Korean American
Adoptee
Adoptive Family
Network
News May 10, 2006

8th Annual KAAN Conference

Han Ma Eum One Heart And One Mind

Renaissance Hotel Seoul Korea
June 30 through July 2, 2006
View our conference schedule and register at www.kaanconference.com
 

Featured program:

Keynote Speaker: Kim Messer   Who is she?  Adopted from Korea, Kim is four time world kickboxing champion.  Read more about her at http://www.ringsportsunited.com/fireball/ And come and meet her at the KAAN Conference.

KAAN's MISSION is:to network groups and individuals related to Korean adoptions. Visit KAAN's website at http://www.kaanet.com/. The network facilitates dialogue, promotes resource sharing, and disseminates information. KAAN works closely with the Korean Adoption Community, the Korean American community, and the Korean government to promote awareness of Korean adoption issues and develop programs that will benefit both the adoption and Korean communities. In its role as an open forum, KAAN distributes a newsletter to email addresses around the world. The opinions expressed and the programs presented in this newsletter are those of the contributors, which KAAN presents in its role to facilitate dialogue. KAAN does not endorse or take responsibility for the opinions or programs presented in the newsletter.  Please send us information about events in your area, articles, personal requests etc. so that we may share them with others.  

To subscribe or unsubscribe from this newsletter send an email to us at mailto:kaanet@aol.com.  Send information about events, interesting articles or websites, personal requests and questions, as well as other items of interest to us at mailto:kaanet@aol.com

ARTICLES

More bi-racial kids being born in Korea

At Jangsu Elementary School in Jangsu county, North Jeolla province, 20 of the 357 students are biracial. Three years ago, the first biracial student, half-Korean and half-Filipino, entered the school, which now offers special Korean classes for the growing number of children who need help, and introduces them to Korean friends to help them socialize.  Read More: http://joongangdaily.joins.com/200604/06/200604062154023939900092309231.html 

Adoptee Sheds Light on Overseas Adoption

"Comforting an Orphaned Nation: Representations of International Adoption and Adopted Koreans in Korean Popular Culture'' is not only a meaningful contribution to the burgeoning field of Korean adoption and adoptee studies, but also an insightful commentary based on in-depth research of the Korean adoption issue, which has rarely been academically discussed or analyzed.  Read More: http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/culture/200605/kt2006050518545610980.htm 

Stars Call Attention to Single Women Adopting

Jessica Simpson wants to do it. Angelina Jolie has done it twice. These celebrities are following a growing number of single American women who have chosen to adopt.  Read More: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,192759,00.html 

For adoptees, racial divide still wide

Families may be colorblind, but the world is not. It's a painful lesson for many.  Read More: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/14525508.htm 

Adidas Shoe Falls Flat After Racism Allegations

Athletic footwear giant adidas said Friday that it would pull its Y-1 Huff shoe after complaints from Asian Americans that artwork depicted on the sneaker is racist.  Read More: http://www.brandweek.com/bw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002425096 

South Korea Wary As US Accepts First Refugees From North

A decision by the United States to accept North Korean refugees for the first time may further strain relations with the liberal South Korean government, which is uneasy with what it regards as Washington's provocative policy towards Pyongyang.  Read More: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/viewstory.asp?Page=%5CForeignBureaus%5Carchive%5C200605%5CINT20060508a.html 

Realizing Who I Am

In 1990, about 2,500 children were adopted from South Korea and moved to the United States. I was one of them and met my parents when I was six months old. My parents said it was the best day of their lives. They had wanted a baby for 10 years and call me their miracle.  Read More: http://teenink.com/Past/2006/May/20224.html 

State Supreme Court will hear high-profile international adoption appeal

The Tennessee Supreme Court today agreed to hear arguments in an international child custody case from Memphis.  Read More: http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=33766 

Experiences in Transnational Adoption: An Interview with Kim Park Nelson

I love my siblings, all nine of them, and the experience of growing up in a large family formed through transnational adoption is one I'm grateful to have had. Growing up blond, blue-eyed and white, with Asian, Black, and Guatemalan siblings, in a mostly white suburban neighborhood was in some ways like being undercover. Around people who didn't know about my siblings' ethnicities, I'd hear ethnic slurs and racist remarks bandied about and wonder what I should do. What I usually did was speak up, but more than once, especially as I became a teenager and wanted to blend in, I stayed silent, and hated myself.  Read More: http://www.mamazine.com/Pages/feature62.html 

BOOKS

Am I a Color Too?

