Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News. And I’m glad to be back at it after the Holiday weekend.
I hope you had a great break and got lucky with some black friday deals.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Community
Snow Angel Program Needs A Hand
The Eastown Snow Angel Program is launching today. It connects volunteers (in Uptown) with neighbors who need an extra hand clearing their snow. While things are moving, organizers are looking for teens in 7th – 12th grade to sign up to shovel solo or families with younger kids who’d like to volunteer together. | Get more details
City
GRPD Nears Full Staffing
Last week, GRPD announced they’re close to reaching a full roster. The department expects more officers will join the force to help manage large events with the upcoming amphitheater and soccer stadium coming soon. State public safety funds will support the additional hires, with a bump in staffing expected to come by February. | Learn more
Charity
GRPS Turkey Trot Breaks Record
Last week, runners packed downtown for the 33rd GRPS Turkey Trot. And for the second year in a row, the event had its largest turnout ever w/ 6,500+ attendants. The race raised over $275K for student athletics (slightly less than last year) and added a new food drive that helped stock local pantries. | Read more
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GR History: Houdini On Monroe
Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Library
Downtown Grand Rapids has plenty of historic buildings, but few can claim a moment as unforgettable as the 1916 stunt pulled off at the old Grand Rapids Savings Bank building.
About 110 years ago, Harry Houdini drew thousands to the corner of Monroe Center and Ionia when he dangled upside down more than 40 feet in the air while locked in a straitjacket, handcuffed, and still managing to escape.
The 13-story Greek Revival tower remains a familiar part of the skyline today. And now you know the site is also one of the city’s most famous public spectacles.
Did you know this piece of GR history?
Talk Of The Town
🎄 Tree Lighting And Parade
Thought the City of Grand Rapids’ tree lighting was too early? Well, Kentwood is hosting theirs just on time. On Thursday, Kentwood will host their official tree lighting ceremony and “stationary” holiday parade.
🌈 GR Pride Center Is Looking for A Hand
The Grand Rapids Price Center is looking for new facilitators for their Social and Support groups. The role lets volunteers lead, organize, and prepare activities for various grounds at the center.
⛸️ Ice Skating Starts
Given the weather plays nice, Rosa Parks Circle will open for skating on Friday ( December 5th). Reservations officially open today, so if you want to reserve a spot, you can do so now. Walk-up is always an option as well.
Talking Shop
General Wood Shop → On Friday, the popular LGBTQ+ bar, General Wood Shop, announced its closure effective immediately. There are no details beyond the management’s message surrounding the closure.
What’s Happening?
Monday, December 1st
Acrylic Day Painting Class | Art of Life Guided GR | 12 PM | $10
Porch Pot Workshop | Speciation Cellars | 6 PM | $70
Magical Cirque Christmas | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $63
Tuesday, December 2nd
Grand Rapids Giving Day | Goei Center | 5:30 PM | $5
Show & Tell | SILVA | 7 PM | Free
Swing Dance | Grand Rapids Public Museum | 7 PM | $10
Wednesday, December 3rd
Intro to Soldering | Christmas Ornament Project | Grand River Makerspace | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | $30
Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony | Kentwood Library | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free
Midnight at the Masquerade Gala | The Ashton @ The BOB | 6 PM | $65
Board Games + BOTC | Two James Spirits | 6:30 PM | ?
Ponyboi Screening | AMC GR 18 | 7 PM | ?
Griffins VS Cleveland Monsters | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $29+
All Week
Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events being hosted at your local public library this week
Live Music
Monday, December 1st
Better Lovers, Soul Blind, Johnny Booth, Hong Kong FU | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $37
Tuesday, December 2nd
Bela Fleck & The Flecktones | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $61
Wednesday, December 3rd
Glenn Miller Orchestra | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM | $83+
*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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