TRADITIONS FOR NEW YEARS!

Tradition of welcoming the New Year by organizing feasts and celebrations has been carried forward since ancient times. Historians believe that New Year tradition were started by ancient Babylonians more than 4,000 years ago. Egyptians, Romans, Celts continued it and now the present generation cherish this tradition by celebrating New Year in the most extravagant manner.

Most countries across the globe celebrate New Year on January 1. This day officially became the first day of the year in 46 BC when Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar. However, many countries and communities follow different calendars and celebrate their New Year in an entirely different time of the year by following their own specific customs and traditions. Given here is glimpse of New Year traditions as observed on January 1 in countries following Gregorian calendar.

New Year's Eve
Celebrations begin on the New Year Eve on December 31st. Hotels, restaurants, clubs and pubs organize New Year Eve balls and parties. People sing, dance and make merry. Fun events and contests are also organized to entertain the crowd. As New Year falls at the peak winter time in many countries bonfires are lit to keep the people warm. And just when the clock strikes for midnight firecrackers are burst to welcome the advent of New Year. People greet Happy New Year with a warm hug to every one around them. With loved ones and friends at a distance people exchange greetings through SMSs and phone calls. No wonder, phone network see maximum traffic at this time.

New Year's Day Celebrations
To mark the auspicious beginning of New Year, people wear fresh new clothes and clean up their house. Many prefer to spend this day in the company of their family members and dear ones. People also visit their friends and exchange New Year Gifts and greetings with them. Restaurants, multiplexes and malls experience a busy time on New Year's Day as many prefer to spend the day by watching movies and eating out with dear ones. There is also a trend of going out for picnics or to exotic tourist destinations to celebrate the day.

New Year's Resolutions
One of the most popular New Year custom is to make New Year Resolution. The tradition is said to have been started by early Babylonians who resolved to start the New Year with a clean state by returning borrowed farm equipment. Even in present times, people make New Year resolutions. Though it has been noticed that most people fail to carry them forward beyond the first week of New Year. Some of the most popular New Year resolutions including promises to quit smoking, losing weight, waking up early and being punctual.

New Year's Parades
In several countries, there is a popular tradition of organizing New Year Parades. In the United States, one of the most famous parades is the Tournament of Roses where the floats are all decorated with flowers. Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco and the New Year's Day Parade of London are other most participated and talked about parades of the world. A large number of people throng the entire route of fun-filled parade to watch giant balloons, tableau and dancers in colorful costumes.

New Year's Games
In many countries, people enjoy the New Year by indulging in games and sports. Athletics, football, cricket are some of the most popular New Year sports. In some countries, special tournaments are organized for New Year's Day. Many participate while others enjoy them on TV. In households people recreate by participating in indoor games and activities.

ARCADIO FUENTES JR. WINS 2011 GALA AWARD

The Gala Foundation announced today that there will be another recipient of the Gala Awards in the near future. Gala Officials are working the logistics and the right forum to present a Special "Lifetime Achievement " Award to an honored Icon in the midst of our Gala Network of Families. The month of January will be devoted to highlight all the Gala Award winners for 2011. The Gala Awards has been a successful initiative since its inception in 1984 and is administered by the Gala Foundation. In recent discussions, the Creators of the Gala Awards spoke about expanding the prize to Exemplary Pillars that are not necessarily members of the original families. The Gala Foundation now works as an International Institution and Network of families and so it is prudent and fitting to recognize Outstanding people that reflect a life of dedication and service to their fellowman.

ARCADIO FUENTES WINS 2011 GALA AWARD

Arcadio Fuentes has won the 2011 Gala Award for his many years of exemplary Service to the causes close to the foundation and the legacy of the combined Families. Preliminary reports reveal that infront of a Gala Reunion of 50 people, Joaquin Maldonado presented the Award to  Arcadio. There was some fun-poking and laughter when Joaquin alluded to the fact that his son, Jeremy was his father's strongest "Lobbyist'' for winning the beloved iconic Gala Award. We will be showcasing the Gala Awrd winners in the coming weeks. the following is a brief Biography of Arcadio fuentes Jr. 

