DISASTER RELIEF WITH COMADRE DOLORES PEREZ

 BY MARIA FERRER

 

Hurricanes. Wildfires.  Floods.  Tornados.  Chemical Spills.  

Car crashes.  Mass shootings.  Disasters all.

 

Comadre Dolores Perez is a Disaster Relief Volunteer, and she is going to help us understand the impact of natural and man-made disasters, as well as help us prepare ourselves and our families to ride out any storm. 

 

Q: What is the definition of a "Disaster" and what do you do as a Disaster Relief Volunteer?

DOLORES:  There are many different kinds of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, fires, earthquakes & man-made disasters such as airplane disasters, chemical spills, and sadly, mass shootings.   My primary role as a disaster relief responder is to assist those affected by disaster with immediate relief and recovery, such as help staying at a hotel, securing clothing or food while the client begins the family's recovery plan.  We also connect clients with community partner agencies who also help with resources that help them move forward.  Believe it or not, the disasters we respond to most, on a daily/ weekly basis all over our territory are single-family house fires and multi-family fires.  When the fire dept. leaves the site, and the news media leaves, we come in soon after to help the families begin the recovery process.   Knowing I can help someone take those first steps, offer comfort and relief is a very rewarding feeling. If you know of someone affected by a house fire, clients or family members can report the fire to 1-800-REDCROSS.  Simply wait for the prompt to report a fire, have vital contact information for the client(s), and a summary of their needs (such as needing a place to stay, needing help to replace medical devices, medications, etc.).

 

Q:  Do you stay in South Texas to help, or do you travel to places where you are needed the most?

DOLORES:  Our responders travel all over the country to assist with distribution of supplies, sheltering, feeding, damage assessment, etc.   I have in the past helped open and run a 120+ cot shelter in Hebbronville during Hurricane Harvey and have helped run shelters during the recent floods and storms that have pounded South Texas in the last few years.  As of late, I am the feeding coordinator who secures food and/or snacks for clients and first responders.  I mostly stay within my own territory due to the fact that I offer familial support and care to my 88-year-old mother whom I am lucky to still have with us. 

 

Q:  What do you recommend people have emergency supplies for in case of a disaster?

DOLORES:  Families can work together way before the storm hits to prepare their homes and ready their families for an impending storm.  Have enough food, water, medication and emergency supplies to last from 3-7 days.  Don't forget your pets & their needs.  It’s essential to have a GO-KIT ready in the event you must evacuate quickly.  This kit should include food, snacks, bedding, clothing & medications for 3-7 days; important papers, cash, family contact names and numbers, toiletries and a working phone and radio with backup batteries and chargers.  There is an awesome American Red Cross Hurricane app available for your phone, that has tips and preparation lists to help prepare.

 

Q:  What can Comadres do to help with disaster relief?  Is shipping supplies to disaster zones a good option?

DOLORES:  Anyone and everyone is welcome to join the American Red Cross as a volunteer.  When I joined, I wanted to help with something that is bigger than me, not about me (service to others), and assist to minimize human suffering.   There are so many ways to help!  Comadres and Compadres can help prepare disaster preparation material, help install smoke alarms for our Sound the Alarm campaign, teach students in school how to be disaster ready through the Pillowcase Project, help run disaster shelters, help with office or warehouse (logistics) help, or feed affected families during emergencies.   To become a volunteer. simply log on to www.redcross.org.   The generosity of others is always appreciated, but due to health restrictions related to food preparation, food & clothing donations & issues regarding their safe handling, especially during Covid, donations in kind are difficult to screen or distribute.  To that end, the best way that supplies can reach clients is through monetary donations made directly to the American Red Cross @ 1-800-REDCROSS

 

Q: Any tips on how to prepare and ride out the hurricanes heading towards our southern coast states?

DOLORES:  If riding out the storm, a family should have enough water (3 gallons per person-per day), nonperishable food, flashlights, backup batteries, cash on hand (ATMS may not work), a full tank of gas, medications, toys or games to pass the time, and food for pets. Families should have a clear plan of what to do and where to go in the event they must leave the area.  Communication is key so that other family members know your plan as well.

