Vida Latina Magazine Vol. 1

SALSA of PUERTO RICO

L.A.M.A

JOSÉTOSAdO

Springfield’Snext Mayor???

Interview With Local Legend Orlando Ortiz¡La Abuelita dice!Tips From Our Kitchen to Yours.

Latin American Motorcycle Assoc. More than a bike club

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Attorney Reinaldo Gonzalez provides legal representation in business, real estate, per-sonal injury matters, and criminal defense

matters. His associates also handle bankruptcy, social security claims, domestic relations and im-migration matters. With offices in Springfield and Boston, he offers services throughout the entire state of Massachusetts. Attorney Gonzalez has vast experience handling some of the most difficult cases. Call 413-788-4541

El Licenciado Reinaldo González provee la mejor representación en casos de negocios, bienes raíces, y lesiones e injurias

personales, casos criminales, reclamaciones de seguro social, bancarrota, divorcios e inmigración. Con bufete abierto en Springfield y Boston, se prestan servicios a las comunides Latinas en todo el estado de Massachusetts. Con larga experiencia y éxito en el campo legal, el Lic. González y sus asociados le ayudan con cualquier tipo de caso, confrontando las más difíciles situaciones. No deje de llamar hoy mismo al 413-788-4541

Representation in:Business & Real Estate

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Tel: 413-788-4541Fax: 413-788-6415

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table of ContentS05....FRoM THE EDIToR08....JoSE DELgADo09.....CHASTELyn RoDRIguEz10....L.A.M.A.11....BEAuTy In THE kITCHEn14....oRLAnDo oRTIz15....JoSE ToSADo17....P.R. CuLTuRAL CEnTER18....ITS ouR TIME (COver sTOry)

19....nuMBER AnD FACTS20....SABoR DE PuERTo RICo

38 School St. Springfield MA 01105

Western MA Edition413-282-VIDA

[email protected]

Publisher: Vida Latina MASS

President/CeO John Padilla Roman

exec. v.President/CFO ernesto Cruz

Public relations/sales Mildred Montalvo

PromotionsAdam Gomez

editor in Chieffemcee Cincere

entertainment editor Mary Huertas

sr. Photographer/Columnist

Darlyn Diaz-Lindsay

Fashion Photography David Blazze

Contributing WriterIsel Osoria

Contributor Louwendy Padilla

Copyright © 2011 by Vida Latina Mass. All rights reserved.

reproduction without consent is Prohibited.

Vida Latina Magazine is a publication of

Vida Latina MASS.Printed In The United states

The opinions of contributing writers may not be the opinion of

Vida Latina Magazine.

Cover Photo: David Blazze (Blazze Photography)Photography: Darlyn Diaz Linsay, Daniel Rosa, (DRosa Photography)Cover Design: John P RomanPrinting : MASS Appeal Printing Company

From the EditorHere we are, a group of young Latino indi-

viduals taking the initiative of creating a magazine OUr way. We are the einstein’s behind this atomic bomb, the monsters behind this machine. Like the Wright brothers who invented the first airplane, we are soaring and innovating a new resource that everyone will benefit from.

In this issue, we will focus on the unique individuals and organizations of the Latino community that are working toward helping this community gain recogni-tion. Not only on a local, but on a national scale as well. respect is what we hope to gain from all of our readers. so its only right that we give respect where respect is due; to our accomplished Latinos. After all, respect is the quality that is most important when es-tablishing any new kind of relationship.

We invite all of our readers to share this journey of print media with us; as we bring forth a publica-tion that not only will discuss topics pertaining to just Latinos, but of topics that will appeal to all ethnic communities across the nation.

It is essential for all of our readers to comprehend that our views and opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of the organizations and political figures mentioned throughout this magazine.

Most are probably wondering the reason behind all content written in english if this is suppose to be a Latino magazine. The answer is, we not only wish to target Latinos that are only of decent. In addition,

we wish to target the children of parents who came from decent. In other words, not all Latinos of our community predominantly speak spanish. In contrast, most predominantly speak english. We wish to relate to them as well. Although this group in particular is targeted, our general purpose is to reach out to everyone across the world regardless of ethnicity or cultural background.

