Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

I like my barbecue hot and smoky, but I definitely don’t like my air that way. It’s a tough week to be a Michigander with the heat wave, wildfire smoke, and prohibited lettuce and berries. I hope you’re staying safe out there!

Now, allow me to bring some good news to your inbox this morning.

~Jenny F.

Together with: Bamboo

Next Thursday, local business owners and influencers will gather at Bamboo Grand Rapids for the inaugural 2-day retreat called Grove.

If you are a founder, creator, or operator of a business, you won’t want to miss this gathering of experts and information.

Hear speakers talk about pitches that work, marketing without blowing your budget, and automating your work with AI. And then rub elbows with other attendees at the networking and meal meetups.

Tickets are still available for this unique learning opportunity.

A briefing of local news that matters

Community

When GRPS scheduled the day to erect a playground at The Ford Academic Center, they didn’t know it would be over 90 degrees, but volunteers showed up Wednesday despite the heat to build at the former president’s elementary school. The new playground has 100% accessible playground equipment and surfacing, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy it. See more details.

Development

The Heritage Hill neighborhood is known for its historic homes, but it’s about to get some new buildings. Development will soon start on two lots that have sat vacant for 50 years. They will be transformed into affordable duplex housing. Read more here.

Housing

The residents of East Grand Rapids have tried suing the planning committee about a 147-unit development slated for Gaslight Village, but despite local outrage, the planning committee voted on Wednesday to move forward with the project. See more details.

Have news to report? Click here.

Terra teased a new location coming to Ada, where you’ll get the best of both Terra GR (in the evening) and Terra Bagels (in the morning).

Artists and vendors can rent space and display their creations in the new Endcap Collective on the corner of Division and Wealthy.

The new Smoothie King on Alpine is hosting their Grand Opening on July 25th, featuring discounted drinks, swag giveaways, and more.

We thought Atwater Brewing was here to stay when Mark Rieth announced he was buying back the brand, but it turns out he was only interested in the Detroit and Grosse Pointe locations. The GR taproom is expected to close by the end of the month.

Two Sons Pizza used to be open for the length of the long weekend, but now you can get a slice any day of the week.

Nick Fink’s, the Comstock Park bar that has been open since 1888, is currently up for sale.

Yesterdog is celebrating 50 years with live music, discount dogs, and appearances from American Pie screenwriter Adam Herz from July 21st to 23rd.

🙋‍♂️ Help Clean Up Grand Rapids

The City of Grand Rapids is looking for helpers for their Community Clean-up Day on Wednesday, July 22nd. Volunteers will get a complimentary lunch.

📖 Geek Out With Fellow Comic Lovers

Grand Rapids Public Library is hosting a Comic Geek Out at their downtown branch on Saturday, July 18th. Enjoy free activities, snacks, books, and a meet-and-greet with voice actor Damien Haas.

🤘Metal Festival Takes Over Belknap Park

If you live near Belknap Park and are not a fan of heavy metal, you may want to get out of town this weekend. The Upheaval Festival will be rocking the area today and tomorrow.

🎵 Summer Sounds Continue at Downtown Market

The Downtown Market’s Summer Sounds Under the Shed series continues this Saturday. Enjoy yard games, food from Market Hall, and free music from 5-8pm.

Grand Rapids has a lot of great restaurants and bars, but what’s not always great is getting around town to enjoy them. Parking is limited (allegedly), and traffic can be rough.

The Michigan Street Corridor Improvement Authority wants to make it easier. With the help of Uptown Grand Rapids and MobileGR, starting next week, they are offering a complimentary shuttle from downtown to Michigan Street and back again.

Dubbed Free Shuttle Fridays, the shuttle will run every 20 minutes, taking riders between Pauly’s Wine Experience and Civic Theater all night long, allowing locals and visitors a chance to see two sides of the city in one night without the hassle of driving and parking.

See more details.

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