Burros and owners interviewed
By Tatiana Tylosky March 7, 2008 San Miguel de Allende

Best of Burro Festival
Sat, Mar 15
Village of Jalpa
395 pesos adults, 200 pesos children 12–18, under 12 free 
www.forgottenchild.org 

Meet Pardo, a 15-year-old recently retired burro who is owned by Francisco, a 12-year-old boy who is in fifth grade. Pardo, a light grey, calm donkey, used to buck as a youngster and always had to carry water every day for his family. When he was younger, he would often fight with other burros. He now sits calmly and is happy to not have to work.

We asked his owner, what does he do now? “He just sits around and eats all day.” Francisco plans to decorate Pardo in a very chic costume for the Burro Festival.

Meet Tucan, a one-and-a-half-year-old donkey owned by Aniceto, a 13-year-old burro enthusiast. According to all the kids in the area, Tucan is the fastest burro in Jalpa. He has a calm disposition and is very happy. Maybe it’s because he’s an “only burro” in his family and gets lots of attention and extra hay.

To confirm he is fast, we had a short race among the seven burros who were being interviewed and Tucan was the clear winner. Tucan’s job is carrying water every day from the water reservoir to his family’s home.

The loudest burro of the group was a four-year-old named Reno. He was so annoyed with other burros that he wouldn’t stop hee-hawing the entire time. He has a very tough life as he has to carry large loads of wood every day, but is very cute.  His owner, Rodrigo, an 11-year-old who is also attending the Leading with English class, was a bit shy about his burro’s condition, but was happy to be able to participate in the festival.

Maybe Reno will be decorated as a famous opera singer with his great voice.

Come see these burros transformed by their young owners for the competition. The trip is a half hour from San Miguel and you will enjoy a sumptuous Mexican comida in the ruins of a vicarage constructed in the 1700s. 

All burros will be wearing skirts, trousers, hats, jewels, flowers, painted or glued-on eye lashes, hairdo’s, lipstick, long stockings, streamers, dummy riders, caged animals, beauty queens and so on.

This is not to be missed. The new “photo gallery” allows you to take photos of the beautifully decked out burros prior to the event!

The Burro Festival is raising money for FINO (Fundación Internaciónal de Niños Olvidados) whose goal is to inspire leadership in children. Various projects include the “Leading with English” program which develops leadership skills through English language acquisition, a local biblioteca with bilingual materials and a Feed the Hungry kitchen.

Tickets are now available at Solutions, Recreo 11 and Casa Papel, Mesones 57. Don’t miss the handsome burro that will be decked out in his best attire in the Jardín, March 8, 10am–1pm to promote ticket sales. For more information, contact finoac@gmail.com.

Tatiana Tylosky, an 11th grade student studying under the international baccalaureate program at the John F. Kennedy School in Querétaro, interviewed the competitors.

Volunteer fair, a success in community building
By Suzanne Ludekens

San Miguel’s first Volunteer fair, held February 29 and March 1, saw the patio of the Biblioteca Pública buzzing with excitement and anticipation as 35 nonprofits presented their organization and projects to the public. The fair was representative of the values that embody this unique community: service, gratitude and generosity.

“The fair has been a success for Casita Linda,” said organization director, Jean Gerber. “People have signed up to volunteer, we are getting our message out and one never knows the connections and assistance that can come in the future. It’s a joy to be able to give to this community.”

For any community volunteer contributions are a value-added enhancement to City services. Volunteers have an opportunity not only to discover new interests, meet new people and develop new skills but to contribute to the development of the community, and directly improve the lives of others. Although the financial impact of volunteers in San Miguel has yet to be calculated it is undoubtedly a huge contribution. The state of California calculated that in 2006, volunteers contributed approximately 858 million hours of service to the California economy—a value of more than US$17.4 billion.

Bruce Rossley, at the Red Cross table announced that apart from signing up new volunteers the organization received a pledge for the purchase of two defibrillators. Like many others in San Miguel, he is a member of several organizations. 

