El Sol Latino | January 2016 | 12.3

January 2016

Volume 12 No. 3

Un Peri贸dico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

Un Peri贸dico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

Un Peri贸dico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

Un Peri贸dico Diferente / A Different Kind of Newspaper

DISABILITY LAW CENTER

INVESTIGATION AT PECK SCHOOL, HOLYOKE

2

Editorial/Editorial

Educational Malpractice in the Holyoke Public Schools?

On December 9, 2015 the Disability Law Center published a report about the alleged abuses taking place in the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) based at Peck School. The report documents the findings of their investigation about a series of complaints of how students, mostly Hispanic, with developmental disabilities and mental health problems were being treated.

Although the DLC investigation began on May 2015, rumors about what was happening at the Peck School had been circulating in Holyoke since the beginning of 2015. Most of these rumors were confirmed by the DLC investigation.

The inquiry included a review of a letter written by Liza Hirsch, a former employee of the Peck School, sent to then Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sergio Páez on March 6, 2015 detailing instances of abuse and neglect at TIP. Even though the severity and the magnitude of the incidents at Peck School appear to be a new and isolated issue, for decades the quality of both regular and special education services provided to this particular student population has not been the best. This is not the first time that the practices and the services provided by the Holyoke schools fall into question.

Foto del Mes/ Photo of the Month

NASA New High-Resolution Earthrise Image

An evidence that this seems to be a long standing and pervasive systemic problem is corroborated in the letter written by Joan E. Schuman, retired Executive Director of the Collaborative for Education Services (CES), published in The Boston Globe this past December 18. In 2011, CES was hired to run the under performing Dean Technical School, a school with a high concentration of special education students, most of them Hispanic. CES began a study of the Holyoke schools special education department, the practices and the special education services provided to these students.

In the letter, Schuman states, “we found a dysfunctional districtwide department that was out of compliance with state and federal special education laws and regulations.” Even more disturbing is the fact that, “our findings and recommendations to the Holyoke school district and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education when unheeded.”

Given the history of these issues, the facts and the present controversy at Peck school, we agree with Marcela García’s that, “The situation at Peck is educational malpractice in the extreme; the system is clearly broken.” (A full investigation needed in Holyoke, an opinion/editorial piece, The Boston Globe, December 18, 2015).

Cita del Mes/ Quote of the Month

contents

2 Editorial / Editorial Educational Malpractice in the Holyoke Public Schools?

3 Portada / Front Page Report Findings of Abuse Allegations at Peck School 4 Puerto Rica Cultural Center Reboots!

5 Holyoke Public Library to receive Grant from the NEH 6 Estudian Movilidad Geográfica de los Dominicanos en los Estados Unidos 7 New Analysis Reveals Punishing Wage Gaps for African American Women and Latinas in the States Where Most Work 8 Tinta Caliente / Hot Ink

9 O pinión / Opinion Privilege in Hampden County 10 Putting the Responsibility Where it Belongs Reflexiones Sobre la Felicidad del que Nada Es 11 D ictatorship in the Caribbean: The U.S. prepares a “Financial Control Authority” to rule over Puerto Rico 12 S tatus Assembly: The real solution for the Puerto Rican Financial Crisis

¿Qué Pasa en...?

14 Salud / Health ¿Qué Hacer para Bajar de Peso?

15 Niño Puertorriqueño elegido Embajador de March of Dimes Tapestry Health Needle Exchange Marks 20th Anniversary

Founded in 2004 n Volume 12, No. 3 n January 2016 Editor Manuel Frau Ramos manuelfrau@gmail.com 413-320-3826 Assistant Editor Ingrid Estrany-Frau Managing Editor Diosdado López

Art Director Tennessee Media Design Business Address El Sol Latino P.O Box 572 Amherst, MA 01004-0572

Image Credit: NASA/Goddard/Arizona State University. (December 18, 2015). NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) recently captured a unique view of Earth from the spacecraft’s vantage point in orbit around the moon.

Editorial Policy El Sol Latino acepta colaboraciones tanto en español como en inglés.

Nos comprometemos a examinarlas, pero no necesariamente a publicarlas. Nos reservamos el derecho de editar los textos y hacer correcciones por razones de espacio y/o estilo. Las colaboraciones pueden ser enviadas a nuestra dirección postal o a través de correo electrónico a: info@elsollatino.net.

El Sol Latino welcomes submissions in either English or Spanish.

We consider and review all submissions but reserve the right to not publish them. We reserve the right to edit texts and make corrections for reasons of space and/or style. Submissions may be sent to our postal address or via electronic mail to: info@elsollatino.net.

El Sol Latino is published monthly by Coquí Media Group.

El Sol Latino es publicado mensualmente por Coquí Media Group, P.O Box 572, Amherst, MA 01004-0572.

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino January 2016

3

Report Findings of Abuse Allegations at Peck School by MANUEL FRAU RAMOS In December 2015, the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) at the William Peck School in Holyoke became the focus point of a controversy with far reaching consequences.

On December 9, 2105 The Disability Law Center (DLC) published an investigation report regarding their findings about the treatment and alleged abuses of students in the TIP Program. This program services children in 4th – 8th grade with emotional and behavioural disabilities.

One important example highlighted by the report is that, “According to school records reviewed, one student was subjected to 50 restraints, including many that were prone. The students parent reported that the youngster pleaded that s/he was unable to breathe and that on multiple occasions the student complained of pain as a result of the restraints.”

2. Failure to report Extended Restraint or Restraint Injury to DESE DLC investigation found that “many students that had been injured during improper restraints at TIP and had been subject to extended restraints were not reported to Department of Elementary and Education (DESE).” It added that, “These improper restrains do not comply with Federal and State laws and thus constitute abuse and neglect under The Protection and Advocacy statutes. “ 3. Improper Reclusion of Students likely to Cause Physical or Psychological Harm.

The report documents that “on at least three occasions, a teacher put children in a locked closet and turned out the lights.” The investigation also “revealed that the TIP students are secluded generally from the social and educational opportunities provided at the Peck school” such as field trips and school dances in addition to entering and exiting the building using separate doors.

The DLC investigation began on May 12, 2015 after the Center received a complaint regarding the well being of students in the TIP Program. DLC visited the school on four occasions, interviewed staff, administrators, students, and parents/guardians, among others. In addition, they had access to a wide range of official documents and files, among them a comprehensive letter with attachments written by Liza Hirsch, a former employee of the Peck School, sent to the former Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sergio Páez, on March 6, 2015. The letter outlined in great detail many of the concerning practices and multiple incidents of abuse and neglect.

The investigation concluded that, “the children in the TIP program have been subject to abuse and neglect, improper practices, and unsafe conditions.” According to the report, these practices are likely to cause immediate and long term physical or psychological harm and constitute abuse and neglect under Protection and Advocacy statutes and are a violation of Federal and State laws.

On Monday, December 14th, 2015 Hampden County District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni announced that the allegations concerning the treatment of the special needs students at Peck School will be investigated by his office.

Below we are reprinting some of the report findings 1. Improper Restraint using Excessive Force that includes, among others • Children being thrown to the floor for refusing to move.

• Children being pulled out of chairs for refusing to get up.

• Staff using a level of force beyond what is needed to resolve the situation.

• Staff tackling students to the ground and using prone restraint.

• Staff using prone restraint resulting in injury when it wasn’t needed.

• Students being threatened with suspension for refusing to delete photographs taken during improper restraints.

• An authoritative attitude towards children “you do what I tell you or else”.

• A student losing a tooth during a prone restraint.

• Students being thrown to the floor and slapped.

• Staff sitting on students on the floors that they cannot see.

• A child being punched during a restraint.

• Children being hit against the wall and children being pushed on the floor face down.

• Multiple restraints resulting in scratches and bruises for not following the rules.

• Yanking on students arms to move them with such force that it leaves bruises and scratches.

4. Improper Neglect for Failing to Provide a Safe Environment The investigation uncovered many safety issues in the building. For example, all of the windows in the TIP program are missing screens, and children climb out of the open windows. The building also seems to be in need of repair with holes in the walls, and missing ceiling panels, among others.

5. Improper Neglect for Failing to Carry Out Individual Program Plans The children in the TIP program have Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) to address social-emotional needs as well as special education services in academic areas. Staff interviews and parent reports indicate that the staff lacks training and that the students are verbally abused on a regular basis – “screaming at students, publicly shaming them, and threatening them.” The school “routinely calls the police to resolve issues when children are in crisis and in need of mental health supports.” Many parents reported that IEPs are not being followed and that students are doing “very little or no academics. “ The staff indicated that “the administration refuses to allow the staff to meet as a whole to collaborate and plan cohesive strategies.”

