News from the Cultural Intelligence Committee

Help Support Migrant Farm Workers

The Ottawa County Cultural Intelligence Committee is joining forces with the Migrant Resource Councils of Ottawa, Allegan, and Barry counties to sponsor the Migrant Farmworker Appreciation Event on Sunday, July 30. This year, it is being held here in Ottawa County at True Blue Farms-Stanton Camp in West Olive. In an effort to show appreciation to the many migrant farmworkers who come to this region, the Cultural Intelligence Committee is volunteering at the event and have also volunteered to provide basic household items to hand out to those attending the event.

This is where you come in! The committee is requesting donations of basic household supplies and toiletries which migrant workers do not bring with them. The items we are requesting include:  

• laundry baskets
• laundry soap
• dish soap
• bug spray
• toilet brushes
• toilet bowl cleaner
• paper towels
• all-purpose cleaner
• diapers
• feminine hygiene products

 If you’d rather donate funds in case we need to purchase additional items, please contact one of the organizers listed below.

There will be boxes stationed for employees to drop off donations of these items at the following locations starting Friday, July 14 through Thursday, July 27:

• Fillmore Complex – 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive (Human Resources Office)
• Health Department – 12251 James Street, Holland (East Breakroom)
• Community Mental Health – 12265 James Street, Holland (Breakroom)
• Grand Haven Court House – 414 Washington Street, Grand Haven (FOC Breakroom, District Court Breakroom, Circuit Court Copy Area)
• Holland District Court - 85 W. 8th Street, Holland (First Floor in Clerk’s Area)
• Hemlock Crossing Nature Education Center – 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive (Front Entrance Way)

 Let’s show migrant farmworkers how much West Michigan appreciates their hard work!

 Thank you for considering.  If you have questions, please contact one of the following organizers:

• Albert Doorn: 393-5684
• Cynthia Smeyers: 393- 5741
• Kristen Hintz: 786-4847
• Melanie Manion: 738-4811
• Reyna Masko: 846-8364

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Loutit District Library presents "Exploring Cuba on Your Own" by Joyce and Andy Cawthon

The public is invited to the Loutit District Library on Thursday, July 20 as Joyce and Andy Cawthon reveal how, with a little courage and lots of online research, they took a three-week trip exploring Cuba last March.

They will discuss their accommodations, money exchange issues, tourist visas and how to get them, the logistics of getting there, traveling around Cuba, language issues (how much Spanish should you know), what to pack and what to bring back, cost, and so much more. The Cawthons will also answer questions about traveling without travel agencies in New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy, England and more.

The program begins at 7:00 p.m. in Program Room A. For more information, visit www.loutitlibrary.org or call 616-842-5560, ext. 214.

Loutit District Library is located at 407 Columbus Avenue in Grand Haven, Michigan.

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