🌱 Harry Potter Live Soundtrack + New Integrated Services Facility

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:

• Wednesday: A shower and thunderstorm. High: 72 Low: 65.
• Thursday: A shower and t-storm; warmer. High: 82 Low: 65.

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

1. Harry Potter fans in Kalamazoo can begin to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime experience as they will be able to hear a live performance of a Harry Potter soundtrack courtesy of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. As part of the film concert series, the orchestra will be providing music for the entire Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone film. Fans will be able to take this experience on in its entirety on a high-definition screen on Feb. 2, 2024 at the Miller Auditorium. Tickets can be found on the Miller Auditorium website this Friday starting at 10:00 a.m. (WWMT-TV)
2. Kalamazoo County opened its first behavioral health urgent care and access center this past Monday in Kalamazoo. The new Integrated Services in Kalamazoo will act as an urgent care center for mental health treatment as well as assist folks with substance abuse disorders. From now until Jul. 21 the facility is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. but the facility plans to extend its hours to 24/7 starting on Jul. 24. The facility will also serve those of all ages with or without medical insurance, although Integrated Services will not prescribe medications or refills. (WWMT-TV)
3. The Kalamazoo Police Department is currently searching for answers after they found the body of 36-year-old Chana Kay Redden laying dead on the floor in the second story of her home Friday afternoon. Officers went to Redden's home around 3:15 p.m. after reports of her not being seen in a few days, and they climbed a ladder to the second floor where she was visible through the window. Upon closer examination, it was verified that she had been dead for some time. During an autopsy, it was discovered that her death was due to a gunshot wound, and further evaluation of the scene showed ballistic evidence such as bullets through the walls and behind the storage unit. Police are currently investigating the incident of what happened to Redden, if you have any information surrounding the incident please reach out to the police. (WOODTV.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Kalamazoo-Portage:

Wednesday, July 12

• Kids Try It! Playground Sports At Oakland Drive Park, Portage (10:00 AM)
• Illustrator For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (12:00 PM)
• Virtual Reality Night At Kalamazoo Public Library (5:00 PM)
• Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga At Ramona Park & Beach (6:30 PM)

Thursday, July 13

• Preschool "Drive-In" Movie At Kalamazoo Public Library (10:00 AM)
• Video Editing For Beginners At Kalamazoo Public Library (1:00 PM)
• Summer Concert Series: Departure: A Journey Tribute Band At Central Park, Portage (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you missed the last foam collection, don't worry because there is another one coming up on Saturday, Jul. 22. At Mayors' Riverfront Park, you can drop off any amount of EPS foam as well as any unwanted electronics or documents to shred, find more information here. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• This Friday, a very special cinema is scheduled at the Fairmount Dog Park, AirBud will be airing at 7:00 p.m. with pre-movie snacks and music provided. In addition to the movie showing, the SPCA of Southwest Michigan will be on the scene with adoptable animals, an obstacle course demo, a photo booth, and other local vendors. (The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan via Facebook)
• Make sure you make your way out to the Xperience by LuXury Escapes tonight to check out the art of The Skeletones at Beats on Bates. Beats on Bates is a weekly event that features new music between Portage St. and Edwards St. (Downtown Kalamazoo via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday.

— 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.