Note: Events with an * are not sponsored by F.F.I.C.,
but are cultural or adoption-related events of interest to our F.F.I.C. members. If you would like to suggest an
event to be posted, please e-mail the webmaster.
January 12, 2004: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend.
Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*January 20, 2004: EDUCATIONAL
FORUM: POST-ADOPTIVE RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Tuesday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Presented by AFSN staff Janice
Fonger and Kristin Siebers. Child care is available. Reservations are required. Call AFSN at (616)458-7945
for information or to make reservations.
Location: Central Reformed
Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
January 31,
2004: LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY--2004, "YEAR OF THE MONKEY"
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. (doors open at 9:30 a.m.)
Come and learn about and participate
in traditional Lunar New Year games and activities! A wonderful authentic Korean meal will also be served for lunch.
For additional information and to pre-register, contact Cheryl Wyma.
Cost: 2 & under:
free, 3-10 years: $6.00, 11 to adult: $8.00, Family rate: $32.00
Location: St. Paul's United
Methodist Church, 3334 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids
*February 8, 2004: AFSN
FAMILY FUN EVENT: HOLLAND AQUATIC CENTER
Cost is $4.75 for adults and
$3.75 for children over age 3. All reservations must be pre-paid.
Call AFSN at (616)458-7945 for
information or to make reservations.
*February 19, 2004: PARENTING
THE HURT CHILD
Thursday, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Dr. Gregory Keck will speak on
"Adopting the Hurt Child" and "Parenting the Hurt Child." No charge to attend. For more information contact Linda
Galien (616)224-7452. Sponsored by Bethany Christian Services.
Location: Calvin College,
Gezon Auditorium, Grand Rapids.
*February 27-29, 2004:
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION FAMILY FUN WEEKEND
Shanty Creek extends a special
invitation to pre- or post-adoptive families of international children. It is a 2-night package designed for families
who wish to meet and interact with other adoptive families. For more information, call 800-678-4111 ext. 7400 or go
to www.ShantyCreek.com/adoptionweekend.html
*March 6, 2004:
ADOPTING FROM CHINA
Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to Noon.
The Chinese Culture Group of
Greater Grand Rapids is holding a panel discussion on the subject of adopting children from China. Free babysitting
and free cultural activities will be provided for children, as well as free snacks and beverages. An optional pizza
party will be held after the discussion (suggested donation of $5.00 per family). For more information or to RSVP (by
March 1), call Debbie at (616)897-6404.
Location: St. Luke Lutheran
Church, 3215 Four Mile Road (at the Beltline), Grand Rapids.
*March 6, 2004: LIFE
BOOK WORKSHOP
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Join us for this hands-on workshop
to create a life book to "tell your child's story." Childcare will be provided. Space is limited and reservations
are required. Call AFSN at (616)458-7945 for information or to make reservations.
Location: Central Reformed
Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
March 15, 2004: F.F.I.C.
BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend.
Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*March 18, 2004: "LIFE AFTER VISITING THE COUNTRY
OF MY BIRTH"
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Mary Smit, MSW, an adult Korean adoptee, will lead the discussion,
along with a panel of internationally adopted adults. Child care is available, free of charge, but you must pre-register.
Call Darrah at 458-7945 for more information or to make a reservation.
Location: Central Reformed
Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
March 27, 2004: LUDMILA'S
LITTLE RUSSIA--RUSSIAN FOLK ART CLASS
Saturday, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Ludmila Chapman’s passion is to bring a little bit of Russia to children in the United States. Her class
will include teaching students about her upbringing and life in Russia, as well as teaching them to paint the popular matryoshka,
or Russian nesting dolls. Each student will have the opportunity to paint and take home their own set of matryoshka
dolls. The class is open to preschool through adult ages, but space is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
A second class may be added the same afternoon from 3:00-5:00 p.m. if there is demand for it. Younger children must
have a registered or non-registered adult attend to assist them, if necessary.
Cost: F.F.I.C. Members:
$13 per, Non-Members: $18 per child/adult. Cost includes supplies and snacks. Registration with payment
in full must be received by March 13 and is subject to availability. Contact Jodi Lewis for a registration form.
Location: Home School
Building Room #5, 5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509.
