Forrest was involved in a terrible car accident and needs our help. You can participate, buy a t-shirt or donate easily by visiting the website below. Every bit will help ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. Sponsorships available-all sponsors will be included on the event t-shirt. Please visit and/or register at www.TheForrest5K.com.


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2013 was a challeging one but a rewarding one. Newer members become part of the PRHCCPC groove and we look to more coming on board. But if I leave you something familiar it is this , our 2014 anthem! 
History making parade and block party and much more!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There've been so many things that have held us down
But now it looks like things are finally comin' around, yeah
I know we've got a long long way to go, yeah
And where we'll end up I don't know

But we won't let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you've ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, yeah yeah
Don't you let nothing, nothing
Nothing stand in your way
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen (That's right)
To every word I say
Every word I say about it

Ain't no stoppin' us now
We're on the move
(You said it, we've got the groove)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We've got the groove (Whoo-hoo-oo-oo Whoo-hoo-oo)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We're on the move
(We've got the groove)
Ain't no stoppin' us now
We've got the groove (Yeah)

Look, Lemme tell you this
I know you know someone who's got a negative vibe (Euhh)
And if your tryin to make it they only push you aside
They really don't have nowhere to go
Ask 'em where they're going
They don't know
But we won't let nothing hold us back
We gonna get ourselves together, come on
We gonna polish up our act, yeah
And if you've ever been held down before
I know that you refuse to be held down any more, Oh oh oh

Don't you let nothing, nothing
(I won't do it) Stand in your way (No no)
And all we gonna do
I want you to listen, listen
To every word I say
Every word I say about it

SO DRINK UP AND TOAST TO WHAT IS YET TO COME !

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Some of us at this point , just 2 days from Christmas Day , feel like we forgot someone's gift or a party , etc. But something old is new again.

While being raised in NYC , we celebrated always what was Santa Claus , but being Hispanic we celebrated Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) as a second round of gift giving. We would have water and hay or grass in a shoe box and place this under neath our beds . In the morning we would wake to a gift , symbolizng the same that was performed on this day of JAN 6 to our baby Jesus. 

I happened to be a lucky kid on my block since it also happened to be my birthday. So I would get a party plus more than one gift!! But then the next day we were off to school. This all changed once I moved back to Puerto Rico at the age of 28.

Las Octavitas! What the heck?! Well these eight days of merriment continues for 8 days after the JAN 6 celebration. More parties and more gift giving or those missed in the previous ones here was the opportunity to still get some holiday gifts. Singing , trullas (caroling) , food and just plain old family/friend fun.

I had to Learn a new holiday tradition: Just an FYI I wish to share with you

Víspera de Reyes is the eve of El Día de Reyes (January 5th). Traditional Catholics meet to pray the rosary and to honor the three Wise Men (saints in the Catholic faith). The children get ready to receive gifts from the three Wise Men by collecting freshly cut grass to put in a shoe box for the Wise Men's camels to eat.

Día de Reyes is on January 6th. This is much like Christmas on the mainland. Children wake up much too early to check out what Baltazar, Melchor, and Gaspar left them. Family and friends gather to celebrate.

January 6th - Saint Gaspar's Day of Feast

January 7th - Saint Melchor's Day of Feast

January 8th - Saint Baltazar's Day of Feast

Octavas and Octavitas - on January 9th (after the last of the Kings days) and last for eight days. Originally these were more religious in nature and were used to glorify the Reyes and the Christ child. Coplas were dedicated to the magi. Copa: "Se fueron los Reyes con mucha alegría, vienen las octavas - Dios nos de salud para celebrarlas." Octavitas began right after the Octavas and were eight more days of continued adoration. These were a prelude to la Cuaresma (lent).

More recently . . . . if you received a visit from a friend or relative on Three Kings' day, you are supposed to return the visit eight days later. Today most families choose this day to take off the Christmas decorations and "officially" end Christmas.

