stay strong, stay vigilant.
Volume III, 9 | January 2012
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V olunteer S potlight Rozenna Sanders grew up in Chicago and blames the weather for her eventual move to Texas along with her husband, her son and her daughter. Rozenna loves reading, travelling the world (her favorite trip so far was Paris) and spending time with her three grandchildren. She spent 17 years working with IBM and a few
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years in retail cultivating her interest in fashion before she decided she needed to follow her heart to work. She began volunteering with CASA of Travis County in 1991 and later found a perfect administrative position there as well. She’s been both volunteering and working with CASA ever since. Rozenna says that she “always felt overwhelmed by the problems that children who’ve been abused or neglected are facing, but volunteering with CASA has made me see that I don’t have to be overwhelmed by the big picture when I can focus on helping one or two children at a time.” She says that she’s really a big kid at heart so she loves taking her CASA children to the circus or to lunch and talking with them about what’s on their minds. Rozenna is now looking forward to retirement so that she can switch from working full-time with CASA to volunteering full-time instead.
TODO Arts
januar y --------------------------------------------------Emanuel Ax – Dell Hall/Long Center
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Local Latino lifestyle and entertainment magazine Austin Vida is turning two years old this January and is kicking off the year with multiple Latino showcases at venues all over Austin. All free. AV’s annual Indie Latino showcase at Frank on Thursday, January 5, includes Politics with Pop Pistol, Vinyl Dharma and Friday Avenue. On Friday, January 6 at Stubb’s, the Chris Perez Band, Maneja Beto, Vitera and Kalua are featured. austinvida.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Youth leadership has deepened and evolved in Austin and the Amala Foundation, with Kenya Masala and Source Consulting Group, are introducing a new training course for 9th-12th graders. Through “direct experiences accessing multiple intelligences,” the Free Leaders Series unlocks skills for exceptional youth leadership and empowered youth development. Training sessions are 4:30-7:30 p.m. every other Tuesday beginning January 10. amalafoundation.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Embracing the conspiracy furor around the long-awaited End of the World in 2012, Electronic Planet Ensemble presents Viper Vixens of 2012, an over-the-top multi-media, movie spoof with original live music in the tradition of silent films and B-movie science fiction January 13–29, Thursday-Sunday, 8 p.m. at Vortex Repertory Theatre. Three human women are transformed by mad science into the part-Anunnaki Viper Vixens and are destined to take over the world. vortexrep.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The first Indigenous Women’s Happy Hour is Wednesday, January 18 from 6-9 p.m. at La Pena. The series will be a fundraiser for Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, a project of the Indigenous Women’s Network. Plans for the happy hour include a guest speaker and local artisan women presenting their talent. All donations are tax deductible and go to Alma, a 501(c)(3) organization. indigenouswomen.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Four-time Grammy Award-winning soprano Dawn Upshaw is a worldwide celebrity on both opera and concert stages, with a diverse repertoire that ranges from classic works of Bach to the freshest sounds of today. She reaches into the heart of music and text, drawing the devotion of an exceptionally diverse audience and has a list of awards and distinctions bestowed on only the most distinguished of artists. At Bates Recital Hall, Sunday, January 22, 7 p.m. texasperformingarts.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Austin Blues Society’s open blues jam will warm a cold winter night at Antone’s on Monday, January 23. Doors open at 7 p.m. with music at 8 p.m. The small $5 goes to helping the society, a group which endeavors to preserve, cultivate, and support blues in Central Texas, promoting the growth and appreciation of the art form through events, projects and educational efforts to increase awareness of and appreciation for the blues. austinbluessociety.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Interfaith Action of Central Texas continues its Red Bench series on interfaith conversations on Tuesday, January 24 at the Family Life Center of First United Methodist Church. The gatherings began years ago when Dr. Betty Sue Flowers recommended that organizations place red benches in public spaces to encourage meaningful conversation. iACT is doing its part to bring the community together to focus on issues addressed by the wisdom of faith traditions. interfaithtexas.org • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center presents its free Cine de Oro film series on Tuesday, January 31. Alfredo Crevenna’s “Algo Flota Sobre el Agua” is a drama about a fishing community located off the Gulf of Mexico. A series of vignettes includes a love story about the son of a native who finds an irresistible attraction to Azalea, played by Elsa Aguirre. Early-bird screening at 9:30 a.m. with evening show at 7 p.m. ci.austin.tx.us/macc.
Considered one of the best concert pianists of his generation, Emanuel Ax joins the Austin Symphony Orchestra under the baton of its conductor Peter Bay at Dell Hall on Friday-Saturday, January 13-14, 8 p.m. As a Sony Classical recording artist since 1987, Ax has received Grammy awards for the second and third volumes of his cycle of Haydn’s piano sonatas, and a series with cellist Yo-Yo Ma of the Beethoven and Brahms sonatas for cello and piano. On the Austin program are Mozart’s Overture to Der Schauspieldirektor, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2, Moniuszko’s Bajka and Szymanowski’s Symphony No. 4. austinsymphony.org --------------------------------------------------FronteraFest 2012 – Various Theaters
It’s time to heat up winter nights again with the 19th season of FronteraFest at Hyde Park Theatre. The Short Fringe (January 17-February 18 at Hyde Park Theatre), the Long Fringe (January 24–February 5 at Salvage Vanguard Theater and Blue Theatre), BYOV, or Mi Casa—as always and ever, FronteraFest is five weeks of alternative, offbeat, new, and just plain off-the-wall fringe theatre. As they say, there’s no actual way to expect the unexpected, because that is your only hope. FronteraFest is produced in collaboration with ScriptWorks, a group dedicated to supporting emerging playwrights and developing new dramatic works. fronterafest.com --------------------------------------------------National Theatre of Scotland – Bass Concert Hall
The National Theatre of Scotland, having played to sold out performances of “Black Watch” last season, returns to the Bass Concert Hall stage Thursday-Saturday, January 19-21, for an evening of song and story-telling about one of Scotland’s least known but most fascinating musical heroes, Thomas Fraser. Fraser was a fisherman and crofter from the remote island of Burra, Shetland. Obsessed with country and the blues, Thomas mastered the styles of his idols – such as Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Big Bill Broonzy – and made their songs his own. Thirty years after his untimely death, his fame has spread to Nashville and beyond. texasperformingarts.org
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Volume III, Number 009 Publisher/Editor – Gavin Lance Garcia contact@todoaustinonline.com
HABLA Austin
News and notes on current affairs and issues impacting our community from advocates and business leaders of Austin. Kathleen Vale – 6th Annual Feria Para Aprender January 28 // The Feria Para Aprender (The Learning Fair) was first created in Austin in 2007. Every year, this flagship event continues to reach thousands more Latino parents and students who are drawn by its unique Spanish-language only educational format. A nationally acclaimed education model focused on parental involvement, college readiness, and workforce development, the organization trains nonprofits to better engage Spanish speaking parents to drive their children’s academic success from cradle to career. The Austin Feria will include hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of free books, science exhibits and demonstrations, academicians, and an appearance by Milka Duno, a Venezuelan race car driver who competed in the IndyCar Series, and competes in the ARCA Racing Series. She is best known for holding the record of highest finish for a female driver in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Saturday, January 28 at North Lamar Event Center, 10601 North Lamar. Free. feriaparaaprender.com. Dan Arellano – Tejano Monument at the Capitol News // Be part of history at the unveiling of our Tejano Monument. For the first time ever there will be a monument installed on the grounds of the State Capitol in Austin honoring our Tejano heroes. The Tejano Genealogy Society of Austin, in conjunction with the Tejano Monument Committee, will have a three day ceremony in the State Capitol building. The unveiling of our monument is scheduled for Thursday, March 29 at 10 a.m. at the Capitol in Austin. The Tejano Genealogy Society, in conjunction with the Tejano Monument Committee, is working feverishly to put together a conference and a parade. We are planning to have the parade Saturday morning March 31 at 9 a.m.; however, we cannot have a parade without participants and we realize that the day is fast approaching. We are working on permits and are trying to work with the city for the waiver of some of the costs involved. Our goal is to have different communities and groups that are interested in participating send a float from their community with a Tejano theme. For example, Losoya could send a float on the Battle of Medina, Casa Navarro House - a float on Jose Antonio Navarro, Hebbronville - Vaquero Days, Seguin -Juan Seguin, Goliad - Ignacio Zaragoza, and so forth. If there is any interest we need to know ASAP so we can continue. We will be having a conference in any case. Our web site will be up soon for more information on that project. The cost will be $50.00 per entry and the conference will be free and take place at the Capitol. For more information visit our web site at nosotroslostejanos. The schedule (as of January 1, 2012): 1. Thursday, March 29, 10 a.m. at the State Capitol. The official unveiling of the monument. Free event.
