Your invitation to ACEH 15th Annual Potluck in the Park (at Dunton Park)

15^th annual potluck in the park!

"Love is Stronger than Hate: A time for Healing"

 

The Alliance for Cultural

and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH)

invites you, your family, friends,

neighbors, co-workers,

new folks in town and long-time residents

 

Sunday, August 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m

Dunton Park, west Pavilion

290 Howard Avenue

(west of River ave, south of Douglas Ave)

 

 

Please bring a dish to share from your culture and lawn chairs or blankets

 

ACEH provides beverages and table service

 

Music, games, children's activities, piñata,

face painting, balloon animals, prizes!

Community dialogue and fellowship

 

Barrier-free     .         no alcohol           .       392-5086 or 396-2201

aceh@harmonyalliance.org   .    www.harmonyalliance.org

In the Community July 22

in the community July 22 13.doc

In the Community: July 22, 2013

A Weekly Listing of Diversity and Multicultural Events

From the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

Do you use "In the Community" to find out about or publicize diversity and multicultural events in West Michigan?  If you do, ACEH can use your support.  Please consider joining ACEH or renewing your membership. Your dues  help pay for  this email and all the other Alliance  activities: $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses.

It's easy--here's how:

--You can pay through the secure Pay Pal system at this updated link http://www.harmonyalliance.org/join.html 

--Or you can send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007,

--Or you can sign up any ACEH meeting or social event.  THANK YOU!

  

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, outreach, 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 Check us out on Facebook at ACEH - Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________

 

"Love is Stronger than Hate": Support Fund

 

As a follow-up to recent attacks that damaged vehicles of African Americans in Holland, the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony has established an account at Macatawa Bank to help reimburse Rev. Wayne and Ruth Coleman and Marvin Younger for auto insurance deductibles and other expenses they will have to pay as a result of the incidents.

 

 Checks should be written to ACEH Support Fund: Love is Stronger than Hate, with the account number 7201 1337, and deposited at any Macatawa Bank branch. 

 

The Colemans and Younger have served the greater Holland area  for many, many years as leaders and volunteers for city commissions and nonprofit organizations. We want to show them now that they are cared about and to demonstrate through our support that love truly is stronger than hate. We know that money will not restore their peace of mind, or take away their fears for their safety, but we hope to help restore some of their faith in our community.  "All that is necessary for evil to prevail, is for good people to do nothing."

 

The Colemans' SUV had its back window smashed early July 14 while it was parked behind the Center for African American Art and History on 16^th Street; the Colemans live upstairs.   At the time of the attack, Rev. Coleman heard glass breaking and racial slurs being yelled.   Although two Holland Township men were arrested after they fled the vicinity and led police on a high-speed chase, authorities have not yet connected them to the incident or designated it as ethnic intimidation or a hate crime.  Younger's car was keyed in his driveway the day before, and an African American guest from Texas also had his car damaged at Younger's home.  The Colemans' case is under investigation; Younger's case has been closed by the Holland Police Department with no further action taken.

_________________________________________________________________

 

Tues, July 23, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Summer Park Party, sponsored by Holland's Commission on Police Community Relations.  Public is invited.  Entertainment, games, foods, drinks, prizes.  At Moran Park, between 21^st and 22nd Sts and Maple and Pine Aves, Holland.

Thurs, July 25, 7 pm: Holland Is Ready.  Gathering to celebrate Holland PRIDE, several court victories, and local pro-equality businesses.  Everyone is welcome.  http://hollandisready.org

At CitySēn Lounge, City Vu Hotel, 7^th St at College Ave, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 2, 7:45 am check in; 8:30 am shotgun start; 12:30 lunch/prizes: "Drive for Education" LAUP golf outing, supporting adult and youth programs of Latin Americans United for Progress.

