Testimonial Invitation

U.P.E.C. COUNCIL #43 CHINO, CALIFORNIA
“DOM CARLOS”

HOST OF THE 123RD U.P.E.C. ANNUAL CONVENTION

PROUDLY INVITE YOU TO:

U.P.E.C. SUPREME PRESIDENT’S TESTIMONIAL LUNCHEON

HONORING:

U.P.E.C.’S 111TH SUPREME PRESIDENT

NATALIE BATISTA

SUNDAY, JULY 19TH
CHINO D.E.S. HALL
5216 Riverside Dr.
Chino, Ca. 91710

11:00 social hour
12:00 Noon Lunch Buffet
(Catered by the EURO CAFÉ)
$35.00 per person

Special Guests & Entertainment

RSVP: Convention Co-Chair Zach Batista 909-797-0879; 909-520-5998
Or lovesmilkshakes@yahoo.com

Supreme President's Testimonial & Golf Tournament Weekend

Golf at El Prado Golf Club in Chino, Ca.
Saturday, July 18th

Attend the Supreme President's Testimonial (aka Natalie Roast) at the Chino, D.E.S. Hall
Sunday, July 19th

For more information, please contact:

Zach Batista
909-520-5998
batistazach@yahoo.com

Tom Borba Jr.
951-295-8086
tom@premieregolfsolutions.com

Natalie Batista
909-446-8370
lovesmilkshakes@yahoo.com

Four-somes and tee signs still available!!

May 2009

May You Walk in Beauty

May 2009

Supreme President’s Report



May 2nd was the official calendar marking of JOIN HANDS DAY, and I am pleased to continue our efforts not just on one particular day, but straight on through to this administration’s last day this coming August. To be able to present SAMARITAN’S FEET with so many brand new shoes and socks that we have been collecting since our very first Official Visit back in the fall of 2008 will speak volumes about our membership; who we are, what we are all about, and where we are going as a Fraternal Benefit Society; this will take place at the 123rd Annual Convention Visitor’s Luncheon at the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs, Ca., Sunday, August 2, 2009.
I am only a few days away from a Friday night visit with Gustine and Newman Councils to be celebrated at the traditional festa landmark, O.L.M. Parish Hall, followed by a Board Meeting at the U.P.E.C. Home Office in San Leandro on Saturday.
Gustine is a place of Portuguese sacredness; a festa known the world over from Rosary processions by candlelight to the distinguished and honored guests who flock there from all corners of the globe and of course the romantic sweetheart stories of a time gone by; in short, Gustine is a place of miracles. We will be honoring our beloved U.P.E.C. in a most holy spot.


Our Lady of Miracles – how radiant – how divine and how necessary during our time of eminent merging of companies, ideas, personalities, powers, artifacts, histories, treasures, and families. This is our opportunity to LIVE the lessons of love and kindness rather than just read about them in church. I trust that the Official Visit in Gustine, so graciously planned and prepared by my friends Anthony Areias, Nancy Petersen and others will help me to refocus my energies while approaching the home stretch of my term. An Official Visit never fails to leave me inspired, motivated and enlightened.
Subsequently, I will offer to the Supreme Board of Directors for approval the 123rd Annual U.P.E.C. Convention Schedule as hosted by Chino Council #43 Dom Carlos, at the Wyndham Hotel in Palm Springs, Ca. August 1 – 4th, 2009.
Does anyone remember the love poem by George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788 – 1824) entitled, She Walks in Beauty? Even the very beginning lines remind you of not only the outer beauty but the soulful splendor of a woman unlike any other; in this case I am meditating on Santa Isabella, the Shrine of Our Lady of Miracles in Gustine, and Our Lady of Fatima.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Let us have eyes that see the beauty in what our traditions were founded on. We were once immigrants; slaves of Our Lady; hungry to help our brother and sister, not drooling for power. Let us be like the brave and benevolent Queen Santa Isabella and dare to be so faithful that God Himself turned bread into roses; that the Holy Spirit brought King and beggar together at the table to eat; that for peace the Queen put her crown at her feet.
These poetic expressions, the long-anticipated annual festa in Gustine, the Portuguese Fraternal Conventions, the lives of Saints; all of these things make me realize that we have to work harder, and find all the little ways of preserving what we know to be the life force and foundation of our fraternal family – UNITY, CHARITY, PROTECTION for all; LOVE and COMPASSION throughout; FAITH and PERSERVERANCE that never tires. Never waste time worrying how we are supposed to become what we think we are supposed to be, instead, we must BE who we are to the best of our ability and God will take care of the rest.

