February 2010

JESSICA VECCHIONE Chronicling Rural Latino Communities In New York

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW, Get Ready For New Credit Card Reforms

JOSEPH A. GOMEZ

An Entrepreneur who knew what he was getting into

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THE ROAD TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH SMALL BUSINESS

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Dear readers: Ordinarily, my letter deals with our cover story or local issues of interest for all of us. In light of what happened in Haiti January 12, 2010 I have decided to dedicate my page as an effort to help in any way that we can our brothers and sisters of this Caribbean Island.

Back in October 2009 my friend and co-worker Jude Jerome introduced me to a local organization by the name of “To love a Child”. The organization was created to provide humanitarian assistance to impoverished children and their families throughout the world to help create a better future and quality of life for all. They have been working in Haiti taking care of children and their families in two different parts of the country.

For this issue I was to publish a letter written by their Executive Director Cindy Schmehl to illustrate the needs and the suffering particularly of children in this part of the world and the help that their organization is providing there.

Please remember that this letter was written prior to January 12, the day of the “big earthquake”. The second letter was also written by Ms. Schmehl soon after their return from Haiti January 28, 2010.

I encourage you to read both letters and to give generously to an organization which was there working prior to the quake and will be there after the lights and cameras of the international press are gone.

Hope for the Children of Haiti Anyone who’s read Paul Farmer’s book “Mountains Beyond Mountains’ or has traveled to Haiti realizes with that there is no better title to describe the beauty and terrain of Haiti. Each visit is a feast for the eyes with a new delight around every curve in the road. Each trip also comes with high expectations and draws a wide range of emotions because my trips are not for relaxation but to work with the children of Haiti to provide services and programs to enrich their lives.

It is my passion and what I do as Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called “To Love a Child” whose goal is to provide humanitarian assistance to impoverished children and their families.

We also deliver hope, friendship and love to children in great need.

From the moment we arrive at the airport anticipation builds hoping to find a sympathetic airline agent to allow our excess luggage on board without demanding a high fee. And upon arrival, the ride through the city streets of Port au Prince can be overwhelming as dozens of children approach our car begging for money and food.

This most recent nine days mission trip in November delivered similar emotional highs and lows.

On this particular trip we visited two project sites. The first, a rural area called Hantlamouaie, is a tiny village that requires a two-hour rough and rocky journey by 4 wheel drive truck. When the road became impassable we carried our supplies another ½ mile over hills and forging streams to reach the school where 125 children waited anxiously for our arrival.

Fe de Erratas: En la edición anterior por un error involuntario en el artículo de portada, hicimos alusión a Luz Medina, cuando su verdadero nombre es Luz Molina. Pedimos disculpas por los problemas que dicho error hubiere suscitado.

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School is conducted in a small clapboard church where the children huddle together on a few benches to learn their lessons from a broken blackboard. There are no books.

An intended school building, started years ago by a well intentioned individual, sits a few yards from the church but it has only a few incomplete walls, no concrete floor or roof.

Moises cannot sit up or walk independently. I feel so blessed to have been there during the critical first hours to hold him, feed him and make him feel secure in his new surroundings.

Moises adapted quickly and within hours was smiling and reaching out to hold my hand and to touch my face. What a blessed day it was for little Moises.

Our second visit was to the Orphanage of Good Will in the bustling capital city of Port au Prince. The drive through the streets took us through some of the poorest neighborhoods where children who cannot afford to go to school walk the streets looking for that day’s collection of 60 cents so they can purchase a bowl of rice from a local street vendor.

The orphanage is a simple building with dirty walls in need of paint. The floors are cracked and in desperate need of maintenance. The bedrooms contain only a few beds, not enough for the twenty eight children ages 3 – 18 who live there. Many children do not get a bed so they sleep on the floor. Cooking is done in a small, dark concrete kitchen whose walls are coated with black suet from the years of cooking over an open fire.

There is no stove, no running water and barely enough bowls and cups for all the children.

There is so much work to do in Haiti. To Love a Child is making a difference in the lives of these children today! We provide hot nutritious meals, school supplies, personal care items and even toys. We pay teacher salaries and we provide school supplies such as blackboards and books. We feed the poor and provide cooking supplies, bowls, cups and other essentials.

The sights, sounds and smells of the orphanage will always linger, but a new addition during my stay will remain in my memory and heart forever.

Tuesday started out like any other day with the caretaker of the Orphanage of Good Will making her way through the busy streets of Port au Prince to get the children off to school.

This morning, however, her eyes were drawn to a particular mound of trash where a young boy, frail and thin, laid in the rotting debris. He was abandoned and very alone. The caretaker brought the boy, estimated to be 1½ years old, back to the orphanage where he was bathed, clothed, fed and loved.

He was given the name Moises.

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Our next five-person mission team leaves for Haiti in January and once again we will reach out to the communities around us for your monetary support as well as contributions of supplies and always your prayers.

If you wish to join this amazing effort to help children in Haiti please contact To Love a Child, Inc. at PO Box 165, Clifton Park, NY, 518-8770056, or cschmehl@toloveachild.org.

God bless Cindy Schmehl, Executive Director

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Cindy and Moises

Dear Friends, To Love a Child has just returned from Port au Prince, Haiti. Words cannot describe the devastation, the poverty and the suffering. Our team located our orphans living in a 10’ x 8’ shelter made of old sheets and plastic amidst a sea of approximately 7,000 other people also living in homemade shelters. Our team was the first organization to bring supplies into this area.

Within 24 hours of our arrival the children and their caretaker were moved to a beautiful rural location complete with banana trees and mango trees. The children were fed a nutritious hot meal and were given clothing, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, washcloths and a few small toys. A food program has been set up to ensure proper nutrition for the entire group.

To Love a Child also provided a church with a large 40’ x 60’ tarp so they could hold services outside--their church was damaged during the earthquake. We delivered medical supplies to a clinic in one of the poorest sections of Port au Prince. And, we delivered a lap top computer with a wireless set-up so an entire community could connect with family and friends throughout the world.

To Love a Child will be returning to Haiti in the very near future with more supplies and we ask for your continual support. We thank Ellis Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, Nathan Littauer Hospital and NE Health

for their generous donation of medical supplies and we thank AH Harris for their donation of tarps and other construction supplies. We thank all those that dropped off clothing, first-aide supplies, shoes, diapers, food and so much more. Your generosity was so appreciated in Haiti and by our organization.

The months ahead for the people of Haiti will not be easy.

With your support and your friendship we can ease the burden they face.

Thank you for all you do, Cindy Schmehl Executive Director January 28, 2010

To donate please visit their web-site: toloveachild.org or call (518) 859-4424.

To Love A Child, Inc. is a legally registered not for profit organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Contributions are deductible under section 170 of the Code. We are also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or gifts under section 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Code.

Employer Identification Number: 26-4766033 Tax Exempt Number: 248337.