2. Friday, March 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the State Capitol. Historical sessions by scholars of Tejano History. Free event. 3. Friday, March 30 at Texas Exes Student Center on UT Austin campus. Banquet. 4. Saturday, March 31, 9 a.m. Tejano Parade on Congress Avenue. Free event. 5. Saturday, March 31, 1-4 p.m. at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. Reenactment of the Battle of Medina, book sales, folklorico dancers, Tejano music and more. Free event. Here’s how you can help. 1. Make a monetary donation 2. Sell or buy tickets to the banquet 3. Participate in the parade or sponsor a float. Floats must be Tejano themed (eg. Juan Seguin, Jose Antonio Navarro, Hector P. Garcia, Battle of Medina etc.) 4. Descendents of old families and ranchos 5. Hispanic Genealogy Societies sponsor a float on descendents Paul Saldaña – US Hispanic Contractors Advocates of the Year // Congrats to Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Council Member Mike Martinez for their recognition as Advocates of the Year as named by the USHCA Membership. Alma ‘Snuggles’ Redding-Kyle – Tejano Radio KTXZ 1560 // We are Austin’s one and only Tejano Radio Station, sitting right there at 1560 on your radio dial … Lock it in! Keep Tejano Music alive and well in Austin. It’s the support of our listeners, and in turn their support of Tejano music and local music, that creates the Magic! Tejano Music needs your support. Come “like” our page on Facebook and keep in touch with the Tejano scene in Austin. Blessings! Sara Ines Calderon – Texas Will Be the Hub for Latino Growth // A new analysis from Real Clear Politics estimates that Texas will gain three new congressional seats after the 2020 Census. And attorney Michael Li noted in a blog post on the Burnt Orange Report: ‘The Census Bureau has not yet released demographic or geographic information on its 2011 population growth estimates- that’ll come next year. But if recent trends hold up, about 2/3 of that growth will be Hispanic.’ According to data from NALEO this year, Texas and California each 6 Latino/a Congress members (this may change in 2012, given that Texas’ redistricting is still up in the air). California is set to gain only one more seat by 2020, which is to say, Texas is likely to have the largest Latino congressional delegation in the country in a decade. The states set to gain seats according to Li are: ‘California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Oregon would each gain one new seat, while Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and West Virigina would each lose one seat.’ So real quick recap: growth in US is likely to continue to be pushed by Latinos, which will result in a higher concentration of federal political power in Texas, California, Colorado, and Florida. – La Política
This Year, Resolve to Make a Difference through FuturoFund Austin Are you tired of failed New Year’s resolutions? Even with the best intentions, promises to lose weight or quit smoking can be hard to keep. In 2012, try a different approach. Pledge to do something meaningful, not just for yourself, but for others, too. FuturoFund Austin invites you to join their unprecedented effort to make an impact in our community through philanthropy and leadership. The New Year marks the beginning of FuturoFund’s membership cycle, and it is the perfect opportunity to make - and keep – a commitment to give back. FuturoFund brings people together to support the needs of Austin’s rapidly growing Latino community. FuturoFunders are artists, nonprofit leaders, lawyers, elected officials, accountants, professors, social workers, graduate students and more. We are multi-ethnic and diverse in age, occupations and backgrounds. When you join FuturoFund, you become part of a network of talented and passionate leaders with a shared vision to be part of the solution and strengthen our community. 04 TODO Austin // january 2012 // TODOaustin.com
Every year, FuturoFund members collectively contribute to a charitable fund and together we decide which deserving organizations will receive our grants. Since 2008, FuturoFund has awarded $135,000 in grants, and developed more philanthropists and community leaders. Every dollar raised by FuturoFund goes directly back into our community to support incredible organizations like the Workers’ Defense Project, Literacy Coalition of Central Texas, Frameworks Community Development Corporation and Anthropos Arts. Most recently, FuturoFund awarded $40,000 in grants to AVANCE-Austin and the Austin Immigrant Rights Coalition to support their critical work in the Latino community. This year, go ahead and join a gym, but make sure you also become involved in something that makes a difference in someone else’s life. It can be as easy as joining FuturoFund, and it just might be the secret to keeping this year’s resolutions. For more information about FuturoFund Austin, please visit their website at www.futurofund.com
Art Director – Dave McClinton www.dmdesigninc.com Executive Editor – Erica Stall Wiggins Deputy Editor – Katie Walsh Senior Editors – Güner Arslan, Harmony Eichsteadt, Sonia Kotecha, Yvonne Lim Wilson Associate Editors – Yadira Izquierdo, Harish Kotecha, Alexandra M. Landeros, Julia Lee, Esther Reyes, Blake Shanley Contributing Writers/Artists – Pratima Agrawal, Mohammad Al-Bedaiwi, Joseph Banks, Stefanie Behe, Padmini Bhat, Adriana Cadena, Cindy Casares, Jason Cato, Sirsha Chatterjee, Jennie Chen, Priscilla Cortez, Layla Fry, Mita Haldar, Jillian Hall, Maria P. Hernandez, Paul Hernandez, Fabiola Hurtado, Ryan Hutchison, Gabino Iglesias, Nandini Jairam, Chaille Jolink, Jamie Jones, Ryan Jordan, Sushma Khadepaun-Parmar, Ramey Ko, Vandana Kumar, Callie Langford, Heather Lee, Liz Lopez, David Marks, Jessica Meyer, Lata Narumanchi, Cristina Parker, Monica Peña, Aleah Penn, Kathy Pham, Jorge Reyes, Rebecca Robinson, Paul Saldaña, Marion Sanchez, Hani Saleh, Lorenzo Salinas, Jaya Shukla, Rupal Shah, Sachin Shah, Vinit Singh, Kristina Vallejo, Kuetzpalin Vasquez, Vanessa Valdovinos, Joseph P.A. Villescas, Bowen Wilder, Sait Yavuz Photographers – Raul Angon, Heather Banks, Jenny Fu, Mark Guerra, Mari Hernandez, John M. P. Knox, JoJo Marion, Anna Moreno, Aimee Wenske, Matt Ziehr Cover: photo by Ryan Hutchison TODO Austin: Multicultural Media for All of Austin (TODOAustin.com) TODO Austin is a free, colorful print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage. Our mission is to promote the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. TODO Austin’s content closely mirrors the changing demographics of Austin. TODO Austin is circulated throughout Austin, spanning the city from the West Side’s Pennybacker Bridge on Loop 360 to the Montopolis Bridge in East Austin. TODO Austin provides a platform that profiles Hispanic, Anglo, Asian, African American and other individuals, groups and organizations that are representing a positive vision in the community. TODO Austin is published by Spark Awakened Publishing. © 2012 Spark Awakened Publishing. All rights reserved. Unsolicited submissions (including, but not limited to articles, artwork, photographs) are not returned. TODO Austin is a free print and online journal for all of Austin highlighting our multicultural heritage, promoting the concept of community in an ethnically diverse city. Advertising/Submissions/Editorial: Contact@todoaustin. com, 512.538.4115 – TODO Austin - P.O. Box 4142 Austin, TX 78765-4142
RYAN HUTCHISON (P.10) worked for the Republican Party for 10 years before becoming Director of Development at East Austin College Prep.
KATIE WALSH (P.13) TODO Austin’s new Deputy Editor, has returned from Mexico with advice for 2012, doomsday scenarios or not.
Austin Bishop Vásquez Joins Hispanic American Bishops in Support of ‘Undocumented Immigrants’
The economic crisis has had an impact on the entire U.S. community. Regretfully, some in reaction to this environment of uncertainty show disdain for immigrants and even blame them for the crisis. We will not find a solution to our problems by sowing hatred. We will find the solution by sowing a sense of solidarity among all workers and co-workers — immigrants and citizens—who live together in the United States. In your suffering faces we see the true face of Jesus Christ. We are well aware of the great sacrifice you make for your families’ well-being. Many of you perform the most difficult jobs and receive miserable salaries and no health insurance or social security. Despite your contributions to the well-being of our country, instead of receiving our thanks, you are often treated as criminals because you have violated current immigration laws.
We are also very aware of the pain suffered by those families who have experienced the deportation of one of their members. We are conscious of the frustration of youth and young adults who have grown up in this country and whose dreams are shattered because they lack legal immigration LETTER OF THE HISPANIC/LATINO BISHOPS TO status. We also know of the anxiety of those whose IMMIGRANTS application process for permanent residency is close to completion and of the anguish of those Dear immigrant sisters and brothers, who live daily under the threat of deportation. This May the peace and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ situation cries out to God for a worthy and humane solution. be with all of you! The U.S. Hispanic and Latino Bishops, including the Bishop of Austin, Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez, released a letter to immigrants Dec. 12, a day celebrated in Catholicism as the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
We the undersigned Hispanic/Latino Bishops of the United States wish to let those of you who lack proper authorization to live and work in our country know that you are not alone, or forgotten. We recognize that every human being, authorized or not, is an image of God and therefore possesses infinite value and dignity. We open our arms and hearts to you, and we receive you as members of our Catholic family. As pastors, we direct these words to you from the depths of our heart. In a very special way we want to thank you for the Christian values you manifest to us with your lives— your sacrifice for the well-being of your families, your determination and perseverance, your joy of life, your profound faith and fidelity despite your insecurity and many difficulties. You contribute much to the welfare of our nation in the economic, cultural and spiritual arenas.
We acknowledge that, at times, actions taken in regard to immigrants have made you feel ignored or abandoned, especially when no objection is raised to the false impressions that are promoted within our society. Through the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops we have testified before the U.S. Congress for change in our immigration laws and for legislation that respects family unity and provides an orderly and reasonable process for unauthorized persons to attain citizenship. The new law should include a program for worker visas that respects the immigrants’ human rights, provides for their basic needs and ensures that they enter our country and work in a safe and orderly manner. We will also continue to advocate on behalf of global economic justice, so that our brothers and sisters can find employment opportunities in their countries of origin that offer a living wage, and allow them to live with dignity.
Immigrants are a revitalizing force for our country. The lack of a just, humane and effective reform of immigration laws negatively affects the common good of the entire United States. It pains and saddens us that many of our Catholic brothers and sisters have not supported our petitions for changes in the immigration law that will protect your basic rights while you contribute your hard work to our country. We promise to keep working to bring about this change. We know how difficult the journey is to reach the border and to enter the United States. That is why we are committed to do all that we can to bring about a change in the immigration law, so that you can enter and remain here legally and not feel compelled to undertake a dangerous journey in order to support and provide for your families. As pastors concerned for your welfare, we ask you to consider seriously whether it is advisable to undertake the journey here until after just and humane changes occur in our immigration laws.
as aliens. (See Daniel G. Groody, CSC, “Crossing the Line,” in The Way, Vol. 43,, No. 2, April 2004, p. 58-69). Their presence challenges us to be more courageous in denouncing the injustices they suffer. In imitation of Jesus and the great prophets we ought to denounce the forces that oppress them and announce the good news of the Kingdom with our works of charity. Let us pray and struggle to make it possible for these brothers and sisters of ours to have the same opportunities from which we have benefited.
