On Monday, September 26, 2016, the Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month. Legislator David Tubiolo honored local business leaders, Aurea Roman, Gino Quezada and Ramon Martinez. Aurea Roman is the owner of the classic candy shop ‘How Sweet It Is’ on McLean Avenue, while Gino Quezada and Ramon Martinez are the owners of one of the finest Latino restaurants in Yonkers, ‘Dia Y Noche.’

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place every year from September 15 to October 15, to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, while simultaneously celebrating the vibrant culture and heritage.

September 15 is the start date for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua from the Spanish Empire. Mexico, Chile and Belize also declared their independence on various dates in September, making Hispanic Heritage month a perfect time for recognition and celebration.

Legislator David Tubiolo said, “Faith, family, commitment, dedication, education, love of art, and rich cuisine, are just some of the core values and traits that we can credit to our wonderful Hispanic-American community. I am so proud to recognize Aurea Ramon, Gino Quezada and Ramon Martinez, as not only business owners in our district, but as pillars of this community. Personally, whenever I am asked to give a restaurant recommendation, I always suggest ‘Dia Y Noche’ for the absolute best Latino cuisine. Similarly, whenever possible, I always suggest ‘How Sweet It Is’ for all of its nostalgia and impressive selection of candy from the 1950’s to present!”

“I take pride in being a Hispanic business owner. I am the face of the many immigrants who came to this country to follow their dreams and see them grow to even bigger dreams in their children, and generations to follow. The American dream has finally come true and my family couldn’t be prouder. I hope and pray that young Hispanic Americans hear my story, and are inspired to make their dreams come true too,” proudly boasts, Aurea Roman.

Ramon Martinez stated, “I’m proud that Legislator David Tubiolo selected my business partner, Gino Quezada and myself, to represent a piece of Dominican culture through our restaurant. I value the opportunity that the Country has given us to expose our culture and business to the community.”

As Hispanic Heritage month comes to a close, it is important to recognize that Hispanics have contributed to important fields in American society such as, science, arts, commerce, sports, cuisine, philanthropy and business. Some notable Hispanic-Americans are Willie Colón, Oscar DeLaHoya, Roberto Goizueta, José Horacio Gomez, Oscar Isaac, Sonia Sotomayor, Antonia Novello, Ritchie Valens and so many more, easily recognizable for their impressive achievements.