SEE Oharrak-Volume 2; Issue 1-Spring 2010
Posted on March 5th, 2010 by jguerricabeitia
Archive for the 'Uncategorized-Askotako' Category
Book Review of Dave Boling’s Guernica on Monday, January 18th @ 7:30pm
Posted on January 9th, 2010 by Danielle
Please join us at former board member’s Angie Stewart’s home at 2437 61st Ave SE, Mercer Island for this insightful event. Guernica: Dave Boling
Here it is: If you only read one book this year, make it this one.
Boling’s historical fiction follows three generations of Basques as they live, work, and love in the time of the turn of the twentieth century up through the ending days of World War II, including the cold and destructive bombing of their village by the Nazis at dictator Franco’s request. The story follows three brothers and their descendants while fishing, farming, and smuggling, keeping alive in the face of the Spanish Civil War. While this may sound like something akin to a family saga a la The Thorn Birds, what keeps Guernica out of the syrupy range is Boling’s writing: sparse, descriptive, never florid, but always meaningful. It’s a family drama without the overly expressive or descriptive words that make it into melodrama, but the writing fills you with the dust in the soil, the turbulent sea, the danger of the mountain passes. Make no mistake: this is definitely a book that could have gone the way of the melodrama. But Boling’s writing prevents this, and does so wonderfully.
Not that the sparse but beautiful prose does anything to keep the reader at arm’s length from the characters. The very situation that the people find themselves in make it damn near impossible to not feel an emotional bond with them, to not anguish over their possible fates. Let’s be honest: with a title (and a subject matter) like Guernica, you know that it can’t possibly have a happy ending for everyone. And I am not ashamed to admit that I was absolutely wracked with tears for at least a sixty-page stretch of the novel. The writing of the bombing was almost unbearable as characters scrambled for their loved ones and watched people die. Limbs littered the street and men and women and children burned alive in bomb shelters. The chaos, the panic, the length and desperation and inevitability of the scene paints the horror of the useless attack. Eventually I am honor-bound to mention…do I think this is an all-time best book ever written ever? No. Honestly, no. There are problems, including the inclusion of Pablo Picasso as an occasional character. This sometimes seemed extraneous, even though it was done in a manner entirely consistent with Picasso, the historical character, and did add a layer that will be familiar to many people. The novel is also prevented from possible utter Greatness by a plot twist in the final quarter of the book that made even emotion-wrenched me say, “Hm…unlikely. Tenable, yes, even possible…but unlikely.” This twist smelled slightly of a need for some happiness or at least a not-wholly-tragic ending (Lord of the Flies, anyone?), but in light of a beautiful quote of learning what to do with the love spent after someone dies, the plot twist hangs in there just enough to not be entirely ludicrous. Besides, I’d spent so much time crying at that point that I was ready for some little ray of light. I put my face in it and accepted it. This book is as much about the endurance of love and joy as it is about needless destruction and death in the face of war, and in the persistance of love I can accept a bit of haggling on the plot.
Guernica is Boling’s first book, and as I’ve mentioned it’s not without its flaws. But the good in the book – the sparse writing, the ability to tell a large and tragic story with a strong voice – largely outweighs the bad. Plus I haven’t read anything in a long time that had the ability to not only make me cry, but to keep me crying, leaving me breathless and hopeless for page after page. I don’t say things like this all that often, and it’s not very frequent that I can recommend a book without qualm. This is it. Go forth and seek Guernica.
Olentzero-Basque Santa Party 12/5/09 in Burnaby, BC
Posted on November 24th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
Olentzero Party at “Mayview Circle”
Saturday, December the 5th 2009
At 2 p.m.
Mayview Circle, Burnaby, BC
The Zazpiak Bat Basque Society is celebrating
Christmas and Euskera day – December 5th
With Olentzero!!! (olentzero flyer)
Everyone is invited! Friends, family and children!!
menu
Basque Fish Soup
Lamb Roast with Vegetables
Rolls/ Wine
Cakes, Coffee
Members: $20.00 non-members: $25.00
Children 12 years & younger: FREE
RSVP by November 30th
Elena @ 604 526-9232 / Tomás @ 604 526 0408
or send an email at: bcbasque@bcbasque.com
*** Please make reservations A.S.A.P. so we can
NABO Mus Tournament-Winnemucca Women Win!
