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In the News...
Past events.....
October 15, 2008
Latin-American Identity Reaffirmation Day
The
Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs and the Estamos Unidos de
Pennsylvania Inc. hosted the 5th Annual Latino-American Identity Reaffirmation
Day on Wednesday at the Capital rotunda in Harrisburg. The event was dedicated
to the contributions of the Venezuelan community to Pennsylvania.
“I am proud
to serve in an administration that recognizes our strength in diversity,” said
Norman Bristol Colón, executive director of the Governor’s Advisory Commission
on Latino Affairs, or GACLA. “This celebration embraces the spirit of common
purpose in the pursuit of common progress as residents of this great
commonwealth.”
The Ensemble
of Music of Casa de Venezuela, a Philadelphia-based organization of Venezuelan
professionals, provided entertainment during the event. Casa de Venezuela is
leaded by Emilio Buitrago, President of Casa de Venezuela Delaware Valley. On
the other hand, Lancaster City Councilman José Urdaneta served as keynote
speaker while Esmeralda Hetrick, President of Estamos Unidos served as Master of
Ceremonies.
September 13, 2008
IV
Latino-Gala Night & Silent Auction Fundraiser
At
least three hundred persons are expected to attend the 4th Annual Latin Gala on
Saturday, September 13th, at the Four Points Sheraton in Harrisburg. Estamos
Unidos De Pennsylvania’s Latin Gala is a cultural, social and networking event
that promotes cultural awareness and celebrates the diverse Latino cultures by
bringing traditional dance, food and music to Central Pennsylvania. Keynote
speaker will be The Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Master of
Ceremonies, Joyce Davis, WITF’s Senior Vice-President of Content Development.
Entertainment will be provided by several local groups and the animation of
“Sonora Los Fantásticos”.
July
27,2008
2008 Multicultural Latino Picnic
Sunday, July 27, 2008 marked the 7h anniversary of
Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania’s Multicultural Picnic, a celebration of Latino
culture and the values of family, diversity and community held at Emeric Cybort
Park in Steelton. What began as a rainy Sunday morning turned into a beautiful
summer day just in time for friends and family in attendance to enjoy a day of
food, entertainment, a soccer tournament and recognition of community leaders.
Food served at the event consisted of popular
dishes from several Latino cultures. Children participated in activities such
as piñatas and dance competitions as well as other activities provided by
community partners as well as a diverse presentation of the Latino folklore,
music and food. At least 800 persons attended this celebration of the Latino
culture, diversity, family and community on a day of fun, food and activities.
In addition to celebrating diversity and the
contributions of the Latino culture and community, one of the main themes of
Estamos Unidos’ Multicultural Picnic is to recognize the contributions of
community leaders and volunteers. The following community leaders were
recognized with award presentations presented by Dauphin County Commissioners
for their outstanding contributions to the community: Virginia Burd,
International House; Jennifer Goss, Hershey Company; Janet Hebel, Member 1st.
Federal Credit Union; Kimberly Mahaffy, Millersburg University; Kevin M. Powell,
Nationwide Insurance; Chris Rockey, PNC Bank; Patricia Boatright. Highmark Blue
Shield; Dr. Eliseo Rosario, Carlisle Pediatrics; Marisol Craig, John Scott
School; Manuel Valentin, Latino Hispanic Professional Association; Lillian
Bates, Highmark Blue Shield, CHIP; Ileana Villafañe, United Methodist Home for
Children; Dr. Julie Botel, Harrisburg School District. Furthermore, Marisol
Aviles de Ortiz, Abby Gonzalez, and Juanita Mort, Former Estamos Unidos Board
Members were recognized for their service to the community and support of
Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania.
