July Issue

LATINO NEW YORK I P. I JULY 2009

THE HOMECOMING of GySgt. NICASIO RIOS

THE FUTURE OF LATIN DANCE IN ALBANY

El Futuro del Baile Latino en Albany

A HEALTHY DIET CAN BE HABIT-FORMINGUna Dieta saludable puede ser un hábito formado

JOSH NOREK Brings Rock En

Español

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LATINO NEW YORK I P. � JULY 2009

P. 2 JULY 2009 I LATINO NEW YORK

A Month of Celebrations

To help our nation celebrate its freedom and independence this month, our July issue pays homage to the families in our community. We start by saluting Dianna Rios and her courageous family in our cover story. In June 2008, Ms. Rios began to write a monthly column for our readers to share the experience of seeing her husband, U.S. Marine Sergeant Nicasio Rios, deployed to Iraq.

Dianna masterfully walked us through the changes the family experienced through nine months of separation. She wrote about the difficulties of having to tell their young daughter Nicaya that Daddy was not going to be home for the holidays. And about the pride the entire family felt as Sergeant Rios fought for our freedom and independence overseas. I was present during some of those proud moments when five-year-old Nicaya sang the national anthem or America the Beau-tiful at a flag ceremony or at the beginning of a baseball game. Dianna culminates the project this month by writing an inspiring piece, entitled “Homecoming.”

Thank you Dianna for sharing your story with us. Now we have a better idea of what this experience is like for both soldier and family left behind.

We would also like to recognize Joel Sanchez, who after serving his country for many years in the U.S. Navy is now attending Harvard University in an effort to pursuit a degree in liberal arts with a concentration in business.

Un Mes de Celebraciones

Para ayudar nuestra nación celebrar su libertad e independencia este mes, nuestra edición de julio rinde homenaje a las familias en nuestra comunidad. Comenzamos saludando a Dianna Rios y su valiente familia en nuestra portada. En junio 2008, la Sra. Ríos comenzó a escribir una columna mensual para nuestros lectores para compartir la experiencia de ver a su marido, el Sargento de Marina EEUU Nicasio Ríos, desplegar a Irak.

Dianna magistralmente nos anduvo por los cambios que la familia experimentó por nueve meses de separación. Ella escribió acerca de las dificultades de tener que decir a su joven hija Nicaya que Papá no iba a estar en casa para los días feriados. Y acerca del orgullo que la familia sentía mientras el Sargento Ríos luchaba por nuestra libertad e independencia en el campo de batalla en el Medio Oriente. Fui presente durante algunos de esos momentos orgullosos cuando Nicaya de cinco años cantó el himno nacional de los Estados Unidos y la bella América en una Hermosa ceremonia de reconocimiento a la bandera o al principio de un juego de béisbol. Dianna culmina el proyecto este mes escribiendo una pieza inspiradora titulada, “Regreso al hogar”.

Gracias Dianna por compartir tu historia con nosotros. Ahora tenemos una mejor idea de lo que es esta experiencia tanto como para el soldado como también para la familia que dejaron detrás.

Nosotros también reconocemos a Joel Sánchez, quien después de que servir a su país durante cuatro años en la Marina de los Estado Unidos, ahora asiste a la Univer-sidad de Harvard con el propósito de obtener un bachillerato en Humanidades con una concentración en Negocios.

Further, we congratulate Broadalbin-Perth High School graduate Julianna Mendez, who is the recipient of a full scholarship to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. The schol-arship is worth $350,000.

Looking back, a correction. In our June issue, we indicated that Juliana Hernandez parents Nancy and David were immigrants from Puerto Rico. In fact, her parents were born in New York City of Puerto Rican descent. Even if their parents were born in Puerto Rico, they would not be considered immigrants since Puerto Ricans are American citizens -- whether they are born on the Island or on the Main land. We apologize for any confusion or embarrassment this may have caused.

In our next issue we will feature Mr. Willie Colon as our cover story. Mr. Colon has been entertaining our community through his radio programs for almost 14 years.

Don’t forget to send us your suggestions and recommendation as well as possible themes for future publications.

Juan J. GeorgePublisher.

También, felicitamos a la bachiller de Broadalbin-Perth, Julianna Méndez, quien recibió una beca para asistir la Academia Naval de los Estados Unidos. La beca tiene un valor de $350.000.

Mirando hacia atrás, una corrección es necesaria. En nuestra edición de junio, indicamos que los padres de Juliana Hernández Nancy y David son inmi-grantes de Puerto Rico. De hecho, sus padres nacieron en la Ciudad de Nueva York de descendencia puertorriqueña. Aun ellos hubiesen nacidos en Puerto Rico, no serían considerados inmigrantes ya que puertorriqueño son ciudadanos norteamericanos -- nazcan en la Isla o en territorio de Norte America. Nosotros nos disculpamos por cualquier confusión o desconcierto que esto pudo haber causado.

En nuestra próxima edición presentar-emos al Sr. Willie Colon como nuestra portada. Willie ha estado entreteniendo nuestra comunidad con sus programas de radio por casi 14 años.

No se olvide enviarnos sus sugerencias y recomendaciones así como temas para futuras publicaciones.

Juan J. GeorgeEditor


6 HATSOFFTOOURBEST&BRIGHTESTYOUTH •María Neira Misrespetosanuestrosmejoresymás brillantesjóvenes9 THEFUTUREOFLATINDANCEINALBANY •Richard O’Riley MS Ed ElfuturodelBaileLatinoenAlbany

12 AHEALTHYDIETCANBEHABIT-FORMING •Dr. Ingrid Bermúdez M.D. UnaDietasaludablepuedeserunhábito formado

16 COVER:THEHOMECOMING • Dianna Rios FelízRegreso

18 MOTIVANDOANUESTRAGENTE • Dr. J. R. Román PodemosVencerelDesánimo

22 JOSHNOREKBRINGSROCKENESPAñOL • Michael Fondacaro 23 FROMTHEDESKOFMICHAEL FONDACARO

28 NEWCREDITCARDREFORM •NYS Consumer Protection Board NuevosCambiosenlastarjetasdeCrédito

31 ASKLISA •Lisa Cortés PregúntaleaLisa

IN THIS EDITION

on th

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ver

inside

Homecoming

WillieColón

en esta edición

GySgtNicasioRiosreturnedsafelytohisfamilyafterhisdeploymenttoIraq

Our Next Cover

JoshNorek

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If have any comments or suggestion please send them to [email protected] or by calling at: (518) 438-2875

Si desea enviarnos sus comentarios o sugerencias, por favor envíelos a [email protected] o llamando al telefono (518) 438-2875



As a classroom teacher, I always tried to catch my students doing something good. Whether it was as simple as offering a pencil to a classmate, or as courageous as defending a bullied friend on the playground, I wanted my students to know that I valued their acts of kindness and compassion. My hope was that by recognizing their good works, and sharing word of their success with their parents, they would be inspired to do more.

That’s why last month I was pleased to attend the YMCA Black & Latino Achievers Banquet, which salutes men, women and youth of color who make a positive differ-ence in the Capital Region.

Hats off to all the honorees — and congratulations to the 31 youth in particular. Adoles-cence can be a tremendously challenging time. I’m thrilled these young men and women have such commitment and drive, and that their efforts have been acknowledged.

The accomplishments of students like Matthew Daniel Irizarry, a Rensselaer High School junior, who is president of the Greenbush Achievers Program and a member of the Puerto Rican Youth Leadership Insti-

tute; and Ashley Kippins, a Shaker High School senior, who is a member of the National Honor Society and a National Achievement Scholarship finalist, are proof positive that all students can succeed with positive encouragement, guidance and ongoing support.

Nurturing and mentoring our youth is extremely impor-tant. As I’ve discussed in this column before, there is an academic achievement gap in New York state. Rooted in poverty and race, that disparity disproportionately affects children in our communities. Since the surest path to success comes from having a solid educa-tional foundation — whether a student’s talents lie in the arts, academia or sports — this is a concern we must all work together to overcome.

How can we help? As always, it’s important to be actively involved in your child’s educational career. But we have other important roles to play. Take time to recog-nize and reward excellence. Be a mentor. Catch your children, and the youth in your community, doing good works — and make sure you praise them for it. Far too often, children only hear

By:MariaNeira

from adults when they’re caught doing something wrong. Let’s acknowledge the many positive contributions of our youth.

