Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Celebration

10/23/2023

Hispanic Heritage Day, Hawthorne, NJ: Oct. 8, 2023

10/10/2023

Congratulations to the winners of the dance contest & thank you to "El Gallo Restaurant" for your generous gift card donation!

10/10/2023

Thank you Hawthorne High Marching Band for your awesome participation!

10/10/2023

10/10/2023

10/09/2023

Gracias de parte del Comite de la Herencia Hispana de Hawthorne! Thank your for the attendance, participation and contributions in making Hawthorne's 3rd celebration a sucess!

10/08/2023

Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Event . Thank you for all who came down to support the event.

10/07/2023

Bear Cave & High School swag for sale at tomorrow's Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Day event tomorrow @ Band Shell 1pm- 5pm 🐻

10/05/2023

Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Celebration this Sunday Oct 8th, 1-5 pm at the Hawthorne Bandshell grounds. Come out and enjoy the culture with Music, Dancers, Crafters, Food and interactive family fun.

09/15/2023

07/12/2023

Hawthorne Hispanic Heritage Committee is pleased to announce that Aileen Rivera has accepted to be this year’s Keynote speaker for our event on October 8th.

Aileen Rivera has been a Wayne Township resident since 2009, with her husband Joe.
They have been married for 43 years. They have 3 son's and 5 grandchildren. Aileen has worked at a law firm for 31 years, where she has gained experience in helping people overcome great obstacles.
Aileen served as a Councilwoman representing the 5th Ward from 2016 -2019. She was
a hands on advocate for all the residents of the 5th Ward. She was dedicated to meeting
the needs of the Community. She strongly advocated to bring an inclusive playground for
all children - known as the Shai- Shakani Inclusive Playground, and supported the reconstruction
of the police department in Wayne.
Aileen has a son with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, who was physically abused
while living under the care of a State run facility. She realized that changes in the system
had to take place, to hold accountable those that abuse this vulnerable population, and
that birthed a new Aileen! Together with Martha Cray and Tom Komninos, she
championed and spearheaded the Stephen Komninos Law (P.L. 2017, c. 238) which was
a 7 year uphill battle. The legislation provides protection thru transparency and
accountability. It was signed into law in 2017 by former Gov. Christie, and DHS started to enforce it in 2018. Aileen is recognized as an Advocate for individuals with Disabilities in
New Jersey, and also advocated for legislation that on May 15, 2023 Gov. Murphy signed into law…legislation for Drivers Licenses & State ID’s
that will make it easier
in the event that a person with disabilities is stopped by a Police Officer while driving.

This legislation will require the MVC to indicate the diagnosis by notating the information on the person’s driver’s license or non-driver identification card under the column designated for restrictions.
This legislation will foster greater understanding and communication between law enforcement and the communicative disabilities community. This legislation was accomplished with the great team work & Aileen was proud to have been able to collaborate & advocate with
Beth Marranzini-Marmolejos, Peggy Anastos, Lynne Cariglio.

Aileen Rivera together with Martha Cray, advocated for the “Central Registry of Offenders against Developmentally Disabled”, that’s being enforced by DHS.
https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/staff/opia/central_registry.html

Lastly, a Wayne Township resident nominated Aileen to receive the “2022 Hero” award & Congresswoman Mikee Sherrill selected her as one of the recipient's to receive the “Congressional Certificate as a 2022 Hero”.

She is a voice that
makes the fight all worth it with her fierce advocating for those that can not speak for themselves. She is committed to serving the people, is highly motived. She is Community Driven with her passion in helping others!

