Read, learn, share: an invitation from La Voz

In every issue of La Voz, we hope to inspire you with personal stories, available resources, and cultural traditions that enrich our community in the Hudson Valley. October arrives full of themes that invite reflection, celebration, and, above all, a sense of belonging.

We begin with the section Nuestros artistas, where Professor Camilo Rojas speaks with Brazilian artist Bel Falleiros, a creator who combines architecture, Indigenous wisdom, and community practice to remind us that art is also a connection with the land. Falleiros, who has lived in the Hudson Valley for several years, shares how the landscapes of her childhood, between São Paulo and the oceanic mountains, shaped her way of seeing the world. Her artwork illustrates this month’s cover of La Voz.

In the section Recurso, Bard student and magazine contributor Reece Saerf introduces us to a recent effort by Congressman Pat Ryan: bringing his office’s services directly to towns through the C.A.R.E.S. Van initiative. At a time when politics feels distant, this program brings information about Medicare, passports, or immigration paperwork to local libraries such as Tivoli’s.

We also celebrate in Buen gusto the twentieth anniversary of the Bard College Conservatory of Music. The occasion is worthy: under the direction of Leon Botstein and composer Tan Dun, the conservatory orchestra will perform none other than Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Bard student and contributor Elisvanell Cellis writes about the opportunity to see how tradition and innovation meet on stage. Plus, we have complimentary tickets for readers of this magazine.

In Actualidad, Emily Laber-Warren from Knowable explores a common and complex question: why do some people report a crime while others remain silent? More than 50% of violent crimes in the United States go unreported. Sociologist Patrick Bergemann, drawing on his research about the Spanish Inquisition, Romanov Russia, and Nazi Germany, shows that the decision to speak out or stay quiet depends not only on context but also on perceptions of risk and reward. What is our role as witnesses?

In Vida saludable, trainer Ivette O’Sullivan reminds us that menopause is much more than hot flashes. It can involve bone density loss, dental issues, and changes in cardiovascular health. Speaking openly about it is key: menopause spans nearly one-third of a woman’s life, yet it continues to be a silenced topic.

In Usos y costumbres, Bard student and contributor Andrés Pérez Rangel tells how, in Venezuela, banknotes that lost their economic value found a new purpose in folk art. What some consider trash becomes wallets, sculptures, or origami for others: a testament of resilience in the face of economic crisis and a reminder that creativity flourishes even in the hardest contexts.

In her column El poder del amor, holistic psychologist Dora Inés Grosso García writes about systemic rituals, symbolic practices that help heal family wounds passed down through generations. Recognizing and honoring our ancestors, it seems, can free us from emotional burdens.

Also, in another Actualidad feature, we present the story of Esperanza, a Hispanic organization in Dutchess that, since 1990, has offered a safe, educational, and cultural space for thousands of Latino families. In an interview with founder Norma Vizcarrondo, Andrés Pérez also tells us that Esperanza will recognize local leaders during its annual ceremony as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. Congratulations to all for a well-deserved recognition!

All these pieces share something in common: they arise from the everyday life of the community, from the conviction that sharing what we know can inspire, support, or even transform others. And here is our invitation: at La Voz we are looking for community members interested in journalism, eager to learn, investigate, and tell stories.

If you ever thought that what you saw, lived, or discovered deserved to be told, this is your moment. Write us with your proposal at [email protected]; we offer guidance throughout the process, the opportunity to see your work published, and a small stipend. Make your voice heard!

Mariel Fiori
Director