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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the local newsletter that’s like a surprise Costco sample stand when you’re hungry: small, mighty, and exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
In today’s newsletter, I’ll catch you up on the advisories, new development projects, the former mayor’s new gig, and of course, what to do around town this weekend.
I hope your Friday is going smoothly so far. And I appreciate you taking the time to read today’s issue.
With that said, let’s dive into today’s issue!
~LeQwane L.
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
Affordable Housing Coming to Alger Heights
A new $6M housing development called The Heights on Burton is planned for the northwest corner of Alger Heights. The four-story project, led by local health care entrepreneur Gabriel Grant, will feature 20 fully accessible housing units and three ground-floor commercial suites — all designed to support those with mobility challenges. Backed by a city grant, the development aims to provide affordable, inclusive housing in a neighborhood that has lacked investment. | Read more about the development project
People
What’s Next for Bliss
After two terms as Grand Rapids’ first female mayor, Rosalynn Bliss has announced her next chapter — joining Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine as assistant dean and chief external relations officer. She’ll lead communications and community outreach. Making a continued focus on health and community development, this time from the academic side of the city. | Read more here
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Restaurant Of The Week
Ever wanted to try a deli that’s not quite a deli?
Well, I’d recommend checking out Eastern Deli. Located just off the corner of Eastern and Burton. This “deli” doesn’t sell bread, baked goods, or sweet treats. It serves up some of the best burgers, gyros, and subs in town.
With fresh ingredients and with loving hands, I’ve never gone there and not seen some sort of line slowly accumulate. They’ve got 4.6 stars from 700+ Google reviews.
And what’s even better is they made Calder New’s Restaurant of The Week — obviously I don’t have a bias. 😉 If you’re out to get takeout for dinner or lunch anytime over this weekend, try this spot when you get a chance. Plan on spending ~$35 for two.
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
✅ Advisories Lifted
Following up on our latest issue, the boil water advisory in Wyoming has been canceled as of this morning. And thanks to yesterday’s rain, the no burn notice has been lifted heading into the weekend.
📰 Old Newspapers And The Internet Meet
The Grand Rapids Public Library just made digging into local history way easier—digitizing a huge portion of old newspapers and putting them online for the community at no cost. No more scrolling microfilm to track down a headline from the 1800s.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Friday, May 2nd
Children’s Clothing Sale | York Creek Community Center | (Fri, Sat) Various times | Free to attend | Gently used and some new kids Clothes from Newborn to Youth 18. $1 each or $10 a bag. Free shoes
GRMoMs Semi-Annual Sale | Woodhaven Reformed Church | (Fri - Sat) | Free to attend
Tulip Time Kick Off | Holland | More details
First Fridays | Uptown GR | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free to attend | Explore Uptown Grand Rapids shops, restaurants, and local businesses as they stay open late on the first Friday of every month
Grand Rapids Rise Vs. Omaha Supernovas | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $19
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical! | Circle Theatre | 7 PM | Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping
Saturday, May 3rd
KCAD Annual Student Exhibition | Kendall College | (Sat - next Sun) 7 AM - 6 PM | Free to attend | A dynamic showcase of the accomplishments and creative talents of our 2025 graduating seniors
Opening Day | Fulton St. Market | 8 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend | kick off our 2025 Main Season by shopping with dozens of local farmers, food entrepreneurs, and concession vendors
Metro Cruise Dust Off | Wyoming Moose Lodge | 9 AM - 1 PM | Free to attend
Nature Makers Market | Blandford Nature Center | 9 AM - 3 PM | Free to attend | Over 30 vendors will sell handcrafted goods including jewelry, textiles, prints and illustrations, stickers, ceramics, and more
Cold Coffee Workshop | Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. | 11 AM - 12:30 PM | $25 | This class dives into the world of coffee, breaks down the iced coffee and cold bre,w and teaches you how to build a perfect iced latte like a pro
Open House | Swing365 GR | 11 AM - 2 PM
Tacos & Tequila Festival | LMCU Ballpark | 3 PM | $60 | 25 taco vendors, 150+ tequila, margarita, beer, cider, and seltzers, Flip Cup world record attempt, a band, churro eating contest, and more
Cinco de Mayo Party | IDC | 4 PM - 11:45 PM | $10 | Spice up your Cinco de Mayo at IDC with DJ Sanjay bringing the heat all night long
Harlem Nights: Gala 2025 | GRAM | 5:30 PM - 11:30 PM | $300
Choose Your Own Improv - Comedy Show | Comedy Project | 9 PM - 10:15 PM | $17 | This 75-minute show is like a live-action version of the classic “Choose Your Own…” books
Sunday, May 4th
Collectibles Toy Show | American Legion Post 179 | 10 AM - 3 PM | Free to attend | A must see event for all ages from seasoned collectors to new hobbyists
2nd Annual Love For Lily Hope for PDCD | Fulton St. Market | 11 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend | Enjoy a fun-filled day at Fulton Street Market with artisan vendors, live music, food trucks, raffles, and more
GR Symphony Star Wars: A New Hope | Van Andel Arena | 2 PM | Starting at $29
Mother's Day in Full Bloom | Hammer & Stain West Michigan | 2 PM | $45 | At this DIY workshop, you'll make a 3D Floral Bouquet or a Boot/Tea Pot Ceramic with Wood Flower Bouquet
Star Wars: A New Hope (Ojibwe dubbed) | GR Public Museum | 2:30 PM | Free to attend when registered | The groundbreaking Ojibwe-dubbed version of Star Wars: A New Hope is coming to the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Meijer Theater
Cinco De Mayo Locas Drag Show | General Wood Shop | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | $10 | A night of performances, bold looks, and energy as our cast of queens turn up the heat and serve
Sunday Night Funnies | Spectrum Entertainment Complex | 7:30 PM | Free to attend
Live Music
Friday, May 2nd
Invent Animate + Silent Planet | Elevation | 6 PM | $25
Tyler Rich | The Stache | 7 PM | $15
Chris Clayton | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Rusko w/ SubDocta | The Intersection | 8 PM | $10 adv, $30
Wave Cage + Caleb | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM - 11 PM | Free to attend
Double Wide Ride | Twisted Bull Saloon | 9:30 PM - 1:30 AM | Free to attend
Saturday, May 3rd
Giovannie & the Hired Guns | The Satche | 7 PM | $20
Joe Hertler | Elevation | 7 PM | $20
Sunday, May 4th
J Oscar Bittinger | Wealthy Theatre | 3 PM | Starting at $15
Spring Handbell Concert: There's No Place Like Home | Cornerstone University | 3 PM - 4:30 PM | Starting at $12
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah: Performing The Debut Album + Knifeplay | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $25
The Hip Abduction | Elevation | 7 PM | $25
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
Ottawa County: Commissioners approve new affordable housing
Newton Township: Binder Park Zoo reopens for 50th season
That’s All For Today…
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