APRIL 2009

I. Volunteer Opportunities

2. Seeking Volunteer Opportunity Helping Latino Community

3. Seeking "Bilingual" Employment Opportunity

4. Bilingual Employment Vacancies

5. Events

6. Other

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

VOLUNTEER WITH CRECIENDO JUNTOS!

Creciendo Juntos (CJ) is a network of government, community, academic, faith based and other organizations working on behalf of Charlottesville’s Latinos. One of the ways CJ promotes enhanced services to Latinos is through its online clearinghouse. Volunteers are needed make contacts with service providers and in the Latino community to prepare new and updated blurbs for the website. Spanish skills are preferred by not required. Those with strong Spanish skills can also help develop the Spanish version of the website by making contacts, preparing sections and blurbs our webmaster will upload. Please contact Linda Hemby if you are interested in helping out with this important effort: lhemby@albemarle.org

BILINGUAL VOLUNTEERS LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES

Maria Schwedhelm is a Linguistics MA student at UVA and a Spanish teacher at Spain on Main. She is a native Spanish speaker and would like very much to get involved in the community. Please contact Maria if your agency needs volunteers or if you know anybody who might need a Spanish interpreter: maria.schwedhelm@gmail.com

Teaching Handicrafts to Produce Income. Aquilina Sorq is an Italian artisan who speaks English and Spanish and is interested in volunteering her talents to the Latino community. She would like to help area Latinos earn an income to improve their economic security, control of their livelihoods, and self-reliance, by teaching them how to make and sell handicrafts. Aquilina is prepared to offer free classes, preferably in a setting close to Latino neighborhoods, and to provide materials to students. Ideally, she would begin with a class of 5 – 15 Latinos. If your agency has an ongoing program that can facilitate this service or infrastructure (community room, classroom) to help it begin, or if you know of Latinos who would be interested in taking such classes, please contact Aquilina at 540/456-6272 or aqui-naif@peoplepc.com

UVA’s Social Issues in Medicine Course seeks to sensitize medical students to the poor and to different cultures through volunteer activities with community organizations. During their first or second semester, medical students are placed for 30 hours (over 10 weeks) of service learning with a community organization as part of this required class. Many of the students are bilingual and have worked in Latin America and/or with Latino populations in the US. These volunteers prefer to work in medical settings but can also devote time to non-medical initiatives. For more information on how to recruit these volunteers, contact Dela Alexander at da7r@virginia.edu

SEEKING "BILINGUAL" EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Hannah Walker has an interest in the health care industry and/or working for a non-profit organization - focusing on public relations/community outreach or marketing. Although she is not fluent in Spanish, she has a strong understanding of the language and would like an opportunity to work on her language skills. “I would truly enjoy any position in which I can use my abilities to help others while developing new skills and gaining additional knowledge,” said Hannah. To request her resume or explore working with Hannah, please write her at hrwalker@ymail.com or call (814) 449-3510, (434) 973-7596.

BILINGUAL EMPLOYMENT VACANCIES

PART-TIME BILINGUAL PREVENTION SPECIALIST/REGION TEN. The Strengthening Families Program is hiring parent and child facilitators for it's family skills training program. This program involves elementary and middle school aged children and their families in family skills training sessions to improve family relationships, parenting skills and increase the child's social and life skills. As part of the Prevention Services team, the incumbent will plan and implement the Strengthening Families Curriculum for Spanish-speaking individuals, while working with human service agencies, schools,local jurisdictions,and citizen groups to improve family functioning and reduce family risk factors. Bachelor’s degree in pertinent mental health, human services, education or related field is preferred. Teaching or teacher aide experience preferred. Bilingual (English-Spanish) required. Up to seven hours per week, one evening a week. Hourly rate is 17.62. Apply to: Robert Wadden Strengthening Families Program Manager, Region Ten, 502 old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville VA 22903. To learn more about this job or receive a full job description call Robert Wadden @434-972-1881.