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 and encouragement.

Maria Neira, a former bilingual elementary school teacher, is vice president of the 600,000-member

New York State United Teachers.

Matthew Daniel Irizarry

Ashley Kippins

Hats off to our best and brightest youth

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LATINO NEW YORK I P. � JULY 2009 FEB 2009 P. �

Como profesora, Yo siempre intenté encontrar mis estudiantes haciendo algo bueno. Así fuera algo tan simple como ofreciendo un lápiz a un compañero de clase o algo tan valiente como defen-diendo a un amigo en problemas en el patio de juegos, Yo quería que mis estudiantes supieran que yo valoraba los actos de amabi-lidad y compasión. Mi esperanza era que reconociendo sus buenas obras y compartiendo los éxitos con sus padres, ellos se inspi-rarían para hacer más.

Es por esto que el mes pasado estuve feliz de asistir al banquete de “YMCA Black & Latino Achievers” el cual reconoce hombres, mujeres y jóvenes de color que hacen una diferencia positiva en la Región Capital.

Mis respetos para todos los homenajeados - y felicitaciones para los 31 jóvenes en especial. La adolescencia puede ser un tiempo muy difícil. Estoy muy feliz de ver cómo estos jóvenes tienen tanto compromiso y motivación, y que sus esfuerzos han sido recono-cidos.

Los logros de estudiantes como Matthew Daniel Irizarry, un estudiante del “Rensselaer High School”, quien es presidente del Programa “Greenbush Achievers” y miembro del Instituto Puerto-rriqueño de Liderazgo Juvenil; y Ashley Kippins, una estudiante del “Shaker High School”, quien es miembro del “National Honor Society” y finalista del “National Achievement Scholarship”, son

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prueba positiva que todos los estudiantes pueden tener éxito con motivación positiva, direc-ción y apoyo.

Motivar y guiar nuestros jóvenes es muy importante. Como lo he discutido en esta columna antes, existe una brecha en logros académicos en el estado de Nueva York. Con raíces en pobreza y raza, esta disparidad afecta jóvenes en nuestras comu-nidades. Debido a que el paso más seguro hacia el éxito es tener sólidas bases en educación – artes, academia o deportes – éste es un problema que todos debemos trabajar para resolver.

Cómo podemos ayudar? Como siempre, es impor-tante estar activamente invo-lucrado en la educación de su hijo. Pero también tenemos otras funciones importantes. Asegúrese de reconocer y premiar la excelencia. Sea un mentor. Encuentre a sus hijos, y a los jóvenes de su comunidad, haciendo buenas obras – y felicí-telos por eso. Muy a menudo, los niños escuchan de los adultos solo cuando hacen algo malo. Reconozcamos las contri-buciones positivas de nuestros jóvenes.

Tenemos mucho talento en nuestros jóvenes. Depende de todos nosotros, trabajando juntos, cultivarlo. Aseguremos que cada niño recibe el beneficio de guía y motivación positiva.

Mis Respetos para nuestros mejores y más

brillantes jóvenes

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LATINO NEW YORK I P. 9 JULY 2009

It is said that dance is an art form that makes use of all the human senses. For many people, the action of connecting rhythms with your body on the dance floor or anywhere else for that matter produces a sense of relaxation and happiness.

I can identify with these emotions, as I am one who loves to dance. I remember at a young age hearing music that I later found out was called Salsa. It’s rhythm had something about it that called to me and made me want to move my body. Some time later, I can remember asking a friend of mine to show me how to move to the music. I remember that she gave me a CD by Tito Rojas and told me that he was a superstar of Salsa and that I could learn to dance well by studying his music. So, I started to listen to his songs and memorize the words in Spanish. I soon found myself singing his songs in the shower, when I studied and even at track practice. The congas, timbales and cowbell have a contagious sound, and this sound seemed to echo inside of me the more I studied this music.

My senior year of college, I spent a semester living in Vene-zuela with a family and studying at a language institute. It was there that I discovered a new world for myself and was able to develop my language and dance skills. The city I lived was full of places to watch and learn dance, particularly Salsa, Cumbia and Merengue. The Venezuelan people also had many types of regional dances such as “música llanera”, “la gaita zuliana” and “los tambores africanos”. I went out with friends almost every night and quickly learned how to move to these rhythms.

You can imagine how excited I was coming back to Albany to share with others what I had learned. I remember going to Casablanca shortly after my return and asking girls to dance only to be told, “No thanks, I have a boyfriend”, and besides “white boys can’t dance Salsa”. I whispered in their ears, “well that’s because you haven’t danced with me yet”. Those must have been the magic words. Instead of asking, I just started to move and motioned towards someone to dance, and they followed.

Since that experience, I’ve seen the Albany Latin dance scene go through its own evolu-tion. Many places have come and gone, while others

have become well known in the area and have attracted solid crowds. I suppose the fact that Albany is a smaller city tends to attract the same people year after year to the same locations. Many times as a dancer, you want to see a new crowd and also hear different types of DJ’s who appreciate the many types of Latin music that exist and play them for their dancers. For example, there are many Colombians and Mexicans here in Albany who would love to hear their Cumbias, Latin Pop and Boleros played. Unfortu-nately, the responses to hear these types of music have been less than polite. Please don’t misunderstand me, but it’s not just about Salsa, Merengue and Bachata! Wouldn’t it be great

to hear more types of Latin musical genres represented for dancers to enjoy and share with each other? In my recent travels, I’ve found many other cities to have a wide range of musical styles to dance to, and heard from many who just don’t want to come out because it’s always the same music and same people attending. This reflects poorly on our city as a place that seeks to grow as a Latin dance community.

My advice to those hard-core dancers and promoters is to step back for a moment, consider playing other genres of music and watch your following grows. You’ll be surprised and also make a lot more people happy.

The future of

in Albany

Latin Dance

VERSION ESPAñOL EN LA P. 10


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By: Richard O’Riley M.S. Ed

Se dice que el baile es una forma de arte donde se usa todos los sentidos humanos. Para mucha gente, la acción de conectar ritmos con el cuerpo en la pista produce un mayor sentido de relajamiento y alegría.

Como amante del baile, me iden-tifico con estas emociones. Re-cuerdo de jóven que escuchaba una música que mas tarde supe que se llamaba “Salsa”. Me llamaba la atención su ritmo y me hacía mover el cuerpo. Unos

años después, recuerdo que le pedí a una amiga que me ense-ñara a bailar esta música. Me acuerdo que me regaló un disco de Tito Rojas. Me contó que era una superestrella de la salsa y que podría mejorar el baile al estudiar su música. Me puse a escuchar y aprender de memoria sus canciones. Pronto, me encontré cantando en la regadera, cuando estudiaba y hasta en mi práctica de atletismo. Las congas, los timbales y la campana tienen un sonido contagioso. Entre mas escuchaba, más me sentía atraído de la música.

El último año de la universidad, pasé un semestre viviendo en Venezuela con una familia y estudiando en un instituto de lenguas. Fue allí que descubrí un nuevo mundo para mí. Desa-rrollé las habilidades de lenguaje

y de baile. La ciudad donde viví tenía muchos lugares para

mirar y aprender a bailar, en particular Salsa, Cumbia

y Merengue. La gente venezolana también

tenía otros bailes regionales tales como

la música llanera, la gaita zuliana y los

tambores africanos. De hecho, trasnochaba con los amigos y así aprendí a bailar estos ritmos.

Se puede imaginar qué emocio-nado estaba de regreso a Albany. Quería compartir con otros lo que había aprendido. Recuerdo que fui a Casablanca. Al invitar a unas chicas a bailar conmigo me contestaron que tenian novios y aparte de eso que los ameri-canos no podían bailar la Salsa. En seguida, le contesté a una de ellas, “Bueno, es que no has bailado conmigo todavía”. Estas fueron las palabras mágicas. En vez de pedir un baile de alguien, me empecé a mover hacia ella y salió a bailar conmigo.

Desde esa experiencia, he visto la escena de baile latino en Albany pasar por una evolución.

