Photos mainly by: Phalatda Taysavang and Joesen Xayavong

The LAS Natasinh Dance Group poses before they go on stage to perform the Classical Candlelight Dance (”Fon Sieng Tian”) at this year’s Asian Cultural Experience (ACE). Left to Right: Anne Keonet, Meiling Arounnarath, Charlotte Nguyen, Arianna Pathammavong, Ladda Inhdara, Noy Ray, Indy Malaythong, Noel Kenemanisoth

Those who portrayed the bride, groom, best man and maid of honor in the traditional Laotian wedding demonstration pose with some honored guests. Left to Right: Joesen Xayavong (best man), Phalatda Taysavang (groom), Ladda Inhdara (bride), Noel Kenemanisoth (maid of honor)

The LAS Natasinh Dance Group poses with their flower candles lit.

The “maw pohn” – or a respected community elder – leads the blessings during the demonstration of a traditional Laotian wedding ceremony. The two ornate pieces in the center are called the “paa khwan,” which carry good spirits and fortune to the newlywed couple’s nuptial bed.

LAS’ display table showcasing historical and cultural Laotian pieces, including the “lanard,” which is a Laotian xylophone, and traditionally patterned scarves.

The LAS organization’s informational desk, which displayed photos and documents recording all our past activities and community involvements, such as the Dance Group performing at the Dragon Boat Race every year and the new K-12 Kids Summer Camp

The beautiful daughters of LAS members, who are also members of the LAS Natasinh Dance Group

LAS Natasinh dance instructor, Kim (Ting) Pathammavong, poses with the Natasinh Dance Group girls.

Classical Candlelight Dance, one of the types of dances originally only allowed to be performed in the Royal Lao Court

Kim (Ting) Pathammavong and LAS member and long-time supporter Phouthone Nguyen pose with the dancers

Arianna Pathammavong performing the Classical Candlelight Dance

Indy Malaythong performing the Classical Candlelight Dance

Noel Kenemanisoth, LAS Secretary, leading the signature move during the Classical Candlelight Dance

3rd Practice:
Sunday, August 29, 2010
1:00 PM Lunch (2:00 PM Boat out on Water!)

(Please arrive early to check in, mingle, and eat!)

Lunch and refreshments is going to be POTLUCK, so please contribute with water, gatorade, chips, papaya salad, fruit, BBQ, etc. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to meet you all!!!

This Year’s Hong Kong Association Dragon Boat Race is:

Saturday, September 11, 2010
7am – 4pm

We are still looking for more rowers and volunteers for this year’s race! In past Dragon Boat races, LAS participation was made possible through generous sponsors and donations to cover the boat entrance fee, and food and drinks for the team, family and friends.  This year, we hope that everyone comes out again for a day of fun in the sun!  Even if you can’t row, we’re always looking for support at the LAS tent, helping with our LAS Natasinh dance team, or preparing the food and drinks.  The LAS team has always been multi-ethnic and open to all who want to participate!

Practice Times:

Sundays leading up to the event at Lake Lanier (Opposite side of the Race Venue/ at the Picnic Areas):

• Sunday August 8, 2PM (Done!)
• Sunday, August 15, 1PM (Done!)
• Sunday August 29, 1PM
• Sunday September 5, 1PM

I know this seems like a lot, but I know some of us might not be able to make a practice or two. I would like to see everyone on the first practice Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 2pm so I can confirm those who will paddle for LAS Naga Fireballs. I don’t want to kill anyone by having too many practices, so we can discuss what we would like to do as a team on the first day of practice. I requested as many days as possible, so we can have these days if we want to utilize the reserved slots. PLEASE forward this email if you have others who will row with us, or simply let them know about our practice dates. I’ll see you all SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2010 AT 2PM. If you have any questions or need to let me know anything, feel free to call me.

Remember, the event is Saturday, September 11, 2010. Let your family and friends know so they can come out to support, eat, drink,  and enjoy the race!

Serichanhto Noel Kenemanisoth
LAS Naga Fireballs Dragon Boat Team Organizer
770-906-7859
secretary@lasga.org

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Directions for the Event and Where we will be Practicing.

Lake Lanier Olympic Venue
3105 Clark’s Bridge Road
Gainesville, Georgia 30506

Site of the 1996 Summer Olympic Canoe, Kayak, & Rowing Events

Take 85North to 985North From 985North, Exit #24 (Gainesville)Take a left off of the exit (Jesse Jewel Parkway)Take a right at Limestone Rd. (The street sign is hidden but you will see a brown sign for Lanier Canoe and Kayak Rowing prior to the road). This will be at the second traffic light.Take a right at Clark’s Bridge Rd. (For reference, it will be the road right after you pass Winn Dixie and a shopping center with Domino’s Pizza on your right-hand side)Continue on Clark’s Bridge Rd. and you will see the lake and the venue on the right-hand side…and the boathouse will be on the left-hand side. You can’t miss it because you will see the Finish Line Tower at on the water’s edge and a huge balloon with a banner advertising the Dragon Boat Races.

