Rosemary Serpa-Caso Interview
Item
Title
Rosemary Serpa-Caso Interview
Creator
Serpa-Caso, Rosemary
Contributor
McCoy, Kelley Campos
Language
ENG
Relation
Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute
Date
8/5/2021
Identifier
SCUAD_pbbi_00041
extracted text
Kelley Campos McCoy: Um, so what is your full birth name?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, I was Rosemary Serpa. So, I did not have the
traditional Portuguese 20 names that follow. I was just Rosemary and
Serpa.
Kelley Campos McCoy: And were you named after anymore?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: No, my mom just always loved that name. My
sisters, they were lucky enough to get named after people, but I just
was lucky enough that my mom always liked Rosemary and that was it, go
figure.
Kelley Campos McCoy: When were you born?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I was born um in 1979 here in California. So, born
and raised here.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when did your uh family immigrate to the
United States?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, in
oldest sister, she was only
sister was born here in, in
Azores, and I always teased
Um, that is where my family
January of 1968. My parents came with my
three months old. Uh, and then my middle
70 they came from, they came from the
that they came from the best island Pico.
is from, is from.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Why did they leave?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, my parents, they always tell me that they left
for a better life. Um, they were starting um their lives together.
They, you know, were married very physical labor. Um, it was working
the lands, and my parents knew that in order, order to advance and
have a better life, um coming to America was going to be their best
chance. Um, and so they decided that they were going to take that
risk, um, owing money because at that time, the they didn't have that
kind of money to come over. Um, and so they borrowed money from, my
uncle, came over uh landed in San Francisco with a three-month-old
baby and um started a new life here.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So how did they wind up in Tulare?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: My, my uncle had come before um and did the call
back of, hey, there's, there's jobs here. And so that's, that's how
they ended up in Larry. They actually started in, they moved to Santa
Maria for three years. There was some family that had, had moved to
Santa Maria and my parents didn't like it and they came back to.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when they came back to was there a fairly
strong then Portuguese community?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Most definitely there, there was a huge population
and I think that's what helped my mom, especially because my dad went
straight working for, you know, like on the dairies. Um, and my mom,
she was a stay-at-home mom at that time. It was my oldest sister. Um,
and then my middle sister, Adelaide was born. And so, it helped
because there was such a large population of the women. Um, that's how
my mom learned how to cook. That's how um, my mom understood how to
drive all of those things there. Thankfully, there was people already
here that um, helped my mom along the way.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Did your parents ever tell you what it was like to
adjust to life in a new country? The challenge?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah. Um, the, the one story that always impacted
me the most was my, my mom will talk about when they landed in San
Francisco, and they don't know a lick of English. The air stewardess
had told them sit here, I'm gonna call for your brother to come pick
you up. He lived in Tulare, and they landed in San Francisco. So,
you're talking a good four hours. Um, and they had literally come from
peak and so my mom had never seen an African American and she was
like, where are we at? Because people looked different and you have to
think back in the late sixties, everyone looked like you, everyone
spoke like you. And so that was a huge adjustment for her was okay,
not everyone's like us. Um, and so being able to understand that and
and acclimate.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, was it important to your parents that you
obtain a strong sense of Portuguese identity?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, most definitely, most definitely. Um, they
carried on some traditions that um came from the so, you know we, we
have them at age where, you know, you have a pig hanging in your
garage. I remember being a teenager and going, oh, my gosh. Here we
have a pig, you know like who has that know? And, uh, or you have the
basket uh, baskets of, uh, bread with flowers, um, on the on the back
of a truck, you know, and, and my dad would pick me up from school,
you know, to come over to the fish. And I thought, wow, this is so
freaking embarrassing. I, I, now I, I laugh about it but back then I
was like, um, but it was so important for them to make sure that the
traditions carried on here and for us to know that.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, what were some of the new traditions that they
took on once they became, um, residents of the United States new
Portuguese traditions or just American?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, you know, obviously driving, they didn't
drive, uh, back in the Azores. They, they you know, uh, a job, a job
not working on the lands. It was more of, uh, you know, I have a boss
and um, you know, uh, the other thing that they knew that they wanted
to invest and so they started saving and buying properties. You don't
do that and, you know and the, that, that you took care of your own,
you did your own, but you never thought about that, that future
investment. Um, and so I'm trying to think of other traditions that,
or new things that they have started and not too many, like my parents
did not go out to eat, everything was cooked at home. Like you would
think families now. Oh, you know, no, my, my parents pretty much stuck
to it and, and I was raised with it.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, as the daughter of immigrants, you know we
know from research that a lot of times it's very difficult because
there's traveling to cultures. And you had mentioned kind of like some
embarrassment a little bit, right? But now that you're older, what
Portuguese traditions and customs have you made an effort to preserve
for your own family?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, man. Well, first of all, obviously, that has
been the, the biggest thing that our family has um continued. Um, and
so the you know, the story that I shared about the, the basket of
bread in the back, um that's part of the, that, that they did in the,
that we still to do to this day. And now my kids are helping and doing
that and uh we can go into more detail about that. But, um you know,
I, I've noticed that obviously, religion, religion was always a huge,
huge thing in our family. We, I remember we would pray every night. It
was always the same time, you know, we would always focus on, on God
and being thankful. Um, but, you know, religion, soccer, football, we
would always go watch, you know, that was always a thing. Um, and to
this day. It's so funny like when, when you look back at how you were
raised, and I really wanted to be Americanized. Um, so I was never
part of the Portuguese, man because I thought you know, that's so
that's not me. Um, and now my kids are a part of it and now I'm being
into it and so it's like, oh man, okay, I should have just kept my
mouth shut because, because now I'm, I'm really fully accepting um
where my parents came from.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What, what is the difference? What do you think
inspired you or motivated you to come full circle?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Like, oh I think my kids, I don't wanna cry. Um,
my kids, um my parents are older, and I want them to experience that.
