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  • 📍 A carousel is coming to the riverfront | April 7th, 2025

📍 A carousel is coming to the riverfront | April 7th, 2025

Author

LeQwane Lynch
April 07, 2025

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Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and I think that we’re finally in Spring. It’s still a bit cold, but we’re out of the wintry woods.

In today’s newsletter, we’ve news of a new comptroller, GR’s teen/young adult summer employment opportunity, new cafe concepts, and more.

I hope you’re enjoying your first day of the work week.

Let’s get into today’s issue.

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Community Resources

GRow1000 Applications Open

Grand Rapids’ GRow1000 summer employment program is back. The program helps ~1000 teens and young adults (ages 15–24) get real-world job experience while also earning money in the process. Participants work 20 hours a week for six weeks, with paid opportunities across nonprofits, city government, and businesses. Applications are open now and jobs start June 9. | Click here to apply/share the application

Public Works

GR Names New Deputy Comptroller

Grand Rapids has named Desiree Kirkland as its new deputy comptroller. What is a comptroller? A comptroller helps manage the city’s finances, audits, and financial reporting. Kirkland previously served as CFO for the City of Lansing and has led finance operations in Wayne and Ingham counties. | Learn more about Desiree’s work

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Community Feature

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

☕ 👕 Clothing + Cafe concept opens on Division

Over the weekend, Cafe OTONO opened for business. The expansion combines vintage clothing, home goods, and coffee, tea, and fresh pastries into a new concept. The cafe is open 7 days a week, 8 AM - 6 PM, and is located at 25 Division Suite 100.

🎠 Carousel on the riverfront

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is bringing back its riverfront carousel ride this fall. Part of a $50 million expansion started in 2023, the carousel upgrade will also feature a complete redesign, making the riverfront viewing area more accessible for everyone.

🌈 Update: GR Pride Festival

The Grand Rapids Pride festival has been confirmed for this year. The event will feature two wonderful days at Calder Plaza on June 21st and 22nd.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Monday, April 7th

  • Snow Conference Snow | DeVos Place | (Mon - Wed) Various times | Expert-led snow and ice education sessions to an exhibit floor full of vendors excited to show you the latest winter maintenance solutions

  • Inclusive Night: Sensory Friendly | Frederik Meijer Gardens | 6 PM - 8 PM | An after-hours event—designed specifically for visitors with autism or sensory processing needs

  • Women’s Chorale and Campus Choir Concert | Calvin University | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | Free | See the Women's Chorale and Campus Choir Concert perform

Tuesday, April 8th

Wednesday, April 9th

  • Community Forest Gathering | Cascade Peace Park | 6 PM - 7:30 PM | $5 | You can relax with your favorite hobby in nature alongside others, enjoy a gentle hike, and connect with the community in a peaceful forest setting

  • Grand Rapids Lantern Festival | John Ball Zoo | (Weekly: Wed - Sun) 7:30 PM - 11:30 PM | Starting at $19.95

Spring Break Fun

Live Music

Monday, April 7th

  • Pouya | The Intersection | 7 PM | $32.50

Wednesday, April 9th

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

That’s All For Today…

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