vecinos magazine

Bone Marrow Drive organized by the Icla Da Silva Foundation Feb 3rd

Rico Figliolni — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:18:27 +0000

The Latin American Association and the Icla Da Silva Foundation will host a Bone Marrow Drive Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

LAA is seeking healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 60 to volunteer as a potential bone marrow donor. The Feb. 3 event is non-invasive, and a Buccal swab test (a swab of the inner cheeks) and a questionnaire are the only requirements for Tuesday. If particular criteria are met, the donor will be contacted with further instructions.

Of the more than 13 million people in need of bone marrow transplants due to illnesses like lymphoma and leukemia, about 1.17 million are Latinos, the largest demographic in need of bone marrow transplants. Of any ethnic group, Latinos have the largest need for donors, for the most successful transplants occur between members of the same racial background. The Latino population can make a difference in our community and nation!

Location: Latin American Association – Atlanta Outreach Center 2750 Buford Highway Atlanta, GA 30324

For more information, please contact a Family Support Specialist at (404) 638-1813 or (404) 638-1826.

Latin American Association and State Farm ® Insurance will Host Informational & Recruiting Session, Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009

Rico Figliolni — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:09:54 +0000

Latin American Association (LAA) and State Farm^® Insurance Independent Agents will host an informational session about how to start a business as a State Farm independent insurance agent; Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. State Farm is seeking bilingual, qualified candidates for independent agent positions in the Metro Atlanta area. Breakfast will be provided for attendees.

Eligible participants must have entrepreneurial interest, be a U.S.

resident and be fluent in English. People with experience in sales,

marketing, or customer service may benefit from this event. Insurance

experience is not required.

When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Latin American Association – Atlanta Outreach Center

2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324

Contact: Jessica Zapata, (404) 982-6897, jzapata@thelaa.org

The Future is Ours! 2,000 Inspired at Latino Youth Leadership Conference

Rico Figliolni — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:30:10 +0000

Almost 2,000 Latino students, parents, teachers, and volunteers rose from their seats to chant “The future is ours!” during opening ceremonies at the Latin American Association’s 9th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference. The message was clear for participants: the future was in their hands and each one could make of it their own masterpiece. The upbeat and energetic opening ceremony set the tone for a day that offered interactive workshops, educational information, leadership development and fun.

“The conference opened my eyes to many more opportunities that I have ever seen before,” said Oscar Nieto, a 10th grader from Parkview High School. “I had a good time and the event helped me to get excited and motivated to meet my goals.”

Leadership sessions hosted by the Youth Leadership Institute of San Francisco featured creative monologues and performances by teenagers and young adults who had overcome adversity in their own lives. The youngsters tackled issues such as gang involvement, drug-use and rising above peer pressure to create positive change and be leaders in their own communities.

“I was grateful for having the group come and speak to us and motivate us to become leaders and to speak out,” commented Jessica Pineda, a 12th grader at Norcross High School. “Having the younger speakers was beneficial because it helped us relate their stories with our own,” added Natalia Ding, a junior at Duluth High School.

A pep-squad of volunteers kept spirits high throughout the day, and students had the opportunity to talk to local universities about continued educational opportunities. Parents also attended sessions that gave insight into the college application process, scholarship and financial aid information, and the best ways to help their children reach their fullest academic potential.

“The conference will help us as parents to find the right paths for our children so that they can continue with their education,” said one parent. “The information given during the sessions was clear and concrete, and the scholarship and college information was very useful!”

The Latino Youth Leadership Conference is free and open to the community. If you are interested in getting involved next year, contact Gina Pezzia at 678-205-3151 or gpezzia@thelaa.org.

Source: Latin American Association

HAVE A HOLLY, JOLLY TAMALE AT UNCLE JULIO’S CASA GRANDE

Rico Figliolni — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:51:20 +0000

In the Latin culture, the time for Feliz Navidad is also the time to heap plates high with tamales. At Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande, guests can fork into tender pork tamales with salsa carne, chicken tamales with tomatillo sauce, roasted vegetable tamales with Cojita cheese and spicy sour cream. While the staff at Uncle Julio’s hopes you and your friends and coworkers will gather ’round their tables for holiday tamales, they’re also shared their recipe for chicken tamales with The Dish so you can carry on the tradition at your casa – and we’re sharing it with you.

