From the Readers

Thanks to Via Times Christmas Party

Thank you for having me to the Via Times Christmas party, Ninang! Wishing you more happiness, and more Blessings in the coming years! Congratulations, Via Times! It’s an honor to be part of this amazing team!

RJ Turija

Dear Vero, December 29, 2024 – It was a fabulous Post Christmas luncheon hosted by none other than the lovable Vero Leighton! The Publisher, Editor-In-Chief & owner of Via Times who hosted a post-Christmas party. There was singing, dancing & great camaraderie! Thanks, Vero for inviting us.

Nancy Dizon

It was truly a joyful Via Times/CPRTV Christmas party! A heartfelt thank you to Ate Vero Leighton for graciously inviting us and making the celebration so special. We had an amazing time enjoying the delicious lunch, listening to Christmas carols, dancing to our heart’s content and most importantly, cherishing the wonderful company of everyone present. The festive spirit and camaraderie made the day unforgettable.

Rita Carino

I truly enjoyed the VT Christmas party, Thank you for the invite, my friend, Via Times, at 43 years old, is thriving and doing very well, and the Publisher is getting younger, looking like a teen ager, Veronique, also I noticed that you can walk straighter now like before the stroke, so you can line dance now again.

Dely Villalon

Good afternoon, ate Vero. Thank you for inviting me to the VT Christmas party It’s the first time I stayed that long at a party. The food was good and all the smiles. I am looking forward to seeing this kind of event in one of my invites. Let’s plan on meeting 3rd week of January. Have a wonderful rest of the day.

Nirmla Johnson

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Many Thanks from Priests in Quezon Province

Many thanks raw sabi ng mga pare ng Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Seminary, namely, Fr. Raul Macaraig, Fr Raisun John Placino, Monsignor Noe Loredo, Fr. Gaddi Martin Gilbuena, Fr. Edwin Panergo, Fr. Dennis Moreno. Merry Christmas rin and God’s guidance, protections and blessings to you and your loved ones daw. That Php6000.00 is a great help sa mga Seminarians namin. Bless your heart. Merry Christmas from me. Love you much. Bella Doreza (Veronica’s sister)

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Thank You for Coverage

Obtain a copy of Via Times – December 2024. The Chicago Global Lions Club expresses its sincere gratitude to Tita Vero Leighton (owner & Publisher of Via Times) for showcasing our Lions Club’s 4th anniversary and Induction of Officers and 27 new members. Flor Castil President, Chicago Global Lions Club

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The American Legion School Award

Parents and Friends, For decades the prestigious American Legion School Award has been presented to qualified graduates of elementary schools, high schools and colleges both public and private. School staff assist local American Legion Posts in the nomination process for candidates, as well as at the awards assemblies and graduations. Often at community events I ask audiences if anyone present is familiar with The American Legion School Award and almost always, someone acknowledges that they or a family member has received the award. For approximately the last twenty years I have personally had the privelege of presenting this annual award to many of our schools on the northwest side of Chicago. Unfortunately, a challenge to having more awardees of The American Legion School Award persists and is twofold. First, because of the lack of communication during the regular school year between the sponsoring American Legion Post and the school, and second because some schools’ apparent reluctance to reply to the invitation for their students to be included in this wonderful program. It seems to run in cycles. My experience has been that The American Legion School Award is either embraced or ignored. I don’t think that parents know this. It is a travesty. It is sad and an outrage that someone would not allow The American Legion School Award be presented at their school. This needs to stop. That is why I am addressing parents directly. I am urging you. I am asking you, parents, to contact your children’s schools and tell them that you want The American Legion School Award as an option for your child to have the opportunity to be recognized for courage, honor, leadership, service, scholarship, patriotism as well as other attributes of excellence of character. The American Legion School Award is a prestigious award. It looks great on a resume. It celebrates the achievements of our youth as they progress on their journey to becoming good citizens. Lastly, parents and friends, this benefit is something that has been available for school children for decades. If parents have not heard about The American Legion School Award, then I suggest that they ask their child’s school, “Why?” The American Legion has been promoting The American Legion School Award diligently for a long time. Our youth should have the opportunity to be recognized for doing well at school as they are challenged to be good, contributing American citizens. Respectfully, Dale Tippett / Commander 9th Dist / Dept of Illinois The American Legion

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AAAF Lunar New Year Fundraising Celebration

Dear Members and Supporters, We are thrilled to invite you to the Asian American Action Fund’s 2025 Lunar New Year Fundraising Reception, where we’ll come together to welcome the Year of the Snake—a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and resilience. During this special evening, we will highlight our newly elected AANHPI champions and honor the pivotal leadership of CAPAC and ASPIRE PAC. Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Time: 5:00–8:00 PM ET Location: Mount Vernon Square, DC Exact address provided upon RSVP. Click the link below to RSVP or email Linda at lindap@aaafund.org for more information

Linda Pham