Special Events

Sunday January 07, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

A Different Way of Knowing

Understanding Differences and Developing Community

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

A Different Way of Knowing

K/RESA principal Angela Telfer defines autism and describes how it affect one’s reality.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Sunday January 14, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Family Stress and Family Joys

Understanding Differences and Developing Communit
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

Family Stress and Family Joys
Kalamazoo College English professor Bruce Mills, the father of a 14-year-old son with autism, shares stories about parenting a child with autism.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Sunday January 21, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Challenges and Rewards

Understanding Differences and Developing Community
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

Challenges and Rewards
Julie Wilson, teacher consultant for autism spectrum disorders, discusses ways to meet the educational and social needs of children with autism.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Tuesday January 23, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Autism and Other Ways of Knowing

Over four sessions, we will broaden and deepen our picture of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through reading texts by and about those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin, Clara Parks, Judy and Paul Karasik, and Mark Haddon. We’ll begin the first session with Grandin’s Emergence. Books are available at the Kalamazoo College Bookstore and Kazoo Books. Led by Bruce Mills, English professor at Kalamazoo College and autism advocate. Registration and $52 fee required; call 337-7354.

Location: K College Stryker Center

Sunday January 28, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Our Visions and Our Stories

Understanding Differences and Developing CommunityThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

Our Visions and Our Stories
Adam Parmeter created the Aspie’s Inc. blog to share thoughts on life from the point of view of someone with Asperger syndrome.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Sunday February 04, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

The Book as Literature

Understanding Differences and Developing Community
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

The Book as Literature
Vicki Stewart, Western Michigan University English Lit and Creative Writing instructor, dissects Curious Incident from a literary perspective.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Tuesday February 06, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Autism and Other Ways of Knowing

Over four sessions, we will broaden and deepen our picture of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through reading texts by and about those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin, Clara Parks, Judy and Paul Karasik, and Mark Haddon. We’ll begin the first session with Grandin’s Emergence. Books are available at the Kalamazoo College Bookstore and Kazoo Books. Led by Bruce Mills, English professor at Kalamazoo College and autism advocate. Registration and $52 fee required; call 337-7354.

Location: K College Stryker Center

Wednesday February 07, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Discussion Leader Training

Facilitated by librarians and local experts, this training will prepare individuals to lead book discussions on Curious Incident. Attendance at this training will qualify individuals to be on the list of volunteer discussion leaders available to those local community groups who are seeking leadership for their Reading Together book discussions. Call 553-7913 for more information or to register.

Location: KPL Central

Friday February 09, 2007 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Doggy Daze

Talks focusing on the human-dog relationship.  The public is invited.

Location: K College Stetson Chapel

Saturday February 10, 2007 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Discussion Leader Training

Facilitated by librarians and local experts, this training will prepare individuals to lead book discussions on Curious Incident. Attendance at this training will qualify individuals to be on the list of volunteer discussion leaders available to those local community groups who are seeking leadership for their Reading Together book discussions. Call 553-7913 for more information or to register.

Location: KPL Washington Square

Sunday February 11, 2007 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Welcoming People with Disabilities

Understanding Differences and Developing Community
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time isn’t just a mystery story nor is it just about disability; it’s about books and what can be done with words. Join us as we discuss Mark Haddon’s book and listen to speakers from the community challenge our perception of disability and differences, of relationships and reality, and of communication and community.

Welcoming People with Disabilities
Jerry Albertson, Disability Resource Center of SW Michigan, talks about advocating for social change to create an inclusive community.

Location: First United Methodist Church

Thursday February 15, 2007 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Disability as a Diversity Issue

Panel presentation that will challenge perceptions of what it means to be a person with a disability and how the culture at large has obstacles to overcome.

Location: Disability Resource Center

Friday February 16, 2007 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Attitudinal Healing Center. Open to the public.

Location: People's Church

Saturday February 17, 2007 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Local Leaders to Discuss Reading Together Book

Local leaders, including Kalamazoo Mayor Hannah McKinney, Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas, commissioners and council members, will meet to discuss Curious Incident. This event is open to the public.

Dr. Bruce Mills, professor of English at Kalamazoo College, will facilitate the event. Discussion will be limited to commissioners and council members during the first hour. The public and media may observe their discussion, but will be asked to hold their comments and questions.

At 11:30 am, Dr. Mills will open the discussion to audience members. A public reception follows until 12:30 pm. Members of the public are welcome to continue informal discussions with local leaders during the reception.

