Lisa Steelhammer (IBMC), 1st Place winner of the "Recetas Latinas" Contest

Hispanic Heritage Month began on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18. On October 12, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, is also celebrated which falls within this 30-day period. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

INTEGRIS’ Hispanic Initiative celebrated the Hispanic Heritage month by offering a variety of activities to its employees and community. First, its employee Latin dance classes, which were offered at both Southwest Medical Center and Baptist Medical Center. The dance classes consisted of learning the basics of Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, and Salsa. The employees met once a week for an hour … the attendance was great; it was a great turn out. 

Secondly, the Hispanic Initiative offered a “Recetas Latinas” contest for the employees to share their Latin recipes with us. At the end of the contest, Pam Patty, dietitian, selected the three top recipes. We congratulate Lisa Steelhammer (IBMC), 1st Place for her Mexican Meat Sauce;, Connie Proctor (Grove), 2nd Place for her Green Chili Strew;, and Michelle Murphy (IBMC), 3rd Place for her Touchdown Taco Dip.
  
Finally, we ended our celebration with a “Taste of South America” cooking class. Our very own Fabiola Rivera from Jim Thorpe Rehabilitation taught us how food is made in Chile. After the food demonstration, we all enjoyed a delicious meal. The Hispanic Initiative thanks you all for your participation in our Hispanic Heritage activities.