"While every refugee's story is different and their anguish personal, they all share a common thread of uncommon courage – the courage not only to survive, but to persevere and rebuild their shattered lives. … " Antonio Guterres, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees
Herb and Ann
Tues, July 8, 7 pm: "I Didn't Know How You Would Receive Me: Resettling Refugees in West Michigan," presentation by Elizabeth Smith, coordinator of refugee services for Bethany Christian Services; she will explain how churches and groups can sponsor a refugee individual or family. Sponsored by Lakeshore Women for Peace. At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.
Wed, July 9, 11:30 am: Holland Area Chamber of Commerce Business Connections Committee summer picnic. Please bring a dish to pass; hot dogs, hamburgers, table service provided. Contact Rosa Lugo, (616) 392-1838. BCC reaches out to minority- and women-owned businesses. At Kollen Park, Van Raalte Ave at Lake Macatawa, Holland.
Wed, July 9, 6:30 pm: Free film, "Sunset Story," humorous documentary drama set in a retirement home for political progressives in a central Los Angeles neighborhood of immigrant Latino and Korean families; the film features two women, ages 81 and 95, "whose feisty engagement with life draws them together." At Herrick District Library, 300 South River, Holland.
Fri, July 11, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony meeting, public is invited: "Leaving Home Because of War: Refugees Share Their Stories." Speakers are: Elsa Hyde of Park Township, who was born in a German DP (displaced persons) camp and spent her childhood in an Austrian DP camp, later immigrating after World War II with her mother, brother, and two sisters to New Jersey, and members of the Habib family from Iraq, recently resettled in Grand Rapids after spending two years in a refugee camp in Syria, before they were granted asylum in the United States. The children's group, UNITY, for ages 4 to 14, also will meet. Email aceh@harmonyalliance.org; website www.harmonyalliance.org; 392-5086 At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.
Thurs, July 17, 3 pm to 7:30 pm: Open house for Lakeshore Latino Outreach Center, to introduce the agency, interim director, and board to the public and community agencies. For information, call (616) 399-4077. At the Center's office, Ferris Building, 345 East 16th St, Suite 241, Holland.
Thurs, July 17, 7:30 pm: Mariachi Cobre, mariachi band, and Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra combine in concert. Lawn tickets $14; less for students, seniors, kids. www.grsymphony.org; (616) 456-3333. At Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd, NE, Belmont; 16 miles from Grand Rapids.
EXHIBIT: Through October 12: "America Black and White: Gordon Parks Photography." 34 images by acclaimed photographer Gordon Parks, who had a long career as photographer for the Farm Security Administration and then for Life magazine, the first African American to hold that post. He later was a fashion photographer for Vogue, wrote poetry and music, and directed the "Shaft" films. At 1 pm Sundays in July and 1 pm Saturdays in August, there will be a showing of the film "Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks." Other special events planned also; visit www.gramonline.org or call (616) 831-2920. Admission fee; children age 6 to 17 free; closed Mondays; hours vary other days. At Grand Rapids Art Museum, 101 Monroe Center, NW, Grand Rapids.
