|
Message from the President
Hello Everyone!—Hola a Todos!
It has been a very interesting
year for GBLN. Despite the
economic challenges, we remain
strong and completely
dedicated to serving our membership
and the Greater Bridgeport
community. We continue
to provide our members with
information, and to reach out to
the local community. We have
also welcomed many new members
over the last 8 months.
In
this ever-changing world we are
working on utilizing new social
media vehicles to help maximize
our exposure our members and
beyond (stay tuned for details).
This comes in the form of
bi-monthly e-blasts, the biannual
newsletters, and our
latest Facebook page. Look for
upcoming GBLN events during
the remainder of the year and
see how your membership dollars,
contribute to the greater
cause of serving and bringing
our Latino community together.
We strive to be an affordable
way to help community agencies,
individuals,
and businesses
market
themselves. I
welcome any
new ideas you,
as our supporters,
are willing
to provide.
Warmest Regards,
Lissette Andino,
GBLN President |
|
|
|
 |
| A summit participant records ideas
from students, parents, administrators
and teachers on how to make |
On June 9, 2009, the Greater
Bridgeport Latino Network
(GBLN) Civic Engagement Program
for Latino Youth in collaboration
with Public Agenda,
a research and civic engagement
organization, and Barnum
School hosted a youth summit
and community conversation on
school safety in Bridgeport Public
Schools. The purpose of the
summit was for middle and
high school students to brainstorm
with adults on ways to
make schools safer and slowly
diminish the turf wars which
exist based on where someone
lives, or based on one’s ethnic
or racial background.
The
youth summit was led by
Bridgeport High School students
with presentations, materials,
and focus groups conducted
in both English and
Spanish. To help determine
what was most important to the
youth, a scenario of three
school communities was examined, each of which has
approached the issue of school
safety in a different way.
Students
will discuss which they
would want for their own community and school and other
approaches that none of these
communities are trying that
should be considered. All participants
were given a copy of
the school district's report on
2,493 incidents which occurred
in the 2007-2008 school year
involving either physical or verbal
confrontations, some of
which began off-campus. They
then considered the pros and
cons of various disciplinary
approaches, from conflict resolution
to zero tolerance policies.
All three of the city's high
schools were represented in
the discussion, which was part
of a ten-week-long civic engagement
project conducted with
assistance from Public Agenda.
As a result of the conversation,
the group is currently preparing
a report that analyzed what was
agreed upon, what were the
commonalities, and solid recommendations
on how to address
the issues.
|
|
 |
| GBLN Survey—What do
our Members want learn
about? Latino issues &
money management |
On March 25th GBLN presented
“It’s All About the
Money” at Casey Family Services
in Bridgeport, CT.
Approximately 25 participants
learned about saving
for retirement, saving for
college and the importance
of budgeting from presenters
representing People’s United
Bank, Consumer Credit Counseling,
State Farm Insurance,
CT Association of Human
Services and TIAFF-CREF (CT
Higher Education Trust College
Savings Program). 2-1-1 was also available to inform
the participants about the
resources available through
its Information Line.
The participants reported enjoying
the workshop and finding
the information useful.
On June 18th at Bridgeport’s
North End Public Library, the
Bridgeport Neighborhood
Trust and GBLN partnered to
deliver a free 2 hour orientation
for potential 1st time
homebuyers. Guest speakers
included Beverly Hoppie
(BNT), Charles Scott (Tri-State Realty) and Attorney Edwin
Farrow. Topics covered included
preparing for homeownership
and the financing
options (FHA/CHFA) and Down
Payment Assistance Programs
available to the 1st time
homebuyer. Also covered, was
information about the home
buying/closing process, the
risks/benefits of buying in
today’s market, and information
about the 2009 IRS tax
credit for 1st Time Home Buyers.
Seven participants went
on to receive additional housing
counseling with BNT.
|
 |
| Above Left: Willie Matos, Marcelino Lopez, Lissette Andino, Fernando
Betancourt, Hernan Yepes, Alma Maya, Alex Pagan at PR Status Forum |
A survey of GBLN members,
revealed a real interest in
learning more about Latino
issues.
So far this year, GBLN has
hosted two public forums in
partnership with Housatonic
Community College’s Association
of Latin American Students
(ALAS) and the National
Institute for Latino
Policy. In January, over 40
attendees participated in a
lecture by NILP’s Executive
Director, Angelo Falcon regarding
the results of the
Latino Votes Count effort. Mr.
Falcon shared new data
showing the growing impact
that Latino voters are having
on elections.
In May, GBLN hosted the
highly anticipated Status of
Puerto Rico Forum, where
Puerto Rican studies teacher,
Willie Matos, AlAS president
Marcelino Lopez , former
Latino Puerto Rican Affairs
Commission Executive Director,
Fernando Betancourt and
others discussed the highlights
of the three status positions
for the island—
statehood, status quo and independence. Over 40 attendees
participated in a very
interactive Q&A. |
|
 |
| Nilda Planas, GBLN Member |
Could you please tell us a little bit
about your background? I was born in Puerto
Rico and came to NYC with my
parents in the 50’s. I went to
school there. I’ve always been
interested in helping people,
so I went to work with a private
physician. I met my husband
on a trip to PR. He
worked in Stamford, and
after we married (42 years
ago) we moved to Bridgeport.
We eventually moved to Fairfield,
where we raised our
two children.
What is your current occupation? I am a Legal Assistant
with CT Legal Services. I responded
to an ad for a bilingual
position and it turned
into 32 years!
What are the main characteristics of
your job? To serve
It’s what legal services
stands for—it’s a service to
others and I love what I do. I
have had good training over
the years and I have provided
services to a variety of departments.
