Provided public relations support for Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Goes Green and Cold
Kalamazoo, November 7, 2012- Changes in this year's holiday parade is the cause of a shortage of one of Earth's most treasured resource, helium. Cold air balloons will be the alternative choice to helium balloons in this year's holiday parade. The balloons are generator powered and stand at a brilliant 30 to 40 feet.
Environmentally, cold air balloons are beneficial to the global shortage of helium that is critically important for uses in the medical field. Since helium is a non-renewable commodity, it has become scarcer with time.
A floating helium balloon relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. The cold air balloons will not float, however they will travel on a wheeled cart while a generator inflates the balloons with cold air.
The process of reserving and securing helium for the parade began earlier in the year; however no helium was available. This has been a challenge for many communities that have also responded to the helium shortage with alternatives such as the cold air balloons.
"We've known since last year that securing helium would be challenging, said Vicky Kettner of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. "We expect the same 'larger than life' presence on the street with the old character balloons; they just won't be hovering over the skyline."
"Additionally, had we been able to secure the helium, its cost would have been exorbitant. Last year's cost to fill five balloons was nearly an $8,000 expense. With helium prices on the rise - pun intended - we likely would not have been able to afford it, anyway. We end up saving a natural resource AND money."
Sponsors of the cold air balloon at this year's holiday parade include the Educational Community Credit Union, Bronson Healthcare Group, Meijer and WIN 98.5
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade scheduled for Nov. 10, will begin at 10:45 a.m., from the corner of Lovell and Portage Street. The parade will feature WMU Bronco Marching Band along with nine high school bands, 30 floats, over one thousand marchers and holiday-decorated vehicles. The parade will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and the Kalamazoo Mall will reopen after 2 p.m., with sales and specials from downtown businesses.
For more information, contact Vicky Kettner @ 269-344-0795 or vickyk@dki.org
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kalamazoo Holiday Parade Goes Green and Cold
Kalamazoo, November 7, 2012- Changes in this year's holiday parade is the cause of a shortage of one of Earth's most treasured resource, helium. Cold air balloons will be the alternative choice to helium balloons in this year's holiday parade. The balloons are generator powered and stand at a brilliant 30 to 40 feet.
Environmentally, cold air balloons are beneficial to the global shortage of helium that is critically important for uses in the medical field. Since helium is a non-renewable commodity, it has become scarcer with time.
A floating helium balloon relies on the fact that helium is lighter than air. The cold air balloons will not float, however they will travel on a wheeled cart while a generator inflates the balloons with cold air.
The process of reserving and securing helium for the parade began earlier in the year; however no helium was available. This has been a challenge for many communities that have also responded to the helium shortage with alternatives such as the cold air balloons.
"We've known since last year that securing helium would be challenging, said Vicky Kettner of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. "We expect the same 'larger than life' presence on the street with the old character balloons; they just won't be hovering over the skyline."
"Additionally, had we been able to secure the helium, its cost would have been exorbitant. Last year's cost to fill five balloons was nearly an $8,000 expense. With helium prices on the rise - pun intended - we likely would not have been able to afford it, anyway. We end up saving a natural resource AND money."
Sponsors of the cold air balloon at this year's holiday parade include the Educational Community Credit Union, Bronson Healthcare Group, Meijer and WIN 98.5
The Kalamazoo Holiday Parade scheduled for Nov. 10, will begin at 10:45 a.m., from the corner of Lovell and Portage Street. The parade will feature WMU Bronco Marching Band along with nine high school bands, 30 floats, over one thousand marchers and holiday-decorated vehicles. The parade will conclude at 12:30 p.m., and the Kalamazoo Mall will reopen after 2 p.m., with sales and specials from downtown businesses.
For more information, contact Vicky Kettner @ 269-344-0795 or vickyk@dki.org
###
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mixer on the Mall Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Kalamazoo, June 14, 2013- The 10-week long Mixer on the Mall concert series begins this Wednesday, June 19 on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall with music from local rock/blues band TopHeavy. Beer and beverages will be sold at the event, making this a favorite al fresco experience.
The concert series is an all summer weekly event which will take place on Wednesdays at 5p.m., from June 19 through August 21. Each evening will wrap up at 7 p.m., to allow patrons the opportunity to dine downtown. While most of the series will take place on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall, three of those evenings will be at the Arcadia Festival Place in order to host a larger crowd for specialty themed nights.
This week’s band, TopHeavy, will perform fantastically eclectic covers and innovatively infectious originals. The band was formed by four veteran musicians of the Kalamazoo music scene determined to bring you an energetic mix of rock, soul, blues, funk, and even a touch of reggae-TopHeavy has something for everyone to enjoy.