OTHER REGION TEN VACANCIES. Lisa D'Oliviera, Employment Recruiter, Region Ten, has asked CJ to disseminate the following announcement since the agency is interested in hiring bilingual staff. Region Ten Community Services Board provides mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse services to the city of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Greene, Nelson, Fluvanna, and Louisa. One of 40 community service boards (CSBs) in the state of Virginia, Region Ten has a reputation for providing exceptional service to the residents of our community, including adults, children, infants, and families. Region Ten has become a leader in the field not only because of the professional and caring staff we employ, but also because of the range of innovative services we offer, in an effort to treat every person we serve based upon their individual needs. Region Ten is one of the largest employers in the Charlottesville area, with over 600 employees. With our array of services, opportunities exist for direct care staff, social workers, nurses, clinicians, teachers, office staff, administrators, and others looking to make a valuable contribution to their community and work in the human services field. For a complete list of our job openings and to apply, please visit our website at: www.regionten.org You can also apply in person at Region Ten CSB, 502 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, Virginia; or call 434-970-1392 for an application. EOE

WESTERN STATE HUMAN SERVICE CARE SPECIALIST. Western State Hospital is seeking applicants for a Human Service Care Specialist Senior to assist in the implementation of the C5/6 ward program.  This includes assisting in the coordination and implementation of ward-wide and individualized contingency management programs for patients residing on C5/6; developing and implementing Psychosocial Rehabilitation programming to other Western State Hospital patients as assigned; and, collaborating with other direct care disciplines to maximize the quality of care. Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the work include the demonstrated ability to communicate with severely and persistently impaired psychiatric patients.  Demonstrated ability to use basic behavioral management technologies to help patients achieve maximal self-care and self-control goals.  Knowledge and demonstrated experience of the Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles and the ability to develop individualized Psychosocial Rehabilitation programming.  Knowledge and application of recovery principles in individual interactions with patients, conducting groups and implementing treatment plans.  Ability to manage contingency management (incentive) programming budgets. Education and experience for this position includes associates degree (or equivalent) in mental health field preferred; demonstrated experience and competencies in areas of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and basic behavioral management principles; demonstrated experience using Therapeutic Options of Virginia (TOVA) techniques preferred and other competencies to insure the safety of patients and efficacy of interventions provided.  Bi-lingual Spanish and English are highly desired.  Salary: Pay Band 3 (minimum $23,999 annually) Position: #634 Submit a completed Virginia state application by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2009, to Human Resources Management and Development, Western State Hospital, 1301 Richmond Road, P. O. Box 2500 Staunton, Virginia 24402-2500. For current vacancy listings call 540-332-8315 or visit the web at www.wsh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov EEO

WESTERN STATE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST. Western State Hospital is seeking an individual to plan and to provide occupational therapy treatment in our psychosocial treatment program utilizing comprehensive and specialized approaches.   Must have knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy and ability to assess needs of clients, develop individualized treatment plans; plan occupational therapy; supervise programs; and, evaluate their effectiveness.  Ability to relate to adult psychiatric patients.  Performing the essential functions of this position requires repetitious walking, sitting, and/or standing as part of routine work; visual acuity to observe and report changes in patients' behaviors on a continuous basis; bending, lifting and reaching overhead to position, restrain, transfer, transport or escort patients; and, to assist patients to perform activities.  Bi-lingual Spanish and English are highly desired. Graduation from a program in occupational therapy that is accredited by the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.  Certification by Board of Medicine to practice occupational therapy.  Must be certified by the National Board for Certification for Occupational Therapy as an Occupational Therapist registered (OTR) or eligible.  Experience as staff occupational therapist preferred.  A criminal history background; employment; and, drug check will be required on the successful applicant. Salary:  Pay Band 5 (minimum $40,959 annually) Shift: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Excellent state benefits. submit a completed state application for this Occupational Therapist- #197 (Therapist III) to Human Resources Management and Development, P. O. Box 2500, Staunton, Virginia  24402-2500.  Position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED.  For current vacancy listings call 540-332-8315 or visit the web at www.wsh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov

