Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
GALA AWARDS TO CONTINUE! HERE IS A BRIEF HISTORY
The Gala Awards was created by Noel Serrano for the Gala Foundation during the early Gatherings of the 1980s. Noel felt that an Award should be given to an exemplary figure that emerges from our Members. In the very early years, there was no such award given. Noel thought that there were so many, whose time had come to recognize some of these "Giants" within.
In 1984, the sudden death of Boyie Mohammed, led Noel to present a special gift to the widow, Norma Mohammed, for her endurance in a very dark and painful time. In 1985, Felicita M. Serrano received a special recognition for her Legendary Example to her family.
In 1986, it was the time for Francisco Serrano and Nieves Bosch to receive the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for their respective role within our Organization.
In 1987, there were actual four presentations. Felicita M. Serrano received the first Posthumous Gala Award. Joaquin Maldonado finally received a much-deserved Lifetime Gala Award for his legendary contribution to our family, for it was his vision that inspired all these family institutions that exist today. Noel Serrano was surprised when he received his own Gala Award. (Felicita's last act as the Secretary of the Gala Foundation, was to request that is award be given)
In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family.
In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation. It has been the only year that the institution halted operations due to personal reasons. Thank God that it was only a temporary shut down due to mitigating circumstances.
In 1990, the Gala Awards was in full bloom and now it was Dear Hilda Bosch, the strong Bosch Matriarch who graciously received the Gala award and was the only winner that year. One can recall that special moment frozen in time, when all tears glistened as this precious woman of God came up to receive her due reward. Hilda was so choked up with emotion that Joaquin made a special prayer for her along with the rest of the family.. It was truly a memorable moment.
In 1991, Clarita Maldonado joined the ranks of Gala Award recipients when she received her very own award or Recognition for all her hard work and example that advances the causes of the organization. Clarita is an enduring Institution in her own right. Joaquin has stated many times: "I could not do the things that I do without my faithful companion" Nivia B. Torres also won an award for that year and for the circumstance that were present at that time.
In 1992, Joaquin Maldonado became the only living family member to receive the Gala award, to have received it twice. (Only the late Felicta M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys s. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala winners, for her life time example to her family.
In 1993, the Gala Award went to Sarah Ortiz, for her Outstanding contribution to our family. Sarah join ed the rank of the Family Elders within a year. the Award was shipped to Puerto Rico and was special delivered in time for Christmas eve.
In 1994, the award was presented to Victor Ortiz, the strong Ortiz Patriarch in Puerto Rico was elated when he received the prestigious award and was also included in the rank of Elders. Miriam B. Fuentes also received a much deserved Gala Award for her ongoing role and outstanding example for our family.
In 1984, the sudden death of Boyie Mohammed, led Noel to present a special gift to the widow, Norma Mohammed, for her endurance in a very dark and painful time. In 1985, Felicita M. Serrano received a special recognition for her Legendary Example to her family.
In 1986, it was the time for Francisco Serrano and Nieves Bosch to receive the Man of the Year and Woman of the Year for their respective role within our Organization.
In 1987, there were actual four presentations. Felicita M. Serrano received the first Posthumous Gala Award. Joaquin Maldonado finally received a much-deserved Lifetime Gala Award for his legendary contribution to our family, for it was his vision that inspired all these family institutions that exist today. Noel Serrano was surprised when he received his own Gala Award. (Felicita's last act as the Secretary of the Gala Foundation, was to request that is award be given)
In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family.
In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation. It has been the only year that the institution halted operations due to personal reasons. Thank God that it was only a temporary shut down due to mitigating circumstances.
In 1990, the Gala Awards was in full bloom and now it was Dear Hilda Bosch, the strong Bosch Matriarch who graciously received the Gala award and was the only winner that year. One can recall that special moment frozen in time, when all tears glistened as this precious woman of God came up to receive her due reward. Hilda was so choked up with emotion that Joaquin made a special prayer for her along with the rest of the family.. It was truly a memorable moment.
In 1991, Clarita Maldonado joined the ranks of Gala Award recipients when she received her very own award or Recognition for all her hard work and example that advances the causes of the organization. Clarita is an enduring Institution in her own right. Joaquin has stated many times: "I could not do the things that I do without my faithful companion" Nivia B. Torres also won an award for that year and for the circumstance that were present at that time.
In 1992, Joaquin Maldonado became the only living family member to receive the Gala award, to have received it twice. (Only the late Felicta M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys s. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala winners, for her life time example to her family.
In 1993, the Gala Award went to Sarah Ortiz, for her Outstanding contribution to our family. Sarah join ed the rank of the Family Elders within a year. the Award was shipped to Puerto Rico and was special delivered in time for Christmas eve.
In 1994, the award was presented to Victor Ortiz, the strong Ortiz Patriarch in Puerto Rico was elated when he received the prestigious award and was also included in the rank of Elders. Miriam B. Fuentes also received a much deserved Gala Award for her ongoing role and outstanding example for our family.
