Monday, September 01, 2014

In the Community from ACEH September 1, 2014

 
In the Community: Sept. 1, 2014
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?  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.  The ACEH fiscal year is September 30 – October 1.
It's easy--here's how:
--You can pay through the secure Pay Pal system on the website--www.harmonyalliance.org
--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 is a 501(c) 3 organization; contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
  
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. 
 
Check us out under Groups on Facebook at ACEH - Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony.  Lots of posted info and links to multicultural, race, and justice topics.
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Fri, Sept 5, and Sat, Sept 6, 11:30 am to 11:30 pm:  Hispanic Festival 2014.  Continuous entertainment, food from many regions, beverage tent, mercado (market) featuring traditional and artisan wares, children's crafts and activities, Futsal tournament (Saturday).  Free and open to the public.  Benefits the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.  At Calder Plaza, downtown Grand Rapids.
 
Sat, Sept 6–Sun, Sept 14: Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival "to create cross-cultural understanding and to celebrate Latino culture and identity through art, music, film, dance, and educational events."  Films, music, art, gala; events info and schedules at www.tulipanes.org  Award-winning films include shorts, documentaries, and feature-length films exploring themes in which Latino imagination and creativity approach humor, politics, culture, fiction, and art.  Most films in Spanish with English subtitles.  All films are free and open to the public.  For more information on films, contact Roberto Jara at (616) 745-0887.
 
Thurs, Sept 11, 11:30 am-1:30 pm:  "But What Did I Say? Having Culturally Appropriate Conversations," by Sean L. Huddleston, GVSU assistant v-p in the Inclusion and Equity Division;  interactive discussion to give participants tools and information to build cultural competence in verbal and non-verbal communication.  Hosted by Partners for a Racism-Free Community.  $30 per person, includes lunch.  Register at www.prfc-gr.org  At Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids 49503 (entrance off Lakeside).
 
Fri, Sept 12, 7 pm: General meeting of the Alliance for Cultural and Ethnic Harmony (ACEH), marking Hispanic Heritage Month.  Speaker is Dr. Jesse Montano, associate professor of education at Hope College, who specializes in Latina/o literature.  "Language and the Practice of Hope."  Everyone is welcome.  NOTE different location this month:  At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St, Holland.
 
Sat, Sept 13:  Pastor Wayne Coleman's Breakfast Club has been rescheduled from Sept. 13 until  Sat, Oct 4, 9:30 am to 11:30 am.  The topic for discussion will be "Let's Talk About Ferguson."  More information in "In the Community" in the next few weeks.
 
Wed, Sept 17, 8 am-5 pm: 48-Hour Domestic Relations Mediator Training.  Continues on Sept 18, Sept 19, Sept 26, Sept 27, and Sept 29.  Mediation Services is seeking volunteers to train to become mediators, helping resolve conflicts and disputes in the community.  Training by Brian Pappas, MSU Dispute Resolution Program.  Cost: $50 for volunteers; $795 for non-volunteers.  Space is limited; to reserve, call (616) 399-1600 or email Admin@MediationServices.Works   At Mediation Services, 68 West 8th St, Suite 220, Holland.
 
Fri, Sept 19, 7 pm (support group); 8 pm (program):  PFLAG meeting to hear Rev. Salvatore Sapienza, pastor of Douglas Congregational UCC and a former monk of the Catholic church, who will speak about his book "Gay is a Gift," a guide on gay spirituality. He is also author of "Seventy Times Seven."  At Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave, Holland.
 
Sat, Sept 20, 10 am:  Sign-up for All for One dance classes.  Offered are hip/hop, line dance, jazz, and Mexican Folklorico.  $35 for 8 weeks.  For more information, email Norma Luna at moonchild1993@yahoo.com   At Holland Area Arts Council, 150 East 8th St, Holland.
 
Tues, Sept 23, 7 pm:  Film, "Fruitvale Station," and discussion "Caring About Michael Brown Jr.: What are the Issues?  What Are the Inequities?"  Sponsored by Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance's Diversity Initiative of Northwest Ottawa County and Goodrich Quality Theaters.  Registration required, at www.ethnicdiversity.org  At Grand Haven 9 theater, 17220 Hayes St, Grand Haven.
 
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School supplies needed!  The Center for Women in Transition (CWIT) is currently serving more than 40 school-age children who need backpacks, pencils, pens, scissors, glue sticks, calculators, binders, more.  Help them get ready for school by dropping off a donation at the Holland program center, 411 Butternut.  For more information, call (616) 494-1747.
 
Community Opportunity: Great Start for Preschoolers: Ottawa County's Great Start Readiness Program has openings for 1,000 preschoolers for free or low-cost early childhood education.  Operated through Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD) working with school districts, community agencies, and child care centers.  Children in Ottawa County who are 4 years old by Oct 1, 2014, are eligible.  A family of four can earn up to $59,625 and still qualify.  Half-day and full-day sessions available.  www.oaisd.org/GSR-Papp or www.successandmychild.org or call (616) 796-1504.
 
Community Opportunity:   Family Meal Month, sponsored by Ottawa Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition in partnership with local restaurants in September to promote family dinners and celebrate the benefits of family time.  Go to www.talksooner.org   for restaurant updates, a list of participating restaurants in Ottawa County and a printable coupon to receive various discounts.
 
Jobs
City of Allegan:  Promotions coordinator.  Full-time (varied, weekdays and weekends); $35,000 with benefits package.  Assist with events, festivals, marketing in City of Allegan.  Degree in marketing or related field; previous business, volunteer management, customer service, and cash handling experience preferred.  Job description at http://www.cityofallegan.org/notices/html  Send cover letter and resume to City of Allegan, attn: Tracy Stull, 112 Locust St, Allegan 49010 or email to tstull@cityofallegan.org.  Deadline is Fri, Sept. 26.
 
City of Holland:  Municipal accountant II, part-time (16-24 hrs/wk, $25-$30/hr depending on experience; no benefits).  Various accounting, budgeting, reporting, grant management functions in compliance with federal/state statutes.  BA in accounting, CPA preferred; 5 years' accounting experience preferably in a municipal environment, or familiarity with government accounting. Send resume and cover letter by mail or email to City of Holland, HR Depart, 270 South River, Holland 49423; hr@cityofholland.com  Deadline is Fri, Sept 5.
 
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District:  Teacher assistant, full-time during school year; hourly compensation with benefits available.  Provide educational support in  program for youth with severe behavioral/emotional impairments.  Some college desired; background in mental health, education, or juvenile justice system helpful.  Information at www.oaisd.org  Deadline is Tues, Sept 2.
 
Ottawa County Michigan Works! Employers of the Day Event: On-site, Tuesday, Sept 2, at 121 Clover St, Holland; (616) 396-2154.  See info on 4 firms, below:
---Allied Business Services, on site from 10 am to 2 pm.  Four openings for call center account representatives and also for a bilingual (Spanish) representative.  Need keyboarding and verbal communication skills.  Competitive wages and various benefits. 
---Forge Staffing, 11 am to 4 pm: 40 full-time and long-term production jobs of various kinds.  Requirements vary.
---Blu Perspective, 10 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm: Quality inspectors, team leaders, and response technicians.  Job offers made on site.  Bring resume and be prepared for brief interview.
---Effex Management Solutions, 8:30 am to 2 pm: Hiring 50 full-time assembly and production positions for Magna Mirrors.  Compensation includes various benefits.  Bring resume.