We see Jesus the pilgrim in you migrants. The Word of God migrated from heaven to earth in order to become man and save humanity. Jesus emigrated with Mary and Joseph to Egypt, as a refugee. He migrated from Galilee to Jerusalem for the sacrifice of the cross, and finally he emigrated from death to life in the resurrection and ascension to heaven. Today, he continues to journey and accompany all migrants on pilgrimage throughout the world in search of Nevertheless, we are not going to wait until the food, work, dignity, security and opportunities for law changes to welcome you who are already here the welfare of their families. into our churches, for as St. Paul tells us, “You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors; you are fellow- You reveal to us the supreme reality of life: we are citizens with the holy people of God and part of all migrants. Your migration gives a strong and clear message that we are migrants on the way God’s household” (Eph 2:19). to eternal life. Jesus accompanies all Christians on As members of the Body of Christ which is the our journey toward the house of our Father, God’s Church, we offer you spiritual nourishment. Feel Kingdom in heaven. (See Pope John Paul II, Tertio welcome to Holy Mass, the Eucharist, which Millennio Adveniente, No. 50.) nourishes us with the word and the body and blood of Jesus. We offer you catechetical programs We urge you not to despair. Keep faith in Jesus the for your children and those religious education migrant who continues to walk beside you. Have programs that our diocesan resources allow us to faith in Our Lady of Guadalupe who constantly repeats to us the words she spoke to St. Juan put at your disposal. Diego, “Am I, who am your mother, not here?” We who are citizens and permanent residents of She never abandons us, nor does St. Joseph who this country cannot forget that almost all of us, we protects us as he did the Holy Family during their or our ancestors, have come from other lands and emigration to Egypt. together with immigrants from various nations and cultures, have formed a new nation. Now we ought As pastors we want to continue to do advocacy to open our hearts and arms to the recently arrived, for all immigrants. With St. Paul we say to you: just as Jesus asks us to do when he says, “I was “Do not be mastered by evil; but master evil with hungry and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and good.” (Rm 12:21). you gave me to drink; I was an alien and you took me into your house” (Mt 25:35). These words of the May Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus can be applied to the new immigrants accompany you and bless you always. among us. They were hungry in their land of origin; they were thirsty as they traveled through Sincerely in Christ our Savior, the deserts, and they find themselves among us The Hispanic/Latino Bishops of the United States
TODO Austin // january 2012 // TodoAustin.com 05
Asian Austin: About Town By Yvonne Lim Wilson
Lunar New Year, 2012, Year of the Dragon Austin on December 1 and 2 to meet with local political, business and academic leaders. Dabbaransi spoke about “The New Asia Century: How Asian technology and innovation will influence global trade and political relations” at City Hall and at a dinner banquet.
Get ready for a strong Year of the Dragon! The dragon is considered the most powerful and revered symbol of the Chinese Zodiac. A mythical creature considered divine, the dragon represents a positive and spiritual force. According to the lunar calendar, 2012 Year of the Water Dragon starts on January 23. Those born in the year of the dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) are considered to be free spirits, gifted and full of vibrant energy. The Year of the Water Dragon is thought to be a year of empowerment and change, according to Feng Shui experts. “The dragon brings the Four Blessings of the East: wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity,” according to a press release from Amy Wong Mok of the Asian American Cultural Center. “[Like a river] things will move, ideas flow, creativity abound, economies boom and love blossom in this environment. This is the year to dream big, like the dragon.” The Lunar New Year is a time to be with family and to make lots of joyful noise as firecrackers are thought to scare away evil spirits. Austin is home to a diverse range of Asian cultures and the Lunar New Year is an excellent time to participate in the many of the festivities including lion and dragon dances, cultural performances and more.
With the world population at 7 billion people, Asia (which includes 46 different nations spanning from the Middle East to Eastern Asia), accounts for 4 billion, more than half, of these people, Dabbaransi said. Photo by Yvonne Lim Wilson - Former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand Korn Dabbaransi (third from left) met with Austinites (L-R) Deepak Burman, Sam Bakir, Wasana Pangan, Foo Swasdee and Ben Ramirez.
Austin Korean American Community Gala The second annual Austin Korean American Community Gala was a stunning affair on December 17 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. It is a Korean tradition to celebrate the end of the year, and this event certainly brought everyone together for a beautiful evening filled with art, music, dance and community spirit.
Jan. 21 — Welcoming and Celebrating the Year of the Yang Water Dragon — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Asian American Cultural Center, 111713 Jollyville Road — Asian dance, martial arts, calligraphy, arts and crafts. Free admission. www.asianamericancc.com Jan. 22, 23 & 29 — Chinese New Year Thousand Buddhas Dharma Service — Various times at Xiang Yun Temple, 6720 N. Capital of Texas Highway — Take part in this special service wishing all devotees and their families peace and harmony, as well society to be prosperous and the world peaceful. www.ibps-austin.org Jan. 29 — Chinatown Center’s Year of the Dragon Celebration — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chinatown Center, 10901 N. Lamar Blvd. — A full day of family-friendly events including performances from the Texas Dragon and Lion Dance Team, Summitt Dragon Dance, and Thien Hau/Linh Son Lion Dance Team, plus martial arts, firecrackers, fun and games. Free parking and admission. Cash required for some activities. www.chinatownaustin.com
In his welcoming speech, Paul Kim encouraged attendees to get to know “who we are” and understand the Korean community in Austin. “As far as our presence in Austin, it’s strong. We’re very diverse and we’re pretty tightly knit. I wanted to introduce ourselves as a viable group to take an active role in the goings of the city,” he said. “It was great to see everyone dressed up. We work so hard, once a year we deserve to do something like this.”
The New Asia Century
A sample of upcoming Lunar New Year events: Jan. 19 — Capital Area Asian American Democrats Awards & Lunar New Year Celebration — 6 to 8 p.m. at Satay Restaurant, 3202 W. Anderson Lane — Enjoy food, fellowship and cultural performances as well as honor recipients of the annual CAAAD awards. www.austinasiandems.com
“The cooperation between Korea and Texas is very high. This kind of event is very important for mutual understanding,” Cho said.
Photo by Yvonne Lim Wilson - Paul Kim presents an award to his wife, Sarah Kim, at the Austin Korean American Community Gala. Sarah runs the Daool Booster Club supporting local Korean American artists.
More than 700 people enjoyed amazing Korean performances from local rock group 512 Band (all members are Korean American) as well as from a group of performers who traveled from Korea to Austin especially for the occasion. The group from Korea was led by Chun-Mok Yi, a revered performer who was named a “Human Treasure” by the Korean government for her talent.
“The economic success of Asia has already spoken for itself. Asia is not interested in world political leadership; we would rather leave that to Washington, D.C. We would like to invite you, the United States, to be a part of the economic success of Asia,” said Korn Dabbaransi, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand. Dabbaransi, along with a delegation from Rajabhat University of Bangkok, Thailand, visited
The event was hosted by the Texas Asian Chamber of Commerce, along with the City of Austin, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Satay Restaurant.
Bonenkai “Forget the Year” Party The Japan America Society of Greater Austin (JASGA) held its own year-end celebration on Dec. 8 at Ryu of Japan in North Austin.
Friends enjoyed a six-course meal of delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine, plus an exchange of small gifts from JASGA. JASGA offers monthly events from cultural salons to language, food and cultural workshops. A comedy group from Japan will be coming in February. For details, visit www.jasga.org. “Everyone is welcome if you enjoy Japanese culture and food,” Ito said.
Chuck Kim (no relation to Paul Kim), a reserve military serviceman, was recognized as “Korean American of the Year” for his volunteer work with the Bastrop wildfires as well as for his service within the Austin Korean Presbyterian Church.
06 TODO Austin // january 2012 // TODOaustin.com
Photo by Keith L. Goode - JASGA members and friends toast the end of the year with a Kanpai “Cheers!”
“Bonenkai, literally ‘forget the year,’ is an event for co-workers and friends to gather, not so much a family event. Everybody had a good time,” said Kako Ito, JASGA president.
Paul Kim, president of the Korean American Association of Greater Austin, presided over the festivities and presented awards to community members, as well as scholarship funds to the Korean Student Association of UT Austin. Veterans of the Korean War were also recognized and honored.
Several dignitaries and politicians attended the event, including the Consul General of Korea, based in Houston, Yunsoo Cho.
Dabbaransi also addressed the impact of the recent floods in Thailand, the worst in the history of the country, affecting more than 12 million people. Dabbaransi predicted that prices would rise because of production shortages.
Photo by Yvonne Lim Wilson - Chun-Mok Yi (front), a “Human Treasure” in her Korean homeland, headlined at the Gala.
Yvonne Lim Wilson is founder and publisher of Asian Austin at www.AsianAustin.com, an online news magazine featuring news about Asian American people, organizations and events in Austin. Contact Yvonne at yvonne@ asianaustin.com.