$85 per golfer; $300 team of 4 registering before July 26; $340 after July 26.  Checks payable to LAUP, 96 West 15^th St, Suite 101, Holland 49423, or fax to (616) 392-4372, or online at www.laup.org  Sponsorship opportunities available.  Information from Heather Dreyer at (616) 796-0121 or heather.dreyer@kenowa.com  At Winding Creek, 4514 Ottogan St, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4: 15^th annual National Korean American Adoptee/Adoptive Family Conference.  Youth and childcare programs available for ages 2-17.  Details about the conference on the website www.KAANet.org  At Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Sun, Aug 4, 1 pm to 4 pm: The 15th Annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) in Dunton Park, north of the River Ave. Bridge on Howard Ave.  in Holland.  Everyone is welcome!  Invite your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, new people in town. Please bring a dish to share from your cultural tradition; ACEH provides table services and beverages.  Entertainment, music, games, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, piñata, prizes—fun for the whole family.  www.harmonyalliance.org or 392-5086 or 396-2201.

 

Tues, Aug 6, 5 pm: National Night Out.  Event bringing together residents and neighborhood groups to facilitate cooperation and take a stand against crime.  Music, entertainment, kids' games, pie-eating contest, child ID program, bingo, vintage car show, dunk tank, hot dogs and ice cream.  American Legion Band (7:30 pm).  At Kollen Park, Lake Macatawa and Van Raalte Ave, Holland.

 

Sat, Aug 17, noon to 6 pm: Taste of Asia, to showcase Asian American community in the Lakeshore area, with culture, dance, music, fashion, and authentic Asian food.  Produced by Youth Ethnic Leadership League (YELL) in partnership with Lao Lahanam Association (LAOLAHA) to grow stronger bonds among the Asian American community and within West Michigan at large and to help advance Laotian students in higher education.  Info and sponsorship opportunities from Kavy Lenon at kvlenon@gmail.com  or (616) 298-4735; contact LAOLAHA at http://www.laolaha.org.  At Ottawa County Fairgrounds, Ottawa Beach Rd., Holland.

 

Community Opportunities and Resources

Community mental health HELPLINE:   24-hour crisis intervention: Holland/Zeeland 396-HELP (4357); Grand Haven/Spring Lake: 842-HELP (4357); all other areas toll-free: 1-866-512-HELP (4357).  Help with mental health emergencies; counseling/assistance by trained professionals; confidential and anonymous.

 

Community mental health services: Eligibility: The Access Center, (616) 393-5681; toll-free 1-877-588-4357.  Consumer services: (616 494-5545.  www.miOTTAWA.org/cmh

 

Michigan Legal Help: Website to help people with simple civil legal problems without a lawyer.  Offers free self-help tools and resources on finding a lawyer, self-help centers, community services, and court information.  Funded by Michigan State Bar Foundation, Legal Services of South Central Michigan, and the Legal Services Corporation.  www.MichiganLegalHelp.org

 

To promote homeownership, the City of Holland has established a Down Payment Assistance Program to provide low-  to moderate-income buyers with a grant of 50 percent of reasonable closing costs or down payment assistance, up to $3,000.  Various eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Sue Harder at (616) 355-3139.

 

In the Community July 15

In the Community: July 15, 2013

A Weekly Listing of Diversity and Multicultural Events

From the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

Do you use "In the Community" to find out about or publicize diversity and multicultural events in West Michigan?  If you do, ACEH can use your support.

Please consider joining ACEH or renewing your membership. Your dues  help pay for  this email and all the other Alliance  activities: $20 a year ($35/two years) for an individual; $30 a year ($50/two years) for a family; $40 for nonprofits; $75 for businesses.

It's easy--here's how:

--You can pay through the secure Pay Pal system at this updated link http://www.harmonyalliance.org/join.html 

--Or you can send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007,

--Or you can sign up any ACEH meeting or social event.  THANK YOU!

  

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, outreach, 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 Check us out on Facebook at ACEH - Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.

 

To the Community:

Three African American men have had their vehicles damaged in Holland—one on Thursday night and two in the early hours of Sunday morning.  At 3 a.m. Sunday, Wayne Coleman heard noise outside his house, saw a white male smashing  windows of the Colemans' new truck, and heard the man say "F-ing niggers."  A police officer parked in the area witnessed a car speeding away and later apprehended two men who are now are in custody.

 

On Thursday, Marvin Younger's car, in his driveway, was keyed.  On Saturday, a Texan visiting this area for a wedding, and staying at Marvin's, had his new car scratched and damaged.  A tree in the yard was damaged.  No suspects have been caught as yet.

 

Sunday night unknown persons yelled at Marvin's house as they drove by.