 

Q:   Words to live by?

DOLORES:   Live with purpose; emit the energy that fuels or motivates others to do the same. 

This post was published in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.

THE BEST GIFTS FOR THE HOLIDAYS: KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY

 

BY ESPERANZA BELTRAN

 

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. ¨- Phyllis Diller

 

 

What are your acts of kindness?

 

This was the question for our Comadres in this, the beginning of the holiday season. Not only did we receive many responses, but we also received this beautiful and inspirational message from Dr. Nogales, Secretary to the Board of Las Comadres Para Las Americas:

When we consider the vastness of our universe, our planet is incredibly minuscule. Nevertheless, we are all responsible for it. I strongly believe, given the circumstances of our tumultuous world, that our planet will survive because of love. Love is the ultimate cause and the most significant experience we can have as human beings. We survive infancy because of the love and kindness of a parent or caregiver. We look for love throughout our childhood and adulthood. Love is what keeps us together in our Comadre network. While love is a personal experience, I wish you much self-love. Be open to receive the love that is around you so that you do not just enjoy life but to plant the seed to let it grow for others too.

 

Comadres shared their acts of kindness, here are a few…

 

From Comadre Sylvia E. Klinger

Making breads and cookies for the elderly without families around to celebrate holidays with them. 

 

From Comadre Oralia Garcia

My brother is in his early 50s, married with 3 children.  For almost 2 years he has volunteered on a worldwide app to assist blind and visually impaired people.  He gets random video calls from all over the world. Sometimes someone just needs help picking the clothes to wear so colors don’t Clash. I will not mention the app since I understand you want this submission to be generic. My brother would never toot his own horn.  As a matter of fact I barely found out he was doing this.  My brother’s name is Paul Garcia from Harlingen Texas.  I have no doubt his bilingual skills double the calls he receives. 

 

From Comadre Monica Peňa

One day as I was standing in line at the local pharmacy, I realized the woman in front of me and the cashier were having difficulties communicating with each other. I helped translate, they finished their transaction, and after I checked out the woman and her father were near the front of the store. We quickly started a conversation as she thanked me for being so nice. Maria had just arrived in this country and was new to the area. Both her father and her explained they did not know too much English and this made things difficult.  I told her to pull out her phone where I gave her information about English classes and told her she would meet people there that felt the same way. Whenever possible, help with a smile so that people can feel more comfortable sharing their story. Then be a resource.

 

And here are a couple of interesting links with information on how giving helps our overall health and well being…

 

A Life Lesson From A Volunteer Firefighter

https://www.ted.com/talks/mark_bezos_a_life_lesson_from_a_volunteer_firefighter?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

 

How Generosity Changes Your Brain

https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/psychology-of-giving-to-charity

 

This post was first published in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.

COMADRE MARATHONER: INTERVIEW WITH LAS COMADRES PRESIDENT TERESA LARA

BY MARIA FERRER

 

Teresa Lara is President of Las Comadres Para Las Americas and a marathoner.  She’s completed six half-marathons, a few 10k runs, and this year she ran and finished her first full marathon.  Let’s hear how she prepares, learn about the agony of anticipation, how to carbo load, and how race is grace.

 

 Q: How did you prepare for this marathon? How long were you training?

TERESA:  I signed up on a whim when my friend Tanya said she was 'walking' it and that seemed doable. I walk/jog 5 miles daily before work and another 2-3 miles after work, which was my only training. I consider myself lucky for having completed it without injuries or soreness. If I were to do it again, I'd have walked/jogged 15 miles a couple of times before the marathon.

 

Q:Now that this marathon is over, are you training for the next one?

TERESA:  I am not (famous last words). The agony and anticipation the night before was worse than the actual marathon.  I didn't get much sleep and I was worried about oversleeping. Luckily, I had slept well the whole week, so the previous night's jitters didn't affect me much.

 

Q:  Is it true that you have to carbo load for a good run?  What is/was your favorite food during training and how often did you eat it?

