Bloomington Highlights Five Notable Community Members
The city of Bloomington featured five community members in its 2025 State of the City presentation, showcasing residents who contribute to local arts, business and education.
The presentation highlighted Jamie Schumacher Kalakaru-Mava, an artist and author who serves on Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission and received a LOFT Fellowship for her children's book "Half a World Away." Riet Velthuisen van der Blij, founder and director of the Continental Ballet Company, has operated the arts organization for 35 years, bringing classical productions including "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty" to the community.
Local business owners featured include operators of Perk Up Kitchen and West Side Perk Coffee Shop, who described their establishments as community gathering places. Andrew Tan, co-owner of ClawZone Park, opened the family entertainment venue as his first business venture, focusing on arcade games and claw machines.
Chris Peterson, who works at Normandale Community College's campus bookstore, creates pop-up museum displays for students during Hispanic Heritage Month and Black History Month. Peterson said the educational initiatives help students learn about history and cultural heritage.
The featured residents represent diverse contributions to Bloomington's cultural, business and educational landscape, according to the city's presentation.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- Local business resiliency: How family-owned businesses are shaping the Bloomington economy.
- Cultural programming: The intersection of arts, literature, and community development in Bloomington.
- Educational outreach: Normandale Community College's use of pop-up museums to engage students in history.
- Small business startup challenges: Andrew Tan's journey to opening ClawZone Park.
Notable Quotes (2)
They have a really great program for children's literature, which is meant to encourage more diversity in children's literature.
ClawZone Park is a place for family and kids and everyone to come out to have fun and good time for entertainment.
People (4)
Jamie Schumacher Kalakaru-MavaArtist, authorMember of Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission and children's book author.
1 quote
Member of Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission and children's book author.
“I'm really lucky to get to serve on Bloomington's Creative Placemaking Commission.”
Speaking on her role in the local arts commission.
Riet Velthuisen van der BlijFounder and DirectorFounder of Continental Ballet Company for 35 years.
1 quote
Founder of Continental Ballet Company for 35 years.
“Bloomington is so lucky to have the Company.”
Reflecting on the importance of the ballet company.
Chris PetersonStaff memberWorks at Normandale Community College and organizes pop-up history museums.
1 quote
Works at Normandale Community College and organizes pop-up history museums.
“I wanted to give the students the opportunity to learn a little bit of history.”
Explaining the purpose of pop-up museum exhibits.
Andrew TanCo-ownerCo-owner of ClawZone Park, a new arcade business.
1 quote
Co-owner of ClawZone Park, a new arcade business.
“This was my dream from when I was a little to open an arcade place.”
Describing the motivation behind opening his first business.
Places Mentioned
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Other Topics from This Document
Local business entrepreneurship in Bloomington
Community impact of small businesses
Cultural and artistic contributions in Bloomington
Educational initiatives at Normandale Community College
Diverse representation in children's literature
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