All collaborators of this magazine have a movement of their own. I’m sure you’ve heard of all of our names before. That’s exactly what I’m talking about. As history repeats itself, so do we, right before your eyes. All of us have made an impact on this community in one way or another. so therefore, we have combined our brainstorms, in addition bringing our talents to life. Together, we are a power house movement. Again, this is being done OUr way, which for us, is the BesT way that makes sense.

vida Latina Magazine would like to give special thanks to Carlos Gonzalez, (Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce) Attorney Reinaldo Gonzalez, Javier Mulero, Daniel Rosa, (D. rosa Photography) Barbara Rosas, (The Light Magazine) David Blazze, (Blazze Photography) Ivette Cruz, (Puerto rican Cultural Center) Jose Tosado, Chastelyn Rodriguez, Lily Tyson, DJ Don Chito, Orlando Ortiz, Mike Reyes, Attorney John E. Miller, Telemundo and the community.

As writer, vocalist and emcee I sign off as your....

Editor in Chief,femcee [email protected]

YOUR AD HEREAD

It Is What It IsSpringfield, Springfield,

Springfield..... It’s a tough city to grow up in. The mentality is: “earn respect at any cost necessary,”and for the mild mannered, “let no man disrespect you.” It’s not until you reach a certain level of maturity,that you realize how true respect is earned off of your successes and accomplishments.

Life in Springfield is not looked upon as a precious opportunity to make your mark and experience things that only certain individuals dream about. Instead, life is looked upon as something that is short lived, stressful, and that can be taken away from you at any moment.

It is a city in which fashion trends and your knowledge of hip hop culture earns you a higher status, than becoming a member of the honor society. Planned parenthood, out the window. Credit.... What’s that? It’s the “oh well, that’s who I am, and I ain’t changing for no one” attitude that creates the level of poverty and ignorance that leads to such a violent culture.

It’s a city that lacks respect for the police department. you talk back to a cop in Ny or LA and see what happens.

What impact do drugs have on our community? It’s the number one employer in the city; always hiring with little or no experience. No dress code and no strict rules to abide by. Unfortunately, our youth cannot differentiate between fact and fiction from the individuals they idolize in the Hip Hop culture. The “toughest” thing Kanye West has ever done is steal the limelight from Taylor swift during an award show on MTv. Jay-Z and drug money; yeah right!!!! real estate and stocks in major corporations is how he earns his living now a day. Don’t be mistaken!

Springfield is no different than any other urban city in America. We just live here! Is it a lost cause? you decide. The only way that things will ever change is for the nearly impossible to happen; for the smart kids that have a positive outlook on life to claim the role as the cool kids and for the gang related, drug dealing individuals, that have no respect for their own future, to be looked at as the idiots that they are.

We need to reward the positive and change the front page story from “Two Shootings Took Place in Springfield over the Weekend,” to “Young Hispanic Family Man Starts His Own Business, and Buys a New Home in the Same Year.” Until that takes place in Springfield, this will always be the city with the slogan, “It is what it is!”

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JOSE DELGADOJose Delgado, current Mayoral Aid to

the honorable Domenic J. sarno was born and raised in the North end of spring-field, Ma.

Delgado, a Westfield State University graduate, studied Mass Communications with plans to be an outreach worker and help others.

After graduating college, he joined Americorps, a non profit organization that focuses on helping members of the community. As a member of Americorps, Community service is rewarded with education awards, that can be used to pay for college or any other expenses that have to do with education. Delgado became a member of Americorps with the assistance of the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce, which would then become his work place for the following two years.

While working for the Latino Chamber of Commerce, Delgado was tasked with helping small Latino business owners. He has also helped to coordinate programs for the Latino community.

During the 2010 Census, Delgado worked as a Field supervisor, making sure that everyone in the community was accounted for, therefore playing a role in securing government funds for

the city.recently, he worked

for “ROCA” a program dedicated to helping youths who were gang affiliated and in some cases, ex-convicts. As a counselor, Delgado met with the youths as a mentor and helped them develop skills that in return, would prepare them with confidence for the work field.

Delgado represents and acts on behalf of sarno and is a liaison between the community and city officials.

Delgado is a humble and professional young Latino who has a passion for helping others. These qualities have gained him the admiration and respect of his community. He is a great example for our youth.

