Author stops in Rockford for signing by Rich Zeck
printed in Rockford Squire on May 20, 2010.
Police officer and author Barry W. Ozeroff from Portland, Ore., pulled into Frenz Coffee House last week to sign copies of his latest book "The Dying of Mortimer Post." The author is on a national book promotional tour that started in Oregon and goes to Ohio, down to Florida, then to San Diego and back home to Oregon—all in the month of May.
Since coffee houses are a staple in the northwest, Ozeroff chose Frenz over a chain bookstore to promote this deeply insightful human journey of a man torn by life’s experiences. The book is about Mortimer Post, who is the quintessential late-‘60s American teenager. He is a college-bound physics major from a good family, engaged to his high-school sweetheart, and is at the forefront of his version of the American dream. Then, in 12 short minutes, he faces a loss so devastating it marks the end of his living and the beginning of his dying. But as the opening sentence suggests, some deaths are slower than others. Mortimer’s takes a lifetime to complete—a lifetime best described not as a series of unfortunate events, but a series of unbearable tragedies.
Spanning four of America’s most significant decades, "The Dying of Mortimer Post" takes the reader from the protagonist’s coming of age in the Pocono Mountains to the massacre of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai.
After the searing end of his military career, the reader accompanies Mortimer on a nationwide quest for understanding and healing. On this journey of discovery, he finds both happiness and sorrow in the backwoods of rural Mississippi, then a much darker side of himself on the unforgiving streets of Los Angeles.
Only when he has lost everything and is finally ready for the release of death, does Mortimer discover that he already has the one thing he’s spent a lifetime seeking, and with it, the chance to finally live again.
At once exciting, poignant and disturbing, “The Dying of Mortimer Post” is a stark exposé of a man torn by tragedy as he struggles to make sense of a senseless world. A true epic, it is part love story, war chronicle, police saga, and all tragedy. More than anything, it is a tale of redemption in a world where the very concept has ceased to exist.
Ozeroff has been a police officer for 23 years. He was a S.W.A.T. sniper for five years, and has been the lead hostage negotiator for the past nine years. He is a full-time traffic motorcycle officer and is a member of a traffic homicide investigation and crash reconstruction team.
A recipient of the Gresham Police Department’s Medal of Valor, Ozeroff is married with six children and three grandchildren, and makes his home in the Portland, Ore. area. His first short story “Bum Deal” appeared in the April 2009 issue of The Midnight Diner. “The Dying of Mortimer Post” is his second novel, following “Sniper Shot” (2005).
Learn more about Ozeroff at www.barryozeroff.com or contact him at bozeroff@barryozeroff.com.
We salute all the men and women who serve and protect us during National Police Officer Week and Month, and to our very finest right here in Rockford. Thank you for all that you do.
MIDWEST - Themed drinks and live music are the key to bringing in customers during Rockford's many summer celebrations, said Rich Zeck co-owner of Frenz Coffee House.
"Here in Michigan we only get a couple of months of summer so we have to celebrate when we can:' he said. Summer is a time of constant festivity, and sitting in the town's touristy downtown district, the 10,OOO-square-foot Frenz Coffee House has a front-row seat. The five year-old coffee house has 15 tables on the inside and another 30 outside. It sits between the Rogue River and the White Pine Trail, a 1000 mile-long hiking and biking path that runs adjacent to the downtown district.
Downtown is full of historic buildings, boutiques and antique stores, so his clients are mostly out-of-towners and locals who come by for the special events. We have customers who come from 50 miles away," he said. In June, the city's Star Summer Celebration takes place in downtown; in July, the Independence Day Celebration. In August, downtown has a Celtic Festival. It all winds down in September with the End of Summer Festival. The events bring in thousands of people. Zeck's challenge is to get them into his coffee house.
