Tory Hollister, Ryan Wagner, Carley Bosker, Zach Bishop, Alysse Thomas, and Nick DeVito, members of the Vicksburg Area Chamber of Commerce.
By Kathy Oswalt-Forsythe
Alysse Thomas is event coordinator for Paper City Development. But she has a hand in other organizations driving activities in Vicksburg.
Thomas provided a February program for the Vicksburg Rotary Club, explaining her many roles in the area. A 2007 Vicksburg High School graduate, she earned her bachelor’s degree in hospitality from Michigan State University, and spent several years in business in Florida. She eventually sold her business and moved back to the area.
Upon her return, she said she drove around town “initially thinking this is the same little town I grew up in.” She then looked more closely and realized it wasn’t the same, that some exciting things were happening.
She eventually joined the Paper City team and has become more and more involved in the community.
Thomas, who describes herself as “wearing multiple hats around town,” provided some information about tentative upcoming events for the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce, the Vicksburg Farmers Market, and Paper City Development.
After several quiet years, the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce is up and running, holding mixers for the members and driving events to attract visitors to downtown Vicksburg. Thomas said the group has really worked to build relationships with the leaders of the Village, which benefits everyone. The Chamber has advocated for the Social District, allowing visitors and patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages at local bars and restaurants and enjoy the revitalized space in downtown, including Oswalt Park. Since the Social District’s inception, the Chamber has advocated for and achieved longer hours and a slightly larger district space. Among other activities, the Chamber planned the Feb. 11 IceBurg Festival, and is pairing with Gilbert and Ivy and the Distant Whistle for book club meetings.
Thomas also has helped coordinate events for the Vicksburg Farmers Market. Last year’s market event in downtown Vicksburg was well-attended and well-received. Thomas said residents can look forward to once-a-month downtown farmers market events in 2023.
Planning events for Paper City is Thomas’ “day job,” and one that keeps her busy. She helps host events for the Prairie Ronde Residency artists. While these events have initially been limited in size, that will change. Thomas helps with the live music events as well as the visual art shows and open houses.
The community can look forward to another Mill Family Reunion in 2023. Thomas said, “these events have been very popular and continue to grow.” The tours are meaningful for families and “often very emotional.” She is also involved with the nature walks for children and youth. She explained that the inspiration for the programming was her own enjoyment of the Mill’s 80 acres. “It is just beautiful and I just thought kids need to see this.” The Vicksburg Cultural Arts Center has helped plan and staff activities for children, and that involvement will continue. The Mill’s partnership with area schools is another area Thomas supports.
Thomas fielded questions from the audience, then added, “Vicksburg is a little village that will. And we are!”
Vicksburg VFW Post 5189 is seeking new members. The post’s emphasis has always been service to veterans and community. Post membership has been too small to establish a canteen or club, so meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Kline’s Resort Clubhouse. Chartered in 1946, the post was named for Captain Charles Osborne, a medical doctor who served in the South Pacific in WWII.
James Schippers, who served in Vietnam as an infantry soldier, is the new post commander. Senior Vice Commander is Mel Kuis, who also served in Vietnam. Commander Schippers oversees business and organizes post meetings and Honor Guard services. Senior Vice Commander Kuis and Commander Schippers organize Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day activities. Senior Vice Commander Kuis also commands the Honor Guard that provides military honors and rifle salutes for deceased veterans at the request of family.
Significant dates for veterans and activities include: Buddy Poppy donations during the month of May; Memorial Day Ceremony at Vicksburg Cemetery; June 14 Flag Day; July 4, Independence Day; and November 11. Veteran’s Day. The Post’s biggest challenge today is an aging and declining membership.
The VFW Post 5189 is seeking eligible veterans who would like to serve other veterans and the community. The post will pay an individual’s first year membership dues and will share the cost of an official VFW jacket. We want to continue building our VFW membership to help veterans get the Veteran’s Administration benefits that they deserve. Anyone interested in joining our post can contact Commander Schippers at 269-760-7391 or email at bjschippers@comcast.net.
Katie Strohauer of Vicksburg has been added as an associate to the ownership team of Fleis & VandenBrink, a Grand Rapids-based civil engineering company with offices in Michigan and Indiana.
Strohauer joined the firm four years ago and works in its Kalamazoo office.
“I’m really glad to see Katie step forward in her career,” said John DeVol, president of F&V and its parent company F&V Companies, Inc. after announcing appointments of Strohauer and three other new leaders. “Each of our associates is nominated and voted on by their peers, so this is really a testament to their fellow employees recognizing her contributions and value to the organization.”
Strohauer, a geologist in the company’s Environmental Group, has six years of experience in environmental consulting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hydrology and Applied Mathematics from Western Michigan University.
A Global Ties gathering on Feb. 26. Photo by Leeanne Seaver.
