Today through Oct. 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

We at the Daily encourage everyone to take this time to do a few things to celebrate a rich and burgeoning culture.

Even here in Ames in the coldest of months we can take advantage of salsa lessons at Boheme and Latin dances from one end of town to the other.

But there are other things to do as well and, www.latinolink.com recommends a few.

* Read books by and about Latinos. Try these authors: Isabel Allende, Gabriel Garc¡a M rquez, Laura Esquivel, Carlos Fuentes, Rudolfo Anaya, Sandra Cisneros, Oscar Hijuelos, Esmeralda Santiago, Ana Castillo, Julia Alvarez, Victor Villase¤or, or Luis Rodr¡guez.

* Read Latino magazines such as Hispanic, Latina Magazine and Moderna.

* Think about from where that coffee you’re drinking comes.

* Enjoy salsa, Latin jazz, Tejano music and Latin rock.

* Give to Hispanic charities like the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

* Make Latino meals and enjoy the many foods introduced to the world by the people of Latin countries.

* Visit a Spanish-speaking country.

* Visit Latino Web sites to learn more about Latin culture.

* Watch “Stand and Deliver,” the story of math teacher Jaime Escalante.

* Support Latin businesses.

* Speak out against racism and prejudice.

* Think about the farmworkers and laborers who are struggling for economic prosperity.

* Study up on history. Take a closer look at issues from a Latin perspective and appreciate what it lends to world culture.

* Learn to appreciate all cultures.

There are many more things to do this month than you might have realized.

As President Clinton stated on Oct. 15, 1996 when he proclaimed this month to be Hispanic Heritage Month:

“America draws strength from the extraordinary diversity of its people.

“Our national character is enhanced by citizens who maintain and honor cultural customs brought from other lands.

“Hispanics, who have long been part of this tradition, were the earliest European settlers of this great Nation …

“Hispanic sons and daughters have served our country with distinction, making important contributions in the arts and sciences, the business world, academia, government, agriculture, and the Armed Forces — helping to preserve the democracy and freedom all Americans enjoy.”