Juan J. George Publisher

If have any comments or suggestion please send them to jgeorge@latinonewyorkmagazine.com or by calling at: (518) 438-2875 Si desea enviarnos sus comentarios o sugerencias, por favor envíelos a jgeorge@latinonewyorkmagazine.com o llamando al telefono (518) 438-2875

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VOLUNTEERING, A GREAT WAY TO GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY •MARÍA NEIRA Ser Voluntario, una buena forma de servir a la comunidad

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THE ROAD TO RECOVERY STARTS WITH SMALL BUSINESS • GOV. DAVID A. PATERSON

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El Personaje De La Década : ROSA TABORA Y El Personaje Del Año : JULIANA HERNANDEZ

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Un Día en el Bronx, N.Y. “La Salsa de Hoy” • WILLIE COLÓN

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OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW, GET READY FOR NEW CREDIT CARD REFORMS • NYS CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD

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COVER: JOSEPH GOMEZ: An Entrepreneur who knew what he was getting into • JUAN GEORGE

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EN ESTA EDICION 24

ASK LISA • LISA CORTÉS Pregúntale a Lisa

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JESSICA VECCHIONE: CHRONICLING RURAL LATINO COMMUNITIES IN NEW YORK • MIKE FONDACARO

next cover

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Gladys Cruz, Ph.D., Assistant Superintendent for School Improvement

Volunteering

a great way to give back to community

Left: Young volunteers at the Albany Latino Parade in 2009. Right: Teacher addressing participants at the Black and Latino Achievers Program from the YMCA.

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hen we consider giving, we often think only of donating things — money, used clothes, second-hand furniture, or even cars. We write a check, or we pack up our outgrown or unwanted possessions, and we move on.

But, instead of donating things, I encourage you to share a few hours of your time. I’ve spoken before about the importance of providing strong, positive role models for our community’s children. And, in the same vein, it’s equally important to help community members in need, from all walks of life.

Maria Neira, a former bilingual elementary school teacher, is Vice President of the 600,000-member New York State United Teachers NYSUT.

Volunteering is a great way to do this. Consider becoming a big brother or sister, and helping to shape the character of a child who may lack strong role models at home. Or, perhaps, volunteer as a tutor to help bring the joy of literacy to someone’s life. You might also consider volunteering at your local homeless or domestic violence shelter, where you can help those less fortunate get themselves back on solid footing.

The opportunities for giving back are limitless.

If you have a child in school, you have a ready-made volunteering opportunity.

Consider helping out in his or her classroom or getting actively involved in the district parent-teacher organization. In this time of shrinking school budgets, volunteers are vitally important. They offer a muchneeded set of extra hands in the classroom, providing support for educators who would appreciate and welcome your involvement.

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And think of the benefits. By volunteering, you’ll get to meet your children’s friends and teachers and see a side of them you rarely do. And, if problems arise at school, you’ll be a familiar face.

So ward off that cabin fever by looking for ways you can contribute. Donating your time and talents to a worthy cause provides an invaluable benefit — the knowledge that you’ve made a difference in your community.

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Ser Voluntario

Una Buena forma de servir a la comunidad Pero, en lugar de la donación de cosas, le animo a compartir unas horas de su tiempo. He hablado antes acerca de la importancia de proporcionar ejemplos positivos para los niños de nuestra comunidad.

Y, en el mismo sentido, es igualmente importante ayudar a los miembros en necesidad de la comunidad, de todos los sectores de la vida.

By: Maria Neira

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uando pensamos en dar algo, a menudo sólo pensamos de la donación de las cosas - dinero, ropa usada, muebles de segunda mano, o incluso automóviles. Hacemos un cheque, o empacamos pertenencias ya utilizadas o no deseadas, y seguimos nuestro camino.

The office is responsible for the administration of the regulation of 48 licensed professions in NYS, ranging from medicine, nursing, to engineering, architecture, and CPAs. The responsibility includes the licensing, registration, and professional misconduct oversight for close to 800,000 professionals, and the leadership of over 330 staff and 30 professional State boards for the professions, including attorneys and many individuals’ licenses in the professions that they oversee.

Before graduating from Fordham Law School, he served as a teacher and program coordinator in Intermediate School IS 44 in Manhattan. He held jobs in banking and insurance after he was honorably discharged from the U. S. Marines after 3 ½ years of service.

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El voluntariado es una gran manera de hacer esto.

Considere la posibilidad de convertirse en un gran hermano o hermana, y ayudar a conformar el carácter de un niño que carece de modelos ejemplarizantes en el hogar.

O, tal vez, como profesor voluntario para ayudar a

llevar la alegría de la alfabetización a la vida de alguien.

También puede considerar el voluntariado en alguno de los refugios locales para personas sin hogar o para violencia doméstica, donde se puede ayudar a los menos afortunados a empezar de nuevo con sólidas bases. Las oportunidades para servir son ilimitadas.

Si usted tiene un niño en la escuela, allí tiene una oportunidad de voluntariado.

Considere la posibilidad de ayudar en su salón de clase o involucrarse activamente en la organización de padresmaestros del distrito. En esta época de reducción de presupuestos en las escuelas, los voluntarios son de vital

importancia. Ellos ofrecen unas manos extra en el aula, apoyando a los educadores que apreciarán su participación.

Y piense en los beneficios.

Mediante el voluntariado, usted conocerá a los amigos de sus hijos y a sus maestros y verá una faceta de ellos que es difícil de ver. Y, si surgen problemas en la escuela, será usted una cara conocida.

Por tanto busque nuevas formas en que usted puede contribuir. Donar su tiempo y talento a una causa digna proporciona un beneficio invaluable - el conocimiento que usted ha hecho la diferencia en su comunidad.

˜ CONGRATULATIONS FRANK MUNOZ

on your appointment as the Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Professions, in the New York State Education Department.

He has held leadership positions in that office for close to two decades, starting as an Assistant Commissioner, and most recently as the Associate Commissioner. Previously, he served on the state level as the General Counsel at the NYS Division of Substance Abuse Services, as the Deputy Commissioner for Tax Enforcement for the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.

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He was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico and moved to NYC at the age of 7 when his father passed away. He credits his mother with the will and determination to keep the family on the right track in spite of being on welfare in the South Bronx during challenging times for the new immigrant population that fought for solid futures in that borough with entrenched Italian and Irish populations.

His family includes daughter, Christine, a teacher in Phoenix, his older son is in his 2d year at Brooklyn Law School, and his young son is a senior at Binghamton University, majoring

in biology with long term plans of becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

When asked for a New Year’s resolution, His whish is that all of the disparate Latino organizations in the Capitol District will finally begin to coordinate with each other and strengthen their services to the community through the power of that collective effort, as opposed to the unfortunately long standing trends for a large number of small groups to compete for scarce resources “going it alone,” even if that approach weakens the community in the long term.

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s Governor of the great State of New York, I have been charged with closing the largest budget deficit the State has faced – while also addressing very rough economic times. Though these duties often involve large-scale numbers and drastic cuts, I have not forgotten the contribution small businesses make to our State. In fact, they are the true engine driving New York’s economy, and their development will lead us to a lasting recovery.

During times of economic uncertainty, we must quickly address the needs of the small business community.

Last summer, I created the New York Small Business Task Force to develop new strategies to promote the growth and development of small business enterprise in our State. Last fall, the Task Force held workshops across the State to listen to the needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs. We found that one of the greatest challenges faced by the business community was the lack of access to State resources – that if they needed to file a permit or look up alternative lenders or figure out if they qualify for a tax break, it was unnecessarily complicated. We did three things to

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help, in fast order: increase the number of small business development centers and entrepreneurial assistance programs across the State; increase the amount of State funding for alternative lenders; and create an interactive, one-stop directory that provides descriptions of 143 State programs from 28 agencies aimed at helping New Yorkers start and grow their businesses.. A number of these alternative lenders are located in the heart of Latino communities, both in New York City and Upstate.