WESTERN STATE HUMAN SERVICE CARE WORKERS. Western State Hospital is seeking bright and energetic individuals to work in a unique clinical setting on 3 rd shift.  Employees in these positions will provide direct patient care by helping residents to carry out activities of daily living in a safe therapeutic environment. Applicants must be 18 years of age; have the ability to interact with residents; and, to complete the comprehensive training curriculum for Human Service Care Workers.  Must have the ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain good interpersonal skills.  Ability to recognize and properly react to medical and other emergencies.  High school graduate with patient care experience preferred.  Weekend (every other) and holiday work required.  Certified Nursing Assistant licenseand experience are preferred.  Must be able to successfully pass a background investigation that includes drug test, criminal history background check and employment reference checks.  Bi-lingual Spanish and English are preferred. Salary: Pay Band 2 (minimum $20,082 annually) Position:  #44071 Submit a completed Virginia state application by 5 p.m. on Friday, April, 17, 2009 , to Human Resources Management and Development, Western State Hospital, 1301 Richmond Road, P. O. Box 2500, Staunton, Virginia  24402-2500.  Visit www.wsh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov   EEO

WESTERN STATE SECURITY OFFICER SENIOR. Western State Hospital (WSH) is recruiting for a Security Officer Senior who will maintain adequate coverage in order for the Security Department to fulfill its Mission statement.  The Mission statement for Security is to support WSH by providing a safe environment for both patients and staff.  This is accomplished through the provision of support to the clinical staff in ward and treatment milieu management.  In addition, the Security department provides safety and security services for the physical plant. Knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successful perform the job duties include demonstrated public relation skills; experience providing quality interpersonal skills including oral and written communication skills; valid Virginia Driver's license; and, excellent driving record.  Applicants must have the ability to work with the seriously mentally ill population, as well as the demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with security staff, hospital officials, employees, and local law enforcement officers.  Demonstrated ability and experience to pursue, apprehend, and return escaping patients to the supervision of their ward staff and the demonstrated ability to physically interact with out-of-control patients and to return them to control.   Other job requirements include manual dexterity, standing, walking, and lifting as routine part of the job.  Bi-lingual Spanish and English preferred.A high school graduate or equivalent and valid Driver's License is required.  Experience in law enforcement, security or related fields preferred.  A criminal history background; drug check; and, employer reference check will be required on the successful applicant. Salary: Pay Band 3  (Minimum $23,999 annually) Position: #121 Submit a completed state application to Human Resources Management and Development, Western State Hospital, 1301 Richmond Road, P. O. Box 2500, Staunton, Virginia  24402-2500 by 5 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2009.  For current vacancy listings call (540) 332-8315 or visit the web at www.wsh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov   EEO

WESTERN STATE ADMINISTRATIVE AND OFFICE SPECIALIST II. Western State Hospital is seeking an individual to serve on the team of Information Center Operators to provide 24-hour, seven days a week, emergency response to hospital alarms, medical emergencies and security dispatching. Other duties will be to provide a central reception area for the hospital that is capable of directing visitors; contacting on-call personnel for emergencies; and, to provide data entry services for Security and Risk Management Departments. Applicants must be proficient in the use of a personal computer; multi-line telephone system and other office equipment. Demonstrated experience in data entry, two-way radio usage and dispatching skills preferred. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality. High school graduate or equivalent. Additional clerical courses or equivalent work experience preferred. Bi-lingual Spanish and English preferred. Salary: Pay Band 2 (Minimum - $20,082 annually) Position: #810 Shift: rotating Dept: Information Center Excellent state benefits.

Submit a completed state application by 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2009, to Human Resources Management and Development, 1301 Richmond Road, P. O. Box 2500, Staunton, Virginia 24402-2500. EEO For current vacancy listings call 540-332-8315 or visit the web at www.wsh.dmhmrsas.virginia.gov

CHILD AND FAMILY THERAPISTS. The League of Therapists provides intensive in-home and outpatient psychotherapy services. We are looking for Bilingual (Spanish and English speaking) clinicians for our Charlottesville and Harrisonburg locations. The League provides excellent training and opportunities for growth. Candidates will have energy, a desire to learn, and relational and organizational skills. Applicants must have or be in pursuit of a relevant Masters or PhD degree and at least one year of experience. If interested, fax resume to Victoria Gibson at (434)984-4852 or go to www.leagueoftherapists.com

