Hide this article

Welcome!

Dear Reader,

We’re very pleased to present you with the second issue of Pa’Lante Magazine. This is a magazine for the community, so we urge you to send us your comments, opinions and ideas, and to contribute to our Spring issue! And please support our teens by making a donation or volunteering with Pa’Lante! As you can see, our Web site is under construction, and we need help! If you would like to pitch in, we'd love to talk with you. A su servicio, Laura Wenzel, Director, director AT palanteprogram.org, 919-967-7565.

Contributors

Jorge A., Jeff Cobb, Maria Constantino, Maggie Cunningham, Jonathán Duran, Nancy Fernandez, Jonathán Gaspar, Silvia Gaspar, Veronica Gómez, Irene Gómez, Kate Kline, Anabel López, Hafeezah Omar, Cayley Pater, Rafael Ramirez, Brian Salazar, Shannon Skinner, y Danny Uribe.

What is Pa’Lante?

Pa’Lante is a contraction of “para adelante” and means “Let’s Roll”. Pa’Lante is a non-profit organization whose goals are to motivate Hispanic students to graduate from high school and to promote the integration of the Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities in Orange County, NC.

About Pa’Lante Magazine

Pa’Lante Magazine is published four times a year by Pa’Lante for Hispanic families in Orange County, NC. Pa’Lante Magazine is distributed free in Orange County through schools, businesses, community centers, etc., and by subscription. The contents of this publication may be reproduced without authorization if credit is given to Pa’Lante and the authors, photographers or artists.

Teens — want to join?

If you are between 14 and 19 years old, we invite you to join us. We come from all over the world but our focus is on the Hispanic community. Our activities include publishing the magazine, participating in fun and educational trips and activities, and community service. If you’re interested, talk with any Pa’Lante member or contact Laura, the director at 919-967-7565, director AT palanteprogram.org.

Adults, you can help!

Pa’Lante is a 501(c)3 non-profit. We depend on volunteers and donations to survive. We need volunteers with a variety of talents who can help with the Board of Directors, transportation, the Web site, snacks for meetings, fundraising, and more. Financial or in-kind donations are tax-deductible. We invite you to contact the director at director AT palanteprogram.org.

We are seeking meeting space!

We are seeking space near the center of Carrboro that we can use in the afternoons between 4 pm and 8 pm at least three times a week between Monday and Friday. It would need to accommodate at least 15 teens for meetings and projects. If you have space available, we urge you to contact the director at director AT palanteprogram.org.

To Advertise in the magazine

For prices and deadlines, please click here.

Thank You!

We would like to thank everyone who helped with this issue. They include: all the personnel of El Pueblo; the personnel of N.C. Center for Non-Profits; Dave Thaden, Lauren Vesalind, and Jeff Robinson of East Chapel Hill High School; Charles Lamb, Mary Gratch, Matt Saunders, and Conja Blad of Chapel Hill High School; Mercedes Almódovar of Orange County Schools, Susan Clifford of Orange County Health Department; Karin Michael of Chapel Hill Public Library; Joann Mitchell of Chapel Hill Residents’ Council; Melinda Wiggins of Student Action with Farmworkers; Adrienne Knowles of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention of NC; Robin Macklin of American Red Cross; Maria Teresa Palmer of Iglesia Unida; Padre Alex of Sto. Tomás More; the personnel of El Centro Latino; Delores Bailey of EmPOWERment, Inc.; Maxecine Mitchell of Youth Creating Change; Winkie LaForce of Leadership Triangle; Yasmin Wurts Metivier of Panoltia; the N.C. Society of Hispanic Professionals; Claudia Bernal; Fern Gardner; Lucila Vargas; Carol Lackey; Lance Kozolwski; John Justice; Sharon LaPalme; Dora Diaz, Candida Adres, Mig Murphy Sistrom; the Hon. Stanley Peele; Jeff Cobb; Jim & Martha Cobb. Finally, thanks to the businesses and organizations that have advertised and the others that have supported us, including Acme Restaurant and Mardi Gras Bowling.

Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888/830-4989. The license is not an endorsement by the State.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Upcoming Theme: Family & Religious Traditions

How does your family celebrate those special days and Holidays in November and December? What do you think about the way Christmas and New Year's Eve is celebrated in the United States? If Christmas or New Year's Eve is not celebrated by your family or religious traditions, what are your alternative customs? Send us your recipes, special memories, and/or thoughts before the end of October. E-mail us at cartas@palanteprogram.org or write us at Cartas, Pa'Lante, PO Box 192, Carrboro, NC 27510

Hide this article

Spring issue’s theme: Sensuality (Food and Sex)

What roles do food and sex play in our lives and in our society? What does an ideal relationship with a loved one look like? What does intimacy mean to you? What is the best meal you’ve ever eaten or made? How has the way you and your family eat changed since you’ve moved to this country?

Please send your letter, poem, or art, with your name, phone and city and country of origin by February 6 to:

Cartas Pa’Lante, PO Box 192, Carrboro, NC 27510 or cartas@palanteprogram.org.

Hide this article

Arts

Reflecting at the art museum

The Ackland Art Museum is located on South Columbia Street at Franklin Street, next to the Carolina Theater. The Museum is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, and 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.

“Plum, Pine, and Bamboo: Seasonal and Spiritual Paths in Japanese Art”

The exhibition features twenty-two Japanese art works from the Ackland’s collection and will be on view from October 19, 2003 through January 4, 2004. Respect and appreciation of nature and the seasons together with a belief in compassion and wisdom exemplified by Buddhist figures, in the form of eternal buddhas and bodhisattvas, are the fundamentals of Japanese culture and spirit. The art works in this exhibition illustrate the importance of both nature and Buddhism in Japanese art.

“Sebastião Salgado - Migrations: Humanity in Transition”

For many years, Brazilian-born photographer Sebastião Salgado has been crisscrossing the Third World to bring to public view the changing face of humanity. Salgado spent six years traveling in forty countries to create this compelling collection of documentary photographs. This large exhibition will be on display from February 1 - March 28, 2004. For more information about this exhibition, please go to http://www.terra.com.br/sebastiaosalgado/inicio.htm.

Let the Music Free Your Soul

The Carrboro Park and Recreation Department invites everyone to forget about the cold and dark winter with the magic of live music. They offer a variety of free or almost free musical events (and if you can’t afford the admission, tell them).

How to get there: All of the following events are at Century Hall, the large building beside Cliff’s and near Wendy’s where the Carrboro Police Department is. It’s on the corner of Main and Greensboro Streets in downtown Carrboro.

LUNCHBOX CONCERT SERIES

NEW in 2004 - Bring your lunch and come in from the cold for free live music! Just bring your lunch to century hall in February and March and enjoy free concerts featuring the best of local and regional talent from all different genres.

Wednesdays in February & March, 12-1 pm, FREE Carrboro Century Center

February 4, Celtic March 10, Piano Clasico

February 11, Blues March 17, Celtic

February 18, Blues y Rock March 24, Reggae

JUNIOR OPEN MIC in Century Hall (under age 18)

Co sponsored with the Music Loft of Carrboro

Sign up at the door. Performances are in order of arrival. Piano, CD player and two mics available. Limited time for equipment set up.

Wednesday, March 10, 7:30-9:00pm, Carrboro Century Center

Performer and Audience Fee: $2/person or $6/Group (6 or less)

COMMUNITY DRUM AND DANCE CIRCLE

Co sponsored with the Music Explorium

These circles are perfect for children with lots of energy, and for adults who need to have more energy! It doesn’t matter if you don’t have any drumming experience. In addition to drums, they have other very simple instruments from around the world -- the Caribbean, Africa and the Mediterranean. You can also bring your own instrument. Leaders guide the group so that everyone’s in harmony. If the children get tired of playing, they can run, jump and dance. The noise is phenomenal!

7:30-9:30pm

$3/person or $8/Family

Wednesday, January 7

Wednesday, February 4

Wednesday, March 3

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

The Community

Jesus’ Voyage in the 21st Century

by Hafeezah Omar and Laura Wenzel

This is a true story but the names are pseudonyms.

When Maria left Mexico for Carrboro with her husband and daughter three years ago, she left her son Jesús behind with her brother and didn’t want to see him again until he had grown up.

