As Christmas approaches,

Transcripción

1 13 no. 16 KANSAS CITY WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS! les desea Feliz Navidad! PRSRT STD U.S POSTAGE PAID KCMO PERMIT NO. 990 PERIÓDICO BILINGÜE SEMANAL DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2009 A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE: BOY NEEDS HEART TRANSPLANT Debra DeCoster and Joe Arce Hispanic News As Christmas approaches, children become excited about the gifts sitting under the Christmas tree and they stay awake on Christmas Eve, waiting for Santa to bring presents and grant their wishes. Karina Loredo s wish for Christmas this year is not a material gift, but a gift of life. The perfect Christmas gift for her would be to hear the words, your son is on the heart transplant list. All I want is for my son to be healthy once again. He needs a heart transplant so that he can live a normal life, said his mother. Eduardo Loredo, 14-years-old, was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart muscle to enlarge and weaken and eventually stop working. He became ill in June and was taken to Children s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City where his heart condition was diagnosed. She was shocked to learn the seriousness of her son s illness. He rarely got sick. I was shocked to learn that he had a heart condition. Eduardo was so healthy and was a typical 14- GREATER KANSAS CITY/ PÁGINA Karina Loredo and her 14-year-old son Eduardo sit in the living room of their home just days before Christmas counting their blessings. They pray for good health, peace on earth, and a heart transplant for Eduardo who is yet to get on the donors list. Karina Loredo y su hijo de 14 años Eduardo están sentados en la sala de estar de su casa tan solo unos pocos días antes de la Navidad contando sus bendiciones. Ellos oran por buena salud, paz en el mundo y un trasplante de corazón para Eduardo quien aún tiene que inscribirse en la lista de dadores. UN MILAGRO NAVIDEÑO: NIÑO NECESITA TRASPLANTE DE CORAZÓN TRADUCE PATRICIO H. LAZEN HISPANIC NEWS En la medida en que la Navidad se acerca, los niños se entusiasman por ver los presentes bajo el árbol navideño y se mantienen despiertos durante la víspera de la Navidad, esperando que Papá Noel o Santa Claus les traiga presentes y les haga realidad sus deseos. El deseo de Karina Loredo para la Navidad este año New Teen Drivers License Rules Take Effect in 2010 A new Graduated Driver s License system for Kansas teens goes into effect on Jan. 1, Here are features of the new licensing system: At ages 14-15, teens can apply for an instruction permit after passing a written test and a vision test and submitting an application from a parent or guardian. These teen drivers must drive with a supervising driver at least 21 years of age who holds a valid license. The instruction permit must be held for a period of one year. no es un regalo material, sino un regalo de vida. El regalo navideño perfecto para ella sería escuchar las palabras, su hijo está en la lista para trasplantes de corazón. Todo lo que quiero es que mi hijo esté saludable nuevamente. Él necesita un trasplante de corazón para que pueda vivir una vida normal, dijo su mamá. EL GRAN KANSAS CITY/ PAGE At age 15, teens can apply for a restricted license. These teens must first complete an approved driver safety course and must submit an affidavit from a supervising driver as proof of 25 hours of driving experience prior to the restricted license being issued, as well as an application from a parent or guardian. The restricted license allows teens to drive to and from school or work but does not allow minor non-siblings as vehicle passengers. At age 16, teens continue to operate under a restricted license for a period of six months. Teens must submit an affidavit noting 50 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which must be completed at night. These teens may drive unsupervised to and from school, work and authorized school activities and anywhere between the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. The use of wireless devices such as cell phones is prohibited until the teen has achieved full license without restrictions. Seat belt use is required at all times. Complete details on all changes to the law, and comparisons between existing and new provisions, will be available by contacting KDOT Transportation Information, Eisenhower Building, 700 SW Harrison, 2nd Floor West, Topeka, Kan., , or (785) Annual Snowland Tradition at Great Wolf Lodge Invites Families Inside a Winter Wonderland Holidays at Great Wolf Lodge Include Indoor Snow, Family Activities, Caroling Kansas City, Kansas Where s the only place in town that can guarantee real snow on cue three times a day? Inside the Great Wolf Lodge. That s right inside. This December marks the fifth anniversary of Snowland, an annual holiday tradition at Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. (NASDAQ: WOLF), North America s largest family of indoor waterpark resorts. The month-long celebration welcomes families into the Lodge to celebrate in a unique, family-friendly way. The winter wonderland experience starts as soon as guests enter Great Wolf Lodge through the Grand Lobby. Images of snowflakes, icebergs, twinkling lights, decorated trees and other festive decorations fill the space. And several times a day, holiday music plays to compliment the three times daily Snow Show yes, that would be real snow falling from the snow-making machines hidden in the rafters, showering the children below. The holidays are always a special time here at Great Wolf Lodge, said Melissa Wheeler, vice president of brand at Great Wolf Resorts. We focus on the family all year long, but when families choose to spend their holidays with us, we try to make it as happy and memorable as possible. The holiday experience continues with a variety of themed activities throughout the Lodge: Holiday Story Time with Mascot Rowdy the Reindeer The Writing Depot, where children can write, decorate and mail letters directly to Santa Polar Wolf Walk, a wintery nature hike for kids to site penguins, polar bears and more North Pole University, complete with educational activities to earn a diploma and special gift Toy Creation Station, where children can create toys to keep or give to a friend