Marking its 25th Anniversary, the Lillian Anderson Arboretum near Oshtemo Park off of West Main, owned and cared for by Kalamazoo College, has quietly become a trail treasure, with its 140 acres (plus and addition 150-plus surrounding acres) that includes winding paths through woods and around water. As with most nature preserves, The Arb (as it is known) has a story. Read on to find out more.
Established to address COVID-19-related health disparities, the center has pivoted to address additional unique health needs in predominantly Black Benton Harbor.
One-time grants through the RentAble program, funded by the City of Kalamazoo and overseen by the Kalamazoo County Continuum of Care, are now available to help individuals and families offset rent increases, housing application fees, and pay security deposits. Grants can also be used to help catch up on past-due rent, past-due utility bills, and other related expenses. Read on to find out how it works.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is here to help ensure Michiganders with autism reach their greatest potential.
Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan 5K invites those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness. Participants include those who walk in unity with loved ones who have died by suicide, those who have their own mental health battles, and those who simply want to raise awareness.
The Sawyer Auger “It’s OK to not be OK” Tour stops in Sandusky May 26 for a free concert aimed at eliminating stigma around mental illness.
We took a look at several innovative health technologies, ranging from an app that screens pregnant people for substance use to a device that tracks stress responses to make it easier for older adults to get around.
Second Wave's Mark Wedel interviewed a musical cactus. Well, not quite. But he interviewed a local musician who plays the cactus as an instrument – and another who plays music along with music-making aloe vera and even a giant Sequoia. Yes, plants can make music. For upcoming Earth Day (April 22), we celebrate the world as a magical, musical place.
Exciting things are happening in Battle Creek's art scene. The new Arts and Culture Collaborative of Battle Creek will provide resources, support, space to create, and possibilities for creative collaboration, with a specific focus on helping marginalized artists. "Without creative careers, a city will fail," says Vania Word, ACCBC Executive Director.
April is National Poetry Month and Kalamazoo has more than its fair share of homegrown poets – which suits this year's Kalamazoo Poetry Festival theme of "The Garden." In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the festival takes place April 13 to 15, featuring both local and visiting poets, including Kzoo's own Pulitzer Prize-wining poet Diane Suess, Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall (WMU graduate), Hala Ayhan, and Kaveh Akbar, among others.
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