DLC recognizes that several changes have been made, among them, changes in staff that includes a new acting principal, contracting with School Based Services to provide on-site management and training, and collection of restraint, seclusion and suspension data. However, DLC is still concerned due to the extent of the abuse and neglect they uncovered in the TIP program. DLC highlighted that, “unless the receiver can transform this isolated program where abusive and punitive measures are prevalent, then the continued appropriateness of such a program must be questioned and re-assessed.”

DLC is currently shifting to a monitoring phase and is demanding a Required Remedial Plan that needs to include, among others, that “TIP will cease to conduct illegal restraint and seclusion and will comply with all State and Federal laws,” and that “TIP will fully implement each students IEP in the least restrictive environment. “ The final step in the recommendations includes a requesting “that the District cooperate and help facilitate DLCs monitoring of the remedial plan for a period of twelve months. “ DLC is a private, non-profit organization responsible for providing protection and advocacy for the rights of Massachusetts residents with disabilities. DLC receives federal, state and private funding but is not part of the state or federal government. For more information contact them by phone (413) 584-6337 / (800) 222-5619 Voice or visit its Western Massachusetts Office on 32 Industrial Drive East, Northampton.

4

El Sol Latino January 2016

Puerto Rica Cultural Center Reboots!

By NATALIA MUÑOZ* The Puerto Rican Culture Center has a new home! One of the region’s longest non-profits dedicated to educating and advocating for the Puerto Rican community – as well as other Spanish-speaking communities – the PRCC is now located at 1 Federal Street, Room 101.

Ever since David Silva was appointed executive director in February 2015, we have been busy re-organizing the center. Previous to Silva, Ivette Cruz volunteered as executive director to keep the center going for three years, as we say in Spanish, contra viento y marea, with a corps of other extraordinary volunteers that kept programming ongoing. Gratitude to Ivette and her staff!

Ivette established partnerships that exist today, and opened the doors of opportunity for many.

Under Silva, the first order of business was to rebuild a new board of directors committed to the continued development of cultural and educational projects: José Saavedra, chair; Heshima Moja, Natalia Muñoz, Julio Toledo and Ana Sánchez. The board represents a range of sill sets, from community advocacy in education, health, safety and culture.

Next, with the guidance of Kelvin Molina and Samalid Hogan, we underwent a rigorous process in the summer to build an enduring strategy for the center. In 2016 we will be rolling out new cultural projects and partnering with other organizations.

Along the way in 2015, we established partnerships with local and statewide organizations, including: • Puerto Rican Cultural Project – The Holyoke-based project produces a successful speakers series to raise awareness of the rich and complex history of Puerto Rico.

• Casa Latina – Located in Florence, Casa Latina celebrated its 50th anniversary this year advocating for Latinos from everywhere.

• Proyecto Salón Hogar – Salón Hogar provides online GED preparation and testing services to Spanish-speaking residents of Springfield.

• Springfield Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission – Through this new relationship, PRCC is poised to aide in preparing the city workforce more than ever before.

• UMASS Center at Springfield – The PRCC is working towards establishing a strategic partnership with UMass. to continue providing education and public health-related trainings, cultural and health-related workshops, and events.

• Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts/Boston. The PRCC and Gastón support completed a five-year-long public health campaign titled Por Ahi Dicen, to engage Springfield residents and highlight the experience of Puerto Rican mothers’ communication with their children regarding sexuality and sexual health, as well as the environmental and social factors that could be shaping this communication.

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center was established in 1978, to increase education and cultural arts opportunities to the Puerto Rican and Spanishspeaking communities in Springfield. Today, we continue to be one of the longest-standing Hispanic/Latino serving institution and are a regional cultural center serving the citizens of Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and Northampton. We serve Hispanics/Latinos and all who wish to learn about the Hispanic/Latino cultures through education, cultural arts and empowerment programs. *Natalia Muñoz is a member of the PRCC Board of Directors.

Aviso a todas las Minorías, Mujeres y Veteranos Dueños de Empresas Están invitados los que tengan certificación de MBE, WBE y VBE Por Cita Previa

Para las sesiones informativas en MGM Springfield’s Construction Office Representantes gerenciales del proyecto de construcción de MGM Springfield se reunirán con contratistas MBE, WBE o VBE interesados para explicarles el alcance de los planes de construcción y el calendario de los mismos; el proceso de pre-cualificación y los requisitos; cómo registrarse como proveedor con la Massachusetts Gaming Commission; cómo certificar su negocio como un MBE, WBE o VBE; y la política de MGM Springfield en cuanto a contratistas, proveedores y compras.

Las reuniones serán programada de manera continua Para una cita llame al 413.273.5926.

Building Excitement.

Building Excitement. mgmspringfield.com mgmspringfield.com

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino January 2016

5

Holyoke Public Library to receive Grant from the NEH WASHINGTON (December 16, 2015) — The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announced $423,464 in grants to 38 cultural organizations to bring historical records and artifacts currently hidden in family attics and basements across the country and make them digitally available to the wider public and for posterity.

our family and community histories, and the stories and objects we pass down to our children. These new NEH Common Heritage grant projects will help capture this vitally important part of our country’s heritage and preserve it for future generations.”

These are the first awards made under NEH’s new Common Heritage grant program, which was created in April 2015 as part of The Common Good: The Humanities in the Public Square, an agency-wide initiative that seeks to enhance the role of the humanities in civic life.

Common Heritage grants will allow historical societies, libraries, archives, museums, colleges and other local institutions to host “digitization days” encouraging members of the public to share materials important to their family or community histories, such as photographs, artifacts, family letters, and works of art.

These items will be digitized, along with descriptive information and context provided by the community attendees. With the owner’s permission, the digitized materials will be made publicly available through the institution’s online collections. Contributors will receive a free digital copy of their items to take home, along with the original materials.

NEH Common Heritage grants will also support public programming – including lectures, exhibits, discussion programs, and film screenings—that celebrates and expands knowledge of the community’s past and the diverse histories of its members.

“We know that America’s cultural heritage isn’t found only in libraries and museums,” said NEH Chairman William D. Adams, “but in our homes, in

¡INICIA UNA CARRERA EN CUIDADO DE LA SALUD! ¡PREPÁRATE PARA UNA NUEVA CARRERA EN NUESTRO NUEVO CENTRO PARA LA EDUCACIÓN DEL CUIDADO DE LA SALUD CON TECNOLOGÍA DE VANGUARDIA !

NEH Common Heritage grants of up to $12,000 were awarded to 38 community cultural organizations in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

The Holyoke Public Library was the only organization in Western Massachusetts to be the recipient of this grant. The Library will receive $12,000 to digitize cultural heritage events as well as materials held by members of the Latino community. The project entitled: Nuestros Senderos: Las Historias de Nuestras Vidas en Holyoke [Our Paths: Stories of Life in continued on page 7

ELIJE ENTRE

Enfermería Tecnología radiológica Codificación médica Trabajador de atención directa Trabajador de salud comunitaria Fundamentos de la salud Nutrición Técnico veterinario

EDUCACIÓN INNOVADORA TECNOLOGÍA AVANZADA Publish your bilingual ad in El Aprende Sol más Latino! en hcc.edu/health FACULTAD INTERESADA EN QUE TRIUNFES!

Call us today at (413) 320-3826

6

Portada / Front Page

El Sol Latino January 2016

Estudian Movilidad Geográfica de los Dominicanos en los Estados Unidos Old Places, New Places: Geographic Mobility of Dominicans in the U.S./Viejos lugares, nuevos lugares: La movilidad geográfica de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos, es un estudio estadístico que documenta la movilidad interna y la dispersión geográfica de la población dominicana en los Estados Unidos, dado a conocer al público el 19 de octubre por el Instituto de Estudios Dominicanos de CUNY (CUNY-DSI).

Durante las últimas cuatro décadas la población dominicana que vive en los EE. UU. ha crecido substancialmente. Con una población de 204,360 en el año de 1980 se ha incrementado hasta llegar a una población de 1,5 millones en el 2010. Mientras el crecimiento de la población dominicana en los EE. UU. ha sido consistente, los patrones de asentamiento del grupo han comenzado a cambiar. Mediante el análisis de datos de la Serie de Micro-datos Integrados de Uso Público (IPUMS) armonizados con la Encuesta sobre la Comunidad Americana (ACS), este trabajo ilustra como el crecimiento demográfico entre los dominicanos ha ido acompañado de un proceso de desconcentración en el que vemos que los dominicanos se mudan en gran número hacia estados fuera del noreste, donde la mayor concentración de dominicanos han residido históricamente.