By Leeanne Seaver
For 50 years, Global Ties Kalamazoo – formerly Colleagues International – has hosted dignitaries from all over the world to experience America and attend specific programs sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
Vicksburg’s local host community includes Deborah Harsha, Kathy Forsythe, and me.
What I really love about Global Ties Kalamazoo, GTK, is the opportunity to participate in “Citizen Diplomacy.” When GTK visitors come to my home, sometimes for dinner, other times to stay for a week or more, we get to know each other—and we stay connected afterwards. I’ve made friends from Moldova, Germany, Jerusalem, Kuwait, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Lebanon, and so many more countries.
On February 26, 2023, a Sunday afternoon right in my living room, Stas from Ukraine told me how hard it was to get here. I could only imagine, and I was afraid for him to go back to his war-torn country. I was also reflecting on the Russians I’ve gotten to know and still cannot imagine any of them as the people we see portrayed in the news now.
Ironically, in March 2020, Maria from Russia sat in this same room and told me all about starting her laundry franchise back home. The Russian group had to cut their visit short because the U.S. was closing its borders due to the pandemic. I had about one hour before I had to take her to the airport, so we went straight to Vicksburg High School. It was near the end of class and the choir students in Dusty Morris’s class were just waiting for the bell. When I explained that I hoped Maria could see something special about our school, Dusty asked the kids if they’d be willing to perform. Without hesitation, they all put away their phones, stood up, and sang Ave Maria a cappella. Our Russian guest just stood there in awe… tears flowing down her cheeks.
During the pandemic, the focus shifted to virtual connections. Deborah and I “hosted” a multinational group on Zoom. You’d be surprised how you can bond with folks anywhere in the world by asking them how they make potatoes! We all went around sharing how we prepare them, and it always ends up being a story about family. Then, since we had cameras on, we spontaneously gave a tour of our refrigerators!
Imagine my surprise this month, when in-person hosting a group of 13 educators from all over the globe on February 26, that one of them had been on that 2021 Zoom call! Milka, who manages the rare books collection at the Pan Tadeusz Museum in Poland, came up and introduced herself in person… we laughed and hugged like we were old friends. The menu was a challenge as there were numerous dietary considerations for people who eat according to the rules of their religion, i.e., “haram.” Bill Oswalt donated some delicious venison he had processed with jalapeno and spices. Turns out there are no rules against venison, so our guests ate every morsel!
Drs. David and Paula Schriemer and Kathy Forsythe also attended this event. “Interacting with global citizens restores my belief in humanity. No matter where we live, we share so many common hopes and dreams,” said Kathy Forsythe. “It is also interesting that so many of the educational initiatives the educators explained during our conversations are like programs and challenges we have here. I tend to think these things are unique to our school systems, but I am reminded that this is universal.”
After a pandemic hiatus, GTK is back in business in person. GTK Director Jodi Hope Michaels said, “The kind of learning and understanding we can do when we are together, especially informally, just can’t be duplicated in the ether.” Citizen Diplomacy Day is celebrated annually in February, honoring the power of person-to-person exchanges. “We’re so thankful for all the members of our community who so warmly welcome international visitors into their homes and workplaces, and most importantly, into their hearts,” Michaels wrote.
Poetry Reading – Wednesday, March 15, 4-5 p.m. Adults and seniors, bring your poetry to read aloud. Not a poet? Come and listen to community members read their poems.
Book Club for Adults – March 2 and April 6 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Book club meets at this time the first Thursday of every month. In March, we will read any book by Michael Crichton. April’s book is a free-for-all.
Reader’s Theater – Monday, March 6, 1-3 p.m. Adults and seniors will read aloud plays based on classic short stories: Rikki Tikki Tavi, The Necklace, and The Tell-Tale Heart.
Writers Roundtable creative writing group – March 22 from 1-2:30 p.m. All are welcome. Bring a short piece to workshop.
Spring Break Board Games – Thursday, March 30, 3-6 p.m. People of all ages are invited to play board games and eat snacks. Bring your own board game or play ours!
Family Storytime – For children 18 months to 4 years old. Meets Mondays 10-10:30 a.m. (March 6, 13, 20, 27). Rich language experiences with storytelling, reading, and music and movement.
Mugs and Hugs – For children 18 months to 4 years old, on biweekly Wednesdays (March 1 and March 15) from 10-10:45 a.m. Fun learning and social time. Coffee and tea provided for adults.
Bouncing Babies – For babies to 2 years old every Friday from 10-10:30 a.m. (March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31). We start early to enhance language and social development.
Bulldog Break Time – For teens in grades 6-12, held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 2:45-4:15 p.m. (March 9 and 23). A safe space for teens and tweens to get together and have fun. Crafts, games, social activities, and tasty treats provided.