Posted on July 13th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
This past Saturday 41 teams of two squared off in Chino, CA for the annual NABO mus tournament. Representing SEE were Jose Maria Guerricabeitia of Boise, ID and me, Joe M. Guerricabeitia of Seattle, filling in for Fidel Michelena of Port Angeles, who with my father won the Spring tournament in April of this year.
Each team played 9 other teams in their randomized bracket for a best of three series. Mus play started at 8:30am and broke for lunch at 12:00pm. After a rocky start with a two match loss, SEE was 2:2 at lunch. Following the wonderful meal of chuleta, chorizo, morcilla, tortilla, ogia and ardaua (can you have a Basque meal without wine and bread?!?) SEE continued winning with a 3 match streak and were leading the bracket with a record of 5:2. Ultimately SEE’s team ended with a 5:4 winning record in a 3 way tie below the winners of the bracket. Not bad considering that I haven’t played a single hand of mus in 2009 and haven’t played with my father in even more time!
All of the mus players were very friendly. Sadly many were not aware Seattle or WA even had a club, a fact we hope to change by holding the 1st WA based NABO meeting this October and by continuing to attend events like the annual mus tournament where club members, not just board members, meet face-to-face.
At 7:30pm the national mus champions were announced. Two women from Winnemucca carried the title and will be representing NABO in the international tournament which will be held this Fall in Bizkaia Spain. Second place went to Jean Flesher (the lead of the band entertaining the evening at 9pm) and his partner of Salt Lake City. I am unsure who 3rd place went to. Fourth place was held by Jose Maria Artiach and Xanti Alcelay of Boise, ID.
When the results are published by NABO I will post the final standings. Zorionak to the team from Winnemucca. Not only is this the 1st female team to win a NABO tournament, but I think this gives pause to all of us to realize our Basque women can bluff and bs just as well as the men 
SEE Web Page Update!
Posted on July 13th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
The SEE web page has recently undergone some revisions, primarily adding more features to help members better access information on our website. Here is a quick summary:
Under the heading “Pages”
Event Calendar-Now the 1st permanent link on the left-hand side of the main web page links to our new Event Calendar. Here we will post all of the SEE events and any Basque events we know about in our general vicinity that SEE members might want to participate in. If you have events that you would like added to the SEE calendar e-mail any of the board members and we can post them on the site.
Under the heading “Post Categories”
Meetings-Going forward SEE will be publishing the meeting notes in this section so members can stay informed about what items the board is working on.
Newsletter- A new category for newsletters that should make searching them easier as well.
Under-
Post Calendar-This shows which days during the current month new posts were published on. Also by clicking the days posts were made (days shown in blue) you can jump directly to the posts.
Archives-SEE web posts are now archived by month so if you have a general idea when an older post was published you should be able to find it quickly!
Admin-The admin area helps the board jump directly to the website features that allow us to post and make web changes.
Last but not least I added a tiny compressed version of the Washington state/ikurrina symbol that Blas Uberuaga created for the club as what is known as a “favicon” or favorite icon. This is now proudly displayed in front of the web address when you access the SEE site and is also shown on the web page tab if you are using tabbed browsing.
~j
Fan of CIS? Gil Grissom is a fan of Euskadi + Basque rock gems
Posted on May 25th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
The power of search never ceases to bring up little gems, often times outside the realm of ones initial search. After reading one of Blas Uberuaga’s posts about a Kortatu radio station, I was cruising through YouTube to find some examples of memorable songs I had experienced during one of my several trips to Euskadi. Ultimately, I typed in the search term “Basque” and YouTube provided me with the two links below which discuss how William Petersen, better known as Gil Grissom, was born in Chicago, but grew up in Boise, ID (my home town) and eventually studied abroad in Onati. The first post also told how his girlfriend gave birth to a baby girl in Mondragon that they named Maite Nerea (”my love”). A second post showed how William graced Euskal Telebista (EiTB) viewers with brief commentary in Basque and English followed by song in Euskera this past Christmas 2008.
