Local Community: El Gandule, Santurce

El Gandule is a barrio in Santurce near parada 18.  It is an interesting local community because the people have a lot of community spirit.  It is an informal community of people who live in the area, many for generations. It is a very modest neighborhood, with a mix of business, tall apartment buildings, and smaller older, wooden houses.

People in El Gandule work very hard and many have a lot of pride in taking care of their homes.  Many people go to many of the neighborhood church.  The largest church in the neighborhood is the First Baptist Church.  They have many community activities and services here, including an outstanding Head Start program. Many El Gandule community members work in the Head Start school and take good care of the children.  They want to be sure the children have a safe and healthy environment to grow up well.  Even though the area struggles with crime and poverty, most people of El Gandule are friendly and helpful especially to neighbors.

I like El Gandule because my son attended the Head Start at the First baptist Church there.  I was very impressed with the community, especially the people who work hard to make life better for the kids.

If you would like more information about El Gandule and the First Baptist Church Head Start, visit them at: >>need to add  the address and some contact information
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Professional Community: College English Association (CEA)

College English Association - Caribbean Chapter is a professional organziation for professors of English. It is a formal organization that requires a yearly membership dues.

I have been a member of the College English Association Caribbean Chapter since 2009. They have conferences twice a year here in Puerto Rico.

In 2010 I presented a paper at the Spring CEA-Caribbean chapter conference about the Caribbean.

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