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Contacts: Catherine Hecht, Co-Chair/Executive Director Phone: 201.344.5233 Email: cathecht@jclgo.org Paul Mendoza, Co Chair/Pride Festival Director Phone: 646.567.9693 Email: paul@jclgo.org |
***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
HUDSON COUNTY HONORS LGBT COMMUNITY –
RAISES FLAG OVER COUNTY COURT HOUSE & AWARDS PROCLAIMATIONS
The Rainbow Flag, the universal historic symbol of LGBT Pride,
will be raised above The William Brennan Hudson County Court in Jersey City as part of 2007 Jersey City Pride Week activities,
sponsored by Jersey City Lesbian + Gay Outreach, Inc. (JCLGO).
Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise will preside over the event. The Rainbow Flag will be raised over The William
Brennan Hudson County Court House, 581 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ, on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 6 pm.
A reception will be held at The William Brennan Hall Court House, 581 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ.
During the reception Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise will be presenting Michael Bacon, Walt Boraczek,
Nancy Caamano, and Guido Sanchez with the Hudson County Proclamation for their contribution and positive
impact to the LGBT Hudson County Community.
Michael Bacon, is known as the “GO-TO” person in Hudson County for all HIV/AIDS, Homelessness or Housing issues.
He was one of the original founders of Hudson Pride Connections (HPC) and has remained loyally connected over the
years as a staff person , a Board Member, a Volunteer, and well-respected "Advisor." Michael is active with the Hudson
County Planning Council. He also has initiated a 50+ LGBT all-volunteer support program to launch at HPC this Fall.
Walt Boraczek, Walt has been working with the LGBT community for the past 7 years. He is the co-founder of Hudson County HIV/AIDS Awareness Coalition and Hudson Diversity Action Council. Walt was also Executive Director of JCLGO from 2004-2006; assisted Hudson Pride Connections (HPC) with its capital fund project; and continues to lobby for legislation on local and state levels for Marriage Equality.
Nancy Caamano, a native of Newark, NJ, is HPC’s Director of Programs and Services. Nancy moved to Jersey City in 2005 and quickly became a HPC volunteer. As a volunteer, she designed and developed a mentoring program that has been incorporated into HPC’s regular Youth Connect Programming. In early 2007 Nancy joined the HPC staff full time.
Guido Sanchez, has been one of the driving forces behind the expansion of HPC and the acquisition of a permanent home. Guido came to HPC as a Program Director for its Youth Connect Program and within one short year became HPC’s Executive Director. Guido Sanchez has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Lesbian and Gay Community Centers and the Gay and Lesbian Straight Education Network, North Jersey chapter.
According to Paul Mendoza, JCLGO Pride Festival Director, “Their work has made the LGBT Community stronger, vibrant and visible. We will be celebrating their courage, vision, and commitment in making the community we live in better for all of us. The have inspired us all to make a difference by their example.”
The Rainbow Flag Raising is part Jersey City Pride Week. The week’s activities culminate with Jersey City Pride Festival on Saturday, August 25, from noon to 8 pm.
Additional information can be found on the web at www.jclgo.org.