Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County

Important opportunity for all high school juniors and seniors:

2012-01-25T05:44:00.000-08:00

FREE SAT PREP FROM COLLEGE STUDENTS!
Let’s Get Ready! is a national organization that runs over 50 college programs throughout the northeast. Let’s Get Ready! trains Cornell University students for the Cornell program offered every Spring.

Are you a high school student interested in going to college but need help gaining the resources to do so? Do you qualify for free or reduced lunch?

If the answer to both questions are yes, you qualify for this program!

The Spring 2012 program will be held at Ithaca High School and will run for 8 weeks.
Let’s Get Ready! is open to students from all nearby schools.

APPLY NOW! Applications are due by January 31st.

For an application ask your school counselor or go online to
www.psc.cornell.edu/lets-get-ready-1102.php or
www.surveymonkey.com/s/DXT8X5L.

If you have any questions, contact Karen Yearwood at Village at Ithaca
at 256-0780.

Upcoming Picnic 2012

2012-01-25T05:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to 2012!
Although it may still be cold out, we have begun planning for our Annual Summer Picnic for July 8th at the Stewart Park Main Pavilion, Ithaca NY 14850. If you wish to volunteer, perform or add to our festive day please email Fernando de Aragon. More information to come....

Latin New Years Eve Party with DJ Felix

2011-12-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

Festivities begin at 9pm
December 31st
@ The Oasis
View poster for details

You are invited to the....

2011-12-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

LATINO CIVIC ASSOCIATION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Friday, December 9, 2011 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Clarion University Hotel, One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Road)

Advance reservation: $14.00 per person Pay at the door: $16.00 per person Children 5 - 12 years old: $5.00 each

For more Information: 277-5356; 564-0694; 244-2097

LA ASOCIACIÓN CÍVICA LATINA DEL CONDADO DE TOMPKINS FIESTA NAVIDEÑA 2011

viernes, 9 de diciembre 2011 8:00 pm - 1:00 am Clarion University Hotel, One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Road)

Reservación adelantada: $14.00 por persona Pagar a la entrada: $16.00 por persona Nin'os de 5 - 12 an'os: $5.00 cada uno

Ithaca's annual Halloween Latin dance party!

2011-10-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

____________________________________________ HALLOWEEN LATIN DANCE & COSTUME PARTY OASIS DANCE CLUB - 1230 Danby Road, Ithaca-NY DJ Michael Luis of Palante spinning the best of Salsa, Timba, Bachata, Merengue, Latin House, Cha Cha Cha, Reggaeton, Cumbia and Vallenato. 9:00PM: Free Salsa Dance Lesson 9:45PM-1:30AM: Latin Dance and Costume Party!

ADMISSION 18+ (GOV ID Required with age and photo), $5 cover. Costume Prizes! Drink Specials til 11pm: $5 Mojitos, $4 Margarita, $3.50 Corona, $3 Cuervo... double your drink shots for $2! Virgin drinks and juice available. Full dinner menu until 10pm.

Join FACEBOOK Event! http://www.facebook.com/event.php? eid=296976523651246

Sesión Informativa

2011-10-29T10:41:00.000-07:00

Estimados amigos,

Aún más que en tiempos normales, en esta época de crisis económica muchos jóvenes y sus padres y madres se sienten preocupados por el futuro. ¿Qué hacer después del high school? ¿Ir a la universidad? ¿De dos o de cuatro años? ¿Cómo escoger a cuál universidad solicitar admisión? ¿Qué hacer para que lo admitan a uno a la universidad que prefiere? ¿Y cómo pagar? ¿Qué opciones de asistencia financiera hay?

Tenemos la fortuna de contar en nuestra comunidad con personas que han trabajado durante años en el campo de las admisiones universitarias y que se han ofrecido para participar en una Sesión Informativa para padres de familia y jóvenes sobre este asunto tan importante. Sara Xayarath Hernandez, Julieta Ramirez Corazon, Marjorie Clara Soto y Evelyne Santiago van a responder a sus preguntas y las de sus hijos este próximo domingo 13 de noviembre de 2011 en el Women's Community Center, 100 W. Seneca St. de 2:30 a 4:30.

No olviden .... ¡traigan sus preguntas!

Annual Holiday Party

2011-10-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Greetings/Saludos. Invitations for the annual Latino Civic Association Holiday Celebration have been mailed out. You should be receiving your invitations within 3 or 4 days. If you do not receive an invitation, we may not have your current address. You can use the form below to make your reservations.

The purchase of your ticket makes it possible for us to cover the cost of the event and any extra proceeds will support the "Cecilia Montaner Vargas Scholarship" fund. Latina students from Ithaca High School, classes of 2010 and 2011, received this scholarship. If you wish to make a donation towards the scholarship fund, please include it with your payment. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------LATINO CIVIC ASSOCIATION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY RESERVATION FORM 2011 HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Friday, December 9, 2011 8:00 pm - 1:00 am Clarion University Hotel, One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Road)

Advance reservation: $14.00 per person Pay at the door: $16.00 per person Children 5 - 12 years old: $5.00 each

Number of people attending __________________

Reservation name(s)___________________________

Reservation: $___________________ Donation: $_____________________ Total amount: $__________________

(Checks payable to: Latino Civic Association) Please mail this form with payment to: Camila Vargas, 204 S. Plain Street, Ithaca, NY 14850

Information: 277-5356; 564-0694; 244-2097 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------***

La compra de su boleto hace posible que cubramos los costos de esta fiesta y las ganancias se destinarán al fondo para la beca "Cecilia Montaner Vargas." Estudiantes latinas del Ithaca High School de las clases del 2010 y 2011 recibierón estas becas. Si desea hacer una donación para este fondo, favor de adjuntarlo.

LA ASOCIACIÓN CÍVICA LATINA DEL CONDADO DE TOMPKINS RESERVACIÓN PARA LA FIESTA NAVIDEÑA 2011

viernes, 9 de diciembre 2011 8:00 pm - 1:00 am Clarion University Hotel, One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Road)

Reservación adelantada: $14.00 por persona Pagar a la entrada: $16.00 por persona Nin'os de 5 - 12 an'os: $5.00 cada uno

Número de personas asistiendo ________________

Bajo qué nombre(s)____________________________

Reservación: $___________________ Donación: $_____________________ Cantidad total: $_________________

(Cheques a nombre de Latino Civic Association) Favor enviar este formulario y cheque a: Camila Vargas, 204 S. Plain Street, Ithaca, NY 14850

Información: 277-5356; 564-0694; 244-2097 ------------------------------------------------------------

Organizaciones de Inmigrantes y Trabajadores realizarán Foro con Candidatos a la Alcaldía de Ithaca el Martes 1 de Noviembre 2011 desde las 5:30 p.m. a 8:00 p.m.

2011-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

(ITHACA) La Asociación Cívica Latina Condado de Tompkins, La Asociación Asíatica Americana de Ithaca, No Mas Lágrimas, La Coalición de Derechos del Inmigrante Condado de Tompkins y el Centro de Trabajadores del Condado Tompkins auspiciarán un Foro con los Candidatos a la Alcaldía de Ithaca el Martes 1o de Noviembre 2011 desde las 5:30 pm.a 8:00 p.m. en el Women’s Community Building localizado en la esquina de las calles Seneca y Cayuga en Ithaca, New York.
La comunidad inmigrante y comunidad vulnerable juegan un role muy importante en términos culturales y económicos. Nuestras voces y preocupaciones durante esta elección de Alcalde deben ser escuchadas. Ocurren muchas situaciones y dificultades en nuestro diario vivir que no se limitan solamente a condiciones de trabajo, capacitación laboral y vivienda. Este Foro será la perfecta oportunidad para profundizar esta conversación.
Cinco candidatos a la Alcaldía: J.R. Claiborne, Independiente; Janis Kelly, Partido Republicano; Chris Kusznir, Independiente; Svante Myrick, Partido Democratico; y Wade Wykstra, Independiente ofrecerán breves declaraciones antes de responder preguntas de los moderadores y el público presente.
Este programa es gratis y abierto al público. Se servirán refrescos y aperitivos livianos.
Para mayor información contactar a Carlos H. Gutierrez del Centro de Trabajadores y La Asociación Latina al 607-277-8699, Carlos@tcworkerscenter.org ó guty712@twcny.rr.com

(ENGLISH VERSION BELOW)

Immigrant and Worker Organizations to Hold Mayoral Forum: Tuesday, November 1st from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

2011-10-25T09:10:00.000-07:00

(ITHACA) The Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, the Ithaca Asian-American Association, No More Tears/No Mas Lagrimas, Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition and the Tompkins County Workers’ Center are sponsoring a Mayoral Candidates Forum on November 1, 2011 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Women’s Community Building, corner of Seneca and Cayuga Sts. in Ithaca.
The immigrant and vulnerable worker communities in Ithaca play a very important role culturally as well as economically. Our voices and concerns during this Mayoral election must be heard. There are many issues and situations we face in our daily lives such as working conditions, employment training and housing. This Forum will be a perfect opportunity for this conversation to deepen.
The five Mayoral contenders: J.R. Clairborne, Independence; Janis Kelly, Republican; Chris Kusznir, Independent; Svante Myrick, Democrats; and Wade Wykstra, Independent, will offer brief opening statements prior to answering questions from the Forum Moderators, as well as the audience.
This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Carlos H. Gutierrez of the Workers’ Center and Latino Civic Association at (607) 277-8699 or Carlos@tcworkerscenter.org

Saturday Twilight Cafe

2011-08-21T14:37:00.001-07:00

Gabriella Tellez & Carlos Gutierrez
Saturday August 27 6-9:30pm at The Oasis Dance Club $3 Cover followed by Noche de Unidad!

Boricua Afro Americano Parade and Festival from Ana Ortiz

2011-07-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

JULY 30th 11- 7pm.
Parade- Corn st. & State st. at 10am( participants enter at 9:30am)
July 27th BBQ at Stewart Park 4pm until night
Oasis Dance Club Live Band 9pm- 1:30am Paranda, Dj and more...

Hola a Todos:

Primeramente quiero darle la gracias por todo su apoyo. Boricua Afro Americano sera acabo en Julio 30 a las 11:00am - 7:00pm.

La Parada sera acabo entre la calle de Corn st. en State st. a las 10:00 am, Por favor las personas que van a participar estar a las 9:30 am.

Vamos a tener un BBQ y pueden traer su plato favorito o bebidas en Stewart Park   Miercoles Julio 27 a las 4 pm hasta que sea de noche. El proposito es conocernos unos a otros y planificar todo relacionado con el festival. Vamos a estar en la area del playground y los churitos de agua.

Por la noche sera acabo After Party en OASIS CLUB  alas 9 pm- 1:30 am. Trendemos una PARANDA , DJ's y MAS.

Por favor si tienen cualquier pregunta o quieran participar en festival me pueden mandar un e-mail nomaslagrimas75@gmail.com o (585) 410-9815.   QUE VIVA PUERTO RICO....
--
Ana Ortiz
CEO & Founder
585-410-9815
No More Tears

LCA PICNIC & next meeting...

2011-07-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend the LCA PICNIC, Sunday July 17, all afternoon at the Main Pavilion of Stewart Park. Help Spread the Word. Bring a dish to share - Lunch around 2pm. Join us for Lechon Asao (roast pork), music and a good time among friends....and the women's world cup final.

Please join us for the Next LCA Members Meeting
August 13, 2011
10am-12pm
Autumn Leaves Used Bookstore Café
We need your ideas and your energy to plan for the upcoming Latino Heritage Month Celebration from September to October!!!

