English Edition

The
www.holatoday.org
Journal
A Publication of Hispanas Organizadas de Lake y Ashtabula
March-April 2009 Vol. 5, Issue 1

HOLA’s Hispanic Grower/Farmers Market Project

A new partnership between several area organizations and HOLA will help
support local Latinos who want to grow produce such as peppers, chilies,
beans, corn, and tomatillos to sell at local farmers markets.
Story on page 3

Artwork by Leonardo Ornelas, age 14, a student at Heritage Middle School, in Painesville, Ohio.
 From the Editor
Hola!
WOW! This issue is late. HOLA
is so busy working on multiple
projects, assisting members of our
community and providing sup-
port any way we can. Many people
don’t realize that HOLA is a small,
grassroots organization with only a
small staff assisting with The HOLA
Journal. Fortunately, we have a
strong volunteer base and we also
have faith, business, labor and social
justice partners in every sector of
our region. These partners, or allies,
assist HOLA in fulfilling our mis-
sion: to improve quality of life in the
areas of health, education, and eco-
nomic well-being through advocacy,
outreach and relationship building
among Hispanics and non-Hispanics.
There is not enough space in this
column to thank all of the people
who find ways to reach out and work
with the Latino community. I try
to highlight some of them in these
pages. I do want to specifically thank
the Latino business community
for supporting The HOLA Journal
through advertising: Don Tequila’s
in Mentor, El Rodeo, La Borincana,
in Cleveland, El Puente in Ashtabu-
la, Maria’s Hair Salon in Painesville,
Luisa’s Mexican Grill in Geneva.
HOLA could not do the work we do
without their support! I hope you can
HOLA’s mission is to improve
quality of life in the areas
of health, education, and
economic well-being through
advocacy, outreach and
relationship building among
Hispanics and non-Hispanics.
2 / The HOLA Journal
take the time to see their ads and pay
them a visit and thank them for sup- Staff of The HOLA Journal Shovel-Ready Project
A
porting HOLA.
We’ve been busy looking for new Editor fter two years of planning, a also make available
board members who will also help Verónica Isabel Dahlberg diverse group of organizations more cultural varieties
us carry our mission forward. I am is ready to launch a unique that currently aren’t
pleased to announce two new mem- Translations project to teach Hispanic small available fresh, and
Heddy Herrera farmers how to grow, harvest and will make the farmers
bers: Peggy Wilkinson and Victoria
sell cultural varieties of produce at markets more dynamic.”
Saldivar. They have been active
Graphics, layout and local farmers markets. The initiative For its first year, the
volunteers with HOLA and you’ll
design was developed by representatives project will train 5-10
see a little bit about them in these
eWebInnovations of the Lake County Soil and Water Hispanic farmers to
pages. Also new to the HOLA staff
Creative Design Group Conservation District; the Western plant and harvest and
is intern Danette Janucek. You can
Reserve Resource Conservation and sell a variety of chili
see her fantastic work in The HOLA
Advertisement Design Development Council; HOLA; Parker peppers, cilantro, beans, From left to right: Parker Bosley, board member for Innovative
Journal, too. She is designing many Farmers of Ohio; Ambrocio Saldana and Jorge Reynoso, potential
Danette Janucek Bosley, a chef and sustainable local tomatillos and other
of the ads for the Latino small busi- foods advocate, and Bruce Cormack foods. Farming expert
farmer applicants for the project; Bruce Cormack of Cormack’s
ness owners. It’s just another service Market Garden, and Maurine Orndorff, of the Lake County Soil
This Issue: of Cormack Market Gardens. In Bruce Cormack will and Water Conservation District. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
HOLA provides. addition, Lake Erie College Center for serve as a technical
On another note, I’m excited to Staff Photographers: Entrepreneurship will provide student advisor on issues of soil, fertilizer barriers,” Orndorff said. “This will
see that President Barack Obama is Veronica Dahlberg interpreters for the project, and the and other concerns. Microloans will introduce non-Hispanic people to
publicly voicing support for com- Ohio State University Extension will be used to help with the purchase of different food varieties, to the people
prehensive immigration reform. This Advertising Sales: provide technical support. equipment and seeds for the second and the culture. It can improve
has been a number one priority for Contact HOLA at interaction between cultures and
The project was recently awarded year. The goal is to make the farmers
HOLA. We cannot have a healthy, 440.964.3372 more opportunities to understand, to
a $24,000 grant from the Farmland self-sustainable and independent by
integrated community without legal- Policy Innovation Center and the Ohio the second year. try new foods, and to help with our
izing the status of many of the moms Department of Agriculture’s Rural Increasing the produce varieties efforts to preserve farmland.”
and dads and employees in our Please send letters to: Rehabilitation Program. “I’m excited at local farmers
region. HOLA will be working hard Editor about this project,” said Maurine markets will
to support the president on this issue. The HOLA Journal Orndorff of LCSWD, a key developer help all farmers
It makes sense for improving the PO Box 3066 of the idea.”It will help with our goal by attracting
economy of NE Ohio. Ashtabula, Ohio 44005 of agricultural sustainability in Lake more customers.
Again, I am deeply appreciative County that people produce more “I think it’s a
for those people who have spoken locally-grown food and bring more really neat way
up and supported comprehensive food to the farmers markets. It will to break down
HOLA Board of Directors
immigration reform thus far. And
also for those who have helped us Gladys Figueroa Stec About the front page artist
defeat statewide measures target-
ing immigrants. Our state faces a Victoria Saldivar Leonardo Ornelas, 14, is
great deal of challenges. We don’t a seventh grader at
need policies that target immigrants Kate Masley, Ph.D Heritage Middle School
and end up harming business and in Painesville, Ohio. He
dividing families. We need policies Shakyra Diaz was recommended by his
that look for ways to build bridges art teacher, Justin Vargo,
among all Ohioans. Lynn Tramonte de la Barrera to submit artwork for the
HOLA cover. “Draw-
Peggy Wilkinson ing is a passion. It calms
Sincerely,
me down,” says Ornelas, goal I’d like to do is be an
Verónica Isabel Dahlberg, Editor
who started drawing as architect because it uses
a hobby at age 12. “You math and drawing.” Orne-
The HOLA Journal is published bi-monthly by HOLA, Hispanas Organizadas de
know how people do stuff las was born in Mexico and
Lake y Ashtabula, in both Spanish and English language versions. All articles are
they’re not supposed to has lived in Painesville for
property of HOLA and cannot be reprinted or duplicated without permission.
do? I do drawing.” 12 years. He also likes to
Ornelas likes setting his play soccer and basketball,
Unless otherwise noted, all articles are written by Verónica Isabel Dahlberg.
goals really high. “One and is involved in track.
March-April 2009 3 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009

