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

Charlie-Jo Sauceda is a recent graduate of The Haven’s Women’s Life Recovery Program
Battle Creek’s Women’s Life Recovery Program is for all women
By
●
General
●
April 6, 2023

Battle Creek's Women's Life Recovery Program, housed in the beautiful historic Andrus House, has successfully supported women in recovery for almost 70 years. Andrus House welcomes women from all walks of life, race, ethnicity, and age (over 18), including mothers with their children. Program Manager Gloria Givhan is implementing an aggressive marketing campaign to invite BIPOC women seeking support with addiction recovery to apply for this transformational program.

Lakeview Middle School student spells her way into National Spelling Bee
By
●
General
●
April 6, 2023

The odds of making it to the Scripps National Spelling Bee are the same "as being struck twice by lightning in your lifetime," says Barb Galonsky, who runs the Lakeview Public Schools Spelling Club which has sent an impressive four students to the Scripps National Spelling Bee since 2016. Jane Parikh looks into Lakeview's spelling success and interviews this year's national contender, eighth-grader Emily Demlow.

Women influencers in Battle Creek made history
By
●
General
●
March 23, 2023

In a city whose well-known historical figures include revered, fiery abolitionist Sojourner Truth, other influential women have also made their mark by following paths that were uniquely their own. As part of On the Ground Battle Creek’s coverage of Women’s History Month, Jane Parikh shares stories of three women who secured their unique spots in the city’s history.

Battle Creek student artists are a Class Act
By
●
General
●
March 23, 2023

As part of our Voices of Youth Battle Creek series, On the Ground Project Editor Jane Parikh speaks with Lilyana Collins, a seventh grade artist who is one of many area young artists featured in the annual Art Center of Battle Creek's "Class Act." Second Wave photographer Taylor Scamehorn captured the proud artists with their creations at the show's opening on March 19.

Harvard University lifts up economic work of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
By
●
General
●
March 16, 2023

Waséyabek Development Company, established in 2017 by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi of Calhoun County, has become a poster child for the Harvard Project on American Indian Development. Waséyabek is on pace to become a $1 billion company by 2040, and in recognition of its success, President and CEO Deidra Mitchell has been invited to serve as a guest lecturer at the prestigious Harvard-Kennedy School on March 24.

Battle Creek Pulse receives childcare investment grant
By
●
General
●
March 16, 2023

In Michigan, the average pay for a Child Care Worker is $30,047 a year and $14 an hour and the average salary range for a Child Care Worker is between $23,406 and $34,343. “Childcare itself is not a money-making venture. Many of our childcare providers live in poverty and often without benefits,” says Kathy Szenda Wilson, co-director of Battle Creek's Pulse, which will use the grant money to help support childcare providers.

Southwest Michigan’s North Country Trail offers local access to a national treasure
By
●
General
●
March 9, 2023

Did you know that Southwest Michigan hosts 114 miles of an eight-state national scenic trail? The North Country Trail, managed by the local Chief Noonday Chapter, is a quiet, local treasure. On 10 a.m. March 11, the Chapter is inviting visitors on a four-mile guided hike. Hikers will meet at Ned’s Deli on Gull Lake located at 15450 M-43.

Mobile health clinic brings services to Calhoun County residents where they live
By
●
General
●
March 9, 2023

Transportation to and from a healthcare provider is a significant obstacle for many in Calhoun County. Starting this spring, the Calhoun Wellness Wagon will bring healthcare to residents who don't have reliable forms of transportation.

Jobs program through Goodwill Central Michigan Heartland offers hope, promotes confidence
By
●
General
●
March 2, 2023

Goodwill Industries does a lot more than run a resale storefront. Its Navigations Program has been helping people with physical and mental disabilities find and maintain self-supporting jobs since 1993. After 30 years, one of its original hires, John Shriver, is about to retire.

Oak Hill Cemetery Chapel renovation restores an important part of Battle Creek’s history
By
●
General
●
March 2, 2023

Cemeteries are historical treasure troves, and Oak Hill Cemetery in Battle Creek is home to the final resting place of Sojourner Truth, John Harvey Kellogg, C.W. Post, and many others. But the chapel is in serious disrepair. Funeral Director Sydney Morgan is spearheading a campaign to restore the historic chapel to its previous glory.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.