JOIN US FOR THESE UPCOMING FUN EVENTS

2011-06-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

SALSA CLASICA
Come listen and dance to FANIA All Stars, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, Rube Blades and all your favorite artists- DJs will take requests 2nd SATURDAYS of every Month at OASIS DANCE CLUB 1230 Danby Rd.(SRu96B) Just South of Ithaca College 9:30pm-1:30pm DATES: 6/11,7/9,8/13,9/10,10/8,11/12,12/10 $5 cover. Families welcome. Part of the proceeds go to the LCA. Help make this event a success! More info:
OUR FAMOUS ANNUAL PICNIC
12-6pm on Sunday, July 17 at Stewart Park Main Pavilion Lechon Asa(Roast Pork), Music, Good Friends...Please contribute a dish to pass

BORICUA AFRO-AMERICANO FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Saturday, July 30, 2011 11am-7pm, The Commons, Ithaca, NY. A day of family fun- music, games, food-Latino Style
Sponsored by 'No more Tears' and the LCA
o

CONGO SQUARE MARKET

2011-05-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

*4-8 pm at Southside Community Center*
305 South Plain St
*Every Friday from May 20 to September 2*
Rain or shine! (rainy days we'll be in the gym.)

*Mark your calendar.*

All welcome!

May 27 - Bring your dancing shoes for JORGE T CUEVAS AND THE CARIBE
JAZZ
ALLSTARS

June 3 - Ithaca Festival Friday! Come Samba with DEIXA SAMBAR

June 10 - THOUSANDS OF ONE http://www.thousandsofone.com/

June 17 - Juneteenth Weekend Celebration kick-off featuring MBUSI

This summer at Congo Square Market...

*Roy's Cuban Food**
*Fresh Fruit Smoothies
*Mama Maria's Feel Good Foods*
Big Mike's Urban Wear
*The African Diaspora Gallery*
CSM Fruits & Vegetables stand
*Free Booty Institute (FBI)*
Fe Nunn & Friends
*Thousands of One**
*DJ Split Image, DJ Gourd and more
*Film viewing & discussion by the GREEN GUERRILLAS*
“SUMMER CIPHER” hip hop lyricist battle (co-sponsored by SSCC,Hits 103.3 & REP studio)
*Drumming by Jhakeem, Kirtrina and many many more (maybe even you!)
*Share Tompkins Swap Meet
*The Really Really Free Market**
*Juneteenth Music Weekend Kick-off with Mbusi
*Puerto Rican Celebration Weekend Friday
*Youth Farm Night with Ithaca Community Harvest
*Black August focusing on unity, political education, health, service,and spiritual renewal.
*As usual… great music with a revolutionary and uplifting theme.
*Come picnic, buy some food, shop for some local goods... ***

Bring your family and friends and let’s create the community we dream about.

We are always looking for new vendors and performers, theme nights,and special events.

When in doubt, reach out!
We're also looking for volunteers. For more information contact:
*Jhakeem Haltom*, Market Manager: jhaltom@cityofithaca.org or 607-351-
7602
*Kirtrina Baxter*, SSCC Program Director: kbaxter@sscc-ithaca.org or607-273-4190 x225
*Jemila Sequeira*, Whole Community Project Coordinator:
es538@cornell.edu or 607-272-2292

*Our goal is to:*

1. to build a stronger self-reliant local community,

2. to develop Southside’s economic base

3. to encourage community & personal health.

Named for the famous Congo Square in New Orleans, this market honors African-American history. In the early days of US slavery, recently enslavde African peoples and others could gather in Congo Square on Sundays for music, dance, and stories.

Today, Ithaca's Congo Square Market is a collaboration between
Southside Community Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Paul Scheurs Memorial Program, TC Cornell Cooperative Extension's Whole Community Project, and the Ithaca
Youth Farm Project. Jhakeem Haltom, a staff member of the Paul Scheurs Program, is the market founder and manager.

Find us on facebook:
"Congo Square Market, Ithaca"
--

The bubbling sounds of Congo Square Market:
http://www.wat.tv/video/olu-dara-okra-10q11_2fx8v_.html

Salsa Clasica - Saturday May 14 9pm

2011-05-12T12:04:00.000-07:00

Come on out and enjoy yourself!We'll be taking requests, especially from the LCA community... We'll play what you want to hear! We'll be holding this event on 2nd Saturdays for the months ahead. We need to build momentum to make it something regular and great. LCA, Palante, Oasis and many more friends invite you to join us!...

SALSA CLASICA II!
SATURDAY MAY 14
OASIS DANCE CLUB - 1230 Danby Road, Ithaca-NY
9pm: Free Salsa Dance Lesson (with cover)
9:45pm-1:30am: Party time!

DJs Michael Luis, Enrique Caicedo and Vic Rosa of WICB 91.7FM "Ritmo Latino" spinning the hottest Salsa hits from all eras and continents, from the Golden Age of Fania to the soon-to-be famous, from the Caribbean, South & Central America and Africa, to El Barrio and the Lower East Side of New York City.

All your favorite Salsa artists: Celia Cruz, Oscar D'Leon, Hector Lavoe, Willie Colon, Ray Barretto, Eddie Palmieri, Charanga 76, Charanga Cubana, Ismael Rivera, Tito Puente, Africando, Ricardo Lemvo, Los Van Van, Isaac Delgado, Cheo Feliciano, Elio Reve, Jose Alberto, Joe Arroyo, Grupo Niche, Frankie Ruiz, El Gran Combo... and many more! Requests accepted.

ADMISSION: 18+ (GOV ID Required with age and photo). Families Welcome.
Drink Specials til 11pm: $5 Mojitos, $4 Margarita, $3.50 Corona, $3 Cuervo... double your drink shots for $2! Virgin drinks and juice available. Full dinner menu until 10pm. Please Support Noche Latina by Purchasing at the Bar and Tipping Bartenders. Thank You!

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE – Call 607-273-1505 for reservation.
Robert Purcell RPCC: 9:00pm, 10:00pm, 11:00pm
Schwartz CPA (across from CTB): 9:10pm, 10:10pm, 11:10pm
Ithaca Commons (Madelines): 9:20pm, 10:20pm, 11:20pm
IC (Visitor parking): 9:30, 10:30pm, 11:30pm
RETURNS depart from Oasis at: 12:00am, 12:45am, 1:30am.
Make return reservation at front desk upon arrival.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Use Map: http://www.ithacaoasis.com/directions.html

Join FACEBOOK event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=181490268565052
Event Website: http://www.palantetroupe.org/events.html#salsaclasica

Part of proceeds to benefit Tompkins County Latino Civic Association immigrant rights campaign and scholarship fund.

Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro de Cuba

2011-04-01T07:33:00.001-07:00

This event will bring a very special night of Latin music to Ithaca in
support of the landmark State Theatre.
Fernando

Havana Nights at the State Theatre; The inaugural fundraising event for the State Theatre, featuring the
incredible

Septeto Nacional Ignacio Piñeiro de Cuba

Friday April 15, 2011

for information visit:
http://www.stateofithaca.com/havananights/index.html

FELIZ CUMPLEAŇOS CESAR CHAVEZ

2011-03-31T07:18:00.000-07:00

FELIZ CUMPLEAŇOS CESAR CHAVEZ

LABOR LEADER FOR JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS

CHAMPION FOR THE DIGNITY OF FARMWORKERS AND LATINO & ALL AMERICANS
Please visit the official United Farmworkers Website to learn about Cesar Chavez and his place in US History

http://www.ufw.org/_page.php?inc=history/07.html&menu=research

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/7498497.html

¡CULTURA! Cuenta Cuentos (Storyteller) Series

2011-03-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

The next installment of the ¡CULTURA! Cuenta Cuentos (Storyteller) Series will occur this Saturday 4/2. See below for more details on this popular and exciting series!

The Tompkins County Public Library, the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, the Latin American Studies Program and Latino Studies Program at Cornell University, and *Sigma Lambda Upsilon*/ Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. are proud to announce the CULTURA! Storyteller Series. The program features a guest Storyteller representing a different Latin American country each time, who will share a historic, folkloric, or personal tale from that country, as well as an artistic activity that will relate to the story.

This week, join *Perla Parra* in a bilingual storytelling of El Viento y el Sol (The Wind and the Sun). This Mexican tale is an adaptation of an Aesop's fable, with a *moraleja* (moral to the story) at the end. In
summary, the wind bets the sun that "he" is more powerful. In the end, we learn that force is not the best way of attaining your desired goals. Being nice and doing what you do best is more important. The story will be
followed up with a fun art activity!

¡CULTURA! Storyteller Series sessions will take place Saturdays at the Tompkins County Public Library and are free and open to the public. Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend and take part
in this wonderful experience.The program will take place in the Thaler/Howell Children’s Programming Room
and will feature the following countries:

Saturday April 2nd- Mexico
Saturday April 9th- Brazil
Saturday April 23rd- Puerto Rico

All sessions take place from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

Sessions are 1.5 hours each and consist of storytelling during the
first
half, and a related art activity during the second half.
The Storytelling series is only an aspect of a family of programs called ¡CULTURA!, designed to take part year-round. ¡CULTURA! strives to foster and share Latino and Latin American culture with the Ithaca community
through easily-accessible, free or low-cost, arts-based educational experiences (series) offered throughout the year. This series explores different Latin American cultures through storytelling, though subsequent series will
focus on music and dance, art, food and more!

For more information contact Carolina Osorio Gil, Director of
¡CULTURA!, at
carolina.osorio.gil@gmail.com <carolina.osorio@gmail.com> or
(607)227-2334.
The program is funded in part by the Faculty Fellows-In-Service
Program
affiliated with the Cornell Public Service Center

¡CULTURA! Storyteller Series presents Tatu the Brazilian Armadillo this Saturday 3/26.

2011-03-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

The next installment of the ¡CULTURA! Cuenta Cuentos (Storyteller)
Series will occur this Saturday 3/26. See below for more details on
this popular and exciting series!

The Tompkins County Public Library, the Latino Civic Association of
Tompkins County, the Latin American Studies Program and Latino Studies
Program at Cornell University, and the SLU Señoritas Latinas Unidas,
Incorporated are proud to announce the CULTURA! Storyteller Series. The
program features a guest Storyteller representing a different Latin
American country each time, who will share a historic, folkloric, or
personal tale from that country, as well as an artistic activity that
will relate to the story.

This week, join Simone De Almeida Caldas and Jessica Custer-Bindel in a
bilingual storytelling of Tatu, a Brazilian armadillo who longs to
become a famous musician. Learn Portuguese, and be prepared to
participate in some music making!. We will create an egg shaker for our
artistic activity, which is an instrument commonly used in Brazilian
bossa nova.

¡CULTURA! Storyteller Series sessions will take place Saturdays at the
Tompkins County Public Library and are free and open to the public.
Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend and take part
in this wonderful experience.
The program will take place in the Thaler/Howell Children's Programming
Room and will feature the following countries:

Saturday March 26th- Brazil
Saturday April 2nd- Mexico
Saturday April 9th- Brazil (again, but a different story!)
Saturday April 23rd- Puerto Rico

All sessions take place from 1:30 pm to 3 pm.

Sessions are 1.5 hours each and consist of storytelling during the
first half, and a related art activity during the second half.
The Storytelling series is only an aspect of a family of programs
called ¡CULTURA!, designed to take part year-round. ¡CULTURA! strives to
foster and share Latino and Latin American culture with the Ithaca
community through easily-accessible, free or low-cost, arts-based
educational experiences (series) offered throughout the year. This
series explores different Latin American cultures through storytelling,
but subsequent series will
focus on music and dance, art, food and more.

For more information contact Carolina Osorio Gil, Director of
¡CULTURA!, at
carolina.osorio.gil@gmail.com<mailto:carolina.osorio@gmail.com>
or (607)227-233429227-2334>.
The program is funded in part by the Faculty Fellows-In-Service Program
affiliated with the Cornell Public Service Center

From the ZUMBA home office: Time to Party Hearty!

2011-02-03T07:41:00.000-08:00

Let’s kick off the year by showing love to one of our most vital and tireless organs: our HEART! Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, with Hispanic women at an even higher risk? ZUMBA Fitness is partnering with the American Heart Association’s "Go Red Por Tu Corazón" movement to raise awareness of heart disease and to help EVERYONE live heart-healthier lives.