Muchos lugares han vivido poco tiempo y otros han tenido buena aceptacíón con el público. Supongo que Albany como un pueblo más chico a los demás, atrae a la misma gente año tras año y tocan la misma música. Muchas veces como bailarín, quieres ver a otro grupo de gente y oir un DJ que sepa mezclar varios tipos de la música latina para que bailen todos. Por ejemplo, hay muchos colom-bianos y mexicanos aquí en Albany a quienes les encantaría oir sus Cumbias, Pop Latino y Boleros en la pista de baile. Desafortunadamente, a través del tiempo, han rechazado tocar esos géneros de música. No quiero que me malinterpreten. ¡El baile latino no se trata sola-mente de la Salsa, el Merengue y la Bachata! ¿No sería bueno tener mas variedad de música que representara la población latina de Albany? En mis viajes recientes, he encontrado que hay varias ciudades que presentan noches latinas con muchas variaciones de música. Al igual, me han dicho muchas personas aquí que no quieren salir a bailar porque siempre es la misma gente y la misma música. Este sentimiento es un mal reflejo de una ciudad que quiere crecer como comunidad de baile latino.

Mi consejo para aquellos bailarines serios y promotores de bailes, es que se reflexionen por un momento y consideren tocar otros géneros de música latina.

Ya verán cuanto crecerá la acep-tación del lugar. Les sorpren-derán y también agradarán a mucha gente.

El futuro del

en Albany

Baile Latino Illustra

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LATINO NEW YORK I P. �� JULY 2009


During my initial interview with new patients, and sometimes for existing patients as well, one of my first topics is: “Let’s discuss our eating habits.” Diet is a big topic with me because, too often, patients don’t have goals when they eat – just habits. Good or bad, but habits.

One of my next questions to patients may sound weird: “What is your goal when you eat?”

If you think about it, the answer is easy. Our goal should be to just feed ourselves, nurture our bodies and be sure we fill the body with the best possible food.

For that, we need to create habits. But this is where the problem starts – when we create bad habits.

The habit of not eating breakfast, or if we do, eating a breakfast high in carbo-hydrates, sugar and fat. The habit of a lousy lunch -- people eating “salads” thinking they are healthy, but without thinking how much dressing they are drizzling on those greens. Or eating a salty, fatty sandwich wrapped in white-flour bread and slathered with dressing, at one of those chain stores that feature subs. Or maybe thinking that a small slice of pizza with a Coke is not that bad, but, God, it is really bad.

Then there’s the habit of consuming heavy dinners, with a huge amount of protein, fat, and carbs. These meals may include greens -- but again, slath-ered with dressing loaded with salt, fat and sugar. And I know by fact, we feel entitled to eat those huge dinners because we worked the whole day, usually without eating anything nutri-tious -- or nothing at all -- so that we feel “We deserve it!”

On top of that, there’s the habit of eating between meals. While this is OK if we pick the right snack such as fruits, cheese and nuts – even drinking it down with water -- more often we turn to cookies, pretzels, potato chips. The kind of snacks, again, that are loaded with salt, fat and sugars.

Are we fulfilling our goal with these terrible habits? Or are we just filling the body with junk to feel full? Difficult questions, with many answers. That’s what I see in my practice. People with different habits, some because they were raised with those habits from early on and that is what they saw at home. Others, because they believe they’ve earned “easy meals, easy life.”

I can tell by experience that habits are difficult to change, but not impossible. And that’s what spurred me to write this article. Drawing on my own expe-rience, I’m an immigrant who moved to the United States in my 30s and adapted new eating habits. In America,

AHealthyDiet CanBeHabit-Forming

By: Ingrid Bermudez MD.

P. �2 JUNE 2009 I LATINO NEW YORK

SPANISH VERSION ON P. 15

I needed to change the taste and ingredients of my meals, but I found a healthy way to do it. I had a choice of accepting fast food as my friend or as my enemy. I had the choice of adjusting my meals and introducing new tastes, choosing fruits and vegetables according to season, and choosing the freshest food I could find. Choosing to eat food as close to the source as I can. Adjusting my meal time around my busy schedule and also around the schedule of my family -- finding time to prepare food that will last not just for one meal but for the days ahead when I’m unable to prepare something. I could always use the excuse: “I am very busy and I don’t have time to cook.” It’s a common excuse among my wonderful patients and I always remind them that it takes fifteen minutes to prepare “healthy fast food” – including raw or steamed fresh veggies, fresh fruits, grilled chicken breast, fish or lean meat, and maybe two little potatoes in the microwave. That cooking those big steaks or chops takes much more time than preparing something light and healthy. That there always will be time to save something from dinner the night before for break-fast or lunch the next day. And there is nothing wrong with carrying a lunch box containing something good to eat.

Life can and should be filled with good habits. The future of our young children – their own habits -- is in our hands. If we create a good base of healthy habits, they will be eager to eat better and can pass those habits onto future genera-tions, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll be able to overcome American’s obesity crisis.

Ingrid Bermudez MD is a full-time family practi-tioner and owner of Family Medicine of Mechan-icville, 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.drbfami-lymedicine.com.


P. �� JULY 2009 I LATINO NEW YORK


UnaDietaSaludablepuedeserunHábito

FormadoDurante la primer entrevista a mis paci-entes nuevos y aun con los no tan nuevos, una de las primeras cosas que quiero hablar es de los hábitos alimenticios.

La dieta es un tópico muy importante para mi, pues a menudo, los pacientes no tienen metas a la hora de comer-solo hábitos. Buenos o malos, pero hábitos.

La siguientes pregunta puede sonar extraña, pero yo les digo: “Cual es su meta a la hora de comer?”

Si ud. lo piensa, la respuesta es fácil. Nuestra meta debería ser solo alimentarnos, nutrir nuestros cuerpos y estar seguros que estamos llenando nuestros cuerpos con la mejor comida posible.

Para eso, necesitamos crear hábitos. Pero ahí es donde comienza el problema-cuando creamos malos hábitos.

El habito de no desayunar, y si desayunamos, el habito de comer desayunos ricos en carbo-hidratos, azúcar y grasa. El habito de tener malos almuerzos-hay pacientes que piensan que ensalada para el almuerzo es saludable, sin pensar lo que contiene el aderezo que le ponen a esta. O comiendo esos salados y grasosos sánduches envueltos en pan blanco y llenos de salsas en una de esas tiendas que venden “Subs.”. O talvez pensando que comer un pequeño pedazo de pizza con una coca cola no es tan malo, pero por Dios, que malo es.

Luego el habito de comer esas cenas grandes, pesadas con una cantidad enorme de proteína, grasa y carbohidratos. Esas cenas talvez incluyan alguna ensalada, pero

otra vez, llenas de aderezos cargados de sal, grasa, y azúcar. Y de hecho yo se, que nosotros nos sentimos con derecho a comer esa cenas inmensas porque hemos tenido un dia pesado de trabajo, generalmente sin comer nada nutritivo durante el dia- o quizás absolutamente nada- así que nosotros sentimos que “nos la merecemos!”

Encima de ello, tenemos el habito de comer entre comidas. Esto esta bien, si escogemos algo correcto que comer como frutas, nueces, maní, vegetales e incluso agua, pero en general escogemos comer cosas como pretzels, galleticas, papitas fritas, tosticos -la clase de “bocaditos”, que otra vez, están llenos de sal, grasa y azúcar.

Estaremos alcanzando nuestras metas con estos terribles hábitos? O simplemente estamos llenando nuestro cuerpo con comidas indebidas tan solo para sentirnos llenos? Difícil pregunta con muchas res-puestas. Y eso es lo que veo en mi practica. Personas con diferentes hábitos, algunos aprendidos desde pequeños porque eso es lo que vieron en casa. Otros, con hábitos adquiridos, porque “comidas fáciles, vida fácil”.

Y yo puedo contar por mi propia expe-riencia que hay hábitos difíciles de cambiar, pero no imposibles.

Y eso es lo que me hace escribir esta nota. De mi propia experiencia, yo como inmi-grante que se mudo a los Estados Unidos en mis 30’s y tuve que aprender nuevos hábitos alimenticios. En America, yo necesite cambiar mis sabores y sazones en las comidas, pero encontré la forma saludable de hacerlo. Yo tuve la opción de aceptar las comidas rápidas como mis amigas o mi enemigas. Yo tuve la opción de acomodar mis comidas y aceptar nuevos sabores y sazones, escogiendo frutas y vegetales de acuerdo a la temporada y esco-giendo la comida mas fresca que pudiera encontrar. Escogí comer la comida que esté mas cerca de su origen, la menos procesada posible. Ajustando las horas de mis comidas a mi vida tan ocupada y a la de mi familia—encontrando tiempo para preparar comidas que no solo me sirvan para una comida, pero para los días siguientes, en caso que no

pueda cocinar. Yo pude excusarme y decir: “Yo no tengo tiempo de cocinar.” Esta es una excusa muy común entre mis pacientes y yo siempre les recuerdo que toma tan solo 15 minutos en preparar una “comida rápida saludable”- incluyendo vegetales al vapor o crudos, frutas frescas, pechugas de pollo, carne flaca o pescado en el grillo y tal vez una papita en el microondas.. Que cocinando esos pedazos de carne grandes o chuletas de cerdo toma mucho mas tiempo que algo mas liviaño. Que siempre podremos guardar parte de esa cena para el dia siguiente al desayuno o al almuerzo. Y que no hay nada de malo en cargar una bolsita con la comida a nuestro trabajo.

