Círculo de la Hispanidad 2018 Gala Journal

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Welcome to Tonight's Celebration of the 38 th Anniversary Spring Gala

Mrs. Ada Luz Coonerty PERSONAL TRAINER F itness F rom A da Z

Mr. & Mrs. William & Vicky Díaz Ms. Silvana Díaz FOUNDERS N oticia

Mr. José C. Fernández PRESIDENT & CO-OWNER S angría 71 R estaurants

Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna DEPARTMENT OF ROMANCE LANGUAGES AND LITERATURES H ofstra U niversity

Ms. Martine Michel-Toure ADMINISTRATOR CLIENT & MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES N u H ealth -C enter for P ositive HEALTH

M r . K eith S. S enko OWNER & FUNERAL DIRECTOR H empstead F uneral H ome

Growing StrongerTogether

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Experience Círculo’s initiatives. Take the journey with Círculo and experience the programs and community services. Media Friend Booster Business Buddy 119 C írculo de la H ispanidad Supporter 72 88 96 106 115 61

school housed within the Center and authorized by the New York State Department of Education. Welcoming the New Middle School. Evergreen's Mission, Promise and Pledge. The School Expands its Technology Initiative with Chromebooks.

May 18, 2018 / Content

F lashback 2017 S pring G ala G il B ernardino ’ s 70 th C elebration

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2018 G ala P lanning C ommittee

6 A ddresses

E lected O fficials ’ L etters of A cknowledgment

S cholarship R ecipients of 2018 Mr. Gil Bernardino, Executive Director and Founder of Círculo, addresses our community. Learn the History of Círculo. Mr. Leo Fernández, President of the Board of Directors of Círculo, addresses our community. Círculo de la Hispanidad Mission Statement and the Gala purpose. 10

M emorandum

In memory of our loved ones, may we never forget them.

Letters from elected officials recognizing Círculo de la Hispanidad's efforts supporting vulnerable children and families of Nassau, Long Island.

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I ndex

List of Sponsors by category and Journal Composers and Authors.

S ponsor H ighlights

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A cknowledgement to our D onors

Bronze Silver Executive Corporate

Honoring Our Past &Present...

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H onorees

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Read about the 2018 Honorees. Learn about their vocations and their involvement with the surrounding communities. Read the attributes that make them unique and the accomplishments that have earned them the recognition as a 2018 Honoree.

H urricane M aría

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Helping Puerto Rico in its time of need.

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B ecome a F riend of C í rculo E vergreen C harter S chool

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C írculo B oard of T rustees C írculo S taff

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Founded in 2008, Evergreen is an elementary

Continuing our course for the Future!

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I want to thank the Gala’s Planning Committee for supporting our honorees and our Gala. Their support has been essential in the always stressful work of implementing a successful event. Thank you Círculo’s Board members, staff, colleagues, volunteers and friends for supporting the journal, the raffle and selling tickets. I also want to give a special thanks to Evelyn Tavárez , Gala Coordinator, as well as Nancy Iglesias , our consultant for the Gala's invitation, the journal, and the slideshow presentations, including our on-line journal. As always, I want to thank my family for their encouragement. They have helped me to face the many difficulties that I have encountered this past year and over the years. Gracias Sarah Brewster, my partner in work and in life. Gracias por todo, thank you for everything. You continue to inspire me and I enjoy working with you every day. Gracias to my deceased parents, brother, niece and sister-in-law . I miss them. They have always inspired me in my difficult times. I want to thank my three children, Deborah, Daniel and Gil Migue l for their support. They share not only my happy moments but also my challenging ones and they continue to give me encouragement to persevere. I continue to enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, my precious Rebecca, Sofía, Giuliana, Isak, Gabriella and Sebastián. ¡¡¡ Gracias!!! Thanks to all!!!

Message from the Founder & Executive Director Círculo de la Hispanidad Gil Bernardino

This past year has been a challenging one as we faced the possibility of losing funding as a result of the Federal Government cuts in housing! There was sad destruction caused by different hurricanes including the damage to Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane María. There was also good news, the approval and implementation of Evergreen Charter School’s Middle School. As of this moment cuts in housing so far have not affected our programs which means our four different housing programs are intact, and still providing important services to clients affected by HIV, mental disabilities, domestic violence, and families with limited resources. GOOD NEWS!!! Círculo de la Hispanidad, together with other organizations and community leaders, worked together to support the people from Puerto Rico as Hurricane María destroyed the island. See in the journal the information about this effort. This was a very sad challenge as we witnessed millions of people suffering for months with limited support by the Federal Government. Evergreen Charter School, funded with the support of Círculo de la Hispanidad, has increased the support for the students by getting State approval of a Middle School. Last year we expanded to serve students from K-7th grade. This coming fall, we will have students from K-8, eventually growing to full capacity for 675 students. At the same time, we have over 500 students on the waiting list. You may ask why I report the news of Evergreen Charter School in my letter about Círculo. Círculo founded Evergreen. Evergreen would not have existed without Círculo. While we maintain separate boards and funding sources, we celebrate Evergreen’s success as our success. In conclusion, Evergreen’s vision of providing hope and a future for children’s right to an excellent education is the result of the same vision and mission of Círculo de la Hispanidad. To all of you supporters, in different ways, of Círculo de la Hispanidad, current and past, you have impacted the establishment of Evergreen Charter School by supporting our organization and I thank you for that reason in the name of the many students who are and will benefit throughout the years. As the Founder and Executive Director, I understand the importance of Círculo’s staff and their contributions through our history. They supported the organization with their daily work and ensured that programs and activities have been implemented in a financially sound manner. Having good evaluations and audits allowed me to keep the dream alive. Gracias. A thousand thanks for all participants and sponsors over the years. You have helped us achieve our mission. I also want to express my gratitude to our 2018 participants and sponsors. Thank you to all our Honorees for accepting our invitation to be part of our history and supporting the Gala. Gracias.

