🌱 Gun Violence Awareness Day + Campus Pointe Mall Seeks New Tenant

Hello again, everybody. It's me, Michelle Paul, your host of the Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick guide to the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Mostly sunny and hot. High: 90 Low: 61.
• Saturday: Hot; a stray p.m. t-shower. High: 90 Low: 59.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Kalamazoo-Portage Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top three stories today in Kalamazoo-Portage:

1. Both Kalamazoo and Portage will be joining the rest of the U.S. in marking today, Jun. 2. as Gun Violence Awareness Day. The nonprofit group Gun Violence Archive will host an event to promote gun safety advocacy on Monday in Bronson Park at 5:00 p.m. The first Friday in June is nationally recognized as a day of remembrance for gun violence survivors, and those wishing to participate are encouraged to wear orange. (WKZO)
2. The owner of the Campus Pointe Mall talked about the decision to close the parking lot in front of the Y Bar and Bistro, which has allegedly been connected to several violent crimes in the area, in an effort to prevent violence near the mall. From the beginning of the year to the end of March, the mall has had reports of 17 hit-and-runs, 15 weapons calls, and six shots fired incidents. The strip mall's owner, Avis Karim, said he is searching for a new property owner for the former bar. (WWMT-TV)
3. The Kalamazoo State Theatre has announced its lineup for the 2023 Fall Film showings, which aim to showcase classic films on the big screen starting Friday, Oct. 13. Tickets for the shows go on sale today (Jun. 2) here. The movies include "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "A Nightmare On Elm Street," "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Die Hard," and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." (FOX 17 West Michigan News)

Are you a real estate agent in Kalamazoo-Portage struggling to get leads in the current housing market? It's tough out there, but there is a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. Our exclusive sponsorship in the Kalamazoo-Portage newsletter can help you do just that. Click here to learn more and discover how you can take your business to the next level today.

Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, June 2

• State On The Street At Kalamazoo State Theatre Patio & Bar (5:30 PM)
• Family Storytime At Central Library (10:30 AM)
• Kalamazoo Institute Of Arts Fair At Bronson Park (12:00 PM)

Saturday, June 3

• Kalamazoo Farmers Market At 1204 Bank St. (7:00 AM)
• First Saturday At Alma Powell Branch Library (11:30 AM)

From my notebook:

• Don't miss the summer kick-off for the outdoor movie series hosted by Kzoo Parks on Friday, Jun. 16. See what's in the movie lineup for this year's Summer Cinema here, and help pick the movie for Jun. 16 by voting here! (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• The Friends of the Library at Portage District Library will be hosting a book sale this weekend. The members-only pre-sale will begin today, Jun. 2 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the book sale will open to the public tomorrow, Jun. 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Come support the library and bring home a book (or several)! (Portage District Library via Facebook)
• Attention all Kalamazoo residents: Don't forget that bulk trash collection will take place this month for city residents. Learn what will and won't be accepted at the link. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox soon with a new update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.