La vida puede y debería estar llena de buenos hábitos. El futuro de nuestro niños-y de sus propios hábitos- esta en nuestras maños. Si les creamos buenos hábitos alimenticios, ellos estarán dispuestos a comer mejor y pasar eso buenos hábitos a generaciones futuras y talvez, solo talvez , así seremos capaces de superar la crisis de Obesidad en America.


k

The last few months have been a blur of activity. The final letters and emails, the calls to arrange a homecoming and the preparations at home to welcome back our hero, husband and father to a home he has been away from with regularity for 6 years; and during this deployment the last 8 months. As I share our homecoming story, I need to thank the publication and the readers for their desire to be part of our lives and to share these moments each and every month with such compassion. It made the journey easier to face and each time a segment was published, it was another month behind us.

Preparing for homecoming and the task at hand was not a surprise, but after the months of counting and waiting; came upon us quickly as the months turned into weeks and the weeks turned into days. Our situation, as many of you know, is unique. My husband is an active duty Marine, attached to a Reserve Unit, based out of Garden City, Long Island. We, his family chose to remain in Albany during all of his assignments in order to be close to family, to community. What makes a difference is that in choosing to do so, we became separated from the families of those he served with. The goodbyes and home-coming preparations were done there, in Garden City, and we, were here in Albany. Through the months we made the best of the situation we, in fact, had created for ourselves. Upon reflection, it was the best decision we could have made. The many months apart were made easier by the simple fact that our daily routines could remain in tact. Same school, same job, same friends, strong support network.

Anyone who knows us, especially me, knows that things that challenge me, dare to make me stronger. The days that I felt the weakest, made the challenge of tomorrow the incentive to keep going, keep praying, keep counting. The heart knows no boundaries if we allow it the opportunity to grow a deeper love. My desire to be strong, and keep our family whole was an important factor in keeping my husband safe. If I could let him know that we were okay, that things were good and we were strong, he could focus on the task at hand. He needed no distractions from the important role he held. He had a different family to take care of, to keep strong. The young men that served with him, needed him to be focused, needed him to watch over them, needed to know that his focus never swayed.

To complicate things further when preparing for my husband to come home was the fact that he was in the “Advanced Party”. Simply stated, he left for Iraq prior to his unit and returned to the states, prior to his unit. As the days drew closer I was notified that my husband would return to California and then to his Garden City, L.I. office and would be traveling alone. Not part of a big unit, no parade, no big celebration. Just a quiet return back to the country he was defending. How could I be certain that although he was coming home alone that he was welcomed in

the fashion he deserved? Again, family, friends and community were there when I reached out to make this happen. I felt it was important for Nicaya to celebrate her joy. We would see homecomings on television, in the newspapers and in her mind this is what she imagined. My mission was to give her the celebration she desired and expected, and to integrate a celebra-tion that would be fitting a Marine who has served his country for 20 years, without making him feel uncomfortable.

The first obstacle was getting him home from Garden City to Albany. A flight would take 5 hours, the car 3. But how could I bring a whole group of people to pick him up and that 3 hour car ride would be 6 hours for my 5 year old. I reached out for help and found the answer that I was looking for. I contacted Today’s Limo and arranged for a driver to pick my husband up in Long Island and bring him directly home to us. Arrangements were made to be in contact with the driver by cell phone so that we would know where they were and how close they were to our destination.

The second obstacle came when I went looking for a central location to welcome him home. I called upon the local Fire Departments to no avail. Then I had an idea. The local Starbucks near our house was a favorite place of ours. A place to grab a cup of coffee when he was around, share stories and just have a moment together. During the deployment, this Star-bucks helped me to get shipments of coffee to my husband in Iraq. I made a call and quickly received not only an answer, that absolutely, yes, you can welcome him home here, but yes, and we want to help you with your event!

My dear friends at Clear Channel also made things happen, they helped me get flags, banners, hats, posters, anything we needed to turn the local Starbucks into a patriotic welcome center!

All of this was done in 2 days. It was a frenzy of activity, invitations and final touches as we gath-ered together to wait for that phone call saying they were 5 minutes away!

As we all met at Starbucks, each car received a yellow, red, white and blue ribbon and these were attached to every car in the parking lot. The sidewalk out front was adorned with Amer-ican flags to create a runway of flags leading to the entrance. We placed signs in every window and on every door and the beeping horns of passerby’s helped to build the excitement and realization that we were going to see that smile that we missed so much in a matter of minutes. There were those in the coffee house that could not help to get caught up in the excitement. There were adults, and schoolchildren, photog-raphers and lots of and lots of umbrellas. The sky opened up shortly before his arrival as if heaven was sharing its tears of happiness with us!

The Homecoming

CONTINUED ON P. 21


Los últimos meses han sido de mucha activ-idad. Los correos electrónicos y cartas finales, las llamadas para organizar la bienvenida y los preparativos para recibir a nuestro héroe, esposo y padre a un hogar del cual ha estado alejado regularmente por 6 años; y durante este despliegue los últimos 8 meses. Mientras comparto nuestra historia de bienvenida, quiero agradecer a la revista y a los lectores por su deseo de ser parte de nuestras vidas y compartir estos momentos cada mes con tal compasión. Hizo la jornada más fácil y, a medida que cada segmento era publicado, era otro mes que pasaba.

Los preparativos para la bienvenida no eran sorpresa, pero después de contar y esperar por meses, nos llegó rápidamente cuando los meses se volvieron semanas y las semanas se volvi-eron días. Nuestra situación, como muchos de ustedes saben, es única. Mi esposo es un Marine en servicio activo que pertenece a la Unidad de Reserva localizada en Garden City, Long Island. Nosotros, su familia, decidimos permanecer en Albany durante sus misiones para estar cerca de la familia y la comunidad. Lo que nos hace dife-rentes es que, debido a esta decisión, nos sepa-ramos de las familias de aquellos que trabajan con el.

Los preparativos de despedida y bienvenida fueron hechos allí, en Garden City, y nosotros estuvimos aquí en Albany. Con el paso de los meses aprovechamos al máximo la situación que nosotros mismos creamos. Pensándolo bien, fue la mejor decisión que pudimos haber tomado. Los meses que estuvimos separados fueron más llevaderos por el simple hecho que nuestras rutinas diarias pudieron permanecer intactas. Misma escuela, mismo trabajo, mismos amigos y un fuerte sistema de apoyo.

Todos los que nos conocen, en especial a mí, saben que las cosas que me retan, me hacen más fuerte. Los días que me sentía más débil, hacían que el reto del mañana fuera continuar, continuar orando y continuar contando. El corazón no tiene fronteras si le damos la opor-tunidad de crear un amor más profundo. Mi deseo de ser fuerte, y mantener nuestra familia unida fue un factor importante para la segu-ridad de mi esposo. Si yo le podía contar que estábamos bien, que las cosas iban bien y que nosotros éramos fuertes, el se podría concentrar en su misión. El no necesitaba distracciones en su trabajo. El tenía otra familia que cuidar y mantener fuerte. Los hombres jóvenes que trabajaban con el, necesitaban que el estuviera concentrado, que los cuidara.

