Working Today for Our Community's Tomorrow
The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States
Established 1991
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LUSUS
The Online Newsletter of PALCUS
January 2013 |
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PALCUS Announces 2013 Opportunities for College Students
In keeping with its mission to advance educational and career opportunities for Portuguese Americans, PALCUS announces the opening of the 2013 application process for 1) PALCUS Internship Program and 2) PALCUS National Scholarship Program
Application Process for PALCUS sponsored internships is now open!
To date, 136 Portuguese-American college students have been placed in PALCUS sponsored internships in the U.S. congressional offices, Portuguese Consulates, and with Portuguese-American professionals and businesses. Established in 1994, interns have been able to gain valuable experience and networking opportunities in their field of interest. The program has been most consistently funded by the generous of support of the J.B. Fernandes Memorial Trust in addition to other donors such as St. Francis Care of Hartford, CT.
Do you have an internship opportunity to offer a promising Portuguese-American student? Please contact us at internships@palcus.org at your earliest convenience.
For Students: Find more information and download the 2013 application by visiting:
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PALCUS Interns: Where are they now?
Each month, LUSUS will feature an interview with a former PALCUS intern. Learn more about the value of the internship experience in their own words. Did you benefit from a PALCUS internship? Let us hear from you by contacting us at palcus@palcus.org
John Paul Soares: Law Student
What year did you intern and where?
I interned the summer of 2009 at the office of Congressman Devin Nunes (CA 21st District).
Tell us a little about your internship. It was an awesome opportunity to see how Congress functions on a day to day basis. I had basic intern responsibilities such as drafting letters to constituents. However, my favorite part of the job was giving tours of the Capitol Building to visiting constituents. U.S. History was always my favorite subject growing up so the tours were a great way to learn about the Capitol's history while interacting with members of the Congressman's district.
How did the PALCUS internship program influence your life? The PALCUS internship solidified my convictions about going to law school because I saw how a law degree can be put to use to help influence government policy in a positive way. It was an extremely practical internship too because future employers were always impressed that I worked on Capitol Hill while I was in college. Overall, I do not think I would be where I am today if it was not for the opportunity I was given by PALCUS to travel to Washington in order to help decipher my own professional goals. At the same time, I felt like I was helping important work get done every day by being a part of a Congressman's office that was constantly striving for positive social change, such as the work we were doing to bring more water back to the farmers of California's Central Valley in order to grow more crops and jobs in the region. What are you doing now? I am currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the University of Utah, S.J. Quinney College of Law in Salt Lake City, Utah. I am one final away from finishing my first semester, and I anticipate graduating in May of 2015. What advice would you give young Portuguese-Americans today? Always strive for your goals, but never be afraid to ask for help on your journey. More specifically, do not let your pride get in the way of your own potential success. Also, do not let someone tell you that you cannot do something if you know that it is your passion; you will be far happier pursuing something that brings you joy, even if it perhaps holds less prestige in the eyes of others. In the end, it matters more what will contribute to your own personal satisfaction than societal pressure to act in a certain way. ******************************* |
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Application for the 2013 PALCUS National Scholarship is now open!
The PALCUS Scholarship Program was established with the purpose of providing nationwide, merit-based scholarships in support of Portuguese American students in the pursuit of their higher education goals. Scholarships will be awarded annually to students of Portuguese ancestry who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their academic careers and who show a commitment to completing an approved plan of study.
There will be two scholarship awards of $1,000 each awarded at the 2013 gala: one scholarship for a matriculated undergraduate and one scholarship for a graduate student.
Click here for the 2013 Scholarship Application
The first scholarship was awarded at the 16th Annual Leadership Awards Gala at the Hilton - Short Hills in Short Hills, New Jersey in October, 2012 to Dennis De Almeida, a Juris Doctoral candidate at the Seton Hall University School of Law. This first award was funded by the Rosa-Simăo Family Scholarship Fund.
Please help us to build the PALCUS National Scholarship Fund. A scholarship award may be made in the name of an organization or individual for a donation of $1,000. Donations of any amount are welcomed and may be made through the PALCUS website.
Click here to donate http://palcus.org/programs/education/scholarships/make-a-scholarship-donation
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Which Educational Issues Matter Most to Portuguese Americans?
