I didn't get to attend today's demonstration, but I had to ship out some orders at the post office today, so I got to drive past y'all on Drake Road around 1pm and honk in support. I want you all to know that I'm so goddamn proud of you for showing up to No Kings today.

I know some stupid MFers are going to show up to this thread and bitch, cry, and whine about how you all wasted your time or whatever, but they're either too deluded or too thick to truly comprehend or care about what is happening in our country right now.

But this thread isn't about them; this is about every single actual patriot that was out there today with a sign, a costume, a table, or simply a voice exercising their First Amendment right. It is genuinely moving to see that so many of y'all out there still give a shit, and it literally brought me to tears.

I see the news everyday; I can't NOT pay attention to it. I know so many people who choose to stick their heads in the sand or pretend like everything is fine. Like, I get it to a point; we all have our limits. Personally, I'm burnt TF out mentally and emotionally from the past decade of this bullshit, I GET IT.

But y'all were a beautiful beacon of pure, shining LIGHT today; an oh-so-badly needed reminder that there are still sane and rational people living in this country that feel the same way I do.

So keep doing it, y'all. Keep talking, keep resisting, and keep fucking fighting.

AND GO. FUCKING. VOTE!

Final 21-14

Our children should never have to wonder whether they’re safe at school. After a g** was brought into Kalamazoo Central, parents deserve clear answers about how it got past security and what is being done to prevent this from happening again.
On Monday, let’s make our voices heard. I’m asking parents to keep their children home for the day as a peaceful, collective protest until the district provides answers and a clear, concrete safety plan.
This isn’t about politics. It isn’t about attacking teachers or staff. It’s about protecting our children and holding the people responsible for school safety accountable.
Our kids deserve to learn without fear. Parents deserve transparency. And the district needs to understand that we will not simply move on without answers.
One parent speaking up can be ignored. Hundreds of parents standing together cannot.
Please share this post, contact the district and school board, and join us in demanding answers and action. Let’s show them that our children’s safety is non-negotiable. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

What wonderful weather. Why everyone isn’t out in it is beyond me.

Transferring HVAC units from one side to another on top of the new event center. She’s huge!

Just scrolling through to see what’s out there and this title caught my eye. It gave me a chuckle.

In August Walnut and Park said they'd be temporarily closed for a couple weeks, but since then they haven't been open at all, at least when I've driven by, and they're still listed as temporarily closed on Google. I called a couple times to ask what was going on but no one picked up. Does anyone know what's going on with them?

WWMT is doing a great job exposing this hospital. Those of us who work in mental health are well aware of the stain it is in our community.

i see (and ask) a couple questions about eastwood and parchment and stuff, but whats going on in comstock? is it a nice place to live? safe and quiet? it has some beautiful houses as far as ive seen, just havent heard much about it

When you fill out your ballot this November, Proposal 1 will ask whether Michigan should convene a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to rewrite our state constitution. This question automatically triggers every 16 years under state law.

A diverse group of statewide and local organizations including Kalamazoo’s Mothers of Hope along with labor, business, and civil rights groups, are urging a NO vote. It’s estimated that a Con-Con would cost roughly $80 million in state funds and allow delegates to rewrite core provisions without set spending limits.

Because Michigan already offers the opportunity for citizens to pass specific constitutional amendments and updates, opponents argue that opening the entire document to a rewrite creates unnecessary risks for Michiganders. Who knows what could happen if the whole thing is up for debate?

Did you know Proposal 1 was coming up on the ballot?

What's your take on it?

what the hell is the point of having "WEAPON DETECTORS" at the schools if they aren't going to be used for detecting weapons? I got a call from KC today that a student brought a gun to school, other students told adults and KDPS was called. From my own kiddo, they said the 500-wing was locked down for some time before Boggan got on the announcements to inform the school of what had happened. NOT EVEN 12 HOURS AFTER A SCHOOL SCHOOTING in Oregon. Last year a kiddo had a taser, and not to mention all the other weapons that are brought into schools that people aren't informed about.

At this point, the detectors are just performative.

Self care is important

Self love is important

You matter is important

Being kind is important not just to your family but also your neighbors

This is coming from someone who was once in the dark but when i picked up the flashlight and turned it on, i saw things more clearly.

No one will work harder for your work more than, YOU. We all struggle the same, some are just good at hiding it, even when they dont realize it.

celebrate even the small things even if it doesnt feel like much, what matters is you did what you thought couldn't be.

Enjoy life

Dont be afraid to embarrass yourself to be yourself

Just dont be an asshole.

This isnt about politics, this isnt about being homeless, this isnt about crime, this is about being in a difficult time and showing kindness to those struggling. Its okay to struggle but that doesnt mean you have to do it alone.

People are afraid to change because they may not want to end up like someone from their past, you are a survivor, we all are, dont let that past be you because you are the future and only you can change what happens next.

There are people inside but both doors are locked and they are not manning the drive through with a line to the road?

Most likely Sat-Sun as well. Cover sensitive plants if you still have any.

Hey everyone!

I'm a working professional in my mid-20s, currently living in Kalamazoo and working full-time as a mechanical engineer.

I'm looking for someone interested in sharing a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment, around December.

I currently live in a newer apartment community in Kalamazoo and really like the place. They have some nice 2B2B layouts available, starting at approximately $1,820–$1,880/month total, which would come out to around $910–$940 per person before utilities.

I'd be interested in finding someone to potentially move into one of these apartments with, although I'm also open to other options if we find something better.

A little about me:

I work a regular weekday schedule.

I'm fairly laid-back, clean, and respectful of shared spaces and privacy.

I enjoy socializing but also appreciate having my own space.

I'd prefer a non-smoking, drug-free household.

One advantage is that I already have most of the common-area furniture, including a large sectional, TV setup, coffee table, rug, and shelving. So we wouldn't need to spend much on furnishing the living room.

Ideally, I'm looking for another working professional or graduate student with similar living preferences.

Nothing is finalized yet, so there's flexibility to discuss apartments, budgets, and timing.

If you're interested, feel free to send me a message. Happy to chat or meet up for coffee to see if we'd be a good fit!

Looking for recommendations on haunted houses in the area that are kid friendly.

I’ve got a 7yo boy that is quite adventurous and enjoys a good scare, but I know that some attractions can be a little over the top.

Looking for some nearby nature this weekend? Check out these two events from friends of ALPA:

Woollam Nature Preserve Fall Free Day
Saturday, Oct. 17
9am – 7pm

• Hike the trails and check out the newest County Preserve!
• Explore the Nature Center
• Fall Crafts & Activities for Kids (10AM-2PM)
• Enjoy Refreshments (10AM-2PM)

Kalamazoo Astronomical Society Public Observing Session at Kalamazoo Nature Center
Saturday, Oct. 17
​7pm-10pm

• Highlights: The Moon & Galaxies of Autumn
• Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent (41.3%)
• Please use RED LIGHT ONLY to see as you walk toward the viewing area.
• If the sky is mostly cloudy or overcast, they will cancel the session. For cancellation information, please check this website starting at 6:00 pm on the day of the session.

We’ve been to Woollam and the astronomy night before, and both are a great way to get out and enjoy the natural world. Or worlds, if you count Saturn. Worried you don’t have a telescope? Don’t be. Many telescopes will be set up, and local astronomers are happy to let visitors use their gear. If you’ve never seen Saturn’s rings through a telescope, this is a great chance. Just remember the red light rule: red lights keep everyone’s night vision intact, so bring a red flashlight. There are some phone apps that work well enough too.

If anyone would like to share photos from Woollam, or even their astrophotography, we’d love to see them in the comments!