La metodología para el estudio consistió en la desagregación de la población dominicana basada en su estatus migratorio del año anterior y de la natividad sobre el período del 2001-2011.

Los investigadores compararon los dominicanos

Jeroton Clown

Music, Games, Balloons and Much More...

For More information call: Jerry & Brenda 413-557-8273 • 413-210-5458 jero4817@yahoo.com

llegados de la República Dominicana, identificados como migrantes internacionales, y dominicanos que ya han estado viviendo en los EE. UU., identificados como migrantes nacionales. La diferenciación de los dominicanos migrantes internacionales respecto a los dominicanos que se movieron internamente dentro de los EE. UU. les permitió a los investigadores generar perfiles socioeconómicos particulares para cada grupo y comparan sus trayectorias.

Se encontraron diferencias importantes entre los migrantes internacionales y los nacionales: (1) mientras que los migrantes internacionales se asentaron principalmente en Nueva York, muchos dominicanos que ya viven en los EE. UU. están trasladándose desde Nueva York a otros estados en el noreste y el sur; (2) los migrantes internacionales en general han alcanzado niveles más bajos de educación en comparación con los migrantes nacionales, especialmente en el caso de la mujeres y al compararlos a la segunda generación o alguna posterior de los migrantes internos; y (3) los ingresos promedio y la medianos fueron mayores entre las no migrantes, seguidos por los migrantes nacionales y después por los migrantes internacionales.

Old Places, New Places: Geographic Mobility of Dominicans in the U.S. / Viejos lugares, nuevos lugares: La movilidad geográfica de los dominicanos en los Estados Unidos, fue co-escrito por la Directora del CUNY DSI, Dr. Ramona Hernández y la Investigadora Asociada del CUNY DSI, Licenciada Sarah Marrara.

Fundado en 1992 y con sede en el City College de Nueva York, el Instituto de Estudios Dominicanos de la Universidad de la Ciudad de Nueva York (CUNY DSI) es el primer instituto de investigación universitaria en la nación dedicado al estudio de la población de ascendencia dominicana en los Estados Unidos y otras partes del mundo. El Instituto alberga el Archivo Dominicano y la Biblioteca Dominicana, las primeras y únicas instituciones en los Estados Unidos que recogen materiales de fuentes primarias y secundarias sobre las personas de ascendencia dominicana. La misión de CUNY DSI es producir y difundir la investigación y la erudición sobre los dominicanos, y sobre la República Dominicana. Para más información, visite http://www.ccny.cuny.edu/dsi.

El Sol Latino January 2016

7

New Analysis Reveals Punishing Wage Gaps for African American Women and Latinas in the States Where Most WorkDominicanos en los Estados Unidos WASHINGTON, D.C. – According to just-released U.S. Census Bureau data, African American women and Latinas are suffering from significant gender-based wage gaps in the 20 states in which most are employed full time, year round. The analysis reveals that for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men in these states, on average, African American women are paid from just 48 cents to 69 cents and Latinas from just 43 cents to 59 cents.

The analysis was conducted by the National Partnership for Women & Families. The statespecific findings for African American women and Latinas can be found at NationalPartnership.org/AAGap and NationalPartnership.org/LatinaGap. In September, the National Partnership released an analysis of the wage gap and its impact on women and their families nationally and in all 50 states. It is available at NationalPartnership.org/Gap. “This new analysis emphasizes the severe and disproportionate financial pressure that the gender-based wage gap puts on African American women and Latinas in this country,” said Debra L. Ness, president of the National Partnership. “In the very states in which most African American women and Latinas work, the loss of critical income makes it much harder for them and their families to get ahead or even stay afloat. Pay inequities and wage discrimination perpetuate poverty, and women of color suffer the most.”

According to the analysis, among the 20 states with the largest populations of African American women working full time, year round, the wage gap is most severe in Louisiana. Of the 20 states analyzed, the cents-on-the-dollar wage gap is smallest for African American women in Maryland and Tennessee, yet African American women in these states are still paid, on average, nearly $21,600 and more than $14,400 less than white, nonHispanic men in these states, respectively, each year.

The analysis also shows that Latinas in California and New Jersey are paid, on average, just 43 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men in those states, which is the largest cents-on-the-dollar gap among the 20 states with the largest populations of Latinas working full time, year round.

Latinas in Florida experience the smallest gap in the analysis, and yet they are paid, on average, more than $20,300 less than white, non-Hispanic men in the state annually.

Latinas in Massachusetts are paid, on average, just 50 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. The median wages for Latinas is $33,009 while for White men is $66,021 an annual wage gap of $33, 012.

Nationally, on average, African American women are paid 60 cents and Latinas are paid 55 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men. This amounts to annual losses of $21,937 and $25,177, respectively.

The new analysis breaks down at the national level what that lost income could mean in terms of African American women’s and Latinas’ ability to purchase basic necessities for their families, such as food, housing, utilities and gas.

“The fact that women of color are losing tens of thousands of dollars each year that could go toward buying food and other essentials that their families and our economy depend on is appalling,” Ness continued, “and it weakens our communities and our country. Lawmakers at all levels need to step up to fix the problem by combating discrimination and adopting family friendly workplace policies. In Congress, passage of the Paycheck Fairness Act would be a long overdue place to start.”

The Paycheck Fairness Act would close loopholes in the Equal Pay Act and establish stronger workplace protections for women. In a 2014 nationwide survey, 62 percent of likely voters, 78 percent of African American voters and 66 percent of Latino voters said they supported the Paycheck Fairness Act. The National Partnership’s state-based analysis of the wage gap for African American women and Latinas uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau released today. The full findings are available at NationalPartnership.org/ AAGap and NationalPartnership.org/LatinaGap. More information on the wage gap nationally, for all women, and across all 50 states is available at NationalPartnership.org/Gap. Source: National Partnership for Women & Families continued from page 5

Holyoke Public Library to receive Grant from the NEH Holyoke] will be under the direction of Eileen Crosby.

at https://www.facebook.com/ El-Sol-Latino-280862535259910

At a public program event following the digitization days, speakers from Hunter College’s Center for Puerto Rican Studies and the University of Puerto Rico will present on Puerto Rican and Latino history in the United States and Holyoke. Displays created by community members illustrating their experiences and incorporating digitized materials will also be included in the public programming.

In addition, oral histories will be gathered at the public program event, and attendees will have the opportunity to make written contributions to a collection that will be preserved in the History Room of Holyoke Public Library.

Source: National Endowment for the Humanities

8

El Sol Latino January 2016

Holyoke ...Who is responsible?

OT TINTNAT E H INK CAr MLanIueEl Frau Ramos Po

We are perplexed that the educational leadership has not accepted or taken any responsibility for what for years has been happening with special education students, most of them hispanic, in the school system.

The Disability Law Center (DLC) investigation report reveals the fact that it had previously been pointed out to the administration of the Holyoke School deficiencies that needed to be corrected regarding practices and services to special education students. It is nothing new that the system was out of compliance and violating state and federal special education laws.

The incidents of abuse and neglect at the Peck school could be seen as the result of not accepting and not correcting practices that for years did not have the best educationlal, psychological and emotional interest of the special education students in the system.

En Holyoke…¿Quién es responsable?

Nos deja perplejos que el liderato educativo de la ciudad no haya aceptado ni tomado responsabilidad alguna de lo que por años ha estado pasando con estudiantes de educación especial, en su mayoría hispanos, en el sistema escolar.

El informe investigativo del Disability Law Center (DLC) pone al descubierto el hecho de que anteriormente se le había señalado a la administración de las Escuelas de Holyoke deficiencias que debía corregir en cuanto a las prácticas y servicios a los estudiantes de educación especial. No es nada nuevo que el sistema estaba fuera de compliance y violando leyes estatales y federales de educación especial.

El Sol Latino May 2014 9 1/8 x 5 3/8 Los incidentes de abuso y negligencia en la escuela Peck podrían verse como el resultado de

no aceptar y no corregir prácticas que por años no tenían el mejor interés educativo, sicológico y emocional de los estudiantes de educación especial en el sistema.