Chastelyn RodriguezDarlyn [email protected]

Photography David Blazze

Hair and MakeupJavier Mulero

Chastelyn rodriguez, model, singer, actress and current crown holder of the Miss Diaspora Interna-tional Beauty Com-petition, was born in Springfield, Ma, and raised by both her parents Martin and Blanca rivera. Her beauty combined with talents, have led to her participa-tion in various beauty competitions and other project ventures.

rodriguez is a graduate of American International College with a bachelors degree in sociology and criminal justice. she chose to secure her future by acquiring a degree first, before dedicating herself fully to dreams of stardom.

In 2009, rodriguez was selected from thousands of young ladies to participate in “Nuestra Belleza Latina,”a reality tv show of the spanish television network Univision; in which Latin beauties compete with each other for exposure, $250,000 in cash and prizes and the crown as an accolade for becoming Nuestra Belleza Latina for a year. rodriguez represented Puerto rico,

her parent’s homeland, and made it to the final 12.

In 2010, Rodriguez flew all the way to Catania, Italy, to compete in “The Look of the year,” an inter-national modeling competition in which rodriguez represented Puerto rico once more.

Locally, the 5’7’’ bronze skin beauty, became a cast member of “By Chance Boston,” a mini series that can be found on Youtube.com. she played the role of Jasmin. In edition, rodriguez is one of the hosts of “Lights, Camara, Action,” a bilingual television show that is targeted toward the Latino youth audience; projected to be aired during 2011. The network on which the show will air has not yet been decided.On December 17, 2010 rodriguez

won the “Miss Diaspora Models Interna-tional Beauty Competition,” which took

place in Manhattan, Ny. she competed against 26 young ladies that represented

different countries such as Korea, Poland and Haiti among others.

Currently, she is working on her musical debut as a vocalist and recently finalized the recording of her first single,”Amor Perdido.”

rodriguez is living proof that with discipline, determination and passion; dreams can become reality when you wish upon a star.

it’s no secret that Latin Americans in the Us have a love affair with anything

that has an engine. This article in particular is about a group right here in our backyard that has a passion for motorcycles.

The Latin American Motorcycle Associa-tion is a club that is more than just a group. It’s a real brotherhood. seeing the members together gives you a real sense of that. I was able to attend a poker run that was set up by the association as a fund-raiser for the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Springfield this past summer.

As I drove up to the building, all I could hear were the exhausts of all different types of motorcycles. From choppers, cruisers, to Harleys. Also, motorcycles intended for the sport of racing that looked faster than lightning.

Although it’s obvious the bikers would prefer spectators to arrive on the same monsters they ride; they made it known to me that they accept any kind of motorcycle into their association.

These are guys that really respect each other’s machines and you could tell by the clusters of riders that hadn’t seen each other in a while. They were commenting on each others new bike accessories; asking

about family members, and even updating some about the new little additions that had joined their families.

The day’s event was dedicated to raising funds for the Puerto rican Cultural Center. The president of the Western Mass chapter of L.A.M.A. Mike reyes, knows about the struggles of the community first hand. Through his position at the cultural center, he has been a mentor to many young people, particularly Latinos.

Being the president of L.A.M.A., he saw the opportunity to use the group for one of the many charity events that they often do for the community. Internationally, L.A.M.A. members are known for being humanitar-ians with affiliates from all different walks of life that come together to help each other.

In the end, it was a great event; money was raised for a good cause. If you are interested in becoming apart of one of the largest and most respected international motorcycle as-sociations in the world, get in contact with L.A.M.A Western Mass Chapter, 120 Maple st. Holyoke, MA 01040. They accept people from all backgrounds regardless of national-ity, race, color, religion, social class, gender, or age.

LAtin AmericAn motorcycLe AssociAtion

¡LA AbueLitA dice!Q: How can we eliminate the smell of fried foods in our

homes?

A: Boil a liter of water and add a couple of cinnamon sticks along with some orange peels. Set the fire on your stove to a low tem-perature, and in a few minutes your home will smell of citrus and cinnamon without the scent of fried foods left behind.

If you have any advice from your Abuelita or if you have any questions or comments for vida Latina Magazine Abuelita Dice, send us an email at info@vidalatinamass.

