As many of you know, NABO is starting 2013 with the passing of the facilitator baton. John Ysursa has decided to move on and I am the fortunate one who was chosen as his successor. Leaving a void that is way too big for one person to fill, I have asked Lisa Corcostegui to assist me on the web and IT issues.  To my delight, and great relief, she agreed to come along on this journey.  We will do our best to fill his shoes and owe him a great debt of gratitude.

I want to thank all of you for your confidence in me in this position as well as thank Lisa for her invaluable assistance.

We are taking advantage of this first issue of Astero to introduce ourselves as well as acknowledge Vanessa Manjarrez on being this year’s Rose Queen.  Zorionak!

Kate Camino - NABO Facilitator

I am originally from Buffalo, Wyoming, born of Basque parents from Arnegi Behe Nafarroa.  I first became involved in NABO in 1991 as Buffalo’s Big Horn Basque club’s NABO delegate.  While part of Buffalo’s club’s board, I was involved in the organization of the 1995 NABO convention as well as a Hall of Fame for the Society of Basque Studies in America in 1997 honoring KBBS and the Basque Program, and also served as the club’s dance director. 

I moved to Reno in 1997 and became part of the Zazpiak Bat Basque club’s board shortly after, as its secretary and then subsequently its president. I have served as Reno’s club president for two terms and also served as the club’s dance instructor for 10 years.  During my time in Reno we have organized two NABO conventions, that of 1999 and 2009, both during my tenures as president. 

I have directed four Udalekus both in Buffalo and Reno.  When the Center for Basque Studies joined NABO in 2001, I was named its delegate and have served in that capacity since.  I was also appointed Udaleku co-chair by President Valerie Arrechea when she was elected. 

I have been fortunate to have been chosen to participate in the Basque Government’s World Congress of Basque Collectivities in 1999, as well as in a special Gaztemundu program in 2002 for dance instructors.  I was also honored at the 2011 NABO convention in Buffalo as recipient, along with Martin Goikoetxea, of NABO’s Bizi Emankorra Award. 

Needless to say, my involvement with NABO has provided me with many once in a lifetime experiences for which I am very grateful.  I will strive to fill the shoes of John Ysursa, not an easy task, and thank you all again for the confidence you have in me to do so.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank John for a job well done, and for his commitment not only to NABO, but also to the perpetuation of the Basque culture in the US everywhere he has found himself, Boise, Chino and all points in between. 

Lisa Corcostegui - Webmaster

I have lived in Reno for many years but have remained active in Ontario Basque Club in my hometown of Ontario, Oregon.  I have served as a NABO delegate for Ontario since 2002.  I have served two terms as club president and two as vice-president.  In addition to NABO delegate, I currently serve as the club’s first Coordinator of Cultural and Educational Activities. I created Ontario Basque Club's web site in 2001.

I first became involved in NABO in 1993 as dance and culture instructor at Udaleku (then called Music Camp) upon the invitation of John Ysursa.  Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with many talented and dedicated individuals and get to know so many outstanding young attendees at other Udalekus as well (nine in all).  I also served as an instructor of the Reno Zazpiak Bat dance group from 1990-1995. I have served as a delegate representing NABO at the Basque Government’s World Congress of Basque Collectivities in 2007 and attended the World Congress in 2003 in which I presented that year’s NABO delegates.  I was fortunate to have been chosen to attend the 2002 Gaztemundu program for Dance Instructors, as well as the 2003 Gaztemundu program for leadership.

I created my first web sites when I was a student in UNR’s Basque Tutorial Ph.D. Program and subsequently served as webmaster for the Center for Basque Studies for a time.  Currently I am the webmaster for several sites and enjoy learning and updating my skill set.    I too thank John for his service and commitment to NABO as well as his assistance during the transition.  I thank Kate for choosing me as  NABO webmaster  and I look forward to working with her in my new role and to serving you, the users of nabasque.eus.  

During a transition period that begins now, you will not notice major changes to the site, but work is happening behind the scenes.  We will keep you informed as to a date for the relaunch. 

 

Vanessa Manjarrez: Rose Queen