Helping Hands Provide Support
When a local factory laid off dozens of
workers recently, many Latino fami-
lies in Ashtabula found themselves
with no source of income in the dead
of winter. The situation became dire
as the weeks went on with no pros-
pects for new jobs—a scenario that
has played out all over Ohio, a state
with an unemployment rate at about
10%. Ashtabula’s unemployment rate
is even higher, at over 14%. Accus-
Luisa Aguinaga and Vicky Saldivar helped sort food
products into baskets for 50 households.
tomed to always working, many of the tive director of Country Neighbor says for 20 years, then they’re laid off, their
laid-off workers were not aware of ser- the need for food pantry assistance
vices available for their families, and
a language barrier often discouraged
them from seeking help.
St. John’s Food Pantry:
All Are Welcome
Individuals or families in Lake or
Ashtabula counties may not be
accessing available food support
because of language barrier or status
issues. And some pantries may ask
for an ID or proof of address.
In Painesville, St. John Baptist
Church, located at 361 W. Jackson
St., has started a food pantry open
from 3-5 p.m. the last two Wednes-
days of every month. “We have a
huge Latino clientele,” says Dea-
4 / The HOLA Journal
Lake County Nursery Industry:
“We’re in Survival Mode”
said. That’s from a one-time high of about 120
nurseries and as many as 2700 employees.
Some of the small family-owned nurseries
On Thursday, March have consolidated into larger operations like
Nursery season started in mid-March nurseries remain and to Petitie Group, which now owns Cass Mill,
5, HOLA organized an
with fewer employees than usual, a collect data on the overall Willowbend, and Ridge Manor nurseries.
emergency food pantry to
result of the downturn in the economy. status of the industry. “There The cut backs will have an impact on
assist the laid-off work-
Yet more people are Latino farm laborers that
ers and their families, with
seeking nursery jobs have relied on decent-
generous support from
as field laborers. paying nursery jobs for
the Ashtabula Country
“I’ve never seen so years. With farm labor jobs
Neighbor Program and
many people, ever,” scarcer, some are going into
private donations. Over 50
says Chuck Von Hof, business for themselves
households were served,
of Petitie Nursery as landscapers. “There’s
representing 136 children.
Group and president been an increase in small
Of those households,
of Nursery Growers equipment sales, people are
29 had no adults
of Lake County Ohio going to be undercutting
employed at the time. Diana Bradbury and Mike Boylen of the County Neighbor
Program delivered food donations. (NGLCO). Von Hof the landscapers,” Beardslee
About $200 in dona-
says every day brings said. Yet with housing and
tions from HOLA through its pantry network, nearly a
new applicants, new construction down,
friends and volunteers were used 20% increase from 2007, when 37,307 From left to right: Chuck Von Hof, president of Nursery Growers of Lake
sometimes carloads the competition for new
to purchase locally-sold food individuals were served. “From what
arrive together. There County Ohio (NGLCO), and production manager for Ridge Manor Nurseries; landscaping work will be
products, such as meat, torti- we are seeing, the need is only going Mark Gilson, of Gilson Garden, and past president of NGLCO, and James
were as many as 200 Beardslee, of Beardslee Nursery LLC., president-elect of NGLCO. fierce. Gilson doesn’t see
llas, jalapenos, rice and beans. to increase more,” says Klingensmith.
new applicants before things improving until late
The rest was supplemented by “The unemployment rate is increasing,
the season even started. “We’ve had are 90 nurseries registered 2010. “We would like to hire more people, but
Country Neighbor, a program of so I don’t think we’ve seen the worst
more Americans looking for work that we sent surveys out to— we can’t afford to. We’re cutting labor because
United Way, which serves the of it yet.” Klingensmith notes that
than usual and triple the number of we got about 10 back that it’s our biggest expense,” Gilson said. “It affects
entire pantry network in Ashtabu- the biggest change of a demographic
Hispanic (immigrants).” are closing down,” Gilson our families, it affects the Hispanic families.”
la County. Several volunteers group accessing food support is 18 to
But pre-season orders for nursery
helped sort and package the food 59-year-olds without children, which
into plastic crates. has increased 80.1% in the past year.
stock were down 10-40%, said Mark Dream Landscape He submitted this artwork to
Gilson, of Gilson Gardens nursery in the HOLA Journal through his
Barbara Klingensmith, execu- “These are adults that have held jobs
Perry, Ohio. So instead of starting the Juan Rea, 14, is an 8th grader at Heri- teacher, Justin Vargo. “I work
season with the usual 20 employees, tage Middle School in Painesville. with my dad when he does
kids are all grown up so they can’t get
Gilson’s started with three. “For landscaping,” Rea explains.
has risen sharply. In 2008, the Coun- food stamps, and now they are needing
some of the nurseries, their booked “But since I was little I liked
try neighbor Program served 44,582 the help,” Klingensmith says.
orders in the spring are a huge part of to draw at home and school, so
individuals in Ashtabula County Photos by Veronica Dahlberg
their business,” Gilson said. “There’s I guess I want to be an artist.”
