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- đ This popular GR bridge is getting makeover | May 28th, 2025
đ This popular GR bridge is getting makeover | May 28th, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Iâm LeQwane and this is Calder News â and itâs good to be back!
In todayâs issue, Iâll cover a new farm development, GRFDâs accomplishment, events, and more.
I hope youâre having a great week so far. And if youâre not, there are only two days until the weekend.đ
~LeQwane L.

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Whatâs Next For GRPS Seniors?

Over the past few weeks, thousands of high school students from Grand Rapids have graduated.
So whatâs next for them?
Nearly half of last year's college-bound GRPS grads chose Grand Rapids Community College, making it the most popular higher-ed destination for the district's students.
GRCC enrolled 48% of the 397 GRPS students heading to college, followed by Grand Valley (17%) and then MSU (7.8%).
Aquinas College ranked highest among private colleges. Overall, grads were evenly split between two-year and four-year schools, highlighting GRCC's strong appeal for local students.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Community
Urban Farm Coming to Creston Area
New City Neighbors got the green light to transform a vacant 5.5-acre lot on Ball NE into an urban farm and youth training center. Whatâs the farm for? The new farm will help hundreds of local students learn farming skills, provide fresh produce for food pantries, and offer incubation space for emerging farmers. The project will also preserve local green space in the Creston area. Construction on the farm will start this fall and its first set of crops should grow by next year. | Read more here
City
GR Fire Dept. Earns Top Rating
Grand Rapids Fire Department has maintained its top-tier ISO Class 1 rating, making it the only department in Michigan and among the top 2% nationwide to earn this award. The rating recognizes exceptional performance in emergency response, dispatch services, and water supply infrastructure. The department plans to keep improving, including opening the new Kendall Fire Station, to further boost public safety as the city continues to grow. | Read what the city has to say
Public
Popular Bridge Gets a Summer Makeover
The historic Gillett Bridge downtown is set to get a makeover. Starting in July, the city will spend nearly $900K to replace the worn-out deck, repaint railings, and upgrade lighting on the popular pedestrian crossing near DeVos Place. The bridge was originally built for trolley cars over a century ago, but now serves as a daily route for locals. Itâll close early July and reopen just after Labor Day, looking better and safer than ever. | Learn the update specifics
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
đïž Fill Your Trash Bag with Clothes
Wear Forward, a popular thrift store on 207 E Main Street in Lowell, is hosting a âFill A Bagâ sale this Saturday. The event costs $20 and allows you to bring your own 10-gallon trash bag to fill with clothes. If youâre a thifter, this may be worth checking out!
đ Art Prize Registrations Ending
Art Prize is closing its registrations for artists and art venues this Friday. Want to have your work featured or have your business host a few pieces? Visit this site to learn more.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
Where Wednesday

What street is this iconic building located on? |
I will include the answer to this at the bottom of Fridayâs newsletter. đ«Ą
Featured Event
Glory Days! A musical celebration. đ Sullivan Field Fans of Valley Field are putting together a local music videoâand youâre invited. Whether you sing, play an instrument, dance, or just want to be silly, you can be a part of a music video shoot set to Bruce Springsteenâs âGlory Daysâ for free. |
Whatâs Happening?
Preview: Events â> Live Music
Wednesday, May 28th
Event Management Training | Downtown Grand Rapids Inc | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free to attend | Learn how to do event production on public property
Music Bingo Night | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Karaoke Night
Forty Acres | 7 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Mulliganâs Pub | 9 PM - 12 AM | Free to attend
Trivia Night
Ed Dunneback & Girl's Farm | 7 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend
Harmony Brewing Company | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Brickyard Tavern | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Fratelli's | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Comedy Night
River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free to attend
Thursday, May 29th
Congress Mural Unveiling | Baldwin St. SE | 9 AM | Free to attend
Gianmarco Soresi | The BOB | (Thu - Sat) Various times | Starting at $15
Community Night | GRAM | 5 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend
Event Management Training | Downtown Grand Rapid Inc | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free to attend
Food System Plan Community Celebration | Fulton Street Framerâs Market | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend
Paws on the Patio | Mammoth Distilling | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend
Karaoke Night | General Wood Shop | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Open Mic Poetry | Black Dog Books and Records | 7 PM
Trivia
Perrin Brewing | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Vander Mill | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend
Friday, May 30th
Parade of Homes | Around Grand Rapids | (5/30 - 6/7) Various times | $12, free for children under 12
Second Best Sale | Grand Rapids Latvian Association | (Fri - Sat ) Various times | Free to attend
The Westside Wiffle Ball Classic | Sullivan Field (Valley Field) | 4:30 PM - 10:30 PM | Free to attend for spectators
The McElroys | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM | Starting at $63
EveryHeart Rally | Rosa Parks Circle | 7 PM - 9:30 PM | Free to attend
Silent Disco | Social Dance Studio | 7 PM - 12 AM | $20
Donât Tell Comedy | Secret Location Downtown GR | 8 PM | $25
Attend anytime this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
Live Music
Wednesday, May 28th
Sheer Terror + The Sissy Boys + MDOP + Peace $ells | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $28.50
Sessanta V2.0 featuring Primus, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle Live | Van Andel Arena | 7:30 PM | $51
Thursday, May 29th
Hippo Campus | GLC Live | 7 PM | $48
Carriers, Major Murphy, Turtledoves | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free to attend
Cosmic Supreme Tour featuring John Mark McMillan + Citizens | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $33
Friday, May 30th
Gyasi | The Intersection | 7 PM | $22
Super-Secret Cult Band | ArtRat Gallery | 7 PM - 10 PM | $25
Birdie Country + The Mannequins + Big Loser + New Troy | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $17
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 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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