Miguel Zenón y su IDENTIDADES BIG BAND Jueves, 11 de febrero a las 7:30 pm UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall

Un ciclo de canciones para su cuarteto que en esta ocasión será incrementado con un big band de 12 músicos. El trabajo explora la experiencia de los puertorriqueños que se han trasladado a Estados Unidos continentales, en particular a la ciudad de Nueva York. Está inspirado en una serie de entrevistas que Zenón llevó a cabo con Nuyoricans. Zenón es el saxofonista más celebrado de su generación. Ha estado nominado varias veces al Grammy y es un Guggenheim y un MacArthur "Genius" Fellow. $40, $35, $20; Five College, GCC y 17 años y menores $10

Patrocinado por El Sol Latino, 88.5 NEPR, el Hotel UMass. Los Socios de la Comunidad son: Holyoke Public Library, Salsarengue Restaurant

Para boletos llame al 413-545-2511 o 800-999-UMAS o visite fineartscenter.com/MiguelZenon Una conversación con Miguel Zenón

Miércoles, 10 de febrero 2016, 7 p.m., Gratis Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St, Holyoke Únase a Miguel Zenón y s los moderadores Delmarina López y Manuel Frau Ramos, editor de El Sol Latino, para una conversación sobre lo que significa ser puertorriqueño. Zenón mostrará parte de su proyecto de vídeo que incluye entrevistas con siete neoyorquinos de ascendencia puertorriqueña.

Your community radio station, broadcasting 24/7 from the campus of Springfield Technical Community College

www.wtccfm.org WTCC is your source for music - from salsa to R&R oldies, gospel to jazz, R&B to bluegrass, Motown and more, as well as Ecos del Ritmo, Cantares Latino-Americanos, and Club House Dance Music plus local talk shows with local hosts discussing local issues.

Opinión / Opinion Privilege in Hampden County

by MIGUEL ARCE and WALTER MULLIN Privilege is a special right and advantage available only to a particular person or group of people. W.E.B. DuBois wrote about the “psychological wage” that allowed whites to feel superior to black people in the 1930s. He spoke about the system of privilege as referring to any advantage that is unearned, exclusive and socially conferred.

Depending on our multiple identities, society grants us simultaneously a great array of privileges while marginalizing us based solely on these identities. In White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Peggy McIntosh explores dominant group privilege as constituting a seemingly invisible, unearned, and largely unacknowledged array of benefits accorded to members of dominant groups. Dominant groups often unconsciously walk through life as if effortlessly carrying a knapsack tossed over their shoulders. The idea of white privilege has expanded to include multiple identities including gender and sexual orientation, national origin, physical capacity, religion, ethnicity as well as other social identities.

“Privilege” doesn’t mean the person with that privilege didn’t work hard.

They, in fact, may have endured many difficulties. People can be privileged and still have a difficult life. Privilege doesn’t mean that life is easy, but difficulties get managed more easily.

Privilege is organized around two basic principles: identification with a reference group and dominance of other. These basic areas impact privilege.

Identification Identity emerges from a collective, not individual, experience. Meaning is constantly reconstructed as people act within their social environment.

People become who they are through their interactions with others. The interaction between different aspects of our identities is often referred to as an intersection. Patterns of privilege emerge. All aspects of identity, whether those aspects are oppressed or privileged by society, interact with one another. It’s often easier to notice oppression than privilege.

Being mistreated has a lasting impression. Privilege based ones identify with a social group needs to be seen in the context of power systems. Not only does the individual have a variety of identities that interact with each other but so does society. In society there are identification systems that reinforce privilege (for example white supremacy).

In Hampden County there is segregation between dominant and oppressed groups based on one’s identity. This separation of individuals results in people being labeled and reinforces specific behaviors. Persons living in

El Sol Latino January 2016

9

low income communities may be stigmatized as lazy, fatalistic, or deviant.

Both people from dominant and oppressed groups internalize expectations, but awareness of this dynamic allows them to become free of them. People internalize cultural expectations and, in turn, pass these expectations on to others. Identity is regarded, not as the product of the unconscious, but as a result of expectations of others. All groups bond with others of the presumed same social status.

Dominance Domination means the default is for people of whom society defines as the standard for human beings (such as, race, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, geographical location, ability, religion, abled bodied, and thin).

This domination doesn’t mean that all people who meet these standards are powerful. However, in general, when a category of people is considered the standard for human beings, they have the path of least resistance. They are considered superior. They are seen as normal. Privilege is unearned benefits given to people who fit into a specific social group.

Hampden County is increasingly diverse. Dominant cultural traditions have arisen. The majority culture is considered “the” culture, despite other viable cultures present. The dominant culture is the standard by with other cultures, including Puerto Ricans, are judged. Puerto Rican values and norms of behavior differ from the dominant culture. Numerous social conflicts and policy debates have taken place about the separated lives of those who should coexist within the dominant culture. The boundaries between the dominant group and the newcomers (such as Puerto Ricans) are permeable though are always rejected by those who are not part of the dominant group.

Conclusion Privilege is a system of advantages that confers dominance on some social identity groups. These systemic inequities are pervasive throughout the society. They are encoded into the individual’s subconscious and woven into the fabric of our social institutions. This results in a stratified social order privileging dominant groups while restricting and disempowering subordinated group members.

In Hampden County there are uncountable individuals and groups of people who have been disenfranchised. They are disadvantaged due to their skin color. They struggle simply because of their residence. The poorest of Hampden County do not have access to sufficient food, access to health care and adequate, decent, affordable housing. They do not deserve this.

They do not have the weapons of their oppressors. Everyone should expect to be treated with dignity. Everyone has the right to be treated with respect.

Not everyone is treated that way.

Walter Mullin, PhD (wmullin@springfieldcollege.edu) is a Professor at the School of Social Work at Springfield College. Miguel Arce MSW (marce@ springfieldcollege.edu) is an Associate Professor at the School of Social work at Springfield College.

Publish your bilingual ad in El Sol Latino! Call us today at (413) 320-3826

10

Opinión / Opinion

Holyoke Putting the Responsibility Where it Belongs

by DAVID YOS | jdyos@hotmail.com December 21, 2015 Surely we all extend our sympathies to the students enrolled in the Therapeutic Intervention Program (TIP) at Peck School and their families, and lament how, as all too often happens, misfortune has fallen heaviest on those who are the most vulnerable and have already suffered the most.

There is another group, however, with whom I also sympathize: the many dedicated teachers who have for years spoken out against the frequent inappropriateness and inadequacies of the program. It’s doubly frustrating for them now to finally have their concerns publicly aired in the Disability Law Center report, only to find themselves, with the notable exception of one former employee, largely tarred by the same brush as the worst alleged offenders, even though it’s obviously their own integrity that was instrumental in making the report possible in the first place.

El Sol Latino January 2016

Of course the root of the problem is absolutely not a few rouge teachers.

Two egregious statements in the report, aside from the appalling and rather sensational accounts of abuse, are that the administration would not allow educators to meet together to collaborate on best practices, and that the TIP students were kept in isolation from the rest of the school, which not only defeats the entire purpose of moving the program out of Lawrence School, but causes a more permissive environment for abusiveness.

Ultimately, the fault lies squarely with the administration, and the higher up one is in it – with the greater power to do something about it – and the more one claims to be engaged in education, the more that applies.

We have seen little more than a continuation of the discredited Center for Excellence model; by trying to be all things to all people we end up doing no better than, as one parent put it, warehousing the kids. My suggestion, now as then, is to focus on just one or two areas of expertise; hopefully some of the cost of sending our other students out-of-district could be recouped by drawing outside students here, although that task has obviously become much more difficult now.

Reflexiones Sobre la Felicidad del que Nada Es por JOSÉ RAÚL GONZÁLEZ Tenemos que ser mentalmente dúctiles. El poder no radica en la firmeza y la fuerza, sino en la flexibilidad. El árbol flexible aguanta los ventarrones.

Debemos adquirir el poder de una mente rápida. La vida es extraña, tantas cosas ocurren inesperadamente y la sola resistencia no resolverá ningún problema. Necesitamos siempre flexibilidad mental y un corazón sencillo. La vida es muy rica. Tiene muchos tesoros como la voluntad, el esfuerzo, el amor, el cariño y la amistad y la afrontamos con los corazones vacíos. No sabemos como llenarlos con la plenitud de la vida porque somos pobres internamente, y cuando se nos ofrece algo de esta riqueza, sin saber la rechazamos.