Live music works like a charm, he said. He arranges for live bands to play in his coffee house during these events Whenever we have music, we open our doors and let the music meander through the air:' he said. "Usually, the sounds alone will draw people towards our coffee house:
'Another way is to offer themed drinks ‘he said. When people come in, they want to feel as though they're still part of the celebration. So, for the Independence Day, and Star Summer celebrations, he offers a "Firecracker Lane:' made from amaretto, almond and chocolate. During the Celtic Festival, he makes a "Chocolate Irish Kiss," a latte with Irish cream and chocolate and a "Minty Irishman," made with peppermint and Irish cream.
The city restricts the kinds of signs businesses can put up, and the downtown area is especially strict. But he found three ways that are not only permitted, but effective.
He writes drink specials on aballon-bedecked chalkboard outside his front door. and He also puts a banner across his car along the main thorough and scatters fliers round downtown.
"Customers absolutely come in and say, We saw your sign, banner or newsletter and this is our first time here:" he said.
Rich Zeck offers Positive Spin on Economy WZZM13
Posted by Tara Kuhnlein
ROCKFORD, Mich. (WZZM) - Despite the gloomy state of Michigan's economy, one Rockford Store owner has a positive outlook on our economic state; an outlook that he is spreading one cup at a time.
"American people have always gotten through bad times," says Frenz Coffee House owner, Rich Zeck. A notion Zeck thinks we, as a nation, have forgotten. "I think that too many people feel sorry for themselves and their individual circumstances," Zeck explains, "and when I see that there are people who are hungry in this world, people who are dying and then I look at what we have, we are blessed beyond anything that we can imagine."
Despite the tough economy, Zeck believes there is much more to be positive about. "We're here, we're living, we have our health, we have a roof over our heads, we're wearing clothes, we're here talking, we're watching TV, that's all great stuff right there," explains Zeck.
A simple reminder the coffee shop owner serves to his customers with cream and sugar. "Spending your money in a small business is what keeps our economy going," says Zeck. An act he sees daily at Frenz that allows him to give back to Michigan's economy and keep his positive outlook. "I believe in the American spirit," adds Zeck, "I really believe we can all make a different if we look beyond our own circumstances.
A goal Zeck believes is attainable to break the cycle of negativity for Michigan's economy. "We just have to find the hope within ourselves," explain Zeck, "It's there. We just have to dig."
Sick of gloom and doom? Rockford reports positive news by BETH ALTENAL
printed in Rockford Squire on February 26, 2009.
He is one of many local businesess people who haven't bought into the news that we are going through the worst of times.
"I can speak for myself because I have lost my job," he said of a former high-paying career. Zeck opened his own shop after the job loss and also works another part-time job.
Zeck said he believes Americans have allowed their financial fear to dominate their lives and this has made things worse.
"What if there were no newspapers and no televisions? The economy ''d go about our business and have a life." He believes the stockmarket slumps follow each dire news report as people hunker down, afraid to spend money and get on with things.
Zeck, who is also a college professor, said he understands the economy is a hot topic and his students want to discuss it at length. "It's such an emotional issue," he said.
Zeck believes there is plenty of good to be learned and practiced in tough times.
He said friends, neighbors and families helped each other out to make it through the Depression. We should take a page from that chapter of history.
"I knew we were in big trouble when people came in worried about the cost of a barrel of oil and gold," he said. "That makes no difference to most people."
Putting hope in corporations and companies rather than in people is part of the error behind economic troubles. "Two hundred years ago you were a seamstress and I was a farmer," he said. "We helped each other out and did business together."
Doing this today is what we should be doing, Zech believes. As a coffee shop owner, he has sent customers to the other coffee shops in town. "Too often it's 'Me, me, me.'It's not me, it's just us." He is a firm believer in paying it forward. "If we all took the time to help someone else out, what would that do?" he asked.
Zeck gave the example of people who have lost their jobs. "Get out and volunteer," he said. "People loose their jobs, collect unemployment and sit around saying, 'woe is me.'There are others out there a lot worse than you. Go help. Go volunteer. We've got it so good, we have no idea how good we have it."
The second part-time job Zeck took is in a gerontology organization that helps the poor elderly. After six weeks it has become his inspiration and the greatest thing he's ever done with his life.