Once I learned of the CSI-Euskadi connection I got back to the subject of my initial search for some Basque rock gems. Here is what I came up with:
Hertzainak-Aitormena-Classical Version-A classic from my 1992 trip
Hertzainak-Aitormena-Rock Version-New to me
Negu Gorriak-Radio Rahim-A classic; I probably 1st heard this in 1991
Gozategi-Nirekin-Off the “Red” album which was played on loop in the caravan my family rented in 1996. Also my Amuma Angeles Murelaga’s favorite. She would always sing the chorus, “Emoixtaxux muxutxuek, maitie…” Maite zaitut Amuma! I am sure you are singing this in heaven
King Africa-La bomba-Not Basque, not the original, but we sure danced to this a lot in the summer of 2000. Eskerrik asko Gernikako cuadrilla
Azul, Azul-La bomba-Bolivianos with the original?
Tom Jones-Sex Bomb-Another gem from summer 2000. Why is it that sometimes the crappiest songs are the funnest to dance to? Obviously not Basque…
Gloria Gaynor-I will survive-Summer 2000; I was there 2 months, need I say more? If they played it we danced to it! Oh, clubbin’!
Los del Rio-Macarena-I know…I can’t believe I went there, but…
Oh, I love the way music triggers memories whether you want it to or not. For that reason these tracks will always be great to me ~j
Visit the Basque Country Summer 2009!
Posted on May 19th, 2009 by jguerricabeitia
Kaixo Lagunok,
Here is our new program for the Basques from the Diaspora. As we’ve done in previous years, we are once again offering you the possibility to come and enjoy the Basque Country in a trip full of emotions, especially dedicated to the Euskal Etxeak.
Basque Eusk 2009
This summer you would like to come to the Basque Country. But you still don’t know if you would come by yourself, how long you would stay and where to start your journey?
Perhaps you’d like to learn more about your roots? But how could you find the place where your ancestors used to live? Do you still have some family living there?
Or maybe you’re just eager to discover more about the Basque gastronomy, its folklore or its festivals?
Where are you going to sleep? And what about transportation? Do you know the best spots where to relax and have fun? Where are the good places to have lunch or dinner?
You don’t speak Basque well, nor Spanish or French? Would it be a problem?
Well, if you’ve asked yourself these questions before, you now have found someone to answer them.
HERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR ROOTS WHILE HAVING A GOOD TIME!!!
To find out more, have a look at our web page on http://www.basque-eusk.com/ And click on Basque Eusk 2009. If you want to sign up, you can do it directly through our web page or print out And fax the PDF application form to +34 94 465 60 03
June 15th is the deadline to sign up
So, hurry up!
For more information, please contact: Matt Basque-eusk@bideak.info
Kaixo Lagunok,
Hemen duzue Diasporako Euskaldunentzat gure programa berria. Urterolez Euskalerria ezagutzeko aukera paregabea eskaintzen dizuegu, bereziki Euskal Etxeetako lagunentzako sortua
Basq Eusk 2009
Uda honetan euskalerria bisitatu nahi duzue?. Baina ez dakizue bakarrik etorri ala ez? Zenbat denbora eta bidaia non hasi ez dakizue?
Arbaso euskaldunei buruz gehiago jakin nahi duzue. Baina, nola aurkitu dezaket nire arbasoen etxea? Agian familia izango dut oraindik Euskal Herrian?
Gastronomia ezagutzera etorri nahi duzue, folklorea, jaialdiak, ardoa…
Non egingo duzue lo? eta, Nola bidaiatu Euskal Herritik?
Euskararik hitzegiten ez baduzu ezta frantsez edota espainolik . Arazo bat izango da?