In 1995, The Gala Award went to Maria Balsera Serrano, the 2ND wife of Francisco Serrano. she earned the respect and admiration of the entire family with her Humility, Compassion and Generosity.
This Award is ongoing and very special. The Gala Award is never given to just any person. It must and will be given to those who truly earn it. We congratulate all of these great family members who have been honored through the years and may this Institution serve to inspire to achieve great things in the Lord so that his blessing will enhance our every path. We all agree that the true award in life is to live an exemplary life and to inspire others to also live a productive and a progressive life in the Lord. that is our goal. That is the central policy of this enduring institution. may we always be able to recognize the unsung heroes in our growing Organization.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
BUILDING BRIDGES INSTEAD OF FENCES
Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.
Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee, and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better.
See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence-an 8-foot fence-so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.
The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge - a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."
Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.
One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days work" he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"
"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor; in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee, and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better.
See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence-an 8-foot fence-so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.
The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.
The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge - a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work handrails and all - and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.
"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A MESSAGE FROM JOAQUIN MALDONADO
New York-Joaquin Maldonado, The family Elder that hosted the Family Gatherings since 1968. He is also one of the original Elders and Trustee to the Foundation. He is seen in this video, communicating to the families in a 1990 session. Joaquin has served as an inspiration to his family. He remains active and agile for all the things that God places in his hands. He is a Man of God and Man of great motion. Even now, with all of his ailments, he continues to pastor a church and has a radio program called; Trumpet of God. Joaquin Maldonado is a Family Leader that has always championed the vital causes of our family with an underlying anchor on will of Christ. The video is in Spanish. He sends greetings to the Florida families and warns of the dangers of family divisions.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
HOW TO ENJOY A FAMILY GATHERING
Family gatherings are a time to catch up with family members and enjoy the special feeling of being surrounded by your relatives. Sometimes these gatherings can become monotonous, so to enjoy your day, make an effort to change your behavior. Become a bigger part of your family, and you will start to enjoy these gatherings a lot more.
1 Talk about past memories. Family gatherings were fun when you were a kid, so bring back those whimsical memories by having nostalgic conversations with aunts, uncles and cousins.
Step2 Engage your favorite aunt or uncle in conversation. You usually give them a hug and move on, but you are missing out on stories and memories that you may very well enjoy.
Step3 Help out in the kitchen, where you usually never venture. The conversation is always different in the kitchen, so make an effort to engage these members of your family in conversation and be a bigger part of the day.
Step4 Change the subject when tensions start to rise. Family has a way of getting too intense at times, so in an effort to enjoy your family gathering, crack a joke or pull one of your family members away from the conversation to help ease the tension.
Step5 Exchange email and phone numbers with cousins you have grown apart from. You may have lost your childhood closeness, so make an effort to rekindle these relationships. This effort will probably improve conversations at your family gathering.
Step6 Get recipes for your favorite dishes served. Your relatives will gladly share a family recipe with you, but only if you show interest.
Step2 Engage your favorite aunt or uncle in conversation. You usually give them a hug and move on, but you are missing out on stories and memories that you may very well enjoy.
Step3 Help out in the kitchen, where you usually never venture. The conversation is always different in the kitchen, so make an effort to engage these members of your family in conversation and be a bigger part of the day.
Step4 Change the subject when tensions start to rise. Family has a way of getting too intense at times, so in an effort to enjoy your family gathering, crack a joke or pull one of your family members away from the conversation to help ease the tension.
Step5 Exchange email and phone numbers with cousins you have grown apart from. You may have lost your childhood closeness, so make an effort to rekindle these relationships. This effort will probably improve conversations at your family gathering.
Step6 Get recipes for your favorite dishes served. Your relatives will gladly share a family recipe with you, but only if you show interest.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
FELA REVISITED
WHAT WAS IT ABOUT THIS GREAT WOMAN THAT STILL LEAVES US SPELLBOUND?
WHAT WERE THE BASIC CHARACTERS IN HER FULL PERSONA??? we will examine in the Felicita Web-site that you can go to on our associated web-ink section.
http://felicita24.blogspot.com/
TWENTY TWO YEARS HAVE NOT DIMINISHED HER STATURE AND SHE CONTINUES TO OVERSHADOW MANY, EVEN IN DEATH.
SEE THE NEW FELICITA WEB-SITE
WHAT WERE THE BASIC CHARACTERS IN HER FULL PERSONA??? we will examine in the Felicita Web-site that you can go to on our associated web-ink section.
http://felicita24.blogspot.com/
TWENTY TWO YEARS HAVE NOT DIMINISHED HER STATURE AND SHE CONTINUES TO OVERSHADOW MANY, EVEN IN DEATH.
SEE THE NEW FELICITA WEB-SITE
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