And so, I think that's really important that they're connected in that
way. Um, my husband and his family many generations here. And so,
there's really not that culture there. It's just American, you know um
which is not a bad thing. Um, but when you have such a rich culture,
um it's so important that they have that and I think my kids identify
with that and um a lot of their friends are, you know, Portuguese
American, but they do have a lot of other friends and they're like,
hey, you need to come to a festa, or you need to come to a bull fight.
And so, I think that's so cool that my, my kids now want to share
that. But I think that I think that's what has really driven me. Um,
because, you know, like I said, I, my husband's not Portuguese, he has
fully accepted, um, everything that comes with a Portuguese family.
Um, and once we started having kids, it was really, really important
to me that they, that not that they had the full upbringing because
obviously, you know, twice removed that it's not gonna happen. But um
in terms of the experiences the tradition and knowing about the
traditions and what they mean and yeah, fully, fully accepting it.
Yeah. What is a, so is usually surrounding um a religious celebration.
So, it, it's usually connected to um church and it's about a patron
saint. So, uh you have the, which is the, the Holy Spirit celebration.
It's in honor of Queen Isabella and the Miracle of the Holy Spirit.
Um, you hear about um Fatima. So, our Lady of Fatima, you hear um
about something doing so Saint Anthony, um there's all different types
of festive and, and the saints are usually known for something um
whether it's patron saints of animals. Um, maybe it's like San Juan is
the patron saint of, of lovebirds you know. Um, and so we like to
celebrate these saints and what they're known for. Um, obviously our
favorite my favorite is um so the Holy Spirit. Um, and it's the
miracle of Queen Isabella giving bread to the people. Um, and being
protected by the Holy Spirit. And so, it's the miracle of she let down
her cape. Um, she was being asked by her husband who did not want to
give out food to the poor. And he said, “What do you your cape?” And
as she let down her cape, which had bread in it out fell roses. And
so, they say that, you know, they save it. It's the the miracle of the
Holy Spirit to protect her, to keep doing her work. And so that's why
now I told you about the bread. We make bread every single year and we
hand it out like Queen Isabella. Um, and so that has been a tradition
for my family in Tulare since 1981. Um, my parents, they started
coming to the and they said, hey, we have a tradition that we do back
in our island and we wanna bring that. And so ever since then, the
Wednesday night of the week of the, we are, we give out the, the
bread.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What a beautiful tradition. Yeah. So, is the
session then held a specific time each year?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Usually it is um for, for the Tulare we do it nine
weeks after Easter. Um, and so um there's usually a, a time frame. So,
um you'll hear about Holy Spirit celebrations are usually around
Pentecost. Um, because that's about the Holy Spirit. That's the
stories of the Holy Spirit. Um, Fatima are usually in October because
that's one of the appearances of our lady. Um, and so they, they're
usually close to the patron saints, either birth date or when they
were canonized. Um, you know, one of the festers that near and dear to
my heart in the is uh which is one of the, the celebrations in, in
Pico, my family's island. And so, her is, is July 22nd. And so, every
single day on July 22nd in peak, they do a celebration for something
just like here. We always do our around the time of uh Pentecost
Sunday.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when did you first personally get involved
with the local fish?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, forced by my parents in 1981 that I was the
little kid, you know, in the court, all of that good stuff. And my
sister was a tenant. Um, I was queen in 1993 for Tulare. And uh then
obviously as a high schooler, I did, I did my thing and moved away,
went to college, came back. And after having kids, my oldest Isabella
was um she was old enough to be a little queen. It was like, okay,
it's, it's time. Um, and so I, I remember having the conversation with
my husband again, not Portuguese. And I said, look, and at that time,
we already had three kids, uh three daughters, three daughters and I
said, okay I want to do this, but I need you in 100%. Um, and if we're
going to do this. There's the potential that it could be six times um
because you can be little queen and big queen. Um, and I said so if
we're in we're in and he was like, I'm in. So, um in uh 2000, I
believe 12, I think 2012, uh Isabella was little queen. Uh, and so, so
far, we've had five queens and Victoria is our last one and maybe if
she chooses as a senior queen that she wants to do it, then we'll put
her name in and go through that venture. But for me, it was 19, 1993
that I was queen. Um, and then getting back involved in, in 2012. So,
getting back involved as a mother of a queen.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Yes. So, we'll talk about that in a minute. But
first I wanna talk about your experience as queen. What was the
process like?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh man, so back in the day, it was uh you would
have to be nominated um practicing Catholic of Portuguese descent. Um,
and then literally, they put your name in a hat. Um, and it was luck
of the draw. Um, the that particular year that I became queen. I was
not anticipating that my dad was gonna put my name in. Um, there
happened to not be any other nominations. And so, I knew he went to
the meeting, and he came home, and I was like, you know, whatever. And
he goes hey, you're gonna be queen. And I, I remember like just
elation because I, I was so excited that um I was gonna have this
opportunity. My oldest sister had been queen, and I knew that I wanted
to be queen one day but didn't, didn't know when and then when, when
dad came home and said, hey, you're gonna be queen. I'm not cool.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, you say you knew you wanted to be queen? Why?
