Taylor Scamehorn
Taylor Scamehorn

Beyond belief: How faith communities are lighting the way on climate change Read Article

Artist: Taylor Scamehorn

A river runs through her: Bonnie Jo Campbell reflects on "The Waters" and whirlwind book tour Read Article

Features

Feature Story Kalamazoo Jail Ministry Healthy Communities

Kalamazoo Jail Ministry offers 'radical acceptance,' resources, and hope

Zinta AistarsThursday, May 2, 2024
“We don’t push religion at all. We have magazines, art books, whatever they need. Our job is to serve and to love."
Feature Story Sojourner Truth Choir Arts and Culture

Inner City Music Proving Arts Can Teach makes huge IMPACT in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhThursday, May 2, 2024
Battle Creek IMPACT is a free music education program that features the Sojourner Truth Choir, along with drums and piano instruction. About 85 percent of the students represent the area’s African American, Burmese, and Latinx communities. "We train kids and give them the opportunity to go out in the community to share their gifts and talents."
Feature Story Gun Violence Safe Communities

How we can all do our part to decrease gun violence in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, May 2, 2024
“It’s not a meeting telling people, ‘You need to do this, or you need to do that.’ It’s each one of us looking at ourselves and asking what can we do and then will we do that?”
Feature Story Native Plantings Sustainability

Local synagogues and churches rewilding to welcome migratory flocks and other creatures

Mike WenningerThursday, May 2, 2024
“One of the reasons I enjoy doing native planting is because it sequesters carbon and helps the ground absorb more water. If we’re taking care of the planet, we need to take care of the soil and the creatures on the planet, and native plantings are one of the most immediate visible ways to do that."
In The News Dr. Tino Smith Community Development

Planned closure of overnight Battle Creek Shelter has local faith leader looking for solutions

Jane ParikhThursday, May 2, 2024
After three years in operation, the Battle Creek Shelter is slated to close. Dr. Tino Smith of Kingdom Builders Worldwide, the current operator of the shelter, is seeking funding.
Feature Story Mental Health and Athletes Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: Student-athletes need mental health support, too

David HarperThursday, May 2, 2024
It's not uncommon to take the mental health of student-athletes for granted. Studies suggest that although most teens develop improved resilience through athletics, others experience stress, anxiety, mood disorders, and more that may be less visible due to the stress-related impacts of training and competition.
Feature Story Self-driving vehicles Transportation

Voices of Youth: Self-driving vehicles are coming to Calhoun County — ready or not

Rodrigo CondeThursday, May 2, 2024
While the technology is still developing, it's only a matter of time before driverless cars come to Battle Creek — and to other cities across the state. Three larger cities already have robotaxies. What are some advantages to self-driving vehicles and how do we prepare?
Longform Vibrant Futures Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

Early Education Community of Practice brings unified message to state focus on early childhood care

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, April 30, 2024
The Community of Practice has expanded to 30+ Michigan organizations focused on early childhood. Members have access to a variety of resources and experts and are able to provide solutions and mobilize quickly.  
Partner Content Accommodations can help create a successful visit. Second Wave - MichiganEquity

Simple accommodations can eliminate barriers to health care

Joseph GoralTuesday, April 30, 2024
Because equal and quality access to care is so important, making sure medical practices improve access and accommodations for people with autism is a crucial goal of the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM).
Feature Story small-dakc Equity

Absolutely Accessible Kent returns to show what’s possible in accessible design

Shandra MartinezMonday, April 29, 2024
The 6th annual Absolutely Accessible Kent will take place May 8 at GVSU’s Eberhard Center from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with presentations on designing for neurodiversity, aging in place, and accessibility in arts venues.
Longform Rev. Monique French Community Development

Battle Creek's Washington Heights reaching new heights with affordable housing stock