05/17/2023

2022 Hawthorne Hispanic/American Honoree: Jorge Acosta from his High School years.

04/13/2023

HIspanic Heritage Event 2022

04/13/2023

#2022

10/16/2022

Event pictures :)

10/16/2022

Hawthorne Hispanic American Honoree:

Pio Clavijo- Lifelong Educator; Completed his doctoral studies at the City University of New York in 2007; Paramus Catholic’s AP Spanish/Literature Teacher; Spanish Music Director at Our Lady of Mount Carmel- Ridgewood, NJ

Pio Patrico Clavijo has been teaching for practically his entire professional life. He taught high school in Ecuador, prior to us emigrating in 1984 to Paterson NJ.
Upon arriving in Paterson, he became a student once again in learning the English language. He went out to Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City in 1987 and earned a Piano Technician degree. While he did not have an official teaching post while working on attaining permanent residency, he taught many music students in various local churches. He continues to pour his knowledge into the students he teaches. Not only looking to teach them academically but also to be productive citizens and exemplary human beings. In his spare time, he can be found running at the high school track.

10/16/2022

Hawthorne Hispanic/American Honoree:

Diego Cruz- Corporate Senior Director of Tax Technology; worked with Hawthorne Soccer Association for 24 years including President; previous Hawthorne Board of Education trustee

In 1977, Diego immigrated from Colombia at the age of 13. He moved to Hawthorne in 1994. Diego holds the distinct honor of being the 1st Hispanic to hold public office in Hawthorne, having been appointed by the Hawthorne Board of Education to fill a vacated seat in 2012. Diego is a family man, coach, a corporate executive and has a passion for helping mold our youth. His signature line while serving as President of the Hawthorne Soccer Association was” It's not about wins and losses; it's about developing the player”

10/16/2022

Hawthorne Hispanic/American Honoree:

Laura Fernandez- Clerk to the Borough of Hawthorne, NJ Registered Clerk, NJ Certified Clerk, Municipal Alliance Coordinator. The Clerk designations require extensive education programs and pertinent experience in a municipality.

Lori was born in Mexico City to a Spaniard US Army Veteran and a Mexican American/Native American mother. She grew up in California. Her previous profession as a flight attendant, fortunately, brought her to Hawthorne, NJ. Lori is not only a solid professional but is always adorned with a radiant smile. Family, community, and service are her trademarks.

10/16/2022

Hawthorne Hispanic/American Honoree:

Dr. Alma Morel- Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development; Lyndhurst Assistant Superintendent of Schools; current Hawthorne Board of Education trustee who holds the distinct honor of being the 1st elected Hispanic Woman in Hawthorne, NJ. Of Puerto Rican descent, Alma is a devoted, bilingual, and passionate advocate. She is dedicated to her craft, family, and community.

10/16/2022

Hawthorne Hispanic/American Honoree:

Jorge Acosta- Professional Soccer Player; Professional Soccer Coach in Old Greenwich, Connecticut; Hawthorne High School substitute teacher; Runs summer soccer camp in conjunction with the Hawthorne Soccer Association.

Jorge immigrated to the US in 1982 from Colombia. Jorge had an illustrious career with Paterson’s John F Kennedy High School and later with Long Island University. In 2010, he was inducted into the University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He played professionally in Colombia’s 1st Division and with the US. He was drafted by the MetroStars and played with NJ Eagles, Albany Capitals, and New York Fever. Capped by the US National Soccer Team, he represented the United States 12 times.

10/12/2022

Thank you to Rosie Quiles & Shaylee Macotew for the Huaylas Peruvian Folklore Dance-- Gracias Rosie por su participacion

10/08/2022

World Cup Year! Wear your Jersey :) ⚽️ Mundial- Ponte tu camiseta.1:300m

10/08/2022

Grateful to Mayor John Lane and Council; Borough of Hawthorne, Borough Office including Ellen Brogno, Lori Fernandez, Jennifer Scully, Hawthorne Police Department,and Hawthorne DPW.-- Thank you to our Sponsors: Councilman Mike Sciara & Family Ms. Lori Fernandez, Danny Ramirez & Family, Coach Ramirez LLC ; Spanish Tutor , Dr. Alma Morel & Family Cocina Cecilia, LLC Thai Cookery Bagel Express Gourmet Express MarketPrestige Pest Services, LLC Hawthorne Soccer Association Retro Fitness Maria Party Planner Remax Executive Group EXIT Solgar Realty Diamond Wine and Liquors Las Maravillas Restaurant JO Cigar Lounge Yudy Bechara@BobsTires -Crafts https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068526775450