‘Rizal Community Center Looking Prettier Everyday’, Says Elaine Lehman, FACC Executive Director

By: Veronica Leighton

 

Contrary to what many thought and heard circulating around the community lately, Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACGC) President, is very, very sick and has actually decided to join the FACC’s splinter group of Bascos, etal.

Surprisingly, he called me during my deadline and talked with me briefly about a few things and updates about his health, the FACC, his wishes, his hopes and dreams, his projects like having FACC float at City of Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade in November, Elaine Lehman, Bascos, and other people of the community.

To tell the truth, Dr. Crisostomo is still a sick man, still fighting for his life, and trying to hang in there. I think he found this particular day to be in touch with me as he was feeling better—his health might be frail, but his mind was alert, strong and healthy. Actually, I think he is getting this new burst of energy for life due to the tremendous work and recent developments that his volunteer executive director, Elaine Lehman, is doing for the FACC and the Rizal Center plus gaining more support from our community.

Here was Dr. Crisostomo’s official statement regarding his position as President of the FACC, issued last May 12, 2017… “Filipino American community, I am still the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Filipino American Council of Chicago. All official announcements pertaining of this organization will be issued by Elaine Lehman, FACC’s executive director and organization spokesperson.

Similar to trends in media, fake news only serves to strengthen the resolve and determination of those who truly serve the public good. Through Elaine Lehman’s recent efforts, the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago was recently reinstated and is now recognized as an organization by the Office of the Attorney General State of Illinois.” Sincerely, Rufino F. Crisostomo, MD Chair, Board of Directors Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago

But, of course, due to his ill health and doctor’s advice, Dr. Crisostomo has to prioritize himself and decided to give up his position as Chair of the FACC’s Board of Directors, taken over by Alex Gonzales, past FACC President. The new set of officers and board members were published on this page in the last issue.

Elaine sent us a picture of Dr. Crisostomo with her note, “So happy to see Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, FACC Immediate Past Chair and Board Officer, who stopped by to say Hello and share his insight.”

Likewise, we received an email from Dr. C, saying, “That’s a good idea of Community Bulletin. Good for seniors who don’t use computer. Thanks for new innovation with changing social changes we have coped with.” Dr. C was referring to the new display case showing the latest bulletin on Rizal Center front wall, whereby Elaine was excitedly saying lately, “Talk of the Town! New Display Case in front of Rizal Center! We listened to seniors like Aracely Obien, who stopped by the Rizal Community Center recently to show support and encouragement, and offered suggestions on how to reach community, including those who did not use email or social media.” See picture here.

So everything at the Rizal Center seems to be kicking, alive and well, for your information, folks. ****

Recent interesting activity, “A THOUGHTFUL DISCUSSION ABOUT AMERASIANS and efforts to help them, including Filipino and Japanese Amerasians held last July 8, 2017. Amerasians Without Borders (John Haines), AMERICA’S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN, with Sabine Lee, Professor of Modern History, Department of History, University of Birmingham UK, Robert McKelvey, MD, DLFAPA,Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University and Laura Kina, Vincent DePaul Professor Art, Media, & Design Director Critical Ethnic Studies, DePaul University Department of Art, Media, & Design (see photo at right).

Ongoing activities are: ARGENTINE TANGO CLASSES at RIZAL CENTER – back by popular demand! Shall We Dance? Wednesday and Thursday! $5; 7 pm Beginners and Warm-Up; 8 pm, Advanced….

Tagalog Classes

Used Book Sale

Future summer activity that we must plan on attending is the RIZAL FEST to be held on August 19 (see ad at top page).

Meantime, members and leaders of the Filipino American community of Chicago are starting to trek into the Rizal Center and finding out so many improvements that have been done by Dr. Crisostomo, Elaine Lehman and the new FACC group. See photo at right. ##

Dr. Rufino Crisostomo (looking good) proudly stands in front of the Rizal Center’s new facade with a new banner.

Navy Veteran John Haines was the featured speaker, leading powerful dialogue about the plight of Amerasians and how Bill HR1520 can help unite US military fathers with their overseas children. Also present were Akiko Cacaji, journalist and advocate for Okinawan Amerasians; Thuy Le and Kieu Gould of Amerasians Without Borders; Mary; Alex Gonzales, FACC Chair; and Ray Villar, FACC founding member.

Evelyn Tolledo, former president of the Bicol Association, and her relatives from Toronto stopped by for a visit at the Rizal Center. “Appreciated their very kind words of support, encouragement and suggestions,” says Elaine Lehman, FACC new executive director.