New York State Senator Jack M. Martins, along with the Daughters of Portugal, hosted a brunch at the Jericho Terrace in Mineola on Saturday, March 2, to welcome Secretary of State from Portugal, Dr. Teresa Morais, to New York. Dr. Morais was accompanied by Maria Joao Avila, a member of the Portuguese Parliament for Portuguese Citizens Residing Abroad.
Since there is such a tight-knit Portuguese community in Mineola, it was appropriate that Dr. Morais received such a warm welcome in the village before she was scheduled to participate in a conference at the United Nations on women’s rights.
Among the dignitaries to welcome Dr. Morais were Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss, Mineola Deputy Mayor Paul Pereira, Mineola Trustee George Durham and trustee candidate Dennis Walsh.
Senator Martins was honored to have hosted this event along with the Daughters of Portugal because of its cultural significance to many of the residents in the area. Dr. Morais spoke about government and life in Portugal and received enthusiastic applause as she eloquently spoke to a packed room in the Jericho Terrace.
Senator Martins is recognized as a leader in the Portuguese community. Last year, he was named the Nassau County Portuguese American Citizen of the Year.
