Mike Asencio by Juan George

Mike Asencio

President of Alfa The Heart and Soul of the Latin Fest

Check your Expiration dates

Visa Validity Date and I-94 Card Expiry Date

Another Hello Another Good-Bye Deployment Diary 10 Months to go LATINO New York

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Dear readers:

Queridos lectores:

Welcome to the August issue of Latino New York Magazine. In this issue in which we celebrate Fiestas, Festivales y Tradiciones we salute Michael Asencio and the other board members of the Albany Latin Fest. Year after year they have been able to bring forward the best that our community and culture can offer. This group of volunteers has been very successful in planning and executing this event for the past 12 years.

Bienvenidos a la edición de agosto de Latino Nueva York Magazine. En esta edición en la que celebramos Fiestas, Festivales y Tradiciones saludamos al señor Michael Asencio y los demás miembros de la junta directiva de Albany Latin Fest. Año tras año han sido capaces de llevar adelante lo mejor que nuestra comunidad y la cultura pueden ofrecer. Este grupo de voluntarios ha tenido mucho éxito en la planificación y ejecución de este evento durante los últimos 12 años.

This event has become the premier Latino event in the Capital Region. We invite you to join us at our booth August 23rd. for a day of fun under the sun. There will be great food, world class entertainment and the opportunity to meet with family and friends. We would like to also congratulate Ladan Alomar, the Centro Civico of Amsterdam staff and volunteers for a wonderful cultural event in July 12th. As always, you were able to accomplish a well represented and well organized event. The location, the heat, the sun and the entertainment made us all feel like we were in Latin America for a quick minute without the ocean breeze of course. Well done. In this issue we are also congratulating Gustavo Santos for being chosen as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention to take place in Minnesota this August 24th. Please support all of the up coming activities and the businesses and organizations that support them. Sincerely Juan J. George Publisher.

Este evento se ha convertido en el principal evento latino en la región de la capital. Te invitamos a unirte a nosotros en nuestro kiosco el 23 de agosto para un día de diversión bajo el sol. Habrá buena comida, entretenimiento de clase mundial y la oportunidad de reunirte con familiares y amigos. Queremos también felicitar a Ladan Alomar, el personal y los voluntarios del Centro Civico de Amsterdam por un maravilloso evento cívico cultural que se llevo a cabo julio 12. Como siempre, ustedes han sido capases de presentar un evento de clase y bien organizado. La ubicación, el calor, el sol y el entretenimiento nos hicieron sentir como si hubiésemos estado en un país tropical en América Latina sin la brisa del océano. Bien hecho. En este tema también estamos felicitando a Gustavo Santos por haber sido elegido como delegado a la Convención Nacional Demócrata que se celebrará en Denver, Colorado este 25 de Agosto. Por favor, colabore con todas las actividades planificadas y las empresas y organizaciones que las apoyan. Atentamente Juan J. George Editor

If have any comments or suggestion please send them to me at jgeorge@laradionet.net or by calling at: (518) 438-2875 or write to us at: Albany Latino Communications. 1314 A Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205

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Si desea enviarnos sus comentarios o sugerencias, por favor envíenos a jgeorge@laradionet. net o llamando al telefono (518) 438-2875 o escríbanos a: Albany Latino Comunications. 1314 A Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205

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Table of Contents

Tabla de Contenido

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Summer’sDog days provide wonderful opportunity for learning •María Neira, Vice-President of NYSUT Los últimos días del verano son una excelente oportunidad para el aprendizaje

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Deployment Dairy. 10 Months to Go. Another Hello, Another Good-Bye • Dianna Rios Diario de un Despliegue Militar. Faltan 10 Meses Otro Hola, Otro Adiós

Mike Asencio The heart and soul of the LatinFest • Juan George Alma y corazón del LatinFest

Ask Lisa • Lisa Cortés Pregúntale a Lisa

Literary Corner • María del Pilar Casas Luque La Esquina Literaria

Social & Cultural Events Eventos Sociales & Culturales

Interview with Gustavo Santos • Juan George Entrevista con Gustavo Santos

Make Nursing your new career • Theresa Meers Haga de la Enfermería su nueva profesión

Check your Expiration dates: Visa Validity Date and I-94 Card Expiry Date • Marco F.G. Tomakin, RN, Esq. Patricia Rodríguez, Lawyer, advocate and inspiration to our community • Lisa Cortés Abogada, defensora e inspiración para nuestra comunidad

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Summer’s Dog Days Provide Wonderful Opportunity for Learning

t’s hard to believe but summer’s homestretch is already upon us. In just a few weeks, schools will open their doors for the beginning of another academic year.

By: Maria Neira

There is a part of me that feels the summer season always flies by much too fast. The beautiful weather and vacation getaways, the family gatherings and the various summer festivals and celebrations are important in recharging our batteries, strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories.

This follow-up will allow children to research and learn more about the major contributions the Latino community has made to the nation’s cultural and performing arts landscape. It will also help our students know who they are and the wonderful gifts they bring to shaping our community.

These remaining days of summer offer the opportunity to experience some wonderful events that are not only enjoyable but culturally and educationally significant as well. It’s also time to return to the summer reading list that may have been put to the side.

Reading and writing every day between now and the beginning of the school year will ease the change from vacation to school and sharpen the skills students need to be successful next year.

There’s a lot of research on the subject of how much students forget over the summer months from the end of June to the beginning of September. Most researchers agree that there is a learning loss. The amount of loss depends on many things, such as the age of the student, the subject and whether the student engaged in educational experiences over the summer. But there is little doubt, students do not retain. If your child has not been reading and writing over the summer, it’s not too late to start now.

So, as we begin to buy the necessary items for our children’s return to school – clothes, sneakers (on sale I hope), pencils, pens, notebooks and other learning materials, use August festive events as an educational tool to increase skills and knowledge as we say good-bye to summer. Maria Neira is Vice President of New York State United Teachers NYSUT.

Parents can take advantage of the Latino summer festivals and activities full of lively music, art, dance, delicious food and traditions as a learning tool. These activities offer a rich framework to influence the development of our children. After attending these events you can have your child select a book, poem, recipe or song connected to one of the most interesting facts they learned from their experience. Or they can write their own book, song, or create a blog to share what they’ve learned with friends and family.

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los ultimos dias de verano son una excelente oportunidad para el aprendizaje

s difícil de creer pero la última etapa del verano ha llegado. En solo unas pocas semanas, los colegios abrirán sus puertas para el comienzo de otro año académico. Una parte de mi siente que la temporada de verano ha pasado muy rápido. El hermoso clima y las vacaciones, las reuniones familiares y los festivales de verano, son importantes para recargar baterías, fortalecer los lazos familiares y dejar recuerdos que duren de por vida. Los últimos días del verano ofrece la oportunidad de asistir a eventos que no solo sirven para divertir sino que también son culturales y educacionales. Es también tiempo de revisar la lista de lecturas del verano que seguro ha sido dejada de lado. Existen muchas investigaciones al respecto sobre cuánto alcanzan a olvidar los estudiantes durante los meses del verano, desde finales de junio hasta comienzos de septiembre. La mayoría de los estudios indican que existe un retroceso en el aprendizaje. Este retroceso depende de muchas cosas, tales como la edad del estudiante, la materia y si el estudiante ha estado involucrado en actividades educacionales durante el verano. Pero sin duda, ellos no recuerdan lo aprendido. Si su hijo no ha estado leyendo o escribiendo sobre el verano, no es tarde para empezar.

