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đ Popular GR restaurant changes forever
Plus, the city funds community projects, JBZ upgrades, and more

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Iâm LeQwane and this is Calder News â coming in with your midweek update.
In todayâs newsletter, youâll read about otters, new community funding, businesses, Yesterdog, and more.
But before you dive inâ if you didnât know, itâs National Cheese Day.
So whether youâre a gouda person or more of a cheddar fan, this is your sign to add an extra slice to lunch. đ§
What is your favorite cheese? đ§My vote is going toward colby jack ;) |
~LeQwane L.

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Home Of The Week
Together with: Smallegan Real Estate
Lake life can feel out of reach, but this weekâs Home Of The Week makes it possible.
In Rockfordâs Lake Bella Vista, you get private lake access, 21 parks and beaches, boat launches, trails, and even a volleyball court basically in your backyard. All without paying the typical lakefront premium.
The house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an updated kitchen, a finished basement, and plenty of space to stretch out. With recent updates throughout, itâs move-in ready and set up for easy living just steps from the water for $419,900.
Interested in advertising your business here next? Learn more about our audience.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Expansion
New Habitat Coming to John Ball Zoo
Construction is underway on a new otter habitat at John Ball Zoo. The expanded space is three times the size of their current home. The exhibit will sit near the zoo entrance and house up to five North American river otters. Featuring 21,000 gallons of water, fish-feeding cannons, and underwater viewing areas, the new space promises to make the otters more comfortable. Itâs set to open in 2026. | Read about the project
Jobs
Electronics Plant in GR Plans to Close
Lacroix Electronics plans to shut down its Grand Rapids facility by the end of the year due to challenging business outlooks. The France-based company is seeking investment to keep the plant running, but if none is secured, ~115 layoffs could begin this summer. | Read more
Community
City Funds Community Projects
Grand Rapids is now accepting applications for its Neighborhood Match Fund, which supports resident-led projects that bring neighbors together. Grants range from $500 to $5,000 for events or programs happening between September and February. This yearâs theme is âThe Spirit of Generosity,â. | View applications through June 30
Have news to report? Click here.
Crew Highlights
This is our new section for reader-submitted shoutouts, stories, and opinions that lift up our community.
Got something good to say about Grand Rapids?
Weâre launching Crew Highlights, a new section thatâs my spin on âsubmit an articleâ that lets you share shoutouts, local wins, funny moments, or personal stories from around the city in Calder News.
No rants. No complaints. Just the good stuff.
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
đ Celebrate Grand Rapidsâ Birthday
Grand Rapids is celebrating its 175th birthday this weekend with a public party at Rosa Parks Circle. The bash will last from 2 PM to 5 PM on Saturday and will feature games, historical exhibits, live entertainment, free food, and complimentary cake and ice cream.
đ Yesterdog Has New Owners
After nearly 50 years of operating, one of Grand Rapidsâ most popular hot dog shops now has a new owner. Local legend Bill Lewis (80 years old) sold Yesterdog to new owners.
Featured Event
Brunch and Learn đ Grand Rapids Downtown Market NOWINCLUDED, powered by Acclinate, is joining forces with UCB for an upcoming Brunch and Learn series! In this series, weâll be traveling all throughout the Great Lakes state, Michigan, discussing the topic of myasthenia gravis (MG), and learning more about how MG affects our communities. If you or a loved one are affected by this condition, this series is for you! |
Whatâs Happening?
Preview: Events â> Live Music
Wednesday, June 4th
Farmers Market | Las Canchas | 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free to attend
Story of Self - Mediation, Introspection, Art | Nestology Shop | 6 PM - 8 PM | $30
Open Projector Night | Wealthy Theatre | 7 PM - 10 PM | $10 GA
Comight Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free to attend
Trivia Night
Stellaâs | 6:30 PM | Free to attend
Ed Dunneback & Girl's Farm Market | 7 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend
Fratelliâs Kitchen | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Brickyard Tavern | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Thursday, June 5th
Comedy Show: Laurie Kilmartin | The BOB | (Sat - Fri) Various times | $10 - $20
Health-West Farm Market | University of Michigan Health-West | 9 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend
Night at the farm | Ed Duneback & Girlâs Farm Market | 5 PM - 7 PM | Free
Euchre Night | House Rules | 7 PM - 9 PM | $5
Late Night Knitting | Early Bird Coffee & Food | Until 9 PM | Free to attend
Friday, June 6th
Meijer State Games: Pickleball | Belknap Park | (Fri - Sat) | $60 to participate, free to attend
Godwin Days of Summer | 3703 Division Ave. S | (Fri - Sat) | Free to attend
Spring Market | Everett's Gardens (Byron Center) | (Fri - Sat) 10 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend
National Doughnut Day | Furniture City Creamery | 2 PM - 9 PM | Free doughnut with âDonutâ ice cream flavor purchase
Game Night | Vander Mill | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Salooniverse: A Western(ish) Inspired Cirque Adventure | Wealthy Theatre | (Fri - Sat) 6:30 PM | Starting at $44
Alger Heights Neighborhood Garage Sale | Alger Heights | (Fri -Sat) 9 AM - 5 PM | Free to attend
Live Music
Wednesday, June 4th
Chaka Khan | Meijer Gardens | 7 PM | ~$130
Music on the Lawn w/ Prior Noon | Ada Legacy Park | 7 PM | Free to attend
Barry Manilow | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM
Button Masher + Phazerville | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $24
Thursday, June 5th
Alex Teller | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free to attend
Summer Concert Series: Brena | Walker Community Park | 6:30 PM | Free to attend
Josh Rouse | Midtown GR | 6:30 PM | $25 - $35
Lucero + Roosevelt Diggs | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $38.80
Summer Concert Series: Tony Thompson & Friends | Kentwood City Hall | 7 PM - 8:30 PM | Free to attend
Nathan Walton | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free to attend
Friday, June 6th
Emo Night Brooklyn | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $28.25
Lost Magic, The Benjamin Tate Band- | The Stray | 7 PM | Free to attend
Coheed and Cambria * Mastodon | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $51
SiR | GLC Live | 7 PM | Starting at $48
Jazz Night | CityFlats Hotel | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free to attend
Money Soup, Saint Thursday | Turnstiles | 8 PM | $10
GG Magree | The Stache | 8 PM | $15 early, $24.50
Matt Welch | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Keith Scott | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
*Shows are subject to change, but thatâs show biz.
Thatâs All For TodayâŠ
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đ§ Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Letâs talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

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