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M essage F rom T he P resident of T he B oard

CÍRCULO DE LA HISPANIDAD 1980 – 2018

38 Years “A Remarkable Journey” 38 Años “Una Historia Admirable”

Thanks to you and to all who have supported us throughout our thirty-seven years. Gracias a todos ustedes y a todos los que nos han apoyado a través de estos treinta y siete años.

Each year I reflect back about our recent accomplishments that have come to fruition through support from dedicated staff, the Board and from you our friends and supporters in the community. We have much to celebrate as we reflect on 38 years of commitment, dedication and a deep sense of service to the most vulnerable people in Nassau County (Hispanics and Non-Hispanics alike). Círculo received its articles of incorporation in 1980. However, the history of Círculo began some years earlier. Círculo’s founder, Gil Bernardino, came to the United States in 1974 to discover the many needs of the Long Beach Hispanic community. Concerned about the oppression of immigrant populations and underserved groups, Gil formed the vision of Círculo. Barbara DuBow, through her ideas, advice and support provided the essential tools for Gil to make the dream of Círculo a reality. Another key and trusted advisor who assisted Gil in developing the organization was Pat McCormack. In 1980, New York State awarded Círculo its first grant of $25,000 to operate independently as a youth oriented organization. It was difficult to open doors in the beginning. Círculo started with three employees and a typewriter which had some missing keys. Now, the organization has a team of over forty full and part-time staff and a sophisticated computer system including a technology center, as well as many other amenities thanks to the commitment and vision of Círculo’s dedicated staff, volunteers and Board members. Many individuals have supported Círculo along this “Remarkable Journey”. Former Senator Dean G. Skelos, provided the seed funding for Círculo’s Center about twenty-five years ago. His vision and support enabled us to think large and dream of a Center that would serve thousands and thousands of individuals and families for many generations to come. We are especially grateful to Eileen Mullin and Lance Roth of Non Profit Preferred Funding. They were instrumental in securing the loan for this project. Non Profit Preferred Funding purchased the bonds made available through the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency. Welquis R. López, a longtime friend of Círculo, has also been very supportive of our organization for many years and assisted Círculo achieve its dream to build a Center. We want to recognize County Executive Ed Mangano for his financial support to the Center. Through his support Círculo has been able to enhance the Center. Thank you. In addition, former Supervisor Kate Murray, of the Town of Hempstead, also has helped to support activities and programming at the Center and provided Círculo with funding in the past. Gracias Supervisor Murray for your support. We also want to extend our thanks to former Mayor Wayne Hall, Sr. who supported our Center including our Nature Explorer Classroom Project. We are grateful to all of them. As we continue on our mission to improve the lives of individuals and their families through a comprehensive continuum of social service, recreation, education, cultural, economic development and social justice programs, we are grateful for the special efforts of dedicated employees, supportive volunteers, Board members, corporate partners and friends who have helped us live our mission. Together we can make a difference. Thank you.

LEO FERNÁNDEZ

As President of the Board of Directors and on behalf of Círculo de la Hispanidad, I would extend my appreciation to all our 2018 honorees for their support and dedication to Círculo’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families. Tonight we pay homage to our honorees and thank them for their commitment to strengthening our community and supporting vulnerable populations. We admire them for their professional achievements and for their examples of leadership and service.

At this time we also ant to acknowledge all those individuals that have made our Spring Gala 2018 possible.

Thank you to all of you attendees tonight for supporting us with our mission and vision. Thank you sponsors as well for contributing in large and small ways to the success of our journal and Gala.

Thank you Planning Committee members for your dedication and support. Your hard work has helped us to have a special evening tonight.

The Board would also like to recognize the staff of Círculo and thank them for their efforts and dedication to our organization.

With your help, all of us together are working to make our community a better place every day. I hope you enjoy our 38th Anniversary Spring Gala Celebration. Again, thank you to all.

Leo Fernández President of the Board of Directors

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CDLH Mission

Spring Gala 2018 Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters who made this possible! Círculo de la Hispanidad’s Scholarship Fund has distributed close to $300,000 in scholarships to youth over the past thirty years thanks to your support.

To improve the lives of individuals and families through a comprehensive continuum of education, social services, recreation, cultural, economic development and social justice programs.

Growing StrongerTogether!

CÍRCULO DE LA HISPANIDAD 2018 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

Standing left to right: Evelyn Tavárez, Nelson Aguilar, Xiomara López, Paulina Cardona, Adamari Rodríguez, Angélica González, Valery Palacios, Betzabeth Cisneros Coello, Matty Cerquín, Yessica Amaya, Carolina Evangelista, Melanie Echeverría, Joseymi Goris, Darcy Román, Dr. Robin González and Gil Bernardino, Founder & Executive Director. Dr. Sarah Brewster, Frank Palma, Jesús Ayala, Alexander Brown, Edwin Mendiva, Ronald Díaz, Jennifer Flores, Wilson Velásquez, Margoth Cáceres, Yardley Ayala, Chris Fuentes, Staling Santos, Eduardo González Heymann & Brianna Carnavale.

