december 24 - december 30, 2014 • Vol. 15 • No. 52 N O RT H E R N

M A N H AT TA N ’ S

BILINGUAL

N E W S PA P E R

washington Heights • Inwood • HARLEM • EAST HARLEM E L P E R I O D I C O B I L I N G U E D E L N O R T E D E M A N H AT TA N

DAY NOW EVERY WEDNES ES OL RC MIE S LO S TODO

The gift of grin

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Photos by Mónica Barnkow

El regalo de la sonrisa

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Gratitude

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Feast

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Mourning

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COUNTDOWN TO A HEALTHIER YOU. AT EMBLEMHEALTH, WE SEE THE START OF THE NEW YEAR AS A CHANCE TO RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO HEALTHIER LIVING – JUST LIKE YOU.

But we also believe a healthier you doesn’t have to be put on pause during the holidays. So whether your New Year’s resolution is to be more active or eat better, you can get a head start, today. And we can help. With our Small Steps to a Healthier You App, you’ll get easy access to healthier living tips and resources in the neighborhood — anywhere in NYC. It’s also FREE! Please, check out the enclosed insert to learn more about events and activities that are happening in the neighborhood. To download the app, visit smallesteps.emblemhealth.com. A fresh start to a healthier you is just a tap away!

*Dates and availability subject to change. Group Health Incorporated (GHI), HIP Health Plan of New York (HIP), HIP Insurance Company of New York and EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC are EmblemHealth companies. EmblemHealth Services Company, LLC provides administrative services to the EmblemHealth companies. Neighborhood Care is a division of EmblemHealth. ©EmblemHealth Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

“The worst day of my life”

NYPD officers slain

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wo NYPD officers were shot dead in Brooklyn on Sat., Dec. 20, after they were ambushed in their patrol car by an armed man.

The suspect, 28-year-old Ismaaiyl Brinsley, had posted earlier on Instagram that he was plotting to shoot two policemen. Officers Rafael Ramos, of Puerto Rican descent, and Wenjian Liu, a ChineseAmerican, were killed in the BedfordStuyvesant neighborhood, where they were part of a special crime-reduction patrol. “They were, quite simply, assassinated — targeted for their uniform,” said Police Commissioner William Bratton. Police said that Brinsley approached the passenger-side window of Ramos and Liu’s marked police car and opened fire, striking

“I will never forget you”

“This is the worst day of my life,” Jaden Ramos, the 13-year-old son of Rafael Ramos, wrote on his Facebook page. on Sunday. “Today I had to say bye to my father,” Jaden continued. “He was their [sic] for me everyday of my life, he was the best father I could ask for. It’s horrible that someone gets shot dead just for being a police officer. Everyone says they hate cops but they are the people that they call for help. I will always love you and I will never forget you. RIP Dad.

both officers in the head. After the shooting, Brinsley ran into a nearby subway station, where he killed himself with gunshot wound to the head. Police recovered a silver handgun at the scene. Ramos and Liu were rushed to Woodhull Medical Center, where efforts to save their lives were unsuccessful.  Brinsley had become a fugitive in Baltimore early on Saturday morning, after shooting his girlfriend in the stomach around 5a.m. He stole her phone and boarded a bus to New York City, with the intention of killing NYPD officers, authorities said. Using his girlfriend’s Instagram account, Brinsley posted “anti-police” statements, said Bratton, along with a photo of a silver handgun. “I’m putting wings on pigs today. They take 1 of ours, let’s take 2 of theirs,” wrote Brinsley on Instagram. He added, “This may be my final post. I’m putting pigs in a blanket.” Police recovered a silver handgun next to Brinsley on the subway platform. Bratton said the Baltimore police had faxed a warning about Brinsley to the NYPD on Saturday afternoon, which was received around the same time as the fatal shooting. Mayor Bill de Blasio said that the shooting

NYPD Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were killed.

NYPD Commissioner William Bratton visited the memorial in Brooklyn. Photo: NYPD

See NYPD p15

“El peor día de mi vida”

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Oficiales asesinados del NYPD

os oficiales del NYPD fueron muertos a tiros en Brooklyn el sábado 20 de diciembre, después de que fueron emboscados en su patrulla por un hombre armado.

Jaden Ramos. Photo: Facebook

Jaden Ramos. Foto: Facebook

“Nunca me olvidaré de ti”

“Este es el peor día de mi vida”, escribió Jaden Ramos, el hijo de 13 años de Rafael Ramos, este pasado domingo. “Hoy he tenido que decirle adiós a mi padre”, continuó Jaden. “Él estaba siempre presente todos los días de mi vida, él era el mejor padre que podía pedir. Es horrible que alguien reciba un disparo fatal sólo por ser un oficial de policía. Todos dicen que odian a los policías, pero ellos son a los que llaman para pedirles ayuda. Siempre te amaré y nunca me olvidaré de ti. Que descanses en paz, papá. “

El sospechoso de 28 años de edad, Ismaaiyl Brinsley, publicó antes en Instagram que estaba conspirando para dispararle a dos policías. Los oficiales Rafael Ramos, de origen puertorriqueño, y Wenjian Liu, un chinoestadounidense, murieron en el barrio BedfordStuyvesant, donde formaban parte de una patrulla especial de reducción de la delincuencia. “Fueron, simplemente, asesinados, fueron un objetivo por su uniforme”, dijo el comisionado de policía William Bratton. La policía dijo que Brinsley se acercó a la ventana de la patrulla de Ramos y Liu por el lado del pasajero y abrió fuego, dando tiros a ambos oficiales en la cabeza.  Después del tiroteo, Brinsley se encontró con una estación de metro cercana, en donde se suicidó con un disparo en la cabeza. La policía recuperó una pistola de plata en la escena. Ramos y Liu fueron llevados rápidamente al Centro Médico Woodhull, donde los esfuerzos por salvar su vida fueron infructuosos. Brinsley se había convertido en fugitivo en Baltimore temprano el sábado por la mañana, después de dispararle a su novia en el estómago

Ramos era puertorriqueño. Foto: Facebook

alrededor de las 5 a.m. Robó su teléfono y abordó un autobús a la ciudad de Nueva York, con la intención de matar a oficiales del NYPD, dijeron las autoridades. Usando la cuenta de Instagram de su novia, Brinsley publicó declaraciones “anti-policía”, dijo Bratton, junto con una foto de una pistola de plata.

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

“Estoy hoy estoy despachando a dos cochinos. Tomaron a 1 de los nuestros, vamos a tomar a 2 de los suyos”, escribió Brinsley en Instagram. Y añadió: “Este puede ser mi post final. Estoy deshaciéndome de dos cochinos”. La policía recuperó una pistola de plata junto a Brinsley en el andén del metro. Bratton dijo que la policía de Baltimore envió por fax una advertencia sobre Brinsley al NYPD el sábado por la tarde, la cual se recibió a la misma hora en que ocurrieron las muertes fatales. El alcalde Bill de Blasio dijo que el tiroteo “va justo al corazón de nuestra sociedad y nuestra democracia. Cuando un oficial de policía es asesinado, desgarra el tejido de nuestra sociedad”. Liu, de 32 años, fue un veterano del NYPD de siete años. Ramos, quien cumplió 40 en diciembre, llevaba dos en el cuerpo. Ramos tuvo dos hijos, quienes tomaron Facebook para ofrecer tributo a su padre. Brinsley tenía un historial de arrestos por varios cargos como robo, hurto, portar un arma oculta y conducta desordenada. Según Bratton, el último domicilio conocido de Brinsley estaba en Georgia, pero tenía algunos vínculos con Brooklyn. Fue la primera muerte a tiros de un oficial del NYPD desde que Peter Figoski fue asesinado en diciembre de 2011 en Brooklyn. Bratton dijo que la muerte de Ramos y Liu fueron los séptimos Vea NYPD p15 3

A survivor versed in thriving Story and photos by Gregg McQueen

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eople notice when Pat Shelton enters a room.

A bundle of energy, she walks with a purposeful stride and speaks quickly, while frequently gesturing with her hands. Shelton, 61, said she is blessed to be so energetic at her age. “Honestly, I’m blessed to even still be here,” she added. In 1991, Shelton found out that she was HIV-positive. Her doctor told her she had two years to live. “More than 20 years later, I’m still going,” she remarked. Shelton discovered her HIV-positive status during an era when that diagnosis frequently meant a death sentence. But not to Shelton. “When I was told I had two years to live, my partner noticed that nothing changed in my demeanor,” she recounted. “He said, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ But I felt I wasn’t going anywhere any time soon.”  That survival instinct has served Shelton well for the past two decades. She received treatment and has devoted her life to helping others with HIV. Shelton works as a peer counselor at Settlement Health in East Harlem, and is a dedicated community activist in the fight

“There is life after HIV,” says Pat Shelton.

against AIDS. “I don’t live my life thinking I’m defined by HIV,” she stated. “I don’t identify myself that way. I try to show people that there is life after HIV.” In many ways, Shelton is a symbol of the

aging HIV population in the United States, as patients are living longer due to the success of antiretrovirals (ARVs) now available to them. On the surface, looks completely healthy, and she said her viral load is undetectable. “I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve never really

gotten sick from HIV,” she remarked. That doesn’t mean all is perfect with her health — Shelton said that she suffers from menopause, leg pains and hair loss. “Honestly, the menopause gets to me more than the HIV,” she remarked. Her doctors are still trying to determine her latest HIV medication is causing her hair loss. “When you’re over 50, there are other health things to deal with,” she stated. For older people living with HIV, issues such as Shelton’s are common, explained Joseph Lunievicz, Deputy Executive Director of Programs for the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA), an organization that sponsors research trials and offers education services for HIV. ACRIA recently celebrated its 19th Annual Holiday Dinner, which honored playwright Larry Kramer and the photographer Bruce Weber and was hosted by Kim Kardashian West, Alessandria Ambrosio, Joel Grey and Tony Kushner. “In 2015, it is estimated that about 50 percent of the population in the United States who has HIV will be age 50 or older,” said Lunievicz. “By 2020, it’ll be 70 percent of the population,” he added. “And that specifically has to do with the excellent HIV treatments See SURVIVOR p13

Una historia de supervivencia Historia y fotos por Gregg McQueen

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a gente nota cuando Pat Shelton entra en una habitación.

Con un haz de energía, camina con paso decidido y habla rápidamente, mientras gesticula con las manos. Shelton, de 61 años, dijo que es bendecida por tener tanta energía a su edad. “Honestamente, soy bendecida por todavía estar aquí”, agregó. Eso es debido a que en 1991, Shelton se enteró de que era VIH-positivo. Su médico le dijo que tenía dos años de vida. “Más de 20 años después, sigo aquí”, comentó. Shelton descubrió su condición durante una época en la que el diagnóstico con frecuencia significaba una sentencia de muerte. Pero no para Shelton. “Cuando me dijeron que tenía dos años de vida, mi pareja notó que nada cambió en mi comportamiento”, contó. “Me dijo: ¿Qué te pasa?, pero sentía que no iría a ninguna parte en el corto plazo”. Ese instinto de supervivencia ha sido bueno para Shelton en las últimas dos décadas, recibió tratamiento y ha dedicado su vida a ayudar a otras personas con VIH. Shelton trabaja como consejera en Settlement Health en East Harlem, y es activista comunitaria dedicada a la lucha contra el SIDA. “Yo no vivo mi vida pensando que estoy 4

La cena fue auspiciada, en parte, por Alessandra Ambrosio y Kim Kardashian West. Foto: Facebook

definida por el VIH”, afirmó. “No me identifico de esa manera, trato de mostrar a la gente de que hay vida después del VIH”. En muchos sentidos, Shelton es un símbolo de la población de edad avanzada con VIH en los Estados Unidos, pues los pacientes están viviendo más tiempo debido al éxito de los antirretrovirales (ARV) ahora disponibles para ellos.

En la superficie, parece completamente sana, dijo que su carga viral es indetectable. “He tenido la suerte de que nunca me he enfermado por el VIH”, comentó. Eso no significa que todo está perfecto con su salud, Shelton dijo que sufre de menopausia, dolores en las piernas y pérdida de cabello. “Honestamente, la menopausia me afecta más que el VIH”, comentó.

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Sus médicos todavía están tratando de determinar si su último medicamento para el VIH está causando la pérdida de cabello. “Cuando tienes más de 50, debes enfrentar otros temas respecto a la salud “, afirmó. Para las personas mayores que viven con VIH, cuestiones como las de Shelton son comunes, explicó Joseph Lunievicz, director ejecutivo adjunto de programas de la Iniciativa Comunitaria de Investigación del SIDA de América (ACRIA por sus siglas en inglés), una organización que patrocina estudios de investigación y ofrece servicios educativos sobre el VIH. ACRIA recientemente celebró su 19a gala anual, que honró el dramaturgo Larry Kramer y el fotógrafo Bruce Weber y fue auspiciado por Kim Kardashian West, Alessandria Ambrosio, Joel Grey y Tony Kushner, entre otros. “En 2015, se estima que alrededor del 50 por ciento de la población en los Estados Unidos con VIH tendrá 50 años o más”, dijo Lunievicz. “Para el año 2020, será el 70 por ciento de la población”, agregó. “Y eso tiene que ver específicamente con los excelentes tratamientos ahora disponibles contra el VIH y el mejor acceso a la atención”. Debido a su mayor esperanza de vida, las personas seropositivas están lidiando con los problemas normales del envejecimiento, como la diabetes o la artritis, junto con su condición de VIH. “Cuando tienes 60 años de edad, tienes diferentes complicaciones médicas que cuando Vea SUPERVIVENCIA p13

COMMUNITY NEWS

The Wiz cast consists of ten professional singers and actors.