Wrapping Depot for guests to have presents wrapped on-the-spot Special musical guest performances Holiday caroling Santa appearances Animated Great Clock Tower holiday performances Events may vary by property location. This year marks our fifth celebration of Snowland, and every year it just keeps getting better, said Wheeler. To see the look on children s faces as it snows in the Lobby or to watch a family sing holiday carols, it reminds all of us what this season is about family, friends and spending time together. Snowland wraps up with the celebration of New Year s Eve and the annual Snowball, a family-friendly event that includes music, dancing and special waterslide duck races (with prizes). Naturally, all stays include passes to the 84-degree indoor waterpark. For additional information, please visit or call WOLF (9653) for specific dates, events and rates Southwest Blvd. Kansas City, MO PHONE:(816)472.KCHN FAX: (816) 931.NEWS kchnews@swbell.net VOL.13 NO.16

2 24 DE DICIEMBRE DEL EDUARDO IS FACING A LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION EDUARDO ESTÁ ENFRENTANDO UNA SITUACIÓN DE VIDA O MUERTE Greater Kansas City is lending a helping hand to the Loredo family Suarez and members of LUNA want people to overlook the family status in the United States and reach out and help a boy that is critically ill. This is a child that needs help. Suarez y miembros de LUNA quieren que la gente no se fije en el estatus de la familia en EE.UU. y se hagan presentes y ayuden al niño que está críticamente enfermo. Este es un niño que necesita ayuda. CONT./PAGE year old riding his bike, doing what most 14-year-old boys do plus going to school at Rosedale Middle school in Kansas City, Kansas, Loredo said. Before he became ill, he loved to play soccer and his favorite team is Club America from Mexico. Now as he sits at home, he misses his friends and being able to play on a Mexican soccer team with other boys his age. I don t have the strength that I once had. I can t do all the things that I loved to do. I can t spend time with my buddy because I get very tired, he said. Eduardo is facing a life or death situation, but that is not the only problem the family is facing. He is not in this country legally and that has created a problem financially to cover the cost of the transplant operation. Without health insurance, he can not be put on a heart transplant waiting list. Karina finds herself in a difficult situation as she doesn t have the hundreds of thousands of CONT./PÁGINA Eduardo Loredo, de 14 años, fue diagnosticado con una cardiomiopatía dilatada, una condición que causa que el músculo cardiaco aumente de tamaño y se debilite y eventualmente deje de funcionar. Él se enfermó en junio y fue llevado al Hospital Children s Mercy en Kansas City en donde su condición le fue diagnosticada. Ella se sintió conmocionada al enterarse de la seriedad de la enfermedad de su hijo. Él raramente se enfermaba. Quedé conmocionada al enterarme que tenía una enfermedad al corazón. Eduardo era bien saludable y era un típico muchacho de 14 años que montaba su bicicleta, haciendo lo que la mayoría de los muchachos de 14 años hacen y además el iba a la escuela Media Rosedale en Kansas City, Kansas, dijo Loredo. Antes de enfermarse, él adoraba jugar fútbol y su equipo favorito es el Club América de México. Ahora él se sienta en casa, él extraña a sus amigos y poder jugar en un equipo de fútbol mexicano con otros muchachos de su edad. No tengo la fuerza que solía tener. No puedo hacer todas las cosas que adoraba hacer. No puedo pasar tiempo con mis amigos porque me canso mucho, dijo él. Eduardo está enfrentando una situación de vida o muerte, pero ese no es el único problema que enfrenta la familia. Él no está en este país de manera legal y eso ha creado financieramente un problema para cubrir el costo del trasplante. Sin seguro de salud, a él no lo pueden poner en una lista de espera para un El Gran Kansas City le está dando una mano a la familia Loredo dollars she needs to get her son on the waiting list. As a mother she wants to protect her son and she would give anything to have him healthy, she told Hispanic News, I would give him my heart if I could. He is just getting started in life. We want people to know that we have been told by the hospital that for Eduardo to be considered for the waiting list, we need to raise $100,000. The $100,000 would be a down payment for the operation. We have been told it could run around $500,000 for the operation, said Will Suarez, president of Latinos United Now and Always (LUNA). In a press release, Children s Mercy Hospital stated the decision to be placed on any transplant center s waiting list is determined by each center independently. Children s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics have cared for Eduardo Loredo since July 2009, and continue to provide medical care for his condition. It has always been our mission to provide all medical care any child from Kansas or Missouri needs, regardless of their family s inability to pay. Children s Mercy does not perform heart transplants. Suarez and members of LUNA want people to overlook the family s status in the United States and reach out and help a boy that is critically ill. This is a child that needs help. It is about a 14-year-old boy that needs a heart transplant in order to live a normal live. As a community we have a social responsibility to care about everyone, so hopefully we care about Eduardo. This is a young boy that might die because he is being denied health care and that should not happen to any family, said Suarez. In order to receive a donated heart, a patient needs to be placed on the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) list. A family can t sign up on the list; the patient must be referred by a transplant center. A heart transplant facility evaluates patients and recommends them for placement on the UNOS list. According to a news article by the Denver Post, UNOS doesn t investigate the immigration status of potential organ recipients or donors. Joel Newman, assistant director for communications for UNOS, said in the article, it s up to the individual transplant center to decide whether it wants to accept or list anyone. We don t have any particular prohibition against transplanting organs into nonresident foreign