In the Community from ACEH April 14

"Prejudice is a great time saver.  You can form an opinion without having to get the facts…E. B. White, American writer.

 

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please contact hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com.  Events List is also posted on the ACEH website, www.harmonyalliance.org.

Today, Mon, Apr 14, 6 pm: Opening reception for exhibit of self-portraits by children in the CASA (Children's After School Achievement) program at Hope College; CASA focuses on academic and cultural enrichment for at-risk second- through fifth-graders in Holland and West Ottawa schools.  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Apr 15, 6:30 pm: Meeting for parents and others interested in the West Ottawa Public Schools Spanish Immersion Program for preschool and K-5 students.  At Lakeshore Elementary School, 3765 North 168^th Ave, Holland.

 

Thurs, Apr 17, 4 pm: 20^th anniversary celebration of CASA (Children's After School Achievement) program housed at Hope College. Includes recognition of community partners, reflections by former CASA students, and presentation by artist and illustrator Joel Schoon Tanis, host of the children's TV program "Come On Over."  Master of ceremonies is Eva Aguirre Cooper, communications director of WOOD TV 8, WOTV 4 and WXSP.  CASA was established in 1987 by Marge Rivera Bermann (daughter of ACEH board member Becky Arenas) and Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP).  At Maas Center, Hope College, Columbia Ave and 11th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Apr 18, 9 am until noon: Gang Symposium, Take 2.  Hosted by the newly formed Gang Reduction Committee for agencies, businesses, organizations, churches, and others "who want to play a role in reducing gang activity and making a positive difference in the community."  Update on gang activity, presentation of strategic plan, breakout groups.  At Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, 435 Van Raalte Ave, Holland.

 

Sat, Apr 19, 2 pm until 5 pm: Holland Heights Festival of neighborhood activities; includes performances by All For One Dance group led by Dominque Vargas (daughter of ACEH board member Norma Luna). At Heights Christian Reformed Church, 836 East 8th St at Hope Ave, Holland.

 

Thurs, Apr 24, 3 pm until 7 pm: Annual Housing Fair sponsored by City of Holland Human Relations Commission.  Free information from lenders, Realtors, home inspectors, and agencies about home buying, credit, mortgages, grants, down payment programs, prevent foreclosures.  (616) 355-1328.  At Holland Civic Center, Pine Ave between 8th and 9th.

 

Sat, Apr 26, 8 am, and Sun, Apr 27, 2 pm: 28th annual CROP walk to raise funds for hunger relief programs; 60 churches are participating and have donation envelopes available.  For information, call Steve DeYoung, (616) 396-3445.  Saturday walk starts at Holland Christian High School, 950 Ottawa Ave; Sunday walk begins at Beechwood Church, 895 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland.

 

Wed, Apr 30, 8:45 am: 21^st annual Fair Housing Luncheon and Workshop Series to disseminate information and support the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan.  Speakers: Shanna Smith, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, and Ms. Cat Cloud, senior vice president.  Cost of luncheon and workshops: $45.  For reservations, call (616) 451-2980 or contact www.fhcwm.org.  At Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 5700 28^th St, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Fri, May 2, 7 pm:  Meet ACEH members and friends at the Holland Civic Center to attend the first night of Fiesta (formerly Cinco de Mayo), sponsored by Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP).  Concert by Tomas Esparza, harmonica blues player, and the Blues Experience; dance performance by All For One group; delicious food for sale.  At Holland Civic Center, Pine Ave between 8^th and 9^th St.

 

REGISTER NOW FOR THE LAKESHORE REGION SUMMIT ON RACISM, Tuesday, May 20, at Hope College. Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, assisted by area funders and local collaborators, including ACEH.  $20 includes lunch.  www.ethnicdiversity.org