•strategies for writing letters that are unique, forthright, and exciting; •formatting requirements and choices; •tips for responding to a particular employer’s needs why still maintaining your individual voice. Attendees will have opportunity to share cover letters or parts of cover letters and to receive feedback. For more information, please visit nycascent.org.

El elenco de The Wiz consta de diez cantantes y actores profesionales.

The Wiz The Wiz, as presented by The Harlem Repertory Theatre’s Audience Development Committee, Inc. (AUDELCO), will be performed at the Tato Laviera Theatre, now through Sat., Jan. 10th. The Wiz will feature award-winning singer/actress Dion Millington as Dorothy and will be directed and choreographed by Keith Lee Grant, whose 2009 production of The Wiz won AUDELCO awards for Best Director and Choreographer of a musical. The production will be staged environmentally, and the cast of ten professional singers and actors will sing and dance around the audience as Dorothy and her companions go on a journey through the land of Oz. Tickets can be purchased by calling 917.697.3555.  Tato Laviera Theatre, located inside the Taino Towers, is at 240 East 123rd Street between Second and Third Avenues. For more information, please www. harlemrepertorytheatre.com or call 917.697.3555. The Wiz The Wiz, presentado por el Comité de Desarrollo del Público del Teatro Harlem Repertory, Inc. (AUDELCO por sus siglas en inglés), se llevará a cabo en el Teatro Tato Laviera hasta el sábado 10 de enero. The Wiz contará con la galardonada cantante/actriz Dion Millington como Dorothy y será dirigida y coreografiada por Keith Lee Grant, cuya producción de 2009 de The Wiz le dio a AUDELCO el premio a Mejor Director y Coreógrafo de un musical. La producción será escenificada ambientalmente y el elenco de diez cantantes y actores profesionales cantarán y bailarán alrededor del público mientras Dorothy y sus compañeros viajan por la tierra de Oz. Las entradas se pueden comprar llamando al 917.697.3555. El Teatro Tato Laviera, ubicado dentro de las Taino Towers, está en el 240 de la calle 123 este, entre la Segunda avenida y la Tercera. Para más información, por favor visite www.harlemrepertorytheatre. com o llame al 917.697.3555. Make a Mkeka On Fri., Dec. 26th, celebrate Kwanzaa at the City Museum by making a paper Mkeka placemat, the holiday’s second symbol. Use customary colors and photographs from the Museum’s collection to weave a personal

creation that represents the holiday season, and enjoy a complimentary coconut dessert. The Museum of the City of New York is located at 1220 Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street. For more information, please visit www. mcny.org or call 212.534.1672. Haga un Mkeka El viernes 26 de diciembre celebre Kwanzaa en el Museo de la Ciudad haciendo un Mkeka, mantel de papel, segundo símbolo de la fiesta. Use colores tradicionales y fotografías de la colección del Museo para tejer una creación personal que represente la temporada de fiestas y disfrute de un postre de coco gratuito. El Museo de la Ciudad de Nueva York está ubicado en el 1220 de la Quinta Avenida y la calle 103. Para más información, por favor visite www.mcny.org o llame al 212.534.1672. CV and Cover Letter Workshop NYC ASCENT will host a CV and Cover Letter Workshop on Fri., Jan. 9th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 at Columbia University at 500 West 120th Street in Suite 520. The CV CVs are marketing documents that seek, in 30 seconds or less, convince a potential employer that she should learn more about you.  This hands-on workshop will provide guidelines for building powerful, communicative, and individualized documents. Attendees will learn: • how to read a job ad effectively; • how to tailor a CV to a specific job ad; • how to format a CV appropriately; • how to individualize and balance a CV – so that it is both informative and noticeable. Attendees will have opportunity to share CVs and to receive feedback and advice.  The Cover Letter A cover letter introduces you, as a writer and professional, to a potential employer.  It is your first opportunity to describe who you are, why you are interested in the position, and why the employer should be interested in you. This workshop will focus on fundamentals of powerful cover letter writing, including: • distinctions between academic and other types of cover letters;

Taller de CV y carta de presentación NYC ASCENT será el anfitrión de un taller de CV y carta de presentación el viernes 9 de enero de 4:00 a 5:30 pm en la Universidad Columbia, ubicada en el 500 de la calle 120 oeste, en la suite 520. El CV El CV es la comercialización de documentos para que en 30 segundos, o menos, el interesado convenza a un potencial empleador que debe conocerlo más. Este taller práctico proporcionará directrices para la creación de documentos influyentes, comunicativos e individualizados. Los asistentes aprenderán: • Cómo leer eficazmente un anuncio de empleo; • Cómo diseñar un CV para un anuncio de trabajo específico; • Cómo dar formato a un CV apropiadamente; • Cómo individualizar y equilibrar un CV para que sea a la vez informativo y notable. Los asistentes tendrán la oportunidad de compartir su CV y recibir comentarios y consejos.

This handson workshop will provide guidelines for job seekers.

Este taller práctico proporcionará directrices a los solicitantes de empleo.

La carta de presentación Una carta de presentación es una introducción, como escritor y profesional, a un empleador potencial. Es su primera oportunidad de describir quién es usted, por qué está interesado en la posición y por qué el empleador debe interesarse en usted. Este taller se centrará en los fundamentos de la escritura de cartas de presentación influyentes: • Distinción entre cartas académicas de presentación y de otros tipos; • Estrategias para escribir cartas que sean únicas, honestas y emocionantes; • Requisitos de formato y opciones; • Consejos para responder a las necesidades de un empleador en particular manteniendo la opinión individual. Los asistentes tendrán la oportunidad de compartir cartas de presentación, o fragmentos, y de recibir retroalimentación. Para más información, por favor visite nycascent.org. See COMMUNITY p17

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

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ime for the court to reign.

El Museo del Barrio will again host its 38th Annual Three Kings Day Parade on Tues., Jan. 6th, 2015. The traditional celebration will kick off at 11:00 a.m. on 106th Street and Lexington Avenue and will end at the historic landmark La Marqueta, located at 115th Street and Park Avenue. There will then be a traditional Puerto Rican celebration at La Marqueta, hosted by Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Acacia Network, La Marqueta Retoña, and the New York City Economic Development Corporation. The festivities will continue at El Museo at 1:00 p.m. with live music by Pablo Mayor and friends, and free admission to Las Galerías. As always, the parade will feature Honorary Kings, “Madrinas y Padrinos” (godmothers and godfathers), and thousands of schoolchildren, gigantic handmade puppets, camels, performers and musicians. Among those lending their talents to the parade will be Bronx-based BombaYo, a youth project dedicated to preserving the rich Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba, under the direction of Jose L. Ortiz, aka Dr. Drum, and Melinda González. Also in the mix will be Northern Manhattan multi-percussionist, bandleader, producer, and educator Annette A. Aguilar and StringBeans, her Latino-Brazilian jazz band. Leading the way will be King Emeritus will be Jesús “Papoleto” Meléndez, poet, playwright, performance artist, and

Jack Agüeros will be honored.

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a hora de la corte para reinar.

Honorary King for over a decade. This year’s three Honorary Kings are Tom Finkelpearl, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs;  Juan González, Author,  New York Daily News columnist, and co-host of Democracy Now!; and Deborah Quiñones, El Barrio community leader and Founder of the International Coquito Federation. This year’s “Madrinas” are Petrushka Bazin Larsen, Independent Curator Program Director at The Laundromat Project;  Susan R. Delvalle, Executive Director, Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art and Storytelling; María Román Dumén, Co-Founder and Past President, National Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc.;  Judith Escalona, Film Production Professor, The City College of New York; and  Mónica Tavares, Chief of Staff to the Office of Communications and External Affairs at the NYC Department of Education. The parade’s “Padrinos” are Felix Leo Campos, Creator, After Dark CATV PRO, La Fortaleza Project, and HERspanic;  Gonzalo Casals, Director of Public Programs, Education and Community Engagement at Friends of the High Line;  Pablo Mayor, Founder and Director of Folklore Urbano;  Danny R. Peralta, Director of Arts and Education, The Point CDC; and  Gustavo Rosado, Executive Director and Founder of El Barrio’s Operation Fightback. As part of a new Three Kings Day tradition, El Museo will be honoring, posthumously, those who have made significant contributions to El Barrio and Latino communities. This year’s honorees are Jack Agüeros; Herman Badillo; Frank Espada; Juan Flores; and Oscar de la Renta. Each year, an average of 4,000 people participate in the parade, including classes representing nearly 40 New York City schools, with families, community members, organizations, school groups, and local businesses are encouraged to participate. For more information, please visit www. elmuseo.org.

El Museo del Barrio organizará nuevamente su 38° desfile anual del día de los Reyes Magos el martes 6 de enero de 2015. La tradicional celebración arrancará a las 11:00 de la mañana sobre la calle 106 y la avenida Lexington, y terminará en La Marqueta, en la calle 115 y Park Avenue. Entonces habrá una celebración puertorriqueña tradicional en La Marqueta, presentada por la portavoz Melissa Mark-Viverito, la Red Acacia, La Marqueta Retoña y la Corporación de Desarrollo Económico de la ciudad de Nueva York. Los festejos continuarán en El Museo a la 1:00 pm con música en vivo de Pablo Alcalde y sus amigos, y entrada gratuita a Las Galerías. Como siempre, el desfile contará con los reyes de honor, madrinas y padrinos, miles de estudiantes, muñecos gigantescos hechos a mano, camellos, artistas y músicos. Entre las personas que prestarán su talento para el desfile estarán BombaYo del Bronx, un proyecto juvenil dedicado a preservar la rica tradición afro-puertorriqueña de Bomba, bajo la dirección de José L. Ortiz, alias Dr. Drum, y Melinda González. También en la mezcla estarán la multipercusionista, directora de orquesta, productora y educadora del norte de Manhattan, Annette A. Aguilar, y StringBeans, su banda de jazz latino-brasileña. Liderando el camino estarán el rey emérito Jesús “Papoleto” Meléndez, poeta, dramaturgo, artista y rey de honor durante más de una década. Los tres reyes honorarios de este año son Tom Finkelpearl, comisionado del Departamento de Asuntos Culturales de la ciudad de Nueva York; Juan González, autor y columnista del New York Daily News, y copresentador de Democracy Now!; y Deborah Quiñones, líder comunitaria de El Barrio y fundadora de la Federación Internacional Coquito. Las madrinas de este año son Petrushka Bazin Larsen, directora del Programa de Curadores Independientes en el proyecto Laundromat; Susan

[email protected] FOUNDERS/ PUBLISHERS Luís A. Miranda Jr. David Keisman Roberto Ramírez Sr.

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EDITOR Debralee Santos

ASSISTANT EDITOR Erik Cuello

EDITORIAL STAFF Mónica Barnkow Adrian Cabreja

PRODUCTION Ramon Peralta Erik Febrillet

OFFICE MANAGER Jennifer Saldaña TRANSLATORS Yamilla Miranda Verónica Cruz DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Landa M. Towns

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

R. Delvalle, directora ejecutiva, Museo infantil de arte y narrativa Sugar Hill; María Román Dumén, cofundadora y presidenta anterior, Desfile del día Nacional de Puerto Rico, Inc.; Judith Escalona, profesora de producción de películas, The City College of New York; y Mónica Tavares, jefa de personal de la oficina de Comunicación y Asuntos Externos del Departamento de Educación de la ciudad de Nueva York. Los padrinos del desfile son: Félix Leo Campos, creador, After Dark CATV PRO, proyecto La Fortaleza y HERspanic; Gonzalo Casals, director de Programas Públicos, Educación y Participación Comunitaria en Friends of the High Line; Pablo Mayor, fundador y director de Folklore Urbano; Danny R. Peralta, director de Artes y Educación, The Point CDC; y Gustavo Rosado, director ejecutivo y fundador de la Operación Fightback de El Barrio. Como parte de una nueva tradición del día de los Reyes Magos, El Museo rendirá homenaje póstumo a los que han hecho contribuciones significativas a El Barrio y las comunidades latinas. Los homenajeados de este año son Jack Agüeros, Herman Badillo, Frank Espada, Juan Flores y Oscar de la Renta. Cada año un promedio de 4,000 personas participan en el desfile, incluyendo clases que representan a cerca de 40 escuelas de la ciudad de Nueva York, con familias, miembros de la comunidad, organizaciones, grupos escolares, y los negocios locales a los que se anima a participar. Para más información, por favor visite www.elmuseo.org.

