LOS ANGELES, US – Charity: Part III of A Mexican Trilogy is the third play (but the second produced) of the trilogy of the epic story of several generations of a Mexican-American family impacted by inspirational figures (FDR, JFK, John Paul II). Latino Theater Company’s Artistic Director, Jose Luis Valenzuela, and its playwright-in-residence, Evelina Fernandez re-teams for this story.

Mexico’s biggest star of stage, Ofelia Medina portrays the matriarch of the Garcia family, born at the end of the Nineteenth Century, before the Mexican Revolution. She steadfastly refuses to die, insisting that she goes on living to protect her family.

It’s 2005, and the family intermittently watches news reports of the death of Pope John Paul II. They have varied responses to the Catholic Church. They’re stricken with grief over the loss of young Emiliano in the War on Iraq. Actually, he’s not quite gone. His ghost frequently visits the family matriarch.

The Garcias’ routine is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a cousin from Mexico, Juan Francisco (“Frankie”). His aunt Gina is not comfortable with his presence, but he soon gets a job from a gay family friend working in a salon. Frankie believes in what the U.S. represents, and he will make choices that will put him on the road to U.S. citizenship.

Other than Ofelia Medina—one of Mexico’s biggest stars of stage, screen and television — the moving story of the Garcia family stars Esperanza America Ibarra, lauded by the Los Angeles Times (1/4/12) as one of the city’s finest actresses; Rudy Ramos; Evelina Fernandez; Sal Lopez; Geoffrey Rivas; Lucy Rodriguez; Sam Golzari and Jonathan William Cruz.

Presented primarily in English, “Charity: Part III of a Mexican Trilogy” will make its world premier on May 11, 2012 at Los Angeles Theatre Center. The Garcia family is one that hopes, dreams, argues, bickers, but above all, loves each other. It’s a family much, perhaps, like your own.

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World-renowned cellist, Yo-Yo Ma, has performed at the Oscars, Grammy’s, Olympics, and now most recently, the State University of New York at Fredonia. The Paris native who was born to Chinese parents boasts an impressive resume with his cello, from playing in front of John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower when he was just seven to honoring his late friend, Steve Jobs, at a memorial this past October.

Releasing 75 records, holding 16 Grammy awards, a National Medal of the Arts, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award, and the appointed Culture Connect Ambassador by the Department of the State, Yo-Yo Ma is one of the most famous and influential musicians that Fredonia has ever had perform.

Ma traveled to the campus of just about 5,000 students on December 7 to sit in and offer advice to students in the School of Music. He took the stage the following night in King Concert Hall with the College Symphony Orchestra, consisting of about 100 students, and their music director, David Ruge. The concert, also serving as a scholarship benefit, was sold out in a matter of two hours when tickets went on sale back in May for the 1.145 seating venue.

Ma walked out onto the stage with his 1733 Montagnana cello and a broad smile to thunderous applause, shouting, and whistling from every spectator. His friendliness is as impressive as his musical talent. Ma stopped to shake hands and exchange greetings with fellow musicians. When he did sit down as the soloist for the College Symphony Orchestra to play Antonin Dvorak’s “Cello Concerto in B Minor,” nobody made a sound.

Yo-Yo Ma’s classical experience, as well as enthusiasm for music, was blatantly shown as he flawlessly played. Where musicians today merely follow the notes off a sheet and lack emotion or feeling, Ma does not. It seems as though he acts out the music when he plays his cello, creating a connection with the audience.

The cellist repeatedly watched the students nearest to him when he was not playing, with an appreciative and approving smile. Ma finished to a standing ovation and quickly came back out for an encore. Ma seemed extremely excited and happy on the stage, exchanging hugs with the conductor, Ruge, and students. He even offered his bouquet of roses to a nearby violinist. She graciously accepted.

Later this month, Ma will be one of the five individuals to receive the 2011 Kennedy Center Honors, an award for a lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts, presented by President Obama. The event will air December 27 on CBS.

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On the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps foundation, we look back at a public service movement whose more than 8,600 volunteers are currently sharing the knowledge and inspiration of the American people in 77 countries worldwide. The Peace Corps volunteers have made a difference in local communities for half a century, working as community leaders, teachers and mentors.

In light of this anniversary, the United States will honor over 200,000 Americans who have served in 139 countries as well as thank the countries who have welcomed the Peace Corp volunteers into their communities, allowing the organization to carry out its works.

March 1, 1961 – President John F. Kennedy signs off on the launch of a pilot program which the newly elected President has named the Peace Corps. Its goal is to help interested countries develop the skills of their nations men and women as well as increase the mutual understanding between the American people and the people they serve. Sargent Shriver becomes the program’s first director.

In his inaugural address, President Kennedy said — “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

June 30, 1962 – Volunteers commence programs in a total of 28 countries, including Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ecuador, Iran, Nepal and Thailand.

June 1966 – Since the programs official authorization in September 1961, just five years prior, the number of volunteers increased to 15,000 which is the organization’s largest number to date.

1971 – Along with several other programs including the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the Peace Corps is sectioned under a new federal volunteer agency called ACTION by President Nixon.

1977 – President Carter appoints Carolyn Robertson Payton to be the first female and first African American Peace Corps director.

1979 – After a period under the umbrella agency ACTION, the Peace Corps was made fully autonomous under orders of President Jimmy Carter, a status which is secured by 1981, making the organization an independent federal agency.

1985 – For the first time in Peace Corps history, there are more women answering the call than men — a trend that continues until today.

1989 – The website Peace Corps Writers is established as a newsletter for an about Peace Corps volunteers with an interest in sharing their experiences. The site later moved to peacecorpsworldwide.org where writers provide both personal and professional resources to returning volunteers and newcomers.

October 7, 1993 – Carol Bellamy becomes the fist Returned Peace Corps Volunteer to serve as director of the agency.

1997 – South Africa receives 33 Peace Corps volunteers who will work with teachers in the post-apartheid country.

September 11, 2001 – President George W. Bush pledges to double the size of the organization within five years in response to the growing anti-US sentiment around the Middle East.

2005 – For the first time, Peace Corp volunteers served individuals in the United States. They assisted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

2009 – Peace Corp volunteers focus efforts in Rwanda, teaching HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention classes.

Dec 18, 2009 – The Peace Corp launches a digital library where current and former Peace Corp members can share stories about their experiences.

2010 – Peace Corps re-opens programs in Colombia, Indonesia, and Sierra Leone and surpasses the 200,000 mark in total Americans who have served as Peace Corps Volunteers.

Various anniversary events will take place to celebrate Peace Corps and all its accomplishments.

Image Courtesy of  http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/

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