Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — coming in hot with your guide to the weekend.

In today’s issue you’ll learn about EGR development plan changes, a new park, Kent County’s amnesty program, and summer camp thanks to today’s partner - YMCA.

Let’s dive straight in!

~LeQwane L.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Development

Gaslight Village Project Update

The developer behind East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village project has scaled back its plans for the new commercial and residential buildings proposed for EGR. What changed? The original plan was reduced from 55,000 to 32,000 square feet for the commercial space, some of the buildings are being shortened, and the housing units are being reduced. The official set of revised plans will be proposed to city officials on Monday. | Read more about the changes

Community

New Park Coming To Cesar E Chavez Ave

Grand Rapids is breaking ground on April 2 on a new community park on Cesar E Chavez Ave. The park will feature inclusive spaces, hammock areas, and sustainable landscaping as part of the Plaza Roosevelt project. The funding for the park comes from a $2.3M grant from the state. | View the early renderings of the park

Public Works

Kent County Launches Its Amnesty Program

Kent County courts will waive late fees on traffic tickets and misdemeanors throughout April. The goal is to encourage locals to settle past issues and start fresh. Although there are limitations to what can be waived, if you (or someone you know) pays fines, has warrant fees, or warrants, this program could make all of the above water under the bridge. | Click here to read more about the program

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Ask Grand Rapids 🤔 

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.

Click here for more details

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🍺 Wise Men Twisted Tap Distillery opening soon

A local maple syrup company is reviving the former Wise Men Distillery as with a new name— Twisted Tap Distillery. The new company will blend spirits with maple syrup (how? I’m not quite sure, but their idea sounds interesting). The new owners will also expand the distillery’s footprint, opening a downtown location in mid-late April. And a Kentwood location in May.

🎍 The former UICA buildings’ next chapter

The former UICA building is getting a new life. With “Bamboo” co-work expanding into Grand Rapids from its homebase in Detroit, the building will feature 45 private offices, 8 conference rooms, and indoor and outdoor event space. The space is expected to open in September.

⚾️ LMCU Ballpark gets upgrades ahead of opener

Fans visiting LMCU Ballpark for the Whitecaps' April 4 opener will see new terraces, extended safety netting, and bullpen upgrades, plus improvements at the nearby Game Time Fun Park.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, March 28th

• Cottage & Lakefront Living Show | DeVos Place | (Fri - Sun) Various times | adults, kids $12, $5

• Art in Bloom | GRAM | 12 PM - 8 PM | $15 adult | This biennial exhibition invites local floral designers to craft stunning, one-of-a-kind arrangements inspired by works from the museum’s permanent collection

• Grand Rapids Rise vs Columbus Fury | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $21

• Adult Egg Hunt | Gezon Park | 7 PM - 9 PM | $10 | Grab your flashlight and your friends for an adult egg hunt for ages 21+ at Gezon Park,

• Ain’t Nothing Like Family | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM | $40 | This hilarious play features a family showing what it means to stick together in this present time and let their faith get them through troubled times

Saturday, March 29th

• Spring Shop Hop | Goodwill (Wyoming) | 8:45 AM - 2:30 PM | Free | Throw on your bright colors and florals and enjoy a fun day of thrifting at four Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids stores.

• Mini Walk to End Alzheimer's | Pew Campus to 401 Fulton St. | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free | Register | While there is no fee to register for the Walk, all participants are encouraged to raise critical funds that allow the Alzheimer’s Association to provide 24/7 care and support

• Hands-On DIY Workshop | Home Repair Services GR | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free | Receive expert guidance and hands-on exercises for Door Installation

• Menopause the Musical 2 | DeVos Performance Hall | 3 PM - 5 PM | Starting at $49 | We set sail with our beloved ladies for more high jinks on the high seas

• MTV Spring Break Theme Night | Silva | 4 PM - 11 PM | For the Spring Breakers at Heart. Didn’t book a beach trip this year? No worries — we’re bringing the party to you

• Snow White & The Firebird | EGR Performing Arts Center | (Sat - Sun) Various times | Starting at $18

• SYNC 2 | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM - 11 PM | An evening of audiovisual pairings

• Comic Book Trivia Night | Comic Signal | 6 PM - 8 PM | $5 cash donation

• Whiskey Festival | DeVos Place | 6 PM - 10 PM | $39 - $70 | 21+ only

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

• Vanderlaan Prize | Betty Van Andel Opera Center | 7:30 PM - 10 PM | $10 | Opera Grand Rapids brings world-class professionals into its adjudication process to give contestants meaningful instruction and critique

Sunday, March 30th

• Boho Bazaar | Downtown Market | 10 AM - 6 PM | Free

• Sound Healing Workshop | GR Yoga Company | 11 AM - 2 PM | $111 | Connect with community and tune into your natural frequencies as we learn to explore this ancient healing tradition

• Sleeping Beauty Ballet and Aurora's Royal Tea Party | Forest Hills Fine Arts Center | 1 PM | Starting at $8 (child)

• RuPaul's Drag Race Trivia Night | General Wood Shop | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | $5

Live Music

Friday, March 28th

• Bumpin Uglies | Elevation | 7 PM | $22

• Trillium Irish Band | The Stray | 7 PM - 10 PM | $15

• The Fab Four | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | Starting at $20

• The War and Treaty | St. Cecilia Music Center | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | Starting at $34

• The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

• OG Nixin | The Stache | 8 PM | $20

Saturday, March 29th

• Alexandra Kay | The Intersection | 7 PM | $35

• Russell Dickerson | GLC Live | 7 PM - 11 PM | Startubg at $130

• Northbound x Dogfood | The Intersection | 9:30 PM | Starting at $10

Sunday, March 30th

Gary Allen | DeVos Performance Hall | 6 PM - 9 PM | Starting at $15

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

Outside The Plaza

2 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Muskegon:  Getty Drive-In movie theater is preparing to open for its 82nd year of “old-school” fun

Wayne County: City leaders are discussing the next step for “hazardous waste” coming to Wayne County landfills

That’s All For Today…

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