She wanted him to wait until he could walk for a long time, and remember to keep quiet.

Jesús, 12, arrived in Carrboro, NC this fall. He is serious and seems grown up. But at the same time, he has a wistful look.

When Jesús turned 12, and his parents had saved $1800 to pay a coyote, a human smuggler, his parents called for him. Jesús became very happy. He began to prepare for the journey by running 30 minutes each day. When the day to leave came, and Jesús bade goodbye to his uncle and cousins and younger brother, his only sibling left in Mexico, and with another uncle and 18-year-old cousin, climbed into the bed of a pickup truck.

They arrived at a small town, met with other people and boarded a microbus. When they neared the city of Puebla, they got on another truck, which took them to a house where they spent the night. The next day, they boarded a bus for a three-day journey to the border.

At the border, they bought food and separated into groups of 20, and met the coyote who would smuggle them across. The coyote intimidated Jesús, because he had a gangster hairstyle. At eight o’clock that evening, they began to walk.
***

“There was a wire fence. We crawled under and continued walking. We rested, and heard a truck come near,” Jesús said. “We hid. I felt afraid. It was the border patrol – we saw it. It was pretty scary. Later we kept walking for a long time. We heard motorcycle patrols. They made signals to call to their partners. We got to a freeway where there were more lookouts. We couldn’t cross to the other side. We had to wait a long time. By dawn we had tried to cross three times, but there were too many cars.”

Finally, the group crouched and scurried to the other side. They kept walking. After a while, they rested and those who were hungry ate. At that moment, they realized that one of their members had disappeared. They hid their trash and kept walking.

They reached a dirt road with a wire fence. There were tire tracks on the road. They took care not to step in the tracks.
They kept walking until they came to another road, where they saw a truck.

“My uncle and cousin and I went ahead. It was a migra [immigration service] truck. The others ran. The migra called us a dirty word.” Jesús and his uncle and cousin thought that the immigration service had gotten the others, but after the truck left, the others appeared ahead and Jesús and his uncle and cousin caught up with them. In the confusion, Jesús’s uncle left his backpack behind.

“It was around 10 a.m. We walked for a long time. We looked for a place to rest with some shade. We found a ravine and ate without making any noise. Later we kept walking. We crossed another small ravine. We walked for a long time. We had to hide in some trees because there were helicopters on the lookout. It was pretty hot. We rested for three hours. We left a little later. We walked for a long time. Night came and we continued walking. We didn’t see any roads. There were helicopters with searchlights. We kept on until we saw tank tracks and couldn’t step over them.”

They rested, and then walked until it got dark.

“It was getting difficult. I wanted to sleep. The cactus spines were sticking me.”

They continued walking until they reached a small lake. They filled their water bottles although they had no way of knowing if the water were drinkable.

“We kept walking. We had to cross another wire fence. Dawn came, and we rested under some trees. Later we walked for a long time. We had only six hours left. We rested in some shade. Our water was running out. We found a pretty big snake. One guy killed it and cut off the rattle. We heard helicopters. We kept walking. The heat got really bad. We passed through an area filled with spiny cacti. We kept walking. We got to another lake and rested for a while. Then we continued walking for a long time."

They found two more snakes and killed them. Night came.

“We walked for half an hour until we got to a road. There were electrical towers. We rested.”

Jesús’s cousin and another man went down the road to see if the person who was going to pick them up had come. While they waited, Jesús got stuck by a cactus. The truck arrived and they got on.

“It went down some roads with the lights off to another truck with more people. We got on and it took us to a hotel. We got off quickly. We slept and ate chicken and potatoes.”

The hotel was in Phoenix, AZ. The members of the group began to take off for unknown destinations. A van came for Jesus and his uncle and cousin. During the three day journey, they had to stay lying down so the police or gangs that prey on immigrants wouldn’t see them.

When they arrived in Carrboro, Jesús was happy to see his parents and sister, but he was also sad because his little brother was no longer with him. He has a small momento, though. The backpack in which Jesús carried a shirt, socks, food and his uncle’s clothes, had belonged to his brother, and there was something of his left inside: a pencil and correcting fluid.