On Sunday February 27th I will be hosting a Party Hearty ZUMBATHON benefit for the American Heart Association!

Location: City Health Club
               402 Green Street
               Ithaca, NY

Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Date: Sunday 2/27/11

Donation: $10 advance
               $15 at the door

There will be giveaways and an opportunity to participate in a City Health Club gym membership raffle! Spread the word!
Please join us on Sunday February 27th from 1:00 - 3:00 at City Health Club to take on heart disease ZUMBA style!!

Hope you can come.
--
In health and wellness,
Felipe
zumbafelipe@gmail.com

A wonderful activity for the kids. Please join us. Fernando NO MAS LAGRIMAS & THE LATINO CIVIC ASSOCIATION Presentan...

2010-12-21T06:12:00.001-08:00

Three Kings Day!
Fiesta de Reyes

Enero 6, 2011 -- January 6, 2011
5:30 - 7:30 pm
Southside Community Center
305 S. Plain st.
Dj Slip image (vinny) MUSIC
PARRANDA (instruments play)
Small gifts for the children

Bring a dish, drink, or just yourself!

Free and open to all.

For more info or to volunteer: Ana Ortiz, Director/Coordinator
585-410-9815

ANNUAL PICNIC 2010

2010-04-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!
Our annual picnic at the main pavilion of Stewart Park will take place on Sunday, July 11.
12-6pm

Bring your favorite dish for a Pot Luck lunch at 1pm.
LCA provides soft drinks and roasted pork (lechon asado).

FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL GAME
shown on large screen

Bring instruments and join a jam session after the game.

Feel free to bring family & friends. Please take a moment to sign our members and guest page upon arriving (indicate if you wish to share music, poetry...)

see you all there!

A letter to Senator Schumer

2010-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,
Please take a moment to read this message from one of our friends in support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform.
http://tcirc.wordpress.com/a-letter-to-senator-schumer/

Please email us if you wish to share your story!

NOCHE LATINA & CHILE-HAITI BENEFIT @ OASIS | DANCE CLUB | BAR | RESTAURANT

2010-03-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

Nueva Noche Latina with Pura Vida and ¡Pa'lante! begins this Saturday March 13th at the Oasis Dance Club, the hottest dance space in all of Central New York. This Saturday is also a Chile-Haiti Benefit - half of all proceeds will be donated to relief efforts, in-kind aid also collected. Spread the word, bring your friends and join us in making Oasis Noche Latina the place to be on Saturday nights! Hasta la Rumba!

NOCHE LATINA & CHILE-HAITI BENEFIT
OASIS DANCE CLUB, BAR & RESTAURANT
1230 Danby Road, Ithaca-NY
9pm Free Survival Latin Dance Lesson
9:45pm-1:30am Ithaca's Premiere Latin DJs - Tico and Michael Luis - spinning heavy Salsa early... Merengue, Bachata, Reggaeton and Cumbia as the night heats up.

Drink Specials 8-11pm: Come Early! $3 Cuervo|$3.50 Corona|$4 Margarita
18+ Government ID Required |$8 Suggested donation. Half of all proceeds donated to Chile and Haiti.

HAITI & CHILE BENEFIT
¡Pa'lante!, Pura Vida, Oasis Dance Club, Ithaca Friends of Cuba, and the Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR) seek your support in collecting medical supplies and cash donations for Haiti and Chile relief efforts. If you can assist with supply collection, transportation or storage for Haiti supply collection, please fill out volunteer form at: http://palantetroupe.org/haiti.html. See supplies list at: http://palantetroupe.org/docs/Haiti-IFCO%20Supplies.pdf. Donations accepted at Noche Latina. For Chile relief, we will donate to Oxfam America: working to save lives and fight injustice. For more information on the work of Oxfam go to: http://www.oxfamamerica.org/campaigns

DIRECTIONS to OASIS
Go to http://maps.google.com and enter as your destination: 1230 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850. Or from within Ithaca: find your way to Rt 96B South, which is the same road as Aurora Street over by the Ithaca Commons, and go uphill. Aurora Street will become Danby Road, both are 96B. You can get onto 96B South by heading all the way downhill on State Street (Rt. 79 W) and making a left onto Aurora when you hit the Commons. Continue on Rt 96B South for 3 miles. Oasis is exactly 2 miles
from the entrance of Ithaca College. The address is 1230 Danby Road, located directly across from the American Legion. The driveway entrance is off of Comfort Road right before you get to the American Legion. You will turn right onto Comfort Road and then make an immediate left into the driveway. If you get lost, call 273-1505 and the staff will help you out.

MORE INFO
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=366307493696

Introducing the CULTURA! Storyteller Series!

2010-02-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

The Tompkins County Public Library, Cornell University Department of Romance Studies and the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County are proud to announce the CULTURA! Storyteller Series. The program, directed by Carolina Osorio Gil, features a guest Storyteller representing a different
Latin American country each time, who will share a historic, folkloric, or personal tale from that country, as well as an artistic activity that will relate to the story.

The Storytelling series inaugurates a new family of programs called CULTURA!, designed to take part year-round. CULTURA! aims to provide the Tompkins County community with a connection to its exciting and diverse Latino roots. The first series explores different Latin American cultures through storytelling, but subsequent series will focus on music and dance, art, food and more.

CULTURA! Storyteller Series sessions will take place every other Saturday at the Tompkins County Public Library from 1-2:30pm and are free and open to the public. Families and children of all ages are welcome to attend and take part in this wonderful experience. The program will take place in the Thaler/Howell Children’s Programming Room and will feature the following countries:

Saturday February 13th- Mexico
Saturday February 27th- Cuba
Saturday March 13th- Puerto Rico
Saturday March 27th- Colombia
Saturday April 10th- Dominican Republic
Saturday April 24th- Peru

Sessions are 1.5 hours each and consist of storytelling during the first half, and a related art activity during the second half.

For more information contact Carolina Osorio Gil at co27@cornell.edu or (607)227-2334.
The program is funded in part by the Faculty Fellows-In-Service Program affiliated with the Cornell Public Service Center.

Bienvenidos a CULTURA! Una serie de cuentos!

2010-02-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

La Biblioteca Publica de Tompkins County, el departamento de Lenguas Romance de Cornell y la Asociación Cívica de Latinos de Tompkins County les place en presentar CULTURA! Una serie de cuentos. El programa, dirigido por Carolina Osorio Gil, se compone de un lector invitado el cual representara un país Latinoamericano cada vez. El invitado compartirá historia, folclor o alguna fabula peculiar de su país. Junto a la historia se llevaran a cabo actividades artísticas las cuales se relacionaran con los cuentos.

La serie de cuentos inaugura una nueva familia de programas llamados CULTURA!. El mismo se propone a proveer al pueblo de Tompkins County con una conección a sus llamativas y diversas raíces Latinas. La primera serie explorará distintas culturas de Latino America a través de cuentos y las próximas se enfocarán en música, baile, arte, comida, entre otros.

CULTURA! Una serie de cuentos se llevara a cabo dos sábados al mes en la biblioteca publica de Tompkins County y la entrada será gratis y abierta para el publico. Familias y niños de todas las edades están bienvenidos a tomar parte de esta magnifica experiencia. El programa se llevara a cabo en el Thaler/Howell Children’s programming room y discutirá los siguientes países:

Sábado 13 de febrero - México
Sábado 27 de febrero - Cuba
Sábado 13 de marzo - Puerto Rico
Sábado 27 de febrero - Colombia
Sábado 10 de abril- República Dominicana
Sábado 24 de abril - Peru

Las sesiones duraran 1.5 horas cada una, la cual será dividida en cuentos durante la primera mitad y actividades artísticas durante la segunda mitad.
Si desea mas información favor comunicarse con Carolina Osorio Gil (co27@cornell.edu o llamar al 607-227-2334.

Este programa es posible en parte gracias a la generosa donación de los Faculty Fellows-in-Service Program afiliados con el Cornell Public Service Center.

Call Out to Workers' Center Members! Please Help to Demonstrate Our Community Support for Worker's Rights to NYS Dept of Labor!

2009-12-08T20:00:00.001-08:00

Press Conference Announcing Major Wage and Hour Violations at Tompkins County Restaurants: Thursday, 12/10 @ 12:30 p.m. at Tompkins County Workers’ Center

On Thursday, December 10th, at 12:30 p.m. at the Tompkins County Workers' Center (115 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street/The Commons), the Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), Patricia Smith, will be joined by Pete Meyers of the Workers’ Center and Carolyn Peterson, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, in announcing the results of a wage and hour violations 'sweep' conducted by the DOL of restaurants in Tompkins County that took place earlier this year.

68% of the restaurants investigated were found to have wage and hour violations. Seven restaurants, in particular, were found to have violations that will return close to $100,000 to approximately 70 people.

--
Tompkins County Workers' Center
115 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-269-0409
www.TCWorkersCenter.org

Holiday Celebration 2009

2009-11-30T16:37:00.001-08:00

All are invited to the Latino Civic Association Holiday Celebration 2009

Live Salsa Band - Calle Uno
Cash bar
Light Hour Devours

Friday, Dec. 11, 2009
8pm-1:00am
Clarion University Hotel
One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Rd.)
Lansing/Ithaca

$12 per person - LCA paid members
$15 per person - non-members and at the door
$6 children 5-12 years old

Please send check and tell us how many are attending to:
Karla Vargas
246 Floral Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850

For information call 277-5356, 564-0694 or 277-8699

Benefit Latin Dinner to Close the School of the Americas!

2009-11-05T13:38:00.001-08:00

We want to fill the dinner with 275 people and send a full bus to Georgia to protest and Close the School of the Americas!!! Call ahead so we know how much to cook!Invite your friends & spread the word & get your tickets!

Tues. Nov. 10 Benefit Latin Dinnerto Close the School of the Americas! Change U.S. Policy toward Latin Americahttp://soaw.org/@ OASIS Dance Clubformerly "Common Ground"by La Cocina Latina Cateringcall for your reservations & tickets now!607-273-7437Come for delicious Latin food, fun, music, & dancing,while supporting a great cause! Help to close the military facility located in Fort Benning, Georgia; the SOA, now named the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, is funded by U.S. taxpayers and trains hundreds of soldiers from Latin America in combat skills. Many brutal Latin American dictators who have ordered and committed brutal killings were trained in these facilities.

Send Donations to: Cornell University,Attention: Comittee on US Latin American Relations (CUSLAR), rm 119,Anabelle Taylor Hall, Ithaca, NY, 14850 1-607-255-7293

Tickets sold @ Pizza Aroma -128 S. Cayuga St. (across library) 273-6165Autumn Leaves Bookstore 115 The Commons 273-8239Cornell -Durland Alternative Library in Anabelle Taylor Hall - 255-6486CUSLAR office 4th fl. @ Anabelle Taylor Hall, Cornell 255-7293

Where? OASIS Dance Club; 1230 Danby Rd.Ithaca NY (on right on Rt. 96-past IC)When? Tuesday November 10, 2000!!MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Seatings: 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm & 9 pmTickets: $12.00 per person or $25/family rate (call 273-7437 for sliding scale)Tickets on sale (also at the door- but call aheadso we know how much to cook.Mary Anne Grady Flores607-273-7437).For more information contact CUSLAR:CuslarSpanishCamp@gmail.comor call (607) 255-7293 Also make a note of other events around SOA Watch vigil in Ithaca ***Non violent civil disobedience workshop*** WED OCT 28, 7-9pm Ithaca College Room TBA*** open to the public; contact Patricia (prodriguez@ithaca.edu)**** ***Get involved in organizing a bus & fundraising to go to SOA Watch vigil Nov 20-22 & puppetista workshop -- contact Maria (maria.k.oldiges@gmail.com) or come to meeting OCT 20 7pm at Workers’ Center, Commons

Menu:Caribbean Yellow Rice (vegan)Cuban Style Black Beans (vegan)Garlic Marinated Roast PorkCaribbean Spiced Roasted ChickenVegan Caribbean Spiced Fried TofuTossed Green Salad with Home Made Cilantro Garlic DressingFresh Tomato & Cilantro & Lime SalsaTortilla ChipsDesserts: Flan (Caramel Custard), Rum Cake and Tembleque (vegan Coconut Custard)Beverages sold separately by Oasis Dance Club-

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

2009-11-03T20:24:00.001-08:00

Friday, DEC. 11 2009 @ 8pm
Clarion Hotel,1 Sheraton Dr.
Ithaca, New York 14850

Entrance/Entrada TBA*

RSVP
Invitations will be sent out shortly...

