Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the best place to read about what’s happening around Grand Rapids. Quick, clean, and easy.

In today’s newsletter, you’ll read about Michigan’s new home buyer program, GRPS renaming a school, a popular summer event being scrapped, and more.

Before we get into the email, I need your help settling at debate.

I was talking to a friend about how people will always shop for things in person (when they can). But a friend of mine is confident in-person shopping is dead.

So my question for you is…

Thank you for supporting Calder News. It may seem small, but I’m thankful you’re taking the time to read today’s issue. 🫡 

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

State

Get Help Buying Your First Home

The State of Michigan has launched a new program to help first-gen homebuyers buy their first home. The program is named the “First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program” and it offers $25,000 in down payment support — which includes closing costs, down payments, and pre-paid expenses. The program is available to anyone in Michigan. | Learn the eligibility requirements here

Education

GRPS School Renamed To Honor Individual

Central High School is set to be renamed this month in honor of Hattie Beverly — the district’s first African American teacher in 1899. As an initiative to celebrate black history, GRPS will reveal the school’s new name at a dedicated ceremony this Friday. | Read more here

Local Elections

Kent County Commissioner Runs For Mayor

Kent County’s four-term commissioner, Monica Sparks is running to be Kentwood’s mayor. If elected, Mrs. Sparks would be the first woman and third African American to serve as Mayor of Kentwood. | Learn more about her campaign bid here

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

👗 Prom Dress Drive

Mix 95.7/ Magic 104.9, Two Men and a Truck are teaming up to offer Grand Rapids families free prom dresses. And they need your help. Hundreds of dresses have been collected so far, however, the drive is aiming to giveaway over 1,000 dresses. From now until March 16th, you can drop off gently used dresses at any Two Men and a Truck location.

🍹 New Bar To Replace Kale’s Korner

A new bar is opening on Bridge Street in the coming months. Located at the former Kale’s Korner (511 Bridge St. NW), this new spot is starting to pick up some publicity.

🐉 Popular Waterfront Event Canceled

The GR Asian Pacific Foundation has canceled its “Annual Dragon Boat Race” for this year due to funding issues. But, not all is bad. Because the ever-growing Asian Pacific festival is set for June 13 - 15th at Calder Plaza.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, February 19th

• WoW: Art installation tour | Rosa Parks Circle | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free

• Silent Book Club | Sip Coffee & Cocktails | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free | RSVP Here | Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no assigned reading, no pressure to contribute, and no expectation to be social.

• Trivia Night | Stella’s Lounge | 6:30 PM | Free

• Flashlight Tour: GR Art Museum | GRAM | 6:30 PM - 8 PM | $15 tickets

• GR Griffn’s vs. Lehigh Vallery Phantoms | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $19

• Comedy Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free

Thursday, February 20th

• Free Museum night | GRAM | 5 PM - 9 PM | Free

• “All the Presidents’ Money” | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum | 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free | A tax attorney and wealth manager Megan Gorman guides us through personal money stories of U.S. presidents

• Concert Under The Stars | GR Public Museum | (Thurs - Fri) 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | $24 tickets | An immersive full-dome concert experience at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium

• Grand Rapids Rise vs. Columbus Fury | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $18

• Next to Normal | Aquinas College Theatre | 7:30 PM (Th-Sat), 2:30 PM (Sun) | $15 | AQ Theatre presents the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Next to Normal.

• Karaoke Night | General Wood Shop | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free

Friday, February 21st

• Peter Pan Ballet | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri - Sun) Various times | Tickets starting at $35

• Official Unofficial Pre-Party for Winter Beer Fest 2025 | City Built Brewing | 3 PM - 10 PM | Free

• KOAN Sound at ChronoHarp | Calder Plaza | 6 PM - 10 PM | Free | Listen to 4 talened DJs throughout the night

• GR Griffins vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Tickets start at $18

• Comedy Hour | Founders Brewing | 8:30 PM | $20 (comes with 2 drinks and parking)

Live Music

Thursday, February 20th

• Cécile McLorin Salvant Concert | St. Cecilia | 7:30 PM - 9 PM | Tickets start at $30

Friday, February 21st

• A Tribute Night to the Eagles | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Tickets start at $29

• Smells Like Nirvana Tribute | The Stache | 7 PM | $12

• Jay Cotter (Jamtronica) | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free

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

Outside The Plaza

3 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Moncalm County:  West Michigan is hosting the World Ice Fishing Championship and local businesses are thriving with the increased traffic.

Michigan:  11 Locations across Michigan were been registered as “Historic Places” in 2024 — click here to see what was logged.

Portage: City officials in Portage have allocated an estimated $20M to fund road improvements for the public.

That’s All For Today…

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