Es difícil mantenerse sencillo y claro. El mundo adora el éxito, y cuanto mas grande, mejor. Se ha perdido la sencillez. Las personas exitosas no son las que están construyendo un mundo nuevo, son las que lo están consumiendo y destruyendo. Para hacer una verdadera revolución en la humanidad se requiere un cambio completo de corazón y de mente.

Estamos tan acostumbrados a esta forma del mundo, que no nos damos cuenta si está bien o mal, solo seguimos por inercia. Poco son los que quieren liberarse de ella. A veces cortamos algunas raíces superficiales, pero cortar las raíces profundas que alientan la mediocridad, el éxito, la competencia, requiere algo más que palabras, métodos, compulsiones. Se requiere ser nada. Todos nos comparamos con los demás, con lo que uno es o con lo que debería ser. Esta comparación mata lentamente, es degradante, pervierte la propia perspectiva de la vida. Nos han educado en la comparación, toda nuestra educación se basa en eso y del mismo modo nuestra cultura. Deberíamos de vivir sencillamente libres de influencias. Aunque todos estamos tratando de influir, deberíamos de vivir simplemente desde lo interno de nuestro ser hacia afuera, y no desde afuera hacia adentro (del qué dirán, de las redes sociales, etc.).

Muy poco consideramos lo que nos rodea. Estamos tan concentrados en nosotros mismos, tan ocupados con nuestras ansiedades que no tenemos tiempo para observar y comprender a los demás ni a la naturaleza. Así vivimos atrapados en el dolor, sin darnos cuenta que si no amamos la

naturaleza no podemos amar al hombre. Nuestros dioses se han vuelto pequeños mezquinos y también nuestra vida. Pero la naturaleza siempre está al frente y no la queremos. Nos creemos superiores a ella y por eso hemos creado nuestra condición humana y dejamos la naturaleza para el mundo animal y vegetal, a la que pretendemos controlar, dominar, explotar.

La dignidad es una cosa muy rara. Un cargo o una posición ‘de respeto’ nos otorga dignidad. Esto es como poseer un abrigo, éste, el cargo, el puesto nos ‘dan dignidad.’ Un título, una posición ‘dan dignidad’. La dignidad solo se da cuando estamos internamente libres, cuando lo interno es como la nada. Ser algo o alguien es lo que el hombre anhela y eso le da ‘posición respetable’ en la sociedad, poniéndonos categorías: rico, sabio, profesional, santo, etc. Sin estas cosas y reflexionando sobre las mismas la gente diría que uno es excéntrico. La dignidad no puede asumirse ni cultivarse. Estar consciente de la propia dignidad es estar consciente del propio yo, que es tan pequeño y mezquino. La dignidad es algo que nadie ni nada te la puede quitar. Entonces, ser nada es la dignidad. Estar libre de la idea misma de ella, es la verdadera dignidad.

El dinero estropea a la gente. El ‘rico’ posee una peculiar arrogancia, con muy raras excepciones. Tiene una especial actitud de pretender doblegar todo a su antojo. La capacidad también le confiere al hombre una extraña sensación de libertad, que está por encima de otros y que es diferente.

Todo esto le da un sentimiento de superioridad. Desde su comodidad observa como otros se reducen, olvidándose de su propia ignorancia, la oscuridad de su propia mente. El dinero y la capacidad ofrecen un escape muy bueno a esta oscuridad, y así el escape es una forma de resistencia que tiene sus propios problemas. La vida es una cosa extraña, por eso feliz el que nada es.

El autor es natural de Perú, abogado y sociólogo, fue Magistrado en Lima, y Catedrático en la Universidad de San Martin de Porres. Actualmente reside en Springfield, MA. Su email: qi-negro@hotmail.com

Opinión / Opinion

El Sol Latino January 2016

11

Dictatorship in the Caribbean: The U.S. prepares a “Financial Control Authority” to rule over Puerto Rico

By NELSON A. DENIS (December 10, 2015) Recently, three US Senate committees held public hearings on Puerto Rico’s economic crisis: the finance, judiciary, and energy/natural resources committees. On December 9, 2015, after a month of hearings, the Republican chairs of those three committees - Orrin Hatch (Utah), Charles Grassley (Iowa) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) - co-sponsored a Senate bill called the “Puerto Rico Assistance Act of 2015.”

The bill offers some minor assistance: a temporary reduction in payroll taxes and an “economic development” fund of $3 billion. But the real purpose of this bill is the installation of a six-member Financial Control Authority that will rule over Puerto Rico.

According to this bill, five members will be appointed by the President of the U.S. The sixth member will be the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury, who will also serve as Chairman of the Authority. (p. 43) The Chair will have two votes on all matters, and the other five members will each have one vote. (p. 46) ABSOLUTE BUDGET POWERS AND POLITICAL CONTROL Neither the Chair, nor any of the Authority members, will be accountable or liable to the government of Puerto Rico. (pp. 58, 61, 132) The Authority will “re-structure the workforce of the Commonwealth government” (p. 37), reduce or freeze public pensions (pp. 9, 152), and ensure of debt obligations.” (p. 38).

CREDIT:“the Nina payment Subin

The Senate Bill is careful to mention that “the United States is not responsible for any principal or interest on any bond, note, or other obligation issued by the Authority” (p. 132). This means that Puerto Rico - its taxpayers and its physical infrastructure - will be solely and exclusively responsible for repayment of the Authority’s debt.

PUBLIC PROSECUTOR The Authority will also have prosecutorial powers. It is authorized to “conduct necessary investigations” into the government of Puerto Rico. (p. 37). It is empowered to hold hearings, secure government records, demand evidence, take testimony, subpoena witnesses, and administer oaths (under penalty of perjury) to all witnesses. (pp. 51-52). Anyone who fails to appear, refuses to testify, or withholds evidence, can be held in contempt of court. (pp. 54-55) The result of any Authority investigation can lead to criminal and civil penalties - including, but not limited to, getting fired from your job. (pp. 56-57)

It will also supervise the budget and finances of the entire Commonwealth government (p. 38), its pension system (pp. 39, 152), courts (p. 39), legislature (p. 39), public authorities (p. 42), and all leases, union contracts, and collective bargaining agreements. (p. 114)

DICTATORSHIP IN THE CARIBBEAN The Governor of Puerto Rico, Alejandro Garcia Padilla, was recently reported as saying that “he would accept a federal fiscal oversight body, as long as it respects Puerto Rico’s autonomy.”

The Authority will also make “recommendations” with respect to all of the financial affairs of Puerto Rico. This will include the salaries of all personnel, firing of workers, reduction of pensions, elimination of services, and the use of “alternative service delivery mechanisms, including privatization and commercialization.” (pp. 121-122)

The governor is sadly confused. This Financial Control Authority, aka the “Puerto Rico Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority,” will be the governor, banker, judge, jury, and prosecutor of Puerto Rico. It will manage the entire Puerto Rican economy. It will be accountable to no one on the island. It will extend the governor an occasional “allowance,” at its own whim and discretion. It will tell the entire Puerto Rican government what to do, when to jump, and how high.

If the governor or legislature of Puerto Rico resist any of these “recommendations,” the Authority can “take such action as it determines to be appropriate.” In other words, the Authority can implement any “recommendation” that it wants, regardless of the Puerto Rican government. (p. 125) Anyone (public official or otherwise) who defies or obstructs the Authority, will be found guilty of “criminal misdemeanor” (p. 56) and will be subject to suspension without pay, and removal from office. (p. 57) CREATION OF DEBT, WITH NO ACCOUNTABILITY The Authority can also encumber the physical infrastructure of Puerto Rico.

It can issue debt - bonds, notes, or other obligations - and keep them in an escrow account, which it would make available to Puerto Rico “at such times as it considers appropriate.” (p. 127). Alternatively, these funds could be used for “any other purpose that the Authority considers appropriate.” (p. 127) In addition to issuing debt, the Authority will “pledge or grant a security interest in revenues to individuals or entities purchasing bonds, notes, or other obligations.” (p. 128) In other words, the physical infrastructure of Puerto Rico (highways, bridges, schools, prisons, electrical grid, water supply, public housing, prime coastal real estate) will all be available as “collateral” for the debt decisions of this Authority.

It will do nothing about Jones Act reform, Chapter 9 bankruptcy relief, the privatization of the island’s public schools, or the hedge funds that will own the physical infrastructure of Puerto Rico - its schools, prisons, highways, electrical grid, and water authority. It will issue debt, spend the funds in any manner it sees fit, and leave Puerto Rico to pay the bill.