Arcadio Fuentes Jr. (a.k.a “Archie”), was born on November 1st 1951 in Carolina, Puerto Rico. His parents Arcadio Fuentes Senior and Juanita Pagan had 3 daughters and 2 sons - of which Archie is a most illustrious and colorful character.

September 7^th 1974 was an auspicious day in Archie’s life- the day he married Miriam Bosch. They have been blessed with two sons, Joey and Jeremy. Joey and his wife Meghan have in turn blessed them with 4 grandsons. Christian, Joshua, Nicholas. And Adam.

During the course of the year of these 6 decades of life, Archie has attained notable achievements:

Worked in Wall Street 17 years

Served as State Court Interpreter 17 years

Bible Institute Teacher over 20 years

Church Board Official

Choir Bass Singer “Par Excellence”

Archie certainly has a well-rounded personality with a heart for God, and prompt to help if you’re in need. His hobbies include:

Reading theology

History buff

Nature lover

Archery

We are graced to have Arcadio Fuentes Jr. as a member and “Rock of Gibraltar” in the family. We pray for his continued strength and good health in years to come.

KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

By Irving Serrano

Many people who are not Christians believe that" He was a great and wise teacher. He was certainly one of the most influential people who ever lived" ( The world book Encyclopedia). Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity. Do you know who He is? Does He in any way effect your life? The events of Jesus ministry are recorded in the Bible in four historical works called the Gospels. How genuine are these accounts? After analyzing them, the well-known historian Will Durant wrote: " That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospel". To millions of people in the orient and elsewhere, though, Jesus Christ is a stranger. They may believe that He existed, but they do not think that He has any bearing on their lives. Others dismiss Jesus as unworthy of attention because of what professed followers of His have done. They dropped an atom bomb on Nagasaki,`some in Japan would say,`a city with more Christians than most cities in Japan. Yet, would you blame a physician for a patients illness if the patient failed to stick to the doctors prescription? Obviously not. People of Christendom have long ignored Jesus prescription for overcoming their day-to-day problems. So rather than reject Jesus because of so-called Christians, who do not follow His instructions, why not learn something about Him for yourself? Look into the Bible, and see who Jesus really is and how he can even change your life. LOVE-- His Prescription. Jesus Christ was a great teacher who lived in Palestine almost 2,000 years ago. Very little is known about His childhood. (Mathew, chapters 1 and 2; Luke chapters 1 and 2) When He became 30 years of age, Jesus started His ministry to" bear witness to the truth". (John 18:37; Luke 3:21-23) During His ministry, Jesus gave His disciples the key to dealing with various problems in their lives. What was that key? It was love. In one of the best-known sermons in history, called the sermon on the mount, Jesus taught His disciples how to show love for fellow humans. He said:" All things. therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them"(Matthew 7:12). This principle is called the Golden Rule. The "men" that Jesus referred to here include even ones enemies. In the same sermon, He said:" Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you".(Matthew 5:44)Would not such love solve many of the problems that we face today? Hindu leader Mohandas Gandhi thought so. He is quoted as saying:" When(we) shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems....of the whole world". Jesus teachings of love, if applied, can cure mankind's ills. His Love in Action; Jesus practised what He taught. He put the interest of others ahead of His own and demonstrated love in action. One day, Jesus and His disciples were ministering to many people, without taking time to eat a meal. Jesus saw the need for His disciples to "rest up a bit", so they headed to a lonely place. But the crowd got ahead of them and were waiting for their arrival. How would you have responded if you had been in Jesus position? Well, Jesus "was moved with pity for them" and started to teach them many things" (mark 6:30-34) This strong feeling of pity moved Him to offer assistance to others. What Jesus did for the benefit of others was not limited to spiritual teaching. He also extended practical help. For an example, He fed 5,000 men( in addition to woman and children) who had been listening to Him until late one day> He fed another 4,000 in a later instance. On the earlier occasion, He used five loaves and a few little fish. (Matthew 14:14-21; 15:32-38; Mark 6:35-44; 8:1-9) Miracles? Yes, He was a miracle worker.Jesus also healed many ailing ones. He cured the blind, the lame, the lepers, and the deaf. Why, He even raised the dead! (Luke 7:22; John 11:30-45) Once, a leper entreated Him:" If you just want to, you can make me clean." How did Jesus respond? "He stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him:I want to. Be made clean." (Mark 1:40-41) Jesus was moved by a strong desire to help them. Through such miracles, He demonstrated His love for the afflicted. Christmas, such a happy time, but so greater is the feeling of celebrating it with its true meaning. Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. When you read, learn and consider Jesus teachings, we take on a learned behavior. We are moved to want to imitate His love. 