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DIY Relaxation: 18 Ways to De-Stress Submitted by Labdoor.com

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tress is often seen as a negative effect on the body, but it is essential to life, as the “fight or flight” system is naturally part of our survival system. Still, stress can cause harm when it overwhelmingly impacts our health equilibrium. It is associated with higher levels of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Accumulated unmanaged stress can lead to major physical and psychological illness, including depression, overeating, excessive sleep, and irritability. While it is impossible to avoid stress completely, it is possible to manage. Here are a few suggestions: 1. Get a massage.  Massage has been shown to be effective in reducing mental and physical stress. In one study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, massage helped lessen stress and pain in patients who have chronic pain. Another study in the Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing suggested that 15 minute massages helped reduce the psychological stress of their test subjects. 2. Go for a walk.  Going for a walk can clear your mind and keep your body healthy. Walking helps increase your endorphins which can give you a euphoric feeling and reduces the cortisol levels. Simply being outside also helps reduce stress and helps increase memory and attention span. 3. Stress relief with a pet.  Studies have shown that pet therapy helps reduce anxiety and stress for many people. One study showed that it helped students during exam times. Another study showed that patients experienced a 37% deduction in anxiety if they spend time with animals before their medical operations. Having an animal around distracts them from their worries. While dogs and cats are usually the choice of pet for stress relief, other animals can also help. Observing fish in an aquarium has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

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4. Drink tea.  Green tea is full of antioxidants that are beneficial for your health and can also help lower pressure. In one study, black tea helped lower cortisol and reduced stress after six weeks of drinking tea. 5. Get proper sleep.  By having a restful and high quality sleep and undisruptive naps, one’s cortisol levels will decrease. One study with healthy young men has shown that taking proper naps throughout the day will lower one’s cortisol levels. 6. Work out.  Hit the gym or go for a run. This allows your body and mind to focus on something that is healthy for your well-being. While it distracts you from the cause of your stress, it also increases your endorphins, the natural “feel good” hormones that are released when you exercise. The more aerobic your workout is, the more endorphins your body release. 7. Breathe. By taking deep, slow breaths, your blood pressure and heart rate also slow down. This also allows you to relax and clear your mind. It has been shown to reduce anxiety and help with depression. 8. Use guided visualizations.  One study shows that subjects reported less perceived and dyadic stress after using this stress managing tool. Guided visualization allows people to imagine and consciously think about certain issues and helps them get in touch with their intuition. 9. Aromatherapy.  The scents of certain plants, such as

lavender, can ease our stress and relax us. Some may even bring us positive memories or thoughts. Aromatherapy is often used with massages, meditations, and hot baths. 10. Turn your phone off.  According to one study, work-related emails, as updated constantly through our smartphones, cause higher stress. By turning off your phone, you shut the external stress out and focus on yourself and your immediate surroundings. 11. Meditate.  Meditation has been used for thousands of years and is an inexpensive technique that allows you to clear your mind. Pairing it up with breathing exercises can further lower your heart rate and blood pressure. 12. Enjoy a hot bath.  A hot bath can help relieve the tension in your muscles, promote blood circulation and calm the nervous system. Water can be infused with minerals and other products such as bath salts or oil for additional relaxation. 13. Yoga.  Yoga is an excellent weight and stress management tool that has been around for more than 5,000 years. It helps your balance and flexibility, and strengthens your core. It also helps with bronchitis, chronic pain, and some symptoms of menopause. 14. Listen to music.  A study has shown that patients in post surgical recovery who listened to music had lower stress levels than those who did not. Find music that is soothing for you and tune out. 15. Laugh.  Going to a comedy show or watching a funny movie will help manage your stress. One study showed lower levels of the salivary

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

endocrinological stress marker chromogranin A (CgA) in those who watched a humorous movie. These subjects also reported a feeling of being uplifted and fulfilled. 16. Try a craft.  Finding a hobby and keep your hands busy will distract your mind from stressors. Studies have shown that doing a craft, especially for children and seniors, enhances relaxation while providing an outlet for artistic expression. 17. Write down your thoughts.  Keeping a journal or diary of your thoughts and activities will serve to help you understand your feelings, organize your thoughts, and reflect on your choices. Your journal is also a place for you to let out emotions that you might not otherwise express. 18. Avoid caffeine.  Try to avoid coffee, energy drinks, and other drinks that are loaded with caffeine, which increases the stress hormones catecholamines and cortisol, while increasing dopamine for a quick “feel good” response that will wear off quickly and make you feel low. Drink green tea instead. 7

Fariña on first

Schools Chancellor reviews inaugural year

Story and photos by Gregg McQueen

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ity Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña recently held a roundtable discussion with members of the press to discuss her first year in on the job.

The meeting was held on Wed., Dec. 17th at the Tweed Courthouse, where the NYC Department of Education (DOE) is headquartered, and featured representatives of ethnic and community media outlets, including The Manhattan Times. “For many parents, you are their main source of information,” Fariña told reporters. As the Chancellor approached her first anniversary in office, she was recently given a 91 percent approval rating from more than 1,000 city school principals on an annual survey. “Ultimately, the way you’re going to judge me is by things I instituted that were missing in the past,” said Fariña. Attendees were introduced to Milady Báez, Senior Executive Director of the Department of English Language Learners (ELLs) and Student Support, a DOE role that Fariña created in 2014 to help close the achievement gap between native English speakers and English learners. The DOE’s renewed focus on ELLs includes expanded professional development

Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña held a year-end roundtable discussion.

for teachers serving ELL students, increased personnel to provide field support, support for unaccompanied child migrants and expanded bilingual and dual-language programs. Fariña reiterated her previous vow to open 40 new dual language schools throughout the city in September 2015. “Learning a second language gives children a huge advantage,” said Fariña. “Studies show that those who have a dual-language program

are better prepared for high school.” Also taking part in the roundtable were Senior Deputy Schools Chancellor Dorita Gibson and DOE Chief Strategy Officer Josh Wallack. The event was moderated by Maite Junco, the Chancellor’s Senior Advisor. Perhaps the largest DOE initiative during 2014 was the rollout of the Universal Pre-

Kindergarten (UPK) program, as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s vision to make fullday, free preschool available to all four-yearolds in the city. More than 53,000 children are now enrolled in UPK programs throughout the five boroughs. Fariña said that a large number of UPK seats were implemented in community-based organizations, many of them with a focus on the ethnic communities served. While the focus of de Blasio’s UPK program has been on offering full-day preschool spots, Wallack said that the DOE would continue to offer half-day offerings as well. “Some parents still want that as an option,” he said. Fariña also discussed the implementation of her School Renewal Program that provides 94 struggling schools with extra funding and training to raise student achievement. Among the 94 schools in the program, 43 are located in the Bronx and several are in Northern Manhattan. These schools have demonstrated low academic achievement for each of the past three years, and ranked in the bottom 25 percent of city schools on state exam scores See Fariña p19

Fariña revisa el primer año Historia y fotos por Gregg McQueen

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a canciller de escuelas de la ciudad, Carmen Fariña, recientemente celebró una mesa redonda con miembros de la prensa para hablar de su primer año en el puesto. La reunión se llevó a cabo el miércoles 17 de diciembre,  en el Palacio de Justicia Tweed, donde tiene su sede el Departamento de Educación de Nueva York (DOE por sus siglas en inglés), y contó con representantes de medios de comunicación étnicos y comunitarios, incluyendo al Manhattan Times. “Para muchos padres ustedes son la principal fuente de información”, Fariña dijo a los periodistas. Mientras que la Canciller se acerca a su primer aniversario en el cargo, recibió recientemente un índice de aprobación del 91 por ciento de más de 1,000 directores de escuelas de la ciudad en una encuesta anual. “En última instancia, me juzgarán por cosas que instituí que faltaban en el pasado”, señaló. A los asistentes se les presentó Milady Báez, directora ejecutiva senior del Departamento de Estudiantes del Idioma Inglés (ELLs por sus siglas en inglés) y Apoyo al Estudiante, un puesto del DOE que Fariña creó en 2014 para ayudar a cerrar la brecha de aprovechamiento entre los hablantes nativos de inglés y los estudiantes de ese idioma. 8

El renovado enfoque del DOE en ELLs incluye ampliar el desarrollo profesional de los maestros que atienden a estudiantes que están aprendiendo inglés, aumentar el personal para prestar apoyo de campo a los niños migrantes no acompañados y programas ampliados y bilingües. Fariña reiteró su promesa anterior de abrir 40 nuevas escuelas bilingües en toda la ciudad en septiembre de 2015. “Aprender un segundo idioma da a los niños una gran ventaja”, explicó Farina. “Los estudios demuestran que aquellos que tienen un programa bilingüe están mejor preparados para la secundaria”. También participaron en la mesa redonda la canciller escolar adjunta senior, El Departamento de Educación de Nueva York Dorita Gibson, y el director de estrategias estima que más de 53,000 niños están inscritos del DOE, Josh Wallack. en programas UPK en los cinco condados. El evento fue moderado por Maite Junco, asesora principal de la canciller. Tal vez la iniciativa más grande del DOE Blasio ha sido ofrecer lugares de preescolar de durante 2014 fue el lanzamiento del programa día completo, Wallack dijo que el DOE continuará preescolar universal (UPK por sus siglas en ofreciendo opciones de medio día también. inglés), como parte de la visión del alcalde Bill de “Algunos padres todavía quieren eso”, señaló. Blasio para hacer del preescolar uno gratuito, de Fariña también discutió la implementación de un día completo, para todos los niños de cuatro su Programa de Renovación Escolar que provee años de la ciudad. a 94 escuelas con dificultades, financiamiento y Más de 53,000 niños están inscritos en capacitación adicional para elevar el rendimiento programas UPK en los cinco condados. estudiantil. Fariña dijo que se implementaron un gran Entre las 94 escuelas del programa, 43 se número de plazas UPK en las organizaciones encuentran en el Bronx y varias están en el norte comunitarias, muchas de ellas étnicas. de Manhattan. Aunque el foco del programa UPK de Bill de Estas escuelas han demostrado un bajo december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

rendimiento académico en los últimos tres años y están clasificadas en la parte inferior del 25 por ciento de las escuelas de la ciudad en los puntajes de los exámenes estatales o los índices de graduación. Otro anuncio importante de Fariña fue la eliminación del sistema de calificación por letras, sustituida por una Guía de Calidad Escolar. “Esas calificaciones con letras a menudo eran engañosas”, dijo Fariña. “Hay un montón de maneras de juzgar a una buena escuela”. Vea Fariña p19

The gift of grin Story and photos by Mónica Barnkow

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he sugar bugs were being banished.

Approximately 90 students from P.S. 115 received a healthful gift for the holidays. The group, all first graders, lined up for free dental screenings, oral health education and goody bags during “Dental Santa Day” this past Thurs., Dec. 18th.   The children beamed at the sight of a table full of teddy bears and other boxed gifts, which would be presented to them at the end of their dental screenings. In turn, over 50 dental school residents, faculty and staff from Columbia’s Community DentCare program and Columbia University Pediatric Dental Clinic, welcomed the group onto the carpet and offered a session in oral health meant to be informative and fun. The children were presented with an illustrated questionnaire aimed at measuring their knowledge on oral health. They were asked, for example, to circle the healthy choices from among a group of snacks, to choose the tooth with a cavity, and to identify tooth care products. The session was followed by a video, which some watched while reclined in the patient’s chair as individual oral examinations were administered. “Every child that was seen today goes

home with a dental report,” explained Leydis De La Cruz, the Director of the Community DentCare. The report outlined the screening results, any problems that may have been found, and a list of dental providers in the area. According to the office of the U.S. Surgeon General, an estimated 4 to 5 million children in the United States have dental problems so severe that they interfere with eating, sleeping and learning. It has labeled dental disease a “silent epidemic.” Clinic organizers report that the incidence of disease in Northern Manhattan is of concern. “Overall, here we have more dental disease than the national average,” observed Stephen E. Marshall, Associate Professor of Clinical Dental Medicine and Dean for Extramural Programs at the College of Dental Medicine (CDM). He has worked at the college for 25 years, and believes that there are a number of contributing factors that converge to cause poor oral health. “There are not enough dentists,” said Marshall. “And we need to do a better job at educating people about oral health and dental

El regalo de la sonrisa Historia y fotos por Mónica Barnkow

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a azúcar ha sido desterrada.