Amigo [email protected]

Vida Latina Magazine has sponsorship opportunity. Your company can be featured in VLM. Call your sales representative today! To Advertise on VLM Call 413-282-8432 (VIDA) or email [email protected]

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“I’ve never studied music; music has been in my blood since I was in my mother’s womb,” are the impressive and reassuring words of Orlando Ortiz. Ortiz was born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and first sang on stage to a live band with dancers when he was in the ninth grade. He still remembers his legs trembling while on stage over thirty years ago.

He moved to the United states in search of a better future and started his music opportunities in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. His passion for music,

especially La Salsa, as he so eloquently refers to it, has become his passion and ultimately his career.

Ortiz articulates, “I am so proud that Puerto rico has brought salsa to the forefront on a worldwide frontage.” If that isn’t enough, besides being a musician, Ortiz is also a Culinary Arts Instructor.

With new opportunities evolving in his career, Ortiz relocated his family to Connecticut, where he formed a Latin Band by the name of Karibe Mambo in 2005. His band members are made up of an ensemble of seasoned musicians who have played in some of the best musical groups in the Northeast region and all over the world. “On stage, we project a powerful and energetic sound, specializing in Caribbean music: Salsa, Cha-Cha-Cha and Bolero. “When you hear and see us perform, you will find it difficult to keep still, since we are first and foremost a dance band,” stated Ortiz.

“We are not just your average group playing instruments on a stage, we are entertainers that will keep you engaged on the performance of tapping your feet, clapping your hands and before you know it, we’ll have you irresistibly moving your body to our spicy beats. There’s nothing more fulfilling as a performer than

to watch an audience fully enjoying our performances without holding back. It is especially gratifying to observe those of various ethnic backgrounds, who may or may not fully know or understand the history of the Hispanic musical culture, enjoying our music,” Ortiz says.

Although this is a small band, the statement “great things come in small packages,” definitely applies. Karibe Mambo is well known in the Connecticut area and you can catch them at the major festivals, night clubs and private functions.

To add to his musical resume, he’s also a member of the 2009 Grammy nominated

band, The New swing sextet (Nss) where he is the lead vocal. Nss was originally formed in the 1960s and has had a long history of making music on the streets of New york where they harmonized vocals to the Piano, bass and Latin percussion. The band broke up in the late 70’s only to emerge stronger than ever under the direction of George “Palitos” rodriguez

and the management of world renowned DJ Henry Knowles. Together they’ve traveled and performed in over 30 countries and 100 cities throughout the UsA, Canada, the Caribbeans, europe, Middle east, and Asia.

Ortiz humbly gives thanks to God for blessing him with the natural talent and the opportunity to share his gift and passion with the rest of the world. He also gives many thanks to his family, especially his beautiful wife, Melissa, for her support and understanding throughout his journey. Finally, he also thanks his fellow musicians and band members for recognizing his passion. Together they are making this journey easier, possible, and enjoyable. “I feel it’s such a blessing to actually live out my dream,” said Ortiz.

“I AM So PRouD THAT PuERTo RICo BRougHT SALSA To THE FoREFRonT on A WoRLDWIDE FRonTAgE”. orlando ortiz

Orlando Ortiz

Jose Tosado’s involvement in the City of Springfield reads like a resume.

He’s soft spoken and very down to earth; so getting him to talk about himself is not a topic he prefers as a first encounter.

Tosado says, “I’m really not a politician, if you look at my history, I was in public service, a social worker, and since I was successful at it, it has brought me this far.” Then when asked about his quiet demeanor, he says with a smile, “like I said, I’m not a politician, I don’t have to do the posturing some of the other guys do. That’s not my way of doing things. My experience tells me that by being simple, I get the job done.”

In reality, As president of the Springfield City Council, he constantly has members of the community calling him for his opinions. He has been a member of the school committee and city council, so understanding how politics works, for him, is an easy task.

“even though I’m everywhere, I haven’t gotten involved with what everyone else is involved in. I’m a straight laced guy, with my upcoming announcement,I expect people to try and look for dirt on me, but I’ve kept myself as clean as possible, I’m an open book,” said Tosado.