July 7, 2008 to July 25, 2008
Hablamos Espanol Spanish for Kids
5th Annual Summer Camp
Graduates of the Hablando Español Summer Camp
received their diplomas, during the 6th Estamos Unidos Multicultural Picnic, for
completing a program that provides children with an introduction to Hispanic
culture, traditions and language. This year’s program was held weekdays from
9:00 AM-noon at John Scott Elementary School located at Derry & 19th Streets in
Harrisburg. 34 children participated in this year’s summer camp; classes were
divided between children 6 to 9 and 10 to 12 years of age. The program is free
and is operated by several Estamos Unidos Board members, volunteer teachers and
other community volunteers. Professor Rosalina Beard from Harrisburg Area
Community College, Teresa Hoover from Dauphin County Technical School, Marcy
Velez, Harrisburg School District and Marisol Aviles from Estamos Unidos
administrated this program. 27 students from different cultures and backgrounds
attended the 4th Estamos Unidos Summer Camp.
Education Committee:
Improving our Education Guiding Programs 2007-2008
August,
2008
A welcome gathering for first time Latino students
at HACC Harrisburg Campus was organized to reduce anxiety and fears prior to
attending classes at HACC. In effect, 95 students were invited to this workshop
to review their expectations and advice brought by some of the EUP scholarship
recipients. It was held on Friday, Aug 15th 2:00-4:00pm Copper Student Center
Room 101 HACC Harrisburg Campus.
June, 2008
Six talent Latino students were recommended to the
Estamos Unidos Board of Director to receive the 2008-2009 scholarship awards,
which will be officially delivered during the EUP Latino gala Night on September
13, 2008: Jeremy Arvelo, Sophomore HACC-York; Hector Lara, Junior Penn State
Univ. State College; Yaneth Hernandez, Senior Millersville University; Sherlinda
Pacheco, Sophomore HACC-Lebanon; and Lucas Lopez, sophomore, HACC-Lebanon will
received a 1,000 scholarship from the Estamos Unidos Scholarship fund.
May
-
On Thursday, May 15, 2008 9 high school
students from John Harris made a field trip to Members 1st. Federal Credit
Union, main facilities, located at 5000 Louise Dr. Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.
After touring the facility, students and Marcy Velez, representing John
Harris, Professor Rosalina Beard, and Hector Ortiz from Estamos Unidos,
joined President, Robert Marquette, Vice-president, George Nahodil as well
as some executives of Members 1st for lunch. It was a wonderful experience
to know a little about making business in Members 1st; more importantly,
this activity helped high school students to know from first how to climb
the ladder of success and ways to introduce them in the mainstream of the
American society. Of course, there were several encouragement messages
highlighting the importance of education and networking to succeed in our
community.
April, 2008
-
John Harris high school juniors visited HACC.
A very inspiring Latina keynote speaker Ms.Cynthia Rodriguez kept the
audience attention. A College tour, lunch and time to share with
professionals. 10 students, Karla, Christina, Angelo Craig HACC Act 101
Counselor
-
EUP Scholarship GALA fundraiser was held on
April 3rd, 2008 at the Four points Sheraton. Keynote speaker Norman
Bristol-Colon impressed the audience with a great message of encouragement
and confidence in the Latino talent and Estamos Unidos efforts in improving
education in Central Pennsylvania. In addition, Harrisburg School District
Latino students with the highest GPA were presented with a book and a
fountain pen (with the inscription of the student’s name and Estamos Unidos
de Pennsylvania below). The PA Department of State delivered certificates of
recognition to these students.
-
On Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008, 15 high school
students from John Harris made a field trip to the Nationwide Insurance
Company headquarters, located at 1000 Nationwide Drive in Harrisburg, thanks
to the invitation of its Human Resource Director, Edwin Nieves. Students and
Marcy Velez, representing John Harris, got an overview of the insurance
career opportunities as well as deep information about operation and
businesses in the insurance industry.
