Chinese Culture Group of Greater Grand Rapids

I don’t know about all of you, but sometimes I have a hard time remembering names. This can be a little embarrassing when it comes to remembering those in the group that you feel you really should know the names of by now! So, to this end, we will be putting together a photo directory (my wife Melissa is putting it together–here is a sample).

Nothing too fancy (the final directory will be in PDF format which members can print out on their home printers if they like), just something to help us all. If you have a family picture and would like to be included in the directory, please send me…

1. Your family photo

2. The names of everyone in your family picture

3. Let me know if you would like your email address(es) included with your photo (and what they are)

Send them to mark@markandmelissa.com by the last day of March.

Thanks,

Mark

P.S. A couple of you have already sent pictures (you saw this post on the Yahoo site). If you want to send an updated photo that’s fine. If not, we will plan to use what you have already sent.

Congratulations to Sarah Weber, who has been elected (by the board) to be our new treasurer.  I would like to personally thank Mike Pikaart for all his efforts and care in fulfilling this position for the past several years.

During July 2009, there will be 4 board openings for the following positions:

- Chairperson (Currently held by Dan Richter)

- Vice Chairperson (Currently held by Mark Elenbaas)

- Member At Large (Currently held by Lori Visser)

- Member At Large (Currently held by Kevin Weber)

The main responsibility of the board is to organize/plan events, distribute information, and maintain the mission of the group in accordance with FCC guidelines as follows: To support families who’ve adopted in China through post-adoption and Chinese culture programs; To encourage adoption from China and support waiting families; To advocate for and support children remaining in orphanages in China.

Please volunteer for the board, which is a 2-year commitment.  If you are interested in becoming a board member, please contact us:  http://ccgggr.org/content/contact-us/

If there are no volunteers, individual members/regular attendees will be asked to step-up in order to maintain this group.

Thank you – Dan Richter

On Saturday May 16, 2009 come celebrate one of China’s most famous inventions – The Kite.  Approximately 2,800 years ago, the first kite was flown in Weifang, China (Shandong Province) by 5th century philosophers Mozi and Lu Ban.  Over time, kites have been used for sport, military operations, scientific testing, and leisure.   Weifang continues to recognize this invention by hosting an annual International Kite Festival.

For more information about the kite and it’s relevance to Chinese Culture, please see:  http://www.travelchinaguide.com/intro/arts/kites.htm.  In addition, there are several children’s books about Chinese kites that would be an excellent way to educate our kids about this topic before our celebration:

Kite Flying by Grace Lin (http://www.gracelin.com/content.php?page=book_kite)

Moonbeams, Dumplings, & Dragonboats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes (http://www.childbook.com/Moonbeams-Dumplings-Dragon-Boats-A-Treasury-o-p/e0261.htm)

In honor of the kite, Art and Lori Visser will be hosting a kite flying celebration at their home.  The celebration will take place on Saturday May 16, 2009 from noon – ???.  For directions to the Visser’s Home (located between Cedar Springs and Rockford, MI) please send them a private email at: one1horseranch@att.net.  A tentative agenda for the celebration is as follows:

12:00 – 1:15 PM Lunch (Each family will be responsible for bringing their own place settings and drinks.  Punch and condiments will be available, if desired.  Additionally, each family is asked to bring a dish to pass.  There will be a grill and/or fire available for cooking meat, which families need to supply for their own use).

1:15 PM – ???  Kite flying.  The Vissers have several acres with few trees.  Each family will be responsible for bringing their own kites.

To sign-up for this event, please click on the following link:

http://ccgggr.org/content/signup/kite-flying-and-potluck/

Hope to see you there – Dan Richter

Join Adoption Associates, Inc. for a fundraiser on March 19 at the Culver’s Restaurant in Jenison, Michigan.

West Michigan area families are encouraged to join Adoption Associates, Inc. on March 19, 2009 from 4-9pm at Culver’s restaurant in Jenison, Michigan. Culver’s restaurant of Jenison will give a generous donation to Adoption Associates, Inc. of 10% of the sales made during that time. Adoption Associates, Inc. staff will be present at the restaurant throughout the evening.

Please consider attending and helping us spread the word by inviting your friends, families, and neighbors to join us! Culver’s restaurant is located near the corner of Chicago Drive and Cottonwood in Jenison, near Meijer.

Mike Carroll
Chief Development Officer
Adoption Associates

www.adoptionassociates.net
mcarroll@adoptionassociates.net

1-800-677-2367

On Tuesday March 10, 2009 (from 6:30 – 8:00 PM), we will be having a get together at Bounce Party, which is located at:

4740 Talon Ct SE # 2
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
(616) 656-3220

The cost of this event is $8.00 per child for 90 minutes of unlimited bouncing.  For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.bounceparty.net/public.html