Uncle Julio’s Tamales
Chicken tamale filling
2 oz. butter
1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
1 lb. chicken tenders
Heat butter in large saucepan. Sauté onions for one minute. Add chicken and stir well. Continue to cook approximately 10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and becomes light brown. Add green sauce mix (see below). Continue to cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often. While stirring, mash chicken until it reaches a thinner consistency, breaking chicken down to small pieces

Green sauce for filling
3/4 lb. tomatillos
1 oz. jalapeno peppers
1/2 oz. chicken base
1/4 oz. chopped garlic
Put all sauce ingredients in blender; pulse mixture until smooth, approximately 1 minute.

Green sauce for topping
1/8 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped yellow onions
One recipe of green sauce for filling (above)
1/8 cup shredded cilantro
Heat olive oil in a saucepan, add onions and cook until translucent. Add green sauce concoction and cook over high heat, stirring constantly for 2-4 minutes. Turn off heat and mix in cilantro.

Prep per tamale
Corn husks, soaked, 1 per tamale
2 1/2 oz. corn masa
1 oz. tamale filling
Place husk in palm of hand. Spread masa with spoon onto husk approximately 4.5″ long and 3″ wide. Place filling vertically in center of masa. Press masa and roll tamale, being certain that masa covers filling. Fold “tail” of husk under tamale.
To cook tamales: Place open end of tamale perpendicular to long side of perforated pan. No more than 25 tamales to pan. Steam for 10 minutes. Remove tamales with turner. Cover with green sauce, serve and dig in!

Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW in Buckhead; 404-350-6767. To go line: 404-974-2991.

TESOL HONORS TISHA TALLMAN WITH PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

Rico Figliolni — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:44:39 +0000

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL), the global education association representing more than 13,000 English language educators worldwide, recognized Tisha R. Tallman, President and CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce with a Public Service Award. She was selected by TESOL November 2008 at the Georgia TESOL Annual Conference in Jekyll Island.

The Public Service Award honors a person whose service to the public and actions go beyond the responsibilities of one’s profession and that have helped improve the welfare of humankind, including significant contributions benefiting one’s community, state, and/or nation.

“We are proud of Tisha for being recognized by TESOL. Her extensive contributions to support the economic development of our community are being demonstrated through her work with our Chamber members. We will continue to see more results of her work in the coming year,” said Gabriel Vaca, GHCC Board Chair and UPS Director of Strategic Account Sales International Products.

5th ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE APPRECIATION BREAKFAST

Rico Figliolni — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:41:00 +0000

This annual event is being held on January 15, 2008, 7:30-9:00 a.m at the The Floyd Room, 20th Floor, James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building, 2 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334

Space is limited, please RSVP by January 9, 2009 to Juanita Rivera at jrivera@ghcc.org or 404-929-9998 ext:228

GEORGIA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S (GHCC) PRESIDENT AND CEO HONORED WITH COMMUNITY AWARD

Rico Figliolni — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:34:42 +0000

The Hispanic Marketing Group Advisory Board and the National Football League (NFL) Alumni held their annual Hispanic Leadership Awards event recognizing exceptional people with leadership qualities that have made significant contributions toward the quality of life and economic development of the Hispanic and International community.

This year, Tisha R. Tallman, President and CEO of Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was honored with a Community Award for her contributions to the growth and advancement of the Hispanic community in the Southeast.

The Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, with more than 1200 members, promotes and supports the domestic and international economic development of Hispanic businesses, and individuals. It also serves as a link between non-Hispanic entities and the Hispanic market.

