www.rotarysma.org                                                                                                    San Miguel de Allende, Gto., México

2007

25 December - No meeting

18 December - Madrigal singers, a special holiday program

11 December - Speaker on Oriental Medicine

4 December - Annual Meeting with election of Officers for 2008-9.  No speaker.

27 November - Susan Page will be our speaker.   She has been working with couples since 1980 and pioneered a new type of couples group in which only one member of the couple attends the group. She teaches couples how to apply universal spiritual principles within their marriage. This work has been called "cutting edge" by relationship expert Harville Hendrix. It is a very unusual approach to relationships because it is NOT about how to communicate better but instead focuses on unilateral loving actions, so that one partner alone can have a major impact on the relationship.
 

20 November - Speaker: Dr. James Bourque Starr, professional speaker, author, healer and teacher is dedicated to opening the hearts and minds of his students and audiences with his fresh and innovative methods that lead toward a path of fulfillment in life, business and health.  

13 November -  Miguel Kegel of the Bibliotheca Publica will be speaking on our Rural Library project

6 November - Speaker: Rafael Gonzalez Aguilar, Fund Manager at Intercam Casa de Cambio, with an  update on the Mexican economy.

30 October -  Fred Stresen-Reuter will be discussing the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead ceremonies.   This is his wonderful full 45 minute presentation.

23 October - Mario Mendoza who is vice-director of El Charco del Ingenio  will discuss the work at this San Miguel botanical garden.  On July 8th El Charco celebrated its 16th anniversary from its opening date in July 1991. El Charco 's nature preserve covers more than 170 acres. It is a major tourist attraction with nearly 14,000 visitors in 2006. It's miles of hiking trails takes visitors past breathtaking views of the city of San Miguel, high-walled canyons and lakes with nesting waterfowl. El Charco botanical garden is committed to the restoration of native vegetation and maintains an extensive botanical collection of Mexican flora and fauna. In 1995 the Garden was awarded the National Prize of Ecological Merit by the Mexican Government.

16 October - Robert Uzzo, on drug treatment programs and rehabilitation therapies; an unfortunate problem affecting so many families today.   His lecture concerned the therapies related to drug addiction, namely the 12 steps procedure and its intricacies. 

The Twelve Step tradition is a time tested Method of recovery from various obsessive-compulsive behaviors which the affected individuals believe have made their lives unmanageable.  These simple tools for living have been used by millions of people to successfully change their lives and recover from negative and even life threatening behaviors.  They are based on a set of Spiritual (not religious) principles originally created by Alcoholics Anonymous in the United States in 1935.  Anonymity as a Spiritual principle is the underpinning of the Twelve-Step way of life.  Sharing and supporting in groups with like-minded individuals and ongoing fellowship is a major ingredient in the success of the program.

9 October - It affects the lives of 1.3 billion of the world’s population. Every year, 15 million people die from poverty-related causes in both developed and developing areas. The statistics are staggering, and the task of creating solutions is daunting.  The challenge for Rotarians is to identify ways to assist those in need and at the same time help people help themselves. Rotarians have a unique opportunity to make a difference in the war against poverty, not with charity, but through a business enterprise, through revolving loan funds (also called microcredit or village banking).  This program is offered by Rotary International and many other organizations. 

Revolving Loans, also called microcredit or village banking, are projects that organize low-income persons, usually women, to borrow money, animals, or equipment to facilitate small economic self-help enterprises. The funds continue to revolve; funds are loaned to beneficiaries, repaid and loaned again, hopefully in perpetuity.  The ultimate goal is for these entrepreneurs to become financially independent and eligible for loans from commercial banks.   

Our guest speaker will be Juan Gabriel Guerrero.  Sr. Guerrero is the Manager of FINCA (Foundation for Integral Community A.C.) an international organization that grants microcredit loans for low income women that want to start or increase a business.   This branch of FINCA covers communities close to Celaya, San Luis de la Paz and San Juan del Rio.