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Los padres pueden tomar ventaja de los festivales latinos de verano y de las actividades de música en vivo, arte, danza, deliciosas comidas y tradiciones, como herramientas de aprendizaje. Estas actividades ofrecen un ambiente propicio para influir en el desarrollo de nuestros hijos. Después de atender a estos eventos, puede hacer que su hijo seleccione un libro, un poema, una receta o una canción, relacionados a los hechos que

hayan aprendido de esas experiencias. O pueden escribir sus propios libros, canciones o crear un blog para compartir lo que aprendieron con la familia y los amigos. Esta actualización le permitirá a los niños investigar y aprender más a cerca de las grandes contribuciones que la comunidad latina ha hecho por la nación a nivel cultural y presentación artística. También les ayudará a nuestros estudiantes a saber quienes son, y los regalos maravillosos que pueden dar para el bien de la comunidad.

Leyendo y escribiendo todos los días desde ahora hasta el comienzo del año escolar, facilitará la transición entre las vacaciones y el colegio y moldeará sus habilidades para ser mejores en el año que comienza. Así que, al comenzar a comprar los útiles que nuestros hijos necesitan para el regreso al colegio –ropa, tenis, (en rebaja espero), lápices, bolígrafos, cuadernos y otros materiales de enseñanza, aproveche las festividades de Agosto como herramienta educacional para incrementar las habilidades y el conocimiento, mientras nos vamos despidiendo del verano. Maria Neira es Vice Presidenta de la Unión de Profesores del Estado de Nueva York, NYSUT.

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FOR HONOR, FOR COUNTRY, FOR FAMILY…

DEPLOYMENT DIARY 10 Months to go

Another Hello, Another Good-bye By: Dianna Rios Translated by Catalina Arango

Fireworks…Lots of fireworks! July was another patriotic month at home. The month began as all July’s do with talk of the 4th and celebrations…fireworks. Our month began with a National Anthem date for Nicaya at The Joe Bruno Stadium for the Tri-City ValleyCats. Nicaya was excited as we approached the stadium and couldn’t wait to get to the field. The only time she had been on the field before was to run the bases after a Sunday game. She had seen many National Anthem singers on the field and she couldn’t believe it was finally her turn. She looked so little heading down the stairs to the gate. She spoke to another singer, spoke with one of the players and proudly took the microphone upon her turn. She didn’t flinch when the fireworks went off behind her as she sang and looked up at me with that great big smile when she was done as if to say, I did it!! She was welcomed back on the field for God Bless America, and standing in the rain, under cover of umbrella she hesitantly started, but finished up strong with the photo of her and her dad displayed on the board in the background. She was greeted back in the stands by a scout from the San Diego Padres,

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he struck up a conversation with her about his daughter and how much he missed her. She responded telling him all about her daddy and how much she misses him. It was comforting for me to hear her tell all about her daddy and his job to serve our country. To hear the pride in her little voice, to be able to share her story with such poise and grace, we forget sometimes that she is only 5 years old! Again, I thank God for the gift he has given us in this beautiful little girl. The month began and ended with fireworks. As we approached the end of the month word of confirmation of a short visit was received. Bittersweet for me as I was able to prepare to welcome home my husband and father who we’ve missed, for an extended weekend, but a bit of sadness knowing we had to say good-bye yet one more time. Nicaya was at school when Nick arrived in Albany. It was with great anticipation and excitement as we left to pick up Nicaya at school. She was not aware we were standing in the gym when we first arrived to get her, but as she heard voices and turned toward the door, her face lit up as she caught glimpse of daddy at the door. It was like she was in a race for the gold as she sped across the gym and jumped into the arms of her daddy. They held each other so tight it brought tears to

my eyes and to the eyes of her teacher. She said over and over again, I missed you daddy, I missed you daddy. The pure joy of watching her catch that first glimpse after a few months away, an unconditional love to treasure forever. I hope they can hold on to this feeling of joy and let it carry them through the next 10 months apart. We spent an activity filled weekend together, indoor waterpark, popcorn and movies, and a very special day at home before another good-bye and the long ride to the airport. It’s amazing how a 15 minute trip can seem to take forever. The feeling of sorrow grows although you know you must be strong. Your heartbeat races as you near the exit. You hold back the tears so that it will be easier for him to leave. You hope and pray that we can be as brave as he and simply treasure the last few moments until we see each other again. There is a great book that we love to share called “The Kissing Hand”. It tells the story of how a young raccoon is afraid to be away from his mother, but she kisses the palm of his hand and tells him to hold it tight while they are apart and in that way she will be with him always. As we held each other tight in our family hug Nicaya received her “Kissing Hand” from her daddy. She will hold on to it tight and I will remind her when she is missing him that she

has her kissing hand to hold on to. I hope the “Kissing Hand” that she gave her daddy will help him through the deployment and remind him of how much he is loved back at home. Our hope is that the last 10 months will go quickly for all of us and Nick will be home with us for good. I can still hear him telling me that when he finishes this tour there will be no other place that he would rather be than home with us. I hold on to those words and look forward to many days together. August will bring the actual deployment and as he leaves the safety of our country and heads to Iraq, we send him off with our love and our prayers for his safe return home holding on to our treasured kisses in our “Kissing Hands”

¡Fuegos artificiales, miles de fuegos artificiales! Julio fue otro mes patriótico en casa. El mes comenzó como siempre, hablando del 4 de Julio y las celebraciones….fuegos artificiales. Nuestro mes inició con el Himno Nacional interpretado por Nicaya en el Estadio Joe Bruno para los Tri-City ValleyCats. Nicaya estaba emocionada cuando nos aproximábamos al estadio y no podía esperar hasta llegar al campo de juego. La única vez en

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POR HONOR, POR EL PAIS, POR LA FAMILIA…

diARIO DE UN DESPLIEGUE MILITar faltan 10 meses

OTRO HOLA, OTRO ADIOS

Contenemos las lágrimas para que sea más fácil para él. Uno espera y reza para poder ser tan fuertes como él y simplemente atesorar estos pocos momentos hasta que nos volvamos a ver.

que ha estado en el campo de juego fue cuando jugó corriendo las bases después de un partido de domingo. Había presenciado las interpretaciones de muchas otras personas del Himno Nacional en el campo de juego y no podía creer que ésta finalmente era su oportunidad. Se veía tan pequeña cuando bajaba las escalinatas hacia la puerta. Le habló a otro cantante, a uno de los jugadores y orgullosamente tomó el micrófono. No se inmutó cuando los fuegos artificiales se prendieron detrás de ella, al tiempo que cantaba. Me miró con esa gran sonrisa cuando terminó, como diciendo, ¡lo logre!. Volvió al campo de juego para cantar God Bless America, sin importar la lluvia y debajo de una sombrilla, empezó un poco dudosa, pero finalizó muy bien, con su foto y la de su padre desplegada en la parte de atrás. Fue aplaudida en las gradas por un scout de los San Diego Padres, quien le contó en un momento sobre su hija y cuánto la extrañaba. Ella le comentó acerca de su papi y su trabajo por nuestro país. Oír el orgullo en su pequeña voz, poder compartir su historia con tal pose y gracia, olvidamos a veces que es solo una niña de 5 años! Le agradezco a Dios el regalo que esta hermosa niña ha significado para nosotros.

