"With every true friendship, we build more firmly the foundations on which the peace of the whole world rests." ... Ghandi
Herb and Ann
Fri, Apr 11, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony general meeting: "Peace at All Costs—How to Love Your Enemy" about the religious civil war that affected Ireland for many years; by John Johnston, a native of Northern Ireland whose mother converted from Catholicism to Protestantism when she met Johnston's father. Open to the public. New ACEH board members will be elected at this meeting. At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.
Sat, Apr 12, 10:30 am until noon: Filipino Fiesta, sponsored by Bayanihan Filipino-American Outreach. Games, crafts, folk costumes, dancers from Grand Rapids, food. Program is geared to children ages six and up, but everyone is welcome. (616) 846-5560. At Loutit District Library, 1051 South Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven.
Sat, Apr 12, 8 pm: Play, "Steamship Quanza," about Jewish refugees from Germany, Hungary, and Poland fleeing persecution in 1940; bound for Mexico, they were refused entry there and in Venezuela, Guatemala, and the U. S. $18 adults; $15 seniors; $5 students; box office (616) 234-3946. Also on Apr 15 and 17, and at 3 p.m. Sun, Apr 13. At Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St NE, Grand Rapids.
Thurs, Apr 17 through Apr 27: Play, "The Piano Lesson," Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by August Wilson about "a sister and brother's feud over a hand-carved heirloom piano that details the family's remarkable rise from slavery." (616) 222-6650; www.GRCT.org or for tickets 1-800-585-3737. At Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 North Division, Grand Rapids.
Fri, Apr 18, 9 am until noon: Gang Symposium, Take Two. 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, 10 am until 5 pm: 3rd annual Underground Railroad Show, exhibition of African American collectibles and art from regional collectors. Free appraisals of art, books, African artifacts. (616) 456-5900 or contact Bayardgallery@aol.com. At Bayard Gallery of Fine African American Art and Books, 1156 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids.
Sat, Apr 19, 2 pm until 5 pm: Holland Heights Festival of neighborhood activities; includes performances by All For One Dance Group. Call Tracey Forbes, 392-8559. At Holland Heights Calvary Reformed Church, Hope Ave and 8th St, 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, and how to prevent a home foreclosure. (616) 355-1328. At Holland Civic Center, 150 West 8th St, Holland.
LOOKING AHEAD:
Fri evening, May 2 and all day Sat, May 3: 43rd annual Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) Fiesta (formerly Cinco de Mayo). Music, dance, exhibits, food, Queen and King contest. www.laup.org At Holland Civic Center, 150 West 8th St, Holland.
Tues, May 20, 7:30 am to 4 pm: Lakeshore Region Summit on Racism. "Our future depends on inclusion…and inclusion depends on all of us." Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, lunch. $20. Register online at www.ethnicdiversity.org