NOTE – Travel time from the intersection of 400 and 285 is right at 50 minutes doing the speed limit.

APAC Health Fair on Saturday, 10am-2pm

Clarkston International Bible Church
3895 Church Street
Clarkston, GA 30021
(at the Christian Life Center, which is across from the main church building)

Event Info:

Doctors on site to do check-ups, nurses to do health screenings (glucose test, blood pressure, cholesterol screenings & bone density test), food stamps outreach and education by CPACS; tobacco prevention education by GAAPICC; Boat People SOS (outreach to Vietnamese immigrant community), free haircuts offered by Georgia Beauty School, and CIBC distribution of school supplies to needy children at 2:00 pm. 

Directions:

From the North:  Take I-285 South to Exit 40

    (East Ponce de Leon/Clarkston)

Turn left off of the ramp.

Go to the second traffic light and turn right onto North Indian Creek Drive.

You will go under a railroad overpass.

Take the second left onto Rowland Street.

Go 1 block to the stop sign.  (CIBC/Christian Life Center will be on your left.)

Go through the stop sign – the church parking lot will be on the right.

 

From the South:  Take I-285 North to Exit 40

    (Church Street/Clarkston)

Turn right off of the ramp.

Go to the first traffic light and turn right onto North Indian Creek Drive.

Take the first left onto Rowland Street.

Go 1 block to the stop sign.  (CIBC/Christian Life Center will be on your left.)

Go through the stop sign – the church parking lot will be on the right.

Lao Heritage Foundation
Annual Fundraiser: It’s All About The Kids!

Saturday, September 18 at 6:00pm
Location: 4301 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22306

LHF is celebrating its sixth anniversary by bringing together kids in dance and music. The annual fundraising program features performances by foundation children from the west and east coasts. Though thousands of miles apart, these children have been working together to preserve and promote Lao culture. On September 18, they will share the stage for the first time. The proceeds of this event will bring the Lao Heritage Foundation closer to securing a physical location to house the foundation cultural and educational events and programs.

Please join us for an enchanting evening of authentic Lao cuisine, live cultural performances, and auction offerings. Lao international pop sensation, Ketsana Vilaylack, will be the host of the celebration.

To purchase discounted advance tickets, please go to:
http://lhf.eventbrite.com/

To reserve seats and pay at the door, please go to:
http://www.laoheritagefoundation.org/rsvp_template.jsp?eventNum=0

1st Annual Lao American Writers Summit
August 13-15th, 2010
Minneapolis, MN

http://www.laowriters.org/

The National Lao American Writer’s Summit will mentor and support the first and emerging generation of Lao American writers. Held in Minneapolis at the acclaimed Loft Literary Center, during the Summit, nationally renowned Laotian American writers will conduct workshops with participants.

Readings, writing circles and informal social gatherings will be scheduled and encouraged. Through this Summit, the organizers will provide a safe and instructive environment that identifies and addresses the unique challenges faced by emerging Laotian American writers.

This 3-day Summit will take place from Friday to Sunday. Workshops will be conducted from Friday to Saturday. A public reading will be held on Saturday night.

Writing Workshops
Under the present plan, a nationally recognized Laotian American writer will facilitate each writing workshop. Workshops will consist of writing exercises and group discussions on participants’ writing. At each workshop, participants will write and workshop new pieces in their genre of preference. Participants have the opportunity to take a workshop with every faculty member.

Community Panels
For emerging writers and non-artist participants, panels will be held to highlight the current state of Lao American arts, opportunities and experiences of individual artists and to examine the positive potential arts have on individual and community growth.

Resource Fair
Community members will have an opportunity to meet national, regional and local arts, philanthropic and refugee service organizations, publishers and researchers who can answer questions and advise writers and artists on significant opportunities.

Based on preliminary community discussions, we anticipate an audience of 100 to 200 people representing a wide range of states, particularly from the Minnesota, Texas, Washington, California, Illinois, Wisconsin and New York.

LAS will be performing and participating at this year’s ACE at the Gwinnett Center on both Saturday and Sunday.  Please come out to see Lao dance, and a traditional Lao wedding procession.

ATTENTION: The deadline for the art, essay and achievement awards for students K-12 has been extended. The new deadline is Aug. 1, 2010.

Please see this previous post for more information on how to submit.

