🌱 Non-Profit Fights Hunger + WMU Offers New AI Course For All

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Humid with a stray t-storm. High: 88 Low: 66.
• Saturday: Cloudy, a t-shower; humid. High: 82 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. Earlier this week, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers responded to a shooting call in the Edison neighborhood. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon and officers found the victim, an 18-year-old teen near Fulton Street and Cameron Street who had been shot. The teen claims that he knows the shooter and that the incident was accidental, the victim's injuries were non-life-threatening. More information is still being collected around the incident but the police have deemed the situation to not be a danger to the public. (WWMT-TV)
2. A Kalamazoo non-profit organization is playing its part in fighting against hunger by taking imperfect produce and repurposing it to help feed those in need. Kalamazoo Valley Gleaners is hoping to be fully operational by next summer. The non-profit is partnering with several local farms taking their imperfect produce that would go to a landfill and processing it through a massive dehydrator to be packaged and distributed to relief partners. Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga recently toured the non-profit's warehouse and believes that it could become the hub of Michigan for eliminating hunger not just in the state but working setting an example for other states in the country. (WWMT-TV)
3. At Western Michigan University, a new course is being offered to help assist students in working with artificial intelligence and the advantages and limitations of the software. AI is growing at a rapid pace, and it is a worthy skill to not only know what it can do, but how well it understands what is being asked and what needs further explanation. Very soon, AI will be a part of everything that people do in their daily lives professionally and personally, so having students learn how to properly use the technology will benefit them and make them more marketable. "English 5970- AI Writing: Prompt + Response” is not only offered to university students, if you are interested in learning more about artificial intelligence you can get into this course. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, June 30

• Jordan Klepper Book Signing At Kalamazoo Public Library (4:00 PM)
• The Bad Guys At Kalamazoo Farmers’ Market (6:00 PM)
• Almost Queen: A Tribute To Queen At Kalamazoo State Theatre (8:00 PM)

Saturday, July 1

• Family Hope Foundation Sensory Showings At Celebration Cinema Crossroads & IMAX (11:00 AM)
• Live Music With The Incantations At Green Door Distilling Co. (7:00 PM)
• Concerts In The Park: Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra At Bronson Park (7:30 PM)

In partnership with T-Mobile:

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From my notebook:

• In the city of Kalamazoo, kids can come out for SuperRec which is a free summer camp where campers can experience a variety of different activities and field trips. Earlier this week campers had a chance to learn how to play lacrosse and practice their skills! (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• Be sure to mark your calendars now, downtown Kalamazoo will be celebrating Restaurant Week 2023 very soon! From Jul. 20-30, you can stop at several of your favorites downtown and enjoy food deals. You can stay updated on social media for what restaurants are going to be participating and more information. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• If you are looking for a new full-time position, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is looking to fill a few positions. If you or someone you know is interested in being a Project Coordinator, Office Manager, or Horticulture PT Instructor, they are encouraged to apply. (Kalamazoo Valley Community College via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next 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.