In this masterfully illustrated book, a young boy wonders why people focus more on skin color than on the traits and values we all share as human beings. Through his eyes, we explore the common labels of Black and White. The inspiration for Tyler’s poem came when he was three. Hearing people referred to as certain colors, he asked his grandma the stirring question, "Am I a color?"  Tyler’s innocent observations remind and inspire us to treasure every person, regardless of outward appearances—a universal message that touches readers of all ages.

Available through Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0974019054/qid=1145753061/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-2744158-1164736?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

"Digging to America": Strangers in an adopted land

"Digging to America," focuses on two families. One is white-bread American (actually, make that whole-wheat-bread American). The other is Iranian-American.  The two families meet by chance in 1997 at Baltimore's airport, where they're waiting to greet the South Korean orphans they've adopted.  Read a review: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2002972458_tyler07.html  Available through Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307263940/qid=1147134148/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/104-2744158-1164736?s=books&v=glance&n=283155 

WEBSITES

Links to Korean Student Associations

This page provides links to numbers Korean Student Associations at Universities across the United States. It is off the University of Washington Website.  You need to scroll down and click on links, then click on view full list of links.
http://students.washington.edu/ksa/home.html 

Kimchi Mamas

A blog by Korean American women http://kimchimamas.typepad.com/ 

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PERSONAL REQUESTS

Asian American history on public radio

Many public radio stations in the US have begun to air the Asian American history series "Crossing East: Our Stories, Our History, Our America." Narrated by George Takei and Margaret Cho, this 8-part series will be broadcast over the next year on many public radio stations.

Program 5 in the series, "Brides and Children," includes international adoption in the history of Asian America. The producers interviewed not only adult adoptees born in Korea and Vietnam, but also a small group of FCC preteens in San Francisco. The interview took place about a year and a half ago, so these girls and one boy from China are now 12-14 years old. KQED in San Francisco will air Program 5 in June.

The history of Asian America is rarely told. Don't miss the series; tape it for your kids. Check your local NPR station for dates and times. Here are some URLs with more info:
Overview of the series: http://www.crossingeast.org/programs.htm 
Program 5: http://www.crossingeast.org/programfive.htm 

The Changing Face Of Race And Diversity In California

Bill To Recognize The Changing Face Of Race And Diversity In California Advances In State Senate

The California State Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday passed groundbreaking legislation that would allow Californians to identify with “one or more” racial or ethnic backgrounds on forms that ask for this information. SB 1615, The Ethnic Heritage Respect and Recognition Act, is authored by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Simitian’s bill is the first bill of its kind in the nation.

“This state is the largest and most diverse in the nation and Californians strongly value that diversity,” said Simitian. “But that value is illusory if it’s not made real and if the state continues to force its citizens to ‘choose just one’ on a daily basis. This is a matter of accuracy, respect, and even life or death with respect to certain medical conditions.”  The large and rapidly growing demographic of individuals who identify with two or more racial or ethnic backgrounds has long been ignored despite the stigmatization and unique set of challenges that multiracial people face. The measure would for the first time allow California agencies to understand and address these needs by ensuring that information about multiracial Californians is collected and publicly reported. "It's time for state government to catch up with the demographic reality of today's California," said Attorney General Bill Lockyer. "I know firsthand that our communities are more diverse than ever, as my son is proud of his Caucasian, Native American and Hispanic roots. SB 1615 will allow us to properly recognize and celebrate our ethnic and cultural history."

Simitian’s bill brings California law into conformity with federal guidelines for the collection and presentation of data on race and ethnicity that were adopted in 1997. Those guidelines, which are used within the federal government, were first developed in response to concerns that a “check only one” system was unmindful of the multiracial population and was producing increasingly inaccurate data about the national demographic.  “This legislation represents the next logical step for states like California that have a large and growing population of those who choose to self identify with their full heritages,” said Jungmiwha Bullock, President of the Association of MultiEthnic Americans (AMEA).