Celebrating India in America By Sonia Kotecha
Asian Indians make up the largest Asian demographic group in Austin according to the 2010 census. Although many Indian Americans continue to hold onto their rich heritage and ties to their homeland, they seek to find their voice and place in American socio-political culture. The Indian American Coalition of Texas (IACT) is a local nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that hopes to serve as a vehicle to empower the local Asian Indian community to increase their participation in the American political process and public affairs, while also promoting greater partnership between the United States and India. IACT is hosting a special gala on Saturday, January 28, from 3-8 p.m. at the Givens Recreational Center, 3811 East 12th Street in Austin. The event coincides with India’s 63rd Republic Day celebrations on January 26 and will showcase Indian Americans who have made significant contributions to the greater good of the United States and the world. Leading figures from all spheres of life–business, social, and political– from a wide spectrum of the population in the Greater Austin area and Texas will be invited to attend. There will be a continuous flow of events providing an inter-play of cultural, political and educational themes to highlight and accentuate the opportunities present in a growing relationship between India and US. Although this event is in conjunction with India
Republic’s Day celebration, Founder of IACT, Sumit DasGupta said, “Our real goal is to celebrate the lives of Indian Americans in this country; how we found a place in the fabric of this country and served her in our own special ways, which is why we want to acknowledge the success stories among us.” IACT’s Vice President, Ashwin Ghatalia, reports that “the Indian community forms a vital pillar contributing not only to economic wellbeing by contributing through professions, business and job creation, increasing the knowledge base, but also to the social welfare of the community by various means such as charitable work by individuals and organizations, cultural enrichment and adding its voice to the public discourse.” In elaborating on what the event hopes to accomplish, DasGupta goes on to state that ”part of that giving (by the Indian community) comes in participating in political and public affairs, areas in which we have spotty record, so this event is an opportunity to ask all Indian Americans to make greater contributions in the political and public arena.” The Indian Consulate General, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Austin City Mayor Lee Leffingwell, State Representative Mark Strama, Austin City Manager Marc Ott, and Austin Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza are some of the many political figures on the invitee list. Over one 1,000 attendees are expected to attend.
Sixth Year of Health for Humanity Yogathon!
and reduce stress day-to-day. Therefore, to mark the occasion of Makar Sankranti, and to introduce yoga to all, HSS will conduct a collective Surya Namaskar Yajna (SNY) from January 14 to January 29.
by Padmini Bhat
SNY has been gaining wide popularity for several years now. The 2011 Yogathon drew over 10,000 people from 38 states, who performed nearly 988,000 repetitions of the sun salutation. Seventeen public schools and 25 colleges participated, besides multiple yoga studios across the country. The program also drew the attention of several civic officials and prompted 11 of them to make formal proclamations in support of the Yogathon.
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) announced the sixth annual Surya Namaskar Yajna, also known as “Health for Humanity – Yogathon,” to create awareness about yoga and its advantages in achieving a healthy body, mind and spirit. Every year, Hindus worldwide celebrate January 14 as Makar Sankranti, a day that marks the change of season as the sun enters the sign of Capricorn or Makar. Makar Sankranti ushers in longer days; hence, the festivity symbolizes sunshine in life. Surya Namaskar, or sun salutations, are a form of yoga performed to revere and celebrate the sunshine that is so vital for life on our planet. The routine of sun salutations also provides the right, wholesome exercise to improve health
For 2012, SNY has set a goal of one million Surya Namaskar through the contribution of at least 12,000 individuals. To make this happen, HSS invites individuals as well as community groups, yoga centers and students to join the unique “Health for Humanity Yogathon.” The program is open to people of all ages, gender and races. To learn more about how to participate in Austin, visit www.hssus.org/sny or send an email at sny@hssus.org.
The event is free and open to the public, and Austinites of all backgrounds are welcome. For sponsorship and other event details please visit www.iactaustin.org.
Photo by Fabiola Hurtado
Visually Impaired Dancers Perform Indian Folk & Classical Dances By Harish Kotecha
Visually impaired dancers from Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind (SBRAM) in Bangalore, India gave a terrific performance at temples in the Austin area last month. Like audiences around the U.S., spectators were stunned to see young people who are visually impaired perform the classical dances of India flawlessly. The troupe of six, ages ranging from 14-to-20, wore traditional colorful Indian costumes. They performed Bharata Natyam, a classical dance form said to represent expression, music and rhythm from the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu and practiced predominantly in modern times by women. In ancient India, dance was performed by a community of temple women dancers. Called Devadasis, they dedicated their lives to serving
the temple deity as dancers and musicians and their performances were an inherent part of the elaborate temple and court rituals. The first Bahrata Natyam school was established in 1930s and that has evolved into modern form of dances. The balancing of “kalesha” (metal pot) over the head and dancing around is not trivial, especially for one who is visually impaired. The waving swords and sticks by the SBRAM troupe with perfect timing was mind boggling. Presently, there are 300 visually impaired students in the residential school, founded in 1969. They are provided with education, boarding, lodging, and several vocational training programs including dance and music. The dancers reward, they say, is the applause and support for their school, one which reaches 20,000 people with disabilities through Community Based Rehabilitation projects and welfare projects in rural villages. Funds raised through voluntary donations such as the performances go directly to SRMAB’s rural programs to empower people with disabilities. Austin, as it grows more diverse, has schools and private tutors that teach the art of Bharata Natyam with girls age 13-to-14 featured in local programs.
CAAAD Awards and Lunar New Year Celebration
Being honored this year for the Lifetime Achievement Award is Judge John Dietz. Legislators of the Year are State Rep. Scott Hochberg and State Rep. Donna Howard, and Activist of the Year is Yvonne Lim Wilson, founder/publisher of AsianAustin (and also a TODO Austin Associate Editor).
The Lunar New Year Celebration marks the date for the annual Capital Area Asian American Democrats fundraiser. The event, on Thursday, January 19, 6-8 p.m. at Satay Restaurant, 3202 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 205, Austin, is a highlight on the Asian American calendar and spotlights its culture in Austin while supporting CAAAD’s innovative outreach efforts to Asian American voters through Asian-language media, telephone and direct mail.
As 2012 will be an important election year, support for CAAAD is critical to ensure that our elected officials will continue to fight for all of us and our community’s values. For ticket or sponsorship information, contact nicholaspchu@gmail.com or 817773-6905. Tickets ($10) and sponsorships can also be purchased online at www. AustinAsianDems.com.
TODO Austin // january 2012 // TODOaustin.com 07
kids through school. What could be a better fit for the troubled schools of Austin’s east side?
Jua n Sa n c h ez :
Raising Kids and Hell On The East Side
By TODO Austin staff
But when you make a habit, as Sanchez does, of pointing out the disparity between schools in east and west Austin to whoever will listen, people get uncomfortable. Sanchez believes that’s why EAPrep was never considered as a solution to the education crisis in their neighborhood. He adds that being a minority run company, with 90% of its employees being people of color, doesn’t help, either. “When you look at who is in charge of government, policy, schools, big business, print media, infrastructure, it is not Hispanics,” said Sanchez. “There are tokens, we have one Hispanic on the city council and we have two or three in the school district, but what has happened to some folks … they feel that in order for them to get to those positions, they have to be co-opted, they cannot be real advocates that are demanding change.” And demanding change is what Sanchez is all about. In 2007, when Johnston High School became the second forced school closure in the state of Texas, EAPrep made a proposal to AISD to lease the property and open a middle and high school there, with EAPrep covering all expenses. The school board opted instead to re-open the campus as Eastside Memorial High where a number of technical programs were housed. But even by AISD superintendent Meria Carstarphen’s own admission, most kids who attend elementary school in the area choose not to attend Eastside Memorial. She wrote last month in an “AustinAmerican Statesman” op-ed: “Of the students who do attend Eastside, a significant number are reading well below grade level, which makes it difficult for them to pass high school courses and graduate. Without improving the structure of the vertical team to create a pipeline of high-performing students dedicated to attending Eastside Memorial, we will remain in a state of triage and vulnerable to state sanctions.” To be sure, the statistics at Eastside Memorial are staggering. Twenty nine per cent of its seniors didn’t graduate last year. This doesn’t take into account those students that dropped out before their senior year.
Photos courtesy of Southwest Key Programs
Juan Sanchez sits in his office on the top floor of Southwest Key’s El Centro de Familia, a 42,000 square-foot, modern office complex in East Austin. Outside, young girls rehearse Mexican folk dances for an upcoming recital. Inside, the sign on Sanchez’s door reads “CEO/El Presidente.” The largely glass building rises three floors above seven acres of previously undeveloped land in Govalle-Johnston Terrace, one of Austin’s poorest neighborhoods. It’s a neighborhood that white Austinites, from hipster to hippie, would find truly “weird.” No SXSW showcase has ever been held here. No food carts or coffee houses dot the landscape. There are no grocery stores, let alone farmers’ markets. It’s the Austin most never see.
come to the heart of the problem. To everyone’s surprise, in 2007, the company did just that.
school district has ignored proposals from EAPrep for just such an arrangement.
The result, besides a new headquarters for the more than 50 Southwest Key programs nationwide, is a family center with a host of wraparound services. There’s an amphitheater for live performances, a playscape, a hike and bike trail, Boys & Girls Club after school programs, education, health, and fitness classes for parents and siblings, and social enterprise businesses that bring jobs to the community while bringing revenue to Southwest Key.
“I think one of the things that upsets a lot of people about Southwest Key is that we did not come and ask permission to build a school; we did not come and ask permission to build these offices,” Sanchez said, referring to the fact that the group asked the neighborhood and not the city what they should build on their plot of land.
When Southwest Key, a non-profit whose mission is to help at-risk kids stay out of the juvenile justice system, received the land on Jain Lane through a donation, Sanchez and his team decided to do something rather unorthodox. They asked the neighborhood what they wanted built there.