Related Event: SASA 32nd AWARDS CEREMONY & DINNER DANCE

2009-11-03T19:59:00.001-08:00

The South American Spanish Association (SASA)is proud to present the32nd AWARDS CEREMONY & DINNER DANCE on November 7, 2009 (Saturday)at the Holiday Inn 205 Wolf Road Albany, NY 12205 6:30 - 7:30 pm - Cocktail Hour 7:30 pm - Dinner Excellence in Community Services Awards will be presented to Lucia Gutierrez and Juan Julio George. $1,000 Scholarship Award to Lila Viera.

Dance with SENSEMAYA BAND. Dinner and Dancing:$40.00 Special Dinner for Children 12 and Under: $12.00 Dancing Only:$10.00

Menu Choices 1. Mango-Mustard Glazed Salmon
2. Prociutto-wrapped Chicken with a guava vinaigrette
3. Flank Steak Cimichurri RSVP and Payment due by October 30th.
Mail payment and menu choice to: SASAP.O. Box 5522Albany, NY 12205. Please contact Rosa Tabora at 459-1180 or Alicia Constantino at 482-4785 with any questions.

GENERAL MEETING SET FOR OCTOBER 31

2009-10-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

Dear Associates. The Association's Executive Board will be meeting on Saturday 31, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Autumn Leaves bookstore's Café. We have decided to meet at this place since it is quiet, convenient and easy to get there for every one.

******The Café's administration prefers that people do not bring food from other places and buy them there******

Please let us know whether you are attending the meeting. If you are unable to do it, let us know in what capacity you are interested in participating.

If you have any thing to add to the Agenda or questions please let us know.

Agenda:

1.- Get members and prospective members to become more involved.

2.- Reading and review of the Association's Bylaws for every one to be knowledgeable of the

Association's Mission.

3.- Develop a specific/concrete goal for the next 3, 6 and 12 months: i.e. apply for grants that

could enable us to open an office, staff it, and provide a formal/specific program to our

community. i.e opening a cultural center, for a variety of

activities with which our Latino community would feel identified .

4.- Develop a perspective or a common ground understanding about national issues such us

Immigration and Health Reform to guide our future activities.

5.- Set a monthly or bimonthly meeting to talk about the Association's business and to develop

a closer camaraderie among our members.

6.- Elect new Executive Board.

I will be sending a reminder prior to the date of the meeting.

If there is anyone who is not included on this e-mail list, let them know about the meeting and ask them to communicate with us.

Répondez s'il vous plaît at: mailto:guty712@twcny.rr.com

Meeting Place

Autumn Leaves book store's Café

115 E. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street

(115 The Commons, Ithaca)

Ithaca, NY 14850

Saludos,

Carlos H. Gutierrez
Latino Civic Association T.C. Inc.
607-277-8699

Opening Reception for "Threads of Hope: The Chilean Arpillera Movement" on October 22 contributed by ckramer

2009-10-21T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Handwerker Gallery invites you to join us at the opening reception of "Threads of Hope: The Chilean Arpillera Movement" from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22.

"Threads of Hope" show cases Chilean arpilleras from the collection of Marjorie Agosín, Latina author activist, and professor of Spanish at Wellesley College. Arpilleras are small, hand-sewn and appliqued tapestries, originally created by women to commemorate relatives who were detained and "disappeared" during the military dictatorship in Chile. An illustrated catalog written by Annette Levine, assistant professor of modern languages and literatures, will accompany the exhibition. There will also be a roundtable discussion featuring Marjorie Agosín; Jennifer Jolly, associate professor of art history; and Annette Levine on November 5 at 6.00 p.m. Agosín will also read poetry in the gallery at 12:15 p.m. on November 6. The work will remain on display until December 11.All Handwerker Gallery events are free and open to the public. The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and weekends, !
noon to 5:00 p.m. The gallery is closed to the public on Tuesdays but can accommodate group or class visits by appointment.To schedule a tour of the exhibition, please e-mail Anna Pattis (apattis1@ithaca.edu) or Cheryl Kramer (ckramer@ithaca.edu). For more information please see the gallery's website or contact Cheryl Kramer, director of the gallery, at 607-274-3548.Handwerker Gallery Website

Dia de los Muertos Celebration with Salsa Libre

2009-10-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Salsa Libre will be performing at a Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Kilmer Brasserie on October 31, 2009. We would greatly appreciate support from the dance community for this very special event, and we plan to feature very danceable mambo, cha-cha, merengue and bachata. The Kilmer has a good-sized dance floor and is a beautiful venue. We are also exploring the possibility of having a lesson prior to the gig. This should be a good time and the place is a great dance location.
Traditional and contemporary selections of mambo, cha-cha, and merengue will be performed. Salsa Libre features some of the region's strongest Latin jazz and world music players. Salsa Libre was formed in 1997 to give the Southern Tier spicy, sensual music for listening and dancing pleasure. The band has captured the sounds of the great salsa, mambo, and merengue bands of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Santo Domingo. Check us out on Myspace at www.myspace.com/gruposalsalibre

Thanks in advance for your help and support!

Saludos,

Tom
--
Thomas Egan, President
Access Unlimited
570 Hance Rd.
Binghamton, NY 13903
TEL. 1-800-849-2143
(607) 669-4822 FAX (607) 669-4595
WWW PAGE: http://www.accessunlimited.com
E-MAIL: tom@accessunlimited.com

Latino Heritage Month presents: Café Concierto

2009-09-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

Womens Community Building
100 West Seneca St. Ithaca, NY
Saturday, October 3rd
@7:30pm

Join us for Latin American foods and live music
$5 suggested donation for food.*This event is free to the public.

Poetry & Music by Nilsa Mariano y Los Hombres...

Los Patacones, Afro-Cuban music, Cumbias from Colombia, Boleros...

Gabriela: Cantante versatil, de Pop latino, Balada, Ranchera , etc. Originaria de Mexico.
Experiencia artistica de 12 anos, 4 de ellos en el estado de NY. habiendo participado en Festivales Latinos, Museos, Restaurantes, Escuelas, y presentaciones de Beneficiencia...

El Grito de Independencia! Mexican Independence Celebration

2009-09-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Sept. 15th, 2009

Live Music by Gabriella 7:30-8:30pm
DJ Xavier 9pm-1:30am
no cover

Tequila Bar & Food

The Oasis 1230 Danby Rd. Ithaca, NY
607-273-1505
www.IthacaOasis.com

September 15th to October 15th is Latino Heritage Month 2009

2009-09-02T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Association is hosting the following events during this period:

Friday, Sept. 4th to Sept. 25th
Community School of Music and Arts
330 East State St. Ithaca, NY
5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

The Art of Colombian artist and activist Jafeth Gómez Ledesma
Opening reception for gallery exhibit sponsored by the Colombia Support Network and the Latino Civic Association TC Inc. in the Beverly Livesay Gallery.

Thursday, Sept. 17th
Women Community Building
100 West Seneca St. Ithaca, NY
7:30 P.M.

Teatro Taller presents:
"Casa Matriz" by Diana Raznovitch.

Date TBA

Poetry and Music by Nilsa Mariano y Los Hombres
A teacher, writer and performer and editor of a monthly Latino newsletter.

Saturday Oct. 3rd
Women Community Building
100 West Seneca St. Ithaca, NY
7:30 P.M.

CAFÉ CONCIERTO
Latin American foods and live music.
*This event is free to the public. There is a $5 charge for the food.

More details TBA

All Events are free and open to the public. Events are possible in part with public funds from the Community Arts Partnership/NY Council on the Arts Decentralization Program.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Los Viajes/the Journeys on PNN radio on KPFA dedicated to DQ elder Tio Henry Dominguez and- PNN-TV with Tony Gonzalez & Jose Cuellar and more

2009-09-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Family, Subscribers and Community;

Please tune in Monday, August 31st @ 7:30 am to KPFA 94.1fm (or on-line at www.kpfa.org - by clicking on The Morning Show for 8/28/09) to hear the silenced voices of migrant, poverty and worker scholars from across the globe speaking excerpts of their journey stories across borders and fronteras.

Aim-West members and Indigenous scholars Tony Gonzalez and Jose Cuellar are featured on PNN radio and a PNN-TV interview speaking with Migrant and poverty Scholar and reportera Teresa Molina on the UN declaration on indigenous peoples and its lens on migration. As well Sandra Castro from Puente in Arizona speaks on the ways that the UN declaration on indigenous peoples can be used as a resistance document for racism and profiling. (see below for more information on the exciting Los viajes proyecto)

This PNN radio show is a presentation of PNN's Indigenous Peoples Media Project and is dedicated to DQ elder Henry Dominguez.... As well, please come out to the International Day of the Disappeared at the San Francisco Main branch Library on Sunday, August 30th 1:30 -to 4:30. (see below)

Finally, tomorrow for all PNN readers in South Dakota and nearby-join Native Americans reclaiming sacred sites in Keystone, South Dakota to Commemorate the 39th Year Anniversary of the Historic Invasion and Occupation of the 'Mount Rushmore.
Teresa Interview with Pati Zapatita on youtube Los Viajes/The Journeys PNN-TV on youtube
PNN-TV with Aim-West members and indigenous scholars Tony Gonzalez, Jose Cuellar and Teresa Molina (with Pati Zapatita)

A multi-media art & anthology project of POOR Magazine focused on collecting the stories, images and sounds of peoples's migration/journeys to the United Snakes from their homelands.
Los Viajes The Journey image Los Viajes: PNN - Radio on KPFA - Monday, August 31st @ 7:30am on the Morning Show 94.1fm
Un proyecto de multi-medios de comunicación y arte y antología por POOR Magazine centrado en la recopilación de las historias, imágenes y sonidos de los viajes de gente migratória a EE.UU de sus países de origen.

Intl Day of the Disappeared
Sunday, August 30, 2009, 1:30pm - 4:30pm at San Francisco Public Library- Koret Auditorium Commemorate the international day of the disappeared to draw attention to the increasing political abduction, extra-judicial killings and imprisonment of people from the philippines, palestine, mexico, and iraq with speakers, live music, film documentaries and cultural performances.
PNN-TV interviews Tony Gonzalez on Leonard Peltier's Parole on youtube Reclaiming Sacred Sites

Saturday August 29th, 10:00am to 3:00pm at Mount Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheater, South Dakota Native Americans gathering in Keystone, South Dakota to Commemorate the 39th Year Anniversary of the Historic Invasion and Occupation of the ''National Shrine of Democracy' Mount Rushmore and to bring awareness to the importance of Protecting our Mother Earth & Demand Clemency For Leonard Peltier.

