With an economic development organization that is the envy of many communities, Battle Creek is a city building on its food industry roots and the land that makes it the state’s third largest city. For fun, each year the Cereal City, world headquarters to the Kellogg Co., celebrates the significance of the most important meal of the day with the World’s Longest Breakfast table. Bikers, cyclers and joggers take in the parks, forests and streams linked by a 24-mile linear park. Campers and outdoor lovers visit Fort Custer Recreation area for fishing, hiking, cross country skiing and boating. For animal lovers, African creatures, like giraffes, and Asian animals, like snow leopards, make the Binder Park Zoo a must. The Battle Creek Art Center and Battle Creek Symphony stoke the city’s cultural offerings and the new Firekeepers Casino adds to the city’s fun side. B.C’s Math and Science Center is acclaimed and secondary education needs are accommodated by Kellogg Community College, Robert B. Miller College and a branch of Western Michigan University. And Sojourner Truth, who lived here, watches over downtown from the memorial in her honor.
Elizabeth Garcia, the new Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing Program Director, brings extensive experience in program management and will play a pivotal role in new programming.
Two Southwest Michigan Latinx businesses feature Mexican and Costa Rican products, sharing elements of Hispanic culture with their communities, thanks in part to nonprofit lender Northern Initiatives.
The Arts and Cultural Collective of Battle Creek is using the results of a local arts and culture study to help build a sustainable arts infrastructure in BC. “It no longer serves us to be called the Cereal City," says Jaimie Fales, ACCBC Board Member. "We’re trying to change a narrative that no longer serves us."
In its 8th year, Battle Creek's Color the Creek is a much-anticipated event, transforming the city into a lively canvas. Check out these eye-popping murals photographed by On the Ground's John Grap.
From ragtime to Celtic music, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra's 125th season has something for everyone. "If you’re happy and you love the music, clap when you want," says Anne Harrigan, BCSO Music Director. "We are here for everybody, not just the One Percent.
With increases expected in the Calhoun County Latinx population, VOCES (voice in Spanish) is moving to a new building that is four times the size of its previous headquarters. And to reflect the change, VOCES will take on a new name — Nuestra Casa — for its new home.
In its sixth year, Battle Creek's free summer Kindergarten Success Program helps students entering kindergarten have academic, social, and structural advantages. “I’m trying to give my son the experiences I didn’t get,” says Jahkeem Stone, a KSP parent. “I’m trying to get him to be well-rounded and boisterous and comfortable with himself.”
Jehovah's Witnesses are holding their first Southwest Michigan convention in Battle Creek, one of 700 conventions to be held in 144 cities. The theme for this year's convention, to be held at Kellogg Arena, is "Exercise Patience."
As behavioral health moves toward recovery-oriented models of care focused on trust-building and mutual respect, peer support work can prove to be a vital part of guiding clients through their recovery. Here are some local examples of this vital work.
Jill Anderson is the new Rotary Club of Battle Creek President, a post her father once held. “It’s a very different club than it used to be," says Anderson. "There’s that whole notion that Rotary is male, pale, and stale, but it’s really changing."
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