Good morning, Grand Rapids. This is Calder News - the go-to place to stay updated on events, local happenings, and news.

I didn’t get a chance to see it, but apparently, the northern lights were shining super bright yesterday.

It was cool to see your images on Facebook and Reddit, but boy did I want to get my own. Anyhow…

In today’s news:

• ❤️ How to help: hurricane relief

• 🤝 Local tribe gets recognition

• 🚧 Road updates

Let’s get into it, but first…

Stay updated on the best news and happenings around GR - Join 1,000+ others getting information like this 3x a week for free

~LeQwane | Publisher of Calder News

How To Help

It’s been a rough couple of weeks for our brothers and sisters along the coasts. Although it’s difficult to talk about these sorts of disasters when they happen, I felt I needed to do so.

Just 16h-19h from West Michigan, Hurricane Milton, and Helene…

• Left millions are without power

• Took hundreds of people from their families

• Destroyed towns

• Temporarily (and permanently) displaced an undisclosed amount of people

And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg for those affected.

While it’s all too common to swipe past the news and leave likes, and nice words in comment sections, a handful of local businesses and community members in Grand Rapids are getting active — doing what they can to support those affected by these terrible storms.

It’s important I do my part to bring those going out of their way to help some awareness by sharing what they’re doing.

Whether you are in a position to give or not — here are a few things you can do right here in Grand Rapids to help those affected by Helene and Milton.

• ST. Paul The Apostle | Drop off supplies at 2750 Burton on Friday from 8 AM- 4 PM

• St. Robert | Drop off supplies at 6477 Ada Dr. Se on Friday 8 AM- 4 PM

• Spartan Nash | Bring non-perishable snacks to collection bins at Forest Hills Foods, D&W Fresh Market in Grand Haven, and Family Fare in Allendale

• GVSU | Bring non-perishable snacks to collection bins at its home football game on Saturday from 3 PM - 7 PM in Parking Lot B2 at WLAV’s booth

• Notos Cascade | Take supplies to 6600 28th St Se on Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM - 6 PM

• Share today’s newsletter to bring more awareness to these support channels

Thanks to these businesses, organizations, and the GR community for the support. Every little bit goes a long way in times like this - you’re appreciated.

What’s Happening

Cultural | A local tribe could be federally recognized

Two Michigan Senators have introduced new legislation to grant federal recognition to the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians — a sovereign nation of 19 bands that has certified agreements with the government dating back to 1795. Most of the tribe’s members (~500 people) live in Kent, Muskegon, and Oceana counties. And if Congress passes this bill, the nation will have access to funding, resources, and federal programs.

Development | Grand Rapid formed a land bank

Grand Rapids has become the second city in Michigan to form its own land bank — an authority that gives the “banks” overseers the ability to tear down, sell, or renovate abandoned buildings, homes, commercial buildings, etc around town.

First Responders | GRFD got a new licenses

First responders with the GRFD can now save lives. Since last month, GRFD has been licensed to provide basic life support without the presence of medical professionals.

Local Government | Lawmakers are being pressured to fix Michigan roads

The yearly conversation about roads is back, but this time it’s getting serious. First, Michiganders spoke up. Now Michigan’s Infrastructure and Transporation Association (MITA) is asking questions about why Michigan roads are underfunded — calling lawmakers to make up a $3B+ shortfall to fix our roads. What’s the chance this goes anywhere? My guess - 20%…

🚧 Road update: It took 7 months, but Cesar E. Chavez Ave. between Clyde Park and Hall St. has reopened.

Community Feature

Unless I find an absurd photo I just can’t help but feature, I promise I won’t share any Northern Lights images next week…

Get featured in Calder News - tag us on Instagram @Calder.News (we’ll have a Facebook soon)

Events

Want to know about the best events and live music happening in GR? Join 1,000+ other locals getting information like this via email every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 👇️ 

Click the event’s name if you want to get more information

Today

• Haunted Corn Maze | New Salem Corn Maze | 6 PM - 11 PM | $25 | When the sun settles enter a haunted corn maze where you’ll be greeted by dead ends and nightmares (daytime options available)

• Trunk or Treat | Encounter Church | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free | Rain or shine bring your kid/s to complete an indoor and outdoor treat trail - costume or not

• Haunted Forest | Cannonsburg | 6 PM - 8:30 PM | $20 | Embark on an adventure through a haunted forest with live actors (zombies, ghosts, and monsters)

• Grand Rapids Griffins Opening Night | Van andel Arena | 7 PM | Get a deal on your tickets and watch the Griffins take on the Milwaukee Admirals