Volunteer work has long been an integral part of the expat community in San Miguel starting with the education and music scholarships and sports groups established by artist residents in the 1950s. Since that time, the number of charitable organizations has grown. 

Now organizations provide a diverse variety of necessary services. At the fair there were displays from nonprofits that provide meals for school children: dental care;

health care from basic check ups to corrective surgery; environmental protection; women’s, children’s and human rights; animal protection; care for the infirm and disabled; care for abandoned children and orphans; neighborhood community centers as well as homes for the poor. Educational services varied from scholarships for higher education to books for school libraries, language courses and the provision of computers.

Organizers Judy Boston, Jody Feagan and Miguel Kegel enthused at the participation and turn out for the event confirmed that the event will be held annually at the Biblioteca Pública. For more information contact Judy at volunteers@bibliotecasma.com. 

Red Cross annual collection needs your help
By Gabriela Blanco

March is Red Cross month—the month that this essential emergency service needs your support. For this national campaign, uniformed volunteers are stationed at major intersections and commercial establishments around Mexico. They are easily identified and give stickers for all donations.

According to Francisco Salas, paramedic and local campaign coordinator, San Miguel’s Red Cross received a daily average of 15 emergency calls during 2007. Approximately 40 percent of all emergency calls were from tourists/expats. The city’s Red Cross also attends emergencies in Comonfort, Dr. Mora and Dolores Hidalgo.

Although the city provides a stipend which covers 30 percent of the monthly fixed costs of the Red Cross, the organization seeks funds for operating expenses such as gasoline and also to purchase more medical equipment. Last year the annual campaign raised 78,000 pesos and a special matching funds campaign brought two new, though unequipped, ambulances to the local fleet.

Donations are essential for the Red Cross to continue to provide and improve services. Look for the volunteers at Salida a Celaya, Salida a Querétaro, Salida a Dolores and Calzada de la Estación and collection boxes at the main banks and commercial establishments.

The campaign will close Sunday, March 30, 10am in the Jardín, with a presentation by Red Cross staff, demonstrations of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and free blood pressure and glucose tests.

Large donations can be made directly to Red Cross President Jaime Fenton; call 152-4121, 152-4225 or 152-1616.

Checks can be written to the San Miguel Community Foundation, with Red Cross in the memo line. Send them to Aldama 3, PO Box 5K, or take them to the offices at Prolongación Pila Seca 91-A. Tel. 152-7447.

Community Meeting

Va Por San Miguel de Allende A.C. invites all city residents interested in preserving both cultural and natural patrimony to a public meeting at El Recreo (“El Sindicato”), Recreo 4, March 11, Tuesday at 7pm. Please RSVP vaporsanmiguel@gmail.com or vaporsma@gmail.com.

Biblioteca Pública appreciation

The staff, volunteers and board of the Biblioteca Pública offer their most sincere appreciation and thanks to Ali Zerriffi and Maripaz Espinosa del Castillo for their outstanding contribution to the Biblioteca Pública and the San Miguel community.

A prayer for Ed 


San Miguel’s US consul Ed Clancy faces a challenging health crisis. I encourage all sanmiguelenses to pray for Ed’s full recovery and for his family during this most difficult time. Ed Clancy is dear to San Miguel for his community service as the US consul and for the two years as president of the Chamber Music festival among other activities.



Condolences 

The Board and staff of the Biblioteca Pública offer our condolences to Gerald Teldon for the passing of his beloved wife, Carol. 

Democrats Abroad Global Primary results
By Gunnar Erickson

The 512 San Miguel de Allende residents who cast their votes on February 5 in the Democrats Abroad Global Primary was the third largest turnout among the over 130 voting centers in 33 countries around the globe. San Miguel trailed only London and Paris in votes cast. In addition to voting centers, ballots were cast by internet from 164 countries and territories ranging from Antarctica (represented by Adam Lutchansky, a researcher at the US scientific mission at McMurdo Station) to Zambia (16 votes cast).