"It's all perspective," Zeck said. " The economy is poor. It's not the end of the world. Talk to the people in Haiti who have nothing. Talk to the mom who lost her husband in a crash on a snowy road."
Mike Moyer has owned Bostwick Lake Bakery since 1993. He believes businesses should work together and consumers should shop locally and at locally-owned stores.
He used the examples of Rockford Ace Hardware, where the store is 70 to 80 percent smaller than a Lowes. "You can't beat them. I bet their prices aren't even higher and there are people there ready and able to help you."
Another example Moyer noted was Rockford Floor Covering. He said shops like this are what make Rockford unique and keep our economy local and vibrant. "It is a huge advantage to do business locally," he said.
Don Kurylowicz, owner of Cannonsburg Grist Mill, Cannonsburg Market and Honey Creek Inn, offered his thoughts on the economy during a Rotary meeting on Tuesday, February 24.
He said he changed his college major in the '70s because things were so bad. "We were involved in two wars, our president was being impeached, there was no gas, inflation was high," he said. Kurylowicz eventually studied business and bought a bar in Cannonsburg, and is in his 25th year there.
"You don't succeed in business, you survive it," he stated. Now, he said he sees a positive outlook for West Michigan.
Mark Bivins, owner of Creative Concepts Plus on Courtland Street, likewise sees plenty of reason for optimism. "We live in a bubble in West Michigan. We felt the downswing first and maybe we will be the ones to come out of it soonest. I have a lot to look forward to."
Zeck advised that even in tough times, there is plenty to appreciate. "I have a lot to be grateful for. I have my family, children, health. We all make choices in life. I chose not to be fearful and participate in a bad economy. Your coffee cup is either half empty or half full."
And the winner is... by CLIFF and NANCY HILL
printed in Rockford Squire on Dec. 24, 2008.
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce (RCC) Board of Directors announced this week the following Chamber businesses as nominees for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce 2008 business of distinction awards.
Winners of the Business of the Year and Award of Merit categories will be announced at the Rockford Chamber of Commerce Annual Membership Meeting held on Friday, January 9, 2009 at Wolverine World Wide Corporate Headquarters. The nominees are listed in alphabetical order:
Awards of Merit
Dining/Entertainment Category
Cannonsburg Grist Mill
Frenz Coffee House
Timbers Inn Restaurant and Tavern
The nominees are picked by Chamber Ambassador and Marketing committee members. Nominations are submitted to the RCC board of directors in ballot form. The RCC board members place their votes, which are tabulated after the board meeting, so the results are kept a secret.
Brenda Davis, Chamber executive director, said, "Given our fantastic business community, it is extremely hard to narrow down the nominees."
She said the process starts in August in order to have a comprehensive list to give to the board in November. "No one has ever tried to bribe us," Davis noted.
Chamber members enjoy After Hours event at Frenz Coffee House by CLIFF and NANCY HILL
printed in Rockford Squire on July 17, 2008.
Aside from its bi-monthly series of luncheons, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce (RCC) also sponsors, on alternate months, an event known as Chamber After Hours. At the bi-monthly luncheons, held at various RCC member-owned dining locations in the area, attending RCC members and guests enjoy a stimulating and thought-provoking message provided, oftentimes, by a prominent speaker.
by CLIFF AND NANCY HILL
Chamber After Hours events are hosted by individual RCC members at their place of business usually after regular business hours, hence the name. Loosely scheduled during the early evening (typically 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), those attending stroll in and out much like an open house.
The central focus of a Chamber After Hours event is the host and more primarily the business he/she represents. Encouraged and always present is the opportunity for attendees to network by “freely exchanging ideas and sharing experiences as a means of support for one another and to the entire Rockford business community as a whole,” says Brenda Davis, executive director of RCC. “Indeed,” adds Davis, “in the more informal setting of Chamber After Hours, networking has become a huge success.”
