In the Community from ACEH April 29

"Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other's welfare, social justice can never be attained." ...

 Helen Keller

 

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.

Wed, Apr 30, 4 pm: Josephine Mandamin of the Mother Earth Water Walkers--a group of Native American and First Nations People from Canada—all women--will speak about the group's mission to follow the tracks of their ancestors and trek around all five Great Lakes, a quest they began in 2003 to call attention to the need to protect and preserve clean water resources.  The Lake Michigan Waterwalk 2008 began in Manistee on Apr 26 and will conclude in the Upper Peninsula in early May.  www.motherearthwaterwalk.com/index.html At Hope College Maas Conference Room, Columbia Ave at 11th St, Holland.

 

Fri, May 2, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony members and friends will gather at the 43rd annual Fiesta sponsored by Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP). Music by Tomas Esparza and the Blues Experience; dances performed by All For One group.  At Holland Civic Center, Pine Ave between 8th and 9th Sts, Holland.

 

Sat, May 3, all day: LAUP Fiesta continues, with music and dance performances, information booths, Queen and King contest, awarding of scholarships, food booths, lowrider car show, carnival.  For schedule of events, go to www.laup.org and click on Fiesta. At Holland Civic Center, Pine Ave. between 8^th and 9^th Sts, Holland.

 

Sat, May 3 – Sat, May 10: Tulip Time Festival, with parades on May 7, May 8, and May 10, music, dance, shows, children's activities, historic Dutch trade fair, Dutch market, and other heritage events.  www.tuliptime.org  Downtown Holland, Windmill Island, and other local venues.

 

Tues, May 6, 11:30 am:  "Immigration--Separating Myth from Reality," presentation by LAUP executive director Bert Jara to the Business Connections Committee of the Holland Area Chamber of Commerce.  The BCC programs address the concerns of minority business owners and connect people of diverse backgrounds and those new to the area.  Cost of lunch is $10. Call (616) 392-1838 to make a reservation.  At LAUP's future office, 96 West 15th St (Pine Ave building between 15^th and 16^th, use 16^th St parking lot), Holland.

 

Tues, May 20, 8 am: Lakeshore Region Summit on Racism, including keynote speakers George Herrera and David Rusk; focus sessions on best business practices, space and race, immigration in West Michigan, diversity in education, and models for ministry; resource fair; lunch.  Cost is $20; you can register and pay online at www.ethnicdiversity.org  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, hosted by Hope College, and supported by local businesses, churches, and organizations, including ACEH. At Hope College Dimnent Chapel, College Ave at 12th St, Holland.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

The Center for Women in Transition is collecting "May Baskets," which are laundry baskets filled with personal care and household cleaning items for its clients and their families.  Donations should be delivered to CWIT before Friday, May 23.  For more information, call (616) 610-7938 or (616) 446-1432 or check www.aplaceforwomen.org  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland, or 300 N. Ferry, Grand Haven, or 151 Brady St, Allegan (call for hours at Grand Haven or Allegan).

 

The African Community Center of Michigan is resuming free summer adult English as a Second Language classes and financial literacy classes, mornings and evenings beginning Monday, June 16.   (616) 248-3552.  Register for classes by email at Humanity.africa@sbcglobal.net or at the Center office, 1019 Wealthy St, SE, Room C, Grand Rapids.

 

Celebrate the Rings, a weekend to celebrate families touched by adoption, will take place in Holland Aug 8 – 10, 2008, with family activities, a parade of nations, international performances, meals, bonfires on the beach, etc.  Cost is $300 for a family of four. Sponsored by Families Through Adoption, 354 Norwood SE, Grand Rapids.  Information at (616) 242-9696; info@familiesthroughadoption.org; www.FamiliesThroughAdoption.org