April Showers

When the Challenge is Loving Enough…

April 2009

Supreme President’s Report



A poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850 – 1919):

Are You Loving Enough?

Are you loving enough? There is some one dear,
Some one you hold as the dearest of all
In the holiest shrine of your heart.
Are you making it known? Is the truth of it clear
To the one you love? If death’s quick call
Should suddenly tear you apart,
Leaving no time for a long farewell,
Would you feel you had nothing to tell-
Nothing you wished you had said before
The closing of that dark door?

Are you loving enough? The swift years fly-
Oh, faster and faster they hurry away,
And each one carries its dead.
The good deed left for the by and by,
The word to be uttered another day,
May never be done or said.
Let the love word sound in the listening ear,
Nor wait to speak it above a bier.
Oh the time for telling your love is brief,
But long, long, long is the time for grief.
Are you loving enough?

When April showers you not with inclement weather but with friends and family that resonate and glow with such true love for our overall goal as a society of insuring and helping and promoting cultural endeavors and a life of wellness regardless of income it just blows my mind and renews my faith in humanity.
Another month of Bay Area travels to tease my passions into moving here permanently. Every time I travel with my Ava (not including that one treacherous storm laden trip complete with highway patrol escort through the snowy Grapevine to Fremont’s well-designed Official Visit) I am not only on time, but usually early (my Ava is always right so it would be advantageous if I would always do what she instructs). We arrived in Mountain View (My Ava, my sister and State Youth President Mary and I) to a large crowd of friends in a hall adjacent to an extremely multi-cultural and modern church vestibule; the walls were home to several framed Our Fathers in almost every recognizable language, including Portuguese. This was a special weekend being that it was my Ava’s Birthday weekend sandwiched between Mountain View and San Jose. With Monterey’s visit being re-scheduled, we celebrated the special day by visiting with the Braun and Puppo family of San Leandro.
Well rested from a day of San Leandro sight-seeing over memorable spots in our U.P.E.C. history in San Leandro (Root Park; the empty cement over-looking the marina where the Blue Dolphin Restaurant used to be, etc…) it was off to San Jose to spend Palm Sunday going to mass at the striking Portuguese National Church (Five Wounds Catholic Church) and then to lunch where the Portuguese restaurant could barely hold the jovial and spirited visitors who traveled near and far to be hosted by Past Supreme President Joe C. Rosa and his magnificent family and council members. As with all the visits, the food and fraternalism makes for lively conversation all the way back home.



Council #15 San Francisco –by Natalie Batista

They say Love begins at Home; That’s true
I have a Mother, Father, Sisters and a Brother who
Have Loved me for 29 years;
They have circled me with warmth-
Allowed me to explore new worlds-
Helped me to conquer my fears-
A Nurturing family’s love I have known
Making it easy to call San Francisco my Second Home
I am Blessed
I am Grateful
To have been Constantly able
To share many an early morning breakfast at Connie Cordero’s table
We would eat, shop, laugh and cry
Share intimate sides of life gone by
Accompanied by friends Vilma and Joe,
They were always excited for every softball game and every show
I was a Proud U.P.E.C. Portuguese Girl at San Francisco State
Indebted to my families who have made my life so Great
(The Cordero’s, the Soares’, the Brauns, the Puppo’s, the Stockton’s, and the Eisenberg’s)
The Eisenberg’s – Laura, my best friend
We met playing ball
Her whole family adopted me (they’re Jewish; not Portuguese at all)!
My Second Home is San Francisco
And no one, no other city can replace what it feels like for me
The U.P.E.C. members are a tribute to the honesty and generosity of Constance Cordero
My very first tour guide of the Embarcadero
Here in SF among different cultures, races, creeds
I ran on the beach
I drank the ocean breeze
And I can never come close to expressing my gratitude.
I do not need a map to get here (though some might disagree)
My Heart will Always know how to get here
Here My Heart is Always Free
Here My Heart is Home
What Better Place is there to Be?

