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  • 📍 How to kick off Spring Break in GR | April 4th, 2025

📍 How to kick off Spring Break in GR | April 4th, 2025

Plus, Grand River oil spill update, a new elementary school, and weekend fun

Author

LeQwane Lynch
April 04, 2025

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Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News — with your first Friday of the month issue.

Just wanted to take a quick moment to correct a mistake in Wednesday’s newsletter.

I said, “Grand Rapids was incorporated as a city on April 2nd, 1950”. But that is incorrect.

The city was incorporated in 1850 — I fat-fingered the 9… 🥲

I appreciate the folks who saw this error and brought it to my attention. I’m far from perfect, so if you catch an error, let me know!

Now, in today’s newsletter, you’ll read about an oil spill, a new elementary school, public support increases, and some things to do for Spring Break.

I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for reading Calder News today!

~LeQwane L.

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Spring Break In GR

It’s Spring Break for (most) families.

And if you have any kiddos in your life and you need Spring break ideas — I got you.

Here are a few free/ cheap ideas for things to do with your family this Spring Break:

  • A free gem and mineral show is happening at Rodgers Plaza, April 10th - 12th

  • You can watch robots play Jenga, build Tinker Toys, and watch 3D printers in action at WMU’s AMP Lab Open House for free on April 12th

  • Every Tuesday and Thursday night, the GRAM hosts free general admission from noon - 5 PM and 5 PM - 8 PM.

  • Catch a movie — Celebration Cinemas throughout town have discounted movies every Tuesday (T.A.C.O Tuesday)

  • Have a family lunch watching planes land at Ford Airport Viewing Park

  • Ice skate in Spring at Patterson Ice Center during their spring break open skates

  • Go out for dinner — Learn where kids eat free throughout the week

Have any events or ideas to share? Send me the link, I’ll include them in a special “Spring break things to do” section on Monday.

Make Summer Break Memorable

Together with The YMCA

YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin is gearing up for another summer of adventure. From zip-lining and canoeing to campfires and s’mores, it’s the perfect place for kids to stay active, make new friends, and build confidence.

With options for day camp, overnight camp, and teen leadership programs, there’s something for every age. Let camp counselors handle the fun while you enjoy a little summer break, too.

Curious to learn more? Check out their open house on April 13 from 2–5 p.m. Tour the camp, try the rock wall, do crafts, and see what YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin is all about.

Want to have your business in Calder News? Contact me here.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Environment

Update: Oil Spill On The Grand River

After last weekend’s storms, about 200 gallons of mineral oil spilled into the Grand River from damaged electrical transformers. There were even videos floating around of the issue, however, the city officials reported there were no major environmental threats. And cleanup crews are working to contain it. | To get an update on the situation, click here

Economy

Unemployment Benefits Increase

Michigan's unemployment benefits just got a boost. For the first time in decades the maximum weekly payout has increased from $362 to $446, with even more increases set through 2027 to slowly but surely raise the maximum up to $614 per week. Good news for locals who are receiving this support while finding their footing. | Learn more about the increases

Education

GRPS Unveils New Elementary School

Grand Rapids Public Schools is hosting a meeting on April 15 to reveal their plans to build the new $38M elementary school replacing Aberdeen and Palmer Elementary. With the plans already greenlit, the new school will be built behind Aberdeen Academy so that “learning can continue” during its construction. Once the new building is complete in 2027, the existing Aberdeen building will be demolished. | Learn how to join the community meeting

Have news to report? Click here.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

⚾ Baseball is back

The West Michigan Whitecaps kick off their 2025 season tonight at LMCU Ballpark against the Dayton Dragons. Park goers will notice major upgrades this year—new terraces, a fully replaced field, and revamped menus.

💛 Why Ribbons Are in Ridgemoor

Hundreds of yellow ribbons have been tied around trees in the Ridgemoor neighborhood to honor 5-year-old Baylor Marco, who passed away last week. The ribbons stand as a symbol of community support for the Marco family after Baylor’s organ donations gave the gift of life to others.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, April 4th

  • Play Ball! | GR Public Museum | All Day | Cost of admission | See 119 years of Detroit Tigers baseball history as you explore 1,200 autographed baseballs donated by Steve and Mary Nagengast

  • Tigers Home Opener Watch Party | Kusterer Brauhaus | 12 PM | Free

  • First Fridays | Uptown GR | 4 PM - 8 PM | Explore Uptown Grand Rapids shops, restaurants, and local businesses as they stay open late on the first Friday of every month just for you and stay open until as late as 8 PM

  • Game Night | Vander Mill | 6 PM - 9 PM | A lively game night filled with friendly competition, classic board games, cornhole, ping pong, and more

  • Opening Day: West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Dayton Dragons | LMCU Ballpark | (Multiple games Fri - Sun) 6:35 PM - 9 PM | Starting at $18

  • Grand Rapids Griffins vs Rockford IceHogs | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $24

Saturday, April 5th

  • Lubbers Cup Regatta | Riverside Park | 7 AM - 3 PM | Free | Top collegiate rowing teams competing in a full day of races

  • DoNot Stop Half Marathon | Millennium Park | 9 AM | Starting at $15 | Love running or walking? Crazy about donuts? This race is for you! Register today

  • Bunny's Breakfast Bash | Dave and Busters | 9 AM - 11 AM | Hop on in for Bunny's Breakfast Bash and enjoy a family-filled morning with exclusive early access to Dave & Buster's

  • Home Depot Kids Workshop | Home Depot Kentwood | 9 AM - 12 PM | Free | in-person Kids Workshops on planting

  • Fulton Street Market | 1145 Fulton St E | 10 AM - 1 PM | Free

  • Easter Egg Build Activity | Bricks and Minifigs GR | 10 AM - 6 PM | Free | Build and decorate your very own Easter Egg out of LEGO. Parts and build guidance provided

  • Intro to Amateur Astronomy | GR Public Library | 10:30 AM - 12 PM | Free | An Intro to Amateur Astronomy with telescope Advice and Tune-up Clinic Register today to reserve a seat

  • April Flowers Spring Party | IDC | 4 PM - 11:45 PM | $10 after 8 PM| 21+

  • LGBTQ+ Adult Prom | Watermark Country Club | 6 PM - 11 PM | $35 | If you've ever wished that you could re-do your high school prom as your authentic, confident self, then this is the event for you

Sunday, April 6th

Live Music

Friday, April 4th

Saturday, April 5th

Sunday, April 6th

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

That’s All For Today…

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