Queens Congressman Joseph Crowley Honored by Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities

An organization of Latino-serving institutions of higher learning recently honored Congressmember Joseph Crowley for his efforts in Congress to boost math and science programs at those schools.

One of the reasons for the honor was Crowley's sponsorship of a key provision in a law which will advance this nation's high-tech economy and ensure American innovation for years to come. The provision allows the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a merit-based grant program that would increase math and science educational opportunities for students who attend Latino-serving institutions where they constitute at least a quarter of full-time enrollment.

Upon receiving the honor from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) at its 2008 Capitol Forum, Crowley (D- Queens) stated: "A strong education in science and math provides a wealth of opportunities for students of all backgrounds and ultimately helps the U.S. retain its global competitiveness. That is why it was so important to help colleges and universities with significant Latino student enrollment enhance their science and math curriculum, hire qualified professors and instructors, and improve resources for all students."

Dr. Anthony Flores, HACU president and chief executive officer, lauding Crowley for his extraordinary commitment, commended the Elmhurst lawmaker for his "leadership and genuine interest in strengthening Latino-serving institutions and increasing the under representation of Latinos and other minorities".

The Crowley provision in the aforementioned America Competes Act has the potential of reaching many New York City and national educational institutions, including Lehman College, Bronx Community College, Hostos Community College in The Bronx, LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City, Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology in Jackson Heights, the College of Mt. Saint Vincent, Boricua College, Borough of Manhattan Community College, City College of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and New York City College of Technology.

According to Crowley in his 7th Congressional District there are approximately 10,000 students who attend Latino-serving institutions offering degrees in math and science.

Real Estate Developer and C.W. Post Alumnus Jorge Pérez to Deliver Keynote Address at C.W. Post Commencement

Jorge M. Pérez, named one of the 25 most influential Hispanics in the United States by TIME magazine, will deliver the keynote address at the 50th commencement exercises at the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11, 2008. The 1972 graduate of C.W. Post also will be awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Considered America 's leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living, Pérez is chairman and chief executive officer of The Related Group, the largest Hispanic-owned business in the U.S. and the country's largest multi-family real estate development firm. Under his direction, The Related Group has redefined the landscape of South Florida . Since its founding in 1979, the firm has built and/or managed more than 70,000 apartments and condominium residences. Its current portfolio represents assets under development of more than $10.7 billion.

While The Related Group is best known for its luxury high-rise properties and visionary mixed-use urban centers, Pérez's first contribution to the development of South Florida was in the affordable housing market. He started his business by building in neighborhoods such as Miami 's Little Havana and Homestead , bringing with him expertise acquired earlier in his career as vice president and director of land use and market services for Landauer Associates and coordinator of community development for the City of Miami.

His passion for vibrant urban communities is reflected in his distinguished record of civic involvement, especially in his tireless work on behalf of arts institutions and cultural programs. Pérez is a member of the board of directors of the Miami Art Museum , chairs the Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council and is a director of the Miami Film Festival. He also serves on the board of the Miami Downtown Development Authority and is a trustee of the University of Miami .

Pérez has received numerous awards, including the Builder of the Year award from Multifamily Executive magazine; Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award; the Hispanic Achievement & Business Entrepreneurship Award from Hispanic Magazine; the Champion of the Community Spirit Award from The Wellness Community; the Citizen of the Year award from The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce; and the Sand In My Shoes Award from the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, Pérez became the first American developer to receive the Icon in Real Estate Award of Excellence at MIPIM in Cannes , France .

Born in Buenos Aires , Argentina to Cuban parents, Pérez earned a bachelor's degree in economics from C.W. Post in 1972. He had a perfect 4.0 grade point average. He also holds a master's degree in urban planning, with highest honors, from the University of Michigan. He is married and has four children.

Long Island WINS Presents - Don't Make Our Mistakes: Lessons from Riverside, NJ in the costs of attacking immigrants

Riverside, NJ presents a cautionary tale of the devastating economic consequences of anti-immigration legislation. Come hear firsthand about the economic benefits that immigrants provide and what happens when a local community puts anti-immigration politics ahead of common sense.

