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

New Voices of Youth from Battle Creek shed light on important issues

The second cohort of Battle Creek Voices of Youth launches today and we’re excited to publish these new stories that cover such issues as vacant buildings and their impact on a community, particularly a neighboring school; coming out safely to family and friends; and social media’s impact on body image. We will be publishing these stories throughout February. Our new Battle Creek Voices of Youth program begins in March. See the story for more details.

Jamie Stuck plays a pivotal role in the future of Native American healthcare

Jamie Stuck, Tribal Chairperson of the Nottowaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, will focus on improving Native American health in his new role as a member of a U.S. Health and Human Services Tribal Advisory Committee. Stuck plans to encourage practices that support a return to a pre-colonized diet and to promote trauma-informed and culturally-appropriate healthcare to help combat elevated disease rates in the Native American community that have direct ties to historical atrocities.

Art Center of Battle Creek celebrates 75th Anniversary

On the outside, it may look like the former church it once was, but on the inside, vibrant artwork lines the walls and generations of local artists have practiced art through the center’s many classes. As the Art Center of Battle Creek celebrates its 75th Anniversary, Executive Director Linda Holderbaum reflects on its past, present, and future, and the center’s relevance to the community.

Kellogg Foundation is making quiet, but major economic development impact in Battle Creek

While the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is known for redevelopment projects such as The Milton and McCamly Place, there’s more to the foundation’s local support than meets the eye. WKKF partners on a variety of smaller-scale initiatives, including with City of Battle Creek, Battle Creek Unlimited, Northern Initiatives, Community Inclusive Recreation, and Sprout. Jamie Schriner, WKKF Program Officer, says these investments are vital because Battle Creek “is our hometown.”

Survivors of sex trafficking have a S.A.F.E. Place to go for support

Michigan ranks among the top 10 states for rates of human trafficking.January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. On the Ground Battle Creek Project Editor Jane Parikh takes a close look at myths, risks, local resources, and supports to raise awareness of this issue. Please Note: This story contains description of scenes of abuse that are not suitable for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Battle Creek City Manager talks 2023 priorities

Battle Creek City Manager Rebecca Fleury reflects on the continued pandemic impact of 2022 on the city, while expressing optimism about plans to enhance technology, advance DEI work, expand housing and opportunities, and engage residents in city planning.

Holley makes history as City of Battle Creek’s first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work is not “all roses and daisies,” but the City of Battle Creek’s first DEI Officer Kimberly Holley is prepared to create a garden of opportunity all can enjoy.

Battle Creek’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation continues to work for positive change

In five years, Battle Creek’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation has changed conversations and deepened relationships, as well as been a catalyst for positive change.

Kyra Wallace to leave the Southwestern Michigan Urban League In April

Longtime Southwestern Michigan Urban League President and CEO Kyra Wallace is preparing to leave after 17 years. But she’s committed to staying connected.

Marshall native hits the jackpot by scripting funny Michigan lottery advertisements

Kim Langridge has hit the jackpot even though she’s never won the Michigan Lottery. Langridge, who was born and raised in Marshall and continues to make her home there, creates the majority of the radio spots for the state’s lottery, in addition to writing copy for television commercials promoting it.

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