2 October - Club assembly - no speaker

25 September -  San Miguel photographer and author, Robert de Gast spoke on "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Jardín",  an informal and light-hearted talk about his adventures (and misadventures) in getting to know San Miguel and learning about the often delightful (and sometimes frustrating) differences in language and culture between Mexico and the rest of the world.  He talked about the Jardín and the role it plays in being our "living-room."

18 September - Mexican Revolution of 1810.  In this month of Mexican national festivities, is the celebration of the Revolution of 1810.   This was an armed conflict between the people of Mexico and the Spanish colonial authorities.    The stage for Mexican independence was set by political and economic changes in Europe and the American colonies during the late 18th and 19th centuries.  These changes plus the Napoleonic wars diverted the attention of Spain from its colonies, leaving a vacuum of authority and the desire for local government.    Speaking to the Club on this important and timely subject was Gerald Baker of San Miguel de Allende.     

Gerald Baker was born and educated in Mexico City, and attended university in the U.K.  He hold as B.A. in Latin American studies and a post-graduate Certificate in Education.  He has been teaching and developing Spanish and English courses since 1980, has directed research on language usage at the U.N.A.M. and is the founder and director of LanguagePoint

11 September - Roberto Octavio Diaz de Campo was the guest speaker.  His talk “Libraries in Mexico: Are they for everyone?” will deal with issues of the use of technology to allow libraries to serve the entire spectrum of the population.  This exciting concept blends with Rotary-based programs. 

Robert Octavio Diaz a pioneer in the detection, integration, and application of technical solutions to problems that exist within Mexico and Latin America.    He earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1968, with a Masters in Administration and Industrial Technology from the Instituto Fromazione Quadri in Ivrea, Italy in 1973.   After a career in various aspects of the automotive business, he founded Antarq Technosoluciones, Inc of C.V. in 1998.  He has been a major innovator in bringing technology and especially computers to help those with special needs.    Specifically, he has been working on developing software for the Blind for many years and has worked all over Mexico.  He is a former candidate (Green Party) for Mayor and has been a SMA resident for almost 10 years

4 September - Osteoporosis, degenerative problems of the spine and joints, arthritis, pain, joint replacements – these are all problems that we might be faced with as we get older. New, minimally invasive procedures are being developed and offered.

Dr. Lee Ansell and Dr. Thomas Parr from the Foundation Surgical Hospital in Houston, Texas, both of whom will be speaking to the Club. The trend in modern surgery is to find increasingly less invasive and traumatic ways to treat the various ailments that require operations. The surgeons and staff at Foundation Surgical Hospital in Houston, Texas, are committed to developing and adopting the latest techniques for treating degenerative problems of the spine and joints.

One of these problems, and the subject of Dr Ansells' remarks, is lumbar spinal stenosis, which results from degenerative arthritis of the spine. Dr. Ansell explains, “It is a common problem and a consequence of the normal wear and tear on the joints of our spine. The discs and associated joints enlarge as a result of the arthritis. The spinal canal slowly becomes narrow, and eventually this puts pressure on the nerves when a person stands. The person experiences pain that usually starts in the low back as soon as they stand, then gradually goes down the legs and gets worse the longer they stand or walk. As soon as they sit down, the pain subsides. When a person is sitting, there’s usually no pressure on the nerves. When they stand, the spinal canal gets slightly narrower and the nerves get pinched (which causes the pain). It is a problem that usually requires surgery; non-surgical treatments are seldom very effective.”

Traditionally, the surgery required is called a laminectomy, a procedure that involves extensive removal of the overgrown bone and joint material. This is often quite painful and requires weeks for recovery. A newer procedure, interspinous distraction decompression, requires little if any bone removal, takes much less time to perform, and usually results in much less post-operative pain. Patients usually resume normal activities within one to two weeks, as opposed to eight to twelve weeks for laminectomy.”

Dr. Ansell discussed the condition of lumbar spinal stenosis and the interspinous distraction decompression procedure and entertain questions after his presentation.

