Hispanic Heritage Issue

George Michell, Lupe Rodriguez & Robert Garcia

Celebrating Our Best and Brightest

By Maria Neira LATINO NEW YORK

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Hispanic Americans Achieve in Food Service

Physical Fitness Taking Care of Your Brain Not Just Your Body

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As the nation celebrates its Hispanic Heritage this month, Latino Publishing & Communications celebrates the 4th anniversary of the birth of Latino New York Magazine.

During this period, the publication has grown and evolved to a level Sandra Camacho and I did not envision five years ago. It took all we had and more to move forward in spite of all the fear and obstacles.

In the process, we paid the price and learned that achievement is not possible without failures and sacrifices.

We could not have done it without a group of committed people including Carlos Davis Serrano, Sandra Camacho, Victor Grant, my wife Luisa and my children Nefsi and Juan Luis. And financial support from individuals such as Ken Desmond, Pamela De Jesus, Lise Bradley and Jose and Roberta George.

Organizations such as: NYSUT, 100 Hispanic Women, Jan-pro, CAP-COM, Key Bank, Mildred Elley, College of St. Rose, Hannaford Stores, Mr. Pio Pio, Frank and Giovanni Store, Lazare Kia, The National Kidney Foundation of the Northeast, The Alzheimer’s Association, Fort Orange Press, The Desmond Hotel, Centro Civico

Hispano Americano, Centro Civico Of Amsterdam, the South American Spanish Association and the New York Press -- among others that have been instrumental in our success.

Others who joined us on our journey are: Lisa Cortes, Lynnette RodriguezStec, Maria Vidal, Colwyn Allen, Michael Fondacaro, Dianna Rios, Ingrid Bermudez, Jose Cruz, Richard O’Riley, Miguel Diaz and David Kalish.

We owe particular thanks to Catalina Arango for her talent and patience and Felix Perez for his unconditional support.

In our cover story this issue, we are pleased to recognize three Latinos who have succeeded in the restaurant business. We are also introducing a new column “Opinions” – recommended to us by readers seeking to express their positions on issues voiced in our magazine or affecting the community.

We also pay our respects and offer condolences to the families and friends of Robert Rivera and Charles LaCourt. Both men departed prematurely in the month of September but left behind a legacy of commitment and involvement in our community.

I hope you enjoy this issue and remember to celebrate our heritage not only during this month’s national celebration but throughout the year. Our mission has been and will continue to be to educate, inform and entertain without fear and with dignity.

Sincerely, Juan J. George Publisher

Queridos Lectores:

En este mes en que la nación celebra el mes de la Herencia HispanoLatina, Publishing & Communications celebra el cuarto aniversario del nacimiento de la revista Latino New York. En mi opinión, durante este periodo hemos crecido y nos hemos desarrollado a un punto que ni Sandra Camacho ni yo hubiéramos esperado cinco años atrás cuando comenzamos. Este crecimiento a tenido su precio ya que el éxito no se logra sin sacrificios y sin errores.

No podíamos haberlo hecho sin la ayuda de gente comprometida como Carlos Davis Serrano, Sandra Camacho, Víctor Grant, mi esposa Luisa y mis hijos Nefsi y Juan Luis. Y sin el aporte financiero de personas como Ken Desmond, Pamela De Jesús, Lise Bradley y José y Roberta George.

Organizaciones tales como: NYSUT, 100 Hispanic Women, Jan-pro, CAP-COM, Key Bank, Mildred Elley, College of St. Rose, Hannaford Stores, Mr. Pio Pio, Frank y Giovanni store, Lazare Kia, The National Kidney Foundation of The Northeast, The Alzheimer’s Association, Fort Orange Press, The Desmond Hotel, Centro Cívico Americano, Centro Cívico de Amsterdam, The South American Spanish Association, The Capital Region Parade Association, The YMCA, The Schenectady Hispanic Heritage Celebration Committee, The Albany Latin Festival y el New York Press entre otros.

En esta edición nos place reconocer como portada a tres latinos, los cuales han logrado éxito en el negocio de los restaurantes. Estamos también presentando nuestra nueva columna: “Opiniones”. Esta fue la recomendación de un grupo de lectores los cuales expresaron el deseo de tener la oportunidad de exponer sus ideas y opiniones en las páginas de la revista acerca de cosas que leen en esta y acerca de cosas que afecten a la comunidad en general.

En estas edición también ofrecemos nuestro más sentido pésame a amigos y familiares de dos pilares de nuestra comunidad: Robert Rivera y Charles LaCourt. Estos fallecieron en el mes de septiembre. Aunque murieron prematuramente, nos dejaron un legado de compromiso y pasión por ayudar nuestra comunidad a como diera lugar. Que Dios los tenga en su gloria.

Espero que les guste esta edición y que continúen celebrando nuestra herencia aun después de que finalice la celebración nacional. Quiero recordarles que nuestra misión a sido y seguirá siendo la de educar, informar y entretener a nuestros lectores sin miedo y con dignidad.

Sinceramente,

Juan J. George Editor

Otros que se unieron a nosotros a través de la jornada se encuentran Lisa Cortes, Lynnette RodriguezStec, María Vidal, Colwyn Allen, Michael Fondacaro, Dianna Ríos, Ingrid Bermúdez, José Cruz, Richard O’Riley, Miguel Díaz y David Kalish.

Quiero darle las gracias en particular a Catalina Arango, por su talento y paciencia y a Félix Pérez, por su apoyo incondicional.