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El mes empezó y terminó con fuegos artificiales. Al finalizar el mes, se nos confirmó sobre su corta visita. Agridulce para mí, por preparar la bienvenida a casa de mi esposo y padre, a quien extrañamos, pero con tristeza por tener que decir adiós una vez más. Nicaya estaba en la escuela cuando Nick llegó a Albany. Con gran anticipación y emoción fuimos a recoger a Nicaya al colegio. No se había dado cuenta que estábamos parados en el gimnasio esperándola, pero cuando escuchó las voces, se dio vuelta hacia la puerta y su cara se iluminó de repente cuando alcanzó a ver a su padre. Fue como si estuviera en una carrera para alcanzar un tesoro; se lanzó a correr a lo largo del gimnasio y saltó a los brazos del papá. Se abrazaron tan fuerte, que se me llenaron los ojos de lágrimas al igual que los de su profesora.

Repetía constantemente, te extraño papi, te extraño papi. Experimenté una gran alegría al darme cuenta de cómo miraba a su padre después de unos pocos meses de estar lejos, un amor incondicional que se atesora para siempre. Espero que ambos mantengan este sentimiento de alegría y los ayude por el resto de los diez meses que faltan. Disfrutamos juntos de un fin de semana largo, lleno de actividades, parque de agua bajo techo, palomitas de maíz, cine y un día muy especial en casa antes de decir adiós y del largo camino hacia el aeropuerto. Es increíble cómo un viaje de 15 minutos parecía ser infinito. El sentimiento de tristeza crece, no obstante sepamos que debemos ser fuertes. El corazón late al tiempo que nos acercamos a la salida de la ruta.

Hay un hermoso libro que quisiéramos compartir, se llama “The Kissing Hand” (La Mano besadora).Cuenta la historia de cómo un joven mapache tiene miedo de alejarse de su madre, pero ella besa la palma de su mano y le dice que la apriete duro cuando se encuentren alejados, así ella estará con él siempre. Cuando nos abrazamos fuerte en familia, Nicaya recibe la “Mano besadora” de su papá. Ella la apretará duro y le hará recordar que cuando lo extrañe, tiene su mano besadora a la que aferrarse. Espero que el libro que ella le obsequió a su papá, le ayude a él a través de su partida y le recuerde cuánto se le ama en casa. Nuestra esperanza es que los próximos diez meses pasen rápido para todos y que Nick vuelva a casa, para quedarse para siempre. Puedo todavía escucharlo diciéndome, “que cuando finalice su viaje no habrá otro lugar en el que quiera estar, sino en casa con nosotros”. Me aferro a aquellas palabras y espero con anhelo muchos días junto a él. Agosto traerá su partida definitiva y mientras él deja la seguridad de su país y se va para Irak, lo despedimos con amor y con nuestras oraciones por su pronto regreso salvo a casa, aferrándonos a nuestros besos como tesoros en nuestras Kissing Hands.

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Check your Expiration Dates:

Visa Validity Date and I-94 Card Expiry Date

By: Marco Tomakin, RN, Esq. Immigration Attorney

edro, an alien from the Dominican Republic came into the United States in order to visit his mother and other relatives. He came in using a tourist (B2) visa obtained from the US Consulate in Santo Domingo which was valid until June 1, 2018. On August 1, 2008, when he arrived in JFK Airport in New York, the CBP officer issued him a I-94 card with the annotation “ Class B2, until February 1, 2009”. Pedro came to Albany to see his mother and also went to different parts of the US to visit other relatives and friends. Question: How long should Pedro stay in the US? Until June 1, 2018 which is the date when his tourist visa would expire? Or until February 1, 2009 as annotated in his I-94 card? Quite frequently, I had clients who are confused with different dates stamped on their passports. One is the expiration date on the visa stamp and the other one is the expiration date in their I-94 card. It must be stressed that both dates are very important, thus a non-immigrant alien should be mindful of these dates.

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First, it should be noted that these are two separate dates stamped on two different documents. The visa, issued by a US consulate abroad is an entry document which allows an alien to enter into the United States. Once the alien has already entered the US, the visa does not affect status or authorization to remain in the US. Depending on the type of visa issued, it is valid only until a certain date. This is the visa’s expiration date. After it has expired, an alien can no longer enter the United States using that same expired visa. On the other hand, the I-94 Arrival / Departure card is a white card usually stapled in the passport. This is issued by the Customs and Border Protection upon the alien’s arrival in the US. This can also be obtained in the US through the USCIS when an alien obtains a favorable decision on an application to extend or change status. Among other things, the I-94 card contains the date of the alien’s arrival, under what class or type of visa and until what date is the alien permitted to remain in the US. Thus, an alien in the US may have either of the following situations: 1. An alien may have an unexpired visa and an unexpired I-94 card. He is still in legal status. This is good.

2. An alien may have an expired visa but has an unexpired I-94 card. He is still in legal status. This is good. 3. An alien may have an unexpired visa and an expired I-94 card. He is considered as having failed to maintain his status. This is not good. 4. An alien may have an expired visa and an expired I-94 card. He is considered as having failed to maintain his status. This is also not good. Going back to Pedro’s case and using the information above, the answer is that Pedro should only stay in the US until February 1, 2009 as this is the date annotated in his I94 card which is the date that he is permitted to stay and remain in the US. If he does not file an application for extension of stay or change of status or adjust to another status, Pedro should depart from the US after February 1, 2009. Failure to do so would result in Pedro having serious immigration problems. Therefore, one should be aware of the dates in his visa and in his I-94 card. Simple as these may look like, these are critical dates which have serious consequences on one’s immigration status.

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PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ LAWYER, ADVOCATE AND INSPIRATION TO OUR COMMUNITY

By: Lisa Cortés

s I entered the legal practice of Patricia Rodriguez, I was immediately greeted by an attractive young lady whose name is Idalia, who is Patricia’s personal secretary and friend. Idalia lead me to the back of the building where Patricia’s office was located. I immediately saw this attractive young lady with a warm friendly smile on her face. I knew at that moment she was someone special, and someone with many talents. Right before our interview she received a call from someone in the Family Court Division to advocate for a person in need. Being the only Hispanic lawyer in the Family Court system of her caliber in Schenectady County, the lack of clientele is never an issue. Patricia’s history speaks for itself. She learned at an early age from a strong and confident woman, and that woman was her mother. Patricia’s mother was born in Mexico and came to this country when she was a little girl. She decided to move to the Bronx and eventually relocated to New Jersey where Patricia was born. Patricia pointed out that she was raised by her mother and grandmother in a traditional Hispanic household in Parsippany, New Jersey. She attended Morris Catholic High School, while her mother worked as a secretary for the Mexican Government Railroad System. Her mother always emphasized the value of education, and Patricia knew that it was important to have one since she ended up in the top 15% in her high school. After high school she proceeded to go further and decided to attend Douglas College at Rutgers University in New Jersey, and major in history. After completing four years at Rutgers University, she decided take some time off before considering law school. During this time a friend of hers was offered a job in Wisconsin. When he decided to take the job, Patricia thought it would be a good idea to see what

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Wisconsin was all about. She had taken a job as a receptionist in an intercity city health clinic in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While working there, a wonderful young lady who was a doctor would chat with her every now and then, and one day asked her why was she working as a receptionist. This doctor told her she had a lot of drive and should be doing something more instead of working as a receptionist at the clinic. After working there for over a year, she decided it was time to go back to school and follow her dreams. She attended the University Of Wisconsin Law School and graduated. She also met her future husband in Wisconsin, and they both decided to come to the Capital land where he was offered a job in Schenectady at the GE Global Research Center. After arriving here she had also gotten a job with the State Comptroller’s Office and even worked in the Consumer Protection Board as the Deputy Council for the Cuomo Administration. But after having her children she wanted to spend more time with them and thought it was time to start her own legal practice in Schenectady, and specialize in the Family Court system. Patricia takes pleasure in advocating for those who are in need. Among her other talents is the desire to make a difference in our community. As the Vice-President of the 4th Judicial District for the NYS Bar Association, and a member of the Black and Hispanic Bar Association, we can see her love for the law. Some of her other roles include being on the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Town of Niskayuna, and the Vice-President of an organization called Two Life, which is a breast cancer advocacy group located in Delmar. As a mother she understands how important it is for our youth to have someone to look up and someone who really cares about them and their education. To demonstrate the importance of education for our youth, Patricia serves on the advisory board of an organization called Roots & Wisdom located in Schenectady.

