Sunday, August 26, 2012

In the Community August 27, 2012

In the Community August 27, 2012

A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events

from The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony


"A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving."
…Albert Einstein

 

ACEH was founded in Holland in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  Members and friends work together through programs, advocacy, and social events to make West Michigan a place where all people are welcomed and respected. "In the Community" is also on the ACEH website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

 Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

Fri, Aug 31, 4 to 10 pm; Sat, Sept 1 and Sun, Sept 2, noon to 10 pm: Soul of the City 2012, celebrating the African American community; open to all.  Free general admission; $10 tickets for VIP seating and more; tickets at Meijer stores or Star Tickets 1-800-585-3737.  Outdoor concerts, health and wellness fair, food.  Sponsored by West Michigan's Vibe and Buster Mathis Foundation, co-sponsored by City of Grand Rapids.  Proceeds assist Foundation's work against bullying and violence.  http://www.soulofthecitygr.com/About-Us.html   At Rosa Parks Circle, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Sept 13, 11:30 am: "Race, Culture, and Power," by Sean Huddleston, GVSU.  Lunch and Learn series, sponsored by Partners for a Racism-Free Community: Expect Equality.  $25.   Register at (616) 466-6187 or contact staff@prfc-gr.org  At Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Sept 13, 6 to 10 pm: Tulipanes Gala and Premier Musical Event, part of annual Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival; also with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Holland Area Arts Council. Includes concert, El Ritmo Llego/The Rhythm has Arrived, with Diego.  $75 individual, $125 couple.  (616) 394-0000 or 800-506-1299. At Park Theater (River Ave across from Centennial Park) and Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St, Holland.  (For more information on Salsa Night (Sept 15), films, and other Tulipanes events, go to www.tulipanes.org)

 

Thurs, Sept 13, 7 pm:  One-man show "Not a Genuine Black Man," by Brian Copeland; monologue is "funny and poignant, touches on issues that include devastating impact of housing discrimination and racism."  5th annual fall event of Fair Housing Center of West Michigan.  $25 (plus service fee) at www.wealthytheatre.org/copeland or buy in person at Wealthy Theatre Box Office, 1130 Wealthy St, SE, Grand Rapids Mon-Fri from 2 to 7 pm; (616) 459-4788.  Credit cards subject to service fee.  For scholarship inquiries or group tickets, visit www.fhwcm.org or (616) 451-2980.  At St. Cecilia's Music Center,  24 Ransom Ave NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Fri, Sept 14, 8:30 am – noon.  Poverty Simulation.  See information under Community Opportunties, below.

 

Fri, Sept 14, 6 pm: Community Diversity Dinner.  Share potluck meal, discuss family histories of immigration to the U.S., and hear about more recent immigrants' experiences with the immigration system.  Guidelines: Wear your native dress and bring a dish from your ethnic background; RSVP by Sept 7 to Nikole Krueger at n.krueger@jfonwestmichigan.org.  At La Nueva Esperanza, 1933 Buchanan SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Fri, Sept 14, 7 pm:  General meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH).  "E Pluribus Unum/ Out of Many, One" program by Luther Von Miller and Rising Fires members, among others, about Native American history, dance, drumming.  Election of new board members.  Public is invited.  392-5086 or marvin49423@yahoo.com  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

Wed, Sept 19, 7 pm:  Speaker: Bread for the World president and World Food Prize Laureate Rev. David Beckmann, about how Bread for the World works to create "a circle of protection" around funding for programs vital to hungry people in the U.S. and abroad.  Founded in 1974, Bread for the World's efforts complement the direct-relief efforts of charitable organizations.  Contact: Mary Johnson, (616) 335-2617.  At Maas Auditorium, Hope College, Columbia Ave at 11th St, Holland. 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

Free ESL Classes

Zeeland/Holland Adult Education will offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at three Holland locations beginning the week of Sept 4, after Labor Day.

Open Registration is as follows:

--- TODAY, Mon, Aug 27, and Tues, Aug 28 from 9 to 10:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm at VR Tech School, 461 Van Raalte (corner of Van Raalte and 20th), and

--- Wed, Aug 29, from 9 to 10:30 am at Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr (corner of Waverly and Chicago Dr).

After the Open Registration dates, call 494-8803 for details.  Class hours/locations are:

--- ESL classes: 9 am to noon Tues, Wed, Thurs at Engedi Church, and 9 am to noon Mon, Tues, Wed and 5:30 – 8:30 pm at VR Tech School.