an awful lot of uncertainty. We are
con Al Jones, who searched to find an don’t ask for proof of anything, except anticipating that it’s not going to be a
interpreter so that a language barrier a person’s name. The biggest proof we good year. Even if we get busy, we’re
wouldn’t stop peo- have is that this is going to try to do more with less
ple from accessing a real live human people; we’re trying to cutback
food needed for being standing in where we can.”
their families. A lo- front of us.” “It’s a survival year,” says James
cal Spanish-Speak- Whether in Lake or Beardslee, of Beardslee Nursery, in
ing pastor from Ashtabula counties, Perry. “Everybody’s cutting back.”
another church those who need As it is, even before the recession,
volunteers to inter- food assistance can nurseries have been closing their doors
pret. Deacon Jones call 211, the free or selling out steadily over the past few He particularly likes graffiti
says it’s important information line years. The Lake County Soil and Water
art, and downloads samples
for people to know Deacon Al Jones and Rev. Jeffrey Jemison of that will direct them District and Ohio State University
St. John’s Baptist Church in Painesville. from the computer which he
that all are wel- to a food pantry Extension Office are conducting a draws on the pages of a note-
come. “Anyone who walks up here will location near them. survey, funded by a grant from the
book. “I just like to draw to so
walk out with food,” Jones said. “We Cleveland Foundation Lake-Geauga I don’t get bored.”
Fund, to determine exactly how many
March-April 2009 5 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
 Roundtable Discussion Focuses
Scam Artist Preys on local Spanish-Speaking Household
on Hispanic Business Issues
My name is Brett Horvath. I am the school will begin the process. There education system and its rules. Because On Thursday, April 9th, the The purpose
assistant superintendent of Geneva is no charge or cost involved in any of of their situation and their fear of outside Fund for Our Economic Future of the event was
Schools. Recently on a home visit to a the process. Public schools are to serve agencies, some immigrants are hesitant (FFEF) hosted a roundtable to introduce
Hispanic immigrant family, the mother disabled children from ages 3 to 21 to alert the schools or law enforcement discussion entitled, “Growth Latino business
of the house years of age. of scams such as this. through Racial and Economic leaders to the
reported to our “Because of their situation and We believe We hope that by alerting those Inclusion.” Participants in the Fund’s action
ESOL teacher that if what populations that are vulnerable to this discussion included both Lorain plan, known
and Director of their fear of outside agencies, some the mother particular scam, we can not only save and Cleveland Latino business as Advance
our Preschool immigrants are hesitant to alert says is true, these people from the grief and loss of representatives. Main speakers were Northeast Ohio,
for Disabled she was in money, but we can help their children From left to right: Marco Parilla of Parilla’s Tree Service, in Lorain; Joe
the schools or law enforcement of Brad Whitehead, president of the and the many Lopez of New Era Builders, Cleveland; Stephanie Mercado, Executive
Children that she fact “conned” by providing a free and appropriate Fund, Andrew Jackson, senior vice- programs it
paid 150 dollars scams such as this.” by some education for them.
Director of the Hispanic Business Association of Cleveland; Joel Arredon-
president of the Greater Cleveland partners with, do, of Coalition for Hispanic Issues and Progress, in Lorain; and Richard
to a person to “get unscrupulous I do not know if you can get the word Romero of IGM Consulting, in Lorain. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg.
Partnership; and Wyatt Brownlee such as MBA
her child into our preschool for disabled person who is taking advantage of out through your publication, but if you
III of the Minority Business 2.5+ and Team
children.” people of limited resources and with can, please pass it on.
As we understand it, and it was limited knowledge of the U. S. public Accelerator 2.5+. Other speakers NEO. The goal of the discussion of HOLA and editor for this
Thank you.
reported to our personnel, the mother included Chris Thompson, director was to also create dialogue among publication.
gave the 150 dollars to someone and of marketing and civic engagement different business constituency Launched in 2004, the Fund brings
never saw them again. for the Fund; Christine Mayer of groups and generate ideas for together over 100 foundations,
Preschool Disabled Services offered the GAR Foundation, and vice-chair building a stronger northeast Ohio organizations and individuals in
by public schools are free to those of the Fund; Shana Marbury, a co- region and a stronger Hispanic Northeast Ohio to strengthen the
children found eligible and living within chair of the Fund’s Inclusion Action business community. Moderator region’s economic competitiveness
a public school district. Referring a Team and Laura Koballa Hudek of for the discussion was Veronica through grant making, research and
child for services, if the parents or Team NEO; Isabel Dahlberg, executive director civic engagement.
someone else suspects the child may
have a qualifying disability, is also free.
If the parent or referring party contacts
their public school where they live, the

