Author: staff

Lifestyle

Michigan’s blueberry coast is ripe for the picking

Blueberries needed a champion, and Tiffany Balk was more than up to the task.Fifteen years ago, Balk went to send a gift to a friend in Chicago from her home in Grand Haven, Michigan.AdvertisementHer husband suggested a box of dried cherries, the signature crop of the Traverse City area.But Grand Haven is some 150 miles south of Traverse City, west of Grand Rapids, on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Totally different area, totally different vibe, Balk told her husband.Advertisement“Blueberries are to southwest Michigan like cherries are to northern Michigan,” she said. As soon as she heard herself, Balk realized she’d hit on a niche business.Blueberries are indeed the little, round, cute, colorful crop that defines midsummer along the gentle dunes and broad beaches of the eastern coast of Lake Michigan. Like dried cherries, cranberries and raisins, dried blueberries add a jolt of flavor in cookies, cakes and salads. Blueberries freeze beautifully, meaning the crop can yield mix-ins for breads and muffins year-round.So Balk got to it. It was a specialty business just waiting to be created.Blueberry season typically blooms around July 4 and continues through the end of August, with different varieties rolling into Michigan farm stands along Interstate Highway 196, which hugs the lake from Indiana to Grand Haven.You-pick farms offer a taste of the backbreaking work of hand-raking blueberries. Every Michigan farmer’s market spills with baskets, buckets and boxes of blueberries. Along with July marking National Blueberry Month, South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival (blueberryfestival.com), set this year for Aug. 11-14, is another great excuse to indulge with children’s pie-eating contests, a parade and a pie social.Lily Perry, 11, eats a blueberry pie during the Kids Pie Eating Contest at the 2019 National Blueberry Festival in South Haven, Michigan, on Aug. 10, 2019. (Emil Lippe/MLive.com / TNS)Blueberries love light, sandy soil, which makes the beaches and bluffs of southwestern Michigan the perfect setting for growing the 110 million pounds of berries the state produced in 2020. That makes Michigan the leading national producer of cultivated blueberries, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with Washington, Oregon and Georgia trailing behind.AdvertisementMaine leads in wild, or lowbush, berries, producing 102 million pounds in 2020.Balk, 56, is now part of the blueberry industrial complex. Her store, Blueberry Haven (213 Washington Ave., Grand Haven; 616-935-7562; blueberry-haven.com) created a nucleus for an industry that didn’t realize it needed one. From downtown Grand Haven, she stocks and sells (on-site and online) blueberry baking mixes, salsa, honey, all manner of jams and pie fixings, and, of course, a variety of chocolate-covered dried blueberries. All of what she offers is made in Michigan, most of it right in or around Grand Haven.Growing up in northern Maine, her childhood was straight out of the classic children’s book, “Blueberries for Sal,” by Robert McCloskey, in which a preschool blueberry thief and her bear equivalent are “all mixed up on Blueberry Hill” while their respective mothers are gathering berries to store up for winter.“We used to go over to Machias and rake blueberries at my cousin’s farm,” she says, referring to a coastal town in Maine. “In the summertime, if you were poor, what did you do? You’d go rake blueberries.”Blueberries from a western Michigan farm are sold at a farmers market in Diamondale, Michigan, on Sept. 22, 2011. (Michigan DNR)College brought her to central Michigan, where she met and married her husband and started a family. Working for a regional clothing store taught her the retail business.Looking for a gift that didn’t exist showed her what to sell. “There was no blueberry brand,” Balk said. As soon as her youngest child entered kindergarten, she set up her company and started making and selling blueberry-centric products at the local farmer’s market.AdvertisementFirst came a pancake mix. Then came jam, then chocolate-covered blueberries.When a storefront in downtown Grand Haven became available in 2010, she and her husband went all in and bought it. The store opened in 2011.It’s hard to avoid blueberries along the western coast of Michigan, but who would want to?South of Grand Haven, Holland is studded with blueberry options. Among the best: blueberry doughnuts at the two Bowerman Blueberry locations (You-pick and farm market, 15793 James St., Holland; Bowerman’s on 8th Cafe and Bakery, 2 E. 8th St., Holland; 616-738-3099; realblueberries.com), and S. Kamphuis (4140 148th Ave., Holland; 616-399-9545; skamphuisblueberries.com), where you also can buy frozen berries.Attendees relax near the beach at the 2019 National Blueberry Festival in South Haven, Michigan, on Aug. 10, 2019. (Emil Lippe/MLive.com / TNS)At Blueberry Haven, Balk finds no end to blueberry everything, from barbecue sauce to coffee. The bestseller? Chocolate-covered blueberries, but blueberry salsa comes in a close second.And just to make sure her Illinois customers feel appreciated, especially University of Illinois alumni and fans, Balk added a dash of orange to her brand’s deep-blue labels.AdvertisementBlueberries were a staple for Indigenous American tribes who originally occupied what’s now known as the Midwest. Found as far south as the Mexican border and as far north as eastern Canada and Alaska, the 35 species of blueberries indigenous to North America were an uncelebrated seasonal staple until a government botanist crafted cultivars that could sustain commercial farming, according to Ryan Pankau, a horticulturist with the University of Illinois Extension in Urbana.Discovery of their antioxidant properties vaulted blueberries from dessert ingredient to health food staple. It takes only a ½ cup — 30 calories’ worth — of fresh blueberries to deliver 25% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C and three grams of dietary fiber, according to the Mayo Clinic.About half of the 690 million pounds of blueberries produced in 2020 were sold fresh, and the rest were processed, according to the USDA.Find blueberry updates and events through the Grand Haven Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (visitgrandhaven.com).Grab a rake and comb through the branches for berries at you-pick farm; such farms for blueberries and all kinds of produce can be scoutedat pickyourown.org.Or pick up your berries at a Michigan farmers market (michigan.org/farmers-markets), locating one convenient for your travels.AdvertisementJoanne Cleaver is a freelance writer.