Aproximadamente 90 estudiantes de P.S. 115 recibieron regalos saludables para las fiestas. El grupo, todos de primer grado, se alinearon para exámenes dentales, educación de salud oral y bolsas con regalos durante el “Día Dental de Santa” este pasado jueves, 18 de diciembre. Los niños brillaban a la vista de una mesa llena de osos de peluche y otras cajas de regalos, que se les presentaría al final de sus exámenes dentales. A cambio, más de 50 residentes de la facultad de odontología, maestros y empleados del programa ‘DentCare’ y la Clínica Dental Pediátrica de la Universidad Columbia, le daban la bienvenida al grupo y le ofrecían una sesión de salud oral destinada a ser informativa y divertida. Le presentaron a los niños un ilustrado cuestionario dirigido a medir su conocimiento en salud oral. Por ejemplo le preguntaron, circular alternativas saludables entre un grupo de meriendas, circular el diente con una cavidad e identificar productos de cuidado dental. La sesión fue seguido por un video, el cual

“No hay suficientes dentistas”, dijo el Profesor Asociado Stephen Marshall.

algunos vieron reclinados en la silla del paciente mientras se administraban exámenes orales individuales. “Cada niño que se ha visto hoy va a su casa con un reporte dental”, explicó Leydis De la Cruz, directora de ‘Community DentCare’. El reporte, muestra los resultados del examen, cualquier problemas que hayan podido encontrar y una lista de proveedores dentales en el área. Según la oficina del Cirujano General de los E.U., un estimado de 4 a 5 millones de niños en los Estados Unidos tienen problemas dentales tan severos que interfieren con el comer, dormir y aprender. Se ha etiquetado como una enfermedad dental una “epidemia silenciosa”. Los organizadores reportaron que la incidencia de la enfermedad en el Norte de Manhattan es de Vea REGALO p22

Local first graders enjoyed a “Dental Santa Day.

disease prevention.” He added that dental disease is “100 per cent

preventable.” In order to address in part for the dentist shortage, CDM provides comprehensive dental care through community outreach programs. “I am very proud of the services we offer,” said Steven Chussid, Head of the Division of Pediatric Dentistry. “We are making an impact.” The services aim to target the most vulnerable populations: children and the

elderly. The ElderSmile Program, for example, provides much-needed care to older residents in Northern Manhattan. In addition, since 2002, on the first Friday of February, in collaboration with the American Dental Association (ADA), free screenings are organized for children to promote oral health awareness and treatment. “We aim to provide kids an examination at an early age, and provide information to parents to be able to prevent cavities and other oral diseases,” said Chussid, who recommends children visit a dentist at least See GIFT p22

May this season bring peace and joy to all. Deseándoles a todos paz y alegría.

¡Felicidades!

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

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A fortune of gratitude

Story and photos by Sherry Mazzocchi

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iracles pop up in every day life disguised as coincidences- or luck. Sometimes a seemingly questionable path can lead to detours of opportunity and transformation. For Robert, it was the disapproving mother of a girl he wanted to date. For Teofila, it was older sisters without futures. For Rita, it was a life-saving job offer. Giving thanks for everyday miracles are one of the many interlocking themes featured at the Hebrew Tabernacle’s latest exhibit, “An Interfaith Thanks-Giving.” Curator Regina Gradess said Thanksgiving allows people to come together and give thanks without being divided by questions of religion. “We all have something to be thankful for—something that changed us into better people,” she said. The Hebrew Tabernacle’s synagogue shares space with two Christian congregations— The Uptown Church and The Church of the Heights. The show illustrates nine congregants’ stories with photos by Caroline Brown and images by Tuwanda Harmon, both Washington Heights artists. Each participant was asked what they were thankful for.

At 104, Rita is Hebrew Tabernacle’s oldest memb Photo: Tuwanda Harmon er.

The exhibit members are (top row, left to right) Jeffrey, Rachel, Reyn, Lourdes, Robert and (bottom row, left to right) Teofila, Rita, Amaryllis, and Kimberly. Photo: Caroline Casey

Rita is Hebrew Tabernacle’s oldest member. At 104, she’s still active in the community, volunteering at the YM-YWHA two days a week.  She was living in Nuremberg when Jews were stripped of their citizenship. At 26, she and her younger brother Herbert fled to the U.S. It was 1937 and they had little English, no money or jobs. When Rita landed

a position as a nanny, she saved and got the affidavits required for her parents’ visas. She secured their passage to America a year later on the eve of Kristallnacht, the unofficial start of the Holocaust. Harmon’s reflection on Rita’s life is multicolored, and layered with images of Germany, America and the infant she cared for—and a reunion of the two women 70 years later. She

La fotografa Caroline Casey (izq.) con la curadora Regina Gradess.

Una fortuna de gratitud Historia y fotos Sherry Mazzocchi

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os milagros aparecen todos los días disfrazados como coincidencias o suerte. A veces un camino aparentemente cuestionable puede llevar a oportunidades y transformaciones. Para Robert, fue la madre desaprobadora de una chica con la que quería salir. Para Teófila, fueron las hermanas mayores sin futuro. Para Rita, una oferta de trabajo para salvar vidas. Dar gracias por los milagros cotidianos es uno de los muchos temas entrelazados que aparecen en la última exposición del tabernáculo hebreo: 10

“Acción de Gracias interreligioso”. La curadora Regina Gradess dijo que el día de Acción de Gracias permite a las personas reunirse y agradecer sin ser divididos por cuestiones de religión. “Todos tenemos algo que agradecer, algo que nos transforma en mejores personas”, explicó. La sinagoga del tabernáculo hebreo comparte el espacio con dos congregaciones cristianas: la iglesia Uptown y la iglesia de the Heights. La exposición ilustra las historias de nueve feligreses con fotos de Caroline Brown e imágenes de Tuwanda Harmon, artistas de Washington Heights. Se le preguntó a cada participante qué era lo

Vea EXHIBICIÓN p21

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

combined news stories and Rita’s own photos for the digital art. “I was very impressed by her,” said Harmon, who created all of the images for the exhibit on an iPad. Robert grew up in tough neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic and Washington Heights. He communicated with his fists and wasn’t a stranger to gangs. When he wanted to date, the young girl’s mother was understandably dubious. She sought to ward him off with an invitation to Bible study.  Instead, he grasped it like a lifeline. See exhibit p21

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

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Dance at dawn

Story and photos by Sherry Mazzocchi

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arly birds rejoice.

People who wake before the crack of dawn can finally dance the night away. Daybreaker is an early morning floating dance party—floating because it’s held in different locations—including a swank 210foot yacht that set sail from lower Manhattan last Thursday. More than 200 people dressed in everything from animal costumes to suits lined up at Pier 40 and paid twenty-five dollars to board the Hornblower Infinity and dance to club music at 6:00 am. There is no alcohol at Daybreaker events— just organic juices, coffees and healthy snacks. Shawn, a buff twenty-something banker, was dancing to music spun by Burning Man DJ The Scumfrog – dressed in a faux fur hippo onesie. He chose the water-loving mammal costume because, as he explained, “It’s Thursday,” adding, “It’s what my last name translates to from Czechoslovakian.” He wasn’t the only animal on the dance floor. While most of the youthful crowd might be off to work when the party wraps up at 10:00 am, they were dressed to party. Daybreaker was dreamed up by Matthew Brimer, co-founder of General Assembly, a startup school for coding and digital media, and Radha Agrawal of Super Sprowtz, which promotes wellness and healthful nutrition throughout the city. It’s a combination workout, networking event and mini morning

Meet up with Lady Liberty at dawn

festival. Brimer told the crowd that the idea came to him while having dinner with friends a little more than a year ago. Instead of starting mornings with a Spartan workout, he thought a sober dance party was a better alternative. Now Daybreaker holds morning events in New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Atlanta. More cities are scheduled to follow—including Sao Paulo, Tel Aviv, Cape Town and Mumbai. They also plan on launching weekend events with meditation and yoga. The reason it works, according to Jesse Israel, is because of what he calls “the science of dance.” Israel, a member of the Daybreaker team, said that when people dance in a sober state a lot of things happen. The body fires off more T-cells, boosting the immune system. The body also releases a “love brain wash” of chemicals— including serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters like endorphins and others that help you remember things. “By being a part of Daybreaker,” argued Israel, “you activate the ‘love brain wash’.” On Thursday, two young professionals, Sarah and Alisa, gazed upon the dance floor. They said they were feeling the groove but were not quite ready to jump in. Sarah had heard about the event through YPlan, an app that lists NYC events. “It’s good to see a lot of healthy energy in the room,” said Sarah. Her friend was focused on the future.

See DANCE p20

Nunca es demasiado temprano para mostrar tus movimientos.

December 15 – December 20

Baile al amanecer Historia y fotos por Sherry Mazzocchi

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os madrugadores se regocijan.

Las personas que se levantan antes del amanecer por fin pueden bailar toda la noche. Daybreaker es una fiesta flotante matutina, flotante porque se lleva a cabo en diferentes lugares, incluyendo un ostentoso yate de 210 pies que zarpó desde el bajo Manhattan el jueves pasado. Más de 200 personas vestidas con todo, desde disfraces de animales hasta trajes, se enfilaron en el muelle 40 y pagaron $25 dólares para abordar el Hornblower Infinity y bailar hasta las 6:00 am. No hay alcohol en los eventos Daybreaker, sólo jugos orgánicos, cafés y aperitivos saludables. Shawn, un banquero veinteañero aficionado, bailaba al ritmo de la música de Burning Man DJ The Scumfrog, vestido con mameluco de piel falsa de hipopótamo. Eligió el disfraz del 12

La fiesta flotante matutina se lleva a cabo en diferentes lugares.

mamífero amante del agua, ya que, según explicó, “Es jueves”, agregando, “es la traducción del checoslovaco de mi apellido”. Él no fue el único animal en la pista de baile. Si bien la mayor parte de la multitud juvenil podría Vea BAILE p20

Art, at its best, is a catalyst for deep contemplation, conversation and introspection. Such was the case at the recent unveiling of the innovative and interactive installation Plata or Plomo (Money or Lead) by emerging artist Eduardo Palma at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Boulevard). Palma’s mural was the 2014 winner of an annual competition powered by the Pratt Institute and Hennessey. This year’s challenge for Pratt’s students was to take Hennessey’s mantra, Never stop - Never settle, and create something magnificent. Being that the Holidays are here and holiday celebrations abound, our Time Travel Tuesdays post took us back to January 2nd, 2005 for a great article on a supposed miracle hangover cure. Written by the Seth Kugel, the article looks at La Rapidita, which is believed to be the solution for hangovers by many Dominicans. Seth describes La Rapidita thusly, “it’s like taking a Tums, a Tylenol, a Vitamin B1 supplement and half a cup of coffee.” Sneaker-Heads now have another spot Uptown to indulge their habit. Hype Feet (1567 Saint Nicholas Ave @ 188th) is the place to get your fix. In addition to an incredible selection of kicks they also carry a few choice apparel brands. This was a busy week for Uptown HipHop. Uptown’s own Frankie P enlists

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Bodega Bamz and Camille Safiya for Machete Music, the first single off of the forthcoming Sancocho. The highly anticipated compilation album drops December 29th. Uptown Hip-Hop Heavyweights Dark and Boston have a joint project dropping soon. They just released the first single off the project, It’s A Sport. April O’Neill also released a new one featuring Dubwork, Lit. By the way, stop by Columbia Wine Co. (4038 Broadway @ 169th St) to get 10% off of your first purchase. Just tell them the Uptown Collective sent you. You have until the end of the year to get this awesome deal. Columbia Wine Co. has an amazing selection, knowledgeable and friendly staff as well as regular tastings and special events. Calling all artists, you have until February 17th, 2015 to submit your entry for the 2015 Uptown Arts Stroll poster contest. To the winner go the spoils; a $500 honorarium and your work prominently displayed on all Uptown Arts Stroll related materials. Keep checking us out at www. uptowncollective.com. Led Black Editor-in-Chief The Uptown Collective The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the collective’s initiatives and functions.