FREE CHILD DEVELOPMENT

SCREENINGS

Are you wondering if your child’s

development is on track? Help Me
Grow is hosting free development
screenings on Thursday, May 14,
2009 at the Lake County General
Health District. The screening will
cover motor skills, problem solving,
communication, and personal-social
areas of concern. Call Help Me Grow
at (440) 350-2433 to schedule your
screening time.
If you are not able to make the May
14 date, other screenings will take
place in 2009 on July 15 and Sep-
tember 21. Call Help Me Grow for
more information. The Lake County
General Health District is located at 33
Mill Street, Painesville, Ohio 44077.

From a news release.

6 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 7 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
 Local Mexican Band a Fusion of Cultures
T
ragos de amargo liquor….
Len Thomas’ voice trails
off as he sings harmony on a
melancholy Mexican ballad,
“…soy un cobarde,” he wails
in Spanish. Roughly translated,
Thomas is singing about taking
swigs of bitter liquor and feeling
like a coward. It’s a sentiment
that’s standard in Mexican
cowboy ballads and usually heard
in border cantinas. But Thomas
is in a living room in Painesville,
rehearsing with the group
Manos de Seda, a local band that
performs traditional Mexican
music, but with elements of
tropical genres and even English-
language lyrics.
Thomas’ musical trajectory Manos de Seda from left to right: Feliciano Gamez, Santiago Rodriguez, Rafael Moreno, Len Thomas,
has taken him from playing Arturo Navarro, Susana Navarro.
with the alternative/industrial Cleveland
rock band Albino Violet, to singing in
the bilingual choir at St. Mary’s Church
in Painesville, to playing Mexican
gigs with Manos. He became exposed
Feliciano Gamez, originally of Guatemala, plays a
guitarrón, a Mexican six-string acoustic base.
8 / The HOLA Journal
to the Mexican community and
learned Spanish while singing
with the bilingual choir, a gig he’s
maintained for the past five years.
“The way I learned was being
around these guys and surrounding
myself with the culture,” Thomas
said. “I’m just some gringo guy
from Ohio. I was born in East
Cleveland. These guys taught me
a lot, but I also did spend a lot of
time on Wikipedia. I really do enjoy
quebraditas and cumbias.” He got
to know the members of Manos,
which at that time were a fledgling
group attempting to find their niche.
“They were playing a keyboard
with guitar samples,” Thomas said.
He offered to play guitar for the
band, and before long the group
expanded its range to other styles of
music. Thomas admits he’s not a
fan of all styles of Mexican music,
such as Duranguense, a relatively
a singer at St. Mary’s Church,
adds a new dimension to
the band with her crystal
clear voice. During practice,
“I’m just some she frequently breaks from
singing to remind her 10-year-
gringo guy from old to stop playing X-Box and
Ohio. I was born do his homework, or trying
in East Cleveland. to keep her four-year-old
occupied. The group has
But I really do
regular gigs at Don Tequila’s
enjoy quebraditas in Mentor, and Luisa’s
and cumbias.” Mexican Grill, in Geneva.
Len Thomas. They also play the Mexican
party circuit of baptism and
wedding celebrations. Their
range is varied, going from
folksy South American-
style cumbias to ballads,
merengues, and up-tempo
rancheras. Some of their
original songs are even
Contact Manos de Seda by calling manager written in English, though the
Arturo Navarro at (440) 358 – 9236. rhythm and style are Latin.
recent phenomenon popular in the
U.S. “It’s like American country on
speed,” Thomas says.
Thomas sings harmonies and plays
guitar, other band members include
Rafael Moreno, rhythm guitar and
keyboardist, Santiago Rodriguez
on percussion, Feliciano Gamez
on guitarrón, Arturo Navarro on
percussion and bass, and his wife
Susana as singer. Besides interpreting
Mexican classics, their repertoire
includes 10-15 original songs
composed by the group. The main
writer is Moreno, who has composed
at least 100 original songs. “They’re
mainly romantic songs, but in an
upbeat style, like cumbias,” Moreno
says. “Sometimes I’ll play some music
I like and record it. And then I’ll find
word to go with it. Sometimes it’s
the reverse.”
The group practices regularly in the
Navarro’s home. Susana Navarro, also
March-April 2009 9 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
Caring Community Donates Children’s The American Dream Starts@ Your Library
Books to Promote Literacy New literacy initiative supports adult English-language learners
M
Last December as part of Chanukah Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in like-new condition were collected in orley Library in Painesville
Mitzvah Day, members of the Beechwood, Ohio, held a book drive English, Spanish and even Hebrew. is one of 34 libraries in
for HOLA. The books will be distributed by HOLA 18 states to be awarded
The book during a literacy day for Latino children a grant by the American Library
drive was this summer. Association to assist immigrants with
coordinated The term “mitzvot” in Hebrew is English-language skills. The grant,
by Francis used to express acts of human kindness. funded by Dollar General Stores,
Purcell, Besides the book donations, members pays for Rosetta Stone-American
director of the Fairmount Temple and their English, a computer program that
of Public families joined together on Mitzvah day helps immigrants learn English.
Education to participate in community outreach Rosetta Stone is now available on
Initiatives for activities in eight categories including two computers on the library’s third
the Jewish peace, literacy, saving a life, embracing floor. Librarian Krista Zivkovich said
Community diversity, friendship, shelter, honoring the program is getting a lot of use.
Federation of parents and going green. “We usually have a waiting list of
Cleveland. Members collected blankets for a up to four people waiting to use the
Several shelter, wrapped gifts for children at program,” Zivkovich said.
hundred an inner city school, created Chanukah It’s one of several services
children’s care packages for Jewish soldiers in available at the library for immigrants
books in Iraq, hosted an Arab/Jewish dialogue, and English-language learners.
Francis Purcell, left, director of public education initiatives for the Jewish Com-
munity Federation of Cleveland, and Elisa Usher, community relations associate. and other activities. There are books and videos for
those studying English as a Second
Language, or studying for their
U.S. citizenship text. There are also
interactive computer programs to
help study for the citizenship test or
the GED (high school equivalency
test). And the library offers English
conversation groups on Tuesday
mornings from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
One of the first users of the Rosetta
Stone program was Ben Miranda of
Painesville, who goes to the library
almost every day. “If I don’t work, I
come here to learn things,” he said.
For the past year, he’s also been
attending classes at Painesville ABLE
(Adult Basic & Literacy Education).
“He goes to ABLE for two hours
twice a week,” Zivkovich said. “He
started at beginner and now he is at
advanced-level.” Miranda carries
a notebook with him everywhere
filled with words he’s written
down in English, practicing their
pronunciation. That he can read and
write in English is a remarkable
accomplishment for Miranda, who
had no prior education in his native
Mexico. “My family was poor. We
10 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 11 / The HOLA Journal
came from a ranch. It’s
a type of poverty, that, I
don’t know how it can exist
in such a rich country,”
Miranda said. “A class like
this would cost a half weeks
wages for food.” He recalls
the few times he tried to
go to school as a youth,
but was teased for not
having any shoes. “I grew
up like that, but my kids
won’t grow up like that,”
Miranda said. “I’m trying
to get ahead. In more than
15 years here, I’ve worked
in landscaping, factories,
nurseries, milking cows,
dish washing.” Now able to
speak, read and write in two
languages, he was able to
write a letter to his mother Morley librarian Krista Zivkovich assists Ben Miranda
in Mexico for the first time. with the Rosetta Stone computer program.
Miranda and other users
of the Rosetta Stone program are U.S. Citizenship study programs at
also learning to use a computer. Morley Library, call (440) 352-3383,
“I don’t know how to do much or visit the library at 184 Phelps St.,
on it except the program, but Painesville.
that’s all I need it for right now,”
Miranda said. “A friend of mine
gave me an old lap top, an old
used one and I practice on that.”
Wearing headphones, users of
the program listen to instructions
and click on answers or repeat the
pronunciations of words, working
their way up three different levels
of difficulty. With his new English-
language skills, Miranda gets
ridiculed by his roommates who
are also nursery workers. “They
see me walk out with my notebook
and tease me that I’m going to
Kindergarten. But I don’t care,”
Miranda said. “My boss knows
what I’m trying to do. I just do
what I’ve got to do for myself.”
For more information on Rosetta
Stone or other literacy, GED or
March-April 2009

