Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the only place to learn what’s happening around GR in 5 minutes or less.

Heads up: This will be the last issue of Calder News for the week. I’ll be taking the rest of this week to clean up behind the scenes and take a tiny break.

Don’t worry, you won’t miss anything. I worked a little bit ahead and included events and things to do throughout the weekend.

Have a great Thanksgiving and rest of your week. I’ll greet you from the inbox again on Monday.👋 

~LeQwane L.

Now for today’s news:

• 🦃 Turkey Day in GR

• 💰️City grants by the numbers

• 🍽️ Local business feeds GR families

Turkey Day in Grand Rapids

Thanksgiving is here folks.

It’s that time of year when we all reconnect with close family, friends, and neighbors. And of course, eat some of the best food that can be made in a kitchen.

Whether you’re planning to get together with your people, stay in, or get out — be safe and enjoy yourself.

Here’s what is going on during Thanksgiving

Note: For Thanksgiving, I’m going pie-heavy and light on the events.

Places open for dinner

• FireRock Grille (Buffet) | 11 AM - 4 PM

• Reds (Buffett) | 11 AM - 4 PM

• Rush Creek Bistro (Buffet) | 11 AM - 4 PM

• Cork Wine & Grille (Buffet) | 11 AM - 4 PM

• Ruth’s Chris Steak House (Restaurant) | 11 AM - 4 PM

• Leo’s Seafood (Restaurant + Bar) | 11 AM - 5 PM

• The Kitchen (Restaurant) | 11 AM - 7 PM

• Mel Trotter’s Annual Community Meal | Free meal

Something festive thing to do (or watch)…

• Grand Rapids Turkey Trot | Van Andel Arena | 8:30 AM | Over 6,000 runners are expected to take to downtown in this year’s Turkey Trot — many in costumes.

What’s Happening

A briefing of local news that matters

Resources:  City grants by the numbers

The GR Economic Development Department released a report on their investments this year. And here’s the gist of what they’ve done — invested $5M to improve housing and economic opportunities for low to moderate-income locals, parked $1.4M in the development of affordable housing, and $320,00 in assisting homeless residents. Read more here.

Business:  Woodland Mall’s second breath

Woodland Mall is here to stay. After a year of being in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the mall’s parent company (PREIT) reported they’ve received the finances necessary to operate the location from a stronger financial position.

Charity:  Local business feeds GR families

On Monday, a local business donated thousands of pounds of food to Feeding America West Michigan (FAWM). Thanks to a massive community turnout during its annual Thanksgiving food drive, Comstock Park’s Fritz Wahlfield Construction collected over 5,000 pounds of food. The food was given to FAWM to be distributed for the holidays.

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Community Feature

Ah look, Meijer Gardens posted a look at those mysterious lights in the sky. 🤣

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Events

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday

• Christmas Lite Show | LMCU Ballpark | Nov 27th - Jan 4th

• Harvest Market | Fulton St. Market | 10 AM - 1 PM | Free

• Thanksgiving for Wildlife | Blandford Nature Center | 11 AM - 12 PM | Limited tickets

Friday

• BYOB Lights Trolley | Kusterer Brauhaus | Nov 29th - Dec 22nd | Adults 21+ only

• Black Friday Open Skate | Patterson Ice Center | 4 PM - 6 PM | $5

• Tanks Giving | Vander Mill | 5 PM - 6 PM | $15

• Holiday Tree Lighting | Gaslight Village | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free

• Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Milwaukee Admirals | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Startin at $19

• Avenue Q | National Broadway Theatre | (Thurs - Sun) 7 PM | Starting at $27

• David Dyer (Comedian) | Dr Grins | (Fri, Sat) 7:15 PM or 9:45 PM | $15

Saturday

• Holiday pop up market | DreamPirate Gallery | 12 PM - 7 PM | Free

• The Nutcracker Suite | Centerstage Theatre (Coopersville HS) | 12 PM, 4:30 PM | $15 | A Broadway spectacular with holiday songs and the Nutcracker with dancing and narration

• Winter Wonderland Forest | Cannonsburg | (all weekend) 5 PM - 8:30 PM | $10 | A cheerful outdoor experience with twinkling lights, holiday scenery, and live holiday characters

• Michael Ian Black (Comedian) | Midtown GR | 6 PM, 9 PM | $25

• Grand Rapids Gold vs. Cleveland Charge | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $14

Sunday

• Twas the Night Before Christmas | East GR Performing Arts Center | 2 PM | $20 adults, $15 kids

Live Music

Wednesday

• Grand Rapids Bluegrass Jam | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

• Desmond Jones (Rock/ Funk) | Elevation | 7 PM | $15

• Kyle Jennings (Country) | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM

Friday

• Underoath (Rock band) | GLC Live | 6:30 PM Starting at $53

• Return to Dust (Grunge) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $15

• The Mint (House) | The Intersection | 9 PM | $20

• Album Release Party: Grave Next Door / Ghost Pipe / Malition | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 AM | Free

Saturday

• Violet Clare, Monica James, & Tiny Car Army | The Stray | 7 PM | Free

• Steel Panther (Rock) | GLC Live | 7 PM | Starting at $53

• Space Bar (Jazz) | Tip Top | 8 PM | $10

• Meftah (Soul) | The Pyramid Scheme | Starting at $15 | Adults 21+ only

Sunday

• The Kennedy Affair Band (Blues) | Billy’s Lounge | 1 PM - 5 PM | $10 Cover | Open to all ages

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

Outside The Plaza

2 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Muskegon: The Humane Society in Muskegon is auctioning off a Taylor Swift signed guitar as a part of its annual fundraising event.

Lansing: The Libary of Michigan (located in Lansing) is building a collection of yearbooks. If you have a yearbook you’re interested in donating click here.

That’s All For Today…

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