From the Editor

The first house my husband and I owned in Kalamazoo was built the same year the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra was created. That brick and stucco Tudor still stands, housing its fifth family. But while houses are built to last, some arts organizations can be tenuous things. So, as the KSO turns 100, having survived a world war, an economic depression and recession and a pandemic, that’s a reason to celebrate.

This anniversary does not represent just the survival of the symphony, but how our community itself has also evolved, how it has persevered and thrived, and how it looks to its future.

There is no doubt the pandemic has brought about lasting changes for all of us, but for a symphony that was created to bring music to audiences, it has forced a very steep learning curve. In her story on the KSO in this issue, writer Katie Houston explores the dedication of its artists and leadership to keep creating, giving and educating despite the obstacles. It’s an effort we can all take to heart as a model for navigating uncertain and trying times.

Also in this issue, we feature two more stories from the Reporting a Word project that was featured in August’s issue. The students in Sue Ellen Christian’s Specialized Reporting course at Western Michigan University were given words and a phrase to choose from, with directions to find a local angle to report on that word or phrase. WMU graduate Jada Cheeks has penned a timely article on women in Kalamazoo who have made careers out of fighting inequity and racism. WMU student Ben Gretchko looks at how university and college officials as well as city leaders and businesses are trying to get college students to cross campus borders and explore the community. These efforts are not just for economic reasons, but to help instill in students an affinity for the community in which they have chosen to spend their college years.

Finally, we meet Denise Crawford, president and chief executive officer of the Family Health Center, which has had a starring role in the community’s response to COVID-19. We learn about the growth of the center and Crawford’s role there in our Back Story feature.

As all of us face a very different September from those of the past, I would encourage you to take a minute to breathe deeply and appreciate the beauty that autumn brings. It may seem hard, given the upheaval we are experiencing, but sometimes the beauty of nature and music can give our weary minds a rest.

Be safe, be kind and take care of one another.

From left to right: Michael D. Holmes, William B. Millard, Morgan L. Rogalke, Michele C. Marquardt, Charles S. Ofstein, Tyler J. Stewart

A law firm focusing on estate planning, estate settlement, and the transfer of wealth.

211 East Water Street, Suite 401 Kalamazoo 269.343.2106 dementandmarquardt.com