Seated left to right: Abigail Aguilar, Lisbeth De La Rosa, Kendy Córdova, Breidy Ortíz, Katherine Lorenzo, Sol Pérez, Ileanna García, Lisbeth Sosa & Jennifer Rushing.

Scholarship Committee Members Not in the Picture: Evelyn Hernández, Barbara Klein, Nora Martínez, Aime Rivero, Karla Vásquez and Flor West.

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Círculo de la Hispanidad’s Annual Spring Gala Serving Two Purposes

Congratulations to the 201 8 Honorees

• Funds support college scholarships for high school graduates from Long Beach and Hempstead who are matriculating in college or vocational training. Scholarship funds raised from the event are bestowed to youth at Círculo’s Annual Awards Night held every June at the Long Beach High School. This year we will hold the event on June 8th, at 7:30 pm. All are welcome to attend. • Funds raised from the Gala also Support agency programs including youth programs (after-school programming, homework assistance, summer camp, and cultural enrichment activities); domestic violence support services (legal advocacy, support groups, a 24 hour bilingual hotline, crisis intervention and case management services); housing services (for individuals living with a mental health diagnosis, victims of domestic violence, individuals living with HIV and AIDS and homeless individuals and families); adult education (English for speakers of other languages, GED preparation, and citizenship preparation); health programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS (case management, educational prevention, and transportation services); recreational programs (dance, basketball, tae kwon do, soccer); cultural programs (Sábado Cultural, Hispanic Heritage activities); and crisis intervention services and supports (a food pantry, referral services and other support). We hold our Annual Spring Gala every May. At the Gala we recognize individuals and companies for their contributions to the community.

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Growing Stronger Toge t her

Growing Stronger Toge t her

William and Vicky Díaz

Ada Luz Vázquez-Coonerty

Silvana Díaz

Court Stenographer, Personal Trainer C0-President of the Children’s Medical Fund Garden City Chapter

Founders of Noticia

Founders William and Vicky Díaz established Noticia in 1991 from a 1-bedroom apartment in Hempstead, with the sole mission to inform and educate the Hispanic community of Long Island through a reliable and professional medium. The Díaz family also founded Fundación Hispanoamericana, a scholarship foundation in 2005 for Hispanic students of Long Island; inspired by their two daughters’ experiences as immigrant students. In 2009, Silvana and her sister Cinthia became the new proprietors of this weekly publication. They focused on modernizing the business and expanding its reach through noticiali.com and social media platforms. Continuing with the pattern and mission of expanding and improving their publications is how the Díaz family decided to join Schneps Communications in 2018. Schneps Communications is a 30-year-old local media company, publisher of more than 20 community publications including the Queens Courier, Long Island Press and El Correo – their 15-year-old Spanish language newspaper servicing the city boroughs. Silvia Díaz is now serving as publisher of the Hispanic Media group under this new merger with Schneps Communications. Their combined reach of print, digital platforms and events division is over 500,000. This new venture has combined New York’s largest Hispanic demographic areas under one umbrella, a dream come true for the Díaz family.

Ada Luz is the youngest of three girls raised by her single mom. Both of her parents came to New York from Puerto Rico not knowing a word of English. She was raised in a public housing project, which was and remains to be called “The Pink Houses” in Brooklyn East New York. That was a challenge, to say the least. But being surrounded by poverty and oppression didn’t stop Ada Luz from realizing her dream of getting out. She always felt that public assistance was only a stepping stone – not her final destination. She pursued her education and became the first in her family to graduate from High School. She then graduated from Court Reporting School, all while working full time to pay tuition. Despite her busy schedule, Ada Luz always found time to volunteer for an organization called Jornada de Vida Cristiana at her local church, Santa Fortunata. She helped motivate young adults to stay focused and continue with their education. She also coordinated retreats for the kids and tackled the difficult situations they were confronted with daily. When Ada Luz wasn’t working, studying and counseling, she found herself at the Senior Center feeding, playing board games with, and providing companionship to the senior citizens. Her most cherished memory was polishing the nails of her favorite senior, Vilma. In 2010, Ada Luz and her husband, Sean, attended a fundraiser for the Children’s Medical Fund (CMF). After learning all that CMF had done for the children of Cohen Children’s Medical Center (formerly Schneider’s Children Hospital), it’s no surprise she immediately became involved as a board member. Today, she is Co-President of CMF, Garden City Chapter. With the help and hard work of their incredible board, CMFNY has donated over $500,000 towards the Hematology/Oncology renovation and $200,000 to the Child Life Program. In 2012, $5,000,000 was donated to the Pediatric Diagnostic Studies. In 2013, over $20,000 was donated for iPads, blankets, Pillow Pets, pizza parties, and an additional $400,000 went to the Child Life Program. In 2015, CMF committed $10 million towards the building of the CMF Center for Pediatric Diagnostic Studies. One of their greatest achievements was in 2017 - the grand opening of the CMF Center for Pediatric Diagnostic Studies. CMF’s mission remains the same today: to provide ongoing funding for CMFNY programs that are vital to the needs of seriously ill children and their families. In addition to allocating her time to CMF, Ada Luz continues her career as a Court Reporter, and personal/group trainer. She is committed to developing the minds and bodies of her community. But mostly, she is a mom to two beautiful children and a devoted wife to her husband. A quote Ada Luz loves to live by: “To do more for the world than the world does for you – that is success” – Henry Ford.

