Ladan Alomar Making Latino Involvement “Real” by Juan George

Ladan Alomar A Lifetime of Giving

Making Latino Involvement “Real” Thanksgiving Secrets

Beware of Fraud during the fiscal crisis! Winterizing your vehicle

Congratulations to our new President Barack Obama Felicitaciones a Barack Obama, nuestro nuevo Presidente LATINO New York

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Dear readers:

Queridos lectores:

It is amazing the progress we have made as a community in the Capital Region. This progress was very apparent during the most recent celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. It seemed like every day we had some kind of an event.

Es increíble el progreso que hemos logrado como comunidad en la región capital. Este progreso fue muy evidente durante la reciente celebraciónes del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Parece que cada día teniamos algún tipo de evento diferente.

The second annual Capital Region Latino Parade, The Hannaford Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Empire State Plaza, The Centro Civico Hispano Americano celebration at City Hall, The Hispanic Outreach Services’ “Un momento Latino” Gala Celebration and The Centro Civico of Amsterdam 20th. year celebration are among the many events that took place to mark our contribution to our local community and to the country. It almost gives us a feeling that perhaps we have arrived. Congratulations and thank you to those that in one away or another participated in many of these activities. Your efforts make our community better and improved our quality of life.

El segundo Desfile Latino Anual de la Región Capital, La Celebración Hannaford de la Herencia Hispana en el Empire State Plaza, La celebración de El Centro Cívico Hispano en el City Hall, La cena de gala de Hispanic Outreach Services “” Un momento Latino “ y la celebración de 20 anos de servicio a la comunidad del Centro Civico de Amsterdam se encuentran entre los muchos acontecimientos que tuvieron lugar para marcar nuestra contribución a nuestra comunidad local y al país. Casi nos da la sensación de que quizá hemos llegado a la meta. Felicitaciones y gracias a los que en una u otra forma participaron en muchas de estas actividades. Sus esfuerzos mejoran nuestra comunidad y nuestra calidad de vida.

In this edition of Latino New York Magazine in which we celebrate the art of giving, we salute Ms. Ladan Alomar for her commitment to service, her leadership, and the love and friendship that she gives to so many including yours truly. Further, we congratulate our new president. I want to remind him of a few things that our local community needs however, I don’t know if reading this magazine will be on the top of his list of priorities.

En esta edición de Latino de Nueva York Magazine en el que celebramos el arte de dar saludamos a la Sra Ladan Alomar por su compromiso a servir, su liderazgo, y el amor y la amistad que le da a tantos, incluyendo a quien escribe. Además, felicitamos a nuestro nuevo presidente. Quiero recordarle de un par de cosas que nuestra comunidad necesita sin embargo, no sé si la lectura esta revista sea una prioridad superior en su lista de prioridades.

Have a happy Thanksgiving Juan J. George Publisher.

If have any comments or suggestion please send them to me at jgeorge@laradionet.net or by calling at: (518) 438-2875 or write to us at: Albany Latino Communications. 1314 A Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205

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Espero que todos tengan un feliz Día de Acción de Gracias Juan J. George Editor

Si desea enviarnos sus comentarios o sugerencias, por favor envíenos a jgeorge@laradionet. net o llamando al telefono (518) 438-2875 o escríbanos a: Albany Latino Comunications. 1314 A Central Ave., Albany, NY 12205

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Table of Contents

Tabla de Contenido

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Making Latino Involvement “Real” •María Neira, Vice-President of NYSUT Hacer real la participación Latina

Thanksgiving Secrets • Marvin N. Bagwell

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Deployment Dairy. 8 Months to Go. • Dianna Rios Diario de un Despliegue Militar. Faltan 8 Meses

Jazz Latino. Hispanic Heritage Celebration • Colwyn Allen

A Lifetime of Giving • Juan George Toda una Vida de Entrega

Kicking Kids out of Foster Care • Toni Naccarato y Liliana Hernandez Abandono de los Niños del cuidado de crianza

Cáncer de Cuello Uterino • Dr. Díaz Cervical Cancer

Beware of Fraud during the fiscal crisis! • CPB

Ask Lisa • Lisa Cortés Pregúntale a Lisa

Winterizing your Vehicle • Karen Micklas

Social & Cultural Events Eventos Sociales & Culturales

Vote: A right and a Duty • Marco Tomakin, Esq Votar: Derecho y Deber

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Making Latino Involvement “Real”

By: Maria Neira So, as Picasso suggests, imagine a world in which Latinos increasingly become greater parts of the overall community, unifying to participate as Latinos in civic organizations, youth groups, environmental causes and faith-based organizations. While we should certainly maintain a strong identity, we also must become more involved in the community as a whole to ensure our voices are heard. And, as we become more involved, our strength in these communities will grow.

he great Spanish painter Pablo Picasso once remarked, “Everything you can imagine is real” – an explanation, perhaps, of how Picasso used his vivid imagination to create a new world through his art. I’d like to borrow Picasso’s thought and use my own imagination to create a new kind of “real” – one that I hope and pray one day comes true. We all understand the importance of building community, which I define as a banding together around common themes and ideals, whether they are neighborhoods, cultural or religious traditions, or simply the love of soccer, soap operas or card games. It is no accident that the central letters in “community” spell out the word “unity.” You cannot have true community without some unity of purpose.

As an educator, I imagine a world in which Latino parents join with teachers and become a strong voice for what their children need and deserve in school; that all Latino parents become more involved in their children’s classrooms, and help their children take advantage of opportunities to excel in school and go on to college or good jobs in the workplace. And, imagine with me our power if all eligible Latinos registered to vote, and then cast ballots for those candidates, with progressive immigration policies, who would best help working men and women make economic progress while supporting a fuller investment in public schools and colleges. In the November general elections, America had an important choice: who would be our nation’s leader for the next four years. I hope that today, and in the future, we vote and encourage our children to vote so we have a say in the future of this nation.

Imagine us planting the seeds and growing the roots of greater community involvement, better educational opportunities and political participation, so that our children and our grandchildren can enjoy the shade of our labor. Our Latino community, coming together with a unity of purpose and becoming more involved in the world around us, can influence the direction of education, policies and politics to better serve our people, our children and our futures. In this season, we are thankful for what we have. Together we can imagine everything and, together, we can make it real. Maria Neira is Vice President of New York State United Teachers NYSUT.

El gran pintor español Pablo Picasso alguna vez dijo, “todo lo que puedas imaginar es real” – una explicación, seguramente, a cómo usó Picasso su vívida imaginación para crear un nuevo mundo a través del arte. Quisiera tomar el pensamiento de Picasso y usar mi propia imaginación para crear un nuevo estilo de mundo “real” – uno que espero y rezo para que un día se vuela realidad. Todos entendemos la importancia de crear comunidad, que lo defino como la unión alrededor de temas e ideales comunes, sean vecinos, tradiciones religiosas y culturales, o el simple amor al fútbol, las telenovelas o los juegos de cartas. No es coincidencia que las letras centrales de “comunidad” quieran decir “unidad” . No se puede tener una verdadera comunidad sin un propósito de unión.

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Thanksgiving “secrets”

By: Marvin N. Bagwell

Like every family, my family has a deep, dark “secret” about which the entire neighborhood knows, but which only comes up in hushed tones at Thanksgiving dinner somewhere between the passing of the baked corn and the slicing of the apple pie. It always starts with an older relative who has had too much eggnog while watching the parade on television whispering, “Did you know?” and it would be off to the races . . . again. In the midst of the Great Depression, my great-grandparents purchased a half acre parcel of land from a wealthy farmer for the then astronomical sum of $100. They were farm laborers, share-croppers really. At a time when no one had any money, when there was no such thing as a mortgage available to poor black people, it must have been an incredible feat for them to have earned and saved $100 to buy property. Using their own hands and with the help of the neighbors, they built a small, three-room house on the lot. My grandmother, mother, sister brother and I were all raised in that very same house. I still remember the Thanksgiving dinners my greatgrandmother prepared for all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, and the entire neighborhood every year. Even though the house was small, and money was always tight, I never knew how there was always enough space and food to go around. It was like the miracle of the fishes and loaves of bread.

