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Burmese American Association of Texas
http://www.baatx.org
May 2005
BAAT CELEBRATES THINGYAN WATER FESTIVAL AND BURMESE NEW YEAR OF 1367
Message from the President
BAAT Officers (2005)
Stephen Yoe
President
832-452-5757
Robert Chan
VP Executive
281-242-8915
Daw San San Myint (Aunty San)
VP Social
281-530-1898
Keith Kyaw (Ko Htwe)
Secretary
832-766-0517
Sylvia Hom
Treasurer
832-818-2986
Htin Aung Win (Ko Maw Si)
VP Dallas
817-292-3969
Please contact any officers
above if you have any
inquiries or business
communication concerning
the Burmese community
.
Dear Members and Friends:
On behalf of BAAT, I sincerely wish you all the felicity, longevity and prosperity throughout the Burmese New
Year of 1367. The word “Thingyan” is derived from a Sanskrit word “Thin Ka Ran” which means change. So
Thingyan connotes change from the old season to a new season or old year to New Year. Thingyan is a festive
occasion and the time to make amends, meet new friends and pay homage to elders. The Thingyan picnic
should be a starting point for us to make it a change for the better.
Last few months have been a tough period for BAAT to lose such two long-time BAAT members: Ma Naw Tha
Mi and U Stanley Tin Thein. BAAT was equally saddened with the families in grief because they were the
supportive and active members of BAAT in its early existence in Houston. No mistake about it, the loss has
touched the community. Likewise to me, it has deepened my grips and reflection on the meaning of human
lives from the standpoints of the Laws of Nature or Natural Laws (as philosophized by St. Thomas Aquinas) and
Utilitarianism (by John Stewart Mills). The strength is in the people; and the bigger results come out from the
groups acting in tandem in a natural way. BAAT’s duty is to fulfill one of its simple community group services
of informing its members and bringing them together on their own accord (naturally) to comfort one another in
times of hardship. BAAT as a community laughs together and toughens out the hard times together by sharing
our happiness, memories, stories, and glories of life in general or specific. These are the main objectives and
goals, and what BAAT community is all about. Socrates once said, “Human beings are social and political
beings.” No doubt, I couldn’t imagine living a life without having such a wonderful social friends like you and
great social-cultural civic association like BAAT. Anyway, I am glad to hear many people express their
appreciation toward the necessity and importance of BAAT and its expanding roles as our community grows.
Again, we need more volunteers like you to keep this community spirit alive.
Anyway, windy talks aside, let us have a fabulous time at the picnic meeting with friends – old and new, far
and near, high and low – to strengthen our friendship, understanding, and social bonds among our Burmese
families with the diverse ethnic backgrounds in which we take pride. Again, welcome aboard and buckle up
your seat belt – the BAAT fun rides are yours to enjoy and remember!
With Metta Cetana,
Stephen Yoe, CPA
President 2005
Invitation
Please celebrate the Burmese Thingyan with BAAT by joining us for a day of fun, great food, music, games, fellowship and of course,
splashes! Bring your family and friends along to share the fun and connect with our culture. Everyone is cordially invited!
When:
Sunday, June 5, 2005 (11:00 AM to 5:30 PM)
Where:
Bear Creek Park, Pavilion #6. Please see map for location. If you need further assistance, please call Stephen
Yoe (832-452-5757), Ko Myo Aye Thane (281-565-0364), or Ko Htwe (832-766-0517).
Directions: From Belt Way 8, exit Clay Rd and go west
(towards High-way 6) for about 4 to 5 miles. Pass Eldridge
Road and War Memorial Drive. Turn left on Bear Creek Drive
into Bear Creek Park. From High-way 6, if you are coming
from south, turn right; if you are coming from the north, turn
left onto Clay Rd. Go east on Clay Rd (towards Belt Way 8).
Turn right at Bear Creek Drive into Bear Creek Park. Please
see the map for further clarification.