In addition, the campus also houses the neighborhood’s first middle school in decades. East Austin College Prep (EAPrep) is a free, public school founded in 2009. The only requirement for admission to the school is that students live in East Austin and be committed to going to college. The school is a key part of East Austin Children’s Promise, a mission led by Southwest Key to literally change East Austin through education and family support.
Skeptical of promises, an advisory council of community members challenged the organization to move their headquarters from the west side of I-35. If they were really serious about reforming the area that was home to many of the youth they served, the council reasoned, Southwest Key would
With the state’s worst performing school, Eastside Memorial High School, formerly Johnston High School, on life-support less than a block away, the folks who run EAPrep seem like the perfect group to help Austin Independent School District (AISD) out of a jam. Yet, for the past several years, the
“If you’re raising hell and criticizing a system that has been unfair for Hispanics and African Americans that is not going to be allowed. So, it’s almost like you have to say, you know what? We are not asking your permission.” If Sanchez’s approach as CEO has created a tension between the powers that be and Southwest Key, it is unfortunate because, from most accounts, what Southwest Key has done in the community through East Austin Children’s Promise is a very good thing. Kids who live in a neighborhood with a 27% poverty rate, who come from families where it’s the norm to drop out of school by age 13 (often because they are pregnant), are attending a state-of-theart academy whose mission is to send 100% of its students to college. Their parents get ESL and job skills classes and guidance on how to mentor their
Sanchez states that even some of the students who graduate at the top of their class at Johnston fail at the university level.
“What that does to kids psychologically is incredible. They’re afraid to go to college ever again. Their dreams of performing well are just shattered.” Sanchez believes if a school underperformed for five years on the west side of town, the whiter, wealthy side, “they’d have the superintendent’s head on a silver platter.” When it comes to Govalle-Johnston Terrace, however, AISD is allowed to simply “order out” for the education of its students, and worse, to someone outside of Austin. Without any real input from the people who live in the neighborhood, AISD decided to entertain a
proposal from another charter school located in the Rio Grande Valley, IDEA Public Schools. The situation has been the source of much debate from citizens who made their disdain for the idea (no pun) known immediately. Both the “Austin American Statesman” and the “Austin Chronicle” chimed in, too, about the lack of transparency from the school board regarding its intention to hire IDEA all along. The “Chronicle’s” Richard Whittaker recalled: “On June 16, four days before that consent agenda item slipped through, (AISD Trustee Sam) Guzman was (sic) stood outside of Eastside (Memorial High School), making a big show about how he supported the reconstitution plan that would have merged the two schools at the Johnston Campus … At that point he was fighting against a charter school at Eastside, as this was when Southwest Key was making their bid for the campus. Again, no mention of IDEA, no mention of a charter, but rather a commitment to keeping Eastside as a regular public school.” The item was slipped through on a consent agenda with the words “explore a partnership” with IDEA. Whittaker wrote at the time, “This is not a change in policy, but the discussion of a contractor on something as radical as an in-district charter. Wonder whether that will turn up on that timeline.” Of course, when the final vote came on December 21 of 2011, at a huge cost to taxpayers, the school board elected to contract IDEA Public Schools. Much like EAPrep, IDEA is serving a largely Hispanic, economically challenged community and is committed to getting all their students into college.
Unlike EAPrep, IDEA is not from East Austin, doesn’t have the relationship with the families there, their management leadership does not represent the diversity and culture of the students who live there, and IDEA will cost millions more to Austinites than EAPrep’s proposal. IDEA has requested that 10,000 kids from the district be committed to their schools at a cost of $7,700 a kid, which comes close to eighty million dollars. The school district will also provide transportation, facilities, utilities, physical plant, free food, and any extracurricular expenses. Whittaker, who covered the fateful December 21 AISD board meeting, observed first hand the worst offense about this decision— that the community’s wants were completely ignored. He wrote: “(F)rankly, it looks like the community has done more due diligence than the board did. There were details – about IDEA’s track record, their approach, about the history of Eastside and the district’s lack of commitment to really turning it around – that had never been raised in the boardroom before.” Some of those issues were that Eastside Memorial has never been given steady leadership, a fact that was pointed out by speaker Alisha Martinez who reminded the group that the school had four principals in five years. Another speaker at the meeting, Meghan Buchanan, confronted the school board on the lack of a dedicated feeder middle school for Eastside Memorial. Whittaker adds that while Superintendent Carstarphen regularly complains about the eligible kids in east
Austin not attending Eastside Memorial, much of that is because of the fractured vertical team this lack of a middle school has created. Then there are the questionable methods used by IDEA, which the school board had never brought to the public’s attention. Methods like forcing failing students to wear different uniforms than their peers, or informing instructors that “the popular valuing of teacher creativity and autonomy as high priorities must give way to a willingness to follow certain carefully prescribed instructional processes.” Speaker Amanda Austin also brought up the fact that IDEA CEO Tom Torkelson does not have a degree in education. As for Torkelson, Sanchez (who incidentally has a doctorate in education from Harvard) adds that IDEA is yet another organization meant to serve the minority community that is not run by minorities. The problem with this, he reasons, is it’s more of the same white power structure that lead to the abysmal situation in East Austin in the first place. It is another white leader coming “to save” the poor Hispanic and Black kids. At the end of the day, this seems to be the difference between Southwest Key’s approach and AISD’s. While AISD is trying to get test scores up to meet state standards, Southwest Key is committed to changing a community from within. Even for those fundamentally opposed to charter schools, it’s tough to disagree with a school that seeks to teach kids, through role modeling and conviction, that they can help themselves to succeed— regardless of race, economic status or past school experiences.
“What we are trying to do in our school,” Sanchez explained, “is say you can be proud of who you are and we are going to prepare you to be the leaders of tomorrow. I don’t think that happens in this city and across this state.” What remains, Sanchez said, is for the community to get involved. A meeting for all interested parties is being held this month to discuss next steps. “The people in this community were completely dismissed, which is historically what has always happened here,” Sanchez said. “This community needs to send a real clear message that we are not going to take this treatment anymore.” If Sanchez is true to form, that message will not only be clear, but loud, too.
Why I left Republican Politics to Help Educate Disadvantaged Youth on Austin’s East Side Ryan Hutchison
How did a white male who lives in west Austin and worked for the Republican party for 10 years end up employed by East Austin College Prep in Austin’s poorest and most underserved neighborhood? Despite my past career, I grew up in the loving embrace of a multi-cultural deaf community in the liberal hotbed of Seattle. Embracing conservative ideals became a way to rebel against Seattle’s “Kumbaya” spirit. As soon as I was old enough, it was off to Texas for a job in conservative politics. After working for some of the state’s highestprofile Republicans, a random encounter in 2009 changed the trajectory of my career. I went to an office on the east side of Austin to pick up a
Mexic-Arte Museum to Display 31K Portraits for Peace On January 27 Mexic-Arte Museum , the Official Mexican and Mexican American Fine Art Museum of Texas will unveil the photography exhibition 31K Portraits for Peace. Visual artist and Monterrey, Mexico native Diego Huerta created the 31K Project to represent the more than 31,000 deaths in Mexico resulting from the ongoing drug wars. Diego Huerta and project partner Daniela Gutiérrez have travelled throughout the thirty-two states in Mexico photographing and cataloging thousands of people who want to spread the message of peace for Mexico.
copy of my son’s birth certificate. It was probably my third time east of IH-35 since I arrived here in 2000. Sitting next to me was a young, pregnant Hispanic mother with a toddler. She told me she was a high school dropout, as was the father of her children. He was unemployed and she had just lost her job at Subway and was there to seek assistance.
graduates. One in three doesn’t speak English. 40% of students who enter Johnston in any given year won’t finish the school year there.” Worse, it was the only option for high school students in southeast Austin.
She was bright, but scared for her future and the future of her kids. At 19, the world was my oyster. I asked her why she hadn’t finished high school. “I went to Johnston for ninth grade then dropped out,” she replied. I didn’t get it.
I was consulting for an education coalition, and found a shocking report from the Texas A&M Bush School of Government on the cost of Texas dropouts. For the class of 2012 alone, students who did not complete high school would cost Texas between 5 and 9 billion dollars over the course of their lifetimes, and approximately 50% of minority students will drop out.
Weeks later, the encounter still gnawing at me, I went online and found facts like this: “1 in 5 girls at Johnston will bear a child before she
With a new, non-white majority population, I could foresee the biggest problem Texas would ever face hurling toward us—an adult population
Project on their official website 31kproject.com and on Facebook.com/retratosporlapaz
Linda Irizarry Crockett Wins Inaugural Octavitas Award
To complement the exhibition, the Museum will also present the following public programs: Panel Discussion - January 28, Saturday, 2 p.m. Free Admission; Family Day, April 1, Sunday, 2 p.m. Free Admission. Also, Capital Metro Transit and Mexic-Arte Museum will be collaborating with one hundred in-bus placards, three small bus wraps, and exhibition advertisements at various bus stops throughout Austin. This project is funded and supported in part by a grant from Humanities Texas, the Texas Commission on the Arts and the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com. Additional support is provided by Capital Metro. For more info see mexic-artemuseum.org.