This organization teaches them the importance of nutrient and how to grow organic fruits and vegetables. Patricia validates the phrase “It’s not where you come from, but where you are going”. Nothing is impossible if you put forth the effort no matter how difficult it may seem. Patricia Rodriguez truly deserves the title as an excellent lawyer, caring advocate and inspiration to our community

Cuando entré a la oficina de practica legal de Patricia Rodríguez, fui saludada inmediatamente por una bella joven cuyo nombre es Idalia, quien es la secretaria personal y amiga de Patricia. Idalia me dirigió hacia la parte de atrás del edificio donde se encuentra la oficina de Patricia. Inmediatamente observé a esta atractiva mujer con una calurosa sonrisa en su rostro. Supe en ese instante que era alguien especial, con muchísimos talentos. Poco antes de nuestra entrevista, recibió una llamada de alguien de la División de la Corte de Familia para defender a una persona en problemas. Siendo la única hispana abogada de su calibre, en el sistema de la Corte de Familia en el condado de Schenectady, la falta de clientes nunca es problema. La historia de Patricia habla por ella misma. Aprendió muy joven de una persona fuerte y segura de si misma, que era su madre. La madre de Patricia nació en Méjico y vino a este país cuando era muy niña. Decidió mudarse al Bronx y luego vivió en New Jersey donde nació Patricia. Fue criada por su madre y su abuela en un hogar tradicional hispano en Parsippany, NJ. Estudió en el colegio Católico Morris, mientras su madre era secretaria para el Sistema de Trenes del Gobierno de Méjico. Continúa en la P. 17

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ABOGADA, DEFENSORA E INSPIRACION PARA NUESTRA COMUNIDAD Su madre siempre le enfatizó el valor de la educación, y Patricia sabía lo importante que esta era, ya que terminó entre los mejores 15% de su colegio. Después del colegio, quiso ir más allá y decidió entrar al Colegio Douglas en la Universidad de Rutgers en New Jersey y recibió un grado en historia. Después de completar 4 años en la Universidad de Rutgers, decidió tomar un tiempo libre antes de considerar la escuela de leyes. Durante este tiempo a un amigo suyo le ofrecieron un trabajo en Wisconsin. Cuando decidió tomar el trabajo, Patricia pensó que sería buena idea saber cómo era Wisconsin. Tomó un trabajo como recepcionista en una clínica en Milwaukee. Mientras trabajaba allí, una maravillosa joven que era doctora, hablando con ella le preguntó porqué trabajaba como recepcionista. Esta doctora le dijo que tenia mucho potencial y que debería hacer algo más en vez de recepcionista en la clínica. Después de trabajar allí por un año, decidió que era tiempo de volver a estudiar y hacer realidad sus sueños. Entró a la Universidad de Wisconsin, a la escuela de leyes, y se graduó. Allí también conoció su futuro esposo y ambos decidieron venir a la Región Capital, donde le ofrecieron un puesto a él en el GE Global Research Center. Después de llegar, ella consiguió trabajo en la Oficina del Contralor del Estado y hasta trabajó en la División de Protección al Consumidor como Consejera Diputada en la administración Cuomo. Después de tener sus hijos, quiso pasar más tiempo con ellos y pensó que era tiempo de empezar su propia oficina de práctica legal en Schenectady y especializarse en el sistema de la Corte de Familia. Patricia se alegra de poder defender a aquellos que lo necesitan. Entre sus muchos talentos está su deseo de hacer la diferencia en la comunidad. Como Vice-presidenta del Distrito Judicial 4to. del NYS Bar Association, y miembro de la Black and Hispanic Bar Association, se nota su amor por el derecho. Algunas de sus otras actividades incluyen estar en la Zoning Board of Appeals para Niskayuna, y ser Vicepresidenta de la organización llamada Two Life, grupo que aboga por el cáncer de mama en Delmar. Como madre entiende cuán importante es para los jóvenes tener alguien que sea modelo de vida y que se interese por ellos y su educación. Para demostrar la importancia de la educación en nuestros jóvenes, Patricia sirve en el comité de consejería de la organización llamada Roots & Wisdom localizada en Schenectady. Esta organización enseña a los jóvenes la importancia de los nutrientes y de cómo cultivar frutas y vegetales orgánicos . Patricia hace honor a la frase “No es de dónde vienes, sino hacia donde te diriges”. Nada es imposible si se hace con esfuerzo sin importar las dificultades que haya. Patricia Rodríguez realmente merece el título de excelente abogada, defensora de corazón e inspiración para nuestra comunidad.

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Mike Asencio The heart and soul of the latinFest

hirteen years ago if my memory serves me correctly, while shopping at Frank and Giovanni’s store on Morton avenue I over hear a conversation between Frank and a gentleman by the name of Carlos Maldonado. The conversation was about a festival which was planned for that day. The question was whether it was going to rain or not. The festival would take place in Lincoln Park and was to start at twelve noon. At one p.m. started to rain and did not stop for the entire day. Despite the rain a few people came and participated on the activities that could be saved. Despite a wet start the founders were not discouraged. The rainy days became sunny days under the leadership of people such as Pedro Diaz, Vincent Alfonso, Carlos Maldonado, Willie Colon, Miguel Castro and others. The sponsorship of the city of Albany as well as other organizations helped the festival become an institution. “The old guard” in 2006 decided that a change was needed and a new leadership was born. The new Board of Albany Latin festival Association (ALFA) is headed by Mr. Michael Asencio followed by Mr. Vice President Carlos Maldonado, and Charles La Court Secretary. Other members include: Miguel Castro., Melvin “Jimmy” Jimenez, Claribel Asencio and Alberto De Los Santos.

