Fourth Annual Pottstown Flu Shot Clinic

The cold temperature, falling leaves, and short days are an indicator that we are well into the flu season.  

For those with no insurance or little health access, the annual flu shot is seldom an option. In response ACLAMO family Centers in Pottstown offered its fouth annual free flu shot clinic this month.  

In cooperation with the Montgomery County Health Department, and in partnership with the Pottstown Area Health and Wellness Foundation, the annual flu shot clinic provided free flu shots to children and families. Public Health Nurses from the Health Department, Bettie Weiss and Marianne Claypotch, administered nearly 50 flu shots.  " "ACLAMO is an important outreach site designated to help an underserverd community" said Ms. Weiss.

On her mother's lap, 3-year old Stephanie cries as she receives her yearly flu shot from nurse Weiss, while brother Pedro and sister Nora nervously look on. Moments later, Stephanie smiled as she held her "Dora" sticker prize

The ACLAMO Starbucks Connection

Seen here with Executive      Director, Juan Guerra is Pam Ficarella, Starbuck's Store Manager, and baristas Joey Stabile and Doug Taft displaying their donation to ACLAMO

Aside from being a favorite gathering place for good conversation and a great cup of coffee, the local Starbucks in Plymouth Meeting now has become a provider of aid to the local community. Six months ago, ACLAMO was notified by store manager Pam Ficarella about the opportunity to participate in their "Harvest" program, which offers a share of the previous day's breads and pastries. "Too many people don't have enough to eat-especially children", said Ficarella, "I hate the idea of anyone going hungry, plus we have all this extra food at the end of every day that would normally go to waste".

Two or three times a week, Guerra picks up a bounty of goodies which are distributed among the waiting families and students at ACLAMO. "It's a treat that brings smiles to our families", Guerra said, "We appreciate Starbuck's support".

Local Groups Contribute Toward ACLAMO's Annual Thanksgiving Drive    

A coordinated effort of individuals, businesses, local high schools, colleges, community, church and youth groups joined together with ACLAMO in gathering food for the annual Thanksgiving Drive. For over 20 years, this program has been giving out Thanksgiving dinners to those less fortunate in our community. At last count nearly 200 dinners will be distributed. Thank you for all who helped make this possible. 

Teachers and students representing the Methacton High School Spanish Club, Kathy O'Connel, Julia Tuhacek, Dan Antinori, Amelia Stetler, Tilman Borhan, and Carol Davis present their gift to ACLAMO of $650 in gift certificates for our annual Thanksgiving Drive

Profile: Rebecca Sadeghipour 

When 14-year-old Rebecca Sadeghipour took folkloric dance lessons in her hometown of Acapulco, Mexico, never did she imagine that she would be one day be taking that skill North to America, nor did she imagine her involvement with ACLAMO, an organization which had yet to be established.

As a young woman Becky, as she likes to be called, moved to Pottstown with an ESL teaching degree. Montgomery County Community College was offering an international evening and she decided to perform some traditional Mexican dances. "I started dancing at the school," said Sadeghipour, "then my sister and brother-in-law joined me in dancing first at the local church, and then teaching for the Norristown School District.

In 1983, a neighbor told Becky about ACLAMO and after assisting in the preschool program for several years; Sadehepour also shared her great love of the traditional dances. With every event held at ACLAMO, Becky and her dancers became ever more involved with the local community.

In 1990 Becky moved to Norristown and in 1995, was asked to join ACLAMO's Board of Directors as a community representative. That same year she officially named her dance troupe the Ballet Folklorico de Acapulco. It is a family affair, with the dancers consisting of Becky, her two sisters, their husbands and also her two nieces. In her 17 years at ACLAMO, Becky has served in many capacities, including vice president. She offers her insight and wisdom, plus she continues to perform at ACLAMO's yearly functions.

"Over the years I have stayed with ACLAMO because its programs offer a strong witness to the local community", said Becky, "despite the economy, we still need people to do what needs to be done. I stay because I believe in what they do and I want to give back to the community"

The community has returned the favor recognizing her work. Last year the Ballet Folklorico de Acapulco was given 1^st place at the annual Spanish Choice Awards held at the Kimmel Center. We are proud and grateful to Becky for her faithful service to ACLAMO and the people of Norristown.