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Through Grace, everyone left the house with a plate of food. I also can still recall the Thanksgiving dinner whispering, “Did you know Miss Sallie and Uncle Henry (my great-grandparents) had to pay for this house twice?” This past year a family friend died and as a favor, I went to the courthouse to obtain a copy of the deed to the lot next to my great-grandparents. I discovered quite by accident that the open secret was true. The farmer, who sold the land to my great-grandparents, actually sold the same lot twice. He first sold the lot to another farmer and then he sold the very same land to my greatgrandparents. After they built the house, the second farmer came to my great-grandparents and demanded payment for the lot. Being black in the Depression era south, they had no legal recourse. Somehow, they scrimped and saved, and paid the second farmer another $100 for the land and house. The deed chain does not lie.

The scrimping and saving, the struggling we go through to provide a home for our families and the generations to come, the value we hope to build in our homes, can be protected. When you buy your home, make sure your attorney not only searches the title but also he or she purchases an owner’s or fee insurance policy on your behalf. Depending upon the amount you pay for your home, the policy will cost you a few hundred dollars in a one-time premium payment, but the protection is well worth it. You may think that today people do not sell homes they do not own, but it does happen. A new home can also be charged with tax or judgment liens filed against a prior owner. There may be disputes about lot size, and boundary lines with the neighbors. If a prior owner died in title, all of the proper spouses and relatives may not have executed the deed. You may never have to call upon the protection offered by a title policy, but if a dispute arises, you will be glad you have the

policy. Keep in mind no one needs a fire insurance policy until they have a fire. The same is true for a title policy. So, as you sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, and as the family “secrets” are revealed after the game, give thanks for all who have sacrificed for your home today, and as you look at your kids, make sure they are protected from what may occur tomorrow. Check your policies: life, health and fire and do not forget the title policy as well. Then, you can have a “Happy Thanksgiving” for generations to come. Marvin N. Bagwell is the President and Chief Counsel of Bagwell & Associates Title Agency LLC based in New York City. He was recently elected a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers, one of the highest honors accorded to an attorney in is area of practice.

The house is still standing and is still in the family. It is a little bigger now, with a new kitchen, electricity, running water and even indoor plumbing. My family no longer has Thanksgiving dinner there, we have moved on to my mother’s house, but the “secret” still remains. In no way is this a “dirty little secret” any longer. The entire family is quite proud of what my great-grandparents were able to achieve and for the accomplishment in providing a home for three generations. But today, this is one secret, one of life’s little events other families do not have to share or experience.

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FOR HONOR, FOR COUNTRY, FOR FAMILY…

DEPLOYMENT DIARY 8 Months LEFT

By: Dianna Rios Translated by Catalina Arango

Each month that we are apart, has its ups and downs and there are some days that are easier than others. I am reminded that I must continue to focus on the day to day and that in doing so the time will pass quickly. We pray each morning and each night and send our love in letters and emails. September found us needing prayer more often than not, and with the struggle of needing each other and knowing that our support for each other could only be from afar. Our faith has continued to be strong in each other, and in God, and we were reminded this month of how quickly the days and our lives can change. September had its ups and downs. September brought the first day of Kindergarten, the birth of our first grandchild, another song to honor our country and an accident that my children were able to walk away from without injury with our thanks to God. The first day of Kindergarten came and went without incident. Nicaya was more than prepared and excited to start school and ride the bus. She settled quickly into her routine and has been able to continue to write to daddy and share with her class her love for her dad and for the job he has and the work that he does to keep us safe. With her first “sharing day” upon her, Nicaya thought it would be great to take the globe out of her room to show the class where her daddy is. Rather than send her to school with a globe much too large for her backpack, I encouraged her to bring photos and share some stories about her dad. I have since; purchased her a world map that will be easier to carry and she will be able to share much easier her world.

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One of Nicaya’s sisters blessed us with a grandchild this month. He was born a month early and without much notice, but what a gift he is! Again I was faced with not being able to share such a special moment with my husband but rather than dwell on what could not be, we made arrangements for a video call and he was able to see the baby in my arms and see the smiles on our faces. Technology is a wonderful thing! Nicaya’s performance this month was for CentroCivicoHispanoAmericano,Inc.’s annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Nicaya again performed the National Anthem at Albany City Hall. This is the first time in many performances that Nicaya was a little unsure of herself. We encouraged her to continue and the support in the room was outstanding as the audience helped Nicaya to finish the song. I think sometimes even I forget how little she really is to be singing such a big song! I found again such support and a support that will continue as I will make connections for Nicaya that will help her to embrace her heritage and her language in her dad’s absence. The connections we make continue to encourage me and welcome me into this new circle of friends! Mid month was the crisis that really rocked our world. I was volunteering at a community event, when I received the phone call that every parent dreads, Nicaya and my oldest daughter were in a car accident and I needed to come to the scene of the accident. I was fortunate that my daughter was able to take the phone and I could speak directly to her. She was scared, but okay and could tell me that Nicaya was safe. The accident happened only a few doors from my house and my neighbors were quick

on the scene to stay with them until my mother and I were both able to get to them. As I drove to the scene of the accident, I prayed for them and kept telling myself it couldn’t be that bad, they are on my street near our home. I was not prepared for the sight I came upon as I neared the house. There on street, 2 doors from my home, the fire department, EMT’s, an ambulance, police cars and my car sitting on its roof crushed, in the middle of the road. My stomach turned and my heart began to beat as I couldn’t get to my children fast enough. Thanking God that they were okay, I couldn’t get the sight of the car out of my mind. How did they ever get out of the car, there was nothing left. How scared they must have been as the car was rolling over. How terrible for them that I wasn’t there to comfort them. How by the grace of God, they were able to get out of the car with only cuts and bruises. How I wished my husband was here to hold me and keep me from shaking. The trip to the hospital in the ambulance seemed surreal. I still could not believe that this had happened. My oldest apologized all the way and I had to remind her that the car didn’t matter. What matters is that they were okay, that they could see me and talk to me and hear me tell them I loved them. That is all that matters. A car

is replaceable, your family is not. That night I held them tight and encouraged them to share with me their feelings if they were up to it. I asked if they were scared, if it hurt, I needed them to know it was okay to talk about it. The answers I got only solidified our belief and faith. My oldest telling me that knowing the car was rolling, she turned behind her and held on to Nicaya praying for her safety and not remembering anything until she heard that precious little voice asking if she was okay. And asking Nicaya came with the same amazing answer, I don’t remember anything, I closed my eyes and prayed for my sister. This from my 5 year old. Their prayers for each other saved their lives that day. My husband’s prayers from Iraq each day to keep his family safe were answered, and my prayers to keep me strong and protect our family while he is away were answered. My husband worried as he was leaving that it would be hard for me to pass the time while he was away. He prays each day that I will be busy and not worry too much. I told him he didn’t need to keep praying that I am busy, I’ve had enough busy this month to last me a good long while!

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POR HONOR, POR EL PAIS, POR LA FAMILIA…

diARIO DE UN DESPLIEGUE MILITar faltan 9 meses

Cada mes que estamos separados, tiene sus altos y sus bajos, y hay unos días que son más fáciles que otros. Me recuerdan que debo continuar enfocándome en el día a día y que haciéndolo, el tiempo pasará más rápido. Rezamos cada mañana y noche y enviamos nuestro amor en cartas y en emails. Septiembre nos encontró necesitando de la oración más que nunca, con el agravante de necesitarnos unos a otros, sabiendo que el apoyo de cada uno solo puede darse de lejos. Nuestra fe continúa siendo más sólida en cada uno, y en Dios, y este mes se nos hizo recordar cuán rápido cambian los días y nuestras vidas. Septiembre tuvo sus altos y sus bajos. Septiembre trajo el primer día de Kindergarten, el nacimiento de nuestro primer nieto, otra canción en honor a nuestra patria y un accidente del que mis hijas salieron ilesas con la gracia de Dios. El primer día de Kindergarten vino y pasó sin incidentes. Nicaya estaba más que preparada y emocionada por empezar la escuela y montar en bus. Se adaptó rápidamente a la rutina y ha sido capaz de continuar escribiéndole a Papi, compartiendo en sus clases, su

