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Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor among Beer City USA poll leaders

Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor among Beer City USA poll leaders

Michigan started Craft Beer Week out with a bang with last week’s Beer City USA poll.

Grand Rapids, which tied for first place last year alongside Asheville, North Carolina,  took exclusive rights to the title this year, getting over twice as many votes as any other nominated city. Kalamazoo took second place, with Asheville slipping to third, cementing Michigan’s reputation as The Great Beer State.

Kalamazoo in Bloom is looking for volunteer gardeners

Kalamazoo in Bloom is looking for volunteer gardeners

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The non-profit organization behind the flowers you see in Bronson Park and outside the Portage District Library needs your help.

Kalamazoo in Bloom is looking for volunteers to take part in community planting days, which are May 17 in Portage and May 23 in downtown Kalamazoo. Last year, more than 300 people took part.

In honor of Portage’s silver anniversary, Kalamazoo in Bloom is designing a “50” made out of flowers at the corner of South Westnedge and Old Westnedge.

Volunteer registration for the community planting in Portage will take place May 17, at 8 a.m. on Library Lane.  Parking is available at the Portage District Library.

Touching allowed at truck fundraiser for Junior League of Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A hands-on fundraiser returns to Kalamazoo May 11.

This is the second year for Touch-A-Truck at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds.  Children are invited to touch and learn about dozens of unique vehicles, including National Guard trucks, race cars and large construction equipment. The event will also feature Bounceland, raffle drawings, Kids in the Kitchen and the Eaton’s Road Rangers Band.

Admission to Touch-A-Truck is $10 per family, or $4 per adult and $2 per child.  Children ages two and under are free.

The gates will open 10 a.m.  for a two-hour Siren-Free Zone (no horns or sirens).  General admission follws from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

To purchase event tickets or for more information, visit  http://www.kalamazootrucks.com/.

Kalamazoo thirsty to win "Beer City USA 2013"

Kalamazoo thirsty to win "Beer City USA 2013"

From DiscoverKalamazoo.com:

Thanks to more than 2,000 people’s overflowing love for Kalamazoo’s craft beer scene, Kalamazoo is now in the running to be crowned the next “Beer City USA.”

Kalamazoo swept the April 2013 nomination poll for the title of Beer City USA, garnering 2,008 (61 percent) of the nomination votes. However, the journey isn’t over yet.

Now, the community’s support in needed to help pull off the win.

From 2 p.m. May 6 through 11:59 p.m. May 10, Kalamazoo will face off against nearly two-dozen other beer-haven contenders in an online poll on the National Beer Examiner’s website. To vote, visit www.VoteKalamazoo.com.

Blues Community Challenge pits Kalamazoo against two other cities

Blues Community Challenge pits Kalamazoo against two other cities

 

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Blues Community Challenge is pitting Kalamazoo against Marquette and Traverse City.

The city is encouraging residents to get out and walk, run, jog, etc.; the city whose residents log the most activity will win the biggest prize.

The eight week challenge began April 27, but you can still register and log activity by visiting www.walkingworks.com.

The Blues Community Challenge is sponsored by the Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Women at work: Volunteers refurbish home May 4

Women at work: Volunteers refurbish home May 4

 

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--  Female volunteers will be pounding nails and putting up siding this weekend,  as part of National Women Build Week.

More than 60 female volunteers are expected to team up with the Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity on May 4, to help rehabilitate a home at 2335 Springmont Avenue in the Oakwood neighborhood.  Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity volunteers are expected to spend a week at the site, demolishing, framing, siding and cleaning up the yard.  Many volunteers—men and women- have already signed up, but a few spaces are still available for May 7-9, and after May 12.  To register to help, contact Denny at 344-2443 ext. 204 or email vc@habitatkalamazoo.org.

National Women Build Week runs May 4-11.

Teams battle cancer with bats

Teams battle cancer with bats

 

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—  Comstock High School’s  varsity softball team will take on Allegan High School Friday, but the real battle will be off the field.

Both teams are taking part in a special double-header to raise money for local families dealing with cancer. 

The games start at 4 p.m. on May 3 at Softball Field #1 at Allegan High School.