What was it about being queen?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, at that time, I think it was the typical word
man. That's cool. That's, that's awesome. You know, you get dressed up
you get the crown, you get all of that. Um, as I've grown older and
went through the process especially that year. Um, when I was crowned,
uh we, we had a visiting priest that came for that and they did um
sort of like a, a lesson for all of us to know okay. Do you understand
what this is? Do you understand what you're accepting? Do you
understand? Um all that entails of being a queen? Not only is it a
queen representing the community? It's a queen representing your body,
it's a queen representing innocence. Um, and also for me, I took it as
a responsibility of carrying on traditions um understanding that I'm
being blessed, it's not just being with a crown that, that I'm
receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. And so, it, it made it such a
huge impact on me that I knew if I had girls, I really wanted to give
them that, that opportunity.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when I interviewed your daughter, she talked
about capes and to be talking to someone who actually makes them later
this afternoon. Um, so is there a script involved?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I mean, is there something specifically in terms
of acts that the queen has to do during the show. Not necessarily,
other than um representing the community. So, um there isn't, you
know, oh, well, you have to you have to dress this way there. I, I
guess there's a, what's the best term? Um, there, there's an
expectation that you're dressed appropriately that um that you're
using some of the colors that signify. So usually for Holy Spirit,
it's around like the reds and, you know the whites pure. Um you, you
start to see that um in terms of, you know, expectations here, it's
obviously you want to be a practicing Catholic because it's a
religious function. Um, and so it only makes sense that that, you
know, that your true embodiment of, of the Catholic faith. And, um and
that you understand, um especially for the Holy Spirit, you understand
what it is that you're representing, you're representing Queen
Isabella Miracle of the Holy Spirit. Um, and then the, the girls that,
you know, they've taken it on and, and it's been wonderful to see and
be a part of the process um seeing that, you know, we all have the
opportunity to share gifts and here's a way to do it. Um, and so I
make sure when we talk about the, especially the people that are not
Portuguese or not Catholic, we don't ask that question when you come,
you know the, the whole idea of the is it's a community. And so, you
wanna come, come, we, we want you to come, we want you to experience
it and not that we want you to be jealous. But we want you to say I
wanna be Portuguese because being Portuguese is pretty cool. Uh,
something that Candice and I have learned during this. It is, it
really is, it's a lot of fun. So, um I is it the type of situation
goes where like people take their picture with the, I mean, not
really, I mean, family. I mean, it's not like, you know, Queen
Elizabeth and like, oh, it's no, it's not that it's um really, it's
more, more so about that young girl. Okay. The best way I can describe
it, it's like a quinceanera and I always say it's like a quinceanera
on crack because we do it every week. We're going and representing our
community at some different. Um, and so it's not uh oh there's
royalty. We need to go take a picture with her. No, it's more of a
young adult coming of age and especially when it's the older the, the
big queen the senior queen. It really is like a quinceanera of you are
as a young woman, um pure and accepting of our religion, pure and
accepting of our faith. Um, and understanding that this gift is for
you to share with your community. So even though queens are attached
to particular because you travel to other is a queen's reign. Then a
year. Yes. Okay. Yeah. So, it's usually a year this last year for
COVID. I have to admit my middle daughter was the senior queen and so
she had a two-year stint, um, because we didn't have a special last
year. Um, and so that but normally in a normal non COVID year, yes.
It's a, it's a year.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What does it mean to you to have daughters that
have carried on in this tradition and been queens?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, it has, I mean, seeing them going through it,
um, fully accepting it um, wanting to do it, not being forced, wanting
to do it. Um, totally accepting faith, understanding what it means.
It's not just a, a persona, it's how you carry yourself, um, how you
respect yourself, how you respect others. Um, that has been the best
part of it. Yeah. I mean, the dresses, the capes that, like that's all
fun. That fun. That's, that's the fun part. That's the shopping part.
You know, that's where mom has a lot of fun but seeing the other,
their side and seeing them grow, um, that has been the most amazing
part.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Well, I don't know if you were here when we were
interviewing your daughter, but she said that if she has daughters,
she hopes that they carry on as well.
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Good. I hope so.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, you were the first woman president of the,
what does it mean to you to be the first?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, man. Um, that was, um, to be the first. I, I
was very proud. Um, and I remember coming home when I was nominated,
and my parents were not for it. Um, and it was because I was the 1st,
1st female and knowing, you know, Portuguese we love each other, but
we also talk. And so, um they were worried about the pressure, they
would, they were worried about, you know, well, what if it's not
successful. Um, and I am one of those where I'll show you. Um I, I'm
very much that way and I know that the traditional Portuguese attitude
is females should be at home and they should be, you know, they,
they're the caretakers they take care of their families. We're totally
at a different level, you know. Uh I work, I'm an executive director.
Um, and so taking on that role uh was, well why can't a woman be doing
it? What, you know, I'm not saying that we're gonna do it better but
why can't we do it? Um, and so I think that's opened up that
conversation now there's women that serve on the board of directors
for the hall. Um, so I'm happy that I sort of blazed the way. Um, and
now my oldest, she's actually said one day I wanna be president for
the festa. I said go get them girl, you know. Um, it's all about
keeping that tradition. I don't care if it's male or female just keep
the tradition going.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, in addition to there being kind of an
evolution in terms of the leadership of the local festa, how has the
festa changed over time if at all?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh man, okay. So back in the day when I was queen
it was, it was a lot calmer, you know, it was um yes, uh religion was
very centric. Um, but you know we had like very calm rosaries during
the week and then it was the festa on the weekend now, which I think
I, that's why I love it. Um, every single day there's something
different. So, we still have the, the traditional rosary, you know,
we're still praying. Uh, we're, we're getting together, we're breaking
bread. But then there's a different activity that's brought in,
whether it's folklore or you have the, the kids from [inaudible]
coming and, and performing or you have um you know, the [inaudible]
which is the blessing of the animals that are going to be slaughtered,
to given out to those that are needy. Um, and so just all of those
things brings to life, the traditions that you heard back in the
Azores, you know, they, they would do that, they would slaughter a
beef, they would make a promise and say, you know, okay if, if my
child is healthy, I'm going to kill this cow and then give it to my
neighbors. That's what we do. Um, and so that transition I think has
made me love the festa even more. It's exhausting. Don't get me wrong
but we are probably one of the only festa in California that has
something other than rosary every single day.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, and how long does this go on?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Seven days,
Kelley Campos McCoy: Seven days?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Sometimes eight, if we do avocado on the end.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So how many people would you say actually come
then to over the course of those seven days?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Uh, if I had to guess, well, over 8000
unduplicated if, because some people will come for the [inaudible],
but they won't come for the bull fight. Some people will come for the
[inaudible], but they won't come from the [inaudible]. So, I, I know
at some points, uh like on the Sunday we've easily fed over 6000
people. Um, so that's why I'm saying about 8000 unduplicated.
