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ACLAMO Family Centers Newsletter
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Providing our community with the services and skills for success
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SEPTEMBER 20141
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From The Executive Director:Radee M. from Red Cloud Kung Fu
Studios demonstrates his kicking skills.
Most of us wouldn't associate an ancient form of self-defense with good health. But that is exactly what one of the exhibits focused on at ACLAMO Pottstown's recent Health Fair! In addition to workshops and free screenings from our health partners, this year's visitors were treated to a demonstration of Kung Fu. Leading the class was José Knight, Sifu (teacher in Chinese) who stressed that these exercises also encourage strength, healthy living and self-control. His motto to his students is to "never say I can't, as long as you put your mind to it!"
We applaud José and all our partners who helped make our Health Fair a success. Their lessons in good health and to never give in are virtues we are all encouraged to follow.
Speaking of tenacity, please also join me in acknowledging a veteran Board member, Don Cheetham III, who after 30-plus years is leaving the ACLAMO Board of Directors. Gracias, Don!
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THE 200 FOOT SNEEZE
Three of the many goals of ACLAMO´s educational program are to teach about personal hygiene, career planning, and the modeling of strong female roles. When she came to ACLAMO in September, Francine Tischler was able to meet all of these goals in one presentation.
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"Socrates" Tischler in action.
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A medical management nurse with Zenith Insurance Company and mother of nine-year-old twin girls, Francine had no problem keeping the attention of over 80 children, who were divided into two groups based on age. ACLAMO teachers Linda and Marla commented that Francine would have made Socrates proud as she led students through her highly interactive presentation almost completely by asking questions.
The children learned about hospitals, academic preparation for a career in nursing, tools of the trade for a nurse, the importance of good diet and exercise, how many times one should sing "Happy Birthday" (any language) while washing one´s hands thoroughly and how far a super sneeze can travel (ans: up to 200 feet!)
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IT STARTED WITH A CHURCH BELL
In the early 1800s, major turmoil in Spain caused a serious weakening of that country´s world-wide empire. Meanwhile, many Mexicans were inspired by the example of the United States´ War of Independence and by the concepts of liberty and equality which had been espoused by French philosophers Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire.
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Daniela celebrated by sporting hair ribbons in the colors of Mexico.
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The result was an event which came to be known as the "Grito de Dolores", Mexico´s declaration of independence from Spain. The call to the struggle for independence occurred on September 16, 1810 when Father Hidalgo rang his church´s steeple bell in the town of Dolores, near Guanajuato. Each September 16, Mexicans around the world remember that important event in their nation´s history.
Since many of ACLAMO families come from Mexican roots, Mexico´s Independence Day is the cause of major celebration. This year, 150 people from many cultural backgrounds gathered at ACLAMO´s Norristown location to enjoy authentic Mexican food and fellowship.
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On September 20, sixteen private and government organizations sent representatives to participate in ACLAMO´s annual health fair in Pottstown.
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Bishop Park jokes with children in the Moon Bounce.
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Organized by ACLAMO workers Wanda and Maricruz, this event provided regular ACLAMO families and walk-in visitors with information on a wide range of health related topics. Bishop Devin Park and the Freedom International Worship Center provided food for all.
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Pottstown Mayor Sharon Thomas stands with Bishop Park and Executive Director Juan Guerra.
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Families moved from table to table, asking questions, taking brochures, and getting assistance in filling out forms. Information was provided on topics across a wide range of health issues - from prenatal and early childhood care, to health insurance, to cancer screening, to women´s health, and to diet and exercise.
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NORRISTOWN AREA EDUCATION FOUNDATION
CELEBRATES BACK TO SCHOOL DAY
Weather was perfect in Elmwood Park on September 27 for "Back to School Day". A wide ring of tables were filled with displays of information from many of the organizations providing services to families of the Norristown Area School District.  | |
Checking out the ACLAMO display.
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Marla Benssy, Gabby Ochoa and Board Member Marisol Perez were at the ACLAMO Family Centers table, answering questions and providing information about the ways ACLAMO staff and volunteers are ready to help families make this school year a success!
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"DON QUIJOTE" RETIRES FROM THE BOARD
In the early 1970s, ACLAMO´s first executive director, Adamino Ortiz, knew that he could always rely on Attorney Don Cheetham when an ACLAMO family needed legal help. Don´s advice was so valuable that Adamino eventually asked him to join the board of directors. Counting both his time helping ACLAMO as a Legal Aid attorney and his time on the board, Don has been a key part of the ACLAMO team for over 30 years!
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Don reflects on Don.
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Like the hero of Miguel de Cervantes´ epic novel Don Quijote, Don Cheetham has devoted his life to fighting against the odds for causes greater than himself. After graduating with high honors from Swarthmore College, Don began working for Vista in Nebraska, where he distinguished himself among his coworkers by cracking a knuckle subduing a belligerent drunk. He then bought an old VW bus, spent some time working in the State of Washington and then drove back to Pennsylvania to attend Villanova Law School.
Don smiles as he recounts how he has always been committed to public interest law, which he dubs "Underdog Law". It was natural for him to volunteer during law school to work for Legal Aid. He continued as a Legal Aid attorney after graduation, working first in Chester City and then in Pottstown, where he met Adamino Ortiz.
Don´s mother was born and raised in Puerto Rico and Don lived in Bogota, Colombia as a young child, so Latino people and the Spanish language are part of his heritage. In addition to providing legal advice to ACLAMO and ACLAMO families, he has served at various times as board secretary, vice president, and president.
In appreciation for his life commitment to serving the powerless and his many years of service to ACLAMO, Executive Director Juan Guerra and the board of directors presented Don with a plaque and a small statue of Don Quijote. Guerra stated, "It's impossible for me to adequately thank Don, a man who has dedicated countless hours providing his talent, creativity, wit and calm wisdom as a member of the ACLAMO board. We will miss him and wish him every blessing as he goes on to battle more windmills. From all of us at ACLAMO, muchísimas gracias!"
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ACLAMO celebrates its 37th year of providing economic, educational, health and cultural opportunities for low-income residents of Norristown and Pottstown, especially those of Spanish language heritage.
ACLAMO stands for Accíon Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, or Latin American Community Action of Montgomery County. ACLAMO is derived from the Spanish word "aclamar," which means "to acclaim."
ACLAMO Family Centers ACLAMO Family Centers
512 W. Marshall Street 515 Walnut Street
Norristown, PA 19401 Pottstown, PA 19464
610-277-2570 610-970-2134
aclamo.org
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