June Issue

BLACK & LATINO YMCA ACHIEVERS

CROSSING BORDERS

Cruzando Fronteras

JULIANA HERNANDEZ

Albany Tulip Queen 2009 Doing Well By Doing Good

IMPORTANCE OF BREAKFAST Importancia del Desayuno

MOTIVANDO A NUESTRA GENTE Organízate para TRIUNFAR

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The month of June is traditionally when we cover the topic of family in Latino New York. But with so many Latinos in the community achieving so much this spring, I decided to switch the focus. The June theme of Family will be covered in July and The Achievers is now the theme for this month’s issue.

Locally, and perhaps with the same pride, we celebrate the Coronation of Juliana Hernandez as Albany Tulip Festival Queen, the first Latina to be so honored in the competition’s 61-year history. We are delighted to feature her this month as our cover story.

A number of other youth and adults from our region were recognized at the YMCA’s annual Black & Latino Achievers Dinner for their contribution to the community and their commitment to excellence.

Congratulations to all!

flickr.com/photos/

We do not have enough pages in this magazine to recognize all the recent accomplishments. Nationally, President Obama’s nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court elevates our community to unprecedented heights and responsibilities.

El mes de Junio es tradicionalmente cubrimos el tema de familia en Latino New York. Pero con tanto latinos obteniendo tantos triunfos esta primavera, decidí cambiar el enfoque. El tema de Junio sobre la Familia será tratado en Julio, y el tema de triunfadores, es tratado en la presente edición.

In this issue we also welcome a new contributor: Dr. Ingrid Bermudez. A native of Colombia and a practitioner of family medicine for 18 years, Dr. Bermudez has opened a new practice in Mechanicville, New York to help meet the medical needs of the local community. Her husband David, who worked for many years as a reporter and editor, has joined our effort to provide you with a better quality publication by agreeing to become an advisor to our editing and content.

Last but not least, I would like to wish all the fathers of the world a Happy Father’s Day. The gift of Fatherhood gives us the responsibility of Parenthood. And proper parenting, when you think about it, is the ultimate achievement.

No tenemos suficientes páginas en la revista para reconocer los triunfos recientes. A nivel nacional, la nominación del Presidente Obama de Sonia Sotomayor para la Corte Suprema, eleva nuestra comunidad a alturas sin precedentes y responsabilidades.

A nivel local, y quizás con el mismo orgullo, celebramos la Coronación de Juliana Hernández como Reina del Festival de Tulipanes de Albany, la primera Latina en ser elegida en una competición dte 61 años de historia. Nos deleitamos en presentarla como nuestra carátula en la presente edición.

En esta edición, también damos la bienvenida a nuestra nueva colaboradora, la Dra. Ingrid Bermúdez. Nacida en Colombia y practicante de medicina familiar por 18 años, la Dra. Bermúdez abrió su nueva cede de consultorios médicos en Mechanicville, New York, para ayudar en las necesidades médicas de la comunidad local. Su esposo David, quien trabajó por muchos años como periodista y editor, se han unido a nuestro esfuerzo por entregarles una publicación de mejor calidad, al convertirse en consejero en materia de edición y contenido.

Finalmente pero no menos importante, quisiera desearles a todos los padres del mundo, una Felíz Día del Padre. Una paternidad adecuada, cuando uno piensa en ello, es el máximo triunfo.

Juan J. George Editor

Un número de jóvenes y adultos de nuestra comunidad local, fueron reconocidos en la Cena Anual del Programa del YMCA de Black & Latino Achievers, por sus contribuciones a la comunidad y su dedicación a la excelencia.

Felicitaciones a todos !!

Juan J. George Publisher.

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on the cover

IN THIS EDITION

en esta edición Juliana

H ernández

Albany Tulip Queen

2009

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FAMILIES PLAY KEY ROLE IN AVOID BULLYING •María Neira La familia juega importante papel en evitar el maltrato

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MILDRED ELLEY • Belinda Green Relieve Your Stress with Massage Therapy at Mildred Elley

CROSSING BORDERS • Richard O’Riley MS Ed Cruzando Fronteras

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COVER: JULIANA HERNANDEZ, ALBANY’S NEW TULIP QUEEN • Juan George Nueva Reina de Tulipanes de Albany

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IMPORTANCE OF BREAKFAST • Dr. Ingrid Bermúdez M.D. Importancia del Desayuno

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MOTIVANDO A NUESTRA GENTE • Dr. J. R. Román Organízate para Triunfar

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BLACK AND LATINO YMCA YOUTH ACHIEVERS Triunfadores Jóvenes de YMCA

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BLACK AND LATINO YMCA ADULT ACHIEVERS Triunfadores Adultos de YMCA

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LITERARY CORNER • María del Pilar Casas Luque Esquina Literaria

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FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL FONDACARO Summary of Important News

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ASK LISA • Lisa Cortés Pregúntale a Lisa

YMCA Black & Latino Achievers

inside

Claudia O’Riley

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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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Nothing is more painful for a parent than losing a child — especially when that death comes about as a result of suicide. I’m sure you’ve heard the heart-wrenching story of the four young women from Schenectady High School who committed suicide this past April.

Sadly, bullying may have played a role in at least one of the deaths. In an Albany Times Union article, a relative of one of the victims said she was bullied so severely she was awaiting a tutor so she could leave Schenectady High School. Tragically, help didn’t arrive in time.

Bullying, particularly cyber bullying, is a growing concern among parents and educators.

Cyber bullying occurs when a child is deliberately harassed by their peers via computer, cell phone or other electronic device.

According to a 2006 study by the National Crime Prevention Council, cyber bullying victimizes 4 in ten teens.

If you fear your child is being bullied, notify your child’s teachers and administrators, in writing, about the problem.

Under the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (Project SAVE), districts are obligated to respond to bullying. Districts must also have a code of conduct in place that addresses student conduct, including bullying. The k-12 curricula must include a component on civility, citizenship and character education. The law also directs school districts to report violent and disruptive school incidents to local law enforcement authorities.

It’s also important to get involved in your child’s school.

Join your local parent teacher organization; get to know their teacher and classmates; and get involved in classroom activities.

In this way, you can more effectively raise bullying concerns in your school community.

And on the home front, you can help your child by training them to respond more effectively to bullying. For instance, often doing something the bully doesn’t expect or want— such as yelling, blowing a whistle, or laughing —is an effective tactic when incidents occur.

Many helpful resources — including a 10-step guide for notifying administrators, in writing, about bullying concerns — are also available

at www.pacerkidsagainstbullying. org, a Web site developed by the PACER Center. Featuring animated, kid-friendly graphics, the site offers engaging antibullying tips for students and useful, hands-on intervention strategies for parents and professionals.

Parent resources include a bullying prevention video and CD ROM, and downloadable handouts detailing a wide range of issues, including facts about bullying and a three-step plan to stop bullying. Materials are available in both Spanish and English.

If you suspect your child is being bullied at school, don’t wait — take action. Reach out to educators and administrators at their school and get help. No one deserves to be bullied.

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

If your child were being bullied, would you know how to help?

Families can play a vital role in stopping bullying in its tracks — but many parents don’t know where to turn for guidance.

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Nada es más doloroso para un padre que la pérdida de un hijo – en especial cuando la muerte ha sido por causa del suicidio.

Estoy segura que ustedes han escuchado la desgarradora historia de cuatro jóvenes niñas del Colegio Superior de Schenectady, que se suicidaron el pasado mes de Abril.

Tristemente, el maltrato debió jugar algún papel en al menos, una de aquellas muertes. En un artículo del Albany Times Union, un pariente de una de las víctimas dijo que de ella estaba siendo duramente tratada, que estaba esperando un tutor para poder dejar el Colegio. Trágicamente, la ayuda no llegó a tiempo.