ART/PERFORMANCES AND WORKSHOPS
Saturday, August 29
Gathering to Reclaim Sacred Sites & Freedom For Leonard Peltier
10 - 3pm: Mount Rushmore National Memorial Amphitheater, South Dakota.
Sunday, August 30
International Day of the Disappeared
1:30 - 4:30pm: Koret Auditorium, Main Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. Theatre- performance and resistance against the disappearance of gente the world over. (Poetas POBRES, POCAT theatre and more)

Monday, August 31
Los Viajes/the Jouneys on KPFA, PNN-Radio
7:30am: the Morning Show 94.1fm
Tuesday, September 1st
Hotel Voices at POOR Magazine
5pm: 2940 16th St., #301, San Francisco. 1st workshop of the most exciting theatre project in the Bay

Wednesday, September 2nd
Los Viajes at Eastside Cultural Center
6pm: 2277 calle de International @ 23rd st en Oakland. The Last bi-lingual family Art & Writing workshop documenting peoples crossing over borders all over the globe to be included in the print and audio anthology published by POOR Press. Stipends, dinner and child care provided on-site
Sunday, September 27th
POOR press - Book Release Party at City Lights book store!!!
5pm: 261 Columbus Avenue at Broadway, S. F./415-362-8193

POOR Magazine
2940 16th St., #301
San Francisco, California 94103
415-863-6306
www.poormagazine.org

ARTS / MUSIC | August 27, 2009

2009-09-02T06:27:00.000-07:00

Keeping Radio's Salsa Hot for 50 Years
By LARRY ROHTER
This weekend Polito Vega - El Rey de la Radio, or the King of Radio - will be commemorated with a pair of tribute concerts at Madison Square Garden.

Crossroads: Race and Diversity in the Age of Obama

2009-08-25T17:20:00.000-07:00

by ORLANDO PATTERSONNew York Times (August 14, 2009)

Barack Obama's historic victory was made possible by two great converging forces that began near the middle of the last century: the civil rights revolution and the changes engendered by the Immigration Act of 1965. The civil rights movement led to the rapid dismantling of Jim Crow and the inclusion of black Americans in politics, the military, the middle class and popular culture. The 1965 immigration act set in motion vast demographic and social changes that have altered the nation's ethno-racial landscape.

At present, the foreign-born represent 12.6 percent of the total American population (this is still less than the 14.7 percent reached in 1910, during the earlier great wave of migration). A little over half of these immigrants are from Latin America and a quarter are from Asia. Over all, minorities now constitute slightly over a third of the population; in four states, minorities are the majority: Hawaii (75 percent), New Mexico (58 percent), California (57 percent) and Texas (52 percent), as they are in the District of Columbia (68 percent). It has been all too easy to misinterpret and sensationalize these demographic changes.

Thus Hispanics, we are often told, are now the largest ethnic group in the nation, displacing blacks and overturning America's historic emphasis on black-white relations. But Hispanics are a varied collection of ethnic groups. They are not, and will never become, a single entity. Whatever Judge Sonia Sotomayor may have meant, a wise New York woman of Puerto Rican ancestry has a profoundly different view of the world than a Latina farm laborer in Southern California or an upper-income Chilean-American professional in Florida.

Even more problematic are periodic jeremiads declaring the demographic demise of the so-called non-Hispanic white population. "The massive Hispanic immigration after 1965," Samuel Huntington wrote in his sadly misinformed book, "Who Are We?," "could make America increasingly bifurcated in terms of language (English and Spanish) and culture (Anglo and Hispanic)." Huntington raised the "highly probable" prospect of a revival of racial nativism.
The bogus demographic invention "non-Hispanic whites" is partly the source of such groundless alarums. The more meaningful sociological category is that of people defining themselves as exclusively white, currently about 80 percent of the population and growing, thanks to the fact that almost half of all Hispanics now define themselves as "white alone."

Until recently, the conventional wisdom among social scientists was that the adjustment of recent immigrants to America would be fundamentally different from that of the European immigrants of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been claimed that they are from different "races" and are entering a harsher postindustrial America with fewer opportunities for mobility, and also that the ease of communication and travel to their homelands discourages assimilation. However, these arguments miss the real sociological drama that is now unfolding: the present wave of immigrants and their children are rapidly assimilating into an ever-vibrant American mainstream culture, and at a pace greater than the Europeans who came during the previous large wave. The assumption that the current wave should find adjustment harder because they come from different "races" rests on a hopeless misconception. At the time of their arrival, Jews, Italians and other Eastern and Southern Europeans - and even the Catholic Irish - were viewed by native whites as belonging to very different (and inferior) races. In fact, they did not assimilate because they were white; they became "white" because they assimilated.

As assimilation continues, studies show that whatever the language spoken at home, the children of recent immigrants nearly all come to use English as their first language, and they are as American in their attitudes and behavior as their native counterparts. Indeed, the definitive, 10-year investigation by Philip Kasinitz, John H. Mollenkopf, Mary C. Waters and Jennifer Holdaway, entitled "Inheriting the City: The Children of Immigrants Come of Age," reports a "second-generation advantage." Immigrants' children are caught between highly motivated, hard-working parents and the challenges of the American environment, and this actually contributes to their success.

There are, to be sure, varying degrees of success and different patterns of adjustment to America, but underlying them all is one powerful "master trend": surprisingly rapid Americanization. The authoritative synthesis of the present processes of assimilation is Richard Alba and Victor Nee's sociological masterpiece, "Remaking the American Mainstream." It shows that for nonblacks, assimilation is alive and well in America. It is not passive integration into a static, Anglo-Protestant mainstream (which was always a sociological fiction anyway), but an endlessly dynamic two-way cultural process.

The great exception to this process of social incorporation is black Americans. There are two major reasons for this: One is black poverty, which, at almost 25 percent, stands at three times the white rate, just as it did in 1970. Black poverty is the result of a tragic interaction of socioeconomic and cultural forces, succinctly analyzed in William Julius Wilson's elegant work, "More Than Just Race: Being Black and Poor in the Inner City." In his unremittingly grim account of American inequality, "Categorically Unequal: The American Stratification System," the eminent sociologist Douglas S. Massey locates immigrant and native blacks, as well as Mexican-Americans, at the bottom of a social structure rooted in nearly immutable class, racial and gender prejudice, as well as covert discrimination. Massey outdoes Huntington in the depth of his pessimism.

Massey's analysis makes frightening good sense - until I realize that he is talking partly about me and my many West Indian immigrant friends and relatives who have prospered here, not to mention that other second-generation black politician who almost made it to the White House, Colin Powell. Then some of Massey's bad news seems unreal although, truth be told, West Indians are notoriously insensitive to the white-eyed hounds of racism nipping at their naïve immigrant psyches. That is, except on those occasions when they flip into revolutionary outrage, producing a disproportionate number of the nation's first- and second-generation black militants, like Marcus Garvey (Jamaica) and Stokely Carmichael (Trinidad).

Closely related to blacks' high poverty rate is their chronic hypersegregation, true not only of the great majority of poor blacks but of working-class and middle-class blacks as well. An exhaustively documented study of this subject is "Urban Inequality: Evidence From Four Cities," edited by Alice O'Connor, Chris Tilly and Lawrence D. Bobo. In private life blacks are almost as isolated from whites today as they were under Jim Crow. Whatever the reason - persisting covert racism, black racial preferences abetted by identity politics, or both - their isolation means that the problem of ethno-racial relations in America remains, at heart, a black-white issue. As the example of Henry Louis Gates Jr. demonstrates, even prominent upper-middle-class blacks risk being racially profiled and subjected to humiliating treatment by white policemen, as well as explicit racist abuse.

The United States has worked harder and gone farther than any other advanced majority-white nation in confronting and righting the wrongs of its racist past. The crucial questions that the country now faces are these: How can white citizens, who publicly embrace black citizens as athletic heroes, matinee idols, pop-music kings, talk-show queens, senators, governors and now president, continue to shun them in their neighborhoods, schools and private lives? In their insistent celebration of racial identity, how complicit are black Americans in their own social isolation? And will Barack Obama, who delicately straddles both worlds of immigrant success and black identity, be able to broaden the inclusion of African-Americans? We watch and wait.
Orlando Patterson is a professor of sociology at Harvard and the author of "The Ordeal of Integration: Progress and Resentment in America's 'Racial' Crisis."

SUMMER ANNUAL PICNIC AT STEWART PARK

2009-06-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

Join the Latino Civic Association for our Summer Annual Picnic -DISH TO PASS on Sunday July 5 from 12:30-5:30 pm at the main pavilion Stewart Park, Ithaca, NY. Enjoy a day of Latino music, food and culture. Bring your family and friends and a dish to pass. Dish to Pass begins at 2.

The LCA will provide meats grilled on site, and cold beverages.

Musicians are welcome to sign up to perform during the afternoon. If you know that you would like to perform for this event please email Carlos Gutierrez at guty712@twcny.rr.com.
Volunteers please arrive at noon to help set up. We will also need volunteers to help clean up. Hope to see you there!

Colombian artist Jafeth Gomez Ledesma

2009-02-19T13:42:00.000-08:00

The Ithaca Chapter of the Colombia Support Network plans to host Colombian artist Jafeth Gomez Ledesma in Ithaca on Wednesday, February 25th and Thursday, February 26th.

Bio and Interview (Translated by Anne Schoeneborn, a CSN volunteer translator)
Jafeth Gómez Ledesma

Jafeth is a Caucan artist who has, since 1985, lived in Popayán, where he has produced most of his art. In his early years, he was involved with different community activities as a literacy tutor and a schoolteacher, a lay pastor in Christian communities and a youth leader at the regional and national level. This has afforded him a deeper and broader vision of the social reality of his country, which is reflected in several of his works produced in the 1980’s. In 1978, he created his first paintings and since then his dedication to his art has become ever more intense and permanent. He has developed a personal style characterized by ethnic, social, religious and cultural traits. He has dedicated 27 years to art with a permanent and deep social commitment.

Gómez regularly collaborates with different local and national institutions in producing graphic art such as posters, drawings and illustrations that are usually designed to support different social and community development projects. He also adds a social dimension to his artistic experience through workshops with community and indigenous groups from the region.

His works have been exhibited in Popayán and other cities in Colombia, and he has been invited to Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria, where his art was widely recognized and appreciated. He has also created numerous murals in both Colombia and Europe.

About the Work of Jafeth

Participating in daily life with the community allows me to outline and expound upon a project that tries to emphasize those signs of life present in all people and abundant everywhere, such as happiness, affection, a sense of community, the love of nature, and especially the infinite longing to establish models of a worthwhile life based on social justice.

The collection of works expresses the dream of another better world that creates space for tenderness, spirituality, and a different and respectful form of relating to the world and to all beings that inhabit it. This project springs from the Cauca within a social, ethnic and cultural context that today has much to offer the country.

I emphasize the gestures, expressions and symbols that invite us to investigate and to unravel the different messages and codes in a concerted effort to establish multiple dialogues to interpret and to understand them in their particular context.

Pigments mixed with the sweat of the constant reordering of a disobedient community that takes difficult journeys in the hot sun or soaking rain, to express its historical nonconformity with valor and courage, and with thunderous voices that drive away marginalization and the fate of the forgotten.

Fragments of irreverent and rebellious communities, faces marked by many suns with the indelible traces of time, eyes that hide sadness and nostalgia but that radiate glimmers of happiness and hope with the “gaze that looks and sows the seeds of the future,” the word that moves and unlocks new horizons.

-Jafeth Goméz Ledesma
(from http://abyayala.unlugar.com/jafethgomez.htm)
Interview: http://www.telecentros.org.co/index.shtml?apc=k1f1--&x=646

Jafeth Gómez Ledezma: Painting from Our Reality

“I believe that my work, more than depicting a reality, inspires hope. Hope that we can construct a different model of life characterized by dignity, justice and equity.”

Thus spoke the painter Jafeth Gómez Ledezma during an interview with Alejandra María Rios, manager of Telecentro Compartel de Robles. They spoke about his art, in which he speaks for the struggles of black and indigenous communities.

Alejandra María Díaz: Where does your passion for painting come from?

Jafeth Gómez L.: I believe that I started drawing and painting due to an innate ability. However, I also think it developed due the opportunity I had to express certain things, and to work in education and in Christian organizations. I discovered that paintings and drawings helped me as a pedagogical tool in my educational work. For that reason, I began painting more from this pedagogical angle, of course expressing myself artistically.

Alejandra: What is your reason for creating so many paintings that depict blacks?