This is where our “Commonwealth” relationship between the US and Puerto Rico has gotten us: a dictatorship in the Caribbean, created in Washington, operated from Wall Street, all disguised as a “management assistance authority.”

As the leader of the free world, the U.S. can do better than this.

Nelson A. Denis, the author of the best-selling The War Against All Puerto Ricans, served in 1997-2001 as a New York State Assemblyman representing East Harlem in Manhatttan. A graduate of Harvard University and Yale Law School, he wrote over 300 editorials for El Diario/La Prensa, and received the Best Editorial Writing award from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ). For more information on Denis, visit his blog. He can be reached at nelsondenis248@aol.com.

The NiLP Report on Latino Policy & Politics is an online information service provided by the National Institute for Latino Policy. For further information, visit www.latinopolicy. org. Send comments to editor@ latinopolicy.org.

12

Opinión / Opinion

El Sol Latino January 2016

Status Assembly: The real solution for the Puerto Rican Financial Crisis by VICTOR DÁVILA It seems that local area politicians are taking notice of the current financial crisis in Puerto Rico. I will leave my thoughts on this for later. For now, I would like to point out that politicians can not fall in the trap of paternalism when it comes to dealing with the crisis in Puerto Rico.

The real solution for the Puerto Rican fiscal crisis is not passing cosmetic fixes, but rather to call for a status assembly in Puerto Rico. A status assembly will have delegates from all major political parties in Puerto Rico, They will present proposed political relationships; excluding the wrongly referred “Commonwealth” option as the people of Puerto Rico voted against it in 2012.

Congress can say which options are acceptable and which are not acceptable. The final agreed options will be voted in Puerto Rico and recognized by Congress.

The real catalyst for change in Puerto Rico is a status assembly to address the political relationship with the United States. Gov. Padilla

stated that he would call for a status assembly if Congress did not act. To this date, Congress has not acted and is dragging its feet in negotiating a new political relationship with Puerto Rico.

Currently the colonial party, led by Gov. Alejandro Padilla, is refusing to address the issue. I remind you that President Obama stated that he would solve the political relationship issue in his first four years. We are nearing the end of his tenure with no solution at hand. Puerto Rico has No power to print money, No power to enter into treaties with other nations, No power to control its borders. I ask you in good faith, what country on earth can have a stable economy under these conditions?

It is forecasted that Puerto Rico will officially default in January. If this were to happen, you can expect a massive wave of desperate migration from Puerto Rico into the United States.

For this reason, for the sake of my homeland and for the moral integrity of the United States, I encourage Congress and President Obama to call

a status assembly in Puerto Rico. I encourage you to contact your local U.S Representative and Senator and demand a Status Assembly for Puerto Rico.

Here is the contact information for local legislators 1. Richie Neal, US Rep 300 State St Suite 200 Springfield, MA Tel. 413-785-0325 2. Sen. Edward Markey 1550 Main St S-406 Springfield, MA 01103 Tel. 413-785-4610 3. Sen. Elizabeth Warren 1550 Main St Springfield, MA 01103 Tel. 413-788-2690 Contact the author at: victordavila05@hotmail.com

¿Qué Pasa en...?

Holyoke Inauguran Estudio CDE en Holyoke El 17 de diciembre se inauguró un nuevo espacio para explorar arte, diseño, comunidad y cultura en Holyoke. La iniciativa, conocida como Estudio CDE, es un proyecto del Center for Design Engagement (Centro para la Participación del Diseño). Esta es una organización 501(c)(3) que se dedica al diseño arquitectónico progresivo, artes públicas innovadoras, participación ciudadana equitativa y oportunidades educacionales recíprocas de arte y diseño en el oeste de Massachusetts.

Ademas de la exhibición, algunos de los presentes tuvieron la oportunidad de caminar junto al profesor Joseph Krupczynski, uno de los fundadores del Estudio CDE, hasta el mural iluminado de los proyectos originales de la iniciativa, “Llegadas”, localizado bajo el puente de la vía tren en la calle Mosher.

Los asistentes a la inauguración en su nuevo local en el 362 Dwight Street pudieron apreciar la exhibición de obras recientes de estudiantes de arquitectura de UMass-Amherst y Lighthouse.

Lighthouse es un nuevo, excitante e innovador proyecto educativo en Holyoke. Este utiliza un modelo de aprendizaje individualizado.

Foto MFR. Asistentes a la inauguración del Estudio CDE.

De acuerdo a Joseph Krupczynski, el “nuevo hogar en Holyoke se compromete a crear un ambiente donde residentes de la ciudad, artistas y no artistas, desarrollen formas nuevas y equitativas para contribuir a la vida y la vitalidad de la ciudad a través del arte, diseño, comunidad y cultura.”

Los directores del proyecto Estudio CDE son Kathy Lugosch, Max Page, Joseph Krupczynski y Caryn Brause.

Foto MFR. Profesor Joseph Krupczynski

¿Qué Pasa en...?

El Sol Latino January 2016

Holyoke Clase 2015 del Programa Empresarios Comunitarios La organización Nuestras Raíces celebró la graduación de su segunda clase del programa Empresarios Comunitarios el pasado 18 de diciembre.

La clase graduada estaba compuesta de Angelmina García, Pravia Maldonado, Glenda León, Ruth Román, Judith Román y Daisy de Jesús.

La innovadora iniciativa educativa ofreció ayuda a residentes de Holyoke con poco o ningún conocimiento sobre el mundo financiero a adquirir destrezas básicas sobre literacia financiera.

En la primera etapa del programa los participantes aprendieron a establecer sus metas y planes personales. Otros cursos abarcaron los temas de cómo abrir una cuenta de cheques o ahorro, cómo conseguir e interpretar su historial de crédito (credit score), y la preparación de un presupuesto personal o familiar.

13

La meta del programa es que los graduandos puedan utilizar los conocimientos adquiridos en la organización de las finanzas de hogar y les ayude también a entender los principios básicos del mundo empresarial.

El evento fue dirigido por Felix Machuca, Director de Operaciones de Nuestra Raíces y Coodinador del programa de Empresarios Comunitarios.

También estuvieron presentes Fardi Khelfaoui, Director Ejecutivo del program SPARK (Stimulating Potential, Accessing Resource Knowledge) y Janet Santana, Community Outreach Coordinator de SPARK. Lanzado en 2015, el programa es parte de una colaboración de mas de diez socios comunitarios que colaboran para establecer las metas de educación empresarial en Holyoke y así ayudar a personas que desean comenzar sus propias empresas.

Springfield LEI 2015 Winter Showcase @ STCC After a super-busy week of activities, including a visit to Mystic Aquarium, the first Latino Education Institute (LEI) Winter Showcasewas held on December 16 at Springfield Technical Community College. The event was attended by almost 100. LEI tudents demonstrated their basic knowledge of Bomba music by performing “Yuba La Marilé” under the direction of their teacher and well known musician Heshima Moja. José Saavedra is the LEI Program Coordinator in the Springfield site.

Photo by MFR. Ira Rubenzhal, STCC President, José D. Saavedra, LEI Liaison, Hilda Ramírez, LEI Assistant Director, Delisa Miranda, LEI Academic Assistant, Edna López Rodríguez, LEI Facilitator and ESOL/ELA Teacher at South End Middle School

The Latino Education Institute is an educational inititve based in Worcester State University that offers a variety of programs for Latino youth and their families to ensure the success of children in school and in our community.

Foto MFR. Angelmina García, Pravia Maldonado, Félix Machuca (Nuestras Raíces), Janet Santana y Farid Khelfaoui, estos últimos dos de la iniciativa empresarial Spark. Sentadas - Glenda León, Ruth Román y Judith Román.

Para mas información sobre Nuestras Raíces, llame al 413-535-1789 o visite sus oficinas en el 329 Main Street en Holyoke.

Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Hampden Adopta Niños en la Navidad SPRINGFIELD, MA. (15 de diciembre 2015). Los miembros de la Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Hampden, Anthony D. Gulluni, se convirtieron en Santa Claus en la temporada navideña al proporcionar regalos para sesenta y cuatro niños necesitados.

En colaboración con la Sociedad de Massachusetts para la Prevención de la Crueldad contra los Niños (MSPCC, por sus siglas en inglés), los miembros de la oficina del fiscal adoptaron a niños y les compraron regalos que les fueron entregados en Navidad. Este año los miembros de la oficina donaron más de $10,000 en regalos, lo que ayudó a alegrar la mañana de Navidad a niños que de otra manera no tendrían regalos.