BUSCANDO PSICOTERAPEUTAS BILINGǕES (espaňol/ingles) especialistas en niňos y familias. The League of Therapists (La Alianza de Terapeutas) provee los servicios de psicoterapia intensiva a domicilio y de paciente externo. Se necesitan terapeutas en Charlottesville y Harrisonburg. La Alianza (The League) provee formacíon excelente y oportunidades para avanzarse profesionalmente. Se requieren energía, voluntad de aprender, y habilidades relacionales y organizativas. Los candidatos deben estar en busca de o ya tener maestría o doctorado pertinente, y deben tener por lo menos un aňo de experiencia. Si está interesado, mande el currículum vitae por fax a Victoria Gibson a (434) 984-4852 o visite a www.leagueoftherapists.com

PART TIME BILINGUAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE. Nuevas Raíces has an opening for a part-time sales representative to work in the Cville area, contacting government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and others that would be interested in advertising in the weekly Spanish language paper. Communications skills are a must. Good salary. Contact: Gerardo Pandolfi, editor, 1-877-551-1903 or info@nuevasraices.com

EVENTS

APRIL 1, 2009: WATCH THE MOVIE AND HOST A HOUSE PARTY FOR THE PREMIERE OF THE REAL WORLD’S PEDRO ZAMORA

Planned Parenthood has the unique opportunity to partner with MTV for STI awareness month!

MTV, with subtitles in Spanish, will present the world television premiere of Pedro, a movie based on the remarkable life of The Real World’s Pedro Zamora, on Wednesday, April 1 at 8:00pm ET/PT. BMP Films, in association with MTV, produced this biopic written by Academy Award-winner Dustin Lance Black (“Milk”). For more information, please visit www.pedro.mtv.com.

The movie tells the story of Pedro Zamora, a Cuban-American who captured the hearts of millions as the first-ever openly gay, HIV-positive main character on TV - on MTV's The Real World: San Francisco, in 1994. The story is told through the eyes of his friends and family, and celebrates the extraordinary life of a young man who found out he was HIV positive at 17, then made the courageous decision to dedicate his life to speaking out about the disease.

Planned Parenthood affiliates around the country are organizing house parties to encourage as many young people as possible to see the movie. We will also be facilitating a discussion after the film so that attendees can have a talk meaningfully to one another about prevention, education and testing. I would love to have at least one viewing party in Charlottesville!

This is an excellent way to continue the dialogue in our community about safer sex and healthy relationships. If you are interested in hosting one of these house parties, please contact Steph at Stephanie.Shaw@pphsinc.org immediately! Or, you can call her at 434.296.1000 ext 6646.

APRIL 3, 2009: MARGARET LINDAUER TO PRESENT ON FRIEDA KAHLO

The UVA Studies in Women and Gender (SWAG) program has invited Margaret A. Lindauer, Associate Professor and Museum Studies Coordinator at Virginia Commonwealth University, to present her current research on Frida Kahlo on Friday, April 3 at 1:15 p.m. in the Minor Hall auditorium.

Professor Lindauer has published numerous articles and a book on Frida Kahlo’s work. In particular, her talk considers Frida Kahlo’s her 1938 painting, What the Water Has Given Me, as a postcolonial map of Mexico, conceptually charting the nation that had won its independence from Spain, then went to war with the United States, and later fought a revolution to oust a long-standing presidential administration that had actively allowed corporations in Europe and the United States to reap enormous profits from the ownership and control of Mexico’s natural resources. Interpreting the painting as a postcolonial map does not entirely reject commonly held accounts of Kahlo’s œuvre as autobiographic but rather casts the artist’s visual references to her family, physical ailments, sexuality, ethnicity and nationality within an analysis of socio-political debates about the transnational past and future of Mexico.

APRIL 6, 2009: JMU’S 2009 "DIVERSITY IN ACTION" CONFERENCE

The 3rd annual Diversity Conference will be held on April 6, 2009 from 8:30 A.M - 4:15 P.M. in the Festival Student and Conference Center.