la
el an
ve
Rican
v ndd
e
e years in the affordable housing industry
l
C with government, non-profit and pri-
make no mistake
my people came via the steel
belt, on a shift to work late
Down at la fabricas in the
flats, that’s where it’s all at!
I Lived in the projects, at
Riverview my brick city,
Ohio city
next to la marketa, West
Side Market where vendors
I got the Cleveland Rican
sold cilantro,
blues,
ajices dulce, y pimentos
lost in a city that still don’t
so mami can make up her
recognize my peoples his-
sofritooooo,
tory
oye mi gritoo de la calle
We walk around this town
Veinti Cincooooooo
and we’re still a mystery
Little Italy, Slavic Village,
La calle Veinti Cinco the
Chinatown, when will our
road to redemption,
day come around?
West 25th street parted like
the red sea
I was promised a Hispanic
where my people were
Village,
pilgrims in their own right,
complete with a theater and
escaping their plight, leaving one here got a clue
some shops
Puerto Rico to find a better
A beacon for the Barrio to
life
give MY gente their props
Hey, no Moses with a gold- know some of us made it big
en rod but we had Moise
But that day never came
who knew how to find us a
around…and I am still stuck
job!
in this town
And God bless Maria, Dios
Wheew! I got the Cleve-
la bendiga our saving grace
land-Rican Blueeessss…
who helped us find a place,
Let’s not forget Wilfredo,
Let’s get this straight, I
who gave us los coupi’s to
make no apologies I’m no
feed our face.
Nuyorican
I’m a Cleveland-Rican who
My people the beginning of give una mano, a helping
is still seeking
our story was rough
I never bit that apple, never
it wasn’t easy and we got
lived in a tenement,
tough
nor had the luxury of a
Our forefathers gave us El
bodega
Comite Hispano, El Club
or radio station, La Mega
Yaucano, La Parada, the
No la Mega no se pega
Puerto Rican Parade, all to
aqui…not for me!
give us a better day
I’m home grown, Cleveland
But where are we today???? Blues
Rican born on the lake,
12 / The HOLA Journal
B lue s
We had our frustration with
no representation,
Crime and drugs on the
street, a bad reputation,
So they gave us our so
called bilingual education
But we still got Joselito who
said what the heck
and failed from West Tech
Margarita who rather dress
with the best
than graduate from Lincoln
West
And what about Wandi that
little girl, so cute with her
curls
Pregnant and having a baby,
because she told her papi
chulo maybe
Oye I got the Cleveland-Ri-
can Bluezzzzz
And I am wonderin’ if any-
Oh and I won’t forget I
Did the right thing and got
the right gig
Escaped the blue collar, and
never gave holler
Not even Adios see you
around
I’m leaving the barrio and
this town
Never looking back to even
hand
To their pana their fellow
man
And let’s not forget los po-
liticos, yeahhh…you heard
me
I’m calling on you too
You’re the biggest reason
I got the Cleveland Rican
We elected you to your posi-
tion with our Hispanic vote
We even listed our needs
and handed you that note
your power came into play
and we ain’t never seen our
better day
So I’m gonna break it down
right here and now
Give my gente some advice
and maybe show them how
Latinos must be united to
rise to power,
We gotta think higher than
the Terminal Tower
Keep la familia together,
worship and pray
Work hard, save our money
for a rainy day
Support Latinos business
and you know which ones
Live each day to the fullest
as they come
And don’t forget….
We need our Hispanic Vil-
lage so don’t ignore
We need it now right on our
Lake Erie shore
Yes a piece of an island not
Put In Bay
But an Island for our people
who came a hell of a long
way
I want my Hispanic Village
I WANT MY HISPANIC
VILLAGE!
By Marilyn Oliveras de Ortiz
© 2009 All rights reserved
March-April 2009
About the Poet
Marilyn Oliveras de Ortiz has worked 19
vate sectors in Cleveland’s Latino
and African American com-
munities. Marilyn
has seen the many
parallel and
raw realities of
poverty, homeless-
ness, racial injustices
and the need for social
change. Much of her writ-
ings have been influenced
by her daily experience and
the many stories she has col-
lected over the years.
She is a first generation Cleveland-
born Puerto Rican poet. She started her
craft as a poet performer by answering
an “open call” ad in the local newspaper.
That fateful call led her to Cleveland’s
infamous Poet Laureate, Daniel Thomp-
son, who later exposed her to the local
poetry scene in coffeehouses and college
campuses. Marilyn performed at several
Daniel Thompson events where she de-
buted as an “up and coming Latina poet”
and later as a “featured poet”. Marilyn
credits Daniel Thompson for showing her
the ropes in Cleveland’s open mic scene
and for her first paid gig at the Brillo Pad,
13 / The HOLA Journal
under the Lila Wallace Reader Digest
Writers Grant.
Marilyn Oliveras de Ortiz was a featured
poet in Cleveland’s 24 hour poetry hot-
line “In Your Ear.” Her poem “Blood
Mother” received much recognition
for its thought provoking voice of
cultural identity. Her work has
also appeared in the American
Literary Review, and her short
stories in Cleveland State Uni-
versity’s campus paper “The
Vindicator”, where she
also worked as a free-
lance writer/reporter on
current Latino issues.
This summer Mari-
lyn will be featured in an
anthology of Cleveland poets. The
book titled “Hotel Poem” is scheduled
to release this summer in August 2009. A
book release event will feature portraits
of the poets and an audio installation.
Release date will soon be announced in
local papers.
Marilyn’s latest poem “Cleveland Rican This graphic is the work of artist Sandra
Blues” is now making waves in the local Conejeros, who is based in Santiago,
Latino community. Its raw look into the Chile. For more of Sandra’s work, see
many social issues affecting Latinos are www.sandraconejeros.blogspot.com
cleverly spoken in “spanglish” terms that
excite the newer generation. Resurrect- older generation. Marilyn hopes her poem
ing long standing political issues stirs up will bridge generational gaps between
the many mixed feelings reserved by the the young and old so that everyone can
examine those issues and move toward a
more united community.
Marilyn is also scheduled to release this
summer the poem “Cuanta Madre.” This
insightful poem explores the survivor’s
side of domestic violence and mental
illness. Her writings in this poem for-
mulate a heroic and hopeful viewpoint.
It’s a portrait of sisterhood, the power
of women, and the courage to break
free from the cycle of abuse is one that
she hopes will inspire all women facing
those challenges.
For more information on Marilyn
Oliveras de Ortiz and her literary works
you can visit her on Facebook, My
Space, or hear her audio recordings on
Snapvine.com.
From a press release.
March-April 2009
 Guest Columnist:
Christ Can Restore Your Family Life
By Pastor Hector Picasso
Dear Readers,
First we want to give thanks to our
God and Savior Jesus Christ for
this opportunity to address each one
of you. We would like to share our
testimony and we are confident that
what happened to us God will use
for the salvation of many of you. Our
only hope is to please God and to
testify about all the good things he has
done in our lives. My name is Hector
Picasso. I was born in Salamanca,
Guanajuato, in Mexico. At the age of
11-years-old, I became acquainted with separation, because we didn’t see
the vice of drugs and alcohol.
In the city of Elgin, Illinois, I met
Erika in high school and at the age
of 18 we decided to create a home
together. We had so many dreams
about having a family and providing
what we didn’t have in Mexico.
Iglesia Pentecostes
“Arrepentios y Convertios”
3234 Station Ave.
Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
Service:
Tuesdays 7 PM (prayer)
