Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — And I’m willing to bet you forgot to say Happy Birthday yesterday…
To Who? The mitten.
Michigan officially became a state 189 years ago yesterday. She might be an old girl with tons of snow and fake springs, but I wouldn’t trade her for anything.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Housing
Townhomes Coming To Boston Square
A plan for around 25 for-sale townhomes at 1150 Adams St SE in Boston Square is a step closer to reality. The ~$11M project by Amplify GR and Habitat Kent would prioritize buyers earning up to 80% of the area median income. Construction could start in 2027, with homes ready as soon as 2028. | Read more
City
Rapids Restoration Project
The project to bring back the rapids to the Grand River received greenlight on the USDA’s NRCS potential environmental impact report. The approval helps clear the way for federal funding. The project would remove 4 low-head dams between Fulton Street and I-196, reshape the riverbed, and improve habitat and safety. The city is reviewing contractor bids now, with work expected to start in July. | Read more
Education
Grandville Superintendent Announces Retirement
Grandville Public Schools Superintendent Roger Bearup announced his retirement for this summer. He has led the district for 10+ years, including major building projects like a new middle school and robotics center. The school board says a search for the next superintendent will start in the coming months. Bearup will stay in the role until July. | Read more
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We Asked Grand Rapids 🤔
On Friday, we asked, “Which neighborhood has the best food?”
Here are the results of the poll:
Apologies for saying that the results would go out on Monday. I reverted to old habbits thinking of our old publishing schedule. sigh…
Contribute To The Crew
Calder News is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (outside of our video editor, it’s just me).
Your contributions go toward keeping the Crew going so I can have more fun, build more community, and create a team. I appreciate any and all support my friends! - LeQwane
Civic and Community Update
On the agenda for today’s City Commission meeting:
📲 Mobile GR Commission appointments (2 new members)
💼 $10K grant to help minority local businesses
🏘️ ~$176K to the city’s Affordable Housing Fund
🚴 $5.9M for Grand River Trails East connection (Eastern RR to Ann St)
🚦 $311K local share for a pedestrian beacon at Lyon + Fuller
🏠 Housing Next contract increase (+$35K) for housing practice support
Location: 300 Monroe Ave NW
Time: 7 PM (open to the community)
P.S. If you want to get involved in decisions and planning in town, there are tons of board and committee positions open.
Talk Of The Town
Marketing Professional Awards
The American Advertising Awards is hosting an award night (the Addys) at the JW Marriott on Feb. 27th. The event is a way to recognize local professionals and celebrate creative advertising. Local marketers can submit their best work for recognition through Jan. 30th.
Talking Shop
🥪 Chuck N’ Monkey’s → A chef-driven sandwich shop is coming to Grandville in February. The new deli (of sorts) will operate inside of Oakestown Brewery at 4051 Chicago Dr.
✨ Keke’s Kitchen → The southeast side of town has a new brunch spot called Keke’s Kitchen. The new restaurant, located at 1269 Madison Ave Se features breakfast foods and a late-night menu
Want to share good news with 5,300+ other GR locals?
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, January 27th
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ | Civic Theatre | (Tue - Sun, last day) Various times | $0+
Kimberly Akimbo | Broadway GR | (Tue - Sun) Various times | $40+
Dinner + Workshop: Family Financial Education | City High Middle School | 5:30 PM | Free
Wednesday, January 28th
GRPS Expo & Info Fair | 1400 Fuller | 4:30 PM | Free
Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Cleveland Monsters | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $28+
Thursday, January 29th
Michigan International Auto Show | DeVos Place | (Thu - Sun) Various times | $5+
MLK Community Center Job Fair | Neland Ave Church | 4 PM | Free
Free Admissions | GRAM | 5 PM | Free
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Orlando Valkyries | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19
Unscripted (Open Mic) | SILVA | 7 PM | Free
Friday, January 30th
Friday Night Food Trucks | 555 Monroe | 6 PM
RedeemedBingoBubbly.com | Redeemed Style at Venue3Two | 6:30 PM | ?
Grand Rapids Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $28+
Live Music
Tuesday, January 27th
Teddy Brewer | Holiday Bar | 6 PM | Free
Black women in Jazz | KDL Cascade Branch | 6:30 PM | Free
Albert Lee with special guests The Cryers | Tip Top | 7 PM | $33
Oldtime Jams | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
Wednesday, January 28th
Matt Foresman | Holiday Bar | 6 PM | Free
The Jet Stone Conspiracy | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $27
Thursday, January 29th
REDACTED | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Kyle Brown | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
Alex Mays | Holiday Bar | 6 PM | Free
Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM | $18.50
Abuse Repression, Dawn of Agony, Cylindrical Blazingstar, Life Sentence | Latch Key Church | 7 PM | $5+
The Toasters | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $23
Jersey Night with Mellow and Danax House | Mulligna’s Pub | 9 PM | Free
Friday, January 30th
Cat Daddy Jazz Trio | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free
Tony Thompson | Holiday Bar | 6 PM | Free
Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM | $23
Green Acres EP Release Show | The Stache | 7 PM | $10
Jacob Mcleod with Soph Vandlen, Stanley & Quiggle | The Stray | 7 PM | $11
Music for the end of the world: Messiaen / Normal Mode | Alger Park Church | 7:30 PM | Free
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free
Jason Eller | Garage Bar | 8 PM | Free
The Chronicles of Shlump | Elevation | 8:30 PM |
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles | Wealthy Theatre | 8:45 PM | $18
Six String Revival | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | ?
American Cheese, Nellie, Bly, Paper Sound | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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