March 13, 2009, Touching hands across the border at Centro de Crecimiento, By Bill Wilson, Volunteer Fair and Conference nearing sell-out, By Alexis White, Off to the races with Patronato pro Niños, By Ann Mauze & Gene Crane

Two health care professionals from the US, Alison Bassett, a doctoral student from North Carolina and Debra Reinhartsen, PhD (also from NC), spent the last week studying and sharing techniques with the staff at the Centro de Creicimiento, A.C. They discussed patterning (physical stimulation) and other techniques with Angellina Reveco, a kinesiologa at the center and took part in a conference on autism held this week. During their visit the two North Carolina women took part in classes; observed various treatments offered at the center and attended the conference.

Allison Bassett (left) and Dr. Reinhartsen discuss techniques with Mexican counterpart Angellina Reveco.

Volunteer Fair
Tue–Wed, Mar 17–18
Biblioteca Pública Patio

Volunteer Fair and Conference nearing sell-out
By Alexis White

A limited number of reservations remain for the second annual Volunteer Fair and Conference, a two-day event sponsored by The San Miguel Project in conjunction with the University of Texas/Pan American as well as the Biblioteca. Nonprofits wishing to reserve a table, at 100 pesos, should contact Ali Zerriffi at azerriffi@yahoo.com.

The fair will include a presentation for participating nonprofits by The San Miguel Project, and the introduction of the Foundation Center and demonstrations of its Cooperative Collection of directories and resources intended to help nonprofit organizations and individuals find sources of financing to carry on missions and initiate new projects.

“The Biblioteca is proud to be hosting this event,” said Gregory Diamant, president of the Biblioteca Pública de San Miguel de Allende, AC. “It is another example of our open-door policy to the community in general and the nonprofits in particular, because if we can help increase the level of volunteerism in the community, everyone benefits. We are also very pleased,” he added, “that the Biblioteca has been chosen as the site for the Foundation Center’s print and digital materials in central Mexico, and are looking forward to being of assistance to our nonprofits in researching and applying for grants from North American foundations in order to boost their efforts in the community.”

The San Miguel Project will host a program at 2pm on March 17, for participating organizations and their representatives. Snacks and refreshments will be served during this program, which will be an opportunity to learn more about this emerging, nonprofit supportive, “umbrella” organization. The San Miguel Project intends to serve nonprofits and the overall community by acting as a resource for nonprofit learning and training, an event clearinghouse and a coordinating entity for San Miguel.

“The fair is very important for the San Miguel community and this year it represents a first example of proposed cooperation,” said Diamant. “There are so many wonderful nonprofits doing work here.

We would like to see coordination of efforts between the organizations, volunteers, the government and the business community, and the website being put together by The San Miguel Project represents one of the steps toward this effort,” he added.

The Volunteer Fair has been a successful means by which organizations have increased

their volunteer base. Casita Linda was able to add to its core of supporters when it participated last year, and hopes to do the same this year. “We thought it was an excellent forum,” said Jean Gerber, executive director of this almost decade-old nonprofit that builds homes for the poorest of the poor in San Miguel and surrounding areas with the help of volunteers and the families that will live in them. “We recruited some great volunteers,” she noted. “We also met new people, were introduced to different nonprofits and in the end, formed cooperative alliances that will benefit the organizations and the people we serve.”

“The exposure and the good public relations are what make the Volunteer Fair work for us,” said Naomi Zerriffi, a working member of the board of El Charco del Ingenio, the nature reserve, conservatory and botanical garden that is considered San Miguel’s natural treasure and one of Mexico’s natural monuments. “It is a lot of fun,” she added.

“Everyone has a chance to learn about other organizations, read their literature, talk and find common ground that sometimes results in developing mutually beneficial projects and events. Last year’s Volunteer Fair also helped increase the number of people who visit El Charco and sign up for lectures and botanical tours.”

“The Rotary Club of San Miguel-Midday had many visitors to its table last year,” according to David Bossman, its president, who is looking forward to the same response this year. “The fair was well done and well organized. We were busy with many Biblioteca visitors

as well as fair attendees who had questions about our club and service projects. It was a

great opportunity for us to meet people, hand them literature and encourage them to

attend our weekly meetings, where we always have terrific speakers about everything from life issues, to living in San Miguel, to the many programs, organizations and cultural aspects happening in this wonderful Ciudad Mágica.”