SURVIVOR from p4

SUPERVIVENCIA de p4

that are out there now, and the better access to care.” Because of their longer lifespan, people who are HIV-positive are therefore dealing with the normal issues of aging, such as diabetes or arthritis, along with their HIV status. “When you’re 60 years old, you have different medical complications than you do when you’re 20,” said Lunievicz. “We’re looking closely at side effects and how medications for other conditions interact with HIV medications.” ACRIA was founded in 1991 by a group of physicians and activists, to increase the pace of creating new treatments for people living with HIV/AIDS. “It can be five to seven years before drugs come out of government-sponsored programs,” explained Lunievicz. “We decided to push that envelope, and create our own clinical trials program,” he said. Since then, ACRIA has been responsible for 20 medications that have gone on to receive FDA approval. With the number of people on life-saving ARVs increasing — now estimated to be 13 million people worldwide — many experts have been discussing “the end of AIDS,” but Lunievicz cautioned there is still much work to be done. “We’re still a ways off from a cure,” he said. “But we’re finding what you call a functional cure, meaning you can suppress HIV in people who have it, so it doesn’t impact on their lives very much, and you can stop people from getting new infections, which means you stop

tenías 20”, dijo Lunievicz. “Estamos observando de cerca los efectos secundarios y cómo los medicamentos para otras condiciones interactúan con los medicamentos para el VIH”. ACRIA fue fundada en 1991 por un grupo de médicos y activistas para aumentar el ritmo de creación de nuevos tratamientos para las personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA. “Pueden pasar de cinco a siete años antes de que los medicamentos salgan de los programas patrocinados por el gobierno”, explicó Lunievicz. “Decidimos crear nuestro propio programa de ensayos clínicos”, dijo. Desde entonces, ACRIA ha sido responsable de 20 medicamentos que han recibido la aprobación de la FDA. Con el número de vidas salvadas por los ARV en aumento -ahora estimadas en 13 millones en todo el mundo- muchos expertos han estado discutiendo “el fin del sida”, pero Lunievicz advirtió que aún hay mucho trabajo por hacer. “Nos queda todavía un largo camino que recorrer para una cura”, explicó. “Pero estamos encontrando lo que se llama una cura funcional, lo que significa que puede suprimir el VIH en las personas que lo padecen, no afectar mucho sus vidas, y puede impedir que la gente contraiga nuevas infecciones, lo que significa que detiene la epidemia”. Para frenar la propagación del VIH, es vital para las personas descubrir cuál es su estado y obtener acceso a los ARV tan pronto como sea posible, dijo Lunievicz. En su trabajo comunitario, Shelton alienta a las personas a hacerse la prueba del VIH, pero lamentó que muchos eviten hacerlo porque miedo a los resultados. “Muchas personas no quieren saber si tienen

From left to right: ACRIA Holiday Dinner’s Honorary Chair Joel Grey; Honoree Larry Kramer and ACRIA Executive Director Benjamin Bashein.

the epidemic.” To curb the spread of HIV, it is vital for people to find out their status is, and get access to ARVs as soon as possible, said Lunievicz. In her community work, Shelton encourages people to get tested for HIV, but lamented that many avoid doing so because they are fearful of the results. “Many people don’t want to know if they have HIV,” she explained. “They’re still afraid of the stigma.” Shelton is also amazed by clients who know they are HIV-positive, but refrain from sharing that information with their partners. “A lot of people don’t even tell the person they’re living with that they’re positive, because of fear,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief. Shelton said that she spends most of her time with friends and colleagues from the AIDS prevention community, and must remain vigilant to preserve her own health status. Even with undetectable viral loads, once See SURVIVOR p21

“Soy bendecida”, agrega Shelton.

VIH”, explicó. “Siguen teniendo miedo del estigma”. Shelton también se sorprende por los clientes que saben que son VIH  positivos pero se abstienen de compartir esa información con sus parejas. “Mucha gente ni siquiera le dice a la persona con la que están viviendo que son positivas, por miedo”, explicó, sacudiendo la cabeza con incredulidad. Shelton dijo que pasa la mayor parte de su tiempo con amigos y colegas de la comunidad de prevención del SIDA, y debe permanecer vigilante para conservar su propio estado de salud. Incluso con una carga viral indetectable, una vez que una persona da positivo por VIH, debe Vea SUPERVIVENCIA p21

YPC goes Glee

T

he award-winning Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC), conducted by Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Núñez, will be the special guests of the venerable, all-male University Glee Club (UGC) of New York City at Alice Tully Hall this Sat., Jan. 17th at 8 p.m.  Núñez, the UGC’s fifth conductor since the chorus was founded in 1894, will lead both choirs in a program of classical and contemporary music, with highlights that include Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance, and arrangements of songs of the sea.

Founded in 1988, the Young People’s Chorus of New York City collaborates with many of the top artists and cultural institutions and has frequently sung with UGC since their first concert together at Alice Tully Hall in 1995. Each year more than 1,400 children ages 7 to 18 participate in YPC’s after-school and in-school programs, and in 2011, YPC was recognized with a National Medal of Arts and Humanities from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. The concert marks a double anniversary: the 120th anniversary year of UGC and the 20th anniversary of the first collaboration between UGC and YPC at Alice Tully Hall, the very site of their initial association. All tickets are $50 and are available at the Alice Tully Hall box office, by calling CenterCharge at 212.721.6500 or online at www.lincolncenter.org.

E

YPC se hace Glee

l galardonado Coro Juvenil de la Ciudad de Nueva York (YPC), dirigido por el Fundador y Director Artístico, Francisco J. Núñez, serán los invitados especiales del venerable, sólo para hombres, Club de la Universidad Glee (UGC) de la ciudad de Nueva York en Alice Tully Hall este sábado 17 de enero a las 8 pm.  Núñez, quinto conductor del UGC desde que el coro fue fundado en 1894, conducirá ambos coros en un programa de música clásica y contemporánea, con momentos cumbres que incluyen Gilbert y los piratas de Penzance de Sullivan, y arreglos de canciones del mar. Fundado en 1988, el Coro de Jóvenes de la

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Ciudad de Nueva York colabora con muchos de los mejores artistas e instituciones culturales y ha cantado frecuentemente con UGC desde su primer concierto juntos, en el Alice Tully Hall en 1995. Cada año, más de 1.400 niños de entre 7 y 18 años participan en programas de después de la escuela y en la escuela de YPC, y en 2011, YPC fue reconocido con la Medalla Nacional de Artes y Humanidades de la Comisión Presidencial sobre las Artes y Humanidades. El concierto marca un doble aniversario: los 120 años de UGC y el duodécimo aniversario de la primera colaboración entre UGC y YPC en el Alice Tully Hall, el mismo sitio de su asociación inicial. Todos las entradas cuestan $ 50 y están disponibles en la taquilla del Alice Tully Hall, llamando a CenterCharge al 212.721.6500 o por Internet, en  www.lincolncenter.org. 13

A hot appetizer platter.

Filling, and fitting, for all Story and photos by Mónica Barnkow

M

uch like inns of yore, there is room here for everyone.

Whether it is a three-hour Sunday brunch for your extended clan or a romantic tête a tête, set your GPS to the corner of Bronxdale and Morris Park Avenues. There, 900Park Restaurant throws its doors wide open for all. With three full floors, an outdoor patio space (enclosed to keep you warm during the holiday chill), and the capacity to seat over 300 diners, 900Park’s sheer size can be daunting. But step in, and you will find exposed brick walls, polished blond woods, sheer white curtains and warmly lit rooms that beckon. Bring all the family – whatever the occasion. One recent afternoon, Diane Maggio and her relatives were gathered for lunch, just hours after her mother’s funeral.  “People are kind [here],” explained the regular patron. “They serve you right.” And the food, Italian at heart, earns enthusiasm to spare. “It was cooked to perfection,” said Diane, in reference to the veal Parmesan over linguine she had ordered. Her veal was lightly fried, topped with fresh tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Seated beside her was her brother, Ralph Maggio.

“It was really tender,” said Ariminda Sales of her chicken. 14

There are various dining rooms.

Large parties are welcome.

Traditional Italian dishes abound.

He had ordered the same dish, which he promptly declared “delicious.” But Ariminda Sales, Diane’s goddaughter, had broken with the trend, opting for the chicken Marsala instead. “It was really tender,” she said of her dish, which had been prepared in a sautée of shallots, mushrooms and a touch of Marsala wine. “Just right.” Her relative Madeleine Leggiero enjoyed her own chicken Francaise so much that she was opting to take it slow. “I don’t want it to end,” she said. As they reminisced and broke bread, the Maggio family was deftly tended to by service staff members. “The main objective is customer service, to give customers good food and good attention,” said restaurant hostess María García, of the full restaurant staff, which she estimated ranges between 15 to 20 employees. Busboy Patricio Calle agreed that creating an ideal restaurant experience for patrons was of paramount importance. His employers, he said, prized “quality of service,” above all employee traits. The restaurant has been a popular destination in the Bronx, since its opening six years ago, at the same site where another Italian restaurant, Mama Maria, once stood. After an extensive renovation, the menu was revised to embrace a fuller range of options. There are still familiar dishes throughout the menu. There is every kind of pasta imaginable: manicotti, ravioli, gnocchi,

All are welcome.

The restaurant opened six years ago.

tortellini, spaghetti, capellini, rigatoni, and more. The most popular sauces are marinara, puttanesca, vodka and Bolognese. The list of salads is also extensive. The restaurant’s namesake, 900Park, is a decadent combination of romaine lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, mortadella, provolone, feta cheese, pepperoncini, peppers, onions, cucumbers, olives and bacon. The selection is dizzying, with brick-oven pizzas, hamburgers, seafood, veal, chicken, steak and lamb also served. In addition, there is a daily special. “Every single day,” confirmed García. “Our Lobster Wednesdays are very popular.” An important draw too is the restaurant’s Sunday brunch, during which the place is, simply put, packed. The brunch offers a cold seafood bar, which consists of clams, oysters and shrimp, and a full breakfast buffet. Specials orders can be custom-made. “We’ve been told ours is the best brunch in

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Madeleine Leggiero savored her meal.

the Bronx,” reported García. And while reservations are suggested to cut down on the wait, everyone is welcome. As noted the woman whose responsibility is to greet and seat, “We accommodate everybody.” 900Park Restaurant 900 Morris Park Avenue Bronx, New York 10462 718.892.3830 www.900park.com

nypd from p3

“goes at the very heart of our society and our democracy. When a police officer is murdered, it tears at the fabric of our society.” Liu, 32, was a seven-year NYPD veteran. Ramos, who turned 40 on December, had served two years on the force. Ramos had two sons, who took to Facebook to offer tribute to their father. “This is the worst day of my life,” posted 13-year-old Jaden. “He was there for me everyday of my life, he was the best father I could ask for.” Older son Justin changed his Facebook profile picture to one of his family, and added the caption, “That’s love.” Brinsley had a history of arrests on various charges that included robbery, shoplifting, carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct. According to Bratton, Brinsley’s lastknown address was in Georgia, but he had some ties to Brooklyn. It was the first shooting death of an NYPD officer since Peter Figoski was killed in December 2011 in Brooklyn. Bratton said that the deaths of Ramos and Liu marked the seventh time since 1972 that NYPD partners had been killed together. “Both officers paid the ultimate sacrifice today while protecting the communities they serve,” stated Bratton. - by Gregg McQueen

Lend a Hand

De una mano

Since its founding Desde que se El Oficial 32 years ago, fundó hace 32 años, Ramos the Silver Shield la Fundación Silver recientemente Shield, fundada Foundation, founded celebró sus by New York Yankees por el dueño de 40 años. owner George los New York Foto: Facebook Yankees, George Steinbrenner, has paid for the Steinbrenner, ha education of fallen pagado por la servicemen and educación de women in the tri-state hombres y mujeres area. militares caídos en The Foundation el área tri-estatal. has announced that it La Fundación is seeking donations ha anunciado que for Officer Rafael está buscando Ramos’ sons Justin donaciones para and Jaden. los hijos del Oficial Officer Wenjian Rafael Ramos, Justin Liu did not have y Jaden. Officer Ramos children. El Oficial Wenjian recently celebrated Justin Ramos is a Liu no tenía hijos. his 40th birthday. student at Bowdoin Justin Ramos es estudiante en Photo: Facebook College in Maine, Bowdoin College en Maine, mientras while Jaden attends Charles O. Dewey que Jaden asiste a Charles O. Dewey MS in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. MS en Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Contributions can be made Las contribuciones pueden tdirectly at: Silver Shield hacerse directamente a la Foundation, 870 United Nations Fundación Silver Shield, 870 Plaza, 1st Floor, New York, NY United Nations Plaza, 1er. piso, 10017. Nueva York, NY 10017. For additional information, Para obtener información please visit www. adicional, por favor visite www. silvershieldfoundation.org. silvershieldfoundation.org.

nypd de p3

compañeros del NYPD muertos juntos desde 1972. “Ambos oficiales hicieron el mayor sacrificio hoy, protegiendo a las comunidades a las que sirven”, dijo Bratton. - Por Gregg Moqueen Paying respects Officer Rafael Ramos’s family will hold a wake at Christ Tabernacle Church, located at 64-34 Myrtle Avenue, in the Glendale section of Queens on Friday, Dec. 26th from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. The funeral has been set for Sat., Dec. 27th at 10 a.m., also at Christ Tabernacle Church. Arrangements for Officer Wenjian Liu were pending at press time, as his relatives will be traveling from China to New York. Para rendir condolencias La familia del oficial Rafael Ramos llevará a cabo una vigilia en la iglesia ‘Christ Church Tabernacle’, ubicada en 64-34 Myrtle Avenue, en la sección de Glendale de Queens este viernes, 26 de diciembre de 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. El funeral sera el sábado diciembre 27 a la 10:00 a.m., también en la Iglesia ‘Christ Church Tabernacle’. Arreglos para Oficial Wenjian Liu están pendientes, mientras sus familiares viajan desde China a Nueva York.

DINING ABOUT TOWN Try one of these eateries for your next meal or party.

IndIan Road Café Eclectic American 600 W. 218th St. at Indian Rd. 212-942-7451 www.indianroadcafe.com Mon-Thu: 7am-10pm Fri-Sat: 7am-11pm Sun: 8am-9:30pm LOCAL OWNERS, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, LOCAL FOOD

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by La Rosa Fine Foods 212-923-9100 www.manolotapas.net Mon-Thu: 12pm - 1am Fri-Sun: 12pm -2am Flamenco LIVE! on Wednesdays

Dominican Steakhouse 4139 Broadway at W. 175th St. 212-781-3231 The grill is front and center at El Conde so you know you will get your steak cooked to perfection. Families also flock here for seafood, specialty pastas and salads. Ask about drink specials from the fully stocked bar.

e iD gu thern Manhattan

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3931 Broadway near W. 165th St. 212 927-4800 Mon-Sat: 6am to 9pm Sun: 7am to 6pm 5025 Broadway (located at 214th St. and Broadway) 212 569-1532 Mon-Fri: 7am to 8pm Sat: 7am to 7pm Sun: 9am to 6pm www.carrottoppastries.com We Cater

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

15

A full house, with open doors

Story by Erik Cuello

W

hen the moment came, there was not an empty seat in the majestic Great Hall, the chapel assembly hall within Shepard Hall.

