Author

Casey Grooten

Casey Grooten is a Kalamazoo native who lived in the Vine and Stuart neighborhoods for over a decade and graduated from WMU with a Bachelors in English. Casey lives in Kalamazoo and spends their free time making artwork and music. Casey is passionate about social justice and equity, transgender rights, community events, and the arts. 

Casey Grooten's Latest Articles

Downtown construction: An unlikely catalyst for revitalized nightlife in Kalamazoo?

Kalamazoo street work may be slowing you down; that could have some advantages for a burgeoning downtown nightlife scene. Stay tuned for more stories in our summer series on Kalamazoo After Dark.

Series Teaser: Green Burial. Artist's comment: "A body transferring energy back into nature, back to the stars, and roots of dandelions releasing seeds."
Green burial: An eco-friendly option increasingly embraced by families and faith communities

Considering a green (or natural) burial for yourself or a loved one? An eco-friendly burial is a way of caring for the dead that minimizes environmental impact. Learn what is involved, about local initiatives, and how faith communities provide support.

Coming out to come together: One writer’s evolving appreciation of Kalamazoo Pride

Writer Casey Grooten attended this year's Kalamazoo Pride as the new Executive Director of the Kalamazoo Poetry Festival. While volunteering at the KPF booth, they learned a few things about themselves — and about what Pride has come to mean to them. 

How songwriting helps Kalamazoo-area veterans connect and heal

"I was walking down a dusty, stony road. Had my head up in the clouds, and my feet were in gravel (gravel)."

Hidden enchantment: The Hobbit Hole Gallery in downtown Kalamazoo

The Hobbit Hole Gallery in the Kalamazoo Mall’s Devisser Alley transforms a quaint space into one man’s haven for artistic expression.    

Small businesses in Kalamazoo navigate South Westnedge construction

When it comes to supporting small businesses in Kalamazoo disrupted by street and water line repairs, it is up to residents to take the detours.

Kalamazoo’s Starlite Collective welcomes a constellation of diverse artists and artisans

“The stars are all connected — one big body of untouchable balls of light millions of years old. I wanted people to be able to be stars and know they hold their own potential to shine bright just like our sky when we look up. Hence our motto: 'You Hold the Light.'"

Symphony of Brotherhood: A narrated, spoken-word, musical extravaganza to honor MLK Sunday, Jan. 21

"I hope the Kalamazoo community takes time to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the many others who will be highlighted in the KSO event and feel compelled to carry on the torches they left behind still lit and leading the way,”

Voices of Youth: Youth entrepreneurship sparks creativity at Kalamazoo’s RAWK

“I think the making money part is a great incentive for youth entrepreneurs," says Dr. Kandace Lavender, Read and Write Kalamazoo Executive Director. "However, I also believe that the greater piece is giving them a real-life experience of what it means to put effort behind your vision, and the positive outcomes it can have on their life."

Faith in Action: Pastors On Patrol strengthening community-police relations in Kalamazoo

Pastors on Patrol, a partnership between Kalamazoo police and pastors, has been helping increase trust between residents and police, diffuse tense situations, and 'cushion the blows of calamity.' Since the pandemic, both police and pastors involved say they have seen the need for the program grow.

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