Rich Zeck - who, along with his wife Michele, owns and operates Frenz Coffee House located in the Promenade building, a few doors south of Reds on the River - hosted the recent July Chamber After Hours. After welcoming all in attendance, Zeck gave a brief overview of his business and practices that have resulted in a satisfied and ever-growing and repeat customer following. In announcing Frenz’s fast approaching second-year anniversary in Rockford, Zeck said, “Frenz prides itself in offering an old-fashioned community gathering house
atmosphere where conversation reigns and people feel at home while enjoying a good cup of coffee and wholesome light menu options.” Zeck added, “Frenz wholeheartedly embraces Rockford and its business community, especially local artists who adorn the walls of our store with their creations that also are for sale.”
While networking, the 60+ attendees at the event were treated, compliments of Frenz, to several regular menu items that included turkey or ham on whole wheat, spinach, and tomato wraps; cold strawberry gazpacho and hot tomato bisque soups; plus coffee and various desserts. Throughout the evening local musician Susan Bartholomew, while playing a flute, provided background music. All in attendance enjoyed themselves and many expressed their pleasure at being afforded the opportunity to discover Frenz at its (sometimes elusive) riverside location.
The next Chamber After Hours is scheduled for September 8, to be hosted by Genesis Salon & Day Spa. Time and details to be announced.
Luncheon speaker offers insight on business, economy by CLIFF and NANCY HILL
printed in Rockford Squire on June 19, 2008.
The Rockford Chamber of Commerce recently held its June bi-monthly luncheon at Boulder Creek Golf Club. The guest speaker was Rich Zeck who promised a contrarian view to currently accepted business practices and life thinking in general.
With his wife Michelle, Zeck owns and operates Frenz Coffee House located at 4 E. Bridge St. (Promenade Building) in downtown Rockford. Additionally, Zeck is an adjunct professor at Cornerstone University teaching business and management courses.
Zeck offered his personal views on business and life as he explored the topic of "National Problem, Local Solution." He advised those in attendance to "think outside your comfort zone." In a call to action to change with the times Zeck said, "It's time to wake up, stop whining and complaining, and actually do something positive to counter the current business climate. If you keep doing what you are doing, you'll get what you're getting," he added.
Zeck said, "Daily, we have allowed constant economic reports of bad times such as; recession, high gas prices, lost homes/foreclosures, lost jobs, etc., to rule our lives. More than ever before people are allowing fear-based ideas to change their life styles, a 'the sky is falling' phenomenon."
He gave as an example the constant litany of storm-based weather forecasting in the local broadcasting media, citing one television station that actually uses the word "storm" as part of the name of their weather forecasting team. Zeck asked the question, "How often, after week-long dire warnings of an impending blizzard do we wake up in the morning to find nothing happened, it passed us by? The results of the flawed forecast are unnecessary school closings and the cancellation of business and church activities, to name three of many."
Zeck believes that we currently have allowed our lifestyles to be changed based upon what may or may not ever happen, that we have allowed non-factual things to rule our lives and the economics of our country.
Granted these are hard time in Michigan but for the majority of people whose businesses, jobs, and homes remain secure Zeck believes the future is now. He challenged those in attendance to make a difference one person or one business at a time. "As individuals we should lead our lives as we always have, not hunker down. For businesses we should think positive and outside the box," said Zeck.
"This can be the greatest summer ever for the Rockford business community. My wife and I have made plans for this to be the best year we've ever had at Frenz Coffee House,"said Zeck. "Rockford is a destination and, in this economy, a great place to go when you don't want to drive a bunch of miles."
Zeck believes the business community needs to be more co-operative and less fearful of one another. Success can be found in a more collaborative atmosphere by finding ways to support each other. As an example, Frenz had made available a large wall mounted LCD screen where other businesses can advertise their goods and services. He is not fearful of competition but rather, believes that businesses try to do too many things, to be too diversified - too thin. "Be the best you can be at what you offer, specialize - more is not always better. I want customers to walk in the door of my store and have an extraordinary experience that will make them feel at home and want to come back," Zeck explains.
"You can feel the pulse of Rockford and it needs to be kept alive. If Rockford succeeds, I and others will succeed, kind of like the trickle-down theory. The future is now, this month, this year in Rockford," concludes Zeck.