WHO WILL WIN THE GALA AWARDS FOR 2011?

FLASH-Tampa-2011- Who will win the Gala Awards for 2011? The Gala Foundation has announced that two Gala Awards will be given to to distinguished community "Pillars" and exemplary Icons to the sphere that they live in.  The Gala Foundation began to recognize key people within the family since 1983.  Noel recently stated that the Gala Award Winners will be announced shortly after the Christmas themes are over on both Gala sites and will showcase the two Gala Award Winners . The following is a brief history of the Gala Awards  The Gala Awards was created by Noel Serrano and Joaquin Maldonado 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 roles within our Organization.

In 1987, there were actually 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 this Award be given)

In 1988, Octavio Bosch, the strong Bosch veteran received the coveted award for his legendary example to the family. Frances S. Rosado won the 1888 Gala Award and it was presented by "President Reagan".

In 1989 did not have a Gala Award winner due to a brief shut down of the Gala Foundation operations. 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 two times. (Only the late Felicita M. Serrano received two Gala Awards but one was given posthumously in 1987) Gladys S. Morales joined the ranks in the Hall of Gala Award 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 joined 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 Maria Balsera Serrano won the Gala Award for her contribution to the Organization. This Award is ongoing and very special. The Gala Award is never given to just any one. 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 family. Between the years of 1995 and 2009 the Gala Foundation posthumously recognized Honorary Gala Awards for all of our dearly departed Family Icons such as Rev. Lucas "Toto" Maldonado, Jose Molina,Felicita Pabon, the mother of the late Francisco Serrano, Rev Amador Serrano,Amelia Bonhomme, Wilson Serrano . In 2009  Michelle Maldonado  and the late Awilda Bosch were recipients of the Gala Awards, with Awilda receiving it posthumously.  In 2010, the Gala Award went to the hardworking Gala Associate Administrator an Editor of La Fundacion Gala, Raquel Gonzalez, for her "Lifetime Achievement' and "yeoman" work with the Gala Foundation. and the Gala Awards Honors continue as we  await the Gala Winners for  2011 (To be announced very soon)
If you would like to be a part of this and many projects that we have for all Gala members, please take a moment to write to  Noel Serrano at ttinserrano@yahoo.com You are also welcome to nominate a candidate for the Gala Award. May we always learn from these Gala Award Winners! Many of them have gone on to receive their Higher Reward in Heaven, to be forever with Our Lord. They were the Best and the Brightest Lights amongst us. We shall continue to recognize and honor those that dwell with us and shine in their corner of the world. Help us determine who should be the next Gala Award Winner. 

TIS, ALWAYS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY!

By Irving Serrano Sr

There is a chill in the air. People rushing around you everywhere. You hear Christmas music. Undeniably, it`s the happy`est time of the year. Christmas; celebrated throughout the world. Christians, celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, and rejoice in this season, as well as any other season. This is a repetition found in (Philippians 3:1), with this addition" always", for there is always cause and matter for rejoicing in Christ, even in times of affliction, distress, and persecution; since he is always the same; his grace is always sufficient; his blood has a continual virtue in it, and always speaks for peace and pardon; his righteousness is an everlasting one, and so is his salvation, and such is his love; though some join this word with what follows, ' and again, I say, rejoice; this is what continually inculcated by him, as being of great importance and use for the comfort of believers, and honour of Christ. As Christians,in our daily walk of life, we' sing joyfully to the Lord, as it is fitting for the upright'. (Psalm 33:1) As Christians;' we may be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; and having nothing, and yet possessing everything'. (2nd Corinthians 6:10). So as Christians, we can quote ( Habakkuk 3:18), 'yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in my God, and Savior'. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

CARMEN GONZALEZ WINS 2011 GALA AWARD!

