"We must use our lives to make the world a better place to live, not just to acquire things. That is what we are put on the earth for."… Dolores Huerta, labor leader and organizer, social activist who worked with Cesar Chavez in founding the union that became United Farm Workers.
Herb and Ann
Today, Sept 10, 6:30 pm: Think Sustainable Film Series: "Two Towns of Jasper." On June 7, 1998, a sleepy east Texas town awoke to the news of a horrifying crime. This documentary covers the racially motivated murder of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper, Texas. At Herrick District Library Auditorium, River Ave. at 13th St, Holland.
Today, Sept. 10, 7 pm (doors open at 6:15 pm): Tulipanes event: Concert by internationally recognized soprano Martha Juliana Ayech Rodriguez of Querétaro, Mexico, Holland's sister city. Program honors the 150th anniversary of Puccini. Sponsors: Brooks Family Fund, Jim and Ginger Jurries, Hope College. $11 adults, $6 students; tickets at DeVos Field House or call (616) 395-7890. Information at www.tulipanes.org At Dimnent Memorial Chapel, College Ave at 12th St, Holland.
Fri, Sept 12, through Sun, Sept 14: Ocho! 8th annual Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival; includes films, art, music, dance, visual arts, children's activities, Salsa Night, cantina, worship service, and more. For information on times and locations, see the Tulipanes website: www.tulipanes.org or pick up a schedule at Readers World, Holland Area Arts Council, Holland Sentinel, other places. At various locations in downtown Holland, including Centennial Park and Knickerbocker Theatre.
Mon, Sept 15, 9 am until 4 pm: Voter Registration Fair, sponsored by Ottawa County Department of Human Services in conjunction with the League of Women Voters of Holland. To vote in the November election for president and other political offices, all citizens must be registered by October 8, 2008. Registration applications, information on voting, and the opportunity to practice casting a ballot will be part of the Fair. At Ottawa County Human Services Building, 12185 James St, Holland.
Wed, Sept 17, 4 pm: "Latino Voices, Latino Votes," presentation by Maria Echaveste, lecturer-in-residence at the University of California-Berkley, on rising Hispanic populations in swing states and how candidates try to appeal to them. Part of Grand Valley State University's observance of Hispanic Heritage Month. www.gvsu.edu At GVSU, Kirkhof Center Grand River Room, Allendale, MI
Thurs, Sept 18 through Mon, Sept 22: Arlington Midwest Exhibit, "the human cost of war," sponsored by member groups of the West Michigan Justice and Peace Coalition. Various hours. Information at www.nwopc.org/arlington/html or locally Mark M. Mattison at mmattison@peoplepc.com Southeast corner of the grounds of the Dominicans of Grand Rapids/Marywood, 2025 East Fulton, Grand Rapids.
Fri, Sept 19, 8 pm: Concert by Argentinian guitarist Carlos de la Barrera. Admission fee. At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th St, Holland.
Sun, Sept 21, 2 pm: Interfaith Peace Prayer Service, sponsored by Institute for Global Education. September 21 is the International Day of Peace. At Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 East Fulton, Grand Rapids.
Sun, Sept 21, 3 pm until 6 pm: Community Unity Potluck, in friendship for and support of the Robinson family of Park Township. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service and (nonalcoholic) beverages. Open mike, songs, music, entertainment. 355-6698. At Kollen Park bandshell area, Van Raalte Ave at Lake Macatawa, Holland.
Thurs, Sept 24, 2 pm: Argentinian guitarist Carlos de la Barrera presents "A Musical Journey Through Latin America." Free. www.gvsu.edu At Grand Valley State University Kirkhof Center Pere Marquette Room, Allendale, MI
Fri, Oct 10, 7 pm: Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony general meeting to launch partnership with Hearts in Harmony, an intentional process for developing friendships across cultures. Public is invited. (616) 392-5086 or aceh@harmonyalliance.org At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.
Sat, Oct 11, 8:30 am: Small City Big Bang: Free gang workshop presented by Strategic Outreach Service of Grand Rapids in partnership with Imagine Fellowship of Holland. Focus will be on properly defining gangs; connecting community, clergy, and gangs; how church and law enforcement can work together; rules of engagement with gang members; mindset of gang membership. Troy Evans, a former gang member, will provide mentoring and conflict resolution. To participate or sponsor, call (616) 392-2919. At Imagine Fellowship, 167 West 20th St, Holland.
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:
1) Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca is accepting new students, ages 4 and up; boys especially needed. All dancers accepted; need not be Hispanic to join and have fun. Classes on Saturdays for one hour (4 and 5 year olds, 11 a.m.; ages 6 to 12, noon); each class is $7 and meets at Urban Youth Ministries, 517 Lincoln, Holland, starting September 20. Call Marti Gonzalez at 403-6617 or email bfsahh@hotmail.com for more information.
2) The African Community Center of West Michigan, with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, is seeking to fill three positions: Volunteer and Youth Coordinator; Development Coordinator; and Community Outreach Coordinator. The Center is a mutual assistance program for new immigrants and refugee families, particularly African refugees, on their way to self-sufficiency; offers family, youth, and educational services. Contact the Center at 1019 Wealthy St, SE, Grand Rapids, fax (616) 248-3553, or Mr. Yaka Kamungi at (616) 633-6773.
