Page 4 • Wednesday , September 27 , 2023 • The Hammonton Gazette
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off with event
KICKOFF , from Page 1
During the opening speeches , Councilman Jonathan Oliva gave a few words .
“ On behalf of Mayor Steve Di- Donato , Deputy Mayor Tom Gribbin and the rest of Hammonton town council , we would like to thank Allies in Caring , Convivir and Hammonton Health Coalition for allowing us to be part of this wonderful kickoff to this monthlong celebration ,” Oliva said .
Oliva , who grew up in an Italian household , said his best friend since he was 11 grew up in a Hispanic household .
“ As a child , I recognize that her household and my household were very similar . That the same things our family felt was important , her family felt was important , and when I was there it felt like home ,” Oliva said .
As a councilman , he said he notices more similarities from both Italian and Hispanic cultures from devoted parishioners in churches , involved parents at the schools and the business people .
Kristin Guglietti / THG |
Left : Carlos Sunuc holds a barrilete kite . Right : Alejandra Figueroa , Rosita Salvatierra , Community Engagement for |
Allies in Caring Copelia Morales , Community Heath Worker Isabel Figueroa , Mexican Consul Representative Raúl |
Escamilla , Communications Specialist Tania Rivera , Allies in Caring Founder and CEO Ivette Guillermo-McGahee , |
Councilman Jonathan Oliva and Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University Executive Director Michael Cagno . |
“ The town of Hammonton cannot thank the Hispanic community enough for everything that it has done and continues to do to invite a welcoming and wonderful society here within our community ,” Oliva said . “ As we kickoff this month-long celebration , I would just like to say thank you very much to the Hispanic community for everything that you have done and continue to do in Hammonton .” Other speakers included Coordinator |
for Hammonton Health Coalition Kathia Ramirez , Noyes Museum of Art of Stockton University Executive Director Michael Cagno , Mexican Consul Representative Raúl Escamilla , Artist Isabel Figueroa and Community Relations Manager at Allies in Caring Copelia Morales .
“ Enjoy the festivities and let the Hispanic Month fill your hearts ,” Rivera said .
Jim Bacon attended the event with his wife Andrea Flores-
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Mendoza who was selling her poetry book .
“ We try to support the Hispanic community . We try to showcase the talent , the skills and all the contributions that the Hispanic community does ,” Bacon said .
Bacon said the Hispanic community in Hammonton is diverse .
“ It used to be a lot of Mexican at the beginning of Hammonton , and now it has been diversified . My wife ’ s from Honduras . I ’ m from Peru . I see Columbia , El
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Kristin Guglietti / THG
Isabel Figueroa stands next to her art . Salvador , Nicaragua , Puerto Rico , all of them come together . It ’ s a diverse Hispanic culture in Hammonton ,” Bacon said .
He said it ’ s important to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month because it shows different perspectives in life .
“ I think it ’ s important to celebrate because it shows different perspectives in life . Many of the immigrants that come here they struggle in their countries and they find a way to make it here , and they ’ re here to do better for their next generation ,” Bacon said .
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations around the country will continue from now to Oct . 15 .
Kristin Guglietti / THG
Pictured ( l-r ): Katherine Nodolski , Allyson Pichardo , Antonia Pacheco , Francisica Aguilar and Tania Rivera .
Kristin Guglietti / THG
Left : Jim Bacon and Andrea Flores Mendoza sells poetry books with their children Nicolette Munguia-Flores and Paul Bacon . Right : Juwana McNear and Monique Corbitt sit at the Avanzar table .