Legislators Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

County Legislators celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing three outstanding individuals whose contributions, leadership, and community spirit have made a lasting impact here in Rockland – Doris and Enid Karpeh-Diaz, Co-Founders of Centro De Amigos, and Roberto Germosén, long time member and current President of Quisqueya Sports Club.
The program was hosted by County Legislators Jay Hood Jr. and Paul Cleary, who presented each honoree with a Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature’s highest honor.

“It is a privilege to recognize individuals who do so much for our county and especially Haverstraw,” Rockland County Legislature Chairman Jay Hood Jr. said. “They are truly making a difference when it comes to our seniors and our neighbors, making each person feel valued while also providing invaluable services that make their lives better on a daily basis.”

Hispanic Heritage Month was first established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson and expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to a month-long celebration, running from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to honor the countless contributions of the Latino community across every part of American life – culture, the arts, government, education, and beyond.

From legendary names like Rita Moreno, Tito Puente, Marc Anthony, Roberto Clemente, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor, to the unsung heroes making a difference every day, Hispanic Heritage Month reminds us that history is being made not only on the national stage, but right here in our own neighborhoods.

“Doris Karpeh-Diaz and Enid Karpeh-Diaz are two extraordinary women whose vision, compassion, and leadership have reshaped the way we care for our aging Latino community,” said Legislator Paul Cleary, who along with Chairman Hood, represents Haverstraw.

Doris, a native New Yorker and proud first-generation daughter of immigrant parents, has dedicated over 20 years to serving older adults in the social and medical adult day services fields. Enid, born in Germany and raised in Philadelphia, is also the proud daughter of immigrant parents and has a strong background in law and advocacy. Together, they share not only a life partnership but also a calling – to ensure that our elders age with dignity, surrounded by culture, language, and community.

Their journey began in 2016, when they moved to Haverstraw, a village they instantly fell in love with. What they saw was a vibrant, predominantly Spanish-speaking community filled with hardworking residents who had helped build the village yet were now aging without the support systems they needed.

Motivated by personal experience caring for Enid’s mother, who suffered from dementia, they founded Centro De Amigos, New York State’s first officially recognized culturally specific Social Adult Day Program. Housed in a restored red-brick firehouse, the center is a joyful, trusted space where aging Latino adults can socialize, receive care, and connect with vital services.

From weekly programming and free benefits assistance in Spanish, to holiday celebrations and community meals both on and off-site, Doris and Enid have created a space rooted in community. As Doris explains, “Seniors deserve to grow old in the very communities they helped build – supported, celebrated, and never alone.”

Doris and Enid’s impact reaches beyond Rockland County through education, advocacy, and national collaborations, including with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the National Alliance for Caregiving, Johns Hopkins University, the NYS Department of Health, and others. Yet their mission remains deeply local: to ensure that aging is not about loss, but about belonging.

As Enid shared, “We don’t all age the same way. That’s why culturally grounded care isn’t just important – it’s essential.”

“We proudly recognize Doris and Enid for their groundbreaking work, their love for our elders, and their unwavering belief in the power of being seen,” Legislator Cleary said.

Originally from Tamboril in the Dominican Republic, Roberto Germosén moved to Haverstraw in 2017 and quickly immersed himself in community life. He joined the Quisqueya Sports Club, an organization committed to service, culture, and unity. He is currently serving his third term as President.

The club is a vital support system for many. It distributes free food to families in need, hosts the very popular – and often competitive – domino and softball tournaments, and celebrates Dominican traditions like Independence Day, Three Kings’ Day, and Mother’s Day – keeping culture alive for the next generation.

Roberto has also worked to build bridges across cultures and make the club welcoming to all – including those from Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala, and beyond. As he says, “Latinos always find a way to unite and help one another.”

“His leadership is not about recognition – it’s about service. Or as Roberto puts it, “‘When I get home and sit down, I think about the person we helped that day, and that fills me with satisfaction,’” Legislator Hood said. “It is a true honor to recognize someone whose dedication and heart have made a lasting impact here in Rockland County – Roberto Germosén, a proud Dominican American and a respected leader.”