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- š Watch for door knockers in GR | July 7th, 2025
š Watch for door knockers in GR | July 7th, 2025
Plus, homelessness on the rise, solar project stalled, comic fan meet

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Hello, Grand Rapids. Iām LeQwane and this is Calder News ā your go-to newsletter to stay updated on whatās happening around Grand Rapids.
I hope everyone still has the same number of fingers as they went into the weekend with.
Since the holiday was on a Friday, this week might seem extra long, but I am here with you, GR.
Let's get to it!
~LeQwane L.

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Make Summer Memories Here
Together with: The YMCA
Thereās still time to make this summer unforgettable! Register now for YMCA Camp Manitou-Lināwhere kids build confidence, make lifelong friends and have nonstop outdoor fun.
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids members receive a $100 discount on overnight camp using the code CAMPFUN100.
Donāt miss outāthereās still time to make this summer unforgettable!
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Safety
Door Knocking Scams
Kent County officials are warning residents about door-to-door solicitors offering home repair services this summer. The Sheriff's Office has already received several complaints from homeowners who agreed to driveway repairs at one price, only to be charged significantly more afterward. To avoid problems, officials recommend always checking for permits, licenses, and asking for written estimates. | Read more safety tips
Community
Rise In Homelessness
Kent County is facing a significant rise in homelessness, with shelters reporting record numbers. Degage Ministries has seen the number of women staying nightly nearly triple since 2020. According to the latest Housing Kent report, rent and housing prices continue to outpace local wages, pushing many residents closer to homelessness. | Read more
Energy
Plainfield Township Solar Project Stalled
Plans for a floating solar project on a Plainfield Township pond have hit major roadblocks, and officials say it may stop. The township and developer White Pine Renewables initially expected the solar panels to save millions in electricity costs for the township water plant. But rising costs and funding uncertainty have stalled the project. But the project may still happen if the developer secures additional funding soon. | Learn more
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Community Feature

Photo of The Thunder Birds at Field of Flight | Taken by Tim Largent
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
š° WoW Grants Are Open
Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. has opened its grant program to help you bring your project to life. Any members of the community can submit their idea for an event, sculpture, wraps, etc for a chance to get $10K to make it happen.
𦸠Comic Geek Out Returns
The GRPL is hosting a celebration for comic book fans, cosplayers, fandoms, and creatives at the main library on July 26th. The event is free to attend and is a way to engage and interact with other comic fans.
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Whatās Happening?
Preview: Events ā> Live Music
Monday, July 7th
Reading Club Meet | Kusterer Brauhaus | 7 PM | Free
Tuesday, July 8th
Captains vs. Whitecaps | LMCU Ballpark | 6:35 PM | Starting at $14
Wednesday, July 9th
Gather GR: Night Market | 555 Monroe North Lot | 6 PM - 9 PM
Shrek 2 in Concert | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Starting at $50
Events Happening All Week
Various family/ individual events | Free | Check out what recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
SOUL Basketball League | Garfield Park Basketball Courts | Various times | Free to participate
Beer City Open (Pickleball) | Belknap Park | Various times | $20-$30
Live Music
Monday, July 7th
Benje Daneman & Kanola Band | Millennium Park | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Bailey and Ellie | John Collins Park | 7 PM | Free
Tuesday, July 8th
Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish (Rock) | Lamar Park | 6 PM | Free
Wednesday, July 9th
BareNakeD Vinyl | Legacy Park (Ada) | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
Multiple concerts | Beacon Hill | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but thatās show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
Thatās All For Todayā¦
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