These were new traditions adopted by me and I still practice them today. My non hispanic neighbors call it me being lazy in taking down my decorations LOL , but they have gotten a quick lesson on it.And humor me and my family.

But do not forget to make your resolutions for the NEW YEAR! 2014 will be an awesome year I feel it the air.

Optimism among owners of small U.S. businesses rose slightly in November, a national trade group said Tuesday.

The National Federation of Independent Business said their monthly Small Business Optimism Index rose nearly a point to 92.5.

"Of note is the positive trend, albeit sluggish reality, of job growth," the trade group said.

The monthly Optimism Index for November posed a reading of 9 percent for businesses with plans to increaseemployment, which is a 4-point gain from October.

Although the perception that it was a good time to expand was low at 9 percent, 23 percent indicated they had current job openings.

Twenty-four percent of small business owners responding to the survey indicated they had plans for capital outlays, which is money used to invest in the business. On net, however, small firms with plans to increase inventories was flat in the month, the index showed.

Expectations for an improved economy were low, a net negative of 20 percent, down 3 points from October.

"The year is not ending on a high note in the small-business sector of the economy. The 'bifurcation' continues with the stock market hitting record high levels, but the small-business sector is showing little growth beyond that driven by population growth," NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said in a statement.

See more on article :
http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/2013/12/10/small_businesses_report_optimism_jobs_growth.htm

Something that streses out many of us during the holiday gift giving season is what do I get for whom , can I afford it or do I give presents to everyone? How is this feasible?

One example is the place of employment/ or your small business : here sometimes it's a touchy issue because there are those you feel close to and not to others. Or in your small business , there isn't enough to go around. In this situation I have done the following : at the office I get a card with $5.00 gift card to Dunkin' Donuts , Gas Card or MacDonalds. One year I made cookies and they all loved them. One year I made jars full of Christmas CANDY OR CHEX MIX. iT'S ALL ON HOW YOU PRESENT IT.  As for a small business environment and its your business , you can give out certificates with the following : a certificate for lunch with your boss , a certificate to come in or leave 2 hours early with pay , certificate for your employee's birthday off with pay , a paid off day before a major holiday or just a small party with giving out $ 20 Gift cards. There are so many things that creatively can be done to keep the ba-humbug blues away. 

Another major stress bug is family gift giving. I have a family traditional plan where on Thanksgiving day dinner we decide on a dollar amount and one gift per person. This year we decided on a $ 10 gift. Plus a delicious dinner with drink. You might be saying $10? What the heck can I get for $10? Well actually LOTS!! Ask questions to those around you. One year my sister in law wanted a set of gorgeous towels JUST FOR HER. One year all the men in my family wanted under garments and socks. On another year GC for Oil Changes. In my family we are practical and practice the reason for the season first. Ofcourse the budget goes away with our kids LOL.

The most important thing here is having a little something for those you care about during the Christmas Holidays. 


The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.  ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur

No matter what you’re celebrating, the holidays are a time of giving. Throughout the next few weeks, you’ll give your mom the new coffeemaker she wants, and you’ll give your children a reason to believe in Santa Claus, but what will you give to your community?

When you shop at locally owned stores, stay at locally owned hotels and eat at locally owned restaurants this holiday season, you’ll give your community the gift of prosperity – and you’ll find a business that you can depend on all year long. ‘Tis the season to shop, and here are 10 reasons to keep it local.

1. More money in the local economy

If each family spent just $100 of their holiday shopping budget at locally owned businesses, more than $7.8 billion would be returned to local communities across the country.* Around the holidays, that money could mean a more festive main street with decorations, parades and carolers, or a couple extra snowplows so that your white Christmas doesn’t keep you from getting to Grandma’s house for dinner.

2. Personal, one-of-a-kind gifts

Local businesses carry a diverse selection of high-quality products, often from companies not represented in the big box store around the corner. That’s because small business owners take the time to evaluate and handpick each item they stock, and their years of experience have taught them which products work best for their customers. As a result, you can find the perfect, unique gift for everyone on your list, without worrying that you and your sister picked out the same plain sweater for Dad.