His mother is also happy to have Jesús with her, but she is looking for another way to bring her youngest son to Carrboro.
“I’ve lived this experience,” she said. “I don’t want it to happen to him.”
***

Jesús now attends a public school in Chapel Hill, NC, which he finds impressive for its cafeteria and gymnasium. He gets along well with his teachers, and has made friends among the other Hispanic students. He believes that at least ten of them have made the same journey.
A psychologist offers advice on how parents, teachers and professionals can help immigrant children adjust to their new environment.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Mental Health

Young immigrants need successes

After listening to Jesus' story, Hafeezah Omar talked with Dr. Elvia Valencia about the effect that immigration can have on children and how parents and school faculty can help them. Dr. Valencia, originally from Columbia, works in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science of Duke University Medical Center.

Although many immigrants come looking for a better life, for children immigration can be hard. Why?
The trip — especially an illegal one through a harsh terrain with wild animals and the police — frightens the children because they do not understand the situation. They have left behind other members of their family, their friends or social support, and their familiar lives. Nor do they know the new language. Therefore they are not able to access support services for children.

What are some signs of stress in children?
The children can externalize or internalize their emotions. Those who externalize their emotions misbehave, especially in school, getting bad grades and showing verbal or physical aggression towards others. Those who internalize their emotions do not sleep well and want to isolate themselves from others. Another very common sign of stress is being very frustrated or irritated.

How does not having sufficient support affect a child’s future?
The child can have health problems like depression, especially if they internalize their feelings. He or she may quit school without graduating and join a gang or abuse drugs. When the child does not come into contact with adults who understand him or her and inspire confidence, he or she can have low expectations of him or herself and not pursue a career, like a doctor or a dentist, even though the child is intelligent.

How can the parents help their kids in a new country?
They can be understanding and talk to them. Many times parents punish their kids with knowing what is causing the kids to misbehave. Parents should talk to their kids about their emotions.

What can the teachers and counselors do?
They need to have patience and try to understand the language. They can pair newly arrived students with students who speak the language and can help them. They need to focus on what the students can do successfully to encourage the children and to give them confidence. That is what they need the most. Also, teachers and counselors need to respect the new students and be aware of their own stereotypes.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Children

Daddy...Read to me!

In Chapel Hill Public Library, you can find many books that describe family celebrations in different parts of the world. We’ve listed three here that you might find very interesting.

Children Just Like Me: Celebrations (Niños como yo: Celebraciones)

Barnabas Kindersley, Anabel Kindersley, Susan E. Copsey
This book has lots of photos of children around the world celebrating typical holidays in their culture. It can be of interest to the whole family.

The Story of Kwanzaa (La historia de Kwanzaa)

Donna L Washington
Kwanzaa is a very special festival that is celebrated by African-Americans at the end of each year. It is dedicated to personal, family and community success.

In My Family (En mi familia)

Carmen Lomas Garza
This is a bilingual book that describes celebrations in Mexico.

“Semillas” Seeding book terrain

Some parents who are interested in having their young children (under 8) participate in activities in Spanish have formed a group called Semillas, pronounced say-ME-yass, which means “seeds”. They read books, play sing and do arts and crafts. It’s free and everyone is welcome. They meet in the children’s area at Chapel Hill Public Library on the second Saturday of each month from 11-11:45 am. For info, call 968-2778.

Let the children PLAY!

Bring your preschool-aged children to play with other kids each Tuesday, from 9:30 to 11am, in the Carrboro Century Center. Sponsored by Carrboro Parks and Recreation. In the Century Center, the kids can run, jump, throw balls, etc., and they also do group activities and singalongs. It’s on the corner of Main and Greensboro Streets in downtown Carrboro. It’s the big building beside Cliff’s and near Wendys, where the Carrboro Police Department is. It costs $2 per person, but tell them if you do not have the financial resources. There will be no event Feb. 10.

Coordinating Services for Children

Free help is available for families of children younger than 6 who live in Orange County. For nformation about Medicaid, food stamps, child care and more, call Sabrina at the Carrboro Clinic at 942-8741, ext. 237.

