Hmong Comedian/Educator Headlines SE Asian Family Education Conference

Touger Xiong, a Hmong American comedian and educator, will be the keynote speaker Saturday at the second annual Southeast Asian Family Education Conference, “Journey to Success.”
Families can learn about services and scholarships and how best to support kids in school.

The conference, which is co-sponsored by Fresno Unified’s Parent University, The Fresno Center, and Fresno State, will be from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Fresno State Satellite Student Union, 2485 E. San Ramon Ave.
Free parking, lunch, and childcare will be provided.

Xiong To Lead Workshops

Xiong, who is from St. Paul, Minn., is a storyteller and activist whose goal is to build cultural competency and address racial discrimination. In addition to the keynote address, he is scheduled to lead two workshops for students and parents. Workshops will be conducted in Hmong, Lao, and Khmer.
The conference also includes a resource fair and entertainment.
“This event is a terrific way for our Southeast Asian families to come together, talk one-on-one with district leaders, and learn new tools for ensuring their students are engaged in school,” said Superintendent Bob Nelson.

Calendars Feature Valley Kids’ Artwork

Need a reminder of why we all need cleaner air here in the Valley? Look no further than the 2020 Healthy Air Living Kids’ Calendar, which the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is providing for free.
We should all follow the sage advice of second-grader Lesley Rodriguez-Baez, whose message is “Remember to turn your engine off while you wait, just like my dad.”
The full-color calendars feature the drawings of 13 student artists from across the Valley, including fourth-graders Anahi Palacios of Madera and Kessin Bush of Porterville, and 11th-grader Olivia Myracle of Clovis.
The bilingual calendars are available by emailing public.education@valleyair.org or calling (559) 230-6000. They can also be picked up at the air district office in Fresno, 1990 E. Gettysburg Ave.

More Student Art Opportunities

Rep. TJ Cox, D-Fresno, is calling on all high school artists to enter the annual Congressional Art Competition.
The winner of the 21st District contest will be invited to the national awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. All participants in the local competition will be invited to a reception organized by district staff.
Artwork must be original and may be up to 26 inches by 26 inches, up to 4 inches in depth, and not weigh more than 15 pounds. The eligible art forms are paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art, and photography.
Check House.gov beginning in early February for the rules, checklist, and release form for the 2020 competition.

You’re Never Too Old To Learn

Want to know more about quantum optics? Or get a behind-the-scenes look at Fresno’s Forestiere Underground Gardens? And are you age 50 or older?
If so, you might want to sign up for one or more of the record 41 course offerings in the 2020 spring semester for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Fresno State.
A $40 membership fee includes attendance at and parking for all keynote addresses, and eligibility to attend courses and adventures (including a trip to San Francisco to see Sting perform in “The Last Ship”) for nominal additional fees.
Classes are offered to adults age 50 and older. For more information about the program, to receive a catalog, or to become a member, visit fresnostate.edu/olli, call 559 278-0008 or email osher@csufresno.edu.