nationals here legally or illegally. Since word got out about Eduardo s condition and the family s legal status, some in the community have responded harshly. When Hispanic News asked her about her son s legal status, Karina said, It pains me to know that people are more worried about my son s legal status than his health. It doesn t mat- trasplante cardiaco. Karina se encuentra en una difícil situación ya que no cuenta con los cientos de miles de dólares que necesita para poner a su hijo en la lista de espera. Como madre ella quiere proteger a su hijo y ella daría cualquier cosa para que él recobrara su salud. Ella le dijo a Hispanic News, Yo le daría mi corazón si pudiera. Él acaba de comenzar su vida. Queremos que la gente sepa que el hospital nos ha dicho que para que Eduardo sea considerado para la lista de espera, nosotros tenemos que reunir $ Los $ serán para pagar un enganche o pie para la operación. Se nos ha dicho que ésta podría tener un costo cercano a los $ , dijo Will Suárez, presidente de Latinos Unidos Ahora y Siempre (LUNA, por sus siglas en ingles). En un comunicado de prensa, el Hospital Children s Mercy declaró la decisión para poder ser puesto en cualquier lista de espera en un centro de trasplantes es determinada por cada centro de manera independiente. Los Hospitales y Clínicas de Children s Mercy han atendido a Eduardo Loredo desde julio del 2009 y continúan entregando cuidado médico para atender su condición. Siempre ha sido nuestra misión proveer todo el cuidado médico que cualquier niño de Kansas o Missouri necesite, sin importar la capacidad de pago de sus familias. Children s Mercy no realiza trasplantes cardiacos. Suárez y miembros de LUNA quieren que la gente no se fije en el estatus de la familia en EE.UU. y se hagan presentes y ayuden al niño que está críticamente enfermo. Este es un niño que necesita ayuda. Esto se trata de un niño de 14 años que necesita de un trasplante al corazón para poder llevar una vida normal. Como comunidad tenemos la responsabilidad social de preocuparnos de todos, por lo que esperamos poder preocuparnos de Eduardo. Este un joven que pudiera morir porque se le está negando el cuidado a la salud y ello no debería sucederle a ninguna familia, dijo Suárez. Para poder recibir un corazón donado, un paciente necesita ser inscrito en la Lista de la Red Unida de Personas que Comparten Órganos (UNOS, por sus siglas en ingles). Una familia no puede inscribirse en la lista; el paciente debe ser referido por un centro de trasplantes. Un recinto para trasplantes cardiacos evalúa a los pacientes y los recomienda para que sean puestos en la lista UNOS, según un artículo aparecido en el Denver Post, UNOS no investiga el estatus de inmigración de posibles receptores o donadores de órganos. Joel Newman, asistente director de comunicaciones de UNOS, dijo en un artículo, depende del centro de trasplante individual decidir si quiere aceptar o poner a alguien en la lista. Nosotros no tenemos ninguna prohibición en particular en contra de trasplantar órganos en extranjeros no residentes que están aquí legal o ilegalmente. Desde que se esparció la voz sobre la condición de Eduardo y del estatus legal de la familia, algunas personas en la comunidad han respondido de manera dura. Cuando Hispanic News le preguntó sobre el estatus legal de su hijo, Karina dijo, Me duele saber que la gente esté más preocupada sobre el estatus legal de mi hijo que de su salud. No importa si él está aquí en Kansas City, Kansas o en México. La única cosa que es importante ter whether he is here in Kansas City, Kansas or in Mexico. The only thing that is important to me is that he needs a heart transplant, she said. As a parent, Karina wants to see her son grow up, attend high school and college and achieve his goals and dreams. She knows that he may never have the chance to grow older, but yet she still holds the hope that the community will care about her young son and offer them help. When she traveled with her children three years ago from Mexico to Kansas City to begin a new life, Eduardo was not sick. He was a healthy child and was looking forward to attending Wyandotte High School this past fall. I didn t come to the United States so that they could care for him. He became ill here. He is my son and he is my life and I will do whatever I need to do to get him healthy, she said. I visited Eduardo when he was first in the hospital and he was alone because his mom was working and couldn t be there with him. He was depressed and didn t think anyone cared about him. He didn t care what happened to him anymore, but now I think he is realizing that we do really care, that the community cares and we are showing him that through the fundraisers and by visiting with him, said Suarez. When Loredo learned that members of LUNA were working on a fundraiser to help her with the medical costs, it gave her a sense of relief and gratitude for a community that is showing they care for a family that is in need. Thanks to God they are helping me, plus the hospital in helping us with medicine that Eduardo needs on a daily basis. para mí es que él necesita un trasplante de corazón, dijo ella. Coma madre, Karina quiere ver crecer a su hijo, que vaya a la secundaria y logre sus objetivos y sueños. Ella sabe que él nunca pudiera tener la oportunidad crecer, pero ella aún mantiene la esperanza que la comunidad cuidará de su joven hijo y les ofrecerá ayuda. Cuando ella viajó con sus hijos hace tres años desde México a Kansas City para comenzar una nueva vida, Eduardo no estaba enfermo. Él era un niño saludable y esperaba asistir a la Secundaria de Wyandotte este otoño pasado. No vine a EE.UU. para que ellos cuidaran de él. Él se enfermó aquí. Él es mi hijo y el es mi vida y yo haré cualquier cosa que tenga que hacer para que el recobre su salud, dijo ella. LUNA realizó un beneficio para recolectar fondos en el Colegio Comunitario del Condado de Johnson, realizando una subasta silenciosa de arte, comida y un discjockey. Los fondos recolectados serán utilizados para la operación de trasplante al corazón. La comunidad puede hacer donaciones para Eduardo en cualquiera sucursal del Banco de América. La cuenta está bajo el nombre Gahutier Eduardo Transplant Fund o ellos pueden hacer una donación en el Facebook en el link Eduardo Needs a Heart Group. Yo