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Growing Stronger Toge t her

Growing Stronger Toge t her

José C. Fernández

Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna

Co-Owner Sangría 71

Deparment of Romance Languages and Literatures Hofstra University

José Fernández is the co-owner of one of Long Island’s top eateries, Sangría 71, which he manages with his brother Rosendo Fernández. Opened in Williston Park four years ago, Sangría 71 has earned rave reviews from the New York Times, Newsday and the thousands of customers it has served with traditional Spanish tapas, succulent entrees and an array of specialty sangrías and cocktails.

Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna has taught at Hofstra University, in Hempstead, New York, for 33 years, both at the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures and at the university's Honors College. Additionally, he will begin to teach at the university's Irish Studies Program next year. He specializes in medieval and early modern literature, having received his PhD (1989) from the Graduate School of the City University of New York. He completed post-doctoral work at the University of Valladolid, Spain, has published six books, and is a frequent contributor to specialized journals. Alfonso has been invited to lecture on literature, culture and film in Turkey, Malta, Japan, India, Madrid, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and at several universities in the United States. Dr. Osuna also sits on the Board of Directors of Japan's prestigious International Academic Forum, is the editor of the IAFOR Journal of Arts and Humanities and is frequently a visiting professor at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Born in Havana, Cuba, Alfonso has lived most of his adult life in Oceanside, on scenic Long Island. He has two children with his wife Angela; they were born on Long Island and graduated from Hofstra University and from Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh. His three grand- children were born in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Manhattan respectively, so he has a Steelers' fan, an Eagles' fan and a promising Giants' fan in the family. Dr. Osuna received primary and secondary education in Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands, the place where his family originated and where he grew up. Of having grown up in Gran Canaria, he states that there was no better place for him to develop, surrounded by a large extended family, volcanoes, colossal mountains, amazing coastlines and pleasant, kind and polite people. His teaching vocation came late: his childhood dream of joining the Spanish Air Force and subsequently being a pilot for Iberia were dashed when, as a teenager, he emigrated from Gran Canaria to the United States with his parents and his brother Raúl. It is here that he pursued his early interest in literature. He is happiest when teaching medieval literature at Hofstra: he believes that medieval texts capture the human realities of a time when life was hard, short, and full of burdens; a time when only the strong survived. He has received numerous awards, including the "Mayor's Recognition Award" from the Village of Hempstead, the "Dedicated to Education Award" from Fundación Hispanoamericana, and the "Hispanic Heritage Award" from the Town of Hempstead. When he began his academic career, the first thing that astonished him was the fact that most students lacked even the simplest understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. On one occasion, a student was looking at the facing pages of a book on the history and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples. On one page was the map of the Americas, and on the facing page a map of Spain. That student confidently stated: "no wonder Spain discovered America: look at how close they are!" On another occasion a student commented on the "amazing" coincidence that Spain had discovered America, saying that "in both Spain and the Americas people already spoke Spanish, which made colonization much easier!" Additionally, a student participating in the university's overseas program in Madrid, accustomed to the marvelous ethnic diversity of Hispanics in New York, remarked that "people in Spain don't look Spanish," while another complained that the flight arrived in Madrid on the 4th of July, when all the stores would be closed and they could not go shopping. Unfortunately, these are true stories. Dr. Osuna has spent much of his academic life extinguishing such confusions while trying his best not to provide additional perplexities. An avid cyclist, Alfonso has completed the Road to Santiago, an 867-kilometer ancient pilgrimage route, through northern Spain, six times. It is a challenging journey that lets you know that, spiritually and physically, you can travel far beyond the perceived boundaries of your capacities; it is a road that makes you stronger and wiser. He hopes to return before.... his bicycle gets too old.

In January 2016, the Fernández brothers opened a second location in Commack, Long Island.

An immigrant from the coastal province of Galicia, Spain, José began his culinary journey with his brother by selling paella and empanadas in street festivals throughout New York City. José’s business success extends beyond the culinary industry. He is the founder of ESPA Cargo, an international logistics associate specializing in door-to-door relocation of classic cars and valuable artwork worldwide. This business has operated for over 22 years in Oceanside’s community. José believes strongly in paying it forward and has used his success to support causes and organizations near and dear to his heart, such as the Hispanic Federation, March of Dimes, Island Harvest and Círculo de la Hispanidad. Above all, José is most proud of being a good husband and father, sharing his American life and dreams with his beautiful wife María and children Victoria and José Rafael.

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Growing Stronger Toge t her

Growing Stronger Toge t her

Martine Michel-Toure

Keith S. Senko

Administrator Client & Medical Case Management Services NuHealth-Center for Positive Health

Owner Hempstead Funeral Home

Mr. Senko is a licensed funeral director at the Hempstead Funeral Home – Senko Funeral Home acting as International Repatriation Coordinator for the Caribbean and Central/South American communities. He is a long-time member of the Hempstead for Hofstra/Hofstra for Hempstead Committee. He currently serves on the NYS Department of Education, Office of the Professions and the NSUH School of Cardiovascular Perfusion Advisory Board as a public member. He also served on the Board of the Nassau/Suffolk Funeral Directors Association and NYS Funeral Directors Association. In addition to those organizations, Mr. Senko is an active community member having served on the Nassau County Central American Day Parade Committee, the Nassau County Pulaski Parade Committee, and the Nassau County Earthquake Relief Committee. He has been a community coordinator for Nassau County CASA. He is currently a member of the Rotary International Gift of Life. He was also involved with United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County and the NYPD 94th Precinct Community Council. He has been instrumental in the Revitalization of Williamsburg, Brooklyn as Coordinator of Commercial Revitalization, President of the Northside Merchants Association and Chairman of the Young at Heart Senior Citizens Center. He served on the Board of the Peoples Firehouse LDC, the Northside Outdoor Museum of Art, and was Liaison to the Mayor's Office for the Redevelopment of Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg. He is supported in these endeavors by his wife, Lynn, President of Worth Real Estate Brokerage and Management and two children, Keith Jr., a Hofstra graduate and Director of Commercial Real Estate and Property Manager; and Lauren, currently attending Hofstra University and majoring in pre-law; along with his parents John J. Senko Jr., former Chairman of the Nassau County Civil Service Commission, and Wanda M. Senko, Vice-Chairman of the Kosciuszko Foundation, New York City.