TERESA:   Oh, my goodness. I carb loaded a few days prior not the night before from a learned experience from a previous run (one of the halfies I'd completed). Everyone's body is different, so practicing to see what your body responds to well is key. I learned that I cannot introduce any new foods, meal quantities, or clothing the week of the event and to just keep things normal and standard. As for the carb load, I treated myself to my favorite homemade cacio e pepe from a local restaurant, on Wednesday, before the race.

 

Q:  What do you enjoy about running?

TERESA:  It feels like I'm flying. I started off running one block, walking next, another block, walking the next, then it was two, three blocks...and it was out of joy and it felt good. My max is about 5 blocks at a time now. 

 

Q:  Please share your favorite fitness tips with us and how we can incorporate them during the holidays.  

TERESA:  My brother is an avid running/boxer.  He came down from San Jose to join me on my first half-marathon and that’s when he “coached” me to 'slow down', to save energy that will help me go longer. I thought he was kidding because I'm already a slow jogger, but I've been able to find a nice pace and rhythm for these longer runs.  I want to send the message that running is not a hustle bustle sport, but a graceful experience that is

achievable by anyone.  One doesn’t have to have an athlete body to start jogging or to finish a race.  It’s more achievable than we think, and the end result is so empowering.  I feel invincible.  My favorite words…Race is grace.

Congratulations to Teresa on her finishing her first full marathon. Hurrah!

 

Race is Grace.

 

This post first appeared in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.

 

 

YOGA AND SOUL: INTERVIEW WITH COMADRE JEANNIE DIAZ

 

BY JACQUELINE QUINONES

 

What inspired you to start Chair Yoga and Soul?

Jeannie: Part of what inspired me were the many yoga classes I attended that helped me to learn about body posture and alignment. From the many studios that I visited I found one where I felt comfortable. It was inclusive, diverse and they made me realize that size doesn’t matter when you are practicing yoga. This practice was a gateway to focusing on my body. It opened up my heart and I wanted to help others feel this way as well. The teacher there also encouraged me to take the teacher training.  What I teach is chair yoga which incorporates all of the same poses as regular yoga but a modified version.

 

How long have you been a Comadre?

Jeannie: I have been a Comadre since 2014, when I attended a meeting hosted at the Hispanic Federation. 

What do you like most about being a Comadre?

Jeannie: What is dear to my heart is the sense of sisterhood you feel and all the support you receive. If it wasn’t for Las Comadres I would not be doing my chair yoga classes. I started providing my Chair Yoga classes during the pandemic and Las Comadres gave me the opportunity to provide this service to their membership.

 

What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining Las Comadres?

Jeannie: If you are looking for a community of women Las Comadres is the group to join because they are so inspiring and offer so much encouragement. You don’t have to go to every meeting and they will still welcome you. They are there for you whenever you need them. Eventually you will be drawn to this group and commit to participate because of the culture of community they foster which is important.

 

What is a positive affirmation you live by?

Jeannie: It is Feel good, Do good. When you are in this line of business sometimes you forget to take care of yourself. I am the type of person that gives and gives and I needed to focus more on loving myself. So I started working with a life coach who helped to ground me and this was an affirmation that we came up with that helps to ground me. I also like  “What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create.”- Buddha

What words come to your mind when you think about Hispanic Heritage Month?

Jeannie: Awareness and curiosity. This is the month when people ask about our culture. Everyone wants to be more aware of their ancestry. Now that I am older I am also asking more questions especially of my Dad who told me that his first job was making piraguas. He shared with me all of the jobs he had to do to save enough money to bring the family to NY.

 

What is your favorite fall holiday and why?

Jeannie: I have to say it is Thanksgiving. It’s a great tradition where family comes together shares food, music and reflects on what they are grateful for. It’s also sad because you think about those who don’t have family. All of my family is in Dominican Republic, but I have friends and colleagues who invite me and it's an opportunity for me to meet people and make new friends.

 

Power of the Mind --- what does this phrase mean to you?

Jeannie:  The biggest myth is that you need 30 minutes to do meditation. Even if you dedicate one minute it is your special moment. In that one minute you give yourself the opportunity to open your mind. It also reminds me of my first class of teacher training where they displayed a slide on the projector that contained the words “welcome to your mind”. It’s a beautiful thing. At the end of the day sometimes we forget to be kind to ourselves and the world around us.