El maltrato (bullying), en particular aquel que tiene lugar en Internet, es una preocupación creciente entre los padres y educadores. Este maltrato cibernético se presenta cuando un joven es acosado deliberadamente por sus compañeros por la vía del computador, del celular o de otros aparatos electrónicos. De acuerdo a un estudio en 2006 por el Concejo Nacional de Prevención del Crimen, el acoso cibernético se presenta en contra de cada 4 de 10 adolescentes.

Si su hijo ha sido victima de acoso, maltrato, sabría cómo ayudarlo? Las familias pueden jugar un rol vital en detener el maltrato en su vía – pero muchos padres no saben a donde ir para obtener una guía.

Si usted teme que su hijo esté siendo maltratado o abusado, notifique por escrito a los profesores de su hijo y a los administradores, a cerca del asunto.

Bajo el Acto de Escuelas Seguras Contra la Violencia en Educación (Project SAVE), los distritos están obligados a responder ante el acoso. Igualmente deben tener un código de conducta en acción, que aborde el tema de conducta del estudiante, incluyeno el acoso.

El curriculum k-12 debe incluir un componente sobre cortesía, ciudadanía y educación del carácter. La ley también ordena a los distritos educativos a reportar incidentes violentos y interrupción del colegio, ante las autoridades locales.

Es también importante involucrarse en la escuela de su hijo. Haga parte de la organización local de padres y profesores; conozca a los profesores y compañeros de clase; involúcrese en actividades de clases. De esta forma, puede efectivamente generar preocupación en la escuela de su comunidad.

Y en el frente del hogar, usted puede ayudar a su hijo entrenándolo a responder efectivamente ante el acoso. Algo como, realizar algo que el acosador no espera ni quiere – tal como gritar, pitar o reir – es una táctica efectiva cuando estos incidentes courren.

nistradores, por escrito, sobre preocupaciones por incidentes de acoso- están a disposición en www.pacerkidsagainstbullying. org, un website desarrollado por el PACE Center. Con gráficos de animación y especiales para niños, el sitio ofrece soluciones anti-acoso llamativas para los estudiantes y de gran utilidad, estrategias para intervención por parte de padres y profesionales.

Los recursos para los padres incluyen un video de prevención de acoso y un CD ROM, asi como folletos que pueden bajarse de Internet, detallando una gran variedad de temas, incluyendo datos sobre el acoso y un plan de tres pasos para detener el acoso. La información está a disposición tanto en Español como en Inglés.

Si usted sospecha que su hijo está siendo acosado en la escuela, no espere – tome acción.

Acérquese a los educadores y administradores de su escuela y consiga ayuda. Nadie debe ser acosado.

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Existen muchas fuentes de ayuda –incluyendo una guía de 10 pasos para notificar a admi-

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By: Richard O’Riley M.S. Ed

The past few weeks I have received positive feedback on the article I wrote about typical experiences that immigrants face when arriving to the United States. These people, regardless of their country of origin have sacrificed many things in their lives so that they might have a new opportunity for success. I suppose my interest in immigration experiences means a lot more to me since my wife is a first generation immigrant who arrived to this country only to study the language.

When arriving, she tells me that she only knew three phrases: “hello”, “good-bye” and “sweet dreams”. The only other English she knew was perhaps some phrases that she heard from American tourists who visited her native town of Guaymas, Sonora in the country of México. Her experience studying and living with a family in Boston gave her a good idea of the life we live here in the United States. Overall, her language skills greatly improved and she enjoyed her time. I

remember asking her when I first met her if she was planning to stay past her visa time and work like many other people I have met.

She quickly responded, “That question offends me. I have no reason to stay in this country. I have a great job back in my own country and only came here to study English.” That shocked me as an American because I had never heard that from someone before.

I can tell you that I quickly had a lot of respect for her decision to play by the rules and thought that I better make sure we stayed together since she had no intentions of staying with this gringo.

After going to visit her and meet her family last year, my perception of México completely changed. I first visited México, to the state of Michocán as a teenager and remember seeing a lot of poverty and desperation.

However, I was impressed at the life I saw in the faces of the people. This time around, I had a totally different experience.

The people in Sonora looked a

lot like me. Many were tall and lived a stable middle class life.

The more I talked with them, it became evident that they weren’t the least interested in moving or even visiting the United States.

The Mexican people are proud of their heritage and more than anything noble in their actions.

I saw no arrogance or boasting of their country as I have experienced with other Spanish speaking countries. I think it’s quite unfortunate to hear other Latinos and also Americans here in Albany put down Mexicans in many ways. Perhaps they know little to nothing about this country and should invest some time and money to visit México and learn for themselves like I did.

To make a long story short, we ended up getting married last year and it has been quite the learning experience for the two of us. In a short time, Claudia has risen to overcome many obstacles and worked her way to working as a teacher in the City of Albany School District. She plans on EN ESPAÑOL EN LA P. 11

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earning a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and has many other professional goals to achieve. She has already earned the respect of many people simply for her value of hard work and honesty. She makes no excuses and takes no short cuts to accomplishing her goals. What man could ask for more in a wife?

Congratulations to you Claudia, I love you and praise you for your ambition and strong character as a human being.

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En las últimas semanas he recibido comentarios positivos del artículo que escribí hablando de las experiencias típicas que tienen los inmigrantes nuevos cuando vienen a los Estados Unidos.

Estas personas que vienen de muchas partes, han sacrificado mucho en sus vidas para que tengan una nueva oportunidad de tener éxito. Supongo que me interesa más ahora, dado que mi esposa es una inmigrante de primera generación. Y a pensar de que solamente vino por estudiar el idioma.

Al llegar, me cuenta que solo sabía decir tres cosas en inglés: “hola”, “adiós” y “dulce sueños”.

El único inglés que sabía eran unas frases que había oído de los turistas americanos que visitaron su pueblo nativo de Guaymas, Sonora en el país de México.

Su experiencia de vivir y estudiar con una familia en Boston le dió una buena idea de la vida cotidiana que tenemos aquí en los Estados Unidos. En general,

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mejoró mucho sus habilidades lingüísticas y lo pasó bien de visita.

Recuerdo una vez que le pregunté si iba a quedarse acá por trabajar, como hacían muchas personas que yo conocía. Me respondió en seguida, “Esa pregunta me ofende. No tengo ninguna razón para quedarme aquí en este país.

Tengo mi carrera en mi propio país y solo vine aquí por estudiar el ingles.” Esa respuesta me sorprendió porque como americano nunca había oído algo así de alguien.

Les puedo decir que rápidamente tuve profundo respeto por su decisión de seguir las leyes de este país y regresar antes de que su visa venciera. Por no perderla, pensaba que era importante asegurarme que íbamos a estar juntos porque ella no tenía intenciones de quedarse conmigo después de regresar a su país.

Después de visitarla y a su familia, me cambió completamente la percepción de México. Yo visité México por primera vez en el

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estado de Michoacán cuando era adolescente. Vi mucha pobreza y desesperación. De otro lado, me impresionó la vida que se reflejaba en los ojos de la gente. Esta vez, tuve otra experiencia. La gente de Sonora se parecía mucho a mi.

Eran altos y muchos vivían la vida de clase media. Entre más platicaba con la gente, me di cuenta que a ellos no les interesaba salir de México y venir a los Estados Unidos. La gente mexicana es orgullosa de su herencia y más que nada, son nobles en sus acciones.

No vi ninguna arrogancia, ni una proclamación exagerada de su país como la que había visto de otros países latinos en mi vida.