Kelley Campos McCoy: And not just here at the hall obviously. Is this
where you feed them?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Uh huh, there's an outdoor, outdoor hall. Yeah.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Okay. So, they come from all over California?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yes
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, would you say that that the interest in festa
has risen over time has stayed the same or is tapering off?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um I know for Tulare it has risen. Um, and that
makes me excited as someone that serves on the committee. Um, when, uh
maybe about, about 10 years ago, you, you started to see this trickle
and that it was decreasing in the attendance and, you know, the, the
population like my parents that immigrated, it is slow, they’re slowly
dying. And so, you see that going away, but now it's my turn, you
know, it's my generation's turn to, to step up and to be a part of the
festa vision um to keep it going. And so the last eight years, we have
seen a tremendous increase, not only in attendance, participation, um
but in donations, uh auction it, we have seen this, this steady
increase and you can see it, you look at the numbers and you see it um
just in donations, uh you see it and so uh that's been uh a wonderful
part to be a part of that and, and know that you had something to do
with it to, to maintain this and increase it.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Sure. And I think especially when you consider
that we're talking about 2nd and 3rd generation Americans who are
still this invested in the culture of their [inaudible].
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah, it is just, it's tremendous.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, speaking of, have you ever been to the Azores?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I have, I've, I've been there once. Um, we were
supposed to go this summer, but with COVID, we decided probably be
safer to stay home. So, our goal was next year to, to go back. But
yes, I have been there. Um, uh, we have been to the, uh, and, and it,
hearing my parents share the stories and then living it, obviously
Azores are a little bit more, more in depth, but it, it was truly an
experience.
Kelley Campos McCoy: How so?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, um, you know, you hear about the, you hear
about, like, sopas [inaudible] especially in, they, they have drummers
[inaudible] that, that lead the parade. And I would I remember hearing
my parents talk about that and when we went there, it was like, oh,
this is what they were talking about. Okay. You know, and, and so like
connecting all of those things and, and okay, well, how do we bring
that here? How do, how do we make sure that that's here? So, people
know about it. And so that has been the best part of connecting, you
know, the stories that you hear or especially as a little kid. I
remember hearing all my aunts and uncles and they would talk about
certain things. Um, you know, that you'd hear about their, their,
their, their little capella you know, because each, each little town
has their own little capella and how they would celebrate on their
day.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What is that?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: A, a capella is, it's almost like a chapel. That's
the easiest way to explain it. So, we have a capella here at the hall.
Um, and that is where the Holy Spirit is stored um during the festa
and so um each one, each which is town um has, has a a capella and so
uh yeah, it's it's just so cool, like, you know, Terceira has very
colorful ones. Um, ours from Pico are very simple. It's usually, you
know, white and black. Um but that's where the house is for the Saints
for um each little community.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, I noticed you're using a lot of Portuguese.
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Do you speak Portuguese?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I do.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Was it important to your parents that you learned?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Most definitely um you had spoken a little bit
about the, the transition, you know, in between? And so, um I went to
mom and dad's doctor's appointments. And so, I had to translate, you
know, I had to translate this is what the doctor's saying. Um, and I
had grandparents you know, I had one grandparent that ended up
immigrating here and um he only spoke Portuguese. And so, if I wanted
to talk to Vuvu, I had to talk to him in Portuguese because he wasn't,
you know, at 80 he wasn't gonna learn English. Um, and so to this day,
I have one aunt does not really speak a lick of English and that's fun
with my husband who speaks English only. Um, but um it was very
important for my parents. That's how we communicated to this day.
There's times where I, I remember, man I was a messed up teen, but I
remember making fun of my mom because she would say words and it's
like that's not how you say it. And now they're making fun of me when
I say something in Portuguese. Um, because they're like, that's not
how you say it. So, it's just full circle that it comes back and bites
me.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, have you um, taught your daughters Portuguese?
Was, do they have an interest in the language?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, my oldest does uh, Isabella, she has taken
Portuguese, um, and she understands it, which drives me nuts because
that means I can't say anything. Um, because she knows what I'm
saying. Um, but my, my middle daughter, Madeline not so much. Uh she
understands she uh I can tell her something my mom can tell her
something and she understands it. Speaking back not so much. And
Victoria, I haven't, I have not seen an interest with her of learning.
She knows when Vovô says something, okay. You know, but in terms of
speaking it back. So that, that, that makes me sad because I really
hope um, I really wished that uh my younger two really took it on. Um,
but you know, to each his own.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Yeah. So, I just have three more questions and
they have to do with issues of identity and, and the first is to what
extent do you think that being Portuguese American has shaped who you
are?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I think it has definitely shaped me quite a bit.
Um, hearing the stories of my parents and the struggles that they had,
I think it um has helped me in having empathy. Um, it has helped me in
my career. Um one, in terms of my line of work, it's, it's all about
what can I do to make the community better. And so, I think that has
really been instilled in me of how do we support each other. Um, I may
not know you, but if I see you on the ground, I'm gonna help you up.
And so that I, I think that that is a truly, truly part of the
Portuguese culture of how do we help each other. Um, and so yeah, that
has definitely influenced me and, and my career and how I raise my
kids.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What does being Portuguese American mean to you?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, that's a hard one. Being Portuguese American.
Um, so for me, I think it's, it's, yeah, being American but having
that culture behind me and, and how I treat people, how I um
understand the struggles that were laid down before me. Um, and not to
take advantage of it, but to recognize it and make sure not to screw
it up, if that makes sense. I hope so.
