YSU alumnus to speak at Hispanic conference

YOUNGSTOWN — Youngstown State University alumnus Henry Guzman will be the keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Conference planned for 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center.

The conference is the key event for the area’s observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15-Oct. 15.

The theme is “Querer Es Poder!” [Where There is a Will, There is a Way!].

The conference will include a flag ceremony with area Hispanic schoolchildren displaying heritage flags from 22 Hispanic countries, a dance presentation by Raices Latina and refreshments.

Participants can park free in the M–1 Parking Deck on Wick Avenue. The event is free and open to the public.

Guzman is the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety and oversees Homeland Security, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Ohio Investigative Unit, Criminal Justice Services and Administration.

Other events

Several other community events are planned including:

•Sept. 13, 6:30 p.m. — A book discussion on “Journey to the Future: A Roadmap for Success for Youth,” by Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 at Boardman Public Library. Call Deborah Liptak at (330) 744–8636, ext. 118, to register.

•The 2007 Annual Educators and Community Helping Hispanics Onward College Fair from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at OCCHA, 3660 Shirley Road, Youngstown, sponsored by YSU’s Undergraduate Admissions department. This is an informational college program to assist Hispanic/Latino students and their parents. Call (330) 941–2000 for more information.

•LUNA (Latina’s United Networking Association, Inc.) fourth annual wine-tasting fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Byzantine Center at the Grove, 3801 Shady Run Road, Youngstown. Call Olga Rivera, event woman, at (330) 506–1749.

•OCCHA’s 35th anniversary fund-raising dinner Nov. 2 at Mr. Anthony’s. For more information, call OCCHA at (330) 781–1808.