In the Community from ACEH Sept 23 08

"Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz", meaning "Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace". - Benito Juarez (1806-1872), Oaxacan Indian who was president of Mexico three times and began the Reforma movement; sometimes called the Abraham Lincoln of Mexico.

 

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.

 

PLEASE NOTE: "In the Community" is taking a break and will resume in mid-October.

 

Thurs, Sept. 25, 6 pm until 8 pm: Reception for artist Erick Pichardo, whose exhibit "Unexpected Innocence" is on display at the Holland Area Arts Council, sponsored by the Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation.  At HAAC, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Thurs, Sept 25, 7 pm:  Public forum (social time and refreshments at 6:30 pm) on state ballot issues: (1) use and cultivation of marijuana for specified medical conditions and (2) amending the state constitution to address human embryo and human embryonic stem cell research in the state.  Speakers, followed by question and answer session.  Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Holland.  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Sept 26, 7:30 pm: Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, performing traditional and  contemporary African dance, especially from Mali, Guinea, and Senegal.  In the Bantu language, "muntu" means "essence of humanity.  Tickets $40; call (616) 454-4771, or (616) 456-3333 or ticketmaster.com.  At Grand Rapids Ballet Company Wege Theatre, 341 Ellsworth Ave, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Sat, Sept 27, 10 am: West Michigan Go Vote! conference "to inspire and equip women to get active in the election season."  Contact Elisa Salazar at (616) 834-8171 or email esalazar@thehousehouseproject.org; please RSVP by Thurs, Sept 25.

 

Tues, Sept 30, 7 pm: Documentary film, "Conviction," the story of three Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters vs. nuclear armaments.  Protesting at a nuclear weapon site in Colorado, the three were arrested, tried, and sentenced.  Sr. Bridget Clingman, pastoral associate at Our Lady of the Lake church in Holland, and ethicist Sara Leeland, PhD, will open the discussion.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Women for Peace.  At Herrick District Library auditorium, River Ave at 13^th St, Holland.

 

Tues, Sept. 30, 7 pm, and Wed, Oct. 1, all day: Hope College Critical Issues Symposium: Global Health: From Catastrophe to Cure.  Free and open to the public. Featured speakers: Laurie Garrett and Dr. Peter Okaalet.  For complete schedule of times and locations, go to www.hope.edu/cis. 

 

Wed, Oct 1, 3 pm: Opening session of Institute for Racial Healing.  Facilitated by Gail Harrison, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, and Roberto Jara, Latin Americans United for Progress.

Contact Patricia Strachan at (616) 392-2389, ext. 110, or pstrachan@hollandchamber.org

At Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, 272 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Sat, Oct 4, 11 am to 3 pm: Community open house for Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) at its new offices at the Jubilee Midtown Campus.  Tour, refreshments, and the giant piñata from Tulipanes. Free 15-minute consultations with West Michigan attorneys.  At 16^th St and Pine Ave, Holland.

 

Sun, Oct 5, 2 pm (see also other events): Jane Roberts, author of "34 Million Friends," speaking on behalf of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which works in 140 countries to promote safe motherhood, prevent AIDS/HIV, promote gender equity, and carry out other services.  ACEH is a cooperating sponsor of her presentation.  Interfaith service at 11 am, followed by vegan potluck at noon.  At Mothers Trust/Lakeshore Interfaith Institute, 6676 122^nd Ave, Ganges.

 

Mon, Oct 6: LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE NOVEMBER ELECTION!

 

Mon, Oct 6: Beginning this week: New sessions of free computer classes at Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP).  Classes meet for three hours, once a week for six weeks; includes basic skills, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and internet.  Registration necessary; for info on days, times, call Leroy Hernandez or Val Molina at (616) 392-5058.  At LAUP Computer Lab, 16th St and Pine Ave, Holland.

 

Wed, Oct 8, noon until 1:30 pm: Friends of Fair Housing celebration luncheon, "Voices for Justice."  For reservations, call Liz Keegan at (616) 451-2980 or email lkeegan@fhcwm.org  No charge; request for funding to support the Fair Housing Center will be made at the luncheon.  At Western Michigan University Graduate Center, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Oct 9, 5 pm: Annual Cesar E. Chavez Hispanic Excellence Scholarship Gala.  Reception, Latin entertainment, Latin dinner, presentation of 6 scholarships, recognition of 5 community members. Tickets $50; reserve by Oct. 8.  Reservations to Jennifer at jesmith@grcc.edu or call (616) 234-3056.  At Grand Rapids Community College Applied Technology Center, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

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 20^th St, Holland.

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH Sept 18

"We may have different religions, different languages, different colored skin, but we all belong to one human race."  … Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General

 

"So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth." … Baha'u'llah

 

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.

 

Fri, Sept 19, 7:30 pm: Concert by Argentinian guitarist Carlos de la Barrera. Tickets  are $10 ($5 Hope students), available at DeVos Fieldhouse, 10 am to 5 pm, or call (616) 395-7890.  At Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Sat, Sept 20, 11:30 am to 6 pm: Columbia Art Fest, with music, diverse artists, entertainment, bed race, etc.  On Columbia Ave between 18th and 20th Sts, Holland.