Kelley Campos McCoy: It does. Is there anything that I didn't ask that
you'd like to add?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: No, not really.
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, I was Rosemary Serpa. So, I did not have the
traditional Portuguese 20 names that follow. I was just Rosemary and
Serpa.
Kelley Campos McCoy: And were you named after anymore?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: No, my mom just always loved that name. My
sisters, they were lucky enough to get named after people, but I just
was lucky enough that my mom always liked Rosemary and that was it, go
figure.
Kelley Campos McCoy: When were you born?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I was born um in 1979 here in California. So, born
and raised here.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when did your uh family immigrate to the
United States?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, in
oldest sister, she was only
sister was born here in, in
Azores, and I always teased
Um, that is where my family
January of 1968. My parents came with my
three months old. Uh, and then my middle
70 they came from, they came from the
that they came from the best island Pico.
is from, is from.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Why did they leave?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, my parents, they always tell me that they left
for a better life. Um, they were starting um their lives together.
They, you know, were married very physical labor. Um, it was working
the lands, and my parents knew that in order, order to advance and
have a better life, um coming to America was going to be their best
chance. Um, and so they decided that they were going to take that
risk, um, owing money because at that time, the they didn't have that
kind of money to come over. Um, and so they borrowed money from, my
uncle, came over uh landed in San Francisco with a three-month-old
baby and um started a new life here.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So how did they wind up in Tulare?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: My, my uncle had come before um and did the call
back of, hey, there's, there's jobs here. And so that's, that's how
they ended up in Larry. They actually started in, they moved to Santa
Maria for three years. There was some family that had, had moved to
Santa Maria and my parents didn't like it and they came back to.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when they came back to was there a fairly
strong then Portuguese community?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Most definitely there, there was a huge population
and I think that's what helped my mom, especially because my dad went
straight working for, you know, like on the dairies. Um, and my mom,
she was a stay-at-home mom at that time. It was my oldest sister. Um,
and then my middle sister, Adelaide was born. And so, it helped
because there was such a large population of the women. Um, that's how
my mom learned how to cook. That's how um, my mom understood how to
drive all of those things there. Thankfully, there was people already
here that um, helped my mom along the way.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Did your parents ever tell you what it was like to
adjust to life in a new country? The challenge?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah. Um, the, the one story that always impacted
me the most was my, my mom will talk about when they landed in San
Francisco, and they don't know a lick of English. The air stewardess
had told them sit here, I'm gonna call for your brother to come pick
you up. He lived in Tulare, and they landed in San Francisco. So,
you're talking a good four hours. Um, and they had literally come from
peak and so my mom had never seen an African American and she was
like, where are we at? Because people looked different and you have to
think back in the late sixties, everyone looked like you, everyone
spoke like you. And so that was a huge adjustment for her was okay,
not everyone's like us. Um, and so being able to understand that and
and acclimate.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, was it important to your parents that you
obtain a strong sense of Portuguese identity?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, most definitely, most definitely. Um, they
carried on some traditions that um came from the so, you know we, we
have them at age where, you know, you have a pig hanging in your
garage. I remember being a teenager and going, oh, my gosh. Here we
have a pig, you know like who has that know? And, uh, or you have the
basket uh, baskets of, uh, bread with flowers, um, on the on the back
of a truck, you know, and, and my dad would pick me up from school,
you know, to come over to the fish. And I thought, wow, this is so
freaking embarrassing. I, I, now I, I laugh about it but back then I
was like, um, but it was so important for them to make sure that the
traditions carried on here and for us to know that.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, what were some of the new traditions that they
took on once they became, um, residents of the United States new
Portuguese traditions or just American?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, you know, obviously driving, they didn't
drive, uh, back in the Azores. They, they you know, uh, a job, a job
not working on the lands. It was more of, uh, you know, I have a boss
and um, you know, uh, the other thing that they knew that they wanted
to invest and so they started saving and buying properties. You don't
do that and, you know and the, that, that you took care of your own,
you did your own, but you never thought about that, that future
investment. Um, and so I'm trying to think of other traditions that,
or new things that they have started and not too many, like my parents
did not go out to eat, everything was cooked at home. Like you would
think families now. Oh, you know, no, my, my parents pretty much stuck
to it and, and I was raised with it.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, as the daughter of immigrants, you know we
know from research that a lot of times it's very difficult because
there's traveling to cultures. And you had mentioned kind of like some
embarrassment a little bit, right? But now that you're older, what
Portuguese traditions and customs have you made an effort to preserve
for your own family?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, man. Well, first of all, obviously, that has
been the, the biggest thing that our family has um continued. Um, and
so the you know, the story that I shared about the, the basket of
bread in the back, um that's part of the, that, that they did in the,
that we still to do to this day. And now my kids are helping and doing
that and uh we can go into more detail about that. But, um you know,
I, I've noticed that obviously, religion, religion was always a huge,
huge thing in our family. We, I remember we would pray every night. It
was always the same time, you know, we would always focus on, on God
and being thankful. Um, but, you know, religion, soccer, football, we
would always go watch, you know, that was always a thing. Um, and to
this day. It's so funny like when, when you look back at how you were
raised, and I really wanted to be Americanized. Um, so I was never
part of the Portuguese, man because I thought you know, that's so
that's not me. Um, and now my kids are a part of it and now I'm being
into it and so it's like, oh man, okay, I should have just kept my
mouth shut because, because now I'm, I'm really fully accepting um
where my parents came from.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What, what is the difference? What do you think
inspired you or motivated you to come full circle?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Like, oh I think my kids, I don't wanna cry. Um,
my kids, um my parents are older, and I want them to experience that.
And so, I think that's really important that they're connected in that
way. Um, my husband and his family many generations here. And so,
there's really not that culture there. It's just American, you know um
which is not a bad thing. Um, but when you have such a rich culture,
um it's so important that they have that and I think my kids identify
with that and um a lot of their friends are, you know, Portuguese
American, but they do have a lot of other friends and they're like,
hey, you need to come to a festa, or you need to come to a bull fight.