As of press time, the following organizations are to be represented at the fair: Biblioteca

Pública, Casa Hogar Santa Julia, El Charco del Ingenio, The San Miguel Project, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Casita Linda, Patronato Pro Niños, Center for Global Justice, Jovenes Adelante, Rotary Club of San Miguel-Midday, CASA, Mujeres en Cambio, Centro de Crecimiento, Opera San Miguel, Apoyo a Gente Emprededora, Casa Ayuda, Sociedad Protectora de Animales, Patronato Pro Juventud San Miguelense, Feed the Hungry, La Fundacion Cultural Un Chorro De Literatura, Hospice San Miguel, Waldorf San Miguel Colegio, Via Organica and Aguas Fluviales de Vida.

Some of the NGOs at the Volunteers Fair

Biblioteca Pública
Address: Insurgentes 25, 152-1210
Website: www.bibliotecasma.com
Contact: Gregory Diamant, president, board of directors, gdiam99@gmail.com

Marjorie Zap, from Jóvenes Adelante

Jóvenes Adelante
Aldama 3, Box 175, SMA, Gto. México
Contact: Judy Boston bostonjudith@yahoo.com

Members of the Rotary Midday (Liz Powell, David Bossman)

Rotary Club of San Miguel-Midday
Website: www.rotarysma.org
Contact: David Bossman, president, at dbossman11@yahoo.com or 152-3001

Donations by check can be made out to: San Miguel Community Foundation (write “Midday Rotary”) and place in Box 171 A at La Conexión

CASA (Centro para los Adolescentes de San Miguel de Allende)
Website: www.casa.org.mx , www.casa.org.mx/sanmiguel.html
Contacts: Mary Murrell, 154-6060, Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm
Cynthia Villagran, director of development, 154-6060
Donations are tax-deductible in the US, Canada and Mexico

Mujeres en Cambio
Website: www.mujeresencambio.org
Contact: Roger Hind, vice president, 154-6552, VoIP phone (505) 629-4860, email: vicepres@mujeresencambio.org

Feed the Hungry San Miguel
Website: www.feedthehungrysma.org
Contact: Cathy Cooper Long, development director, c/o La Conexión, Aldama 3,
152-2402, contact@feedthehungrysma.org
Donations: Feed the Hungry San Miguel, Inc. (our 501(c)(3) US corporation),
220 N. Zapata Hwy., Suite 11, Laredo, TX 78043, (505) 349-3700 or Feed the Hungry A.C. (our Mexican Association Civil), c/o Aldama 3, Box 636, San Miguel, Gto., 37700

Ópera de San Miguel
David Manning: osmmembership@hotmail.com
Vonage (512) 215-4911, Mexico 154-9837

Hospice San Miguel
Website: www.hospicesma.org
Address: Manuel Rocha 35, La Lejona
Contact: Mark Baker, executive director, 154-4287, markb@hospicesma.org

Fluviales de Vida
Contact. Arturo Morales arturomoralestirado@gmail.com

First Annual Challenge Cup
A benefit for Patronato Pro Niños
Wed, Mar 18, 7-10pm
The Winery at Los Senderos
US$100
152-7796

Off to the races with Patronato pro Niños
By Ann Mauze & Gene Crane

There is no need to call your bookie or fill out a racing form for the first Patronato pro Niños “horse” race, although you might want to check out their fetlocks before the big day.

Twelve two-legged horsemen in four races will be vying for first place on March 18 at the Patronatos Pro Niños’ First Annual Challenge Cup at The Winery at Los Senderos. While they are sprinting, loping, or limping to the finish line, guests will be cheering their favorites on to victory.

These valiant stallions have volunteered their services before being turned out to the glue factory or a stud farm. They truly want to help raise money to provide health and dental care for San Miguel’s neediest children, and the stakes are high.

The front-runner has yet to be decided, but the contenders are:

Photo Phinish Philly – Known to his adoring radio fans in Philadelphia and his cronies in San Miguel as Gene Crane, this august horseman vows whether it’s win, place or show, he will most certainly phinish. Tip of the Day: Don’t be fooled by his age—this veteran of the track is in better shape than many of his younger competitors.