Mexic-Arte Museum will display selected vinyl photographs from the 31K Project as well as video excerpts from the 31K Project journey. Along the museum’s 5th Street exterior wall space it will continue the promotion of the 31K Project with a public display of vinyl photographs. Follow Diego and Daniela’s 31K 10 TODO Austin // january 2012 // TOdoaustin.com
The Puerto Rican Folkloric and Cultural Center (PRFD) is hosting its annual “Octavitas: Celebrating Puerto Ricans in Central Texas” on Sunday, January 22. The free event begins at 2 p.m. at the PRFD community center at 701 Tillery Street and will explore Puerto Rican culture with an open house and a student music showcase of Puerto Rican music. This year, PFRD will also be paying tribute to a notable Austin citizen of Puerto Rican ancestry. Linda Irizarry Crockett will be the first honoree for her service to the community through her work in the arts and with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. “I’m honored to receive this award,” said Irizarry Crockett. “I see the MACC as a place where generations come to learn about their heritage and what it means to be a Latino in America.” Puerto Ricans on the island and elsewhere celebrate Octavitas on January 9 (after the last of the Kings’ days) for eight days. Originally, the celebration was mostly religious in nature and used to glorify the Reyes and the Christ child. Originally from Puerto Rico, Irizarry Crockett came to the U.S. at the age of eleven. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin
with more than 25% dropouts. I heard about an opening at a dropout recovery charter school, and went in for an interview where I met my future boss and hero, Dr. Joe Gonzales, for the first time. I’ve been working with him for almost two years now and have never looked back. Education is not a partisan issue. When public schools on Austin’s eastside are failing to give students the education they deserve, they are failing all of us. Charter schools are not the only answer, but they are necessary until AISD fixes the broken system. We all must recognize the inadequacy of education on the eastside, and work together to find solutions. Our collective future depends on it. in 1983 with a degree in Communications and worked at KLRU-TV and Spanish AM station KMMM. Irizarry Crockett spent the better part of the late-1980s and 1990s working in local theatre, her first role coming in the production of “Maggie, Magalita” at the Dougherty Arts Center. Later, she was business manager for the Zachary Scott Theatre Center, where she played a major role in bringing bilingual theatre productions to its stage.
While raising her daughter Lia, she also did voiceover work in Spanish and had an occasional role in films and then a reoccurring role in television novelas on the Telemundo Network. In the late 1990’s, she produced and hosted a weekly radio music program, “Sancocho Boricua,” that lasted five years on KOOP Radio while also serving as Vice President of the Austin Puerto Rican Association in 199798. She is currently the Media/Marketing and Special Events Coordinator at the MACC, dedicated to exposing Latino talent and performance.
Austin Honors Dr. Martin Luther King’s Legacy Few cities in the United States honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as extensively as Austin. From the statue on the campus of the University of Texas to memorial concerts to the annual march and MLK celebrations organized by the Austin Area Heritage Council, January brings a sense of unanimity to our community. From January 11 through January 16, a broad range of events are scheduled to mark Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which is officially Monday, January 16. Leading off the celebration is the MLK Oratory Competition finals on Wednesday, January 11. Oratory finalists from several local elementary schools will compete in a five-minute speech based on the theme, “If you could share your dream with Dr. King, what would it be?” These inspiring young speakers will compete by delivering personally written speeches commemorating Dr. King’s legacy of peace and unity, with winners receiving U.S. Savings Bonds. On Saturday, January 14, the MLK Youth Scholarship Awards are presented at Austin Community College at 3401 Webberville Road, 3-5 p.m. The awards, $1000 scholarships courtesy of Applied Materials Foundation and the Seton Family of Hospitals, were created to recognize youth in the Austin community for their outstanding commitment and achievement as well as inspire the next generation. On the same date the United Way Capital Area and Hands on Central Texas invite the public to celebrate with a day of service. Last year, more than 700 volunteers came together to complete over 20 community improvement projects throughout Austin. Those interested should gather at Huston-Tillotson University at 8 a.m.
Next to being a home to local Turkish-Americans, Raindrop Turkish House introduces Turkish culture into Austin society and cultivates friendship by organizing, sponsoring and hosting cultural and social events such as Turkish cuisine classes, cultural nights, Nevruz picnics, traditional dinners, Turkish coffee nights, International Women’s day, soccer games, Noah’s pudding days, Whirling Dervishes’ performances and Intercultural Dialog Dinners in hopes of forming a culture of “living together.” Austin residents are invited to the organization’s Turkish Coffee House which will operate Friday, January 6 at 12400 Amherst Dr. Ste.108, in Northwest Austin. UT President Powers to Address Public Research The Gülen Institute, in collaboration with the Institute of Interfaith Dialog in Austin, will welcome University of Texas at Austin President William Powers to its noon luncheon forum on January 18 at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center on the school’s campus. Powers, who has been president of the University of Texas at Austin since 2006, will give a speech on “Nurturing the Soul of a Public Research University.” The entry fee with food included is $30. His goal of making UT the best public research university in America has been supported by a sustained emphasis on undergraduate education, including the strengthening of a core curriculum and the inauguration of a School of Undergraduate Studies. In addition to recruiting a diverse student body and faculty, President Powers has taken on the challenge of redefining productivity in higher education and has become a national spokesman articulating the
The Austin Area Heritage Council’s festivities culminate on Monday, January 16 with the 19th Annual MLK March & Community Festival. The day begins at 9 a.m. with a short program at the MLK Statue on UT’s east campus at 9 a.m. followed by a march to the Capitol where gospel music is performed, then on to Huston-Tillotson University for a community festival celebrating diversity and multiculturalism. In previous years, the march has drawn up to an estimated 15,000 people. All businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals are invited to march. An event sure to inspire is Body Rock ATX’s “All Rise: A Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.” concert on Sunday, January 15 at the ND at 501 Studios (E. 5th & Brushy, 501 N. IH-35) from 8 p.m.to midnight. Adults 18 and over are welcome with and there’s a $5 cover. “There are plenty of rappers in the world today. But, to be an M.C. means to ‘move the crowd,’” Body Rock ATX explains. “Moving the crowd takes on a whole new meaning when your words inspire millions to social action. The greatest people’s movement in the history of the United States was fueled by the hard work and tireless effort of tens of thousands across this nation. But, there was only one individual blessed with the gift of vividly articulating this struggle: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As children, grand-children, and greatgrandchildren of the Civil Rights movement, we will come together to celebrate Dr. King’s brilliant legacy of radical social change.” With music by Bavu Blakes, DaShade, Riders Against the Storm, DJ Chorizo Funk plus special guests.
value of the public research university to society.
Book Drive for Cambodia and Nigeria Schools
Turkish Language, Cuisine and Marbling Classes
Raindrop is seeking new and used textbooks, encyclopedias, dictionaries, journals, etc., which will be sent to two not-for-profit universities, Zaman University in Cambodia and Nile University in Nigeria.
This January, Raindrop Turkish Cultural Center will offer classes in Turkish language, Turkish cuisine and the art of marbling (ebru) through Austin Community College’s Continuing Education program. “Conversational Turkish I” is designed to introduce Turkish to beginning students, develop oral and written skills for both comprehension and expression and emphasizes spoken language, reading, writing, speaking, and translating. Classes run from January 31-April 24 on Tuesdays from 6-9 p.m. “Conversational Turkish II” is a continuation of the former, and runs February 1-April 25 on Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m.
Items may be dropped off at 12400 Amherst Dr. Ste.108, Austin, or they will arrange to have them picked up by a call to 512-5770342, or email austin@turkishhouse.org.
“Turkish Cuisine” is an 8-week cooking (and eating) experience with students learning how to cook Turkish dishes from different regions of Turkey and have an opportunity to taste the dishes prepared by the instructor. February 2- March 29, Thursdays from 6-8:30 p.m. “The Turkish Art of Marbling (Ebru)” is an introduction to water marbling, or Ebru. Ebru is a traditional Turkish paper art where images are created on the surface of water and then transferred to paper. The 8-week class is from January 31-March 27 (8weeks) at 6-8:30 p.m. The Foundation can answer any questions at 512-873-7355 or austin@turkishhouse.org. TODO Austin // january 2012 // TOdoaustin.com 11
Austin Lyric Opera’s
‘Lucia di Lammermoor’ “I want love, violent love, because without it subjects are cold” – Gaetano Donizetti By Kathleen Fitzgerald What: Austin Lyric Opera’s Lucia di Lammermoor When: Sat, Jan 28 and Fri, Feb 3 at 7:30 p.m.; Sun, Feb 5 at 3 p.m. Where: Dell Hall at the Long Center for the Performing Arts Tickets: From $19. www.austinlyricopera.org
Photography | Ken Miles for Utah Symphony & Opera
Austin Lyric Opera’s production of Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” represents the climax of Italian opera. Family feuds crush both love and life with haunting melodies and stirring arias as the tale of Lucia and her beloved, Edgardo, gives the tragic “Romeo and Juliet” a run for its money. With Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano, Lucia di Lammermoor is loosely based on the novel “The Bride of Lammermoor” by Sir Walter Scott. The basis of the novel–one of 16 of Scott’s works adapted as operas–is the sad lament
New Arts Group Capitol View Arts 2011 in Review Capitol View Arts was a welcome addition to Austin last year as the newly formed nonprofit launched with the mission to offer business education to Austin’s musicians and revitalize performance opportunities on Austin’s eastside. Among the highlights of the past year was a presentation given in August by Dominique Preyer from Hear It Clear It Music Supervision, who gave an informative overview of how to get music into film projects. In September, two benefit shows were held at the Victory Grill in preparation for a trip to New Orleans which featured some of Austin’s best urban talent. That trip took a group of five urban music artists, along with music support personnel, to New Orleans for the Cutting Edge Music Conference. Artists attended workshops and performed multiple showcases. Representatives from Austin and Capitol View Arts included David Canales, Marie-Laure Carvalho, Drastik, CJ Edwards, Cooley Fly, Meredith Hardy, Ryan Henderson, Terrany Johnson, James Lang, Joseph Lee, Ron McCain, Sarah Mitchell, Bianca Neal, Rain, Marlah Rene, SaulPaul, Ter’ell Shahid, Andrew Snow and Joseph Thompson.