 We posted a survey on our website to find out which educational issues were of most concern to Portuguese-Americans. Survey results so far indicate that the teaching of the Portuguese language in schools is at the top of the list, with the cost of education coming in a close second. Do you agree? You can still take our survey here: www.palcus.orgWhile not a scientific survey, the results point to the value that our community places on the teaching of the Portuguese language in public schools.
If you'd like to learn more about how to start a Portuguese language program in your area, tune into the "PALCUS FYI Webinar" on Portuguese Language Programs in the US on April 11th.
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International Relations: Update on Lajes AFB, Golden Residence Permit Program
Update on the Reduction of US Air Force Base, Lajes, Terceira
At a press conference in Lisbon on January 15, 2013, U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced that the drawdown of US Air Force personnel will be delayed for two years until October, 2014. The planned reduction of the 65th Air Wing at the Lajes base has been part of the 2013 Department of Defense budget that seeks to cut spending world-wide by $487 billion over 10 years. The reduction at Lajes would represent a savings of $35 million per year.
Speaking alongside Portuguese Defense Minister José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, Secretary Panetta emphasized two areas of focus going forward:
- ".... the United States military is committed to Lajes Air Base. This is an important air base for us. It has important airlift capabilities. It will remain a vital part of our global forward posture. ... As a result, we'll do everything possible to try to lessen the economic impact of the reduction in tempo. We're committed to working with the local community to provide aid and maintain a strong relationship that we have built over the years."
- "A second area of focus will be to explore opportunities to expand our trade and business relationship. I'm pleased that the United States European Command will host a delegation of business executives next month, which will include a visit to the Azores that may provide opportunities for expanded economic development there..."
The group of business executives to which Secretary Panetta referred is Business Executives for National Security (BENS) which will explore areas of investment which may add jobs and opportunities to the area.
Read more: http://nation.time.com/2013/01/16/panettas-portuguese-pancetta/#ixzz2IkjloN9T
Other sources of information on the topic:
http://www.usafe.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=20205
http://www.lajes.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110621-022.pdf
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Portugal Courts Investors with Golden Residence Permit Program
Portugal has recently enacted a new law that offers golden residence permits and access to the European Schengen area to non-EU citizens, providing they invest in the country for at least 5 years.
This investment activity may consist of either a financial investment above 1.0 Mn €, the creation of 30 permanent jobs or a real estate investment above 500.000 €, this last option being the cheapest and most attractive way to get a residence permit in Portugal and in which investors will find a larger array of investment options.
This golden residence permit scheme aims to attract wealthy investors, as well as their families, to help re-launch the Portuguese economy and is a great opportunity for non-EU investors to buy luxury holiday homes in renowned resorts, to carry out financial investments or to set up business ventures in Portugal.
For more information visit: http://goldenresidencepermit.com/ or download the brochure here.
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PALCUS Launches "For Your Information (FYI)" Webinar Series
As part of our mission to serve as a resource for the Portuguese community, PALCUS has partnered with various organizations and businesses to host a series of webinars to provide information about programs and initiatives that exist to benefit Portuguese-Americans and help to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Portugal.
 PALCUS held its first FYI webinar, "PALCUS Educational and Cultural Programs", on January 10th presented by PALCUS Director Angela Simőes. The 30 minute live webinar offered an overview of PALCUS' programs including Adopt-A-School, Internship Program, the National Scholarship Program, Student Exchange and Mentoring Program, websites for Portuguese authors & artists. This webinar was sponsored by M.L. Nunes & Associates, CPA If you missed it, you may view it at any time on the PALCUS YouTube Channel.
The live webinars will be 30 minutes in length and include time for a live question and answer session. All webinars are FREE to attend, and open to the public. The webinars will be recorded and posted to YouTube for viewing at any time. Below is a list of currently scheduled webinars.
Portuguese Integration into American Society
March 14th @ 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET
Presenter: Dulce Maria Scott Webinar Sponsor: Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies, RIC View event on FaceBook Register for this Webinar
Portuguese Language Programs in the U.S.
