GV winter gear drive to collect cold-weather clothing for Refugees

The second annual “Welcoming Our Neighbors Winter Gear Drive” will continue through Friday, Feb. 10 across Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus. The donations will be used by Bethany Christian Services (BCS) to help refugees from the Middle East who are settling into the Grand Rapids area. Items that are needed include hats, gloves, boots and jackets.

Last year, more than 850 refugees arrived in the Grand Rapids area, and BCS estimates that 450 more will be coming this year. Drop-off boxes for the winter gear drive are located in the Kirkhof Center, Student Services Building, Zumberge Hall, Wesley House/Sustainable Agriculture Project, Lake Ontario Hall, Niemeyer Learning and Living Center and Holton-Hooker Learning and Living Center.

Nonprofit volunteer and internship fair set for Wednesday, Jan. 25

A Nonprofit Volunteer and Internship fair at Grand Valley State University will take place Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall in the DeVos Center. The fair will provide an opportunity for students to make connections with different organizations from the Grand Rapids area that are currently looking for interns or have volunteer opportunities available.

The event does not require registration and is free to any interested party. Business attire and resumes are not required but are encouraged for those looking to secure a position.

Pablo Mahave-Veglia to play on Pew Campus

Cellist Pablo Mahave-Veglia will perform a concert titled “Not So Alone” Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center in Sherman Van Solkema Recital Hall on Grand Valley State University’s Pew Campus. Mahave-Veglia will be performing a range of songs by contemporary composers, both solo and with help from his electronics assistant, Nate Bilton, who will be adding video and electronics to create a mix of cello and electronic music.

The event is free and open to the general public.

Intro to ice climbing class

Grand Valley State University’s Climbing Center staff will hold an intro to ice climbing class Wednesday, Jan. 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Fieldhouse Climbing Center. The purpose of the event is to teach interested attendees the basics of ice climbing and to prepare those who wish to attend the Climbing Center’s February ice-climbing trip.

Those participating will learn about basic equipment, technique, proper clothing and how to identify different kinds of ice and their significance. The workshop will begin with an informal discussion of the above topics before transferring to hands-on demonstration. No experience is necessary, but the Climbing Center staff recommends knowing how to tie a double figure eight and knowing how to belay with a tubular-style device.

Reservations for the workshop are required at least 48 hours in advance.