Thursdays 7 PM (Bible Study)
Sundays 2 PM (worship)
If you would like to attend and need
transportation, call (440) 964- 5354
14 / The HOLA Journal
Without a doubt we were very far from
being able to reach happiness. Every
man forms a family with the intension
of making his wife and family happy,
but I realized that my addiction to
drugs and alcohol was stronger than
my desire to live a family life. Just as
today, vices, fights, adulteries, cheating
and lies are destroying homes; we were
losing respect for each other little by
little. We were always fighting and
even though we loved each other, we
were losing that love little by little.
Faithfulness was lost and we
thought the only answer was
an out, we thought the problems in
our relationship had no solution. At
that time, we had two children and
we realized that our separation was
going to cause them great pain, but
just as many people do today, we gave
first priority to what we wanted with
the vices and the other
temporary delights of
sin. And so even though
we didn’t want to fail
in our dream of having
a home, we ignored the
main reason why in world
we live there is so much
destruction of the family
home, and so many
divided families, single
mothers and fathers, and
many lost in vice, and
we also see many abused
children and all this
happens because we don’t
want to open our eyes
to this evil.
In the first place, we
note clearly that the thief
spoken of in the Bible
is the devil and he uses
an infinite number of
tactics to do his work.
Many of us are ignoring
this great truth that there
Visit us online at
Statewide Latino Advocacy Day www.holatoday.org
The Ohio Commission on Latino ticipants will have meetings with
Affairs (OCHLA,) will host a State Representatives and/or State 440.964.3372
is a thief that doesn’t like seeing statewide Latino Legislative Senators to discuss particular issues
happy marriages. But just as there is Visit Day on May 19, 2009, at of interest.
or email us at
a destroyer, we also want to let you the State Capitol in Columbus. hola@holatoday.org
know there is also someone who came This full day event will bring A new feature included in this
to liberate us from the power of the Latino leaders from across the year’s program includes the Com-
destroyer and his name is Jesus Christ. state to meet Ohio legislators to munity Expo at the Statehouse
The one who came to give us life and
life in abundance, he is the only one
discuss important public policy
issues, and dialogue about needs
Atrium. The expo will provide an
opportunity to showcase the work ADVERTISE
who can give you salvation and he can and opportunities faced by His- of Latino grassroots organizations
and Latino serving groups to poli-
The
make you free from all vice. panic Ohioans.
It’s been 11years since we accepted cymakers, stated Ezra Escudero,
Him and surrendered our lives to The Legislative Visit Day will Director of the Commission.
Christ and because of Him have been start with workshops on impor-
able to overcome sinful nature. So tant topics such “Introduction to Anyone in the community is wel-
that’s why we invite you to give an Advocacy and Legislation 101”; come to participate in the Legisla-
“How to find, interpret and use tive Visit Day, and there is no fee
opportunity to God. If you’ve tried
for registration.
everything and everything fails, try
Christ, you that have tired of that bad
policy and advocacy informa-
tion”, and a session on “Learn- Journal
For more information, please visit
life of vice, you that has not been able ing how to build strategies and
www.ochla.ohio.gov.
to fill that void with drugs, you that deliver the message effectively”. CALL FOR RATES!
loves your wife and children and wants Following the workshops, par- From a press release (440) 964-3372
to have a happy home, give your heart
to Christ.
If you want to accept Christ today
I ask that you say this prayer: “Lord I
recognize that I am a sinner and today
I ask forgiveness. I give you thanks
for sending your son Jesus to die for
me on the cross so that I could have
eternal life and return to communion
with you. And today I accept Him as
my one and only Savior. I ask of you
God that you write my name in the
book of life and that from this day
forward you guide me on this new
path with you, I ask it in the name of
your beloved son, Jesus. Amen.”
Translated from Spanish by the editor.
Are you a Faith Leader? Do you
have a burning desire to write
and to reach out to the commu-
nity? Submit a guest column to
HOLA and we will publish it at
our discretion and if space al-
lows. Send your column by email
to hola@holatoday.org. Please
include your contact information.
March-April 2009 15 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
 Livin’ For the Weekend Team NEO Seeks to Attract Minority Businesses
Department of Tourism launches new multicultural initiative Last month Team Northeast Ohio initiative, Team NEO released a as support organizations and state
(NEO), a joint venture of the region’s “Commitment to Diversity” brochure incentives that can help minority
It was a rock and roll party for largest chambers businesses grow in
thousands at the Wolstien Center in of commerce, NE Ohio.
Cleveland on April 2. The Rock and announced a new $150,000 was
Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and initiative to attract appropriated to Team
the Ohio Department of Tourism multicultural NEO for this effort
joined efforts to launch a new businesses to the when President
multicultural tourism initiative with a 16-county northeast Obama signed the
free concert featuring R & B stars the Ohio region known FY2009 Omnibus
O’Jay’s, rock legend Dave Mason and as Cleveland Plus. Appropriations Act.
hip Hop acts Whodini and Rob Base. Team NEO plans to “While we grow the
It was part of the weeklong festivities employ additional number of multicultural
held during the Rock Hall’s induction sales and marketing businesses we increase
week highlighting Cleveland’s vitality tactics to accomplish jobs for the Cleveland
and energy. its goal of ensuring Plus region,” said
Cleveland, long recognized as a that 5% of businesses From left to right: Stephanie Jones of Singleton & Partners multicultural marketing Carin Rockind, vice-
multicultural city, is widely credited opportunities served firm, Laura Koballa Hudak, vice-president of business attraction for Team NEO, Jeane’ president of marketing
as the birthplace of Rock and Roll. are from national Holley, of Singleton & Partners, and Christine Mayer, vice-president of the Fund For and communications for
According to the Ohio Tourism and international Our Economic Future. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg Team NEO. “Ultimately
Department, it was Cleveland Disc Minority Owned our regional economy
Jockey Alan Freed who pioneered Businesses. highlighting successful regional will be positively affected as new
the racial integration of American Alicia Reese, Assistant State Tourism Director, and Amir Eylon, State Tourism Director.
Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
Together with the launch of the minority business leaders, as well businesses expand into the region.”
youth and music. Today, Ohio tourism
officials want to reach out and market
specifically to diverse audiences. African American market for years. multicultural communities to have
The Hispanic market is a good answer. “We have a diverse
relatively new for us. music scene, we have a diverse dining
“We know that Hispanic audiences We know that Hispanic scene,” Eylon said. “There are hidden
have more and more disposable audiences have more and gems everywhere.”
more disposable income.
income. And we want to find out And we want to find out
what’s important to them.” what’s important to them.”
