Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News - a local newsletter for the (literal) coldest city in Michigan.
It’s time to finally accept that the warm weather is gone because last night was frosty. It’s gotten so cold these last few days, I’ve flirted with turning on my furnace… Have you reached that point yet?
I put a poll in today’s newsletter to see what you and everyone else reading have to say. Now, let’s get back to the regular scheduled programming.
In today’s news:
💫 Don’t miss the comet
🤝 GR gives $95,000 to locals
⚠ Watch for road closures
What’s Happening
Space: Don’t miss your chance to see the comet
The A3 Comet (Tschinshan-ATLAS) will be visible over Grand Rapids skies until Oct. 24th — the Comet is viewable without binoculars or a camera until this weekend. The comet only shows face every 80,000 years, so make sure to see it while you can.
Retail: Your local Walgreens could be closing soon
Walgreens announced that it will close 1,200 stores across the country over the next 3 years — Walgreens has stores in 126 Michigan. It’s unclear how many stores in Grand Rapids will close up shop, but there’s a good chance we’ll see more than one go away.
Community: Ele’s Place held a successful fall fundraiser
Ele’s Place (A healing center for grieving children and teens) held its annual fundraising event yesterday and raised $289K to fund its resource operations.
Public Resources: GR gives $95,000 to community organizers
Grand Rapids invested $95,000 in 25 community-led or co-lead projects that bring people together and promote belonging among neighbors. You can view each project that received funding here.
Community: Jackson ST. Hall opens Busia’s Boutique
On Tuesday afternoon, Jackson Street Hall opened Busia’s (which means Grandma’s) Boutique to give families in need a place to get clothes, diapers, and formula for their children. Bosia’s owners plan to work with schools and community organizations to give local families access to what they need by appointment. To make arrangements you can call the hall at 616-774.9011
Commute: Friday could be rough…
In case you missed it — VP Kamala Harris is coming to town on Friday. Be prepared to take a detour either to or from work on Friday. The location of the rally will be announced either later today or tomorrow — I’ll include road closure information in Friday mornings email.
Ask Grand Rapids | Furnace 🔥
The results (and best response) to this poll will be included in Friday’s email
Community Feature
Photo of the AC Comet over GR | Courtesy of Nichole Valkner
Get featured in Calder News - tag us on Instagram @Calder.News (follow us while you’re there!)
Events
Today
Play and Learn (recurring registry) | Wedgewood Park | 10 AM - 11 AM | Free | A 90min program helping parents/caregivers of children 5 and under great advice on early development strategies to prepare for future success
Story/Toddler Play Time | Most public libraries | 10 AM - 11 AM | Free
Trunk or Treat | 103 S. Main St (Wayland) | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free
Community Game Night | Ottawa Hills Public Library | 5:30 PM | Free | Bring your own or play what’s available in a night of board games with community members
Open Projector Night | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM - 10 PM | $8 GA | Enjoy an evening of horror/ spooky short films from Michigan filmmakers
Comedy Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Thursday
Free Art Museum Visit (Recurring)| GRAM | 12 PM - 6 PM | Free
Girls Night Out | 113 Riverwalk Plaza | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free | A night of shopping, dining, and live rock music in downtown Lowell
Bachata Dancing | Armentality Movement Arts Center | 6 PM | An event welcoming to beginners that teaches the rhythmic groove of bachata dancing
Jeepers & Jinkies | General Wood Shop | 6 PM - 11 PM | Free | Enjoy Scooby-Doo’s Halloween movies and get discounts on drinks, snacks, and bottles
Nature Bingo Night | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
Friday
Trunk or Treat | Ivanrest Church | 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Free
Haunted Corn Maze | New Salem Corn Maze | 6 PM - 11 PM | $25/ person
Abandoned Acres | Abandoned Acres Farm | 6:30 PM | $35/ person | Opening night
Griffins v. Manitoba Moose | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM
Haunted House | 3989 Canal Ave NW | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free | All ages are welcome to this free haunted house with live actors inside
The Spooky Forest | Cannonsburg | Various times | $10/ person | Embark on an adventure through a magical Halloween-themed forest - designed to be a toned-down experience for all ages
Planning ahead…
Camp Manitou-Lin Fall Fest
⏲️ Saturday 12 PM - 4 PM
📍YMCA Camp Manitou-lin
YMCA’s Camp Manitou-Lin is putting on its annual Fall Festival - a day of fun for everyone. The event is a mix of ticketed and free activities. All proceeds benefit campers scholarships for children with special needs.
Support Fall Fest by volunteering, donating candy for trick or treating, or giving.
Live Music
Today
Harry Dean and The Dusty Boys (Rock) | The Holiday Bar | 6 PM
KEN Mode (Metal) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM
Carbon Leaf (Indie Folk) | Midtown GR | 7:30 PM
Thursday
Michael McIntosh (Acoustic) | Beer City Bread Co. | 6 PM
Keith Scott Blues (Blues) | Third Nature Brewing Co. | 6 PM
Kyle Smith (Reggae/Country) | The Intersection | 6 PM
Luke and Tyler Gitchel (Country) | Cedar Springs Brewing | 6:30 PM
Lindsay Lou (Bluegrass) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM
Neko Case (Indie) | GLC Live | 7 PM
Charlie Hoats Trio (Jazz) | AC Hotel Lounge | 7 PM | Free
Charlie Millard Band (Country) | Wealthy Theatre | 8 PM
Friday
Jared James Nichols (Blues/Rock) | Firehouse Guitars | 6 PM | Free
Sophia McIntosh (Indie/Pop) | The Bob | 6 PM
The Lacs/ Grizzly Boys (Country Rap) | Elevation | 6:30 PM
Cascade Riot (Punk) | Skelletones | 7 PM
The Front Bottoms (Folk Punk) | GLC Live | 7 PM
GR Symphony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM
Various metal bands | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
*Shows & times are subject to change. That’s just how showbiz, works.
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, share it with a friend who you’d share a blanket with.
-LeQwane L | Editor @ Calder News
Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids