Chili Cook-Off & Concert

Thomas Michael Riley, Mike Blakely & John Arthur Martinez
Benefit for Centro de Crecimiento
Sat, Jan 24, noon–6pm
Real de Minas Hotel
Ancha de San Antonio & Stirling Dickinson
80 pesos; children under 8 free
cencre@cybermatsa.com.mx  or call 152-6039

Chili Cook-off—it’s the hottest in town!

Where is the hottest place to be this weekend? At the hotel Real de Minas for the Third Annual Chili-Cook-off, of course! The afternoon promises delicious food and drink as well as great entertainment, all for the benefit of Centro de Crecimiento. All proceeds from this year’s event, as in the previous two years, go to the Centro de Crecimiento, an institution that for more than 30 years has helped rehabilitate children with special needs.

Terlingua champion cooks and 30 local cooks will be serving their best trying to win over the crowd. And last year’s crowd pleaser—the best margarita contest—is expected to result in some interesting mixes. More contests have been added: best beans, best sauce, the ugliest and craziest hat and, for our four-legged friends, the best-dressed dog. The Charros de Atotonilco perfom Mexican cowboy tricks.

But the entertainment doesn’t stop there. International singers Mike Blakely, Thomas Michael Riley and John Arthur Martinez will perform during the day. Riley, two-time winner of the Hill Country Entertainer of the Year Award, is an outstanding performer and an accomplished songwriter. 

With them on stage, the 2009 Cook-off promises to be the best yet, including not just great food and fun but also a front-row seat to a country music jam session by three of Texas’s best.

The Annual Chili Cook-off began quietly but enthusiastically with 12 local cooks and a crowd of 300 but its popularity has grown exponentially: more than 1,200 people attended last year’s event. This year, with international guest cooks, the organizers are hoping to break their own records. 

Tickets are available at Centro de Crecimiento, Pegaso, Casa Maxwell and the Jardín.

Centro de Crecimiento, A.C.
Zamora Rios 6, Col. Allende 
Contacts: Lucha Maxwell, Adriana Pando & Mary Jones, 
152-0318 & 152-6039, Mon–Fri, 8am–4 pm; cencre@cybertmatsa.com 
Website: www.centrodecrecimiento.org 

For over three decades, the Center has served a number of people with physical disabilities, always seeking to improve the quality of life of patients and students in addition to integrating them into society as responsible and productive children within a framework of acceptance and tolerance.

Services include optometry, orthopedic therapy, x-rays, early stimulation, physical therapy, a school of special education, equine therapy, psychotherapy, communication and language therapy, support groups for parents and other family members, violence prevention, self-esteem therapy and nutrition classes. 

Supporters can sponsor a child with US$25 monthly or make a one-time or annual donation.

Benefit Tea for Casa de los Angeles

Thurs, Jan 29, 4-6pm
Casa de la Cuesta
San Jose 32 
info Kay Miller, 154-4805 or kcmiller0611@msn.com
100 pesos

Teatime for little angels

Casa de la Cuesta B & B will host a series of monthly teas in support of Casa de los Angeles, a free daycare and support center for Mexican mothers and their children. Casa de la Cuesta owners and art collectors, Heidi and Bill Le Vasseur open two of the unique components of the facility—Bill’s world class collection on Mexican masks and Heidi’s gallery of Mexican folk art.

Casa de Los Angeles recently opened a second center, in Colonia Santa Julia, that provides child care and two nutritious meals a day to 100 children and their families. This is in addition to the original center in Colonia San Antonio, which cares for another 50 children and their families. 

San Miguel Walk Against Domestic Violence

Sat, Jan 24, 6:30am
Harry’s
Hidalgo 12
Sign up in the Jardín
Fri, Jan 23, noon–3pm 
US$25

Walkers against violence join San Juan pilgrims

Participants in the sixth annual San Miguel Walk Against Domestic Violence will meet at 6:30am on January 24 at Harry’s New Orleans Café & Oyster Bar to check in and collect their name tags and water bottles before heading to the Jardín. Walkers will follow the pilgrims (sanjuaneros) as they leave the Parroquia at 7am to begin their nine-day journey to visit the miraculous image of the Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos.

“It’s thrilling to be part of this experience,” says Yolanda del Rio, a participant in last year’s San Miguel Walk. “There were mothers carrying babies, families, thousands of people. As we walked down calle Canal last year behind the Indian dancers, people were lining the streets—handing out fruit and coffee and wishing us well.”

Those in the walk against domestic violence will walk to La Cieneguita, approximately seven kilometers away. The CASA van and volunteers using their own cars will provide return transportation. Walkers are invited to return to CASA for tours of the facility beginning at 10am and a light lunch at 11am.

Each walker is asked to make a minimum donation of US$25 for the Violence Prevention Program at CASA (Centro para los Adolescentes de San Miguel). The first 50 walkers to raise or donate US$50 will receive a T-shirt. “Every peso and penny will go to CASA’s program,” says Trish Snyder, the San Miguel Walk organizer for 2009. “Costs of the walk have been underwritten by the generosity of sponsors including Harry’s, Tacos Don Felix and San Miguel Drivers.”

San Miguel Walk participants include more than 30 peer educators from CASA, midwives, CASA volunteers, tourists and San Miguel residents. Two groups of men are walking as teams.

Donations to the San Miguel Walk are tax-deductible. For more information, go to www.casa.org.mx or  contact Trish Snyder at (415) 111-7396 or tsmar30@aol.com. 

Some signs of domestic abuse

The goals of the San Miguel Walk against Domestic Violence are twofold: to increase awareness of the worldwide problem of domestic violence and to raise funds to support the services of CASA’s Violence Prevention Program. The following are some signs of possible abuse.

Injuries and excuses: In some cases, bruises and injuries may occur frequently and be in obvious places. When frequent injuries are seen by others, the victim may talk about being clumsy or tell elaborate stories of how the injuries occurred. Bruises and other outward injuries also may be inflicted in places where the injuries will not show.

Absences from work or school: When severe beatings or other trauma related to violence occur, the victim may take time off from her normal schedule. 

Low self-esteem: Some victims have low self-esteem, whereas others have confidence and esteem in other areas of their lives (at work, as parents, with hobbies, etc.) but not within the relationship, where they may feel powerless. Victims may believe they could not make it on their own or that they are somehow better off with abusers as part of their lives.

Personality changes: People may notice a very outgoing person becoming quiet and shy around her partner over time, because the one being battered “walks on eggshells” when in the presence of the one who is abusive. 

Fear of conflict: As a result of being battered, some victims may generalize the experience of powerlessness with other relationships. Conflicts with co-workers, friends, relatives and neighbors can create a lot of anxiety. For many, it is easier to give in to whatever someone else wants than to challenge it. 

Passive-aggressive behavior: Adults or children who have experienced violence from a loved one may lose the ability to identify feelings and desires and to express them. Rather than telling others what they want, they exhibit passive-aggressive behaviour. They say one thing but then express anger or frustration by burning dinner or not completing a report on time for the boss.

Self-blame: You may notice someone taking all the blame for things that go wrong. 

Isolation and control: In general, adults who are abused physically are often isolated. Their partners tend to control their lives to a great extent as well as to verbally degrade them. This isolation is intended to make the abuser the center of the victim’s universe and to purposefully limit the victim’s access to others who might attempt to help the victim escape. 

Stress-related problems: These often manifest as poor sleep, sleeping at strange times (also a sign of depression), experiencing nonspecific aches or pains that are either constant and/or recurring, stomach problems, chronic headaches and flare-ups of problems made worse by stress such as eczema.


Characteristics of potential abusers

The National Technical Assistance Center on Family Violence published this list of traits often found in abusers.

Did the person grow up in a violent family? People who grow up in families in which they were abused as children or in which one parent—usually the father—beats the other, are likely to become wife-beaters or child-beaters, or both. They have grown up learning that violence is normal behavior. 

Do they tend to use force or violence to “solve” their problems? A young person who has a criminal record for violence, who gets into fights or who likes to act tough is likely to act the same way with his partner and children. 

Do they abuse alcohol or other drugs? Violence and problems with drugs and alcohol are strongly linked. 

Does he think poorly of himself? Does he guard his masculinity by trying to act tough? 

Does he have strong traditional ideas about what a man should be and what a woman should be? Does he think a woman should stay at home, take care of her husband and follow his wishes and orders? Does he act like women are second-class citizens? 

Is he jealous, not just of other men you may know but also of your girlfriends and family? Does he keep tabs on you? Does he want to know where you are at all times? 

Does he play with guns, knives, or other lethal instruments? Does he talk of using them against people or threaten to use them to “get even”? 

Does he expect you to follow his orders or advice? Does he become angry if you do not fulfill his wishes or if you cannot anticipate what he wants? 

Does he go through extreme highs and lows, as though he is almost two different people? Is he extremely kind sometimes and extremely cruel at other times? 

When he gets angry, do you fear him? Do you find that avoiding making him angry has become a major part of your life? Do you do what he wants you to do, rather than what you want? 

Does he treat you roughly? Does he physically force you to do what you do not want to do? Abuse during dating is a guarantee of later—and more violent—abuse. 

Do you feel threatened by him? Have you changed your life so you will not make him angry?

Playing games for a good cause
By Julie Galosy

Card & Games Party
Benefit for Hospice San Miguel
Sun, Feb 22, noon–5 pm 
Casa de Sierra Nevada
Hospicio 35
150 pesos

Hospice San Miguel is excited that Casa de Sierra Nevada has agreed to host its first Card & Games Party. The venue will be at the main hotel, where tables will be set up for any game that participants bring with them: bridge, poker, Mexican trains, Mahjong, or whatever.