Mixer on the Mall is sponsored by 106.5 WVFM, and each evening is hosted by different businesses. A $1 cover charge will be required to help offset community events hosted in Downtown Kalamazoo.
For more information contact Deborah Droppers deb@eventkalamazoo.com
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mixer on the Mall Summer Outdoor Concert Series
Kalamazoo, June 14, 2013- The 10-week long Mixer on the Mall concert series begins this Wednesday, June 19 on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall with music from local rock/blues band TopHeavy. Beer and beverages will be sold at the event, making this a favorite al fresco experience.
The concert series is an all summer weekly event which will take place on Wednesdays at 5p.m., from June 19 through August 21. Each evening will wrap up at 7 p.m., to allow patrons the opportunity to dine downtown. While most of the series will take place on the north block of the Kalamazoo Mall, three of those evenings will be at the Arcadia Festival Place in order to host a larger crowd for specialty themed nights.
This week’s band, TopHeavy, will perform fantastically eclectic covers and innovatively infectious originals. The band was formed by four veteran musicians of the Kalamazoo music scene determined to bring you an energetic mix of rock, soul, blues, funk, and even a touch of reggae-TopHeavy has something for everyone to enjoy.
Mixer on the Mall is sponsored by 106.5 WVFM, and each evening is hosted by different businesses. A $1 cover charge will be required to help offset community events hosted in Downtown Kalamazoo.
For more information contact Deborah Droppers deb@eventkalamazoo.com
###
Public relations support for internship with the
Western Michigan University Center for the Humanities
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free College Level Humanities Courses for the Kalamazoo Community
KALAMAZOO, Michigan - September 20, 2012- Humanities for Everybody: A free program that offers non-credit college-level classes to low-to-moderate income residents is currently enrolling students in their upcoming class for the 2012-2013 academic year. Residents, who enroll in the class held at Cooper Apartments in Kalamazoo, will gain a rigorous humanities education.
“As a result of believing in myself [and] surrounding myself with positive and productive people who have a vested interest in my success, [I] am preparing myself to apply for a women’s education grant so that I can obtain a degree from WMU,” says TiAnna, a student at Humanities for Everybody
Classes are taught by WMU professors in English, History, Philosophy and Political Theory. Students selected for the program will receive free books, tuition and supplies. Participants will benefit from the Humanities for Everybody program in two crucial ways. They will grasp the full potential of education to transform their lives, and be given tools and opportunities to reengage in their communities.
Graduates of the program will receive high-quality letters of recommendation based on class performance. Letters can be used as a referral for needed community support resources including jobs, housing, and educational opportunities.
“[I gained] self-confidence and new insights,” stated Michelle, a student at Humanities for Everybody.
Humanities for Everybody, is sponsored by The University Center for Humanities of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, and Open Doors Kalamazoo. The program is currently recruiting students for its 10-week Fall course that is in process, and its 15-week Spring course beginning January 14, 2013. Students are being continuously enrolled. Classes are held every Monday and Thursday from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m., at 611 West Lovell Street, Kalamazoo.
For a full roster of courses and to access a program application, please visit www.humanitiesforeverybody.com
For more information contact Rondel Yardbrough, KNHS, (269) 364-2532 or LaTasha Chafin, WMU, Latasha.y.chaffin@wmich.edu
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free College Level Humanities Courses for the Kalamazoo Community
KALAMAZOO, Michigan - September 20, 2012- Humanities for Everybody: A free program that offers non-credit college-level classes to low-to-moderate income residents is currently enrolling students in their upcoming class for the 2012-2013 academic year. Residents, who enroll in the class held at Cooper Apartments in Kalamazoo, will gain a rigorous humanities education.
“As a result of believing in myself [and] surrounding myself with positive and productive people who have a vested interest in my success, [I] am preparing myself to apply for a women’s education grant so that I can obtain a degree from WMU,” says TiAnna, a student at Humanities for Everybody
Classes are taught by WMU professors in English, History, Philosophy and Political Theory. Students selected for the program will receive free books, tuition and supplies. Participants will benefit from the Humanities for Everybody program in two crucial ways. They will grasp the full potential of education to transform their lives, and be given tools and opportunities to reengage in their communities.
Graduates of the program will receive high-quality letters of recommendation based on class performance. Letters can be used as a referral for needed community support resources including jobs, housing, and educational opportunities.
“[I gained] self-confidence and new insights,” stated Michelle, a student at Humanities for Everybody.