Pienso que es una desgracia oír a otra gente latina y americana aquí en Albany faltar el respeto de la gente mexicana de muchas maneras. Quizás hablan así por no saber cosa alguna de este país. Recomiendo que esa gente invierta su tiempo y dinero para que vayan a conocer el México verdadero como yo hice.

En pocas palabras, decidimos casarnos y ha sido una gran experiencia para los dos. En poco tiempo, Claudia ha enfrentado muchos obstáculos y ha trabajado duro para tener éxito. Ahora está trabajando como maestra en el Distrito Escolar de la ciudad de Albany. Va a comenzar un programa de postgrado para obtener la maestría en Manejo de Recursos Humanos. Tiene otras metas profesionales que va a cumplir. Ya ha ganado el respeto de muchas personas simplemente por el valor de trabajar honestamente. No hace excusas ni engaña para realizar sus sueños. ¿Qué más puedo pedir de una esposa?

Felicidades a ti Claudia, te amo y te alabo por tu ambición y carácter fuerte como ser humano.

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The Importance of Breakfast STARTING EACH DAY IN A HEALTHY WAY By: Ingrid Bermudez MD.

Some people think that “eating something is better than nothing.”

But if that “something” is not nutritious and just gives us the illusion we ate, we will be craving something similar just two hours later.

Every day at my office, I see patients who are overweight or obese. Few, in fact, are of “normal weight” anymore. Naturally, one of my first questions is: “So, tell me about your diet?” And one of the most common replies is, “I just eat one meal a day and I don’t know why I can’t lose weight.”

Strange as it may sound, eating one meal a day is a part of the problem. Usually, that meal doesn’t include breakfast, which in fact is the most important meal of the day: That’s why it’s called “Break Fast.” Meaning, that if we had dinner around 5-6 p.m., we have been fasting for about 12 hours. And if we don’t have breakfast, the fasting is even longer. And if we keep fasting your body will react by taking calories from your muscle but not from your fat. You may lose weight but in a very slow and unhealthy fashion.

Once I establish the importance of breakfast with my patients, their next question usually becomes: “So … what can I eat for breakfast?”

My reply: “What would you eat for breakfast if you had to?” The most common answer -- and the most common tendency -- includes sugary cereals, muffins, pop tarts, coffee with cream and bagels with cream cheese, and so on. Do we really believe this is a good breakfast to start our new day? With sugary food full of fats and empty calories?

Our metabolism needs energy again and that is why we begin to crave sweet or fatty foods or “empty calories” that usually give us a momentary feeling of satisfaction.

Some people think that “eating something is better than nothing.” But if that “something” is not nutritious and just gives us the illusion we ate, we will be craving something similar just two hours later. And that is the root of the problem.

Corporate advertisements tell us that a “normal breakfast” consists of simple carbohydrates without talking about the most important aspect: healthy protein.

A nutritious breakfast should include fresh fruit, whole grains, vegetables, and a protein such as eggs (try a veggie omelette!), lean meat such as turkey or chicken breast, or peanut butter with no added sugars or oils.

There’s nothing wrong with eating leftovers from last night’s dinner, if it means eating protein and even vegetables for breakfast. For those who are coming from Latin America, eating reheated leftovers to start the day is very common. And for a drink? Remember 100% fruit juice is full of sugar. So if you cannot drink fresh squeezed juice, which has less sugar, you should dilute your drink with water or seltzer.

And remember the rule of thumb: moderation.

We may eat a little bit of everything but always in moderation. If we start the day with a good breakfast, and then in the midmorning we eat a healthy small snack, we avoid the dizziness, headaches and mood swings that come with failing to eat well. Those symptoms usually result from hypoglycemia (low sugar levels) – a sign that our body is not handling sugars well and that diabetes may be lurking in your future.

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Ingrid Bermudez MD is a full-time family practitioner and owner of Family Medicine of Mechanicville, N.Y.. In addition to offering a wide range of medical services to all age groups, she coaches patients through weight loss and life style changes. She believes in treating the patient as a whole – physically and emotionally.

For appointments: 518-664-4185. For more information:www. drbfamilymedicine.com.

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La Importancia del Desayuno

Cada día en mi oficina veo pacientes que están pasados de peso u obesos. De hecho, muy pocos son los que están en el peso normal.

Generalmente, mi primera pregunta es: ”Y cuénteme, como es su dieta?” Y la respuesta mas común es: “Usualmente yo como una sola vez al día, y no puedo bajar de peso!”

Parecería extraño, pero comer una sola vez al día es parte del problema. Usualmente, esa única comida al día de la que me habla el paciente no incluye el desayuno, que es de por si la comida mas importante del día. Por eso se llama “Des-ayuno”. Significando que si tuvimos la cena a las 5 o 6 p.m. del dia anterior, en la mañana hemos estado en ayuno por 12 horas. Y si no desayunamos, el ayuno es aun mas largo.

Y si mantenemos este ayuno, el cuerpo usualmente toma la energía de nuestro músculos y no de nuestra grasa. Tal vez puedas perder un poco de peso, pero de una manera poco saludable y muy despacito.

Una vez establecida la importancia del desayuno, la siguiente pregunta de mis pacientes es:”Y entonces…que debo desayunar?’

Mi respuesta es usualmente otra pregunta:”Que comería usted para el desayuno si usted tuviera que desayunar?”. La respuesta mas comúny la tendencia mas común- incluye cereales azucarados, muffins, tortas dulces, café con crema de leche, bagels con queso crema, etc, etc. Realmente creemos que eso es un buen desayuno para comenzar el día? Con comidas azucaradas, llenas de grasa y calorías vacías?

Nuestro metabolismo necesita obtener energía de nuevo cada día, y es por eso es que si no desayunamos correctamente, vamos a comenzar a tener antojos de comer algo dulce o grasoso o “malas calorías” que tan solo nos dan una sensación de satisfacción momentánea.

Algunos pensarían que “comer algo es mejor que no comer nada”. Pero si ese “algo” no es nutritivo y solamente nos da la ilusión que comimos, vamos a comenzar a tener antojos de algo similar un par de horas después. Y ahí esta la raíz del problema.

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Las propagandas de las grandes compañías de alimentos nos dicen que un desayuno “normal” consiste en carbohidratos simples sin hablarnos del aspecto mas importante de un desayuno: la proteína.

Un desayuno nutritivo debe incluir fruta fresca, cereales integrales, proteínas como huevos, jamón, pavo, pollo, quesos bajos en grasa e inclusive vegetales (un buen omelet!!) mantequilla de maní, pero de la pura, sin azucares o aceites agregados. Y nada de malo tiene comer un recalentado de la noche anterior si eso significa que vamos a comer un buen desayuno. Para aquellos que venimos de Latinoamérica, comer “calentado” es muy común. Y de tomar? Recuerde que los “jugos de fruta 100%” son pura azúcar. Si no puede tomar un jugo fresco, por favor tome los jugos diluidos en agua o agua seltzer.

Y por ultimo recuerde la regla de oro: MODERACION. Podemos comer de todo, pero en moderación.

Si comenzamos el día con un buen desayuno y en la media mañana comemos algo pequeño y nutritivo, vamos a evitar esos “mareos, cambios de genio y dolorcitos de cabeza” que sentimos cuando no hemos comido bien. Estos síntomas se deben generalmente a la llamada hipoglicemia, o baja de azúcar.

Muchas veces un aviso que nuestro cuerpo no puede controlar bien los azucares y la Diabetes esta en camino.

