Good morning, Kalamazoo.

In Kalamazoo, God’s Kitchen of Michigan revived its canceled Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner after Pastor William Stein received a call from an anonymous donor while visiting his mother's grave—he learned the funds needed were available—and the event will be held November 20 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Kanley Chapel on the Western Michigan University campus.

The Grinch visited Bronson Children's Hospital on Wednesday with Miller Auditorium+Bookbug to deliver donated copies of How The Grinch Stole Christmas that brought festive cheer to young patients and their families during a busy hospital shift.

His visit offered a brief return to normalcy for those undergoing care.

Over 100 people gathered last night at Celery Flats in Portage to honor 17-year-old Alayiah Lazzara, a Portage Community High School student who died from injuries in a wrong-way crash on US-131 on Sunday morning—four people died in the accident including 38-year-old wrong-way driver Erin Jones and 18-year-old driver Emmanuel Browning whose car Lazzara was riding in, while one of her relatives remains hospitalized.

The Oshtemo Township Fire Department mourned firefighter Charlie Sullivan who died Wednesday morning in a motorcycle crash on Parkview Avenue in Kalamazoo; the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety investigated the incident while memorial plans are pending.

Western Michigan University President Russ Kavalhuna donated $10,500 + WMU-AAUP added $4,500 to create a new $15,000 scholarship that will support three first-generation students, with each recipient set to receive $5,000.

The fund, which shows his commitment to helping students, will reward those interested in advancing justice, peace, democracy or health through education.

Damon Travis, an early education teacher at Kalamazoo Public Schools, uses props—Pickle Pete and BoBo the Speaker—to spark interest in his pre-K classes.

He says his creative approach helps students treat these tools as part of the team and stay engaged despite digital distractions.

Residents in Comstock Township were told to boil their water after repairs on Miller Road caused a loss of pressure; the advisory applies to nearby areas including Prescott Trail, Castle Creek Circle, Craven Way, Orista Drive, Hatch Lane, Whitewater Street and Canoe Circle.

Officials said the notice will be lifted by Saturday—water tests have not shown any bacteria.

The federal pause on SNAP benefits continues and Michigan foster families are feeling extra strain as they rely on food assistance to care for vulnerable children—local services warn the pause may stop new foster parents from stepping up and stretch resources thin.

Family and Children Services has set aside its Handle with Care fund to help meet the growing need.

The MDHHS is asking Kalamazoo, Portage and Texas Township residents to join the MiChEM program that gathers data on chemical exposure from blood and urine; households will receive invitations soon.

The team will be in the area from December 8th through December 12th (appointments are first come, first served) and participants will receive a $75 gift card.

Clark Logic Hiring Fair, Walk-In Interviews!

Clark Logic is hosting a Hiring Fair, November 5 & 6, 6–10 AM and 3–7 PM at 3801 E. Kilgore Road. The company is hiring for numerous roles, including CDL-A drivers, diesel and small engine mechanics, riggers, landscapers, lawn technicians, warehouse associates, staff accountants, human resources professionals, property managers, project coordinators, and more.

Kalamazoo Wings Military Appreciation Night

7-8:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — First 1,000 fans receive a special giveaway — Celebrate and honor our armed forces with a night of hockey and community support.

Full Cord Trio Live at The Clover Room

8-10 p.m. — The Clover Room — $20.00 — Experience the rising bluegrass stars of Full Cord Trio as they showcase their fresh sound and award-winning talent.

The Joy Modulators Live

6-8 p.m. — The Clover Room — $20.00 — Enjoy songs from Nights and Weekends along with new tracks from the upcoming album Tumble Dry Low.

WMU Football vs. Ohio University

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Waldo Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Witness a thrilling college football showdown between Western Michigan and Ohio University.

Christmas Jellycat Launch Party

5-7 p.m. — troVe — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with a special Jellycat launch and a chance to win a fun purse!

Lavender Ice Night: Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne Komets

7-8:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $3 specials — Cheer on the K-Wings in lavender for Hockey Fights Cancer night with fun activities and a charity auction.

Cyclones vs. Wings Jersey Series Game

4:30-6 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free giveaway for kids — Celebrate Detroit's teams with a special Jersey Series game and exclusive youth jersey giveaway.

Sensory Friend Sundays at the Air Zoo

10 AM – 12 PM — Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center — Included with general admission — Enjoy a sensory-friendly morning with quiet spaces and special activities for individuals with sensory sensitivities.

Dokidokon 2025

Nov 20-22 — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandoms with panels, concerts, and cosplay at this community-focused convention.

A Christmas Carol

8:00 p.m. — The New Vic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience Dickens’ classic tale of redemption and holiday spirit returning to the stage with warmth and heart.