By Joe Olvera
When the late William C. Velasquez first created the Southwest Voter Registration and Education Project in 1974, he had only one vision – to work for a time when Latinos would play a vital part in the American Democratic Process. His mantra, which continues to this day, was “Su Voto Es Su Voz (Your Vote Is Your Voice).”
Velasquez, who died an untimely death in 1988 of kidney cancer, had, by the time of his death, cultivated 50,000 community leaders throughout Texas, litigated successfully 85 voting rights law suits, and conducted 2,300 non-partisan voter registration drives. Latinos also went from counting 2.4 million registered Latino voters in 1974, to more than 7 million by 1998. And, the process continues.
Reyes Mata, president of the project’s committee, is a young entrepreneur who wants to make drastic changes to El Paso’s artistic scene. Politically connected and involved, he too is looking forward to a time when Chicanos and other Latinos can become major players in SVREP’s goal of increasing voter participation by Latinos, something that’s already happening judging by the number of newly registered young Latinos, and, youths registering to vote is what Velasquez truly envisioned.
“We definitely need more Chicanos and other Latinos to become involved in our political process,” Mata said. “SVREP began its Million Dollar Youth Campaign on Cinco de Mayo in 2006. The goal was to register 100,000 sons and daughters of immigrants, seeking out youth who are U.S. citizens, eligible to vote, but, who haven’t yet registered. That number was surpassed, and continues to grow. This was evidenced by the large numbers of Latino youth who registered and voted for Barack Obama for President of the United States.
SVREP President Antonio Gonzalez said in 2006 that registering Latino youth would create a substantial number of young voters that could, in time, carry elections. “The timing for this campaign (2006) will crystallize the momentum,” Gonzalez said in the organization’s website. “Participation by Latino youth in the marches and rallies for immigration reform demonstrates how prepared they are to political change.”
The multi-phase, multi-media campaign will try to capture their imagination because there are about 2.3 million young men and women between the ages of 18 and 24 who are U.S. citizens and ready to vote. At least one million American citizens who are eligible to vote turn 18 each year. This number alone makes it very important that these youths become involved in the political process. This group alone can impact elections in a very strong manner.
Priscilla Portillo, who is the SVREP Team Coordinator in El Paso, was not available for comment, but, she has said in the past that her goal is to register as many young Latinos as is possible. In El Paso, the task becomes even harder because there is very little tradition for voting and voting rights.
By Joe Olvera ©, 2010
Orlando Rodriguez of El Paso, the 1st Vice District Governor of the Lion’s Club District 2T3, said his organization has been at the forefront in providing disaster relief to the people of Haiti through its international programs and connections. His own district, 2T3, which encompasses El Paso, Texas to Odessa, Texas, has always responded to disasters. “With more than 1,000 members in my district, the Lions Club is always providing funds for disaster relief,” Rodriguez said. “This time is no different.
Al Brandel, LCIF chairperson, said in a statement on the Internet, that the Lion’s Club is working to learn all it can about the devastation in Haiti. “At LCIF, we have also learned more about the situation on the ground from the Lions of Haiti,” Brandel said. “My heart goes out to all the Lions in Haiti, who have been personally affected by this disaster. We have lost at least two club members as well as many close relatives. Yet, these brave Lions have put aside their own grief, their own needs to help their community. LCIF is working non-stop with Lions of that area to support “Lions Hope for Haiti.”
Brandel said that Lions Hope for Haiti has mobilized more than $350,000 U.S.
dollars to date. “Lions around the world are responding generously and quickly to
the LCIF designated fund for this disaster. Donations are continuing to pour in
from individuals, clubs and districts, and I thank all of you who have already pledged your support.”
LCIF is assisting the people of Haiti in a variety of ways. Besides money, medical equipment, and other essential needs, the Texas Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center has been helping to collect medical equipment for those most affected by the disaster. The group is still in need of crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and other equipment that will help people who have suffered havoc for Haitians.
PDG Bob Edwards, of TLERC Information, wants for every Lion to become involved in providing help. “Your assistance is needed to decide on an appropriate location to gather the requested equipment in each district,” Edwards said. “As the equipment is gathered, please appoint a trusted Lion to communicate to TLERC as to the amount and type of equipment and its location. We will organize a plan to collect what you have gathered and get it to a common shipping point.” Edwards said that the number to call is 432-683-7900. The group’s email address is HYPERLINK “mailto:tlerc@attglobal.net” tlerc@attglobal.net.
Other efforts by LCIF include:
*Lions in neighboring Caribbean countries are sending cargo containers of requested supplies through connections with transportation companies.
*Lions in Sweden are sending large tents through the Swedish government to provide housing for those who are now homeless as well as relief workers, as they did for the China earthquake.
*Lions from District A-9, Ontario, Canada were in the area when the earthquake hit, helping to establish a clean water system for an orphanage, and responded by establishing a make-shift medical clinic, treating 600 people.
Lions are contributing generously, some examples include: US$86,000 pledged from Lions in Norway; US$20,000 from Lions in China; US$14,000 from District 105-I, England.
