Author

Al Jones

Al Jones

Al Jones is a freelance writer who has worked for many years as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He is the Project Editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo.

Al Jones's Latest Articles

Well-traveled artist and inventor calls Kalamazoo’s Stuart Neighborhood home — once again
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February 18, 2021

Stuart neighborhood resident Colleen Woolpert's artistic interest has always been tied to understanding the differences in how people perceive things. And the manner of artistic expression -- TwinScope Viewer, a hand-held device that she invented is used to see stereograph images in public exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

Outdoor family fun is at hand, care of the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation
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February 17, 2021

The City of Kalamazoo's Winter Family Scavenger Hunt is intended to provide ongoing fun opportunities to get outside and get around town in a way that keeps people who are already family members socially distanced from others, and healthy.

New funding meets ongoing enthusiasm as the Eastside Sunrise Plaza takes shape
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February 11, 2021

The $2.9 million Eastside Square project is focused primarily on the redevelopment of nine unused structures in the 1600 block of East Main. “The Land Bank is honored to be invited in to help support these community-defined and led efforts for this block,” says Kelly Clarke, of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority.

Young couple is putting energy into historic home renovations in the Stuart Neighborhood
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February 9, 2021

In the Stuart Neighborhood, there are lots of houses that were built in the 1870s when the neighborhood was growing as an attractive community for businessmen and professionals. David and Emma Engerer are a young couple renovating them and renting them out.

Kalamazoo’s Stuart Neighborhood: Where every house has its own story and there’s a lot to love
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February 2, 2021

Within walking distance to downtown Kalamazoo and with houses that attract those who love history with their domicile, Stuart Neighborhood attracts people who know what they want.

The COVID vaccines: Kalamazoo’s medical community answers all your questions
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January 25, 2021

When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccine, "I recommend it to all my loved ones. So I recommend it to you," says Dr. Martinson Arnan said of the first and second shots produced by Pfizer.

Dr. Benjamin C. Wilson, keynote speaker for the Northside Ministerial Alliance's 35th annual celebration of the late civil rights leader.
MLK Day conversation: History can be rewritten, historian tells Kalamazoo ministers
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General
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January 20, 2021

"What happens when centuries of lies become accepted truths?" asks  Dr. Benjamin C. Wilson, keynote speaker for the Northside Ministerial Alliance's 35th annual celebration of the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Wilson suggests that the accomplishments of African-Americans and the travails they suffered are left out.

New volunteer coalition focuses on shelter, heat, meals, and advocacy for Kalamazoo’s homeless
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January 18, 2021

A new grassroots group in Kalamazoo has generated an outpouring of support for those living in Kalamazoo area homeless camps. This is how that turned into a little bit too much love, how the group has repaired its early over-enthusiasm and how it's pushing ahead.

‘Keep Kalamazoo Wild’ effort purchases and hopes to maintain woodland next to Kleinstuck Preserve
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January 12, 2021

"We've been way more successful than we could have hoped. We were really happy when we were able to make an offer on the property and it was accepted this summer,” says Erin Fuller, president of the Stewards of Kleinstuck.  

City of Kalamazoo and United Way have a new grant program to help small businesses pay for PPE
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Community Development
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December 21, 2020

The City of Kalamazoo and the regional United Way are partnering to help city-based businesses with fewer than 50 employees that need funds for personal protective equipment.

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