Item 2. Staff Report — original pdf

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5.7.25 MACC Staff Report – Website - Facebook - Instagram Please share our social media posts, sign up for our newsletter, and check out our upcoming events! Holistic Wellness Programming Past: Guitar Lessons (15+): Tuesdays, starting January 28 @ 3-4:15 George Washington Carver Museum Beg: 3-3:30pm / Inter: 3:45-4:15pm Attendance: Join accomplished musician Mauricio Callejas for guitar lessons for beginners (finger placement, strumming, sight-reading) and intermediate (chord progressions, ear training, reading sheet music) students. Please bring your guitar. All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am. Southeast Library Attendance:32 Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am. Windsor Park Branch Attendance: A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am. Dove Springs Recreation Center Attendance: A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Nourishing Flow: 1st Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm. My Vinyasa Practice- SoCo Studio Attendance: 5 A gentle and restorative yoga class that invites you to reconnect with your body and breath. Through mindful movement, soothing breathwork, and the healing power of sound, we’ll cultivate a deep sense of relaxation Voice/Guitar/Songwriting Lessons Beg/Inter (15+): Mondays @ 4-5pm Windsor Park Library Attendance: 22 Join award winning song-writer Javier Jara for voice, guitar and songwriting lessons. Skills addressed: left and right hand technique, chords, arpeggios, strumming patterns, vocal technique, and songwriting approaches. Please bring your own guitar. Salsa Basics: Saturday, April 12 @ 5-6pm Corazon Latino Dance Studio Attendance: 12 Learn basic steps and body movements that define this popular Latin American dance. No prior experience or partner is needed Refreshments will follow. Women’s Circle (16+) Sunday, Mar 16, Apr 13 & May 11 @ 3:30-5pm The Center for Arts + Healing Attendance: 4 Join us to share in plática (heart-centered conversation), self-care practices, and canto (song). This is a time to connect with others, nurture yourself, and refill your cup under the light of the full moon. Road to Financial Freedom Wednesday, April 16 @ 6-7:30pm Little Walnut Creek Library Attendance: 4 Gain Control of your financial future by chipping away at debt such as credit cards and bills. Taller Abierto: Painting Workshop (15+): 4th Sat of each month @ 2-4pm North Village Branch Library Attendance: 14 Art classes for all levels. Includes exploration of different techniques. All materials provided! Pre- registration required. Community Drumming 4th Sat of each month @ 3:30pm Windsor Park Library Attendance:6 Play drums influenced by West African, Afro-Latin & contemporary styles. Class starts with a movement warm up, then use drums, bells, and shakers to learn basic rhythms and play as a group. Drums provided - feel free to bring your own drum or percussion instrument. Healing Garden Workday Sunday, April 27 @ 9am Inclusive Garden Activity @ 10am Sunset Valley Community Garden Attendance: 15 Volunteers will worked hands-on maintaining the Healing Garden. An inclusive, sensory based garden activity led by Jesus Garcia followed. Upcoming: All-Levels Yoga: Saturdays @ 10:30-11:30am Southeast Library Focuses on body awareness, connection with the breath, with gentle movement, and time for meditation and relaxation. The library has mats to share. Nourishing Flow: 1st Sat of each month @ 1:30-2:30pm My Vinyasa Practice- SoCo Studio A gentle and restorative yoga class that invites you to reconnect with your body and breath. Through mindful movement, soothing breathwork, and the healing power of sound, we’ll cultivate a deep sense of relaxation Women’s Self-defense: Saturday, May 10 @ 2pm – 4pm Austin Women’s Boxing Club We will practice using mixed martial arts techniques from Karate, Jiu Jitsu, and more. You will gain a basic understanding of how to defend yourself using your body Zumba: Saturday, May 10 @ 5pm – 6pm Corazon Latino Dance Studio Bring your mom, mother figure, friend (or yourself) to this high-energy fitness class that combines Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow dance moves! It’s a fun and effective way to get a full-body workout, improve your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. Tortilla Workshop: Sunday, May 11 @ 3pm – 4:30pm •Session 1: 3-3:30pm •Session 2: 4-4:30pm Veracruz All Natural Join us for this all-ages event to learn (or perfect!) your corn tortilla making skills, guided by the wonderful folks of Veracruz All Natural! Light snacks and refreshments will be offered. Chair Yoga: 3rd Friday of each month @ 10am Windsor Park Branch A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities Affirmations to Overcome Perfectionism & Navigate Negative Self-talk (16+): Saturday, May 17 @ 2pm – 4pm Ruiz Library The founders of Sin Miedo Counseling will guide us in understanding the impact of perfectionism and negative self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-talk, using affirmations as tools for healing and self-compassion. Women’s Circle (16+) Sunday, May 11 @ 3:30-5pm Sunset Valley Community Garden