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COMENZANDO CADA DIA DE MANERA SALUDABLE

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Relieve your Stress

with Massage Therapy at Mildred Elley

The first question that I ask my students when they come into the classroom is, “why do you want to become a massage therapist?” The most common answer is, “because I want to help people.” Great answer! Not only does massage therapy help people on a physical level, but it can help mentally as well. When you receive massages on a regular basis, massage helps relieve your body from aches and pains, and brings a sense of mental clarity.

I am a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) educating our future massage therapists. As a massage therapy instructor at Mildred Elley, one of the most important things I teach my students is that not only are you starting in a career to help others, you will learn a lot your own body and mind. You cannot practice what you don’t do yourself!

Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist is rewarding mentally, physically and financially. This type of alternative medicine is becoming more accepted and well-known.

This career allows future massage therapists to be unique and specialize in the modality of their choice with confidence in helping others. Massage also works well in complimenting other professions like chiropractors, physical therapy, physical training and more.

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Mildred Elley educates all massage students to become New York State licensed, as well as Nationally Certified. Throughout the program at Mildred Elley, students are exposed to both Eastern and Western modalities of massage therapy, with a tremendous amount of hands-on experience, both in the classroom and within the community. Mildred Elley has a student massage clinic open to the public to receive massages.

This hands-on work allows them to work on different body types frequently to gain confidence in their skills. An instructor is always on hand to supervise and encourage the student. At Mildred Elley you are more than a student, you are a professional in training.

Mildred Elley also teaches the eastern massage techniques, known as Shiatsu. It’s similar to Acupuncture, but without the needles. Shiatsu is based on traditional Chinese medicine where illness is because of an imbalance in energy on one of the body’s channel. The students learn the body channels and work with them using Acupressure, the use of finger pressure along the channels to rebalance the flow of energy. This process helps to relieve symptoms of anxiety, muscle aches, depression, insomnia and more.

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Heading into the summer, athletes are participating in marathons, walks, and various events throughout the Capital Region.

These events give Mildred Elley massage students the opportunity to practice sports massage. Having a massage therapist on hand at events, helps to stretch athletes or stimulate muscles to enhance performance. As a great tool for athletes, massage therapists can work with them to flush toxins out of the muscles and to help to relieve cramping. Working with athletes is a great way to encourage the athlete’s knowledge about receiving massages between events as a preventative measure for injuries.

As a massage therapist, fifty percent of your job is educating your clients on how important massage therapy is for them. For example, you can encourage your clients who work at computers to take 5-10 minutes throughout their workday to stand up and stretch, stressing the importance of body circulation. Many businesses today are hiring LMTs or allowing massage students to perform chair massages in the office, providing employees an opportunity to take a few minutes to relieve some of their stress at work. The students at Mildred Elley go out into the community and offer these services

at local businesses as part of their hands-on experience. It’s a great learning tool for them and a great benefit to an office.

After graduation, many students begin practicing massage on a part-time basis. Through client education and referrals, many part-time massage therapists end up booking enough massages weekly to allow their passion to be their full-time career.

Working in a spa is also another area where massage therapists work. This is a great starting point when graduating from school, as it allows an LMT to continue the opportunity to work on different body types frequently, and gain a lot of experience.

Massage Therapy is a passion that is uniquely developed within each individual future massage therapist at Mildred Elley. These students work hard to learn and understand the benefits of massage to help others.

By: Belinda Green

Massage Therapy Instructor Mildred Elley

The Latino New York Interview Juliana Hernández

Doing Well By Doing Good Albany’s Newest Tulip Queen Shows Her Colors

About a month ago, my friend Micky Jimenez sent me an email announcing that her niece Juliana Hernández was one of a number of local young ladies competing in the 61st annual Albany Tulip Festival. She requested our support, indicating that Juliana could become the first Hispanic to win the Tulip Queen crown. She won. And the newly named Tulip Queen is now an ambassador for Albany , developing literacy and other community service programs. After her year-long “reign,” she takes home a $5,000 scholarship to help build her already promising future.

Hernández: I wanted it more than anyone else.

I came in with lots of passion.

The 21-year-old Loudonville resident is one of four children of Nancy and David Hernández, who are immigrants from Puerto Rico . Jonathan is the oldest and Daniel and Gabriella are her youngest siblings. She recently graduated from the College of St. Rose where she concentrated in Public Communications and Spanish.

LNYM: What keeps you grounded?

With a little curiosity and our hearts full of joy and pride, we sat down with Juliana for an interview.

LNYM: It is now 15 years from today. What are you going to tell your children about this experience?

LNYM: Who is Juliana Hernández?

Hernández: I believe that I will tell my children that this opportunity helped me become a woman. It helped me become a proud child, a proud daughter, a proud mother and a person proud to be part of this community. The importance of being a Latina and a leader. I will share the story to let them know that they could be anything they want to be for as long as they set their minds to it.

Hernández: A person who is passionate. I am very proud and confident.

My family has influenced me in so many ways.

That has helped me to be positive and to set goals. Part of that is knowing my culture, being proud of my culture and also being a good representative of Latinos in our community. I want to stand out. I like being a go-getter.

LNYM: To win Tulip Queen, you must demonstrate excellent leadership through community service. You are the first Hispanic in sixty-one years to receive this distinction. What led you to this moment?

Hernández: Ever since high school, I have been involved in activities. I started a Hispanic Heritage month celebration with my brother in high school. When I got to college, I knew that I was going to be involved with diversity. I wanted to be involved with community service.

I feel that all those things led to this moment.

When the opportunity came to be involved with the pageant I said to myself: this Tulip Queen festival is going to give me the chance to really continue to give back to the local community.

I studied abroad in Costa Rica and while I was there I really saw what poverty was all about.

In Nicaragua and Guatemala I saw the same thing. It just empowered me to want to make a difference. I came back home and said, We need to go back and help those people. Then I said, Wait a minute. I have to start small and then grow from there. I needed to start with the homeless, hungry, and the helpless in our own backyard. That is kind of what I want to do.

LNYM: Did you ever dream you would win?

LNYM: Who is your favorite person in life?

Hernández: My father. He has gone through many trials and tribulations and still became successful. As an immigrant, he started at the bottom and reached further than most. That shows me that no matter who you are you can be successful. You just have to have the passion, set goals and reach them. Mom is a very close second.

Hernández: Papi and Mami still have me clean the tub. Also my religion. I am a Christian and I always pray. I try to go to church every Sunday.

I always thank God for all my blessings. I feel blessed for everything I have. My parents keep me in check.

LNYM: Where do you see yourself four years from now?

Hernández: The question for me is what should I get my Masters degree in? I’m flip flopping between education and journalism.

Maybe international relations. I am not exactly sure where I am going to be but I know that whatever I do I am going to be successful representing my culture, my family and myself.

LNYM: Do you have any words of wisdom for our youth?

Hernández: What I always tell young people is to get involved. When you get involved you make a difference. You meet people with different beliefs and different cultures. That can help you open your own mind. If you accept those differences, the world becomes more peaceful. So join different organizations, travel if you can and get an education, just as my mother reminded us.

Congratulations Juliana, for a well deserved honor. You make us proud to be Latinos and Capital Region residents.

Thank you also for taking time to share your thoughts with our community of readers.

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(First up) Micky Jiménez with Queen Juliana and Congressman Paul Tonko, (next) Queen with Major Jennings, (right up) Juliana and his father, David Hernández; (next down) Juliana and her mother, Nancy Hernández; (bottom) Tulip Festival previous event.

Aproximadamente hace un mes, mi amigo Micky Jiménez me envió un email anunciando que su sobrina Juliana Hernández estaba entre un número de muchachas del área compitiendo en el 61 Festival Anual de Tulipanes. Ella nos solicitó nuestro apoyo, indicando que Juliana podría convertirse en la primera hispana en ganar la corona de Reina de los Tulipanes. Ella ganó. Y la reciente llamada Reina de los Tulipanes es ahora embajadora por Albany, promoviendo el desarrollo de la alfabetización y otros programas de servicios comunitarios. Después de su año de “reinado”, se lleva a casa una beca de $5,000 para ayudarle a construir su ya promisorio futuro.