In addition to misunderstanding and prejudice, multiracial individuals face many special medical needs, such as increased difficulty in finding a bone marrow donor or in getting accurate cancer screenings. A 2003 study by researchers at the University of California and the National Institute of Health also found that multiracial teens were more likely to suffer from depression and substance abuse.  Executive Director of MAVIN Foundation, a national non-profit that works on behalf of multiracial people, Anne Katahira Sims said, “SB 1615 is a well thought out and balanced bill that gives multiracial Californians the right to self-identify their unique cultural heritage. We hope that it serves as a model for legislation for other states.”  SB 1615 is supported by a broad coalition of multiracial, civil rights, health, cultural, religious and professional organizations. The measure now moves to the State Senate Appropriations Committee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Alfredo Padilla, MAVIN Foundation (206) 240-5800
Jungmiwha Bullock, AMEA - Association of MultiEthnic Americans (410) 908-5869
Walter Garcia Kawamoto, Florin Japanese American Citizens League, (916) 925-4217
Sarah Mason, Office of Senator Simitian (916) 651-4011

Korean Film Council

The Korean Film Council http://www.koreanfilm.or.kr/  has announced the launch of its inaugural KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab, a major initiative to nurture and encourage emerging Korean American filmmakers to bring their stories to the screen. They're seeking applicants from the United States and Canada with a view to realizing projects that can find audience appeal in both Korea and North America. The Lab will be held in Hawaii in early September, in partnership with the Academy for Creative Media http://www.hawaii.edu/acm  at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Info on the KOFIC Filmmakers Development Lab, and how to apply is available online at www.koreanfilm.or.kr  and www.hawaii.edu/acm   The deadline is May 31st

Adoptive Families Photo Contest

Give Us Your Best Shot! In AF's First Annual Photo Contest, sponsored by Sears Portrait Studio, we're looking for the sharpest, sweetest, and all-around best portraits and candid photos of your children!  Grand prize winners chosen from candid and formal categories will win digital camera suites, deluxe photography packages from Sears Portrait Studios, and other prizes.

You can upload or mail your photos to AF, OR you can go to any Sears Portrait Studio (find the closest one at www.searsportrait.com) to have a Sears portrait taken and submitted or a personal photo scanned for submission.  Visit AF's Photo Contest Web page to print an entry form and to learn more. http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/photocontest/ 

Verizon APEX East Coast Scholarship Program - Applications Due May 15

The New York Chapter of Verizon's Employee Resource Group APEX (Asian Pacific Employees for eXcellence) is offering five $1000 scholarships for high school students entering college for the 2005-2006 academic year.  Award Amount: Five tuition scholarships, $1,000 each one time scholarships to a qualified senior in APEX's member states (NY, NJ, CT, PA, DE, MD, VA, WV states and DC.)

Distribution Method: A check will be sent directly to the college or university to assist the award recipient with enrollment expenses.

Selection Criteria To Be Considered
Must be a full-time student. Extracurricular/Community Service: Should have participated in school clubs or community. Leadership: Show leadership either in their extra curricular activities or in winning awards. One letter of recommendation: Must provide letter of recommendation from someone who has personal knowledge of the student such as a teacher or student advisor. An essay or a personal statement that may discuss the applicant’s interest or reasons for applying this scholarship.

Application Materials
Completed Scholarship Application (click here to download) Official school transcript Essay or personal statement (12 point font and double spaced) Any other materials applicant would like to include to show extracurricular involvement, leadership, or special qualification. Due Date: Postmark by May 15, 2006 Send above materials to:

Email applications to APEX.NY@verizon.com  or
mail applications to:
APEX
College Scholarship Committee
140 West St, 11 Floor Room 1105
New York, NY 10007
Sponsored by: APEX New York, 1095 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. APEX.NY@verizon.com 

EVENTS

Angry Little Asian Girl - Edmonds, WA - May 10, 2006

Lela Lee: Author of the comic strip, Angry Little Asian Girl.
Wednesday, May 10, 2006, 7:30 p.m.
Edmonds Community College www.edcc.edu/boxoffice  (425) 640-1313

Talking to Children About Adoption - Glen Rock, NJ - May 10, 2006

All Saints Church & Families with Children from China of Greater NY present:

Amanda Baden:Talking to your children about Adoption, from Toddler to Teen Wednesday, May 10, 2006 7pm - 9pm All Saints Church, 40 Central Ave in Glen Rock, NJ  This meeting is for adults only.

Admission to this event is FREE but registration is required. Please register with Robin Huisking by e-mail: rhuisking@optonline.net  or calling @ 201-493-1465.