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In this month in which we celebrate fiestas and festivales our magazine recognizes Mr. Michael Asencio as the person who with the help of other board members has led this organization to another level. Mr. Asencio of Puerto Rican decent was born in Spanish Harlem in New York City. He graduated from Park East High School, and also SUNY Albany School of Business in 1997. He is married to Mrs. Claribel Asencio who he met while participating in volunteer activities of ALFA. Has a fourteen year old daughter from a previous relationship. The people who have influenced him the most in his life are all women. His mom Mrs. Frances (Paquita) Delgado, His Grandmother Mrs. Dona Ana Delgado, Claribel his wife and daughter. His favorite book is Down These Mean Street by Piri Thomas. His favorite film is “In The Time Of The Butterflies” and his favorite food is white rice, beans and Steak Empanizado. He indicates that his philosophy of life is: Believe came straight from abuelas mouth ““Dime con quien andas y te diré quien eres.” O “Sal de ese Bloque” Mas resiente: “Hay que vivir el momento” Interviewed for this issue he told us that the festival’s success is due to the hard work of all volunteers and the community support. He said that the purpose has always been and remains the family. Therefore, more

than 10,000 people gather in Washington Park every year to celebrate our similarities and differences. Performers through the years have included such legends as: Larry Harlow, Yomotoro, Adalberto Santiago, Puerto Rican Power, Jimmy Bosch, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Nestor Torres, Luisito Carrion, Brenda K. Starr, Choco Orta, Kevin Ceballo, Frankie Negron and others. This year performers under the auspices of Price Chopper, General Electric, Mayor Jennings and the City of Albany, include: Ismael Miranda, Andy Montañés, Amarfis and Rigo-Rigo. I often find myself wondering, and I say this over and over when I speak publicly of the Fest, why don’t I spend the time feeding the hungry, getting guns off the streets, or working on some other meaningful cause. And I always return to the same response: I do this because the Fest. is as equally important as these other issues. It is extremely important to share the positive aspects of people, regardless of the particular cultural background. Mr. Asencio is a Senior Accountant with New York State office for the Aging Story and translation by Juan George

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“ Festival’s success is due to the hard work of all volunteers and the community support .... the purpose has always been and remains the family. Therefore, more than 10,000 people gather in Washington Park every year to celebrate our similarities and differences.” Mike Asencio

H Alma y Corazón del latinFest

ace trece años si mi memoria no me falla y mal no recuerdo, me encontraba en la bodega de Frank y Giovanni en Morton Avenue, donde escuchaba una conversación entre Frank y un Señor llamado Carlos Maldonado. La conversación era acerca de un festival que se planeaba realizar ese día. La pregunta era ¿llovería o no? El festival tendría lugar en el parque Lincoln y comenzaba a las doce del medio día. A la una de la tarde comenzó a llover y no paro el día entero. Aunque llovía unas cuantas personas aparecieron y participaron en las actividades que se pudieron salvar. A pesar de un inicio mojado, los fundadores no se dieron por vencidos y continuaron sus esfuerzos. Los días lluviosos se convirtieron en días soleados bajo la dirección de personas como: Pedro Díaz, Vicente Alfonso, Carlos Maldonado, Willie Colon, Miguel Castro y otros. El patrocinio de la ciudad de Albano, al igual que de otras entidades ayudó a que el festival se convirtiera en una institución. “La vieja guardia” decide en el 2006 que un cambio era necesario y una nueva directiva surge. La nueve junta de Albany Latin Festival Association (ALFA) es encabezada por el señor Michael Asencio, seguido por el señor Carlos Maldonado Vicepresidente, y Charles La Court Secretario. Otros miembros incluyen a: Miguel Castro Sr., Melvin “Jimmy” Jiménez, Claribel Asencio y Alberto De Los Santos. En este mes en el cual celebramos fiestas y festivales, nuestra revista reconoce al Señor Michael Asencio como la persona que con ayuda de otros miembros de la junta, ha llevado esta organización a otro nivel. El señor Asencio de procedencia Puertorriqueña, nació en Spanish Harlem en la ciudad de Nueva York. Se gradúo de la escuela superior de Park East High School, y de la escuela de negocios de SUNY Albany en el 1997. Casado con la Señora Claribel Asencio a quien conoció mientras participaba en actividades voluntarias de ALFA. Tiene una hija de una relación previa de catorce años de edad.Las personas que más han influenciado su vida son todas mujeres. Su mamá la señora Frances (Paquita) Delgado; Su abuela: la señora Doña Ana Delgado, su esposa Claribel y su hija. Su libro favorito es Down These Mean Street by Piri Tomas. Su película favorita es “In The Time Of The Butterflies” y su comida favorita es Arroz Blanco, Habichuelas Guisadas y Bistec

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empanizado. Indica que la filosofía de la vida es: “Dime con quien andas y te diré quien eres.” O “Sal de ese Bloque” Más reciente: “Hay que vivir el momento” Entrevistado para esta edición, nos indicó que el éxito del festival se debe a la árdua labor de todos los voluntarios y el apoyo de la comunidad. Comenta que el propósito siempre ha sido y continuará siendo la familia. Por tanto, más de 10,000 personas se reúnen en el parque Washington todos los años, para celebrar nuestras similaridades y diferencias. A través de los años se han presentado artistas tales como: Larry Harlow, Yomotoro, Adalberto Santiago, Puerto Rican Power, Jimmy Bosch, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Néstor Torres, Luisito Carrión, Brenda K. Starr, Choco Orta, Kevin Ceballo, Frankie Negrón entre otros. Este año con el auspicio de Price Chopper, General Electric, El Alcalde Jennings y la ciudad de Albany, se presentarán Ismael Miranda, Andy Montañés, Amarfis y RigoRigo. Muchas veces me pregunto... ¿Por qué no uso mi tiempo dando que comer a los hambrientos, evitando la violencia, o en otra causas importantes? Siempre llego a la misma respuesta: Hago esto porque es tan importante como cualquier otra causa que afecta a nuestra comunidad. Es extremadamente importante, enseñar lo positivo de nuestra variedad cultural, sin importar de dónde uno viene. Mr. Asencio is a Senior Accountant with New York State office for the Aging.

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Labor Relations Specialist / Labor Relations Specialist Intern Suffolk New York NYSUT seeks an experienced Labor Relations Specialist or a Labor Relations Specialist Intern for our Suffolk New York Regional Office. The candidate must have extensive experience in labor relations in the public and private sectors, including but not limited to contract negotiations, contract enforcement through the grievance procedure – including arbitrations, understanding of PERB and NLRB rules and procedures, etc. The LRS is the primary contact between NYSUT and the local leadership and membership. As the primary contact, the LRS is responsible for promoting the image and goals of NYSUT and the American Labor Movement. NYSUT’S Labor Relations Specialists work with local affiliates as consultants, communicators and trainers. The LRS must be a strong advocate for NYSUT members and the institutions that they work for. They must be able to gather, assimilate and distribute information to local leadership. Excellent oral, written, computer and communications skills, including public speaking are essential. Variable work schedule and travel within NY State is the norm. The successful candidate must demonstrate initiative, flexibility, skill in time management, and the ability to prioritize work. To qualify for consideration, a bachelor’s degree and related work experience is required. Knowledge of the American Labor movement and its objectives is preferred.

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Psychometrician NYSUT a 600,000 plus Member Organization seeks a qualified candidate for a full time professional position as a member of NYSUT’S Research & Educational Services Department as Psychometrician. The position will be responsible for conducting Psychometric analysis on a wide variety of data sets including data on state and national assessments. The qualified candidate should understand and apply theories, principles, and methods of testing and posses the ability to make judgment on the quality of assessments. Qualified candidates will be expected to convey technical information and communicate analysis to a non-technical audience. Experience applying factors such as student and environmental conditions to assessment results is essential. Candidates must have experience providing methodological and psychometric support for design and implementation of rigorous evaluation and applied research projects. The position requires review and analysis of the New York State Assessment Accountability Program. Knowledge of and experience with growth models, assessment of special populations and state and or national testing programs is a plus.