“We are very honored that Tisha Tallman was chosen to receive this community award. Tisha has demonstrated strong leadership in supporting the Hispanic Business community in Georgia,” said Gabriel Vaca, GHCC Board Chair and UPS Director of Strategic Account Sales International Products. “This award confirms Tisha’s leadership and how it will continue to benefit our community in the future.”

Feel the Fire

Rico Figliolni — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:04:55 +0000

Join the Latin American Association for a night of musical and artistic expression. EnLAAce Latino, a Latin American Association Initiative, is dedicated to the community with the mission of highlighting the rich cultural and artistic diversity of Latin America. With the hottest Tango troupe in Buenos Aires coming to the Rialto Saturday, January 19, 2008, the Rialto and the Latin American Association want to warm you up with a special Tango preview. This special presentation will showcase local Tango companies and kick-off an extraordinary weekend in Atlanta where Tango reigns supreme! At last check it was 48 tickets remaining (capacity 250).

Make your reservations here.

Thursday, January 17, 2008 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Latin American Association, 2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta 30324
404-638-1820

Tango Fire / January 19, 2008
Estampas Portenas Direct from Buenos Aires – Rialto Series

Estampas Porteñas, the hottest Tango troupe in Buenos Aires, presents “Tango Fire” featuring Carolina Soler, company founder, dancing to the music of composer Astor Piazzolla. This thrilling production includes brilliant musicians, passionate dancers, and a stunning vocalist—all performing with high energy and sensual sophistication.

Estampas Porteñas offers a journey from the red-light district of Buenos Aires to the glamour of the “Roaring Twenties” to the world of contemporary ballroom dance. Tango—Argentina’s gift to the world—is replete with intrigue, raw energy, and knife’s edge precision. “Tango Fire” is the real thing.

Find out more by visiting http://www.rialtocenter.org/

This is a Rialto Series performance.

HIGH to Present Major Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art Exhibition

Rico Figliolni — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:16:06 +0000

Features artists such as Francis Alÿs, Alfredo Jaar, Ana Mendieta and Vik Muniz “TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art” February 9–May 4, 2008

The High Museum of Art will present “TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art,” showcasing the work of a large and diverse group of Latin American and Latino artists. The exhibition highlights how these artists, despite their differences, have commonly explored the question of identity through their own cultures and life experiences. Organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego (MCASD), “TRANSactions” will be on view at the High from February 9 through May 4, 2008.

“The artists included in TRANSactions address issues and themes of concern to all of us, offering visitors insight into important new work being created by influential contemporary artists,” said Jeffrey Grove, Wieland Family Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art. “This exhibition is important and timely, as Atlanta hosts one of the country’s fastest-growing Latino populations, offering further resonance for the community.”

“TRANSactions” will highlight artists whose work crosses all media and disciplines, including significant examples by Francis Alÿs, José Bedia, Maria Fernanda Cardoso, Enrique Chagoya, Iran do Espírito Santo, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Alfredo Jaar, Gabriel Kuri, Ana Mendieta, Vik Muniz, Gabriel Orozco, Doris Salcedo, Rubèn Ortiz Torres, Marcos Ramirez (ERRE) and Perry Vasquez.

Mexican video artist Gustavo Artigas studies identity and social interaction in a literal way in his 2000 DVD work “The Rules of the Game.” The video depicts two American basketball teams and two Mexican soccer teams playing their games simultaneously on a handball court in the border town of Tijuana. In some cases, identity is explored through nostalgia and traditional images. For María Fernando Cardoso, memory and individual perception play large roles in her installation “Cemetery—Vertical Garden,” based largely on the Cementario Central in her native Bogotá.

In Alfredo Jaar’s multimedia work “Six Seconds/It is Difficult,” Jaar explores the creation of a cultural identity amidst the violence and genocide in Rwanda during the late 20th century, of which Jaar has said, “the disjunction was enormous and the tragedy unrepresentable.” Jaar’s work pulls influences from around the world and has been exhibited on six continents. Jaar’s installation “The Fire Next Time” is part of the High Museum’s permanent collection and will be on view during “TRANSactions.”