 

All these matters are in the hands of the police; Holland city officials are following up.

 

Several groups, including ACEH,  work hard to create a community where ALL people can feel safe and respected.  Just a few years ago, racial slurs were written on the driveway of a Jamaican family on the north side of Holland.  The community responded with a pledge: "Not Here.  Not Now.  Not Ever Again," and some 3,000 people signed it.   And yet here we are again with a hate crime and two possibly related incidents, intended by perpetrators to harass and intimidate their victims.   This can't continue.  And it can't be ignored.

 

We will keep you posted through "In the Community" about what happens next.

 _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Fri, July 19, 6:45 pm: PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Potluck Picnic.  Hot dogs, beverages, tableware provided; bring vegetarian casserole, salad, snack or dessert.  Business and support meeting at 7:30 pm, including discussion and evaluation of June 29 PRIDE Festival.  At Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave, Holland.

 

Tues, July 23, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Summer Park Party, sponsored by Holland's Commission on Police Community Relations.  Public is invited.  Entertainment, games, foods, drinks, prizes.  At Moran Park, between 21^st and 22nd Sts and Maple and Pine Aves, Holland.

 

Tues, July 23, 6:30 pm (reception), 7:30 pm (show):  "The Marvelous Wonderettes" musical revue, celebration and fundraiser sponsored by Partners for a Racism-Free Community.  $25 includes wine, appetizers, and the musical.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Circle Theatre, Aquinas College, 1703 Robinson Rd, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Wed, July 24, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm: 2^nd annual Young Professionals of Color Conference "Defining Your Success," with speaker Jullien Gordon, CEO and founder, New Higher consulting company; afternoon panel "Reflecting on Success"; vision mapping; action plans.  Presented by Cascade Consulting Group; BL2END is Young Professionals Partner.  $100 (some scholarships available).  For information, contact Mercedes Barragan at mercedes.barragan@cascadeng.com or (616) 254-4180.  At Gordon Food Service home office, 1300 Gezon Parkway, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Thurs, July 25, 7 pm: Holland Is Ready.  Gathering to celebrate Holland PRIDE, several court victories, and local pro-equality businesses.  Everyone is welcome.  http://hollandisready.org

At CitySēn Lounge, City Vu Hotel, 7^th St at College Ave, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 2, 7:45 am check in; 8:30 am shotgun start; 12:30 lunch/prizes: "Drive for Education" LAUP golf outing, supporting adult and youth programs of Latin Americans United for Progress.

$85 per golfer; $300 team of 4 registering before July 26; $340 for team of 4 after July 26.  Checks payable to LAUP, 96 West 15^th St, Suite 101, Holland 49423, or fax to (616) 392-4372, or online at www.laup.org  Sponsorship opportunities available.  Information from Heather Dreyer at (616) 796-0121 or heather.dreyer@kenowa.com  At Winding Creek, 4514 Ottogan St, Holland.

 

Fri, Aug 2 – Sun, Aug 4: 15^th annual National Korean American Adoptee/Adoptive Family Conference.  Youth and childcare programs available for ages 2-17.  Details about the conference on the website www.KAANet.org  At Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, downtown Grand Rapids.

 

Sun, Aug 4, 1 pm to 4 pm: The 15th Annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) in Dunton Park, north of the River Ave. Bridge on Howard Ave.  in Holland.  Please bring a dish to share; ACEH provides table services and beverages.  Entertainment, music, games, crafts, prizes—fun for the whole family.  www.harmonyalliance.org or 392-5086 or 396-2201.

 

Tues, Aug 6, 5 pm: National Night Out.  Event bringing together residents and neighborhood groups to facilitate cooperation and take a stand against crime.  Music, entertainment, kids' games, pie-eating contest, child ID program, bingo, vintage car show, dunk tank, hot dogs and ice cream.  American Legion Band (7:30 pm).  At Kollen Park, Lake Macatawa and Van Raalte Ave, Holland.

 

Community Opportunities

To promote homeownership, the City of Holland has established a Down Payment Assistance Program to provide low-  to moderate-income buyers with a grant of 50 percent of reasonable closing costs or down payment assistance, up to $3,000.  Various eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Sue Harder at (616) 355-3139.

