The library, by Robin, a Klager Elementary School first-grader.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper with accompanying art from two students. All writings within each class that could be read are included.

We are excited to hear from all of you! Tell us your story of where in Manchester is special to you and why. Email us at themanchestermirror@gmail.com with the subject “Manchester Memories Project.”

This week featured class: Miss Yekulis’ First-Grade Class

Hank: My favorite place in Manchester is school. My friends are Milo, Ari, and Bella. I go there every day. I like to go there because I love school! When I go there, I feel happy because I love school!

Skarlett: My favorite place in Manchester is school. My friends are Ari, Autumn, and Miss Yekulis. I go every day. I like it because I love school and I love making friends. When I go there, I feel happy.

Bella: My favorite place in Manchester is school. My friend Miss Yekulis works there. I go there every day. I like to go there to learn things like math, reading and seeing Miss Yekulis. When I go there I feel HAPPY because I love to learn about math and the galaxy.

Annie: My favorite place in Manchester is the soccer field. My friends Kensley, Rylan, and Moreen are there. I go there every Tuesday. I like to go there because I like to have fun and play. When I go there, I feel happy because I can see my friends.

Robin: My favorite place in Manchester is the library. The mayor works there. I go there after school. I like to go there because I like to check out books. When I go there I feel excited because I like to check out books.

Keliana: My favorite place in Manchester is school. My friends are Bella, Violet, and Annie. I go every day. I like to go there to get smarter and learn more. When I go there I feel excited because I am happy to learn!

Vander: My favorite place in Manchester is the soccer field. My coach is there. I go there Saturdays and Mondays. I like to go there because it is fun. When I go there I feel happy.

Violet: My favorite place in Manchester is school. My friends Bella, Annie, Austin, and Mac play there. I go there every week. I like to go there because I learn at school. I love to learn at school. When I go there I feel happy because I love to learn at school.

Milo: My favorite place in Manchester is Carr Park. My friend is Josie. She plays there, too.�� I go there every day. On Monday I go to lose energy. When I go there I feel happy because I have fun.

Ryker: My favorite place in Manchester is Meemaw and Papa house.�� My family that live there are Meemaw, Papa, my aunt and my two cousins.�� I go there at random times.�� I like to go there to have a good time and hang out and have a good time.�� When I’m there I feel safe and happy because I have a good time.

Jacob: My favorite place in Manchester is River Raisin Mercantile. Mrs. LaRocque works there. I go there every summer break. I like to go there because it has cool stuff. When I go there, I feel excited because I waited to find something cool.

Austin: My favorite place in Manchester is the park. My friends Ryker, Bella, and Violet play there. I go there on random times. I like to go there because I play with my friends.

Ari: My favorite place in Manchester is Carr Park. The kids who go there are random. I go there random times. I like to go there so I’m not bored. When I go there I feel happy because I like the park.

Autumn: My favorite place in Manchester is school. These people work there, which are Miss Yekulis, Mrs. Layher, and Miss Amanda. I go there every day except the weekend. I like to go there because I love school and I like Miss Yekulis. When I go there I feel joyful and happy.

Grayson: My favorite place in Manchester is the ice cream shop. The people behind the counter work there. I go there every summer. I like to go there because it cools me down. In the summer, when I go there, I feel so happy because it feels refreshing.

School, by Violet, a Klager Elementary School first-grader.

Dollar General. By Elizabeth, Klager Elementary second-grader.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper with accompanying art from two students. All writings within each class that could be read are included.

We are excited to hear from all of you! Stop by the Farmers Market on Thursdays during the month of July to tell us your story of where in Manchester is special to you, and why, or email us at themanchestermirror@gmail.com with the subject “Manchester Memories Project.”

This week featured class: Mr. Peterson second-grade class:

Rhus: The Manchester Theater is very special to me because my neighbors own it. They have the best candy and all the movies are great! I love the Manchester Theater. I think you would, too. I hope you go!

Piper Smiley: I think Manchester Market is special because we get food and desserts. The best desserts are doughnuts. They’re so yummy. I hope you go there.

Grover: Frank is special to me because I LOVE the pizza and breadsticks! I know you would love that place. The toppings are awesome. The best is pepperoni and sausage. Go there now.

Isabella: Kirk Park is fun because you can swing really high. I love Kirk Park and sometimes they have softball games. The best part is riding your bike in the dirt. Enjoy a bike ride. I hope you love Kirk Park as much as I do!