April 11th @ 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET
Presenters: Antonio Oliveira, Elmano Costa, Diniz Borges and Jose Luis da Silva Webinar Sponsor: Luso-American Education Foundation and APPEUC/NAPTA View event on FaceBook Register for this Webinar
Fullbright Study Abroad Program in Portugal May 9th @ 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET
Presenter: Ricardo Sequeira Webinar Sponsor: We still need a sponsor! View event on FaceBook Register for this Webinar
If you would like to participate in a webinar as a presenter, have a suggestion for a future topic, or would like to sponsor a webinar please contact us at palcus@palcus.org.
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Culture: January's Featured Artist and Author of the Month
Featured Artist - Joey Simas
 This month's featured artist is Joey Simas from California. Joey was born in Boston Massachusetts and moved to Tracy when he was five years of age. He started painting shortly after high school. Joey studied art at Stanislaus Statewhere he earned his bachelors' degree in art. He enjoys painting with oil on canvas but also works in charcoal tending toward political pieces and still life. He lives with his wife in Patterson CA. and they are expecting their first child. See more of Joey's work by visiting http://www.redroofstudios.org/joey-simas.html |
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Featured Author - Joe Gouveia
 José Gouveia is a first-generation Portuguese-American poet, writer, journalist & radio personality who lives, writes and takes to the poetry airwaves on Cape Cod. He has won awards for both his written verse and his performance poetry, and is author of 3 chapbooks: What We Do(Salt Winds Press, 1997; Ginsberg Is Dead (Cape Cod Community College, 2000); and The Slaughter of the Sacred Cow (self-published, 2008). Gouveia has also served as Editor on 3 poetry anthologies, Dancing On Water and Common Roots, Common Ground (both published by Cape Cod Community College, 2002 & 2004, respectively); and Rubber Side Down, the biker poet anthology (Archer Books, LA, 2008). Learn more about Joe Gouveia by visiting http://portugueseauthors.weebly.com/joe-gouveia.html If you would like to feature your artwork or written works on these sites, please send your bio, images and other information to palcus@palcus.org. |
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PALCUS Members in the News
 Manuel Geraldo, Esq., PALCUS Director, Treasurer and member since 1992, has been appointed as a Commissioner on the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission by Rushern Baker, County Executive for Prince George's County and as Chairman of the Maryland Board of Airport Zoning Appeals by Martin O'Malley, Governor of Maryland. Attorney Geraldo is a founder and partner in the law firm of Robinson & Geraldo, Attorneys-At-Law. Congratulations, Manny, on these two prestigious appointments!
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 Onésimo T. Almeida, Ph.D., PALCUS Director, was featured on the cover of the most recent edition of Jornal de Letres, Artes e Ideias for the publication of his new book, Utopias em Dói Menor. Almeida is a well-known and respected author and scholar. He is a professor in the Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies at Brown University in Providence, RI. PALCUS is pleased to congratulate Onésimo Almeida on this well-deserved recognition. |
 António Frias, PALCUS member of the Council of 100, has been listed in the recent publication, Portugueses na Ámerica, which chronicles the success of Portuguese immigrants and Luso-descendants in the United States. The book, written by the recently deceased author Margarida Marante and with photos by Rui Ocho, was supported and launched by the Luso-American Foundation to highlight the diversity of the Portuguese-American success story. Mr. Frias is the President, Treasurer and CEO of S & F Concrete Contractors, Inc. in Hudson, MA and a longtime supporter of PALCUS. |
 PALCUS Chairman Fernando G. Rosa has been elected to the Newington Economic Development Commission in Newington, Ct and he will serve a three year term as commissioner.
Share your news and accomplishments with us so we can highlight your success in our next newsletter! Send updates to palcus@palcus.org along with your picture.
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Upcoming Events
Celebrate International Port Day!
PALCUS, the Consul General of Portugal to San Francisco and AICEP are hosting the first Professional Networking Mixer of 2013 in celebration of International Port Day.
Eugenio Jardim, Sommelier at Jardiničre , will present a master class on Port wine. After the class, enjoy tasting Port wines and Portuguese appetizers.
Port wine donated by Premium Port Wines
Wine donated by Morey Cellars
Thursday, February 7, 2013
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Residence of the Consul General of San Francisco
3298 Washington Street, San Francisco
Valet Parking will be available
Admission: $10 per person
Space is limited, so please reserve your spot by sending in your payment in advance to PALCUS via PayPal or mail a $10 check to PALCUS, 9255 Center St., Suite 404, Manassas, VA 20110
This event is sponsored by:
Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA)
The Portuguese Tribune
Luso-American Life Insurance Society (LALIS)
L&F Fish Market
All proceeds will go to the PALCUS Scholarship Fund
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Community Bulletin Board
Kale Soup for the Soul Literary Series: Boston, MA
Date: March 7, 2013, 6:30pm
Venue: Portuguese Consulate, 699 Boylston Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA
Sponsored by: the Consulate General of Portugal, the Boston Portuguese Festival (BPF), and the Camoes Institute.
The event, food and refreshments are free and open to the public.
Congressman Devin Nunes seeks Interns for Visalia, CA and Washington, DC Offices
For more information, visit: http://nunes.house.gov/constituentservices/internships.htm
UMass in Lisbon Application Process is open!
Applications for Fall, 2013 are due March 1, 2013
For more information, visit: http://www.umassd.edu/ipo/studyabroad/umassinlisbon/
Portuguese Heritage Publications of California launches The Power of the Spirit
To purchase or for more information, visit: http://portuguesebooks.org/2012/11/power-of-the-spirit-a-portuguese-journey-of-building-faith-and-churches-in-california/ http://nunes.house.gov/constituentservices/internships.htm.http://nunes.house.gov/constituentservices/internships.htm.
IJPDS: InterDISCIPLINARY Journal of Portuguese Diaspora Studies
See current edition at: http://portuguese-diaspora-studies.com/index.php/ijpds/issue/current
The Dabneys: A Bostonian Family in the Azores
In partnership with the Luso-American Foundation, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is pleased to announce the launching of a major anthology: The Dabneys: A Bostonian Family in the Azores. For over ninety years, members of the Dabney family served as US Consuls in Faial. The Dabneys celebrates the US's longstanding and rich ties to the islands.
Please join us at one of four upcoming gatherings planned to mark this book's release. We thank each host for sponsoring the events at their respective venues. The celebrations begin February 16 at the Museum. His Excellency, the Ambassador of Portugal to the US, Nuno Brito, will participate in this festivity. Editor Maria Filomena Mónica and Mário Mesquita will be on hand at each gathering to discuss the project. Of course, copies of the book will be available for purchase-bring your $20.00!
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Newsletter Archives
Read past issues of the LUSUS Newsletter at http://palcus.org/community/news-events |
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PALCUS would like to have you as a member!
Membership in PALCUS strengthens our national voice and provides opportunities for Portuguese-Americans. Please join, renew or upgrade your membership to the next level today!
Please register and send your contribution via our website: http://palcus.org/join OR
Mail a check payable to PALCUS, 9255 Center St., Suite 404, Manassas, VA 20110
Questions? Contact us via email: palcus@palcus.org or phone: (202) 466-4664.
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Contact Information
Email: palcus@palcus.org
Website: www.palcus.org
Phone: 202-466-4664
9255 Center St., Suite 404
Manassas, VA 20110
Follow PALCUS on Facebook, LinkedIn, YahooGroups and Twitter!
For daily news and infomation on events and all things Portuguese, subscribe to Angela's List on YahooGroups, officially sponsored by PALCUS.
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Jobs for Portuguese Speakers
If you want to put your Portuguese language skills to use in your next job, there are many opportunities out there! Visit the Jobs for Portuguese Speakers Facebook page to see some job openings.
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PALCUS Mission
In order to create a singular voice to advocate for the Portuguese
American and Luso-American communities at large, the Portuguese American
Leadership Council of the United States Inc. (PALCUS) was founded in 1991
as a 501 © 3 non partisan, non profit, organization headquartered in Washington
D.C.
The PALCUS mission is to address domestic and international concerns of
the Portuguese American Community.
The Council conducts an expanding program of educational and public affairs
activities on issues of interest to the Portuguese American community and of
salience to the Luso-American Relationship.
PALCUS is committed to serving the community through increasingly active
government relations efforts, the promotion of a greater awareness of ethnic
accomplishments and encouraging stronger ties between Portugal and the United
States. In this role PALCUS advance the community professionally, politically
and culturally while working to ensure that issues directly affecting our
community are addressed through our network of government and community
leaders.
PALCUS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of
the District of Columbia. Donations are tax
deductible to extent allowed by law.
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