Presently, I interpret
and provide services to the
Special Education Unit—it’s a
wonderful experience.
What is your biggest challenge you
had to overcome? I have been
blessed — it’s amazing. I draw
my strength from God.
The best advice you ever received? My father’s life—in
spite of all he went through, he
taught me to take pride in your
work, give it your all and do
the best you can.
Person who inspires you? Rosa Correa and Carmen Lopez
for what they do in the
community—both are excellent
role models for young people.
Organizations are you involved
in? Yo soy como el arroz
blanco—donde quiera que me
necesiten—ahi estoy. Red
Cross— disaster and hurricane
relief, AmeriCare’s mobile
clinic, Holy Rosary in Ansonia.
I’ve served as a Eucharistic
Minister for many years.
What is a goal that you are working
on right now? Once I retire, my
goal is to be able to volunteer
with children in high schools.
What are you reading now? My
favorite authors are Danielle
Steele & John Grisham— I love
to read!
Last CD you listened to: Tito
Nieves
What is your favorite Latin American
Dish? Arroz con Pollo
What is your favorite Latin American
restaurant? Tatas in Wallingford
What changes would you like to see
for Latinos in the Greater Bridgeport
Area? Do more for the
kids! Become mentors, acknowledge
their gifts and talents,
encourage them. They
need someone to believe in
them. Share your wealth and
knowledge!
|
|
|
When art
director/
designer
and artist
Wil Rodriguez decided
to
open the
Walnut Beach Cafe in Milford,
he knew to do his homework.
He spoke with his
friends in the cafe business
and sought out small business
experts for help with the
practical aspects of starting a
new business. He drew a 30
mile radius from his home
and scouted the perfect location
for his vision—a friendly,
artsy cafe in an area where
he would enjoy spending lots
of time. With a view of the
water, new commercial space
and promising developments
in the area, the Walnut
Beach area of Milford met all
of his qualifications. What he
didn’t realize was the surprising
number of artists that
were calling the area home.
Since opening its doors in
January of this year, the Walnut
Beach Cafe has become in the words of its owner, “a
fun happy place...the people
that come here are in a good
mood—we spoil them.”
Serving delicious coffees,
teas, smoothies, pastries
and light sandwiches/wraps,
Wil also spoils his patrons
with art exhibits and shows,
handicrafts, and live music
events. Wil adds, “it has become
a social gathering
spot...poets and writers now
meet here once a month”.
With support from the Milford
Fine Arts Council, the active
Walnut Beach Business Association
and the Town’s investment
into the area as a designated
arts district with
plans to convert the historic
Stowe Farm into a new arts
center, the Walnut Beach
Cafe, the Firehouse Art Gallery,
the Sobobo Gallery are
working together to help to
revitalize the area.
So what advice does Wil have
for other entrepreneurs? “ Do
your homework and talk to
people, you’d be surprised
how much information and resources people are willing
to share.”
Get spoiled:
Open 7AM—7PM, 7 days a week
37 Naugatuck Ave, Milford
CT
www.walnutbeachcafe.com |
|
Annual Sunset
Cruise 7/16/09
GBLN’s Annual Sunset
Cruise on the Port Jefferson
Ferry was held on July 16th.
Over 80 participants enjoyed
dockside music by the group
Romance y Trova and appetizers
by El Coquito. Once
aboard the Ferry, the crowd
used their free drink tickets,
danced to music by DJ Mas,
played networking games
and had a chance to win raffle items ranging from
wine, cd’s & gift baskets
to gift certificates and
Jets tickets donated by
State Farm, United Roots,
Port Jefferson Steam
Boat Co. and private donors.
Viernes Social—Parranda Navidena—Toy Drive 12/5/08
GBLN hosted it’s Annual Viernes Social Holiday Toy Drive on Friday December 7 at the Liceo Cubano Social Club in
Bridgeport from 6:00-10:00pm. This event brought in over 200 toys and approximately
$800 in cash donations that will
benefit the children at the Luis Munoz Marin Three Kings Day celebration. Flan, Arroz con Gandules and Pernil were
among some of the traditional Christmas cuisine that was served during this festive fundraiser! Everyone enjoyed live
holiday music performed by Son Siete and $1000.00 in gas cards were raffled as door prizes donated by State Farm Insurance
Agency. The event was sponsored by State Farm Insurance Agency.
Viernes Social 9/26/08
On Friday, September 26th, GBLN hosted its Viernes Social immediately following the Business Expo at the Trumbull
Marriott. Live performance by Karibe Mambo and group salsa lesson conducted by Ivette’s Latin Rhythms. This
event was sponsored by People’s United Bank in collaboration with the Hispanic Merchants Association of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Regional Business Council.
|
|
|
|
| Welcome
new members! |
| We hope that you will consider them for your professional and personal needs. |
|
| Business
Memberships |
Bridgeport Neighborhood
Trust – Girl Scouts of CT –
Hispanic Merchants Association
– People’s United Bank
Primerica - Reach PREP –
Sacred Heart University –
Sandoval Associates - Southwest
AHEC – State Farm
Insurance – United Roots –
I-4 Insurance Services – Peralta Illustration & Design – Junto Media |
|
| Individual
Memberships |
| Robert Alvarado, Jr., Valerie
Amezquita, Yolanda Caldera-
Durant, Jeannette Estrella,
Carlos Gonzalez, Miriam
Lopez, Nancy Lopez-Peralta,
Iris Molina, Jeannine
Quinonez, Angel Reyes,
Lydia Rodriguez, Wil
Rodriguez, Nilda Planas, Tito Molina, Silvia Bermudez, Nancy Roldan-Johnson |
|