Teen Space / Game Time – For teens in grades 6-12, held on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 4:15-5:45 pm. (March 9 and 23). Nintendo Switch and games for people under 18! All supplies provided along with fun snacks.
STEAM – Our STEAM programs – the acronym is for “science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics” – provide opportunities for children K to 5th grade to explore and experiment with new concepts. Monday, March 20, 11 a.m.-noon.
Quilters Class – March 27 from 7-8 p.m., in our Lower Level space.
Bridge Club meets every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m.-noon.
Tai Chi meets each Tuesday night from 7-8 p.m. and each Thursday morning from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Left: Tyler Berry manned a grill outside Village Hideaway on Feb. 11. He estimated making about 500 grilled cheese sandwiches for the inaugural IceBurg Festival. Middle: Jen Glaser-Price and her children, Ray Glaser and Delaney Glaser, had their picture taken through an ice-sculpted frame during the Feb. 11 Vicksburg IceBurg Festival downtown. Right: Grand Rapids resident Beau Fairman puts the finishing touches on a bulldog sculpture during the inaugural Vicksburg IceBurg Festival Feb. 11.
By Jef Rietsma
Well, Vicksburg, you really know how to throw a party.
The inaugural IceBurg Festival Feb. 11 drew an estimated few thousand people. An allocation of 500 tickets for grilled cheese and soup tasting sold out in 48 hours. It was a gorgeous and sunny day.
And all indications are that those who took part are looking forward to a follow-up in 2024.
“A fantastic event and fantastic turnout,” village President Tim Frisbie said afterward. “We have spoken with several businesses that said it was the best sales day on record, even better than the (2022) Christmas parade.”
Frisbie said the downtown gathering took an inordinate amount of coordination and cooperation. He acknowledged the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event, for its drive and dedication in organizing the festival along with village staff.
With Prairie and Main streets limited to pedestrian traffic, downtown was vibrant over the course of the four-hour, Saturday afternoon gathering.
Nearly a dozen local businesses sought bragging rights for best grilled cheese sandwich. Tyler Berry was feverishly manning a grill outside Village Hideaway. He said the spin on a grilled cheese offered by the Hideaway was his creation.
“It’s a play on French dip, it’s a secret sandwich that we sell but it’s not on the menu now,” he said, noting that in addition to cheese, the sandwich includes a slice of roast beef, an oval-shaped hashbrown, grilled onions, mayonnaise and ketchup. “I can say with a degree of confidence it’s probably the most unique grilled cheese sandwich anyone will ever see.”
The festival included eight ice sculptures, placed at various locations throughout downtown.
Beau Fairman works for a Grand Rapids-based company called Ice Sculptures Limited. With steady hands and the eye of a talented artist, Fairman labored intently, putting the finishing touches on a Bulldog sculpture at Oswalt Park.
Fairman, who enjoyed a throng of onlookers, said he does his work with an angled drill and a V bit. He explained the difference between working outdoors in sunny weather versus blustery, 10-degree weather.
“Well, a day like today is nicer for me, of course, but not as nice for the ice,” he said. “Obviously, the sun is its worst enemy.”
Further east on Prairie Street, Vicksburg resident Jen Glaser-Price said she learned about IceBurg Festival on Facebook postings through the village and Mackenzie’s Bakery. Glaser-Price had no regrets about attending; it provided a fun outing for her and her kids, Delaney and Ray.
“Vicksburg has really turned the corner and events like this are what make it such a special place,” Glaser-Price said. “We were here for the Christmas parade. We like to support these kinds of special events and we should be proud that Vicksburg cares enough to put together family-friendly things like this.”
A pair of Kalamazoo residents, Ethan Monroe and Arylin Brouwer, said they were encouraged by Brouwer’s sister – a Vicksburg resident – to attend. They quickly confirmed there were no regrets.
Monroe said the social district concept added to the merriment. Being able to have a drink and enjoy downtown at the same time led to it being a positive experience.
“Events like this build community and I think people who don’t live here will leave with a positive feeling,” Monroe said. “I mean, take a look around and you can see people are smiling, having fun, talking to other people. What’s not to like about this?”
Village council members during their Feb. 20 meeting spoke highly of the inaugural IceBurg Festival, calling it a proud day for Vicksburg.
“Thanks to the incredible and exceptionally talented Chamber of Commerce for the IceBurg Festival,” council member Ryan Wagner said. “The folks there are committed to Vicksburg … and everything they’re doing is with passion, excitement and integrity to move things forward.”
A panel of judges and a people’s choice vote regarding best grilled cheese were in agreement that Main Street Pub was the winner.
“I asked Mike what he was going to do to win it again next year and he said he’s already in the kitchen coming up with ideas,” Wagner said. “So, that’s the bar we’ve set and I think we’ll have even more restaurants involved next year.”