On Wednesday, May 10, 2006 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., FCCNY and All Saints Church located at 40 Central Ave in Glen Rock, NJ are holding an outreach event with Amanda Baden, PhD.: Talking to your children about Adoption, from Toddler to Teen. Amanda Baden, PhD. is a counseling psychologist and an Assistant Professor of Counselor Education at Montclair State University. Additionally, she has a private practice dealing with international and transracial adoption.

This event would be a 2 hour interactive lecture on talking to your children about adoption. The session will walk though a child’s development from early childhood to the teenage years. Discussion will include issues which can arise at each stage of development as well as appropriate communication styles for that given stage of development. For families who have either grown or plan to grow through adoption, this is a great forum to learn techniques for communication styles to leverage with their children throughout their childhood.

The cost of this event is supported by donations through All Saints Outreach Program and is therefore free to all who attend. Space is limited, and therefore registration will be required. Please register either by e-mail: rhuisking@optonline.net  or calling Robin Huisking @ 201-493-1465. This is an adult forum only. Doors will be open at 6:30 p.m and the session will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Adoption Conference - Albany, NY - May 11-13, 2006

Please join us at the Albany Marriott, May 11-13, for our 17th annual statewide conference, "Adoption 2006: There's No Place Like Home." The speakers are wonderful, the topics important and timely, and the opportunity to meet with adoptive and foster parents, agency professionals, state administrators, and other advocates from throughout the state is not to be missed! The full conference brochure is at http://www.nysccc.org/Conferences/2006Conf/2006ConfBrochure.pdf .

Film Festival - Davis, CA -  Through May 13, 2006

Asian American film festival at U.C. Davis will present the following films:

THURSDAY, MAY 11
TURTLES CAN FLY 2004 | 98 minutes | Bahman Ghobadi Written, directed and produced by Bahman Ghodabi, "Turtles Can Fly" is the third film by the internationally acclaimed filmmaker. Set in his native Kurdistan just before the American invasion of Iraq and using a cast of local non-actor children, Ghodabi presents the reality of refugees' lives in a remarkably uplifting way. Amidst the violence and tragedy, the hearts and humor of children are an indisputable power. www.ifcfilms.com 
Preceded by: Chinatown Post 9/11 (Short Film) Cynthia Lin music video All Roads Lead to Here (Music Video)

FRIDAY, MAY 12
SAVING FACE 2004 | 91minutes | Directed by Alice Wu This romantic comedy depicts the story of one Chinese American woman whose life is a juggling act between a promising career as a surgeon and her responsibilities as a dutiful daughter. When her carefully separated worlds collide, she finds herself forced to find a husband for her pregnant mother as well as having to choose between breaking a cycle of keeping up appearances or risk losing the girl she loves. In the process, she finally learns to understand her mother's heart, which ultimately allows her to understand her own. Saving Face is the story of unspoken loves, contemporary and cultural taboos, and the journey of two women towards living their lives honestly. www.sonyclassics.com/savingface 

Films will be shown in Chemistry 194 at U.C. Davis.   More information at http://aaafilm.org 

New Beginnings Adoption Conference - Mineola, NY - May 13, 2006

On Saturday, May 13 we will be hosting our 4th Annual Adoption Conference at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The key note speaker will be Dr. Christopher Deeg and there will be 20 workshops and seminars offered. For more information, please call 516-747-2204 or visit our website at www.new-beginnings.org .

Adult Korean Adoptee to Speak - Lancaster, PA - May 16, 2006

 (Gathering International Families Through Adoption) -- On Tuesday evening, May 16, Dan Kurtz, an adult Korean adoptee will join [GIFT members and guests] and speak to the group. Dan was adopted as an infant and raised in Lancaster County. At age 19, Dan returned to Korea on a homeland tour with other adoptees and subsequently spent 2 years teaching English in a Korean elementary school. Dan is looking forward to meeting other adoptive families and sharing his adoption story and experiences. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!

For more details, contact giftgroup@epix.net .

Celebration at the Capitol - Lansing, MI - May 16, 2006

We are delighted to announce of keynote speaker for the 4th Annual Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the Capitol!

This year’s keynote speaker is Ms. Angi Ma Wong, an award-winning entrepreneur and best-selling author, wife, mother, cancer survivor and Rotarian who coined the term "intercultural consultant." She founded her business in 1989, with the goal of bridging cultures to create understanding, peace and prosperity. We are so excited for Ms. Wong to join us in Lansing! Ms. Wong will be available to for a book-signing on May 16.  Visit her website at http://www.fengshuilady.com/  to learn more.