 

 

Jeannie Diaz is a 200hr Yoga & Meditation teacher based in NYC. Her classes focus on breathwork, mindfulness, body positivity and are accessible to all.

Email: Jnamaste18@gmail.com Instagram: Jnamaste

Virtual classes are free/by donation - Chair Yoga 2x a week & Meditation Thursday evenings IRL private & group

Yoga classes- Sundays.

This post first appeared in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.

MINDFUL LIVING WITH Z: INTERVIEW WITH COMADRE ZAYDA RIVERA

BY JACQUELINE QUINONES

   

What was your journey to creating Mindful Living with Z?

Zayda: Three years ago, my mother was very ill. That was my calling to shift more towards spiritual work. I felt I was called to study Reiki to try to heal my mother. Then I realized that God put this in my path to heal myself first. So, I practiced a lot of Reiki on myself, and I began to heal and continue healing today. But it takes time and dedication to self. Spiritual wellness is a lifestyle. It is not an overnight fix, but it doesn’t necessarily take a long time to see the benefits of spiritual work. One year after I began my spiritual wellness practice, I was stunned to see how much I had changed. It showed in my face. In 2019, I was guided by spirit to start my own business and then in 2020 when the COVID Pandemic happened, I used these healing modalities to help clients who were dealing with it personally or lost a family member or friend due to COVID. This is also when God called me to do a 30-day virtual meditation gathering on Instagram for free. I’ll be starting another one soon so look out for it. Many people who followed me said it made an impact on their lives. By the way, my mom made a full recovery, and she is healthier and happier than I have ever seen her. We were scheduled to go to Puerto Rico to celebrate her birthday on Oct. 2, but Hurricane Fiona had other plans. So, I send Reiki healing energy to my island as often as possible. 

 

How long have you been a Comadre?

Zayda: I was in my 20s when I became a member. I remember I was working at ARCOS Communications and the owner, Roy Cosme, said Las Comadres was going to have a meeting in the conference room and I should check it out. I did, and I remember being inspired by hearing all these amazing and powerful Latinas sharing their stories. I’m honored to still be a part of this group today.

 

What do you like most about being a Comadre?

Zayda: What I love is being able to connect with other like-minded Latinas. I was honored to be able to do a Reiki Healing Group for Las Comadres during the pandemic. I felt supported by the group and there was such positive energy.

 

What significance does Hispanic Heritage Month have for you?

Zayda: For me it's an opportunity to highlight our beautiful culture and accomplishments and show the world that we are not a monolithic group. It represents us Latinos as a driven, colorful, alive and spiritual community. It's about Latinos showing up for themselves and others. We need to celebrate our culture every day and be intentional about acknowledging our strengths because it highlights our lineage. We can learn so much from each other and embrace how diverse we are.  

 

What is your favorite fall holiday?

Zayda: I have a big holiday spirit. I am a Scorpio so definitely Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. I enjoy planning fun celebrations with my teenager and 4-year-old twins. We decorate the house, prepare fun meals, and always, always dance.

 

What is a positive affirmation that you live by?

Zayda: God show me how great life can get. I say it throughout the day to show how grateful I am for everything. We need to trust that there are no limitations in our lives. We are often the ones that place limitations on ourselves. When we trust and surrender, magic happens.

 

Share with us some favorite tips for staying healthy in the Fall.

Zayda: Meditate. It keeps you physically and spiritually healthy. If you don’t have a practice already, it may be good to start in colder weather when people are most affected with the winter blues and seasonal depression. You can start with as little as 5-minutes of deep breathing. When you are in the shower try placing your hands over your heart chakra (not your organ, but your chakra located at the center of your breastbone) and be grateful for the energy around you. Movement. Turn on music that inspires you to move your body. Movement is life; it tells our body that we are alive. When we stop moving, we are telling our bodies that we are slowly dying. Balance comes in when you are taking care of your spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health. Love Yourself. This will be the most important decision in your life. When you heal yourself, you love yourself and your light shines brightly on everything and everyone around you.