 

Job Openings

Community Action House:  Project manager (program development, public relations, database management, facilitating classroom curriculum).  Bachelor's degree required; social services experience a plus.  Must work effectively with diverse populations.  Send letter of interest and resume by July 19 to Shelley Shanafelt, CFO, at sshanafelt@communityactionhouse.org

 

Grand Valley State University:  Faculty and staff openings.  Go to https://www.gvsujobs.org and click on Search Postings.

 

Holland Charter Township: Meter reader and maintenance assistant.  Application form online at www.hct.holland.mi.us and may be sent by email to tomy@hct.holland.mi.us or mailed to Holland Charter Township; attn.: Director of Public Works, 353 North 120^th Ave, Holland 49422-8217.

 

Hope College: Staff positions, including Program Director of Professional Career Development, Chaplain of Worship Music, Computing and Information Technology System Manager, Health Center Mid-level Provider.  For position descriptions, deadlines, and application procedures, go to www.hope.edu/admin/hr/employment/jobs/posting.html

 

Michigan Works in Ottawa County has compiled a list of Michigan-specific job search sites and other information for job-seekers: www.miottawa.org/Community/MichiganWorks/search_assist.htm

 

Ottawa County: Various positions: Corrections Officer (part-time), Elections Internship, Fiscal Services Director, Legal Self-Help Center (volunteer), Mental Health Specialist, Mounted Reserve Deputy, Park Attendant (deadline today), Program Coordinator (family services, Community Mental Health; deadline today), Road Patrol Deputy (part-time), and Soil Erosion Agent (deadline 7/19).  Go to https://www.miottawa.org/ and click on Employment Opportunities.

 

Ottawa County Road Commission: Positions in Commission's various garages; all require a valid Michigan CDL, class A license; an N endorsement is required, or ability to acquire it. Common Laborer II, Mechanic I, Mechanic III (2^nd shift).  Must complete an application in person, Mon-Fri between 7:30 am and 4 pm, at 14110 Lakeshore Dr, Grand Haven.  Applications accepted until Fri, July 19.

 

Exhibits

Now through August 11: National traveling exhibit: Race: Are we so different? "tells the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view, offering an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States.  More resources at www.understandingrace.org  Visitor info:

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/exhibits/racearewesodifferent  Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.  At University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor.

 

Now through August 25: Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan. Works of sculpture, paintings, and photographs by contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Huan; he is also a performance and installation artist.  www.meijergardens.org  At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline, NE, Grand Rapids.

 

 

  

 

In the Community from ACEH July 8

In the Community: July 8, 2013

A Weekly Listing of Diversity and Multicultural Events

From the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony

 

Do you use "In the Community" to find out about or publicize diversity and multicultural events in West Michigan?  If you do, ACEH can use your support.

Please consider joining ACEH or renewing your membership. Your dues  help pay for  this email and all the other Alliance  activities: The 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.

It's easy--here's how:

--You can pay through the secure Pay Pal system at this updated link http://www.harmonyalliance.org/join.html 

--Or you can send a check to ACEH, c/o Treasurer Bin Lim, Box 3007, Holland 49422-3007,

--Or you can sign up any ACEH meeting or social event.  THANK YOU!

  

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, outreach, 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 Check us out on Facebook at ACEH - Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

Thurs, July 11, 5:30 – 7:30 pm: Summer Park Party, sponsored by Holland's Commission on Police Community Relations.  Public is invited.  Entertainment, games, foods, drinks, prizes.  At Rosa Parks Green, Columbia Ave between 19^th and 20^th Sts, Holland.

 

Fri, July 12, 7 pm: "Community Mental Health and You": general public meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH), with Cal Taylor, CMH Access Center program director. Learn about access, resources, funding, issues, and more; Q & A follows.  All are welcome.  www.harmonyalliance.org, aceh@harmonyalliance.org, or 396-2201.  At Center for Women in Transition, 411 Butternut, Holland.

 

Tues, July 23, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Summer Park Party, sponsored by Holland's Commission on Police Community Relations.  Public is invited.  Entertainment, games, foods, drinks, prizes.  At Moran Park, between 21^st and 22nd Sts and Maple and Pine Aves, Holland.