Inigo Manglano-Ovalle’s “Paternity Test” studies identity as a bridge between humanity and science. “Paternity Test” offers DNA mapping images from board members at the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, that were repurposed to form an abstracted, visually stunning piece that represents scientific identity as art.

Many artists reconstruct common objects or cultural icons to question predetermined identities. For example, Vasquez modifies American symbols to satirize border politics in his “Keep on Crossin’,” an installation that borrows from R. Crumb’s iconic “Keep on Truckin’.” In “Untitled (Superama),” Gabriel Kuri elevates the ephemeral to the monumental by re-creating a Wal-Mart receipt as a traditional Mexican tapestry, ultimately commenting on culture and consumerism.

Exhibition Organization and Catalogue

“TRANSactions: Contemporary Latin American and Latino Art” is organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego (MCASD), where it was on view from September 17, 2006, through May 13, 2007. The exhibition is made possible by the generous contributions of MCASD’s International Collectors, the City of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture, and The James Irvine Foundation. “TRANSactions” will be on view at the Memorial Art Gallery, University of Rochester, from October 6 through December 30, 2007, before arriving at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, from February 9 through May 4, 2008. It will travel to the Weatherspoon Art Museum at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, where it will be on view from June 22 through September 21, 2008.

The exhibition is accompanied by wall texts in English and Spanish and a bilingual exhibition catalogue.

High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art, founded in 1905 as the Atlanta Art Association, is the leading art museum in the southeastern United States. With more than 11,000 works of art in its permanent collection, the High Museum of Art has an extensive anthology of 19th- and 20th-century American and decorative art; significant holdings of European paintings; a growing collection of African American art; and burgeoning collections of modern and contemporary art, photography and African art. The High is also dedicated to supporting and collecting works by Southern artists and is distinguished as the only major museum in North America to have a curatorial department specifically devoted to the field of folk and self-taught art. The High’s Media Arts department produces acclaimed annual film series and festivals of foreign, independent and classic cinema. In November 2005, the High opened three new buildings by architect Renzo Piano that more than doubled the Museum’s size, creating a vibrant “village for the arts” at the Woodruff Arts Center in midtown Atlanta. For more information about the High, please visit www.High.org.

The Woodruff Arts Center

The Woodruff Arts Center is the largest arts center in the Southeast as well as one of the four largest in the nation. The Woodruff is unique in that it combines five visual and performing arts divisions on one campus as one not-for-profit organization. Opened in 1968, the Woodruff Arts

Center is home to the Alliance Theatre, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the High Museum of Art, Young Audiences and the 14th Street Playhouse.

Update 12/6 Food, Entertainment, Music, Events

Rico Figliolni — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:31:41 +0000

FOOD
Chipotle Helps Wrap More than Burriotos for the Holidays and unwraps a Better Life for Atlanta’s Homeless on December 8

At Chipotle Mexican Grill, the “wraps” you order on Saturday, December 8 will unwrap a better life for the homeless children and families aided by the Atlanta Children’s Shelter Holiday House. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., burrito, taco, salad or bowl, eat in or to go — it doesn’t matter what you prefer — all proceeds from Atlanta-area Chipotle restaurants will help the ACS stock warm clothing, family necessities and toys for homeless families at the annual Holiday House. By giving back, Chipotle continues its mission of sustaining life within the community and its commitment to sustainable agriculture and Food With Integrity, such as naturally raised meat, house-made guacamole and rBGH-free sour cream and cheese. Stop by any Atlanta-area Chipotle restaurants and say “Wrap it up!” this coming Saturday! www.chipotle.com For more information on the Atlanta Children’s Shelter, visit www.atlantachildrensshelter.com

BELEZA, meaning “beauty” in Portuguese, is a new restaurant from Sotto Sotto and Fritti owner Riccardo Ullio. Executive chef Michelle McKenzie offers “a menu of small plates with inventive dishes and an emphasis on healthful yet exciting fare.” The Fruit-inspired cocktails are popular and they have a list of organic wines to choose from. 905 Juniper Street, Atlanta, 678-904-4582, www.belezarestaurant.com

CARRO DE BOI 8612 Roswell Rd , Atlanta, GA 30350, 770.650.9939
This Brazilian Churrascaria is just south of Roswell, making it an easy drive for anyone in the northern arc of Atlanta, and any drive will be rewarded with what many friends consider to be the best Brazilian-style cooking in the metro area.

