🌱 Former NFL Player At Local School + Return Of Spectrum's 5K

Up and at 'em, Grand Rapids! Let's get this Friday started off right. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening today in Grand Rapids.

---

First, today's weather:

A bit of snow and rain. High: 42 Low: 19.

---

Here are the top 3 stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. The Grand Rapids African American Museum has added new exhibits for Black History Month. The "In Every War" exhibit can be found at the Grand Rapids Public Library. History that is highlighted includes stories of the Harlem Hellcats or the Tuskegee Airmen. (WOODTV.com)
2. Kids at Saint Paul the Apostle were surprised this week when they walked into the cafeteria and saw a former NFL player serving their food. The recently retired star Jared Veldheer filled the vacancy at the school to help provide children in the area with unique and nutritious meals. (WZZM13.com)
3. For the 38th year, Spectrum's Irish Jig 5K will return this March. It will be held Saturday, Mar. 19 at East Grand Rapids High School Gerken Field. Costumes are encouraged although not required. The 5K raises funds for colorectal cancer prevention and awareness. (GR|MAG)

---

From our sponsor:

Tackling a big to-do list around the house to start the new year? Our partners at Thumbtack, the home services app, have made hiring trusted local pros for pretty much any job extremely easy and intuitive. In minutes, you can find a painter, plumber, roofer or someone to help with small jobs such as trash hauling or appliance repair. And Thumbtack's rating system can give you confidence that you're hiring a quality pro you can count on. Click here to get started.

---

Today in Grand Rapids:

• Roller Skating & Happier Hour At GR Skate & Event Center (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The February 2022 edition of the Dept. of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing's e-newsletter, the CP Dispatch, features some of the GRPD community-based programs. (Facebook)
• Start your year of art! Become a GRAM member by 3/31 and receive an additional four months free. (Facebook)
• Earlier this week, the new boutique store Periwinkle Fog celebrated its soft opening at 125 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 160. The grand opening is on Feb. 12th. (Facebook)

---

Loving the Grand Rapids Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

---

You're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.