🌱 Memorial Day Parade Returns + First Binational EV Corridor Opens

Hello and happy Friday! I'm back in your inbox this spring morning with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: A shower and t-storm; breezy. High: 70 Low: 47.
• Saturday: Partly sunny. High: 62 Low: 46.

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

1. After taking a three-year hiatus, the Portage Memorial Day Parade will return this year, hosted by the American Legion Post 207. The parade begins on Monday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. at The Crossroads and will be followed by a Memorial Day ceremony at Veteran's Park at 11:00 a.m. Many different local organizations will be part of this year's parade, including the fire and police divisions, marching bands from local Portage high schools, and more. (The City of Portage via Facebook)
2. Kalamazoo is now home to the first binational electric vehicle corridor! The 872-mile route runs from Kalamazoo to Quebec City in Canada. EV chargers are located every 50 miles along the route. This initiative contributes to the effort between the two countries of making 50 percent of all new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. (Detroit Regional Chamber)
3. Kalamazoo residents should prepare for up to 10 years of construction as part of the city's efforts to rebuild downtown. The city will reroute traffic on major streets in Kalamazoo to turn many one-way streets into two-way streets, hopefully making roads safer and more attractive to drivers. A full list of the projects scheduled between now and 2033 can be found at the link. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, May 19

• Family Storytime At Central-Kalamazoo Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Hip Hop With Speak It Forward At Alma Powell Branch Library (3:30 PM)

Saturday, May 20

• Community Native Plant Sale At PFC Natural Grocery & Deli (10:00 AM)
• KPL Tech Days At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Lanterns On The Lake At Romona Park & Beach (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Kalamazoo Farmers Market reminds market-goers that pets are not allowed at the market. Trained service dogs are welcome, but other animals are not allowed. However, many locally-made treats are available to bring home to your furry friends! (Kalamazoo Farmers Market via Facebook)
• The Air Zoo Aerospace and Science Museum has officially become a "MovePortage" bike-friendly business! This is part of an effort to make Portage a more bike-friendly community. To learn more about how you or your business can do its part, visit the link here. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)
• The Kalamazoo Public Library plans to resume its public reading program in 2024. The program, Reading Together, is accepting public suggestions for the theme of the program next year and the books to be read. To find out more information about making suggestions, visit this link. (Kalamazoo Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Community Native Plant Sale -- Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones (May 20)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.