—By Manuel Silva, Secretary Of The Board of Directors Portuguese Heritage Society
The creation of a Portuguese Center in Mineola with spaces that will attract the youth and families would be the goal. Public spaces such as a library a coffee shop, space for indoor sports, would serve as a center of discovery and communication to learn more about our community and the roots where we came from. Learn about where our parents or grandparents come from. Or just a place to interact with people in person not via text of Facebook.
Personally as Portuguese-Americans parents, my wife Ana and I would like my son, almost 2 years old to learn about where we came from, the traditions and history. I believe that most parents feel the same way. If we get all existent organizations together we will be able to achieve more and will establish a stronger presence in the community.
I would like to ask for the support of the entire community and our members. Let’s turn this dream into reality, let’s do it for our kids.
Additionally I would like to thank all the Portuguese organizations involved, everyone that is trying to turn this dream into reality, for the support of our Senator Jack M. Martins, the Village of Mineola and Deputy Nassau County Comptroller Gabriel Marques.