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amor por su papá y por el trabajo que tiene para mantenernos seguros. Para su primer “día de compartir”, Nicaya pensó que sería grandioso tomar el mapamundi de su cuarto para mostrar a su clase dónde se encuentra su papá. En lugar de enviarla a la escuela con un globo más grande que su maleta, la animé a que llevara fotos y compartiera historias sobre su papá. Desde ese momento le compré un mapa del mundo, más fácil de cargar para ella y de compartir su mundo. Una de las hermanas de Nicaya nos bendijo con un nieto este mes. Se adelantó un mes en nacer y sin mediar aviso, pero que gran regalo que es! Nuevamente, me encontré con el hecho de no poder compartir este momento tan especial con mi esposo, pero en vez de detenerme en lo que hubiera podido ser, hicimos arreglos para una conferencia de video y él pudo ver al bebé en mis brazos y las sonrisas es nuestros rostros. La tecnología es una cosa maravillosa! La presentación de Nicaya en este mes fue en Centro Cívico Hispanoamericano, Inc. Y su celebración anual del Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Nicaya cantó nuevamente el himno nacional en el Ayuntamiento de Albany. Esta es la primera de las muchas presentaciones que ha hecho Nicaya, en que estaba un poco insegura de si misma. La animamos a que continuara y el

apoyo en el recinto fue excepcional cuando la audiencia le ayudó a Nicaya a terminar la canción. Pienso que a veces aún yo misma, me olvidó cuán niña es para estar cantando tan importante canción! Encontré nuevamente mucho apoyo, y apoyo que seguirá en tano consiga conexiones para que Nicaya pueda mantener su herencia y su lenguaje en la ausencia de su papá. Las conexiones que hacemos siguen dándome fuerza y recibiéndome en un nuevo círculo de amigos. A mediados del mes hubo un suceso que realmente nos movió el mundo. Yo estaba de voluntaria en un evento de la comunidad, cuando recibí una de esas llamadas que todo padre teme, Nicaya y mi hija mayor habían sufrido un accidente y necesitaban que yo me presentara en la escena del siniestro. Afortunadamente mi hija me pudo llamar y hablé con ella directamente. Estaba asustada, pero bien y pudo decirme que Nicaya estaba a salvo. El accidente sucedió a solo unas casas de la nuestra y mis vecinos fueron rápidos en estar en el lugar del accidente con ellas hasta que mi madre y yo pudimos llegar. Mientras me acercaba a la escena del accidente, rezaba por ellas y me decía a mi misma, que no pudo haber sido tan malo, ellas estaba en la calle cercana a nuestra casa. No estaba preparada para lo que vi cuando me acercaba a la casa. Allí en la calle, dos casas de la mía, el departamento de bomberos, servicio de EMT, una ambulancia, carros de policía y mi carro volcado sobre el techo destruido, en la mitad de la vía. Mi estomago dio un salto y mi corazón empezó a latir por no poder

llegar hasta donde estaban mis hijas más rápido. Gracias a Dios ellas estaban bien, no podía quitarme la visión del carro de mi cabeza. Cómo pudieron salir del carro, si no quedó nada de él. Cuán asustadas debieron de estar cuando el carro estaba volcándose. Cuán terrible fue para ellas que yo no estuviera ahí para confortarlas. Como por la gracia de Dios, pudieron salir del carro con solo cortadas y moretones. Cuanto quise que mi esposo estuviera aquí para abrazarme y evitar que temblara. El viaje al hospital en la ambulancia parecía irreal. Todavía no puedo creer que esto haya pasado. Mi hija mayor se disculpó todo el camino y le recordé que el carro no importaba. Lo que importaba era que ellas estaban bien, que me podía ver y hablar conmigo y oírme decirles que las amaba. Eso era lo que importaba. Un carro se reemplaza, tu familia, nunca. Esa noche las abracé fuerte y las animé a que compartiera conmigo sus sentimientos s querían. Les pregunté si se habían asustado, si les dolió, necesitaba hacerles saber que estaba bien hablar de ello. Las respuestas que encontré solo fortalecieron nuestras creencias y nuestra fe. La mayor diciendo que sabiendo que el carro estaba volcándose, se volteó hacia atrás y abrazó a Nicaya rezando por su seguridad sin recordar nada más, hasta oír la preciosa voz de la pequeña preguntándole que si ella estaba bien. Y preguntándole a Nicaya, ella me dio la misma increíble respuesta, No recuerdo nada, cerré mis ojos y recé por mi hermana. Esto dicho por mi nena de 5 años. Sus oraciones por cada una les salvaron la visa ese día. Las oraciones de mi esposo desde Irak cada día para que su familia se encuentre bien, fueron respondidas, y mis oraciones para mantenerme fuerte y proteger a nuestra familia mientras él se encuentra lejos, fueron escuchadas. Mi esposo se preocupaba cuando partía, que sería muy difícil para mí el paso del tiempo mientras él esté lejos. Reza cada día para que esté ocupada y no me preocupe tanto. Le dije que no necesitaba seguir rezando más para que esté ocupada, con este mes ya tengo para un buen rato!

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Así, como sugiere Picasso, imaginemos un mundo donde los latinos se vuelvan cada vez parte de una comunidad más grande, unida participando como latinos en organizaciones cívicas, grupos juveniles, organizaciones ambientales y aquellas basadas en la fe. Mientras mantengamos una identidad sólida, también debemos involucrarnos en la comunidad como un todo para asegurar que nuestras voces sea oídas.

Hacer “Real” la Participación Latina

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Imagine conmigo nuestras posibilidades si todos los latinos elegibles para votar, lo hicieran por esos candidatos, con políticas progresivas de inmigración, quienes podrán ayudar a que hombres y mujeres trabajadores, generen progreso económico, mientras apoyan una inversión total en escuelas y universidades públicas. En las elecciones generales de Noviembre, América tiene una decisión importante: quién será el líder de nuestra nación por los próximos cuatro años. Espero que hoy, y en el futuro, votemos y animemos a nuestros hijos a votar para tener una voz en el futuro de esta nación.

Y, al envolvernos más, nuestra fuerza en estas comunidades crecerá.

Imaginemos a nosotros plantando las semillas y forjando las raíces de un mayor envolvimiento en la comunidad, mejores oportunidades de educación y de participación política, para que nuestros hijos y nietos puedan disfrutar el fruto de nuestra labor.

Como educadora, imagino un mundo en el que los padres latinos compartan con los profesores y se conviertan en una fuerte voz para los niños que necesitan y merecen una escuela; que todos los pares latinos se involucren más en las clases de sus hijos, le ayuden a sacar ventaja de las oportunidades para sobresalir en el colegio e ir a la universidad o tener buenos puestos de trabajo.

Nuestra comunidad latina, acercándose con propósito de unidad y estando más involucrada en el mundo que nos rodea, puede influir la dirección de la educación, las políticas y los políticos para servir mejor a nuestra gente, nuestros hijos y nuestro futuro. En ésta época, estaremos agradeciendo lo que tenemos. Juntos podemos imaginar todo, y juntos podemos hacerlo realidad.

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VOTE: A RIGHT AND A DUTY

By: Marco Tomakin, RN, Esq. Immigration Attorney

As an immigration attorney, one of the most gratifying moments in my law practice is when my clients receive their notice to appear at their own naturalization ceremony. After hurdling through all the challenges of the process - from waiting for qualifying the number of years for the residency requirement, maintaining good moral character, learning English and American history and culture, saving for the USCIS fees, filling out the N-400 application form, then the biometrics, the personal interview and the civics and English test, to take oath in the naturalization ceremony is such a fulfilling experience. No amount of words could fully describe the happiness they feel when they have taken their oath as American citizens. The day that they take an oath of allegiance to the United States of America is a fulfillment of a dream and likewise a beginning for a promising future. Last September 25, I had my own share of experiencing what is like to be a new US citizen. My wife and I took our oath of allegiance as citizens of this great country. Being there not as a spectator but as one of the participants of an oath ceremony was a very memorable and enlightening experience for me. I felt that taking the oath was a realization of a desire for new opportunities and better future for me and my family. More significantly, I realized that being a US citizen is also a gift that carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, responsibility to myself, to others and most importantly to the country. I come to realize that my US citizenship was not freely given nor was it forcefully given to me. I applied for it and showed to the US government that I am eligible to be bestowed

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with one. Thus, being a naturalized US citizen, I have the responsibility to myself to always maintain the standards of good moral character, decency and integrity. I must be a good husband, a good father and provider for my family, a kind neighbor and an honest worker. I must pay my taxes dutifully, obey state and federal laws and volunteer my time and resources to the community, and when needed offer assistance in order to defend this country. Most importantly, I must actively participate in the affairs of this country by going out to vote. The right to vote, as sacred as it is, should not be taken for granted. I realize that even in these present times, there are still people in different parts of the world who do not have the right to vote and are still fighting to attain this right. I feel fortunate that I do not have to shed a drop of blood in order to earn this right. What I should do then is to cherish this right by exercising it as my duty and solemn obligation to this country. Some may feel that their vote does not matter anyway because it is just one vote out of so many. But then, each vote makes a big difference. Each vote carries a voice for myself, for my family and for the future of this country. As the presidential election is fast approaching, I am very excited to take part in this historic political exercise. I look forward to casting my vote for the first time as a US citizen. I urge you all to do as well.

