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August 18, 2023: Announcing the Premier Read-Through of "Undesirable Secrets" in San Antonio
I am thrilled to share an exciting upcoming event that promises to be both moving and transformative. The premiere read-through of "Undesirable Secrets," a poignant play inspired by the life of WWII medic Anthony C. Acevedo and GIs held with him at the concentration camp Berga an der Elster, will be taking place on January 21, 2024, at the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio.
"Undesirable Secrets" delves into the harrowing experiences of Anthony C. Acevedo and his fellow GIs who were held at the Berga during World War II. Their journey of resilience, healing, and the power of shared narratives is brought to life through this compelling and thought-provoking play.
Under the guidance of esteemed director Dr. William Doll, a professor emeritus from Angelo State University and former head of the University Theatre, this read-through promises to be a deeply moving and immersive experience. Dr. Doll's expertise and passion for theater will undoubtedly enhance the storytelling and provide a unique perspective on the play's narrative.
I am also honored to announce that the talented Latinx actor Jesse Borrego is scheduled to read the pivotal role of Anthony. Borrego's connection to his heritage and his exceptional acting skills make him an ideal choice to bring Anthony's story to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Jesse Borrego is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for his contributions on both stage and screen. I first met Jesse at the CineSol Film Festival at South Padre Island where a film I wrote and directed premiered.
Jesse was a regular on the musical television series Fame for the show's final three seasons from 1984-1987. He appeared on Married... with Children as Bruno in the episode "Can't Dance, Don't Ask Me" (1989). He is well-remembered for his performance in the film Blood In Blood Out portraying the role of Cruz Candelaria.
Borrego appeared in productions at the Joseph Papp Theatre in New York City and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition to performing on stage and in films such as Mi Vida Loca, Follow Me Home, New York Stories, and Con Air, he began Lupita Productions in 1990. He has produced theatrical productions and concerts as well as two 16mm short films: El Suendo de Simon (1993) by James Borrego and Flattime (1995) by Jimmy Santiago Baca. He also played the role of an original gangster on DarkRoom Familia's "Veteranos" in 1999. Borrego is a member of the theatre group "Tribal Players." He is well known for his recurring roles on the third season of 24 as Gael Ortega and the third season of Dexter as George King. In 2009, Borrego starred in the movie La Mission where he reunited with former Blood In Blood Out co-star Benjamin Bratt.
Borrego has also had his hand in directing. Borrego directed the no-budget indie film titled Closer to Bottom which premiered at the inaugural Austin Indie Fest in November 2017. The movie won an award for Best Made in Texas Feature Film.
The read-through will be the closing event of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio's Remembrance Month, adding a profound layer of significance to the occasion. As we gather to remember the past, honor the resilience of the human spirit, and reflect on the enduring effects of historical events, "Undesirable Secrets" serves as a reminder of the untold stories that shape our collective history.
Mark your calendars and be part of this remarkable event. Join us on January 21st to witness the birth of "Undesirable Secrets," a play that invites us to delve into the depths of human experiences and emotions. Stay tuned for further updates and details about this unforgettable evening.
Together, let's come together to remember, reflect, and find inspiration in the stories that deserve to be told.
"Undesirable Secrets" delves into the harrowing experiences of Anthony C. Acevedo and his fellow GIs who were held at the Berga during World War II. Their journey of resilience, healing, and the power of shared narratives is brought to life through this compelling and thought-provoking play.
Under the guidance of esteemed director Dr. William Doll, a professor emeritus from Angelo State University and former head of the University Theatre, this read-through promises to be a deeply moving and immersive experience. Dr. Doll's expertise and passion for theater will undoubtedly enhance the storytelling and provide a unique perspective on the play's narrative.
I am also honored to announce that the talented Latinx actor Jesse Borrego is scheduled to read the pivotal role of Anthony. Borrego's connection to his heritage and his exceptional acting skills make him an ideal choice to bring Anthony's story to life in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Jesse Borrego is a well-known figure in the entertainment industry, recognized for his contributions on both stage and screen. I first met Jesse at the CineSol Film Festival at South Padre Island where a film I wrote and directed premiered.
Jesse was a regular on the musical television series Fame for the show's final three seasons from 1984-1987. He appeared on Married... with Children as Bruno in the episode "Can't Dance, Don't Ask Me" (1989). He is well-remembered for his performance in the film Blood In Blood Out portraying the role of Cruz Candelaria.
Borrego appeared in productions at the Joseph Papp Theatre in New York City and the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. In addition to performing on stage and in films such as Mi Vida Loca, Follow Me Home, New York Stories, and Con Air, he began Lupita Productions in 1990. He has produced theatrical productions and concerts as well as two 16mm short films: El Suendo de Simon (1993) by James Borrego and Flattime (1995) by Jimmy Santiago Baca. He also played the role of an original gangster on DarkRoom Familia's "Veteranos" in 1999. Borrego is a member of the theatre group "Tribal Players." He is well known for his recurring roles on the third season of 24 as Gael Ortega and the third season of Dexter as George King. In 2009, Borrego starred in the movie La Mission where he reunited with former Blood In Blood Out co-star Benjamin Bratt.
