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

Don’t judge this store by its cover: Kazoo Books is one of Oakwood’s quiet successes

On Parkview Avenue, the Oakwood Neighborhood's front porch, Kazoo Books has become a destination point for book lovers from all over Southwest Michigan, and a small-town alternative for a growing number of out-of-state readers who find it online.

Oakwood is a place where kids – and sometimes deer – can play in the streets

The Oakwood Neighborhood, where close-ended streets give it the feel of secluded country living, is known as a solid neighborhood for its affordability, convenience, and safety and it's where you can get a decent home for under $150,000. 

Oakwood: A Kalamazoo neighborhood hidden in plain sight

Oakwood, an often overlooked neighborhood in Kalamazoo with an interesting and unique history looks to make improvements without losing its friendly feel. 

United Way tackles complex issues by investing in four key areas

Annual giving of $6.2 million pushes progress in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo’s Eastside looks for ideas to rise regarding improvement on East Main Street

Kalamazoo’s Eastside neighborhood comes together to pitch ideas to turn area with blight into something bright.

Business development bumps heads with Mother Nature in Kalamazoo

How will Asylum Lake Preserve be changed if a car wash and other commercial developments that want to locate next to it are allowed to proceed? 

Edison Neighborhood looks forward to The Creamery with its mix of residential and business spaces

Redevelopment of former industrial site expected to reinvigorate a section of Kalamazoo’s largest neighborhood, Edison.

Vegan-friendly coffee shop looks to be a welcoming place in downtown Kalamazoo

The folks at Rose Gold Coffee Company want people to get to know them, and vice-versa.

Connecting customers with local farm fresh food is the job of the Michigan food hub

In Michigan, food hubs increase consumer access to fresh produce, and help farmers build a sustainable business model. While they all have similar goals, no two food hubs are alike. We found out why.

Better data is helping the United Way make sure funding hits strategic targets

These days the folks at the United Way have better answers when asked, “How’s it going?”

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