Connecting Communities: Kalamazoo Earth Day

During this episode we will hear from some small businesses who have been impacted by heavy construction in Kalamazoo. They offer their perspectives for you to consider the importance of small businesses and the role of the community and government to keep Kalamazoo a place where small businesses can survive and contribute. Guests: Erin Schultz, Schultz’s Treat Street Eileen Pawlicki, Love Muffins...

Dive into this riveting episode where we recorded on-site with Maya James, a Kalamazoo artist who has been designing and leading the installation of a literacy lane in downtown Kalamazoo's Edison Neighborhood. Maya discusses how this mural, although it is still actively being installed, has already discouraged dumping and crime, and has encouraged community engagement and restoration of nature in...

Christina Dorett joins Connecting Communities to discuss the work of the service group KUDOS. They are seeking volunteers to join them to bridge the gap between neighborhoods that have been impacted by systemic racism. Their group seeks to connect communities in a literal sense, by bringing people together who might never meet otherwise. Christina is very frank about the goal of finding a way to d...

Meet Issac, Ian, and Payton, team members at Open Roads in Kalamazoo (www.openroadsbike.org). At Open Roads we engage and empower youth through bicycles to learn practical life skills for their future. The bicycle is not just a thing: it is a symbol- a symbol of independence, of freedom, of autonomy, and of joy. Youth Bike Repair: Thursdays 2-6pm Adult Bike Repair: Fridays 2-6pm Co-Hosts: Patrick...

Gwen and her grandson, Steph Moore, sit down to discuss the history and creation of the community organization, Mothers of Hope. Both Gwen and Steph have been supporting families in Kalamazoo who have been impacted by substance use. The myriad of programs and efforts they have coordinated through Mothers of Hope shows there is not just one way to support the recovery community. By connecting resou...

Joy and Aerick opened a dance/yoga/art studio in Kalamazoo that would operate on the values they felt in their souls and practiced daily. Their philosophy has nurtured a diverse and welcoming space for people to experience dance and artistic movement, regardless of age, ability, class, or gender expression. Joy’s experience with the healing power of movement has allowed her to teach that power to...

Meet Taylor Van Winkle! They are an addition to Kalamazoo County Government, in a brand new role: the Sustainability Coordinator for the County. As a transplant from Kansas, Taylor can speak about the allure that Michigan holds, and what makes it a special place.  Additionally, Taylor speaks to the status of the county sustainability plan, and how residents can have their concerns and priorities b...

Host: Patrick Hershberger and David Benac Jackie Mitchell is someone who sees a problem and inserts herself because she knows that a situation can only get better when people are together trying to help. She invested in areas of Kalamazoo that are divested in and avoided, and she is making them a place of positivity, gathering, and health.  Facebook Uxi4u.com

If anyone knows about connecting people and communities, it is Pam Coffey. She runs a house for women who are starting their lives over. Healthy House currently houses 8 women, who could be coming from any walk of life, with any belief system. The women can stay as long as they need to, while they are resetting their lives and goals. Within this little community, there is a lot to learn about bein...

“Playgrounds are built but playscape are planted.” The Children’s Nature Playscape is a place for all children and families to play, explore, grow, and restore in downtown Kalamazoo. Join this episode for stories about how this space give young and old a space to learn, connect, and center themselves, in the most natural way. https://www.kalamazooplayscape.org On Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @k...

Members of the Asylum Lake Preserve Association join the podcast to discuss the history of the preserve, the nature found inside of it, and the significance this space has to the human and ecological community. Guests: John Kreuzer and Lauri Holmes Hosts: Sharon Dever and Patrick Hershberger

Kleinstuck Preserve is a large preserve that is centrally located in Kalamazoo with an incredibly diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. In 2019, a parcel adjacent to the preserve went on the market. The volunteer board members held a community meeting to see if residents of Kalamazoo found value in making this addition to Kleinstuck. Can these volunteers raise $700,000 in time to purchase the f...

Chubby Goat Acres Why did the chicken cross the road? It was definitely to get to Chubby Goat Acres! Chubby Goat Acres is a farm animal sanctuary in southwestern Michigan. The founder, Chris Kreutz, believes that farm animals should be able to live long, happy lives, and are not to be valued by the services they provide to humans. Sounds different? Listen in to the episode to learn more about the...