Lukey: The Tap is the best, because you can taste the burgers and chicken. You will be amazed. The chicken wings are the best in all of Manchester! Go to The Tap now!

Beckett: Home Town Ice Cream is special to me, because I love ice cream. My favorite ice cream is chocolate ice cream. Sometimes I get brain freezes. I get a cone every time! Go now and get ice cream.

Orin: Home Town Ice Cream is special to me. I love it so much, because at Home Town Ice Cream they make awesome ice cream. I love their ice cream. I would like the recipe. I love the Sponge Bob ice cream. I love the flavors! You should go there! The ice cream is tasty. They are nice. You will love it!

Poppy: Klager is special to me. I love Klager, because all of the teachers are so nice. Klager has a beautiful playground. This school is amazing, so, so amazing. Klager is so, so, so much fun! Well, good-bye!

Arden: I like The Tap, because the food is great and the waiters are nice! The best meal is grilled cheese and onion rings.

Patrick: Frank is the best, because they make good pizza. They have good toppings. I wonder what is their secret? The best toppings are pepperoni, extra cheese, and pineapple! You should go there today.

Oliver E.: My special place is the waterfall by the library. It my favorite, because it goes to a lot of places. It also makes a nice sound that makes me happy. It makes fast currents and they are cool to watch. That why it my favorite place.

Josie: Kirk Park is special, because people can play baseball, softball, T-ball, and basketball. There is also a park and swings. There is also food and drinks, and if you get tired you can sit on the bench! That is why I love Kirk Park.

Elisabeth: Dollar General is my favorite place. I want to go there all the time. I want to buy stuff all the time. They have toys, makeup, food, home stuff, garden stuff, hair stuff, and candy. That is why I like Dollar General.

Home Team Ice Cream. By Beckett, Klager Elementary second-grader.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper with accompanying art from two students. All writings within each class that could be read are included.

We are excited to hear from all of you! Stop by the Farmers Market on Thursdays during the month of July to tell us your story of where in Manchester is special to you, and why, or email us at themanchestermirror@gmail.com with the subject “Manchester Memories Project.”

This week featured class:��Mrs. Finnegan first-grade class

Noelle: My favorite thing is school. I love school. My two reasons are my teacher caring for me and for my friends and class.

Mackenzy B.: My favorite place in Manchester that is special to me is Home Team Ice Cream because they have blue moon ice cream and it brings back lots of memories from when I was a little kid.

Charley May: My favorite place is home, because I get to see my family and I get to ride my pony and I get to see my kittens.

Addison: School is special to me because I learn new words that I did not know. I make new friends and I like playing at recess.

Daxtyn: The High School is special to me because I can weld with my dad.

Ethan: Chi-Bro Park is special to me because you can find treasure. It has more than one treasure. One treasure leads you to a secret island. Geocaching is fun!

Fitz: Chi-Bro Park because you can climb trees and you can see turtles, frogs, birds, and butterflies and play on the playground.

Ruby: Beauty by Kellie Dawna. I like that place ’cause it is cozy and fun. I like going there because it is pink and pretty and I like it ’cause my mom takes me right after school.

Trey: My favorite place to go is my home because I love my octopus stuffy.

Bowen: Home Team Ice Cream is special to me because they have Superman ice cream. I love Home Team Ice Cream!

Vinny: I like Chi-Bro Park because you can climb trees and there a pond with animals.

Waylon: I like Raisin River because you can go fishing, boating, and skip rocks. Skipping rocks is my favorite.

Nevaeh: Home is special to me and my family. I love my mom, my sister, my grandma, my pap, Dad, my dogs, and my cat.

Avery: School is the best because you get new friends and learn new things. We can do Chromebooks.

“I like Chi-Bro Park, because it has lots of fun things to do!” by Esben.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper with accompanying art from two students. All writings within each class that could be read are included.

We are excited to hear from all of you!��Stop by the Farmers Market on Thursdays during the month of July to tell us your story of where in Manchester is special to you and why, or email us at themanchestermirror@gmail.com with the subject “Manchester Memories Project.”

This week featured class is Mrs. Krioukova kindergarten class:

Laater

A special place for me is Manchester Library.

Iverhett

A special place for me is Mrs. Krioukova. Mrs. Krioukova is pretty.

Rosie Joe

I like my dad. I like my mom. I like my Poppy. I like my family.

