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Newsletter - Asian Center of West Michigan Nominations for the AAA Awards Program 2008March 10, 2008 by Claire Postma, AAA Committee Vice-Chair ASIAN 2008 AMAZING ASIANS AWARDS FORM AND GUIDELINES DEADLINE MAY 2, 2008 INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION BEING NOMINATED: __________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE _____________________________________ EMAIL ________________________________ NOMINATOR INFORMATION: RELATIONSHIP TO THE ABOVE INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATION _________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE _____________________________________________ EMAIL ________________________ NOMINATION GUIDELINE:
SELECTION CRITERIA
MAIL OR E-MAIL THIS FORM AND NARRATIVE TO: The 1444 Michigan NE Grand Rapids MI 49503
E-mail: info@asian-center.org If you have any questions, feel free to call: Telephone: 616-301-3987 Grand Rapids Police Officer Robert Kozminski July 11, 2007 by Douglas Chung
Dear Asian volunteers, friends, & leaders: Due to the fact: the Asian community has experienced domestic violence and other acts of violence in the past. A recent news article explains the Grand Rapids Police Officer Robert Kozminski, was killed in the line of duty. His job was to assist in a domestic violence case. Please read the obituary from Mlive.com: "Robert A. Kozminski Officer Robert A. Kozminski, aged 29, of Grand Rapids, beloved father, son, brother, uncle and grandson gave his life in the line of duty Sunday, July 8, 2007 protecting those he served. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. The family will receive visitors Wednesday and Thursday 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church where a Vigil Service will be held Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to "Donations for the Benefit of Kailey Kozminski" care of any National City Bank."
We should all show a presence and support for the police department who also are struggling every day with violence in our community. It is important, since many people will attend these services, to arrive early. You may reach me at (616)331-6559 or (616)301-3987. Thank you, Douglas Chung, MSW, MA, Ph.D., LMSW Executive Director THE ASIAN CENTER  Asian Community Response to the Hai Vo IncidentJune 21, 2007 by Douglas Chung FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Persons: Alice Kennedy, Asian Victims Relief Fund (Photograph attached) 616-856-1482 (phone), 616-698-0558 (fax) kmrkennedy@aol.com (e-mail) Christina Fong, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress 616-235-0284 (phone) cfong@christinafong.com ASIAN COMMUNITY LEADERS DISTRAUGHT OVER LATEST FINDINGS ON HAI VO CASE Grand Rapids, Michigan June 19, 2007- In response to the June 14, 2007 Grand Rapids Press article, “Fight Victim Not Innocent Bystander,” several representative from Asian organizations met Sunday evening, June 17, to voice their concerns and demand immediate clarification from the authorities and media. Hai Vo was assaulted in the early morning hours of Nov. 12, 2006 outside The B.O.B. which left him critically injured and in a coma for several weeks. According to the Grand Rapids Press article, the Grand Rapids Police reported that Hai Vo was "more of an aggressor than he now recollects” and that no charges will be filed based on the results of the investigation. Grand Rapids Police Chief Harry Dolan, in a phone conversation June 18, disputed the contention in the said Grand Rapids Press article that the case has been closed. “The misinformation over this case has troubled the Asian American community and has made them feel more vulnerable” noted Fr. Phong Pham, Parish Priest and Founder of the Asian Victim’s Relief Fund. While there might be questions about the charges and the possibility of the assault being a hate crime, reports of racially denigrating comments made prior to the assault speaks to a clear community issue. “If you live in a community where you cannot celebrate publicly without fear of being intimidated because of how you look or the color of your skin, then your community has a problem that needs to be addressed” noted Alice Kennedy, coordinator of the Asian Victim Relief Fund (AVRF). While Asian Americans make up around 2% of the population in Since the assault in November 2006, the Asian American community has worked to ensure that the victim’s family is supported and their needs addressed. Community leaders have also met with the police and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. “We were surprised to read about the findings in the paper especially with comments that portray Hai Vo as the aggressor in the assault” said Bing Goei. We understand that the lack of witness may not make it possible to prosecute. On the other hand, we believe that representing Hai Vo as an aggressor with inconclusive evidence is damaging to the Asian American community” he added. The Asian American community of ### For additional information, contact: Alice Kennedy at 616-856-1482or Christina Fong at 616-235-0284. The Asian Victims Relief Fund is composed of Asian American Leaders in  In Memory of Perry DiepMay 30, 2007 by Douglas Chung I am writing to you to inform you the Asian Center Staff, Board Members and Volunteers are very saddened by the recent news of the loss of Mr. Perry Diep, who died on Monday May 28th, 2007. As a nominee for the