*April 14-June 2, 2004: "HURRY UP AND RELAX" ADOPTIVE MOM'S SUPPORT
GROUP
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
There is no fee for the group or for pre-school child care. The group is limited
to 10 women. For more information or reservations contact Adoptive Family Support Network at (616)458-7945.
Location: Sunshine Church, 3300 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids.
*April 15, 2004: THE ADOPTEE EXPERIENCE
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
A panel of adult adoptees will share their experiences. Child care is available.
Reservations are required. For more information or reservations contact Adoptive Family Support Network at (616)458-7945.
Location: Central Reformed Church,
10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
*April 15, 2004: "ANIMAL ADVENTURES" AT JOHN BALL
ZOO
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join old friends and new for a behind the scenes peek at the animals,
tour of the zoo, and picnic lunch. Cost is $2.00 per person. Families bring their own picnic lunches. All
reservations must be pre-paid. For more information or reservations contact Adoptive Family Support Network at (616)458-7945.
Location: John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids.
April 22, 2004: LINDA SUE PARK--NEWBERY AWARD WINNER
Thursday, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Linda Sue Park, author of 2002 Newberry Award winning book, A Single Shard,
will be in Grand Rapids to share her books and experiences! Other book by Linda Sue Park include Kite Fighters, Seesaw
Girl, and When My Name Was Keoko (Kite Fighters and Seesaw Girl are used each year in Heritage Camp). Her writings include
poems and short fiction for adults. Any questions, call June DeBoer at (616)245-4998. Sponsored by F.F.I.C.
Location: First Christian Reformed Church, 650 Bates St. SE,
Grand Rapids.
*May 1, 2004: RUSSIAN MAY DAY FESTIVAL
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This is a celebration of Russian culture.
Exciting activities include children's booths, ethnic food, music, Russian costumes, adoption information, storytelling, puppet
show, May Day pole, door prizes and much, much more. This event is open to the general public. EVERYONE is welcome.
Sponsored by Adoption Associates, Inc. in cooperation with FORO (Friends of Russian Orphans). Call (616)667-0921 for
more details.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 East Fulton SE, Grand Rapids (1/2 mile west of East Beltline).
*May 1, 2004: LIFE
BOOK WORKSHOP
Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Join us for this hands-on workshop to
create a life book to "tell your child's story." Space is limited and reservations are required. Call Sunshine
Church at (616)364-4242 for information or to make reservations.
May 10, 2004: F.F.I.C.
BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please
contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*May 20, 2004: BOOK DISCUSSION
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
"Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew." Child care is
available. Reservations are required. For more information or reservations contact Adoptive Family Support Net
at (616)458-7945.
Location: Central Reformed Church,
10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
*June 1, 2004: HEALING CONNECTION: FACILITATING ATTACHMENT
Tuesday, 6:45 (Announcements) and 7:00-8:00 p.m. (Speaker presentation)
Megan Bronson RN, MSN, CS and facilitator for retreats and seminars focused on dealing
with loss and trauma, is founder and director of Balance Point, Inc. Balance Point is dedicated to helping individuals,
families and systems to heal and to move toward balance and harmony, with a focus on learning healthier patterns of relating
and functioning in life.
Sponsored by the Chinese Culture Group of Greater Grand Rapids. Children's activities will be available.
Location: St. Luke Lutheran Church, 3215 4 Mile Road NE (4 Mile and
East Beltline), Grand Rapids, MI
June 21, 2004: HERITAGE CAMP SET-UP DAY
Monday: Day for volunteers to prepare for camp.
Location: Northern Trails Middle School, 3775 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids.
June 22-25,
2004: HERITAGE CAMP
Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Registration information will be mailed to members and will also be available on
this site. Please check back soon for more information.
Location: Northern Trails Middle School, 3775 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids.
July 12, 2004: F.F.I.C.
BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please
contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*August 13-14, 2004: PARENTING AND INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION
Friday, the 13th, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Saturday, the 14th, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Gregory Keck, Ph.D.: A 10.5-hour workshop appropriate for families
considering an international adoption, parents who recently completed an international adoption, or interested professionals.