The New York State Directory of Small Business Programs is also now available in Spanish at www.nylovessmallbiz.com.

By increasing the funding to the Community Development Financial Institutions, we were able to grant awards to various small and minority-owned businesses including ACCION USA, La Fuerza Unida Community Development Corporation, and the Washington Heights and Inwood Development Corporation. Another example is the Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union, a statefunded CDFI committed to overcoming historic patterns of discrimination in access to capital by offering special loan terms for minorityowned businesses and

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women-owned businesses.

In the mid-Hudson region, our Entrepreneurial Assistance Program added one additional center to focus on serving the Latino population.

Many EAP centers also offer Spanish language business training classes.

Over the past 20 months I’ve worked to expand opportunities for small and minority and women-owned businesses. As a direct result of MWBE Task Force recommendations, designations or total fees paid to MWBE firms in state supported debt bond issuance increased from 4% in 2007, to over 23 % in 2008. By reducing the MWBE certification process from two years to 90 days, creating a bond access pilot program and expanding MWBE participation into growing sectors such as information technology, energy efficiency, and green technology, I believe we are well on our way to fueling the new economy.

The full Small Business Task Force report is available online at: http://www. ny.gov/governor/press/pdf/ Final_report.pdf. For more information about the Small Business Task Force, please visit http://www.nysmallbiztaskforce.org.

New York State Governor David A. Paterson

The Road to Recovery Starts with Small Business

ROSA TABORA

We are proud to recognize Rosa Tabora as our “Person of the Decade”. Rosa has lived in the Capital Region for the past 45 years. Born in Argentina, Rosa came to this country with her husband Raul and her son Raul Jr. Her daughter Kathy was born in this country in 1967.

Nos orgullece reconocer a Rosa Tabora como nuestro “Personaje de la Década”.

Rosa ha vivido en la Región Capital durante los últimos 45 años. Nacida en Argentina, Rosa vino a este país con su esposo Raúl y su hijo Raúl Jr. Su hija Kathy nació en este país en el 1967.

We don’t have enough space to list all of her services to the community. Some notable efforts include serving on the Board of Girls Scouts Board of Directors, and as a founding member of the Spanish Network Providers. She has volunteered her time with the American Cancer Society, The Tobacco Free Coalition, The Ronald McDonald House and Holy Family Parish congregation.

No tenemos suficiente espacio para describir todos sus servicios a la comunidad. Algunos esfuerzos notables incluyen el servicio en la Junta de directores del consejo de Girls Scouts, y miembro fundadora del “Spanish Network Providers”. Ha sido voluntaria con la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, la Coalición Libre de Tabaco, la Casa Ronald McDonald’s y la congregación parroquial de la Sagrada Familia.

Rosa is one of founding and existing member of the Board of the “South American Spanish Association”, the Coordinator of the annual Hispanic Health Fair, and many other activities geared towards helping not only the Hispanic community but also the community at large.

Rosa es uno de los fundadores y miembro actual de la Junta de la “South American Spanish Association”, Coordinadora de la Feria Anual de Salud de los Hispanos, y muchas otras actividades orientadas a ayudar no sólo a la comunidad hispana, sino también la comunidad en general.

Rosa, thank you for being a role model, a good person, for making great “empanadas” and for making the neighborhood a better place to live for such a long time.

Juliana was our cover story for our June, 2009 issue of Latino New York Magazine. The 21 year-old Loudonville resident, was named the 61st queen of the Albany Tulip Festival. The daughter of Nancy & David Hernández became the first Hispanic to receive this honor in the Festival sixty one years of existence.

In 2009, she also graduated from The College of St. Rose where she concentrated in Public Communications and Spanish. She was the president of the communication honor society where she organized an Aids Walk, educational events and raised funds for Relay for Life.

Rosa, gracias por ser un modelo, una buena persona, por hacer las mejores “empanadas” y para hacer del barrio un lugar mejor para vivir por un largo tiempo.

Juliana fué nuestra portada de la edición de la revista de junio 2009. Esta residente de Loudonville de 21 años de edad, fue nombrada reina del Festival de los Tulipanes en Albany de este mismo año. Hija de Nancy y David Hernández se convirtió en la primera persona de origen hispano en recibir este honor en los sesenta y un años de existencia del Festival.

En 2009, ella también se graduó del Colegio Saint Rose, donde se concentró en comunicaciones públicas y en español. Ella fué presidente del communications honor society donde organizó una Caminata contra el SIDA, eventos educativos y ha recaudado fondos para Relevo por la Vida.

Her volunteer works includes work with Habitat for Humanity and worked in Costa Rica in a missionary project named Esperanza. She honors our veterans and motivates children and encourages them to excel through reading. She attributes her success to the love and support she gets from her family and her believe in God.

Su obra incluye el trabajo voluntario con Hábitat para la Humanidad y también trabajó en Costa Rica en un proyecto misionero llamado Esperanza. Honra a nuestros veteranos y motiva y alienta a nuestros niños a través de la lectura. Ella atribuye su éxito al amor y el apoyo que recibe de su familia y creer en Dios.

Thank you Juliana and congratulations once again.

Gracias Juliana y felicitaciones una vez más.

JULIANA HERNÁNDEZ ALBANY TULIP QUEEN 2009

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“ La Salsa De Hoy “ It’s a beautiful Saturday morning January 23rd 2010, the birds are chirping, squirrels are scurrying about outside. It is time to get-up and get myself ready because in about two hours Luis Foto and Miguel (El Bailarin) Castro will be here to pick me up, these guys are “ La Megas” Upstate Street Team: Luis Rodriguez ( photographer ) from Schenectady N.Y. and Miguel Castro ( Our reporter ) and part-time dancer from Amsterdam N.Y. I get all chulo, dressed to kill. And finally the boys show up, we get a quick breakfast at a local diner and drive out to the Boogie Down Bronx N.Y. We leave around noon and make a few stops on the throughway to freshen-up. Miguel has to have his coffee, we chat up all kinds of conversations on our way down, time passes quickly.

And then it happens, we pass our last toll and i finally see the sign, “ 233rd Street “ Gun Hill Road, we are there, llegamos my birthplace, my stomping grounds El Bronx N.Y. We arrive at Fox Street where we will freshen-up, have dinner and wait till show time. Fox Street is where our Bronx Street Team live. Tony, George, Eddie, and a few other friends. A nice quaint neighborhood, full of new buildings and expectations. I’m excited to be there, I always love visiting the city, especially The Bronx.

On the menu tonight: Arroz blanco, Habichuelas guisadas y pollo enpanado con ensalada de repollo y pan caliente de manteca con jugo de frutas. ( I’m getting hungry all over again just by writing this ).

I decide to go outside with Luis Foto till dinner is ready, we head out to Southern Boulevard which is just two blocks away.

The weather is beautiful in the city (a few degrees warmer than upstate) all the mamitas/ladies are outside, woman/fathers with the children, all the street vendors are out, Que Chevere !!!

Foto is now a grandfather and decides to shop for his grandaughter, we enter a shop on the avenue and I help him pick-out some beautiful clothing, and footwear for the child, we continue down the Avenue and Foto stops at a side street food vendor to pick-up some enpanadas con queso

to take home to his daughter, then we make a stop at my Favorite Botanica to price statues but the Chango Statue costs $140.00 dollars.