* Please note: The deadline for the college scholarship applications has passed. *

Education Award Ceremony and Student Recognition 2010

The Laotian American Society is excited to announce our annual Education Award Ceremony, which is a culmination of our student recognition program. Every year LAS recognizes outstanding Laotian (Lao, Hmong, Laotian-American) students  in grades K-12, as well as awards scholarships to college students.  Since the program’s inception, LAS has given out thousands of dollars in grants and awards.  Laotian students still rank below other minorities in terms of high school graduation rates, and we believe financial assistance as well as encouraging learning is pivotal to building a strong future for everyone.

LAS Educational Award Ceremony

Saturday, August 14th, 2010
Time: 12:00pm-3pm

Place:
UPS Headquarters
55 Glen Lake Drive
Atlanta, GA

——————

2010 Scholarship Application
For Undergraduate Applicants

POSTMARK DEADLINE

JULY 24, 2010

Send all application materials by Mail to:

LAS Scholarship Committee
P.O. BOX 48432
Atlanta, GA 30362
scholarships@lasga.org

2010 LAS College Scholarship Application (PDF)
(Deadline has passed for this year’s scholarship)

Photos from 2009 LAS EAC

2010 Student Award Nomination Form (Grades K-12)

 

The Laotian American Society would also like to recognize the achievements of elementary school, middle school and high school students.  If the child meets any of the below criteria and would like to be recognized, then they will need  to submit proof from their school:

• Straight A’s
• GPA 3.0+
• Perfect Attendance
• Athletic Recognition
• Community Service
• Extracurricular Activities

There are a different set of rules for submissions for the Arts & Crafts and Creative Writing Contests:

• Art & Crafts and Creative Writing Contests

Please contact Meiling Arounnarath for more information: education@lasga.org

Thank you to all of our previous sponsors!

UPS
Ken Lee Foundation
NKK Design
Chopstix for Charity
Walmart
Chick-fil-A

_________________________________

Neo Praseuth – President
president@lasga.org

The Board of Directors and Members named Neo Praseuth the seventh President of Laotian American Society. He is responsible for operation and management.

The Laotian American Society is a 501c3 non profit that provides extraordinary opportunities and resources for Laotians in Georgia.

Neo Praseuth was born in Vientiane, Laos, who previously held the position of Vice President of Laotian American Society and is the first Executive Director to implement a focus college grant program.

As he enters a new phase of his career with LAS, Neo is looking forward to helping write the next chapter of LAS along with the LAS Executive team members.

Neo attended Arizona State University and the University of Mississippi and earned his bachelor in finance with a concentration on Southeast Asian studies as well as a life long fan of great writers from Mississippi. Neo is excited and inspired by members of the LAS Executive team.  Currently Neo is taking time off his graduate program and business venture in Laos to focus solely on LAS activities.

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Noy Bozarth – Vice President
vp@lasga.org

Noy has been involved with LAS since 2003, first as a volunteer and then served as Treasurer in 2008.  Currently Noy is seeking her under-graduate degree in Business & Management and is working for United Parcel Service (UPS).  This year marks her 15th year with UPS!  Noy has held various positions at UPS and is currently a Project Manager.  She has also been involved in company programs such as establishing the Women’s Leadership Development (WLD) program in 2008, which helps to develop female employees, and participating in the Diversity Leadership Development (DLD) Pilot in 2010.

In her spare time, Noy enjoys working with the elderly and has previously volunteered for Meals on Wheels (2004 – 2006) in Clayton County, Georgia, which provides assistance for the elderly living alone in their homes.  She continues to be involved with the community through UPS, the United Way and LAS.  Noy is proud to be Lao and works toward encouraging younger generations to reach high for their goals.  Noy lives in Alpharetta, GA with her husband, John, and three children, Greg, Emily and Lance.

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Noel Kenemanisoth – Secretary
secretary@lasga.org

Serichanhto Noel Kenemanisoth currently serves as Secretary for the LAS board.  She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education. Noel currently teaches in Cobb County and she has been active in the Adopted Teens Empowerment and Mentoring Organization mentoring  adopted teens ages 12-19 for several years.

She is excited to be a part of the Laotian American Society, volunteering and helping out in her community, networking, and learning more about her culture and its history. She looks forward to helping LAS with its mission and hopes to be a role model for the next generation. GO TEAM!!!

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Ladda Inhdara – Treasurer
treasurer@lasga.org

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Dao Malaythong – VP of Public Relations
dao@lasga.org

Dao Malaythong was born in Laos and came to the United States in 1976 with her family of 12 siblings. She has lived in Atlanta for over 20 years, she has two daughters, Indy and Tila. She is a community activist and is involved with four Wat Lao temples in the metro Atlanta area.  Her recent work for the 2010 US Census Bureau as a Partnership Specialist Assistant has helped spread awareness of the importance of being counted in the hard to count community. Dao is also the Chair of Laotian Complete Count Committee for Census 2010. Besides being active in the community, Dao is an Associate Broker for VICI Real Estate and Georgia Center for Foreign Investment Development (GCFID).  She also works as a Lao interpreter for Culture Connect, JF&CS, and various clients. She served on the steering committee of Georgia Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition (GAAPIC),  a member of NAAAP Atlanta, Board Director of Asian Real Estate Association of America and Public Relations for Laotian American Society (LAS). She is passionate about promoting the Lao Culture and Heritage, especially educating others in the struggles of having come from the refugee camps and humble beginnings.