Esta residente de Loudonville de tan sólo 21 años, es uno de cuatro hijos de Nancy y David Hernández, quienes son inmigrantes venidos de Puerto Rico. Johnatan es el mayor y Daniel y Gabriella, son los hermanos menores. Ella recientemente se graduó del College of Saint Rose donde se especializó en Comunicaciones Públicas y Español.

Con algo de curiosidad y nuestros corazones llenos de felicidad y orgullo, nos sentamos con Juliana para entrevistarla.

LNYM: Quién es Juliana Hernández?

Hernández: Una persona apasionada. Me siento orgullosa y confiada. Mi familia ha influido en mi de muchas maneras. Ello me ha ayudado a ser positiva y a fijarme metas. Parte de ello es el conocer mi cultura, el sentirme orgullosa

de mi cultura y también ser una diga representante de los Latinos en nuestra comunidad. Quiero sobresalir. Me gusta ser una persona que obtiene lo que quiere.

LNYM: Soñó usted en ganar?

Hernández: Lo deseaba más que cualquier cosa. Entré con mucha pasión.

LNYM: Para ganar el Festival de Tulipanes se debe demostrar excelencia en liderazgo a través del servicio a la comunidad. Usted es la primera Hispana en 61 años, que ha recibido esta distinción. Qué la llevó a este momento?

Hernández: Siempre que estaba en el colegio, estuve involucrada en actividades. Comencé una celebración del Mes de al Herencia Hispana con mi hermano en el bachillerato. Cuando entré a la Universidad, sabía que iba a involucrarme con diversidad. Quería envolverme en el servicio a la comunidad. Siento que todas estas cosas me llevaron a este momento.

Cuando la oportunidad llegó de ser parte e un reinado, me dije: este festival de los Tulipanes me va a dar la oportunidad de realmente continuar el seguir ayudando a la comunidad local. Estudié en el exterior, en Costa Rica y mientras estaba allá, realmente vi lo que era la pobreza. En Nicaragua y Guatemala vi la misma situación. Ello me empoderó para querer hacer la diferencia. Volví a casa y dije: Necesitamos volver y ayudar a esas personas. Entonces me dije, un minuto. Tengo que empezar por pequeño y de allí crecer. Necesitaba empezar con aquellos que no tiene hogar, los hambrientos y aquellos desamparados en nuestro propio patio trasero. Esto es algo de lo que yo hago.

LNYM: Quién es la persona favorita en su vida?

Hernández: Mi padre. Ha pasado por tantos problemas y tribulaciones y todavía llegó a ser exitoso. Como inmigrante, empezó desde abajo y ha llegado más lejos que muchos.

Ello demuestra que no importa quien seas, tu puedes triunfar.

Sólo tienes que tener la pasión, ponerte metas y alcanzarlas.

Mi madre está muy cerca en segundo lugar.

LNYM: Que la mantiene con los pies en tierra?

Hernández: Papi y Mami aún me hacen limpiar la tina. También mi religión.

Soy Cristiana y siempre rezo. Trato de ir a la Iglesia cada domingo. Siempre le doy gracias a Dios por todas mis bendiciones. Me siento bendecida por todo lo que tengo. Mis padres me mantienen en jaque.

LNYM: En 15 años a partir de hoy, qué le va a contar a sus hijos sobre esta experiencia?

Hernández: Pienso que le contará a mis hijos que esta oportunidad me ayudó a volverme mujer. Me ayudó a convertirme en una joven orgullosa, orgullosa hija, orgullosa madre y una persona orgullosa de ser parte de esta comunidad. La importancia de ser Latina y líder. Les compartiré la historia para hacerles saber que ellos pueden llegar a ser los que quieran ser, mientras fijen sus mentes en ello.

LNYM: Dónde se ve en cuatro años?

Hernández: La pregunta para mi sería en qué voy a especializarme en mi Master? Estoy entre educación y periodismo. De pronto Relaciones Internacionales. No estoy segura lo que voy a ser pero sé que lo que sea que haga, voy a ser exitosa representando mi cultura, y familia y a mi.

LNYM: Tiene algunos consejos para nuestros jóvenes?

Hernández: Lo que siempre les digo a los jóvenes es que se involucren. Cuando te involucras haces la diferencia. Conoces personas de creencias diversas y culturas diferentes.

Ello te ayuda a abrir tu mente. Si aceptas esas diferencias, el mundo se vuelve más pacífico.

Así que únanse a diferentes organizaciones, viajen si pueden y edúquense, tal como mi madre siempre nos recuerda.

Felicitaciones Juliana, por este merecido honor. Nos hace sentir orgullosos de ser Latinos y residentes de la Región Capital.

Gracias también por haber sacado el tiempo para compartir tus pensamientos con los lectores de la comunidad.

La Nueva Reina de los Tulipanes nos enseña sus Colores LATINO NEW YORK LATINO NEW YORK

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MOTIVANDO A NUESTRA GENTE

Organízate para

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omos personas privilegiadas cuando nacemos tenemos miles de horas disponibles para realizar nuestras metas y nuestros sueños. Una persona que tiene 80 años ha vivido sobre 700 mil horas de vida. Lo interesante es que muchas personas no tienen tiempo para cumplir con sus compromisos y realmente todo los días tienen 24 horas, todas las horas tienen 60 minutos y cada minuto tiene 60 segundos, por lo tanto, no hay forma de alargarlo, técnicamente hablando. “El manejo del tiempo es la administración de sí mismo. Al administrarme a mí mismo, logro definir qué debo hacer, qué hago primero, qué haré segundo y qué haré último”, Lo que sucede es que muchas veces no sabemos diferenciar entre lo que es vital, importante y urgente, por que no hemos establecido un plan que nos lleve a realizar nuestro propósito, nuestra visión y nuestro destino. El líder se centra en hacer primero lo VITAL para su vida, realizar aquellas actividades que le dan sentido al SER, que le ayudan a trascender. En este orden de ideas, las clasificamos de la siguiente manera 1. Vital: las que hay que hacer ya, y las tiene que hacer usted. que son importantes en ese momento.

2.

Importante: las que contribuyen a realizar la misión personal.

3.

Urgente: pueden ser vitales e importantes pero en ocasiones no lo son.

Debemos comenzar definiendo que es la utilización del tiempo efectivo, Es el proceso donde usted establece prioridades con el propósito de lograr varios objetivos en un espacio de tiempo. Muchas veces desperdiciamos el tiempo por que no reconocemos el valor del tiempo. La gran mayoría de los gerentes, y profesionales, nunca planifican sus actividades, porque no tienen tiempo y nunca lo van a tener porque no planifican, entonces pasarán el resto de sus vidas debatiéndose en ese

círculo vicioso tan perjudicial para la empresa como para ellos mismos.

No tienen prioridades establecidas lo cual los lleva a posponer y a ofrecer excusas por la cual no logran los objetivos. Es bien importante que sepa que la excusa satisface solamente el que las da y debilita el carácter del que las acepta. Le recomiendo que planifique su semana con anticipación, establezca un calendario, una lista de sus prioridades y tenga la actitud de cumplir con sus compromisos, estableciendo un orden donde se enfoque en alcanzar lo que es vital. Sus reuniones, su trabajo, su familia, su balance personal.

