
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
After a tumultuous year, PALCUS created a virtual event series under the theme of “United Through Heritage” in an effort to foster unity and strength throughout our national community.
PALCUS partnered with the Portuguese American Cultural Exchange (PACE) to host a series of free virtual Fado concerts and conversations in advance of our Virtual National Conference. The virtual nature of the events allow the flexibility for us to add in additional events throughout the year – events such as cooking demos, art exhibitions, etc
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Virtual Conference Dates: October 11 – 22, 2021
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The purpose of the conference is to create an opportunity for education, business, civic leaders and elected officials to come together to discuss ways in which to build the community’s social capital and to advance the Portuguese-American agenda. Below is a preliminary agenda of sessions that will be a part of the PALCUS Virtual National Conference.
We are still confirming speakers and adding sessions, so please check back frequently to see an updated schedule.
Join us for this FREE virtual conference and seize the opportunity!
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PRESENTING SPONSOR

PATRONS CIRCLE


SUPPORTERS





Fado Concert: Maria da Nazaré with Pedro Galveias and Tânia Oleiro
August 13, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
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Our inaugural concert streams from the house of fado's first great singer, Maria Severa, now the fado house Maria da Mouraria. The iconic fadista Maria da Nazaré is joined by Pedro Galveias and Tânia Oleiro.
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PALCUS: Advocating for the National Portuguese American Community
August 16, 2021 - 12PM PT/ 3pm ET
Watch at https://fb.watch/7TwNpltlWd/
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Are you wondering how PALCUS advocates for the Portuguese community? Are you familiar with the organization’s initiatives? Join us for this session to better understand how the ONLY national organization representing the national Portuguese American community is working every day for your benefit.
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Em Português: PALCUS: Dando voz `a diáspora portuguesa nos Estados Unidos da América
August 17, 2021 - 4pm PT/ 7pm ET
Watch at https://fb.watch/7TwKJgnL1x/
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Quer saber como a PALCUS defende os interesses da comunidade portuguesa nos EUA? Está familiarizado com as iniciativas da organização? Junte-se a nós nesta sessão para conhecer como a ÚNICA organização nacional, que representa a comunidade Luso-Americana em todo o país, e no relacionamento transatlântico, trabalha diariamente a favor da nossa diáspora.
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Meet The Artist Marina Carreira​
August 24, 2021 at 7:00PM ET
Watch at https://fb.watch/7TwD7lB1YM/
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Marina Carreira (she/her/hers) is a queer Luso-American writer and multimedia artist from Newark, NJ. She is the author of “Save the Bathwater” (Get Fresh Books, 2018) and “I Sing to That Bird Knowing It Won’t Sing Back” (Finishing Line Press, 2017). Marina is a recipient of the Sundres Academy for the Arts Summer 2021 Residency fellowship and a finalist in the Platypus Pres Broken River Prize 2020. As a visual artist, she has exhibited her work at Morris Museum, ArtFront Galleries, West Orange Arts Council, Monmouth University Center for the Arts, and Living Incubator Performance Space {LIPS} in the Gateway Project Spaces in Newark, NJ.
Follow her on Instagram at @savethebathwater.
This event is part of the Portuguese American Art Gallery virtual exhibition, made possible by PALCUS, PUSCC, The Embassy of Portugal and FLAD.
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Fado Concert: Rodrigo with Teresinha Landeiro and Ângelo Freire
September 3, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
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Fado also lives in the seaside city of Cascais, where tonight we are joined by Rodrigo and his special guests Ângelo Freire and Teresinha Landeiro.
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Fado in Conversation/Music&Lyrics: Marco Oliveira and Tiago Torres da Silva
September 22, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
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Tonight's inaugural conversation explores the relationship between the music and lyrics of the fado, with discussion and demonstrations between two exemplary artists, the lyricist Tiago Torres da Silva and the composer, musician, singer and lyricist Marco Oliveira.
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Fado Concert: Teresa Siqueira with Luís Matos and Sofia Ramos
October 1, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
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Deep within Lisbon's Mouraria neighborhood sits the Cathedral of Fado, part of the neighborhood collective called Grupo Desportivo da Mouraria. Teresa Siqueira headlines the concert, with special participation from Luís Matos and breakout singer Sofia Ramos.
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NATIONAL CONFERENCE : KICK OFF SESSION
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82968663140
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Opening Remarks by Rita Faden, President of FLAD
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 8:30am PT/11:30am ET
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PORTUGUESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021
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Existing Portuguese Programs in Middle and High Schools
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 12PM PT/3PM ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84251366257
Watch Live on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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This session will examine the existing Portuguese language programs in middle and high schools across the country and determine the key elements of a successful program, and how we can duplicate that model to establish new programs in new cities across the country.