Martine Michel-Toure is currently NuHealth’s HIV Program Administrator. She oversees a team of dedicated Medical Case Managers to ensure the well-being and care of HIV+ and Co-Infected Hep-C clients. Martine is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Research and Education and also works as a Teaching Consultant for Stony Brook University’s Center for Public Health Education. She holds both a Master’s degree in International Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Studies from New York University. Having served the HIV+ community for over 14 years and having developed humanitarian programs with which to enrich the lives of poverty-stricken Haitians and Dominicans on the Hispaniola, she has gained a wealth of experience and a mastery of the field of Human Services. Martine sits on many committees throughout Long Island including the ETE/NY Links Committee, United Way Long Island’s Planning Council, NuHealth’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Program Review Committee; Nassau County Department of Health’s Nassau Knows Committee and of course, Círculo de la Hispanidad’s Annual Gala Planning Committee. Martine is also a member of The National Association of Professional Women (NAPWA) which offers women the opportunity to network with over 850,000 members at more than 200 local chapters. Martine Michel-Toure currently lives in Baldwin, Long Island and travels to the Dominican Republic and/or Haiti several times per year to oversee her organization’s school-meal programs and to distribute clothing, food and household items to Haitians and Dominicans living on or near Sugar Cane Bateys. She is currently building a facility in the Dominican Republic which will house a learning center for local residents to learn how to grow and cook nutritious, non-GMO foods—-grown on the property’s farm. A natural food & beverage café, as well as, a vegetable, fruit and animal farm will help to sustain this community project and her dream.

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Círculo de la Hispanidad Board of Directors

Círculo de la Hispanidad Staff Members

GIL BERNARDINO E xecutive D irector and F ounder

SARAH BREWSTER C heif D irector of S ervices and O perations

LEO FERNÁNDEZ P resident

MARLEN CROOKS HIV P rogram A ssistant

SILVIA GALLEGOS D omestic V iolence A dvocate

ZULAY CARSON F iscal - A ccounts R eceivable

BELINDA AREVALO, ESQ. S ecretary

HÉCTOR MARTÍNEZ T reasurer

FREDERIKA JOSEPH MPA/MSA P rogram D irector

KIARA I. HERNÁNDEZ S alva D omestic V iolence L iason

ELIZABETH GARCÍA Y outh S ervices D irector , H empstaed P artners A fter S chool H empstead

MARIO FIGUEROA M ember

JULIÁN HERRERO M ember

SYLVANA LOYOLA M ember

EMMA MARTÍNEZ A dult E d . C oordinator

NORA MARTÍNEZ F iscal D irector

CYNTHIA MEJÍA Y outh S ervices D irector . L ong B each

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2018 Gala Planning Committee

Círculo de la Hispanidad Staff Members

GIL BERNARDINO

SARAH BREWSTER

KATHERINE MORA F iscal -A ccounts P ayable

CÉSAR NUESÍ B ehavior I ntervention S pecialist

BLANCA NÚÑEZ RWT D irector

EVELYN TAVÁREZ G ala C oordinator

JOSHUA POVEDA C hef /D irector of C ulinary and H ospitality S ervices

ANGIE SANTI RWT and EIS P rogram A ssistant

JAQUELINE SLEEFE H uman R esources

SARI VAYDA P artners A fter S chool L ong B each P rogram D irector

FEMY AZIZ

SONIA BERRIOS VILLANUEVA

JOSEPH BOUQUET

EVELYN TAVÁREZ Office Administrator and Program Assistant

ARIEL SOTELO H ousing D irector

Thank you...

C î rculo Employees!

MARVIN WILLIAMS HIV/AIDS L inkage C oordinator

ANGELA CASTILLO

MARÍA ELISA CUADRA

NÉSTOR CHOPIN, CPA

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2018 Gala Planning Committee

2018 Gala Planning Committee

VIRGINIA DA SILVA

LIA DI ANGELO-ALLAN

LOIUS DÍEZ

ALFONSO GARCÍ

VERÓNICA RENTA IRWIN, ESQ.

JIMMY PÉREZ

DARCY FERRRIER

STEVEN GILLEN

BLANCA LEONOR GONZÁLEZ

FABIANA REZAK

ODILIA ROMERO

NUBIA RODRÍQUEZ

DANIEL VELÁZQUEZ

EVELYN HERNÁNDEZ

GEORGE SIBERÓN

NANCY IGLESIAS-GILLEN

LISETT M. KNOX

Thank You Gala Committee!

KARINA LABANDA

MARTINE MICHEL-TOURE

HÉCTOR MARTÍNEZ

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201 8 Gala Planning Committee

Our supportive Elected Officials whom have helped us achieve our goals...

We Thank You!

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Letters from Elected Officials

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Letters from Elected Officials

Bronze

We Thank You!

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Executive

Triple Crown Foods, Inc. “Purveyors to the Quality Trade” Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad & Evergreen Charter School for your community support and excellence in education. Keep up the good work! Acknowledgements from your friends at Triple Crown Foods! 800 ∙ 427 ∙ 6965

We Thank You!

