Hands Off! demonstration in Kalamazoo drew nearly 4,000
Close to 4,000 people lined South Westnedge Avenue in Portage to participate in the Hands Off! Kalamazoo rally, one of over 1,400 protests that took place Saturday throughout all 50 states.
Portage
With the area’s largest enclosed mall and an extensive commercial strip Portage draws those born to shop. It also draws those born to bike. More than 60 linear trail miles for bikes, 800 acres of protected land open to the public and seven lakes offering water sports and fishing make Portage someplace people want to live. The network of parks and trails, used for walking, cycling and canoeing, demonstrate the priority the city places on balancing green spaces and work places. The city is home to the manufacturing headquarters of Pfizer, a world leader in biopharmaceuticals; Stryker, a medical technology leaders; and the U.S. Headquarters of Mann-Hummel, a major corporation in automotive components. Portage benefits from being close to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College and Kalamazoo Community College — all of which contribute to the city’s highly educated workforce. Restaurants and bars include the nationally recognized and local favorites. During the summer months cultural events are offered in venues in each of the city’s parks.
Groundbreaking expected in Portage this spring for 45 single-family workforce homes
Houses for teachers, health care workers, assembly line workers, public safety officers — workforce residents — are going up in Portage this spring. Here's the plan for Stanwood Crossings.
New Community Inclusion Center in Portage creating Ripple Effects
"We don’t get to choose how other people parent because we don’t know their child or their child’s needs so really it’s a place where you be the family that you are and we want to encourage you, pat you on the back, let you know to keep going."
To build a bridge: Kalamazoo Chinese Academy nurtures cultural roots and fosters new speakers
In its 52nd year, the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy serves more than 50 area families, teaching language, performing arts, and traditional dance to both Chinese and non-heritage learners.
Voices of Youth: The price of fast fashion — Is it worth it?
“I think the metaphor that sticks with me is like if you buried it in the woods, would it be there when you came back 20 years later? I want my clothing to add to the planet and not take away from the planet, and so I try as much as possible to only sew with things that will biodegrade so that they are not going to follow future generations.”
Grounded: How art, faith, and ecology unite to ‘touch the heart’ and inspire change
When it comes to climate change, science appeals to the mind, but art can touch the heart. To create change, we need both. The Westminster Presbyterian Art Festival unites earth care, art, and faith for its annual celebration.
Imagine Art N Lee provides creative space for budding and experienced artists at Crossroads Mall
"It won't paint itself, Love," reads a mural at Imagine Art N Lee, a fully stocked art experience and retail space at Crossroads Mall. Owner Nicole Lee, passionate about art, healing, and social justice, envisioned a nurturing, creative space welcoming to all.
Portage works with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable homes
It's been a while, but now Habitat for Humanity is working in Portage to put up houses as the county works to improve the affordable housing situation.
Why Canada? O Canada: Kalamazoo Canadian realizes dream for local Canadiana Fest
Nainamo bars, poutine, All-Dressed Potato Chips. If you know, you know. Many Canadian delicacies have a unique fusion of flavors. Local chef and Southwest Michigan Second Wave Food Writer Channon Mondoux, a Canadian herself, wants to have a big all-flavors Canadian party for native-born and the 'Canadienvious' so she's bringing the first-ever Canadiana Fest to Kalamazoo.
Portage Public Schools get proactive, invest in mental health
In Marianne Joynt’s new role as mental health initiatives coordinator for the district, she’s able to go wherever support is needed for staff and students and put together plans to meet their needs as best she can.
