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
February 2013 |
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PALCUS Conducts National Survey: "Should Portuguese be considered Hispanic?"
The US Census Bureau is planning its 2020 edition of the decennial census. As there has been much debate about whether or not Portuguese should be counted as Hispanic, PALCUS is conducting a national survey to gauge the overall sentiment of the Portuguese-American community on this issue. This research is the first step in the process toward adopting a position that reflects that of our constituency.
Over 6,200 responses have been received in little more than a week demonstrating that Portuguese-Americans are engaged and vocal about how they wish to be identified as a population.
The survey will continue to run for a limited amount of time. Responses to this survey will remain anonymous and confidential - only aggregate data will be presented to the public.
Please take a few minutes to add your voice to the discussion.
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PALCUS Participates in Dabney Book Launch
PALCUS Chairman Fernando G. Rosa presented a plaque of appreciation to Mário Mesquita, Member of the Executive Council of the Luso-American Foundation, in recognition of his outstanding work in bringing the story of the Dabney Family to light. The presentation was made at the inaugural event of the book launch of
The Dabneys: A Bostonian Family in the Azores 1806-1871 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, MA.
The publication is an anthology based on the Annals of the Dabney Family in Faial, Azores where three generations of Dabneys were consuls of the United States to the Azores. Present at the event were H.E. Nuno Brito, Ambassador of Portugal to the US, Mayor of New Bedford Jon Mitchell, Mayor of Horta, Faial João Castro, Consul Graça Fonseca, Vice-Consul Leonel Teixeira and other community dignitaries. PALCUS Directors Onésimo Almeida, Mary Louise Nunes and Marie R. Fraley were also in attendance.
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Reminders: Scholarship and Internship Applications Fast Approaching!
2013 PALCUS National Scholarship: Deadline - March 8, 2013
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-Simão 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
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PALCUS Internship Program: Deadline - April 17, 2013
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 Health Care, 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 the Internship Program page on the PALCUS Website, or click here to download the application directly.
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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
Diane Coelho, Sales and Marketing Representative
When did you intern and where?
It was in 2004 at the Portuguese Embassy in Washington DC
Tell us a little about your internship.
I had the opportunity to work closely with the staff in the embassy on translating official documents such as Power of Attorney, Birth and Wedding Announcements. I also helped process visas and passports.
How did the PALCUS internship program influence your life?
The internship gave me the opportunity to work closely with my heritage and to use my Portuguese language knowledge in a business setting, something I thought I would never have the opportunity to do. This was just after my sophomore year of college, and by doing this internship I realized I wanted to take it to the next step and spend a long trip abroad in Portugal and even take some classes while there. So I wrapped up college in 3.5 years and graduated in December 2005 so that I could spend most of 2006 in Portugal taking Portuguese classes and spending quality time with my family and learning more about my heritage. So I was off to Portugal from December 26, 2005 to August 26, 2006 and it was the best experience of my life. I learned a lot about where I come from, perfected my Portuguese speaking skills, and really had the opportunity to grow as a person. While I'm currently not working in international relations as I thought I might be when I did the internship, it really helped me understand more about my roots and drive me to really act on my dream of a long term trip in Portugal. Both the internship and the trip abroad were experiences I will never forget.
What are you doing now?
Currently I am a Sales and Marketing Representative at Ryan Homes, a well-known national homebuilder. I've sold several homes in Waldorf, MD and am currently selling homes in our first New Home Community in the District of Columbia. I've even had the opportunity to carry out the presentation of a new home purchase agreement in Portuguese to Portuguese clients which was truly a privilege. Never did I think my Portuguese speaking ability would be used in this field. It'll come in handy when you least expect it.
What advice would you give young Portuguese-Americans today?
It's truly a privilege being of Portuguese descent, so embrace it. Our culture has so much to offer and it's important that we take it all in so that we can continue to pass it on to our future families. Take the opportunity to learn the language. It's so rewarding being able to communicate with family abroad. Take the time and listen to your parents and grandparents stories, we can learn a lot from them and really understand where we come from. And of course follow your passion and work hard.
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PALCUS "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 second FYI webinar, "UMass in Lisbon Study Abroad Program", on February 25th presented by Prof. Michael Baum, PhD., Director of the UMass in Lisbon program. The 30 minute live webinar offered an overview of the study abroad program that offers students an opportunity to take university courses for a full year, 1 semester or during the Summer. 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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Save the Date! 2013 PALCUS Leadership Awards Gala
PALCUS is excited to announce that the 2013 Leadership Awards Gala will be held in San Diego, California! Mark your calendars to be there on November 1 & 2, and stay tuned for more details to come soon!
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Culture: March Featured Artist and Author of the Month
Mel Ramos Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Mel Ramos, considered one of the pioneers of the 1960's American Pop Art Movement, was honored at the Palm Springs Fine Arts Fair with the Lifetime Achievement Award. A 50 year retrospective of his work was exhibited.
He received his first important recognition in the 1960's when, along with Warhol ande Lichtenstin, he was one of the first artists to paint images from comic books. Since then, he has participated in over 120 group exhibitions. His work is in the public collections of the leading museums in America, including the Whitney Museum of Art, Guggenheim Museum, MoMA, Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, SFMoMa, and in Washington, DC, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institute. Ramos is represented by Imago Galleries.
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Featured Author - Darrell Kastin
 Darrell Kastin is an American writer, born in Los Angeles, California, in 1957. His father's ancestors came from Belarus, at the start of the 20th century. His mother was born in the Azores, Portugal, and is the daughter of Azorean poets and journalists, Francisco and Josefina do Canto e Castro, who left the islands at the end of World War II. The family has roots in the islands of Terceira, Faial, Pico, S. Jorge and Corvo. Kastin has also spent time in the island of Santa Maria, his wife's birthplace. He is a novelist, short-story writer, poet, musician and composer, solely devoted to his art, and much influenced by Azorean and Portuguese music, history and culture. His short-fiction has appeared in The Seattle Review, The Crescent Review, The Blue Mesa Review, The Windsor Review, Confrontation, Gávea-Brown and elsewhere. In Portugal he has work in NEO Magazine and Oficina de Poesia. His first novel, The Undiscovered Island, was published in 2009 by Tagus Press. Learn more about Darrell Kastin by visiting http://portugueseauthors.weebly.com/darrell-kastin.html or Darrell's website http://www.darrellkastin.com/ 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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Article: Porque é bom visitar Portugal? By Onésimo T. Almeida
 UP, a revista de bordo da TAP, publicou há anos uma série de artigos de autores diversos a quem foi enviada a pergunta: "Porque é bom visitar Portugal?". Recentemente, todos os textos foram recolhidos num volume intitulado Portugal Vale a Pena, editado pela Oficina do Livro, de Lisboa. Aqui fica a minha participação. Click aqui para ler mais. |
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In Memorium: John "Jack" P. Loiello
 PALCUS notes with sadness the passing of Dr. "Jack" Loiello on February 16, 2013 in Washington, DC. Jack was a good friend to PALCUS in his capacity as international consultant for Gowran International forging ties between Portugal and the United States especially as a liaison for the Luso-American Foundation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Elaine Robinson, his family and friends. Click here to read Dr. Loiello's obituary in the Washington Post.
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Community Bulletin Board
The Gávea-Brown Book of Portuguese-American Poetry
GÁVEA-BROWN PUBLICATIONS is pleased to announce the publication of The Gávea-Brown Book of Portuguese-American Poetry edited, with a brief introduction, by Alice R. Clemente and George Monteiro. The Gávea-Brown Book of Portuguese-American Poetry is an anthology of the work of 24 published American poets of Portuguese descent who, to one degree or another, acknowledge their ancestral roots as part of their artistic consciousness. The poets vary widely in theme and in style, as well as in geographic distribution. What they have in common, in addition to the ancestral link, is that their work falls within the traditions of the best American poetry. We believe that this book will become required reading for all those interested in Portuguese-American studies.
2012. 269 pp. Paper, ISBN: 0-943722-40-3. $12.00.
Publisher: Gávea-Brown Publications, Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
Online Bookstore: the full catalogue of Gávea-Brown's publications can be purchased online at Gavea-Brown.com.
First International Portuguese Music Awards
The First International Portuguese Music Awards took place in Massachusetts during the first weekend of February, that attracted press representatives from all over the US and Portugal. The event opened on Friday with a Fashion Show held the at Cultural Center in Fall River, featuring fashion designer Lucia Aguiar and Jewelry Designer John Medeiros. Roberto Leal, internationally known recording star was on hand to present his book, "Minhas Montanhas." PALCUS Chairman, Fernando Rosa, recognized the efforts of the event organizers and Robert Leal. The event concluded on Saturday with a sold out awards show at the Zeiterion Theatre in New Bedford, MA. Read more about the first IPMAs on the IPMA Facebook page.
Roberto Leal shows his plaque given by PALCUS, in recognition of his years of service and entertainment to the worldwide Portuguese community.
Study Abroad Wine Tasting Reception - Rhode Island College
Date: Friday, March 1, 2013, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Amigos da Terceira Community Center, 55 Memorial Drive, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Sponsored by: Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College
Proceeds to benefit Portuguese Study Abroad Endowment Fund
Tickets: $20 includes Portuguese Wine Samples (age 21 and over), non-alcoholic beverages, hors d'oeurves, free chance at door prize.
Meet our "Student Ambassadors", take in fabulous Silent Auction (incl. 2 tickets to Mariza concert, Alex & Ani bracelets, items made in Portugal), Entertainment by RIC students
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/
IJPDS: InterDISCIPLINARY Journal of Portuguese Diaspora Studies
See current edition at: http://portuguese-diaspora-studies.com/index.php/ijpds/issue/current
Rádio Voz do Emigrante 25th Anniversary Celebration
Date: March 16, 2013, 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Venus de Milo, Swansea, Ma
Tickets: $50 each, Contact: Helena Silva
World Music/Crasharts Presents A Star of the Portuguese Fado - Ana Moura Date: Saturday, March 16, 2013, 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA
Tickets: $37, $32, $28
Sponsored by: Boston Portuguese Festival
Contact: World Music at (617) 876-4275 or purchase online at www.WorldMusic.org
2nd Edition of Summer Course for Portuguese Language Teachers: Deadline - March 22nd
Venues: University of Lisbon: July 1st - 12th / University of the Azores: July 15th - 26th
Sponsored by: The Luso-American Foundation. Government of the Azores - Regional Department for the Communities, the Camões I.P. - Coordination for the Portuguese Language Programs and Education Affairs in the US, North American Portuguese Teachers Association
Applications must be submitted by March 22nd using the online form http://www.flad.pt/?no=2120001863 .
More information: www.flad.pt.
Day of Portugal Annual Breakfast - A Palm Sunday Tradition!
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013, 8:30 a.m. - 12 noon
Venue: Holy Ghost Brotherhood of Charity, Brightridge Avenue, East Providence, RI
Sponsored by: Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage in RI, Inc.
Menu: Scrambled Eggs, Home Fries, Bacon, Sausage, Ham, French Toast made with Portuguese Sweet Bread, Pastries, Coffee, Juice, Milk
Tickets: $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 - 12
Purchase Tickets at door or by contacting Al Nunes - Phone: 401-723-2307, Email: lasenun@cox.net
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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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Newsletter Archives
Read past issues of the LUSUS Newsletter at http://palcus.org/community/news-events |
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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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