And so, I think that's so cool that my, my kids now want to share
that. But I think that I think that's what has really driven me. Um,
because, you know, like I said, I, my husband's not Portuguese, he has
fully accepted, um, everything that comes with a Portuguese family.
Um, and once we started having kids, it was really, really important
to me that they, that not that they had the full upbringing because
obviously, you know, twice removed that it's not gonna happen. But um
in terms of the experiences the tradition and knowing about the
traditions and what they mean and yeah, fully, fully accepting it.
Yeah. What is a, so is usually surrounding um a religious celebration.
So, it, it's usually connected to um church and it's about a patron
saint. So, uh you have the, which is the, the Holy Spirit celebration.
It's in honor of Queen Isabella and the Miracle of the Holy Spirit.
Um, you hear about um Fatima. So, our Lady of Fatima, you hear um
about something doing so Saint Anthony, um there's all different types
of festive and, and the saints are usually known for something um
whether it's patron saints of animals. Um, maybe it's like San Juan is
the patron saint of, of lovebirds you know. Um, and so we like to
celebrate these saints and what they're known for. Um, obviously our
favorite my favorite is um so the Holy Spirit. Um, and it's the
miracle of Queen Isabella giving bread to the people. Um, and being
protected by the Holy Spirit. And so, it's the miracle of she let down
her cape. Um, she was being asked by her husband who did not want to
give out food to the poor. And he said, “What do you your cape?” And
as she let down her cape, which had bread in it out fell roses. And
so, they say that, you know, they save it. It's the the miracle of the
Holy Spirit to protect her, to keep doing her work. And so that's why
now I told you about the bread. We make bread every single year and we
hand it out like Queen Isabella. Um, and so that has been a tradition
for my family in Tulare since 1981. Um, my parents, they started
coming to the and they said, hey, we have a tradition that we do back
in our island and we wanna bring that. And so ever since then, the
Wednesday night of the week of the, we are, we give out the, the
bread.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What a beautiful tradition. Yeah. So, is the
session then held a specific time each year?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Usually it is um for, for the Tulare we do it nine
weeks after Easter. Um, and so um there's usually a, a time frame. So,
um you'll hear about Holy Spirit celebrations are usually around
Pentecost. Um, because that's about the Holy Spirit. That's the
stories of the Holy Spirit. Um, Fatima are usually in October because
that's one of the appearances of our lady. Um, and so they, they're
usually close to the patron saints, either birth date or when they
were canonized. Um, you know, one of the festers that near and dear to
my heart in the is uh which is one of the, the celebrations in, in
Pico, my family's island. And so, her is, is July 22nd. And so, every
single day on July 22nd in peak, they do a celebration for something
just like here. We always do our around the time of uh Pentecost
Sunday.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when did you first personally get involved
with the local fish?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, forced by my parents in 1981 that I was the
little kid, you know, in the court, all of that good stuff. And my
sister was a tenant. Um, I was queen in 1993 for Tulare. And uh then
obviously as a high schooler, I did, I did my thing and moved away,
went to college, came back. And after having kids, my oldest Isabella
was um she was old enough to be a little queen. It was like, okay,
it's, it's time. Um, and so I, I remember having the conversation with
my husband again, not Portuguese. And I said, look, and at that time,
we already had three kids, uh three daughters, three daughters and I
said, okay I want to do this, but I need you in 100%. Um, and if we're
going to do this. There's the potential that it could be six times um
because you can be little queen and big queen. Um, and I said so if
we're in we're in and he was like, I'm in. So, um in uh 2000, I
believe 12, I think 2012, uh Isabella was little queen. Uh, and so, so
far, we've had five queens and Victoria is our last one and maybe if
she chooses as a senior queen that she wants to do it, then we'll put
her name in and go through that venture. But for me, it was 19, 1993
that I was queen. Um, and then getting back involved in, in 2012. So,
getting back involved as a mother of a queen.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Yes. So, we'll talk about that in a minute. But
first I wanna talk about your experience as queen. What was the
process like?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh man, so back in the day, it was uh you would
have to be nominated um practicing Catholic of Portuguese descent. Um,
and then literally, they put your name in a hat. Um, and it was luck
of the draw. Um, the that particular year that I became queen. I was
not anticipating that my dad was gonna put my name in. Um, there
happened to not be any other nominations. And so, I knew he went to
the meeting, and he came home, and I was like, you know, whatever. And
he goes hey, you're gonna be queen. And I, I remember like just
elation because I, I was so excited that um I was gonna have this
opportunity. My oldest sister had been queen, and I knew that I wanted
to be queen one day but didn't, didn't know when and then when, when
dad came home and said, hey, you're gonna be queen. I'm not cool.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, you say you knew you wanted to be queen? Why?