Lollipop Series for Young Children

Storytellers, musicians, puppeteers, and actors entertain for this performing arts series for young children. Call in registration is requested-(919)918-7364. While the programs are geared for young children, older youth and adults are welcome.
Admission at door: $2/person
Mad Science
Thursday, January 15 – 10:30-11:30am Century Center
Birdman Dave and “A Bird’s Tale”
Thursday, February 10 – 10:30-11:30am Century Center
Playing, Singing and Moving with Ms. Marcie
Thursday, March 18 – 10:30-11:30am Century Center

Entertainment Adventures

Enjoy performances by a variety of artists for the whole family in this Sunday afternoon series. Call in registration is requested, but not required at (919) 918-7364. Carrboro Branch Library, located in McDougle Middle School, 900 Old Fayetteville Road in Carrboro. Co-sponsored with the Carrboro Branch Library. FREE!
Northwood High School Dance Company
Sunday, January 25, 3pm, Carrboro Branch Library
“Edutainer” Lorenzo Meachum Story Telling
Sunday, February 15, 3pm, Carrboro Branch Library
Puppet Show with Susanne Mitchell
Sunday, March 21, 3pm, Carrboro Branch Library

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Health and Safety

Emergency service agencies are ready to help Hispanics during winter storms

In December 2002, an ice storm covered trees with so much ice that thousands fell, blocking roads and cutting the electricity for the majority of the population. Many were without power for for days or more, in freezing temperatures. After that, the Orange County agencies that handle emergencies, public health and public secutiry formed a committee to improve the help they provide to Spanish speakers.

Eric Griffin, who works for Orange County Emergency Management, said they are encouraging landlords of apartment complexes to be part of the committee, which they can contact at 968-2050.

The committee trains churches and other groups on running shelters, and also is creating a telephone network to inform people of what to do in case of an emergency. To be included in the network, contact your local agency, like El Centro Latino, a school, a church or a social service agency.

In the storm of 2002, several Hispanics died because they brought their barbeques inside to warm themselves.

“Here the air does not enter the buildings like in warmer countries like Mexico, and the carbon monoxide gas that the barbeques create killed these people,” Griffin said. “If you have to get warm, go to a shelter, which is free, safe, and does not require any information about legal status,” he added.

Shelter locations will be announced on La Ley 96.9 FM and Univision, and through the telephone network.

Words for Winter Emergencies

by Anabel López
(Pronunciation in parentheses. For single letters, say the letter’s name. Accent on the capitals.)

Snow - Nieve (knee-EH-veh)
Ice (ays) - Hielo (e-L-o)
Sleet, freezing rain (Slit, fri-sin ren) - Aguanieve (AH-gwa-knee-EH-veh)
Freezing - Helado o congelado (el-AH-doe)
Storm warning - Aviso de tormenta
Winter weather advisory - Aviso de tormenta del invierno
Icy roads (aysi rods) - Calles con hielo (KY-yays cone e-L-o)
Road Closed - Calle cerada (KY-yay serr-AH-doe)
Falling Limbs - Ramas caidas (RAH-mahs ky-EE-dahs)
Falling Trees - Árboles derumbados (R-bowl-s)
Electricity - Electricidad, Luz
Power Outage - No hay luz (no-I-loose)
Generator (CHEN-er-e-tor) - Generador (hey-ner-ah-DOOR)
Flashlight (flash layt) - Torcha
Unsafe Water (AN-sef WA-tar) - Agua no saludable (AH-gwa no sa-loo-DAH-blay)
Boil water - Hierve el agua (e-AIR-veh el AH-gwa)
I’m cold.(aym cold) - Tengo frio. (ten-go FREE-oh)
Frostbite (frast bayt) - Congelación (con-hell-ah-see-OWN)
Blanket - Alfombra
Gloves (glafs) - Guantes (GWAHN-tess)
Coat (cot) - Abrigo (ah-BREE-go)
I’m hungry (aym HAN-gri) - Tengo hambre. (ten-go AHM-bray)
Food (fud) -Comida (coe-ME-dah)
Can opener - Abrelata
Water - Agua (AH-gwa)
Help (halp) -Ayuda (i-U-dah)
I’m trapped (aym trapt) -Estoy atrapado.
Shovel (SHA-vel) - Pala
Shelter - Refugio (re-FOO-hee-o)
Red Cross -La Cruz Roja (la cruise Row-ha)
Warm up - Calentarse
Melt - Derretir

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

The best gift comes from the heart

Some say that with the visit of the three kings to the baby Jesus, the Christmas tradition of gift giving began. In the United States, that tradition seems to have become the primary motivation for Christmas. Some people, however, give a different kind of gift.