 

Sun, Sept 21, 3 pm: Community Unity Potluck, celebrating diversity and supporting the family whose driveway was defaced with racial slurs last month.  Bring a dish to share, or food for your own family; some food vendors available.  Remarks by community leaders; music and dance groups; presentation to family.  Master of ceremonies is Marvin Younger, president of ACEH.  Organized by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony, Latin Americans United for Progress, and City of Holland.  At Kollen Park bandshell, Van Raalte Ave at Lake Macatawa, Holland.

 

Sun, Sept. 21: International Day of Peace.

 

Thurs, Sept 25: Opening day for classes offered by All for One Dance program, promoting physical fitness in youth through dance and exercise and celebrating all cultures through the diversity of music: zumba, freestyle, hip-hop, modern, and Mexican folklorico.  $20 per semester; some scholarships available.  Semester runs through Nov. 22.  Register at (616) 396-3278.  www.myspace/allforonedance.program  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Thurs, Sept 25, 6 pm until 8 pm: Reception for artist Erick Pichardo and his exhibit of paintings "Unexpected Innocence." Sponsored by the Louis and Helen Padnos Foundation. At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

Sat, Sept 27, 10 am until 4 pm: West Michigan Go Vote conference to "inspire and equip women with skills to get active during the election season."  Features women working on local civic engagement efforts.  Training is free; lunch provided.  RSVP by Thurs, Sept 25, to Elisa Salazar at (616) 834-8171 or esalazar@thewhitehouseproject.org  Sponsored by The White House Project.  At First United Methodist Church, 57 West 10^th St, Holland.

 

Wed, Oct 1, 3 pm: Opening session of Institute for Healing Racism; eight-week program runs through Nov 19.  $100; some scholarships available.  Facilitated by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and Latin Americans United for Progress.  To register, contact Patricia Strachan, pstrachan@hollandchamber.org or (616) 3929-2389, ext. 110.  At Holland Area Chamber of Commerce, 272 East 8^th St, Holland.

 

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 20^th St, Holland.

In the Community from ACEH September 10

"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

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, 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 13^th 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 150^th 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 12^th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Sept 12, through Sun, Sept 14: Ocho! 8^th 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 8^th 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 20^th 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.

 

 

 

 

In the Community from ACEH September 3

 

"If we accept and acquiesce in the face of discrimination, we accept the responsibility ourselves. We should, therefore, protest openly everything ... that smacks of discrimination or slander." … Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955), African American civil rights leader and educator; member of the National Women's Hall of Fame

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.

Sat, Sept 6, 10 am: Opening of exhibit: "Native Michigan: The Paintings of William Kubiak," 36 oil paintings depicting Michigan's Native American roots.  Kubiak is author of "Great Lakes Indians: A Pictorial Guide."  www.hollandmuseum.org or (616) 392-9084.  Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Admission fee except for children under age 6. At Holland Museum, 31 West 10^th St, Holland.

Sun, Sept 7: The Holland Sentinel will publish an ad with signatures of more than 2,500 people who pledge to: Support the Park Township family whose driveway was defaced August 17 with a seriously offensive racial slur and caricature; encourage prompt action to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice; celebrate diversity; and commit themselves to be anti-racist in their personal and community lives.  Supported and organized, with the family's input and consent, by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony, Latin Americans United for Progress, area churches, and other organizations and individuals.

Wed, 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 1998 racially motivated murder of James Byrd Jr. in Jasper, Texas.  At Herrick District Library Auditorium, River Ave at 13^th St, Holland.

Wed, 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. The program honors the 150^th anniversary of Puccini. Sponsored by the Brooks Family Fund and Jim and Ginger Jurries. $11 adults; $6 students; tickets available at DeVos Field House or call (616) 395-7890. More information at www.tulipanes.org At Dimnent Memorial Chapel, College Ave at 12^th St, Holland.

Wed, Sept 10, 7 pm to 9:30 pm: Ramadan breakfast at sundown, marking the end of fasting; shared by the Islamic community from the Fuller Avenue mosque in Grand Rapids.  Ramadan honors the month in which the Qur'an was received by the Prophet Muhammed.  Space limited to 125 persons; $5 per person or $20 for family of four; a portion goes to charity, a Ramadan tradition.  Contact Sarah Stanton at sstanton@fountainstreet.org or (616) 459-8386, ext. 221 to make a reservation.  At Fountain Street Church, downtown Grand Rapids.

Fri, Sept 12, through Sun, Sept 14: 8^th annual Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival, including films, art exhibit and hands-on art, music and dance performances, visual arts, cantina, Salsa Dance, children's activities, worship service, and more. For information on times and locations, see the Tulipanes website: www.tulipanes.org  At various locations in Holland, including Centennial Park and Knickerbocker Theatre.