Para complicar más los preparativos de la bien-venida, estaba el hecho que él era parte de la “Partida de Avance”. Esto significa que el salió para Irak y retornó a los Estado Unidos antes que su unidad. A medida que se acercaba la fecha, se me notificó que mi esposo llegaría a California

y de allí, viajando solo, a su oficina en Garden City, L.I. No sería parte de una Unidad grande, sin desfile, sin gran celebración. Sencillamente un retorno callado al país que él estaba defen-diendo. Cómo podría asegurarme que, aunque él llegaría solo, fuera recibido de la forma que se merecía? Otra vez, familia, amigos y comunidad estuvieron presentes cuando le pedí ayuda para organizar la recepción. Sentí que era importante que Nicaya celebrara su alegría. Nosotros veíamos bienvenidas en la televisión y en los periódicos y esto era lo que ella se imaginaba. Mi trabajo era darle a ella la celebración que ella quería y esperaba y orga-nizarla de tal manera que fuera adecuada para un Marine que ha trabajado por su País durante 20 años, sin hacerlo sentir incómodo.El primer obstáculo fue traerlo de Garden City a Albany. Un vuelo tomaría 5 horas, el carro 3. Pero cómo podría llevar un grupo de personas a recibirlo? Además, el viaje de 3 horas en carro parecería de 6 horas para mi hija de 5 años. Pedí ayuda y encontré la respuesta que estaba buscando. Hice contactos con Today’s Limo e hice arreglos para que un conductor recogiera a mi esposo de Long Island y lo trajera directa-mente a nuestro hogar. Se hicieron arreglos para estar en contacto con el conductor por teléfono celular de tal forma que nosotros supiéramos dónde estaban.

El segundo obstáculo se presentó cuando empecé a buscar un punto de encuentro para darle la bienvenida. Llamé al Departamento de Bomberos pero no estaban disponibles. Entonces se me ocurrió una idea. El Star-bucks del vecindario era uno de nuestros sitios favoritos. Un lugar para tomar una taza de café cuando él estaba cerca, compartir historias y tener momentos juntos. Durante el despliegue, este Starbucks me ayudó a mandar café a mi esposo a Irak. Los llamé y rápidamente me contestaron, no solo que sí lo podía recibir allí, pero que también me ayudarían con el evento!

Mis estimados amigos de Clear Channel también hicieron su parte, me ayudaron con las banderas, pancartas, sombreros y todo lo que necesitábamos para convertir el Starbucks del vecindario en un centro patriótico de bien-venida.

Todo esto se hizo en 2 días. Eran muchas cosas por hacer, invitaciones y toques finales mien-tras nos reuníamos para esperar por esa llamada telefónica diciendo que estaban a 5 minutos!

Cuando nos reunimos en Starbucks, cada carro recibía un moño amarillo, rojo blanco y azul y estos moños se le pegaban a cada carro en el parqueadero. La entrada fue adornada con

CONTINÚA EN LA P. 21

Feliz Regreso


Los momentos que estamos vivi-endo nos han desanimado. Este desanimo nos hace sentir débiles para enfrentar los retos diarios que tenemos que vivir en el trabajo, la familia, los aumentos en el costo de vida y el desen-canto que nos produce que nuestros lideres se enfoquen en temas insig-nificante cuando se nos esta cayendo la casa encima.

El desanimo se produce por que hemos transferido la responsabilidad para resolver los problemas de nuestro país, de nuestra familia y de nuestra comunidad. Si bien es cierto que los asuntos sociales, políticos, económicos y de infraestructura esta en mano de los políticos, pero esto no debe llevarnos a renunciar nuestra responsabilidad para participar en buscar soluciones a nuestros problemas.

Nos hemos enfocado en hacer grandes cambios y nos hemos olvidado que estos se alcanzan con una pequeña aportación diaria de mucha gente. Si todos asumimos la responsabilidad que requiere este momento histórico, sacando lo que nos divide y enfocán-donos en nuestras fortalezas como pueblo, podremos ver la luz al final del camino.

Me preocupa esta situación porque durante los pasados 25 años he visto un deterioro acelerado de nuestra visión, de nuestro propósito como pueblo y de los valores que nos hacen único, genuino y especial.

En mis viajes por los E. U. y Latinoa-mérica me comentan los participantes de nuestros seminarios la admiración que tienen por nuestros artistas, compositores, cantantes, atletas y por la belleza de la mujer puertorriqueña. Pero lo más que valorizan es nuestra hospitalidad y nuestro don de gente.

¿Qué nos esta pasando que se ha lasti-mado la confianza y el entusiasmo que nos distingue y nos hace ver diferente

como pueblo? Me parece por mi experi-encia como conferenciante y consultor, que nuestro país esta pasando por un momento difícil, tenemos que refle-xionar y volver a lo básico.

Debemos preguntarnos ¿Quiénes somos como pueblo? ¿Por qué exis-timos? ¿Qué nos mueve? ¿Qué nos distingue? y ¿Hacía dónde vamos? Si seguimos esta ruta que hemos seguido por los pasados 25 años, no podemos esperar resultados diferentes a los que hemos producido en las pasadas dos décadas.

Una buena definición de locura es hacer lo mismo y esperar resultados diferentes. Es responsabilidad de todos aportar con nuestro carácter, nuestro comportamiento y nuestra firmeza, soluciones pequeñas que van a cambiar la atmósfera de nuestro país y de nuestro destino. Podemos vencer el desánimo, recordando que en el pasado hemos vencido los problemas mayores y mucho más difíciles de lo que estamos viviendo, con menos recursos, menos oportunidades y hemos salido adelante.

Ánimo todavía falta mucho por hacer, no te rindas, vamos a conquistar lo que nos pertenece. Tenemos dos opciones o asumimos responsabilidad por nuestro futuro, o esperamos que otros definan nuestro destino.

Para hacer esto debemos de rodearnos de personas que nos enriquezcan la vida, que nos sirvan de modelo, que nos ofrezcan nuevos conocimientos que nos inspiren para producir una transformación en nuestra forma de pensar e interpretar las adversidades que se avecinan. Lo vamos hacer con la ayuda de Dios y con la ayuda de todos.

Podemos vencer el desanimo

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, Argen-tina, 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.com1-800-393-9038 • [email protected]

By:Dr.J.R.Román

LATINO NEW YORK I P. �9 JULY 2009

In Loving Memory of Orlando Rodríguez

My friend Orlando Rodriguez died Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was 47 years old. I met Orlando in 1986 and found him to be one of the funniest and friendliest people I ever met. I never saw Orlando upset -- even as he was lying in pain from an illness that took him by surprise and took him away from us way too soon.

The George-Contreras family as well as the family of Latino New York Magazine join his family and friends at this moment of sorrow. Let us all celebrate the life of a person who provided us with many moments of laughter and love.

Goodbye my friend. We are going to miss you very much.

Mi amigo Orlando Rodríguez falleció Sábado, 4 de julio de 2009 en el Hospice Inn del Hospital St. Peter. A la hora de su muerte tenia 47 años de edad. Conocí a Orlando en 1986 y lo encontré ser una de las personas más divertidas y más amigables que he cono-cido en mi vida. Nunca le vi molesto - aun cuando estaba hospitalizado y aquejado por

el dolor de una enfermedad que le llegó por sorpresa y se lo llevo de nosotros demasiado pronto.

La familia George-Contreras, así como la familia de la Revista Latino Nueva York se une a su familia y amigos en este momento de dolor. Celebremos la vida de una persona que

nos proporcionó muchos momentos de risas y amor.

Adiós mi amigo. Te extrañaremos mucho.

Juan George


LATINO NEW YORK I P. 2� JULY 2009

ENGLISH VERSION FROM P. 16

As I received the phone call we all were waiting for, we all made way out the front of the building to the front lawn and sidewalk. Nicaya could no longer contain her excitement. She was holding the sign that said, “Daddy, I missed you!” and racing to be certain she was the first to see him. She had told me many months ago, that she was going to hug daddy first, because she could run faster. And we let her…

As the car pulled up, the cheering of the crowd, the horns honking, the flags waving, my husband appeared from behind the tinted glass and through the open door. As he stepped out of the car, I was amazed at the feeling of relief that came over me. There was a rush of emotion as he reached down and picked up his little girl for the first time in such a long time, it was as if my heart was full and bursting with love and I had almost forgotten how great that felt. He looked great, he looked healthy and in his smile was the glow of a man who returned to the loving arms of the family he left to protect. It is a moment in my life that I will treasure forever.