Hmmm !!! I guess it will have to wait till next time, I pick up some collares and head back home where dinner is now ready.

Lebron Brothers Orchestra Wow !! “Se botó” Tony, the food is excellent las habichuelas are mouth watering, you could eat them alone if you had to. we make small talk after dinner, freshenup once again and head out to Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Uptown Bronx N.Y. We arrive early and wait for our guests to arrive, Nancy, Pedro, and Frank who are prompt ( gracias a dios ). I have a thing for tardiness.

We enter the theater, to pick up our tickets, which are really not needed today because we also recieve our guest wrist bands which give us access to the entire theater, front and back.

We are pleasantly received by Mr. Frank Beccerra, he is a well known Colombian Promoter, we arrive backstage, and head downstairs where all the musicians congregate. My guest Nancy says she feels like a V.I.P. around so many famous people, Our first interview/ photo was with Mr. Reynaldo Jorge a very famous Trombone player who is now with The Fania All-Stars, then we speak with Mr. Richie Bastar current (Bongo Player) for El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico he is there as an invited guest and tells us that El Gran Combo are all on vacation for three weeks. His father he tells us is Kako from the Alegre All-Stars.

I run into Mr. Paquito Navarro a well known radio personality as well as master of ceremonies, he will M.C. tonight’s show. Mr. Beccerra is very busy getting organized before the show, so I escort my guests around and we speak to Mr. Frank Lebron from the Lebron Brothers Orchestra but, our interview will have to wait because they are heading upstairs to do a ( Sound Check) prior to performing live.

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Richie bastar, Willie Colón, Reynaldo Jorge

Willie Colón y Paquito Navarro

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We have the opportunity to interview Mr. Frankie Morales from the Mambo Of The Times Orchestra. He speaks of his days as a teenager singing (coro) with the late great Hector Lavoe as well as other bands, until he landed a lead singer role with the late great Tito Puente, until forming his now Mambo Of The Times Orchestra. This young man is very literate, funny and all around great person, his wife also shares stories and information of life as the wife of a musician. We leave his dressing room because time is catching up to us and they are getting ready to perform soon.

We are in the hallway downstairs and low and behold who do I see, none other than Yoko !! (La Salsera Japonesa) and her

publicist, she is very happy to see us and thanks me for the interview that we ( “La Mega” ) did with her On-Air a few months prior. Yoko is a very beautiful woman full of spunk and vitality, I am very impressed and thankful that we have a japanese woman interested, and who is singing our latino music and cultures. We do some small talk, she says that she and I need to do lunch sometime, I am pleased to hear that, I wonder if it’s Sushi she has in mind?

having a husband who is a musician and travels often. They were both a charm to interview, I wish we had more space so that I can go into detail of each musicians interview.

I met many new as well as old friend promoters. We ran into Mr. Luis Perico Ortiz, but time was running short before his performance so we only were able to get a photo-op with him, but he thanked me for a very long and courteous interview we had prior on my radio program.

Miguel is busy interviewing the singer for the Lebron Brothers while the Lebron Brothers are busy being interviewed by a local Television Station, I give common courtesy to all media personell as they do to us from radio media.

It is Showtime !!!!!!!

Willie Colón y Mr. Julio Castro, su Orquesta se llama La Masacre

Willie Colón y Mr. Raphael Dejesus

I gather up our crew/guests and head upstairs, walk pass the backstage area where a plethera of other salsa artirsts have gathered. Roberto Lugo, Luis Blasini, D.J. Brian, Tito Allen, Julio Castro y La Masacre, Johnny Cruz, Wow !! we say our hellos and head for our seats. The curtain rises and Mr. Paco Navarro introduces the first artist who is Mr. Frankie Morales y Orquesta, this young man puts on a very professional show, where he sings his own songs from his new C.D. as well as songs from the Tito Puente Era.

I wish to thank Lehman Center for the Performing Arts and staff for treating me as well as my Street Team/guests with utmost respect, kindness, and total generosity.

This was a well planned event full of suprises. When Mr. Luis Perico Ortiz entered the theater from the back of the audience, which caught us all off guard, the audience went wild because he was playing the trumpet while walking down the aisle towards the stage for a rousing performance with his orchestra.

I decide to go backstage once again and we find Mr. Raphael Dejesus and his lovely wife. Mr. Dejesus a great salsa singer who sang with Luis Perico Ortiz, and will sing with perico later in the evening. He gave us an excellent interview backstage, he spoke highly about the need for education in our lives, respect for self and others, his wife also spoke of families and the need to give husbands the space that they need, especially The Lebron Brothers show was excellent, they sang all of the hits that made them an orchestra to be well recognized not only in the states but the world over.

Also, thank you Mr. Juan George for printing this entire story, there will be upcoming stories in the months ahead, in not only my words but the Street Team as well.

Un Abrazo RompeCostillas a todos !!!

Tu panita que los quiere de gratis !

Mr. Raphael Dejesus singing with Luis “Perico” Ortíz Orchestra LATINO NEW YORK

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Willie Colon,

“La Nueva Mega 90.9 F.M.“

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW! GET READY FOR NEW CREDIT CARD REFORMS

For far too long consumers have struggled to stay current on their obligations as credit card companies imposed high interest rates and unreasonable fees and penalties.

This year you can finally say goodbye to arbitrary interest rates and unauthorized over-the- limit fees and waive hello to more consumer- friendly credit card rules.

• PAYMENT ALLOCATION- If your card has more than one interest rate on balances; excess payments must generally be applied to the highest interest rate first.

The federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act signed by President Obama and supported by Governor David Paterson and the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB) will go into full effect on February 20, 2010 and it signals a positive change in credit card industry practices. Here is a list of the most sweeping reforms.

• UNIVERSAL DEFAULT- The law prohibits credit card companies from changing interest rates and terms for reasons unrelated to a customer’s history with the company. For example, a creditor cannot raise interest rates on the consumer’s credit card if a consumer has been late paying their gas bill.

• INTEREST RATE CHANGESGenerally, fixed, non-promotional rates cannot be changed during the first year of a new account unless the consumer is more than 60 days late on payments.

After the first year, consumers must get a 45-day advance notice of any increase in interest on future purchases and changes in credit terms. Generally, interest on balances of an existing account with fixed, non-promotional rates will also remain unchanged unless the consumer is more than 60 days late on payments. Any rate increase for future purchases on existing accounts must be accompanied by a 45-day advance notice, as well. On both new and existing accounts, if the rate is increased as a result of the consumer being late for more than 60 days, it will revert back to the lower rate if customers make the minimum payment on time for six months in a row.

• OVER LIMIT FEES- Over the credit limit fees cannot be charged unless cardholders opt-in to allow overthe-limit transactions to clear.

• DOUBLE-CYCLE BILLING- The law prohibits credit card issuers from imposing financing charges based on balances associated with the previous billing cycle.

• PAYMENT METHOD FEE- Bills can be paid via mail, online or over the phone without incurring a processing fee, unless a service representative is used.

• REASONABLE TIME TO PAYCredit card statements must be mailed out to consumers 21 days before payment is due. If the issuer fails to mail your bill on time, then you are not responsible for late fees.