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and Fellow Honorees

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In recognition and gratitude to Círculo de la Hispanidad and Honorees for their hard work, services and dedication to the surrounding communities in need. of Congratulations toCírculo de la Hispanidad Growing Stronger Together! on its 38 th Anniversary

Tel. 631•964•1400

www.taprogge.com

to Long Island’s Bringing Efficiencies and Reliability Energy Network & Resources

2018

Ada Luz Vazquez-Coonerty William Díaz Vicky Díaz Silvana Díaz

José C. Fernández Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna Martine Michel-Toure Keith S. Senko

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En su trabajo para fortalecer el vínculo y apoyo a la comunidad hispana por muchos años de participación y dedicación Incluyendo educación, cultura y servicios sociales Agradecemos a Círculo de La Hispanidad el reconocimiento a los siguientes homenajeados In their strengthening of the bond of Hispanic support and many years of participation and devotion to the Hispanic Community Including Education, Culture and Social Services We are grateful to Círculo de La Hispanidad’s recognition of the following honorees

Our Mission is to serve you by providing the highest level of expertise and professionalism.

Keith S. Senko Ada Luz Coonerty Vicky, William & Silvana Díaz José C. Fernández Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna Martine Michel-Toure

Tus amigos y familia de confianza durante 91 años Your trusted family friends for 91 years

Offering Accounting Tax and Financial Services

516-481-7460 HEMPSTEAD FUNERAL HOME 89 Peninsula Blvd. Hempstead, NY 1155 0

718-388-4416 SENKO FUNERAL HOME 213 Bedford Avenue Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Nestor Chopin, CPA 404 Glen Cove Road Ave #7 Suite 202 Sea Cliff, N.Y. 11579 (516) 759-3400 · www.chopincpa.com

“La Mejor Necesidad No Debe Ser Costosa” “The Best Need Not Be Expensive”

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MEADOW DRUGS 353 Newbridge Road East Meadow, NY 11554 P (516) 785-0120 F (516) 785-0715

SHIRLEY PHARMACY 464 William Floyd Pkwy. Shirley, NY 11967 P (631) 281-8101 F (631) 281-8103

TWIN HARBOR DRUGS 72 Bayville Avenue Bayville, NY 11709 P (516) 628-2323 F (516) 628-2382

TWIN PARKS PHARMACY & SURGICALS

2226 Jericho Turnpike Garden City Park, N.Y. 11040 P (516) 873-8600

Full Service Pharmacy & Surgical Supply Free Prescription Delivery

Completo Servicio de Farmacia y Suministro Quirúrgico Entrega de Recetas Gratis

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Ada Luz Vázquez-Coonerty William Díaz Vicky Díaz Silvana Díaz

José C. Fernández Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna Martine Michel-Toure Keith S. Senko

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Corporate

We Thank You!

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad on its 38 th Anniversary Spring Gala and the 2018 Honorees for a well merited acknowledgment

for her dedication and outstanding service to the surrounding communities.

Special recognition to our colleague

Martine Michel -Toure

ROBIN NEWMAN (516) 739-0200 ext: 142 • robin@nybs.com

2018

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When Needed We're Here

Brooklyn 475 Atlantic Ave (718) 637-2970 Farmingdale 619 Main Street (631) 547-4924

Queens (ACQC) 161-21 Jamaica Ave, 7th FL (929) 421-4620

Dale Jackson AHF Pharmacist

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Business

We Thank You!

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building a better Hempstead for Hispanic families since 1978

Board of Directors Max rodriguez

Executive committee Dr. Roy Aranda Chairperson

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association Congratulates Círculo de la Hispanidad On its 38 th Anniversary Spring Gala And the 2018 Honorees For their service and commitment to our Surrounding communities

Luis Figueroa Vice Chairperson

Irma I. Nieves, RN Treasurer

Rosa J. Quiles Secretary

Executive Director

George Siberón, MPA, MSW

Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association 236 Main Street Hempstead, NY 11550

TEL 516.292.0007 FAX 516.292.0026 INFO@HEMPSTEADHISPANIC.ORG

HEMPSTEADHISPANIC.ORG

Hempstead Hispanic Civic Association Is a Neighborhood Preservation Company Funded by the NY State Division of Housing and Community Renewal and by the Nassau County Youth Board and Provides Low and Moderate Cost Housing, After School and Summer Programs, Educational Guidance and English as a Second Language

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659 Woodfield Road

BEST SERVICE SINCE 1998!

Hempstead (516) 505-5300

Freeport (516) 377-3600

Roosevelt (516) 378-1599

DRIVERS WANTED SE NECESITAN CHOFFERES (516) 546-2222

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED • FAMILIA POSEÍDA Y FUNCIONADA

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TAXI TAXI is a proud supporter of Círculo de la Hispanidad Congratulates to All Honorees!

WWW.TAXITAXINY.COM

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It is with great pleasure that we have the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful work and effort of Círculo de la Hispanidad for their work and effort to make the community a better place.

Best Wishes to All the Honorees And Círculo de la Hispanidad

Thank you from the staff of Diverse Technology Solutions. Congratulations .

Thank You for Your Many Years of Support

An accounting firm presently serving over 275 not-for-profit organizations.

Cloud Hosted Voice and Data Solutions

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(516) 486-2678

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Supporter

We Thank You!

