Hristina Petrovska and Rachel Bair explain the community classes offered at the VallyHUB, including the esteemed Honorable Harvest Lecture Series. This education center is accessible for lifelong learning, without the need to work towards a degree.

https://valleyhub.kvcc.edu/events

Some of the members of the Connecting Communities podcast get together to reflect on their favorite guests and conversations from the first 50 episodes of the show.

Kalamazoo River Watershed Council joins us to reflect on their Kalamazoo River Youth Experience Program that took place over the summer. Representatives from two participating organizations - El Concilio and Kalamazoo Youth Development Network - are also present for the conversation. Doug and Bela share why taking young people on kayaking trips can change the way they look at the river and the environment, and their partners share about how the experience affected and empowered the children and their families.

KRWC@kalamazooriver.org

https://kalamazooriver.org

https://kydnet.org

https://www.facebook.com/KYDNetwork/

https://elconciliokzoo.org

https://www.facebook.com/ConcilioKzoo/

Ja'Nequa Walker Out Of School Time Program Development Coach Kalamazoo Youth Development Network or KYD Net

Jessica Cortes Director of Programs El Concilio

Bela Ballez, Outreach Coordinator & Event Planner, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council

Doug McLaughlen, Executive Director, Kalamazoo River Watershed Council

Tyler Walker, Outreach and Engagement Specialist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, joins us to discuss the impact of intergenerational relationships in our community. With Big Brother Big Sister, community members have resources to foster positive relationships that help youth expand their support network. Tyler discusses the positive outcomes for youth and the community overall.

CoHosts David Beans & Joe Byars

Guest: Ryan Smith

Power to the People! Worker’s rights! Is that too idealistic? Does it sound too good to be true? The Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are an organization that works toward a more democratic and equal world. For anyone who is frustrated by the economic, or political status quo, the DSA provides a space to unite and work together.

Ryan Smith, chair of the Southwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), explains what the local chapter of the DSA is accomplishing and how local people can get involved.

The SWMI DSA meets at 1pm on the last Sunday of the month at the Edison Neighborhood Association.

Volunteer at the Mutual Aid events on Friday evenings, behind Shakespear’s Pub

https://swmidsa.com

https://www.facebook.com/SWMIDSA/

Dr. Turnera Croom is a mobile veterinarian with a heart as big as her medical bag. She goes where her patients need her most, breaking down barriers between pet care and community healing. From providing tender, dignified support during a pet's final moments to offering holistic, chemical-free healthcare solutions, Dr. Croom represents a new breed of veterinary professional who sees each animal as a cherished family member.

Her practice is more than a service—it's a calling. By bringing vaccines to local neighborhood centers and mentoring the next generation of compassionate veterinarians, she's creating a ripple effect of care that extends far beyond traditional medical boundaries. Whether comforting a grieving family or helping pets thrive through natural wellness approaches, Dr. Croom is redefining what it means to be a veterinarian in the modern world.

Dr. Croom’s website: https://drcroom.com

Link for the application for college age and above students who are majoring in Pre-Veterinary, animal science, and agriculture to join Dr. Croom's Telemedicine internship program: Https://bit.ly/4aPoHqb

Free Skool community for holistic pet care: https://www.skool.com/holistic-pet-care-future-vet-2292

Information about Not One More Vet: https://nomv.org

Join the Thursday Livestream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrCroomArmyVet

Students combining research and service

KAMSC Earthlings - Kate Risley and Sophia Barnard

Hosts: Patrick Hershberger and Joe Byars

When Kate Risley and Sophia Barnard were juniors at the Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center (KAMSC), they had ambition to expand their environmental club (Earthlings). They join us to discuss their work in community organizing for service, as well as environmental research in conjunction with their studies.

https://www.instagram.com/kamscearthlings

Chris Broadbent and Justin Gish spend most of their days considering the potential treasure to be unlocked from people's trash. During this episode they will explain the process of waste when it is reborn - through compost and recycling. Kalamazoo is lucky to have a structure for recycling and compost that is supported by the city government. Justin and Chris are passionate about waste and have visions for the future, to make waste less... well, wasteful.

Contact Chris through local 311

gishj@kalamazoocity.org

Visit www.kalamazoocity.org for more information about community composting and recycling.