 

Tues, July 23, 6:30 pm (reception), 7:30 pm (show):  "The Marvelous Wonderettes" musical revue, celebration and fundraiser sponsored by Partners for a Racism-Free Community.  $25 includes wine, appetizers, and the musical.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Circle Theatre, Aquinas College, 1703 Robinson Rd, SE, Grand Rapids.

 

Wed, July 24, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm: 2^nd annual Young Professionals of Color Conference "Defining Your Success," with speaker Jullien Gordon, CEO and founder, New Higher consulting company; afternoon panel "Reflecting on Success"; vision mapping; action plans.  Presented by Cascade Consulting Group; BL2END is Young Professionals Partner.  $100 (some scholarships available).  For information, contact Mercedes Barragan at mercedes.barragan@cascadeng.com or (616) 254-4180.  At Gordon Food Service home office, 1300 Gezon Parkway, SW, Grand Rapids.

 

Looking Ahead: Save the Date

Sun, Aug 4, 1 pm to 4 pm: The 15th Annual Potluck in the Park of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH) in Dunton Park, north of the River Ave. Bridge on Howard Ave.  in Holland.  Please bring a dish to share; ACEH provides table services and beverages.  Entertainment, music, games, crafts, prizes—fun for the whole family.  www.harmonyalliance.org or 392-5086 or 396-2201.

 

Community Opportunities

To promote homeownership, the City of Holland has established a Down Payment Assistance Program to provide low-  to moderate-income buyers with a grant of 50 percent of reasonable closing costs or down payment assistance, up to $3,000.  Eligibility requirements: income limits (not more than 80 percent of median family income), single-family homes within city limits that meet all housing standards and city requirements upon close of loan, complete homebuyer education class, provide various reports. For more information, contact Sue Harder at (616) 355-3139.

 

Job Openings

Grand Valley State University:  Faculty and staff openings.  Go to https://www.gvsujobs.org and click on Search Postings.

 

Habitat for Humanity: Volunteer Coordinator (30 hours), application deadline July 12; Community Outreach Manager (full time), application deadline July 19.  Bachelor's degree required for both. Advertisements published in Holland Sentinel Sunday, July 7.  No walk-ins or call-ins accepted.  Send CV/resume to Lindsay Oegema, business manager; Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity, 12727 Riley St, Holland, or email to busmgr@lakeshorehabitat.org

 

Hope College: Staff positions, including Program Director of Professional Career Development, Chaplain of Worship Music, Computing and Information Technology System Manager, Health Center Mid-level Provider.  For position descriptions, deadlines, and application procedures, go to www.hope.edu/admin/hr/employment/jobs/posting.html

 

Michigan Works in Ottawa County has compiled a list of Michigan-specific job search sites and other information for job-seekers: www.miottawa.org/Community/MichiganWorks/search_assist.htm

 

Ottawa County: Various positions: Clinic Support, Community Health Nurse, Corrections Officer (part-time), Elections Internship, Fiscal Services Director, Legal Self-Help Center (volunteer), Mental Health Specialist, Mounted Reserve Deputy, Park Attendant, Program Coordinator (family services, Community Mental Health), Road Patrol Deputy (part-time), and Soil Erosion Agent.  Go to https://www.miottawa.org/ and click on Employment Opportunities.

 

Ottawa County Road Commission: Positions in Commission's various garages; all require a valid Michigan CDL, class A license; an N endorsement is required, or ability to acquire it. Common Laborer II, Mechanic I, Mechanic III (2^nd shift).  Must complete an application in person, Mon-Fri between 7:30 am and 4 pm, at 14110 Lakeshore Dr, Grand Haven.  Applications accepted until Fri, July 19.

 

Exhibits

Now through August 11: National traveling exhibit: Race: Are we so different? "tells the stories of race from biological, cultural, and historical points of view, offering an unprecedented look at race and racism in the United States.  More resources at www.understandingrace.org  Visitor information at

http://www.lsa.umich.edu/ummnh/exhibits/racearewesodifferent  Open Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm, Sun noon-5 pm.  At University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave, Ann Arbor.

 

Now through August 25: Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan. Works of sculpture, paintings, and photographs by contemporary Chinese artist Zhang Huan; he is also a performance and installation artist.  www.meijergardens.org  At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline, NE, Grand Rapids.