The idea is that friends will get together and plan the game they want to play, collect everything they need for the game and come to the hotel for a fun-filled afternoon. This event was modeled after the card parties that occur frequently in the US, giving friends the opportunity to spend an afternoon together playing a game for a good cause.

The hotel has prepared a specially priced lunch for purchase with tempting selections designed for quick preparation and ease of serving. We don’t want to interrupt the games for any length of time. A cash bar will add to the festivities.

No Card & Games Party would be complete without attendance prizes and we have some fantastic ones. Along with dinners-for-two from several of San Miguel’s restaurants, we have spa treatments from Maria Ofelia, a gift from San Miguel Designs, a choice of a one-of-a-kind ring designed by Kim Cevora, another unique piece of jewelry from Argentine artist Sobral, a personal walking tour guided by Bob Graham and a one-hour in-home massage from Lynea Nagle. In addition, we have several donations from businesses and private individuals.

Tickets are on sale at Border Crossings, Mesones 57 & Fábrica La Aurora; La Conexión, Aldama 3; La Victoriana, Hernández Macías 72; and Solutions, Recreo 11.

Volunteers will be available at the event to help people to find their parties, take tickets and award attendance prizes. In such a lovely space with a nice meal, great wine, fun games, your friends and a great cause—what could be better!

Spread the word—not the germs
By Ann Mauzé

Can’t you hear those voices commanding you to wash your hands? They could have belonged to your mom, your teacher, or some other caring adult. But no matter how annoying it was to be reminded over and over again, or be the target of someone’s eagle-eyed scrutiny during a clean hands inspection, you have to admit they were right. Washing you hands does make a difference in maintaining good health and avoiding catching or passing along contagious diseases.

Patronato Pro Niños (PPN), the organization that provides healthcare prevention and intervention services for children of San Miguel’s poorest families, is launching a campaign, Lávate Tus Manos, to promote washing hands often and properly. It is targeted at 44,000 school children and their classroom teachers throughout the area. PPN healthcare professionals and volunteers have begun to contact local schools about the program and how it will benefit the pupils. Laminated instructions will be placed in school bathrooms, brochures will be distributed to parents, and bookmarks with a humorous reminder to scrub off the germs will be given to each child.

In a region where water is scarce and, in some villages has to be brought in and stored, the task of educating target audiences about the importance of good hygiene can be even more challenging. There are schools with bathrooms, but no plumbing. There are schools in which two pails of water are in each classroom for hand washing: one for soaping and one for rinsing.

Mary Carruth, a PPN board member and registered nurse, emphasizes that the PPN staff and volunteers will work with each school to develop an individually tailored program that can succeed despite water limitations. Eventually, Patronato Pro Niños hopes to get this important safety message into all restrooms in public facilities throughout San Miguel.

Why is hand washing so important? Every day children come into contact with germs, which can be spread directly to other people or onto surfaces that other people touch. The end result is the enhanced potential for spreading illnesses. A study of 305 school children conducted by Wirthlin Worldwide, an international research firm, found that youngsters who washed their hands four times a day had 24 percent fewer sick days due to respiratory illness and 51 percent fewer days lost because of stomach upset.

As an adult, you probably think you are an expert on the subject, so ask yourself the following questions and add up your score. Correct answers are below.


1. Are germs (a) visible (b) invisible (c) both?

2. Can you get your hands clean with warm water without soap? (a) yes (b) no

3. Is it necessary to scrub your hands vigorously? (a) yes (b) no

4. What is the minimum amount of time you need to wash your hands to get them clean? (a) 20 seconds (b) 45 seconds (c) one minute

5. Can you name eight instances in which washing your hands is imperative to rid them of germs? 

The answers are: 1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. Before and after eating; after using the toilet or changing a diaper; after handling pets and their objects; after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing; before handling any food; after handling garbage or trash; and when hands are visibly dirty, as often as possible.

Whether you came through with flying colors or landed in the “needs improvement” category, please wash your hands after reading this. Patronato Pro Niños is asking you to spread the words, not the germs.

For more information about PPN’s Lávate Tus Manos program and how you can become involved, contact Mary Carruth at 152-2177 or Lupita Landeros in the Patronato Pro Niños Development Office at 152-7796.

Super Bowl party helps Rotary score a goal

Rotary Super Bowl Party
Sun, Feb 1, 4:30pm 
Longhorn Smokehouse 
Salida a Celaya 6
150 pesos

The hottest ticket in town right now is for the 43rd Annual Super Bowl Party to be hosted by the Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende-Midday at the Longhorn Smokehouse. The event, which will be limited to about 125 people, will raise funds to help Rotary help our San Miguel community.