The Mexican Fury – Local realtor and entrepreneur Eric Cházaro is definitely not ready for the glue factory. He is in top form, a handsome colt with lots of miles ahead of him. Tip: Sometimes this horseman is such a gentleman that he may hold back to let others pass. Don’t let his good manners fool you. He always gets the job done.

Montezuma’s Revenge – His trainer warns that this horseman, Warren Hardy, runs like hell. Noted for his bright yellow accessories, most of Montezuma’s Revenge is verbal—and in a language not easily comprehended by gringos! Tip: This is no horse whisperer. Has a tendency to run off before the starting gun.

The Full Monty – This contender has streaked around some of the longest tracks in the world, unimpeded by racing silks or other regalia. All that his competitors see is Tom Ambrose’s backside when he leaves the starting gate. Tip: Photo finishes are ruled out when he’s in the lead.

Handi-Copter – Despite his wartime experiences, this peace-loving champion works hard—and plays hard. As development director of Patronato Pro Niños, Floyd Edwards always hovers above the fray. Tip: This is a proven winner owing to his sponsors and PPN’s young clients.

Risky Business – Always in the money, this frisky horseman loves a good chase for the bucks. Options are Kim Benner’s game, and these days he’s really feeling his oats. An outstanding competitor, he will give all racers a run for their money. Tip: Has a history of moving swiftly during tough times.

Mister Whiskers — A mysterious new entry to the San Miguel racing scene, George Hight claims the beard and mustache are not part of a disguise. In previous races, he has earned a reputation for always winning, usually by a hair. Tip: Good bet because his track record indicates he has never ended in a close shave.

Elmer’s Glue — This southern gentleman, Larkin Weekley, was a champion in the Low Downs and may be headed for the Slow Downs. The race will decide whether his future will be filled with mint juleps or a trip to the “you-know-where.” Tip: Elmer’s Glue has been seen warming up on the golf course and may be a surprise winner.

Abogado Delgado — If you are looking for a notorious notario, Joel Maurer could be the choice for you. Despite his attenuated appearance, when this fierce competitor sees a yellow ball in the distance, he’s at the finish line before his opponents look up. Tip: Neighs softly, but thunders ahead on a heavy hoof.

The Czech is in the Mail — This Czech is full of promises. The big question is, “Will he deliver?” Although Al Kocourek’s record has been hard to uncover, these races could validate his talents. Tip: With a lick and a prayer, he may be waiting for the others at the end of the track.

Challenger — Stepping high with his eye on victory, Christopher Finkelstein, is the horseman to watch! He knows his way around all tracks and is a viable contender in any race. Tip: Challenger is a favorite, but he could be held back by his sense of fair play.

Scotch Express — This front-runner has a fabulous flowing spirit and if Larry Sands wins his race, your victor’s cup of joy could be filled to the brim. If he doesn’t pull through, you could be on the rocks. Tip: he is a big, steady horse that lights up around sundown.

Fun For All—You Can Bet On It!

Proceeds from this exciting event will benefit the more than 10,000 children who receive medical and dental care from Patronato Pro Niños. And as at any good racetrack, you’ll be able to bet on the horseman of your choice. At 20 pesos or US$2.00 each, you can bet as many times as you like on all the races. Tip sheets will be handed out upon entrance to help you in your selection. Those with the most winning bets in each race will win a prize from a local merchant or restaurant. Prizes include gift certificates from Paul & Shark, The Restaurant, Sierra Nevada Orient Express, and Cerveza San Miguel.

To keep fans on their toes throughout the evening, there will also be dance music by Mannix, an open bar, botanas and a buffet. For 30 minutes prior to each race, glamorous roving bookettes will take your bets. Winners will be announced at the end of each race.

The Patronato Pro Niños Challenge Cup is part of PPN’s 2009 Spring Break week’s festivities and the public is invited to attend. Advance ticket sales only. Cash, check, or credit cards accepted. Tickets are $US100 each—or that day’s peso equivalent. You can order tickets over the phone by calling Lily at 152-7796. Or you can come to the Patronato Pro Nino’s Office at San Francisco 1, second floor. For a US tax deduction receipt, checks should be made out to FTC International.

Join our out-of-town Spring Break visitors for a memorable night of racing and dancing. No dress code, other than uptown or lowdown! For additional information, call Ann Mauzé at 150-0138 and leave a message.

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