A Master’s degree in educational research, educational psychology, statistics, evaluation or other related field and a minimum of five (5) years experience in educational measurement is required. Working knowledge of one or more statistical software packages is essential. The position is located at NYSUT’s Headquarters in Latham New York.

Legal Secretary New York City NYSUT a 600,000 member organization seeks a Legal Secretary for a position located in the Office of General Counsel New York City to provide administrative support to attorneys in Counsel’s Office. Qualified applicant must use and understand legal terminology, New York State & Federal judicial and administrative rules of procedure, including the proper format and assembly of legal documents. Solid legal secretarial skills required. Qualified applicants should have familiarity with WordPerfect 12, GroupWise and database programs.

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AUG 2008 P. 21 This offer ends September 13th, 2008

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With August here we need to take time to relax and enjoy the few weeks of summer. Life is an amazing gift given to us from our Heavenly Father out of love, which should be cherished. We should also try to stay positive and treat others the way we would like to be treated, because we live this day only once. So if there is any kindness you can show to another or any good thing you could do for another, try to do it now. Don’t delay or neglect it, for you shall not pass through this day during this life again.

VIRGO – THE VIRGIN August 23rd to September 22nd Stone: Sapphire Element: Earth Ruler: Mercury Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac. Virgo people are generally respectable, hardworking individuals who love knowledge and how to do things correctly. They tend to be workaholics and the fear of under performing is often strong, they want to do things well. Virgos tend to be too hard on themselves, they about their health, work performance, and all the things they haven’t done yet. They can be perfectionists. Despite a lack of confidence sometimes, Virgos can be proud and can seem arrogant when it comes to their work, routines and hobbies. They take pride in the little things they do, and often feel their way is the best way, and often times it is. Virgo people are sweet, kind and extremely loyal. They love to be appreciated, and when they are, they do everything to make things work.

Racism Among Our Own Dear Lisa: I’m a light skinned Hispanic who has been dating a wonderful dark skinned Hispanic for over a year now. My family was born in Puerto Rico,

came to New York City and eventually relocated to the Capital land. My boyfriend and his family were born in New York City. We truly love each other and plan on getting married this coming year. My problem is my family. They think he’s a nice guy, but not the one for me since he is a Nuyorican of a darker complexion. This hurts me because we really love each other, and he is good to me. I also love my family very much and never wanted to disappoint them in anyway, but now my parents are saying they want nothing to do with the wedding, including the financial part of it and will not accept him as my husband. Help! Isabel – Clifton Park

Dear Isabel: I must say your family is in need of some education, and a rude awakening. Racism is a terrible thing, and when it’s amongst your own it’s heartbreaking. To clarify some things, Nuyoricans are Puerto Ricans with just a little spice. The word Nuyorican, used to be a derogatory term used towards Puerto Ricans who were not born on the island and lived in the city, but as time went on Nuyoricans embraced the name with pride. Being a dark Hispanic is no different than being one of a lighter complexion. Hispanics from the Caribbean are descended from Africans, Spaniards and Taino Indians. This is why we are the most beautiful people, because we are dark, light and caramel colored. I know you would like your family to accept your boyfriend, but you cannot change them. If they choose not to accept you both as a couple, then they will be the only ones missing out on having you there for your family gatherings. As for the wedding, it’s not unusual for couples to pay for their own wedding especially during these times. Your wedding can be smaller than originally planned, but lovely. The important thing is you and your future husband will be together and happy. Con el mes de Agosto necesitamos un tiempo para relajarnos y disfrutar de lo que queda del verano. La vida es un regalo dado por nuestro Padre Celestial de su amor, el cual debe ser compartido. Tratamos también de ser positivos y tratar a los demás como queremos que

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nos traten a nosotros, porque solo vivimos la vida una vez. Si le muestra amabilidad a alguien más o puede hacer algo bueno por otro, trate de hacerlo ahora. No lo deje pasar, porque no tendrá sino este día de esta vida una sola vez.

Racismo entre nosotros mismos Querida Lisa: Soy una hispana de piel clara y he estado saliendo con un hispano de piel oscura por casi un año. Mi familia es de Puerto Rico, vinieron a la ciudad de Nueva York y eventualmente se situaron en la Región Capital. Mi novio y su familia nacieron en la ciudad de Nueva York. Verdaderamente nos amamos y planeamos casarnos el año que viene. Mi problema es mi familia. Piensan que es un buen chico, pero no para mi porque es un Nuyorican de piel oscura. Esto me duele porque nos queremos realmente y él es bueno conmigo. También amo a mi familia y no quiero desilusionarlos nunca, pero mis padres dicen que no quieren tener nada que ver con la boda, incluyendo la parte financiera y no lo aceptarán como mi esposo. Ayúdame! Isabel – Clifton Park

Querida Isabel: Debo decirte que tu familia necesita educación, y un despertar abrupto. El racismo es una cosa terrible, rompe el corazón cuando además es entre los mismos. Para aclarar algunos términos, Nuyo rican son Puertorriqueños con algo de picante. Esta palabra fue usada para difamar a los puertorriqueños no nacidos en la isla que viven en NYC, pero con el paso del tiempo los Nuyoricans llevan su nombre con orgullo. Ser un hispano de color no es diferente de ser uno de piel clara. Los hispanos son descendientes de Africanos, españoles y de los Indios Tainos. Por ello es por lo que somos hermosos, porque somos oscuros, claros y color caramelo. Se que quieres que tu familia acepte a tu novio, pero no los puedes cambiar. Si ellos escogen no aceptarlo, ellos serán los que no te tengan cuando haya reuniones familiares. Con respecto a la boda, no es raro que las parejas paguen por sus bodas, en especial en esta época. Tu matrimonio puede ser pequeño que el planeado originalmente, pero hermoso. Lo más importante es que tu y tu futuro esposo estén juntos y felices.

If you want advise from Lisa, please email them to jgeorge@laradionet.net or send us your letters to the following address: Albany Latino Comunications 1314 A Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205

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La Esquina Literaria Literary Corner

Similitud

Similarity

Sometimes things are tiresome the routine smothers and the hours seem slow and hopeless. At times everything looks alike, feels alike, the same is said, the same is heard. The news seem to kill the same dead and everyday the coffee tastes the same. At times it seems that nothing changes that everyone appears alike, that the day repeats itself and the awakening plays the same tune at dawning. Sometimes things are tiresome, but no, everything changes… upon awakening we become older, our children grow, hug with tenderness, the world evolves, the dead are others and new human beings are born that signal hope. Dreams are reached, goals are met and laughter’s contagion erases sorrows. The story continues and life moves on without our sometimes realizing that everything passes and passes.

A veces las cosas cansan la rutina ahoga y las horas parecen lentas y sin esperanza. A veces todo se ve igual, se siente igual se habla lo mismo, se escucha lo mismo. Las noticias parece que matarán a los mismos muertos y todos los días el café sabe igual. A veces pareciera que nada cambia que todos se vieran iguales, que el día se repitiera y el despertar tuviera la misma tonada al amanecer. A veces las cosas cansan, pero no, todo cambia... al despertar nos hacemos más viejos, nuestros hijos crecen, abrazan con dulzura, el mundo evoluciona, los muertos son otros y nacen nuevos seres que marcan la esperanza. Se alcanzan sueños, se logran metas y la risa contagia para borrar las penas. La historia sigue y la vida avanza sin que a veces, nos demos cuenta que todo pasa y pasa.