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Dancer photo courtesy of Lance Cpl. Jakob Schulz

Dear readers:

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EN ESTA EDICION 6

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH, A TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST •MARÍA NEIRA FELICITACIONES A LOS MEJORES

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COVER: GEORGE MICHELL, ROBERT GARCÍA & LUPE RODRÍGUEZ, Hispanic Americans Achieve in Food Service

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ASK LISA

PHYSICAL FITNESS: TAKING CARE OF YOUR BRAIN NOT JUST YOUR BODY • INGRID BERMUDEZ M.D. Hacer Ejercicio: Cuidando Su Cerebro, No Solo Su Cuerpo

• LISA CORTÉS Pregúntale a Lisa

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SOCIAL EVENTS. STATE FARM CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL AMSTERDAM

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Readers’ OPINIONS Opiniones de los lectores.

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SOCIAL EVENTS. ALBANY LATIN FESTIVAL

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Bienvenida a Jr. Ben Carmona Auto Glass Expert

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HOMENAJES POSTUMOS

Dancers photo courtesy of Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy

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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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Hispanic Heritage Month

A TIME TO CELEBRATE OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

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ur community’s nononsense approach to parenting, rooted in a strong sense of family and an abiding respect for cultural traditions, play a big role in helping our children succeed, according to a recent study in the Journal of Developmental Psychology.

No doubt, we can all remember the lessons instilled in us by our padres, abuelos and other family members. The importance of these values really hit home for me over the summer when I received a 2010 YMCA Black & Latino Achievers award, which salutes men, women and youth of color making a positive difference in the Capital Region.

My parents have been tremendous influencers in my life. The values they passed along helped set my moral compass — a guide that continues to influence the work I do, and the choices I make, even today. In large part, I am the woman I am thanks to their loving support.

The 30 recipients of the 2010 Black & Latino Youth Achiever awards further underscore the importance of family. Adolescence can be a tremendously challenging time, yet these young men and women have managed to not simply achieve, but succeed. No doubt, each have benefited from the positive influence of role models in their lives, whether within their families or their communities.

Nurturing and mentoring our youth is a responsibility we must all share.

The surest path to success comes from having a solid educational foundation — whether a student’s talents lie in the arts, academia or sports. And there’s no better time than now — Hispanic Heritage Month — to recognize and reward excellence, to step up as a mentor and to commit to stay involved in your child’s educational career, now and in years to come.

Hats off to all the 2010 Black & Latino Achiever honorees — and congratulations to the 30 youth in particular. I’m pleased their commitment and drive have been acknowledged. We have a wealth of talent in our youth. It’s up to all of us, working together, to nurture it. Let’s ensure that every child has the benefit of positive mentoring, support and ongoing encouragement.

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l enfoque sensato de nuestra comunidad otorga a la crianza, tiene sus raíces en un fuerte sentido de familia y un respeto permanente por las tradiciones culturales, desempeñando un papel importante en ayudar a nuestros niños a tener éxito, según un estudio reciente en el Journal of Deve-t lopmental Psychology.

Sin duda, todos podemos recordar las lecciones inculcadas en nosotros por nuestros padres, abuelos y otros familiares. La importancia de estos valores realmente salió a relucir en este verano, cuando recibí un premio por parte del YMCA 2010 Black and Latino Achievers, que reconoce a hombres, mujeres y jóvenes de color por marcar una diferencia positiva en la Región Capital.

Mis padres han ejercido una influencia tremenda en mi vida.

Los valores que me dieron me han ayudado como una brújula moral - una guía que sigue hoy en día influyendo en el trabajo y las elecciones que hago. En gran parte, yo soy la mujer que soy gracias a su cariñoso apoyo.

Los 30 galardonados con Black and Latino Achievers para Jóvenes, destaca aún más la importancia de la familia. La adolescencia puede ser un momento tremendamente difícil, sin embargo, estos hombres y mujeres jóvenes han logrado triunfar, y ser exitosos. Sin duda, cada uno se ha beneficiado de la influencia positiva de los modelos de vida

que han tenido, tanto en sus familias como en sus comunidades. Fomentar y orientar a nuestros jóvenes es una responsabilidad que todos compartimos.

El camino más seguro hacia el éxito proviene de tener una base educativa sólida – ya sea que el talento del estudiante se encuentre en las artes, la academia o el deporte. Y no hay mejor momento que ahora - Mes de la Hispanidad - para reconocer y premiar la excelencia, ser un mentor y seguir participando en la educación de su hijo, ahora y en los próximos años.

Me quito el sombrero ante todos los homenajeados - y felicitaciones a los 30 jóvenes, en particular. Me alegro que su compromiso y deseo hayan sido reconocidos.

Tenemos una gran cantidad de talento en nuestra juventud. Depende de todos nosotros, trabajando juntos, el nutrirlo. Aseguremos que todo niño tenga el beneficio de una influencia positiva, apoyo y aliento permanente.

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En el Mes de la Hispanidad

FELICITACIONES A LOS MEJORES

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

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Physical Fitness Taking Care of Your Brain Not Just Your Body By: Ingrid Bermudez M.D.

cholesterol, and decreases Triglycerides. Helps decrease the incidence of Osteoporosis and helps prevent different types of cancer, breast cancer among them.

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Let me go over the benefits in more detail

any of us are under the impression that the main purpose of exercise is to lose weight and tone muscles. But what about all the amazing benefits that fewer people talk about?

1-LOSE WEIGHT/TONE YOUR MUSCLES. This is the one everybody knows. The body starts sagging with age and there’s no more satisfying feeling that seeing yourself in decent shape, no matter how old. In my gym, I have classmates in their late 60’s or 70’s who have better tone and shape than a lot of people I know in their 30’s.

