As the calendar turns to December, it’s clear that we’ve officially entered the holiday season – which, to me, is best described as the Season of Gratitude. Growing up, Thanksgiving was not considered a major holiday in my family. All the (jingle) bells and whistles went to Christmas. Once I had children, though, I invested more into making the day a family tradition of being together and expressing gratitude for the blessings of each other.
One of the best holiday memories I have is with my daughter, spending Thanksgiving morning serving food at the Los Angeles Mission. We started that tradition when she was just five-years-old, while we lived in L.A. We continued the tradition for several years at St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix, as well. Volunteering at a church, homeless shelter, or food bank is a fulfilling way to pay it forward. St. Mary’s Food Bank is always looking for donations and volunteers (visit FirstFoodBank.org if you’re interested).
No matter which holiday you celebrate, it’s important to remember that there are people who aren’t able to enjoy a cooked meal, at home, with loved ones. If you’re not able to volunteer, purchasing a meal and dropping it off at one of the food drives around town is always appreciated this time of year, for those families that might otherwise go without.
Another opportunity to give back is #GivingTuesday, which took place November 28 and serves as a special day of philanthropy aimed at making a real impact in local communities. Although that date has already passed, you can still make a gift of support to Arizona PBS by visiting azpbs.org/givingtuesday.
In keeping with the spirit of giving, Anna Maria Chávez will join me for an upcoming episode of “Horizonte.” She is the new president and CEO of Arizona Community Foundation (ACF) and a native Arizonan from Eloy. Chávez will share her joy in leading ACF, which was founded in 1978 by a group of local banks. ACF acts as the connector between generous donors and nonprofit organizations that support our communities.
We’ll talk about the impact that support has on Arizona families and high school students pursuing higher education. Plus, we’ll talk about Latino philanthropy and ACF’s Latino Initiative that is changing lives across the state.
As we offer appreciation and gratitude this holiday season, I also want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who watch and continue to embrace “Horizonte,” as we explore and highlight the rich, vibrant culture of Arizona’s Hispanic community.
Until next time, Have a beautiful holiday season!
Catherine
‘Horizonte’ Highlight
Study Shows Latino’s Care Deeply for the Environment
Host Catherine Anaya chats with Ylenia Aguilar, who sits on the Board of Directors for Central Arizona Water Conservation District, and Nuvia Enriquez, the Communications Director for Chispa Arizona, a League of Conservation Voters on a recent survey showing Latino deep concern for environmental issues.
‘Horizonte’ Highlight
Improving Mental Health in Latino Youth
Host Catherine Anaya sits down with Dr. Daniel Castellanos, Founding Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor of Psychiatry at Creighton University School of Medicine. They talk about the rise of suicide rates in youth and young adults and breaking down barriers Latino youth often face in accessing appropriate healthcare and mental health services.
Every Little Step Counts — Healthy Eating for the Holidays
Last season on “Horizonte,” host Catherine Anaya spoke with Dr. Ruben Espinoza, a pediatrician with Banner Health, and Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family doctor at the Mayo Clinic about the high percentage of Latino’s at risk for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes impacts almost 17% of the Latino community. Every Little Step Countsis a culturally grounded, family-centered diabetes prevention program that supports lifestyle changes through healthy eating and exercise to make positive changes in your families’ health and wellbeing. Check out this article for simple healthy eating tips during the holidays!
Arizona PBS will be handing out swag and visiting with the community tonight at First Friday! Although First Friday probably needs no introduction, the event includes vendors, musicians, and artists from all over the Phoenix area into the streets for an evening where the spirit of downtown Phoenix’s arts and culture can be explored and experienced! Come down and say hello!
Holiday Stories: Hispanic Heritage
From ¡Colorín Colorado
¡Colorín Colorado is a national multimedia project that offers a wealth of bilingual, research-based information, activities, and advice for educators and families of English language learners (ELLs). Find this extensive holiday story collection and other resources.
In an ALL NEW special for the holidays, Rosie is thrilled to spend Christmas with Abuela in Mexico City. In her excitement, Rosie forgets Abuela’s present, and now she has to find a new present before their Noche Buena celebration.
Premieres Monday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m. with additional timesthroughout the month.
Q & A with Pati Jinich from ‘La Frontera’ and ‘Pati’s Mexican Table’
Last month, Pati spent a few days in our great city and stopped in at the station for a visit. We were thrilled that she had a few minutes to answer some rapid-fire questions and spend a little time in our studios. Here are just a few!
1. Favorite Spice – Course ground black pepper
2. Favorite Kitchen Tool – A six-inch chef’s knife that she has sharpened every week — every kitchen should have one!
3. Name One Person You Would Like To Cook For — Alive or Dead –Frida Kahlo
4. Favorite “Sesame Street” Character – Cookie Monster is Pati’s favorite – but of course she loves Elmo and Rosita who she cooked with on “Sesame Street!”
5. One Favorite Delicious Holiday Dessert – Dulce de Leche Chocolate Pecan Pie — find the recipe here.
Miracle of the Roses Pageant
Old Adobe Mission Church
3817 N. Brown Ave, Scottsdale
Saturday, December 9 from 4-5 p.m.
Celebrate the apparitions of the Holy Virgin Mary of Guadalupe to an Aztec Indian, Juan Diego, on Tepeyac Hill, Mexico City in 1531. Revel in colorful Mexican folkloric dance. Marvel at the reenactment performance of the miracle. Dance to live Mariachi music! Connect over free refreshments.
This acclaimed series follows the life of a young seamstress. In the months leading up to the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Sira abandons Madrid in order to follow the man she loves to Tangier. But things there do not turn out as she had planned, and she is forced to take charge of her life. Sira struggles to balance her double life as both a prominent couturier and an Allied spy. In Spanish with English subtitles.
The Conexión e-newsletter is taking a hiatus.
Are you looking for Latino-focused content available on Arizona PBS? Check out the Conexión page on our website.