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 15, 2001: GROWING UP IN A DIFFERENT CULTURE: WHERE
DO I BELONG?
7:00-9:30 p.m.
A panel of adults who were adopted internationally, and a brief video that relates the unique challenges of persons who
were adopted into and raised in a different culture, will offer insight into the experience of growing up in a transracial
adoptive family. Prospective adoptive parents who are considering international adoption, as well as families formed
through international or domestic transracial adoption, will find this session informative and thought-provoking as they consider
the joys and struggles of becoming a trans-racial family. Contact Kathy Sun for more information.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 East Fulton SE, Grand Rapids (1/2 mile west of East Beltline).
January 20, 2001: LUNAR NEW YEAR DINNER
2:30 p.m.
Celebrate the "Year of the Snake" with us! Owners of the Seoul Garden have reserved its entire restaurant so that
we may dine together in celebration of the Lunar New Year. The Garden's regular luncheon menu will be made available,
with its 24 items ranging between $5.75 and $7.95. RSVP by January 12 to Amy Bronkema.
Location: Seoul Garden Restaurant, 2409 E. Beltline SE, Grand Rapids
March 5, 2001: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Jane Wall for directions.
March 17, 2001: GYMNASTICS
2:00-4:00 p.m.
Come on out to Gymco for an awesome recreational activity! During our two hours of "challenging adventures," we will
explore the world of gymnastics through the use of balance beams, uneven bars, tumbling "pits," a human gyroscope, climbing
well, slam dunk basketball, challenge ropes course, trampolines, foosball and much more. Children as young as 18 months,
if accompanied by a parent, can join in the fun. There is no age limit, so moms and dads can participate too! Cost
is $8/person.
Reservations must be received by March 10! Contact Laurie Dermody to make reservations.
Location: Gymco, 2310 29th Street SE, Grand Rapids.
May 14, 2001: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Jane Wall for directions.
*June 16, 2001: MULTI-CULTURAL FESTIVAL
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: Bethany Christian Services, 901 Eastern Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI
Call 1-800-652-7082 to volunteer or for more information.
June 18, 2001: HERITAGE CAMP SET-UP DAY
Monday: Day for volunteers to prepare for camp.
Location: Northern Trails Middle School, 3775 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids.
June 19-22, 2001: HERITAGE CAMP
Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Heritage Camp Registration
Location: Northern Trails Middle School, 3775 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids.
July 23, 2001: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Jane Wall for directions.
*August 10-12, 2001: 6TH ANNUAL KOREAN STREET FESTIVAL OF CHICAGO
Opening ceremonies will kick off the event on Friday, August 10 at North Side College Prep High School, near the festival
site, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Local restaurants and service groups will dish up Korean specialties ranging from bulgogi
to savory pancakes, fried rice and Kimchi. There will be two sound stages with performances ranging from "Karaoke" singing
contests, fashion shows, and other dance and music performances. There will be Korean-American bands and guest DJ's
for the teen-agers and young adults, and even special games for the children. On Saturday, a special story bus founded
by the Kohl education association will provide entertainment for 3-5 year olds. There is no charge for the event.
Hours are: August 10--7:30 to 10:00 p.m., August 11--11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and August 12--11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For more information, contact April You at the Chicago Korean American Chamber of Commerce, (773)583-1700.
Location: Bryn Mawr Avenue, between Kedzie & Kimball Streets
*August 10-12, 2001: UKRAINIAN SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL
Cultural exhibits and demonstrations, Echoes of Ukraine Dance Ensemble, Sabava Ukrainian Orchestra, Sonyashnyk Ukrainian
Dance Ensemble, ethnic foods, kid's activities and more. August 10--5:00 p.m. to midnight, August 11--Noon to Midnight,
August 12--Noon to 10:30 p.m.
Click here for more details.
Location: St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church, 26401 St. Josaphat Drive, Warren, MI 48091 (Ryan Rd. just
South of I-696)
August 18, 2001: WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS BASEBALL GAME
Saturday, August 18. Fireworks will follow the game! Deadline for ordering tickets is July 17. Contact
Carrie Soltysiak for more information.
September, 2001: ADOPTIVE FAMILY PLAYGROUP FORMING
Are you looking for an opportunity to visit with other adoptive parents while your children have a chance to play?
A playgroup is forming for infants through age 4 and their Moms or Dads. We will meet twice a month on Thursday mornings
beginning in September. To join or ask questions, contact Kari Wilson or Kate Thomas. Thursday a bad day for you? Contact us anyway--we'll try to connect you with others who want to meet
on a different day!
September 10, 2001: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Jane Wall for directions.
September 17, 2001: F.F.I.C. PANEL DISCUSSION: Men of Color Identity Issues
A discussion on identity and self-esteem among men of color in predominantly Caucasian communities. Facilitated by
Mary Smit. For further information contact Amy Bronkema.
Location: Bethany Christian Services, 901 Eastern Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI
*October 13, 2001: KALAMAZOO RUSSIAN FESTIVAL
Click here for more details.
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Location: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Texas Campus
October 20, 2001: ANNUAL HAYRIDE
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Come out for an enjoyable morning as we enjoy a tractor drawn hayride, a corn maze and a hot dog roast. Cost is $5
per person. Children one and under free. Please contact or Jane Wall for before October 13 for reservations. Payment may be made by cash or check made out to FFIC the day of the event.
We will need an exact count, so please make reservations early for this fun event!
Location: Orchard Hill Farm, 9896 Cascade Road, Lowell, MI
December 4, 2001: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Jane Wall for directions.
December 8, 2001: ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Join us for a fun morning of Christmas crafts, a piņata, snacks, and a visit from Santa to pass out gifts to the children! There
is no charge for this event and families interested in FFIC who are not members are very welcome. Please bring a small
wrapped gift for each of your children, which Santa will pass out individually.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 East Fulton SE, Grand Rapids (1/2 mile west of East Beltline).