Consumers should get acquainted with the changes and review their credit card statements and agreements. The CPB will continue to work to further protect consumers from abusive and misleading practices in the credit card industry. We encourage consumers to visit our website at www.nysconsumer.gov to obtain more information or to file a complaint.

Por mucho tiempo los consumidores se han sacrificado pagando sus deudas y manteniéndose al día en sus cuentas, mientras que las compañías de tarjetas de crédito

• Asignación de Pagos- Si el cliente tiene balances con diferentes tasas de interés; cualquier dinero en exceso al pago mínimo debe ser asignado al balance con la tasa de interés más alta.

hacían de las suyas cobrando altas tasas de interés, excesivas cuotas, honorarios y penalidades.

Este año finalmente podemos decirle adiós a las malas mañas de las compañías de tarjetas de crédito y darle la bienvenida a nuevas leyes que protegen al consumidor.

• Cobro de Doble-Ciclo- La ley prohíbe que una compañía de tarjetas de crédito cobre cargos de finanzas mensuales basado en los balances del mes o ciclo anterior.

El Acta Federal de Contabilidad, Responsabilidad y Revelación en las Tarjetas de Crédito (CARD por sus siglas en Ingles) entrará en efecto el 22 de Febrero de este año y aplica restricciones en la manera en que las compañías de crédito hacen negocio.

Aquí le ofrecemos información sobre los cambios más importantes:

• Penalidad Universal- Muchas compañías de tarjetas de crédito revisan el historial de crédito de los clientes y hacen cambios en los términos y las tasas de interés si notan que el cliente no está al día con sus otras cuentas. Con la nueva ley, las compañías no podrán penalizar al cliente por su historial con otros acreedores.

• Tasa de Interés Estable- La tasa de interés en las nuevas cuentas que ofrecen intereses fijos sin tiempo limitado permanecerán estables durante el primer año a menos que el consumidor se tarde más de 60 días en hacer los pagos. Después del primer año, las compañías tienen que avisarle al cliente de cualquier cambio con 45 días de anticipación. La tasa de interés en las cuentas actuales que ofrecen un plan de interés fijo sin tiempo limitado también permanecerán estables a menos que el cliente se tarde más de 60 días en hacer los pagos. Si la compañía quiere hacer cambios en la tasa de interés de una cuenta actual, debe avisarle al cliente con 45 días de anticipación. Si la tasa de interés es aumentada por tardanza de pagos en una cuenta nueva o actual, el cliente tendrá la oportunidad de retornar al interés original si paga su cuenta a tiempo por seis meses consecutivos.

• Cargos por Métodos de Pago- Las facturas ahora podrán ser pagadas por el internet o por teléfono sin que las compañías cobren cargos o penalidades.

• Tiempo Razonable para PagosLas facturas de las cuentas de tarjetas de crédito deben de ser enviadas a los consumidores 21 días antes de que se venza el pago. Si la compañia no envía su cuenta a tiempo, usted no será responsable por honorarios de tardanza.

Los consumidores deben de familiarizarse con los cambios, revisar sus planillas y hablar con representantes de la compañias para actualizar sus cuentas. La CPB continuara trabajando para seguir protegiendo a los consumidores contra tácticas abusivas y engañosas por parte de la industria de tarjetas de crédito. Le pedimos al público que visite nuestro sitio web al www. nysconsumer.gov para obtener más información o llenar una querella.

• Cargos por Pasarse de Limite- Los consumidores tendrán la opción de elegir si quieren exceder el límite de crédito y de esa manera evitar que las compañías le cobren multas sin su consentimiento.

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LATINO NEW YORK

STATE FARM AGENCY PROVIDES UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Have you ever dreamed of owning your own business but have no idea where to start? In today’s economy, being an entrepreneur is a pretty risky endeavor as costs for supplies, personnel and location continue to escalate.

The trick is to find a strong backer.

This is where State Farm agency begins to shine as a safe way to run your own business. As an independent contractor, you set your own goals, you hire your own staff, you find your own customers…but you do it with the backing of the largest auto and fire insurance company in the country – it’s the best of both worlds.

“State Farm is always looking for successful people to become agents,” said Agency Recruiter Reymundo Abrahante, “someone who wants to be a leader in their community with a leading company that provides products to protect family and assets.”

With its recent focus on the Hispanic market, State Farm is looking for leaders within this community who want the opportunity to lead their own State Farm agency, help those in their neighborhood with insurance and financial services products, and earn great income in that role.

“You’re helping people,” said Abrahante. “If you want to make a difference in your community and make a positive impact, this is a wonderful opportunity for you. Agents are role models and community leaders, people who are looking for that leadership role.

‘You must qualify for State Farm,” he continues, “because we are looking for people of high character that can represent us in the community. If you are selected, you will benefit from support that may reduce the capital requirement to start your agency.”

State Farm has been selling insurance and financial services for over 80 years.

The company prides itself on being there for its customers during times of great need and helping them recover from the unexpected. The top auto and fire insurer in the nation, State Farm also offers bank products as well as mutual funds and other financial services.

“It’s like owning your own business with the backing of a giant corporation,” said Abrahante. “If you’re ready for a change and want to make a difference in your community, then maybe this is what you’re looking for.”

For more information, contact: Reymundo Abrahante (917) 796-9967.

Reymundo.Abrahante.PSAG@statefarm.com

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JosEPH

Gómez P. 18

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LATINO NEW YORK

An Entrepreneur who knew what he was getting into By: Juan J. George.

It was a hot summer day. That particular Saturday my wife Luisa and I decided to close the restaurant we owned in downtown Albany to host a group of friends that traveled from Lynn Massachusetts to play a few games of friendly Softball.

The Arbor Hill field was full of family and friends. Hot Dogs and Hamburgers were grilled to perfection as people were coming in with their children to either play or to enjoy a day that was more a picnic than a serious sporting event.

To this day I don’t even remember who won. What I do remember is meeting this guy who came to the park to register people to vote. The person was Joseph Gomez. A Cuban born part electrician and part politician who had been involved in politics and community activism perhaps since he was a little boy in his native Cuba.

As we became friends, I found out that we shared a love for good Latino-Caribbean food and also a love to help those in need. It is common to find Joe involved in any activity geared towards helping people in this community. His commitment to helping people has taking him to the cities and towns of the Capital Region as well as the Nation Capital and foreign countries.

Somehow, Joe has found time to run a successful business and raise a beautiful family.

The following is an interview with Joseph A. Gomez in his owned words:

ABOUT HIMSELF

LNYM: Where did you go to school?

HIS CAREER

Gomez: I worked for two years at an Electrical Consulting Engineering firm. Worked for two electrical Contracting firms before starting my on business in 1979.

LNYM: Do you have a family?

Gomez: Gomez Electrical began in 1979 and is still at it.

Gomez: A wife of 45 years Caroline, Five daughters: Caroline M., Frances, Dolores, Christina, and Joanna. All married. I also have a total of ten Grand-children.

Gomez: Able to accomplish things and when you are finish with your work you could physically see a building that you just finished.

LNYM: How do maintain a good work /life balance in your life?

LNYM: Is there anything you dislike about your job?

Gomez: A very busy life. I run a mid-size electrical contracting firm in the greater Capital Region. Serve on the Boards of several community and professional groups as well as non-for-profit organizations. I also enjoy flying planes and hunting.

Gomez: Dealing with negative people.

People that claim “It can not be done”.