"CEU's are available to psychologists as well as Social Workers and Counselors through PsychoEducational Resources.
Please read the information in the registration brochure regarding CEU information".
Contact person: ReginaKu@msn.com 440-230-1960 #5
Location: Attachment and Bonding Center of Ohio, 12608 State
Rd., Cleveland Ohio
August 21, 2004: F.F.I.C. NIGHT AT THE WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
It's an F.F.I.C. tradition...baseball, food and fun! Stay after
the game for a spectacular fireworks show, also!
Cost: $7.00 per person (children 2 and under do not need
a ticket). Add $1.50 per person for hot dog and soda. Contact Carrie Soltysiak to order tickets. Reservations must be received and paid in full by July 20.
Location: Fifth Third Park,
Comstock Park, MI.
*August 26, 2004: HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by AFSN. Presenter: Susan McFarland (speaker,
author, licensed professional counselor and adoptive mom). Free childcare provided. Reservations required by calling
AFSN at (616)458-7945.
Location: Central Reformed
Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
September 20, 2004: F.F.I.C.
BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please
contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*September 16, 2004: BUILDING SELF-ESTEEM IN YOUR CHILD
Sponsored by AFSN. Presenter: Andrea Baier-Petiet LLP,
CSW.
Free childcare provided. Reservations required by calling AFSN at
(616)458-7945.
Location: Central Reformed
Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids.
*September 17-November 19, 2004: "HURRY UP AND RELAX"
Fridays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
A workshop for adoptive moms sponsored by AFSN. The group will provide
adoptive moms with the tools they need to manage the lifelong well-being of their families. Facilitating the group will
be Susan McFarland (speaker, author, licensed professional counselor and adoptive mom). There is no fee for the group
or for pre-school child care. To register, call AFSN at (616)458-7945. Limited
to 10 women.
Location: Sunshine Community
Church, 3300 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI.
*September 20-November 22, 2004: "RAISING HEALTHY FAMILIES"
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
A workshop for adoptive parents that will be a time for education, gathering
resources, humor and sharing. Facilitating the group will be Susan McFarland (speaker, author, licensed professional
counselor and adoptive mom). There is no fee for the group or for child care. To register, call AFSN at (616)458-7945. Limited to 10 families.
Location: To be announced.
*October 2, 2004: "FAMILY CRAFTS IN THE GALLERY"
Saturday, 10:15-12:00
Adoptive Family Fun Events are social, celebratory, networking activities
for the whole family. Join AFSN and fellow adoptive families for a fun morning of art in the gallery, followed by pizza
and beverages. Cost is $2.50 per person and reservations are required by September 23, 2004. To register, call
AFSN at (616)458-7945.
Location: Grand Rapids Art
Museum.
October 9, 2004: LATIN AMERICAN DAY OF THE DEAD FESTIVAL
Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
A healthy remembrance of our ancestors. Children will participate
in a variety of fun activities.
More details to follow. Contact Jo Taylor if you'd like to volunteer.
*November 6, 2004: NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH CONFERENCE
Saturday.
Sponsored by Adoptive Family Support Network. Visit www.afsn.org for details or call (616)458-7945 if you have
not received a registration booklet in the mail by early October. Deadline to register is Oct. 15.
Cost: $20, which includes 4 sessions and lunch.
Location: Calvin College Fine Arts Center, Grand Rapids,
MI.
November 8, 2004: F.F.I.C.
BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please
contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*November 19, 2004: ADOPTION CELEBRATION
Friday, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
"The Many Generations of Family" sponsored by AFSN at the Grand Rapids
Children's Museum. Admission is free and open to adoptive families. Call AFSN for more details or reservations
at (616)458-7945.
*November 20, 2004: KALAMAZOO RUSSIAN FESTIVAL
Saturday.
Click here for more details.
December 11, 2004: F.F.I.C. HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun time of kids crafts, snacks and fun with fellow adoptive
families. Free to F.F.I.C. members and non-members.
Change for 2004: Instead of bringing a gift for your child, please
bring a donation for an orphanage (shoes, cold medications, vitamins, etc.). Donations
will be divided among several organizations.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 East Fulton SE, Grand Rapids (1/2 mile west of East Beltline).
