CARY Newsletter Spring 2010
"The Community Through My Eyes"
A Powerful & Engaging Learning Opportunity
On February 15, Hannibal Lokumbe, jazz trumpeter extraordinaire, led 20 CARY students, staff and special guests in a service learning exercise called “The Community Through My Eyes.” During the two hour event at Dobie Middle School, Hannibal combined his life experiences and extraordinary musical talent into teaching at-risk students about history and how they can change the world. It was a powerful and engaging learning opportunity! The students did exceedingly well.
The students came from five AISD middle schools where CARY conducts violence prevention training, giving up their school holiday to study about Martin Luther King and discrimination. “Civil rights is an issue that requires action immediately,” Hannibal said. When asked what his favorite quote was, Hannibal replied, “No man is free till all men are free.”
A service learning project is one in which the students come up with their own ideas for the project as well as implement it. “The Community Through My Eyes” was tied into Martin Luther King Day and lasted 3 - 4 weeks. Preceding the workshop the students learned about the civil rights era at PeaceJam, an after school project by CARY.
Shana Fox, CARY Youth Advisor, presented a slide show of photos taken by CARY students. The students spent time documenting through photography situations they would like to see improved in their community — garbage scattered in neighborhoods, substandard housing , etc. We give a special thanks to the CARY board member who donated funds to purchase the cameras for the students.
The CARY students’ photos will be on display as part of a documentary at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Saturday April 3. Outreach Coordinator Tony Cherium of the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum documented the CARY workshop. Hannibal’s performance and the four workshops he conducted will be in the documentary.
During the afternoon, Hannibal led the youth in discussion about discrimination and gave advice to the students on how to succeed in life. An intergenerational prospective was provided by Mr. Camacho and his sister who grew up in Austin and experienced discrimination in Austin because they were Hispanic.
At the end of the session, Hannibal delighted everyone by giving a musical performance with his trumpet. Hannibal was both engaging and an inspiration to the students. This workshop was the only one presented to students and we are grateful to Hannibal Lokumbe for his time and talent given to make this special project a success.
CARY Youth Explore UT
On Saturday, March 6, Youth Advisors Sonia Sanchez and Wesly Vincik took 5 students from Garcia and Pearce Middle Schools to "Explore UT," an annual event that introduces students to academic opportunities at The University of Texas at Austin.
The students experienced rock climbing, ate lunch in a dormitory and visited the north end zone of the football field. They viewed various science projects in the natural science department that focused on molecular and cellular experiments. In addition they visited the engineering department where they learned about cement composition and witnessed the crushing of cement under many thousand pounds of pressure.
The day was a great opportunity to showcase the variety of experiences that higher education has to offer.
CARY “Meet & Greet” a Success
On Sunday, April 18, forty (40) CARY supporters joined board members and staff at Fabi + Rosi Restaurant, a new European “kitchen” in West Austin, for CARY’s first “Meet & Greet.” As we got to know each other over delicious French and German appetizers and mimosas, board members Gary Godbee, David Quintanilla and Mike Wilfley joined Adrian Moore, Executive Director, to speak about CARY’s work. Staff members Sonia Sanchez, Heidi Gibbons and Wes Vincik welcomed guests and showed the video “An Ounce of Intervention,” donated by the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Houston
The event was sponsored by BLGY Architects and Kathleen Guido & Alfred Stanley. Special thanks for invitation design goes to The Inviting Pear.
This is the first of two receptions this year to provide information about CARY to volunteers and supporters. If you would like to be on the invitation list for CARY’s next Meet & Greet, please contact the Development Office at 451-4594.
World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend Benefits CARY
CARY Board member John Houck and Dee Leekha-Houck organized the “The World’s Biggest Disc Golf Weekend,” a sport event that benefited CARY, on May 1 and 2. Locally the event was held at the Houck’s Circle R Disc Golf Ranch in Wimberley and in Austin’s Zilker Park. Over 250 participants enjoyed barbecue and live music in Wimberley in addition to disc golf. Our thanks go to John and Dee for their support of CARY, as well as to Executive Director Adrian Moore and board member Gina Williams who volunteered at the event.
Crawfish & Croquet in the Park
The Crawfish & Croquet at the Park Benefit sponsored by Outlaw Real Estate Group/Private Label Realty on May 15th was a fun day in the sun. About 150 persons enjoyed delicious food, great music, croquet at Zilker Park. Over $1,600 was raised for CARY violence prevention programs.
We especially thank Tom Sunstrom, Partner, and the Outlaw Real Estate Group staff and sponsors for making the day a success! CARY volunteers were Wes Vincik, Carlos Sanchez, Shana Fox, Frank kearl, Chelsea Laumen, Paul Tuttrup and Bob Gibbons.
2nd Annual Golf for Charity Classic is a Swinging Success!
CARY was one of three local non-profits who received a donation of $7,000 from the Golf for Charity Classic at River Place County Club on May17th. Sponsored by Richard P. Slaughter Associates, the tournament was a great success with 120 players who enjoyed perfect weather and a barbecue lunch. Ed Mayes, Josh Mayes, Weldon Roberts and Mike Cancino made up the winning team. Contest winners were CARY Board Member Roger Brooks for “closest to the pin” and Bob Tabor for the “longest drive.” We thank Richard P. Slaughter Associates and all the players who came out for a second year to help at-risk youth. We also thank CARY Board Chair Bob King and staff members Wes Vincik, Carlos Sanchez and Heidi Gibbons for volunteering at Hole No. 2.
First Kester Memorial Scholarships
Congratulations to three at-risk youth who were recently awarded the first Kester Memorial Scholarships by CARY this May. Each will receive $1,000 for school-related supplies and will be assigned a mentor to guide them as they enter the college of their choice. Jim Kester, former CARY board member, dedicated his career to education and juvenile justice. The purpose of the scholarship is to drive Jim’s spirit in helping exceptional people with modest means pursue an education to achieve their dreams.