The Dominican Studies Institute (DSI) of the City University of New York (CUNY) held its Dominican Intellectual Legacy Gala earlier this month at City College, and as the evening wore to an end, Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson asked for all the graduates of the country’s largest urban university in attendance to stand. As the majority of the room’s over 500 members rose, they were quickly joined by family, friends and colleagues who joined in applauding their achievements. CUNY reports an enrollment of over 26,000 self-identified Dominicans students across the 24 college campuses, one of the greatest concentrations of Dominican students in the world. The Gala, held on Sat., Dec. 5th, was hosted in recognition of the Institute’s 20th anniversary. “This is what CUNY has always represented,” said Hershenson. “[This event] in the Great Hall is exactly the right place. Because of the tradition CUNY represents

Dr. Ramona Hernández spoke at the Dominican Intellectual Legacy Gala.

in helping immigrants move through society, climb the social and economic ladder, and become the new leaders of our nation.” Founded in 1992, the DSI is the nation’s first university-based research institute dedicated to the study of individuals and issues pertaining to the Dominican diaspora everywhere – in New York and throughout the United States, on the island itself, and throughout the world. In introducing keynote speaker City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, DSI Director Dr. Ramona Hernández noted that the Speaker had forged a path familiar to many in the room. “We could not have chosen a better

Casa llena, con puertas bien abiertas Historia por Erik Cuello

C

uando llegó el momento no había un asiento vacío en el majestuoso ‘Great Hall’, el salón capilla dentro del ‘Shepard Hall’. El Instituto de Estudios Dominicanos (DSI, por sus siglas en inglés) de la Universidad de la Ciudad de Nueva York (CUNY) celebró su Gala de Legado Intelectual Dominicano a principios de este mes en el City College, y mientras la tarde llegaba a su fin, el Vice Canciller Jay Hershenson le pidió a todos los graduados de la universidad urbana más grande del país que se pusieran de pie. Mientras la mayoría del salón con más de 500 miembros se levantó, rápidamente se les unieron la familia, amigos y colegas que se sumaron a aplaudir sus logros. CUNY reporta una matricula de más de 26,000 auto identificados estudiantes dominicanos a través de los 24 recintos, una de las concentraciones más grandes de estudiantes dominicanos en el mundo.

El Proyecto destaca los logros de los estudiantes dominicanos en CUNY. 16

“El City College me abrió las puertas”, dijo el Concejal Ydanis Rodríguez.

La Gala, celebrada el sábado, 5 de diciembre fue en reconocimiento del Aniversario 20 del Instituto. “Esto es lo que CUNY siempre ha representado”, dijo Hershenson. “Este evento en el ‘Great Hall’ es exactamente el lugar perfecto. Debido a la tradición que representa CUNY ayudando a los inmigrantes a moverse a través de la sociedad, subir la escalera social y económica, y convertirse en los nuevos líderes de nuestro país”. Fundada en el 1992, DSI es la primera

“This is what CUNY has always represented,” said Senior Vice Chancellor Jay Hershenson.

keynote Speaker,” said Dr. Hernández. “She is a proud graduate of Baruch College, where she studied Public Administration under the National Urban Fellows Program. She is one of you, she is one of us.” Speaker Mark-Viverito lauded the Institute’s work. “We celebrate the 20 years of excellence and appreciation for the rich contribution of the Dominican people in this city and this nation,” she said. “Thanks to the people in this room, the Dominican Studies Institute is renowned around the world as a true testament to the Dominican success story.” And she singled out Dr. Hernández’s commitment in particular: “She breathes this stuff”. Councilmember Ydanis Rodríguez noted

Keynote Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.

that the Institute was an example of how CUNY served as an institution of support and advancement for the city’s diverse residents, including himself. “Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, I came here at the age of 18 not speaking one word of English,” said Councilmember Rodríguez. “Being able to get an opportunity at City College opened doors. It allowed me to get the best degree that I got—in activism.” Among other elected officials in attendance were State Senator Adriano Espaillat; Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer; Deputy Manhattan Borough President Aldrin Bonilla; Councilmembers Julissa Ferreras See GALA p23

Citizen Schools New York Information Session How can you make an impact on education in New York City? Sign up for an information session to learn more about volunteering to teach middle school students an “apprenticeship,” or semester-long hands on learning project. Location: Gould Conference Room 55 Exchange Place, 6th Floor Dates and Times: Tuesday, January 6th from 6:00-7:00pm Wednesday, January 14th from 12:00-1:00pm Thursday, January 22nd from 9:00-10:00am Wednesday, January 28th from 5:00-6:00pm   What is Citizen Schools? Citizen Schools is an education nonprofit that partners with public middle schools in under-served New York City communities to expand the learning day. We do this by providing hands-on and relevant lessons for students they may not experience during regular school hours. What is Citizen Schools’ mission? Our mission is to engage young people with real-world opportunities in their learning experience and make sure they are supported and motivated to succeed. How does Citizen Schools work? We bring volunteer professionals into the classroom to teach their knowledge and expertise through project-based apprenticeships. When students are able to learn from authentic professionals, like you, they can start to make connections between what they are learning in school and the real world.  How do apprenticeships work? Apprenticeships are 10 week volunteer-led classes that take place once a week from 4:15-5:40 pm. The final student showcase at the end of the apprenticeship, called the “WOW!,” allows students the opportunity to share what they’ve learned and accomplished throughout the semester.    How to get involved: For more information and to speak to a member of our Civic Engagement team, please visit http://www.citizenschools.org/volunteer/sign-up/ or go to www.citizenschools. org, New York Events. 

Vea GALA p23

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

COMMUNITY from p5

Annual Black Comic Book Festival The Schomburg Center’s Third Annual Black Comic Book Festival will take place on Sat., Jan.17th and will celebrate the rich tradition of black comics in a full-day event featuring panel discussions, film screenings, hands-on workshops and exhibit tables with premier black comic artists from across the country. The Schomburg Center’s Black Comic Book Festival is presented by the Junior Scholars Program in collaboration with Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boyz) and John Jennings (SUNY Buffalo/Black Kirby). To register for the event, please visit www.schomburgcenter.eventbrite.com and for more information, please contact [email protected]. Festival  anual de libros de comics negros El tercer festival anual de libros de comics negros del centro Schomburg tendrá lugar el sábado 17 de enero y celebrará la rica tradición de un evento de día completo de comics negros que contará con foros de discusión, proyección de películas, talleres prácticos y mesas de exhibición con los principales artistas de comics de todo el país. El festival de libros de comics negros del centro Schomburg es presentado por el programa Junior Scholars en colaboración con Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boyz) y John Jennings (SUNY Buffalo/Black Kirby). Para inscribirse al evento, por favor visite www.schomburgcenter. eventbrite.com y para más información, por favor contacte a [email protected].

2009 Kennedy Center honoree Grace Bumbry makes a U.S. appearance to sing Brahms’ master work, Alto Rhapsody (Op.53), conducted by Ted Taylor. This performance will be co-conducted by the conductor Ramon B. Braxton. The concert will take place at The United Theater Palace located at 4140 at 175th Street and Broadway. Please call 1.800.838.3006 to order tickets and/or for special seating arrangements or wheelchair access. For more information, please call 212.568.6700.

Art from Ajala by N Steven Harris and Robert Garrett.

Arte de Ajala por N Steven Harris y Robert Garrett.

Celebrando a King El sábado 17 y el lunes 19 de enero, Courtney’s Stars of Tomorrow honrarán la vida y logros del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., musicalmente. El grupo es un conducto artístico comprometido con la promoción y presentación Legendary mezzo-soprano will honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

de músicos clásicos, y busca presentarlos en conciertos, recitales y ópera. Se dirige a un público de distintas generaciones y étnicamente diverso de amantes de la música clásica y los que nunca han estado expuestos al medio. Para la celebración del Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., la legendaria mezzosoprano y homenajeada en 2009 del centro Kennedy, Grace Bumbry, hará una aparición en Estados Unidos para cantar la obra maestra de Brahms, Alto Rhapsody (Op.53), dirigida por Ted Taylor. Esta actuación será co-dirigida por el director de orquesta Ramón B. Braxton. El concierto tendrá lugar en el Teatro United Palace, ubicado en el 4140 de la calle 175 y Broadway. Por favor llame al 1.800.838.3006 para comprar boletos y/o para asientos especiales o acceso con silla de ruedas. Para másinformación, llame al 212.568.6700. Legendaria mezzosoprano honrará al Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Celebrating a King On Sat., Jan. 17th and on Mon., Jan. 19th, Courtney’s Stars of Tomorrow will honor the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in music. The group is an arts conduit committed to promoting and presenting classical musicians, and seeks to feature them in concert, recital, and opera. It targets a multi- generational, ethnically diverse audience of both classical music lovers and those who have never been exposed to the medium. For the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, legendary mezzo-soprano and

December at the Armory

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

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Fariña de p8

Senior Advisor Maite Junco served as moderator. Fariña from p8

or graduation rates. Another major Fariña announcement this year was the elimination of the letter grade system for judging schools, replaced by a School Quality Guide. “Those letter grades were often misleading,” said Fariña. “There are a lot of ways to judge a good school.” The new guide was designed to be more parent-friendly and distill more complete information about the performance of the school over time, said Wallack. “On the guide, we ask teachers at the school, ‘Would you send your child here?’ — that says a lot,” remarked Fariña. The topic of bullying, routinely a chief concern of parents, was also discussed. “Every school has to have a policy on

bullying,” said Gibson. “Parents should ask their schools what it is.” When questioned about parent complaints that city schools are overcrowded, Fariña suggested that notion was overblown. “What some people call overcrowded is really not,” she remarked. To have a UPK program, you need at least 18 children in a class, and the legal limit of students from fourth grade up is 32 per class, Fariña explained. Fariña said she only considers two or three sections of the city to have overcrowded schools — certain sections of Queens and Brooklyn. “The ones that are most overcrowded have children who are not showing up on the Census report,” she said. For more on the Chancellor’s initiatives, please visit www.schools.nyc.gov.

MCU ACCEPTING 2015 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

$66,000 in Scholarships Available for College-Bound High School Seniors Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is currently accepting applications for the 2015 Scholarship Program. MCU will award $66,000 in scholarship grants to college-bound graduating high school seniors: eight memorial scholarships worth $5,000 each and 13 grants of $2,000 respectively. Eligibility in the MCU Scholarship Program is open to all MCU members and the children or grandchildren of a member in good standing. Selection is based on academic performance, extracurricular and community activities, references, and an essay expressing personal goals. Additionally, students applying for the scholarships who are also MCU members will also automatically be entered for a $500 statewide Public Relations and Marketing Council Scholarship.  “MCU is deeply committed to supporting the youth throughout the communities our members work and live. Our Scholarship Program is one way we achieve this by recognizing and rewarding young people for their outstanding academic performance and community service,” said MCU President/CEO Kam Wong. “We hope our scholarships will enable these students to achieve their goals and succeed in their future endeavors.” Last year, Jolene Sysak of New York, NY was awarded MCU’s Louise DeBow Memorial Scholarship. She used the $5,000 scholarship to study pre-medicine at Brooklyn College. Applications for MCU’s 2015 Scholarship Program are available at Manhattan branches located at 280 St. Nicholas Avenue and 2 Lafayette Street, on MCU’s website, www.nymcu.org, and also at any MCU branch. The deadline for completed applications to be submitted is January 31, 2015.  MCU will hold a special awards reception in the spring of 2015 to recognize the eight $5,000 scholarship winners. In addition to these scholarships, MCU also awards valedictorian/ salutatorian recognition awards to graduating high school seniors. Municipal Credit Union (MCU) is the oldest credit union in New York State and one of the oldest and largest in the Country. Established in 1916 and headquartered in New York City, today MCU has assets of over $2.0 billion and offers a full range of financial services to its over 350,000 members. For more information about Municipal Credit Union, visit www.ymcu.org.

La nueva guía fue diseñada para ser más amigable con los padres y destilar información más completa sobre el desempeño de la escuela através del tiempo, dijo Wallack. “En la guía, preguntamos a los maestros de la escuela: ¿Enviaría a su hijo aquí?, lo que dice mucho”, comentó Fariña. El tema de la intimidación, habitualmente una mayor preocupación de los padres, también se discutió. “Cada escuela debe tener una política sobre la intimidación”, dijo Gibson. “Los padres deben preguntar a sus escuelas en qué consiste”. Cuando se le preguntó acerca de las quejas de los padres sobre que las escuelas de la ciudad están superpobladas, Fariña sugirió que

esa noción es exagerada. “Lo que algunos llaman sobrepoblación no lo es realmente”, remarcó. Para tener un programa UPK se necesitan por lo menos 18 niños en una clase, y el límite legal de estudiantes de cuarto grado en adelante es de 32 por clase, explicó Fariña. La Canciller dijo que considera que sólo dos o tres sectores de la ciudad tienen escuelas sobrepobladas: ciertos sectores de Queens y Brooklyn. “Las que están más superpobladas tienen a niños que no están aparecen en el informe del censo”, explicó.  Para más sobre las iniciativas de la canciller, favor visite www. schools.nyc.gov.