Feed the Hungry

Willi L Lambert, Joyce C Davis, Mary Parker, Janet Parker, Eula Allison, Melinda Bradsher, John Poteat, Elizabeth Beasley, Helen Cooper, and Hattie Van Hook, meet one Saturday morning a month in Cedar Grove, north of Hillsborough, to distribute free food to those in need.

Meghan Bradsher, in 6th grade at Stanford Middle School, has volunteered with her mother for six months.

“I like it because I’m helping somebody else. Sometimes I need to ask people for help, if something’s too heavy, or my homework is too hard,” she said. “When I get older I want to go to schools and help people.”
The food comes from the Food Bank in Durham. The Food Bank sponsors distributions of free food in several places in northern Orange County and is planning to start distributing food in Chapel Hill and Carrboro soon.

Volunteers do not need to speak English or have any special training. If you would like to help, call Julie Lawhorne at 956-2513.

Give Blood

Giving blood does not take much time and is something you can do to help your community prepare for an emergency.

Blood can be preserved only for 42 days. Therefore it’s very important to give often. Adults can give every 8 weeks.

Hispanics have something special to give. Around 65% of Hispanics have type O blood. O negative is a universal donor and can be used in an emergency when someone’s blood type is not available.

You can give blood every eight weeks. To make an appointment with the Red Cross to give blood, call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.givelife.org.

Volunteer with the Red Cross

The Red Cross always needs Spanish-speaking volunteers. We offer trainings in Spanish for volunteers who can help with disasters such as when a house burns down, or working in shelters during a storm. For information about volunteer opportunities, call 942-4862.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Our Environment

Good News Bugs

by Kate Kline

We returned to Bolin Creek in October. We weren’t pulling out more invasive plants- this time, we tested the water quality. We filled some bucket with water from the creek and looked for live bugs. When we found one, we looked at it under magnification and tried to identify it. Some types of bugs only live in water that doesn’t contain pollutants. We were excited to see lots of those bugs! The Haw River Assembly is forming groups to monitor the water quality in Bolin Creek every 3 months, because this water supplies the reservoir of the town of Cary. If you are interested, contact the Haw River Assembly at 919-542-5790 or www.hawriver.org.

Hide this article

Education

What are you doing February 29?

What? Why is this article sideways? Would you believe that an article on education almost didn’t fit in this magazine?

Some would say that education doesn’t fit in their lives.

They don’t know what they’re talking about.

In a Pa’Lante meeting, some teachers admited that they placed more importance on being popular than on their studies when they were in high school. One told us that she had wanted to be a doctor but spent too much time partying. She didn’t graduate with her friends and had to spend another year in school. She got excellent grades, but during this year other things happened and now she’s a teacher, not a doctor. She likes her job, but it’s not her dream. And now she has nothing to do with the people who were so important to her during her popular period.

Some teens say that they don’t understand enough English to really understand their history or science classes. Alright, learning a new language isn’t easy. But, did you know that in North Carolina you can stay in high school free until you’re 21? Sure, school sometimes seems like jail. But the education is free, and it’s the only thing in your life that they can’t take away from you.

They say that a diploma doesn’t matter because without documents you can’t go to college. Look, there’s always a way to go to college. Make friends with influential adults and in school and in organizations like Pa’Lante. Ask your counselors about educational trips and activities. Look for volunteer opportunities. Make sure that these things have a higher priority than hanging out. That way, you’ll make friends with other teens who take their lives seriously. And they and the adults you impress with your determination will help you go to college.

Pa’Lante and other youth organizations in Orange County are planning a half-day of cool activities, including planning a teen center and a dance, on February 29. Only members of these organizations can participate. Contact Pa’Lante and we’ll give you information about each organization so you can join one that interests you.

Educational Resources

Citá Dominical

Sundays 6:30 - 9 pm, WNCU 90.7 FM. Música y discusión.