This year's event will take place on Tuesday, May 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the State Capitol in Lansing. In addition to Ms. Wong's keynote address, the program for the day includes a an Asian cuisine sampling, a cultural celebration, and traditional Asian art demonstrations.

The event is free and open to the public. If you have further questions, please feel free to call my office at (517) 373-0852. We look forward to seeing you on May 16th!

Celebrasian - Des Moines, IA - May 13, 2006

2006 Asian Heritage Festival Saturday, May 13, 2006 10 a.m.To 7 p.m. Des Moines Water Works

Showcasing cultural diversity through arts and crafts, clothing, entertainment, and food representative of the Asian communities. Providing direct interactions and educational materials on social, cultural, historical and geographical significance of the Asian communities. Facilitating business networking and promotional opportunities to the emerging Asian American market and workforce.  For information Email info@celebrasian.org or call 515-309-6047

Heritage Month Celebration at the Capitol - Lansing, MI - May 16, 2006

Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 16, 2006 for the 4th Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the Capitol! The event will be held in Lansing at an indoor venue. Details will be forthcoming, but plan for an educational and entertaining day in Michigan's beautiful Capitol City! As always, the event is free and open to the public. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (517) 373-0852.
Regards, Hoon-Yung Hopgood State Representative 22nd District

New Korean Music - San Francisco, CA - May 18, 2006

"All the Noises in the World" New Korean Music Thursday, May 18 7:00 pm
Asian Art Museum, Samsung Hall

Korean ensemble Jeong Ga Ak Hoe presents a rich mix of traditional Korean and contemporary music. This evening marks the premiere of Hyoshin Na's new composition "All the Noises in the World" which was inspired by a Native American story of the same name.

AAC/PACER Conference - Sausalito, CA - May 20, 2006

The American Adoption Congress (AAC) and the Post Adoption Center for Education and Research (PACER) present:
THE CHANGING PICTURE OF ADOPTION:Voices of Adoptees, Birth Parents, and Adoptive Parents

Saturday, May 20, 2006 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Headlands Institute* Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Building 1033 Sausalito, CA 94965

This one day conference features keynote speaker, Jean Strauss, filmmaker and author of Beneath the Tall Trees, and Birthright. Three workshops will illustrate the changing picture of adoption by creating a safe opportunity for adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees to voice their unique perspectives in one setting:

1) Yes, We Can Talk About It - Triad members answer questions we need to ask. 2) All In the Family of Open and Closed Adoption - Two families delve into the real-life experiences and challenges of open and closed adoption. 3) What Did You Say? A frank conversation about the impact of adoption language.

Is our conference for you? We have created our content for adoption professionals, reform advocates, counselors, psychotherapists, adult adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents.

* Note: The Headlands Institute (map: www.hiconferencecenter.com/maps.html), overlooking the Pacific Ocean, lacks handicap and wheel chair access. We offer our sincerest apologies.

Conference fees include coffee/breakfast pastries and a box lunch/beverages.
General: $85 PACER and AAC members: $70 Students: $50
Registration after May 6: add $15. Cancellation after May 6: $15 fee.

Ta-ri Cooking Class - New Cumberland, PA - May 20, 2006

10-12:00 Noon This month's cooking class highlights a different kind of cuisine ... host Kellie Argot will teach participants to make French toast, crepes, and other yummy brunch foods. While our usual focus and all our previous classes have been on the making of Korean food, this class targets those who are trying to learn more about "American" cuisine. The class will be taught in English and written recipes provided. We are hoping to have a translator on hand if available and needed.

Contact Ta-ri at info@ta-ri.org  if you are interested in signing up for this class and/or volunteering to serve as a translator. Register early ... we have a limited number of spaces!