CHEF JOSE REGO (formerly of Sotto Sotto and Fritti) is in the kitchen at Allegro, now open in Midtown. Owner Alberto Fedeli’s Italian fine-dining concept offers diners king crab cannelloni, tuna capriccio, and veal Milanese.
Source: http://www.jamesbeard.org/dateline/2007/archives/atlanta.shtml

WINES

Ricardo Arjona has launched a new wine in his native Guatemala called “Santo Pecado,” named after one of his hit songs.
Argentinean wine connoisseur Susana Balboa spoke with Notimex news agency about the new wine, which came into creation after a select-grape harvest in Argentina. Balboa, who supervised the production of the new product, said that “it’s a wine of excellent quality” that will please any wine-lover.

In the Top 15 of Wine Spectator’s 2007 100 LIST
Spanish Wine, Bodegas Muga Rioja Torre Muga 2004

THE ARTS

HIGH MUSEUM OF THE ARTS
Holiday Craft Show
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Take care of all your holiday gift needs at the High during this special shopping event! Ten of Atlanta’s outstanding craftspeople will set up their wares in the museum. Shop for that distinctive piece of glass, pottery, or woodwork. Find a special piece of jewelry or gifts for children. Meet these talented creators, ask questions, learn about inspiration and technique, or perhaps commission a one-of-a-kind piece.
Free with Museum admission and free for members

Hands on for the Holidays,
December 26-30; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Holiday Music in the Museum,
December 26-30; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.High.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the High Museum Admission Desk or by phone, 404-733-5000 (404-733-5386 TTD). All ticket orders placed via phone will incur a $2.50/ticket service charge.
WHERE High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street, Midtown Atlanta MARTA: Arts Center

FAMILY STUFF

Havana Son – A Musical Tour Through Latin America
Saturday, January 5. 11:00 – 11:45 AM. All ages.
Havana Son takes you through a musical tour of Latin American countries. Join in by clapping, singing, dancing and even playing along as Havana Son moves through the musical traditions of each country. General admission: $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 children 3-12, FREE for members and children 2 and under. http://www.chattnaturecenter.com.

CHARITY

Save The Date – April 24, 2008 for Latin American Association’s 19^th Annual Compañeros Awards Luncheon. Each year the LAA honors the people and companies that have an unwavering determination to make invaluable contributions to the Hispanic community. This event will be held at the Georgia Aquarium. Last year’s presenting sponsor was the Coca Cola Company.
For more information visit www.latinamericanassoc.org/companeros or call 404-638-1800.

NIGHTLIFE AND MUSIC

New Year’s Celebration at Sweet LowDown, Monday, December 31^st at 8pm.
2 Levels, 2 DJ’s, Live Music – An eclectic, upbeat and exclusive atmosphere featuring Latin, Retro and International Entertainment. 942 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, 404-207-1324 For more information visit http://www.exclusivenye.com/

Los Inquietos Del Vallenato Show, Club Acuarius, December 15, 10pm-2am
2955 Lawrenceville Suwanee Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024, 678-508-3551, www.andresrestrepo.com

Día Zero, Dec 15, 10am-2pm, at the Tony’s Sports Bar & Grill, 2590 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Duluth 770-374-2588

Billboard top 5 Latin Hits

1. JUANES, Me Enamora, Universal Latino

2. WISIN & YANDEL, Sexy Movimiento, Machete

3. JUAN LUIS GUERRA Y 440, La Travesia, EMI Televisa

4. VICENTE FERNANDEZ, Estos Celos, Sony BMG Norte

5. ENRIQUE IGLESIAS, Alguien Soy Yo, Interscope | Universal Latino