Longtime Eastside Boxing Coach Curtis Isaac stays motivated by seeing youth succeed
Those who have worked with Curtis Isaac at his Kalamazoo Eastside Boxing sing its praises.
Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo’s name is so distinctive strangers around the world have been known to break into song at hearing the name. With such a recognizable moniker you’d think Kalamazoo wouldn’t need nicknames, but through the years changing names have reflected the city’s refusal to stand still. The Zoo, Celery City and the Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown K’zoo the nation’s first pedestrian mall in 1959 continues to work today. Innovators have developed thriving life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms. They build on the expertise of Kalamazoo’s universities. Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College all are centers of research, development and technology. They surround a downtown vibrating with condos, apartments and homegrown, top-notch restaurants. The universities are woven into the city’s social fabric and contribute to a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and a vibrant local theater community are a few of the offerings. Locals also love their festivals that fill the air with music and the scents of ethnic foods wafting over the Arcadia Festival grounds and the Kalamazoo River. Outdoor activities from biking on the Kal-Haven trail to disc golf and standard golf on a nationally-acclaimed course in Milham Park are the start of the city’s leisure side. Sports fans have competitive college teams, minor league baseball and hockey to follow. And it all comes with a Promise. All high school graduates who live in Kalamazoo qualify for a scholarship that pays 100 percent of their tuition at any public university or community college.
Fighting Weight: Eastside Boxing keeps youth off the streets
There's fighting and then there's boxing. At Kalamazoo Eastside Boxing, young people learn the difference form Coach Curtis Isaac.
Recent conference for farmers has messages for all
From the age-old art of beekeeping to the current complexities of food equity, a recent conference at KVCC gave farmers a chance to learn and network together.
AfroFest brings ‘family reunion vibe’ to Black history month community celebration
A new celebration of African Culture wants to become an ongoing event for Kalamazoo. The community says it's all about AfroFest.
Volunteers help Kalamazoo’s Eastside Neighborhood Association chart and keep a steady course
Volunteers help organizations like the Kalamazoo Eastside Association do the work neighbors are looking for.
Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave and Issue Media Group join Michigan Press Association
Membership by the parent company of Southwest Michigan’s Second Wave will more than double the number of online-only news organizations accepted into the 150-year-old organization.
Eastside Youth Strong making Eastside stronger in Kalamazoo
From a ripple, comes a wave of support for children and their families involved in Eastside Youth Strong programs.
For Kalamazoo artist James Palmore, Kalamazoo’s Eastside was a childhood paradise
Eastside artist James Palmore, who has achieved local legend status, appreciates his ability to look back with a greater understanding now that he’s in his “sunset years.”
EASEL, Eastside elementary science and arts camp, hopes to add middle school STEAM camp this summer
For Eastside kids who want to learn arts and science, there's EASEL.
Edison Neighborhood looks forward to The Creamery with its mix of residential and business spaces
Redevelopment of former industrial site expected to reinvigorate a section of Kalamazoo’s largest neighborhood, Edison.