Como abogado de inmigración, uno de los momentos más satisfactorios en mi práctica del derecho, es cuando mis clientes reciben la notificación de presentarse a su ceremonia de naturalización. Después de avanzar a través de

los obstáculos del proceso – desde esperar para calificar por el número de años requeridos para la residencia, mantener una moral intachable, aprender inglés, historia y cultura americanas, ahorrar para los gastos de USCIS, llenar las aplicaciones de N400, luego los biométricos, la entrevista personal y los exámenes de cívica e inglés, hasta tomar el juramento en la ceremonia de naturalización, es una experiencia gratificante. No existe palabras para describir la felicidad que se siente cuando se toma el juramento como ciudadano americano. El día que se toma el juramento a la lealtad para los Estados Unidos de América es la culminación de un sueño y así mismo, el comienzo de un futuro promisorio. El pasado 25 de Septiembre, tuve la oportunidad de experimentar qué se siente ser un ciudadano americano. Mi esposa y yo tomamos el juramento como ciudadanos de esta gran nación. Estar allí no solo como espectadores pero como uno de los participantes de la ceremonia de juramento, fue una experiencia memorable y ilustradora. Sentí que tomar el juramento era la realización de un deseo de nuevas oportunidades y un mejor futuro para mi y para mi familia. Más importante, me dí cuenta que ser ciudadano americano es también un regalo que trae grandes responsabilidades, para conmigo, para con los demás y más importante, para con la nación. Me dí cuenta que mi ciudadanía no era simplemente otorgada o forzada.

Apliqué para ella ante el gobierno, y mostré que era elegible para que me fuera concedida. Entonces, siendo un ciudadano americano naturalizado, soy responsable para conmigo de mantener siempre un estándar de buena moral, decencia e integridad. Debo ser un buen esposo, buen padre y proveedor del hogar, un buen vecino y trabajador honesto. Debo pagar debidamente los impuestos, obedecer la ley federal y estatal y dar de mi tiempo y recursos voluntarios a la comunidad, y cuando se requiera, ofrecer mi asistencia para la defensa de este país. Lo más importante, debo participar activamente en las decisiones de este país, saliendo a votar. El derecho al voto, sagrado como es, no debe ser dejado en vano. Estoy seguro que aún en esta época, existen personas en diferentes partes del mundo que no tienen el derecho a votar o aún están luchando por alcanzar este derecho. Me siento afortunado que no tengo que derramar una gota de sangre para ganarme este derecho. Lo que debo hacer entonces es, compartir este derecho ejerciéndolo como deber y obligación solemne a esta nación. Algunos pensaran que su voto no importa, por ser uno de tantos. Pero, entonces, cada voto hace la diferencia. Cada voto lleva consigo mi voz, por mi familia y por el futuro de esta nación. Como las elecciones presidenciales se aproximan rápidamente, estoy muy emocionado de tomar parte es este ejercicio histórico y político. Espero dar mi voto por primera vez como ciudadano americano. Les impulso a que lo hagan ustedes también.

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ach year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month form September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, the Caribbean, Central and South America. This year a fortunate few received a bountiful portion of it all courtesy of Dr. Jose E. Cruz, Associate Professor of Political Science, University at Albany, Director of the New York Latino Research and Resources Network; The Zaccai Curtis Trio; the New York State Office of General Services; the New York State Lottery and the New York State Museum/New York State Education Department. The event, reminiscent of what was called in the sixties a “happening”, took place in the Huxley Theater of the NYS Museum. The audience was truly diverse. They were young, old, Black, Brown, White, male, female, white collar, blue collar, no collar, most of all they were interested, appreciative and engaged. Dr. Cruz gave a presentation that was filled with little known facts P. 16 P. 16 NOV NOV 2008 2008

By: Colwyn W. Allen

about Latino history and culture. The lecture revolved around the life of the musical giant Mario Bauza and the development of Latin Jazz. In fact, that was the name of the presentation. It is hard to refer to it as a lecture, because Dr. Cruz spoke with such affection for the topic, with a knowledge that was intimate, in addition to the rare film footage he showed, he was his own resource. Dr. Cruz is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the New York Latino Research and Resources Network (NYLARNet) at the University at Albany, State University of New York. His research is about Latino political participation in the Northeast. He is also a musician and president and founder of Jazz/Latino, Inc., a nonprofit, cultural organization dedicated to the promotion of jazz and Latin jazz in the New York State Capital Region. After the lecture, more culture was offered, it was called lunch. Every one present was treated to as much as they wanted of traditional Spanish dishes. There was Garden Salad,

Pernil (Pork Shoulder seasoned with garlic), Boneless Chicken Thighs and Breasts Sofrito, Saucy Black Beans and Rice, Roasted Tomatoes, Zucchini with Cilantro, and to satisfy the sweet teeth there was Chocolate Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting and Flan with Blueberry Topping. Educated by good information from Dr. Cruz and full from the good food the folks gathered to hear some stone cold Latin jazz from the internationally renowned Zaccai Curtis Trio. The trio consisted of Zaccai Curtis-piano, Luques Curtis-bass and Tony Escapa-drums. They say of their music, “…our concept is African-based with influences from Puerto Rico, Cuba, South and Central Americas, Europe and Asia. The result has a profound impact on the listener allowing them to experience a powerful new interpretation of musical expression and communication.” And that is exactly the way it was. Everyone who could stayed until the last note was played; with no regrets. To be so young the musicians are remarkably accomplished. As a high

school student, Zaccai earned many musical awards from festivals; was recognized by DownBeat as a top performer; and chosen as the pianist for the National Grammy Band small combo. He started performing on the jazz scene by playing with the Charles Flores Trio. Mr. Flores is the bassist for piano virtuoso Michel Camilo. Zaccai now focuses on his quartet and on his seven-piece band “Insight.” In the seven years that “Insight” has been together, they have traveled across the U.S. touring in California and headlining in such Jazz Festivals in San Jose, Oklahoma, and Hartford to name a few. They have traveled to Cuba on two separate occasions to perform in the Havana jazz festival by invitation of Chucho Valdez. Along with his “Insight” commitments, Zaccai has or still performs with the Ralph Peterson septet and trio, Bill Saxton, Christian Scott, Brian Lynch, Sean Jones, Jimmy Greene, Jerry Gonzalez and the Fort Apache Band, Papo Vasquez, Kendrick Oliver and the New Life Orchestra, and Donald Harrison Quintet. Zaccai graduated from the New England Conservatory where

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he studied piano with Danilo Perez, Jerry Bergonzi, Steve Lacy, Charlie Banacas and Michael Cain. Mr. Curtis is composing and arranging for his own trio, solo piano works, Big Band, Orchestra, and compositions for large and small ensembles with strings. In 2003 he was chosen as a winner of the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s competition then again each year consecutively through 2006. Twice in 2006 Zaccai was selected by the U.S. State Department to be in the American Music Abroad (Jazz Ambassadors) program. They have performed in Bangladesh, Calcutta, Bangalore, Mumbai, Sri Lanka and Maldives. In 2007, Zaccai was awarded the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism’s Artist Fellowship for original composition. Luques Curtis started performing at a very young age. He had studied the piano, violin, cello, and tumbadoras before settling with the upright bass. Before he entered high school, he performed with the great Jesus Chucho Valdes on baby bass in a Manhattan club. Luques is a graduate of Berklee in Boston and has developed a reputation as one of the most versatile bass players. Along with his Insight commitments, he is performing worldwide with the Donald Harrison Quintet, The Ralph Peterson Sextet, Gary Burtons Quintet, and the Christian Scott group. He has studied with great bassists such as Dave Santoro, Andy Gonzalez, Carlos Del Puerto, John Lockwood, Ron Mahdee, Mickey Bass and Volkan Orhan. Luques is currently the bass player for Gary Burton’s newest incarnation of the Generations band, and both his playing and composing is featured on the group’s critically acclaimed CD, “Next Generation.”

