The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Monmouth County Celebrated Successfully The Hispanic Heritage Month at Branches Catering.
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| Sharmane Gilliam National Anthem Singer |
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The annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and networking event organized by the Latino Chamber of Commerce was a complete success. This year it was held at Branches Catering in West Long Branch. The annual networking dinner event was initiated by Itzel Perez who led the guests to the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States followed by Deacon Arthur Fama of Saint Anthony’s Church Red Bank who said a very appropriate invocation for the evening. His invocation was followed by the exceptional and talented singing of the National Anthem by Sharmane Gilliam. This young lady, who is already stunning audiences, prefers to be called the “QuintEssence”, received a well deserved standing ovation.
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The event continued with remarks made by Louis Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Monmouth County. Suzanne Keller, Program Coordinator, described the Red bank Regional High School program that sponsors Latino Students that have completed high school but lack the financial capability to continue to the next level, college. Two students who have already benefited from the program, Itzel Lopez and Arturo Varela, each spoke of the program benefits, expressing their gratitude and sharing their program experiences.
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| Itzel Perez and Arturo Varela, RBRHS alumnus and Suzanne Keller Program Coordinator |
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| Abraham delivering Proclamations to Itzel Perez and Arturo Valera |
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The Keynote Speaker was Abraham López Executive Director of Hispanic Affairs and The Center for Hispanic Policy, Research and Development, Office of Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno, Department of State, who came through as anticipated, an excellent orator. He made reference to Itzel and Arturo’s achievements and emphasized that “Querer es Poder” (To want is Power). He referred to the potential future of the students and said to the students among other things; you can be whatever you want, a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer, the president of the United States, anything you want, remember, “Querer es Poder”. Many comments were made about his presentation; “He was fresh and inspiring in his speech”, said one, “He will be governor one day” predicted another one, and still another said, I cannot believe he is only 26 years old. In brief, he stimulated, motivated and inspired everyone, young and old. Well done Abraham!!
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| Abraham delivering the Proclamation to Alberto Moreno, President Alberto Moreno Construction, Yesid Vera, President Bayshore Accounting Systems and to Louis Rodriguez, Executive Director Latino Chamber of Commerce. |
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| Abraham Lopez presented Proclamations to the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Monmouth County as well as to the Red Bank Regional High School alumnus Itzel and Arturo. The Proclamation was signed by both Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and Governor Chris Christie. It read so appropriately for the occasion;“it is imperative that we embrace our diverse history so that our children can see themselves in our nation’s past and know that they have a crucial role to play in its future”. He delivered the Proclamation to Alberto Moreno, President Alberto Moreno Construction, Yesid Vera, President Bayshore Accounting Systems and to Louis Rodriguez, Executive Director Latino Chamber of Commerce.
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In a similar manner Amy Mallet, the Monmouth County Freeholder, presented to the Chamber a Proclamation signed by all Board of Chosen Freeholders members. The Proclamation acknowledged that the net proceeds of the dinner would support educational opportunities for Latino students at risk of not being able to continue on to college. The Chamber, through Louis Rodriguez, acknowledged with thanks receipt of the Proclamations provided by both Amy Mallet and Abraham Lopez.
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| Freeholder Amy Mallet delivering a Proclamation to Louis Rodriguez signed by all members of the Board of Chosen of Freeholders |
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The Latino Chamber of Commerce acknowledges with gratitude the support of Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno of NJ State as well as the presence/support of Congressman Frank Pallone, NJ Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angellini, Steve Corodemus, John Pallone, Long Branch Councilman, Mary Jane Cellini, Long Branch Councilwoman, Kathy Horgan, Borough of Red Bank Counciwoman, David Prown, Prown's Home Improvements of Red Bank, Mayor of Asbury Park Ed Johnson, Monmouth County Board of Freeholders Amy Mallet, Alberto Moreno Construction, Ansell Grimm & AARon, Your Home Matters Real State LLC, Centra State, Chilangos Restaurant, El Vecino, Keyport Chamber of Commerce, Latino American Association, Bay Shore Accounting, Investors Bank, Law Offices of Santiago & Assoc., PC, Monmouth Family Health Center Inc., MetLife, Meridian Health, Monmouth County Administration, Monmouth County Medical Center, NJ Discover, PNC Bank, Red Bank Regional High School Source Foundation, Sam’s Club, Shamrock Corporation, The Community YMCA, Valley National Bank, United Way of Monmouth County, Monmouth County Arts Council, Monmouth County Boys Scouts Council, Hispanic Affairs , Latino Outreach, Brookdale Community College, Wells Fargo Bank.