“This is our inaugural Super Bowl Party,” said David Bossman, Midday Rotary’s president. “We intend to make it an annual event to help us continue to help the community with projects such as water harvesting in San Miguel Viejo and Los Torres and Hospice San Miguel, as well as others. Over its brief four-year history Midday Rotary has initiated grants totalling US$175,000 to create brighter futures for many in San Miguel.”

The ticket cost will also cover a lunch of two hot dogs or one Longhorn hamburger. Door prizes, a cash bar and pools will be available at the event. Tickets can be purchased at Longhorn Smokehouse or Select Real Estate at Jesús 5 or by contacting John Doherty at 044 (415) 115-8239 or Larry Castriotta at (415) 154-5749.

VIP Club teams with Biblioteca
By Atención staff

The Biblioteca Pública and The VIP Club of San Miguel have teamed up in an effort to help increase library membership. Between now and February 28, buy or renew a one-year VIP Club membership at the Biblioteca and the VIP Club will pay for your new library card.

Membership is 400 pesos and the offer is only valid at the Biblioteca.

VIP Club members are entitled to discounts on food and beverages at over 50 of San Miguel’s restaurants. Members enjoy additional discounts on other services, such as dry cleaning, dental work, auto parts, house paint, propane gas, boutiques, eyeglasses, spas, pharmaceuticals and more. The list of participating merchants is available at the VIP Club’s website at www.vipsanmiguel.com/. 

VIP Club San Miguel has been in existence since 2000. It is the brainchild of local writer Lou Christine, who said, “Back then, I figured that since San Miguel is a tourist town, prices for food and drink are higher here than in most places in Mexico. Maybe restaurants would be willing to give locals a break, or to take a chance on developing new customers at the same time.” Christine also noticed that during periods other than peak seasons a large percentage of San Miguel restaurants were operating at about 15-percent occupancy.

“First, we had to enlist a line-up of restaurants,” Christine explained. “Owners asked how many members we had. At first, the answer was none. My pitch was that locals are here year round. Their tips can help keep waiters going during the off-season, and with more volume there is less wastage of food. If people know they’re getting a discount, they might be apt to upgrade their meals or drinks.” 

Currently, the VIP Club has around 600 members on its roster. 

Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel 

Annual Meeting

The Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, A.C in accordance with its by-laws will hold its annual meeting on Friday, February 20, at 11am in the library’s Sala Quetzal, Insurgentes 25. The meeting is open to library members and the general public. 

The agenda of the Annual Meeting is 

1. Verification of Quorum, 

2. Annual Report from the President of the Board of Directors

2. Annual Report of the Treasurer


Election announcement

Elections for various positions on the Board of Directors of the Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel will be held Friday, March 6, 2009. Voting will be held at the 11am until 4pm Sala Quetzal, Biblioteca Pública, Insurgentes 25. In order to vote, members must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid library card.

The nominating committee of the Biblioteca Pública has proposed the following candidates:

For Vice-President: Dale Eby

For Treasurer: Patric Ellsworth

For Members at Large (2): Ricardo Gordillo and Rita de Brito

Additional nominations may be made by submitting a petition to the Nominating Committee signed by at least 25 members of the Biblioteca Pública at least 30 days before the election day.

Bellas Artes piano repaired
By Ernesto de la Peña Folch 

During November and December, we raised funds at Bellas Artes for the repair of the piano in our auditorium. We had a generous response.

I was confident we would reach the goal, knowing the San Miguel community’s great interest in music. Donations were of different kinds: some helped with meals, some offered rooms, some money.

This demonstrates the love and respect the people who live in San Miguel have for the Cultural Center, so we want to offer our most sincere thanks. As many people know, El Nigromante is one of the most important art venues in a region known for excellent exhibitions, concerts, courses and lectures.

With regard to the collected money, all funds were tallied each week and the total came to 16,030.50 pesos. The total cost of the restoration was 17,100.00 pesos plus tax, so we were able to do the repair. Thank you to all.

Ernesto de la Peña Folch directs Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante” at Hernández Macías 75, popularly known as Bellas Artes.

William DeWitt Snodgrass
By Bill Pearlman

Falstaffian mildness in a sure mind, raconteur who loved his good food and wine, timely companion over the poetic fields, lover of the beat (a tympanist) & the grand tone, pivoting in the American grain with an old sound, though modern in ways, certainly alive and a refreshing force in our Mexican town.

Once we had dinner at his place, and I asked
if he had read The New American Poets Don Allen
had assembled; he said only Philip Whalen;
He & Kathy came to my first Writers Aloud
Reading, and I introduced them and was pleased.

We had a long conversation about Simone Weil
one afternoon, how her deep religious integrity
was foreign to him, though she had done great
things in her way and was a force of nature,
as was William DeWitt Snodgrass. Adios, De,
you will long be remembered.