Biography of Carmen Gonzalez – Ortiz On 12 February 1935, the 2nd child of eight children was born to Carmen Diaz – Gonzalez and Raimundo Gonzalez-Gonzalez in Santurce, Puerto Rico. In 1948, Raimundo Gonzalez migrated to New York City for employment and in 1950 brought his family to New York. Carmen was 15 years old when the family arrived and was enrolled in Lydia F. Wadleigh High School in Manhattan, NY. She was a shy student who academically excelled in school. Her records were pulled from Puerto Rico only to find she was a straight “A” student there as well. When Carmen graduated high school she was asked by her school principals if she had applied to colleges. She explained that her counselor had stated students from outside of the country need not apply. This is when God again, stepped in and used her Principal Dr. Wewerka to assist in her application to CUNY-Hunter College. Carmen graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelors Degree in Arts. Ever since the family arrived in NYC, they attended and were members of La Sinagoga Pentecostal Church originally on 65 East 109th Street and later on 115-125 East 125h Street in NYC under the Pastoral leadership of Rev. Abelardo Berrios. On 29 October 1960 Carmen married Saul Ortiz; also from La Sinagoga Pentecostal Church. Carmen was choir director and a member from 1950-1994. She relocated with her husband Saul in 1991 to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania after retiring as a Supervisor of Social Workers for NYC. During those 3 years she continued to attend La Sinagoga on weekends. Carmen has been a pillar and a matriarch to those who know her. She has instilled her love of God and family as passed down by her parents. She has imparted her love of reading, education and music to many generations. All in all, Carmen says that it is by God’s grace that she has experienced all that she has. He continues to bless her abundantly and in all things, she gives God the glory, honor and praise. La Biografía de Carmen Gonzalez - Ortiz El 12 de Febrero 1935, Carmen Gonzalez, el segundo de ocho niños nació a Carmen Diaz – Gonzalez y Gonzalez-Gonzalez de Raimundo en Santurce, Puerto Rico. En 1948, Raimundo Gonzalez emigró a la Ciudad de Nueva York para el empleo y en 1950 trajo su familia a Nueva York. Carmen tuvo 15 años cuando la familia llegó y fue matriculada en Lydia F. de Wadleigh Escuela Secundario en Manhattan, NY. Fue una estudiante tímida que sobresalió académicamente en la escuela. Sus registros fueron transferidos de Puerto Rico para solo encontrar que fue un estudiante estelar allí también. Cuando Carmen se graduó del la escuela secundario le pregunato sus directores si había aplicado a colegios. Explicó que su consejero había indicado que estudiantes que no eran del país no debian aplicar. Esto es cuando Dios otra vez, dio un paso y utilizo a su Principal para aplicar al Colegio del CUNY-HUNTER. Carmen se graduó magna con laude con una Licenciatura en Artes (B.A.) Desde entonces la familia, llegada en NYC, fueron miembros de La Sinagoga Iglesia Pentecostal originalmente en 65 East 109th Street y más tarde 115-125 East 125th Street en NYC bajo el liderazgo Pastoral del Reverendo Abelardo Berrios. El 29 de Octubre 1960, Carmen se casó con Saul Ortiz; también de La Sinagoga Iglesia Pentecostal. Carmen fue directora del coro y un miembro de 1950-1994. Trasladó con su marido Saul en 1991 a E. Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania después de jubilarse como supervisora de asistentes sociales para NYC. Durante esos 3 años continuó asistir La Sinagoga en fines de semana. Carmen ha sido un pilar y matriarca a los que la conocen. Ha inculcado su amor de Dios y familia como pasó por sus padres. Ha impartido su amor de leer, la educación y la música a muchas generaciones. Todo en total, Carmen esta muy agradecida por la gracia de Dios en todo lo que ha hecho y tiene. Nuestro Dios continúa bendecirla abundantemente y en todas las cosas, ella Le da a Dios la gloria, honra y alabanza.

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