El Fiscal de Distrito del Condado de Hampden, Anthony D. Gulluni, declaró: “Estoy muy orgulloso de los muchos miembros de mi personal que participaron y que demostraron tanta generosidad con estos niños. Los niños que participan en esta iniciativa provienen de circunstancias difíciles y esto ayudar a darles una experiencia gozosa durante la temporada navideña.”

Latina Achievers in Search of Success (LASOS) is a program that looks to engage Latina girls in the 6th grade and their mothers in an educational after-school program. The focus is on self-exploration, personal development, cultural enrichment, early college awareness, and career exploration.

The Encouraging Latinos to Achieve Excellence (ENLACE) program works with at-risk middle-school boys, developing life skills, providing cultural enrichment, early college awareness, career exploration, and sports clinics.

Photo by MFR. Heshima Moja and students

(Foto suministrada). De izquierda a derecha – Matt Green, Sandra Marrero, Anthony D. Gulluni, Dayna Eason, Paulette Benetti, Chris Bourbeau, Ingrid E. Frau, Karen Shoutherland y Bob Schmidt.

Los regalos recolectados fueron recogidos por la Sociedad de Massachusetts para la Prevención de la Crueldad contra los Niños y distribuidos por el personal de salud asignado a los niños. La Oficina del Fiscal de Distrito recibió un Wish List de los niños que adoptaron para ayudarlos en la compra de los regalos.

14

El Sol Latino January 2016

Springfield Glenn S. Welch - Freedom Credit Union New President SPRINGFIELD, MA. (December 17, 2015) – The Board of Directors of Freedom Credit Union has elected Glenn S. Welch as the new President and CEO, effective January 4, 2016. Welch will succeed Barry F. Crosby, who has served as President and CEO of the state chartered credit union since 2003.

“After conducting an extensive search that identified several superbly qualified candidates, we have decided that Glenn S. Welch is our choice to lead Freedom,” said Lawrence F. Bouley, Chairman of the Board. “Throughout the process, it was extremely important to us that the new president could build on the strong foundation already in place at Freedom. And to that point, we are grateful for the leadership that Barry Crosby has provided over the past 12 years,” Bouley added.

Most recently, Welch was an Executive Vice President of Berkshire Bank

following their acquisition of Hampden Bank (HB). Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Hampden Bank for two years before the Berkshire Bank acquisition. During his 17-year tenure at HB, he held various positions including, President and COO, Executive Vice President, and Senior Vice President of Business Banking. Before joining HB, he served as Vice President, Middle Market Banking Group at Fleet Bank.

Glenn S. Welch

Welch is a graduate of Western New England University (WNEU) with a BSBA in Finance and earned his MBA from the University of Massachusetts. He is currently active on many boards throughout the Pioneer Valley, including HAP Housing, the Association for Community Living, the Business School Advisory Board at WNEU, Develop Springfield, and Springfield Business Leaders for Education.

Salud / Health ¿Qué Hacer para Bajar de Peso?

Se acerca el Año Nuevo, y una de las promesas populares que hace la gente es bajar de peso y adoptar un estilo de vida más sano. Independientemente de las promesas que se hagan, algunas encuestas indican que el 60 por ciento de las promesas de Año Nuevo no se cumplen. El Dr. John Romanelli, director médico del programa de cirugía para bajar de peso en Baystate Medical Center, ofrece algunas respuestas de cómo fijar metas alcanzables para perder peso en el 2016. ¿Por qué es tan difícil tratar de bajar de peso por cuenta propia? ¡Porque la comida es deliciosa! El total de calorías que ingerimos menos el total de calorías que quemamos es igual al peso que ganamos o perdemos.

Entonces, para perder peso tenemos que quemar más calorías que las que ingerimos. Lamentablemente, es algo que es difícil de lograr. ¿Podría haber una razón médica por la cual alguien no pierde el peso que quiere perder?

R. Si sus esfuerzos para bajar de peso no han sido exitosos, debería pedirle a su médico de cabecera que pida análisis médicos para excluir cualquier enfermedad que pudiera causar el aumento de peso. ¿Qué es más importante, el control de porciones o elegir comidas saludables a la hora de comer?

R. Las dos cosas son importantes para reducir la cantidad de calorías que se ingieren, y las dos pueden contribuir a la pérdida de peso, en combinación con hacer ejercicio con regularidad para ayudar a quemar más calorías. ¿Qué importancia tiene el ejercicio?

R. El ejercicio es muy importante para ayudar a quemar calorías. No tiene que ir a un gimnasio para hacer ejercicio y quemar calorías. Los equipos para hacer ejercicio en su casa pueden ser muy útiles, y si bien son costosos, es una inversión una sola vez que le da la posibilidad de hacer ejercicio sin salir de su hogar. Si hay razones médicas por las cuales no puede hacer ejercicio para quemar calorías, tal vez le convenga consultar con un fisiólogo del ejercicio (la mayoría de los gimnasios tienen uno en su personal o pueden referirlo a uno). ¿Cuál es la mejor manera de perder peso? ¿Consultar a su médico de atención primaria? ¿Ver a un dietista o participar en programas como Weight Watchers? ¿O incluso ver a un médico especialista en la pérdida de peso?

R. Todos pueden ser útiles, pero el primer paso más importante es reconocer que es necesario perder peso y comprometerse a hacer cambios significativos en la dieta y los hábitos de ejercicio para alcanzar esa meta. Sí, es muy importante consultar con un médico de atención primaria. Los dietistas tienen un papel esencial en enseñarnos a comer mejor y nos pueden enseñar estrategias para cambiar la manera que comemos para maximizar la pérdida de peso. ¿El bypass gástrico es una opción disponible para todo el mundo?

R. No, la cirugía de bypass gástrico (derivación gástrica) no está disponible para todo el mundo. Hay un conjunto de criterios desarrollado por los Institutos Nacionales de la Salud (National Institutes of Health) que define quién cumple

con los requisitos para someterse a una cirugía para bajar de peso. De manera resumida, los pacientes que pesan aproximadamente 100 libras (45 kg) por encima de su peso ideal cumplen con los requisitos para realizarse la cirugía (a veces menos si padecen determinadas enfermedades causadas por la obesidad).

El bypass gástrico funciona limitando el tamaño del estómago a aproximadamente el de una pelota de golf, y luego enviando la comida a una parte inferior del intestino, de esa manera logrando que se digiera la comida de manera menos eficiente. Los beneficios son que estará comiendo porciones más pequeñas y digiriendo menos calorías. ¿Por qué tarda tanto tiempo para poder programar esta cirugía?

R. Piense en la cirugía para bajar de peso como algo parecido a una maratón: muy pocas personas pueden levantarse y simplemente correr 26 millas sin primero entrenarse para el evento. Lo mismo es cierto en la cirugía para bajar de peso. Tiene que entrenarse para la cirugía haciendo modificaciones en la dieta, haciendo ejercicio, realizando cambios en la conducta, asistiendo a grupos de apoyo y más...estas pautas fueron desarrolladas por un panel de expertos sobre la cirugía para bajar de peso que se reunió aquí en Massachusetts. ¿Hay otros tipos de cirugías disponibles aparte del bypass gástrico, y cómo se realizan?

R. También existe la cirugía de banda gástrica y la gastrectomía en manga. Las dos cirugías son distintas al bypass gástrico porque no involucran el intestino.

En la cirugía de banda gástrica—que está perdiendo popularidad debido a los resultados mediocres en algunas personas—se coloca una banda ajustable en la parte superior del estómago para retardar el tránsito de la comida hacia el resto del estómago. Está diseñada para hacer que se sienta lleno más rápido, y que como resultado coma porciones más pequeñas. En la gastrectomía de manga, que se ha vuelto la opción más popular en los Estados Unidos, se reduce mucho el ancho del estómago—piense en una sandía que se reduce al tamaño de una banana—lo que hace que se sienta lleno más rápido y coma porciones más pequeñas. Además parece reducir el hambre. ¿Cuáles son los riesgos y las tasas de éxito?

R. Hay riesgos en cualquier tipo de cirugía. En general, las muertes han bajado a aproximadamente 1 en cada 1000 pacientes en el país. Las tasas de complicaciones son menores para la gastrectomía de manga, más altas para los pacientes con bandas gástricas y aún más altas para el bypass gástrico.

Las tasas de pérdida de peso varían entre el 30 y el 40 % del peso corporal en exceso para la banda gástrica, 50 y 55 % para la gastrectomía de banda y 55 y 60% para el bypass gástrico.

