Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News. What a week it has been, people!
On Monday, we had leftover snow. Tuesday, we watched the northern lights. Went through a full workweek. Plus, Thanksgiving is peeking around the corner. 😮💨
There’s so much happening, but there’s a lot to enjoy too.
I hope you get a moment this weekend to take a breath, unwind, and have yourself a relaxing time.
You’ve earned it.
Now, let’s get into this issue of Calder News.
~LeQwane L.
Holiday Shopping Made Easy
Together with: For Better
Click image to learn more
The For Better Map is live!
If you want your local shopping to have an impact, check out the For Better map.
Every local business on the map is committed to supporting their community's safety and connection.
The For Better Project is still accepting nominations to add businesses to their map. So if you don’t see your favorite local shop on the map, you can nominate it here.
Reminder: The more we spend in our community, the more we create resources and opportunities for our neighbors, and the safer it is for everyone!
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
Build what? Where?
The potential EGR redevelopment may not happen. Residents have submitted ~1,500 signatures opposing the 147-unit mixed-use development planned for Gaslight Village. The petition asks officials to overturn approval or hold a public vote for the project. The city has to review signatures and determine if the issue qualifies for a public vote. | Read more
Community
Community Organizes for Safety
In response to a handful of issues, local community groups are doubling down on mentorship and prevention. While there are multiple events and efforts, organizations like Save a Life a Day Outreach have announced expanded youth programs, featuring positive activities, and work with families, schools, and neighbors to build stronger support systems. | Learn more
Solving Youth Homelessness
Yesterday, the We Exist Youth Homelessness Summit was held at GVSU’s Seidman Center. The summit brought youth voices, community leaders, and service providers together to talk and share insights on ways to support vulnerable youths across the county. | Learn more
Top stories of the week:
Raising Cane’s to give away free meals for 1 year (20-person lottery)
Have news to report? Click here.
Christkindl Markt Returns
The holiday spirit is creeping up!
In less than 6 days, the European-style Christmas village of Christkindl Markt is back at the Downtown Market.
The event will run 26 straight days and nights with food, lights, and family fun. It features 60+ artisan (local and regional) vendors, live entertainment, traditional holiday drinks, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Here’s a sneak peek at what you can do at this year’s market:
Rent a private Alpenglobe for cozy, heated winter dining
Book an outdoor curling game
Shop handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and meals
Carol and see Santa visit
It’s always crazy to me that this is just Christkindl’s 3rd year and there’s so much love for the event.
Talk Of The Town
🗝️ Antique Stores Could Be Forced To Move
Three popular antique stores located in the old GR Slight Furniture Co. building downtown (near The Rapid) may be forced to move due to structural and financial issues of the building’s management.
🦃 Free Meals This Thanksgiving
Here is a list of organizations that are offering free meals for the holidays. I’m currently working on building another list that’ll be featured next week.
✈️ The Airport Wants Your Art
Gerald R. Ford International Airport is looking for artists to be featured on its walls, windows, and “bag device”. Submissions are due by Dec. 5th
Talking Shop
🪴 Selah Studio → A new community studio that features pottery workshops, interactive events, and art therapy is now open at 235 Division St.
Local Eats
🥩 Emonae Korean BBQ → After a bit of a hiatus, the owner of Krok GR announced the reopening of his popular Korean BBQ spot on the east side of 28th St.
🍗 Wings and Wave → A new Chicken and Fish spot is making waves in Kentwood, with its grand opening happening just a couple of weeks ago
What’s Happening?
Friday, November 14th
FROZEN: The Musical | Civic Theatre | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $33+
Grand Rapids Comic Con | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $37+
Grand Rapids Griffins vs Toronto Marlies | Van Andel Arena | (Wed, Thu) Various times | $28+
Fall for Wildlife: Crafts, Critters & Cozy Tales for a Cause | Pinery Park | 4 PM | $15
Fresh Reads Book Swap | Kusterer Brauhaus | 5 PM | Free
Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff | Blue Bridge | 5 PM | Free
NE GR Community Dinner | Northlawn St. | 5:30 PM
Raise The Woof | The Stache | 6 PM | $28
Cornel West & Robert P. George: A Face-Off | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum | 6:30 PM | Free
Adam Degi | The Pyramid Scheme | 9:45 PM | $27
Saturday, November 15th
Holiday Market | Honeysuckle Co. | 9 AM - 4 PM | Free
Home Cider Making Class | Vander Mill | 10 AM | $60
Cranksgiving | GR Bicycle Co | 2:30 PM
Arty Awards & 20th Anniversary Show | Avenue For The Arts | 4 PM | $25
Annual Chili Cookoff | Creston Church | 5 PM | ?
Rotating Art Night Show | AllArtWorks | 6 PM | Free
Latin Dancing | The BOB (Ashton) | 6 PM | ?
Modern Day Magic Show | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM, 8 PM | $33+
Christmas Lite Show 5K | LMCU Ballpark | 6:30 PM | $39
GR Paranormal Ghost Tour | DeVos Place | 6:45 PM | $25
River City Improv | Midtown | 7:30 PM | $20
Ladies Night | The BOB | 9 PM | ?
Sunday, November 16th
Brunch Series: Meal with Strangers | Downtown | 11 AM | $13
Reindeer Bike Ride | LMCU Ballpark | 5:30 PM | $15+
Slow Flow + Meowditation with Cats | Happy Cat Cafe | 6 PM | $30
Stand-Up Comedy | Mulligan’s Pub | 9 PM | Free
Best Upcoming Events
Bert Kreischer | Van Andel Arena | Nov. 20th
International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival | DeVos Place | Nov. 21st
Santa Parade & Tree Lighting | Rosa Park Circle | Nov. 22nd
Live Music
Friday, November 14th
Laid Back Country Picker | Tip Top | 8 PM | $15
Evidence Jazz Band | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Blackberry Smoke | GLC Live | 7 PM | $54+
Ironwood & Whorled | The Stray | 7 PM | $16
Hodge Podge | General Wood | 8 PM | $5
YDG | The Intersection | 8 PM | $28
Brena Live | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $5
Mark Lavengood | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Rick Deez | The Bob (HOME) | 9 PM | ?
Saturday, November 15th
SYNC : RUN LOLA RUN | Speciation Cellars | 5:30 PM | Free
200 Stab Wounds | The Stache | 6 PM | $31
Gravity Jazz Band | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers with special guests The Hacky Turtles | The BIG Room | 7 PM | $30
Joe, Epcya, and Smile Darling | Pux Cider | 7 PM | Free
Tony Green, Kyle Kuhn, Ethereal | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
The Soul Syndicate | Billy’s Lounge | 8 PM | $10
Supergrudge With Sons of Ra and Flood the Desert | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
Jake vs Jayk | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $5
SoDown | Elevation | 8 PM | $28
Sunday, November 16th
Americana Sundays | ArtRat | 3 PM | $25
Queensrÿche | The Intersection | 6 PM | $41
2005: A Tribute | Pyramid Scheme | 6:30 PM | $17
Anne Wilson | DeVos Performance Hall | 8 PM | $70
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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