--- Math Club*: 12:30 – 3:30 pm Tues and Thurs at Lakeshore Adult Learning Center, 115 Clover Ave (by Michigan Works).

--- Work Keys Prep*: 12:30 – 3:30 pm Wed at VR Tech School.

*Math Club and Work Keys Prep are open to both ESL and non-ESL students.

 

Poverty Simulation

Ottawa Co. Great Start Collaborative/Great Start Parent Coalition and Community Action House present Poverty Simulation, "an opportunity to understand what those living in poverty might experience each day."  Takes place Fri, Sept 14, from 8:30 am to noon. Register NOW at (616) 738-8940, ext 4478 or by email to Zahabia Ahmed-Usmani at aanyaatif@hotmail.com or Jan Shangle at jshangle@oaisd.org  Volunteers are also needed, to staff tables representing local agencies and resources; contact Rachel Ahee at (616) 392-2368.  At Ottawa County Department of Human Services Macatawa Meeting Room, lower level, 12185 James St, Holland.

 

New Racial Equity Institute

 Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has announced a new, 8-week Racial Equity Institute on Wednesdays 3 to 5 pm, Oct 10 - Dec 5, at GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 Waverly, Holland.  Cost is $100, with some scholarships available.  The Institute features a new curriculum in which participants of varying backgrounds will "examine the internalized, interpersonal, institutional and structural levels of racial equity" through dialogue, discussion, and materials.  For information or to register, see website www.ethnicdiversity.org or call (616) 846-9074.

 

 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

In the Community August 20: Poverty Workshop, Festivals, More

In the Community August 20, 2012

A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events

from The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

"Anyone who has ever struggled with poverty knows how extremely expensive it is to be poor." … James A. Baldwin  (1924-87), novelist, playwright, poet, social critic.
 

ACEH was founded in Holland in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  Members and friends work together through programs, advocacy, and social events to make West Michigan a place where all people are welcomed and respected. "In the Community" is also on the ACEH website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

 Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

TODAY: Mon, Aug 20, 10:30 am (rescheduled from Aug 21):   Presentation class by Japanese students in a Hope College English Language Acquisition Program, speaking about themselves, families, hobbies, goals, hopes, followed by questions from the audience.  Contact Duck Becker (616) 283-6223 or cheongd@mail.gvsu.edu At Martha Miller Center Room 242, Columbia Ave at 10th St, Holland

 

Thurs, Aug 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm:  Free preview of exhibit "Tenemos Una Voz/We Have a Voice" showcasing works by teens in the Mas Adelante program of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP); covers heritage, culture, ancestry, communities to which the youth belong.  Exhibit runs Aug 24-Dec 31; entry fees charged after Aug 23.  At Holland Museum, 31 West 10th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 24-Sun, Aug 26: Dozynki (Polish) Festival.  www.polishheritagesociety.com  At Rosa Parks Circle, Monroe Center and Monroe Ave, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Fri, Aug 24-Sun, Aug 26: Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival.  www.yassoufest.com  At Holy Trinityh Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr, NE, Grand Rapids.

 

Sat, Aug 25, noon until 3 pm: Mixing Pot 2012; 4th annual multicultural family fun festival celebrating the diversity of Grand Rapids, where people from 140 cultures live.  Free.  Includes pizza party, ice cream social, ethnic food sampling, entertainment, dancing in the Circle, BMX show, kid's foam party and expo area, butterfly release, petting zoo, more.  At Rock the Rapids, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Sept 13, 11:30 am: "Race, Culture, and Power," by Sean Huddleston, GVSU.  Lunch and Learn series, sponsored by Partners for a Racism-Free Community: Expect Equality.  $25.   Register at (616) 466-6187 or contact staff@prfc-gr.org  At Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St East, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, Sept 13, 6 to 10 pm: Tulipanes Gala and Premier Musical Event, part of annual Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival; also with Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) and Holland Area Arts Council. Includes concert, El Ritmo Llego/The Rhythm has Arrived, with Diego.  $75 individual, $125 couple.  (616) 394-0000 or 800-506-1299. At Park Theater and Holland Area Arts Council.  For more information on Salsa Night (Sept 15), films, and other Tulipanes events, go to www.tulipanes.org

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

Poverty Simulation

Ottawa Co. Great Start Collaborative/Great Start Parent Coalition and Community Action House present Poverty Simulation, "an opportunity to understand what those living in poverty might experience each day."  Takes place Fri, Sept 14, from 8:30 am to noon. Must  Register NOW at (616) 738-8940, ext 4478 or by email to Zahabia Ahmed-Usmani at aanyaatif@hotmail.com or Jan Shangle at jshangle@oaisd.org  Volunteers are also needed, to staff tables representing local agencies and resources; contact Rachel Ahee at (616) 392-2368.  At Ottawa County Department of Human Services Macatawa Meeting Room, lower level, 12185 James St, Holland.

