Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss, Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III, and Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso standing with 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Outstanding Community Service Award recipients.

(PARAMUS, NJ) -- On Thursday, September 15, 2023, the County of Bergen in partnership with Bergen Community College and the Bergen County Latin American Advisory Board hosted a ceremony in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month in the Campus Quad at Bergen Community College.

Observance of Hispanic Heritage began in 1968 as “Hispanic Heritage Week” and was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988. Each year, the 30-day period from September 15 to October 15 is recognized as “Hispanic Heritage Month” and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of the Hispanic community.

Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco, III issued a proclamation recognizing September 15 to October 15, 2023, as Hispanic Heritage Month. The proclamation as well as a Key to the County were presented to Consul General of the Consulate General of Mexico in New Brunswick, Mariana Diaz.

Special remarks were given by the Honorable Mariana Diaz as well as Consul General of the Consulate General of Dominican Republic in New Jersey, Angel Pichardo Acosta. Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz.

The County presented “2023 Hispanic Heritage Outstanding Service Awards” to members of the community.

Refreshments were donated by Lolita’s Mexican Cantina in Westwood, New Jersey.

The event featured dance performances by members of Bergenfield’s Latin Dance House and vocal performances by Michelle Galvis of Hackensack.

A group performance by members of Bergenfield’s Latin Dance House.

2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Outstanding Community Service Award Recipients: Alejandrina Banch-Almodovar, Garfield, Councilwoman; Gloria Cevallos, Bergen Community College; Monica Chavarria-Malin, Artist; Jaime Delgado; Johanna Diaz Mora; Merijoel Duran; Luz Helena Flores, Associate Director for Recruitment and Community, Fairleigh Dickinson University; Edith Hernandez, Certified Nurse’s Assistant, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center; Jorge Martinez, Rochelle Park; Marvin Monroig; and Carlos Villalobos, Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University.