By: Amy Talavera

If you found yourself in a strange place you could probably find your way around with the use of a map or ask directions. What would you do if the map was in a strange language and everyone spoke a foreign language? It isn’t a scary dream but reality for many Hispanics that come to the United States in search of a better life. In 1978 it was reality for Juana Watson who felt disoriented and lonely when she came to Columbus, Indiana as a newlywed.

Juana despised that feeling so much that she utilized her 1998 RHIT degree to start the Su Casa Center in Columbus. The Su Casa Center, which is now a year old, helps Watson fulfil her goat of teaching new Hispanic residents language, culture, and customs of the United States. Not only does she help people adapt, but also helps them make sense of such things as doing taxes, getting plates for a vehicle, and enrolling children of Hispanic families into the school system.

Watson’s role quickly expanded when she found how important it was to teach her non-Hispanic community about Hispanic culture.

Watson started teaching non-Hispanics years ago when she started taking family and friends on trips to her village in Mexico. After coming into contact with Pat Keener of the School of Medicine, Watson began taking medical students to Mexico where they learned about Hispanic culture. Watson still takes such trips where she continues to learn and share the benefits with the growing Su Casa Center. With the help of her husband and three teenage children, Watson hopes to continue helping the growing Hispanic population of Columbus.

Chocolate Fest
By: Jim Bennett

On September 28, several students in the TCEM department participated in the 17th annual Young Audiences of Indiana Chocolate Fest. This is a fund-raising event to support arts education programming in Indiana schools.

Based in Indianapolis, Young Audiences works with over 100 artist and arts organizations in the community to provide young people with opportunities to directly experience the arts. This includes performances, workshops, and residencies in schools, libraries, parts, and community centers throughout Indiana. Costs are partially subsidized by this fundraising event; these programs are at no cost to the children.

TCEM students participated in the program by preparing chocolate “goodies” to be sold and also working at the event itself. The students are Amanda Fishburn, Liz Bellman, Amy Field, Sable Stewart, Eric Knipe, Emily Gilmore, Robin Chaplick, and Damon Bell. Many thanks for donating your time and talent for such a worthwhile project.

TCEM Graduate in Sydney
By: Jim Bennett

During the Olympic Games, all the attention focuses upon the athletes who represent their countries while achieving gold, silver, or bronze medals. The Olympic Games is an immense undertaking with literally thousands of people taking an active role in making the games a success.

Two local chefs went to Australia to join ARAMARK’s contingent of over 3,000 foodservice professionals responsible for feeding the athletes and the media in the Olympic Village. One of these was Jeff Rosser, a graduate of the former RHIT program at IUPUI.

Jeff, 27, of Greenwood, works at Eli Lilly with the ARAMARK Business Services Division. A native of Bargersville, he is anxious to see the sights of Sydney, including the harbor and the famous opera house. A train enthusiast, he hopes to ride on the trains for which Australia is known.

Congratulations to Jeff for being selected for this prestigious honor. This is certainly a significant achievement for his fast-rising career.

Student Organization Plan Activities
By: Jim Bennett

THS (Tourism Hospitality Society) officers are: Damon Bell, President; Amanda Fishburn, Vice- President; Amy Field, Secretary; Sable Stewart,Treasurer; and Sotiris Avgoustis, Advisor.

Activities planned include preparing refreshments for the November IUPUI Campus Day, the Thanksgiving “Super Snack”, a trip to Hoosier Park, and a possible excursion to Las Vegas; at the end of the fall semester.

Membership dues are $5.00. To inquire about membership, contact Sotiris at 274-7649.

Indiana Fall Winery Tours
By: Joe Lee

Fall is upon us and that is a sign that the Visitlndiana.net Fall Winery tours are here once again! This fall, two tours are scheduled in western and southern Indiana.

The first tour is October 7th. Join us as we visit wineries in Indianapolis, Rockville, and Plainfield while enjoying the start of the fall colors in beautiful Parke County.

October 21st takes us to southern Indiana to Madison and Columbus where the fall colors should be at their peak.

To learn more about these great one-day weekend trips, call Joe Lee at 791-0326 or see information on the internet at:
http://www.visitindiana.net/winetour.html