February, 2008
-
Bilingual financial aid session John Harris
high school 8 students attended. Karla, Christina, and Yolanda attended and
participated during Mrs.Velez Latino Parents meeting. A short presentation
regarding higher education for their children and financial aid was
presented to the parents. EUP Scholarship was announced. About 12 parents
and 18 high school students attended
Thursday, April 3rd, 2008
Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania 2nd Annual
Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner
December 23, 2007
Children Christmas Party-La
Fiesta del Niño 2007
On Sunday, December 23, 2007, over 1000
people gathered at John Harris High School for the Sixth Annual Fiesta del Nino
/ Children's Christmas Party 2007celebration.
Children in attendance enjoyed a visit from
Santa with Christmas gifts, in which over 600 gifts total were dispersed.
Families in attendance also enjoyed traditional food, and entertainment
performed by Ramona Thompson, Alice Robinson, Tomatlan Mexican Folkloric Group,
Super-rider, and Emelindo Gonzalez.
Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania thanks the
Harrisburg School District, John Harris High School and all of those that
donated toys, time and money to make this years Christmas Party possible.
Special thanks to Brenner dealerships, Members 1st, Federal Credit Union, PNC
Bank, Dauphin County Children and Youth, Dauphin County Victim Witness, Dauphin
County Commissioners, The Hershey Company, Giant Foods, Highmark Blue Shield,
Dauphin County Public Defenders, American Literacy Corporation, PA Treasury
Department, Toys for Tots, Sorrento’s, Al’s and Mercado’s Pizza and all our
committed volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
October 12, 2007
IV Latin-American identity
Reaffirmation Day
On Friday, October
12, 2007 at least 150 people participated in the 4th Latin American Identity
reaffirmation day sponsored by the Governors Advisory Commission on Latin
Affairs and Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania. Norman Bristol Colon presented the
welcoming remarks, while Hector Ortiz from Estamos Unidos made the message in
celebrating the contributions of Latinos in Pennsylvania. The presentation of
Cuba was made by Dr. Armelio Lovell while Nelly Gomez recited a poem ob Fabricio
Birne. The keynote speaker was the Cuban-American Senior Vice-President of the
Hershey Company Mr. Bert Alf
onso. The vent was
future with cultural display of Cuba, sample of traditional Cuban food and
music. Estamos Unidos and the Governor’s Commission on Latino Affairs brought
again the Latino flavor to the Capitol Rotunda to celebrate the contributions of
the Cuban community to the commonwealth and the country.
September 15, 2007
III Latino-Gala Night &
Silent Auction Fundraiser
Over 270 people
attended the 3rd Annual Latin Gala on Saturday, September 15th, this year held
at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Estamos Unidos De Pennsylvania’s
Latin Gala is a cultural, social and networking event that promotes cultural
awareness and celebrates the diverse Latino cultures by bringing traditional
dance, food and music to Central Pennsylvania. In following Gala tradition,
the welcoming committee donned traditional attire
representing several Latino cultures while receiving the evening’s distinguished
guests. Musical entertainment for the evening was provided by the acoustic
rhythms of the group, “La Creacion”, the Andean folkloric group Rumi-Urco, along
with performances by Manuel Valentin on Saxophone and Michael Formica on Piano.
Camille Erice also captivated the audience with her Flamenco-Tablao dance.
In addition to the
evening’s festivities, Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania presented the following
scholarship awards to Harrisburg area students: Six $1,000 scholarships were
awarded to fulltime students Angela Delgado, Delyn Davila, Joffre Ramon, Justin
Montoya, Larissa Jirón, and Maria Zavala; three $500 scholarships were awarded
to halftime students Ana Santiago, Iliannette Sierra, and Marisol Jimenes-Fotopoulos.
Scholarship awards were based on several factors including academic performance
and community involvement.