*GySgt Nicasio Rios returned safely to his family after his deployment to Iraq and is now retiring after 20 years of service to his beloved Marine Corp. His readjustment to life at home and separation from the Military is a new story all it’s own. As he said in the first installment of these articles, it is a new chapter in their lives, so the story continues.

banderas en forma de pasarela. Colocamos avisos en cada ventana y en cada puerta y los carros pitando ayudaron a aumentar la emoción y a darnos cuenta que íbamos a ver esa sonrisa que tanto extrañábamos en cuestión de minutos. Hubo algunos en Starbucks que también se contagiaron de la emoción. Había adultos, niños de escuela, fotógrafos y muchas, muchas sombrillas. El cielo se despejó justo antes de su llegada como si el cielo estuviera compartiendo sus lágrimas de alegría con nosotros!

Cuando recibí la llamada que estábamos espe-rando, todos salimos al frente del edificio. Nicaya no pudo controlar más su emoción. Ella tenía la pancarta que decía, “Papí, te extrañé!” y estaba corriendo para asegurarse de ser la primera en verlo. Ella me había dicho hace varios meses que iba a abrazar al papi de primeras porque ella podía correr más rápido. Y nosotros la dejamos…

Cuando el carro estacionó, en medio de la ovación de la gente, los carros pitando, y las banderas moviéndose, mi esposo apareció por detrás de la ventana oscura y la puerta abierta. Cuando él salió del carro, me sorprendió el sentimiento de alivio que se apoderó de mí. Sentí una emoción inmensa cuando el se inclinó y levantó a su pequeña niña por primera vez en tan largo tiempo. Fue como si mi corazón estu-viera lleno y palpitando de amor y yo hubiera

casi olvidado lo bien que se siente. El se veía muy bien, se veía saludable y en su sonrisa estaba el resplandor de un hombre que volvía a los brazos amorosos de la familia que el dejó para proteger. Es un momento en mi vida que guardaré por siempre.

*GySgt Nicasio Rios volvió a salvo a su familia después de su trabajo en Irak y se retira después de 20 años de servicio a sus amados Marine Corps. Su reintegro a la vida en nuestro hogar y separación del ejército es una nueva historia. Como él lo dijo en nuestro primer artículo, es un nuevo capítulo en sus vidas y la historia continúa.

VERSION ESPAñOL DE LA P. 17

The HomecomingFeliz Regreso


As a student in the Bethlehem School District living in “Slinger-landia” (Slingerlands) he excelled in Spanish and music, and had an amazing creative streak. In the years since, Josh Norek has parlayed his passions into a multi-facted and incredibly successful career. Norek is now the host of “The Latin Alternative,” airing Saturdays (starting July 4th) at 8:00 pm on WEXT 97.7 FM, a sister station of WMHT. Norek describes the show as a mix of Latin rock, funk, hip-hop, boogaloo and old school salsa. ‘“The idea is to play Latin music that will appeal to both Latinos and non-Latinos alike, regardless of whether one speaks Spanish. As far as I know, this is genuinely the very first time such a show was targeted to English speakers anywhere in the United States,” Norek said.

Norek’s love of music was evident from the late 80s and early 90s when he would translate current rock songs into Spanish In 1995, Norek took a leave of absence from college to spend his sophomore year in college in Argentina.

However, he began working in the Buenos Aires offices of Warner Brothers Records, and a love affair with Spanish language rock and hip hop was born. After graduating, Norek quickly became one of the top publicists in Latin music, representing Maná, Jaguares, Café Tacuba and Molotov; as well as pop stars like Enrique Iglesias and Alejandro Sanz. Norek also has a law degree, which enables him to do record contracts and trade-marks for many artists. Norek also worked with Latin rock manager Tomas Cookman to start the Latin Alternative Music Confernce (LAMC) in 1999.

LAMC’s 10th

Anniversary Conference takes place this month in New York City, and will attract 1200 attendees and 25,000 concertgoers.

Inspired by the late Marta Meacham, who was his Spanish teacher at Bethlehem High School, Norek is also Deputy Director of Voto Latino, a non-partisan Latino youth civic engagement organization. It was co-founded by actress Rosario Dawson, and has focused on registering Latinos to vote; and ensuring an accurate count of Latinos in the 2010 Census. Norek took a leave of absence from his music work last year to serve as National Field Director of Latinos for Obama. “It was a truly inspiring experi-ence to witness history in the

making, and to see so many average Americans…become

empowered to bring about real change,”

Norek said.

Finally, Norek has a side person-ality, “Josué Noriega,” the lead vocalist of his Latin-Jewish rap group Hip Hop Hoodios. Norek is Jewish and has extended family in Colombia. He and Abraham Vélez (a Puerto Rican Jew) founded the group in 2001. Their songs range from the silly “Havana Nagila” to the serious, “1492,” a song noting the role the Spanish Inquisition played in making millions of Latinos unaware of their Jewish roots. Whether in entertainment, politics or activism, Norek has accomplished a great deal in such a short time. The future does indeed seem limitless for a man who is proud of his Jewish, Latino and Capital Region roots.

Josh with actress Rosario Dawson, co-founder of Voto Latino

Josh in his role as Josué Noriega and Abraham Vélez of Hip Hop Hoodios

1

1

22

By: Michael Fondacaro



Residents of Hudson and Columbia County gathered June 20th at the Henry Hudson Waterfront park for the Third Annual Solstice Inti Raymi Celebration, to welcome to start of summer. Organizer David Gallardo (with his mask on [1]) helped lead a parade to the park, where musician Stephen Walsh (with his accordion [2]) performed Brazilian Forro music. A ceremony of giving thanks to Mother Earth followed [3].

2 3

1

P. 2� JULY 2009 I LATINO NEW YORK

… Two controversial Latino legis-lators from New York City threw Albany, the New York State Senate and the entire State Senate into chaos on June 8. Democrats Pedro Espada, Jr. and Hiram Monser-rate decided to join the Republican conference, seemingly ending the Senate’s first Democratic Majority in 44 years. Espada was named President Pro Tem, making him first in succession to the Governor-ship. Monserrate then returned to the Democratic fold, leaving the question as to which party runs the Senate in the hands of the courts and leadership from both parties whose relations with one another may be charitably described as acri-monious. By the end of the month, some progress had been reported in negotiations to settle the leader-ship issue, but the end of the sched-uled legislative session had already ended.

… Even with the end of the New York State Legislative session, lobbying continued on the Farm-worker Omnibus Bill. Supporters say farmworkers are entitled to similar rights found achieved through collective bargaining in other labor sectors, while opponents say many workers don’t want a day off, and than the legislation will significantly worsen the already precarious financial position farm owners in particular, and agribusi-ness in general finds itself.

… Also in Albany, former U.S. Surgeon General and New York State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello pleaded guilty to filing a false instrument. She was accused of using State Health Department employees as personal servants.

… In Massachusetts, law enforce-ment seized computers and other materials from the office Lawrence Schools Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy. Laboy’s office was accused of running ran unauthorized finan-cial and criminal background checks on local political candidates, attorneys, public officials, journal-ists, athletes and entertainers.

… In Connecticut, a judge refused to dismiss bribery and other charges against Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez; and the death of a witness allowed State Representa-tive Minnie Gonzalez to not have to face one of seven allegations that she broke absentee balloting laws in 2006. There will still be a hearing in July.

… There was some positive news for other elected officials. Former Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios, the first Latino elected to that body, was appointed to the presidency of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. Juan Pichardo became the first Latino to preside over the Rhode Island State Senate.

… Former Kellogg’s CEO and Commerce Secretary Carlos Guti-errez became a member of Corning, Inc.’s Board of Directors.

… A federal judge ruled that federal agents who swept into New Haven for an immigration raid two years ago, just days after the city issued ID card, violated the rights of four undocumented immigrants.

… Attorneys for the Village of Port Chester asked a federal judge to throw out a case saying the village’s elections system discrimi-nates against Latinos, following the election of Blanca Lopez to the school board. Federal Department of Justice lawyers said her elec-tion has no bearing on the election system.

… An undocumented immi-grant has been charged with drunk driving and aggravated vehicular homicide after running over Lori Donahue and her daughter Kayle in Brewster. If convicted, Zacaria Conses-Garcia faces up to 25 years in prison.

… A New York State Supreme Court Justice threw out a $22 million lawsuit alleging that Sche-nectady County was negligent in

the handling of the Xctasy Garcia abuse case. A four-year old in 2006, Garcia was severely injured by her mother and mother’s boyfriend.

… Framingham hired its first two Brazilian-American police officers.

… New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang apologized to the city’s Puerto Rican community after a flyer asking city residents to keep the streets clean included a photo of a home where a Puerto Rican flag was displayed in the window.