El Centro Latino

101 Lloyd St., Carrboro, tel. 932-4652
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Teen Talk

Would you like to talk with your friends and earn money at the same time? Teen Talk is a program for educating youth in Orange County who are between 14 and 18 years old. We talk about sex, communication, and MUCH MORE!! If you’re interested, contact Jenny Palmer. (919) 929-5402 ext. 42 or jenny.palmer@ppfa.org

College Foundation of North Carolina is a service in the state of Northa Carolina that helps students and parents learn what they need to do to attend college. Visit www.cfnc.org or call our toll-free number 1-866-866-2362.

Anounce Your Event or Service

To announce a free or low-cost event or service in the Spring issue, which will last from March 2004 to June 2004, write to director AT palanteprogram.org. We must receive your information by February 13, 2004. We reserve the right to edit free announcements for space and to reject inappropriate announcements. We will make every effort to publish all the free announcements we receive but cannot guarantee that all will appear.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Politics

Making the Changes We Want

By Cayley Pater, Maggie Cunningham, Jonathán Durán, and Anabel López

In November we went to a seminar held by El Pueblo to learn about some of the federal laws that have been proposed that would affect the lives of immigrants all over the country. The acts are the Dream Act and the Clear Act. We learned that we all are able and ought to contact the legislators who represent us. As a group, El Pueblo’s new software, La Voz del Pueblo to write to Senator Dole urging her to support the Dream Act, as it is described below.

Access to college education for immigrants

There are two proposed bills, HR 1684, Adjustment of the Immigration Status for Students and S. 1545 the Development the Benefit and Education for Young Immigrants (DREAM Act) that will permit the residential immigrant students of each state to enroll in state universities with the same in-state tuition as any other resident. Additionally, they will create a system to adjust the students’ immigration status when they receive their dimplomas. Representative Price and Senator Edwards are co-sponsors of these proposals, but as of this writing Senator Dole has yet to decide to support them.

Separating the responsibilities of local police and immigration services

The CLEAR Act, Fulfillment of the Deportation Laws for Foreign Criminals (HR 2671), enables state and local police to enforce federal civil immigration laws. El Pueblo does not support this law because it goes against efforts of police to win the trust and confidence of the communities they serve. Immigrants will avoid contact with local law enforcement, and make it impossible for police to form the kind of alliances within immigrant communities that may actually help homeland security.

The federal legislative system has two chambers. Representatives in the House are elected every two years and represent a percentage of the population, which is determined by the census. The census counts all residents, not just citizens. The Representatives, or Congressmen, for most of Orange County is David Price. In the Senate, there are two senators from each state, who are elected every six years. The senators in North Carolina are John Edwards and Elizabeth Dole. Senator Edwards is also a presidential candidate.

What is El Pueblo Inc.?

It’s a non-profit advocacy organization in North Carolina. It is dedicated to strengthening the Latino community, promoting the development of education, laws and intercultural understanding at the local, state and national level. Contact at 919-835-1525 or www.elpueblo.org.

Go to the capital to defend your rights

Get involved in defending your rights, in the first lobbying day by the National Council of La Raza, in Washington, DC on February 23 and 24, 2004. They will hold a training on how to lobby, and will arrange visits with our congressional delegates. While there are not financial resources, El Pueblo invites those interested to contact Ben Parad at ben@elpueblo.org or 919-835-1525.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Your Opinion

Dear Ms. Wenzel:
I am pleased to report that at its meeting on November 21 the Strowd Roses Board of Directors approved your request for a grant....
The Board was most impressed with the energy and initiative that you and your students have shown in developing this quarterly, and believe it will function as a valuable outlet for the views and talents of this growing segment of our community.
With best wishes,
For the Board of Directors:
Jennifer B. Boger, President

Dear Laura:
I thought of dropping you a line as soon as I got the first issue of Pa’Lante in my hands....It has articles that are practical and entertaining and the Hispanic community will enjoy and use it in its entirety.
....I’m sure that the young people who work with you on this magazine have as much enthusiasm as you do and together you have created a marvelous magazine for Latino families and individuals.
Congratulations once again, I can’t wait for the next issue....
Affectionately,
Dora Diaz, Chapel Hill

We invite you to send us your opinion on what you read on these pages or on any other topic. Send your letter to: cartas@palanteprogram.org or Pa’Lante, P O Box 192, Carrboro, NC 27510. Include your name, city, and how to contact you. We reserve the right to edit for space. We will not publish your contact information.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Having Fun

We Went Bowling!

