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RegionNet - 25th Annual Feria del Barrio Festival Commemorates Hispanic Culture

Regional and Field Offices Monday, December 8, 2008

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RegionNet > MyRegion Select > Philadelphia > 25th Annual Feria del Barrio Festival Commemorates Hispanic Culture

25th Annual Feria del Barrio Festival Commemorates Hispanic Culture By Katerina Huertas and Max Kaplan

Sunday, September 7, 2008 marked the 25th Annual Feria del Barrio Latino Culture festival, hosted by Taller Puertorriqueño, Raíces Culturales Latinoamericanas, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, and the Hispanic Association of Contractors & Enterprises (HACE). The festival, held at El Centro de Oro (Center of Gold) in Philadelphia, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and authentic Latino food, music, artwork, and dance. This year was no exception: North 5th Street was filled with tables and tents offering pastelillos, pinchos, and pasteles, as well as artisans selling their handmade crafts. Justa López of EBSA provides helpful information to member of the community. Click on photo for larger image.

As part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) outreach program, Latinos… Alza tu Voz (Latinos…Raise Your Voice), the department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) participated and distributed valuable information to the Latino community. The outreach program uses Latino media and community organizations as vehicles to further its mission, to provide the Latino community with information on federal workplace protections. Feria del Barrio is a vivid expression of the culture that is brought to Philadelphia by its Latino communities. Dancers and musical performers from Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and other countries entertained guests on stage, while local talents played music on the sidewalks for passersby. Each year, Feria del Barrio offers community members the chance to learn about local social service agencies and the benefits they offer, ranging from health care to employee rights to children’s literacy. EBSA and OSHA gave informative literature in both English and Spanish for adults and children alike. Both agencies were represented by bilingual employees, which offered a relatable and approachable environment for native speakers.

Community members enjoying Feria del Barrio’s music and cultural festivities. Click on photo for larger image.

“Feria del Barrio offers the Department of Labor an excellent opportunity to join in the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and educate the Latino community about federal workplace protections. It’s a key part of our Alza tu Voz initiative,” said Leni Fortson, regional director of the Office of Public Affairs. The event was a huge success. Community members not only felt appreciated culturally, but also as contributing workers and citizens. This combination of Latino appreciation and outreach made for a unifying experience that embraced neighborhood respect and diversity. Submit news articles or if you would like a particular topic published, email us at: [email protected]

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12/8/2008

RegionNet - Meet the Office of Public Affairs’ Fantastic Four

Regional and Field Offices Monday, December 8, 2008

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RegionNet > MyRegion Select > Philadelphia > Meet the Office of Public Affairs’ Fantastic Four

Meet the Office of Public Affairs’ Fantastic Four Written by: Sarah Collier, Katerina Huertas, Max Kaplan, and Lisa Smythe

The U.S. Labor Department’s Philadelphia Regional Office of Public Affairs (OPA) continues to grow. This fall, OPA welcomed four fantastic college students hailing from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico. OPA interns will assist with press releases, media advisories and event planning now through December. “These credit internships offer useful hands-on experience that will prepare college students for the competitive job market,” said Alisha Brown, assistant regional director of public affairs. “OPA is excited to work with such talented students.”

Sarah Collier Sarah is a senior Corporate Communications major at Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. She is also considering obtaining an education degree. Sarah hopes to study abroad in India for a week during her spring semester. The Office of Public Affairs is Sarah’s first internship. “I am very excited about this position because it will allow me to gain experience in public affairs, as well as provide me with a great opportunity for networking,” she said. Also, Sarah is looking forward to exploring Philadelphia a little more than she has in the past. Besides attending school, she works as a sales representative for Vacation Charters Limited in her hometown. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, watching movies, reading a good book, and, of course, eating a good meal at home, usually one of her grandmother’s recipes. Currently undecided on what she wants to do with her life, Sarah hopes to further her education and travel. Katerina Huertas Katerina Huertas, better known as Kat to her peers, is a senior at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. She is majoring in International Business, Language and Culture and minoring in Political Science. Katerina is currently involved in her college’s choir, Hill Singers, and Student’s Political Science Association (SPSA). As a member of the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club (PBL), she has won various awards in the state and national levels. Katerina also works at the Language Center on campus as a Spanish tutor and as an occasional translator for emigration issues outside of campus. She believes this internship will be a great opportunity to improve her writing skills, experience public affairs issues, and network with people from various agencies. “I trust this internship will give me all the skills I will need to excel after graduation academically and professionally,” said Katerina. In her free time, Katerina is usually found reading books, watching her favorite TV shows, or just hanging out with her friends. Currently, Katerina is in the process of applying to law schools here in the United States and at home in Puerto Rico. In the future, she hopes to practice corporate law or international law. Max Kaplan Max is a sophomore English and Communications major at Chestnut Hill College (CHC) in Philadelphia. Despite a full course schedule, Max is heavily involved in campus activities. He is the vice president of the Chestnut Hill Activities Team (CHAT), where he coordinates campus-wide events for students. He is currently planning a Quidditch tournament, similar to that found in the Harry Potter series. This past summer, Max welcomed incoming CHC freshmen as an Orientation Leader, and continues to guide them as the facilitator of a first-year orientation course for undeclared majors. He also serves as the vice president of communications on the Student Government Association (SGA), and is a Student Ambassador for CHC