visité a Eduardo cuando estuvo por primera vez en el hospital y él estaba sólo porque su mamá se encontraba trabajando y no podía estar allí con él. Él estaba deprimido y pensaba que nadie se preocupaba de él. Ya no le importaba lo que le sucediera, pero ahora pienso que se está dando cuenta que nosotros verdaderamente nos preocupamos de él, que la comunidad se preocupa y estamos demostrando eso mediante los beneficios para recaudar dinero y visitándolo, dijo Suárez. Cuando Loredo se enteró Karina Laredo wants to protect her son and she would give anything to have him healthy. She told Hispanic News, I would give him my heart if I could. He is just getting started in life. Karina Laredo quiere proteger a su hijo y ella daría cualquier cosa para que él recobrara su salud. Ella le dijo a Hispanic News, Yo le daría mi corazón si pudiera. Él acaba de comenzar su vida. WANT TO HELP EDUARDO? QUIERES AYUDAR A EDUARDO? que miembros de LUNA estaban trabajando para recolectar fondos para ayudarlo con las cuentas médicas, le dio una sensación de alivio y gratitud hacia una comunidad que está demostrando que ellos se preocupan por una familia que está necesitada. Gracias a Dios que ellos me están ayudando, además el hospital nos está ayudando con los medicamentos que Eduardo necesita a diario. The community can make donations for Eduardo at any Bank of America location. The account is set up as the Gahutier Eduardo Transplant Fund or they can make a donation on Facebook at Eduardo Needs a Heart Group. La comunidad puede hacer donaciones para Eduardo en cualquiera sucursal del Banco de América. La cuenta está bajo el nombre Gahutier Eduardo Transplant Fund o ellos pueden hacer una donación en el Facebook en el link Eduardo Needs a Heart Group. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FELICES FIESTAS! Best wishes for a happy holiday season and New Year from Melba J. Curls, City Councilwoman, 3rd District at Large. Melba J. Curls, Consejera Ciudadana del 3er District at Large les desea lo mejor en esta época Navideña, en estas fiestas y les desea un próspero Año Nuevo. Eduardo Loredo s favorite soccer team is Club America from Mexico. Too sick to attend a match when the team was in town he was surprised when team members visited him and presented a jersey with the players signatures. El equipo de fútbol favorito de Eduardo Loredo es el club América de México. Demasiado enfermo para ir al juego cuando el equipo estuvo en la ciudad, él se sorprendió cuando miembros del equipo lo visitaron y le regalaron una playera con los autógrafos de los jugadores.

3 24 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2009 A CASE FOR EATING YOUR VEGETABLES Parents have always had a hard time getting kids to either their vegetables whether they live in Beijing, New York City, or Johannesburg. But in a small town in Arusha, Tanzania, a research center is helping Africans gain access to nutritious and native sources of vegetables. As hunger and drought spread across Africa, however, there s a huge focus on increasing yields of staple crops, such as maize, wheat, cassava and rice. And while these crops are important for food security, providing much needed calories, they don t provide much protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, other important vitamins and micronutrients or much taste. None of the staple crops, says Dr. Abdou Tenkouano, the World Vegetable Center s Regional Director for Africa {ADD LINK}, would be palatable without vegetables. And vegetables, he says, are less risk prone than staple crops that stay in the field for longer periods of time. Because vegetables typically have a shorter growing time, they can maximize often scarce water supplies and soil nutrients better than crops such as maize which need a lot of water and fertilizer. Despite the focus on staple crops, vegetable production generates more income on and off the farm than most other agricultural enterprises. And unlike staple crops, vegetable production is something that benefits urban and rural farmers alike. In addition, vegetable production is the most sustainable and affordable way of alleviating micronutrient deficiencies among the poor. Often referred to as hidden hunger, micronutrient deficiencies including lack of Vitamin A, iron, and iodine affect some 1 billion people worldwide, even in the United States. Although at least 50 percent of the U.S. population is considered obese or overfed, many people suffer from some of the same micronutrient deficiencies as malnourished people here in sub-saharan Africa because of overconsumption of high-fat and highly processed foods yet another ironic thing Americans and Africans have in common. And micronutrient deficiencies, in rich and poor countries alike, lead to poor mental and physical development, especially among children, and cause poor performance and work and in school, further crippling communities already facing poverty and other health problems. But by growing more food in urban areas and food deserts many American cities lack affordable grocery stores carrying fresh fruits and vegetables, forcing the urban poor to rely on fast food in the U.S. and elsewhere rates of obesity and micronutrient deficiencies can be decreased. Growing more indigenous crops breeds and varieties that are adapted to local weather and temperatures, pests, and diseases can help farmers everywhere become more resilient against climate change. Perhaps most importantly, these traditional vegetable varieties taste good, encouraging people to eat more of them. But simply growing or selling these more nutritious foods is not enough. In both developed and developing countries, people because of urbanization, poverty, and McMeals children are growing up without knowing how to cook and prepare foods. Many NGOs, including Slow Food International, are helping communities restore these culinary traditions. In Uganda, the Developing Innovations in School Cultivation Project (DISC) teaches students and teachers not only how to food, but also teaches them cooking skills, as well as how to process foods and save seeds. In California, the Berkeley Community Gardening Collaborative, integrates organic gardening and cooking into school curriculums, so that a passion for food is handed down to the next generation. When children, and their parents and teachers, grow vegetables -- whether in the village outside Kamapala, Uganda or on top of a building in Los Angeles -- it nourishes not only their bodies, but helps build culinary and cultural traditions that will last a lifetime. Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg are blogging about their travels at Border Jumpers [ BorderJumpers.org began in October 2009 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia -- when Bernard Pollack and Danielle Nierenberg began a journey to visit nearly every country in Africa. At every stop they are meeting with farmers, community organizers, labor activists/leaders, non-governmental organization (NGOs), the funding and donor communities, and local, regional, and international press. They have regular columns on Huffington Post, Worldwatch s Nourishing the Planet, DailyKos, FireDogLake, MyDD, and WorkingLife. From Our family to your Merry Christmas and Happy New Years! De nuestra famila a la suya Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo We will be closed from Dec 23 - Jan 4 to be with our family Estaremos cerrados desde el 23 de Diciembre al 4 de Enero para estar con nuestras familia Recession weakens Latino s already low retirement savings An analysis by NCLR (National Council of La Raza), the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States, highlights that the recession can only deepen the alarmingly low retirement savings rate of Latino workers. Insecure Retirements: Latino Participation in 401(k) Plans explains that, even in the best of times, employer-sponsored 401(k) retirement plans do not serve Latino workers well. Only one-third of Latinos work for companies that offer retirement savings programs; they are less likely than Whites to participate in 401(k) plans and more likely to take out loans against their retirement savings, trends that are expected to grow as the recession and high unemployment continue. Latinos are a key part of our workforce, but most have had little opportunity to save for the future. Only one-third of Latino workers are offered a 401(k) plan, and it is primarily young and low-income workers who are left out of any retirement savings program. We expect high unemployment to make things even worse. Until more companies offer retirement plans and automatically enroll their employees, retirement savings will take a backseat as workers focus on putting food on the table today rather than saving for tomorrow, said Eric Rodriguez, NCLR Vice President, Office of Research, Advocacy, and Legislation. The report identifies the main issues that affect retirement savings rates among Latinos: Low access to retirement programs. Two out of three Latinos (65%) lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Many Latinos work for small, private companies or in industries such as construction, hospitality, and maintenance where retirement savings plans are not commonly offered. Also, some workers have jobs that are excluded from company retirement programs. Lower participation and savings. Hispanics who are offered a retirement savings plan have a participation and savings rate that is 6% lower than that of Whites. The design of the retirement plan affects their participation; companies that automatically enroll employees into a plan typically have greater participation than those who rely on employee initiative to enroll. Latino workers tend to be low-income and young, those whom studies show are the least likely to enroll in 401(k) plans and benefit the most from automatic enrollment. Higher use of early withdrawals and loans against their 401(k) plans. Latinos La recesión disminuya aún más el ahorro para la Jubilación De Los Latinos Un análisis publicado por el NCLR (Consejo Nacional de La Raza) la organización nacional más grande de apoyo y defensa de los derechos civiles de los hispanos en los Estados Unidos destaca que la recesión puede aumentar la ya de por sí baja tasa de ahorro de los trabajadores latinos. El informe titulado Insecure Retirements: Latino Participation in 401(k) Plans (Jubilación incierta: la participación de los latinos en el plan 401(k)) explica que aún durante una economía más favorable, los planes de retiro 401(k) patrocinados por el empleador no son los adecuados para los trabajadores latinos. Solamente un tercio de los latinos trabaja para compañías que ofrecen planes de ahorro para el retiro; los latinos son menos propensos a participar en los planes 401(k) que los blancos, y más propensos a utilizar sus ahorros para el retiro como garantía para un préstamo, tendencias que se espera aumenten según continúan la recesión y el alto desempleo. Los latinos son una parte clave de nuestra fuerza laboral, pero la mayoría no ha tenido la oportunidad de ahorrar para su futuro. Solamente un tercio de los trabajadores latinos tienen acceso a un plan 401(k), dejando fuera principalmente a los trabajadores jóvenes y de bajos ingresos. Desafortunadamente, se espera que el alto desempleo empeore esta situación. Hasta que más compañías ofrezcan planes de jubilación e inscriban automáticamente a sus trabajadores, los ahorros para el retiro de los latinos se pospondrán, ya que estos se enfocan en traer comida a su mesa hoy, en lugar de ahorrar para el mañana, dijo Eric Rodríguez, vicepresidente del departamento de investigación, defensa y legislación del NCLR. El informe identifica los principales problemas que afectan la tasa de ahorro para el retiro entre los latinos: Poco acceso a los programas de jubilación. Dos de cada tres latinos (65%) carecen de acceso a los planes de ahorro para el retiro patrocinados por el empleador. Muchos latinos trabajan para compañías privadas pequeñas o en industrias tales como la construcción, hostelería y mantenimiento donde los planes de ahorro para el retiro no se ofrecen comúnmente. Aunado a esto,, algunos trabajadores tienen empleos que no entran en los programas de jubilación de la compañía. Muy baja participación y contribución. Los hispanos a los que sí se les ofrece un plan de ahorro para el retiro tienen una tasa de participación y contribución que es un 6% más baja que la de los blancos. Se ha visto que el diseño de los planes de jubilación afecta su participación; las compañías que inscriben automáticamente a sus empleados en el plan por lo regular tienen mayor participación