Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the free way to get quick insights on what’s happening around Grand Rapids.

Thank you for another great week. It may seem like I say that often, but in reality, I don’t do it enough.

Because thanks to you reading, sharing, and engaging…

• Support is pouring in

• Our audience is growing by the hundreds every week

• And I’m having fun

So thanks again. I’ll keep doing my best to make Calder News great. 😁 

~LeQwane L.

In today’s news:

• 🦁 John Ball Zoo bids farewell

• 🏠️ New townhouses are on the way

• 🇺🇸 Veteran’s Day Parade is happening soon

• Plus tons of live music and fun events

Let’s dive in!

What’s Happening

A briefing of local news that matters

Leisure:  John Ball Zoo bids farewell

John Ball Zoo is saying goodbye to its last lion. The male African lion (Kiume) will be moved to a new facility following the death of its female partner Abena. The lion has been at John Ball Zoo for a decade plus (so there’s a good chance you’ve seen it before). Farewell to the legend Kiume.

Housing:  New townhouses are on the way

A local developer is nearing completion of around 100 new townhomes on the East Beltline. The project is located at 3300 E Beltline (near 4 mile) — it includes 96 two and three-bedroom townhomes. The project is around 30% complete with the other portion projected to be complete by late spring.

Seasonal:  How to get a real tree for Christmas

Feeling the Christmas spirit yet? The U.S. Department of Agriculture is now selling permits to Michiganders looking to get a real tree for Christmas. The trees come from Huron and Manistee National Forests Permits and cost $5 per tree (max purchase of 5). If you’re interested click here to learn more.

Plus something interesting…

Remember those cool werewolf stickers from the polls? Well, people are reselling them on eBay… The “Michigan Werewolf Sticker 2024” has been sold for anywhere from $15-$50 a pop. I guess the hustle never stops, not even when it comes to doing civil duties.

Since we’re here, I’m just curious…

P.S. I won’t tell anyone the results of this one… Keep it real.🤣

Community Feature

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Events

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday

• Comedy Night: AJ Wilkerson | Golden Age Nov 8/9 | GA $25 | The show is 18+

• The Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff | The Blue Bridge | 5 PM - 6 PM | Free

• Grand Rapids Gold v Windy City Bulls | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $15

• Killers of Kill Tony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM - 11 PM | Resell tickets only

Saturday

• Psychic & Holistic Expo | DeVos Place | (Sat-Sun) 9 AM | $15 (12 and under free)

• Nature Makers Market | Blandford Nature Center | 9 AM - 3 PM | Free

• Dirty Duel Trail Race | Robinette’s | 9 AM - 10:30 AM | Pick the “toughest” 5K ever or a fun cornfield course with the family

Sunday

• Museum Community Day | GR Art Museum | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free

• Grand Rapids Gold vs. Windy City Bulls | Van Andel Arena | 3 PM | Starting at $15

Things to do any time this weekend

• Restaurant Week GR | Today - Saturday | $25-$45 | 50+ local restaurants are putting up their best 2-3+ course meals for the chance to earn your vote

Looking forward to Monday…

Live Music

Friday

• Shelby Lentz (Pop rock) | The Holiday Bar | 6 PM

• St. Sinner Orchestra | The Stray | 7 PM | $15

• Harbour (Indie pop) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM

• Kurt Elling (Jazz vocals) | Midtown GR | 7:30 PM | Starting at $48

• Tape B (Dubstep) | The Intersection | 9 PM | Starting at $80

Saturday

• Surf Spooktacular with Bat Hearse, 13 Tikis and The Venturis | Tip Top | 1 PM | $15 | The event is 21 and over

• Michael McIntosh (Solo act) | Brickyard Tavern | 6 PM | Free

• The Burdens & Moto (Rock) | Pux Cider Taphouse | 7 PM | Free

• Little Big Town + Sugarland | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 11 PM

• Dasha (Country Pop) | The Stache | 8 PM

• Panchiko (Indie Rock) | The Intersection | 8 PM | Starting at $60

• Exhibit A | GLC Live | 8 PM | Starting at $20

• Brother Elsey (Folk Rock) | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $18

• Lucius Fox / The Druid Drummer / Cloverbeard The Irish Pirate | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free

Sunday

• Americana Sundays | ArtRat Gallery | 3 PM - 5 PM | $20

• Microwave (Rock) | Elevation | 7 PM | $30

• Cal in Red + The Skinny Limbs + Fetch Tiger | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 10:45 PM | $10

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

Post Of The Week

Got pumpkins?

Don’t toss them, compost them with GR’s organic waste facility.

That’s all for today…

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Every new reader that signs up helps make this that much more enjoyable to do.

-LeQwane L | Publisher @ Calder News

Made with ❤️ in Grand Rapids