Suggestion Box Special Mid Week Edition: Schooling Inmates, Dealing With Divisiveness

​Ok, the holidays are over and the new year is upon us. We are about to enter the segment  of winter that resembles a meteorological abyss when gray skies reign and layering dominates any clothing decision.
​A little mind stimulation seems in order.

One of the best deals around is starting at the Dogwood Center tomorrow (Thursday) when the rather remarkable and thought provoking January Series comes to town via a live webcast. If part of your resolution package included things such as developing a more open mind, expanding one’s world views, exploring new ideas and reflecting on  issues heretofore not considered here’s an opportunity to jump start your year of personal growth.
And it’s free.
There are 15 lectures on the docket and while you may not agree with some of the concepts and material brought forth, the presentations delivered by this diverse group will rarely leave you  thinking “meh”.
Over the years I have been moved, angered, charmed, inspired, entertained and enlightened by the series. I’ve attended some with great anticipation, being familiar with the speaker, and have not once been disappointed. I’ve taken  a chance and shown up at others where it didn’t seem likely that I would relate much to the subject matter and come away with a new perspective.
AND...because it’s a big and…
For a mere five bucks, one flimsy fin, you get lunch.
Well, not tomorrow (Thursday) because you need to give them 24 hour notice (call   231.924.8885) but my experience is that it is consistently a good lunch and well worth the price (did I mention it’s just a fiver?). The source generally varies from local eateries but as I said, unfailingly enjoyable.

The Series kicks off Thursday (Jan 3) with Todd Cioffi speaking to “The Transformative And Redemptive Power Of (A Christian) Education”
No, it’s not about whether to send your kids to a parochial school, this guy is the director of the Calvin Prison Initiative a program bringing a Christian Liberal Arts Education to inmates at Handlon Prison in Ionia.
I recall taking a Criminal Justice class from George Zeeff a professor at GRCC. Those who may have been fortunate enough to have taken one of his classes  would likely verify as to his depth of knowledge when it came to the CJ system. Mr Zeeff maintained that education was the primary weapon against recidivism and that lack of education was a critical element among the factors that led people to be incarcerated. His arguent was compelling and few could disagree with his logic or his statistics.
Well, this program, CPI, enables inmates to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in 5 years.
Definitely worth a listen.

Friday (and you have time to reserve a lunch) check out Arthur Brooks who spent nearly a decade heading upma conservative think tank and will speak to the polarization we have been experiencing in our country, some of its roots and what we can do about it. His talk is titled “Bringing America Together” a topic we could sorely use these days of divisiveness.
The talks start at 12:30pm and end promptly at 1:30pm. A great way to give the brain a bit of a workout over your lunch hour.
And did I mention the lunch deal?

Suggestion Box is sponsored by Newaygo Brewing Co. who create good food, good drink and good times.