que aquellos que esperan la iniciativa del empleado para inscribirse. Los estudios muestran que los trabajadores latinos jóvenes y los de bajos ingresos son los que tienen menos probabilidad de inscribirse a los planes 401(k) y serían los que más se beneficiarían con la inscripción automática. Mayor uso anticipado de retiros y prestamos del plan 401(k). Los latinos que tienen acceso al plan 401(k) who have access to 401(k) plans are much more likely than Whites to have outstanding loans against their plans, which puts them at risk of a permanent reduction in retirement savings. A 2007 survey of workers found that 25% of Latinos needed to take money out of personal or retirement savings to pay for a medical expense. The Latino middle class is clearly showing signs of economic distress that will likely worsen through the recession. We are concerned that these upwardly mobile workers who are trying to invest in their future often have to tap 401(k) funds when they lose their jobs or need to pay medical bills. Our nation should make it easier for everyone to save and plan for some financial security during old age, said Rodriguez. NCLR recommends boosting the retirement savings of Latinos by requiring all companies to offer employees some type of retirement program and enroll them in it automatically, an effective way to increase participation levels and savings. NCLR supports consideration of new ideas, including extending payback periods for loans against 401(k) plans, making these loans portable, and requiring companies to offer automatic individual retirement accounts (IRAs) to all employees. Another measure to consider is for the government to provide matching funds for low- to middle-income workers who save for retirement. Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population and workforce. They currently compose 14% of the workforce and are expected to make up one-third of the workforce by Latinos are also much younger on average than the population of the country as a whole 28 years of age compared to 37. The Hispanic unemployment rate was at 12.7% as of November Insecure Retirements: Latino Participation in 401(k) Plans is available at son mucho más propensos a tener préstamos pendientes de pago de sus planes de retiro que los blancos, lo cual los pone en peligro de reducir permanentemente sus ahorros para la jubilación. Una encuesta de trabajadores del 2007 mostró que un 25% de los latinos retiró dinero de sus ahorros personales o de su plan de jubilación para pagar sus gastos médicos. La clase media latina muestra claras señales de dificultad económica que probablemente empeorarán con la recesión. Nos preocupa que estos trabajadores de movilidad social ascendente que están tratando de invertir en su futuro, a menudo tengan que hacer uso de los fondos de su plan 401(k) para sobrevivir cuando pierden sus empleos o necesitan pagar sus gastos médicos. Nuestra nación debería facilitar acceso a programas para que todos podamos ahorrar y planear para contar con cierta seguridad financiera durante la vejez, dijo Rodríguez. El NCLR recomienda que se impulse el ahorro para la jubilación de los latinos a través de exigir que todas las compañías ofrezcan algún tipo de plan de jubilación a sus empleados, y que los inscriban automáticamente, siendo ésta una manera efectiva de aumentar los niveles de participación y ahorro. El NCLR apoya la consideración de nuevas ideas, incluyendo la extensión de los plazos de pago de los préstamos del plan 401(k), haciéndolos así transportables, y exigiendo a las compañías que ofrezcan cuentas de retiro individual (IRA por sus siglas en inglés) a todos los empleados. Otra medida a considerar sería que el gobierno hiciera una contribución de contrapartida para los trabajadores de bajo a medio ingreso que ahorren para su jubilación. Los latinos son el segmento de más rápido crecimiento de la población y de la fuerza laboral de Estados Unidos. Actualmente representan el 14% de la fuerza laboral y se espera que lleguen a representar un tercio para el Los latinos también son, en promedio, mucho más jóvenes que la población general del país, 28 años de edad comparado con 37 años. El desempleo de los hispanos en noviembre del 2009 fue del 12.7%. El informe titulado Insecure Retirements: Latino Participation in 401(k) Plans (Jubilación incierta: la participación de los latinos en el plan 401(k)) está disponible en

4 24 DE DICIEMBRE DEL Dr. Cynthia Lane Named As New KCKPS Superintendent At its meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education announced that it has selected Dr. Cynthia R. Lane to serve as the next superintendent of the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS). Guest writer Judy Comoletti For most of us, the holidays represent a treasured time of year, and we work hard to make it special for the people we care about most. We decorate our homes with great thought and detail, and entertain friends and family by hosting parties and cooking elaborate meals and treats. But as we do these things, fire safety is rarely a thought. It may seem that the holidays and home fires are two completely different topics, but they re not; national statistics show that the holiday season turns sorrowful, and sometimes even fatal for so many households each year as the result of home fires. Cooking, Christmas trees, candles and holiday lights all key parts of the holiday season are significant causes of fires that occur this time of year. While it s quite a somber perspective on the holiday season, the good news is that it doesn t have to be this way. With just one or two minor changes, often taking a few minutes, or even seconds, of time, the holidays can stay festive and safe for everybody. It s important for people to take basic but vital fire safety precautions as they plan and prepare for the upcoming holiday season. These simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of fire and its potentially devastating impact on homes and families: Cooking: NFPA statistics show that unattended cooking is the leading cause of U.S. home fires and home fire injuries. Stay in the kitchen while you re frying, grilling or broiling food. Most cooking fires involve the stovetop, so keep anything that Lane, who currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Business, will be the 