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Tony Escapa was born on the island of Puerto Rico. At 14, Tony moved to Orlando, Florida. There he was trained in classical, marching, and jazz music, while also playing professionally with his father, Antonio Escapa III. Tony’s father is a profound and knowledgeable pianist and he has been Tony’s inspiration since the beginning of Tony’s drumming career. In 1998, Tony returned home to Puerto Rico. While in Puerto Rico, Tony was part of Berklee in Puerto Rico, a program offering competitive scholarships to talented young musicians. Tony was one of two recipients to earn a full scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston. Tony moved to Boston in the winter of 2000 where he started playing and recording locally in the Boston area while attending classes. At Berklee, Tony was an outstanding and promising student and was asked to represent the college in Japan, the United States, and later as a spokesman for the college in Puerto Rico. Later, after moving to New York to pursue his career, Tony quickly became part of the local jazz scene, playing gigs with artists such as Simon Shaheen, Claudia Acuña, Miguel Zenon, Dana Leong, Jason Lindner, Caribbean Jazz Project, Wayne Krantz, Alfredo De la Fe, Obbie Bermudez, Christian Mcbride and Paquito D’Rivera. Tony was also chosen as part of the Jazz Ambassador Program affiliated with the Kennedy Center for the Arts, and traveled to Central and Western Africa in an effort to take Jazz influenced music to other parts of the world.

So, here they were in Albany. And as far as anyone could tell they were giving us all they had and we were the better for it.

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A Lifetime of Giving

the Youth Construction Initiative Program from the New York State Department of Transportation. A school to work program designed to provide high school students with potential careers in the construction industry. Ladan’s involvement in the community does not end with her job at Centro Civico. She seats in a number of local Boards of Directors and national organizations. A list too long to be included in this story. Story and translation by: Juan George

t was in Tehran Capital of Iran her country of origin that ladan Alomar learned the meaning of giving. As a Child, she was always questioning why other children did not have what she had and did not live the way she lived. As she grew older she took the responsibility of giving to others what she could. She remembered her father saying that the strength of mankind is the ability to give. A gift could be of time, money, kindness, love, support, a pat in the back or listening. For those of us who know Ladan it is easy to see how these childhood experiences molded the person we know today. A person who as a youngster would save her allowances to purchase toys and clothing for needy children. A person that while attending college worked as a nurses aid for the purpose of providing help and comfort to those in need. Throughout her career she been attracted to opportunities to make a difference and serve others. In 1989 that same set of values brought her to work for Centro Civico of Amsterdam. P. 18 NOV 2008 P. 18 NOV 2008

At that time she was hired to coordinate the Liberty Partnership Program, a program created to serve youth at-risk of dropping out of high school. Within six months, she was promoted to Deputy Director of Operations, and to her current position as Executive Director in 1992. Centro Civico located in the city of Amsterdam New York, is a city of around 18,000 people and a population of around 5,000 Latinos. With an annual budget of $3 million dollars, it serves over 14,000 people annually.

When asked to describe the secret for her success, she indicated that she is blessed. She said that she is blessed to live in a community where there are so many people willing to give of themselves. She stated that without the many committed volunteers and dedicated staff the work could not be done. She further indicated that she could not do what she does without the support of her husband Rafael and their two children Alexander and Katherine. As I started to work on this story she begged me not to make the story about her but about the agency and the many people that day after day work trying to improve the lives of others.

Since it was founded in 1986 and incorporated in 1989, the agency provides a multitude of programs and services ranging from education to employment. The services are available primarily but not exclusively to Latinos

Perhaps I have failed. However, it is my believe that by recognizing her, Latino New York Magazine recognizes and salutes the many people in the Capital Region that share her sense of community her sense of humanity and her commitment.

In its 20 years of existence, the agency has brought over 17 million dollars in State and Federal funds to the community.

A little thank you also goes to Nicolas Morales, Julia Caro, Ivonne Ramos and Jose Alomar for your help in putting together this piece.

This year the agency received it largest grant ever, a $2 million dollars grant for

Thank you Ladan and have a wonderful Thanksgiving

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Toda UnaVida de Entrega

ue en Teherán, capital de Irán su país de origen que Ladan Alomar aprendido el significado de dar. Desde niña, fue siempre cuestionando por qué otros niños no tenían lo que ella tenía y no vivían de la forma en que ella vivía. Cuando tenía más edad asumió la responsabilidad de dar a otros lo que pudo. Ella recuerda a su padre diciendo que la fuerza de la humanidad es la capacidad de dar. Un regalo puede ser de tiempo, dinero, de bondad, de amor, de apoyo, de una palmadita en la espalda o de escuchando. Para aquellos de nosotros que conocemos a Ladan es fácil ver cómo estas experiencias de infancia moldearon a la persona que hoy conocemos. Una persona que guardaba sus ahorros para la compra de juguetes y ropa para niños necesitados. Una persona que mientras asistía a la universidad trabajaba como asistente de enfermería con el fin de proporcionar ayuda y comodidad a quienes la necesitaban. Una carrera que le ha provisto oportunidades de hacer una diferencia y servir a otros.

En 1989 ese mismo conjunto de valores la trajo a trabajar para el Centro Cívico de Ámsterdam. Su primer trabajo fue como coordinadora del Programa de Libertad de Asociación, un programa creado para servir a los jóvenes en riesgo de abandono de la escuela secundaria. Después de los seis meses, fue ascendida a Directora Adjunta de Operaciones, y a su posición actual como Directora Ejecutiva en 1992. Centro Cívico ubicado en la ciudad de Ámsterdam, Nueva York, es una ciudad de alrededor de 18.000 personas y con una población de alrededor de 5000 latinos. Con un presupuesto anual de $ 3 millones de dólares, que sirve a más de 14000 personas al año. Desde que fue fundada en 1986 e incorporada en 1989, la agencia ofrece una multitud de programas y servicios que van desde la educación al empleo. Los servicios están disponibles principalmente pero no exclusivamente a los latinos En sus 20 años de existencia, la agencia ha traído más de 17 millones de dólares en fondos estatales y federales a la comunidad. Este año la agencia recibió el mayor apoyo para cualquier programa, $ 2 millones de dólares de subvención para el Youth Construction Initiative Program from the New York State Department of Transportation. Un programa de trabajo diseñado para proporcionar estudiantes de secundaria con potencial de carreras en la industria de construcción.

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La participación de Ladan en comunidad no termina con su trabajo en el Centro Civico. Ella participa el en un número de comités y juntas locales y organizaciones nacionales. Una lista demasiado larga para ser incluida en esta historia. Cuando se le preguntó a describir el secreto de su éxito, indicó que ella esta bendecida. Ella dice que tiene la fortuna de vivir en una comunidad donde hay tantas personas dispuestas a dar de sí mismos. Dijo que sin los muchos voluntarios y personal dedicado al trabajo no se puede hacer. Asimismo, indicó que no podía hacer lo que hace sin el apoyo de su esposo Rafael y sus dos hijos Alexander y Katherine. Cuando empezaba a trabajar en esta historia me suplicó que no se efectúe la historia acerca de ella, pero sobre la agencia y el número de personas que día tras día trabaja tratando de mejorar las condiciones de vida de los demás. Tal vez he fracasado. Sin embargo, es mi creencia que mediante este reconocimiento Latino Nueva York Magazine saluda y reconoce las muchas personas en la región capital que comparten su cometido a la comunidad su sentido a la humanidad y su compromiso. Un pequeño agradecimiento también a Nicolás Morales, Julia Caro, Ivonne Ramos y José Alomar por su ayuda en la elaboración de este tributo. Gracias Ladan y que tengas un maravilloso Día de Acción de Gracias

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Kicking Kids Out of Foster Care