Borrego has also had his hand in directing. Borrego directed the no-budget indie film titled Closer to Bottom which premiered at the inaugural Austin Indie Fest in November 2017. The movie won an award for Best Made in Texas Feature Film.
The read-through will be the closing event of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio's Remembrance Month, adding a profound layer of significance to the occasion. As we gather to remember the past, honor the resilience of the human spirit, and reflect on the enduring effects of historical events, "Undesirable Secrets" serves as a reminder of the untold stories that shape our collective history.
Mark your calendars and be part of this remarkable event. Join us on January 21st to witness the birth of "Undesirable Secrets," a play that invites us to delve into the depths of human experiences and emotions. Stay tuned for further updates and details about this unforgettable evening.
Together, let's come together to remember, reflect, and find inspiration in the stories that deserve to be told.
July 30, 2023: Reuniting a Mother and Son: Honoring Maria Louise Acevedo
With Rebeca and Ernesto, Anthony Acevedo's children, visiting the newly discovered gravesite of Anthony's mother, Maria Louise. May she rest in peace.
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In a quiet corner of Pioneer Cemetery in San Bernardino, California, a touching reunion took place on a sunny July day. This wasn't just any reunion – it was a moment that brought together a family separated by time and circumstance. On July 20, Anthony Acevedo's family members stood around a grave, their emotions palpable, as they paid their respects to Maria Louise, the mother of their father, World War II medic Anthony C. Acevedo.
Years ago, when I embarked on the journey of unraveling Anthony's life story, his son, the late Fernando Acevedo, shared with me a heartbreaking truth - the family did not know the final resting place of Maria Louise. Fueled by a determination to shed light on this mystery, I made a promise to Fernando that I would uncover her burial location as part of my research. Today, I stand proud to declare that this promise has been fulfilled. For far too long, the family had been burdened by the haunting enigma of Maria Louise's burial. It was a secret closely guarded, an agony inflicted by Anthony's own father, who was marked by abusive tendencies. The significance of this visit was heightened by the presence of three important figures in Anthony's legacy – his son Ernesto, his grandson Gabriel, and his daughter, Rebeca. As we gathered around Maria Louise's grave, a solemn yet profound moment enveloped us. This was the first time the family had collectively stood at her gravesite, a poignant instance of closure that was long overdue. The journey to finding Maria Louise's grave was filled with twists and turns. It was a testament to persistence and the power of family bonds. Maria Louise, who had been originally laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery of San Bernardino, found her final resting place at Pioneer Cemetery in July 1945. This relocation was coincidentally around the time that Anthony was training as a medic, a poignant connection between mother and son's paths. Anthony, who passed away at the age of 93, had spent his entire life without knowing where his mother was buried. The pain of this absence was further deepened by the memory of his earliest recollection – a vivid image of his baby sister, also named Maria Louise, crawling towards their ailing mother. Tuberculosis had cruelly taken Maria Louise away, leaving a void that was never filled. As we stood by the grave, the absence of a marker cast a poignant shadow. It was a reminder of the silent struggles that many families face when history remains untold. The Anthony C. Acevedo Foundation, co-founded by Ernesto, Rebeca, and myself, launched a GoFundMe campaign with a simple goal – to raise enough funds to provide Maria Louise with the recognition she deserved. A grave marker would not just symbolize her existence, but it would also signify the family's triumph over the secrets that once haunted them. During the visit, an evocative portrait of Anthony during his WWII service bridged the gap between mother and son. In this poignant moment, it felt as though they were finally reunited. Emotions flowed freely, a blend of sorrow and joy that words cannot fully capture. The past and the present converged, reminding us of the enduring power of love and connection. As we left Pioneer Cemetery that day, we carried with us a sense of closure and the knowledge that Maria Louise's legacy was no longer confined to silence. This visit was more than just a tribute; it was a testament to the unbreakable bonds of family and the power of uncovering "Undesirable Secrets." |
July 19, 2023: Book Launch Celebration at Ypsilanti's Whittaker Branch Library
Me with Corinne Sikorski, the general manger of the Ypsi Food Co-op, of which I am a proud board member! Together, we wrote and contributed a piece on the history of the co-op.
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The day after my visit to Plymouth Library, I found myself at Ypsilanti's Whittaker Branch Library for an extraordinary event—the book release party for "Ypsilanti Histories: A Look Back at the Last Fifty Years." Co-authoring a piece about the Ypsi Food Co-op alongside Corinne Sikorski, the co-op's general manager, was a true honor. As a proud board member, delving into "A History of the Ypsilanti Food Cooperative" filled me with joy, and working with Corinne was an absolute delight! The experience allowed me to connect with individuals who embody the essence of Ypsi's rich history, making the event even more memorable.