In honor of Constance Cordero – my dear, dear friend who embodied Unity, Charity and Protection every day of her life






San Francisco never leaves my mind or heart. Across the bridge the very next day was another chance to see if I could even begin to express my love and thanksgiving to another gathering of Bay Area Godsends – Council #1, San Leandro. “U.P.E.C. #1” was sprinkled perfectly in cinnamon on the homemade Portuguese rice pudding, and that was about as ideal a slogan as any. The illustrious matriarch Maria Cabral and the celebrated Line Officer Eduard A. Braun were an emcee masterpiece. The evening included a star-studded line up of Mayors and former Mayors, as well as U.P.E.C.’s very first State Youth President Ron Vieira (who is a tremendous dance partner)! Council #1 proved to be tireless as well as timeless, raffling off prizes and dancing into the very early morning.
The party continued as we moved on to the Stockton Ballroom to be hugged (literally the best ever; hugs on cue) by Council #24. President Joaquin and Queen Contestant Brittney Aceves conducted a first-rate, first-class event, complete with the city’s famous asparagus. The size of the crowd was impressive and their ability to harmonize the anthems and God Bless America even more so (though I know everyone misses Vanessa’s singing voice, I appreciate no one throwing any leftovers at my high note attempts).
Due to my first cousin’s wedding, I was unable to attend Monterey’s visit, which was something I was looking forward too, as the scenery alone warrants a vacation feel, the fact that one of their members Miss Katie Woods is a Supreme Line Officer, and the city is also home to one of my favorite CSU campuses to visit, Cal State Monterey Bay (boasting a playoff bound softball team – Go Otters). Thankfully, Supreme Vice-President Marie B. Kelly did the honors of visiting with Monterey.
As Supreme Vice-President, Marie B. Kelly knows how to represent the U.P.E.C. with honor and class on the road as well as at home. To be able to visit with Modesto’s council in a city where so many convention memories have been created was a joy. It is with awe-inspiring satisfaction that I continually witness one of my own peers and Modesto’s own poster girl for determination and strength, Marie’s daughter Dr. Monique Vallance, pursue and achieve all of what life has to offer. As a PhD holder in Portuguese History, the Vice-President of the Next Generation of Portuguese Leaders, a college professor and a new mom, she is a role-model for all young women. I applaud Modesto for embracing progressive, forward-thinking youth movements and powerful women who can do it all, be it your taxes or the history of our Kings and Queens.
It is with immense enthusiasm that I prepare for May, and for the fast-approaching Special Convention Father’s Day Weekend in Northern California, and of course the 2009 Convention in Palm Springs, Ca. Looking forward to seeing all of you very soon as friends, members of this remarkable Society and as Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I am,
Fraternally Yours,



Natalie M. L. Batista
U.P.E.C. Supreme President
2008 - 2009

Historic Travels!

