Category: Uncategorized

Despite Holland Public Schools being closed today we will have our normally scheduled monthly meeting from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the Holland Civic Center today.
The afternoon class, “What Does it Mean to be Bicultural” is cancelled and will be rescheduled.

It was exactly 50 years ago during the week of March 15 that Dr. Donald Williams was interviewed by Hope College to become a professor of Chemistry. On his way to breakfast at the Eastown Russ’ he noted a sign along Chicago Dr., LEMMON USED CARS. Upon leaving he saw a marquee sign at a nearby dry cleaner, BRIDAL CHESTS AVAILABLE FOR GOWNS. He thought about how many meanings could be applied to each of them. On his way to the interview he passed, DR. PIEPER – OPTOMETRIST. How appropriate that seemed to him. That was the beginning of his “Funny Sign Slide Show”. Now retired, Don’s growing collection has about 3000 such signs from which to choose for a presentation suited for almost any audience. He and his family have photographed many of the signs, but he acknowledges some of the best ones are from his friends. They include poorly worded headlines, confused translations, misspellings and inappropriately placed notices.
Don’s dry sense of humor, sense of timing and sequencing of the slides makes for a hilarious program. However, be warned – it is for the strictly literal, the slow reader, nor those offended by an occasional risque reference!
You are invited to relax and approach the presentation with an open mind and ready to laugh. This fast moving show will last about 30 minutes. Join us in the HASP classroom on Friday, March 15, at noon.

Sunday, December 16, 2018

1:30-5:30 pm, Cost:  $6 per person

Join your HASP friends and make new ones as we attend the performance of the Grand Rapids Choir of Men and Boys Christmas Lessons and Carols concert at the Cathedral of St. Andrews in Grand Rapids.  The bus will depart the Ray and Sue Smith stadium parking lot (Fairbanks and 13th) at 1:30 pm with the concert beginning at 3:00 pm.  There will be a free offering at the concert.  Estimated return time to Holland is 5:30 pm.

Thursday, November 15, 2018
9:00 am – 4:15 pm, $25 per person
As a legend of Grand Rapids, Gerald Ford has left his legacy for the world. Many stories of this “favorite son” will be shared with a morning visit to the Presidential Museum, followed by a two-hour afternoon bus tour through the places he knew during his All-American youth (1913-1931) in Old Grand Rapids. Under the leadership of chief tour ambassador, Caroline Cook, you will experience an inspirational story of a young man who was raised in a great Midwestern city to become a world leader. You will learn where he lived, played, worshipped, studied, and competed athletically. As a final stop, we will view his tomb and statue.
During the morning visit you will be on your own to explore among the many exhibits remarkable replica of the Oval Office, and “In Step with Betty Ford: in Celebration of her Centennial”. Graduate of Grand Rapids’ Central High, student of dance, New York model, proud mother, and congressman’s wife, First Lady Betty spoke openly about personal and political issues near and dear to her heart. Her courage endeared her to the American people as she found herself “in step” with the times.
Lunch will be on your own at the Cafe across the street at the VanAndel Public Museum.