Amazing Asians Awards 2007, we have just presented a "Certificate of Appreciation" to Perry for his work in the community which includes: Helped identify representatives from the Asian community for many City Events. (i.e. Color Collaborative). Served on the Board of Directors for Grand Rapids Community College's Recruitment Diversity Board, Saint Mary's Diversifying Committee, local chapter of the American with Civil Liberties Union, Asian Center, Young Leaders Society, and Asian Health Outreach Foundation. Networked with many key stakeholders within the Asian Community. The funeral visitation will be at: Matthy, Kuiper, DeGraff Funeral Home 4646 Kalamazoo Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Times: from 2:00 to 4:00 PM, and 7:00 to 9:00 PM I am personally asking for you and other Asian community members as a group to please pay respect to Perry Diep's family and friends, and show support from the Asian community on May 31st (Thur) 7:30pm at the funeral visitation. With sadness, Douglas K. Chung, Executive Director THE ASIAN CENTER (616)301-3987  Asian College Student ReceptionSeptember 12, 2006 by Douglas K. Chung and Minnie Morey September 19, 2006 Our first Asian College Student Reception was quite a success! Many thanks to Aquinas College for providing the space for our first meeting, the student intern Juri Iijima for her assistance in coordinating the event, as well as to the staff Sharon Smith, Judi Creamer, and Sara Frees. The students were provided gifts from Foremost Insurance Company, John T. Kalinka (616)956-8888, which included a backpack, really cool pen, hat and scarf, and a laundry bag. Many thanks to John Kalinka and Foremost Insurance Company for their generosity. A list of the restaurants who donated food, and special thanks to Far East Restaurant for donating the DJ, who provided such great music, and smoke-free atmosphere for the students to enjoy! We were very pleased to have Asian Students from Aquinas College, Calvin College, Cornerstone University, Davenport University, Grand Valley State University, and Hope College. Over 55 students along with community leaders as well as board members of the Asian Center were in attendance. Please see the picture of the students from Davenport University along with Mike Zhang, Director of International Enrollment and Programs, Davenport University, who is also a board member of the Asian Center of West Michigan. A warm thank you for our donations for the event from Mr. and Mrs. Lin, Mr. and Mrs. Ly, as well as the following restaurants: 1. Far East Restaurant: 3639 Clyde Park SW (inside the Britteny Plaza) Wyoming, MI 49509 (616)531-7176 2. Szechuan Garden: 1510 Wealthy Street S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (616)456-9878 3. Rosie's Cuisine and Pho Bo: 3536 S. Division Wyoming, MI 49509 (616)241-1732 4. XO Asian Cuisine: 58 Monroe Center Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616)235-6969 5. Wei Wei Palace: 4242 South Division, Suite 2 Kentwood, MI 49548 (Inside Hong Kong Plaza) (616)724-1818 6. Taste of India: 4445-D Breton Ave. SE, Kentwood, MI (616)281-5216 7. First Wok Chinese Restaurant: 2301 - 44th Street SE (616)281-0681 Feel free to call the Asian Center for more information at (616)301-3987. We look forward to planning next year's Asian College Student Reception, and perhaps we can all get together again. Feel free to contact the Asian Center for upcoming events for our Asian Students to attend. We hope that this is a start of an ongoing collaboration between the students, colleges, faculty, staff, and community leaders. Sincerely, Douglas K. Chung, MSW, MA, Ph.D., LMSW Minnie Morey, Board Member President, Asian Center Asian Center of West Michigan
 Grand Rapids Magazine's "City Guide"July 5, 2005 by Minnie Morey, Board Member Please pick up your local Grand Rapids Magazine City Guide and take a look at the article on page 14, where you will see the lovely dancers from last year's Asian Center Picnic. We are so pleased to see activities from our local board members who coordinated the picnic at Richmond Park Pavillion in 2004. Next year we will have another picnic, and look forward to having a wonderful turnout, as we did in 2004. This year, our local board members are happy to be working diligently on our Asian Hour Program. The Director is Susan Morales-Barias, who has taken this wonderful programming into the new technological age. Trainings have been taking place, and our volunteers have been busy filming such wonderful events as the 2005 Vietnamese Beauty Pageant. We look forward to hearing from our members and local Asian families about events and cultural activities, which could become a part of our Asian Hour program. We are looking for pictures, events, activities, and anything of interest for our Asian Pacific Islander community here in West Michigan. NEXT ASIAN CENTER PICNIC IS SCHEDULED FOR 2006. Please call us today if you have any other questions or to get on our mailing list contact the Asian Center Office at 331-6592. Watch for the new Asian Hour Program which will be aired on GRTV soon. Thank you. Minnie Morey. Asian Students Receive Awards July 5, 2005 by Minnie Morey, Board Member The 2004-2005 Senior Class Council's Outstanding Senior Awards includes our local board member's son Shaun Abdul Wahab LBS - Physiology, Lyman Brigg's School of Science, along with 27 other students. "These seniors were nominated by MSU Faculty and