Astero
2015 NABO Convention
As we reported last week, NABO held its annual convention meeting last Friday, July 31st in Boise as part of the Jaialdi festivities. The meeting began with a welcome from Lehendakari Urkullu who stressed the importance of the work done by NABO and its initiatives such as Udaleku, and the Memoria Bizia project.
The meeting then turned towards the business of the day with a warm welcome for Grace 
Mainvil, NABO treasurer who missed the last gathering in Salt Lake City due to health reasons. At Friday's meeting Grace announced that she would be giving up her spot as NABO Treasurer, for her health's sake, a post that she has held for the last 28 years. President, Valerie Arrechea, presented Grace with a token of the group's gratitude and admiration for a job well done, and more importantly as a farewell gift to a very beloved friend.
At lunchtime, the group received another very special visit from Vice-President Mary Gaztambide who has also suffered some health challenges. It was so great to see her among us again, and all present made sure that she and her family realized the support coming to them with much love and prayer. Mary also received a bouquet of flowers from the group.
At the convention meeting President Valerie Arrechea also presented the 2015 Bizi Emankorra Awards. This year's recipients were: Izaskun Kortazar, Joseba Etxarri, Benan Oregi and John Ysursa.
Izaskun Kortazar was nominated for the award for her work as the first NABO Euskera 
Coordinator, her dedication to the preservation of the Basque language in the US, and willingness to help anyone and everyone she could. Izaskun not only taught face-to-face classes in Boise but was also willing to adopt any other individuals who wanted to learn on-line but who didn't have a club to rely on. She also created curriculum for teachers in other clubs as well as worked closely with HABE and Euskera Chair Martin Goicochea to ensure that the NABO Euskera program continued to run smoothly.
The second recipient Joseba Etxarri is very well-known to most thanks to his extensive travel through Basque America. Joseba has not only contributed to NABO by serving as a Euskera/song teacher at numerous Udalekus, but he has also collaborated with many clubs who have hosted NABO conventions working to bring entertainment from the Basque Country, as well as sponsorship in some cases. His main contribution, however, is his website EuskalKultura.com that is dedicated to the dissemination of news by and for the Basques in the Diaspora. His daily bulletin covers news from Basque clubs worldwide in three languages. His tireless work allows us to follow events from the US to Shanghai and back again.
Benan Oregi, technician for the Basque Government's Directorate of the Basque Communities Abroad was nominated for his ongoing support and efforts in favor of the US Basque community. In a time where Basques in the US were maybe over looked due to their lack of political participation in Euskadi, Benan stood fast and supported NABO and its initiatives ensuring that funds would be equally distributed to all, and not just to countries with voting Diasporas. Benan also took his job a step further in creating personal relationships with many individuals in many clubs. Always willing to help with grants, or collaborating in any way possible, Benan is always just a call or email away.
The last recipient of this year's Bizi Emankorra Award is John Ysursa. John has a very long career in NABO beginning with Udaleku and chairing various committees. He is probably better-known for serving as NABO's facilitator for many many years. In that role, John created the website and numerous initiatives from language maintenance, "Got Basque?" to youth involvement, to maintaining the tradition of Basque mass at festivals. John also has collaborated with numerous clubs serving as festival MC in many communities, or teaching dance workshops. John is always willing to serve wherever needed. Our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude go to these four! Zorionak bihotzez!
The day concluded with NABO officer elections. Mayi Petracek, from the Colorado Basque Club, will now be NABO's Treasurer and Valerie Arrechea will continue as President. Zorionak to these ladies too and thank you for your dedication and service to our community!
Kantari Eguna this Saturday
The Mendiko Euskaldun Cluba invites everyone to join them in celebrating their annual picnic and NABO's Kantari Eguna, this Saturday, August 8th. Events will begin at 11am with mass celebrated by Fr. Lastiri, followed by lunch at 1pm. Lunch tickets will be available at the door for $25 for adults and $10 for children under 12. Kantari Eguna will begin at 3pm with Martin Etchamendy again serving as MC. There will also be dance performance by guest dancers from Arnegi and Barkoxe, from the Basque Country, as well as Reno's Zazpiak Bat dancers and Mendiko's own dance group. Children's games will begin at 5pm along with NABO's Txerriki – pork contest. Anyone wishing to compete should bring 5 lbs of homemade lukainka, chorizo or tripota and cooking utensils. BBQs will be made available and everyone is responsible for cooking his/her own entries. Afterwards there will be a public dance starting at 8pm to the music of Jean Pierre and Manuela Etchechury. There is something for all ages, so come join the fun!
Chino Basque Club Accepting Ads for Booklet
The Chino Basque club is again accepting ads for its commemorative booklet for this year's picnic on September 6th. The book will not only contain the schedule of events, but will also feature photos and Basque related articles. If you would like to advertise with them please submit your ad by August 10th. If you would like to rerun an ad from a previous year, please let them know that as well. Checks should be made payable to Chino Basque club. Complete information is available here.