Dr Thomas Parr, who specializes in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine, spoke on his specialties of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle; minimally invasive joint replacement surgery of the hip and knee; and joint replacement surgery of the shoulder.

28 August - A 2-part presentation: Linda Scholey, a Rotarian from Sonora Mexico who has visited our club with her husband  gave a short presentation on Skymed (Medical evacuation).  Also, a classification talk by Jeff Castner.

21 August - Dan Rodriquez , visiting Rotarian from the Jurupa Rotary Club of Redlands, California. Dan provided a vivid account of their clubs’ assistance to the community of Pass Christian, Mississippi, which was virtually destroyed by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The storm surge from Hurricane Katrina that hit Pass Christian was estimated at 30-37 feet, leveling Pass Christian up to half a mile inland from the shore of the Gulf of Mexico.  The Rotary Clubs of District 5330 in the Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of California, created a group called ‘STARS’ (Service to American Rotarians) to identify and assist in projects that would benefit other Rotarians in need. Dan Rodriguez, through his club and other clubs in STARS, traveled to Pass Christian to assist in community reconstruction projects.

14 August - Lou Christine, a "contemporary American folk writer” who just returned from a series of visits to Cuba was the guest speaker at the Midday Rotary club meeting on Tuesday, August 14th. His talk will be “One Man’s view of Cuba”.

7 August - Dr. Cesar A. Gil Hoyos of Medico Cirujano y Homeopata, was the guest speaker. Dr. Gil talked about alternative medicine and anti-aging.

31 July - Speaker: Ed Clancy, American Consul in San Miguel de Allende discussed the intricacies of his role as Consul, and the interaction he has with local authorities.

24 July - Speaker: Susana Alonso Martinez.   A presentation on Stained Glass production....a cultural experience. In her presentation, she will discuss the history and techniques used in stained glass production.

17 July - Speaker:  Dr. David E. Rowe, President of Patronato Pro Niños.  Dr. Rowe spoke about the role of his organization in our community.  Founded in 1970, Patronato Pro Niños de San Miguel de Allende, A. C. is a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to providing free or low-cost care to low-income children in the municipality of San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. Last year, they provided medical attention to more than 2,500 children and dental care to more than 2,000 children. The work of Patronato Pro Niños is carried out through fund-raising efforts, the support of national and foreign volunteers and the assistance of their administrative team.

10 July - Club Assembly.  President Gordon Logan presented ideas for the coming year.

3 July - Speakers: Joanie Barcal, Dr. Roberto Maxwell, and Lee Carter.  Hospice services are much needed in San Miguel.   With over 8000 permanent expatriate residents who have made San Miguel their home and 68,000 national residents, there are no adequate services for quality end-of-life comfort care. Hospices in the  United States and other countries offer a team of professionals who provide physical, emotional, spiritual care to those facing grave illnesses.  Hospice care is for the patient and his family caregivers. Beginning in the summer of 2007, San Miguel will have its own hospice providing the same  standard of care found throughout the world.

Hospice adds life to days when days can no longer be added to life. Past efforts to create a hospice in San Miguel have been unsuccessful because of the lack of medications and the ability to alleviate pain. Hospice San Miguel has fortunately been able to resolve this issue. Hospice San Miguel, an effort of over 2500 volunteer hours to date, will be ready to provide this comprehensive service in the summer of 2007.   Many of us consider San Miguel our home. Yet, we are “forced” to abandon our home and go elsewhere for comfort treatment at the end of our lives. That is no longer the case.

   30 June - Party for Rotarians, awards, induction of new officers for the year 2007-2008.

26 June - Rotarian Robert Baines showed videos of the District conference.

19 June - Closed session to discuss issues of importance to the Club.

12 June - Speaker - Donald Patterson, Director of Environment and Ecology, for San Miguel de Allende.  In the prior administration he served in the Department of Urban Development. Mr. Patterson will discuss his 3 year plan for the Department of Environment and Ecology.