March Madness

March Madness 2009

Supreme President’s Report



March Madness is the ceremonial and traditional title of one of the nation’s most beloved college sports – basketball; an intense game ushered in by a fast and furious tournament of champions, men and women, small schools and large ones, private and public institutions all with the same fair shake at “THE TOP.” What a feeling! To begin something; to be inspired by something; to be encouraged, supported, uplifted, trained and tested. My favorite is when a small, often unknown quaint college goes up against a behemoth and every once in awhile that giant falls to the small team that played with more heart, more hustle, and used the skills of all their teammates rather than rely on one superstar; March Madness; a lot of games with a lot at stake.
Not unlike basketball’s signature event is the powerhouse of Official Visits of our beloved U.P.E.C. March takes on a whole new meaning……marching turns into running and running becomes more of a fast-paced marathon cross-country (or at least across California). I had the pleasure of christening March Official Visits with my neighbors; Co. #167 Artesia. A more stunning tribute of “Wonder Women” I know not, having been in the presence of Mrs. Neves and Mrs. Sousa – wives of our treasured Past Supreme Presidents. I am always brought to tears at the way my family is remembered by the angelic mother of Estela Simas. This is always a visit that my entire family has enjoyed from its inception.
I have been invited to and have been experiencing new and exciting people, places and things. “New” does not even begin to describe Newcastle! A historic hall tucked away like a secret garden in the hills of Northern California. There are not enough tables in all of California to hold all the food that was so lovingly prepared. No less than 11 loaves of homemade sweetbread graced the hall with a smell so sweet that one could drift off into a very pleasant fairytale dream. The members (particularly the men) lined the outer wall built-in benches pre-visit to give it the necessary Old West cowboy charm, along with an entertaining and ample auction to end the evening.
I had the chance to reunite with my “royal family” in Half Moon Bay. Ever since Past Supreme President Joe Vargas and his lovely wife Carolina took me under their wing as their Convention Queen in Millbrae I have had a love affair with the bay area. No wonder why I jumped at the chance to play on an athletic scholarship at San Francisco State University. All of my friends were there on such a glorious day in Half Moon Bay! It had just the right combination of rain, sun, and ocean breeze. The food was amazing (allotted special taste testing privileges in the kitchen by the chef prior to the serving – lucky me)! The hall was adorned by the famous plants and flowers that bloom like trademark- priceless art in the area. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was flying home I would have taken them all home with me (the plants and the people).
You know when you haven’t seen a good friend in a long time how good it feels to see them again? That was how the Vallejo/San Rafael visit felt – like a great big hug! I remember dancing with Fernanda Batista at conventions (always just assumed we were cousins; I’m sure we are) and planning my little brother Christopher’s betrothal to Marie Elena with Manuela. The membership keeps delighting with their gifts and talents; Emily Dutch, our very own State Youth Council Officer showcasing her brilliance by attaining a scholarship reserved for literally only a handful of the best and the brightest, enabling her to reach for the stars in all her academic collegiate pursuits wherever they might lead her. The Councils were so patient in waiting to receive me (do I have to wait until Christmas for a GPS?) but still did so with the familial generosity of visiting one’s Ava, emphasizing safe arrival as the most important thing. The entertainment had us all cheering, and tapping our feet especially along with the two year old dynamic dancer in the Portuguese dance group! The dancers were all of mixed nationalities and backgrounds and performed traditional Portuguese dances in handmade costumes. The councils voted on a menu that would be unique to the year full of feasts, and opted for an extremely memorable and fun family-style party complete with build your own ice cream sundaes! Really, if it wasn’t for my dad keeping track of where I had to be next, I would always try to remain in the Bay Area; I left my heart in San Francisco is true indeed, and the amount of shoes and socks that are piling up for Samaritan’s Feet is extraordinary!
Just when you think you won’t be able to eat anymore, Manteca fills its hall to capacity and piles your plate with homemade linguica. Loud and proud is the membership in Manteca, and how pleased, proud and honored I am to know the momma of our salesman, Joe Seamus- A strong, beautiful, perfectly elegant lady who always make sure I take home well-wishes to my mother and grandmother. Manteca is the spot where anyone who is anyone comes to visit; Regalia-wearing, policy-owning, Portuguese-loving people are in abundance in Manteca.
There are plenty of regalia adorning another set of neighbors just a few hours away in Bakersfield. Our Vice-Chairman of the Board and Past Supreme President Mr. Gary Dias and his wife Caron found the time to honor my rosary request in their home prior to their Official Visit. Our prayers were lifted up to our Blessed Mother after a delicious Lenten meal and the most touching display of the weekend being the presentation of Helen Sousa-Bryant’s very own rosary of exceptional significance to me by her husband and our Supreme Line Officer, Mr. Michael Bryant. That was a moment that words can not do justice to, and I am compelled to just give it the silent and respectful reverence it deserves. May she watch over us all as our Angel and guide us to a more heartfelt understanding of togetherness, teamwork and spiritual healing.
March Madness culminated with nothing short of March Gladness – a reunion with my longtime friends the Dias family in Fresno. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dias and their fabulous family work tirelessly to extend their warmth and desire for fraternal success in friendship and mutual respect throughout the societies that I can only hope to love half as much as they do. They give of themselves in internal and external ways, tangible and intangible, never for a moment allowing me to feel unloved and that love extended to my Ava Parriera who I am blessed to travel with and even my boyfriend Thomas who Mrs. Dorothy Dias decreed that he accompanying me at the head table – she is never outdone when it comes to protocol, proper and pleasing presentation and overall hospitality. One almost feels guilty at the amount of gifts and charitable donations that come with knowing the Dias family and the members of the Fresno council, but once you know them and know that their contributions, gifts and friendship come from such an untainted, honest place completely devoid of any hidden agenda or desire for power, accolades or favor, it moves your heart to a point of knowing God’s grace here on earth.
Thank you to everyone who made March possible!!! My friends, family, drivers, councils, neighbors, helpful strangers, new members, old members, Angels, those who offered rides or picked me up or let me stay at their homes….YOU are in essence doing God’s work and may He Bless you with health, happiness and fraternalism throughout your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren. Until April, I am,

