BREWSTER- Rosendo Martinez, entrepreneur, business owner and Putnam County Hispanic community leader, was one of four area residents recognized by State Senator Peter Harckham Friday during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Martinez emigrated from Guatemala in 1995 at the age of 16. In 2015 along with his brother, he founded Martinez Carpentry and Painting LLC, a family-owned business that serves Westchester and Putnam counties. In 2022, Martinez joined the Brewster Police Review Panel as the first Latino member, representing the large Latino community in the area.
Martinez has also been involved with the annual Northern Westchester- Putnam Saint Patrick’s Parade, Guatemalan independence celebrations and events that support families in need.
Harckham told a gathering in Montrose: “We are fortunate in the Hudson Valley that we have benefited so much from the contributions of our many Hispanic neighbors. In the 40th Senate district, more than 26 percent of residents are Hispanic. Our schools have a large percentage of Latino students and Hispanic owned businesses are an important part of keeping our economy vibrant and main streets filled with opportunities. That is why we have worked so hard in our office for our Latino residents.”
In addition to Martinez, State Senate proclamations were presented to Shirley Acevedo Buentempo, founder and Executive Director of Latino U College Access; Simon Guaman, founder and President of Copa Peekskill; and Rev. Jeniffer Rodriguez, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ossining.
Hispanic Heritage Month is the annual celebration of the history and culture of the United States Hispanic communities. The celebration commemorates how those communities have influenced and contributed to American society.