http://www.labornet.dol.gov/regions/myregion/philadelphia/OPA_Welcomes_Fantastic_Four.asp

12/8/2008

RegionNet - Meet the Office of Public Affairs’ Fantastic Four

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admissions, where he gives tours to prospective students. His love of people, writing, service, and the city led him to his internship with the Office of Public Affairs (OPA). He is looking forward to becoming part of a great team, learning the ways of public relations, networking, and building a portfolio. “Working in the office of public affairs is going to be great learning experience which I’m certain will open many doors,” says Kaplan. When he isn’t planning events, answering emails, or helping lost freshmen find the cafeteria, Max can be found managing evening shifts at the Quiznos in his hometown, taking pictures, and going to concerts all around Philly. When his years at CHC come to an end, he hopes to attend graduate school and do something he loves.

Lisa Smythe Lisa Smythe is a senior Public Relations major at Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J. She is involved on campus in her sorority, Theta Phi Alpha, and with the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Lisa learned leadership skills through Theta Phi Alpha by serving as Vice President and Ritual Chair. Her responsibilities included being a voice of reason to her chapter, as well as event planning. Also, Lisa is a student worker at the Counseling and Psychological Center at Rowan University. The Office of Public Affairs is her second internship. This past summer she interned at the Deborah Hospital Foundation working in their department of development. Next spring, Lisa will pursue another internship in broadcast media. Lisa is excited to work for the Office of Public Affairs and gain professional experience and networking opportunities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies and being with friends. Her future plans include graduating and finding a career in public relations.

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12/8/2008

RegionNet - Employees Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Several Events

Regional and Field Offices Monday, December 8, 2008

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RegionNet > MyRegion Select > Philadelphia > Employees Celebrate Hispanic Heritage with Several Events

DOL Employees Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Spanish and Salsa Lessons, and a Presentation on Alzheimer’s Disease By Sarah Collier, Lisa Smythe, and Max Kaplan

Hispanic Heritage Month is a culturally-enriching experience for everyone involved, including Department of Labor (DOL) employees. The Hispanic Heritage Committee treated employees to Salsa dance lessons, Spanish language lessons, and an information session on Alzheimer’s disease, which is a growing risk in the Latino community. On Sept. 23, instructors from the Center City Salsa Dance Studios taught employees the dance basics of the Latino culture. Salsa is a traditional Latino dance, which has roots in Cuba, Haiti and Puerto Rico. The tradition can be traced back in American culture to the Click on photo for larger image. 1930s, when Latin music first started to become recognized. The influence of Salsa dance and Latin music can be seen and heard in today’s culture through modern music and entertainment. On Sept. 30, the committee hosted a Spanish language workshop. DOL employees learned basic phrases such as: please – por favor, name – nombre, thank you – de nada, price – la tarifa, and good morning – buenos dias. Spanish is a Romance language derived from Latin roots, and is the third most spoken language in the world. Around 500 million people use the language. As with English, Spanish has different terms and dialects that depend on the specific Spanish-speaking region.

Click on photo for larger image.

On Oct. 8, an information session on Alzheimer’s disease was presented by Su Cartmell, of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. There are an estimated 200,000 Hispanics living with Alzheimer’s in the United States. Language barriers and cultural differences can keep Hispanics from visiting a doctor until later stages of the disease. Cartmell spoke on the importance of educating the Hispanic community on Alzheimer’s to aid in the fight against the disease. For more information on Alzheimer’s disease go to: www.alz.org. Submit news articles or if you would like a particular topic published, email us at: [email protected]

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12/8/2008