1. For some it's a day off but residents in Kalamazoo are encouraged to take a 'day on' as part of a community-wide day of service in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The goal is to get residents to put the teachings of Dr. King in action and take time to volunteer for a cause that will make the Kalamazoo community stronger. Mayor David Anderson welcomed volunteers with a breakfast at city hall earlier this morning Later on, volunteers will meet at the transpo center and walk to Martin Luther King, Jr. park for a wreath laying ceremony.
2. Meanwhile students at Aquinas College will be devoting today to honor King as well. The college's diversity center is hosting several events including a silent march and immigration similation. There will also be guest speakers including some sharing experiences at our border along with a member of the exonerated five. Most of the activities will be taking place in the Donnelly Center starting around 11:30 this morning.
3. The National Park Service is offering free admission at more than 100 parks in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr Day. Normally, entrance fees are $5 dollars to $35 dollars. Today you can explore five of Michigan's state parks for free. There are other days when the national parks are free including Veterans Day and April 18th which is the first day of national park week.
4. If you want to work with some wild animals other than the ones you already work with the John Ball Zoo is looking to hire. It will be throwing a hiring party today along with two others in the coming months. Today's will be from 4 to 7 p.m. at the zoo in Grand Rapids. They're looking to hire seasonal employees. You can interview for a job on the spot. Plus they will have some animals out, giveaways and food. The two other hiring parties are February 22nd and March 4th. You can find the times on the zoo's website.
5. Grab the fondue set. Order a cheese pizza. Or cook up some mac and cheese because today is 'National Cheese Lovers Day.' We don't know exactly how cheese got its start but the earliest record dates back to 5500 B.C. Of course, it's multiple uses have earned it a special place in American's hearts and diets. Today is just one of 18 cheesy holidays you'll find on the 'National Day calendar.' Others include 'National String Cheese Day' in September, 'National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Say' in April, and 'National Cheesecake Day' in July.