July 29, 2007
Multicultural
Picnic 2007
Emeric Cybort Park (Center and Penn Streets Steelton, Pa 17113)
Click here for details in English
Click here for details in Spanish
July 9, 2007 - July 27, 2007
Estamos Unidos completed Hablando Español a summer
camp, which strengthens Spanish language skills and promote culture
awareness in children. Teachers and volunteers teach children how to speak
and write Spanish through immersion and provide an introduction to the
Hispanic culture, traditions and values of the Latino community.
June 14, 2007
On
Thursday, June 14th, 2007 the Estamos Unidos Education Committee held the first
Scholarships Fundraiser-Dinner at the Wyndham Garden Hotel. At least 100
attendees supported this event and got fun and entertainment under a Latino
environment. Margaret Barajas, CEO and Executive Director of Pennsylvania
Association of Latino Organizations was the keynote speaker. The entertainment
was managed by Emelindo Gonzalez and “Grupo Chance”. All the proceeds of this
event will go to the Estamos Unidos Scholarship Fund to deliver scholarships for
talent Latino students. Estamos Unidos thanks all event sponsors and George
Fernandez, Scholarships Fundraiser-Dinner coordinator, for his understanding
work in organizing this event.
June 2, 2007
Educational,
social and life skills workshops: Estamos Unidos Membership and Volunteer’s development workshop
at Steven Emmanuel Methodist Church.
May 14th, 2007
On Monday, May 14th, 2007 three Latino high school
students from John Harris and two college students, from HACC, participated in a
field trip to Members 1st. Federal Credit Union, located at 5000 Louise Dr.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. After touring the facility, students and Marcy Velez,
representing John Harris, Professor Rosalina Beard, from HACC, and Hector Ortiz
from Estamos Unidos, joined President, Robert Marquette, Vice-president, George
Nahodil as well as other executives of Members 1st for lunch. It was a wonderful
experiences to show the students more about business.
May 3rd, 2007
On Friday, May
3rd, 2007 15 Latino juniors’ visited Harrisburg Area Community College to
participate in a workshop to explore career and financial Aid opportunities in
Pennsylvania. In the same activity, four Latino professionals working and living
in the greater Harrisburg area (Dr. Hector R. Ortiz, Cesar Granja, Alexandra
Carrasco, and Yolanda Perez Rivera) joined the group for a luncheon sitting at
individual tables with students to share their professional experiences. It
helped to embrace the idea of exposing the students to the college environment.
April 12, 2007
In
coordination with the Harrisburg School District and the school principal, a
College and Financial Aid opportunities workshop was organized for Latino senior
students at John Harris high school. It focused on how to properly apply for the
FAFSA and the EUP Scholarship. {The workshop was conducted by Ms.Yolanda.Perez
and Ms. Karla Gurian. Other participants included Mr.Wataru Nishida and Ms
Christina Woods from HACC’s Admissions Office}.
April 3rd, 2007
Seven Latino high
school seniors from John Harris, were paired up HACC students and attended
courses in Psychology, 101, Sociology 201, Career Development and Decision
Making 101, Government and Politics 101, Economics 201, English and College
Algebra. Mr. George Fernandez an evening Latino student at HACC was given time
from his full time job at Members 1st Credit Union to work with this group of
students. Debriefing-luncheon session: A debriefing session after the event was
very favorable, high school seniors seem to have discovered a whole new world,
HACC students were pleased they were able to contribute. Visiting students were
given an admissions bag with materials, lunch and school facts. This event
coordinated by Ms. Perez Education Committee chair from Estamos Unidos de
Pennsylvania
March 30 and
March 31st, 2007
A workshop was
held on how to properly fill out the FAFSA and EUP Scholarship Application was
held at HACC on Friday, March 30, and Saturday, March 31st, 2007. Four
non-traditional students attended each session. Ms. Karla Gurian from the
Financial Aid Office Education Committee and Ms. Yolanda Perez Prof/Counselor
and Estamos Unidos Education Committee Chair conducted these workshops. (In
total, 8 college students attended it).
Click here to read the 2006
Season’s Greetings and Holiday Report
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