3. Holiday cheer

Small businesses are known in their communities for their dedication to customer service. Don’t be surprised to get a candy cane as you leave the local bookstore or a holiday card from the local hardware store you visited for a Father’s Day present this summer.

4. No shipping costs or last-minute deliveries

Shopping at small businesses relieves the hassle of shopping online for last-minute gifts. You won’t have to pay for rush deliveries or wonder if your gifts will arrive on time because small businesses are always open right on your way to and from work.

5. Expertise

Small business owners are passionate about their business, making them experts in their field of choice. If you aren’t sure which style grill your dad wants or which pair of running shoes your brother needs, just ask a small business owner. He’ll be much more helpful than the seasonal worker who makes minimum wage at the big box store. Small business owners will have all the answers and all the best suggestions for everyone on your list.

6. Return policies

And in case you do end up picking the wrong item, your loved one can always exchange it for the right one at a small business. As part of their dedication to customer service, small businesses make it easy for you to return and exchange items until you are completely satisfied. Because they don’t have a distant corporate headquarters to answer to, business owners can make decisions about returns and exchanges quickly and personally, saving you time and money while making sure you walk away with the best gift.

7. More bonding time with your family

Aside from local retail stores, other small businesses in your community can become part of your holiday memories. Take your family to a local restaurant before the school Christmas play, or update your Christmas card with a family photo from a local photography studio. When it comes to small businesses, the possibilities are endless!

8. Support for local causes

In the true spirit of giving, small businesses donate about twice as much per employee to charitable organizations than large businesses, and they often keep their donations in the community. These donations happen throughout the year, but you can make a difference during the holidays by choosing small businesses that will support local causes.

9. Support for the environment

Many small businesses source their products from local or regional manufacturers, rather than relying on cross-country or international distribution systems. They also maintain smaller storefronts in shopping centers or standalone buildings, rather than building massive box stores that create urban sprawl and then deteriorate when the business moves on. This holiday season, give a gift to the environment and to future generations by supporting the sustainable business model that small businesses advocate.

10. Support for local workers

Small businesses currently employ 77 million Americans, and they accounted for 65 percent of all net new jobs over the past 17 years. These jobs go to local workers, not workers who will relocate from another state or country. When you spend your holiday budget at a local business, you’re giving local workers the gift of employment opportunities and prosperity.

Regardless of what community you live in and what winter holidays you celebrate, there are plenty of reasons for you to shop local this holiday season. When spent at a local business, your holiday budget can bring joy to your family and your community at the same time. Take the pledge to buy local, and start spreading holiday cheer in your community.



* Based on Civic Economics Andersonville Study of Retail Economics: When you spend $100 at an independent business, $68 returns to the local economy versus $43 when spent with a national chain. Based on U.S. Census projection of 115 million households.

- See more at: http://www.independentwestand.org/tis-the-reason-to-buy-local/#sthash.XseYJKXs.dpufhttp://www.independentwestand.org/tis-the-reason-to-buy-local/

I have been told that I am silly , funny and out right a big KID! They're RIGHT!!

This of all holidays happens to be my favorite. I know , you must be saying ..HEY I do too! But my point today is this ,
"why is it your favorite?"

Is it the rush of shopping , of the parties , being with the loved ones you don't see year round? My reason is simple, it simply allows me to be a child once again The hope of a gift no matter what it is , the fact the I can act giddy and watch over and over my favorite films..mine "The March of the Wooden Soldiers" with Laurel & Hardy. First time I saw this was on channel 11 in NYC I was 4 yrs old. Today I still know all the songs in the film. My son chuckles watching me and simply says my kids are gonna love their grandma , when I have kids of course. And most importantly it is the season of our Father and savior Jesus Christ. Giving comes from him and that is what we do during this season.