Location: Portage District Library

Saturday February 17, 2007 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Families Under Stress

This panel discussion will include representatives of families stressed by divorce, social pressure, and care of a child with autism. Moderated by a family therapist. Hosted by the SW Michigan Black Heritage Society.

Location: Douglass Community Center

Saturday February 17, 2007 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Writing Workshop for Parents

KVCC creative writing instructors will help the parents of children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or any disability, reflect on their lives and share their experiences through non-fiction narrative essays, fictional stories, memoirs, or children’s stories. Free, but registration required. Call 488-4701 x 2075.

Location: KPL Oshtemo

Monday February 19, 2007 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sensory Experience Classroom

Experience a wide variety of sensory stimuli that may help you better understand one aspect of autism by simulating the perceptions of those on the autism spectrum. Western Michigan University and KRESA occupational therapy departments developed this classroom. Drop-in at the following times:

Monday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 20, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 21, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm

The Sensory Experience Classroom will move to Portage District Library on Monday, March 5, open hours 1:30-2:30 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm.

Location: KPL Central

Monday February 19, 2007 7:00 PM -  

What Is the Spectrum? An Introduction to Autism

Congressman Fred Upton, US House of Representatives 6th District, will welcome audience members. Local experts will offer insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of autism spectrum disorders.

Panel includes: Anne Cavanaugh, MD, parent of a teenager with autism; Linda LeBlanc, PhD, co-director, WMU’s Center for Autism; Mark Sloan, DO, developmental pediatrician; Karen Soule, LLMSW, Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services; Angela Telfer, Croyden Avenue School principal and KRESA Autism Programs coordinator.

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday February 20, 2007 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Sensory Experience Classroom

Experience a wide variety of sensory stimuli that may help you better understand one aspect of autism by simulating the perceptions of those on the autism spectrum. Western Michigan University and KRESA occupational therapy departments developed this classroom. Drop-in at the following times:

Monday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 20, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 21, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm

The Sensory Experience Classroom will move to Portage District Library on Monday, March 5, open hours 1:30-2:30 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm.

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday February 20, 2007 7:00 PM -

Tips for Making Your Services Autism Friendly

Visits to doctors, dentists, and hair stylists can be overwhelming for people with autism and other disabilities. Even going to the grocery store or eating in a restaurant may be too difficult for families with a child or young adult with autism. The environment service providers create can make a huge difference. Physicians, nurses, dentists, hygienists, hair stylists, and restaurant and store managers are invited to learn about the challenges families face and get some practical ideas to make access to services easier for people with autism. You can also plan to visit the sensory experience classroom during the hour before this presentation

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday February 20, 2007 7:00 PM -

The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon

“If I had not been what I am, what would I have been?” wonders Lou Arrendale, the hero of this compelling exploration of the concept of “normalcy” and what might happen when medical science attains the knowledge to “cure” adult autism. This is a discussion of a related book, The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon.

Location: Kazoo Books II Antiquarian Annex

Tuesday February 20, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Autism and Other Ways of Knowing

Over four sessions, we will broaden and deepen our picture of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through reading texts by and about those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin, Clara Parks, Judy and Paul Karasik, and Mark Haddon. We’ll begin the first session with Grandin’s Emergence. Books are available at the Kalamazoo College Bookstore and Kazoo Books. Led by Bruce Mills, English professor at Kalamazoo College and autism advocate. Registration and $52 fee required; call 337-7354.

Location: K College Stryker Center

Wednesday February 21, 2007 1:30 PM -

Sensory Experience Classroom

Experience a wide variety of sensory stimuli that may help you better understand one aspect of autism by simulating the perceptions of those on the autism spectrum. Western Michigan University and KRESA occupational therapy departments developed this classroom. Drop-in at the following times:

Monday, February 19, 6:00-7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 20, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 21, 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm

The Sensory Experience Classroom will move to Portage District Library on Monday, March 5, open hours 1:30-2:30 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm.

Location: KPL Central

Thursday February 22, 2007 10:00 AM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Augusta Book Club. Open to the public.

Location: Augusta Fellowship United Methodist Church

Friday February 23, 2007 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

“Did You Mean to Hit the Policeman?”

Public Responses to Unacceptable Behaviors. Topic will launch, but not limit, discussion facilitated by local experts. Brown bag lunch welcome. Beverages and dessert provided.

Location: KPL Central

Saturday February 24, 2007 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Writing Workshop for Parents

KVCC creative writing instructors will help the parents of children with autism, Asperger’s syndrome, or any disability, reflect on their lives and share their experiences through non-fiction narrative essays, fictional stories, memoirs, or children’s stories. Free, but registration required. Call 488-4701 x 2075.