Isaac

A special place for me is Klager. It is special, because it makes me happy.

Jo Jo

I like school because I like Mrs. Krioukova. I love you, Mrs. Krioukova.

Magnolia

I like Klager, because I love my teacher.

Hayleigh

A special place for me is school, because my friends and my teacher, Mrs. Krioukova.

Audrey

A special place for me is school. It is special because recess.

Luella

A special place for me is Chi-Bro.

Camila

A special place for me is Tree House.

Azalea

A special place for me is Jo Jo farm.

Esben

I like Chi-Bro Park, because it has lots of fun things to do!

Remi

A special place for me is the Manchester Library. It is special, because I like getting books.

“A special place for me is Chi-Bro.” by Luella.

Patriotic Snoopy welcomes guests to Manchester for fireworks. Photo credit: Melissa Yekulis.

by Melissa Yekulis

In the words of my students, the Snoopy Mailbox “is special to me!”

My relationship with the Snoopy Mailbox first began in 1986. We were making our way to my godparents’, an eternal, never-ending journey for a 6-year-old, from Chelsea to Tecumseh.��This would be one of countless trips to Tecumseh throughout my life. My sister and I would always delight at the sight of Snoopy on the mailbox, knowing we were halfway to the pool at my godparents’, or halfway home.��It was halfway to the joy of swimming, eating watermelon, and enjoying barbeque, then halfway home, exhausted and falling asleep after all the fun we had.

As I grew older, Snoopy became the marker of visiting Dad at work.��My father worked for the Washtenaw County Sheriff Department in the Manchester branch for a time. Snoopy let us know we were almost to Dad, as we made our way to Carr Park for a picnic lunch or to visit him for a quick hug while he was on patrol for the annual fireworks.

Imagine my joy and surprise when Snoopy became the marker for my place of work.��I first came to Manchester as a “baby teacher” at Luther C. Klager Elementary School, performing my pre-teaching under the guidance of Pat Rohrer, and becoming acquainted with countless other teachers who would serve as my mentors, and later as my peers, colleagues, and friends as I graduated and later came to formally work for the district.

For 20 years now, Snoopy has been my greeter as I drive to work. Whether there is sun, rain, sleet, or snow, Snoopy has always been there to welcome me to work or send me home with a smile. While many things have changed in our community over the years, Snoopy has been our constant. Whether driving a school bus, tormenting Woodstock, or preparing for fireworks or the Chicken Broil, Snoopy has been there for all of us, young and old.��Snoopy has brought joy to my life for more years than I care to count, and my heart overflows with gratitude for this constant display of childhood nostalgia.

I pour my sappy heart out to you in honor of our 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror.��Our Klager students proudly share their love of Manchester through the summer months in their own writings.�� Now, we extend the same invitation to you in our community. the Mirror wants to hear from you! What in Manchester is important or special to you? For the month of July, we will be sitting at the Farmers Market on Thursday evenings. We invite you to come and share your stories with us. We will have notebooks, paper, and my computer (if it can survive the melting heat!) available to share your stories.��You are welcome to write them down yourself, bring them written, or dictate them to us. If you cannot visit us on a Thursday, feel free to send us an email with your story at themanchestermirror@gmail.com with the subject “Manchester Memories Project.”��Our goal is to collect your stories and publish them in the fall months to continue sharing these reflections of what makes our community unique.

When you visit our table, you are also welcome to check out our newly bound books of the last 10 years of the Mirror.��Check out the amazing news this paper has produced over the years and reminisce over some of the highlights of things that have taken place in our special community.

It was a joy to hear from our youngest writers and share their stories with you this summer. I was tickled to have the opportunity to share my own special story with you. Now, I pass the baton to you in our community.��We are excited to hear from all of you.��Join us on Thursdays at the Farmers Market for the month of July. Step right up and tell us exactly what makes Manchester so special to you!

Manchester Market because you e-a-t! by Joshua.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper. At least two of the writings (more if space allows!) and their accompanying art from each class will be featured in the paper edition of the newspaper. All writings within each class that could be read are included in our digital edition of the paper and we invite you to see all of their wonderful reflections of Manchester there.

This week featured class is Mrs. Poulin first-gade class:

Jo Jo

A special place to me is Dollar General.�� It is special because it has toys and crafts.

June Weiler

Home is special to me because it is warm and cozy and safe.�� I love home.

Ross

The baseball field because I play baseball and I got two or three home runs.�� I like the baseball fields in Manchester.