In the worldwide vote, Barack Obama led all candidates with 66 percent. Hillary Clinton trailed with 33 percent. In San Miguel, Senator Obama garnered 60 percent to Senator Clinton’s 38 percent. The global results determine the allocation of 4.5 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention. Senator Obama won 2.5 delegate votes and Senator Clinton 2 delegate votes. A further 2.5 votes will be determined at the Democrats Abroad Global Convention in April. In addition, Democrats Abroad holds 4 ”superdelegate” votes—bringing the total to 11 votes at the convention.

Membership in the local chapter of Democrats Abroad has now swelled to over 700. In late March the group will stage a gala Jefferson Jackson Day reception and dinner featuring Ana Marie Salazar, the host of “Imagen News” (the only nationwide radio news program in English broadcast from Mexico) and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, who is widely recognized as an expert in international law and national security in Latin America. 

Gunnar Erickson is parliamentarian and media contact for the San Miguel chapter of Democrats Abroad.

Have a Heart gala raises US$2,400
By Beverly Russell

Thanks to the generosity of over 38 San Miguel artists who donated work for a Valentine’s Day “Have a Heart” gala, US$2,400 was raised for Hospice San Miguel. The event attracted a large gathering of guests to William Martin’s Gallery at Fábrica la Aurora. The range of art works was extraordinary, from small decorative objects to Anado McCloughlin’s fabulous red, black and crystal beaded heart necklace, which was snapped up as soon at the gallery opened, and Anne Olsen’s knitted mermaid with embroidered heart on her chest.

Adrian Ross, who chaired the event, exhibited a decorative heart-shaped metal mirror with a silk tassel. One of the first pieces to sell was a five-foot-high wrought iron candle-stand done by Deborah Campbell. The happy buyer said it would look terrific on her outdoor patio. Dr. Roberto Maxwell from Casa Maxwell donated a shadow box with ceramic heart, feathers and Milagros. There were fine easel paintings by many artists and sculptures in bronze and ceramics.

Ross said he is already planning next year’s gala, which will include more fashion elements, such as shawls, scarves and other wearable decorative accessories. He also hopes to get the food and wine donated next year, so that even more funds will go to Hospice.

“A Victorian Dream” flower show
By C.F. Sands

Flower Show
Club de Jardiniera de San Miguel
Sun, Mar 16, 11am–5pm
Presidencia Building

“Think Victorian style,” said Leigh Gersnoviez, President of Club de Jardiniera de San Miguel, of the upcoming flower show to be held in the elegant Presidencia building on San Francisco. The show is open for everyone to enter.

“When creating your entry, consider the standard Victorian flower was the rose,” said Jeananne Mitchell, chairperson of the “A Victorian Dream” Flower Show. “But flowers such as pansies, hyacinths, tulips, and stephanotis evoke similar romantic visions of the time.” Mitchell suggested that to enhance an arrangement combine antiques from the era such as shawls, lace, aged photos in vintage frames, fine china, candlesticks or tea sets and beautiful vases. “In fact,” she said, “whole tableaus can be created including painted backdrops, antique furniture and curtains. We’d love to see San Miguel’s artistic, creative people turn their talents to the whimsy and élan of this event.”

“A Victorian Dream” Flower Show is sponsored by The Garden Club of San Miguel, which presents a flower show every other year. The show will be free to the public on Palm Sunday, March 16 in the Presidencia, (opened especially for this show by the city administration) from 11am to 5pm. Those entering displays should bring them to the Presidencia on Saturday between 10am and 12noon in the morning. Include a 5”x3” card with the exhibit, folded in half so that the name of the entry or plant is on the outside and your own name on the inside. For more information contact jeanannemitchell@cybermatsa.com.mx  or call her, 152-7809.