 

Financial Money Management Classes

Community Action House is holding a 6-week workshop on Financial Management on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 pm, Aug 29-Oct 3.  Photo ID and income verification required to register; participants must attend all 6 sessions to earn a certificate.  Fulfills education requirements for MSHDA Key-To-Own and Family Self-Sufficiency Programs.  Topics: Mastering money management, developing a spending plan, credit & consumer protection, debt reduction, savings and banking basics, insurance & long-term planning, living in a happy, healthy home.  Contact Gwen Robles at (616) 738-1170, ext 123 or email grobles@communityactionhouse.org  At Macatawa Resource Center, 665 136th Ave, Holland.

 

Free ESL Classes

Zeeland/Holland Adult Education will offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at three Holland locations beginning the week of Sept 4, after Labor Day.

Open Registration is as follows:

--- Mon, Aug 27, and Tues, Aug 28 from 9 to 10:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm at VR Tech School, 461 Van Raalte (corner of Van Raalte and 20th), and

--- Wed, Aug 29, from 9 to 10:30 am at Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr (corner of Waverly and Chicago Dr).

After the Open Registration dates, call 494-8803 for details.  Class hours/locations are:

--- ESL classes: 9 am to noon Tues, Wed, Thurs at Engedi Church, and 9 am to noon Mon, Tues, Wed and 5:30 – 8:30 pm at VR Tech School.

--- Math Club*: 12:30 – 3:30 pm Tues and Thurs at Lakeshore Adult Learning Center, 115 Clover Ave (by Michigan Works).

--- Work Keys Prep*: 12:30 – 3:30 pm Wed at VR Tech School.

*Math Club and Work Keys Prep are open to both ESL and non-ESL students.

 

New Racial Equity Institute

 Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has announced a new, 8-week Racial Equity Institute on Wednesdays 3 to 5 pm, Oct 10 - Dec 5, at GVSU Meijer Campus, 515 Waverly, Holland.  Cost is $100, with some scholarships available.  The Institute features a new curriculum in which participants of varying backgrounds will "examine the internalized, interpersonal, institutional and structural levels of racial equity" through dialogue, discussion, and materials.  For information, or to register, see website www.ethnicdiversity.org or call (616) 846-9074.

 

Monday, August 13, 2012

In the Community August 13

In the Community August 13, 2012

A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events

from The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

"Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does."  …William James, pioneering American psychologist, philosopher, and author.

ACEH was founded in Holland in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  Members and friends work together through programs, advocacy, and social events to make West Michigan a place where all people are welcomed and respected. "In the Community" is also on the ACEH website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

 Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

Tues, Aug 14, 1:30 pm: Presentation class by Japanese students in a Hope College English Language Acquisition Program, speaking about themselves, families, hobbies, goals, and hopes for the future, followed by questions from the audience.  (Second class on Tues, Aug. 21, same time and place).  Contact information: Duck Becker (616) 283-6223 or cheongd@mail.gvsu.edu At Martha Miller Center Room 244, Columbia Ave at 10th St, Holland

 

Tues, Aug 14: Registration deadline for competitors in the Salsa Showdown.  See information at Sat, Aug 18.

 

Thurs, Aug 16, 10 am volunteer orientation/breakfast; event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm: Project Homeless Connect offers individuals and families who are homeless or in housing crisis a central resource for services and information from local providers.  Volunteers are needed as greeters and guides.  Sponsored by Ottawa Area Housing Coalition. To volunteer, contact Lyn Raymond at (616) 738-1170, ext. 133 or oahccoord@gmail.com  At Midtown Center, 96 West 15th St, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 17, 7 pm: Meeting of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). Scot Miller, adult ministries coordinator at Georgetown Methodist Church, will describe an experience during Quaker worship that caused him to change his attitude about people who are transgender, and what he believes is necessary in the Christian community to welcome all and to reconcile.  At Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave, Holland.

 

Sat, Aug 18, 11 am (registration deadline is Tues, Aug 14): Salsa Showdown.  Competition by individuals, teams, and professional chefs to create salsa with ingredients from Holland Farmers Market.  Varying fees for competitors; $3 for public to taste salsas and vote for their favorites. Includes Jalapeno Eating Contest.  info@salsashowdown.org or call (616) 796-1210.

