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

COVID will halt 230,000 more human service connections in Greater Kalamazoo this year, survey finds

The organizations serving the Kalamazoo area's most vulnerable are vulnerable themselves as COVID-19 exacts a toll on physical and financial resources. A new survey shows what that toll is.

Event to highlight new research on Alzheimer’s, launch next phase of fundraising for learning center

Those who live or work with people with memory loss will have an early opportunity to advance their knowledge as Heritage Community in Kalamazoo hosts a virtual education event titled “State of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Research.”

The spirit of Reycraft Drive: Good neighbors make the neighborhood great in Kalamazoo’s Milwood

Don Solesbee's neighbors say he is "the guy who does." His backyard is a social hub and he cuts the lawns and snowblows the walks of those around him. He's the one who keeps his neighbors on Reycraft connected. Some call him Mr. Milwood.

Extra officers and proactive efforts are Kalamazoo’s strategy for potentially tense election day

What will the Nov. 3 general election day look like? The Kalamazoo City  Clerk's office and Kalamazoo Public Safety are working together to prepare for it.

The Milwood U-Pick Garden: One woman’s way to engage neighbors and spread the creative spirit

During its first season, the Milwood U-Pick Herb Garden offered neighbors a variety of herbs growing in the wide curb lawn.

YWCA’s 24-hour childhood learning center pushes ahead in Kalamazoo’s Edison Neighborhood

YWCA is continuing to plan for the opening of the YWCA Edison Children’s Center, a 24-hour drop-in center that will provide affordable child care for infants to 3-year-olds as well as second- and third-shift childcare for children up to age 12.

Milwood launches website to engage residents and promote neighborhood as a great place to live, work

Giving residents more ways to engage with one another is the mission behind Milwood’s first-ever website.

Kalamazoo police look to violence intervention program and community partnerships to halt shootings

A small number of people drive the violent crime in Kalamazoo. Police are seeking the community's help in finding them. 

On guard and planning for the future, Milwood’s Neighborhood Watch covers a lot of ground

For 26 years the Neighborhood Watch has been helping to keep Milwood safe. Now it's also evolving into traditional community-building services. 

Many felons don’t know they can vote in Michigan, says Kalamazoo NAACP

The Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch of the NAACP wants people to know felons can vote as long as you are not actively serving a sentence. They created a video to get out that message. 

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