Flower Lore by Miss Carruthers of Inverness, published in 1879

In the Victorian age flowers were imbued with special meanings, so a bouquet spoke of more than beauty:

Anemone: brevity

Belladonna: fatal

Camellia: excellence

Carnation: admiration

Cherry Blossom: education

Crocus: youthful gladness

Daffodil: regard

Daisy: innocence

Edelweiss: daring, courage

Fern: fascination

Forget-me-not: forget me not

Grass: usefulness

Holly: good wishes

Iris: hope

Ivy: fidelity

Lilly of the valley: return of happiness

Marigold: sorrow

Mistletoe: surmounting difficulties

Narcissus: egotism

Olive: peace, security

Pansy: thought

Peach blossom: a bride

Poppy: sleep, consolation

Roses: passionate love

Sunflower: pride, riches

Sweet pea: departure

Tulip: ardent love

Violet; steadfastness

Willow: forsaken love

Zinnia: thoughts of absent friends

Spring luncheon for Mujeres en Cambio
By Joan Strouse

Mujeres en Cambio Luncheon
Thu, Mar 13, 2pm
Hacienda de las Flores
Hospicio 16
Tickets need to be purchased in advance
120 pesos, Casa de Papel

Mujeres en Cambio has been helping rural women stay in school and realize their educational dreams for the past 13 years.

We are very proud of the work we continue to do to provide scholarships that help the next generation of Mexican women remain in school and have more economic and personal choices. The notion of helping women from the impoverished areas around San Miguel be able to stay in school began in 1995 when six San Miguel activists got together to brainstorm useful ideas to help young Mexican women have more opportunities through education and self-sufficiency projects. 

Currently Mujeres en Cambio supports 160 students thanks to the generous financial support from individuals, groups, and foundations in Mexico, the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. A dedicated group of women and men are committed to the continuing success of the organization and give willing of their time, energy, ideas, skills, and financial resources.

Besides having an impact on the individual young women who receive our modest monthly scholarships to stay in school and continue their education, Mujeres en Cambio has also made others in San Miguel think differently about the important role of education for women. Javier, who works in a San Miguel bank, feels that giving scholarships to young women can “really help change the way that Mexicans feel about their daughters and sisters.” A Spanish tutor and San Miguel native, Alejandra, believes that Mujeres en Cambio scholarship recipients are, “Mexico’s future, we need to invest in the next generation. I am so glad that Mujeres en Cambio is able to help to see that these girls have good opportunities”, she tells me. Eva, a vendor in the Ignacio Ramirez market, wished that she could have gotten financial assistance to help her with her studies when she was younger. Finally, Diego, who delivers mail in San Miguel, told me that he was “impressed to know that there are people in town who really want to help to so
lve the educational crisis we have here.” It’s gratifying to know that Mujeres en Cambio is making a difference.

Our upcoming spring luncheon, at Hacienda de las Flores, is on Thursday, March 13. The guest chef is Michele Vallon owner of the Night Kitchen Caterers. She will be preparing a Moroccan chicken tagine with couscous that will rock your taste buds! To round out the meal there will be a generous selection of mouth-watering salads and desserts prepared by the core members of Mujeres en Cambio. Please join us in a tranquil setting to share a meal, meet some very interesting people, and learn more about our programs to provide educational assistance to rural Mexican women.

Tickets are 120 pesos and must be purchased in advance from Casa de Papel, Mesones 57A (the China Palace building). Please purchase your ticket early as they sell out very quickly! For more information call Joan at 152-2820 (note that no phone reservations can be taken).

Mujeres en Cambio “At A Glance

Objective: To help rural young Mexican women gain an education and thus foster their self-sufficiency, self-esteem, and self-respect.

Members: Entirely composed of volunteers, the membership plans and organizes fundraising events to provide educational scholarships.

Scholarships: We currently support 160 students, promising young women recommended by their school’s principal and teachers. Continued receipt of a scholarship is dependent upon maintaining good grades. Annual high school scholarships are US$275. College students receive US$1000 annually.

Finances: We raise and pay out approximately US$75,000 per year. Administrative costs are nearly zero since most are funded by members. Exceptions include our legally required accountant and legal fees.

Legal status: We are a legally established nonprofit organization under Mexican Law. US tax-deductible donations may be made through “San Miguel Community Foundation.”

Information: Please visit www.mujeresencombio.com