Library Center Volunteer Spotlight: Patti and Bob 

The Cook Library Center has many fantastic volunteers that choose to give their time for students who frequent the facility. Two volunteers in particular, Patti J. and Bob T., come in every week to spend time with them.  Patti has been volunteering at the Library for five years now (wow!) and has become our official “Quilt Lady.” She shares her love of quilt making with Library students by working alongside them to make quilts that are later auctioned off at GAAH’s annual fundraiser, Dia Del Sol.  Bob, on the other hand, is a rather recent addition (and a wonderful one!) to our volunteer team and has been with our Library Center for only a few months. He enjoys playing games with students such as chutes and ladders, chess, and clue; all of which are some of their favorites.

When asked about what they enjoy most about volunteering at the Cook Library Center, Patti and Bob both agreed that it’s the kids. They love the positive atmosphere and the great attitudes of the students that they spend time with. And oh, how our students love them!  Both volunteers’consistent presence and passions for working with youth have earned them recognition and adoration among Library Center students of all ages.  We’re so excited that both Patti and Bob said that they look forward to volunteering at the Cook Library Center for as long as they can. Thank you so much, Patti and Bob, for all that you do for GAAH, our students, and for our Grandville Avenue community! 

Bob T. helping one of our students with homework after school

Patti J. displaying her beautifully made quilt! 
Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities administers the programs of the Cook Arts Center and Cook Library Center.  
This blog was written by Justin Kamp, a current Calvin College student and guest blogger for Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities.

CAC Youth to Turn up Dance floor Heat

Cook Arts Center youth are turning their hats and throwing on baggy jeans for their weekly Breakdancing class. Four of our Breakdance students in particular have taken their love for breakdancing to the next level, having formed their own crew under the name “Aerial Tactic” with the help of their class instructor, Brian Urbane, and our Program Director, Steffanie Rosalez.  The crew has been officially approved for Cook Arts Center sponsorship and will be receiving many more opportunities to perform in the Grand Rapids community and beyond.  We’re all very excited!  

Aerial Tactic is comprised of five members that range between the ages of 10 and 13.  Their names, along with their “Bboy” (i.e. breakdance) names are as follows: Ignacio L. “Ignasty”, Edgar J. “Rezponce,” Antonio J.  “Swidt,” Carlos L. “Skrewlooze” and Noe R. This crew is extremely talented and managed to place in a sizable breakdancing tournament that was held in Kalamazoo during the weekend of February 9th. The crew took 18th out of nearly 100 teams in the Kalamazoo West Michigan University tournament - a major accomplishment!

But these boys don’t just work on their dance skills here at the arts center or during tournament times.  For them, breakdance is a very serious affair.  They all agreed that they breakdance as often as they can, whether that’s at school or in their room listening to their favorite Breakdance music by DJ Fleg.  I’ve witnessed personally that these boys love their breakdancing class more than anything; before I could finish saying goodbye to all of them, they smiled at me and sped off after saying a quick goodbye to go practice some more.

Aerial Tactic crew from left to right: Carlos L., Antonio J., Ignacio L., Edgar J. and Noe R.  

Lookin' good, boys!
Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities administers the programs of the Cook Arts Center and Cook Library Center.
This blog was written by Justin Kamp, a current Calvin College student and guest blogger for Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities.