Article Section: Community Profiles in The Positive Voices
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Sunday, August 1, 2010
Indian National Overseas Congress launches its Michigan chapter
by Dr. Ashok Kumar
The evening of June 19th, 2010 saw a significant event come to fruition in Grand Rapids, Michigan that is poised to strengthen the social, cultural, and economic bonds between the world’s largest and the oldest democracies: India and the USA. The Michigan chapter of the Indian National Overseas Congress (INOC) was launched amidst great fanfare, flourish and a resolve of purpose. Mr. Paramvir Singh “Sunny” Dhoorh was appointed as the inaugural President of INOCMI.
Mr. Dhoorh’s appointment was consummated by Mr. Surinder Malhotra, President of INOC-USA and INOC-NY as he wrapped the eventcustomized scarf bearing the Indian flag insignia around Sunny’s neck and showered him with accolades for his distinguished public service that encompassed both Indian and American communities in the USA.
For Mr. Dhoorh, the honor of the new assignment was one more feather in his selfless community service cap and a significant extension of his on-going service in…
On June 3rd, the City of Grand Rapids pocket park on the corner of Division Avenue and Cherry Street was dedicated by Mayor George Heartwell and community members as Pekich Park in honor of the late Reverend Barbara Pekich longtime pastor and leader of Heartside Ministry.
Since the beginning of time in every culture, naming ceremonies have been distinctive events conferring a type of unique power or mission on individuals and places. Words matter and words have power. Words can wound and they can heal. Inspire or depress. Names and words possess influence and authority and most importantly reveal the feelings and intentions of those doing the naming.
For over two decades Pastor Barb Pekich lovingly tended the members of her flock she referred to as the neighbors of Heartside, neighbors not clients. Barb knew how to treat people with dignity and bless them with a gift of belonging, of…
Local First is the premier organization advocating for local a local living economy in the Midwest. Since its founding in 2003, Local First has grown to represent more than 550 locally owned West Michigan businesses, making it the 3rd largest such organization per capita in the United States. Guided by its core values — Sustainability, Education, and Support — Local First has played an integral role in the resurgence of Grand Rapids’ urban neighborhoods and the growth of West Michigan’s entrepreneurial culture.
“Local First is more than just a membership organization for businesses,” said Elissa Hillary, Executive Director of Local First. “Local First is also the idea that locally owned businesses are vital to preserving the unique quality of our communities.” Organized by the Local First Educational Foundation, public events such as the annual Local First Street Party and the Eat Local Challenge series celebrate the best of local food,…
Catherine’s Health Center is a non-profit, community-based free clinic dedicated to well-ness and preventive care. Named after Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, its mission is to provide health education, screening, and primary care medical services to low-income uninsured and medically under-served residents of Grand Rapids. “We aim not only to serve our patients’ immediate medical needs, but to establish relationships and partnerships within the community, to continue to meet the growing health care needs of the under-insured” says Executive Director Karen Kaashoek.
Housed in 1200 square feet of basement space in St. Alphonsus Church, the clinic is recognizable for the bright blue doors facing Leonard Street. Established in 1996 as a partnership between St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Alphonsus Parish, and the Creston Neighborhood Association, Catherine’s operated as a combined program of the three organizations until 2005, when the clinic acquired its own non-profit status. Initially established…
A special part of India came to visit West Michigan in April. Imagine the Pope in your living room or the Dali Lama coming to dinner. Well the equivalent of that happened to the Singh Family when Giani Gurbachan Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht Sahib, head of the Sikhs across the globe came to visit successful entrepreneur and community leader Sunny Singh and his family and friends. “ He is comparable to the Pope in status and a very holy man. This is a great honor,” Singh explained happily.
The Jathedar’s first visit ever to Michigan was to keep a promise he made to his follower Sunny Singh. “When he told me last year he would visit me, I just didn’t expect it to happen. He is such a great man and such a busy person,” Singh said
Stately Singh manor in Grand Rapids Township was transformed into a…