Maria del Pilar Casas Luque Poeta Colombiana Colombian Poet

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Eventos Sociales & Culturales Festival de arte cultural de Centro Cívico De Ámsterdam Nueva York

Participantes mientras observaban información en la mesa de la revista Latino New York.

Parejas de baile mientras bailaban música folklórica

El grupo Pa’Lo Monte ameniza la fiesta

Juan Luis y su hijo Nicolás se guarecen del sol en la camioneta

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Social & Cultural Events Healthy Families Albany County day at the park

Albany County Executive Michael Breslin and Lillian Smith Director of the Division of Children with Special Needs as they present a love bear

County Executive Michael Breslin presenting a stuff animal to little Yaika Davila

County Executive Michael Breslin and Program Director Lillian Smith holding copies of Latino New York magazine

Jaime Vega and his son as they inspect their winning price

From left to right participant Victoria Gonzalez, staff members Cherry Morris, Xiomara Contreras, and Denise Algree

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GUSTAVO SANTOS

A local delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado supporting the Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama By: Juan George

LNYM: Good afternoon Gustavo, tell us about yourself

LNYM: How many delegates are going from here?

Mr. Santos: My name is Gustavo Santos. I am originally from Honduras Central America. I came to this country in 1977, attended High School in Riverdale, New York and received a degree in Political Science from the University at Albany. I have been living in Albany for the past 25 years and I am also a delegate at large for Senator Barack Obama to the National Democratic Convention this August 25th.

Mr. Santos: We are going to have five including myself.

LNYM: Talk to us about your interest in politics: Mr. Santos: I got involved in the campaign back in November of 2007 when he was looking for people to help him in up state New York. They were looking to open an office and we were able to accomplish that. I became a delegate because I am a person involved in the community. I have been an activist here for many years. LNYM: Please tell us a little something about the delegates: Mr. Santos: A number of delegates will be getting together at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado August 25th. this year. Their main responsibility is to nominate the candidate for the presidency and the vice-president as well as voting and adapting a platform for the party of important issues for the next four years.

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LNYM: How does a person becomes a delegate? Mr. Santos: A person has to be selected or appointed by the State Committee. I ran as a delegate in the presidential primary on February 5th, 2008. Names and credentials are submitted to the campaign for consideration. The committee will put on the ballot those who meet the necessary requirements. I was not elected by the general vote. Instead, I was selected as an at large delegate by the State Democratic Party two months ago. LNYM: What does the Barack Obama campaign means to us as Hispanics? Mr. Santos: The first thing is the issue of immigration. We will keep this issue in the front burner. Senator Obama is willing to listen to us and understands the issue affecting no only our community but the community at large. Issues such as housing, employment and the economy. LNYM: During the primary, a lot of Latinos supported Hillary Clinton instead of Obama. Has that support change since then?

Mr. Santos: Right now Senator Obama is doing much better with Latino voters. Just like everyone else, Latinos are being affected by the housing crisis as well as the price of gas. The feeling is that the senator is the person that can find solutions to the crisis. The person that can bring positive changes. LNYM:You will not only be representing the 21st legislative district in Denver, you will also be representing us. What do you think that the local Latino community can do to help you get your candidate elected? Mr. Santos: Voters registration is crucial. We want to make sure that people are registered to vote. People need to remember that this is a historical event and that we need to part of making that history. LNYM: Do you have any political aspirations of your own? Mr. Santos: That is a question that I probably like to answer six months from now. At this time I am concentrating in making sure that Senator Barack Obama becomes the next president of the United States. LNYM: Anything else you would like to add? Mr. Santos: I think that the Latino Community in the area has grown significantly in the last few years. We need to get involved in the political process. If anyone is interested in participating in Senator Barack Obama’s campaign all they have to do is getting in touch with us. Our address is 92 Lexington Ave. Albany, New York and our phone number is (518) 434-0944.

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Delegado local para la Convención Nacional Demócrata en Denver, Colorado, apoyando la candidatura presidencial del Senador Barack Obama

LNYM: ¿Cuántos delegados representarán esta región? Sr. Santos: Seremos cinco. LNYM: ¿Cómo hace una persona para convertirse en delegado?

LNYM: Buenas tardes Gustavo, nos gustaría saber un poco más sobre usted. Sr. Santos: Bueno... mi nombre es Gustavo Santos. Nací en Honduras (Centroamérica). Vine a éste país en 1977 y asistí al High School de Riverdale, en Nueva York. Tengo un grado en Ciencias Políticas de la Universidad de Albany. He vivido en Albany por 25 años y soy delegado para el candidato Barack Obama para la Convención Nacional Demócrata ahora en Agosto 25. LNYM: Cuéntenos sobre sus intereses políticos... Sr. Santos: Me involucré en la campaña en Noviembre del 2007 cuando Obama estaba buscando personas que le ayudaran en el estado de Nueva York. Deseaban abrir una oficina y fuimos los encargados de hacerlo. Me convertí en delegado porque me considero una persona involucrada en la comunidad. He sido un activista por mucho tiempo.

Sr. Santos: Una persona debe ser seleccionada o destacada por parte del Comité estatal. Yo corrí como delegado en la primaria presidencial de febrero 5 de 2008. Nombres y credenciales son enviadas a la campaña para su consideración. El comité incluye en la balota aquellos nombres que reúnen los requisitos necesarios. No fui elegido por votación general. En cambio, fui elegido como delegado por el Partido Demócrata del Estado dos meses atrás. LNYM: ¿Qué significa la campaña de Barack Obama para los hispanos? Sr. Santos: El primer tema es el de inmigración. Tenemos este tema en primer plano. El Senador Obama desea escucharnos y entender los asuntos que afectan no solo a nuestra comunidad, sino también a la comunidad en general. Temas como el de vivienda, empleo y economía.

LNYM: Cuéntenos algo sobre los delegados...

LNYM: Durante las primarias, muchos latinos apoyaron a Hillary Clinton en vez de Obama. ¿Ha cambiado este apoyo desde entonces?

Sr. Santos: Un número de delegados se reunirá en la Convención Nacional Demócrata en Denver, Colorado en Agosto 25 de este año. La principal responsabilidad es nominar el candidato a la presidencia y a la vice-presidencia, así como votar y adaptar una plataforma para el partido sobre temas importantes para los próximos cuatro años.

Sr. Santos: Ahora el Senador Obama está en mejor posición con los votantes latinos. Como todo el mundo, los latinos se ven afectados por la crisis de vivienda, así como por el precio de la gasolina. El sentimiento es que el senador es una persona que puede encontrar soluciones a la crisis. La persona que va a traer cambios positivos.

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LNYM: Usted no estará solamente representando el Distrito legislativo 21 en Denver, sino también representándonos a nosotros. ¿Qué piensa a cerca de lo que puede hacer la comunidad latina para ayudar a elegir a su candidato? Sr. Santos: Registrarse para votar es crucial. Queremos asegurarnos que las personas estén registradas para votar. La gente tiene que recordar que éste es un evento histórico y necesitamos ser parte de esa historia. LNYM: ¿Tiene usted aspiraciones políticas? Sr. Santos: Esa es una pregunta que probablemente responda en seis meses. En este momento estoy concentrado en asegurar que el senador Obama sea el próximo presidente de los Estados Unidos. LNYM: ¿Quisiera agregar algo más? Sr. Santos: Pienso que la comunidad latina en el área ha crecido de manera importante en los últimos años. Necesitamos involucrarnos en el proceso político. Si alguien está interesado en participar en la campaña del Senador Obama, todo lo que tienen que hacer es acercarse a nosotros. Nuestra dirección es: 92 Lexington Ave. Albany, New York, Teléfono: 518-434-0944.