Join us to share in plática (heart-centered conversation), self-care practices, and canto (song). This is a time to connect with others, nurture yourself, and refill your cup under the light of the full moon. Chair Yoga: 3rd Wed of each month @ 10am Dove Springs Recreation Center A gentle form of yoga that can be done seated in a chair. These modifications make yoga accessible to people with various physical abilities. Learn to Row 4th Thursday of each month @ 6-7:30pm Austin Rowing Club Join us on Lady Bird Lake to be introduced to sweep rowing (using one oar) in a training barge. Learn rowing stroke basics, how to stay safe on the water and handle the rowing equipment. Expect a fun, beginner friendly, and lively experience. Youth and Family Education Sabados en Familia April’s Sabados en Familia event took place on April 12th at the Pleasant Hill Branch Library, with 12 participants in attendance. The Education team engaged families by reading A Crown for Corina by Laekan Zea Kemp, followed by a fun activity where participants created tissue paper flower crowns. Our final Sabados en Familia of the season will be on May 10th at the Milwood Branch Library. This month, we will feature The Dream Catcher by Marcelo Verdad. Some people dream of perfect waves, fancy castles, or piloting a plane. Others dream of someone to laugh and play with all day long. Some just dream of having a meal for the next day. And little Miguel? As he and Abuelito work in the hot Oaxacan sun, selling cold coconuts and macrame dream catchers to earn a few coins, Miguel has only one simple wish—to have his parents by his side. But how can he keep the faith when the truth is that dreams don’t always come to pass? Participants will create their own Suncatchers to symbolize keeping their dreams alive and vibrant. CIS After School The Education team has concluded its after-school programming for the year. We are grateful to continue our partnership with Communities in Schools, provide afterschool enrichment programs at 4 HACA sites once a week. This month, participants explored topics, including the Axolotls of Xochimilco, stained glass art, and the connection between people and nature on Earth Day. This school year, we had over 600 participants attend CIS after school programs, marking a 20% increase from last year’s participation. Lending Library Additionally, the Lending Library Program team has wrapped up their school year at the Community Recreation Centers. This after-school program reached a total of 16 recreation centers and served over 1,100 participants across the Austin area. Through this program, children were introduced to the ESB- MACC through engaging activities, such as learning about Mesoamerican legends and myths, celebrating Mexican holidays like Independence Day, Día de Los Muertos, and Las Posadas, as well as exploring folk arts like weaving, pottery, and repujado. Participants, ranging from ages 4 to 12, had the opportunity to explore these cultural topics in a fun and hands-on environment. Morning Glories- Waterloo Greenway The Education team collaborated with Waterloo Greenway’s Morning Glories for their spring session. Morning Glories at Waterloo Park is a weekly early childhood education series offering hands-on activities that foster literacy, bilingual storytelling, music, dance, cultural exploration, and nature play. This program ran from April 1st to April 30th, with the ESB-MACC contributing a hands-on activity each week for toddlers and their parents. On Tuesday, April 8th, the Education team hosted a Lucha Libre story time, where they read Sana Sana Colita de Rana by Citlali Reyes and guided children in making their own luchador masks. The event was a great success, with 92 participants in attendance. Día del Niño 4/29/25, 3-6pm, The Thinkery The ESB-MACC education team was a co-host of the The Thinkery Museum's annual Día del Niños event on Tuesday, April 29th, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM alongside partners such as AVANCE, Creative Action, and more. The ESB MACC presented a pop-up karaoke inspired immersive experience celebrating Bad Bunny's new album, Debí Tirar Más Fotos. Incorporating elements of art, culture, and STEM, children and their families got to take home a Polaroid picture that reinforced capturing special moments together against a backdrop that replicated the album cover. This popular activation drew as many as 150 families! Please join us in welcoming two new Teaching Artists to the Education Team: Angelina Flores Angelina is originally from San Antonio, though she has lived in Austin and Houston, and even spent some of her childhood abroad. With a formal background in Art History and Public Policy, she brings a rich blend of academic and practical experience. Angelina has a deep passion for a variety of subjects, including native trees and plants, birding, gardening, community development, and engagement. She is particularly interested in outdoor education and archery, as well as expanding her artistic practice and learning more about indigenous cultures. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is working on launching her own consulting business and is excited to further develop as an artist. Angelina has two wonderful nieces and is also considering adding a dog to her family in the near future. Juan “Paz” Villela Juan, or “Paz” as he is known, was born and raised in San Antonio. He is the leader of a collaborative photography group called MILOJOS, where he organizes exhibitions and events. Paz’s work centers around the power of creative collaboration, and enjoys discussing with fellow artists and organizers to bring new projects to life. While his main passion lies in photography, Paz finds joy in the entire creative process, especially the challenge of shaping exhibitions. He is excited to continue growing his artistic endeavors and contribute to our team’s creative energy. Caminos Teen Leadership Program Caminos Teens have been working on the Pocket Park benches outside of the ESB MACC building and have made progress. They are working hard to complete the benches before the Summer heat. Estimated completion is May 31, 2025! Caminos teens also helped with La Mujer event by providing an information table regarding Caminos, button making and mini canvas paintings. The Caminos class of 2026 application is now open! Learn more and apply at AustinTexas.gov/Caminos. Outreach and Marketing PAST OUTREACH: April 10- Art in the Park, Fiesta Gardens, 78702 April 13- Frida Friday ATX Bidi Bidi BDay Event, Riverside 78741 April 17- Rudy Mendez Rec. Center Easter Egg Hunt, Canterbury St., 78702 April 25- Dia de Ninos at Southeast Branch Library, Dove Springs, 78744 UPCOMING OUTREACH: May 4 Fiesta Reclamada, The Cathedral, 78702 May 18, Ballet Folklorico de Austin at the Long Center, 78704 June 7 Austin Public Library Kids Block Party, 78701 Signature Events La Mujer Saturday, April 26, 12:00-5:00pm Parque Zaragoza Estimated attendance: 250 Photo Gallery- photos by Ulises Garcia Vela The ESB MACC would like to thank the Austin Community for coming out and attending our 14th annual La Mujer event this past Saturday! It was a gorgeous day at the historical site of Parque Zaragoza. We are so grateful to Parque Zaragoza and their staff for letting us host at their center. This event that is for Mujeres by Mujeres featured three of our most prominent Latina Judges who's direct service with community is widely hailed. A stunning performance was given by Afro Latina dance group, Oro dance company and rising Tejana star Stephanie Valenzuela graced us with her powerhouse vocals. Newcomer Diana Lizette Rodriguez hosted a hands on bookbinding class to a full classroom! We had live teatro, pilates, yoga, dance, and interactive children's art making. We thank our staff for engaging so beautifully with the public and their families! Quote from a participant about La Mujer: “There is strength in our community and the events you organize are very much part of that - The Tiarras captured a moment when a little girl came to them and said how she wanted to be like them (not Barbie). As I watched - She looked at all three and smiled - "they look like me" is what her smile validated (powerful latina). I grew up in East Austin and a full circle moment for me as I saw our gente who represented us in entertainment, politics, and familia still present…When we all are representative of the work that goes into such an event - there is no blame or excuse - we must remember that so many before us were challenged at "Parque Zaragoza" likewise those at the MACC are today, let your perseverance and commitment be the skills you deploy to move mountains. You all do great work and we are honored to be part of your history and legacy. Gracias Por Todo.” Thank you goes out to: MACC Advisory Board Members: Roy Reyna, Angelica Navarro, Lily Zamarripa-Saenz, Cy Herrera, Noemi Castro, & Larry Amaro MACC Staff Parque Zaragoza – Billy, Pat, and all Staff Councilmember Vanessa Fuentes Judge Bianca Garcia Judge Denise Hernandez Judge Sandra Avila Ramirez Jenn Saenz Event Volunteers Amigos de Parque Zaragoza Johnston High Alumni TK Tunchez and Frida Friday ATX Kat Talley & Ruben Esquivel Andrea Cortez – Sound Healing Aneika Perez- Yoga Empoderadas Gym- Pilates Diana Lizette Rodriguez Alejandra Mireles & Natalie Hulsey- Austin Equity Office Oro Dance Company- Dance workshop and performance Teatro Vivo and Indigenous Cultures Institute- theater performance DJ Helios Andrea Daniela y Su Sabor Stephanie Valenzuela The Tiarras El Mana Mexican Food Mission Dogs Cinnamon Sugar Awards of Excellence - Saturday, June 28, 2025 Long Center- Kodosky Lounge Save the Date! The ceremony will be approximately 3:00- 5:00pm on 6/28/25. www.AustinTexas.gov/MaccAwards Collaborations Fiesta Reclamada Sunday, May 4th 12-6pm The Cathedral Fiesta Reclamada (Fiesta Reclaimed) celebrates the Fiesta season with contemporary music, dance, and visual arts, providing an authentic taste of Austin’s diverse cultures. The ESB MACC education department is providing hands-on art educational art activities during the event. The musical lineup includes Tish Hinojosa, Patricia Vonne, Lesley Reynaga, Javier Jara, and Samba Linda. The event is sponsored by The Cathedral in collaboration with the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Details on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fiesta-reclamada-tickets-1254621620039