What was it about being queen?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, at that time, I think it was the typical word
man. That's cool. That's, that's awesome. You know, you get dressed up
you get the crown, you get all of that. Um, as I've grown older and
went through the process especially that year. Um, when I was crowned,
uh we, we had a visiting priest that came for that and they did um
sort of like a, a lesson for all of us to know okay. Do you understand
what this is? Do you understand what you're accepting? Do you
understand? Um all that entails of being a queen? Not only is it a
queen representing the community? It's a queen representing your body,
it's a queen representing innocence. Um, and also for me, I took it as
a responsibility of carrying on traditions um understanding that I'm
being blessed, it's not just being with a crown that, that I'm
receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. And so, it, it made it such a
huge impact on me that I knew if I had girls, I really wanted to give
them that, that opportunity.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, when I interviewed your daughter, she talked
about capes and to be talking to someone who actually makes them later
this afternoon. Um, so is there a script involved?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I mean, is there something specifically in terms
of acts that the queen has to do during the show. Not necessarily,
other than um representing the community. So, um there isn't, you
know, oh, well, you have to you have to dress this way there. I, I
guess there's a, what's the best term? Um, there, there's an
expectation that you're dressed appropriately that um that you're
using some of the colors that signify. So usually for Holy Spirit,
it's around like the reds and, you know the whites pure. Um you, you
start to see that um in terms of, you know, expectations here, it's
obviously you want to be a practicing Catholic because it's a
religious function. Um, and so it only makes sense that that, you
know, that your true embodiment of, of the Catholic faith. And, um and
that you understand, um especially for the Holy Spirit, you understand
what it is that you're representing, you're representing Queen
Isabella Miracle of the Holy Spirit. Um, and then the, the girls that,
you know, they've taken it on and, and it's been wonderful to see and
be a part of the process um seeing that, you know, we all have the
opportunity to share gifts and here's a way to do it. Um, and so I
make sure when we talk about the, especially the people that are not
Portuguese or not Catholic, we don't ask that question when you come,
you know the, the whole idea of the is it's a community. And so, you
wanna come, come, we, we want you to come, we want you to experience
it and not that we want you to be jealous. But we want you to say I
wanna be Portuguese because being Portuguese is pretty cool. Uh,
something that Candice and I have learned during this. It is, it
really is, it's a lot of fun. So, um I is it the type of situation
goes where like people take their picture with the, I mean, not
really, I mean, family. I mean, it's not like, you know, Queen
Elizabeth and like, oh, it's no, it's not that it's um really, it's
more, more so about that young girl. Okay. The best way I can describe
it, it's like a quinceanera and I always say it's like a quinceanera
on crack because we do it every week. We're going and representing our
community at some different. Um, and so it's not uh oh there's
royalty. We need to go take a picture with her. No, it's more of a
young adult coming of age and especially when it's the older the, the
big queen the senior queen. It really is like a quinceanera of you are
as a young woman, um pure and accepting of our religion, pure and
accepting of our faith. Um, and understanding that this gift is for
you to share with your community. So even though queens are attached
to particular because you travel to other is a queen's reign. Then a
year. Yes. Okay. Yeah. So, it's usually a year this last year for
COVID. I have to admit my middle daughter was the senior queen and so
she had a two-year stint, um, because we didn't have a special last
year. Um, and so that but normally in a normal non COVID year, yes.
It's a, it's a year.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What does it mean to you to have daughters that
have carried on in this tradition and been queens?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um, it has, I mean, seeing them going through it,
um, fully accepting it um, wanting to do it, not being forced, wanting
to do it. Um, totally accepting faith, understanding what it means.
It's not just a, a persona, it's how you carry yourself, um, how you
respect yourself, how you respect others. Um, that has been the best
part of it. Yeah. I mean, the dresses, the capes that, like that's all
fun. That fun. That's, that's the fun part. That's the shopping part.
You know, that's where mom has a lot of fun but seeing the other,
their side and seeing them grow, um, that has been the most amazing
part.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Well, I don't know if you were here when we were
interviewing your daughter, but she said that if she has daughters,
she hopes that they carry on as well.
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Good. I hope so.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, you were the first woman president of the,
what does it mean to you to be the first?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, man. Um, that was, um, to be the first. I, I
was very proud. Um, and I remember coming home when I was nominated,
and my parents were not for it. Um, and it was because I was the 1st,
1st female and knowing, you know, Portuguese we love each other, but
we also talk. And so, um they were worried about the pressure, they
would, they were worried about, you know, well, what if it's not
successful. Um, and I am one of those where I'll show you. Um I, I'm
very much that way and I know that the traditional Portuguese attitude
is females should be at home and they should be, you know, they,
they're the caretakers they take care of their families. We're totally
at a different level, you know. Uh I work, I'm an executive director.
Um, and so taking on that role uh was, well why can't a woman be doing
it? What, you know, I'm not saying that we're gonna do it better but
why can't we do it? Um, and so I think that's opened up that
conversation now there's women that serve on the board of directors
for the hall. Um, so I'm happy that I sort of blazed the way. Um, and
now my oldest, she's actually said one day I wanna be president for
the festa. I said go get them girl, you know. Um, it's all about
keeping that tradition. I don't care if it's male or female just keep
the tradition going.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, in addition to there being kind of an
evolution in terms of the leadership of the local festa, how has the
festa changed over time if at all?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh man, okay. So back in the day when I was queen
it was, it was a lot calmer, you know, it was um yes, uh religion was
very centric. Um, but you know we had like very calm rosaries during
the week and then it was the festa on the weekend now, which I think
I, that's why I love it. Um, every single day there's something
different. So, we still have the, the traditional rosary, you know,
we're still praying. Uh, we're, we're getting together, we're breaking
bread. But then there's a different activity that's brought in,
whether it's folklore or you have the, the kids from [inaudible]
coming and, and performing or you have um you know, the [inaudible]
which is the blessing of the animals that are going to be slaughtered,
to given out to those that are needy. Um, and so just all of those
things brings to life, the traditions that you heard back in the
Azores, you know, they, they would do that, they would slaughter a
beef, they would make a promise and say, you know, okay if, if my
child is healthy, I'm going to kill this cow and then give it to my
neighbors. That's what we do. Um, and so that transition I think has
made me love the festa even more. It's exhausting. Don't get me wrong
but we are probably one of the only festa in California that has
something other than rosary every single day.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, and how long does this go on?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Seven days,
Kelley Campos McCoy: Seven days?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Sometimes eight, if we do avocado on the end.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So how many people would you say actually come
then to over the course of those seven days?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Uh, if I had to guess, well, over 8000
unduplicated if, because some people will come for the [inaudible],
but they won't come for the bull fight. Some people will come for the
[inaudible], but they won't come from the [inaudible]. So, I, I know
at some points, uh like on the Sunday we've easily fed over 6000
people. Um, so that's why I'm saying about 8000 unduplicated.