Sports

Luis Robert’s 448-foot homer headlines a 17-hit Chicago White Sox attack in an 11-4 win vs. the Los Angeles Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. — It was the definition of a no-doubter.Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert crushed Oliver Ortega’s fifth-inning fastball, sending it 448 feet for a two-run home run.AdvertisementThe blast gave the Sox the lead on the way to an 11-4 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in front of 23,979 at Angel Stadium.“It wasn’t as important for the distance, it was important because of the moment of the game,” Robert said through an interpreter.AdvertisementThe Sox scored five runs in the fifth and five more in the seventh. They finished with 17 hits, three by Robert.He hit the second two-run homer in the fifth after Josh Harrison’s shot against Angels starter Chase Silseth tied the game at 3.“Got into a good count, 3-1, saw the ball pretty well and just got a pitch (and) didn’t miss it,” Harrison said. “Been feeling pretty good at the plate, getting my rhythm and timing. Putting good swings on good pitches.”Ortega entered and allowed a single to Tim Anderson, the fourth straight Sox hit in the inning. Two batters later, Robert smashed the first pitch he saw from Ortega over the center-field wall, putting the Sox ahead 5-3.“We were confident enough to come back in the game and that’s what we did,” Robert said. “The game is nine innings and we played nine innings and gave our best.”The Sox overcame three Angels homers in the third inning.“We’re down three and everybody said we’re not doing this to (Sox starter) Johnny (Cueto) again,” Sox manager Tony La Russa said. “He gives it up early and he shuts them down. We had to do something. Our guys were relentless. That’s baseball. Shows what we can do.”After Andrew Velazquez hit a solo home run with one out in the third against Cueto, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani went back-to-back with two outs.AdvertisementTrout’s homer to left had an exit velocity of 106.2 mph. Ohtani’s 420-foot homer to center had an exit velocity of 107.1 mph.Cueto (2-4) bounced back, allowing one hit and one walk in his final three innings. He exited with three runs allowed on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk in six innings.“Those homers just got me going,” Cueto said through an interpreter. “I was able to execute and that was what I needed to get it going.”Cueto was coming off of his shortest start of the season, allowing three runs on seven hits in 5⅓ innings on June 24 against the Baltimore Orioles at Guaranteed Rate Field.The right-hander continues to be a solid addition, going at least six innings for the seventh time in eight starts.“He’s really a pro,” La Russa said. “And he’s a smart pro.”AdvertisementThe Sox also saw some positives offensively, as seven hitters had at least two hits.That included third baseman Yoán Moncada, who singled, doubled and drove in two in his return from the injured list. Anderson and José Abreu joined Robert with three hits.Harrison had two hits, a walk and three RBIs.“A lot of clutch at-bats, with a walk, before Timmy got up there,” La Russa said of Harrison, the No. 9 hitter. “He’s looking like himself and that’s a boost for us because he has winning all over him.”Harrison added: “(We) kept the line moving, one through nine (in the order), tough (at-bats). That’s typically a recipe for success.”It was also a sign of the team’s potential at the plate.Advertisement“The game of baseball is a very difficult one,” Robert said. “And we always try to do our best every day and to have a day like today is good for everybody. That doesn’t mean we’ll have a day like that tomorrow, but we’re going to try.”