Fraternally Yours,



Natalie M. L. Batista
U.P.E.C. Supreme President
2008 - 2009

Almost time......

Take Care of Your Hearts

UPEC SUPREME PRESIDENT'S REPORT

FEBRUARY 21, 2009

The strongest muscle in our body is the heart. The leading cause of death for women is heart disease. The heart represents many things; love, joy, family, St. Valentine's Day, and life itself. Our hearts never attack us, we attack our hearts. When we shut our hearts we are basically shutting off the flow of life to our hearts. Let us drop the judgements and rejoice in love when we see it. During this New Year I have definitely seen it and have been lucky enough to receive it.

When we are giving and receiving love, we are nurturing our souls and emanating good energy. Many thanks and countless hugs go to the officers and members of the UPEC councils in Fremont and Merced; for braving the stormy February weather to be with me and my family (UPEC Supreme Ava, Lucy Parriera and State Youth President Mary Ernestine Batista). It was my first time driving through the ice and snow that covered the grapevine and had us slowly proceeding with CHP escort; the Rosary definitely came in handy - seeing us through without the use of tire chains. Both visits were well attended, enthusiastic and loving. Mary and I both received generous donations for our charities as well as shoes and socks for Join Hands Day (Samaritan's Feet). Due to a winter flu that I had at the beginning of this month, I was unable to share in the celebration of our Fraternalist of the Year, the irreplaceable Maria de Cabral - but have a token of appreciation for her service that I plan on presenting her in thanksgiving for her dedication and tireless service to our society and the Portuguese community as a whole. My love goes out to our sisters in the UPPEC who celebrated their anniversary this month as well.

It seems in last month's report I was so excited about the word merger that I merged two of my friends together and made them one person; Megan Silva and Amanda Sargeant - both Past State Youth Officers (Amanda having also served as our Past Queen). Having seen them both at the Mantanca in Bakersfield, I wanted to make it a point to share with you how exceptionally they are growing in maturity, grace and fraternalism - both representing our society and their families extremely well - we should be very proud to have them in our UPEC family and my apologies for the typo.