By: Jeraldine G Ramos
It all started in 1982 with two average Joes named Jim Disbrow, and Scott Lowery having the “munchies” for some Buffalo, NY style wings. To satisfy their cravings, they decided to take Buffalo, NY. style wings to Kent, Ohio. Buffalo Wild Wings brings a fun atmosphere that cannot be found at any other restaurant in El Paso, their motto is, “we are here to wow our guests every day,” and indeed they will. It is a sports bar and grill that does not overlook any of its customers, it entertains everyone from a sports fanatic, to a young child.
Filled with 42 flat screen TV’s of various sizes including two 110 inch projection screens, you are sure to find any game you came to see. These TVs do not only have Direct TV, but they are all connected to hand held digital screens that you can take to your table to play games, or control the jukebox. They bring even more fun, with trivia games that are displayed in the flat screens that can be played with people that are not even in the restaurant, and a couple of video arcade games. They even take the excitement outside with a patio that can seat up to 75 people and has 10 flat screens.
If the entertainment has not gotten your attention yet, their exquisite cuisine surely will. With its 14 signature sauces ranging from smilin’ to sizzlin’ to screamin’, and two seasonal sauces, it is sure to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Sweet BBQ, spicy garlic, Caribbean jerk, Asian zing, and parmesan garlic, just to name a few of their mouthwatering sauces. Come Tuesdays for 50 cent wings (minimum 5), and savor their meaty, juicy, crispy, tenderness along with one of their delicious entrees. There are thick burgers that fill your mouth with succulent juices when you bite into them. Saucy ribs that are finger licking good that go great with their one of a kind seasoned potato wedges. Their menu also includes flat breads, wraps, sandwiches, and salads prepared with the freshest ingredients. For those with a sweet tooth, their New York cheesecake, deep dish apple pie, or chocolate fudge cake is sure to fulfill the toughest cravings.
Buffalo Wild Wings is the perfect place for the NFL, with a different beer of the month and the friendliest, most lively staff, this football season will be a blast. Enjoy a fresh cold 23 oz beer accompanied with appetizers such as their ultimate nachos, or popcorn shrimp that can be shared with friends. You can also take pleasure in one of their signature drinks such as the Caribbean martini made at their full bar. Want to watch the game at the comfort of your home? Buffalo Wild Wings offers take out, and if you’re planning a party, they cater too!
Most importantly Buffalo Wild Wings is about giving back to the community especially the youth. Like their kids menu that has mini corndogs to brighten any child’s smile. They want to make being a child special by sponsoring peewee leagues so that they have the opportunity to be exposed to new experiences. They are also proud sponsors for our UTEP miners so look forward to their tailgate party events! “Buffalo Wild Wings you have to be here!” At 10497 Gateway West. The fun starts at 11am to 2 am Monday through Saturday, and 11 am to 12am on Sundays. For information or reservations contact BWW at (915) 594-9464.
Don’t Forget to vote in our poll!
AMERICAN War hero becomes an El Paso hero as well
By Joe Olvera ©, 2009
Vietnam War Hero Rafael Hernando III says working with young children has helped him overcome some of the nightmares which he still attributes to his military service during that war – a war in which he lost his leg when he stepped on a mine. As his body flew in one direction, he could see his leg flying off in the opposite direction. Although he’s one of the co-founders of the Socorro ISD’s After School Athletic Program, he’s had to pull out temporarily due to his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. “I’m not with the program right now because I had a visit from the war,” Hernando said in an interview “I had problems with myself, problems with PTSD, but, I plan to rejoin that program in the Spring. I’m getting better.”
Hernando, who had a school in the Socorro ISD named for him, said he is proud and honored to be mentioned in conjunction with educational pursuits because he wants every young El Pasoan to graduate from high school and go on to college. “The athletic program is all about getting kids and parents involved. When the kids see their parents participating with them, they get more excited about school.”
Hernando said the middle school was named after him on May 12, 2005. “The board was looking to name an elementary school and a middle school. My name did not come up until after the elementary was named. As far as I know one of the board members, Willie Gandara, asked about a veteran that was helping Joe Hernandez with the Afterschool program. That was me.”
Hernando said he feels especially proud whenever some youngster whom he mentored in the past, approaches and thanks him for helping him or her become a college graduate. “Some of these kids didn’t have any inclination to stay in school, they were all for dropping out because they felt that nothing was being done for them. When Joe Hernandez and I started the After School Program, we gave these students an impetus, a reason to continue in school. Many of them turned out to be successful people.”
Hernando, who suffered his debilitating injury in Vietnam, today gets around mainly in his electric wheelchair. Being disabled has not curbed his enthusiasm for working with children. On the contrary, he wants them to see him as he truly is, injured and disabled, but, still working to help youngsters reach their most cherished goals. “We follow them through their school years, and we see them do some great things. Some of them go on to college, then, when they graduate, they come to us to thank us for steering them through the most difficult years.”
As a veteran, Hernando was awarded the Bronze Star, and the Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for Meritorious Service. He also received a Purple Heart for injuries received in combat. His community service in behalf of veterans include organizing the Paralyzed Veterans of America in El Paso in 1980; organized wheel chair sports organization for Viet Nam Veterans in El Paso in 1980, and started volunteering in Socorro schools in August, 2000. “Children do better in school when their parents are involved,” Hernando said. “That’s why we encourage every parent to get involved in their children’s education. That’s the greatest thing that can happen to any child.”
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