Dear CVA Members,

Writing about our events and activities always is special. It is a time to reflect on what we have accomplished and a time to make plans for the future. As you are aware, the mission of the Cape Verdeans of Atlanta (CVA) is to preserve and share the rich cultural traditions of our Cape Verdean ancestry through sponsoring a variety of activities.

Among the most recent events is co-hosting in February the Atlanta visit of the Cape Verdean Minister of Foreign Affairs Victor Manuel Barbosa Borges, Ambassador Maria de Fatima Lima da Veiga, and Consul General Maria Mascarenhas, as well as our ever popular, well attended cooking classes. The CVA 2007 annual picnic was fun although not as well attended as previous picnics. Because of the expense and lack of active volunteer support associated with an event of such magnitude, it was decided that the 2007 picnic would be a downsized “get-together” in a much smaller venue. Since then, our membership has grown. The Cape Verdeans of Atlanta is stronger with a renewed commitment to our organization. As a result, we are please to announce that CVA’s 2008 Gala Picnic will take place on Saturday, July 19th, 2008 in Grant Park. Mark your calendar! However, still we encourage more support as well as lots of volunteer energy to continue the success of not only the annual picnic, but also all CVA sponsored events. These events typically, when we have that support, are well organized and attended, and enable us to raise funds for the continuation, planning and improvement of our list of activities. The Cape Verdeans of Atlanta (CVA) is keeping our vibrant culture alive! Certainly this is not possible without the help and support of you, our members. Your support greatly strengthens our small-but-growing organization, and affirms that our mission truly is one of value to you, your families and Atlanta, Georgia.

Currently in planning stages are the 2008 CVA Picnic, a project to send school supplies to a school in Cape Verde, more cooking classes, Crioulo classes, networking socials, a children’s social, a dinner featuring Cape Verdean dishes and a wine tasting from “So Sabi Cellars”, a screening of Claire Andrade-Watkins’ film “Some Kind Of Funny Portorican” and fundraising activities. With your continued support, these plans will become realities.

Your help and support now and always is critical to our existence and continued success. Encourage others to become CVA members and to patronize our events. Get in touch and stay in touch. Volunteer! Volunteer! Volunteer! Your help won’t go unappreciated! Remember: without you there is no CVA! We’re counting on your support. Viva Cabo Verde en Atlanta!

Sincerely,

Glynis Ramos Mitchell, President
Cape Verdeans of Atlanta
glynisramosmitchell@yahoo.com