Contactos Mujeres Latina (Networking with Latin Women)

Photography by Paparazzi Paul

The Eastern Monroe Public Library in Stroudsburg, PA hosted The Association of Latin American Women's Social Networking event on Tuesday November 22^nd. The gathering was held in the library's Edinger Community Room which proved to be a fitting place to hold it as a number of individuals from the local Latin American community provided a sense of camaraderie throughout the evening which was extended to those attending who were not of Hispanic decent. Conversations nurturing established acquaintances mingled with those planting new seed of friendships filled the room as Sylvia Torres - Piserchio took her place behind the podium to share her welcoming remarks along with information about the association.

Ms. Torres - Piserchio then introduced Christina Piserchio RN who provided blood pressure and blood sugar screenings throughout the evening and invited the company to partake of them in order to maintain their health. She was followed by Ms. Iris Martinez MS who is the Director of Hogar CREA International www.hogar-crea.org which is an 18 month treatment program designed to help individuals over the age of 18 to overcome drug addiction. She was followed to the podium by Tony Cox of Cruise Planners www.cruiseplanners.com who spoke on the opportunities found in traveling abroad. Ms. Cox was followed by Alexa Sanchez of ERA One Source Realty www.era1.com who shared information on what her company had to offer the community. She was followed by Luis A. Echevarria of The Property Max Reality Group www.propertymaxrealitygroup.com who helps individuals obtain mortgages and other needed items in order to purchase a home.

The conclusion of Mr. Echevarria's words led to the entrance of artist Froilan Kali Ramirez who offered his services to those in need of it. He was followed by David Good of The Good Project www.jointhegoodproject.com who seeks to preserve the life of South American Jungles and the indigenous people who inhabit them. He was followed by Margaret Rincon of Rincon Express www.facebook.com/Rincon-Express-PA-Tags-Title-322253147901499 who offers a Tags and Title Service for automobiles as well as assistance in those beginning a business. During Ms. Rincon's talk, she introduced two gentlemen who spoke in turn about the homeless individuals populating the area and her company's donate a book bag to help children living in poverty to cope better in school. They were followed by Alexa Bridgeman of Pocono Family Insurance www.poconoagency.com who spoke on the many services her company provided through a variety of insurance policies.

It was soon after Ms. Bridgeman spoke did Ms. Torres - Piserchio come to the podium to introduce a woman who would tell her story relating to her experiences taking residence in the area. The woman could not speak English very well so her words were translated Ms. Torres - Piserchio. However, the substance of what she had to say wasn't found so much in the words she employed but in the expression, vocal tone, and her countenance. All of these combined to bring about a thoughtful listening to her story. It was after she spoke did Ms. Torres - Piserchio express her appreciation to those who were present and shared information about future events the association were planning to present.

It was at this point were the talks given transformed to conversations that included more information learned about what was revealed by the speakers. Tasty treats were consumed as delightfully as the words that were shared. You'll find more photographs taken during the Social Networking event held by The Association of Latin American Women on Tuesday November 22^nd in the Contactos Mujeres Latina (Networking with Latin Women) Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10155497502393761.1073742038.91146283760&type=3.

The Association of Latin American Women (ALAW) was founded in 2016 in order to coordinate resources within the local communities to promote Latin American Culture. The association holds numerous events including workshops and seminars to assist in maneuvering through a predominately non Hispanic Culture (ie The United States). It was an informative and enjoyable evening which lent itself to broaden one's cultural horizons. You can learn more about The ALAW by exploring their Website at www.alatinawomen.com or their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/alatinawomen

The Eastern Monroe Public Library (aka The Hughes Library) is located on N. 9^th Street (aka route 611) in Stroudsburg, PA. The Hughes Library is the main branch of the Monroe County, PA library system which includes their Pocono Township Branch in Tannersville, PA and their Smithfield’s Branch in Marshalls Creek, PA. The library offers access to numerous books, DVDs, Audio Recordings, and cultural programs free to the public. To learn more information about the library and all the institution has to offer the community, please explore their Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/EasternMonroePublicLibrary?ref=ts&fref=ts or their Website at www.monroepl.org.