I'm not an expert but I think I can answer most of your questions...

1. Can you buy a phone from anywhere and take it in to Verizon and have it activated (without having a 2 year contract)?

If you bought a phone that wasn't from Verizon, it would have to be "unlocked." This means you can put your sim card into that phone and use it with Verizon service. Can't you stay with Verizon without a contract if you keep your old phone, though? Or you could buy a phone at full price and stay without a contract? I have tmobile, and one the contract is over it is just month-to-month unless you sign another contract.

2. Can you have a phone with email capabilities and NO internet access?

I think that you need the internet service with the phone company unless your phone has wifi capability (I think the iphone has it). However, in order to get email, you would have to be around wireless internet to get it- it wouldn't just work from anywhere.

3. Does anyone have a non BB phone with calendaring and email only that they suggest?

Sorry, no!