 

Sat. Aug 18, 5:30-8:30 pm: Family Hope Foundation free event for families who have children with special needs; includes dinner, swimming, other activities.  The foundation serves the greater Holland/Grand Rapids area and assists families with costs of therapy and other health care needs. www.thefamilyhopefoundation.org Register by Tues, Aug 14, at (616) 530-9199.  At Visser YA, 3540 Fairlanes SW, Grandville.

 

Sat, Aug 18, 6 pm:  "Growing Change in Holland: A Grassroots Garden Party" fundraiser for Holland Is Ready.  Hosted by Jonker's Gardens.  Hors d'oeuvres, garden-inspired games and activities.  $15 general admission; $65 for "Growing Change Package" that includes swag bag with custom party favor.  If unable to attend, you can make a gift in honor of LGBT equality champions.  Contact CristiEllen Zarvas at cristiellenz@gmail.com or (616) 848-9546.  To sponsor, contact Karis Granberg-Michaelson, development@hollandisready.org or (616) 446-8057.  At Jonker's Gardens, 897 Lincoln Ave, Holland.

 

Sun, Aug 19, noon to 4:30 pm: Retreat "Creating Awareness for Peace," through mindfulness; facilitated by Paulette Grotrian.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Women for Peace.  Limited to 20 participants.  Suggested donation $40 (sliding scale available); includes light lunch.  Reserve at grotrian@wccnet.edu or (734) 276-7707. At Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive.

 

Thurs, Aug 23, 5:30 to 7:30 pm:  Free community preview of exhibit "Tenemos Una Voz/We Have a Voice" showcasing works by teens in the Mas Adelante program of Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP); topics include heritage, culture, ancestry, and the communities to which the youth belong.  Exhibit will run from Aug 24-Dec 31; museum entry fees charged after Aug 23.  At Holland Museum, 31 West 10th St, Holland.

 

Sat, Aug 25, noon until 3 pm: Mixing Pot 2012; 4th annual multicultural family fun festival celebrating the diversity of Grand Rapids, where people from 140 cultures live.  Free.  Includes pizza party, ice cream social, ethnic food sampling, entertainment, dancing in the Circle, BMX show, kid's foam party and expo area, butterfly release, petting zoo, more.  At Rock the Rapids, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:

Voter Registration Volunteers

 Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) has a grant from the Michigan Nonprofit Association to promote voter registration in the area.  LAUP will make phone calls and do some canvassing of potential and registered voters, helping with questions or concerns they may have about voting. A post-election survey and evaluation also will take place.  A LAUP intern will lead the project but can use volunteers to help with phone calls and data entry. Contact Juan Alfaro at juan.alfaro@laup.org or call (616) 594-7109 or 312-5162.

 

Free ESL Classes

Zeeland/Holland Adult Education will offer free ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at three Holland locations beginning the week of Sept 4, after Labor Day.

Open Registration is as follows:

--- Mon, Aug 27, and Tues, Aug 28 from 9 to 10:30 am and 5:30 to 7:30 pm at VR Tech School, 461 Van Raalte (corner of Van Raalte and 20th), and

--- Wed, Aug 29, from 9 to 10:30 am at Engedi Church, 710 Chicago Dr (corner of Waverly and Chicago Dr).

After the Open Registration dates, call 494-8803 for details.  See below for class hours and locations.

 

--- ESL classes are 9 am to noon Tues, Wed, Thurs at Engedi Church, and 9 am to noon Mon, Tues, Wed and 5:30 – 8:30 pm at VR Tech School.

--- Math Club* is 12:30 – 3:30 pm Tues and Thurs at Lakeshore Adult Learning Center, 115 Clover Ave (by Michigan Works).

--- Work Keys Prep* is 12:30 – 3:30 pm Wed at VR Tech School.

*Math Club and Work Keys Prep are open to both ESL and non-ESL students.

 

New Racial Equity Institute

 Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has announced a new, 8-week Racial Equity Institute on Wednesdays 3 to 5 pm from Oct 10 through Dec 5, at Grand Valley State University Meijer Campus, 515 Waverly, Holland.  Cost is $100, with some financial hardship scholarships available.  The Institute will feature a new curriculum in which participants of varying backgrounds will "examine the internalized, interpersonal, institutional and structural levels of racial equity" through dialogue, discussion, and materials.  For information, or to register, see  the website www.ethnicdiversity.org or call (616) 846-9074.

