Something Good
Fundraisers support community organizations
Those looking for something fun to do and do good at the same time will find a bushel of opportunities to do so this month.
On Sept. 18, there’ll be puppy cuddling, a silent auction, food, drinks and more at the SPCA’s Fur Ball Gala: Alley Edition from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at the Haymarket/Desenberg Plaza in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets are $50.
Gryphon Place will hold its annual Suicide Prevention Walk, on Sept. 19 beginning and ending at Bronson Park. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and the event includes a resource fair and panel discussions. Cost is $30. Register online at gryphon.org/spw.
Glass Art Kalamazoo will be hosting a hot time from 7–10 p.m. Sept. 25 during Hot Glass on Tap! in its studios at Park Trades Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave. The event will feature glass art demonstrations, food, drinks and music, as well as opportunities to bid on one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins and beer mugs created by glass artists. Tickets are $55 and available online at glassartskalamazoo.org.
You can partake in competitive pickleball while helping Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity at the Keys for Home Pickleball Classic Sept. 26 at PickleRage, 525 Romence Road. The tournament will be split by skill levels and feature food trucks and vendors. Registration cost is $45 before Sept. 15 and $50 after that date. To register, visit tinyurl.com/KvhfhPB26.
Something Celebratory
Festivals honor other countries, cultures
The history and cultures of three distinct countries will be feted at events this month.
The Kalamazoo Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be held from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Parchment’s Kindleberger Park, 122 N. Riverview Drive, and will include Scottish games, clans, food and music. Visit kalamazooscottishfest.org for more information.
A week later, all things Canadian will be celebrated at the Can-Am Peace Jam from 1–11 p.m. Sept. 19 at Arcadia Creek Festival Place, 145 E. Water St. (see story here).
German culture will be highlighted in the city of Portage’s Oktoberfest from 1–7 p.m. Sept. 26 at South Westnedge Park, 9010 S. Westnedge Ave. The festival will include beer, food and live polka music by The Packard Family Band. Visit mypark.portagemi.gov. for more information.
Something Educational
Lecture series returns
The principle that humans should give back to the land that sustains them is at the heart of Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s annual Honorable Harvest Lecture Series, which will run from Sept. 15–Nov. 17. The free lectures will be 6:30–7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at KVCC’s Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building,
418 E. Walnut St.
Among the topics in this fall’s series are presentations on Kerzna (a grain), helping children connect with nature, climate change and agriculture, and an exploration of Chinese cuisine in America. Before the lectures, attendees can attend Taps on Tuesday, a happy-hour style event at the 418 Restaurant on the ground floor of the Schlack Building.
For a full schedule of the lectures, visit valleyhub.kvcc.edu.
Something Different
Have a romp with the Ropers
Fans of Helen and Stanley Roper, the irascible landlords of 1970s television comedy Three’s Company, can don their bright caftans, big hairwigs and grumpy faces for the Kalamazoo Roper Romp at 2 p.m. Sept. 19 in Bates Alley in downtown Kalamazoo.
The event, where attendees dress in attire inspired by Helen Roper’s bright flowing garments, oversized beads and curly red hair or Stanley Roper’s wide-collared shirts and cardigans, can partake in themed activities, entertainment and specials at downtown businesses.
Tickets are $35. For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
Something Playful
Toys are focus of museum exhibit
Admit it, you’ve wished for a giant Etch-A-Sketch since you were just a wee one playing with a Slinky. You’ll have your chance to realize that wish at the Toytopia exhibit opening Sept. 26 at Kalamazoo Valley Museum.
With rare artifacts, stories, information and interactive elements, the exhibit explores the origins of toys, who made them and why toys succeed or fail, as well as which toys have become collectors items and why. In addition, the exhibit features a Monopoly car token big enough to sit in, the world’s largest Etch-A-Sketch, and 1970s and 80s video arcade games available for play.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 3. For more information, visit kalamazoomuseum.org.