 

Zayda Rivera is a certified Reiki Master-Teacher, meditation guide, spiritual coach, intuitive tarot reader, and certified yoga instructor. Her clients include media companies like the Meredith Corporation and Time Magazine. Zayda recently signed with Row House Publishing for her first book, which will be released in 2025. Visit Mindful Living with Z at www.zaydarivera.com and follow Zayda @MindfulLivingwithZ on Instagram and TikTok.3 

This post appeared in the Fall 2022 Comadres Connect! Newsletter.

MARKETPLACE MONDAYS! SHOP THE HOLIDAYS WITH COMADRE VENDORS -- RETAIL

 ADVERTISING

 

MARKETPLACE MONDAYS

 

With Las Comadres

 

 

 

 THE HOLIDAYS ARE COMING!  

SHOP WITH LAS COMADRES!

Every Monday through December, we will highlight 

Comadre vendors from our online Marketplace Listing.

For the full listing, visit us here:  https://lascomadres.com/lco/marketplace/

 

 

 

RETAIL COMADRE VENDORS

 

 

ARTE DE PERLA

Perla Leal

artedeperla@gmail.com

Description:  My Dia de los Muertos themed artwork reflects my Mexican heritage and the traditional celebrations of my indigenous ancestors.  Each calavera I paint is unique, never replicated, and designed in remembrance and celebration of a departed individual. Contact me for commissions of your departed loved ones including fur babies!

 

ATHENA SILVERSMITH

Irma Orozco

http://www.athenasilversmith.com

Description: We offer handcrafted jewelry using silver and copper, many with natural stone accents as well as custom designed jewelry and jewelry repair.

 

THE BROOKLYN BUDDHA

Vanessa Peters

https://thebrooklynbuddha.com/

Description:  I am a painter selling my original artwork and the merchandise (journals, totes and accessories) created with the images of my artwork.

 

CANCER TAMER FOUNDATION

Charley Ferrer

www.CancerTamer.org

Description:  We provide empowerment education and services to women diagnosed with breast cancer. We have an array of educational, empowerment based, and informative books available. We host a television talk show providing information on how to live and thriving despite cancer, as well as providing tidbits on things you should know but aren’t told. Our shows and documentaries are available online at our website.

 

CASA Q

DarleneTenes

www.CasaQ.com

Description:  CasaQ creates and curates products, events and travel experiences that embrace our Latino culture.

 

CDL DESIGNS

Carmen Zayas

Instagram @CDL.Designs

Description: Beautiful, unique, affordable & fun handcrafted costume jewelry. Great gifts!! Customizable colors.  

 

CON TODO PRESS

Naibe Reynoso

https://www.contodopress.com/

Description: We create and publish award winning bilingual children's books that celebrate our culture and highlight Latino leaders.

 

COPPER COLORED GAL DESIGNS

Alejandra Remijio

https://www.etsy.com/shop/coppercoloredgal

Description:  Copper Colored Gal designs one of a kind and limited-edition table linens and accessories.

 

THE CRAFTY CHICA

Kathy Cano-Murillo

https://craftychica.com

Description:  Latinocentric craft tutorials, creative motivation, handmade goods by Kathy Cano-Murillo, The Crafty Chica.

 

CREATIVE ALLIANCE COMMUNICATIONS

Aileen Roberta Schlef

www.creativealliancecommunications.com

Description:  Customize public relations, fundraising, training projects. Focus: strategic change management, diversity-inclusion. All projects welcomed.

 

DEL ALMA PUBLICATIONS

Maricia Rodriguez

www.delalmapublications.com

Description:  Latina owned independent book publisher focused on producing quality bilingual and bicultural books relevant to today's Hispanics.

 

DESIGNS BY JORI

Jorivette Carrington

www.DesignsbyJori.com

Description:  Designs by Jori creates one-of-a-kind t-shirts, apparel, and accessories. My designs are inspired by my Latina mother and sisters who frequently used these sayings in our family as I grew up.