Photo courtesy of Adria.Richards . Couple photo courtesy of UW Tucson > istock photos

Exercise, studies show, helps boost your energy level bringing with it a host of other positive effects. It can help sharpen your thinking, lift depression, mitigate chronic conditions, increase self esteem, improve sexual life, enhance learning and, best of all, , leave you with a feeling of euphoria that makes you want more.

2-HELP REDUCE STRESS: exercising vigorously at least 3 times a week can help you to manage your stress better. The reason, it seems, is that better flow to your brain cells helps you to think more clearly and stop ruminating with negative thoughts..

Doesn’t it sound great? I started routinely exercising in 2006 and so can personally tell you about the benefits. I go to a local gym, Healthplex, and I think going local is a big advantage. You don’t want to drive too far or you will get lazy. But if it’s a beautiful day outside, I just put on my sneakers and go for a fast walk or a walk-run. It does not matter which -- the goal is to exercise.

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3-HELP COMBAT CHRONIC DISEASES: as you may already know, exercise improves blood pressure, decreases blood sugar to fight diabetes, increases your HDL, the so-called good

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4-IMPROVE YOUR MOOD, LIFTING DEPRESSION Studies suggest that routine exercise, at least 3 times/ week, is as effective as medications for depression. Exercise helps to repair certain brain cells that can be damaged during depression, and also boosts connections between brain cells.

People can also feel euphoric after exercise -- happy and excited about life. That is why some people feel like exercising every day. The euphoria feeling resembles the euphoria cause by some drugs. Exercise can be addictive -- the best addiction you can have.

5-CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS decreases degenerative changes in the brain that usually occur with age, concluded a study conducted in 2003 by Dr. Art Kramer.

During and after exercise, blood flow increases though your body – including through your brain. It also increases the level of growth hormone that helps to make new brain cells and new connections, speeding up the learning process and slowing down aging and consequences of it such as dementia..

According with studies done in Europe, kids scored better at school after a vigorous exercise routine compared with the ones that have a more ordinary routine. The ones that didn’t exercise scored the worst.

6-HELP WITH SEXUAL LIFE. The benefits stem from more than merely improved self esteem.

Women who exercise improve their arousal; physically active men experience less erectile dysfunction. People who exercise are more energetic, less tired and in better condition to sustain a sexual encounter. And as I said before, exercise leaves you with the feeling of euphoria -- which also boosts your sexual desire.

7-AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST: EXERCISE IMPROVES SLEEP PATTERNS It’s easier to fall asleep, and your sleep deepens. But be careful -if you exercise too late at night, you may be too energized to fall asleep, so exercise at least 2 hours before going to bed.

Make exercise fun.

Exercise every opportunity you have. If you don’t have a partner to help you get in the habit, find a place close to you with personal trainers.

They may help you to start a routine and fall in love with exercise. You can run, walk, jump, dance, laugh … at home, at the gym, at the mall, at the street…

Just exercise.

Ingrid Bermudez MD is a full-time family practitioner and owner of Family Medicine of Mechanicville. 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 whole patient – physically and emotionally.

For appointments: 518-664-4185. www.drbfamilymedicine.com Versión en Español Pag. 10

Cuidando Su Cerebro, No Solo Su Cuerpo

Hacer Ejercicio: M

uchos de nosotros estamos bajo la impresión que el ejercicio es solo para perder peso y tonificar los músculos. Pero, y qué hay de los beneficios que muy poca gente sabe?

Los estudios muestran que el ejercicio ayuda a incrementar sus niveles de energía trayendo consigo efectos muy positivos.

Puede ayudarle a mejorar su forma de pensar, mejora la depresión, mitiga las enfermedades crónicas, mejora su auto-estima, su vida sexual, su aprendizaje y lo mejor de todo , le deja una sensación de euforia que hace que ud. quiera mas.

No le parece maravilloso?

Yo comencé a hacer ejercicio regularmente en el 2006, así que le puedo hablar de estos beneficios. Yo voy a un gimnasio local llamado Healthplex, y pienso que ir a un lugar cercano es clave. Ud. no quiere manejar muy lejos o le va a dar pereza ir. Pero también, si hay un hermoso día como los que tenemos ahora, tan solo me pongo mis tenis de correr y me voy a caminar muy rápido o también corro-camino-corro. No importa lo que haga, la meta es hacer ejercicio.

Beneficios en más Detalle

3-AYUDA A COMBATIR LAS ENFERMEDADES CRÓNICAS Como ud. ya debe saber, el ejercicio mejora su presión arterial, baja los niveles de azúcar en la sangre combatiendo la diabetes.

4-MEJORA SU HUMOR, AYUDANDO CON LA DEPRESIÓN muchos estudios sugieren que una rutina de ejercicio por lo menos 3 veces a la semana es tan efectiva como las medicinas para la depresión.

El ejercicio ayuda a reparar células del cerebro que se han deteriorado durante la depresión y también incrementa las conexiones intercelulares del cerebro. La personas también se siente eufóricas después del ejercicio, felices y emocionadas de la vida. Por eso es que hay muchas personas que quieren hacerlo todos los días. La euforia causada por el ejercicio es similar a la causada por ciertas drogas. El ejercicio puede ser adictivo, la mejor adicción que ud. puede tener.

El ejercicio Incrementa su HDL o colesterol bueno y baja los triglicéridos.

También disminuye la incidencia de Osteoporosis y ayuda a prevenir cánceres, como el de seno , por ejemplo.