Lillian Rye-Murray

My special place in Manchester is my driveway.�� At night, my mom and I lay down and look at the stars.

Adaline

The Dollar General.�� The reason why is that the Dollar General is special is there are toys and stickers.

Keevah

Campsites are special to me.

Zander

My favorite place in Manchester is the library.�� I like playing video games at the library.

Jensen

The Manchester Library because I like to read the books.

Dawson

My house because it has Halo and Bro Tato!

Izzie

I love to watch TV with Mom.

Carson Tselios

My favorite place is Manchester Market because there is health food there and meat and chips.

Elley

Home.�� I see my mom and dad and my sisters at Manchester.

Legend

My favorite place is home because I can play on my switch.

Joshua

Manchester Market because you e-a-t!

Gerald

My favorite place in Manchester is my Grandma house.�� I like playing with my Spiderman RC Car at my Grandma house.

Kylie

The park because I went there two times in kindergarten with my mom and dad.�� I had a lot of fun and I love everything.�� I had very much fun.

A special place to me is Dollar General.�� It is special because it has toys and crafts. by Jo Jo.

Klager Elementary School. Photo credit: Fritz Swanson.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper. At least two of the writings (more if space allows!) and their accompanying art from each class will be featured in the paper edition of the newspaper. All writings within each class that could be read are included in our digital edition of the paper and we invite you to see all of their wonderful reflections of Manchester there.

This week featured class is Mrs. Villarreal second grade:

Kaelyn Simmons

My favorite place in Manchester is Manchester Eye Care. Manchester Eye Care is my favorite place because you can get new glasses. If you have broken glasses, you can get them fixed. You can get your glasses adjusted. As you can see, the eye place is my favorite spot.

Colton L.

The soccer fields are the best place in Manchester. They have good bleachers. They can turn the soccer field into fairgrounds. You can see that the soccer fields are the best place.

Jane Brown

In my opinion, the library in town is the best because you can read Harry Potter. It close to my house. Next year, I’ll be able to walk to the library after school.�� Clearly, the library is the best spot.

Theodore Helwig

I think Chi-Bro Park is a cool place. I go sledding with my family. I see people fishing at the pond. I take walks with my dad. I think Chi-Bro Park is a cool place.

Andrew Cunningham

Dollar General is the best place in Manchester. They have really cool toys. The employees are really nice. They have a lot of different types of candy to choose from. As you can see, Dollar General is the best place in Manchester.

Greyson Hanewald

In my opinion, the baseball field is the best place in Manchester. It has concessions. It is easy to get there. It is fun when we practice and play games. It is big and there is a home-run fence. As you can see, the baseball field is the best.

Kensie Stacey

The hair salon is the best, because how they do your hair and how they dye your hair. They wash your hair and blow dry your hair.

Gatlin Woolsey

The football field is my favorite place, because I played there when I was 6 years old. It has a long field so I can catch bombs. I go there to practice catching and throwing bombs. Now you can see the football field is my favorite place in Manchester.

Lucy Thompson

Manchester is a great place, but my favorite place in Manchester is the waste-water treatment plant. The first reason why I like it is because it is at the bottom of a big hill. The second reason why I like it is because my dad works in a little office. The third reason why I like it is because there are cool objects. That is why I like Manchester.

David Ervin

Over the Edge is the best food place. It is the best because it has good seats. You can touch them and it feels good. It has adult games. It has such great food. The people are nice there. You can have everyone you want there. As you can see, Over the Edge is the best.

Brady Mohney

The football field is a good place, because, if you like soccer, you can also play that, too! You make like the football field, because you can run on the track. The last thing on the football field is that you can get concessions. The football field is a great place to be at.

Savannah Kleinschmidt

The softball field is the best place in Manchester, because I like to practice there with my dad sometimes. There is a park so you can play. You do not need to bring chairs, because there are bleacher seats so it is easier. I think the softball field in Manchester is a good place. You should try it.

Aurora Wood

Riverside is a good place. It has a good playground. The playground is so much fun. I love the spinny thing. I like Riverside, because it has a stage in the lunchroom. Sometimes they play shows on the stage. The teachers are so nice. They teach about Riverside. I think Riverside is the best place. What do you think?

