Author and historian, T.R. Shaw, Jr., previews the history of Kellogg Field in its Centennial year. The Chamber of Commerce purchased a local homestead farm West of Battle Creek, adjacent to Camp Custer, in 1924. The airport has a rich history with the military, airshows, transportation and commerce.

Featured Sandwich: Walleye with Tarragon Tarter Sandwich
Featured Soup: Kick’n Crab Chowder

It’s said that “A beacon is the sailor’s altar.” Rick Sutton, a longtime member of the Sunday Supper Club, will tell history and stories about Lighthouses on the shore of Lake Michigan.

Featured Sandwich: Portobello Swiss Burger
Featured Soup: Roasted Vegetable Soup

Local historian, Jody Owens, talks about early medicine in America from deadly Colonial diseases, early medical schools and types of doctors (including some case histories), home remedies (both bizarre and useful), to medical advances due to military medicine. Plus, Battle Creek’s Detention Hospital or “Pest House.”

Featured Sandwich: Classic Reuben Sandwich
Featured Soup: Roasted Garlic Potato Soup

New research sheds light on what we can do, or can’t do, to be happier. Psychologist Dr. Gordon Hammerle will outline this research and present some steps you can take for greater life satisfaction.

Featured Sandwich: Tuna Avocado Sandwich
Featured Soup: Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Dark humor dares to declare that settled opinion often needs to be unsettled. David Issacson, a retired university librarian and locally-known theatrical performer, will try to prove this declaration.

Featured Sandwich: Prime Rib French Dip Sandwich
Featured Soup: Roasted Vegetable Soup

Return to the scene of Michigan’s most notorious crimes on this adventure in dark tourism. Using archival photographs, crime scene sketches, and documents, noted author Tobin T. Buhk will guide us on a journey to the most infamous spots in the Great Lake State.

Featured Sandwich: Honey Chipotle Pulled-Pork Sandwich
Featured Soup: Northern Bean Soup

Spark Magazine publisher, Steve Ellis, has spent the last forty years, exploring the small towns in this part of the state, searching for interesting and out of the ordinary destinations. His lively photographic presentation will give us some great ideas for future trips.

Featured Sandwich: Gourmet Chicken Salad Sandwich
Featured Soup: Cream of Asparagus Soup

Tom Dietz, historian, shares the story of Charles Hays who, in the early decades of the 20th century, was a leading real estate developer, financial advisor, and politician. He also was an avid golfer and helped develop Kalamazoo’s first golf course as well as the Kalamazoo Country Club.

Featured Sandwich: Frisco Melt
Featured Soup: Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Cynthia Morrison provides the story of the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, Michigan. The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving alligators for thirty years. She shares how alligators get to Michigan and how the sanctuary cares for alligators and steps being taken to regulate pet trade and to educate the public.

Featured Sandwich: Carne Asada Torta
Featured Soup: White Chicken Chili

Bird banders, Rich and Brenda Keith, explain what the Motus Array is, how it got started, and how it is being used to track birds, bats, and butterflies on their migration routes.

Featured Sandwich: Chef’s Choice
Featured Soup: Chef’s Choice