5-EL EJERCIDO CARDIOVASCULAR DISMINUYE LOS CAMBIOS DEGENERATIVOS DEL CEREBRO que vienen con la edad, esto lo concluye un estudio de 2003 por el Dr. Art Kramer. Durante y después del ejercicio, el flujo de sangre aumenta en el cuerpo, incluyendo al cerebro. Esto también incrementa los niveles de la hormona del crecimiento que ayuda a hacer nuevas

2-AYUDA A REDUCIR EL STRESS. Ejercitarse vigorosamente por lo menos 3 veces/semana le va a ayudar a manejar mejor su stress, La razón parece ser que si ud. tiene mejor flujo de sangre hacia sus células cerebrales, ud. puede pensar mas claro y deja de tener pensamientos negativos.

1-PERDER PESO/TONIFICAR LOS MÚSCULOS. Este lo sabe todo el mundo. El cuerpo comienza a perder tono con la edad y no hay mayor satisfacción que verse ud. mismo en buena forma, no importa a que edad. En mi gimnasio, yo tengo compañeros de clase que están en sus 60’s o 70’s y se ven mejor que mucho de mis conocidos en sus 30’s.

células cerebrales y nuevas conexiones, acelerando el proceso del aprendizaje y desacelerando el envejecimiento y sus consecuencias, como la demencia. De acuerdo a estudios hechos en Europa, niños que se ejercitaron mas vigorosamente obtuvieron mejores resultados en sus exámenes de la escuela, comparados con aquellos que se ejercitaron menos. Los que no se ejercitaron del todo, obtuvieron el peor puntaje.

6-AYUDA CON SU VIDA SEXUAL. No solo mejora su auto-estima. En las mujeres aumenta la excitación, y los hombres mas activos sufren menos impotencia. Las personas que hacen ejercicio tiene mas energía, están menos fatigados y están en mejor forma a la hora de un encuentro sexual. Y como dije antes, el ejercido le produce un estado de euforia que también incrementa su deseo sexual.

7-Y EL ULTIMO PERO NO MENOS IMPORTANTE, EL EJERCIDO MEJORA SU FORMA DE DORMIR. Se duerme mas fácil y mas profundo.

Pero cuidado, porque el ejercicio lo deja energizado y le puede impedir dormirse pronto. Por ello haga ejercicio al menos 2 horas antes de ir a la cama.

Hacer ejercicio es divertido. Hágalo cada vez que pueda. Si no tiene un compañero/a para comenzar a hacerlo, búsquese un lugar con entrenadores, ayuda mucho. Ellos le pueden ayudar a crear su rutina y a enamorase del ejercicio. Ud. puede caminar, correr, saltar, bailar, reír…en la casa, en el gimnasio, en el centro comercial, en la calle….

No importa, solo hágalo.

By: Ingrid Bermudez M.D.

Photos courtesy of Rance Costa

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READERS’

Opinions Opiniones

de nuestros lectores

Photo courtesy of SpecialKRB

I would like to respond to “USA: A Time to Unite, Not Divide,” by Richard O’Riley (June/July, Latino New York Magazine). I was somewhat astonished at his conclusions with respect to the lack of Latino solidarity.

Mr. O’Riley’s vision for Latinos becoming interwoven with the dominant culture that exists seems to suggest the need for Latinos to undo themselves of all that is Latino. The Latino culture is already interwoven -- all that is Latino can be found in all aspects of American society. Spanish is found in the English language and there are countless examples of how each culture has brought different aspects of what we today LATINO NEW NEW YORK YORK LATINO

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call America. What Latinos will not do is leave their cultural roots behind in order to become assimilated, acculturated or interwoven. The struggle to be a Latino in the United States is not one of open arms and happy faces. The struggle cost people their lives, homes, and took up a large part of the Latino community’s time. The building of respect for what it is to be Latino came with a price. The events which we see today occurring in the Latino community are no more than a replay of the struggle of what it means to be Latino.

To assume after that struggle that we are all going to stop being Latino makes no sense. The fact that Puerto Ricans refer to themselves as 100% Puerto Rican is a sign of national pride just like Americans refer to themselves as 100% American. How we choose to self-identify is not up or open for discussion. It may just be a matter of live and let live. While I agree we should celebrate all cultures, there is no reason to stop celebrating ours.

You seem to want unity and at the same time tell people to get interwoven. What the community does or does not do will not be up to Mr. O’Riley, We the Latino community will make those determinations. The Latino community did not, in fact, stand up for Marcus DeJesus Alvarez, a point well taken

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and quite factual, who was killed on a dark night in Albany County. However, a vigil was held and a memorial was built for him.

Finally, please bear in mind that the mainstream print and electronic media does not have an interest in covering issues affecting our community nor does it ever highlight any of our accomplishments or contributions. Case in point is Mr. Alvarez’s death, with no in-depth reporting of the circumstances surrounding his death. Accordingly, absent avenues of expression for popular consumption, contemporary stereotypes continue unabated and your article suggesting an apathetic community left very much to be desired.

Gladys Figueroa M.S. Ed NOTE: Latino New York Magazine makes every effort to ensure the consistency of the information published. We respect and appreciate the opinions of our readers, as an important part of our continued growing and improvement. The magazine reserves the right to edit context and minimize the size of the comments based on space availability.

Also it reserves the right to publish articles that are in keeping with the magazine standards with regard to content, and editorial style.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and the single leading cause of kidney failure in adults. Hispanic Americans have a high rate of diabetes, which increases their chances of developing serious complications such as chronic kidney disease, heart disease and strokes.

However, when individuals with diabetes follow their treatment plan carefully and keep their blood sugar and blood pressure under control, they can greatly reduce their risk of developing these complications.

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About 11 percent or 5 million of the 47 million Hispanic Americans have diabetes. About one-third of the cases of diabetes in Hispanic Americans are undiagnosed.

2.

On the average, Hispanic Americans are nearly twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites of similar age. The prevalence of diabetes in Cuban Americans is lower than in Mexican American and Puerto Rican adults, but still higher than that of non-Hispanic whites.