… Voters in Millbridge, Maine voted to implement a six-month moratorium on the construction of a six-unit apartment for migrant workers. Mano en Mano, which received a $1 million grant, said it would take the matter to Wash-ington County Superior Court.

… Some 20 Connecticut groups representing Latino arts, educa-tion, health care and other facets have formed the CLLC (Consejo de Líderes Latinos de Connecticut).

… Zoe Colon was appointed the Executive Director of the Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck.

… Following the loss six members earlier this year, fueling speculation that its festival and the association may not survive, The Rhode Island Puerto Rican Association opened a new office.

… The New York Society of Professional Engineers announced that New City resident James Yarmus would be its new President. Yarmus, who left Cuba in 1960 and has lived in Rockland County since 1972, is the first Latino to head the Society.

… Yonkers City Council Majority Leader Sandy Annabi announced she would challenge Westchester County Legislator Jose Alvarado in the Democratic primary later

this year. The Portuguese Counsul General in New Bedford, Fernanda Coelho, announced she would leave her post to return to Postugal after this summer.

… Sadness in Providence: one-time Latin King Nation member David Catagena, who became an advocate of nonviolence and played a major role in bring rival youth gangs together, was killed in a multi-car crash.

… Tim Chavez, a former opinion page editor of the Utica Observer Dispatch, passed away in Tennessee after a battle with leukemia.

… Organizations helping immi-grants across Massachusetts faced severe budget cuts, as the State Senate considered cutting in half funding for the Citizenship for New Americans Program. The Berkshire Immigrant Center would lose 12 percent of its funding.

… Paulo Monte, a former prisoner under the costidy of U.S. ICE, went public with his stories of significant abuse. The 40-year old from Fall River has been a legal permanent resident of the United States since the age of five months. A U.S. immigration judge dismissed the case against him.

… The building that became a flashpoint in the immigration battle two years ago was the home to another surprise. Alliant Techsys-tems it would shut down the former Michael Bianco Inc. plant in New Bedford July 31, resulting in the loss of 350 jobs.

… It was announced that the first new Latin music show to air in the Capital District for some time would begin July 4. WEXT will air “The Latin Alternative,” a program focusing on Rock en Espanol.

… In Massachusetts, Gol Super-markets was ordered to pay $90,000 in files for labor violations.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT NEWS

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Dr.JoséCruzysuOrquestadeJazzLatino(Jazz/Latino,Inc.)

CarmenPérezHogan,laAsambleístaCarmenArroyoyotraparticipante

AlbanyCountyExecutiveMichaelG.Breslin

JuanGeorge,AnneMaestriyMichaelFondacaro

ElaineEscobales,HOSExecutiveDirectoryotraparticipante

MariaVidalysuesposo JoséSegurayLoraKanetzky

Hispanic Outreach Services celebrated its 20th Year Anniversary as an agency of Cath-olic Charities/Diocese of Albany. The event was held at the Century House in Latham. The organization recognized with Awards the leadership and service of St. Mary’s Hospital of Amsterdam, NY; Janet Sapio-Mayta, Capital Distric 100 Hispanic Women’s President and the Castro-Cadet Family.

MelaniePores,RosaTaborayAliciaConstantino

MonicaM.AriasMirandaHOSTreasurer

JenniferSantiago,SoniaSapio-Maytayotroparticipante


Garland Bros. Funeral Home

75 Clinton AvenueAlbany, NY 12210

(518) 434-3887

Personalized support and customized services

Papá G saluda a la comunidadHispana de la Región Capital

Sheila Ramírez celebró su cumpleaños con familiaresy amigos.

El día 9 de Julio, la orga-nización 100 Hispanic Women Capital Distric Chapter, se reunió en honor de Vilma (Vivi) Valentin, quien es la fundadora del Capital Region Latino Parade, Inc. La visión de Vilma ha sido inspitación para la comunidad latina en la Región Capital. La reunión tuvo lugar en Casa Javi Tavern & Restaurant.

Felicitaciones !


Garland Bros. Funeral Home


For far too long consumers have struggled to stay current on their debt obligations as credit card companies imposed high interest rates as well as unreasonable fees and penalties. Credit cards have become extremely complicated for consumers, often costing them more money than they might have expected to pay. The federal Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act just signed by President Obama was designed to end arbitrary interest rate hikes, fees and charges imposed by the credit card industry.

The CARD Act, which was supported by Governor David Paterson and the New York State Consumer Protection Board (CPB), signals positive change in credit card industry practices. Here is a list of the most sweeping reforms:

Interest Rate Changes Generally, fixed, non-promotional rates cannot be changed during

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

Reasonable Time to Pay Credit card statements must be mailed out to consumers 21 days

before payment is due. If the issuer fails to mail your bill on time, then you are not responsible for late fees.

Payment Allocation If your card has more than one interest rate on balances; excess

payments must generally be applied to the highest interest rate first.

Double-Cycle BillingThe law prohibits credit card issuers from imposing financing

charges based on balances associated with the previous billing cycle.

Over Limit FeesOver the credit limit fees cannot be charged unless cardholders

opt-in to allow over-the-limit transac-tions to clear.

Payment Method Fee Bills can be paid via mail, online or over the phone without incur-

ring a processing fee, unless a service representative is used.

Universal DefaultThe law prohibits credit card companies from changing interest

rates and terms for reasons unrelated to a customer’s history with the company. For example, a creditor cannot raise interest rates on the consumer’s credit card if a consumer has been late paying their gas bill.

Many of these reforms will not take effect for nine months. In the meantime, consumers should get acquainted with the changes as some credit card compa-nies have already began adjusting to the new rules. The CPB will continue to work to further protect consumers from abusive and misleading practices in the credit card industry. We encourage consumers to visit our website at www.nysconsumer.gov to obtain more infor-mation, answer or credit card survey or to file a complaint.

Por mucho tiempo los consumi-dores se han sacrificado pagando sus deudas y manteniéndose al día en sus cuentas, mientras que las compañías de tarjetas de crédito hacían de las suyas cobrando altas tasas de interés, excesivas cuotas, honorarios y penali-dades. La ley federal de reforma de crédito recientemente firmada por el Presidente Barack Obama fue creada para terminar con estos abusos.

El Acta Federal de Contabilidad, Responsabilidad y Revelación en las Tarjetas de Crédito (CARD por sus siglas en Ingles) apoyado por el Gobernador David Paterson y la Junta de Protección al Consumidor del Estado de Nueva York (CPB) ofrece más protección para los consumidores y aplica restricciones en la manera en que las compañías de crédito hacen negocio. Aquí le ofrec-emos información sobre los cambios más importantes los cuales entrarán en efecto dentro de nueve meses.

Tasa de Interés EstableLa tasa de interés en las nuevas cuentas que ofrecen intereses fijos

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

Tiempo Razonable para PagosLas facturas de las cuentas de tarjetas de crédito deben de ser

enviadas a los consumidores 21 días

antes de que se venza el pago. Si la compañia no envía su cuenta a tiempo, usted no será responsable por honorarios de tardanza.

Asignación de PagosSi el cliente tiene balances con diferentes tasas de interés;

cualquier dinero en exceso al pago mínimo debe ser asignado al balance con la tasa de interés más alta.

Cobro de Doble-CicloLa ley prohíbe que una compañía de tarjetas de crédito cobre cargos

de finanzas mensuales basado en los balances del mes o ciclo anterior.

Cargos por Pasarse de LimiteLos consumidores tendrán la opción de elegir si quieren

exceder el límite de crédito y de esa manera evitar que las compañías le cobren multas sin su consentimiento.

Cargos por Métodos de PagoLas facturas ahora podrán ser

pagadas por el internet o por teléfono sin que las compañías cobren cargos o penalidades.

Penalidad UniversaMuchas compañías de tarjetas de crédito revisan el historial de

crédito de los clientes y hacen cambios en los términos y las tasas de interés si notan que el cliente no está al día con sus otras cuentas. Con la nueva ley, las compañías no podrán penalizar al cliente por su historial con otros acreedores. Los consumidores deben de famil-iarizarse con los cambios debido a que muchas de las compañías de tarjetas de crédito ya están ajustandose a las reglas. La CPB continuara trabajando para seguir protegiendo a los consumidores contra tácticas abusivas y engañosas por parte de la industria de tarjetas de crédito. Le pedimos al público que visite nuestro sitio web al www.nyscon-sumer.gov para obtener más infor-mación o llenar una querella.