De izquierda a derecha: Milady Báez, directora ejecutiva senior del Departamento de Estudiantes del Idioma Inglés (ELLs por sus siglas en inglés) y Apoyo al Estudiante; la canciller Fariña y la canciller escolar adjunta senior, Dorita Gibson.

MCU ESTA ACEPTANDO SOLICITUDES DE BECAS PARA 2015 $ 66,000 en becas disponibles para estudiantes del último año de secundaria que se encaminen hacia la universidad La Unión de Crédito Municipal (MCU) está aceptando solicitudes para el Programa de Becas de 2015. MCU otorgará $ 66,000 en becas a estudiantes de secundaria que se estén por graduar y por comenzar la universidad: ocho becas conmemorativas de $ 5.000 cada una y 13 becas de $ 2,000. Son elegibles para el Programa de Becas de MCU todos los miembros de MCU y los hijos o nietos de un miembro de buena reputación. La selección se basa en el rendimiento académico, actividades extracurriculares y comunitarias, referencias, y en un ensayo expresando objetivos personales. Además, los estudiantes que soliciten las becas que también sean miembros de MCU serán automáticamente elegibles para una beca a nivel estatal para Relaciones Públicas y Concejo de Marketing de $ 500. “MCU está profundamente comprometido a apoyar a los jóvenes a través de las comunidades en que nuestros miembros trabajan y viven. Nuestro Programa de Becas es una manera de lograr esto al reconocer y premiar a los jóvenes por su sobresaliente rendimiento académico y de servicio a la comunidad “, dijo el Presidente y CEO de MCU, Kam Wong. “Esperamos que nuestras becas permitan que estos estudiantes alcancen sus metas y tengan éxito en sus proyectos futuros.” El año pasado, a Jolene Sysak de Nueva York, NY se le otorgó la beca Louise DeBow Memorial de MCU. Ella utilizó la beca de $ 5,000 para estudiar pre-medicina en la Universidad de Brooklyn. Las solicitudes para el Programa de Becas de la MCU 2015 están disponibles en las sucursales de Manhattan situadas en 280 St. Nicholas Avenue y 2 Lafayette Street, en la página web de MCU, www. nymcu.org, y también en cualquiera de las sucursales de MCU. La fecha límite para presentar las solicitudes completas es el 31 de enero de 2015. MCU dará una recepción de premios especial en la primavera de 2015 para reconocer a los ocho ganadores de las becas de $ 5.000. Además de estas becas, MCU también otorga premios de reconocimiento valedictorian/ salutatorian a estudiantes de último año de secundaria. La Unión de Crédito Municipal (MCU) es la cooperativa de crédito más antigua del estado de Nueva York y una de las más antiguas y más grande del país. Fundada en 1916 y con sede en la ciudad de Nueva York, hoy MCU tiene activos de más de $ 2,0 billones y ofrece una gama completa de servicios financieros a sus más de 350.000 miembros. Para obtener más información sobre la Unión de Crédito Municipal, visite www.nymcu.org.

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

19

Remembering Carmel Collins Carmel Collins, beloved mother of

community activist, leader, and friend Martin Collins, passed away on Sat., Dec. 20th at the age of 85. Her wake will be held on Tues., Dec. 23rd from 2 p.m. – 5p.m. and from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Riverdale Funeral Home, located at 5044 Broadway, at 214th Street. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Wed., Dec. 24th at 10 a.m. at St. Gabriel’s Church, at 3250 Arlington Avenue in the Bronx. For more information, please email Martin at [email protected].

DANCE from p12

Hebrew Tabernacle, 185th and Ft. Washington Ave., is looking for a part-time BOOKKEEPER. 10 hours a week, flexible schedule. $20/hour, no benefits. Duties include managing non-profit ledgers in QuickBooks: Accounts payable, Accounts receivable, Balance sheet, Deposits. Sarah, in blue, and Alisa, in grey, had other morning meetings.

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salir a trabajar cuando la fiesta concluyera a las 10:00 am, estaban bien vestidos para la fiesta. Daybreaker fue ideado por Matthew Brimer, cofundador de General Assembly, una escuela startup de codificación y los medios digitales, y Radha Agrawal Super Sprowtz, quien promueve el bienestar y la nutrición saludable en toda la ciudad. Es un ejercicio combinado, un evento de “El lavado de creación de redes y mini festival matutino. Brimer cerebro del amor”. dijo a la multitud que la idea se le ocurrió mientras cenaba con amigos hace poco más de un año. y Alisa, contemplaban la pista de baile. Dijeron En lugar de comenzar la mañana con un sentir el ritmo, pero que no estaban listas para entrenamiento espartano, pensó que una sobria brincar a la pista. Sarah escuchó sobre el evento fiesta de baile era una mejor alternativa. a través de YPlan, una aplicación que enlista Ahora Daybreaker lleva a cabo eventos los eventos de Nueva York. “Es bueno ver tanta matutinos en Nueva York, Londres, San energía saludable en la sala”, dijo Sarah. Francisco, Los Ángeles y Atlanta. Su amiga estaba Se espera que más ciudades concentrada en el futuro. participen, como: Sao Paulo, “Tengo una reunión a las 9 Tel Aviv, Cape Town y Mumbai. a.m.”, dijo Alisa. “Espero que También planean lanzar eventos el barco llegue al muelle a de fin de semana con meditación tiempo”. y yoga. A los pocos minutos pisaron La razón por la que funciona, pista de baile. Casi todo el según Jesse Israel, es debido a mundo estaba bailando, pero Músicos en vivo. lo que llama “la ciencia del baile”. algunas almas fuertes estaban Israel, miembro del equipo Daybreaker, dijo que fuera en el frío, subiendo a Instagram imágenes cuando la gente baila en un estado sobrio un del horizonte del Bajo Manhattan al amanecer y pasan muchas cosas. la estatua de la Libertad. También podían sacarse El cuerpo dispara más células T, estimulando una foto con Santa Claus, o conseguir un haiku el sistema inmune. El cuerpo también libera libre. un “lavado de cerebro del amor” de sustancias Después de que el barco atracó, doscientas químicas, incluyendo serotonina, dopamina y personas eufóricas se alejaron de la autopista otros neurotransmisores como las endorfinas, que del West Side. Una se fue diciendo casualmente: ayudan a recordar cosas. “Siento que el amor me lavó el cerebro”. “Al ser una parte de Daybreaker”, argumentó “Pero creo que el trabajo hará que lo olvide”. Israel “, se activa el lavado de cerebro del amor”. Para más información, por favor visite El jueves, dos jóvenes profesionales, Sarah dybrkr.com.  20

Carmel Collins, la querida madre del activista de la comunidad, líder y amigo Martin Collins, falleció el sábado, 20 de diciembre a la edad de 85. Su vigilia se celebrará el martes, 23 de diciembre de 2 a 5 p.m. y de 7 a 9 p.m. en la casa funeraria Riverdale, ubicada en 5044 Broadway, en la intersección con la calle 214. La Misa de la Resurrección se celebrará el miércoles, 24 de diciembre a las 10 am en la iglesia de San Gabriel, en el 3250  de Arlington Avenue, en el Bronx. Para obtener más información, envíe un correo electrónico a Martin [email protected].

BOOKKEEPER WANTED:

Full house.

“I have a 9 a.m. meeting,” Alisa said. “I hope the boat docks on time.” They hit the dance floor a few minutes later. Nearly everyone was dancing, but some hardy souls were outside in the cold, Instagramming images of the Lower Manhattan skyline at dawn and the Statue of Liberty. You could also get your photo taken with Santa, or get a free haiku. After the boat docked, two hundred elated people walked away from the West Side Highway. One of was overheard saying, “I feel the ‘love brain wash,’” she said. “But I think work will wash it away.” For more info, please visit dybrkr.com.

Recordando a Carmel Collins

Please contact Sheldon Koy and send a resume to [email protected] or call 212 568-8304 and leave your name and contact info.

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december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

The exhibit continues until January. EXHIBIT from p10

At 50, Robert is the minister of The Church of the Heights. He told Gradess that a mortar and pestle grinds spices and removes shells to release inner goodness. “In ‘bad’ neighborhoods, where people have shells around them, I open them out and open their goodness,” he said.  “What are you thankful for?” asked Gradess, rhetorically. “You don’t even know until life gives you something to do.” Uptown Community Church member Teofila also grew up in the Dominican Republic. Her father was the boss of a large farm and had children with other women. Her older sisters got married and left. Yet one by one, they returned to work on the farm after

their husbands abused them. She figured education was the way out. She’d leave home at 5:30 a.m., and would ford a stream in three places to get to school. She came home to chores in the afternoon. Today, she lives in Northern Manhattan, has two masters degrees and a loving family. “You can say a million thank you’s every day,” said Gradess. “That action infuses you so that you look at the world as filled with miracles.” The “Thanks-Giving” exhibit continues until January 7, 2015. For more information, please visit http://www.hebrewtabernacle. org. Tuwanda Harmon’s art can also be seen at Sister’s Uptown Bookstore until Dec. 31. For more information, please visit Tuwandaharmon.com.

SURVIVOR from p13

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a person tests positive for HIV, they must continue taking medications throughout their lifespan.  “Strict adherence is the key,” said Lunievicz. “It’s a daily medication; you can’t miss.” Complacency can sometimes set in, especially when patients are feeling relatively fine. “I do hear people complain that they’re tired of taking medicines,” said Shelton. “But it’s a small price to pay for saving your life.” In East Harlem, Shelton works primarily with those who have been diagnosed as HIV-positive, to ensure they stay connected with the proper care. Shelton said that her own positive status helps form a bond with clients. “They need somebody they can relate to,” she commented. “They don’t want to hear from someone who read about HIV in a book. I’ve lived it.” Shelton also works as a consultant and guest speaker, frequently doing lectures on how to cope with HIV. She said that over the years, many people have told her she’s a role model, or had saved their life with the advice she provided. “I hear people say that I do good things, but I do them because I care about helping people,” she said. “I still view it as an honor that I get to do what I do.”

seguir tomando los medicamentos durante toda su vida. “El cumplimiento estricto es la clave”, dijo Lunievicz. “Es una medicación diaria, no se puede olvidar”. La complacencia en ocasiones puede establecerse, sobre todo cuando los pacientes se sienten relativamente bien. “Escucho a las personas quejarse de estar cansadas por tomar los medicamentos”, dijo Shelton. “Pero es un pequeño precio que pagar por salvar su vida”. En East Harlem, Shelton trabaja principalmente con aquellos que han sido diagnosticados como VIH-positivos, para garantizar que permanezcan conectados con el cuidado apropiado. Shelton dijo que su propio estatus positivo ayuda a formar un vínculo con los clientes. “Necesitan a alguien con quien identificarse”, comentó. “No quieren saber de alguien que leyó sobre el VIH en un libro. Yo lo he vivido”. Shelton también trabaja como consultora y oradora invitada, frecuentemente haciendo conferencias sobre cómo enfrentarse al VIH. Dijo que en los últimos años, muchas personas le han dicho que es un modelo a seguir, o que sus consejos le salvaron la vida. “Escucho a la gente decir que hago cosas buenas, pero las hago porque me preocupo por ayudar a la gente”, dijo.  “Todavía veo como un honor el tener la oportunidad de hacer lo que hago”.

For more on the work of ACRIA, please visit www.acria.org/aging.

Para más información sobre ACRIA, favor visite www.acria.org/

La sinagoga del tabernáculo hebreo comparte el espacio con dos congregaciones cristianas: la iglesia Uptown y la iglesia de the Heights

Robert es el ministro de la iglesia de the Heights. Foto: Tuwanda Harmon EXHIBICIÓN de p10

que agradecían. Rita es el miembro de mayor edad del tabernáculo hebreo. A sus 104 años se mantiene activa en la comunidad siendo voluntaria en YMYWHA dos días a la semana. Ella vivía en Nuremberg cuando los judíos fueron despojados de su ciudadanía. A los 26 años, ella y su hermano menor, Herbert, huyeron a los Estados Unidos. Era 1937, hablaban poco inglés y no tenían dinero ni trabajo. Cuando Rita consiguió un empleo como niñera, ahorró lo suficiente para conseguir las declaraciones juradas requeridas para las visas de sus padres. Compró sus pasajes para Estados Unidos un año después, en vísperas de Kristallnacht, el comienzo no oficial del Holocausto. La reflexión de Harmon sobre la vida de Rita es multicolorida y presentada en capas, con imágenes de Alemania, estadounidenses, la niña que cuidaba y una reunión de las dos mujeres 70 años después. Combinó historias de noticias y fotos propias de Rita para el arte digital. “Quedé muy impresionada por su obra”, dijo Harmon, quien creó todas las imágenes de la exposición en un iPad. Robert creció en barrios difíciles de la República Dominicana y Washington Heights. Se comunicaba con los puños y no era un desconocido entre las pandillas. Cuando invitó a salir a una chica, la madre de la joven estaba comprensiblemente dudosa. Ella trató de mantenerlo a raya con una invitación para estudiar la biblia. En cambio, él la tomó como a un salvavidas.