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Diabetes can be diagnosed by:

• Hemoglobin A1C equal to or greater than 6.5% • a fasting blood glucose test of 126 or greater • a nonfasting blood glucose test of 200 or greater in people who have symptoms of diabetes • an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test with two-hour glucose of 200 or greater.

A positive test should be confirmed on another day, using any of these tests.

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The risk factors for diabetes include:

• a family history of diabetes • obesity • physical inactivity • unbalanced diet

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Since diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the U.S., Hispanic Americans have increased risk for developing diabetes and kidney disease. They should have the following tests for early detection of kidney disease:

3.

Diabetes is even more common among middle-aged and older Hispanic Americans. About 25 to 30 percent of those 50 or older have diabetes.

• blood pressure measurement • a urine test for protein • a blood test to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of kidney function.

4.

About 90 to 95 percent of Hispanic Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes usually develops in adults over 45, but is becoming more common in younger people. It occurs because the body is unable to use insulin properly. It is treated with diet, exercise, diabetes pills and, sometimes, insulin injections.

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Studies have shown that early detection and treatment can halt or slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease. Treatment includes careful control of blood sugar and blood pressure. Special high blood pressure medications called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs) help to preserve kidney function.

5.

About five percent of Hispanic Americans with diabetes have type 1 diabetes, which usually develops before age 20, and is always treated with insulin injections.

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When someone loses 85 percent or more of his or her kidney function, dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant are required to sustain life.

For more information on diabetes and kidney disease, visit www.kidney.org.

Sources of Facts and Statistics: “Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease,” National Kidney Foundation (www. kidney.org) “Diabetes in Hispanic Americans,” National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Disease (www.niddk.nih.gov).

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Photo: onstagelighting.co.uk

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Damos la bienvenida a nuestra comunidad a:

Jr. Ben Carmona Represents the second generation of Auto Glass industry experts. Jr. Ben Carmona has come to the Capital Region to grow as an individual, have more time for his family and build a company that helps him to give back to the community.

Junior Benjamin Carmona was born in the Dominican Republic. The oldest of four kids, he came to the United States at the age of 14 and graduated from Monroe High School in 1997 in the Bronx, NY. He started in the Auto Glass Industry at the age of 20, representing the second generation in the family in Auto Glass. He also became a certified technician through SIKA (Leading Tier I supplier of specialty acoustic, bonding, sealing and reinforcing materials to all major car manufacturers).

Having ten years of experience working for large companies, Junior decided to relocate to the city of Albany and started his own business named A-LINE AUTO GLASS.

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His plans for the future are to keep on improving in the Auto Glass industry and build a solid company, which helps him to serve the community and his family. His work represents honesty and integrity.

Welcome Junior and continue doing a great job.

Junior Benjamin Carmona nació en la República Dominicana. El mayor de cuatro hijos, llegó a los Estados Unidos a la edad de 14 años y se graduó de la Escuela Secundaria de Monroe en 1997 en el Bronx, NY. Comenzó en la industria automotriz especializándose en vidrio a la edad de 20, y representa la segunda generación en la familia dedicada a este negocio.

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Igualmente se gradúo como técnico certificado por SIKA (Principal proveedor de primer nivel de la especialidad acústica, unión, sellado y materiales de refuerzo a todos los principales fabricantes de automóviles).

Con diez años de experiencia trabajando para grandes empresas, Junior decidió trasladarse a la ciudad de Albany y comenzó su propio negocio llamado A-LINE AUTO GLASS.

Sus planes para el futuro son seguir mejorando en la industria automotriz de vidrio y construir una empresa sólida, que le ayude a servir a la comunidad y su familia. Su obra representa la honestidad y la integridad.

Bienvenido Junior, continua haciendo un gran trabajo.

George Michell, Robert García & Lupe Rodríguez

Hispanic Americans Achieve in Food Service

By: Mary Scanlan

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George Michell, Robert Garcia and Lupe Rodriguez have several things in common – they are all Hispanic Americans who, through hard work and family support, have created successful careers for themselves within McDonald’s, the leading foodservice provider in the United States.

Here are their stories.

George Michell, Robert García y Lupe Rodríguez tienen varias cosas en común - todos ellos son de origen hispano que, a través del trabajo duro y el apoyo familiar, han creado carreras exitosas dentro de McDonald’s, empresa líder en el servicio de comidas de los Estados Unidos. Éstas son sus historias.

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Robert García The recently appointed Vice President and General Manager of the McDonald’s Boston Region, which includes the Capital District restaurants, recalls a childhood of humble circumstances, “rich from the standpoint of love and guidance.”

His parents emigrated from Cuba to Miami during the 1960’s and instilled a strong work ethic and enterprising spirit in their children.

Garcia began his career in the business as a teenager, when his older brother, a role model, urged him to take a job at a Miami restaurant.

His first manager, an inspirational and nurturing man, said the words that encouraged the young Robert, “One day, when you’re a manager…”, words which were very motivating to the 16-year old. He liked the opportunity to earn money and, even at that age, noticed how managers behaved. By the time he was about 19, he was a supervisor, continuing to train and learn all aspects of the business while in college. For few years after college he worked and traveled in the UK and Europe, an experience which he says, “helps you to get better.”

“The key,” Garcia says, “is to apply yourself.” He is proud of his Hispanic heritage, and has never lost his ability to speak Spanish. “I’m very happy to be here in the Boston Region,” he says. “There are so many great owner operators in our system. I want to do my part in serving our communities.”

Garcia notes that entrepreneurial skills of Hispanics can be applied to both restaurant management and corporate positions in McDonald’s.