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MAKE NURSING YOUR NEW CAREER By Theresa Meers Chair of the Department of Nursing at Mildred Elley-Latham, NY

Life has a funny way of bringing you back to what pleases you the most. As a person who has changed careers frequently, I ended up choosing nursing as my first and last career. I went to nursing school over thirty years ago and got my license as a practical nurse (LPN). I then climbed the corporate ladder from LPN to a registered nurse (RN). I had so much fun in nursing, but I was also so young and wanted to explore other avenues. I got my first taste of teaching when I worked for my dad part-time while I was still a nurse. He owned a driving school and taught high school teenagers how to drive cars and pass vehicle tests. I enjoyed teaching so much I decided to go back to school and get my masters in science education. I started my teaching career on the high school level because I enjoyed teaching 16 year-olds how to drive. After ten years of teaching in the high school setting, I decided to move on and teach nursing. This has been the most rewarding experience for me as I take great pride in training the nurses of tomorrow. However, nationally, as well as in New York, there has been a shortage of nurses for the last ten years. The nursing shortage is affected by fewer slots available for students enrolling in nurse education programs at the college level and the greater need for nurses in every area of health care today and in the future. A report issued by the Center for Public Health Workforce Studies showed that nursing schools turned away qualified applicants at an alarming rate of 67% in 2006. This is a 10% increase from the previous year. Many people have to wait two to three years to get into a program.

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This is because a large number of nursing programs throughout the country have a shortage of qualified teachers, and limited classroom space and clinical sites. As young people are turned away from nursing due to the waiting list, they are forced to take other career choices. There is hope. One of my greatest achievements has been working with the team at Mildred Elley to develop a Practical Nursing program to help alleviate the nursing shortage in the Capital District. I am proud to announce Mildred Elley is now approved by the New York State Education Department and our other accrediting body, ACICS, to offer a Practical Nursing program. The program will prepare students for licensure as a practical nurse in the state of New York. The program takes sixteen months to complete and will be offered in the day, evening and weekend sessions to students who have graduated from high school or obtained their GED. The projected nursing shortage is an excellent opportunity for LPN graduates to make an outstanding comeback into the community, which desperately needs them. And with a shortage of nurses means plenty of job opportunities and good pay. This is just one way Mildred Elley is giving back to the community. Mildred Elley’s Practical Nursing program will help with the overload of students waiting to get into programs across the state.

It’s never too late to become educated. When I was in nursing school over thirty years ago, I admired the students in my class who had retired from one career, only to find themselves achieving what they had always wanted to do—become a nurse. Nursing is my first and last love, so I encourage you to make it yours! If you have not found love or passion in your present career, it’s time for a change. Theresa Meers is the Chair of Department of Nursing, offering a certificate in Practical Nursing for students who want to pursue licensure as a practical nurse (LPN). She has worked in the nursing field for over twenty years and has helped Mildred Elley establish the new Practical Nursing program. If you’re interested in the nursing field, give Mildred Elley a call toll-free at (888) 290-6445 or visit their website at www.mildred-elley.edu.

La vida tiene maneras divertidas de hacerte volver a lo que más te gusta. Como una persona que ha cambiado frecuentemente de carreras, terminé escogiendo la enfermería como mi primera y última profesión. Entré a la escuela de enfermería hace como treinta años y recibí mi licencia de enfermera (LPN). Avancé en la escala corporativa de LPN a enfermera registrada (RN). Continúa en la P. 36

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Me divertí en la enfermería, pero estaba tan joven que quería también explorar nuevas rumbos. Tuve mi primera experiencia enseñando cuando trabajé medio tiempo mientras era enfermera. He sido propietaria de una escuela de manejo y enseñado a adolescentes cómo manejar y pasar el examen de vehículos. Tanto disfruté el enseñar que decidí volver a estudiar y obtener el Master en Ciencias de la Educación. Empecé la profesión de educadora a nivel de High School porque me gusta enseñar muchachos de 16 años a manejar. Después de diez años enseñando, decidí cambiar y enseñar enfermería. Esto ha sido lo más gratificante y me siento orgullosa entrenando a las enfermeras del mañana. Sin embargo, a nivel nacional, como en Nueva York, existe una reducción de enfermeras en los últimos diez años. Esto se ve afectado por los cada vez menos cupos disponibles para enrolar estudiantes en programas de educación en enfermería a nivel de las universidades y la gran necesidad por enfermeras en todas las áreas de la salud hoy y en el futuro. Un reporte realizado por el Centro de estudios sobre la Fuerza de Trabajo en Salud, mostró que las escuelas de enfermería descartaron aplicaciones calificadas en un 67% en el 2006. Esto es un 10% más que el año anterior. Mucha gente tiene que esperar de dos a tres años para ingresar a un programa. Ello debido que un gran número de programas de enfermería a lo largo del país, tiene un reducido grupo de

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profesores, así como salones de clase y sitios clínicos limitados. Jóvenes son rechazados para enfermeros debido a la lista de espera, y son forzados a tomas otras profesiones. Pero hay esperanzas. Uno de mis mayores logros ha sido el trabajar con el equipo de Mildred Elley en desarrollar un programa de Practica de Enfermería para ayudar a aliviar el reducido número de enfermeras en el Distrito Capital. Estoy muy orgullosa de anunciar que Mildred Elley ha sido aprobado por el Departamento de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y por nuestro otro organismo acreditado, ACICS, para ofrecer el programa de Practica de Enfermería. Este programa va a preparar a los estudiantes para licenciarse como enfermera práctica en el estado de Nueva York. El programa toma dieciséis meses en completarse y será ofrecido durante sesiones de día, noches y fines de semana para los estudiantes que se han graduado de high school o han obtenido el GED. La reducción proyectada de enfermeros es una excelente oportunidad para los graduados de LPN para tener un exitoso regreso a la comunidad, que tanto los necesita. Y una reducción de enfermeros significa una gran cantidad de oportunidades de empleo y de salario. Esta es solo una de las formas en que Mildred Elley le devuelve a la comunidad. El programa de Practica de Enfermería de Mildred Elley ayudará a la gran cantidad de estudiantes en espera por estos programas a través del estado.

Nunca es tarde para tener educación. Cuando estaba en la escuela de enfermería hace treinta años, admiraba a los estudiantes de mi clase que se habían retirado de una profesión, solo para encontrarse realizando lo que ellos siempre habían querido hacer – ser enfermeros. La enfermería es mi primera y última pasión, así que lo motivo a hacerla su profesión también! Si usted no ha encontrado el amor o la pasión en su profesión, es hora del cambio. Theresa Meers es la Directora del Departamento de Enfermería, que ofrece un certificado en Enfermería Práctica para estudiantes que quieran obtener una licencia como enfermera práctica (LPN). Ha trabajado en el campo de la enfermería por casi veinte años y ha ayudado a Mildred Elley a establecer el nuevo programa de Práctica de Enfermería. Si está interesado en el campo de la enfermería, llame sin costo a Mildred Elley al (888) 290-6445 o visite el website en www.mildred-elley.edu.

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