Jane ParikhThursday, April 25, 2024
“We have demonstrated that we’ll do what we say we’re going to do. Some of the barriers we’ve had to overcome we’ve looked at as opportunities. These new homes will be an opportunity for residents to create generational wealth and go from renter-ship to homeownership.”
Feature Story Gilmore Arts and Culture

Review: Opening night at The Gilmore an edge-of-the-seat, genre-hopping, triple ovation-al affair

Mark WedelThursday, April 25, 2024
Formerly an arts and culture reviewer for a daily newspaper, SW Second Wave's Mark Wedel revisits his roots to take in The Gilmore International Piano Festival's opening night — a magical 'amusement park ride' that was 'full of surprises.'
Feature Story African Community Kalamazoo Community Development

Faith communities and others help refugees feel at home in Kalamazoo

Zinta AistarsThursday, April 25, 2024
"We are praying to open an African restaurant, plant a garden, open a barber shop," says Pastor Johsua Kibezi, director of the African Community Kalamazoo. "Our future goal is to offer 55 jobs for refugees. I cannot give up on this work or my people will suffer. In my heart, I know I must help.”
Feature Story Robin Beasley Kids and Education

BC's Early Childhood Education poised to flourish — and save a church at the same time

Jane ParikhThursday, April 25, 2024
“The preschool is one of the most important and vital options at the church. It has a waiting list that continues to expand. One possible future option is that Garden of Dreams would expand to occupy more of our building or an additional childcare center could come in here.”
Feature Story Nicole Lee Arts and Culture

Imagine Art N Lee provides creative space for budding and experienced artists at Crossroads Mall

Maya JamesThursday, April 25, 2024
"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.
Feature Story Financial Literacy Kids and Education

Voices of Youth: Financial literacy required for Michigan students by 2028Olivet students get early start

Sophia PellThursday, April 25, 2024
Student debt, living expenses, credit card interest. Many students graduate from high school with little or no financial understanding. By 2028, all Michigan high schoolers will be required to take a financial literacy course. Ahead of the pack, Olivet High School plans to implement the requirement next year.
Feature Story Kalamazoo PODS Community Development

Kalamazoo POD Community proponents look to see if proposed Lake Street site holds water

Al JonesThursday, April 25, 2024
“One of the many things we’ve learned from other communities like this is the need to provide information, allay concerns, and create strong partnerships. There are many misperceptions about safety, security, and how the site will fit with the surrounding neighborhood. We want to address those issues.”
Special Report Special report graphic Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Special report: How can Michigan fix a guardianship system that fails some kids and older adults?

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, April 24, 2024
Guardianship is designed to protect those who can't care for themselves, but it doesn't always work that way. Advocates are pursuing a variety of solutions to improve the system.
Feature Story Small-Mickey Equity

Author embraces experience of growing up in deaf culture

Shandra MartinezMonday, April 22, 2024
Grand Rapids resident Mickey Carolan describes himself as a CODA, short for child of deaf adults. Growing up with two deaf parents gave him experiences that have inspired his three books and his work as an ally for the Deaf community.
Longform Shelby Coolbaugh, administrative assistant for the Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (MLTCOP), and Salli Pung, state long term care omubdsman for MLTCOP. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan ombudsman program advocates for residents in long-term care facilities

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, April 19, 2024
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program improves quality of care and quality of life for people living in nursing homes, homes for the aged, and adult foster care homes. 
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Battle Creek

Laundry Love: Finding community and dignity at a Battle Creek laundromat

St. Thomas' Laundry Love is focused on those who are “struggling to make ends meet,” says Deacon Trish Harris. “There are people who have asked me, ‘How do you know if I meet the qualifications?’ We have no qualifications. We want them to know that we see you as an important person and we’re coming to you with love." For the full story, click here. For more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's Sarkozy Bakery: Old world baking in an ever-changing world

"We had a liter bottle of Hungarian wine. As we were finishing the bread, and finishing the wine, we said, 'Man, this (bread) is good! You know, we could sell this!' And that's why you shouldn't drink too much." Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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