of emotionally-fragile Lucia’s trip through the gauntlet, as a feud between two families forces her to marry a man she does not love. “Lucia di Lammermoor” premiered in Naples’ Teatro San Carlo on September 26, 1835, and is set in and around Lammermoor Castle in 1669 Scotland. Donizetti’s most popular work is best known for Lucia’s “mad scene” in Act III that has made the careers of some of opera’s greatest voices, such as Joan Sutherland and Maria Callas. Russian soprano Lyubov Petrova, last seen by ALO audiences as Gilda in “Rigoletto,” stars as Lucia In October, Pat Pattison, songwriting instructor from the Berklee College of Music, gave tips about how to make songs stronger and more powerful. The following month brought another opportunity at the Victory Grill, which was transformed into a visual art gallery for the East Austin Studio Tour. Mofoz Visualz and artists Marc Zuazua, Gilbert Camarena, Juan Martinez, Lucas Negrate, Rick Osborne and Solomon Perry were central characters in the affair. Capitol View Arts, in partnership with Big Medium and Austin Creative Alliance, also produced four evenings of music afterparties for the East Austin Studio Tour with the contributions of musicians Gina Chavez, Invincible Czars, Drastik, and Quentin Moore.
with Chad Shelton singing the role of Edgardo. Another famous scene considered one of the finest ensembles in the opera canon is the end of Act II which features a richly-woven sextet where each voice expresses a different emotion.
dramatic events that befall the tragic Lucia. After a life marked with success, censorship and personal tragedy, Donizetti was interned in a private asylum in 1846. His family took him home to Bergamo where, now totally insane, he died in 1848.
Donizetti’s own life was marked by loss of love and life. His most memorable tragedy,“Lucia di Lammermoor,“ was written only two years before his own wife died in 1837 at the age of 29, after giving birth to their third still-born child. He believed in bel canto, “beautiful singing,” and reinforced this with music that enhances the
Conducted by Richard Buckley with a stage set from New Orleans Opera Association and costumes from the Utah Symphony & Opera. Austin Lyric Opera’s production of “Lucia di Lammermoor” runs Saturday, January 28 through Sunday, February 5 in Dell Hall at the Long Center for the Performing Arts.
Ballet Austin’s ‘GetFit! 2012’ January 15 Ballet Austin invites the community to kick off the New Year with GetFit! 2012, a free fitness event on January 15 which offers a day of free fitness and Pilates classes at the Butler Community School (BCS), located in the Butler Dance Education Center in Austin’s 2nd Street District. There’s no dancing required at GetFit! 2012, which will feature the following Ballet Austin’s BCS fitness and Pilates classes and courses: Arms & Abs, Ballet Fit, Below the Belt, Body Sculpting, Body Stretch, Feldenkrais®, Intro to Pilates Machines, Pilates Ballet Barre Workout, Pilates Cardio, Pilates CrossSport Workout, Pilates Mat and Pilates Theraband® Stretch The event kicks off at 3 p.m. with an instructor meet and greet, refreshments, and the opportunity sign up for Pilates apparatus sessions. Participants of GetFit! 2012 will receive specials on future Ballet Austin’s BCS classes and courses. Additionally, GetFit! 2012 partners Genesis Today and Kind® Bars will provide food and drink samples, and Scott & White Healthcare will provide free health screenings.
Capitol View Arts concluded the year with a presence at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in the Austin Creative Alliance booth. Stay tuned for more exciting programs in 2012.
12 TODO Austin // january 2012 // TOdoaustin.com
As a special addition during the event, and due to popular request, GetFit! 2012 will preview Zumba ® at 5:45 p.m., new to Ballet Austin’s BCS beginning in January.
Butler Community School (BCS) classes are offered seven days a week with dance, fitness, and Pilates offerings ranging from ballet, jazz, hip hop, hula, an award-winning Pilates Center, dance fitness, and more. With over 4,000 students of all ages taking classes at the Butler Dance Education Center facility in the last 12 months, Ballet Austin’s open class community school and ballet academy comprises one of the largest dance training centers in the U.S. associated with a professional ballet company. For the entire GetFit! 2012 schedule, visit balletaustin.org/getfit.
TODO Mexico
2012: An Era Ends; The World Goes On
might mean that the networks we use to communicate and obtain information temporarily shut down. It might mean that day-to-day life, as we know it, cannot go on any longer.
dependent upon what we want it to be, what
The Mayas acknowledge any number of possible outcomes as, their beliefs predict, the world drastically changes and shifts upward into a higher level of consciousness. They foresee a return to a way of being that is more natural and harmonious; one that respects all life, including its source and its spiritual side—Mother Earth and Father Sky.
What if the economy were based on wisdom
we believe it can be. No one can say for sure what this “new era” will look like—it is up to us to envision it and manifest it.
rather than (speculated) financial worth? What if society said that giving to others were more important than our own personal gain? What if we learned how to understand our emotions, how to heal ourselves and each other, alongside reading, writing and arithmetic? What if we worked together,
By Katie Walsh
As we enter the year 2012, we come closer and closer to this mystical date that so many erroneously link to the end of the world. Let me reassure you, dear TODO readers: The world ain’t goin’ anywhere. Don’t cancel your New Years 2013 plans, folks.
To talk about what that really means, what it looks and feels like, we have to consider an unconventional idea, a very powerful one: You create your own reality. Your thoughts, your beliefs, your worries and desires and dreams and ambitions (and of course actions)—they are literally the fabric of the reality you perceive. Stop and think about that for a second. You are not a helpless product of the world around you. The world around you is a product of your own conscious and subconscious mind.
beyond geographic lines and ideological divides, to build a world without poverty or disease or pollution? Is it even possible? I say it is. I feel it. It is the reality I choose. And just as easily, someone else might decide that the future is destined for doom. That a secret government will suck us down into their depths of evil and darkness. That hostile alien races will attack us for no apparent reason.
That
“Obamacare”
and
other
unfolding policies will be the undoing of our
I recently read a great travel piece about the area of Mexico I just returned from, and was majorly bummed (and irritated!) that the author, even after purportedly speaking with a native elder, described the Mayan prophecies as apocalyptic, predicting “doomsday.” This idea is rampant in the media. Not only the idea that the world will end on December 21, 2012, but that ancient Mayan wisdom predicted it long ago.
great nation. That’s just it: It’s up to you to decide what reality you want to believe in. Your belief will give it power, and that power will give it life. So what will life after the infamous “2012” look like? You decide.
Wrong and wrong. The Mayas never, ever predicted the end of the world. They had a system of calendars, one of which “ends” sometime soon, in the same way that the 2011 calendar will “end” on December 31 of this year. Of course the end of this year only means the beginning of the next; and in the same way, the end of this calendar cycle simply marks a new era. What do these widely circulated, false ideas create? Fear, uncertainty, anxiety—maybe dismissal of or disdain for the Mayan people— certainly not much by the way of optimism or peacefulness. Misrepresenting the ancient wisdom encourages us to reject it. What the Mayas actually prophesied was a reality much more beautiful and abundant than the one we live in now—but you’ll never have the chance to even consider that if it’s described to you as death, calamity and disaster. There are a lot of crazy things going on these days, as people increasingly rise up to question and challenge reigning power structures; as they awaken to the possibility of a deeper reality and life purpose than that our societies and institutions offer. Let’s imagine that this energy were to continue multiplying, and that little by little the systems we’ve lived by for so long began to crumble. That might look pretty scary and chaotic at first. It might mean that digital money (like the kind in our bank accounts) or money altogether ceases to have any value. It
The world as we know it today, then, is a reflection of our collective consciousness as a people. And maybe, if we were to suddenly gain access to the next notch on the evolutionary ladder, our combined thoughts and desires and beliefs would be more positive and loving than they are today. In turn, our heightened consciousness would create a more positive and loving world. Have I lost you yet? Look, bottom line, it is not the end of the world. It is the end of THIS world. And, the Mayans believe, what comes next is entirely TODO Austin // january 2012 // TOdOaustin.com 13
SafePlace Family Activity/Therapy Space Redo Project The Texas Hill Country Chapter of the Interior Design Society (IDS) recently revealed their yearlong efforts of an activity/ therapy room redo used by the families of SafePlace. The group’s commitment— including two fundraisers with support from numerous volunteers and generous sponsors and donors—not only allowed a chance for members to use their skills to better the residence, but spread awareness of SafePlace’s work of providing safety for individuals and families affected by sexual and domestic violence. “The new group room is so amazing,” said Melinda Cantu, Shelter Director for SafePlace. “I have always wanted to have the space be comfortable, inviting, soothing as well as functional. I could not have dreamed up a more perfect space for our families to begin their journey of healing.” The Texas Hill Country Chapter of the Interior Design Society is one of the country’s largest design organizations dedicated to serving the residential interior design
Diverse Arts Presents Creative Writing Salon
industry and provides its local members with ongoing business education and trade partner resources, which in turn bring a higher level of professionalism to the industry. The alliances built within the chapter allow the group to reach out and have an impact on the community by bringing beautiful spaces and resources to elected charitable organizations.
b e f o re after
The room’s vision was created by designers Robin Bond, Debra Dunham, and Alyssia Chapman after an assessment of the room’s use, the number of visitors in the room at one time, the durability of the design and color preferences. “The space redo has been a great opportunity to provide a calming, functional space that can be used by the families of SafePlace for many years to come,” said Monica Peña, Charitable Event Committee Chair for IDS. “It’s great to use our skills and resources to improve the lives of others.” For more info call (512) 627-3943 or visit the IDS web site at www.idsaustin.org.
up in storytelling. Her work has appeared in the Milvia Street Art and Literary Journal. All writing genres are welcome to learn from Masakhane how to deepen their writing practice, build confidence and trust in the process while having a great time, and honoring their creative voice. To discover their string of pearls. Cost: $120 per six week session, $100 if you register by January 4th, 2012. Space is limited!