Gomez: Actually, two people. My Dad, A self taught man who rose from extreme poverty to become one of five principals of the Cuban National Power Company.

The other one is my wife’s uncle Bill, an

Gomez: Habana, Cuba LNYM: Where did you grow up?

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incredibly ingenious, gentle and unpretentious man.

Gomez: La Salle Brothers, Santiago De Cuba.

Habana University, RCA Institute, New York LNYM: Could you describe your business University, City College of New York and for us?

Hudson Valley Community College.

Gomez: I operate a mid-size Electrical LNYM: What was your first job?

Contracting business. I am the only contractor holding Master Electrical Gomez: Upon arriving in NYC, I went to Licenses in the cities of Albany, Schework as a floor boy in the garment district, nectady, Troy, New York and Harrisburg Went to school at night for English and Pennsylvania. Green and Sullivan counties American History. the states of Vermont and New Hampshire.

LNYM: What is your background and experience?

LNYM: How long have you been doing this?

LNYM: What person in your life you admire the most and why?

LNYM: Where were you born?

LATINO NEW YORK

Gomez: Santiago De Cuba, Cuba

FEBRUARY 2010

LNYM: What give you the most satisfaction on the job?

LNYM: What is you biggest obstacle on the job?

Gomez: Compressing schedules, coordination and deliveries.

THE COMMUNITY LNYM: How long have you lived in the Capital Region?

Gomez: Since June 1968

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LNYM: What brought you and kept you here?

Gomez: Forest Electric, the company I was working for in New York City, was selected to do a large project building the Empire State Plaza. They relocated us to this area. After the Empire State Plaza was finished, I commuted weekly to Detroit, Michigan for roughly two and half years for Forest. It was too much for my family and I. We explored relocating to New York City with Forest Electric, but schooling for the kids was far superior here than in the city. People are nicer in the Capital Region. The area is better and safer place, with a fair amount of family related activities available. I quit Forest Electric and started my own business although I knew it was going to be a struggle.

LNYM: In your opinion, what does this area need to make it a better place to live?

Gomez: Enhance education in the inner city, provide for term limits for elected officials and provide for the needy in our community.

LNYM: What areas of interests you have outside of work?

Gomez: Flying, hunting, car restoration and a limited amount of travel.

LNYM: Do you participate in any community activities?

Gomez: Quite a few. Centro Civico Hispano Americano of Albany, Greater Capital Region Minority Business Association, NYS 705 Commission for Diversity in State Employment, St. Ambrose Church Building Committee, 100 Black Men, Community Census Outreach and I am a former member of several other groups including Catholic Advisory Board, The Albany Center for Economic success, Hispanic Outreach Services, College of St. Rose, North East Health, NESCA and the Urban League, etc.

POINTS OF VIEW LNYM: What is your recommendation for anyone who may want to start their own business?

Gomez: Learn all phases of whatever is associated with your business. Prepare a comprehensive business plan. Know what you are getting into to avoid any surprises and then, if you are sure, take LATINO NEW YORK

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the risk! Go full steam ahead! Do not go into it with hesitation!

LNYM: What are the challenges and rewards?

Gomez: Biggest challenges are related to your ability to break into an area where existing businesses could block you out. Breaking into a new market in an area where you are not known is tough. Establish contacts before hand.

Having been able to use the business as a tool to help others is enough of a reward. There are also intrinsic rewards associated with a moderate amount of success, including some standing in our community.

LNYM: What do you see happening with the American Economy this year?

Gomez: The economy at the national level stinks. We are mortgaging the future of our children and grand children with the increasing national debt. National unemployment is at an all time high. While some sort of health care reform is necessary, the plans presently being considered will aversely affect small business development and middle class taxes.

Tort reform is essential to heath care reform.

Locally, the economy is not ailing as much as the rest of the country.

We have a steady State work force, which, along with the vast number of area colleges will help stabilize the economy. Incoming technology will increase demand for skilled employment which will generate growth in the service and housing areas. The multiplier effect of these new jobs is certain to create an improving economy in our area.

LNYM: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Gomez: Governor Paterson hit the nail on the head in his most recent speech.

We need to start with honest State Government, free of special interests.

Term limits are a necessity. Tea parties and their growing numbers in our country are conveying to our elected officials a real message to the way we should operate our government. To you I say, Get involved……….Make your voice count!

Versión en español en Pags. 22 y 23 FEBRUARY 2010

Joe and his lovely wife Caroll

JosEPH Gómez Era un caluroso día de verano. Ese sábado en particular mi esposa Luisa y yo decidimos cerrar el restaurante que teníamos en downtown Albany para acoger a un grupo de amigos que viajaban desde Lynn Massachusetts para jugar algunos juegos amistosos de softbol.

El campo de beisbol de Arbor Hill estaba llena de familiares y amigos. Perros calientes y hamburguesas eran asadas a la perfección mientras la gente llegaba con sus hijos a jugar o a disfrutar de un día que era más un picnic que un evento serio deportivo.

Hasta el día de hoy ni siquiera recuerdo quién ganó.

Lo que sí recuerdo es haber conocido a este hombre que vino al parque a registrar a la gente a votar. Esta persona era Joseph Gómez. Un cubano nacido parte electricista y parte político que ha participado en la política y el activismo por la comunidad, tal vez desde que era un niño pequeño en su natal Cuba.

Como nos hicimos amigos, me enteré de que compartiamos el amor por la buena comida criolla del Caribe y también por ayudar a los necesitados.

Es común encontrar a Joseph participando en cualquier actividad orientada a ayudar a la gente en esta comunidad. Su compromiso de ayudar a las personas lo ha llevado a ciudades y lugares de la Región Capital, así como la capital del país y al extranjero.

De alguna manera, Joseph ha encontrado tiempo para dirigir un negocio con éxito y levantar a una familia hermosa. La siguiente es una entrevista con José A. Gómez, en sus propias palabras:

SOBRE SU VIDA LNYM: Donde naciste?

Gómez: Habana, Cuba LNYM: Dónde te criaste?

Gómez: Santiago De Cuba, Cuba LNYM: A qué escuelas fuiste?

Gómez: La Salle Brothers, Santiago De Cuba. Habana University, RCA Institute, New York University, City College of New York y Hudson Valley Community College.

LNYM: Cuál fue tu primer trabajo?

Gómez: Al llegar a NYC, fui a trabajar como muchacho de piso en el distrito de garment, iba a la escuela de noche para estudiar Inglés e Historia Americana.

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LNYM: Cuál ha sido tu experiencia en el campo laboral?

Gómez: Trabajé por dos años con una firma de Ingenieros Consultores Eléctricos. Trabajé para dos firmas contratistas eléctricas por varios años antes de comenzar mi propio negocio en 1979.

LNYM: Tienes familia?

Gómez: Casado por 45 años con Caroline, y cinco hijas: Caroline M., Frances, Dolores, Christina, y Joanna. Todas casadas. También tengo diez nietos.

LNYM: Cómo mantienes un balance entre el trabajo exitoso y la vida de familia?

SUS PUNTOS DE VISTA

Gómez: Horarios comprensivos, coordinación y entrega.

LNYM: ¿Cuál es tu recomendación para todo aquel que quiera iniciar su propio negocio?

