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A working writer since 1992, Estelle Slootmaker currently works as a book editor, solutions journalist, Issue Media Group series editor, and children's book author. She released her new children’s book, Places Where The Sun Don’t Shine in August 2025.

An unashamed tree-hugger, Estelle chairs The Tree Amigos, City of Wyoming Tree Commission. She has five adult children and six grandchildren. Estelle and her hubby—artist and guitarist Eddie Killowatts—love dancing to new wave, kayaking, going to book and record stores, growing and cooking healthy food, and hanging out with their terrible terriers, Bindipaws Bowie McCrykie and Skipper D. Doodog.

Estelle's Latest Articles

Students at Flint's Brownell STEM Academy participate in MI Apple Crunch Day.
Genesee County organizations collaborate to create healthy local places

Genesee Intermediate School District and Crim Fitness Foundation are encouraging Genesee County residents to eat healthy and move more, while also addressing barriers to make healthy choices more accessible to county residents. 

Students participate in an Apple Crunch Fall Festival facilitated by Traverse City Area Public Schools.
Traverse City Area Public Schools becoming a healthier place to learn

For nearly two decades, Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) has delivered SNAP-Ed programming in area schools to encourage students and families to eat more fruits and vegetables and engage in more physical activity.

Mickenzy Crowder, Tiffany Jackson, Alexandria Rowe, Janiyah Sherrill, Faith Smith, and Xynese Frazier are among the student leaders helping implement Rec-Connect™ physical activity programming in Detroit schools.
Rec-Connect™ empowers Detroit high school student leaders to foster physical activity among peers

Student leaders in the Detroit Public Schools Community District are helping design and implement SNAP-Ed funded Rec-Connect™ programming, which promotes physical activity.

KISD Nutrition Educator Amy Klinkoski at the Kentwood Farmers Market at the Kent District Library's Kentwood branch.
Collaboration with libraries extends Kent ISD’s SNAP-Ed reach

Kent District Library patrons can now nourish their minds and their bodies at the library, thanks to a unique collaboration with the Kent Intermediate School District and Kentwood Farmers Market.

A student participates in a Pick a better snack™ session presented by the Battle Creek Family YMCA.
Battle Creek Family YMCA changes palates one vegetable at a time

The Battle Creek Family YMCA has implemented a variety of initiatives to address lack of access to fresh food and vegetables in its community.

Mural by Jamond Bullocks in Frayser, part of Urban Art Commission's "Stand Up for Our Streets" project in 2019. (submitted)
Visual artists: Apply by Feb 18 to work with High Ground!
A new assessment conducted by the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District considered physical activity assets in Clare, such as this playscape at Shamrock Park.
Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District promotes active, healthy communities

Using Michigan Fitness Foundation’s Promoting Active Communities assessment and tools, GIRESD staff are on their way to having a better understanding of the barriers to active living and finding solutions to overcome those barriers.

The EUPISD LifeSPAN team collaborated with other area organizations to host a Color Run/Walk last August.
SNAP-Ed Eastern U.P. LifeSPAN team is helping to get the U.P. active

Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District staff have spearheaded numerous initiatives through the LifeSPAN program, which gives families the tools to lead all-around healthier lives. 

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley (in red tie) joins SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator Amanda Mattila and residents during a Fresh Conversations session at Hasselbring Senior Center in Flint.
Greater Flint Health Coalition + SNAP-Ed = a healthier community

The Greater Flint Health Coalition recently added two new programs that support residents in eating healthy and moving more.

The Thumb Blessing Box on the Thumbody Express.
Thumb-area collaboration blesses bus riders with food and more

For over a decade, Tuscola County Intermediate School District has worked with Michigan Fitness Foundation to respond to needs in the community by delivering nutrition education and physical activity promotion through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education programs. 

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