A federal program designed to help young people falls short PART ONE

By: Toni Naccarato and Liliana Hernandez

ach year approximately 20,000 teenagers leave the child welfare system. They do so via emancipation, which simply means that they have reached the state’s age of adulthood and are being cut off from foster care with no further aid. Most teenagers in this situation have spent an average of two and a half years in foster care living with relatives, foster parents or in group homes. Since half of all foster children are kids of color, they are also overrepresented among those who are kicked out of the system. Overnight, they are expected to support themselves and live as adults, covering their own costs for housing, food, transportation and other basic necessities. Eighteen-year-old Domonica is one of these young people. She was placed in foster care at birth because of her mother’s drug addiction, and over the course of her short life, she has lived in 12 foster homes and two group homes in Schenectady County, New York. At the age of 15, while living in a group home,

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Domonica gave birth to a little girl who is now 3 years old. Unlike most foster youth, Domonica will be staying in foster care until she turns 21. In New York state, foster youth can remain in care until this age, but in most states, young people are forced out of foster care when they graduate from high school or turn 18. By the age of 18, many foster youth are also weary of the system, and they sign themselves out, often times at their own peril. Very few foster kids leave the child welfare system with a high school diploma, and even fewer attend college. Applying to college, meeting scholarship deadlines, writing essays and getting a resume in order are all stressful enough for high school students living in their own homes. Domonica knows this first-hand. “How are foster youth supposed to stay on top of this when in the back of their head, they know they’ll be discharged at age 18?” she wonders. She will be attending college this fall and attributes this to her own determination—her caseworkers didn’t offer much encouragement. “They just ignored it,” she says. “They didn’t even ask me what I wanted. It was all my decision.” Domonica and her daughter live today with a foster mother who is supportive, but she fears that when she turns 21 and is discharged from foster care, she won’t be able to make ends meet.

The federal government makes an effort to prepare young people for leaving foster care. The program, Independent Living Skills, is intended to provide foster youth with adult living skills beginning at the age of 16 until the age of 18 (21 in some states). The program, which was started in 1985 and is currently funded at $140 million annually, looks workable on the surface, but there are two major problems. First, the vast majority of foster children are cut off from government aid at the age of 18 and are suddenly expected to furnish themselves with housing, employment, transportation and job skills—vital training that the program does not always address. The program allows states to extend Medicaid eligibility until the age of 21 and has made some increases in housing resources. These have not been clearly defined and so implementation falls short. And it does little to ensure that these young adults who have had extremely traumatic backgrounds and possess little, if any, familial and financial resources, are ready to be on their own The second problem with the Independent Living Skills Program is that there is very little in the area of evaluation and outcome-based studies that measure its effectiveness. In 1999, the Government’s Accountability Office actually

released a report that was entitled “Foster Care: Effectiveness of Independent Living Skills Services Unknown.” There are still no standard measures of how states report the program interventions and the number of young people whom the program serves. (Part Two of this article will be published on our December Issue)

Toni Naccarato is an assistant professor at SUNY Albany’s School of Social Welfare. Liliana Hernández is a Master of Social Work and Public Policy student at SUNY Albany. This article was originally printed in Colorlines 7/08.

ada año aproximadamente 20,000 adolescentes son desplazados del sistema de cuidado de crianza. Ellos hacen esto bajo el programa que se llama “Emancipación,” lo que significa que al alcanzar la edad adulta el estado lo deja fuera del sistema de cuidado de crianza sin ninguna ayuda. Muchos adolescentes en ésta situación han durado aproximadamente de 2 años a 2 años y medio en lugares de crianza, viviendo con sus familiares, padres de crianza o en hogares colectivos. La mitad de los niños de crianza son latinos o afro americanos, ellos representan la mayoría de los jóvenes que son sacados del Continúa en la P.23

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Abandono de los niños del sistema de cuidado de crianza

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sistema. De la noche a la mañana, estos jóvenes están supuestos a sostenerse por si solos, pagando sus costos de vivienda, comida, transportación y las otras necesidades básicas. Dominica a la edad de 18 años es una de estas jóvenes, que entró al cuidado de crianza recién nacida por la adicción de su madre a las drogas, y durante su niñez, ella ha vivido en 12 casas de crianza y en dos hogares colectivos en el condado de Schenectady en Nueva York. Cuando ella tenía 15 años y vivía en un hogar colectivo, ella dio a luz a una niña quien ahora tiene 3 años. Al contrario de muchos jóvenes en cuidado de crianza, Dominica se quedará viviendo en el sistema de cuidado de crianza hasta que cumpla 21 años. En el estado de NY, los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza pueden continuar viviendo con estas familias hasta los 21 años, pero en otros estados, los jóvenes son forzados a salir del cuidado de crianza cuando se gradúan de la secundaria o cuando cumplen los 18 años. A ésta edad muchos jóvenes en cuidado de crianza están cansados del sistema, y ellos mismos son concientes de abandonar el sistema, muchas veces ésta decisión pone su vida en peligro. Pocos jóvenes salen del sistema de cuidado de crianza con su diploma de secundaria, y hasta muy pocos asisten a la universidad. El proceso de postularse a la universidad, aplicando para las becas, escribiendo ensayos, y su currículo es muy estresante. Esto les toma mucha atención, incluso hasta para los jóvenes de la secundaria que viven con sus propios padres.

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PRIMERA PARTE

Programa federal para ayudar a la juventud que no logra sus metas

Dominica lo reconoce y se pregunta, “¿Cómo los jóvenes que viven en cuidado de crianza pueden estar al día con todos los requisitos pensando que me va ha pasar cuando cumpla 18 años y tenga que ir a vivir sola?” Ella ira a la universidad este otoño, y lo atribuye a su propia determinación. Sus consejeras nunca le dieron ánimo. “Ellos solo me ignoraban. Ellos no me preguntaban lo que yo quería hacer en el futuro. Todo era mi propia decisión.” Dominica y su hija hoy viven con una madre de crianza quien la apoyo totalmente, pero ella se preocupa que cuando cumpla los 21 años será desplazada del lugar de crianza y que el dinero no le alcanzará y no podrá mantenerse ella sola con su hija. El gobierno federal hace un esfuerzo para preparar a esta juventud que sale del cuidado de crianza. Este programa, se llama Habilidades para Vivir Independiente, que está supuesto a proveer a los jóvenes con los conocimientos para vivir independiente empezando a la edad de 16 hasta los 18 años (o en algunos estados hasta los 21). El programa que empezó en 1985 y actualmente recibe $140 millones de dólares anualmente, parece ser bueno pero tiene dos problemas.

El primero, consiste en que la mayoría de los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza son sacados de la asistencia del gobierno a los 18 años y están supuestos a mantenerse por si solos para responsabilizarse de su vivienda, transportación y adquirir conocimientos laborales. Éste entrenamiento necesario no esta siempre disponible por el programa. La ley federal permite que los estados extiendan la elegibilidad del programa Medicaid hasta los 21 años y que aumente los servicios de ayuda para la vivienda. Estos programas no han sido definidos específicamente y entonces la implementación no es perfecta y se hace muy poco para asegurase que estos jóvenes que han tenido traumas y que tienen pocos recursos económicos y familiares para poder vivir independientemente. El segundo problema, es que hay muy pocos estudios de evaluación y no se puede demostrar lo eficaz del programa. En 1999, la oficina de responsabilidad del gobierno federal lanzo un reporte titulado, “Cuidado de Crianza: La Eficaz de los Servicios de Habilidades para Vivir Independiente es desconocido.” Todavía no hay medidas estándar de como los estados le informan al gobierno federal sobre las funciones del programa y el número de jóvenes que participan.

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CANCER DE CUELLO UTERINO Sabía Usted que ... 1- El cáncer del cuello del útero ocasionó la muerte a 3,850 mujeres en el 2004 (el último año en que tenemos datos disponibles)

En ese año hubo 11,892 casos de cáncer del cuello uterino en los EUA.

3- Las mujeres hispanas y afro-americanas

sufren una mayor incidencia de cáncer del cuello uterino que las mujeres anglosajonas y son más propensas a morir de esta enfermedad.

4- Casi siempre este cáncer se debe a

una infección por el virus del papiloma humano.

5- El virus se transmite por relaciones sexuales sin protección y no presenta síntomas.

6- Este cáncer generalmente se desarrolla

lentamente y puede tardar de 5 a 15 anos desde que se detectan cambios anormales en las células del cuello uterino.