Location: KPL Oshtemo

Tuesday February 27, 2007 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Book Discussions for Youth & Adults

Separate book discussions for different age groups occurring at the same time. Upper elementary and middle school students will discuss The Case of the Prank That Stank. Older youth and adults will discuss The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Questions? Call 553-6400.

Location: Paramount Charter Academy

Tuesday February 27, 2007 7:00 PM -

Curious Insights into the Book as Literature

Local experts discuss literary dimensions of Curious Incident, including the use of an innocent narrator, a journey plot structure, and unifying images and themes.

Location: K College Olmsted Room

Wednesday February 28, 2007 6:30 PM -  

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Galesburg Memorial Library. Open to the public.

Location: Galesburg Memorial Library

Thursday March 01, 2007 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Vicksburg District Library. Open to the public.

Location: Vicksburg District Library

Thursday March 01, 2007 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Therapy Dogs: Medicine for the Human Soul

Learn how and why animals and humans bond and about the capacity of dogs to heal and comfort us. Meet volunteers, professionals, and dogs who help those grieving, hospitalized, in counseling, and living in eldercare facilities.

Location: Portage District Library

Friday March 02, 2007 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Disability Resource Center. Open to the public.Brown bag lunch welcome.

Location: Disability Resource Center

Friday March 02, 2007 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Downtown Art Hop: The Artistic Expressions Exhibit

Expressing myself in my own way – an exhibit featuring the work of artists with developmental and/or physical challenges.

Location: KPL Central

Friday March 02, 2007 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Realities and Curious Incidents

The every-popular comedy improve group, Crawlspace Eviction, examines “realities” in their own inimitable fashion. 45-minute shows starting at 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm during the March Art Hop. Free; donation suggested. Popcorn, soda, etc. sold during the 15-minute pre-show breaks.

Location: First Baptist Church

Saturday March 03, 2007 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Book Discussions for Young People

Separate book discussions for different age groups, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, with a pizza lunch from 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm for both groups between the discussions.

The Case of the Prank that Stank, Laura J. Burns
Discussion for upper elementary and middle school students.
11:00 am–12:00 noon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon
Discussion for middle and high school students.
1:00-2:00 pm

Location: KPL Central

Monday March 05, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 05, 2007 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Sensory Experience Classroom

Experience a wide variety of sensory stimuli that may help you better understand one aspect of autism by simulating the perceptions of those on the autism spectrum. Western Michigan University and KRESA occupational therapy departments developed this classroom. Drop-in during the following times: 1:30-2:30 pm; 6:00-7:00 pm.

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 05, 2007 7:00 PM -

Tips for Making Your Services Autism Friendly

Visits to doctors, dentists, and hair stylists can be overwhelming for people with autism and other disabilities. Even going to the grocery store or eating in a restaurant may be too difficult for families with a child or young adult with autism. The environment service providers create can make a huge difference. Physicians, nurses, dentists, hygienists, hair stylists, and restaurant and store managers are invited to learn about the challenges families face and get some practical ideas to make access to services easier for people with autism. You can also plan to visit the sensory experience classroom during the hour before this presentation

Location: Portage District Library

Tuesday March 06, 2007 7:00 PM -

Readers’ Theater: Proof

The difficulty of proving a mathematical theorem about prime numbers becomes a metaphor for the uncertainties of love, trust, and personal integrity in this drama which won a 2001 Tony Award, the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for drama, and which was made into a hit movie in 2005. Presented by Whole Art Theatre.

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday March 06, 2007 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Autism and Other Ways of Knowing

Over four sessions, we will broaden and deepen our picture of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through reading texts by and about those on the spectrum: Temple Grandin, Clara Parks, Judy and Paul Karasik, and Mark Haddon. We’ll begin the first session with Grandin’s Emergence. Books are available at the Kalamazoo College Bookstore and Kazoo Books. Led by Bruce Mills, English professor at Kalamazoo College and autism advocate. Registration and $52 fee required; call 337-7354.

Location: K College Stryker Center

Wednesday March 07, 2007 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Disclosing a Hidden Disability: A Workshop

In spite of laws to the contrary, discrimination against people with disabilities in employment is alive and well. Learn when, why, and how to disclose a disability as you seek to obtain and retain a job.

Location: Disability Resource Center

Wednesday March 07, 2007 4:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the principal, staff and parents of Waylee Elementary School. Open to the public.

