🌱 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon + Mothers Of Hope 25th Anniversary

Hi there, Kalamazoo-Portage. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Cooler; a shower in the a.m.. High: 61 Low: 44.
• Saturday: A couple of morning showers. High: 51 Low: 34.

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

1. The Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon is coming to downtown Kalamazoo this Sunday, Apr. 23, and local business owners are expecting it to bring a large boost to the local economy. With organizers expecting around 2,700 attendees this year, many downtown businesses are preparing for a significant increase in foot traffic and revenue. This year, the marathon will also see the return of the full marathon in addition to the half marathon, 10K and 5K runs, and the Priority Health 5K walk. (WWMT-TV)
2. Mothers of Hope, an organization in Kalamazoo's Northside that provides resources and help to people struggling with drug addiction, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To celebrate the milestone, the organization is planning several events throughout the year, such as the Annual Walk for Recovery in August. The organization also hopes to be able to raise enough funds to purchase two vacant lots next to its headquarters in order to expand its facilities. (Second Wave Media)
3. The Kalamazoo Public Schools Board of Education has narrowed down the list of applicants for its vacant superintendent position to six semi-finalists. Yesterday, the search firm helping the district in the search, Ray and Associates, is set to contact the six semi-finalists to make sure they wish to continue in the process. The next step is to conduct another round of interviews, which will take place sometime next week and will narrow down the list even further to two or three finalists. (WKZO)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Friday, April 21

• Earth Day Readers Theater Production At Park Place Assisted Living (10:00 AM)
• Annual Postage Stamp Show At Kalamazoo County Expo Center (10:00 AM)
• Board Game Night At Table Of Contents Cafe (5:00 PM)

Saturday, April 22

• Spring Stride At Downtown Kalamazoo (9:00 AM)
• Family Discovery Concert At Kalamazoo College Dalton Theatre (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you struggling with substance abuse or know someone who is? There are many resources here in Kalamazoo for those who need help. Reach out to Integrated Services of Kalamazoo at (269) 373-6000 or Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health at (800) 781-0353. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• Clean up your medicine cabinet and bring your unneeded prescription medications to the DEA National Drug Take Back Event this Saturday, Apr. 22. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby at the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. (Kalamazoo Public Safety via Facebook)
• The City of Portage is hiring for a new seasonal opportunity. The city is looking for someone to fill the Ramona Park Beach House Food Services Supervisor position. Learn more and apply here. (The City of Portage MI via Facebook)

That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.