In the Community from ACEH February 21

 

From the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

In the Community: February 21, 2011

 

"If our definition of inclusiveness does not reach beyond the boundaries of our own personal comfort, can we call ourselves truly inclusive?" …Rabbi Brad Hirschfield, president, CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.

Herb and Ann

This information is provided by the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony; Events list is also posted on the website www.harmonyalliance.org  If you do not wish to receive it in the future, please notify hpweller@comcast.net or editann@aol.com

 

Tues, Feb 22, 7-8 pm: "Just for Parents Meeting" of information about Holland Public Schools" TWBI (Two-Way Bilingual Immersion) Spanish/English all-day, every day kindergarten program. Classes are 50 percent in Spanish and 50 percent in English, using the same curriculum as standard kindergarten. For information, call Barb Terpstra at 494-2040.  At West K-7 School, 500 West 24^th St, Holland.

 

            Martes, 22 de Febrero, de 7-8 pm: Reuníón Informacíonal para Padres Interesados en el Programa Immersión Bilingüe en el Kinder. ¡Habrá cuidado de niños!  Para más información, llame a Domingo Hernández al 494-2639.  Dónde: West K-7 School, 500 West 24^th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Feb 25, 7 pm: World Panther, a free festival of cultures.  Also features A Taste of West Ottawa, appetizers/ beverages of different cultures; a small charge benefits West Ottawa High School North ethnic and diversity club, Calling All Colors, a program of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.  Darla Robinson at darlarobinson@gmail.com or Amy LeVesque, andylv@chartermi.net  At West Ottawa High School North, 3685 Butternut Dr, Holland.

 

Tues, Mar 1, 4 pm: Public forum on bullying, co-hosted by the Michigan Civil Rights Commission and local education, business, and nonprofit institutions.  The Commission will discuss and take public comment on bullying; guest speakers with expertise on bullying and related issues will be present.  Both written and verbal testimony will be taken.  Email written comments to millerj31@michigan.gov before Sun, Feb 27.  At Union High School, 1800 Tremont Blvd, NW, Grand Rapids.

 

Tues, Mar 8, 6 pm: Housing Workshop Series: "Foreclosure Prevention," by Community Action House.  Register with Aida Alvarado (616) 738-1170.  For information, call 355-1328 or visit www.cityofholland.com/human relations. At Holland City Hall, 270 South River, 2^nd floor, Holland.

 

Thurs, Mar 10, 7 pm: Informational presentation on immigration by Maura A. Hagen of the Michigan Rights Center, discussing USCIS bars and deportation and how legal permanent residents can become U.S. citizens. Sponsored by Lakeshore Latino Outreach Center, Inc. and Latinos & Supporters Advocating for Justice and Advancement.  No child care will be provided.  For information, call Tino Reyes at (616) 499-4872 on Tues, Thurs, or Fri, 9 am-5 pm.  At St. Francis de Sales Church multipurpose room, 195 West 13^th (Maple and 13^th), Holland.

 

Fri, Mar 11, 7:30 pm: Film, "Seven Passages," documentary based on over 100 interviews with gay and lesbian Christians in southwest Michigan; aims to initiate and promote dialogue with the Christian community and work for reconciliation.  Free; donations optional.  Sponsored by Holland Is Ready, a community group working for the safety, rights, and inclusion of GLBT persons in the Lakeshore area.  NOTE:  The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) will not hold a general meeting in March; instead, ACEH members and friends are encouraged to attend this film.  At Park Theatre, 248 South River (between 10^th and 11^th Sts), Holland.

 

RECRUITMENT AND INTERVIEW EVENT

The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced a pilot project in partnership with Michigan colleges and universities to hire more than 500 highly qualified graduates to work in children's protective, foster care, adoption, juvenile, and home licensing services.  Recruitment and interview events will be held throughout the state.  In West Michigan: Tues, Feb 22-Thurs, Feb 24 at Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus in Grand Rapids.  For schedules, preregistration information, and screening questions, to the website: www.michigan.gov/dhsjobs.

 

 

NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Begins Thurs, Mar 3, 6 pm (dinner); 6:30-8:30 pm (class): Free, eight-week interactive program to "educate, enhance, and empower neighborhood leadership, with weekly classes presented by community leaders on leadership style and characteristics, improving communication skills, public presentations, embracing and understanding diversity, team building, and civic duty-who me? Register with Sue Harder, Ourstreet Coordinator: mail to 270 River Ave, Holland; fax (616) 355-1346, attn Sue Harder, Ourstreet; email s.harder@cityofholland.com; (616) 355-3139.

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

On Saturday, May 21, Holland's International Relations Commission will hold the community's third annual festival "Celebrating Our Multicultural Connections."  The free family event, to be held this year in Kollen Park on Lake Macatawa, will have entertainment, ethnic food booths, and children's activities from 11 am to 4 pm.

 

If you are interested in performing a cultural piece (dance, martial arts, vocal/instrumental performance, storytelling, etc.; maximum of 30 minutes), providing a children's activity booth, or sponsoring part of the event, please contact Erin Nyholt at e.nyholt@cityofholland.com or call 355-1321 by Friday, March 18.