Emalyn Roth

Home Team Ice Cream is my best spot in Manchester. The reason is they have sooo much toppings. I feel like I am in Candy Land. Another reason is you can choose frozen yogurt or ice cream, too! Last reason is when I am hot we get to go sometimes! I really like Home Team Ice Cream. You should check it out sometime!

Oliver Sadler

I like Home Team Ice Cream, because it is close to my house.

Eleanor Brooks

I think the Ackerson Building is a good place to go to have fun and play. You can climb there. I like to try to get the ball in the hoops. What do you think?

Sydney Porter

I love Safety Town, because it is a school that my mom works at. Safety Town is cool. I go to work at Safety Town. I love Safety Town.

The nature is special to me because I like the trees! By Ally Shock.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you. Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper. At least two of the writings (more if space allows!) and their accompanying art from each class will be featured in the paper edition of the newspaper. All writings within each class that could be read are included in our digital edition of the paper and we invite you to see all of their wonderful reflections of Manchester there:

This week featured class is Ms. Koval kindergarten class.

Ally Shock: The nature is special to me because I like the trees!

Molly: The waterfall is special to me because I think it is relaxing.

Emerson: The nature is special to me because there animals.

Rylun: The waterfall is special because I like to read my book.

Hunter: Chi-Bro Park is special to me because I love playing with my brother friends.

Maisie: The library is special to me because it is my favorite library.

Lelah: The house is special to me because my stuff are in it!

Ashton: Home Town Ice Cream is special to me because I like ice cream.

Madi: The ice cream store is special to me because I love the ice cream!!!!

Ryan: The ice cream shop is special to me because I love ice cream.

The ice cream shop is special to me because I love ice cream. By Ryan.

Sutton drawing of the Manchester Market.

by Melissa Yekulis

In honor of the tenth anniversary of the Manchester Mirror, the children of Luther C. Klager Elementary School were invited to write for the paper: Describe a place in Manchester that is special to you.�� Each week this summer, one of the classes who chose to participate will be featured in the paper.�� Two writings from each class will be featured in the paper edition of the newspaper.�� All writings within each class that could be read are included in our digital edition of the paper and we invite you to see all of their wonderful reflections of Manchester there!

This week featured class is Ms. Sherrick’s. The students in Ms. Sherrick Young 5s class at Luther C. Klager Elementary were asked to describe a place in Manchester that is special to them. These are their answers they wrote …

Blake: I like the school.

Hudson: I like my church.

Nolan: I like kind people at Manchester Market.

Paisleigh: I like the Target.

Johnny: My house is the best. Thank you.

Sutton: I like to go to the Manchester Store.

Elizabeth: I like the school. It has nice people.

Luke: I love the school.

Archie: I am in the store Target.

Drawing of Klager Elementary School by Elizabeth.

Drawing of Hudson church by Hudson.

Pacific Beauty calendula. Photo courtesy of MI Seed Library Network.

by Sara Swanson, Manchester Seed Library

This year the Manchester Seed Library is participating in One Seed, One State. Each year, seed libraries all over Michigan come together to promote growing, saving, and sharing seeds. A seed is chosen by the Michigan Seed Library Network that is an open-pollinated, heirloom variety. This year the selection is Pacific Beauty Calendula. The Michigan Seed Network explained why they selected a calendula variety, saying, “Calendula is a popular, easy-to-grow heirloom annual known for its daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, gold, and orange that attract pollinators to the garden. Calendula is also a healing herb widely grown for its edible petals that are used in salads, teas, and skin remedies. Calendula thrives in sunny spots and is great for borders, containers, and cutting gardens. It is not bothered by light frosts, which makes it a great season extender for northern gardens.” This is both the first year the Manchester Seed Library has participated in One Seed, One State and the first year a flower has been selected.

Would you like to try growing Pacific Beauty calendula this summer? Stop by the Manchester Seed Library, located in the vestibule of the Manchester District Library at 912 City Rd, and pick up a free packet of seeds. If this is the only variety of calendula you end up growing, this fall consider letting some of the flowers dry on the plants, collecting the seeds, and donating some back to the seed library to be given out to be grown next summer.

If you are wondering how to use calendula after you grow it, Michigan Seed Library Network has provided the following information:

Calendula

Calendula is one of the most versatile herbs in common use today, and even beginners can make a tea or salve. The flowers bring beauty as well as healing, and it is easily grown and used. If you are new to growing and using herbs, calendula is a great herb to start with. A comforting tea can be made from fresh or dried flowers, as simple as pouring hot water over the herb. Calendula tea can be used as a drink, but it is also used topically for many kinds of irritations and inflammations. It is considered safe to drink 1–3 cups per day, however people who have an allergy to flowers in the aster/daisy family should proceed carefully. Calendula should not be used internally by pregnant women or animals. Observing those two precautions, organically grown calendula is considered one of the safest and most useful herbs in the modern herbal medicine chest.