Humanities for Everybody, is sponsored by The University Center for Humanities of Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services, and Open Doors Kalamazoo. The program is currently recruiting students for its 10-week Fall course that is in process, and its 15-week Spring course beginning January 14, 2013. Students are being continuously enrolled. Classes are held every Monday and Thursday from 6:30p.m. to 8p.m., at 611 West Lovell Street, Kalamazoo.
For a full roster of courses and to access a program application, please visit www.humanitiesforeverybody.com
For more information contact Rondel Yardbrough, KNHS, (269) 364-2532 or LaTasha Chafin, WMU, Latasha.y.chaffin@wmich.edu
###
JRN 2100-News Writing and Reporting, Article
KALAMAZOO, Michigan - As Portage Public Schools puts full-day kindergarten into effect starting this fall, child care centers will feel the impact.
The decision to switch from half-day to full-day was voted on by the Portage Public School Board in February. The full-day kindergarten also has an effect on the Young 5’s Program, which will also be moving to a full day.
Currently many kindergartners at Portage Public Schools attend child care after school at Curious Kids. As soon as full-day kindergarten is in effect, child care centers such as Curious Kids can potentially lose business from parents who will no longer need the services for their children during the day. This could potentially lead to job loss if the programs are not reconstructed in a way to accommodate the existing employees.
“With the announcement of full-day kindergarten, some employees immediately began looking for other positions,” said Tammy Karmon-Hoffman, program coordinator for Curious Kids.
Karmon-Hoffman said as soon as changes are implemented, Curious Kids will no longer be providing care throughout the day for school-age children, but will continue to offer before and after school care as well as care on non-school days, holiday breaks and summer.
“The loss of revenue will be fairly substantial, but I am looking for options to make it up in other areas,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Karmon-Hoffman said she is not certain whether all employees will be able to keep their job.
“The employees with our school-age program are concerned about their positions next year,” she said. “It is my goal to grow our program in other areas, which will allow us to maintain all of the terrific and loyal employees we have here.”
Karmon-Hoffman said that if they can increase the attendance of children ages 6 weeks old through 5 years old then they may be able to recover the lost revenue and keep their employees.
“I cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep all of our employees,” she said. “I’ve let them know that I will do my best to do so.”
Susan Haroldson, assistant program coordinator for Curious Kids, said they will not need as many teachers, supplies and rooms for the children attending Curious Kids during school hours.
“This will affect revenue,” Haroldson said.
Haroldson said they will need less staff between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We are working to restructure as much as we can to accommodate the existing staff,” Haroldson said.
Amy Stacy, a student at Western Michigan University who is employed by Curious Kids, said that she is not worried about losing her job because she only works 10 hours a week.
“Those who have made a career out of working at Curious Kids seem uneasy still because everything is still in the air,” Stacy said.
Parents are overwhelmingly in support of full-day kindergarten because it will save them money on child care costs. Haroldson said that some parents are apprehensive.
“Full day seems overwhelming to some of them,” Haroldson said.
Karmon-Hoffman said that the parents who are thrilled with the change are those who have their child attend child care opposite of their half day in school.
“The children are already accustomed to a full day and the parents will have a decreased weekly child care bill,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Those opposed to the switch are the parents of the children who do not attend pre-kindergarten programs. This will be their first time outside of the home for a full day.
“These parents are feeling some anxiety about jumping right into a full day of activity for their children,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Karmon-Hoffman said that based on the children she is in contact with, many are ready for a full day of kindergarten, but there are some who still need a nap time.
“I would assume that there will be a quiet time for rejuvenation built into the day,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Principal of Lake Center Elementary Mark Root was in full favor of switching to full-day kindergarten. Teachers have also been pushing the idea because they feel that there is too much curriculum to fit into a half day. Root said that academics are the top priority, and a full day will better prepare children for a brighter academic future.
He said there is an overwhelmingly positive response from parents who will save money on child care costs.
Root said that there are financial reasons for making the switch. To keep a half-day program would cost $2.7 million while switching to a full day would cost $1.1 million. There would also need to be hiring of 22 new teachers.
“If we stuck with the half-day program our budget cuts would be even bigger,” Root said.
Portage Public School Board Trustee, Joanne Willson was the single no vote for full-day kindergarten.
“We didn’t get an accurate account of what the costs are going to be,” Willson said.
Willson said that the additional cost of music, art and textbooks along with hiring additional teachers should be taken into account.
Willson also pressed concern about the issue of space. She said she wonders where the schools will find the empty classrooms for the full-day kindergarten and how they are going come up with 22 new classrooms for the 22 additional teachers.