Location: Waylee Elementary School

Wednesday March 07, 2007 6:30 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the American Association of University Women Book Group. Open to the public.

Location: Diekema Hamann Architecture

Thursday March 08, 2007 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Seeing Life Through Different Eyes

Powerful graphic novels like Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, Madison Clell's Cuckoo, and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home use both words and pictures to explore controversial topics. Discussion for 16-year-olds through adults with comics creators Paul Sizer and Jane Irwin. This is a discussion of books related to this year’s Reading Together themes.

Location: Portage District Library

Thursday March 08, 2007 7:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of  The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Asperger’s Parent Networking Group and Jest Read Book Club. Open to the public.

Location: KRESA Service Center

Saturday March 10, 2007 1:00 PM -

“Where’s Your Father, Christopher?”

When Parents Break Up. Topic will launch, but not limit, discussion facilitated by local experts. Brown bag lunch welcome. Beverages and dessert provided.

Location: KPL Washington Square

Sunday March 11, 2007 2:00 PM -

Mozart and the Whale

Join activist and author Jerry Newport for a screening of
Mozart and the Whale, the romantic drama starring Josh
Hartnett and Radha Mitchell, based on the real-life love
story between Jerry and his wife Mary, two savants with
Asperger's syndrome, whose disabilites sabotage their
budding relationship. Jerry and Mary have written two
widely read self-help books for those in the Asperger's
community. Their autobiography, Mozart and the Whale:
An Asperger's Love Story, was just released.

Location: KPL Central

Monday March 12, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 12, 2007 7:00 PM -

Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz

In his book for the eternally curious, Coincidences, Chaos, and All That Math Jazz, Edward Burger, PhD, fuses a math professor’s understanding of the hidden mathematical skeleton of the universe with the distorted sensibility of a stand-up comedian. Meet the author who makes light of weighty ideas.

Both math phobics and math wizards will enjoy this talk by a dynamic and entertaining speaker. If you hate mathematics, this presentation is for you!

Edward Burger is professor of mathematics at Williams College. He has written 30+ research articles and 12 books. Reader’s Digest selected Burger “America’s Best Math Teacher” in their 2006 Best of Everything list.

Sponsored by Pfizer.

Location: Chenery Auditorium

Tuesday March 13, 2007 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Book Discussion

How can we better understand and embrace congregants with autism? How can we welcome people with disabilities into the life of the church and the community? Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Mt. Zion Baptist Church and facilitated by Pamela R. Haymon, MSW candidate and autism advocate. Open to the public.

Location: Mt Zion Baptist Church

Tuesday March 13, 2007 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Community Discussion Richland Community Library

 Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Richland Community Library. Open to the public.

Location: Richland Community Library

Tuesday March 13, 2007 7:00 PM -

Curious World Café: How a Book Can Lead Us into Co

The World Café is a flexible, easy-to-use process for fostering collaborative dialogue, sharing mutual knowledge, and discovering new opportunities for action. Engage with others who want to make a difference—discuss Curious Incident through questions that stimulate creative thinking about issues that face our community. Facilitated by Mary Jo Asmus of Aspire Collaborative Services. Registration required; to register, call 553-7913 by March 5.

Location: Oshtemo Community Center

Wednesday March 14, 2007 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Kazoo School. Open to the public.

Location: Kazoo School

Wednesday March 14, 2007 7:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Portage District Library. Open to the public.

Location: Portage District Library

Thursday March 15, 2007 1:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Comstock Township Library's Afternoon Book Club. Open to the public.

Location: Comstock Township Library

Thursday March 15, 2007 7:00 PM -  

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Temple B'nai Israel and St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church. Open to the public.

Location: Temple B'nai Israel

Friday March 16, 2007 12:00 PM -

“But Where Is God?”

What People Believe about Heaven. Topic will launch, but not limit, discussion facilitated by local experts. Brown bag lunch welcome. Beverages and dessert provided.

Location: KPL Central

Sunday March 18, 2007 3:00 PM -

Autism and Me and Autism Is a World: Films by Youn

In his award-winning short film, Autism and Me, Rory Hoy, an 18-year-old British filmmaker with autism, describes the impact of autism on everyday functioning using easy, accessible language. In Autism Is a World, Sue Rubin tells of her journey through a misdiagnosis of mental retardation, to learning to communicate using a keyboard, to her current enrollment as a junior in college. Autism and Me, 2006, 20 minutes; Autism Is a World, 2004, 40 minutes. Discussion follows

Location: Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Monday March 19, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 19, 2007 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Bringing Children Together

Play games, read stories, and have fun while learning to better understand your friends and schoolmates with an autism spectrum disorder. Sponsored by local Girl Scout troops for all children ages 5-12.