The anthology, "Ypsilanti Histories," is a captivating collection of essays that unveil significant city events and milestones—from the university's mascot transition from Hurons to Eagles, to stories of deindustrialization and the remarkable journey of Medal of Honor recipient Charles Kettles. It also touches upon other pivotal moments, such as the decriminalization of marijuana in the 1970s and the historic election of Faz Husain, Michigan's first Muslim city council member. The remarkable collaboration on this book involved contributions from a diverse group of contributors, including former mayors, council members, entrepreneurs, business owners, faculty members, alumni, and students from the university. Such a united effort was made possible thanks to the immense support and generosity of the Ypsilanti community and several local institutions, including the city, the university's College of Arts and Sciences, and the Ypsilanti Historical Society. Reflecting on the city's history, we mustn't forget the origins of Ypsilanti, established by U.S. Army Maj. Thomas Woodruff in 1823 on the banks of the Huron River. The city's name honors Demetrios Ypsilantis, the Greek independence hero who emerged victorious in the Greek Independence War of 1829. Over the past two centuries, Ypsilanti has gained recognition for its automobile and B-24 bomber manufacturing prowess, as well as Eastern Michigan University's profound impact on education. Now, as Ypsilanti reaches its bicentennial milestone, the release of "Ypsilanti Histories" is a testament to the city's enduring legacy. The book, skillfully edited by university history professor John McCurdy and Ypsilanti Historical Society President Bill Nickels, was brought to life by the remarkable contributions of 40 local historians, university professors, students, and alumni. Published by Ann Arbor District Library’s Fifth Avenue Press, this anthology stands as a true homage to the city's past, making it a cherished keepsake for both residents and visitors alike. While this isn't the first time Ypsilanti's history has been documented, "Ypsilanti Histories" takes a unique approach by focusing on the transformative changes that have shaped the city since 1973. As we commemorate the last fifty years for the bicentennial celebration, we hope this collection will serve as an insightful and inspiring journey through time for generations to come. Here's to Ypsilanti's rich history, a tapestry woven by the hands and hearts of its resilient and diverse community. May it continue to thrive for centuries to come, with each chapter building upon the legacy of the last. |
July 15, 2023: Celebrating Children's Authors at Plymouth Library
Me, with future superstar author, Leyshaa! She is a first grader who authored her first book! (See details in my post.) Her father gave me permission to post this photo. Thank you!
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Hello! Welcome! Yesterday, July 15, I attended the Plymouth Library's Celebration of Children's Authors, where I had the opportunity to meet and share my book, 'Perla Garcia and the Mystery of La Llorona,' the weeping woman. I worked with children on a hidden picture mystery together, and the children actually showed me where two of the objects were hidden that I could never find: the toothbrush and the boot! We were tempted to ask the library to announce that we needed help finding a lost boot. The children were fantastic, and their parents were a joy to talk to as well. I also shared my Young Adult books, 'The Number on my Father's Arm' and 'Junior's Dream.' Copies of all the books were gone before the end of the day. I am grateful to those who picked up copies, especially Zoe!
I also had the pleasure of meeting Leyshaa J Pasrija, a 1st grader who published her first book, 'Colors of My Imagination.' I purchased an autographed copy, and she even added a special note just for me! Leyshaa is a wonderful young girl who will go far in the world of literature. Keep chasing your dreams, Leyshaa! I had the privilege of meeting Amy Nielander, an author and illustrator, and what a talent she is! If you've never purchased one of her books, you must do so as soon as possible. My favorite is 'My Name Is Not Ed Tug,' a book about a boy who demands to be called by his correct name. The book reminded me of my school days in the 60's (yes, I'm showing my age) when teachers changed the names of Latinos. For example, Jorge became George and Pablo became Paul. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Kathleen Vincenz and Daniel Vincenz, a mother and son team. Kathleen is the writer, and Daniel is the illustrator. One of their titles that caught my eye was 'Over the Falls in a Suitcase,' a book about what happens when three sisters, a dog, a hat, and a pink suitcase collide in Niagara Falls. I am ordering the book today, and I encourage you to do the same! I am thrilled to announce that I will be back at the Plymouth Library on October 28th to host another Perla Garcia Mystery Adventure. A few months ago I hosted a Perla Adventure at the library where I had the pleasure of meeting approximately 30 of the most adventurous and intelligent kids ever! I am eagerly looking forward to returning. Will the next adventure include a Halloween theme? Hmmm... maybe! Special thanks to all the staff at the library who were fantastic hosts! A huge shout out and thanks to the children's librarian, Sarah Lomas, for organizing the event and for being an extraordinary host. I first met Sarah years ago when we shared a table at an YpsiWrites event in my hometown of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sarah is also a published author specializing in rom-coms. I have a few of her books, which I strongly recommend. Word has it that Sarah is going to teach me how to write a rom-com. So, watch out world! No, I really mean it - watch out! Today, on July 16, I'll be attending a book release party for 'Ypsilanti Histories: A Look Back at the Last Fifty Years.' I contributed a piece on the history of the Ypsi Food Co-op, which I co-authored with the co-op's general manager, Corinne Sikorski. I am proud to say that I have been a member of the co-op's board of directors for a little over a year. Ya-Hooo! Well, that's it for now. Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, stay well and safe!" |