Aurretik galdera hauek egin badituzue, ORAIN ERANTZUNA DUTE
ORAIN AUKERA PAREGABEA DAUKAZUE ARBASOEI BURUZ IKASTEKO. HARTU DENBORA!!!
Gehiago jakiteko , gure web orrian klik egin http://www.basque-eusk.com/ eta bertan Vasc Eusk klikatu, erregistratu nahi baduzue zuzenean webean egin eta PDF aplikazio orria FAX + 34 94 465 60 03 bialdu
Ekainaren 15erarte erreserba dezakezue
Beraz, ANIMA ZAITEZ!!!
Informazio gehiagorako MATTekin harremanetan jarri
Our Mission & By Laws
Posted on October 25th, 2005 by Danielle
SEATTLE EUSKAL ETXEA
Founded the 19th day of April, 1997 at a lunch meeting at the house of Debbie Coscorosa.
PURPOSE
This corporation is a non-profit organization and is formed to keep and practice the culture and traditions of the Basque people; to engage in educational, social, and recreational activities to bring together those interested in the Basque people; to support the members in any reasonable manner; and to promote the Basque culture in the greater community.
In order to accomplish these goals there shall be a set of rules and by-laws that will be followed as set forth in the following articles.
ARTICLE IMEMBERSHIP
Sec. 1 – Membership will be open to any person having an expressed interest in the Basque culture, including those with or without Basque heritage. Sec. 2 – There shall be two (4) classes of membership in the organization and an annual membership fee for each classification. A. Individual membership, Twenty Dollars ($20). B. Family membership, Thirty-five Dollars ($35). C. Patron of the club, One-Hundred Dollars ($100). D. Honorary membership for those over Seventy (70) years of age, free ($0). Membership fees will be due and payable by the first day of May each year except for the first years memberships which will be due and payable at the time of joining. After the first year new membership only fees shall be pro-rated as follows: January – June 100%, June – December 50%. Fifty cents ($.50) of each membership fee will be paid to the North American Basque Organization (N.A.B.O) for membership dues. Payment of membership fees will give the members and dependent children all the rights and privileges of the organization. Sec. 3 – There shall be at least two (2) general meetings of the members each year. A. One, held the first Saturday of March, for the purpose of electing the open slate in the governing body and receiving the annual report of the Secretary/ Treasure. Only members in good standing will have the right to cast a vote. An audit of records must be completed by the Board by the 15th day of January each year. A review of by-laws will be made and proposed amendments will be submitted and numbered for membership considerations at the same time. B. The second general meeting will be held the second Sunday of August for the purpose of bringing the members of the club together. This will be the Annual Picnic and will also have the purpose of involving the larger community with the club. Sec. 4 – All meetings of the members shall be called by not less than two (2) weeks prior written or printed notice, mailed to the members at their last known addresses shown on the Corporations rolls. Sec. 5 – At least fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the membership shall be present for a quorum. Sec. 6 – Membership in the Corporation shall not entitle the members to any interest whatsoever in the assets of the Corporation. In the event of dissolution of the Corporation, only members in good standing will have a say in dissolution proceedings. This may be by written vote or attendance at a special meeting. In order to dissolve the Corporation there must be a 50% plus 1 vote to proceed, at which time all proceeds would be directed as to allocation of funds. Sec. 7 – If any member is charged with conduct deemed prejudicial to the welfare of the organization, the Board of Directors, upon ten (10) days notice to such member of the nature of the charges and after said member has an opportunity to appear before the Board and explain or refute the same, may, by a majority vote, expel said member from the organization; provided, however; that the action of the Board in expelling a member will be reviewed at the next general meeting of the membership for final disposition. Voting at such meeting on the expulsion of a member shall be by ballot and will require the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of those present to reverse the action of the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II
Form of Board
Sec. 1 – The Board of Directors , also known as the Board, shall govern the business and activities of the organization. The Board shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary/ Treasurer and four (4) Directors. For the first year, to ease the amount of initial work on the Board, there will be eight (8) Directors. Sec. 2 – Each Director will serve for one (1) year. The President, Vice-President, and Secretary/Treasurer will serve for two (2) years. Terms will be measured from the general meeting at which the Officer was elected. The President and Vice-President will not be elected at the same meeting to ensure a smooth transition between elections. Sec. 3 – Any member of the organization is eligible to be elected to the Board. Sec. 4 – The election of Board members shall be held in conjunction with the meeting of the membership. Nominations for all positions will come from the floor. A simple majority will give the results.