Amir Eylon, State Tourism Director Eylon cites the
popularity of large African
American family reunions
Their new campaign is named after as a potential market they are
the O’Jay’s hit song, “Livin’ for the reaching out to. “We say, come
Weekend.” Plans include marketing to Cincinnati, have your family
Ohio attractions that would appeal reunion here; and while you’re
specifically to African Americans and here, you have the Reds, you have
Latinos, and even printing promotional the zoo and you have the Freedom
materials in Spanish. Center,” Eylon said. “Same thing
“We want to make sure we’re with Latino markets—you’re
communicating with folks in ways looking at very strong family
they’re receptive to. What might be bonds, and how do we appeal to
a hot button attraction with African that? And it’s not enough just to put
American communities may not be things in Spanish.”
with Hispanic communities,” said So when someone asks, “What
Amir Eylon, State Tourism Director. can we do when we’re in Ohio?”
“We’ve been reaching out to the Ohio Tourism officials want
16 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 17 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
 LEGAL AID’S NEW WAGE PROJECT HELPS WORKERS
Family Forced to Separate to Save Dad’s Life WITH UNPAID WAGE & OVERTIME CLAIMS
February 26 was a somber day for Carmona had worked Have You Ever Been Paid Late or workers typically face problems that Free Brief Advice Clinic
Hanna Martinez when she tearfully said in a factory for eight Not at All? Have You Ever Been include: failure to receive a last pay- You can also attend one of Legal
goodbye to her husband as he left for years and was laid off Paid Less than the Minimum Wage check, unlawful deductions from pay, Aid’s FREE Brief Advice and Refer-
Mexico with life-threatening medical when the factory shut or Not Paid for Overtime? Is Your unpaid overtime hours, and payment ral Clinics. On Saturday June 6,
problems. Almost as soon as he left, down late in 2008. He Employer Withholding Your Last below the minimum wage pay rate 2009, Legal Aid is hosting a special
their two-year-old daughter Marisa was and Martinez met in 2005 Paycheck? clinic focusing on employment law
of $7.30/hour.
asking, “Where’s daddy?” She was too and seemed to fulfill issues from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at
young to understand that she would not each other’s needs. They Low-income workers who answer yes the Spanish American Committee.
How to Contact Legal Aid
be seeing him for many months, if ever decided to get married. to any of these questions can now turn The Spanish American Committee is
Legal Aid looks forward to educating
again. Weeks before, her dad, Lorenzo “He’s just wonderful. He to The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland located at 4407 Lorain Ave, Cleveland,
the community members and helping
Carmona, 39, had become seriously ill didn’t speak English and OH, 44113. Come and get answers
for help. Legal Aid began its Wage workers enforce their rights. Anyone
with kidney failure. I didn’t speak Spanish, to your employment and other legal
Project in the summer of 2007. The who feels they have not been paid
“He had been saying his head was so it was interesting,” questions. Interpreters will be avail-
Wage Project is now staffed by two properly or has other employment law
hurting and he was losing vision in Martinez said. Tearfully, able to assist non-English speakers.
his left eye. she said that attorneys, Julie Clutter and Katie questions should call the Legal Aid
Society of Cleveland at one of our toll- For information on additional Legal
He was he was also Laskey-Donovan. The Wage Project
sleeping “I told him he can’t a good father Hanna Martinez with daughter, Marisa. provides legal representation to work- free numbers: Aid Brief Advice clinics, please go to
www.lasclev.org.
a lot,” just stay here and die.” to her two Photo by Veronica Dahlberg ers with minimum wage and other
Ashtabula County: 1-866-873-9665
Martinez sons from unpaid wage claims, provides outreach
said. “Then Hanna Martinez a previous marriage. “He Martinez said. “I had to go on food and education on workers’ rights and Cuyahoga County: 1-888-817-3777 This article was written by Katie
Lake & Geauga Counties: Laskey-Donovan, Esq., Wage Project
one day he would do so much around stamps. I don’t know how I’m going to seeks to remove barriers to employ- staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society
said, honey, I can’t see. I can’t see—so here. I don’t know how to cook to make it without him. All because of the 1-888-808-2800
ment and wages. Ms. Clutter and Ms. of Cleveland.
his friend took him to an urgent care save my life. He did all the cooking, whole immigration thing.” Lorain County: 1-800-444-7348
Laskey-Donovan report that low-wage
center.” Carmona’s blood pressure was cleaning, yard
dangerously high and he was taken work,” Martinez
by ambulance to a hospital. Doctors said. “He’s the
discovered he had only one kidney and only man I’ve
would require dialysis and a kidney ever known
transplant. But Carmona would not be that would just
able to get the medical treatment he hand over his
needed in the United States. He was paycheck. I have
uninsured because of his immigration no idea how I’m
status. His wife, Hanna, a US Citizen, going to survive
had filed an immigration petition for without him.”
him, but severe backlogs in processing A year ago,
had held up his application for they purchased
several years. home, and
Carmona was stabilized and then Martinez has
the couple began to discuss their fallen behind on
options. It was becoming clear the payments.
that the family would have to split Meanwhile,
up—perhaps permanently—to save Carmona has
Carmona’s life. “It was so sad,” been in Mexico
Martinez said. “No one was helping two months now
us, anywhere we called. No one and is undergoing
would set up a payment plan with us,” dialysis. They
Martinez said. “I told him that he can’t are hopeful he
just stay here and die.” Immigration will get a kidney
lawyers told Martinez that once transplant. “I’m
Carmona left the country, there was no taking it one
guarantee he would be able to re-enter. day at a time,”
18 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 19 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
Community Outreach and Advocacy is a Family Project Anti-Defamation League Honored
by Latino Civil Rights Group
A
shtabula’s Mexican immigrant use of vulgar language and lack of they please. Do you criticize the Italians
community recently held a respect for the work we do and for the who emigrated from Italy to America
luncheon at Mother of Sorrow’s people we do it for. I would like to The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) ability of any of us to live in dignity
for speaking Italian, or the German
Church to honor Archie and Peggy share with you, from our point of view, immigrants for speaking German? has been honored by one of the and equality.”
Wilkinson, and Kim and Dave Parker. why we are fighting for the rights of America is not like most other countries; nation’s leading Latino legal civil ADL was recognized for being at
The couples had recently organized these people and why we are trying our we are comprised of a plethora of rights organizations for spearheading the forefront of national and state
caravan to transport different foods, religions, efforts to combat bigotry, efforts combating hate crime, raising
about 75 people to the and most of all languages. discrimination and hate crime against awareness of the disturbing rise
Youngstown Diocese Your implications of Latinos and other minorities. of hate crimes against Latinos and