Remember, as the Squire quotes Winston Churchill, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
Watch the Squire to find out who will be the next Rockford Chamber of Commerce luncheon speaker.
Health & Nutrition Guest Interview: Rich from Frenz Coffee by Kelly the Kitchen Kop "Your Health Detective"
posted March 14, 2008.
Today I'm sharing another guest interview with you, this time from Rich, the owner of my favorite coffee joint, Frenz. I'll never forget the first time I went there a few years ago. When I asked if he could warm up my coffee, he used the espresso machine instead of the microwave, saying, "I try not to use those things much, we don't even have one at home..." I knew right then I was really going to like this place!
Check out their locations at the link above, he often has great bands & entertainment on Friday nights, including my favorite band who shows up now and then, Water for the Thirsty. Our 2 year old's favorite is Mr. Picklehead who sings with the kids on Tuesday mornings.
Before you begin reading the interview, first...
WHAT DO YOU THINK? The original Frenz logo...
Or the one in the newsletter Rich sent out (7/08)...
Which one gets your vote?
1. What is your #1 motivation for eating/feeding your family healthier meals?
Eating healthier is clearly a choice we’ve made in part because of the consequences of not eating healthy. Everybody knows what happens when you put bad gas in a car. Does anyone stop and think what happens when you put bad food into your tank? Probably not, so do we value our cars more than our bodies? What motivates us is that by eating healthier we have lowered our healthcare costs and improved our long term health and wellness.
2. What started you on your path to better nutrition?
Our Chiropractor! We are so stuck in our paradigm of what the world tells us is the truth that we probably would not know it if it hit us in the head. When a couple of “health nuts” told us the truth about fast food and processed meats, I thought they were crazy. They were adamant and said to look at their health as the proof. So, I began to do my own research and soon discovered a whole new paradigm that was 180 degrees different from my world. The more research I did, I found that what I thought was the truth, was actually only what marketers wanted me to believe and was not the truth at all.
3. What is your biggest struggle in eating/feeding your family healthier meals?
It’s not really a struggle for us to eat healthy meals because we choose for it not to be a struggle. Sounds simple but we are great at making excuses for everything, and again, what’s more important than our health? It’s all about moderation and we eat as healthy as we can when we can. It is an ongoing day-to-day process of change.
4. What is your favorite healthy recipe?
Any sea caught fish like roughy or white fish broiled with lemon and thyme.
5. What is your best kitchen/nutrition tip?
Use whole garlic, sea salt and raw sugar whenever possible, along with spices.
6. What did you have for dinner last night?
McDonald’s Big Mac and large fries...gotcha. We had boiled red skins sautéed in onions, grass fed pot roast from Hefferon Farms and gravy and asparagus.
Frenz Musical Guests Frenz Coffee House hosts a wide variety of talented performers at the Plainfield Grand Rapids and Rockford locations. Check out our listing of musical guests and visit the Frenz MySpace profile to see the list of upcoming shows.
Frenz Gift Baskets Personalized gifts for any occasion
Frenz Gift baskets are made to order for any occasion with whatever your special
someone would enjoy from coffees to teas to nuts. Baskets can be made for pick
up, usually within 12 hours, or shipped anywhere in the US. Call for ideas and
price ranges today at (616)863-8750.
The Frenz Mug is here! Here's how the Frenz Mug club works: purchase a Frenz Mug for $9.99 and for the life of the mug you will receive .50 off anything you purchase to put in it to drink. For example a mug of fresh brewed Love Potion or Sumatra coffee will only cost you .75 or a hot chocolately Mocha $2.80. What a great way to get your favorite beverages.
Coffee bean orders are placed every Wednesday for Thursday delivery to Frenz
Coffee House. The beans are freshly roasted and come in 3 pound minimum quantities.
Call (616) 863-8750 for current pricing.
Police officer and author Barry W. Ozeroff from Portland, Ore., pulled into Frenz Coffee House last week to sign copies of his latest book "The Dying of Mortimer Post." The author is on a national book promotional tour that started in Oregon and goes to Ohio, down to Florida, then to San Diego and back home to Oregon—all in the month of May.