5 June - No speaker.  Club assembly.

29 May - Speaker: Roberto Salcedo, a local businessman and a member of the cultural group called “Fiestas, Costumbres y Tradiciones.”  An aficionado of  San Miguel’s culture and history, Salcedo discussed  one of the most sacred plants of the high plains of Mexico—the Magey.  He believes strongly that San Miguel should become a World Heritage Site (UNESCO) and has been working with local government officials so that the city will qualify for that designation.

22 May - Speaker: Guillermo Mendez.  Mr. Mendez is prominent locally and stateside for his considerable knowledge of Mexico’s ancient civilizations.  This is was an abbreviated version of his 90 minute lecture ANCIENT CULTURES OF MEXICO, PART I.  This lecture introduced the Olmec, Teotihuacan, Toltec and Aztec cultures and focuses on distinguishing between them.

15 May - Speaker: Dr. Martha Susan Horton, a practicing psychologist and founder of The Amate Institute. The Amate Institute offers healing options for those in the final phases of life, their caregivers, and those touched by addictions of all sorts. She works with both Spanish and English-speaking individuals.  Dr. Horton spoke on "Achieving Emotional Maturity, Meaning and Fulfillment in Adulthood."

8 May - Ariel Roland, a college student at Belmont Abbey, N.C. shared her mission  experiences in the swamps of Nairobi, Kenya where she recently adopted an  orphan at the Mogra Star Orphanage in Nairobi.  She will tell us about the conditions in  that part of Africa.

1 May - Speakers are Canadian sculptors, painters and acrobat, Nisha and Dan Ferguson.  Dan is the sculptor and mold maker, and Nisha  is the designer and painter. 

Now known as DaNisha Sculpture, they exhibit their work in prestigious galleries and boutiques throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States. Dan, Nisha and the two sons, Joshua and Julian relocated to San Miguel de Allende,  Mexico three years ago.  Nisha, also an accomplished acrobat and choreographer, founded the successful performance troop in Ontario know as “Gravityworks”.  In San Miguel de Allende,   Nisha now has a new aerial dance troupe, “Gravityworks South”.

24 April - Second time Speaker:  Ali Zerriffi, President of the Biblioteca Publica   He spoke about some of the innovations which have taken place at the Library during his 3 year administration including the new software system that is just being implemented in order to better catalogue the library collection of more than 60,000 books.

17 April - Speaker Ronald Ruiz - Illegal immigration in the United States is a subject with no clear answers.  Mr. Ruiz knows that there is no ready solution to this very complex problem.  However, he recognizes that government has to do something soon to deal with the economic, social and security implications of this phenomenon. In his talk, he will bring his own special legal and political perspective to bear in providing various options for handling the illegal immigration problem.

10 April - Speaker: Anne Wilson - talking about the “Grandes y Chicas” program that she has established in San Miguel. Based on the international model of Big Sisters, the program has been used successfully at Casa Hogar-San Julia Don Bosco girl's refuge.  

3 April - Speaker: Bill LeVasseur, the owner and curator of “The Other Face of Mexico Mask Museum’ (“La Otra Cara De Mexico”), discussing  some of the dance celebrations he has observed in towns and villages all over Mexico, including a video which graphically shows how these indigenous masks fit in with the local culture.

27 March - Speaker: Mark Hill.  Mark is the Managing Director of Ecosystem Sciences Foundation in Boise, Idaho, which is involved in water issues in Mexico, particularly in the San Miguel area.  Several years ago, Ecosystem Sciences Foundation completed a comprehensive appraisal of the whole Rio Laja watershed, and has extensive knowledge of this area regarding all aspects of water issues.  Currently, they are starting the second phase of a project to bring clean water to villages with wells contaminated with arsenic and fluoride.  Contamination is a consequence of pumping so deep into the Independent Aquifer that many village wells are in prehistoric water laced with poisons.   
 

The other project is a PES (Payment for Environmental Services) project.  It will improve the water quantity and quality in a tributary from the Pechaco Mountains outside San Miguel that flows into the Charco.  They are also working very close with the SMA Department of Ecology and the new Director (Don Paterson) on a variety of environmental issues like gravel extraction in the San Marcos river, cleaning up the presa and developing pocket wetlands along the Rio Laja.