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

In the Community August 6, 2012

In the Community August 6, 2012

A Weekly Calendar of Diversity Events

from The Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

"Every election is determined by the people who show up." …Political analyst and author Larry J. Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia.
 

ACEH was founded in Holland in 1999 and is committed to justice, equal opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, and appreciation for diversity.  Members and friends work together through programs, advocacy, and social events to make West Michigan a place where all people are welcomed and respected. "In the Community" is also on the ACEH website: www.harmonyalliance.org/Events

 

 Please help support ACEH.  Dues are $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses. You can pay at the website www.harmonyalliance.org/Join with PayPal, or send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007, or sign up at any ACEH meeting or social event. THANKS! ¡GRACIAS!

 

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7:  DON'T FORGET TO VOTE: PRIMARY ELECTIONS TODAY!

 

Tues, Aug 7, 5 pm: National Night Out.  Safety-focused family event with activities for children; information from law enforcement agencies, community and nonprofit groups.  Free.

At Kollen Park, Van Raalte at 10th St, Holland (by Lake Macatawa).

 

Wed, Aug 8, 7 pm: Informational meeting on the new deferred action plan for immigrant youth, a program with some similarities to the DREAM Act.  Presented by Ryan Bates, director of the Alliance for Immigrants Rights and Reform of Michigan.  Information in both English and Spanish. Co-hosted by St. Francis de Sales Church.  NOTE: Volunteers are needed to hand out information, set up power point, or provide other assistance; call Ryan at (248) 787-6767 if you can help.  At St. Francis de Sales Church, Maple Ave at 13th St, Holland.

 

Sun, Aug 12, 1 pm: 14th annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH): Fun, food, and festivities!  Please bring a dish to share from your cultural background, and lawn chairs or a blanket for extra seating.  Beverages and table service provided by ACEH.  Music, games, balloon animals, face painting, drawing for several school backpacks contributed by LEDA.  Everyone is welcome! Invite family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, new people in town.  At Ransom Park, Ransom Ave between 160th and 168th on Holland's north side (north of Quincy and south of New Holland St.)

 

Thurs, Aug 16, 10 am volunteer orientation/breakfast; event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm: Project Homeless Connect offers individuals and families who are homeless or in housing crisis a central resource for services and information from local providers.  Volunteers are needed to be greeters and guides at varying times during the day.  Sponsored by Ottawa Area Housing Coalition. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Lyn Raymond at (616) 738-1170, ext. 133 or oahccoord@gmail.com  At Midtown Center, 96 West 15th St, Holland.

 

Sat, Aug 18, 11 am (registration deadline for competitors is Tues, Aug 14): Salsa Showdown.  Competition by individuals, teams, and professional chefs to create salsa with ingredients from the Holland Farmers Market.  Varying fees for competitors; $3 for public to taste salsas and vote for their favorites.  Event includes Jalapeno Eating Contest.  Email info@salsashowdown.org or call (616) 796-1210.

 

Sat, Aug 18, 6 pm:  "Growing Change in Holland: A Grassroots Garden Party" fundraiser for Holland Is Ready.  Hosted by Jonker's Gardens.  Hors d'oeuvres, garden-inspired games and activities.  $15 general admission; $65 for "Growing Change Package" that includes swag bag with custom party favor.  If unable to attend, you can make a gift in honor of LGBT equality champions in your life, which will be recognized at the event.  For information, contact CristiEllen Zarvas at cristiellenz@gmail.com or (616) 848-9546.  To become a sponsor, contact Karis Granberg-Michaelson at development@hollandisready.org or (616) 446-8057.  At Jonker's Gardens, 897 Lincoln Ave, Holland.

 

Sun, Aug 19, noon to 4:30 pm: Retreat "Creating Awareness for Peace," through mindfulness; facilitated by Paulette Grotrian.  Sponsored by Lakeshore Women for Peace.  Limited to 20 participants.  Suggested donation $40 (sliding scale available); includes light lunch.  Reserve at grotrian@wccnet.edu or (734) 276-7707. At Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Rd, West Olive.

 

COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY

Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) has received a grant from the Michigan Nonprofit Association to promote voter registration in the Holland/Lakeshore area.  LAUP will make phone calls and do some canvassing of potential and registered voters and help them with any questions or concerns they may have about voting.  After the elections, a post-election survey and evaluation will take place.  A LAUP intern will be taking the lead in the project but can use volunteers to help with phone calls and data entry.  If you can volunteer, contact Juan Alfaro at jaun.alfaro@laup.org or call him at (616) 594-7109 or 312-5162.