In the second episode of the Good Grief. podcast, Watershed Voice's Aundrea Sayrie shares the deeply personal reason behind her passion for grief education, healing, and emotional wellness. "Grief is not one thing. It is not one emotion. It is not one dimensional. Looking back, I realize grief has been a quiet companion for much of my life. Not only through death, but through survival."
Jason Gatties of Dowagiac writes, "In an era dominated by intense partisanship, Michigan needs a senator who looks past party politics to focus on pragmatic, systemic reform. While we may disagree on some federal regulations, El-Sayed’s fundamental approach aligns with core libertarian & moderate values: dismantling government protected monopolies & eliminating corporate welfare."
Reader Dray Perkins writes, "I expected the storm to bring damage. I expected it to bring power outages. What I did not expect though was the sheer resiliency and camaraderie that were put on display following the weather event."
With Fourth of July weekend approaching, communities across southwest Michigan are preparing for parades, fireworks shows, live performances and annual hometown celebrations marking the country’s 250th year of independence. Watershed Voice compiled a guide to events happening across St. Joseph, Cass and Kalamazoo counties, along with a few nearby celebrations worth the drive.
In this first episode of the Good Grief. Nano Learning Podcast, Watershed Voice's Aundrea Sayrie begins by exploring what grief is, and what it isn't. Together, you'll unpack common misconceptions, challenge unrealistic expectations, and create space for honest conversations about healing, loss, and life after change. Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one, a relationship, your health, a dream, or another significant life transition, you're welcome here. Aundrea's hope is that each short episode leaves you feeling seen, informed, and a little less alone.
The Edison Neighborhood Association’s building on Washington Avenue in Kalamazoo is undergoing renovations to become a “resilience hub.” That means it’ll be outfitted to serve residents in the case of extreme weather during heat waves or after tornados. Renovations include solar panels, battery storage, a commercial kitchen, and an upgraded community room that will allow for livestreaming meetings.
Just off U.S. 131 sits a quiet patch of land bursting with flowers, vegetables, and the kind of family life many people spend years searching for. Take the right onto Flowerfield Road, keep going a little ways, follow the signs for fresh flowers, and eventually you’ll find it: Flowerfield Farmstead. Home to Nick, Cassie, Juniper, Rio — the dog — and seemingly endless flowers. Balancing both family life and farm life in Flowerfield Township has become one of the unique challenges — and joys — of building the life the Shimps envision.
The sixth annual Watershed Voice Artist Showcase is exactly one month away, which means we need to finalize our poster to get it printed and in a downtown storefront window near you. If you or your business/organization would like to sponsor our annual fundraising event, you can still do so by emailing office@watershedvoice.com or messaging us on social media by Monday, June 29. There are two sponsorship levels available and both are open to individuals as well as organizations at $250 and $500 respectively.
While Pride Month is primarily about celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and love in its many forms, it can also be an opportunity for allies to look inward and reflect on how to be better. Not just as individuals, but collectively, what does it take to make someone feel truly welcome — and not simply accepted? To explore that question, Watershed Voice spoke with Heather Sanford of OutFront Kalamazoo about what meaningful allyship can look like during Pride Month and long after June ends.
Communities across Southwest Michigan will mark Juneteenth this week with celebrations centered on history, culture, music and community gatherings honoring one of the nation’s most significant milestones in the fight for freedom. In Three Rivers, a community Juneteenth celebration is scheduled for Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at the new downtown amphitheater. Longtime Watershed Voice collaborator and supporter Debbie Allen will perform and serve as MC for the event.
A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR
Become a monthly donor today
A monthly donation of $5 or more can make a difference.