May I say , that I give points to my mom for raising me with the reason of hope during the holidays. Sometimes I can't understand the depression or gloom of others but my mom always taught me if you see someone in need during this time of the year stop and say hello or better yet if you are going to the drive thru pick up an extra breakfast or lunch and give it to that person. I did just that the other day at the McD's on HWY 98 N. I felt so happy because the little man said " Merry Christmas Miss and God Bless!" made my day. His eyes were filled with true honesty when he wished me this. 

I remember one Christmas I was strapped like many for cash. So I remember people complimenting me on my sangria and coquito. So guess what ? , I made batches of the drinks and went around town delivering them as gifts! 

Life is complicated enough as it is , to not celebrate the birth of our savior and share it with others. teach your kids the simpler things in life to enjoy the true spirit of Christmas. Share traditional thoughts/traditions and if you have none start some right away. It can as simply a pancake shaped as a tree or ornament! Give the gift of life and love.

Feliz Navidad
Ana Rivera

Shop.org expects online holiday sales in November and December to grow from 13 to 15 percent over the 2012 holiday season to as much as $82 billion. “Online and mobile continue to be a leading area of growth for retailers. In this economy, savvy, cost-conscious consumers go to the web to do their research and get the best bang for their buck,” said NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay. “In addition to researching what their peers are saying online about products and gifts this holiday season, consumers will use the buy online pick-up in store option, retailers’ apps and mobile websites to find something special for their loved ones.”

The NRF expects overall sales in the months of November and December to increase 3.9 percent to $602.1 billion over 2012’s actual 3.5 percent holiday season sales growth. The forecast is higher than the 10-year average holiday sales growth of 3.3 percent. “Overall, retailers are optimistic for the 2013 holiday season,” Shay noted. “Economic variables including positive growth in the U.S. housing market and increased consumer appetite to buy larger-ticket items give retailers reason to be cautiously optimistic for solid holiday season gains.” According to NRF, the holiday season can account for 20 to 40 percent of a retailer’s annual sales, and accounts for approximately 20 percent of total industry annual sales. 

In addition, retailers are expected to hire between 720,000 and 780,000 seasonal workers this holiday season, in line with the actual 720,500 they hired in 2012, which was a 13 percent year-over-year increase from 2011.

Courtesy of "Independent Retailer" VOL 25http://independentretailer.com/2013/10/09/2013-holiday-season-forecast/

Last Monday , November 25 , I happened to be one of those people who had a loss of such. This loss was very close to home , it was the passing of my dear uncle. My mothers brother Manuel Angel Ocasio , 72. 

He had arrived at my mother's home to celebrate Thanksgiving , something he would do year after year.This has been a huge blow to this close knit family and to those who knew my uncle personally. for we all witnessed his passing first hand.

But the question here is "how do you still keep the spirit of the holidays going when you have those expecting you to be Jolly after such a loss?" This especially when you are mourning the passing of someone so dear?
I am not a therapist and I do not have all the answers. But I simply will start by making sure my surviving family is spiritually alright. We have and will continue to remember him...always. But I have stated he would have wanted us to celebrate him and celebrate Christmas one of his favorites. And so celebrate him we will. By handing out responsibilities he had when he'd come to visit. He liked helping by putting on the Christmas lights , then my brother this year will take that on and hopefully will continue to do it year after year from now on. 

The picture taking , uncle Papo was always taking pictures , even of the food served ...so my son will continue that tradition. My husband David will take on the handing out of the gifts when we would call out your name. My mom will continue with the giving grace at the dinner table and then calling all of our relatives later on in the evening just as he would. I will keep on continuing the funny skits we'd do together.


And at the end of it all we will laugh , cry and pray and give thanks that at least we continue to be with one another. Tio (uncle) Papo and our dad will have a place setting at the dinner table and enjoy with his family the Joy and the birth of Christ. After all he is and will always be the reason for the season.


Feliz Navidad
Ana Rivera