Local nonprofit Conexión Américas and the Mayor's New Americans Advisory Council will welcome parents as they drop off their children at school this Thursday morning with live music, free coffee and a simple message in several languages: "Be counted! Mail your Census form today!"

Mayor Karl Dean will attend the event, and Metro Nashville Public Schools will be represented by Meredith Libbey, assistant to the director of schools. The event will  be broadcast live by two Spanish language radio stations, La Sabrosita and Activa.

Volunteers who speak Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, and English will be available to help parents fill out the Census form. Cole Elementary School, located at 5060 Colemont Dr. in Antioch, is a diverse community of almost 800 children, who represent primarily low-income families historically missed by Census counts.

For more information, contact Renata Soto, Executive Director of Conexión Américas: renata@conamericas.com

Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.  Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

Here in Nashville, we are honoring four Hispanics who generously give back to our community:  www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article

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One of our favorite organizations here in Nashville is Conexión Américas, a non-profit dedicated to the economic, social and civic integration of Latinos in Middle Tennessee.  They help thousands of families every year, educating them on how to buy a home, start a business or improve their English skills.

Conexión Américas is calling for nominations for the first annual "Orgullo Hispano" award which will recognize four Latinos who quietly but persistently make their community a better place to live.  The winners will have demonstrated passion and a strong commitment for what they do while inspiring others to get involved.

If you know of an unsung Hispanic hero, call Conexión Américas to learn how you can nominate them - 615.269.6900, or download the nomination form (there's only one question you have to answer) from their website: www.conexionamericas.org.

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