Author

Jane Parikh

Jane Simos
Jane Parikh is a freelance reporter and writer with more than 20 years of experience and also is the owner of In So Many Words based in Battle Creek. She is the Project Editor for On the Ground Battle Creek.

Jane Parikh's Latest Articles

Red, White and Blue: Ojibwe woman shares boarding school stories in book and with fellow survivors

Linda Cobe spent one year as a five-year-old at Holy Childhood School of Jesus in Harbor Springs. The impact of that year, along with the pervasive and systematic stripping away of her identity, culture, and language as an Ojibwe, continue to affect her. She's written a book, "Red, White and Blue" to share her story with others.

Surviving Holy Childhood: Indigenous woman shares story after 50 years of silence

“I say to other survivors, what happened to one of us happened to all of us. We met in Harbor Springs and we bonded together,” says Sharon Skutt, an indigenous survivor of a Michigan boarding school. “The more I speak about it, the more healing there is."

Battle Creek Holiday Vendor Pop-Up to showcase local food and art

Join the On the Ground Battle Creek team to celebrate its 5th Anniversary during the first-ever Holiday Vendor Pop-Up event, featuring local artists and food artisans, on Dec. 7 at 32 West Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek.

Road to Healing: Indigenous woman shares her story of surviving Michigan’s Holy Childhood

The Road to Healing Tour is giving indigenous boarding school survivors throughout the United States an opportunity to publicly share stories that many had suppressed out of fear and shame. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Southwest Michigan Second Wave will feature three of these women's stories.

School doesn’t end when the bell rings for many Battle Creek Public Schools students

“We’re structuring little people's lives. We are their teachers, motivators, and in some instances, mothers and fathers to these kids," says Freddie McGee, Director of Extended Learning programs for Battle Creek Public Schools. "We’re going to be that extra adult in their lives. These kids want to be recognized.”

New partnership takes flight at WMU’s College of Aviation in Battle Creek

Western Michigan University's College of Aviation announced a new partnership with Allegiant Travel Company. The Accelerate Pilot Pathway program will streamline the career trajectory for graduates in an industry that is experiencing pilot shortages.

Battle Creek Pride to host Thanksgiving Dinner at Christ United Methodist Church

“There are a lot of free Thanksgiving dinners that happen throughout Calhoun County and this one is a family-friendly, fun event and it’s completely free to the public," says Chris Fulbright, meal coordinator and 'executive chef.' "We just want people to come in and enjoy their food and each other's company.” 

Success smells sweet for Battle Creek chocolatier

“I can’t believe I can make something so good," says Karen Pacella, owner of Ciao Bella Chocolat. "Real chocolate is so different. I love the taste and the opportunity to be creative... I smile when I walk through the door."

Kingdom Builders to open childcare facility in early 2024

“We need to make sure our children and families are at the forefront,” says Dr. Tino Smith. “I have always been a follower of Frederick Douglass and agree with his words — It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men and I would extend that to broken people given the times we are in.”

FireKeepers thinking seven generations ahead in major renewable energy move

“The Tribe is always seeking to look ahead to seven generations into the future as they plan for things,” says Jim Wise, FireKeepers' VP of Marketing. "Equally important, is (the Tribe's) love of Mother Earth which is exhibited by our ability to take vast amounts of energy needed from 100 percent renewable sources.”

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