Jafeth Gómez L. : Well, I think what we are seeking is self-examination. When we look at and examine ourselves we notice who we are ethnically, whether we are indigenous or Afro-Colombian. Once we have recognized who we are, we can start to see ourselves with more respect and we also start to ask for respect from others, especially in terms of social equity. Also, logically, diversity is very important to this process of examining and recognizing ourselves.

Alejandra: Have other painters influenced your work?

Jafeth Gómez L. : Of course one is influenced in some way by others who have done this type of work, because one also seeks, for example, the ethnic part, the social part, and the spiritual part. Initially, by Maximino Cerezo and later also by Guayasamín, who often depicts indigenous peoples in his work. However, Guayasamín’s work is more dramatic, focusing on pain and suffering, and I think that my work leans more toward hope and the will to live; it represents more a call to live with dignity, self-awareness, justice and peace.

Alejandra: There is a strong African Colombian tendency in your work. Have you studied black and indigenous communities in depth?

Jafeth Gómez L. : I have been closer to the indigenous and mestizo populations even being from an Afro-Colombian community like el Patía, but other elements of social character have also influenced me. In the indigenous communities there is a much more urgent and radical movement to demand equal rights, and I identify a lot with this. I noticed in el Patía that the Afro-Colombian community was living in conformity, there was no movement and up until today there is no movement of strong resistance to demand rights that defend their dignity. The indigenous communities, on the other hand, especially in the Cauca, have always fought for their rights and dignity.

An important aspect of the Afro-Colombian population in the Cauca, in the region of Patía, is its cultural production. The resistance of the population can be seen in the culture, and as a result one finds much artistic expression, especially musical expression. I am more inclined toward that side, which is that of social assertion.

Alejandra: What does an artist need to start painting?

Jafeth Gómez L. : That’s a very existential question. I very much enjoy what I do and I have assumed the cost of this. It is a risk to live in a society in which everything revolves around money and where time does not move to the same rhythm as the economy. Nonetheless, for me my art is of fundamental importance because I feel that it is my way of expressing myself; it is my way of saying what I think regarding social reality and that is, or becomes, a project. I would say it has to do with my desire to express myself.

Alejandra: How do you use your paintings to reflect the situation of the country?

Jafeth Gómez L. : Before I depicted many scenes of pain, of suffering, and of desperation in my paintings. But then I realized that this was unnecessary because in the media or in each of our individual families we go through painful situations and we deal with conflicts, so I thought it would be better to work with the theme of hope, using symbols that reclaim the possibility of a different life. I believe that my work, more than depicting a reality, inspires hope. Hope that we can construct a different model of life characterized by dignity, justice and equity.

Alejandra: Why do you think your paintings have social significance?

Jafeth Gómez L. : I think that beyond being a painter, I work to achieve a different society. More than painting, I tell stories that aim to create a different world. Truthfully we think that art has to become more social, that it is for everyone, so by exhibiting a work of art we motivate other people to complete their own processes so that they too may create works of art.

Another important aspect is that we are working with what is ethnic, which means that the Afro-Colombians and the indigenous peoples must appear in our work and not only angels and blond images of Jesus as a child. So we must paint black angels, but the idea is to recognize ourselves, it is knowing that we also are and are creating part of the artistic projects. As in music, dance, and theater, also in painting the ethnic and the social should be represented. The goal is not simply to paint, but also that this activity ties us to, or gives us a project related to our lives. Not that this is the answer, but at least it allows us to move closer to an answer and it motivates us to begin investigating our own reality.

Alejandra: What has been the response to your artwork in Colombia?

Jafeth Gómez L. : I think it has been difficult, nonetheless, after a time one does gain recognition, and people begin to approach the artwork as having some validity. But it’s not easy, especially in schools. In Popayán, where I live, it is more difficult because of the type of society that exists there. There is a marked colonial legacy and the people living there long to be like others. When they see my paintings they fear seeing themselves reflected in them, and they long to live in a different way, in another country, with another skin color.

Alejandra: Is the city a favorable place for creating your artwork?

Jafeth Gómez L. : The city has other rhythms, including some very demanding rhythms.
In a city you need a much higher income in order to be able to deal with this rhythm, and therefore you have to work more, and there is no time left for creativity. When we seek out a simpler lifestyle, we move closer to our original being, and this gives us more time. This is very important in creating art because it permits us to have a certain autonomy and freedom. If people have more expenses, they have less time to do what they want, and they have to earn more to pay for the comforts or the demands of an urban environment. In a rural environment I think that life is much simpler, more fundamental, and much richer.

http://www.latinotopia.de/cultura/pintura/index.php

Jafeth, Brushstrokes of Hope
By Constanza Ramirez

A rural school teacher, a lay pastor in Christian communities, and a youth leader grew into an artist due to his desire to encourage his countrymen to recognize in themselves the indigenous, rural and Afro-Colombian roots of their identities. This is Jafeth Gómez Ledesma, a Caucan artist who has exhibited his works in Popayán and other cities of Colombia. His work is also well known in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria.

He began his career as an artist by depicting scenes of suffering and pain, but upon noticing the repetition of this theme, he opted to focus on hope and symbols that represent the possibility of a different life. He aims to make his work a driving force for reflection on the different situations and realities experienced in southern Colombia, especially in the department of Cauca. Here, in a single territory, one finds a society with a colonial legacy that laid the foundation for social inequality, along with a multi-ethnic community comprised of indigenous and Afro-Colombian peoples, which represents vast cultural wealth.

Through his art, this artist expresses sentiments of social reality, hope, and the demand for minority rights, while also recognizing the conflict unfolding in his country. He strives to use his work to construct a model of life in which dignity, justice and equity are central.

Gómez encourages minority groups to examine themselves because this will lead indigenous and Afro-Colombian people to not only respect themselves but also to demand respect from others. He places special importance on diversity because this allows for the reaffirmation of one’s cultural identity and sense of belonging, for the establishment of different forms of interrelation, and for constructing forms of dialogue that assist in building more humane, full of solidarity and fraternal models of life. The experiences, dreams and hopes of the people are recorded in this artistic project.

Work in the community enables him to create examples of a life model emphasizing happiness, affection, sense of community, love of nature, and above all the infinite longing to establish models for a dignified life based on social justice. He expresses the dream of another, better world that creates space for tenderness, spirituality, and a different, respectful relationship with the world all beings that inhabit it.

Gómez emphasizes the gestures, expressions and symbols that invite us to investigate and unravel various messages and codes in a concerted effort to establish multiple dialogues in order to interpret and understand them in their particular contexts. This is an effort to gather and depict community events as well as the hopes and dreams of people, and to express them with a precision that allows one to be a living witness to the days of protest.

Robin Whittlesey Social Justice Fund

2009-02-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

Please join us on Friday, February 20th, as we raise money for the Robin Whittlesey Social Justice Fund and join with GIAC in a Yes We Can! 2009 Inauguration Black History & Community Celebration Party, to be held at the Hilton Garden Inn from 9pm - 1am. Admission is $10 and all proceeds go to benefit the Robin Fund.

As many of you know, the Social Justice Fund was established 8 years ago at GIAC to benefit individuals, families and children in the Ithaca community who are experiencing hardship or have special needs (examples: emergency rent assistance, family crises, aid in attend summer programs, scholastic needs, health care needs, etc.).

Come celebrate history being made and benefit a good cause. Enjoy the music, friends, food and cash bar.

If you cannot make the event, but would still like to contribute, send tax deductible donations to GIAC, 318 N. Albany, Ithaca 14850, and make sure you note that it is for the Robin Whittlesey Social Justice Fund

Talking Circles on Race and Racism

2009-02-19T13:40:00.001-08:00

The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) is hosting several series of facilitated Talking Circles on Race and Racism. The talking circle is a frank, respectful dialog to provide people with an opportunity for self-reflection, sharing experiences, and influencing each other's perspectives and attitudes. MRC brings together a diverse group of people who make a commitment to meet together for five weekly sessions to deepen the level of our community-wide conversations on race, and to provide a safe space for each of us to consider taking our next steps. Currently we're recruiting participants and hope that you will be interested in joining a Circle or know someone else who might be. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Liz Field at lizfield@cornell.edu or by calling 272-2292, ext 191.

Over the past two years, MRC has hosted Talking Circles for more than 125 people, including Ithaca City School District (ICSD) staff, government officials, and community members. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting renewed and strengthened relationships, deeper understandings of their peers and colleagues, and a willingness to work for social change and racial equality.

Starting in February, MRC will offer two more community-based Talking Circles. MRC provides refreshments and child care, if needed. We ask that participants make a commitment to coming to all five sessions. All sessions are held in downtown locations. Facilitators will send readings to the group before the first session, and while participants are not required to read them, participants' thoughts and responses are welcome.

The next dates for Talking Circles sessions:

Tuesdays February 3 - March 3, 2009
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Facilitated by Krishna Ramanujan, Christine Barksdale, and Laura Branca

Mondays February 9 - March 9, 2009
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Facilitated by Jemila Sequeira, Dirk Trachy and Kirby Edmonds

For more information, or to sign up, please contact Liz Field at lizfield@cornell.edu or call 272-2292, ext 191. I hope you'll plan to join us for this frank and honest dialogue on race.

2008-11-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

THE LATINO CIVIC ASSOCIATION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY

Invites you and your guests to our annual

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR 2008.
Saturday December 6, 2008

8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
Clarion University
One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Rd.)

$12.00/person (LCA paid members only)
$15.00/person (Non-members and at door)
$6.00 children 5-12 years old

For information call:
277-5356, 564-0694, 277-8699

"AMERICAN HARVEST" at CINEMAPOLIS - Sat. and Sun. Sept. 20/21st - "documentary examines American agriculture and immigration"

2008-09-16T12:39:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that AMERICAN HARVEST is playing in Ithaca for two days only!

"The documentary AMERICAN HARVEST powerfully portrays the truth about agriculture and migrant labor in the United States at the present time. In a series of candid interviews with farmers and farmworkers from Florida to New York, the viewer objectively learns the facts and dispels the myths connected with migrant farmworkers. The film portrays the migrant reality that can't be ignored and which is rarely seen by most people."

Where: Cinemapolis Theater, Ithaca NY
When: Saturday Sept. 20 at 7:00pm (*Followed by panel discussion)
Sunday Sept. 21 at 2:15pm
Regular Cinemapolis admission applies.

*Panelist include the film's Director Angelo Mancuso, Leonardo Vargas-Mendez, executive director of the Cornell Public Service Center and Sofia Villenas from the Cornell Farmworker Program.

VIEW THE TRAILER AT www.americanharvestmovie.com

Angelo Mancuso
Filmmaker
White Hot Films
76 East Blvd. Suite B-4
Rochester, NY 14610
(585) 697-7112 office
www.whitehotfilms.com

"If you've ever eaten fruits and vegetables you must see this film!
Bob Russell, Exec. Director, Little Theater

"Whether you bring to this film your own bias - in either direction - or look at it with an open mind, you will be moved by the power in this narrative. Look for it. It's what a documentary should be."
Nick Francesco - WHAM, Clear Channel

"The documentary 'American Harvest' powerfully portrays the truth about agriculture and migrant labor in the United States at the present time. In a series of candid interviews with farmers and farmworkers from Florida to Maine the viewer objectively learns the facts and dispels the myths connected with migrant farmworkers. The film portrays the migrant reality that can't be ignored and which is rarely seen by most people. It's a must see if we are serious about the truth of migrant workers."
Sister Janet Korn, RSM
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Rochester

"As the debate over immigration reform continues, this movie offers a fair and amazingly frank portrait of the challenges that we now face. It accurately represents both the grower and the worker difficulties and offers insight into a side of this issue that is rarely brought to light."
John Lincoln, President, New York Farm Bureau

"Your film sheds much light on the current national debate over immigration policy. Those of us in agriculture have rarely seen such a balanced, forthright discussion of these issues in any medium. "American Harvest" provides much-needed perspective, one that encourages rational and reasonable debate."
Don Lipton - Director of Public Relations
American Farm Bureau Federation

"I would encourage all Americans to see your film. American Harvest encourages viewers to look at the immigration issue from the farmers and farmworkers viewpoints a side of the issue that is rarely if ever discussed."
Mike Gempler, President
National Council of Agricultural Employers

"This film is a must see for 99% of the American people that work outside of agriculture."
Craig Regelbrugge
Co-Chair, Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform
Vice President of Government Relations and Research
American Nursery & Landscape Association

www.saveusfarms.org

The Anthology of Zarzuela

2008-09-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

The Anthology of Zarzuela
Center for the Arts, Homer, NY
Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008
Tickets to the Saturday 8pm performance are $10 general admission, $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at Jodi's Hallmark or Mando's Books, both on Main Street in Cortland, NY, online at www.zarzuelaCNY.org or at the door. For further information, see ZarzuelaCNY.org or call (607) 758-3670.

