Light in the Night at Knollcrest East: October 31

Hundreds of community children---they are expecting over 700!---will come to Calvin for the annual Light in the Night Reformation Day/Halloween celebration at Knollcrest East apartments.  Admission for this event is one canned good per child; all food items will be donated to a local food bank. The evening features traditional "trick or treating" throughout the Knollcrest East apartment complex using candy that has been donated from the Calvin community.  The night also features a variety of themed games, set up by Calvin students, in the lobbies of each apartment building. See what other exciting things are happening at Knollcrest East apartments!
 

Thank you...Family Weekend was enjoyable and successful!

It's always a privilege to have families visiting Calvin's campus and, despite a rainy autumn weekend, families enjoyed spending time with each other, participating in a variety of events and meeting other families from around the country.  If you were able to be part of any of these events held over the weekend, please fill out a Family Weekend survey so that we might know how best to plan for next year's gathering or if you have a question or general comment.  Thank you to all that were able to visit and support their student(s) in person!  And, as always, you can contact us at parents@calvin.edu or 616-526-6142.

The Ecosystem Preserve's newsletter, "Walking in the Woods"

Walking the Woods [.pdf] is the Ecosystem Preserve's newsletter and the fall edition has information about animals found in the preserve, First Saturday free programming and ways to connect children to nature.  Speaking of First Saturdays, on November 1, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m., naturalist Curtis Dykstra will help participants find out how beavers amazing adaptations allow them to live in their aquatic world. During this interactive and humorous program for all ages, one selected volunteer will get transformed into a beaver!  First Saturday programs take place at the Bunker Interpretive Center at Calvin's Ecosystem Preserve just off the East Beltline on the east side of campus.  Registration is not required unless designated otherwise.  For groups larger than 10 people, please provide advance notice so we can plan accordingly. For additional information please call (616) 526-7601 or e-mail preserve@calvin.edu. Please dress for the weather and come prepared for walking outside in a variety of weather conditions.

The Enterprise Center searches for director

Calvin's Enterprise Center, which began in the fall of 2007, helps commercialize intellectual properties developed jointly by the college and partners in the business community.  The center's vision is to leverage the experience of Calvin faculty, staff, alumni and the business community for the benefit of students, Calvin and God's kingdom.  In order to execute their mission and vision, they are searching for an executive director who has a strong sense of that vision and has the appropriate management, personal and technical skills.  A full job description may be requested from, or resumes may be submitted to, enterprisecenter@calvin.edu.
 

Message for new college parents: Listen and encourage

Sometimes your college student will call home to vent frustration or diffuse anxiety after some incident or disappointment, and you are the unsuspecting recipient of this tale of woe. Often after your student hangs up the phone, he or she will feel much better, and will continue to go about the normal routine, adjusting to college life and moving on. Meanwhile, you as the parent are now worried that your student is off sulking in their room. Students don't often call back to say "I'm doing better now," and if a parent calls back too much, that may remind the student of their previous feelings and may create a set-back. One of the best things you can do as a parent is to listen, and then encourage your student to be proactive, positive, and resourceful in dealing with the incident or situation themselves. (Message submitted by John Witte, Dean of Residence Life).

Inner Compass television show

Inner Compass is Calvin's TV interview show that airs on PBS. National offerings vary widely, but here's what's showing at 1 p.m. on November 2 in West Michigan and then on Inner Compass and iTunes: 

"Polittics by the Bible"
Whose job is it to ensure justice, human rights, and care of our neighbor? If the Bible directed our voting and political priorities, choosing a party might not be easy. Steve Monsma of Calvin College’s Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics describes the possibilities from his book "Healing for a Broken World: Christian Perspectives on Public Policy."

Last week's episode with Jim Wallis is available to watch or order on Inner Compass.  There you can also find which stations around the country are broadcasting Inner Compass and search for past episodes.

Flu clinics scheduled

Calvin Health Services wants to help the Calvin community prepare for the flu season. Flu clinics will be offered on Thursday, October 30 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and on Wednesday, November 5 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm in the Library Lobby. Students, faculty, staff, emeriti and family (12 and older) may receive a flu shot. Cost is $20.  Check Health Services for more information.

Alumni Association events for all!

Bookmark the alumni events calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the year, to which you are warmly invited, as a parent, alumni and/or friend of the college.  More information is found there for each of the following events:

• Nov. 2: Alumni Choir in Holland, Mich.
• Nov. 12&13: Prof. Hoksbergen in Ancaster, Ont.
• Nov. 15: Alumni Orchestra in Traverse City, Mich.
• Nov. 16: Alumni Orchestra concert on campus
• Nov. 18: Calvin Around Town - Burton Elementary-Middle School
• Nov. 22: Real. Life. Exhibit in Portland, Ore.

Check the Parent Calendar for important dates

Bookmark the parent calendar to keep track of important dates throughout the year, including:

• Oct. 28-29: Academic advising (no classes scheduled)
• Nov. 1: Miscellaneous charges payment due (1st of each month)
• Nov. 6: Last day to drop full semester courses, change full semester courses from credit to audit and/or to request a tutor
• Nov. 20: Tuition, room and board payment due
• Nov. 26: Last day to drop second-half semester courses and/or change second-half semester courses from credit to audit.
• Nov. 27: Thanksgiving break begins 5:00 pm; residence halls remain open during break.

News & Stories from campus

Check out a wealth of great stories on the News & Stories web site, including...

...a recent cooking demonstration by a local chef, with a recipe and photos from the evening event.

...a cd from John Hamersma, long-time college organist, called "Color and Contrast."

Last updated Wednesday, June 23, 2010