David Verduin
Business owner and president of the Riverside, NJ Coalition of Business Owners and Landlords

Matthew T. Crosson, Esq.
President, Long Island Association

David Nyce
Mayor, Greenport Village

Professor Mariano Torras, Ph.D
Author, The Economic Impact of the Hispanic Population on Long Island

Andrea Batista Schlesinger
Drum Major Institute for Public Policy

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Touro College Law Center
225 Eastview Drive, Central Islip, NY
Space is limited; Admission is Free

Please RSVP by email to longislandwins@gmail.com or by phone to 516.304.5642

Mariah Carey

Singer, songwriter, record producer and actress Mariah Carey was born in Huntington Long Island and attended Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.

Mariah Carey (Wikipedia)
Mariah Carey's website

Latino Professionals Career Fair

Thursday, April 24th, 2008
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pre-register now

Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street
New York, New York 10011
954.678.1807
Map to this Location

LI WINS Forum On The Costs of Attacking Immigrants

Ricardo Montano (D-Central Islip) & David Weprin (D-Queens)

Suffolk County Legislator Ricardo Montano (D-Central Islip), Chair, Suffolk County Legislature’s Budget & Finance Committee was a guest of New York City Councilman David I. Weprin (D-Queens), Chair, New York City Committee on Finance, yesterday and attended the Council’s Finance Committee Meeting. Councilman Weprin will be a guest at the Suffolk County Legislature’s Budget & Finance Committee in the future.

Legislator Montano and Councilman Weprin met at a conference in Puerto Rico when they hatched the idea to invite each other to their respective Budget meetings and exchange institutional knowledge.

Interestingly, David I. Weprin’s father Saul Weprin (D-Queens), served in the New York State Assembly with Legislator Montano’s father Armando Montano (D-Bronx).

'Green Plantains' of Jackson Heights

Joe DiStefano of The Gothamist checked out Jackson Heights' newest Chino Latino restaurant: Green Plantains.

Green Plantains bills itself as a “Nuevo Chino Latino Dining Experience.” Edward Ng, who helped craft the menu for acclaimed Bronx Chino-Latino eatery Sabrosura, also had a hand in the menu of this two-week old Roosevelt Avenue eatery. Ng grew up in the Dominican Republic and the food at Green Plantains reflects his heritage, with such dishes as ropa vieja and chicharron de pollo.

Nuevo Chino Latino is perfect food for today's Queens, no?

Article: Gunning for Gringos at Jackson Heights' Green Plantains

Stony Brook Study: Prescription Drugs and Long Islanders

According to a newly released poll by Stony Brook University's Center for Survey Research, some Long Islanders are taking unhealthy measures to cope with the high cost of prescription drugs.

The survey found that one in five (21%) residents delay filling their prescriptions, skip doses, or go without other necessities such as food and heat. In addition, 12% lack any prescription drug coverage.

Other survey highlights include:
-- 18% of young adults ages 18 and 34 lack prescription drug coverage.
-- 16% of Nassau County residents lack drug coverage compared to 9% in Suffolk County.
-- 24% of people ages 35 and 64 had delayed filling their prescriptions, skipped doses, or have gone without other necessities.

Unexamined are questions related to the over prescription of drugs.

Sorpresa! Latino Youth Film Competition at the Hamptons Film Festival

The Sorpresa! Network and the Hamptons International Film Festival announced today that they will continue their partnership with the Sorpresa! Youth Film Competition at the 16th Annual Hamptons International Film Festival, to be held October 15th - 19th, 2008.

For this year's competition, Sorpresa! is looking for outstanding short films created by young people ages 17 and under that illustrate "The World You Imagine" through a Latino lens.

"The Sorpresa! Youth Film Competition offers a unique opportunity for the Festival to demonstrate its commitment to up-and-coming filmmakers from the Latino community by showcasing their short films before international film directors, producers and industry members." Karen Arikian, Executive Director of the Hamptons International Film Festival

Sorpresa! is kicking off its search for submissions of original 3 to 5 minute short videos or films depicting a world of each participant's design reflective of Latino culture. Five finalists will be selected and screened at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

The Hamptons International Film Festival
3 Newtown Mews
East Hampton, NY 11937
Tel: (631) 747-7978
Fax: (631) 324-5116
info@hamptonsfilmfest.org