Tolly Time at the Cook Library Center

The Cook Library Center had a very special Tolly Time guest this month. Yesterday Hank Meijer stopped by to read the book "Bunny Money" to a small but enthusiastic crowd. The book, with illustrations of fangs that glowed in the dark and cherry syrup that looked like blood, was a huge hit with the little boys in the group. In honor of Hank's visit, the tot alcove was converted into a Meijer store, complete with a Meijer sign, groceries on the shelves, a price check phone, and a cashier's station.

Thank You, State Farm

GAAH received a generous gift from State Farm Insurance this month. The company purchased enough art and program supplies to last the Cook Arts Center and the Cook Library Center the entire school year. Items included 500 pounds of clay and dozen containers of glaze, paints and brushes, markers and crayons, pencils and compasses, a portable dry erase board, and anything else we could think of to meet the needs of the creative and industrious children we serve. Jim Roderique, a State Farm Agency Field Consultant who is on the GAAH Board of Directors, also delivered 72 high-quality backpacks to distribute to our Library patrons. Thank you, State Farm, for making a difference in the Grandville Avenue neighborhood.

Day of the Dead

The Mexican holiday Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a time for family and friends to remember loved ones who have passed away. This past Monday GAAH and the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan teamed up to celebrate Day of the Dead on Grandville Avenue.

After school the children made papel picados (paper cutting) at the Cook Library Center and masks at the Cook Arts Center. The Hispanic Center hosted an evening event that included a performance by Grupo Tarasco and more mask making. Some 50 children painted colorful patterns and designs on their masks, many of which haunted the event the rest of the evening.