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There were two groups that danced typical dances from the neighboring country of Mexico. The 4-H Group which included only children and the Ballet Folkloric Xochipilli which consisted of adults only. The two groups’ dancers , wearing traditional costumes, danced to the sounds of typical Mexican music and to the audience delight. The evening was complemented with the guests dancing to music by the popular DJ William Otero.
The following is photographic of a successful evening:
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| Children from the 4-H Group |
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| Children from the 4-H Mexican group. |
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| Dr Webster Tramell, VP Brookdale CC, Avery Grant and Alberto Moreno, President Alberto Moreno Construction. |
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| Members of the Latino Chamber; Alberto Moreno, Roxy Yousaf, Yesid Vera, Louis Rodriguez and Eduardo Quintero |
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| The Mexican Ballet Xochiplli |
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| The Mexican Dancing Group 4-H |
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| The Wells Fargo Bank Team |
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| Girls from the 4-H |
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| Girls from the 4-H |
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| Frank Dicopoulos, Teja Anderson, Monika Mazurczyk, Louis Rodriguez, Roxy Yousaf and Eduardo Quintero |
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| The Shamrock Corporation Team |
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| Sharmane Gilliam and her mother; Anna and Nicole Navarrete of Meridian Health |
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| Risa Clay, Mike Clay and Gerardo Madriz - RBRHS |
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| Leonardo Cervantes and family owners Chilango Restaurant in Highlands and Carlos Diaz and his wife of Centra State. |
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| Arturo Varela, Itzel Perez, Suzanne Keller and Louis Rodriguez |
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| Deacon Arturo Fama and his wife Edna from Red Bank Saint Anthony of Padua's Church. |
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| Among others Avis McMillion, Vivian De Los Santos from Brookdale CC, Donna Johnson from Meridian’s Corporate Finance Department, Gloria Pizarro and Maria Valencia |
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| Alberto Moreno, Yesid Vera, Abraham Lopez, Itzel Perez, Arturo Varela and Louis Rodriguez |
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| Ray Santiago, Esq, Ed Jonson, Asbury Park Mayor, Vivian De Los Santos, Dr Webster Tramell, Dr Jim Sulton all standing and seating starting at left Jaqueline Mejia-Fuertes and her Daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Monroy and Avis McMillion complete the Brookdale Community College Team |
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| Standing left State Senate Candidate Ray Santiago, Esq., Lester Mallet, Congressman Frank Pallone: seating from left John Pallone, Long Branch Councilman and his wife, Mary Jane Celli, Long Branch Councilwoman, Mr. Pallone Senior, Amy Mallet Monmouth County Freeholder and friend. |
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| Avery Grant, Ray Santiago, Yesid Vera and seating are Ray's fiance and friend |
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| Mrs. Jerry Monroy, Jaqueline Mejia-Fuertes and Avis McMillion all from Brookdale Community College |
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| Latino Chamber Board Members; Alberto and Yesid illustrading their pride on the Chamber banner. |
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| Linda and Bob Ensor, Mentors, Red Bank Regional High School |
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| Rose Madriz with son Sergio and friend Becky which together formed the Latino Chamber reception team. |
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| Monika Mazurczyk, Esq. Jim Stefankiewicz, Superintendent Red Bank Regional HS and Frank Dicopoulos, NJ Discover |
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| Itzel Perez, Arturo Valera, his mother and friend Becky |
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Members’ spouses and/or friends were all welcomed to an occasion to meet all members under a different setting to discuss business opportunities while enjoying the evening dinner and entertainment.
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