August 14, 2008 12:38 PM
Last night I had a great time at "Latinos Unidos" in Eisenhower Park sponsored by Nassau County CASA.
I arrived a little late due to an accident that closed the Meadowbrook Parkway ramp from the LIE for awhile. As I pulled into Eisenhower Park, I was greeted by a long line of cars, being directed by Nassau County Public Safety to park on the lawn.....the surrounding parking lots were filled already. I parked and joined people parked around me, since I had no idea where I was going.
Luckily, I hadn't missed anything. Just as I walked towards the stage, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi was just coming to the podium. He spoke his opening remarks in both English and Spanish to cheers from the crowd. He coult tell by the looks on the faces around me, this man is a very beloved elected official in their community. The biggest cheers came when Mr Suozzi said "Nassau County appreciates the great contributions of our Latino community. You mean a lot to this County." Mr. Suozzi also introduced other elected officials in Nassau County, including David Mejias, who was also introduced to great cheers from the audience.
County Executive Tom Suozzi also introduced Nassau County volunteers who work mostly with and in the Latino community. I was happy to see there were names I knew and names I didn't. However, I was suprised by the number of honorees....there were about ten. Since I live in Suffolk County, I thought about the difference between a County Executive who honors and appreciates people instead of a County Executive who calls those who do the same work "extremists.' But I digress....I will stick to the joyous time that I had at this event...
The last of the honorees stole the show....mostly because they were under five feet and completely adorable....
These kids recently won a futbol tournament in a Latino Americano league. I'm checking with CASA for the actual league....sorry I didn't catch it at the time.
Following the kids getting on stage, we all stood for the National Anthem:
Next, the Master of Ceremonies and head of CASA, Marienela Jordan, introduced the entertainment for the night:
The crowd continued to build:
They started the entertainment with what i had been waiting for....Salsa lessons! This got everyone on their feet and starting to have fun (Note to self - next time ask CASA for a press pass to get better pictures):
While the salsa instruction was going on, I had a good time with two women who got a huge kick out of me trying to salsa. We striked-up a conversation which began in Spanish and I'm guessing by the constant smile on my face and nodding of my head they figured out I didn't quite understand and speak as much Spanish I would like to....one of the women proceeded to ask "What are you, Italian?!" To which I confessed yes and she wondered how often I got that....I told her I used to live in Miami (which meant I heard "Tu Cubana?" multiple times a day since I worked retail back then) and she got a good chuckle out of that.
After our salsa instruction, the first group went on, Dino Latino:
They were great and energized the crowd, which had increased significantly after the elected officials were done doing business:
Since the event started late and I had a long ride home, I decided it was time for me to go (even though it made me sad, I hate leaving when an event is only getting started. I grabbed a bite to eat from one of the vendors there selling food and took one last picture:
I will say one thing....I spoke to a lot of people. Many asked me where I lived and I replied Hampton Bays. Without fail, every single person said "Suffolk County? (with a distorted face which can only be desribed as being somewhere between shock and disgust). One man's response really got to me "Suffolk County? Oh we're not welcome there. Besides, why would you want to be there and be hated, when you could be here and appreciated?" The only response I could muster was, "Levy doesn't speak for all of us."
Thank you to Tom Suozzi, Nassau County and CASA for doing everything that you do....and letting this girl with no beat salsa in your park....
Thanks, Lisa. I really enjoyed your comments and great pictures.
Janet
By janet Liotta August 14, 2008 03:06 PM
Great story and photos, I felt I was there.
Sorry I had to miss this annual event.
Sonia Palacio-Grottola
By Sonia Palacio-Grottola August 14, 2008 05:12 PM
Lisa,
It was a huge success. I wanted to Thank you on behave of the C.A.S.A. Staff for your outstanding coverage on the event. I’m so happy you where there to be part of our event. Million Thanks
Scott
By Scott Castillo August 15, 2008 11:52 AM
Great pictures.
By Pat Young August 15, 2008 02:49 PM
Latinos Unidos on August 13th was a a celebration of contributions and partners in the Latino community. The best part of the event was that it was intergenerational- something for everyone! Preschool children with their families, grandparents, teenagers even had a great time- and they are hard to please! There were
Latinos celebrating unity through music and recognition of honorees... and non Latino's learning to Salsa and experience vibrant music genres and share culture! Globestar Media and La Kalle Radio were fabulous media sponsors that blasted the airwaves to invite people out. It was a wonderful night and we thank Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, Canon and Parks! A special thank you to the staff of CASA for their hard work and the businesses that alllowed us to post and promote the event! With warm regards- Marianela Jordan
Latino American Night Chair
By Marianela Jordan August 15, 2008 07:22 PM