7- Existen cambios en las células del

cuello uterino que se pueden detectar años antes de desarrollarse el cáncer por medio de la prueba de Papanicolao anual.

8- La prueba del Papanicolao se puede

realizar en la oficina de su médico familiar en cuestión de minutos.

9- Ahora existen una serie de 3 vacunas que previenen el cáncer del cuello uterino debido al virus del papiloma humano. Son casi 100% efectivas.

10- Las vacunas llamada “Gardasil” están indicadas para mujeres de 11 a 26 años de edad y pueden salvarle la vida a su hija, hermana, señora, etc.

11- Platique con su medico familiar sobre

la vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humano y hágase su prueba de Papanicolao anualmente.

Did you know that ... 1- Cervical cancer caused the death of 3,850 women in 2004. (most recent year that data is available)

abnormal changes can first be detected in the cervical cells.

7- These abnormal changes in the cervical

2- That year 11,892 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the US.

cells can be detected thru a simple test called a Pap smear.

3- Hispanic and Afro-American women

8- The Pap smear can be performed in

are at higher risk of developing and of dying from cervical cancer than white women.

your Family Physicians office in a matter of minutes.

4- Cervical cancer is caused mostly by

can help prevent cervical cancer. It is almost 100% effective.

an infection with the HPV (human papilloma virus).

5- The virus is transmitted thru unpro-

tected sexual intercourse and occurs without any symptoms.

6- Cervical cancer generally develops

slowly over 5 to 15 years from when

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CERVICAL CANCER

9- There now is a series of 3 vaccines that

10- The vaccine called “Gardasil” is indicated for females age 11 to 26 and they can help save the life of your daughter, sister, wife, etc.

11- Speak to your Family Physician about the vaccine against the “HPV” virus and have a Pap smear annually.

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WELCOME TO THE NYS CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD’S (CPB) NEWS COLUMN. THE CPB WAS FOUNDED IN 1970 TO PROTECT, EDUCATE AND REPRESENT CONSUMERS. THE AGENCY IS THE STATE’S CONSUMER WATCHDOG AND THINK TANK. ON A REGULAR BASIS, WE WILL PROVIDE USEFUL CONSUMER INFORMATION AND ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEND YOUR QUESTIONS AND INQUIRIES. WE WILL PUBLISH THE ANSWERS IN SUBSEQUENT ARTICLES APPEARING IN THIS PUBLICATION. WE THANK LATINO NY MAGAZINE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

he current economy has many consumers worrying about their fiscal health. Consumers may be vulnerable to opportunistic individuals who try to capitalize on the economic crisis with “get rich quick” lending and other scams. Using various tools including phone calls, unsolicited e-mails or text messages to relay their information, scammers perpetrate crimes against unsuspecting consumers. While not all offers and invitations are unscrupulous, consumers are urged to be wary of all offers and refer to the CPB’s “Fiscal Crisis Watch List.” Consumers should note the following tips for protecting themselves as they navigate the uncharted waters of this financial crisis. Credit Counseling and Debt Management Scams What to be wary of? Some companies are charging high initial or monthly fees, using pressure tactics for “voluntary contributions”, or failing to give specific information about services they provide unless consumers give personal financial information such as credit card and bank account numbers and balances. While some agencies P. 28 NOV 2008 P. 28 NOV 2008

can help consumers, other credit counseling services take advantage of people who are financially vulnerable. Please consult different agencies before deciding to enter into a business arrangement. Payday Loans What to be wary of? Payday loans, also called cash advance loans are typically from $100 to $500 short term loans used to cover expenses between paydays. Interest rates on these loans may run as high as 400%. Payday loan creditors will often offer to extend the date of loan payment and take that opportunity to apply additional charges resulting in consumers falling deeper into debt. Consumers should make sure they can repay this loan immediately and should do research on the different companies and interest payments before taking out this type of loan. Home equity and Debt Consolidation Loans What to be wary of? Abusive lending practices associated with these loans include equity stripping. One of the tactics is for a company or investor to grant a loan to a home-

BEWARE OF FRAUD DURING THE FISCAL CRISIS ! owner in exchange for the deed to their property. The homeowner is usually on the brink of foreclosure and accepts the terms of the loan to stay in the property and pay “rent” as a tenant. The homeowner is not paying any money towards the mortgage and the property is stripped of any equity, leaving the homeowner vulnerable to eviction. Consumers must check loan institutions and make sure banks are FDIC insured before taking out a loan. Work at Home Scams What to be wary of? Consumers who receive offers to make “big money” while working from home must examine those offers carefully to make sure they know with whom they’re dealing and get references before signing up. People should be cautious of offers or schemes providing payment in advance. Once these checks are deposited, banking information becomes available to the alleged employer, who can deplete accounts. Many of these checks are fake, so consumers end up owing the bank for the full amount of the check deposited. The FTC estimates that con artists pitching work-at-home schemes rake in more than $400 billion dollars a year.

Online Job Search Scams What to be wary of? Consumers should be wary of e-mail job offers looking legitimate but asking for personal information such as Social Security numbers and bank account information and requiring initial processing fees for things like background checks. In particular, e-mails allegedly sent from websites where, after creating an account on sites like Monster. com or Carreerbuilder.com, job hunters receive a response indicating a problem. These fake emails con readers into linking to a site, which then infects computers with viruses, worms or other harmful programs. Investment Scams What to be wary of? An e-mail may be received from an alleged financial advisor claiming to be from a reputable institution with which the consumer already does business. Consumers should not respond to unsolicited e-mails. In at least one documented case, the sender was actually a scammer looking to siphon off information to enable the direct withdrawal of funds from the consumer account. Continue on P.29

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BEWARE OF FRAUD DURING THE FISCAL CRISIS ! TIPS FOR CONSUMERS TO PREVENT BEING SCAMMED The CPB urges consumers to follow these tips to avoid schemes or scams. •NEVER DISCLOSE credit card, bank account or Social Security numbers to someone who contacts you by telephone, regular mail or Internet. Be wary of offers requiring the return of information in the form of a questionnaire or survey. •NEVER PAY AN UPFRONT FEE in order to collect a lottery or sweepstakes prize. If they ask you for money before you can collect a prize, then it is most likely a scam.

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•CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT for fraud regularly through the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. You can obtain all three reports by calling the toll-free number 1-877-322-8228 or via the Internet at the website: www. annualcreditreport.com •PASSWORD PROTECT YOUR ACCOUNTS including financial and utility accounts and vital personal records using complex Personal Identification Numbers (PINS). Do not share these numbers and keep all personal identification information in a safe place. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION OR COMMENTS TO OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS NOTICIAS@ CONSUMER.STATE.NY.US OR TO OUR MAILING ADRESS: NYS CONSUMER PROTECTION BOARD EMPIRE STATE PLAZA SUITE 2101 ALBANY, NY 12223

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN A COMPLAINT FORM:

visit our Website at: www.nysconsumer.gov

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During the month of November many of us look forward to spending time with our family and friends, as we gather around to celebrate the day of “Thanksgiving”. This should be a day to give thanks for all that we have, no matter how small or insignificant that it may seem. Sadly there are some people who may not be as lucky as we are. They may have no where to go, very little to eat, or any family to spend this time with. So let’s try to help those who may be less fortunate than we are, remembering that it is only through the act of giving from the heart, that we will truly receive. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

SAGITTARIUS – THE ARCHER November 22nd to December 21st Stone: Topaz Element: Fire Ruler: Jupiter Sagittarius is the ninth sign of the zodiac. Sagittarians are cheerful and friendly people, who are by nature restless people who are usually on the go, and love their freedom. When the going gets tough Sagittarians have a tendency to run away. They don’t like being caught up in a routine for too long and if they do, the need to escape is generally strong. They detest being tied down, or caged in which can come across as a little irresponsible. Although Sagittarius is a fire sign, they are easy going and can make friends with people from all walks of life, and can forgive others easily.

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner Dear Lisa:

Thanksgiving is usually celebrated at my house each year. Family and friends come by, and we always seem to have a good time with the exception of my husband’s younger brother. He has been a problem every year. He disrespectful and

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no son tan afortunados como nosotros. Muchos no tienen donde ir, poco para comer, o algun familiar para pasar estas fechas. Así que tratemos de ayudar a aquellos menos afortunados, recordando que sólo a través de dar on el corazón, es como realmente recibimos. Que tengan un felíz Día de Acción de Gracias!

