Aixa Rivera and Leida Sanabria raise the flag of Puerto Rico with Mayor Michael McCabe during the Oct. 6 ceremony celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month and the city’s Hispanic Heritage Week.
Reminder Publishing photo by Marc St. Onge
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Puerto Rican Association recently raised the flag of Puerto Rico at City Hall and recognized two city residents in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 annually.
The association, previously known as the Westfield Spanish American Association, has been celebrating the city’s Hispanic community for three decades, something its members are quick to tout.
Association President Agma Sweeney said she has moved around a lot. Born in Puerto Rico, she has lived in Pennsylvania, Boston and other cities, but when she moved to Westfield in 1994 and joined the newly formed association, she knew she had found her next home.
“Three months after Jack, my husband, and I moved here, we came upon the flag-raising,” Sweeney recalled. “We didn’t realize at the time that it was the first one, and now it’s our 30th.”
Sweeney noticed the special anniversary while sorting through citations given by previous mayors to mark the day. The first was from former Mayor Richard K. Sullivan Jr. This year, Mayor Michael McCabe offered a special anniversary citation during the event, which was celebrated by 100 supporters, city officials and family members of this year’s honorees, Leida M. Sanabria and Aixa Rivera.
Sweeney said the two women were chosen for the annual recognition for their contributions to the city’s Hispanic community, and the community at large.
“They are wonderful, loving and caring,” Sweeney said, noting that both women retired this year from Westfield public schools.
Rivera was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and moved to Westfield with her husband, their two sons and daughter in November 1986. Three years later, their second daughter was born.
“In February 1994, when our youngest was old enough to go to school, I started working for the Westfield public school district,” Rivera said. “I began in the bilingual program as a paraprofessional, later became a speech and language assistant and lastly as an interpreter/translator. I threw myself wholeheartedly into each position and tried to learn as much as possible about my role as well as the best ways to help English language learners, students and parents.”
Rivera worked throughout the district, including at Fort Meadow, Franklin Avenue, Highland and Westfield Intermediate schools, and in the central office. She said she formed great friendships and enjoyed her work.
“Working directly with the Hispanic population and serving them not only in the educational field, but in many other areas where I saw the need for guidance and support, was an invaluable opportunity,” said Rivera. “Although I am no longer an employee of the Westfield public schools, I hope to continue serving our Hispanic brothers and sisters with everything in my power. I plan on doing this along with my husband, Deacon Pedro J. Rivera Morán, to whom I have been married for 50 years. I feel very grateful and proud of this community from whom I have always received love and respect.”
Sanabria had a similar experience as far as connecting with families and colleagues.
Born and raised in Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, “Mara,” as she is affectionately called by close friends and family, spent the first 19 years of her life in Puerto Rico, where she lived until she was married in July of 1970 to Eliezer Sanabria and moved to Westfield.
A mother of nine children, Sanabria balanced the demands of a large family while pursuing her professional aspirations. Sweeney said her contributions to the community extend far beyond her professional roles.
“She embodies the spirit of service and dedication that has touched the lives of many in Westfield. Her commitment to her family and to the community reflects a deep sense of responsibility and compassion,” Sweeney said.
Sanabria worked at the Westfield Head Start program for two decades, where she was a family advocate. She also spent much time as a volunteer cooking for community events, organizing donation drives and supporting church activities. She has been an active participant in the Westfield Puerto Rican Association.
“Through her roles in these organizations, she has not only strengthened the ties within the Puerto Rican community but has also served as a bridge to connect with the larger community of Westfield, advocating for shared understanding and respect,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said Hispanic heritage is very much alive and thriving in the city.
“As Puerto Ricans, we have the joy of loving and being both our cultures,” she said during the ceremony. “We are living in the United States as Americans. We are Puerto Ricans through and through. And in that way, we are like all people in the United States who celebrate our lives and freedoms as we live by our traditions passed down from our families. It’s an honor to be here today to celebrate Westfield and to celebrate our Puerto Rican heritage, and the Hispanic/Latin culture.”
Following the City Hall ceremony, guests gathered at the YMCA for a reception complete with traditional Puerto Rican food. City Clerk Kaitlyn Bruce was at the event registering residents to vote. Then, all were invited to the Westfield on Weekends office to view “The Puerto Rican Experience,” an art exhibit featuring work by four contemporary Puerto Rican artists. The exhibit is on display at 105 Elm St. through Oct. 31. Sweeney said all art is for sale and proceeds will benefit a scholarship for Latina youths in Westfield.
The association has one scholarship already and is creating a second. The group is also working with one of its members, Kathleen Angco-Vieweg, to create a strategic plan to help shape the future of the organization.
“We are so excited to be in Westfield and proud of our history,’ Sweeney said.