Aprenda a decir “NO” en una forma elegante porque muchas personas necesitaran de su tiempo y energía para alcanzar sus metas y los van a desviar de sus prioridades. Establezca un plan, planificar es la capacidad de anticipar el futuro de hacer un plan para alcanzar sus metas y anticipar los posibles obstáculos. Desarrolle un plan para definir lo que desea realizar, ¿Para cuándo lo quiere alcanzar?, ¿Qué impide realizarlo? ¿Qué esta dispuesto hacer para conquistar su meta?

Una meta es conseguir un logro específico que usted desea alcanzar dentro de un tiempo determinado.

Esa meta debe contener el resultado que usted quiere alcanzar, la fecha, la hora el límite para hacerlo y cuál es la inversión que hay que hacer para realizarla. Cuando las personas me preguntan: ¿Cómo puedo establecer una meta?, Le contesto que visualice que desea realizar. ¿Por qué lo quiere alcanzar?, ¿Quien ha logrado esa meta?, ¿Por dónde debe comenzar y como va a realizarla? Las personas que establecen metas le dan dirección a su vida, amplían su visión, establecen un propósito, fortalecen sus valores, enriquecen su carácter y conquistan su destino. Asocie felicidad por sus metas, trabaje todos los días para realizarla,

LA GRAN MAYORÍA DE LOS GERENTES, Y PROFESIONALES, NUNCA PLANIFICAN SUS ACTIVIDADES, PORQUE NO TIENEN TIEMPO Y NUNCA LO VAN A TENER PORQUE NO PLANIFICAN, ENTONCES PASARÁN EL RESTO DE SUS VIDAS DEBATIÉNDOSE EN ESE CÍRCULO VICIOSO TAN PERJUDICIAL PARA LA EMPRESA COMO PARA ELLOS MISMOS

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By: Dr. J.R. Román

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LAS PERSONAS QUE ESTABLECEN METAS LE DAN DIRECCIÓN A SU VIDA, AMPLÍAN SU VISIÓN, ESTABLECEN UN PROPÓSITO, FORTALECEN SUS VALORES, ENRIQUECEN SU CARÁCTER Y CONQUISTAN SU DESTINO

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visualice el proceso para alcanzarla y no se rinda. Esto le fortalecerá su sentido de confianza, aumentara su productividad, modelara su integridad y honestidad, se convertirá en un ejemplo para otros y se sentirá orgulloso de los logros que ha alcanzado. El precio del éxito se paga por adelantado y al contado y se paga trabajando. Su éxito esta garantizado usted es la única persona que puede impedirlo, tenemos dos opciones o conquistamos nuestros sueños o esperamos que otros establezcan nuestros destino. Asuma responsabilidad, sea creativo innovador, enfoquese

en las soluciones y sea específico en lo que quiere lograr. El tiempo es oro “es una verdad más que nunca dentro del acelerado ritmo actual.

Lo cierto es que en todas las épocas y en todos los lugares los hombres han dispuesto de 24 horas por día.

Cómo utilicen esas 24 horas determinará el éxito o el fracaso en el logro de los objetivos. No se trata de trabajar más sino de trabajar más inteligentemente. Las correctas decisiones sobre lo que debe hacerse evitan la pérdida de valiosos recursos. Organícese y triunfará.

El Dr. J.R. Román, es conferenciante Internacional, es autor varios libros entre ellos: Motivando a Nuestra Gente, Somos la Fuerza del Cambio, Los Retos del Líder en el Siglo XX1 y otros. Ha sido contratado por más de mil compañías en los Estados Unidos, Puerto Rico, México, República Dominicana, Brasil, Argentina, Colombia y Chile por mencionar algunos,

para capacitar a más de un millón de personas en temas tan definitivos como aumento de su productividad, mejorar en sus relaciones interpersonales y mejorar su calidad de vida.

Para más información: www.motivando.com • 1-800-393-9038 • jrroman1272@yahoo. com

Organízate para

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BLACK AND LATINO YMCA YOUTH ACHIEVERS Latino New York is proud to recognize and honor this year’s youth achievers for their outstanding accomplishments and academic success.

Latino New York se enorgullece en reconocer y honrar a los triunfadores del Programa de éste año, por sus exceletes logros y exitos académicos.

ASHLEY KIPPINS

Shaker High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

FATIMA ELABASS

Schenectady High School - Grade 12 Schenectady YMCA

AKEME SOUTH

Albany High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

ARIANNA GADDY-COLLINGTON

KOLBY TURNER

Troy High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

ANDREW BROWN

Guilderland High School - Grade 11 Guilderland YMCA

FAREEZA ISLAM

Catholic Central High School - Grade 11 Schenectady High School - Grade 11 Schenectady YMCA Albany YMCA

MATT SCHLENKER

Mohonassen High School - Grade 11 Schenectay YMCA

ALYSHA N. DIXON

Guilderland High School - Grade 12 Guilderland YMCA

BRANDON NEDD

Colonie High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

LUZ RIOS

Shenendehowa High School - Grade 12 Southern Saratoga YMCA

HUSAM OSMAN

Albany High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

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MATTHEW D. IRIZARRY

Rensselaer High School - Grade 11 Greenbush Area YMCA

NATHAN KIPNISS

MAYA CARRASQUILLO

Schenectady High School - Grade 11 Schenectady YMCA

Albany High School - Grade 11 Albany YMCA

WINSTON TROTMAN, Jr

XAVIER WHITE

Albany High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

Watervliet High School - Grade 11 Albany YMCA

ANDRE LIND

La Salle Insititute - Grade 11 Troy Family YMCA

LATINO NEW YORK

NIKKI A. GONZALEZ

Catholic Central High School - Grade 12 Troy Family YMCA

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STEPHANIE BERROA

Schenectady High School - Grade 11 Schenectady YMCA

NAZINGA ENID THOMAS

ALEX WAMUKENDI

TROY TURNER

Colonie High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

MYLES DEPASS

Guilderland High School - Grade 11 Guilderland YMCA

Catholic Central High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

Schenectady High School - Grade 12 Schenectady YMCA

JUNE 2009

MONEE BURT

Albany High School - Grade 11 Albany YMCA

DEVON POWELL

Troy High School - Grade 11 Troy Family YMCA

ANGELENA ROUSE McCARTHY Albany High School - Grade 12 Albany YMCA

ALYSSA VENTRANO

Shenendehowa High School - Grade 12 Southern Saratoga YMCA

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BLACK AND LATINO YMCA ADULT ACHIEVERS

Latino New York congratulates this year’s YMCA Black and Latino Adult Achievers for their commitment and leadership in our community.

Latino New York felicita a los Triunfadores Adultos del Programa YMCA Black and Latino, por su entrega y liderazgo en nuestra comunidad.

MANNY SANTOS

Multimedia Specialist, Freedom Communications CEO, Gonzalez Technology Solutions, Inc.

ROBERT H. HORD President/CEO R Harrison LLC

WANDA WILLINGHAM Albany County Third Legislative District

SANDY SHARP

Facilities Specialist GE Power and Water

MARIA K. NEAL

Mildred Elley & Austin’s School of Spa Technology Director of Marketing and Communications

SARAH ELLEN DUBREUIL

Capital Region BOCES, Albany NY Substitute Teacher

ROBERT D. ROGERS, Jr. Financial Advisor Merrill Lynch

DAIWAN PERRY

Brick’s Barber Salon

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JANET COLON SAPIO-MAYTA President Capital District 100 Hispanic Women

DERYL McCRAY Brick’s Barber Salon

JENNIFER SANTIAGO

Information Technology Specialist III NYS Dept. of Public Service

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FELIX XAVIER PEREZ

JASON A. ELLIS

Into WebDesigns

JOHN T. HARRIS, MSW

Assistant Director of Admissions Siena College

Director of Development The Salvation Army Albany Area Services

FRANCES & PETER GONZALEZ

President, BCDI-Albany, NY

ANTONIUS “TONY” D. RIVERA, MBA

Brick’s Barber Salon

JOHN A. TAYLOR Jr.

