put this calendar together in January for the first quarter of 2015. I use these as guiding themes which allows me to stay flexible in changing conditions, but focused on the target.
In my quest to find guest writers, writers and sales representatives for Emma Blogs LLC, a portfolio of 11 blogs with the main flagship site EW Emma’s Writings, I find the calendar indispensable.
Editorial calendar and daily writing tasks in the notebook format
It is a valuable resource when looking back and analyzing what did the Emma Blogs LLC accomplish as well as strategizing into the next quarter.
Print magazines usually have an annual editorial/advertising calendar with two months lead time. That means if you have a story fit for April publication, you must submit it by the beginning of February, the latest.
With Internet, I find that everything moves faster with unexpected events such as Blogging 201. I am glad I registered for it, but since I haven’t planned for it, it threw me completely off the track. So, from now on I must include blogging/writing events in the calendar. But still, the two months outlook is very helpful.
I use both Simplenote by WordPress and the good old-fashioned wire bound notebook for every writing/blogging day. I write down contacts that I have to make, posts & stories that I have to write, schedule stories with other writers and inevitably design & update tasks.
Tempus fugit. Time flies or timing is everything.
I always aim to publish twice a week: Tuesday or Wednesday, and then for the weekend on Fridays.
It sounds like a lot of work and routine, but it really is not that bad, if you have figured out for yourself how to work it. Are you a morning or a night writer? How many hours can you put in? What kind of results have you had so far? No matter what, the key to growing traffic and engagement with our blogs, remains regular and enticing content.
This is the note to my EW team that I sent out in the beginning of January.
Hello, I put together these themes to guide us through March. It is a very busy month, so we need to plan for it now. The Inspiring Women series is leading up to women’s events including International Women’s Day on March 8.
2015 Editorial/Marketing themes
January
Health and wellness
IW Inspiring women series
Women’s Expos previews
Winter recreation and snowbirds
February
Blogging 201
Women’s Expo Lansing Feb. 6-Feb. 8, 2015
IW Inspiring women continues
Valentine’s & love
Lenten soups Feb. 18
Winter recreation & snowbirds continues
March
IW Inspiring women series continues
International Women’s Day March 8
Saint Patrick’s Day March 17
Women’s Expo March 13-March 15 in Grand Rapids
Laughfest March 5- March 15
Home and garden expo March 5 through March 8
Lowell expo March 28
Winter/spring recreation and snowbirds continues
About the clock photo: photo of the Prague horloge by “I love Czech Republic” group on facebook.
Lowell, – I make my home in Lowell, a small town in the Midwest. It lies at the crossroads of two major waterways, the Flat River in the northeast and the Grand River in the southern part.
What I’ve always liked about this hometown is the people who live here. They are down to earth folks who earn their living the hard way. Many of them work two part-time low paying jobs with no benefits.
The median family income is around $40,000.
Lowell rowing team on the Flat River.
But, what is most fascinating about Lowell are the people who care about each other. They get together to rejoice and celebrate their successes as in the annual Lowell Area Chamber membership gathering that awards the Person of the Year.
They mourn together when a great citizen passes such as recently Ray Zandstra, and many others who have made a difference in the community.
And in order not to forget community giants like Ivan Blough, the people of Lowell establish foundations and scholarships. The one that honors this truly down to earth man is called the Ivan K. Blough Vocational Scholarship.
The KDL Engelhardt Library in Lowell sits right on the Riverwalk.Being fortunate enough, the town has received bequests from local philanthropists such as Mr. E., that is Harold Englehardt.
In May of 1996, Englehardt’s will set into motion a legacy that benefited the Lowell area community forever. Known as a low-key, humble man who lived his life simply and without fanfare, Englehardt was a self-made millionaire who chose to give back to the community he loved.
Another area philanthropist was late Peter Wege who donated money for farm preservation and nature education in the Wittenbach Wege Agriscience Center.
Wittenbach/Wege Agriscience nature center
The community also fights together; in the fall it is the annual Pink Arrow Pride game that spreads awareness and raises money to fight cancer.
The community honors its veterans, late and alive, in the annual Memorial Day parade.
Main Street before Pink Arrow game.
It stepped up in an uprecendented effort to fight hunger and poverty when local churches created the Flat River Outreach Ministries (FROM) in 1998.
The community collects food for the FROM pantry throughout the year in different food fights like the north side against the south side of the town. Residents bring cans of food to the annual Riverwalk parade in July.
“Can you imagine, all these people bringing cans to the parade,” said former pastor Roger LaWarre of the First Congregational Church of Lowell.
The community loves the arts and it has named the gallery inside Lowell Arts after another philanthropist King Doyle.
It preserves history as local businessman Greg Canfield saved three buildings on the bridge from demolition and turned them into the Main Street Inn,
People of the past, present and the future make up the fabric of this resilient community that is bound together by love and caring.
authoremmapalova 