FORUMS & LETTERS

Editor:

More than a year ago, I read of a request for funds by Nelly Lorenzo, owner of Border Crossings, benefactor and longtime organizer of the Three Kings party held each year at Mexiquito for the children of the three casas hogares. This particular need was to help fund a new dormitory project to house 12 of the older boys who live at Mexiquito. 

When I investigated, I found that the madres of the Dominican order are assigned there but not provided support by the church and rely solely on donations to operate day to day. Various foundations provide food, such as Feed the Hungry, and the San Miguel Educational Foundation generously supports the current dormitory project. A few quiet benefactors have provided ongoing support for the 30 boys at the casa hogar.

Major contributors meeting recently learned that the construction for the new dormitories had been funded, but that finishing and furnishings had not been included. This means that the boys would now be housed in larger rooms, with more privacy and would have new, functional washrooms with shower facilities. They would also have special places to put their clothes and private possessions. The places are there now, almost ready for occupancy, but not the beds, the dressers, the closets, the doors or the tables and chairs for doing homework.

Already many generous and caring people donated to a fund for this purpose. We are almost halfway to our goal. Anyone who would like to help complete the project and make the lives of the young boys at Mexiquito more comfortable have two options.

On Saturday, February 9, from 6–9pm, Fábrica La Aurora is holding its fourth anniversary open house. The fountain in the entrance courtyard will be dedicated for the evening to Mexiquito as a wishing well. We invite all those who attend to make a wish and toss what they can into the fountain. 

Those who prefer to make a further donation may do so directly with one of the volunteers stationed at the fountain, or by contacting Brian Care that night in his studio/gallery or by phone:152-8178.

On behalf of the madres and the boys of Mexiquito, please accept our thanks in advance for your support.

Brian Care 

Editor,

I wish to share my story in the hope it will save others from my experience. Separated from two friends I was walking alone at 2:45pm along Ancha de San Antonia just past calle Cardo. I saw a Mexican man walking determinedly towards me so I moved and just glimpsed another man to my far right. The bigger man came behind me covering my mouth and nose while the smaller man ransacked my handbag, hidden under my sweater. They couldn't remove my handbag. One man twisted my hair, pushing my face into the brick wall and pulling out my hair to the roots. I knew I was suffocating, losing consciousness. As a passer-by approached us, they dropped me and ran past him into a waiting taxi. They had taken my wallet and all my credit cards and money.


The district policeman came and took details and a mounted police officer appeared, telling me I had to go to the police station where I would get medical attention and then they left. I had no money or ID and could not contact my friends. A nearby realty company lent me a phone to contact my husband in Canada to cancel my credit card. The young man from the office took me to a police station where I was supposed to see a doctor. Three hours after the incident I had still received no medical treatment. The police wanted me to sign a document in Spanish (I do not speak Spanish, much less read it) detailing information regarding the taxi that had picked me up at Mega—to them that seemed to be the most important event. But I was not prepared to sign what they had written without knowing what it said. The district police never contacted me.

I am healing emotionally and physically. I have wonderful friends and family. I am very fit, but was no match for two strong men. Be careful!

Sylvia Bradley




Chili Cook-off a huge success

At last year’s Chili Cook-Off to benefit Centro de Crecimiento, the community’s response was so overwhelming that we ran out of chili and a number of people were dissatisfied. This year we had plenty of chili but ran out of tickets! A roll of 1,000 tickets was sold and late-comers were admitted with cash. The final count was over 1,200.

New this year was 20 Champion Chili Cooks from Texas, all of whom were either US regional or national winners. The crowd enjoyed music by Texan Thomas Michael Riley and charro performances by Escaramusa Cocomacon from Dolores Hidalgo and Charros del Santuario de Atotonilco. 

Jose and Bertha Guerra won Best International Chili prize and Best Local Chili prize went to Jaime Fenton. Courtnay Pelch won the Best Beans prize. Best Margarita and People’s Choice went to Gustos Bar, owned by Laurie Sandefer and Lisa Tyson. 

Barbara Porter judged the Crazy Hat Contest in favor of Terry Weathers.

The organizing committee wishes to thank all participants, volunteers, the 27 vendors and attendees for their great support. A special thanks to the Hotel Real De Minas for donating the venue.

Details of financial proceeds to the Centro de Crecimiento will be announced when all the accounting is completed. The final tally is expected to exceed 100,000 pesos. For many years the Centro de Crecimiento has provided state-of-the-art therapy and education for the children with disabilities in San Miguel and surrounding areas.

Mary Jones