NEW CREDIT CARD REFORM

WILL PROTECT CONSUMERS

PREPARESE PARA LOS

CAMBIOS EN LAS TARJETAS DE CREDITO



Mechanicville Doctor Turns Waiting Room into Art Gallery

Family Medicine of Mechanicville has started a rotating gallery of regional art work, transforming its patient waiting room into a showcase for artists from the Capital Region. The medical practice’s first exhibition presents the oil and pastel paintings of Catalina Arango, a painter of horses who renders these beautiful creatures with closely observed brush strokes that subtly capture their nobility and strength. Catalina’s work was chosen to coincide with race track season in Saratoga Springs , a six-week event that draws horse lovers from all over America to the Spa City . The rotating gallery was the idea of Ingrid Bermudez MD, who runs the family medical practice in Mechanicville. In September, another female artist, a patient of Dr. Bermudez, will have the opportunity to display her art in the medical office.

Dr. Bermudez developed the concept in the belief that art can help set a peaceful, creative environment in her waiting room and actually have a restorative effect on patients. “As a doctor, I’m always looking for ways to create a comfortable atmosphere for my patients to make their wait time feel even shorter. If you make the waiting room feel like a living room, people relax as if they’re in a social situation. There’s less anxiety during routine visits to the doctor.” Dr. Bermudez adds: “I think it’s important to promote beautiful art. What better way to bring these two important ideas together?” About the Artist:A native of Colombia who resides in Sche-nectady, N.Y., Catalina Arango uses oil painting and pastel techniques to capture the colorful

tones and nobility of horses. She studied the equine anatomy and the different species of horses. She strives to convey her love for horses through art while projecting a sensation of tranquility and pride she feels for her Colombian heritage. About Family Medicine of Mechanicville:Family Medicine of Mechanicville, located in southern Saratoga County in the heart of upstate New York , believes in treating the whole patient – physically and emotionally. We offer individually focused quality of care for all ages, from newborn to the elderly, with a concentration on preven-tive care and women’s issues. The office features spacious, modern facilities, ample parking, and is convenient to communities in the Capital Region, such as Clifton Park , Malta , Stillwater , Troy , and Saratoga. It is located at 242 South Central Avenue , Mechanicville , N.Y. 12118 .

About Ingrid Bermudez MDIngrid Bermudez M.D. is a licensed and board-certi-fied family physician in practice for more than 18 years. As a Mechanicville physician who practiced abroad before moving to the United States, Dr. Bermudez is fluent in Spanish with extensive famil-iarity in varied cultural and living conditions. She is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

ElComitéHispanodelaRenovaciónCarismáticaCatólicadelaDiócesisdeAlbanyteinvitaa:

Retiro Espiritual De Sanación Con El Predicador Católico

Saulo Hidalgo“Yo, Javé, Te He Llamado….”

(Is 42:6)

¿Tesientestriste,agobiado,enfermofísicayespiritualmente?¿Quieresdarleunanuevadirecciónaatuvida?

NodejespasarlaoportunidaddeencontrarteconunJesúsmisericordiosoyllenodeamorporti.

Elpuedesanartesolositúselopermites.FECHA:19y20deSeptiembrede2009

HORA:Sábado19-8:00AM–5:00PM

Domingo20-8:00AM–3:00PM

LUGAR:EscuelaSt.JohnTheEvangelist806UnionSt.,Schenectady,NY

Saulo Hidalgo es un reconocido predicador de la Palabra de Dios y autor de varios éxitos de librería,

entre ellos “Cómo superar los momentos de crisis”. Cuenta con más de 400 conferencias grabadas que se transmiten por radio y televisión. Sus mensajes son recibidos en muchos países de Latinoamérica y

Estados Unidos. Es fundador de los ministerios NUEVA ALIANZA DE AMOR y LEVANTATE Y ANDA. (www.levantateyanda.org. )

Para información y/o compra de boletos: Olga Tapia: (399-5028);Nilda Colón (229-2311); Confesora (Negra)Franco (452-5753)

DONACION: $15.00 (Incluye 2 almuerzos)

LATINO NEW YORK I P. �� JULY 2009 LATINO New YorkP. �� APR 2009 LATINO New York

July the 4th is day of recollection and pride for the United States of America. On July 4th 1776 The Declaration of Independence was adopted, and we celebrated our independence from Great Britain. Freedom is a wonderful thing, and something that should be treasured. Although we live in modern times there are many countries whose definition of freedom greatly differs from ours. So always appreciate and cherish the freedom that you do have, and never forget those who fought and died for it.

LEO - THE LIONJuly 23rd to August 22nd

Stone: Ruby Element: Fire

Ruler: Sun

Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac. Leo’s have the reputation for being conceited, but it’s because Leo’s feel they are important people. Leo’s like to sleep in and enjoy lazing around for long periods of time, but they are generally hard working people and like the finer things in life. Leo people tend to hold on to situations and people for long periods of time. One of the worse things you can do to a Leo is to make them feel unappreci-ated. Although Leo’s appear to be very confident on the outside, they are at times modest people. Famous Leo Leaders: President Barack Obama, Former President Bill Clinton, Former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Governor Arnold Schwarzennegger

Julio es el mes del recuerdo y orgullo por los estados Unidos de América. En Julio 4 de 1776, fue adoptada la Declaración de Inde-pendencia, y nosotros celebramos nuestra independencia de la Gran Bretaña. La libertad es una cosa maravillosa, y algo que debe ser valorado. Aun cuando vivimos en tiempos modernos, existen muchos países cuya definición de libertas difiere bastante de la nuestra. Así que siempre aprecia y comparte la libertad que tienes, y nunca olvides aquellos que lucharon y murieron por ti.

Querida Lisa:

Mi ex yo terminamos hace tres años, y desde entonces he salidos con un par de personas, pero ninguno de ellos parece mejor que mi ex. Ahora estoy tratando de volver a tener mi vida organizada y querer una relación seria nuevamente. Pero parece que solo estoy atrayendo hombres muy similares a mi ex. Qué consejo tienes para alguien que está buscando su alma gemela y no la puede encontrar, y cómo sabré cuando aquella persona sea el Sr. Perfecto.Terry – Menands, New York

Querida Terry:

Te aplaudo por tratar de organizar tu vida especialmente después de haber terminado una relación, que puede ser devastador. Si estás atrayendo el mismo tipo de hombres que exhiben la misma conducta de tu ex, entonces debes empezar por revaluar las cosas y realmente preguntarte, por qué?. Usualmente cuando las mujeres atraen los mismos tipos de hombres tóxicos a sus vidas, existen problemas de auto valoración o deben sentir como si no merecieran algo mejor, y Terry tu mereces lo mejor. Como humanos, es natural que nos volvamos impacientes. Cuando te vuelves espiritual, ello refuerza tu fe, y te enseña no ir en contra de la vida, pero ir de acuerdo a como ella fluya. Tu nivel de paciencia se ha incrementado también y te darás cuenta que la espera no es para siempre. Tu verdadera pareja vendrá si tu le permites entrar en tu vida naturalmente sin preocu-paciones. Usa esta época para continuar organizando ti vida de nuevo así estarás realmente lista para cuando tu él aparezca.

Dear Lisa:

My ex and I broke up three years ago, and since then I have dated a few guys, but they all seem to be no better than my ex was. Now I am trying to focus on getting my life back together and want a serious relationship again. But it seems I just keep attracting men who are similar to my ex. What advice do you have for someone looking for their soul mate and keep coming up empty, and how will I know when that person is Mr. Right. Terry – Menands, New York

Dear Terry:

I applaud you for trying to get your life back together especially after a break up, which is can be devastating. If you keep attracting the same type of men that exhibit the same behavior as your ex, then you should start to re-evaluate things and really ask yourself why. Usually when women attract the same type of toxic men in their lives, there could be some self esteem issues or they may even feel as though they don’t deserve anyone better, and Terry you do deserve better. As humans it is natural to become impatient. When you become spiri-tual it strengthens your faith, and teaches you not to push against life but flow with it. Your patience level will also increase and you will realize that the wait is not forever. Your true mate will come if you allow him to come into your life naturally and not worry. Use this time to continue to get your life together so you will be truly ready when he does come.

If you want advise from Lisa, please email your letters to [email protected]

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