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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News —and I have bad news. And good news.
Good news first (because it’s Monday). I’m planning Calder News’ first-ever reader event this fall. I can’t share details just yet, but trust me, it’s going to be worth the wait.
Now the bad: The Calder Crew Card will not be happening.
The idea was to partner with local restaurants to give you discounts, but I underestimated how tough it would be to line up enough businesses. Lesson learned. We’ll revisit it next year with more lead time.
I appreciate you taking the time to read today’s newsletter.
Now, let’s get into what you’re here for.
~LeQwane L.
Interested in having your business, organization, or event covered in Calder News? Contact me to talk about how we can collaborate.
Back To School

Classrooms are filling up again as the new school year kicks off.
Here are some important dates for some of the most notable districts around Grand Rapids:
Grand Rapids Public Schools, East Grand Rapids, and Grandville students return Monday, Aug. 18,
Lowell starts Aug. 19
Forest Hills and Jenison follow on Aug. 20.
Kentwood and Northview head back Aug. 25
Byron Center on Aug. 26
And Comstock Park waits until Sept. 2.
With staggered starts across the county, double-check calendars because nothing says “first day of school” like sending the kids off to the bus stop a week early.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Taxation
Millage Renewal
The GRPM and John Ball Zoo want voters to renew a 10-year property tax to keep animals, artifacts, and exhibits in top shape while they invest in their programs. Initially approved in 2016, the millage would continue through 2035, costing the owner of a $200,000 home about $42 a year and raising nearly $15 million annually. | Read more
Resources
Ministry Center Approved For Leonard
Matthew’s House Ministry has received final approval to open a new community center at Leonard Street and Powers Avenue. The nonprofit provides food for hundreds of families each month and temporary shelter for ~20 people. They’ll move from 7th Street on the Westside to the new location early next year. | Read more
Environment
$2M to Block Invasive Species
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is getting $2.1 million in federal funding to build a sea lamprey barrier on the Grand River, about a mile upstream from the 6th Street Dam. The barrier would protect more than 4,000 river miles from the destructive species, helping restore native fish. This project is a part of the “Restoring the Rapids” project, which is trying to bring back fast-moving currents and reactivate the river. | Read more
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Talk Of The Town
🛹 Skateboarding classes for all
On Thursday, Chill Foundation, Premier Skate Shop, and Friends of GR Parks are hosting a skateboarding workshop for all ages at Clemente DIY. The class is free for everyone and is meant to be a full experience.
🎉 Boston Square Early Learning Center Opens
After undergoing a long construction process, the Boston Square Early Learning Center is open to the public. It’ll support the community, refugees, and local children.
Opening:
🥗 Dirty Plate Bistro — Chef Benjamin Striewski is bringing a new restaurant to East Hills. The spot will serve a range of food from Italian to Indian. Offering unique eats based on which local ingredients can be sourced that week.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Tuesday, August 19th
Free Yoga Day | Funky Buddha | All Day | Free
Whitecaps vs. Lugnuts | LMCU Ball Park | (Tue - Sat) Various times | Starting $18
Spicy Bingo | Pages and Grapes | 6:30 PM | ?
Wednesday, August 20th
AQS QuiltWeek | DeVos Place | (Wed - Sat) Various times | Starting at $12
Golden Hour Wildflowers Paint Night | Thornapple Brewing Co. | 6 PM | $35
KIDZ BOP LIVE | DeVos Performance Hall | 6 PM | $50
Grand Rapids Game Show Experience | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6:30 PM | $10
Ignited Midweek Miles | Riverside Park | 7 PM | $39.60
Upcoming Events
Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events being hosted at your local public library this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
Live Music
Monday, August 18th
The Kennedy Affair | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Foxing + Vagabonds + Cheap Emotion | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $30
The Pink Stones wsg Erin Monroe | Tip Top Bar | 7 PM | $17
Tuesday, August 19th
Strumble Head | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Ben Steer | The Blue Gill | 6 PM | Free
Wednesday, August 20th
Mr. Smith & the Jones | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Jazz on Bridge | 433 Bridge St. | 6 PM | Free
Teddy Brewer | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM | Free
Styx and Stones | Circle Theatre | 7 PM | $25
Neal Francis - Return To Zero Tour + Smushie | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $27.50
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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