Adivina Quien Viene a Comer argumentative, and seems to always finds a way to insult me in front of my husband and the other family members who are present. Each and every time my husband does nothing about it. So I’ve asked him to speak with his brother beforehand so I won’t have to go through any year of agony. He finally agreed to my request, and I thought everything was settled. But recently I found out my husband hasn’t spoken to his brother because his brother is out of town. When my husband told me guess who’s coming to dinner, I already knew the answer. Lisa what should I do? I don’t want this year to be another nightmare for me. Alicia- Schenectady, NY Dear Alicia: Your brother-in-law has probably been rude and disrespectful most of his life, and has also gotten away with it. The first time he disrespected or insulted you in any way, your husband should have told him immediately it was unacceptable and would not be tolerated. For him to be able to disrespect you in front of your husband, also makes your husband look bad. You are his wife and he is supposed to stand up for you, and since the problem is one of his family members, it is his responsibility to take care of it. Now that you are aware that his brother will be coming again this year, you should put your foot down and let your husband know that his brothers’ disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated this year, or any year. If he does anything to insult you or your guests, he will have to leave, and if anyone else has anything to say about it, they can also be escorted out. Then after all the troublemakers have gone, I would sit down with a big smile on my face as I enjoy the rest of my turkey dinner. Durante el mes de Noviembre, muchos de nosotros esperamos pasar un tiempo con nuestros familiares y amigos, cuando nos reunimos a celebrar el día de Acción de Gracias. Este debe ser un día de agradecimiento por todo lo que tenemos, no importando cuan pequeño e insignificante que pueda ser. Tristemete existen personas que

Querida Lisa: El día de Acción de Gracias es celebrado generalmete en mi casa cada año. Familia y amigos viene, y siempre pasamos un rato agradable, a excepción del hermano menor de mi esposo. El ha sido un problema cada año. Es irrespetuoso y controvertido, y siempre encuentra la forma de insultarme en frente de mi esposo y de otros miembros de la familia. Cada vez mi esposo no hace nada al respecto. Así que le he pedido hablar con él con anticipación, para no tener que pasar por la misma agonía. Finalmente aceptó, y pensé que todo estaba arreglado. Pero recien me dí cuenta de que mi esposo no ha hablado con su hermano porque estaba fuera de la ciudad. Cuando mi esposo me preguntó, adivina quien viene a comer? Ya sabía la respuesta. Lisa qué hago? No quiero que este año sea otra pesadilla para mi. Alicia –Schenectady, NY Querida Alicia: Tu cuñado ha sido seguramente irrespetuoso y rudo toda su vida, y se ha salido con la suya. La primera vez que te irrespetó en cualquier forma, tu esposo debió de haber dicho inmediatamente, que eso no era aceptable y no se debió haber tolerado. Para él, ser irrespetuoso hacia ti delante de tu esposo, también hace ver mal a tu marido. Tu eres su esposa y él debe apoyarte, y como el problema es con uno de los miembros de su familia, él debe ser responsable. Ahora que tu sabes que su hermano va a venir este año, debes ponerte en tu lugar y decirle a tu esposo que el comportamiento irrespetuoso de su hermano no es tolerable, ni este año ni nunca. Si él hace algo para insultarte a ti o a cualquiera de los invitados, tendrá que irse, y si alguien tiene algo que decir al respecto, también deberán irse. Luego de que los problemáticos se hayan ido, yo me sentaría con una hermosa sonrisa en mi cara mientras disfruto el resto de la cena de pavo. If you want advise from Lisa, please email them to jgeorge@laradionet.net or send us your letters to the following address: Albany Latino Comunications 1314 A Central Avenue, Albany, NY 12205

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By: Karen Micklas Climate changes don’t affect just you, they also affect your car. In the wonderful Northeast you wouldn’t dream of heading outside without a heavy coat if the wind chill brought the temperature below freezing. So don’t expect your car to function properly without some attention to its winter needs, too. Visit your nearest NAPA store to purchase the winter supplies your vehicle needs. Engine Oil in the Winter The oil in your engine changes depending on how hot or cold the engine is running. Because the outside temperatures will influence the internal temperature of your engine, you need to make sure you’re using the proper oil for the conditions. During the winter months, when temperatures get below freezing, you’ll want to switch over to a thinner oil like a 5W-30. So say you use a 10W-30 in the summer, try moving to a 5W-30 (NAPA carries a whole line of oil) when changing your oil in the fall or winter. If you are in doubt, refer to your manual or the manufacturer. Engine Coolant You car’s coolant system is not intended only to keep your engine from overheating it is also responsible for protecting your valuable engine against corrosion. Before the weather gets too cold, make sure you are using coolant with ethylene glycol to help protect your engine. NAPA sells a variety for coolants for just about any vehicle. Every vehicle requires a certain ratio of coolant

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to water, and your owner’s manual or repair technician can explain what your engine needs. For most vehicles, a winter ratio is 60% coolant to 40% water. Adjusting this ratio is an important step in winterizing your car, so if you need help, ask someone who is experienced and knowledgeable. Cold Weather and Battery Capacity It isn’t only your engine that doesn’t like to start in the winter. Your battery capacity is reduced by the cold weather, too. A thorough inspection of your battery, cables, terminals, and fluid will help you make sure your car is ready for the winter. Check over the battery cables for cracks and breaks. The terminals should fit snugly with no loose connections. You can check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole (or sometimes holes). If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water. To read the level of charge in your battery, you will need to turn the engine off. Some batteries have a built-in hydrometer eye that tells you the amount of voltage remaining in the battery. If you prefer, purchase a handheld hydrometer at your local NAPA store and that can be used to collect the same information. While you’re inspecting your battery, look around for the manufacture date. Knowing how old your battery is can clue you in to when it will begin to lose charge. Shopping for a new battery? That’s right! Go to NAPA, our knowledgeable sales folks will help you pick out the right battery for your vehicle as well as test your old one.

Snow Tires When it comes to really dealing with winter weather, your tires are out there mixing with the snow, sleet, and ice. Driving in snow can be very difficult and sometimes dangerous; still, the reality is you need to get to work and those pesky doctor appointments.

For best results in clearing off cold, heavy grime, select a washer fluid with an antifreeze solution. Pick up a bottle at your nearest NAPA store, we even have a washer fluid that works to -20 degree. But beware, some washer fluids can be harsh and damage your car’s paint. Frozen Out

Mounting the right tires on your car or truck can give you a huge advantage when trekking through snow. Many car makers and tire manufacturers recommend changing all four tires to snow tires in the winter. If you don’t swap all four, the difference between snow and summer tires can cause other problems for your vehicle. If you live off the beaten path, you can even buy snow tires with studs to help you get where you’re going all winter long. When spring comes, though, you’ll be glad to get out of the heavy winter tires because your fuel efficiency and handling will improve with a less aggressive tire. Another option is all-season tires that you drive year-round―winter and summer. The advantage of all-season tires is that you don’t change the tires before winter or need to keep two sets of rims. Of course, the disadvantage is that you don’t get all the great features of a specialized seasonal tire. Windshield Treatment An easily overlooked part of your winterizing program is your windshield. If you have ever driven behind another vehicle kicking up wet, dirty road snow, then you already have a true appreciation for windshield washer fluid.

Door locks can freeze in cold weather and break your key if you try to force them open. The old fashion cure was warm water, but what if you’re not at home and don’t have any warm water nearby? NAPA sells a lock de-icer with a glycerine chemical in it. But think about where you’re going to keep your tube of de-icer because if it is in the glove box of your frozen-shut car, then it won’t help you any. Emergency Kit If you don’t already have an emergency kit in your car, consider putting together a few basics and stowing them in the trunk. Naturally, you’ll want to be sure your spare tire is in good shape with all the tools to change it out. But you might also want a few other emergency items in case you slide off the road and get stuck in a snow bank: Flares, Blankets, Books, Radio, Engine Oil, Washer Fluid, Coolant, Flashlight When you take the time to winterize your car, you become more comfortable driving in cold, snowy climates. A short commute quickly becomes difficult when your vehicle isn’t equipped to handle snow and ice. By planning ahead, you can make winterizing your vehicle an annual ritual in the name of safety and vehicle reliability.

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