Diverse Arts will be presenting “String of Pearls Creative Writing Salon,” a writing workshop taught by writing coach, creative editor and novelist Novuyo Masakhane at the New East Art Gallery, 1601 East 5th St; Suite 106 from January 11 through February 15. Every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., Masakhane will lead the class which is “designed to create space; spiritually, emotionally and creatively in mind, letting the words out and onto the page. Through creative techniques and the age old art of listening to, and telling of, we will dispel myths around who can and can’t write while letting go of ‘the critic,’ writers block and fears that keep us from keeping pen to page.” Masakhane, who recently moved to Austin from the San Francisco Bay Area, teaches writing classes in the area and is currently working on a novel, “House of Jewels.” Her teaching style is intuitive and supportive, informed by mythology and the archetypical meanings that often show 14 TODO Austin // january 2012 // TOdoaustin.com
Photography | Johnny Stevens
Red Salmon Arts Continues Support of Area Youth Housed in Resistencia Bookstore, at 1801A South First St, Red Salmon Arts is a Native American/Chicano based cultural arts organization with a history of working within indigenous communities of Austin since 1983. Red Salmon Arts sponsors literary projects such as Save Our Youth (SOY), one of the first such programs in Austin to work with youth correctional facilities. By emphasizing cultural knowledge and pride, SOY seeks to empower “hard to reach” young people and redirects their negative activities into positive and reactive outlets through participation in workshops focusing on culture, arts, and literacy. SOY workshop facilitators conduct extensive creative writing clinics in national/local schools and juvenile justice facilities. These workshops help participants build self-esteem and develop verbal/written communication and conflict resolution. Red Salmon Arts plans to carry on its poetry workshops with young women and men in 2012 at Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center. In addition, “artist events and CONJURE jams will continue to be places of sacred refuge, artistic exploration, and renewal for spirits in struggle,” states Rene Valdez. “To break cycles of repeated incarceration, SOY is offering a new internship program that is designed to continue the creative writing and social
justice imaginations that were sparked in SOY workshops inside Gardner Betts. It also serves as a mentorship program to support the youth in realizing their creative visions, career goals, and everyday well-being. The transition phase of returning home is a critical time for the youth, yet the system does not offer much support. SOY is offering paid internships that links young people to the community and helps them get back on their feet, financially and personally.”
Red Salmon Arts is asking the community to help re-invest in the lives, careers, and wellbeing of its youth, especially those who are immigrant, Chicana/o, Black, and Indigenous and who are falling through the cracks of the public school system. Anyone interested in financially supporting a youth’s internship or donating on a monthly basis to the Red Salmon Arts and SOY should contact the organization to discuss how they can support this important community work. As a community-run and-supported non-profit organization, tax-deductible donations allow Red Salmon Arts to carry on Raul Salinas’ vision and legacy for his community and especially youth. Checks can be mailed to Red Salmon Arts, or stop by to drop off checks or cash donations at Resistencia Bookstore.
Plum Writing
Chronicles of Undercover Mexican Girl:
Eternal Youth By Alexandra M. Landeros
Frame of Reference
By Blake Shanley
What if it literally was not about YOU? At least not that “you” that you typically think of when “you” are mentioned. What if YOUR entire purpose on this planet was simply to help OTHERS live a wonderful life? What if you walked out the door every day knowing that it was your job was to put a smile on someone’s face, to encourage someone to take that chance, to support someone in their new venture, to hug someone when they appear to be sad, to empower someone to walk away from a situation that hurts them, to make someone feel good about themselves, to positively assist in someone’s journey, to tell someone they are loved, to give someone the power to trust in themselves, to tell someone they aren’t alone, to listen when someone needs to talk, to be honest when someone needs the truth, to help someone in any way you are capable of helping?
2012 is a big year. The world might end, Ron Paul might be president, and I turned 35. I’ve always quietly celebrated my birthday, not that I really had a choice. With my birthday falling on January 2, it was sandwiched between one of the most important days of the calendar year, and the return to school. I guess most people don’t realize it, judging by the way they consistently guess my age at 5 to 10 years younger than I really am (because of my youthful looks, of course!). But it’s true. I’ve been getting older every year. Over the last few years, many of my friends have been hitting the age of 40, which is actually true birthday milestone. There are all those jokes about reaching middle age or being “over the hill.” When my friends lament on getting old, I guffaw and say, “No, you’re still young to me!” I still feel that way about them. Even though they are wise in their years, their spirit is young. As long as they’re smiling, they’ll always be 25 to me. But now, I’m halfway through my 30s. And I’m starting to feel the way they do. At 35, you start asking yourself all kinds of questions. Where is my career going? Am I a career person anyway? Why haven’t I yet published my first novel? What if I just want to stay home and raise kids? How many fertile years do I have left? Do I want children? Why do I find myself looking at pictures of my friends’ little ones on Facebook and finding them “adorable”, when just a few years ago, I thought babies and toddlers were sniveling creatures that needed to hurry and grow up? Why do I still groan when my puppy wakes me up at 7:30 AM, wanting to be fed?
What makes me think I could handle children? Shouldn’t I have been awake an hour ago anyway, working on my first novel? I don’t know how many years I have left to answer these questions, but I do know the answer is not “the rest of my life.” There are many things I can lollygag on. I’ve known 70-year-olds to pick up the fiddle for the first time, so I can’t kick myself just yet for not being the next Stephane Grappelli already, after playing the violin for 15 years. Laura Ingalls Wilder became a columnist in her 40s and didn’t publish her first novel in the Little House series until her 60s. The Colonel Sanders didn’t start his Kentucky Fried Chicken empire until his 60s. Well, hell, I’ve even known women in their mid-40s to have their first baby.
own beauty, you ARE loved the minute you express your love to someone else, you ARE happy the minute you help someone else feel joy, you ARE passionate the minute you allow someone else to chase after their passion, you ARE abundant the minute you realize you have more than enough to give? What if!?! No, really. happens.
Let’s all try it and see what
What if every single person on the planet simply assumed the responsibility for the happiness of every other person on the planet and genuinely felt that way each morning, without the need to be thanked for it or acknowledged for it? What if what you give to another you give to the self? What if you ARE successful when you help someone else find success, you ARE powerful the instant you help someone else realize their power, you ARE beautiful the minute you help someone else see their
I’m going back to sleep. Wake me up at 9:00 a.m. (And please feed my puppy and have a fresh pot of French press coffee ready for me.) I’m kidding. I wouldn’t leave you hanging there. But the truth is, sometimes answers can’t be found by racking your brain for the right thing to do. Sometimes, you just stumble upon the answers, on whatever makes you happy, on whatever the next turn in your life should be. You only thing you can do is keep hacking away at what makes sense to you today. But that might change tomorrow. Just know this: time is finite, and you can’t rewind the clock. So cheers to 2012, a blank slate, ready for anything to happen! P.S. Getting lots of sleep is the key to staying young.
B randi C owle y 1611 W. 5th Street 512.473.0700 | brandicowley.com
TODO Austin // january 2012 // TODOaustin.com 15
Good Times at Güero’s For great tunes and great rita’s! Please join us for live music on our outside jardin stage, every Thursday through Sunday. Thanks to the fans & bands who support us!!! All outdoor shows are “weather permitting”
january Line-up
Taco Bar
1412 S. Congress Avenue • Austin, Texas 78704 Open Weekdays 11am-11pm; Weekends 8am-11pm
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----------------------------------------------------------------THU 1/5 THE BOB FUENTES SHOW (6:30) FRI 1/6 LOS FLAMES (6:30) SAT 1/7 MIKE MILLIGAN & THE ALTAR BOYZ (6:30) SUN 1/8 THE PJ’s (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------THU 1/12 THE FABS (6:30) FRI 1/13 LOS FLAMES (6:30) SAT 1/14 THE SPENCER THOMAS BAND (6:30) SUN 1/15 TRENT TURNER (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------THU 1/19 THE LEROI BROTHERS (6:30) FRI 1/20 LOS FLAMES (6:30) SAT 1/21 JASON MOLIN BAND (6:30) SUN 1/22 MITCH WEBB & THE SWINDLES (3:00) ----------------------------------------------------------------THU 1/26 THE RECUPERATORS (6:30) FRI 1/27 LOS FLAMES (6:30) SAT 1/28 CLEMENCIA (6:30) SUN 1/29 CHICKEN STRUT (3:00)
www.GuerosTacoBar.com
Winter/Spring 2012 All films are free admission. For info call Linda Crockett at 512-974-3789.
January 31
Algo Flota Sobre el Agua Directed by Alfredo B. Crevenna Spanish with no subtitles. 1947. Screenings at 9:30am and 7pm.
Pan Americana Fest coming March 16-17 to the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center www.bellasartesalliance.com
To enter a raffle for a Huichol Guitar,
visit to bellasartesalliance.com or contact lramirez@bellasartesalliance.com or call 512.282.9112
600 River St., Austin, TX 78701 • 512-974-3772 • maccaustin.org The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require special assistance for participation in our programs or use of our facilities please call 512-974-3772 or 711 Relay Texas. La ciudad de Austin está comprometida al Acta de Americanos Incapacitados. Si requiere asistencia para participar en nuestros programas por favor llame al teléfono número 512-974-3772 e 711 Relay Texas.