POR LA COMUNIDAD

Gómez: Que conozca todas las fases de lo que está asociado con su negocio. Preparar un plan de negocios completo. Saber donde se está metiendo para evitar sorpresas y, entonces, si está seguro, tomar el riesgo! Ir a toda máquina! Sin vacilaciones!

LNYM: Hace cuánto vives en la Región Capital?

Gómez: Desde Junio de 1968 LNYM: Qué te trajo y te mantuvo aquí?

Gómez: Una vida muy agitada. Tengo una empresa eléctrica mediana contratista en la Región Capital. Participo en las Juntas Directivas de varios grupos comunitarios y profesionales así como en organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro. También me gusta volar aviones y cazar.

LNYM: A quién admiras más y por qué?

Gómez: De hecho a dos personas. Mi padre, un autodidacta que salió de la extrema pobreza a ser parte de una de las principales cinco firmas de Energía de Cuba. La otra persona es el tío de mi esposa, Bill, una persona increíblemente ingeniosa, amable y sin pretensiones.

Gómez: Forest Electric, la compañía para la cual trabajaba en New York City, fue seleccionada para hacer un proyecto grande en el Empire State Plaza. Nos trasladaron a esta área. Después de terminado el Empire State Plaza, yo viajaba semanalmente a Detroit, Michigan por casi dos años y medio, para Forest. Fue demasiado para mi y mi familia. Miramos a ver si nos devolvíamos a New York City con Forest Electric, pero la escuela de los niños era muy superior aquí que en la ciudad. La gente es más amable en la Región Capital. El área es mejor y más segura, con una buena cantidad de actividades disponibles relacionadas con la familia. Renuncié a Forest Electric y comencé mi propio negocio aun que sabía que no iba a ser fácil.

LNYM: En tu opinión, qué necesita ésta área para ser un mejor lugar para vivir?

COMO PROFESIONAL LNYM: Nos puedes hablar de tu negocio?

Gómez: Opero un negocio de contratista de Energía de tamaño mediano. Soy el único contratista en tener licencias Master en Electricidad en las ciudades de Albany, Schenectady, Troy, New York y Harrisburg en Pennsylvania. También en los condados de Green y Sullivan en los estados de Vermont y New Hampshire.

LNYM: Hace cuánto te dedicas a esto?

Gómez: Gómez Electrical empezó en 1979 y todavía existe.

LNYM: Qué es lo que más te satisface de tu trabajo?

Gómez: La capacidad de lograr cosas, cuando terminas con tu trabajo, puedes ver físicamente un edificio que terminado.

LNYM: Hay algo que no te guste?

Gómez: Tener que lidiar con personas negativas. La gente que dice “Eso no se puede realizar”.

LATINO NEW YORK

LNYM: Cuál es tu mayor obstáculo?

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Gómez: Mejor educación en el centro de la ciudad, establecer límites a los mandatos de los funcionarios elegidos y proveer para a los más necesitados en nuestra comunidad LNYM: Qué áreas de interés tienes fuera del trabajo?

Gomez: Volar, la caza, la restauración de autos y una cantidad limitada de viajes.

LNYM: Participas en actividades de la comunidad?

Gómez: Algunas. Centro Cívico Hispano Americano de Albany, Greater Capital Region Minority Business Association, NYS 705 Commission for Diversity in State Employment, St. Ambrose Church Building Committee, 100 Black Men, Community Census Outreach y soy miembro retirado de otros tantos grupos que incluyen Catholic Advisory Board, The Albany Center for Economic Success, Hispanic Outreach Services, College of St. Rose, North East Health, NESCA y la Urban League, etc.

FEBRUARY 2010

LNYM: ¿Cuáles son los retos y las recompensas?

Gómez: Mayores desafíos relacionados con la capacidad para entrar en un área donde las empresas existentes podrían bloquearlo.

Ingresar en un nuevo mercado, en un área que no se conoce, es difícil. Hay que establecer contactos de antemano. Ser capaz de utilizar el negocio como una herramienta para ayudar a los demás es recompensa suficiente. También hay recompensas intrínsecas asociadas a un éxito moderado, que incluyen el reconocimiento de nuestra comunidad.

LNYM: ¿Qué es lo que está ocurriendo con la economía estadounidense este año?

Gómez: La economía a nivel nacional apesta.

Estamos hipotecando el futuro de nuestros hijos y nietos con el aumento de la deuda nacional. El desempleo está en su punto más alto. Si bien algún tipo de reforma de salud es necesario, los planes que actualmente se están considerando afectarán el desarrollo de pequeñas empresas y aumentará los impuestos de la clase media.

A nivel local, la economía no está en crisis tanto como en el resto del país. Tenemos una empleo estatal estable, que junto con el gran número de universidades del área ayudará a estabilizar la economía. Las nuevas tecnologías aumentarán la demanda de empleo cualificado que generará un aumento en servicios y áreas de vivienda.

El efecto multiplicador de estos nuevos puestos de trabajo es seguro para crear una mejora en la economía en nuestra área.

LNYM: ¿Hay algo más que te gustaría agregar?

Gómez: El Gobernador Paterson puso el dedo en la llaga en su más reciente discurso.

Tenemos que empezar con un Gobierno Estatal honesto, libre de intereses particulares. Los límites de mandato son una necesidad. Las reuniones políticas han ido en aumento en nuestro país, transmitiéndole a nuestros funcionarios electos un mensaje real sobre la forma en que debe funcionar nuestro gobierno. A ti te digo, ¡Participa ... ... .... Haz Oír tu Voz!

February 14th we celebrate the romantic holiday which is ‘Valentine’s Day’. During this day we exchange candies, flowers and gifts to show our love for our sweethearts, and also our family and friends. Love is a power emotion that can bring us happiness, comfort and a feeling of eternal bliss, but balance is also needed when it comes to the aspect of love. In order to obtain that balance, we must always remember in order to receive love, we must also give love. ‘Afena’s Spiritual Awakenings’ would like to wish all of you a ‘Happy Valentines Day’.

Dear Lisa:

AQUARIUS – THE WATER BEARER

January 20th to February 18th

Stone: Amethyst Element: Air Ruler: Uranus Color: Sky Blue Anatomy: Ankles, Shins, Circulation Season: Winter Aquarius is the eleventh sign of the zodiac, and can be stubborn and fixed in their opinions at times. Aquarians are intellectual individuals who can not tolerate injustice in any form nor do they like those who are prejudice or bias in their beliefs. Aquarians need space and value their personal freedom. They treat people from all walks of life as equals since equality and fairness are part of who they are.

Aquarian people have a tendency to be shy and they love to analyze people why they do what they do.

While flying home from Florida, I found a copy of Latino New York Magazine, read your column and loved it. Lisa I have been married for eight months now. My husband is a wonderful caring person and our marriage is fine with the exception of one thing, his mother.

Before our marriage I knew he was close to his mother and I admired him for that, but now things have gotten out of hand. Any time we have an argument the first thing he does is call his mother. He tells her everything and it really bothers me. I’m close with my mother but I don’t tell her every thing that goes on in our household. Recently while we were out dining with friends, the topic of mothers and wives came up and our friend commented on how his wife is usually right when she says something, but my husband replied that his mother is the is always right. Lisa, am I being selfish or wrong for feeling bothered by this?

What is your opinion?