12th superintendent to lead KCKPS since the schools in Wyandotte County were consolidated in She replaces Dr. Jill Ann Shackelford, who announced in August that she would retire in June, 2010, after serving as superintendent for five years. Lane is a 22-year veteran of the KCKPS. In that time, she has served in a number of roles, including as a special education teacher, a principal, and director of the Wyandotte Comprehensive Special Education Cooperative, in addition to her present role as an Assistant Superintendent. In this position, she has had the responsibility for guiding the district s ongoing work to strengthen instruction, and has also helped the system navigate through the State of Kansas s current fiscal crisis. Lane has a bachelor s degree in elementary education and a master s degree in behavior disorders from Pittsburg State University. She earned her doctorate in special education from the University of Kansas in Lane received the unanimous vote of the Board of Education. Board members praised her, referring to her dedication to the district and its students. Board member George Breidenthal can catch fire away from it, and turn off the stove when you leave the kitchen, even if it s for a short period of time. If you re simmering, boiling, baking or roasting food, check it regularly and use a timer to remind you that you re cooking. Create a kid-free zone of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food and drinks are prepared or carried. Candles: Candles are widely used throughout the holidays, and December is the peak month for home candle fires. More than half of all candle fires start because the candle was too close to things that could catch fire. Consider using flameless candles, which look and smell like real candles. However, if you do use traditional candles, keep them at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, and remember to blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed. Use candle holders that are sturdy, won t tip over and are placed on uncluttered surfaces. Avoid using candles in the bedroom where two of five U.S. candle fires begin or other areas where people may fall asleep. Lastly, never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle. Christmas trees: U.S. fire departments annually respond to 250 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Nearly half of them are caused by electrical problems, and one in four resulted from a heat source that s too close to the tree. Here are some guidelines for picking, placing and lighting a tree: If you have an artificial tree, be sure it s labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fireretardant. If you choose a fresh tree, make sure the green needles don t fall off when touched; before placing it in the stand, cut 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk. Add water to the tree stand, and be sure to water it daily. Make sure your tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, space heaters, radiators, candles and heat vents or lights. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit. Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory, and make sure you know whether they are designed for indoor or outdoor use. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords, or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands Jr. noted: I have been able to feel the way she cares about our children and our community. I don t think there s a better person that we could have as the superintendent of schools. Board president Gloria Willis told Lane: I am just so pleased at the way you have worked with us to do the very best job that we can do... We know the children are your passion, and we appreciate that...we expect to have you here for the next 20 years. Lane becomes the second female superintendent in the district s history, following Shackelford. It is an honor to have the opportunity to follow Dr. Shackelford, Dr. Lane said. She is an amazing and inspirational leader, and I have been fortunate to get the opportunity to work closely with her over the last five years, and to learn from her leadership. She has set a sterling example for what it means to put children first, and I look forward to following in her footsteps. I share her passion for our students and for this community, and I am excited about continuing our journey to excellence! Lane begins her tenure as superintendent on July 1, Think Fire Safety This Holiday Season of mini-string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving the home or going to bed. After Christmas, get rid of the tree. Dried-out trees are a fire hazard and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside the home. Think green. Check to see if your community has a Christmas tree recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer. The holidays are a truly special time of year. Following these fire safety precautions and measures will ensure it remains one. For more tips, advice and information about holiday fire safety, please visit or Judy Comoletti is the Division Manager of Public Education for the National Fire Protection Association. Here is a list of December events at the Kansas City Museum: Community Curator Program The Community Curator program of Kansas City Museum invites historians and history educators to share their perspectives about artifacts they choose from the Museum collection. This provides fresh insight about artifacts and collections of Kansas City Museum and Union Station and welcomes diverse input from the Kansas City history community. Community Curator lectures are presented the third Tuesday of this month, allowing the actual artifact to be presented with the observations of our Community Curator. The program is sponsored by 89.3 KCUR. The Long Family and Corinthian Hall Panel Exhibit at Kansas City Museum The story of the Long family and their historic home, Corinthian Hall, is told in this educational exhibit, displayed on the grounds of the Museum. The free exhibit consists of eight panels detailing the Long family s involvement in historic Northeast Kansas City, and includes photos of the estate, historic postcards of Kansas City, and a narrative developed by the Museum s Curator of Education. Schedule a walking tour of the panels and the grounds with one of our Educational Aides