Latinos Unidos Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

NEW WINDSOR – Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley hosted their 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration on Friday, October 12 at Anthony’s Pier 9.

As is customary, Dr. Karen Eberle-McCarthy explained the groups mission and provided an overview of what they have been doing for the past year. One of the major highlights was new computer workshops aimed at helping people of all skill levels navigate the internet to find scholarship funds for higher education.

Other highlights for the year included: collaborating with Walgreens to provide free flu shots; a citizen prep class that is bilingual; English as a Second Language classes in cooperation with Mount Saint Mary College; collaborating with Workers Justice Center and Planned Parenthood Mid-Hudson Valley to promote ID cards for over 300 people; collaborating with Latinos in Business Succeeding Together for the first Latino business expo; and actively registering new voters.

Regina McGrade, right, receives the first Hoy Award from Joanne Lugo and Peter Gonzalez during the Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY on Friday, October 12, 2018. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
Regina McGrade, right, receives the first Hoy Award from Joanne Lugo and Peter Gonzalez during the Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY on Friday, October 12, 2018. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Latinos Unidos President Peter Gonzalez was proud to announce that for the first time in the organizations history it would be presenting awards to two individuals – Regina McGrade and Jose Carrion. “The Hoy Award is presented to people who have made a difference in their community,” Gonzalez said.

The first Hoy Award was presented to Regina McGrade. Latinos Unidos Past President Richard Rivera said, “No one is more deserving than Regina to receive this award. She has been a true supporter of Latinos Unidos since its inception.“

Latinos Unidos Executive Secretary Joanne Lugo said McGrade has a genuine love and respect for the Latino community as demonstrated daily at her job at Cornerstone Family Healthcare. She recalled how one of McGrade’s first development initiatives was the health center’s annual Baile Latino Dinner Dance. Lugo then went on to cite several initiatives led by McGrade to promote the health and overall well being of the Latino community.

In accepting her award, McGrade acknowledged her genuine passion for helping others. It is what drives her in her professional life, her volunteer work and most importantly, family.

Members of the Board of Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley celebrated its 17th Anniversary and its 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration at Anthony's Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY on Friday, October 12, 2018. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.
Members of the Board of Latinos Unidos of the Hudson Valley celebrated its 17th Anniversary and its 13th Annual Hispanic Heritage Cultural Celebration at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY on Friday, October 12, 2018. Hudson Valley Press/CHUCK STEWART, JR.

Speaking about Latinos Unidos she said, “If we ever needed a reminder of kindness, collaboration and community, it’s this organization. These people have been wonderful to me; They have been wonderful to the community; They are inspiring.” She concluded, “I am the lucky one. I stand before you, a third generation, Irish-German immigrant family, accepting the first La Hoy Award from Latinos Unidos. How wonderful is that?”

The second Hoy Award was presented to Jose Carrion, the Superintendent at the Wappingers Central School District. He has served in many education positions in the Hudson Valley, from teacher to Assistant Principal to Assistant Superintendent.

Peter Gonzalez noted that Carrion was chosen because, “He is an exception and well needed in education. He is a role model for all young Latinos who strive to accomplish and achieve high goals.”

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