Principal Green Tech High Charter School

JUNE 2009

FELICIA C. FLOWERS Parent Volunteer

CORY JONES

Client Manager Rose & Kiernan Insurance

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HISTORY PROJECT OF THE CAPITAL REGION, INC. P.O. Box 10851, Albany NY 12201 (518) 432-4432 www.ugrworkshop.com Contact: Mary Liz Stewart <info@ugrworkshop.com>

CELEBRATE A 19TH CENTURY ABOLITIONIST FOURTH OF JULY Underground Railroad History Project to sponsor Independence Day event The Fourth of July is a traditionally joyous celebration of independence, of the founding of a nation in which “all men are created equal.” Yet until the Civil War, in this country a portion of men and women were enslaved. Join the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region on Saturday, July 4th from 11am to 1 pm, to explore the historic tension between America’s promise and reality.

A.J. Williams Myers, Ph.D., professor of African-American Studies at SUNY New Paltz, will be on hand to discuss the question raised by renowned abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass: “What, to a slave, is the Fourth of July?” Dr. Myers has published extensively on African-American history, including three books specific to New York and the Hudson Valley, and the upcoming publication In Their Own Words: Voices from the Middle Passage. His presentation will consider the Fourth in historic and contemporary perspectives. What is liberty? How has it manifested itself throughout American history? What is its relationship to us today as advocates of democracy and citizens in a global society?

The celebration will be on the grounds of the Stephen & Harriet Myers residence, 194 Livingston Ave., Albany, between Lark & Swan. The residence of leading local African-American abolitionists is currently undergoing restoration. Light refreshments will be served, but no facilities or seating will be available. Participants are invited to bring their own lawn chairs.

The event is sponsored by the Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region, Inc. (URHPCR), with partial funding from the New York Council for the Humanities. For more information, see <www.ugrworkshop.com> or contact URHPCR at (518) 432-4432 or at <info@ugrworkshop.com>.

As we celebrate the first 4th of July in this new era of governance guided by the leadership of an African American president, it is a good time to reflect on the journey that has included enslavement, freedom, and the continuing struggle for liberty and justice for all.

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Dulce Melodía Melodía dulce de la vida que como un ángel vuela silenciosa, se mezcla con dulzura en la calma de los días.

Lo invade todo de notas, risa, amor y alegría.

Envuelve la noche en destellos de armonía, susurra en silencio, atrapa la luna y abraza con amor las estrellas una a una.

Melodía de la vida... concierto de paz y sinfonía, lo irradia todo para mezclarse con tonos tiernos de luz y poesía.

Melodía de la vida... esencia sublime que ilumina de grandeza, las tonadas de todo aquello que llevo tan dentro y forma ya, parte de mis días

Maria del Pilar Casas Luque Poeta Colombiana Colombian Poet

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Sweet Melody

Sweet melody of life that like an angel flies silently, blends itself with sweetness in the calmness of the days.

Invades everything with notes, laughter, love and joy.

Envelopes the night in flashes of harmony, whispers in silence, traps the moon and embraces with love the stars one by one.

Melody of life… concert of peace and symphony, radiates all to blend with tender tones of light and poetry.

Melody of life… sublime essence that illuminates with greatness the tonalities of all that I carry so deep inside and now forms part of my days.

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SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT NEWS Assemblyman Greg Ball announced a crackdown on loitering. Latino Justice PRLDEF announced it would file a lawsuit if the crackdown occurs.

• While there were many important stories in April, the one that took precedence over all others was the mass murder at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, which was founded 70 years ago. Jiverly Wong, a 42-year old Vietnamese immigrant, stormed the building where he had taken classes and killed 13 people before turning the gun on himself. Among the dead was Brazilian Almir O. Alves. In the subsequent days, as the Association would undergo repairs, it was learned that Wong sent a rambling letter to News 10 Now, the Time Warner Cable News station for Central New York and the Southern Tier, blaming police of harassment, and saying that he would take revenge by taking “at least two people with me go to return to the dust of earth.” He concluded the letter with “(A)nd you have a nice day.” ACA Director Andrew Baranoski vowed that it was a question when, not if, the Association would reopen, and it was announced that the ACA would reopen in early May at the first Congregational Church. Wong parents left their home, possibly to move to Florida, and the worker at the gun store that Wong patronized who spoke with the media about Wong was fired.

• Police chiefs in Fitchburg, Somerville, Chelsea, Framingham and Milford announced their support of drivers licenses for undocumented immigrants.

• The Lawrence, MA school district found itself in chaos, following charges that Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy authorized background checks of 400 people, including celebrities, pro athletes and politicians on school department computers. School employees also alleged that staff maintained an atmosphere of intimidation. Laboy announced that he would retire next year, a year before his current contract expires.

• The news did not stop from the Wyatt Detention facility in Central Falls, RI. A lawyer who representing the family of a Chinese national who died there last year accused the jail and ICE refusing to turn over a crucial piece of evidence in the wrongful-death lawsuit. The governing board then fired the facility’s executive director, saying he and the management had placed the facility in a perilous financial situation. Central Falls Police Chief Joseph P. Moran III, was named the interim director of administration.

And the Rhode Island branch of the ACLU asked the state’s congressional delegation not to lobby ICE to return immigrant detainees to the center.

• Massachusetts state Rep. Pam Richardson, D-Framingham announced the day after calling on the State Democratic Party to allow undocumented immigrants to vote, backed off the following day after intense public pressure.

Meanwhile, a federal judge told Immigration and Customs Enforcement that it would not reject a lawsuit challenging its roundup of the Danbury 11 day laborers, who were taken into in September 2006.

• Assemblyman Greg Ball said Hispanic day laborers who gather in groups in downtown Mahopac seeking work may soon be told to move along.

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• Southern Tier congressman Eric Massa called for closing the U.S. border with Mexico after the swine flu became news, all 1,969 miles of it.

• Another Congressman, Tom Tancredo, was prevented to speaking to an unregistered students organization at Providence College, but later addressed Rhode Islanders for Immigration Law Enforcement in Pawtucket.

• A disturbing bit of health care news came when the Connecticut health care officials began pursuing disciplinary measures against Dr. Efraim GomezZapata, whose botched plastic surgery jobs resulted in significant and lifethreatening problems for his patients.

• Spanish language teacher Edna Marilyn Vernon-Buffa filed a lawsuit against her former employer, the Clarkstown School district. She claimed she was unjustly fired from her job.

• A New Haven-based court case in could have major implications on municipal hiring. The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over the fact that the city did not certify the results of a 2005 promotion exam for lieutenant and captain for its fire department. The reasoning was that no black firefighter scored high enough, and that the feared it would be sued for discrimination. Nineteen white and one Hispanic firefighter sued.

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• A possible suit by Latino Justice PRLDEF may come to pass if the supervisor of Mahopac, Putnam County, authorizes police to arrest Latino day laborers on the sidewalks.

• Brazilian businessman Pablo Maia announced the Pro-Citizenship Committee, established in part to elect representative to Brazil’s legislature that would represent the interests of expatriates, was breaking up.

• Manchester Latin American Center founder Eileen Leaman Phinney of Goffstown died on April 11. A native of Uruguay, Phinney was 76.

• In a speech at Yale University, former Peruvian first lady Eliane Karp-Toledo blasted the university, for not returning artifacts from Machu Picchu.

