The City of Bloomington Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 14, 2015

For more information, please contact:

Araceli Gómez-Aldana, Latino Programs and Outreach Coordinator, Community and Family Resources Department, 812.349.3430, latinoprograms@bloomington.in.gov

The City of Bloomington Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

Bloomington, Ind. - Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today the six winners of the annual National Hispanic Heritage Month Awards. The recipients will be honored during Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15, for their outstanding service to our community. Winners include: Raquel Anderson (Latino Leader Award), Volunteers in Medicine of Monroe County (Outstanding Agency/Organization Award), Ellen Vaughan (Latino Advocate Award) and three seniors from Bloomington High School South: ‍Juan Pablo Pérez Soto, José Y. Adorno-Cancel and Ana Olavarietta (Outstanding Latino High School Senior Awards).

The recipients were selected by members of the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs. All will be recognized for being influential role models and advocates and for their continuous and effective involvement in the Latino community at the NHHM Kickoff Reception on Sept. 15 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mathers Museum of World Culture, 416 N. Indiana Ave. Attendees may enjoy live music and sample delicious food. This event is free and open to the public.

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.

This month's local events also include:

• The Fiesta del Otoño, the fall festival, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, in conjunction with the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market. This year marks the 10th annual Fiesta del Otoño celebration put on by the City of Bloomington Latino Programs and Outreach Division in collaboration with Bloomington's Sister Cities - Posoltega, Nicaragua, and Santa Clara, Cuba, along with Indiana University's Latino Enhancement Cooperative. Fiesta del Otoño celebrates Latino/Hispanic traditions and talents through food, dance, music, children's activities and more. Performing artists will include: Mariachi Sol Jaliciense from Indianapolis, along with performances from Jacob's School of Music Latin American Music Arts Center and Windfall Dance Studios. This event is sponsored by the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department, IU's Latino Cultural Center, Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Multicultural Affairs and The Vectren Foundation.

• COPA Bloomington will take place this fall from Sept. 13 through Oct. 4. This is a 6 v 6 speed soccer tournament which promotes healthy living and encourages community members to engage in friendly competition. The tournament takes place at Karst Farm Park and prides itself on being one of the most diverse and affordable tournaments in town. Join the fun and register your team today at http://www.elcentrocomunal.com/.

• Hola Bloomington, NHHM Series (Topics: Latino Men, Latina Women, Immigration, Education, Heritage, LOTUS) will take place Sept. 18- Oct. 16. Hola Bloomington is a Spanish Language Radio Program and a project of the City of Bloomington Community and Family Resources Department and WFHB Community Radio to bring access to news, entertainment and public opinion to the Spanish speaking members of our community. The program airs every Friday evening on WFHB from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

For a full list of NHHM events, visit bloomington.in.gov./latino. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, please contact Araceli Gómez-Aldana at 812.349.3860, email gomeza@bloomington.in.gov or contact in person at the Community and Family Resources Department, 401 North Morton Street, Suite 260, Bloomington, IN 47402.

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