Mardi Gras Bowling is in Chapel Hill where Hwy a54 crosses Farrington Road, in the Falcon Bridge shopping center, where there is a Hardee’s. It’s near the intersection of 54 and 40, the border between Chapel Hill and Durham. Hours: Mon-Thur 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri and Sat 10 a.m. - 1 a.m., Sun 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. For more information, call 489-1230 or see www.mardigrasbowling.com. We have a pair of coupons for free games to the first five people who send us a contribution for the next issue theme or order a subscription. ¡Gracias a Mardi Gras!

Hide this article

We Celebrate the Day of the Dead

Each year on the 1st and 2nd of November, many families in the Central and Southern parts of Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead. It is a festive time when they remember friends and family who have died. They make altars with photographs, memoirs, food and drink and they invite the spirits to come and visit those who are still alive. This is not a sad time but rather a celebration of the memory of loved ones.

The Aztecs celebrated the Day of the Dead during the summer. The Spanish priests changed the date so that it coincided with All Saint’s Day in the Catholic Church.

The artwork of the Day of the Dead has become quite popular in the United States and you can see examples in galleries such as Temple ball across the street from Bandido’s on Main Street in Carrboro.

Hide this article

What happened at the water plant?

By: Adrián Galeana and Rafael Ramírez
Photos: Adrián Galeana, Rafael Ramírez, Tania Castrejón, Anabel López, and Verónica Gómez

On one warm afternoon in June, OWASA personnel, who handle the water and sewer of Chapel Hill and Carrborro, showed us their plant on Jones Ferry Road in Chapel Hill and explained to us how they treat the water that we drink.
Rafaike watches the fish that live in the very clear pools. The water in each row of sediment pools is in different stages of clarification.

Adrian listens to Doug Terry, director of water treatment and supply, who told us some frightening stories about the powerful chemicals that are used to disinfect the water.

Mr. Terry looks at the quality of the water in its final purification stage. Every faucet is connected to a tank in every purification stage. So, the workers are able to monitor every stage. The faucet water on the right is the kind of water we drink.
They still use the pumps that were constructed in 1948.
With computers, they monitor the towers in every section of the city, and measure the amount of water to distribute to the towers.

The drinking water in Chapel Hill and Carrboro comes from the reservoir in Cane Creek and University Lake. To help maintain our water safe and clean, all of us should avoid depositing toxic chemicals down the drain or in the trash. This type of hazardous waste can be recycled at the recycling center and dumping grounds located on Eubanks St. across from Airport Rd. close to I-40.

Back to Top of Article ^

Hide this article

Explore Orange County's Natural Areas

The fall is a lovely season in North Carolina. The climate is moderate, the mosquitoes disappear, and the leaves on trees change into spectacular colors. Horitculturists say that this fall the leaves are going to be even more brilliant because of the rainy spring. It is a perfect time to take the family on a walk through the natural areas of the county.

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

383-1686
Part of the state park system, Occoneechee Mountain is the highest point in Orange County. Various rustic trails pass by the forest and the Eno River. There are plants like Mountain Laurel, which have spectacular flowers in the month of May that are more common in the mountainous areas. There is lake for fishing.

Directions: From highway 85, take exit 164 and go north on Churton Street. Take a left on Orange Grove Road at the Exxon gasoline station, on the right, where there is a Central Carolina Bank on the left. About a mile ahead, take a right on a gravel road, Virginia Cates Road. (There will be a bridge in front).

Cane Creek Reservoir

942-5790
Until the middle of November, it is possible to fish, to rent canoes and to take walks on rustic paths by the big OWASA reservoir. Open Thursdays through Saturdays from 6:30 am until 6 p.m., and Sundays from 1 a.m. until 6 p.m. Admission is free.

The Cornfield Maze

732-8065 5011 Kiger Road, Rougemont, NC

The North Carolina Botanical Garden

962-0522

Back to Top of Article ^