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad Almonte’s Key Food Marketplace of Long Beach “service and freshness are key”

663 East Park Avenue Long Beach, N.Y. 11561

(516) 431-5515 (516) 431-5899

KF1698@keyfoods.com

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Estate Planning Strategies, Investments & Employee Benefits We are proud to support the Círculo de la Hispanidad 38th Anniversary Spring Gala

Providing Financial Products and Services To Help Create and Protect Assets

- Competitively Priced Term & Permanent Life Insurance - 401(K), SEP, IRA & Defined Benefit Pension Plans - Disability Income Insurance - Long-Term Care Insurance

- Investment Advisory Services - Retirement Planning - Annuities - Business Succession Planning

Mrs. Ada Luz Vázquez-Coonerty Mr. & Mrs. William & Vicky Díaz Ms. Silvana Díaz Mr. José C. Fernández Dr. Alfonso J. García-Osuna Ms. Martine Michel-Toure Mr. Keith S. Senko

- Mortgage Protection - Children’s Education Funding (529 Plans)

James Scordamaglia, CLU Financial Professional Tel: 631-385-5216 James.Scordamaglia@axa-advisors.com 1000 Woodbury Rd, Suite 300 Woodbury, NY 11797

Securities offered through AXA Advisors, LLC (NY, NY 212-314-4600), member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory products and services offered through AXA Advisors, LLC, an investment advisor registered with the SEC. Annuity and insurance products offered through AXA Network, LLC. AXA Advisors and AXA Network do not provide tax or legal advice or services. A. Verrelli & Associates is not a registered investment advisor and is not owned or operated by AXA Advisors or AXA Network. AGE-127101(06/17)(exp.06/19)

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Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad and all 2018 Honorees

Especially ... Keith S. Senko our dear brother and uncle.

We applaud your service and committment to our Hispanic brothers and sisters in their time of need.

Your sister and nieces, Dawn, Samantha and Natasha Polewac

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Congratulations Círculo de la Hispanidad & the 2018 Honorees

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We Are Proud to be here at Círculo de la Hispanidad 2018 Gala Celebration

Installing & Servicing Gas Heating & Central Air Conditioning Natural Gas Standby Generators Since 1968 www.SystematicControl.com 516 482-1375 • 718 631-1375 536 NORTHERN BLVD. GREAT NECK, N.Y. 203-14 48 AVE. BAYSIDE, N.Y.

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Media

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We Thank You!

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Congratulations to all the honorees and thank you to Círculo De La Hispanidad for all you do and have done for the Long Island community over the past 38 years. And thank you to our dear friends, Nancy Iglesias Gillen and Steve Gillen, for your commitment to the organization and the community. From all of us at

At Compass Advisors, we serve clients nationwide as they pursue their goals and gain the confidence that comes from knowing their resources are hard at work. Accomplished individuals and their families trust us to guide them on the path to financial independence, which transcends careers, businesses and generations. We collaborate with clients to create personalized financial strategies and solutions. Our advise is unbiased and comprehensive, reflecting decades of experience in investment management, retirement planning and estate conservation.

Friend

55 Pinelawn Road, Suite 210N Melville, New York 11747 P: (516) 938-2400 E: info@compassadvisors.com W: www.compassadvisors.com

Stuart J. Pastrich, CFP®, CLU, ChFC Lauren M. King, MBA, CFP® Michael A. Cuneo, CFP®

Compass Advisory Group LLC d/b/a Compass Advisors is a Registered Investment Advisor.

We Thank You!

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Congratulations to. . . C í rculo de la Hispanidad & Honorees

Garden City Properties, Inc. A ntonio J. P atiño L icensed R eal E state B roker

171 Seventh Street • Garden City, N.Y. 11530 Bus. 516-746-1563 • Fax 516-746-1638 Cell 516-313-5240

E-mail: Tony.patino3@gmail.com www.gcproperties.com

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KOSHER

O P E N 7 D A Y S A W E E K

76 West Park Avenue Long Beach, N.Y. 11561

Tel: 516.889.8470 Text your order to: 516: 448-5481

UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SOUTH SHORE VAAD SVS

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Congratulations to Cîrculo de la Hispanidad and the 2018 Honorees!

Congratulations Teresita Murillo on Your High School Graduation!

• Sales

• Service

• Installation

Horarios Lunes a Jueves

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Auto

L lame y O rdene al (516) 565-6520

6:00 am - 9:00 pm Viernes a Domingos 6:00 am- 10:30 pm

937 Nassau Road • Uniondale, New York 11553

MWBE Certified – Empire, NYC, Port Authority, Nassau County and Suffolk County

South Shore Fish Market Inc.

ARTIE

Seafood Grill FRESH FISH DAILY BYOB

4257 AUSTIN BLVD. ISLAND PARK, N.Y. 11558

(516) 889-0692 FAX: (516) 889-3810

Step up from the "supermarket freezers" and "be amazed by what real fish tastes like" at this "great little market" in Island Park vending off-the-boat-"fresh" catch at prices that match the modest digs; service is solid, and if it's too hard to resist the fin fare for sale, you can slurp on-site in the "laid-back" adjoining restaurant.

Z agat summarizes thousands of people ' s opinions into concise ratings and reviews of the best restaurants and H otels .

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O pen 7 D ays a W eek !

Celebrating with Círculo de la Hispanidad and their team for their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to all Honorees!

RICHARD GARFINKEL Certified Public Accountant

Booster

9 Gerhard Road Plainview, NY 11803 Phone: (516) 932-8633 Fax: (516) 932-8634

Phone: 516-354-8255 Web: www.IdealUniform.com 175 Rockaway Avenue Vallet Stream, N.Y. 11580

Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and the 2018 Honorees

EVERYTHING FOR THE OFFICE

Midtown Office Supplies, Inc.

saving you $$$ is our business !!!