Robert García, el recientemente nombrado vicepresidente y gerente general de McDonald’s en la Región de Boston, que incluye los restaurantes del Distrito Capital, recuerda una infancia de condición humilde, “rico desde el punto de vista del

amor y la guía.” Sus padres emigraron de Cuba a Miami durante la década de 1960 e inculcaron una fuerte ética de trabajo y espíritu emprendedor en sus hijos.

García comenzó su carrera en el negocio cuando era adolescente, y su hermano mayor, su modelo a seguir, le instó a tomar un trabajo en un restaurante de Miami. Su primer gerente, un hombre inspirador y bondadoso, dijo las palabras que alentaron al jóven Robert, “Un día, cuando usted sea administrador...”, palabras que fueron motivadoras a sus 16 años de edad. Le gustaba la oportunidad de ganar dinero y, hasta en esa edad, se fijaba en cómo se comportaban los gerentes. Cuando contaba alrededor de 19 años, fue supervisor, sin dejar de entrenarse y aprender todos los aspectos del negocio mientras que atendía la universidad. Por unos pocos años después de la universidad, trabajó y viajó por el Reino Unido y Europa, una experiencia que asegura, “le ayudó a mejorar.”

“Look around,” he says. “We have many people in McDonald’s leadership who started as crew. It’s possible if you take pride in what you do. We need folks who are hard working.”

“Mira a tu alrededor”, dice. “Tenemos muchos líderes en McDonald’s que comenzaron como trabajadores de tienda. Es posible si te enorgulleces de lo que haces. Necesitamos gente que sean duros para trabajar. “

“La clave”, según García, “es aplicarlo a sí mismo.” Se siente orgulloso de su patrimonio hispano, y nunca ha perdido la habilidad de hablar español. “Estoy muy contento de estar aquí en la región de Boston”, dice. “Hay grandes propietarios operadores en nuestra zona. Quiero hacer mi parte en el servicio a nuestras comunidades. “, Señala García que las capacidades empresariales de los hispanos se pueden aplicar a la administración de restaurantes y puestos corporativos en McDonald’s.

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George Michell When George Michell was about nine years old, his Mexican mother took him to her home country to learn the language and the culture of his ancestors. He returned to the United States for high school and, after graduation attended Northwestern University, shifting his major from pre-med to business. He did so when he became aware of the McDonald’s organization, recognizing the corporation’s diverse work force, its powerful brand and its belief in community. He applied as a registered applicant to become an owner operator in the 1980’s.

Michell completed the owner/operator program in Chicago, had the help of a sponsor from Argentina who became a very dear friend and mentor, and was invited to join the company in Connecticut. On the way he stopped at a McDonald’s in Connecticut, which happened to be the store he later bought with the encouragement of Henry Gonzales, Regional Manager at that time. He purchased the Darien store in 1990. Michell reached into the community and churches to staff the mammoth store, a practice which he believes in very strongly as the means to building a healthy community of owner/operator, community, crew and customers.

Michell now owns nine stores, four of which are in the Capital Region, as well as several food courts, all under the McDonald’s umbrella.

With close to 600 employees, he says “I’ve been given the opportunity to make a huge contribution to young men and women who come into our workforce, to give them the skills to become leaders and winners.” His employees have the opportunity to go through McDonald’s training programs to move from crew to management, experience motivational programs, and Michell’s recognition programs, and loan programs.

He is particularly involved in the HACER scholarship program of Ronald McDonald House Charities, which offers college scholarships to qualified Hispanic high school students.

Balancing life is important to Michell -- blending family and the restaurants with happiness at home and success at work.

His parents, now in their 80’s, continue to be an inspiration for him, working with him in McDonald’s to this day.

The father of five, Michell is proud

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that thirty members of his family work in some capacity in his organization. The industry has changed for Hispanics, he says.

“It was tough when I was a kid.”

He especially appreciates the years he spent in Mexico with his Mother, which gave him the chance to become immersed in that beautiful culture. .

“Now, as Hispanics in this country,” Michell says, “we can become anyone. The opportunities are there.” He advises young people to do well in school, realize that McDonald’s is a growing company which does wonderful work in the community. The boundaries are unlimited for Hispanic families,” Michell concludes.

Cuando George Michell tenía unos nueve años, su madre mexicana lo llevó a su país de origen a aprender la lengua y la cultura de sus antepasados.

Regresó a Estados Unidos para continuar la secundaria y, después graduarse en la Universidad Northwestern, cambiando su énfasis de pre-med hacia negocios. Lo hizo cuando se dio cuenta de la organización McDonald’s, reconociendo la diversidad de su fuerza de trabajo, su poderosa marca y su creencia en la comunidad.

Aplicó como un solicitante de registro para convertirse en 1980 en operador titular.

Michell completó el programa para propietario/operador en Chicago, con la ayuda de un patrocinador de Argentina quien se convirtió en su amigo y mentor, y fue invitado a unirse a la compañía en Connecticut.

En el camino se detuvo en un McDonald’s en Connecticut, que resultó ser la tienda que más tarde compraría con el apoyo de Henry González, Gerente Regional en aquel momento. Él compró la tienda en Darien en 1990. Michell se integró en la comunidad y las iglesias, para conseguir el personal para la gigantesca tienda, una práctica en la que cree firmemente, para construir una comunidad saludable de propietario/operador, comunidad, trabajadores de tienda y clientes.

Michell ahora posee nueve tiendas, cuatro de ellas en la Región Capital, así como varios food courts, todo ello bajo el paraguas de McDonald’s. Con cerca de 600 empleados, dice “me han dado la oportunidad de hacer una enorme contribución a los hombres y mujeres jóvenes que entran en nuestra fuerza de trabajo, para darles las habilidades de ser líderes y ganadores.” Sus empleados tienen la oportunidad de pasar por los programas de formación de McDonald’s para ascender desde empleado de tienda a gerencia, programas de la experiencia en motivación, y los programas de reconocimiento de Michell, así como programas de préstamos.