Some of the morning topics include: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone: Learning to Rethink Biases; Developing a Multicultural Mind: All Starts with the Person in the Mirror; Transcending Race: Issues in Cultural Diversity; Enhancing Community Partnerships: Negotiating the Digital Divide at Harrisonburg High School; What Do You Mean DIE? - Descriptive Interpretation Evaluation; Illustrating Privilege.

Afternoon, concurrent sessions include: What JMU Focus Groups Reveal about Diversity; Emotional Triggers: Harmless Intentions that Lead to Harmful Results; How am I Preparing Them and How do They Feel Prepared for Diversity?; Diversity Day-to-Day: Celebrating Difference Where You Least Expect It; How to Bring International Fulbright Scholars to JMU; Religion and Spirituality at the Public University; Developing a Multicultural Mind: All Starts with the Person in the Mirror; Transcending Race: Issues in Cultural Diversity; Illustrating Privilege; Emotional Triggers: Harmless Intentions that Lead to Harmful Results; How to Bring International Fulbright Scholars to JMU; Educational Ethnographies: Deconstructing the Concept of "Hispanic"; You must pre-register for lunch and each concurrent session you plan on attending. No registration required for the Opening Remarks or Closing Conversation.

Conference information and registration is located at: http://www.jmu.edu/training/development/diversityinaction.shtml

Please contact Suzanne Vance at vancesn@jmu.edu or 568-4101 with questions or registration assistance.

APRIL 7, 2009: CJ HEALTH PROMOTER WORK GROUP MEETING

The CJ Health Promoter Work Group graduated Latino health promoters in December 2008 and is now providing them with reinforcement training and outreach opportunities, and planning new activities. To learn more about or to contribute to this initiative, join the group for its monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of the month, at 9:00 am at the office of SHE (by Albemarle High School); contact Jan Wolfe at jan@rhop-brmc.org or wlfwmn@gmail.com; and visit the group’s webpage at: http://www.cj-network.org/cjwgm/health.html

APRIL 9, 2009 : CJ PLENARY - IMMIGRATION BILLS IN THE VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Come hear Tim Freilich, immigration attorney from the Legal Aid Justice Center, speak about new immigration bills and laws being passed in Virginia and what they mean for our Latino residents and service providers working with them. Also, Ali Faruk, Policy Analyst for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, will provide information on the 2010 Virginia state budget and its impact on community programs that serve Latinos.

Registration, Coffee & Donuts begin at 9:45 am. The Roundtable will begin promptly at 10:00 am and will be adjourned at 11:30 am to allow attendees time to network. As always, this CJ event will be held in Room A of the Albemarle County Building on 5th Street Extd. Free – Public Invited. For more information contact Dilcia Colindes at dilciacolindres@msn.com

APRIL 13, 2009: CJ MONTHLY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

Interested in helping Creciendo Juntos (CJ) continue its ongoing work or coordinating a new CJ initiative? Come to a monthly CJ Executive Committee Meeting to observe or commit to a specific task. The meeting for one hour begins at noon, lunch provided, at the office of Piedmont Housing Alliance, in ACAC’s downtown building. For more information visit http://www.cj-network.org/exec_cmtee.html or contact Dilcia Colindres at dilciacolindres@msn.com

APRIL 16, 2009: IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY PROGRAM

Edgar Aranda-Yanoc, Pamela Banner, Arnoldo Borja, Dan Choi, Tim Freilich, Claudia Henriquez and Erin Trodden of the Legal Aid Justice Center’s Immigrant Advocacy Program explain how they help low-wage workers find fair treatment. Doug Ford of the Pro-Bono Immigration Project addresses issues related to immigration status. The event is part of the Center’s Java for Justice series of free, casual, get-to-know-us-better gatherings. Thursday, April 16, 12 noon - 1:00 pm at 1000 Preston Avenue. Bring a friend and learn about our work while you enjoy a light lunch and a cup of coffee in our library. RSVP appreciated, Susan Kruse, susan@justice4all.org, 977-0553 ext. 101.