He's back! Stephen Dupuie, director of the Edison Neighborhood Association will update us on what has been going on with the urban gardening program, the community toolbox, and what new resident-led initiatives to look forward to in 2024! Be sure to listen, then join Edison neighborhood on April 20, 2024 for Earth Day Celebration and garden bed prep day! For more information, visit www.kalamaz...

They are ready to celebrate! From Pints and Plants meet ups, to garden tours they are making so many birthday plans where you can hang out with these folks this year. There is a reason why this group is so popular. Get a taste of the fun, humor, and generosity of the Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones in this conversation with members of their Executive Community, Noel Ocen, Jessica Hagen, Mike Weis, and Qu...

Hosts:  Joe Byars and David Benac Building Blocks is a neighborhood revitalization organization that uses resident energy, ideas and people-power to improve neighborhoods in Kalamazoo. From beautification to house safety projects, Building Blocks provides organizers and funding to these neighborhoods and the neighborhoods get back more than just the physical improvements, they have an improved env...

Remi Harrington and Katie Pearson are both urban farmers in Kalamazoo. In this episode they discuss the meaning and importance of food sovereignty and food justice. Learn more about the challenges that small farmers are faced with, and how those challenges are compounded when those farmers face racism, or sexism. The future of food can be bright! - Especially with farmers like Remi and Katie pavin...

It is COLD outside! Especially if you live in an older house, you can spend a frustrating amount of time, money, and resources on trying to address that. You may have even gotten to the point of considering major construction or a new build. But construction and demolition is one of the largest contributors to waste globally. Mark Lee brings another perspective to tackling that ongoing stressor, w...

Audubon Society of Kalamazoo is one of the longest running naturalist groups in Kalamazoo. Gail Walter and Donna Keller are members of the Society and share information about the benefits and joys of engaging with birds in our communities. Also, hear about Kalamazoo’s most special residents, the peregrine falcons.  Peregrine Falcon Cam Website Kalamazoo Audubon website Ebird app Merlin app

Daniel Smith and Said Abubakr stand in peaceful protest in downtown Kalamazoo every Sunday afternoon. They stand with a group of people called KNOW, Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War.  War has devastating impacts on our environments, as well as on our connection to other human beings. The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine is a book authored by New Historian Ilan Pappé https://youtu.be/Hd7bbdAoAUA?...

This episode had some sound interference from 18 min 30 seconds to 20 min 22 sec. The Kalamazoo River Watershed Council uses science and the wonder of nature to benefit the Kalamazoo River. Their work impacts residents, those who recreate, animals, and policy makers. Join Dr. Doug McLaughlin, Executive Director, and Kenneth Kornheiser, board member to discuss the work that the council does. https:...

Representatives from the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) join our hosts today talk about current work that is being done to connect communities in in the area with the land, the past, and each other. The work that the Gun Lake Tribe is doing to protect this land is something you will want to find out more about! Guests in this episode: Virginia Sprague-Vanderb...

In this episode, Dee and Patrick sit down with Rosalie Hill, a fashion designer and textile artist in Kalamazoo. We explore Rosalie Hill’s journey into the world of fashion, her unique creative process, and her strategy to make clothing that is sustainable. Discover her ideas for driving positive change in the fashion industry. If you're curious about sustainable fashion or eager to make more eco-...

This panel discusses the benefits and hurdles of a vegan lifestyle. The vegan curious or vegan enthusiast will enjoy this conversation about food, tough choices, and community. https://vegankalamazoo.com Join the newsletter for the People's Plant Based Party in June and October 2024 Facebook Group Check for vegan wines

Don’t miss Charles Parker (Charlie’s P.L.A.C.E., Youth Basketball League, and more) storytelling about the history of recreation and play in Kalamazoo over the last 50 years. Mr. Parker recalls his youth, a point in time where the North side of Kalamazoo had virtually no parks for children and invisible lines were drawn preventing residents from using other parks in the city. Today, Mr. Parker is...