Korean Ceramics Exhibit - San Francisco, CA - through May 21, 2006

From the Fire: Contemporary Korean Ceramics
March 24–May 21, 2006
Featuring more than 90 artworks by 54 artists, this exhibition is the largest survey ever to come to North America of Korea's finest contemporary ceramics. The objects on view combine traditional techniques with new influences and innovative methods to create both functional and sculptural works, expanding on the adventurous spirit of Korea's 5,000-year old ceramic tradition. The exhibition takes the viewer on a journey through the past to the present, reflecting on the mountainous, rugged landscape of Korea to produce abstract geometric shapes of bold color and fresh designs. http://www.asianart.org/upcomingexhibitions.htm#Fire 

Mixed Heritage Week - Davis, CA - May 23 through May 27, 2006

The 1st Annual UC Davis Mixed Heritage Week "A Multitude of Descent" May 23-27

Mixed Heritage Week seeks to empower UC Davis community members of mixed racial/ethnic descent as well as educate the greater campus community on the complexity of ethnic/racial identity in contemporary society. Through the voices and experiences of mixed people, Mixed Heritage Week will provide an opportunity to critically dialogue about the social construction of race and racism in America.

Monday, May 23 Mixed Heritage Week Kick Off: MOSAIC Picture Project and Slam Poetry.12pm on the MU Patio Mavin Foundation Bone Marrow Drive: 11:30am-2pm on the MU Patio Grub 'n' Chat: Community Dialogue: 5pm-7pm in the De Carli Room, MU

Tuesday, May 24 Mixed Race Symposium: 12pm-1:30 in 3201 Hart Hall

Wednesday, May 25 Anomaly, a documentary: Race and Multiracial Identity in Contemporary America: 7pm-9pm in 194 Young Hall Mavin Foundation Bone Marrow Drive: 11:30am-2pm on the MU Patio

Thursday, May 26 Break it down 'n' Build it up! Census 2000 and 'Check all that Apply' 12:30pm-2pm in the Smith Room, MU Mixed Media: Images of Multi-ethnic Womyn in the Media: 5pm-7pm in the Smith Room, MU

Friday, May 27 Embracing Multi-racial, Multi-ethnic Identity: 1pm-3pm in the Fielder Room, MU

Look for the MOSAIC table throughout the week for T-shirts and Buttons!  All Events are FREE and open to the public.
For more information e-mail dtluna@ucdavis.edu  or call the Cross Cultural Center at 752-4287.

Amy Anderson Performances through May:

Sun, April at 7pm Token The Comedy Union 5040 W Pico Blvd Los Angeles CA 90019 Be one of the first to see May May Ali's (yes, the boxer's daughter) original multi-cultural comedy show! For reservations email: Maryum7@aol.com or call 323. 934. 6642

Thurs, April 20 at 8pm Joker's Comedy Club The Commerce Casino 6131 Telegraph Rd Commerce CA 90040 Reservations: 323. 934. 6642

Thurs, April 27 at 8pm Hot Tamales Live The Comedy Store - Main Room 8433 W Sunset Blvd West Hollywood CA 90069 Reservations: 323.656.6225

Saturday, May 27 at 8pm and 10pm The Purple Onion 140 Columbus Ave San Francisco CA 94133 This is an all APA comedy show sponsored by Asian Week in celebration of APA Heritage Month... and it's FREE! I will be performing in both shows and they will sell out quickly! Call Stephanie Pellegrine at Asian Week for Info: 415.321.5882

Lana Noone's "Global Mom" programs through May:

Please contact Lana Noone at: Lana@Vietnambabylift.org  for complete details:

April 18, 2006, 12:30 PM East Meadow Public Library East Meadow, New York
April 20, 2006, 2:00 PM Glen Cove Public Library Glen Cove, New York
April 21, 2006, 2:00 PM Port Washington Public Library Port Washington, New York
May 3, 2006, Time TBA, Adelphi University Garden City, New York
May 18, 2006, 2:00 PM Heights-Hill Community Center, Brooklyn Heights, New York
May 19, 2006, 1:15 PM Jamaica Estates Womens Club Jamaica Estates, New York
May 21, 2006  2:00 PM Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library Hyde Park, New York

Korean Culture Festival - Ballwin, MO - May 30, 2006

Come and see the Korean traditional wedding ceremony and taste Korean foods at Castlewood State Park, 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd., Ballwin, MO 63021, sponsored by Korean-American Association.  For information - 636-230-7000 or kaasjoo@hotmail.com 

Korean Focus Metro DC Program for Waiting and New Families

Korean Focus Metro DC Program for Waiting and New Families: Bringing Korean Culture into Your Family

Korean Focus of Metro DC invites new families and those waiting for the arrival of their children from Korea to join adoptive parents of older Korean children to learn about the particular needs of adopted Korean children and the many resources in the metropolitan DC area that are available to help meet them. This program is designed to provide lots of time for discussion, so bring your questions and concerns, and enjoy the opportunity discuss them with others. It will also be a good way to meet other families.