Lifestyle

Ask Amy: A night out could lead to July Fourth fireworks

Dear Amy: Recently, my fiancé and I went out with his friend (of 30 years) “George,” and George’s new girlfriend, “Janet.”George went to the restroom. Janet took his seat so we could talk (the venue was loud).AdvertisementAfter some chit chat, Janet reached over and stroked my fiancé’s face (from his jaw to his temple) without uttering a word.I was completely shocked.AdvertisementMy fiancé left the table almost immediately to use to restroom himself. Upon his return, he switched his seat to be on the other side of me (not near Janet).He later told me that he left the table to avoid her, AND that she had also been rubbing up against his leg.I was beyond furious.My fiancé begged me not to confront her, so we abruptly left.Initially, I was furious with my fiancé for not saying something to her immediately. He said he was so stunned that he just wanted to leave.The next morning, he told George what Janet did, and said how uncomfortable it made both of us.George was unfazed, and blamed it on Janet’s drinking that evening. He has since invited us to other events (with Janet). We have declined and reiterated the reason.A friend is hosting a Fourth of July party and my fiancé wants to go.AdvertisementGeorge and Janet will definitely be there.Do we go? If so, I am most certain I will address this – in person!What is your take on this? Do you agree that we should keep our distance from Janet?– Protective FiancéeDear Protective: Your fiancé’s response to this unwanted and uninvited touching is extremely common.People who have never experienced this sometimes criticize the victim for not speaking up in the moment. But the nearly universal response to this sort of violation is to first freeze – and then to create distance (a smart protective move).AdvertisementMy take on Janet’s behavior is that she is a boundary-crosser who believes she can get away with it – in part because she is a woman.Whether consciously or not, she is counting on a double-standard regarding how people tend to respond when men’s physical boundaries are violated.If your fiancé wants to attend this Fourth of July party, then he should! His choice not to let what happened control him is a good one.Does he want you to confront Janet? If so, then go for it, and enjoy the fireworks.Your fiancé might declare his own independence on Independence Day by addressing this violation, himself. If so, he should be prepared for the typical response from perpetrators: Denial, deflection, diminishing the behavior, and possibly even blaming him for somehow inviting it – which, as everyone knows, he did not do.Dear Amy: I am one of three daughters-in-law. Ever since the other daughters-in-law came into the family there have been many problems. They all live in our in-laws’ house. (I don’t.)AdvertisementOne particular daughter-in-law constantly fights with her husband and disrespects his parents.She is now living with her own parents since her last fight, six months ago.I tried to help, but by pointing out all that she was doing wrong, I think that I have actually made matters worse.Her behavior toward family members seems to have improved, although she has not apologized to them. Now she’s being negative toward me. I am disappointed that she did not receive my advice in a positive way.Should I continue to try to reach out?– CAdvertisementDear C: Nobody likes to have their faults and failings pointed out to them, especially when it is framed as you “pointing out all that she was doing wrong.”It seems that the distance has helped to stabilize the situation, which is a good thing.Intervention is laudable and necessary if you are trying to protect someone.Otherwise – unless you are asked to weigh in or help, you should probably stand down.Yes, I do think you should stay in contact with this in-law. Don’t rehash everything, but do stay in touch – unless she asks you not to.Ask AmyDailyNo-nonsense advice for better living delivered to your inbox every morning. For a limited time, sign up for the Ask Amy newsletter and get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.Dear Amy: I could not believe your terrible response to “Upset Husband,” who was lucky enough to have in-laws who wanted to give their daughter money for a house!AdvertisementHe should be grateful, rather than insulted!– UnhappyDear Unhappy: Many readers advised that this man should essentially take the money and run, but these parents seemed eager to control the couple through their largesse, and I shared the husband’s concern.Got a question for Amy? Enter it here and we’ll send it to her.Sign up here to receive the Ask Amy newsletter to get advice e-mailed to your inbox every morning, and for a limited time — get the book “Ask Amy: Essential Wisdom from America’s Favorite Advice Columnist” for $5.©2021 Amy Dickinson.

Sports

After pitching a career-high 6⅓ innings in the Chicago Cubs’ 5-3 loss, Keegan Thompson looks to take the next step