• The police force in the city of Salem, Massachusetts welcomed Deni Gaito, Roberson Troncoso and Rafael Gonzalez to the 84-member force, thereby doubling the number of Latino police officers in the city.

• In Somerville, meanwhile, that city’s police department changed the way it classifies gang members after an office falsely accused six Latino teens of being gangmembers.

• Two Latino organizations separated by some seven miles announced their merger. Cilcilio Hispano of Cambridge announced it would join forces with Centro Latino of Chelsea. The new organization will be known as Centro Latino, Inc. • Another organization changed its name. ALANA (African Latino Asian Native American), based in Brattleboro, Vermont, changed its name to the Vermont Partnership for Fairness and Diversity, in part of avoid confusion about its mission and to demonstrate that it is not affiliated with the ALANA student group at the University of Vermont.

• Efforts to build a federally funded sixunit apartment complex for farm workers and harvesters in Milbridge, Maine have run into neighborhood opposition have run into opposition from neighbors, who have expressed concerns about traffic, jobs not going to local residents, and drugs. Anais Tomezsko, the Executive Director of the Mano en Mano Center, thinks xenophobia may play a role.

It’s hard to argue with Tomezsko when

one of the residents said, “We’re definitely not set up to bring in low-income Hondurans.”

• A new study said Latinos would constitute 10% of Maine’s population by 2050 if current trends continue.

• In Rockland County, five teens were arrested for the beating of a Latino teen. They were alleged to have shouted “White power!” during the attack.

• In an attack that wasn’t, Framingham District Court Judge Douglas Stoddart said Rev. Joseph Pranzo would not be charged with assault and battery.

The charge was filed by Joe Rizoli, of Concerned Citizens and Friends of Illegal Immigration Law Enforcement.

He said Pranzo attacked him at a forum on gangs at St. Tarcisius Church in December of last year. Rizoli’s brother Jim then called Pranzo a liar and promised protests against him.

• Ana Paula Almeida, the Brazilian priest who was accused of molesting a young parishioner in Milford, was released from federal custody, but her problems remained, with a hearing set to begin on whether she is an undocumented immigrant. She was then ordered to leave the United States by June 22.

• The owner of a Dunkin’ Donuts store in Pawtucket, Rhode Island apologized to an employee after previously telling her not to speak Spanish on the job.

• Two Latino organizations separated by some seven miles announced their merger. Cilcilio Hispano of Cambridge announced it would join forces with Centro Latino of Chelsea. The new organization will be known as Centro Latino, Inc. • One of Rochester’s community leaders, Julio Vasquez, announced that he would retire from his job in city government.

• Meanwhile, Jackie Ortiz announced that she would run for City Council in Rochester; Mary Olivera announced her endorsement by the Newburgh Democratic Committee for a Town Council run; and the race for the Second District in the Yonkers City became quite crowded with Latinos, with Carlos Orellana, Wilson Terrero, Jose Roman and Virginia Perez all competing for the Democratic nomination. Blanca Lopez was running for a seat on the Port Chester school board.

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stress the word “Friendship” in order to avoid the “Fatal Attraction” syndrome with this woman like in the movies except this will be real life.

School is finally out for the summer, a phrase many parents hear and often dread when they think of the hours of idle time that can be spent by their children during the summer vacation. Keeping our children involved in sports, dance and other positive activities can help them stay focused, happy and healthy during these months ahead and the beautiful days of summer we all look forward to.

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El colegio finalmente termina por verano, es un frase que muchos padres oyen y usualmente temen cuando piensan en las horas de tiempo libre que van a tener sus hijos durante las vacaciones de verano.

Mantengamos nuestros hijos involucrados en deportes, danza y otras actividades positivas que los ayuda a estar enfocados, alegres y sanos durantes estos meses que vienen y durante los hermosos días de verano que estamos esperando.

CANCER - THE CRAB June 21st to July 22nd Stone: Pearl, Opal Element: Water Ruler: Moon Cancer is the fourth sign of the zodiac. Cancer people are very protective of those they love and also of themselves. They have the tendency to retreat or withdraw when especially when they are hurt. Cancers can be moody at times and don’t welcome change very well. They want to feel secure and safe in everything they do and can hold on to things and people for a very long time. Cancer people don’t like confrontations or confrontational people, and always try to avoid those situations. They are sensitive people who are caring, dependable and emotional.

Some Famous Cancers: Carlos Santana, Jimmy Smits, Rick Gonzalez, Michelle Rodriguez

Dear Lisa: I recently befriended a woman who was in an abusive relationship. She finally left her partner which was a good thing, but now there’s another problem. And the problem is her. I began noticing some jealous behavior when I would discuss other women, and now she’s stopping by my home unannounced. Recently I told her a female cousin of mine whom I hadn’t seen in awhile was coming by to visit me, so I would be busy. When she called me I told her I would have to call her back because I’m spending time with my cousin. When I didn’t call her right back she began calling me every 20 minutes for two hours straight. My cousin and I couldn’t believe it. I’m not the type of person to hurt anyone’s feeling, and I’ve told her I care about her but only as a friend and that’s as far as it will ever go. How can I get this message through to her in a nice way? Help!

William – Bronx, New York Dear William: I can see you are an honest and caring person who wants to help others. But from what you’ve told me, your friend has a lot of self esteem issues along with the impatient and addictive behavior she demonstrated when she called you consistently.

She needs professional help due to her past issues and also the present issues she’s dealing with now. After you told her your cousin was there and she still called you every 20 minutes for two hours straight confirms she has mental issues and doesn’t respect boundaries. I know you don’t want to hurt her feelings but you are going to have to put your foot down and let her know her that her behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated and if it continues you will have to end the friendship. And I would

If you want advise from Lisa, please email your letters to jgeorge@latinonewyorkmagazine.com

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Querida Lisa: Recientemente me hice amigo de una mujer que estuvo en una relación donde fue abusada.

Finalmente dejó a su pareja lo que fue algo bueno, pero ahora existe otro problema. Y el problema es ella. Empecé a darme cuenta de actitudes celosas suyas cuando quiero hablar de otras mujeres, y ahora llega a mi casa sin anunciarse. Recientemente le dije que una prima mía, a quien no veía hace algún tiempo, iba a venir a visitarme, así que estaría ocupado.

Cuando me llamó, le dije que le devolvería la llamada, porque estaba con mi prima. Cuando no la llamé inmediatamente, me empezó a llamar cada 20 minutos por dos horas seguidas.

Mi prima y yo no podíamos creerlo. No soy el tipo de persona que hiere los sentimientos de los demás, y le he dicho que ella me interesa como amiga solamente y eso es lo más lejos que esto puede llegar a ser. Cómo puedo hacerle saber esto es una buena forma? Ayuda!

William – Bronx, New York Querida Priscilla: Puedo ver que eres una persona honesta y caritativa que quiere ayudar a los demás. Pero por lo que me cuentas, tu amiga tiene una cantidad de problemas de auto estima junto con una conducta impaciente y adictiva, que ella demostró cuando te llamó constantemente. Ella necesita ayuda profesional debido a sus anteriores problemas y también a los actuales con los que viviendo actualmente. Después que le dijiste que tu prima estaba allí y que ella te llamó cada 20 minutos durante dos horas seguidas, confirma que ella tiene problemas de índole mental y no respeta límites. Sé que no quieres herir sus sentimientos pero tienes que ponerte serio y hacerle saber que su actitud no es aceptable y no será tolerada, y que si continúa, tu vas a tener que terminar esa amistad. Y yo enfatizaría en la palabra “Amistad” para evitar el síndrome de “Atracción Fatal” con esta mujer, así como en las películas, excepto que esto sería en la vida real.

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