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Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
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Speakers:
Jose Luis Da Silva (CA)
Logan Duarte (MA)
Emanuel Araujo (NJ)
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Getting a Portuguese Program Started in Your Local School
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 3PM PT/6PM ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87505138091
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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It might seem impossible, but getting Portuguese established as a language option in your local public school is doable, though it takes a considerable amount of work. Hear from community leaders who have recently gone through this process, learn what worked and how to get started.
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Moderator: Diniz Borges, PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
Gregory de Melo (MA)
Linette DaRosa (CA)
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STARtalk, addressing funding through policy
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 8:30am PT/11:30am ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82937546327
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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STARtalk is a program established by the NSA to fund programs that teach languages that are considered “critical to national security.” Portuguese has been one of the most successful and highly-rated programs since the beginning of the STARtalk program, and for unknown reasons Portuguese was cut from the program in 2019. PALCUS has been working to reinstate funding for Portuguese programs ever since. Join us for this session to learn why having Portuguese as part of the STARtalk program is critical to the success of implementing Portuguese language programs in schools across the country,
Moderator: Jack de Oliveira, PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
Duarte Silva, Stanford University (CA)
Isabel Cabral-Johnson, Hilmar Unified School District (CA)
Natasha Wood Legislative Assistant for Congressman Jim Costa
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The Role of Community Schools
Wednesday, October 13, 2021 2PM PT/5PM ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82759633426
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Community Portuguese language schools play an important role and fill a massive gap in the availability of Portuguese language classes for elementary school age children in our community. Join us for this session to discuss how we can grow existing programs and establish new programs where they are needed.
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Moderator: Odete Amarelo, Ph.D. (MA)
Speakers:
POSSO - Bela Ferreira (CA)
Discovery Language Academy - Leslie Vicente, PhD (MA)
Hilmar High School - Michelle Machado (CA)
Bristol Community College - Carlos Almeida, Ph.D. (MA)
Anabela Neves Pinto (NY)
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ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2021
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Our community is changing, and our needs are much different now than they were 50 years ago. So what is most important to us? According to the PALCUS Index National Survey, the three main issues are maintaining the Portuguese language, having more Portuguese Americans in political office and maintaining our community celebrations and traditions. So how do we do this? Join us to discuss how we can help each other maintain and even grow our community to meet the changing needs.
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The Role/Evolution of Portuguese Professional Associations
Thursday, October 14, 2021 9am PT/12pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82149695804
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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As our community has grown, our needs have grown beyond connecting socially to connecting with others in similar professions. The past few years have seen the establishment of professional groups that are designed to provide a network and career-specific support to Portuguese American students and professionals. Join us to discuss how these groups can play a critical role in the evolution and growth of our community nationwide.
Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
Speakers:
Luis Goncalves, AOTP
Dr. Carlos Pavao, LHN
Rodrigo Carvalho, PUSCC
Jason Fragoso, PABA
Carolina Rendeiro, PAWEA
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How Community Centers will be the Foundation of Our Community
Thursday, October 14, 2021 Noon PT/3pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84500009540
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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For decades, many Portuguese clubs and organizations held festas and other celebrations that were treasured by the community. As times change, participation decreases, and there is a need to reinvent the role of the clubs. Some communities have long established “community centers” that offer a variety of services and activities on a daily basis, and not just during the festas. How can this model serve to strengthen our communities across the country?
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Moderator: Lisa Morris, PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
New Bedford Community Center, Leslie Vicente, PhD
PALCUS Director John Bento (CA)
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Embracing Modern Portuguese Culture
Thursday, October 14, 2021 3pm PT/6pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82314463220
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Many of us love fado, paintings of hydrangeas and a good bacalhau cozido. At the same time, Portuguese art, music, food and many other aspects of the culture have blossomed into a wonderfully diverse blend of traditional and modern, and sometimes purely modern. Join us to discuss how we can embrace the modern aspects of Portuguese culture as an expression of our Portuguese pride.
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Moderator: Magda Vakil, PUSCC
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Speakers:
Sandra Pires, Embassy of Portugal
Michael Benevides, Fabric Arts Festival/Portugalia Marketplace
Derrick de Melo, Portuguese Kids
Teresa Valdez, University of Rochester
Scott Edward Anderson, author
Ana Miranda, Arte Institute
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Perspective of New Communities
Friday, October 15, 2021 Noon PT/3pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81465992484
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Over the past few decades, Portuguese Americans have spread across the country to nearly every state in the union. We are seeing burgeoning communities in states such as Arizona, Texas, Colorado and South Carolina. Join us for a discussion with individuals from these communities to hear their perspectives on establishing new connections, “finding” other Portuguese and how they envision the growth of their community.