Although new and waiting families are the focus of this program, anyone who would like to get some new ideas for bringing Korean culture into their family or in sustaining it is welcome!

Date: Thursday June 8
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Falls Church Community Center
223 Little Falls Street
Falls Church, VA 22046

Please R.S.V.P to Margie Perscheid (mperscheid@cox.net  or 703-799-4945). Contact Margie with questions or if additional information is needed.

Directions: Falls Church Community Center is at 223 Little Falls Rd., Falls Church, VA, between Park Ave. and Great Falls St., near the intersection of Broad St. (Route 7) and Lee Highway.

From Arlington and DC: Lee Highway to Great Falls St. (just before Rt. 7 Broad St.), right on Great Falls St., left on Little Falls Rd. to FCCC.

From Tysons Corner: Route 7 to Falls Church where it becomes Broad St., left on Little Falls Rd. to FCCC.

Korean Cultural Picnic - Chicago, IL - June 10, 2006

29th Annual Korean Cultural Picnic Saturday June 10, 2006
Come celebrate your Korean heritage!
Chicago Arirang Lions Club is hosting their annual cultural picnic for Korean American Adoptees, family, and friends. Come for the Bulgogi and Kimchee; stay for the Korean folk dances, music, and games.
Saturday June 10, 2006 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. rain or shine
Blue Star Memorial Woods Glenview, IL
For more information, call C.A.L.C. at (847) 470-9960

Blue Star Memorial Woods is owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District and located just South of Lake Ave. and 0.3 miles West of Harms Rd. in Glenview. Located on the South side of Lake Ave. between the Eden's Expressway (I-94) to the East and Waukegan Rd. (IL route 43) to the West.

MAVIN - Seattle, WA - June 23 through 26, 2006

MAVIN Foundation - 3rd Annual Mixed Heritage Student Leadership Retreat
June 23 - 26, 2006, Seattle, Washington Any student or person aged 16 years or older is invited to apply. There will be a $75 registration fee for participants. See www.mavinfoundation.org for more information.

Summer Intensives - Cape Cod, MA - July 9 through July 12, 2006

21st Annual ARCheology Summer Intensives on Adoption and Complex Blended Families

Searching For Self: How the search—and the story—heals
Each presenter will tell one story that will illuminate, teach, humor, honor, and heal. All will look at the personal search that is a part of building your ‘self’ as a parent (birth, adoptive, foster, step); as an adopted person (legal adoption or emotional adoption); and/or as a professional who comes in contact with the mythic search that people take in finding themselves and their families.

For both Session I and Session II attendees. This event will raise funds for the Arts and Adoption work at CFFC. Registration for Session II will be at both 6:00pm, prior to the performance, and at 8:00am on Tuesday, July 11. Please contact CFFC to reserve space in advance as this event is open to the public as well.

General Information
Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao is the Founder and CEO of both Adoption Resource Center (ARC) and Center For Family Connections (CFFC). ARC was founded in 1973. The ARC Summer Intensives, which began in 1985 and are held in Provincetown, MA, are based on Dr. Pavao’s Normative Crises in the Development of the Adoptive Family framework, her years of clinical experience, and her consulting and training expertise. The Intensives utilize family systems theory, which is the basis of Dr. Pavao’s work.  Cambridge-based CFFC was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1995 and has a satellite office in New York City. CFFC provides training, education, advocacy, and counseling for individuals and families touched by adoption, foster care, kinship care, guardianship, and all other forms of complex blended families. For more information on CFFC and its services, please see www.kinnect.org .