Politicians usually have a different demeanor than Tosado, which is hard to explain, but if you ever met him, you’d understand. Perhaps more social workers should get into politics, because Tosado listens more than he talks and this interview is supposed to be about him. He got opinions out of me. He asked me how I felt about things that were going on and oddly enough, it didn’t feel like he was forcing it. I do know that there is a big elephant looming in the corner of the room, which is the reason why he wants to know what the streets of Springfield are really saying. He’s a man, which by the account of his friends, wants to be in touch with everything going on around him. They complain

that it’s to the point where it drives them crazy. He’s running for mayor of Springfield. A

thousand thoughts rush through my head, the profound historical factor of a Latino mayor in western mass, the fact that he’s going up against an incumbent who has his own popularity and following. According to the latest Census figures, Latinos are the majority in the city of Springfield. “Even though Latinos aren’t known for voting, particularly in the north end, I believe that I am capable of galvaniz-ing them, allowing them to gain interest. The Latino population is everywhere, there is a silent Latino middle class that no one talks about,” said Tosado.

At this point, I realize the many people that we here at the magazine interact with that don’t make the news. The business owners and young and middle aged professionals that work and also live in this city. His quiet confidence is contagious; he really believes that he can pull it off because of the combi-nation of experience and connection to the people of the community. “I love this city, my family came here in 1955 and we have deep roots in the community, it’s not about me, it’s about everybody,” says Tosado.

All things considered, we should be gearing up for an exciting and historical year in the history of Springfield politics. Latinos can be proud in knowing that one of their own is running and also that he’s very qualified in regards to a political resume. This will hopefully fire up the Latino community to pay attention to politics. Now with our own people engaged, we can pay attention to the councilor and the incumbent Mayor Domenic sarno’s respective messages about their visions for how to move this city forward.

Amigo [email protected]

TOSADO FOr MAyOr?

The Puerto rican Cultural Center has a long history in the city of Springfield. For over 33 years the organization has been an infrastructure dedicated to the advance-ment of the Latino culture within the city. The center has gained much publicity through the Puerto rican festival and day Parade, which the center has helped to organize and coordinate for many years along with the assistance of other community organizations.

At the P.R.C.C. you will find people that will genuinely want to help. The staff is known for being all ears, and at times, a shoulder to cry on when someone doesn’t know where to turn.

The services that are provided are esOL, GeD and sexual health services. since Getting ready for higher education can be a daunting task, especially for first and second generation Latinos in the city; which the center predominantly caters to. The center also helps college students with application processes. The P.r.C.C. is willing to help all students from all different backgrounds; filling out FAFSA forms, regis-tration forms, also paper work in reference to a possible scholarships.

According to Ivette Cruz, the executive director of the P. r.C.C., running a center

of this stature is no easy task. Cruz says that just like most non-profit organizations, the center has lacked proper funding.

In the wake of the economic crisis, the center experienced some brief turmoil. Determined that efficiency is the key to moving forward, the P.r.C.C is looking to provide members of the community with a more meaningful connection to the center; and proper guidance through a comprehensive individualized plan. These plans address main issues such as; physical health, economic health, education, civic engagement and other specific issues branching from these core concerns.

Cruz stated that the center belongs to the community. In conjunction, the community itself is involved with helping the center. volunteers and staff come to work everyday and give their very best. Board president of the P.r. C. C., Luis rodriguez, is known to spend long hours in the center after work,making sure that although things are not perfect, there will be advance-ment in the community.

education Department enid encarnacion 413-737-7450 Ext. 13 youth Development Mike reyes 413-737-7450 Ext. 11 Finance Department Arelis Arocho 413-737-7450 Ext. 15

www.prccma.org 38 School Street, Springfield, MA 01105413-737-7450 Fax: 413-737-1305

Amigo [email protected]

JOIn THE MOVEMEnT. Words that are so simple can yet be so

powerful. There is a certain feeling in thiscity, one that can be felt at the ground level.

It’s the feeling that something big is about to happen and it’s not this magazine, it’s something bigger. This magazine, vida Latina, was created simply to capture the events that this city is about to witness. economic downturns usually are followed by a strong bounce back and since Springfield which has so many resources, this can be the jump-start we need.