in the Visitor Center or call the Museum for details at StoryTarium Shows The StoryTarium is the newest feature at the Kansas City Museum, where visitors can learn about Kansas City s rich local and regional history. The StoryTarium features films, lectures and other history-related programming in an intimate auditorium that seats 40 people. It is housed in the Museum s former planetarium. The regular programming schedule in the revamped space will feature a variety of original programs that first aired on KCPT, Channel 19. Visitors can choose which films they would like to see, with 10 titles to choose from. Please see kcmuseum.com for program schedules and details. The Kansas City Museum, 3218 Gladstone, Kansas City, is open from 9:30 a. m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; and closed on Mondays. Admission is free. The phone number is MEMBER FDIC For news it s Para noticias es % APY* up to $25,000 % APY* over $25, % APY* if requirements are not met Requirements per statement cycle: Receive e-statement 1 direct deposit or ACH 15 debit card transactions *The 4.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is paid on balances up to $25,000 and 1.00% APY on balances over $25,000 per statement cycle when requirements are met. ATM fees are refunded up to $25 per statement cycle when requirements are met. International ATM fees are not eligible for refund. If account does not meet requirements during a given statement cycle, ATM fees will not be refunded and a.25% APY will be earned on all balances. A $100 initial deposit is required to open this account, but no minimum balance is required to maintain it. No monthly service charge. Rates are effective as of July 27, 2009 and are subject to change at any time. industrialbankkck.com SM

5 24 DE DICIEMBRE DEL 2009 CLASSIFIEDS & PUBLIC NOTICE CLASIFICADOS & ANUNCIOS PÚBLICOS PART-TIME OPENINGS As part of our expansion program,our company is looking for part time Work from home Account Manager and sales representatives, it pays 10% of what the client send to you monthly plus benefits and takes only little of your time. Please contact us for more details. Requirements - Should be a computer Literate. 2-3 hours access to the internet weekly. Must be over 20yrs of age. Must be Efficient and Dedicated. If you are interested and need more information,contact Patrick Jordan(ptrckjrdn100@gmail.com Advocacy Services Development Specialist Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence,a growing social-justice membership agency, seeks highly organized and experienced professional with demonstrated team-building and problem-solving expertise, planning and project coordination, and strong written and oral communication skills to excel in a collaborative work environment. College degree or equivalent experience preferred. At least three years of domestic and/or sexual violence advocacy work required. Primary duties carried out in Jefferson City; travel required. Full-time position and generous benefits. EOE. Travel required. Send letter of interest and resume by December 28, 2009 to: MCADSV, Chief Operating Officer, 217 Oscar Drive, Suite A, Jefferson City, MO or mocadsv@yahoo.com. Driver Trainees Needed! WERNER is hiring- No CDL, No Problem! Training avail w/ Roadmaster! Call Now! Drivers: Local. CDL-A w/ Hazmat Salary + Hostle Pay Let Me Help Make You More Beautiful Loose 2 ½ half dress or pants sizes, Custom Fitted. Mary Ann Flunder HAPPY HOLIDAYS Mary Ann Flunder MBE/WBE INVITATION TO BID Orr Construction will be accepting subcontractor /supplier bids for Boy & Girl Scout Huts, Recreation Fields and Picnic Pavilion Ft. Leavenworth, KS until 9: AM on 12/30/ E. 56th Street, Raytown, MO / Fax: 816/ EOE. The Miracle From God FEAR NOT I VE TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY. A SAVIOR S BORN TODAY M a y H i s p e r f e c t l o v e c a s t o u t a l l f e a r a s we c e l e b ra t e t h e miracl e of Christmas. BRENDA C. JONES K.C.K BOARD OF EDUCATION Happy Holidays VISIT OUR WEBSITE: kchispanicnews. com To advertise in our classified section please call: (816)

6 24 DE DICIEMBRE DEL HISPANIC MEDIA ASSOCIATION ANNUAL TRADITION For almost 20 years, the Hispanic Media Association of Greater Kansas City has participated as the host along with Sacred Heart Guadalupe Church on KC Westside of the annual Posada and Christmas party. On Sunday Dec. 20, more than 100 children and adults gathered at Sacred Heart Hall for the annual event. Posada originates from Mexico where people dress as Mary and Joseph and travel from house to house telling people of the birth of Jesus and asking for room. Many of the local parishes throughout the greater Kansas City performed this Mexican tradition by sending a crib with the figures of Mary, Joseph and Jesus from house to house during Advent. On Christmas Eve the crib comes to Church and all are invited to gather around the Holy Family for worship. In keeping with tradition, pan dulce, hot chocolate, and everyone s favorite, tamales, were served and children got a chance to hit a piñata filled with candy. Afterward a special guest arrived from the North Pole, bringing gifts for the children. Many children spent time visiting with Santa and with the help of Toy for Tots children received an early Christmas gift. HMA vice president and KCTV5 reporter Sandra Olivas said, This is a wonderful event for the community. To see all the smiles on the children who attend warms your heart and it s a great way to get into the holiday spirit. HMA president Joe Arce said, The membership always looks forward to the posada to share the holidays with the community. Arce said the association appreciates the partnership it has with Toys for Tots, KC Metro Chapter of the American GI Forum and D.J. Booby C to make the event possible. With their help we brought joy and happiness to the children and that s what a Merry Christmas is all about. Spanish Lessons Native Spaniard teaching Conversational Spanish for beginners & advanced. Classes starting now on the Boulevard! EN EL Bulevar! Available for Art Exhibits, Private Parties, Company Parties and/or Family Reunion, Baby Shower and Wedding Shower Southwest Blvd. KCMO In The Of The Latino Community Call for details (816) Llame para mayor información BOOK TODAY FOR YOUR EVENT! RESERVE HOY PARA SU EVENTO!