🌱 Last Week's Build-A-Bed Fundraiser + Berries Famous Pancake House

Hi Kalamazoo-Portage! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 84 Low: 60.
• Tuesday: Hot with periods of sun. High: 90 Low: 68.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 91 Low: 66.

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. Beth McCann, executive director of Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services (KNHS), expressed gratitude to the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners for approving additional downpayment assistance through the Kalamazoo County Housing Millage. The funding, including a $200,000 grant for KNHS, aims to help individuals with limited means achieve homeownership and improve housing opportunities in the community. The county has allocated millions of dollars for various housing projects, including rehabilitation, stability programs, utility support services, and downpayment assistance, with the goal of addressing the need for more housing units in the region. (Second Wave)
2. On Friday, Pennings and Sons teamed up with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace charity to host a build-a-bed fundraiser. The local carpenters and builders in the area came together to not only build beds for children in need but also plan on delivering the beds to the children. The company tries to do a similar event every year to give back to the community; this is the second straight year Pennings and Sons partnered up with Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This year, about 40 beds were built and distributed. (WWMT-TV)
3. Berries Famous Pancake House Downtown recently opened in Kalamazoo, offering a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Owner Chris Mavrakis aims to create a family restaurant and be involved in the community. The new location features renovated facilities and emphasizes using quality ingredients to provide a satisfying dining experience. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Monday, July 3

• Cardio Drumming At Comstock Community Center (12:00 PM)
• Movie Mondays At Eastwood Branch Library (1:30 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• Ceramics At Comstock Community Center (1:00 PM)
• Ukulele Jam At Comstock Community Center (4:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Upper Hand Brewery Tour At 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Kalamazoo Public Library thanked Jordan Klepper for signing so many books and other items at last week's book signing! The public loved Klepper, who brought in a decent crowd to the library to meet him. You can see photos from the event at the link. (Kalamazoo Public Library via Facebook)
• If you're in Kalamazoo this week, come check out Rae of Light at Bates Alley on Wednesday, Jul. 5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (Downtown Kalamazoo via Facebook)
• Double Up Food Bucks provides free fruits, vegetables, and food-producing plants when using Bridge Card or P-EBT Card to buy fresh produce at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, and you can get $10 worth of Double Up Food Bucks for free by purchasing $10 worth of Snap tokens. Read more about the initiative here. (Kalamazoo Farmers Market via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all soon for another 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.