Kelley Campos McCoy: And not just here at the hall obviously. Is this
where you feed them?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Uh huh, there's an outdoor, outdoor hall. Yeah.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Okay. So, they come from all over California?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yes
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, would you say that that the interest in festa
has risen over time has stayed the same or is tapering off?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Um I know for Tulare it has risen. Um, and that
makes me excited as someone that serves on the committee. Um, when, uh
maybe about, about 10 years ago, you, you started to see this trickle
and that it was decreasing in the attendance and, you know, the, the
population like my parents that immigrated, it is slow, they’re slowly
dying. And so, you see that going away, but now it's my turn, you
know, it's my generation's turn to, to step up and to be a part of the
festa vision um to keep it going. And so the last eight years, we have
seen a tremendous increase, not only in attendance, participation, um
but in donations, uh auction it, we have seen this, this steady
increase and you can see it, you look at the numbers and you see it um
just in donations, uh you see it and so uh that's been uh a wonderful
part to be a part of that and, and know that you had something to do
with it to, to maintain this and increase it.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Sure. And I think especially when you consider
that we're talking about 2nd and 3rd generation Americans who are
still this invested in the culture of their [inaudible].
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah, it is just, it's tremendous.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, speaking of, have you ever been to the Azores?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I have, I've, I've been there once. Um, we were
supposed to go this summer, but with COVID, we decided probably be
safer to stay home. So, our goal was next year to, to go back. But
yes, I have been there. Um, uh, we have been to the, uh, and, and it,
hearing my parents share the stories and then living it, obviously
Azores are a little bit more, more in depth, but it, it was truly an
experience.
Kelley Campos McCoy: How so?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, um, you know, you hear about the, you hear
about, like, sopas [inaudible] especially in, they, they have drummers
[inaudible] that, that lead the parade. And I would I remember hearing
my parents talk about that and when we went there, it was like, oh,
this is what they were talking about. Okay. You know, and, and so like
connecting all of those things and, and okay, well, how do we bring
that here? How do, how do we make sure that that's here? So, people
know about it. And so that has been the best part of connecting, you
know, the stories that you hear or especially as a little kid. I
remember hearing all my aunts and uncles and they would talk about
certain things. Um, you know, that you'd hear about their, their,
their, their little capella you know, because each, each little town
has their own little capella and how they would celebrate on their
day.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What is that?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: A, a capella is, it's almost like a chapel. That's
the easiest way to explain it. So, we have a capella here at the hall.
Um, and that is where the Holy Spirit is stored um during the festa
and so um each one, each which is town um has, has a a capella and so
uh yeah, it's it's just so cool, like, you know, Terceira has very
colorful ones. Um, ours from Pico are very simple. It's usually, you
know, white and black. Um but that's where the house is for the Saints
for um each little community.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, I noticed you're using a lot of Portuguese.
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Yeah.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Do you speak Portuguese?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I do.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Was it important to your parents that you learned?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Most definitely um you had spoken a little bit
about the, the transition, you know, in between? And so, um I went to
mom and dad's doctor's appointments. And so, I had to translate, you
know, I had to translate this is what the doctor's saying. Um, and I
had grandparents you know, I had one grandparent that ended up
immigrating here and um he only spoke Portuguese. And so, if I wanted
to talk to Vuvu, I had to talk to him in Portuguese because he wasn't,
you know, at 80 he wasn't gonna learn English. Um, and so to this day,
I have one aunt does not really speak a lick of English and that's fun
with my husband who speaks English only. Um, but um it was very
important for my parents. That's how we communicated to this day.
There's times where I, I remember, man I was a messed up teen, but I
remember making fun of my mom because she would say words and it's
like that's not how you say it. And now they're making fun of me when
I say something in Portuguese. Um, because they're like, that's not
how you say it. So, it's just full circle that it comes back and bites
me.
Kelley Campos McCoy: So, have you um, taught your daughters Portuguese?
Was, do they have an interest in the language?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: So, my oldest does uh, Isabella, she has taken
Portuguese, um, and she understands it, which drives me nuts because
that means I can't say anything. Um, because she knows what I'm
saying. Um, but my, my middle daughter, Madeline not so much. Uh she
understands she uh I can tell her something my mom can tell her
something and she understands it. Speaking back not so much. And
Victoria, I haven't, I have not seen an interest with her of learning.
She knows when Vovô says something, okay. You know, but in terms of
speaking it back. So that, that, that makes me sad because I really
hope um, I really wished that uh my younger two really took it on. Um,
but you know, to each his own.
Kelley Campos McCoy: Yeah. So, I just have three more questions and
they have to do with issues of identity and, and the first is to what
extent do you think that being Portuguese American has shaped who you
are?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: I think it has definitely shaped me quite a bit.
Um, hearing the stories of my parents and the struggles that they had,
I think it um has helped me in having empathy. Um, it has helped me in
my career. Um one, in terms of my line of work, it's, it's all about
what can I do to make the community better. And so, I think that has
really been instilled in me of how do we support each other. Um, I may
not know you, but if I see you on the ground, I'm gonna help you up.
And so that I, I think that that is a truly, truly part of the
Portuguese culture of how do we help each other. Um, and so yeah, that
has definitely influenced me and, and my career and how I raise my
kids.
Kelley Campos McCoy: What does being Portuguese American mean to you?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: Oh, that's a hard one. Being Portuguese American.
Um, so for me, I think it's, it's, yeah, being American but having
that culture behind me and, and how I treat people, how I um
understand the struggles that were laid down before me. Um, and not to
take advantage of it, but to recognize it and make sure not to screw
it up, if that makes sense. I hope so.
Kelley Campos McCoy: It does. Is there anything that I didn't ask that
you'd like to add?
Rosemary Serpa Caso: No, not really.