Annette – Fort Myers, Florida Dear Annette:

Querida Lisa: Mientras regresaba de la Florida, encontré una copia de Latino New York Magazine, leí su columna y me encantó. Lisa, yo he estado casada durante ocho meses. Mi marido es una persona maravillosa y amorosa y nuestro matrimonio está muy bien, con la excepción de una cosa, su madre. Antes de nuestro matrimonio, yo sabía que él era cercano a su madre y yo lo admiraba por eso, pero ahora las cosas se han salido de las manos. Cada vez que tenemos un argumento, lo primero que hace es llamar a su madre. Él le cuenta todo y eso realmente me molesta. Soy cercana a mi madre pero no le cuento todo lo que sucede en nuestro hogar.

Recientemente, mientras nos encontrábamos cenando con amigos, se tocó el tema de las madres y las esposas y nuestro amigo comentó sobre la forma en que su esposa generalmente esta correcta en lo que dice, a lo que mi marido le responde que su madre es la que siempre tiene la razón. Lisa, estoy siendo egoísta o estoy equivocada por sentirme molesta por esto? ¿Cuál es su opinión?

Querida Annette: Me alegro que pudieras leer una copia de la revista y de mi columna “Ask Lisa ‘. La revista se está expandiendo de una manera positiva. En mi opinión, no eres egoísta por sentir lo que sientes.

Tu esposo tiene que madurar y, finalmente, cortar el cordón umbilical. No debiera contarle a su madre sobre sus desacuerdos contigo, porque con el tiempo se puede crear un conflicto entre tu suegra y tu, además de ponerlo a él en el medio.

Aunque nadie tiene siempre la razón, tu amigo fue al menos lo suficientemente inteligente como para dar crédito a su esposa. Además de que sabía con quien era que se iba a casa. Tu esposo tiene que entender que a pesar de que amemos a nuestras madres, ya que son nuestra familia y nos han dado a luz, una vez que uno se casa con su esposa o su marido, esta es ahora la familia inmediata y se supone que son lo primero. Siéntate y ten una larga conversación con tu marido para hacerle saber cómo te sientes. Él parece ser un hombre cariñoso, pero también un niño de mamá.

Tu esposo debe abrir los ojos y darse cuenta de que tiene una esposa maravillosa que lo ama y que puede perder, lo cual puede resultar en el aterrizaje de vuelta a casa con mamá.

I’m glad you were able to read a copy of the magazine and my column ‘Ask Lisa’. The magazine is expanding in a positive way. In my opinion you are not selfish or wrong for feeling the way you do. Your husband has to grow up and finally cut the umbilical cord. He should never tell his mother about any of your disagreements, because it will eventually cause conflict between you and your mother-in-law besides putting him in the middle. Although no one is always right, your friend was at least smart enough to give credit to his wife. Besides he knew who he was going home with. Your husband needs to understand that although we love our mothers because they our family and have given birth to us, once you get married your wife or your husband is now If you want advise from Lisa, please email your letters to your immediate family and are supposed to come lisa@latinonewyorkmagazine.com first. Sit down and have a long talk with your husband to let him know how you feel. He seems to be a caring man but also a Mama’s boy. Your husband should open his eyes and realize that he has a wonderful wife who loves him and who he can lose, which can result in landing him right back home to Mommy.

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> latino social events CAPITAL DISTRICT 100 HISPANIC WOMEN 3RD ANNUAL GALA The Capital District Chapter celebrated its Third Annual Gala, which also marked its third anniversary. Four latina scholarships were awarded during the Gala.

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> latino social events Three Kings’ Day Puerto Rican Cultural & Educational Activity The Albany Latin Festival Association & Centro Cívico Hispanoamericano celebrated the Three Kings’ Day holiday at Ballingers in Albany, on Saturday, January 9.

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The University at Albany’s Liga Filipina held its annual Simbang Gabi Christmas celebration on December 6. Among those who attended to watch such events as the Tinikling bamboo dance were Noticias y Notas Editor Michael Fondacaro, local immigration attorney Marco Tomakin and Capital District 100 Hispanic Women President Janet Sapio-Mayta.

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E-Board members, from left to right: Deirdre Levy, Lora2 Liga Ashley Lusabia, Alveen Bregaudit, Leah Cabardo, PoCa A., Jessica Aranda, Jomi Cubol, Levi Tejada, Sam Van Tran, Teddy Jurlano and Dennis Santiago.

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An apple picker empting her bag, from Vecchione’s upcoming documentary, “The Apples of Wayne County.”

By: Michael Fondacaro

Vecchione (far left) with other award winners from the 2009 Orlando Hispanic Film Festival.

Fleischmanns Village Trustee and businessowner Martin Morales, who figures prominently in “Bienvenidos a Fleischmanns.”

It is easy to miss Fleischmanns as one drives west along New York State Route 28, moving from Ulster County into Delaware County, and straight into the heart of the Catskill Mountains.

But a quick right on to Main Street will reveal a village that is on the cusp of thriving once again.

A village that once bordered on the “Borscht Belt,” the Catskill resorts to where New York City’s Jewish community would flock for recreation from the 1920s to 1960s, Fleischmanns has over the past 20 years experienced an influx of Mexican residents seeking a safer, quieter life than what they experienced in Newburgh, an Orange County city 75 miles to the southeast.

Filmmaker Jessica Vecchione knew the story had to be told.

Vecchione is the director of “Bienvenidos a Fleischmanns,” a one-hour documentary on the changes that have occurred there. Since its release, “Bienvenidos” has been screened throughout New York State, LATINO LATINO NEW NEW YORK YORK

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at film festivals in Boston and Illinois, and even won the 2009 Special Jury Prize for Documentaries at the Orlando Hispanic Film Festival.

Perhaps the year that led to her decision to make “Bienvenidos” was 2001, when she caught the photography and videography bug and moved to the village of Delhi.

“I thought I was leaving diversity behind. I had no idea there would be any ethnic populations anywhere in the county. A good friend of mine would come up from the city to visit and he explored different parts of this vast county. I was delighted to hear, initially from him, that there was this community in Fleischmanns,” she said.

A native of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Vecchoine fell in love with the Catskills when she first started visiting the area in the 1980s, and tired quickly of her career in the advertising industry. She began farming in New York State and Italy, and spent two years with a crew of Mexican workers. Her ability to speak Italian made it easy to communicate with them.

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“I fell in love with these families and with Mexican culture in general. I ended up living in a two family house with other Mexican families and later, I traveled around Mexico during three different trips,” Vecchione said.

Work on “Bienvenidos” started in 2006, while she was completing her degree in Spanish at SUNYOneonta. The film’s success has led her to begin production on a second film. “The Apples of Wayne County” examines the consequences of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on migrant workers who come to pick apples in the Wayne County, which is on the shores of Lake Ontario.

“Workers, documented and undocumented alike feel like prisoners in their homes for fear of getting picked up at the grocery store, the gas station or even church. The farmers are fed up with having their highly trained workers scooped up at the height of the (harvest)

season,” Vecchione said, adding that the goal of her film is to provide a “human face” to the debate over immigration.

While she continues production on and seeks funding for “Apples,”“Bienveidos” continues to find enthusiastic audiences.

The film even earned her an “A” from her professors at Oneonta, and she completed her Spanish degree.

“I love to tell stories and I think video editing was just another way for me to tell (them),” Vecchione said. As she continues to work on “Apples,” perhaps she has already found her next project. Whatever that project might be, her gift for storytelling will surely make it fascinating.

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