APRIL 18, 2009: GRUPO DE APOYO PARA FAMILIAS LATINAS CON NINOS DE NECESIDADES ESPECIALES

Tienes un hijo/a con necesidades especiales? Ven y habla con otros padres de familia que tienen algunas de las mismas preguntas. Temas incluyen:

• Preguntas Educativas
• Problemas de comportamiento
• Recursos medicos
• Estress Familiar

LUGAR: Meadowdale Library meeting room
4301 Meadowdale Boulevard, Richmond, Va 23234
HORA: 1:00p.m- 3:00p.m
FECHA: Sabado, 18 de Abril

Dirigido por: Counseling and Advocacy Associates,LLC. 804/744-1114

APRIL 24, 2009: PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH – FREE MONTHLY LUNCH-TIME CONVERSATION GROUP

Danielle Fuentes-Johnson, Region Ten, has booked a room at the Gordon Ave Library (off Grady) on April 24, 2009, from 12:30 - 1:30, to hold the second Spanish language conversation lunch group. Join us with your lunch to practice your Spanish, regardless of your level of fluency. For more information, contact Danielle at: daniellj@regionten.org

APRIL 28, 2009: THE HISPANIC GALA

Location
Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220

Time
Pre-Gala Reception: Science Museum Rotunda 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Silent Auction: Science Museum Rotunda 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Gala Dinner and Awards Program: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Dancing: 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm (Ban Caribe)

The Who's Who of the Hispanic Business Community, Corporations and Political Leaders will assemble in the Historic Capital City of Richmond, Virginia for the 6th annual Hispanic Gala, Virginia's premiere Latin event on Tuesday, April 28th at the Science Museum of Virginia. Organized by the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this event will not only show your commitment but it will help in building a relationship with this growing, flourishing and influential market. For more information, please give us a call at (804) 378-4099 or email rita.willis@vahcc.com

APRIL 29, 2009: MEDICAL ROLE PLAYS AT JMU

Students of Medical Spanish at the James Madison University under the coordination and supervision of Dr. Belkys Fernández-Torres will perform role plays in Spanish for a variety of medical situations (pediatría, ginecología, planificación familiar, sala de emergencias, etc.) on Wednesday 29th April between 12.30 and 3pm in Miller Hall room 2109 of the James Madison University, Harrisonburg. Members of the Hispanic community and medical community are welcome to attend this event. Contact: Dr. Belkys Fernández, Lecturer in Medical Spanish, Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, fernanbm@jmu.edu

MIÉRCOLES, 29 DE ABRIL: "ROLE PLAYS EN SITUACIONES MÉDICAS". Los estudiantes de Español Médico de la Universidad de James Madison bajo la coordinación y supervisión de la Dra. Belkys Fernández-Torres realizarán Role Plays en Español en varias situaciones médicas (Pediatría, ginecología, planificación familiar, sala de Emergencias, etc.) este miércoles 29 de abril entre las 12.30 y 3.00 pm en el aula Miller Hall 2109 de la JMU, Harrisonburg. Todos los miembros de la comunidad hispana están cordialmente bienvenidos a asistir a esta actividad. Contacto: Dr. Belkys Fernández at fernanbm@jmu.edu

APRIL 29, 2009: “THIS IS OUR STORY”

The Diversity Team here at CHS would like to invite you to attend our CELEBRATE DIVERSITY SHOWCASE this Wed. evening, at 6:00PM, in the MLK PAC, featuring the “This Is Our Story” multimedia project. We have strong participation from Latin American students this year, representing Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras!