 

ERIS’ KITCHEN

Eris Garriga

www.eriskitchen.net

Description: Cookbooks available include Homestyle Puerto Rican Cooking, Sabrosuras Boricuas, De la Tierra con Sabor, and Eris' Green Kitchen.

 

GINA’s FINDINGS

Gina Vasquez

Gc_vasquez@yahoo.com

Description:  We offer high end items, brand name clothes, jewelry, pictures frames, furniture Mexican items, lamps, etc.

 

HAMLET ESSENTIALS

Alejandra Hamlet

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/hamletessentials

Description:  Finding these organic & ethically sourced products was the culmination of years of research in ways to reduce the toxic load for my family.

 

HERNAN

Isela Hernandez

www.hernanmexico.com

Description:  Brand of premium Mexican culinary goods that includes Mexican kitchenware & specialty foods.

 

KARY’S BOUTIQUE
Karina Martinez

https://karysdesigns.etsy.com/

Description: Handmade items done by me and a few other products made by others.

 

LA SIRENA MEXICAN FOLK ART

Dina Leor

www.lasirenanyc.com

Description:  We are celebrating 23 years!  La Sirena is an evolving assemblage of Mexican folk art created by artisans from many regions of Mexico. 

 

THE LIPSTICK CHICK

Julie Vargas

Facebook @The Lipstick Chick

Description:  SeneGence long lasting cosmetics. You have a hair and nail lady. Let me be your Lip Lady!!!  

 

LOLA'S MERCADITO

Lola Dweck

https://www.etsy.com/shop/lolasmercadito/

Description:  Lola's Mercadito is top-rated gift shop specializing in gourmet and personally curated items that celebrate Mexican food and culture.

 

MADALEINE’S DESIGNS

Magdalena Prieto

www.madaleinesdesigns.com

Description: Madaleine's Designs creates understated elegant designs that incorporate the use of crystal and natural gemstone beads.

 

MENDULCINA, INC.

Mirta Rinaldi

Facebook @Mendulcina @Rinaldi.Mirta

Description: Check out Mirta's Artesanal Alfajores de Maizena & Chimichurri *Sandwiches de Milanesa for parties in NYC!

 

MINDFUL LIVING WITH Z

Zayda Rivera

www.zaydarivera.com

Description:  Mindful Living with Z was manifested by Zayda Rivera, a Reiki Master, who also makes Reiki-infused spiritual baños and prayer candles.

 

NELLI'S TUPPERWARE
Noelia Wolverton

www.nelli_w.my.tupperware.com

Description:  From innovative kitchen products to a flexible and fun business opportunity. Join us, host a party, shop online, find great recipes & more.

 

PASSIONATE WOMAN

Charley Ferrer

www.PassionateWoman.org

Description:  Check out our line of 100% Pure Body Scrubs and HERO oils and one-of-a-kind crochet creations. We also provide various services like design websites and Ancestry reviews/look-ups.

 

SAVIANA ARTS

Vivian Lipman-Denis & Sara Morales

Www.SavianaArts.com

Description:  We are 2 Latina artists that sell prints of our art. Learn more about us on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MueiP0Xa1_Y

 

TANYA'S TIENDITA

Tanya Zabalegui

www.tanyastiendita.com/

Description:  Fun Sarcastic Spanglish Tshirts pa' mi Gente!  I create Tshirts that bring smiles and laughter with words in Spanglish y más.

 

THOMPSON ENTERPRISES

Sandra Salazar-Thompson

www.amway.com/my shop/sandrathompson

Description:  Over 300 beauty, nutrition & home care products, customer rewards & 100% Amway satisfaction guarantee.

 

YLEANA MARTÍNEZ MODERN JEWELRY DESIGN

Yleana Martinez

Www.yleanamartinez.jewelspan.com

Description:  Art jewelry of one-of-a-kind silver and gold body adornments, incorporating a variety of techniques and hand cut/polished precious stones.

 

 

 

Shop early for the Holidays and 

Thank You for your support of Comadres Vendors!

 ******************************

Las Comadres Para Las Americas

www.lascomadres.com

info@lascomadres.com