20 March - Speaker - Bob Leonard on adopting villages for projects.

13 March - Speaker: Dr. Annette Goodheart, Ph.D.  Dr. Goodheart Is a licensed phychotherapist, International presenter, trainer, laughter coach, and author of "Laughter Therapy: How to Laugh About Everything In Your Life That Isn't Really Funny".  Dr. Goodheart (her real name) uses laughter as well as everything else she's learned In the past 37 years as a therapist, to help us see our lives In a whole new light.  She has been featured on Oprah Winfrey, CNN, CBS TV "Charlie Rose Interview" with Norman Cousins & Annette and many other national and international programs. 

6 March - Speaker: Jack Watson, currently a resident of San Miguel de Allende, was Chief of Staff in the Carter Presidency.  He chaired a National Commission on the Vice Presidency which produced the book A Heart Beat Away.  He serves as Vice Chairman of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in New York and as Commissioner of the National Portrait Museum of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.

27 February - New Member Classification Talks.   New Rotary Members  give a 5-7 minute presentation of their background and experience.   These talks have proven to be very  beneficial, as they have opened doors to new avenues of service to Rotarians .

20 February -  Speaker - Warren Hardy of Warren Hardy Spanish on “'Social Protocol in Mexico”. 

Warren Hardy became fluent in Spanish as a young man while living in Argentina.  Before receiving his BS in Education from Northern Arizona University, he had already published his own Spanish textbook and started his school for adult learners.  Since then, he has founded two other successful language schools; one here in San Miguel.   He is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, an honor awarded for distinguished international service.

13 February - Speaker: Frank M. Young with a presentation on ‘Developing a Strategic Plan for China’.  In 2000, his  law firm, Haskell/Slaughter, was selected as the Alabama member of TAGLaw, an international association of law firms.   In 2006, he was appointed to Alabama Governor Bob Riley’s ‘China Task Force’ and was part of the Governor’ Trade Mission to China. 
 

February 6 - Speaker: Señor Hugo Victoria.  A native of Monterrey, Mr. Victoria was the creator and operator of a famous chain of 5 natural food restaurants and whole-wheat bakeries called “Sr. Natural”.  He discovered the benefits of ‘living foods’ when he worked as a volunteer at the Ann Wigmore Institute in Puerto Rico in the early nineties.

January 30 - Speaker:  Richard McClarty, founder of Select Real Estate on the SMA real estate market and the impact of some controversial developments in the works.   

Richard has over 20 years of Sales and Marketing expertise.  After graduation from Illinois Wesleyan University with a B.A. in English, Richard received his Illinois Real Estate license and successfully marketed homes and commercial properties.  During this time, Richard successfully entered the foodservice business by opening a Colombo Frozen Yoghurt shop that eventually led to divesting the store to become National Sales Manager for Colombo.

January 23 - Speaker: Ross McDonald on the benefits of exercise to slow down the aging process and to aid in physical rehabilitation.    At the age of 60, he went into competitive power lifting and possibly still holds 4 Texas records and 1 American record.

Ross moved to SMA 10 years ago and started training seniors here. Four years ago he purchased the gym on Calle Sterling Dickenson.   The average age of his clientele is 78 – with 2 members over 90! 

16 January - Speaker: Mayor Jesus Correa on  his plans for San Miguel de Allende and what we as ex-patriots can do to help.   Mayor Correa previously worked in Administration as Secretary to Mayor Luis Alberto Villarreal.  He won the election in July and took office on October 10^th, 2006. 

9 January - Donald Kwait, a former Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, also Past Treasurer and Past Director of Rotary International, on "Keeping our Promise on Polio Plus”.  As Zone Coordinator for the Polio Eradication Fund Raising Committee in 2002-03, his zones raised over 11.4 million and were the second out of 17 paired districts in the Rotary world!  

The Rotary Club of San Miguel de Allende - Midday