A zarzuela is a blend of Spanish language musical ensembles and arias; verse and prose dialogue; songs, comedy and dance. This performance will be a rare opportunity to hear zarzuela performed live in Central New York. Guest singers, soprano Ilya Martinez, tenor Angel Feliciano, and baritone Rafael LeBron, will present excerpts from the zarzuelas: Luisa Fernanda, Dona Francisquita, La Verbena de la Paloma and El Barberillo de Lavapies.

In addition to the Saturday 8pm performance, the guest singers will present a workshop for local high school and college Spanish students at the Homer Center for the Arts on Thursday at 11am, September 18. They will discuss--entirely in Spanish--the history, the musical variety, and the cultural significance of zarzuela to Hispanic culture. They will also perform several selections from the Saturday concert. This event will be free to all invited students.

EVENING OF LATINO THEATRE & POETRY

2008-09-12T06:34:00.000-07:00

SEPT.15th @ 7:30 pm
116 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY.

The Kitchen Theatre features two local Latino acts...
Teatrotaller Presents “El Cuarto Asalto” by Rosina Conde, a short comedy in Spanish from the anthology En Esta Esquina… by Ignacio Flores de la Llama. This hilarious play uses boxing as a metaphor for resolving conflicts in a romantic relationship. The couple-- Teresa “Coronela” Gamez (portrayed by Massiel Santos) and Manolo “El Huasteco” Ortiz (portrayed by Jose Carlos Huguet) -- are thrust into a boxing match to duke it out for the sake of their love. Also stars Shane Hardy, Emiliano Acevedo, Kathleen Garcia and Carolina Osorio Gil. Directed by Carolina Osorio Gil. Sponsored by Cornell University Office of the Dean of Arts & Sciences and by the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County. ...followed by...
Ojo a Ojo(Eye to Eye) Poetic Truths, Stories,& Juicy Opinions
Nilsa Mariano and Los Hombres:David Perez (conga), Brian Wahl (Spanish guitar), and Ferdinand Montalvo (Guitar)

"This event is made possible by grant support from the Tompkins County
Toursim Program and the Community Arts Partnership. Support was also
received from by the Cornell Public Service Center. All events made
possible by contribuitions and volunteers. Thank you!

2008 ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE PARK

2008-05-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the
ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE PARK
Main Pavilion, Stewart Park, ITHACA, NY
Sunday, June 15 from 12noon to 6pm
DJ, LIVE MUSIC, and OPEN MIC.

DISH TO PASS
(ideas: main dish, salads, pastas, fruits, drinks, deserts)
Meat and drinks provided by the LCA.

If you wish to perform or volunteer please contact Fernando DeAragon at fdearagon@tompkins-co.org or Carlos Gutierrez at guty712@twcny.rr.com

Reserve the date and start spreading the word!
Lets see if we can bring together the most people ever!

Hotel Worker Appreciation Dinner: TICKETS GOING

2008-04-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, April 30th, from 6-8 p.m.
Women's Community Building, Ithaca, NY.

Hotel workers work very hard for little money and rarely get
thanked. The Workers' Center will publicly thank them at a
catered dinner on Wednesday, April 30th. Says Ithaca resident
and former housekeeper, Mary Loehr, "I've been a hotel worker
and I can honestly say it's the hardest work I've ever done.
It's fantastic that the Workers' Center is thanking hotel workers
because they tend to be invisible. I encourage our community to
come out and publicly thank the people who clean hotel rooms,
serve them food or check them into rooms".

Tickets for hotel workers and their families are free, but must
be picked up in advance of the event (by Friday, April 25th).
Community members are very much encouraged to attend as well,
for a sliding scale price of $11.18 (our present Living Wage in
Tompkins County) to $118 (to help defray the cost of the
event.) You can purchase tickets online at our website, Make A
Donation. (Whether you can come or not, your purchase of tickets
will help to pay for our event). Please specify at PayPal that
you're purchasing tix for this event. Or call 607-269-0409 for
more information about how to get your tickets or respond to
this email.

The meal will be catered by Tuckers Catering and La Cocina
Latina, with entertainment provided by Elephant Sounds. To find
out more about our Justice for Hotel Workers campaign, click
here.

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION (MAY 3rd)

2008-04-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ithaca, NY….Crossing Borders LIVE, WVBR's multicultural radio concert series, will present its Second Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Saturday, May 3rd, 8 - 10pm, featuring several of Ithaca's finest Latino influenced artists for a concert of Mexican, South American and Caribbean music. A double bill will feature Sally Ramirez and Doug Robinson with guest Jorge Cuevas, and the eight piece ensemble 'Los Soneros.' The two hour performance is broadcast LIVE from the Lost Dog Lounge at 106. S. Cayuga Street; it can be accessed on 93.5FM Ithaca, or online at www.crossingborderslive.org or www.wvbr.com. Admission is $10 or free to Crossing Borders Passport subscribers. Festive décor and ambience will greet the audience.

Sally Ramirez, Doug Robinson and Jorge Cuevas will perform the first half of the concert broadcast. A recent transplant to Ithaca, Sally Ramirez was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and has been inspired throughout the years by the work of Puerto Rican composer and lyricist, Rafael Hernandez, known affectionately as "el jibarito," and considered to be a true patriot of the Puerto Rican culture. Sally has a classical singing background, and her music covers the range from opera to folk music, as well as the Latin standards that reclaim her roots. She will present a set of standards from Mexico, South America and Puerto Rico, with Doug Robinson and percussionist Jorge Cuevas. For 30 years Doug Robinson has had a diverse career of touring and session work as a vocalist, bassist and guitarist with many world music, folk, country, pop, jazz and blues artists. Today, Doug performs solo, and in various duos and ensemble configurations, which include Djug Django and others.

The latter half of the program will be presented by the eight artists who comprise Los Soneros. They are: Cesar Enciso (percussion and vocals), Carlos H. Gutierrez (Spanish guitar and vocals), Sebastian F. Gutierrez (Spanish guitar and vocals), Charlie Izzo (percussion), Andre LeClair (timbales), Juliana Ranguel Posada (vocals), Victor Rosa (Conga drum), Victor Rosa (Bass guitar). Los Soneros means those who sing Sones. The group formed in 2007 and performs live rhythmic Afro-Caribbean music, Cuban son and rumbas, Puerto Rican salsa, Colombian cumbias, and romantic boleros. Influenced by songs from various composers such as Los Panchos and Isolina Carrilos's Dos Gardenias, Sergio Siaba's El Cuarto de Tula, Simon Diaz's Caballo Viejo, and Celia Cruz' La Vida es Un Carnaval.

On May 10, Crossing Borders presents the Lone Rangers with Dee Specker. Most of the musicians of the group are original members of the legendary 70s phenom, Desperado. Heather Dunbar guest hosts. The Crossing Borders Spring Jazz Series will air on May 17^th and May 24^th .For more information about Crossing Borders and upcoming events on the show, go to: www.crossingborderslive.org. Email originally posted by: Denice Karmardian. PLEASE SPREAD THE NEWS!

Community Voices: Stories of Family, Culture and Education

2008-04-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Please join us and share with others!

The public is invited to Community Voices: Stories of Family, Culture and Education, a special community forum to be held at the Tompkins Public Library on Saturday, May 3 at 2pm.

The purpose of the event is to share the voices and experiences of the diverse Ithaca community through stories collected by students in a Cornell service learning project called Community Voices: Stories of Family, Culture and Education. The goal is to provide a forum for dialogue about difference and diversity among community members.

Community participants included parents, teachers, youth, and community leaders from all over Ithaca. They shared stories about family cultural knowledge, community work, and their experiences of inclusion and exclusion in relation to the local school district. The project was conducted by educators and prospective teachers who are students in the Department of Education. Funding was provided by the Cornell Public Service Center with Co-Sponsorship from the Department of Education and the Cornell Education Society.

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008
Time: 2pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Tompkins Public Library, Borg Warner Room
101 E. Green Street
The Library is located on the corner of E. Green Street and Cayuga Street.
Free Parking available
Map link: http://www.tcpl.org/hours.html#location

Refreshments will be served and there will be the chance to win prizes. Bring family and friends!

MAY 2nd FIESTA COLOMBIANA

2008-04-16T03:21:00.001-07:00

ZARZUELA

2008-02-26T23:13:00.000-08:00

A Brief History of Zarzuela

There will be a Lecture/Performance called "A Brief History of Zarzuela" at 7:30pm on Wednesday March 5, 2008 in the Jacobus Lounge, Brockway Hall at SUNY Cortland. It will feature tenor Angel Feliciano, who frequently performs as a principal in Zarzuela, opera and oratorio, both in the NYC area and in Puerto Rico. Mr. Feliciano will be joined by Cortland resident Gina Sikora (soprano) and Alan Giambattista (piano) in presenting both the history and examples of this genre. Admission is free.

Angel Luis Feliciano, described as having a beautiful lyric voice was born in Brooklyn, New York, of Puerto Rican parents. His vocal training commenced with the late Katherine Gardella. He is a graduate of the Harbor Performing Arts Center in New York, where he earned a master degree in music and continues to study voice with Siri Rico Berenstein. He began his career singing zarzuelas with various companies in the New York area under the direction of Pablo Zinger, Silvia Brito and others. He has performed in the following zarzuelas: El Dúo De La Africana, El Barbero De Sevilla, Agua, Azucarillos y Aguardiente, Las Leandras, La Cuarteria De El Muerto Parao, Luisa Fernanda, La Dolorosa, and Los Claveles.
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Gina Sikora, soprano, studied voice in her native Peru with the famous coloratura soprano Lucrecia Sarria. At the age of 16 she began to sing professionally with the international company of zarzuelas and operettas under the direction of Faustino García, touring South America. She earned her doctorate in comparative literature with a specialization in medieval studies at Binghamton University. She has taught at Syracuse University, Hamilton College, Binghamton University, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Cornell University, and SUNY Cortland. Her most recent performances have been in San Jose, Costa Rica (where she presented this program Puro Piazzolla, with Stephen Wilson, for Veritas University) in New York City at Forthdam at Lincol Center where she performed the role of Mariana in the Zarzuela Luisa Fernanda; in Honolulu where she presented a program Piazzolla's Vocal Tangos; and lastly in Canada where she was highly acclaimed in her presentation of the show: An Evening of Tango: Song and Dance.

Alan Giambattista, piano, in his junior year at Brigham Young University he decided to pursue a physics major, after having explored math, music, and psychology. He did his graduate studies at Cornell University and has taught introductory college physics in one form or another for the past 20 years. When not found at the computer keyboard working on College Physics, he can often be found at the keyboard of a harpsichord or piano. He is a member of the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra and has given performances of the Bach harpsichord concerti at several regional Bach festivals. He is the accompanist for the SUNY Cortland Choral Union and, over the last ten years, has frequently accompanied Cortland High School students at their choral concerts and New York State School Music Association festivals.

