Minnesota Youth Ambassadors Are Underway!

We received this photo today from Bob Davis, our mentor taking a group of five Youth Ambassadors from Minnesota to South America and the Caribbean this summer. The group is in Washington, DC, for orientation before heading south for nearly a month. Thanks Bob! Looking forward to receiving more photos. Also, Brendan Stermer, one of the Youth Ambassadors, has posted a blog of his own on the trip.

Dr. Bauzan Visit to Minnesota Highlighted in StarTribune

Dr. Nury Bauzan's visit to Minnesota features centrally in a new story in the StarTribune about the Minnesota-Uruguay Partnership.

More than 200 people turn out for Estol book events

We were delighted with the success of the June 15 (Saint Paul) and June 18 (Montevideo, MN) events that highlighted Federico Estol's new book, Hello Montevideo. Photos forthcoming!

The events brought together some 200 guests (longtime volunteers, new members, judges, lawyers, businesspeople, social workers, scholars, artists, students, farmers), and drew significant media attention, with stories running in the Star Tribune, West Central Tribune, and even an investment advisory blog based in Buenos Aires.

Special thanks to Moonstone Farm (Audrey Arner, board member) for donating spectacular cuts of grass fed beef to feed 100 people in Lagoon Park, and Duane Ninneman (board member) for the fresh healthy greens at the asado.

June 15 Reception in Saint Paul

Uruguay's Foreign Minister, Dr. Luis Almagro, and a delegation of officials coming from Uruguay to Minnesota next month have confirmed they will be attending our June 15 reception to celebrate the United States launch of Hello Montevideo, a new book of photographs by Uruguyan artist Federico Estol.

The reception will take place on Wednesday, June 15, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., in the Founders Hall reception area of Metropolitan State University, at 700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota. The artist's work will be on display and copies of his book will be available. Light food fare and wines from Uruguay will be served (voluntary donations appreciated).

Please see the program at right. RSVP to erikbrand10@gmail.com or 612-242-1863.

Alina Gil press coverage

Patrick Moore writes that Alina Gil, a Teacher in Residence visiting Minnesota this month, is "one of the most pleasant people I have ever met."

That's no small praise coming from Patrick, someone who knows everyone!

The Tribune published a story on Alina this week.

Willy and friends recap of 2010 activities in Uruguay

Our friends in Uruguay have put together an excellent review of 2010 activities (en español). Please check it out!

Save the Date: June 18, Fiesta Days Asado in Montevideo, MN

Members and friends of Minnesota-Uruguay Partners...

Please SAVE THE DATE of Saturday, June 18, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. to be with us in Lagoon Park, Montevideo, Minnesota, for a fantastic asado (grass-fed beef bbq). All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you there!

Recap of 2010 news from Uruguay available

Our partners in Uruguay have produced an excellent newsletter recapping some highlights from 2010 (and for many of us needing to practice, it's en español thankfully). Read more at http://www.partnersuruguay.net/

Gladys Ferrero, Innovative Teacher from Uruguay, Visits Washington

We received a photo this week from Partners of the Americas headquarters in Washington featuring Gladys Ferrero (center), an inspiring and innovative teacher who is leading a successful rural primary school in Uruguay. She was visiting Washington on a State Department trip.

"Que buena sopresa de ver Gladys aqui en nuestra 'Casa' como parte de un grupo de visitantes del Dept del Estado. Le dimos lo mejor tratamiento VIP posible!," writes Steve Vetter, the CEO of Partners.

Fiesta Queen Welcomed in Uruguay

For the first time since 1967, the Fiesta Queen from Montevideo, Minnesota, has traveled to Uruguay, where she participated in a host of pre-Carnival activities in February, met United States Amb. David Nelson, a native Minnesotan, and encountered much warmth and hospitality from Uruguayans across the nation. "The stories of her royal treatment are simply amazing," reports Partners member Patrick Moore.