La Plaza Central

This week has been nothing short of thrilling. Under the original auspice of LPS’ last day of school being today (had there not been those snow days), this week marked the final sessions for Everett Literacy, West Lincoln Literacy and Migrant Ed Literacy. Pot lucks, certificates, and celebration — plus two lucky students were donated computers for home use.

I’ve got a few photos up and will soon have more.

Beyond that, today we received news of two grants coming in! Thank you United Way and Community Health Endowment for looking our way and recognizing our commitment to the population we serve. The latter agency is funding a new summer program designed by yours truly called Latino Bike Tour which will promote health, community integration, and local business economy — all from bike rides!

Entonces, next week I’m fuera de la oficina for a quick break between program seasons, and will soon be back to grind the summer axe.

All are invited to this national event combining workshops, planning groups, assemblies, art shows, etc. to clarify objectives and build movements for social change. This year it will be in the Forum-dubbed “Solution City”, better known as Detroit.

Detroit is in an interesting position to reclaim itself post-collapse, making it an appropriate host for a grassroots event looking to toss around ideas for improving “the system”. There is a caravan going from Lincoln, so read up the website and perhaps you will consider joining them.

And congratulations, if you are graduating.

Hasta el lunes.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

As we all know, today marks the anniversary of an unlikely victory at the Battle of Puebla, 1861, pitting the scrappy Mexican army against a taxing-without-representing France.

That’s why it’s not really celebrated around Mexico, because there are 31 other states besides Puebla.

Luckily, America has since adopted it as a holiday celebrating Mexican heritage, akin to celebrating the Irish on St. Patrick’s day. Area Mexican restaurants reach capacity, area restaurants hone their margarita recipes, and we are aloft, looking out from the third floor sun-porch, windows open, the gentle yet anguished melodies of Agustin Lara rising and falling while we dine on the expected culinary feats of chile verde, guacamole, lengua and other delights from neighborhood El Chaparro.

And with Negra Modelo accompaniment, we reflect on other unlikely victories.

May is usually a loco month, what with the weather finally coming around, subsequent bar-be-cues, May/Armed Forces/Memorial Day(s), my dad’s birthday, Cinco de Mayo, plus everyone all graduating and getting married and stuff.

But this Sunday we will take a collective, historical break to promote the mothers we love. The ancient Romans called it Matronalia, Julia Ward Howe wrote a stirring Proclamation about it in its nascent days, and on Monday at El Centro we are celebrating Mother’s Day with an almuercito followed by regalitos and a rifa. For those of you who don’t sprechen sie español, I’m talking about a small lunch, some presents, and a raffle!

Point is, despite May’s swirl of events, take a minute to give ol’ ma a hug.