Understanding that if everyone comes together towards a greater cause, Springfield can become as great as our history books have painted its’ past. The city of not only basketball, but of journalistic innovation and wartime importance, of automotive industry beginnings, of homes, of firsts, a city of PRIDE. The city has so much to tell that we have chosen to ignore. A walk through the Springfield Cemetery on Maple st. will give a history lesson that rivals any major city in the nation.

As we move towards a new chapter in the history of the city, let’s not forget to look to our past. As Latino’s become the majority of the population, let’s not forget the diversity that this city knew before our arrival. Let’s come together and respect this city, knowing that we can make it better with a simple attitude shift.

some might say this is will not be easy task. Old habits die hard, and this city is full of old bad habits. Springfield is known for a self destructive

way of doing business in politics that the old guard doesn’t realize. They say this is a city of under performing schools and economy. It’s ok; we have the remedy, some good old fashioned boldness. We’re not talking the boldness you’re all used to. you know, the kind where you hear a lot of complaining, someone pretends to be the only sane person in the room realizing what’s wrong and getting others to agree, only to further divide people. No, this is more of a forum for people to express themselves, a place where positive actions are reinforced with positive recognition. This is a place where if you aren’t working on a solution, we simply don’t worry about you.

There is too much opportunity to waste time getting in the way of others. One moment worrying about what someone else is doing is a moment wasted on not making your community a better place. This magazine is an example of such, born through relationships created at the Massachusetts Latino Chamber of Commerce. The story of young entrepreneurs that saw opportunity through helping others. If you wish to become part of a better place to live. Contact us, who deserves recognition that goes unnoticed? Who has been helping others and needs help? Who has something to offer that no one has realized? Let’s work together; we have not a moment to waste. Things are changing at the speed of light and if you waste a moment on negativity, you’re bound to fall behind.

Amigo [email protected]

Vida Latina Magazine is looking for Latinos who would like to have their life documented for a day. Would you like your community to see how dedicated you are to your profession?If so, you could have the opportunity to be featured in VLM. Contact us at [email protected].

A dAy In ThE ShOES Of ... COMInG SOOn!

38.9Percentage of Latinos or Hispanics living in Springfield (now the Majority)

32 Percentage of population in Springfield receiving food stamp benefits

55Percentage of students in Springfield Public Schools that are Latino

4number of members who have a seat in the City Council that are LatinoThere are 8 ward representatives and 5 elected at large

30Percentage of Latino City Council members, compared to seats available

2 School Committee members of the Springfield Public Schools that are Latino

numbers & facts Springfield MA

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil• 5 garlic cloves, minced• 1-1/2 pounds top round beef, cubed into 1-1/2-inch pieces • 1/3 cup chopped yellow onions• 1/3 cup chopped green pepper• 1/3 cup chopped celery • 1 aji dulce; seeded and minced• 5 sprigs of cilantro, chopped• 1 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper• 4 medium tomatoes, cored and chopped• 4 quarts beef stock• 2 green bananas, peeled and slice into 1-inch pieces• 1 yellow plantain, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces• 1 medium sweet potato (1/2 pound), diced into 1-inch pieces• 1/2 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces • 3 medium new potatoes, scrubbed clean and quartered • 1 large chayote, peeled, cored, and diced into 1-inch pieces • 2 ears of white corn, cleaned and sliced into 6 parts each

Sabor De Puerto Rico

PreparationIn a preheated kettle over low-to-medium heat, combine olive oil, garlic, beef

cubes, and onions, stir until beef is brown on all sides and onions begin to caramelize. Fold in chopped pepper, celery, aji dulce, cilantro, salt, pepper, tomatoes, and 1 quart of beef stock. Cook down until stock is reduced by half.

stir beef, then fold in all the remaining vegetables and beef stock. Continue to cook until meat is tender and the vegetables soft.

Serving Suggestions: since this soup contains beef and vegetables, it is hearty already. serve alongside

a freshly baked french bread and use the bread to soak up some of this delicious flavor.

Sancocho is a traditional soup (often considered a stew) in several spanish and Latin American cuisines. variations represent popular national dishes in the Canary Islands of

spain, ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Peru, Dominican republic, Puerto rico, and venezuela. It usually consists of large pieces of meat and vegetables served in a broth.

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33 years of Community service

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