Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Why Grand Rapids teachers say pay cuts are hurting local classrooms
And check out House of Heavy on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar
Hey there, Grand Rapids! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Why Grand Rapids teachers say pay cuts are hurting local classrooms
- What you'll find at QuiltWeek inside DeVos Place this week
- Planning a visit to Meijer Gardens? See Chihuly like never before
Also on today's calendar: House of Heavy and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 82 and low of 60 degrees.
- Friday: Times of sun and clouds, temps: high: 80, low: 62.
- Saturday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 79 and low of 57 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Study: Michigan teacher salaries have fallen more than any other state (wzzm13.com) — A new study highlighted in Grand Rapids shows Michigan teacher pay has dropped 29% after inflation since 1995, with starting salaries among the nation's lowest. Local union leaders say funding shifts, virtual and charter growth, and budget priorities are pressuring Grand Rapids Public Schools, fueling shortages and prompting calls to prioritize classroom instruction and salaries. 
2. Bedcovers to masterpieces: QuiltWeek Grand Rapids draws quilters from around the world (mlive.com) — Quilters from around the world are in downtown Grand Rapids this week as QuiltWeek takes over DeVos Place with more than 800 quilts, contests, workshops, and a bustling merchant mall. Running through Saturday, the event highlights the city's artsy, walkable core and offers locals a chance to learn new techniques, meet guilds, and explore a thriving quilting community.
3. Vibrant glass art takes over Meijer Gardens grounds (detroitnews.com) — Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids is glowing with massive Dale Chihuly glass installations indoors and out, in the largest exhibition the park has ever hosted. Running through November outdoors and January 2027 inside, the show mixes timed-entry gallery experiences with meandering garden trails, giving locals months to explore world-class glass art woven into familiar West Michigan landscapes.
4. Researchers say wildfire smoke cost Michigan businesses over $4 billion (woodtv.com subscription) — Wildfire smoke's poor air quality in July cost Michigan businesses an estimated $4 billion, according to researchers, with the report datelined from Grand Rapids. Local shops faced closures and canceled events, and the Michigan Chamber urges Grand Rapids-area owners to plan for sudden shutdowns and budget for potential losses. The analysis also shows Michigan among the hardest-hit states nationwide.
5. Grand Rapids Bug Club gathers West Michigan bug enthusiasts (therapidian.org) — Bug lovers in Grand Rapids have a growing monthly meetup at Speciation Cellars, where the Grand Rapids Bug Club blends insect education, crafts, and social time. Recent gatherings featured a dragonfly talk, connections to the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, and even a playful "Bug Your Reps" letter-writing activity, making it a lively hub for eco-minded neighbors.
📸 Around Grand Rapids
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- House of Heavy →
Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Dr SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503
8:00 pm - KF Open House 1st-5th- Last names A-L
Knapp Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI 49546
4:30 pm - KF Open House 1st-5th- Last names M-Z
Knapp Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI 49546
5:00 pm - EGRHS Parent Forum
East Grand Rapids High School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
6:30 pm - Senior Treats
Northern High School Forest Hills , 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rap
7:30 am - PTO New Parent Coffee; playground
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
8:15 am - PTO General Mtg; playground
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
8:30 am - PTO Back-to-School Bash
Breton Downs Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
4:00 pm - Back to School Picnic
Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
5:30 pm - Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer →
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
6:30 pm - Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends →
Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
8:45 pm
Thursday August 20
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
Tuesday September 1
Saturday September 5
📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Opening Day Breakfast
Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Grand Rapids, MI 49509
8:00 am - Northville MI shopping and Genetti's Hole in the wall Dinner Theater →
Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
8:00 am - Thursday: Fit & Strong →
Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
9:00 am - Thursdays: Flex & Focus →
Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
9:45 am
Thursday August 20
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- ISO kitten for adoption.
We typically adopt adult animals from the shelter. However, my daughter (5) is extremely excited about the prospect of raising a kitten. I'd… (Nextdoor East Grand Rapids) - It you own white ducks and chickens and live on or around Bonanza dr ne, they are free roaming in everyone's yard!
Just FYI .. Many of us have cats and dogs . I don't think it's a safe place to do that! I have noticed them several mornings for the last couple of… (Nextdoor 5 Mile Beltline)
- J&P Hospitality Management, LLC posted a job opening for Housekeeper (Room Attendant) - Birch Hill Suites in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
- Schreiber Foods posted a job opening for Sanitation Technician (Night Shift, $27.25 Starting Hourly Pay (Shift Premium Included)) in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.
Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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