We Thank You!

• Office Supplies • Computer Supplies • Office Furniture • Space Planning

• Furniture Setup • Break Room Supplies • Commercial Printing • Janitorial Supplies

2 Locations

Batul Tsiamwala President C ertified W oman O wned B usiness

372 Fulton Avenue Hempstead, New York 11550 (516) 538-9857 481 Maple Avenue Westbury, New York 11590 (516) 280-6050

16 Clyde Street New Hyde Park, N.Y. 11040

Tel: 800-860-3390 Direct: 516-294-4681 ext: 303 Fax: 516-877-2060

batul@midtownofficesupplies.com

www.midtownofficesupplies.com

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad & the 2018 Honorees!

Residential & Commercial

Professional Services

Homeowners * Business Flood * Auto * Life * Business Proudly Serving Long Island Communities for over 80 years!

www.yourcoverage.com www.yourfloodcoverage.com www.drivingdiscount.net

JOSE GARCIA Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

“ENVIRO-SAFE” PEST CONTROL Safe Answers to Pest Problems JAMES VANDERBEEK LICENSED & INSURED Office (516) 292-1297 Cell (516) 315- 5665 Fax (516) 233-1769 jim.envirosafe@gmail.com

30-B West Park Ave. Long Beach

Ph. 516-432-5800 Fx. 516-432-5274

Congratulations to all the Honorees! Brian Bergman and staff

D'ALLEVA CPA'S, LLP CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

DIRECT: 347-234-6006 EMAIL: DALLEVACPA@GMAIL.COM DIRECT: 347-234-6005 EMAIL: JDALLEVA@GMAIL.COM DIRECT: 347-234-6004 EMAIL: LDALLEVA@GMAIL.COM

JOSEPH C. D'ALLEVA

JOSEPH C. D'ALLEVA JR

LISA D'ALLEVA

Congratulations to Circulo de la Hispanidad on its' 38 th Anniversary

D'ALLEVA CPA'S, LLP CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

JOSEPH C. D'ALLEVA, CPA JOSEPH C. D'ALLEVA JR., CPA LISA D'ALLEVA, CPA

157-14 12TH AVENUE WHITESTONE, N.Y. 11357

OFFICE: (718) 767-2125 FAX: (718) 767-0597

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Drive with Confidence

Best Wishes to Our Friends Circulo de la Hispanidad Congratulations to all the 2018 Honorees

www.FirstChoiceAutoMobile.com

David Pascual Sales Manager

Rubbish Removal-Recycling-Container Service Servicing Long Island Since 1936

478 Jerusalem Avenue Uniondale, N.Y. 11553 Cell (516) 304-0002 Office (516) 307-9599 USED CAR SALE WE FINANCE

Nassau: 516- 496-2002 Suufolk: 631-491-1305

ALL SIZES OF CONTAINERS AVAILABLE FOR ALL YOUR CLEANUP NEEDS Mario & Michael Reali

Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and Distinguished Award Recipients I am delighted to extend my very best wishes on the occasion of the 38th Anniversary Spring Gala. CÍrculo de la Hispanidad has rendered stellar service for over three decades. Indeed, its extraordinary commitment to our community at large is recognized near and far. Honorable Andrea Phoenix

Interested in financial services?

Looking for people to start part-time - will train. Contact: Rachel Robles 516-448-5668

PIZZERIA • RESTAURANT

Give the gift that really cooks! Join our Rewards Program

Intersado en servicios financieros?

Se busca personas para entrenar-tiempo parcial. Llama: Daniel Velazquez 347-285-2390

16 W. PARK AVE. LONG BEACH, NY 11561 T (516) 432-8193 • F (516) 432-0948 WWW.GINOSLONGBEACH.COM

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Congratulations to Círculo de la Hispanidad and the 2018 Honorees

EL RINCON DOMINICANO

WHERE YOU CAN AFFORD TO GET FIT!

Restaurant Specialty on Homemade & American Food Catering for All Occasions Preparamos Comidas Para Toda Ocasión Especialidad en Comidas Criollas y Americanas

Classes ∙ Personal Training Month to Month Membership

HOURS: 7:00 a . m . - 10:00 p . m . D eliveRy : $1.00 (516) 280-9529/9530 283 Fulton Avenue Hempstead, New Yor 11550

516 • 596 • 1919 56 Hempstead Ave. Malverne, N.Y. 11565

ESSENTIAL PEST CONTROL RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL RODENT PROOFING AND CONTROL OF ALL TYPES OF PESTS All Staff Professionally Trained & N.Y. State Certified

Congratulations to all Honorees & C í rculo de la Hispanidad on its 38 th Anniversary!

TERMITE INSPECTIONS CERTIFICATES FOR MORTGAGES & REFINANCING ISSUED HEALTH VIOLATIONS CORRECTED BED BUGS AND TERMITE SPECIALISTS FREE ESTIMATES SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE

Luis O. Herrera, M.D. F.A.A.P . P ediatrics A dolescent M edicine

(516) 763-1340 EssentialPestControlNY.com

CALL

43 Church Street Freeport, New York 11520

ANYTIME

Serving Baldwin, Freeport, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream & Vicinity Since 1985 A ll S taff P rofessionally T rained & N.Y.S. C ertified

(516) 223-2900

www.AmericanPaperTowel.com

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