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Kalamazoo | Leisa Thompson
Kalamazoo | Leisa Thompson | Show Photo

Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo
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 Mall City are a few. The innovative thinking that brought downtown Kazoo the nation's first pedestrian mall in 1959 thrives today. Innovations in life sciences, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals combined with the expertise of Kalamazoo's universities - Western Michigan, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Davenport College - make the city a center of research, development and technology. It's all part of an eclectic, vibrant city with a cultural scene that Kalamazooans love to boast about. The Kalamazoo Symphony, Kalamazoo Institute of Art and scrappy local theater companies are a few of the offerings. Locals love their festivals, many at the Arcadia Festival grounds, and their outdoors, whether it's taking to the Kalamazoo River or biking the Kal-Haven trail or golfing at the nationally-acclaimed Milham Park course. The city's 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 scholarships at any public university or community college.

Open Roads opens doors for Kalamazoo's young people

Once you've learned how to fix a bike what else can you fix? For young people in Kalamazoo Open Roads teaches the skills to find out. Ethan Alexander talks with Zinta Aistars about the program that capitalizes on his love for bikes.

Arcadia Brewing Co. ready for hiring as construction proceeds

When Arcadia Brewery opens in downtown Kalamazoo later this year exactly what kinds of jobs will it mean for the local economy? Jeremy Martin talks with Dave Sipple, Director of Brewing Operations, to find out.

What I've learned during Michigan's fight on home foreclosure

MSHDA is partnering with the state’s religious leaders and faith communities to help homeowners avoid foreclosure with a program that addresses each homeowner’s unique situation.

Kalamazoo's bakeries are the frosting on the cake

You might say one thing three Kalamazoo-area bakeries have in common is tradition. One was started by a former European pastry chef, one by a third generation baker and the third by an Irish baker also using recipes from the Continent. Zinta Aistars talks with the bakers of Boonzaaijer's, MacKenzie's, and the Victorian Bakery.

Kalamazoo Farmers Market: 'A Masterpiece in the Making'

This year for the first time the People's Food Co-op will manage Kalamazoo Farmers Market on Bank Street. Market Manager Chris Broadbent talks with Donna McClurkan about what's ahead for the market formerly run by the City of Kalamazoo that is known to be the place to be on a Saturday morning to meet friends and find a fresh bunch of radishes.

Chris Falk helps musicians build the local music scene

Who is Chris Falk and why does he care so much about local music? Jeremy Martin reports on Falk's work with bands in the area and other projects he has going.

Clinic on wheels brings better hearing to rural areas

The Hearing Bus is a state-of-the art mobile clinic that's traveling Southwest Michigan. Amie Heasly talks to Dr. Gyl Kasewurm about why the bus has been put on the road.

Keeping kids out of trouble by making truffles

Dale Anderson wanted to help kids by teaching them building trades skills. He ended up teaching them how to make truffles. Zinta Aistars has the story on how he made that leap with them at Confections with Convictions.

April is time to take time to sip some Michigan wine

Michigan wineries are spending the month of April letting people know just how good they are and how much good they do. Jeremy Martin talks to local vinters about the month dedicated to their industry.

Residential upstairs, retail downstairs mix things up at Metropolitan Center

It took major doing on many levels, but the Metropolitan Center is now a model of what can be done when there's will to overcome what others believe is impossible. Jane Parikh talks to James Dally about how his company's redevelopment brings together residential and retail in a historic blend.
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Local food offerings rise with opening of new bakery

Traditional Irish scones and cakes are just two of the goods that are attracting customers downtown to the new location of the Victorian Bakery, its first retail setting.

The Solar Project

The largest solar array in Michigan sits in a field in Charleston Township, the result of a DIY project by a father and son and business partner team, whose company, Kalamazoo Solar LLC, sells the power back to Consumers Energy. But their ultimate goal is to manufacture complete solar arrays in Michigan--at a price individual consumers can afford.
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