Location: Haverhill Elementary School

Monday March 19, 2007 7:00 PM -

Education for the Arts Film Students’ Premiere

EFA high school Advanced Multimedia Arts students premiere their interpretations of Curious Incident.

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday March 20, 2007 7:00 PM -

Dogs on Duty: Paws with a Cause

Experienced puppy trainer Ellen Dystra will share how she trains dogs to assist people with disabilities. Her latest puppy trainee, Guinness, will demonstrate his skills. Fun for the whole family.

Location: KPL Eastwood

Wednesday March 21, 2007 1:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Comstock Book Club. Open to the public.

Location: Comstock Township Library

Wednesday March 21, 2007 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin

Daniel is a savant whose world is bounded on every side by neuroses and obsessions. Slowly, through human interaction, Daniel begins to emerge from the safety of logic, magic squares, and obsessive counting. This is a discussion of a related book, The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin.

Location: Portage District Library

Thursday March 22, 2007 7:00 PM -  

Education for the Arts Playwriting Students’ Premi

Performance of theater pieces inspired by Curious Incident, created by EFA high school students.

Location: Epic Center

Friday March 23, 2007 12:00 PM -

Blokes and Flats and Take-Away Chips

Life with the King’s English. Topic will launch, but not limit, discussion facilitated by local experts. Brown bag lunch welcome. Beverages and dessert provided.

Location: KPL Central

Saturday March 24, 2007 6:00 PM -

Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by Lawrence Memorial Library. Open to the public.

Location: Scotts Community Center

Sunday March 25, 2007 3:00 PM -

Eleventh Annual Community Literary Awards

Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Gazette, Kalamazoo Public Library, Portage District Library, and area independent booksellers. Featuring essays inspired by Reading Together and Curious Incident.

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 26, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Monday March 26, 2007 7:00 PM -

It’s a Dog’s World After All

Listen to dog tales, partake in some doggie activities, and enjoy a fun dog craft! Storytime for the whole family.

Location: KPL Central

Tuesday March 27, 2007 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Book Discussion

How can we better understand and embrace students with autism? How can we welcome people with disabilities into the life of the school and community? Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time facilitated by Pamela R. Haymon, MSW candidate and autism advocate.

Location: Parchment High School

Tuesday March 27, 2007 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Interdisciplinary Book Discussion

Join faculty and students from several disciplines connected to the themes raised by Curious Incident.

Location: WMU - Bernhard Center

Thursday March 29, 2007 7:00 PM -

Speaking from the Spectrum

A panel of individuals who have been diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s syndrome share what it’s like to see the world from somewhere on the spectrum. Panelists include John Argo, Jacob Mills and Adam Parmenter.

John Argo worked at the Crossroads Theater for several years as a ticket taker. John loves to compute math problems in his head and sometimes asks people to give him a math problem for a challenge.

Jacob Mills is an 8th grade student at Schoolcraft Middle School. A talented artist, he especially enjoys drawing cartoon characters.  

Adam Parmenter is an an IT validation specialist with Pfizer. He has two children with autism and has been informally diagnosed with autism himself.

Moderators include Angela Telfer, principal at Croyden and director of KRESA’s autism program, and Brenda Gagie, Kalamazoo RESA teacher consultant for students with ASD.

Friday March 30, 2007 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Community Book Discussion

Discussion of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time hosted by the Active Older Adult program at the Maple Street YMCA. Open to the public.

Location: YMCA

Monday April 02, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Monday April 09, 2007 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Point of View: A Look at the Creative Process

This exhibit features works by Kalamazoo Book Arts Center members; the MRC Artists’ Co-op; Mary Whalen and her students; Ted Cavanaugh; plus a Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTreach exhibit, titled “Face-to-Face: People into Portraits”.

This exhibit is available during the library's open hours from March 5 through April 14:
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm
Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm

Location: Portage District Library

Wednesday April 11, 2007 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Bilingual Reading Together Book Discussion

Bilingual book discussion

Location: Bennett Building, St. Joseph S

Saturday April 21, 2007 12:00 AM -

Walk About Talk About Autism Walk

April is Autism Awareness Month. This walk is the fourth annual fundraiser for the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Chapter of the Autism Society of America. Visit www.asa-kal.org or call 800-628-6421 for more information.

Location: Celery Flats