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Una pieza original enfocada en Amaryllis, miembra de la iglesia Uptown.

A los 50, Robert es el ministro de la iglesia de the Heights. Le dijo a Gradess que un mortero muele especias y elimina conchas para liberar la bondad interior. “En los barrios malos, donde las personas tienen conchas alrededor, las abro y dejo salir su bondad”, dijo. “¿De qué estás agradecido?”, preguntó Gradess. “Ni siquiera lo sabes hasta que la vida te da algo que agradecer”. Teófila, miembro de la iglesia comunitaria Uptown también creció en la República Dominicana. Su padre era el jefe de una granja y tuvo hijos con otras mujeres. Sus hermanas mayores se casaron y se fueron. Sin embargo, una por una, regresaron a trabajar en la granja ya que sus maridos abusaban de ellas. Pensó que la educación era la salida. Salía de su casa a las 5:30 am, vadeando un arroyo en tres lugares para llegar a la escuela. Llegaba a casa para los quehaceres de la tarde. Hoy vive en el norte de Manhattan, cuenta con dos maestrías y una familia amorosa. “Puedes decir un millón de gracias de todos los días”, comentó Gradess. “Esa acción te infunde tanto que miras el mundo lleno de milagros”. La exposición “Thanks-Giving” continuará hasta el 7 de enero de 2015. Para obtener más información, visite http://www.hebrewtabernacle. org. El arte de Tuwanda Harmon también puede verse en la librería Sister’s Uptown hasta el 31 de diciembre. Para mayor información, por favor visite Tuwandaharmon.com. 21

Reviewing the facts.

Volunteers sang “Feliz Navidad.” GIFT from p9

every 6 months. He also recommended using ADAapproved toothpastes that contain fluoride, and cutting down on the consumption of sweets. Among the volunteers on Thursday were many CDM undergraduate students contemplating careers in the dental field. Ilana Dashut is an undergraduate sociology student at Hunter College. She recently decided, quite unexpectedly, that she wanted to become a dentist. “I got to see a procedure during sophomore year of college,” said Dashut, referring to a

root canal her mother underwent, while she stood by her side “for moral support.” While others might have cowered at the sight, Dashut fell in dental love. Besides volunteering at “Dental Santa Day,” Dashut also shadows dental progfessionals at Beth Israel Medical Center and at the 72nd Street Dental Care. She is planning to apply to dental school. For Annie Zhao, the appeal is slightly different. “[It is] very hands-on,” said Zhao, a student at Binghamton University. She is in the process of applying to Columbia, NYU, Rutgers and the University of Pennsylvania to become a pediatric dentist. “If you start

Se mostró un video informativo.

when kids are young, you prevent things in the future.” “And I like to see smiles,” she added, while flashing her own. The children joined in displaying their grins, some gap-toothed, as well their newly acquired facts. “After you eat, you [have to] brush your teeth and tongue,” warned Leslie Barrueco. Salem Shehaden expanded on her point “You need to brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes so no sugar bugs get on them.” For more information on the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, please visit http://dental.columbia.edu/.

Ilana Dashut suits up.

“Estamos haciendo un impacto”, dijo Steven Chussid, Director de la División de Odontología Pediátrica. Residente Karen Etzion y estudiante.

Leslie Barrueco abraza un oso. REGALOS de p9

preocupación. “En general, aquí tenemos más enfermedades dentales que el promedio nacional”, reportó Stephen E. Marshall, Profesor Asociado de Medicina de Clínica Dental y Decano de Programas Extramurales en el Colegio de Medicina Dental (CDM, por sus siglas en inglés). Ha trabajado en el colegio por 25 años, y piensa que hay una serie de factores que convergen a causar pobre salud oral. “No hay suficientes dentistas”, dijo Marshall. Y tenemos que hacer un mejor trabajo educando a las personas acerca de la salud oral y prevención de enfermedades dentales”. Añadió que las enfermedades dentales son 22

“100 por ciento prevenibles”. Para resolver en parte la escasez de dentistas, CDM provee un integral cuidado dental a través de programas de alcance en la comunidad. “Estoy muy orgulloso de los servicios que ofrecemos”, dijo Steven Chussid, Director de la División de Odontología Pediátrica. “Estamos haciendo un impacto”.  Los servicios apuntan hacia las poblaciones más vulnerables: niños y los ancianos. El Programa ElderSmile, por ejemplo, provee un cuidado muy necesitado para los ancianos residentes en el Norte de Manhattan. Además, desde el 2002, el primer viernes de febrero, en colaboración con la Asociación Dental Americana (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés), se organizan exámenes gratis para los niños

para promover conciencia en la salud oral y tratamiento. “Buscamos proveerle a los niños un examen a temprana edad y proveer información a los padres para que puedan preveer las cavidades y otras enfermedades orales”, dijo Chussid, quien recomienda que los niños visiten un dentista por lo menos cada seis meses. También recomendó utilizar pastas dentales aprobadas por ADA que contengan fluoruro y bajar el consumo de dulces. Entre los voluntarios el jueves se encontraban muchos estudiantes no graduados del CDM contemplando carreras en el campo dental. Por ejemplo, Ilana Dashut es una estudiante no graduada en sociología en el Colegio Hunter. Recientemente decidió, inesperadamente, que quería ser dentista. Tuve la oportunidad de ver un procedimiento el segundo año en la universidad”, dijo Dashut, refiriéndose a un ‘root canal’ al cual su madre se sometió, mientras ella permaneció a su lado para “apoyo moral”. Mientras que otros podrían haberse acobardado, Dashut se enamoró. Además de ser voluntaria en el “Día Dental

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

de Santa”, Dashut también visita a profesionales dentales en el Centro Médico Beth Israel y en el Dental Care en la Calle 72. Para Annie Zhao, es un poco diferente. “Es bien manos a la obra”, dijo Zhao, estudiantes de la Universidad de Binghamton. Está en el proceso de solicitar para Columbia, NYU, Rutgers y la Universidad de Pennsylvania para convertirse en dentista pediátrica. “Si comienzas la prevención cuando están jóvenes, previenes cosas en el futuro”. “Y me gusta ver las sonrisas”, añadió, mientras mostraba la de ella. Los niños se unieron para mostrar sus sonrisas, algunos con dientes separados, como también los recién adquiridos. “Luego de comer, debes de lavarte tus dientes y la lengua”, advirtió Leslie Barrueco. Salem Shehaden expandió en eso. “Tienes que lavarte los dientes dos veces al día por dos minutos para que no permanezcan azucares en ellos”. Para más información del Colegio de Medicina Dental de la Universidad de Columbia, favor de visitar http:// dental.columbia.edu/.

GALA de p16

Ana García-Reyes, Associate Dean for Community Relations at Hostos Community College. GALA from p16

Antonio Reynoso; and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Diana Reyna. Other distinguished guests included Dr. Ricardo Fernández, President of Lehman College; Dr. Felix Matos-Rodríguez, President of Queens College; Ana García-Reyes, Associate Dean for Community Relations at Hostos Community College; José Calderón, President of the Hispanic Federation; and Roberto Perez, of City Hall. In closing, Dr. Hernández pointed to the Dominican Blue Book project, a series of online profiles celebrating the accomplishments of the many generations of CUNY’s Dominican students, and thanked attendees for their support. “With increased funding, we will be able to conduct [more of the] research on Dominicans and our history, [which], we look forward to sharing with you, the community.” For more information on the Dominican Studies Institute, please visit http://www. ccny.cuny.edu/dsi/.

universidad en el país dedicada al estudio de individuos y asuntos pertenecientes a la diáspora dominicana en todas partes – en Nueva York y a través de los Estados Unidos, en la misma isla y en todo el mundo. Al introducir a la oradora la Concejal Melissa Mark-Viverito, la directora de DSI, la Dra. Ramona Hernández señaló que la oradora había forjado un familiar camino con muchos en el salón. “No podíamos haber escogido una mejor oradora”, dijo la Dra. Hernández. “Ella es una orgullosa graduada del Colegio Baruch, donde estudio Administración Pública bajo el Programa de Becarios de Urbana Nacional. Ella es una de ustedes, es una de nosotros”. La oradora Mark-Viverito elogio el trabajo del Instituto. “Celebramos los 20 años de excelencia y apreciación de la rica contribución de la gente dominicana en esta ciudad y en este país”, dijo ella. “Gracias a las personas en este salón, el Instituto de Estudios Dominicanos es renombrado alrededor del mundo como un verdadero testimonio de la exitosa historia dominicana”. Y señaló en particular el compromiso de la Dra. Hernández: “Ella respira todo esto”. El concejal Ydanis Rodríguez señaló que el Instituto era un ejemplo de cómo CUNY sirve como una institución de apoyo y avance para los diversos residentes de la ciudad, incluyéndose a si mismo. “Nacido y criado en la República Dominicana, vine aquí a la edad de 18 años sin hablar una palabra de inglés”, dijo el concejal Rodríguez. “El haber tenido una oportunidad en el City College me abrió las puertas. Me permitió conseguir el mejor grado que tengo – en activismo”.

De izquierda a derecho: María Morillo, líder de distrito del Norte de Manhattan, la Concejal Julissa Ferreras, Presidenta Diputada del Condado de Brooklyn Diana Reyna y el Enlace Comunal del Senador Adriano Espaillat Nurys de Oleo.

Entre otros oficiales electos que asistieron se encontraba el Senador Adriano Espaillat; Gale Brewer Presidenta del Condado de Manhattan; Presidente Suplente del condado de Manhattan Aldrin Bonilla; los Concejales Julissa Ferreras, Antonio Reynoso; y la Presidenta Suplente del condado de Brooklyn Diana Reyna. Otros distinguidos invitados incluyeron al Dr. Ricardo Fernández, Presidente del Colegio Lehman; el Dr. Felix Matos-Rodríguez, Presidente del Colegio Queens; Ana García-Reyes, Diputada Asociada de Relaciones Comunales del Colegio Comunal Hostos; José Calderón, Presidente de la Federación Hispana y Roberto Pérez de la alcaldía.

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com

Cerrando, el Dr. Hernández señaló el Proyecto ‘Dominican Blue Book’, una serie de perfiles ‘online’ celebrando los logros de muchas generaciones de estudiantes dominicanos de CUNY y agradeció a los presentes por su apoyo. “Con un aumento en los fondos, podríamos conducir más de las investigaciones en los dominicanos y nuestra historia, la cual deseamos compartir con ustedes, la comunidad”. Para más información del Instituto de Estudios Dominicanos, favor de visitar http://www.ccny. cuny.edu/dsi/.

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AcaciaAnswers

Un cafecito con ACDP Director Yerany Marasco has been hosting cafecitos at ACDP’s Audubon Youth Program. Her cafecitos are open to all parents and caretakers of children between the ages of 5 to 18. Yerany wanted to learn about the needs of local families in an informal, open setting. The discussions help ACDP’s staff prioritize what kinds of resources are needed for parents. “We want to be able to empower parents and provide them with knowledge to advocate for themselves and their children,” said Marasco, whose own experience as an immigrant from the Dominican Republic helps her relate to her clients’ needs. It is also a networking opportunity for the parents in the community. So far, the group has hosted workshops on housing, higher education, and parents’ rights – and there are more to come. “We wanted to be more creative and get involved in a different way.”

Yerany Marasco, LMSW “Queremos empoderar a los padres y proporcionarles conocimiento para abogar para sí mismos y para sus hijos”, dice Yerany Marasco, quien auspicia cafecitos con familias de la comunidad. Have a question or a concern? We invite you to write us at [email protected] so that your issue is addressed in our next “Cafecito” column.

¿Tiene usted alguna pregunta o una preocupación? Le invitamos a que nos escriba a [email protected] para que contestarle en nuestra próxima edición de “Un cafecito”.

Acacia in the Community Asociación Comunal de Dominicanos Progresistas (ACDP) 3940 Broadway New York, NY 10032 212.781.5500 www.acdp.org

Audubon Partnership for Economic Development (APED) 513 West 207th Street New York, NY 10034 212.544.2400 www.audubonpartnership.org

Barbee Family Health Center 266 West 145th Street New York, NY 10030 212.690.4002

East Harlem Council for Community Improvement, Inc. 413 E 120th Street New York, NY 10035 212.410.7707

Acacia en la Comunidad

For a full listing of all Acacia’s locations and services throughout New York, please visit www.acacianetwork.org.

www.acacianetwork.org 24

december 24, 2014 • Manhattan Times • www.manhattantimesnews.com