Moderator: Ana Ferreira (PA), PALCUS Director
Speakers:
Tyler dos Santos-Tam (HI)
Connie Almeida (TX)
Lucy Brazil Wills (ID)
Gonçalo Sousa (CA)
Rui Pereira (AZ)
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ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021
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Will Traditional Celebrations Continue?
Monday, October 18, 2021 9am PT/12pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81694689267
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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For nearly 200 years, the foundation of our community has been traditional events and activities such as the Holy Ghost Festas, dancing folklore, playing in philharmonic bands and singing Fado. But as we have seen a decline in participation in these events over the past decades, what will it take for them to continue?
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Moderator: Katherine Soares, PALCUS Vice-chair
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Speakers:
Zachery Ramos, Gustine Traveling Library (CA)
Norbert Duarte (CA)
Danny Vasconcelos (MA)
Cathryn Rafael (CT)
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Impact and Potential of Publishing Houses
Monday, October 18, 2021 3pm PT/6pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83120255420
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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A key factor of maintaining a community’s identity is to publish texts to document the social and historical elements of the community’s growth, culture and evolution. Join us to discuss how the various publishing houses have filled this important role in the past, and how they can drive further interest in Portuguese and Portuguese American literature.
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Moderator: Anabela Dacruz-Melo, Esq., PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
Diniz Borges, Fresno, Bruma Publications
Mario Pereira, Tagus Press (MA)
Onesimo Almeida, Gavea Brown (RI)
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Role of University Centers of Portuguese
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 11am PT/2pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86190392213
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Many colleges and universities have long-established centers of Portuguese studies, and we are also starting to see the establishment of new centers. How can these university centers play a role in driving more engagement in our communities?
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Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
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Speakers:
Fresno, PBBI: Diniz Borges
Brown University, Onesimo Almeida
Rhode Island College: Silvia Oliveira
UMass Dartmouth: Paula Rioux
UC Santa Barbara: Andre Correia de Sa
Saab Center for Portuguese Studies: Frank Sousa
UC Berkeley: Deolinda Adao
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Meet The Artist Ralph Almeida​
Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 7:00PM ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OgA3q-kBTN-BN-DVtJQivQ
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Ralph Almeida is a Brooklyn-based, multi-disciplinary artist of Portugues descent.
His paintings, drawings, collages, and ceramic tile designs have been shown widely and installed in public and in private residences. Almeida’s work draws from nature (animal, horticultural and landscape motifs), the history of decorative arts (from Ancient Egypt to William Morris to Marimekko) and Modernism (Miro, Calder, Klee, Kandinsky and others). New Yorkarchitecture and history has a significant influence on his work.
In the past he studied Textile Design and Fine Arts at The Fashion Institute of Technology while free-lancing as a textile designer. He has taught art classes, developed museum proprietary items, worked as an assistant art director of two independent films, explored fused glass, stained glass, pottery and illustrated his own children’s book.
Most recently, Almeida has created a line of seasonally inspired masks for Covid-19 safety; a mosaic housewares line; a textile collection for home, bath and office in collaboration with Society 6; launched a virtual reality art galler and an ongoing series of illustrations for the poetry website Global Poemic.
As always, he moves fluidly from fine to decorative arts, through a multiplicity of media with an eye towards installation and utility.
He has exhibited broadly in NYC, New Delhi, India, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, NV, Connecticut, and Los Angeles, California.
Ralph’s projects, interviews, merchandise, website and VR gallery can be seen at: linktr.ee/RaffaArt
This event is part of the Portuguese American Art Gallery virtual exhibition, made possible by PALCUS, PUSCC, The Embassy of Portugal and FLAD.
Please Register at: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OgA3q-kBTN-BN-DVtJQivQ
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MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUTH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2021
Portuguese American Artists
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 9am PT/12pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82410177775
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Moderators: Sandra Pires, Portuguese Embassy and Magda Vakil, PUSCC
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Speakers:
Joana Vasconcelos
Marina Carreira
Peter Pereira
Michael de Brito
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Studying Abroad in Portugal
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 Noon PT/3pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85623582454
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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There are more study abroad programs than ever before, offering once in a lifetime opportunities to attend universities in Portugal. Join us to discuss the value that these opportunities provide, how to access and apply, and what we can expect to see in the future.
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Moderator: Ana Ferreira, PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
Michael Baum, SiPN (FLAD)
Ines Romba, Universidade Catolica
Marco Sousa, PORTUGUESE CONNECTION
Alcidia Gomes, Fresno State
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Fado In Conversation/Guitarra Portuguesa and Viola do Fado: Ricardo Parreira and João Filipe
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86379948980
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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This conversation explores the instrumentation of the fado, and the essential role of the Portuguese guitar (here, played by Ricardo Parreira) and the Viola do Fado (by João Filipe) in ensuring that every performance of fado is unique and captivating.