Presenters at this year’s ARC include: Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao, Dr. Lisa Albers, Fr. Tom Brosnan, Susan Soon Keum Cox, Rev. Katie Lee Crane, Jill Crozier, Dr. Joseph Crumbley, Sue Harris, Dr. B J Lifton, Phyllis Lowinger, Dr. Gerald Mallon, Anne Barry Jolles, Penny Callan Partridge, Justin Pasquarello, Lynda Sturner, Ada White, David Zoffoli, and more (Presenters subject to change)

Fee Structure and Guidelines
Fee for Session I or Session II $350 early registration (pre-June 1, 2006) $375 late registration (post-June 1, 2006) $275 repeat attendees (early or late registration)  Fee for both Sessions I and II $650 early registration (pre-June 1, 2006) $700 late registration (post-June 1, 2006) $500 repeat attendees (early or late registration)

~ Payment is non-refundable. ~ Register as soon as possible, space is limited. ~ Social Work, LMFT, and LMHC CEUs have been applied for and, once approved, will be available for an additional $35/Session. ~ Limited partial scholarships are available (scholarships do not apply CEUs). There will be a waitlist for scholarships and they will be awarded after June 1, 2006. ~ Presenters and videos are subject to change. ~ Accommodation information and directions are available upon registration. ~ Updates and further information about special events is available upon registration, on our website www.kinnect.org , or through contacting Caitlin Fitz Gerald caitlinf@kinnect.org .

Korean Summer Day Camp - Ballwin, MO - July 10 through July 15, 2006

at Worldways Children's Museum

Through a fun-filled camp format, children learn about Korean life, language, culture, history, songs, games, crafts, TaeKwonDo and pop culture to gain a basic understanding of their rich Korean heritage.

The Camp focuses on the first steps in building cultural understanding: raising awareness and sparking interest. Programs and activities build on the familiar to invite children to make and reflect on personally meaningful comparisons. A wide variety of experiences offer multiple opportunities to discover similarities with their own life that help build positive, personal connections.

The Camp is organized by the Korean-American Association of St. Louis. The KAAstl is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)3 organization that is dedicated to the promotion of awareness, understanding and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. Call (636) 230-7000 or email kaasjoo@hotmail.com  for registration. 

WACAP Kids Day Annual Picnic - Seattle, WA - July 15, 2006

WACAP Kids Day Annual Picnic
Saturday, July 15, 2006
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Seward Park, Seattle, Wash.
(206) 575-4550 - WACAP

FUSION Program Summer Camp 2006 - Oakland, CA - July 24 through August 4, 2006

The 2-week summer day camp is open to all youth ages 7-12 with a particular focus on children who come from more than one cultural and/or racial community experience. FUSION offers a fun and supportive environment where youth can share, explore, and celebrate the richness and complexity of mixed heritage.

The program facilitates self-discovery through creative and interactive activities such as visual and performance art, outdoor education, community service-learning, field trips, and student leadership activities. We recognize that mixed heritage families have various experiences of their identities; thus, our goal is to support children and their families to explore and share in this process.

Learn more and register online at http://www.fusionprogram.org/index.htm 

Pact Camp 2006 - Loma Mar, CA - July 30 through August 4, 2006

Pact is thrilled to announce its five-day gathering this coming summer at Redwood Glen in the Santa Cruz mountains. The theme for this year's family camp is "Telling Our Stories." We've planned an exciting program that includes art, writing and film.

Pact Family Camp brings together adoptive families of color to share their experiences, learn from experts and each other, and enjoy each other's company. We hope you will join us.  Register for the camp at http://www.pactadopt.org/events/camp06.html 

Song of Korea Exhibit - Ballwin, MO - Opens September 30, 2006

Come and see how Korean children pass tradition on from generation to generation through music. Explore tools and materials that are used to create the drums that make ancient samulnori rhythms come to life. Make some music of your own.   World Ways Museum, 15479 Clayton Road Ballwin, MO 63011 (3 miles west of Hwy. 141 in the Claymont Center) Ph:(636) 207-7008 Office:(636) 207-7405; Fax: (636) 207-7407;  http://www.worldways.org/Exhibits.htm 

Asian Culture Camp - Cape Cod, MA - September 29 through October 1, 2006

Sponsored by The Asian Culture Society of Cape Cod September 29-October 1, 2006
Register now for our fifth annual week-end of strengthening and celebrating our Asian community at Camp Burgess, a beautiful retreat center in the pine woods of Cape Cod.

Participate in cultural activities such as dance, arts and crafts, evening Moon Festival and much more! Families can choose from a variety of events for various age groups. Enjoy traditional camp activities such as swimming, canoeing, high ropes course, archery and an evening campfire.

Arrival time: Friday 5:00 p.m. Departure time: Sunday 4:00 p.m.  Cost includes two nights camp style lodging, food, camp activities and special programs. Fees are $150 per person. Children under 2 free  Visit the website at http://www.asiancamp.org/registration.htm 

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