PRCA, from?Page 1 thanking everyone that attended the event. “We would like to thank everyone that is here with us, as we start this wonderful week. We have such beautiful weather, and we have a lot of people here to support us. this is a community affair and we want the entire community to celebrate our culture and heritage,” de
Puerto Rican Week begins with annual flag raising event
Wednesday, August 28, 2013 • The Hammonton Gazette • Page 3
fered. the rest of the afternoon was filled with music and dancing, as well. for Maria de la Cruz, who has been with the club since 1980, Puerto rican week is a very significant event in the town. She discussed how the event and organization was founded. “We, of course, came as farm laborers. We came as farm laborers and back then the conditions were not what they should have been. that is what this was all based on was saying that we are here and we want to be treated with respect. We wanted to be treated like everyone else, so that’s how it was founded. this event used to be a whole week, but it got to be too much, so it started today and will start again on friday, Saturday and Sunday,” de la Cruz said. the Puerto rican and Hispanic culture, in general, has had a significant impact on Hammonton. Many Puerto ricans began as farm laborers, and laid the foundation for their children. they have educated them and have allowed generations to come to have equal opportunities as others. “We have been here a long time and started off as farm laborers, and now we are business owners, college graduates, teachers, professors. Our children are at college and we have worked so we can educate ourselves and our children. i la Cruz said. the rev. thomas Donio of St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel Parish and rev. alberto torres of Spanish Pentecostal assembly of God performed prayers to bless the community for a great Puerto rican Week. the week continues on august 30 and 31 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and September 1 is the last day from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Christina Perez sang the “StarSpangled Banner,” and eneyda Perez performed “La Borinqueña,” the Puerto rican National anthem during the ceremony. Mayor Stephen DiDonato, attended the event along with council members Paul esposito and Sam rodio. DiDonato helped Puerto rican Civic association of Hammonton president evelyn Perez raise the Puerto rican flag. DiDonato wished the community well, as they began the heritage celebration that will continue during this weekend (august 30September 1). “Congratulations on this wonderful week and enjoy your festival. i just want to acknowledge the festival and a couple of other dignitaries that are here, deputy mayor [Sam] rodio and councilman [Paul] esposito, for coming out. thank you all very much and God bless you all and enjoy your festival,” he said. after a few more statements in Spanish from Puerto rican Civic association president evelyn Perez and founder of the local civic association fernando Melendez, the ceremony concluded. everyone was i nvited to the Puerto rican Civic association Hall on Old forks road afterwards where another flag raising took place and food and refreshments were of-
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was a farm laborer’s daughter, and we have to look at the people that are doing the work, nowadays, and not look down on them. Look at them as the next generation that is coming through that is going to be staying here and educating their children. it is a cycle,” de la Cruz said. the 5th?annual?Jeep?extravaganza will be held Sunday,?September 1 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at headquarters. Prizes will be given out.
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HaMMONtON—the Pentecostal assemblies of God Church will hold the third annual “Back to School” community event on Saturday, august 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hammonton Lake Park. the purpose of the event is to provide children of the community with the school supplies needed for the coming school year. Last year the event was able to service 204 children. that number is looking to be increased to 500 children this year. for any questions or donations contact elsie Baez at 377-7445.
Back to School event August 31
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