Está particularmente involucrado en el programa de becas HACER de Ronald McDonald House Charities, que ofrece becas a estudiantes calificados hispanos de escuela secundaria.

El equilibrio de la vida es importante para Michell – integrar la familia y los restaurantes con la felicidad en el hogar y el éxito en el trabajo. Sus padres, ahora en sus 80’s, siguen siendo su inspiración, trabajan con él en McDonald’s también.

Padre de cinco hijos, Michell se enorgullece de que treinta miembros de su familia han trabajado en algún cargo en su organización. La industria ha cambiado para los hispanos, dice. “Fue duro cuando yo era un niño.” Aprecia en especial el año que pasó en México con su madre, lo que le dio la oportunidad de sumergirse en esa hermosa cultura. .

“Ahora, como los hispanos en este país”, dice Michell, “podemos llegar a ser lo que queramos.

Las oportunidades están allí.” Él aconseja a los jóvenes a estudiar bien en el colegio, y darse cuenta de que McDonald’s es una empresa en crecimiento que hace un trabajo maravilloso en la comunidad. Las fronteras son ilimitadas para las familias hispanas “, Michell concluye.

Lupe Rodríguez Lupe Rodriguez is the proud owner of three restaurants in Schenectady, Rotterdam and Latham, NY. One of a family of twelve children, his Mexican American father, born in Kansas and raised in Mexico, was a hard working truck driver and construction worker. “Watching our parents,” Rodriguez says, “was my inspiration. “ Accelerated in high school, he graduated at the age of 17 and began his career at McDonald’s when his cousin referred him to a local California restaurant as a grill person.

At the age of twenty, he became a store manager and before he was 30 years old, he was recruited to be a McDonald’s operator.

Rodriguez felt he wasn’t ready for ownership at that time, but when he was 35 he applied and began his career as an owner/operator.

In 1991, Rodriguez moved his family to Albany as owner/operator of one store. Within a year and a half, he was offered two more restaurants. His wife, Debra has always worked alongside him, and his two children have grown up in and with the business and are both managing in the restaurants. “It’s a great family environment,” Rodriguez says of their McDonald’s life. “Being an owner encouraged me to be the best at anything I ever did.” He has been the recipient of a number of corporate and community awards, including the Outstanding Manager Award from McDonald’s, and the Capital District Business Review Outstanding Small Business of the Year.

All but two of Rodriguez’s eleven siblings have worked for McDonald’s “Opportunity at McDonald’s is not just for Hispanics, however,” he says. All barriers can be overcome, he believes, with hard work and good communications skills. “It’s all about the climb,” he concludes.

Lupe Rodríguez es el orgulloso propietario de tres restaurantes en Schenectady, Rotterdam y Latham, Nueva York. Proveniente de una familia de doce hijos, su padre mexicano-americano, nacido en Kansas y criado en México, fue un gran trabajador conductor de camiones y obrero de la construcción. “Ver a nuestros padres”, dice Rodríguez, “fue mi inspiración.” Terminó rápidamente la escuela secundaria, se graduó a la edad de 17 años y comenzó su carrera en McDonald’s cuando su primo lo remitió a un restaurante local en California como una persona de parrilla.

“Being an owner encouraged me to be the best at anything I ever did” “Ser propietario me anima a ser el mejor en cualquier cosa que he hecho.”

A la edad de veinte años, se convirtió en gerente de la tienda y antes de la edad de 30 años de edad, fue reclutado para ser un operador de McDonald’s. Rodríguez consideró que no estaba preparado para la propiedad en ese momento, pero cuando él tenía 35 años, solicitó y comenzó su carrera como dueño/operador. En 1991, Rodríguez se mudó con su familia a Albany, en calidad de propietario/operador de una tienda. Al año y medio, le ofrecieron dos restaurantes más. Su esposa, Debra siempre ha trabajado junto a él, y sus dos hijos han crecido en y con la empresa y son a la vez gerentes en los restaurantes.

“Es un gran ambiente familiar”, dice Rodríguez de la vida en McDonald’s.

“Ser propietario me anima a ser el mejor en cualquier cosa que he hecho.” Él ha sido galardonado con gran número de premios por parte de empresas y de la comunidad, incluyendo el Premio al Mejor Manager de McDonald’s, y la Mejor Pequeña Empresa del Año por el Business Review de Distrito Capital.

Todos a excepción de dos de once hermanos Rodríguez han trabajado para “McDonald’s “sin embargo las oportunidades en McDonald’s no son sólo para hispanos, dice. Todas las barreras se pueden superar, según él, con mucho trabajo y buenas habilidades de comunicación. “Todo gira alrededor de la cima”, concluye.

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Labor Day is a federal holiday that let us know summer is finally over. Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September, and during this time many adult students travel or party before the school semester begins again. For sports lovers it is the beginning of new football season which is a plus. So enjoy this day of from work and celebrate as we approach the beginning of Fall.

August 23rd to September 22nd Stone: Sapphire or Peridot Element: Earth Ruler: Mercury Color: Blue, Beige Anatomy: Intestines,

Nervous System Season: Summer Virgo is the sixth sign of the zodiac and Virgos are respectable hardworking people who have a love of knowledge and know how. They can be reserved when faced with anything or anyone new, but once they feel comfortable they can talk up a storm. Virgo people tend to be perfectionists and worry about underperforming. Despite their lack of confidence at times, Virgos can be proud when it comes to their work, routines or hobbies and feel their way is the best way and it usually is. Virgos are loyal, kind and helpful people who when appreciated will do everything they can to make things work.