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Kim Ting Pathammavong – VP of Culture
cultural@lasga.org

Kim recently served the 2nd half of the year as Secretary for the LAS 2007 board.  She has also enjoyed teaching the LAS dance team traditional Laotian Folk dances.  This year alone the LAS dance team has performed in more than 10 events for over 12,000 people.

Kim graduated from the University of Milwaukee in Wisconsin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Health Allied.  She relocated to Georgia in 2002 with her husband Keck Pathammavong and two beautiful daughters Arianna age 10 and Mollie who is 7 years old.  Teaching and coaching the dance team has brought Kim a lot of joy and she hopes to continue her efforts with LAS for many more years to come.

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Mino Sundara – VP of Marketing
marketing@lasga.org

Mino Sundara was born in Bangkok, Thailand in 1983 within the refugee camps. He spent his youth between the years of 1984 and 1994 in Florida after his family emigrated to the United States from Laos. Mino spent most of his teen years in Atlanta, Georgia where he pursued his college education in Information Technology Systems with a focus on Multimedia and Graphic Design. Mino is currently pursuing his second degree at Gainesville State College in Communications. As an entrepreneur, Mino owns his own business as a full time freelance designer working with titan Fortune 500 and Inc 500 companies on a daily basis.

As a young and aspiring professional, Mino is actively involved within the Asian community, artist community and the non-profit sector. He is also associated with NAAAP – Atlanta (National Association of Asian American Professionals) where he is part of the Marketing and Communication Board of Directors.  During his spare time, Mino enjoys volunteering in the community, mentoring children and young adults, traveling, golfing, running competitions, and enjoying time with great friends.

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Meiling Arounnarath – Director of Education
education@lasga.org

Meiling Arounnarath, Director of Education for LAS, is currently a full-time 2012 MBA Candidate at Georgia State University. From 2008-2010, she provided tech support and client services at MEDITECH, a home health care software company. She was a reporter and staff writer from 2005-2008 for the metro daily newspaper “The News & Observer” in Raleigh, N.C., where she covered local schools, local government, community, youth culture and diverse groups within the communities. Meiling was a volunteer writer and editor for the national “Lao Roots Magazine” from 2007-2009. She was co-vice president of print for the North Carolina chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) in 2008 and is the current treasurer for the Atlanta chapter of AAJA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Print Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of Georgia, where she also minored in Comparative Literature.

Meiling was born and raised in Atlanta, Ga., and she enjoys cooking, traveling, volunteering and dancing. She looks forward to inspiring Laotian youth to pursue higher education, and she is excited to help the Laotian community gain more exposure as well as help the community strengthen and build more solidarity from within.

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Ann Rithmyxay – LAS National Rep
ann@lasga.org

Ann was born in Laos and immigrated to America as a refugee in 1981 with her parents when she was 13.  She works for the Fortune 500 companies that provide leading logistic transportation services worldwide as a Customer Support/Inside Sales Representative.  She received her Associate of Arts degree from Clayton State University in 1988. She is attending DeVry University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and anticipates graduating in 2010.

She is passionate about community work and is grateful for her parent’s influence to embrace Laotian roots.  She believes a future without knowledge of one’s origin is like a person lost without direction.  She is motivated to make a difference in society.  She served as a co-chair on the 2010 U. S. Census Asian Complete Count Committee of Georgia.  She was the Annual Chair person of fund raising for education in 2005, and 2006 for the underserved Laotian community.

Ann served a two year term as board officer with LANA (Lao-American National Alliance). She took actions to collaborate with other national leaders to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina and promote Hepatitis B awareness as well as other shared causes.  Ann was an active member of NAAAP-Atlanta and OCA Georgia Chapter.  She is known as one of the co-founders of LAS (Laotian American Society) nonprofit 501c3 organization and served as president in 2004/2005.  Ann is an honored citizen in the Asian community for her leadership roles and continues to promote culture and education no matter where she goes.

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Board of Advisers:

Cookie Morey
Sean Sakprasit
Boon Vong

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LAS Past Presidents

2007-2009 Cookie Morey
2006-2007 Amy Yang
2005-2006 Sean Sakprasit
2004-2005 Ann Rithmyxay
2003-2004 Malay Surivong Wu
2002-2003 Kasy Khaikham