This is the first month of my term that is completely full of activity - the start of a jammed pack year of business and fraternalism - and just like when a new President is elected for the United States, they know that their success and progress does not just magically happen, nor does it occur based solely on the President's effort alone - but on teamwork and the love of who we are and what we do. Combining our forces to be a more helpful and productive organization will be a fruitful, necessary and emotional process. Remember that positive emotions heal and negative emotions are the number one cause of diseases and stress; the number one issue that is so difficult for humans to handle is forgiveness. If we can forgive our past mistakes, and our present misgivings - then we can move forward into a happy, healthy and prosperous future. Our hearts will not be free to love and our societies will not be around for another 100 years if we are stuck in our ways; lacking in our faith, or distrusting of each other. Having just made it back from being a rector for a girl's retreat at the Sacred Heart Retreat Camp in Big Bear, California (where the snow glistened and inspired), I can say with full confidence that together, with love and understanding of each other's needs, we will be as strong - if not stronger as the day we were formed - provided each and every member believes in our collective greatness.

This weekend my UPEC travels include the UPEC Board meeting in San Leandro; Hayward's Official visit today (Saturday, February 21, 2009) and Tracy's Official Visit tomorrow; next weekend will take me back to southern California (Redlands and Artesia). I look forward to these opportunities of fraternalism, friendship and love. Thank you for your continued support.

QUOTE FROM HELEN KELLER: "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."

QUOTE FROM MICHAEL LEUNIG: "Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that."

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Supreme President & State Youth President
January 17, 2009


Friday, January 9th, 2009, members of Council #43, Chino arrived in Bakersfield, Ca.
We (the girls) stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn Express (our momma and Ava Lucy Parriera, and of course sister Vanessa). The men parked their R.V. at the Dias Ranch behind a hay truck; our Papa said he fell asleep dreaming of his childhood on the dairy.

Our Papa (State Youth Advisor, Zach Batista) stayed overnight Friday and Saturday with Past State Youth President Zachary Batista Jr. and our youngest brother Christopher. It was their first R.V. camping experience together! Papa starting early with Gary and the crew (Caron and company were working days before chopping onions) and the work, excitement and fun continued through Sunday.

Thanks to Gary, Caron and their family for inviting everyone and offering their ranch (their lemons and grapefruit are amazing). I’m thinking we can turn the Matanca into an educational television series with Joe I. Silva and Igidio Almeida as instructors and Joe Pimentel as the commentator/comedian.

It was a pleasure and honor to have a few of our uncles and of course our Tia attend; our Tio Gerard Batista from Chino and a member of Luso-America Board of Directors; our Tio Anton Batista and Tia Cecilia of the I.D.E.S. Council in Chino; they enjoyed it so much they have signed on to help with upcoming fundraisers (watch your mail for invitations).

Deep and heartfelt thanks to all of the women who worked and prepared to make it such a special event; the food was delicious, and Iria Pimentel was showcasing how to be a Portuguese card shark!

It was wonderful to see Amanda Silva, Past State Youth President and her fiancée.

Our Queen Contest also kicked off with Britney Aceves in attendance from Lemoore/Hanford (and her family)!

Thank you, thank you to Connie Corvelo for all of her support and dedicated enthusiasm to the future of our beloved society.

Today, instead of being bicep deep in morcella, we have split our respective duties between the Cabrillo Convention in Fresno, Ca. and our brother Zachary’s Going-Away-to-Boot-Camp-Party-Weekend at our Ava Parriera’s in Chino; an all day open house on Sunday, as you all know, requires a lot of kitchen preparation on Saturday –
Everyone is most cordially invited!

We both would like to wish our entire U.P.E.C. family a very Happy New Year!
God Bless You and the U.P.E.C.!

Mary Batista – State Youth President
Natalie Batista – Supreme President