Latino Task Force of Monroe County

The Latino Task Force (LTF) of Monroe County works to advance the contributions of the Latino community through civic activities such a voter education and registration, policy analysis, and Latino and international heritage events.  Group members support fair and equal public policies and practices that respect the rights and cultural diversity of all the residents of Monroe County. The Latino Task Force is the only Latino group solely serving Monroe County, and participation as members of the Board of Directors or Committees is open to all who support the mission of the organization.  (Click Here To Join)

 2008 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration    (Click Here For Photos Gala 2008)

 Speaking to a crowd of over 120 guests at a gala dinner held Saturday, September 20, 2008 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, Dr. Javier Cevallos (far right), President of Kutztown University (Pennsylvania), praised the achievements of Latinos in higher education and inspired participants with his story of upward mobility and achievement.  

The 2008 Noche de Gala Scholarship and Awards Dinner Dance celebrated “Excellence in Education.”  The event honored three distinguished individuals who contribute their volunteer time and efforts to the Latino community of Monroe County: Alberto Cardelle, Ph.D., professor at East Stroudsburg University, and member of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA); Amilcar Arroyo, publisher of El Mensajero newspaper; and Billie Andrews, general manager of the Chateau Resort and Conference Center. 

Both Dr. Cevallos, and Dr. Cardelle (second from right), represent the great strides of Latino professionals in higher education. Throughout their career they have worked diligently to empower youth, and to serve as role models of academic excellence. 

Dr. Cardelle received the Community Leadership Award for his efforts to promote unity and collaboration among Latinos in Monroe County.  Amilcar Arroyo (far left) received the community recognition award for giving journalistic voice to the Latino community, and for always saying “presente.”   Billie Andrews  (third from left) received the corporate recognition award for helping to make the 2007 and 2008 Noche de Gala dinners possible through her philanthropy, generosity and support. 

We also congratulated our scholarship recipient Luis Pacheco of East Stroudsburg University who wrote the winning essay. His topic: As a Latino youth, what would you do to make Monroe County a welcoming community for all?  Felicidades to Luis and to his family. (See side Photo).  Regards were sent to all participants from Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pedro Cortes through his representative Press Secretary Kevin Murphy (See photo on left, below).  Mr. Murphy presented certificates of recognition from the Office of the Governor and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to the Latino Task Force for its work to promote civic participation, and to all the awardees and scholarship recipient for their civic dedication.  A Governor's Proclamation was also read declaring September 15-October 15 Hispanic Heritage Month in Pennsylvania.  State Senator Lisa Baker also sent certificates of recognition to all participants.  

The following Latino Task Force Gala Committee members made this event possible: Billie Andrews; Don Buzney; Dagmaris Cabezas; Maryanne Heeter; Maria Ferreris; Cecilia Mercado; Jesús Nieves; Valerie Bouthyette; Lillian Gonzalez; Lucia Alvarez; Wanda Leon; Armando Baez; Dianna Castro; Paula Gonzalez; Miguelina Torres; and Brigida Persia. Special thanks to Miguel Gonzalez of ESU, Isabel Balsamo of King's College, and Karen-Davila Davis of Pocono Mountain School District for their assistance with the Scholarship Fund.

Also in the above photograph: Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool, (second from left), and Latino Task Force President Dagmaris Cabezas (third from right).  Photos Courtesy of Amalis Marte of El Mensajero Newspaper, and photographer Miguelina Torres.