Staff, and then selected through an extensive application and interview process. The seniors, who were honored with this award, exemplified leadership in areas of academic excellence, community service, campus involvement/work experience, contributions to MSU and uniqueness. They are the individuals who truly went above and beyond during their time at Michigan State University". The State News, April 18, 2005, page 6B. Congratulations Shaun Wahab! Christopher Cater graduated with honors, Validictorian of City High School, Class of 2005. He received a full tuition scholarship as Michigan State University where he will be studying Chemical Engineering. Christopher recieved a Presidential Scholarship, and one from Kettering University, as well as an award for "One of the best male High School Seniors" by the Grand Rapids Lion's Club. He has several other awards as well. Congratulations Christopher Cater! Honoring the Asian Soldiers October 1, 2004 by Douglas K. Chung, MSW, MA, Ph.D., along with Remi Kuklewski of the WMFAA Honoring The Asian Soldiers
Sgt. Jerry C. de Jesus Jordan Son of Marlene & Mitch Jordan Sergeant in the Marine Corps for the last six years; serving as Recon in Ist Division. One of his most dangerous duties is seeking the enemy behind the enemy line. Jerry served in Iraq as a gunner on a HumVee from February to May of this year, and now back home in Camp Lejeuna, Jacksonville, North Carolina. Parents, Mitch & Marlene said, “Jerry is very responsible, confident, strong but calm at times. Mary, Jerry’s sister added, “he is just a caring and loving brother; he takes care of me.” He was a third year college student at Central Michigan University before he entered the Marines, and wishes to continue his education in the military. He may chose to join the police force when he gets out of the military. At the present time, Jerry enjoys being a bachelor at 28 and wants to see more of the world. Sgt. Joseph D. Azzarella Son of Ida & Sam Azzarella E-4, Military Intelligence Battalion, Radio Communication and First Responder; 82nd Airborne paratrooper, serving in Iraq, second tour. Aida reveals of his son, “Joe has always wanted to be an airborne as far as I can remember, I would say when he was about five years old.” He received his airborne wings at 19 years old—he’s now 21. It is indeed a risky business being in the military, and in order to get his wings, a soldier must be able to jump out of the plane five times including at night. After combat training, he went to study Radio Communication at Fort Gordon and became a radioman. He also received his first responder certificate—picks up the injured and take them to the medics after responding first to life sustaining measures. He was in Iraq from February to May 2003 and went back again on September 1st.
Please contact the Asian Center to provide other names and stories of Asian Soldiers who are currently serving, or have served in the military.  Please Meet our Board MembersJuly 7, 2004 by Minnie Morey Our first concert with the Ateneo De Manilla Glee Club who visited from the Philippines was such a success. From Left to right starting with the back row is: Minnie Morey, Elaine Wahab, Connie Dang, Ellen Chen, Sarah Baek, Susan Morales-Barias - with the front row: Douglas K. Chung, Mohammad Wahab, Andy Baek, and George Tyndall. As our board members were introduced, you can also see their traditional costumes. We are very pleased to have a photo of most of our board members to share with you today. The three board members who were missing from our photo are: Usha Singh, Ashok Kumar and Perry Diep, and who are very vital part of our organization as well, but just missed the picture. As our journey continues in working with the community, you will see our presence, and our upcoming events which will be enjoyed by all the Western Michigan community. Please join us in our annual Picnic on August the 28th. You can contact our office for more information, and to volunteer at 331-6592.  The Luncheon SeriesMay 20, 2004 by The Asian Center Hawaiian Hula Speaker: Mrs. Minnie Morey, Director Pacific Island Dancers With Guest Speaker: Karyl Rancour Along with: A Few Pacific Island Dancers! Title: Hawaiian Hula Minnie Morey has been studying and teaching the art of Hawaiian hula and other cultural dances from the islands of the Pacific. She has studied with Masters of the Hula from Hawaii and California and shares them with her dance students and the performing group called Pacific Island Dancers here in Michigan. There are a lot of misconceptions about the Hawaiian culture and Minnie's objective in presenting the hula to the general public is not only to entertain but to educate so the audience will experience the beauty of the hula in its many forms. The hula is a major part of the history of the Hawaiian people and Minnie will present the different forms of hula from the ancient chants to the modern hula. A short presentation of the Hawaiian alphabet as well as the Hawaiian language will be covered. Minnie was assisted by Karyl Rancour who explained the Aloha Spirit Law and a guest appearance of a few Pacific Island Dancers was enjoyed by all! A wonderful buffet lunch was served at the following restaurant. Please stop by and visit during lunch for their wonderful buffet! Let them know we sent you! Far East Restaurant: 3639 Clyde Park, Wyoming, MI 49509 (531-7176) |
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