Uses for calendula tea and salve include:

• Drink as a tea to soothe heartburn or ulcers, mouth or throat irritation, and swollen lymph nodes, and relieve constipation
• Calendula tea is antibacterial and antiseptic — use it to wash scrapes and cuts and follow with calendula salve
• Inflamed skin or rashes (including chicken pox, shingles, and radiation dermatitis) can be treated with calendula tea spray, cloth compresses soaked with tea, or calendula salve
• Use as a facial toner for beautiful skin and for breakouts and acne
• Add to your bath for healing irritated skin and sensitive regions, postpartum care
• Use as a foot bath for wounds, sores, or fungal infections, including athlete foot��
• Mouth rinse for irritated gums, canker sores, or thrush��
• Gargle for sore or irritated throat, tonsillitis
• Use as a hair rinse for itchy, dry scalp or dandruff
• Strain tea through a coffee filter to use as a soothing eye wash for itchy, dry, or inflamed eyes��
• Soothe and heal baby diaper rash — wash with tea and apply calendula salve
• Freeze into cubes and use for first aid for scrapes, sunburn, and bug bites
• Equally gentle and effective for treating pets and livestock —good for hot spots and bug bites

Calendula has been used since ancient times by healers and mystics for potions, rituals, dyes, decoration, and cooking. Calendula is still an important culinary herb for flavor and nutrition and adds a golden color to soups, breads, butter, and cheese. The fresh blossoms can be floated in punch and the petals mixed into quiches, gazpacho, scrambled eggs, and herbed butter. In Britain, it is often referred to as “Pot Marigold” because of its use in the stew-pot. This nickname still persists, but calendula is not from the same family (Tagetes) as ornamental marigolds. While having uses of their own, marigolds can’t be used interchangeably with calendula. Calendula is still used to this day as a natural dye for textiles.

Using Calendula
For teas and oils, use organic whole flower heads as many healing properties are in the green bracts at the base of the flower. For cooking or fresh eating, use the petals. Whole flowers can be used in soups and stews if put in a net bag so they can be easily removed after cooking. Home-grown calendula flowers are easy to dry in a dehydrator or low oven.

Calendula Tea
For drinking: Pour 1 cup simmering water over 1–2 tablespoons of fresh or dried calendula flowers, steep for 15–20 minutes. Add lemon or sweetener if needed for flavor.
For external use: Pour 1 cup simmering water over ⅓ cup fresh or dried calendula blossoms, let steep overnight. Refrigerate until needed, up to one week.

Calendula Oil (recipe for oil courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs)
Ingredients:
Organic calendula flowers (use dried calendula because fresh blossoms have too much moisture and may spoil the salve)
Organic olive oil
Directions:

1. Fill a glass jar 2/3 of the way full with dried calendula flowers. If using fresh calendula, wilt for 12 hours to remove most of the moisture (too much moisture will cause the oil to go rancid) before adding to the jar.
2. Pour olive oil into the jar, making sure to cover the flowers by at least one inch with oil so they will have space to expand.
3. Stir well and cap the jar tightly.
4. Place the jar in a warm, sunny windowsill and shake once or more daily.
5. After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the herbs out using cheesecloth.
6. Pour the infused oil into glass bottles and store in a cool, dark place.

Calendula Salve (recipe for salve courtesy of Mountain Rose Herbs)
Ingredients:
4 oz. organic calendula herbal oil (recipe above)
1/2 oz. coarsely chopped beeswax or beeswax pastilles
20 drops organic lavender essential oil (optional)
Directions:

1. Combine beeswax and calendula oil in a double boiler.
2. Heat until beeswax has melted and mixture is incorporated.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Quickly stir in lavender essential oil. (Optional)
5. Pour into tins or upcycled glass jars with lids.
6. Allow salve to cool completely before placing lids on containers.
7. Label and store in a cool, dry place. If refrigerated, salves can last 2 to 3 years.

Like the Manchester Seed Library, One Seed, One State is run by volunteers and funded by donations. Learn more at https://miseedlibrary.org/.