• Billy Gardell (comedian) | Dr Grins Comedy | 7:15 PM

• Ghosts Tours (S.S. Milwaukee Clipper) | 2098 Lakeshore DR | 8 PM - 11 PM | $20

Saturday

• Fall Fest | Kentwood KDL | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free | Bring your family and celebrate the season with festive crafts, games, and activities

• Stitch & Snack | I’m An Artist Studio | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free | Grab your sewing projects, yarn, needles, or just yourself and connect with other yarn enthusiasts

• Small Backlot Market | Behind Chartreuse Sisters/ Basice Bee | 10 AM - 3 PM | Free | Shop local makers and enjoy French pastries and coffee

• Urban HayDay | Hudsonville Chamber | 10 AM - 3 PM | Free | Have a day of fun with free donuts, cider, an inflatable corn maze, and pony rides for kids

• Fall Train Show | HSB Inc | 10 AM - 3 PM | Adults, $5 (12 and under free) | This show welcomes all ages to the biggest model train show in West Michigan (vendors and play areas)

• Workshop: Bleach Painted Bandanas | GRAM | 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM | $42/person | Create a 1 of 1 bandana inspired by Alexander McQueen’s ongoing exhibit

• Community Gathering | Belknap Collaborative Garden | 12 PM - 2 PM | Free | Meet with the community and enjoy fall activities, music, face painting, and free grilled lunch

• Harvest Celebration | Lowell River Walk | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free | Stroll Lowell’s Main St, pick up crafts, join a chili cook-off, and free entertainment

• Halloween Lights Spooktacular | New Salem Corn Maze | 6 PM | $10/person (under 3 free) | Hop on a wagon and ride through a trial synced with lights and music - the show is great for all ages

Sunday

• Spooky Sprint | Millennium Park | 8 AM | $15-$60 | Participate or watch (for free) a Halloween-themed race event

• Art at the market | Fulton Street Market | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free | Browse 100+ vendors with handmade art, crafts, flowers, sculptures, and more

• Grilled Cheese Festival | Fuller Park | 12 PM - 4 PM | Free | Sample dozens of competitor grilled cheese entries, eat food, drink, and enjoy live music

• Fall Fest | High Pointe Church | 4 PM - 6 PM | Free | Bring your family to participate in a Trunk or Treat, festive games, crafts, and enjoy a free dinner

• Trunk or Treat Popup | Coffee Clubhouse | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free | Dress your kids up and treat or treat with vendors at this free community event

• Trans Revue | General Wood Shop | 6 PM - 9 PM | $10 online/ $15 door | Adult-only (21+) celebration of empowerment with an all-trans and non-binary cast

Plus some of this weekend’s ongoing events…

• Park Before Dark | Boulder Ridge Animal Park | Various times | $16/person (3 and under free) | Trick or treat with vendors and see the park’s festive animal exhibits

• The Spooky Forest | Cannonsburg | Various times | Pricing varies | Embark on an adventure through a magical Halloween-themed forest - designed to be a toned-down experience for all ages

• Fun Farm Days | Post Family Farms | Various times | $8/Person | Farm for fun across all ages (corn mazes, pumpkin picking, eats, play areas, animals, ninja courses, train rides, etc)

• Ed Dunneback Farms | Various times | $12 online/ $14 gate | Farm for fun across all ages (corn mazes, apple/pumpkin picking, eats, play areas, hay rides, activities, etc)

• GR Scarecrow Contest | various venues | 11 AM - 6 PM | Free | See and vote to determine the best of 20+ different scarecrows made by local businesses

Live Music

Today

• The Tommy Pancy Octet (Jazz) | The Stray | 7 PM | Free

• The Claudettes (Pop/Rock) | Tip Top Bar | 8 PM | Adults 21+

• Subfiltronik (Rubstep) | The Stache | 8 PM | Open to anyone 17+

• Heather Bartman, The Ottawa Tux, Daniel Staggs & The Critters | Tip Top Bar | 9 PM

• Hattrick (Rock) | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM

Saturday

• Lee DeWyze (Pop/Rock) | Midtown GR | 6 PM

• Nate Dill (Jazz/Classical)) | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM

• Various local artists | The Stray | 7 PM | Free

• Tucker Wetmore (Country) | The Intersection | 8 PM | Tickets are sold out so there’s a slight premium

• That Beatles Thing (Rock) | Tip Top | 8 PM (doors open at 6 PM) | This show is 21+ only

• Mdou Moctar (Modern Rock) | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM

• Various local artists | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free

Sunday

• Judah & the Lion (Funk-hop) | GLC Live | 5:30 PM | Tickets are sold out so there’s a slight premium

• Neighbor (Americana) | The Intersection | 7 PM

• Diesel Boy (Punk) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM