Supervisor Anthony J. Santino and the Hempstead Town Board will honor seven local residents and a recently deceased advocate for Latino artists at this year’s annual national Hispanic Heritage celebration. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Sept. 19 in the Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion at town hall, all of the honorees will be recognized for their contributions to the Hispanic community, their neighborhoods and Town of Hempstead as a whole. The program also includes an entertainment portion with an electronic violinist. The keynote speech will be delivered by the highest ranking Hispanic officer in the Nassau County Police Department.
“All of our honorees are deserving of the recognition they will receive for the many positive actions they have taken in their communities and throughout the Town of Hempstead,” said Santino. “This year’s honorees range from a war veteran and the founder of a local soccer club, to a volunteer firefighter. They all have a common dedication to making our town an even greater place in which to live, work and raise a family.”
Detective Lieutenant Jeiver Espinosa, the highest ranking Hispanic officer in the Nassau County Police Department, will deliver the keynote address. Monica Portillo, a professional electronic violinist from El Salvador, will be performing as part of the entertainment component of the program.
Coinciding with the beginning of national Hispanic Heritage Month, the IKARUS Gallery Cultural Program will present a Latino art exhibit entitled “Nurturing Our Roots” in the lobby of Hempstead Town Hall. The display, featuring original paintings, drawings and photography from local Latino artists, will be on display from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
“America’s largest township is proud of its diversity and proud to recognize the accomplishments of those with Hispanic roots as their contributions continue to enhance the high quality of life our town offers,” concluded Santino.