Keegan Thompson’s self-assessment, shortly after pitching the deepest into a start in his big-league career, took on a big-picture vibe.The right-hander threw a career-high 6⅓ innings in the Chicago Cubs’ 5-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, relying on early-innings efficiency. However, he wasn’t satisfied with how his outing ended. Manager David Ross went to the bullpen once Thompson surrendered back-to-back one-out singles in the seventh.AdvertisementTwo batters later, Jonathan India connected for a three-run homer off reliever Rowan Wick to extend the Reds lead to 5-0. It began a stretch of three consecutive hits Wick allowed, ending his night after only one out.For Thompson, it was the second time in three starts he pitched into the seventh. He was on the verge of tallying his third straight quality start. He has 24 strikeouts and only three walks over 24⅓ innings in that stretch.Advertisement[ [Don’t miss] Rafael Ortega’s playing time on the Cubs is increasing. But will he be around after the trade deadline? ]Next up: figuring out how to close out the seventh.“I felt good tonight, but late I got maybe a little tired there,” Thompson said. “But I’ve got to find a way to dig down and make those pitches there at the end and get through that inning.”Chicago Tribune SportsWeekdaysA daily sports newsletter delivered to your inbox for your morning commute.Thompson’s plan to make that a reality focuses on conditioning, recovery and continuing his work in the days between starts. Closing out later innings is one of the next steps in Thompson’s development as a big-league starter.Ross said the goal was to get Thompson through the seventh. He entered the inning at 81 pitches.Cubs starter Keegan Thompson delivers against the Reds during the first inning Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Wrigley Field. (Matt Marton/AP)“Whether he was running out of gas a little bit, you could see at the back end of the sixth where his stuff was starting to tick off,” Ross said. “He got the rest (between innings) and got that first-pitch out in the seventh and then just wasn’t able to close it out. I tried to help him out with that.“Just continue to be able to be efficient and finish that goal to go even deeper — tonight was a career high for him, so I don’t want to be negative in that. But, yeah, there’s always growth and I’ve seen him continue to grow every time he takes the mound.”Thompson’s efficiency started with his fastball command before incorporating his secondary stuff as he faced the Reds hitters for a second and third time. He finished with 11 called strikes on fastballs. He also flashed a slider he has been working on between starts in bullpen sessions the last three to four weeks, getting three whiffs on the Reds’ three swings against it.Advertisement“Tempo is confidence,” Ross said. “When you’re coming right at guys, the rhythm at which he’s established that fastball, like, here I come. I think it’s always on the attack. … Pace really puts you on your heels as an opposing offense.”

Sports

NFL wants to suspend Deshaun Watson indefinitely, while the Cleveland Browns QB’s lawyers argue he should play this season

The NFL insisted on an indefinite suspension while Deshaun Watson’s legal team argued there’s no basis for that punishment as both sides presented their cases in front of a retired judge in Delaware on Tuesday, two people in attendance told The Associated Press.The hearing will continue Wednesday, and Watson is scheduled to be there for the duration, according to one person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the hearing isn’t public. It’s expected to conclude Thursday, but it’s not known when a ruling will be made.AdvertisementFormer U.S. District Judge Sue Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the league and the NFL Players Association, will determine whether Watson violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy and whether to impose discipline.Watson agreed to settle 20 of 24 civil lawsuits for sexual misconduct, but the league is seeking at least a one-year suspension, one of the people told the AP. Watson’s side, led by attorneys Jeffrey Kessler and Rusty Hardin, wants the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback to play this season for the Cleveland Browns.AdvertisementTwo separate Texas grand juries declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints stemming from the allegations.Watson has denied any wrongdoing and vowed to clear his name.This is the first hearing for Robinson, who was the first female Chief Judge for the District of Delaware. Previously, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had the authority to impose discipline for violations of the personal conduct policy.Still, Goodell holds considerable power. If either the union or league appeals Robinson’s decision, Goodell or his designee “will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,” per terms of Article 46 in the collective bargaining agreement.That means Goodell could ultimately overrule Robinson’s decision and suspend Watson for one year or even indefinitely due to the potential for more cases.However, an appeal would prolong the process for both sides.The NFL has punished several players for violating the league’s personal conduct policy without criminal charges. In 2010, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger received a six-game suspension after being accused of sexual assault by two women. Goodell later reduced the suspension to four games. Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott got six games in 2017 for domestic violence.On Monday, a woman who previously sued Watson filed a lawsuit against the Houston Texans, alleging Watson’s former team provided him with resources to enable his actions and “turned a blind eye” to his behavior.AdvertisementIt’s unknown how long it will take Robinson to make a decision, but the Browns should know Watson’s availability before training camp. NFL discipline typically begins the week leading into the first regular-season game, so Watson would be eligible for camp unless a potential punishment stipulates otherwise.The Browns traded a slew of draft picks to acquire Watson and gave him a five-year, $230 million guaranteed contract in March.The Browns, who open training camp July 27, are eager to find out how long they will be without Watson or if they will have him at all next season.They signed veteran Jacoby Brissett to be Watson’s backup, but the team might be inclined to find a more high-profile starter should Watson be suspended for a significant period. Josh Dobbs is also on the Browns roster, but he never has started an NFL game.Any reconciliation with Baker Mayfield seems unlikely. The No. 1 pick in 2018, Mayfield was essentially pushed aside when the Browns persuaded Watson to come to Cleveland.At a youth camp in Oklahoma on Tuesday, Mayfield said there would need to be “some reaching out” for him and the Browns to repair their relationship.Advertisement“But we’re ready to move on, I think, on both sides,” he said.AP’s Tom Withers in Cleveland contributed.