September 15, 2009
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – Dutchess Community College’s annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will begin soon, with a series of fun and educational events kicking off on September 22 and running through October 20. The theme for this year’s series of events is “In Search of Identity.”
A presentation on the ritual and medicinal plants of Latin America is sure to be a highlight of the planned activities. It will focus on their uses as teas, baths, plasters, and more. It will be held in Bowne Hall, room 124 on the main DCC campus on September 24 at 12:30 p.m.
“The Day it Snowed Tortillas,” a show by the Crabgrass Puppet Theatre, is designed for all ages. The story focuses on a talkative woodcutter who can become incredibly rich – if only his wife can keep him from divulging an important secret. The performance is part of DCC’s Family Festival program, and will be held on September 27 at 11 a.m. in the James and Betty Hall Theatre on DCC’s main Poughkeepsie campus.
A Lyceum presentation called “One, Two, Three, Who Put Latinas on TV?” will feature one of the first Latin American women to appear regularly on national television: Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street. As a Hispanic actress and activist, she has been honored by many organizations, including the Association of Hispanic Arts, The Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington, D.C., The National Hispanic Media Coalition, and The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families.
A complete list of activities is below.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22- SALSA DANCE LESSON
NORTH CAFETERIA, DRUMLIN HALL, 12:30 p.m.
Learn to dance in the Salsa style from expert Walter Manrique.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24- RITUAL AND MEDICINAL PLANTS OF LATIN AMERICA, BOWNE HALL, ROOM 124, 12:30 p.m.
In ancient times more than 1,200 healing plants from the jungles of South and Central America were effectively concocted as teas, tinctures, baths, plasters, and poultices. The ancient Maya, Aztec, and Inca cultures each developed sophisticated uses for medicinal plants before the Spanish Conquest in the early part of the sixteenth century. Discover the uses of such plants as muira puama (potency wood), an ancient Mayan herb with a reputation as a powerful aphrodisiac, uña de gato (Cat’s claw) the inner bark of a vine used to stimulate the immune system, sangre de drago (Dragon’s blood), a tree sap used topically to heal wounds, or sarsaparilla (Smilax officinali , a plant with steroid components.) Vision-inducing plants, such as tobacco and coca leaves, were used to achieve spiritual and corporeal transformations.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27- CRABGRASS PUPPET THEATRE - “THE DAY IT SNOWED TORTILLAS,” JAMES AND BETTY HALL THEATRE, 11 a.m.
Creative problem-solving is the key ingredient that helps a poor couple outwit a gang of bullies. A woodcutter and his wife have the chance of a lifetime – to become rich! All they have to do is keep a secret. Unfortunately the woodcutter is the biggest blabbermouth south of the border. His wife cooks up an ingenious plan to divert any unwanted attention. All she has to do is make it snow . . . in July . . . in Mexico! The recipe for this hilarious folktale includes fantastic puppets, hysterically funny action, marvelous music, and one ridiculous chicken.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1- SONIA MANZANO: “ONE, TWO, THREE, WHO PUT LATINAS ON TV?” JAMES AND BETTY HALL THEATRE, 12:30 p.m.
For more than 30 years, Sonia Manzano has inspired, educated, and delighted children and families as “Maria” on “Sesame Street.” Breaking ground as one of the first Hispanic characters on national television, she continues to contribute to enriching diversity on television, on the stage, and in the educational realm. As a Hispanic actress and activist, she has been honored by many organizations, including the Association of Hispanic Arts, The Congressional Hispanic Caucus in Washington, D.C., The National Hispanic Media Coalition, and The Committee for Hispanic Children and Families. She was also presented with the Hispanic Heritage Award for Education.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2- EMPANADAS COOKING DEMONSTRATION AND SHOW
CAFETERIA, DRUMLIN HALL, 12-1 p.m.
Empanadas are a very popular street food in South America. Different countries and regions have made the empanadas their own, with different shapes, sizes, and fillings. Empanadas are a finger food that also works as a meal because they are delicious, versatile, healthy, and never boring. Learn how to make empanadas by following an easy recipe.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9- POETRY AND MUSIC RECEPTION
RITZ LOUNGE, DUTCHESS HALL, 12-1 p.m.
Faculty and students will read literature by Hispanic authors in both Spanish and English. Spanish guitar music will also be performed. Refreshments will be served.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20- JOURNEY OF THE AMERICAS
CAFETERIA, DRUMLIN HALL, 12:30-2 p.m.
Join us for food, music, and images of Latin America.
CINE LATINO
FILMS BY LATINO DIRECTORS WILL BE SHOWN THROUGHOUT HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AT 5:30 IN THE JAMES AND BETTY HALL THEATRE
September 16- "Which Way Home" by Rebecca Cammisa. The film will be followed by a discussion with the director.
September 30- "El General" by Natalia Almada
October 7- "Araya" by Margot Benacerraf
October 14- "Columbus Trial" by Lourdes Portillo
October 21- "Sons of Cuba" by Guillermo Drake
PLUS:
A display called “Lords of Heavens” celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month will be featured in the Francis U. and Mary F. Ritz Library throughout the month.
For more information about any of the Hispanic Heritage Month events, contact Ornella Mazzuca at (845) 431-8440 or mazzuca@sunydutchess.edu.
Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college with more than 50 years of service to the residents of Dutchess County. Visit www.sunydutchess.edu.