to obtain passports, the Mexicans not working The League accepted the Mexican other minorities, and exposing the
ID’s and other and how you believe they
necessary documents American Legal Defense and virulent anti-immigrant rhetoric that
even “don’t want to take
from the mobile out the trash” is, in my Educational Fund’s (MALDEF) has risen to the surface as part of the
Mexican Consulate. perspective, absurd. From Community Service Award on February public debate over immigration.
The Wilkinson’s my personal experiences I 24 during its 10th Annual Awards Gala “We cannot let the task of
have devoted many have learned that not only in Washington, D.C. The League fighting hate fall to its victims
years of service to the are they willing to “take has worked closely with MALDEF alone,” Mr. Lewy said. “We must
community. Archie, out their trash”, but they and other Latino civil rights groups have allies who can be counted upon
a medical doctor, will take out your trash, in recent years in helping to confront to raise their voices alongside ours.
visited area labor as well as your neighbors.
camps to provide care a wave of anti-immigrant and The discrimination, bigotry and hate Shari Kochman, Regional Director for the Anti-
They are good, warm-
to farm workers in Archie and Peggy Wilkinson, shown in the center back are surrounded by members of hearted people that are xenophobic rhetoric and to respond to violence that is targeting Mexican Defamation League covering Ohio, Kentucky,
the early 90s with a Ashtabula’s Latino community. Also pictured in the back row are Dave Parker and Kim here for job opportunities. anti-immigrant hate crimes. Americans and Latinos today hurts and the Allegheny Region, near her office in
Cleveland. Photo by Veronica Dahlberg
van he equipped with Parker. Seated on the left are Father William Mul Queen and Sister Dorothy Bondi. Why would they have “We are deeply moved by this all of us, offends all of us. When
medical supplies. come over if they had honor,” said Glen S. Lewy, ADL you take your case to court, to
Peggy currently volunteers with HOLA, hardest to help them obtain the legal no intentions of working? I find your National Chair, who accepted the Congress and to the American people, The MALDEF Community Service
and now their daughter Ursula, 14, is papers necessary. statement not only false, but insulting. award along with Abraham H. Foxman, know that you are not alone. We are Award recognizes leaders in the public
also getting involved. “I just think the As I understand, America is known All I am working for is to give these and private sector who have been
ADL National Director. “I don’t have standing right beside you, and that’s
Hispanic community has a lot to offer as the land of opportunity. In fact, people the chances they deserve. I
and that we all have to work together to this country is based upon people to tell anyone why a group like the where we intend to stay.” critical forces in advancing the goals
hope this country can one day be the
improve our community and make it n a searching for freedom and a chance for Anti-Defamation League is concerned The League has adapted a number of the community and providing social
land of opportunity for all people,
better place,” Peggy Wilkinson said. She prosperity. It states in the United States coming from any country, for the right about the wave of demonization, of its signature anti-bias education and justice for Latinos.
will be starting law school in the fall. Declaration of Independence, as one of the pursuit of happiness that the discrimination, and hate violence that diversity training programs and other The Anti-Defamation League,
of the “inalienable rights” of man, that Founding Fathers gave us. has targeted Mexican Americans and resources to address issues and needs founded in 1913, is the world’s
everyone has the right to life, liberty, and Latinos. You live it. We all understand in the Hispanic/Latino community in leading organization fighting anti-
When HOLA received an email filled the pursuit of happiness. America is based Regards, that the policies adopted in the halls of English and Spanish, with programs Semitism through programs and
with offensive statements and crude upon immigrants; we are a melting pot of Ursula Wilkinson services that counteract hatred,
government – and the words we hear available to schools, universities,
references about Latino immigrants, cultures from all over the world.
14-year-old Ursula Wilkinson decided I am hoping that President Obama from politicians and on the nightly businesses, community organizations prejudice and bigotry.
to write a letter in response as part of works toward the legalization of news – have a direct impact on the and law enforcement agencies.
a class project at Hershey Montessori immigrants, not only from Mexico, but From a press release
School in Concord Township. Her from everywhere, that wish to become
letter was originally published in the part of the American culture. You said
Ashtabula Star Beacon. Following is the that we should “send them back to their
text of Ursula’s letter, edited for space: native land” but what right do we have
to not give them a chance to have a life
Your response to the article posted in here? I am well aware that there may
the Star Beacon concerning the illegal be certain circumstances in which an
immigrants has been read by myself, entrance may be denied, due to criminal
along with a couple of my colleagues. records or other problems, but we should
As we discussed the topics brought up not deny anyone without reason.
in your e-mail, we kept an open mind When you mentioned how the
to attempt seeing this issue from your immigrants speak Spanish in public and
point of view. However, this did not in our schools, and that you feel these Peg Wilkinson and daughter Ursula, 14,
seem to change our perspectives on this actions are inappropriate, they have a help sort jalapeños and beans for HOLA’s
emergency food pantry held on March 6.
issue. Especially with your consistent right to speak the language of which
Photos by Veronica Dahlberg
20 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 21 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009
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Classified Advertising Painesville Adult Basic

& Literacy Education
Business Opportunity
Do you want to start your own busi- 85 N. Park Place
ness growing, harvesting and selling Painesville, Ohio 44077
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produce for local farmers markets?
Second Floor
HOLA is looking for Latinos who
want training and assistance in start- (440) 354 – 5551
ing their own local farming busi-
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income. For more information contact 2005 – 2006 Schedule
HOLA at (440) 964 - 3372
* ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
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Monday and Wednesday
5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Tuesday and Thursday
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS

OF OTHER LANGUAGES
Classes are: Tuesday and Thursday
Journal 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

CALL FOR RATES! READING – LITERACY CLASS

(440) 964-3372 Reading class with additional
tutoring is available

got something to SELL?

If you would like to advertise your services, HOLA is now offering
classified ad space.

Looking for employees? Try placing a classified ad. All ads appear in both
the English and the Spanish versions of the HOLA Journal. Your ad will be
translated for free!

Rates are $10 per line, with a minimum of three lines.

Contact HOLA at 440.964.3372.

22 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009 23 / The HOLA Journal March-April 2009