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Internships Within the Community and in Portugal
Thursday, October 21, 2021 2pm PT/5pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84970278424
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Join this session to learn all about the Study in Portugal Network (SiPN), studying abroad and complete internships in Portugal.
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Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
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Speakers:
Ricardo Pereira, SiPN (FLAD)
Marco Fernandes, Sagres Vacations
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PORTUGUESE IN ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021
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Portuguese American Media - How do we reach multiple generations?
Friday, October 22, 2021 9am PT/12pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83628267338
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Newspapers, radio, online shows….how can we continue to reach multiple generations with news and information about our community? Join us to discuss what works, what doesn’t, and how we can evolve our Portuguese-American media landscape to achieve greater engagement.
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Moderator: Ricardo Farias
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Speakers:
Ricky Duraes, SIC
Diniz Borges, Portuguese American Hour
Paulina Arruda, Wjfd
Miguel Avila, Tribuna Portuguesa
Antonio Correia (FL)
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Reaching a Broader Audience
Friday, October 22, 2021 Noon PT/3pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84205250676
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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This session will dive into how Portuguese organizations can reach more people within the community through social media, traditional channels and technology.
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Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
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Speakers:
Manny Antunes, Audible
Jayme Henriques Simoes, Public Relations Expert
Diana Rodrigues, Social Media Expert
Nuno Guerreiro, PUSCC
Gabrielle Horta, liveLUSO
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NextGen - what do they want?
Friday, October 22, 2021 3pm PT/6pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89478242581
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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In 2020, PALCUS launched an inititative called the NextGen Leadership Academy designed to bring together young Portuguese American from across the country to create a movement that would meet the needs of today’s younger generations. Join some of the founding members or this group to discuss what they value most, how they see their role in driving the future of the Portuguese community, and how they want you to participate.
Moderator: Jordan Thomas, PALCUS Director
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Speakers:
Kayla Faria
Andrew Figueiredo
Fabio Sousa
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Closing Session
Friday, October 22, 2021 4pm PT/7pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83382507385
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Discussions without action are just that, discussions. And they have no real impact. Starting with the PALCUS national conference in 2018, the Portuguese Beyond Borders project in California that same year, and now with this virtual national conference, we are establishing a plan of action of how to move the community forward. Join us to discuss next steps, and how YOU can play a critical role in the evolution and growth of our community.
Moderator: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
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Closing Remarks: Ambassador Domingos Fezas Vital
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PALCUS Community Engagement Platform
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 12PM PT/3PM ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84103158783
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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As PALCUS has expanded its reach over the past few years, we saw a need to develop a web platform that would allow us to better engage with the community, and enable the community to engage with each other. We are excited to share this new web platform and mobile app with you, and also showcase the various initiatives that we are working on to empower each and every Portuguese American.
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Host: Angela Simoes, PALCUS Chair
Speakers:
Katherine Soares, PALCUS Vice Chair
Joao Francisco, Founder of AVANCEEprivate
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LET'S HAVE SOME FUN
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Cocktails with Licor Beirao
Friday, October 29, 2021 at 5pm PT/8pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84024489787
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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While many enjoy Licor Beirao on its own, it is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed a number of ways. Join us for a fun class to learn how to make cocktails and desserts with Licor Beirao! Be sure to pick up a bottle in time from your local Portuguese store, or HERE.
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Fado Concert: Maria da Fé with Filipa Cardoso, Duarte and Ana Sofia Varela
November 5, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85927613380
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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For more than 45 years, some of fado's most important voices have sung at Senhor Vinho, and tonight is no exception. Our concert features a rare appearance by Maria da Fé, joined by special guests Duarte, Ana Sofia Varela, and Filipa Cardoso.
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Holiday AMA with Maria Lawton and Jeremiah Duarte Bills
Wednesday, November 17, 2021 5pm PT/ 8pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89325073334
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
Start planning your holiday menu by asking Maria and Jeremiah all your questions! Cooking tips, menu suggestions, anything!
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Fado Concert: Casa de Fados: Hélder Moutinho with Maria Emília and Helena Favila
December 3, 2021 6pm PT - 7pm PT/ 9pm ET - 10pm ET
Attend via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86517707192
Watch Live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PALCUS.org
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Casa de Fados brings together fadistas, musicians, composers and lyricists for a night of spontaneous fado, where in a moment anything can happen. The event is broadcast from the Tasca da Bela in Alfama and is hosted by Hélder Moutinho, with appearances by Maria Emília and other surprise guests.
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