ARTICLE III
Power of Board, Relation to Members
Sec. 1 – Vacancies occurring on the Board will be filled from the membership by a vote of the remaining Board members. Vacancy terms will last until the next general election. Sec. 2 – The Board will have the power to expel a member subject to Article I, Sec. 7. Sec. 3 – The Board will have the power to enact any rules or by-laws deemed necessary to better govern the organization. All new rules, by-laws or amendments will be subject to Article VIII.
ARTICLE IV
Responsibilities of Board
Sec. 1 – Regular meetings of the Board will be held the first Thursday of February, May, August and November except when such date is not convenient to the majority of the Board in which case the meeting shall be moved to a date as close to the original date and such changes will be entered into the minutes of the prior meeting stating the reason for the change. Sec. 2 – Any member of the organization will be welcomed to the Board meeting as a visitor. Sec. 3 – Four (4) members of the Board will constitute a quorum. Sec. 4 – At the annual meeting of the membership, the Board will give a full report to including a financial report and a report on all activities of the year. Sec. 5 – Every activity, involvement on projects and expenditures will be approved by the Board. Sec. 6 – The Directors, Vice-President and Secretary/ Treasurer shall each have one (1) vote. The President shall vote only to break a tie.
ARTICLE V Duties of Officers
The President Shall preside at all meetings of the Board and of the members whether general or special. Shall sign all contracts, deeds and other instruments ordered to be executed by the Board. Shall represent the organization on all public relations as deemed necessary by the Board.
The Vice-President Shall be in charge of the Club Newsletter and will also assume all duties of the President when the President is unable to carry them out.
The Secretary/ Treasurer Shall record all proceedings of the Board meetings and membership meetings. Shall keep the book of accounts showing all receipts and disbursements and will deposit all funds in a bank account assigned and approved by the Board. The accounting will be available to the Board upon request. Shall be responsible for all correspondence deemed necessary and approved by the Board. Will maintain membership roster with current addresses and status.
The Directors Shall be in charge of all activities. Shall be responsible for all news releases, official announcements and advertising. Shall be responsible for all procurements, equipment, donations and purchases approved by the Board. Shall be responsible for selecting committees and presiding over such committees as needed to accomplish the above.
ARTICLE VI
Removal of Officers
Sec. 1 – The membership may remove any officer by two- thirds (2/3) majority vote at a meeting called for that purpose. Full disclosure of this action will be reported to the membership ten (10) days prior to the meeting by letter, initialed thru the Secretary or designated person in the event the Secretary is in question.
ARTICLE VII
Visitors
Sec. 1 – Visitors and guests accompanied by members may be admitted to the activities except on those occasions as the Board may designate as members only. Members will be responsible for the actions and conduct of such guest.
ARTICLE VIII
Amendments
These by-laws may be repealed or amended or new by-laws adopted at the annual meeting or at any meeting of the membership called for that purpose by a vote representing two- thirds (2/3) of the membership present.
The foregoing by-laws were adopted at the meeting of members held April 19th, 1997, at the house of Debbie Coscorrosa, and ratified at the meeting of the Board on __.
Signed: ______President Blas Pedro Uberuaga ______Vice-President Michelle Errecart ______Secretary/ Treasurer Kristi Hill ______Director Gonzalo Aranguren ______Director Jean Escoz ______Director Miren First ______Director Claudette Mendiola ______Director Virginia Goitia O’Neal ______Director Nicholas Vroman ______Director Debbie Coscorrosa ______Director John Etulain