"Unity, faith and diversity" theme of Hispanic Heritage Month events at the Laboratory

Cipriano Vigil, a faculty member of the Music Department at Northern New Mexico Community College in Española will speak at 11 a.m. about the importance of Hispanic music on the culture of Northern New Mexico. The talk is free and open to all Laboratory workers.

Rich Mah, associate director for weapons, engineering and manufacturing, will make welcoming remarks. Mah is one of the three diversity champions for Hispanic issues at the Lab.

Vigil is a contributing author on a number of books and a three-time nominee of the national Heritage Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to New Mexico folk music.

Vigil also has performed on four occasions at the Smithsonian Institution; in 1995 he received a Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts for his folk music; and two years ago his folk music was recognized by the New Mexico Endowment for the Humanities.

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. As part of the Diversity (DVO) Office's "Something to think about" curriculum, the Laboratory's Hispanic Diversity Working Group sponsors Hispanic Heritage Month. The theme of this year's observance is "Hispanic Americans: Strength in Unity, Faith and Diversity."

At Fuller Lodge, Lab workers can view an exhibit of folk art by Cruz Lopez of Chimayo. Lopez also will speak about the integration of art and religion in Hispanic culture. His exhibit includes both paintings and sculptures that exemplify the relationship between faith and art.

Local school clubs will have food items available for purchase, and the new Hispanic Diversity Working Group logo will be unveiled. The individual who designed the new logo also will be recognized, said Danny Valdez of DVO.

Several other activities are scheduled at the Lab as part of national Hispanic Heritage Month, said Valdez.

At noon on Oct. 2, Loretta Armenta, president of the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to speak in the Physics Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3. Armenta will discuss how Hispano businesses can offer the national laboratories alternatives in supplies and services. She also will present the business case for purchasing from a diverse pool of businesses.

And on Oct. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. there will be a Salsa contest at the Physics Auditorium at TA-3. If you make your own salsa for parties and special occasions, this is your chance to show how a really good salsa tastes. Enter the Salsa contest and impress your co-workers. Salsas will be judged by the three Diversity Champions or their representatives. Judging will conclude before noon. Categories are hottest, most original, tastiest and appearance. The Best-of-Show will win a $50 gift certificate. Entries in the Salsa contest are limited to 30, on a first come-first served basis. To enter the Salsa contest, contact Rebecca Cordova at beckyc@lanl.gov by electronic mail. Make plenty because the Hispanic Diversity Working Group will provide chips and bowls, and everyone attending the event will want to enjoy the salsa.

Roberto Mondragon, former New Mexico Lieutenant Governor, will speak at the closing ceremonies as part of the Diversity Office’s continuing “Something to Think About” series. Mondragon currently works with a nonprofit organization called Aspectos Culturales. The organization's mission is to provide bilingual materials and educational opportunities for students in New Mexico. He will bring several musical instruments to use during his lecture. He sings 'Asi Es Nuevo Mexico,' which is very popular in Northern New Mexico.

All Hispanic Heritage Month events are free and open to Laboratory workers.

For more information about Hispanic Heritage Month, go to http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/dvo/hdwg/hhm/hhmonth2.html online or contact Valdez at 5-7215.

-- Steve Sandoval

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