CHS “This is Our Story” Debuts April 29th Building on last year’s successful program, the community performance of Charlottesville High School’s “This is Our Story” will be Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. in the MLK Jr. Performing Arts Center. All community members are welcome to attend the free one-hour show, which highlights CHS students from various backgrounds and cultures. The showcase includes traditional dance performances, informative videos, Forum Theater, and a multicultural fashion show. For more information contact: Tina Vasquez @ 245-2709 or Tina.Vasquez@ccs.k12.va.us

Last year, teachers Tina Vasquez and Rachel Zahumensky coordinated “This is My Story,” a multimedia celebration of students’ cultures, with photographic biographies, art, music, and performances. This year, the program was renamed “This Is OUR Story." International students were paired with American students to get to know each other and their cultures, share a dinner at one other's house, and document the experience. Their stories have been posted on a wiki website: www.chsthisisourstory.wikispaces.com

BEFORE MAY 1, 2009: BI-LINGUAL (SPANISH/ENGLISH) SPEAKERS AGES 45-85 NEEDED FOR RESEARCH

The University of Richmond is conducting a study on bilingualism in adulthood and how it relates to cognitive functioning. The study is supervised by Dr. Jane Berry in collaboration with her research students in the Department of Psychology. The study has been generously supported by grants from the University Faculty Research Committee and the Undergraduate Research Committee to Dr. Berry and to Ms. Elvira Barron, a junior undergraduate student with a major in Psychology and a minor in Education. Here is an extract from their grant proposal, which describes the purpose of the study: The overall aim of this study is to clarify the pattern of age differences in executive control functions in Spanish-English bilinguals. In order to reach this aim the researchers will need to investigate verbal and memory abilities, including working memory and reaction time, in adults who are Spanish-English bilinguals and English monolinguals, and who are between the ages of 45-85 years. Participants will need to come to the University of Richmond for an interview session that should last about 25-35 minutes per participant. Each participant will be paid $10 for his or her time. If you are interested in our study, please call 804/287-6004 to set up a date and time to come to the University. You will be directed to voice mail, which is checked daily. Someone will contact you within 24-48 hours to set up an appointment. If you would like to come with a friend, please let us know and we’d be happy to schedule appointments at the same time.

OTHER

SIGN UP FAMILIES NOW FOR THE FALL STRENGTHENING FAMILIES PROGRAM

Strengthening Families Program (SFP) Fall 2009 offerings will include two family skills training groups: SFP 6-11 and SFP 10-14 in English and in Spanish. The program is grant funded through federal prevention dollars and administered by the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse services through Region Ten Community Series Board. The Strengthening Families Program is excellent for improving parenting skills, reducing family stress and conflicts while enhancing communication and family fun. Each program night includes a complementary meal for the whole family, a parent skills training group and a children's/youth social skills group and a family activity session. Sessions are highly interactive and include role-playing, discussions, learning games, and family projects.

Unique to the Strengthening Families Program is our extensive evidenced based curriculum delivered over 15 weeks by trained facilitators. We provide childcare, transportation and small incentives to reduce barriers to attendance. Additionally our facilitators implement phone and in home coaching and follow up booster sessions to facilitate long term acquisition of skills. This program is free of charge to all participants. Won't you join us in implementing one of the most powerful programs for family change in the country?

For more information please contact Robert Wadden, Strengthening Families Program Manager, Region Ten, 434-972-1881 or robertw@regionten.org

HELP SEND A CHILD TO 4H SUMMER CAMP

A number of Albemarle County ESOL students would like to attend 4H summer camp. The kids have loved it and learned a lot in the past. There are several who have trained to become junior counselors as well. It costs $165 to send each child. If you would be able to sponsor a child or donate toward a scholarship, or would like more information, please contact Elaine Cecelski at ececelski@k12albemarle.org or Laura Brown at lbrown2@k12albemarle.org

STARTING IN APRIL 2009: NEW SPANISH CLASSES AT SPAIN ON MAIN - ENROLL WITH A FRIEND AND SAVE!

Starting in April, Spain on Main will be offering many new classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. You are invited to try out any first class as a guest to see if the level is right for you! Information on new classes is located at http://spainonmain.com

Come and check out our new home in the Glass Building (X Lounge, Bluegrass Grill), just 2 blocks away from our former location as well as from the Downtown Mall and ACAC. This large, gorgeous space will allow us to add more courses and languages (expect French next month) and is also ideal for cultural and other events. The new, multi-language friendly name is be Speak! Language Center and as soon as it’s ready, the website will be www.speaklanguagecenter.com