Salud / Health

El Sol Latino January 2016

15

Niño Puertorriqueño elegido Embajador de March of Dimes WHITE PLAINS, NY, 15 de diciembre de 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ --Ismael Torres-Castrodad de San Juan, Puerto Rico, nacido cinco semanas antes de tiempo, ha sido nombrado Embajador Nacional 2016 de March of Dimes. Es el primer niño de Puerto Rico en ser elegido como embajador en la historia de March of Dimes.

Ismael y sus padres, Isamari e Ismael Sr., hicieron hoy el anuncio en el programa “The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson” del canal Fox News. La historia de esta familia también aparece en la revista Good Housekeeping de enero de 2016.

La historia de Ismael enfatiza el grave y complejo problema del nacimiento prematuro casi a término (entre las semanas 34 y 36 del embarazo). Millones de familias se identificarán con su caso, ya que más de 70% de todos los bebés prematuros nace en este marco temporal denominado prematuro casi a término, señala March of Dimes. Además, al igual que tantas otras madres de prematuros, Isamari Castrodad hizo todo lo que estuvo a su alcance para dar a luz a un bebé sano que hubiese llegado a término completo. Pese a ello, Ismael nació antes de tiempo.

El nacimiento prematuro es la causa principal de mortalidad infantil y los bebés que sobreviven un nacimiento prematuro suelen enfrentar problemas serios de salud que pueden durar toda la vida, entre ellos problemas respiratorios, ictericia, retraso en el desarrollo, pérdida de la vista y parálisis cerebral. Incluso los bebés que nacen tan solo unas cuantas semanas antes de tiempo muestran mayores índices de mortalidad y discapacidad que aquellos que llegan a término completo.

Después de haber estado hospitalizada durante su embarazo por escasez de líquido amniótico, la Sra. Castrodad buscó orientación sobre su situación en March of Dimes. Afirma que recibir información le dio confianza para hacerle más preguntas a su médico en la siguiente consulta y solicitar las pruebas que pudieran ser necesarias. Solicitó una nueva verificación del líquido amniótico y el resultado mostró que se encontraba peligrosamente bajo. Ismael nació 48 horas después por una cesárea de urgencia. Seis días después del alta del hospital, Ismael desarrolló ictericia y virus sincitial respiratorio (RSV, por sus siglas en inglés), una infección pulmonar, y neumonía, y tuvo que volver al hospital.

Foto suministrada. Isamari Castrodad, Ismael e Ismael Castrodad Sr.

Hoy Ismael es un chico activo de 13 años con excelente desempeño escolar que ama jugar fútbol y cantar. Tiene asma, pero ya no requiere de tratamiento diario. Le encanta trabajar como “asistente de producción” del programa de TV de su mamá, “Más Con Isamari Castrodad”. Pero sobre todo, dicen sus padres, a Ismael le gusta contar su historia. Durante su año como Embajador Nacional, la familia recorrerá los Estados Unidos gracias al patrocinio de United Airlines a fin de narrar su historia, en inglés y español, y apoyar la misión de March of Dimes de mejorar la salud de los bebés.

Cuando Isamari Castrodad narra su historia, subraya que las mujeres deben desarrollar un diálogo abierto con sus médicos y no tener miedo de plantear preguntas e interceder por sí mismas. Suele hablar de la importancia de los cuidados previos al embarazo y de la forma en que las mujeres pueden obtener información y empoderarse incluso antes de quedar embarazadas. Ha sido presidenta de la Junta de Directores de March of Dimes en Puerto Rico y fue presidenta del evento la Marcha por los Bebés en Puerto Rico en el 2013.

FUENTE March of Dimes

Publish your bilingual ad in El Sol Latino! Call us today at (413) 320-3826

Tapestry Health Needle Exchange Marks 20th Anniversary Northampton, MA- What started 20 years ago as a way to save lives in the fight against AIDS has become a vital life-line and community support in the current opioid epidemic. Tapestry Health’s Northampton Needle Exchange marks 20 years of providing life-saving public health services in Western Massachusetts this week.

The office, located downtown at 16 Center Street, opened in 1995 to address the AIDS epidemic and stop the spread of infectious disease like HIV and hepatitis C by providing clean syringes to injection drug users in exchange for their used ones. As the opioid epidemic has spread, Tapestry’s needle exchange services have grown to include opioid overdose prevention and education, and training on how to administer nasal naloxone, the drug that can reverse an opioid overdose.

Tim Purington, Director of Harm Reduction stated “In the beginning our goal was to help reduce the spread of HIV and other infectious diseases at a time when injection drug use was the leading cause of AIDS transmission in the state. Today, we play a critical part in the health of our community by reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths. We provide education and trainings on how to recognize and prevent opioid overdoses to users, their families, the police, and emergency responders.

We are also often the only link to health care for some of the highest at-risk individuals, connecting people to services including HIV, hep C, and STD testing, and making referrals to treatment. While we are proud of our work and passionate about connecting with people with addiction issues, we wish these services weren’t so critically needed 20 years later.”

During its first year, 195 individuals accessed the program 870 times and provided access to 6,175 sterile syringes. In the most recent year, 924 individuals used the program 2,753 times and provided access to 74,237 sterile syringes.

16

El Sol Latino January 2016

¡Celebrando 40 años de buena música y mucho más! Únase a nosotros para gran arte de todas partes del mundo

ENERO 2016

DADA MASILO’S SWAN LAKE

Martes, 26 de enero a las 7:30 pm, Fine Arts Center Concert Hall Combinando danza clásica y contemporánea que está fuertemente influenciada por su herencia sudafricano, la bailarina y coreógrafa Dada Masilo crea un trabajo apasionado y explosivo.

Su reinvención de El Lago de los Cisnes no es la excepción ya que los bailarines ponen la clásica historia patas arriba. La homofobia, los matrimonios forzados y los estragos del SIDA se evocan con humor, sensibilidad e inteligencia en una obra de asombrosa belleza.

Desnudez parcial. Recomendado para edades de 14 en adelante.

Charla antes del espectáculo a las 6:30 en el vestíbulo del FAC. Quédese para una charla con los artistas luego de la presentación.

FEBRERO 2016

MIGUEL ZENÓN’S IDENTITIES BIG BAND

Jueves, 11 de febrero a las 7:30 pm, Fine Arts Center Concert Hall Zenón continúa explorando la música de su Puerto Rico natal en este ciclo de canciones que en esta ocasión será incrementado con un big band de 12 músicos. Este ambicioso trabajo es un estudio de lo que significa ser puertorriqueño en el siglo 21 en la ciudad de Nueva York.

JAZZ BY 5 Con Javon Jackson, saxofón tenor; Randy Brecker, trompeta; George Cables, piano; Eddie Gómez, bajo; Jimmy Cobb, tambores

Jueves, 18 de febrero a las 7:30 pm, Bowker Auditorium Un verdadero conjunto de estrellas, Jazz By 5 celebra las eras del swing, bebop, jazz de vanguardia y más. Oirás standards de jazz clásico, así como material original de los miembros consagrados del quinteto.

globalFEST ON THE ROAD │CREOLE CARNIVAL

Sábado, 27 de febrero a las 8 pm, Fine Arts Center Concert Hall Sacuda los blues de invierno con la energética música de la cultura Creole. Usted escuchará la reina de las canciones haitianas Emeline Michel, los maestros innovadores samba Casuarina y el virtuoso de Jamaica de la guitarra de una sola cuerda, Brushy One String. “¿Qué es la Samba brasileña?” charla con los artistas antes del espectáculo a las 6:30 pm en el Concert Hall.

Conversación con Miguel Zenón

Miércoles, 10 de febrero, 2016 a las 7 pm, GRATIS Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St, Holyoke

Unase a Miguel Zenón y a los moderadores Delmarina López y Manuel Frau Ramos, editor de El Sol Latino, para una conversación sobre lo que significa ser puertorriqueño. Asientos limitados. Favor de llamar al 413-577-2487 o kimberly@admin.umass.edu para reservar su asiento.

Holyoke Public Library ~ A

L I B R A RY

I N

A

PA R K ~

¡Ahorre un 15% * de los precios generales de entradas al comprar tres eventos o más!

Las entradas para los jóvenes de 17 años o menos comienzan en $10.

¡Hay Mucho Más!

Visit fineartscenter.com para ver la lista completa de las actividades.

Para boletos, llame al 413-545-2511 o al 800-999-UMAS o visite fineartscenter.com (*Precios varían A y B)