Howdy, Grand Rapidians. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the newsletter you can rely on to learn what’s happening in GR when Instagram and Facebook go down.

Thanks for taking the time out of your day to read today’s issue. I hope you have a great day and an even better weekend.

~LeQwane L.

Now for today’s news:

• 🥇 Grand Rapids tops housing market list

• 🎁 Christmas Store survives another day

• 🥙 Restaurant of the week (hint: downtown)

• Plus much more

Let’s dive in….

Grand Rapids Tops Housing Market List

Grand Rapids ranked in the top 10 of housing markets.

According to the National Association of Realtors, Grand Rapids/ Kentwood is the third best “housing hot spot”.

The list includes cities like Boston, Charlotte, and Phoenix. And uses factors like affordable inventory, the potential to lower mortgage rates, and growing economic possibilities to create rankings.

I’ve been checking Zillow and can’t say I agree with the rating. But hey, I will trust the experts.

Have you looked at the Grand Rapids housing market lately?

We Asked

On Wednesday I asked what you call GR locals and - the people have spoken.

As expected, 66% of you call GR locals “Grand Rapidians”. Followed by “Michiganders” and then “West Michiganders”.

The most unexpected answer — “Michiganians”

What’s Happening

A briefing of local news that matters

Recognition:  From Sheriff to Police Chief

A Kent County Sheriff (Dennis Albert) is now Lowell’s Police Chief. The city made its announcement Wednesday, following the current 31-year chief's retirement. Although he's got a warm welcome from Lowell, I'd bet he likes this Calder News recognition post more.

Community:  Christmas Store helps families for another day

A local church’s Christmas store got a well-needed hand from the community. The Northeast Christmas Store at St. Alphonsus helps Grand Rapids families buy discounted toys for their kids — with the help of community donations. However, over the past week, organizers were on the brink of closing up shop due to low inventory. But thanks to donations from our generous community, the store’s inventory is nearing full. While registrations to shop are full, if you would like to support the cause click here for details.

Nature:  Plant seeds in our parks

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan needs volunteers to seed native plants in the Highlands Nature Preserve. The event happens rain, snow, or shine so dress for the weather. If you’re interested in participating click here for details and to register. Our readers have a thing for volunteering opportunities so whenever I see a good one I’ll share it.

Have news to report? Click here.

Advertise with Calder News to grow your business or raise awareness for your event. Contact us to reach 1,500+ engaged locals.

Community Feature

To get featured in Calder News - tag us on Instagram or Facebook

Restaurant Of The Week

If you know what you’re eating for lunch, it might be time to change your plans unless you packed a lunch.

Because today’s restaurant of the week is Gita Pita — one of the best authentic Mediterranean restaurants in town.

Gita Pita is downtown where Fulton and Jefferson meet. And they serve some of the best steak shawarma I’ve had.

But don’t take it from me, Gita Pita has 1,00+ 4.4 star reviews and at least 3-4 people in line while you’re reading this (probably).

Even if it’s not today, I recommend adding this local staple to your list of places to try if you haven’t.

Know of any other lowkey food spots around town? Send me a tip — I’ll need to try it of course.

Events

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday

• Photos with Santa Paws | Pack Indoor Dog Park (Holland) | 5 PM - 8 PM | $10 donation | Get your pup’s photo taken with Santa

• Calvin Alumni Choir Christmas Concert | Calvin University | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free | Celebrate the coming of Christ with songs and carols from around the world

• Grand Rapids Gold vs Indiana Mad Ants | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $14

• Michigan Mandolin Orchestra Christmas Concert | Golden Age (Creston Taproom) | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | $18 adv, $25 door

• Christmas Karaoke | Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM - 1 AM | Free

• Holiday Classics with Organist Lance Luce | Grand Rapids Public Museum | 7 PM (+ 2PM Sat.) | $20 tickets

• The Nutcracker 2024 | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri - Sun) | Typically starting around $39 a ticket

Saturday

• South Kent Santa Parade | Starts @ 3375 Division Ave SW | Free | 10 AM - 11 AM | Celebrate the holiday season in your community

• SantaCon 2024 | Kusterer Brauhaus | 12 PM - 8 PM | $19.99 | Dress in your Santa attire and explore the best bars and pubs

• 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl | 12 PM - 8 PM | Starting at $16

• Christmas Bar Crawl | The Tin Can | 4 PM - 12 AM | $15 | Round up your Santas, Elves, and Reindeer and party like it's Christmas Eve

• African Christmas Concert | 3000 Leonard St NE | 6 PM - 8 PM | $25

• Emo Nite | Elevation | 9 PM | $15 | No bands or DJs — just a party for the music Emos love

Sunday

• Whoville 5k | Riverside Park | 1 PM | $15 kids, $40 adults | Participate to receive a festive hat and meet all your favorite characters on the route

• Grand Rapids Gold vs. Motor City Cruise | Van Andel Arena | 3 PM | Starting at $18

• Ugly Sweater Party | The Score Restaurant & Bar | 4 PM | Free

• Dining with the Divas | General Wood | 4 PM - 6 PM | $10 | fabulous dinner drag show celebrating the queen of Christmas—Mariah Carey

• The Lighted Christmas Path | Orchard Hill Church | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free | Stroll through a 1/4 mile beautiful woodland path of Christmas lights with hot chocolate and photo ops

Live Music

Friday

• Trampled By Turtles (Bluegrass folk) | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $39.50

• That Beatles Thing (Rock) | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10 | This show is 21+

• May Erlewine & The Motivations | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 10:30 PM | $25

• The Wrap, Buddahand, Despondent Shepherds | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free

Saturday

• Rick Hicks (Jazz) | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | free

• Grateful Dead Tribute | The Stache | 7 PM - 11 PM | $15

• AZZ IZZ BAND ( Motown) | Billy’s Lounge | 8 PM | $6 cover | 21+ only

• Starlight City Band (Pop dance) | The BOB | 9 PM

• Neon Crows (Country) | The Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM | Free

Sunday

• GR Jazz Orchestra | Golden Age (Creston Taproom) | 1 PM - 3 PM | $5 cash

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

That’s All For Today…

⭐️ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.

📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

Made with ❤️ in Grand Rapids