Currently there are six lunch periods for 1st through 5th grade that go from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Willson wants to know how the schools are going to alter such things as the lunch schedule to accommodate the kindergarteners and Young 5.
A funding plan for full-day kindergarten has not been decided but is currently in the works. Root said that they plan to make cuts in the K-12 system across the district.
“Everybody will be expected to have some ownership to what we need to cut,” Root said.
The decision to switch from half-day to full-day was voted on by the Portage Public School Board in February. The full-day kindergarten also has an effect on the Young 5’s Program, which will also be moving to a full day.
Currently many kindergartners at Portage Public Schools attend child care after school at Curious Kids. As soon as full-day kindergarten is in effect, child care centers such as Curious Kids can potentially lose business from parents who will no longer need the services for their children during the day. This could potentially lead to job loss if the programs are not reconstructed in a way to accommodate the existing employees.
“With the announcement of full-day kindergarten, some employees immediately began looking for other positions,” said Tammy Karmon-Hoffman, program coordinator for Curious Kids.
Karmon-Hoffman said as soon as changes are implemented, Curious Kids will no longer be providing care throughout the day for school-age children, but will continue to offer before and after school care as well as care on non-school days, holiday breaks and summer.
“The loss of revenue will be fairly substantial, but I am looking for options to make it up in other areas,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Karmon-Hoffman said she is not certain whether all employees will be able to keep their job.
“The employees with our school-age program are concerned about their positions next year,” she said. “It is my goal to grow our program in other areas, which will allow us to maintain all of the terrific and loyal employees we have here.”
Karmon-Hoffman said that if they can increase the attendance of children ages 6 weeks old through 5 years old then they may be able to recover the lost revenue and keep their employees.
“I cannot guarantee that we will be able to keep all of our employees,” she said. “I’ve let them know that I will do my best to do so.”
Susan Haroldson, assistant program coordinator for Curious Kids, said they will not need as many teachers, supplies and rooms for the children attending Curious Kids during school hours.
“This will affect revenue,” Haroldson said.
Haroldson said they will need less staff between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“We are working to restructure as much as we can to accommodate the existing staff,” Haroldson said.
Amy Stacy, a student at Western Michigan University who is employed by Curious Kids, said that she is not worried about losing her job because she only works 10 hours a week.
“Those who have made a career out of working at Curious Kids seem uneasy still because everything is still in the air,” Stacy said.
Parents are overwhelmingly in support of full-day kindergarten because it will save them money on child care costs. Haroldson said that some parents are apprehensive.
“Full day seems overwhelming to some of them,” Haroldson said.
Karmon-Hoffman said that the parents who are thrilled with the change are those who have their child attend child care opposite of their half day in school.
“The children are already accustomed to a full day and the parents will have a decreased weekly child care bill,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Those opposed to the switch are the parents of the children who do not attend pre-kindergarten programs. This will be their first time outside of the home for a full day.
“These parents are feeling some anxiety about jumping right into a full day of activity for their children,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Karmon-Hoffman said that based on the children she is in contact with, many are ready for a full day of kindergarten, but there are some who still need a nap time.
“I would assume that there will be a quiet time for rejuvenation built into the day,” Karmon-Hoffman said.
Principal of Lake Center Elementary Mark Root was in full favor of switching to full-day kindergarten. Teachers have also been pushing the idea because they feel that there is too much curriculum to fit into a half day. Root said that academics are the top priority, and a full day will better prepare children for a brighter academic future.
He said there is an overwhelmingly positive response from parents who will save money on child care costs.
Root said that there are financial reasons for making the switch. To keep a half-day program would cost $2.7 million while switching to a full day would cost $1.1 million. There would also need to be hiring of 22 new teachers.
“If we stuck with the half-day program our budget cuts would be even bigger,” Root said.
Portage Public School Board Trustee, Joanne Willson was the single no vote for full-day kindergarten.
“We didn’t get an accurate account of what the costs are going to be,” Willson said.
Willson said that the additional cost of music, art and textbooks along with hiring additional teachers should be taken into account.
Willson also pressed concern about the issue of space. She said she wonders where the schools will find the empty classrooms for the full-day kindergarten and how they are going come up with 22 new classrooms for the 22 additional teachers.
Currently there are six lunch periods for 1st through 5th grade that go from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Willson wants to know how the schools are going to alter such things as the lunch schedule to accommodate the kindergarteners and Young 5.
A funding plan for full-day kindergarten has not been decided but is currently in the works. Root said that they plan to make cuts in the K-12 system across the district.
“Everybody will be expected to have some ownership to what we need to cut,” Root said.