Zarzuela is a genre of Spanish language operetta. Traditionally, "Zarzuela" takes its name from a part of the Royal Palace in El Pardo (near Madrid) where the first performances of this genre took place in the mid-1600s. The site was a hunting lodge of the King that was somewhat overgrown with brambles or zarzas. However, even this name may be a refer to an earlier tale called "Baile de La Zarzuela", whose origins may be traced as far back as the Medieval period.

Regardless of the origin of the name, Zarzuela is to Spanish culture what Gilbert and Sullivan is to the English. The nature of the various works varies from serious drama to farce, from love story to political commentary with traditional melodies and dances often incorporated, giving it a distinctive Spanish character. Over the centuries, the popularity of Zarzuela has varied widely. The 1700s saw the dominance of Italian culture in Spanish society, to the extent that the Zarzuela largely disappeared, except for the short tonadillas that served as an outlet for Spanish language musical theater.

The mid-1800s saw a great resurgence in the popularity of the Zarzuela and many of the examples that will be given in the Lecture/Performance will be taken from works of this more recent period. Marina (1871) by Emilio Arrieta, El Barberillo de Lavapiés (1874) by Francisco Asenjo Barbieri, Doña Francisquita (1923) by Amadeu Vives, El Último Romántico (1927) by Reveriano Soutullo and Juan Vert, and Luisa Fernanda (1932) by Federico Moreno Torroba.

The Lecture/Concert is supported by a number of grants and organizations: CALS (Campus Artist and Lecture Series), the SUNY Spanish Club, the New York State Music Fund, the Cortland College Foundation, TC3 Dept. Of Foreign Languages and Zarzuela Central New York. For additional information on Zarzuela check ZarzuelaCNY.Org or email or phone Gina Sikora at Sikora777@aol.com ,phone (607) 758-3670.

Ithaca High African Latino Club Fundraising Dinner

2008-02-26T22:46:00.000-08:00

The Ithaca High School African Latino Club is having a fund raising dinner Saturday, March 8 at the Southside Community Center from 4:00-6:00pm. The purpose of this dinner is to help raise funds for sophomores and juniors to go on a college tour March 27th through March 29th.

Your help is needed to support this educational endeavor. If possible, you are asked to purchase a dinner ticket at $7 per person. Take-out orders will be available for pick-up from 1:00-3:00pm. Please confirm your order by contacting Jessica Carter at (601)728-2315 or jlc253@cornell.edu.

African Latino Club Fundraising Dinner
Saturday, March 8 4:00-6:00pm
Southside Community Center

MENU: Chicken with a choice of 2 sides ( i.e string beans, macaroni and cheese,rice and beans ), a piece of corn bread and a slice of sweet potato pie

Na gwv' do hi ya - Peace.

perspectivo 2008

2008-01-24T06:23:00.001-08:00

Future Generations ]
"It is not enough to teach our young people to be successful...so they can realize their ambitions, so they can earn good livings, so they can accumulate the material things that this society bestows. Those are worthwhile goals. But it is not enough to progress as individuals while our friends and neighbors are left behind."

"Perhaps we can bring the day when children will learn from their earliest days that being fully man and fully woman means to give one's life to the liberation of the brother who suffers. It is up to each one of us. It won't happen unless we decide to use our lives to show the way."

"Students must have initiative; they should not be mere imitators. They must learn to think and act for themselves-and be free." Cesar Chavez-

2007 FIESTA NAVIDENA...SAVE THE DATE!

2007-11-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

The LCA invites you and your guests to our annual
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR 2007
Saturday December 8th, 2007
8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

Clarion University Hotel (Ithaca)
One Sheraton Drive (off Triphammer Rd.)

Cayuga Women's Health and the LCA are proud to present the live sounds of Rochester's band
SWING LATINO
Advanced reservations are required
$12.00 /person (LCA members)
$15.00/person (non members)
$15.00/person at door

Please send your reservation with payment to:
Latino Civic Association of Tompkincs County
Christmas Party
246 Floral Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850

For information call: 277-3886, 277-5356cmontaner-vargas@dor.org

Latino Heritage Month Celebration 2007

2007-09-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

You are invited to the Latino Heritage Month Celebration 2007 Saturday October 13, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m.- 11:00 p.m.
Women's Community Building
100 West Seneca St. Ithaca, NY 14850

There will be a short civic event to commemorate the Latino Heritage Month Celebration in Tompkins County, Music and Dances performed by local musicians and performers and DJ Victor Torres. A variety of Latino Foods will be available for the public at an affordable cost. The entrance to the event is free and open to the public.

Sally Ramirez latin jazz
Juliana R singing latino american music accompanied by guitar
Gina Sikora, Steven Wilson and Los Tangueros
Los Soneros Carlos H. Gutierrez, Guitar; Victor Rosas, Congas; Victor Torres, bass; Andre Leclair, Timbales.
Sabor Latino Dance Ensemble, Cornell University
Teatrotaller Cornell University Spanish "Theater Workshop" presents "La Fea" (a short act based on the TV series Betty la fea/Ugly Betty). Adaptation by E. Sánchez-Blake, direction by Carolina Osorio. The actors are Evelyn Ambriz, Carlos Mendoza and Margarita López.

Contact us If you would like to participate, help, organize or perform for this event or upcoming projects.
This event is sponsored by the Cornell Public Service Center and is
made possible by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program.

first-ever Tompkins County Workers' Center Annual Picnic

2007-09-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

Please join the Tompkins County Workers' Center as we hold our first-ever Annual Picnic on Saturday, September 29th, from 1-5 p.m. in the large pavilion at Stewart Park in Ithaca. The public is invited; free meat, veggie burger, hot dogs, beverages, and ice cream will be provided. Folks are encouraged to bring a dish-to-pass as well. Musicians and speakers will focus on themes of organizing around workers' rights issues. There will be activities for kids. The theme of the Picnic is: "Get Up, Stand Up; Stand Up for Your Rights", a central organizing principle of the Workers' Center. From the Workers' Center's Mission Statement: "We seek to inform, educate and shape community values and standards of employer behavior with respect to workplace rights and the treatment of low-income people. We support the use of diverse strategies to achieve social change, such as popular education, public testimony (telling what is really happening in our workplaces and in the lives of low-income people), public protests, direct action, dialogue with employers, and legislative campaigns." For more information, and/or if your organization would like to "table" at the Picnic, please contact the Workers' Center at 269-0409. Pete Meyers TC Workers' Center 115 E. State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607-269-0409 www.TCWorkersCenter.org

Tutelo Homecoming Festival: Welcoming Cayuga, Tutelo, Saponi and

2007-09-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

Tutelo Homecoming Festival: Welcoming Cayuga, Tutelo, Saponi and
Kindred Indian Nations

Saturday, September 22, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM festival
Sunday, September 23, 12:00 PM Ceremonial Relighting of the Tutelo Council Fire

Both days’ events take place at Tutelo Park, 151 Bostwick Rd, off Rt. 13A, in the Town of Ithaca.

Saturday’s events feature:

* Traditional flute by Dan Hill
* Sherri Waterman Hopper and the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers
* Storyteller Perry Ground
* Flute music by David Little Eagle Rivera
* Learn about the Three Sisters with Jane Mt. Pleasant
* Cornhusk doll making with Marcela Kane
* Medicine plant walk with Mike De Munn
* Demonstration of traditional tools of the hunt by Mike Tarbell
* Traditional crafts and food

The festival will also feature displays by Cornell University American Indian Program, the Cayuga SHARE Farm, Three Sisters, Ithaca College Archeology Program, and Cornell and Ithaca College Human Resources.

Sunday’s Ceremonial Relighting of the Tutelo Council Fire will celebrate the return of Native Tutelos to this geographic area. All are welcome to participate from Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the park.

The Tutelo Homecoming Festival is sponsored by the Multicultural Resource Center, Cornell University, American Indian Program at Cornell, Ithaca College and Wells College, along with a Tompkins County Celebrations Grant. Hosted by Town of Ithaca.

PICNIC "A Dish to Pass"

2007-05-08T05:43:00.000-07:00

June 17 , 2007 (FATHER'S DAY) 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Main Pavilion. Stewart Park
Enjoy a great day out at the park with friends and family. SHARE your comida favorita! Meat and beverages provided by the Latino Civic Association. DJ. Open MIC. Bring your instruments, your voice and performances...

RSVP: guty712@twcny.rr.com, Carlos Gutierrez (607) 277- 8699
Set up time 11:30 a.m. VOLUNTEERS for set up & clean up: CONTACT zucy63@yahoo.com, Zucy Ortega

CINCO DE MAYO

2007-04-30T11:08:00.003-07:00

Saturday, May 5th 2007 2:00pm
Bring the whole Family! Sit outside and
enjoy our Authentic Mariachi Band & DJ!
Enjoy our bar and dance floor
Open until 2:00am

Music Sponsored by:
Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County
Tickets: Only $10; includes one Mexican Beer!

Purchase at:
Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant
602 West State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Tel:(607) 272-2038

TAKE A STAND! MAY 1st!

2007-04-29T11:08:00.000-07:00

May 1st Immigrant Rights Rally to Defend Immigrant Rights on The Commons: "No Human Is Illegal!"
(Ithaca) On Tuesday, May 1st, 2007, from 12-2 p.m. a broad coalition of immigrant, community, labor, and student groups will join together, in coordination with a national mobilization for immigrant workers' rights, for a rally and celebration on The Commons (Bernie Milton Pavilion) in Ithaca to declare that “no human is illegal”. Students from Cornell University and Ithaca College (see below) will be marching from their respective campuses to join with the rally at approximately 12:15. People are asked to wear a white T-shirt on May 1st whether able to attend the rallies or not.

Some existing laws and immigration proposals now in Congress criminalize millions of immigrants. Latino Civic Association President, Carlos Gutierrez, says, "In the face of the growing fear and insecurity of immigrant families resulting from increased federal and state law enforcement, indiscriminate searches, arrests, detention and deportation, the Immigrant Rights Coalition calls on our City and County communities to stand in solidarity with immigrant workers and families. We demand a dignified and fair immigration reform that ensures living wages, health benefits, and a clear path to citizenship. Immigrants are hard working residents that fill key roles in our local economy, enrich the local cultural landscape, and they are productive members of our community who pay taxes, raise families, and contribute to our schools, churches, neighborhoods, and communities."

Cornell Rally for Immigrant Rights:
Where: Ho Plaza
When: Tuesday, May 1st
Time: 11 a.m.—Leave for The Commons at 11:30 a.m.
Contact Maria Bruno m...@cornell.edu for more information.
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Ithaca College Rally for Immigrant Rights:
Where: Textor Hall
When: Tuesday, May 1st
Time: 11:30 a.m.—Leave for The Commons at 11:40 a.m.
Contact Jack Haurin jhaur...@ithaca.edu for more information.

Endorsers (31)

--Tompkins County Immigrant Rights Coalition
--Tompkins County Workers’ Center
--Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County
--Ithaca Asian American Association
--Cornell Alliance for Immigrant Rights
--Cornell Migrant Program
--Students for Economic Equality ( Ithaca College )
--United Auto Workers 2300
--First Baptist Church of Ithaca
--Catholic Charities of Tompkins County
--Multicultural Resource Center
--TC Human Rights Commission
--Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR)
--TC Religious Task Force for a Living Wage
--Cornell Public Service Center
--Southern Tier Advocacy and Mitigation Project (S.T.A.M.P)
--Committee on US-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR)
--Cornell Organization for Labor Action (COLA)
--Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA de Cornell)
--International Socialist Organization (Cornell University)
--Farmworker Advocacy Coalition (Cornell University)
--National Lawyers Guild, Cornell Chapter
--Prison Activist Coalition ( Cornell University )
--Ithaca Democratic Socialists of America
--CRESP Center for Transformative Action
--Race Liberation Alliance , Ithaca
--Ithaca College Environmental Society
--Association of Peruvians
--Ithaca Catholic Worker
--Tzedek: Jewish Social Justice
--Tompkins County Health Care Task Force

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Pete Meyers TC Workers' Center 115 E. State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 607-269-0409 www.TCWorkersCenter.org