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Dear Lisa: After losing my job due to the economy, I decided to open an antique shop which I love and always wanted to do. One day a customer came to my store looking for a specific kind of antique lamp, which I didn’t have, but told her I would try to find one for her. After searching I did find another antique store that had the antique lamp the lady wanted. I told the owner I also own an antique shop since we had something in common.

Recently a loyal customer of mine who knows someone who shops at the other antique store, told me the owner of the store had been sending random people to my shop to see what I have and how busy my store is. Besides that I found out she is telling people the antiques I have are not real. Lisa I don’t want problems and can’t understand why she is doing this. She has her own customers and I have mine, and my store is not in even in the same community as hers.

What should I do?

Candice Glens Falls, NY

Dear Candice: From what I see, the owner of the other antique store is envious and obviously threatP. 27 SEP / OCTened 2010by your shop, which

means she must feel inadequate in some way. Sending people to spy on your shop is unethical and her lies demonstrate the characteristics of a corrupt person.

Your customers are loyal to you, as you can see, and will continue coming to your shop because of your morals and genuine love for people. It is one thing wanting to be the “Top Dog” of any business, because we all have a natural desire to succeed, but it’s another thing wanting to be the “Only Dog” which is what she wants and it does not matter whether you are in another town or not, she wants to eliminate all competition and that is why she will fail. This woman is also afraid of losing her customers to your business, and with her behavior and attitude she probably will. Everything will work out for you so don’t worry. Keep running your shop, satisfying your customers and concentrate on expanding your business. This is positive and will bring about positive results. People will eventually see the truth, because the truth always comes to light. Good Luck.

Querida Lisa: Después de perder mi trabajo debido a esta economía, decidí abrir una tienda de antigüedades que me encanta y siempre quise hacer. Un día una cliente vino a mi tienda buscando un determinado tipo de lámpara antigua, que yo no tenía, pero le dije que trataría de encontrar una para ella. Después de buscar encontré otra tienda de antigüedades que tenía la lámpara antigua de la dama quería. Le dije a la dueña, propietaria, que ambas teníamos en común el tener tienda de antigüedades.

Recientemente, un cliente fiel que conoce a alguien que compra en la otra tienda de antigüedades, me dijo que la dueña de la tienda había estado enviando gente al azar a mi tienda para ver lo que tengo y cómo se mueve el negocio en mi tienda. Además de que me enteré de que ella le está

diciendo a la gente que las antigüedades tengo no son reales.

Lisa no quiero problemas y no puedo entender por qué ella está haciendo esto. Ella tiene sus propios clientes y yo tengo los míos, e incluso mi tienda no está en la misma comunidad donde está la de ella. ¿Qué debo hacer?

Candice – Glens Falls, NY Estimada Candice: Por lo que veo, la dueña de la tienda de antigüedades es envidiosa y, obviamente con la competencia de tu tienda, ella debe sentirse de alguna manera aminorada. El envío de la gente a tu tienda para espiar, no es ético y sus mentiras manifiestan los rasgos propios de una persona corrupta. Tus clientes son leales a ti, como lo puedes ver, y seguirán llegando a tu tienda gracias a tu moral y el amor genuino por la gente. Una cosa es querer ser el “Top Dog” de cualquier negocio, porque todos tenemos un deseo natural de tener éxito, pero otra cosa es querer ser el “la única”, que es lo que ella quiere sin importar que tu estés en otra ciudad o no, ella quiere eliminar toda competencia y es por eso por lo que ella será quien pierda. Esta mujer también tiene miedo de perder a sus clientes por tu negocio, y con su comportamiento y actitud harán que probablemente ellos se vayan. Todo saldrá bien para ti, así que no te preocupes. Sigue manejando tu tienda, y concéntrate en la satisfacción de tus clientes y en la expansión de tu negocio. Esto es positivo y traerá resultados positivos. La gente finalmente verá la verdad, porque la verdad siempre sale a la luz. Buena suerte.

If you want advise from Lisa, please email your letters to info@Laafenany.com

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The State Farm Cultural Arts Festival in Amsterdam had a variety of sponsors participating, such as the National Kidney Foundation, Fidelis Care, Belvedere and NYSERDA, among others. Special thanks to Plaine & Son Bikes that donated one bike to be given as a raffle prize at the booth of Latino NY Magazine.

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William R. Hinrichs from the Alzheimer Foundation.

Cubans celebrating at the festival.

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Puerto Rico gozándose el Festival.

George Clark and Zaida Morales

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IN MEMORIAM OF BOBBY RIVERA We lost a friend, heaven gained an angel Weeks ago we were celebrating his life and achievements.

Roberto “Bobby Good X” Rivera passed away Saturday September 4th.

Bobby was a role model of honesty and hard work for a Hispanic community that today mourns his lost. We all witnessed Bobby’s achievements throughout the years due to his undying service to the community and his always cheerful personality.

Our condolences to his family and his beloved wife Nellie.

Bobby you are not here but your legacy will stay with us forever

Amigos y comunidad celebran la vida de Bobby Rivera en el Restaurante Grappa’ 72.

“Bobby Good X” Rivera falleció el Sábado Septiembre 4, 2010. Bobby fue un modelo de honestidad y árduo trabajo por una comunidad hispana que hoy lamenta su partida.

Fuimos testigos de sus obras a lo largo de los años debido a su incansable ánimo de servicio y su siempre alegre personalidad.

Nuestras más sinceras condolencias a su familia y su amada esposa Nellie.

Bobby, no estás entre nosotros pero tu legado lo estará por siempre

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