Zinta Aistars's Latest Articles
Second chances for the two- and four-legged
Dogs that no one wants are getting a second chance when they are trained by incarcerated inmates at Lakeland Correctional Facility. The trainers teach dogs what they need to know to find a home.
The Bard in the park, on wheels, with Fancy Pants
Shakespeare wrote that all the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. Fancy Pants Theater want to make sure all local parks are a stage, if not the world (not yet, anyway). Zinta Aistars checks in with the principals of the theater troupe.
Dream Big Start Small says ‘Your child deserves pre-K’
Because it's critical to reach children as early a possible if they are to be ready for school there is a new initiative called Dream Big, Start Small. Zinta Aistars has the story.
Farm fresh art and artisan foods in Fennville
An art gallery and specialty grocery store in downtown Fennville, is part of the creative package that Dawn Soltysiak offers. At her farm, her kiln is solar powered and there's more space for other artists' works. Zinta Aistars has the story.
Long journey from Peru to Kalamazoo ends in success with Mamita’s recipes
As the only Peruvian restaurant in Southwest Michigan, the owners of El Inka Peruvian Bistro were not prepared for just how popular it would be the minute they opened the doors. Zinta Aistars has the story, and the fascinating back-story.
Story about 1,000 books has a happy ending
If you were writing the book of a child's life wouldn't you like it to have a happy ending? Every day more children are signing up for a Kalamazoo Public Library program intended to give them a life that includes loving the reading of books.
Growing a food hub from a sprout
Connecting local farmers with people who want to buy the vegetables and animals they raise is what a food hub does. Jeremy Andrews is one of those creating such connections in the Battle Creek area. Zinta Aistars has the story.
Sharing traditions from Brazilian gardens to Kalamazoo Tables
A two-year-old company using 400-year-old recipes has found its niche among food lovers. Silvana Quadros Russell, founder of Brazilian Oven tells Zinta Aistars the story of the cheese buns of her native Brazil that Americans are coming to love.
Cheese brings smiles for Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery
In the past decade goat cheese has been one of the fastest growing cheeses in the specialty food product market. Michigan has more 1,000 reported milk goat operations. Zinta Aistars talks with the cheese makers at Evergreen Lane Farm & Creamery, where milk from goats (and cows) comes about through a cooperative effort.
